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Putin accepts Xi’s invitation to visit China

Moscow : Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Council via a video conference at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia on Tuesday, July 04, 2023.(Photo:IANS/Kremlin)

Putin emphasized that this visit aligns perfectly with the interests of both Russia and China…reports Asian Lite News

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was pleased to accept an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit China in October for the Belt and Road Forum, Russian State Media reported.

“I was certainly pleased to accept the Chinese president’s invitation to visit China in October as part of an event promoting the [Chinese] president’s idea of One Belt, One Road, which has turned into an international brand,” Putin pointed out during a meeting with Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Director of the Office of the CPC Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, according to TASS.

Putin emphasized that this visit aligns perfectly with the interests of both Russia and China, “as it harmonizes our ideas to create a vast Eurasian space.” “We are quite in sync,” he added.

Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov had previously stated that preparations were in progress for Putin’s visit to China, with the announcement of specific dates forthcoming.

The Belt and Road Initiative, a concept introduced by Xi Jinping in 2013, aims to symbolically recreate the ancient Silk Road, providing China with access to markets in Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and other regions. The initiative also seeks to enhance international trade and investment projects involving a multitude of nations, utilizing both Chinese and foreign capital. To date, over 150 countries and international organizations have joined this initiative.

A couple of days back, North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un arrived in Russia for a closely watched summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kim Jong Un’s visit to Russia marks his first foreign trip since the COVID-19 pandemic as during the pandemic, North Korea’s borders were sealed.

The standout moment of his trip was when he received five explosive drones, a reconnaissance drone and a bulletproof vest as gifts from a regional governor on his Moscow visit, according to Al Jazeera. (ANI)

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Tax Wealthy, Shield Poor, IMF Tells Pakistan

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has had a meeting with Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly…reports Asian Lite News

Cash-strapped Pakistan, which is surviving on an emergency financial arrangement by the IMF (International Monetary Fund) and trying to revive its crippling economy through taxes reform mechanism, has been told to tax the rich and protect the poor.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has had a meeting with Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), urging Pakistan to ensure that it taxes the rich and protects the poor. 

Speaking to media after the meeting, Kristalina said, “I told the Pakistan Prime Minister to put more taxes on the rich and protect the poor. And I am sure this is what the people of Pakistan want.”

The meeting holds great importance for Pakistan as it seeks approval from the IMF on providing some relief to its citizens on electricity bills, which have triggered countrywide protests and anger among the locals, who question the government for imposing more taxes and increasing electricity tariffs, making it impossible for them to pay their bills. 

Mohammad Imran, a local resident in Islamabad, said, “Today, the fuel prices have been increased to record levels, electricity units tariffs have been shot up, inflation has gone up, there are no jobs or business to do, every 15 days, this government imposes more taxes and price hikes. And all of this is being done on those who pay their bills.

“There is no difference in these taxes for the rich and poor. People are committing suicide because they cannot feed their families any more. The IMF and this government needs to keep these good talks to themselves. Because in Pakistan, the poor is committing suicide, the middle class families have gotten poor and the rich elite are enjoying their illegal money making through corruption and are not bothered”, said . 

“I work in the construction sector. I have a family of five to feed back home. For the past nine months, there is no work. On top of it, I get these high electricity bills, petrol prices are so high that I cannot even ride my bike anywhere to find work. No one even gives a loan anymore because no one has money. Can this government explain of what wrong have I or my family done? Have I stolen money or have done corruption? No. But still, its me and people like me who are suffering”, said Amanullah, a construction worker in Islamabad. 

The inflation in the country (year-on-year) for the month of August has shot up to over 27 per cent. This has contracted budgets of every households, while majority of the citizens have come under debts they cannot repay. The inflated electricity bills, high tariffs and fortnightly increase in fuel prices has become a massive challenge for every household in Pakistan to tackle. 

“I am working. My company has said they would pay me one-month salary after 60 days. I accepted the job because there is no other job elsewhere. Now, when the government would increase fuel prices, electricity, gas and basic commodity item prices every 15 days, how on earth can I manage a budget of my house? By the time I get paid, my household expenses have already been forcibly increased at least four times in 60 days. This is insane to think that anyone in Pakistan can survive under these circumstances,” said Abdul Rehman, another resident of Islamabad. 

On the other hand, the interim-government has expressed its helplessness on the soaring financial crisis in the country, stating that it is bound under the agreement with the IMF and cannot take any financial relief decision without getting approval from the IMF itself. 

“We agreed on the vital need for strong policies to ensure stability, foster sustainable and inclusive growth, prioritize revenue collection, and protection for the most vulnerable in Pakistan,” said IMF Managing Director Georgieva. 

While the government agrees to abide by the IMF directives, locals in the country argue that taxes are being applied to all, including the middle-class and the poor category. 

“IMF says tax the rich, but in Pakistan, the poor and the rich are being taxes the same way. The rich get away with tax evasions while the poor are targeted for bill payments and recoveries. There are only two categories of people left in the country today, the elite rich and the poor. This government and the IMF has killed the middle class sector”, said Nadia, a workingwoman in Islamabad. 

“IMF says tax the rich. I think they need to do a survey first and find out on how many people of the country’s total population come under the category of rich or middle-class. They will be shocked to see that majority of the country’s population has fallen to the levels of being poor today because of back-breaking inflation,” she added. 

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UAE Bans Meat Imports From Pakistan Via Sea

A restriction was imposed when fungus was discovered on meat sent from Karachi to the UAE by a firm. The restriction will be in effect until October 10….reports Asian Lite News

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has imposed a ban on fresh meat imports from Pakistan via sea route after fungus was found on meat, according to ARY News.

A restriction was imposed when fungus was discovered on meat sent from Karachi to the UAE by a firm. The restriction will be in effect until October 10.

However, meat exports by air will continue without any break.

It should be worth mentioning that Pakistan sends fresh meat to the UAE on a monthly basis for a value of USD 12 million, reported ARY News.

The majority of Pakistan’s meat exports go to Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Notably, it was following an 8-year restriction, Pakistan was finally able to export chickens and poultry products in 2017.

The country produces around 4.9 million tonnes of meat and of it exports only 95,991 tonnes or around 2pc of the total production. Gulf Cooperation Council states and some Far East countries are its major markets, while meat exports to China, Egypt and Indonesia have also started a few months ago, Dawn reported.

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India Opens Three Education Projects in Nepal

The political leaders from Kailali and Kanchanpur Districts, social workers, officials of Nepal Government, representatives of the campus and schools and local communities were also present on this occasion….reports Asian Lite News

Ambassador of India Naveen Srivastava visited Kanchanpur and Kailali districts of Sudurpashchim and inaugurated education-sector projects, Embassy of India in Kathmandu said in a release.

During his visit, the Ambassador inaugurated and handed over to local District authorities three community development projects: one campus building and two school buildings built with financial assistance from the Government of India at a total cost of Nepalese Rupee (NRs) 90.80 million.

These projects are – Tikapur Multiple Campus (NRs 35.20 million), Tikapur Municipality, Kailali District, Shree Pashupati Shiksha Mandir (NRs.26.40 million) Belauri Municipality and Shree Siddhanath Secondary School (NRs.29.20 million), Bhimdatta Municipality in Kanchanpur District.

The political leaders from Kailali and Kanchanpur Districts, social workers, officials of Nepal Government, representatives of the campus and schools and local communities were also present on this occasion.

These projects, which are providing education to almost 2500 students of Kanchanpur and Kailali districts, were taken up as High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) under the Nepal-India Development Cooperation framework, will augment the educational infrastructure of the area for the benefit of youth.  The DCC Kailali and DCC Kanchanpur were the implementing agencies for these projects, the release said.

During the visit, the Ambassador accompanied by Ramesh Lekhak, Member of Parliament, Kanchanpur and local government officials, also visited the project site for the Integrated Check Post (ICP) Dodhara Chandni. An agreement to build this ICP with Indian grant assistance was signed during the recent visit of the Prime Minister of Nepal to India in June 2023. The ICP when completed will further economic ties between (Indian and Nepal flags) and will particularly benefit Sudurpashchim province.

The ambassador held meetings with the representatives of the Nepal-India Friendship Association & the local chambers of Commerce. During these interactions, the Ambassador appreciated their contribution to promoting the India-Nepal Bilateral relationship and discussed ways to further strengthen the friendly ties between the two countries by bolstering people-to-people and economic linkages. The ambassador also reiterated the very robust development partnership between India and Nepal and expressed the continued commitment of the Government of India to continue to bolster this partnership as per the priorities of the Government of Nepal, for the benefit of the peoples of both countries.

Since 2003, India has taken up over 546 High Impact Community Development Projects in Nepal in various sectors and has completed 483 projects. Amongst these, 40 Projects are in Sudurpashchim Province with 8 projects undertaken in Kailali District and 10 projects undertaken in Kanchanpur District. In addition to these, the Government of India has gifted 974 ambulances and 234 school buses to various hospitals, health posts and educational institutions in Nepal. Amongst these, 10 ambulances and 10 School Buses in Kailali District and 14 ambulances and 2 School Buses in Kanchanpur District, to date, including one Ambulance and four school buses provided to these two districts recently (in July 2023).

These projects are a reflection of India’s development partnership with Nepal and complement the efforts of the Government of Nepal in augmenting infrastructure in the field of education in Nepal, the release said. (ANI)

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Nepal, India Set to Boost Power Trade

The date of the next JSC meeting has not been fixed yet but Nepali officials said that it could be held next month….reports Prithvi Shrestha

Nepal and India have agreed to improve their cross- border transmission infrastructure in order to boost trade of electricity with two sides turning cooperation in the power sector as a cornerstone of bilateral relations.

During the 14th meeting of the Joint Technical Team (JTT) under the Energy Secretary Level Joint Steering Committee (JSC) held in New Delhi on Wednesday, two sides reached an understanding to increase quantum of power to be trade through 400kV Dhalkebar- Muzaffarpur Cross Border Transmission Line and to complete under-construction smaller capacity cross border power lines.

“The understanding will go into implementation, once the next JSC meeting endorses the understanding,” Sandeep Kumra Dev, joint secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, told India Narrative.

The date of the next JSC meeting has not been fixed yet but Nepali officials said that it could be held next month.

Understanding reached during the JTC meeting is important for Nepal as poor transmission infrastructure has emerged as big concerns for the country to boost its export of power to its Southern neighbour and beyond.

Nepal has felt an urgency to develop both domestic and cross border power lines after the Indian Prime Minister announced on June 1 that it would buy 10,000MW of power from Nepal in the next 10 years.

The announcement was made when Nepali Prime Minister Puspa Kamal Dahal visited New Delhi. Currently, Indian authorities have allowed to export upto 632.6MW of power in the Indian market.

As per the latest agreement reached between the two sides, the Dhalkebar- Muzaffarpur transmission line will be used for transmitting power upto 1,000MW from earlier agreed upto 800MW.

During the 10th JSC meeting held in February, two countries agreed to increase the quantum of power that can be transmitted via this power line to 800MW from 600MW.

India has so far allowed Nepal to export up to 562.6MW through this power line while rest from other cross border power lines.

As per the understanding reached at the JTT meeting, Nepal can use spare capacity of the 400kV Dhalkebar- Sitamarhi cross border transmission line which is being constructed by SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company.

The company was established by India’s state-owned SJVN Limited to develop the 900MW Arun-3 Hydropower Project in eastern Nepal and is also constructing the cross-border power line to evacuate its own power whose capacity is around 2,000MW.

“As Arun-3’s capacity is 900MW, there will be spare capacity in this transmission line until SJVN also develops 669MW Lower Arun and 490MW Arun-4 projects,” said Dev, who led the Nepali team during the JTC meeting.

Nepal had granted licence of developing the Lower Arun to SJVN as a cascade project of Arun-3 while SJVN And Nepal Electricity Authority have signed Memorandum of Understanding to develop the Arun-4 project jointly.

According to the details of agreements obtained by India Narrative, the sides also agreed to complete the 132 kV New Nautanwa- Mainaiya line by October this year and 132 kV Kohalpur-Nanpara by July next year.

Both can be used for exporting and importing power, Nepali officials said.

Currently, there is a single 400kV Dhalkebar- Muzaffarpur cross border transmission line under operation. So, two sides had agreed to make efforts to upgrade existing lower capacity transmission lines so as to boost trading of power between the two countries.

The two neighbours also agreed to conduct a joint visit of their technical teams to see the possibility of building a 220kV cross border transmission line from Nepal’s Mahendranagar to India’s Tanakpur.

In early September, India allowed Nepal to export 70MW of power to India through the existing 132kV Mahendranagar-Tanakpur cross border power line through which only import was taking place earlier.

Then, Nepal has been exporting power generated from two power projects based in far-western Nepal to India through this route. There are about a dozen low-capacity cross border power lines between the two countries, according to the energy ministry of Nepal.

Two countries also agreed to expedite the implementation of proposed 400kV   Dododhara- Bareilly Cross Border transmission line which they earlier agreed to complete by 2028-29. In the last JSC meeting held in February, two countries had agreed to develop and construct this project.  Likewise, they had also agreed to develop the 400kV Inaruwa (Nepal) -Purnia (India) cross- border power line too.

During Prime Minister Dahal’s visit to India, two Prime Ministers had laid a foundation stone remotely to construct the India section of 400kV New Butwal-Gorakhpur transmission line project which is expected to be completed by March 2025.

“Building more cross-border transmission infrastructure along with domestic infrastructure is a must to ensure that Nepal could realise its potential of becoming a clean energy powerhouse of South Asia,” said Dev.

(India Narrative)

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Casualties Reported As Tornadoes Rip Through China’s Jiangsu Province

It is the most recent fatal extreme weather catastrophe to affect the nation, which has recently struggled with both devastating floods and terrible heat waves….reports Asian Lite News

At least 10 people were killed after deadly tornadoes ripped through two cities in China’s eastern Jiangsu province, reported CNN.

It is the most recent fatal extreme weather catastrophe to affect the nation, which has recently struggled with both devastating floods and terrible heat waves.

According to official broadcaster CCTV, a powerful tornado that rocked Suqian city in Jiangsu province on Tuesday resulted in five fatalities and four serious injuries. The region is situated on China’s east coast, stated CNN.

As a result of the calamity, more than 400 people have been relocated and more than 130 houses were turned into rubble in the city.

Separately, an even stronger tornado left five people dead and four with minor injuries Tuesday night in Yancheng – which lies southeast of Suqian city and north of China’s biggest city, Shanghai – CCTV stated, adding that 129 people have been relocated, according to CNN.

Mid- to late-September in Jiangsu is not a typical time for tornadoes to occur, but a few have recently occurred because of recent higher temperatures that have brought about severe weather, according to reports from official media Beijing Youth Daily and meteorological experts.

Last week, China’s meteorological authorities had recommended a reduction in outdoor activities. Vessels operating in or transiting affected waters should return to port or detour.

The authorities has also suggested that drainage systems in cities, farmlands, and fishponds be inspected and that preparations for flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and other disasters are made.

China has a three-tier, colour-coded weather warning system for severe convective weather, with orange representing the most severe warning, followed by yellow and blue. (ANI)

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G7 Slams China’s Militarisation in South China Sea

Why has China decided to extend its military exercises around Taiwan?.(photo:IN)

The G7 members also reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait…reports Asian Lite News

Expressing concern about the East and South China Seas, the G7 members at the group’s Foreign ministers’ meeting strongly opposed China’s militarization and other provocative activities, any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion.

Further reaffirming the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, the G7 members called for the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues.

The G7 members called on China to act in accordance with its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, and not to conduct “interference activities” aimed at undermining the security and safety of their communities, the integrity of their democratic institutions and their economic prosperity, the US State Department said in a statement.

“The G7 members reiterated that China has a responsibility to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. They remained seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas. They strongly opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion,” the statement read.

It added, “They reemphasized the universal and unified character of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and reaffirmed that UNCLOS sets out the legal framework that governs all activities in the oceans and the seas. They reiterated that there is no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea and opposed China’s militarization and other provocative activities in the region”.

The G7 members also reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The members called peace across Taiwan, indispensable to security and prosperity in the international community and called for the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues.

However, the G7 members further reiterated that there is no change in the “basic position of the G7 members on Taiwan”, including stated ‘One China’ policies.

They also reiterated their support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations.

“The G7 members called on China to press Russia to stop its military aggression, and immediately, completely, and unconditionally withdraw its troops from Ukraine. They welcomed China’s participation in the Ukraine-led meeting in Jeddah and further encouraged China to support a just and lasting peace, including through its direct dialogue with Ukraine,” the statement added.

The G7 members also expressed concern about the human rights situation in China, including in Xinjiang and Tibet.

“They also called on China to honour its commitments under the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Basic Law, which enshrine rights, freedoms, and a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong,” it added.

However, the G7 members also reaffirmed the importance of engaging candidly with China and expressing their concerns directly to it, acknowledging the need to work together with China on global challenges as well as areas of common interest. The members continue to be prepared to build constructive and stable relations with China.

“The G7 members called on China to engage with them, including in international fora, on areas such as the climate, biodiversity crises, vulnerable countries’ debt sustainability and financing needs, global health, and macroeconomic stability. They emphasized that economic resilience requires de-risking and diversifying where necessary and appropriate. With a view to enabling sustainable economic relations with China, and strengthening the international trading system, they will continue to push for a level playing field for their workers and companies,” the statement read. (ANI)

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UNHRC Urged to Protect Rights of Pak Minorities

Silent Vigil in Leeds Against Persecution of Minorities in Pakistan

The event highlighted the importance of addressing arbitrary detention and blasphemy laws in Pakistan. It stressed the urgency of implementing legal and administrative reforms to protect fundamental human rights….reports Asian Lite News

Victims of blasphemy and human rights activists urged the United Nations to protect the minorities in Pakistan by bringing urgent reforms.

They were speaking at a side event titled ‘Faith in Captivity: Arbitrary Detention in the Name of Religion in Pakistan’ organized by Jubilee Campaign, a prominent human rights advocacy group, during the 54th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The event served as a critical platform to amplify urgent concerns regarding arbitrary detention and blasphemy laws in Pakistan, emphasizing the pressing need for legal and administrative reforms to safeguard fundamental human rights.

Joseph Jansen, an esteemed advocacy officer with Jubilee Campaign, brought attention to the severe issue of arbitrary detention as a fundamental violation of human rights. Individuals suffer a loss of their inherent rights, including freedom of expression, freedom of religion, dignity, and due process of law when subjected to arbitrary detention.

Jansen shed light on the prevalent practice in Pakistan where individuals face detention without clear charges, arrest warrants, proper legal representation, or a fair trial, leaving them isolated and imprisoned for extended periods.

He underscored the inherent discrimination ingrained in Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, ostensibly designed to support the official religion of Islam. These laws impose harsh penalties disproportionate to the alleged damage caused, often resulting in the imprisonment of the accused without sufficient evidence or intent. Families of the accused are forced into hiding, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and fear.

Jansen further emphasized Pakistan’s failure to amend these laws despite their rampant misuse against minorities, severely impacting freedom of religious expression and stifling dissent.

Of significant concern is the involvement of extremist religio-political groups like Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in inciting Muslims to falsely implicate minorities in blasphemy charges for political gain. Recent incidents, such as the mob attack in Jaranwala on August 16, 2023, underscore the urgent need for action. Mr. Jansen called on Pakistani authorities to fulfill their obligations, urging them to prohibit any advocacy of hatred inciting discrimination, hostility, or violence.

He urged for the amendment of blasphemy laws to introduce robust safeguards, ensuring a fair, impartial, and transparent investigation and trial in all blasphemy cases.

Ann Buwalda, the dedicated Executive Director of Jubilee Campaign USA, extended her support for the cause, emphasizing the stark violations of human rights resulting from arbitrary detention for religious reasons in Pakistan. She urged countries to stand against these practices on the international stage, advocating for legal aid programs, immediate legal representation, and fair trials for detainees.

Buwalda also recommended establishing mechanisms to monitor and report on cases of religious detention.

She highlighted specific and alarming cases of individuals imprisoned due to anti-blasphemy or apostasy laws in Pakistan, underscoring the urgency to address these injustices. She referred to the joint statement in March 2021, signed by over fifty nations, urging states with the death penalty for blasphemy and apostasy to abolish this severe punishment.

Pakistan’s maintenance of the death penalty for these offenses represents a clear violation of human rights and principles of a fair and just society.

One distressing case that demands immediate attention is that of Anwar Kenneth, who has been imprisoned for over 20 years in Pakistan on blasphemy charges, illustrating the gravity of these injustices.

Arbitrary detention for religious reasons constitutes a gross violation of human rights that necessitates collective action and unwavering commitment.

Addressing detention for religious reasons is a complex and long-term endeavor, requiring concerted efforts at local, national, and international levels to uphold the fundamental human right to religious freedom. (ANI)

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Pak Poll Panel to Hold Meeting With Parties in October

The ECP said the session was being held according to Section 233 of the Elections Act 2017….reports Asian Lite News

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday announced that it has scheduled a meeting with political parties in October to discuss the code of conduct for elections, which it expects to hold in January, Pakistan-based Dawn reported.

In its statement, the ECP said the session was being held according to Section 233 of the Elections Act 2017. The meeting is scheduled to be held on October 4 at the ECP Secretariat in Islamabad. The meeting scheduled for October 4 follows separate meetings between the ECP and political parties on the electoral roadmap amid disagreements between political parties regarding the timeframe for polls.

The ECP said, “In this regard, a copy of the draft Code of Conduct has also been sent to the leaders of political parties so that they can provide their feedback during the consultation”, according to a Dawn report.

As Pakistan’s National Assembly was dissolved three days before the end of its constitutional term, elections must be within 90 days of the dissolution of the assembly by November 7 as per Article 224 of the Constitution. However, at the same time, Section 17(2) of the Elections Act states that “the commission shall delimit constituencies after every census is officially published.”

In the last round of meetings held with the ECP, political parties took different stances regarding the timing for elections with some highlighting the need for fresh delimitation while others stressing for conducting elections within the constitutional time frame.

Earlier, in August, Pakistan President Arif Alvi invited Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja for a meeting to “fix an appropriate date” for general elections, the report said.

In his letter to the CEC, Alvi referred to Article 244 of the Constitution and said that he was duty-bound to get the elections conducted within the prescribed 90-day period after Pakistan’s National Assembly was dissolved prematurely. However, a recent amendment to the Elections Act 2017 allowed the ECP to announce the dates for elections unilaterally without having to consult the president.

In response to the President’s letter, CEC said participating in a meeting with him to decide the election date would be of “scant importance.”

Pakistan President Alvi even sought the advice of the Law ministry in the matter. The ministry, however, told the president that the power to announce the date for elections lay with the Pakistan Election Commission.

Meanwhile, the country’s caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaarul Haq Kakar, on September 15 said announcing the date for elections was beyond the mandate of the interim government, Dawn reported.

Addressing a press briefing after a high-level meeting at the PM House, Kakar ruled out the prospect of announcing the election date.

In response to a question, Kakar said, “If I were to announce elections, I would be engaging in an unlawful act, and as a journalist, If you steer us towards illegal actions and pose questions that might tempt us to break the law, what should my response be?” Kakar was quoted as saying in the Dawn report. (ANI)

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New Delhi Gears Up for Indo Pacific Army Chiefs’ Meet

This will be followed by an opening ceremony on 26th September, at the Manekshaw Centre. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff will attend the opening ceremony…reports Asian Lite News

The Indian and the US armies will co-host 13th IPACC, 47th IPAMS and 9th SELF, a three-day conference of Chiefs of Armies and delegates of 35 countries in New Delhi from 25th to 27th September.

The Ministry of Defence said that the central theme for this forum is “Together for Peace: Sustaining Peace and Stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.” 

It said that the conference will provide an opportunity for Army Chiefs and senior-level leaders from land forces, primarily of the Indo-Pacific region, to exchange ideas and views on security and contemporary issues. The core effort of the forum will be to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region through mutual understanding, dialogue and friendship amongst the littoral partners.

This event will be organised in Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt and will see over 150 delegates participate in various plenary and round-table sessions. A joint press conference will be held with General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff, Indian Army and General Randy George, Vice Chief of Staff of the US Army.

This will be followed by an opening ceremony on 26th September, at the Manekshaw Centre. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff will attend the opening ceremony.

The Defence Ministry officials said that the Army Chiefs conference will discuss issues of mutual interest and areas of cooperation to synergise efforts of all stakeholders for effecting peace and stability in the region.

The IPAMS is a military seminar for Army Officers between the ranks of Lieutenant Colonel to Major General to exchange views on regional security issues and best practices.

The official said that the SELF will involve the participation of tactical level sub unit commanders to hold open dialogue, share lessons learned and provide understanding about Armies participating in the forum.

They said that during the Curtain Raiser event conducted on Wednesday Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar highlighted that Indian Army has made significant contribution in promoting peace and stability in the Indo- Pacific region.

He also emphasised that Indian Army remains committed for humanitarian endeavours and relief efforts in the region.

During the Curtain Raiser event, Foreign Service Attaches of the United States of America, France, Japan, Maldives and Singapore participated in a round table discussion conducted on the topic “Collaborative Approach in Combating Non-Traditional Security Threats in Indo-Pacific.”

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