Sheikh Khaled also met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, where they explored opportunities to enhance bilateral ties across various sectors….reports Asian Lite News
H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, engaged in a series of high-level meetings with global leaders on the sidelines of the 19th G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The discussions focused on advancing the UAE’s strategic partnerships and fostering global collaboration on issues of shared interest.
In his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Sheikh Khaled emphasized the historical ties between the UAE and France, underscoring a shared commitment to deepening cooperation and strategic alliances. Both leaders highlighted the importance of joint efforts to support the objectives of the G20 summit.
Sheikh Khaled also met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, where they explored opportunities to enhance bilateral ties across various sectors. They stressed the importance of collaborative efforts with G20 member states to promote regional and global stability and prosperity.
During talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Sheikh Khaled reaffirmed the UAE’s dedication to strengthening its deep-rooted partnership with Egypt. The leaders reviewed bilateral relations and discussed collaborative approaches to advance G20 goals while emphasizing the significance of ongoing coordination between their nations.
In a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Sheikh Khaled delivered a written message from President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, inviting him to the World Government Summit 2025 in Dubai. The discussion focused on bolstering UAE-South Africa ties and enhancing cooperation to support shared objectives.
Across all discussions, Sheikh Khaled reiterated the UAE’s commitment to fostering global partnerships and leveraging collective efforts to address challenges and achieve sustainable development, reflecting the nation’s active role on the international stage.
Brazil’s decision, as a significant BRICS member, highlights growing apprehensions about China’s expanding influence through the BRI globally…reports Asian Lite News
Before Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Brazil on November 20, the Brazilian government has abandoned China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Brazil is now the second BRICS nation to reject this multi-billion dollar project, following India.
Back in December 2023, Italy, the sole G7 country to join the BRI, also withdrew from this extensive infrastructure scheme. Brazil’s decision, as a significant BRICS member, highlights growing apprehensions about China’s expanding influence through the BRI globally.
Under President Lula da Silva, Brazil aims to enhance its relationship with China while avoiding formal commitments to the BRI. Brazilian officials are seeking Chinese investments without formally joining the BRI, reflecting a desire for strategic autonomy. Celso Amorim, Brazil’s special presidential adviser for international affairs, told O Globo that Brazil wants to “elevate its relationship with China to a new level without signing an accession contract.”
India at the BRICS summit-Exercise of Strategic Autonomy in difficult circumstances.(photo:IN)
Amorim clarified that Brazil does not see Chinese trade and infrastructure projects as “an insurance policy,” stating, “We are not entering into a treaty.” He explained that Brazil has identified priority projects that may not align with Chinese interests, emphasizing the importance of Brazil’s own priorities.
In an intriguing turn of events, Brazilian officials, including Celso Amorim and President Lula da Silva’s chief of staff, Rui Costa, visited Beijing last year to explore the BRI. However, they came back unconvinced by China’s proposals, pointing to the increasing hurdles and evolving views on the initiative’s long-term benefits among partner nations. Both Brazil’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Economy have voiced doubts about the BRI’s practical advantages, casting uncertainty on its strategic importance for Brazil’s national interests.
Like India, Brazil aims to stay out of the superpower rivalry and keep its strategic autonomy. Concerns are growing that joining the BRI could strain future U.S. relations, especially if Donald Trump returns to power. Trump’s past opposition to China heightens the stakes for BRI participants. Given these shifting geopolitical dynamics, Brazil is focusing on its infrastructure projects and seeking flexible partnerships with Chinese investors that align with its development goals, avoiding entanglements that could threaten its autonomy.
On the evening of June 23, Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired the 14th BRICS Summit in Beijing via video link. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Summit.(Photo:Xinhua/IANS)
Brazil, the world’s eighth-largest economy, has the US as its second-largest trading partner. In 2023, trade with the US reached $74.8 billion, with exports at $37.9 billion (down 26% from 2022) and imports at $36.9 billion (down 2%). US exports to Brazil made up 2.3% of total US exports, while imports from Brazil accounted for 1.2%. In May 2024, Brazil and the US agreed to boost trade and investment.
China, Brazil’s largest trading partner for 14 years, saw bilateral trade hit $181.53 billion in 2023, up 6.1% year-on-year. China’s exports to Brazil were $59.11 billion (down 4.3%), while imports from Brazil rose to $122.42 billion (up 11.9%).
BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, later welcomed Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE. The coalition addresses political, economic, and cultural issues. China, contributing 70% of BRICS’ GDP, leads economically but the BRI remains its independent venture. This doesn’t affect BRICS+ unity, as members engage China while safeguarding national interests. Brazil exemplifies this by maintaining a strategic stance, focusing on economic growth and diversifying partnerships to uphold its foreign policy independence.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013, is a massive infrastructure project often seen as Xi Jinping’s hallmark effort. It aims to connect Asia, Europe, and Africa through an extensive network of railways, highways, ports, and airports, reviving the ancient Silk Road. Spanning over 150 countries, including 22 in Latin America, the BRI seeks to boost global trade and investment.
However, unmet promises, environmental concerns, and China’s lending practices have raised doubts, with many nations reconsidering their involvement due to potential debt traps.
India’s BRICS involvement balances its ties with Western-led and Global South platforms. This strategy strengthens its U.S. relations while engaging with Russia and China. India, the first to express BRI reservations, consistently opposes the initiative, citing an unequal playing field for its businesses and has refused to join the BRI.
Tense Indo-China relations, marred by trade imbalances and border disputes, have deepened India’s negative view of the BRI. India opposes the initiative, particularly due to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), seen as infringing on its territorial integrity.
India also perceives the BRI as a form of Chinese neo-colonialism, entrapping smaller nations in debt, damaging ecosystems, and disrupting communities. The controversial 99-year lease of Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port highlights such financial crises, raising concerns about sovereignty and Chinese influence.
Brazil and India’s shift away from the BRI underscores the mounting unease over China’s global infrastructure ambitions. India has been vocal in its criticism, pushing for international norms, governance, and transparency. The BRI is often seen as China using its advantages to build political ties. Acknowledging this, Brazil’s move mirrors India’s stance, marking a strategic decision to assert its geopolitical interests while managing global partnerships.( The article was published in DIRECTUS)
The Rio Declaration comes as Russia’s attack on Ukraine marks 1000 days, and ahead of Trump’s second term in office beginning January…reports Asian Lite News
A joint statement issued by leaders of the Group of 20 economies, including India, at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janerio, Brazil has urged for “comprehensive” ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon while welcoming all initiatives that support a “just, and durable peace” in Ukraine-Russia war.
The G20 Rio De Janerio Leaders’ Declaration’ on Monday comes as Russia’s attack on Ukraine marks 1000 days or about three years, and ahead of US President Donald Trump’s second term in office beginning next January.
President Joe Biden has permitted Ukraine to use US-made long-range missiles known as ATACMS to strike targets inside Russia for the first time, prompted by the recent deployment of North Korean troops to support Russia in the Kursk border region.
Trump has on the other hand threatened to cut off US military aid to Kyiv if Ukraine did not agree to negotiations with Russia. The incoming president has also vowed to end the war as soon as possible.
The US and its allies including the UK, France and Germany in the G20 Summit declaration said, “specifically concerning the war in Ukraine, while recalling our discussions in New Delhi, we highlight the human suffering and negative added impacts of the war with regard to global food and energy security, supply chains, macro-financial stability, inflation and growth.”
“We welcome all relevant and constructive initiatives that support a comprehensive, just, and durable peace, upholding all the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter for the promotion of peaceful, friendly, and good neighbourly relations among nations,” the final statement of the G20 leaders said. The statement, however, did not criticise Russia’s aggression.
The G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration at the G20 Summit in New Delhi last year included the phrase “Today’s era must not be of war.”
The New Delhi Declaration stated, “In line with the UN Charter, all states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state. The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible.”
On Sunday Russia launched its largest aerial attack on Ukraine in months, hitting energy infrastructure across the country, killing at least five people and causing widespread damage, CNN and other news outlets reported.
The leaders’ of the G20 summit backed a permanent ceasefire in Gaza in return for the release of all hostages, as well as a Lebanon ceasefire “that enables citizens to return safely to their homes on both sides of the Blue Line.”
“While expressing our deep concern about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the escalation in Lebanon, we emphasize the urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance and to reinforce the protection of civilians and demand the lifting of all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale,” the G20 declaration read.
“We highlight the human suffering and negative impacts of the war. Affirming the Palestinian right to self-determination, we reiterate our unwavering commitment to the vision of the two State solution where Israel and a Palestinian State live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders, consistent with international law and relevant UN resolutions. We are united in support for a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza in line with UN Security Council Resolution n. 2735 and in Lebanon that enables citizens to return safely to their homes on both sides of the Blue Line,” it said.
The Israel-Gaza conflict escalated after the October 7, 2023 attacks by the Hamas terror group of October 7, 2023. Soon Hezbollah began launching rockets and drones at northern Israel communities daily. More than 68,000 residents of northern Israel are displaced from their homes. Hezbollah leaders have repeatedly said they would continue the attacks to prevent Israelis from returning to their homes.
The G20 Leaders’ Declaration further said “We condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
“The peaceful resolution of conflicts and efforts to address crises as well as diplomacy and dialogue are critical. Only with peace will we achieve sustainability and prosperity,” it read.
Meanwhile, As per a report in Al Jazeera today citing Israel’s Ynet News, a barrage of rockets damaged several homes and vehicles in the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona, but did not cause any injuries. The report came as Hezbollah announced launching a salvo of rockets at Kiryat Shmona shortly after midnight local time.
As per Al Jazeera, Israeli forces attacked central Beirut again, carrying out an air raid on a densely populated area and killing at least five people and wounding 31 others.
Meanwhile, In Israel, Hezbollah rockets killed a woman in a northern settlement, while shrapnel from an intercepted missile wounded six people in Tel Aviv. Hezbollah said in a statement that it had launched an “air attack with a squadron of qualitative attack drones on sensitive military points” in Tel Aviv.
The attacks come as Hezbollah mulls over a US-backed ceasefire in Lebanon, with US envoy Amos Hochstein set to arrive in Beirut on Tuesday for talks, despite Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu saying Israel will continue to attack Hezbollah even if a deal is reached. (ANI)
Environment Secretary Leena Nandan said COP29 should come with tangible and meaningful outcomes on deployment of technology to the developing countries, reports Vishal Gulati…reports Asian Lite News
India on Monday sought access to enhanced financial resources, technology transfer and technical cooperation, and capacity-building support, besides the availability of market-based mechanisms.
Speaking at the high-level ministerial roundtable on pre-2030 ambition at the 29th session of the climate change conference of parties (COP29) being held from November 11-22 in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku, Leena Nandan, Secretary with India’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Climate, said, “We are in this crucial COP on finance.”
“It is an opportunity for the developed countries to ensure the success of this COP and foster trust to realise important milestones in climate ambitions by 2030.”
Achieving net zero by the developed countries would set the foundation for a more sustainable and resilient world in this critical decade and the decades to come, she said.
“It also requires a focus on equity, common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, climate justice in science, policy and practice, ensuring that developing nations are not burdened with the failures of mitigation actions of the pre-2020 regime and that climate solutions are both effective and just.”
The deputy leader of the Indian delegation highlighted four important aspects of global climate action, which Parties (nations) must address: First, there is a need for scaling up innovative actions through barrier and restrictions-free technology transfer.
“New technologies and solutions are needed to drive the transition to a low-carbon economy. However, innovation in areas like clean energy, carbon removal, etc., is still in the early stages and there are barriers to scaling and transfer to developing nations.
“India is calling attention to the importance of knowledge and technology transfer without Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) restrictions for green technologies, and we are emphasising the need for overcoming IPR barriers.
“COP29 should come with tangible and meaningful outcomes on deployment of technology to the developing countries. We are particularly keen that the technology implementation program should be able to address the significant gaps in technology deployment by enabling access to affordable, adaptable, and locally relevant technologies.”
She said that climate finance is central to enabling and implementing climate actions. The first global stocktake of progress towards implementation of the Paris Agreement has highlighted that there is a significant gap in financing for climate action, particularly in developing countries.
She said promoting the deployment of clean energy, disaster-resilient infrastructure, and adaptation projects requires trillions of dollars.
“Climate finance should ensure that the deviation from their least-cost development pathways committed by the developing countries is fully met through the public climate finance from the developed countries. Not doing so, puts additional cost on the people in developing countries, who have been, otherwise, subjected disproportionately to the impacts of climate change, without having caused the problem in the first place.”
Saying this summit is a milestone COP for climate finance, she said: “It should ensure the long-pending commitments from developed nations for providing substantial financial resources are made and that such climate finance is equitable and accessible.”
Third, she batted for enhancing International cooperation. The pre-2030 ambition requires the enhancement of international cooperation, in terms of positive and measurable results such as the identification of cost-effective and scalable mitigation opportunities.
However, international cooperation has been uneven, with some countries shifting to unilateral measures resulting in passing off financial burdens of mitigation actions onto developing nations.
“There is a need to recognise the negative impacts on developing nations due to such unilateral trade measures in the context of climate change.”
India said the 2024 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) Synthesis Report does not pose a gloomy picture altogether.
“A total of 195 parties have submitted their NDCs with 180 having updated them. In 2030, total global GHG emissions are estimated to be around 2.6 per cent lower than in 2019, indicating the possibility of global emissions peaking before 2030. It will be safe to assume that all parties have come together to achieve this important milestone in the fight against climate change.”
“With the next NDC due next year, these figures can only improve further,” an optimist Nandan added.
India highlights four key aspects of climate action
India made a significant intervention on Monday during the ‘2024 Annual High-level Ministerial Roundtable on pre-2030 Ambition’ at the COP29 UN Climate Change Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, emphasising four critical aspects of global climate action.
India underscored the importance of addressing four key areas in global climate action: scaling up innovative actions and technology transfer, prioritising climate finance as central to implementing climate action, enhancing international cooperation, and fostering mutual trust among nations, according to a statement from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Leena Nandan, Secretary of the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry and Deputy Leader of the Indian Delegation, highlighted findings from the 2024 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) Synthesis Report. She noted that cumulative CO2 emissions between 2020 and 2030 are projected to consume 86% of the remaining carbon budget, as per the ministry’s statement.
“Our discussions and deliberations are taking place at a crucial time when decisive action is imperative. The pre-2030 period is an opportunity to enhance global climate action,” the statement read.
India emphasised that this ambitious, action-oriented approach depends on bold commitments from parties responsible for leading economy-wide emission reductions. Developed nations achieving net-zero targets would lay the groundwork for a sustainable and resilient world in the current and future decades.
The statement also stressed the importance of equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC), along with climate justice in science, policy, and practice. It highlighted the need to avoid burdening developing nations with the consequences of inadequate pre-2020 mitigation efforts and called for climate solutions that are both effective and equitable.
India further called for the scaling up of innovative actions through unrestricted technology transfer. “New technologies and solutions are critical for transitioning to a low-carbon economy, yet innovations in areas such as clean energy and carbon removal remain in their early stages, with significant barriers to scaling and transferring them to developing nations,” the statement said.
The ministry also emphasised the importance of knowledge and technology transfer without Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) restrictions on green technologies, urging COP29 to deliver tangible outcomes on deploying technology in developing countries.
On climate finance, the statement highlighted a significant gap in funding for climate action, particularly in developing nations. “The first global stocktake of progress under the Paris Agreement shows a substantial shortfall in financing, which is essential for deploying clean energy, building disaster-resilient infrastructure, and implementing adaptation projects, requiring trillions of dollars,” it stated.
India stressed that public climate finance from developed nations must fully cover the costs of deviations from least-cost development pathways for developing countries. “Failure to do so imposes additional burdens on people in developing nations, who already bear disproportionate impacts of climate change despite minimal contributions to the problem,” the statement added.
India termed COP29 a “milestone” for climate finance, urging developed nations to fulfil long-standing commitments to provide substantial, equitable, and accessible financial resources.
On international cooperation, the statement noted that enhanced collaboration is essential for achieving measurable outcomes, including cost-effective and scalable mitigation solutions. However, it criticised the uneven nature of international cooperation, with some nations resorting to unilateral measures that transfer financial burdens to developing countries.
“There is a need to address the negative impacts of such unilateral trade measures on developing nations in the context of climate change,” the statement said.
Highlighting mutual trust as a cornerstone in combating climate change, India asserted that COP29 offers developed nations a chance to build trust and achieve significant milestones in climate ambitions by 2030.
The ministry noted that while the 2024 NDC Synthesis Report raises concerns, it also provides hope. “195 parties have submitted their NDCs, with 180 updating them. Global greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 are estimated to be 2.6% lower than in 2019, suggesting a possible peak before 2030. With the next round of NDCs due next year, there is room for further improvement,” India said at COP29. (ANI)
Speculation about Trump’s future policies has already become a parlor game among wags in Washington and beyond, and reading the signals on issues important to the UN isn’t always easy…reports Asian Lite News
The United Nations and other international organizations are bracing for four more years of Donald Trump, who famously tweeted before becoming president the first time that the 193-member UN was just a club for people to get together, talk and have a good time.
In his first term, Trump suspended funding for the UN health and family planning agencies, withdrew from its cultural organisation and top human rights body, and jacked up tariffs on China and even longtime US allies by flaunting the World Trade Organization’s rulebook. The United States is the biggest single donor to the United Nations, paying 22per cent of its regular budget.
Trump’s take this time on the world body began taking shape this week with his choice of Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York for US ambassador to the UN.
Stefanik, the fourth-ranking House member, called last month for a complete reassessment of US funding for the United Nations and urged a halt to support for its agency for Palestinian refugees, or UNRWA. President Joe Biden paused the funding after UNRWA fired several staffers in Gaza suspected of taking part in the Oct 7, 2023, attack led by Hamas.
Speculation about Trump’s future policies has already become a parlor game among wags in Washington and beyond, and reading the signals on issues important to the UN isn’t always easy.
For example, Trump once called climate change a hoax and has supported the fossil fuel industry but has sidled up to the environmentally minded Elon Musk. His first administration funded breakneck efforts to find a COVID-19 vaccine, but he has allied with anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The funny thing is that Trump does not really have a fixed view of the UN, said Richard Gowan, UN director for the International Crisis Group think tank.
Gowan expects that Trump won’t view the world body as a place to transact serious political business but will instead exploit it as a theater to pursue a conservative global social agenda.
There are clues from his first term. Trump pulled the US out of the 2015 Paris climate accord and is likely to do it again after President Joe Biden rejoined.
Trump also had the US leave the cultural and educational agency Unesco and the UN-backed Human Rights Council, claiming they were biased against Israel. Biden went back to both before recently opting not to seek a second consecutive term on the council.
Trump cut funding for the UN population agency for reproductive health services, claiming it was funding abortions. UNFPA says it doesn’t take a position on abortion rights, and the US rejoined.
He had no interest in multilateralism countries working together to address global challenges in his first term. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls it the cornerstone of the United Nations.
The world is a different place than when Trump bellowed America First while taking office in 2017: Wars have broken out in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan. North Korea’s nuclear arsenal has grown, and so have fears about Iran’s rapidly advancing atomic program.
The UN Security Council more deeply divided among its veto-wielding permanent members Britain, China, France, Russia and the US has made no progress in resolving those issues. Respect for international law in war zones and hotspots worldwide is in shreds.
It’s really back to Cold War days, said John Bolton, a former national security adviser at Trump’s White House. He said Russia and China are flying cover for countries like Iran, which has stirred instability in the Middle East, and North Korea, which has helped Russia in its war in Ukraine. There’s little chance of deals on proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or resolving conflicts involving Russia or China at the council, he said.
Bolton, a former US ambassador to the UN, expects Stefanik will have a tougher time because of the range of issues facing the Security Council. “What had been fairly sleepy during the first Trump term is not going to be sleepy at all in the second Trump term,” he said.
The Security Council has been impotent on Ukraine since Russia’s February 2022 invasion because of Russia’s veto power. And it has failed to adopt a resolution with teeth demanding a cease-fire in Gaza because of US support for Israel.
The Crisis Group’s Gowan said Republicans in Congress are furious about UN criticisms of Israeli policies in Gaza and he expects them to urge Trump to “impose severe budget cuts on the UN, and he will do so to satisfy his base.
The day-to-day aid work of global institutions also faces uncertainty. In Geneva, home to many UN organisations focusing on issues like human rights, migration, telecommunications and weather, some diplomats advise wait-and-see caution and say Trump generally maintained humanitarian aid funding in his first term.
Trade was a different matter. Trump bypassed World Trade Organization rules, imposing tariffs on steel and other goods from allies and rivals alike. Making good on his new threats, like imposing 60per cent tariffs on goods from China, could upend global trade.
Modi arrived in Brazil after concluding his first leg visit to Nigeria where he held talks with Nigerian President focusing on strengthening partnership in sectors like defence, technology, health, and education…reports Asian Lite News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro on Monday on the second leg of his three-nation visit to attend the 19th edition of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. He was received by Indian delegates led by Indian Ambassador to Brazil Suresh Reddy.
In a post on X, Modi expressed his anticipation to engage in the Summit deliberations and fruitful talks with world leaders. “Landed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to take part in the G20 Summit. I look forward to the Summit deliberations and fruitful talks with various world leaders,” he said.
Modi arrived in Brazil after concluding his first leg visit to Nigeria where he held fruitful discussions with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, focusing on strengthening their partnership in sectors like defence, technology, health, and education.
In the G20 summit, India, as a Troika member, will play a significant role in shaping the agenda, building on the momentum from its own G20 presidency. Brazil is expected to maintain the focus on Global South priorities, ensuring continuity and progress on key issues.
Modi stated earlier that after India’s successful presidency at the G20 Summit last year, Brazil is expected to continue efforts to advance the Global South’s priorities.
“In Brazil, I will attend the 19th G-20 Summit as a Troika member. Last year, India’s successful Presidency elevated the G-20 to people’s G-20 and mainstreamed the priorities of the Global South into its Agenda. This year, Brazil has built upon India’s legacy. I look forward to meaningful discussions in keeping with our vision of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future.’ I will also use the opportunity to exchange views on furthering bilateral cooperation with several other leaders,” Modi said.
During his trip to Nigeria, Modi held a fruitful discussion with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, focusing on strengthening their partnership in sectors like defence, technology, health, and education. The two leaders also agreed to work together to meet the development aspirations of the Global South. Additionally, India announced it would send 20 tons of humanitarian aid to support Nigeria’s flood relief efforts.
Modi’s visit to Nigeria is part of his three-nation tour, which will also take him to Brazil and Guyana from November 17 to 21.
Sharing a post on X, Modi wrote, “Thank you Nigeria for a productive visit, which will add strength and vigour to India-Nigeria friendship.
During the visit, Modi and Nigerian President Tinubu discussed “global and regional issues” and agreed to work together to “meet development aspirations of the Global South.”
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “Strengthening longstanding relations between the world’s largest democracy and Africa’s largest democracy. PM Narendra Modi met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria today in Abuja. The leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the India-Nigeria Strategic partnership and enhance cooperation in trade, investment, education, energy, health, defence and security, culture and P2P ties. They also discussed global and regional issues. President Tinubu acknowledged India’s efforts to amplify the concerns of developing countries through the Voice of the Global South Summits. The two leaders agreed to work together to meet the development aspirations of the Global South.”
The two countries also signed Memoranda of Understanding on Cultural Exchange Programmes, Customs Cooperation and Survey Cooperation. Along with the PM, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other officials were present.
Modi also announced that the country would send 20 tons of humanitarian aid to support the relief efforts of the floods. “On behalf of 140 crore Indians, I express condolences over the loss of lives due to flood in Nigeria last month. In support of relief works, India is sending 20 tons of humanitarian aid,” PM Modi said during a meeting with Nigerian President in Abuja.
Modi was also conferred with Nigeria’s highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, and said that the honour will continue to inspire him to elevate the India-Nigeria strategic partnership to new heights.
After receiving the honour, Modi said, “I express my heartfelt gratitude to the government and the people of Nigeria for conferring on me the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, Nigeria’s national award. I accept this honour with humility and respect. I dedicate this honour to the 140 crore Indians and the deep friendship between India and Nigeria. This award will keep inspiring us to take the India-Nigeria strategic partnership to new heights.”
He also addressed the Indian diaspora in Abuja and highlighted the shared values of democracy, diversity, and demographic energy between India and Nigeria, and said both countries continue to move forward “together as partners.”
“Today, India and Nigeria continue to move forward together as partners, reflecting the bond forged during their struggles. India is the mother of democracy, and Nigeria is the biggest democracy in Africa. We both have similarities in democracy, diversity and the energy of demography,” he said.
Notably, the visit by Modi is the first by a Prime Minister of India to Nigeria in 17 years. Modi is on a three-nation tour to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana scheduled from November 17 to November 21.
President Sylvanie Burton will bestow the award during the India-CARICOM Summit, set to take place in Georgetown, Guyana…reports Asian Lite News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will receive Dominica’s highest national award, the ‘Dominica Award of Honour,’ in recognition of his vital support to it during the COVID-19 pandemic and his commitment to strengthening India-Dominica relations.
According to a statement by the Government of Dominica, President Sylvanie Burton will bestow the award during the India-CARICOM Summit, set to take place in Georgetown, Guyana, from November 19 to 21.
In February 2021, Prime Minister Modi supplied Dominica with 70,000 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine—”a generous gift which enabled Dominica to extend support to its Caribbean neighbours”, said the government of Dominica.
The award also recognises India’s support for Dominica in education and information technology under PM Modi’s leadership, as well as his role in promoting climate resilience-building initiatives and sustainable development on a global level.
Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit expressed the nation’s gratitude, stating, “Prime Minister Modi has been a true partner to Dominica, particularly during our time of need amid a global health crisis. It is an honour to present him with Dominica’s highest national accolade as a symbol of our gratitude for his support and as a reflection of the strong ties between our countries. We look forward to building on this partnership and advancing our shared vision of progress and resilience.”
Accepting the award, PM Modi emphasised the importance of collaboration in tackling global challenges such as climate change and geopolitical conflicts and affirmed India’s commitment to working alongside Dominica and the Caribbean in addressing these issues.
This honour will be conferred as part of PM Modi’s diplomatic tour, which will include visits to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana.
PM Modi will participate in the Second CARICOM-India Summit in Georgetown, Guyana and hold meetings with leaders of CARICOM member countries to further enhance India’s long-standing friendship with the region.
India sends flood aid to Nigeria ahead of PM’s visit
India sent 15 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Nigeria on Thursday to assist the west African country in dealing with the impact of devastating floods that left hundreds of people dead.
In addition to this, India also announced another 60 tonnes of assistance to the African nation.
Taking to X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “Committed to Humanitarian Assistance. India dispatched 15 tonnes of aid to Nigeria to provide support to those affected by the devastating floods in the country. A further assistance of 60 tonnes of aid will be sent in due course.”
“The aid comprises food, sleeping mats, blankets, water purification supplies and other relief items,” the MEA post added.
At least 321 people have been killed and over 740,000 others displaced in Nigeria so far this year due to the floods that ravaged most parts of the country.
In addition, some 2,854 people have been injured in the flooding, caused mainly by prolonged rainfall across the most populous African country, said Chukwuma Soludo, Governor of the southeastern state of Anambra, after a monthly National Economic Council meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
“The country is facing a national emergency concerning flooding and the reports so far identify a major national disaster,” as the rains have led to widespread displacement, loss of lives, and destruction of homes and livelihoods, Soludo had said, citing briefings at the Economic Council meeting.
The senior official had also mentioned that 34 out of Nigeria’s 36 states have experienced flooding, and 217 out of the 774 local government areas in the country have been affected. The ravaging flood has displaced at least 740,743 people and destroyed or affected 281,000 houses and 258,000 cultivated farmlands.
Additionally, the UN agencies appealed for lifesaving support in Nigeria, where record inflation, climate shocks, and ongoing conflicts are projected to push the number of food-insecure people to 33 million in 2025.
US, Australia, Canada, Argentina and Ukraine have alleged that India may be providing market price support for rice and wheat “vastly in excess” of what it has reported to the WTO
The US, Australia, Canada, Argentina and Ukraine have alleged that India may be providing market price support (MPS) for rice and wheat “vastly in excess” of what it has reported to the WTO.
The MPS, given mostly in the form of MSP support to farmers in India, appears to have been over 87 per cent of value of production (VoP) for rice and 67-75 per cent of VoP for wheat in each of the two covered years (2021-23) for which India has notified data, the five countries stated in a joint submission made to the WTO Committee on Agriculture.
“India’s notifications for the years at issue appear to dramatically under-report the value of India’s MPS for rice and wheat,” the submission noted. India has been refuting similar charges made by some members, including the US, in the past on the ground that the method of calculation was faulty. “As in the past, India will come up with a suitable response to these allegations. The country’s notifications to the WTO are both timely and correct,” a source said. Refuting the allegations is important for India as the WTO rules place a cap of 10 per cent of VoP on market price support programmes (classified as trade distorting) such as the MSP for developing countries. While a peace clause agreed to at the WTO’s Bali Ministerial Conference of 2013 gives many developing countries, including India, immunity against legal action in case the limit is breached, the immunity is subject to multiple onerous clauses. While India has invoked the peace clause for rice about five times for over-shooting the WTO cap by a moderate margin, it has never invoked it for wheat. India, and many other developing countries, have been pushing for a permanent solution to the problem of public stock holding at the WTO so that they can continue with their livelihood-supporting MSP programmes without challenges, but several members, mostly developed nations, have been opposing it. The five countries challenging India’s MPS notifications pointed out in their submission that for MY (marketing year) 2022/23, the Indian notification showed a value of support of ₹4,76,145 million for rice and ₹640 million for wheat while their own estimates were at ₹3,728,465 million for rice and ₹1,789,595 million for wheat. “The differences between India’s reported figures and the apparent actual figures for other years are of similar magnitude,” it added. India’s domestic support notifications appear to reflect only volumes actually purchased pursuant to the MPS programme which is different from the methodology India used previously to notify eligible production, the co-sponsors pointed out. “In other responses to questions in the Committee on Agriculture…. India has stated that the reason for its use of the procured quantity as eligible production is that the only farmers to benefit from the MSP are those whose product is procured by a government agency,” the submission added. India’s reporting of only procured quantities is directly contrary to the MPS calculation methodology required by the Agreement on Agriculture of the WTO, the co-sponsors challenged. The required methodology provides for the calculation to be based on all production eligible for the price, whether or not actually procured by a member’s government at that price. “Accordingly, the cosponsors have estimated MPS here based on all eligible production, as opposed to just that portion of production actually procured by government entities in India,” the submission noted. The countries said they that they looked forward to future discussion of the significance of India’s MPS for rice and wheat for both India’s market and for world markets — both with India and with other members. India has notified the WTO that while the value of India’s total production of rice stood at USD 52.8 billion in 2022-23, a subsidy worth USD 6.39 billion was given to farmers during the marketing year. The country has time and again called on WTO members to find a permanent solution to the long-pending public food stockpile issue, saying it is directly related to achieving the sustainable development goal of zero hunger by 2030. The PSH (public stockholding) programme is a policy tool under which the government procures crops like rice and wheat from farmers at the minimum support price (MSP) and stores and distributes foodgrain to the poor. Under the global trade norms, a WTO member country’s food subsidy bill should not breach the limit of 10 per cent of the value of production based on the reference price of 1986-88. India has been seeking amendments to the formula for calculating the food subsidy cap. As an interim measure, the WTO members at the Bali ministerial meeting in December 2013 had agreed to put in place a mechanism popularly called the Peace Clause and committed to negotiating an agreement for a permanent solution. Under the Peace Clause, WTO members agreed to refrain from challenging any breach of the prescribed ceiling by a developing nation at the dispute settlement forum of the WTO. This clause will be there till a permanent solution is found to the food stockpiling issue.
Azerbaijan: Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a joint news conference with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev following a meeting at the Zagulba Residence in Baku, Azerbaijan, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024.(IANS)
The preamble to the treaty said that the document aligns with the core interests of the two peoples, aiming to ensure regional and global peace, security and stability….reports Asian Lite News
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)
This development happened on Saturday, as per Xinhua news agency.
The treaty, originally signed by the top leaders of the two countries in Pyongyang on June 19, was ratified by the State Duma, or the lower house of parliament, on October 24. Russia’s upper house of parliament, the Federation Council, approved the bill on November 6.
The preamble to the treaty said that the document aligns with the core interests of the two peoples, aiming to ensure regional and global peace, security and stability.
Under the terms of the agreement, Russia and the DPRK are committed to developing a sustained partnership based on mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, equality, and other principles of international law that support friendly relations and cooperation among nations.
The treaty also includes provisions for immediate military and other forms of assistance if either nation faces an armed attack, as stipulated by Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
The treaty will come into effect upon the exchange of ratification instruments.
(180710) -- RIGA, July 10, 2018 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during a joint press conference with Latvian Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis (not seen in picture) in Riga, Latvia, on July 10, 2018. Trudeau pledged sustained commitment to Latvia's security during his visit to Riga on Tuesday, saying that Canada would extend its leadership of the NATO battalion stationed in the Baltic country for four more years. (Xinhua/Janis)
Ottawa has repeatedly accused Moscow of engaging in “malicious cyber activity” and had expressed concerns earlier this week about the Russian involvement in sending “camouflaged incendiary devices” aboard cargo planes.
Russia on Friday summoned the deputy head of Canada’s embassy in Moscow in connection with “false accusations” of allegedly planned “Russian sabotage” against NATO countries.
“On November 8, the Deputy Head of the Canadian diplomatic mission in Moscow was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry, where he was handed an official note in connection with false accusations of allegedly planned ‘Russian sabotage’ against NATO countries with the mailing, including to addressees in Canada, of explosives in postal correspondence,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Ottawa has repeatedly accused Moscow of engaging in “malicious cyber activity” and had expressed concerns earlier this week about the Russian involvement in sending “camouflaged incendiary devices” aboard cargo planes.
“The (Canadian) diplomat was told that the said speculations, disseminated at the instigation of the United States and its satellites in the context of the hybrid war unleashed against Russia and the pumping up of the regime in Kyiv with modern weapons, as well as the participation of mercenaries from Canada in military actions on the side of the Kyiv regime with the blessing of the government of Justin Trudeau, indicate the probable preparation of a gross anti-Russian provocation,” the Russian Foreign Ministry statement added.
Moscow warned that the responsibility for any escalation “under a false flag” will fall entirely on countries, including Canada, that are making “unacceptable accusations” against Russia.
“The Canadian side has been told that any hostile actions will not go unanswered – as they have not gone unanswered so far. The Canadian authorities must exercise prudence and refrain from harmful steps that deepen the confrontation with Russia,” the Russian Foreign Ministry made it clear.
Russia-Canada relations have nosedived over the last few years with Moscow accusing the Justin Trudeau-led government of following a Russophobic course.
Last year, Russia gave a demarche to the Deputy Head of the Canadian Diplomatic Mission in Moscow after Canada’s move to confiscate the An-124 cargo airliner, owned by the Volga-Dnepr company that was “illegally held” at the Toronto airport since February 2022.
In September 2023, the Canadian Parliament’s recognition of a Ukrainian veteran who served in a Nazi military unit during the Second World War drew massive flak from several countries, including Russia which termed Trudeau’s standing ovation as “outrageous”.
“The hostile actions of the Canadian government, which has been trying to surpass the United States in its anti-Russia sanction rage by constantly extending the Russian stop list with more names of politicians, cultural figures and their family members, as well as entire education institutions, will certainly not be left without a response.
“We will not tolerate the fact that Canadian liberals are playing with Nazism and will take the necessary steps in the context of the Russia-Canada relations that are going through a crisis on an epochal scale through the official Ottawa’s fault,” read a Russian Foreign Ministry statement in September 2023 after the Canadian Parliament honoured 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka during Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s visit to the country.
