The talks between Jaishankar and Cameron came amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran…reports Asian Lite News
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday held talks with his UK counterpart David Cameron and discussed the emerging situation in West Asia. The two leaders also discussed on bilateral ties.
In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, “Spoke to UK Foreign Secretary Lord @David_Cameron today. Discussed the emerging situation in West Asia as also our bilateral ties.”
The talks between Jaishankar and Cameron came amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Tensions have soared after Iran vowed to retaliate after an alleged Israeli strike near Iran’s embassy in the Syrian capital.
In the latest development, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy seized the Israel-linked MSC ARIES container ship near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, The Times of Israel reported, citing an Iranian news agency.
The ship in question was the Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries, a container ship owned by Zodiac Maritime, based in London. Zodiac Maritime is a division of Zodiac Group, owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer.
The MSC Aries was last seen on Friday, sailing towards the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Dubai, according to The Times of Israel. The ship is currently sailing through the Persian Gulf, according to ship tracking site, Marine Traffic.
Amid ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday issued a travel advisory to Indian citizens and asked them to refrain from travelling to both countries until further notice. The ministry further asked people who are currently in Iran or Israel to contact Indian embassies and register themselves.
“In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indians are advised not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice. All those who are currently residing in Iran or Israel are requested to get in touch with Indian Embassies there and register themselves,” the MEA said in an official release.
The ministry further urged the Indians residing in these two countries to take precautions for their safety.
“They are also requested to observe utmost precautions about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum,” the MEA statement added. (ANI)
Jaishankar thanked PM Ibrahim for his support in deepening bilateral ties under the India-Malaysia Enhanced Strategic Partnership….reports Asian Lite News
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Thursday concluded his three-nation Southeast Asia tour, beginning March 23, to strengthen bilateral relations and engage on regional issues of mutual concern.
During his official visit from March 27-28, he paid a courtesy call to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Bin Ibrahim and conveyed his greetings on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He thanked PM Ibrahim for his support in deepening bilateral ties under the India-Malaysia Enhanced Strategic Partnership.
EAM Jaishankar met the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan, and the two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral cooperation including political, trade and economic, defence, digital, culture, and education.
They also exchanged views on issues of regional and global interest, following which EAM also met Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital.
“Concluded my program in Malaysia by meeting Digital Minister @GobindSinghDeo. Discussed digital cooperation, including exchange of best practices and exploring business opportunities,” Dr Jaishankar said in a message on X.
During the visit, EAM held a round-table meeting with the CEOs and leaders of industry and interacted with members of the Indian diaspora in the country, praising their contribution towards India-Malaysia ties.
While addressing the diaspora, the EAM took on China for failing to uphold longstanding agreements with India just as he underscored the importance of normalising troop deployment at the India-China border.
As the EAM reached the Philippines, he addressed a press briefing in Manila alongside Enrique Manalo, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, extending India’s firm support following China’s “aggressive” action against Filipino navymen in the South China Sea.
He called on all countries to adhere to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) “in its entirety, both in letter and in spirit”.
EAM Jaishankar and Manalo discussed shared interests in ensuring maritime safety, given that the two nations contribute so much to the global shipping industry.
EAM Jaishankar met Bongbong Marcos, President of the Philippines, who lauded and thanked the Indian Navy and the government for their swift and decisive action in rescuing Filipino seafarers after they were attacked by Houthi rebels in the Gulf of Aden this month.
During his visit to Singapore from March 23-25, the EAM had several bilateral engagements with the leadership and senior Ministers of the Cabinet.
He called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and met the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Lawrence Wong.
“Honoured to call on Prime Minister @leehsienloong at The Istana. Conveyed the personal greetings of PM @narendramodi. Valued his perspectives on the current state of the world,” the EAM wrote on X.
With Wong, the EAM exchanged views on deepening engagement in the identified pillars of our cooperation including fintech, digitalisation, green economy, skills development, and food security.
He also called on Singapore’s Indian-origin Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan with whom he “exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific and West Asia”.
“Reviewed the progress of our bilateral cooperation. Spoke about preparations for the next ISMR (India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable) meeting. Discussed marking 60 years of our diplomatic ties,” Dr Jaishankar said.
Envisioned by Prime Minister Modi, the first ISMR between the two nations, seeking to “deepen existing cooperation and identifying opportunities for collaboration in new and emerging areas”, was held in 2022.
Following the inaugural meeting then, PM Modi conveyed his appreciation and hoped that initiatives like ISMR would help further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Jaishankar, who arrived in Malaysia after concluding his Singapore and the Philippines visit…reports Asian Lite news
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Wednesday met Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and said that his vision would help craft a “more ambitious agenda” for the India-Malaysia relationship.
Jaishankar, who arrived in Malaysia after concluding his Singapore and the Philippines visit, also conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Malaysian leader.
“Honour to call on Prime Minister @anwaribrahim of Malaysia. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi,” the Jaishankar said in a post on X.
“His vision for stronger India-Malaysia ties, both in traditional and new-age areas, will help us craft a more ambitious agenda for the relationship,” the EAM said, adding that he “benefitted” from PM Ibrahim’s “guidance and insights on regional developments”.
Earlier on Wednesday, EAM Jaishankar held a ‘productive and frank discussion’ with his Malaysian counterpart, Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, and the two leaders exchanged views on bilateral ties as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The two Ministers exchanged views on enhancing collaboration in political, economic, defence, digital, startups, consular and people-to-people linkages.
In addition, they shared perspectives on the region, Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and Ukraine.
“As we near completion of a decade of our Enhanced Strategic Partnership, look forward to further strengthening our engagements,” Jaishankar wrote on X after meeting Haji Hasan.
Bound by robust economic partnerships and close people-to-people ties, the two nations share a long-standing and substantive relationship.
In 2023, India was Malaysia’s 12th largest global trading partner with total trade amounting to RM 77.76 billion ($16.53 billion).
India’s Minister of External Affairs Dr S. Jaishankar’s Japan visit has explored ways to transform Special Strategic and Global Partnership, reports Asian Lite News
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar concluded his three-day visit to Japan, during which he held meetings and interactions with several top leaders to explore ways to qualitatively transform the Special Strategic and Global Partnership, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release.
The EAM called on Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida and conveyed Prime Minister Modi’s greetings to him. He also briefed Kishida about recent developments in India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, and sought his guidance to further strengthen the relationship.
Jaishankar held the 16th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with Japanese Foreign Minister, Yoko Kamikawa, on March 7.
During this, the two leaders reviewed the broad canvas of India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, including political exchanges; trade, investment, infrastructure and technology collaboration; developmental coordination; defence and security cooperation; as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
Jaishankar held the 16th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with Japanese Foreign Minister, Yoko Kamikawa
The two ministers agreed to make the relationship responsive to contemporary demands and foster better understanding between our two peoples. Their discussion touched, inter alia, cooperation for building respective semiconductor ecosystems, green technologies, defence equipment and technology, digital payments, mobility arrangements, promotion of Japanese language in India, etc. The dialogue also covered regional issues of mutual interest in the Indo-Pacific and major global developments, the MEA statement read.
Jaishankar also held meetings with senior political leaders, including; Taro Aso, Vice President of LDP; Toshimitsu Motegi, Secretary General of LDP; and Yoshihide Suga, Chairman of Japan India Association, during which strong sentiments of support for bilateral partnerships were evident.
Jaishankar met the Secretary-General of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Toshimitsu Motegi
During the visit, he also met Akie Abe and handed over a letter from Prime Minister Modi conveying his condolences over the demise of Madam Yoko Abe, the mother of late Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe.
During his visit, Jaishankar also interacted with a wide cross-section of public and opinion makers in Japan.
Jaishankar met with Mrs Akie Abe, wife of late PM Shinzo Abe.
He attended the inaugural Raisina Roundtable in Tokyo, and delivered remarks on India-Japan bilateral relations in the overall context of the evolving global trends. EAM also addressed the Nikkei Forum on India-Japan partnership, outlining the historical and current trajectories in the relationship and reflecting on the new possibilities.
“EAM’s visit to Japan provided a timely opportunity to take stock of the ongoing bilateral cooperation and explore ways to qualitatively transform the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two countries, in its 10th year,” the MEA statement added. (ANI)
During the meeting, EAM urged the representatives to further strengthen the business bridge between the two countries….reports Asian Lite News
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday visited the National Museum of South Korea and asserted that the cultural exchanges between the countries are significant in promoting international understanding.
Taking to X, EAM Jaishankar said, “Dropped by @The_NMK which is hosting exhibition on Buddhist Art from India. Glad to see Koreans celebrating our shared heritage. Cultural exchanges are so valuable in promoting international understanding.”
Earlier today, in a series of meetings during his South Korea visit, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with the representatives of the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Korea.
During the meeting, EAM urged the representatives to further strengthen the business bridge between the two countries.
In a post on X, EAM shared about the meeting saying, “Good conversation with representatives of the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Korea. Urged them to further strengthen the business bridge between India and South Korea.”Separately, the Minister also met with the Chief Abbot of Yeo Yeo Jung Sa, Monk Domyeong.
During the meeting, the spiritual leader presented his book ‘Gaya Buddhism, Unlatching the Gate’ to the minister and the latter appreciated the monk’s interest in India’s cultural legacy and historical traditions.
“Pleased to receive the book ‘Gaya Buddhism, Unlatching the Gate’ from Ven. Monk Domyeong, Chief Abbot of Yeo Yeo Jung Sa. Appreciate his interest in our cultural legacy and historical traditions,” EAM posted on X.
Moreover, Jaishankar and his South Korean counterpart, Cho Tae-yul, chaired the 10th India-South Korea Joint Commission Meeting in Seoul on Wednesday.
In his opening remarks at the 10th India – South Korea Joint Commission Meeting, Jaishankar said, “Last year, as you noted, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic ties. During our Prime Minister’s visit in 2015, our relations were elevated to a special strategic partnership. It is important that we live up to that.”
“We have grown from strength to strength in the years that have passed. We have become truly important partners for each other. And our bilateral exchanges – trade, investments, defence, and S&T cooperation, have all seen a steady growth,” he added. (ANI)
PM Modi said that India and Mauritius are the natural partners in maritime security to deal with the challenges….reports Asian Lite News
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday called the India-Mauritius relationship an example of India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) goodwill as Prime Ministers of both countries jointly inaugurated a new airstrip and a jetty in Agalega Island.
Calling Mauritius a “valued friend of India”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart Pravind Jugnauth inaugurated the Agalega Airstrip, Saint James Jetty, and six other community development projects on the Island via video conferencing today.
Taking to his X, S.Jaishankar said that he is “privileged” to witness the event and that the relationship between the two nations is an example of our SAGAR goodwill, our Neighbourhood First priority, and our Forward Africa solidarity”.
“Today’s inaugurations will further strengthen this commitment, the minister said.
The Vision SAGAR aims to bolster India’s maritime capabilities and enhance its presence in the Indian Ocean Region.
Through this vision, India seeks to deepen economic and security cooperation with its maritime partners and assist in building their maritime security capabilities.
Addressing the occasion, PM Modi said Mauritius is a key partner of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and a special partner under Vision SAGAR.
“As members of Global South, we have common priorities and the last 10 years have seen unprecedented momentum in the relations between the two countries and new heights of mutual cooperation have been achieved,” the Prime Minister said.
Referring to traditional and non-traditional challenges in the Indian Ocean Region which affect the two economies, PM Modi said that India and Mauritius are the natural partners in maritime security to deal with these challenges.
“We are actively working to ensure security, prosperity and stability in the Indian Ocean Region. We are cooperating in all areas like monitoring of Exclusive Economic Zone, joint patrolling, hydrography, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief,” PM Modi added.
A statement from his office earlier stated that the inauguration of these projects is a testimony to the robust and decades-old development partnership between India and Mauritius and will fulfil the demand for better connectivity between mainland Mauritius and Agalega, strengthen maritime security and foster socio-economic development
The inauguration of these projects is significant as it follows the recent launch of UPI and RuPay Card services in Mauritius by the two leaders on February 12.
The nation is home to around 15,000 Indians with many professionals contributing to the country’s IT, shipping, and automobile sectors….reports Asian Lite News
Continuing with his endeavours to further cement India’s relations with its diaspora, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to meet the small but significant Indian community in the Republic of Korea as he begins his first visit to Seoul on March 5.
While one is well aware of the Korea-based Indian actor Anupam Tripathi who became a household name after ‘Squid Games’, the nation is home to around 15,000 Indians with many professionals contributing to the country’s IT, shipping, and automobile sectors.
Some other notable Indian names in the country include Aria, originally named Gauthami, a member of a global K-pop girl group called X:IN.
The visit of EAM Jaishankar, who has always thanked and praised the diaspora while calling them ambassadors of India, comes at a time when a significant number of Indians are choosing the nation as a study-abroad destination.
According to recent MEA estimates, more than 1,300 Indian students are studying in South Korea and a large number of them are pursuing post-graduate and Ph.D programmes, mostly in pure sciences.
With popular education destinations like the UK and Canada tightening immigration rules, many Indian students are considering Korea owing to its quality education, affordable tuition fees, and the cost of living.
For instance, a Korean D-2 Student Visa permits working up to 20 hours per week and after graduation, students can apply for a D-10 visa and start looking for jobs.
In September last year, Minister Lim Sang Woo (Deputy Head of Mission), Embassy of the Republic of Korea, said Korea is keen on more students, researchers, and highly skilled workers, and aims to attract 3,00,000 international students by 2027.
The two countries were also exploring a new migration agreement last year to ensure easier mobility for professionals of the two countries across a range of areas including technology and automobiles.
With EAM Jaishankar co-chairing the 10th India – Republic of Korea Joint Commission Meeting with his counterpart Cho Tae-yul, it is likely that these issues will come up for discussion.
The meeting is expected to comprehensively review the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and explore avenues for further strengthening it.
According to an MEA release, the meeting will also provide an opportunity for the two sides to exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
The Indian community was also addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he visited the nation in 2019 where he said that the main basis for India-Korea relations is “people-to-people contact”.
Extolling the Indian community in the Republic, PM Modi had said that they not only celebrate Holi, Diwali, Baisakhi and other Indian festivals but also involve their Korean friends in it.
“The blood flowing in the people of Korea also has part of India,” the PM had said amid claps and cheers from the community as he recounted the story of Indian princess Suriratna who married a Korean king.
‘India-S Korea FTA Upgrade Likely This Year’
The negotiations on the expansion of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and South Korea are likely to conclude in 2024, said Chang Jae-bok, the South Korean envoy here on Wednesday.
The Republic of Korea and India signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2009. The two nations are negotiating the expansion of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and have so far held several rounds of discussions.
In a press conference, Chang said the last round of talks took place in January.
“On the bilateral trade front, efforts are underway to expedite negotiations for the expansion of CEPA, signed in 2010. During the last round of talks in January, this year, negotiators from both sides showcased a shared commitment to conclude negotiations within this year,” Chang said.
South Korea is hoping that the negotiations will conclude before the possible visit of Yoon Suk Yeol, the South Korean President, to India.
“So hopefully, the negotiation on CEPA will conclude before a bilateral visit by our president. (the visit will) probably (be) after the elections in India; there is also an election in Korea,” he said.
India has asked South Korea to renegotiate the CEPA to make the trade more balanced and equitable.
In July last year, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said that the pact has been often discussed in the context that the Indian industry has failed to benefit from the agreements and the gains have mostly been one-sided.
India’s trade deficit with South Korea rose to US dollar 14.57 billion in FY23 from US dollar 9.39 billion a year ago.
Reflecting on India’s concern vis-a-vis CEPA, the envoy said: “The negotiations on free trade agreements are generally very difficult…. Some parts of the industry will have losses, and some parts of the industry will gain from (the CEPA). However, during the last round of negotiations, we found willingness to conduct the talks soon.”
Meanwhile, Indian and South Korean foreign ministers will chair the joint trade commission meeting on March 6 in Seoul.
During the meeting between the foreign ministers, regional and global issues might come up, the envoy mentioned.
“The South Korea-India Trade Commission meeting is scheduled for March 6 in Seoul. Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs and his Korean counterpart, Cho Tae-yul, will co-chair this meeting. We anticipate discussions of high-level exchanges, defence, economic issues, science and technology, and people-to-people with key regional issues,” the envoy told reporters. (ANI)
Jaishankar stated that nations need to work together in the United Nations and outside to find lasting solutions to geopolitical challenges and called it a “collective responsibility.”…reports Asian Lite News
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said that India is concerned over the conflict in Gaza and stressed that humanitarian crisis arising from conflicts require a sustainable solution that gives immediate relief to those most-affected. He asserted that world needs to be clear that terrorism and hostage taking “unacceptable.”
In his virtual address at the 55th Session of the Human Rights Council, Jaishankar said, “The conflict in Gaza is of great concern to us all. The humanitarian crisis arising from conflicts require a sustainable solution that gives immediate relief to those most affected. At the same time, we must be clear that terrorism and hostage-taking are unacceptable.”
“It also goes without saying that international humanitarian law must always be respected. It is vital that the conflict does not spread within or beyond the region. And efforts must also focus on seeking a two-state solution where Palestinian people can live within secure borders,” he added.
Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first world leaders to call out Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7 as a terror attack. Following Hamas’ attack, Israel launched a counter-offensive against the terrorist group in Gaza.
Highlighting India’s approach, he said, “Let me recall what Indian civilizational thought has always emphasized that the world shares one earth, we are one family and we have one future. Both as a motivating vision and as a call for action, this Indian approach is one of recognizing that we are defined more by how much we are alike than by our differences. But the many are impacted by the choices made by even a few and that this interconnectedness means a genuine dialogue as the only way to find solutions is not just and imperative but in fact inevitable.”
He stated that nations need to work together in the United Nations and outside to find lasting solutions to geopolitical challenges and called it a “collective responsibility.” He stressed that it is important to recognise that they need to reform “outdated structures and fix systemic flaws” for multilateralism to be credible, effective and responsive.
MIDEAST-GAZA-KHAN YOUNIS-AIRSTRIKE
In his remarks at the 55th session of the Human Rights Council, he said, “It is therefore in our collective interest and responsibility to work together in the UN and outside to find lasting solutions to geopolitical challenges. For this to happen it is vital that we first recognize that for multilateralism to be credible, effective and responsive it is now high time to reform outdated structures and fix systemic flaws and urgently make multilateral frameworks fit for purpose reflecting current global realities. Let me conclude by reaffirming India’s steadfast commitment to global promotion and protection of human rights and to their enjoyment by our people.”
He noted that India’s approach to human rights is rooted in democratic principles and pluralistic ethos. He said that society and polity of India are enchored by the institutional strengths of an independent judiciary, robust media and vibrant civil society.
He said, “India’s approach to human rights is rooted in our democratic principles and pluralistic ethos. Our constitution guarantees protection of civil and political rights and provides for progressive realization of economic, social and cultural rights. Our society and polity are anchored by our institutional strengths of an independent judiciary, robust media and vibrant civil society. These values have continued to inform India’s policies domestically, and globally. And therefore, I believe we have much to contribute.”
Calling 2024 an important year for India’s democracy, Jaishankar said nearly 960 million voters are gearing up to exercise the right to vote in the upcoming elections. He said, “This is not merely a political exercise, but a celebration of democracy, a festival where every voice resonates and every vote counts. In a world where the principles of democracy are constantly tested, India stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, showcasing the power of the people to shape their collective future.”
Speaking about the achievements of India’s G20 Presidency, he said that African Union became a permanent member of the G20 and stated that G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration put forth solutions for various sectors, including digital public infrastructure, climate action and women-led development.
Jaishankar said, “On India’s initiative, the African Union became a permanent member of the G20. The G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration put forth solutions on a range of domains such as digital public infrastructure, climate action, reforming international financial institutions, women-led development, education, AI to name a few.”
He expressed India’s readiness to share its experiences and expertise with those who wish to benefit from it. He said that India’s development cooperation which spans across the globe is guided by the “priorities of our partners, creates local capacities and adheres to fiscal responsibility and transparency.”
Highlighting efforts of India in helping nations when they were in need, Jaishankar said that India’s was first responder during disaster emergencies in Turkey and Syria in 2023. He said that India provided assistance to Sri Lanka when it faced a severe economic crisis.
He said, “India has been at the forefront of lending a helping hand when it is most needed. We demonstrated this during the COVID pandemic. also as first responders in disaster emergencies like in Turkey and Syria last year and when Sri Lanka experienced a severe economic crisis. Under Prime Minister Modi’s vision of inclusive development with everyone’s participation, trust and contribution, India is firm in its resolve to ensuring a life of dignity for our people with our priority to gender empowerment.”
Jaishankar said that one-third seats were reserved for women in legislatures of India. He stated that India’s rapid progress in meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets, financial inclusion and democratization of technology will be of help to other countries on a similar journey.
“We have thus taken a lead to forge partnerships such as International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Global Biofuel Alliance, and promoted initiatives such as the International Year of Millets to help countries address the challenges of climate change and food security,” he added.
He even congratulated United Nations Human Rights Council President Omar Zniber on his re-election as the President of the Council and assured him of Indian delegation’s full supporty and cooperation to him and all mechanisms of the Council. Jaishankar stated that India remains committed to working with Council members and observers for promotion and protection of all human rights. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is a member of Rajya Sabha from the state of Gujarat whereas Nirmala Sitharaman represents Karnataka in the Upper House…reports Asian Lite News
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday informed that there are chances that Bharatiya Janata Party might field External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman from the constituencies in Karnataka in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
“Dr S Jaishankar and Nirmala Sitharaman may contest from Karnataka or from other state constituencies. There is still no clarity about the constituency,” Union Minister Pralhad Joshi told reporters in Karnataka’s Hubballi.
Currently, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is a member of Rajya Sabha from the state of Gujarat whereas Nirmala Sitharaman represents Karnataka in the Upper House.
Earlier, Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra affirmed that BJP and JDS will fight the elections unitedly in all 28 Lok Sabha constituencies and we will make complete efforts to win all 28 Lok Sabha seats.
“All our leaders have assured our Home Minister (Amit Shah) that BJP and JDS will fight the elections unitedly in all 28 Lok Sabha constituencies and we will make 100 per cent efforts to win all 28 Lok Sabha seats,” said Karnataka BJP chief earlier this month.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held the core group meeting of five states on Saturday at the party headquarters in New Delhi.
Given the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024, the core group meeting of five states was called at the BJP headquarters.
The meeting was led by BJP National President JP Nadda in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah and Organization General Secretary BL Santosh.
The meeting was held in phases which saw discussion for the preparations of Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.Meanwhile, the meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Central Election Committee is likely to be held on February 29 or the first week of March, which can see discussions on over 100 Lok Sabha seats. (ANI)
Dr S. Jaishankar was addressing the ‘Quad Think Tank Forum’ session at the Raisina Dialogue. The session was primarily focused on the Quad, as well as a free and open Indo-Pacific
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said the coming together of India, US, Australia and Japan as part of the Quad group serves to illustrate the growth of a multipolar order and advance a post-Cold War thinking against ‘spheres of influence’.
“I believe it (Quad) has five messages. One, it reflects the growth of a multipolar order. Two, it is post-Alliance and post-Cold War thinking. Three, it is against spheres of influence. Four, It expresses the democratizing of the global space and a collaborative, not unilateral approach. And five, it is a statement that in this day and age, others cannot have a veto on our choices,” EAM Jaishankar said on the closing day of the Raisina Dialogue in the national capital on Saturday.
Jaishankar was addressing the ‘Quad Think Tank Forum’ session at the Raisina Dialogue. The session was primarily focused on the Quad, as well as a free and open Indo-Pacific
Highlighting the significance of Quad grouping in Indo-Pacific at the session, the EAM said, “Now, this in turn would elicit the question, why the Indo-Pacific? And the answer, I think, by now is very clear. The post-1945 division of what till then was perceived to be a cohesive threat resulted in our contemplating the Indian Ocean and the Pacific one as two separate entities. This separation was an outcome of American strategic priorities in 1945.”
Invoking the Quad’s history and events, he said they strengthened the grouping of four nations to discuss multi-faceted issues.
“The origins of the Quad go back to the tsunami response. This was an event which happened in late December 2004. I happen to be the coordinator for that response on the Indian side. In 2006, the actual idea of a Quad was put forward by the then Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. But as I said earlier, it unravelled within a year, and in fact Abe himself had left office at that time,” Jaishankar said.
“In 2017, after a full decade, Quad was resumed, first at the Foreign Secretary’s level, and then was upgraded in 2019 to the ministerial one. Coincidentally, I happen to be occupying both positions at that particular juncture. In 2021, we, all four of us, upgraded it to the summit level and it has flourished since. And it’s been my privilege to have participated in all the meetings that have taken place since then,” he added.
The common refrain at the session was that the grouping should be in the interest of all countries in the region amid concerns around the Quad being an exclusive partnership between the four members. This session will also feature discussions on the state of recent efforts to expand the grouping’s outreach to other like-minded countries.
Before EAM Jaishankar, US Deputy Secretary of State, Kurt M. Campbell, addressed the session on behalf of Secretary of State Antony Blinken, saying, “The strength of the Quad is its ability to harness the resources and capabilities of our four nations (US, India, Australia, Japan) to deliver concrete outcomes that benefit us all. In 2024, it has enabled us to promote that common good for the people across the IndoPacific.”
Dr S. Jaishankar receives U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s Admiral John Aquilino in New Delhi on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue.
“I want to emphasise the defining feature of our partnership – the Quad stands for our affirmative vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), in which we collectively build the capacity of our allies and partners. The Quad is not about forcing the region to choose between strategic competitors. It is about preserving and creating options so that communities, institutions and countries can make decisions to benefit their people,” he added.
Australian FM Penny Wong, who addressed the session virtually, stressed the positive impact of Quad in the Indo-Pacific, saying, “We’ve maintained strong momentum in offering but never imposing transparent valued public goods. that responded to priorities.”
“I described the quad is a lighthouse, which brings together our countries to illuminate a positive vision for the Indo-Pacific,” she added.
Raisina Dialogue is India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was the chief guest and keynote speaker at the ongoing 9th Raisina Dialogue. He inaugurated the dialogue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 21. (ANI)
