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  • Jaishankar meets Italian Defence Minister

    Jaishankar meets Italian Defence Minister

    EAM Jaishankar met Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and discussed strengthening the India-Italy defence partnership on Thursday...reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Thursday and signed the Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement and the Cultural Exchange Program.The two leaders held discussions on deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries as well as on the issues of the West Asia situation, the Ukraine conflict and the Indo-Pacific.”A comprehensive and productive meeting this evening with DPM and FM @Antonio_Tajani.

    Conversed about deepening our strategic partnership. Agreed that potential in agro-tech, innovation, space, defence and the digital domain should be explored,” Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter).He added, “Spoke about the West Asia situation, Ukraine conflict and the Indo-Pacific landscape in detail. Appreciated Italy’s support for our initiatives and also for the G20 Presidency. Signed the Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement and the Cultural Exchange Program at the end of our talks”. Earlier in the day, EAM Jaishankar met Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and discussed strengthening the India-Italy defence partnership on Thursday.

    On Wednesday, Jaishankar also interacted with the Italian senate members as he began his official visit to Italy.Jaishankar also addressed the Joint Session of the Senate’s External Affairs and Defence Commission.During this, he characterized the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic followed by conflict in Ukraine on the global economy as “very traumatic” and predicted very “difficult and turbulent” times ahead.While referring to the escalation of the Israel-Hamas war, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that while terrorism is “unacceptable”, there also needs to be a solution for the issue of Palestine.Prior to this, Jaishankar was in Portugal for two days, from October 31 to November 1.India and Italy enjoy friendly and cordial relations and multifaceted bilateral cooperation. The relationship was elevated to ‘Strategic Partnership’ during the state visit of the Prime Minister of Italy in March this year.Italy is among India’s top 5 trading partners in the EU. The balance of trade has been in India’s favour since the early eighties. The Indian community in Italy is the second largest community of Indians in Europe after the UK. (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar addresses Indian diaspora in Portugal

    Jaishankar addresses Indian diaspora in Portugal

    EAM stressed that Indo-Portugal relations had seen a lot of new energy and activities for several sectors, noting that trade and investment are clearly a strong driving force…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday addressed the Indian diaspora in Portugal and highlighted the Mediterranean country’s role in promoting closer India-EU ties.

    The EAM recognized the relevance of the Migration and Mobility Partnership in a Global workplace and appreciated the need for direct air connectivity.

    He also urged the Indian community to contribute to the 50th-anniversary celebrations of India-Portugal diplomatic ties

    “Addressed the Indian Community in Portugal. Thank FM @JoaoCravinho for joining. Highlighted Portugal’s contribution in promoting closer India-EU ties. The Porto 2021 Summit is a milestone. Recognized the relevance of the Migration and Mobility Partnership in a Global workplace. Appreciated the need for direct air connectivity,” Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter).

    He added, “Shared the transformation underway in India that provides new opportunities for cooperation. Urged the community to contribute to the 50th-anniversary celebrations of our diplomatic ties”.

    Earlier in the day, Jaishankar, along with his Portuguese counterpart Joao Cravinho, delivered a joint statement during a press briefing in Portugal, where both ministers discussed various aspects of the India-Portugal relationship.

    EAM stressed that Indo-Portugal relations had seen a lot of new energy and activities for several sectors, noting that trade and investment are clearly a strong driving force.

    He further emphasised that Indian IT companies have made their mark in Portugal.

    Additionally, Jaishankar expressed joy that India’s main milk and dairy company, Amul, is the first Indian regional sponsor of the Portuguese national football team.

    Earlier in the morning, Jaishankar called on Portugal President Augusto Santos Silva. “We had a discussion on our political and parliamentary exchanges that I value very much. In our own meeting today, we have had a very detailed assessment of our bilateral partnership,” he said.

    He further said, “We are going to ask our joint economic committee to follow up on some of our discussion and see what more we could be doing in health, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy.”

    Jaishankar is in Portugal for a two-day visit from October 31-November 1. Notably, India and Portugal have grown mutually beneficial relations in all spheres, which have strengthened over time.

    Following his Portugal visit, EAM Jaishankar will travel to Italy on a bilateral visit from November 2-3. During his visit, EAM will meet his counterpart, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Minister of Defence and Minister for ‘Made in Italy’. He is also expected to meet the top leadership of the country. (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar Meets Families of Detained Indians in Qatar

    Jaishankar Meets Families of Detained Indians in Qatar

    The EAM said that the government attaches the “highest importance” to the case and will coordinate closely with the families in that regard…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday met with the families of eight Indians detained in Qatar and assured them that the government will make all efforts to secure their release.

    The EAM said that the government attaches the “highest importance” to the case and will coordinate closely with the families in that regard.

    “Met this morning with the families of the 8 Indians detained in Qatar. Stressed that Government attaches the highest importance to the case. Fully share the concerns and pain of the families. Underlined that the Government will continue to make all efforts to secure their release. Will coordinate closely with the families in that regard,” Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter).

    This comes after the Court of First Instance of Qatar passed a verdict of the death penalty for the eight former naval officers who were detained in Doha

    Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs said that it was “deeply shocked” by the verdict and now awaits the detailed judgement.

    “We have initial information that the Court of First Instance of Qatar has today passed a judgement in the case involving 8 Indian employees of Al Dahra company,” the MEA said in a statement.

    “We are deeply shocked by the verdict of the death penalty and are awaiting the detailed judgement. We are in touch with the family members and the legal team, and we are exploring all legal options,” it added.

    The MEA further stated that the matter is very important to us, the MEA said adding that and they have been keeping a close eye on it.

    “We attach high importance to this case, and have been following it closely. We will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance. We will also take up the verdict with Qatari authorities,” the MEA release said.

    “Due to the confidential nature of proceedings of this case, it would not be appropriate to make any further comment at this juncture,” it added.

    The eight Indian nationals have been imprisoned in Qatar since October 2022 and were accused of allegedly spying on a submarine programme.

    New Delhi had been granted consular access to the eight Indians and had been working to secure their release. The Indian nationals had their first trial in late March. (ANI)

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  • Unipolar world a distant history, says Jaishankar

    Unipolar world a distant history, says Jaishankar

    The EAM further stated that today’s situation has changed and the dominance of regional players won’t allow any external, or global players to enter…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that, the unipolar world is a “distant history”, and a lot of the analysis needs to overcome the burden of “past constructs”.

    The EAM further said that international financial institutions have not been able to respond adequately to concerns emanating from rising debt and market volatility.

    Addressing the Kautilya Economic Conclave closing plenary session, Jaishankar said, “The unipolar world is distant history. The bipolar world was even more distant in the bipolarity of the US-Soviet Union. And I don’t think US, China will really end up bipolar. I think there are too many next-run powers with sufficient clout and autonomous activity and regions of their own dominance and privacy for that to happen”.

    “To my mind, a lot of our analysis has to overcome the burden of past constructs…the reality is yes at one level, we are far more globalized,” he added.

    The EAM further stated that today’s situation has changed and the dominance of regional players won’t allow any external, or global players to enter.

    “If you look today at what is happening in the Middle East, a lot of it is actually, in a sense, the activities are intrinsic to the Middle East. If you compare it with 1973 or 1967, they are very different. So the key regional players on regional situations are actually today going to be so dominant compared to the past that they’re not going to leave that much space for global players or external players to come in. And I think you can see that happening in Africa as well,” he said.

    Jaishankar further stressed on the direct disruptive impact of climate change on the international economy, as well as the concerns of the global economy due to rising debt and market volatility.

    “We have long debated that climate challenges as a trend undermine the well-being of our planet. However, as weather patterns shift, they can affect the loads of production as well as the supply chains that emanate from them. Given the increasing frequency of such weather happenings, this is now a risk that we need to build into our calculations,” Jaishankar said.

    He added, “The working of the global economy has itself added to the concerning side of the ledger. The last few years have witnessed rising debt often resulting from a combination of imprudent choices unbiased borrowings and opaque projects. Market volatility has been difficult for smaller economies with a narrow trade basket to handle. Those highly exposed to tourism or remittances have experienced the consequences of slowdowns very strongly. International financial institutions have not been able to respond adequately, whether due to paucity of resources or lack of priority”. (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar hails India-Vietnam strategic ties

    Jaishankar hails India-Vietnam strategic ties

    India and Vietnam enjoy longstanding close ties, mutual trust and appreciation for each other…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hailed India-Vietnam strategic ties and called it a “source of security, stability and progress in the region,” while reaffirming the long maritime tradition between the two nations.

    Jaishankar reiterated that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership built on the long maritime tradition while visiting INS Sudarshini docked in Ho Chi Minh City at the Saigon Port on Wednesday morning

    Sharing on his official social media, ‘X’, Jaishankar stated, “Delighted to visit INS Sudarshini which docked in Ho Chi Minh City this morning. Its visit reaffirms our long maritime tradition. Our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has built on that, emerging as a source of security, stability and progress in the region.”

    Jaishankar later interacted with the young crew, Vietnamese military personnel and senior officials. Additionally, he interacted with the Indian diaspora in Ho Chi Minh City at an event organised by the Consulate General of India and appreciated their contribution to furthering India-Vietnam relations.

    Jaishankar was an official visit to Vietnam from October 15 to 18 at the invitation of Vietnam’s Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.

    EAM Jaishankar called on Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and also held discussions with the Chairman of the External Relations Commission of the Communist Party of Vietnam Le Hoai Trung.

    “The two Ministers co-chaired the 18th India-Vietnam Joint Commission Meeting on economic, trade, scientific and technological cooperation and reviewed progress on India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership including bilateral cooperation in various fields,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

    They both signed agreed minutes of the Joint Commission meeting outlining ways to enhance trade, business exchanges, economic cooperation in the energy, financial, mineral, information technology, healthcare, agriculture, connectivity, defence and security, advanced technologies, education and training, development cooperation, justice, tourism, think-tank, cultural and people-level exchanges.

    Moreover, they also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

    India and Vietnam enjoy longstanding close ties, mutual trust and appreciation for each other.

    “The two sides recognized that as two fast-growing economies, there are emerging opportunities to intensify trade, business and economic exchanges.” the statement added, further noting that the defence and security cooperation which are the key pillars of their engagement will also be deepened.

    Furthermore, close bonds of affinity and culture among the people visible in Buddhist connections, the popularity of yoga, academic ties, heritage monuments, cultural exchanges and province-level engagements will also be enhanced.

    During Jaishankar’s visit to Vietnam, the two ministers visited the historical Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi where a Bodhi tree presented by the then President of India to the Vietnamese President was planted 64 years ago. The tree symbolised the shared heritage of Buddhism between the two countries.  (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar meets Vietnamese PM

    Jaishankar meets Vietnamese PM

    During his visit, the EAM unveiled the bust of Rabindranath Tagore in Bac Ninh province of Vietnam and watched a performance by the Quan Ho Art Theater group…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Monday and valued his guidance for further development of India-Vietnam ties.

    “Honoured to call on PM Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam today evening. Conveyed the greetings of PM @narendramodi. Valued his guidance for the further development of our bilateral relationship. A stronger India-Vietnam partnership contributes to a stable, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” the EAM wrote on ‘X’.

    The EAM on Monday also met the Chairman of the External Relation Commission of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Le Hoai Trung.

    “A useful exchange of views with Le Hoai Trung, Chairman of the External Relation Commission of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The convergent approach of India and Vietnam on key regional and global issues was manifest,” Jaishankar wrote on ‘X’.

    Jaishankar also addressed the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam on “India in the Indo-Pacific” and “discussed why cooperating in the Indo-Pacific construct is in our shared interests. Underlined the significance of ASEAN centrality and highlighted the contribution of the Quad.”

    “Brought out how India and Vietnam, with their independent mindset, can promote a multipolar and rules-based global order,” the EAM wrote on ‘X’.

    The EAM is on an official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of his counterpart Bui Thanh Son.

    During his visit, the EAM unveiled the bust of Rabindranath Tagore in Bac Ninh province of Vietnam and watched a performance by the Quan Ho Art Theater group.

    Jaishankar shared about the event saying, “Witnessed a great performance by Quan Ho Art Theater group from Bac Ninh province. The group will travel to India for the 9th India International Dance and Music Festival in New Delhi.”

    Later on, the minister also interacted with the members of the Indian diaspora and visited the Phat Tich Pagoda Buddhist Cultural Centre in Bac Ninh province.

    EAM shared on X, “Good to interact with members of the Indian community in Bac Ninh province.”

    He added, “The India and Vietnam civilizational connection is so visible at the Phat Tich pagoda in Bac Ninh. Appreciate the warmth of my welcome.”

    Phat Tich Pagoda is a Buddhist cultural centre that contains the cultural and sculptural values of the Ly Dynasty.

    During his visit to the centre, the EAM also met with the Most Ven. Thich Thanh Nhieu of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.

    EAM posted about his interaction on X saying, “Good to meet Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha at Phat Tich. Appreciated his positive sentiments about spirituality, yoga, art & culture.” (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar Interacts With Indian Diaspora in Vietnam

    Jaishankar Interacts With Indian Diaspora in Vietnam

    EAM shared on X, “Good to interact with members of the Indian community in Bac Ninh province.”…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar unveiled the bust of Rabindranath Tagore at Bac Ninh province of Vietnam and watched a performance by Quan Ho Art Theater group on Sunday.

    EAM Jaishankar shared about the event saying, “Witnessed a great performance by Quan Ho Art Theater group from Bac Ninh province. The group will travel to India for the 9th India International Dance and Music Festival in New Delhi.”

    Later on, the Minister also interacted with the members of the Indian diaspora and visited the Phat Tich Pagoda Buddhist cultural centre in Bac Ninh province.

    EAM shared on X, “Good to interact with members of the Indian community in Bac Ninh province.”

    He added, “The India and Vietnam civilizational connect is so visible at the Phat Tich pagoda in Bac Ninh. Appreciate the warmth of my welcome.”

    Phat Tich Pagoda – a Buddhist cultural center that contains cultural and sculptural values of the Ly Dynasty.

    During his visit to the centre, he also met with the Most Ven. Thich Thanh Nhieu of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.

    EAM posted about his interaction on X saying, ” Good to meet Most Ven. Thich Thanh Nhieu of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha at Phat Tich. Appreciated his positive sentiments about spirituality, yoga, art & culture.”

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Vietnam on Sunday, for his four-day visit during which he will be co-chairing the 18th Joint Commission meeting.

    Jaishankar received a warm personal welcome from Vietnam Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bui Thanh Son at Tran Quoc pagoda.

    “Arrived in Vietnam today. Thank you @FMBuiThanhSon for the warm personal welcome at the renowned Tran Quoc pagoda. Looking forward to co-chairing the 18th Joint Commission Meeting tomorrow,” Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter).

    He also visited the historical Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi which shares age-old links between India and Vietnam.

    “Visited the historical Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi. The age-old links between India and Vietnam are symbolized by the Bodhi tree here. Was gifted by President Rajendra Prasad in 1959 to President Ho Chi Minh,” Jaishankar stated.

    Notably, EAM is on an official visit at the invitation of his counterpart Bui Thanh Son.

    He will co-chair the 18th meeting of the India-Vietnam Joint Commission on Economic, Trade, Scientific, and Technological Cooperation with his Vietnamese counterpart, the MEA stated.

    During the visit, EAM will also visit Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and is expected to hold talks with the Vietnamese leadership. He will also meet members of the Indian community and unveil Mahatma Gandhi’s Bust in Ho Chi Minh City.

    India and Vietnam share a robust Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Vietnam is a key member of our Act East Policy. EAM’s visit will provide an opportunity to review progress in several areas and discuss ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation, according to MEA.

    Following the visit to Vietnam, Jaishankar will leave for Singapore on an official visit from October 19-20. (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar’s Security Upgraded to Z Category

    Jaishankar’s Security Upgraded to Z Category

    The decision was taken by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs based on a threat analysis report from the Intelligence Bureau (IB)…reports Asian Lite News

    The Central government has upgraded the security cover of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar from the ‘Y’ category to ‘Z’, official sources said on Thursday.

    The decision was taken by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs based on a threat analysis report from the Intelligence Bureau (IB).

    The MHA, following the IB report, has directed the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to take charge of his security which was so far being covered by the Delhi Police.

    Jaishankar, 68, is currently being provided round-the-clock security cover by an armed team of the Delhi Police under the ‘Y’ category.

    Now, the External Affairs Minister will be protected by the CRPF personnel under the larger ‘Z’ security cover that includes over a dozen armed commandos during movement and stay of the protectee round the clock in shifts across the country, the sources added.

    The CRPF is currently providing VIP security cover to 176-odd protectees comprising Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and 24 protectees who got the facility in the recent past on a temporary basis considering the upcoming elections.

    Operation Ajay

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar chaired a meeting today to review preparations for “Operation Ajay”, to bring back Indian citizens stuck in Israel.

    The registration for Indian citizens has begun on Thursday, according to sources.

    India on Wednesday launched ‘Operation Ajay’ to bring back its citizens stuck in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

    Ministry of External Affairs Official Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi took to his social media ‘X’ and stated, that the MEA team stands ready to assist Indian citizens to return home.

    “EAM @DrSJaishankar chaired a meeting today to review preparations for #OperationAjay. #TeamMEA stands ready to assist our citizens to return home,” the post read.

    As Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Operation Ajay to bring back Indian citizens stuck in Israel, registration of Indians began on Thursday, according to sources.

    There are around 18,000 Indian citizens in Israel, including 1 thousand Indian students, Israel’s Consulate General to Midwest India, Kobbi Shoshani said.

    According to the officials, the first flight is likely to depart from Tel Aviv on Thursday evening, sources said.

    Meanwhile, the Indian embassy in Israel shared an update on their social media stating that Deputy Chief of Mission Rajiv Bodwade and Commercial Representative Naveen Ramakrishna had interacted with Indian companies in Israel to extend all possible help.

    “DCM Rajiv Bodwade and Commercial Rep Naveen Ramakrishna interacted with Indian companies in Israel to help clear their doubts and extend all possible help,” the Indian embassy in Israel said.

    Operation Ajay: First Flight Brings 212 Indian Citizens Home

    Meanwhile, Israel’s Consul General to Midwest India, Kobbi Shoshani on Thursday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for launching ‘Operation Ajay’, under which India is planning to bring back around 18,000 Indians in Israel.

    Shoshani further emphasized that Israel loved and respected the Indian business community in Israel as it contributed a lot to their economy.

    “The Indian business community that we love and respect so much contribute to our economy in a big way,” he added.

    Additionally, Israel’s Consul General stressed that the Israeli government is doing its best to assist the Indian embassy in Tel Aviv in Operation Ajay. (ANI)

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  • ‘Jaishankar held secret meet with Canadian counterpart’

    ‘Jaishankar held secret meet with Canadian counterpart’

    Jaishankar was in Washington DC in the last week of September and met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and NSA Jake Sullivan…reports Asian Lite News

    In an indication of back-channel talks following the diplomatic row between Delhi and Ottawa after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged a potential India government link to the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly met last month in Washington DC, according to UK-based daily Financial Times.

    While there was no official word on the meeting from the Indian side, the FT report said, “Joly held a secret meeting with India’s foreign minister S Jaishankar in Washington, said people familiar with the situation.”

    The report also said “Ottawa was trying to resolve the situation with New Delhi, which had warned that diplomats who stayed beyond the deadline would lose diplomatic immunity, said several people familiar with the situation. One Canadian official said Ottawa had not withdrawn any diplomats ahead of the deadline.”

    Delhi had asked Ottawa to withdraw about 40 of its diplomats to bring parity with the Indian diplomatic presence in Canada.

    Jaishankar was in Washington DC in the last week of September and met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and NSA Jake Sullivan.

    While there, Jaishankar had said that the Canada issue did come up in his discussions with Blinken and Sullivan. Blinken had “urged” India to “cooperate fully” with the ongoing Canadian investigation into Nijjar’s killing.

    At the Hudson Institute in Washington DC, Jaishankar, responding to a question whether the Canada issue was discussed, had said, “To your question… Yes, I did with Jake Sullivan and Tony Blinken… They shared US views and assessments on this whole situation and I explained to them at some length… a summary of the concerns I had. I think hopefully we both came out better informed.”

    And, on the state of play between India and Canada on the allegations, Jaishankar said that the Canadian Prime Minister made some allegations “initially privately” and “then publicly”.

    “Our response to him, both in private and public, was that his allegation was not consistent with our policy. And if he had, his government had anything relevant and specific, we would look into,” he said. “We were open to looking at it now. That’s where that conversation is at this point of time,” he said.

    It is possible that Jaishankar and Joly would have met in Washington DC. At that point of time, there was no word about their meeting in the US.

    Washington emerged as a key interlocutor between Delhi and Ottawa – Canada is a close US ally and India a strong strategic partner.

    In early October, Foreign Minister Joly had said that she will continue to engage “privately” with India. She had told reporters in Ottawa that the Canadian government believes in having a “strong diplomatic footprint” in India.

    “We are in contact with the Government of India. We take Canadian diplomats’ safety very seriously, and we will continue to engage privately because we think that diplomatic conversations are best when they remain private,” she had said. “In moments of tensions – because indeed there are tensions between both our governments more than ever – it’s important that diplomats be on the ground, and that’s why we believe in the importance of having a strong diplomatic footprint in India,” she was quoted saying by Global News

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  • Jaishankar in Colombo For IORA Meet

    Jaishankar in Colombo For IORA Meet

    During the visit, Jaishankar will also have bilateral meetings in Colombo…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reached Colombo on Tuesday on a three-day visit during which he will attend the 23rd Council of Ministers (COM) meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

    This is Jaishankar’s second visit to Sri Lanka this year.

    “EAM will attend the 23rd Council of Ministers’ (COM) meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) on October 11, hosted by Sri Lanka, the current IORA Chair,” Ministry of External Affairs said in a release.

    At the meeting, India will assume the Vice-Chair role of IORA for 2023-25, leading to chairship in 2025-27.

    The Council of Ministers will review IORA’s recent activities and outline future cooperation.

    “Glad to be back in Colombo. Thank Dr. Suren Raghavan, State Minister for Higher Education for welcoming me. Will be attending the 23rd IORA Council of Ministers meeting,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.

    During the visit, Jaishankar will also have bilateral meetings in Colombo.

    The External Affairs Minister visited Sri Lanka earlier in January this year, where he met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and discussed bilateral cooperation, including transport and education.

    Jaishankar had said that it is natural for India to stand by Sri Lanka during its difficult time.

    Sri Lanka, which has battled economic difficulties, had in January thanked India for issuing guarantees sought by the IMF for unlocking USD 2.9 billion bailout package. (ANI)

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