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  • Jaishankar chairs Parliamentary panel meet, discusses India-US ties

    Jaishankar chairs Parliamentary panel meet, discusses India-US ties

    This is despite the fact that India didn’t oppose when China was considered for UNSC, Jaishankar told MPs, according to sources…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday chaired a meeting of the Parliamentary consultative committee for External Affairs in which the developments in the India-US relationship were discussed.

    Taking to Twitter, which is now X, Jaishankar said, “The Parliamentary Consultative Committee for External Affairs considered recent developments in the India-US relationship today.”

    Jaishankar said that the discussion was held in a positive atmosphere aiming that the benefits that these ties can bring to the nation.

    During the meeting, the members of the committee also appreciated the landmark state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the external affairs minister said.

    “The Parliamentary Consultative Committee for External Affairs considered recent developments in the India-US relationship today. An engaging discussion held in a positive atmosphere on the benefits that these ties bring to the nation. Value the non-partisan support for growth of this vital partnership and appreciation of PM@narendramodi’s landmark State Visit,” Jaishankar posted on X.

    Prime Minister Modi was on a state visit to the US from June 21-24, during which he led a special yoga event at the UN Headquarters, held bilateral talks with US President Joe Biden at the White House and also addressed the UN Congress.

    ‘China only P5 nation opposing India’s UNSC entry’

    China is the only country among five permanent members of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) which is opposing India’s entry into the highest body of UN, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said at the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for External Affairs meeting on Saturday.

    This is despite the fact that India didn’t oppose when China was considered for UNSC, Jaishankar told MPs, according to sources.

    The meeting was attended by MPs from several parties including DMK’s Tiruch Siva, BJD’s Sujeet Kumar, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, RJD’s Premchand Gupta, and JDU’s Anil Hegde. During the parliamentary consultative committee meeting, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra made a presentation on the recent developments in the India-US relationship and the state visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    “The Parliamentary Consultative Committee for External Affairs considered recent developments in the India-US relationship today. An engaging discussion held in a positive atmosphere on the benefits that these ties bring to the nation. Value the non-partisan support for growth of this vital partnership and appreciation of PM Narendra Modi’s landmark state visit,” Jaishankar tweeted.

    During the meeting members asked several questions on the impact of Indo-US strengthening relations on India-China relations. Responding to questions of MPs from across party lines, the minister said that India’s foreign policy is guided by its own national interest and China itself has immensely benefited in terms of trade and technology from its relations with the US.It appears that China preaches it does not practice the same, Jaishankar suggested, adding that as far as Indo-US relations are concerned, the views of both countries converge on the issue of counter terrorism, sources said.

    On importing oil from Russia, Jaishankar said India is free to take all necessary measures for its energy security and other countries respect this fact, they said. (ANI)

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  • FM Jaishankar virtually attends BRICS summit

    FM Jaishankar virtually attends BRICS summit

    Jaishankar called the meeting as ‘useful’ conversation for taking the BRICS agenda forward….reports Asian Lite News

    Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar on Thursday attended the BRICS Foreign Ministers virtual summit, focussing on the annual summit in South Africa next month.

    BRICS is a grouping of five nations — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar called the meeting as ‘useful’ conversation for taking the BRICS agenda forward.

    “Participated with Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa in the extraordinary BRICS Foreign Ministers’ virtual meeting today. A useful conversation for taking the BRICS agenda forward. And preparing for the summit meeting,” Jaishankar said in his tweet.

    South Africa will host the 15th BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg’s Sandton from August 22-24.

    South Africa became Chair of BRICS on 1 January 2023 under the theme: “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism”.

    Earlier on Wednesday, South Africa informed that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not travel to the country for the summit. Later, Kremlin informed that Putin will virtually participate in the summit.

    “The theme informs the Chair’s five priorities for 2023 – Developing a partnership towards an equitable Just Transition; Transforming education and skills development for the future; Unlocking opportunities through the African Continental Free Trade Area; Strengthening post-pandemic socio-economic recovery and the attainment of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development; Strengthening multilateralism, including working towards real reform of global governance institutions and strengthening the meaningful participation of women in peace processes,” according to the official statement.

    Notably, the first BRICS Summit was held in Russia in 2009. After the formation of BRICS, South Africa was invited to join the group in 2010.

    The 14th BRICS Summit was held virtually in June 2022 under the theme: Foster High-quality BRICS Partnership, Usher in a New Era for Global Development”. (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar wraps up productive 2-nation visit to SE Asia

    Jaishankar wraps up productive 2-nation visit to SE Asia

    Jaishankar advanced India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East’ policies, which aim to strengthen India’s ties with its neighbours and promote regional integration….reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has wrapped up a productive six-day, two-nation visit to Indonesia and Thailand from July 12-18, 2023. The visit to these South-East Asian nations saw him attend meetings under the India-ASEAN format, the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat as well as the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of the Mekong Ganga Cooperation Mechanism (MCG).

    During his visit, he advanced India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East’ policies, which aim to strengthen India’s ties with its neighbours and promote regional integration.

    MEETINGS WITH ASEAN MINISTERS

    EAM Jaishankar co-chaired the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers with Singapore’s Indian-origin Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan in Jakarta, Indonesia on July 13, 2023. He later described the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers meeting as “warm and productive”. He also highlighted the implementation of discussions held and the targeted areas of focus extending to inter and intra country issues.

    On the sidelines, EAM Jaishankar met Foreign Minister Balakrishnan separately. He noted the progress in implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Singapore. He also had a productive meeting with Brunei’s Foreign Minister Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof, discussing the steady growth of bilateral cooperation and focusing on enhancing trade, food security, mobility, and space cooperation.

    During his stay in Indonesia, he met his counterparts under the ASEAN framework in the format of ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit, and ASEAN Regional Forum.

    In a string of tweets, he expressed his pleasure in meeting Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai and discussing regional concerns and shared connectivity interests. He mentioned discussing economic issues and the Ukraine conflict with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. He also met New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta and his South Korean counterpart Park Jin.

    Additionally, he held meetings with his counterparts from several other countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, Laos, and Vietnam, and discussed bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual concern.

    BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat

    In Bangkok, Thailand, EAM Jaishankar attended the inaugural Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Foreign Ministers’ Retreat on July 17, 2023. The retreat brought together foreign ministers from all seven BIMSTEC member countries, namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, which currently holds the chairmanship of BIMSTEC.

    During the retreat, the ministers engaged in extensive discussions focused on enhancing “resilience and coordination” among themselves. The primary aim of these discussions was to explore strategies and approaches that would lead to strengthened growth and the promotion of prosperity for all involved parties.

    The retreat provided a valuable platform for the ministers to deliberate on various challenges and opportunities faced by their respective countries or region. The two meetings sought to identify ways to effectively navigate and mitigate potential risks and uncertainties, from economic fluctuations, to geopolitical tensions.

    These open dialogues constructively aimed to strengthen their bonds and extend a collaborative agreement in the pursuit of shared goals.

    After assessing the outcomes of these meetings, the ministers reached a consensus to conduct such gatherings on a regular basis, preferably in the first quarter of each year.

    In addition to attending the BIMSTEC retreat, EAM Jaishankar also participated in the 12th Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of the Mekong Ganga Cooperation Mechanism (MGC) in Bangkok.

    It is a collaborative initiative involving six countries, namely India and five members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. The primary objective of the MGC is to promote cooperation in various sectors, including tourism, culture, education, as well as transport and communications.

    The platform is an ideal propeller of bilateral and regional strengthening and has executed multiple joint initiatives in the identified areas of cooperation. Topics of discussion this year generally involved the promotion of travel and tourism between borders, cultural investments, joint developmental initiatives in academia and improved inter border connectivity.

    During the MGC meeting, EAM Jaishankar specifically focused on strengthening relations with Asia-Pacific countries and discussed global issues such as SDGs and climate change. He also discussed connectivity initiatives that have a larger regional significance and stressed the importance of expediting projects that have faced challenges in the recent past, especially the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway.

    On the sidelines of the BIMSTEC and MGC meetings, he also called on Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and met with Myanmar Foreign Minister Than Swe to discuss expediting projects, especially the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway, and underlined the importance of ensuring peace and stability in the border areas. (India News Network)

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  • Jaishankar pushes for common objective to push growth at BIMSTEC

    Jaishankar pushes for common objective to push growth at BIMSTEC

    BIMSTEC Retreat was attended by Foreign Ministers of the member nations, India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand and Sri Lanka…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who attended the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat here on Monday, said the discussion focused on strengthening resilience and coordination among members, reflecting the challenges that the world confronts today.

    The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is an economic and technical initiative which brings together the countries of Bay of Bengal for multifaceted cooperation. Jaishankar said they explored new facets and activities to enter new areas of cooperation and food, health and energy security are common concerns.

    The minister said in a tweet that the common objective of members is to enhance growth and promote prosperity.

    “Just concluded a productive BIMSTEC Retreat in Bangkok. An open and forward looking discussion among colleagues. Focused on strengthening resilience and coordination among BIMSTEC members, reflecting the challenges that we all confront today,” he said.

    “Explored new facets and activities to enter new areas of cooperation. Food, health and energy security are common concerns. Technology solutions can be subject for both collaboration and exchange of best practices. Our common objective is to enhance growth and promote prosperity. Agreed to meet more frequently to take these ideas further,” he added.

    BIMSTEC Retreat was attended by Foreign Ministers of the member nations, India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

    The BIMSTEC has rotating chairmanship. The leaders agreed to meet more frequently to take these ideas further. BIMSTEC is a regional multilateral organisation. Its members lie in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal constituting a contiguous regional unity. BIMSTEC not only connects South and Southeast Asia but also the ecologies of the Great Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal.

    It mainly aims to create an enabling environment for rapid economic development; accelerate social progress; and promote collaboration on matters of common interest in the region. Jaishankar, who was in Jakarta earlier, attended the Foreign Ministers’ Meetings under the ASEAN framework.

    In Bangkok, he also participated in the 12th Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Mechanism on July 16. MGC is one of the oldest mechanisms of the lower Mekong region and is guided by India’s Act East Policy.​  (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar, Blinken wear colourful, printed shirts at East Asia Summit

    Jaishankar, Blinken wear colourful, printed shirts at East Asia Summit

    External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken were seen wearing colourful, printed shirts while attending the East Asia Summit (EAS) in Jakarta, Indonesia.

    Jaishankar and Blinken had attended the13th EAS Foreign Ministers’ meeting on Friday in the Indonesian capital.

    The External Affairs Minister had shared a photo on Twitter with the Secretary of State in which Jaishankar wore a blue printed shirt, while Blinken’s was in the shades of brown, blue and white.

    In his tweet, Jaishankar said: “Pleasure to meet Sec Blinken. Followed up on PM Narendra Modi’s  recent visit to the US. Also exchanged views on Ukraine, Myanmar and Indo-Pacific.”

    While speaking at the meeting, Jaishankar said that India firmly supported the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and its implementation through EAS.

    “There is great synergy between the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) proposed by India and AOIP,” he added.

    He said that Quad will always complement ASEAN and ASEAN-led mechanisms as AOIP contributes to the vision of the Quad.

    Quad is an informal strategic forum comprising of four nations, namely the US, India, Australia and Japan.

    One of the primary objectives of the Quad is to work for a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

    Jaishankar further added that India affirms ASEAN’s centrality in the Indo-Pacific and advocates the strengthening of the EAS.

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  • ASEAN is pillar of India’s Act East policy, says Jaishankar  

    ASEAN is pillar of India’s Act East policy, says Jaishankar  

    He also recalled how last year, the 30th anniversary of ASEAN India relations were celebrated and was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership…reports Asian Lite News

    Describing ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations) as a crucial pillar of India’s Act East Policy, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said it plays an important role in the emerging dynamic of the Indo-Pacific.

    Delivering his remarks at the opening session of the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference in Jakarta on Thursday, the EAM said, “ASEAN is a crucial pillar of India’s Act East policy and its vision for the wider Indo-Pacific. A strong and unified ASEAN plays an important role in the emerging dynamic of the Indo-Pacific. India firmly supports ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific.” The External Affairs Minister is on a six-day visit to Indonesia and Thailand since July 12 and his overseas engagements in these two countries will culminate on July 18.

    “As comprehensive strategic partners, we look forward to working with ASEAN to further expand our partnership to include newer areas while strengthening existing cooperations. I refer here, especially to cyber, financial and maritime security domains,” Jaishankar said.

    He also recalled how last year, the 30th anniversary of ASEAN India relations were celebrated and was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

    “And this was done with a host of activities, which focused on all dimensions of our partnership, including the first Foreign Minister’s meeting in Delhi, an exchange of parliamentary delegations, an artist camp, a music festival, the first-ever Defense Minister’s meeting. It closed with the first ASEAN India maritime exercise in May 2023,” Jaishankar said.

    Earlier, on Thursday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Jakarta and deliberated on the Ukraine conflict among other issues.

    The two ministers, who met on the sidelines of the ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations) events in Jakarta on Thursday, also held discussions on bilateral economic issues.

    Jaishankar is in Jakarta for the Foreign Ministers’ Meetings under the ASEAN framework in the format, ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum on July 13-14. (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar meet Lavrov in Jakarta

    Jaishankar meet Lavrov in Jakarta

    The two ministers, who met on the sidelines of the ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations) events in Jakarta …reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Jakarta on Thursday, deliberating on the Ukraine conflict among other issues.
    The two ministers, who met on the sidelines of the ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations) events in Jakarta on Thursday, also held discussions on bilateral economic issues. Taking to Twitter, the EAM posted, “Met with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov of Russia in Jakarta today. Discussed bilateral economic issues, as also matters pertaining to the Ukraine conflict.”

    The Russian Foreign Ministry also tweeted about the meeting between Jaishankar and Lavrov on Thursday.
    “Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Minister of External Affairs of India Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar hold talks on the sidelines of the #ASEAN events,” the Russian Foreign Ministry tweeted.
    Earlier, on Wednesday, the External Affairs Minister (EAM) met ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn in Indonesia, suggesting India-ASEAN dialogues in finance, cyber and maritime domains.
    “Started my engagements in Indonesia with a meeting with ASEAN Secretary General Dr Kao Kim Hourn. Discussed the development of our comprehensive strategic partnership. Suggested India-ASEAN dialogues in finance, cyber and maritime domains,” EAM Jaishankar tweeted on Wednesday.
    The EAM said the ASEAN relationship paves the way for the Indo-Pacific Vision. “India is therefore deeply committed to the principle of ASEAN centrality,” Jaishankar wrote.
    EAM Jaishankar is on a six-day visit to Indonesia and Thailand since July 12 and his overseas engagements in these two countries will culminate on July 18.
    In the first leg of his visit, the EAM will reach Indonesia to attend Foreign Ministers’ Meetings under the ASEAN on July 13-14 and then jet off to Thailand for the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC), a release from the Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday.
    Jaishankar is in Jakarta for the Foreign Ministers’ Meetings under the ASEAN framework in the format, ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum on July 13-14. (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar meets ASEAN Secretary-General

    Jaishankar meets ASEAN Secretary-General

    Jaishankar will visit Jakarta, Indonesia for the Foreign Ministers’ Meetings under the ASEAN framework in the format, ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum on July 13-14…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Wednesday met ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn in Indonesia, and suggested India-ASEAN dialogues in finance, cyber and maritime domains.

    “Started my engagements in Indonesia with a meeting with ASEAN Secretary General Dr Kao Kim Hourn. Discussed the development of our comprehensive strategic partnership. Suggested India-ASEAN dialogues in finance, cyber and maritime domains,” EAM Jaishankar tweeted on Wednesday. “Noted the ongoing work in energy, disaster management and health and wellness. Agreed to expand our Track II engagement,” Jaishankar further wrote.

    The EAM said the ASEAN relationship paves the way for the Indo-Pacific Vision. “India is therefore deeply committed to the principle of ASEAN centrality,” Jaishankar wrote.

    EAM Jaishankar on Friday also met Malaysia Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir.

    “Great to meet the Foreign Minister of Malaysia Dr Zambry Adbul Kadir. Discussed our expanding bilateral cooperation. Exchanged views on ASEAN-related issues. Look forward to welcoming him in India,” the EAM tweeted on Wednesday.

    EAM Jaishankar is on a six-day visit to Indonesia, Thailand from July 12-18.

    In the first leg of his visit, the EAM will reach Indonesia to attend Foreign Ministers’ Meetings under the ASEAN on July 13-14 and then he will go to Thailand for the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC), a release from the Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday.

    Jaishankar will visit Jakarta, Indonesia for the Foreign Ministers’ Meetings under the ASEAN framework in the format, ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum on July 13-14.

    The External Affairs Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from other countries. India’s engagement with this ASEAN-centered regional architecture signifies India’s strong commitment to ASEAN centrality in the Indo-Pacific.

    ​After Jakarta, the EAM will travel to Bangkok, Thailand to participate in the 12th Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Mechanism on July 16, 2023.

    MGC is one of the oldest mechanisms of the lower Mekong region and is guided by India’s Act East Policy.

    ​In Bangkok, the EAM will also attend the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Foreign Ministers’ Retreat on July 17, 2023.

    BIMSTEC is an economic and technical initiative which brings together the countries of the Bay of Bengal for multifaceted cooperation. The retreat would discuss ways to further deepen the BIMSTEC agenda and strengthen the organisation. (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar to visit Indonesia, Thailand

    Jaishankar to visit Indonesia, Thailand

    Jaishankar will visit Jakarta, Indonesia for the Foreign Ministers’ Meetings under the ASEAN framework…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will embark on a six-day visit to two nations from July 12-18. In the first leg of his visit, the EAM will reach Indonesia to attend Foreign Ministers’ Meetings under the ASEAN on July 13-14 and then he will go to Thailand for the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC), a release from the Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday.

    Jaishankar will visit Jakarta, Indonesia for the Foreign Ministers’ Meetings under the ASEAN framework in the format, ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum on July 13-14. The External Affairs Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from other countries. India’s engagement with this ASEAN-centered regional architecture signifies India’s strong commitment to ASEAN centrality in the Indo-Pacific.

    ​After Jakarta, EAM will travel to Bangkok, Thailand to participate in the 12th Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Mechanism on July 16, 2023.

    MGC is one of the oldest mechanisms of the lower Mekong region and is guided by India’s Act East Policy.

    ​In Bangkok, EAM will also attend the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Foreign Ministers’ Retreat on 17 July 2023.

    BIMSTEC is an economic and technical initiative which brings together the countries of the Bay of Bengal for multifaceted cooperation. The retreat would discuss ways to further deepen the BIMSTEC agenda and strengthen the organisation. (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar holds talks with Tanzanian President  

    Jaishankar holds talks with Tanzanian President  

    Apart from defence, the two leaders also discussed maritime cooperation and capacity building…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on the President of Tanzania Samia Hassan on Saturday and discussed ties in defence and security.

    The External Affairs Minister also conveyed the personal greeting of President Droupadi Murmu to her. “Honoured to call on President Samia Hassan of Tanzania. Conveyed the personal greetings of President @rashtrapatibhvn and PM @narendramodi. Thank her for the warm sentiments expressed about our development activities,” Jaishankar tweeted.

    Apart from Defence, the two leaders also discussed maritime cooperation and capacity building.

    “Our water partnership and ICT collaboration have already made a strong impact. The IIT campus will take our ties to new heights. Also discussed ties in defense and security, maritime cooperation and capacity building. Appreciate Tanzania’s positive view of India’s G20 presidency and Global South initiatives,” Jaishankar added.

    Earlier today, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with Chama Cha Mapinduzi’s Vice Chairman Abdulrahman Kinana. He called it useful to share views on political cooperation while stressing on the need to strengthen exchanges between India and Tanzania.

    Taking to his official Twitter handle, Jaishankar stated, “Delighted to meet again Abdulrahman Kinana, vice Chairman of @ccm_tanzania today shortly after his New Delhi visit. Useful to share views on our political cooperation and on the need to strengthen exchanges.”

    Jaishankar, who is on a four-day visit to Tanzania, on Friday, took part in the regional ambassadorial conference while also inaugurating the bust of Swami Vivekananda at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre on Friday.

    The regional Ambassadorial conference was attended by representatives from Angola, Burundi, Congo, Swaziland, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

    Terming the conference, a “productive” one, Jaishankar said he took stock of India’s relations with the above-mentioned African countries and “underlined India’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Africa and the Global South.”

    The EAM also inaugurated the bust of Swami Vivekananda at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Dar es Salaam.

    In his address, the External Affairs Minister said, “It’s really a very momentous occasion today as we inaugurate a bust for one of the greatest spiritual leaders and philosophers of India, Swami Vivekananda.”

    “This bust certainly stands in testimony to his kindest teachings which have transcended boundaries and actually underline his message of faith in humanity,” he added.

    Earlier, Jaishankar attended the India-Tanzania business conclave, where he delivered an address highlighting the trade deal between the two countries. He also took a walk through Dar es Salaam’s famous Temple Street and experienced the local flavours there.

    While co-chairing the 10th India-Tanzania Joint Commission Meeting in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, Jaishankar called the two nations “important trade partners” and added that bilateral relations have always been strong since independence.

    Jaishankar said both India and Tanzania share a very robust economic engagement, by growing development cooperation, and by excellent cooperation in the multilateral forum. He said that the ties between the two countries are characterized by high-level visits. During his opening remarks at the 10th India-Tanzania Joint Commission Meeting in Dar es Salaam today, the External Affairs Minister said, “As you noted, Minister, we are very important trade partners. For us, Tanzania is the fourth-largest trade partner in Africa. It is the biggest development partner in the continent, and I am truly pleased that the current momentum is now developing into a growing ambit of cooperation, and I would like to reaffirm India’s commitment to strengthen and deepen our relations with Tanzania.”

    During the joint commission meeting, emerging areas of interest were discussed and the two sides exchanged views on international issues.

    “I would particularly like to mention our water partnership because we are immensely proud of the fact that in the last few years, that initiative has helped to transform the lives of millions of Tanzanians, and on this occasion, we will be taking forward a new flagship initiative, which is the first-ever global campus of the globally renowned Indian Institute of Technology, and I had the honour to witness the signature of the agreement to that effect when I was in Zanzibar,” Jaishankar said.

    Further, Jaishankar also mentioned India’s ongoing G20 Presidency and added that New Delhi is pursuing its chairmanship through a process of close consultations with partners from Global South.

    He said, “As many of you are aware, India has assumed the G20 presidency since December 2022. Our theme is One Earth, One Family, One Future, and that theme is very much reflected in my visit to Tanzania as well. We are pursuing our G20 presidency through a process of close consultations with our partners of the Global South, and I would like to recognize that Tanzania was one of the countries which actively participated in the Voice of the Global South Summit, which was organized by us in January 2023. We look forward to Tanzania’s continued support, not just in our G20 presidency, but in other international initiatives.”

    Jaishankar underlined how, despite the challenges of COVID, the bilateral trade between India and Tanzania reached new heights. He thanked the Tanzanian Government for creating a positive, enabling environment for India’s business communities to expand their activities. (ANI)

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