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  • Jaishankar, Brazilian FM hold talks ahead of key G20 meet

    Jaishankar, Brazilian FM hold talks ahead of key G20 meet

    These all Foreign Ministers arrived in India to participate in G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meet, which is scheduled to take place on March 1-2…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira on Tuesday and discussed issues coming up at the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting.

    “Delighted to host FM Mauro Vieira of Brazil this evening. As G20 Troika members, discussed the issues coming up at the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Took note of the momentum in our bilateral relations, especially in the economic and energy domains,” Jaishankar said in a tweet. “Agreed to strengthen our multilateral cooperation, including in the UN, BRICS and IBSA,” he added.

    Earlier today, Jaishankar met Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Appreciated his warm words for Operation Dost and all personnel involved. “Discussed the G20 agenda, the Ukraine conflict and our bilateral cooperation,” Jaishankar said in a tweet.

    He also met his Mauritius counterpart Alan Ganoo and tweeted, “Started my meetings on #G20FMM sidelines with FM Alan Ganoo of Mauritius. Value Mauritius’ participation in G20. Reiterated our commitment to Neighborhood First, SAGAR&Forward Africa policies. Discussed our robust development partnership & our strong multilateral cooperation.”

    Denmark’s Foreign Minister also came to India and met S Jaishankar. Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar said that they discussed the bilateral partnership that is growing from strength to strength. Also exchanged views on the state of the world. It calls for intensifying cooperation.

    “Welcomed Foreign Minister @JanLipavskyof the Czech Republic today evening in New Delhi. Our long-standing bilateral ties are expanding with regular contacts. Discussed opportunities in business, defence; space; education; S&T and innovation domains,” Jaishankar tweeted after meeting Czech Republic Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky.

    “Noted the advancing India-EU collaboration & convergence on the reliability of supply chains and digital trust & transparency. Agreed to continue our strong cooperation in multilateral forums. Exchanged views on developments in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, as well as global issues,” he added.

    These all Foreign Ministers arrived in India to participate in G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meet, which is scheduled to take place on March 1-2.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address the foreign ministers of the member countries of G20 and he will talk about India’s growing influence globally.

    The March 1-2 meeting of the G20 foreign ministers will be held days after a meeting of finance chiefs of the bloc in Bengaluru.

    The New Delhi meeting will be attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly. In all, representatives of 40 countries, including non-G20 members invited by India, and multilateral organisations will attend. (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar calls on Danish royal couple, discusses sustainability

    Jaishankar calls on Danish royal couple, discusses sustainability

    He will also meet President Droupadi Murmu, the MEA said in the press release. During the visit, the Danish royal couple will visit Chennai. They will depart from Chennai on March 2…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday called on Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik Andre Henrik Christian and Crown Princess Mary Elizabeth.

    During the meeting, Jaishankar and Denmark’s royal couple discussed sustainability and digital delivery. In a tweet, Jaishankar stated, “Shared with them various aspects of the New India in making. Our conversation covered sustainability and digital delivery in particular.”

    On Sunday, Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik Andre Henrik Christian and Crown Princess Mary Elizabeth visited the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra. The Danish royal couple arrived on Sunday on a four-day visit to India, starting February 26 to March 2.

    The official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi, took to his Twitter handle to inform about the arrival of Denmark’s Crown Prince and Crown Princess. He stated that the visit of the Danish royal couple will further strengthen and enhance the close and friendly ties between India and Denmark.

    Bagchi tweeted, “Their Royal Highness Crown Prince Frederik & Crown Princess Mary of Denmark arrive in India for a 4-day visit. This is the 1st Royal Visit from Denmark in two decades. Will further strengthen and enhance the close & friendly ties between our countries.”

    During the visit to India, Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik Andre Henrik Christian will hold a meeting with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. The Danish Crown Prince will address the opening session of the India-Denmark: Partners for Green & Sustainable Progress organized by CII.

    He will also meet President Droupadi Murmu, the MEA said in the press release. During the visit, the Danish royal couple will visit Chennai. They will depart from Chennai on March 2.

    According to MEA, the visit is the first ever from the Danish Royal family in two decades. Earlier, the Crown Prince travelled to India in 2003. Queen Margrethe II visited India in 2003 as a Crown Princess, according to the press release.

    The MEA, in its press release, said, “India and Denmark as vibrant and open democracies, share common values of a rules-based international order and convergence of views on significant multilateral issues”, adding, “The visit is expected to further strengthen and enhance the close and friendly ties between India and Denmark.” (ANI)

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  • G20 Presidency to showcase India’s ‘full diversity’: Jaishankar

    G20 Presidency to showcase India’s ‘full diversity’: Jaishankar

    FM Jaishankar was addressing the G20 Festival of Thinkers Summit at Symbiosis International University in Pune…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday called India’s G20 Presidency an “extraordinary opportunity” for the world to see the “full diversity” of India as about 200 meetings will take place in every state of the country during the process.

    He said this while addressing the G20 Festival of Thinkers Summit at Symbiosis International University in Pune. “The G20 process involves about 200 meetings, and these 200 meetings will be taking place in every state of India. We want to spread it across different regions so that this is an opportunity, really, it’s an extraordinary opportunity for actually the world to see India, the full diversity of India, because the impressions of the world very often are limited to the very sharp images of India,” Jaishankar said.

    He added, “When the world often thinks India, they actually think Delhi, or maybe a little bit beyond Delhi. So, how do we get the world to appreciate this enormous diversity that we have, the great heritage, the natural wonders that we have? So the whole idea is really, do the meetings across the country, different cities, different towns, and not just for the world to see.”

    Jaishankar stated, “It’s also a way today, when every state multiple, there are about 55-56 cities and towns which will be hosting G20, it’s also a way of getting India to be more and Indians to be more aware of the world.”

    External Affairs Minister said, “We are gathered here today because India got the G20 presidency. G20 is a gathering of the 20 biggest economies of the World. It’s not just a collection of 20 nations. G20 presidency is a very special responsibility at a difficult moment.”

    In his remarks at the G20 Festival of Thinkers Summit at Symbiosis International University in Pune, Jaishankar stated that India looks at G20 as an opportunity for people, especially the youth to develop an awareness of the world.

    He said, “We look at the G 20 not just as an event, not just as a program. We see it as an opportunity that our people, our citizens, and especially our youth today develop an awareness of the world, enhance an awareness, increase their interest, and for the world to have a better understanding of India at the same time.” He stressed that the mandate of G20 is to promote economic development and growth.

    Jaishankar spoke about International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Krystalina Georgieva’s remarks regarding India’s growth. He stated that Georgieva has said that 15 per cent of the world’s total growth this year is coming from India.

    Jaishankar said, “I would encourage you to read a set of remarks by the managing director of the IMF, Krystalina Georgieva. She has pointed out that in what is otherwise, frankly, a fairly gloomy global economic scenario, to have a country like India with this GDP base growing at seven per cent and likely to continue, if not actually increase it in the coming decade, that is something about which the world has great expectations.”

    “And, if I were to give it to you, you know, in India, I would say that, you know, we are growing at 7 per cent. Everybody feels okay. Good. I want you to see how the world looks like. Krystalina Georgieva tells us 15 per cent of the world’s growth this year is going to come from India. So we are 15 per cent singly, 15 per cent of the solution that the G20 is looking for in terms of economic growth and development,” he added.

    In his remarks at the G20 Festival of Thinkers Summit, Jaishankar emphasised the importance of Aadhar card. He stated, “The Aadhar number has become like a magic number. It is the backbone on which the daily existence of millions depends. Our digital image is growing. Countries including Japan, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Germany, and Portugal are coming to us for our talent.” (ANI)

    Khajuraho hosts first G20 Culture Working Group meet

    Thefirst meeting of the G-20 Culture Working Group was inaugurated in in Madhya Pradesh’s Khajuraho yesterday.

    Addressing the inaugural session, Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar said that culture is very important in maintaining mutual relations. Culture has the power to unite.  He further added that culture is also effective in boosting the economy. He hoped that this platform of G20 will contribute significantly to strengthening the culture.

    Union Minister of State for Culture Meenakshi Lekhi said that cultural equality and harmony in India are from our heritage. She said the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, One Earth, One Family and One Future and Integral Humanism are very old and India has always stood by them.

    Ms Lekhi informed that 25 idols have been brought back to India from abroad. During this first meeting of the Culture Working Group, various topics will be discussed. The meeting will continue till the 25th of this month.

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  • We are willing to help Russia, Ukraine, says Jaishankar

    We are willing to help Russia, Ukraine, says Jaishankar

    External Affairs Minister says New Delhi has goodwill and both Russia and Ukraine know that “if we can be of any use, we will be willing”…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that India’s relationship with major powers of the world is very good except for China and noted that New Delhi has goodwill and both Russia and Ukraine know that “if we can be of any use, we will be willing”.

    Jaishankar said India was involved in some intricacies and had played a role in relation to Ukraine’s concerns about the safety of the Zaporizhzhia power plant by passing some messages to Russia as well as the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency).

    Jaishankar said that the remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi made to Russian President Vladimir Putin during their meeting on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Uzbekistan in September last year is a widely shared sentiment. PM Modi had told President Putin “today is not the era of war”.

    The External Affairs Minister said PM Modi wants somewhere to create a momentum for peace and recalled that the Prime Minister has had conversations with both the Russian President and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

    “The sentiment that the Prime Minister voiced is a widely shared sentiment. It’s also a sentiment which is particularly strong in the countries of the South. You asked me what the voice of the global South…Today you have a huge number of countries in Africa, Asia, Central America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Pacific who feel that our issues are being put on the side and the entire oxygen is being sucked up by the Ukraine conflict. So nobody is really worrying about whether I get food and what cost I get food, what’s happening to fuel, fertilizers, and debt. And today remember, even middle-income countries are going into debt,” Jaishankar said.

    “What we want to do, and I think that was very much on the Prime Minister’s mind, he wants somewhere to create a momentum for peace. And I think that was his first public expression. Remember he had been talking to President Putin, and President Zelenskyy on the phone.. In practical ways, we have been helping out when this black sea grain deal was done, we did a little bit there to help. When I was in New York, the Ukrainian Prime Minister actually had some concerns about the safety of the nuclear power plant. So I spoke to our PM and then got his approval to both engage the Russians and pass on some messages there and IAEA as well,” he added.

    Jaishankar said developing countries were facing a shortage of fertilizers due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

    “We are working with the UN Secretary General on some issues, particularly, fertilizer because a lot of the countries of the global South, developing countries, are facing serious fertilizer securities because Russia is one of the biggest exporters of fertilizers. I think it would not be fair today to reduce a very complex issue, the Ukraine conflict to a binary of are you on this side or that side. Are you for peace or for war? I think it’s much more intricate than that and we are involved in some of the intricacies. But we have to wait and see where this goes,” he added.

    “What both Ukraine and Russia know is that if we can be of any use, we will be willing…our sort of capabilities and sort of goodwill is there for that. We have to wait and see where it goes,” he added.

    Answering a query, he said India’s relationship with Russia has been “extraordinarily steady” and “it has been steady through all the turbulence in global politics”.

    He also responded to opposition criticism about India’s foreign policy.

    “Opposition perhaps it is their job to criticise. It would be nice if they do it with a little bit more information and accuracy. But I do think some of what they say needs to be put through some kind of lens, some kind of filter.”

    Answering a query, the minister said China had violated border agreements by amassing troops in eastern Ladakh.

    He also said that QUAD has really been a “very, very effective mechanism.”

    “You asked me what your nine-year report card is. My relationship (India’s) with the major powers is very good. I grant that China is an exception. And it is an exception, please notice I said China. C-H-I-N-A. It is an exception because China has violated the agreements that we have and today has a posture on our border, for which I have to have a counter-posture,” he said.

    “But overall my relationship with the major powers, if you can call them, is very good. I think our relationship with Europe is probably the best ever we have had. Our relationship in the QUAD… The QUAD has really been a very, very effective mechanism,” he added. (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar reaches Maldives for talks, next stop Lanka

    Jaishankar reaches Maldives for talks, next stop Lanka

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a cordial and fruitful meeting with Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid in Manadhoo on Wednesday afternoon…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in the Maldives on Wednesday on the first leg of a two-nation visit that also includes Sri Lanka.

    Announcing the visit on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said both Maldives and Sri Lanka are India’s key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region. They occupy a special place in Prime Minister’s vision of ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and ‘Neighbourhood First’.

    “EAM’s visit is testimony to the importance that India attaches to its close and friendly relations with the Maldives and Sri Lanka,” the MEA had pointed out.

    “Delighted to arrive in Maldives for my fourth visit as External Affairs Minister. Thank FM @abdulla_shahid for the warm welcome. The synergies of India’s Neighborhood First and Maldives’ India First policies strengthen further,” EAM Jaishankar tweeted.

    He is scheduled to call on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and hold discussions with Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid.

    According to the MEA, the visit will see signing of agreements related to the bilateral development cooperation, ground-breaking/ inauguration/ handing-over and launch of a number of key India-supported projects that will contribute to the socio-economic development of the Maldives.

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a cordial and fruitful meeting with Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid in Manadhoo on Wednesday afternoon.

    During the meeting, they discussed the whole range of the unique bilateral relationship between India and the Maldives, covering development cooperation, capacity building, and people-to-people linkages.

    Taking to Twitter, EAM Jaishankar wrote, “Warm and productive meeting with Foreign Minister @abdulla_shahid in Manadhoo today afternoon. Discussed the full spectrum of our special bilateral partnership with focus on development cooperation, capacity building and people to people ties.”

    He added, “The partnership with India has made a real difference to the lives of people. My visit was an opportunity to see tangible results.”

    In addition, EAM Jaishankar witnessed the exchange of agreements and handovers for:

    Community development projects across Maldives.

    The construction of a sports complex in Gahdhoo.

    Academic collaboration between the Maldives National University and Cochin University.

    Sea ambulance to the Maldives Defense Force.

    According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maldives, both ministers noted the successful economic cooperation and the progress of projects that is being implemented under Indian grant assistance and line of credit schemes.

    They exchanged views and shared their visions relating to development cooperation, tourism cooperation, human resource development, multilateral engagements, and consular affairs between both countries, the ministry added.

    Additionally, Minister Shahid expressed gratitude to the Government of India for the constant support to facilitate and further develop economic, trade and investment ties between both countries, and for India’s commitment in the socioeconomic development of the Maldives.

    India hands over two Sea ambulances to Maldives

    India handed over two Sea Ambulances to Maldives on Wednesday that were procured under the Indian Grant Assistance scheme.

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid attended the handover ceremony held at Noonu Manadhoo today. A number of significant Memorandums of Understanding were exchanged between Maldives and India in various fields, as part of Jaishankar’s visit to Male. “During the ceremony, both Foreign Minister Shahid and External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar also witnessed the handover of two sea ambulances from the Government of India to the Ministry of Defence of Maldives which was a project carried out under the High Impact Community Development Project Scheme,” the Maldives government said in a statement.

    As part of the close cooperation between India and Maldives under the Indian Grant Assistance scheme, Maldives’s Defence Ministry has procured two Sea Ambulances. A total of 6.2 million Rufiyaa was allocated to the Maldives for the procurement of Sea Ambulances.

    The scope of the project is to procure two new Sea Ambulances to strengthen the healthcare delivery system in the Maldives. It will also help with the inter-island travels of patients in emergency. The Maldives government thanked the Indian government for the Sea Ambulances.

    Jaishankar is on a visit to Male to see the signing of agreements related to the bilateral development cooperation, ground-breaking/inauguration/handing-over.

    At today’s ceremony, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel and Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar exchanged the Memorandum of Understanding between Maldives and India for additional grant assistance of 100 million Rufiyaa for the High Impact Community Development Project scheme.

    External Affairs Minister said that all Indian projects in the country adhere to the tenet of the Indian development cooperation approach which lays emphasis on transparency, and competitive pricing.

    “Needless to say, all these projects adhere to the basic tenet of the Indian development cooperation approach which is the emphasis on transparency, full participation, ownership of the host country and competitive pricing,” he said. (ANI)

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  • India has emerged as education hub, says Jaishankar

    India has emerged as education hub, says Jaishankar

    It would be our sincere endeavour to amplify our convergences and speak as one voice on matters that are so critical to the peace and prosperity of our societies, Jaishankar said…reports Asian Lite News

    Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday said that India has emerged as an education and healthcare hub for the global south.

    “India has emerged as an education and healthcare hub for the global south. Our capacity building programmes and first responder activities in case of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) situations are an important example of this approach,” Jaishankar said during a special online session during the Voices of Global South Summit being held from January 12-13. The External Affairs Minster said that the international solar alliance, the coalition for disaster resilient infrastructure and now mission life, a worldwide program to promote a climate-friendly lifestyle, are all proof of our priority.

    During COVID, we engaged in international cooperation by providing vaccines to over 100 partners and medicines to over 150 countries, Jaishankar said.

    The Minister also said that: “India stands ready to share its experiences and expertise; including our game-changing digital public goods in universal identification, financial payments, direct benefit transfer, digital health, commerce, industry and logistics.”

    He said: “Inda’s development projects in 78 countries are demand-driven, transparent, empowerment oriented, environment friendly and rely on a consultative approach.”

    It would be our sincere endeavour to amplify our convergences and speak as one voice on matters that are so critical to the peace and prosperity of our societies, Jaishankar said.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday underscored the importance of the ‘equivalent voice’ of the Global South on the international platform and reiterated that their voice is the voice of India, and their priorities are India’s too.

    Speaking virtually at the inaugural leaders’ session of ‘Voice of Global South: For human-centric development’, PM Modi said, “We supported each other in the fight against foreign rule and we can do it again in this century to create a new world order that will ensure the welfare of our citizens. Your voice is India’s voice and your priorities are India’s priorities.”

    The Summit envisages bringing together countries of the Global South to share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform.

    He said India has always shared its development experience with the Global South.

    As many as 120 countries will participate in the summit. Ten to 20 countries will be part of one session and two lead sessions will be hosted by Prime Minister. (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar meets Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella

    Jaishankar meets Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella

    Nadella also highlighted how organizations big and small, across India are transforming with the power of Microsoft’s tech stack and solutions. …reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Microsoft Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Satya Nadella on Wednesday and discussed several issues including governance and security in the digital domain.

    “Great to meet Chairman and CEO of Microsoft Corporation @satyanadella. Discussed delivery, governance and security in the digital domain,” Jaishankar tweeted. Nadella is on a visit to India which includes a trip to Mumbai, Bengaluru, and New Delhi. He addressed the Microsoft Future Ready Leadership Summit in Mumbai on Tuesday.

    On Tuesday, Nadella stressed the importance of cloud-based services, which are energy efficient in nature. He said the adoption of such technologies is rising and proving to be a “game changer”.

    “Cloud-native applications have yet not begun…by 2025 you are going to have most of the application anybody builds really at that efficient frontier of cloud net,” Nadella said.

    Microsoft has operated in India for more than 32 years now.

    While interacting with top business leaders at the Microsoft summit, Nadella reinforced the digital imperative for every organization and how the Microsoft Cloud can foster innovation, create broad economic progress, and accelerate the growth of businesses in India.

    “Our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, and ultimately, we have to measure our success by achieving that mission, said Nadella, sharing his vision for a tech-enabled India.

    “In simple terms, I say, we should do well only when the world around us is doing well. One of the most fantastic things even on this trip to India that I’m learning about is not just what’s happening in the top cities of the country, but what’s happening across all the cities in the country and how digital is playing a role,” Nadella added.

    Nadella also highlighted how organizations big and small, across India are transforming with the power of Microsoft’s tech stack and solutions. (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar to visit Cyprus, Austria

    Jaishankar to visit Cyprus, Austria

    Jaishankar is scheduled to remain in Cyprus from December 29 to 31 and hold meetings with Cyprus counterpart Ioannis Kasoulides…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will visit Cyprus and Austria from December 29 to January 3. During his visit, Jaishankar will address the business and investment community of Cyprus and hold meetings with leaders from both nations, the Ministry of External Affairs said in the press release.

    Jaishankar is scheduled to remain in Cyprus from December 29 to 31 and hold meetings with Cyprus counterpart Ioannis Kasoulides and House of Representatives President Annita Demetriou. He will also hold interaction with the Indian community in Cyprus, according to the Ministry of External Affairs press release. This year, India and Cyprus mark 60 years of diplomatic ties. During his visit to Austria, EAM Jaishankar will hold a meeting with the country’s Chancellor Karl Nehammer. He will also meet the Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs minister Alexander Schallenberg. The MEA noted, “This will be the first EAM-level visit from India to Austria in the last 27 years, and takes place against the backdrop of 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2023.”

    During his visit to Austria, EAM Jaishankar will meet with International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He is also scheduled to discuss regional and global issues with the Foreign Ministers of Czech, Slovak, and Austria in the Slavkov format. He will also interact with the Indian community living in Austria.

    “In Austria, EAM will also meet the Foreign Ministers of Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Jan Lipavsky; Slovak Republic, H.E. Rastislav Kacer, along with Austrian Federal Minister Schallenberg in the Slavkov format. Discussions are expected to focus on regional and global issues,” Ministry of External Affairs said in the press release.

    The statement further said, “This will be the first EAM-level visit from India to Austria in the last 27 years, and takes place against the backdrop of 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2023. Minister Schallenberg visited India in March 2022, and the two Ministers have met thrice this year on the margins of international gatherings (Munich, Bratislava and New York).” (ANI)

    Cyprus to discuss ‘Turkey’s provocative’ actions

    Turkey’s “provocative actions” against Cyprus and other current regional and international issues will be discussed during External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar’s visit to Nicosia this month, Cyprus Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

    The External Affairs Minister will be in Cyprus this week to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and Cyprus. “The focus of the discussions between the two ministers will be, inter alia the bilateral relations and the prospect of further deepening the cooperation between Cyprus and India in a wide range of sectors, the economic cooperation of the two countries, EU-India relations, the prospect of India’s participation in a regional mechanism with countries of the region, Turkey’s provocative actions against Cyprus, as well as current regional and international issues of mutual interest,” the Cyprus Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

    The current issue between Nicosia and Ankara is an ongoing dispute between Greek Cypriots in the south and Turkish Cypriots in the north. According to Voice of America (VOA), tensions between Greece and Turkey over the divided island of Cyprus appear to be escalating.

    During his visit, EAM will meet with his Cypriot counterpart, Ioannis Kasoulides and call on Annita Demetriou, President of the House of Representatives. Jaishankar will address the business and investment community of RoC, apart from an interaction with the Indian Diaspora.

    In a press statement, Cyprus Foreign Ministry said Jaishankar will have a tete-a-tete meeting with Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, followed by extended consultations in the form of a working lunch with the participation of official delegations from the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs.

    The Cyprus Foreign Ministry said the two ministers will sign a Memorandum of Understanding on defence and military cooperation, as well as the document for the inclusion of Cyprus in the Global Solar Energy Alliance. “The Minister of Interior, Mr. Nikos Nouris will also sign with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of India a Declaration of Intent to start negotiations with the aim of reaching an Agreement regarding immigration and mobility,” the ministry added.

    On December 30, the two Ministers will address the Cyprus-India business forum that will take place in Limassol in the presence of representatives of the Cyprus and India business sectors.

    During his presence in Cyprus, Jaishankar will be received by the President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou. (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar congratulates Kuwait’s new foreign minister Al-Sabah

    Jaishankar congratulates Kuwait’s new foreign minister Al-Sabah

    The ships arrived at the port on October 4 and were deployed in the Persian Gulf as part of their training deployment…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday congratulated Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on his appointment as foreign minister of Kuwait, saying that he looked forward to working together for further development of ties.

    Jaishankar said in a tweet, “Delighted to speak to FM Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait. Congratulated him on his appointment. Look forward to working together for the further development of the relationship.” Sabah assumed charge as foreign affairs minister of Kuwait on October 16 this year. Notably, the previous government in Kuwait had resigned in April due to the non-trust motion in their parliament against Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah al-Khalid who was replaced by the current Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al Sabah.

    The deadlock between the government and parliament in Kuwait has often led to cabinet reshuffles and dissolutions of the legislature over the decades, hampering investment and reforms. The last time parliament was dissolved was in 2016, Al Jazeera reported citing a Kuwait News Agency report.

    Prior to this, strong allies India and Kuwait in an opportunity to expose trainees to the military and maritime linkages sent the First Training Squadron comprising Indian Naval Ship Tir, Sujata and Coast Guard Ship Sarathi to Port Al-Shuwaikh in Kuwait.

    The ships arrived at the port on October 4 and were deployed in the Persian Gulf as part of their training deployment. The naval ships were accorded a warm welcome by senior officers of the Kuwaiti Naval forces, Border Guard and the Embassy of India officials besides school children.

    The three-day port call included professional engagements, cross-ship visits, community outreach and social interactions. The ships of 1TS, based at Kochi, are part of the Southern Naval Command, the Indian Navy’s Training Command.

    The deployment of 1TS is aimed at exposing the trainees to the conduct of various evolutions at sea and port familiarisation. The current deployment also provides an opportunity to expose the trainees to the sociopolitical, military and maritime linkages of India with friendly countries in our maritime neighbourhood.

    India and Kuwait traditionally enjoy friendly relations, which are rooted in history and have stood the test of time. This year, India and Kuwait are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Both countries have maintained regular high-level contact.

    Kuwait stood with India during the second COVID and provided quick support in the form of oxygen and other relief material to India. An air/sea bridge was established between both countries in this regard. Kuwait sent a special aircraft with 282 oxygen cylinders, 60 oxygen concentrators, ventilators and other medical supplies on May 4, 2021. Indian Naval Ships, INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, INS Tarkash, INS Tabar and INS Shardul carried liquid medical oxygen in ISO tanks, oxygen cylinders, concentrators and other medical supplies to India.

    Over 425 metric tonnes of liquid medical oxygen, 12,500 oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators, ventilators and other medical equipment were sent from Kuwait to India during the month and half long operation. Indian community in Kuwait also contributed to the efforts.

    At that time in a telephonic talk with Kuwait Foreign Minister Dr Ahmed Nasser Mohammed Al Sabah, Jaishankar conveyed his appreciation for the support extended by Kuwait.

    “A warm call today with FM @anmas71 of Kuwait. Conveyed our appreciation for the maritime bridge with Kuwait that is enabling smooth oxygen flow,” Dr S Jaishankar tweeted after the telephone call. (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar beefs up preparations for G20

    Jaishankar beefs up preparations for G20

    All the ministries are holding series of meetings for preparation of a roadmap for participation in G20 meet next year…reports Asian Lite News

    Aiming for the success of G20 summit next year, Union Minister for External Affairs S. Jaishankar especially addressed the Spokespersons, Panelists and media coordinators on G20 and International issues today at the BJP headquarters.

    According to sources, “Jaishankar gave mantra to BJP spokespersons today. In the present circumstances, G20 is a big opportunity for India, public participation has to be increased in this. The Minister asked the spokespersons to take the spirit of G20 to new heights. With preparation on G20 and international issues, the spokesperson should go to public.”

    The G20, or Group of Twenty, is an intergovernmental forum of the world’s 20 major developed and developing economies, making it a premier forum for international economic cooperation. The first G20 Sherpa meeting under India’s presidency started on December 4, 2022, in Udaipur, Rajasthan.

    BJP is looking forward to seeing G20 as a mega hit, hence it is leaving no stone unturned in making it a success.

    All the ministries are holding series of meetings for preparation of a roadmap for participation in G20 meet next year.

    Sources said Union Ministers Jaishankar and Rajeev Chandrasekhar gave a presentation on how the party will play its role and participate in preparations for G20 events. Various civil society groups are also taking initiative regarding the preparations for G20.

    Over 200 meetings are going to be held in 56 cities. The names of some of these cities have also been finalised. There will be three themes of G20 – digital transformation, green development and empowerment of women, youth and farmers, said sources.

    “There will be cultural events and regional festivals. During these events, indigenous technology will be showcased. Further, regional snacks will be served and ODOP (One District One Product) gifts will be presented to guests during the G20 events. In these programmes and events, States will be represented. Efforts are to be made to ensure civil society engagement and public participation,” said sources.

    India officially assumed the presidency of the G20 on December 1, 2022 and has planned to host more than 200 G20-related events in more than 50 cities across the country. Conferences on cyber security, women’s empowerment, sustainable society, etc. have already been held.

    Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting of chief ministers across the country, saying the G20 was a “unique opportunity to showcase India’s power”.

    Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said that he wants to make the G20 Presidency a “national celebration (including the regions of India).”

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