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Tag: jaishankar

  • Mumbai attacks planners must be brought to justice: Jaishankar

    Mumbai attacks planners must be brought to justice: Jaishankar

    In 2008, 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists (LeT) carried out 12 coordinated shooting and bombing attacks killing at least 166 people and leaving 300 wounded.

    Terrorism threatens humanity, said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday, as he remembered the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

    He also said those who planned and oversaw this attack must be brought to justice. “Terrorism threatens humanity. Today, on 26/11, the world joins India in remembering its victims. Those who planned and oversaw this attack must be brought to justice. We owe this to every victim of terrorism around the world,” Jaishankar tweeted.

    In 2008, 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists (LeT) carried out 12 coordinated shooting and bombing attacks killing at least 166 people and leaving 300 wounded.

    Last month, India hosted the two-day anti-terrorism meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), under India’s chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC).

    After the meeting, a Delhi Declaration was issued which underlined that terrorists’ opportunity to access safe havens continues to be a significant concern and that all Member States must cooperate fully in the fight against terrorism.

    The Declaration also recognized that terrorism in all forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

    During UNSC’s special meeting, Jaishankar highlighted that the global threat of terrorism is growing and expanding, particularly in Asia and Africa, despite the UNSC’s best efforts to combat the “gravest threat to humanity”.

    “Terrorism remains the gravest threat to humanity. The UN Security Council in the past two decades has evolved an important architecture built, primarily around the counter-terrorism sanctions regime to combat this menace. This has effectively put the countries on notice that had turned terrorism into a state-funded enterprise.”

    “Despite this, the threat of terrorism is only growing and expanding, particularly in Asia and Africa, as successive reports of 1267 sanctions committee monitoring reports have highlighted,” he added.

    Jaishnkar told CTC members that their presence in Delhi at the special meeting demonstrated the importance that the UNSC member states and a wide range of stakeholders, place on this critical and emerging facet of terrorism. (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar, Ukrainian FM discuss ‘grain initiative’

    Jaishankar, Ukrainian FM discuss ‘grain initiative’

    The deal provides for a safe humanitarian corridor for the export of Ukrainian grains through the Black Sea, to tackle rising food prices due to the geopolitical conflict grappling the ‘breadbasket.’…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday met his counterparts on the sidelines of the 19th ASEAN-India Summit, including Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and discussed the grain initiative and nuclear concerns amid the Russia-Ukraine war.

    “Pleasure to meet FM @DmytroKuleba of Ukraine. Our discussions covered recent developments in the conflict, the grain initiative and nuclear concerns,” tweeted Jaishankar.

    Notably, Russia had declared that it was putting its involvement in the deal on hold, however, Russian President Vladimir Putin later stated that Moscow would suspend, but not end, its involvement in the deal.

    The deal provides for a safe humanitarian corridor for the export of Ukrainian grains through the Black Sea, to tackle rising food prices due to the geopolitical conflict grappling the ‘breadbasket.’

    Meanwhile, Putin ramped up the nuclear rhetoric this fall, raising the spectre that he could use such a weapon in Ukraine.

    Russia has as many as 2,000 tactical nuclear weapons, lower-yield devices designed to defeat conventional forces on the battlefield. A tactical nuclear weapon has never been used in combat, but one could be deployed in a number of ways, including by missile or artillery shell.

    Jaishankar also met Singapore FM Vivian Balakrishnan and Indonesia’s FM Retno Marsudi.

    “Great to see my friend FM Vivian Balakrishnan of Singapore. Always nice to exchange notes,” tweeted Jaishankar.

    “Good to catch up with my dear colleague FM Retno Marsudi of Indonesia. Wish her all the best for the upcoming G20 Bali Summit,” added Jaishankar. The External Affairs Minister is accompanying Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar who arrived in Cambodia on Friday to participate in the ASEAN India Commemorative Summit and the 17th East Asia Summit.

    This Summit is being hosted by Cambodia under the theme A.C.T (Addressing, Challenging, Together). This theme is aiming to counter regional issues, seeking prosperity, growth and stability among the states, in accordance with the main theme of ASEAN. Cambodia has played an important role in India-ASEAN engagements, the 1st India-ASEAN Summit took place in 2002 during the first chairship of Cambodia. (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar, Belarus’s FM discuss Ukraine conflict

    Jaishankar, Belarus’s FM discuss Ukraine conflict

    During his two-day visit, the external affairs minister met with held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov….reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Dr S Jaishankar met Belarus’ Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei in New Delhi on Wednesday and discussed several issues including bilateral economic ties, the Ukraine conflict and multilateral cooperation.

    “Met Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei of Belarus who is in India for our Inter-Governmental Commission meeting. Our discussion covered bilateral economic ties, Ukraine conflict and multilateral cooperation,” Jaishankar said in a tweet.

    Notbaly, Belarus is among the few countries, which is reportedly supporting the Russian military amid the Ukraine conflict. The meeting between Jaishankar and Belarus’s Foreign Minister comes a day after the external affairs minister’s Moscow visit.

    During his two-day visit, the external affairs minister met with held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. With Lavrov, he covered a range of bilateral, regional and global issues.

    Addressing a press briefing alongside Lavrov, Jaishankar said he exchanged views on international issues with the Russian side, in which the Ukraine conflict was the dominant feature.

    Laying out India’s position on the Ukraine conflict, he said, “As Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to Russian President Putin: this is not an era of war. The global economy is simply too interdependent for significant conflict anywhere not to have major consequences elsewhere.”

    Since the start of the Ukraine conflict earlier this year, India’s bilateral ties with Russia have come under the scanner of the West for a surge in oil imports from sanctions-hit Moscow. The war in Ukraine which has continued for more than eight months has had a significant impact on global food security and has led to a sudden increase in crude prices.

    Notably, India has not condemned Russia since the start of the conflict and has maintained its independent position. On several UN forums, New Delhi has consistently advocated for a cessation of violence and peace and diplomacy. (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar headed for Moscow

    Jaishankar headed for Moscow

    Both ministers have however stayed in constant touch and met on the sidelines of various international forums over the past few months…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be travelling to Moscow next month in what would be his first visit to Russia after it launched its ‘Special Military Operation’ in neighbouring Ukraine in February, earlier this year.

    “Russian FM’s Spokeswoman Maria #Zakharova: On November 8 in Moscow, #Russian FM Sergey #Lavrov will have talks with External Affairs Minister of #India Dr S.Jaishankar,” tweeted the Russian Embassy in India Thursday evening.

    “The Ministers will discuss the current state of bilateral relations and the international agenda,” it added.

    Both ministers have however stayed in constant touch and met on the sidelines of various international forums over the past few months.

    “A wide-ranging conversation with FM Sergey Lavrov at #UNGA 77. Discussed our bilateral cooperation. Exchanged views on Ukraine, G-20 and UN reforms,” the EAM had tweeted after meeting Lavrov in New York last month.

    Earlier this month, while staying consistent with its “well thought out national position”, India abstained from a vote at the 11th Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly which adopted a resolution condemning Russia’s “attempted illegal annexation” of four regions of Ukraine.

    Explaining its decision to abstain from voting, India said that there are other pressing issues at play, some of which have not been adequately addressed in the resolution.

    “It is also unfortunate that as the trajectory of the Ukrainian conflict unfolds, the entire global south has suffered a substantial collateral damage. As developing countries face the brunt of the conflict’s consequences on fuel, food and fertilizer supplies, it is critical that the voice of global south be heard and their legitimate concerns duly addressed,” said Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative at the United Nations in New York.

    India also continues to reiterate that it remains deeply concerned at the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, including the targeting of civilian infrastructure and the deaths of civilians.

    New Delhi has consistently advocated that no solution can ever be arrived at the cost of human lives and escalation of hostilities and violence is in no one’s interest.

    Jaishankar, during his address in New York last month, had said that India is not only on the side of peace – and will remain firmly there – but is also supporting those struggling to make ends meet, even as they stare at the escalating costs of food, of fuel and fertilizers.

    ALSO READ-UAE minister impressed by Jaishankar

  • UAE minister impressed by Jaishankar

    UAE minister impressed by Jaishankar

    Olama said that India and the UAE can work together to expand their global trade and investment footprint, adding commerce is very important in today’s world…reports Asian Lite News

    A minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday showered praises on external affairs minister S Jaishankar during a conference at a Delhi-based think tank, Observer Research Foundation (ORF).

    Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, said he was impressed by Jaishankar’s positioning of India’s foreign policy on the global stage amid the current geopolitical conflicts.

    The minister made the remarks at CyFY202, a virtual event attended by several Indian ministers and parliamentarians. The meeting, hosted in the national capital, discussed issues related to technology, security, and society.

    Olama said that India and the UAE can work together to expand their global trade and investment footprint, adding commerce is very important in today’s world.

    In a response to a question about how he deals with the geopolitical headwinds, Olama said, “Historically, the world was unipolar, bipolar or tripolar, where you had to choose sides. I am very impressed by your minister of foreign affairs – I see some of his speeches. One thing is very clear for both the UAE and India is that we don’t need to choose sides.”

    During the event, he also discussed the India-UAE relationship and how the two countries are linked by ingrained roots. He said there are numerous areas for cooperation, with a particular emphasis on collaboration between startups in both countries.

    He also mentioned the I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-USA) Group as a great example of collaboration, and added that just because the UAE is working with India does not mean it cannot coordinate with the United States.

    Over the next three days, around 150 speakers from 37 countries will participate in the CyFy2022 conference, along with Q&A sessions.

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  • Jaishankar, Botswana FM discuss health, trade and investment

    Jaishankar, Botswana FM discuss health, trade and investment

    Jaishankar met United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in Gujarat on Wednesday and exchanged views on pressing global concerns and challenges in multilateralism…reports Asian Lite News

    Talking about the uniqueness of the meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “This was the first meeting for any foreign minister with EAM in Ektanagar, Kevadia.”

    EAM Jaishankar also took to Twitter to write about his meeting with his Botswana counterpart.

    He wrote, “First occasion to host a Foreign Minister in Ekta Nagar,Kevadia. A warm meeting with FM Lemogang Kwape of Botswana. Particularly apt to meet in Gujarat, since diamonds and pharma are so salient in our ties.”

    He added, “Discussed expanding our development cooperation. Appreciated the insights on regional developments.”

    During the meeting, both ministers reviewed the current state of bilateral relations between the two countries. They explored means to further strengthen these relations in areas such as health, trade and investment, defense, economic cooperation, training and capacity building among others, the MEA said.

    Regional and international issues of mutual concern including cooperation in multilateral fora such as the UN were also discussed

    It was also decided to reinvigorate the existing institutional mechanisms and conduct these meetings at the earliest mutually convenient dates, including the meeting of the ministerial Joint Commission, the MEA added.

    According to the MEA, relations between India and Botswana are friendly and backed by strong people-to-people connections. It also mentioned that there are thought to be around 6000 Indians living in Botswana and that the two countries trade with each other for roughly USD 806 million.

    Jaishankar meets UN chief

    Jaishankar met United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in Gujarat on Wednesday and exchanged views on pressing global concerns and challenges in multilateralism.

    “Glad to welcome UN Secretary-General @antonioguterres in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia. Exchanged views on pressing global concerns and challenges in multilateralism,” Jaishankar tweeted.

    Visiting UN chief is on a three-day trip to India, his first visit since he commenced his second term in office in January this year.

    Guterres today paid tributes to the victims of the 26/11 terror attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai and addressed students at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay.

    Terming India a partner of choice of the UN, he said New Delhi has increased its impact on the international stage due to the donation of medicines, equipment, and vaccines at height of Covid-19 to neighbouring countries.

    “From your donations of medicines, equipment and vaccines at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, to your humanitarian assistance and development finance to Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, you’re increasing impact on the international stage. India is today a partner of choice of the UN,” Guterres said at IIT Bombay.

    The UN chief said India’s digital platform Cowin is the largest vaccination program for Covid-19, delivering more than 2 billion doses.

    He further said that India was the first country to launch a single-country south-south cooperation support framework via the India-UN development framework partnership.

    On India’s contribution to UN Peacekeeping, Guterres said, “India is also the biggest provider of military and police personnel to UN missions, including the first all-women UN police contingent to a peacekeeping mission. Over 200,000 Indian men and women have served in 49 peacekeeping missions since 1948, a remarkable contribution to peace in the world. “

    “As a member of UNSC for two years, India’s contributed significantly to promoting multilateral solutions and addressing crises,” he added. (India News Network/ANI)

    ALSO READ-Peace in border basis for normal India-China ties: Jaishankar

  • Peace in border basis for normal India-China ties: Jaishankar

    Peace in border basis for normal India-China ties: Jaishankar

    The two sides have also completed verification of each other’s positions adapter pulling back troops from the friction point…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that peace and tranquillity in the border areas of India and China remain the basis for normal relations.

    Speaking at the conference of the Center for Contemporary China Studies (CCCS) on “China’s Foreign Policy and International Relations in the New Era,” Jaishankar said, “Peace and tranquillity in the border areas clearly remain the basis for normal relations. From time to time, this has been mischievously conflated with the sorting out of the boundary question.”

    He further said that the truth is that the prerequisite has been and remains one much more modest, and even that was breached in 2020.

    Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar shared the main points and said that India’s search for a more balanced and stable relationship with China takes it across multiple domains and many options. “Given the developments of 2020, they obviously focus on an effective defence of the border. This was notably undertaken even in the midst of Covid,” he added.

    Referring to India and China tensions which intensified after the Galwan valley clash, Jaishankar said that establishing a way of life between New Delhi and Beijing after 2020 is not easy. “Yet, it is a task that cannot be set aside. And this can only become sustainable on the basis of three mutuals: mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest,” EAM added in a tweet.

    The Galwan valley clash has strained the relationship between India and China. Recently, on September 13 completed the disengagement process in the Gogra Heights-Hot Springs area near Patrolling Point-15 in the eastern Ladakh sector, according to government sources.

    The two sides have also completed verification of each other’s positions adapter pulling back troops from the friction point.

    India and China have been engaged in a standoff since April-May 2020 over the transgressions by the Chinese Army in multiple areas including the Finger area, Galwan Valley, Hot springs, and Kongrung Nala. The situation worsened after violent clashes with Chinese troops in Galwan Valley in June 2020.

    “Internationally, building deeper relationships and promoting a better understanding of its interests strengthens India. We must prepare to compete more effectively, especially in our immediate periphery,” Jaishankar said in a tweet.

    Calling the tension between India and China, “a period of serious challenge,” Jaishankar tweeted that it will impact the relationship and prospects of the continent. It is the willingness to take a long-term view of their ties that the two countries must display today. The continuation of the current impasse will not benefit either India or China. New normals of posture will inevitably lead to new normals of responses.”

    Earlier in the conference, Jaishankar said that in the past seven decades of engagement, India has taken a “bilateral approach to China.” He further added that there are many reasons for this including a sense of Asian solidarity and suspicion of 3rd party interests that emanated from other experiences

    “Indeed, Indian policy in the past has exhibited a remarkable degree of self-restraint that led to the expectation that others can have a veto over its choices. That period, however, is now behind us. The ‘new era’ is apparently not just for China,” Jaishankar tweeted. (ANI)

    ALSO READ-Jaishankar’s Cairo visit strengthens India-Egypt ties

  • Jaishankar’s Cairo visit strengthens India-Egypt ties

    Jaishankar’s Cairo visit strengthens India-Egypt ties

    The two ministers also discussed many regional and international issues, including the situation in Ukraine and Egypt’s stance on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam during their meeting…reports Asian Lite News

    India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at a meeting with Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Hassan Shoukry in Cairo on Saturday held discussions on strengthening ties between the two countries in defence, IT and the pharma sectors.

    “A polarised world needs independent thinking and voices of reason,” Jaishankar tweeted after what he called a “warm and productive” meeting held at the foreign ministry headquarters of the Arab republic.

    “Reflected our deep-rooted ties as we mark 75 years of diplomatic relations this year. Recognised our exchanges in defence and security; capacity building; economic and commercial domains, including in IT, energy, pharma & health, agriculture, infrastructure, chemical, cyber security and SMEs,” he added.

    The two ministers also discussed many regional and international issues, including the situation in Ukraine and Egypt’s stance on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam during their meeting.

    As he welcomed the EAM on his two-day visit to the country’s capital, Egyptian Foreign Minister stated that their meeting is taking place during a significant period in which the age-old relations between the two countries are witnessing a boom.

    Shoukry, who is also the President-Designate of the UN Climate Change Conference 2022 (COP27) which will be held in Sharm El-Sheikh next month, said that Egypt aspires to upgrade bilateral relations at the political and economic levels.

    Jaishankar, while extending support to his counterpart for COP27 Presidency, also formally invited Egypt as a ‘Guest Country’ to the G20 Summit scheduled to be held in New Delhi next year during India’s chairmanship of the grouping of the world’s largest economies in 2022-23.

    He also welcomed Egyptian participation in BRICS New Development Bank and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or the SCO.

    The Egyptian government remains quite gung-ho about the investment being made by Indian companies in the field of green hydrogen production at the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) in Ain Sokhna located in the Gulf of Suez, northwest of the Red Sea.

    As Shoukry desired to increase the volume of trade exchange between the two countries, Jaishankar spotlighted that Egypt has been one of India’s largest trading partners in Africa and the bilateral trade has touched a record high of US$ 7.26 billion during 2021-22 Financial Year.

    Indian investment in Egypt exceeds US$ 3.15 billion with over 50 Indian companies actively present in Egypt in a range of sectors like manufacturing, chemicals, energy, infrastructure, retail, etc.

    As reported by IndiaNarrative.com earlier, Egypt is one of the several countries which has maintained its interest in acquiring made-in-India Tejas fighter aircraft for its air force.

    During his meeting with visiting Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on September 19, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi stated that his country takes pride in the close historical ties it has with India and aspires to activate the partnership “commensurate with their capabilities in all fields”.

    India has emphasised Egypt’s pivotal and decisive role in combating and conquering the threat of terrorism, which casts a shadow of security and stability over the entire region.

    Jaishankar on Saturday not only exchanged views on the growing defence cooperation between both countries but also spoke about India hosting the 3rd Ministerial Conference on Counter-Terrorism Financing ‘No Money for Terror’ (November 18-19, New Delhi) which will actively contribute to the process of tackling the complex tasks and multifaceted problems of combating terrorism at the regional and international levels.

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  • India seriously probing death of kids, Jaishankar tells Gambia

    India seriously probing death of kids, Jaishankar tells Gambia

    The World Health Organisation had issued an alert on four India-made cough and cold syrups “potentially linked with acute kidney injuries and 66 deaths among children in Gambia”…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar on Thursday spoke to his Gambian counterpart Dr. Mamadou Tangara and conveyed condolences on the deaths of young children allegedly linked to the contaminated cough syrups produced in India.

    He assured Tangara that serious investigation is being undertaken by appropriate authorities in India to ascertain the facts over World Health Organisation alerts of India-made cough and cold syrups “potentially linked with acute kidney injuries and 66 children’s death”.

    “In a telecon with Gambian FM Dr. Mamadou Tangara, conveyed our deepest condolences on the deaths of young children recently. Underlined that matter is being seriously investigated by appropriate authorities. We agreed to remain in touch,” the Minister said in a tweet.

    The World Health Organisation had issued an alert on four India-made cough and cold syrups “potentially linked with acute kidney injuries and 66 deaths among children in Gambia”.

    Meanwhile, the Central Government on Wednesday formed a four-member expert committee to investigate the report sent by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the deaths of 66 children in Gambia by consumption of cough syrups from Sonipat-based company Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited, said official sources.

    “Government is alert and formed a committee. Production of cough syrups by Maiden Pharmaceuticals Ltd has been suspended, and lab report is awaited. Four-member expert committee has been formed to investigate the report sent by WHO,” official sources told ANI.

    A committee comprising technical experts Dr YK Gupta, Vice Chairperson, Standing National Committee on Medicines (chair); Dr Pragya Yadav, ICMR -NIV, Pune; Dr Arti Bahl, Division of epidemiology, NCDC, New Delhi and AK Pradhan, JDC(I), CDSCO has been formed.

    According to the reports, Atlanta-based Atlantic Pharmaceuticals Company Ltd which has permission to export medicines to Gambia, ordered combined syrups bottles which were purchased from Maiden Pharmaceuticals limited.

    “From the preliminary inquiry of Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), it has been made out that Maiden Pharmaceuticals Ltd is a manufacturer licensed by the State Drug Controller for the product’s Promethazine Oral Solution BP, Kofexnalin Baby cough syrup, MaKoff Baby Cough Syrup and MaGrip n Cold Syrup under reference, and holds manufacturing permission for these products for export only,” the sources said.

    cough syrups.(photo:unsplash)

    The company has manufactured and exported these products only to Gambia.

    “It is a usual practice that the importing country tests such imported medicines on quality parameters, and satisfies itself as to the quality of the products before the importing country decides to release such products for usage in the country. In the present case, it is yet not clear whether these medicines were tested in Gambia before release,” the sources added.

    The WHO has informed that as per the tentative results received by WHO, out of the 23 samples of the products under reference which were tested, four samples have been found to contain Diethylene Glycol or Ethylene glycol.

    “WHO has not yet made available a certificate of analysis. It has informed that the same will be made available in near future,” the sources said.

    The top officials informed that the exact “one-to-one causal relation of death” has not been provided by WHO to CDSCO although CDSCO has requested WHO twice in this regard.

    Earlier in the day, Haryana government has ordered a halt of the total production of cough syrups from Sonipat-based company Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited.

    The company has also been issued a show cause notice for 12 violations found at its manufacturing plant.

    State health minister Anil Vij told ANI on Wednesday, “The samples of three drugs of the Sonipat-based pharmaceutical company, which were mentioned by WHO, have been sent to Central Drug Laboratory in Kolkata. The report is yet to come. We will take action only after the report comes. After a joint inspection by Central and State officials, 12 violations were found in the manufacturing facility. … It has been decided to shut total production. We have sent a notice in this regard.”

    The pharma company had come under scanner following the death of 66 children who had consumed the cough syrup in Gambia.

    World Health Organization (WHO) on October 5 issued a medical product alert over four India-made cough and cold syrups manufactured by Maiden Pharmaceuticals. WHO has also notified that the same cough and cold syrups could be linked to deaths of 66 children in Gambia. (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar to visit New Zealand and Australia this week

    Jaishankar to visit New Zealand and Australia this week

    To commemorate and showcase “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” in New Zealand, both leaders will also release India@75 postal stamps…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be visiting New Zealand and Australia from October 5 to October 11, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Monday.

    This will be his first visit to New Zealand. On October 6, EAM Jaishankar and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will attend an event in Auckland to honor members of the Indian community in New Zealand for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions.

    To commemorate and showcase “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” in New Zealand, both leaders will also release India@75 postal stamps.

    EAM Jaishankar will launch the book ‘Modi@20: Dreams Meet Delivery’. A book showcasing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s special bond with the Sikh community ‘Heartfelt – The Legacy of Faith’ will also be released.

    His schedule includes a bilateral meeting with New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs Nanaia Mahuta in Auckland to discuss and evaluate the whole range of bilateral relations between the two countries, the MEA said in its press release.

    He will also interact with several ministers, including Minister for the Community & Voluntary Sector, Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities, and Youth Priyanca Radhakrishnan, the first person of Indian descent to hold the office of Minister in New Zealand, as well as with parliamentarians, members of the business community, and members of the Indian diaspora, including Indian students. Later, he will inaugurate the Indian High Commission’s brand-new building in Wellington.

    According to the MEA, the External Affairs Minister will visit Canberra and Sydney while in Australia. This would be EAM Jaishankar’s second visit to Australia this year; the first being in February 2022 to attend the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Melbourne.

    Additionally, EAM Jaishankar and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong will hold the 13th Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue (FMFD) during the visit. He will also meet with Richard Marles, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Australia. During the visit, he will engage with the Australian Navy, the media, and think tanks like Sydney’s Lowy Institute.

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