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  • Ukraine FM dials Jaishankar, proposes Global Peace Summit

    Ukraine FM dials Jaishankar, proposes Global Peace Summit

    India and Ukraine have witnessed a series of diplomatic engagements, with Jaishankar assuring Kuleba in a phone conversation back in August 2022 that the next consignment of Indian humanitarian assistance would reach Ukraine soon...reports Asian Lite News

    Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba apprised his Indian counterpart, S Jaishankar, of the alarming escalation of terror and mass air attacks by Russia in Ukraine.

    The two leaders also discussed “cooperation on the Peace Formula”. Ukraine FM Kuleba also shared with Jaishankar, Ukraine’s vision for the Global Peace Summit of leaders. In response to the escalating situation, both foreign ministers have agreed to convene the first meeting of the India-Ukraine Inter-Governmental Commission since 2018 in the near future. The rejuvenation of this bilateral mechanism is expected to facilitate comprehensive collaboration between the two nations as they navigate the challenges posed by the conflict. In a recent tweet, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba apprised his Indian counterpart, Dr. S. Jaishankar, of the alarming escalation of terror and mass air attacks by Russia in Ukraine. The tweet, posted on the minister’s official Twitter account, highlighted the devastating impact of these attacks on civilians and infrastructure, prompting urgent discussions on finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

    “My first call in 2024 was with @DrSJaishankar on Ukrainian-Indian relations. I informed my counterpart of Russia’s recent escalation of terror and mass air attacks, which caused civilian suffering and destruction. We discussed further cooperation on the Peace Formula. In this regard, I informed my counterpart of Ukraine’s vision for the Global Peace Summit of leaders,” posted Kuleba on X. India and Ukraine have witnessed a series of diplomatic engagements, with Jaishankar assuring Kuleba in a phone conversation back in August 2022 that the next consignment of Indian humanitarian assistance would reach Ukraine soon.

    The assurance was reiterated in Jaishankar’s tweet, where he stated, “Appreciated the conversation today with FM @DmytroKuleba of Ukraine. Discussed recent developments in the conflict and its continuing global repercussions. Assured that the next consignment of Indian humanitarian assistance will be reaching very soon.” In November 2022 too, Jaishankar had a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, during which they discussed the grain initiative and nuclear concerns amid the Russia-Ukraine war. Jaishankar tweeted about the meeting, saying, “Pleasure to meet FM @DmytroKuleba of Ukraine. Our discussions covered recent developments in the conflict, the grain initiative and nuclear concerns.” The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has not only raised humanitarian concerns but also global repercussions, prompting nations worldwide to engage in diplomatic efforts to address the escalating crisis. Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow will intensify attacks on military targets in Ukraine after an unprecedented attack over the weekend on the Russian city of Belgorod. The attack left 24 people dead and killed over 100 in Belgorod on Saturday. It came after Moscow launched a large-scale attack on Ukrainian cities. (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar Set for Diplomatic Overdrive in Nepal

    Jaishankar Set for Diplomatic Overdrive in Nepal

    Jaishankar, who will be on a day-long visit, will co-chair the meeting with his Nepalese counterpart N.P. Saud, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kathmandu….reports Asian Lite News

     A jam packed agenda awaits External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Kathmandu as he is scheduled to arrive in the Himalayan nation on Thursday for the seventh meeting of the Nepal-India Joint Commission.

    Jaishankar, who will be on a day-long visit, will co-chair the meeting with his Nepalese counterpart N.P. Saud, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kathmandu.

    The meeting will review the overall state of bilateral relations and various areas of mutual cooperation, it said.

    Over three dozens agendas spanning from border to boundary, trade, commerce, economic cooperation, energy, connectivity, India funded projects in Nepal to the agreements signed during the 2023 visit of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal to India will also be discussed by the two sides, the Ministry said.

    According to officials, at least two agreements related to long-term energy cooperation and India’s proposal to increase funds for small development projects under the High-impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs), will be signed.

    During Dahal’s visit to India last summer, the two countries had agreed to sign a long-term agreement on energy, whereby New Delhi would import 10,000 megawatts from Kathmandu in 10 years.

    At an event on December 22, 2023, Prime Minister Dahal had said: “We are going to sign a long-term energy deal with India soon. A mid-term and a long-term energy trading deal will be signed in Kathmandu.”

    Also during Jaishankar’s visit, three transmission lines of 132 KVA will be jointly inaugurated on Thursday.

    They are the Raxaul-Parwanipur transmission line connecting with Bihar state of India, Kushaha-Kataiya transmission line and Nautanwa-Mainahia transmission line connecting with Uttar Pradesh.

    A team from India’s Ministry of Energy has arrived in Kathmandu to negotiate a medium-term and long-term energy agreement between the two nations.

    The 10,000 megawatt power trade agreement is scheduled to be signed by Pankaj Agarwal, secretary of the Ministry of Energy of India, and Gopal Sigdel, secretary of the Ministry of Energy of Nepal, at the presence of the foreign ministers of both countries.

    During Jaishankar’s visit, Nepal will also give its nod to the Indian offer to increase the budget for small projects to be implemented by local units.

    The budget is being increased from the existing Rs 50 million per project to Rs 200 million per project

    Jaishankar will conclude his trip by paying courtesy calls on President Ramchandra Paudel, Prime Minister Dahal, among other top leaders.

    Saud will also host a dinner in honour of visiting dignitary and members of his delegation.

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  • Jaishankar Calls for Introspection on India’s Foreign Policy

    Jaishankar Calls for Introspection on India’s Foreign Policy

    The second is a policy space and the others include domestic politics, geopolitical imperatives, multilateralism and finally material gain because at the end of the it is for common good…reports Asian Lite News

    “After 75 years of independence it is important to introspect more about foreign policy, because often we tend to think that the decisions which were taken were the only decisions that could have been taken, which may not be entirely true so I think this exercise of the roads not taken, then they need not be hypothetical. I think, it’s important to look back, keep refreshing, correcting ourselves.

    To get foreign policy right it’s important to look back, keep looking back, keep refreshing and keep correcting ourselves,” S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister said at the launch of the book “India’s Moment: Changing Power Equations around the World” by former Indian diplomat, Prof Mohan Kumar, Dean, Strategic & International Initiatives at O. P. Jindal Global University and published by Harper Collins.

    “In the context of foreign policy we’re all negotiators. Certainly when it comes to diplomacy. Today as we are looking at technology issues or security issues, or debating strategic autonomy there are the six factors that Dr Mohan Kumar has referred to as the integrated framework in his book and the six factors, the first of which he calls the Gandhi litmus test, the poverty veto. The second is a policy space and the others include domestic politics, geopolitical imperatives, multilateralism and finally material gain because at the end of the it is for common good.

    As India approaches a USD 3 trillion economy, given the range of our interests, the extent of our development, perhaps we could consider two other factors as well in making decisions. One is really comprehensive national power because it’s not always what you are defending. It is also what you are acquiring. And in WTO terminology offensive interest is also something which we will need to factor and the second is that as we grew, it is particularly in the economic domain, I think becoming more and more important to insist as part of any understanding how much of it will lead to it being made in India and employed in India. If I were to look ahead at the Amrit Kal and the journey towards Viksit Bharat I would certainly argue today that if I were to make a judgement, I would certainly look at decisions that would add or subtract from comprehensive national power and in ways it really contributes to creating deep strengths within India,” The Minister elaborated. “India alone will be among the big economies with a low carbon pathway. I think this is an observation which is really worth reflecting on because what it means is that India’s developmental pathway would actually be very unique. India gives food support to 800 million people, financial support to 400 million people, built houses for 150 million people all of this has been achieved in the last decade.

    Today, more than a third of our country gets health access and pensions. This is something very interesting emerging in India which is low income country, yet actually using the efficiency of its digital infrastructure to create a social safety net, which normally we would actually attribute to a middle income country.”
    The Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, Prof. (Dr) C. Raj Kumar welcomed the Honourable Minister and elucidated on the growth of JGU as India’s leading university which began in 2009 and has emerged as an Institute of Eminence within 15 years of its existence. “Today, JGU has more than 10,000 students with nearly 1000 faculty member across 10 schools. JGU too has been part of India’s growth as we have achieved new heights in higher education. We focus on more than 400 international collaborations which allow for globalization for our students and research collaborations for our faculty. Interdisciplinarity is a cornerstone of JGU policy which has also being outlined very strongly in the National Education Policy (NEP). We recognize that the boundaries of knowledge and barriers between disciplines need to be broke. Going forward we aim to become a comprehensive university working in the space of STEM and Medical studies offering a range of qualifications for the growing demand of quality education in India.

    Reflecting on the book, the author Prof Mohan Kumar said, “I have designed an integrated framework for understanding and assessment of India’s actions in the International arena. This framework comprises first and foremost the Gandhi Litmus Test, or what I have termed as the poverty veto. There are a huge number of people living in poverty in India and this has an impact on how India conducts international negotiations. Similarly, realpolitik and domestic politics also play a part. India is well on its way to become a leading power but in order to achieve that, the most important prerequisite is to reduce the number of people living in poverty and make growth inclusive. The important conclusion is that India must become a USD 10 Trillion economy with inclusive growth. It will then be India’s moment – to transition from a balancing power to a leading power in the world.”

    The vote of thanks was delivered by Professor Dabiru Sridhar Patnaik, Registrar, O.P. Jindal Global University who said, “We are privileged to have with us Dr S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister who emphasized the potential role that India could play through its thought leadership and deal with the current global public policy issue.

    ALSO READ-Jaishankar Heads to Nepal for Joint Commission Meeting

  • Jaishankar Heads to Nepal for Joint Commission Meeting

    Jaishankar Heads to Nepal for Joint Commission Meeting

    During the visit, an agreement on exporting 10,000 megawatts of energy to India from Nepal will be signed, government officials said…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will embark on a visit to Kathmandu on January 4-5, 2024 to attend the seventh meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Commission.

    Jaishankar, who is visiting the Himalayan nation at the invitation of his Nepalese counterpart N.P. Saud, will take part in the highest bilateral mechanism between the two neighbouring countries to review and smoothen Nepal-India toes.

    “The visit is almost confirmed. We have already started groundwork for the visit,” Saud told IANS on Wednesday.

    Few MoUs are likely be signed during the visit as both sides prepare for the meeting taking place after a hiatus of nearly three years.

    “Not certain yet but we are preparing to reach some agreements during the visit,” Saud told IANS.

    According to the Foreign Minister, discussions are underway between various ministries to finalise the meeting’s agenda and he has also sought a schedule of the visit and status of the India-funded projects in Nepal.

    According to a Nepal government official, Jaishankar will land in Kathmandu on January 4, will lead the Indian delegation at the Joint Commission meet and hold talks with top party leaders, including President Ram Chandra Poudel and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, among others.

    During the visit, an agreement on exporting 10,000 megawatts of energy to India from Nepal will be signed, government officials said.

    Meanwhile, deals related to digital payments are also in cards.

    Jaishankar will also inaugurate the new central library built by Indian assistance at Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu.

    During a recent media interaction, Prime Minister Dahal revealed that the deal to export 10,000MW electricity to India within 10 years will be signed during Jaishankar’s visit

    In the previous Joint Commission meeting that took place in New Delhi in January 2021, the two sides had reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations including the supply of Covid-19 vaccine, boundary and border management, connectivity and economic cooperation, trade and transit, power and water resources, as well as culture and education.

    The Joint Commission was constituted during the Nepal visit of then Indian Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar in February 1991.

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  • UNSC is like an old club, says Jaishankar

    UNSC is like an old club, says Jaishankar

    In his address at an event in Bengaluru, Jaishankar said that the members of the “club” do not want their practices to be questioned…reports Asian Lite News

    Taking a sharp dig at the United Nations Security Council, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that it is like an “old club” where member nations are unwilling to admit new members as they perceive it as losing the grip.

    In his address at the Rotary Institute 2023 event in Bengaluru on Sunday, Jaishankar said that the members of the “club” do not want their practices to be questioned.

    “Security Council is like an old club, where there are set members who don’t want to let go of the grip. They want to keep control over the club. Not very keen to admit more members, not keen to have their practices questioned,” Jaishankar said.

    Calling it a failure, the External Affairs Minister pointed out that with no reforms, the UN is getting less and less effective.

    “In a way, it’s a human failing. But I think today it is harming the world. It is harming the world because, on key issues confronting the world, the UN is getting less and less effective,” Jaishankar said.

    “And I can also tell you the global sentiment. I mean, today, if you ask 200 countries in the world, do you want reform or don’t you want reform? A very large number of countries would say, yes, we want reform…,” he said while emphasising that nations are urging for reforms efforts in the UN Security Council to deal with the prevailing challenges.

    Earlier in September, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had said that the resistance of the United Nations to reform its structure, will eventually lead to the body being “anachronistic” and people will start finding solutions outside.

    Jaishankar gave an “injudicious” reference of passengers sitting in a bus drawing a comparison with the permanent members of the UN Security Council.

    “I somewhere injudiciously…described it like a passenger in a bus. A person sitting on the seat, will not vacate it for the next person. So there are these five guys sitting. Sometimes, you see such passengers, you see someone is tired, someone is carrying a baby, they will not get up and give up that seat,” he had said.

    Notably, reforms in the global systems have been an issue continuously raised by India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the global stage.

    During his concluding address at the G20 Leaders Summit here in the national capital, PM Modi reiterated his stance of making global systems in accordance with the “realities of the present” and took the example of the United Nations Security Council.

    “When the UN was established, the world at that time was completely different from today. At that time there were 51 founding members in the UN. Today the number of countries included in the UN is around 200. Despite this, the permanent members in UNSC are still the same,” the Prime Minister had underlined.

    Earlier, United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President Dennis Francis has said there is need for a UN Security Council (UNSC) that is more balanced, more representative, more responsive, more democratic, and more transparent.

    “As President of the General Assembly, I share the view that we need a Council that is more balanced, more representative, more responsive, more democratic, and more transparent,” Francis said while delivering his remarks at the ‘Perspectives on UN Security Council Reforms from Global South Think Tanks – The L-69 UN Security Council Reforms Event’.

    He said conflicts are spreading across the globe. “The Security Council – whose primary responsibility is to maintain international peace and security – however, seems caught in a concerning state of paralysis,” he said.

    He further said that the council with “the unsatisfactory discharge of its crucial mandate, is perceived as falling short of its mandate – consequently, compromising the credibility of the entire UN itself.”

    The UNGA President said the UNSC’s continued inaction on matters that threaten international peace and security is damaging.

    As per Francis, there is a need for new, innovative pathways for change.

    “And in this regard, I welcome any innovative solutions emanating from exchanges such as these – to move forward the intergovernmental negotiations,” he said.

    “While some of today’s challenges could not have been envisioned eight decades ago, the need for reform has been apparent for some time now. And, while the road to reform is a long and arduous one, I firmly believe a positive outcome is not only possible but achievable,” he added.

    He further said that as the UNGA President, he is committed to facilitating dialogue among member states around this important topic.

    “And I take this opportunity to urge member states to overcome entrenched positions and to move towards substantive progress – through genuine and good faith dialogue. Our objective must be to find and/or create ways to move beyond a perpetual stalemate,” he said.

    “While it is ultimately up to Member States to find agreement, it is important that we hear the voices of the diverse stakeholders, including those here with us today,” Francis added. (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar speaks to Eli Cohen, discusses Gaza situation

    Jaishankar speaks to Eli Cohen, discusses Gaza situation

    Israel has characterised its Gaza offensive as targeting Hamas’ infrastructure with the goal of eliminating the entire terror group while making efforts to minimise civilian casualties…reports Asian Lite News

    At a time when the war between Israel and Hamas continues to grow tense, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and discussed the situation in Gaza on Tuesday.

    The External Affairs Minister assured to “remain in touch” as he spoke to Cohen amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

    “Just spoke to Israeli Foreign Minister @elicoh1. Discussed the Gaza situation, Lebanon and safety of maritime traffic in the region,” Jaishankar wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

    “Will continue to remain in touch,” he added.

    The conflict in Gaza escalated after the October 7 attack by Hamas, where about 2,500 terrorists breached the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip, leading to casualties and the seizure of hostages.

    Israel has characterised its Gaza offensive as targeting Hamas’ infrastructure with the goal of eliminating the entire terror group while making efforts to minimise civilian casualties.

    Meanwhile, Jaishankar also had a telephone conversation with Cohen in November, as he reaffirmed India’s commitment to “countering terrorism, observance of international humanitarian law and a two-state solution.”.

    “Spoke this afternoon with FM Eli Choen of Israel. Appreciated his sharing the Israeli assessment of the current situation. Reiterated our firm commitment to countering terrorism, observance of international humanitarian law and for a two-state solution,” Jaishankar had posted from his official handle on X.

    The discussion centred on the prevailing situation in Gaza and the significance of finding a solution that ensures regional stability and peace.

    Reiterating India’s firm stance against terrorism, Jaishankar underscored the nation’s unwavering commitment to countering the menace. He also emphasised the necessity of observing international humanitarian law, ensuring that civilian lives are protected in conflict zones.

    The region is reeling under a humanitarian crisis and rights groups have urged for more aid than what is currently reaching the civilians there, according to reports.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first global leaders to condemn the terror attacks and express solidarity with Israel. (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar highlights India’s transformation, global leadership

    Jaishankar highlights India’s transformation, global leadership

    He urged the diaspora to understand the importance of their influence, saying, “Your influence is not just limited to your immediate group or family...reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, provided a comprehensive overview of the ongoing transformations in India and underscored the critical role of the Indian diaspora in shaping global perceptions.From technological advancements to social campaigns, Jaishankar painted a vivid picture of a progressing India, urging the diaspora to convey this narrative to the world.In a captivating address to the Indian diaspora in Dubai, Jaishankar engaged with Indian students and young professionals in Dubai, sharing valuable insights into the dynamic changes taking place in India and their impact on the lives of Indians both domestically and abroad.

    “Happy to interact with Indian students and young professionals in Dubai today. They will work at the forefront of building a Viksit Bharat in the Amritkaal. Shared perspectives on transformations in India and the impact it is having on everyday lives of Indians at home and abroad,” posted Jaishankar on X.Expressing his enthusiasm, Jaishankar stated, “Happy to interact with Indian students and young professionals in Dubai today. They will work at the forefront of building a Viksit Bharat in the Amritkaal.” He emphasised the diaspora’s pivotal role in shaping global perceptions of India and influencing others, extending beyond their immediate circles.”While you look at the CoWIN portal, Covaxin, 5G, and Chandrayaan, these are all components of Viksit Bharat,” Jaishankar remarked, highlighting India’s remarkable achievements in technology and space exploration. He stressed the importance of effectively communicating India’s progress to the world, especially for those studying abroad.Discussing a significant event in India, Jaishankar shared, “If I was not here but in India, I would actually today be participating in a very important event which the prime minister would be addressing, called the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra.” This initiative aims to showcase the progress made in the last decade through various schemes and campaigns.Jaishankar enumerated campaigns such as Swatch Bharat, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Digital India, Skill India, and Awas Yojana, illustrating how each contributes to a comprehensive picture of India’s progress. “When you connect each one of these, you get a very different picture. That is today the progress in India. And that progress today is actually the basis for greatness tomorrow,” he added. He urged the diaspora to understand the importance of their influence, saying, “Your influence is not just limited to your immediate group or family.

    You shape the thinking of India. When they hear from you in a very natural way, what is happening in India, it gives them a sense of how India is progressing.”Touching upon India’s global role, Jaishankar discussed the recently concluded G20 presidency, highlighting India’s ability to bring nations together despite geopolitical challenges. “We have shown that India is capable of getting the world at a very difficult, very divisive moment, around a table, agree on common goals,” he stated, emphasizing India’s positive impact on the international stage. (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar Meets Australian Delegation from Macquarie Group

    Jaishankar Meets Australian Delegation from Macquarie Group

    The Australian envoy to India, Philip Green, was also among the team members of Macquarie Group who held a meeting with Jaishankar….reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday interacted with the visiting team of Macquarie Group, sharing the “strong fundamental and transformational changes underway” in the country.

    Taking to his official handle on X, EAM Jaishankar shared details of the meeting, posting, “Interacted with the visiting Macquarie group team today. Shared with them India’s strong fundamentals, transformational changes underway and our view of the world.”

    The Australian envoy to India, Philip Green, was also among the team members of Macquarie Group who held a meeting with Jaishankar.

    Last month, Jaishankar announced a series of initiatives, underscoring a “real momentum” between India and Australia, which include new consulates on both sides, direct flight connections, advancements in the education field and many others.

    The announcements were made by the EAM at a press briefing on the India-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue.

    Jaishankar highlighted the key aspects of the burgeoning relationship, saying there was “a real momentum in the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership”.

    Listing the key takeaways of the dialogue, the EAM said, “We saw new Consulates General on both sides, the Australians in Bengaluru, and we are opening ours in Brisbane. More direct flight connections. The opening of the first Australian university campuses in India. An agreement on mutual recognition of educational qualifications. Migration and mobility arrangement.” (ANI)

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  • Jaishankar, Radegonde Discuss India-Seychelles Bilateral Ties

    Jaishankar, Radegonde Discuss India-Seychelles Bilateral Ties

    Seychelles Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Radegonde on Wednesday arrived in New Delhi on an official two-day visit to India…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Thursday met his Seychelles counterpart Louis Sylvestre Radegonde, the two witnessed MoU exchange on Indian Grant Assistance For Implementation of Small Development Projects and Cooperation in the field of Youth and Sports.

    “Welcomed FM Sylvestre Radegonde of Seychelles in New Delhi today. Had a wide-ranging conversation on our bilateral relations. Also exchanged views on regional concerns,” the EAM wrote on ‘X’.

    He further wrote: “Witnessed exchange of MoUs on Indian Grant Assistance For Implementation of Small Development Projects & Cooperation in the field of Youth and Sports. Confident that our conversations today will further strengthen our cordial bilateral ties.”

    Seychelles Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Radegonde on Wednesday arrived in New Delhi on an official two-day visit to India.

    “Warm welcome to FM Sylvestre Radegonde of Seychelles as he arrives in New Delhi for his first visit to India as Foreign Minister. Substantive discussions on strengthening the partnership lie ahead,” Bagchi had posted from his official handle on X.

    India and Seychelles enjoy cordial ties and the bilateral relations will be further strengthened by Sylvestre Radegonde’s visit to India. India’s diplomatic ties were established with the Seychelles after its independence in 1976, as per a release issued by the MEA.

    “India and Seychelles enjoy cordial bilateral relations buttressed by the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘SAGAR’ – Security and Growth for All in the Region. Minister Radegonde’s visit will further strengthen ties between the two countries,” the MEA stated in its release.

    Launched in 2020, ‘Mission Sagar’ was an Indian initiative to deliver Covid-related assistance to countries in the Indian Ocean region, the MEA noted in its release.

    As part of this mission, INS Kesari visited the Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles to deliver assistance in dealing with the Covid crisis, it added. (ANI)

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  • Imperative hostages are released, says Jaishankar

    Imperative hostages are released, says Jaishankar

    Expressing concern over civilian casualties, Jaishankar said India strongly condemns any death of civilians…reports Asian Lite News

    Noting that the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza is causing immense human suffering, India said on Tuesday that it welcomed all efforts of the international community towards de-escalation while emphasising that all hostages should be released and international humanitarian law should be observed.

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who participated in a virtual extraordinary meeting on the West Asia situation of leaders of BRICS countries, said that immediate crisis was triggered by the attack of October 7 on Israel and that there should not be compromise with terrorism.

    “The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza is causing immense human suffering, including to civilians, elderly, women and children. We welcome all efforts of the international community towards de-escalation. Right now, there is an urgent need to ensure that humanitarian aid and relief effectively and safely reach the population of Gaza,” Jaishankar said.

    “It is also imperative that all hostages are released. We believe that there is a universal obligation to observe international humanitarian law,” he added.

    Expressing concern over civilian casualties, Jaishankar said India strongly condemns any death of civilians.

    “We are all aware that the immediate crisis was triggered by the attack of 7th October. Hostage-taking is equally unacceptable and cannot be condoned. Subsequent developments have deepened our concern even more as we witness large-scale civilian casualties and a humanitarian crisis. We strongly condemn any death of civilians,” he said.

    He thanked South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for convening this extraordinary meeting. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin also addressed the meeting.

    “I speak for Prime Minister Narendra Modi who could not join us today. We are gathered to discuss the deeply concerning situation in the Middle East, with a particular focus on Gaza.

    South Africa has rightly taken the initiative to convene the BRICS, and also to include those who would be part of the group in due course. I convey Prime Minister Modi’s greetings to all the leaders, virtually present,” Jaishankar said.

    The minister said that along with the need for restraint and immediate humanitarian support, India also emphasizes peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.

    “Prime Minister Modi has spoken to several leaders in the region and across the world in this context. He has highlighted the need to create conditions for peace and restart direct and meaningful peace negotiations.”

    He said India believes that the concerns of the Palestinian people must be addressed in a “serious and sustainable manner”.

    “This can only happen with a two-State solution that is based on peaceful co-existence. We have been consistently supportive of international efforts towards this end.”

    Jaishankar said international community is today facing a very complex situation that has many dimensions.

    “We have to address them all; and yet, have to prioritize. Our endeavour should be to both make a difference on the ground immediately while also creating conditions for lasting solutions. This exchange of views can be helpful in that regard and I thank South Africa once again for gathering us all at this difficult time.”

    The minister said that over the years, India has supported the socio-economic welfare of the Palestinian people and strengthening of their national institutions.

    “Our development partnership is geared towards these objectives. We continue to provide assistance both bilaterally and through the UN. Our economic assistance to Palestine, developmental projects there and financial support to Palestinian Authority reflect our position. India remains supportive of the UN Relief and Welfare Agency’s (UNRWA) role and have been contributing $5 million annually.”

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