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Tag: Kwatra

  • Ex-foreign secy Kwatra to be India’s next envoy to US

    Ex-foreign secy Kwatra to be India’s next envoy to US

    Kwatra’s diplomatic career includes postings in China, the US, Modi’s office, and as India’s envoy to France before becoming the foreign ministry’s top bureaucrat…reports Asian Lite News

    India has nominated retired diplomat Vinay Kwatra as its next ambassador to the US, just months ahead of a pivotal election, according to media reports. Kwatra, who recently retired as India’s foreign secretary, aims to bring stability to India-US relations amid potential changes following the US elections in November. His immediate task will be to engage with officials who might influence India-related policies in the upcoming administration.

    For two decades, India and the US have been strengthening their relationship, which flourished under both the Trump and Biden administrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former President Donald Trump enjoyed a close relationship, even hosting a joint rally in the US in 2019.

    Kwatra’s diplomatic career includes postings in China, the US, Modi’s office, and as India’s envoy to France before becoming the foreign ministry’s top bureaucrat. The ambassadorial position has been vacant since Taranjit Singh Sandhu’s tenure ended in January. India’s Ministry of External Affairs did not comment on the nomination, but an official announcement is expected soon.

    Under Modi, India has viewed the US as a partner in countering China’s assertiveness, while maintaining a balanced foreign policy, including strong ties with Russia. The US sees India as a crucial ally in Asia against China but has expressed concerns over human rights issues and recent allegations involving New Delhi.

    Despite these challenges, the India-US relationship has a robust business and geopolitical foundation, requiring constant attention, especially with potential new US leadership. New Delhi hopes to advance a critical technology-sharing initiative, including manufacturing jet engines and semiconductors in India.

    Earlier this week, the United States urged India to use its longstanding relationship with Russia to urge President Vladimir Putin to “end his illegal war and to find a lasting peace” in its conflict with Ukraine.

    Mathew Miller, the State Department spokesperson, was asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Moscow and his meeting with President Putin, which continues to generate interest in Washington.

    “India has a longstanding relationship with Russia,” Miller said, adding, “We have, speaking for the United States, encouraged India to utilise that relationship with Russia, that long-standing relationship in the unique position that they have to urge President Putin to end his illegal war and to find a just peace, a lasting peace to this conflict.”

    He added that India should “tell Vladimir Putin to respect the UN charter, to respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. And that’s what we continue to impress upon the government of India which is an important partner of ours when it comes to its relationship with Russia.”

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  • Kwatra holds multiple meetings in UAE on ties, I2U2

    Kwatra holds multiple meetings in UAE on ties, I2U2

    Progress on initiatives like I2U2 was also discussed, the Indian Embassy stated…reports Asian Lite News

    Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra during his ongoing visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) held multiple rounds of meetings with UAE leaders on issues ranging from bilateral relationships, issues of mutual interest and the I2U2 initiative.

    Kwatra held discussions with Salem Al Zaabi, the advisor to UAE Foreign Affairs Minister, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders discussed various issues of mutual interest and exchanged views on regional developments.

    “Foreign Secretary Kwatra had a fruitful visit to the UAE today. He had an engaging discussion with H.E. Salem Al Zaabi, Advisor to HH @ABZayedon various issues of mutual interest. They also exchanged views on the recent developments in the region, including Afghanistan,” the Indian Embassy in UAE posted on X (formerly Twitter).

    He met UAE leader Ahmed AlSaygeh and they reviewed the bilateral economic relationship between India and UAE that has transformed into a multifaceted, mutually beneficial, strategic partnership

    Progress on initiatives like I2U2 was also discussed, the Indian Embassy stated.

    The I2U2 grouping consists of India, Israel, UAE and the US. The I2U2 Grouping was conceptualized during the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the four countries held on 18 October 2021, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

    The Foreign Secretary also had insightful meeting with Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic advisor to the UAE President

    “Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra had an insightful meeting with HE Dr@AnwarGargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President HH Sheikh Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders discussed wide-ranging issues of mutual interest and developments in the region and beyond,” tweeted the Indian Embassy in UAE.

    Kwatra met UAE MoS for Foreign Affairs, Reem AlHashimy. They discussed a wide range of issues, including the progress of India-UAE strategic partnership and areas of future cooperation. Also exchanged perspectives on the recent developments in the region, the embassy added.

    Last week, Foreign Secretary Kwatra led the Indian delegation at the 18th India-Iran Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Tehran.

    The Iranian side was led by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Ali Bagheri at the FOC on November 26.

    “Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra and Deputy FM for Political Affairs of Iran @Bagheri_Kani co-chaired the 18th India-Iran FOC in Tehran today,” MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi posted on X. (ANI)

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  • Foreign secy Kwatra calls on Sri Lankan President

    Foreign secy Kwatra calls on Sri Lankan President

    Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Gopal Bagley, joined the meetings…reports Asian Lite News

    Ahead of Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s first official visit to India, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra met him during his two-day official visit to Colombo on Tuesday.

    The meeting at the Ministry of Defence premises focused on enhancing bilateral relations and working towards future economic and social goals that would benefit the people of both countries.

    “During the meeting, President Wickremesinghe briefed the Indian Foreign Secretary on the government’s reform programmes aimed at strengthening the country’s economy. He also acknowledged India’s continuous support as a neighbouring ally during the recent economic crisis,” the President Media Division (PMD) stated.  

    Discussions were also held on Wickremesinghe’s upcoming official visit to India and the planned activities during the visit, PMD added.

    Kwatra also held discussions with Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabr, Sagala Ratnayaka, Senior Advisor to the President on national security and Chief of Presidential Staff.

    Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Gopal Bagley, joined the meetings.

    “Good meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra at @MFA_SriLanka today. We discussed the upcoming State visit of President @RW_UNP to #India at the invitation of the HE @narendramodi. Our discussion also centered around strengthening the bilateral relationship between our two countries for the mutual benefit of our people,” Ali Sabry tweeted. Earlier, Kwatra met his Sri Lankan counterpart Aruni Wijewardane.

    On July 20, Wickremesinghe is scheduled to visit India for the first time since he took office in 2022. During his visit, the President is expected to hold bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    During the worst ever economic crisis Sri Lanka went through last year since its Independence in 1948, India extended extensive assistance with nearly $4 billion financial aid. Working as a co-chair of the Creditors Committee along with Japan and Paris Club, India also took the initiative to help Sri Lanka in its debt treatment programme. 

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