Tag: Narendra Modi

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Jaishankar To Address UNGA As Modi Skips

An earlier schedule of speakers released by the UN in July had listed Narendra Modi as one of the speakers, but the latest version issued on Friday substituted Dr S. Jaishankar for the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has already visited the UN once this year, is not scheduled to be at the high-level General Assembly meeting of world leaders this month and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is to speak on behalf of India, according to the latest roster of speakers.

An earlier schedule of speakers released by the UN in July had listed him as one of the speakers, but the latest version issued on Friday substituted the minister for the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Modi led the International Day of Yoga celebrations at the UN in June before his state visit to Washington.

He has a packed schedule this month with a visit to the ASEAN summit in Indonesia from Tuesday to Thursday, which will be followed by the G20 summit of major emerging and industrialised countries that he will preside over in New Delhi on September 9 and 10.

Jaishankar is set to speak on Tuesday, September 26, morning at the last session of the high-level Assembly meeting.

The draft roster released in July had listed Modi on September 23.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky is to speak at the opening session on September 19.

According to Albania’s Permanent Representative Ferit Hoxha, who is this month’s Security Council president, Zelensky will also address an open meeting of the Council the next day.

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin will not be at the high-level meetings, nor will China’s President Xi Jinping.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), in New York, USA on September 25, 2021 (PIB)

The only leader of a Security Council permanent member to attend the high-level UN meeting will be US President Joe Biden as British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and France’s President Emmanuel Macron are not on the roster.

In keeping with tradition Brazil’s President Lula da Silva is to be the first speaker at the opening session and he will followed by Biden.

Prime Minister Modi did not attend last year’s high-level Assembly meeting either and Jaishankar took the rostrum on behalf of India.

The Prime Minister has addressed the Assembly’s annual high-level meetings four times in person and remotely in 2020 during the Covid pandemic.

The speakers are arranged according to protocol, starting with heads and deputy heads of state, followed by prime ministers and their deputies, and ministers.  

Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe is on the roster at the UN for September 21.

Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar is on the schedule next morning, along with Prime Ministers Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh and Pushpa Kamal Dahal of Nepal.

According to media reports in India and Cuba, Jaishankar is to also represent the nation at the summit in Cuba of the G77, the group of developing countries, on September 15 and 16, just ahead of the world leaders’ meetings that begin in New York with the Climate Ambition Summit convened by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on September 18 and 19.

ALSO READ: ‘Keeping India out of UNSC will call its credibility into question’

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Modi’s Greece Visit Aligns With India’s Maritime Strategy

The Indo-Pacific region and the Mediterranean Sea remain two maritime areas of immediate interest for India and Greece – the formulation also aligning with India’s position on the South China Sea disputes and guranteeing a free and open Indo-Pacific, a report by Ateet Sharma

Opening a new chapter in their more than 2500-year-old relationship, India and Greece on Friday elevated bilateral relationship to the level of a strategic partnership, with an eye on rebooting political, security and economic ties.

The decision was taken during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s one-day visit to the Mediterranean country – the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years – and his one-on-one and delegation-level talks with Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens.

The Joint Statement issued after their meeting mentioned that the both leaders, while acknowledging the shared historical linkages going back to antiquity, agreed that a “reenergised approach” to enhancing bilateral relationship is required at a time when the global order is undergoing unprecedented changes.

“Held very fruitful talks with Greece Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens. We have decided to raise our bilateral relations to a ‘Strategic Partnership’ for the benefit of our people. Our talks covered sectors such as defence, security, infrastructure, agriculture, skills and more,” tweeted PM Modi after direct talks.

In June 2021, IndiaNarrative.com spotlighted that after facing an identical and serious challenge from their respective neighbouring countries, India and Greece have begun work towards the establishment of a strategic partnership, opening up new perspectives for the consolidation and upgrading of relations between both the countries in a number of areas of common interest.

PM Modi at a business lunch hosted by the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis at Athens, in Greece on August 25, 2023.

In the post-Covid era, Greece not only supports India’s quest for a permanent seat in an expanded UN Security Council but also reflects New Delhi’s concerns on terrorism sponsored and supported from across the border in Jammu and Kashmir.

On the other hand, Athens has thanked India for the special and constructive role it has undertaken over time on its issue of core national interest, such as Cyprus.

Greece has for the past many years slammed Turkey for violating the International Law and the Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in the Aegean and in the Eastern Mediterranean. It has also accused Ankara of violating the sovereign rights of Greece by carrying hundreds of flights over the Greek territory.

The Indo-Pacific region and the Mediterranean Sea thus remain two maritime areas of immediate interest for India and Greece – the formulation also aligning with India’s position on the South China Sea disputes and guranteeing a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“We agreed that we are fully united in the goal of maintaining maritime security, in our adherence to International Law and the Convention on the Law of the Sea – a crucial field given the common facts that concern both the Eastern Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific Ocean,” said Mitsotakis with PM Modi standing by his side in Athens on Friday.

Building on the security ties, the two leaders indicated that a National Security Advisor (NSA)-level dialogue platform could soon be established between India and Greece.

Calling his meeting with PM Modi “a new starting point” in the relations between the two countries, the Greece leader reflected that it is a very important moment in the common path and ties that have united both countries for many centuries – from the ancient trade routes and the march of Alexander the Great to the philosophical quests that shaped cultures.

“There is, moreover, a very dynamic Indian community, which lives peacefully and works in our country. I saw that many of them greeted you with great enthusiasm this morning when you arrived at the hotel, for I have no doubt that your state now possesses the size of a veritable Asiatic giant. Ours, however, is the dynamic gateway, the eastern gateway of Europe, a huge opportunity for India, as the continental European country closest to this great economic superpower,” remarked Mitsotakis.

PM Modi and Mitsotakis also emphasised that deepening relations between India and the European Union would be mutually beneficial and have a positive regional and global impact.

Noting that India and the EU have the largest democratic and free market space in the world, the two PMs expressed their strong support for the ongoing India-EU trade and investment negotiations and the early implementation of the India-EU Connectivity Partnership.

Hoping for an early finalisation of a mutually beneficial Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement (MMPA) that would facilitate free movement of workforce between the two countries, both leaders directed their senior officials to ensure regular dialogue in the areas including political, economic, defence, security and public diplomacy.

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Modi Discusses Bilateral Ties and Chandrayaan-3 in Greece

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Modi Meets And Greets ISRO Scientists

PM Narendra Modi meets scientists behind successful lunar landing, hugs ISRO chief Somanath

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that August 23 will be celebrated as National Space Day to mark Chandrayaan-3’s landing on the Moon.

PM Modi also announced that the touchdown spot of the Vikram lander on the lunar surface would from now onwards be known as the ‘Shivshakti’ point while the Chandrayaan-2 Lunar landing point will be called the ‘Tiranga’ point.

“This will be an inspiration for every effort made by India. it will remind us any failure is not final…,” PM Modi said.

A visibly emotional Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed scientists at the Indian Space Research organisation’s command centre in Bengaluru, who were involved in the Chandrayaan-3 mission and lauded them for their efforts.

“On August 23rd, India hoisted the flag on the Moon. From now onwards, that day will be known as National Space Day in India”, said PM Modi

“Today, I am very feeling a new kind of happiness among you,” a beaming PM added.

“Such kind of happiness… these are very rare occasions when the whole body and soul is drenched in happiness,” PM Modi said while addressing the scientists at ISRO’s Telemetry Tracking and Command Network Mission Control Complex in Bengaluru.

He said the scientists had taken the Make In India initiative to the Moon, referring to the boost to indigenous productions due to Chandrayaan 3’s success.

PM Modi said he was on a two-nation visit to South Africa and Greece but his mind was completely with the scientists.

He said that he wanted to salute the scientists as soon as possible. “I could not stop myself as I was not in the country, but I decided to visit Bengaluru first and meet our scientists right after visiting India,” he said as the scientists cheered and broke into applause.

“…I can see before my eyes every second of that day of August 23…” PM Modi said recalling the final 15 challenging minutes of the Chandrayaan-3.

“I salute your dedication. I salute your patience. I salute your hard work. I salute your inspiration,” said PM Modi as he turned emotional.

The prime minister was accorded a warm reception as he arrived at the ISRO headquarters this morning. He met the team of scientists involved in the country’s third lunar mission — Chandrayaan-3 and enveloped ISRO chief Somanath in a hug.

Locals with posters and the national flag had gathered on the streets outside the airport in to welcome PM Narendra Modi. Upon landing at the HAL airport in Bengaluru, he greeted people gathered and raised the slogan ‘Jai Vigyan Jai Anusandhan’ outside the airport.

India entered record books as the first country to successfully place a lander on the unexplored lunar South Pole on Wednesday evening. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Top Leaders Celebrate India’s Lunar Success

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India’s Giant Leap: Chandrayaan-3 Lands On Moon

“India is on the moon!” Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is currently attending the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg said

It was a giant leap for India on Wednesday evening as the Chandrayaan-3 lander module successfully landed on the moon’s South Pole, making it the first country to have achieved the historic feat and bringing to an end the disappointment over the crash landing of the Chandrayaan-2, four years ago.

Officials at India’s space agency ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru broke into applause after the Vikram began its powered vertical descent towards its landing site.

“India is on the moon!” Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is currently attending the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg said. He watched the live telecast and as soon as the touchdown happened he sported a big smile and waved the tricolour.

The countdown of the Vikram hovered at 150 metres, then 130 metres, 50 metres and decelerated as approached the moon’s service before finally touching down on the lunar surface. 

As the Vikram lander carrying the Pragyaan rover in its belly touched down on the lunar surface, it marked a giant leap in India’s spacefaring journey providing a well-deserved finale to ISRO’s long years of toil.

This makes India becomes the fourth country – after US, China, and Russia – to have successfully landed on the moon’s surface, it has earned a place in record books as the first to touchdown on the south side of Earth’s only natural satellite.

Billions of people across India and globally closely monitoring the much-awaited event. More so after Russia’s Luna-25 spacecraft crashed on Sunday after spinning out of control.

In the run-up to the scheduled soft landing of Chandrayaan-3, people across the country prayed to God in all denominations of places of worship for a successful mission.

Special screenings of the soft landing were organized across the country, including schools and science centers, and public institutions. ISRO made the live actions available on the ISRO website, its YouTube channel, Facebook, and public broadcaster DD National TV.

The scheduled timing for the soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon’s south pole on August 23, 2023 (Wednesday), was 18:04 IST, with the powered descent of Vikram lander at 1745 IST.

ISRO had been releasing a series of up-close images of the moon, assisting the lander module in determining its position (latitude and longitude) by matching them against an onboard moon reference map.

Historically, spacecraft missions to the Moon have primarily targeted the equatorial region due to its favourable terrain and operating conditions. However, the lunar south pole presents a vastly different and more challenging terrain compared to the equatorial region.

The spacecraft was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota on July 14.

A GSLV Mark 3 (LVM 3) heavy-lift launch vehicle was used for the launch of the spacecraft that was placed in the lunar orbit on August 5 and since then it was through a series of orbital manoeuvres been lowered closer to the moon’s surface.

Ever since the July 14 launch, ISRO had been maintaining that the health of the spacecraft remained “normal”.

On August 5, Chandrayaan-3 was successfully inserted into the lunar orbit with multiple key manoeuvres thereafter.

Then on August 17, the mission marked another giant leap in its lunar quest as the ‘Vikram’ lander module of the spacecraft successfully separated from the propulsion module on Thursday. The Chandrayaan-3 mission’s lander is named after Vikram Sarabhai (1919–1971), who is widely regarded as the father of the Indian space programme.

Then the deboosting of the Lander module was undertaken in two phases. Deboosting is the process of slowing down to position itself in an orbit where the orbit’s closest point to the Moon is.

The stated objectives of Chandrayaan-3, India’s third lunar mission, were safe and soft landing on the lunar surface, the rover moving on the moon’s surface, and in-situ scientific experiments.

Upon landing, the lander and the rover were to operate for one lunar day. One day on the Moon is equal to 14 days on Earth.

Chandrayaan-3’s development phase commenced in January 2020, with the launch planned sometime in 2021.

However, the Covid-19 pandemic brought an unforeseen delay to the mission’s progress. The approved cost of Chandrayaan-3 is Rs 250 crores (excluding launch vehicle cost).

Chandrayaan-2 mission was only “partially successful” since the lander lost contact after a hard landing, but the ISRO earlier this week successfully established two-way communication between the Chandrayaan-3 lander module and the still orbiting Chandrayaan-2 orbiter.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) founder Vikram Sarabhai, who is considered the father of the Indian space program, once said India must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems facing society.

The establishment of the ISRO was one of Vikram Sarabhai’s greatest achievements. He successfully convinced the government of the day of the importance of a space programme for a developing country like India. (ANI)

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-Top News India News USA

Diaspora’s success redefines US perception of India

Even though Indians are just 1 per cent of the American population, they are more than 10 per cent of the Fortune 500 CEOs, a report by Meenakshi Iyer

The rapid rise of Indian-Americans from politics to administration, entrepreneurship to technology, medicine to hospitality, science to academia has put the global spotlight like never before on the high-achieving four million-plus strong diaspora.

The community happens to be the most educated with the highest median income in the US, with an average household earning of $123,700 — making them the top earners in the US among other Asians in the country.

As the profile of the Indian American community — now the second-largest immigrant group in the US — has grown, so too has its economic, political, and social influence, according to a recent Carnegie Endowment study.

In 2010, only 18 per cent of Americans saw India as “very important” to the United States, according to The Chicago Council survey.

Now, India is perceived by Americans as their seventh favourite nation in the world, with 70 per cent of people viewing India favourably in 2023, says a Gallup survey.

Much of how America views India today can be attributed to the success of this community, which according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has played a significant role in the all-round development of the nation they live in and also strengthened the India-US relationship.

The fifth largest economy of the world, India today is seen in the US as a strong bilateral partner sharing common democratic values with broad-based and multi-sectoral cooperation in sectors like trade and investment, defence and security, education, science and technology, cyber security, etc.

American businesses heavily rely on highly-skilled workers from India to fill the gaps in IT and engineering sectors via the H-1B visa programme. These visa holders create prospects for US citizens, by enabling companies to invest in domestic operations instead of sending jobs abroad.

As US Ambassador Eric Garcetti recently said: “India is a place where dreams become reality every day. Our counties have so much in common. Indian dreams and American dreams are two sides of the same coin.”

Addressing the 2019 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, then Foreign Minister late Sushma Swaraj had noted that while the Indian diaspora started migrating centuries ago, it was the migration of the educated, highly-skilled and dynamic young Indians that brought laurels to India.

The dominance of Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, and Parag Agarwal in the IT sector has strengthened the image of India in the US as a technology powerhouse and a source of quality human resources.

With US Vice President Kamala Harris sitting atop the political ladder, the US House of Representatives has five Indian Americans — Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Pramila Jayapal and Shri Thanedar.

PM Modi at the State Department Luncheon with VP Kamala Harris, at White House, in Washington DC.

There are close to 60 Indian-American CEOs in Fortune 500. Even though Indians are just 1 per cent of the American population, they are more than 10 per cent of the Fortune 500 CEOs with the likes of Laxman Narasimhan (Starbucks) and Raj Subramaniam (FedEx).

The US now has 20,000 Indian-American professors and at least a third of companies in the Silicon Valley that come for funding, and have an Indian American co-founder, according to Indiaspora founder M.R. Rangaswami.

According to foreign policy experts, it is the success of this community, which has dramatically changed the US perception of Indians and India, with its ability to spread Indian soft power, lobby for India’s national interests, and contribute economically to their mother country’s rise.

As part of “soft diplomacy”, Indian-Americans played a pivotal role in the fructification of the historic Indo-US nuclear deal in 2005.

The community also urged the political establishment — right from the Oval Office down to statehouses — to send aid worth at least half-a-billion dollars to India during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

ALSO READ: Musk’s SpaceX eyes India

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India commits to 50% non-fossil power by 2030

Prime Minister Modi said India has shown leadership in climate action and achieved its non-fossil installed electric capacity target nine years in advance, reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India would achieve the target of generating 50% of its electricity from non-fossil fuels by 2030 as part of the stepped up war against climate change.

Addressing the G20 Energy Ministers meeting in Goa via video on Saturday, the Prime Minister said India has shown leadership in climate action and achieved its non-fossil installed electric capacity target nine years in advance.

He pointed out that India is among the global leaders in solar and wind power and is making great efforts in green growth and energy transition.

“For decarbonizing India, we are working on a mission mode on Green Hydrogen as an alternative. The aim is to make India a global hub for the production, use, and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives. We are happy to share our learnings,” PM Modi said.

India is the most populated nation and the fastest-growing large economy in the world yet the country is moving strongly on its climate commitments, the Prime Minister pointed out.

PM Modi said that the world looks to the G20 countries to advance sustainable, just, affordable, inclusive, and clean energy transition and urged the ministers to ensure that the Global South is not left behind.

“We must ensure low-cost finance for developing countries. We must find ways to bridge technology gaps, promote energy security, and work on diversifying supply chains. And, we must strengthen collaboration on fuels for the future,” PM Modi said.

“The High-level Principles on Hydrogen are a step in the right direction. Transnational grid interconnections can enhance energy security. We are promoting this mutually beneficial cooperation with our neighbours in this region. And I can tell you, we are seeing encouraging results. Realizing the vision of inter-connected green grids can be transforming,” the Prime minister explained.

“It will enable all of us to meet our climate goals, stimulate green investment, and create millions of green jobs. I invite you all to join the Green Grids Initiative – ”One Sun, One World, One Grid of the International Solar Alliance,” he remarked.

PM Modi also highlighted the fact that caring for the environment was part of India’s culture and traditional wisdom. He emphasised his vision of Mission LiFE which is a Lifestyle for Environment that will make each individual a climate champion and the fight against global warming a mass movement.

“No matter how we transition, our thoughts and actions must always help preserve our ”One Earth”, protect the interests of our ”One Family”, and move towards a Green One Future.” PM Modi remarked.

Highlighting the other measures that have been undertaken to reduce India’s carbon footprint, the Prime Minister said more than 119 million families in the country have got LPG connections in the last nine years. “We have also achieved the historic milestone of connecting every village to electricity,” he said.

“In 2015, we began a small movement, by launching a scheme for the use of LED lights, this became the largest LED distribution programme in the world. Saving more than 45 billion units of energy per year,” the prime minister said.

He said that India’s domestic electrical vehicle market is projected to reach 10 million units of annual sales by 2030.

“We have commenced the rollout of 20 per cent ethanol blended petrol this year. Our aim is to cover the entire country by 2025,” he said.

Energy Ministers from G20 member countries, nine invited countries and high-ranking officials from 14 international organizations are attending the Ministerial meeting In Goa under India’s presidency.

(India Narrative)

ALSO READ: Kerry holds climate talks in China

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Abu Dhabi India News UAE News

Lulu Chief Welcomes Modi

The meeting took place at an official banquet hosted by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Lulu Group Chairman, MA Yousafali, exchanged greetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a lunch event held at the Abu Dhabi Presidential Palace.

The meeting took place at an official banquet hosted by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

MA Yousafali, who also serves as the Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, attended the banquet as a special invitee of the UAE government.

The event was attended by members of the UAE royal family, ministers, and senior government representatives, emphasising the significance of the occasion and the strong ties between the UAE and India.

During his one-day visit to the UAE, Prime Minister Modi was served a vegetarian lunch prepared in vegetable oils, without any egg or dairy products.

A full vegetarian meal was prepared at the banquet hosted by the UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in honour of PM Narendra Modi. The full vegetarian lunch had begun with a salad made of harees (wheat) and dates with local organic vegetables.

The starters were grilled vegetables with masala sauce followed by the main course which would include black lentil and local harees (wheat) with cauliflower and carrot tandoori.

The dessert served in the lunch was a selection of seasonal local fruits.

All meals were vegetarian and prepared with vegetable oils and contained no egg or dairy products.

During his meeting with UAE President Zayed Al Nahyan at the Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace, PM Modi said that he is very glad to come to Abu Dhabi and meet the President. “I feel like I am at my second home. I thank you for the cordial welcome you gave to me and my delegation,” said PM Modi.

Recalling last year’s visit, when the UAE President received PM Modi at the airport, PM Modi said, “Last year during my visit, you yourself came to the airport to meet me. There cannot be a greater proof of affinity than the respect that you have given to me. I have always received brotherly affection from you and have always felt your commitment to policies.”

PM Modi further said that in the last few years, relations between India and UAE have expanded because of a huge contribution from the UAE side.

“In the last few years, our relations have expanded and there is a huge contribution from your side. Your vision and clear thinking is the biggest strength for this nation. That is why everyone looks at you like a true friend,” PM Modi added.

PM Modi received a dazzling welcome in UAE as the iconic Burj Khalifa was lit up in the colours of the Indian national flag. As a part of the light-and-sound show the skyscraper also showcased PM Modi’s picture, followed by “Welcome Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi”. (with inputs from ANI)

ALSO READ: Lulu to invest 3500 Crores in Telangana

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Modi arrives in UAE, receives dazzling welcome

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a dazzling welcome in the UAE as the iconic Burj Khalifa was lit up with the colours of the Indian nation flag, reports Asian Lite News

Kickstarting the final leg of his two-nation visit on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Upon his arrival in Abu Dhabi, PM Modi was welcomed by Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi at the airport.

Expressing his gratitude over warm welcome to the Gulf nation, PM Modi took to Twitter to post, “Grateful to Crown Prince HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for welcoming me at the airport today.”

On his arrival at the Abu Dhabi airport, PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome.

“Furthering – partnership! PM @narendramodi arrives in Abu Dhabi to a ceremonial welcome. Warmly received by Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the airport,” the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi, tweeted.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will meet with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on critical bilateral issues.

The PM emplaned for the UAE earlier on Saturday after concluding his two-day visit to France.

PM Modi called his France visit “memorable”, adding that it was more remarkable as he participated in the Bastille Day celebrations. He also expressed gratitude to French President Emmanuel Macron and the people of France for their warmth and hospitality.

PM Modi, who was on a two-day official visit to France, participated in the Bastille Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour, on Friday. He visited France at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.

Burj Khalifa lit up

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a dazzling welcome in the UAE as the iconic Burj Khalifa was lit up with the colours of the Indian nation flag.

As a part of the light-and-sound show at the Burj on Friday, setting the stage for PM Modi’s arrival to the Gulf nation on an official visit, the skyscraper also showcased his picture, followed by a text that read, “Welcome Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi.” A leaping skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Burj Khalifa is one of the top attractions to visit in the city.

UAE hails economic partnership with India

Just hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said that its economic partnership with India “is a significant milestone in the history of both nations”.

The UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, said in an interview that the UAE-India non-oil trade is expected to reach USD 100 billion a year by 2030.

Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi noted that UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was designed to deliver a new era of growth and opportunity.

CEPA is an agreement signed between India and UAE on February 18, 2022, and came into force on May 1, 2022. The agreement was signed between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Speaking about the success of the CEPA between India and the UAE, Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi said, “There is little question that the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement will come to be regarded as a significant milestone in the history of both nations.”

“By removing or reducing tariffs on 80 per cent of goods, eliminating unnecessary barriers to trade, creating new platforms for investment, and opening government procurement to each other’s private sector, the UAE-India CEPA was designed to deliver a new era of growth and opportunity – and, ultimately, boost bilateral non-oil trade beyond USD 100 billion by 2030,” he added.

ALSO READ: India, France to co-develop combat aircraft engine

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Indian contingent adds spectacle to Bastille Day Parade

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended Bastille Day Parade as Guest of Honour at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron on the Champs-Élysées.

“To mark the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, 241-member tri-service Indian armed forces contingent led by a military band also participated in the Parade,” the PMO said in a statement.

The Indian Army contingent was led by the Punjab Regiment, along with the Rajputana Rifles Regiment.

During the parade, the Indian military contingent marched to the patriotic tune of ‘Sare Jahan Se Accha,’ while a squadron of Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale fighters participated in a flypast over the Champs-Elysees at the Bastille Day Parade.

Rafale Jets of the Indian Air Force, from the 101 Squadron from Hashimara, formed a part of the fly past during the parade.

“A giant in world history, with a decisive role to play in the future, a strategic partner, a friend. We are proud to welcome India as our guest of honour at the 14 July parade,” President Macron said.

PM Modi and President Emmanuel Macron met notable dignitaries during the Bastille Day Parade in Paris.

Mentioning the marching of Indian soldiers and flying of Rafale aircraft alongside the French troops during the Bastille Day Parade celebrations, Macron said that France honours the memory of those who fought with the French in the First World War.

“This 14 July, soldiers and Rafale aircraft from India are marching and flying alongside our troops. We honour the memory of those who fought with the French in the First World War. We shall never forget,” tweeted Macron.

It is worth mentioning that the association of the Indian and the French Armies dates back to World War I. Over 1.3 million Indian soldiers participated in the war and almost 74,000 of them fought in the muddy trenches to never return again, while another 67,000 were wounded. Indian troops valiantly fought on French soil also, the Defence Ministry said earlier.

Many Indians like Welinkar, Shivdev Singh, HC Dewan and Jumbo Majumdar fought over the skies of France during the two World Wars. Some, like Jumbo Majumdar, were also decorated for their gallant action, over the Falaise Gap, during the terminal phase of World War II, added the official statement.

The Bastille Day Parade, which PM Modi attended as the Guest of Honour with Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron, has concluded in Paris.

French President Emmanuel Macron received the guard of honour at Bastille Day Parade.

July 14 marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789, during the French Revolution, which symbolizes the democratic values of ‘Liberty, Equality and Fraternity’, the central theme of both the Indian and French constitutions.

PM Modi and President Emmanuel Macron witnessed the Indian tri-services contingent flew over the Bastille Day Parade in Paris, showcasing the French national flag.

They also saw French and Indian soldiers march along Paris’s tree-lined Champs-Elysees avenue, as Rafale fighter planes purchased by India in 2015 flew above the Arc de Triomphe.

“It reminds us of the valour & courage of the Indian soldiers on the French soil during the World Wars,” the Indian Army tweeted.

IAF’s Rafale jets flypast was showcased during the parade. Later, PM Modi attended the lunch hosted by the President of French National Assembly, Yael Braun-Pivet.

PM Narendra Modi has become the first Indian Prime Minister to have been conferred with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest civilian and military honour, by French President Emmanuel Macron.

PM Modi has joined the ranks of other prominent world leaders including former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela, King Charles – the then Prince of Wales, former Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel, Boutros Boutros-Ghali, former Secretary General of the United Nations, among others.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted that India and France cooperate and coordinate much more closely in international forums, as the two nations together launched the International Solar Alliance, and are working together on initiatives on biodiversity, elimination of single use plastic, disaster resilient infrastructure and conserving ocean resources.

“Our cooperation has become especially strong in the United Nations, whether it is in reforming the UN institutions, fighting climate change or combating terrorism. Most recently, we worked closely on President Macron’s New Global Financing Pact Summit. We are both leaders in the initiative on No Money for Terror Financing,” he said.

India gave an initial nod to buy 26 Rafale aircraft for its navy and three Scorpene class submarines, strengthening defence ties with Paris.

France has been India’s one of closest partners in Europe for decades. President Macron will also host PM Modi at the Elysee Palace for dialogue prior to a state banquet at the Louvre Museum.

It is noteworthy that Macron has treated only a few global leaders to the Bastille Day military parade. (ANI)

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Modi lands in Cairo for first State visit to Egypt

This is PM Modi’s first visit to Egypt as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister after 26 years, reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Egypt’s capital Cairo for the first state visit on the second leg of his two-nation tour.

In a special honour PM Modi was received by his Egyptian counterpart Mostafa Madbouly at the airport.

PM Modi arrived in Cairo for after wrapping up a “successful visit to the US.” The visit is at the invitation of Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of Egypt, which he extended to PM Modi in January when he attended the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi as chief guest.

This is PM Modi’s first visit to Egypt as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister after 26 years.

Upon arriving in Cairo, PM Modi was greeted with a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour and in a special honour was received by his Egyptian counterpart Mostafa Madbouly at the airport.

PM Modi also inspected a guard of honour on his arrival.

During his two-day June 24 to 25 State visit, he will hold a roundtable meeting with the Egyptian PM and also meet President El-Sisi.

Later on, PM Modi will interact with the Indian community.

PM Modi is scheduled to meet the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Dr Shawki Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Allam, today and will also interact with Egyptian thought leaders.

On Sunday, PM Modi will visit Al-Hakim Mosque. The Prime Minister will spend nearly half an hour at the Al-Hakim Mosque– a historic and prominent mosque in Cairo named after Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah (985-1021), the 16th Fatimid caliph.

During his Egypt tour, PM Modi will also visit the Heliopolis War Grave cemetery to pay tribute to the Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice fighting for Egypt during the First World War.

The visit is of significance as Egypt has traditionally been one of India’s most important trading partners in the African continent. India-Egypt Bilateral Trade Agreement has been in operation since March 1978 and is based on the Most Favored Nation clause, according to the Egyptian Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS).

Furthermore, India and Egypt share a close political understanding based on a long history of contact and cooperation in bilateral, regional and global issues.

PM Narendra Modi meets with the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on January 25, 2023. (PIB)

Meanwhile, in the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended various events and met top Indian and American CEOs including Tesla CEO Elon Musk. He received a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour at the White House upon his arrival.

He was hosted by US President Joe Biden as well as First Lady Jill Biden for a state dinner at the White House, as well as a State Luncheon by the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and US Vice President Kamala Harris. (ANI)

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