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Jaishankar: Quad Reflects Growth of Multipolar Order

Jaishankar QUAD

Dr S. Jaishankar was addressing the ‘Quad Think Tank Forum’ session at the Raisina Dialogue. The session was primarily focused on the Quad, as well as a free and open Indo-Pacific

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said the coming together of India, US, Australia and Japan as part of the Quad group serves to illustrate the growth of a multipolar order and advance a post-Cold War thinking against ‘spheres of influence’.

“I believe it (Quad) has five messages. One, it reflects the growth of a multipolar order. Two, it is post-Alliance and post-Cold War thinking. Three, it is against spheres of influence. Four, It expresses the democratizing of the global space and a collaborative, not unilateral approach. And five, it is a statement that in this day and age, others cannot have a veto on our choices,” EAM Jaishankar said on the closing day of the Raisina Dialogue in the national capital on Saturday.

Jaishankar was addressing the ‘Quad Think Tank Forum’ session at the Raisina Dialogue. The session was primarily focused on the Quad, as well as a free and open Indo-Pacific

Highlighting the significance of Quad grouping in Indo-Pacific at the session, the EAM said, “Now, this in turn would elicit the question, why the Indo-Pacific? And the answer, I think, by now is very clear. The post-1945 division of what till then was perceived to be a cohesive threat resulted in our contemplating the Indian Ocean and the Pacific one as two separate entities. This separation was an outcome of American strategic priorities in 1945.”

Invoking the Quad’s history and events, he said they strengthened the grouping of four nations to discuss multi-faceted issues.

“The origins of the Quad go back to the tsunami response. This was an event which happened in late December 2004. I happen to be the coordinator for that response on the Indian side. In 2006, the actual idea of a Quad was put forward by the then Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. But as I said earlier, it unravelled within a year, and in fact Abe himself had left office at that time,” Jaishankar said.

“In 2017, after a full decade, Quad was resumed, first at the Foreign Secretary’s level, and then was upgraded in 2019 to the ministerial one. Coincidentally, I happen to be occupying both positions at that particular juncture. In 2021, we, all four of us, upgraded it to the summit level and it has flourished since. And it’s been my privilege to have participated in all the meetings that have taken place since then,” he added.

The common refrain at the session was that the grouping should be in the interest of all countries in the region amid concerns around the Quad being an exclusive partnership between the four members. This session will also feature discussions on the state of recent efforts to expand the grouping’s outreach to other like-minded countries.

Before EAM Jaishankar, US Deputy Secretary of State, Kurt M. Campbell, addressed the session on behalf of Secretary of State Antony Blinken, saying, “The strength of the Quad is its ability to harness the resources and capabilities of our four nations (US, India, Australia, Japan) to deliver concrete outcomes that benefit us all. In 2024, it has enabled us to promote that common good for the people across the IndoPacific.”

Dr S. Jaishankar receives U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s Admiral John Aquilino in New Delhi on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue.

“I want to emphasise the defining feature of our partnership – the Quad stands for our affirmative vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), in which we collectively build the capacity of our allies and partners. The Quad is not about forcing the region to choose between strategic competitors. It is about preserving and creating options so that communities, institutions and countries can make decisions to benefit their people,” he added.

Australian FM Penny Wong, who addressed the session virtually, stressed the positive impact of Quad in the Indo-Pacific, saying, “We’ve maintained strong momentum in offering but never imposing transparent valued public goods. that responded to priorities.”

“I described the quad is a lighthouse, which brings together our countries to illuminate a positive vision for the Indo-Pacific,” she added.

Raisina Dialogue is India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was the chief guest and keynote speaker at the ongoing 9th Raisina Dialogue. He inaugurated the dialogue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 21. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Jaishankar Stresses Broad Engagement with Russia

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Arts & Culture Lite Blogs

Where Creativity and Artistry Converge in New Delhi

Kunal Singh Chhabra, known as KSC, brings the night alive post-event with an after-party that’s a reflection of his multidisciplinary artistry…reports Asian Lite News

Picture a space where the rhythmic cadence of dance, the resonant chords of music, the vivid imaginations of art, the chic elegance of fashion, and the stirring drama of live performances converge. It’s a canvas of creative expressions waiting to unfold.A lineup of remarkable creators, each comes with a promise of taking you on a sensory voyage as the DEWAR’S Stay Curious HQ comes to New Delhi this weekend.

From showcases where audiences can express their own creative expressions to an immersive experience that brings the tactile essence of textiles, this event is here to immerse yourself in a mesmerising array of experiences curated by some of the most curious minds in the country. Here is look into the artists and their work:

Bahaar Rohatgi brings a community-crafted art odyssey
Dive into Bahaar’ Rohatgi’s collective art odyssey, where each stroke on a giant canvas unfolds a shared narrative. Guided by Bahaar, attendees contribute to a living artwork, embodying a shared exploration and evoking inner reflections. It’s more than a showcase; it’s an immersive journey emphasising the essence of collective creativity, evolving with every interaction. This experience underlines that art, akin to life, is a journey, not a destination, where collective endeavor shapes perception, devoid of imposition.

Rohatgi, who left her lucrative career in law to pursue her passion for the arts, has exhibited both in India and abroad; in 2017, she was given the ‘Best Emerging Artist’ award by ASSOCHAM at the SAARC Women Economic Forum.

Immersive textile installation by Ekaya Banaras x Lalima

KATRAN: A soaring tribute to textile heritage by Ekaya Banaras and Lalima morphs the essence of Benarasi and silk handloom traditions into a grand visual spectacle. By repurposing what’s often discarded, ‘KATRAN’ unveils the uncelebrated charm of textile remnants, elevating them to a form and scale that commands admiration. It’s not just an installation; it’s a narrative of sustainability, a testament to the timeless beauty inherent in every thread, and a salute to the enduring legacy of India’s textile heritage.


Indian contemporary electronica by Raj and Chie Nishikori

A musical experience by guitarist & producer, Raj is known for blending jazz with electronic music fused with neo-soul guitars while showcasing his solid Indian roots. Packed with sounds that one would hear at dusk, this immersive musical experience is bound to transport the audience into another realm.  Raj’s music has received well worldwide, racking up more than 7 million streams on Spotify. The performance would also feature Japanese trumpet player Chie Nishikori. The set will be a combination of lush Chillhop lofi beats with atmospheric sounds, Indian elements such as sitar, flute etc. along with the introduction of live trumpet & guitars eventually.

Gear up for them: wyd tonight? , Glass Walls , Hello Summer, 107

Overture by Aniruddh Mehta and Myles

From traditional graphic design to digital and new media arts, visionary Mumbai-based designer and founder of Studio Bigfat, Anirudhh Mehta is joining hands with creative coder and music technologist Myles. Unveiling their masterpiece ‘Overture’ in a captivating 14-minute act, get ready to make the most of this unforgettable journey into the unexplored world of audiovisual delights as you witness the piece come alive at the DEWAR’S Stay Curious HQ this weekend. Aniruddh Mehta is a Mumbai-based designer and artist whose work ranges from traditional graphic design to digital and new media arts. Myles Pereira is a music technologist, creative coder, and composer who puffs out custom software solutions regarding interactive art exhibits, visuals, and tools that allow musicians to express themselves artistically.

Learn the art of curating innovating drinks by DEWAR’S Brand Ambassadors

Led by an expert mixologist and DEWAR’S Brand Ambassador, this workshop is set to offer an engaging experience for cocktail enthusiasts, providing hands-on training and guidance in crafting exquisite and innovative drinks. Participants explore the art of mixology, learning techniques and experimenting with a variety of flavors to create unique and tantalizing beverages.

Sublime Sound (Anhad Khanna) and KSC’s After-Party:

Kunal Singh Chhabra, known as KSC, brings the night alive post-event with an after-party that’s a reflection of his multidisciplinary artistry. As a DJ and Creative Director, KSC has been a trendsetter in India’s electronic and hip-hop music scene since his teenage years. His venture, “All Star Sauce,” reflects Delhi’s pulsating culture through its leading collectives, also resonating in his online radio shows “Barbecue Chutney” and “Public Service Announcement.” The after-party curated by KSC isn’t just a musical feast; it’s a dive into a vibrant, edgy, and futuristic world where every beat is a narrative, promising a euphoric conclusion to the immersive journey at Stay Curious.

Date: October 21

Venue: STIR, Chhatarpur, New Delhi

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New Delhi to Promote G-20 Spirit at World Bank-IMF Meet

Raisen, Dec 01 (ANI): The Great Stupa at Sanchi among the 100 ASI sites lit up with the G20 logo as India assumes the presidency, in Raisen on Thursday. (ANI Photo)

IMF Chief Kristalina Georgieva told AFP recently that Sub-Saharan Africa will have a “stronger voice” at the Fund with a third seat on the global lender’s executive board…reports Asian Lite News

With focus now shifting to the forthcoming World Bank-International Monetary Fund annual meet to be hosted in Morocco this month, India, which has positioned itself as a credible voice of the Global South, is expected to adhere to the One earth-One familiy-One future ethos that it carved out as the G20 chair. While New Delhi is set to amplify issues related to the Global South and its economy at the annual event, it is set to further push for reforms of the multilateral lenders to benefit the world community as a whole.

Notably, Morocco, hit by a devastating earthquake on September 8, is continuing to grapple with the aftermath and preparations are going on in full swing for the mega event.

IMF Chief Kristalina Georgieva told AFP recently that Sub-Saharan Africa will have a “stronger voice” at the Fund with a third seat on the global lender’s executive board.

“I have some good news for Africa. We are advancing a preparation to have a third representative of Sub-Saharan Africa in our executive board,” Georgieva said.

This is the first time in 50 years that the meetings will be held in an African country. In 1973, the annual event of the multilateral lenders was held in Nairobi in Kenya.

African Union was given membership to G20 last month under Indian’s presidency. Rich in natural resources and minerals, Africa’s role is steadily increasing in shaping global economic contours in the new emerging world order.

The 55 member African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)– the mega trade pushing intra-continental investment, which kicked off in January 2021 is also a reflection of the changing dynamics in the continent.

Touted as one of the biggest trade deals in the world, the trade deal is aimed at creating a single market with a combined GDP of about $3.4 trillion and serving as a gateway to 1.3 billion strong population and a ready market.

“In a way many of the issues that have already been taken up for discussion at the G20 summit will be the focus at the World Bank-IMF annual meet too…this includes Africa as a whole and the challenges faced by the poorer countries along with issues of climate change,” a person familiar with the development told India Narrative.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held a meeting on Friday ahead of the annual event.

The World Bank and IMF last month issued a rare joint press statement hours before the G20 summit kicked off, reiterating their commitments towards expanding cooperation to deal with challenges relating to climate change, debt vulnerabilities and countries’ digital transitions.

ALSO READ-China Blocks IMF Deal as Sri Lanka Tilts Westward

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Delhi Police Conducts G20 Summit Rehearsal

The Bomb Squad of the National Security Guard (NSG) on Saturday conducted an anti-sabotage sweep at different locations in the national capital ahead of the G20 Summit.

The Delhi Police conducted comprehensive dress rehearsals for the upcoming G20 Summit on Saturday.

They oversaw the procession of caravans from various parts of the national capital towards the New Delhi district.

The rehearsal session began at 8:30 a.m and continued till 12 p.m.
Further rehearsals were also scheduled for 4:30 p.m to 6 p.m, and 7 p.m to 11 p.m.

Commuters were strongly encouraged to utilize the metro services due to expected traffic disruptions.

Throughout the carcade rehearsals, traffic restrictions will be in place at several key locations, including Sardar Patel Marg-Panchsheel Marg, Sardar Patel Marg–Kautilya Marg, Gol Methi roundabout, Mansingh Road roundabout, C-Hexagon, Mathura Road, Zakir Hussain Marg-Subramaniam Bharti Marg, Bhairon Marg-Ring Road, Satya Marg/Shantipath roundabout,
Janpath–Kartavyapath, Barakhamba Road red light, Tolstoy Marg, and Vivekanand Marg, among others, according to officials.

The traffic police said that passengers going towards railway stations will be able to use their private vehicles, Auto-rickshaws, taxis for travelling to New Delhi railway station and Old Delhi railway station.

However, in case of road journeys they may face some congestion and consequent delays. Therefore, they are advised to keep sufficient time at hand. For easier and more convenient access to railway stations passengers are advised to make maximum use of Metro services,” they said.

The traffic advisory further advised that passengers going towards the airport are advised to make maximum use of Metro services, especially the Airport Express Line connecting New Delhi Station to Dwarka Sector 21 Station via IGI Airport T3.

“City Bus Services will not be affected at large. However, they may be diverted from certain road stretches in New Delhi District depending upon the real time traffic situation,” it said.

“Motorists are requested to have patience, observe traffic rules & road discipline and follow directions of Traffic Police personnel deployed at all intersections. People are also requested to plan their journey in advance with sufficient time at hand to avoid inconvenience,” it added.

BOMB SQUAD’S ANTI-SABOTAGE CHECKS

The Bomb Squad of the National Security Guard (NSG) on Saturday conducted an anti-sabotage sweep at different locations in the national capital ahead of the G20 Summit.

Earlier, on Saturday, Delhi Traffic Police conducted another full dress rehearsal as part of its preparations for the upcoming G20 Summit in the national capital on September 9 and 10.

The two-day summit will draw leaders and delegates from 40 countries, including the 20 member states.

The carcade rehearsals were carried out in the Pragati Maidan area of the national capital where the global event will be hosted next month, officials said.

Speaking to ANI on Saturday, Special Commissioner Of Delhi Traffic Police, SS Yadav said, “We have shared the travel guidelines with all the media houses. Newspapers have also published our releases and necessary information is also being shared on our social media handles. The focus is to ensure that the impact on the movement of traffic is kept at a minimum.”

The G20 Summit is set to be hosted at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre at Pragati Maidan.

Earlier, on August 23, Delhi traffic police authorities carried out a full-dress rehearsal on selected routes.

Delhi Police, which started its preparations for the G20 Summit in earnest a few months ago, has been training personnel who are to be deployed at various locations ahead of and during the big-ticket summit.

The personnel are also being trained to deal with the fallout of possible hazards, including the use of chemical and biological weapons, and have been asked to focus on their soft skills. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Pakistani-Chinese Lobby Push Propaganda Ahead Of G20 Summit

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Food Lite Blogs Restaurant Reviews

Characterful Indian restaurant: Chor Bizarre, New Delhi

Chor Bizarre brings authentic Indian cuisine in a restaurant setting that is imaginative and arty. The experienced and expert chefs have endeavored to stay true to the origin of regional dishes they serve on their extensive menu, truly recreating flavors that one would normally associate only with authentic food of that region in India; writes FnB columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

The interiors of Chor Bizarre have been put together with India’s finery and joie-de-vivre in mind! From furniture to fabrics, pearls to periodicals, carpets to cutlery… with antique tables as counters for coal irons, colorful street food vendors, grandfather clocks jostling with stereos, bangle sellers and old jewelry sharing space with auto parts, it captures the spirit of India in all its eclectic irreverence. In the restaurant, “nothing matches” yet “everything gels” surely! 

The service is impeccably attentive, charmingly evocative of the old world hospitality and the cuisine especially the Kashmiri offerings are superb both in taste and presentation, also portion sizes. The restaurant has a comfortable and relaxed vibe. Having created an atmosphere that provides a unique setting for truly evocative and inspired cuisine, Chor Bizarre has been one of India’s most celebrated restaurants since 1990. Chor Bizarre, New Delhi is also India’s first ISO 9002 Restaurant – the first to win this international distinction for quality in the country.

Chor Bizarre was the first theme restaurant of India. Currently they operate it from Bikaner House, Delhi. A meal experience here is highly recommended! 

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India News Lite Blogs Sport

The Biggest Cricket Carnival at Seven Seas Hotel in New Delhi

Indian Premier League is here and the restaurant at Seven Seas hotel are offering discerning diners the exciting chance to witness all the action of IPL with the best screen experience and top seats in the house, an exclusive theme-based delectable IPL menu and some absolutely refreshing tap drinks with buckets of Popcorn ofcourse for the full feels for cricket lovers and foodies! Feature by FnB columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

This special IPL experience is happening now at their Seventh Sense Restaurant. The restaurant have curated a special IPL themed menu that features mouth-watering dishes representing every IPL team. From Punjab’s Amritsari Fish Fry to Lucknow’s Famous Galouti Kebabs, Delhi’s Ram Ladoo to Mumbai’s delicious Pav Bhaji, Kolkata’s Shukto to Hyderabadi Gosht Biryani and so many more dishes on this one or a kind seasonal menu to enjoy while you cheer for your favourite IPL team. 

With the IPL season currently on, there is a lot of excitement amongst cricket fans and Seven Seas hotel is only making the experience even better for their regular patrons and new guests. The exceptionally talented Chef Saurabh Singh and his wonderful team have curated the mouthwatering IPL themed menu that will leave those taste buds satiated. Just one glance at the dishes spread at the buffet is enough to entice you and make you crave a bite of each dish while you watch your favorite team on screen with your friends and family.

Sharad Sharma, General Manager at Seven Seas Hotel shares “Cricket and food unites the people in India. We are celebrating cricket and delicious regional dishes of India. We have added special dishes like Chennai’s Puttu with Kadla Curry, Rajasthan’s Dal Baati Churma, Gujrati’s Dabeli and so much more to provide the best pan-india food experience to our guests at Seven Seas.”

“At Seventh Sense Restaurant, Special IPL offers are added in the menu during all the evening matches. The experience of watching an IPL can’t get better than this” added Jitendra Kumar Singh, Assistant F&B Manager.

Weather you’re a die-hard cricket fan or just looking for a fun night out, visit Seventh Sense Restaurant and don’t miss out on this unique and delish experience with the IPL Fever on.

The new IPL menu started from 9th April and will be on till May 28, 2023 for a fabulous cricket season.

You will find that the decor is cricket themed, the vibe is cricket focussed and the buzz in the restaurant with fellow cricket fans is all very cheering. To top it the food is outstanding, the menu choice is varied and will satiate a variety of palates and service is top-notch also attentive. The buffet spread and lay out is extraordinary including the presentation of treats and eats. The whole experience is exceptional and it’s highly recommended! 

The Seven Seas hotel in Rohini is in a commercial area is 2 km from a metro station and 4 km from Japanese Park, which features lakes and walking trails. Polished rooms come with Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs and minibars. Elegant suites add living areas. Room service is available. Dining options include a restaurant, a 24-hour eatery and a cafe. There’s also a nightclub and a bar. An outdoor infinity pool and a hot tub offer city views. Other amenities consist of a spa, a gym and a kids’ pool, as well as a grand ballroom. Seven Seas Hotel has become a much sought after destination for making any corporate or social event a memorable and resounding success. The luxury hotel is home to over 100 classically designed with world-class amenities to ensure that our guests keep coming back. The hotel offers scrumptious cuisines from different parts of the world, prepared by expert chefs. Address- 12, M2K Rd, Mangalam Place, Sector 3, Rohini, New Delhi, Delhi 110085. Instagram – @sevenseashotel

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New Delhi appoints envoys for Botswana, Bahrain and Norway

Apart from Eric Garcetti, Qatar’s Ambassador to India Mohammed Hassan Jabir Al-Jabir and Monaco’s Ambassador Didier Gamerdinger, Monaco presented their credentials to the President…reports Asian Lite News

India appointed three new envoys for three different countries, the Republic of Botswana, the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Norway.

Bharath Kumar Kuthati, a 2006 batch IFS officer, has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Botswana. Another one is Vinod K Jacob, a 2000 batch IFS officer, presently Deputy High Commissioner in the High Commission of India, Colombo has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Meanwhile, Acquino Vimal, who is also from the 2000 batch, an IFS officer, is presently Deputy Chief of Mission in the Embassy of India, Beijing. He has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Norway.

All three are expected to take up the assignment shortly.

Meanwhile, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti and envoys of Qatar and the Principality of Monaco on Thursday presented their credentials to President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

“The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu accepted credentials from the Ambassadors of the United States of America, Qatar and Monaco at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today,” a Rashtrapati Bhavan release said.

Apart from Eric Garcetti, Qatar’s Ambassador to India Mohammed Hassan Jabir Al-Jabir and Monaco’s Ambassador Didier Gamerdinger, Monaco presented their credentials to the President.

Garcetti, former mayor of Los Angeles, was sworn in by US Vice President Kamala Harris as the new US Ambassador to India in March this year. Earlier, the Senate confirmed his appointment as the next US ambassador to India.

On Garcetti’s arrival in India, Indian Embassy in the US tweeted, “Namaste, Ambassador-Designate Eric Garcetti! We’re thrilled to welcome you to #IncredibleIndia and work with you to build even stronger ties between our two great nations.”

The US Embassy in India had been without an ambassador since January 2021, which is the longest stretch in the history of US-India relations that the post remained vacant.

Kenneth Juster had stepped down after the change of government in the United States. (ANI)

ALSO READ-UK opens military base in northern Norway

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UK CDS meets India’s top military brass

UK's Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Admiral Tony Radakin meets Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin and General Anil Chauhan reviewed progress on various pillars of the UK-India defence partnership and exchanged views to further expand ties in all the domains.

India and the UK are natural partners in a world that is becoming more contested and volatile, UK’s Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Admiral Tony Radakin told his Indian counterpart General Anil Chauhan in New Delhi.

UK’s Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Admiral Tony Radakin meets CDS General Anil Chauhan.

Admiral Radakin, is taking part in a series of high-level meetings in India this week, continuing momentum in building strategic ties between the two countries.

The CDS began his three-day visit by paying homage to the fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial on Monday, ahead of his meeting with General Chauhan.

The two Chiefs reviewed progress on various pillars of the UK-India defence partnership and exchanged views to further expand ties in all the domains.

Following the signing of an updated Memorandum of Understanding in 2019, discussions around industrial collaboration in the aerospace sector have been progressing, with the UK’s Minister for Defence Procurement visiting in February and the First Sea Lord visiting in March.

“My visit to India reflects the United Kingdom’s belief that our security is indivisible from that of the wider world,” Admiral Radakin said. “As a global trading nation it matters to the UK that the Indo-Pacific is open and free, which is why the British Armed Forces is establishing the broadest and most integrated presence in the region of any European nation.”

He said India and the UK share many of the same democratic instincts and values and are both committed to the rule of law.

“We are respected military powers, both undergoing significant investment and modernisation, and exercising together across, land, sea and air. But we can do more. I value the opportunity to meet with General Anil Chauhan to discuss how we can develop our partnership in a way that benefits our mutual security and prosperity,” he added.

The CDS began his three-day visit by paying homage to the fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial.

Admiral Radakin subsequently held discussions with the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Hari Kumar, Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj Pande, Defence Secretary, Giridhar Aramane, and Additional Secretary Defence Production, T Natarajan.

Over the next two days, Admiral Radakin will be hosted by various establishments of the Indian Armed Forces across the country, with a view to boost military-to-military engagement and explore opportunities around the co-creation of future technologies.

UK’s Defence Secretary Ben Wallace stated that India is a “valued defence partner for the UK” and the relationship with New Delhi continues to flourish across research and industrial sectors.

“Both our nations are committed to the stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific and we continue to train and operate alongside our Indian partners to promote security in the region,” Wallace said.

The Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force are all carrying out exercises with their Indian equivalents this year, developing interoperability and joint tactics.

In recent weeks, HMS Lancaster visited Kochi to train alongside the Indian Navy as part of Exercise Konkan, while five Mirage 2000 fighters were flown by Indian Air Force pilots in the Royal Air Force’s largest aerial exercise in the UK – Exercise Cobra Warrior.

Later this month, soldiers from the Indian Army will deploy to the UK to take part in Exercise Ajeya Warrior, training alongside the British Army.

The visit of CDS also coincides with the visit of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Royal Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston.

The visit of two of the senior-most officers of the UK’s armed forces exemplifies the importance with which the UK holds its defence and security partnership with India, British High Commission said in a statement.

Chief of Defence Staff of United Kingdom Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, today called on Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane in New Delhi.
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Blinken concludes India visit with rickshaw ride and masala chai

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken ditches bulletproof car, reaches US Embassy in New Delhi in auto-rickshaw

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is on an official visit to India for the G20 Foreign Ministers Meet and Raisina Dialogue, chose an auto-rickshaw over his bullet-proof cars to reach the US Embassy in Delhi.

In one of Blinken’s tweets, he can be seen coming out of a three-wheeler. “A pleasure to meet with our staff from @USAndIndia, @USAndHyderabad, @USAndKolkata, @USAndChennai, @USAndMumbai, and their families. I’m deeply grateful for their hard work and commitment to strengthen our people to people ties and advance the #USIndia strategic partnership,” tweeted United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday.

It seems that the US diplomats are loving their new ‘personalized auto-rickshaws’ as earlier, in November 2022, American women diplomats Ann L Mason, Ruth Holmberg, Shareen J Kitterman and Jennifer Bywaters left their bulletproof cars and took the Black and Pink three-wheelers for all their work including the ‘official trips’. Even they drove themselves in auto-rickshaws to all their workplaces.

Talking about their experience with ANI, Ann L Mason said, “From Detroit to my auto rickshaw, I’ve had a lifelong love of vehicles and so everywhere I’ve been there’s been something special about a vehicle but really none more special in my opinion than an autorickshaw. When I was in Pakistan, before coming to India, I was in armoured vehicles and they were big, beautiful vehicles. But I would always look out on the street and I would see the autorickshaws going by and I always wanted to be in the autorickshaw. So when I got to India and had the opportunity to buy one, I took it immediately”.

“For me it was terrifying. Yes, learning to drive the autorickshaw was completely new for me. I had never driven any vehicle with a clutch, never driven a motorcycle only automatic cars, my whole life”, she said when asked about how hard was it to learn, maintain an auto and get a license.

Shareen J Kitterman, born in the south Indian state of Karnataka and holding US citizenship flaunts her pink autorickshaws with flower magnets, said that she was inspired by the Mexican Ambassador who too had an auto with a driver. She has also tied colourful tassels to both sides of her auto and stuck flags of the United States and India near the windshield.

“When I was in US planning to come to New Delhi, I’d heard about the Mexican Ambassador. Ten years ago, she had an auto and she had a driver. That’s when I started thinking about it. When I came here, I saw Ann who had an auto, so when I own an auto, I want to drive it. So, that was my whole goal”, said Shareen.

Mexican Ambassador Melba Pria was the one who started the trend when she made a white-colored rick her official vehicle. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Quad is not a military grouping, reasserts Blinken

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PM Modi receives Olaf Scholz in New Delhi

Chancellor Scholz was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan, reports Asian Lite News

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz today arrived in New Delhi for a visit to India from February 25-26.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Scholz for a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan. Both leaders will discuss bilateral, regional and global issues.

PM Modi and Scholz will also interact with CEOs and business leaders of both sides. Scholz will also meet President Droupadi Murmu.

Scholz is accompanied by senior officials and a high-powered business delegation, and his visit to India is the first standalone one by any German Chancellor since the commencement of the Inter-Governmental Consultation (IGC) mechanism between the two nations in 2011, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press release.

He will proceed to Bengaluru on February 26, according to the MEA press release.

Scholz’s visit will enable both nations to take stock and progress on the key outcomes of the 6th Inter-Governmental Consultation (IGC), strengthen security and defence cooperation, work towards closer economic ties, enhance the opportunity for the mobility of talent and give strategic guidance to ongoing collaboration in Science and Technology.

The MEA in the press release noted, “The India-Germany Strategic Partnership is underpinned by shared values, trust and mutual understanding. Robust investment and trade linkages, cooperation in the areas of green and sustainable development and growing people-to-people ties have strengthened bilateral relations.”

The MEA further stated that both nations also work closely at multilateral and international platforms, notably as part of the G4 for United Nations Security Council reforms.

India and Germany share a strong economic partnership. Germany is India’s largest trade partner in the European Union and has consistently been among India’s top 10 global trade partners. It is also one of the largest foreign direct investors in India.