News Analysis India

Tag: Arindam Bagchi

  • Germany grants counsellor access to baby Ariha

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Indian child, baby Ariha, who has been in German foster care since September 2021, was introduced to her rituals and traditions after the German government granted counsellor access to the Indian Embassy.

    “German authorities granted counsellor access to baby Ariha on August 31. The interaction with the child included the relevance of cultural immersion with a view to enable the child to remain connected with Indian traditions and culture,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi told this newspaper. 

    Bagchi further assured that the Indian government is in constant engagement with the German authorities on this case to safeguard the child. 

    Besides, resources related to Indian festivals and customs were provided by the Indian embassy to keep the child in touch with her faith and culture. 

    “Resource material relating to Indian festivals, customs and practices were handed over by our embassy with the expectation that the child’s caregiver would incorporate the same in her routine to enable her to remain in touch with her faith and culture. We remain in constant engagement with the German authorities on this matter to safeguard the child,” Bagchi added. 

    NEW DELHI: The Indian child, baby Ariha, who has been in German foster care since September 2021, was introduced to her rituals and traditions after the German government granted counsellor access to the Indian Embassy.

    “German authorities granted counsellor access to baby Ariha on August 31. The interaction with the child included the relevance of cultural immersion with a view to enable the child to remain connected with Indian traditions and culture,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi told this newspaper. 

    Bagchi further assured that the Indian government is in constant engagement with the German authorities on this case to safeguard the child. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Besides, resources related to Indian festivals and customs were provided by the Indian embassy to keep the child in touch with her faith and culture. 

    “Resource material relating to Indian festivals, customs and practices were handed over by our embassy with the expectation that the child’s caregiver would incorporate the same in her routine to enable her to remain in touch with her faith and culture. We remain in constant engagement with the German authorities on this matter to safeguard the child,” Bagchi added. 

  • Return to talks, says India as Russia goes into revenge mode

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: India on Monday expressed its deep concern over the escalation of the Ukraine conflict and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities as Russia launched its biggest air strike since the war started, killing at least 11 people and injuring dozens more. 

    “Escalation of hostilities is in no one’s interest. We urge an urgent return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue. India stands ready to support all such efforts aimed at de-escalation,’’ said Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs.

    In view of rising tensions, the Indian embassy in Kyiv on Monday issued an advisory asking Indian citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to and within Ukraine and suggesting they follow the safety and security guidelines issued by the local authorities. 

    Russia’s latest attack on multiple Ukrainian cities including Kyiv is seen as a retaliation for the recent explosion of a key bridge linking Russia to Crimea. Moscow has held Ukraine responsible for the blast, which damaged parts of the 19-km bridge across the Kerch Strait linking the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

    “The Kyiv regime, by its actions, has actually put itself on the same level as international terrorist groups, and with the most odious of those. It is simply no longer possible to leave crimes of this kind without retaliation,” Putin said in an online broadcast. 

    NEW DELHI: India on Monday expressed its deep concern over the escalation of the Ukraine conflict and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities as Russia launched its biggest air strike since the war started, killing at least 11 people and injuring dozens more. 

    “Escalation of hostilities is in no one’s interest. We urge an urgent return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue. India stands ready to support all such efforts aimed at de-escalation,’’ said Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs.

    In view of rising tensions, the Indian embassy in Kyiv on Monday issued an advisory asking Indian citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to and within Ukraine and suggesting they follow the safety and security guidelines issued by the local authorities. 

    Russia’s latest attack on multiple Ukrainian cities including Kyiv is seen as a retaliation for the recent explosion of a key bridge linking Russia to Crimea. Moscow has held Ukraine responsible for the blast, which damaged parts of the 19-km bridge across the Kerch Strait linking the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

    “The Kyiv regime, by its actions, has actually put itself on the same level as international terrorist groups, and with the most odious of those. It is simply no longer possible to leave crimes of this kind without retaliation,” Putin said in an online broadcast. 

  • Situation has not returned to normal: MEA on eastern Ladakh border row

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: India on Friday said the situation in eastern Ladakh has not returned to the stage of full normalcy as some steps are yet to be taken for it.

    The comments of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi came days after Chinese envoy Sun Weidong claimed that the situation in eastern Ladakh is “overall stable” as the two sides have moved from the “emergency response” that followed the Galwan valley clashes in June 2020 to “normalised” management.

    “Some steps are required for full normalcy, we have not reached there,” Bagchi said when asked about the Chinese ambassador’s remarks.

    The MEA spokesperson said India has been maintaining that it expects disengagement followed by de-escalation for the return of normalcy on the border, which could pave the way for normal ties between the two neighbouring countries.

    “We have not reached there. I would not like to say that the situation is normal. There have been some positive steps, but some steps are yet to be taken,” he said.

    Bagchi also referred to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s remarks last month that the disengagement at Patrolling Point 15 in eastern Ladakh was “one problem less” on the border.

    Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Tuesday said the benchmark for the situation to become normal in eastern Ladakh would be to return to status quo ante prior to the standoff and a complete withdrawal of troops from all friction points.

    Though the two sides have disengaged from Patrolling Point 15 (PP-15), there has been no progress yet on resolving the standoff in the Demchok and Depsang regions.

    Following the eastern Ladakh standoff, India has been consistently maintaining that peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is key for the overall development of its ties with China and the state of the border will determine the state of the bilateral relationship.

    The eastern Ladakh border standoff erupted on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas.

    Both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers and heavy weaponry.

    As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process last year on the north and south banks of the Pangong lake and in the Gogra area.

    The disengagement in the Pangong lake area took place in February last year, while the withdrawal of troops and equipment from Patrolling Point 17(A) in Gogra took place in August last year.

    NEW DELHI: India on Friday said the situation in eastern Ladakh has not returned to the stage of full normalcy as some steps are yet to be taken for it.

    The comments of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi came days after Chinese envoy Sun Weidong claimed that the situation in eastern Ladakh is “overall stable” as the two sides have moved from the “emergency response” that followed the Galwan valley clashes in June 2020 to “normalised” management.

    “Some steps are required for full normalcy, we have not reached there,” Bagchi said when asked about the Chinese ambassador’s remarks.

    The MEA spokesperson said India has been maintaining that it expects disengagement followed by de-escalation for the return of normalcy on the border, which could pave the way for normal ties between the two neighbouring countries.

    “We have not reached there. I would not like to say that the situation is normal. There have been some positive steps, but some steps are yet to be taken,” he said.

    Bagchi also referred to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s remarks last month that the disengagement at Patrolling Point 15 in eastern Ladakh was “one problem less” on the border.

    Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Tuesday said the benchmark for the situation to become normal in eastern Ladakh would be to return to status quo ante prior to the standoff and a complete withdrawal of troops from all friction points.

    Though the two sides have disengaged from Patrolling Point 15 (PP-15), there has been no progress yet on resolving the standoff in the Demchok and Depsang regions.

    Following the eastern Ladakh standoff, India has been consistently maintaining that peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is key for the overall development of its ties with China and the state of the border will determine the state of the bilateral relationship.

    The eastern Ladakh border standoff erupted on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas.

    Both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers and heavy weaponry.

    As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process last year on the north and south banks of the Pangong lake and in the Gogra area.

    The disengagement in the Pangong lake area took place in February last year, while the withdrawal of troops and equipment from Patrolling Point 17(A) in Gogra took place in August last year.

  • India to continue to recruit Gorkha soldiers under the Agnipath Scheme

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Amidst Nepal’s recent stand to put on hold the recruitment of the youth of Nepal joining the Indian Army’s Gorkha Infantry regiments India has made it clear that it will continue the recruitment of Nepalese youth under the Agnipath Scheme. Nepal has announced to put hold on recruitment of its youths till further order.

    Arindam Bagchi, Spokesperson Indian foreign ministry said, “We have been recruiting Gorkha soldiers into the Indian Army for a long time. And we look forward to continuing to recruit Gorkha soldiers in the Indian Army under the Agnipath scheme,”

    A recruitment rally of the Indian Army was planned in Butwal City of the Himalayan country from August 25. A day ago, Nepalese foreign minister Narayan Khadka and Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava held a meeting to discuss the issues. In the meeting, the Nepalese side informed him to wait on the plan to recruit Nepali youths under the new scheme.

    The minister told the ambassador that “if the Nepalese youths are to be recruited for 4-year with no pensions, there is a need to discuss the matter with all political parties in Nepal and build consensus. Till further decision it should be put on hold.”

    It was in June that the Indian Government announced the new recruitment scheme under which youths between age 17 and a half and 21 years are to be inducted under Agnipath Scheme for a period of four years with 25 percent getting inducted permanently after it. The rest of the people would not be entitled to pension.

    Prior to the introduction of the Agnipath scheme, the Nepalese youths were being recruited under a Tripartite Agreement between India, Nepal and Britain which was signed in 1947, allowing continued recruitment of Nepalese into the armies of India and Britain.

    The Tripartite Treaty called the ‘Memorandum of Agreement on Recruitment of Gorkha Troops’ was signed on May 1, 1947, and ratified on November 9, 1947.

    Later in 1950, a Treaty of Peace and Friendship was signed between the two countries which reinforced the right of Nepalese citizens to work in India and for equal national treatment.

    There was no mention of any terms of engagement or other benefits in the annexure.

    A source in the Indian Army said that the Agnipath Scheme is neither violating the Tripartite Agreement nor discriminating anyone. “The Gorkhas would get the same salaries and facilities as what their Indian counterparts would.”

    The Indian Army was to hold recruitment rallies in Nepal in two phases between August 25 and September 7 in Butwal and September 18 onwards in Dharan.

    At present around 25,000 Nepal Domicile Gorkhas are serving in the Indian Army’s Gorkha regiments in its 43 battalions which are composed of Indian soldiers as well as those recruited from Nepal.

    The development has taken place ahead of Indian Army chief General Manoj Pande’s planned five-day official visit to Nepal on September 4. During the visit Gen Pande will be meeting with the country’s top civil and military leadership. Also, it is to carry forward the tradition of the two Armies and General Pande will receive the title of honorary General of Nepal Army to be conferred by President Bidya Devi Bhandari.

    As per the tradition the exchange of visits of the army chiefs of Nepal and India takes place to confer the title of honorary General to both the army chiefs.

    NEW DELHI: Amidst Nepal’s recent stand to put on hold the recruitment of the youth of Nepal joining the Indian Army’s Gorkha Infantry regiments India has made it clear that it will continue the recruitment of Nepalese youth under the Agnipath Scheme. Nepal has announced to put hold on recruitment of its youths till further order.

    Arindam Bagchi, Spokesperson Indian foreign ministry said, “We have been recruiting Gorkha soldiers into the Indian Army for a long time. And we look forward to continuing to recruit Gorkha soldiers in the Indian Army under the Agnipath scheme,”

    A recruitment rally of the Indian Army was planned in Butwal City of the Himalayan country from August 25. A day ago, Nepalese foreign minister Narayan Khadka and Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava held a meeting to discuss the issues. In the meeting, the Nepalese side informed him to wait on the plan to recruit Nepali youths under the new scheme.

    The minister told the ambassador that “if the Nepalese youths are to be recruited for 4-year with no pensions, there is a need to discuss the matter with all political parties in Nepal and build consensus. Till further decision it should be put on hold.”

    It was in June that the Indian Government announced the new recruitment scheme under which youths between age 17 and a half and 21 years are to be inducted under Agnipath Scheme for a period of four years with 25 percent getting inducted permanently after it. The rest of the people would not be entitled to pension.

    Prior to the introduction of the Agnipath scheme, the Nepalese youths were being recruited under a Tripartite Agreement between India, Nepal and Britain which was signed in 1947, allowing continued recruitment of Nepalese into the armies of India and Britain.

    The Tripartite Treaty called the ‘Memorandum of Agreement on Recruitment of Gorkha Troops’ was signed on May 1, 1947, and ratified on November 9, 1947.

    Later in 1950, a Treaty of Peace and Friendship was signed between the two countries which reinforced the right of Nepalese citizens to work in India and for equal national treatment.

    There was no mention of any terms of engagement or other benefits in the annexure.

    A source in the Indian Army said that the Agnipath Scheme is neither violating the Tripartite Agreement nor discriminating anyone. “The Gorkhas would get the same salaries and facilities as what their Indian counterparts would.”

    The Indian Army was to hold recruitment rallies in Nepal in two phases between August 25 and September 7 in Butwal and September 18 onwards in Dharan.

    At present around 25,000 Nepal Domicile Gorkhas are serving in the Indian Army’s Gorkha regiments in its 43 battalions which are composed of Indian soldiers as well as those recruited from Nepal.

    The development has taken place ahead of Indian Army chief General Manoj Pande’s planned five-day official visit to Nepal on September 4. During the visit Gen Pande will be meeting with the country’s top civil and military leadership. Also, it is to carry forward the tradition of the two Armies and General Pande will receive the title of honorary General of Nepal Army to be conferred by President Bidya Devi Bhandari.

    As per the tradition the exchange of visits of the army chiefs of Nepal and India takes place to confer the title of honorary General to both the army chiefs.

  • Taiwan issue: India calls for de-escalation, restraint as China ends war drill

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: In its first reaction on the Taiwan crisis, India on Friday said it is concerned over the developments and called for avoiding unilateral action to change the status quo in the region.

    India also pitched for exercising restraint and underlined the need for efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.

    China launched major military drills around Taiwan as part of its response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s recent visit to Taiwan.

    “Like many other countries, India too is concerned at recent developments,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at a media briefing.

    “We urge the exercise of restraint, avoidance of unilateral actions to change status quo, de-escalation of tensions and efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region,” he said.

    NEW DELHI: In its first reaction on the Taiwan crisis, India on Friday said it is concerned over the developments and called for avoiding unilateral action to change the status quo in the region.

    India also pitched for exercising restraint and underlined the need for efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.

    China launched major military drills around Taiwan as part of its response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s recent visit to Taiwan.

    “Like many other countries, India too is concerned at recent developments,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at a media briefing.

    “We urge the exercise of restraint, avoidance of unilateral actions to change status quo, de-escalation of tensions and efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region,” he said.

  • India slams Pakistan for ‘politicising’ Chess Olympiad 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI:  India on Thursday criticised Pakistan for pulling out of the 44th Chess Olympiad in Tamil Nadu and said it is “highly unfortunate” that Islamabad has “politicised” the prestigious international event.

    Reacting to Pakistan’s decision, Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Arindam Bagchi said it was surprising that Pakistan has suddenly taken the decision not to participate in the event.

    It is highly unfortunate that Pakistan has politicised the prestigious international event by making such statements and withdrawing its participation after its team has already reached India, he said.

    Bagchi was responding to questions on Pakistan’s decision to pull out from the Olympiad, citing the torch relay of the event passing through Jammu and Kashmir.

    On this, Bagchi asserted that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh “have been, are and will remain an integral part of India.

    NEW DELHI:  India on Thursday criticised Pakistan for pulling out of the 44th Chess Olympiad in Tamil Nadu and said it is “highly unfortunate” that Islamabad has “politicised” the prestigious international event.

    Reacting to Pakistan’s decision, Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Arindam Bagchi said it was surprising that Pakistan has suddenly taken the decision not to participate in the event.

    It is highly unfortunate that Pakistan has politicised the prestigious international event by making such statements and withdrawing its participation after its team has already reached India, he said.

    Bagchi was responding to questions on Pakistan’s decision to pull out from the Olympiad, citing the torch relay of the event passing through Jammu and Kashmir.

    On this, Bagchi asserted that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh “have been, are and will remain an integral part of India.

  • ‘Uninformed comments unhelpful’, says India after Germany’s remarks on arrest of Zubair

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: A day after Germany said it is monitoring the case of the alleged objectionable tweet by Alt News co-founder Mohammad Zubair, the Ministry of External Affairs said it is a domestic issue on which a judicial process is underway and it would not be appropriate to comment on a subjudice matter.

    “It is a domestic issue, there is a judicial process underway in this case. It would not be appropriate to comment on a case that is subjudice,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said responding to media queries.

    “Independence of the judiciary is well recognized. Uninformed comments on judiciary are unhelpful and should be avoided,” he added.

    German Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday that they are closely monitoring the case of Mohammed Zubair.

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    “Free reporting is beneficial to any society and restrictions are a cause for concern. Journalists should not be persecuted and imprisoned for what they say and write. We are indeed aware of this specific case and our embassy in New Delhi is monitoring it very closely,” the spokesperson had said.

    Alt News Co-founder Mohammed Zubair was arrested on June 27 and sent to one day of police custody after a First Information Report (FIR) was registered against him based on a Twitter posting, which another Twitter handle alleged “hurt Hindu sentiments.”

    ALSO READ | Sitapur police gets six-day custodial remand of Zubair in pending FIR

    The contentious tweet by Zubair was posted in March 2018.

    After a Delhi court on July 4 dismissed the bail application of Zubair, he was taken to Sitapur in connection with a case registered against him.

    The court on Saturday sent Zubair to 14-day judicial custody.

    Answering another query, Bagchi said the government has taken prompt and clear action against the inappropriate depiction of Hindu Gods showcased as part of the ‘Under the Tent’ project at the Aga Khan Museum, Toronto.

    “The content was removed after the Indian High Commission urged the Canadian authorities to withdraw it. Filing an FIR in the case is a domestic matter. MEA’s action on the issue was very clear and prompt,” he said.

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    “We asked the Canadian authorities to take action against such provocative material, and as per our action, the content has been removed. It is not being telecast there now. The two organisers of the event have also issued an apology statement,” Bagchi added.

    Indian High Commission had on Monday urged Canadian authorities to withdraw the disrespectful depiction of Hindu Gods showcased in one of the videos from the project ‘Under the Tent’ at the Aga Khan Museum, Toronto.

    The Toronto-based Aga Khan Museum had expressed deep regret for “inadvertently causing offence” to members of the Hindu and other faiths.

    In a statement, the museum said Toronto Metropolitan University brought together works from students of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, as part of Canadian multiculturalism for the project ‘Under the Tent.’

    The museum said one of 18 short videos from ‘Under the Tent’ and its accompanying social media post inadvertently caused offence to members of the Hindu community.

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    “Toronto Metropolitan University’s project presentation was hosted at the Aga Khan Museum in the context of the Museum’s mission to foster intercultural understanding and dialogue through the arts. Respect for diverse religious expressions and faith communities forms an integral part of that mission,” the statement.

    “The Museum deeply regrets that one of the 18 short videos from ‘Under the Tent’ and its accompanying social media post have inadvertently caused offence to members of the Hindu and other faith communities,” it added.

    A poster for a documentary directed by filmmaker Leena Manimekalai has drawn flak for hurting religious sentiments with its depiction of Goddess Kaali. 

  • Chinese companies operating in India need to follow law of land: MEA

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Chinese companies operating in India need to follow the law of the land, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday, a day after China reacted to the ongoing probe into alleged irregularities by Chinese smartphone maker Vivo.

    External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said Indian authorities are taking steps in the case in accordance with the law of the land.

    “Chinese companies which operate here need to follow the law of the land and I think our legal authorities are taking steps as per the law of the land,” he said at a media briefing.

    Bagchi was asked to comment on remarks on the probe by a spokesman of the Chinese embassy. “I do not see the need to make such comments,” Bagchi said.

    The Enforcement Directorate is carrying out the investigation against Vivo under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

    The agency on Thursday said that a whopping Rs 62,476 crore has been “illegally” transferred by the smartphone maker to China in order to avoid payment of taxes in India.

    The Chinese embassy spokesperson said on Wednesday that the frequent investigations by Indian authorities into Chinese enterprises not only disrupt their normal business activities and damage their goodwill but also impede the business environment in India.

    “The essence of China-India economic and trade cooperation is for mutual benefit and win-win results,” Spokesman and Counsellor Wang Xiaojian said in a statement.

  • India fully supportive of Sri Lanka’s democracy, stability and economic recovery: MEA

    Bagchi also mentioned the assistance India provided to help Sri Lanka deal with the economic crisis.

  • Fugitive offenders need to be brought to book: External Affairs Ministry ahead of Modi-Johnson talks

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: India has been repeatedly highlighting the need to bring economic fugitives to justice as well as security concerns that may emanate from individuals who harbour anti-India positions, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s talks with his British counterpart Boris Johnson.

    The remarks by Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi at a media briefing came in response to a question on whether the Indian side would bring up the issue of fugitive economic offender Vijay Mallya and Khalistan during talks with Johnson on Friday.

    Bagchi, however, added that he does not know whether or in what context these issues could come up, if at all, during the talks between Modi and Johnson. “As part of our agenda, we have been repeatedly highlighting the need to bring economic fugitives to justice and I have said this from this forum many times, as well as security concerns that may emanate from individuals who may harbour anti-India positions,” Bagchi said.

    “That is part of our discussions on various platforms. I do not know how or in what context it will come up, if at all, I think we should leave that to the leaders,” he added. Speaking about the visit, Bagchi said, “We are looking forward to it as a productive visit…we had a very successful summit last year.”

    He said that he cannot speculate on what the leaders would discuss during the meeting. “He (Johnson) is in Gujarat and has been given a very warm welcome by the government of Gujarat. He has already done a few engagements during the day, including to Saraswati. He has travelled to India before but this his first visit to India as the prime minister. We look forward to that very much,” Bagchi said.

    A major focus of Johnson’s talks with Modi will be on the situation in the Indo-Pacific as the United Kingdom is strongly opposed to any kind of coercion in the region, people familiar with the development had said.

    Johnson is scheduled to arrive in Delhi later this evening.