News Analysis India

Tag: S Jaishankar

  • Maruti and Metro: Japan has contributed to many revolutions in India, says Jaishankar

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Japan has contributed to many revolutions in India, said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday during the India Japan Forum which was also attended by his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi. The Maruti and Metro had an enormous ripple impact, while the high-speed rail and emerging and critical technology will present many possibilities, he added.

    Meanwhile, Japan is hoping that India would extend support in providing a stable business environment to boost cooperation.

    “Japanese Prime Minister Kishida set the 5-trillion-yen target of public and private investment and financing from Japan to India in the next five years from 2022. At the same time, we will work together with the Indian government to effectively address the difficulties that Japanese companies face in the Indian market,” said FM Hayashi, who came to India for the second time in six months. He had come in March to attend the Quad Foreign Ministers meet in Delhi.

    Japan would like to see a more predictable, transparent business environment in India – which includes tax issues.

    “There are infrastructural challenges too. The Japanese Chamber of Commerce in India has been raising these issues and is also looking at a way to address them,” said Yukiko Okano, Deputy Press Secretary of Japan.

    Last month, Japan revised its Development Cooperation Charter, which is their basic document on development cooperation. The new Charter would enable Japan to better address development challenges including food and energy, climate change and digital transformation.

    ALSO READ | India and Japan look to collaborate in building semiconductors and resilient supply chains

    “Under this revised Charter, we will continue to undertake efforts to build quality infrastructure in India including the high-speed rail and urban transportation,” Hayashi added.

    Meanwhile, the discussions between the two ministers covered wide-ranging issues from the G20 to the Indo-Pacific, Ukraine, China and partnerships in defence.

    Dr Jaishankar said that India and Japan can also work together in critical technologies and semiconductors as Japan has a powerful impact on manufacturing in India.

    Ukraine and the impact of the conflict on the world was discussed too.

    “At a time when there are many pressing challenges including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Japan and India fully share the necessity to lead the world towards cooperation, rather than division and confrontation.The free and open international order based on the rule of law is the key to realizing such a world.To elaborate on this concept, “free” means each country is free to make decisions based on its own sovereignty. The rule of law is essential for countries to enjoy such freedom. “Open” means respect for principles including inclusiveness, openness and diversity,” said Hayashi.

    The two ministers spoke about enhancing trade and defence ties with a focus on the Indo-Pacific and North East.

    “In coordination with India, Japan intends to materialize such a concept by realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” or FOIP. In March this year, Prime Minister Kishida announced Japan’s new plan for FOIP here in New Delhi. This fact itself is a reflection of the critical importance Japan places on India, as your nation is an indispensable partner in achieving FOIP,” FM Hayashi added.

    Earlier, in April this year, Bangladesh’s PM Hasina had visited Japan and was in consonance with PM Kishida to plan an industrial value chain, which would improve the connectivity of the entire Bay of Bengal region under the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) which would include the development of North Eastern India.

    “Japan has extended support for the development of the region including through the Japan-India Act East Forum. Going forward, Japan will continue to contribute to the development of the North Eastern region of India, by promoting such projects as “the North East Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project” to enhance the connectivity in the region,” said Hayashi.

    Meanwhile, both countries are cooperating in all areas to expand the ‘Special Strategic and Global Partnership’.

    “High-level exchanges have acted as the driving force to push forward our security and defense cooperation. We have conducted defense exercises on land, at sea, and in the air, including the first ever joint fighter exercise in January. The agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of India concerning reciprocal provision of supplies and services between the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and the Indian Armed Forces is being utilized for these exercises. We see progress on cooperative initiatives in new realms including cyber and space, where discussions at the working level are being carried out. Discussions toward the realization of substantial cooperation in the areas of defense equipment and technology are also underway,” Hayashi added.

    NEW DELHI: Japan has contributed to many revolutions in India, said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday during the India Japan Forum which was also attended by his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi. The Maruti and Metro had an enormous ripple impact, while the high-speed rail and emerging and critical technology will present many possibilities, he added.

    Meanwhile, Japan is hoping that India would extend support in providing a stable business environment to boost cooperation.

    “Japanese Prime Minister Kishida set the 5-trillion-yen target of public and private investment and financing from Japan to India in the next five years from 2022. At the same time, we will work together with the Indian government to effectively address the difficulties that Japanese companies face in the Indian market,” said FM Hayashi, who came to India for the second time in six months. He had come in March to attend the Quad Foreign Ministers meet in Delhi.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Japan would like to see a more predictable, transparent business environment in India – which includes tax issues.

    “There are infrastructural challenges too. The Japanese Chamber of Commerce in India has been raising these issues and is also looking at a way to address them,” said Yukiko Okano, Deputy Press Secretary of Japan.

    Last month, Japan revised its Development Cooperation Charter, which is their basic document on development cooperation. The new Charter would enable Japan to better address development challenges including food and energy, climate change and digital transformation.

    ALSO READ | India and Japan look to collaborate in building semiconductors and resilient supply chains

    “Under this revised Charter, we will continue to undertake efforts to build quality infrastructure in India including the high-speed rail and urban transportation,” Hayashi added.

    Meanwhile, the discussions between the two ministers covered wide-ranging issues from the G20 to the Indo-Pacific, Ukraine, China and partnerships in defence.

    Dr Jaishankar said that India and Japan can also work together in critical technologies and semiconductors as Japan has a powerful impact on manufacturing in India.

    Ukraine and the impact of the conflict on the world was discussed too.

    “At a time when there are many pressing challenges including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Japan and India fully share the necessity to lead the world towards cooperation, rather than division and confrontation.The free and open international order based on the rule of law is the key to realizing such a world.To elaborate on this concept, “free” means each country is free to make decisions based on its own sovereignty. The rule of law is essential for countries to enjoy such freedom. “Open” means respect for principles including inclusiveness, openness and diversity,” said Hayashi.

    The two ministers spoke about enhancing trade and defence ties with a focus on the Indo-Pacific and North East.

    “In coordination with India, Japan intends to materialize such a concept by realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” or FOIP. In March this year, Prime Minister Kishida announced Japan’s new plan for FOIP here in New Delhi. This fact itself is a reflection of the critical importance Japan places on India, as your nation is an indispensable partner in achieving FOIP,” FM Hayashi added.

    Earlier, in April this year, Bangladesh’s PM Hasina had visited Japan and was in consonance with PM Kishida to plan an industrial value chain, which would improve the connectivity of the entire Bay of Bengal region under the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) which would include the development of North Eastern India.

    “Japan has extended support for the development of the region including through the Japan-India Act East Forum. Going forward, Japan will continue to contribute to the development of the North Eastern region of India, by promoting such projects as “the North East Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project” to enhance the connectivity in the region,” said Hayashi.

    Meanwhile, both countries are cooperating in all areas to expand the ‘Special Strategic and Global Partnership’.

    “High-level exchanges have acted as the driving force to push forward our security and defense cooperation. We have conducted defense exercises on land, at sea, and in the air, including the first ever joint fighter exercise in January. The agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of India concerning reciprocal provision of supplies and services between the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and the Indian Armed Forces is being utilized for these exercises. We see progress on cooperative initiatives in new realms including cyber and space, where discussions at the working level are being carried out. Discussions toward the realization of substantial cooperation in the areas of defense equipment and technology are also underway,” Hayashi added.

  • Ensure security of India’s diplomatic missions, EAM Jaishankar tells UK minister

    ENS & Agencies

    NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S Jaishanakr on Monday told visiting British Minister Lord Tariq Ahmad that Britain was obliged to ensure the security of India’s diplomatic missions in the UK and prevent misuse of democratic freedoms.

    “Met with UK MOS Lord @tariqahmadbt today in New Delhi. Discussed a broad range of issues, from FTA and South Asia to Indo-Pacific and G20. Underlined the obligation to ensure security of our diplomatic missions and prevent misuse of democratic freedoms,” Jaishankar said in a tweet after his meeting with Lord Ahmad.

    Jaishankar’s assertions during a meeting with Lord Ahmad, the Minister of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, came against the backdrop of the vandalisation of the Indian High Commission in London by pro-Khalistan supporters on March 19. 

    In April, the Union Home Ministry had handed over the probe in the case of attack on the Indian mission in London to the National Investigation Agency after a meeting with representatives from Britain.

    Jaishankar said he also discussed a broad range of issues ranging from the Free Trade Agreement and South Asia to Indo-Pacific and G20 with the visiting minister.

    Meanwhile, Lord Ahmad said that India and UK share a long friendship and common values. 

    “Delighted to meet with my dear friend Dr Jaishankar in Delhi. We discussed the importance of strengthening of our long-standing bilateral relations and progressing the FTA,” he tweeted.

    “Building on the 2030 Roadmap for India-UK future relations, we are deepening our collaboration on science, technology, bringing new innovations to both our nations,” said Lord Ahmad.

    During the course of the day, Ahmad also met Foreign Secretary, Vinay Mohan Kwatra and G20 chief coordinator Harsh Vardhan Shringla amongst others.

    Ahmad will now head to Hyderabad after visiting Jodhpur and New Delhi as part of his ongoing tour of the nation.

    India and the UK have been negotiating an FTA since January last year, with a goal towards a comprehensive pact that is expected to significantly enhance the bilateral trading relationship worth an estimated GBP 34 billion in 2022.

    According to UK government statistics, India was the UK’s 12th largest trading partner in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2022, accounting for 2.1 per cent of total UK trade.

    (With additional inputs from PTI)

    NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S Jaishanakr on Monday told visiting British Minister Lord Tariq Ahmad that Britain was obliged to ensure the security of India’s diplomatic missions in the UK and prevent misuse of democratic freedoms.

    “Met with UK MOS Lord @tariqahmadbt today in New Delhi. Discussed a broad range of issues, from FTA and South Asia to Indo-Pacific and G20. Underlined the obligation to ensure security of our diplomatic missions and prevent misuse of democratic freedoms,” Jaishankar said in a tweet after his meeting with Lord Ahmad.

    Jaishankar’s assertions during a meeting with Lord Ahmad, the Minister of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, came against the backdrop of the vandalisation of the Indian High Commission in London by pro-Khalistan supporters on March 19. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    In April, the Union Home Ministry had handed over the probe in the case of attack on the Indian mission in London to the National Investigation Agency after a meeting with representatives from Britain.

    Jaishankar said he also discussed a broad range of issues ranging from the Free Trade Agreement and South Asia to Indo-Pacific and G20 with the visiting minister.

    Meanwhile, Lord Ahmad said that India and UK share a long friendship and common values. 

    “Delighted to meet with my dear friend Dr Jaishankar in Delhi. We discussed the importance of strengthening of our long-standing bilateral relations and progressing the FTA,” he tweeted.

    “Building on the 2030 Roadmap for India-UK future relations, we are deepening our collaboration on science, technology, bringing new innovations to both our nations,” said Lord Ahmad.

    During the course of the day, Ahmad also met Foreign Secretary, Vinay Mohan Kwatra and G20 chief coordinator Harsh Vardhan Shringla amongst others.

    Ahmad will now head to Hyderabad after visiting Jodhpur and New Delhi as part of his ongoing tour of the nation.

    India and the UK have been negotiating an FTA since January last year, with a goal towards a comprehensive pact that is expected to significantly enhance the bilateral trading relationship worth an estimated GBP 34 billion in 2022.

    According to UK government statistics, India was the UK’s 12th largest trading partner in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2022, accounting for 2.1 per cent of total UK trade.

    (With additional inputs from PTI)

  • Only issue with Pakistan is when they will vacate POK: Jaishankar hits back at SCO meet

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: At the just concluded Shanghai Corporation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Goa, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar came down heavily on Pakistan after the comments made by Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Kashmir.

    “We have only one issue with Pakistan, which is when will they vacate Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). Pakistan’s credibility is depleting faster than its forex reserve,” said Jaishankar, responding to remarks made by Bhutto earlier on Friday.

    India has ruled out any normalcy of ties with Pakistan until the issue of terrorism is resolved and Jaishankar has categorically stated that perpetrators of terrorism cannot act like victims.

    Regarding Bhutto raking up the Kashmir issue, Jaishankar said that Article 370 is history.

    “Wake up and smell the coffee is what I would like to tell Pakistan as Article 370 is history. I would also like to reaffirm that Kashmir was, is and will always remain an integral part of India,” he said, adding that Pakistan had no business speaking about the G20 meeting in Kashmir as it was neither a member of the G20 nor does it have anything to do with Kashmir.

    ALSO READ | Happy to be in Goa, my visit will focus exclusively on SCO: Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto

    “We are politically and diplomatically exposing Pakistan to the world. Victims of terrorism (India) do not sit together with perpetrators of terrorism. They are committing acts of terror which includes the incident of what happened in Rajouri today morning,” said Jaishankar, adding that this is the character of Pakistan, old playbook in a different location – this time it was Goa.

    During his opening remarks ahead of the meet, Jaishankar had stated that the menace of terrorism has continued unabated and taking our eyes off it would be detrimental to India’s security interests. He also reiterated that there can be no justification for terrorism and it must be stopped in all its forms and manifestations – including cross-border terrorism.

    “We must not allow anybody – individual or state – to hide behind non-state actors,” Jaishankar said.

    Meanwhile, Bhutto in an interaction that he had with media from Pakistan said that he wanted peace with India and would sit across the table and talk peace if the environment was congenial. He said he was treated fairly by India during the meet and that he shook hands with Jaishankar during dinner but was greeted with a namaste before the commencement of the meet like all other members.

    “The interest in Pakistan about India and in India about Pakistan is the same. We want to give peace a chance,’’ Bhutto said after he spoke about the breakdown of diplomatic ties with India following the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir.

    India has so far hosted more than 100 events under the SCO Presidency. Regarding bilateral relations with China, Jaishankar said, “The situation with China is abnormal along the border areas. We had a detailed discussion with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang and decided to take the disengagement process forward.”

    China interestingly said that there were no issues it had with India and the relationship was normal.

    Meanwhile, Iran and Belarus have been admitted as new members of the SCO. The discussions India had with Russia were about further strengthening their trade and bilateral ties. English has also been made the third official language of the SCO.

    All members underlined that while connectivity is key to progress, it must come with respect for soverignity and territorial integrity of all member states.

    NEW DELHI: At the just concluded Shanghai Corporation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Goa, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar came down heavily on Pakistan after the comments made by Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Kashmir.

    “We have only one issue with Pakistan, which is when will they vacate Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). Pakistan’s credibility is depleting faster than its forex reserve,” said Jaishankar, responding to remarks made by Bhutto earlier on Friday.

    India has ruled out any normalcy of ties with Pakistan until the issue of terrorism is resolved and Jaishankar has categorically stated that perpetrators of terrorism cannot act like victims.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Regarding Bhutto raking up the Kashmir issue, Jaishankar said that Article 370 is history.

    “Wake up and smell the coffee is what I would like to tell Pakistan as Article 370 is history. I would also like to reaffirm that Kashmir was, is and will always remain an integral part of India,” he said, adding that Pakistan had no business speaking about the G20 meeting in Kashmir as it was neither a member of the G20 nor does it have anything to do with Kashmir.

    ALSO READ | Happy to be in Goa, my visit will focus exclusively on SCO: Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto

    “We are politically and diplomatically exposing Pakistan to the world. Victims of terrorism (India) do not sit together with perpetrators of terrorism. They are committing acts of terror which includes the incident of what happened in Rajouri today morning,” said Jaishankar, adding that this is the character of Pakistan, old playbook in a different location – this time it was Goa.

    During his opening remarks ahead of the meet, Jaishankar had stated that the menace of terrorism has continued unabated and taking our eyes off it would be detrimental to India’s security interests. He also reiterated that there can be no justification for terrorism and it must be stopped in all its forms and manifestations – including cross-border terrorism.

    “We must not allow anybody – individual or state – to hide behind non-state actors,” Jaishankar said.

    Meanwhile, Bhutto in an interaction that he had with media from Pakistan said that he wanted peace with India and would sit across the table and talk peace if the environment was congenial. He said he was treated fairly by India during the meet and that he shook hands with Jaishankar during dinner but was greeted with a namaste before the commencement of the meet like all other members.

    “The interest in Pakistan about India and in India about Pakistan is the same. We want to give peace a chance,’’ Bhutto said after he spoke about the breakdown of diplomatic ties with India following the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir.

    India has so far hosted more than 100 events under the SCO Presidency. Regarding bilateral relations with China, Jaishankar said, “The situation with China is abnormal along the border areas. We had a detailed discussion with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang and decided to take the disengagement process forward.”

    China interestingly said that there were no issues it had with India and the relationship was normal.

    Meanwhile, Iran and Belarus have been admitted as new members of the SCO. The discussions India had with Russia were about further strengthening their trade and bilateral ties. English has also been made the third official language of the SCO.

    All members underlined that while connectivity is key to progress, it must come with respect for soverignity and territorial integrity of all member states.

  • Channel of finances for terrorism must be seized, blocked without distinction: Jaishankar

    By PTI

    BENAULIM: India on Friday called upon the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to focus on firmly combating terrorism with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar asserting that the menace must be stopped in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism, in an apparent reference to Pakistan.

    In the presence of Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, China’s Qin Gang and Russia’s Sergey Lavrov, Jaishankar, in his address at a conclave of the SCO, said taking the eyes off terrorism would be detrimental to the security interests of the grouping.

    The external affairs minister said the channel of finances for terrorist activities must be seized and blocked without distinction.

    While the world was engaged in facing the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences, the menace of terrorism continues unabated, he said, in remarks seen as directed at Pakistan.

    “We firmly believe that there can be no justification for terrorism and it must be stopped in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism,” he said.

    Jaishankar said combating terrorism is one of the original mandates of the SCO. In his remarks, he also welcomed the delegates at the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers in this beach resort.

    “I am delighted to host you under the first-ever Indian presidency of SCO,” he said.

    He said India attaches great importance to the development of multifaceted cooperation in the SCO and to the promotion of peace, stability and closer interaction among the people of the member nations.

    As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and geo-political upheavals, the world today is facing a multitude of challenges and these events have disrupted the global supply chains, he added.

    In Afghanistan, he said the unfolding situation in the country remains at the “centre of our attention”.

    Our efforts should be directed towards the welfare of Afghan people, he said.

    Our immediate priorities in Afghanistan include providing humanitarian assistance, ensuring a truly inclusive government, combating terrorism and preserving the rights of women, children and minorities, Jaishankar said.

    BENAULIM: India on Friday called upon the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to focus on firmly combating terrorism with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar asserting that the menace must be stopped in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism, in an apparent reference to Pakistan.

    In the presence of Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, China’s Qin Gang and Russia’s Sergey Lavrov, Jaishankar, in his address at a conclave of the SCO, said taking the eyes off terrorism would be detrimental to the security interests of the grouping.

    The external affairs minister said the channel of finances for terrorist activities must be seized and blocked without distinction.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    While the world was engaged in facing the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences, the menace of terrorism continues unabated, he said, in remarks seen as directed at Pakistan.

    “We firmly believe that there can be no justification for terrorism and it must be stopped in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism,” he said.

    Jaishankar said combating terrorism is one of the original mandates of the SCO. In his remarks, he also welcomed the delegates at the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers in this beach resort.

    “I am delighted to host you under the first-ever Indian presidency of SCO,” he said.

    He said India attaches great importance to the development of multifaceted cooperation in the SCO and to the promotion of peace, stability and closer interaction among the people of the member nations.

    As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and geo-political upheavals, the world today is facing a multitude of challenges and these events have disrupted the global supply chains, he added.

    In Afghanistan, he said the unfolding situation in the country remains at the “centre of our attention”.

    Our efforts should be directed towards the welfare of Afghan people, he said.

    Our immediate priorities in Afghanistan include providing humanitarian assistance, ensuring a truly inclusive government, combating terrorism and preserving the rights of women, children and minorities, Jaishankar said.

  • Happy to be in Goa, my visit will focus exclusively on SCO: Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The much awaited Shanghai Corporation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ meeting kickstarted in Goa on Thursday with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar holding bilateral meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang.

    No bilateral took place between Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari – even though the latter talked about meeting his counterparts over dinner where both he and Jaishankar would have come face to face.

    “My decision to attend the meeting illustrates Pakistan’s strong commitment to the charter of the SCO. My visit will be focused exclusively on the SCO and I will have discussions with my counterparts from friendly countries,” Bilawal said before heading to Goa. It has been 12 years since the last visit by a Pakistan Foreign Minister to India.

    On landing in Goa, Bilawal was received at the airport by Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran) JP Singh. Singh has also served as India’s Ambassador to Pakistan in the past.

    ALSO READ | Pakistan encouraging cross-border terrorism, relations with China abnormal: Jaishankar

    Bilawal said that he was happy to be in Goa with his delegation from Pakistan. He met Lavrov and the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan and said he would look forward to meeting the others over dinner.

    Interestingly, the bilateral meeting between Bilawal and Lavrov came ahead of Pakistan importing its first consignment of crude oil from Russia. The consignment is expected to reach Karachi within a week from now.

    Meanwhile, even though no bilaterals took place between India and Pakistan, Jaishankar held talks with his counterparts from Russia, China and Uzbekistan.

    “We did a comprehensive review of our bilateral, global and multilateral cooperation with Sergey Lavrov. Appreciated Russia’s support for India’s SCO Presidency. Also discussed issues pertaining to G20 and BRICS,” said Jaishankar.

    Earlier, Jaishankar’s first meeting in Goa was with SCO Secretary General Zhang Ming. “The Indian Presidency is driven by a commitment to secure the SCO. Its key focus areas are startups, traditional medicine, youth empowerment, Buddhist heritage and science and technology,” Jaishankar said.

    Speaking on his meeting with the Chinese foreign minister, Jaishankar said, “We had a detailed discussion with state councillor and FM Qin Gang of China. The focus remains on resolving outstanding issues and ensuring peace and tranquility in the border areas. We also discussed SCO, G20 and BRICS.”

    In Jaishankar’s third bilateral meeting with his counterpart from Uzbekistan, the duo spoke about mutual cooperation.

    NEW DELHI: The much awaited Shanghai Corporation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ meeting kickstarted in Goa on Thursday with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar holding bilateral meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang.

    No bilateral took place between Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari – even though the latter talked about meeting his counterparts over dinner where both he and Jaishankar would have come face to face.

    “My decision to attend the meeting illustrates Pakistan’s strong commitment to the charter of the SCO. My visit will be focused exclusively on the SCO and I will have discussions with my counterparts from friendly countries,” Bilawal said before heading to Goa. It has been 12 years since the last visit by a Pakistan Foreign Minister to India.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    On landing in Goa, Bilawal was received at the airport by Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran) JP Singh. Singh has also served as India’s Ambassador to Pakistan in the past.

    ALSO READ | Pakistan encouraging cross-border terrorism, relations with China abnormal: Jaishankar

    Bilawal said that he was happy to be in Goa with his delegation from Pakistan. He met Lavrov and the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan and said he would look forward to meeting the others over dinner.

    Interestingly, the bilateral meeting between Bilawal and Lavrov came ahead of Pakistan importing its first consignment of crude oil from Russia. The consignment is expected to reach Karachi within a week from now.

    Meanwhile, even though no bilaterals took place between India and Pakistan, Jaishankar held talks with his counterparts from Russia, China and Uzbekistan.

    “We did a comprehensive review of our bilateral, global and multilateral cooperation with Sergey Lavrov. Appreciated Russia’s support for India’s SCO Presidency. Also discussed issues pertaining to G20 and BRICS,” said Jaishankar.

    Earlier, Jaishankar’s first meeting in Goa was with SCO Secretary General Zhang Ming. “The Indian Presidency is driven by a commitment to secure the SCO. Its key focus areas are startups, traditional medicine, youth empowerment, Buddhist heritage and science and technology,” Jaishankar said.

    Speaking on his meeting with the Chinese foreign minister, Jaishankar said, “We had a detailed discussion with state councillor and FM Qin Gang of China. The focus remains on resolving outstanding issues and ensuring peace and tranquility in the border areas. We also discussed SCO, G20 and BRICS.”

    In Jaishankar’s third bilateral meeting with his counterpart from Uzbekistan, the duo spoke about mutual cooperation.

  • Pakistan encouraging cross-border terrorism, relations with China abnormal: Jaishankar

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: India’s most pressing priorities are in its neighbourhood. However, Pakistan due to its support for cross-border terrorism is the odd one out among the country’s neighbours, says External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

    “India has a generous and non-reciprocal approach to smaller neighbours. This in our region has come to be known as the neighbourhood first policy. This has seen an increase in cooperation and connectivity in the region. The only exception is Pakistan due to its encouragement of cross border terrorism,” said Jaishankar in his first visit to the Dominican Republic.

    It may be recalled that a few days back while addressing the media in Panama, Jaishankar had made a similar statement.

    This comes ahead of the SCO Foreign Ministers meet that will be held in Goa on May 4-5 which will be attended in person by Pakistan’s foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto.

    ALSO READ | Operation Kaveri: India evacuates French embassy staffer from Sudan besides its own citizens

    Meanwhile, he also said that relations with China are abnormal.

    “Because of the boundary dispute, the nature of our ties with China are abnormal. That is an outcome of violation of agreements regarding border management by them. The rise of China and India in a parallel timeframe is also not without its competitive aspects,” Jaishankar added.

    China’s Foreign Minister Qin Gang too is expected to attend the upcoming SCO meet in Goa.

    Meanwhile, Jaishankar, along with the Vice President of the Dominican Republic, inaugurated the Indian embassy in the country.

    “Our political relations are exceptionally cordial and we coordinate closely in the multilateral arena. We are confident that the presence of our resident mission will mark a new phase of cooperation and help strengthen our ties in the bilateral, regional and global domains,” Jaishankar said.

    NEW DELHI: India’s most pressing priorities are in its neighbourhood. However, Pakistan due to its support for cross-border terrorism is the odd one out among the country’s neighbours, says External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

    “India has a generous and non-reciprocal approach to smaller neighbours. This in our region has come to be known as the neighbourhood first policy. This has seen an increase in cooperation and connectivity in the region. The only exception is Pakistan due to its encouragement of cross border terrorism,” said Jaishankar in his first visit to the Dominican Republic.

    It may be recalled that a few days back while addressing the media in Panama, Jaishankar had made a similar statement.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    This comes ahead of the SCO Foreign Ministers meet that will be held in Goa on May 4-5 which will be attended in person by Pakistan’s foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto.

    ALSO READ | Operation Kaveri: India evacuates French embassy staffer from Sudan besides its own citizens

    Meanwhile, he also said that relations with China are abnormal.

    “Because of the boundary dispute, the nature of our ties with China are abnormal. That is an outcome of violation of agreements regarding border management by them. The rise of China and India in a parallel timeframe is also not without its competitive aspects,” Jaishankar added.

    China’s Foreign Minister Qin Gang too is expected to attend the upcoming SCO meet in Goa.

    Meanwhile, Jaishankar, along with the Vice President of the Dominican Republic, inaugurated the Indian embassy in the country.

    “Our political relations are exceptionally cordial and we coordinate closely in the multilateral arena. We are confident that the presence of our resident mission will mark a new phase of cooperation and help strengthen our ties in the bilateral, regional and global domains,” Jaishankar said.

  • India offers support of $1 million to small, medium projects in Caribbean: Jaishankar

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: India can extend support of up to $1 million for medium and small projects in the Caribbean, said External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar in Georgetown, Guyana, on Saturday.

    “We are open to supporting small and medium scale projects of upto $1 million. My PM is very clear that we are there not just for ourselves but also for the countries who are not on the G20 table,’’ Dr Jaishankar said while co-chairing the fourth India-Caricom (15-member Caribbean Community) ministerial meeting.

    He emphasised that the focus would be on energy, particularly renewable energy, and said it was their “collective interest”, adding that India cared for the voice of the Global South.

    ALSO READ | EAM Jaishankar discusses Sudan situation with UN chief Guterres

    “Today, I’d like to put forward for your collective consideration a proposal in the field of small & medium scale enterprises. We would be open to supporting on a grant basis, individual projects of up to a value of a million dollars and we would solicit proposals from you,” he added.

    India would like to create a partner group and see whether it can help in supporting viable project offers from the Caribbean through the supply of machinery, technology and training.

    On the sidelines of the summit, Jaishankar met his counterparts from Suriname Albert Ramdin, Dr. Denzil Douglas from St. Kitts and Nevis, Joseph Andall from Grenada, Barbados foreign minister Kerrie Symmonds, Kamina Johnson Smith from Jamaica, Dr. Amery Browne from Trinidad and Tobago and Keisal Peters from St. Vincent and Grenadines. Among the other dignitaries, he met Bahamas Parliamentary Secretary Jamahl Strachen.

    NEW DELHI: India can extend support of up to $1 million for medium and small projects in the Caribbean, said External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar in Georgetown, Guyana, on Saturday.

    “We are open to supporting small and medium scale projects of upto $1 million. My PM is very clear that we are there not just for ourselves but also for the countries who are not on the G20 table,’’ Dr Jaishankar said while co-chairing the fourth India-Caricom (15-member Caribbean Community) ministerial meeting.

    He emphasised that the focus would be on energy, particularly renewable energy, and said it was their “collective interest”, adding that India cared for the voice of the Global South.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    ALSO READ | EAM Jaishankar discusses Sudan situation with UN chief Guterres

    “Today, I’d like to put forward for your collective consideration a proposal in the field of small & medium scale enterprises. We would be open to supporting on a grant basis, individual projects of up to a value of a million dollars and we would solicit proposals from you,” he added.

    India would like to create a partner group and see whether it can help in supporting viable project offers from the Caribbean through the supply of machinery, technology and training.

    On the sidelines of the summit, Jaishankar met his counterparts from Suriname Albert Ramdin, Dr. Denzil Douglas from St. Kitts and Nevis, Joseph Andall from Grenada, Barbados foreign minister Kerrie Symmonds, Kamina Johnson Smith from Jamaica, Dr. Amery Browne from Trinidad and Tobago and Keisal Peters from St. Vincent and Grenadines. Among the other dignitaries, he met Bahamas Parliamentary Secretary Jamahl Strachen.

  • EAM Jaishankar dials US Secretary of State Blinken to discuss regional and global issues

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, spoke over the phone with US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, on Sunday discussing global and regional matters.

    “A warm conversation as always with Secretary Blinken. We discussed current regional and global issues and noted the steady progress in our bilateral ties,” the External Affairs Minister tweeted.

    A warm conversation, as always with US Secretary of State @SecBlinken this morning.Discussed current regional and global issues. Noted the steady progress in our bilateral ties.

    — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 16, 2023

    Earlier in March, both leaders held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi. They had discussed measures to mitigate the global impacts of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

    During the meeting, Blinken spoke to Jaishankar and shared his views on tackling global and regional challenges. In a statement, US Department of State spokesperson Ned Price said that Blinken met with Jaishankar to discuss how India and the US can expand technology and defence cooperation and increase food energy, and health security.

    Jaishankar had just concluded his visit to Uganda and Mozambique on Saturday, while Blinken completed his first visit to Vietnam, where he spoke about the US’s commitment to elevate the US-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership and work together towards a free and open Indo-Pacific.

    The US has always spoken about strengthening the Indo-Pacific with India as a steady partner. With the Chinese built up around Taiwan and US’s constant support to Taiwan tension is building up around that area.

    Meanwhile, Kurt Campbell, the Indo-Pacific Coordinator of the US National Security Council, on Saturday, talked about strong people-to-people ties between India and the US. He said that the relations between the two nations will get better in the future.

    “There is no stronger people-to-people ties between any country that the US enjoys with India. We have built a stronger relationship and the situation will only get better, it will get stronger and deeper,” Campbell said while addressing a gathering of hundreds of Indian Americans at an event organised by the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C.

    (With inputs from ANI)

    NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, spoke over the phone with US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, on Sunday discussing global and regional matters.

    “A warm conversation as always with Secretary Blinken. We discussed current regional and global issues and noted the steady progress in our bilateral ties,” the External Affairs Minister tweeted.

    A warm conversation, as always with US Secretary of State @SecBlinken this morning.
    Discussed current regional and global issues. Noted the steady progress in our bilateral ties.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2′); });

    — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 16, 2023

    Earlier in March, both leaders held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi. They had discussed measures to mitigate the global impacts of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

    During the meeting, Blinken spoke to Jaishankar and shared his views on tackling global and regional challenges. In a statement, US Department of State spokesperson Ned Price said that Blinken met with Jaishankar to discuss how India and the US can expand technology and defence cooperation and increase food energy, and health security.

    Jaishankar had just concluded his visit to Uganda and Mozambique on Saturday, while Blinken completed his first visit to Vietnam, where he spoke about the US’s commitment to elevate the US-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership and work together towards a free and open Indo-Pacific.

    The US has always spoken about strengthening the Indo-Pacific with India as a steady partner. With the Chinese built up around Taiwan and US’s constant support to Taiwan tension is building up around that area.

    Meanwhile, Kurt Campbell, the Indo-Pacific Coordinator of the US National Security Council, on Saturday, talked about strong people-to-people ties between India and the US. He said that the relations between the two nations will get better in the future.

    “There is no stronger people-to-people ties between any country that the US enjoys with India. We have built a stronger relationship and the situation will only get better, it will get stronger and deeper,” Campbell said while addressing a gathering of hundreds of Indian Americans at an event organised by the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C.

    (With inputs from ANI)

  • Not nationalism but cowardice: Rahul on Jaishankar’s China remarks

    By PTI

    NAVA RAIPUR: In a scathing attack on External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said his recent remarks on China did not show nationalism but cowardice and that these were in line with V D Savarkar’s ideology of “bowing before the strong”.

    Addressing the 85th plenary session of the Congress here, Gandhi also claimed that his party leaders and workers were “satyagrahis” while the BJP and RSS people were “satta grahis” (power seekers).

    “I want to tell you something about the government’s thinking. A few days ago, in an interview, a minister said that China’s economy is bigger than India so how can we fight them. When the British ruled over us was their economy smaller than ours,” Gandhi said, without naming Jaishankar.

    Does this mean that one doesn’t take on anyone who is stronger and only takes on those who are weaker, he said. “This is cowardice. It is (V D) Savarkar’s ideology that if someone is stronger than you, bow before them. India’s minister is stating that your economy is bigger than us so we cannot stand up to you. Is this nationalism? Is this patriotism?” the former Congress president said.

    ALSO READ | Will continue to ask questions about Adani till truth is out: Rahul at Congress plenary

    “What kind of patriotism is this that you beat someone weaker than you and bow before the strong,” Gandhi said. “There is a word for it. Mahatma Gandhi used to talk of satyagraha. Satyagraha means don’t leave the path of truth. There is a new word for the people of the RSS and the BJP. We are satyagrahis, they are ‘satta grahis’. They will do anything for satta (power), they would align with anyone, bow before anyone for power. This is their truth,” he said.

    The Congress has slammed Jaishankar for his reported remarks. “They are the bigger economy, what I am going to do? I am a smaller economy. Am I going to sort of pick up a fight with a bigger economy? It is not a question of reacting. It is a question of common sense. It is in our interest to stabilise our borders or a situation, it is not out of love, affection or sentiment,” Jaishankar had reportedly said.

    Rahul Gandhi was referring to Jaishankar’s recent interview with ANI where the EAM spoke about the border issue with China at length, saying, “China was a bigger economy and India was responding to the situation that China created along the LAC, in Ladakh, by violating border agreements.”

    “They are the bigger economy, what I am going to do? I am a smaller economy. Am I going to sort of pick up a fight with a bigger economy? It is not a question of reacting. It is a question of common sense. It is in our interest to stabilise our borders or a situation, it is not out of love affection or sentiment,” he had said.

    Jaishankar said border agreements had helped stabilise the situation till they were violated by China.

    There had been a standoff at the LAC in Ladakh following the aggressive actions of the Chinese Army. The two countries held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks for disengagement from some friction points.

    The high level of troop deployment by China continues for which India has taken counter steps.

    (With ANI inputs)

    NAVA RAIPUR: In a scathing attack on External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said his recent remarks on China did not show nationalism but cowardice and that these were in line with V D Savarkar’s ideology of “bowing before the strong”.

    Addressing the 85th plenary session of the Congress here, Gandhi also claimed that his party leaders and workers were “satyagrahis” while the BJP and RSS people were “satta grahis” (power seekers).

    “I want to tell you something about the government’s thinking. A few days ago, in an interview, a minister said that China’s economy is bigger than India so how can we fight them. When the British ruled over us was their economy smaller than ours,” Gandhi said, without naming Jaishankar.

    Does this mean that one doesn’t take on anyone who is stronger and only takes on those who are weaker, he said. “This is cowardice. It is (V D) Savarkar’s ideology that if someone is stronger than you, bow before them. India’s minister is stating that your economy is bigger than us so we cannot stand up to you. Is this nationalism? Is this patriotism?” the former Congress president said.

    ALSO READ | Will continue to ask questions about Adani till truth is out: Rahul at Congress plenary

    “What kind of patriotism is this that you beat someone weaker than you and bow before the strong,” Gandhi said. “There is a word for it. Mahatma Gandhi used to talk of satyagraha. Satyagraha means don’t leave the path of truth. There is a new word for the people of the RSS and the BJP. We are satyagrahis, they are ‘satta grahis’. They will do anything for satta (power), they would align with anyone, bow before anyone for power. This is their truth,” he said.

    The Congress has slammed Jaishankar for his reported remarks. “They are the bigger economy, what I am going to do? I am a smaller economy. Am I going to sort of pick up a fight with a bigger economy? It is not a question of reacting. It is a question of common sense. It is in our interest to stabilise our borders or a situation, it is not out of love, affection or sentiment,” Jaishankar had reportedly said.

    Rahul Gandhi was referring to Jaishankar’s recent interview with ANI where the EAM spoke about the border issue with China at length, saying, “China was a bigger economy and India was responding to the situation that China created along the LAC, in Ladakh, by violating border agreements.”

    “They are the bigger economy, what I am going to do? I am a smaller economy. Am I going to sort of pick up a fight with a bigger economy? It is not a question of reacting. It is a question of common sense. It is in our interest to stabilise our borders or a situation, it is not out of love affection or sentiment,” he had said.

    Jaishankar said border agreements had helped stabilise the situation till they were violated by China.

    There had been a standoff at the LAC in Ladakh following the aggressive actions of the Chinese Army. The two countries held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks for disengagement from some friction points.

    The high level of troop deployment by China continues for which India has taken counter steps.

    (With ANI inputs)

  • EAM Jaishankar reaffirms India-Maldives development ties during Male visit

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday reviewed India’s joint projects with the Maldives and reaffirmed the strong development partnership between the two countries.

    Jaishankar, who is in Male, as part of a three-day visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka, said the synergies between India’s neighbourhood first and Maldives’ India first policies have made both nations good neighbours and strong partners.

    A number of significant Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) were signed between India and Maldives in Noonu Manadhoo which included an academic collaboration between Cochin University and Maldives National University, India providing two sea ambulances to Maldives Defence Ministry, community development projects and also distribution of books in a pre-school.

    “So pleased to visit Noonu Mandhoo pre-school. Books from India will help them connect to the world,” Dr Jaishankar said.

    India has given additional grant assistance of 100 million Maldivian Rufiyaa for a high-impact community development scheme. A number of socio-economic development projects are planned to be implemented throughout Maldives under this funding.

    An MoU was also signed for the development of a sports complex in Gaafu Dhaal Gadhdhoo. “This project will establish a centre which will promote youth empowerment through sports and contribute to the overall community development,” according to a statement issued by the Maldivian government.

    The MoUs were exchanged by Indian High Commissioner to Male, Munu Mahawar and Maldivian Minister of State for foreign affairs Ahmed Khaleel.

    In addition, Vice Chancellors of both Maldives National University and Cochin University of Science and Technology exchanged an MoU on capacity building to facilitate exchanges and cooperative initiatives between the two universities in the area of education, research, development instruction, community service, staff and student exchanges.

    “We discussed the full spectrum of our special bilateral partnership with a focus on development cooperation, capacity building and people-to-people ties. The partnership with India has made a real difference in the lives of people. My visit was an opportunity to see tangible results,” EAM added.

    NEW DELHI: India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday reviewed India’s joint projects with the Maldives and reaffirmed the strong development partnership between the two countries.

    Jaishankar, who is in Male, as part of a three-day visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka, said the synergies between India’s neighbourhood first and Maldives’ India first policies have made both nations good neighbours and strong partners.

    A number of significant Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) were signed between India and Maldives in Noonu Manadhoo which included an academic collaboration between Cochin University and Maldives National University, India providing two sea ambulances to Maldives Defence Ministry, community development projects and also distribution of books in a pre-school.

    “So pleased to visit Noonu Mandhoo pre-school. Books from India will help them connect to the world,” Dr Jaishankar said.

    India has given additional grant assistance of 100 million Maldivian Rufiyaa for a high-impact community development scheme. A number of socio-economic development projects are planned to be implemented throughout Maldives under this funding.

    An MoU was also signed for the development of a sports complex in Gaafu Dhaal Gadhdhoo. “This project will establish a centre which will promote youth empowerment through sports and contribute to the overall community development,” according to a statement issued by the Maldivian government.

    The MoUs were exchanged by Indian High Commissioner to Male, Munu Mahawar and Maldivian Minister of State for foreign affairs Ahmed Khaleel.

    In addition, Vice Chancellors of both Maldives National University and Cochin University of Science and Technology exchanged an MoU on capacity building to facilitate exchanges and cooperative initiatives between the two universities in the area of education, research, development instruction, community service, staff and student exchanges.

    “We discussed the full spectrum of our special bilateral partnership with a focus on development cooperation, capacity building and people-to-people ties. The partnership with India has made a real difference in the lives of people. My visit was an opportunity to see tangible results,” EAM added.