Indian Defence News

Friday, July 26, 2024

The Sudarshan S-400 air defence missile system achieved a major success in a recent exercise where it 'shot down' 80 per cent of the 'enemy' fighter aircraft package while forcing others to retreat, aborting their missions.

The exercise was carried out by the Indian Air Force in a theatre where the force has deployed one of its squadrons of the long-range air defence missile system, defence sources told ANI.

The exercise was conducted by the Indian Air Force to showcase full integration of air defence missile system into the force, they said.

During the exercise, real fighter aircraft were flying to test the capabilities of the S-400 weapon system, now called Sudarshan by the Indian Air Force after the mighty Sudarshan chakra of Lord Krishan.

The Sudarshan, 'locking on and targeting' in simulated action, could 'shoot down' 80 per cent of the 'enemy' offensive package.

The other remaining aircraft aborted their mission which was to 'attack' their targets within Indian territory and were intercepted by the air defence system.

The Indian Air Force has now fully integrated the system, whose three squadrons have already been inducted and two more are expected to be supplied in 2026.

The Indian side has requested that Russia expedite the delivery of the systems. The Indian side, during a high-level visit to Russia, also requested the Russian side deliver the system.

India and Russia signed an over ₹35,000 crore deal for five squadrons of S-400. The Indian Air Force, which recently received the indigenous MR-SAM and Akash missile systems as well as the Israeli Spyder quick reaction surface-to-air missile systems, believes the S-400 will be a game changer for it.

The Indian Defence Acquisition Council recently cleared the procurement of the Indian Long Range Surface Air Missile System under Project Kusha. The development came after the project was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security.

The Indian Air Force, which recently received the indigenous MR-SAM and Akash missile systems as well as the Israeli Spyder quick reaction surface-to-air missile systems, believes the S-400 will be a game changer for it.

The Indian Air Force has significantly improved its air defence capabilities in recent years.

Air defence systems have been deployed in a big way by the Chinese military across the Line of Actual Control, while India has also deployed its own systems in a big way there.

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New Delhi: The Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, lauded the Indian Navy for successfully evacuating a Chinese mariner from a bulk carrier who was in critical condition.

Giving an update on the crew member, the Chinese envoy said he is undergoing follow-up treatment.

"We highly appreciate the emergency medical rescue provided by the Indian Navy @indiannavy to a Chinese crew member. Now the Chinese citizen is undergoing follow-up treatment. People-First and Life-First are the common philosophy in China and India," envoy Xu posted on X.

The Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC), Mumbai, received a distress call on July 23 from bulk carrier ZHONG SHAN MEN 200 Nm (approximately 370 km) from Mumbai, reporting heavy blood loss due to a critical injury to a 51-year-old Chinese mariner and requesting immediate evacuation.

Responding to the medical emergency, a Seeking helicopter was launched from Indian Naval Air Station INS Shikra at 0550 hrs. Despite the challenging conditions, with winds over 45 knots & the ship experiencing heavy roll, compounded by the non-availability of a clear area on the continuous deck, the patient was successfully airlifted from the bridge wing of the vessel.

The patient was transported back to the air station by an Indian Navy helicopter and was subsequently shifted to a hospital for further medical management.

ICGS Samrat in the area was also diverted to render assistance. This joint operation coordinated by the MRCC (MBI) with the Indian Navy led to the safe and timely evacuation of the patient.

Meanwhile, EAM Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, on the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings on Thursday, and reiterated the need to ensure "full respect" for the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and past agreements.

Jaishankar asserted that the stabilisation of ties is in the mutual interest of both the countries. The two leaders also agreed on the need to give strong guidance to complete the disengagement process.

(With Inputs From Agencies)

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Vientiane: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of ASEAN events in Laos' Vientiane on Friday.

In a picture shared by the Russian Embassy in India, Jaishankar and Lavrov were seen sharing a laugh as they shook hands.

Russian Embassy in India stated on social media platform X, "#Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and #India's External Affairs Minister Dr S.Jaishankar @DrSJaishankar met on the sidelines of #ASEAN events."

Previously, the two leaders had met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Council meeting in Astana. During his meeting with Lavrov on July 3, Jaishankar raised "strong concern about Indian nationals" currently in the war zone in Russia. The two leaders also discussed the "global strategic landscape" and exchanged assessments and views.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Good to meet Russian FM Sergey Lavrov in Astana today. Wide ranging conversation on our bilateral partnership and contemporary issues. Noted the progress in many areas since our last meeting in December 2023."

"Raised our strong concern on Indian nationals who are currently in the war zone. Pressed for their safe and expeditious return. Also discussed the global strategic landscape and exchanged assessments and views," he added.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar, who is on a visit to Vientiane from July 25-28, participated in the ASEAN meeting. In his remarks, Jaishankar said that political, economic and security cooperation with ASEAN is of the utmost priority.

Jaishankar said that for India, ASEAN is the cornerstone of its Act East policy, the Indo-Pacific vision that was built on it and the people-to-people linkages that India is constantly seeking to expand.

Jaishankar thanked Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore Vivian Balakrishnan, for his wishes on the former's reappointment and said he looked forward to working with him in the future. He also appreciated Balakrishnan's role as country coordinator.

As the Philippines will take over as the next country coordinator, Jaishankar said that he looked forward to working closely with the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, Enrique Manalo.

He congratulated Laos for the chairmanship of ASEAN. "I extend our fullest support for the successful chairmanship [to Lao PDR]. I also thank our colleague and Lao PDR for the warm welcome and hospitality."

He welcomed Timor-Leste as an observer in the meeting. "Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that we will open an embassy in Delhi. We are proceeding to do so very shortly and in fact, we will be undertaking high-level visits there as well."

"I extend my deepest appreciation to all of you for strengthening ASEAN India relations through substantive and tangible cooperation identified under the ASEAN India Plan of Action," Jaishankar said, adding that he looked forward to further discussions.

(With Inputs From Agencies)

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New Delhi: India and the US signed the Cultural Property Agreement on the sidelines of the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in the New Delhi on Friday.

The agreement provides for the repatriation of India's cultural properties from the US.

"A historic day for India's cultural heritage! Today, on the sidelines of the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee #46WHC, India & USA signed the Cultural Property Agreement. The Agreement provides for the repatriation of our priceless heritage, deepening our cultural ties," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.

The agreement was signed by the US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti and Govind Mohan, the Secretary, of the Ministry of Culture.

The Union Minister of Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, was also present on the occasion.

"This event marks the culmination of nearly two years of diligent work by experts from both countries and fulfills President Biden's and Prime Minister Modi's commitment to enhance cooperation to protect cultural heritage highlighted in the joint statement issued after their meeting in June 2023," the US Embassy said in a press release.

The US State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, working with the US Embassy in India, worked in partnership with India's Ministry of Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India to bring this cultural property agreement to fruition.

Cultural property agreements prevent the illegal trade of cultural property and simplify the process by which looted and stolen antiquities may be returned to their country of origin, the release stated.

"The United States has been unwavering in its commitment to protect and preserve cultural heritage worldwide and to restrict trafficking in cultural property," it added.

US Ambassador Eric Garcetti lauded the agreement and said its primary aim is to return those things to India and Indians, which is "rightfully theirs," and also connect India with the world.

"This cultural property agreement is about two things. First and foremost, it's about justice - returning to India and to Indians, what is rightfully theirs. Secondly, it's about connecting India with the world. Every American and every global citizen deserves to know, see, and experience the culture that we celebrate here today. To know Indian culture is to know human culture," Garcetti said.

Union Minister Shekhawar also praised the agreement and called it a big day for India and the US, adding that it will pave the way for easy repatriation of cultural properties to India.

"Today is a big day for India and the US as the repatriation agreement has been signed...This is indeed a big day for India as it will pave the way for easy repatriation of cultural properties to our country which have illegally gone to other countries and especially the United States. Moreover, it will pave the way for such agreements with other countries as well," he told ANI.

He also congratulated the Government of India for being a gracious host of UNESCO's 46th session of the World Heritage Committee, noting that by hosting this important meeting, India demonstrates its commitment to not only protecting its own cultural property, but to also assisting other countries in doing the same.

With this agreement, India joins the ranks of 29 existing US bilateral cultural property agreement partners, the release stated.

The US-India Cultural Property Agreement was negotiated by the US State Department under the US law implementing the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, it added.

(With Inputs From Agencies)

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Vientiane: Speaking at the ASEAN meeting at Vientiane, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said that political, economic and security cooperation with ASEAN is of the utmost priority.

Jaishankar said that for India, ASEAN is the cornerstone of its Act East policy, the Indo-Pacific vision that was built on it and the people-to-people linkages that India is constantly seeking to expand.

"The priority that India attaches to ASEAN and AS platforms is evident from Prime Minister Modi visiting Jakarta last year on the very eve of our own G20 summit. He had announced a 12-point plan that has been largely acted upon," he said.

Jaishankar said that it is encouraging to see that ASEAN's partnership acquires more dimensions every year. "Though ASEAN's achievements are substantial, our ambitions must remain high," he said.

Jaishankar thanked Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore Vivian Balakrishnan, for his wishes on the former's reappointment and said he looked forward to working with him in the future. He also appreciated Balakrishnan's role as country coordinator.

As the Philippines will take over as the next country coordinator, Jaishankar said that he looked forward to working closely with the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, Enrique Manalo.

He congratulated Lao PDR for the chairmanship of ASEAN. "I extend our fullest support for the successful chairmanship [to Lao PDR]. I also thank our colleague and Lao PDR for the warm welcome and hospitality."

He welcomed Timor-Leste as an observer in the meeting. "Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that we will open an embassy in Delhi. We are proceeding to do so very shortly and in fact, we will be undertaking high-level visits there as well."

"I extend my deepest appreciation to all of you for strengthening ASEAN India relations through substantive and tangible cooperation identified under the ASEAN India Plan of Action," Jaishankar said, adding that he looked forward to further discussions.

The ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with India was convened in Vientiane on Friday and attended by the ASEAN Foreign Ministers, Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar and the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Political-Security Community Dato' Astanah Abdul Aziz. Timor-Leste attended as an Observer.

The Meeting reaffirmed both sides' commitment to further enhance the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in the coming years by continuing the robust implementation of the ASEAN-India Plan of Action and its Annex and develop its successor document which will guide both sides in realising the full potential of the CSP in the next five years. The Ministers also exchanged views on several regional and international issues of common interest and concern.

(With Inputs From Agencies)

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New Delhi: Israel's Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, has said that relations between two nations are good on all fronts. He recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel in 2017 and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to India in 2018, calling the visits "game changer" for ties between the two nations.

PM Modi travelled to Israel in July 2017 and it was the first time that an Indian PM visited Israel. Later in January 2018, Netanyahu arrived in India for a five-day visit. PM Modi received him at the airport and the two leaders warmly greeted each other.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, he called people-to-people ties the secret ingredient for relations between Israel and India. Gilon talked about Israelis visiting India after their military service ended.

When asked about strengthening ties between India and Israel, Gilon said, "There is something, there is a secret ingredient that I did not fully understand. There is something very special between the people. It is the people-to-people that is the secret. Somehow, as I said both in service in Israel, India became the comparative one, India became the first place in popularity among Israelis and Israelis for years have been coming here for full emergent visits after the military service for six seven eight months. So, you know for years."

Naor Gilon spoke about Jews living in India for 2,500 years. Speaking about Jews living in India, Gilon said, "Jews lived here for 2,500 years. Now, I saw a stone that was found here, a graveyard stone of 800 years ago something like that. In India, Jews lived here. They were Indians, they are Indian Jains and Indian Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Jews. It is part of being an Indian. It is part of that you have your religion, enjoy that as much as you want. So, in general, I think there is something very interesting. Famous Jews along the years like General Jacob and like the Sassoon family for example in Mumbai that is. Until to date some of their charities worked, schools, hospitals, libraries are still there and foundation is still there."

Highlighting the ties between India and Israel, he said, "Jews here are part and parcel and then came here First World War and Indians were part of the Anglo-Indian army which liberated...from the Turks, what 30 years later became Israel. So, there is a lot in the past and then somehow there is something maybe because Israel was, not like Ambassador Carmona, I will not go into details, I would say assisting India from the 60s on the defence side, cooperating...that came here and 26/11."

Notably, India and Israel are strategic partners and the bilateral ties between the two nations are warm and forward-looking, according to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). In 2022-23, the two countries jointly celebrated 30 years of the elevation of bilateral ties to full diplomatic relations.

He called PM Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar big supporters of Israel and noted that the two leaders know that people are supportive of their policies. Stressing that India is a growing power, he said that New Delhi is coveted by many nations today.

Naor Gilon said, "Each one has its own reason, why he likes Israel and India and but most like this is the interesting thing and this is also a nurturing environment for a politician who is also pro-Israel like Prime Minister Modi, Dr Jaishankar and all the group. I think they are big supporters of Israel and when they know that the public is also supporting their policy, it's an easy shot and the relations between Prime Minister Netanyahu and Prime Minister Modi..."

"Prime Minister Modi was the first Prime Indian Minister to visit Israel in 2017 and a few months later 2018, Netanyahu visited here. So, I think that was a game changer for our relations. The relations are very, very good on all fronts and again, you know, your relations are good with many countries. India is a growing power, super power maybe, already definition that people here don't like to make, to go into but India is a very important power, size of population, economy, everything geostrategically and India is coveted by many countries today," he added.

Notably, PM Modi was one of the first world leaders to condemn Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7. However, India has also called for a complete ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. India has also put its weight behind the 'two-state solution' to the long-running Israel-Palestine conflict.

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India’s space agency, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) seems to have embarked on the journey to revolutionize its space field through two major mantras. First, increasing collaborations and partnerships for space research and technology, heavily envisaged by space diplomacy, claiming its role in future space exploration and capacity expansion. Second, its focus on increasing efficiency by achieving cost advantage through the inclusion of private players, in the wake of recent reforms in Indian Space Policy last year. ISRO’s growing international collaboration in the space sector is the dividend of the following three factors: its expertise and its efficiency that ISRO has painstakingly gained over decades, and the political will to engage and boost the global space economy through effective diplomacy and cooperation.

ISRO has begun to exercise its long-due role in expanding the national as well as international space economy. Since its extremely humble beginnings in 1969, the performance of ISRO from rags to riches has always commanded international respect and admiration. Now that ISRO has proved its mettle by executing multiple missions successfully, the ISRO’s outward-looking role at the global level is more of a logical corollary. Currently, ISRO has an ongoing project called NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) at advanced stages with NASA, which is their flagship partnership project. NISAR will map the globe in 12 days and provide spatially and temporally consistent data for understanding changes in Earth’s ecosystems, biomass, sea level, groundwater, and natural hazards. It will augment the earth’s observation capabilities through cutting-edge radar imaging.

Another one, the TRISHNA (Thermal Infra-Red Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural Resource Assessment) mission is a collaborative project of ISRO and France’s National Space Agency (CNES). The project is bound to deliver high spatial and temporal resolution monitoring of Earth’s surface temperature, emissivity, biophysical and radiation variables for surface energy budgeting at regional to global scale. The mission stands to caters to water and food security challenges while focusing on the effects of human-induced climate change and efficient water resource management through evapotranspiration monitoring. ISRO has also been in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX). JAXA is developing a rover while ISRO is developing landers for the mission. The project is collaborative in multiple ways as the rover would be used by NASA and European Space Agency (ESA) as well.

ISRO already has a cooperation mechanism in place for activities like earth observation, satellite navigation, space situational awareness and the establishment of a transportable terminal at Cocos-Keeling Island (CKI) to support India’s GAGANYAAN programme with its Australian counterpart. Australia-India has had more than a decade-old partnership due to the MoU of ‘2012 India – Australia Inter-Governmental MoU for cooperation in Civil Space Science, Technology and Education’.

India also strengthened its relationship with Israel on the science diplomacy front by exploring potential opportunities for working together in the future including the launch of Israeli satellites in the Indian launcher, along with their ongoing activities including cooperation in electric propulsion system and GEO-LEO optical link.

ISRO has been establishing bilateral and multilateral relations with space agencies and space-related bodies to build and bolster existing ties between countries and take up new scientific and technological challenges. It also aims to improve space policies and ensure international frameworks for the exploitation and utilisation of outer space for peaceful purposes.

ISRO’s partnership is not only limited to the developed countries, rather its collaboration expands to ensure knowledge transfer to the developing countries, establishing it as a major potential mentor for the Global South. In August 2023, the Kenyan Defense Minister with his cohort visited ISRO to explore the opportunities to establish a partnership with India on space programs and learn from its successes. India has extended a ‘customised training program’ to the Kenya Space Agency to enhance the African nation’s space research and technology. India is also in conversations with Mexico for building and launching a remote-sensing satellite for the latter. India has also joined hands with UAE for cooperation in space economy and has already assisted the UAE in its first nano-satellite. Cooperation is also being sought with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, among others.

At the same time, the Indian leadership has been applauded for taking the bold and progressive step of opening the space economy to the private sector. The step ensures that the boost to the space sector comes from the private sector as well, exploiting the private sector’s capabilities to their full potential. Thus, with the opening up of the sector to private players, which was hitherto under the monopoly of the government, the sector stands to ensure cost-effective production solutions to the Indian space economy, along with the macroeconomic agenda of employment generation. Through its well-felicitated “forward-looking” Indian Space Policy 2023, the government has allowed the private sector to conduct end-to-end space-based activities in satellite communication, their launches, remote sensing, and satellite navigation . Involvement of private entities stands to provide India an edge by expanding its boundaries of capacity and capabilities, increasing production efficiency by reducing costs, and, in turn, producing large numbers of space-exploration instruments available to the global launch service community.

The role of private sector gets important for ISRO’s collaborations as well. ISRO chairman has already talked about the scope for India’s private firms to operate and carry out business in foreign nations with whom space sector collaboration has been unexplored, such that Indian private firms can build satellites and supply them to Mexico.

With more than 230 agreements with over 55 countries and five multinational bodies, India’s space agency has definitely taken up an outward-looking role in expanding the global space economy through satellite and capacity building. India has set a vision to expand its space economy to $40 billion by 2040. On the other hand, international observers believe that the India has potential to expand it to $100 billion over the next one and a half decades. Thus, nationally as well as internationally, ISRO and other entities from India focusing on space-related endeavours are on the path of promising contributions not just to international space exploration, but also in defining the polices regarding utilization of space.

Agencies

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Naypyitaw: Speaking at the 4th Annual Meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Security Chiefs in Myanmar's capital city Naypyitaw, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday spoke on strengthening cooperation in counter-terrorism and combating drug trafficking.

As a leader of the Indian delegation at the meeting, Doval delivered India's national statement where he spoke about strengthening cooperation in counter-terrorism and combating drug trafficking and organized crime.

In a post on X, the Indian embassy in Myanmar said, "NSA delivered India's national statement at #BIMSTEC meet. He spoke on strengthening cooperation in counter-terrorism; combating drug trafficking, arms smuggling and organized crime; BIMSTEC connectivity; holding 2nd Ports Conclave; and water security of Himalayan river systems."

Doval met the Myanmar National Security Advisor Admiral Moe Aung on Thursday and BIMSTEC Security Chiefs called on Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Myanmar said, "NSA Shri Ajit Doval is leading the Indian delegation at the 4th Annual Meeting of #BIMSTEC Security Chiefs being held in Naypyitaw today. He met with the Myanmar NSA Admiral Moe Aung yesterday, and BIMSTEC Security Chiefs called on Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing."

On Thursday, India took the helm as the lead country for security sector collaboration within the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) in a significant stride towards enhancing regional security cooperation.

This development was highlighted during the Senior Officials Meeting held in Naypyitaw to prepare for the upcoming 4th Meeting of BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs.

The meeting in Myanmar's capital city convened to strategize and coordinate initiatives crucial for addressing common security challenges faced by member states.

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a multilateral grouping that promotes economic cooperation and regional connectivity among seven countries in the Bay of Bengal region. India is a founding member of this initiative.

(With Inputs From Agencies)

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Naypyitaw: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday led the Indian delegation at the 4th Annual Meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Security Chiefs being held in Myanmar's capital city Naypyitaw.

Doval met the Myanmar National Security Advisor Admiral Moe Aung on Thursday and BIMSTEC Security Chiefs called on Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Myanmar said, "NSA Shri Ajit Doval is leading the Indian delegation at the 4th Annual Meeting of #BIMSTEC Security Chiefs being held in Naypyitaw today. He met with the Myanmar NSA Admiral Moe Aung yesterday, and BIMSTEC Security Chiefs called on Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing."

On Thursday, India took the helm as the lead country for security sector collaboration within the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) in a significant stride towards enhancing regional security cooperation.

This development was highlighted during the Senior Officials' Meeting held in Naypyitaw to prepare for the upcoming 4th Meeting of BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs.

The meeting in Myanmar's capital city convened to strategize and coordinate initiatives crucial for addressing common security challenges faced by member states.

"Indian delegation participated in Senior Officials' Meeting to prepare for the 4th Meeting of BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs in Nay Pyi Taw. India is the Lead Country for security sector cooperation in BIMSTEC," said Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, on Thursday.

Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hosted the foreign ministers from member countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for BIMSTEC grouping gathered in the national capital to bolster cooperation among Bay of Bengal countries.

BIMSTEC is a regional organisation that connects countries around the Bay of Bengal to promote economic growth, trade, and cooperation in areas like transportation, energy, and counter-terrorism.

(With Inputs From Agencies)

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Vientiane: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand Winston Peters on the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings in Vientiane, Laos. In his post, the External Affairs minister said he "enjoyed" meeting the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand.

"Always enjoy meeting DPM & FM @winstonpeters of New Zealand. Discussed education, agriculture technology, Pacific Islands & cricket, " the External Affairs minister said on X.

Earlier on July 20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a congratulatory phone call from his New Zealand counterpart, Christopher Luxon, on his victory for the third time in the general elections and the two leaders, during their interaction, reiterated their firm commitment to take bilateral cooperation to new heights in the years to come.

"Noting that India-New Zealand ties are anchored in shared democratic values and close people-to-people ties, both leaders reiterated their firm commitment to take bilateral cooperation to new heights in the years to come," per the press release from the Ministry of External Affairs.

Prime Minister Modi also thanked counterpart, Luxon, for looking after the interests of the Indian community in New Zealand.

"Highlighting the momentum generated by recent high-level contacts between the two sides, they agreed to advance mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation in various areas, including trade and economic cooperation, animal husbandry, pharmaceuticals, education, and space, among others," the MEA release read.

"Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Luxon for looking after the interests of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand. Prime Minister Luxon assured of continued efforts towards their security and well-being," it added.

The ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting is being held in the Lao capital Vientiane on Thursday to review and discuss the progress made in the implementation of various activities. Laos holds the chairmanship of ASEAN this year and has been working under the theme of "ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience."

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Vientiane: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Dato Haji Erywan on the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings in Vientiane, Laos and launched a logo celebrating 40 years of diplomatic relations of both the countries.

Jaishankar said that he was confident that the warm and friendly ties between the two countries would prosper further.

In a post on X, he said, "Very happy to meet Brunei FM Dato Haji Erywan today in Vientiane. Launched the logo celebrating 40 years of our diplomatic relations. Confident that our warm and friendly ties will prosper further."

Earlier, speaking at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers meeting at Vientiane, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said that political, economic and security cooperation with ASEAN is of the utmost priority.

Jaishankar said that for India, ASEAN is the cornerstone of its Act East policy, the Indo-Pacific vision that was built on it and the people-to-people linkages that India is constantly seeking to expand.

"The priority that India attaches to ASEAN and AS platforms is evident from Prime Minister Modi visiting Jakarta last year on the very eve of our own G20 summit. He had announced a 12-point plan that has been largely acted upon," he said.

The ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with India was convened in Vientiane on Friday and attended by the ASEAN Foreign Ministers, Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar and the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Political-Security Community Dato' Astanah Abdul Aziz. Timor-Leste attended as an Observer.

The Meeting reaffirmed both sides' commitment to further enhance the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in the coming years by continuing the robust implementation of the ASEAN-India Plan of Action and its Annex and develop its successor document which will guide both sides in realising the full potential of the CSP in the next five years. The Ministers also exchanged views on several regional and international issues of common interest and concern.

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New Delhi: Israeli Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, said that Israel, through its ongoing operation in Gaza, wants to ensure that Hamas doesn't control the strip anymore and is not in a position to attack Tel Aviv again.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Gilon also alleged that Hamas in its attempt to mount international pressure on Israel manipulated casualty figures to spread misinformation and propaganda. The Israeli envoy has raised questions on the estimated death toll announced by the Hamas run Health ministry in Gaza and alleged that Hamas "plays" with the numbers to mount international pressure on Israel.

The outgoing Israeli envoy termed the October 7, 2023 attack when Hamas stormed across the border into Israeli communities as the "worst thing" against the Jewish community since the Holocaust.

"It's the worst thing that happened to Jewish people since the Holocaust in second World War. On October 7 morning, it was a Jewish holiday...there was infiltration of Hamas terrorists, thousands of them to 20 Jewish communities around Israel. They murdered 1200 people on the way, they raped, they burned people alive...Now, we are in a situation, where still 120 people held hostage, some of them are dead," Gilon said.

Over 2000 Hamas terrorists breached Israeli borders on October 7, killing 1200 Israelis and taking around 250 as hostages, out of whom around 120 still are in Hamas captivity, with many of them feared dead.

Following this, Israel launched a strong counteroffensive, carrying out military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip with the aim of "completely eliminating" the group.

The Israeli envoy emphasised his country through its operation in Gaza Strip wants to ensure that it is able to safely bring back all the people who were taken as hostages and also ensure that Hamas, which Israel and some EU nations have designated as a terror organization, wont be able to attack again.

An estimated over 38,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli operation in Gaza. This has led to international criticism of Israel, and mounting calls for reaching a ceasefire.

Asked about Israel's stance on a potential ceasefire deal, Gilon said that Hamas intentionally doesn't want to finalise a hostage deal since doing so will mean that it will not have any "human shields" after that.

"There are two main targets of this operation...The first one is to make sure that Hamas does not control Gaza anymore, it does not have the ability to build its force in Gaza in order to attack Israel. The second is to bring back the hostages," Gilon said in the exclusive interview with ANI.

"We were able to, through military operation, release a few (hostages). The biggest tranche was released through a deal with Hamas, with international countries mediating. Now, we are discussing another deal. The main problem from Hamas point of view is that if they give up the hostages, they are afraid they don't have any human shield anymore," the envoy said.

Responding to the criticism about "collateral damage" in the military offensive, the Israeli envoy asserted that while Tel Aviv wanted to minimise civilian casualties it was Hamas that hid behind civilian population.

"I don't know what is collateral damage...I think the goal has to be achieved. Collateral damage, we are trying to minimize anyhow...our biggest problem is Gaza is the most densely populated area in the world. Secondly, Hamas had the tactic, doing something to Israel...and hide behind the civilian population. From their point of view, any Palestinian dying, is someone else creating pressure on Israel to stop the war. That's what they are aiming at doing," the Israeli Ambassador said.

Gilon also put a question mark on the death toll provided by the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza, and claimed that Hamas did not differentiate between terrorists and civilians, and every casualty was counted as a civilian.

"We have conflicting interests. Ridiculously, while we have the interest in protecting the Palestinian population, they (Hamas) have the interest of not protecting them, and on contrary sacrificing them," he said.

"The only figures we get of the dead are the figures given by so called Ministry of Health of Hamas in Gaza...for them everyone is a civilian, they never differentiate terrorists and civilians. From their point of view, everyone dead is a civilian," Gilon added.

"The figures they are playing with, we have to take that into account," the Ambassador stated.

During his July 24 address to a joint session of the US Congress, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that "That's why despite all the lies you've heard, the war in Gaza has one of the lowest ratios of combatants to noncombatants casualties in the history of urban warfare."

Gilon has been serving as the Israel Ambassador to India since 2021. His tenure will come to an end in August this year.

Last month, the Israel Embassy in India hosted a farewell dinner to honour the departing diplomats, including Ambassador Gilon.

Speaking on the occasion, Gilon called it an "honour" to represent Israel in India. He stressed that the bond between Israel and India is "unique" and built on shared values and mutual respect.

This report is auto-generated from news service agency

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Washington: The President of the Baloch American Congress, Tara Chand, has highlighted the massive turnout at Baloch National Gathering, and called it a "wake-up call" for those perceived to be conspiring against Balochistan from Islamabad and Beijing.

The Baloch National Gathering is set to take place in Gwadar, Pakistan, on July 28.

Taking to X, Chand stated, "The massive gathering of the Baloch National Gathering in Gwadar on July 28th serves as a wake-up call for those conspiring against Balochistan in Islamabad and Beijing. The people of Balochistan are resolute and united in defending their rights".

The Baloch American Congress is an organisation that aims to promote the cause of the Baloch national struggle for the "right of self-determination."

The Baloch National Gathering will be a significant event aimed at bringing together Baloch leaders, activists, and supporters to demonstrate unity and advocate for the rights and aspirations of the Baloch people.

The gathering will be a platform for addressing key issues related to the Baloch struggle for self-determination and autonomy.

At the gathering, leaders and representatives will issue statements and resolutions outlining their demands and future plans. These declarations could provide a clear message to governments and international bodies about the Baloch people's objectives.

Notably, the Baloch people in Pakistan have long faced a range of severe atrocities that have deeply impacted their lives and community. Enforced disappearances are a prominent issue, with individuals abducted by state or affiliated actors without formal charges, leaving families in agonising uncertainty and often subjecting victims to brutal torture.

The situation of Baloch people is further exacerbated by the cases of extrajudicial killings. Cases of targeted assassinations of activists and dissenters without due process, instill widespread fear and silence opposition.

There are rampant allegations of torture and ill-treatment during detention, with victims enduring physical and psychological abuse designed to extract confessions or punish dissent. Arbitrary detentions are also prevalent, with individuals being held without legal justification, disrupting their lives and reinforcing a climate of fear.

The suppression of free speech restricts dissenting voices, with journalists and activists facing harassment and censorship, which stifles public discourse and accountability.

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Islamabad: Pakistan Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb who is on a China visit met with his Chinese counterpart and held talks seeking relief for the country from power sector debts, local media reported.

Aurangazeb along with Pakistan's Energy Minister Sardar Awais Laghari met with Chinese finance minister Lan Fo'an on Thursday in Beijing to discuss the issue, The Express Tribune said on Friday.

The Pakistan ministers requested an eight-year extension for repaying energy debt, converting US dollar-based interest payments to Chinese currency, and reducing overall interest rates for both CPEC and non-CPEC Chinese-funded projects, ministry officials said according to the Islamabad-based newspaper.

They formally requested China to reschedule its debts, with outstanding dues for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) power projects increasing by 44 per cent to Pakistan Rs401 billion by the end of the last fiscal year.

These measures aim to lower energy costs and secure International Monetary Fund (IMF) approval for a USD 7 billion bailout package.

Unpaid debts by Pakistan violate the CPEC Energy Framework Agreement signed in the year 2015 between China and Pakistan and hinder further financial and commercial relations between the two countries.

The two Pakistan ministers -Aurangazeb and Laghari also met with the President of China Export and Credit Insurance Corp (SINOSURE), which is the body that insured loans Chinese companies took from Chinese banks to set up projects in Pakistan.

Loans from China have helped Pakistan in the past to meet its external financing needs. China has invested over USD 20 billion in planned energy projects in Pakistan.

The IMF this month agreed on a USD 7 billion bailout for Pakistan which is under heavy debt. The world body also raised concerns over high rates of power theft in Pakistan and distribution losses that result in debt accumulating across the production chain.

Pakistan energy minster on Thursday in a post on social media platform X said that in their meeting they had briefed Chinese Minister of Finance on his country's "efforts to introduce tax and energy reforms in the system".

Meanwhile, the Express Tribune citing sources said that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board is expected to convene in mid-August to discuss the USD 7 billion bailout package for Pakistan.

A staff-level agreement between Pakistan and the IMF was reached on July 12 the publication said adding that Islamabad must secure external financing assurances before the board meeting.

According to a report by the Voice of America (VoA), since gaining independence in 1947, Pakistan has received 23 bailout packages from the IMF. Pakistan owes about USD 8.4 billion to the IMF, to be repaid over the next three to four years.

In a previous statement IMF's Mission Chief to Pakistan Nathan Porter stated, "The Pakistani authorities and the IMF team have reached a staff-level agreement on a comprehensive program endorsed by the federal and provincial governments, that could be supported by a 37-month Extended Fund Arrangement (EFF) in the amount equivalent to SDR 5,320 million (or about USD 7 billion at current exchange rates)."

The IMF emphasised the need for structural reforms that Pakistan needs to take in its power sector to address high rates of power theft and distribution losses.

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Islamabad: Five people died after two groups exchanged fire at each other in Karachi's Defence area in Pakistan, ARY News reported.

DIG South Asad Raza confirmed that a total of five individuals lost their lives while two others got injured after an exchange of fire between two groups in Karachi's Defence Nishat Commercial area.

The deceased individuals were identified as Fahad Bugti, Naseebullah, Mir Mehsum Bugti, Mir Essa Bugti and Ali; meanwhile, the injured two are Mir Ali Haider Bugti, and Qaim Ali, according to the details, reported ARY News.

Moreover, eyewitnesses to the incident reported that several people were injured during the violent altercation, while vehicles belonging to both groups involved in the incident were also seen at the scene.

"The incident is currently under investigation," DIG South Asad Raza said, according to ARY News.

Furthermore, authorities are investigating to find out the reasons leading to the incident.

Meanwhile, the Baloch Solidarity Committee, in collaboration with the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, has diligently organised teams to facilitate corner meetings and mobilise support for the upcoming Baloch National Gathering on July 28 in Gwadar.

The Karachi zone of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee has been actively engaged in outreach across neighbourhoods in the port city, including Malir, Lyari, and Hawkesbay.

They distributed pamphlets, affixed stickers, and solicited donations in readiness for the forthcoming Baloch National Gathering planned for July 28 in Gwadar. The committee shared pictures of the campaign.

Recently, Mahrang Baloch, speaking on behalf of the BYC, passionately articulated plans for the gathering, emphasising their strong opposition to the ongoing Baloch genocide by Pakistan.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

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