Panama Foreign Minister Calls India A Superpower, Seeks Strategic Partnership And Deeper Economic Cooperation

Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha Vasquez has described India as “already a superpower” and urged for the elevation of bilateral ties into a long-term strategic partnership.

He made these remarks during delegation-level talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi, emphasising Panama’s role as India’s gateway to Latin America for trade, investment, and global supply chains.

Vasquez said it was a privilege to visit India at a time when the country is playing an increasingly important role in shaping the global order. He noted that while some experts consider India an emerging superpower, Panama views India as a civilisational power whose global voice continues to grow in importance. He added that India’s transformation has inspired other nations, including Panama, to think more ambitiously about their own future.

The Panamanian Foreign Minister stressed that his country sought to move beyond the traditional friendship shared with India for more than six decades. He underlined the intention to build a strategic partnership for the decades ahead, one that would encompass deeper economic cooperation and shared global responsibilities.

Highlighting Panama’s strategic location and connectivity, Vasquez pointed to the Panama Canal as more than an engineering achievement, describing it as a trusted platform for global commerce. He said Panama should be seen as a strategic extension of India’s international economic outreach, serving as India’s main gateway to Latin America and Central America.

He emphasised that both India and Panama are vibrant democracies committed to openness, international law, and economic opportunity. He argued that democracies have a unique responsibility to demonstrate that innovation, cooperation, and openness remain the best path to prosperity.

Seeking greater economic engagement, Vasquez proposed the creation of a high-level trade and investment working group to facilitate investment flows between the two countries. He explained that Panama already has a legal framework to attract investment and expressed hope that Indian multinational companies would establish a presence in Panama.

He identified pharmaceuticals, medical services, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, data centres, advanced manufacturing, and regional distribution centres as potential areas for collaboration. He described Panama as the ideal regional platform for Indian companies seeking to expand across Latin America, noting that “India manufactures for the world; Panama connects the world.”

The talks between Vasquez and Jaishankar are expected to lay the groundwork for a new phase in India-Panama relations, one that moves beyond symbolic friendship into a substantive strategic partnership. This initiative reflects Panama’s ambition to position itself as a critical hub for India’s outreach to Latin America, while also recognising India’s growing stature in global affairs.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

Panama Foreign Minister Javier Eduardo Martinez-Acha Vasquez Arrives In India For Five-Day Official Visit

Panama’s Foreign Affairs Minister Javier Eduardo Martinez-Acha Vasquez arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for a five-day official visit to India.

His arrival marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. The visit is scheduled to run from 19 to 23 July, with a series of high-level engagements planned.

Welcoming the dignitary, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X, extending a warm greeting to the Panamanian Foreign Minister. He emphasised that India and Panama share a close partnership anchored in shared values, mutual interests, and goodwill. This public message highlighted the cordiality and optimism surrounding the visit.

The official program will include several important meetings with senior Indian leadership. On Monday, Martinez-Acha is scheduled to meet Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal at the New Parliament Building. Discussions are expected to focus on strategies to broaden bilateral trade and economic relations, reflecting the growing commercial engagement between the two nations.

Later the same day, delegation-level talks will be held with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House. These discussions are anticipated to review the comprehensive framework of India-Panama relations and identify new pathways for cooperation in sectors of mutual benefit. The talks are expected to reinforce the strategic dimension of the partnership.

The Foreign Minister will continue his engagements in New Delhi on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he is scheduled to meet Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal at Transport Bhavan. These discussions are projected to focus heavily on maritime cooperation, logistics, port infrastructure development, and enhancing connectivity between India and Panama. Maritime collaboration is seen as a key area of synergy given Panama’s strategic location and India’s expanding maritime interests.

The visit will conclude with the delegation’s departure from India on Thursday. The high-profile nature of the trip underscores the intensifying engagement between the two republics across trade, commerce, connectivity, and diplomatic collaboration.

This visit follows a sequence of growing diplomatic exchanges. Earlier this month, India’s Ambassador to Panama, Sumit Seth, met Foreign Minister Martinez-Acha to deliberate on mechanisms to further cement bilateral ties.

During the meeting, Ambassador Seth presented the ceremonial “India-Panama Flags Pin” to the Foreign Minister. The embassy noted that both sides exchanged perspectives on scaling up cooperation and reinforcing the long-standing friendship linking the two states.

India and Panama share warm and friendly ties grounded in democratic ideals, mutual respect, and escalating cooperation across trade, investment, maritime affairs, connectivity, and multilateral forums. 

The current visit by Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha is anticipated to inject fresh momentum into these bilateral dynamics and unlock new avenues for strategic collaboration across pivotal sectors. It also reflects Panama’s intent to deepen its outreach to India as part of its wider engagement with Asia, while India continues to strengthen its partnerships across Latin America.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Eduardo Martinez-Acha Vasquez To Visit India From July 19 To 23

Panama’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Javier Eduardo Martinez-Acha Vasquez will undertake a five-day visit to India from 19 to 23 July. He will be accompanied by his wife Mireya Paris De Martinez Acha, arriving at Indira Gandhi International Airport on the morning of 19 July.

His official program will commence in New Delhi on 20 July with a meeting with the Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, at the New Parliament Building. Later the same day, he will meet with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs.

The Minister will continue his engagements in the capital on 21 July. On 22 July, he is scheduled to meet with the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, at Transport Bhavan. The visit will conclude with the delegation’s departure from India on 23 July. The Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that all scheduled meetings will be restricted to official photo opportunities.

Earlier in January, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi held discussions with Panama’s Commerce and Industry Minister Julio Armando Molto Alain and Foreign Affairs Minister Javier Eduardo Martinez-Acha Vasquez on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos.

The talks focused on strengthening cooperation in the renewable energy sector, including clean energy solutions, sustainable technologies, and expanding investment partnerships to support the global energy transition. Joshi described the meeting as constructive, highlighting the shared interest in advancing sustainable energy collaboration.

In 2025, India and Panama entered a new phase in their bilateral ties with the establishment of a 20-member inter-parliamentary friendship group, as shared by the Embassy of India in Panama.

This initiative marked a significant step in institutionalising parliamentary exchanges and fostering closer political cooperation. The friendship group is expected to play a role in enhancing dialogue and mutual understanding between lawmakers of both nations.

Panama and India have long enjoyed cordial, warm, and friendly relations. Their partnership is rooted in mutual understanding, growing bilateral trade, and comprehensive cooperation across diverse sectors.

The upcoming visit by Foreign Minister Vasquez is anticipated to reinforce these ties further, particularly in areas of commerce, shipping, renewable energy, and broader diplomatic engagement.

The visit also reflects Panama’s interest in deepening its outreach to India as part of its wider engagement with Asia, while India continues to strengthen its partnerships across Latin America.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

'China Trying To Take Over Panama Canal': Trump Says

US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised the historic decision to transfer control of the Panama Canal to Panama, declaring that the United States should never have relinquished authority over the strategic waterway.

Speaking at the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota, Trump argued that Panama immediately exploited its control by raising transit fees multiple times without losing traffic, thereby generating vast revenues at America’s expense.

He recounted that Panama increased the prices for ships fourfold after assuming control, later raising them twice more, yet shipping companies continued to use the canal. Trump described this as a major blunder, saying it allowed Panama to profit enormously for years.

He then warned that China is now attempting to gain influence over the canal, vowing that the United States would not permit such a takeover. He added that his remarks were unscripted, emphasising his spontaneous style of delivery.

Trump’s comments referenced the Torrijos-Carter Treaties of 1977, which set the framework for the gradual transfer of canal authority from the United States to Panama, culminating in full Panamanian control in 1999.

The canal, a vital artery for global trade, has long been regarded as a strategic asset, and concerns about Chinese involvement have grown in recent years as Beijing expands its influence in Latin America through infrastructure investments and port acquisitions.

In addition to his remarks on the canal, Trump renewed his criticism of the Supreme Court’s interpretation of birthright citizenship. He argued that the principle was originally intended for the children of freed slaves after the Civil War, not for wealthy foreigners arriving in private jets. He specifically mentioned Chinese nationals, claiming the court had erred in its rulings, but expressed confidence that the issue would eventually be resolved.

Trump praised recent Supreme Court decisions that he said restored significant presidential authority. On 29 June, the Court expanded the President’s power to remove leaders of executive branch agencies, overturning a precedent that had stood for 91 years.

He explained that the ruling reversed limitations imposed during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s era in 1932, referring to what he called the “Slaughter case.” He hailed the decision as a landmark victory, noting it was passed by a 6–3 majority and describing it as the most important of recent rulings because it returned essential powers to the presidency at a critical time.

He stressed that the restoration of presidential authority was vital for effective governance, particularly in an era of heightened global competition and domestic challenges. Trump concluded by underscoring his belief that the United States must safeguard its strategic interests, including the Panama Canal, while ensuring that constitutional principles are interpreted in line with their original intent.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

India Strengthens Panama Trade Ties With Launch of New Royal Enfield Models

India has expanded its trade footprint in Panama with the launch of three new motorcycle models, underscoring the growing presence of Indian brands in Central America.

The Indian Embassy in Panama, Nicaragua and Costa Rica announced that Ambassador Sumit Seth unveiled the Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350, Himalayan 450 Mana Black Edition and Classic 650 in Panama City.

This marks a significant push by one of the world’s oldest motorcycle manufacturers into the Latin American market, strengthening India’s export story from Chennai to Ciudad de Panama.

The embassy highlighted Panama’s favourable market conditions, noting that its open economy and dollar-based pricing make it one of the most affordable Royal Enfield markets in the region. It also emphasised Royal Enfield’s long industrial legacy, pointing out that the company has been in continuous production since 1901.

The expanding footprint of Royal Enfield in Panama reflects the growing confidence of Indian brands in Latin America, where demand for affordable yet durable motorcycles is steadily rising.

Alongside commercial outreach, India has also been active in cultural diplomacy. The embassy shared glimpses of International Day of Yoga 2025 celebrations held at the archaeological ruins of Old Panama City, describing the event as a unique blend of heritage and wellness. This initiative reinforced India’s soft power and cultural engagement in the region, complementing its economic expansion.

Earlier in January, the embassy outlined five key areas of cooperation between India and Panama, described as the 5Ts of togetherness: traditions, trade, technology, tourism and talent. These pillars form the foundation of bilateral relations and highlight the diverse avenues through which both nations are strengthening ties.

On Republic Day, Minister of Presidency Juan Carlos Orillac represented the President of Panama as guest of honour at the embassy’s reception, which was attended by around 500 guests, celebrating the spirit of India-Panama friendship.

Panama and India continue to enjoy cordial and warm relations, built on mutual understanding, growing bilateral trade and comprehensive cooperation. The launch of new Royal Enfield models in Panama is not only a commercial milestone but also a symbol of India’s expanding influence in Latin America, combining industrial legacy with modern trade ambitions.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

US Warns of 'Unacceptable Risk' From Chinese Control of Panama Canal Ports, Vows To Counter Influence

The United States has expressed significant concerns regarding China's influence over the Panama Canal, a vital global trade route. During a visit to Panama, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that China's control of ports at both ends of the canal poses an "unacceptable risk" to U.S. security and sovereignty.

Hegseth highlighted that Chinese companies managing critical infrastructure in the canal area could enable surveillance activities, undermining the security and prosperity of both the U.S. and Panama.

He reaffirmed the U.S.'s commitment to countering such influence by strengthening defence and security cooperation with Panama, including inaugurating a U.S.-funded dock at the Vasco Núñez de Balboa Naval Base.

The Panama Canal has become a geopolitical flashpoint due to its strategic importance for global trade and military movement. U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, have criticized China's growing role in managing ports in the region, linking it to Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative.

They argue that Chinese control could turn the canal into a choke point during conflicts, potentially disrupting trade and military operations.

China's embassy in Panama responded by rejecting these accusations, asserting that Panama's business dealings are sovereign decisions and accusing the U.S. of using "blackmail" to advance its geopolitical interests. Meanwhile, calls have grown within Washington to reduce Beijing's influence by offering Panama alternative investments and partnerships aligned with democratic values.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

Verifying Details of Indians Sent From US To Panama: Centre

The Indian government is currently verifying the details of Indian nationals deported from the United States to Panama. This follows the deportation of 299 migrants, including Indians, as part of the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration. According to a spokesperson from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), arrangements for the return of these individuals will be made once verification is complete.

Indians are being deported from the US as part of the Donald Trump administration's crackdown and decision to deport illegal immigrants.

"The flights that arrived in India on February 15 and 16, we had shared our concerns with the US government that the people coming be brought back in a humane manner and their religious sensitivities be kept in mind. As per our understanding, on the flights that came on 15th and 16th in Amritsar, women and children were not subjected to any kind of shackling," MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a weekly briefing.

The deportees arrived in Panama over several flights last week and are reportedly being housed safely at a hotel with essential facilities. The Indian Embassy in Panama has confirmed that they have obtained consular access to these individuals and are working closely with local authorities to ensure their well-being.

The Indians are being deported from the US as part of the Donald Trump administration's crackdown and decision to deport illegal immigrants. They have been brought back on a C-17 Globemaster aircraft of the US Air Force so far. 

The MEA emphasised that women and children among the deportees were not shackled during their flights, countering earlier reports that depicted a more severe treatment during their deportation from the US. The Indian government is also in communication with the US regarding the humane treatment of all deportees, as concerns have been raised about their treatment during transit.

Meanwhile, Mr Jaiswal also briefed reporters on the deportation of a group of Indians to Panama from the US. The group is part of a larger group of 299 migrants sent to the region. 

"We have seen some reports of deportation flights to Panama and Costa Rica. It is our understanding that these have been undertaken as per a bridge arrangement between the US and the respective governments. Both Costa Rica and Panama have agreed to serve as transit countries for the deportees while the US bears all the cost of the operations. We have some Indian nationals, I understand, and our mission in Panama and Costa Rica is in touch with local authorities," he said. 

In the case of Panama, the Union government is verifying details like whether those deported to the region comprise Indians or not, the spokesperson said. "Once that verification details are complete, then arrangements will be made for the return of these Indian nationals back home," he said.

As part of this arrangement, both Panama and Costa Rica have agreed to serve as transit countries for deportees, with the US covering operational costs. The process of verifying the nationality of these migrants is ongoing, and it may take some time before they can be repatriated to India.

PTI

Comments

Continue Reading

US Sends Commander To Panama To 'Secure' Canal Against Chinese Influence; Beijing Dubs Claim 'A Lie'

The recent visit of U.S. Southern Command head Admiral Alvin Holsey to Panama has sparked significant tensions regarding the influence of China over the Panama Canal. During his visit, Holsey met with Ricaurte Vásquez, the Panama Canal administrator, to discuss measures aimed at countering what U.S. officials describe as Chinese Communist Party influence over this critical waterway, which has been a focal point of U.S. strategic interests since its construction in the early 20th century.

U.S. Concerns And Actions

The U.S. government has expressed concerns that Chinese investments and operations in the region could pose national security risks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has previously warned Panama's leadership that failure to address Chinese interests in the canal could lead to "necessary measures" from Washington, which some interpret as potential military action or other forms of pressure. This follows a long-standing narrative, particularly amplified during Donald Trump's presidency, that posits Chinese control over significant infrastructure in the Americas as a direct threat to U.S. interests.

Panama's Reaction

In response to these allegations, Panama's President José Raúl Mulino has expressed frustration, instructing his foreign minister not to engage in discussions about U.S. claims of Chinese interference during Holsey's visit. Mulino emphasised that such discussions only serve to perpetuate "falsehoods" about China's role in the canal's operations. The Chinese Embassy in Panama has categorically denied any involvement, labelling U.S. claims as "absolute fabrications" and accusing Washington of attempting to undermine Sino-Panamanian relations.

Chinese Investments And Strategic Implications

Chinese firms have made substantial investments in ports surrounding the canal, leading to concerns from U.S. officials that these investments could enable Beijing to exert influence over maritime traffic and potentially disrupt U.S. naval operations during crises. Experts have warned that such leverage could threaten American trade and military readiness, prompting calls for immediate action from the U.S. government to mitigate this perceived threat.

The situation reflects broader geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China, particularly in Latin America, where both nations are vying for influence. As the U.S. seeks to reaffirm its presence and counteract Chinese investments, Panama finds itself in a precarious position, balancing its relationships with both superpowers while maintaining its sovereignty over the canal.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

Panama Becomes First Latin American Country To Exit China's Belt, Road Initiative

Panama has formally withdrawn from China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), marking a noteworthy geopolitical shift. President José Raúl Mulino's decision highlights increasing tensions between the United States and China, especially concerning the strategic Panama Canal.

Panama officially announced its withdrawal from China’s Belt and Road Initiative. President Mulino stated he instructed diplomats in Beijing to submit a 90-day notice of withdrawal from the 2017 memorandum of understanding.

Background of Panama's Involvement Panama joined the BRI in November 2017, becoming the first Latin American country to do so after establishing diplomatic relations with Beijing and cutting ties with Taiwan. The initiative aimed to improve trade and infrastructure connectivity between Asia and Latin America. Chinese companies then secured major projects, such as a fourth bridge over the Panama Canal.

U.S. Concerns The United States has voiced concerns over China's growing presence in Panama. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the risks of Chinese investments in key infrastructure projects, suggesting it could compromise the Panama Canal's neutrality. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has also questioned Panama's ties to China, even raising the possibility of the U.S. reclaiming control over the Panama Canal.

China's Reaction China has criticised the U.S. for pressuring Panama to withdraw from the BRI, arguing that their investments have positively contributed to Panama’s economy and infrastructure. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, expressed China's deep regret over Panama's decision and urged them to resist external interference.

Panama's Perspective President Mulino questioned the benefits Panama received from the BRI agreement. Despite U.S. concerns, Mulino denied that the United States influenced the decision to exit the BRI.

Impact and Future Implications Panama's withdrawal aligns with a broader trend where countries are reassessing their participation in the BRI due to concerns about debt dependency and political influence. This decision may also impact future Chinese investments in Latin America as other countries evaluate their strategic partnerships.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

Panama Canal Authority Denies Adjusting Fees For U.S. Vessels, Says It's Ready For 'Dialogue'

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has refuted claims made by the U.S. State Department that Panama agreed to eliminate fees for U.S. government vessels transiting the canal. The ACP maintains that there have been no adjustments to the tolls and fees for canal transit.

The Panama Canal Authority denies the U.S. State Department's announcement of a fee waiver for U.S. government vessels.

The Canal Authority asserts that it maintains its standard transit toll policy.

Despite denying the fee waiver, the ACP has stated its willingness to engage in discussions with U.S. officials regarding the transit of U.S. warships.

The U.S. State Department had claimed that "U.S. government vessels can now transit the Panama Canal without charge fees, saving the U.S. government millions of dollars a year".

This issue follows statements from President Donald Trump expressing concerns about fees charged to U.S. ships and China's involvement with Panama’s ports. Trump had also threatened to "take back" the canal.

The U.S. largely constructed the canal in 1914 and administered the surrounding territory for decades, but fully handed control to Panama in 1999. The Panama Canal Authority has managed the canal since 2000.

Comunicado del Canal de Panamá. pic.twitter.com/huTl3d7wz7

— Canal de Panamá (@canaldepanama) February 6, 2025

Sharing a post on X, the US State Department wrote, "US government vessels can now transit the Panama Canal without charge fees, saving the US government millions of dollars a year."

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had arrived in Panama on February 1, marking his first trip since holding the job as US top diplomat.

"Our Navy and Commerce have been treated in a very unfair and injudicious way. The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform in November.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

Panama Waives Fees For US Government Vessels

Panama has agreed to eliminate transit fees for U.S. government vessels using the Panama Canal, a move that the U.S. State Department says will save the U.S. government millions of dollars each year. The agreement followed discussions between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino.

This decision comes after President Donald Trump had criticized Panama for charging excessive fees and threatened to take control of the canal. Trump had expressed his concerns on his Truth Social platform, stating that the fees charged by Panama were "ridiculous" and that the U.S. Navy and commerce were being treated unfairly. Mulino, however, dismissed Trump's threat to retake control of the canal.

Key points regarding the situation:

The U.S. State Department announced the agreement, highlighting the savings for the U.S. government.

The decision follows a meeting between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino.

President Trump had previously accused Panama of charging excessive fees for using the canal.

The U.S. largely built the canal in 1914 and handed control to Panama in 1999 after a period of joint administration.

Rubio cautioned Panama about China's influence over the canal, stating the U.S. would take "necessary measures" if changes were not made.

A bill called the "Panama Canal Repurchase Act" would give Trump and Rubio the authority to negotiate with Panama to repurchase the canal.

More than 70 percent of vessels traveling through the canal are inbound or outbound to U.S. ports, and it is a key transit point for U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Defence vessels.

This decision occurs amidst previous tensions, including President Donald Trump's accusations of "excessive" charges by Panama. During a meeting with Panamanian leaders, Rubio emphasized the U.S.'s readiness to take "necessary measures" if the situation remained unchanged, reinforcing the commitment to safeguarding U.S. rights under existing treaty agreements.

While the search results mention potential reasons behind the timing of the decision to waive fees, they do not explicitly state the main reasons behind Panama's decision. However, the search results do provide some context clues:

The agreement was publicized in a social media post on X.

The fee exemption aligns with President Donald Trump's critique of "excessive" charges.

Heightened U.S. concerns over China's growing influence in the canal area.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio seemed to amplify security apprehensions with Panama's president during a visit to Panama.

Agencies

Comments

Continue Reading

Reduce Chinese Influence Or Face 'Necessary Measures': US State Secretary Rubio To Panama

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently visited Panama, where he urged the Panamanian government to reduce Chinese influence over the Panama Canal or face "necessary measures" from the United States. This visit marks Rubio's first international trip as Secretary of State and aligns with President Donald Trump's stance on reclaiming U.S. control over the canal, which was handed over to Panama in 1999 under a treaty that mandates its neutrality.

During a meeting with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, Rubio expressed concerns that China's presence in the canal area could jeopardize U.S. interests and violate the treaty established between the two nations. He emphasized that if Panama does not take immediate action to curb this influence, the U.S. may resort to unspecified retaliatory measures to protect its rights under the treaty.

Despite Rubio's warnings, President Mulino reassured reporters that he does not perceive a genuine threat of U.S. military action regarding the canal and reiterated Panama's sovereignty over it, stating that discussions about ownership are not on the table. Mulino also indicated that Panama would not renew a memorandum related to China's Belt and Road Initiative, signaling a potential shift in its relations with China while seeking closer ties with the U.S..

The backdrop of this diplomatic engagement includes widespread discontent among Panamanians regarding U.S. claims over the canal, with protests erupting against perceived American interference and demands for better management of canal revenues for local citizens.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

Foreign Diplomats Satisfied Over Conduct of Polls In Kashmir

Srinagar: A 15-member foreign delegation of New Delhi-based missions today expressed satisfaction over the conduct of polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

These diplomats arrived in Srinagar this morning on the Central Government invitation to witness the second phase of Assembly elections in Kashmir. The senior diplomats were from the United States of America (USA), Mexico, Guyana, South Korea, Somalia, Panama, Singapore, Nigeria, Spain, South Africa, Norway, Tanzania, Rwanda, Algeria and Philippines.

The US Deputy Chief of the Mission in Delhi Jorgan K Andrews said the voting process looked healthy and democratic.

“It is a rare opportunity to come to Kashmir and see the electoral process in action and see democracy. Looks very smooth, everything is very professional, everything is well set up and it looks like a very exciting exercise,” he said.

Andrews said it was exciting to see elections being held in J&K after 10 years. “We are very pleased as diplomats to India are here to learn more about how Indian democracy works. With Kashmir’s history it is exciting to see elections here after 10 years or more without elections,” he added.

He said the process here was similar to how it happens in his country. “It is very comparable. In my country, we use schools as well for voting. So, it looks very similar,” he added.

South Korea diplomat Sang Woo Lim liked the idea of Pink polling station, an initiative of the Election Commission of India where polling stations are managed by all-female staff.

“Since the morning, we have been making rounds of polling stations. Now, here, I have come across this pink polling station, this is something which I have seen for the first time and is a key to ensure the participation of people. I have learned a lot and this is a great idea,” he told Excelsior.

“It is for the first time all of us have come to Kashmir to see the working of democracy. I see it is a beautiful place and people are very nice. It is special to witness how democracy works,” he added.

Singapore deputy head of the mission in New Delhi Cheng Wei Wei Alice said it was wonderful to be part of the delegation.

“The process is very similar to how we conduct elections in Singapore. We use Government buildings for polling stations so that it is easily accessible to voters,” she said.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

Comments

Continue Reading

EAM Jaishankar Speaks To Panama Counterpart, Says Will Remain In Close Touch

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday held talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama Janaina Tewaney Mencomo and thanked her for consistent support in the relationship between both nations.

Taking to his official X handle, Jaishankar said, "Very pleased to speak to Foreign Minister Janaina Tewaney Mencomo of Panama. Thanked her for her consistent support of the India-Panama relationship."

"Will remain in close touch," Jaishankar said.

In February 2024, on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue, Jaishankar held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Panama and Albania. Jaishankar and Janaina Tewaney Mencomo discussed connectivity, mobility and economic cooperation.

In a post on X, the EAM stated, "Very nice to meet FM @JanainaGob of Panama on #RaisinaDialogue2024 sidelines. A very useful discussion on connectivity, mobility and economic cooperation."

The Raisina Dialogue, India's flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, was committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the international community. It was held in India from February 21-23 and was organised by the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Raisina Dialogue on February 21.

Notably, India-Panama relations are the oldest in the Central American region, dating back to the middle of the 19th century when groups of Indians came to Panama to work on the construction of Panama Railways and later the Panama Canal, in the early 20th century.

(With Inputs From Agencies)

Comments

Continue Reading

Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama And Somalia Are Set To Get Seats On The UN Security Council

Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama and Somalia were set to get seats on the U.N. Security Council in a secret ballot Thursday in the General Assembly.

The 193-member world body is scheduled to vote to elect five countries to serve two-year terms on the council. The 10 non-permanent seats on the 15-member council are allotted to regional groups who usually select their candidates but sometimes can't agree on one. There are no such surprises this year.

Last year, Slovenia soundly defeated Russia's close ally Belarus for the seat representing the East European regional group, a vote that reflected strong global opposition to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

This time, the regional groups put forward Somalia for an African seat, Pakistan for an Asia-Pacific seat, Panama for a Latin America and Caribbean seat, and Denmark and Greece for two mainly Western seats.

The five council members elected Thursday will start their terms on Jan. 1, replacing those whose two-year terms end on Dec. 31 - Mozambique, Japan, Ecuador, Malta and Switzerland.

They will join the five veto-wielding permanent members - the United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom and France - and the five countries elected last year - Algeria, Guyana, South Korea, Sierra Leone and Slovenia.

The Security Council is charged with maintaining international peace and security. But because of Russia's veto power it has been unable to take action on Ukraine - and because of close U.S. ties to Israel it has not called for a cessation of hostilities in Gaza.

All five countries expected to win seats on Thursday have served previously on the Security Council - Pakistan seven times, Panama five times, Denmark four times, Greece twice and Somalia once.

Virtually every country agrees that almost eight decades after the United Nations was established the Security Council needs to expand and reflect the world in the 21st century, not the post-World War II era reflected now.

But with 193 countries with national interests, the central question - and the biggest disagreement - is exactly how. And for four decades, those disagreements have blocked any significant reform of the U.N.'s most powerful body.

(With Agency Inputs)

Comments

Continue Reading