Page 6 - Diplomacy

India's approach to Afghanistan continues to be guided by historical ties

In the past two years, some Afghan diplomats have left India as they obtained residency in third countries but the remaining diplomats have taken over the responsibility for continued functioning of the diplomatic missions of that country, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday. In a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, he said India's approach to Afghanistan continues to be guided by its historical relations, friendship with its people and relevant UN resolutions. "The diplomatic presence of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in New Delhi and the Consulates of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Mumbai and Hyderabad continue to function in India," he said in his reply. "During the past two years, some Afghan diplomats have left India since they obtained residency in third countries. However, the remaining Afghan diplomats based in India have taken over the responsibility for the continued diplomatic functioning of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan," he ...

S'pore committed to foster world where dialogue a path to resolve conflicts

Singapore is deeply committed to fostering a world where the rule of law is upheld and where dialogue and negotiation are the chosen pathways to resolving conflicts and disputes, the country's President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has said. The prosperous city-state also supports stronger international cooperation to prevent crises from occurring, and to be prepared in advance for any shocks to the system when they do occur, the president on Saturday told 460 newly minted officers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). In a speech at the officer cadet commissioning parade, the president noted that the foundations of the international order were under strain, just when the need for global cooperation and the rule of law was greatest. "On its part, Singapore continues to be deeply committed to fostering a world where the rule of law is upheld, and where dialogue and negotiation are the chosen pathways to resolving conflicts and disputes," he said. However, this ability to engage with other

Kenyan President William Ruto pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat

President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi welcomed William Ruto at Rashtrapati Bhavan. William Ruto was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan

India, US have established mature relationship, says US Deputy NSA Finer

The US and India have established a mature relationship that enables both sides to identify opportunities and work through differences, US Principal Deputy NSA Jonathan Finer said on Monday. In an address at a conclave, he said the US and India have a "complicated history" and they have not always been "wholly aligned". Finer said there are many "difficult issues" that remain in the relationship "right up to the present day". At the same time, he said there is a bipartisan view in the US that both countries must seize some important opportunities that the world presents to the two sides, both geopolitically and economically. The senior White House official is on a visit to India that comes days after American prosecutors linked an Indian official to a man charged with conspiring to assassinate Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on US soil. "I think the US and India have a complicated history. We have not always been wholly aligned. We have not always found it easy to work ...

India achieved the extraordinary during its G20 presidency, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asserted that India achieved the extraordinary during its G20 presidency as it revitalised multilateralism, amplified the voice of the Global South, championed development, and fought for the empowerment of women everywhere. With Brazil set to take over the presidency from December 1, Modi highlighted the elite group's journey under India and expressed confidence that his country hands over the charge with the conviction that our collective steps for people, planet, peace, and prosperity, will resonate for years to come. In an opinion piece which appeared in several newspapers on Thursday, Modi said India's approach was defined by being "inclusive, ambitious, action-oriented, and decisive" and the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration (NDLD), unanimously adopted by all G20 members, is testimony to our commitment to deliver on these principles. Noting that it has been 365 days since India took the Chair, he said the global landscape grappled with multifacete

India to build 10k more houses in Sri Lanka in extension of housing project

India will build 10,000 more houses in the plantation areas of Sri Lanka in an extension of its housing project in the country. The High Commission of India signed two significant agreements for the construction of 10,000 houses in plantation areas of Sri Lanka under Phase-IV of the Indian Housing Project on Tuesday, a statement said. Separate agreements with the two Implementing Agencies namely National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) and State Engineering Corporation (SEC) are aimed at early rollout of the construction of the 10,000 houses. Counsellor and Head of Development Cooperation Wing, Eldos Mathew Punnoose, Chairman of SEC, Rathnasiri Kalupahana, and General Manager, NHDA, Kankanamalage Ajantha Janaka were the signatories to the two agreements. Phase IV of the Indian Housing Project is spread across 11 districts and 6 provinces of Sri Lanka. It may be recalled that the overall commitment of the Government of India under the Indian Housing Project currently stands a

Cooperating with US investigation as info legally tenable: India to Canada

Earlier in September, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made allegations regarding India's involvement in Nijjar's killing

Indian envoy Sandhu heckled by pro-Khalistani elements in New York Gurdwara

The Indian envoy could be seen leaving the premises in his vehicle, while a lone protestor raised the Khalistani flag outside the Gurdwara

India is diplomatically able to mediate in global conflicts: Amb Kamboj

India's strategic position enables it to engage with various power blocs constructively and its ability to navigate complex diplomatic waters showcases the country as a potential mediator in international conflicts, the country's envoy to the UN has said. "In an era marked by rapid changes and complex challenges, India emerges not just as a nation of immense diversity and cultural richness, but also as a key player on the international stage, embodying the principles of cooperation, peace and mutual respect, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj said here. Kamboj delivered a special address on the topic India in the Emerging Global Order' at the India: The Next Decade' conference hosted by the Deepak and Neera Raj Center at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs last week. Kamboj said India's ancient philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' the world is one family - positions the country uniquely as a mediator and conciliator in

Afghanistan embassy announces closure in New Delhi, issues statement

Despite "limitations in resources and power", the Afghan embassy said it has worked "tirelessly for their betterment and in the absence of a legitimate government in Kabul"

Hope to work with China in upgrading shipyards and ports says Fiji leader

Fiji's leader says that after meeting with China's President Xi Jinping, he hopes to collaborate with China on upgrading his nation's shipyards and ports. Sitiveni Rabuka made the remarks to lawmakers in Parliament on Wednesday. Rabuka is generally viewed as leaning less toward China than his predecessor Frank Bainimarama, and in a visit to Australia last month, Rabuka emphasized he was more comfortable dealing with traditional friends such as Australia. But in his Wednesday remarks, Rabuka highlighted the economic ties his small South Pacific island nation has forged with China over 50 years of diplomatic relations. Rabuka said that in his meeting with Xi last week on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in San Francisco, he discussed how China's assistance was pivotal to Fiji's post-COVID-19 economic recovery. Rabuka said China's Belt and Road Initiative aligned with Fiji's development agenda and that China had contributed toward a number of grants a

China prods Bhutan to establish diplomatic ties and settle border issues

China has asked Bhutan to establish diplomatic ties with it and resolve the boundary issue as soon as possible to transform the relations between the two neighbours into legal form. Bhutanese Foreign Minister Dr Tandi Dorji who is currently visiting Beijing to take part in the boundary talks between the two countries met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday during which Wang said restoration of diplomatic ties will serve the long-term interests of both countries, a Foreign Ministry press release here said. The conclusion of boundary negotiations and the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bhutan fully serve the long-term and fundamental interests of the country and nation of Bhutan," Wang said. China is ready to work with Bhutan in the same direction, seize the historic opportunity, complete this important process as soon as possible, and fix and develop China-Bhutan friendly relations in legal form," Wang, also a member of the powerful Political Bureau of

India rejects Canada's accusation of violating norms amid diplomatic row

The Indian government on Friday rejected any notion that it had violated international law in asking Canada to recall diplomats so that both governments have roughly the same number stationed in each country. Canada said Thursday it was recalling 41 of its 62 diplomats in India after what it said was New Delhi's warning that it would strip their diplomatic immunity something Canadian officials characterised as a violation of the Geneva Convention. The back-and-forth comes amid a spat between the two countries over Canada's allegation that India was involved in the assassination of a Sikh separatist in Canada. India had not publicly stated it would withdraw diplomatic immunity from the Canadian diplomats, nor did it give a deadline for their departure. But it said it wanted Canada to reduce its number of diplomats in India to match the amount that India has in Canada. We reject any attempt to portray the implementation of parity as a violation of international norms, India's Minist

Concerned over departure of Canadian diplomats from India: US State Dept

The United States on Friday expressed concern over the departure of Canadian diplomats from India and said that it expects New Delhi to uphold its obligations under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Canada has withdrawn 41 diplomats from India after it threatened to strip them of their diplomatic immunity by Friday, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly has said, amid a diplomatic row over the killing of a Sikh separatist. We are concerned by the departure of Canadian diplomats from India, in response to the Indian government's demand of Canada to significantly reduce its diplomatic presence in India, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said. "Resolving differences requires diplomats on the ground," Miller added. We have urged the Indian government not to insist upon a reduction in Canada's diplomatic presence and to cooperate in the ongoing Canadian investigation, the State Department official said. We expect India to uphold its obligations under the 19

Indian woman spends day as British High Commissioner in New Delhi

This year's winning entry was chosen from a pool of more than 180 applications from talented young women around the country

The essentials of G20's corridor initiative

From trade to diplomacy, there is much to commend in the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor

Canada wants 'private talks' with India to resolve diplomatic dispute

"We take diplomats' safety very seriously and we will continue to engage privately because we think diplomatic conversations are best when they remain private," Canadian Foreign Minister said

Canada wants private talks with India to resolve diplomatic dispute

India has told Canada that it must repatriate the diplomats by Oct. 10, according to the Financial Times. Neither Joly nor Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded when asked if the report was accurate

India asks Canada to recall 41 diplomats from the country by October 10

India has asked Canada to recall 41 of its diplomats from the country by October 10, the Financial Times newspaper reported on Tuesday. Neither India nor Canada reacted to the report that came 12 days after New Delhi asked Ottawa to downsize its diplomatic presence in India. Canada has 62 diplomats in India and New Delhi said that the number should be reduced by 41, the report said. The ties between India and Canada came under severe strain following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. India rejected the allegations as "absurd" and "motivated" and expelled a senior Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move to Ottawa's expulsion of an Indian official over the case. Nijjar was shot dead by two masked gunmen on June 18 in British Columbia. India had designated him a terrorist in 2020. On September 21, India asked Canada to downsize its diplomatic presenc

Nijjar killing row: India asks Canada to withdraw 41 diplomats by Oct 10

India has told Canada that if any of these diplomats stay after October 10, their diplomatic immunity will be revoked