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First Post
6 minutes ago
- First Post
India, China delegations meet to discuss border issues, normalisation of bilateral ties
The two sides discussed measures aimed at 'advancing effective border management and sustaining peace and tranquillity,' building on understandings reached during the 23rd round of the Special Representatives' (SR) Talks held in 2024 read more A man walks inside a conference room used for meetings between military commanders of China and India, at the Indian side of the Indo-China border at Bumla, in the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, November 11, 2009. Reuters File India and China held the 34th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on Border Affairs (WMCC) in New Delhi on Wednesday (July 23), in a fresh bid to sustain momentum on de-escalation efforts along the Line of Actual Control. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (East Asia) Gourangalal Das, while the Chinese side was headed by Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to a statement released by India's Ministry of External Affairs, both sides reviewed the situation in the border areas and expressed satisfaction with the 'general prevalence of peace and tranquillity,' noting progress toward 'gradual normalisation' of bilateral ties. Push for phased disengagement and SR-level talks The two sides discussed measures aimed at 'advancing effective border management and sustaining peace and tranquillity,' building on understandings reached during the 23rd round of the Special Representatives' (SR) Talks held in Beijing in March 2024. That round saw National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi agree to a phased withdrawal at remaining friction points like Depsang and Demchok. The WMCC talks also prepared the ground for the 24th round of the SR Talks on the India-China boundary question, which is expected to be held in India later this year. The SR mechanism functions as a higher-level political dialogue to resolve the boundary dispute. Meeting follows two high-level ministerial visits The timing of the meeting adds to its significance, coming after two important bilateral exchanges this year. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar travelled to Beijing in January 2025, followed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's engagement with his Chinese counterpart on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers' meeting in April. India and China have maintained multiple layers of engagement to navigate ongoing tensions in eastern Ladakh. While large-scale disengagement has been achieved at some points, talks remain deadlocked at several locations. With inputs from agencies


India.com
6 minutes ago
- India.com
Why Do Indian Filmmakers Continue To Embrace Pakistan Despite Hostility? DNA Explained
Even as tensions between India and Pakistan remain high with trade, sports, and even airspace connectivity severed, some Indian filmmakers appear unshaken in their affection for Pakistan. This has raised eyebrows among many who question the rationale behind such cross-border creative alliances. Recently, singer-actor Amrinder Gill's film Chal Mera Putt 4 has come under scrutiny. The film's release in India has been delayed as the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has yet to clear it, reportedly due to the inclusion of several Pakistani actors, most notably Iftikhar Thakur. Thakur, a controversial Pakistani comedian and actor, has previously made derogatory remarks about the Indian Army and mocked Indian filmmakers who gave him work. His statements, filled with anti-India sentiment, have triggered public outrage in India. In today's DNA, Zee News managing editor, Rahul Sinha, explained why do Indian filmmakers continue to embrace Pakistan despite hostility? Watch Today's Full Episode भारत-पाकिस्तान में फिर 'कुछ बड़ा होने वाला है'! अखिलेश के 'मस्जिद मार्ग' का विश्लेषण जनरल मुनीर का गुरूर..कैसे 'मिट्टी में धंस गया'? देखिए #DNA LIVE Rahul Sinha के साथ#ZeeLive #ZeeNews #DNAWithRahulSinha @RahulSinhaTV — Zee News (@ZeeNews) July 23, 2025 The controversy echoes a similar incident involving Diljit Dosanjh, whose film faced backlash for prioritising a Pakistani actress. Both actors, despite being celebrated faces in Punjabi cinema, are now being criticised for repeatedly collaborating with Pakistani talent. Critics argue that filmmakers like Gill and Dosanjh, under the pretext of artistic freedom and cultural harmony, are indirectly encouraging those who insult India and its armed forces. The broader concern is whether financial incentives are being prioritised over national sentiment. Some voices, including actor Binnu Dhillon, have taken a firm stand against working with those who openly disrespect India. They question the moral integrity of supporting artists like Thakur, who feed off Indian audiences while ridiculing the country. As the debate intensifies, one thing is clear: while art may transcend borders, respect for the nation and its defenders cannot be compromised. Filmmakers must decide whether national dignity is worth sacrificing for box-office profits.


India.com
6 minutes ago
- India.com
‘Don't Get Trapped Like Indonesia': GTRI Alarms India Against Bowing To US Trade Pressure
New Delhi: As India continues to explore a bilateral trade agreement with the United States, a prominent think tank has raised red flags about the direction of negotiations. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has warned Indian policymakers not to fall into the same pattern as Indonesia, which recently signed what GTRI calls a 'one-sided' trade pact with Washington. In a report released on Wednesday, the GTRI described the US-Indonesia agreement as heavily skewed in favour of American interests. The group pointed to aggressive pressure tactics by the United States, warning that similar dynamics could play out in India's case unless approached with caution and long-term planning. 'The US-Indonesia trade deal offers a clear example of how intense U.S. pressure can lead to unbalanced outcomes,' the report said, stressing the importance of measured and reciprocal agreements for developing economies like India. What Indonesia Agreed To The recently signed trade pact requires Indonesia to eliminate 99% of its tariffs on U.S. goods, opening its markets to a wide range of U.S. products – from industrial and tech to agricultural commodities. The United States, in contrast, will impose a 19% tariff on Indonesian exports, down from an initially proposed 40%, but still a significant barrier. According to the GTRI, Indonesia has committed to buying $22.7 billion worth of American goods. That includes $15 billion in energy imports such as liquefied petroleum gas, crude oil and petrol; $4.5 billion in agricultural products like soybeans, wheat and cotton; and $3.2 billion allocated for Boeing aircraft. The report further states that Indonesia agreed to dismantle local content rules, which previously required foreign companies to source components locally. With those protections removed, small and medium-sized Indonesian businesses could lose out on demand from larger firms now able to directly source from abroad. Another key concern is that there are no requirements compelling U.S. companies to disclose whether their supplies come from countries like China, raising questions about transparency and economic security. Vehicle Standards, Digital Rules and Remanufactured Goods The agreement also compels Indonesia to accept American automotive safety and emissions standards. This allows U.S. carmakers to export directly into the Indonesian market without alterations. However, Indonesian auto firms will still have to comply with U.S. rules to sell in America. In addition, Jakarta has agreed to lift restrictions on remanufactured goods, which the GTRI fears could lead to an influx of cheap and second-hand machinery. That, they say, could harm local engineering and capital goods industries unable to compete with lower-cost refurbished imports. Why India Should Pay Attention According to the GTRI, the United States is looking to replicate aspects of this deal in its negotiations with India. Some of the proposals on the table include opening India's agriculture and dairy sectors, allowing genetically modified animal feed and relaxing digital trade and product standards in line with U.S. preferences. 'These are not minor adjustments, they would reshape how India manages food safety, digital privacy and local industry,' the think tank warned. U.S. President Donald Trump, who reinstated a reciprocal tariff policy in his second term, has been vocal about ensuring America gets a fair deal in trade partnerships. His administration imposed a 10% baseline tariff from April to July, following a 90-day suspension meant to give countries like India time to negotiate. He has also made clear that the United States will match any tariff imposed by another country, including India, in the name of fair trade. A key tariff deadline for India is set for August 1. High-Level Talks Underway Amid these developments, a senior delegation from India's Commerce and Industry Ministry has traveled to Washington, D.C. to continue working on a potential bilateral trade agreement. With Trump's deadline fast approaching, talks have gained urgency. The GTRI emphasised that India must ensure any final deal undergoes transparent cost-benefit analysis, especially in sensitive areas like health, food safety and intellectual property. 'India should only agree to terms that are fair and reciprocal. Concessions that favour short-term wins at the cost of long-term economic control could become liabilities down the line,' the report concluded.