India's Afghan Jalebi: Taliban Outreach Corners Pakistan on All Fronts
On May 15, a seemingly routine call between India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the Taliban's acting foreign minister sent shockwaves through South Asia's geopolitical landscape. This wasn't just diplomacy—it was a strategic chess move. In this episode of Straight Talk, we unpack how New Delhi's quiet engagement with Kabul is cornering Islamabad from all sides.
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India Gazette
4 hours ago
- India Gazette
EAM Jaishankar meets Belgium PM Bart De Wever, discusses cooperation in security, defence
Brussels [Belgium], June 10 (ANI): External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met the Prime Minister of Belgium on Tuesday and discussed the strengthening of India-Belgium cooperation on several fronts such as security, defence and trade. He also met the King of Belgium during his visit. In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar said, 'Delighted to call on Prime Minister @Bart_DeWever of Belgium. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi. Discussed furthering our cooperation in trade, security & defence, investment, clean energy, semiconductors and innovation.' Upon being received by the King of Belgium, he said, 'Greatly honoured to be received by His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium this afternoon. Value his warm sentiments for India and his guidance on deepening our ties.' Earlier in the day, EAM also held a press conference with the Vice-President of the European Union, Kaja Kallas. During the address to the media, Kaja Kallas stressed the EU's support for India's right to protect its citizens and condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Kallas said, 'I want to reiterate the EU's strong condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Those responsible must be held accountable. India has the right to protect its citizens in accordance with international law. Minister Jaishankar, you and I were in close contact after the attack.' European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Belgium on Tuesday and stated that the 'strategic partnership' between India and the EU is 'getting stronger.' Earlier in the day, Jaishankar interacted with members of the Indian community of Belgium and Luxembourg, discussing the steady progress of India-Belgium ties and its engagement with the European Union. During the interaction, Jaishankar apprised the community of India's efforts to counter terrorism and promote the country's progress and prosperity. Sharing the pictures of the interaction on X, Jaishankar wrote, 'Great to interact with members of the Indian community of Belgium and Luxembourg. Discussed with them the steady progress of India-Belgium ties and engagement with the EU. Also apprised them of our efforts at countering terrorism and ensuring the progress & prosperity of India.' (ANI)
Indian Express
4 hours ago
- Indian Express
There will be situations our perspectives may differ… but there's place for India, EU to deepen ties: Jaishankar
Stating that the world order is in the midst of a profound change, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Tuesday said even though India and the EU may not have identical perspectives at times, there is a place for the two to forge deeper ties. He was speaking alongside EU High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas in Brussels after the First Strategic Dialogue, during which they discussed deepening cooperation in defence, maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber & AI, space and defence industry collaborations. They also discussed the establishment of a Security and Defence Partnership, and a Dialogue on Space, with a first session expected to convene in the final quarter of 2025. Jaishankar posted on X 'also shared perspectives on the Indo-Pacific, the situation in Europe and West Asia'. 'As political democracies, market economies and pluralistic societies, India and the EU share many convergences in an increasingly multipolar world.' As per a statement by the EU, the Strategic Dialogue 'reaffirmed the strong commitment to a rules-based international order, global peace, stability and prosperity, rooted in shared democratic values and converging strategic interests'. '…India, has the right and responsibility to protect its citizens from acts of terror,' it said, coming weeks after Operation Sindoor. 'It is apparent that the world order is in the midst of a profound change,' the EAM said, adding, 'as two important poles of that emerging reality, there is a powerful place for India and the EU to forge deeper ties.' 'There will be situations when our perspectives may not be entirely identical… what is important is that we expand common ground and understanding and enhance levels of trust.' Divya A reports on travel, tourism, culture and social issues - not necessarily in that order - for The Indian Express. She's been a journalist for over a decade now, working with Khaleej Times and The Times of India, before settling down at Express. Besides writing/ editing news reports, she indulges her pen to write short stories. As Sanskriti Prabha Dutt Fellow for Excellence in Journalism, she is researching on the lives of the children of sex workers in India. ... Read More
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Zero tolerance for terror, essential to never yield to nuclear blackmail: S Jaishankar
Delivering a strong message to Europe on India's zero tolerance policy on terrorism, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said that it was essential to never yield to nuclear blackmail and vowed that India would strike deep into Pakistan to target terrorists if provoked again. The minister is on a week-long visit to Europe and is meeting top leadership, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Jaishankar welcomed her strong condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and solidarity in combating terrorism. On the issue of nuclear blackmail, Jaishankar said in a press interaction with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas: "We strongly believe that there must be zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. In that context, it is also essential that we never yield to nuclear blackmail." Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Prachear Thoam: Unsold Furniture Liquidation 2024 (Prices May Surprise You) Unsold Furniture | Search Ads Learn More Undo Jaishankar made it clear that the recent military strikes should be seen as Indian action against terrorism, and not an India-Pakistan conflict. In an interview with Politico, Jaishankar said that the Indian message is clear that barbaric acts of terrorism will not be tolerated and that India is prepared to strike deep inside Pakistan if the need be to take on terror outfits. "Our message to them is that if you continue to do the kind of barbaric acts which they did in April, then there is going to be retribution, and that retribution will be against the terrorist organizations and the terrorist we don't care where they are. If they are deep in Pakistan, we will go deep into Pakistan." Live Events In the same interview, the minister also said that India inflicted extensive damage to the Pakistani Air Force during Operation Sindoor and that the fighting stopped on May 10 for one reason only - India hitting and disabling eight main Pakistani airfields. In another interview to French publication Le Figaro, the minister warned that India will continue to hunt down terrorists wherever they are, including Pakistan, if there is any attempt to orchestrate attacks on its citizens. "We have been very clear: as long as cross-border terrorism continues, we will retaliate and take all measures necessary for our self-defense. It's a basic duty to our people," he said. On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar said that India believes that an urgent solution to the war must be found and that it will only come through direct negotiations between the two parties. He added that Global South wants the conflict to stop.
