From pakoras to policy: Australian high commissioner Green on strengthening India-Australia bonds
The impact on Indian exports has been significant. Green pointed out that 'over the last five years, India's exports to the world have grown by 35%. That sounds pretty good, but Indian exports to Australia 66%. So exports to Australia are growing at nearly twice the rate of Indian exports to the world.' He further described the complementarities between the two economies, explaining, 'what Australia has is all the things that India needs for its next phase of growth: high-quality energy, minerals, including critical minerals and skills, Australian universities setting up here in India, and also the vocational skills supply chain.'Security Cooperation and the QuadGreen described the Quad as transformational for bilateral ties, saying, 'The quad is a game changer for Australia and India, we have always been friends, but now Australia and India are strategically aligned.' He highlighted recent engagements: 'We've already had two big court meetings this year, January and July, our foreign ministers met in the quad. And the expectation is that we will have a leaders meeting here in Delhi later in the year.' On concerns regarding U.S. policy under former President Trump, Green projected confidence in Australia's reliability, stating, 'In a world which is becoming more unpredictable, Australia is a face of stability and will be an earnest friend of India going forward.' Regarding AUKUS, he acknowledged Trump's scrutiny but affirmed, 'the arrangement stands well, and I think it will stand the test of scrutiny.'Sports Diplomacy and Cultural ExchangeGreen expressed enthusiasm about expanding sports cooperation beyond cricket. 'Australia will be hosting the Olympic Games in 2032, and India has its hand up for Olympic Games. India has its hand up for a Commonwealth Games,' he noted, offering Australia as a partner to support India's capabilities in major sporting events. He also highlighted Australia's expertise in stadium design and sports precincts. On cultural ties, Green mentioned Australia's coffee culture, noting that 'the flat white [was] invented in Melbourne and now known throughout the world as a delightful way to drink coffee and milk.'Immigration and Community RelationsAcknowledging the growing Indian diaspora, Green stated, 'Indian migrants are the fastest growing migrant group in Australia. Indian languages are the fastest growing language group in Australia, a million people of Indian origin may live in Australia.' On hate crimes, he was firm: 'Violence and intolerance in our society cannot be accepted, and our government has been quick to condemn the recent incidents.'advertisementGlobal Conflicts and EducationGreen expressed concern over global conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza, emphasising Australia's support for Ukraine and advocating for a two-state solution in the Middle East. On education, he highlighted Australian universities establishing campuses in India, providing innovative programs such as '2 years in India, 2 years in Melbourne, you come out with a degree from both countries.'Strategic OutlookThroughout the discussion, Green positioned Australia as a predictable and long-term partner for India, spanning trade, security, sports, education, and culture. His message was clear: in an uncertain world, Australia aims to be a stable, reliable, and committed friend to India.- Ends
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Hindustan Times
4 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Putin Returns to Moscow With Air of Triumph After Summit
ANCHORAGE, Alaska—Russian President Vladimir Putin couldn't have scripted his first visit to the U.S. since 2015 much better. The Russian leader strutted along a red carpet at a U.S. air base and posed smiling with President Trump, who had weeks earlier been expressing mounting frustration with him and threatening to hit Russia and its trading partners with sanctions. He met with Trump under a sign that read 'pursuing peace.' When they emerged 3½ hours later, the leaders said they hadn't reached a deal. Instead, Putin used the stage to press his demands on Ukraine. Neither Trump nor Putin, who is facing an international arrest warrant for war crimes, took questions from the U.S. press. Putin, by clinching a long-awaited summit with Trump, scored a win. The Kremlin leader, has staked his legacy on dismantling the post-Cold War world order and resurrecting Russia's great-power status to put it on par with the U.S. 'Putin achieved exactly what he wanted: He simultaneously preserved his relationship with Trump, avoided additional sanctions, and received the blessing to continue his war,' said Andrey Kolesnikov, a Moscow-based political analyst and a columnist at New Times, an independent Russian-language magazine. The summit gave Putin a platform to turn longstanding narratives about the Ukraine war on their head, emphasizing that the U.S. and Russia are neighbors separated at their closest point by just over 2 miles of water. Meanwhile, he has tried to paint Europe and Ukraine as the two biggest obstacles to peace, while stepping up recent attacks on Ukrainian cities. Putin and Trump emerged from talks Friday without having a deal. Trump spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders in the days before the summit to understand better their red lines in negotiations with Russia. But the images of the two leaders in Alaska were certainly unsettling on the continent. Trump rolled out a red carpet for Putin on the taxiway of the U.S. air base, applauding as the Kremlin leader approached. After a firm handshake, Trump invited him to ride in his armored limousine to the meeting. 'Putin loves trolling and rubbing Europeans' noses in the fact that there is a strong relationship with Trump,' said Andrew Weiss, who worked on Russian affairs in George H.W. Bush's and Bill Clinton's administrations. Hours after arriving back in Moscow, Putin gathered his top officials inside the Kremlin to tell them the summit had been a resounding success. 'We have not had direct negotiations of this kind at this level for a long time,' he said to an array of officials, including the defense minister, the chief of staff and intelligence chiefs. 'I repeat once again: We had the opportunity to calmly and in detail once again explain our position.' To be sure, Trump said in the days before the summit that he didn't expect any major breakthroughs and said he hoped he could clinch a cease-fire and lay the foundation for a lasting peace process. But in the hours after the summit, previous calls for an immediate cease-fire evaporated. Meanwhile, Trump's own language mirrored that of the Russian side, calling in a post on Truth Social for an overarching peace agreement as opposed to a halt to fighting first. That effectively gives Putin the green light to continue the fighting to capture more land in eastern Ukraine, where Russian troops are making gains. 'Tonight, the president of our great country showed Trump, the president of another great country, that Russia is a party to be reckoned with,' said Alexander Dugin, a far-right politician and a pro-Putin ideologue. 'Therefore, we cannot be forced to do things that anyone wants, be it the West or Trump.' Putin, who has called the fall of the Soviet Union a geopolitical catastrophe, has been working to resurrect slowly Moscow's sphere of influence in parts of the territory that once encompassed the Soviet Union. Ukraine occupies a special place in Russian history. It is where the founding dynasty of the Russian Empire was formed. He is unlikely to sacrifice his ambition to reclaim Ukraine as a part of Russia to improve relations with Washington. But it would be a coup for the Russian leader if he could accomplish both after years of Western isolation sparked by his invasion. 'Both sides want normalization, which has a very strong business aspect that could unlock some money flows for both countries,' said Elina Ribakova, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. Putin seemed to signal as much on Friday when he signed a decree that could offer Exxon Mobil re-entry into the Russian market through a stake in the potentially lucrative Sakhalin-1 oil field, which it pulled out of after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Whether the takeaways from the summit can translate into a sustainable peace process is hard to determine. In a call from Air Force One on his way home from the summit, Trump relayed to the Europeans the outcome of the meeting and that Putin wanted to keep fighting, according to European officials. Trump plans to meet Monday with Zelensky, who wasn't invited to Friday's summit. Analysts said expectations are low that a road to peace can be found in a war that Russia is slowly winning. 'The bubble of inflated expectations has burst, and the process itself has turned into 'Waiting for Godot,'' said Kolesnikov, referring to a play about endless waiting. Write to Thomas Grove at
Indian Express
4 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Want to study in Germany? Cost of living, scholarships available for Indian students
– Ian McRae For international students planning to study in Germany, understanding the cost of living is just as crucial as selecting the right university or programme. Having a clear idea of your monthly expenses, like rent, groceries, transportation, and your phone bill, not only helps you manage your budget but also gives you peace of mind so you can focus on your studies. While Germany is known for its world-class education and low or even no tuition fees, the cost of living can vary significantly depending on the city you choose and your lifestyle. On average, international students should budget around €1,120 per month to cover essential living expenses. This includes rent and utilities, groceries, public transportation, health insurance, phone and internet, as well as study materials and other miscellaneous costs. Housing is often the biggest monthly expense. Students living in on-campus residences or halls can expect to pay between €250 to €500 per month, while those in shared flats off-campus typically pay €300 to €600, depending on the city and neighbourhood. For students opting for a private one-bedroom apartment, rent can range from €700 to €1,200 monthly. Transportation is relatively affordable, with public transit passes costing between €30 and €58 per month. Groceries and food usually add up to €150 to €250, especially if students shop at discount supermarkets or cook at home. Health insurance is mandatory and ranges between €140 to €150 per month, depending on the type of coverage. Other common monthly costs include around €25 for a mobile phone plan, €150 for utilities (if shared between two people), €32 for internet, and approximately €75 for study materials and miscellaneous needs. Although tuition may not be a major financial burden, these living costs can quickly accumulate. It's also important to remember that cities like Munich and Frankfurt tend to have a much higher cost of living compared to smaller or mid-sized cities such as Leipzig or Dresden. Careful budgeting and smart planning can go a long way in helping international students enjoy their academic journey in Germany without financial stress. Several scholarships available in 2025 can significantly reduce or even cover living costs for Indian students: – DAAD Scholarships: Fully funded for Master's and PhD students, offering around €934/month for Master's and €1,300/month for PhDs, covering tuition, travel, insurance, and accommodation. – Heinrich Böll Foundation: Grants between €850–€1,200/month, including health insurance and travel allowances. – Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS): Supports Master's and PhD students with stipends of about €934–€1,200/month, plus health and family benefits. – Friedrich Ebert Foundation: Offers up to €1,350/month, including living and health costs. – Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung: Provides around €1,350/month, with additional research or travel support. – Deutschlandstipendium: A merit-based scholarship offering €300/month for high-achieving students. Additionally, Bayer Foundation, Heidelberg University, RWTH Aachen, TUM, Hamburg University, and others offer university-based scholarships and fellowships ranging from €300/month up to €10,000/year, especially in STEM and research fields Where and how you live will have a major impact on your budget. Students typically choose one of the following housing options: – Student Residences (Wohnheim): €250–€400/month Managed by the Studentenwerk, these are often the most affordable and conveniently located. – Shared Flats (Wohngemeinschaft or WG): €300–€600/month A popular choice, WG living allows you to share costs and space with other students. – Private Rentals: €925–€1,300/month Renting a one-bedroom flat in major cities is the most expensive option. – Transportation: Affordable and Accessible Many universities offer a semester ticket, a public transit pass included in your tuition or student fees that allows for unlimited local travel. If your school doesn't include this, or you want to explore beyond your city, the Deutschland-Ticket offers nationwide local train and public transport access for a monthly fee. Some institutions even offer this ticket at a discounted student rate. All international students must have valid health insurance in Germany. The type depends on your age and program: – Public Health Insurance: €140–€150/month Available for students under 30 enrolled in degree programs. – Private Health Insurance: Varies Required for students over 30 or those in non-degree programs like language courses. Some students may also need travel insurance, which can often be bundled with their visa application for free. Students typically spend €150 to €250 per month on groceries. Discount supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, Netto, and Penny offer quality food at lower prices. On-campus dining is budget-friendly too. Meals at Mensa (university cafeterias) usually cost between €2.50 and €5. However, keep in mind that some Mensas only operate during breakfast and lunch hours. To apply for a German student visa, most non-EU international students must show proof of funds. This is done through a Sperrkonto (blocked account): Required Deposit: €11,904 (as of 2025) – Monthly Disbursement: €992 This ensures students have enough money to support themselves and serves as a financial safety net during their studies. – Smart Budgeting Tips To make the most of your budget while studying in Germany, it's important to adopt a few smart financial habits. Sharing your living space, such as renting a room in a shared flat or student residence can significantly reduce your monthly rent. Cooking meals at home instead of dining out frequently not only saves money but also allows you to eat healthier. Take advantage of student discounts wherever possible, whether it's for public transportation, groceries, or entertainment. Keeping track of your expenses through budgeting apps or simple spreadsheets can help you stay on top of your spending and avoid surprises. And if your visa conditions allow, working part-time is a great way to supplement your income and cover some of your day-to-day costs. Together, these small adjustments can make a big difference in managing your living expenses effectively. By planning ahead and budgeting wisely, you'll not only meet visa requirements but also enjoy a more balanced and enriching study abroad experience. (The author is the head of emerging markets, ApplyBoard)
Indian Express
4 minutes ago
- Indian Express
North Block is leaving the building, with files, stationery and nostalgia
In its 94-year existence, North Block has seen a lot. It was the seat of power of the colonial British government, the site of spontaneous celebrations when India became Independent in 1947, and, ever since, has been a witness to successive governments shaping policy for the nation. These days, however, the corridors of the building are nearly deserted, with sections roped off, and locks hanging on doors that till recently hid a flurry of activity. The building is in the process of being emptied as part of the government's plan to redevelop the Central Vista area – the stretch from India Gate to Rashtrapati Bhawan. North Block now is to be repurposed as a museum, with key ministries that have operated out of it since 1931 when its construction finished – including Union Ministries of Home Affairs and Finance, and the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) – to be moved to a set of 'Kartavya Bhawan' buildings down the road. However, the work of shifting a government can't be hurried up. And in this case is being coordinated by a ministry – Housing and Urban Affairs, which is also spearheading the Central Vista redevelopment. Other ministries have appointed a nodal officer each for the exercise, which began around a month ago. Under their watch, files are being sorted into marked boxes, computers are being packed, and office supplies are going into cardboard containers. Artwork, including many, many photographs of Mahatma Gandhi, is being bubble-wrapped. The packing is being done by office staff, aided by a team of workers hired for the job. Once packed, the boxes are carried by workers down the stairs to a side entrance, and loaded onto tempos and government cars. These then cover the short distance to the new address. An official working in North Block says the move has been fairly smooth so far, particularly when it comes to files, given that nearly all, save the sensitive ones, are now on the government's E-Office portal. Officials in the know say the DoPT has almost entirely moved out. Jitendra Singh, the Minister of State for Prime Ministers' Office, Science and Technology and Personnel, is expected to shift soon, sources said. The Home Ministry has been allotted Kartavya Bhawan 3, and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and the Intelligence Bureau were some of the first ones to shift. According to sources, the shifting of some offices to KB3, as the building is referred to, began before its formal inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 6. The Finance Ministry, however, is yet to begin shifting. An officer in the middle of shifting says: 'I'm soaking in the last few days at this building. Many of my former colleagues who have worked here have been dropping by to see the offices one last time.' Like the South Block that stands across it, North Block, designed by British architect Herbert Baker in red sandstone, incorporating Indian features like jaali, chajja and chhattri, is as much a regal structure as a functional one, with plenty of light and ventilation. The new buildings, in comparison, look like any modern corporate office, with glass cabins for officers, open plan seating for most employees and access-control systems. Offices in the South Block, which houses the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministries of Defence and External Affairs, have not started moving out yet. Once both the buildings are emptied, they are to be restored and refurbished, before reopening as Yuge Yugeen National Museum. The government claims it will be the largest museum in the world. The 'charm' of North Block is what those who have worked here keep coming back to in conversations. G K Pillai, who spent seven years in North Block, first as Joint Secretary from 1996 to 2001 and then as Union Home Secretary from 2009 to 2011, recalls the sense of history that permeates the rooms. 'Stalwarts, including Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, worked here. Old-timers would tell us about important meetings that took place in the past,' Pillai, who is now retired, says. The former IAS officer adds that he personally believes that not all the ministries from North Block and South Block should have been shifted to the new quarters. 'Some of them could have stayed. The next generation of officers will lose that sense of history,' says Pillai. Durga Shanker Mishra, a 1984-batch IAS officer who retired as Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary last year, recalls his time in a ground-floor North Block office as Director (Personnel) in the Home Ministry in 2002-2004. 'I have good memories of that office. Though I was a director in Home, I had been given a room on the Finance Ministry's side. It was a well-sized room.' However, Mishra says: 'As is the case with old buildings, there were challenges. It needed more maintenance over the years.' As Secretary, Housing and Urban Affairs, Mishra was, in fact, part of the deliberations when the Central Vista project was planned and started. He says the new Central Secretariat buildings will change the way the government works, in terms of efficiency and coordination. In fact, while senior officers – who along with ministers had large airy offices – are understandably nostalgic about the high-ceilinged large rooms that they are leaving behind, not all in the North Block will regret the change. A majority of its employees worked in cramped spaces, with partitions created within dingy rooms to accommodate more officials over the years. Mezzanine levels were also added to create space, with the temporary additions doubling the number of rooms in both North and South Blocks over the years. A section official says: 'We are looking forward to the new building. I've heard that the canteen is very nice.' But true to form, the open-plan layout of the new Secretariat also has its share of detractors. On August 5, the Central Secretariat Service Forum, which represents around 13,000 employees, wrote a letter to the Prime Minister's Office expressing concerns about 'the lack of privacy and confidentiality' in the new arrangement.
