
MEA flags NATO's double standards
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The external affairs ministry on Thursday cautioned against "double standards" while pushing back against the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation ( NATO ) secretary general Mark Rutte's threat of possible secondary sanctions on India for maintaining trade ties with Russia."We have seen reports on the subject and are closely following the developments. Let me reiterate that securing the energy needs of our people is understandably an overriding priority for us," spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said during the weekly media briefing here. "In this endeavour, we are guided by what is available in the markets and also by prevailing global circumstances. We would particularly caution against any double standards on the matter." MEA said it had been in "constant touch with local authorities" in Yemen and was providing "all possible assistance" in the case of Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse on death row in the West Asian country. "This is a sensitive matter and the Government of India has been offering all possible assistance," Jaiswal said. MEA said it had appointed a lawyer to assist Priya's family, arranged regular consular access and worked to secure more time to reach a "mutually agreeable solution" with the victim's family. The execution, scheduled for July 16, was postponed following these efforts, which included engagement with friendly foreign governments.

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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Indian community stages protests in Ireland over racist attack
1 2 3 4 Bhubaneswar: Racist attack on an Indian at Tallaght, Dublin, has sent shockwaves through the Indian diaspora in Ireland, prompting them to stage protests in Dublin on Friday and Saturday. On July 19, an Indian national was brutally attacked by a group of youths in Tallaght, stabbed multiple times in the face, stripped naked, and left bleeding on the road for over an hour before emergency services arrived. "The attack in Tallaght was not just a crime against one Indian migrant but an attack on the dignity of every Indian living abroad. We came to Ireland to work hard, to study and to contribute. We deserve safety, respect, and justice just like any citizen," Prince Singh, a protester told TOI over the telephone from Ireland. On Saturday, 700 to 800 people from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and even Ireland, as well as trade union members, organised a protest march from City Hall, Dublin City Centre, to the National Gallery. "It saw strong participation from trade union members, activists, and citizens from diverse backgrounds. The demonstration called for unity against racism, better protection for minorities, and stronger action from authorities," said Dayakar Reddy Komirelly, vice-president of VHCCI (Vedic Hindu Cultural Centre Ireland). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 70% off | Shop Sale Libas Undo On Friday, around 200 people gathered in front of Ireland's department of justice for a peaceful and silent 40-minute protest, which was organised by Friends of India, Ireland, a collective of Indians from diverse regions and professions living across Ireland. "We protested in a non-violent and peaceful way," said Indian-born Senthil Ramasamy, a peace commissioner with the Irish govt from Waterford, who was part of the protest. He said there has been an increase in racist-related crimes in Ireland in the last 6 to 7 years. The video of the attack sparked outrage both in Ireland and across the world. An online petition with over 15,000 signatures was submitted to the minister for justice, Jim O'Callaghan, calling for immediate action, accountability, and systemic protections for minorities. While the majority in attendance at the protest were Indian migrants, the crowd also included members of other immigrant groups and Irish citizens. They displayed placards with "Say no to racism", "All lives matter" and "Ireland is home" as part of the protest. "I decided to be part of the protest because we have to stand for our rights," said Somanath Nanda, an IT professional. The organisers lauded An Garda Síochána (Irish police) for classifying the incident as "racially motivated". They also thanked the Embassy of India in Dublin for its support for the victim and his family. "We stand here with our community and with every migrant who has ever felt fear because of the colour of their skin or the accent of their voice. Ireland must act. And the whole world, including India, is watching," said Singh. Indians form the largest non-EU immigrant community in Ireland, numbering over 100,000. They play a significant role in the IT and healthcare sectors.


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
India-UK trade pact to benefit youth, MSMEs, startups: PM Modi
India-UK trade pact to benefit youth, MSMEs, startups: PM Modi TUTICORIN: The India-UK FTA will benefit Tamil Nadu (TN) youth, MSMEs, and startups, PM Narendra Modi said at Tuticorin airport, where he launched infrastructure projects worth over Rs 4,800 crore across southern TN on Saturday. Among the major projects unveiled was the Rs 450 crore new airport terminal designed to handle 20 lakh passengers annually. "Following FTA, 99% of Indian products sold in UK will be tax-free, boosting Indian manufacturing and creating new opportunities. The agreement will serve as a catalyst for industries rooted in TN's traditional strengths, ranging from handlooms to seafood exports," he said, addressing the gathering at the airport. Modi said TN is witnessing unprecedented development under NDA government at Centre. "Infrastructure and energy form the backbone of any state's development. Over past 11 years, the sustained focus on these sectors reflects the priority accorded to the state's progress," he said. The PM said Rs 3 lakh crore was devolved to TN central taxes over the past 11 years, nearly three times what was allotted under previous UPA government. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Urologists: Enlarged Prostate? Every Man Should Stop This 1 Habit! Prostate Health Journal Click Here Undo He inaugurated multiple projects involving road, rail, port, and power sectors. All the launches, including ribbon-cutting of the terminal, were done symbolically from the airport. He flagged off three railway infrastructure upgrades and electrification of the Madurai-Bodinayakkanur line. He also laid the foundation for a Rs 550 crore 765 kV transmission corridor project to evacuate power from Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Units 3 and 4. Modi said the global perception of India has shifted significantly. "Today, the world sees its own growth in India's growth," he said. Recalling India's success in Operation Sindoor , he said, "You all recently witnessed the power of ' Make in India ' during Operation Sindoor. Made-in-India weapons played a crucial role in reducing terror hideouts to rubble. Even today, arms manufactured in India continue to shake the sleep of those who shelter terrorism." He said NDA government prioritised the coastal economy, ensuring inclusive development. "TN's growth is a vital component of our vision for a Viksit Bharat," he said. Modi also invoked the memories of freedom fighters and poets, including V O Chidambaranar, Veerapandiya Kattabomman, Alagumuthu Kone, and Subramania Bharati. Modi arrived at Tuticorin airport 7.45pm and was received by governor R N Ravi, Union ministers L Murugan and Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, TN finance minister Thangam Thennarasu and industries minister TRB Rajaa. The event also witnessed brief political sloganeering between BJP and DMK cadres near the airport.


The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Central projects will create a ‘developed Tamil Nadu', says Narendra Modi
The Union government-funded infrastructure projects being implemented in Tamil Nadu on an outlay of over ₹3 lakh crore will help the Centre realise its dream of achieving 'Viksit Tamil Nadu', Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday. Inaugurating the new terminal building at the Thoothukudi airport, he said his government, which had promised a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India), was according the highest priority for infrastructure development. Hence, the port, rail and energy sectors were getting an unprecedented facelift nationwide, from Jammu and Kashmir to Tamil Nadu. Mr. Modi said the Centre had released over ₹3 lakh crore since 2014 for strengthening Tamil Nadu's infrastructure to make it 'Developed Tamil Nadu'. This was three times higher than the funding provided by the previous United Progressive Alliance government to the State. He further said the north cargo berth at VOC Port, Thoothukudi; six-lane VOC Port Road; and four-lane Sethiyathope-Chozhapuram Highway would significantly catalyse the trade opportunities and employment generation for the locals. In an apparent reply to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's recent assertion that the Centre was refusing to allocate funds for Tamil Nadu, he said the thrust being given for infrastructure development in Tamil Nadu by the Centre in energy, road, rail, and port sectors would phenomenally expedite the State's growth while achieving the Centre's goal of 'Viksit Tamil Nadu'. He recalled that the National Democratic Alliance government had sanctioned 11 new medical colleges for Tamil Nadu, and the Centre was also developing harbours to improve their livelihood. Terming India's recent free trade agreement with the United Kingdom (U.K.) as 'historic', Mr. Modi said this agreement would open unprecedented export opportunities for Indian products. 'As more than 99% of the 'Make in India' products will be available in the U.K. at lower prices, the rise in demand will increase production in India and generate more employment in the micro and small industries here. It will enhance the world's faith in India, which will become the third largest economy in the world soon,' Mr. Modi said. He added that home-grown weapon systems, which were used in recent 'Operation Sindhoor', had destroyed the terrorists' hideouts and had given sleepless nights to the sponsors of terror. Governor R.N. Ravi, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan, Tamil Nadu Ministers T.R.B. Rajaa, P. Geetha Jeevan, and Anita R. Radhakrishnan and MP Kanimozhi were among those present. State Finance Minister Thangam Thennerasu presented a memento to Mr. Modi on the occasion.