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
India–UK FTA will benefit TN's youth, MSME, startups: PM
Tuticorin: The India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will benefit Tamil Nadu's youth, MSMEs, and startups, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Tuticorin airport, where he launched infrastructure projects worth more than than 4,800 crore across southern Tamil Nadu on Saturday. Among the major projects unveiled was the ₹450 crore airport terminal designed to handle 20 lakh passengers annually. "Following the FTA, 99% of Indian products sold in the UK will be tax-free, boosting Indian manufacturing and creating new opportunities. The agreement will serve as a catalyst for industries rooted in Tamil Nadu's traditional strengths, ranging from handlooms to seafood exports," he said addressing the gathering at the airport. Modi said Tamil Nadu is witnessing unprecedented development under the NDA regime. "Infrastructure and energy form the backbone of any state's development. Over the past eleven years, the sustained focus on these sectors reflects the priority accorded to Tamil Nadu's progress," he said. The PM said that ₹3 lakh crore was devolved to Tamil Nadu as central taxes over the past 11 years, nearly three times what was allotted under the previous UPA regime. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The PM unveiled the four-laning of the 50km Sethiyathope–Cholapuram stretch on NH-36; the six-laning of the 5.16km NH-138 Tuticorin Port Road; and the commissioning of North Cargo Berth–III at V O Chidambaranar Port. He also flagged off three railway infrastructure upgrades — doubling of the Aralvaymozhi–Nagercoil and Tirunelveli–Melappalayam lines, and electrification of the Madurai–Bodinayakkanur line. He laid the foundation for a ₹550 crore 765 kV transmission corridor project to evacuate power from Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Units 3 and 4. "This new terminal building of the Tuticorin airport will become a game changer for commerce and connectivity in the southern part of Tamil Nadu in particular," Modi said. 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 the NDA govt prioritised the coastal economy, ensuring inclusive development. "Tamil Nadu'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. Drawing attention to the region's ancient maritime legacy, Modi recalled gifting Tuticorin pearls to Bill Gates, who was "highly impressed by their quality." The Prime Minister arrived at Tuticorin airport around 7.45 pm and was received by governor R N Ravi, Union ministers L Murugan and Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Tamil Nadu finance minister Thangam Thennarasu and industries minister TRB Rajaa. BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran, DMK MP Kanimozhi, AIADMK MLA Thalavai N Sundaram, were present. Modi was clad in a white kurta and a veshti, paired with a traditional angavastram. Thangam Thennarasu presented a replica of the iconic Valluvar Kottam to the Prime Minister as a memento. Thousands of people from across the region gathered for the event. The Prime Minister opened his speech in Tamil with a booming "Vanakkam," and spoke for nearly 40 minutes. In a symbolic moment at the end of his address, Modi invited the crowd to participate in a light tribute to the new terminal. "Open your mobile phones and turn on the flashlight. Wave it to illuminate the newly opened airport terminal," he said, as thousands of lights glowed across the venue. Modi then took a brief walkthrough of the airport terminal. The Prime Minister later arrived at Trichy international airport and proceeded to a private hotel in the city, where he will stay overnight. On Sunday morning, the Prime Minister is scheduled to take part in the Aadi Thiruvathirai celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I at Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Ariyalur district. An 8-km roadshow has also been planned in Trichy as part of the visit. Snippet The event also witnessed brief political sloganeering between cadres of the BJP and DMK near the airport premises. While BJP supporters chanted "Modi, Modi" and "Bharat Mata Ki Jai," DMK cadres responded with slogans such as "This is Periyar's land" and "Stalin, Stalin." Police personnel stationed at the venue quickly intervened and brought the situation under control before it escalated.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Indian-origin immigration lawyer Trisha Chatterjee asks ICE for help; claims being directed to Taco Bell
Cincinnati immigration lawyer Trisha Chatterjee has claimed that she when she sought help from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), she was redirected to Taco Bell. Indian-origin attorney, Trisha Chatterjee, claimed that she needed to figure out how best to submit paperwork for her clients detained at Butler County Jail. (Abdallah Law Offices) The Indian-origin attorney claimed that she needed to figure out how best to submit paperwork for her clients detained at Butler County Jail. As per Chatterjee, she was met with days of no response, finally managing to get through to an ICE officer, who said he could give the phone number of someone who'd be able to help. However, the number turned out to be of Taco Bell, Chatterjee claimed. Speaking to The Enquirer, she said 'For the very first time, finally somebody answered me and I was genuinely so excited to have somebody who was going to help us and give us some information. So, to get a Taco Bell phone number instead was definitely disheartening.' She shared the ordeal on TikTok, and Tricia McLaughlin, spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, denied her account on X, claiming Chatterjee's story was a lie and a smear. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has also refuted Chatterjee's version of events on an X post. What happened with ICE, as per Trisha Chatterjee? Chatterjee, who has practiced immigration law in Greater Cincinnati and Dayton for two years, currently has eight clients in Butler County Jail. She wanted to submit a 'stay of removal' for some clients, which prevents the DHS from deporting immigrants actively pursuing legal status or humanitarian protection, or are challenging their removal order. 'We have a number of people who are detained right now who have cases pending before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or before the court,' the Indian-origin lawyer noted, adding, 'They've got immigration proceedings already pending.' Since these applications have to be submitted in person at the regional ICE office, and for those in Ohio, that office happens to be in Detroit, Chatterjee was seeking other avenues through which she could possibly make the submission. Reportedly, the lawyer sought responses from the Detroit office if she could make the submissions at the Blue Ash office, but got no response. The number of the ICE agent she got from Butler County Jail connected her to someone who gave her another contact – the Taco Bell in Columbus, as per Chatterjee. 'I called and they answered and they said, 'Hello, Taco Bell?' And I said, 'Taco Bell?' And the guy who was working said, 'Yeah, Taco Bell. Ma'am, you called me,' she recalled. Notably, it's unclear if this was a one-off thing for the agent, or something he does repeatedly. Chatterjee felt it must be a prank he'd played before because of how fast he provided the number, but she did not know where the agent was based out of. 'I was in such disbelief. So, I called the ICE officer back, just really frustrated with what had just happened. He says, 'Oh, I'm sorry. I was trying to lighten the mood and make you laugh',' she said. Reportedly, she asked for the agent's supervisor, who said a report into the matter would be filed, but the lawyer claimed she hasn't seen any such report. What ICE, DHS said about the events? McLaughlin, the DHS spokesperson, said ICE 'attempted to reach out to her to get her information on her clients. She was provided several avenues to directly contact ICE and help resolve any issues, but she has made no attempt to contact the agency.' Who is Trisha Chatterjee? Chatterjee is an Indian-origin lawyer who graduated from Miami University with a degree in Political Science and Government, followed by University of Dayton School of Law. She speaks Spanish and Bengali, apart from English. Chatterjee started her career as a Sales Associate at Charlotte Russe, before becoming a Summer Intern at Office of US Senator Sherrod Brown. She also held jobs at Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc, as a summer associate, and David's Bridal, where she was a Customer Service Representative. She has also been a legal intern at MI AECRES, Sales Associate at J Crew, been a law clerk at Bradley and Associates, and was an associate attorney at Flanagan Lieberman & Rambo. Chatterjee was an Associate Attorney at Abdallah Law Offices. Currently, she works for the Law Office of Emily Feliz Garcia, based out of Springdale. After she posted her hurdle on TikTok, one individual connected her with the assistant field office director of the Blue Ash office, and the agent has reportedly connected with Trisha to help her with the stay of removal application submissions.
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
India-Maldives reset: As PM Modi reiterates support, Muizzu calls India a crucial partner
Marking the reset in bilateral ties between India and the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Independence Day celebrations of the island nation as the guest of honour on Saturday. As Modi left for India in the evening, President Mohamad Muizzu said it was 'a defining visit that sets a clear path for the future of Maldives-India relations'. Earlier in the day, Modi was welcomed by Muizzu at the iconic Republic Square, the venue of the ceremony at the heart of the Maldivian capital. Modi sat next to Muizzu and watched the over 50-minute event marking the 60th anniversary of the independence of the Maldives, which included a military parade and colourful cultural performances by children and traditional artistes. 'This is the first time that an Indian Prime Minister is attending the Independence Day celebrations in Maldives. Prime Minister Modi is also the first foreign leader at the level of head of state or government to be hosted by President Muizzu,' the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement. Besides the top political and military brass of the Maldives, several members of the Prime Minister's delegation including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also attended the event. As he left for India in the evening, after winding up his two-day state visit, Modi said in a post on X: 'The productive talks with President Muizzu will add significant energy to our bilateral relations.' 'India and the Maldives share a deep-rooted partnership built on mutual respect, shared values and a long history of cultural and economic exchanges,' Modi said in another post on X. 'Our relationship continues to grow, shaped by people-to-people ties and cooperation in various sectors. India remains committed to supporting the aspirations of the Maldivian people and to working together for the betterment of our planet,' he said. Speaking to reporters after the conclusion of the Independence Day celebrations, Muizzu said: 'India is one of the major countries that helps the Maldives with tourism. With PM Modi's visit, it is going to increase a lot. I am sure that this visit will boost people-to-people exchange between the two countries.' Asked about plans to visit India this year, Muizzu said: 'I hope so. I don't know whether this year or not, but maybe in the near future.' Emphasising India's role in the development journey of the island nation, he said: 'We all have seen how India has helped the Maldives in the past, and nobody will doubt how India will be a very crucial partner going forward'. At a state banquet held in honour of Modi on Friday night, Muizzu described the Indian Ocean as a living testament to long-standing ties between the Maldives and India, saying the two nations have forged a resilient and unbreakable bond that extends far beyond diplomacy. He expressed gratitude to the Indian government for its continued support and steadfast friendship. Muizzu said the 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries reflected the shared history and an enduring partnership. Muizzu noted that the relationship between the two countries extends far beyond formal diplomacy, with deep-rooted connections dating back centuries, according to a statement issued by the President's Office. He referred to the Indian Ocean as a living testament to these long-standing ties, emphasising that the shared journey of both nations, as traders and neighbours, has forged a resilient and unbreakable bond. He said the Maldivian Government is committed to building an inclusive and dynamic economy, empowering young people, and ensuring peace and security in the region. Muizzu acknowledged that India's partnership is instrumental in realising these ambitions. Reaffirming the Maldives' commitment to nurturing this special relationship, he expressed a wish for a flourishing Maldives-India partnership that brings lasting peace and prosperity to both nations. Modi's visit to the Maldives is seen as a major turnaround in bilateral ties after a spell of strain and tension. It assumes significance as Muizzu, known to be close to China, came to power in the island nation in November 2023 on the back of an 'India Out' campaign. Muizzu's policies in the first few months of his presidency resulted in severe strain in ties. Within hours of taking oath, he had demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from his country. Arguably, New Delhi's sustained efforts, including its assistance to the island nation to deal with economic woes, helped bring the relations back on track. On Friday, Modi held wide-ranging talks with Muizzu and announced a Rs 4,850 crore line of credit to the island nation, saying that India is proud to be the 'most trusted' friend of the Maldives. India also announced the reduction of Maldives' annual debt repayment obligations by 40 per cent (from $51 million to $29 million) and the launch of talks on a Free Trade Agreement. Earlier on Saturday, Modi met several Maldivian leaders, including Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Speaker of the Maldivian Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla and former President Mohamed Nasheed. 'PM Narendra Modi interacted with leaders of various political parties in Male today. He conveyed his warm wishes on the occasion of the Independence Day of Maldives. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment for a stronger India-Maldives relationship, building upon the vibrant people to people ties and the shared values between the two democracies. The Maldivian leaders thanked the PM for India's continued support on developmental assistance for the welfare of the Maldivian people,' the Ministry of External Affairs' spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X. The visit marks a defining reset in ties that had come under strain almost 20 months ago. Arguably, New Delhi's sustained efforts, including its assistance to the island nation to deal with economic hardship, helped bring the relations back on track. 'Had a meaningful meeting with members of different political parties of the Maldives. The participation of leaders across the political spectrum underscores the bipartisan support for the strong and time-tested India-Maldives friendship. Our shared values continue to guide this important partnership,' Modi said on X. On his meeting with Latheef, Modi said: 'Our discussions touched upon key pillars of the India-Maldives friendship. Our nations continue to work closely in sectors like infrastructure, technology, climate change, energy and more. This is greatly beneficial to our people. We look forward to deepening this partnership in the years to come. On his meeting with Abdulla, Modi said: 'Talked about the deep-rooted India-Maldives friendship, including the close relationship between our respective Parliaments'. He also welcomed the formation of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group in the 20th Majlis. 'India remains committed to supporting capacity building in the Maldives,' Modi said. On his meeting with Nasheed, Modi said: 'He (Nasheed) has always been a strong advocate of a deeper India-Maldives friendship. Spoke about how the Maldives will always be a valued pillar of our 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Mahasagar vision.' Modi also interacted with the Indian community in the Maldives and appreciated their contributions in building upon the strong and vibrant people-to-people ties between the two countries. -With PTI inputs from Male 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
