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"EAM running full blown circus": Rahul Gandhi lashes out at Jaishankar over meeting with Xi Jinping

"EAM running full blown circus": Rahul Gandhi lashes out at Jaishankar over meeting with Xi Jinping

India Gazette15-07-2025
New Delhi [India], July 15 (ANI): Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday lambasted External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for 'apprising' China President Xi Jinping about India-China ties and said that he 'is running a full blown circus' aimed to 'destroy' country's foreign policy.
The Leader of Opposition remark came after Jaishankar called on Xi on Tuesday and apprised him of the recent development of bilateral ties.
'I guess the Chinese foreign minister will come and apprise Modi about recent developments in China-India ties. The EAM is now running a full blown circus aimed at destroying India's foreign policy,' Rahul Gandhi wrote in a post on X.
Jaishankar, during his meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing, also conveyed the greetings of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to China President.
In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, 'Called on President Xi Jinping this morning in Beijing along with my fellow SCO Foreign Ministers. Conveyed the greetings of President Droupadi Murmu & Prime Minister @narendramodi. Apprised President Xi of the recent development of our bilateral ties. Value the guidance of our leaders in that regard.'
Jaishankar is on an official visit to China to attend the SCO Foreign Ministers Meeting. On Monday, Jaishankar held a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and spoke about the need for a far-seeing approach to bilateral ties and building a stable and constructive relationship.
In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, 'Held detailed talks with Politburo Member and FM Wang Yi in Beijing this evening. Spoke about the need for a far-seeing approach to bilateral ties and building a stable & constructive relationship.'
'Incumbent on us to address aspects related to the border, normalizing people-to-people exchanges and avoiding restrictive trade measures & roadblocks. Confident that on the foundation of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity, ties can develop along a positive trajectory. Look forward to attending the SCO Foreign Ministers Meeting in Tianjin tomorrow. India is committed to ensuring good outcomes and decisions,' he added.
He also met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing on Monday and noted the improvement in bilateral ties. Jaishankar expressed confidence that discussions during his visit will maintain that positive trajectory. He expressed India's support for China's Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Presidency. (ANI)
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‘Most trusted friend': India unveils new measures to bolster Maldives economy
‘Most trusted friend': India unveils new measures to bolster Maldives economy

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  • Hindustan Times

‘Most trusted friend': India unveils new measures to bolster Maldives economy

EW DELHI: India on Friday unveiled new measures to bolster the economy of the Maldives, including a rupee-denominated credit line of ₹4,850 crore and a reduction in annual debt repayment obligations, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserting that New Delhi is the most trusted friend of the Indian Ocean archipelago. Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives a ceremonial welcome at Republic Square in Malé on Friday. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu was also present. (DPR PMO/ANI) On his arrival in the Maldives earlier in the day, Modi was received at the airport by President Mohamed Muizzu and key members of his cabinet. The visit marked another step in the turnaround of bilateral ties, which were hit when Muizzu came to power in late 2023 on an 'India Out' campaign and sought to move the Maldives closer to China. During talks between Modi and Muizzu, the two sides agreed to launch negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) and finalise a bilateral investment treaty. 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Noting that India will continue backing the Maldives in developing its defence capabilities, Modi said: 'Peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region is our common goal. Together at the Colombo Security Conclave, we will strengthen regional maritime security.' A local currency system for settlement of trade will bolster trade in Indian rupees and the Maldivian rufiyaa, and the promotion of UPI in the Maldives will boost tourism and retail trade, Modi said. Muizzu said India continues to be a key source market for Maldivian tourism, and the two sides discussed ways to expand this key sector through enhanced connectivity, including direct flights. When foreign secretary Vikram Misri was asked at a media briefing whether China's role in the region figured in the talks between the two leaders, he said: 'We proceed on the assumption that security is an issue of mutual interest. 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India's friendship package for Maldives: FTA talks,  ₹4,850 crore line of credit, 72 large vehicles, and more
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Mint

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India's friendship package for Maldives: FTA talks, ₹4,850 crore line of credit, 72 large vehicles, and more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Friday during a two-day visit to the island nation. After receiving a ceremonial welcome at the Republic Square in Male, PM Modi was escorted to the President's Office in a cultural procession accompanied by the MNDF Drum and Trumpet Band. The Maldives National Defence Force on Friday said they presented PM Modi with the traditional 'Haiykolhu', a cherished Maldivian gesture of hospitality and honor. PM Modi was also honoured with a 'Guard of Honour' by the MNDF earlier, news agency ANI reported. Several key agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the two nations – from India pledging a Line of Credit to Maldives to launching negotiations on a free trade agreement between the two countries. India on Friday singed a MoU to extend a ₹ 4,850 crore line of credit to the Maldives, continuing its long-standing tradition of supporting the developmental needs of the South Asian nation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, addressing a press briefing, said that this will be the first line of credit extended to the Maldives denominated in Indian rupees, replacing the earlier dollar-denominated credit. "We have signed an MoU related to the extension of a fresh line of credit, of ₹ 4,850 crore to the Maldives. This is the first Line of Credit extended to the Maldives that is denominated in Indian rupees. The Line of Credit represents a continuation of the tradition of assistance to the development needs of the Maldives, and we expect that several infrastructure projects will be carried out as a result of this Line of Credit agreement, benefiting the lives of citizens here in the Maldives," Misri said. He added that the two sides also signed a mandatory agreement to amend the existing dollar line of credit between India and the Maldives. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu announced the beginning of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries during a joint press conference in Male with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Muizzu said, "I am also pleased to announce the initiation of negotiations for a free trade agreement between India and the Maldives. This landmark initiative marks a significant step forward in strengthening our economic partnership." On trade cooperation, the Foreign Secretary expressed optimism over the early conclusion of the proposed India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (IMFTA). "I cannot point to an exact timeline... This is an FTA that we should be able to conclude rather quickly," he said. According to an ANI report, India and the Maldives also signed agreements to enhance cooperation in multiple sectors, including fisheries and aquaculture, as well as to promote digitalisation. An MoU was signed between the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Ministry of Earth Sciences, and the Maldives Meteorological Services (MMS), Ministry of Tourism and Environment. The Maldives has also agreed to recognise the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) -- India's official book of drug standards. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu said that the two leaders discussed ways to expand the tourist sector through enhanced cooperation and connectivity, including the commencement of direct flights to further enhance connectivity. He said, 'Our flagship greater Male connectivity project, once completed, will stand as a lasting symbol of the enduring partnership between India and Maldives. I express my sincere appreciation to India for the provision of 72 vehicles to the Maldives National Defence Force.' 'The handover of the remaining 3,300 housing units from the 4,000 housing units project marks a major step forward in my government's policy in addressing housing needs across the Maldives,' the president said, adding, 'I thank the Government of India for its role as the Maldives principal partner in the health sector. India remains a key source market for Maldivian tourism.' 'We discussed ways to expand this vital sector through enhanced cooperation and connectivity, including the commencement of direct flights to further enhance this connectivity,' Muizzu further said.

Over 10,500 Indians Jailed Abroad, 43 On Death Row: Centre Informs Lok Sabha
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New Delhi: A staggering 10,574 Indian citizens are currently imprisoned in jails across the globe, including 43 of them languishing on the death row, the Parliament was informed on Friday. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, noted that the largest number of Indian prisoners has been recorded in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where 2,773 Indian nationals are currently behind bars. This is followed by Saudi Arabia with 2,379 inmates and Nepal with 1,357. Other countries with a significant number of Indian prisoners include Qatar with 795, Malaysia with 380, Kuwait with 342, the United Kingdom with 323, Bahrain with 261, Pakistan with 246, China with 183 and others. On the other end of the spectrum, several countries have only one Indian prisoner each, including Angola, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Egypt, Iraq, Jamaica, Mauritius, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, Sudan, Tajikistan, and Yemen. Out of the 10,574 total, 43 Indian nationals are currently facing the death penalty in various countries. The highest number - 21 - are in the UAE, followed by Saudi Arabia (7), China (4), Indonesia (3), and Kuwait (2). One Indian is on death row in the USA, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, and Yemen. The ministry clarified that due to stringent privacy laws in many countries, comprehensive details on imprisoned foreign nationals are not always available unless the individuals consent to disclosure. In response to the growing concern, the government has emphasised that Indian missions and consulates abroad closely monitor such cases and extend full legal and consular support. Legal aid, consular access, and efforts toward early release or repatriation are undertaken through bilateral talks, judicial interventions, and, when needed, appeals for amnesty. Additionally, the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) is being utilised to provide financial and legal aid in deserving cases, particularly to assist with legal representation and repatriation costs. The government also confirmed that it is actively engaging with Sri Lanka for the release of 28 Indian fishermen-27 from Tamil Nadu and one from Puducherry-currently held in Sri Lankan custody. As India continues to engage globally, the safety and legal protection of its diaspora remain a growing priority for diplomatic missions abroad.

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