"EAM running full blown circus": Rahul Gandhi lashes out at Jaishankar over meeting with Xi Jinping
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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Hindustan Times
3 minutes ago
- 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. There was also understanding on closer defence and maritime security cooperation, with Modi describing peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean as a common goal. At a joint media interaction after their discussions, Modi and Muizzu alluded to the transformation in the relationship after the strains that beset it in recent years. They also discussed plans to deepen economic and development cooperation, with the Maldives being one of the primary beneficiaries of India's assistance in the region. 'India is the closest neighbour of the Maldives. The Maldives holds an important place in both India's Neighbourhood First policy and MAHASAGAR vision. India is also proud to be the most trusted friend of the Maldives,' Modi said, speaking in Hindi. 'Be it a disaster or a pandemic, India has always stood by as a first responder…For us, it is always friendship first.' 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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. [Muizzu] expressed his commitment to the importance that the Maldives attaches to security-related issues and the commitment for the two sides to continue to work together.' The contacts between the security forces of the two sides, including exchanges, training, and exercises, continue to be an important issue. 'We continue to work very closely together with the Maldives on any issues that might impinge on not just our security, but our common security in this region,' Misri said. Misri attributed the turnaround in bilateral ties to the way in which India and the Maldives have addressed 'issues in the relationship' and paid attention to each other's concerns. 'This is a very close relationship, it has a basis that goes back a long way. There may be instances or events…from time to time but there is a fundamental understanding between the two sides…on the importance…of this relationship,' he said. When Maldivian journalists raised the issue of remarks critical of the Indian PM that former Maldivian ministers had previously made, Misri said: 'Our ties are strong enough to withstand some of these passing… remarks that have been made… I would, rather than look back, prefer to look forward and look into the future…That future is undoubtedly and unquestionably bright.' On Saturday, Modi will be the guest of honour at celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the independence of the Maldives and interact with Maldivian political leaders and the Indian community.
Mint
5 minutes ago
- Mint
India's friendship package for Maldives: FTA talks, ₹4,850 crore line of credit, 72 large vehicles, and more
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NDTV
9 minutes ago
- NDTV
Over 10,500 Indians Jailed Abroad, 43 On Death Row: Centre Informs Lok Sabha
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