India aware of China's aim to become 'maritime power', closely monitors developments in IOR: Centre
In a written response to a query in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh also said, 'Our relations with countries in the Indian Ocean Region are comprehensive and long-standing, based on their own merit and are independent of their relations with any third countries.'
The Ministry of External Affairs was asked whether China's growing presence in the Indian Ocean Region is a strategic challenge for India.
'The government is aware of China's stated objective of becoming a maritime power. As part of this strategy, China is developing ports and other infrastructure facilities in the littoral countries in the Indian Ocean Region,' he said.
China also has a naval and maritime presence in the Indian Ocean Region, including through anti-piracy escort missions, port calls and deployment of research and survey vessels, the MoS said.
Government closely monitors all developments in the Indian Ocean Region impinging on India's security and economic interests and takes appropriate measures to safeguard India's interests, he added.
Countries such as Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Mauritius occupy a central place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' Policy and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, the MoS said.
'Our political relations with countries of the region are strong, trade and investment ties are being augmented, development projects and infrastructural cooperation are progressing, and there is broad-based engagement across all sectors,' he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
43 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Resolution of Kashmir problem lies in pens, not guns: Dharmendra Pradhan
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday said the resolution of the "Kashmir problem" does not lie in violence but in education, emphasising that Kashmir is an educated society. "The resolution of the Kashmir problem does not lie in guns or lathis, but in pens. Kashmiri society is an educated society," Pradhan said, addressing the inauguration ceremony of the nine-day Chinar Book Festival at the SKICC here. The Union Minister of Education highlighted that following the abrogation of Article 370 by the Centre in 2019, democratic processes are gradually being restored in Jammu and Kashmir. "Numerous things are happening for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir. Democratic processes have been restored after many years. Several facilities or programmes for the poor and backwards classes, or various laws, which were not being implemented here before, are now benefitting the people of Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370," he added. Later, speaking to reporters, Pradhan noted that before the abrogation of Article 370, local elections had not occurred in the Union Territory for several years. "The grassroots-level representation of the people was missing; now, gradually, the democratic system is being restored in Jammu and Kashmir," he said. Asserting that normalcy is returning to Kashmir, Pradhan expressed confidence that the tourism sector in the Valley is doing well, local businesses are stabilising, and as the system moves forward, the development of the people will lead to prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir. Pradhan announced that to enhance the library movement in Jammu and Kashmir, the National Book Trust (NBT) will implement various Central schemes in the Union Territory. He assured that by next year's Chinar Festival, various books in the local languages of Jammu and Kashmir will be translated into other languages of the country. Additionally, the Union minister mentioned that efforts would be made to establish the Chinar Book Festival as a permanent event. Pradhan celebrated the success of the festival, noting that despite the prevalence of the internet, books still possess the power to engage the new generation.
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
₹180 crore disbursed to 2.65 lakh farmers in Sathya Sai district
District Collector T.S. Chetan on Saturday launched disbursal of ₹180.87 crore to 2.65 lakh beneficiaries of Sri Sathya Sai district under the Annadata Sukhibhava and PM-KISAN schemes. The first phase of the initiative was grounded at Kanaganapalli mandal headquarters. Addressing the farmers, the Collector highlighted that they were eligible for ₹20,000 annual assistance, including ₹14,000 from the State and ₹6,000 from the Centre, as a convergence plan. He called on the farmers to adopt the modern methods of agricultural practices, such as drip irrigation and horticulture crops, considering the rain-shadow nature of the region. He said that more than ₹100 crore had already been invested to promote drip irrigation in the district. Mr. Chetan said that in the Raptadu constituency, ₹36.04 crore was disbursed to 51,496 farmers. Officials of the Agriculture and Horticulture departments who spoke at the venue highlighted the role of welfare initiatives of the State governments towards boosting the agrarian economy and transforming rural livelihoods. The schemes had galvanized the spirit of confidence among the farmers and created a congenial atmosphere to make agriculture remunerative.
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Sikkim CM chairs review meeting of SHLC on ethnographic study of 12 left out communities
Gangtok, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Saturday chaired the final review meeting of the State High Level Committee on ethnographic study of 12 left out communities. Sikkim CM chairs review meeting of SHLC on ethnographic study of 12 left out communities The Sikkim government had set up a 12-member committee late last year to conduct a study and make recommendations to the Centre for the inclusion of 12 communities in the list of Scheduled Tribes . The Anthropological Survey of India Director BV Sharma and JNU professor Mahendra P Lama are the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the committee. "Today, I chaired the final review meeting on the ethnographic reports of 12 left out communities of Sikkim at Samman Bhawan," Tamang said in a social media post. These reports under preparation by the SSHLC after months of detailed research and consultation mark an important step towards securing the Scheduled Tribe status for 12 left out communities in Sikkim, the CM said. The chief minister said that it is for the first time that the unique history, culture, and identity of these 12 communities - Bhujel, Gurung, Jogi, Khas, Kirat Rai, Kirat Dewan Yakha, Majhi, Mangar, Newar, Sanyasi, Sunuwar , and Thami - have been comprehensively documented. "I am proud that these reports which are aimed at fulfilling the criteria required for inclusion in the ST list by addressing all queries raised by central agencies in the past," he said. Tamang said that it has been resolved to finalise the reports at the earliest for submission to the Government of India so that the formal process for ST recognition could be initiated expeditiously. "These reports are living testaments to our collective heritage and a celebration of our unity in diversity," the chief minister said, adding that he was optimistic that the ongoing efforts will bear fruit and bring Sikkim closer to the vision of an inclusive and 'Viksit Bharat'-2047. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
