Indian multi-party delegation in Kuwait highlights zero tolerance for terrorism
KUWAIT CITY, May 26: An all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda arrived in Kuwait on Monday, continuing its diplomatic outreach to emphasize India's unwavering stance against terrorism.
The delegation arrived from Bahrain, where it had concluded the previous leg of its visit. "The All-Party delegation led by @PandaJay arrived in Kuwait carrying India's resolute message of #ZeroTolerance and #NewNormal against terrorism to be highlighted in its engagements in Kuwait," the Embassy of India in Kuwait stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The delegation was received at the airport by the Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Adarsh Swaika.
Among the notable members of the delegation are All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi; former Union Minister and senior political leader Ghulam Nabi Azad; Rajya Sabha MP and former National Commission for Women chairperson Rekha Sharma; and Harsh Vardhan Shringla, former Foreign Secretary and Ambassador to the United States, Bangladesh, and Thailand.
During its stay in Kuwait, the delegation is scheduled to meet with senior officials of the Kuwaiti government, members of civil society, opinion leaders, think tanks, media representatives, and members of the Indian diaspora.
Earlier in Bahrain, the delegation met Bahrain's Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and discussed the issue of cross-border terrorism, underlining India's determination to confront the threat. The delegation also met with Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of Bahrain's Shura Council (the upper house of the legislative body), where it reaffirmed India's commitment to countering terrorism and strengthening bilateral relations.
This visit is part of a broader diplomatic initiative involving seven multi-party delegations traveling to 33 global capitals. The goal is to engage the international community on Pakistan's actions and India's firm response to terrorism—particularly following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the Pahalgam attack. In response, India launched precision airstrikes under Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan retaliated with attempted attacks on Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10, which were met with a strong and effective response from Indian forces.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Kuwait Times
14 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Students in Kuwait weigh risks of US education amid attack on universities
Trump policies shatter US image as a beacon of free speech and knowledge By Nebal Snan and Dena Alfadhli KUWAIT: When Amal, a young Kuwaiti student, joined Columbia University's encampment in early 2024, she wanted to take a principled stand for Palestine. 'My identity as a Kuwaiti student made the issue a lot more personal,' she said. 'The people in Palestine are my brothers and sisters in language and religion. It's important to uplift their voices no matter where we are.' What began as a peaceful protest became a defining moment in her life. For many people in Kuwait watching from afar, the US response to pro-Palestinian activism and the crackdown on international students that followed has tarnished the long-standing image of America as a beacon of knowledge and free speech. Attack on campus The Columbia encampment was among the first in a wave of protests across US campuses calling for divestment from companies complicit in human rights violations in Palestine. Amal describes the space as 'built by students, for students,' where people shared food, cared for one another, and engaged in honest, meaningful conversations. NEW YORK: Students and pro-Palestine activists face police as they gather outside of Columbia University to demand divestment from entities complicit in human rights violations in Palestine on on April 18, 2024 in New York City. NEW YORK: Student demonstrators occupy the pro-Palestine "Gaza Solidarity Encampment" on the West Lawn of Columbia University on April 24, 2024. But as the academic year wore on, the mood shifted. 'Going to school didn't feel so safe,' she recalled. Several Zionist faculty members, she said, acted in racist and provocative ways - particularly toward Muslim and Arab students. Her department building, where many students and faculty were people of color, was vandalized. Eventually, the university sent in riot police to forcibly clear the encampment on April 30, 2024. 'It was disappointing but not surprising,' Amal said. 'If anything, this highlights how universities are not these ostensible places for knowledge production and honest conversation. The university is also an arm of the state, enforcing mainstream hegemonic ideology.' Amal asked to use a pseudonym due to fears that speaking out could jeopardize her visa status. International students in the crosshairs Columbia's high-profile visibility in the pro-Palestine movement has made it a prime target in President Donald Trump's broader crackdown on international students. Since taking office in January, his administration has revoked thousands of student visas and green cards. An NBC News investigation found that students in at least 32 states have been affected. Many of those targeted by the administration were involved in campus pro-Palestine protests, had ties to Palestine, or expressed support for Gaza on social media. Some, like Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil and Tufts PhD student Rümeysa Öztürk, have been arrested. The administration is using a Cold War-era 1952 immigration law to justify deportations, citing 'serious adverse foreign policy consequences.' In some cases, even minor infractions - like a speeding ticket - appear to have been used as grounds for removal. Amal didn't suffer legal repercussions for her participation in the protests and remains a student at the university. But other Kuwaiti students seem to have been affected by the crackdown. Kuwait's Minister of Higher Education, Nader Al-Jallal, recently revealed that 40 Kuwaiti students have had their US visas revoked. Though he did not offer details, Arabic-language media reported that Kuwait is coordinating with the US embassy to reinstate their visas and help affected students complete their semester online. The US embassy declined to comment when asked by Kuwait Times about the matter. Fear from afar Abdullah, an expat student in Kuwait accepted into a top US university, has been watching the news unfold with growing anxiety. A lifelong admirer of American culture, he had always dreamed of studying there. 'Growing up, watching movies, sports, and all kinds of media, the US always felt like a dream,' he said. 'Now I feel sad, disappointed.' Like many young people in Kuwait, Abdullah has posted on his social media accounts in solidarity with Palestine. But his posts weighed heavily on his mind now. 'The US feels less like the land of freedom and opportunity, and more like a place where you're controlled - where every word and thought has to align with the government.' He asked to use a pseudonym over concerns about his pending visa application. A new layer of surveillance Abdullah's fears are not unfounded. Since 2019, US visa applicants are required to submit their social media handles. Even after a visa is approved, travelers face uncertainty at the border, where officials are authorized to search phones upon arrival. This practice has led to visa cancellations in the past. In March 2025, a French scientist was turned away at the border after US agents found private messages on his phone criticizing the Trump administration. 'My fear is the unknown, knowing that at any second I could be stripped of my visa and have to return back to my country, without a genuine valid reason. It doesn't hold the sense of security anymore when everyday could be your last day,' he said Adding to the uncertainty, US embassies were ordered last week to pause student visa appointments as the administration ramps up social media screening. US officials defend the policy as a standard practice to ensure US national security. 'Every prospective traveler to the United States undergoes security vetting to protect US citizens at home,' said the US embassy in Kuwait in a statement last week. 'This is not a new policy. Like all sovereign countries, the United States has always strived to ascertain the identity of visa applicants, reasons for their intended travel, as well as their plans while there.' The embassy added that visa applicants may continue to submit applications and encouraged them to apply 'well in advance' of their anticipated travel date. 'Why take the chance?' The Trump administration has thrown a series of curveballs at colleges and universities, leaving many institutions - and their students - on edge. At least $2 billion in research grants have already been slashed, threatening innovation in fields ranging from medicine to consumer technology. But beyond the immediate disruptions, educators and analysts warn of deeper, longer-term consequences: an ideological shift in the US education system that could reshape its values and mission for years to come. They say the administration appears to be targeting institutions it views as politically unfriendly, with no clear standards or process - creating an atmosphere of uncertainty that's as destabilizing as the policies themselves. 'There is a fear knowing I'm committing two years of my life to living in this country, and really not knowing where the Trump administration is taking things,' said Alma, another student recently accepted into Columbia University's master's program. Alma has asked to use a pseudonym due to concerns over her legal status in the US. The challenges are made harder by her parents' growing concern. 'They saw how stressed I was when I was travelling most recently, and I don't think they want me to live a life of stress,' she said. 'They're like, 'Why would you be there? We fought our entire lives for you to be in a safe environment.'' Her parents are not alone. Salman, a Kuwaiti father, is now advising his son to look elsewhere for university studies. 'Every few weeks we hear of people being turned away at the border, visas canceled without warning. It seems like a risk to his future, and to his safety,' he said. 'Why take that chance when you can get the same quality education in the UK, or even here in Kuwait or the Gulf?' Amideast, an NGO that promotes American education abroad, declined to comment when contacted by Kuwait Times to ask about how they are addressing parental concerns. Salma and Amal still hope the quality of education will be worth the risk. But there's a growing realization that the US ideal of free speech and opportunity may no longer hold true for many students from the Arab world. 'The idea that the West - or America - has more free speech than other countries is not true,' Amal said.
Arab Times
21 hours ago
- Arab Times
Fake News And Nationalism: India's Media War On Truth
NEW DELHI, June 8: India's mainstream news media, once celebrated for their fearless reporting and democratic spirit, are now facing a crisis of credibility that has drawn concern from international observers, rights organizations, and even their journalists. The decline is not just a matter of perception but is playing out in real time, with recent events exposing deep-rooted issues of sensationalism, political alignment, and the unchecked spread of misinformation. The latest wave of misinformation occurred against the backdrop of escalated India–Pakistan military tensions. Indian mainstream media like Aaj Tak, Zee News, NDTV, and Times Now were accused of disseminating unverified videos, AI-generated images, and false casualty figures. A report by a fake‑news watchdog exposed multiple instances of such errors—old or unrelated images being misrepresented as evidence of the Pahalgam tragedy A Shifting Landscape: From Watchdog to Megaphone Over the past decade, India's largest news channels and newspapers have come under fire for aligning too closely with propaganda narratives and sidelining dissenting voices. The shift has raised alarms about the erosion of press freedom in the world's largest democracy. According to Reporters Without Borders, India now ranks 159 out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index—its lowest position ever. 'India's media has gradually turned into an echo chamber for the state,' a senior RSF analyst observed, highlighting the growing skepticism both domestically and abroad. Behind this transformation lies a media industry dominated by powerful conglomerates with deep political and financial stakes. Critics argue that this ownership structure has compromised editorial independence, replacing investigative journalism with polarizing debates, celebrity coverage, and sensational rhetoric. The result is a press that increasingly prioritizes loyalty over accountability, as noted by a foreign correspondent based in New Delhi. The Misinformation Maelstrom: When Newsrooms Become Amplifiers The dangers of this new media reality were laid bare during a recent military standoff between India and Pakistan. In the early hours of May 9, a WhatsApp alert from the Indian public broadcaster falsely claimed that Pakistan's army chief had been arrested in a coup. The message was quickly picked up by an Indian journalist, broadcast across major news channels, and began trending on social media. The entire story was fabricated; no coup had occurred, and the supposed 'arrested' general was soon promoted. This incident was not an isolated lapse. During the crisis, Indian newsrooms became saturated with unverified claims and outright fabrications, shaping public perception at a time of heightened national security tensions. Channels broadcast images from unrelated conflicts, repurposed visuals from plane crashes and video games, and reported dramatic victories without evidence. Former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao described the environment as one of 'hypernationalism and abnormal triumphalism,' fueled by a lack of official information and a rush to fill the vacuum with spectacle. Media critic Manisha Pande of Newslaundry called it 'the most dangerous version of what a section of TV news channels have been doing for a decade … completely unchecked.' Journalists admitted to airing stories based on unverified WhatsApp messages and influencer posts, while anchors declared dramatic developments with no factual basis. A Crisis of Trust—and a Glimmer of Hope The fallout from these episodes has been profound. The unchecked spread of misinformation and the willingness to prioritize sensationalism over verification have eroded public trust in mainstream media, both in India and internationally. Even as Pakistani media engaged in its own misinformation campaigns, the Indian press's lapses were particularly glaring given its democratic heritage. Yet, amid the spectacle, a core group of Indian journalists and independent platforms—such as The Wire, and Article 14 —continue to uphold the values of rigorous, ethical reporting, often at great personal and professional risk. Global outlets like The New York Times, BBC, and Al Jazeera have also expanded their India coverage, offering alternative perspectives and counter-narratives. Looking Ahead: Can Indian Media Reclaim Its Role? As India approaches future elections and navigates complex domestic and global challenges, the question remains: Can its mainstream media reassert its independence and restore public trust, or will it continue its drift into partisanship and spectacle? The answer may well determine not just the fate of the press, but the health of Indian democracy itself.
Arab Times
a day ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait Raises Age Limit for Daughters in State Custody to 30
KUWAIT CITY, June 8: In a significant move aimed at strengthening the legal framework surrounding family custody, Kuwait has issued Decree-Law No. 74 of 2025, amending key provisions of Law No. 80 of 2015. The legislative update is intended to enhance the quality and effectiveness of care provided to individuals under state custody and to improve coordination among responsible authorities. Expanded Committee Representation One of the primary amendments is the reconstitution of the Family Custody Committee. The updated Article 6 mandates the inclusion of two new representatives—from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Supreme Council for Family Affairs—alongside existing members from ministries including Social Affairs, Education, Interior, Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Health. This expanded composition is expected to facilitate more comprehensive oversight and decision-making, especially in addressing evolving challenges in family custody matters. New Custody Term Limits Introduced Under the revised Article 12, the law now stipulates that family custody for daughters shall end upon reaching the age of 30 and obtaining permanent employment. Care for both male and female beneficiaries will cease once they attain a degree of independence, including marriage or moving out of institutional housing. This provision also applies when a daughter no longer complies with the residence rules. Temporary Foster Care and Legal Oversight The amendment to Article 13 transfers authority for regulating the temporary fostering of children, specifically those of unknown fathers and non-Kuwaiti mothers, from the minister to the Family Custody Committee. This measure aims to streamline decision-making and ensure that foster care arrangements are legally sound and efficiently managed. Focus on Education and Social Integration Institutions under the competent administration are now required, under Article 14, to actively enroll children in compulsory education and implement programs to support their rehabilitation and societal integration. The government also reaffirmed its commitment to fostering, with Article 15 allowing the Family Custody Committee to encourage fostering through measures such as promoting kinship care via breastfeeding, under regulated conditions. Support for Transition to Independence Recognizing the need for a smooth transition to adulthood, the revised Article 16 tasks the Ministry (with support from the public and private sectors) with securing private housing for individuals over 21 who have exited the custody system. These homes will be available at affordable rents paid by the individuals themselves. Additionally, Article 17 mandates the Ministry to coordinate with relevant authorities to find suitable employment opportunities for former wards, based on their skills and qualifications, to foster financial and social independence. Expanded Legal Definitions and Implementation A new clause, Article 1(7), has been introduced to clearly define 'son/daughter/children' as individuals covered under the care provisions of the law. This inclusion provides clarity in the legal interpretation and enforcement of the law. Finally, Article 3 of the decree-law calls for full implementation of these amendments from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette, with relevant ministers tasked with executing its provisions. The memorandum accompanying the decree emphasizes that these amendments are the result of practical experience gathered since the law's initial enforcement in 2015. The revised framework is designed to close administrative gaps, improve care quality, and promote better integration of wards into society. It reflects the government's commitment to human dignity, legal clarity, and institutional accountability in the care and protection of vulnerable individuals.
