Latest news with #ChristelSchaldemose
Hans India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
In Brussels, Indian delegation exposes Pakistan's use of terrorism as state policy
Brussels: The all-party Parliamentary delegation from India led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday held a productive meeting with the European Parliament's Vice-President Christel Schaldemose, apprising her of Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism and the heinous April 22 Pahalgam attack. "A good opportunity to brief at senior parliamentary level the use of cross-border terrorism as an instrument of state policy to disrupt progress in Kashmir and communalise the situation. Condemnation of heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam and appreciation for India's firm policy of zero-tolerance on terrorism," Indian Embassy in Belgium posted on X. Prasad also took to social media, asserting that the meeting gave an opportunity to expose Pakistan's use of terrorism as state policy to undermine development in Kashmir and incite communal tensions. "We apprised the Vice-President of the European Parliament about the situation in India regarding Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. We requested that she consider highlighting the cost of supporting terrorist machinery in Pakistan, particularly in terms of international aid. We were deeply impressed by her evident affection for India and her commitment to upholding humanity and democracy," he said in a post on X. Later at a media interaction in Brussels, the delegation highlighted India's decisive response to terrorism, the goals of Operation Sindoor, and the roadmap for a stronger India-EU partnership, including in combating terrorism. On Wednesday, the delegation met with Members of European Parliament (MEPs) and discussed combating terrorism including cross-border terrorism, global peace, and deepening of India-EU ties. The EU side was briefed about the deadly 22 Pahalgam terror attack and the calibrated and targetted response of India through Operation Sindoor, giving the message of zero tolerance to terrorism. During the meeting, the MEPs expressed their solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. The delegates also had insightful interaction with leading Brussels-based think tanks on the menace of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism directed against India. The Indian parliamentarians discussed India's counter-terrorism efforts, including Operation Sindoor, with members of the think tank community in Brussels. They further conveyed India's unified and unequivocal message of zero tolerance against terrorism. Furthermore, the delegates interacted with members of the Indian diaspora who expressed their deep solidarity with the victims of recent terrorist attacks and backed India's strong and principled stance against terrorism and its zero-tolerance policy. They underscored the vital role of the diaspora in amplifying India's voice on the global stage. The nine-member delegation includes a diverse political representation with Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP), Daggubati Purandeswari (BJP), Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena-UBT), Ghulam Ali Khatana (BJP), Amar Singh (Congress), Samik Bhattacharya (BJP), M. Thambidurai (AIADMK), former Union Minister M.J. Akbar, and former Ambassador Pankaj Saran. After concluding visits to France, Italy, Denmark, and the UK, the Indian delegation is in Belgium as a part of India's global diplomatic outreach campaign to highlight the significance of Operation Sindoor and the continued fight against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism.
India Gazette
5 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Terror aid must end": Ravi Shankar Prasad asks EU to hold Pakistan accountable
Brussels [Belgium], June 5 (ANI): BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, leading an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation, emphasised the need for the global community to hold Pakistan accountable for sponsoring terrorism during a meeting with Christel Schaldemose, Vice-President of the European Parliament in charge of Asia. 'The Vice-President of the European Parliament heard us... We conveyed to her the situation in India about terrorism... We have requested some cost to the terror machine in Pakistan in terms of world aid. We have been deeply impressed by her love for India and the issues of humanity and democracy,' Prasad said following the meeting. The meeting in Brussels was part of India's wider diplomatic outreach aimed at mobilising international support in its fight against terrorism. The delegation also briefed the Vice-President on the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reiterated India's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. Echoing this, the Indian Embassy in Belgium and Luxembourg tweeted, 'All-Party Parliamentary delegation had a productive and constructive meeting with Ms. Christel Schaldemose, Vice-President of the European Parliament in charge of Asia. A good opportunity to brief at the senior parliamentary level on the use of cross-border terrorism as an instrument of state policy to disrupt progress in Kashmir and communalise the situation. Condemnation of the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam and appreciation for India's firm policy of zero-tolerance on terrorism.' The meeting also focused on strengthening diplomatic ties and enhancing cooperation between India and the European Union on strategic issues. The delegation held discussions to deepen the partnership and explore collaboration on matters of mutual interest. Leading the delegation as part of India's broader global effort following Operation Sindoor, Prasad underlined the need for a 'collective resolve' in the fight against terrorism, rooted in shared values of democracy, peace, and humanity. After engagements with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from the delegation for relations with India, the Foreign Affairs Committee, and the Security and Defence Committee, Prasad described the interaction as 'extraordinary.' 'There was unanimity in support for action against terrorism, and they were the first to convey solidarity to India,' he said. 'India is a stabilising country, a big country, a democratic country, and there has to be a collective resolve in the fight against terrorism, for human values, democracy, and humanity. That was the essence of the discussions.' The all-party delegation includes BJP MPs Daggubati Purandeswari and Samik Bhattacharya, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, Congress MPs Ghulam Ali Khatana and Amar Singh, former Union Minister MJ Akbar, and former Ambassador Pankaj Saran. This diplomatic initiative follows Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 as India's military response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam by Pakistan-sponsored militants, which claimed 26 lives. In the wake of the attack, the Indian Armed Forces carried out targeted strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, killing over 100 terrorists linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. (ANI)
India Gazette
5 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
European Union looking forward to trade deal with India: VP, European Parliament
Brussels [Belgium], June 5 (ANI): Christel Schaldemose, the Vice-President of the European Parliament in charge of Asia, expressed optimism on Thursday about the finalisation of an impending trade deal between the EU and India. Talking to ANI after an all-party Indian delegation met her as part of India's anti-terror outreach post Operation Sindoor, she said she was looking forward to the negotiations to finalise a trade agreement and other agreements between the EU and India. 'India is an amazing country, and we could learn a lot from them... I'm looking forward to the negotiations to finalise a trade agreement and other agreements between the EU and India,' Christel Schaldemose said. On the meeting with the BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad-led multi-party delegation, she said, 'I was grateful to meet this important delegation from India. When a big democracy comes and tells us how we need to condemn terrorist attacks, and convey the message to our counterparts, we will, of course, listen.' On June 2, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal expressed optimism that India could finalise its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) ahead of the year-end deadline, citing minimal divergences between the two economic blocs. Minister Goyal emphasised the complementary nature of the Indian and European economies. 'There are not too many issues where we have divergence of opinion. We have both complementary economies,' he stated during his recent visit to France. 'In most cases, what is of interest to India does not hurt the European economy. And likewise, goods and services that Europe would like to provide to India only support our growth story.' The minister acknowledged that certain sensitive areas require careful negotiation on both sides. 'Obviously, in any trading relationship, there are certain sensitive issues on both sides which we have to resolve amicably in the interest of both the European Union and India,' Goyal noted. India has positioned itself strongly on key issues concerning the EU, particularly regarding gender equality and sustainability. 'We are proud of our sisters and our women and the fantastic work they have done and continue to do,' Goyal said. 'Therefore, if you have a subject like gender, India is on the front foot. When it comes to subjects like sustainability, India is right at the forefront.' Once finalised, this FTA would be one of the most significant for India, as the EU is its second-largest trading partner after the US. This commitment to finance FTA by the end of 2025 builds on the strategic direction given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, during the landmark visit of the EU College of Commissioners to New Delhi in February 2025. After a nine-year lull, India and the EU re-launched negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement in 2022. The talks had reportedly stopped in 2013. (ANI)
India Gazette
5 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
All-party delegation led by Ravi Shankar Prasad meets EU Vice-President to strengthen ties, discuss terrorism
Brussels [Belgium], June 5 (ANI): An all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad met with Christel Schaldemose, Vice-President of the European Parliament in charge of Asia, during their visit to Brussels. The Indian Embassy in Belgium and Luxembourg said, 'All-Party Parliamentary delegation had a productive and constructive meeting with Ms. Christel Schaldemose, Vice-President of the European Parliament in charge of Asia. A good opportunity to brief at the senior parliamentary level on the use of cross-border terrorism as an instrument of state policy to disrupt progress in Kashmir and communalise the situation. Condemnation of the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam and appreciation for India's firm policy of zero-tolerance on terrorism.' The meeting focused on strengthening diplomatic ties and enhancing cooperation between India and the European Union on various strategic issues. The delegation engaged in discussions to deepen the partnership and explore avenues for collaboration on matters of mutual interest. BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, leading the delegation as part of India's broader diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, emphasised the need for a 'collective resolve' in the fight against terrorism, grounded in human values, democracy, and humanity. After the delegation met with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from the delegation for relations with India, the Foreign Affairs Committee, and the Security and Defence Committee, Prasad described the interaction as 'extraordinary.' 'There was unanimity in support for action against terrorism, and they were the first to convey solidarity to India,' said Ravi Shankar Prasad. 'India is a stabilising country, a big country, a democratic country, and there has to be a collective resolve in the fight against terrorism, for human values, democracy, and humanity. That was the essence of the discussions,' he added. The delegation includes BJP MPs Daggubati Purandeswari and Samik Bhattacharya, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, Congress MPs Ghulam Ali Khatana and Amar Singh, former Union Minister MJ Akbar, and former Ambassador Pankaj Saran. Earlier, the delegation visited the UK to garner widespread support for India's fight against terrorism and to highlight Pakistan's role in fostering terrorism. The team received strong backing from British parliamentarians, think tanks, and the Indian diaspora. This diplomatic effort forms part of India's global outreach following Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam by Pakistan-sponsored militants that claimed 26 lives. Subsequently, the Indian Armed Forces carried out targeted strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of over 100 terrorists linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. (ANI)
Times of Oman
5 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
European Union looking forward to trade deal with India: VP, European Parliament
Brussels: Christel Schaldemose, the Vice-President of the European Parliament in charge of Asia, expressed optimism on Thursday about the finalisation of an impending trade deal between the EU and India. Talking to ANI after an all-party Indian delegation met her as part of India's anti-terror outreach post Operation Sindoor, she said she was looking forward to the negotiations to finalise a trade agreement and other agreements between the EU and India. "India is an amazing country, and we could learn a lot from them... I'm looking forward to the negotiations to finalise a trade agreement and other agreements between the EU and India," Christel Schaldemose said. On the meeting with the BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad-led multi-party delegation, she said, "I was grateful to meet this important delegation from India. When a big democracy comes and tells us how we need to condemn terrorist attacks, and convey the message to our counterparts, we will, of course, listen." On June 2, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal expressed optimism that India could finalise its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) ahead of the year-end deadline, citing minimal divergences between the two economic blocs. Minister Goyal emphasised the complementary nature of the Indian and European economies. "There are not too many issues where we have divergence of opinion. We have both complementary economies," he stated during his recent visit to France. "In most cases, what is of interest to India does not hurt the European economy. And likewise, goods and services that Europe would like to provide to India only support our growth story." The minister acknowledged that certain sensitive areas require careful negotiation on both sides. "Obviously, in any trading relationship, there are certain sensitive issues on both sides which we have to resolve amicably in the interest of both the European Union and India," Goyal noted. India has positioned itself strongly on key issues concerning the EU, particularly regarding gender equality and sustainability. "We are proud of our sisters and our women and the fantastic work they have done and continue to do," Goyal said. "Therefore, if you have a subject like gender, India is on the front foot. When it comes to subjects like sustainability, India is right at the forefront." Once finalised, this FTA would be one of the most significant for India, as the EU is its second-largest trading partner after the US. This commitment to finance FTA by the end of 2025 builds on the strategic direction given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, during the landmark visit of the EU College of Commissioners to New Delhi in February 2025. After a nine-year lull, India and the EU re-launched negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement in 2022. The talks had reportedly stopped in 2013.
