Latest news with #ExternalAffairs
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
"Our relationship, connect, and empathy truly special": EAM Jaishankar hails India-Africa ties
New Delhi: Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the relationship, connect and empathy between India and Africa is "truly special." He expressed India's commitment to development of Africa by keeping India's market open, sharing experiences with the digital revolution to support Africa's development, improving delivery of public services, spreading education and digital literacy in Africa, strengthening African agriculture and working with African nations to keep the oceans open and free for the benefit of all nations. In his address at the Africa Day 2025 celebrations in Delhi on Wednesday, Jaishankar also recalled the COVID-19 pandemic and mentioned that the vaccine apartheid was accentuated by travel restrictions. Jaishankar said, "Our relationship, our connect, our empathy is truly special. Many of you would be aware of the deeply held view in this country that our independence would not be complete until Africa secured hers. Today that logic extends to development, to prosperity, and to progress as well. When we speak of food, health, and energy security, it is not just a concern about our national prospects. It is equally about the challenges that Africa faces and the solutions that could emerge from international partnerships. "The COVID experience was deeply scarring for all of us. But most of all for Africa. The vaccine apartheid was accentuated by travel restrictions and followed by financial decisions which hurt the continent very deeply. Assessing the dismal state of progress on realising SDGs, the picture is most difficult when it comes to Africa. So, these are indeed difficult times and challenging circumstances, but all the more reason for India and Africa to stand together firm and fast," he added. Speaking about the Global South, Jaishankar said, "I'm sometimes asked the question about the Global South, of which we, India and Africa, are two key segments. My reply has always been that those who raise queries about the Global South will never understand it, and those who get it will never raise questions." He affirmed India's support and partnership for Africa. He noted the transformations that were underway in Africa as it emerges as the continent of the future. He expressed confidence that the nations of Africa will overcome every obstacle and realise its destiny. He recalled how African Union became a member of G20 during India's presidency. Jaishankar said, "Let me underline that today is an occasion for us to express our solidarity, our friendship, our partnership with Africa, India has always been and will always be with Africa. Having said that, I must also fully recognise the profound transformations underway, economic, social, and political as Africa steadily emerges as the continent of the future. We have the fullest confidence that the nations of Africa will overcome every obstacle and realise their destiny." "As they do so, it is imperative that along with their freedom, they are also given their due and rightful place in international platforms. In keeping with its long-standing espousal of the African cause, it was natural that India, in its G20 presidency pushed for the African Union's full membership of the G20. The same spirit guides our approach to the reform of the United Nations, especially the Security Council. We believe that Africa should be represented in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Declaration," he added. Expressing India's commitment to overall development of Africa, he said, "India is committed to the overall development of Africa by keeping our markets open, sharing our experiences with the digital revolution to support Africa's development, improving delivery of public services, spreading education and digital literacy in Africa, strengthening African agriculture and working with African nations to keep the oceans open and free for the benefit of all nations." "Demonstrating our commitment to Africa, we have expanded our diplomatic footprint in recent years with the opening of 17 new diplomatic missions, bringing the total number of Indian missions in the continent to 46. In the line, in the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world is a family, India has placed development cooperation and capacity-building programmes at the core of its partnership," he added. Jaishankar noted that India has been at the forefront in offering training to African candidates under its flagship ITEC programme. He mentioned that more than 37,000 Africans have been trained in India under the ITEC/ICCR scholarships in the last 10 years. He said, "In the spirit of 'Vasudaiva Kutumbakam' (The World is a family), India has placed development cooperation and capacity-building programmes at the core of its partnership. India has also been at the forefront in offering training to African candidates under its flagship ITEC programme. Over 37,000 Africans have been trained in India under the ITEC/ICCR scholarships in the last 10 years. The Indian Institute of Technology in Zanzibar (Tanzania), the National Forensic Science University in Uganda, the Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Rwanda, and various Centres of Information Technology in several countries testify to our commitment to advancing education in African countries." Expressing India's commitment to advancing Africa Development Framework Agenda 2063, Jaishankar said, "We also affirm our commitment in advancing Africa Development Framework Agenda 2063 aimed to provide a better, secure, and sustainable future for the people of Africa. Our engagement has been guided by the 10 principles enunciated by Prime Minister Modi, which reaffirm that Africa's goals and agenda are India's priority. Unlike extractive models of engagement, India believes in an inclusive, demand-driven development cooperation by way of building local capacity and creating local opportunities, ensuring that African countries not only benefit from investments but also develop self-sustaining growth ecosystems." He expressed India's commitment to developing Africa's connectivity and infrastructure. He said that India has extended over USD 700 million grant assistance to African nations, include cancer therapy machines like 'Bhabhatron', medical equipment and medicines including during the COVID through our 'Vaccine Maitri' program. He said, "India also remains steadfast in its commitment to develop Africa's connectivity and infrastructure. Spread over 200 projects across the continent in areas spanning railways, power generation and agriculture, as well as water supply, our initiatives aim to develop self-sustaining growth in Africa." "In the last decade, we have extended more than USD 700mn grant assistance to African countries which include cancer therapy machines like 'Bhabhatron', medical equipment and medicines including during the COVID through our 'Vaccine Maitri' program, Ambulances and indigenously made low-cost artificial limbs called 'Jaipur Foot', and which have actually benefitted more than 13,000 patients in 21 African countries as well as food grains to combat drought like situations," he added.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
India must persist with Indus Treaty decision and other pressure tactics
One upshot of the Pahalgam terror attack was the weaponisation of water, specifically of the Indus Waters Treaty, which India put in abeyance. In his multiple statements after India's precise strikes on Pakistan terror camps and then on their air bases, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear that India is in no mood to go soft on weaponisation. The effects are already visible. As he said on Tuesday, 'All we've done is keep it under abeyance, and still, Pakistan is sweating. We've opened a few dam gates and started cleaning. We are removing the waste and debris. And even this has left them in panic.' But it was not a kneejerk reaction on India's part. At a recent standing committee meeting for external affairs, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told MPs that this is a plan that has been in the works. Several government organs, including the Ministries of Jal Shakti and External Affairs, worked together to weaponise water. A top source in the government told a news channel that the decision on IWT 'is a surgical strike in perpetuity because it hits Pakistan where it hurts the most.' The strike is the result of a whole-of-government approach. The IWT, brokered in 1960 with the support of the World Bank, allocated the waters of six rivers between India and Pakistan. The idea was signed, in the words of its preamble, 'in a spirit of goodwill and friendship.' India retained control over the three eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—while Pakistan was granted rights over the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. India's choice to honour the treaty for over six decades, even during wars and terror attacks, was driven by its commitment to peace and international obligations. However, Pakistan's consistent disregard for the spirit of the treaty and its continued use of terror as a state policy eroded the foundation of goodwill on which the IWT was built; the erosion has been happening for at least 45 years. Islamabad first aided, armed, and abetted Khalistani terrorists in Punjab. Since the 1980s, it has been supporting, training, and arming jihadists to attack Kashmir and other parts of India. Pakistan's reaction to India's recent actions on IWT underscores how reliant it is on these waters. The mere suggestion of India reasserting its rights under the treaty has caused visible distress. For years, Pakistan has taken India's generosity for granted. The shift in New Delhi's stance represents a broader recalibration of policy—one that recognises the strategic importance of water not just as a natural resource, but a potent geopolitical tool. Moving forward, India must maintain and escalate pressure through all channels available—diplomatic, economic, and political. Suspension of the IWT is not just about water; it is a signal to Pakistan and the global community that India will not hesitate to defend its sovereignty and citizens. This multifaceted approach reflects a government that is willing to use every lever at its disposal in a coordinated and calculated manner. The Pahalgam attack may have been the trigger, but the Indian response is much more than a retaliation—it looks like a long-term strategy aimed at reshaping regional dynamics in favour of peace through strength. The Modi government, and the following regimes, must ensure that there is no let up in this strategy.
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
EAM Jaishankar appreciates Sri Lankan parliamentarians' condemnation of terrorism, discusses India's Neighbourhood First policy
New Delhi : External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday met with a delegation of parliamentary colleagues from Sri Lanka who were visiting India for the PRIDE Capacity Building Program and appreciated their condemnation of terrorism and their expressions of sympathy regarding the Pahalgam attack. He also discussed India's Neighbourhood First policy, emphasising the importance of strong people-to-people ties in fostering regional cooperation and development. Jaishankar reiterated India's commitment to supporting Sri Lanka's development and progress, underscoring the close and friendly relations between the two countries. In a post shared on X, Jaishankar said, "Had a warm interaction with parliamentary colleagues from Sri Lanka visiting India for the PRIDE Capacity Building Program. Appreciate their condemnation of terrorism and expressions of sympathy on the Pahalgam attack. Discussed our Neighbourhood First policy, underpinned by strong people to people ties. Reiterated our commitment to Sri Lanka's development and progress." The interaction comes amid a broader diplomatic outreach by India in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor - a military operation launched on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 Indian civilians. India and Sri Lanka share a longstanding bond rooted in over 2,500 years of civilisational ties. Sri Lanka holds a central place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and the MAHASAGAR vision - Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. This deep historical and cultural connection has evolved into a multifaceted bilateral partnership covering a wide array of sectors. As part of India's capacity-building efforts, nearly 710 scholarships are offered annually to Sri Lankan students. Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program, 402 fully-funded training slots are provided to officials and eligible citizens. A Cooperation Agreement also enables the training of 1,500 Sri Lankan civil servants over five years at the National Centre for Good Governance - with four batches trained in 2024 alone. Further cooperation in 2024 included a special course for 23 Sri Lankan diplomats and officials at SSIFS and training for over 2,000 plantation school teachers in STEM subjects between August and October. Technical expertise is also extended through Indian institutions under the 'Study in India' Program.
News18
5 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Pakistan's Water Woes Prompt Shehbaz To Push For Dialogue: ‘Ready To Talk To India'
Last Updated: As water crisis deepens and pressure mounts at home, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif signals willingness to engage with India. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said Pakistan was willing to talk to India to resolve 'longstanding issues," including water security and Kashmir, but India has made it clear that any future dialogue will only be about Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Shehbaz's offer came during his visit to Iran, amid a growing water crisis at home and diplomatic isolation abroad. Speaking at a joint press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran, Shehbaz said Pakistan was ready for dialogue with India 'to find solutions to problems, including Kashmir." However, India's position has remained firm and consistent. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar have repeatedly said that any future conversation with Pakistan will only be about Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which remains under illegal occupation despite being an integral part of India. Speaking at a rally last week in Deshnoke, Rajasthan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a sharp warning to Pakistan, saying that if it continues to export terror, it will end up begging for every penny. The Prime Minister had said Pakistan will not get a single drop of water that rightfully belongs to India. 'Playing with the blood of Indians will cost Pakistan dearly. This is India's firm resolve, and no global pressure can change that," he told the crowd in Bikaner. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Tehran, Iran First Published: May 26, 2025, 21:55 IST
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
New Delhi's Taliban reset
Written by Raghav Sharma Barely a week into an uneasy truce with Rawalpindi, New Delhi dialled Kabul, marking the first ministerial-level contact with the Afghan Taliban since 1999. What stood out was the timing of the telephonic conversation between Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar and his Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Muttaqi. After all, the Taliban have long been regarded as a proxy of Rawalpindi. The outreach signals New Delhi's desire — albeit a belated one — to accelerate its engagement in the Afghan theatre: A tall order, given China's deep history of involvement with the Taliban since the 1990s, alongside its cultivation of an array of non-state actors in the Af-Pak region. Beijing's moves have been carefully aligned with Moscow, Tehran and Rawalpindi, further buttressed by its robust diplomatic presence, economic leverage, and its position as a veto-holding member of the UN Security Council. Developments since the Afghan Taliban's return to power have underscored the pyrrhic nature of the 'victory' for the generals in Rawalpindi — particularly in light of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) acquiring reverse strategic depth in Pakistan. Moreover, Rawalpindi's failed attempts to goad an antipathetic Kabul into acting against TTP safe havens on its side of the Durand Line have led it to resort to forced repatriation of Afghan refugees and the use of air power to bomb alleged TTP camps. This has only served to further embitter the relationship and reinforce pervasive anti-Pakistan sentiment at a popular level in Afghanistan. This has created a unique situation for both Kabul and New Delhi. For the Afghan Taliban, engagement with India offers not only an opportunity to shore up its quest for elusive legitimacy but also an antidote to pressure from Pakistan. It further enables the Taliban to counter doubts cast on its credentials as an independent, nationalist actor in its own right. During the 20 years of the Afghan republic's existence, New Delhi's development initiatives were widely acclaimed. Now, however, the timing of this renewed outreach runs the risk of India being seen as a power seeking to use Afghanistan as a proxy battleground to settle scores with Pakistan. Moreover, given Trump's recently acquired penchant for brokering 'peace' in Kashmir, India must be cautious not to provide Washington with an opportunity to re-hyphenate New Delhi and Rawalpindi. India might also find it difficult to reconcile its image as the 'world's largest democracy' and its commitment to a rights- and rules-based order due to engagement with a regime that has a deplorable human rights record. While India may be compelled to sup with the devil, it should not only do so with a long spoon but also pay close attention to how public narratives are shaped, given their increasing significance in international affairs. India would not want to be perceived as a profit-seeking power whose rhetoric around the well-being of the Afghan people is at odds with its peripheral position in its larger geopolitical calculus. For instance, while Jaishankar issued a statement appreciating Muttaqi for his 'condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack… his rejection of recent attempts to create distrust between India and Afghanistan,' the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that discussions '…focused on enhancing bilateral relations, promoting trade and upgrading diplomatic engagement… streamlining the issuance of visas.' Therefore, for a meaningful and effective reset in its ties with Afghanistan, India will have to bridge the gap between rhetoric and reality. Resuscitating a sizable development footprint, re-centring the Afghan people, creating economic leverage through trade, drawing on Ankara and Tehran's playbook of retaining ties with a cross-section of the Afghan elite, and engaging lateral experts in the field could be some starting points. The writer is Professor and Director, Centre for Afghanistan Studies at the School of International Affairs, OP Jindal Global University, India
