Latest news with #ExternalAffairs
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Reviving Kailash-Mansarovar yatra to ‘inject new impetus' in India-China ties, direct flights to follow: Chinese Ambassador to India
The situation at the India-China border is 'stable', says China's Ambassador to India Xu Feihong, adding that China is prepared to discuss 'border management and control rules' in order to resolve issues after the 4-year military standoff at the Line of Actual Control ended. In written responses to questions from The Hindu, Mr. Xu spoke about plans to restore normalcy in ties, disclosing that airlines and the government have prepared for the relaunch of direct flights, to restore other exchanges, to resolve investment and trade differences, and said the restart of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra would 'inject new impetus' into relations. Rejecting criticism of China's support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, the Chinese Ambassador said bilateral ties were not targeted at a third country. While criticising comments by Minister Kiren Rijiju on the Dalai Lama's reincarnation, he said Beijing had 'noted' the MEA statement that India has 'no position' on the issue. Excerpts from the written Interview: Q: About 8-9 batches of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra have been completed or are underway, and we were able to meet Indian pilgrims there. For the Chinese government, what is the significance of the restoration of the pilgrimage? A: The Kangrínboqê Fēng (Mount Kailash) and Mapam Yuco (Mansarovar) in Xizang (Tibet Autonomous Region/TAR) are regarded as 'sacred mountain and lake' by followers of several religions, including Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism. The visit of Indian pilgrims to the sacred mountain and lake in [Tibet] is a special arrangement made by the Chinese side to show friendliness to the Indian people, accommodate the religious sentiments of the Indian people, and enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. A: During the preparation process, the Chinese side overcame many difficulties and invested a large amount of manpower and resources. Recently, in accordance with the consensus reached by the two sides, the pilgrimage to the sacred mountain and lake has resumed and is proceeding in an orderly manner. The Indian Defence Minister and Minister of External Affairs expressed their appreciation to the Chinese side during their visit to China, and the Indian people also responded enthusiastically. This will help to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges and mutual understanding between the two countries, and inject new impetus into the improvement and development of China-India relations. Q: Is KMY expected to pave the way for other people-to-people ties, including travel, trade and investment? How soon do you expect direct flights between India and China to begin, and what will be the frequency? A: Resuming the pilgrimage for Indian pilgrims to the sacred mountain and lake in [Tibet] is an important initiative taken by China to improve relations between the two countries. It fully demonstrates China's sincerity and trustworthiness. We hope and believe that the Indian side will work for the shared goal of promoting new developments in cooperation in areas such as investment, trade and tourism between the two countries. Currently, the government departments of both China and India, as well as major airlines, have done a lot of work for the resumption of direct flights. We hope that direct flights between the two countries will be launched as soon as possible. Q: There have been reports of a number of differences over economic issues- China is believed to have objected to India's FDI restrictions, and legal cases against Chinese businesses, while in India, China is perceived to have blocked exports of Critical minerals and fertilizers, and recalled Chinese personnel from Foxconn/Apple factories. How do you expect these to be resolved? A: Standing at a new historical starting point, both China and India are at a critical stage of their respective modernisation. Development is the 'greatest common denominator' between the two nations at present. China has always supported strengthening cooperation between China and India in the economic and trade fields. We hope that India will work together with China to take more measures conducive to bilateral economic and trade exchanges, add incentive policies and reduce restrictive measures, so as to promote China-India economic and trade cooperation to a new level. Q: Has Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed his attendance at the SCO Summit later this year, and would there be a bilateral visit or meeting as well? A: China will hold the SCO summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1, 2025. We welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the SCO Tianjin summit. PM Modi said earlier that India fully supports China's SCO presidency. Not long ago India's NSA Ajit Doval and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended relevant SCO meetings in China. EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar visited China and participated in the SCO Foreign Ministers' Meeting, noting that India fully supports China, as the rotating chair, in hosting a successful SCO summit. A: The SCO Foreign Ministers' Meeting was successfully held recently and made full political preparations for the upcoming SCO Tianjin summit. Q: At the SCO Defence Minister's meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs said that one country held up the joint statement over references to terrorism and in particular the Pahalgam Terror attack. As Chair, how does China explain the lack of a statement on terrorism at the SCO, an organisation that was founded with a priority on issues of terrorism, extremism and radicalisation, and how confident is China of a joint statement at the FM meet/ Summit? A: The SCO adheres to the Shanghai Spirit, which features mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilisations and pursuit of common development. The Shanghai Spirit is the very root and soul of the SCO and the key to its strong vitality. According to this 'code of conduct' of the SCO family, member states can equally express their positions, but also should avoid bringing bilateral conflicts into the multilateral platform. A: Unilateralism and bullying are now forcing their way and bringing serious challenges to the world. As the two most populous emerging economies, China and India need to enhance cooperation under multilateral frameworks such as the SCO and BRICS, resolutely uphold multilateralism, safeguard the common interests of the Global South, promote regional peace, stability and prosperity, and jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind. Q: Even as India and China restore their exchanges to bring a 'semblance of normalcy', as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in a statement, what is the next step on the Line of Actual Control? While both sides agreed to disengage in October 2024, has there been any progress on de-escalation and demobilisation of troops there? A: At present, the situation in the China-India border areas is generally stable. Last October, China and India reached resolutions on relevant issues concerning the border area after intensive consultations and negotiations, and fully and effectively pushed forward their implementation. Last December, based on the important consensus reached by the two leaders in Kazan, China and India held the 23rd Special Representatives' Meeting on the China-India Boundary Question. The two sides held substantive talks and reached a six-point consensus on the China-India boundary question in a positive and constructive attitude. This March, the two sides held the 33rd Meeting of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on China-India Border Affairs and agreed to take concrete and effective measures to continuously maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas. In the next stage, China is willing to maintain communication with India through diplomatic and military channels, and in the spirit of equal consultation and mutual and equal security, further refine the border area management and control rules and strengthen confidence-building measures, so as to achieve sustainable peace and tranquillity in the border areas. Q: The Deputy Chief of the Indian Army has alleged that China provided 'all possible support' to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor including live inputs during the 4-day conflict between India and Pakistan in May. What is your response and has India raised its concerns about military interference from China in the conflict? A: After the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, China strongly condemned it immediately, reiterating its firm opposition to all forms of terrorism. China has been closely following the situation between India and Pakistan and actively promoting talks for peace. Foreign Minister Wang Yi had phone conversations with India's NSA Ajit Doval and Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar respectively. A: India and Pakistan are and will always be each other's neighbours, and both are China's important neighbours. The realisation of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan is in line with the fundamental and long-term interests of both sides, and conducive to regional peace and stability, which is also the common expectation of the international community. China welcomes and supports India and Pakistan to properly settle their differences and seek fundamental solutions through dialogue and consultation. China stands ready to continue playing a constructive role to this end. A: During the recent meeting with EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar, Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasised that China-India relations have their own historical logic and internal driving force, and the relationship does not target any third party, nor should it be disrupted by any third party. Similarly, the development of relations and cooperation between China and Pakistan does not target any third party. Defence and security cooperation is part of the normal cooperation between China and Pakistan. Q: Given that it is an annual practice, why did the Chinese MFA object to PM Modi's birthday greetings to the Dalai Lama? A: The 14th Dalai Lama is not a pure religious figure, but a political exile engaging in anti-China separatist activities under the cloak of religion and attempting to split [Tibet] from China. China consistently and firmly opposes any form of engagement between officials of any country and the 14th Dalai Lama. At present, the improvement and development of China-India relations are at a critical stage, and both sides need to respect each other's core interests and major concerns. China hopes that the Indian side could be fully cognizant of the sensitivity of [Tibet]-related issues, be fully aware of the 14th Dalai Lama's anti-China and separatist nature, stick to its commitment on [Tibet]-related issues, stop using [Tibet]-related issues to interfere in China's internal affairs, and refrain from any form of contacts with the Dalai group or providing any form of support or convenience for the Dalai group to carry out anti-China separatist activities, so as not to disrupt the process of improving and developing China-India relations. Q: Does the issue of the Dalai Lama's reincarnation, which the MEA says the government has 'no position' on, have a bearing on India-China ties as well? A: We have noted the MEA of India's response to media queries regarding the statement by the 14th Dalai Lama. However, it cannot be denied that some officials of India openly expressed their welcome and support for the statement by the 14th Dalai Lama and attended his 90th birthday celebration. Some people from strategic communities and the media made improper remarks on the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. Such words and deeds are, in essence, promoting interference in China's internal affairs using [Tibet]-related issues, contrary to Indian government's public stance. A: Let me reiterate that [Tibet] is an inalienable part of China's territory. The lineage of the Dalai Lamas took shape and evolved within [TAR]. The religious status and titles are the prerogative of the central government of China. The reincarnation and succession of the Dalai Lama is inherently an internal affair of China. The Chinese government upholds the principle of independence and self-governance in religious affairs and administers the reincarnation of Living Buddhas, including that of the Dalai Lama, in accordance with the law. No interference by any external forces will be allowed. Hope the Indian side could know what truly matters and what's right, and honour its commitments made to China on [Tibet]-related issues. Q: Are there at present, any talks, or plans for talks between the Chinese government and representatives of the Dalai Lama (as there have been in the past)? A: The Chinese government upholds two fundamental principles when it comes to contact and talks with the 14th Dalai Lama. First, we would only have contact and talks with him or his personal representative, not with the so-called 'Central Tibetan Administration.' Second, any contact or talks, if they occur, will only concern the personal future of the 14th Dalai Lama himself or, at most, a small number of people close to him. A: We are prepared to engage in talks with the 14th Dalai Lama regarding his personal future, provided he genuinely renounces the position aimed at splitting the motherland, completely ceases all separatist activities, publicly recognizes [Tibet] and Taiwan as integral parts of China, publicly recognises the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing all of China. Q: In the past few years, China has created groupings on COVID and poverty alleviation in South Asia that don't include India. Is there an attempt to create a 'SAARC minus India', or are there possibilities for China and India to cooperate in the region? A: China is always committed to the neighbourhood policy of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness. By enhancing Political mutual trust, carrying out Inclusive cooperation and injecting impetus into Economic empowerment, China looks forward to joining hands with South Asian countries to make a bigger 'PIE' of cooperation, to promote regional peace, stability, development and prosperity. A: 'P' stands for Political Trust. At present, China, India and other South Asian countries are at a critical stage of modernisation. China stands ready to cooperate with India to enable South Asian people to share peace and stability .'I' stands for Inclusive Cooperation. In recent years, China has initiated cooperation mechanisms such as the China-South Asia Cooperation Forum, the China-South Asia Exposition, the China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation, and has recently held the China-Bangladesh-Pakistan Vice Foreign Minister/Foreign Secretary meeting, enhancing the well-being of all the people through open cooperation. These cooperation mechanisms are by no means a closed and confrontational 'small circle'. It does not target any third party and will not be disrupted by any third party. China always welcomes India's participation in all the platforms above and looks forward to carrying out trilateral cooperation with India in South Asia, leveraging our respective strengths to produce the effect in which 1+1+1>3. 'E' stands for Economic Empowerment. Over the past 12 years since China presented the Belt and Road Initiative, trade between China and South Asian countries has doubled from less than US$100 billion to about US$200 billion.
NDTV
17-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
'Trace Them...': Supreme Court Orders Hunt For Russian Woman, Child
New Delhi: In a rather unusual child custody case, the Supreme Court has directed the External Affairs and Home ministries to issue look-out notices for a Russian woman - Victoria Basu - who has allegedly absconded with a five-year-old son from her marriage to an Indian man, Saikat Basu. A bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi also directed the Delhi Police to 'trace the missing child without any loss of time' and hand custody to the father, who claimed Ms Basu and his son - who was with his mother per a custody deal - have been 'missing' since July 7. The court also ordered Ms Basu's passport seized. Further, border officials have been directed to monitor airports and ports. And in another dramatic twist, the court also took note of the doubtful conduct of Ms Basu's counsel, who claimed not to know her whereabouts. Justice Kant shot back, "You people know everything... you think you can play with us? We will take counsels also to task... You wait..." Mr Basu had alleged his estranged wife - divorce proceedings are pending before a family court in Delhi's Saket - had been seen furtively entering the Russian embassy in Delhi via the back gate earlier this month with luggage. He claimed she had been accompanied by an embassy official. A photo allegedly showing Victoria Basu entering the Russian embassy. He told the court he feared mother and child may have since fled India. The bench also noted his allegation of an affair with a Russian embassy official; it is unclear if this is the same official who allegedly helped her enter the building undetected. The court has asked the External Affairs Ministry to request permission to search this official's home in Delhi. Ms Basu's father is reportedly a retired officer with the FSB, i.e., Russian intelligence. According to the father there was a custody deal in place that would see the boy spend three days a week with his mother. She took custody of the boy on May 22, which was the last time the Mr Basu saw him, he told the court. He claimed she was seen entering the embassy on July 4. The couple initially met in China where the husband worked as an engineer for a software company and subsequently married in India in 2017.
![Visit of Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles [MoS (PM)] to Eswatini, Lesotho and South Africa](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fall-logos-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fzawya.com.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
Zawya
16-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Visit of Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles [MoS (PM)] to Eswatini, Lesotho and South Africa
Shri Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles [Mos (PM)] will pay an official visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Kingdom of Lesotho from 18-22 July 2025 and to the Republic of South Africa from 23-25 July 2025. 2. During his visit to Eswatini, MoS (PM) is scheduled to pay courtesy call on His Majesty King Mswati III and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini. He is expected to hold meeting with Foreign Minister of Eswatini to discuss matters of mutual interest and to review the progress of bilateral relations. The visit will focus on strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade&investment, capacity building, development partnership and people-to-people exchanges. MoS (PM) will also engage with the Indian diaspora and participate in events highlighting India's development partnership initiatives in Eswatini. This visit is expected to further enhance the longstanding and friendly relations between India and the Kingdom of Eswatini. 3. In the Kingdom of Lesotho, MoS (PM) is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on His Majesty King Letsie III, and the Right Honourable Mr. Samuel Matekane, Prime Minister of Kingdom of Lesotho. MoS will also have bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations. He is expected to meet the Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology&Innovation, the Minister of Education&Training, and the Minister of Labour and Employment in Maseru. This Ministerial visit to Kingdom of Lesotho is being undertaken after a gap of 10 years following the first-ever Ministerial visit from India to Lesotho by Hon'ble Minister of State (IC) Culture, Tourism&MoS for Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, on 9 July 2015 as Special Envoy of Hon'ble Prime Minister to deliver invitations for the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit to the leadership of the Government of Lesotho. 4. In South Africa, MoS (PM) will lead a delegation to participate in the upcoming G-20 Development Ministerial Meetings (DMM) on 24-25 July 2025 in Skukuza, South Africa and is scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with the South African Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Hon'ble Ms. Maropene Lydia Ramokgopa and other Ministers responsible for Development and Heads of Delegations of other G20 Members, invited countries and International Organizations participating in the DMM. 5. MoS (PM) is also expected to have bilateral engagements and interactions with prominent leaders of businesses and members of the Indian community in Eswatini, Lesotho and South Africa. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs - Government of India.
India.com
15-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Major relief in Nimisha Priya case: Last-minute negotiations postpone Kerala nurse's execution in Yemen
Major relief in Nimisha Priya case: Last-minute negotiations postpone Kerala nurse's execution in Yemen It was a tense and emotional race against time. Just one day before Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya was supposed to be executed in Yemen, long and careful discussions finally brought a ray of hope as her execution has now been put on hold. This relief came after several people and organizations worked together. The Indian government, some Saudi-based groups, and even the Grand Mufti of Kerala, Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, helped in the talks. He even contacted a friend in Yemen's Shoora Council to request support. Finally, late on Tuesday, an official order was issued by the Yemeni court and prison authorities, saying the execution would be delayed until further notice. Indian diplomats who were part of the talks said that India has done everything possible to get this temporary relief, and negotiations will now move to the next stage, discussing blood money (a compensation paid to the victim's family under Yemeni law). Nimisha's husband, Tomy Thomas, shared his happiness but added that more efforts are still needed. Sabu M. Jerome, who helped coordinate the peace talks, thanked the governments of Yemen, India, and all others who helped. He also said that many things being reported in the media are not true and strongly praised the huge role played by the Indian government in getting this stay order. Why is Nimisha Priya facing death penalty? Priya is currently in a Yemeni prison facing the death penalty for allegedly killing her former business partner, Talal Abdo Mehdi, back in 2017. Her situation became very serious when her execution was scheduled for Wednesday. However, a wave of support and last-minute efforts has given her a chance at life. Talks are underway involving Yemen's Chief Justice, a senior religious leader from the Shoora Council, and members of Mehdi's family. The main goal of the talks is to convince the family to accept 'blood money,' a legal provision under Islamic law where the victim's family can choose to forgive in exchange for compensation. This could delay or cancel the execution. In her hometown in Palakkad, Kerala, local leaders and community members are staying hopeful as discussions continue. Support has also come from high places: Kerala Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar spoke to India's Ministry of External Affairs. Kerala's Grand Mufti, Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, reached out to contacts in Yemen to help mediate. Prominent businessman M.A. Yusuf Ali has offered to provide financial help if needed. Politicians from all parties in Kerala have requested the President of India and the Union government to act urgently. Nimisha Priya's Story: A Life Hanging in the Balance Nimisha Priya moved to Yemen in 2008 to earn a living and support her family. She started by working in hospitals and later opened her own clinic. But things took a tragic turn in 2017 after a serious dispute with her business partner, Talal Abdo Mehdi. In an attempt to get back her confiscated passport, Priya allegedly gave him sedatives. Unfortunately, the sedatives caused his death. She was caught while trying to leave Yemen and was arrested. In 2018, she was convicted of murder, and in 2020, she was given the death sentence. Yemen's Supreme Judicial Council confirmed this sentence in November 2023. However, the court has left a window open: under Islamic law, if the victim's family agrees, they can accept 'blood money' instead of demanding execution. Nimisha's case has attracted both national and international attention, raising concerns about the safety of Indian workers in war-affected countries. Her mother, Prema Kumari, has been a strong voice in this fight. She even travelling to Yemen to try and speak directly with the victim's family. She's not alone. A group of NRI activists and social workers, called the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, is actively working to help her get justice and bring her back home safely. (With IANS inpus)
The Hindu
11-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Kerala job aspirants continue to fall victim to Myanmar scam centres
An increasing number of youths from Kerala seeking overseas employment are falling victim to cyber scam at Myawaddy in Myanmar. The latest case involves Vishnu Preetha Sreenarayanan from Kundara in Kollam, who became a victim of labour fraud and human trafficking. He re-entered Thailand on July 8 after spending over two months in the 'custody of a cyber fraud gang' in Myanmar. N.K. Premachandran, MP, said that efforts were under way to bring Vishnu back to India. According to Vishnu's relative, Balu T.S., the gang released him only after a payment of ₹5 lakh was made to three bank accounts. 'Vishnu initially tried to go to Jordan for a data entry job and paid a private agency ₹2.3 lakh. However, that opportunity fell through. Later, he received an offer for a receptionist-cum-data entry position in Thailand, which he accepted without hesitation. But after reaching Thailand, he was taken to Myanmar, only to discover that the job was at a scam centre,' Mr. Balu said. Vishnu's relatives said he was subjected to degrading treatment. 'When he realised that he was working at a scam centre, he requested to return to India. They refused, confiscated his mobile phone, and even deprived him of food. They demanded ₹5 lakh for various so-called expenses. We had no choice but to pay. He was released eight days after the payment,' Mr. Balu added. The family last contacted Vishnu on July 9 when he was at an immigration detention centre in Mae Sot, Thailand, after crossing the border from Myanmar. Meanwhile, K.C. Venugopal, MP, has written to Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar seeking immediate intervention to 'bring 44 Indian nationals, including five from Kerala, who are currently held by a human trafficking gang in Dongmei Park, Myanmar.' According to the Indian Embassy in Myanmar, since July 2024 a total of 840 Indian nationals have been rescued from scam centres at Myawaddy. In March this year, 283 people, including Keralites, were rescued and brought back. Sources at NoRKA Roots said that they have been engaged in rescuing Keralites duped in Myanmar for over one-and-a-half years. However, the number of people rescued so far was not immediately known and would have to check records, said a senior official. NoRKA Roots has been running awareness campaigns, including videos on social media, warning against falling for lucrative IT jobs offered on travel visas or visit visas, especially in Southeast Asian destinations such as Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia long before the scam was widely reported.
