Latest news with #FOC
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
India, U.K. discuss ways to boost ties in key sectors
India and the U.K. on Tuesday (June 3, 2025) held extensive talks boosting cooperation in areas such as defence and security, counter-terrorism, and green energy. The two sides discussed ways to expand the ties at the 17th India-U.K. foreign office consultations (FOC) and first strategic exports and technology cooperation dialogue. The Indian delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri while the U.K. side was headed by Sir Oliver Robbins, Permanent Under-Secretary (PUS) at Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. In the FOC meeting, Misri conveyed India's appreciation for the British government's solidarity and support to India in its fight against terrorism. India and the U.K. are comprehensive strategic partners. "The FOC provided an opportunity to review and discuss the entire gamut of bilateral relations. Both sides welcomed the conclusion of the India-U.K. free trade agreement and double contribution convention," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. Last month, India and the U.K. sealed a landmark free trade agreement that will benefit 99% Indian exports from tariff and will make it easier for British firms to export whisky, cars and other products to India besides boosting overall trade basket. Along with the FTA -- the biggest the U.K. has done since leaving the European Union -- the two sides also sealed a double contribution convention. In their talks, Mr. Misri and Mr. Robbins discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment and financial sector, defence and security, counter-terrorism, technology, science, innovation, green energy, climate, health, education, and people-to-people relations, the MEA said in a statement. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including developments in Russia-Ukraine, Indo-Pacific and West Asia, it said.
India Gazette
21-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
EAM Jaishankar wishes Montenegro FM Ibrahimovic on their Independence Day
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday extended his greetings to Montenegro on their Independence day. Jaishankar also shared an old picture of himself with Montenegro Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimovic. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, 'Warm greetings to DPM & FM Ervin Ibrahimovic, the Government and the people of Montenegro on their Independence Day. Deeply value our friendship and cooperation.' Earlier the two leaders met on the sidelines of 79th UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) in New York on September 27, 2024. 'Nice to meet DPM & FM Ervin Ibrahimovic of Montenegro today on sidelines of UNGA 79. Our conversation focussed on advancing cooperation in business, health and tourism,' Jaishankar stated. On October 28, India and Montenegro held the third round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) on Monday in Podgorica, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. The Indian side was led by Arun Kumar Sahu, Additional Secretary (Central Europe Division) and the Montenegrin side by acting Director General for Bilateral Affairs, Aleksandar Drljevic. During the FOC, both sides reviewed bilateral relations and shared views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. Bilateral discussion encompassed a range of issues including political ties, trade, S&T, cultural relations, and people-to-people contacts. Cooperation between the two countries in international and multilateral fora was also discussed, the statement added. Both sides agreed to hold the next session of the consultations in New Delhi on mutually convenient dates. Notably, India's relations with Montenegro have traditionally been close and friendly since the days of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) of which it was a constituent republic. Jaishankar had met the President of Montenegro, Milo Dukanovic, on the sidelines of the GLOBSEC 2022 Bratislava Forum in June 2022. Both leaders noted the friendly ties between the two countries and the close cooperation in the multilateral fora. They discussed ways to expand our relations across sectors, especially in the areas of investment, culture, tourism and renewable energy. (ANI)
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
EAM Jaishankar wishes Montenegro FM Ibrahimovic on their Independence Day
Earlier the two leaders met on the sidelines of 79th UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) in New York on September 27, 2024 ANI Asia External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday extended his greetings to Montenegro on their Independence day. Jaishankar also shared an old picture of himself with Montenegro Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimovic. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Warm greetings to DPM & FM Ervin Ibrahimovic, the Government and the people of Montenegro on their Independence Day. Deeply value our friendship and cooperation." Earlier the two leaders met on the sidelines of 79th UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) in New York on September 27, 2024. "Nice to meet DPM & FM Ervin Ibrahimovic of Montenegro today on sidelines of UNGA 79. Our conversation focussed on advancing cooperation in business, health and tourism," Jaishankar stated. On October 28, India and Montenegro held the third round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) on Monday in Podgorica, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. The Indian side was led by Arun Kumar Sahu, Additional Secretary (Central Europe Division) and the Montenegrin side by acting Director General for Bilateral Affairs, Aleksandar Drljevic. During the FOC, both sides reviewed bilateral relations and shared views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. Bilateral discussion encompassed a range of issues including political ties, trade, S & T, cultural relations, and people-to-people contacts. Cooperation between the two countries in international and multilateral fora was also discussed, the statement added. Both sides agreed to hold the next session of the consultations in New Delhi on mutually convenient dates. Notably, India's relations with Montenegro have traditionally been close and friendly since the days of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) of which it was a constituent republic. Jaishankar had met the President of Montenegro, Milo Dukanovic, on the sidelines of the GLOBSEC 2022 Bratislava Forum in June 2022. Both leaders noted the friendly ties between the two countries and the close cooperation in the multilateral fora. They discussed ways to expand our relations across sectors, especially in the areas of investment, culture, tourism and renewable energy.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Pakistan Defence Minister seeks deeper ties with Bangladesh amid tensions with India
Islamabad sought to step up its ties with Dhaka notwithstanding Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's decision to postpone his Bangladesh visit beginning Sunday. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack India stares at a 'water bomb' threat as it freezes Indus Treaty India readies short, mid & long-term Indus River plans Shehbaz Sharif calls India's stand "worn-out narrative" Last weekend, amid tensions with India Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said he looked forward to 'deepening' engagement in various sectors with Bangladesh and said both Islamabad and Dhaka are keenly working for furthering economic, political, and cultural cooperation. Asif was speaking at a reception to celebrate the 54th National and Independence Day of Bangladesh as the chief guest in Islamabad on Friday. Pakistan Army has plans to enhance its ties with Bangladesh Army with focus on training. High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh Syed Ahmed Maroof called on the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Md. Jashim Uddin at Dhaka on Monday. During the meeting, both sides 'expressed satisfaction with the constructive discussion and the successful conclusion of the sixth round of Foreign Secretary Level Bilateral Consultations between Bangladesh and Pakistan on 17 April 2025 in Dhaka, highlighting it as a positive step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation ,' according to a statement issued by the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry. Live Events The importance of continued follow-up and further work by the relevant authorities from both sides on the areas and issues discussed during the Foreign Secretary Level Bilateral Consultations was emphasized at the Monday's meeting. Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch recently visited Bangladesh as Dhaka and Islamabad held the Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) after a gap of 15 years as both countries sought to revive ties that had touched a low under Awami League government. The High Commissioner of Pakistan briefed the Foreign Secretary about regional issues indicating that the issue of current tensions between India-Pakistan figured in the talks. Meanwhile, a high-level business delegation from Pakistan is visiting Bangladesh for the Bangladesh-Pakistan Business Forum. Earlier, Pakistan Foreign Ministry in a statement announced, "Owing to unforeseen circumstances, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan is unable to undertake the visit to Bangladesh on April 27-28, 2025." Ever since Sheikh Hasina was ousted last August, Bangladesh interim regime under influence of Islamists and BNP has found common cause with Pakistan in targeting India. Concerted efforts have been made to improve Bangladesh-Pakistan ties since last August. There have been allegations of ISI's role in abetting the student protests in Bangladesh last year.
The Hindu
26-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Pakistan's Defence Minister seeks stronger ties with Bangladesh
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said he looked forward to 'deepening' engagement in various sectors with Bangladesh and said both Islamabad and Dhaka are keenly working for furthering economic, political, and cultural cooperation. Also Read | Pakistan doing West's dirty work for decades: Pakistan Defence Minister Mr. Asif was speaking at a reception to celebrate the 54th National and Independence Day of Bangladesh as the chief guest on Friday, Geo News said on Saturday (April 26, 2025). The event, hosted by Bangladesh High Commissioner Muhammad Iqbal Hussain Khan, came days after Bangladesh and Pakistan held a foreign secretary-level Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) in Dhaka after a gap of nearly 15 years. Mr. Asif, referring to the cordial ties between the two countries, said that both countries were keenly working for furthering economic, political, and cultural cooperation, Geo News said. 'We value our relations with Bangladesh and look forward to deepening our engagement in various sectors,' he said as he extended greetings to the government and people of Bangladesh. The Minister highlighted the historical ties and bilateral relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh and emphasised the necessity to further strengthen relations to enhance 'development cooperation between the people of both countries.' High Commissioner Hussain Khan emphasised the desire of his country for maintaining strong and friendly ties with Pakistan, Geo News said, adding, he also stressed the need for enhanced cooperation and mutual understanding. Multiple federal Ministers, members of the diplomatic corps and civil society were present at the event. Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin and Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch led their respective sides and discussed the entire range of bilateral issues focusing on trade ties during the Foreign Office Consultation on April 17. Bangladesh raised 'historically unresolved issues' and demanded a public apology from Pakistan over the 1971 atrocities during the FOC and asked Islamabad to pay $4.3 billion as its share from the combined assets at the time when East Pakistan split from West Pakistan in 1971 to form an independent Bangladesh. The Foreign Secretary-level talks were held amid a thaw between the two countries after the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August last year. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who was to visit Bangladesh on April 27 and 28, postponed his visit amid escalation of tensions with India following the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.
