Latest news with #G20


India Gazette
3 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Our relationship, connect, and empathy truly special": EAM Jaishankar hails India-Africa ties
New Delhi [India], May 28 (ANI): 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. (ANI)


India Gazette
7 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
India-Italy relations are on upward trajectory, expresses gratitude for support after Pahalgam attack: Jaishankar
New Delhi [India], May 28 (ANI): Lauding ties between India and Italy, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that relations between the two nations are on an upward trajectory and there is new momentum of political dialogue, visits, and interest in each other's potential. He reiterated India's commitment to consolidate the India-Italy Strategic Partnership. In his remarks at Italy's National Day Celebrations in Delhi on Wednesday, Jaishankar emphasised that India and Italy share maritime interests and a commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and shipping. Jaishankar said, 'Either in the Indo-Pacific or the Indo-Mediterranean, as peninsular nations, India and Italy share maritime interests and a commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and shipping. Italy's greater presence in the Indo-Pacific region as well as its undertaking activities under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) pillar of science and technology will surely boost our cooperation further.' 'India-Italy relations are undoubtedly on an upward trajectory. There is a new momentum of political dialogue, of visits, of interest in each other's potential, which I am confident will be tapped by stakeholders. So, let me reiterate our government's commitment to consolidate the India-Italy Strategic Partnership,' he added. He thanked Italy for offering support to India following the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. He talked about India's 'firm, resolute and measured response' by targeting terror centres and laund pads. Expressing gratitude to Italy for offering support to India following Pahalgam attack, he said, 'Let me begin by conveying best wishes to the government and people of Italy on the occasion of your National Day. We are thankful, Ambassador, for Italy's solidarity and support to India following the barbaric terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir.' Referring to Operation Sindoor carried out by India in response to Pahalgam terror attack, he said, 'India gave a firm, resolute and measured response by destroying the relevant terror centers and launch pads. India's right to defend its people against acts of terror has also been recognized by countries across the world. We believe that world will have zero tolerance for terrorism and cross-border terrorism.' He noted that strategic partnership between India and Italy is based on shared values and converging interests and recalled the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of G20 Summit and the G7 meeting. He said, 'Our strategic partnership with Italy is based on shared values and converging interests. This is evident in platforms like the G20. The ambassador mentioned Prime Ministers Modi and Meloni meeting both of the G20 and the G7 and also in multilateral initiatives like the IMEC, the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor, the Global Biofuels Alliance, the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, the International Solar Alliance, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.' 'Our bilateral relations have intensified after adoption of the Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025-29 by our Prime Ministers last November. We are hopeful that the roadmap provided in the GASAP will result in concrete and practical outcomes for our economies, societies and people,' he added. He called trade and economic cooperation a vital pillar of partnership and also recalled attending the India-Italy Business Science and Tech Forum along with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani and Italy's Minister of University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini. He said, 'Trade and economic cooperation obviously form a vital pillar of our partnership. Last month, I had the opportunity to participate in the India-Italy Business Science and Tech Forum along with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tajani and Minister Bernini. The event brought together business leaders and representatives of universities and research centers of both countries to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership across many sectors. This is also an opportunity to further boost our bilateral trade, which stands at USD 15 billion annually.' 'As the world's fastest-growing economy, fastest-growing large economy, India's tribes in various sectors open several opportunities for investment by Italian companies and you heard from the ambassador in that regard. Italy's technologies and best practices in various sectors such as clean energy, agri-tech, logistics, shipbuilding are amongst others that can be impactful as India makes the journey towards becoming a big 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047,' he added. Jaishankar said that the Indian diaspora in Italy is among the largest in the European Union and expressed confidence that the mobility of professionals, academics and researchers in future will increase the flow of knowledge and talent between India and Italy. He said, 'The Indian diaspora in Italy is among the largest in the European Union. They are well-received and appreciated for their contribution in sectors ranging from agriculture, dairy, industry, healthcare and other fields. We are confident that in the future, the mobility of professionals, academics and researchers will increase the flow of knowledge and talent between our two countries.' (ANI)


India Gazette
7 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
India-Italy relations are on upward trajectory; Jaishankar expresses gratitude for support after Pahalgam attack
New Delhi [India], May 28 (ANI): Lauding ties between India and Italy, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that relations between the two nations are on an upward trajectory and there is new momentum of political dialogue, visits, and interest in each other's potential. He reiterated India's commitment to consolidate the India-Italy Strategic Partnership. In his remarks at Italy's National Day Celebrations in Delhi on Wednesday, Jaishankar emphasised that India and Italy share maritime interests and a commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and shipping. Jaishankar said, 'Either in the Indo-Pacific or the Indo-Mediterranean, as peninsular nations, India and Italy share maritime interests and a commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and shipping. Italy's greater presence in the Indo-Pacific region as well as its undertaking activities under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) pillar of science and technology will surely boost our cooperation further.' 'India-Italy relations are undoubtedly on an upward trajectory. There is a new momentum of political dialogue, of visits, of interest in each other's potential, which I am confident will be tapped by stakeholders. So, let me reiterate our government's commitment to consolidate the India-Italy Strategic Partnership,' he added. He thanked Italy for offering support to India following the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. He talked about India's 'firm, resolute and measured response' by targeting terror centres and laund pads. Expressing gratitude to Italy for offering support to India following Pahalgam attack, he said, 'Let me begin by conveying best wishes to the government and people of Italy on the occasion of your National Day. We are thankful, Ambassador, for Italy's solidarity and support to India following the barbaric terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir.' Referring to Operation Sindoor carried out by India in response to Pahalgam terror attack, he said, 'India gave a firm, resolute and measured response by destroying the relevant terror centers and launch pads. India's right to defend its people against acts of terror has also been recognized by countries across the world. We believe that world will have zero tolerance for terrorism and cross-border terrorism.' He noted that strategic partnership between India and Italy is based on shared values and converging interests and recalled the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of G20 Summit and the G7 meeting. He said, 'Our strategic partnership with Italy is based on shared values and converging interests. This is evident in platforms like the G20. The ambassador mentioned Prime Ministers Modi and Meloni meeting both of the G20 and the G7 and also in multilateral initiatives like the IMEC, the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor, the Global Biofuels Alliance, the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, the International Solar Alliance, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.' 'Our bilateral relations have intensified after adoption of the Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025-29 by our Prime Ministers last November. We are hopeful that the roadmap provided in the GASAP will result in concrete and practical outcomes for our economies, societies and people,' he added. He called trade and economic cooperation a vital pillar of partnership and also recalled attending the India-Italy Business Science and Tech Forum along with Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani and Italy's Minister of University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini. He said, 'Trade and economic cooperation obviously form a vital pillar of our partnership. Last month, I had the opportunity to participate in the India-Italy Business Science and Tech Forum along with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tajani and Minister Bernini. The event brought together business leaders and representatives of universities and research centers of both countries to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership across many sectors. This is also an opportunity to further boost our bilateral trade, which stands at USD 15 billion annually.' 'As the world's fastest-growing economy, fastest-growing large economy, India's tribes in various sectors open several opportunities for investment by Italian companies and you heard from the ambassador in that regard. Italy's technologies and best practices in various sectors such as clean energy, agri-tech, logistics, shipbuilding are amongst others that can be impactful as India makes the journey towards becoming a big 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047,' he added. Jaishankar said that the Indian diaspora in Italy is among the largest in the European Union and expressed confidence that the mobility of professionals, academics and researchers in future will increase the flow of knowledge and talent between India and Italy. He said, 'The Indian diaspora in Italy is among the largest in the European Union. They are well-received and appreciated for their contribution in sectors ranging from agriculture, dairy, industry, healthcare and other fields. We are confident that in the future, the mobility of professionals, academics and researchers will increase the flow of knowledge and talent between our two countries.' (ANI)


eNCA
11 hours ago
- Science
- eNCA
G20 Meeting of Chief Agricultural Scientists
JOHANNESBURG - Leading experts came together to tackle critical issues affecting global agriculture, food systems, and sustainability. WATCH: Discussion | G20 | Women's minister to lead session with UN Group The G20 Meeting of Chief Agricultural Scientists is a precursor to the G20 Agriculture Working Group Ministerial Meeting in September. The gathering is focused on collaborative efforts to address agricultural challenges and promote sustainable practices among member countries. Dr Litha Magingxa, G20 MACS chairperson and CEO of the Agricultural Research Council discussed the summit with eNCA.


Time of India
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
India's right to defend its people against terrorism recognised by various countries: Jaishankar
India gave a "firm, resolute and measured" response by destroying terror centres and launchpads in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, and the country's right to defend its people against terrorism has also been recognised by nations across the world, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday. In his address at an event held at the Italian embassy here, he also recalled the solidarity expressed by Italy following the "barbaric" terror attack on April 22 in which 26 lives were lost. The external affairs minister underlined that India-Italy bilateral ties are "undoubtedly on an upward trajectory". by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [단독] 서울 임플란트 '33만원' 에 가능해 플란치과 더 알아보기 The event was hosted this evening to mark Italy's National Day. "We are thankful for Italy's solidarity and support to India following the barbaric terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. India gave a firm and resolute and measured response by destroying the relevant terror centres and launchpads," Jaishankar said. Live Events India decimated nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir with precision strikes early on May 7 under Operation Sindoor , in response to the dastardly Pahalgam massacre. "India's right to defend its people against acts of terror has also been recognised by countries across the world. We believe that the world will have zero tolerance for terrorism and cross-border terrorism," he said. In his address, Jaishankar said India's strategic partnership with Italy is based on "shared values and converging interests". This is evident on platforms like G20 and the meetings between Prime Minster Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni at G20 and G7 fora. He underlined that India's partnership with Italy is also in multilateral initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, Global Biofuels Alliance, Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, International Solar Alliance, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. "Our bilateral relations have intensified after adoption of the Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025-29, by our Prime Ministers last November. We are hopeful that the roadmap provided in the JSAP will result in concrete and practical outcome for our societies and peoples," he said. Trade and economic cooperation form an "important pillar of our partnership", the external affairs minister added. Jaishankar also underlined that the the Indian diaspora in Italy is among the largest in Europe, and they are well received and appreciated for their contribution in various sectors. In his address, he said, "Either in the Indo-Pacific or Indo-Mediterranean, as peninsular nations, India and Italy share maritime interests and a commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and shipping. Italy's greater presence in the Indo-Pacific Region as well as its undertaking activities surely boost our cooperation further," he said. Jaishankar asserted that "India-Italy relations are undoubtedly on an upward trajectory". "There is a new momentum of political dialogue, of visits, of interest in each other's potentials, which I am confident will be tapped by stakeholders," he said. He also reiterated the Indian government's commitment to consolidate India-Italy Strategic Partnership.