Latest news with #MEA
Canada News.Net
2 hours ago
- Business
- Canada News.Net
India against unilateral sanctions against Russian oil refineries
NEW DELHI, India: India has firmly rejected the European Union's latest round of sanctions on Russia, asserting that it does not recognize unilateral punitive measures. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) made the statement following the EU's announcement of its 18th sanctions package targeting Russia's energy sector amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The sanctions, described by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas in Brussels as "one of the strongest to date," include a lowered oil price cap and restrictions on 105 vessels allegedly part of Russia's shadow fleet. Notably, the EU also flagged India's Vadinar Refinery, which has significant investment from Russia's state-owned oil giant Rosneft. Responding to the move, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "India does not subscribe to any unilateral sanction measures." He emphasized India's commitment to its international obligations while defending its sovereign right to ensure energy security for its population. "Providing energy security to meet the basic needs of our citizens remains a top priority," he said, adding, "There must be no double standards, particularly concerning energy trade." Kallas reiterated the EU's resolve to continue pressuring Moscow: "Europe will not back down in its support for Ukraine. This is a clear message to Russia." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the measures, calling them "timely and necessary" in light of escalating Russian attacks. He also announced that Ukraine would align its sanctions with those of the EU and introduce additional measures. The Kremlin dismissed the sanctions. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov called them "unlawful" and claimed Russia has developed "immunity" against such restrictions. "We will assess the new measures and take steps to minimize their impact," he said. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom joined the crackdown, imposing sanctions on Russia's GRU military intelligence units and 18 officers allegedly linked to a 2022 bombing in southern Ukraine and other covert operations. The EU's proposed oil price cap, set initially at US$60 per barrel, has now been lowered to just under $48—a figure below current market rates. The European Commission had sought wider international backing for the cap, particularly from G7 nations, but failed to win support from the U.S. under the Trump administration. Oil remains a vital pillar of Russia's economy, allowing President Vladimir Putin to sustain military spending while shielding the public from severe economic fallout.
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First Post
5 hours ago
- Business
- First Post
FTA signing, talks on Khalistan and more... Why PM Modi's UK visit is important
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is off for his fourth trip to the United Kingdom. The visit, which begins today (July 23), is expected to witness the signing of a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Modi's discussions with British PM Keir Starmer will also touch upon a range of bilateral issues including security and technology read more PM Narendra Modi will hold talks with British PM Keir Starmer on a range of issues. File Photo/Reuters Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on an official visit to the United Kingdom on Wednesday (July 23). The trip is expected to witness the signing of a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the UK. The two sides had concluded negotiations for the trade agreement on May 6. During his trip, Modi will discuss various issues with British PM Keir Starmer concerning bilateral relations. From the UK, PM Modi will depart for Maldives for a state visit from July 25-26. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As the Indian leader begins his two-nation tour, here's what's on the agenda during the UK visit. Recent uptick in India-UK ties The relations between India and the UK have been on the rise in recent years. The Strategic Partnership between the two countries was elevated to Enhanced Partnership for the Future in 2010. The historical ties have got a boost since Brexit. In 2021, India and the UK upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They also adopted Roadmap 2030 to boost the relations in trade and investment, defence and security, and people-to-people contact and so on. In 2023, India and the UK established the 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue. Last year, they launched the Technology Security Initiative. In May, New Delhi and London concluded talks to reach a bilateral Free Trade Agreement deal, discussions for which first began in January 2022. Business ties have also enhanced between India and the UK, with goods trade surpassing $23 billion in 2024-25, Indian Express reported, citing data by Indian government sources. PM Modi in the UK PM Narendra Modi, who is on his fourth visit to the UK, will hold discussions with his British counterpart Keir Starmer on a range of bilateral issues. 'They will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance,' the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in the official announcement. The Indian leader is also slated to meet King Charles III. PM Narendra Modi interacts with Britain's Keir Starmer on the sidelines of the G20 summit at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in November 2024. File Photo/Reuters During the visit, PM Modi will review the state of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), 'with a specific focus on trade and economy, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate, health, education and people to people ties,' the MEA said. PM Modi is also likely to interact with business leaders in the UK. FTA, Khalistan & more A key part of PM Modi's UK visit is the finalisation of the trade agreement between the two countries. India and the UK are expected to sign the FTA on July 24. 'We are working on legal scrubbing and other last-minute work that needs to be done,' Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told a press conference on Tuesday, ahead of PM Modi's visit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The India-UK FTA would eliminate duties on 99 per cent of Indian exports to Britain, including key sectors such as textiles, leather, gems and jewellery and auto parts and engines. In return, India will reduce or remove tariffs on 90 per cent of British products, including medical devices and alcoholic beverages. According to British estimates, the India-UK FTA will enhance bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually by 2040. PM Modi had announced the trade deal with the UK on May 6, calling it 'ambitious and mutually beneficial'. The UK government has described the agreement as 'the biggest and most economically significant bilateral trade deal'. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will accompany PM Modi to London for the signing of the India-UK FTA. The talks will reportedly feature matters related to security and technology. India is likely to raise the issue of a surge in Khalistani threat in the UK. 'The presence of Khalistani extremists…we have brought to the attention of our partners in the UK. This should be a matter of concern for our partners as well,' Misri told the media. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Modi had flagged the issue to Starmer on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada in June. The two leaders had also interacted during the G20 Summit in Brazil last year. The extradition of fugitives could also be among the top agendas during PM Modi's UK visit. India is seeking the extradition of Lalit Modi, Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya, who are wanted for financial fraud, from the UK. 'There are a few questions related to fugitives from Indian law and justice in the UK. These have been a matter of discussion between both sides, and we continue to make the case for these fugitives to be rendered to India. Obviously, there is a legal process that such requests and such issues go through in the other country, and we continue to follow up very closely with our partners in the UK on these matters,' the Indian foreign secretary said. With inputs from agencies STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Indian Express
5 hours ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Today in Politics: Modi to begin 4-day tour of UK, Maldives; Kejriwal, Mann in Gujarat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a four-day visit to the United Kingdom and the Maldives from Wednesday to shore up overall bilateral ties and formalise the landmark India-UK free trade deal that is set to pave the way for doubling two-way trade by 2030 from current $60 billion. Modi will first travel to the UK on a two-day trip and then will visit the Maldives primarily to grace the island nation's Independence Day celebrations as 'guest of honour', according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). In the first leg of his trip, Modi will visit the UK from July 23 to 24 to hold wide-ranging talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the MEA said on Sunday. India and the UK are expected to formally sign the free trade deal during PM Modi's visit to London, people familiar with the matter said, adding the British side has completed the administrative process for inking of the pact. It will be PM Modi's fourth visit to the UK. The MEA said he is also expected to call on King Charles III. 'During the visit, the two sides will also review the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with a specific focus on trade and economy, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate, health, education and people-to-people ties,' the MEA said in a statement. Bhagwat to address BMS foundation day event RSS-affiliate Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) will organise an event on Wednesday to mark 70 years of its foundation. The event, to be attended by a large number of delegates, will be addressed by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, BMS president Hiranmay Pandya said on Monday. 'The BMS will mark 70 glorious years of its journey with a grand event on July 23…. Union Minister for Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya will grace the occasion as the guest of honour,' Pandya told a press conference at Keshav Kunj, the RSS office here. Pandya said the BMS will felicitate many of its senior activists and workers for their exemplary contributions. 'The dignitaries to be attending the event include the director of the International Labour Organisation (India), officials from the V V Giri National Labour Institute and the ministry of labour and employment, members of Parliament and senior leaders of other trade unions,' he said. Kejriwal, Mann in Gujarat Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will be on a two-day Gujarat visit from Wednesday, the party said last week. On Wednesday, the two leaders will take part in the party's 'Kisan-Pashupalak Mahapanchayat' gathering in support of farmers and cattle-breeders, and speak at a public meeting in support of jailed AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava, said the party's state unit chief Isudan Gadhvi. Tipra Motha to meet EC The Election Commission (EC) has invited a delegation of Tipra Motha for a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the concerns raised by the party about possible enrolment of illegal immigrants in Tripura's voter roll, TMP supremo Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma said. The meeting has been called following a request from the TMP, a constituent of the BJP-led coalition government in Tripura. Debbarma in a social media post said, 'After we raised our concerns about possible enrolment of illegal immigrants in Tripura's voter roll and demanded a Bihar – like Special Intensive Revision (SIR), the Election Commission of India has called us for a meeting on July 23 to discuss these issues,' Debbarma said in a Facebook post on Saturday. – With PTI inputs
India Today
5 hours ago
- Health
- India Today
India sends team of burn-specialist doctors to Dhaka after military plane crash
India on Tuesday night announced that it is dispatching a team of burn-specialist doctors and nurses to Dhaka to treat those injured in the military jet crash in least 31 people, including 25 children, were killed when a military jet crashed into the Milestone School and College in the Uttara area of the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, on Monday. Most injuries in the crash resulted from Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences at the loss of lives in the tragic air crash and conveyed assurances of support and assistance. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "A team of burn-specialist doctors and nurses with necessary medical support are scheduled to visit Dhaka shortly to treat the victims."The team will assess the condition of patients and provide recommendations for further treatment and specialised care in India as necessary. Depending on this preliminary assessment, additional medical teams may also be sent to is learnt that the medical team includes two Delhi-based doctors - one from the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and the other from Safdarjung has also announced that, based on doctors' recommendations, it will arrange treatment for several injured individuals in Indian Bangladesh Air Force has formed a high-level investigation committee to determine the cause of the accident.- EndsMust Watch
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Business Standard
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Govt to send burn-specialist team to Dhaka to treat air crash victims
India is extending urgent medical support to Bangladesh in the aftermath of the tragic air crash in Dhaka, with a team of burn-specialist doctors and nurses scheduled to visit shortly, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday. According to the MEA, "On July 21, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed condolences at the loss of lives in the tragic air crash in Dhaka and had conveyed assurances of support and assistance." The medical response forms part of these assurances. In a statement issued from New Delhi, the ministry added, "A team of burn-specialist Doctors and Nurses with necessary medical support are scheduled to visit Dhaka shortly to treat the victims. They will make an assessment of the condition of patients with recommendation for further treatment and specialised care in India as necessary. Additional medical teams may also follow depending on their preliminary assessment and treatment." The deployment of the medical team comes as part of India's response to the recent fighter jet crash in the Diabari area of Bangladesh's Dhaka, for which India has offered medical assistance to support the treatment of victims. Meanwhile, the death toll in the crash incident has risen to 27. "As follow up to the message from the Prime Minister of India, expressing condolence on the tragic Milestone School plane crash and offering all possible support & assistance, Indian High Commission has today formally written to Government of Bangladesh asking for sharing information on any critical medical support that may be needed to be arranged in India for those injured in the tragic incident," the Indian High Commission in Dhaka said in a statement on Tuesday. "The Indian High Commission will extend all necessary facilitation," it added. In a clarification, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that the aircraft involved in the crash was a battle-ready fighter jet conducting a training mission. "The total number of deaths has risen to 27," said Saidur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, on Tuesday morning. Bangladesh is observing national mourning today, in memory of the victims of the fighter aircraft crash. A Bangladesh Air Force F-7 fighter jet crashed into the Milestone School and College campus in Dhaka on Monday afternoon. The jet was being piloted by Bangladeshi Air Force Flight Lieutenant Mohammad Towkir Islam Sagar, who had also died in the crash, the Daily Star reported. Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, also expressed his profound grief over the incident. In his condolence message on X, Yunus described the incident as an "irreparable" loss for the Bangladesh Air Force, as well as others affected. "I express my deep grief and sorrow over the tragic incident of casualties caused by the crash of a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BJI training aircraft at the Milestone School and College campus in the Diabari area of the capital today. The loss suffered by the Air Force, the students, parents, teachers, and staff of Milestone School and College, as well as others affected by this accident, is irreparable. This is a moment of profound pain for the nation," Yunus stated in the post. The Chief Adviser further prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the crash. "I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and direct all concerned authorities, including hospitals, to address the situation with the utmost priority. The government will take necessary measures to investigate the cause of the accident and ensure all forms of assistance," the post added.
