Latest news with #MinistryofExternalAffairsofIndia
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
4th Meeting of India-Egypt Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism
The 4th Meeting of the India-Egypt Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism was held on 30 April 2025 in Cairo. The two delegations were led by Ambassador K. D. Dewal, Joint Secretary (Counter Terrorism), Ministry of External Affairs of India and Ambassador Walid Al-Fiqi, Director of the Department of Counter Terrorism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt and included representatives of various agencies from both countries. India and Egypt strongly condemned the recent heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam that targeted domestic and international tourists. Egypt reaffirmed its full support for India in confronting all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining the country's security and stability. Both sides agreed to strengthen joint efforts in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The two sides exchanged views on terror threats in their respective countries and regions. Both sides discussed ways to strengthen areas of cooperation to counter new and emerging challenges such as use of technology for terrorist purposes and financing of terrorism, including crypto currencies, unmanned aerial systems and misuse of cyber space by terrorists for spreading terrorist propaganda. The two sides agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in anti-money laundering efforts, drug trafficking and organized crime. Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in training and capacity building, cyber security, use of AI for counter terrorism, exchange of best practices and information sharing. The two sides also discussed strengthening of multilateral cooperation in counter terrorism including in the United Nations, BRICS, the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF) and FATF. In this context, both sides exchanged views on how to enhance effectiveness of the GCTF and reiterated the commitment to early finalization and adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT). The next meeting of the Joint Working Group shall be held in India on a mutually convenient date. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs - Government of India.
India.com
27-04-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Use Of Water As Weapon: Pakistan PM Sharif Raises Indus Row In Call With Iranian President
Days after India suspended the Indus Water Treaty, the water shortage threat is looming large on Pakistani regions dependent on the Chenab river for their water needs. After Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian called Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif made a call to his Iranian counterpart and raised the Indus Water Treaty suspension issue. In his call with Pezeshkian, Sharif also rued the alleged weaponisation of water by India. Sharif also expressed shock over the explosion at the Shahid Rajaee Port, Bandar Abbas in Iran. Sharif's Call To Iran "I spoke to my brother, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran this evening, to express my deep shock at the tragic explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port, Bandar Abbas. Expressed solidarity with Iran on the loss of precious lives and prayed for early recovery of the injured," said Sharif. In his call with Iranian President, Sharif played the victim of terrorism. "We also exchanged views on the regional situation. Reaffirmed Pakistan strong desire for peace in the region and reiterated our condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations. Recalled that Pakistan was itself one of the biggest victims of terrorism. Denounced India's use of water as a weapon, which was unacceptable to Pakistan," he said. Iran Reaches Out To PM Modi Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs of India said that President Pezeshkian called PM Modi to express condolences for the victims of the Pahalgam attack. "President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran called PM Narendra Modi and strongly condemned the terror attack in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and conveyed his condolences for the victims. Both leaders agreed that there could be no justification for such acts of terror and all those who believe in humanity must stand together in the fight against terrorism," said the MEA. The MEA further said, "PM shared the anger and anguish of the people of India and their resolve to deal with those behind the terror attack and their supporters, firmly and decisively. PM also conveyed his condolences for the loss of lives in the explosion in Bandar Abbas today and wished speedy recovery for those injured." Bandar Abbas Explosion A massive explosion hit Iran's Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas in which at least 14 people were killed and 750 others were injured. A huge plume of thick, grey smoke was seen rising from the Shahid Rajaee port complex. The Iranian government has said that the explosion was likely related to chemicals being stored. Pahalgam Terror Attack On April 22, a group of 5-7 terrorists entered the Baisaran meadow, a popular tourist spot in Pahalgam, and identified non-Muslim tourists one by one and shot most of them point blank. The terrorists killed 26 people, mainly tourists. The attack has attracted widespread global condemnation and support for India.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
What drove India to the drastic, never-used Indus water option? Indian Embassy in Washington reveals the reason
— IndianEmbassyUS (@IndianEmbassyUS) Live Events The Indian Embassy in Washington just explained the reason why India made the drastic, hitherto-unexplored, unanticipated water move, giving a peek into the govt's hardening, winner-take-all stance on Pakistan, revealing the proverbial last straw that broke the camel's is worth noting here that the Indus Water Treaty , signed in 1960, had survived three bloody wars between the two neighbours and India's big decision taken following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam , the Indian Embassy in Washington said that the compact was established with intentions of goodwill and friendship. It pointed out that Pakistan's backing of state-sponsored terrorism has significantly undermined this a statement made via a post on X, the Indian Embassy addressed media inquiries about the suspension of the treaty, explaining why India can't be expected to keep cooperating with a country like Pakistan. It posted, "The Indus Water Treaty was concluded by India with Pakistan in a spirit of goodwill and friendship in 1960."The statement further emphasised, "Pakistan, through its well-documented, state-sponsored terrorism directed against India, has corroded this spirit. India cannot be expected to continue to cooperate with a country which is responsible for killing innocent civilians."In response to the tragic events in Pahalgam, the Ministry of External Affairs of India declared several robust measures, including the immediate suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. This suspension will remain in effect until Pakistan can provide credible and irreversible assurances that it will renounce its support for cross-border Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations facilitated by the World Bank, has been recognised as one of the most effective international agreements. It has survived numerous tensions and conflicts, providing a vital framework for irrigation and hydropower development for over 50 years. Former World Bank President Eugene Black was instrumental in initiating these Eisenhower, a former President of the United States, famously referred to the treaty as "one bright spot ... in a very depressing world picture that we see so often." The agreement designates the Western Rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—to Pakistan, while the Eastern Rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—are allocated to India. Importantly, the treaty also permits both nations to utilise certain aspects of the rivers assigned to the other party. Specifically, India is allocated 20 percent of the water from the Indus River System, with Pakistan receiving the remaining 80 per cent.
Khaleej Times
03-03-2025
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
India: Birth certificate now mandatory to issue new passport for some citizens under amended rules
The Ministry of External Affairs of India has made amendments to rules related to submission of proof of date of birth for issuing of passports. Under the new Passports (Amendment) Rules 2025, those born on or after October 1, 2023, will have to show a birth certificate to issue a new passport. This document will be the only valid proof for date of birth and must be issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths or the Municipal Corporation or any other authority, empowered under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 (18 of 1969), the authority stated. The new changes have come into effect from February 28. Meanwhile, individuals born prior to this date can submit one of the following documents as the proof for date of birth: Birth certificate issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths or the Municipal Corporation or any other authority, empowered under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 (18 of 1969) Transfer/school leaving/ matriculation certificate issued by the recognised school last attended or recognised educational board having the date of birth of the applicant The applicant's Permanent Account Number Card issued by the Income-tax Department which contains the date of birth of the applicant Copy of an extract of the service record of the applicant (only in respect of government servants) or the Pay Pension Order (in respect of retired government servants). This document must be duly attested or certified by the officer-in-charge of the administration of the concerned ministry or department of the applicant and must contain his/her's date of birth Driving licence issued by the Transport Department of the concerned state government along with the date of birth of the applicant on it Election Photo Identity Card issued by the Election Commission of India containing the date of birth of the applicant Policy bond issued by the Life Insurance Corporations of India or public companies having the date of birth of the holder of the insurance policy Previously, there used to a cut-off date of January 26, 1989 set by the Indian government for mandatory submission of the birth certificate as proof for date of birth. This was permanently removed in 2016, allowing all applicants to be able to submit either one of the above-mentioned documents as proof of date of birth to issue a new passport.
