Latest news with #Misri
News18
2 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Weeks Before Crackdown On TRF, India's Vikram Misri Provided Dossier To US & UN Teams
Last Updated: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri presented irrefutable evidence tracing TRF's command structure and operational ties to the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Pakistan's intelligence services In the wake of the brutal Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, India escalated its diplomatic offensive against cross-border terrorism, pointing the global spotlight on an increasingly dangerous proxy group: The Resistance Front (TRF). The attack, one of the worst in recent years, left 26 civilians dead and reignited concerns about Pakistan-backed insurgent networks operating under new guises. Less than a month later, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri personally spearheaded the delivery of a well-documented dossier to both the United States State Department and the UN Security Council's 1267 Sanctions Committee, presenting irrefutable evidence tracing TRF's command structure and operational ties to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Pakistan's intelligence services. According to Hindustan Times, Misri, during his official visit to Washington DC from May 27 to May 29, submitted the dossier in a bid to build international consensus for designating TRF as a global terror group. The same documents were also shared with United Nations officials, asking for Sheikh Sajjad Gul—the elusive TRF leader and long-time LeT operative—to be listed under the UN's terror sanctions regime. The response from the United States was both swift and resolute. Four days before the formal notification on Thursday, India was informed of the TRF designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) entity. As Business Standard reported, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited recent attacks—most notably the Pahalgam massacre—as key reasons behind the designation. He underscored Washington's commitment to holding such actors accountable and to pursuing justice for victims of terrorism around the world. Back in India, the move was welcomed as a major diplomatic win. The Ministry of External Affairs described the designation as 'timely and important", and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar lauded the step as a 'strong message" from the US against terrorism. The Indian government emphasised that the international community must adopt a 'zero tolerance" approach when it comes to dealing with terrorism, especially when state complicity is involved, as in the case of Pakistan. The TRF came into prominence in 2019, following the revocation of Article 370, and has often been projected as a 'homegrown" insurgent group. However, extensive investigations by India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) debunk that narrative. According to The Economic Times, NIA's findings show that TRF has been functioning as a digital-first extension of LeT under the covert direction of Pakistani handlers. Online communication cells facilitated planning and coordination with militants in Kashmir while being operated remotely from Pakistan. The dossier presented by India reportedly includes evidence linking Sheikh Sajjad Gul not just to multiple terror attacks, but also to a broader effort led by LeT to fragment its identity and create newer, India-centric aliases like TRF. As per Business Standard, Gul was once imprisoned in India but managed to cross over to Pakistan, where he leveraged LeT's infrastructure and patronage to organise TRF under the guidance of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Despite Pakistan's denials, digital forensic evidence and cross-border communications logs included in the dossier indicate direct coordination between TRF's online operations and LeT's hierarchy in Rawalpindi. In the broader context, India's urgent and multi-pronged diplomacy—via direct evidence, global alliances, and sustained pressure—reflects a maturing counterterrorism strategy. Rather than merely condemning attacks, New Delhi is pushing for institutional accountability and international action. The TRF's designation marks a step forward in isolating not just the foot soldiers of terror, but the infrastructure and ideologues that incubate them. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Scroll.in
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Scroll.in
Rush Hour: Modi tells Trump ‘India won't accept mediation', Delhi and Ottawa to repost envoys & more
We're building a brand-new studio to bring you bold ground reports, sharp interviews, hard-hitting podcasts, explainers and more. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told United States President Donald Trump that India will never accept mediation to resolve tensions with Pakistan. According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the topic came up during a phone call when Trump asked for the details about India's military strikes – codenamed Operation Sindoor – on Pakistan in May. Trump was told that India had agreed to the ceasefire only on Islamabad's request, said Misri. The 'halt to military action was directly between India and Pakistan', the foreign secretary quoted Modi as having reiterated. The call between the two leaders came against the backdrop of the US president repeatedly claiming that he helped settle the tensions between India and Pakistan. New Delhi has rejected Trump's assertions. Read on. India and Canada have agreed to designate new high commissioners in each other's capitals. This was announced after Modi and his Canadian counterpart, Mark Carney, held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit. Other diplomatic steps 'to restore stability in the relationship' will 'follow in due course', said Misri. In October, India and Canada expelled several diplomats amid strained relations. This followed New Delhi's rejection of a Canadian communication that named India's high commissioner and other envoys as 'persons of interest' in an investigation. While it was unclear which investigation Ottawa was referring to, reports said that it was related to the June 2023 murder of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Read on. The Kerala High Court has ordered the arrest of a Liberian-flagged ship to secure claims related to cargo losses incurred after its sister vessel sank off the Kochi coast in May. The conditional arrest would be lifted if the vessel's owner, the Mediterranean Shipping Company, deposits Rs 74 lakh or furnishes adequate security in court. On June 13, the High Court issued a similar order to detain another vessel operated by the same company following petitions from five other cargo owners who also lost shipments in the sinking. The vessel that sank was carrying 640 containers, including 13 hazardous cargo and 12 calcium carbide containers. The Kerala government had declared the wreckage a state-specific disaster. Read on. The Supreme Court has questioned the Tamil Nadu government and the Madras High Court on the arrest and suspension of Additional Director General of Police HM Jayaram in connection with his alleged involvement in the abduction of a 17-year-old boy. 'These kinds of orders are shocking and demoralising,' said the court. While Jayaram's counsel told the Supreme Court that he had been formally arrested, the state government maintained that he was not arrested but had merely joined the investigation. Read on.
NDTV
18-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
"Act Of Terror Will Be Considered An Act Of War"": PM Modi Tells Trump
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed US President Donald Trump that India will regard any act of terrorism, not as proxy actions, but as acts of war, stated Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday. The Prime Minister, during a 35-minute-long phone conversation, also conveyed to Trump that India does not seek and will never accept any mediation on matters related to Pakistan. President Trump, according to Mr Misri, fully understood India's position and expressed support for its fight against terrorism. PM Modi also informed Trump that India will consider any terror act emanating from Pakistan as an act of war, and that Operation Sindoor remains ongoing. Mr Misri revealed that this conversation between the two leaders was their first since the Pahalgam terror attack and India's retaliatory Operation Sindoor. The call took place after a scheduled in-person meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the G7 Summit was cancelled due to Trump's early return to the US. "The phone conversation was held at the request of President Trump," said Misri, adding that PM Modi used the opportunity to detail India's measured military response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 innocent tourists. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front, a group affiliated with the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba. "Prime Minister Modi said that on the night of May 6-7, India had targeted only terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India's actions were very measured, precise, and non-escalatory," Mr Misri said. "India had made it clear that it would respond to Pakistan's 'goli' with 'gola' (a strong, proportionate military response)," he said. Operation Sindoor saw India strike nine high-value terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and PoK. In response, Pakistan launched military strikes not only on Indian military infrastructure but also on civilian and religious sites, prompting further escalation. The Foreign Secretary also disclosed that on the night of May 9, US Vice President Vance conveyed to PM Modi that Pakistan could launch a major retaliatory strike. "Prime Minister Modi told him clearly that if this happens, India will respond with even greater force. India's strong counterattack on the night of May 9-10 caused heavy damage to Pakistan's military. Several of their airbases were rendered inoperable," Mr Misri said. He noted that following India's forceful retaliation, Pakistan approached India with a ceasefire request. "Prime Minister Modi stated that the ceasefire was agreed to only at the request of Pakistan and that India does not want mediation. He made it clear that at no point during this episode were India-US trade talks or third-party mediation discussed," Mr Misri stated. "The halt to military action was discussed directly between the two countries through existing military channels," he added. Reiterating India's long-standing position, Misri said, "Prime Minister Modi stressed that India has never accepted mediation, does not accept it, and will never accept it. There is complete political unanimity in India on this issue." President Trump reportedly asked if PM Modi could stop by the US on his return from Canada, but the Prime Minister expressed his inability due to prior commitments. However, both leaders agreed to try to meet soon. The conversation also covered international developments, including the Iran-Israel conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed that direct dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv is necessary for peace. "They also discussed the Indo-Pacific and the vital role of the QUAD. Prime Minister Modi invited President Trump to India for the next QUAD summit, and President Trump accepted the invitation," Mr Misri said.
India Gazette
18-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
"Calibrated steps to restore stability": Foreign Secy Vikram Misri on improving India-Canada ties
Kananaskis [Canada], June 18 (ANI): In a significant development, India and Canada have taken steps to restore stability to their bilateral relationship. According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the two Prime Ministers agreed to take calibrated steps to improve ties, starting with the restoration of High Commissioners to each other's capitals. 'The Prime Ministers agreed to take calibrated steps to restore stability to this very important relationship and the first of these steps that was agreed on was to restore High Commissioners to each other's capitals at an early date. Other diplomatic steps will follow in due course,' said Misri. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a key meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, focused on restoring and strengthening bilateral ties, the Ministry of External Affairs said. India and Canada also agreed to resume senior and working-level mechanisms and discussions in various areas, including: trade, people-to-people contact, connectivity and collaboration in key areas like, cooperating on clean energy and technology initiatives, collaborating on digital infrastructure projects, exploring opportunities for cooperation in artificial intelligence and discussing potential collaboration on food security and critical minerals. Misri added, 'The two Prime Ministers also agreed to resume senior and working level mechanisms and discussions in a host of areas related to trade, people-to-people contact and connectivity. All of them intended to bring greater momentum to the relationship. The two leaders also discussed potential collaboration in a host of issues related to clean energy, clean technology, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, food security, critical minerals and supply chains.' Addressing the ongoing trade negotiations, Foreign Secretary Misri said, 'In view of the trade negotiations between the two countries that are currently paused, the two leaders also decided to instruct their officials to take it up at an early date. The two leaders agreed to stay in touch and meet once again at the earliest possible opportunity.' This meeting marked a positive step towards reviving India-Canada relations with a focus on multiple strategic areas and renewed diplomatic engagement. As part of this renewed engagement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge in Canada on Tuesday to attend the G7 Summit, where Canadian PM Mark Carney warmly received him at the venue in Kananaskis, Alberta. This marks his sixth consecutive participation in the G7 Summit and his first visit to Canada in a decade. PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome at the Calgary airport, where India's acting high commissioner, Chinmoy Naik, was among those who received him. Upon arriving in Calgary, Canada, PM Modi on Monday (local time) said he will meet various leaders at the G7 Summit and share his thoughts on important global issues. PM Modi said he will also emphasise the priorities of the Global South. This visit is part of PM Modi's three-nation official tour, which began with Cyprus and will conclude with Croatia. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, 'Landed in Calgary, Canada, to take part in the G7 Summit. Will be meeting various leaders at the Summit and sharing my thoughts on important global issues. Will also be emphasising the priorities of the Global South.' Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that PM Modi will be participating in G7 discussions on the future of energy security, including diversification, technology, infrastructure and investment, to ensure access and affordability in a changing world. 'At the invitation of PM @MarkJCarney, PM @narendramodi arrives in Alberta, Canada for the G7 Summit. PM will be participating in @G7 discussions on the future of energy security, including diversification, technology, infrastructure and investment, to ensure access and affordability in a changing world. PM will also hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines,' Jaiswal posted on X. The Prime Minister arrived in Canada after concluding his visit to Cyprus. PM Modi's visit to Canada marks a significant moment in bilateral ties following a phase of strained diplomatic relations. On Monday, India's Acting High Commissioner to Canada, Chinmoy Naik, expressed optimism over discussions set to be held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart, Mark Carney, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Alberta. Speaking to ANI, Naik stated that PM Modi has been invited to the G7 Summit by Carney and noted that India will be participating in the G7 Summit as a guest country for the sixth time. He stated that India at the G7 Summit will speak about energy security, innovation, and new technologies like AI. The G7 Summit is an annual gathering of leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, Canada, and the European Union (EU). This marks PM Modi's sixth consecutive participation in the G7 Summit. (ANI)
Hans India
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Act of terror will be considered an act of war: PM Modi tells Trump
Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed US President Donald Trump that India will regard any act of terrorism, not as proxy actions, but as acts of war, stated Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday. The Prime Minister, during a 35-minute-long phone conversation, also conveyed to Trump that India does not seek and will never accept any mediation on matters related to Pakistan. President Trump, according to Misri, fully understood India's position and expressed support for its fight against terrorism. PM Modi also informed Trump that India will consider any terror act emanating from Pakistan as an act of war, and that Operation Sindoor remains ongoing. Misri revealed that this conversation between the two leaders was their first since the Pahalgam terror attack and India's retaliatory Operation Sindoor. The call took place after a scheduled in-person meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the G7 Summit was cancelled due to Trump's early return to the US. "The phone conversation was held at the request of President Trump," said Misri, adding that PM Modi used the opportunity to detail India's measured military response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 innocent tourists. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front, a group affiliated with the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba. "Prime Minister Modi said that on the night of May 6-7, India had targeted only terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India's actions were very measured, precise, and non-escalatory," Misri said. "India had made it clear that it would respond to Pakistan's 'goli' with 'gola' (a strong, proportionate military response)," he said. Operation Sindoor saw India strike nine high-value terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and PoK. In response, Pakistan launched military strikes not only on Indian military infrastructure but also on civilian and religious sites, prompting further escalation. The Foreign Secretary also disclosed that on the night of May 9, US Vice President Vance conveyed to PM Modi that Pakistan could launch a major retaliatory strike. "Prime Minister Modi told him clearly that if this happens, India will respond with even greater force. India's strong counterattack on the night of May 9-10 caused heavy damage to Pakistan's military. Several of their airbases were rendered inoperable," Misri said. He noted that following India's forceful retaliation, Pakistan approached India with a ceasefire request. "Prime Minister Modi stated that the ceasefire was agreed to only at the request of Pakistan and that India does not want mediation. He made it clear that at no point during this episode were India-US trade talks or third-party mediation discussed," Misri stated. "The halt to military action was discussed directly between the two countries through existing military channels," he added. Reiterating India's long-standing position, Misri said, "Prime Minister Modi stressed that India has never accepted mediation, does not accept it, and will never accept it. There is complete political unanimity in India on this issue." Trump reportedly asked if PM Modi could stop by the US on his return from Canada, but the Prime Minister expressed his inability due to prior commitments. However, both leaders agreed to try to meet soon. The conversation also covered international developments, including the Iran-Israel conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed that direct dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv is necessary for peace. "They also discussed the Indo-Pacific and the vital role of the QUAD. Prime Minister Modi invited President Trump to India for the next QUAD summit, and President Trump accepted the invitation," Misri said.
