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The Hindu
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
We live in uncertain times, collective desire to see 'fair and representative' global order: EAM Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday (August 4, 2025) said "we live in complicated and uncertain times" and a collective desire is to see a fair and representative global order, not one "dominated by a few". That quest is often articulated as "political or economic rebalancing," he said in his address at the opening ceremony of the inaugural BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival 'Saptasur'. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organisation that was established in 1997 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration. Initially known as BIST-EC (Bangladesh-India-Sri Lanka-Thailand Economic Cooperation), the organisation is now known as BIMSTEC and comprises seven Member States, with the admission of Myanmar later in 1997, and Bhutan and Nepal in 2004. In his address, Mr. Jaishankar welcomed the festival's participants drawn from various member states of the regional grouping. He said this music festival follows a commitment made earlier by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BIMSTEC Summit. At the 6th BIMSTEC Summit held in April in Bangkok, the hosting of the BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival in India in 2025 was among the initiatives announced at the mega conclave. "We live in complicated and uncertain times, and a collective desire is to see a fair and representative global order, not one dominated by a few. That quest is often articulated as political or economic rebalancing," Mr. Jaishankar said. In his remarks, he also said obtaining respect and ensuring dignity for societies can also be achieved through cultural prowess, "especially cultural prowess". "In that context, traditions are of a particular value, because ultimately they define identities. We must be assured of what we are if we want to be confident about shaping the future. And, for nations like us, traditions are truly a great source of strength," he said. The External Affairs Minister underlined that music is "culture, heritage and tradition to all of us", and individually or as a group, it is an expression of creativity or sometimes even of emotions. "Music has always been a medium to connect amongst ourselves and with others. Both the shared traditions and distinct nuances, the music of BIMSTEC member states will be on full display, the EAM said. There is so much that music can convey that it is understandably regarded as the soul of a society. But it is even more so when it comes to traditional music, the Union Minister said. "Like other forms of culture, music serves both as a bridge between nations and a powerful expression of their heritage and identity," he said.
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
‘Not one dominated by few': Jaishankar calls for ‘fair and representative' global order at BIMSTEC
Amid renewed US pressure over India's Russian energy imports, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday underscored the need for a 'more equitable global order'. Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar(Sansad TV) Speaking at the inaugural BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival 'Saptasur' in New Delhi, he said, 'We live in complicated and uncertain times, and a collective desire is to see a fair and representative global order, not one dominated by a few. That quest is often articulated as political or economic rebalancing.' His comments came shortly after India strongly rebutted US President Donald Trump's latest warning of increased tariffs over Russian oil and defence purchases. India termed the targeting 'unjustified and unreasonable' and reaffirmed that it would take 'all necessary measures' to protect its national interests and economic security. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), established in 1997, brings together countries in the region to foster economic and technical collaboration. What was the MEA's response to Trump's allegations? India's foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal criticised the US and EU for singling out India over its oil imports from Russia amid the Ukraine conflict. Highlighting the West's ongoing trade with Moscow, Jaiswal said, 'In this background, the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.' This marks the second time Donald Trump has threatened India with penalties over its Russian energy imports. Last week, the US announced a 25% reciprocal tariff on India effective from August 7, along with unspecified penalties. Meanwhile, the EU's latest sanctions package targets the Vadinar refinery in Gujarat — jointly owned by Russia's Rosneft — and bans imports of refined petroleum products made from Russian crude and exported via third countries. Defending India's position, Jaiswal said, 'India began importing crude from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict.' He added, 'The US at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability.' He also cited ongoing EU trade in goods with Russia and American imports from Russia for its civil nuclear industry to underscore the West's continued economic engagement with Moscow.
