Latest news with #Shringla
Time of India
29-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Harsh Vardhan Shringla in Parliament: 'India among few to use UN Charter for self-defence'
NEW DELHI: India is one of the few nations that have used Article 51 of the UN Charter, which outlines the right of a nation to act in self-defence, former foreign secretary and nominated Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Tuesday, highlighting that India had struck in the "heart" of Pakistan - Muridke & Bahawalpur - during Operation Sindoor. Participating in discussion on military operation, Shringla said India carried out a precise, highly calibrated and intelligence-driven strike on terror hubs, adding that it was targeted at entities that have been unleashing terrorism against India. "As per international law, we had the right to go after terrorists. Article 51 of UN Charter states that a country has right to self-defence and today that is being increasingly interpreted, as those non-state actors that indulge in terror activities in another sovereign state can also come under this act of self-defence and India has exercised self defence," he said. Shringla said few countries have dared to do so, citing the example of US using Article 51 of UN Charter in its attacks against Taliban, ISIS. India used the same to eliminate terror bases working against it, in the heart of Pakistan. He said that among the over 100 killed in the operation, there were some on UN Security Council's list of most wanted terrorists.
News18
25-07-2025
- Business
- News18
‘Remarkable Turnaround In Ties': Ex-Foreign Secretary Shringla, As PM Modi Lands In Maldives
Last Updated: Shringla said India's policies have been very effective in maintaining consistent support for immediate neighbours It is a remarkable turnaround in the relationship between India and the Maldives, former foreign secretary and now Rajya Sabha lawmaker Harsh Vardhan Shringla told News18 as Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Malé on Friday for a two-day visit. Describing the visit as momentous, Shringla told News18 in an interview that the fact that the President of the Maldives has invited PM Modi as a chief guest for their 60th anniversary celebrations of independence shows the kind of importance the Maldives attaches to the relationship. 'Strong outreach' 'It is a remarkable turnaround in the relationship when one considers that just one-and-a-half years ago, this was the government of the Maldives, which had come on a certain 'anti-India plank'…But I think in this period of time they understood that India is a reliable and stable partner, and in times of difficulty, India is the only country they can go to," Shringla said. 'None of this (turnaround) happens by itself…there has been a very strong outreach, and our diplomacy has worked very effectively, and the fact that such a momentous visit is taking place reflects the outcomes of these important initiatives," the former foreign secretary added. Shringla said India's policies have been very effective in maintaining consistent support for our immediate neighbours. 'I am sure that the PM's visit will further reinforce the close ties that are emerging in a very, very important partnership. The Maldives being a close neighbour of ours in the Indian Ocean, and hence this partnership is very, very critical," he added. Shringla said it will be an outstanding visit with many deliverables. 'We are undertaking what is one of the largest infrastructure projects ever in the region. The Greater Malé connectivity project is being undertaken by one of our top companies. This will make a remarkable difference to the entire economy and society of the Maldives. PM Modi will be there at a time when this project is very much visible," Shringla told News18. Story of the turnaround Two years ago, President Mohamed Muizzu rose to power in the Maldives on an openly 'India Out" campaign, making many predict that India could lose one of its closest maritime partners to geopolitical rivals. India, however, avoided any knee-jerk move and kept pursuing a quiet and steady diplomatic strategy to take relations from strength to strength. PM Modi now becomes the first foreign leader to be received in the Maldives on a State Visit under President Muizzu. He is the Guest of Honour for the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations—an invitation that shows how far the Maldives has come from the 'India Out" sloganeering days. Since President Muizzu took charge, India has shown that it is a friend in need through economic support, assistance for capacity building and other such endeavours. India has provided the Maldives with emergency financial aid worth USD 400 million plus Rs 3,000 crore in currency swaps, 13 new MoUs expanding ferry services across the Maldives, and a robust trade and investment footprint crossing USD 548 million. Under the Joint Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, India has provided specialised training slots to Maldivian Coast Guard and Defence Force officers at Indian defence academies. First Published: July 25, 2025, 09:30 IST 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.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Harsh Vardhan Shringla: A man for all theatres
Harsh Vardhan Shringla who was nominated by President Droupadi Murmu to the Rajya Sabha with a long and illustrious career in diplomacy is as comfortable in boardroom as he is on the ground handling peoples' challenges. Having reached the peak of Indian Foreign Service – Foreign Secretary (January 2020 and April 2022), he was also the Chief Coordinator of the G20 Summit that India hosted in 2023. Recently he was part of the MPs delegation that visited key countries in the Islamic World. His stints as India's envoy in the US as well as Bangladesh were exemplary. While in the USA he handled the Trump 1.0 with ease including organizing Howdy Modi and Howdy Trump and sowed the seeds for the BTA that is being currently negotiated, ties with Dhaka expanded across sectors when Shringla was the High Commissioner. But that was the not first time that Shringla handled Bangladesh. He was the Joint Secretary in charge of Bangladesh-Sri Lanka-Myanmar-Maldives at the Headquarters handling critical elections of 2014 in Dhaka. The neighbourhood was his focus yet again when he was the Foreign Secretary. He handled big power ties with equal ease as the Foreign Secretary. Shringla has been of the opinion that a big credit for India's deepening diplomatic engagements globally must go to PM Narendra Modi's personality that helps build chemistry with global leaders. On Sunday the senior diplomat thanked the President and PM for the trust entrusted in him. A book on Shringla titled 'Not an accidental Rise' by Dipmala Roka of the Sikkim University recounted Shringla's handling of ties with China after the Galwan conflict, besides the Covid-19 pandemic. Credit is also due in the way he handled students repatriation under challenging circumstances from Ukraine after the conflict broke in February 2022 'Not an Accidental Rise' also goes into Shringla's work as co-chair of the India-Bangladesh Joint Boundary Working Group that finally led to the signing of the landmark agreement that boosted bilateral relations. 'The best diplomacy is preventive diplomacy ,' said Shringla, according to the book. 'If an issue arises then it should be worked behind the scenes, without fanfare and public attention.' In his four-decade-long career as IFS, Shringla was also posted in Vietnam, deployed in the Europe West Division that oversaw India's relations with major European countries, handled India's relations with Nepal and Bhutan, and during his tenure in Tel Aviv and South Africa worked on India's relations with Israel and Pretoria.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Bhumiputra' Shringla in RS, proud moment for Darjeeling
1 2 Darjeeling : It was a proud moment for Darjeeling on Sunday when son of the soil Harsh Vardhan Shringla — former foreign secretary and India's ambassador to the US — was nominated to Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu. An alumnus of Mayo College, Ajmer, and St Stephen's College, Delhi, Shringla topped the 1984 batch of the civil services and chose the Indian Foreign Service. Over a distinguished diplomatic career, he served as the high commissioner to Bangladesh and ambassador to Thailand. He played a key role during the landmark "Howdy Modi" event in Texas in 2019. He went on to serve as foreign secretary from 2020 to 2022 and later as the chief coordinator for India's G20 presidency in 2023. Shringla, however, remained connected to his roots. In May 2023, he launched the Darjeeling Welfare Society, sparking speculation about a possible Lok Sabha bid that he himself dismissed later. BJP eventually re-nominated Raju Bista, who has represented the seat since 2009. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata During the Covid-19 crisis, Shringla was instrumental in coordinating the return of Darjeeling residents stranded in Gulf countries. He also helped set up free UPSC coaching centres in the Hills to support local aspirants. Shringla's nomination to Rajya Sabha was warmly welcomed by PM Narendra Modi . "Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla Ji has excelled as a diplomat, intellectual and strategic thinker. Over the years, he's made key contributions to India's foreign policy and also contributed to our G20 presidency. Glad that he's been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India. His unique perspectives will greatly enrich Parliamentary proceedings," Modi posted on X. Reacting to the nomination, Shringla said: "I extend my grateful thanks to the Prime Minister and deep gratitude to the President for entrusting me with this sacred duty. I have always wanted to work in the service of the country and, even after retirement, I never stopped my endeavours in this regard. I am grateful for this opportunity and promise to do my best in working for the people, standing by the people and speaking for the people. I will continue to make the effort that is necessary to make my country stronger on the international stage," he said. Notably, a road in Bangladesh has even been named in his honour. Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, a BJP ally, also hailed his nomination with pride. "I express my hearty congratulations and best wishes to Harsh Vardhan Shringla on being elected as a Rajya Sabha MP. May his tenure be one of dedicated national service and fulfilment of public aspirations," said GJM president Bimal Gurung. Darjeeling: It was a proud moment for Darjeeling on Sunday when son of the soil Harsh Vardhan Shringla — former foreign secretary and India's ambassador to the US — was nominated to Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu. An alumnus of Mayo College, Ajmer, and St Stephen's College, Delhi, Shringla topped the 1984 batch of the civil services and chose the Indian Foreign Service. Over a distinguished diplomatic career, he served as the high commissioner to Bangladesh and ambassador to Thailand. He played a key role during the landmark "Howdy Modi" event in Texas in 2019. He went on to serve as foreign secretary from 2020 to 2022 and later as the chief coordinator for India's G20 presidency in 2023. Shringla, however, remained connected to his roots. In May 2023, he launched the Darjeeling Welfare Society, sparking speculation about a possible Lok Sabha bid that he himself dismissed later. BJP eventually re-nominated Raju Bista, who has represented the seat since 2009. During the Covid-19 crisis, Shringla was instrumental in coordinating the return of Darjeeling residents stranded in Gulf countries. He also helped set up free UPSC coaching centres in the Hills to support local aspirants. Shringla's nomination to Rajya Sabha was warmly welcomed by PM Narendra Modi. "Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla Ji has excelled as a diplomat, intellectual and strategic thinker. Over the years, he's made key contributions to India's foreign policy and also contributed to our G20 presidency. Glad that he's been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India. His unique perspectives will greatly enrich Parliamentary proceedings," Modi posted on X. Reacting to the nomination, Shringla said: "I extend my grateful thanks to the Prime Minister and deep gratitude to the President for entrusting me with this sacred duty. I have always wanted to work in the service of the country and, even after retirement, I never stopped my endeavours in this regard. I am grateful for this opportunity and promise to do my best in working for the people, standing by the people and speaking for the people. I will continue to make the effort that is necessary to make my country stronger on the international stage," he said. Notably, a road in Bangladesh has even been named in his honour. Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, a BJP ally, also hailed his nomination with pride. "I express my hearty congratulations and best wishes to Harsh Vardhan Shringla on being elected as a Rajya Sabha MP. May his tenure be one of dedicated national service and fulfilment of public aspirations," said GJM president Bimal Gurung.
Hans India
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva, MPs greet Shringla, Jain on nomination to RS
New Delhi: Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva on Sunday met two newly-nominated Rajya Sabha Members – former Indian Foreign Service officer Harsh Vardhan Shringla and noted historian Dr Meenakshi Jain – to extend congratulations on behalf of the people of Delhi. Sachdeva, along with a party delegation, met Shringla and greeted him for his upcoming innings in the Upper House. Shringla brings with him a rich experience in diplomacy and international affairs. He played a crucial role in shaping India's foreign policy and had a key part in India's successful G20 presidency. The delegation that felicitated Shringla included MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat and MLAs Kailash Gahlot and Anil Sharma. The group that congratulated historian Dr Meenakshi Jain included former Delhi BJP President and MLA Satish Upadhyay, MP Sehrawat and MP Bansuri Swaraj. Jain, a noted historian, researcher and academic, is known for her work in history, political science and literature. Her scholarly contributions have significantly influenced academic discourse in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his congratulations to the newly nominated members through posts on social media. On Shringla's induction into Parliament, the Prime Minister said, "He has excelled as a diplomat, intellectual and strategic thinker. Over the years, he's made key contributions to India's foreign policy and also contributed to our G20 Presidency. Glad that he's been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India. His unique perspectives will greatly enrich Parliamentary proceedings." Expressing happiness over Meenakshi Jain's nomination, PM Modi stated, "She has distinguished herself as a scholar, researcher and historian. Her work in the fields of education, literature, history, and political science has enriched academic discourse significantly. Best wishes for her Parliamentary tenure." The two Rajya Sabha MPs were nominated by President Droupadi Murmu, along with two other eminent personalities, on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers.
