Page 7 - Bilateral Ties

Foreign Secy Vinay Mohan Kwatra's service tenure extended by six months

The government on Tuesday granted a six-month extension in service tenure of Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, who was scheduled to retire at the end of next month, according to an official order. The decision was taken by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kwatra, a 1988-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, took charge as the foreign secretary on April 30, 2022. According to the order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), "The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved extension in service of Shri Vinay Mohan Kwatra (IFS:1988) as Foreign Secretary for a period of six months beyond 30.04.2024 i.e. up to 31.10.2024 or until further orders, whichever is earlier, in public interest, in terms of provisions of FR 56 (d)." Under the Fundamental Rule (FR) 56 (d), the government can give extension in service to the defence secretary, foreign secretary, home secretary, Intelligence Bureau director, RAW chief,

Prez Murmu gifts RuPay to Mauritian counterpart; bilateral ties discussed

President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Mauritius on Monday on a three-day state visit during which she would be the chief guest at the country's National Day celebrations on Tuesday. President Murmu was received by Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth on her arrival here. She will also hold talks with the country's top leadership during the visit to further consolidate India's relations with the Indian Ocean island nation. "President Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn arrives in Mauritius on a 3-day State Visit," the Ministry of External Affairs posted on X. "In a special gesture reflecting the exceptionally close ties between &, PM @KumarJugnauth welcomed President Murmu at the airport with full state honours," it said. A contingent of the Indian Navy will also participate in the celebrations along with two ships -- INS Tir and CGS Sarathi. Announcing the visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi said President Murmu will hold bilateral meetings with her ..

India, Japan partners in world headed towards re-globalisation: EAM

India and Japan are natural partners in a world headed towards "re-globalisation", External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Thursday, asserting that the two nations also share basic affinities, being democracies and market economies. Jaishankar is in Tokyo for the second leg of his four-day visit to South Korea and Japan. Addressing the first Raisina Roundtable here, the minister said, "The world is heading for re-globalisation with the building of resilient and reliable supply chains and trusted and transparent digital transactions." Jaishankar said the "top 20 or 30 nations today are not what they were two decades ago. Even less so what they were four or eight decades ago.." "Not only are the countries that impact us different but so are relative weight, importance and capability. As a result, new balances are being sought and occasionally achieved," he said. "This drives the volatility that we currently characterise as the global order," he said. Talking about the changi

India deeply troubled by conflict in Gaza, says Amb Kamboj at UN meet

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador, Ruchira Kamboj, said this while addressing a UN General Assembly meeting on the 'Use of Veto' on Monday

EAM Jaishankar meets S Korean PM; discusses ways to boost bilateral ties

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday called on South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and discussed with him ways to further enhance bilateral ties. Jaishankar is here on the first leg of his four-day visit to South Korea and Japan. He will co-chair the 10th India-South Korea Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) with his counterpart Cho Tae-yul during the visit. "Honored to call on @PrimeMinisterKR Han Duck-soo today in Seoul. Appreciated his positive sentiments for India-South Korea ties and value his guidance ahead of the 10th Joint Commission Meeting tomorrow," Jaishankar posted on X. The JCM is expected to comprehensively review the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and explore avenues for further strengthening it. It will also provide an opportunity for the two sides to exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, the Ministry of External Affairs said in New Delhi ahead of Jaishankar's visit. Earlier, Jaishankar met South Korea's national ...

India rules out revival of Saarc in view of one country's terrorism toolkit

Ahead of the formation of a new government in Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday ruled out any immediate possibility of revival of regional grouping SAARC in view of Islamabad's "toolkit" of using terrorism in different ways, including against other members of the bloc. In an interactive session at a think-tank, Jaishankar, without directly naming Pakistan, said the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is in trouble as one of its member nations has been relentlessly backing terrorism. "If you ask me whether I see a future for SAARC, in some ways, actually you are asking me if I see a future for that country. Because if that country does not really let go of those kinds of options in its armoury or its toolkit, then it is not just SAARC which is in danger. I mean, very frankly, you are looking at the state of that country as well," he said. To a question on whether India is perceived by its neighbours as a bully, Jaishankar countered, ...

Talks on upgrading India-S Korea FTA may conclude in 2024: Korean envoy

South Korea is hoping that the negotiations will conclude before the possible visit of Yoon Suk Yeol, the South Korean President, to India

EAM meets Nepal foreign secy, expresses delight over progress in ties

Sewa Lamsal is scheduled to participate in the eighth Asia Economic Dialogue (AED 2024), which is scheduled to be held in Pune from February 29 to March 2, Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said

India, Oman hold strategic dialogue; discuss trade pact, Red Sea situation

India and Oman have discussed various aspects of their strategic ties and reviewed the regional developments including the security situation in Gaza and the Red Sea at a high-level dialogue in Muscat. In the ninth India-Oman strategic dialogue, the two sides noted that discussions on signing of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement were progressing and that its early finalisation would benefit both nations. Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri represented India at the dialogue on Monday, people familiar with the matter said. The strategic dialogue was held in a frank and constructive manner and both sides held discussions on various issues of regional and bilateral concern, they said. The two sides discussed the regional security situation resulting from the Gaza conflict, including in the Red Sea, the people said. There have been mounting global concerns over Houthi militants attacking various cargo vessels in the Red Sea and other strategic waterways in the re

G20 finance leaders eye regional 'conflicts' in tight draft communique

"Risks to the global economic outlook are more balanced," with faster-than-expected disinflation and more growth-friendly fiscal consolidation underpinning growth, the draft said

EAM calls for reforms of 'outdated' global structures to tackle challenges

The conflict in Gaza is of "great concern" and the humanitarian crises arising out of it require a sustainable solution that gives immediate relief to those most affected, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday while calling for reforms of "outdated" global structures to effectively address geopolitical challenges. In a virtual statement at the 55th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Jaishankar pitched for urgently making multilateral frameworks fit to respond to current global realities by fixing systemic flaws in the current institutions. He said it would be in collective interest and responsibility to work together in the UN and outside to find lasting solutions to geopolitical challenges. "For this to happen, it is vital that we first recognise that for multilateralism to be credible, effective and responsive, it is now high time to reform outdated structures and fix systemic flaws, and urgently make multilateral frameworks fit for the

Extradition, migration and mobility: India, US hold bilateral dialogue

India and the US on Friday discussed ways of enhancing cooperation on a wide range of issues such as extradition, mobility of students and professionals, safe and legal migration and protection of vulnerable women and children, according to officials. The discussions took place during the 11th bilateral Consular Dialogue. The Indian delegation led by KJ Srinivasa, Joint Secretary (CPV) in the Ministry of External Affairs, hosted the US delegation led by Ambassador Rena Bitter, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Consular Affairs. "The Dialogue reinforced the strong people-to-people ties and cooperation that both countries share across consular issues of mutual interest. Both sides discussed ways of enhancing cooperation on a wide range of issues such as extradition, mobility of students and professionals, safe and legal migration, protection of vulnerable women and children and enabling smooth travel of their respective nationals," a statement by the US Embassy here said. "They welcomed

India, Greece agree to firm up migration & mobility agreement soon

India and Greece on Wednesday agreed to work towards co-production and co-development of military hardware and decided to firm up a mobility and migration pact as soon as possible with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his visiting Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis holding extensive talks to impart "new energy" to the bilateral ties. Modi said the two sides have common concerns and priorities in the fight against terrorism and there was a discussion in detail on how to further strengthen cooperation in this area. Mitsotakis is on a two-day visit to India primarily to grace the Raisina Dialogue as the chief guest. In his media statement, Modi said he and Mitsotakis discussed many regional and international issues and it was agreed that all disputes and tensions should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. India welcomes Greece's active participation and positive role in the Indo-Pacific and it is a matter of happiness that the European nation has decided to join the ...

India, Greece looking at expanding economic engagement: Greek PM Mitsotakis

The strategic partnership between India and Greece is of "particular" importance and further expansion of their overall ties with a focus on economic engagement is being explored, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Wednesday. Mitsotakis is on a two-day visit to India. It is the first visit to India by a head of state of Greece in 15 years. "For Greece, the strategic partnership between our two countries is of particular importance and we will have the opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics including on strategic partnership, and fostering our economic engagement," he told reporters. Mitsotakis was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan ahead of his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the morning, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on the Greek prime minister. "Delighted to call on Prime Minister @kmitsotakis of Greece today. Valued his commitment to enhancing India-Greece ties. Look forward to the strengthe

EAM Jaishankar, French Senate chairman discuss strategic partnership

French Senate Chairman Larcher is on an official visit to India on February 19 and 20 accompanied by a delegation of five senators, the French Embassy in India said

Chairman of French Senate Gerard Larcher on two-day visit to India

Chairman of the French Senate Gerard Larcher is on a two-day visit to India beginning Monday to strengthen bilateral ties and parliamentary cooperation. Larcher is accompanied by a delegation of five other senators who are members of the Senate's foreign affairs and defence committee. This is the first official India visit of a chairman of the French Senate, the Upper House of France's Parliament. Larcher and his delegation will meet with Vice President and Chairman of Rajya Sabha Jagdeep Dhankhar. They will discuss ways to increase cooperation and mutual understanding between the French Senate and India's Parliament, including through a dedicated agreement, the French embassy said in a readout. The chairman of the French Senate will call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it said. Larcher had previously met Prime Minister Modi during the latter's visit to Paris on July 14 last year. The prime minister was received at the French Senate by Larcher and leaders of all major parliamenta

India, Taiwan sign migration agreement to strengthen bilateral cooperation

India and Taiwan on Friday signed a migration and mobility agreement that will facilitate the employment of Indian workers in diverse sectors in the self-ruled island, a move that is seen as reflective of the renewed momentum in the cooperation between the two sides. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed at a virtual ceremony by Director General of the India-Taipei Association (ITA) Manharsinh Laxmanbhai Yadav and Baushuan Ger, the head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre in New Delhi. In order to strengthen the bilateral labour cooperation relations, Taiwan and India have signed an MoU, Taiwan's labour ministry said. Both sides were engaged in discussions over the pact for the last several years. After all the preparatory work is completed, India will be announced as a "new source" country of migrant workers in accordance with the law, the Taiwanese labour ministry said. Taiwan's current source countries for migrant workers are Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippine

India-Qatar ties growing stronger, says PM Modi after talks with Emir

India-Qatar ties are growing "stronger and stronger" and both sides are looking at collaborating in futuristic sectors, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday following his talks with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani that came days after the Gulf nation freed eight former Indian Navy personnel who were sentenced to death. Modi described his meeting with the Emir as "wonderful" and said ways to deepen cooperation across various sectors were discussed. "Had a wonderful meeting with HH Sheikh @TamimBinHamad. We reviewed the full range of India-Qatar relations and discussed ways to deepen cooperation across various sectors. Our nations also look forward to collaborating in futuristic sectors which will benefit our planet," Modi said on 'X". The discussions centred around bolstering bilateral relations, with a focus on deepening cooperation in areas of trade and investment, energy, space, cultural and people-to-people ties. "India and Qatar ties are growing stronger an

PM Modi in Doha, holds talks with Qatar counterpart on bilateral ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said he had a wonderful meeting with his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani here and discussed ways to strengthen ties between the two countries. Modi arrived in Doha on Wednesday night on an official visit to Qatar. This is the prime minister's second visit to Qatar, he first visited Qatar in June 2016. Had a wonderful meeting with PM @MBA_AlThani. Our discussions revolved around ways to boost India-Qatar friendship, Modi said in a post on X after the meeting. Earlier, the external affairs ministry said Modi held fruitful talks with the prime minister of Qatar. "PM @narendramodi held a fruitful meeting with HH @MBA_AlThani_, PM & FM of Qatar in Doha. Discussions covered expanding bilateral cooperation in sectors such as trade & investment, energy, finance among others," external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X. On his arrival, Modi was received by Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, State ...

Govt in talks with ministers of IEA member countries for full membership

Ministers from the International Energy Agency's member countries have begun talks with India on its application to become a full member of the Paris-based agency of 31 nations, IEA said on Wednesday. In a statement issued after IEA's 2024 ministerial meeting in Paris, the agency said the talks with India are in recognition of the country's "strategic importance" in tackling global energy and climate challenges. "The Ministerial gave the IEA a strong mandate to deepen cooperation with major emerging economies. This includes starting discussions with India on its request for full IEA membership," it added. India, which joined the IEA as an associate member in 2017, sent a formal request for full membership in October 2023. "Ministers recognised the 'strategic importance' of India in tackling global energy and climate challenges," IEA said. Addressing the meeting through video conferencing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is the world's fastest-growing major economy. "Susta