President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in paying homage to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary. Shastri is remembered for his leadership, courage, and simplicity, and is seen as an inspiration for the nation. Many political figures, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, also paid their respects to the freedom fighter and Bharat Ratna awardee who dedicated his life to serving his country.
In a brief meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi discuss mutual concerns and bilateral relations. The meeting took place before the BRICS nations' meeting, where the two countries are part of the emerging economies bloc. The meeting comes at a critical time as tensions rise in West Asia due to conflicts involving Iran and other neighboring countries like Israel and Yemen.
As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, the long-standing relationship between India and Russia has been put under close scrutiny. Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar recently gave a speech at the Asia Society Policy Institute in New York City, highlighting the three key aspects of this relationship: geopolitics, trade, and military partnership. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of this partnership for both countries, especially in terms of addressing external hostile forces. With the Eurasian region being a major global player, the ties between India and Russia have a significant impact on the stability and productivity of both nations.
The Indian Embassy in Qatar has successfully secured the return of two swaroops, or copies, of the Guru Granth Sahib after they were confiscated in December 2023. The incident, which came to light recently, caused concern among Sikh leaders and sparked calls for intervention from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Indian Ambassador to Qatar. The issue has also highlighted the need for designated gurdwaras for Sikhs living in Qatar to practice their religion freely.
As Jaishankar wraps up a successful global summit addressing challenges faced by developing countries and strengthening partnerships, he prepares to embark on a visit to Kuwait. The visit aims to foster bilateral relations and address regional and international issues, including the crisis in Gaza. Jaishankar's recent trip to the Maldives also focused on strengthening partnerships, highlighting India's commitment to regional cooperation.
In a letter to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar assured him that efforts are being made to secure the release of 34 Indian fishermen who have been in Sri Lanka's custody. The issue dates back to 1974 and the NDA government has been working towards addressing the livelihood interests of the fishing community since coming to office in 2014. The Indian High Commission in Colombo and Indian consulate in Jaffna are also working to expedite the release of the detained fishermen. With elections approaching in 2024, this has become a key issue for India's external affairs ministry.
Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received a warm welcome from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan on her second visit to the country this month. During her visit, Hasina paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and held bilateral consultations with Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. With her visit, Hasina emphasizes the strong and abiding relations between Bangladesh and India, further solidifying the two countries' special partnership.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the newly inaugurated campus of Nalanda University to revive its rich legacy of academic excellence and cultural exchange. In his speech, he expressed his vision of making India a global center for education and knowledge. External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar highlighted the historical significance of the university in connecting India with its neighboring countries and the role it can play in promoting international cooperation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University, located in Bihar. The campus is situated just a short distance from the ancient ruins of Nalanda Mahavihara, a World Heritage site. Along with ambassadors from 17 countries, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is also present at the event. The revival of this ancient university, which was in operation for over 800 years, is a significant step towards educating the youth and preserving India's rich cultural history.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's visit to India comes in the wake of a phone call between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where they discussed progress on various initiatives including the ambitious iCET and India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Sullivan met with top Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval to discuss bilateral, regional, and global issues. With the recent extradition of an Indian national involved in a murder-for-hire plot, the meeting may have also touched upon the ongoing investigation and cooperation in critical and emerging technologies between the US and India.