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SM Krishna, Ex-Karnataka CM and BJP Leader, Dies at 92

December 10, 2024, 8:08 am

SM Krishna, the former Chief Minister of Karnataka, passed away at the age of 92 on Tuesday in Bengaluru after a prolonged illness. He had been hospitalized in October and ultimately died at home.

Tributes to Krishna’s Legacy

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge expressed his sadness on X, saying, “Deeply saddened by the demise of Shri S.M. Krishna, the former Chief Minister of Karnataka, whose legacy of leadership and public service has left an indelible mark on our state and nation. His vision and dedication shaped Karnataka’s progress, and his corporate approach towards governance for Bengaluru endeared him to many.”

He further stated, “We are still reaping the benefits of his vision of positioning Bengaluru as a global city. As we remember him, we not only grieve the loss of a towering figure in our politics but also celebrate a life well-lived in service to the people. May his soul rest in peace, and may his contributions continue to inspire generations to come.”

Deeply saddened by the demise of Shri S.M. Krishna, the former Chief Minister of Karnataka, whose legacy of leadership and public service has left an indelible mark on our state and nation.

His vision and dedication shaped Karnataka’s progress and his corporate approach towards… pic.twitter.com/z5hP4OnDwY

— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) December 10, 2024

A Long Political Career

Krishna served as Karnataka’s Chief Minister from 1999 to 2004. Additionally, he was the Governor of Maharashtra from 2004 to 2008. From 2009 to 2012, he held the position of External Affairs Minister in the UPA government.

In 2017, Krishna made the decision to leave Congress and join the BJP, marking the end of his nearly 50-year association with Congress. Despite this, he kept a low profile within the BJP and ultimately retired from active politics in 2023.

Recognition for Public Service

In 2023, Krishna received the Padma Vibhushan for his significant contributions to public service. He expressed his gratitude, saying, “My parents will be pleased and happy that the honourable Prime Minister and Home Minister have thought it fit to confer this prestigious distinction on me. I’m grateful to the government of India, and I’m also grateful to the people of Karnataka.”

Educational Background and Contributions

Krishna pursued his law degree in the United States. He graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas and The George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C., as a Fulbright Scholar.

Additionally, Krishna served as Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka from 1993 to 1994. Later, he became President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee. In 1999, after Congress won the state assembly elections, he became Chief Minister.

Krishna’s efforts were crucial in transforming Bengaluru into a global IT hub. His work contributed to the city’s rise as “India’s Silicon Valley.”

Veteran Cong leader K. Natwar Singh to be cremated on Monday

August 11, 2024, 3:40 pm

Former External Affairs Minister and veteran Congress leader K. Natwar Singh passed away on Saturday night at the age of 93, following a prolonged illness. Singh, who had been undergoing treatment at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, took his last breath on August 11. His last rites are scheduled to be performed at the Lodhi Road Crematorium on Monday, August 12.

Jagtar Singh, the son of the late Natwar Singh, expressed his grief, stating, “He had been ill for a long time, and his health had deteriorated significantly over the past two months. He was hospitalized for the last month and passed away yesterday. We will perform his last rites at Lodhi Road Crematorium tomorrow.”

RJD MP Manoj Jha paid tribute to Natwar Singh, describing him as a “complete person” with a deep understanding of diplomacy. “I met him a couple of times and read his books. The diplomatic history of India would be incomplete without mentioning Natwar Singh. The vacuum left by his passing cannot be filled,” Jha remarked.

Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Singh Surjewala also confirmed Singh’s demise, expressing his sorrow in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “The news of the demise of former Foreign Minister Natwar Singh ji is sad. May God give strength to his family to bear this loss and grant peace to the departed soul,” Surjewala wrote.

Natwar Singh had a distinguished career in both diplomacy and politics. He served as the External Affairs Minister from 2004 to 2005 in the Cabinet of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh during the UPA government. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1984.

Jaishankar To Visit Sri Lanka On 20 June

June 19, 2024, 2:33 pm

India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, is scheduled to undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka on June 20, 2024. This visit marks Dr. Jaishankar’s first bilateral trip since the formation of India’s new government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar will engage in high-level meetings with the leadership of Sri Lanka to discuss a wide range of issues aimed at strengthening the partnership between the two countries. The discussions are expected to cover various aspects of bilateral relations, including economic cooperation, security collaboration, and regional connectivity

The visit is expected to set a positive trajectory for future engagements between the two countries, emphasizing continuity and proactive diplomacy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell Congratulates Jaishankar on His Second Term as EAM

June 11, 2024, 3:07 am

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell extended congratulations to S Jaishankar on his second term as External Affairs Minister of India in the newly constituted cabinet of the BJP-led NDA government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Borrell expressed his anticipation to strengthen cooperation within the EU-India Strategic Partnership, particularly in areas such as trade, green and digital transitions, connectivity, and security & defense.

In response to Borrell’s message, Jaishankar conveyed his gratitude and expressed eagerness to continue working closely with him. Tanzanian Foreign Minister January Makamba also congratulated Jaishankar, highlighting the potential for the India-Tanzania relationship to reach new heights.

The felicitations extended beyond Europe and Africa, with Foreign Ministers of Sri Lanka and Maldives also congratulating Jaishankar on his reappointment. Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry praised Jaishankar’s diplomatic skills and expressed optimism about enhancing bilateral ties. Similarly, Moosa Zameer from Maldives conveyed warm congratulations and expressed eagerness to foster greater cooperation between the two countries.

Jaishankar’s reappointment as External Affairs Minister was celebrated domestically as well, with his colleagues acknowledging his contributions to shaping India’s foreign policy. Having served as External Affairs Minister during PM Modi’s second term and previously as India’s Foreign Secretary, Jaishankar brings a wealth of experience to his role. His wit and oratory skills have earned him recognition on the global stage, making him a central figure in India’s diplomatic endeavours.

20 Indian Laborers Enslaved in Myanmar After Thailand Job Promise: Families Seek Help

May 25, 2024, 12:13 pm

In Myanmar, 20 Indian laborers have been enslaved after being promised jobs in Thailand, seeking urgent assistance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to secure their release. Family members of the workers have jointly approached to Pradeep Chaudhary, the BJP MP from Kairana, who has written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on their behalf.

Disturbing videos, purportedly filmed by one of the workers, have surfaced on social media, shedding light on these 20 Indian Laborers dire circumstances in Myanmar. In one video, a worker grimly reports the death of a fellow captive and the severe head injuries sustained by a girl. The workers, deceived by an agent based in Dubai, are now being held captive in Myanmar, where they endure daily exploitation.

Kuldeep Kumar, one of the captives, shared the videos depicting their suffering and injuries, appealing for immediate intervention from the Center. He expressed grave concerns, warning that without prompt assistance, they may be subjected to further harm or be compelled to take drastic measures to secure their freedom.

In an 83-second video plea, Kuldeep stated, “Our families have reached out to the MEA, but we have yet to receive any assistance, despite our videos circulating widely on social media. One individual has already lost their life here, and a girl is suffering from severe head injuries due to assault. Our lives are in jeopardy. Either they will kill us, or we will have to resort to desperate measures.”

Kuldeep further revealed the appalling conditions they endure, stating, “We are coerced into working 18 hours a day and provided with only two bowls of rice. Refusal to comply results in physical assault, followed by punishment, including a 10km run. We implore the MEA to intervene and rescue us.” Rahul Kumar, Kuldeep’s brother, recounted their ordeal, explaining how Kuldeep clandestinely recorded the distressing videos using a concealed phone.

Rahul disclosed, “Kuldeep embarked on his journey from Saharanpur on April 22, traveling from Delhi to Bangkok. From there, he was transported to Mae Sot airport, near the border, blindfolded, and taken to a forest in Myanmar. Subsequently, they were ensnared into slavery and compelled to engage in online fraud operations.”

Chaudhary, acknowledging the severity of the situation, swiftly wrote to Jaishankar, urging immediate action. He informed TOI, “MEA officials have indicated that they have received leads from the Indian embassy in Myanmar and are devising a rescue operation. We anticipate their swift return home.”

Jaishankar promotes India-ASEAN cooperation in Indo-Pacific

April 23, 2024, 6:25 pm

In a virtual address at the first ASEAN Future Forum, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of enhanced cooperation between India and ASEAN countries in shaping the emerging regional architecture of the Indo-Pacific. He expressed India’s support for ASEAN unity, centrality, and the ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific, highlighting that a strong and unified ASEAN can play a constructive role in regional affairs.

“We support ASEAN unity, ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN outlook on Indo-Pacific. India truly believes that a strong and unified ASEAN can play a constructive role in the emerging regional architecture of the Indo-Pacific,” EAM Jaishankar said in a virtual address at the first ASEAN Future Forum on Tuesday.

Jaishankar mentioned the synergy between India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and the ASEAN outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP), as reflected in joint statements, providing a solid framework for addressing comprehensive security challenges.

Referring to India’s G20 presidency and the Voice of Global South summits, he stressed the need for the Global South to have a greater voice in international affairs. Jaishankar emphasized the growing importance of ASEAN and India in dealing with the realities of a multipolar Asia and world order, calling for increased cooperation and coordination between the two entities.

“We also believe that the time has come for the global south to present its perspective and assume a greater role in international affairs. During our G-20 presidency last year, we held virtual Voice of Global South summits with the participation of several ASEAN member states,” he said.

“Today, a multipolar Asia and a multipolar world are increasingly self-evident. This brings to the fore an ever-important role of ASEAN and India in dealing with the realities of the emerging world order. It underlies the need for greater cooperation and coordination between India and ASEAN,” he added.

Regarding security challenges in the Indo-Pacific, Jaishankar highlighted the significance of upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to ensure freedom of navigation, overflight, and unimpeded commerce. He mentioned India’s initiative of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), aimed at contributing to peace and stability.

“India’s initiative of security and growth for all in the region SAGAR is aimed at contributing towards peace and stability in the region. Friends, it is vital that freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded commerce are respected and facilitated by all. The 1982 UN Convention on the Laws of Seas provides a comprehensive legal framework and serves as the constitution of the seas, one within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out,” the External Affairs Minister said.

Additionally, Jaishankar discussed collective efforts in dealing with climate change, disasters, transnational crimes, terrorism, cyberattacks, human trafficking, and health and food security. He noted the impact of the digital era and artificial intelligence on security concerns, emphasizing the importance of trust and transparency.

The ASEAN Future Forum, held under Vietnam’s presidency, focuses on fostering a cohesive and dynamic ASEAN business community in the digital age, promoting fast and sustainable growth while prioritizing a people-centered ASEAN Community.

Russia says on one page with India on open and fair political and economic system

December 27, 2023, 5:48 pm

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the long-standing relationship between India and Russia has continued to develop consistently. He noted that both New Delhi and Moscow support an open and fair political and economic system that benefits all people.

Lavrov emphasized that the agreements between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin have established a reliable foundation for the India-Russia partnership. He made these remarks at the start of his bilateral meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Moscow on Wednesday.

“Our relationship is long-standing and positive, and it is encouraging to see its consistent progress today. We have a trusted partnership as confirmed by our bilateral cooperation based on the understandings between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin,” Lavrov said.

The Russian Foreign Minister further highlighted that the high quality of the India-Russia relationship is demonstrated through their multilateral cooperation in international organizations such as the UN, BRICS, SCO and G20. Noting that both countries support an open and fair system for all, Lavrov added that the two leaders are committed to ensuring efficient implementation of decisions by their respective governments.

“We share common principles of respecting the UN Charter and principles of international law. Both India and Russia support openness and fairness in the political and economic spheres. Our leaders have established a framework for comprehensive cooperation,” Lavrov stated.

He continued, “We have close coordination between our foreign ministries and other government agencies. We also maintain parliamentary and educational links, as well as relationships supported by our citizens. Today, an important task is to identify further actions to ensure efficient implementation of decisions by our governments.

During his remarks, EAM Jaishankar affirmed that the India-Russia partnership has remained very strong and steady. He noted that the two leaders will focus on bilateral cooperation across different areas.

“Our relationship has been very stable and positive. I believe we have lived up to our special strategic partnership. This year alone we have met six times, including this seventh meeting. Prime Minister Modi and President Putin have also remained in frequent contact. We expect strong Russian participation at the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat meeting in January,” Jaishankar stated.

He added, “Today we will focus on our bilateral cooperation across various spheres, adapting it to changing circumstances and needs. We will discuss the international strategic situation, global conflicts and tensions.

EAM Jaishankar on global economy: “We see very difficult, turbulent times ahead”

November 3, 2023, 1:11 pm

On Thursday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing conflict in Ukraine as having had a “very traumatic” effect on the world economy and foresaw “difficult and turbulent” times ahead. He spoke at the External Affairs and Defense Commission of the Senate’s Joint Secretary Session in Rome.

Addressing the session, Jaishankar said, “We see very frankly, very difficult times ahead, very turbulent times ahead…Over the past five years, the impact of COVID-19 has been deeply traumatic, not only on the global economy but also on societies. There are still many countries and many societies which have not recovered from it”.
The External Affairs Minister highlighted that numerous countries are grappling with financial crises and debt issues, further exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“We have seen, that progress in sustainable development goals, in many countries, has been rolled back, and many more countries today are facing, a financial economic crisis, and debt is a very big problem. Trade has been very challenging,” Jaishankar said.

He also mentioned how the conflict in Ukraine was having an impact on the world, saying, “We have the conflict in Ukraine…In today’s globalized world, it has an impact everywhere. Naturally, Europe is the area most impacted, but other areas have also experienced inflation, food insecurity, and energy issues, all of which have been directly impacted by the developments in the Ukraine conflict in many cases.” Italy’s historical significance as one of India’s oldest connections to Europe and its significant contributions to fortifying cooperation with the European Union were highlighted by Jaishankar.

Jaishankar meets FCDO Permanent Under-Secretary in Delhi.

January 16, 2023, 2:35 pm

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met the Permanent Under-Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Philip Barton in Delhi. “Discussed our expanding bilateral relationship including progress under our Roadmap 2030 and global issues”, Jaishankar tweeted. Barton replied saying, “Thank you, Dr. Jaishankar for the warm words. Congratulations once again on India’s G20 Presidency. The UK remains committed to working collaboratively with you to tackle the biggest global challenges.

Recently, the High Commissioner of India went to UK, Vikram K Doraiswami and Matthew Rycroft, the permanent secretary at the Home Office of the UK signed and exchanged letters for formalizing the Young Professional Scheme at an event in London.

EAM Jaishankar hails India-UAE relationship, calls it “ambitious”

December 12, 2022, 4:58 pm

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar hailed the relationship between India and the UAE as “ambitious” in his speech at the India Global Forum in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday. He added that the ties are not really constrained by their bilateral possibilities and will eventually be felt on a global scale.

“It is in many ways a very ambitious relationship because it’s not limited really by its bilateral possibilities. I’m very confident that as we get deeper into the relationship, it will also make itself felt at the global level,” Jaishankar said.

The Minister praised the relationship between the two countries further and emphasised that India and the UAE are two countries that have known each other for a very long time and would like to use this relationship now, in the face of global change.

The EAM also stressed the importance of trade relations between India and the UAE during his speech, noting that the UAE is currently India’s third-largest trading partner and its second-largest export market.

More Indians reside in the UAE than any other foreign country. UAE therefore, has a special significance in our thoughts, whether we are talking about people or business, according to Jaishankar.

“The old, traditional energy trade investments continue, but a new agenda is also coming into being,” said the EAM at India Global Forum and panel discussion on India-UAE on Monday.
Notably, India’s exports to UAE between April-September 2022 were about USD 16 billion which was an increase of 24 per cent year to year while India’s imports increased 38 per cent to reach USD 28.4 billion in the same time period.
Both sides have also had discussions on other areas of cooperation including energy, healthcare, defence, space, climate change, skills, fin-tech and startups in the past.

India’s G20 presidency will reflect interests of global south, says Jaishankar

November 29, 2022, 4:22 pm

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar stated on Tuesday, two days before India takes over the G20 presidency, that New Delhi would like to use the group’s presidency to represent the interests and concerns of the global south in the present.

During the annual flagship event that the Ministry of External Affairs and Carnegie India jointly organise, Jaishankar made these comments. This year’s Summit will focus on the geopolitics of technology.

“India would like to use the presidency of G20 in many ways to reflect interests and concerns today of the global south as we feel they’re being sidelined and not just be a voice but would like to take into global south something we’ve tested and prepared at home,” said EAM at Global Tech Summit.

On the issue of climate change, Jaishankar said, “Since 2014 there’s been a different kind of approach to climate change in terms of our policies, advocacies, energy mix… When it comes to climate tech, India has a range of possibilities… There are Indian businesses in climate in COP now.”

He further added, “We’re actually already seeing the impact of climate events and climate change on politics. An example would be- the big debate today in Europe is if it will be able to survive the winter from the energy perspective.”

He noted that there is an intensification in big power competition and various past agreements will discontinue. He said, “We have already seen in the last few days, there are agreements which are not being renewed. It will become much harder to have new understandings.”

He while mentioning the importance of data in national security he said, “Where our data is going is no longer matter of business and economics but of national security. Everything is being weaponised in this world of ours, I have to change my approach of where I should be protective of my interests.”

‘We are to complete the process of justice’, says Jaishankar

November 26, 2022, 4:59 pm

In the 2008 Mumbai Terror Attack, several countries’ citizens lost their lives and India is working with several countries whose citizens died in Mumbai 26/11 attack said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Talking about that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the real perpetrators of the terror attack will be punished and will make sure that does not escape.

“It’s an occasion where the entire country remembers it. I want to underline how strongly we feel about it and determined we are to complete the process of justice,” Jaishankar said.

“Today is the anniversary of the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai. Even after so many years, the people who planned and oversaw it have not been punished. They have not been brought to justice. This is something which we give utmost importance to,” the External Affairs Minister said.

In the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, many people lost their lives. At least 174 people and 300 people were wounded. In the attack, people died including 20 security force personnel and 26 foreign nationals.

Earlier in October two-day anti-terrorism meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), was hosted by India under India’s chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC).

Meanwhile, Delhi Declaration was issued after the meeting which underlined that all Member States must cooperate fully in the fight against terrorism.

Moreover, for international peace and security, the Declaration said all forms of terrorism are one of the most serious threats.

However, despite the UNSC’s best efforts to combat the “gravest threat to humanity” in Asia and Africa the global threat of terrorism is growing and expanding.

Jaishankar meets UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah

November 22, 2022, 2:08 pm

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday in Delhi.

Meanwhile, India and UAE will look forward to strengthening their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Taking to Twitter Jaishankar tweeted, “Always a pleasure to welcome HH Sheikh @ABZayed of UAE in India. Our 4th structured meeting this year. Will take forward our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”

Moreover, UAE Foreign Minister bin Zayed Al Nahyan is on an official visit and is accompanied by a high-level delegation.

“His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates is paying an official visit to India from November 21-22, 2022,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

However, the visit of the UAE Foreign Minister will be part of regular consultations between the two countries on bilateral as well as global issues of mutual interest.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited the UAE on June 28, 2022, during which he met His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,” MEA said.

Earlier, to chair co-chair the 14th Joint Commission Meeting and the 3rd Strategic Dialogue with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed the External Affairs Minister visited UAE.

Furthermore, the gamut of bilateral strategic partnerships between the two nations was also reviewed by Jaishankar and his UAE counterpart.