RUDRENDRA TANDON
PM heads to Manila for ASEAN, E Asia, Quad summits
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Manila from November 16–18 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit, East Asia Summit and the maiden Quad Summit under Trump 2.0. Discussions are expected to focus on regional security, critical minerals, technology and resilient supply chains, with India-ASEAN trade currently at around $122 billion.
South China Sea Code of Conduct must comply with UNCLOS: MEA says "position on this is very clear"
Union Ministry of External Affairs Secretary Rudrendra Tandon highlighted compliance with international maritime law for ASEAN-China negotiations. He stated that the maritime cooperation remains a priority for India due to geographical ties. The focus will be on addressing issues like piracy and unregulated fishing in maritime zones. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's engagement at the upcoming ASEAN Summit will include bilateral meetings addressing regional challenges.
MEA says "power grid integration" with ASEAN is promising as India eyes deeper digital cooperation
India is looking to solidify partnerships with ASEAN countries in digital public infrastructure and telecommunications. The country seeks to leverage its experience in power grid integration for regional energy security. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to the Philippines will coincide with the 49th ASEAN Summit. Various world leaders will participate in discussions on regional cooperation and challenges.
Indian businesses must focus on BIMSTEC beyond traditional markets
A conference on business opportunities in BIMSTEC countries took place in Delhi. Indian businesses learned about potential partnerships for trade, investment, and technology. Senior diplomats from BIMSTEC member states shared insights regarding economic cooperation. Ambassador Rudrendra Tandon emphasized the need for enhanced connectivity and collaboration among BIMSTEC members. Around 80 representatives from Indian industry attended to discuss areas of cooperation and engagement.
Govt unveils strategic blueprint on defence diplomacy that outlines India's vision for next decade
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released India's strategic blueprint for defence diplomacy. This document outlines a comprehensive framework for global partnerships over the next decade. Key pillars include strategic partnerships, capacity building, indigenous exports, and maritime security. India aims to deepen security cooperation and enhance joint military exercises with friendly nations. The blueprint promotes Make-in-India defence platforms and strengthens India's regional security role.
India and Canada reaffirm strategic ties, target bilateral trade of CAD 70 billion by 2030
India and Canada held Foreign Office Consultations reaffirming their commitment to a trade agreement. Both nations aim to expand bilateral trade to seventy billion Canadian dollars by 2030. Discussions reflected accelerated high-level exchanges and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. Bilateral ties remain anchored in shared democratic principles and respect for the rule of law. India also expressed readiness to initiate negotiations on a Bilateral Investment Treaty with Canada.
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"FTA not agreement of immigration, visas are sovereign decisions": MEA on India-New Zealand agreement
India's Ministry of External Affairs clarified immigration misunderstandings regarding the Free Trade Agreement. The ministry differentiated immigration from skilled manpower mobility, which is included. Visas remain a sovereign decision for New Zealand, according to officials. Prime Ministers elevated the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership. A roadmap will guide future cooperation and strengthen ties between the nations.
"Exciting": MEA on the collaboration of India and Maori traditional medicine
India and New Zealand have elevated their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. Traditional medicine and indigenous cultural exchanges will form a key pillar. Both nations are building on core cultural similarities and shared reverence for nature. A landmark Free Trade Agreement features a dedicated Health and Traditional Medicine Annexe. This partnership aims for enhanced cooperation across trade, defense, and regional affairs.
PM Modi is "quintessential" politician, prefers direct contact with electorate: MEA
Ministry of External Affairs explained Prime Minister Modi's political style. He prefers direct contact with the Indian electorate, which is predominantly rural. This approach has been perfected by the Prime Minister over his terms. A similar query arose during his visit to Norway previously. India maintains its stance on human rights and democratic principles.
Ratification process for India-NZ FTA has begun, no set timeline yet: MEA
New Zealand's Free Trade Agreement ratification process has begun. The first parliamentary reading for the pact has already been completed. Officials confirmed no fixed timeline exists for the agreement's implementation. New Zealand assured India of bipartisan political support for the pact. This facilitation aims for a long-term economic partnership with India.
'PM Modi made several suggestions to advance trade ties with New Zealand': MEA during special press briefing
Prime Minister Modi proposed strengthening trade and economic ties with New Zealand. A maritime cooperation arrangement will boost collaboration in the maritime domain. Sports and education are identified as important pillars for bilateral cooperation. Bilateral trade has grown significantly and is expected to double soon. New Zealand's substantial investment commitment in India was also welcomed.
India focused on mobility for skilled workers as NZ tightens immigration rules: MEA
India is focused on ensuring greater mobility for its high-skilled professionals rather than broader migration issues, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday, as questions were raised over New Zealand's proposed stricter immigration rules ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the country.
India pushes to upgrade ASEAN FTA, advances talks on CECA with Australia
India is actively engaged in upgrading its trade agreements with ASEAN partners, aiming to liberalize the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement. Simultaneously, New Delhi is progressing towards a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement with Australia. These efforts underscore India's commitment to strengthening economic ties across the region, with Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visits to Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand set to further these discussions.
PM Modi to visit Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand from July 6-11 to deepen ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a significant three-nation tour to Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand from July 6-11. The visit aims to bolster cooperation in defence, trade, and maritime security. Key engagements include discussions with leaders, addressing diaspora gatherings, and exploring new avenues for bilateral partnerships, marking a historic visit to New Zealand after nearly four decades.
India advocates for rules-based order, diplomacy at ASEAN Regional Forum to tackle geopolitical challenges
India highlighted the importance of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and backed dialogue to tackle geopolitical challenges at a senior officials' meeting in Manila. The discussions focused on regional security and maintaining a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. The ARF comprises 27 members, including India and the US.
India eyes Venezuelan upstream & downstream energy sectors; Modi-Gomez explore partnership in critical minerals & mining too
India is seeking a long-term energy partnership with Venezuela. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Venezuela's acting President Delcy Eloina Rodriguez Gomez. Discussions covered crude oil supply diversification and cooperation in critical minerals. Both nations also explored expanding commercial ties in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and transportation. A technical team from India will visit Venezuela soon to explore opportunities further.
India, Venezuela eye energy partnership as Acting President Delcy Rodriguez wraps up New Delhi visit
India and Venezuela are strengthening energy ties. Discussions cover oil production and refining. Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez visited India for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit aims to explore energy sector collaboration. India is a major energy consumer and Venezuela holds vast oil reserves. This engagement signals a renewed focus on bilateral energy cooperation.
India, Venezuela discuss deeper energy cooperation during Modi-Rodriguez talks
India and Venezuela are strengthening energy sector cooperation. Discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez focused on joint ventures in both upstream and downstream energy projects. This collaboration highlights a perfect complementarity between the two nations' energy interests. The Indian foreign ministry confirmed the positive developments following the high-level talks.
INS Tamal visits Souda Bay, strengthens maritime ties with Greece
Indian Navy's stealth frigate INS Tamal called at Souda Bay, Greece, engaging with Hellenic Navy and NATO officials. The visit included cross-deck exchanges, cultural tours, and a joint exercise, reflecting growing defence cooperation between India and Greece.
DIA Director General DS Rana to visit Greece to strengthen defence ties
India's Defence Intelligence Agency chief, Lt. Gen. DS Rana, will visit Greece from December 10-11 to bolster defense ties. He will meet with senior military leaders, participate in a think tank interaction, and discuss shared security challenges. This follows a September meeting between the two nations' naval chiefs, signifying a growing strategic partnership.
Blinken, Jaishankar discuss situation in Afghanistan for second time this week, agree to continue coordination
Taliban insurgents took control of Afghanistan on Sunday. Their sudden victory, which comes as the US withdraws from the country following a 20-year brutal war, has sparked chaos at Kabul's airport, from where America and allied nations are trying to safely evacuate thousands of their citizens and allies.
PM Narendra Modi chairs 2nd CCS meet in 24 hours
The PM instructed officials to ensure the safe evacuation of all Indian nationals from Afghanistan and to provide refuge to Sikh and Hindu minorities wanting to come to India from the trouble-torn country, said people aware of the matter.
Hope govt will ensure our immediate evacuation: Indian teachers stranded at a Kabul University
"We have reached out to every possible forum in India and we are hoping that the government will do something to ensure our immediate evacuation. I have not stepped out of the campus in two days and every time there is a commotion outside, my heart skips a beat," Mohd Aasif Shah said over phone.
Taliban takeover: PM Modi orders help for Afghans seeking India’s assistance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi told officials to ensure the safe evacuation of Indian nationals from Afghanistan in the next few days and provide all possible help to “Afghan brothers and sisters who are looking towards India for assistance.
PM Modi chairs CCS meeting; NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary present
Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attended the meeting, besides senior officials.
Getting out Indian envoy, mission staff from Afghanistan was 'difficult, complicated', Jaishankar says in US
"Movement of the Indian Ambassador and the Embassy staff from Kabul to India was a difficult and complicated exercise. Thank all those whose cooperation and facilitation made it possible," Jaishankar said in a tweet.
Afghanistan: How India evacuated diplomats, officials from Kabul
An Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft took off in the morning from the Kabul airport with over 120 people including Indian ambassador Rudrendra Tandon and other officials and security personnel from the embassy to India. It is learnt that some Indian nationals also came back in the aircraft.
India, Pakistan to review cross-LoC CBMs
India and Pakistan will review the current status of the cross-LoC confidence building measures in place between the two countries tomorrow in New Delhi.
Govt summons Pakistan envoy to lodge protest over Indian soldiers' killings
Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner Mansoor Ahmed Khan was summoned by Joint Secretary in Ministry of External Affairs Rudrendra Tandon.
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