#Biden shows special confidence in PM #Modi.... "As a special gesture, Modi was invited to participate in the main Leaders’ Plenary Session of first Summit for Democracy hosted by #US Prez.
Closed-door Session saw interventions from 12 countries, including India."
PM sets a new target; Tech Cos. must help uphold 'open & democratic societies'
New Delhi:
(India's prestige as a democratic nation remains shining despite the prophets of doom.
In what is seen as controversial moves, Biden has invited the Philippines and Nigeria to the Summit but NATO allies Turkey and Hungary have been left out again. He wants to return the United States to a global leadership -- and obviously throw up challenge against Russia and China.)
Living up to his image, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had something new to offer on table at the first Summit for Democracy hosted by the US President Joe Biden.
Sources said at the main Leaders’ Plenary Session of first Summit for Democracy and during
closed-door Session, Mr Modi emphasized the need for democratic countries to deliver on
values "enshrined in their constitutions".
Perhaps showing a renewed confidence in India, "As a special gesture, Modi was invited to participate
in the main Leaders’ Plenary Session of the first Summit for Democracy hosted by US Prez".
The closed-door Session saw interventions from 12 countries, including India.
He stressed that principles of democracy should also guide 'global governance' -- something given a miss
in the running of the United Nations.
PM also underlined that, given technology’s ability to impact democracy positively or negatively,
technology companies should contribute to preserving open and democratic societies.
The Prime Minister said that the democratic spirit, including respect for rule of law and pluralistic ethos,
is ingrained in Indians. "The Indian Diaspora carries it too, thereby contributing to economic well-being
and social harmony of their adopted homes".
The second Leaders’ Plenary Session was hosted by President of the European Commission, Ms.
Ursula von der Leyen.
On Friday, PM Modi will deliver India’s national statement. This will be open to the public.
At the Plenary session, Mr Modi also recalled that exactly on this date 75 years ago, India’s Constituent Assembly
had held its first session. He highlighted "India’s civilizational ethos" as one of the original sources of democracy.
The Summit is being hosted virtually by the US President wherein Mr Biden - smarting from his flip-flop in
Afghanistan - is making a case for America to take a leading role in bolstering democracies.
His mission is clearly against the rise of two autocratic hegemony - Russia and China.
In his remarks, President Biden has said, the US will "lead by example"; that is -- invest and improve
own democracy in the US and also support 'partners' around the world. "This is the defining challenge of our time,"
media reports said quoting Mr Biden.
One can guess, Biden's agenda. Taiwan has been invited while China, Turkey and Russia were
missed out on the list.
According to a report in 'The New York Times', the mega event has "become a focus of criticism around the world,
as well as from US activists concerned about the fissures within America's own democratic system".
In what is seen as controversial moves, Biden has invited the Philippines and Nigeria but NATO allies
Turkey and Hungary have been left out again.
Earlier this year, Biden had said that he would return the United States to a global leadership -- a clear
challenge to the polity being pushed by Beijing and Moscow.
The Biden administration's move to invite Taiwan to the Summit has certainly
left China anguished.
Beijing says the 'democratically governed island, Taiwan' is its own territory.
Experts say the first-of-its-kind gathering, the Summit is a test for President Biden,
who has faced credibility challenges since the fiasco in Afghanistan.
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This virtual Summit envisages participation of leaders from government, civil society, and the private sector.
"It comprises numerous activities in different formats, details of which may be seen on the US State Department website."
As the world’s largest democracy, India has commended this innovative initiative. India has always stood ready to share its experiences with fellow democracies.
Another Plenary Session was hosted by President of the European Commission, Ms. Ursula von der Leyen.
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| Snap: BBC |
PM, Rajnath, Doval pay homage to CDS Rawat, other deceased
New Delhi:
(Group Captain Varun Singh, who was the lone survivor of the crash, is in critical condition and was on Thursday afternoon airlifted to the Command Hospital in Bangalore for further treatment).
Among the deceased, Brig. L S Lidder was promoted and due to take command of a army divisionsadly has left for heavenly abode.)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and NSA Ajit Doval were among others who paid floral tributes to India's first Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife and other defence personnel who died in the chopper crash.
The mortal remains of those who lost their lives in the Dec 8 chopper crash were brought to Palam air base in Delhi by a special Indian Airforce aircraft from Sulur.
Daughters of late CDS General Bipin Rawat, who along with his wife and other officials were killed in the copter crash in Coonoor in Tamil Nadu, paid homage to their parents during a wreath laying ceremony at the Palam airport.
Chiefs of Army Staff, Naval Staff and Air Staff also paid their last respects.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met the bereaved families of General Bipin Rawat and other Armed Forces personnel who lost their lives in the tragic mishap.
Civilians can pay tribute to General Bipin Rawat from 11 AM to 12:30 PM at his residence on Friday, Dec 10. Military personnel will pay respects between 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. Thereafter, the mortal remains will be taken in a gun carriage for funeral to the Brar Square Crematorium.
Indian Army said, positive identification of only three mortal remains has been possible as of now, that of General Bipin Rawat, Madhulika Rawat and Brigadier LS Lidder.
Wife and daughter of Brigadier LS Lidder pay homage. Officials say, Brig L S Lidder, Commissioned to JAKRIF in Dec 1990, was also approved to Maj Gen rank and due to take over a Division soon.
Sources said, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called on President Ram Nath Kovind and briefed him about the chopper crash. The President being the Supreme Commander of the armed forces, such briefing by the Minister is mandatory.
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