New Delhi, Mar 12 (UNI) India and Saudi Arabia will work together for 'irreversible, verifiable and credible steps' against all terrorists without any discrimination.
It was broadly agreed at the meeting between two sides when Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Adel bin Ahmed Al Jubeir paid an official visit to India on Monday and held talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and also Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
It was agreed to set up the Strategic Partnership Council at the earliest, MEA said here.
"Prime Minister thanked the leadership of Saudi Arabia for expressing full solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It was agreed that Saudi Arabia and India should work together for irreversible, verifiable and credible steps against all terrorists without any discrimination," an MEA statement said here.The Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs paid an official visit to India as a follow up of the visit of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia last month.
During his meeting with PM Modi, Saudi Minister conveyed greetings of His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the Prime Minister.
"The Prime Minister warmly reciprocated the wishes," the statement said. Mr Al Jubeir briefed the Prime Minister on the follow up of the outcomes of the historical visit of Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia last month. Both the countries have taken significant steps including to boost trade and investment and to achieve USD 100 billion investment from Saudi Arabia into India, which was announced during the visit of the Crown Prince.
Later, Minister Al Jubeir met and held discussions with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on the entire gamut of bilateral relations.
"EAM Sushma Swaraj had a warm meeting with the Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al jubeir on his visit to India. Follow up to the recent visit of Saudi Crown Prince to India, including cooperation in counter-terrorism, came up for discussion," MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar tweeted.
"They took note of significant developments after the visit of His Royal Highness to India. EAM reiterated that an immediate irreversible and verifiable action to dismantle terror infrastructure is essential to fight the menace of terror," the statement said.
The gesture from Saudi side to increase the Hajj Quota to 2,00,000 and Royal pardon to 850 Indian Prisoners was highly appreciated.
"India and Saudi Arabia enjoy warm, close and multifaceted relations underpinned by historic, cultural, religious and economic linkages which stand elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Saudi Arabia is India’s fourth largest trading partner and second largest supplier of our crude oil needs," the statement added.
Gokhale meets Pompeo: Both agree on need for Pak to dismantle terror hubs
Washington, Mar 11 (UNI) Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Monday called on US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo here and both sides agreed that Pakistan "needs to take concerted action to dismantle the terrorist infrastructures" and deny safe haven to all terrorist groups.
According to an official statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, both the leaders "expressed satisfaction" over the significant progress and the quality of the India-US Strategic Partnership since Secretary Pompeo's visit to India in September 2018 for the first ever Ministerial 2+2 Dialogue.
"Foreign Secretary conveyed appreciation to the US Government and to Secretary Pompeo personally for the firm support that India received from the US in the aftermath of the terrorist attack in Pulwama, in the State of Jammu and Kashmir".
Mr Gokhale also apprised Secretary Pompeo about "recent developments" in this regard.
"Secretary Pompeo expressed his understanding of India's concerns regarding cross-border terrorism. They agreed that Pakistan needs to take concerted action to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure and to deny safe haven to all terrorist groups in its territory," the statement said.
"They also agreed that those who support or abet terrorism in any form should be held accountable".
Foreign Secretary and Secretary Pompeo also discussed other issues of mutual interest including Afghanistan and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, and agreed to closely work together in this regard.
In response to Secretary Pompeo's reference to bilateral trade matters, Foreign Secretary Gokhale underscored the significant reduction in trade deficit in the last three years.
He also conveyed India's "willingness to remain engaged" with the U.S. for a meaningful and mutually acceptable package on trade issues, the release said.
PM holds tele talks with Turkey Prez, Calls for demonstrable action against terror
New Delhi, Mar 12 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that terrorism remains one of the gravest threats to global peace and security and underscored the importance of immediate, "demonstrable, and irreversible action" against terrorism by all concerned countries.
This was conveyed by Mr Modi during telephonic talks with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Turkey when the latter called Prime Minister over telephone on Monday.
"President Erdogan expressed condolences for the victims of recent terrorist attacks in India, and wished speedy recovery to those injured in the attacks," an MEA statement said here.
Mr Modi on Monday spoke over telephone with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
"The leaders expressed happiness at the growing strength of all-round bilateral cooperation," an official release said here.
Both the leaders reiterated their commitment to further consolidate the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.
The Prime Minister took this opportunity to thank the Crown Prince for the invitation extended to India for addressing the OIC Foreign Ministers’ Council as a Guest of Honour in Abu Dhabi earlier this week.
Prime Minister's telephonic talks with key global leaders come at a time when Indian government is involved in intense lobbying with international community to pursue UNSC to designate JeM chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist.
India has held Masood responsible for the Pulwama outrage and wants firm action against him by both Pakistan and the international community.
In what is seen as a significant development, US Secretary Michael during his meeting with Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale in Washington expressed his understanding of India's concerns regarding cross-border terrorism.
By 'Masood Azhar ji' remarks Rahul Gandhi gives away major handle to BJP
New Delhi, Mar 11 (UNI) It could not have come at worst time as the country is already in electionseason.
Amid intense international negotiations pursued by the government to declare JeM chief as global terrorist by the UNSC, in his eagerness to pin down BJP, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday ended up giving up a major handle to the saffron party when he addressed Masood Azhar as 'Masood Azhar ji'.
The remarks which went viral on social media and TV news channels minutes after the video of Congress president's speech sparked off strong reactions from BJP leaders and Union Ministers and most of it were on predictable lines.
"What is common between Rahul Gandhi and Pakistan? Their love for terrorists. Please note Rahulji's reverence for terrorist Masood Azhar - a testimony to #RahulLovesTerrorists," tweeted Union Minister and vocal BJP leader Smriti Irani, who is perhaps again likely to fight against Mr Gandhi in Amethi during ensuing elections.
She also pointed out that in the past Congress leaders Randeep Surjewala had addressed Parliament attack convicted Afzal Guru as 'Guruji', Digvijaya Singh has called Hafeez Saeed a 'Saab' like Congress president said - "Masood Azhar Ji".
"Today Mr Rahul Gandhi has passed on limits of shame.....," BJP leader and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters here.
"This has not happened by accident or a slip. This has happened as part of a design, he said adding -
Rahul Gandhi's remarks came at a time when India is keen that Masood Azhar is declared as global terrorist by UNSC.
MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar on Saturday had indicated India was hopeful about a positive move this time.
"All members of the UNSC are aware about Jaish-e-Mohammad training camps in Pakistan and about the Chief of Jaish-e-Mohammad and his presence in Pakistan. We call upon all members of UNSC to list Masood Azhar as a designated terrorist under 1267 UN Sanctions Committee," he has said.
Last week official sources indicated that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's meeting with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi during the RIC Foreign Ministers meet in China after Pulwama attack was successful.
In fact, lately Chinese side has also used phrases like 'breeding ground' to refer to terror groups operating in Pakistan.
The row was sparked off after Mr Rahul Gandhi told a Congress booth level workers meet here that while JeM carried out the Pulwama attack in which 44 jawans were killed, it was current NSA Ajit Doval who handed over Masood Azhar ji at Kandahar.
Ms Smriti Irani also told a television channel - "Are you surprised, this is the same Rahul Gandhi who supported Tukde Tukde gang in Delhi".
Another Union Minister Babul Supriyo said in a tweet: "Will raise random allegations to disrespect the nation's Prime Minister but will show respect to a terrorist like Masood Azhar, that's Rahul Gandhi for you. If they show so much respect in open then wonder what all they do in private".
Hitting back at the BJP for its attack on Congress president, AICC media in-charge Randeep Surjewala sought to remind the BJP that it was the current national security adviser Ajit Doval who escorted and released terrorist Masood Azhar in Kandahar.
" Questions to BJP and select Bhakt Media,who deliberately seek to twist the ‘Masood’ sarcasm of Rahulji-: 1. Did NSA Doval not escort & release terrorist Masood Azhar in Kandahar? 2 Did Modiji not invite Pak's rogue ISI to investigate Pathankot terror attack," Mr Surjewala tweeted.
Modi exudes confidence of taking Indo-Bangla ties to new height in 'next five years'
New Delhi, Mar 11 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated multiple projects along with Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina and told her in a rather display of confidence that in "next five years" too he will work sincerely to strengthen India-Bangladesh ties.
"I consider it my good luck that with you, I worked to build up a strong and a 'sonali (golden period)' of India-Bangladesh relations in last five years. I am confident, in next five years, we will further enhance this relationship and take it to a new height," PM Modi told Sheikh Hasina while inaugurating the projects through video conferencing.
An MEA release here said Mr Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, jointly unveiled e-plaques for development projects in Bangladesh, through video conference.
"Both leaders unveiled e-plaques for supply of buses and trucks, inauguration of 36 community clinics, 11 water treatment plants, and extension of National Knowledge Network to Bangladesh."
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Modi said all these projects are directly linked to the lives of the common people.
"There is very close bond between the people of Bangladesh and India. The development of Bangladesh is a matter of happiness for India. But it is also a source of inspiration," Prime Minister Modi said.
He said these projects show that Indo-Bangladesh relations are playing an important and positive role to improve the quality of life of the general public.
He expressed happiness that both countries have taken steps to increase connectivity not only in the transport sector but also in the area of knowledge.
He said the Water Treatment Plants will bring pure drinking water to thousands of homes and Community clinics will benefit about two lakh people by providing health services.
The projects include supply of double decker, single decker AC and non-AC buses and trucks to Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (under second line of credit); and 36 community clinics in five districts -- Jamalpur, Sherpur, Habiganj, Sunamganj and Brahmanbaria of Bangladesh -- under the grant financing of Indian government.
The remaining two projects are 11 Water Treatment Plants at Bhandaria Pouroshova in Pirojpur (under grant financing from India); and Extension of National Knowledge Network (NKN).
Of the 1,100 buses, 300 are double deckers, 100 non-AC buses, 100 city AC buses and 100 intercity AC buses. Among the trucks, 350 are of 16.2-ton capacity and 150 of 10.2-ton capacity ones.
Meanwhile, 47 BRTC buses and 25 trucks have arrived in Bangladesh, source said.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and NSA Ajit Doval were also present.
From Bangladesh side - Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen, Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni and Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque were present at the inaugural event at Ms Hasina's official residence in Dhaka.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms Swaraj said: "The credit for this remarkable phase in India-Bangladesh ties goes to the vision and statesmanship of our two Prime Ministers".
PM Modi and Ms Sheikh Hasina's "sagacity has been matched only by their political commitment" to taking the partnership to new heights, and to making India-Bangladesh ties a model for the region— and in future, for the world as well, External Affairs Minister said.
Modi's 'Do or Die' battle essentially lies in UP, Bengal and Odisha
New Delhi, Mar 11 (UNI) Of all the political narratives the BJP will have to deal with in the run up to the parliamentary polls, the most striking one would be - can 'Narendra Modi' as a brand equity work in three important states of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Odisha.
In terms of image, Mr Modi seems to have come a full circle. Post-Pulwama and government's actions against terror camps in Pakistan and firm hand handling of separatists in Jammu and Kashmir, many in BJP see it is the return if the 'vintage Modi'.
"In 2002 after post-Godhra riots and terrorists attack at Gandhinagar’s Akshardham temple, the BJP campaigners led by Arun Jaitley and George Fernandes had pushed the line if Modi does not return to power, Gujarat will not be safe. Today also, the country is heading for a poll where everyone is looking for a strong Prime Minister," a BJP leader said here.
But how much it would help in faction-ridden Uttar Pradesh and also two eastern states of West Bengal and Odisha remains to be seen.
BJP sources admitted that 'radical nationalism' can hardly be best of political cards in two eastern states.
Apparently, BJP's scheme of things for a decisive battle in Mamata Banerjee-ruled West Bengal and also Odisha is well reflected in the poll schedule announced by the Election Commission.
"The challenges in West Bengal and Odisha are identical, we have to win as many seats - all new ones. But in Uttar Pradesh we have to retain our grip, The task of repeating 2014 performance - 71 seats on our own and two for ally Apna Dal would be difficult," a party leader confessed.
The poll strategists too understand this well. According to BJP sources, in rest of India things should be more or less status quo vis-a-vis what was the broad picture five years back.
"We may not do as bad as we did in assembly elections in Chhattisgarh and our performance will be good in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan as well. The Pulwama attack, Indian Air Force aerial strike meaning ‘emotion’ packaged as nationalism will motivate voters towards BJP in these states. But the challenge is in UP," the source said as the alliance between Samajwadi Party and BSP and Congress pitching in Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have made the game more of a puzzle in country's most populous state.
The poll schedule in West Bengal - seven phase polling at par with Bihar and Uttar Pradesh - the two states known for electoral violence - has predictably send the message that deployment forces will be huge in Mamata Banerjee-ruled state where 2018 panchayat elections were marred by allegations of goondaism and all sorts of mal practices.
Trinamool leader Firhad Hakim has already said that seven phase polling will have no impact in terms of making penetration into the support base of Mamata Banerjee.
Trinamool sources have cited that despite huge deployment of central forces during Uluberia by poll, the Trinamool Congress could register a convincing win when its nominee Sajda Ahmed could poll over 60 per cent of votes.
But in the BJP camp, Rajya Sabha MP Roopa Ganguly has said that "adequate deployment of forces will ensure that a large number of Bengal voters can exercise their franchise. In Panchayat elections some BJP candidates even could not file nominations".
Senior party leader Rahul Sinha has also spoken on these lines and said EC's poll schedule is a testimony to the fact law and order situation is pretty bad in the state.
The BJP, which could win only Asansol and Darjeeling seats in 2014, has set a target of 22 plus out of 42 seats in the state.
Similarly in Odisha, where the BJP won only one seat Sundargarh (Union Minister Jual Oram), the party will have to win at least 10-12 seats out of 21 -- "to make up the possible loss in Hindi heartland states especially UP".
"Naveen Patnaik remains a popular face there and as of now BJP's focus will be to do best in parliamentary polls and play it down in assembly elections. The message to BJD leadership being - let him become Chief Minister yet again, but Naveenbabu should be one of our soft NDA allies and help us in Lok Sabha polls," a source said.
As it is - five years back, the BJP had come number two in nine seats - Balasore, Bargarh, Bhubaneswar, Bolangir, Dhenkanal, Kalahandi, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj and Sambhalpur
The saffron party's prospects for wresting seats have brightened in Kendrapara after Baijayant Panda defected to the saffron camp.
In Dhenkanal too, sitting BJD MP Tathagata Sathpathy has expressed desire not to contest and thus could help BJP's Rudra Narayan Pani win the seat. Mr Pani had finished second in 2014.
Among the sure seat for BJP this time will be Bhubaneswar where the party is all set to field a former bureaucrat Aparajita Sarangi.
ends
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