Sushma denies being appointed as Governor of Andhra Pradesh
New Delhi, June 10 Senior BJP leader and former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday denied that she has been appointed as Governor of Andhra Pradesh.
"The news about my appointment as Governor of Andhra Pradesh is not true," Ms Swaraj tweeted.
In another tweet she wrote: "I called on the Vice President of India Shri Venkaiah Naidu ji on demitting office as Minister of External affairs. This was enough for Twitter to appoint me as the Governor of Andhra Pradesh".
Ms Swaraj, a former Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and a senior lawmaker, did not contest this year's elections on health ground.
India snubs Pak again: Hints at pushing its strong 'anti-terror' card at SCO Summit
New Delhi, Jun 10 India on Monday chose to snub its Western neighbour yet again on terror front declining to confirm about a bilateral between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart Imran Khan at the SCO Summit and also asserted that it will push its 'anti- terror' card strongly in the forum as well wherein Pakistan too is a member.
"Mein kisi desh keliye nahi kahoonga yehan. Lekin SCO mein jo hamey karna chahihey woh karenge (I will not speak about any specific country here, but in SCO as well we will do whatever is necessary to be done on terrorism issue," Secretary West in the MEA Gitesh Sarma told reporters here.
He was answering a specific question whether India will continue to make efforts even in the SCO to 'isolate' Pakistan on the terror front.
"....As far as terrorism is an issue and that poses threat to all countries, so we will share our views and experience and push it forward," Mr Sarma said.
Both Mr Sarma and MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar did not confirm about the possibility of any bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan.
"Whatever we had to share (on possibility of Modi-Imran meet) we have said; to the best of my knowledge there is no meeting organised. There is nothing more that we can add at this stage," Mr Kumar told reporters here.
For his part, Mr Sarma said - "There will be bilateral meetings with China and Russia ....and there are other request also".
But he hastened to add that the requests will be processed taking into account "limited time".
Mr Sarma, however, did not confirm whether Pakistan has formally requested for time for bilateral engagement with Prime Minister Modi.
The bilateral relations between India and Pakistan had nosedived in February after Pulwama terror strike that killed 40 central security personnel.
The Indo-Pak relations also figured prominently during election campaign for parliamentary polls which Mr Modi-led BJP won securing 303 seats - a record in decades time.
During his first overseas visits to the Maldives and Sri Lanka since his re-election, Mr Modi made a strong point on terrorism and called for a global conference to deal with the menace and laid emphasis for 'focused action'.
On Sunday, Mr Modi has been the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the deadly Easter terror attacks in April.
After bilateral talks with Sri Lankan President Sirisena, Mr Modi tweeted -
"President Sirisena and I agreed that terrorism is a joint threat that needs collective and focused action".
On Saturday, June 8, at the Maldives capital Male, the Prime Minister in his address to People's Majlis (Parliament) had called for a global meet to fight terrorism and terror sponsors.
Mr Modi also has asserted that there is a need for a global meet to discuss on terrorists and those who are supporting terrorism in the name of a good terrorist or a bad terrorist.
"I will expect the world bodies and especially the major global players that within a timeframe, a global conference be convened to discuss matters pertaining to terrorism. So that we can discuss all issues and loopholes that the terrorists and their supporters make use of," Mr Modi has said.
He underlined that the manner the world has shown determination to deal with the challenge of climate change, the same sincerity must be shown in dealing with terrorism too.
The strong words on terrorism and the sponsors to the menace from Prime Minister came amid reports that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has written letter to Mr Modi seeking to re-open the dialogue process.
It is worth mentioning that India under PM Modi has taken a firm stance that no talks can be carried out with Pakistan unless Islamabad takes convincing and irreversible steps to fight terror menace and against the terror hideouts and groups.
The SCO was created in April 1996. On 9 June 2017, at its Summit in Astana, India and Pakistan officially joined the forum as full members.
Modi to have bilateral meetings with Putin, Xi Jinping at SCO Summit
New Delhi, June 10 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the two day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit to be held from June 13 in Kyrgyzstan's Bishkek.
This was officially announced here by Gitesh Sarma, Secretary West in the Ministry of External Affairs here.
However, MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar maintained that there is "no meeting" which is being organised between Prime Minister Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan.
"whatever we had to share (on possibility of Modi-Imran meet) we have said; to the best of my knowledge there is no meeting organised. There is nothing more that we can add at this stage," Mr Kumar said.
Meanwhile, China on Monday heaped praise on Prime Minister Modi and congratulated him yet again for his recent electoral victory.
"Once again we congratulate Prime Minister Modi. President Xi and Prime Minister Modi are good friends. They had very successful Informal Summit at Wuhan (April) last year," Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Hanhui told media briefing in Beijing.
Mr Sarma said - "This will be first multi lateral Summit Prime Minister will be attending after the recent elections".
The Summit will be held on June 14 while the leaders are expected to arrive in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek on June 13 itself.
"The SCO represents 42 per cent of the world population ....and 20 per cent of the world GDP," he said.
"It is a structured platform to engage with central Asian countries," the Secretary said adding terrorism, separatism and Afghanistan related issues are some major matters taken up by the forum.
"The Summit is structured to discuss global security situations, multi lateral economic cooperation, people to people and other topical issues," he said.
Prime Minister Modi will make his intervention during the council of heads meeting on June 14, Friday.
"There will be bilateral meetings with China and Russia ....and there are other request also," Mr Sharma said adding these will be processed taking into account "limited time".
On June 14, there will be India-Kyrgyzstan bilateral segment on the sidelines of the Summit.
"One thing we can say here is that there is consensus for Central Asia-India stronger ties," Mr Sarma said.
Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbay Jeenbekov, who is also SCO chairperson, attended the oath taking ceremony of Prime Minister Modi and his council of ministers in Delhi on May 30.
"We have a very active bilateral relationship with Kyrgyzstan," he said adding there have been several high level engagements and meeting of ministers from both sides too including a visit by PM Modi in 2015.
There will be also a business summit between FICCI and the business chambers of Kyrgyzstan.
Mr Sarma further said there is a possibility of India-Kyrgyzstan Textiles Exhibition on Thursday, June 13.
Answering questions about the bilateral engagements with China and Russia, MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar said, "These are formal bilateral meetings, but the agenda will net be revealed or discussed now".
To a question whether presence of Pakistan in the SCO will 'not derail' the forum as has been the case with SAARC in the past, Mr Sarma said: "There is an understanding in the SCO that there should be focus on SCO and there is greater scope of cooperation and contentious issues are not really pushed in a big way".
"While working with SCO, we have not really seen great scope for such initiative where contentious issues are pushed forward," Mr Sarma said.
He further said anti-terror issues are at the "hearts" of the SCO efforts and India is happy to be part of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) of the SCO.
However to a specific question, Mr Sarma said - "If you look at the past deliberations at SCO meet, terrorism does figure".
PM assures to help Maldives to protect its historic Masjid: Makes veiled attack on Pak
Male, June 8 (UNI) A day before his visit to Sri Lanka, that experienced an ugly terror strike in April,Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday made a veiled attack on Pakistan and said terrorism poses a major challenge globally and a lot of time has been wasted in the debate on a good or a bad terrorist.
"The water is already rising above the danger level," Mr Modi said addressing People's Majlis-Parliament-of Maldives here.
"I will expect the world bodies and especially the major global players that within a time frame, a global conference be convened to discuss matters pertaining to terrorism. So that we can discuss all issues and loopholes that the terrorists and their supporters make use of," Mr Modi said marking a significant note on his maiden overseas visit since his re-election.
He also said India will contribute to the conservation of Maldives' iconic Friday Mosque, a historic landmark made up of coral stones.
"There is no such mosque elsewhere in the world like this historical mosque - Maldives' Friday Mosque also known as Hukuru Miskiy- made up of coral," Prime Minister said.
Mr Modi will be the first international leader to visit Sri Lanka on Sunday after it was hit with an unprecedented terror strike and the Easter bombings that killed over 250 people, including 11 Indians.
Mr Modi was conferred by Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih with its highest honour for any foreign dignitary- the 'Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen'- on his maiden foreign visit after assumption of office for the second term.
This is the fourth such high ranking international award conferred on Modi after South Korea, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announcing its highest civilian award 'Order of Zayed' on the Prime Minister and such an honour from Russia in April.
On April 12, 2019 Mr Modi joined the illustrious club of noted Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and Chinese President Xi Jinping and others when the Russian Federation conferred the prestigious Russian highest civilian award 'Order of Saint Andrew The Apostle' on him.
In October last year, Mr Modi was honoured with Seoul Peace Prize by South Korea.
A joint statement issued at the end of bilateral talks between Mr Modi and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said India and the Maldives pledged to work on the importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region and set up a Joint Working Group on counter terrorism, countering violent extremism and de-radicalisation.
Both sides agreed on the importance to maintain peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region.
Addressing the Maldivian Parliament, Mr Modi: "I want to emphasise that every Indian was with you for the strengthening of democracy in the Maldives".
He said he was happy that the Maldives was working towards sustainable development and has become a part of the International Solar Alliance.
Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih thanked the Indian side for their offer to carry out restoration of the mosque by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Built in 1658, Friday Mosque is one of the oldest and most ornate mosques in the city of Male in Kaafu Atoll.
Mr Modi arrived in the Maldives on Saturday on his first two-day foreign visit after re-election as Prime Minister. He will also visit Sri Lanka on Sunday and these visits are aimed at strengthening the bilateral ties, reflecting the importance India attaches to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.
The relations between India and the Maldives had suffered a setback after the then President Abdulla Yameen imposed emergency on February 5 last year. However, the ties are back on track under Solih's presidency. Mr Modi had attended swearing in ceremony of President Solih in November 2018.
"Today in Maldives, and in Majlis, I am very happy to be present among you. Majlis took the decision to invite me, in its first meeting after Mohamed Nasheed Ji became the speaker. Your gesture has touched the heart of every Indian," Mr Modi told the lawmakers.
"I am very happy that we have signed a deal on the ferry service between the two countries today," Prime Minister said.
Besides improving strategic ties, India is expected to extend support to the Maldives to construct a cricket stadium. Mr Modi also gifted a cricket bat to President Solih.
Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid exuded confidence that India-Maldives bilateral relationship will touch new heights and described Mr Modi's visit to the island nation as a 'momentous' occasion.
He averred,"No doubt, this (visit) will be a momentous visit that would elevate Maldives-India relationship to new heights".
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PM Modi presents cricket bat to 'friend' and Maldives Prez Solih
Male, Jun 8 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his maiden overseas visit to Maldives after elections on Saturday presented a cricket bat to the Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
"Connected by cricket. My friend, President Solih is an ardent cricket fan, so I presented him a cricket bat that has been signed by Team India playing at the Cricket World Cup 2019," Prime Minister tweeted.
Both sides took part at the bilateral meeting.
Earlier in the day, Maldives President Solih announced conferring of highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries, 'The Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen', on Mr Modi.
"President Solih has announced his decision to confer on PM of India Narendra Modi the Maldives highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries, The Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen during PM’s visit today. Namaskar, Swagatham," Maldives Foreign Minister wrote on the micro blogging site.
The Prime Minister will also address Maldives parliament, People's Majlis.
PM wraps up visit to Maldives, Sri Lanka: Makes a strong point on fighting terror
Colombo, June 9 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday wrapped up his two day and maiden overseas visit since he took over after a massive mandate given to BJP-led NDA.
During his visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka, Prime Minister made a strong point on terrorism and called for a global conference to deal with the menace and laid emphasis for 'focused action'.
Prime Minister's choice of the two island nations for his first foreign tour reflect the importance his government attaches to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy especially in the context of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) doctrine.
In Colombo though he had a brief stay, he had a packed agenda and met top leadership including President Maithripala Sirisena, the Leader of the Opposition Mahinda Rajapaksa and Tamil National Alliance leaders.
Mr Modi has been the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the deadly Easter terror attacks in April.
After bilateral talks with Sri Lankan President Sirisena, Prime Minister Modi tweeted - "President Sirisena and I agreed that terrorism is a joint threat that needs collective and focused action. Reiterated India’s commitment to partner with Sri Lanka for a shared, secure and prosperous future".
The remarks are significant as Mr Modi's visit to Srilanka was considered as a sign of India's affirmation of solidarity with Sri Lanka weeks after the terror strike.
On Saturday at Maldives capital Male, Prime Minister Modi in his address to People's Majlis (Parliament) called for a global meet to fight terrorism and terror sponsors.
"24 hours - 2 countries - 15 engagements. PM Narendra Modi emplanes after a successful visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka, demonstrating our priority to NeighbourhoodFirst," MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar tweeted as Mr Modi emplaned for return to India.
In Colombo, a banquet was hosted in honour of Prime Minister Modi by President Sirisena.
Mr Modi also received a special gift, a replica of the Samadhi Buddha Statue from "special friend" Mr Sirisena.
"A special gift from a special friend. President Maithripala Sirisena presented PM Narendra Modi the Samadhi Buddha Statue. This is considered to be one of the best sculptures in the Anuradhapura era. The original statue was sculptured between the 4th and 7th centuries AD," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) tweeted.
"This replica of the Samadhi Buddha Statue has been hand carved using white teak. This masterpiece has taken almost two years to complete. The meditation pose is known as Dhyana Mudra," it said.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi visited St Anthony's church - one of the sites of the Easter Sunday attacks on April 21 - wherein he paid tributes to the victims of the deadly terror strikes.
"I am confident Sri Lanka will rise again. Cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka," said PM Modi.
The Islamic State has claimed the attacks, but the government has blamed local Islamist extremist group for the bombings.
PM Modi also planted a sapling of an evergreen Ashoka tree at the President's House.
In another missive, Mr Modi stated that he had "fruitful discussions" with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe.
During the meeting, Mr Modi assured India's full support to "further strengthen bilateral development partnership" including through people oriented projects in Sri Lanka.
Prime Minister also had an extensive meeting with the Leader of Opposition in Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa.
"We discussed the need for close collaboration between India and Sri Lanka in the fields of counter terrorism, security and economic development," Mr Modi wrote in the micro blogging site.
"I had a short but immensely fruitful Sri Lanka visit. Sri Lanka has a special place in our hearts," Prime Minister tweeted shortly before emplaning for return to India.
"I assure my sisters and brothers of Sri Lanka that India will always be there with you and support your nation’s progress. Thank you for the memorable welcome and hospitality," he wrote.
A delegation of Tamil community-based party Tamil National Alliance delegation led by R. Sampanthan called on Mr Modi. The delegation congratulated PM on his electoral victory, MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar stated.
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