India-Russia trade is on ? Lavrov works on measures to bypass 'sanctions'

“Many years ago we started moving in our relations with India, with China, with many other countries from using dollars and euros to more and more use of national currencies. Under these circumstances this trend I believe will be intensified,” Lavrov said.

 “We will be ready to supply to India any goods which India wants to buy … and I have no doubt that a way will be found to bypass the artificial impediments which illegal unilateral sanctions by the west create.”

India-Russia trade is on ? Lavrov works on measures to bypass 'sanctions'

New Delhi 

"We are friends," Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov told a media conference after his meeting with Indian counterpart, Dr S Jaishankar.

He also said Indian actions 'inspires respect'. 

For his part, Indian External Affairs Minister emphasised that as a developing economy, global volatility in different domains is of "particular concern" to India. 

"It is important for both countries that their economic, technological and people to people contacts remain stable and predictable".

The Russian minister also said India saw the Ukraine crisis in the "entirety of facts and not just in a one-sided 

way".

Importantly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi allowed an audience to  Russian foreign minister 

while Lavrov praised India for refusal to condemn the Ukraine 'invasion'.

Lavrov was near categorical stating that New Delhi and Moscow would have ways to circumvent “illegal” 

western sanctions; and the trade and arms supply will continue. 

The western observers like 'The Guardian' did not miss the point - "Modi had not met the string of other foreign ministers to arrive in Delhi in recent days, including the UK foreign secretary, Liz Truss, and the Chinese foreign minister, Wang Yi, so Lavrov looks to have been singled out for attention by the Indian leader". 

British foreign secretary Liz Truss had tried to dub the month long war as one between democracies 

and autocracies, but India, the world’s most populous democracy, is unwilling to buy that line.

In other words, New Delhi is insistent about its national interest and is unwilling 

to break years-old ties with Russia on matters of arms sales, gas and a future realignment of the global security architecture.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told a TV channel, "I would put my country's national interests first and 

I would put my energy security first....Why should I not buy it (gas)? I need it for my people".

At the same time during a panel discussion with British foreign secretary Liz Truss, EAM Dr Jaishankar almost lampooned at European double standards.

“If you look at the major buyers of oil and gas from Russia, I think you’ll find most of them are in Europe. We ourselves get the bulk of our energy supplies from the Middle East....maybe less than one percent from Russia".

Lavrov said: “These days our western colleagues would like to reduce any meaningful international issue to the 

crisis in Ukraine … We appreciate that India is taking this situation in the entirety of facts, not just in a one-sided way. 

I can only say that the balanced position of India which is not influenced by blackmail or diktat methods inspires 

our respect.”

"I have no doubt that a way would be (found) to bypass the artificial impediments which illegal unilateral 

sanctions by the West create. This relates also to the area of military-technical cooperation," Russian

foreign minister said.

ends 

New Delhi 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening on a two-day visit to discuss various pros and cons related to the month old Ukraine conflict.

Mr Lavrov, who has been to China, will hold bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Friday.

This is the highest-level visit from Russia to India after Moscow launched its military operations in 

Ukraine on February 24. 

Of course Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held tele conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin

more than once and India has made it clear that there is no alternative to dialogue and diplomacy to end the crisis.

Meanwhile, reports suggested the controversial rupee-ruble-denominated payments could also figure at the

talks.

The new mechanism could be used as an alternative to SWIFT after the US and European Union cut off 

seven Russian banks from using the Belgium-based cross-border payment system operator. 

India has insisted that it has a very robust ties with Russia for decades now. Modi-Putin Summit in Delhi

was also categorical about it. 

India is the only Quad member which has not condemned Russian invasion of Ukraine. External Affairs

Minister Dr Jaishankar has told Rajya Sabha that New Delhi's stance is purely guided by its own national

interest.

Coinciding with Russian Foreign Minister's visit, US Deputy NSA Daleep Singh also landed in Delhi on March 30

and held talks with Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla on Thursday, March 31. 

External Affairs Minister Dr  Jaishankar held delegation-level talks with UK Secretary of State for Foreign

Elizabeth alias Liz Truss on Thursday evening. 

During the talks, Dr Jaishankar said the Roadmap 2030 for India-UK relationship has made substantial progress. 

The India-UK relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the India-UK Virtual 

Summit held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Boris Johnson on May 4, 2021. 

Separately NSA Ajit Doval has held meetings with German counterpart Jens Plötner,and also Netherlands

counterpart Geoffrey Van Leeuwen and discussed geopolitical situation.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday held tele talks with External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar and discussed among other issues the "the worsening humanitarian situation in Ukraine”.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had also visited India last week. 

ends 

Fact of history, geography - "That is not something we want India to change,” says US

New Delhi

In the season of new align making and trying to work a new axis vis-a-vis Russia-Ukraine conflict, the US has said it is not in favour of India ''changing" its stance on Vladimir Putin and his country.

“It’s a fact of history; it’s a fact of geography. That is not something that we are seeking to change,” 

State Department spokesperson Ned Price said on Thursday even as all eyes are on External Affairs

Minister Dr S Jaishankar's parleys with the visiting Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. 

"Different countries are going to have their own relationship with the Russian Federation," he stated.

Instead he said, “What we are seeking to do, whether it is in the context of India or other partners and allies around the world, 

is to do all we can to see to it that the international community is speaking in unison, speaking loudly against this unjustified, unprovoked, 

premeditated aggression".

He insisted that there should be a call for bringing an end to the violence, using the leverage that countries, including India, have to those ends.

Price avoided any direct reply on 'rupee-ruble trading arrangement' and said, “I would refer to our Indian partners when it comes to any 

such rupee-ruble conversion that may have been discussed". 

“And that is all well and good. We understand that,"he said in reference to decades old New Delhi-Moscow ties

and said, What we are asking for, what we are calling for is that all countries use the leverage that they have to make sure that that message 

is coming across to Vladimir Putin loud and clear.”

ends 

US Deputy NSA's mild warning gets a rebuke from a former Indian diplomat

New Delhi

The American assertive stance vis-a-vis India's dependence on Russia for arms has come in for

severe criticism from a former diplomat and India's ex-representative at the UN.

"So this is our friend…This is not the language of diplomacy…This is the language of coercion. 

Somebody tell this young man that punitive unilateral economic measures are a breach of customary 

international law…,"tweeted Syed Akbaruddin, former India's Permanent Representative at

the UN.

His missive in the social media came in the context of US Deputy NSA  trying to caution 

India to stop its ‘dependence’ on Russia for its defence and energy requirements.

 “What we would not like to see is a rapid acceleration of India’s imports from Russia as it relates to energy or any other any 

other exports that are currently being prohibited by us or by other aspects of the international sanctions regime,” Singh has said.

During his two days stay in Delhi, Singh met his counterpart Deputy NSA Vikram Misri , Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal, 

Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla and officials in the Prime Minister’s Office and the Union Finance Ministry.  

Reports also claimed that Indian oil refiners have bought more than 13 million barrels of Russian oil since the Ukraine war began on 

February 24. India had bought 16 million barrels of Russian oil during the entire 2021.

“I come here in a spirit of friendship to explain the mechanisms of our sanctions, the importance of joining us, to express a shared resolve and 

to advance shared interests. And yes, there are consequences to countries that actively attempt to circumvent or backfill the sanctions,” 

Daleep Singh had said. 

ends 

Imran Khan's crisis thickens, blames US 

New Delhi

The opposition says it has 'won' the number game. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khansays one big nation is working to oust him and that he never wanted to be a 'slave'of a foreign country.

The crucial National Assembly session in Pakistan to debate the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan was adjourned minutes after it resumed on Thursday after three-dayrecess.

Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri, who presided over the session, adjourned the session till 11:30am on Sunday.

Later, Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif accused the deputy speaker of violating the Constitution.

PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that despite whatever happened in Parliament, the opposition has "won".

"We produced 175 members in the House today," he claimed. 

Embattled PM Imran Khan, in a televised address claimed that the US had “threatened” him and is now seeking his removal from office.

 “I never wanted to be a slave to any country. When I came to power I decided we will have an independent foreign policy," he said.

Imran's Information minister, Fawad Chaudhry, on Wednesday had tweeted: “Prime minister Imran Khan is a player who fights till the last ball. He will not resign.”

ends 

Centre reduces areas under AFSPA in Nagaland, Assam & Manipur :::::: US Deputy NSA Singh meets Foreign Secy Shringla

Citing 'improved security', MHA reduces areas under AFSPA in Nagaland, Assam & Manipur

New Delhi 

Two BJP chief ministers Himanta Biswa Sarma of Assam and his Manipur counterpart N Biren Singhhave been indicating this.

But it is still not clear whether the move has anything to do with putting the Naga peace talkson a fast track.

Various socio-political organisations in Nagaland have been demanding revocation of the AFSPA. 

Finally, in a "significant development", the Centre on Thursday reduced areas in Nagaland, Manipur and Assam where the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) was in force.

The controversial AFSPA guarantees special powers to security forces to arrest, shoot and raid and occupy civilian property in conduct of counter-insurgency missions. It also gives immunity from prosecution to the securitypersonnel in certain cases.

Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted “In a significant step, GoI under the decisive leadership of PM Shri @NarendraModi Ji has decided to reduce disturbed areas under Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the states of Nagaland, Assam and Manipur after decades.”

Shah attributed the decision to the “improved security situation and fast-tracked development due to the consistent efforts and several agreements to end insurgency and bring lasting peace in the North East by PM @narendramodi government”.

In another missive, Shah wrote - "Thanks to PM @NarendraModi Ji’s unwavering commitment, our North-Eastern region, which was neglected for decades, is now witnessing a new era of peace, prosperity and unprecedented development. I congratulate the people of the North East on this momentous occasion".

Demands for removal of AFSPA have echoed in the northeast for years. The issue was again flaggedoff after civilians were shot dead by the Army at Oting areas in Nagaland's Mon district in a case of mistaken identity and botched up military operations.

The 'reduced areas' under AFSPA would possibly come into effect from April 1. 

Sometime back, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had also indicated that there would be some “positive news” on AFSPA in the year 2022.

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh had also talked about possible administrative steps to repeal or relax AFSPA implementation.

"Grateful to GoI under the leadership of @PMOIndia Shri @narendramodi  ji and Amit Shah ji for reducing disturbed areas under AFSPA in the states of Nagaland, Assam & Manipur. This is a significant development towards bringing stability, security & prosperity to the North East region," tweeted Nagaland Chief Minister 

Neiphiu Rio.

Notably, DG Assam Rifles Lt Gen P C Nair earlier this year had said that wherever AFSPA has been relaxedin Manipur and in Nagaland, there has been an increase in cases of extortion.

"Maximum extortion takes places where AFSPA has been withdrawn (the 33 sq km in Imphal valley), which is also called the de-notified area. Realisation has to dawn on the common people. We cannot always protect them from intimidation. That is the job of the police," Lt Gen Nair had said.

On December 30, 2021 the centre had set up an AFSPA review panel and that included among others, DG Assam Rifles as well.

ends 

New Delhi

The visiting US Deputy NSA Daleep Singh held important parleys with Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla here on Thursday, March 31.

Both sides discussed economic cooperation and matters pertaining to strategic partnership, MEA spokesman Arindam Bagchi said.

They look forward to working together on global issues of mutual interest, including in G20, he tweeted.

Daleep Singh's visit is crucial as it comes days before 11th April 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Washington.

The US is also keen to discuss at length with India on the Ukraine conflict.

The visit coincides with the sojourn of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who is expected to

hold important talks with Indian leaders and officials on Friday.

British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss is already in India and is holding important parleys.

ends   .

-

Nirendra Dev

pls visit my blog

http://bestofindiarestofindia.blogspot.in/

SAUNI water project to bring in agrarian transformation in Saurashtra

New Delhi 

Arid Saurashtra in Gujarat will soon have 'acchey din' as the much ambitious 
Saurashtra Narmada Avatarana Irrigation Yojana (SAUNI) project is set to supplement floor water to about 115 existing dams.

These dams have been selected based on the deficit storage study for
last ten years.

The Phase I works started in April 2014 when Narendra Modi was still the chief minister of the 

western state and the project sought to strengthen irrigation facilities in 166,000 acre areas of

16 reservoirs. This phase of works is already commissioned at a total cost of Rs 6473 crore.

"With all the three phases done, the much talked about scarcity of water would be reduced in the Saurashtra

region and in the ultimate it will strengthen existing facilities of irrigation for as much as 8,24,871 acre land,"

says Rajkot Collector, Arun Mahesh Babu.

Saurashtra region is located in western part of Gujarat along the Arabian coast and covers 11 socially sensitive

and politically crucial districts Rajkot, Jamnagar, Parbandar, Amreli, Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Surendranagar,

Morbi, Devbhumi-Dwarka, Gir-Somnath and Botad.

Officials say the annual rainfall in Saurashtra region is 450-600 mm and is received on average within 20-45 days.

Water scarcity is an issue though efforts were made to harness rainwater through 63,000 checkdams, 73,000 farm ponds

etc.

"Some larger intervention is required and hence the relevance of the SAUNI project," says Collector Babu.

Local people especially in villages have their problems.

The Bhader Dam, built for irrigation in 1994, in Gondal taluka is, for example, about 50 kilometre away from Moti Parabdi

village.

Farmers complain of water shortage for their fields as tapped water is used during crises to meet the drinking water needs of 

Rajkot district.

Villagers often have to resort to drilling exercise and in the process harm agi prospects of their land and also have to incur

expenditures.

Now, officials say the SAUNI project will make a big difference in the entire region.

When all the three phases of works are complete, a total of 115 dams would be filled up. These include 24 in Rajkot,

six in Morbi, one in Gir-Somnath, 3 in Botad, 24 in Jamnagar, 13 in Junagadh, 12 in Amreli and 11 in Bhavnagar and so 

on.

Sharing details of work progress, officials say Phase II and III works are going on in full swing.

Under Phase II, irrigation facilities in 378,000 acre area of 57 reservoirs will be strengthened.

Similarly for Phase III, the target is 2,81,000 acre-area of 33 reservoirs.

Answering questions, Collector Babu says, "Since the commissioning of Phase I, citizens got benefit of

the scheme in 2017 and 2018 and sufficient quantity of drinking and domestic water has been supplemented

in Rajkot, Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, Gondal city and Botad district among others.

In many villages, according to common people, the farmers are even eager to install check dams on their 

farms. Of course, they can do so only with government support.

ends 

​US, Russia to 'fight out' in Indian corridors of power : Russia FM Lavrov to arrive India and also US Deputy NSA

​Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov will pay an official visit to New Delhi on March 31 and April 1, 2022.

Mega Diplomatic tussle: US, Russia to 'fight out' in Indian corridors of power

New Delhi

The high profile diplomatic tussle is on cards in Indian corridors of power and diplomatic parleys as top American and Russian representatives would be in Delhi to present their respective perspectives on the month-old Ukraine conflict.

President Joe Biden does not want to leave anything to chance. US Deputy National Security Adviser, Daleep Singh, has been deputed to be India coinciding with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's visit to New Delhi.

Singh is well known to be the key architect of the Biden administration's punitive economic sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

Of course, the preparations for the upcoming '2+2' foreign and defence ministerial dialogue in Washington tentatively on April 11 would figure prominently during US Deputy National Security Adviser Daleep Singh's visit.

However, the parleys would definitely revolve around developments globally over Russia-Ukraine conflict.

US Deputy NSA Singh has already been to China.

".....Singh will be in New Delhi to continue our ongoing consultations with the Government of India, and advance a range of issues in the US-India economic relationship and strategic partnership," US National Security Council spokesperson Emily Horne said.

"Singh will consult closely with counterparts on the consequences of Russia's unjustified waragainst Ukraine and mitigating its impact on the global economy," Horne said.

US Deputy NSA's planned trip to India comes in the midst of a flurry of high-profile visits to the country which include British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and German Foreign and Security Policy Advisor Jens Plotner.

There is so much importance on Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov's India visit.

Russia now needs a new cross-border payment plan after its banks were barred from using the international Swift payment system. Nothing can be stated assertively but Rupee-rouble payment plans too could figure.

India needs defence supplies from Russia.

The UK Foreign Secretary is arriving March 31 but German NSA Plotner already held detailed discussions with Indian counterpart Ajit Doval on Wednesday, March 30.

US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland and foreign ministers of Austria and Greece were also in India last week.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made an unscheduled visit and EU Special Envoy for the Indo-Pacific Gabriele Visentin also was in New Delhi. 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will pay an official visit to New Delhi on March 31 and April 1, 2022, the MEA informed.

Besides tele talks between PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin more than once,

Foreign Minister Lavrov's visit is in fact the 'highest level of formal diplomatic engagement across the table between the Indian and Russian governments since Moscow launched its military offensive against Ukraine on February 24.

India's repeated abstention from voting at UNSC and UNGA on the conflict has unnerved the US and its allies.

India is the only country among the Quad which has not condemned Russia.

ends 

 

Russia had its own problems and fault lines in handling 'NATO expansion'

In certain quarters it was believed in the early nineties that Russia was almost trapped into believing that it could even join NATO

The then Russian President Boris Yelstin could be blamed, as initially Russia took a fairly relaxed view of the so-called enlargement programme of NATO.

This was in the 1990s when Russia had fallen 'weak' after the split of Soviet Union and a hardliner nationalist -- Vladimir Putin -- was yet to take the centre stage.

In certain quarters it was believed in the early nineties that Russia was almost trapped into believing that it could even join NATO. The real issue was because President Yelstin was himself not consistent.

The Americans and other western powers, including Germany, could thus take advantage of the 'vacillating position' of the Russian leadership. Then US Secretary of State Warren Christopher had said that because NATO had decided to take new members, it should not keep the willing allies in the 'waiting room'.

But at times, Moscow was being assertive as well. On April 2, 1996, Russia and Belarus announced the formation of the Community of Sovereign Republics (CSR).

In the process, Moscow's message was clear -- some of the former Soviet Republics would stick together in unity.

However, the West did not take the episode much seriously. Even Yelstin was on the move. He befriended the then Chinese President Jiang Zemin and visited Beijing.

The Russian President offered his unequivocal support for China's claims on Tibet and also Taiwan. A joint statement was directed against the West.

"...hegemonism, power politics and repeated imposition of pressure on other countries have continued," it said.

In the subsequent period, Yelstin was re-elected President in July 1996.

The West, meanwhile, played their diplomacy often leaving Moscow's powerhouse Kremlin rather confused on some crucial issues. One such issue was Moscow's demand of a firm commitment against deployment of nuclear weapons in the territory of new members of NATO.

In fact, former US President Bill Clinton and Yelstin even held a summit meet on March 20-21, 1997 at Helsinki. Russia believed it won a pledge that nuke weapons would not be stationed in new member states of NATO.

Thus, when Russia 'reluctantly' agreed to the expansion of NATO, the US decided not to allow any substantial role for Russia in the structure and functioning of the alliance.

Clinton was also firm that he should decide the 'time table' of expansion and that Russia would not stop it.

The delay, Washington thought, would not only give time to Russia to organise itself better, there were other US rivals within NATO who would also get time to 'strengthen themselves'.

There were other instances also where Americans and the West took things for granted and left Russia high and dry.

Analysts recall that within 10-12 days of NATO expansion, it launched air strikes in Yugoslavia. The challenges in Yugoslavia were internal and any 'outside intervention' in the resolution of the crisis was not allowed under the UN Charter.

Predictably, Russia was annoyed. Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov, who was to attend a meeting in Washington, in fact turned around his aircraft and went back to Moscow.

Russia also withdrew its representative from the Russia-NATO Permanent Joint Council in Brussels.

Even Russia's efforts to send humanitarian aid to Yugoslavia was stalled by a neo-NATO member, Hungary.

Ironically, none better than Clinton himself understood quickly that Russia's embrace of NATO was an essential component that was derailed.

NATO, Clinton once said, would fail in the realisation of its "vision of Europe" unless "it embraces the partnership of Russia".

The Kosovo crisis was thus the first major post Soviet Union collapse crisis between Russia and America. It essentially bordered around trust deficit.

(Nirendra Dev is a New Delhi-based journalist and author of 'The Talking Guns: North East India'. The views expressed are personal - IANS)

Business Standard Link

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NSA Doval meets German Foreign Policy Advisor, both discuss key issues

New Delhi 

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Wednesday, March 30, met Jens Plötner, Security and Foreign Policy Adviser to the German Chancellor here in New Delhi and both sides discussed a wide range of bilateral as well as global issues.

Sources said major global developments including in their respective regions came up for detailed deliberations and closer scrutiny.

The visit of the German Security and Foreign Policy Adviser comes at a time when several other high level foreign dignitaries are visiting India for consultations on ongoing bilateral, regional and multilateral issues.

During the talks today, the two sides reaffirmed the strength and resilience of the strategic partnership between 

the two countries.

They agreed about the "immense potential" that it holds for mutual benefit. 

"They agreed that the forthcoming 6th Inter-Governmental Consultations would provide an opportunity 

for the leadership on both sides to engage and intensify the bilateral partnership".

Sources say NSA Doval and his German counterpart also discussed recent developments in their 

respective regions. 

Mr Doval emphasized India’s consistent approach for the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance 

with international law and also about India's commitment to the UN Charter and the principles of respect 

for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states.

Both sides agreed to remain engaged on issues of mutual interest, it is understood.

Elizabeth Truss, British Foreign Secretary will pay an official visit to India on March 31, Thursday.

Ms Truss will hold bilateral consultations with External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar on bilateral, 

regional and global issues of mutual interest, officials say.

ends 

All eyes will be on 11th April Two+Two Indo-US Dialogue

New Delhi 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar are likely to travel to the United States in April and participate at the much awaited 2+2 Dialogue..

The Dialogue is likely to be hosted by Washington on April 11.

Both Indian ministers will meet their counterparts US defence secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. 

There are chances that both Dr Jaishankar and Rajnath Singh will also have other engagements scheduled on the sidelines.

The last 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between the two countries was held in October 2020 in New Delhi.

India and the United States held a bilateral 2+2 inter-sessional meeting in September 2021 in Washington.

In 2021 engagements, both sides exchanged assessments on developments in South Asia, the Indo-Pacific region and the Western Indian Ocean.

The Indo-US ties have evolved over the years and have lately taken a new dimension especially in the wake of the Russianinvasion of Ukraine on Feb 24, 2022.

The stand of the Modi government on Ukraine has been to maintain a tightrope walk. New Delhi has called for the complete cessation of violence, resolution of differences through dialogue and for the territorial integrity of nation-states. 

PM Narendra Modi has told the same to Russian President Putin and also to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky during telephonic conversations.

Both India and the US take keen interest in the progress and developments in the bilateral agenda under the India-US strategic partnership, including defence, global public health, economic and commercial cooperation, science and technology, clean energy and climate finance, and people-to-people ties. 

This will be the first dialogue in two plus two formats between India and US since President Joe Biden came to power. 

ends

'Gujarat Model' has a gravity, it is not for freebies : CM Bhupendra Patel

Interview: 
"Ek baat aap samajh lijiye, Narendra bhai ek hi hoten haen..... There can be only one Narendra Modi" - Gujarat CM 

  'Gujarat Model' has a gravity, it is not for freebies : CM Bhupendra Patel 

  Ahmedabad/New Delhi 

  The 'Gujarat Model' of development and administration has a gravity and a standing of its own and it cannot follow the road map of freebies, Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Rajnikantbhai Patel told 'Organiser' in an interview at Ahmedabad.

  

"Free baat na hae toh, hum bhi baat sakten haen (If it is only an issue of giving out freebies, we can also give. But what about financial prudence and keeping things in balance," he said. 

  "I think on this, we need cooperation from media also. If it is an issue of distributing things free, mein bhi baat sakta hoon (I can also do it). But what about running the government exchequer, maintaining economic balance, proper budget and financial prudence?," he said.

Patel further said, "In Gujarat despite Covid, we have not imposed any extra one rupee tax on citizens. on Fiscal deficit, our budget showed it at 1.6. But what is happening in some other states including our neighbour in Rajasthan. Because they distributed freebies, the deficit has gone up to may be 4.5 and above". 

 "The Gujarat Model has a gravity and a reputation of its own nationwide. We will preserve that uniqueness," he asserted.  

       

  To a question, he said,  "Of course, we are in power in Gujarat for a long time. You can't say this leader or party came and it will go out tomorrow. So are our developmental works and schemes. We are trying to ensure that the benefits of all the schemes reach the last man at the end of the tunnel. But still I will say of the new initiatives, our focus is on the Green Energy. We have started working on Zero carbon concept. It is going well".

 The Chief Minister said, "We have only recently done an agreement with Japan for electric vehicles and batteries for projects worth Rs 10,400 crore. We have also entered into a Rs 500 crore MoU with Reliance on Green Energy. These projects will yield benefits in more ways than one. The fuel use will reduce come down effectively". 

 

  Japan’s Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) last week announced that it will invest Rs 10,440 crore (approx 150 billion yen) for local manufacturing of electric vehicles (BEV) and BEV batteries in Gujarat. 

  Answering a question, the Chief Minister said though it is true today he is now the Gujarat Chief Minister - a position held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi once, but the fact of the matter is "no one can work and perform like our Narendrabhai".

"Ek baat aap samajh lijiye, Narendra bhai ek hi hoten haen. Narendra bhai jaise kaam karna toh kisike bas mein nahi hae (You must understand one thing very clearly, Narendra Modi can be only one. We have to work according to his guidance and path shown by him. No one can show results or perform like Narendra bhai," the Chief Minister said.

The low profile Bhupendrabhai's selection as Gujarat Chief Minister just a few months back by the BJP top leadership has surprised saffron party's admirers and rivals alike.

 In the corridors of power in Gandhinagar, insiders still talk about the manner Bhupendra Patel was selected to head the new government in politically crucially western state.

 The BJP is in power for three decades and elections are due in Gujarat by December this year.

  Sharing his party's road map for elections, the Chief Minister asserted that he is taking the electoral battle in positive sense.

 "Hum jeetne ke liye ladenge (Our contest is to win)....there is no room for negativity. Nowhere I am saying, we want to defeat A or B," Mr Patel said. 

  ends 

-- 

Is China feeling the heat !! Moditva !! Foreign Minister Wang Yi lands in Delhi in 'unscheduled visit'

Can China displease Moditva ??

 New Delhi 

Chinese Foreign minister and State Councillor Wang Yi arrived in New Delhi on  Thursday, March 24, and is likely to meet NSA Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister  Dr S Jaishankar.

It is an unannounced and not a pre-scheduled visit and comes a day after India categorically “rejected” his “uncalled for” comments 
in reference to Jammu and Kashmir at a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Islamabad.

  The meeting between Dr Jaishankar and Wang Yi is likely on Friday morning.

  Of course the two sides are expected to discuss about the Russia-Ukraine crisis as both New Delhi and China have been abstaining from voting at the United Nations. Of course for a resolution piloted by Russia on Wednesday, Beijing also had voted in favour of it

along with Moscow.

   The apprehension in some quarter is India could be displeased at Wang Yi's Kashmir 

 remarks in Islamabad and that could jeopardize BRICS Summit later this year and also an effort being made to build up a strong RIC - Russia-India-China axis.

  Such an axis has become all the more crucial in view of the changing geo-political situation vis-a-vis Russia-Ukraine military conflict.

  Wang Yi's visit comes at a time when Beijing, after two years of the military standoff along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh, has tried to reach out to New Delhi to revive bilateral dialogue and also prepare the stage for the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) summit to be hosted in China this year.

  

 Meanwhile, India on Thursday slammed the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation 

(OIC) in Islamabad and said some statements were made based on “falsehoods and misrepresentation”.

  “The statements and resolutions adopted at the meeting demonstrate both the irrelevance of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation as a body and the role of Pakistan as its manipulator,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

 ends 

Marital rape is not a criminal offence in India despite years of campaign ::: Man can be booked for raping wife: Karnataka High Court

 

Man can be booked for raping wife: Karnataka High Court

  New Delhi

  Marital rape is not a criminal offence in India despite years of campaign.

  "The institution of marriage does not confer, cannot confer and in my considered view, should not be construed to confer, any special male privilege or a license for unleashing of a brutal beast. If it is punishable to a man, it should be punishable to a man albeit, the man being a husband," the High Court order said.

"A brutal act of sexual assault on the wife, against her consent, albeit by the husband, cannot but be termed to be a rape. Such sexual assault by a husband on his wife will have grave consequences on the mental sheet of the wife, it has both psychological and physiological impact on her. Such acts of husbands scar the soul of the wives. It is, therefore, imperative for the law makers to now "hear the voices of silence," the order stated.

 The High Court said the "age-old thought and tradition that husbands are the rulers of their wives, their body, mind and soul should be effaced". It was only on that "archaic, regressive and preconceived notion" that such cases are mushrooming in the nation, said the order.

Marital rape is not a criminal offence in India despite years of campaign.

The Karnataka High Court said it was not talking about whether marital rape should be recognized as an offence. It was for the legislature to consider it. "This court is concerned only with the charge of rape being framed upon the husband alleging rape on his wife."

The case involves a woman who told the court that her husband had treated her like a sex slave right from the start of their marriage. Describing her husband as "inhuman", she alleged that she had been forced to have unnatural sex, even in front of her daughter, by him.

honoured to be quoted by 'Print' - a secular media ----- SICKULARISM ZINDABAD, nevertheless

Modi is ‘father figure’, Yogi ‘no flash in pan’: What pro-Hindutva press made of BJP’s big UP win

(Print report by - Unnati Sharma)

 New Delhi: The BJP’s win in four out of five assembly elections this month, the issues of privatisation and unemployment, and the depiction of the Kashmiri Pandit exodus in Bollywood film ‘The Kashmir Files’ — these are the subjects that dominated the pages of publications affiliated to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the BJP, and sister organisations.

Organiser and Panchjanya, the RSS-affiliated journals in English and Hindi, respectively, had cover stories on Yogi Adityanath’s win in Uttar Pradesh, with a full size photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the chief minister-designate.

Meanwhile, several Right-wing organisations are making strategies on how to eradicate unemployment, a major economic issue the country is facing currently.

Swadeshi Online, the monthly magazine of the Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM), ran a cover story this month on the ‘Swawlambi Bharat Abhiyaan’ — a movement being run by eight Right-wing organisations to tackle unemployment.

“Even though India is considered the youngest nation in the world, unemployment is one of the biggest challenges that face the country today. Our aim is to bring every Indian citizen above the poverty line and provide employment to every citizen,” the magazine said. 

The eight bodies are the SJM, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Sahkar Bharati, Laghu Udyog Bharati, Grahak Panchayat, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, and the BJP.

They held a three-day meeting in February where the organisations presented their respective plans and strategies. But the discussions are yet to translate into a final plan.

In another article in Swadeshi Online, author and former civil servant K.K. Srivastava raised the question of corporate freedom versus national interest.

Citing the example of Tata Group’s choice of former Turkish Airlines chairman Ilker Ayci to lead Air India — Ayci later refused to take up the position — the author asked how a corporate organisation could remain “insensitive” towards issues of national importance.

“Air India has trained pilots, huge aviation assets but is unprofitable due to poor management. The Tata Group may have selected a commercially successful Ayci to sort out the management, but before the appointment, the needs of the country should have been kept in mind. He should not have been appointed without a thorough investigation,” Srivastava wrote.

Praises for Modi, Yogi for UP results

In an article in Panchjanya on 21 March, RSS National Executive member Ram Madhav listed three factors responsible for the BJP’s win in four of the five assembly elections held in 2022.

Firstly, calling PM Modi a “father figure”, Madhav said the PM establishes a direct connection and takes care of everyone like a father — from children’s education to healthcare facilities for the elderly.

Secondly, he said, the BJP’s organisational network has strengthened significantly since the 2014 parliamentary election. Madhav, who was allegedly sidelined in the BJP due to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, didn’t shy away from giving credit of the party’s win to the former BJP president.

The third reason, he added, is the cultural, nationalist political philosophy of the BJP, which is termed hateful and majoritarian by critics, but is the soul of India’s culture and civilisation. He wrote that the PM’s “double-engine” government is not merely a slogan, but it keeps the pressure on state CMs to perform better.

Madhav also praised Yogi Adityanath for proving himself as a leader with a clean image, and an efficient, development-centric administrator, and a politician working for people’s welfare.

In an article titled ‘M-Y: UPYogi Combination’ in Organiser on 14 March, author Nirendra Dev wrote that the “thumping victory of Yogi Adityanath shows that his political victory is neither a flash in the pan nor a product of circumstances”. The author gave major credit to PM Modi, along with Yogi Adityanath, Amit Shah and J.P. Nadda (in that order).

About Modi, he wrote: “He has packaged and presented his winning image of a Hindu leader who struggles hard for Bharat’s development. Even UP Chief minister Yogi Adityanath figures in that scenario.”

Organiser Editor Prafulla Ketkar wrote an article titled ‘Assembly Polls Results: Redefining Bharat’s Destiny’, stating that the results are a “resounding endorsement of its [BJP’s] kind of politics characterised by its commitment to Hindutva, uncompromising stance on issues of national security, development and meticulous implementation of welfare schemes”.

“The election results also reflect the enduring appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has brought a lot of energy and purpose into politics. Taking a cue from PM Modi, the ‘double-engine’ Government of UP altered the way the administration used to function in the state,” wrote Ketkar.

Ketkar said, under Adityanath, “UP has seen strong economic and social growth, multi-faceted development initiatives, effective delivery of services and implementation of welfare schemes and improved law-and-order situation”.

“His zero-tolerance on corruption and crime has earned him the epithet of ‘Bulldozer Baba’… His crackdown on criminals had a telling effect on the law-and-order situation in the state, which even his staunchest rivals would admit,” the Organiser editor added.

Also read: Forgotten Kashmir File: How India destroyed a terrorist network 50 yrs ago, without a shot

‘Land jihad’

On 16 March, Organiser also carried a piece on what it termed “land jihad”, accusing Muslims of building mosques on the land of Hindus in Vellore, Tamil Nadu.

“As part of the land jihad, Muslims are now keen on building mosques in Hindu-dominated residential areas which have gained momentum after DMK’s victory in assembly and the recent local body polls,” the article said.

“Mosques are mushrooming in Tamil Nadu. Emboldened by DMK’s victory, Islamists have been grabbing and building mosques in Hindu-dominated areas,” it said, seeking to detail the chain of events that led to a conflict between a group of Hindus and Muslims over ownership of land.

‘Don’t join BMS if you’re clever, want to become PM, President’

In the March edition of its monthly magazine Vishwakarma Sanket, the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) said that it will not support the market listing of state-run Life Insurance Corporation (LIC).

The LIC, India’s biggest life insurer, is set to launch its initial public offering (IPO) soon. The BMS claimed this is the first step towards LIC’s privatisation.

“The BMS will also launch a movement against Centre’s policies of privatisation,” it said. “We will organise a rally on 17 November 2022 against privatisation in which lakhs of insurance sector employees and agents will also participate.”

Former BMS president Hasubhai Dave gave some leadership tips in an article titled ‘Individual-centric leadership’.

“There is no organisation in India where it is forbidden to hail a person, but then the entire organisation seems to be based on the charisma of one person. But such leaders do not try to help the organisation grow, because they are afraid of losing the grip from members of the organisation,” he wrote.

“When an approval is received in any department of central government units, then the leader tries hard so that the organisation does not move forward. Because by expanding the organisation, new workers grow and these new workers may come forward. But these days, the leader thinks about how to keep others at bay,” Dave wrote, without taking any names. “A leader might shine, but the organisation may weaken. This is the primary difference between central leadership and collective leadership.”

“So do not join the BMS if you are clever. Become the prime minister, president, but we will work to regain the nation’s glory. People may come or go,” he added.

(Print) 

Link

On ‘The Kashmir Files’

Meanwhile, the Right-wing platforms and commentators are also promoting The Kashmir Files — a film based on the Kashmiri Pandit exodus, made by film-maker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri. It was released in theatres on 11 March and is running to massive commercial success.

In an article on 14 March, Panchjanya claimed that elderly people are encouraging their young children to watch the film. Some people are even organising free screenings for those living below the poverty line, it said.

Former BJP Rajya Sabha member Balbir Punj wrote an article in Punjab Kesari on 16 March explaining why he thought a “certain section” is opposing The Kashmir Files.

“Such people include some self-styled secular political parties, Leftists and self-proclaimed liberals, who are challenging the religious horrors faced by Kashmiri Pandits. They are describing the film as a symbol of “propaganda” and “Islamophobia”, while minimising or marginalising the number of casualties among Kashmiri Pandits in the name of religion, Punj wrote.

“In fact, they are defending the jihadi mentality that has killed countless local residents in India over the past 1,300 years, forcibly converting, making their women victims of lust, destroying hundreds of temples, waged a blood-soaked Partition in the name of Islam,” he added. 

Punj argued that apart from the Modi government’s efforts to scrap Article 370 and 35A, the government, courts and “self-proclaimed human rights organisations” have not made any serious efforts towards the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits.

Amit Thadani, a surgeon and Right-leaning commentator, said in a 15 March article in Swarajya that the film is doing well, not because it is “violence porn” as claimed by Left-wing critics. He then quoted former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

“’A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance.’ The Kashmir Files is that moment for our time to redeem that pledge,” he wrote.

Thadani claimed that several characters in the film are based on real individuals — actor Pallavi Joshi’s character is seemingly based on Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) professor Nivedita Menon; the terrorist played by Chinmay Mandlekar is based on a fusion of Kashmiri separatists Bitta Karate with Yasin Malik. He noted that the latter also called on PM Manmohan Singh at his residence, with Thadani also sharing a picture of the two shaking hands.

Journalist Anant Vijay in Dainik Jagran compared the film to Gulzar’s Maachis and Vishal Bhardwaj’s Haider and wrote that the section that is opposing the film today never opposed films made on Muzaffarnagar and Gujarat riots.

ends 

Scindia exposes 'Congress fault line' for Air India mess ::::::: "Hope Mamata Govt will punish wrongdoers of Birbhum carnage," says PM

 Scindia exposes 'Congress fault line' for Air India mess

 New Delhi 


  "I was silent about this, did not want to say anything about Air India but you want to speak about truth... so now can hear the truth,” said Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia in Lok Sabha exposing the Congress-led UPA regime's fault line for the mess the national carrier had landed. 

He said in Lok Sabha that the decision to merge Air India and Indian Airlines with completely different work cultures, purchase of 111 aircraft, liberalisation of bilateral rights when Indian air carriers did not have the capacity to fulfill it pushed Air India to post a daily loss of Rs 20 crore.

Responding to the debate on the 'Demands for Grants of the Aviation Ministry.' Scindia raised questions on the former PM Manmohan Singh-led UPA government, which was in power at the Centre till 2014 on measures taken by them to revive and support the aviation company.

 "Before 2005, Air India was making a profit of Rs 15 crore per annum and Indian Airlines was making profit of Rs 50 crore. These airlines were made to purchase 111 aircraft at a cost of Rs 50-55,000 crore which pushed the national carrier into deep debts," Mr Scindia said.

Scindia, a former Congress leader himself, blasted his former party for neglecting the issues of ‘country’s Navratnas.’

As opposition members including Gaurav Gogoi of Congress stood up in protest, Mr Scindia said he had not referred to Air India at all, but was forced to speak after Trinamool leader Sudeep Bandyopadhaya and Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury raised the issue.

 "After the purchase of 111 aircraft during the UPA government and the merger of Air India and Indian Airlines, the condition of Air India went on deteriorating,"  he said.

Scindia lashed out at the UPA regime for their ‘wrong decisions’ that led to the dilapidated financial situation of the air flier. Even Congress president Sonia Gandhi was present in the House.

He said under UPA, "Air India's losses kept on increasing".

"Due to the wrong decisions taken during the UPA government, the financial condition of Air India continued to deteriorate, the losses kept increasing. Air India, which was in profit of 14-15 crores in 2005-06, had to face a loss of 85 thousand crores in the next 14 years," the Union Minister said.

Scindia also addressed the concerns voiced by some MPs including N K Premachandran of RSP from Kerala about the future of Air India employees..

 "As per the agreement of disinvestment with Tata on Air India, the employees cannot be fired and if he wants to remove someone after one year, then that too can be done only through VRS scheme, the government is committed to providing medical facilities to Air India employees based on CGHS and NHA," he informed.

He said the losses of 14 years had accumulated to Rs 85,000 crore, the equity infusion had cost the government Rs 54,000 crore, grants to the airline totalling Rs 50,000 crore and net debt of Rs 66,000 crore had left Air India staring at a chasm of Rs 2.5 lakh crore.

"It is under these circumstances the Prime Minister took a decision to put an end to these losses. He decided on disinvestment of Air India to protect the money of 135 crore Indians and put it to good use through schemes such as Ujjwala, Jal Jeevan Mission," Scindia said.

Of course, what remains to be stated that under Manmohan Singh Praful Patel of NCP and a Sharad Pawar loyalist was the Civil Aviation Minister between May 23, 2004 and Jan 18, 2011.

The portfolio then went to Vayalar Ravi of Congress.  

 

In fact, Patel had lost 2004 Lok Sabha polls but as the UPA returned to power, Pawar had decided to make Praful Patel the Civil Aviation Minister.  

 

ends 

  

-- 

  "Hope Mamata Govt will punish wrongdoers of Birbhum carnage," says PM

 

  New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday categorically said that he is 'hopeful'
that the state government in West Bengal will definitely punish all the wrongdoers of Birbhum carnage. 

"Mein asha karta hoo ki rajya sarkar Bangal ke pavitra dharti par aisa jhaganya paap
   karne walon ko jaroor saza dilai gi (I would like to express hope that the state       government will certainly act and punish those responsible for such heinous crime in   the sacred land of Bengal)," the Prime Minister said.

   Condemning the unprecedented and gory episode, he said, people should never forgive those who 'encourage' those elements who were responsible for the death of women and children by burning them alive in Birbhum. 

 "I would like to urge the people of West Bengal also should never forgive those who encourage (housla barane walon ki) these elements," Mr Modi said in his speech for an official function in Kolkata.

    West Bengal Governor also condemned the incident in strongest term.

    "I will not say a word on that because the PM Narendra Modi has spoken on this.  Looking at the enormity of the carnage - we have not seen such kind of carnage in recent history," Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar said.

  "Nothing can be more painful in a democracy than women and children being burnt alive. I will say no more on the issue," he said.

   Congress floor leader in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, has written a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind seeking immediate intervention from the centre.

  "In view of the deteriorating law and order situation in West Bengal, I request you to

invoke Article 355 of the Constitution to ensure that the Government of West Bengal

is carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution," Chowdhury wrote.

  While invoking Article 356 means dismissal of the state government and imposition of President's Rule, the Article 355 of the Constitution says that “It shall be the duty of the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance and to ensure that the government of every State is carried on in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution".

   The Trinamool Congress regime has come under attack from other quarters as well.

   

    BJP MP Arjun Singh said, "There is an atmosphere of terror here, villages are deserted. Shameful that this government let several innocent people die. Policemen kept standing and did nothing. Mamata Banerjee should resign immediately".

    He also demanded that the case be handed over to the CBI or NIA. 

  The Union Home Ministry has already sought a detailed report from the state and a BJP 

  delegation, a special team of BJP leaders, comprising Bharti Ghosh, Sukanta Majumder 

  and Satyapal Singh, will leave for Birbhum on Wednesday and later submit an on-the- 

  spot report to party president J P Nadda.

   ends 

  

Nagaland CM mulls 'fresh mandate' : Decks being cleared for most decisive stage?

 

" I reiterate that invoking of the Article 356 of Indian Constitution may be the rightful answer to the cries of the Naga people," said Imchen, NPF MLA and former Home Minister 

"Naga people can no longer bear the burden of massive extortion inflicted on the people without any reasonable limit," - said Imchen. 

Nagaland CM Rio mulls 'fresh mandate' : Decks being cleared for most decisive stage?

  New Delhi/Kohima

 In a crucial development vis-a-vis the 25-year-old protracted Naga peace talks, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday, March 22, mooted "fresh mandate" and lamented that "if solution does not come and insurgency continued, it will be a big question for our state and its people".

 Replying to a debate on matters of urgent public importance on “Naga political issue” in the Assembly, Rio said there is a very clear that his government (opposition less dispensation) would give the last push for the solution.

 Rio's statement is in tune with the top priority being given by the Modi government and the Union Home Ministry for an early solution and signing of the final Peace Accord and bring an end to the peace talks that commenced on August 1997.

 Observers understand that a clear mandate in favour of BJP in Manipur - which houses substantial Naga population including Tangkhul Nagas - has only strengthened the resolve of the central BJP leadership and the Government of India to take the peace talks to its logical end.

 The NSCN (IM), which has a substantial base in Manipur, has yet again raised the bogies of separate Flag and Constitution for Nagas - a demand which has been categorically rejected by the centre.

  Even during the debate on Tuesday, Nagaland unit of BJP,  Temjen Imna Along said a separate constitution and flag was out of question and such a demand would not be accepted even after 400 years. “We will not get a constitution and the flag”, he said and quoted Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the same.

 Mr Rio said the negotiating groups would have failed to live up to the expectationoof the common people if a solution was not worked out.

“The public should give a clear mandate”, he said but also maintained that while trying to hammer out a solution, the issue should be pursued through non-violence.

He said the Union Government has recognized the 'uniqueness' of Naga history and tradition and it is based on this fact that the Naga peace process is underway.

The Chief Minister also said that since 196os when statehood was given to Nagaland, the State Assembly has passed 17 resolutions on Naga political issue. This present state assembly also passed three resolutions to ensure an early solution final agreement. 

 During the debate other legislators including Imkong L Imchen said perhaps imposing President's Rule would be best way out to facilitate speedy solution.   

 Another legislator R. Zhaleo said both Framework Agreement and Agreed Position inked between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) and Naga National Political Groups are under the ambit of the Constitution of India and these have laid the foundation of pursuing the peace process. 

He urged all the 60 members of the House not to shy away from playing an active role to facilitate the peace process and lead it towards a solution.

 The Centre is keen for an early solution and things are being monitored at various levels including Home Ministry and other central agencies.

 It is understood that veteran Naga politician S C Jamir, who is the only living personality among the 1963 Statehood agreement, is also in touch with concerned stakeholders in Delhi. In November, Jamir had called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The latter had termed the Naga leader - who was also Governor in Gujarat - a statesman.

Naga National Political Group (NNPG) leader, N. Kitovi Zhimomi told a group of youth that the new peace accord should offer 'win-win situation for all' and that 'the rule of law' must be upheld.

The influential Naga Tribal Council (NTC) has said in a letter to PM Modi on Feb 16 that - "The only task left at the moment is for the Government of India to take a call for signing the Agreement...".

ends 

 

(Nirendra Dev is a New Delhi-based journalist. He is also author of books, 'The Talking Guns: North East India' and 'Modi to Moditva: An Uncensored Truth'. The views are personal) 

 

--

Nirendra Dev

New Delhi

Modi discusses Ukraine situation with British PM Johnson

    

   

    New Delhi

  Amid no signs of scaling down the Russia-Ukraine conflict,  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, March 22, spoke on phone with his British counterpart Boris Johnson.

"The two leaders had a detailed discussion on the situation in Ukraine," an MEA release said adding, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s consistent appeal for cessation of hostilities and a return to the path of "dialogue and diplomacy". 

He emphasized India's belief in respect for international law and the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states, as the basis of the contemporary world order.

The two leaders also discussed issues of bilateral interests and agreed on the potential of further deepening cooperation in various areas including trade, technology, investments, defence and security, and people-to-people relations. 

Prime Minister Modi expressed his satisfaction at the "positive momentum" in the ongoing negotiations on the bilateral Free Trade Agreement. 

He also appreciated the progress in implementing the 'India-UK Roadmap 2030' adopted during the Virtual Summit between both leaders last year.

Mr Modi also conveyed his desire to welcome Prime Minister Johnson in India at an early date, as per mutual convenience, the release said.

  Meanwhile, a readout on the tele chat by a Downing Street spokesperson said

Johnson urged India to work with the United Kingdom to intensify efforts to promote peace and de-escalation in the war-hit region.

Both the leaders are said to have agreed that respect for international law was the only way forward, a Downing Street spokesperson said. 

“The leaders discussed the grave situation in Ukraine, and the Prime Minister said he believed the actions of Vladimir Putin’s regime were deeply disturbing and disastrous for the world,” the official said.

“The pair agreed that Ukraine’s integrity and territorial sovereignty must be respected. Russia needed to adhere to the UN Charter, the leaders said, and both agreed that respect for international law was the only way to ensure global peace and prosperity,” the spokesperson said.

Prime Minister Modi is said to have updated his UK counterpart on India’s support for the humanitarian situation in Ukraine during the call, while Johnson told him that “the UK and India should intensify efforts to promote peace and de-escalation in the region”.

ends 

    

There should be a commission to probe 'exodus' of Kashmiri Pandits: Farooq :::: Imran lauds India ....so what ! "our record speaks for itself"

  There should be a commission to probe 'exodus' of Kashmiri Pandits: Farooq 

   New Delhi 

   'The Kashmir Files' fallout -- even Farooq Abdullah says let there be a Commission of probe. 
    National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday said the centre should set up a Commission to probe details on the causes responsible for the mass exodus of Kashmiri pandits from their homes in 1990s.

   "I think they (the BJP-led NDA regime) should appoint a Commission and that will reveal who is responsible,,,," he told reporters in Parliament premises.

  On being further asked "Sir, kahin na kahin aapki zimmedari bhi toh banti hae (Somewhere down the line you also are accountable), the former Union Minister remarked: "I have said ....if you want to know the truth, you should appoint a Commission".

   The remarks have their significance as these came in the light of the newly released Bollywood film 'The Kashmir Files'.

   There are some one-liners in the film 'The Kashmir Files'. "Kya Kashmiri Pandit ko apne ghar jaane ka mauka milega? Is this justice?" The refrain so far, many say, has been to not ask these uncomfortable questions.

The film talks about 'cultural genocide' and 'administrative genocide'. 

 BJP's IT cell chief Amit Malviya has upped the ante against former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah who claimed his father and also another former J&K CM Farooq Abdullah was not responsible for the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits.

Amit Malviya shared a copy of J&K Migrant Immovable Property Act, claiming it was introduced by Farooq Abdullah, in which November 1, 1989 was the 'cut off for exodus.'

Malviya further wrote, "Omar claimed his father Farooq Abdullah was not responsible for the genocide. It was a lie. Here is J&K Migrant Immovable Property Act, introduced by Farooq Abdullah, in which 1 Nov 1989 is the cut off for exodus. What did he do for 79 days, till 18 January 1990, when he resigned as CM?"

 Mr Malviya also said, "The fact that Farooq Abdullah resigned as CM on 18 Jan 1990, and as if on cue the genocide was unleashed on hapless Kashmiri Hindus starting 19 January 1990? That he ordered the release of 70 ISI trained dreaded terrorists?"

 Vivek Agnihotri's movie starring Mithun Chakraborty, Darshan Kumar and Anupam Kher, has virtually smashed all records at the box office. 

 ends 

   New Delhi 

   Pakistan Prime Minister now faced with a political crisis has applauded
   India's foreign policy and its 'independent' road map. 

   India has reacted to the same saying there is nothing much in what an 'individual' says, in effect New Delhi's record of diplomatic conduct and achievements spoke for itself.

   During a briefing, Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla was asked the Government of India's reactions to Pakistan Prime Minister’s appreciation for the foreign policy of India.

   “We've received praise across the world for many of our foreign policy initiatives at the level of the PM (Prime Minister),” Shringla said implying that Pakistan Prime Minister was not alone to laud New Delhi's foreign policy. 

  "To say that one person (praised our foreign policy) would be wrong.....I think our 

record speaks for itself,” he said. 

 Speaking at a rally, Imran Khan has said, “They (India) are importing oil from Russia despite sanctions (imposed by the US and other western nations west in the wake of Russia’s military operations in Ukraine) because their policy is for the betterment of people".

“I applaud our neighbouring country India. They have always pursued an independent foreign policy. Today, India is the US’s ally, and they are part of the Quad (a four-nation coalition comprising India, US, Australia and Japan). (But) they say they are neutral," Khan said.

  Such open appreciation of India and its policy by Pakistani leaders are certainly rare though privately there is large scale admiration of India's approach in policy matters on various issues.

 Pakistan is also trying to maintain a neutrality vis-a-vis the conflist between Russia and Ukraine.

  ends 

 New Delhi   

  March 21st of 2022 would be remembered by BJP in northeast with much pride

and satisfaction. In Manipur, BJP got a government of its own -- having won 32 seats in the 60-member assembly.

 This is no small achievement as in 2012, BJP's vote share in Manipur was merely 2.

 

 In neighbouring Nagaland, now the saffron party has given the state its second woman MP since 1977.

 "Congratulations to Shri @NBirenSingh Ji on being sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Manipur. I am confident his team and he would take Manipur to newer heights of progress and continue the good work done in the last five years," PM tweeted.

 For his part, N Biren Singh, after being sworn in as chief minister for the second term, asserted that it is the resolve of his new government to deliver a corruption free, drug free and violence free Manipur.

"... It is the resolve of our new Govt. to deliver a corruption free, drug free and violence free Manipur. We will always be grateful for your guidance all throughout," Biren said in reply to a tweet from BJP national general secretary (Org) B L Santhosh.

Mr Santhosh had congratulated Biren Singh wrote: "Your resolve of building Corruption free , Drug free and Violence free Manipur will take the state on the path of development"

Several Union Ministers and central leaders complimented him. While BJP chief J P Nadda attended the swearing in ceremony, Home Minister Amit Shah said, "I am confident that Biren Singh's his team under the guidance of PM Narendra Modi Ji will continue to serve the people of Manipur with renewed energy and devotion. Praying for state’s progress and prosperity."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wished that the chief minister will continue to work diligently for the development and bright future of Manipur. 

Union Road, Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani also complimented Biren Singh.

Ms Irani, who had campaigned in Manipur, said "My best wishes to you as you continue to take Manipur to greater heights under the guidance of PM Narendra Modi Ji".

Others who wished Biren included Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga.

Biren was sworn in as chief minister for the second straight term on Monday along with five other minister designates - Thongam Biswajit Singh, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Konthoujam Govindas Singh, Nemcha Kipgen and Awangbow Newmai.

In Nagaland, BJP women wing chief S Phangnon Konyak has become the first woman Rajya Sabha MP from the state. The election was slated for March 31 but Konyak was 'elected unopposed'. 

Fielding its state women's wing chief for the Rajya Sabha polls may not seem much of a surprise in the rest of India. But it is a pathbreaking move in Nagaland, where patriarchy and male chauvinism rule politics. Nagaland has never elected a woman to its state legislative assembly.

In 1997, during Congress regime an unanimous official resolution was passed by the state assembly opposing the much talked about women quota Bill.

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 Israel PM Bennett to visit India in April

 Nirendra Dev 

 New Delhi 

 

 Amid growing conflicts in geo-politics of Europe and intense tension due to Russia-Ukraine war, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his Israeli counterpart Naftali Bennett will pay a visit to India on April 3 to 5.

The two leaders had earlier met on the sidelines of COP 26 in Glasgow in November 2021. 

They also had a telephonic conversation on August 16, 2021.

"The visit by Mr Bennett would be his first to India in his capacity as Prime Minister. 

This visit would take place on the occasion of the commemoration of 30 years of full diplomatic relations between India and Israel and 75 years of India’s independence," an MEA statement said.

India and Israel elevated their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership during the historic visit of Prime Minister Modi to Israel in July 2017. 

Since then, the two countries have continued to deepen their strategic partnership, with a focus on innovation and research as two knowledge-based economies.

The visit by the Prime Minister of Israel is expected to further strengthen the "excellent bilateral cooperation in diverse areas", including in agriculture, water, trade, education and science and technology, the MEA said.

 PM Modi earlier enjoyed a fantastic personal rapport with Bennet's predecessor Benjamin Netanyahu.

  After his meeting with Israeli counterpart last year, Mr Modi tweeted: "Glad to have met, yet again, PM @naftalibennett. We had fruitful talks on boosting India-Israel friendship in sectors such as research innovation and futuristic technologies. These sectors are critical for empowering our youngsters".

In security perspectives, the India-Israel ties remains an important feature.

The year 2022 also marks 30 years of the establishment of full diplomatic relations between India and Israel.

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