FOREIGN MINISTER
India, China hold talks over Ladakh standoff, review LAC situation
The 30th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) focused on resolving the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Both sides agreed to uphold peace and respect for the LAC, aiming for a prompt resolution of outstanding issues to restore normalcy in bilateral relations.
'Sheer desperation': Congress slams FM Sitharaman for criticising Opposition over foreign investments
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman suggested that Congress propaganda is hindering private investment in India. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh countered by attributing sluggish investment to poor policy decisions, cronyism, and enforcement actions under the current government. Sitharaman had warned that these issues are contributing to instability and making the country appear less attractive to foreign investors.
Piyush Goyal slams India Inc for focusing on small gains
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal criticized Indian industries for prioritizing imports over local products, impacting foreign exchange reserves. He noted their reluctance to offer market access while demanding duty concessions in FTAs. Goyal also expressed concern over low industry participation in meetings aimed at boosting local value-add and exports.
Ten years of UPA government was a failed experiment, says Trade Minister Piyush Goyal
On Tuesday, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal sharply criticized former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram and the UPA-led government, blaming them for the deteriorating economic conditions during their tenure. Goyal highlighted that under the UPA, the country faced high fiscal deficits, inflation, and low growth, with the economy weakening from a growth rate of over 8% in 2004 to around 4.4%.
View: Quad remains an important bulwark against Chinese coercion
The Quad meeting in Tokyo saw India, the USA, Australia, and Japan focusing on countering China's influence by promoting transparent and sustainable infrastructure projects. Discussions included maritime security, economic resilience, and possible reforms to the UN security council. The ministers emphasized cooperation in cybersecurity, disaster relief, and other key areas.
Quad foreign ministers announce plan to expand IPMDA to Indian Ocean region
The Quad also said that it was working for early operationalisation of its South Asia programme through India's Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region.
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Quad foreign ministers condemn ongoing attacks perpetrated by Houthis in Red Sea
At a meeting in Tokyo, the Quad Foreign Ministers—representing the US, Japan, Australia, and India—condemned the Houthi attacks on international vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. They emphasized the destabilizing effects of these attacks on regional security and trade. The statement highlighted the Quad’s commitment to upholding the UN Charter, advancing Security Council reforms, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). India is set to host the next Quad Leaders' Summit, and the US will host the subsequent Foreign Ministers' meeting in 2025.
"Commitment for global good extends beyond Quad," says EAM S Jaishankar at Quad meeting
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting in Tokyo, stressed the importance of trusted partnerships for regional stability. Reflecting on the group's ongoing interactions, he highlighted the Quad's commitment to global good beyond the Indo-Pacific. Jaishankar noted the challenges of ensuring economic growth and resilient supply chains while advocating for trusted digital partnerships. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to safeguard against disruptions and uphold a rules-based order, ensuring a free, open, stable, and secure Indo-Pacific.
Japan, US, Australia, India at Tokyo talks on maritime and cyber security amid China concerns
Foreign ministers from Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, part of the 'Quad' grouping, convened in Tokyo to discuss maritime security and cyber defense enhancements. The meeting, which followed recent security discussions between Tokyo and Washington, addressed concerns over China's increasing regional influence. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized the need to safeguard regional stability, while Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa stressed cybersecurity and maritime training. The U.S. also announced a major military command overhaul in Japan to better align with regional security dynamics. Blinken and Austin will next engage with the Philippines in security talks.
Only Quad collaboration can ensure freedom, stability and security in Indo Pacific region: S Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that the Quad nations' unity is crucial for maintaining a free, open, and stable Indo-Pacific region. Speaking at the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting in Tokyo, Jaishankar highlighted the importance of deepening political, economic, and technological partnerships among the member countries—India, Japan, the US, and Australia. He stressed that the Quad is committed to growing and expanding its influence, countering regional challenges, and ensuring secure sea routes in the Indo-Pacific.
Jaishankar, Blinken discuss regional, global issues during meeting in Tokyo
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and held a wide-ranging discussion on bilateral ties and regional and global issues. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting in Tokyo. In November 2017, India, Japan, the US, and Australia gave shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the Quad to develop a new strategy to keep the critical sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence.
Israeli foreign minister says approaching 'moment of an all-out war' against Hezbollah, Axios reports
Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced that Israel was nearing an all-out war against Hezbollah and Lebanon after a rocket attack killed ten people in the Golan Heights. Tensions have been escalating since the Gaza conflict began, with frequent exchange of fire leading to significant casualties in both countries.
China's foreign minister Wang Yi warns Philippines over US missile deployment
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned the Philippines against the deployment of U.S. intermediate-range missiles, citing potential regional tensions and an arms race. The United States deployed the Typhon missile system to the Philippines for joint military drills. China-Philippines relations are now at a crossroads and dialogue and consultation are the right way, Wang told the Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo during a meeting in Vientiane on Friday.
EAM Jaishankar holds bilateral meetings with counterparts from ASEAN countries
Jaishankar and all other leaders are in the Lao People's Democratic Republic's capital to participate in the Foreign Ministers' Meetings under the ASEAN framework in the format of ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
India and UK launch tech initiative as new British foreign minister makes his first official visit
India and the United Kingdom launched a new technology security initiative during the British foreign secretary's first official visit to India, aiming to enhance economic growth and collaboration. The agreement involves cooperation on critical technologies like AI and telecoms, as well as strengthening ties in areas such as climate, trade, and education. Discussions also focused on defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and global issues like the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
UK Foreign Minister David Lammy arrives in Delhi on a two-day tour; FTA, security issues on agenda
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in India for a two-day visit, marking the first high-level engagement by the newly-elected Labour government. Lammy aims to strengthen UK-India relations, focusing on economic growth, security, and climate action. He will meet with Indian ministers and business leaders to push for a Free Trade Agreement and collaboration on green technologies. Highlighting the "Living Bridge" of 1.7 million people of Indian heritage in the UK, Lammy's visit underscores the shared ambitions for innovation, trade, and prosperity.
Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Beijing for talks on ending war
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba visited China to discuss ending the war with Russia, despite China's growing ties with Moscow. Beijing claims neutrality but NATO brands it a key enabler of Russia's war. China has sought a mediator role but faced criticism for supporting Russia. Kyiv may push for Chinese involvement in peace talks. China's economic partnership with Russia is under scrutiny, potentially influencing its role in the conflict.
Diplomats confront Bangladesh foreign minister over violence
What began as a movement against politicised admission quotas for sought-after government jobs has snowballed into some of the worst unrest of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's tenure, with at least 163 people killed in clashes so far, according to an AFP count of victims reported by police and hospitals.
Canada’s immigration minister has a message for foreign students: You can’t all stay
Canada is reevaluating its long-term visa program for foreign students to better align with labor market demands. The government aims to ensure that study visas do not guarantee future residency or citizenship. Prime Minister Trudeau faces challenges related to cost of living and unemployment, prompting a closer look at immigration policies and temporary worker programs.
Taiwan must rely on itself for defence, foreign minister says responding to Donald Trump
The United States is the most important international backer and arms supplier for Taiwan, which China claims as its own. Despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, Washington is bound by law to provide the means for the island's defence. But Taiwan has no formal defence agreement with the US, as Asian neighbours Japan and South Korea do.
India subject to enormous, completely unjustified pressure due to energy ties with Russia: Russian FM Lavrov
Lavrov was responding to a question about Prime Minister Modi's recent visit to Moscow and the opposition faced by India for its energy cooperation with Russia. With Russia presiding over the UN Security Council for the month of July, Lavrov is in New York to chair meetings of the Council being held under Moscow's presidency.
China's Communist Party removes ex-foreign, defence ministers from top body
The Chinese Communist Party accepted the resignation of former foreign minister Qin Gang and expelled former defense minister Li Shangfu and former PLA Rocket Force commander Li Yuchao from its Central Committee due to "serious violations of discipline and law," including corruption charges. This move comes as part of a wider anti-corruption campaign within the People's Liberation Army, involving high-ranking officials like two former defense ministers and nine top generals.
Vikram Misri, a veteran of three PMOs, takes charge as Foreign Secretary
Vikram Misri has been appointed as India's foreign secretary for two years, following his previous roles with three prime ministers and two external affairs ministers. Misri has experience in various Indian Missions abroad, including Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America. He has previously served as joint secretary in the Prime Minister's Office and private secretary to three Prime Ministers.
'Upset' Bangladesh PM Hasina cuts short China visit, returns to Dhaka
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's abrupt return from Beijing has sparked speculation about unmet expectations from her China visit. Reports suggest that despite promises of substantial financial aid, China offered a significantly smaller package of around $100 million during the trip, disappointing Dhaka. Moreover, Hasina anticipated extensive discussions with President Xi Jinping but was only briefly met, with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang serving as her main counterpart. The subdued media coverage of her visit and these diplomatic dynamics likely influenced Hasina's decision to cut short her stay, citing family reasons.
Poland to spend 5% of GDP on defence in 2025, says foreign minister
Poland plans to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP in 2025, up from over 4% this year, in response to security concerns following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski. The country aims to boost its defence budget by around 10% next year, with Army Chief of Staff General Wieslaw Kukula emphasizing the need to prepare soldiers for potential all-out conflict.
PM Modi, BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers discuss ways to strengthen regional cooperation
Foreign Ministers from the BIMSTEC member countries have gathered in the national capital for a two-day retreat meeting to bolster cooperation among Bay of Bengal countries. BIMSTEC is a regional organisation comprising 7 member states - Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Sri Lankan Minister Tharaka Balasuriya arrives in Delhi to attend BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' retreat
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will host his counterparts for the 2nd BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' Retreat in New Delhi on July 11-12.
As external affairs minister, Jaishankar crafted an assertive foreign policy approach
The 69-year-old Jaishankar, whose illustrious diplomatic career spanned four decades, on Sunday took oath as a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet.
Council of ministers great blend of youth and experience: PM Modi
Soon after the oath-taking ceremony, PM Modi said on X, "I look forward to serving 140 crore Indians and working with the Council of Ministers to take India to new heights of progress."
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