Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Saturday said that the Dhaka-Delhi relations are growing from "strength to strength".  After his meeting with Bangladesh counterpart Dr Hasan Mahmud in Uganda on the sidelines of the NAM summit, he said in X, formally twitter, that he congratulated him on his appointment and wished him all success.   This is the first meeting between the two foreign ministers. Dr Hasan Mahmud will visit India in his first bilateral visit on February 7. Jaishankar wrote he is very glad to meet the new minister and look forward to receiving him in Delhi soon.     While Dr Jaishankar congratulated Dr Hasan Mahmud in his new role as foreign minister, the foreign ministry said that both leaders discussed various issues of mutual interests and ways to carry forward the existing excellent bilateral relations between the two countries.  They also discussed the upcoming visit of Bangladesh's foreign minister to New Delhi, the foreign ministry said.   Dr Hasan Mahmud is leading the Bangladesh delegation to the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) scheduled on 19-20 January 2024 and the Third South Summit of the G77 and China scheduled on 21-22 January.  Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the UN Muhammad A Muhith, and Bangladesh High Commissioner to Kenya and Uganda among others are accompanying the foreign minister.

Earlier yesterday, in a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored the significant progress in India-Russia bilateral trade, surpassing USD 50 billion. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday highlighted ongoing development in India and asserted that the Indian government's efforts are aimed at making India a successful and developed country in the next 25 years. "You can see our effort is to ensure that in the next 25 years, we are successful and become a developed country. A developed country doesn't just mean a developed economy, it is also a country which is aware, conscious and proud of its traditions, heritage and culture," he said. While interacting with the Indologists in St Petersburg, EAM Jaishankar added, "Today when you look at India, we are an economy, which is approaching 4 trillion dollars. If you look at how digital India has become, if you look at the pace of change, including in education... Today, for the last ten years in India, every day two new colleges are established. So that is the pace where education is concerned and it's not just in education." S Jaishankar also highlighted the importance of people-to-people connections and noted that Indology is beyond knowledge, scholarship and culture. He said, "Given the state of the world geopolitical state of the world, it is today particularly important that we have a direct understanding of each other than other countries or societies and other nations. To me, Indology is something, beyond knowledge and scholarship, beyond culture and tradition...It's an effort and investment to directly understand the very important society." He added, "Part of it is communication, relationship building, understanding each other...we speak today of a multipolar world, so there is a rebalancing in the world. It's not a world that is dominated by a few countries, societies, and traditions. In this rebalancing, it is also important...to develop International relations with Indian characteristics is my major preoccupation." Earlier yesterday, in a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored the significant progress in India-Russia bilateral trade, surpassing USD 50 billion. Jaishankar emphasized the potential for further growth and the need to give the trade relationship a more sustainable character. "I would like to highlight the progress we have and trade, which is in excess of a turnover of USD 50 million, and we believe that this is something whose potential is now only beginning to be visible. It is important that we give it a more sustainable character, and we discussed how we should do that," said Mr Jaishankar. Moreover, President Vladimir Putin extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Russia next year. "We will be glad to see our friend, Prime Minister Modi in Russia," Vladimir Putin said during a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the Kremlin. Mr Jaishankar arrived in Moscow on Sunday for a four-day visit to Russia from December 25-29. After he arrived in Moscow, Jaishankar said he looked forward to his engagements in Russia. Source: NDTV

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday made a suo motu statement on “latest developments in India’s foreign policy” in both Houses of Parliament amid sloganeering by Opposition members demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address on the Manipur issue. Listing the overseas engagements by the President, the Vice President and the Prime Minister, Jaishankar said India’s stature has been rising globally and the country is emerging as a “credible and effective” development partner. The minister spoke about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States and the key outcomes of it.  He also spoke about the PM’s visit to the UAE and Egypt and highlighted instances of India hosting the Shanghai Corporation Organisation summit and co-chairing the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation in Papua New Guinea. “He (Modi) was also accorded the rare privilege of addressing a joint session of the US Congress for a second time,” the minister said, adding, “Today, the world recognizes that when India speaks, it speaks not only for itself, but for many others. India speaks as a voice of peace, security, and prosperity for all.” Jaishankar further said India assumed the landmark G20 presidency in 2022, at the beginning of Amrit Kaal. “We will host the summit in September.  Our Presidency has served as a catalyst to invigorate our foreign policy and given more force to realise the Prime Minister’s vision of an Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat that regains its rightful place in the world,” he said. The Opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha continued raising slogans such as “Pradhan Mantri Sadan me aao, Sadan me aake kuch toh bolo” throughout the minister’s statement, prompting the latter to question the priorities of the Opposition’s grouping, “INDIA”.  “They claim to be ‘INDIA’, but if they are not prepared to listen about India’s national interests then what kind of India are they,” he asked. Noting that India’s President and Prime Minister have received the highest honours from other countries, he said, “If you cannot respect the President, cannot respect the Vice President, cannot respect the Prime Minister; if you won’t allow the Foreign Minister to make a statement in the House; then it’s a very sorry state of affairs.” In matters of national interests, politics should be set aside, he said. To quieten the House after the minister’s address, Rajya Sabha chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar said: “Honourable members, we should never forget that the decade belongs to India, the decade belongs to our country.  Rise of our country is unstoppable, the century belongs to us. I appeal to you to carefully go through the historic achievements that have been reflected in the address by the foreign minister.  I have noticed during my three visits abroad, being citizen of this country is a great honour.” Source: The Indian Express

Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar on Thursday held delegation level talks with Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi and said that the strategic dialogue will chart the way for Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two nations. The 15th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue was held at the Hyderabad House in the national capital. "Warm welcome to FM Yoshimasa Hayashi of Japan on this New Delhi evening.The 15th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue will take stock and chart the way for our Special Strategic and Global Partnership," tweeted Jaishankar. Japanese FM arrived in New Delhi earlier in the day. On Friday, the Japanese Foreign Minister will attend the India- Japan Forum at Imperial Hotel in New Delhi. Hayashi will depart for his country on Friday late evening. He is in India as part of his visit to Southwest Asia and Africa to bolster relations with a group of nations known as the Global South, NHK World-Japan reported. Speaking to reporters in Tokyo earlier this week, Yoshimasa Hayashi said he will visit India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, South Africa, Uganda and Ethiopia through August 4. During his visit, he plans to hold meetings with foreign ministers of those countries and other senior officials, according to the NHK World-Japan report. He also highlighted the importance of listening to the views of the Global South and responding to the needs of the group. This is his second visit to India this year. Earlier in March this year, Hayashi visited Delhi to attend the Quad Foreign Minister’s meeting. This visit is part of a push to realise Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's "free and open Indo-Pacific" and maintain the international order based on the rule of law, NHK World-Japan reported. Speaking in Delhi in March this year, Kishida emphasised that India is “indispensable” in Tokyo’s plan for a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”. Earlier this May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the full range of relations between India and Japan during his bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida in Hiroshima. The two leaders also discussed the focus areas of India's G20 Presidency and Japan's G7 Presidency towards making the planet better. The two leaders also discussed deepening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, according to the statement. The leaders agreed on ways to further strengthen the bilateral Special Strategic and Global Partnership. "Had an excellent meeting with PM @kishida230this morning. We reviewed the full range of India-Japan relations and also discussed the focus areas of India’s G-20 Presidency and Japan’s G7 Presidency towards making our planet better," PM Modi had said in a tweet. India and Japan established diplomatic relations in 1952. India, Japan, Australia, US are part of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD), commonly known as the Quad. Source: ANI

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday in Rajya Sabha said that India's G20 Presidency has served as a catalyst to invigorate the country's foreign policy. He further said that India's G20 Presidency gives more force to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of an "Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat".  While giving a suo moto statement in the Rajya Sabha on India's foreign policy, Jaishankar said, "In 2022, at the beginning of the Amrit Kaal, India assumed the landmark G-20 Presidency. We will host the Summit in September. Our Presidency has served as a catalyst to invigorate our foreign policy and give more force to realize the Prime Minister’s vision of an Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat that regains its rightful place in the world."  Notably, India assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1.  Jaishankar noted that India through its G20 Presidency has been able to focus attention on the most pressing challenges faced by humanity, particularly developing nations. India has advocated an inclusive "human-centric approach" to climate action and development.  EAM Jaishankar said, "During our Presidency, we have been able to focus attention on the most pressing challenges faced by humanity, especially developing countries. This includes Mission LiFE for empowering climate-friendly lifestyles and the popularization of millets to address the challenge of food security. We have also advocated an inclusive human-centric approach to climate action and development, as well as the use of technology to transform the lives of people."  "Since April 6, we have hosted the G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting in Varanasi, the Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting in Hyderabad, the Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Goa, the Education Ministers’ Meeting in Pune, and the Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting in Gandhinagar, Labour & Employment Ministers’ Meeting in Indore, Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Goa, Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministers’ Meeting in Chennai, and the Ministerial Meeting on Women Empowerment in Gandhinagar. As envisaged, we are realizing our intent to make India’s Presidency a truly national endeavour and showcase India to the world," he added.  Jaishankar also said, "At a time when international affairs have become unprecedented and complex, our people-centric foreign policy is guided by the demands and aspirations of our society."  "Today, the world recognizes that when India speaks, it speaks not only for itself but for many others. And that India speaks as the voice of peace, security, and prosperity for all. Our Pravasishave a renewed confidence- both in the prospects of our future, and the receptivity of our government to their needs. While serving as a force for global good and stability, we have also vigorously defended our national interests," he added.  He further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited seven nations. He said that PM Modi made bilateral visits to Australia, the US, Egypt, France and the UAE. Prime Minister participated in the Quad and G7 meetings in Japan and co-chaired the 3rd Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit in Papua New Guinea.  Jaishankar noted that international affairs have become "unprecedented and complex."  He said that India speaks as the voice of "peace, security and prosperity" for all."At a time when international affairs have become unprecedented and complex, our people-centric foreign policy is guided by the demands and aspirations of our society. Today, the world recognizes that when India speaks, it speaks not only for itself but for many others. And that India speaks as the voice of peace, security, and prosperity for all," Jaishankar said.   "Our Pravasis have a renewed confidence- both in the prospects of our future, and the receptivity of our government to their needs. While serving as a force for global good and stability, we have also vigorously defended our national interests," he added. Jaishankar said that India is now seen as a "credible and effective development partner". India's development partnership now spans 78 nations. "I am glad to report that we are now seen as a credible and effective development partner. Our development partnership portfolio now spans 78 countries and the hallmark of these projects is that they are demand-driven, transparent, empowerment-oriented, environment friendly and rely on a consultative approach. We have also been spearheading the promotion of Digital Public Infrastructure and sharing best practices in digital governance, especially in the Global South," he said. 

Reacting to the rise in 'Khalistani' activities in Canada, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that Ottawa seems to be driven by "vote-bank politics" and this has also impacted the ties between the two countries lately. He was speaking at a town hall meeting at the India International Centre, here in the national capital. Speaking to the reporters, Jaishankar said, "How Canada has dealt with the Khalistani issue is a longstanding issue for us, because very frankly, they seem to be driven by vote bank politics. Their responses have been constrained by what they regard as vote bank compulsions. We made it very clear that if there are activities which are permitted from Canada that impinge on our sovereignty, territorial integrity and our security, then we will have to respond". "It is something which is a continuing conversation with Canada, not always satisfactory, but something on which we have been very clear. And over the last few years, you can see that this has impacted our ties in many ways," he added. Notably, there has been a rise in Khalistan activities in Canada lately. Earlier this month, a tableau parade was organised in Ontario celebrating the assassination of former PM Indira Gandhi, which drew severe criticism from New Delhi. In March this year, Khalistan supporters protested outside the Indian Embassy in Canada. They raised pro-Khalistan slogans and allegedly assaulted Indian-origin journalists present on the spot. Khalistan supporters in March, protested outside the Indian Embassy in Canada. They raised pro-Khalistan slogans and allegedly assaulted Indian-origin journalists present on the spot. Speaking further, Jaishankar hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the United States, and added that India is also focussing on concluding the free trade agreements with Europe. "Today, it is a very polarised world, and the global stage is so much more challenging. Our relations with the United States are exceptionally well. We have had the most productive visit in history," the EAM said. He added, "We have moved into a positive domain with the US for shaping the world for common purposes. The attention being given to Europe is remarkable. The big issue before us is concluding the free trade agreement, but we are more hopeful than we have been in past". The EAM further added that the India-Russia ties have remained steady despite all the turbulence. "Our relations with Russia have been kept steady despite all turbulence. We have made our own evaluation over the years regarding the importance of this. It is a mistake to dumb down ties with Russia to just defence dependences. We have an upswing in the economic part of our relations with Russia," he said. 

In a veiled attack on Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said that India cannot have SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) meeting until one member continues to engage in acts of terrorism, adding that India will not tolerate a situation where "terrorism happens by night and trade happens by day." While responding to the question about not hearing anything on SAARC, Jaishankar at India International Centre said, "You have not heard very much about SAARC because, in the last few years, there isn't very much to hear about. We have not had meetings because you have a member of SAARC who doesn't conform to all the basic requirements of what a good membership is, and that is today an obstacle reality for the SAARC to meet. You know I said we cannot continue with acts of terrorism and say the cooperation will continue to happen nevertheless." "So, I think there are issues there and it's time to recognize the seriousness of those issues and not allow terrorism to happen by night and trade by day. I don't think the country is well served by that," he added. Earlier also, Jaishankar had blamed Pakistan for SAARC not being an active organisation. In December 2022, Jaishankar in Varanasi said that the SAARC currently is not active because one member of the SAARC believes that dealing with "neighbours is compatible with the factors of cross-border terrorism."

Under Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "One Earth One Health" and belief "Vasudaiva Kutumbakam," India supplied 'Made in India' Covid vaccines to 42 countries of the Africa continent, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday. Addressing the inaugural address at the 18th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave, Jaishankar said, "During the pandemic, India continued unabated its engagement with Africa. The 15th and 16th editions of the CII-Exim Bank Africa Conclave were actually held, though they were held virtually. To support our friends in Africa, India provided medical support to 32 countries." "From January 2021 till March 2023 we supplied 'Made in India' Covid vaccines to 42 countries of the continent. This was in line with our Prime Minister's vision of "One Earth One Health" and our civilizational belief in "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam". We are now encouraging Indian pharma manufacturers and vaccine manufacturers to explore joint manufacturing facilities in African countries. Equally important, we have battled in the WTO along with our African partners for enhancing the accessibility and affordability of vaccines," he added, according to the statement released by MEA. He also talked about virtual education and medical services. Jaishankar informed that India launched e-VidyaBharti and e-ArogyaBharti network in 2019 for tele-education and tele-medicine. Under this initiative, over 14,000 youth from 22 African countries have enrolled for various degrees and diploma courses. India has partnered with African countries in promoting digital transformation through the setting up of IT Centres, S&T Parks Entrepreneur Development Centres (EDC), etc. Where the digital domain is concerned, India's emphasis on trust and transparency makes it a natural partner for Africa. On the trade and economic front, India and Africa's bilateral trade reached USD 98 billion in 2022-23. "On the trade and economic front, India's bilateral trade with Africa has reached US$ 98 billion in 2022-23 compared to USD 89.6 billion of the previous year. I am confident that our bilateral trade will soon cross the USD 100 billion mark," Jaishankar said. "Through the Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme that extends duty-free access to 98.2 per cent of India's total tariff lines, India opened its market to African countries, and so far 33 LDC African nations are entitled to get the benefit," he added. The minister hoped that African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) which commenced in 2021 will be helpful for Indian companies to enhance their business footprint in Africa. With cumulative investments at USD 73.9 billion from 1996-2021, India is among the top five large investors in Africa, Jaishankar said adding that he is sure this will grow in the times to come.

Upon conclusion of his Namibia visit, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar highlighted that Project Cheetah has emerged as a "new symbol of friendship between India and Namibia." Jaishankar noted that shared political struggles of many decades, the challenge of preparing for a more contemporary world, the promise of technology, the excitement of common training and shared experiences are among the things that bind India and Namibia together in many ways. "There is so much today that binds India and Namibia together and in many ways, perhaps an agile, fast-moving animal that is equally comfortable in both societies is an appropriate symbol of what awaits us in the future," Jaishankar said after ending his Namibia visit.  He also said, "The relocation of Namibian Cheetas to the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh obviously stirred a lot of interest in India. But equally, as I discovered going to Namibia, it has been very much in the public discourse of that country as well." Jaishankar added that the mainstay of every relationship is the people to people contact. There is a deep interest in Indian arts and culture, a sense that the two countries are today moving forward to develop and nurture our traditions and heritage. "Trade and investments have grown steadily, trade levels now approaching almost USD 300 million.  And where investments are concerned, the presence of 22 Indian companies dealing with diamonds, who today impart training and skills to Namibians as part of their business model, is something that India has reasons to be proud of," the EAM said. Jaishankar also held conversations on the International Year of Millets, which according to him were "so personally driven by Prime Minister Modi." Namibia too has not just a tradition of consuming millet, but actually imports Bajara from India from time to time. So how to increase production and consumption was an important conversation with possibilities for the future, he said. "There are both army and Air Force teams present in Namibia who have supported the operations of the Namibian Defense Forces in different ways. And we look forward to India's export capabilities in defence finding resonance in this country," the External Affairs Minister said. Jaishankar's visit to African countries, South Africa and Namibia were held from June 1 to June 6. Notably, India and China are developing their engagements with Africa proactively. While China has been in Africa's infrastructure, mining, oil and natural gas sectors for many years, despite moving late, India has worked through training, education and capacity-building programmes - which have been very well-received by the countries. Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the opening of 18 new Indian Missions in Africa over a four-year period from 2018-2021. This move is seen as a major boost to India-Africa relations. 

Jaishankar's response comes after the bloc's chief diplomat earlier said that the EU should crack down on India reselling Russian oil as refined fuels. Responding to Josep Borrell, EU Foreign policy chief's remarks calling for action against Indian refined products from Russian crude, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday (local time) advised him to look at EU Council regulations. "Look at EU Council regulations, Russian crude is substantially transformed in the third country and not treated as Russian anymore. I would urge you to look at Council's Regulation 833/2014," said Jaishankar. This comes after the bloc's chief diplomat earlier said that the EU should crack down on India reselling Russian oil as refined fuels including diesel into Europe as Western nations move to tighten sanctions on Moscow's energy sector. "India buys Russian oil, it's normal... " said EU's Foreign policy chief Borrell but wants the bloc to act on refined products coming from India-made Russian crude in an interview with Financial Times. While Borrell met with Jaishankar at the trade technology talks in Brussels, he was not present at the press conference that followed. In his place, EU Executive Vice President on Competition, Margrethe Vestager said that there was "no doubt about the legal basis of the sanctions", and that the EU and India would have the discussion as "friends... with an extended hand and of course, not a pointed finger." Along with Jaishankar, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and Union Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, Skill Development, Electronics and Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar was also in the meeting. Jaishankar on Monday arrived in Brussels for the last leg of his three-nation visit covering Bangladesh, Sweden and Belgium. Earlier also Jaishankar had defended India's imports from Russia while indirectly criticising the West for pressurising New Delhi to minimise its trade with Russia in view of its military action in Ukraine. He wondered how Europe could make choices to prioritise its own energy needs and at the same time ask India to do something else. "Our trade with Russia is at a very small level- USD 12-13 billion, in comparison to European countries. We've also given the Russians a set of products... I don't think people should read more into it other than the legitimate expectations of any trading country to increase its trade," the EAM said earlier in December while addressing a joint press conference with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock. "I would urge you to look at these figures. There is a website called 'Russia Fossil Fuel Tracker' that would give you country-by-country data of who is really importing what and I suspect that might be very very helpful," he added.