Tag: Ajit Doval

‘China Ready To Work With India,’ Says Beijing Ahead Of Ajit Doval-Wang Yi Meet

By LokMarg

China is ready to work with India to implement the important common understandings between the leaders of the two countries and work to bring bilateral relations back on track as soon as possible, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

Beijing also emphasised the need to respect each other’s core interests and major concerns, strengthen mutual trust through dialogue and communication and properly settle differences with sincerity and good faith.

Being asked about rebuilding trust between the two countries, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian, during a press briefing said, “China is ready to work with India to implement the important common understandings between the leaders of China and India, respect each other’s core interests and major concerns, strengthen mutual trust through dialogue and communication, properly settle differences with sincerity and good faith, and bring bilateral relations back to the track of stable and healthy development as soon as possible.”

This comes as National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China Foreign Minister Wang Yi are set to hold the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives in Beijing today.

The talks are expected to focus on the China-India border issue. These would be the first such high-level talks since December 2019.

The two Special Representatives will discuss the management of peace and tranquillity in the border areas and explore a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question, the Ministry of External Affairs stated.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed the Parliament last week, that the disengagement between India and China has been fully achieved in Eastern Ladakh through a step-by-step process, culminating in Depsang and Demchok.

He also stressed that the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in border areas is a prerequisite for the development of India-China ties.

In October this year, India and China reached an agreement regarding patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the India-China border areas.

The border standoff between India and China began in eastern Ladakh along the LAC in 2020, and was sparked by Chinese military actions. It led to prolonged tensions between the two nations, significantly straining their relations.

During the meeting of Prime Minister Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit held in Russia’s Kazan, PM Modi had said that maintaining peace and stability on the border should remain the priority of the two countries and mutual trust should remain the basis of bilateral ties. (ANI)

NSA Doval on religion threat

No Religion Is Under Threat In India: NSA Doval

By LokMarg

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Tuesday said that all religions are equal in India and no religion is under any threat in the country where cultures and religions that have co-existed in harmony for centuries.

“India continues to play its role as a refuge for heterodox ideas with infinite capacity to absorb dissent. No religion is under any threat,” Doval said during an event at the India Islamic Cultural Centre in the national capital.
Muslim World League secretary-general Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, who is on a six-day India visit, also addressed the gathering.

“As a proud civilizational state, India believes in promoting tolerance, dialogue and cooperation to deal with the challenges of our time. It was no coincidence that despite having around 200 million Muslims, the involvement of Indian citizens in global terrorism has been incredibly low,” Doval said.

“India, the world’s largest democracy and the mother of democracies, is a land of incredible diversity. It is a melting pot of cultures, religions, and languages that coexist in harmony. As an inclusive democracy, India has successfully managed to provide space for all its citizens, regardless of their religious, ethnic or cultural backgrounds,” Doval added.

NSA also said that among India’s numerous religious groups, Islam occupies a unique and significant position of pride, with India being home to the second-largest Muslim population in the world.

“To give an idea of the scale we are talking about, India’s Muslim population is almost equal to the combined population of over 33 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC),” Doval added.

“The philosophy of cooperation and dialogue in Islam has over the centuries merged seamlessly with the ancient Hindu civilizational tradition of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – The World is One Family’,” the National Security Advisor said.

“It was only by being open to accommodating various worldviews and ideas, interactions and assimilations of various cultures, beliefs, and practices that India emerged as a sanctuary for persecuted people of all faiths from across the world since times immemorial,” Doval highlighted how India has always accepted people from all religion and ethnicity.

Recalling events from the history Doval said, “India welcomed Arab exiles (in the court of Raja Dahir of Sindh), Jews, Tibetans, Parsis, Shias, Bangladeshis, Afghans and many others with open arms. This enduring tradition of accommodation is a testament to India being a deeply rooted multiethnic, multi-religious, and multilingual society.”

Doval also said that India’s culture has not only enriched art, literature, architecture, cuisine, technology, etc. but more importantly created a syncretic consciousness that permeated through common people. The edifice of modern India is built on the principles of equal rights, equal opportunities and equal responsibilities. This equality is guaranteed by our Constitution and Law.

Speaking of terrorism, Doval said that the challenge of extremism and global terrorism compels India not to lower its guard.

“To preserve the security and stability within our borders and also rise to the security challenges beyond, India has been leading the fight – the fight against individuals and organizations – who are promoting extremism, narcotics and terrorism,” he added.

Expressing the government’s absolute no tolerance policy against terrorism Doval said, “India is an extremely responsible power but when the need for a hot pursuit against terrorist havens was felt, we have gone all out to destroy terrorism in our national interest.”

“In the past, nations might have fought with each other to resolve their differences. But, as our Prime Minister says, this is no more the age of war. Future battles for the good of humanity will have to be fought against hunger, poverty, ignorance and want,” Doval said adding that wars need to be avoided in today’s times.

“In today’s world, with complex geopolitical challenges confronting us, religion has to become a beckoning light for the humanity to usher into an era of peace and harmony. Our differences will have to take a backseat if we wish to realize the true human potential and make this world a better place to live for our coming generations,” he added.

Before Doval’s remarks, Saudi leader al-Issa who is the current Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL), an organisation based in Saudi Arabia and representing Muslims worldwide, delivered his address.

The visiting Saudi delegate had said that his organisation is working across the world to promote religious awareness.

“There is this pessimist theory in the world that says that the clash between civilizations is unavoidable, and thus such a clash depends on two factors. There are religions and also civilizations. That’s why the United Nations has been aware of such theories, and they have established an organization, an organ within the United Nations called the Alliance of Civilizations,” al-Issa said. (ANI)

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White House Modi Biden

Biden, First Lady Host Modi At Private White House Dinner

By LokMarg

United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday (local time) hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an intimate dinner at the White House, a day before the high-profile state dinner.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his US counterpart Jake Sullivan are also attending the dinner, which featured the President’s favourite foods- pasta and ice cream.
Earlier on Wednesday the President of the United States and the First Lady received Prime Minister Modi at the White House in Washington DC on his arrival of the second leg of his official state visit.

PM Modi’s motorcade pulled up in the South Portico around 7:36 pm (local time). US President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr Jill Biden welcomed him. The camaraderie between leaders was visible as they seen laughing and engaged in conversation.

The first couple presented Prime Minister Modi with a handmade, antique American book galley from the early 20th Century among other gifts. PM Modi also presented the Bidens with gifts that included a special Mysore sandalwood box handcrafted by a master craftsman from Rajasthan and containing a silver idol of Lord Ganesha.

At the intimate dinner, the trio enjoyed a musical tribute to the regions of India, performed by youth dancers from Studio Dhoom, a DMV-based Indian dance studio that helps connect a new generation to the vibrant culture of Indian dance, according to the White House.

PM Modi took to Twitter to thank US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for hosting him at the White House.

Prior to the visit to the White House, PM Modi met Gary E Dickerson, the President and CEO of Applied Materials, Sanjay Mehrotra, President-CEO of Micron Technology and H Lawrence Culp Jr, Chairman and CEO, of General Electic and CEO of General Electic Aerospace.

PM Modi, who arrived in Washington DC on Wednesday, started his day by attending the ‘Skilling for Future’ event where he said that India and the United States partnership will serve as the driving engine behind sustainable and inclusive global growth.

“To maintain growth momentum, India and the US need a pipeline of talent. On the one hand, the US has top-class educational institutions and advanced technologies. On the other hand, India has the world’s biggest youth factory. That is why, I believe that the India-US partnership will prove to be the engine of sustainable and inclusive global growth,” he added.

Highlighting the initiatives taken by the Indian government to secure a bright future for students such as implementing the New Education Policy and integrating education and skilling. Speaking about the work that the Indian government did for the bright future of the students, PM Modi stated that they have brought the New Education Policy and integrated education and skilling.

PM Modi urged American students to come to India and said that hundreds of United States teachers are already in India, participating in a tech partnership. (ANI)

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NSA Doval on religion threat

Cross-Border, ISIS-Inspired Terrorism Continue To Pose Threat: NSA Doval

By LokMarg

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Tuesday highlighted that cross-border terrorism and ISIS-inspired terrorism continues to pose a threat to humanity.

Addressing a conference in the national capital on the role of Ulema in fostering a culture of Interfaith Peace and Social harmony in India and Indonesia, Doval said “As you all are aware, both our countries have been victims of terrorism and separatism. While we have overcome the challenges to a considerable extent, the phenomenon of cross-border and ISIS-inspired terrorism continues to pose a threat. Cooperation of the civil society is essential in countering the threat from ISIS-inspired individual terror cells and returnees from theatres like Syria and Afghanistan.”
The national security advisor said that the aim of today’s discussion is to bring together Indian and Indonesian Ulema and scholars who can take forward the cooperation in promoting tolerance, harmony and peaceful co-existence.

“This will bolster the fight against violent extremism, terrorism and radicalisation,” Doval said.

“None of the ends for which extremism, radicalisation and the misuse of religion are employed are justifiable on any ground. This is a distortion of religion against which all of us need to raise our voices. Extremism and terrorism is against the very meaning of Islam because Islam means peace and well-being (Salamati/Asalaam). Opposition to such forces should not be painted as a confrontation with any religion. That is a ruse”, he said.

“Instead, we should focus on the real message of our religions, which stands for the values of humanism, peace and understanding. Indeed, as the Holy Quran itself teaches, killing one person is like killing all humanity and saving one is akin to saving humanity. Islam ordains that the most excellent form of Jihad is ‘Jihad Afzal’ – that is, Jihad against one’s senses or ego- and not against innocent civilians,” Doval further said.

Top Indonesian minister Mohammed Mahfud MD is in Delhi on the invitation of National Security Advisor Doval.

Mahfud, the Coordinating Minister for the Political, Legal, and Security Affairs of Indonesia is accompanied by a high-level delegation of Ulema.

Visiting Ulema from Indonesia will also be interacting with their Indian counterparts. The discussion will be on the ‘Role of Ulema in fostering a culture of interfaith peace and social harmony in India and Indonesia’.

“Ulema play a very important role in Islamic society and the objective of such discussion is to bring together Indian and Indonesian Ulema and scholars who can take forward the cooperation to promote tolerance, harmony and peaceful co-existence and counter violent extremism and radicalization,” a source told ANI.

There will be three sessions, first on Islam: Continuity and Change, second on Harmonizing inter-faith society: Practice and Experience and last session will be on Countering Radicalization and Extremism in India and Indonesia.

During the visit, Ulema from Indonesia will also be interacting with leaders from other faiths. Indonesia has the world’s largest Muslim population.

NSA Doval had visited Indonesia for the second Indo- Indonesia security dialogue in March this year. NSA then invited minister Mehfud to India. (ANI)

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Doval’s Invitation: Top Min, Ulema From Indonesia To Attend Meet On Interfaith Harmony

By LokMarg

On the invitation of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, top Indonesian minister Dr. Mohammed Mahfud MD will be in Delhi next week.

Dr. Mohammed Mahfud is the Coordinating Minister for the Political, Legal, and Security Affairs of Indonesia. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation of Ulema.
On November 28, visiting Ulema from Indonesia will also be interacting with their Indian counterparts. The discussion will be on the ‘Role of Ulema in fostering a culture of interfaith peace and social harmony in India and Indonesia’.

“Ulema play a very important role In Islamic society and the objective of such discussion is to bring together Indian and Indonesian Ulema and scholars who can take forward the cooperation to promote tolerance, harmony and peaceful co-existence and counter violent extremism and radicalization,” a source told ANI

There will be three sessions, first on Islam: Continuity and Change, second on Harmonizing inter-faith society: Practice and Experience, and the last session will be on Countering Radicalization and Extremism in India and Indonesia.

During the visit, Ulema from Indonesia will also be interacting with leaders from other faiths.

It is learned that NSA Doval will be making opening and closing remarks and a joint statement will also be issued at the end of the visit.

Indonesia has the world’s largest Muslim population and India is home to the second-largest number of Muslims in the world.

NSA Doval had visited Indonesia for the second Indo- Indonesia security dialogue in March this year. NSA then invited minister Mehfud to India. (ANI)

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India Won't Forget Pulwama: Doval

By LokMarg Publishing

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Tuesday said that India will never forget the killing of 40 CRPF jawans in the Pulwama attack last month and it is the leadership which decides “when, where and how” to respond to it.

Speaking on the occasion of 80th CRPF anniversary parade in Gurugram, Doval said, “We have not forgotten 40 jawans who lost their lives in Pulwama; the country will never forget this.”

He added, “What we have to do, which path we have to follow, what action is to be taken and at what time, our nation’s leadership is capable and strong enough to take this decision and face every kind of challenge.”

He said that the country is capable of doing whatever is needed to be done, whether it is against terrorists or those who are helping them. “We will fight against them. We have the courage and intention to fight against any crisis,” said Doval.

The NSA paid tributes to 40 CRPF jawans who were killed in a ghastly attack by Pakistan based Jasih-e-Mohammed (JeM). The CRPF convoy was targetted in Awantipora area of Pulwama district on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on February 14.

Emphasising on CRPF’s contribution, he said, “Whenever we have meetings and discuss which force to send, how many battalions should be sent and where, we say send the CRPF, it is a credible force, we can completely trust them. It takes years to achieve such credibility.”

Appreciating the CRPF’s hard work, Doval added that the CRPF was initially started with just two battalions and it has 242 battalions today. “This is the only security force which has reached every part of the country for elections, law and order, etc. You are an incredible force of the nation,” he underlined.

On February 26, Indian Air Force attacked terror camps in Balakot area in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, targeting a huge advanced training camp of JeM. (ANI)