Foreign Ministry Archives - Lokmarg

East India Company, Indian Mujahideen: Modi’s Jibe At INDIA Alliance

By LokMarg 25th July 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched a stinging attack on the “completely directionless” INDIA alliance of opposition parties and compared the grouping with terrorist outfits like Indian Mujahideen and Popular Front of India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a dig that as the Britishers named themselves the East India Company and terror organisations like the Indian Mujahideen and the Indian People’s Front, all of whom have ‘India’ in them, similarly the Opposition was presenting itself with the name of India.
Addressing media persons here, senior BJP leader and former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad quoted the PM’s remarks in the party’s Parliamentary meeting held earlier today.

“We are proud of our PM. We will return to power in 2024. PM Modi in his remarks said that Indian National Congress, East India Company was founded by a foreign national,” Prasad said.

“Today people are using names like Indian Mujahideen and Indian People’s Front. Something on face value could be different from something that is really true,” the former union minister said citing the Prime Minister’s remarks at the BJP Parliamentary party meeting.

Congress National President and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said that while the Opposition was urging the Prime Minister to speak on the Manipur issue in Parliament, he was instead talking about the East India Company in his party meeting.

“Why is he scared about opposition parties naming themselves as INDIA. They are nervous because of our successful meetings in Patna and Bengaluru,” Kharge said responding to PM’s jibe on the acronym INDIA, which stands for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance.

“The opposition is giving direction to the country. The Prime Minister himself has become directionless,” Kharge said.

“The Manipur issue is not like the ones in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh or West Bengal, it is way more serious. This is a concern for all the Northeast states in the country. They are not concerned about the atrocities against women, Kharge further stated.

Inside the Rajya Sabha, the Leader of the Opposition Kharge said that the prime minister was busy talking about the East India Company at a time when Manipur was burning.

“So many representatives are giving notices under 267 in Parliament. We are talking about Manipur. Manipur is burning but the Prime Minister is talking about East India Company,” Kharge said.

Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was poised to return to power in 2024.

“We are well on course to return to power in 2024. The country has set high hopes on us and the Opposition alliance knows it is not coming to power. This sad and tired Opposition will disintegrate,” he said.

Prime Minister Modi today came down heavily on the face-off in Parliament over the Manipur issue between the Opposition and the government that has led to continued disruptions since the beginning of the ongoing Monsoon Session.

Parliamentary Affairs minister Prahlad Joshi said that in the BJP Parliamentary meeting, PM Modi said that from the Opposition’s conduct, it seems that they have decided to remain in the Opposition for the coming years.”

Earlier today the BJP’s Parliamentary Party meeting was held to chalk out a strategy to counter the Opposition’s ruckus in the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.

The Monsoon Session, which began on July 20, with a long list of legislative businesses on the agenda, has seen repeated adjournments in the face of Opposition protests, sloganeering, and ruckus by members of the fledgling grand Opposition alliance over its demand for a statement from PM Modi on the Manipur situation. (ANI)

Japan PM Vows To Keep World Leaders Safe

By LokMarg 16th April 2023

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida vowed on Sunday to keep world leaders safe during Group of Seven (G7) meetings in Japan, CNN reported. Kishida’s statement comes a day after a man threw what appeared to be a “smoke bomb” at him during a campaign speech in Wakayama.

“Japan as a whole must strive to provide maximum security during the dates of the summit (in Hiroshima next month) and other gatherings of dignitaries from around the world,” Kishida said on Sunday, reported CNN. His remarks came as G7 Foreign Ministers, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on Sunday began three days of talks in the Karuizawa region of Nagano prefecture.
On Saturday, a small explosive device was thrown at the venue where Kishida was about to make a speech to showcase support for the ruling party’s candidate in a by-election in Wakayama. Kishida was evacuated unhurt from the venue in Wakayama.

The attack has caused shockwaves in Japan and drawn comparisons with the assassination of former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe in July last year, as per the news report. He was shot in July last year during a campaign speech in the Nara region of Japan.

Campaigning has started for Japan’s nationwide local elections. Speaking to reporters from his official residence in Tokyo, Kishida vowed that the attack will not affect the democratic process in Japan. He said, “Violent acts taking place during elections, which are the basis of democracy, can never be tolerated.”

“What is important is to carry through this election to the end. It is important for our country and for our democracy that the voice of the voters is clearly expressed through the election,” Kishida said, as per the CNN report.

A man had been arrested after throwing “what appeared to be a smoke bomb,” CNN reported citing Kyodo News. Meanwhile, police in Japan have been carrying out a search at the home of a man who threw an apparent pipe bomb prior to the speech by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, NHK World-Japan reported.

Police urged residents in the neighborhood to stay away as explosives were used in the incident on Saturday. The police have arrested Kimura Ryuji on the spot on suspicion of forcible obstruction of business.

Kimura Ryuji is a 24-year-old man from Hyogo Prefecture, as per the news report. The suspect reportedly said that he will only submit to questioning in the presence of his lawyers.

An investigative source revealed that one cylindrical object was connected with what is believed to be a wire, NHK World-Japan reported. According to investigators, two such objects were found at the site – one exploded while the suspect had other when he was subdued.

As per the news report, investigators have been analyzing the structure of the explosive devices, suspecting that the devices could have been iron pipe bombs. (ANI)

Zelenskyy Writes To Modi, Seeks Additional Humanitarian Aid

By LokMarg 12th April 2023

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking additional humanitarian aid including medical equipment from India, the external affairs ministry said on Wednesday.

The request came during the recent three-day visit to India by Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova who handed over Zelenskyy’s letter to Union Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi, a statement from the foreign ministry said.
“Dzhaparova also called on Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi. Besides holding discussions on a wide range of bilateral and international issues of mutual interest, she handed over a letter from President Zelenskyy, addressed to Prime Minister Modi. Ukrainian request for additional humanitarian supply, including medicines and medical equipment was also shared by her,” according to the statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs.

The statement read that the next Inter-Governmental Commission between New Delhi and Kyiv would be held in India on a mutually convenient date.

Both the ministers, Dzhaparova and Lekhi exchanged views on bilateral and global issues of mutual interest.

India has assured of providing enhanced humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Following their meeting, MoS Lekhi took to her Twitter handle to reiterate what Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, during a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in September last year that, “Today’s era is not of war.”

She tweeted, “Not a time for War – PM @narendramodi. Pleased to meet Ukrainian First Dy FM @EmineDzheppar. Exchanged views on bilateral and global issues of mutual interest. Cultural ties and women empowerment also figured in the discussion. Ukraine was assured of enhanced humanitarian assistance.”

Meanwhile, Dzhaparova also took to Twitter to post her thanks on Tuesday. “Had a fruitful meeting with @M_Lekhi. Briefed Minister on #Ukraine’s efforts to fight unprovoked aggression. Discussed deepening bilateral cooperation in various fields, in a particular culture. Bookshelves and audio guides under the patronage of @ZelenskaUA will be available soon in India,” she tweeted.

During her visit Dzhaparova held bilateral talks with Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West), MEA.

The bilateral agenda included – spheres such as economic, defence, humanitarian assistance, and global issues of mutual interest.

The Ukraine deputy foreign minister briefed Secretary (West) about the prevailing situation in Ukraine. The two sides agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations in Kyiv on a mutually convenient date, according to a statement released by the MEA.

“The Ukrainian Deputy FM also proposed that rebuilding infrastructure in Ukraine could be an opportunity for Indian companies. Secretary (West) shared that India has provided medicines, medical equipment and would provide school buses etc. to Ukraine,” the MEA statement added.

Dzhaparova visited the Manohar Parrikar-Institute of Defence Studies and also delivered a talk at the Indian Council of World Affairs. During her visit, she highlighted Ukraine’s desire to build a stronger and closer relationship with India. (ANI)

Antony Blinken Arrives In India For G20 Meeting

By LokMarg 1st March 2023

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived here on Wednesday to take part in the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting under India’s G20 presidency will be held on March 2.

During his visit, Blinken will have bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. He will also participated in the Raisina Dialogue.

“Welcome to India, FM Sameh Shoukry of Egypt @MfaEgypt, FM @ABZayed of UAE @MoFAICUAE and @SecBlinken of USA @StateDept. Looking forward to deliberations at the #G20FMM. @SecBlinken & FM Shoukry will also participate in #Raisina2023,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a tweet.

The G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting will be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre and nearly 40 delegations are expected to participate.

This will be second ministerial meeting being held under India’s presidency so far. The first ministerial meeting – Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors – was held in Bengaluru.

A US State Department official had said last week that Blinken will attend a bilateral meeting with Jaishankar on the sidelines of the G20 meeting.

“They will talk about our strategic partner partnership but really focus on how we’re working together in the Asian Quad, in the G20, what we’re doing on defence cooperation and the Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technologies that is being run out of the White House and the prime minister’s office,” Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, had said.

Blinken and Jaishankar will also meet with ministers from Australia and Japan. The four countries are part of Quad. (ANI)

Nepal FM To Attend Queen’s Funeral

By LokMarg 14th September 2022

Nepalese Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka will be travelling to the United Kingdom to attend Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.

The state funeral for the long-reigning monarch of the United Kingdom will be taking place on September 19.
“Dr Khadka is confirmed to represent Nepal in the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth,” Arun Subedi, Foreign Affairs Advisor for Nepali Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba confirmed to ANI over the phone.

The British Queen breathed her last at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8. Nepal had announced three-day mourning over the passing away of the 96-year-old queen.

The death of the 96-year-old Queen ended a generation-spanning, seven-decade reign that made her a beacon of stability in a tumultuous world. The UK has entered a period of official mourning, with tributes pouring in worldwide.

King Charles III was proclaimed as the new monarch of England on Saturday after his mother Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8. Moreover, the national anthem of Britain will now again shift back to “God Save the King” after the Queen’s demise.

UK authorities had devised Operation London Bridge to manage events during the first 10 days between the Queen’s death and the funeral. They had thought of Operation Unicorn in case the queen died in Scotland.

The funeral will be held at Westminster Abbey on September 19 and there will be a committal service in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. After that, Queen Elizabeth II will be buried in the castle’s King George VI Memorial Chapel. (ANI)

‘Life In Quarantine Aboard An Egyptian Ship Was Awful’

By LokMarg 15th March 2020

Vanita Rengaraj, 64, was among 17 Indians who were stuck on a Cruise on the Nile when one of the passengers was diagnosed with Coronavirus. Rengaraj recalls her ordeal and the journey return home

I have taught History for 27 years at the NGM College in Pollachi, Coimbatore and it is my love for History that brought me to a close brush with coronavirus. Our 17-member group of senior citizens had left for Egypt on February 29 for a nearly week-long trip, with three nights booked on a cruise ship on the Nile called A Sara.

Things were fine and we were able to enjoy the pyramids, the dams, the temples and even our first day (March 4) on the ship. The following day, chaos and confusion took hold and everyone on the ship was scared because a person on the ship had tested positive of Covid-19, and the tally of affected cases kept increasing and reached 30 (total number of passengers on the ship was 120).

Our ship was in Luxor and by then other parts of Egypt had also started reporting Coronavirus cases. On March 6, Egyptian health officials including 10 doctors made their way to our ship. With my medical history of having various heart conditions (including pacemaker), hypertension, breathing problems, diabetes and thyroid, I was worried I would not have strong immunity and would be infected.

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By March 7 all the tests had been done and only one Indian, a male engineer from Chennai, was seen as a suspect while all other in our lot tested negative for Coronavirus. But our ordeal didn’t end there. The kitchen on the ship had closed down; the dining hall was out of bound; and we were asked not to interact with each other. Due to age many of us were already taking in a lot of medicines and lack of good food (we were given only grilled chicken and rice) we were worried our immunity could go down even further. We were desperate to get out of the ship.

Things began to move only when the Egyptian media took up our case. It is then that my daughter Saranya sprang into action and contacted the Indian media, as well as the Indian and Egyptian embassies. We were moved from Luxor to the military hospital in Alexandria, nearly 500 miles away. From March 7 to March 12 we kept getting more and more worried about our fate. We had tested negative for coronavirus but were unable to leave for India. We were being asked to be in quarantine for 14 days. However, when we had already tested negative there was no point being quarantined in a country where the disease was spreading fast. Meanwhile, my daughter was making frantic calls to all embassies concerned.

Finally a solution was reached after the French and Indian government put pressure on Egyptian authorities. We were allowed to leave Alexandria. I took a flight from Luxor to Cairo, Cairo to Mumbai, and Mumbai to Hyderabad and finally from Hyderabad to Coimbatore and from there I came home to Pollachi via road. All in the span of one single day! Can you imagine how taxing four flights plus travelling by road would have been for a senior citizen in a single day?

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I am thankful to the Indian embassy officials in Egypt who were very cooperative and calmed our fears. They came with us till the airport. I am also thankful to the flight crew who were attentive to even the smallest discomfort. We were crying while returning home. We would finally be able to see family and friends again. We finally reached India on the night of March 12.

I am still practicing social distance in my home in Pollachi and friends are scared to come and meet me though my husband and I have tested negative for coronavirus. However, I don’t mind. People should better be safe than be sorry. As of now, my work with the various NGOs and the schools for the underprivileged that I run in Tamil Nadu, have come to a halt.

I read about how many Indians are trapped in Italy and would request governments across the world to let those people who have tested negative go back home. We need the support of our families as well as need to support our families in times like these. Also, from now on I have decided to take travel advisories seriously. It is okay to lose money but we should always take care of our health first and foremost.