Indian Embassy Archives - Lokmarg

Indian Embassy In Israel Issues Advisory For Citizens After Hamas Attack

By LokMarg 7th October 2023

Following the rocket attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip by Hamas, the Indian Embassy in Israel on Saturday issued an advisory for its nationals, requesting them to remain vigilant and observe safety protocols.

“In view of the current situation in Israel, all Indian nationals in Israel are requested to remain vigilant, and observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities. Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary movement and stay close to safety shelters. For additional information, please see the Israeli Home Front Command website (https://www.oref.org.il/en or their preparedness brochure. In case of an emergency, please contact us at +97235226748, or leave a message a cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in. The Embassy personnel remain at your disposal for any further guidance,” read the advisory.

A barrage of rockets slammed into southern and central Israel Saturday morning. Sirens were heard as far as Jerusalem multiple times beginning at 8:15 am (local time). The sirens were heard again at 10:15 am (local time).

At least one rocket directly hit a building in the Gederot Regional Council, killing a woman in her 60s, according to Magen David Adom, an Israeli national service.

Meanwhile, Naor Gilon, Israel’s Ambassador to India, appreciated the support of the people of India, adding “We stand firm in the face of terrorism.”

Israel has already declared a state of war in the country after infiltration by Hamas fighters and missile attacks from Gaza.

The Israel Defence Forces said dozens of fighter jets are carrying out strikes against sites belonging to the Hamas group in the Gaza Strip.

“Dozens of fighter jets of the Israeli Air Force are now attacking targets of the terrorist organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip in several locations, more details to follow,” posted Israeli Air Force on X.

Meanwhile, world leaders condemned the ghastly attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists.

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak expressed his shock over the attack, posting on X, “I am shocked by this morning’s attacks by Hamas terrorists against Israeli citizens. Israel has an absolute right to defend itself. We’re in contact with Israeli authorities, and British nationals in Israel should follow travel advice.”

French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the terrorist attacks on Israel posting, “I strongly condemn the terrorist attacks currently hitting Israel. I express my full solidarity with the victims, their families and loved ones.”

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong condemned the attacks on Israel by Hamas including indiscriminate rocket fire on cities and civilians.

“Australia unequivocally condemns the attacks on Israel by Hamas including indiscriminate rocket fire on cities & civilians. We call for these attacks to stop & recognise Israel’s right to defend itself. Australia urges the exercise of restraint & protection of civilian lives,” she posted on X.

German Foreign Office also strongly condemned the rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza.

“Hamas is escalating the violence. I strongly condemn the terrorist attacks against #Israel from Gaza. Violence & rockets against innocent civilians must stop now. We stand in full solidarity with Israel & its rights under intl. law to defend itself against terror. – FM @ABaerbock,” read a post on the handle of the German Foreign Office on X.

Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hadja Lahbib, also condemned the rocket fire on Israeli civilians.

“Belgium strongly condemns the massive rocket attacks against Israeli civilians. Violence and terror only perpetuate suffering and hinder the path to dialogue. Our thoughts are with all those affected. We are monitoring the situation closely,” Lahbib posted on X.

Currently, Israel Defense Forces is targeting “Hamas terrorists” in 14 different locations in towns surrounding the Gaza Strip, according to TPS.

The fights in infiltrated settlements are being carried out from house to house. Reportedly, there are women among the kidnapped and murdered citizens by the Hamas infiltrators, according to TPS. (ANI)

Modi Announces Opening Of Indian Embassy In Timor-Leste

By LokMarg 7th September 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the opening of India’s embassy in Dili, Timor-Leste while addressing the 20th ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta

“Act East in action – Delhi to Dili! At the ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta, PM @narendramodi announces decision to open our Embassy in Dili, Timor-Leste,” posted Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi on X after PM Modi’s announcement.

Dili is the capital city of Timor-Leste, or East Timor, on the country’s north coast. The city holds importance as it recalls the nation’s struggles for independence from Portugal as well as Indonesia.

India was one of the early countries to establish diplomatic relations with Timor Leste and was represented at its Independence Day celebrations in May 2002 by a high level delegation led by the then Minister of State for External Affairs. An MOU formally establishing diplomatic relations was signed on 24 January 2003.

India’s decision to open an embassy in Dilli its commitment to the Act East policy.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi said that ASEAN is the central pillar of India’s Act East policy and it has an important place in India’s Indo-Pacific initiative. He also termed the engagement with the ASEAN group as an important pillar of India’s ‘Act East Policy’.

“Our history and geography unite India and ASEAN. Along with it, our shared values, regional integration, and our shared belief in peace, prosperity and a multipolar world also unite us. ASEAN is the central pillar of India’s Act East Policy. India supports ASEAN’s outlook on ASEAN-India centrality and Indo-Pacific,” PM Modi said in his address in Hindi.

In his departure statement, before leaving for Jakarta on Wednesday, PM Modi noted that engagement with the ASEAN is an important pillar of India’s ‘Act East Policy’, and said he is looking forward to exchanging views with leaders of the grouping on the “future contours” of partnership which has now entered its fourth decade.

“My first engagement will be the 20th ASEAN-India Summit. I look forward to discussing with ASEAN leaders the future contours of our partnership, which has now entered its fourth decade. Engagement with ASEAN is an important pillar of India’s ‘Act East’ policy,” PM Modi said.

PM Modi, who is in Jakarta, will return to New Delhi on Thursday evening ahead of the G20 Summit, which will be held on September 9 and 10. (ANI)

Embassy Of India In Kuwait, Japan, Celebrate International Day Of Yoga

By LokMarg 21st June 2023

The Indian Embassy in Japan and Kuwait observed the 9th International Day of Yoga by organizing events in Tokyo and Kuwait City respectively on Wednesday.

The official Twitter account of the Embassy of India tweeted the video of people performing Yoga and chanting ‘Om’ in Tokyo.

“The sacred Om chants reverberate across Tokyo during the celebrations of the 9th International Day of Yoga #IDY2023 organised by Embassy of India Tokyo @ICCR_Japan

#ConnectingHimalayaswithMountFuji #YogaforVasudhaivaKutumbakam”, tweeted the Embassy of India.

Whereas, Kuwait also participated in the celebration of International Day of Yoga.

The official Twitter account of the Embassy of India in Kuwait tweeted a video of the people of performing Yoga. The event was also attended by yoga trainers, enthusiasts, members of diplomatic corps, people of Kuwait and members of Indian community.

“The 9th International Yoga Day celebrations were held at Indian Embassy in Kuwait on 21 June. The event was well-attended by yoga trainers and enthusiasts, members of diplomatic corps, friends from Kuwait and members of Indian community. #IDY2023@ANI, the tweet said.

On Tuesday, the Embassy of India in Muscat, in collaboration with Visit Oman, the national travel operator and a subsidiary of Omran Group jointly released a short video titled “Soulful Yoga-Serene Oman.” This groundbreaking initiative marks the first time that India and Oman are utilizing yoga as a medium to promote tourism and spread the message of yoga’s harmony to both Omani citizens and international tourists.

In Oman, which is India’s close maritime neighbour and a close strategic partner in the Gulf region, Yoga has become very popular in recent years. The seven lakh-strong Indian community in Oman played an important role in this endeavour.

The video was made in collaboration with the Government of Oman. The Embassy of India partnered with ‘Visit Oman’, a subsidiary of Oman’s Ministry of Tourism to produce this video. (ANI)

India-Israel Share Strong Relationship: Israeli Envoy To Turkey

By LokMarg 7th November 2022

Israel’s Ambassador to Turkey, Roey Gilad on Monday said that New Delhi and Jerusalem share a strong relationship, adding further that the cooperation between the two countries has also strengthened.

Speaking to ANI on India and Israel’s relationship after the formation of a new government in Jerusalem, Gilad said, “A strong relationship has been developed between Israel and India in previous decades. It’s on the leadership level as well. Cooperation between India as a global superpower and Israel as a regional superpower has risen too.”
Recently, a general election was held in Israel where Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies won enough seats to form a majority government in Israel’s parliament.

During an early morning speech at a victory rally in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said, “We have received a huge vote of confidence and we are on the verge of a very big victory.”

Israelis headed to the ballots in the unprecedented fifth election since 2019, as the country’s political system has been immobilized for almost four years. The parliament has 120 seats.

Over 6.7 million eligible voters cast their votes in 12,495 ballots, according to figures issued by the Central Elections Committee. Some 18,000 police officers were deployed throughout the country to prevent fraud attempts, manage traffic and keep security.

Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving leader, sought to return to power with his right-wing Likud party and a far-right and Jewish ultra-Orthodox coalition.

India and Israel share a warm relationship. India announced its recognition of Israel on September 17, 1950. Soon thereafter, the Jewish Agency established an immigration office in Bombay. This was later converted into a Trade Office and subsequently a Consulate. Embassies were opened in 1992 when full diplomatic relations were established.

Since the upgradation of relations in 1992, defence and agriculture formed the two main pillars of bilateral engagement. In recent years, relations have rapidly grown across a broad spectrum of areas.

India is the only country where Israel has the position of Water Attache to help share Israeli best practices and technologies for advancements in India’s water management sector. (ANI)

India Advises Citizens To Avoid Non-Essential Travel To Ukraine

By LokMarg 10th October 2022

Amid the escalating situation in Ukraine, Indian nationals in Ukraine are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to and within Ukraine, the Embassy of India in Kyiv said in a statement on Monday.

The Indian Embassy in Kyiv advised the Indian citizens to strictly adhere to the safety and security guidelines issued by the Ukrainian Government and local authorities and avoid non-essential travel within the country.
“In view of the current escalation of hostilities in Ukraine, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to and within Ukraine. They must strictly follow the safety and security guidelines issued by the Ukrainian Government and local authorities,” the statement read.

“Indian nationals are requested to keep the Embassy informed about the status of their presence in Ukraine to enable the Embassy to reach out to them, where required,” it added.

Moreover, India urged both Russia and Ukraine for the immediate cessation of hostilities and an urgent return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue.

“We reiterate escalation of hostilities is in no one’s interest. We urge immediate cessation of hostilities and urgent return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue,” read the MEA release.

The release further added that India stands ready to support all such efforts aimed at de-escalation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday warned of “harsh” reprisals after the Crimea bridge attack on Saturday. In a television appearance Monday, Putin said Russia had struck military and infrastructure targets across Ukraine following the Crimea bridge blast.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the attack on the Kerch bridge, a key link between the Russian mainland and Crimea.

Powerful explosions were heard across Kyiv on Monday morning, leaving multiple people dead while at the same time, regional authorities also reported missile and rocket attacks in Kharkiv, Lviv, Mykolaiv, and Dnipropetrovsk. (ANI)