India
Bangladesh-India border: Shringla says small issues can be resolved through BGB-BSF talks
Visiting Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Wednesday said some small issues happening along the Bangladesh-India border can be settled through holding meetings between the border forces of the two countries.
“Bangladesh and India have settled all major issues through discussions; some small incidents happening along the border between the two countries can be solved through holding meetings between BGB and BSF,” Shringla said when he met Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganobhaban.
PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.
“We want this issue to be resolved,” he quoted the Indian Foreign Secretary as saying.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also agreed with Shringla, said Karim.Covid Issue
The Indian Foreign Secretary said normalcy is coming back in India after the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic setback.
Read: Border killings remain an irritant, FM Momen tells Shringla
Shringla said all are alert and aware about the Omicron variant of Covid-19 as 21 cases have been detected so far in India.
Covid-19 has mutated 15 times before transforming into Omicron variant, said Shringla adding that the variant has been detected in many countries in Europe apart from African countries.
He conveyed the greetings of Indian Prime Minister Modi to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Hasina also greeted her Indian counterpart through the Indian Foreign Secretary.
The Indian Foreign Secretary appreciated the economic progress of Bangladesh despite the Covid-19 pandemic and said there is good growth in India as well.
Hyundai plans ₹4,000 crore EV push for a new age fleet in India
Hyundai Motor India will invest ₹4,000 crore to launch half a dozen electric vehicles (EV) by 2028 in a series of targeted product interventions, underscoring increasing consumer preference in the country for mobility solutions of the future. The first of these products, eventually covering both mass and premium segments, will hit Indian roads as early as next year, reports The Economic Times.
Hyundai Motor India managing director SS Kim told ET that high-speed electrification of the automotive sector has become a reality, with the share of EVs rising to as high as a fifth of the total in several markets.
"I think India might be having the same situation in the near future," said Kim. "Our six battery EVs will cover various segments. Our future electric vehicle business should outperform... existing performance in the general (internal combustion engine) market."
Read: Fair Technology begins journey with Hyundai
Hyundai's decision to invest significantly in the EV space comes at a time when market leader Maruti Suzuki NSE 1.30 % has said it will introduce an electric vehicle in the local market only when there is sufficient customer demand - possibly by 2025. Tata Motors, which currently leads the EV sales tally in India, has outlined plans to introduce 10 new electric vehicles in this period.
Hyundai has a share of 16-17% in the local passenger vehicle market, but scores high on profitability with the midsized Hyundai i20, Venue and Creta.
Kim said EVs are not mass products in mature markets.
Over 129 crore Covid vaccine doses administered in India so far, says government
The cumulative COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country crossed 129 crore on Tuesday, the Union Health Ministry said.
Over 66 lakh vaccine doses were administered on Tuesday till 7 pm, it said.
According to the ministry, the daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late in the night, reports The Economic Times.
The countrywide vaccination drive was rolled out on January 16 with healthcare workers getting inoculated in the first phase. The vaccination of frontline workers started from February 2.
Read: Bangladesh, India to largely drive future prosperity of S Asia region: US
The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from March 1 for people over 60 years of age and those aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions.
India launched vaccination for all people aged more than 45 years from April 1. The government then decided to expand its vaccination drive by allowing everyone above 18 to be vaccinated from May 1.
Bangladesh, India to largely drive future prosperity of S Asia region: US
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Kelly Keiderling has said Bangladesh and India will largely drive the future growth and prosperity of the South Asia region.
Keiderling said her country greatly values its partnerships with the two South Asian countries.
She made the remarks as a US government representative at a reception, organized by the Embassy of Bangladesh jointly with the Embassy of India in Washington, DC, to celebrate the ‘Maitri Diwas (Friendship Day)’.
Keiderling also said the United States observes the abiding friendship between Bangladesh and India and that has remained as a source of strength and stability in the region in the changing the geopolitical scenario.
The reception was organized as part of the joint commemoration of the historic ‘Maitri Diwas’ in 18 foreign capitals, as agreed by the governments of Bangladesh and India.
The programme was attended, among others, by a number of high-ranking US officials, including the Senior Director of the White House National Security Council Sumona Guha, Director General (nominee) of US Foreign Service Ambassador Marcia Bernicat and President of the US-Bangladesh Business Council as well as US-India Business Council Nisha Biswal.
India promotes culture of peace as part of commitment to global order, says MEA
India promotes a culture of peace as a part of its commitment to global order, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Culture of Peace is the cornerstone of the global order to build inclusive and tolerant societies. Under the auspices of the United Nations, the promotion of a culture of peace has expanded into a global discourse, according to the statement issued by MEA.
READ: Bangladesh, India to have much to do in next 50 years: Doraiswami
The observation came in the light of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly's Agenda item 16 on Culture of Peace.
India will continue to spread the message of humanity, pluralism and democracy. We reiterate our call to fight negative forces of intolerance, violence and discrimination together, said Ashish Sharma, First Secretary in the statement.
Continuing this rich heritage, India has promoted this culture, inter alia, through tolerance, understanding, respect for all religions and cultures - all this under the overarching umbrella of pluralistic ethos and democratic principles. This is enshrined in our Constitution, the MEA's statement said.
READ: Indian Foreign Secretary Shringla in city
For millennia, India has regularly provided shelter to those persecuted in foreign lands and allowed them to thrive in India and it's is not just about a culture, but a civilization in itself. the statement further added.
Border killings remain an irritant, FM Momen tells Shringla
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has underscored that the killing of Bangladesh nationals by the Indian border security forces continued to remain an irritant despite the goodwill and excellent relations between the two countries.
Dr Momen urged Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla to take up the matter with all the relevant agencies in India when Shringla met him at his office on Tuesday afternoon.
He reiterated his hope over the early signing of the Teesta water-sharing deal and equitable comprehensive water-sharing agreement for other common rivers which, he thinks, may be seen as testimony of ‘Good Neighborhood’.
He recalled that the two countries had resolved many of the outstanding issues in a spirit of understanding.
Read:Dhaka, Delhi eye unique relationship resolving pending issues
The Foreign Minister stressed promoting robust trade and commerce between the two countries for mutual benefit.
He also urged the Indian side to take necessary measures in completing the “Swadhinota Sharak” connecting Mujibnagar to Kolkata as a symbol of friendship between the two countries.
Foreign Minister Momen said India is Bangladesh’s best friend and both sides expressed their satisfaction on the ongoing cooperation and the high-level engagements even in the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
India, Russia boost bilateral ties with 28 pacts
India and Russia on Monday inked as many as 28 pacts, including a big-ticket defence deal to jointly manufacture over half-a-million AK-203 assault rifles in this country, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin held the 21st India-Russia Summit in the national capital to boost bilateral strategic and trade ties.
Modi welcomed the visiting President at the iconic Hyderabad House in the heart of Delhi with a hug this evening. "Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, there has been no change in the relationship between India and Russia. You (Putin) should be credited for the strategic ties between our countries for three decades," Modi said in his opening remarks.
READ: India, Russia seal AK-203 assault rifle deal
President Putin, on his part, described India as a "great power" and "a time-tested friend".
"We are working on very promising sectors, including energy and space. We are also working and cooperating in areas of military and technology. We are naturally concerned about everything related to terrorism, terror funding, and drug trafficking and that is why we are naturally concerned about the situation in Afghanistan."
Briefing reporters after the late-evening summit, Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla emphasised that both the leaders discussed Indo-Pacific and Delhi's security concerns in the wake of the situation in Afghanistan. "Both sides were clear that Afghan territory should not be used for sheltering, training or planning acts of terrorism."
Responding to a poser on the long-range S-400 surface-to-air missile defence system deal between the two countries, the Foreign Secretary said that "supplies have begun this month and will continue to happen", indicating that the pact was already signed amid threats of American sanctions.
Earlier in the day, the much-awaited AK-203 assault rifle deal worth Rs 5,000 crore was sealed after a bilateral meeting between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Sergey Shoigu in Delhi, as the two countries also renewed their military-technology ties for the next decade.
"India deeply appreciates Russia's strong support for India. We hope that our cooperation will bring peace, prosperity and stability to the entire region. Glad that a number of agreements/contracts/protocols were signed pertaining to small arms and military cooperation,” Singh tweeted.
Under this defence pact, India and Russia will manufacture the assault rifles at a facility in Amethi in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. A joint venture, called Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited, has already been floated for the same.
READ: President Putin to visit New Delhi on Dec 6
While Putin arrived in the Indian capital on Monday evening, the Russian Defence Minister and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov came here on Sunday for the first-ever 2+2 meeting with their Indian counterparts. This was Prime Minister Modi and President Putin's first face-to-face meeting after the one on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Brazil in 2019.
“The visit is of historic importance as it's the first physical contact after a long gap, since 2019. This is the first foreign trip since then for the President of the Russian Federation and that should testify to the importance of our bilateral relations and its exclusive nature," Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev had earlier told the media.
Dec 6: Rallies held in 23 districts to celebrate India's recognition of Bangladesh
Despite incessant rain, pro-liberation campaigners held rallies across 23 districts of the country Sunday to mark Maitree Divas as a testament to the historic bond between Bangladesh and India.
Commemorating the official recognition by India on December 6, during the Liberation War in 1971, One Bangladesh, a platform led by university teachers and professionals, organised this event in 23 districts.
With the theme "Friendship between Bangladesh and India based on shared sacrifices," 2,000 participants carried banners and posters and placards during the rallies.
Photos of Pakistan's surrender on December 16, news clippings of India's recognition of Bangladesh, and the wreckage of Pakistani naval ships bombed by fearless commandos were also displayed at the rallies.
READ: Dhaka, Delhi created model relations, says FM terming Dec 6 a historic day
"India trained daring naval commandos of Bangladesh," "India sheltered 10 million refugees," "India trained and armed freedom fighters," "Over 18,000 Indians died during the liberation war," read some of the posters.
"While most superpowers turned their back on us, India drummed up support for Bangladesh across the world. They sheltered our refugees, allied with us, and helped us drive out the occupational forces," said the participants.
READ: President Putin to visit New Delhi on Dec 6
They staged rallies in 23 districts including, Rangamati, Rangpur, Kushtia, Chattogram, Jamalpur, Pabna, Thakurgaon, Joypurhat, Sherpur, Sylhet and Chandpur.
Bangladesh to get increased cooperation from India: Shringla
Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Monday said India will cooperate increasingly with Bangladesh noting that the next fifty years of the two countries' shared journey will bring even greater satisfaction for both sides.
Loosely translated, he said it, it means ‘Friendship Day" but "Maitri” has a much deeper connotation.
"It is a relationship that has a depth, and has a significance beyond the ordinary. It is a bond that has stood the test of time," Shringla said at a discussion "Maitri Diwas, the 50th Anniversary of India-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations" held in New Delhi.
Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) hosted the event. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sent a video message on the occasion.
READ: Jaishankar, Shringla hold separate meetings with Hasan Mahmud
State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid, Hasanul Haq Inu, Simeen Hussain, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India Muhammad Imran, Director General of ICWA Ambassador Vijay Thakur Singh, former High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Rajeet Mitter, Asian Confluence Director Sabyasachi Dutta and The Economic Times Diplomatic Affairs Editor Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury,Joint Secretary (Bangladesh & Myanmar), Ministry of External Affairs Smita Pant also spoke at the event.
India recognized Bangladesh as a free and independent nation while it was still fighting its War of Liberation, said the Indian Foreign Secretary.
"It was the second country in the world to do so. It was a leap of faith. India did so because it was convinced of the righteousness of the Bangladeshi cause, and the certainty that it would prevail, Shringla said.
He said India and Bangladesh share the Bay of Bengal and 54 rivers and these are being exploited to create a low-carbon footprint connectivity through waterways and coastal shipping. "Cargo, for example, can now move to Agartala from Kolkata via Chattogram."
Shringla said Bangladesh and India are linked through power grids and a common energy market is emerging.
READ: Dhaka-Delhi connectivity positively impacts Bangladesh, North East: Shringla
Over 1100 MW of power now moves across the border.
India and Bangladesh are cooperating in power generation, but not exclusively, through the flagship 1320 MW Maitree Super Thermal Power Project, he said.
The Foreign Secretary said India and Bangladesh will soon be linked through hydrocarbon pipelines.
He said India and Bangladesh will cooperate increasingly, as the pandemic cooperation between healthcare professionals has shown, in the digital space. "A newer generation will find newer issues to work on."
"India and Bangladesh, I am sure, will cooperate in building a green economy through climate action and ambition," Shringla said.
He said India will continue to work with Bangladesh on facilitating the movement of people and goods through better border infrastructure and policy frameworks.
"India will also continue to work with Bangladesh on a peaceful and stable border through better border management and security cooperation," Shringla said.
"Improved border infrastructure is helping border guarding forces keep the border safe including through joint patrolling and real time exchange of information."
He said India will endeavour to remain a trusted development partner for Bangladesh.
"Credits worth more than US$ 10 billion on the ‘softest’ terms have been extended. This is indicative of our priorities."
India, Russia seal AK-203 assault rifle deal
India and Russia on Monday inked a big-ticket defence deal to jointly manufacture over half-a-million AK-203 assault rifles in this country, hours ahead of a face-to-face meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin in Delhi.
The much-awaited deal worth Rs 5,000 crore was sealed after a bilateral meeting between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Sergey Shoigu in Delhi this afternoon, where the two countries also renewed their military-technology ties for the next decade.
"India deeply appreciates Russia's strong support for India. We hope that our cooperation will bring peace, prosperity and stability to the entire region. Glad that a number of agreements/contracts/protocols were signed pertaining to small arms and military cooperation,” Singh tweeted.
Also read: From buyer of military goods, India wants to become Russia’s ‘development & production’ partner
Under this defence pact, India and Russia will manufacture the assault rifles at a facility in Amethi in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. A joint venture, called Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited, has already been floated for the same.
In fact, the Russian Defence Minister and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in the national capital on Sunday for the first-ever 2+2 meeting with their Indian counterparts.
Later this evening, Prime Minister Modi will hold talks with President Putin at the
21st India Russia Annual Summit -- their first meeting after the one on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Brazil in November 2019. On the agenda are defence, energy, trade and technology issues.
Also read: Indian President’s upcoming visit to Bangladesh reflects high priority to bilateral ties: MEA
“The visit is of historic importance as it's the first physical contact after a long gap, since 2019. This is the first foreign trip since then for the President of the Russian Federation and that should testify to the importance of our bilateral relations and its exclusive nature," Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev had told the media.