India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
New Delhi [India], April 3 (ANI): The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India's stance on ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, amidst escalating tensions in West Asia. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India stands for free and open commercial shipping and maritime security, in line with international law. Speaking at a media briefing, Jaiswal said that the UK has invited India to talks on the Strait of Hormuz, and India's Foreign Secretary will attend the meeting. He added that India is in touch with Iran and other countries to ensure unimpeded transit and safe passage for Indian ships carrying LPG, LNG, and other products Jaiswal said, "The UK side has invited several countries, which also include India, for talks on the Strait of Hormuz. From our side, the Foreign Secretary is attending the meeting this evening. We are in touch with Iran and other countries there to see how best we can get unimpeded transit and safe transit for our ships, which are carrying products including LPG, LNG and other products. Through this conversation that we have had over the last several days, we have had six Indian ships which have been able to safely cross the Strait of Hormuz, and we continue to be in touch with relevant parties." Regarding the safety of Indian citizens, Jaiswal said, "Approximately 10 million Indian citizens reside in the GCC countries. All of them are safe. Our embassies in all these countries remain in constant contact with them." Eight Indian citizens have lost their lives in the conflict, and one remains missing. "Eight Indian citizens have been casualties in this conflict so far, and one remains reported as missing. Ministry of External Affairs, in coordination with our Ministry of Shipping and all our Indian embassies in the region, we are dedicated to safeguarding the security and interests of our citizens. We are closely monitoring all developments and activities related to the Gulf region, this ongoing conflict, and the Strait of Hormuz," he added. India has also facilitated the exit of 204 nationals from Iran through the land border to Azerbaijan, with more expected to return in the coming days. Jaiswal thanked the government of Azerbaijan for its support He said, "Several of our Indian nationals, 204, to be precise, have been able to leave Iran for Azerbaijan through the land border, and from there, they will be coming back home. Several of them have returned, and others will be returning in the course of the next few days. We are thankful to the government of Azerbaijan for the support that they render for the exit of Indian nationals from Iran through the land border..." Regarding the Bahraini resolution at the UN Security Council, Jaiswal said, "This particular resolution is under consideration in the UN Security Council. We are aware of the resolution. We also know that relevant parties, which means the members of the Security Council, are currently negotiating this particular text. As far as India is concerned, we stand for free and open commercial shipping and for maritime security in keeping with international law. We continue to call for ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as a matter of priority. And also, we are closely following all developments in regard to this West Asian conflict. So that is how we look at the Bahraini resolution." India is gearing up for its BRICS presidency, with several meetings lined up in the coming months, the MEA spokesperson said on Thursday. Responding to queries on the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting, Jaiswal said, "Next month, we are still some distance away. We'll keep you informed well in time as to what we have, what we are planning, so on and so forth." On India's role in BRICS, Jaiswal stated, "We are the chair. We are doing several of these meetings. You would have followed the recent working-level meetings that we've done. We will be organising a series of meetings going into our presidency. We'll keep you updated with the Foreign Ministers' level meeting as also other tracks in which we'll have ministerial interaction." (ANI)
NEW DELHI: Axiom-4 crew members, including Shubhanshu Shukla, were welcomed with hugs and drinks as they stepped into the International Space Station on Thursday. The newly launched spacecraft -- the fifth in the Dragon series and named Grace -- successfully completed a soft docking with the International Space Station at 4.01pm while orbiting above the North Atlantic Ocean."At 6:31 am EDT (4:01 IST) on Thursday, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked to the International Space Station for the fourth private astronaut mission to the orbiting laboratory, Axiom Mission 4," the National Aeronautics ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 30 (PTI) In a "special gesture", Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a joint session of Trinidad and Tobago's Parliament during his official visit to the island nation in July, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday. Secretary (South) in the MEA Neena Malhotra, at a special briefing here, also said that the speaker's chair in Trinidad and Tobago's Parliament was gifted by India, which is again a "symbolic reminder of the strong democratic and parliamentary traditions" between the two countries. Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita paid ...Read More >
xternal Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar, on Monday, met with the Foreign Minister of Ukraine and discussed the conflict with Russia at the sidelines of the MED Mediterranean Dialogues Conference in Rome, Italy. Apart from Ukraine, EAM Jaishankar met with his counterparts from France, Lebanon, and Croatia as well. On his meeting with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, the EAM reiterated India's support for "dialogue and diplomacy" to end the long-running conflict. "Good to meet FM of Ukraine @andrii_sybihain Rome today. Useful exchange on advancing our bilateral cooperation. ...Read More >
Fiuggi, November 27 (IANS): Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) countries called on Israel to comply with its obligations under international law at a meeting. The ministers said in a statement that they support a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, Xinhua news agency reported. The ministers expressed their concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. They called on the Israeli government to ease obstacles on humanitarian aid to civilians in areas rocked by conflicts. They said that "Israel mu ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a five-nation visit starting July 2, visiting Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday. In the first leg of his visit, PM Modi will visit Ghana (July 2-3) which will be Prime Minister's first ever bilateral visit to Ghana. This Prime Ministerial visit from India to Ghana is taking place after three decades. During the visit, Prime Minister will hold talks with the President of Ghana to review the strong bilateral partnership and discuss ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 30 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a multi-nation visit to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia in the first week of July, with a primary focus on attending the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro and holding bilateral meetings with key global leaders, officials said on Monday. Addressing a special briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on the Prime Minister's visit to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, Secretary (Economic Relations) Dammu Ravi said, "The 17th BRICS Summit is taking place ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 2 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, shared an article written by Union Minister Annapurna Devi, on how the Government has leveraged technology to transform women and child welfare. Responding to the post on X, the Prime Minister's Office said, 'Union Minister @Annapurna4BJP Ji writes about how the Government has leveraged technology to transform women and child welfare. Initiatives like Poshan Tracker, a dedicated grievance redressal module and direct benefit transfers are driving real-time, impactful change across the country.' Meanwhile, Prime Minis ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived today in Accra on his State Visit to Ghana. In a special gesture, on arrival at the airport, Prime Minister was received by the President of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama and accorded a ceremonial welcome. This gesture is reflective of the strong and historic bonds of friendship between the two nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed Wednesday, on an eight-day, five-nation visit aimed at reinforcing India's strategic partnerships across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Between July 2 and 9, the Prime Minister will travel ...Read More >
New Delhi: India has intensified its calls for the immediate discharge and repatriation of all remaining Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army, following the tragic death of one Indian national in Russia. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has once again stressed the urgency of bringing back Indian nationals involved in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Indian National from Kerala Dies, Another Injured in Russia In a statement, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that an Indian national from Kerala, who had been recruited to serve in the Russian Army, tragically died, while ...Read More >
New Delhi: Three Indian citizens vanished mysteriously in Tehran. Darkness closed in as hope seemed lost. A ruthless Pakistani gang with potential links to ISI snatched them away, casting a shadow of fear. But relentless Indian diplomats refused to back down. Against all odds, a daring rescue mission ignited. Now, the captives are free, and a chilling game of espionage comes to light. The Punjab-based trio - Amritpal Singh from Hoshiarpur, Jaspal Singh from SBS Nagar and Hushnapreet Singh from Sangrur - had landed in Iran on May 1. Promised a clandestine route to Australia via Dubai and Tehra ...Read More >
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Quad grouping of the United States, India, Japan and Australia called on Tuesday for the perpetrators of an Islamist militant attack that killed 26 in India-administered Kashmir to be brought to justice without delay. The April 22 attack sparked heavy fighting between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan in the latest escalation of a decades-old rivalry as India blamed it on Pakistan, which denied responsibility while calling for a neutral investigation. The U.S. State Dep ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 26 (PTI) India has evacuated over 3,400 Indian nationals from Iran so far in 14 flights under Operation Sindhu launched on June 18 to bring home its citizens amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, according to data shared by the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday. At his weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in response to queries on Operation Sindhu, also said, New Delhi was "assessing the situation on ground" and depending on that a decision would be taken whether to "continue with it or not". On June 24, while India remained "deeply concerned about ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 28 (ANI): India has rejected 'supplemental award' by the 'illegal Court of Arbitration' concerning the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir, saying 'this latest charade at Pakistan's behest' is yet another desperate attempt' by Islamabad to escape accountability for its role as the global epicentre of terrorism. 'The illegal Court of Arbitration, purportedly constituted under the Indus Waters Treaty 1960, albeit in brazen violation of it, has issued what it characterizes as a 'supplemental award' on its competence concerning the Kishenganga ...Read More >
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a multi-nation visit to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia in the first week of July, with a primary focus on attending the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro and holding bilateral meetings with key global leaders, officials said on Monday. Addressing a special briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on the Prime Minister's visit to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, Secretary (Economic Relations) Dammu Ravi said, "The 17th BRICS Summit is taking place on July 5 and July 6 in ...Read More >
Brasilia: India's Ambassador to Brazil, Dinesh Bhatia, presented credentials to Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and discussed deepening of bilateral strategic partnership and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Brazil. PM Modi is travelling to Brazil at the invitation of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. This will be the Prime Minister's fourth visit to Brazil. The 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Brazil stated, "Amb @dineshbhatia presented credentials to President @LulaOficial and discussed d ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 4 (ANI): Keeping the door open for diplomacy, Iran has stated that any negotiation process with the US is meaningless until Washington provides a 'credible guarantee' to prevent future acts of aggression by Israel and the US. In an email interview with ANI, Iran's Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi emphasised Tehran's conditions for resuming dialogue with Washington. 'As for negotiations with the United States, considering their betrayal of diplomacy and complicity with the Zionist regime in launching illegal attacks on Iran -- while a diplomatic process was still ongoin ...Read More >
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar will be on a three day visit to China starting July 13, sources in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) revealed on Friday. They stated that EAM Jaishankar will begin his China visit from Beijing and then visit Tianjin for the Foreign Minister's Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member countries. China is the current Chair of the grouping. While the External Affairs Minister has met his Chinese counterpart on the sidelines of multilateral events, this would be his first trip to China since bilateral relations wer ...Read More >
NEW DELHI, 26 Jun: India has evacuated over 3,400 Indian nationals from Iran so far in 14 flights under Operation Sindhu launched on 18 June to bring home its citizens amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, according to data shared by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday. At his weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in response to queries on Operation Sindhu, also said that New Delhi is "assessing the situation on ground" and depending on that a decision would be taken whether to "continue with it or not." On 24 June, while India remained "deeply concerned ab ...Read More >
New Delhi: India on Friday "categorically rejected" a "supplemental award" issued by the World Bank-appointed Court of Arbitration regarding its competence to hear disputes related to the Kishenganga and Ratle hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir. These projects are at the center of a long-standing disagreement between India and Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960, which India placed in abeyance two months ago following the Pahalgam terror attack. In a strongly worded statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said: "Today, the illegal Court of Arbitration, purport ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 29 (ANI): The world paused on June 13 when Israel targeted major military and nuclear facilities, and crucial personalities in Iran as it launched a series of attacks to disempower the West Asian country. Also Read | Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa Dead: IDF Eliminates Hamas Mastermind Behind October 2023 Attack in Israel. The involvement of the Houthis of Yemen and the US in this high-tension conflict stopped short of a nuclear apocalypse--but this was not entirely unexpected. Some saw this coming. Supporting Israel, the US went ahead and struck three key nuclear sites ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 18 (ANI): Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong on Wednesday said that China is ready to work with India and put into action the understandings between Indian and Chinese leaders. The comments come ahead of the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. In a post on X, Ambassador Xu Feihong, "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, str ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 26 (ANI): The Ministry of External Affairs clarified India's position on importing crude oil from Iran on thursday, stating that energy purchases are based on 'market factors and the prevailing global situation.' 'Our energy requirements, or the energy purchases we make, are based on market factors and the prevailing global situation,' MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in THEIR weekly briefing. Further, the Ministry also expressed deep concerns about the situation in West Asia, including the Israeli attacks on nuclear scientists and certain universities in Iran. ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 27 (PTI) India has so far evacuated more than 4,400 Indian nationals from Iran and Israel in 19 special flights under Operation Sindhu launched on June 18 to bring home its citizens amid an ongoing conflict between the two countries, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The evacuated Indian nationals included "more than 1,500 women and 500 children", the MEA said in a statement on Friday. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi To Begin 5-Nation Tour on July 2 To Strengthen Global Partnerships. "The government of India is deeply committed to the safety and well-being of ...Read More >
Jaipur: Chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma Friday flagged off the first air-conditioned 'Rajasthan Vahini Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train' from Durgapura railway station under the Devasthan department's Senior Citizens Pilgrimage Scheme-2025. This initiative marked the beginning of the pilgrimage to Rameshwaram, carrying around 800 passengers.Under the scheme, 50,000 senior citizens will travel to 13 different pilgrimage sites via AC trains for the first time this year. The eight-day journey is the longest among the Devasthan department's pilgrimages, including visits to the Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlin ...Read More >
Srinagar- Rejecting the ruling by a Court of Arbitration that issued a "supplemental award" regarding the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir, India on Friday said that the tribunal has no legal authority to intervene. Both the hydel projects are situated on tributaries of the Indus river system and have been a longstanding point of contention between India and Pakistan. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the tribunal has no legal authority and that its establishment was inconsistent with the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) signed in ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 03: The government has expressed serious concern over the abduction of three Indian nationals from a cement factory in Mali following a string of coordinated terror attacks across the West African nation. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the incident occurred on July 1 at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, western Mali, where armed assailants stormed the premises and forcibly took three Indian employees' hostage. The abduction is believed to be part of a wider wave of terrorist attacks on military and government installations in western and central Mali o ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 3 : The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed deep concern over the abduction ... New Delhi [India], July 3 : The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed deep concern over the abduction of three Indian workers from a factory in Mali's Kayes region and urged authorities in the West African country to ensure their "safe and expeditious" rescue. "It has come to the knowledge of the Government of India that many military and government installations at multiple locations of western and central Mali were attacked by terrorists on July 1," the MEA said i ...Read More >
NEW DELHI, July 3 (Xinhua) -- India has demanded that the government of Mali secure the safe and expeditious release of three Indian nationals who were abducted two days ago in the West African nation. The three Indians were employed at the "Diamond Cement Factory" in Kayes, Mali. They were abducted on July 1 when a group of unidentified armed assailants carried out a coordinated attack at the factory premises where they were working, and later kept them as hostages. In an official statement, India's Ministry of External Affairs said, "The government of India unequivocally condemns this depl ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jan 31 (UNI) With the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group seizing control of Goma, a key city in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and advancing south towards Bukavu, India today called for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Most of the around 1,000 Indian nationals who were living in Goma have moved to safer locations. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a briefing: "We are closely following the developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC]. "We remain concerned at the deteriorating security situation. We call for a ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant five-nation tour beginning on Wednesday, marking a major diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening India's global partnerships across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. This eight-day tour will take the Prime Minister to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, with his first stop in Ghana, a country that no Indian Prime Minister has visited in the past three decades. PM Modi's visit to Ghana from July 2 to 3 marks his first-ever trip to the West African nation. Furthermore, this vis ...Read More >