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Category: Government of India

  • India, US to sign new 10-year Defence Framework this year

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India and the United States have agreed to sign a new 10-year US-India Defence Framework by the end of this year, US Senior Defence Spokesperson Colonel Chris Devine has said.

    According to a statement from the Pentagon, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth and India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh agreed during a phone conversation on Tuesday to finalise and sign the new framework when they meet later this year.

    In a post on X, Rajnath Singh said, “Glad to speak with the US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth today. Excellent discussion to review the ongoing and new initiatives to further deepen the India-US defence partnership and strengthen cooperation in capacity building. Conveyed my deep appreciation for the unwavering support extended by the US to India in its fight against terrorism. Looking forward to meeting him at an early date.”

    During the conversation, Secretary Hegseth underlined the priority the United States places on India as its key defence partner in South Asia.

    Both leaders reviewed the significant progress the two nations have made toward achieving the defence objectives set out in the February 2025 joint statement by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi.

    “On July 1, Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth spoke with India’s Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh. Secretary Hegseth emphasized the priority the United States places on India as its key defence partner in South Asia. Secretary Hegseth and Minister Singh reviewed the considerable progress both countries have made toward achieving the defence goals set out in the February 2025 joint statement by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi. The two discussed pending major US defence sales to India and the importance of close defence industrial cooperation between the two countries,” the Pentagon statement said.

    Following the call, India’s Ministry of Defence said in an official statement that the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including long-term cooperation in the defence sector, training and military exchanges, and expanding industrial collaboration. They agreed to build further momentum in this critical and mutually beneficial partnership, covering areas such as interoperability, integration of defence industrial supply chains, logistics sharing, increased joint military exercises, and cooperation with other like-minded partners.

    — ANI

  • India, US to sign new 10-year Defence Framework this year

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India and the United States have agreed to sign a new 10-year US-India Defence Framework by the end of this year, US Senior Defence Spokesperson Colonel Chris Devine has said.

    According to a statement from the Pentagon, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth and India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh agreed during a phone conversation on Tuesday to finalise and sign the new framework when they meet later this year.

    In a post on X, Rajnath Singh said, “Glad to speak with the US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth today. Excellent discussion to review the ongoing and new initiatives to further deepen the India-US defence partnership and strengthen cooperation in capacity building. Conveyed my deep appreciation for the unwavering support extended by the US to India in its fight against terrorism. Looking forward to meeting him at an early date.”

    During the conversation, Secretary Hegseth underlined the priority the United States places on India as its key defence partner in South Asia.

    Both leaders reviewed the significant progress the two nations have made toward achieving the defence objectives set out in the February 2025 joint statement by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi.

    “On July 1, Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth spoke with India’s Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh. Secretary Hegseth emphasized the priority the United States places on India as its key defence partner in South Asia. Secretary Hegseth and Minister Singh reviewed the considerable progress both countries have made toward achieving the defence goals set out in the February 2025 joint statement by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi. The two discussed pending major US defence sales to India and the importance of close defence industrial cooperation between the two countries,” the Pentagon statement said.

    Following the call, India’s Ministry of Defence said in an official statement that the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including long-term cooperation in the defence sector, training and military exchanges, and expanding industrial collaboration. They agreed to build further momentum in this critical and mutually beneficial partnership, covering areas such as interoperability, integration of defence industrial supply chains, logistics sharing, increased joint military exercises, and cooperation with other like-minded partners.

    — ANI

  • EAM Jaishankar meets heads of US FBI and National Intelligence

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar met with two top US intelligence officials – Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard – on Wednesday.

    In a post on X, Jaishankar noted that he had a “good exchange on the global situation and bilateral cooperation” with Gabbard.

    He also shared details of his meeting with Patel, stating, “Great to meet FBI Director Kash Patel. Appreciate our strong cooperation in countering organised crime, drug trafficking and terrorism.”

    Counterterrorism remains a key area of collaboration between India and the United States. Following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, both countries signed the India-US Counterterrorism Initiative in 2010. This cooperation has expanded over the years through frameworks such as the India-US Working Group on Counterterrorism and the US-India Counterterrorism Designations Dialogue, which work to identify terrorists and affiliated organisations globally.

    For the US, combating drug smuggling continues to be a major focus – particularly under the leadership of President Donald Trump.

    Coinciding with Jaishankar’s meetings in Washington, Union Home Minister Amit Shah in India announced a major crackdown on a transnational drug-smuggling network operating between India and the US.

    According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), intelligence shared by India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) led to the arrest of a key figure in the network by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (USDEA).

    “Joel Hall, a major re-shipper based in Alabama, was arrested following a coordinated operation, which led to the seizure of more than 17,000 tablets of controlled medication,” the MHA said. It added that an Indian-American—identified as the network’s primary money launderer—is currently awaiting indictment.

    On Tuesday, EAM Jaishankar also participated in the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya.

    In addition to his meetings with Gabbard and Patel, Jaishankar held bilateral discussions with several senior US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, focusing on key areas of India-US cooperation.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • EAM Jaishankar meets heads of US FBI and National Intelligence

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar met with two top US intelligence officials – Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard – on Wednesday.

    In a post on X, Jaishankar noted that he had a “good exchange on the global situation and bilateral cooperation” with Gabbard.

    He also shared details of his meeting with Patel, stating, “Great to meet FBI Director Kash Patel. Appreciate our strong cooperation in countering organised crime, drug trafficking and terrorism.”

    Counterterrorism remains a key area of collaboration between India and the United States. Following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, both countries signed the India-US Counterterrorism Initiative in 2010. This cooperation has expanded over the years through frameworks such as the India-US Working Group on Counterterrorism and the US-India Counterterrorism Designations Dialogue, which work to identify terrorists and affiliated organisations globally.

    For the US, combating drug smuggling continues to be a major focus – particularly under the leadership of President Donald Trump.

    Coinciding with Jaishankar’s meetings in Washington, Union Home Minister Amit Shah in India announced a major crackdown on a transnational drug-smuggling network operating between India and the US.

    According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), intelligence shared by India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) led to the arrest of a key figure in the network by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (USDEA).

    “Joel Hall, a major re-shipper based in Alabama, was arrested following a coordinated operation, which led to the seizure of more than 17,000 tablets of controlled medication,” the MHA said. It added that an Indian-American—identified as the network’s primary money launderer—is currently awaiting indictment.

    On Tuesday, EAM Jaishankar also participated in the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya.

    In addition to his meetings with Gabbard and Patel, Jaishankar held bilateral discussions with several senior US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, focusing on key areas of India-US cooperation.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Indian stock market opens higher, Sensex above 83,400

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian benchmark indices opened higher on Thursday amid positive global cues, with buying seen in the IT, pharma and auto sectors in early trade.

    At around 9:25 am, the Sensex was trading 68.28 points or 0.08 per cent higher at 83,477.97, while the Nifty added 19.30 points or 0.08 per cent to reach 25,472.70.

    Analysts said the market is currently consolidating the recent bullish rectangle breakout, and as long as the 25,200–25,270 range holds, bulls are merely taking a breather.

    “Below 25,200, we risk a slide to 25,000. On the upside, the recent swing high at 25,670 is where the next bullish trigger lies,” said Akshay Chinchalkar, Head of Research at Axis Securities.

    With the deadline for the US tariff pause expiring next week, it remains to be seen whether the current global optimism will hold.

    “Today is the weekly derivatives expiry, so higher-than-usual volatility may be seen,” he added.

    The Nifty Bank was down 9.90 points or 0.02 per cent at 56,989.30 in early trade.

    The Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 59,645.25, down 22 points or 0.04 per cent. The Nifty Smallcap 100 index stood at 18,969.35, declining 7.75 points or 0.04 per cent.

    In the Sensex pack, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, BEL, Titan, Axis Bank, NTPC, SBI, HCL Tech and ITC were among the top losers.

    On the other hand, Eternal (earlier Zomato), Asian Paints, M&M, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki and ICICI Bank were among the top gainers.

    Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) extended their selling on July 2, offloading equities worth ₹1,561.62 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) continued their buying spree, purchasing equities worth ₹3,036.68 crore on the same day.

    In Asian markets, Bangkok, China, Japan, Seoul and Jakarta were trading in the green, whereas only Hong Kong was in the red.

    In the last trading session, the Dow Jones in the US closed at 44,484.42, down 10.52 points or 0.02 per cent. The S&P 500 ended with a gain of 29.41 points or 0.47 per cent at 6,227.42, while the Nasdaq closed at 20,393.13, up 190.24 points or 0.94 per cent.

    Analysts said the US-Vietnam trade deal indicates the US administration’s eagerness to secure as many trade agreements as possible, as deals with the EU and Japan appear unlikely in the near term.

    — IANS

  • Another batch of 5,246 yatris leaves for Valley as Amarnath Yatra begins today

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The annual Amarnath Yatra officially commenced on Thursday, with another batch of 5,246 pilgrims departing from Jammu for the Kashmir Valley, officials confirmed.

    According to officials, the second batch of pilgrims left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas on Canal Road in Jammu in two escorted convoys.

    “Out of the total, 1,993 pilgrims are heading to the Baltal base camp, while 3,253 are bound for the Pahalgam base camp,” they added.

    The 36-day-long Yatra began on Thursday morning, with the first batch of pilgrims setting off from the Baltal base camp towards the holy cave shrine. Simultaneously, others from the same batch departed from Pahalgam on foot.

    Upon their arrival in the Valley on Wednesday, the pilgrims were warmly welcomed by locals – including members of civil society, traders, and other community groups – who lined up at the Navyug Tunnel in Qazigund town with garlands and placards.

    J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of pilgrims from Jammu on Wednesday, marking the ceremonial start of this year’s Yatra.

    Unprecedented security arrangements have been made for the Yatra, particularly in light of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. An additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed to bolster the existing security setup, which includes the Army, security forces, and the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

    Pilgrims have been advised to travel from Jammu to the base camps only as part of official escorted convoys and not to attempt the journey individually for safety reasons.

    The Yatra will conclude on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.

    The holy cave shrine, located 3,888 meters above sea level, can be reached via two routes: the traditional 46-kilometre-long Pahalgam route or the shorter 14-kilometre Baltal route.

    Pilgrims taking the Pahalgam route pass through Chandanwadi, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni, typically taking four days to reach the shrine. In contrast, those using the Baltal route usually complete the round trip in a single day.

    Due to security concerns, helicopter services are not being offered to pilgrims this year.

    Local residents play a vital role in facilitating the pilgrimage by providing ponies, palkis, and even carrying elderly or infirm devotees on their backs along the difficult terrain leading to the shrine.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • WHO pushes countries to raise prices on sugary drinks, alcohol and tobacco by 50%

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The World Health Organization is pushing countries to raise the prices of sugary drinks, alcohol and tobacco by 50% over the next 10 years through taxation, its strongest backing yet for taxes to help tackle chronic public health problems.

    The United Nations health agency said the move would help cut consumption of the products, which contribute to diseases like diabetes and some cancers, as well as raising money at a time when development aid is shrinking and public debt rising.

    “Health taxes are one of the most efficient tools we have,” said Jeremy Farrar, WHO assistant-director general of health promotion and disease prevention and control. “It’s time to act.”

    The WHO launched the push, which it is called “3 by 35” at the UN Finance for Development conference in Seville.

    WHO said that its tax initiative could raise $1 trillion by 2035 based on evidence from health taxes in countries such as Colombia and South Africa.

    The WHO has backed tobacco taxes and price rises for decades, and has called for taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks in recent years, but this is the first time it has suggested a target price rise for all three products.

    WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told the conference that the taxes could help governments “adjust to the new reality” and bolster their own health systems with the money raised.

    Many low and middle-income countries are coping with cuts to aid spending led by the United States, which is not attending the Seville conference. The U.S. is also in the process of withdrawing from the WHO.

    FROM $4 to $10

    As an example, the initiative would mean a government in a middle-income country raising taxes on the product to push the price up from $4 today to $10 by 2035, taking into account inflation, said WHO health economist Guillermo Sandoval.

    Nearly 140 countries had already raised tobacco taxes and therefore prices by over 50% on average between 2012 and 2022, the WHO added.

    Sandoval said the WHO was also considering broader taxation recommendations, including on ultra-processed food, after the agency finalises its definition of that type of food in the coming months. But he added that the agency expected pushback from the industries involved.

    The initiative is also backed by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the World Bank and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and involves support for countries who want to take action.

    (Reuters)

  • Another batch of yatris leaves for Valley as Amarnath Yatra begins today

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The annual Amarnath Yatra officially commenced on Thursday, with another batch of 5,246 pilgrims departing from Jammu for the Kashmir Valley, officials confirmed.

    According to officials, the second batch of pilgrims left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas on Canal Road in Jammu in two escorted convoys.

    “Out of the total, 1,993 pilgrims are heading to the Baltal base camp, while 3,253 are bound for the Pahalgam base camp,” they added.

    The 36-day-long Yatra began on Thursday morning, with the first batch of pilgrims setting off from the Baltal base camp towards the holy cave shrine. Simultaneously, others from the same batch departed from Pahalgam on foot.

    Upon their arrival in the Valley on Wednesday, the pilgrims were warmly welcomed by locals – including members of civil society, traders, and other community groups – who lined up at the Navyug Tunnel in Qazigund town with garlands and placards.

    J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of pilgrims from Jammu on Wednesday, marking the ceremonial start of this year’s Yatra.

    Unprecedented security arrangements have been made for the Yatra, particularly in light of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. An additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed to bolster the existing security setup, which includes the Army, security forces, and the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

    Pilgrims have been advised to travel from Jammu to the base camps only as part of official escorted convoys and not to attempt the journey individually for safety reasons.

    The Yatra will conclude on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.

    The holy cave shrine, located 3,888 meters above sea level, can be reached via two routes: the traditional 46-kilometre-long Pahalgam route or the shorter 14-kilometre Baltal route.

    Pilgrims taking the Pahalgam route pass through Chandanwadi, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni, typically taking four days to reach the shrine. In contrast, those using the Baltal route usually complete the round trip in a single day.

    Due to security concerns, helicopter services are not being offered to pilgrims this year.

    Local residents play a vital role in facilitating the pilgrimage by providing ponies, palkis, and even carrying elderly or infirm devotees on their backs along the difficult terrain leading to the shrine.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Hamas studies Gaza ceasefire proposal labelled ‘final’ by Trump

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Hamas said on Wednesday it was studying what U.S. President Donald Trump called a “final” ceasefire proposal for Gaza but that Israel must pull out of the enclave, and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas would be eliminated.

    Trump said on Tuesday Israel had agreed to the conditions needed to finalise a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas after a meeting between his representatives and Israeli officials.

    In a statement, the Palestinian militant group said it was studying new ceasefire offers received from mediators Egypt and Qatar but that it aimed to reach an agreement that would ensure an end to the war and an Israeli pullout from Gaza.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the elimination of Hamas in his first public remarks since Trump’s announcement.

    “There will not be a Hamas. There will not be a ‘Hamastan’. We’re not going back to that. It’s over,” Netanyahu told a meeting hosted by the Trans-Israel pipeline.

    The two sides’ statements reiterated long-held positions, giving no clues as to whether or how a compromise agreement could be reached.

    “I hope it would work this time, even if for two months, it would save thousands of innocent lives,” Kamal, a resident of Gaza City, said by phone.

    Others questioned whether Trump’s statements would deliver long-term peace.

    “We hope he is serious like he was serious during the Israeli-Iranian war when he said the war should stop, and it stopped,” said Adnan Al-Assar, a resident of Khan Younis in Gaza’s south.

    There is growing public pressure on Netanyahu to reach a permanent ceasefire and end the nearly two-year-long war, a move opposed by hardline members of his right-wing ruling coalition.

    At the same time, U.S. and Israeli strikes on nuclear sites in Iran and ceasefire agreed on in last month’s 12-day Israel-Iran air war have put pressure on Hamas, which is backed by Tehran.

    Israeli leaders believe that, with Iran weakened, other countries in the region have an opportunity to forge ties with Israel.

    ‘SOME POSITIVE SIGNS’

    Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel was “serious in our will” to reach a hostage deal and ceasefire.

    “There are some positive signs. I don’t want to say more than that right now. But our goal is to begin proximity talks as soon as possible,” he said while visiting Estonia.

    Of 50 hostages held by Hamas, about 20 are believed to be still alive.

    Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid posted that his party could provide a safety net if any cabinet members opposed a deal, effectively pledging not to back a no-confidence motion in parliament that could topple the government.

    At the end of May, Hamas had said it was seeking amendments to a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, said this was “totally unacceptable.”

    That proposal involved a 60-day ceasefire and the release of half the hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the remains of other Palestinians; Hamas would release the remaining hostages as part of a deal that guarantees the end of the war.

    “Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War,” Trump posted on Tuesday, without specifying the conditions.

    A source close to Hamas said its leaders were expected to debate the proposal and seek clarifications from mediators before giving an official response.

    Gaza health authorities said Israeli gunfire and military strikes had killed at least 139 Palestinians in northern and southern areas in the past 24 hours, and the Israeli military ordered more evacuations late on Tuesday.

    Among those killed was Marwan Al-Sultan, director of the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, in an airstrike that has also killed his wife and five children, medics said.

    The Israeli military said it had targeted a “key terrorist” from Hamas in the Gaza City area. It said it was reviewing reports of civilian casualties and that the military regretted any harm to “uninvolved individuals” and takes steps to minimise such harm.

    Hamas fighters stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, and killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took 251 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.

    Israel’s subsequent military assault has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to the Gaza health ministry, displaced almost all the 2.3 million population and caused a humanitarian crisis.

    (Reuters)

  • RBI issues advisory to banks for integration of DoT’s Financial Fraud Risk Indicator

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) welcomes the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) advisory issued on June 30, directing all Scheduled Commercial Banks, Small Finance Banks, Payments Banks and Co-operative Banks to integrate the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) developed by DoT into their systems.

    This major step is expected to strengthen efforts to curb cyber-enabled financial frauds and boost collaboration between key agencies to protect citizens in the expanding digital economy. The integration will automate data exchange between banks and DoT’s Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) through secure API-based systems, allowing for real-time fraud risk checks and continuous updates.

    What is the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator and How Will It Help?

    Launched in May 2025 by DoT’s Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU), the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator is a risk-based tool that classifies mobile numbers as Medium, High or Very High risk based on data from the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, DoT’s Chakshu platform and intelligence inputs from banks and financial institutions.

    Using the FRI, banks can take immediate preventive steps such as declining suspicious transactions, alerting customers, or delaying high-risk transactions. DoT’s DIU also shares a Mobile Number Revocation List with stakeholders, which includes numbers disconnected due to links with cybercrime or misuse.

    The system is already being used by major institutions including PhonePe, Punjab National Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Paytm and India Post Payments Bank. With UPI being widely used across India, the wider adoption of FRI is expected to protect millions of users from online fraud.

    DoT has reiterated its commitment to support banks and financial institutions with technology-driven, coordinated solutions like the FRI. The move aligns with the Government’s Digital India vision and aims to strengthen digital trust, improve fraud detection and enhance resilience across the financial ecosystem.

  • We thank Ghana for its cooperation in our fight against terrorism: PM Modi in Accra

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India and Ghana are in complete agreement that “terrorism is an enemy of humanity” and thanked Ghana for its cooperation in India’s fight against terrorism.

    PM Modi held delegation-level talks with Ghana’s President John Mahama during his first-ever bilateral visit to the West African country.

    “We discussed shared visions on development, economic regions, and inclusive global governance. We are in full agreement that terrorism is an enemy of humanity. We thank Ghana for its cooperation in our fight against terrorism. In this context, we agreed to further strengthen mutual cooperation in counter-terrorism,” the Prime Minister said.

    Stressing the shared values on which India-Ghana ties are based, PM Modi said: “At the core of the India-Ghana friendship lie our shared values, common struggles, and collective dreams for an inclusive future. The freedom struggles of our nations have inspired many other countries. Even today, Ghana stands as a vibrant democracy in West Africa and serves as a strong and living example for other countries.”

    PM Modi also said that it was a matter of great honour for him that President Mahama himself came to the airport to receive him.

    Apart from discussions on development, the economy and inclusive global governance with President Mahama, PM Modi also underlined the need for reforms in the United Nations.

    “We share a common perspective on the need for reforms in the United Nations. Mr President, you are a close friend of India and are very familiar with our country. I extend to you an invitation to visit India. I am confident you will give us the opportunity to host you in India soon,” he added.

    “Our bilateral trade has crossed $3 billion. Indian companies have invested nearly $2 billion in about 900 projects across Ghana. Today, we have set a target to double our mutual trade in the next five years. In the field of fintech, India is ready to share its experience of UPI digital payments with Ghana. Development partnership is a key pillar of our cooperation. We assure President Mahama of India’s full support and cooperation in his efforts towards economic revitalisation,” Modi said.

    The two leaders discussed various aspects of enhancing cooperation between India and Ghana across a wide range of sectors.

    Mahama said both countries are looking to expand economic and diplomatic ties at a crucial time for Ghana’s economy.

    “Both countries are committed to deepening economic and investment relations, particularly at a time when Ghana is undergoing economic restructuring due to the debt treatment process and the ongoing International Monetary Fund programme. Going forward, Ghana and India intend to pursue these engagements through diplomatic mechanisms, including Foreign Office Consultations and the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation, to bring to fruition the intended outcomes of our partnership for mutual benefit,” Mahama said.

    “This visit is particularly significant, as it marks the first leg of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Africa tour, which will culminate in the BRICS Summit in Brazil. The two sides have engaged in meaningful discussions to deepen cooperation across various sectors of our economies, including agriculture, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure development, human resources, and health, among others,” Mahama added.

    IANS

  • We thank Ghana for its cooperation in our fight against terrorism: PM Modi in Accra

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India and Ghana are in complete agreement that “terrorism is an enemy of humanity” and thanked Ghana for its cooperation in India’s fight against terrorism.

    PM Modi held delegation-level talks with Ghana’s President John Mahama during his first-ever bilateral visit to the West African country.

    “We discussed shared visions on development, economic regions, and inclusive global governance. We are in full agreement that terrorism is an enemy of humanity. We thank Ghana for its cooperation in our fight against terrorism. In this context, we agreed to further strengthen mutual cooperation in counter-terrorism,” the Prime Minister said.

    Stressing the shared values on which India-Ghana ties are based, PM Modi said: “At the core of the India-Ghana friendship lie our shared values, common struggles, and collective dreams for an inclusive future. The freedom struggles of our nations have inspired many other countries. Even today, Ghana stands as a vibrant democracy in West Africa and serves as a strong and living example for other countries.”

    PM Modi also said that it was a matter of great honour for him that President Mahama himself came to the airport to receive him.

    Apart from discussions on development, the economy and inclusive global governance with President Mahama, PM Modi also underlined the need for reforms in the United Nations.

    “We share a common perspective on the need for reforms in the United Nations. Mr President, you are a close friend of India and are very familiar with our country. I extend to you an invitation to visit India. I am confident you will give us the opportunity to host you in India soon,” he added.

    “Our bilateral trade has crossed $3 billion. Indian companies have invested nearly $2 billion in about 900 projects across Ghana. Today, we have set a target to double our mutual trade in the next five years. In the field of fintech, India is ready to share its experience of UPI digital payments with Ghana. Development partnership is a key pillar of our cooperation. We assure President Mahama of India’s full support and cooperation in his efforts towards economic revitalisation,” Modi said.

    The two leaders discussed various aspects of enhancing cooperation between India and Ghana across a wide range of sectors.

    Mahama said both countries are looking to expand economic and diplomatic ties at a crucial time for Ghana’s economy.

    “Both countries are committed to deepening economic and investment relations, particularly at a time when Ghana is undergoing economic restructuring due to the debt treatment process and the ongoing International Monetary Fund programme. Going forward, Ghana and India intend to pursue these engagements through diplomatic mechanisms, including Foreign Office Consultations and the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation, to bring to fruition the intended outcomes of our partnership for mutual benefit,” Mahama said.

    “This visit is particularly significant, as it marks the first leg of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Africa tour, which will culminate in the BRICS Summit in Brazil. The two sides have engaged in meaningful discussions to deepen cooperation across various sectors of our economies, including agriculture, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure development, human resources, and health, among others,” Mahama added.

    IANS

  • PM Modi receives Ghana’s highest state honour, ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday was conferred with Ghana’s national honour,  ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’, by President John Dramani Mahama, in recognition of his distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

    Accepting the award, the Prime Minister said, “It is a matter of immense pride and honour for me to be conferred with Ghana’s highest honour… I express my deep gratitude to President Mahama, the Government of Ghana and the people of Ghana. I humbly accept this honour on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians.”

    “I dedicate this award to the aspirations of our youth, their bright future, our rich cultural diversity and traditions and the historic ties between India and Ghana,” the PM added.

    Noting that the shared democratic values and traditions of the two countries would continue to strengthen their partnership, the Prime Minister said the award further deepens the friendship between India and Ghana and places a new responsibility on him to advance bilateral ties. He expressed confidence that his historic state visit would give fresh momentum to the partnership, the MEA statement added.

    Earlier, Prime Minister Modi announced that India would establish a Skill Development Centre to train youth and support Ghana’s ‘Feed Ghana’ programme, as part of a broader plan to strengthen ties between the two countries.

    During a joint press briefing with President Mahama, PM Modi said India would expand cooperation with Ghana in key sectors including agriculture, education, defence, healthcare and digital payments.

    “Today, we have decided to double the ITEC and ICCR scholarships for Ghana. Work will be done to establish a Skill Development Centre for the vocational education of youth,” PM Modi said.

    “In the agricultural sector, we would be happy to cooperate with President Mahama’s ‘Feed Ghana’ programme. Through Jan Aushadhi Kendra, India proposes to provide affordable and reliable healthcare to the citizens of Ghana. We also discussed cooperation in vaccine production,” he added.

    The Prime Minister said India plans to double trade with Ghana within the next five years and share its digital payments system, Bharat UPI, to boost financial connectivity.

    President Mahama welcomed Prime Minister Modi and said the visit reflected the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

    “This visit is a testament to the deep-rooted historical ties between Ghana and India, founded on the visionary leadership of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and India’s former Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, as well as the ever-growing bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between our two sisterly countries for the mutual benefit of our people,” Mahama said.

    This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over 30 years. The trip is expected to deepen the India-Ghana partnership and signal New Delhi’s continued engagement with Africa and the Global South.

    (ANI)

     

  • PM Modi receives Ghana’s highest state honour, ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday was conferred with Ghana’s national honour,  ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’, by President John Dramani Mahama, in recognition of his distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

    Accepting the award, the Prime Minister said, “It is a matter of immense pride and honour for me to be conferred with Ghana’s highest honour… I express my deep gratitude to President Mahama, the Government of Ghana and the people of Ghana. I humbly accept this honour on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians.”

    “I dedicate this award to the aspirations of our youth, their bright future, our rich cultural diversity and traditions and the historic ties between India and Ghana,” the PM added.

    Noting that the shared democratic values and traditions of the two countries would continue to strengthen their partnership, the Prime Minister said the award further deepens the friendship between India and Ghana and places a new responsibility on him to advance bilateral ties. He expressed confidence that his historic state visit would give fresh momentum to the partnership, the MEA statement added.

    Earlier, Prime Minister Modi announced that India would establish a Skill Development Centre to train youth and support Ghana’s ‘Feed Ghana’ programme, as part of a broader plan to strengthen ties between the two countries.

    During a joint press briefing with President Mahama, PM Modi said India would expand cooperation with Ghana in key sectors including agriculture, education, defence, healthcare and digital payments.

    “Today, we have decided to double the ITEC and ICCR scholarships for Ghana. Work will be done to establish a Skill Development Centre for the vocational education of youth,” PM Modi said.

    “In the agricultural sector, we would be happy to cooperate with President Mahama’s ‘Feed Ghana’ programme. Through Jan Aushadhi Kendra, India proposes to provide affordable and reliable healthcare to the citizens of Ghana. We also discussed cooperation in vaccine production,” he added.

    The Prime Minister said India plans to double trade with Ghana within the next five years and share its digital payments system, Bharat UPI, to boost financial connectivity.

    President Mahama welcomed Prime Minister Modi and said the visit reflected the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

    “This visit is a testament to the deep-rooted historical ties between Ghana and India, founded on the visionary leadership of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and India’s former Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, as well as the ever-growing bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between our two sisterly countries for the mutual benefit of our people,” Mahama said.

    This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over 30 years. The trip is expected to deepen the India-Ghana partnership and signal New Delhi’s continued engagement with Africa and the Global South.

    (ANI)

     

  • Pakistan doesn’t impinge on India-US ties: EAM Jaishankar

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday dismissed suggestions that Pakistan has any bearing on India’s ties with the United States, asserting that the relationship stands on its own merit and is not defined by third countries.

    Addressing a press conference in Washington, Jaishankar said, “I would really urge you to get over the idea that we need to define ourselves regarding third countries in order to forge ahead in ties with Washington,” Jaishankar told reporters.

    “Big relationships are not forged in terms of third countries and where they fit,” he emphasised, responding to a question on whether Pakistan’s role has changed India-US ties.

    “The central factor in the relationship between India and the US is India and the US. It is our complementarity. In many ways, it is the benefits that we get from closer relationship that is actually driving it,” he said.

    Jaishankar underlined that India’s growing global stature demands greater self-assurance when engaging major partners. “We are a big country. We are among the top five economies of the world. We are the most populous country in the world. Our influence is growing,” he said. “We must have that confidence.”

    The foreign minister said that ties with the US have progressed on substantive issues that bring mutual benefit. “It’s about trade. It is about investment. It is about technology. It is about mobility. It is about energy,” he said.

    On former US President Donald Trump’s claim that he brokered the ceasefire between India and Pakistan after Operation Sindoor, Jaishankar said: “The record of what happened was very clear.”

    “The ceasefire was something that was negotiated between the DGMOs” — Directors General of Military Operations Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai of India and Major General Kashif Abdullah of Pakistan — “I’d leave it at that,” he said.

    Jaishankar is in Washington for the Quad Ministerial meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Foreign Ministers of Australia and Japan. The Quad Ministers condemned the Pahalgam massacre carried out by The Resistance Front, linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba.

    On the sidelines, Jaishankar held separate meetings with Secretary Rubio, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

    “We essentially did a stock-taking of the last six months. And, you know, what do we do to go, a look ahead,” Jaishankar said on his talks with Rubio. “This included a discussion on trade and investment, on technology, on defence and security, on energy and on mobility.”

    Defence and energy ties warranted dedicated meetings with Hegseth and Wright, the Minister added.

    IANS

  • Pakistan doesn’t impinge on India-US ties: EAM Jaishankar

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday dismissed suggestions that Pakistan has any bearing on India’s ties with the United States, asserting that the relationship stands on its own merit and is not defined by third countries.

    Addressing a press conference in Washington, Jaishankar said, “I would really urge you to get over the idea that we need to define ourselves regarding third countries in order to forge ahead in ties with Washington,” Jaishankar told reporters.

    “Big relationships are not forged in terms of third countries and where they fit,” he emphasised, responding to a question on whether Pakistan’s role has changed India-US ties.

    “The central factor in the relationship between India and the US is India and the US. It is our complementarity. In many ways, it is the benefits that we get from closer relationship that is actually driving it,” he said.

    Jaishankar underlined that India’s growing global stature demands greater self-assurance when engaging major partners. “We are a big country. We are among the top five economies of the world. We are the most populous country in the world. Our influence is growing,” he said. “We must have that confidence.”

    The foreign minister said that ties with the US have progressed on substantive issues that bring mutual benefit. “It’s about trade. It is about investment. It is about technology. It is about mobility. It is about energy,” he said.

    On former US President Donald Trump’s claim that he brokered the ceasefire between India and Pakistan after Operation Sindoor, Jaishankar said: “The record of what happened was very clear.”

    “The ceasefire was something that was negotiated between the DGMOs” — Directors General of Military Operations Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai of India and Major General Kashif Abdullah of Pakistan — “I’d leave it at that,” he said.

    Jaishankar is in Washington for the Quad Ministerial meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Foreign Ministers of Australia and Japan. The Quad Ministers condemned the Pahalgam massacre carried out by The Resistance Front, linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba.

    On the sidelines, Jaishankar held separate meetings with Secretary Rubio, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

    “We essentially did a stock-taking of the last six months. And, you know, what do we do to go, a look ahead,” Jaishankar said on his talks with Rubio. “This included a discussion on trade and investment, on technology, on defence and security, on energy and on mobility.”

    Defence and energy ties warranted dedicated meetings with Hegseth and Wright, the Minister added.

    IANS

  • Normality returns to Wimbledon as Alcaraz and Sabalenka ease through

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka and the end of London’s tropical heatwave ensured that a sense of normality returned to the lawns of Wimbledon on Wednesday after two sweat-soaked days of shocks, although Jasmine Paolini’s exit meant the surprises did not end.

    A stream of big names including Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev crashed and burned in the oven-like temperatures of the first round.

    So when Alcaraz walked on Centre Court to continue his bid for a third successive Wimbledon title against British qualifier Oliver Tarvet, the thought surely lurked somewhere in his mind that he could be the fall-guy in the event’s greatest upset.

    The 22-year-old second seed was not at his best but after saving three break points in a nervy first service game against a college student ranked 733rd in the world, he asserted his authority to win 6-1 6-4 6-4.

    Earlier on Centre Court, women’s top seed Sabalenka battled to a 7-6(4) 6-4 win against Czech Marie Bouzkova.

    “Honestly, it is sad to see so many upsets in the tournament, in both draws, women’s and men’s,” said Sabalenka, who is bidding for her first Wimbledon title.

    “I’m just trying to focus on myself… I hope there are no more upsets in this tournament.”

    That was not to be, as last year’s runner-up Paolini joined the mass exodus of fancied players when she crashed out 4-6 6-4 6-4 against Russian Kamilla Rakhimova.

    However, Australian Open champion Madison Keys, the sixth seed, made it safely into round three by beating Olga Danilovic 6-4 6-2 while unseeded four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka eased past Czech doubles specialist Katerina Siniakova 6-3 6-2.

    Lower temperatures did not necessarily mean more comfortable outings as world number 12 Frances Tiafoe became the 14th of the 32 men’s seeds to fall, losing 4-6 6-4 6-3 7-5 against Cameron Norrie, one of seven Britons in singles action on day three.

    The American was joined later on by Czech 23rd seed Jiri Lehecka, last month’s Queen’s Club Championships runner-up, who fell 7-6(4) 6-1 7-5 to Italian Mattia Bellucci.

    HOME CHARGE

    Ashlyn Krueger, the American 31st seed, was then beaten 7-6(4) 6-4 by Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, ensuring 15 of the 32 women’s seeds also went out of the tournament.

    Sonay Kartal led the home charge by defeating Bulgaria’s Viktoriya Tomova 6-2 6-2 to book her place in the last 32 for the second year in succession while the nation’s big hope Emma Raducanu got past 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova 6-3 6-3.

    There was disappointment for Britain’s Katie Boulter, who served 14 double faults as she crashed 6-7(9) 6-2 6-1 to 101st-ranked Solana Sierra, the Argentine who lost in qualifying but has seized her lucky loser spot with both hands.

    Alcaraz, bidding to do the French Open-Wimbledon double for the second successive year, needed five sets to get past Italian veteran Fabio Fognini in the opening round and set up an intriguing clash with 21-year-old Tarvet.

    Tarvet, who plays on the U.S. collegiate circuit for the University of San Diego, said he believed he could beat anyone, even Alcaraz, after winning his Grand Slam debut match against fellow qualifier Leandro Riedi of Switzerland on Monday.

    He was clearly not overawed at sharing a court with a five-times major champion and had he taken any of the eight break points he earned in the first set it could have been closer.

    Alcaraz proved a step too far though as he moved through the gears when required to keep an eager Tarvet under control.

    Just as the Spaniard did in his first round when going to the aid of a female spectator suffering in the heat, Alcaraz again endeared himself to the Centre Court crowd.

    “First of all I have to give a big congratulations to Oliver, it’s his second match on the tour. I just loved his game to be honest, the level he played,” Alcaraz said.

    Play on courts without roofs was delayed for two hours by light morning rain but once the clouds rolled away the place to be for fans without showcourt tickets was Court 12 for Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca’s match against American Jenson Brooksby.

    The 18-year-old is widely tipped as a future challenger to the domination of Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner and he showed why during a 6-2 5-7 6-2 6-4 win that was celebrated by a large contingent of exuberant Brazilians.

    Andrey Rublev, who suffered a bruising loss to Fonseca in the Australian Open first round earlier this year, battled past Lloyd Harris 6-7 6-4 7-6 6-3 before Taylor Fritz closed out the day with a 3-6 6-3 7-6(0) 4-6 6-3 win over Gabriel Diallo.

    -Reuters

  • Normality returns to Wimbledon as Alcaraz and Sabalenka ease through

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka and the end of London’s tropical heatwave ensured that a sense of normality returned to the lawns of Wimbledon on Wednesday after two sweat-soaked days of shocks, although Jasmine Paolini’s exit meant the surprises did not end.

    A stream of big names including Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev crashed and burned in the oven-like temperatures of the first round.

    So when Alcaraz walked on Centre Court to continue his bid for a third successive Wimbledon title against British qualifier Oliver Tarvet, the thought surely lurked somewhere in his mind that he could be the fall-guy in the event’s greatest upset.

    The 22-year-old second seed was not at his best but after saving three break points in a nervy first service game against a college student ranked 733rd in the world, he asserted his authority to win 6-1 6-4 6-4.

    Earlier on Centre Court, women’s top seed Sabalenka battled to a 7-6(4) 6-4 win against Czech Marie Bouzkova.

    “Honestly, it is sad to see so many upsets in the tournament, in both draws, women’s and men’s,” said Sabalenka, who is bidding for her first Wimbledon title.

    “I’m just trying to focus on myself… I hope there are no more upsets in this tournament.”

    That was not to be, as last year’s runner-up Paolini joined the mass exodus of fancied players when she crashed out 4-6 6-4 6-4 against Russian Kamilla Rakhimova.

    However, Australian Open champion Madison Keys, the sixth seed, made it safely into round three by beating Olga Danilovic 6-4 6-2 while unseeded four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka eased past Czech doubles specialist Katerina Siniakova 6-3 6-2.

    Lower temperatures did not necessarily mean more comfortable outings as world number 12 Frances Tiafoe became the 14th of the 32 men’s seeds to fall, losing 4-6 6-4 6-3 7-5 against Cameron Norrie, one of seven Britons in singles action on day three.

    The American was joined later on by Czech 23rd seed Jiri Lehecka, last month’s Queen’s Club Championships runner-up, who fell 7-6(4) 6-1 7-5 to Italian Mattia Bellucci.

    HOME CHARGE

    Ashlyn Krueger, the American 31st seed, was then beaten 7-6(4) 6-4 by Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, ensuring 15 of the 32 women’s seeds also went out of the tournament.

    Sonay Kartal led the home charge by defeating Bulgaria’s Viktoriya Tomova 6-2 6-2 to book her place in the last 32 for the second year in succession while the nation’s big hope Emma Raducanu got past 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova 6-3 6-3.

    There was disappointment for Britain’s Katie Boulter, who served 14 double faults as she crashed 6-7(9) 6-2 6-1 to 101st-ranked Solana Sierra, the Argentine who lost in qualifying but has seized her lucky loser spot with both hands.

    Alcaraz, bidding to do the French Open-Wimbledon double for the second successive year, needed five sets to get past Italian veteran Fabio Fognini in the opening round and set up an intriguing clash with 21-year-old Tarvet.

    Tarvet, who plays on the U.S. collegiate circuit for the University of San Diego, said he believed he could beat anyone, even Alcaraz, after winning his Grand Slam debut match against fellow qualifier Leandro Riedi of Switzerland on Monday.

    He was clearly not overawed at sharing a court with a five-times major champion and had he taken any of the eight break points he earned in the first set it could have been closer.

    Alcaraz proved a step too far though as he moved through the gears when required to keep an eager Tarvet under control.

    Just as the Spaniard did in his first round when going to the aid of a female spectator suffering in the heat, Alcaraz again endeared himself to the Centre Court crowd.

    “First of all I have to give a big congratulations to Oliver, it’s his second match on the tour. I just loved his game to be honest, the level he played,” Alcaraz said.

    Play on courts without roofs was delayed for two hours by light morning rain but once the clouds rolled away the place to be for fans without showcourt tickets was Court 12 for Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca’s match against American Jenson Brooksby.

    The 18-year-old is widely tipped as a future challenger to the domination of Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner and he showed why during a 6-2 5-7 6-2 6-4 win that was celebrated by a large contingent of exuberant Brazilians.

    Andrey Rublev, who suffered a bruising loss to Fonseca in the Australian Open first round earlier this year, battled past Lloyd Harris 6-7 6-4 7-6 6-3 before Taylor Fritz closed out the day with a 3-6 6-3 7-6(0) 4-6 6-3 win over Gabriel Diallo.

    -Reuters

  • Pakistan doesn’t impinge on India-US ties: Jaishankar

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday dismissed suggestions that Pakistan has any bearing on India’s ties with the United States, asserting that the relationship stands on its own merit and is not defined by third countries.

    Addressing a press conference in Washington, Jaishankar said, “I would really urge you to get over the idea that we need to define ourselves regarding third countries in order to forge ahead in ties with Washington,” Jaishankar told reporters.

    “Big relationships are not forged in terms of third countries and where they fit,” he emphasised, responding to a question on whether Pakistan’s role has changed India-US ties.

    “The central factor in the relationship between India and the US is India and the US. It is our complementarity. In many ways, it is the benefits that we get from closer relationship that is actually driving it,” he said.

    Jaishankar underlined that India’s growing global stature demands greater self-assurance when engaging major partners. “We are a big country. We are among the top five economies of the world. We are the most populous country in the world. Our influence is growing,” he said. “We must have that confidence.”

    The foreign minister said that ties with the US have progressed on substantive issues that bring mutual benefit. “It’s about trade. It is about investment. It is about technology. It is about mobility. It is about energy,” he said.

    On former US President Donald Trump’s claim that he brokered the ceasefire between India and Pakistan after Operation Sindoor, Jaishankar said: “The record of what happened was very clear.”

    “The ceasefire was something that was negotiated between the DGMOs” — Directors General of Military Operations Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai of India and Major General Kashif Abdullah of Pakistan — “I’d leave it at that,” he said.

    Jaishankar is in Washington for the Quad Ministerial meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Foreign Ministers of Australia and Japan. The Quad Ministers condemned the Pahalgam massacre carried out by The Resistance Front, linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba.

    On the sidelines, Jaishankar held separate meetings with Secretary Rubio, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

    “We essentially did a stock-taking of the last six months. And, you know, what do we do to go, a look ahead,” Jaishankar said on his talks with Rubio. “This included a discussion on trade and investment, on technology, on defence and security, on energy and on mobility.”

    Defence and energy ties warranted dedicated meetings with Hegseth and Wright, the Minister added.

    IANS

  • PM Modi receives Ghana’s highest state honour, “Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana”

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday was conferred with Ghana’s national honour, the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, by President John Dramani Mahama, in recognition of his distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership, the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official statement.

    Accepting the award on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, the Prime Minister dedicated the honour to the aspirations of India’s youth, its cultural traditions and diversity, and the historical ties between Ghana and India.

    PM Modi thanked the people and government of Ghana for this special gesture.

    Noting that the shared democratic values and traditions of the two countries would continue to strengthen their partnership, the Prime Minister said the award further deepens the friendship between India and Ghana and places a new responsibility on him to advance bilateral ties. He expressed confidence that his historic State Visit would give fresh momentum to the partnership, the MEA statement added.

    Earlier, Prime Minister Modi announced that India would establish a Skill Development Centre to train youth and support Ghana’s ‘Feed Ghana’ programme, as part of a broader plan to strengthen ties between the two countries.

    During a joint press briefing with President Mahama, Modi said India would expand cooperation with Ghana in key sectors including agriculture, education, defence, healthcare and digital payments.

    “Today, we have decided to double the ITEC and ICCR scholarships for Ghana. Work will be done to establish a Skill Development Centre for the vocational education of youth,” Modi said.

    “In the agricultural sector, we would be happy to cooperate with President Mahama’s ‘Feed Ghana’ programme. Through Jan Aushadhi Kendra, India proposes to provide affordable and reliable healthcare to the citizens of Ghana. We also discussed cooperation in vaccine production,” he added.

    The Prime Minister said India plans to double trade with Ghana within the next five years and share its digital payments system, Bharat UPI, to boost financial connectivity.

    President Mahama welcomed Prime Minister Modi and said the visit reflected the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

    “This visit is a testament to the deep-rooted historical ties between Ghana and India, founded on the visionary leadership of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and India’s former Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, as well as the ever-growing bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between our two sisterly countries for the mutual benefit of our people,” Mahama said.

    This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over 30 years. The trip is expected to deepen the India-Ghana partnership and signal New Delhi’s continued engagement with Africa and the Global South.

    (ANI)

     

  • PM Modi holds wide-ranging talks with Ghana President, signs key MoUs

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met Ghanaian President Dr. John Dramani Mahama in Accra, marking the first state visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in three decades.

    PM Modi was received by President Mahama at Jubilee House, the official residence and office of the Ghanaian President. The two leaders held detailed discussions in restricted and delegation-level formats, agreeing to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership.

    During the talks, both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial ties between India and Ghana and explored ways to deepen cooperation in areas including trade and investment, agriculture, capacity building, digital technology, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges.

    PM Modi welcomed the steady growth in bilateral trade and the increasing presence of Indian investments in Ghana. The leaders also discussed steps to strengthen defence and security collaboration, as well as development cooperation through India-supported infrastructure and capacity-building projects.

    India also offered to share its expertise in health, pharmaceuticals, digital public infrastructure, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and skill development. PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to voicing the concerns of the Global South and thanked Ghana for its continued support on this front. He also expressed gratitude to President Mahama for the care extended to the Indian community of around 15,000 people living in Ghana.

    Both leaders exchanged views on global and regional issues of mutual interest, including the need for reforms at the United Nations. The Prime Minister thanked President Mahama for his support and solidarity following the recent Pahalgam attack. The two sides agreed to work together to strengthen the global fight against terrorism.

    PM Modi also congratulated Ghana on its increasing international profile, including its current term on the UN Human Rights Council and the election of Ghana’s Foreign Minister as the Commonwealth Secretary-General. The leaders reiterated their commitment to democratic values, South-South cooperation, and a shared vision for sustainable development and global peace.

    Following the talks, India and Ghana exchanged four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering Culture, Standards, Ayurveda and Traditional Medicine, and the establishment of a Joint Commission Mechanism to enhance engagement between the two countries’ Foreign Ministries.

    President Mahama hosted a State Banquet in honour of Prime Minister Modi. Thanking him for the warm hospitality, Prime Minister Modi invited President Mahama to visit India at a mutually convenient time.

  • PM Modi, Ghana President Agree to Deepen Ties, Sign Four MoUs During Historic Visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met Ghanaian President Dr. John Dramani Mahama in Accra, marking the first state visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in three decades.

    PM Modi was received by President Mahama at Jubilee House, the official residence and office of the Ghanaian President. The two leaders held detailed discussions in restricted and delegation-level formats, agreeing to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership.

    During the talks, both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial ties between India and Ghana and explored ways to deepen cooperation in areas including trade and investment, agriculture, capacity building, digital technology, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges.

    PM Modi welcomed the steady growth in bilateral trade and the increasing presence of Indian investments in Ghana. The leaders also discussed steps to strengthen defence and security collaboration, as well as development cooperation through India-supported infrastructure and capacity-building projects.

    India also offered to share its expertise in health, pharmaceuticals, digital public infrastructure, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and skill development. Modi reiterated India’s commitment to voicing the concerns of the Global South and thanked Ghana for its continued support on this front. He also expressed gratitude to President Mahama for the care extended to the Indian community of around 15,000 people living in Ghana.

    Both leaders exchanged views on global and regional issues of mutual interest, including the need for reforms at the United Nations. Prime Minister Modi thanked President Mahama for his support and solidarity following the recent Pahalgam attack. The two sides agreed to work together to strengthen the global fight against terrorism.

    PM Modi also congratulated Ghana on its increasing international profile, including its current term on the UN Human Rights Council and the election of Ghana’s Foreign Minister as the Commonwealth Secretary-General. The leaders reiterated their commitment to democratic values, South-South cooperation, and a shared vision for sustainable development and global peace.

    Following the talks, India and Ghana exchanged four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering Culture, Standards, Ayurveda and Traditional Medicine, and the establishment of a Joint Commission Mechanism to enhance engagement between the two countries’ Foreign Ministries.

    President Mahama hosted a State Banquet in honour of Prime Minister Modi. Thanking him for the warm hospitality, Prime Minister Modi invited President Mahama to visit India at a mutually convenient time.

  • PM Modi, Ghana President Agree to Deepen Ties, Sign Four MoUs During Historic Visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met Ghanaian President Dr. John Dramani Mahama in Accra, marking the first state visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in three decades.

    PM Modi was received by President Mahama at Jubilee House, the official residence and office of the Ghanaian President. The two leaders held detailed discussions in restricted and delegation-level formats, agreeing to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership.

    During the talks, both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial ties between India and Ghana and explored ways to deepen cooperation in areas including trade and investment, agriculture, capacity building, digital technology, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges.

    PM Modi welcomed the steady growth in bilateral trade and the increasing presence of Indian investments in Ghana. The leaders also discussed steps to strengthen defence and security collaboration, as well as development cooperation through India-supported infrastructure and capacity-building projects.

    India also offered to share its expertise in health, pharmaceuticals, digital public infrastructure, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and skill development. Modi reiterated India’s commitment to voicing the concerns of the Global South and thanked Ghana for its continued support on this front. He also expressed gratitude to President Mahama for the care extended to the Indian community of around 15,000 people living in Ghana.

    Both leaders exchanged views on global and regional issues of mutual interest, including the need for reforms at the United Nations. Prime Minister Modi thanked President Mahama for his support and solidarity following the recent Pahalgam attack. The two sides agreed to work together to strengthen the global fight against terrorism.

    PM Modi also congratulated Ghana on its increasing international profile, including its current term on the UN Human Rights Council and the election of Ghana’s Foreign Minister as the Commonwealth Secretary-General. The leaders reiterated their commitment to democratic values, South-South cooperation, and a shared vision for sustainable development and global peace.

    Following the talks, India and Ghana exchanged four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering Culture, Standards, Ayurveda and Traditional Medicine, and the establishment of a Joint Commission Mechanism to enhance engagement between the two countries’ Foreign Ministries.

    President Mahama hosted a State Banquet in honour of Prime Minister Modi. Thanking him for the warm hospitality, Prime Minister Modi invited President Mahama to visit India at a mutually convenient time.

  • ENG vs IND, 2nd Test: Gill slams hard-fought second hundred as captain, takes India past 300

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Shubman Gill was at his determined best, scoring a hard-fought seventh Test hundred — his second as India’s captain — as the visitors reached 310/5 in 85 overs at stumps on Day One of the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series against England at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

    Under sunny blue skies, England opted to bowl first, with India facing criticism for resting Jasprit Bumrah and packing the side with three all-rounders instead of including another genuine wicket-taker like Kuldeep Yadav. But Gill, coming off a knock of 147 at Headingley, showed immense responsibility and patience, playing with determination to finish unbeaten on 114 off 216 deliveries, laced with 12 boundaries.

    During his unbeaten knock — his fourth Test hundred against England — Gill became only the second Indian captain after Mohammad Azharuddin to score centuries in consecutive Tests in England.

    He is also the third Indian captain to score hundreds in consecutive Tests against England, after Azharuddin (Lord’s and Old Trafford in 1990) and Vijay Hazare (Delhi and Brabourne in 1951/52). After Yashasvi Jaiswal struck an enterprising 87, Gill and Ravindra Jadeja, who ended the day on 41 not out, shared an unbroken 99-run stand for the sixth wicket to help India recover from 211/5.

    For England, local lad Chris Woakes was the standout bowler with two wickets and could easily have had at least a couple more if DRS calls had gone in his favour. Brydon Carse, Ben Stokes, and Shoaib Bashir claimed a wicket each.

    In the morning, Woakes was rewarded for his perseverance with the new ball when KL Rahul chopped on to his stumps for just two. He could have removed both Jaiswal and Karun Nair, who came in at No. 3 in place of the omitted B. Sai Sudharsan, lbw if not for the umpire’s call.

    Nair displayed pristine timing on his drives and flicked Ben Stokes through the gap between mid-on and mid-wicket. With Josh Tongue being wayward, Jaiswal freed his arms for some elegant drives and cuts, hitting three boundaries in the 16th over and repeating the feat in the 22nd over, with a hook and a slash taking him to his 11th Test fifty.

    It was a knock in which Jaiswal, despite little movement on offer, endured a tough examination — at one point he was 16 off 34 balls — and came through with flying colours. Carse then caught the shoulder edge of Nair’s bat, and the outside edge carried to second slip, ending an 80-run stand for the second wicket on the stroke of lunch.

    Post-lunch, old-fashioned attritional cricket took centre stage as India made 84 runs in 28 overs. Though Jaiswal fell 13 short of his sixth Test hundred, Gill continued to hold fort.

    At the start, Gill and Jaiswal picked up singles whenever possible. Jaiswal sliced over the slips for a boundary, while Gill got his boundaries off edges through gully twice, being severely tested on playing around his front pad.

    Woakes continued to probe Gill around the middle stump line, hoping to get him playing across the front pad. But the Indian skipper, batting outside the crease, handled it well with a sturdy, tight forward defence. With Tongue and Bashir in the attack, Jaiswal and Gill picked up a boundary each as they brought up the fifty of their partnership.

    But Stokes once again produced a crucial breakthrough, as Jaiswal tried to cut one away outside off and edged behind to keeper Jamie Smith, with the England skipper celebrating ecstatically.

    While Gill continued to pick off singles on both sides of the wicket, Rishabh Pant took his time, respecting some good bowling before dancing down the pitch to smack a half-volley from Bashir over long-on for six. The pair knocked off singles in the final two overs before the tea break.

    The final session began sedately before a ball change was made after it got stuck in the gauge. Gill then used his feet nicely to take a four each off Woakes and Bashir — the second of which brought up his fifty in 125 balls.

    But Bashir struck in the 61st over, teasing Pant — who had earlier lapped him for four — into playing a big shot on a slower, flighted delivery. Pant fell into the trap, holing out to long-on for 25. One wicket brought two, as Nitish Kumar Reddy shouldered arms to a delivery from Woakes that jagged back in to knock over his off-stump.

    After those quick breakthroughs, England brought back Carse, but a solid Gill drove him crisply through extra cover and point for a pair of fours. Gill and Jadeja took a boundary each off Stokes, who tried to unsettle them with a barrage of bouncers. But it didn’t pay off as the duo brought up a fifty partnership for the sixth wicket.

    While Jadeja found boundaries off Bashir and Tongue, Gill cut the pacer for four, then swept Root for consecutive boundaries to bring up his seventh Test hundred off 199 deliveries, celebrating with a trademark roar and a gentle bow. After the second new ball was taken, Gill and Jadeja added a boundary each before a solid day of Test cricket came to an end.

    Brief scores:
    India 310/5 in 85 overs (Shubman Gill 114*; Yashasvi Jaiswal 87; Chris Woakes 2/59, Brydon Carse 1/49) vs England

    —IANS

  • ENG vs IND, 2nd Test: Gill slams hard-fought second hundred as captain, takes India past 300

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Shubman Gill was at his determined best, scoring a hard-fought seventh Test hundred — his second as India’s captain — as the visitors reached 310/5 in 85 overs at stumps on Day One of the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series against England at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

    Under sunny blue skies, England opted to bowl first, with India facing criticism for resting Jasprit Bumrah and packing the side with three all-rounders instead of including another genuine wicket-taker like Kuldeep Yadav. But Gill, coming off a knock of 147 at Headingley, showed immense responsibility and patience, playing with determination to finish unbeaten on 114 off 216 deliveries, laced with 12 boundaries.

    During his unbeaten knock — his fourth Test hundred against England — Gill became only the second Indian captain after Mohammad Azharuddin to score centuries in consecutive Tests in England.

    He is also the third Indian captain to score hundreds in consecutive Tests against England, after Azharuddin (Lord’s and Old Trafford in 1990) and Vijay Hazare (Delhi and Brabourne in 1951/52). After Yashasvi Jaiswal struck an enterprising 87, Gill and Ravindra Jadeja, who ended the day on 41 not out, shared an unbroken 99-run stand for the sixth wicket to help India recover from 211/5.

    For England, local lad Chris Woakes was the standout bowler with two wickets and could easily have had at least a couple more if DRS calls had gone in his favour. Brydon Carse, Ben Stokes, and Shoaib Bashir claimed a wicket each.

    In the morning, Woakes was rewarded for his perseverance with the new ball when KL Rahul chopped on to his stumps for just two. He could have removed both Jaiswal and Karun Nair, who came in at No. 3 in place of the omitted B. Sai Sudharsan, lbw if not for the umpire’s call.

    Nair displayed pristine timing on his drives and flicked Ben Stokes through the gap between mid-on and mid-wicket. With Josh Tongue being wayward, Jaiswal freed his arms for some elegant drives and cuts, hitting three boundaries in the 16th over and repeating the feat in the 22nd over, with a hook and a slash taking him to his 11th Test fifty.

    It was a knock in which Jaiswal, despite little movement on offer, endured a tough examination — at one point he was 16 off 34 balls — and came through with flying colours. Carse then caught the shoulder edge of Nair’s bat, and the outside edge carried to second slip, ending an 80-run stand for the second wicket on the stroke of lunch.

    Post-lunch, old-fashioned attritional cricket took centre stage as India made 84 runs in 28 overs. Though Jaiswal fell 13 short of his sixth Test hundred, Gill continued to hold fort.

    At the start, Gill and Jaiswal picked up singles whenever possible. Jaiswal sliced over the slips for a boundary, while Gill got his boundaries off edges through gully twice, being severely tested on playing around his front pad.

    Woakes continued to probe Gill around the middle stump line, hoping to get him playing across the front pad. But the Indian skipper, batting outside the crease, handled it well with a sturdy, tight forward defence. With Tongue and Bashir in the attack, Jaiswal and Gill picked up a boundary each as they brought up the fifty of their partnership.

    But Stokes once again produced a crucial breakthrough, as Jaiswal tried to cut one away outside off and edged behind to keeper Jamie Smith, with the England skipper celebrating ecstatically.

    While Gill continued to pick off singles on both sides of the wicket, Rishabh Pant took his time, respecting some good bowling before dancing down the pitch to smack a half-volley from Bashir over long-on for six. The pair knocked off singles in the final two overs before the tea break.

    The final session began sedately before a ball change was made after it got stuck in the gauge. Gill then used his feet nicely to take a four each off Woakes and Bashir — the second of which brought up his fifty in 125 balls.

    But Bashir struck in the 61st over, teasing Pant — who had earlier lapped him for four — into playing a big shot on a slower, flighted delivery. Pant fell into the trap, holing out to long-on for 25. One wicket brought two, as Nitish Kumar Reddy shouldered arms to a delivery from Woakes that jagged back in to knock over his off-stump.

    After those quick breakthroughs, England brought back Carse, but a solid Gill drove him crisply through extra cover and point for a pair of fours. Gill and Jadeja took a boundary each off Stokes, who tried to unsettle them with a barrage of bouncers. But it didn’t pay off as the duo brought up a fifty partnership for the sixth wicket.

    While Jadeja found boundaries off Bashir and Tongue, Gill cut the pacer for four, then swept Root for consecutive boundaries to bring up his seventh Test hundred off 199 deliveries, celebrating with a trademark roar and a gentle bow. After the second new ball was taken, Gill and Jadeja added a boundary each before a solid day of Test cricket came to an end.

    Brief scores:
    India 310/5 in 85 overs (Shubman Gill 114*; Yashasvi Jaiswal 87; Chris Woakes 2/59, Brydon Carse 1/49) vs England

    —IANS

  • Centre considering ₹100-crore Aqua Park for J&K: Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, on Wednesday said that flagship schemes such as the Blue Revolution, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) have significantly strengthened the fisheries ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.

    Speaking at a function at the Shalimar Convention Centre, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Singh said the Centre remains committed to supporting the livestock and fisheries sectors as engines of rural income and nutritional security.

    Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Agriculture Production and Panchayati Raj Javid Ahmad Dar, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying Alka Upadhyaya, senior officials and progressive farmers from across the Valley attended the event.

    Singh pointed out that over 10 crore farmers in India depend on livestock for their livelihoods, with small and marginal farmers owning more than 90% of dairy animals. Women account for over 70% of participation in the dairy sector and hold nearly a third of cooperative memberships.

    In Jammu and Kashmir, milk production has increased by 47% over the past decade, rising from 19.5 lakh tonnes in 2014–15 to 28.74 lakh tonnes in 2023–24. Per capita milk availability in the Union Territory stands at 413 grams per day, he said.

    Highlighting efforts to promote trout farming, Singh said the government facilitated the import of 13.4 lakh genetically improved eyed ova of Rainbow and Brown Trout from Denmark, boosting trout production from 650 metric tonnes (MT) in 2020–21 to 2,380 MT in 2023–24 — an increase of 266%.

    Earlier in the day, Singh and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah co-chaired a review meeting of the Animal Husbandry and Fisheries sectors at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar. They also virtually inaugurated a 50,000-litre-per-day Ultra High Temperature (UHT) Milk Processing Plant at Satwari, Jammu.

    Singh said the Centre sees immense untapped potential in J&K’s livestock and fisheries sectors and assured full support for their development. He called for closer collaboration between the Union and UT governments to translate this potential into sustainable rural livelihoods.

    Encouraging youth to take up micro and small-scale ventures in fisheries and livestock, the Union Minister said that key national bodies like the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) would help build strong infrastructure and market linkages.

    He informed that under PMMSY, the Centre has committed ₹852 crore for Himalayan and North Eastern states, including ₹300 crore specifically for J&K, to enhance production, infrastructure, and employment.

    According to Singh, annual fish production in J&K has grown from 20,000 MT in 2013–14 to 29,000 MT in 2024–25, while trout production has surged by over 800% — from 262 MT to 2,380 MT during the same period. Trout seed production has risen from 9 million to 15.2 million, and carp seed production has increased from 40 million to 63.5 million.

    The Minister said that recognising J&K’s potential for cold-water fisheries, the Ministry has designated Anantnag as a Cold-Water Fisheries Cluster, with Kulgam and Shopian as partner districts to develop an integrated value chain for sustainable livelihoods.

    He added that a proposal worth ₹100 crore is under consideration to set up an Integrated Aqua Park in J&K under PMMSY Phase-II to serve as a model for cold-water aquaculture.

    Singh reiterated the Centre’s commitment to holistic rural development, farmer empowerment and the vision of a self-reliant India.

  • Centre considering ₹100-crore Aqua Park for J&K: Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, on Wednesday said that flagship schemes such as the Blue Revolution, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) have significantly strengthened the fisheries ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.

    Speaking at a function at the Shalimar Convention Centre, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Singh said the Centre remains committed to supporting the livestock and fisheries sectors as engines of rural income and nutritional security.

    Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Agriculture Production and Panchayati Raj Javid Ahmad Dar, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying Alka Upadhyaya, senior officials and progressive farmers from across the Valley attended the event.

    Singh pointed out that over 10 crore farmers in India depend on livestock for their livelihoods, with small and marginal farmers owning more than 90% of dairy animals. Women account for over 70% of participation in the dairy sector and hold nearly a third of cooperative memberships.

    In Jammu and Kashmir, milk production has increased by 47% over the past decade, rising from 19.5 lakh tonnes in 2014–15 to 28.74 lakh tonnes in 2023–24. Per capita milk availability in the Union Territory stands at 413 grams per day, he said.

    Highlighting efforts to promote trout farming, Singh said the government facilitated the import of 13.4 lakh genetically improved eyed ova of Rainbow and Brown Trout from Denmark, boosting trout production from 650 metric tonnes (MT) in 2020–21 to 2,380 MT in 2023–24 — an increase of 266%.

    Earlier in the day, Singh and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah co-chaired a review meeting of the Animal Husbandry and Fisheries sectors at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar. They also virtually inaugurated a 50,000-litre-per-day Ultra High Temperature (UHT) Milk Processing Plant at Satwari, Jammu.

    Singh said the Centre sees immense untapped potential in J&K’s livestock and fisheries sectors and assured full support for their development. He called for closer collaboration between the Union and UT governments to translate this potential into sustainable rural livelihoods.

    Encouraging youth to take up micro and small-scale ventures in fisheries and livestock, the Union Minister said that key national bodies like the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) would help build strong infrastructure and market linkages.

    He informed that under PMMSY, the Centre has committed ₹852 crore for Himalayan and North Eastern states, including ₹300 crore specifically for J&K, to enhance production, infrastructure, and employment.

    According to Singh, annual fish production in J&K has grown from 20,000 MT in 2013–14 to 29,000 MT in 2024–25, while trout production has surged by over 800% — from 262 MT to 2,380 MT during the same period. Trout seed production has risen from 9 million to 15.2 million, and carp seed production has increased from 40 million to 63.5 million.

    The Minister said that recognising J&K’s potential for cold-water fisheries, the Ministry has designated Anantnag as a Cold-Water Fisheries Cluster, with Kulgam and Shopian as partner districts to develop an integrated value chain for sustainable livelihoods.

    He added that a proposal worth ₹100 crore is under consideration to set up an Integrated Aqua Park in J&K under PMMSY Phase-II to serve as a model for cold-water aquaculture.

    Singh reiterated the Centre’s commitment to holistic rural development, farmer empowerment and the vision of a self-reliant India.

  • Centre considering ₹100-crore Aqua Park for J&K: Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, on Wednesday said that flagship schemes such as the Blue Revolution, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) have significantly strengthened the fisheries ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.

    Speaking at a function at the Shalimar Convention Centre, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Singh said the Centre remains committed to supporting the livestock and fisheries sectors as engines of rural income and nutritional security.

    Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Agriculture Production and Panchayati Raj Javid Ahmad Dar, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying Alka Upadhyaya, senior officials and progressive farmers from across the Valley attended the event.

    Singh pointed out that over 10 crore farmers in India depend on livestock for their livelihoods, with small and marginal farmers owning more than 90% of dairy animals. Women account for over 70% of participation in the dairy sector and hold nearly a third of cooperative memberships.

    In Jammu and Kashmir, milk production has increased by 47% over the past decade, rising from 19.5 lakh tonnes in 2014–15 to 28.74 lakh tonnes in 2023–24. Per capita milk availability in the Union Territory stands at 413 grams per day, he said.

    Highlighting efforts to promote trout farming, Singh said the government facilitated the import of 13.4 lakh genetically improved eyed ova of Rainbow and Brown Trout from Denmark, boosting trout production from 650 metric tonnes (MT) in 2020–21 to 2,380 MT in 2023–24 — an increase of 266%.

    Earlier in the day, Singh and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah co-chaired a review meeting of the Animal Husbandry and Fisheries sectors at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar. They also virtually inaugurated a 50,000-litre-per-day Ultra High Temperature (UHT) Milk Processing Plant at Satwari, Jammu.

    Singh said the Centre sees immense untapped potential in J&K’s livestock and fisheries sectors and assured full support for their development. He called for closer collaboration between the Union and UT governments to translate this potential into sustainable rural livelihoods.

    Encouraging youth to take up micro and small-scale ventures in fisheries and livestock, the Union Minister said that key national bodies like the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) would help build strong infrastructure and market linkages.

    He informed that under PMMSY, the Centre has committed ₹852 crore for Himalayan and North Eastern states, including ₹300 crore specifically for J&K, to enhance production, infrastructure, and employment.

    According to Singh, annual fish production in J&K has grown from 20,000 MT in 2013–14 to 29,000 MT in 2024–25, while trout production has surged by over 800% — from 262 MT to 2,380 MT during the same period. Trout seed production has risen from 9 million to 15.2 million, and carp seed production has increased from 40 million to 63.5 million.

    The Minister said that recognising J&K’s potential for cold-water fisheries, the Ministry has designated Anantnag as a Cold-Water Fisheries Cluster, with Kulgam and Shopian as partner districts to develop an integrated value chain for sustainable livelihoods.

    He added that a proposal worth ₹100 crore is under consideration to set up an Integrated Aqua Park in J&K under PMMSY Phase-II to serve as a model for cold-water aquaculture.

    Singh reiterated the Centre’s commitment to holistic rural development, farmer empowerment and the vision of a self-reliant India.

  • MEA expresses concern over abduction of three Indians in Mali

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Ministry of External Affairs expressed its concern over the abduction of three Indian nationals employed at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, Republic of Mali.

    The incident occurred on July 1 when a group of armed assailants carried out a coordinated attack at the factory premises and forcibly took three Indian nationals as hostages, according to the MEA.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry said the Indian Embassy in Bamako is in close and constant touch with Malian authorities, local law enforcement agencies, and the management of the cement factory. Officials have also reached out to the families of the abducted workers.

    “The Government of India unequivocally condemns this deplorable act of violence and calls upon the Government of the Republic of Mali to take all necessary measures to secure the safe and expeditious release of the abducted Indian nationals,” the MEA said.

    Senior officials are said to be monitoring the situation closely and are coordinating efforts at various levels to ensure the safe return of the hostages.

    Reiterating that the safety and welfare of Indian nationals abroad remains a top priority, the ministry has advised all Indians residing in Mali to exercise utmost caution, remain vigilant, and stay in close contact with the Embassy in Bamako for updates and assistance.

    “The Ministry shall continue to extend all possible support and remains committed to ensuring the safe return of the abducted Indian nationals at the earliest,” the statement added.

  • MEA expresses concern over abduction of three Indians in Mali

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Ministry of External Affairs expressed its concern over the abduction of three Indian nationals employed at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, Republic of Mali.

    The incident occurred on July 1 when a group of armed assailants carried out a coordinated attack at the factory premises and forcibly took three Indian nationals as hostages, according to the MEA.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry said the Indian Embassy in Bamako is in close and constant touch with Malian authorities, local law enforcement agencies, and the management of the cement factory. Officials have also reached out to the families of the abducted workers.

    “The Government of India unequivocally condemns this deplorable act of violence and calls upon the Government of the Republic of Mali to take all necessary measures to secure the safe and expeditious release of the abducted Indian nationals,” the MEA said.

    Senior officials are said to be monitoring the situation closely and are coordinating efforts at various levels to ensure the safe return of the hostages.

    Reiterating that the safety and welfare of Indian nationals abroad remains a top priority, the ministry has advised all Indians residing in Mali to exercise utmost caution, remain vigilant, and stay in close contact with the Embassy in Bamako for updates and assistance.

    “The Ministry shall continue to extend all possible support and remains committed to ensuring the safe return of the abducted Indian nationals at the earliest,” the statement added.