Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shared a poignant personal account of the 1999 Kandahar hijacking, revealing that his father, K. Subrahmanyam, was among the passengers on the hijacked flight. The minister, who was part of the crisis response team at the time, navigated the emotional complexities of balancing his official duties with his personal concerns during the ordeal.
India faces a wave of protests following the brutal murder of a Kolkata doctor. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visits Kuwait to strengthen bilateral ties, and the annual India Day Parade brings the vibrant Indian community together in New York.
Subsequent to retaining his role as Minister of External Affairs in Narendra Modi’s third cabinet, S Jaishankar has outlined India’s foreign policy roadmap regarding its relations with China, Pakistan, and the nation’s pursuit of a permanent seat on the UNSC. India has expressed a commitment to resolving border issues with China and addressing cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Furthermore, Jaishankar has conveyed confidence in India’s ability to secure a UNSC seat within the next five years, emphasizing the country’s growing global influence.
Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has remarked that foreign policy has become an integral part of public discourse during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure. Citizens are increasingly engaging with diplomatic issues and recognizing their impact on domestic concerns. Jaishankar highlighted the recent purchase of Russian oil as an example, emphasizing that such foreign policy decisions directly affect consumers at home.
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, has criticized Western media outlets for their biased coverage of Indian elections. He accused them of being unfair and giving condescending advice, despite their own flawed electoral processes.
Jaishankar highlighted the irony of countries that have to resolve election disputes in court criticizing India’s election conduct. He suggested that the Western countries’ negative portrayal stems from their desire to see India conform to their expectations, rather than respecting the choices of the Indian electorate.
Jaishankar also commended the high voter turnout in India, despite challenging weather conditions. The Lok Sabha Elections 2024 are being held in seven phases, with the final results expected on June 4.
Amidst escalating tensions with Canada, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has criticized the Canadian government for providing political space to Khalistani separatist elements. Jaishankar emphasized that freedom of speech does not extend to supporting separatism. He expressed concern over the presence of individuals with dubious backgrounds in Canada, questioning the strength of Canadian law enforcement. The minister’s comments come in response to Canada’s defense of its support for freedom of speech, despite India’s concerns about separatist activities on Canadian soil. India has reiterated that it has not received any evidence to support Canada’s allegations of an Indian agent killing a Canadian on Canadian soil.
India has withdrawn all of its military personnel from the Maldives, concluding a diplomatic standoff between the two countries. The last remaining Indian soldiers departed the island nation shortly before the May 10 deadline set by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. The troop withdrawal was a key campaign pledge of Muizzu, who is considered to be pro-China. India had agreed to withdraw its troops in order to avoid escalating tensions. Meanwhile, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with his Maldivian counterpart, Moosa Zameer, to discuss bilateral relations and regional security. The Maldives is a strategically important neighbor for India in the Indian Ocean Region.
Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller has dismissed External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s criticism of Ottawa’s immigration policies, stating that Canada conducts thorough criminal record checks on individuals entering the country on student visas. Miller said the Indian foreign minister is entitled to his opinion, but his comments are not accurate.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed optimism that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) will eventually merge with India. In an interview with PTI, Singh stated that the region’s economic progress and return to peace will lead the people of PoK to demand unification with India. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated that PoK is an integral part of India, emphasizing a Parliament resolution to that effect. Meanwhile, Jammu & Kashmir National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah cautioned that Pakistan also possesses nuclear weapons.
Former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren has filed a plea in the Supreme Court, urging for an urgent hearing of his petition that challenges his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on money laundering charges. The petition alleges that the state high court has delayed in adjudicating the matter. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has criticized the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government’s response to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, claiming that it chose not to retaliate against Pakistan due to the perceived high cost.
