Asianet Newsable

Lalit Modi rejects 'fugitive' label, blames media for the narrative

Asianet News Central — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 08:31:00 +0530

Former Indian Premier League (IPL) Chairman Lalit Modi has fiercely rejected the 'fugitive' label slapped on him, pointing out that he has never been convicted of a single crime. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Lalit Modi mocked the idea that he is successfully hiding from Indian authorities, attributing the narrative entirely to media sensationalism rather than legal reality.

Modi Blames Media for 'Fugitive' Narrative

He rubbished claims that he is on the run, arguing that evading a global superpower like India while travelling the world is an impossibility. "I'm not running at all. I'm going all over the world. If I was running, you would be picking me up somewhere or the other. The Indian government has a long arm... You can't take on the government of India. And I don't intend to. It's not the government. It's the media," he said.

Lalit blamed the lack of strict defamation laws in India for the relentless media trials, stating, "You have no libel in your country, in our country. You can say what you want and I sell news."

Legal Battles and Judicial Scrutiny

Addressing the complex web of legal battles back home, including disciplinary actions by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and intense scrutiny by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Lalit Modi highlighted the lack of concrete legal resolution. While he faces allegations of bid-rigging, money laundering, and violating the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) stemming from his 2010 departure, he emphasised that no criminal charges have stuck.

Lalit Modi lamented the Indian judicial system, calling it a form of penalisation in itself. "It never gets heard in our country. Justice comes. I don't know when it comes. The slow justice is a punishment as well. Not a single case against me has been registered. If I have been so bad, and everybody says I've been so bad, OK, please, guys, go out and prosecute me."

No Desire to Return to India

When pressed on whether he plans to return to India to formally clear his name, the former cricket tycoon made it clear that his priorities have shifted. The burning desire to prove a point is gone. "There was a time when I did want to come back. And I had all the reasons to come back. Come back and do what?... I don't need to prove to anybody," Lalit Modi stated.

He further questioned the basis of any potential detention, "Arrest you want to do, you have to take me to court. 17 years you haven't taken me to court. How can you arrest me today? If there was something there, it would be out."

Authorities Continue Pursuit

Despite Lalit Modi's dismissal of the claims, Indian regulatory bodies remain on his trail. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating alleged financial misconduct, money laundering, and unauthorised fund transfers during his IPL tenure, while the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is pursuing extradition protocols under both Indian and international law.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Taiwan reports 32 Chinese aircraft, 10 vessels near its territory

Asianet News Central — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 08:00:37 +0530

Taiwan on Thursday reported 32 sorties of PLA aircraft, 10 PLAN vessels and 5 official ships operating around its territory. Sharing the details in a post on X, Taiwan's Ministry of Defence (MoND) said that these were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. It further noted that 25 out of 32 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern and eastern part ADIZ. The Ministry of Defence said that it monitored the situation and responded. https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2062339076402131113?s=20

On Wednesday, MoND reported 18 sorties of PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 6 official ships operating around its territory. In a post on X, the MND said that 14 of the 18 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern part ADIZ. "Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 14 out of 18 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern part ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded", the post said.

Taiwan's Naval Advancements

Meanwhile, Focus Taiwan reported how earlier in June, Taiwan's first domestically built submarine, departed from the Port of Kaohsiung for its latest round of sea trials that included dive tests. Citing the Military News Agency, Focus Taiwan said that the trial marked the submarine's 15th sea trial overall and ninth submerged-navigation test.

The development amid the backdrop of China continuing to increase the intensity of its military activity around Taiwan.

The Cross-Strait Dispute

China's claim over Taiwan is a complex issue rooted in historical, political, and legal arguments. Beijing asserts that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, a viewpoint embedded in national policy and upheld by domestic laws and international statements. Taiwan, however, maintains a distinct identity, functioning independently with its government, military, and economy. Taiwan's status remains a significant point of international debate, testing the principles of sovereignty, self-determination, and non-interference in international law, as per the United Service Institution of India.

Historical Origins of the Claim

China's claim to Taiwan originates from the Qing Dynasty's annexation of the island in 1683 after defeating Ming loyalist Koxinga. (ANI)

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India mourns former Yemen President Hadi, calls him 'friend of India'

Asianet News Central — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 07:00:32 +0530

India has offered its profound condolences following the passing of former Yemen President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, affirming that the departed leader will always be remembered as a "friend of India" for his role in bolstering bilateral relations between the two countries.

MEA Expresses Condolences

Sripriya Ranganathan, Secretary at the Overseas Indian Affairs (OIA), Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) divisions of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), visited the Yemen Embassy in New Delhi on Wednesday to sign the condolence book. "Secretary (CPV and OIA), Ms. Sripriya Ranganathan, visited the Embassy of the Republic of Yemen in New Delhi to sign the condolence book on the sad demise of the former President of the Republic of Yemen, Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi," the MEA stated in a post on social media platform X.

Secretary (CPV & OIA), Ms. Sripriya Ranganathan visited the Embassy of the Republic of Yemen in New Delhi to sign the condolence book on the sad demise of the former President of Republic of Yemen Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. The Government of India expresses its sincere condolences… pic.twitter.com/ugqoz5k4ns — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 3, 2026

The ministry further noted, "The Government of India expresses its sincere condolences to the family of the former President, and to the Government and people of the Republic of Yemen. Former President Hadi will be remembered as a friend of India who made significant contributions to strengthen the India-Yemen relationship."

A Look at Hadi's Political Life

The former leader passed away on May 28 in Riyadh at the age of 80, according to reports from the Yemeni state-run broadcaster operating from Saudi Arabia. The tenure of the late statesman was heavily intertwined with the protracted civil conflict and volatile political transition in Yemen, where he held the office of the presidency from 2012 to 2022.

Born on September 1, 1945, he climbed the ranks of the nation's military and political structures before being appointed Vice President of Yemen in 1994. He subsequently assumed the presidency in 2012 under a Gulf-sponsored transition initiative that followed the stepping down of President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Upon taking the helm, he initiated a comprehensive overhaul of the nation's defence and security frameworks. However, the political transition faced severe disruption as Houthi forces moved southwards to seize major state infrastructure in Sanaa.

In January 2015, the President stepped down after Houthi fighters encircled the presidential residence and placed him under house arrest within the capital. He subsequently managed to depart for Aden in February 2015, where he rescinded his resignation and appealed for international backing.

Following his request, a Saudi-led Arab coalition initiated a military operation against Houthi forces in March 2015, triggering a wider conflict, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

In a bid to consolidate factions opposing the Houthis and rejuvenate stalled diplomatic negotiations for a peaceful resolution, he handed over his executive authority in 2022 to an eight-member Presidential Leadership Council. (ANI)

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'No Ceasefire in Lebanon,' Says Israeli Army Chief Amid US-Iran Talks

Asianet News Central — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:30:56 +0530

The Israeli army's chief of staff, Eyal Zamir, has asserted that there is effectively no ceasefire in Lebanon, despite continuous efforts by US President Donald Trump to preserve the truce that initially came into effect in mid-April. According to a report by The Times of Israel, Zamir made these remarks during a visit to a naval base in Haifa.

Iran Sets Conditions for Talks, Warns Israel Over Beirut

His comments coincided with a fourth round of US-mediated discussions between Israel and Lebanon continuing in Washington, talks that have faced staunch opposition from the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah. Zamir's statement came as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that channels of communication between Tehran and Washington remain open, though he acknowledged that attempts to negotiate an end to the wider regional conflict have yielded little progress.

In an interview with Lebanon's Al Mayadeen television, which was cited by Iran's Tasnim news agency, Araghchi stated: "Communications with the Americans have not been cut off, and messages have been exchanged regarding the need to stop aggression against Beirut, but no tangible progress has been made in the negotiation process."

The Iranian Foreign Minister outlined strict parameters for any formal resumption of diplomatic talks. "Returning to the negotiating table is conditional on ensuring the rights of the Iranian people, ending the war in Lebanon, and stopping tensions in the region," Araghchi stated, adding that exchanged draft texts are still under review by both sides.

Araghchi also issued a stern warning against any Israeli military actions targeting the Lebanese capital. "Any attack on Beirut will have grave consequences and will lead to a full-scale resumption of the war," he told Al Mayadeen.

Emphasising Tehran's position, Araghchi warned: "We will not remain silent" if Beirut comes under attack.

He further revealed, "At the moment when Israel threatened to attack the suburbs of Beirut, we adopted a decisive stance and the Iranian armed forces were put on full alert for a counterattack." He issued another explicit warning, declaring: "Our armed forces are ready to strike Israel if it attacks Beirut."

The warnings from Tehran followed recent threats from Israel to strike Beirut's southern suburbs as part of its expanding military campaign against Hezbollah. However, Trump stated on Tuesday that he had successfully secured commitments from both Israel and Hezbollah to halt hostilities, presenting the development as a diplomatic success that averted a broader assault on the Lebanese capital.

Conflicting Accounts Over Deadly Kuwait Airport Strike

Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions deepened across the Gulf following sharply conflicting accounts over a recent strike at Kuwait International Airport. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) rejected all allegations of responsibility for the destruction. According to Iranian state media, an IRGC spokesperson claimed the damage resulted from a malfunction involving a US-made Patriot air defence system, rather than an external Iranian attack.

This explanation was swiftly rejected by the US military. In a post on X, US Central Command (CENTCOM) directly countered the Iranian claim, stating: "Iran struck the civilian airport with drones in a deliberate, calculated, and unjustified attack."

The dispute emerged after former Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani sharply criticised Iran's recent operations in the region. Writing on X, Al Thani described the attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait as "astonishing" and "unjustifiable", questioning the rationale behind the strikes and suggesting there were grounds to examine whether they had been planned in advance. While reiterating Qatar's interest in maintaining positive ties with Tehran, he asserted that Doha would not be "blackmailed" and urged Gulf states to formulate a collective response.

Tehran has consistently argued that its military actions were direct retaliation for Gulf states allegedly facilitating US military operations against Iranian targets from their territories. Gulf governments have strongly denied those accusations, contending instead that Tehran is attempting to pressure regional countries into convincing Trump to end the military conflict.

Indian Citizen Killed, Extensive Damage Reported

The diplomatic fallout follows the attack on Kuwait International Airport, which Kuwaiti authorities confirmed caused extensive destruction and resulted in the first fatality in the Gulf since the ceasefire took effect on April 8. Officials reported one death and 63 injuries. Kuwait's Foreign Ministry also noted that diplomatic facilities suffered structural damage, though it did not identify the specific missions affected.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the deceased victim was an Indian citizen and issued a strong condemnation of the strike on civilian infrastructure, stating: "We again call on all parties to cease such attacks."

Detailing the offensive, Kuwait Defence Ministry spokesman Saud Abdulaziz Al-Atwan stated that 30 ballistic missiles and drones were launched in what he termed a "heinous Iranian aggression" that caused "significant material damage to the building". Kuwait's state news agency reported that operations at the airport were temporarily suspended and arriving flights diverted after Terminal One was struck, though services were later restored gradually, allowing Kuwait Airways to resume its full operational schedule.

Iran and US Dispute Other Military Strike Claims

While the IRGC maintained in a statement that its forces had only targeted the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain in response to actions involving an Iranian tanker and Qeshm Island, conspicuously omitting any mention of the civilian airport, CENTCOM stated it had "successfully defeated" the Iranian missile and drone attacks.

According to US Central Command: "Two Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait fell short or broke apart en route, and three missiles launched at Bahrain were immediately intercepted by US and Bahrain air defense forces."

CENTCOM later added on X: "All Iranian attacks on American forces failed."

Bahraini authorities separately reported intercepting three missiles and several drones launched by Iran.

In a separate development, Iranian state media claimed that its naval forces had struck a US military vessel carrying a "command and control centre" in the Sea of Oman. CENTCOM flatly dismissed the assertion, posting on X: "CLAIM: Iran is now claiming it has targeted a U.S. Navy destroyer in the Gulf of Oman."

US Central Command followed up by stating: "TRUTH: Iran is lying. U.S. military assets at sea continue to fly, sail, and operate safely and unimpeded."

(ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

CENTCOM blames Iran for 'deliberate' drone strike on Kuwait airport

Asianet News Central — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 02:30:33 +0530

US Blames Iran for 'Deliberate' Attack

US Central Command (CENTCOM) has vehemently rejected Iranian assertions regarding the recent destruction at Kuwait International Airport, labelling Tehran's account as "totally false" and accusing it of orchestrating a deliberate strike on civilian infrastructure. The American military's sharp rebuttal came via a formal statement addressing the incident, which resulted in the death of an Indian national and injuries to dozens of others.

Setting out the facts, CENTCOM stated: "CLAIM: Iran claimed today that it did not attack the passenger terminal at Kuwait International Airport and damage was instead caused by a US missile interceptor. Totally FALSE." CLAIM: Iran claimed today that it did not attack the passenger terminal at Kuwait International Airport and damage was instead caused by a U.S. missile interceptor. Totally FALSE. ✅TRUTH: Iran struck the civilian airport with drones in a deliberate, calculated, and… pic.twitter.com/OVrzeDibQl — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 3, 2026

The military command firmly asserted: "TRUTH: Iran struck the civilian airport with drones in a deliberate, calculated, and unjustified attack."

Iran Denies Targeting Airport, Blames US Missile

This swift American denunciation followed an official denial from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The paramilitary force dismissed allegations that it targeted the airport's civilian passenger terminal, countering that the destruction was actually triggered by a malfunctioning US Patriot air-defence interceptor rather than an incoming Iranian projectile.

According to Iran's state-affiliated Tasnim News Agency, an IRGC spokesperson stated that their internal investigation confirmed the IRGC Aerospace Force had not directed any fire towards the civilian facility. The spokesperson instead alleged that American Patriot missiles impacted the terminal building after failing to intercept incoming targets.

The IRGC spokesperson was quoted as saying: "The Aerospace Force did not target Kuwait Airport. The damage was caused by Patriot systems that landed on the terminal after a failed interception attempt."

Escalating Tensions in West Asia

The conflicting accounts highlight the sharply escalating tensions across West Asia, where both Iran and the United States continue to trade heavy military strikes despite ongoing diplomatic negotiations. The wider Gulf region has borne the brunt of Iran's retaliatory campaigns during this conflict, which initially ignited when the United States and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran, killing its senior leadership in late February.

Indian National Killed, New Delhi Condemns Attack

The latest strike inflicted severe casualties and forced a temporary closure of Kuwait's primary transport hub. Kuwaiti authorities confirmed that the attack claimed the life of an Indian national and left 63 other individuals injured.

In New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly censured the cross-border aggression, issuing a plea to all warring factions to protect common citizens and avoid targeting non-military assets. In its official dispatch, the MEA stated: "We condemn the attack on the Kuwait International Airport today in which an Indian national has died and several of our nationals are injured."

Kuwait Details 'Heinous' Attack, Tehran Justifies Strikes

The disruption comes as a severe blow to local transport infrastructure, as Kuwait's international airport had been targeted multiple times during the war and had only managed to fully resume regular flight operations on June 1.

Detailing the scale of the bombardment, Kuwait's Ministry of Defence spokesman Saud Abdulaziz Al-Atwan stated that 30 ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles were deployed during the operation. He characterised the strike as a "heinous Iranian aggression" that ultimately inflicted "significant material damage to the building".

IRGC Acknowledges Strikes on Military Bases

Tehran has consistently justified its wave of fresh military actions against US bases in Bahrain and Kuwait by accusing both Gulf governments of complicity. Specifically, the Iranian regime claimed the two nations permitted American forces to utilise their sovereign territories to launch hostile operations against an Iranian oil tanker and a communications facility situated on Iran's Qeshm Island.

While the IRGC heavily blamed the United States for the strikes on its tanker and island infrastructure, it maintained that its retaliatory fire was strictly confined to Western military installations. In a statement published on its official Telegram channel, the Guards stated: "In response to this aggression, the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, which hosts helicopters, as well as the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, were targeted with missiles and drones by the Guards' forces." While Tehran openly acknowledged striking the US Navy's Middle East headquarters in Bahrain alongside the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, its official statements notably omitted any mention of the strikes that hit the civilian international airport. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Jaishankar highlights deep civilisational bonds with Laos at JCM

Asianet News Central — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 01:30:26 +0530

Deep Civilisational Bonds

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored the deep-rooted civilisational bonds between India and Laos, noting that the bilateral alliance remains firmly rooted in an enduring shared heritage and robust historical connections.

Presiding over high-level diplomatic talks in the national capital on Wednesday, the External Affairs Minister co-chaired the 10th India-Lao PDR Joint Commission Meeting alongside visiting Laos Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane.

Delivering his opening remarks during the bilateral session, Jaishankar stated, "Our two countries have close civilisational ties, reflected in the common heritage of Buddhism and Ramayana. Our relations go back in history, based on deep cultural and people-to-people linkages."

Reflecting on past high-level diplomatic exchanges that have fortified the relationship, the External Affairs Minister recalled his previous travels to Vientiane, alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to the Southeast Asian nation. "I fondly remember my own visit to your beautiful country during your ASEAN chairship in 2024. I also had, at that time, an opportunity to call on the Prime Minister during my visit," Jaishankar added.

Comprehensive Review on Agenda

The ministerial review focused heavily on taking stock of the numerous pacts and strategic agreements formalised during Prime Minister Modi's 2024 trip to Laos.

Outlining the comprehensive scope of the Joint Commission's agenda, Jaishankar remarked, "Today, we have an opportunity to review them, to explore a wide-ranging agenda, to look at our political cooperation, economic ties, defence, development partnerships, education, culture-to-culture relations, and, of course, our multilateral cooperation. I'm very confident that our discussions today will be very productive."

The External Affairs Minister also extended his felicitations to the visiting dignitary on the successful completion of the domestic political process in Laos, alongside Phomvihane's recent promotion within the government hierarchy.

Celebrating 70 Years of Diplomatic Ties

Phomvihane, who reached India on Monday for his multi-day official itinerary, was warmly received by senior Indian officials ahead of the Joint Commission deliberations. Welcoming the Laotian leader on social media, the Ministry of External Affairs posted on X, "A warm welcome to DPM and FM Thongsavan Phomvihane of Lao PDR on his first visit to India to co-chair the 10th India-Lao PDR Joint Commission Meeting with EAM S. Jaishankar."

The high-level interaction coincides with a historic milestone in bilateral diplomacy, as New Delhi and Vientiane mark seven decades of formal engagement. Highlighting the future trajectory of the relationship, the ministry added, "India and Lao PDR are celebrating 70 years of diplomatic ties. The visit will add momentum to the longstanding partnership between India and Lao PDR and further deepen cooperation across areas of mutual interest." (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Yvette Cooper in Delhi to chart next chapter of India-UK relations

Asianet News Central — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 01:00:32 +0530

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper arrived in New Delhi for her maiden official visit to India, marking a significant milestone in high-level diplomatic engagements between the two nations.

Strengthening Strategic Partnership

Welcoming the visiting dignitary on Wednesday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal underlined the importance of the visit in charting the next chapter of bilateral relations. In a post on X, Jaiswal stated, "A warm welcome to the Rt Hon Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom, on her first official visit to India." A warm welcome to the Rt Hon Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom on her first official visit to India. Her visit will provide an opportunity to further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. pic.twitter.com/KIYNh7gGQi — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 3, 2026

The visit comes at a crucial juncture as both New Delhi and London look to expand their geopolitical alignment, defence cooperation, and economic ties across various sectors. Elaborating further on the strategic objectives of her arrival, Jaiswal noted that the deliberations would pave the way for a deeper institutional framework between the two countries. "Her visit will provide an opportunity to further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," the spokesperson added in his post.

Building on this momentum, the British Foreign Secretary is scheduled to hold high-level deliberations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday to advance bilateral cooperation amid escalating global geopolitical challenges.

Having arrived in the national capital following an official visit to China, her trip coincides with a highly volatile period in West Asia, where ongoing conflict has severely impacted international energy security and maritime trade routes.

UK's Priorities and Vision 2035 Review

Framing the visit within London's broader strategic goals, the British High Commission said in a statement: "The Foreign Secretary's trip sets an ambitious path for engagement with India, a top priority partner for the UK. It builds on the visit by Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle earlier this week to bring the landmark UK-India Free Trade Agreement into force as soon as possible."

Together with Jaishankar, the Foreign Secretary will undertake a formal review of delivery under the UK-India Vision 2035 to date, highlighting the UK's priorities for the year ahead across economic growth, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate, and education.

"The annual review ensures our partnership remains dynamic, aligned, and responsive to rapid global change," the British statement said.

Emphasising the resilience of this alliance against geopolitical friction, Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, said: "The UK-India partnership is a bulwark against rising global uncertainty. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper's visit this week, her first visit in the role, is another important opportunity to build on that partnership. "Since our Prime Ministers unveiled their shared vision for a modern UK-India partnership last year, the UK has been driving forward collaboration with India as a priority. "From the Technology Security Initiative, where we are shaping the technologies of tomorrow, to our landmark trade deal that will help make trade cheaper, quicker, and easier, the UK-India partnership is delivering where it matters most to people in both countries."

Focus on Technology and Education

During her institutional engagements in New Delhi, the British Foreign Secretary will focus heavily on technology, innovation, and educational ties. According to the British High Commission, she will welcome new Indian investment into the Technology Security Initiative throughout her programme, interact with AI health-tech entrepreneurs, and join a special programme at the British Council to hear how UK-India partnerships in education and growth are delivering real results on shared priorities.

Foundational Agreements and Defence Ties

The foundational blueprint for these high-level discussions stems from last year, when British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Narendra Modi jointly introduced Vision 2035 to outline a shared roadmap for unlocking the extensive potential of the bilateral alliance.

A major milestone in this relationship was achieved in July 2025, when the UK and India signed a historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signalling a transformative phase of economic expansion for two of the world's largest and most innovative economies. In the long run, the trade pact could increase annual bilateral trade by 25.5 billion pounds and inject an estimated economic boost of nearly 5 billion pounds into the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of each country.

Furthermore, defence and strategic ties between New Delhi and London have deepened substantially. This security alignment has been reinforced through a new 10-year Defence Industrial Partnership, high-level military interactions, and upgraded operational synergy on counterterrorism, serious organised crime, and emerging threats. (ANI)

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India, Laos seek deeper trade, tech ties; mark 70 years of relations

Asianet News Central — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 23:30:22 +0530

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Laos, Thongsavan Phomvihane, who is currently on an official visit to India, called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday, with both sides underlining the scope for deeper cooperation in trade, investment and technology.

Celebrating Civilisational Ties and 70th Anniversary

Welcoming Phomvihane on his first visit to India, President Murmu said that India and Laos share close civilisational ties, reflected in the common heritage of Buddhism and the Ramayana. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which the President called a "significant milestone" in the bilateral relationship.

Deepening Bilateral Cooperation

According to an official release, the President noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Laos in October 2024 to participate in the ASEAN-related Summits, and several agreements were concluded during that visit, giving "fresh momentum" to bilateral cooperation.

On trade, the President said bilateral trade between India and Laos has grown, but added that "there remains considerable scope for us to make further progress together in both trade and investment."

President Murmu said India would be happy to expand cooperation with Lao PDR in areas such as information and communication technology (ICT), health, medicine, agriculture, irrigation, manufacturing, renewable energy, and electricity. "We are also keen to share our experiences in the fields of innovation and the knowledge-based economy," she said.

The President expressed happiness that the development partnership between the two countries has become stronger and is aligned with the aspirations of Lao youth and the country's socio-economic development needs.

The two leaders agreed that close cooperation between India and Lao PDR can bring immense benefits to the peoples of both countries, according to the release.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan also shared the details of the meeting in a post on X, stating that "The President noted that our countries share close civilizational ties, reflected in our common heritage of Buddhism and the Ramayana. She said that the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations is a significant milestone in India-Lao PDR bilateral ties."

Phomvihane arrived in India on June 1, and his visit continues until June 3. (ANI)

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Venezuelan acting President in India to boost energy, trade relations

Asianet News Central — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 23:00:40 +0530

Venezuela can emerge as a key partner in India's energy security and offers fresh opportunities in minerals, even as New Delhi looks to resolve pending dues and tap high discounts on crude, Former Ambassador of India to Venezuela, Deepak Bhojwani, said on Wednesday as acting President Delcy Rodriguez arrives in India for a five-day working visit.

Rodriguez will be here in India from June 3 to June 7, during which she is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior Indian leadership, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. She arrived in India earlier today, with energy, trade and investment expected to be high on the agenda.

Speaking to ANI, Bhojwani said India would be keen to continue importing Venezuelan crude oil, particularly as some Indian refiners have developed the capability to process the country's heavy crude. "I don't think Venezuela has been a very important partner of late in these recent years. The hope is that we will be able to continue to buy Venezuelan oil, which several of our refineries are increasingly able to use. It is a very thick and very difficult oil to refine, but there are companies, particularly Reliance, and the volumes have increased massively," he said.

Energy Security and Pending Dues

Highlighting the strategic significance of Venezuelan crude, Bhojwani noted that despite the geographical distance between the two countries, substantial discounts on Venezuelan oil make it commercially attractive for Indian refiners.

He noted that a key issue remains with ONGC's investments in Venezuela, with dues of up to USD 600 million still unpaid by the Venezuelan government. If those are cleared, Bhojwani said that ONGC and other such companies can resume oil exploration activities and recover their investments. "Despite the distance, the discounts on Venezuelan crude are very high. So it's worth the while for our refineries. Now we have to see if Venezuela can become a significant partner in terms of our energy security, that is oil imports and if the investments that ONGC has there, for which they have not been paid up to USD 600 million by the Venezuelan government, will be able to be revitalised," he said.

Exploring Mineral and Trade Opportunities

According to Bhojwani, the revival of Indian investments in Venezuela's energy sector could pave the way for greater participation by Indian companies in oil exploration and production activities. He also pointed to the possibility of expanding economic engagement beyond energy, particularly in the minerals sector. "Let us see if there can be a larger trading relationship in terms of investments, perhaps in minerals and so on and so forth," he said.

Describing Venezuela as a country rich in natural resources, Bhojwani said Indian companies have long shown interest in sectors such as iron ore, bauxite and gold mining but have been constrained by regulatory and political uncertainties. "Venezuela is very mineral-rich. The problem has been because of the political regime over there. We have not been able to go in. We had proposals, and there are companies that would like to go in for iron ore or bauxite or even gold," he said.

The former envoy noted that a new minerals law introduced by Rodriguez could improve the investment climate; however, he cautioned about past hurdles. "Acting President Rodriguez has introduced a New Minerals Law, which should be investor-friendly, but we will have to see. Maybe there will be a prospect for that. There are also business possibilities in pharmaceuticals and so on and so forth, but Venezuela needs to have the money to buy all this," he added.

Navigating Sanctions and Political Landscape

Bhojwani said Rodriguez's current trip marks her sixth visit to India, though it is her first in the capacity of Acting President. Referring to the long-standing energy relationship between the two countries, he noted that India and Venezuela have maintained ties spanning several decades, particularly in crude oil trade and energy investments; however, US sanctions on the South American nation had suspended those deals.

"There are already long-term agreements in place. These agreements were suspended years ago by the US, which levied unilateral sanctions. The reason that the Indian companies have to go by these sanctions is that they need dollars for international dealings. If Indian companies had not complied with the sanctions, they would have had a problem accessing dollars and doing international dealings. Otherwise, we would be dealing with Venezuela for several years," Bhojwani said.

"There were some waivers given in recent years, and we kept importing as long as the waivers were valid. We have also invested over 10 years ago in two very important fields in Venezuela," he added. "After the death of the former President Hugo Chavez in 2013, Nicolas Maduro took over, and there was a lot of political trouble," he further remarked.

With Nicolas Maduro removed from office and Rodriguez taking over as acting president, Bhojwani said the political shift could impact energy and mineral cooperation, adding that Rodriguez has amended laws and allowed payments for Venezuelan oil exports to go to the US Treasury. "With Maduro being removed from his office and her becoming the acting president, she has quite a bit of leverage, and it seems that the US has co-opted her. The US is keeping her there as long as she goes according to what they want... She amended the rules and the laws, and she is also allowing all the payments for Venezuelan oil, which is being exported, to go to the US Treasury," the former envoy said.

"She is the acting President, and she will only stay acting president as long as she does what the US government tells her to, at least as far as the energy issue, minerals and so on are concerned...We have had a very, very long relationship of decades in purchasing oil and so on and even investing in Venezuela. Let's see what this visit reveals,' he added.

Visit Agenda and Delegation

Rodriguez was earlier scheduled to visit India to participate in the International Big Cat Alliance Summit on June 1, which was subsequently deferred. She will now undertake a formal working visit accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Venezuela's Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Economy and Finance, Science and Technology, Communication and Information, and Transportation.

She will begin her engagements with the Indian side on June 4 with a meeting scheduled with Jaishankar, followed by official talks with the Prime Minister at Hyderabad House. Rodriguez will also pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat as part of her itinerary. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Malviya Nagar fire: 17 foreign nationals among 21 killed in hotel

Asianet News Central — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 23:00:39 +0530

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is currently in touch with concerned Embassies and is extending all necessary assistance following the devastating fire at a hotel in Delhi's Malviya Nagar on Wednesday that killed 21 people, including 17 foreign nationals.

Officials said most of the foreign victims reportedly hailed from Liberia, Nigeria, Mozambique and Bangladesh. At least 21 people were killed and more than 40 rescued after a massive fire broke out at Flourish Stay B&B in Malviya Nagar at around 8:48 am, officials said.

Medical Condition of the Injured

Max Healthcare Group Medical Director Dr Sandeep Budhiraja said eight patients injured in the fire are currently on ventilator support and remain in critical condition. "The majority of them have suffered from asphyxiation injuries, which are caused by smoke inhalation. All of them have minor burns, not deep burns. One patient had burns of more than 25 per cent. He was on a ventilator, so we shifted him to the burn ward at Safdarjung Hospital. Five patients were stable and came with minor injuries," Budhiraja said.

He added that several patients suffered fractures after reportedly jumping from upper floors to escape the blaze. "These patients basically had two or three types of injuries: lung injuries, minor burns, and bone injuries. Because many patients claimed they jumped from high buildings, the resulting fractures were long bone fractures and pelvic bone fractures. One patient has a spinal injury and is undergoing neurosurgery," Budhiraja said.

According to Budhiraja, both Indian and foreign nationals were among the victims.

Major Fire Safety Lapses Found

Chief Fire Officer (South Zone) Abhilash Kumar Malik said the Delhi Fire Service initially deployed seven fire tenders after receiving a call at 8:50 am. Preliminary inspection revealed major structural and fire safety concerns in the building. "The structure consists of a basement, a ground floor and five upper stories. There was only a single staircase alongside an elevator. The building was completely sealed, with windows shut, leaving no ventilation or smoke outlet," Malik added.

He explained that the structure acted like a "chimney", causing smoke and heat to spread rapidly to upper floors and trapping occupants.

Illegal Operations and Construction

According to officials, the hotel, where the fire broke out, had permission to operate only six rooms under the bed-and-breakfast (B&B) scheme. However, the owner had allegedly constructed 25 rooms on the premises. Another nearby establishment, Green Residency Hotel, located around 100 metres away, had permission for only six rooms but was allegedly operating 28 rooms.

Authorities Announce Strict Action

MCD Mayor Pravesh Wahi said strict directives have been issued to prevent such incidents. "Our ministers and senior officials from the municipal corporation are present on the ground. Every possible effort is being made to assist. The Prime Minister has also announced a measure of relief assistance for the victims. We have issued strict directives to ensure that such incidents do not recur; officials will conduct continuous and rigorous inspections across all areas," the mayor said.

"Any negligence regarding safety protocols or hazardous conditions will not be tolerated under any circumstances, and we will take every measure to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated. The exact cause has not yet been determined... 47 people sustained injuries, and it has been confirmed that 21 of them have lost their lives," he added.

According to sources, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena will chair a high-level meeting later in the evening with all concerned authorities to review the incident. Delhi Police have registered an FIR under culpable homicide and other relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

BSF-BGB conference in Delhi to tackle fence breaching, border crimes

Asianet News Central — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:00:56 +0530

Fence breaching by Bangladesh nationals, prevention against assault on Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and Indian civilians and prevention of trans-border crimes are among the key issues to be discussed in the four-day 57th Director General-level Border Co-ordination Conference between the BSF and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

In the conference, scheduled from June 8 to June 11 in the National Capital, discussions will also be held on the prevention of the entry of Bangladeshi criminals into India, construction of a fence, action against Indian Insurgent Groups (IIGs) in Bangladesh, issues related to border infrastructure, Confidence Building Measures (CBM) and others.

Bilateral Delegations

In a broader perspective, the conference is being organised to discuss the border-related issues and for better coordination between the Border Guarding Forces. During this conference, the BSF delegation, led by its Director General Praveen Kumar, will meet the BGB delegation headed by Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, Director General, Border Guard Bangladesh. The last BSF-BGB Border Co-ordination Conference was held from August 25 to August 28 last year in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

History and Evolution of the Talks

The Joint India-Bangladesh guidelines for Border Authorities - 1975 envisage that there should be frequent contacts between the border authorities of the two concerned countries to discuss matters of immediate administrative concern.

An Indian delegation under the leadership of Ashwani Kumar, former Director General of BSF, and the Bangladesh delegation under the leadership of Major General Quazi Golam Dastgir, former Director General BDR (now BGB), met at Kolkata on December 2, 1975, for the first time to discuss mutual border problems.

Since then, the meetings between DG BSF and DG BGB were held annually alternatively in India and Bangladesh till 1993.

During discussions between the Home Secretaries of India and Bangladesh that were held in Dhaka from October 7 to 9, 1993, it was agreed that the Director General-level meetings between the BSF and BGB were to be a bi-annual event. In the agreed summary of discussions during the meeting, it was emphasised that problems in the areas of mutual interests and concerns could be progressively resolved through close contacts and continuing meaningful dialogue at various levels. Accordingly, DG BSF and DG BGB have been holding Border Coordination meetings twice a year alternately in Delhi and Dhaka, and a joint record of discussions of these meetings is forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs after each such meeting. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

India Condemns Kuwait Airport Drone Attack; One Indian National Killed

Asianet News Central — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:00:28 +0530

India Condemns Attack, Calls for Civilian Protection

India on Wednesday strongly condemned the drone attack on Kuwait International Airport that claimed the life of an Indian national and left several other Indians injured, reiterating its call for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and said Indian authorities were extending assistance to those affected by the incident. "We condemn the attack on the Kuwait International Airport today in which an Indian national has died and several of our nationals are injured. Since the onset of the conflict in West Asia, we have strongly urged that civilian population and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted. We again call upon parties to cease such attacks," the MEA statement read.

Indian Embassy Providing Assistance

The ministry conveyed its sympathies to the bereaved family and said the Indian Embassy in Kuwait was providing all possible support to the injured. "We offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. Our Embassy is extending all possible assistance to those injured. We remain in close contact with local authorities for the welfare of Indian nationals," the statement added.

The MEA further said that Indian diplomatic missions across the region remain on alert and are proactively assisting members of the Indian community. "Indian Missions and Posts across the region are on alert and continue to proactively support our community," it said.

The Embassy of India in Kuwait also confirmed the death of an Indian national in the attack and said it was coordinating closely with Kuwaiti authorities while remaining in touch with the bereaved family. The mission, in a post on X, said that it is closely monitoring the situation and is working with the Kuwaiti authorities regarding the incident. "Embassy of India in Kuwait expresses its deepest condolences at the tragic demise of an Indian national due to an attack on the airport in Kuwait today. The Embassy is in touch with the bereaved family and is closely coordinating with the Kuwaiti authorities to render all possible support and assistance to the bereaved family as well as those injured in the incident," the embassy stated.

Kuwait Blames Iran for 'Criminal Aggression'

According to Kuwait's Ministry of Defence, several hostile drones targeted Terminal 1 of Kuwait International Airport, causing extensive damage to the passenger building and injuring a number of people. In a statement posted on X, Kuwait Ministry of Defence spokesperson Brigadier General Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi said that several hostile drones struck Terminal 1 (T1) of Kuwait International Airport on Wednesday as part of what he described as "criminal Iranian aggression".

Al-Otaibi said the Kuwaiti armed forces are closely monitoring the situation in coordination with relevant authorities and remain on full alert to respond to any developments, and added that all necessary measures are being taken to safeguard the country's security and stability. "He affirmed that the armed forces are monitoring the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities, and they are in a state of complete readiness to deal with any developments and to take all necessary measures to preserve the security of the country and its stability," the statement read.

Iran's Counter-Claim

Meanwhile, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV claimed that Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) carried out retaliatory strikes against the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain. (ANII)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

PM Modi congratulates Mette Frederiksen on third term as Denmark PM

Asianet News Central — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:30:24 +0530

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday congratulated Mette Frederiksen on assuming office as the Prime Minister of Denmark for a third consecutive term, and said he looks forward to further strengthening the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership.

"Congratulations to my friend Ms. Mette Frederiksen on assuming office as the Prime Minister of Denmark for a remarkable third consecutive term," PM Modi said in a post on X, adding that India and Denmark share an "enduring partnership founded on mutual trust, shared values and a common commitment to a sustainable future."

"I look forward to working closely with Prime Minister Frederiksen to further strengthen the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership and take our cooperation to new heights for the benefit of our peoples," the Prime Minister added in his post.

India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership

According to a joint statement issued in September 2020, India and Denmark elevated their bilateral relationship to a Green Strategic Partnership, reflecting the shared commitment of both countries to remain trusted partners.

The partnership was built upon the Joint Commission for Cooperation Agreement signed in February, 2009, which envisaged cooperation in political, economic and commercial affairs, science and technology, environment, energy, education, and culture.

It also strengthened and complemented existing Joint Working Groups in areas such as renewable energy, urban development, environment, agriculture and animal husbandry, food processing, science, technology and innovation, shipping, labour mobility, and digitisation.

PM Modi met with his Danish counterpart, Mette Frederiksen, as part of his five-nation tour last month and held a bilateral meeting with her. Both leaders also participated in the 3rd India-Nordic Summit in Norway.

Frederiksen Secures Third Term

On Monday, Frederiksen secured a third term in office after successfully forming a new centre-left government following weeks of post-election negotiations, further cementing her position as one of Europe's most influential political leaders.

According to The New York Times, the formation of the new government comes after more than two months of negotiations among multiple political parties following parliamentary elections that resulted in a fragmented mandate. More than a dozen parties won seats in Parliament, making coalition-building a complex process.

Frederiksen formally informed Danish King Frederik X of the new government's formation during a meeting in Odense, where the Danish monarch was aboard the Royal Yacht Dannebrog. The King subsequently announced that a new centre-left administration led by Frederiksen would assume office with majority support in Parliament, The New York Times reported.

The 48-year-old leader first became Prime Minister in 2019, becoming Denmark's youngest head of government. With the start of her third term, Frederiksen is now on course to become Denmark's longest-serving prime minister since the end of World War II if she completes the full tenure.

Frederiksen has gained international prominence in recent years, particularly for her firm stance on issues concerning Greenland, the autonomous territory that remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark, against rhetoric by US President Donald Trump over the annexation of the island.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

The Last Watchdog Falls Silent: How Beijing's Grip Extinguished Hong Kong's Investigative Journalism

Anish Kumar — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 19:39:22 +0530

New Delhi: For decades, Hong Kong stood apart from mainland Communist China as Asia's freest media environment.

Hong Kong was a place where investigative journalists exposed corruption, scrutinised power, and challenged official narratives without fear of midnight arrests or politically motivated prosecutions.

That distinction is now disappearing with alarming speed. The closure of FactWire, following the destruction of Apple Daily, Stand News, and CitizenNews, demonstrates that the collapse of Hong Kong's independent press is not a series of isolated incidents.

It is a systematic dismantling of an entire journalistic ecosystem under Beijing's tightening authoritarian grip.

The demise of FactWire was especially symbolic because it represented one of the purest examples of civic-backed investigative journalism in modern Hong Kong.

Founded in 2015, the outlet emerged through a crowdfunding campaign supported by more than 3,300 citizens who collectively raised HK$4.75 million.

Unlike media organisations dependent on tycoons, advertisers, or political patrons, FactWire was built directly on public trust.

Its mission was simple yet vital: pursue investigative reporting in the public interest at a time when many traditional media houses were already becoming cautious under political pressure.

That model made FactWire uniquely threatening to authoritarian systems. Independent journalism funded by citizens rather than commercial or political interests is far harder to control.

Its accountability flows horizontally to society rather than vertically to the state. By extinguishing FactWire, Beijing's expanding political architecture in Hong Kong eliminated not merely another publication but an entire democratic principle.

Communist China destroyed the idea that ordinary citizens could sustain a press capable of investigating power without permission from the authorities.

The timing of these closures reveals a broader pattern. In less than a year, four major independent outlets disappeared from Hong Kong's media landscape.

Apple Daily was effectively crushed after police raids, asset freezes, and the arrest of its executives under the National Security Law. Stand News was dismantled after sedition charges and newsroom raids froze its operations. CitizenNews shut down preemptively, openly citing fears for staff safety amid the rapidly changing political climate. FactWire soon followed — though the outlet, in keeping with the climate of fear that had already settled over the city's press, did not publicly state its reasons for closure.

The progression is important because it illustrates Beijing's methodical approach to suppressing dissenting information spaces.

First came legal intimidation through sweeping national security legislation. Then came selective prosecutions, arrests, and financial pressure. Finally came the spread of fear itself, producing self-censorship and voluntary closure before the state even needed to intervene directly.

This strategy allows authorities to present media collapse as the result of "business decisions" or "editorial choices," even when those choices are clearly made under existential political coercion. That FactWire felt unable to explain its own shutdown is itself a measure of how thoroughly that coercion had taken hold.

The transformation of Hong Kong's media environment since 2020 is therefore not accidental. Before the imposition of the National Security Law, Hong Kong enjoyed a global reputation as a regional media hub where international correspondents, investigative reporters, and local watchdog organisations operated with freedoms unavailable in mainland China.

Global publications maintained regional headquarters there precisely because the city combined proximity to China with protections for civil liberties and press freedom.

That environment has now been hollowed out. The city that once functioned as a bridge between open societies and authoritarian China increasingly resembles the mainland's tightly managed information order.

Investigative reporting has been replaced by caution. Newsrooms now operate under the constant threat that ordinary reporting could be interpreted as subversion, collusion, or sedition. Journalists are forced to weigh legal risk against public duty, while editors calculate whether certain stories are worth the possibility of police scrutiny.

This suffocation of journalism serves a larger political objective. Authoritarian systems do not merely seek to silence criticism; they seek to erase institutional memory and prevent independent verification of reality itself.

Investigative journalism creates public records, uncovers contradictions in official narratives, and preserves accountability.

By dismantling the organisations capable of such work, Beijing reduces society's capacity to document abuses, corruption, or political repression.

The destruction of Hong Kong's independent media also carries profound international implications. Beijing has long promoted the claim that authoritarian governance can coexist with openness and economic dynamism.

Hong Kong once served as the showcase for that argument under the "one country, two systems" framework. The collapse of the city's investigative press now undermines that narrative entirely. A financial hub without press freedom may remain commercially useful, but it cannot credibly function as a genuinely open global city.

Most importantly, the closures demonstrate that the erosion of freedom often happens incrementally until suddenly an ecosystem disappears altogether.

Each newsroom shutdown becomes easier after the previous one normalises repression. Each arrest expands the boundaries of fear. Each act of self-censorship narrows the public sphere further.

By the time the final watchdog falls silent, the architecture of independent journalism has already been dismantled piece by piece.

The story of Hong Kong's press is therefore no longer simply about media economics or changing consumer habits. It is about the deliberate construction of political conformity.

FactWire's death was not a market failure. It was the silencing of a citizen-funded institution by an authoritarian system determined to ensure that no independent watchdog could challenge state power.

Venezuela's Acting President in New Delhi for talks with PM Modi

Asianet News Central — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 19:30:29 +0530

Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodriguez on Wednesday arrived in the national capital for a five-day working visit aimed at further deepening the bilateral ties between India and Venezuela.

Welcoming the Venezuelan leader, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a post on X said that the visit would provide an opportunity for both countries to strengthen cooperation and build on the momentum in their bilateral partnership. "A warm welcome to Acting President Delcy Rodriguez of Venezuela on her arrival in New Delhi. During her visit, Acting President Rodriguez will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit will further deepen India-Venezuela ties and build on the momentum in the bilateral partnership," the post read.

High-Level Meetings Scheduled

During her visit, Rodriguez is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior Indian leadership, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. According to a release, the MEA said that the visit will be from June 3 to June 7. Rodriguez was earlier scheduled to visit India to participate in the International Big Cat Alliance Summit on June 1, which was subsequently deferred. She will now undertake a formal working visit accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Venezuela's Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Economy and Finance, Science and Technology, Communication and Information, and Transportation.

Expanding Cooperation in Key Sectors

According to the MEA, during the high-level discussions, both sides are expected to review the entire spectrum of India-Venezuela relations and explore avenues to deepen cooperation in key sectors, including energy security, trade and investment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, transportation, and renewable energy.

The MEA noted that the visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties and enhance engagement between the two countries, which share traditionally warm relations rooted in cooperation in the energy sector and shared commitment to the Global South. Rodriguez has previously visited India in her earlier capacities as Foreign Minister in 2015 and as Vice President in 2019, 2023, 2024, and 2025, making this her sixth visit to India in her current capacity.

Economic Engagement and Energy Partnership

MEA further detailed that the Venezuelan delegation will also undertake site visits connected to India's energy, pharmaceutical, and automotive sectors to better understand industrial capabilities and identify new opportunities for collaboration.

On economic engagement, the MEA highlighted that bilateral trade between India and Venezuela stood at USD 678.94 million in FY 2025-26. It also noted growing cooperation in the energy sector, with Venezuela becoming the third-largest supplier of crude oil to India in May 2026.

MEA further underscored existing partnerships, including ONGC Videsh Limited's joint venture with Corporacion Venezolana del Petroleo, along with recent cooperation in pharmaceuticals, AYUSH, digital solutions, and cultural exchange initiatives. India and Venezuela, the MEA said, continue to enjoy strong and friendly relations supported by expanding cooperation across energy, trade, health, and development partnerships. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Laos, India eye deeper ties, joint action on internet scam hubs

Asianet News Central — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 18:00:54 +0530

Highlighting the immense untapped potential between India and Laos, Thongsavan Phomvihane, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Southeast Asian nation, has called for a deeper strategic push to achieve "tangible outcomes" as the two countries mark the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Speaking to ANI on his maiden visit to India, Phomvihane emphasised bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including a robust joint commitment to dismantling transnational internet scam centres.

The Lao Deputy PM, who recently attended the second Laos-India Business Forum, acknowledged that while current bilateral trade remains "modest", the scope for growth is massive. "I just came back from the second business forum between Laos and India, so the forum is discussing how to expand our relations and cooperation, especially in the commercial sector, tourism and other areas that both sides are interested in," Phomvihane told ANI. "The trade between our two countries is still very modest, but we know that Laos and India still have a lot of opportunity, a lot of potential that we should expand. Also, I hope that the forum is going to be successful. We are expecting to exchange more in bilateral relations and bilateral cooperation, because we're looking forward to expanding our cooperation to explore our potential," he added.

Boosting Trade and Cooperation

Pointing to the unpredictable global geopolitical landscape, he stated that "nowadays the situation around us is not easy; it's very hard to predict". "We think that between us and India, we have very long and good relations. This year is the 70th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. So we have seven decades of our very good relations. It is time for us to look deeper into how to explore more tangible outcomes of our relationship," he added.

Joint Fight Against Cybercrime

Addressing the growing menace of cybercrime and cyber-slavery networks operating in Southeast Asia, Phomvihane asserted that tackling internet scams is a top national priority for Laos. He expressed strong readiness to partner with New Delhi to protect citizens from both nations. "Internet scams are something very active nowadays. Tackling this is the Lao People's Democratic Republic's priority. It was one of our national agendas to address that scamming," Phomvihane said. "Recently, with the very good collaboration of our neighbouring countries and with other partners, we have quite successfully tackled that. With India, we are ready. We have good collaboration to tackle this because I think it's in the interest of both countries to tackle this," he further added.

'Impressive' First Visit to India

Sharing his personal experiences from his first-ever visit to India, the Lao Deputy PM spoke fondly of his visit to the Taj Mahal, marvelling not just at its beauty but also at the engineering genius behind it. "This is my first time in India. The Taj Mahal is a very famous place in the world. It's one of the world's heritages. I was very impressed by its amazing architecture, and also not just architecture, but it's really based on the scientific background of all these buildings. It's really impressive, and I learned the history of that. That's my first impression and very interesting," Phomvihane concluded.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Viral Video | Panda Recognises Former Caregiver After Years, Emotional Reunion Melts Hearts (WATCH)

Gargi Chaudhry — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 17:48:32 +0530

Millions of people have been captivated by a touching video that captured the poignant reunion of a panda and a guy who used to care for it, and it has gone viral on social media. In the widely shared video, a man is shown going to a zoo years after being apart from a panda that he had allegedly assisted in raising and caring for. He shouted out to the panda from a distance, curious to see if it would still recognise him.

What happened next has touched hearts across the internet. As soon as the panda heard the familiar voice, it appeared to instantly recognise its former caregiver. The animal quickly rushed toward the man and wrapped its paws around him in what many viewers described as a heartfelt embrace.

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Social Media Reacts

Online comments to the heartwarming moment have been overwhelming, with people applauding the remarkable link between humans and animals. The panda's seeming capacity to recall a person it had not seen in years shocked many.

One social media user commented, "This made me cry," while another said, "Animals never forget kindness."

Discussions concerning animal intellect and memory have also been rekindled by the reunion. Even after extended lengths of time apart, viewers were astounded by how deeply animals can bond with their carers.

As the video continues to circulate across platforms, it has become one of the most talked-about animal clips online. For many viewers, the reunion serves as a reminder that bonds built through care, trust, and affection can transcend time.

The touching reunion video continues to gain traction online, with users calling it one of the most wholesome and emotional animal moments they have seen in recent memory.

South Africa, Telangana eye deeper ties in pharma, medical tourism

Asianet News Central — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 17:30:33 +0530

Deputy President of South Africa Paul Mashatile, meeting Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Wednesday, set the stage for deeper cooperation in pharmaceuticals, medical tourism, and skilled workforce development between India and South Africa, with both sides eyeing stronger trade and investment links.

South Africa's Push for Affordable Medicine

Mashatile, who is currently on a working visit in India, met Revanth Reddy in Hyderabad along with a high-level delegation to explore developments in pharma and ICT. During the meeting, the South African Deputy President emphasised South Africa's interest in having Indian pharmaceutical companies invest in the country, noting that access to affordable medicines is a primary focus under Pretoria's universal healthcare push. "Chief Minister, universal access to healthcare is a priority for South Africa, and access to affordable medicines is a primary area of focus. The manufacture of affordable pharmaceuticals in the country is important to achieve this goal," Mashatile said. He added that establishing pharma firms in South Africa also provides "a platform from which Indian companies can enjoy preferential market access into the rest of Africa through the African Continental Free Trade Area."

Telangana Highlights Investment Opportunities

Both sides agreed to cooperate in education, medical tourism and investments, with an aim to strengthen educational exchanges and attract investments for mutual benefit, according to a release from the Chief Minister's Office. Reddy highlighted Hyderabad's ecosystem in IT, pharma, defence and aerospace, calling it a leading destination for Global Capability Centers of Fortune 500 companies and also showcased the city's world-class medical facilities, which attract patients from the Middle East and other regions for cost-effective treatment. "The government is working on further strengthening Hyderabad's position as a global hub for skilled workforce and medical tourism," the Chief Minister said. He also invited the South African delegation of industrialists and entrepreneurs to the Telangana Rising Global Summit 2026 to be held in December. Mashatile said he would be "honoured to attend along with a delegation." Reddy also briefed the delegation on plans for Bharat Future City, a net-zero, global-standard greenfield project spread over 30,000 acres near Hyderabad's international airport. Telangana's IT & Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu invited South African industrialists to explore opportunities for mutual cooperation, while Telangana Health Minister C Damodar Raja Narsimha noted that Hyderabad is globally known for bulk drug and vaccine production.

High-Level Delegation

Mashatile was accompanied by South Africa's Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Thandi Moraka, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Nomalungelo Gina, and Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Mondli Gungubele. "South Africa and India share a long history of experiences and cultural ties," Mashatile said, adding that the African Continental Free Trade Area paves the way for establishing pharmaceutical companies in South Africa. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

India-US is 'most consequential global partnership of the century'

Asianet News Central — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 17:00:27 +0530

A Consequential Global Partnership

The partnership between India and the United States is "the most consequential global partnership of the century", US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said on Wednesday and noted that what the two nations accomplish together will shape the future.

Speaking at the Citi 2026 India Conference in Mumbai, he said the two countries are pushing nuclear sector partnership to new levels. Gor also spoke about the significance of the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's four-day visit to the country last month. "When we send out the highest level of engagement, it sends a direct message to India and to us. Secy Rubio does not travel on any four-day trips. For him to have come to India for four days is an incredible commitment towards what this relationship is," he said.

"We are pushing our civil nuclear sector partnership to new levels. We are looking forward to decades of future cooperation between our civil nuclear sectors. What our two nations accomplish together will shape the future. This is the most consequential global partnership of the century," he added.

Private Sector Commitments

The US Ambassador said that in addition to government-to-government engagement, the US private sector has made significant commitments in India.

"That is the win-win situation that we identify. Amazon plans to invest US$ 35 billion into India by 2030 to advance AI-driven digitalisation. Microsoft has announced a US$17.5 billion investment. Google announced a US$15 billion AI hub in India," he said.

Strategic Pacts and Supply Chains

"Just last week we officially signed the Critical Minerals Framework with India. It is a massive milestone which will help ensure the foundational elements required for advanced technology and energy are available within trusted networks. Together, we will take efforts to protect supply chains from coercive market practices and reduce collective vulnerability to single-source monopolies," he added.

Gor said that in February 2025, just weeks into President Donald Trump's second term, he and PM Modi launched Transforming the Relationship Utilising Strategic Technologies - the TRUST initiative. "Under the framework, the US is focused on boosting bilateral cooperation on AI development and expanding trusted supply chains for active pharma ingredients."

He said US imports close to 40% of our generic pharma from India.

Progress on Bilateral Trade Deal

Gor on Tuesday welcomed Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch to India as the two countries continue to make progress in finalising the bilateral trade deal. In a post on X the US Ambassador shared that progress is being made under the efforts guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President for deepening the trade and investment linkages between the two countries.

"Always great to see Assistant @USTradeRep Brendan Lynch! Brendan and his team are in town to continue finalizing the interim trade deal. Our efforts are guided by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi's vision of enhancing trade and investment between our countries. Progress is being made!"

The United States and India announced in February this year that they have reached a framework for an Interim Agreement regarding reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade (Interim Agreement). The framework reaffirmed the countries' commitment to the broader US-India Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations, launched by President Trump and PM Modi on February 13, 2025, which will include additional market access commitments and support more resilient supply chains.

The joint statement said that the Interim Agreement between the United States and India will represent a historic milestone in our countries' partnership, demonstrating a common commitment to reciprocal and balanced trade based on mutual interests and concrete outcomes. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Brazil's Amazon Under Attack: The Billion-Dollar Illegal Gold Trade | World News

Asianet Newsable English — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 16:11:16 +0530

Deep inside Brazil's Amazon rainforest, a new gold rush is unfolding. Illegal gold miners are pushing deeper into protected Indigenous territories, destroying rivers, contaminating water with mercury, and threatening one of the world's most important ecosystems. This report takes you inside the battle between Indigenous communities and illegal miners in the Amazon. As global gold prices rise, environmental groups warn that billions of dollars worth of illegally mined gold may be entering international markets through sophisticated laundering networks. Featuring voices from the Kayapo Indigenous community, Greenpeace Brazil, and aerial footage of illegal mining operations, this documentary explores the environmental, cultural, and human cost of the Amazon gold rush. In this video: 00:00 - Brazil’s Amazon Under Attack: Introduction to the Illegal Gold Trade 03:00 - Impact on Rivers, Mercury Pollution & Indigenous Communities 05:00 - Global Gold Markets & Environmental Consequences

VIRAL VIDEO | Indian Man In Norway Reveals Flower Shop With No Cashier, Internet Amazed (WATCH)

Gargi Chaudhry — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:27:43 +0530

After posting a video of a flower store running on what seems to be a straightforward principle—trust—an Indian man residing in Norway has ignited an online discussion about civic duty and honesty. Aditya shared the video on Instagram, which depicts a flower shop after hours. The store was closed for the evening, but aisles of flowers and potted plants were still on display outside, open to anybody who happened to walk by. The fact that no one was present to watch over the flowers surprised a lot of people more than the blooms themselves.

According to Aditya's explanation of the method, consumers who want to make purchases after the store closes may just choose what they want and pay using the information that is shown at the entry. “Let me tell you something about trust. How humans trust humans in Scandinavia,” he says in the video.

He notes that there are no staff members there and no obvious safeguards against someone stealing the flowers without paying as he stands outside the business late at night. “The shop is closed, but all their flowers are kept outside,” he says, adding that customers are trusted to complete the payment themselves. “They trust you to pick it up and pay for it.”

Watch Viral Video

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A post shared by Aditya | Dad Discipline & Fitness (@daddyontherise)

How Did Netizens React?

The video with the title "Human trust in Norway" struck a chord with viewers and sparked a global conversation on trust-based systems.

Some users questioned if comparable models could function in nations where corporations are frequently more wary about theft and misuse, while others praised the degree of social trust that permits such relationships to exist.

"How can this be encouraged in places where trust has been lost?" enquired one viewer. Another noted that Sweden too engages in such tactics.

Many Indians on the internet have made analogies between the video and local happenings. A number of videos of flower pots and ornamental plants vanishing from public areas soon after being placed as part of beautification campaigns have appeared throughout the years. Discussions concerning civic duty and civic consciousness have frequently been rekindled by such situations.

Indian Hiker Asked For Water In Japan, Ended Up Sharing Lunch With Kind Stranger Couple (WATCH)

Shweta Kumari — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:21:54 +0530

Aditya Parkhi, an Indian content creator known for documenting his travels across Japan, recently shared a touching experience from his trip to Amami, a picturesque island in southern Japan. His quest for drinking water during a hike in Japan turned into a heartwarming encounter with a kind stranger couple.

The video shows Parkhi approaching the home of an elderly Japanese couple and politely asking, “I'm sorry to bother you, is there a cafe nearby where I can get water from?”

Instead of giving directions, the elderly man welcomed him with a warm smile before briefly stepping inside the house.

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Moments later, rather than water, he asked Parkhi whether juice would be acceptable. Delighted, Parkhi agreed, and the man served him a refreshing glass of juice alongside a bottle.

The couple invited Parkhi into their home, where they spent time talking about his travels and life. During the conversation, Parkhi shared that he worked with computers and was exploring the region.

Soon, the elderly man's wife joined the conversation and asked whether Parkhi would like to stay for lunch and offered him a homemade curry meal.

The thoughtful lunch, accompanied by homemade herbal naan, left the traveller visibly moved by the couple's generosity.

As the conversation flowed, the atmosphere became even more cheerful. At one point, the woman complimented Parkhi, telling him that he was tall and handsome, sparking laughter and smiles all around.

The wholesome encounter concluded with the couple warmly bidding him farewell as he continued his journey, waving goodbye and wishing him a safe trip.

Reflecting on the experience, Parkhi shared the video online with a simple yet powerful caption: “I just asked for Water.”

The clip quickly won hearts across social media, with viewers praising the couple's kindness toward a complete stranger.

Many users said the interaction perfectly reflected the warmth and hospitality that travellers often associate with Japanese culture. Others noted that Parkhi's respectful attitude, politeness, and openness to connecting with locals likely helped create such a meaningful moment.

PM Modi meets Nepal's Rabi Lamichhane, vows to elevate special ties

Asianet News Central — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:30:24 +0530

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met the Chairman of Nepal's Rastriya Swatantra Party, Rabi Lamichhane and underlined that India looks forward to elevating the special and multifaceted partnership between the two countries. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri were among those present in the meeting between PM Modi and Lamichhane.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, "I welcome and fully share his desire to work closely together for a shared and prosperous future. Nepal is a priority partner under our Neighbourhood First policy and we look forward to collaborating with the new government to elevate the special and multifaceted relationship between our two countries to greater heights." Delighted to meet the Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party of Nepal Mr. Rabi Lamichhane. I welcome and fully share his desire to work closely together for a shared and prosperous future. Nepal is a priority partner under our Neighbourhood First policy and we look forward to… pic.twitter.com/ZMjpGthKTX — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 3, 2026

Amit Shah Meets Nepalese Delegation

Earlier on Tuesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah met the delegation led by Rabi Lamichhane, as both sides expressed their firm resolve to work together to enhance the special ties between the two countries. The Home Minister congratulated Lamichhane on RSP's victory in the elections and conveyed India's best wishes for the success of the new government.

"A meeting was held by Hon'ble Union Home Minister Shri @AmitShah with the Nepalese delegation led by Shri Rabi Lamichhane, Chairman, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), in New Delhi today," Home Minister's Office said in a post on X." The Home Minister congratulated Shri Lamichhane on RSP's victory in the elections and conveyed India's best wishes for the success of the new government. Both sides expressed their firm resolve to work together for enhancing the special ties between India and Nepal," it added.

Jaishankar Discusses Development Partnership

Lamichhane also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. "It was wonderful to meet with India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, in New Delhi today. We held a constructive dialogue on strengthening Nepal-India relations, focusing on our development partnership, and multifaceted engagements," Lamichhane said in a post on X.

Jaishankar said their discussions focused on the India-Nepal development partnership and people-to-people ties. "A pleasure to meet Nepal's Rastriya Swatantra Party Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane and his delegation today in Delhi. Our discussions focused on the India-Nepal development partnership and people-to-people ties. These have a crucial role in promoting growth and prosperity," Jaishankar said in a post on X.

Regular High-Level Contacts

Lamichhane's visit to India is a part of the regular contacts between the political parties of the two countries. "We have a multifaceted partnership with Nepal that includes government-to-government, people-to-people, and cultural relations. We value these contacts as they help in further strengthening and deepening our friendly partnership," MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in weekly media briefing. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

14 of 18 Chinese aircraft cross median line: Taiwan's Defence Ministry

Asianet News Central — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:31:26 +0530

Increased Chinese Military Activity Around Taiwan

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence on Wednesday reported 18 sorties of PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 6 official ships operating around its territory.

In a post on X, the MND said that 14 of the 18 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern part ADIZ. "Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 14 out of 18 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern part ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded", the post said.

18 sorties of PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 6 official ships operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 14 out of 18 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and southwestern part ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and… pic.twitter.com/3l1rDNeO4Y — 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) (@MoNDefense) June 3, 2026

Taiwan on Tuesday recorded the presence of 8 PLAN vessels, 5 official ships and 7 sorties of PLA aircraft.

"7 sorties of PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 5 official ships operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 7 out of 7 sorties entered Taiwan's southwestern part ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded", MND said.

Earlier, on Monday, it recorded the presence of seven PLAN vessels and four official ships around its territory.

International Context and Historical Background

Previously in May, US President Donald Trump, in his gaggle with the press at Joint Base Andrews en route to Groton, CT, said that the US will work on the 'Taiwan problem'.

"On Taiwan, I'll speak to everyone. We have that situation very well in hand. We had a great meeting with President Xi; it was amazing actually. We'll work on that Taiwan problem," he said.

The China-Taiwan Dispute

Taiwan, however, maintains a distinct identity, functioning independently with its government, military, and economy.

Taiwan's status remains a significant point of international debate, testing the principles of sovereignty, self-determination, and non-interference in international law, as per the United Service Institution of India.

China's claim to Taiwan originates from the Qing Dynasty's annexation of the island in 1683 after defeating Ming loyalist Koxinga. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

India delivers critical medical aid to Uganda to combat Ebola virus

Asianet News Central — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:00:41 +0530

India on Tuesday delivered critical medical aid to Uganda in the wake of the Ebola virus outbreak via the C-17 Globemaster III of the Indian Air Force.

Sharing visuals of the immediate medical assistance provided by India, the Indian Air Force underlined in a post on X how the mission demonstrates its response capabilities during humanitarian contingencies.

"An IAF C-17 Globemaster-III airlifted critical medical aid from New Delhi to Uganda on 02 Jun 26 to combat the Ebola virus outbreak," it said. An IAF C-17 Globemaster-III airlifted critical medical aid from New Delhi to Uganda on 02 Jun 26 to combat the Ebola virus outbreak. The mission demonstrates #IndianAirForce response capability during humanitarian contingencies.#IndianAirForce #HumanitarianAssistance… pic.twitter.com/YEJqIHul1M — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) June 3, 2026

India's Support for Africa CDC's Ebola Response

India has extended urgent medical assistance to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to support their Ebola response efforts in response to a request received from the African Union Commission.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement that India's support is tailored to meet the needs of the Africa CDC to contain the Ebola outbreak in some parts of Africa, and to strengthen public health preparedness and regional response capacities.

The MEA informed that as an urgent response, the first tranche of about 2.5 tons of urgent medical supplies was dispatched on May 24 to Kampala, Uganda, comprising protective gear, medical monitoring equipment, essential medicines and supplements. After receiving a more detailed list of requirements from Africa CDC, MEA has now mobilised a larger second tranche of 43 tons, comprising protective gear, diagnostic and monitoring devices, sample transport kits, infection prevention supplies, medicines and supplements. The second tranche will be reaching Kampala on 2 June 2026 and handed over to the Africa CDC.

Africa CDC Welcomes Assistance

The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted how India's support reflects its enduring commitment to partnership with African countries, including in supporting them to respond to public health situations on the continent. "Our Missions in Addis Ababa and Kampala remain closely engaged with the African Union Commission and the Africa CDC for supporting their Ebola response efforts", the statement further noted.

Earlier on Monday, the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) welcomed the emergency diagnostics, therapeutics and medical supplies provided by the Government of India to support the ongoing Ebola response efforts in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

It said in a post on X, "The supplies were delivered through Africa CDC's Eastern Regional Coordinating Centre in Uganda and mobilised to support response efforts in eastern DRC." "The continental public health agency further noted that the assistance would strengthen ongoing efforts to contain the outbreak and support affected communities." It also expressed appreciation for India's support, saying, "We thank the Government and people of India for their solidarity with Africa."

African CDC, the public health agency of the African Union, plays a key role in coordinating disease prevention and emergency response efforts across the continent.

New Delhi has reiterated that it remains in close contact with African health authorities and stands ready to deploy subsequent tranches of medical and logistical assistance as the situation evolves. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

'F**k India': Texas Man Abuses, Rips Indian Flag As Crowd Cheers Outside Frisco City Hall, Sparks Outrage (WATCH)

Shweta Kumari — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:34:25 +0530

A disturbing video allegedly showing a Texas resident tearing apart the Indian national flag in front of a cheering crowd has triggered widespread outrage online. The clip, shared on X by user @ElijahSchaffer, has gone viral, reigniting discussions around immigration, nationalism, and hate-fueled rhetoric.

According to the post, the incident occurred in Frisco, Texas. The footage purportedly shows a man standing outside City Hall with a cigarette in his mouth as he rips an Indian flag while onlookers cheer him on. Voices from the crowd can be heard shouting words of encouragement such as “yeah” and “letsgo” as the flag is torn apart.

The post was shared with the caption, “FRISCO: “Fck India! Fck India!" A Texas resident @Channel6ixNEWS rips an Indian flag in front of city hall, Voicing anger against the Indian immigration invasion in north Dallas."

Also read: Khalistani supporters deface, kick PM Modi's effigy, cut Indian flag in Vancouver; video sparks outrage| WATCH

In Trump’s America, Indian National flag is being insulted, Indian r being ridiculed and Trump calls India a Hell Hole.In India, Modi Govt is celebrating America’s Independence Day as if India is colony of USA. Why is PM Modi NOT replying back to Trump ? https://t.co/rMwMxCGRvu

— Saurabh Bharadwaj (@Saurabh_MLAgk) June 3, 2026

FRISCO: “F*ck India! F*ck India!”A Texas resident @Channel6ixNEWS rips an Indian flag in front of city hall Voicing anger against the Indian immigration invasion in north Dallas pic.twitter.com/N6Ec0oVSUT

— E (@ElijahSchaffer) June 3, 2026

As the video went viral, users flooded social media with opinions, ranging from anger and disappointment to broader debates about immigration and cultural change.

A user wrote, “Watching this man rip apart the Indian flag makes me really sad. Imagine if I did that to the white rainbow flag? How would whites feel? I’m crying right now as I drive my convertible… But the wind in my face will dry my tears as I pull up to my mansion."

Watching this man rip apart the Indian flag makes me really sad. Imagine if I did that to the white rainbow flag? How would whites feel? I’m crying right now as I drive my convertible…But the wind in my face will dry my tears as I pull up to my mansion

— Rajveer Singh (@KshatriyaSword) June 3, 2026

Another user strongly condemned the act and wrote, “To the coward who ripped the Indian flag: How dare you insult our motherland? We Indians come with PhDs, skills, and respect. You come with hate and insecurity. This is not about immigration — this is racism. Every Indian in America should call this out.”

Strongly condemn this

To the coward who ripped the Indian flag: How dare you insult our motherland? We Indians come with PhDs, skills, and respect. You come with hate and insecurity. This is not about immigration — this is racism. Every Indian in America should call this out. Strongly condemn this…

— N A Z A R ABDUL RIZACK (@NAZAR_RIZACK) June 3, 2026

Some users shifted the focus toward immigration policy. One commenter argued, “This guy is frustrated, but ripping a flag won’t fix policy. Indians on H-1B are legally here filling skilled tech roles US companies hire for. Rapid change in places like Frisco stresses housing/schools—fair point for debate. Better: Reform H-1B (cap abuse, prioritize Americans + merit), enforce rules on all sides. Most Indians integrate, pay taxes, start businesses. Let’s talk solutions, not hate."

This guy is frustrated, but ripping a flag won't fix policy. Indians on H-1B are legally here filling skilled tech roles US companies hire for. Rapid change in places like Frisco stresses housing/schools—fair point for debate. Better: Reform H-1B (cap abuse, prioritize Americans…

— Vijay (@DecodebyVijay) June 3, 2026

Also read: 'Land Of The Free Was Sucking My Freedom': Indian Man Leaves US After 12 Years; See Viral Post

Group demands arrest of Israeli reservist in India for Gaza war crimes

Asianet News Central — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:00:29 +0530

Complaint Filed Against Israeli Reservist in India

The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) has filed an urgent complaint with the Indian authorities demanding the immediate arrest of Eitan Gilboa, an Israeli national and reservist currently vacationing in Himachal Pradesh, who has been alleged to have carried out the demolition of residential blocks and civilian infrastructure across Khan Younis, Gaza and Rafah.

In a statement shared on its official website, the HRF said that it "submitted a detailed investigative report proving that Gilboa, a reservist in the Israeli army, personally carried out and celebrated the systematic demolition of entire residential blocks in Gaza as acts of revenge, constituting war crimes under the Geneva Conventions Act, 1960." As per the HRF, Gilboa, was identified as a reservist in the 271st Combat Engineering Battalion in Israel. He is currently located in Old Manali and Gondla Village, Himachal Pradesh, according to the group.

Evidence Cited in Complaint

The rights organisation claimed that while in Gaza, Gilboa documented the destruction of civilian buildings that he carried out, filming himself ordering, executing, and celebrating the demolition of civilian homes and a residential block across Khan Younis, Gaza and Rafah in 2024. "These videos were later published by his mother on Instagram and Facebook. The accompanying posts suggest that these demolitions were carried out as acts of retribution and dedicated to fallen IDF soldiers. Upon returning, Gilboa staged photographs recreating scenes of his youth, juxtaposing himself against the ruins of Palestinian playgrounds and children's toys amidst the rubble", the statement said.

Legal Obligations Under International Law

"These acts violate the Fourth Geneva Convention, ratified by India. As a signatory to the convention, India is legally obligated under Article 146 of the Geneva Conventions to search for and prosecute individuals alleged to have committed grave breaches, regardless of nationality. Furthermore, the presence of Gilboa in India contradicts Article 51(c) of the Indian Constitution, which directs the State to foster respect for international law", the statement added.

Foundation's Demands to Authorities

It said that HRF has submitted a comprehensive investigative dossier, including geolocated videos, social media posts, and chain-of-command documentation, with the complaint. The HRF urged India immediately arrest Eitan Gilboa upon verification of the information provided by by them, in exercise of powers under Section 35(1)(c) of the BNSS read with Section 3 and Section 4 of the Geneva Conventions Act, 1960; register a First Information Report (FIR) under Section 3 of the Geneva Conventions Act, 1960 for grave breaches of the Fourth Geneva Convention and forward this complaint and all annexed material to the competent authorities for investigation and trial.

It said that if the arrest is not immediately effected, immediately alert the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Bureau of Immigration of the presence of Eitan Gilboa in Himachal Pradesh to facilitate his removal from Indian territory pending further proceedings; and ensure universal jurisdiction application, recognizing that these crimes affect the international community as a whole. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Bomb threat at California's Chase Bank; man barricades self inside

Asianet News Central — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 09:01:29 +0530

Reports of a bomb threat at the Chase Bank Building in California emerged after a man had barricaded himself inside the building with several community members.

Sharing details of the incident, the Bakersfield Police Department said that it received a call at about 1:00 PM (local time) regarding the reports of a bomb threat at the Chase Bank Building, located at Chester Avenue and 17th Street.

As per the police, during the investigation, it was found that an adult man subject had barricaded himself inside the building with several community members.

Police Response and Negotiations

While no injuries have been reported so far, officers responded to the scene and established a perimeter around the building and surrounding businesses to ensure public safety. Some community members were able to evacuate.

The statement said that at the time of its release, officers and members of the Crisis Negotiation Team remain in contact with the subject by telephone. No arrests have been made.

Community Update pic.twitter.com/ne6kxo84bi — Bakersfield Police Department (@bakersfieldpd) June 3, 2026

According to ABC News, Bakersfield Police Department Sgt. Eric Celedon told the reporters, "With the cooperation of our crisis negotiation team and the assistance of the FBI negotiation team, we were able to negotiate the safe surrender of one of the hostages".

"At this time, everybody else still remains in the building and everybody else remains in good health", he added.

Citing the police, it was further reported that the FBI and Department of Homeland Security are assisting, and other resources are coming in from throughout the state, police said.

According to the news outlet, several buildings in the surrounding area have been evacuated, police said.

"Every single resource is at this site's disposal -- SWAT team, bomb squad, K9 team, gang unit, negotiators, drone team -- every single asset we have to bring this to the safest conclusion is out here right now."

This is a developing story. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

India-Nepal Startup Partnership: 25 Nepali startups begin training

Asianet News Central — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 09:00:23 +0530

As India and Nepal deepen their engagements across all fronts, the second cohort of the India-Nepal Startup Partnership Network (IN-SPAN) programme commenced from Monday. Under this, 25 Nepali startups are undergoing an eight-week, fully-funded training and innovation programme at IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation in Chennai, the Embassy of India in Kathmandu said in a press statement.

As per the press release on Tuesday, the inauguration ceremony was attended by Professor Mangala Sundar, Professor Gaurav Raina, Professor Preeti Aghalayam and MJ Shankar Raman, CEO of IIT Madras Pravartak. Addressing the event virtually, Ambassador Naveen Srivastava appreciated the diverse cohort and encouraged the participants to explore collaboration with the Indian startup ecosystem.

About the IN-SPAN Programme

The India-Nepal Startup Partnership Network (IN-SPAN) is a fully-funded bilateral programme that brings together emerging Nepali entrepreneurs and the Indian technology and startup ecosystem. Delivered in collaboration with IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation, IN-SPAN aims to catalyse cross-border innovation, foster investment linkages, and build enduring entrepreneurial partnerships between India and Nepal.

Success of the First Cohort

The statement highlighted how the IN-SPAN's first cohort, conducted at IIT Madras Pravartak during December 2025 to January 2026, set an exceptional precedent. Selected through a competitive process from approximately 250 applications, the 24 participants represented sectors including cybersecurity, e-commerce, AI, edtech, healthcare, drone technology, cleantech, agritech, legal tech, climate tech, aerospace and fintech. Over a period of eight weeks, participants attended workshops by IIT Madras faculty, engaged with more than 25 CxOs of Indian startups, completed skill development modules in Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors and solar photovoltaics, and undertook internships at Indian startups. Most significantly, 9 Nepali startups received incubation and investment offers from the IIT Madras Incubation Cell (IITM IC) and IIT Madras Pravartak. IITM IC is one of India's premier deep tech incubators, with a combined portfolio valuation exceeding USD 6 billion.

Details of the Second Cohort

The statement underlined how, originally envisaged as an annual programme, the remarkable response from Nepal's startup community prompted the decision to advance the second cohort to June 2026, which is a testament to the programme's demonstrated impact and popularity. The second cohort comprises 25 startups selected from 380 applications across Nepal, representing a broad cross-section of high-growth industries: Artificial Intelligence, biotechnology, clean technology, fintech, health technology, agritech, e-commerce, mobility, manufacturing and construction technology, FMCG, aerospace, Internet of Things (IoT) and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

The Embassy extended its wishes to all the participants as they embark on this transformative journey of IN-SPAN. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Bahrain sounds emergency sirens as Kuwait intercepts missile attacks

Asianet News Central — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 06:30:30 +0530

The Bahraini Ministry of Interior announced on Wednesday that emergency warning sirens had been activated across the country, advising the public to seek immediate shelter amidst unfolding regional developments. In a post on X, the ministry instructed the populace to maintain composure and prioritise safety protocols, telling people to "remain calm and head to the nearest safe place". تم إطلاق صافرة الإنذار ،نرجو من المواطنين والمقيمين الهدوء والتوجه لأقرب مكان آمن ومتابعة الأخبار عبر القنوات الرسمية. — Ministry of Interior (@moi_bahrain) June 2, 2026

Kuwait Engages Aerial Threats

As Bahrain activated its emergency protocols, neighbouring Kuwait was already actively engaging incoming aerial threats. Kuwaiti authorities confirmed that the nation's air defence networks actively engaged and neutralised a wave of incoming missiles and drones during the early hours of Wednesday, following reports of loud detonations across multiple sectors of the country. This sudden escalation in hostilities coincided with assertions from Iran's state-controlled broadcaster, which maintained that American military installations stationed within Kuwait had been deliberately targeted as a countermeasure against recent Western manoeuvres across the Gulf region.

Official Confirmation and Public Safety Advisories

Providing immediate clarity on the detonations, an official communique released by the Kuwaiti Army's General Staff confirmed that the severe blasts reported by local residents were directly tied to operational defensive responses executed against incoming aerial threats. The military command announced that "Kuwaiti air defenses are currently confronting hostile missile and drone attacks. The General Staff of the Army notes that if explosion sounds are heard, they are the result of air defense systems intercepting the hostile attacks".

Following these intense defensive engagements, the military apparatus issued an immediate advisory cautioning the populace against approaching or handling any fallen remnants, shrapnel, or unidentifiable items, warning that such materials carry significant safety hazards. To further ensure public safety during the crisis, the authorities implored the public to strictly observe all safety directives broadcast by the appropriate administrative bodies.

Reinforcing these security protocols, Ministry of Defence spokesperson Colonel Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi appealed to both citizens and foreign residents to immediately contact emergency services via the 112 hotline upon discovering any anomalous debris. In tandem with the physical safety measures, Colonel Al-Otaibi additionally called on the public to completely disregard speculative accounts, urging them to verify developments exclusively through state-sanctioned information channels and comply with security mandates. The military leadership re-emphasised this directive, stating that "the General Staff of the Army calls on everyone to cooperate and adhere to the issued guidelines to preserve the security and safety of all".

Conflicting Narratives and Iranian Claims

While domestic security measures were being implemented on the ground, parallel regional media reports broadcast conflicting narratives regarding the source and target of the bombardment. Separately, Iran's state-run broadcaster IRIB asserted that American military infrastructure situated inside Kuwait had been struck in direct retaliation for what Tehran characterised as Washington's aggressive actions spanning the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and Qeshm Island. According to the Iranian state broadcaster's specific narrative: "Following the hostile actions of the U.S. in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and Qeshm Island, American bases in Kuwait were hit."

US Confirms Interception Amid Escalating Violence

While the claims of successful strikes on foreign assets could not be independently corroborated, the entire cross-border friction unfolds against a backdrop of rapidly deteriorating regional stability following recent direct military confrontations involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. This latest volley is part of an intensifying cycle of violence, following an incident on Monday, during which Kuwait announced it had successfully thwarted a separate barrage of missiles and drones, subsequently holding Iran "fully responsible for these heinous attacks". Concurrently, validating the ongoing nature of the threat to Western assets, the United States military's Central Command issued an operational update confirming that its localised forces had "successfully intercepted two Iranian ballistic missiles targeting American forces based in Kuwait". Providing further clarification regarding the status of their infrastructure and personnel following that engagement, CENTCOM announced in a post on X that "these missiles were immediately defeated and no American personnel were harmed". (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Aleema Khan demands independent judiciary, fair polls for any compromise

Asianet News Central — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 05:30:35 +0530

Aleema Khan, the sister of incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan, asserted that any acceptable compromise must entail the re-establishment of an independent judiciary and the conduct of transparent general elections, as Pakistani authorities once again blocked her from meeting the jailed leader, Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported.

The repeated denial of prisoner access highlights growing concerns over prison conditions and the selective application of legal rights under the current regime.

Speaking to journalists outside the high-security Adiala Jail on Tuesday, Aleema maintained that visiting the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) figurehead was their constitutional right. She pledged to persist with her visits to the facility, describing it as the sole method of mounting pressure on the "powers that be".

No Secret Deals, Transparency Demanded

Defending the party's core stance against state clampdowns on democratic institutions, she stated that "the family of Imran and party leaders will continue efforts for an independent judiciary and a free media".

When questioned about widespread speculation regarding a clandestine huddle between the PTI founder and a former army chief, she dismissed the reports as politically motivated fabrications, Dawn reported. She clarified that "no such meeting has taken place, and such rumours are circulated whenever political temperatures rise".

Aleema disclosed that she had questioned PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan over purported interactions with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. While Barrister Gohar confirmed the dialogue and cited official guarantees regarding prison access, she noted that these commitments failed to materialise. Instead of empty political promises, she insisted that immediate focus must be redirected towards securing appropriate medical treatment and care for the detained former premier. Furthermore, she demanded that if any political consultations or meetings were being conducted by the leadership, they must be executed "transparently and communicated openly to party members".

'Fear of Public Support': Allegations Against State

Slamming the heavy-handed security apparatus deployed around the detention facility, the PTI founder's sister charged that extensive blockades and traffic diversions exposed the administration's "fear of public support for Imran Khan".

She further alleged that the state apparatus was deliberately trying to suppress conversations surrounding her brother's deteriorating physical state, according to Dawn.

Aleema reiterated that the primary "objective of the current political efforts was the release of Imran Khan", adding that any lawmaker who actively facilitated his freedom would be hailed as a public hero.

Turning her attention to regional high-handedness, she strongly condemned systemic electoral manipulation, political victimisation, arbitrary detentions, exit bans, and the deployment of state force against political activists and contestants in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB).

The Only 'Deal' on the Table

"Governments resort to oppression when they lack public support, while popular movements draw strength from the backing of the people. Attempts are being made to silence the PTI founder, but he remains committed to his principles and is prepared to make personal sacrifices for his cause," Aleema stated.

Dismissing talk of underhand settlements for personal leverage, she maintained that the sole viable "deal" remained the return of judicial autonomy and the holding of genuine elections, which she described as vital pillars of democratic governance. She observed that seasoned political leaders like Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas were deliberately selected by the PTI founder for their political maturity. She urged that authorities immediately grant the jailed leader his statutory privileges, predicting that relentless public pressure would ultimately compel state stakeholders to the negotiating table.

KP CM Demands Medical Care for Khan

Meanwhile, exposing deepening anxieties within the opposition over the state's handling of the jailed leader, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi stated that their singular demand was for the immediate transfer of the PTI chief to Shifa International Hospital for urgent medical attention, Dawn reported.

Dismissing state-backed whispers of an internal mutiny against his administration, Afridi pointed out that no political faction could unseat the chief minister in KP apart from Imran. He warned of more sinister motives behind the administration's strict visitation bans, stating, "They want to do something with Imran Khan, and that is why they are not allowing a meeting with him."

Accusations of Economic Distraction

The Chief Minister also accused the federal government of using political distractions to mask the country's severe economic mismanagement. "The propaganda surrounding the forward bloc has begun to divert attention from the upcoming budget, under which the masses will once again be made to suffer," he stated.

Highlighting the economic distress facing the public under the current federal setup, Afridi concluded, "I would like to request you to keep focusing on the budget and Imran Khan's health. They have no foreign policy or any agenda for the masses. We have prepared the KP budget, which will be the best budget. However, the entire country will be affected by the federal budget."

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S Jaishankar hails B'desh FM Khalilur Rahman's election as UNGA head

Asianet News Central — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 04:00:42 +0530

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday extended greetings to Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on his election as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Jaishankar said he looked forward to working closely with the Bangladesh leader to advance shared priorities. "Congratulations to FM Dr. Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh on his election as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Look forward to working closely with him to advance our shared priorities and strengthen multilateral cooperation," Jaishankar said in a post on X.

Responding to Jaishankar's remarks, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish also congratulated Rahman. "Congratulations to PGA-elect Dr. Khalilur Rahman on his election as PGA81. India will always support multilateralism with the UN at its core. Wish you a very successful tenure," he said in a post on X.

Global Leaders Extend Congratulations

President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock also congratulated Rahman. "Congratulations to Mr. Khalilur Rahman on his election as President of the General Assembly at its 81st session! At a time when the UN is facing immense pressure, the role of the PGA is no longer simply procedural. I wish the PGA-elect nothing but success in guiding the work of all 193 Member States and defending the UN and its Charter during a particularly consequential 81st session."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the international organisation will benefit enormously from Rahman's political and diplomatic experience. "Congratulations to Dr. Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh on his election as President of the 81st UNGA session. We will benefit enormously from his remarkable political & diplomatic experience. I thank the current President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly Annalena Baerbock of Germany for her outstanding leadership, wisdom, guidance &commitment to the UN & multilateral solutions."

UNGA 81st Session Schedule

The 81st session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 81) will open September 8. The first day of the high-level General Debate will be September 22. (ANI)

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India-UK trade pact: Secretaries meet to resolve issues, speed up FTA

Asianet News Central — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 03:00:42 +0530

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal on Monday met UK Permanent Secretary Amanda Brooks on India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement implementation. He said in a post on X that they took stock of progress and worked though the sticking points. "Engaged in extensive discussions with UK Permanent Secretary Ms. Amanda Brooks on India-UK CETA implementation. Took stock of progress and worked though the sticking points, while exploring new pathways under India-UK CETA Global Trade Economic Partnership aligned with Viksit Bharat. Reaffirmed commitment to regular engagement with UK Government's Scotland Office for effective implementation," he said.

High-Level Meetings to Advance Trade Deal

UK Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle is in Delhi for progress in the trade relationship with India. According to a statement from the Government of the UK, the Business and Trade Secretary will meet India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi to advance the trade relationship. The two officials are scheduled to discuss bringing the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) into force as quickly as possible.

The push for implementation of the agreement comes amid widespread international trade volatility. Once implemented, the FTA is set to liberalize 99 per cent of UK tariffs and 90 per cent of Indian tariffs, aiming to make exports and trade between the two markets cheaper, quicker, and easier.

During his visit, the Trade Secretary will also meet with Indian and British industry leaders to help businesses prepare for the upcoming deal.

Significance of the India-UK FTA

"The UK-India FTA is the biggest and most economically significant bilateral trade deal the UK has agreed since leaving the European Union. It covers 30 chapters - including standalone chapters on gender, innovation, environment, and labour - making it one of the most comprehensive trade deals that India has ever signed," the UK government said in a statement.

This trip follows a trade mission to India late last year by the UK Prime Minister and the Trade Secretary, who were joined in Mumbai by 125 prominent British CEOs, entrepreneurs, and business leaders to secure corporate opportunities.

Speaking on the progression of the trade agreement, Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said, "From whisky to automotives, this landmark deal will unlock massive opportunities for businesses and consumers in the UK and India."

"I'm here in New Delhi to progress implementing this win-win agreement, which is worth billions to our economies. I look forward to working with Piyush Goyal to make sure everybody can start to feel the benefits as soon as possible," the Trade Secretary said.

The UK Government stated that it remains committed to providing the certainty and stability businesses require to achieve growth during difficult economic periods. (ANI)

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Veteran diplomat Vipul to be India's new envoy to Saudi Arabia

Asianet News Central — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 03:00:24 +0530

Veteran diplomat Vipul has been appointed as India's next ambassador to Saudi Arabia, an assignment widely regarded as a critical deployment in light of the Gulf country's expanding regional influence and the highly volatile geopolitical crisis in West Asia.

The 1998-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer is currently serving as New Delhi's envoy to Qatar, bringing extensive regional experience to his upcoming assignment. Announcing the diplomatic transition, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, "He is expected to take up the assignment shortly."

Distinguished Diplomatic Career

This vital appointment aligns with his distinguished diplomatic tenure, during which the incoming envoy has been posted to various Indian diplomatic missions worldwide, including critical assignments in Cairo, Colombo, Geneva, and Dubai. Throughout these international postings, his extensive career in the foreign service has seen him manage diverse portfolios encompassing political and commercial relations, development cooperation, disarmament, international security, and media affairs.

In addition to his field experience, Vipul has contributed significantly to policymaking from within the capital, having completed a tenure as a Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs between 2014 and 2017. He subsequently assumed the role of Consul General of India in Dubai from 2017 to 2020.

West Asian Expertise

Building further on his regional specialisation, he brought his West Asian expertise back to headquarters upon his return from the United Arab Emirates, serving as Joint Secretary (Gulf) in the MEA from 2020 to 2023, before being deployed as India's Ambassador to Qatar, where he has been serving since August 2023.

Strategic Importance and Academic Background

Alongside his extensive diplomatic credentials, the envoy possesses a strong academic background. Prior to entering the diplomatic corps, Vipul graduated in mechanical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, in 1994 and also holds an MBA degree from the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad. His deep knowledge of Gulf affairs is expected to play a central role in managing New Delhi and Riyadh's robust, comprehensive strategic partnership, which remains underscored by profound economic integration, energy security, and mutual defence cooperation. Driven by shared long-term interests under their respective leaderships, this vital bilateral relationship has rapidly transitioned from a traditional buyer-seller dynamic into a multifaceted geopolitical and economic alliance.

(ANI)

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IAEA to support UAE after drone strike on Barakah nuclear plant

Asianet News Central — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 02:30:25 +0530

IAEA Confirms Support After Drone Attack

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi has confirmed that the global nuclear watchdog is extending comprehensive support to the United Arab Emirates following an official visit to the nuclear power facility that was targeted in a drone strike last month, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

Grossi stated that Emirati officials had demonstrated an exceptionally rapid operational response to the incident at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, swiftly executing a reactor shutdown sequence immediately after the installation suffered a loss of external power. The IAEA chief further indicated that a series of technical assessments and operational activities are scheduled to take place to ensure the complete resolution of repairs at the facility. According to Al Jazeera, Grossi did not provide any further specific details regarding the exact nature or timeline of the forthcoming maintenance work at the power plant.

Details of the Drone Strike

This critical international intervention comes after a drone strike triggered a fire at the United Arab Emirates' sole nuclear power facility on 17 May, an incident that was subsequently confirmed by state authorities. Despite the gravity of the attack, the United Arab Emirates has refrained from pointing fingers at any specific nation for the aerial assault, and no faction has stepped forward to claim responsibility for the incident.

UAE Defence Ministry's Response

According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, an active investigation is currently being conducted to ascertain the launch point of the unmanned aerial vehicles. Detailing the interception, defence officials noted that anti-aircraft systems successfully neutralised two drones, whereas a third managed to impact a power generator adjacent to the nuclear installation. The defence ministry further disclosed that the inbound drones had crossed over from the "western border" but abstained from offering any additional information regarding their exact origin.

Providing further geographical context to the impact, information released by the Abu Dhabi Media Office detailed that the drone impacted an electrical generator situated outside the heavily secured inner perimeter of the nuclear energy complex. Following the impact, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) verified that the strike ignited a fire in the vicinity of the plant, noting that a reactor was forced to temporarily pivot to emergency diesel generators for power. Underscoring the broader dangers of targeting such infrastructure, the atomic agency emphasised: "Military activity that threatens nuclear safety is unacceptable."

Broader Implications and Regional Context

The targeting of the Barakah installation has caused significant concern because the facility, which commenced commercial operations in 2020, generates approximately 25 per cent of the electricity supply for the United Arab Emirates. Constructed via technical collaboration with South Korea, the facility holds the distinction of being the sole operational nuclear power hub in the Middle East.

This vulnerability marks a major escalation in regional friction, as the cross-border strike on 17 May represents the inaugural documented assault directed near the critical energy installation since regional hostilities intensified at the start of the year. These hostile actions are closely linked to a wider theatre of war. Since the outbreak of the armed conflict following joint US-Israeli military operations against Iran on 28 February, Tehran has consistently aimed strikes at the UAE, alongside other Gulf nations that provide basing facilities for American military forces, with multiple operations impacting civilian zones and vital energy assets. (ANI)

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Amit Shah meets Nepal's RSP leader Rabi Lamichhane, vows to boost ties

Asianet News Central — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 01:30:30 +0530

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday met a delegation led by Rabi Lamichhane, Chairman, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) of Nepal, and both sides expressed their firm resolve to work together to enhance the special ties between the two countries.

The Home Minister congratulated Lamichhane on RSP's victory in the elections and conveyed India's best wishes for the success of the new government.

"The Home Minister congratulated Shri Lamichhane on RSP's victory in the elections and conveyed India's best wishes for the success of the new government. Both sides expressed their firm resolve to work together for enhancing the special ties between India and Nepal," it added.

Dialogue on Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Lamichhane also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

"It was wonderful to meet with India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, in New Delhi today. We held a constructive dialogue on strengthening Nepal-India relations, focusing on our development partnership, and multifaceted engagements," Lamichhane said in a post on X.

Jaishankar said their discussions focused on the India-Nepal development partnership and people-to-people ties.

"A pleasure to meet Nepal's Rastriya Swatantra Party Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane and his delegation today in Delhi. Our discussions focused on the India-Nepal development partnership and people-to-people ties. These have a crucial role in promoting growth and prosperity," Jaishankar said in a post on X.

Part of Regular High-Level Contacts

Lamichhane's visit to India is a part of the regular contacts between the political parties of the two countries.

"We have a multifaceted partnership with Nepal that includes government-to-government, people-to-people, and cultural relations. We value these contacts as they help in further strengthening and deepening our friendly partnership," MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in weekly media briefing. (ANI)

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Germany scraps airport transit visa for Indian nationals from June 3

Asianet News Central — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:01:49 +0530

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday welcomed Germany's decision to waive airport transit visa requirements for Indian nationals transiting through the country exclusively by air, noting that the move is expected to significantly strengthen connectivity and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

In a post on X, the MEA said the move operationalises an earlier announcement made following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during the latter's visit to India in January 2026. The move will come into effect from June 3. "We welcome the operationalisation by Germany of the announcement waiving the requirement of transit visa for Indian nationals transiting through Germany, exclusively by air, with effect from June 03, 2026. The announcement was made after discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor Friedrich Merz during the latter's visit to India in January 2026. This new arrangement would further enhance people-to-people ties between India and Germany," the MEA stated in its post.

Indian nationals will no longer require an airport transit visa while travelling to a third country through German airports, in a move aimed at facilitating travel and strengthening people-to-people and economic ties between the two countries.

German Embassy Confirms Move

In an official press note, the German Embassy in India said that the exemption from the airport transit visa requirement was published in the Federal Law Gazette (Bundesgesetzblatt) on June 2 and will come into effect from June 3. "Indian nationals will no longer require a transit visa when travelling to another country with a layover at a German airport," the embassy statement read.

According to the German Embassy, the decision implements an outcome of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to India in January this year and reflects the German government's commitment to deepening bilateral ties with India. The embassy said the measure is expected to ease travel for Indian citizens transiting through Germany and contribute to greater mobility between the two countries. It further noted that the decision underscores Germany's efforts to strengthen economic cooperation and enhance people-to-people exchanges with India. "This implements a result of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz's trip to India in January of this year. It underlines the Federal Government's commitment to deepening German Indian relations, facilitating the movement of people, and further strengthening economic ties," the statement added.

Benefits for Indian Travellers

The move is likely to benefit a large number of Indian travellers who use German airports as transit hubs while travelling to destinations across Europe, North America and other regions. (ANI)

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Indian envoy visits Azerbaijan's Ganja, honours poet Nizami Ganjavi

Asianet News Central — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:01:36 +0530

Indian Ambassador Abhay Kumar, undertook a visit to the regions of Ganja, Goygol and Shamkir in Azerbaijan to learn more about their rich historical, cultural and natural heritage, an official statemnet said.

Honouring a Literary Legacy in Ganja

The Ambassador visited the Mausoleum of Nizami Ganjavi, one of the greatest poet and thinker of Azerbaijan, honouring his enduring literary legacy. Ganjavi was the author of the celebrated Khamsa ('Five Treasures').

He also explored the 'Nizami Ganjavi: Predecessors and Successors Park,' dedicated to the distinguished literary and cultural figures of the Ganja school. Featuring monuments to Nizami Ganjavi and other prominent poets, scholars and thinkers associated with the region, the park reflects Azerbaijan's rich intellectual and cultural heritage.

Exploring Goygol's Natural and Cultural Heritage

In Goygol district, Ambassador Kumar met Yusif Kazimov, Director of Goygol National Park, and learned about the park's unique biodiversity, natural heritage and environmental conservation efforts. He learnt the initiatives undertaken to preserve the region's ecological wealth and promote sustainable tourism.

The Ambassador further engaged with the history and culture of Goygol at the Goygol District History and Local Lore Museum, where he met the Museum Director, Gulshah Zeynalova. He explored the museum's collections highlighting the history, archaeology and cultural legacy of the region. At the Goygol Cultural Center, he was briefed on efforts to preserve and promote local cultural traditions. He also appreciated Goygol's well-preserved 19th-century architecture, which remains an important part of the district's cultural identity.

Discovering Shamkir's Medieval History

In Shamkir, Ambassador learned about the historical significance of the Shamkir Fortress, a protected archaeological site which served as a major urban centre from early medieval times until the 13th century. Its citadel, inner city and outer settlement areas offer valuable insights into Azerbaijan's medieval urban planning, architecture and cultural development.

He also met Gunel Rzayeva, Director of the Shamkir Museum of History and Local Lore, and explored the museum's rich collection of more than 5,800 exhibits showcasing the history and cultural heritage of the Shamkir region, and Azerbaijan. The collection includes archaeological artefacts dating back to the Neolithic period, traditional household items, coins, musical instruments and examples of Azerbaijani national costumes. Ambassador learnt the museum's important role in preserving and promoting the region's historical legacy.

The visit provided an opportunity to gain deeper insight into the rich cultural, historical and natural heritage of western Azerbaijan and to further strengthen cultural understanding and people-to-people ties between India and Azerbaijan. (ANI)

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INS Sudarshini concludes Antigua port call, boosts maritime ties

Asianet News Central — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:01:07 +0530

INS Sudarshini Enhances Maritime Ties in Antigua

INS Sudarshini departed Antigua on May 31 after concluding a four-day port call that marked an important milestone in India's maritime outreach and engagement with Caribbean nations under the ongoing Lokayan 26 expedition. The visit enhanced maritime cooperation between India and Antigua, as per a statement by the Ministry of Defence.

During the visit, the ship hosted several dignitaries, including Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. The Commanding Officer also called on Brigadier Telbert Benjamin, Chief of Defence Staff of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF).

Professional exchanges strengthened linkages between the two maritime forces. The ship was opened for visitors, providing them with an opportunity to experience the unique heritage and sail-training traditions of the Indian Navy, as per the statement.

The visit underscored India's commitment to fostering enduring maritime partnerships and promoting goodwill in line with the vision of MAHASAGAR and Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam- The World is One Family. The ship now proceeds to the United States to participate in the International Naval Review and SAIL 250 celebrations commemorating the 250th anniversary of American Independence.

Pivotal Milestone at Canary Islands

Earlier on April 27, the Indian Navy's Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini concluded a landmark three-day port call at Las Palmas, Canary Islands, marking a pivotal milestone in its Lokayan-26 transoceanic expedition. The visit to the Spanish archipelago provided an important avenue for maritime diplomacy and professional engagement.

The Commanding Officer of INS Sudarshini met Rear Admiral Santiago de Colsa Trueba, Chief of Canary Islands Naval Command. The exchange highlighted the strengthening of bilateral ties and a deepening partnership between the two navies. During the port call, the ship was open to the public and drew a large number of visitors from the local community and the Indian diaspora. Showcasing India's seafaring legacy, the vessel hosted guided tours where personnel shared invaluable experiences of ocean sailing, fostering bonds of friendship across the seas. (ANI)

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South Africa hails India as 'pharmacy of the world' for medical aid

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 23:30:50 +0530

In a major boost to India's global healthcare standing, South Africa has hailed New Delhi as the "pharmacy of the world", expressing deep gratitude for its critical medical assistance to the African continent amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak.

The remarks were made by South Africa's Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Anna Thandi Moraka, who is currently in New Delhi as part of a high-level delegation led by South African Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile. In an interaction with ANI, Moraka also confirmed a massive diplomatic development, stating that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will travel to India this September to attend the high-profile BRICS Summit.

'Pharmacy of the World'

"India is always globally regarded as the pharmacy of the world. We continue to get a lot of pharmaceutical products to the continent of Africa, not only due to the current outbreak of Ebola," Moraka told ANI, emphasising the life-saving impact of the India-Africa strategic healthcare alliance.

"India has always been supporting African member states in the fight against HIV and AIDS, because you know that it has been a serious challenge on the continent of Africa. It is because of the partnership and the cooperation at a strategic level within the health sector between African Member States and the Republic of India," she added, calling for the maintenance of these vital ties.

BRICS Summit and Strategic Partnership

Extending Pretoria's full backing to New Delhi's ongoing BRICS Chairmanship, the Deputy Minister expressed high expectations for the upcoming leadership summit in September. "We want to take this opportunity and wish India all the very best of luck during the chairmanship of BRICS, and we want to indicate that South Africa, through our President, President Cyril Ramaphosa, will be attending the BRICS Summit that will be happening in India in September. We're looking forward to a more strategic partnership that can advance the interests of the countries of the global south," she stated.

Invitation to PM Modi and Shared Vision

Underlining a shared geopolitical vision, Moraka also revealed that South Africa has extended an open invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the country to jointly navigate an increasingly volatile international landscape. "We are here in India, and we have been inviting the Prime Minister of India to come to South Africa, so that we can continuously engage on these important global developments, because the world has always been experiencing the ever-changing global balance of forces. So we need to be closer to each other as progressive partners," she said.

Historical Bonds and Economic Framework

Invoking the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, the Deputy Minister concluded by noting that the foundational bond between the two nations has successfully evolved into a robust economic framework driving trade and investments today. (ANI)

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Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing arrives in Mumbai, welcomed

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 22:00:28 +0530

Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma welcomed the President of Myanmar, U Min Aung Hlaing, upon his arrival in Mumbai at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Minister of Protocol Jaykumar Rawal was also present.

@maha_governor Jishnu Dev Varma welcomed the President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing upon his arrival in Mumbai at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Minister of Protocol @JaykumarRawal was also present. pic.twitter.com/98y7J3VqWV — Governor of Maharashtra (@maha_governor) June 2, 2026

JNPA was honoured to host H.E. Mr. Min Aung Hlaing, President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. He was warmly welcomed by our Chairperson, Shri Gaurav Dayal, IAS, along with HoDs and senior officials.#JNPA #MaritimeCooperation #IndiaMyanmar #LogisticsSector… pic.twitter.com/DMKMh2l07e — जवाहरलाल नेहरू पत्तन प्राधिकरण (JNPA) (@JNPort) June 2, 2026

Visit to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority

He also visited Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) at Navi Mumbai. In a post on X, it said, "JNPA was honoured to host H.E. Mr. Min Aung Hlaing, President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. He was warmly welcomed by our Chairperson, Shri Gaurav Dayal, IAS, along with HoDs and senior officials."

India, Myanmar Agree to Enhance Bilateral Trade

India and Myanmar on Monday agreed to facilitate and enhance bilateral trade through the Rupee-Kyat settlement mechanism and backed closer cooperation in agro-processing, petroleum, energy and mining.

According to a joint statement issued following Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing's high-level talks earlier today, "Both sides agreed to facilitate and enhance bilateral trade, including through the Rupee-Kyat settlement mechanism, and appreciated the steady growth in the volume of transactions recorded since its operationalisation in May 2024."

"Both sides also expressed support for closer trade and investment cooperation in the areas of mutual interest, such as agro-processing, petroleum, energy, and mining sectors, in accordance with their respective national laws and regulations," it added.

The Myanmar president is on an official visit to India from May 30 to June 3 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is Min Aung Hlaing's first foreign visit after he assumed the charge as the President of the Southeast Asian country back in April.

During their talks earlier today at the Hyderabad House in the national capital, PM Modi and President Hlaing reviewed bilateral, regional and global issues. According to the joint statement, PM Modi stated that Myanmar "lies at the confluence of India's Neighbourhood First, Act East and MAHASAGAR policies," and discussions covered trade and economic ties, defence and security, border management, development assistance and cultural exchanges. (ANI)

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US hosts Israel-Lebanon talks despite ceasefire threats, hostilities

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 21:30:33 +0530

Amid Israel's escalating military operations in southern Lebanon, despite a ceasefire between the two sides, the high-level talks between them commenced at the US State Department on Tuesday, CNN reported, even as the hostilities threaten to derail ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran.

According to CNN, citing officials, the latest round of discussions is being led from the US side by US Deputy National Security Adviser Mike Needham and US State Department Counsellor Dan Holler, while Israel and Lebanon are represented by their respective ambassadors to the United States. Officials did not respond to questions from reporters during a brief photo opportunity at the start of the meeting.

Background of the Diplomatic Talks

The talks come amid continued Israeli strikes on Lebanon targeting Hezbollah camps in the southern region of the country, despite an extended ceasefire arrangement between Israel and Lebanon following the last round of talks. On May 15, the US stated that it facilitated two days of "constructive talks" between Israel and Lebanon at the State Department, with both sides agreeing to a 45-day extension of the April 16 cessation of hostilities agreement to allow space for the security track to advance effectively.

In a statement, US State Department Spokesperson Thomas "Tommy" Pigott said that the meeting resulted in a framework agreement aimed at advancing long-term peace and stabilisation along their shared border. The two countries had also agreed on a negotiation framework focused on achieving lasting peace, mutual recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and establishing "genuine security" along the border between Israel and Lebanon. He added that a separate security track will be launched at the Pentagon on May 29, involving military delegations from both countries to improve coordination and communication with US facilitation.

Security Track Discussions at the Pentagon

According to CNN, military delegations from both sides had already begun working-level security discussions at the Pentagon on Friday.

Israel Escalates Military Operations

This comes in the wake of the worsening security situation in Lebanon, where Israeli military operations have resulted in significant casualties and damage, as well as making territorial gains on the southern side of Lebanon. On Sunday, Netanyahu said Israeli forces have "captured" Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon despite the ongoing ceasefire between the two sides and instructed the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to further "expand the incursion" in Lebanon.

"Last night, our heroic fighters captured the Beaufort castle. They proudly raised the flag of the State of Israel and the flag of the Golani Brigade there," Netanyahu said in a televised statement. "I remind you that 44 years ago, this place was a symbol of a heroic battle by our fighters, but it was also a symbol of deep division among us. Today, we returned to Beaufort differently. We returned united, determined, and stronger than ever," he added.

Netanyahu further stated that the capture marks a significant turn in Israel's military campaign, reflecting unity and determination among Israeli forces.

Iran Threatens to Halt Dialogue

On Monday, Netanyahu and Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz had instructed the country's defence forces to conduct strikes against terror targets in Beirut in response to what it has called Hezbollah's repeated violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon. Following such actions, Iranian Parliament Speaker MB Ghalibaf, who is also the head of the Iranian negotiation team, has warned that if Israel's attacks continue, Iran will "not only halt the dialogue process" with the US but will also "stand firmly against them".

Trump's Heated Call with Netanyahu

US President Donald Trump also lashed out at Netanyahu during a heated telephone conversation on Monday, holding the Israeli leader responsible for generating global animosity towards his nation, Axios reported. The confrontation was triggered after Iran issued a warning threatening to halt diplomatic engagements. This prompted an aggressive intervention from the US President, who at one point yelled at Netanyahu, "What the f*** are you doing?"

According to a US official cited by Axios, Trump expressed immense frustration over what he perceived as a disproportionate military response to Hezbollah's strikes on Israel. (ANI)

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Germany waives airport transit visa for Indian nationals from June 3

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 21:30:27 +0530

Indian nationals will no longer require an airport transit visa while travelling to a third country through German airports, the German Embassy in New Delhi announced on Monday, in a move aimed at facilitating travel and strengthening people-to-people and economic ties between the two countries. In an official press note, the embassy said the exemption from the airport transit visa requirement was published in the Federal Law Gazette (Bundesgesetzblatt) on June 2 and will come into effect from June 3. "Indian nationals will no longer require a transit visa when travelling to another country with a layover at a German airport," the embassy statement read.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

"This implements a result of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz's trip to India in January of this year. It underlines the Federal Government's commitment to deepening German Indian relations, facilitating the movement of people, and further strengthening economic ties," the statement added.

The move is likely to benefit a large number of Indian travellers who use German airports as transit hubs while travelling to destinations across Europe, North America and other regions.

France's Similar Move

In April, France removed the airport transit visa requirement for Indian nationals holding ordinary passports, easing travel for passengers transiting through French airports on their way to third-country destinations. The measure follows an announcement made by French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to India in February 2026, when he said steps would be taken to facilitate travel for Indian citizens through France.

Under the revised rules, which came into effect on April 10, Indian nationals possessing ordinary passports no longer need an airport transit visa when passing through the international transit zone of airports located in France. "Indian nationals possessing an ordinary passport are no longer required to hold an airport transit visa when passing through the international zone of airports located on French territory," an official release stated.

The exemption applies to passengers who remain within the international transit area during a layover at a French airport while travelling onwards to a third country. (ANI)

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World Hindu Congress 2026 to be held in Mumbai from December 18-20

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 21:00:26 +0530

The World Hindu Congress (WHC) 2026 will be held in Mumbai from December 18 to December 20, bringing together Hindu leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, educators, media professionals and activists from across the world to discuss issues related to Hindu society, development and global cooperation.

According to a press release issued on Monday, the event will be hosted at the Jio World Convention Centre under the theme "Samanam Vratam Saha Cittam -- Shared Commitment: Collective Resolve".

Event Leadership and Significance

The organisers said that the congress assumes special significance as it will be held during the centenary year of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, which is marking its "Shatabdi Varsh" (centenary year). Industrialist Ajay Piramal, Chairman of the Piramal Group, has been named Chairperson of WHC 2026, while Vishad Mafatlal and Mahesh Bhagchandka will serve as Co-Chairpersons.

Seven Parallel Conferences

The three-day event will feature seven parallel conferences covering areas including economics, education, media, politics, women's leadership, youth engagement and organisational development. These include the World Hindu Economic Forum, Hindu Education Conference, Hindu Media Conference, Hindu Political Conference, Hindu Women Conference, Hindu Youth Conference and Hindu Organisational Conference.

A Call for Unity and Collective Action

Speaking about the event, Swami Vigyananand said the congress comes at a time when Hindus around the world are increasingly visible and influential and called for greater unity and collective action to address contemporary challenges. "Hindus today are more visible, accepted, and respected than ever in the past century. With a strong commitment to protecting and advancing Hindu interests, we must also accelerate the realisation of global Hindu aspirations. Simultaneously, we need to confront immense challenges with unity, determination, and collective resolve. It is deeply significant that WHC 2026 comes in the centenary year of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, a moment that calls on every Hindu to renew their commitment to the civilisational values that have sustained us through millennia," he stated.

Chairperson's Vision for a Prosperous World

Ajay Piramal said the Congress would seek to channel the entrepreneurial and intellectual energy of Hindus worldwide towards building a more prosperous and values-driven society. "The World Hindu Congress is a platform unlike any other. It is where Hindu thought meets global ambition. As we gather in Mumbai this December, I look forward to channelling the collective enterprise and intellectual energy of Hindus worldwide toward building a more prosperous, just, and Dharmic world," he said.

He added that organisers expect participation from more than 4,500 delegates representing over 60 countries.

About the World Hindu Congress

According to the organisers, previous editions of the World Hindu Congress were held in New Delhi in 2014, Chicago in 2018 and Bangkok in 2023. More than 6,500 participants from over 60 countries have attended the congress across its previous editions.

The World Hindu Congress is held once every four years and aims to provide a platform for networking, exchange of ideas and collaboration among members of the global Hindu community. It operates under the philosophy "Yato Dharmastato Jaya", meaning "Where there is Dharma, there is victory." (ANI)

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UK Foreign Secretary to visit India; FTA, trade, security on agenda

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 20:31:03 +0530

UK Foreign Secretary to Visit India

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is set to visit India soon, with discussions expected to focus on the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), trade and investment, as well as security and defence cooperation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday. Details of the visit are still awaited.

Speaking at the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "On the visit of the Foreign Secretary of the UK, we will keep you informed of the schedule. Our relationship with the United Kingdom involves a large gamut of issues, including economic, security, and defence cooperation. When the Foreign Secretary is here, we will discuss all these issues, including the Free Trade Agreement and how we can scale up our trade and investment ties. The Trade Secretary is also currently in India, and the Ministry of Commerce will likely provide a readout of those meetings."

Push for Free Trade Agreement

Meanwhile, UK Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle is in New Delhi to advance the next phase of the £48 billion (approximately USD 64.7 billion) trade relationship between the two countries.

According to a statement issued by the UK Government, Kyle is scheduled to meet Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to further strengthen bilateral trade ties.

The two leaders are expected to discuss steps to bring the bilateral Free Trade Agreement into force at the earliest.

FTA Benefits Amid Global Uncertainty

The UK Government said efforts to advance the agreement come at a time of heightened global trade uncertainty. It noted that ongoing geopolitical tensions and disruptions to major trade routes have increased the importance of strengthening economic partnerships.

Once implemented, the FTA is expected to eliminate tariffs on 99 per cent of UK exports to India and reduce tariffs on 90 per cent of Indian exports to the UK, making trade between the two countries cheaper, faster and easier.

During his visit, Kyle will also meet Indian and British industry leaders to help businesses prepare for the implementation of the agreement. (ANI)

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PM Modi's Norway visit historic, substantial: Norwegian envoy to India

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:30:29 +0530

Norwegian envoy to India May-Elin Stener on Tuesday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Norway as "historic and substantial", saying it delivered concrete outcomes, elevated bilateral ties to a Green Strategic Partnership and advanced economic cooperation through a USD 100 billion investment commitment under the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).

'Historic and Substantial' Visit

In an interview with ANI, Stener said the visit marked a significant milestone in India-Norway relations, coming 43 years after the last visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Nordic nation. "I said before the summit that this was a historic visit, and indeed it was. It had been 43 years since the last time an Indian Prime Minister visited Norway. But now, what we can say after the visit is that it was also a very substantial one with very concrete outcomes. There were about 30 agreements signed during the visit, and we have elevated the partnership between Norway and India to a green strategic partnership," she told ANI.

Prime Minister Modi visited Norway from May 18 to 19 and also participated in the India-Nordic Summit, where leaders discussed cooperation in trade, technology, energy, climate action and innovation.

Economic Partnership and Investment

Stener pointed out the economic outcomes of the visit, stating that the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which includes Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, includes a commitment to facilitate USD 100 billion in investments and job creation over the next 15 years. "Well, there was the India-Nordic Summit as part of the Prime Minister's visit to Norway. Two of the Nordic countries, namely Norway and Iceland, are part of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement that has already entered into force. There are the other EFTA countries as well--Switzerland and Liechtenstein--in addition to Norway and Iceland. As part of that agreement, there is a commitment to invest $100 billion in the course of the next 15 years and also to create jobs," she said.

Stener also said that Norway sees significant opportunities in India's rapidly growing economy and is encouraging Norwegian businesses to explore investment and partnership opportunities across the country.

During her interview with ANI, she highlighted India's emergence as a major global economic power and pointed to cities such as Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam as key centres for technology, healthcare, med-tech and port-led development, where the two countries can deepen cooperation. "What I see as my role as Ambassador of Norway to India is to promote India as a destination. India is the fastest-growing economy in the world, and it is a big economy. It is now the fourth-biggest economy, set to be the third-biggest quite soon. So, this is a huge market. For example, one month ago, I travelled to Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. I visited Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam. These are both very important hubs for the tech industries, medical industries, and med-tech. Visakhapatnam is also a very important port. These are areas where we have agreed to cooperate, and it is very important that we tell Norwegian businesses that this is where it is happening; you should be there, you should invest, and you should be part of this growth story," she told ANI.

A Values-Based Technology Partnership

Asked whether Norway sees India as a long-term technology partner, Stener answered in the affirmative. "We definitely do. That is also an important outcome of the Nordic-India Summit: all five Nordic countries and India, as democratic nations, have a values-based partnership. We all believe in a rules-based world order. You mentioned the Middle East and the disruptions there, such as the closure of the Hormuz Strait; it really shows that we need to work together in these times," the Norwegian envoy said.

Invoking the benefits of deeper India-Norway economic cooperation, Stener told ANI that recent agreements are already translating into tangible projects, citing an LNG supply agreement with an Indian fertiliser company as an example of how Norwegian investments and energy partnerships can support India's industrial growth while also ensuring reliable energy supplies for critical sectors. "For trade and investments, the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement that India has with EFTA and the recently signed EU FTA provide really important, good frameworks for this cooperation, setting a solid base for the future. Let me just mention one example: the Norwegian company Equinor. Two weeks ago, they had their first delivery of LNG into India. This is part of a 15-year commitment--an agreement they have with Deepak Fertilizers. This is really securing the energy for the production of these fertilizers, which are very important for India," she said.

Arctic Research and Climate Cooperation

Highlighting growing cooperation in Arctic research and climate science, Stener said India and Norway are working together to better understand the impact of climate change, particularly the link between melting Arctic ice and India's monsoon patterns. "The Arctic is, of course, crucial for Norway. About 15% of our area and about 10% of our people are north of the Arctic Circle. For us, it is an area of strategic interest. India is taking an interest too, which we appreciate very much. I think this is first and foremost for reasons of climate change. There is a lot of research going on at Svalbard, the Norwegian island in the Arctic. The connections between the ice melting in the Arctic and the monsoons here in India are real, and how they affect each other is something that is being explored. When we have good research, we can also look at solutions. In this way, the Indo-Pacific and the Arctic belong together, and we need to continue working on these issues," she said.

Maritime Cooperation and the Blue Economy

On maritime cooperation and the blue economy, Stener said both countries can benefit from closer collaboration. "On the blue economy generally, Norway has long been a big maritime power. We have a very big coastline, and India is also a big maritime power. We can work together, particularly on technological solutions from Norway that many Norwegian actors are looking to scale up here in India. That is definitely what this summit has established: that we will work more on these areas. The partnership is definitely much stronger after this summit," the Norwegian envoy told ANI.

Stener also pointed to the growing frequency of high-level exchanges between the two countries. "In the last year, there were three Norwegian cabinet ministers visiting India. Before the Prime Minister's visit, three Indian cabinet ministers visited Norway. So, the exchange is very much happening, and I am quite confident that it will be at an even higher level in the next year and in the times to come," she added. (ANI)

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India calls for dialogue in West Asia amid rising Israel-Lebanon tension

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:01:55 +0530

India Urges Dialogue and Diplomacy

India on Monday reiterated its call for dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability in West Asia amid escalating tensions in Lebanon due to increased Israeli military operations and Iran's call for suspension of peace talks with the US due to such actions.

Responding to a question during the weekly media briefing on the ongoing Israeli military offensive in Lebanon and its wider regional implications, MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has been closely monitoring developments in the region.

"We have been closely following the developments in the West Asia region and our point right from the very beginning has been that dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward for achieving an early return of peace and stability," Jaiswal said.

He added that India continues to convey this position consistently in its engagements with all concerned parties.

Israel Escalates Offensive in Lebanon

On Sunday, Netanyahu said Israeli forces have "captured" Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon despite the ongoing ceasefire between the two sides and instructed the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to further "expand the incursion" in Lebanon.

"Last night, our heroic fighters captured the Beaufort castle. They proudly raised the flag of the State of Israel and the flag of the Golani Brigade there," Netanyahu said in a televised statement.

"I remind you that 44 years ago, this place was a symbol of a heroic battle by our fighters, but it was also a symbol of deep division among us. Today, we returned to Beaufort differently. We returned united, determined, and stronger than ever," he added.

Netanyahu further stated that the capture marks a significant turn in Israel's military campaign, reflecting unity and determination among Israeli forces.

Regional and International Fallout

Following such actions, Iranian Parliament Speaker MB Ghalibaf, who is also the head of the Iranian negotiation team, has warned that if Israel's attacks continue, Iran will "not only halt the dialogue process" with the US but will also "stand firmly against them".

The confrontation was triggered after Iran issued a warning threatening to halt diplomatic engagements. This prompted an aggressive intervention from the US President, who at one point yelled at Netanyahu, "What the f*** are you doing?"

According to a US official cited by Axios, Trump expressed immense frustration over what he perceived as a disproportionate military response to Hezbollah's strikes on Israel.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Nepal PM's border remark sparks protest, opposition demands resignation

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:01:19 +0530

Opposition Protests Spark Parliamentary Disruption

Opposition parties in Nepal's House of Representatives have continued their protest against the statement of Prime Minister over border demanding his resignation.

The opposition lawmakers who continued to picket the rostrum of the parliament chanting slogans demanding resignation of the Prime Minister Balendra Shah over his remarks on border issues on Sunday.

Lawmakers Demand Resignation, Cite National Interest

Lawmakers raised objections over the Prime Minister's statement made on May 31, in which he reportedly suggested that Nepal had encroached upon Indian territory. Opposition parties argued that the remarks were serious enough to require either an apology or resignation.

"What the Supreme Executive Chief of our country said in this sovereign parliament is a matter known to everyone here. This is a seriously objectionable matter. It is against the national interest. It is a matter that will affect sovereignty and geographical integrity. If this was done by mistake or unintentional slip of the tongue, then it should not be allowed to continue for too long. It is causing great damage to the country. If this was done intentionally, then this is a seriously objectionable matter. We believe that he should resign on this matter," CPN-UML lawmaker Ganesh Singh Thagunna said.

Similarly, Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) lawmaker Khushbu Oli criticized what she described as a tendency to defend political leaders even by undermining national interests. "The Prime Minister's statement (of Sunday) is very concerning from the diplomatic, legal and national security angle. Prime Minister is not an individual, it is an institution and the statement that has been delivered from our executive body is a very weak is leading the nation to crisis. It isn't an issue that can be ignored or excused in any given context. The international estoppel principle is hard to be denied later which eventually would weaken the national claims," Oli said.

With continued protest from the opposition, the house speaker Dol Prasad Aryal adjourned the House meeting until June 8 at 11:00 AM.

The disruption comes amid escalating political controversy over the Prime Minister's remarks, which have already triggered protests and demands for apology or resignation from opposition parties in Parliament.

Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Sunday while answering to questions raised by lawmakers in the House of Representatives claimed that Nepal also have encroached areas of Indian territory, alongside ongoing disputes over Nepal's own land. The Prime Minister's statement quickly invited protest from the opposition over his claims. The opposition lawmakers called the claim baseless and demanding clarification and evidence from the government.

Foreign Ministry Issues Clarification

Later in the evening, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issuing a response to media clarified Prime Minister Balen Shah's controversial statement are linked to a technical concept of "cross-border occupation."

Issuing a statement on Sunday evening, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudel Kshetri said the Prime Minister's comments refer to issues related to boundary pillars, no-man's land (dashgaja), and cross-border land usage. He explained that, based on technical studies, there are areas where land currently used by Nepal may fall on the Indian side, and vice versa, where land used by India may fall on the Nepali side. "This is primarily related to encroachment of no-man's land and cross-border occupation, meaning land use across the border," he said in the statement.

The ministry reiterated that Nepal's official border is defined by the Treaty of Sugauli. It also noted that areas such as Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Susta remain under incomplete demarcation. (ANI)

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Lamichhane's India visit a chance to revitalise Nepal ties: Expert

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:00:41 +0530

Nepal's ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane's ongoing five-day visit to India represents a significant diplomatic outreach, a Nepali expert has said.

'Ballot-Box Revolution' Creates Opportunity

In an interview with ANI, foreign policy expert Chandra D Bhatta said the visit aligns directly with expert recommendations for revitalising Nepal-India ties following the country's recent "ballot-box revolution" and generational political shift. Bhatta described Nepal's recent electoral outcome as the result of a revolution that has peacefully cleaned the accumulated "political dirt" of the past 35-plus years. He argued that this change is highly significant not only for Nepal's domestic politics but also for its foreign policy, particularly towards India.

"The 'ballot-box revolution' has fundamentally altered Nepal's political landscape," Bhatta stated. "Now it's time to fix the foreign policy as well as relations between our two closest neighbours." He emphasised that the shift holds importance for Nepal's broader engagement with the world, but relations with India require special attention due to their unique character.

Bhatta explicitly agreed that the current moment presents a unique opportunity, though he preferred the term "revitalise" over "reset". "There certainly is a need to bring the relations back on track," he noted. "For many years, bilateral ties had not moved ahead comfortably due to issues on both sides. The emergence of a political party with a strong majority and minimal ideological baggage now offers every opportunity to elevate relations to their best level," the expert said.

He contrasted this with previous parties that carried ideological alignments and often exploited bilateral relations for domestic political mileage rather than for the benefit of the people. "They used relations and floated issues for their political mileage, and this has been going on for decades. We have to change that, otherwise we will not move ahead," Bhatta warned.

Navigating Trust Deficits and Geopolitics

According to Bhatta, a genuinely new Nepal-India relationship must acknowledge a fundamental reality: while the two countries are independent sovereign states, they are bound together through culture and civilisation. This shared heritage should guide pragmatic engagement in the changing geopolitical context. "We have to take these factors into consideration," he said. "We need to have a common voice... on many issues that might affect us collectively."

Bhatta pointed out that people-to-people relations have historically remained strong, with no major problems at the societal level. Challenges have primarily arisen at the political level and must now be addressed. He cautioned about heightened geopolitics in the region, warning that bilateral relations risk being trapped in a "broader geopolitical vortex" with "spoilers on both sides."

Bhatta identified a longstanding trust deficit between Kathmandu and New Delhi at the political level, partly structural and partly resulting from leadership decisions. "The time has come for us to move ahead and sort out all those issues amicably," he stressed. "We do not need to look at the relations from the strategic point of view, which is not helpful to build confidence on both sides." Instead, the focus should be on neighbourly realities: the two nations are part of the same civilisation, where "one is incomplete in the absence of the other".

Bhatta highlighted the border issues as among the most urgent unresolved issues requiring political courage. "Border issue is there; we need to resolve it before it gets out of hand, as it can also derail our civilisational relations." He noted that geopolitical powers could exploit the situation, and social media amplification makes timely resolution even more critical.

A Path Forward: Development and Energy Diplomacy

Bhatta advocated "development diplomacy" combined with economic cooperation as a realistic path forward, even amid growing Chinese influence. While geopolitical factors will persist, Nepal should navigate them pragmatically. "Development diplomacy is dependent on 'transactions' and ours (should) not (be) the 'transactional relations'," he observed.

Electricity exports emerged as a particularly transformative area. "The electricity has always been politicised, but we have to move beyond that if we really want to harness the benefits," Bhatta said. "If we separate politics, I think this can benefit enormously both the countries."

Such energy cooperation could even become the foundation for broader South Asian economic integration, though political and external geopolitical hurdles make it challenging.

Leveraging Unique Strengths

The expert stated that Nepal can draw valuable lessons from Indian states such as Gujarat, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in industrialisation and technology development. Bhatta suggested that technology transfer from these successful models carries "huge potential" for Nepal.

One of the most distinctive features of Nepal-India relations is the open border, which Bhatta described as foundational to people-to-people connections that have existed for centuries, if not millennia, long before modern nation-states. "Yes, the people-to-people relations are stronger than government-to-government relations today," he affirmed. "This is one of the most important parts of our relations that does not exist in other regions. We should make good use of it, not abuse it."

Both governments must collaborate to preserve these benefits while addressing security, migration, cross-border crime and illegal activities. "We need to understand each other's security vulnerabilities as well," Bhatta added, noting that the open border could also be exploited for geopolitical purposes by external actors.

He called for revitalising and strengthening the role of students, entrepreneurs and professionals, who make bilateral relations "lively." Any obstacles in their way should be removed.

Bhatta concluded that India can contribute substantially to Nepal's development, with benefits flowing both ways. "A developed and prosperous Nepal will really be great for India as well."

Lamichhane's Visit: A Pragmatic Outreach

Relations should not be viewed solely through the prism of Nepal's engagements with China. "Nepal knows that India is its most important neighbour," he said. China's infrastructure investments are notable, but Nepal's reality demands a balanced, pragmatic approach focused on civilisational and neighbourly ties.

As Lamichhane engages with the BJP leadership and explores cooperation in governance, party organisation, and bilateral priorities during his visit, his outreach mirrors the expert's vision. The RSP's ideological flexibility and strong mandate position it uniquely to implement the kind of pragmatic, development-oriented diplomacy Bhatta recommends, moving beyond past mistrust toward shared prosperity, energy collaboration, technology exchange and the resolution of sensitive issues. Lamichhane, whose party secured a resounding parliamentary majority in the March 2026 elections--the first single-party majority in decades--arrived in New Delhi on June 1 at the invitation of BJP President Nitin Nabin. The visit includes high-level political and diplomatic meetings, engagements with the Nepali community and a personal trip to Ayodhya. It comes at a critical juncture when Nepal's new political landscape provides a fresh opportunity to address longstanding bilateral challenges. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

PoJK activist urges PM Modi to intervene on rights violations in region

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:00:24 +0530

Appeal Over Rights Violations

PoJK human rights activist Amjad Ayub Mirza has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene on behalf of residents of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), alleging widespread rights violations and increasing pressure on political activists in the region.

According to Mirza, political and civil rights campaigners in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) are facing arrests, detentions, and other forms of repression. He claimed that numerous members and leaders of the Gilgit-Baltistan Awami Action Committee have been jailed in what he described as an effort to curb demands for political representation and economic rights.

Planned Crackdown on Activists

Mirza further alleged that Pakistani security agencies, in coordination with local authorities, are preparing a major crackdown on the Joint Awami Action Committee ahead of a general strike scheduled for June 9. He expressed concern that such measures could further restrict democratic activism in the region.

Economic Hardship and Public Frustration

Drawing attention to the economic and humanitarian challenges facing residents, Mirza cited Eid-day demonstrations by hundreds of health workers in PoJK as an indication of growing public frustration. He argued that unemployment, economic difficulties, and political grievances have contributed to worsening living conditions for many people.

Call for Indian and International Intervention

Calling on Prime Minister Modi to take notice of the situation, Mirza said India's leadership could play a significant role in highlighting the concerns of people in PoJK and Gilgit-Baltistan. He praised Modi's emphasis on development, accountability, and economic growth, saying these principles offer hope to those seeking better governance and opportunities.

"Only Prime Minister Narendra Modi can guarantee a better life for those crying for justice and dignity," Mirza said, while urging the international community not to ignore the situation. He also called on India to raise the issue of alleged human rights abuses in PoJK and Gilgit-Baltistan at international platforms and support efforts aimed at securing civil liberties, democratic rights, and economic justice for residents. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

India to examine Ganges Water Treaty with Bangladesh via bilateral ways

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:30:34 +0530

India on Tuesday said that it will examine issues related to the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty with Bangladesh through existing bilateral mechanisms, emphasising that river-related matters between the two countries are addressed through structured cooperation.

Jaiswal Highlights Bilateral Framework

Responding to a question during the weekly media briefing on remarks by a spokesperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), who said Dhaka's ties with New Delhi depend on a new Ganges water-sharing agreement as the existing treaty is due to expire in December, MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the institutional framework already in place between the two neighbours.

Jaiswal noted that India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers and have established the Joint Rivers Commission to address issues related to all shared waterways. "We have several rivers, in fact, 54 rivers are shared between India and Bangladesh. And we have a Joint Rivers Commission - a structured bilateral mechanism - to deal with issues pertaining to all the rivers that we share between India and Bangladesh," Jaiswal said.

He further stated that such matters would also be taken up within the framework of the existing bilateral river cooperation mechanism. "And the question that you asked, we will also be looking at these issues as part of our structured bilateral collaboration on rivers," the MEA spokesperson added.

Treaty Nears 2026 Expiry

The India-Bangladesh Ganga Water Sharing Treaty, signed on December 12, 1996, is set to expire in December 2026. In February, the Minister of State in the MEA, Kirti Vardhan Singh, informed Lok Sabha that the formal talks between the two countries on renewing the agreement have not yet begun.

Last month, officials from Bangladesh said that discussions are taking place between the two sides about renewing the agreement. Officials also said Bangladesh and India had agreed on a water-sharing treaty for the Teesta River, but it was not signed due to opposition from then West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. (ANI)

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Rabi Lamichhane's India Visit Part of Regular Party Contacts: MEA

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:30:36 +0530

Nepal's ruling party, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane's visit to India is a part of the regular contacts between the political parties of the two countries, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday. Official Spokesperson for the MEA, Randhir Jaiswal, during his regular press briefing, said that India values these contacts as they help in further strengthening the partnership. "Regarding the visit of Mr Rabi Lamichhane from Nepal, this is part of the regular contacts between the political parties of the two countries. We have a multifaceted partnership with Nepal that includes government-to-government, people-to-people, and cultural relations. We value these contacts as they help in further strengthening and deepening our friendly partnership," he said.

RSP Delegation Meets BJP Leaders

As part of the 'Know BJP' initiative, a delegation of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) met Nitin Nabin, National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, at the BJP Headquarters in New Delhi earlier in the day.

Welcoming the delegation, Nabin highlighted the close and historic ties between India and Nepal, rooted in shared civilisational heritage, cultural bonds and strong people-to-people relations. He said that such interactions help strengthen democratic dialogue and deepen party-to-party engagement between BJP and the RSP. Nabin shared insights into the BJP's journey, ideology, organisational structure and its people-centric approach to political engagement. He explained the party's organisational model from the national level to the booth level and highlighted the importance of BJP karyakartas in maintaining a direct and continuous connect with people at the grassroots.

During the interaction, the RSP delegation was keen to know regarding BJP's membership process, candidate selection system and the party's mechanism for identifying and connecting with grassroots workers. Nabin responded to their queries and explained how BJP's organisational strength is built through continuous public outreach, booth-level engagement and participation of ordinary citizens in the democratic process. (ANI)

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Pakistan Viral Video: Mother Leaves 8 Children for Second Husband, Daughters Cry Outside Court

Nancy Tiwari — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:23:23 +0530

A deeply emotional incident from Lahore, Pakistan, has gone viral after a woman reportedly left her eight daughters behind following a court decision. The woman, identified as Shabnam Bibi, was seen leaving the courtroom with her second husband while her children cried and pleaded outside.

According to reports from Dawn, the incident took place after the Lahore High Court allowed her to leave with her new husband, Ghulam Hussain. The emotional video shows the daughters breaking down as their mother walked away without responding.

बाप गुज़र गया तो मां ने आठों जवान बेटियों न सिर्फ पहचानने से इंकार किया बल्कि दूसरी शादी कर लीये नजर पाकिस्तानी कोर्ट का बताया जा रहा है जहां पर बेटियों ने मां को अपने घर वापस लाने के लिए पिटिशन दायर की थी पर जज ने मां को अपनी जिंदगी गुजारने का हक़ का हवाला देते हुए शादी करने… pic.twitter.com/bBDGJSmV1g

— Hasin Shah (@hasinshahjama) June 2, 2026

Court Petition and Legal Proceedings

Earlier, Ghulam Hussain had approached the court seeking release of Shabnam Bibi, claiming she was being held in “illegal custody” by her former family. During the hearing, Shabnam stated that she had married Hussain and wished to live with him.

After reviewing the case, the court granted permission for the couple to live together. The decision was made based on her stated consent, according to court proceedings reported in local media.

However, what followed outside the courtroom turned into an emotional and controversial moment that quickly drew public attention.

कोर्ट में फैसले इस औरत के हक़ में आने के बाद ये अपने पति के साथ जा रही हैं पीछे से इसलंका भाई आवाज़ें लगा रहा है कि एक बार मेरी बात सुन लो लेकिन इन्होंने उसकी तरह देखना भी मुनासिब नहीं समझा।2/2 pic.twitter.com/FJ9DxzY53C

— Anis Ahmad (@Ansari5k) June 2, 2026

Emotional Video Goes Viral, Public Reacts

As Shabnam Bibi exited the court, her eight daughters reportedly attempted to stop her, falling at her feet and crying. One daughter even claimed that her mother refused to recognize them. Despite their emotional pleas, she continued walking away with her husband.

The videos of the incident have gone viral across social media platforms, sparking widespread criticism and debate. Many users have called the act heartbreaking and inhumane, while others have questioned the social and moral implications of the court’s decision.

The children are now reportedly left without parental care, raising concerns about their future and welfare. The incident continues to fuel strong reactions online, highlighting the emotional complexities behind legal marital decisions.

Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez to visit India from June 3

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:01:21 +0530

Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez is scheduled to visit India from June 3-7, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday. The visit comes after Rodriguez was earlier scheduled to travel to India to participate in the International Big Cats Alliance Summit on June 1. However, the summit was deferred.

Addressing a briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the Venezuelan leader would be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising several ministers. "First, this is the announcement about the visit of the Acting President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Her Excellency Ms. Delcy Rodriguez, Acting President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, who was earlier scheduled to visit India to participate in the International Big Cats Alliance summit on June 1st, which has been deferred as you know, will pay a working visit to India from June 3rd to June 7th. She will be accompanied by several ministers, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Economy and Finance, Science and Technology, Communication and Information, and Transportation," he said.

A Long-standing Association

Jaiswal noted that Rodriguez has maintained close engagement with India over the years and has visited the country several times in her capacity as the Foreign Minister of Venezuela. "Some of you would know that Acting President Rodriguez has visited India several times in the past in her capacity as the Foreign Minister of Venezuela, as also in her capacity as the Vice President of Venezuela. She came here as Foreign Minister in 2015 and thereafter as Vice President in 2019, 2023, 2024, and 2025. This will be her sixth visit to India. So, she has had a long association with us. During the visit, Acting President, Rodriguez will hold bilateral discussions with the Prime Minister," he added.

Focus on Bilateral Cooperation

Jaiswal said that Indian public sector undertakings have made significant investments in Venezuela in the energy sector, and they are keen to explore more opportunities to further enhance their presence. "The discussions will involve the full spectrum of India-Venezuela relations and explore avenues for further cooperation in the areas of energy, trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, transportation, and renewable energy. As part of the program, they will be visiting several sites. India, as you know, India is an important partner of Venezuela in the areas of energy and investment. Indian public sector undertakings have made significant investments in Venezuela in the energy sector, and they are keen to explore more opportunities to further enhance their presence," he said.

Historic India-Venezuela Ties

India and Venezuela share a history of warm relations. There is a similarity of views on major international, political and economic issues. This strong partnership extends beyond bilateral cooperation, as both nations actively collaborate in multilateral forums. The two countries marked the 65th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations in 2024. Resident Embassies have been in Caracas and New Delhi for over four decades, a statement by the Indian Embassy in Caracas said. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

India rejects EU-Pakistan J&K reference, says no 'locus standi'

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:00:52 +0530

India on Tuesday strongly rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir in a joint press communique issued following the 8th round of the European Union-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, asserting that those with no "locus standi" on the matter should refrain from commenting on India's internal affairs.

During the weekly media briefing, MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India categorically rejects such references. Reiterating India's long-standing position, the MEA spokesperson stressed that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of India, further noting that individuals or entities with no standing in the matter should avoid making comments on issues that are entirely internal to India. "We would like to say that we categorically reject such unwarranted references in the joint press communique on matters internal to India. The Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of India. Those who have no locus standi on such matters should desist from making any comment on them," he stated.

This comes after a joint press communique issued following the dialogue between Pakistan and the EU on Monday, which stated that Islamabad briefed the European Delegation on Jammu and Kashmir, with the EU side briefing the Pakistani side on the Ukraine war. "The Pakistani side briefed on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. The EU side briefed on Russia's war against Ukraine," the joint press communique read.

India Rejects Similar References in China-Pakistan Joint Statement

Last month, India strongly rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir in a joint statement issued by China and Pakistan, stating that "Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts" of the country, and no other country has the locus standi to comment on the same.

Responding to media queries on the references to the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in the Joint Statement between China and Pakistan, Jaiswal said India's position is consistent and well known to the concerned parties. "India categorically rejects unwarranted references to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in the Joint Statement between China and Pakistan. India's position is consistent and well-known to the concerned parties. The Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India. No other country has the locus standi to comment on the same," he said.

Rejection Over CPEC Projects

He said India rejects any moves by other countries to reinforce Pakistan's illegal occupation of territories concerning CPEC, impinging on India's territorial integrity. "As regards the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, some of which are in India's sovereign territory, we resolutely oppose and reject any moves by other countries to reinforce or legitimise Pakistan's illegal and forcible occupation of these territories, impinging on India's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Jaiswal said.

"This has been clearly conveyed to Pakistani and Chinese authorities several times," he added.

On 'Trans-Boundary Water Cooperation'

He said India has never recognised the so-called 1963 boundary agreement. "We have also seen references to the so-called 'trans-boundary water resources cooperation' between China and Pakistan. As the two countries do not share any boundary, the question of so-called 'trans-boundary water resources cooperation' does not arise. India has never recognised the so-called 1963 boundary agreement between Pakistan and China," Jaiswal said.

This comes in response to a statement released by Pakistan's Foreign Office following talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which stated that the Pakistani side briefed the Chinese side on the "latest developments" in Jammu and Kashmir. "The Chinese side reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is left over from history, and should be properly and peacefully resolved in accordance with the U.N. Charter, relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements," the statement read. (ANI)

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No role for third parties in India-Nepal boundary issue: MEA

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:30:31 +0530

No Role for Third Parties in Bilateral Matter: India

India on Tuesday said that there is no role for any third parties in a bilateral matter between India and Nepal and the two countries have established bilateral mechanisms to deal with all aspects of boundary matters. Responding to queries during the regular media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said there are cases of cross-border occupation in demarcated segments of the boundary, which are being mapped jointly.

"We have seen the remarks of the Prime Minister of Nepal concerning India India-Nepal boundary as well as the subsequent statement made by the Nepali foreign office on this matter. While close to 98% of the India-Nepali boundary has been demarcated, there are some unresolved segments. The shifting of the Gandak River has resulted in this. In addition, there are cases of cross-border occupation and encroachment of no man's land in demarcated segments of the boundary, which are currently being mapped jointly," he said.

"We have established bilateral mechanisms to deal with all aspects of boundary matters. It should be clear to all concerned that there is no role for any third parties in a bilateral matter between India and Nepal," he added.

Context of Nepal PM's Remarks

The Spokesperson was responding to a query about Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah reportedly suggesting that UK and China should be involved in discussions on border issues. The Nepal PM had also said that his country remains committed to resolve boundary issues with India through talks.

Jaiswal further said that issues such as cross-border occupation and encroachment in already demarcated "no-man's land" areas have been identified in some segments, which are currently being jointly mapped and verified by both sides.

Political parties in Nepal have slammed Balendra Shah's controversial remarks about Nepal also "encroaching" Indian territory. Nepal Foreign Ministry had subsequently issued a clarification over his remarks.

Nepal Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudel Kshetri said the Prime Minister's comments refer to issues "related to boundary pillars, no-man's land (dashgaja), and cross-border land usage". He explained that, based on technical studies, there are areas where land currently used by Nepal may fall on the Indian side, and vice versa. Nepal Foreign Ministry said the government remains committed to resolving boundary issues through diplomatic dialogue based on historical treaties, maps and agreements.

India's Stance on Lipulekh Pass

Jaiswal last month responded to media queries regarding comments made by the Foreign Ministry of Nepal on the border issue in the context of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and said India's position in this regard had been consistent and clear.

"Lipulekh Pass has been a long standing route for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra since 1954 and the Yatra through this route has been going on for decades. This is not a new development. As regards territorial claims, India has consistently maintained that such claims are neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence. Such unilateral artificial enlargement of territorial claims is untenable," Jaiswal said.

"India remains open to a constructive interaction with Nepal on all issues in the bilateral relationship, including on resolving agreed outstanding boundary issues through dialogue and diplomacy," he added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

BNM's Paank raises alarm over Baloch student's disappearance in Lahore

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:00:32 +0530

The human rights wing of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), Paank, has expressed serious concern over the continued enforced disappearance of Mehrab Khalid, a film student from Balochistan whose whereabouts remain unknown days after his reported detention in Lahore.

In a statement shared on social media, Paank voiced deep concern over Khalid's fate, saying the uncertainty surrounding his whereabouts has caused immense distress to his family. The organisation stated, "Paank stands in solidarity with his family and urges all relevant authorities to uphold the rule of law and protect fundamental human rights."

Earlier, Paank identified Khalid as a student at the National College of Arts (NCA) in Lahore and an aspiring filmmaker and cameraman. According to the organisation, Pakistani security forces detained him during a raid in Lahore on the night of May 29, 2026. Paank said that eight of Khalid's classmates were also taken into custody during the operation but were later released, while Khalid remains missing and his whereabouts have yet to be disclosed. The organisation noted that his continued disappearance has heightened concerns among family members, friends, and rights advocates.

Paank Demands Accountability and International Attention

Expressing grave concern for Khalid's safety and well-being, Paank said the alleged targeting of students, artists, filmmakers, and young professionals through enforced disappearances constitutes a serious violation of fundamental human rights, due process, and freedom of expression. The organisation called on the authorities to immediately disclose Khalid's whereabouts, ensure his safe release, and provide accountability for those responsible for what it described as his unlawful detention and enforced disappearance.

Paank further urged the international community and human rights organisations to closely monitor the case and press for compliance with human rights obligations.

Enforced Disappearances in Balochistan

Enforced disappearances remain one of the most contentious human rights issues in Balochistan. Rights groups and families of missing persons allege that political activists, students, journalists and civilians are abducted by security agencies or affiliated actors and held without legal process. Critics also describe a "kill-and-dump" policy, where some disappeared individuals are later found dead, often with signs of torture.

Pakistani authorities have denied involvement in many cases, while domestic and international human rights organisations continue to demand transparent investigations, accountability and justice for victims and their families. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

SA Dy President Mashatile, VP Radhakrishnan eye stronger economic ties

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:30:44 +0530

South African Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile and Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Tuesday held a working meeting in New Delhi, emphasising deeper economic cooperation and stronger strategic ties between the two countries.

The meeting, held at the Vice President's Enclave, brought together Mashatile and the South African delegation with their Indian counterparts as part of the Deputy President's working visit ot India aimed at identifying strategic partnerships and expanding economic opportunities.

Deepening Strategic and Economic Ties

During the discussions, Deputy President Mashatile and his counterpart reflected on the importance of leaders learning from each other's experiences. "The exchange of perspectives at this level is not only symbolic but practical; it allows us to draw lessons from our respective journeys, to refine our approaches to governance, and to inspire our peoples with a vision of shared progress," Mashatile said.

Highlighting the potential for greater collaboration, the Deputy President noted that "India, with its advanced capabilities in digital innovation, manufacturing, and healthcare, provides avenues for collaboration that can uplift economies for both countries." He also pointed to South Africa's potential in renewable energy, mining beneficiation, pharmaceuticals, information and communication technology (ICT), and infrastructure development as key sectors for future investment.

"By aligning our strengths, South Africa's rich resources and India's technological expertise, we can create mutually beneficial ventures that generate jobs, expand trade, and foster inclusive growth," he said.

He added, "This partnership is not only about commerce, but about building resilient economies that serve our people." The working visit to India seeks to look for strategic partnerships that will unlock economic opportunities for both countries.

Meeting with External Affairs Minister

Earlier, Mashatile met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. According to Jaishankar, both leaders discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in various sectors and agreed to work closely in international forums.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said he was "pleased to meet" Mashatile and appreciated his "strong commitment to deepening our longstanding partnership" between India and South Africa. According to Jaishankar, the discussions focused on "opportunities in trade, investments, MSMEs, digital and infrastructure domains and both sides "also agreed that India and South Africa must work closely in international forums."

Cultural and Entrepreneurial Exploration

Mashatile's visit, along with his delegation at the open-air market, food plaza, and craft bazaar, was aimed at exploring the cultural and entrepreneurial landscape of India.

Six-Day Working Visit

The Deputy President arrived in India on Friday for a six-day working visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and giving "fresh impetus" to India-South Africa ties.

He is scheduled to call on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan during his stay. The visit itinerary also includes engagements in Hyderabad before the delegation's departure on June 3. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Tiananmen Anniversary: HRW Slams China's Memory Erasure Efforts

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:01:34 +0530

As the 37th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown approaches, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused the Chinese government of intensifying efforts to erase public memory of the massacre while further tightening restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly.

The 1989 Protests and Crackdown

According to Human Rights Watch, the Tiananmen Massacre followed weeks of peaceful demonstrations in Beijing and other Chinese cities in the spring of 1989. Students, workers, and citizens had gathered to demand democratic reforms, greater freedom of expression, and measures to combat corruption. On June 3-4, 1989, Chinese troops opened fire on protesters and bystanders in Beijing, resulting in numerous deaths.

Ongoing Suppression and Calls for Justice

Human Rights Watch noted that Chinese authorities have never released a full accounting of those killed, injured, detained, or disappeared, nor have they prosecuted officials responsible for the crackdown. "By burying the past, the Chinese government is also burying respect for fundamental rights in the future," Human Rights Watch quoted its China researcher Yalkun Uluyol as saying. He urged Beijing to end censorship, allow commemorations, compensate victims' families, and release those imprisoned for seeking accountability.

According to Human Rights Watch, authorities disrupted a New Year gathering of the Tiananmen Mothers in Beijing in December 2025, marking the first time since 2009 that the victims' advocacy group was prevented from holding the event. On May 27, 2026, the group issued a statement signed by 107 members calling on the government to address unresolved injustices stemming from the 1989 crackdown.

Human Rights Watch also highlighted the release of previously unseen footage from the secret 1990 military trial of Gen. Xu Qinxian, who reportedly resisted orders to use force against protesters. The footage shows Xu expressing doubts about the military operation and stating that he did not wish to participate.

The rights organisation said references to Tiananmen remain heavily censored across mainland China, including the iconic "Tank Man" image. In Hong Kong, where annual vigils once drew large crowds, commemorations have been increasingly restricted since 2020. According to Human Rights Watch, activists continue to face legal action and police scrutiny.

Commemorations Continue Despite Restrictions

Despite the restrictions, Human Rights Watch reported that diaspora communities in several countries are planning commemorative events this year, while continuing to call for truth, accountability, and justice for the victims of the 1989 crackdown. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

BYC honours Saba Dashtiyari, a symbol of Baloch resistance, identity

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:31:27 +0530

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) paid tribute to Baloch intellectual and academic Professor Saba Dashtiyari on the anniversary of his death, describing him as a symbol of resistance, intellectual awakening, and national consciousness in Balochistan.

An Intellectual Voice for Baloch Rights

In a statement shared on social media platform X, BYC said that Professor Saba Dashtiyari was "an intellectual, ideological, and scholarly voice" who consistently advocated for the rights of Balochistan and the preservation of Baloch national identity.

The organisation stated that he was not merely an individual but represented an idea, philosophy, and constructive role within Baloch society.

According to BYC, Dashtiyari dedicated his life to promoting intellectual, educational, and political awareness among the Baloch people.

The committee said his writings, lectures, and teachings played a crucial role in fostering critical thinking and ideological development within the community.

The group noted that a gathering place at the University of Balochistan, commonly known as "OPD," had become a center for Dashtiyari's intellectual activities, where he regularly engaged students in discussions on history, politics, literature, culture, and national consciousness.

BYC further stated, "He continuously challenged the mindset based on oppression, subjugation, and intellectual stagnation that had been imposed on society, and strove to foster critical thinking, self-confidence, collective responsibility, and national consciousness among the youth."

The organisation said Professor Dashtiyari believed that knowledge and awareness were essential tools for strengthening a nation and safeguarding its identity. As a result, education and intellectual development remained central to his lifelong struggle, it added.

Allegations Surrounding His Death

Referring to his death, BYC alleged that "frightened by this very intellectual struggle of Saba Dashtiyari, the state martyred him in broad daylight on June 1, 2011."

An Enduring Legacy

The committee claimed that while his death was a significant loss for the Baloch nation, his ideas and legacy continue to inspire younger generations.

"His thoughts and teachings continue to serve as a source of guidance for Baloch youth," BYC said, adding that his life remains an enduring example of intellectual commitment, resilience, and consciousness.

The committee concluded by stating that Professor Saba Dashtiyari would be remembered in the history of Balochistan as a scholar and teacher who transformed knowledge into a means of resistance and awareness, dedicating himself to the intellectual guidance of his people until his final days.

(ANI)

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Laos DPM in India for joint meeting, enjoys Taj Mahal's beauty

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:31:20 +0530

Thongsavan Phomvihane, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos paid a visit to the Taj Mahal along with his wife, Vadsana Phomvihane on Tuesday. They were seen enjoying the scenic beauty of the architectural marvel along with their delegation.

Laos DPM to Co-Chair Joint Commission Meeting

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Lao PDR, Thongsavan Phomvihane, has arrived in India to co-chair the 10th India-Lao PDR Joint Commission Meeting, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The MEA stated on Monday that the high-level visit marks a significant milestone as both nations commemorate seven decades of formal bilateral engagement. "A warm welcome to DPM and FM Thongsavan Phomvihane of Lao PDR on his first visit to India to co-chair the 10th India-Lao PDR Joint Commission Meeting with EAM S. Jaishankar," the MEA wrote on social media platform X.

The ministry emphasised that the ongoing visit will provide a major boost to the existing historical ties and shared strategic objectives between the two countries. "India and Lao PDR are celebrating 70 years of diplomatic ties. The visit will add momentum to the longstanding partnership between India and Lao and further deepen cooperation across areas of mutual interest," the MEA added.

The institutional dialogue mechanism resumes after a hiatus of several years, as the ninth Joint Commission Meeting on Bilateral Cooperation (JCM) between Lao and India was held on November 23, 2018, in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

Deepening Bilateral Cooperation

The high-level interaction follows the foundational discussions held during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with the Prime Minister of Lao, Sonexay Siphandone, in Vientiane in October 2024.During that meeting, Prime Minister Siphandone expressed gratitude to PM Modi for India's flood relief assistance provided to the Lao PDR in the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, highlighting New Delhi's role as a reliable partner during humanitarian crises.

Furthermore, the two leaders noted that the restoration and conservation of Vat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, under Indian assistance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), imparts a special dimension to bilateral ties.

The two Prime Ministers also expressed satisfaction at the close cooperation between the countries in regional and multilateral fora, while PM Siphandone reaffirmed India's role on the international stage.

Agreements and Quick Impact Projects

Following the bilateral talks, MoUs/Agreements in the fields of defence, broadcasting, Customs cooperation, and three Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation were exchanged in the presence of the two leaders.

The QIPs relate to the preservation of the heritage of Lao Ramayan, the restoration of Wat Pakea Buddhist temple with murals related to Ramayan, and support for the shadow puppetry theatre on Ramayan in Champasak province.

All three QIPs have a Government of India grant assistance of about USD 50,000 each to help preserve the shared civilisational heritage. (ANI)

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Jaishankar holds talks with German, South African leaders in New Delhi

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:30:29 +0530

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday held talks with Thuringia Minister-President Mario Voigt and his delegation, highlighting the growing momentum in India-Germany and India-European Union ties. In a post on X, Jaishankar said he was "delighted to meet Minister-President Mario Voigt of Thuringia, Germany, and his delegation," and he welcomed his strong support for expanding relations between India and Germany as well as between India and the European Union. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2061705058400747844 The post added, "His strong support for expanding India-Germany and India-EU relationships is welcome. We had a good discussion on business opportunities and technology partnerships." The discussions focused on "business opportunities and technology partnerships."

Jaishankar meets South African Deputy President

On the same day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with South African Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile in New Delhi, where both leaders discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in various sectors and agreed to work closely in international forums. In a post on X, Jaishankar said he was "pleased to meet" Mashatile and appreciated his "strong commitment to deepening our longstanding partnership" between India and South Africa. According to Jaishankar, the discussions focused on "opportunities in trade, investments, MSMEs, digital and infrastructure domains and both sides "also agreed that India and South Africa must work closely in international forums."

India dispatches medical assistance to Africa

In another post on X, Jaishankar said that India has dispatched the second tranche of 43 tonnes of medical assistance consignment to Africa's Centre for Disease Control and Prevention to bolster response capacities across Africa in the wake of the Ebola outbreak. Sharing the details in a post on X, the minister said that the assistance comprises protective gear, diagnostic and monitoring equipment, medicines, and supplements. "Confident that this 43 tons consignment will further strengthen public health preparedness and bolster Ebola response capacities across @_AfricanUnion", he said in a post on X.

Jaishankar extends greetings to Italy

Jaishankar also extended greetings to Italy on the occassion of its National Day, expressing confidence in the continued growth of bilateral ties between the two countries. In a post on X, Jaishankar conveyed his wishes to Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, the Italian government and its people. The post said, "Warm greetings to DPM & FM Antonio Tajani, the Government and people of Italy on their National Day. Confident that our Special Strategic Partnership will continue to grow from strength to strength." (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

India, South Africa to deepen ties; Mashatile meets Jaishankar, VP

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:00:24 +0530

SA Deputy President Holds High-Level Meetings in Delhi

South African Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile alongwith his delegation, on Tuesday met Vice President CP Radhakrishnan. Earlier, Mashatile met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

According to Jaishankar, both leaders discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in various sectors and agreed to work closely in international forums.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said he was "pleased to meet" Mashatile and appreciated his "strong commitment to deepening our longstanding partnership" between India and South Africa.

Pleased to meet with Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile @PMashatile of the Republic of South Africa along with his delegation in New Delhi today. Appreciate his strong commitment to deepening our longstanding partnership. Discussed opportunities in trade, investments,… pic.twitter.com/dGiBzoWtDU — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 2, 2026

According to Jaishankar, the discussions focused on "opportunities in trade, investments, MSMEs, digital and infrastructure domains and both sides "also agreed that India and South Africa must work closely in international forums."

Exploring India's Economic and Cultural Fabric

Mashatile's visit, along with his delegation at the open-air market, food plaza, and craft bazaar, was aimed at exploring the cultural and entrepreneurial landscape of India.

In a video shared along with the post, he added that the visit was aimed at understanding how India supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs), encourages innovation in the digital economy, and manages infrastructure. "We came here to see how India developed its own society, looking at how they support small and medium enterprises, how they come up with innovations in the digital economy, and how they handle infrastructure, so we're meeting different companies that are involved in various sectors of the economy," he said.

The Deputy President arrived in India on Friday for a six-day working visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and giving "fresh impetus" to India-South Africa ties.

He is scheduled to call on President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President CP Radhakrishnan at Rashtrapati Bhavan during his stay. The visit itinerary also includes engagements in Hyderabad before the delegation's departure on June 3. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

WATCH: Kilauea Volcano Breaks Historic Eruption Record in Hawaii; Sets New Eruption Record

Amrita Ghosh — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:55:11 +0530

Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano has entered the record books after its latest eruption episode became the 48th in an ongoing series. The spectacular lava activity has reshaped the summit and continues to captivate observers worldwide

Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, reached a major milestone after its latest eruption episode began on June 1. The event marked the 48th phase of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption, surpassing the previous record of 47 episodes set during the famous Puʻuʻōʻō eruption in the 1980s.

According to scientists, lava fountains from the volcano's northern vent reached heights of up to 650 feet, while volcanic plumes climbed more than 20,000 feet into the atmosphere. Authorities also issued an ashfall advisory for nearby areas as volcanic activity intensified.

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ALSO READ: America's Most Dangerous Volcano Could Strike Without Erupting

Frequent Lava Outbursts Transform the Landscape

What makes this eruption particularly remarkable is its consistency. Since the eruption began in December 2024, Kilauea has erupted approximately once every 10 days, producing a rapid succession of lava fountains and volcanic episodes.

The repeated activity has significantly altered the summit region. Volcanic vents have steadily grown and now tower more than 500 feet above their original size. These dramatic changes have created an evolving landscape that continues to attract scientists, residents and visitors eager to witness the phenomenon.

The record-breaking eruption occurred shortly after a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck Hawaii on May 23. However, experts clarified that the earthquake was linked to geological stresses beneath the island chain rather than volcanic activity.

Scientists believe Kilauea remains highly active, with no immediate indication that the eruption cycle is ending. Researchers expect additional episodes in the future, making the ongoing event one of the most significant volcanic displays in Hawaii's modern history. Its accessibility and spectacular lava fountains have already secured its place as a landmark geological event.

'Don't Know If Its Habit Or Discipline': Indian Woman Captures Singapore Pedestrian Waiting at Red Light at 1AM (WATCH)

Shweta Kumari — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:51:05 +0530

An Indian woman living in Singapore, Kritika Jain, shared a video showing a lone pedestrian waiting patiently for the signal to turn green at 1 am, despite the road appearing completely empty. Rather than crossing immediately, the individual stood at the crossing until the pedestrian light gave the go-ahead.

Sharing the video, Jain reflected on what she believes is a deeply ingrained culture of rule-following in Singapore.

“I don't know if it's a habit, discipline, or just how people are wired. It's such a small thing, but it says a lot!” she wrote in the caption.

The footage captures the solitary pedestrian standing at the crossing in the dead of night, waiting for the signal to change before stepping onto the road.

A text overlay read, “Watching a random person in Singapore at 1 am waiting for the pedestrian light to turn green demonstrates how small habits shape a country.

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The clip quickly went viral, racking up more than 44 million views. Many viewers applauded the pedestrian's commitment to following rules even when there appeared to be no vehicles in sight.

India, South Africa reaffirm deep historical ties, pledge to boost ties

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:30:46 +0530

High-Level Meeting to Strengthen Strategic Partnership

A high-level courtesy meeting took place on Tuesday between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and South African Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, during the latter's working visit to India, as per an official release from the South African side.

During the discussions, South African Deputy President Mashatile expressed appreciation to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, the Government of India and the Indian business leaders for hosting the South African delegation. He emphasised the deep historical and political bonds between the two countries. He said, "South Africa is deeply committed to its relationship and friendship with India. We are two countries that have lived a shared experience and have faced the same challenges. We saw the birth of a liberation icon in Mahatma Gandhi and his contribution to the formation of the Republic of India, through his experiences in South Africa." Reiterating Pretoria's commitment to strengthening ties, he added, "Today, we express our commitment to fulfilling the objectives of the Declaration and the Strategic Partnership. While recognising the collaboration between India and South Africa in multilateral institutions, we emphasise that the bilateral relationship is key to achieving mutual prosperity and addressing poverty, unemployment, and inequality."

Both sides agreed that the strong political relationship between India and South Africa should expand into broader areas, particularly economic relations. The Deputy President was accompanied by Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Nomalungelo Gina and Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele.

Focus on Economic Cooperation and International Forums

Meanwhile, according to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, both leaders discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in various sectors and agreed to work closely in international forums. In a post on X, Jaishankar said he was "pleased to meet" Mashatile and appreciated his "strong commitment to deepening our longstanding partnership" between India and South Africa. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2061680708779999734 According to Jaishankar, the discussions focused on "opportunities in trade, investments, MSMEs, digital and infrastructure domains and both sides "also agreed that India and South Africa must work closely in international forums."

Deputy President's Cultural and Entrepreneurial Exploration

Earlier on Sunday, South Africa Deputy President Paul Mashatile, along with South Africa's Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Tembisa Ndabeni-Abrahams, visited Dilli Haat in the national capital as part of their ongoing visit to India from May 29 to June 3. Mashatile's visit, along with his delegation at the open-air market, food plaza, and craft bazaar, was aimed at exploring the cultural and entrepreneurial landscape of India.

In a post on X, Mashatile said that he visited Dilli Haat to explore India's rich cultural heritage. "As part of exploring the cultural heritage of India this morning, we visited Dilli Haat in New Delhi. Dilli Haat has become India's popular tourist destination where visitors enjoy live music, dance performances, and art exhibitions representing various states of India," the post read. In a video shared along with the post, he added that the visit was aimed at understanding how India supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs), encourages innovation in the digital economy, and manages infrastructure.

The Deputy President arrived in India on Friday for a six-day working visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and giving "fresh impetus" to India-South Africa ties. He is scheduled to call on President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President CP Radhakrishnan at Rashtrapati Bhavan during his stay. The visit itinerary also includes engagements in Hyderabad before the delegation's departure on June 3. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Check Out The World’s Smallest Airport, Where Check-In Takes Just Minutes

Gargi Chaudhry — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:26:41 +0530

Airports are more than just locations where aeroplanes land and take off. They maintain local economies, promote tourism, and link far-flung areas. Some airports are notable for their small size, while others are well-known for their enormous terminals and high passenger volume. Some airports in isolated regions of the world have very little infrastructure, but they nonetheless have a vital function. These little centers frequently mirror the topography and requirements of the communities to which they belong. Among these, one airport is known across the world for being the smallest of its type. It still manages frequent flights in spite of its size.

Which Is World's Smallest Commercial Airport?

Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport is the world's smallest commercial airport. It is well-known for its incredibly small runway and is situated on the Caribbean island of Saba. Despite its small size, it is nonetheless a vital transportation hub for the island and can accommodate regular commercial aircraft.

Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport is located in the Caribbean Sea on Saba, a special municipality of the Netherlands. The airport is situated on a small, level area of ground that is bordered by the open ocean and high hills. It is distinctive and difficult for aircraft operations due to its remote location.

This airport's runway, which is just around 400 meters long, is what makes it unique. As a result, it is the world's shortest runway for commercial aircraft. The airport has only one runway and extremely rudimentary facilities due to space constraints.

Operations are restricted to a few regional routes, and only small aircraft are permitted to land here. Compared to larger airports, it handles less passengers and mostly links Saba to neighbouring Caribbean islands. Because of its small size, it can operate effectively in confined spaces.

At Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, landing is regarded as a difficult undertaking. There is minimal margin for mistake because of the short runway, severe crosswinds, and neighbouring hills. Only specific aircraft are allowed to fly at this airport, and special training is needed. The difficulty is increased by the stunning surroundings, which include the sea beyond the runway and cliffs on each side. Simultaneously, this location has gained popularity among tourists looking for unique experiences and aviation aficionados.

Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport stands as proof that size does not define importance, especially when it comes to linking people and places.

Indian Man Stands Motionless for 30 Minutes as Swarm of Honeybees Lands on His Pants; Viral Post Stuns Internet

Deevika NM — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 12:30:07 +0530

A remarkable video showing an Indian man remaining perfectly still while a swarm of honeybees covered part of his clothing has gone viral online, leaving social media users both amazed and anxious. The clip, which has attracted thousands of views and reactions, captures a tense moment in which the man reportedly stood frozen for nearly 30 minutes to avoid provoking the insects.

According to reports, the incident occurred when a large group of honeybees suddenly settled on the man's pants. Realising that any sudden movement could agitate the swarm and trigger stings, he chose to remain motionless and wait for the bees to disperse naturally.

The video shows the man standing calmly despite the unusual situation, as bystanders watch from a safe distance. Viewers online were quick to praise his patience and self-control, noting that remaining still was likely the safest course of action under the circumstances.

Check the viral post here:

【戦慄の30分】ガレージへ向かう、ごく普通の日常。それが一瞬で「悪夢」に変わりました。■尻に宿った女王インドのヴェレルさん（25）を襲った悲劇。歩行中、一匹の「女王蜂」がズボンに付着。次の瞬間、数千匹のミツバチが群れをなし、彼の尻を「新居」として選びました。■究極の忍耐… pic.twitter.com/SRbMb9ORuj

— ネットの珍動画研究所 (@medisarasu) June 1, 2026

As the footage spread across social media platforms, users flooded the comment section with reactions ranging from concern to admiration. One widely shared comment summed up the tension of the moment: "One wrong move and he was done." The remark resonated with viewers, many of whom said they could feel the anxiety simply by watching the clip.

Also Read: Job Candidate Vanishes With Company MacBook on Joining Day, Deletes Digital Footprint; Viral Reddit Post Sparks Debate

Others joked about the man's incredible composure, while some compared the situation to scenes from survival movies. Several users also shared personal experiences involving bees and stressed the importance of avoiding sudden movements around swarming insects.

Experts generally advise people to remain calm around bee swarms, as honeybees are often less aggressive when they are relocating and searching for a new nesting site. Swatting at the insects or making abrupt movements can increase the likelihood of defensive behaviour. This likely explains why the man chose to stand still until the bees eventually moved away.

The viral video has also sparked conversations about bee behaviour and public awareness regarding interactions with pollinators. Many users pointed out that honeybees play a vital role in ecosystems and agriculture, helping pollinate crops and flowering plants.

While the incident ended without any reported injuries, the footage serves as a reminder of how unpredictable encounters with wildlife can be. What could have become a painful experience instead turned into a lesson in patience and presence of mind.

As the clip continues circulating online, viewers remain fascinated by the man's calm response under pressure. For many, his ability to stand motionless for half an hour while surrounded by bees was nothing short of extraordinary, turning an unexpected wildlife encounter into a viral internet sensation.

Also Read: 'Best Mangoes I've Ever Had': Free Indian Mango Party in San Francisco Draws Huge Crowds, Goes Viral Online (WATCH)

Ebola outbreak: India dispatches 43 tonnes of medical aid to Africa

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 12:00:53 +0530

India has dispatched the second tranche of 43 tonnes of medical assistance consignment to Africa's Centre for Disease Control and Prevention to bolster response capacities across Africa in the wake of the Ebola outbreak.

Sharing the details in a post on X, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the assistance comprises of protective gear, diagnostic and monitoring equipment, medicines, and supplements. "Confident that this 43 tons consignment will further strengthen public health preparedness and bolster Ebola response capacities across @_AfricanUnion", he said in a post on X. has dispatched the second tranche of medical assistance to @AfricaCDC, comprising protective gear, diagnostic & monitoring equipment, medicines, and supplements. Confident that this 43 tons consignment will further strengthen public health preparedness and bolster Ebola… pic.twitter.com/SZgF06p0bo — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 2, 2026

Africa CDC Welcomes Indian Assistance

Earlier on Monday, the African for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) welcomed the emergency diagnostics, therapeutics and medical supplies provided by the Government of India to support the ongoing Ebola response efforts in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

It said in a post on X, "The supplies were delivered through Africa CDC's Eastern Regional Coordinating Centre in Uganda and mobilised to support response efforts in eastern DRC."

The continental public health agency further noted that the assistance would strengthen ongoing efforts to contain the outbreak and support affected communities. It also expressed appreciation for India's support, saying, "We thank the Government and people of India for their solidarity with Africa."

India's Continued Support

African CDC, the public health agency of the African Union, plays a key role in coordinating disease prevention and emergency reponse efforts across the continent.

Earlier on May 29, India officially confirmed the dispatch of its first tranche of emergency medical supplies to Africa to assist in combating the worsening Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Jaishankar, SA Deputy President Mashatile discuss trade, investments

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 12:00:27 +0530

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday held talks with South African Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile in New Delhi, where both leaders discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in various sectors and agreed to work closely in international forums.

Deepening Bilateral Cooperation

In a post on X, Jaishankar said he was "pleased to meet" Mashatile and appreciated his "strong commitment to deepening our longstanding partnership" between India and South Africa.

Mashatile on Six-Day Working Visit to India

Mashatile's visit, along with his delegation at the open-air market, food plaza, and craft bazaar, was aimed at exploring the cultural and entrepreneurial landscape of India.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Jaishankar extends Italy National Day greetings, lauds partnership

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 10:00:41 +0530

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday extended greetings to Italy on the occassion of its National Day, expressing confidence in the continued growth of bilateral ties between the two countries. In a post on X, Jaishankar conveyed his wishes to Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, the Italian government and its people.

The post said, "Warm greetings to DPM & FM Antonio Tajani, the Government and people of Italy on their National Day. Confident that our Special Strategic Partnership will continue to grow from strength to strength."

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Earlier on May 20, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Italy led to major initiatives aimed at strengthening cultural, educational, defence and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Addressing a special media briefing on the Prime Minister's visit to Italy, George said PM Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that 2027 would be celebrated as the Year of Culture between India and Italy.

Cultural and Tourism Initiatives

"To further strengthen cultural relations and promote two-way tourism, both leaders announced the celebration of 2027 as the Year of Culture between India and Italy," George said.

Maritime Heritage and UNESCO Sites

He also said that an MoU for Italy's cooperation in the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal in Gujarat had been signed, while both countries were working on a twinning programme between UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India and Italy.

Healthcare and Education Cooperation

George further said that a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on facilitating the mobility of nurses from India to Italy was among the major outcomes of the visit.

"The JDI on facilitation of mobility of nurses from India to Italy was among the key outcomes of the visit, which will facilitate smoother movement of Indian healthcare professionals to Italy," he said.

He added that an Indo-Italian roadmap on higher education and research, along with agreements on science and technology cooperation, had also been signed.

PM Modi Honoured at FAO

Speaking about PM Modi's visit to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), George said the Prime Minister was conferred with the Agricola Award by the FAO Director-General in recognition of his contribution towards food security, sustainable agriculture and rural development.

"The Prime Minister dedicated the award to our farmers, agricultural scientists of India, and those associated with farming, agriculture and fisheries," he said. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

'Best Mangoes I've Ever Had': Free Indian Mango Party in San Francisco Draws Huge Crowds, Goes Viral Online (WATCH)

Deevika NM — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 09:48:17 +0530

A unique celebration of India's most beloved summer fruit has captured the internet's attention after a free mango-tasting event in San Francisco drew large crowds and generated widespread social media buzz. The event, which showcased premium Indian mango varieties including Alphonso and Kesar, quickly became a viral sensation, highlighting the growing global popularity of Indian produce.

Organised by a local Indian grocery retailer, the community event invited residents to sample some of India's most sought-after mango varieties free of cost. Videos and photos shared online showed enthusiastic attendees lining up to taste the fruit, creating an atmosphere that many described as festive and energetic.

Check the viral video here:

Indian Mango partyBest mangos I’ve had. Incredible vibes. Got interviewed by the SF chronicle.I was 1 of 4 white guys (200 people came) pic.twitter.com/KBX3tnooKH

— Jared Seidel (@Jared_Seidel_) June 1, 2026

Also Read: “She Waited 87 Years for This Moment”: Granddaughter’s Beach Surprise for Grandma Leaves Internet Teary-Eyed

The viral attention began after social media users posted clips of the gathering, expressing amazement at both the turnout and the enthusiasm surrounding Indian mangoes. One attendee's comment particularly resonated online, with the individual describing the fruit as the "best mangoes I've ever had." The remark quickly spread across platforms, prompting thousands of reactions and discussions from mango lovers around the world.

Footage from the event showed long queues, families enjoying samples and visitors eagerly comparing different mango varieties. The Alphonso mango, often referred to as the "King of Mangoes," emerged as a crowd favourite due to its rich aroma, creamy texture and distinctive sweetness. Kesar mangoes also attracted significant interest for their vibrant colour and unique flavour profile.

Social media users reacted positively to the scenes, with many praising the event's community spirit and cultural significance. Several commenters noted how Indian mangoes have developed a loyal following among international consumers, particularly in regions with large South Asian populations. Others shared their own experiences of waiting for mango season every year and expressed a desire to attend similar events.

One viral post highlighted the atmosphere at the gathering, describing the event as having "incredible vibes", a phrase that quickly became associated with online discussions about the celebration. Many viewers were impressed by the willingness of organisers to distribute premium imported mangoes free of charge, considering the fruit's popularity and market value.

The event also underscored the growing demand for Indian agricultural exports in international markets. Premium mango varieties such as Alphonso and Kesar continue to enjoy strong demand abroad, particularly in North America, Europe and the Middle East, where consumers eagerly await seasonal shipments each year.

As videos from the gathering continued circulating online, the San Francisco mango party transformed from a local community event into a global talking point. For many viewers, the celebration served as a reminder of the universal appeal of good food and the power of cultural traditions to bring people together.

The overwhelming turnout and enthusiastic online response suggest that Indian mangoes remain one of the country's most cherished and globally admired exports, capable of drawing crowds and sparking conversations far beyond India's borders.

Also Read: “We’re Getting There”: Europe Trip Changes Indian Woman’s View of India’s Road Infrastructure

India stresses UN development pillar's primacy at ECOSOC dialogue

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 09:30:53 +0530

India on Monday (local time) underscored the importance of preserving the primacy of the United Nations' development pillar and ensuring the national ownership remains central to global development efforts during discussions at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

In a post on X, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, said he participated in a dialogue with the UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, who also serves as Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, during the ECOSOC Operational Activities for Development Segment. Participated in the dialogue with the Dy SG @AminaJMohammed who is also the Chair of Sustainable Development Group in the ECOSOC Operational Activities for Development Segment. Underscored the importance of preserving the primacy of the UN development pillar and reiterated… pic.twitter.com/0o4GqMgYxe — Parvathaneni Harish (@AmbHarishP) June 2, 2026

Harish said India "underscored the importance of preserving the primacy of the UN development pillar and reiterated that national ownership must remain at the heart of all development efforts."

The Indian envoy also stressed that ongoing discussions on reforms to the UN Resident Coordinator system should remain focused on strengthening support for countries' development priorities. "Any recalibration of the Resident Coordinator system should strengthen programme support to countries on the development pillar," he said.

Highlighting governance and funding issues related to the system, Harish emphasised "the need for transparency, accountability, and a comprehensive assessment of the development impact of the Resident Coordinator system as discussions continue on its future funding and governance arrangements."

India Honours Fallen UN Peacekeepers

Earlier, on May 30, the Permanent Mission of India and Austria marked the International Day of UN Peacekeepers by co-hosting a commemoration honouring nearly 4,000 peacekeepers, including 184 Indians, who made the supreme sacrifice under the United Nations flag. 45 uniformed peacekeepers lost their lives in this noble cause over the past year.

In a post on X, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish said, "Today, on International Day of UN Peacekeepers, the Permanent Mission of India & Austria proudly co-host a solemn commemoration at the Permanent Mission of India, New York. We honor the nearly 4,000 brave peacekeepers including 184 Indians who made the ultimate sacrifice under the UN flag. Specifically remember the 45 uniformed peacekeepers who lost their lives in this noble cause over the past year. Their courage & dedication to peace will never be forgotten. Lest we forget."

The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations said, "India, as proud partner since 1948, has deployed nearly 300,000 troops in over 50 UN Peacekeeping Missions. 184 Indian peacekeepers made the supreme sacrifice in defence of international peace and security."

The United Nations in India also marked the occasion by honouring Major Abhilasha Barak, recipient of the 2025 Military Gender Advocate of the Year award. She serves with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Taiwan spots 8 Chinese warships, 7 PLA aircraft near its territory

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 09:00:43 +0530

Recent Chinese Military Activity

Taiwan on Tuesday recorded the presence of 8 PLAN vessels, 5 official ships and 7 sorties of PLA aircraft as per the Ministry of National Defence (MND). It further noted that 7 of the 7 sorties entered Taiwan's southwestern part ADIZ and that the situation has been monitored and responded to. "7 sorties of PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 5 official ships operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 7 out of 7 sorties entered Taiwan's southwestern part ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded", MND said. https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2061613772956135820?s=20

Meanwhile, on Monday, it recorded the presence of seven PLAN vessels and four official ships around its territory. "7 PLAN vessels and 4 official ships operating around #Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded. No flight path illustration is provided, as we did not detect #PLA aircraft operating around Taiwan during this timeframe", MND said on X.

US and Historical Context

Previously in May, US President Donald Trump, in his gaggle with the press at Joint Base Andrews en route to Groton, CT, said that the US will work on the 'Taiwan problem'. "On Taiwan, I'll speak to everyone. We have that situation very well in hand. We had a great meeting with President Xi; it was amazing actually. We'll work on that Taiwan problem," he said.

China's claim to Taiwan originates from the Qing Dynasty's annexation of the island in 1683 after defeating Ming loyalist Koxinga. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

453 Nepalis rescued from alleged networking fraud in UP's Kushinagar

Asianet News Central — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 09:00:27 +0530

453 Nepali Citizens Rescued from Fraud Operation

The Embassy of Nepal in India announced the rescue of 453 Nepali citizens from an alleged networking fraud operation in India's Kushinagar district of Uttar Pradesh, following a coordinated effort involving Indian and Nepali authorities. In a press release issued on Sunday by the Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi, the rescue operation was carried out in coordination with the Uttar Pradesh Police, relevant Indian government agencies, and the non-governmental organisation KIN India. https://x.com/EONIndia/status/2061424707166155190

The operation followed reports of Nepali nationals being subjected to labour exploitation and fraudulent practices in border areas in India.

Acting on the information, police conducted operations at multiple locations in the Kushinagar district of Uttar Pradesh. As a result, a total of 453 Nepali citizens, including 115 women and 338 men, were rescued on May 29 and subsequently handed over to the District Police Office in Rupandehi for further processing.

The embassy stated that authorities in Rupandehi have taken 19 individuals, including six women, into custody on suspicion of involvement in the alleged fraud network. An investigation is currently underway.

Expressing appreciation for the coordinated effort, the Embassy of Nepal thanked the Government of Uttar Pradesh, the Uttar Pradesh Police, Nepal Police, KIN India, and all agencies that contributed directly or indirectly to the rescue mission.

Reaffirming its commitment to the safety and welfare of Nepali citizens residing or working in India, the embassy urged Nepali nationals to remain vigilant against fraudulent employment offers and other forms of inducement, particularly those promoted through social media or claiming to provide overseas employment opportunities.

The Embassy emphasised that the Government of Nepal and its diplomatic mission in India remain committed to protecting Nepali citizens and preventing them from falling victim to trafficking, labour exploitation, and financial fraud schemes.

India Funds Hospital Construction in Nepal's Manang

Earlier, on May 29, the foundation stone for the construction of a hospital building in Manang district was laid, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu announced.

As per the release, the stone was laid for the building at Ward No. 5 of Nason Rural Municipality. "It was jointly laid today by Dr. Rakesh Pandey, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Kathmandu, and Dhan Bahadur Gurung, Chairman, Nason Rural Municipality, Manang," the release announced.

The Hospital Building is being built with the Government of India's financial assistance of about Nepali Rupees 56 million. This High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) will be implemented through the Nason Rural Municipality, Manang.

The Chairman of Nason Rural Municipality and other stakeholders appreciated the developmental support being provided by the Government of India, and expressed confidence that the new facility would help promote better access to healthcare services in Nason Rural Municipality.

As close neighbours, India and Nepal are engaged in wide-ranging and multi-sectoral cooperation. The implementation of HICDPs reflects the continued support of the Government of India in strengthening the efforts of the Government of Nepal in promoting growth and development, apart from augmenting infrastructure in priority sectors. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)