Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin's diplomatic visit to India is the centre of attention. The US defence secretary has arrived in India's capital city of New Delhi after taking part in the Shangri-La Summit in Singapore. Austin is currently in India for a two-day visit to discuss a variety of bilateral issues with India's defence minister, Rajnath Singh. This is the defence secretary's second visit to India; the previous one was in March 2021.

US praises India's vibrant democracy ahead of PM Modi's visit

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is in New Delhi. The high-level visit aims to facilitate bilateral defence cooperation and explore avenues for strategic partnership. India was one of the first countries to end the state of war with post-war Germany in 1951. It was also amongst the first countries to recognize the federal republic of Germany.

India and Germany focus on defence cooperation | Berlin among New Delhi's Indo-Pacific allies

Ever since the Chinese dragon's creeping expansion was blunted first at Doklam in 2017 and then again in Galwan in 2020, the picture that is clearly emerging is of a petulant dragon that is preparing for war. As any military strategist will tell you: before a war is fought the logistics for combat are laid out. The infrastructure that China is building in Tibet and the Xinjiang province points at only one thing: This is not a defensive preparation. This is preparation for a military offensive. But this may not be limited to a ground misadventure. What China seems to be planning for in the near imminent future is an air battle over the icy mountains of the Himalayas. Mohammed Saleh gets you the details.

Why is China boosting its air power along LAC with India? | World at War

Indonesia launched a multilateral naval exercise in its water on Monday. 36 countries including US, China, India and Russia are participating in the three-day military drill. The world's biggest archipelago is conducting a large-scale non-war exercise.

Indonesia: 36 countries including US, China participate in multilateral naval exercise

India: German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in New Delhi, focus on bilateral defence cooperation

Farmers in the west Indian state of Haryana are angry over the government's decision not to buy sunflower seeds at the minimum support price (MSP). To protest the same,&nbsp;on Tuesday (June 6), they reportedly blocked National Highway-44 near Shahabad in the Kurukshetra district.&nbsp;

News outlets reported that Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni) President Gurnam Singh Charuni called for a mass gathering at the highway, aiming to block it.&nbsp;

The farmers had asked the government to start procurement on an MSP of Rs 6,400 per quintal, but the deadline expired on Monday.&nbsp;

Images and videos were shared on social media platforms which showed heavy police deployment and barricading. The farmers were seen at the Shahbad grain market in the morning.&nbsp;Local reports mentioned that after their talks with the government authorities failed, they decided to block the highway.&nbsp;

The crops had been damaged due to unseasonal rains in the state in March-April this year.&nbsp;

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on May 31 deposited Rs 181 crore into the bank accounts of 67,758 farmers as compensation for the loss of their crops due to unseasonal rainfall in March-April.

Khattar said on Twitter, "Today, fulfilling the promise made to my farmer brothers, I have sent compensation of Rs 181 crore directly to their bank accounts through just one click, for their damaged crops."

"In March-April 2023, we had announced compensation for the crop damaged due to unseasonal rains in the month of May, under which today the compensation amount has been released to 67,758 farmers of the state," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Farmers in the west Indian state of Haryana are angry over the government's decision not to buy sunflower seeds at the minimum support price (MSP). To protest the same, on Tuesday (June 6), they reportedly blocked National Highway-44 near Shahabad in the Kurukshetra district.

Farmers in the west Indian state of Haryana are angry over the government's decision not to buy sunflower seeds at the minimum support price (MSP). To protest the same, on Tuesday (June 6), they reportedly blocked National Highway-44 near Shahabad in the Kurukshetra district. News outlets reported that Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni) President Gurnam Singh Charuni called for a mass gathering at the highway, aiming to block it. The farmers had asked the government to start procurement on an MSP of Rs 6,400 per quintal, but the deadline expired on Monday. Images and videos were shared on social media platforms which showed heavy police deployment and barricading. The farmers were seen at the Shahbad grain market in the morning. Local reports mentioned that after their talks with the government authorities failed, they decided to block the highway. The crops had been damaged due to unseasonal rains in the state in March-April this year. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on May 31 deposited Rs 181 crore into the bank accounts of 67,758 farmers as compensation for the loss of their crops due to unseasonal rainfall in March-April. Khattar said on Twitter, "Today, fulfilling the promise made to my farmer brothers, I have sent compensation of Rs 181 crore directly to their bank accounts through just one click, for their damaged crops." "In March-April 2023, we had announced compensation for the crop damaged due to unseasonal rains in the month of May, under which today the compensation amount has been released to 67,758 farmers of the state," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Why did farmers block the Delhi-Chandigarh highway in Haryana?

Nearly 100 bodies&nbsp;are still unclaimed five days after a devastating three-train collision in India's Odisha&nbsp;claimed the lives of 275 people.&nbsp;Two passenger trains and a halted freight train were involved in the accident on Friday night in the state of Odisha.&nbsp;Hospitals received more than 1,000 wounded patients needing medical attention. Many families claim to be still searching for missing members.

This fatal collision was&nbsp;India's deadliest train catastrophe of the&nbsp;century.&nbsp;

During the collision, a passenger train derailed after entering the incorrect loop track next to the main line and slammed&nbsp;into a stationary freight train. The rear coaches of a second passenger train travelling in the other direction were then hit by its derailed carriages.

The two trains were reportedly packed with more than 3,000 passengers each, according to sources.

Also watch |&nbsp;Odisha train crash: CBI probe in Odisha train crash begins, officials reach crash site

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Families of passengers from Odisha and other states are swarming hospitals in a desperate attempt to learn more about their loved ones. However, finding the corpse in some instances is proving to be quite difficult.

<h2>Struggle to recognise and claim bodies</h2>

Muhammad Nizamuddin was unable to claim the remains of his grandchildren at the Balasore District Hospital in Odisha.&nbsp;When the Coromandel Express was involved in an accident, Tafsir Ansari, 16, and his brother Tausif, 13, were on board with their father, reported the BBC.

While the father is still missing, pictures of the teenagers and many other victims were projected onto a wall in the hospital with the Tafsir tags 20 and 169 for identification purposes.

The boys' injuries left their facial features deformed, but their grandfather claims he recognised them.

He then made arrangements to travel to Bhubaneswar, the capital of the state, where four hospitals are housing close to 100 unidentified dead, but he was stopped by a representative.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-cbi-takes-over-odisha-triple-train-crash-probe-railways-hint-at-sabotage-601098">India: CBI takes over Odisha triple-train crash probe; railways hint at sabotage</a>

Tafsir's body had already been claimed by another family, the official told him, but it had not yet been sent to them.

"How is this possible? Do you mean that I won't recognise my grandchildren," a distraught Mr Nizamuddin told the BBC.

He has now been requested to get in touch with Bhubaneswar city officials who are in charge of verifying claims, confirming identifying documents, and taking action to ensure that the body is delivered to the correct family.

"If you go through the photo database, you'll see many of the bodies are damaged beyond recognition. They are also now decomposing," Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange told BBC.

He added that "unidentified bodies would be kept at the hospital mortuary for the next 10 days" and that "the government would not hurry to cremate or bury" them in cases where more than one family had claimed a body.

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Nearly 100 bodies are still unclaimed five days after a devastating three-train collision in India's Odisha claimed the lives of 275 people. Two passenger trains and a halted freight train were involved in the accident on Friday night in the state of Odisha.

Nearly 100 bodies are still unclaimed five days after a devastating three-train collision in India's Odisha claimed the lives of 275 people. Two passenger trains and a halted freight train were involved in the accident on Friday night in the state of Odisha. Hospitals received more than 1,000 wounded patients needing medical attention. Many families claim to be still searching for missing members. This fatal collision was India's deadliest train catastrophe of the century. During the collision, a passenger train derailed after entering the incorrect loop track next to the main line and slammed into a stationary freight train. The rear coaches of a second passenger train travelling in the other direction were then hit by its derailed carriages. The two trains were reportedly packed with more than 3,000 passengers each, according to sources. Also watch | Odisha train crash: CBI probe in Odisha train crash begins, officials reach crash site Families of passengers from Odisha and other states are swarming hospitals in a desperate attempt to learn more about their loved ones. However, finding the corpse in some instances is proving to be quite difficult. Struggle to recognise and claim bodies Muhammad Nizamuddin was unable to claim the remains of his grandchildren at the Balasore District Hospital in Odisha. When the Coromandel Express was involved in an accident, Tafsir Ansari, 16, and his brother Tausif, 13, were on board with their father, reported the BBC. While the father is still missing, pictures of the teenagers and many other victims were projected onto a wall in the hospital with the Tafsir tags 20 and 169 for identification purposes. The boys' injuries left their facial features deformed, but their grandfather claims he recognised them. He then made arrangements to travel to Bhubaneswar, the capital of the state, where four hospitals are housing close to 100 unidentified dead, but he was stopped by a representative. Also read | India: CBI takes over Odisha triple-train crash probe; railways hint at sabotage Tafsir's body had already been claimed by another family, the official told him, but it had not yet been sent to them. "How is this possible? Do you mean that I won't recognise my grandchildren," a distraught Mr Nizamuddin told the BBC. He has now been requested to get in touch with Bhubaneswar city officials who are in charge of verifying claims, confirming identifying documents, and taking action to ensure that the body is delivered to the correct family. "If you go through the photo database, you'll see many of the bodies are damaged beyond recognition. They are also now decomposing," Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange told BBC. He added that "unidentified bodies would be kept at the hospital mortuary for the next 10 days" and that "the government would not hurry to cremate or bury" them in cases where more than one family had claimed a body. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Odisha train collision: Nearly 100 bodies await identification after fatal accident

India is seeking key equipment support from Germany in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with a focus on acquiring fuel pumps for the K9 Vajra artillery system. The matter was raised during a meeting between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in New Delhi. India hopes to establish a privileged partnership with Germany, like the ones Berlin has with Japan, New Zealand, and Australia.&nbsp;

In a statement, the Indian defence ministry highlighted that both ministers discussed bilateral defence cooperation and explored ways to enhance collaboration, particularly in defence industrial partnerships. India emphasised the opportunities in the defence production sector and invited German investments in the Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

The Indian defence minister stressed the potential for a symbiotic relationship between India and Germany based on shared goals and strengths. India offers a skilled workforce and competitive costs, while Germany brings high technology and investment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Indian side also advised Germany to avoid unreliable and challenging sources, urging them to invest in India. They provided a list of items for early approval of exports and suggested establishing Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in India. India cautioned Germany about Pakistan's untrustworthiness in handling Western defence equipment, warning that these technologies could end up being reverse-engineered and shared with Beijing.&nbsp;

During the discussions, the German side raised the proposal of submarines. India's Project 75 (India)-class submarines, or P-75I, aims to acquire six conventional diesel-electric attack submarines for the Indian Navy. New Delhi is looking for a foreign partner for the project.&nbsp;

India and Germany have had a Strategic Partnership since 2000, which has been further strengthened through Inter-Governmental Consultations since 2011 at the level of Heads of Government. Pistorius arrived in India on June 5 for a four-day visit. He is scheduled to visit the Headquarters of the Western Naval Command and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai on June 7.&nbsp;

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India is seeking key equipment support from Germany in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with a focus on acquiring fuel pumps for the K9 Vajra artillery system.

India is seeking key equipment support from Germany in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with a focus on acquiring fuel pumps for the K9 Vajra artillery system. The matter was raised during a meeting between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in New Delhi. India hopes to establish a privileged partnership with Germany, like the ones Berlin has with Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. In a statement, the Indian defence ministry highlighted that both ministers discussed bilateral defence cooperation and explored ways to enhance collaboration, particularly in defence industrial partnerships. India emphasised the opportunities in the defence production sector and invited German investments in the Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The Indian defence minister stressed the potential for a symbiotic relationship between India and Germany based on shared goals and strengths. India offers a skilled workforce and competitive costs, while Germany brings high technology and investment. The Indian side also advised Germany to avoid unreliable and challenging sources, urging them to invest in India. They provided a list of items for early approval of exports and suggested establishing Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in India. India cautioned Germany about Pakistan's untrustworthiness in handling Western defence equipment, warning that these technologies could end up being reverse-engineered and shared with Beijing. During the discussions, the German side raised the proposal of submarines. India's Project 75 (India)-class submarines, or P-75I, aims to acquire six conventional diesel-electric attack submarines for the Indian Navy. New Delhi is looking for a foreign partner for the project. India and Germany have had a Strategic Partnership since 2000, which has been further strengthened through Inter-Governmental Consultations since 2011 at the level of Heads of Government. Pistorius arrived in India on June 5 for a four-day visit. He is scheduled to visit the Headquarters of the Western Naval Command and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai on June 7. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India seeks key equipment support from Germany amid Russia-Ukraine conflict impact

World No. 1 India will take on World No. 2 Australia in the final of the World Test Championship at the Oval on Wednesday. India lost to New Zealand in the inaugural title clash in 2021 and have not won an ICC Trophy since 2013. Australia have lost just three tests across the two-year World Test Championship cycle and all three came in the subcontinent. Back home in Australia this final is being seen as a warmup for the Ashes that begins later this month.

WTC Final: India & Australia set for title clash | WION Sports Xtra

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: US-India security cooperation | Saudi-Iran embassy opening

A secret meeting of world's spy chiefs was allegedly held in Singapore over the weekend. The meeting was reportedly attended by spy chiefs from India, US & China. What did they discuss? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Spy Chiefs from India, US & China reportedly met in Singapore

Indian authorities are probing a sabotage angle in the Odisha train accident. The loco pilot of the Coromandel Express told authorities that he saw a green light before entering the loop line. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas | Odisha Train Accident: Sabotage or human error? The final moments before the collision

The British Broadcasting Company (BBC) has come under scrutiny in India. As per the officials from the Central Board of Direct Taxes, the firm had allegedly evaded taxes in India. The BBC has also acknowledged that it may have paid lower taxes than its actual liability.

Did BBC just admit underreporting ₹40 crore income in India?

Germany’s defence minister Boris Pistorius arrived in India on Tuesday for a two-day visit, and the top agenda of the visit is a $5.2bn deal that involves the manufacturing of six diesel submarines for the Indian Navy. The submarines will be made in India, a major win for India’s campaign to boost local defence manufacturing.&nbsp;

The deal is expected to be announced at a time when Russia’s defence industry is struggling due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, prompting India to look for other partners to source military hardware for its armed forces.

<h2>Preliminary agreement to be signed this week</h2>

A preliminary agreement or a memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed between Germany and India during the two-day visit of Boris Pistorius. As per a report by Hindustan Times, Thyssenkrupp AG’s marine arm and India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited are expected to jointly bid for the $5.2bn deal.

Watch:&nbsp;India and Germany focus on defence cooperation | Berlin among New Delhi's Indo-Pacific allies

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Germany is hopeful it will get the multibillion-dollar deal as France pulled out of the project last year. Pistorius told German media that he will assist discussions between executives of his nation and their Indian counterparts over the signing of the submarine deal when he visits India’s financial capital Mumbai on Wednesday. “This would be a big and important contract not only for German industry but also for India and the Indian-German strategic partnership,” Pistorius said.

<h2>India’s dependence on Russia “not in Germany’s interest”</h2>

Pistorius also said that the goal of his nation was to wean India off its security dependence on Russia and emerge as a strong defence partner of New Delhi. “But of course, we can’t have an interest in the long run that India is so dependent on Russia’s delivery of weapons or other materials. Therefore, we have to think about that, what we can do,” he was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

<h2>Germany’s focus on Indo-Pacific</h2>

Germany is keen to boost its defence ties with India amidst the rising security threat from China. Berlin also identifies the importance of the Indo-Pacific region in terms of security, freedom of navigation and international economic challenges.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-presses-germany-to-send-back-baby-ariha-living-in-berlin-foster-care-calls-it-infringement-of-rights-600117">Also read:&nbsp;India presses Germany to send back baby Ariha living in Berlin foster care, calls it ‘infringement of rights’</a>

Pistorius explained that Germany may not have an active role in the region, but it will continue to mark its presence by deploying warships and vessels. Germany deployed its first warship to the Indo-Pacific – the frigate Bayern – in 2021 and will send another ship to the region in 2024.

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Germany’s defence minister Boris Pistorius arrived in India on Tuesday for a two-day visit, and the top agenda of the visit is a $5.2bn deal that involves the manufacturing of six diesel submarines for the Indian Navy.

Germany’s defence minister Boris Pistorius arrived in India on Tuesday for a two-day visit, and the top agenda of the visit is a $5.2bn deal that involves the manufacturing of six diesel submarines for the Indian Navy. The submarines will be made in India, a major win for India’s campaign to boost local defence manufacturing. The deal is expected to be announced at a time when Russia’s defence industry is struggling due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, prompting India to look for other partners to source military hardware for its armed forces. Preliminary agreement to be signed this week A preliminary agreement or a memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed between Germany and India during the two-day visit of Boris Pistorius. As per a report by Hindustan Times, Thyssenkrupp AG’s marine arm and India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited are expected to jointly bid for the $5.2bn deal. Watch: India and Germany focus on defence cooperation | Berlin among New Delhi's Indo-Pacific allies × Germany is hopeful it will get the multibillion-dollar deal as France pulled out of the project last year. Pistorius told German media that he will assist discussions between executives of his nation and their Indian counterparts over the signing of the submarine deal when he visits India’s financial capital Mumbai on Wednesday. “This would be a big and important contract not only for German industry but also for India and the Indian-German strategic partnership,” Pistorius said. India’s dependence on Russia “not in Germany’s interest” Pistorius also said that the goal of his nation was to wean India off its security dependence on Russia and emerge as a strong defence partner of New Delhi. “But of course, we can’t have an interest in the long run that India is so dependent on Russia’s delivery of weapons or other materials. Therefore, we have to think about that, what we can do,” he was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. Germany’s focus on Indo-Pacific Germany is keen to boost its defence ties with India amidst the rising security threat from China. Berlin also identifies the importance of the Indo-Pacific region in terms of security, freedom of navigation and international economic challenges. Also read: India presses Germany to send back baby Ariha living in Berlin foster care, calls it ‘infringement of rights’ Pistorius explained that Germany may not have an active role in the region, but it will continue to mark its presence by deploying warships and vessels. Germany deployed its first warship to the Indo-Pacific – the frigate Bayern – in 2021 and will send another ship to the region in 2024. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Germany expected to sign $5.2bn deal to manufacture submarines in India

In Pics | Top 10 most polluted cities in India

Pushpal Roy, the cluster head of a branch in Kolkata, is seen shouting at his coworkers and cursing in Bengali during an online meeting because they failed to meet the goal of opening 15 bank accounts in the month of May. As a result of the video going viral, the top Indian Bank HDFC has been suspended as a senior employee.

India: Senior HDFC banker suspended for abusing co-workers

The monsoon missed its onset date in Kerala on June 4 with the India meteorological department (IMD) anticipating a further delay of three to four days.

India: Monsoon onset delayed by 2-3 days

India's top investigating agency, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), has begun its probe in one of the worst rail disasters that killed 275 people and injured more than a thousand. The CBI arrived at the accident site in Odisha's Balasore district.

Odisha train crash: CBI probe in Odisha train crash begins, officials reach crash site | WION

It is indeed an honour for an Indian prime minister when he is invited to address a joint session of the Congress (parliament) of the United States, which, despite its hiccups, remains the world's sole superpower and the most powerful democracy to boot. The honour due this month for Prime Minister Narendra Modi is doubled when you realise that about 18 years ago, he was denied a visa by the same country.

In 2005, Modi, then Gujarat chief minister and nowhere seen to be in the race to become the PM of the world's most populous democracy, was denied a diplomatic visa by the State Department because he was not qualified for that purpose and on top of that his existing tourist/business visa was revoked in a move clearly linked to Hindu-Muslim riots in his state in 2002. The visa denial was on the ground that Modi was seen as a person under the Immigration and Nationality Act "responsible for or directly carried out, at any time, particularly severe violations of religious freedom." The then-Congress party-led UPA government in New Delhi did request the US to review the decision in favour of its opposition BJP leader, but that did not work.

We have come a long way from there, haven't we?

Modi has indeed visited the US five times after assuming office in 2014 and things have changed a lot but it is time to add a few caveats because diplomacy is simply not what it used to be.

Relations between countries are broadly seen as relations between its peoples, but in a world where liberalism, freedom of speech and democracy are expected to hang together (at least in principle), leaders have to contend with many facets of diplomacy. That is exactly the reality check Modi needs as he heads to the US for what is clearly a strategic bilateral relationship being taken to the next level.

But first, the small detail of whether Modi's honour is rare as Indian prime ministers go. The rarity of his visit would come more from the fact that the joint Congress session delegates would be listening to a man to whom the State Department once denied a mere tourist visa than from his stature as the Indian PM, as his gushing followers on WhatsApp forwards suggest.

Modi is the sixth Indian PM after Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi, P.V. Narasimha Rao, Atal Behari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh to address the joint session. I believe the significance is greater now more because of the geopolitical situation in which the US keen to enlarge its Asian influence to contain China amid India emerging as a key economic power with a vast technological army.

The fact that Modi's June 22 speech would be his second to a joint Congress session after the visa denial makes it truly unprecedented and magnificent. He last addressed the House of Representatives and Senate members together in 2016.

I have, however, little doubt that Track III diplomacy will continue to nag Modi. I define Track III diplomacy as a new-age term in a world connected by the Internet and social media to describe close contact, conversations, shouting matches and coordinated protests done by political dissidents and civil society groups of various countries.

Track II diplomacy is a term normally used to describe informal and unofficial meetings between private individuals to read a common ground between official negotiators of two countries. These could be academics, activists, business leaders or non-governmental organisations. They usually have the blessings of the government of the day.

Track III is a study in contrast. You could call it contra diplomacy that influences bilateral relations beyond the hugs, kisses and photo opportunities that show official bonhomie.

It is now a hard reality because most democracies are now strained by concerns on extremism, dissidence and right-wing politics that bring race, religion, freedom of speech and human rights into mainstream diplomacy focused on security and trade. The reality gets harder when you realise that media conversations and Congressional hearings, Track III can influence Track II and I.

When Modi faced Washington's visa ban in 2005, US Ambassador David Mulford mentioned that the "two great and vibrant democracies share common values on the freedom of speech, freedom of religion and representative government."

The simple fact is that a lot has changed in both the US and India since then.

Democrat President Joe Biden's Republican predecessor Donald Trump has faced extensive criticism or allegations of racism. In India, Modi has right-wing ideologues who frown on American "wokeism" that is now questioning the Indian practice of caste on US soil. And these wokes are close to Biden's Democratic party, whether Modi likes it or not. Anti-US protests are so common in India, that individual American presidents would be least bothered unlike Modi supporters fretting over US 'wokeism'. Trump and Modi both have fans and critics in each other's country.

Modi's biggest baiter, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, has been in the US addressing the Indian diaspora, Stanford University dons and students and other forums slamming Modi's politics, policies and personality. US civil rights groups will continue to target Modi, no matter what.

Modi's followers see this as an "anti-national" move as they expect (somewhat naively) that post-colonial ideas of national unity should be the norm. But India is no longer a freshly-minted independent nation. It is a colourful, noisy, reasonably mature democracy.

On a recent visit to Australia, Modi pointed to the fact that his address to the Indian diaspora was attended by both the current Labor Prime Minister and the previous one from the Liberal Party sitting now in the opposition. While he did get a rockstar tag for his Sydney Olympic Park address to a 21,000-strong crowd, it is equally true that he was criticised in Canberra by Indian dissidents and human rights groups joining hands with Australian Greens at a private event hosted in Australia's national parliament premises where a BBC documentary critical of Modi was screened -- whereas it is banned in India.

Historians and rights activists do not forget things in a hurry -- and that is the beauty of liberalism and democracy. As significantly liberal democracies, Australia and the US are more accepting of this truth. When he actually lands in the US, private conversations on Modi will not be limited to what is said in public by officials. Track III realism is part of the new normal. 
 
Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

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It is indeed an honour for an Indian prime minister when he is invited to address a joint session of the Congress (parliament) of the United States, which, despite its hiccups, remains the world's sole superpower and the most powerful democracy to boot.

It is indeed an honour for an Indian prime minister when he is invited to address a joint session of the Congress (parliament) of the United States, which, despite its hiccups, remains the world's sole superpower and the most powerful democracy to boot. The honour due this month for Prime Minister Narendra Modi is doubled when you realise that about 18 years ago, he was denied a visa by the same country. In 2005, Modi, then Gujarat chief minister and nowhere seen to be in the race to become the PM of the world's most populous democracy, was denied a diplomatic visa by the State Department because he was not qualified for that purpose and on top of that his existing tourist/business visa was revoked in a move clearly linked to Hindu-Muslim riots in his state in 2002. The visa denial was on the ground that Modi was seen as a person under the Immigration and Nationality Act "responsible for or directly carried out, at any time, particularly severe violations of religious freedom." The then-Congress party-led UPA government in New Delhi did request the US to review the decision in favour of its opposition BJP leader, but that did not work. We have come a long way from there, haven't we? Modi has indeed visited the US five times after assuming office in 2014 and things have changed a lot but it is time to add a few caveats because diplomacy is simply not what it used to be. Relations between countries are broadly seen as relations between its peoples, but in a world where liberalism, freedom of speech and democracy are expected to hang together (at least in principle), leaders have to contend with many facets of diplomacy. That is exactly the reality check Modi needs as he heads to the US for what is clearly a strategic bilateral relationship being taken to the next level. But first, the small detail of whether Modi's honour is rare as Indian prime ministers go. The rarity of his visit would come more from the fact that the joint Congress session delegates would be listening to a man to whom the State Department once denied a mere tourist visa than from his stature as the Indian PM, as his gushing followers on WhatsApp forwards suggest. Modi is the sixth Indian PM after Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi, P.V. Narasimha Rao, Atal Behari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh to address the joint session. I believe the significance is greater now more because of the geopolitical situation in which the US keen to enlarge its Asian influence to contain China amid India emerging as a key economic power with a vast technological army. The fact that Modi's June 22 speech would be his second to a joint Congress session after the visa denial makes it truly unprecedented and magnificent. He last addressed the House of Representatives and Senate members together in 2016. I have, however, little doubt that Track III diplomacy will continue to nag Modi. I define Track III diplomacy as a new-age term in a world connected by the Internet and social media to describe close contact, conversations, shouting matches and coordinated protests done by political dissidents and civil society groups of various countries. Track II diplomacy is a term normally used to describe informal and unofficial meetings between private individuals to read a common ground between official negotiators of two countries. These could be academics, activists, business leaders or non-governmental organisations. They usually have the blessings of the government of the day. Track III is a study in contrast. You could call it contra diplomacy that influences bilateral relations beyond the hugs, kisses and photo opportunities that show official bonhomie. It is now a hard reality because most democracies are now strained by concerns on extremism, dissidence and right-wing politics that bring race, religion, freedom of speech and human rights into mainstream diplomacy focused on security and trade. The reality gets harder when you realise that media conversations and Congressional hearings, Track III can influence Track II and I. When Modi faced Washington's visa ban in 2005, US Ambassador David Mulford mentioned that the "two great and vibrant democracies share common values on the freedom of speech, freedom of religion and representative government." The simple fact is that a lot has changed in both the US and India since then. Democrat President Joe Biden's Republican predecessor Donald Trump has faced extensive criticism or allegations of racism. In India, Modi has right-wing ideologues who frown on American "wokeism" that is now questioning the Indian practice of caste on US soil. And these wokes are close to Biden's Democratic party, whether Modi likes it or not. Anti-US protests are so common in India, that individual American presidents would be least bothered unlike Modi supporters fretting over US 'wokeism'. Trump and Modi both have fans and critics in each other's country. Modi's biggest baiter, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, has been in the US addressing the Indian diaspora, Stanford University dons and students and other forums slamming Modi's politics, policies and personality. US civil rights groups will continue to target Modi, no matter what. Modi's followers see this as an "anti-national" move as they expect (somewhat naively) that post-colonial ideas of national unity should be the norm. But India is no longer a freshly-minted independent nation. It is a colourful, noisy, reasonably mature democracy. On a recent visit to Australia, Modi pointed to the fact that his address to the Indian diaspora was attended by both the current Labor Prime Minister and the previous one from the Liberal Party sitting now in the opposition. While he did get a rockstar tag for his Sydney Olympic Park address to a 21,000-strong crowd, it is equally true that he was criticised in Canberra by Indian dissidents and human rights groups joining hands with Australian Greens at a private event hosted in Australia's national parliament premises where a BBC documentary critical of Modi was screened -- whereas it is banned in India. Historians and rights activists do not forget things in a hurry -- and that is the beauty of liberalism and democracy. As significantly liberal democracies, Australia and the US are more accepting of this truth. When he actually lands in the US, private conversations on Modi will not be limited to what is said in public by officials. Track III realism is part of the new normal. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Modi's US visit a rebound from historic lows, but dissident notes abound

After a portion of an under-construction Khagaria-Aguwani bridge in the eastern Indian state of Bihar collapsed on Sunday (June 4), Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav has said it was a planned demolition as experts had discovered 'serious defects' in the design.

After a portion of an under-construction Khagaria-Aguwani bridge in the eastern Indian state of Bihar collapsed on Sunday (June 4), Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav has said it was a planned demolition as experts had discovered 'serious defects' in the design. Addressing a hurried press conference after the accident, Yadav appeared alongside the additional chief secretary of road construction department, Pratyay Amrit and made the statement. "It may be recalled that a portion of this bridge had collapsed on April 30 last year. I strongly raised it in my capacity as the then Leader of the Opposition," said Yadav. "Upon coming to power, we ordered an inquiry and sought expert opinion...approached IIT-Roorkee, which is esteemed for its expertise in construction matters, to conduct a study. It is yet to come up with a final report but experts who had studied the structure had informed us that there were serious defects." Yadav disclosed that several 'vulnerable' parts of the bridge had already been pulled down due to structural flaws. He added that Sunday's incident confirmed the government's "worst apprehensions". Meanwhile, Amrit, confirmed that parts of bridges were pulled out. "It was decided that we must not take any chance and wait for a final report. So we went ahead with pulling down parts of the bridge." Watch: Thieves steal 29-foot tall mobile tower in Indian state of Bihar × According to reports, the state government is waiting for the final report to come before taking action such as lodging an FIR and blacklisting the company which was awarded the contract. Yadav added that his government remained committed to building the bridge which was an important infrastructure project for the people of north Bihar. "This bridge is of great importance for north Bihar where connectivity will greatly improve once it begins to function. We are committed to completing the project after setting right everything that has been wrong." Aguwani-Sultanganj bridge and its history Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laid the foundation of the bridge in 2015, and its construction was scheduled to be completed within five years. However, the bridge remained under construction with the latest deadline promising completion by December 2023. Watch: Another under-construction bridge collapses in India’s Bihar The proposed bridge was expected to significantly shorten the distance between Mithulanchal and Kosi region, as well as between Munger and Khagaria. Upon completion, the distance between Mithulanchal and Kosi will be reduced by 50 km, while the distance between Munger and Khagaria will be reduced to 35 km. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Bihar bridge collapse: Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav says ‘serious defects found’

The Odisha train accident has killed 275 people in India. The Indian Railway Minister has attributed the horrific collision to a change in the electronic interlocking and said that all will soon be revealed in a report. In this episode of Newspoint we will decode as to what exactly is the electronic interlocking system?

India: Odisha train tragedy | World News | WION

After months of disruption, US President Joe Biden's signed a bill suspending the federal debt ceiling on Saturday. That has given the US Treasury Department the green light to resume net new debt issuance. As of May 31, there were only 33 billion dollars left available. so, to shore up its coffers, the treasury is set to unleash a tsunami of new bonds. There will be yet more drain on decreasing liquidity with dwindling bank deposits forced to pay for it.

Asian markets upbeat: India's Nifty 50 close to new highs | World Business Watch

India's import of cheap Russian oil reached a new high in may, surpassing the combined purchases from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab emirates, and the United States. According to data from energy cargo tracker Vortexa, India took 1.96 million barrels per day from Russia in may, 15% more than the previous high in April.

India's imports of Russian oil hits new high | World Business Watch

India's foreign exchange reserves have declined for the second consecutive week to a one-month low. India's import cover now stands at 589.14 billion dollars. India's forex reserves have fallen by over 6 billion dollars since may 19. That marks the biggest weekly fall in the last three months.

India's foreign exchange reserves at a one-month low

The Supreme Court temporarily halted the sedition law's implementation last year. Almost a year later, the Law Commission of India has recommended that the provision be retained with procedural safeguards and enhanced jail term. The provision has been widely criticised for being a tool for curbing dissent.

What are the reasons India's Law Commission gave while recommending a stronger sedition law?

Rajnath Singh & Lloyd Austin meeting: US-India defence cooperation in focus | World DNA

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