India and the United States share the goal of preventing the spread of the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Middle East, said a senior State Department official, on Thursday (Nov 2). Washington also noted that the Israel-Hamas war would be an important topic of discussion during the 2+2 ministerial meeting in New Delhi next week.&nbsp;

This comes ahead of Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s visit to the Indian capital for the 2+2 ministerial dialogue to meet Minister for External Affairs S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, among other officials to discuss the “global concerns and developments in the Indo-Pacific,” the state department had said previously.

<h2>Blinken’s visit to India and conflict in Middle East</h2>

Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu told reporters that the 2+2 dialogue will be a key part of Blinken’s trip to Asia. He also said that the ministers will discuss the conflict between Israel and Hamas as well as the war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Washington’s top diplomat is expected to reach Israel on Friday following which he will travel to Jordan and South Korea before arriving in India on November 10 for the ministerial dialogue.&nbsp;

“On Israel-Hamas, the Indian Government was direct in its condemnation of the Hamas terrorist attack and has also joined a chorus of nations, including the United States, that have called for sustained humanitarian access to Gaza,” said Lu.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-to-be-focus-blinken-austin-to-meet-jaishankar-rajnath-in-delhi-next-week-654125">China to be focus? Blinken, Austin to meet Jaishankar, Rajnath in Delhi next week</a>

He added, “With India, we share the goals of preventing this conflict from spreading, preserving stability in the Middle East, and advancing a two-state solution.”

This comes amid fears that Israel’s war with Hamas could expand and involve other militant groups and countries in the region. Notably, there has been a rise in attacks on Israeli forces by the Lebanon-based Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Hezbollah said it mounted multiple strikes on Israeli army positions including its first using explosive drones. Israel has since retaliated with air strikes on southern Lebanon in a sharp escalation of violence, on Thursday (Nov 2).

<h2>Where do India and the US stand on Israel-Hamas war?</h2>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was quick to condemn Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7 and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/people-of-india-stand-by-israel-pm-modi-tells-netanyahu-in-call-644906">expressed solidarity</a> with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.&nbsp;

As the war progressed, New Delhi also sent humanitarian aid to Gaza and recently called for a two-state solution for Israel-Palestine&nbsp;at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).&nbsp;

The UN General Assembly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-adopts-resolution-calling-for-humanitarian-truce-between-israel-and-hamas-heres-what-happened-652178">recently adopted</a> the Jordanian resolution which called for a humanitarian truce amid the war.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-is-time-israel-urges-india-to-designate-hamas-as-terrorist-organisation-651337">'It is time...': Israel urges India to designate Hamas a terrorist organisation</a>

However, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-abstains-from-jordanian-led-unga-resolution-vote-that-didnt-mention-hamas-652157">India had abstained</a> from voting on the resolution and instead favoured the Canadian-led draft which called for humanitarian pauses and condemned Hamas’ October 7 attacks on Israel.&nbsp;

The US, which has backed Israel amid the war, has recently supported the idea of “humanitarian pauses” in fighting. “A humanitarian pause…is temporary, localized and focused,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

“Focused on a particular objective or objectives, humanitarian aid in, people out,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

India and the United States share the goal of preventing the spread of the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Middle East, said a senior State Department official, on Thursday (Nov 2).

India and the United States share the goal of preventing the spread of the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Middle East, said a senior State Department official, on Thursday (Nov 2). Washington also noted that the Israel-Hamas war would be an important topic of discussion during the 2+2 ministerial meeting in New Delhi next week. This comes ahead of Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s visit to the Indian capital for the 2+2 ministerial dialogue to meet Minister for External Affairs S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, among other officials to discuss the “global concerns and developments in the Indo-Pacific,” the state department had said previously. Blinken’s visit to India and conflict in Middle East Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu told reporters that the 2+2 dialogue will be a key part of Blinken’s trip to Asia. He also said that the ministers will discuss the conflict between Israel and Hamas as well as the war in Ukraine. Washington’s top diplomat is expected to reach Israel on Friday following which he will travel to Jordan and South Korea before arriving in India on November 10 for the ministerial dialogue. “On Israel-Hamas, the Indian Government was direct in its condemnation of the Hamas terrorist attack and has also joined a chorus of nations, including the United States, that have called for sustained humanitarian access to Gaza,” said Lu. ALSO READ | China to be focus? Blinken, Austin to meet Jaishankar, Rajnath in Delhi next week He added, “With India, we share the goals of preventing this conflict from spreading, preserving stability in the Middle East, and advancing a two-state solution.” This comes amid fears that Israel’s war with Hamas could expand and involve other militant groups and countries in the region. Notably, there has been a rise in attacks on Israeli forces by the Lebanon-based Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. Hezbollah said it mounted multiple strikes on Israeli army positions including its first using explosive drones. Israel has since retaliated with air strikes on southern Lebanon in a sharp escalation of violence, on Thursday (Nov 2). Where do India and the US stand on Israel-Hamas war? Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was quick to condemn Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7 and expressed solidarity with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. As the war progressed, New Delhi also sent humanitarian aid to Gaza and recently called for a two-state solution for Israel-Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The UN General Assembly recently adopted the Jordanian resolution which called for a humanitarian truce amid the war. ALSO READ | 'It is time...': Israel urges India to designate Hamas a terrorist organisation However, India had abstained from voting on the resolution and instead favoured the Canadian-led draft which called for humanitarian pauses and condemned Hamas’ October 7 attacks on Israel. The US, which has backed Israel amid the war, has recently supported the idea of “humanitarian pauses” in fighting. “A humanitarian pause…is temporary, localized and focused,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters. “Focused on a particular objective or objectives, humanitarian aid in, people out,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

India and US share goal of preventing spread of conflict in Middle East: State department

Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar addressed the Friends of BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Cape Town on Friday&nbsp;where he said that BRICS is no longer an alternative, but rather an established feature of the global landscape.

The EAM took to Twitter later and posted, "BRICS is no longer an ‘alternative’, it is an established feature of the global landscape."

"The message of reform that BRICS embodies must permeate the world of multilateralism. The Friends of BRICS strongly support UNSC reform," he wrote.

He added that BRICS is not only an expression of multipolarity but of the many and diverse ways of meeting international challenges.&nbsp;

:BRICS' focus is on building a fairer, inclusive and open international architecture with sustainable development at its core. Creating resilient and reliable supply chains are central to ensuring that no one is left behind," he tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Addressed the Friends of BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting today in Cape Town. 
 
Welcomed the opportunity as a demonstration of a larger convergence on contemporary issues. 
 
BRICS is no longer an ‘alternative’, it is an established feature of the global landscape. 
 
The message of… <a href="https://t.co/g6TKGZ8VbA">pic.twitter.com/g6TKGZ8VbA</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1664618745539469312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

He further thanked the BRICS members for an open exchange of perspectives.

"Thank all BRICS members and Friends for an open and constructive exchange of perspectives," he said.

<h2>Lavrov discusses international, regional problems with Jaishankar</h2>

On Thursday, during the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in a meeting with Indian counterpart S Jaishankar, discussed the topical issues of the bilateral agenda and also had a discussion about the international as well as regional problems.

The two foreign ministers also appreciated the verve of collaboration in the most important sectors of special and privileged strategic partnerships between India and Russia.

"On June 1, during his visit to South Africa to take part in the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with his Indian counterpart Dr S. Jaishankar. Topical issues of the bilateral agenda, as well as international and regional problems, were discussed," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

During the meeting, emphasis was laid on developing discussion in the SCO, BRICS, and G20.&nbsp;

"The Ministers commended the dynamics of cooperation in the most important areas of the special and privileged strategic partnership between two countries. Particular attention was paid to expanding the dialogue in the SCO, BRICS and the G20," the statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry further added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar addressed the Friends of BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Cape Town on Friday where he said that BRICS is no longer an alternative, but rather an established feature of the global landscape.

Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar addressed the Friends of BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Cape Town on Friday where he said that BRICS is no longer an alternative, but rather an established feature of the global landscape. The EAM took to Twitter later and posted, "BRICS is no longer an ‘alternative’, it is an established feature of the global landscape." "The message of reform that BRICS embodies must permeate the world of multilateralism. The Friends of BRICS strongly support UNSC reform," he wrote. He added that BRICS is not only an expression of multipolarity but of the many and diverse ways of meeting international challenges. :BRICS' focus is on building a fairer, inclusive and open international architecture with sustainable development at its core. Creating resilient and reliable supply chains are central to ensuring that no one is left behind," he tweeted. Addressed the Friends of BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting today in Cape Town. Welcomed the opportunity as a demonstration of a larger convergence on contemporary issues. BRICS is no longer an ‘alternative’, it is an established feature of the global landscape. The message of… pic.twitter.com/g6TKGZ8VbA — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 2, 2023 × He further thanked the BRICS members for an open exchange of perspectives. "Thank all BRICS members and Friends for an open and constructive exchange of perspectives," he said. Lavrov discusses international, regional problems with Jaishankar On Thursday, during the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in a meeting with Indian counterpart S Jaishankar, discussed the topical issues of the bilateral agenda and also had a discussion about the international as well as regional problems. The two foreign ministers also appreciated the verve of collaboration in the most important sectors of special and privileged strategic partnerships between India and Russia. "On June 1, during his visit to South Africa to take part in the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with his Indian counterpart Dr S. Jaishankar. Topical issues of the bilateral agenda, as well as international and regional problems, were discussed," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. During the meeting, emphasis was laid on developing discussion in the SCO, BRICS, and G20. "The Ministers commended the dynamics of cooperation in the most important areas of the special and privileged strategic partnership between two countries. Particular attention was paid to expanding the dialogue in the SCO, BRICS and the G20," the statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry further added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India’s EAM Jaishankar calls BRICS summit 'established feature of global landscape'

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will embark on an India visit next month (March 8). He will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the capital city of New Delhi and hold important bilateral talks.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will embark on an India visit next month (March 8). He will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the capital city of New Delhi and hold important bilateral talks. During the visit, he will also travel to Ahmedabad and witness India vs Australia Test match at the Narendra Modi Stadium. This will be Albanese's first visit to India in the current capacity after taking charge in May 2022. On Saturday, the Australian PM held a meeting with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. "I am looking forward to being in India in just a few weeks' time for the bilateral visit. And I thank PM Modi for the invitation," said Albanese, confirming the visit. WATCH | Gravitas: The story of Anthony Albanese × "Our relationship goes from strength to strength...our economic relationship is important. I think we have complementary economies. I look forward to strengthening that as well, as well as on security issues," he added. During the visit to the country, EAM Jaishankar met both the Australian PM and the foreign minister. Warm and wide ranging discussions with FM @SenatorWong at Sydney Harbour today. Exchanged perspectives on the Indo-Pacific strategic picture, progress in the Quad, G20 developments and our respective neighbourhoods. pic.twitter.com/SiLFlkK7mK — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 18, 2023 × Ties between the two countries have been on an upswing. The bilateral relationship has undergone an evolution in recent years, developing along a positive track, into a strategic partnership. Read more: Australian parliament ratifies free trade agreement with India Bilateral mechanisms include high-level visits, annual meetings of prime ministers, foreign ministers’ framework dialogue, joint trade and commerce ministerial commission, India-Australia '2+2' foreign secretaries and defence secretaries dialogue. This year PM Modi is also expected to travel to Australia for the annual quad summit. Quad is a grouping of India, Australia, Japan and the US. According to Japanese media, India will be hosting the Quad foreign ministers meeting in the first week of March. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Australian PM Albanese to visit India next month, will travel to Ahmedabad

United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, is set to begin his three-day official visit to India in the country’s financial capital, Mumbai, on Tuesday (October 18). This will be the UN chief’s first visit since the commencement of his second term in January 2022, said India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement.&nbsp;

During his visit, he will also meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the launch of LiFE initiative in the state of Gujarat as well as hold bilateral discussions with external affairs minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar.&nbsp;

The statement also indicated that Guterres will begin his visit by paying tribute to the victims of the 26/11 terror attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai that took place in the year 2008. Subsequently, he will also give a public address at IIT Mumbai on the topic, “India @75: UN-India Partnership: Strengthening South-South Cooperation”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-chief-praises-indian-vaccine-making-capacity-calls-it-an-asset-359994">UN chief praises Indian vaccine making capacity, calls it an asset</a>

The UN chief will also meet EAM S Jaishankar for bilateral discussions on the “issues of global concern, steps to deepen India’s engagement with the UN, including through India’s upcoming Presidency of the G20 and reformed multilateralism,” said the MEA. Notably, this is Guterres’ second visit to New Delhi, as he visited during his first term in October 2018.&nbsp;

On October 20, Guterres will visit the poll-bound Indian state of Gujarat in Ekta Nagar, Kevadiya where he will join PM Modi for the launch of the mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) booklet, logo and tagline. Subsequently, the UN secretary-general&nbsp;is also expected to pay floral tributes at the Statue of Unity while in Kevadiya.&nbsp;

According to the statement, Guterres will also visit development projects in the area including, India’s first solar-powered village in Gujarat’s Modhera. He will also be visiting the Sun Temple located in the village. This visit also comes ahead of the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee meetings which India is set to host in Delhi and Mumbai, later this month.&nbsp;

What is the LiFE initiative?

In 2021, India’s signature initiative called Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) was first launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP26 in Glasgow. PM Modi had called upon the global community of individuals and institutions to drive the initiative as an international mass movement towards, “mindful and deliberate utilisation, instead of mindless and destructive consumption” to protect and preserve the environment.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/life-to-net-zero-emissions-key-takeaways-from-pm-modis-historic-cop26-speech-426012">'LIFE' to 'net zero emissions: Key takeaways from PM Modi's historic COP26 speech</a>

The initiative will also showcase climate action and the early achievement of Sustainable Development Goals while the central idea reflects India’s ethos for Mother Nature, said the MEA statement. The aim is to mobilise one billion citizens to become “Pro-Planet people” (3P).&nbsp;

Even if one billion people from the eight people billion in the world are able to adopt daily environment-friendly behaviours, global emissions could be cut down by at least 20% indicated the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).&nbsp;

Earlier this year, in June, when it was first announced PM Modi had said, “In our daily life choices, let us pick the most sustainable options…India stands ready to support any effort for a better environment and to further global wellness. Our track record speaks for itself.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, is set to begin his three-day official visit to India in the country’s financial capital, Mumbai, on Tuesday (October 18).

United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, is set to begin his three-day official visit to India in the country’s financial capital, Mumbai, on Tuesday (October 18). This will be the UN chief’s first visit since the commencement of his second term in January 2022, said India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement. During his visit, he will also meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the launch of LiFE initiative in the state of Gujarat as well as hold bilateral discussions with external affairs minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar. The statement also indicated that Guterres will begin his visit by paying tribute to the victims of the 26/11 terror attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai that took place in the year 2008. Subsequently, he will also give a public address at IIT Mumbai on the topic, “India @75: UN-India Partnership: Strengthening South-South Cooperation”. ALSO READ: UN chief praises Indian vaccine making capacity, calls it an asset The UN chief will also meet EAM S Jaishankar for bilateral discussions on the “issues of global concern, steps to deepen India’s engagement with the UN, including through India’s upcoming Presidency of the G20 and reformed multilateralism,” said the MEA. Notably, this is Guterres’ second visit to New Delhi, as he visited during his first term in October 2018. On October 20, Guterres will visit the poll-bound Indian state of Gujarat in Ekta Nagar, Kevadiya where he will join PM Modi for the launch of the mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) booklet, logo and tagline. Subsequently, the UN secretary-general is also expected to pay floral tributes at the Statue of Unity while in Kevadiya. According to the statement, Guterres will also visit development projects in the area including, India’s first solar-powered village in Gujarat’s Modhera. He will also be visiting the Sun Temple located in the village. This visit also comes ahead of the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee meetings which India is set to host in Delhi and Mumbai, later this month. What is the LiFE initiative? In 2021, India’s signature initiative called Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) was first launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP26 in Glasgow. PM Modi had called upon the global community of individuals and institutions to drive the initiative as an international mass movement towards, “mindful and deliberate utilisation, instead of mindless and destructive consumption” to protect and preserve the environment. ALSO READ: 'LIFE' to 'net zero emissions: Key takeaways from PM Modi's historic COP26 speech The initiative will also showcase climate action and the early achievement of Sustainable Development Goals while the central idea reflects India’s ethos for Mother Nature, said the MEA statement. The aim is to mobilise one billion citizens to become “Pro-Planet people” (3P). Even if one billion people from the eight people billion in the world are able to adopt daily environment-friendly behaviours, global emissions could be cut down by at least 20% indicated the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Earlier this year, in June, when it was first announced PM Modi had said, “In our daily life choices, let us pick the most sustainable options…India stands ready to support any effort for a better environment and to further global wellness. Our track record speaks for itself.” (With inputs from agencies)

India: UN chief Antonio Guterres to meet PM Modi, foreign minister Jaishankar during official visit

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is in India and today is her second day. She is set to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, the talks will likely focus on trade, security and climate.

EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen to meet EAM S. Jaishankar