<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Sydney, Australia on Monday after completing a historic visit to Papua New Guinea where he co-hosted the third FIPIC summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In conversation with WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, former Australian senator and CEO of India Australia Institute Lisa Singh reflected on the same.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On being asked about the India, Australia relations, Singh said that PM Modi's visit despite the cancellation of the Quad Summit for an important bilateral with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shows that the relationship between the two countries will grow stronger in the coming years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>On India - Australia relations&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Talking about India-Australia relations, she said, "This visit was supposed to be Quad Summit, but that being cancelled, PM Modi made an effort to come here for a very important bilateral with PM. This is quite a significant meeting for India and Australia. It shows our strong relationship and it is a new chapter for both countries be it in trade, geopolitics, and our diverse Diaspora."</p>

<p><strong>Meeting the Indian Diaspora</strong></p>

<p>When asked about PM Modi's meeting with the Indian Diaspora, the former Australian Senator said, "This is where people really carry two hearts. Their homes are in India and Australia. Our Diaspora is one&nbsp;million and growing, and cultural diplomacy&nbsp;brewing people-to-people links is significant. It is important to note that he is holding a Diaspora event. It shows the strength of India - Australia relationships, beyond hard power, military, and politics and based on cultural diversity and people-to-people link. India and Australia are nations that believe in multilateralism. Beyond hard power and politics, links are based on cultural diversity".</p>

<p><strong>Economic partnership</strong></p>

<p>On being quizzed about the economic partnership between the two countries, she said, "The signing of the ECTA agreement was significant. Both nations need diversification. The supply chains are not dependent on China. We have common interests, vibrant democracies and shared values. We need to look for new markets after issues with China. We have India - geopolitical convergence now with India having issues with China, we have a stronger foundation and reasons to look for trade with each other."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"China's assertiveness is outside of international law and order. India and Australia are countries that follow law and order and believe in multilateralism, but for now, the countries playing by rule for the Indo - Pacific region are India and Australia to make sure peace in the Indo-Pacific region," she added.</p>

<p><strong>The role played by Quad</strong></p>

<p>"Quad is an informal grouping, but it plays a hard role, be it climate change, public goods, etc.&nbsp;That the Quad leaders' meeting didn't happen here is a disappointment. The Quad side meeting was very significant in Hiroshima at G7 Summit. PM Modi stayed on track and continued with his visit to meet the Diaspora and bilateral with PM Albanese, PM Albanese's visit to&nbsp;India shows how strong our bond is going," she said.</p>

<p><strong>On vandalisation&nbsp;of Hindu temples</strong></p>

<p>Earlier this year, three Hindu Temples in Melbourne and two Hindu Temples in Brisbane were vandalised by Khalistan supporters.&nbsp;On this, Singh said that the authorities are probing the incidents.</p>

<p>"Anything that disrupts the Australian way of life is a law and order situation. The vandalism in Hindu temples is being investigated by our authorities. We believe in diversity, we have many cultures here and that is our strength," she said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Sydney, Australia on Monday after completing a historic visit to Papua New Guinea where he co-hosted the third FIPIC summit.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Sydney, Australia on Monday after completing a historic visit to Papua New Guinea where he co-hosted the third FIPIC summit. In conversation with WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, former Australian senator and CEO of India Australia Institute Lisa Singh reflected on the same. On being asked about the India, Australia relations, Singh said that PM Modi's visit despite the cancellation of the Quad Summit for an important bilateral with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shows that the relationship between the two countries will grow stronger in the coming years. On India - Australia relations Talking about India-Australia relations, she said, "This visit was supposed to be Quad Summit, but that being cancelled, PM Modi made an effort to come here for a very important bilateral with PM. This is quite a significant meeting for India and Australia. It shows our strong relationship and it is a new chapter for both countries be it in trade, geopolitics, and our diverse Diaspora." Meeting the Indian Diaspora When asked about PM Modi's meeting with the Indian Diaspora, the former Australian Senator said, "This is where people really carry two hearts. Their homes are in India and Australia. Our Diaspora is one million and growing, and cultural diplomacy brewing people-to-people links is significant. It is important to note that he is holding a Diaspora event. It shows the strength of India - Australia relationships, beyond hard power, military, and politics and based on cultural diversity and people-to-people link. India and Australia are nations that believe in multilateralism. Beyond hard power and politics, links are based on cultural diversity". Economic partnership On being quizzed about the economic partnership between the two countries, she said, "The signing of the ECTA agreement was significant. Both nations need diversification. The supply chains are not dependent on China. We have common interests, vibrant democracies and shared values. We need to look for new markets after issues with China. We have India - geopolitical convergence now with India having issues with China, we have a stronger foundation and reasons to look for trade with each other." "China's assertiveness is outside of international law and order. India and Australia are countries that follow law and order and believe in multilateralism, but for now, the countries playing by rule for the Indo - Pacific region are India and Australia to make sure peace in the Indo-Pacific region," she added. The role played by Quad "Quad is an informal grouping, but it plays a hard role, be it climate change, public goods, etc. That the Quad leaders' meeting didn't happen here is a disappointment. The Quad side meeting was very significant in Hiroshima at G7 Summit. PM Modi stayed on track and continued with his visit to meet the Diaspora and bilateral with PM Albanese, PM Albanese's visit to India shows how strong our bond is going," she said. On vandalisation of Hindu temples Earlier this year, three Hindu Temples in Melbourne and two Hindu Temples in Brisbane were vandalised by Khalistan supporters. On this, Singh said that the authorities are probing the incidents. "Anything that disrupts the Australian way of life is a law and order situation. The vandalism in Hindu temples is being investigated by our authorities. We believe in diversity, we have many cultures here and that is our strength," she said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India and Australia are nations that believe in multilateralism, says former Australian senator Lisa Singh

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday (May 21) that for him,&nbsp;the Pacific Island nations are "large ocean countries" and not&nbsp;small island states. Co-chairing the&nbsp;third India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit in Papua New Guinea, Prime Minister Modi said, "For me, you are large ocean countries and not small island states," the news agency ANI reported. Fourteen&nbsp;Pacific Island Countries (PICs) took part in the summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi said that&nbsp;India believes&nbsp;in multilateralism and supports a free, open, and an inclusive Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"India is proud to be your development partner. You can count on India as a reliable partner. We are ready to share our experiences and capabilities with you without hesitation," he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-papua-new-guinea-pm-touches-visiting-indian-pms-feet-in-show-of-respect-wins-hearts-594791">As Indian PM Modi lands, Papua New Guinea PM touches his feet</a></strong></p>

<p>Modi also said that New Delhi considers its responsibility&nbsp;to convey the concerns of the Global South, their expectations, and their aspirations to the world through the G20,&nbsp;adding this was his last effort in the last two days of the G7 Summit.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | India is proud to be your development partner. You can count on India as a reliable partner. We are ready to share our experiences and capabilities with you without hesitation. We believe in multilateralism and support a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific: PM Narendra… <a href="https://t.co/sVdBfVutMY">pic.twitter.com/sVdBfVutMY</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1660454263947149312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Speaking about Covid, the Indian prime minister said that the impact of the pandemic was most on countries of the Global South.</p>

<p>"Challenges related to climate change, natural disasters, hunger, poverty, and health were already there, now new problems are arising...I am happy that India stood by its friendly Pacific Island countries in times of difficulty," he added, ANI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>You are the leader of Global South:&nbsp;Papua New Guinea PM tells Modi</strong></h2>

<p>Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister<strong>&nbsp;</strong>James Marape&nbsp;thanked Indian PM Modi for assuring him in their bilateral meeting that as India hosts G20 this year, it would advocate on issues related to the Global South.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | We all come from a shared history. A history of being colonised. History that holds the nations of Global South together. I thank you (PM Modi) for assuring me in the bilateral meeting that as you host G20 this year you will advocate on issues that relate to the Global… <a href="https://t.co/0GbyOFbUto">pic.twitter.com/0GbyOFbUto</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1660447583003873281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Calling Modi the "leader of Global South," Prime Minister Marape said&nbsp;Papua New Guinea would rally behind India's leadership at global forums.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Modi holds bilateral meeting with&nbsp;Marape</strong></h2>

<p>Before the summit started, Modi held a bilateral meeting with Papua New Guinea PM Marape. Modi also met&nbsp;Papua New Guinea's Governor-General&nbsp;Sir Bob Dadae at the historic Government House.</p>

<p>Taking to Twitter, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson&nbsp;Arindam Bagchi said, "PM Narendra Modi starts off the day in Papua New Guinea with a warm conversation with Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae at the historic Government House. Underlined the significance of India-Papua New Guinea ties and development partnership between the two countries."</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday (May 21) that for him, the Pacific Island nations are "large ocean countries" and not small island states. Co-chairing the third India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit in Papua New Guinea, Prime Minister Modi said, "For me, you are large ocean countries and not small island states," the news agency ANI reported.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday (May 21) that for him, the Pacific Island nations are "large ocean countries" and not small island states. Co-chairing the third India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit in Papua New Guinea, Prime Minister Modi said, "For me, you are large ocean countries and not small island states," the news agency ANI reported. Fourteen Pacific Island Countries (PICs) took part in the summit. Modi said that India believes in multilateralism and supports a free, open, and an inclusive Indo-Pacific. "India is proud to be your development partner. You can count on India as a reliable partner. We are ready to share our experiences and capabilities with you without hesitation," he added. ALSO READ | As Indian PM Modi lands, Papua New Guinea PM touches his feet Modi also said that New Delhi considers its responsibility to convey the concerns of the Global South, their expectations, and their aspirations to the world through the G20, adding this was his last effort in the last two days of the G7 Summit. #WATCH | India is proud to be your development partner. You can count on India as a reliable partner. We are ready to share our experiences and capabilities with you without hesitation. We believe in multilateralism and support a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific: PM Narendra… pic.twitter.com/sVdBfVutMY — ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2023 × Speaking about Covid, the Indian prime minister said that the impact of the pandemic was most on countries of the Global South. "Challenges related to climate change, natural disasters, hunger, poverty, and health were already there, now new problems are arising...I am happy that India stood by its friendly Pacific Island countries in times of difficulty," he added, ANI reported. You are the leader of Global South: Papua New Guinea PM tells Modi Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape thanked Indian PM Modi for assuring him in their bilateral meeting that as India hosts G20 this year, it would advocate on issues related to the Global South. #WATCH | We all come from a shared history. A history of being colonised. History that holds the nations of Global South together. I thank you (PM Modi) for assuring me in the bilateral meeting that as you host G20 this year you will advocate on issues that relate to the Global… pic.twitter.com/0GbyOFbUto — ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2023 × Calling Modi the "leader of Global South," Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea would rally behind India's leadership at global forums. Modi holds bilateral meeting with Marape Before the summit started, Modi held a bilateral meeting with Papua New Guinea PM Marape. Modi also met Papua New Guinea's Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae at the historic Government House. Taking to Twitter, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "PM Narendra Modi starts off the day in Papua New Guinea with a warm conversation with Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae at the historic Government House. Underlined the significance of India-Papua New Guinea ties and development partnership between the two countries." 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.

Pacific Island nations are large ocean countries, not small island states: Indian PM Modi at FIPIC Summit

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a productive meeting with his British counterpart Rishi Sunak on Sunday during which the two leaders reviewed the bilateral strategic partnership between the two countries which included progress in India-UK FTA negotiations.<br />
<br />
PM Modi and Rishi Sunak further agreed to deepen bilateral co-operation across a wide range of areas such as science and technology, trade and investment.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a bilateral meeting with United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Hiroshima, Japan. <a href="https://t.co/qf1VHiMl9i">pic.twitter.com/qf1VHiMl9i</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1660095586513694722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The two leaders held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit which is being held in Hiroshima, Japan. Before their talks, Modi and Sunak also exchanged a tight hug.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-pm-modi-president-zelenskyy-to-meet-in-hiroshima-594003"><strong>&nbsp;</strong>EXCLUSIVE: Modi, Zelensky to meet in Hiroshima, have first in-person interaction since Russian invasion</a></p>

<h2><strong>Modi calls talks with Sunak 'fruitful'</strong></h2>

<p>"A boost to - Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. PM @narendramodi held productive talks with PM @RishiSunak of the UK in Hiroshima. The two leaders reviewed their Strategic Partnership, including taking stock of progress in India-UK FTA negotiations," tweeted the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).<br />
<br />
“Leaders agreed to deepen co-operation across a wide range of areas, such as trade &amp; investment, science &amp; technology, higher education, and people-to-people relationship,” the MEA stated.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, India's PM Modi tweeted, “The meeting with PM @RishiSunak was a very fruitful one. We discussed boosting co-operation in trade, innovation, science and other such sectors.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The meeting with PM <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishiSunak</a> was a very fruitful one. We discussed boosting cooperation in trade, innovation, science and other such sectors. <a href="https://t.co/FI9nI1gc9V">pic.twitter.com/FI9nI1gc9V</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1660114033645846528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Since January 2022, India and the UK have been negotiating an FTA, with a goal towards a comprehensive pact which is expected to significantly increase the bilateral trading relationship which is worth £34 billion ($42 billion) in 2022.<br />
<br />
Last month, both nations ended the ninth round of India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations after holding detailed talks across various policy areas.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | G7 Hiroshima Meet 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi represents India at Summit</strong></p>

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<p><br />
Recently, Britain's Chief Negotiator for the FTA Harjinder Kang was appointed as India's new Trade Commissioner to South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner for Western India based in Mumbai.<br />
<br />
As per the official statistics of the UK government, India has been the 12th largest trading partner in the four quarters till the end of Q3 2022, accounting for total UK trade's 2.1 per cent.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, PM Modi&nbsp;visited the Peace Memorial Museum&nbsp;where he saw the documented exhibits and signed the visitor’s book. He also&nbsp;paid floral&nbsp;tributes to the&nbsp;Hiroshima victims at Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prime minister also engaged in a brief conversation with Australian PM Anthony Albanese. India's&nbsp;PM Modi also held&nbsp;bilateral talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.</p>

<p>Modi reached Hiroshima, Japan on Friday for attending the G7 summit's three sessions after receiving an invitation from Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a productive meeting with his British counterpart Rishi Sunak on Sunday during which the two leaders reviewed the bilateral strategic partnership between the two countries which included progress in India-UK FTA negotiations.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a productive meeting with his British counterpart Rishi Sunak on Sunday during which the two leaders reviewed the bilateral strategic partnership between the two countries which included progress in India-UK FTA negotiations. PM Modi and Rishi Sunak further agreed to deepen bilateral co-operation across a wide range of areas such as science and technology, trade and investment. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a bilateral meeting with United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Hiroshima, Japan. pic.twitter.com/qf1VHiMl9i — ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2023 × The two leaders held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit which is being held in Hiroshima, Japan. Before their talks, Modi and Sunak also exchanged a tight hug. ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE: Modi, Zelensky to meet in Hiroshima, have first in-person interaction since Russian invasion Modi calls talks with Sunak 'fruitful' "A boost to - Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. PM @narendramodi held productive talks with PM @RishiSunak of the UK in Hiroshima. The two leaders reviewed their Strategic Partnership, including taking stock of progress in India-UK FTA negotiations," tweeted the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). “Leaders agreed to deepen co-operation across a wide range of areas, such as trade & investment, science & technology, higher education, and people-to-people relationship,” the MEA stated. Meanwhile, India's PM Modi tweeted, “The meeting with PM @RishiSunak was a very fruitful one. We discussed boosting co-operation in trade, innovation, science and other such sectors.” The meeting with PM @RishiSunak was a very fruitful one. We discussed boosting cooperation in trade, innovation, science and other such sectors. pic.twitter.com/FI9nI1gc9V — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2023 × Since January 2022, India and the UK have been negotiating an FTA, with a goal towards a comprehensive pact which is expected to significantly increase the bilateral trading relationship which is worth £34 billion ($42 billion) in 2022. Last month, both nations ended the ninth round of India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations after holding detailed talks across various policy areas. WATCH | G7 Hiroshima Meet 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi represents India at Summit Recently, Britain's Chief Negotiator for the FTA Harjinder Kang was appointed as India's new Trade Commissioner to South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner for Western India based in Mumbai. As per the official statistics of the UK government, India has been the 12th largest trading partner in the four quarters till the end of Q3 2022, accounting for total UK trade's 2.1 per cent. Earlier in the day, PM Modi visited the Peace Memorial Museum where he saw the documented exhibits and signed the visitor’s book. He also paid floral tributes to the Hiroshima victims at Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima. The prime minister also engaged in a brief conversation with Australian PM Anthony Albanese. India's PM Modi also held bilateral talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Modi reached Hiroshima, Japan on Friday for attending the G7 summit's three sessions after receiving an invitation from Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Bilateral at G7: Modi, Sunak review FTA progress, agree to deepen cooperation on trade & investment

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will get an exceptional ceremonial welcome at Papua New Guinea as the country's Prime Minister James Marape himself will personally come to the airport to receive him upon his arrival on Sunday.<br />
<br />
Papua New Guinea generally doesn't provide a ceremonial welcome to world leaders who arrive after sunset, however, a special exception will be made for PM Modi. The prime minister will be accorded a full ceremonial welcome, news agency ANI reported.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It has been a fruitful visit to Japan. Met several world leaders during the G-7 Summit and discussed a variety of issues with them. Gratitude to PM <a href="https://twitter.com/kishida230?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kishida230</a>, the Government and people of Japan for their warmth. Leaving for Papua New Guinea in a short while.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1660134405699170305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>PM Modi was attending the Group of Seven or G7 Summit in Japan's Hiroshima.<br />
<br />
After participating in G7 advanced economies' annual summit being held under the Japanese Presidency in Hiroshima, PM Modi will depart for Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea.<br />
<br />
This will be the first tour of Modi and also the first-ever visit by an&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister to Papua New Guinea.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-reviews-bilateral-strategic-ties-with-his-british-counterpart-rishi-sunak-594621">PM Modi reviews bilateral strategic ties with his British counterpart Rishi Sunak</a></p>

<p>During his visit to Papua New Guinea, Modi will host the third Summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Co-operation (FIPIC III Summit) along with Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape on May 22.<br />
<br />
The FIPIC, which was launched in 2014, involves India and 14 Pacific Island Countries (PICs) — Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Samoa, Vanuatu, Niue, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Cook Islands, Palau, Nauru and the Solomon Islands.<br />
<br />
India's Ministry of External Affairs, in a press release, stated that Prime Minister Modi will engage in bilateral engagements in Papua New Guinea which will include meetings with Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae and Prime Minister James Marape.<br />
<br />
After his visit to Papua New Guinea, PM Modi will travel to Sydney, Australia even though the meeting of Quad Leaders has been cancelled. He will reach Australia on May 23</p>

<h2><strong>G7 Summit</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking at the G7 summit's session in Hiroshima on Saturday, PM Modi called for creating an inclusive food system which will provide relief to the most vulnerable people of the world as part of his 10-point action plan to solve the challenges faced in the areas of food, fertilisers, and healthcare.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine's Zelensky at centre of last day of G7 summit</strong></p>

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<p><br />
The 10-point action plan of PM Modi included the depoliticisation of global fertiliser supply chains, encouraging holistic healthcare, strengthening digital healthcare, promoting millets, strengthening digital healthcare, curbing the wastage of food and building development models which have taken inspiration from the needs of developing countries.<br />
<br />
India is not among the G7 nations however PM Modi will be participating in the summit after receiving the invitation from Japanese PM Fumio Kishida.</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will get an exceptional ceremonial welcome at Papua New Guinea as the country's Prime Minister James Marape himself will personally come to the airport to receive him upon his arrival on Sunday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will get an exceptional ceremonial welcome at Papua New Guinea as the country's Prime Minister James Marape himself will personally come to the airport to receive him upon his arrival on Sunday. Papua New Guinea generally doesn't provide a ceremonial welcome to world leaders who arrive after sunset, however, a special exception will be made for PM Modi. The prime minister will be accorded a full ceremonial welcome, news agency ANI reported. It has been a fruitful visit to Japan. Met several world leaders during the G-7 Summit and discussed a variety of issues with them. Gratitude to PM @kishida230, the Government and people of Japan for their warmth. Leaving for Papua New Guinea in a short while. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2023 × PM Modi was attending the Group of Seven or G7 Summit in Japan's Hiroshima. After participating in G7 advanced economies' annual summit being held under the Japanese Presidency in Hiroshima, PM Modi will depart for Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea. This will be the first tour of Modi and also the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Papua New Guinea. ALSO READ | PM Modi reviews bilateral strategic ties with his British counterpart Rishi Sunak During his visit to Papua New Guinea, Modi will host the third Summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Co-operation (FIPIC III Summit) along with Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape on May 22. The FIPIC, which was launched in 2014, involves India and 14 Pacific Island Countries (PICs) — Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Samoa, Vanuatu, Niue, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Cook Islands, Palau, Nauru and the Solomon Islands. India's Ministry of External Affairs, in a press release, stated that Prime Minister Modi will engage in bilateral engagements in Papua New Guinea which will include meetings with Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae and Prime Minister James Marape. After his visit to Papua New Guinea, PM Modi will travel to Sydney, Australia even though the meeting of Quad Leaders has been cancelled. He will reach Australia on May 23 G7 Summit Speaking at the G7 summit's session in Hiroshima on Saturday, PM Modi called for creating an inclusive food system which will provide relief to the most vulnerable people of the world as part of his 10-point action plan to solve the challenges faced in the areas of food, fertilisers, and healthcare. WATCH | Ukraine's Zelensky at centre of last day of G7 summit The 10-point action plan of PM Modi included the depoliticisation of global fertiliser supply chains, encouraging holistic healthcare, strengthening digital healthcare, promoting millets, strengthening digital healthcare, curbing the wastage of food and building development models which have taken inspiration from the needs of developing countries. India is not among the G7 nations however PM Modi will be participating in the summit after receiving the invitation from Japanese PM Fumio Kishida. 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.

‘Special Exception’ | Papua New Guinea’s PM to receive India’s PM Modi at airport

<p>The leaders of the Quad nations will meet on Saturday in Japan’s Hiroshima, according to the latest media reports. The meeting will take place on the sidelines of the G7 summit. The Quad meeting was supposed to be held in Australia’s Sydney on May 24; however, the summit was cancelled following US President Joe Biden’s decision to abandon his Australia trip due to a debt ceiling crisis back home.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;G7 leaders reach Hiroshima in Japan ahead of the official G7 Summit</strong></p>

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<p>Earlier, India’s Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on Thursday revealed that plans were being made to arrange a Quadrilateral Security Dialogue leaders meeting in Japan’s Hiroshima. The meeting will include Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<h2><strong>What’s on the agenda for the upcoming Quad Summit?</strong></h2>

<p>India attaches great importance to the Quad grouping, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi having referred to the bloc as “a force for global good” in the past. &nbsp;According to media reports, issues related to the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA), Quad Satellite Data Portal, Quad Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Package (Q-CHAMP), Quad Partnership on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and Quad Fellowship will be discussed during the meeting.</p>

<h2><strong>Biden to skip US-Pacific Islands Summit</strong></h2>

<p>Along with Australia tour, Biden also cancelled his proposed visit to Papua New Guinea (PNG), where he was supposed to attend the US-Pacific Islands Summit. Now, the White House has directed Secretary of State Antony Blinken to represent the US at the summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-g7-leaders-gather-in-hiroshima-for-the-group-of-seven-summit-594039"><strong>In Pics: G7 leaders gather in Hiroshima for the 'group of Seven' summit</strong></a></p>

<p>Biden's cancellation of his visit stems from the need to reach a deal with Republicans to prevent the US from defaulting on its debts by the end of May. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese explained that solving this issue is crucial for the US economy and has global implications. However, the cancellation has raised concerns about the US commitment to countering China in the Indo-Pacific region.</p>

<h2><strong>India’s agenda at the G7 summit</strong></h2>

<p>During the G7 summit, Prime Minister Modi will participate in sessions with partner countries, discussing various subjects such as peace, stability, and prosperity of a sustainable planet, food and energy security, health, gender equality, climate change and the environment, resilient infrastructure, and development cooperation, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs. Additionally, Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with several leaders participating in the summit.</p>

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The leaders of the Quad nations will meet on Saturday in Japan’s Hiroshima, according to the latest media reports. The meeting will take place on the sidelines of the G7 summit.

The leaders of the Quad nations will meet on Saturday in Japan’s Hiroshima, according to the latest media reports. The meeting will take place on the sidelines of the G7 summit. The Quad meeting was supposed to be held in Australia’s Sydney on May 24; however, the summit was cancelled following US President Joe Biden’s decision to abandon his Australia trip due to a debt ceiling crisis back home. Watch: G7 leaders reach Hiroshima in Japan ahead of the official G7 Summit × Earlier, India’s Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on Thursday revealed that plans were being made to arrange a Quadrilateral Security Dialogue leaders meeting in Japan’s Hiroshima. The meeting will include Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. What’s on the agenda for the upcoming Quad Summit? India attaches great importance to the Quad grouping, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi having referred to the bloc as “a force for global good” in the past. According to media reports, issues related to the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA), Quad Satellite Data Portal, Quad Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Package (Q-CHAMP), Quad Partnership on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and Quad Fellowship will be discussed during the meeting. Biden to skip US-Pacific Islands Summit Along with Australia tour, Biden also cancelled his proposed visit to Papua New Guinea (PNG), where he was supposed to attend the US-Pacific Islands Summit. Now, the White House has directed Secretary of State Antony Blinken to represent the US at the summit. In Pics: G7 leaders gather in Hiroshima for the 'group of Seven' summit Biden's cancellation of his visit stems from the need to reach a deal with Republicans to prevent the US from defaulting on its debts by the end of May. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese explained that solving this issue is crucial for the US economy and has global implications. However, the cancellation has raised concerns about the US commitment to countering China in the Indo-Pacific region. India’s agenda at the G7 summit During the G7 summit, Prime Minister Modi will participate in sessions with partner countries, discussing various subjects such as peace, stability, and prosperity of a sustainable planet, food and energy security, health, gender equality, climate change and the environment, resilient infrastructure, and development cooperation, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs. Additionally, Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with several leaders participating in the summit. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Quad summit to take place in Japan’s Hiroshima on the sidelines of G7 summit

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meetings with South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol and Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) leaders' summit in Hiroshima, Japan, on Saturday (May 20).</p>

<p>In a tweet, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) stated, “PM @narendramodi had a productive meeting with @President_KR Yoon Suk Yeol. India and the Republic of Korea share a warm friendship and deep-rooted cultural linkages. Today’s talks focused on ways to further cement this friendship in key developmental sectors.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> had a productive meeting with <a href="https://twitter.com/President_KR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@President_KR</a> Yoon Suk Yeol. India and the Republic of Korea share a warm friendship and deep rooted cultural linkages. Today’s talks focused on ways to further cement this friendship in key developmental sectors. <a href="https://t.co/pkU5qEVzO6">pic.twitter.com/pkU5qEVzO6</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1659741815606738950?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The prime minister also held talks&nbsp;with Vietnam's Pham Minh Chinh and discussed different aspects of India-Vietnam friendly relations, especially in areas like energy, technology, commerce and defence.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prime Ministers <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and Pham Minh Chinh held talks in Hiroshima. They discussed different aspects of India-Vietnam friendship, particularly in areas like energy, technology, commerce and defence. <a href="https://t.co/9bsdWS1MHO">pic.twitter.com/9bsdWS1MHO</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1659763278686588928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Propelling - ties to new levels. Wide-ranging talks between PM @narendramodi and PM Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) tweeted.</p>

<p>"Leaders discussed expanding cooperation in the fields of trade and investment, defence, building resilient supply chains, energy, science &amp; technology, human resource development, culture &amp; people to people ties," it stated.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi at G7 Summit</strong><br />
&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Earlier in the day, PM Modi also held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during which the two leaders discussed ways to grow India-Japan friendship across various sectors including trade, economy and culture.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-and-japans-kishida-hold-talks-on-sidelines-of-g7-594288">PM Narendra Modi meets Japan's Kishida on sidelines of G7 in Hiroshima</a></p>

<p>The prime minister had stated, "I congratulate you on the successful presidency of G7. I also want to thank you for inviting India to the G7 Summit. Your (PM Kishida) visit to India was a memorable one."<br />
<br />
"It is a delightful moment for me as the Bodhi tree I gifted you has been planted by you in Hiroshima, I believe India-Japan relations will grow with the growth of this tree," he added.<br />
<br />
The Indian prime minister also unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima and said that even today the world is frightened when they hear the name of 'Hiroshima'. "I got the opportunity to unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi during my visit to Japan for the G7 Summit," he stated.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | G7 leaders reach Hiroshima in Japan ahead of the official G7 Summit</strong></p>

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<p><br />
He added that Mahatma Gandhi's bust in Hiroshima will propagate the idea of non-violence. "It is a great moment for me to know that the Bodhi tree that I gifted to the Japanese PM has been planted here in Hiroshima so that people can understand the importance of peace when they come here. I pay my respect to Mahatma Gandhi,” he said.<br />
<br />
Later in the day, PM Modi will participate in the G7 grouping's annual summit. The three-day summit will end on Sunday (May 21). Indian prime minister will also attend the Quad leaders' meeting to be held on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.<br />
<br />
The prime minister will also attend the working session of G7 and hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.<br />
<br />
This year, Japan is hosting the G7 Summit and India is attending as a guest country. G7 comprises Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States.</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meetings with South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol and Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) leaders' summit in Hiroshima, Japan, on Saturday (May 20).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meetings with South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol and Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) leaders' summit in Hiroshima, Japan, on Saturday (May 20). In a tweet, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) stated, “PM @narendramodi had a productive meeting with @President_KR Yoon Suk Yeol. India and the Republic of Korea share a warm friendship and deep-rooted cultural linkages. Today’s talks focused on ways to further cement this friendship in key developmental sectors.” PM @narendramodi had a productive meeting with @President_KR Yoon Suk Yeol. India and the Republic of Korea share a warm friendship and deep rooted cultural linkages. Today’s talks focused on ways to further cement this friendship in key developmental sectors. pic.twitter.com/pkU5qEVzO6 — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 20, 2023 × The prime minister also held talks with Vietnam's Pham Minh Chinh and discussed different aspects of India-Vietnam friendly relations, especially in areas like energy, technology, commerce and defence. Prime Ministers @narendramodi and Pham Minh Chinh held talks in Hiroshima. They discussed different aspects of India-Vietnam friendship, particularly in areas like energy, technology, commerce and defence. pic.twitter.com/9bsdWS1MHO — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 20, 2023 × "Propelling - ties to new levels. Wide-ranging talks between PM @narendramodi and PM Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) tweeted. "Leaders discussed expanding cooperation in the fields of trade and investment, defence, building resilient supply chains, energy, science & technology, human resource development, culture & people to people ties," it stated. PM Modi at G7 Summit Earlier in the day, PM Modi also held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during which the two leaders discussed ways to grow India-Japan friendship across various sectors including trade, economy and culture. ALSO READ | PM Narendra Modi meets Japan's Kishida on sidelines of G7 in Hiroshima The prime minister had stated, "I congratulate you on the successful presidency of G7. I also want to thank you for inviting India to the G7 Summit. Your (PM Kishida) visit to India was a memorable one." "It is a delightful moment for me as the Bodhi tree I gifted you has been planted by you in Hiroshima, I believe India-Japan relations will grow with the growth of this tree," he added. The Indian prime minister also unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima and said that even today the world is frightened when they hear the name of 'Hiroshima'. "I got the opportunity to unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi during my visit to Japan for the G7 Summit," he stated. WATCH | G7 leaders reach Hiroshima in Japan ahead of the official G7 Summit He added that Mahatma Gandhi's bust in Hiroshima will propagate the idea of non-violence. "It is a great moment for me to know that the Bodhi tree that I gifted to the Japanese PM has been planted here in Hiroshima so that people can understand the importance of peace when they come here. I pay my respect to Mahatma Gandhi,” he said. Later in the day, PM Modi will participate in the G7 grouping's annual summit. The three-day summit will end on Sunday (May 21). Indian prime minister will also attend the Quad leaders' meeting to be held on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. The prime minister will also attend the working session of G7 and hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This year, Japan is hosting the G7 Summit and India is attending as a guest country. G7 comprises Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

G7 Summit: India's PM Modi holds bilateral talks with leaders of South Korea, Vietnam

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) leaders' summit in Hiroshima, Japan, on Saturday (May 20).&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi will attend the annual summit of the G7 grouping. The three-day summit runs through Sunday (May 21). He will also attend the third in-person Quad leaders' meeting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi and his Japanese counterpart discussed ways to enhance India-Japan friendship across different sectors including trade, economy and culture.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi said, "I congratulate you on the successful presidency of G7. I also want to thank you for inviting India to the G7 Summit. Your (PM Kishida) visit to India was a memorable one."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is a delightful moment for me as the Bodhi tree I gifted you has been planted by you in Hiroshima, I believe India-Japan relations will grow with the growth of this tree," the Indian prime minister added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> met PM <a href="https://twitter.com/kishida230?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kishida230</a> in Hiroshima. Both leaders discussed ways to enhance India-Japan friendship across different sectors including trade, economy and culture. <a href="https://t.co/FaYWYtm0Tl">pic.twitter.com/FaYWYtm0Tl</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1659699599999913985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>He later unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima during his visit to the city and stated that even today, the world gets frightened when they listen to the word 'Hiroshima'. "I got the opportunity to unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi during my visit to Japan for the G7 Summit," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further noted that the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima will take forward the idea of non-violence. "It is a great moment for me to know that the Bodhi tree that I gifted to the Japanese PM has been planted here in Hiroshima so that people can understand the importance of peace when they come here. I pay my respect to Mahatma Gandhi."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> unveils a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima, Japan. <a href="https://t.co/RmZobqj9d2">pic.twitter.com/RmZobqj9d2</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1659716803529166850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>MEA Spokesperson Bagchi tweeted, "A symbol of friendship and goodwill... Mahatma's bust, a gift from India to the city of Hiroshima, is a befitting tribute to a city that symbolises humanity's yearning for peace."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi arrived in Hiroshima on Friday on the first leg of his three-nation trip to Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia and is expected to take part in over 40 engagements.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>G7 summit in Hiroshima&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The G7 comprises Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States. India is attending as a guest country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even today, the world gets frightened when they listen to the word 'Hiroshima'. I got the opportunity to unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi during my visit to Japan for the G7 Summit. Today, the world is suffering from climate change and terrorism...: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Hiroshima, Japan</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) leaders' summit in Hiroshima, Japan, on Saturday (May 20).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) leaders' summit in Hiroshima, Japan, on Saturday (May 20). PM Modi will attend the annual summit of the G7 grouping. The three-day summit runs through Sunday (May 21). He will also attend the third in-person Quad leaders' meeting. PM Modi and his Japanese counterpart discussed ways to enhance India-Japan friendship across different sectors including trade, economy and culture. PM Modi said, "I congratulate you on the successful presidency of G7. I also want to thank you for inviting India to the G7 Summit. Your (PM Kishida) visit to India was a memorable one." "It is a delightful moment for me as the Bodhi tree I gifted you has been planted by you in Hiroshima, I believe India-Japan relations will grow with the growth of this tree," the Indian prime minister added. PM @narendramodi met PM @kishida230 in Hiroshima. Both leaders discussed ways to enhance India-Japan friendship across different sectors including trade, economy and culture. pic.twitter.com/FaYWYtm0Tl — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 19, 2023 × He later unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima during his visit to the city and stated that even today, the world gets frightened when they listen to the word 'Hiroshima'. "I got the opportunity to unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi during my visit to Japan for the G7 Summit," he said. He further noted that the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima will take forward the idea of non-violence. "It is a great moment for me to know that the Bodhi tree that I gifted to the Japanese PM has been planted here in Hiroshima so that people can understand the importance of peace when they come here. I pay my respect to Mahatma Gandhi." PM @narendramodi unveils a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima, Japan. pic.twitter.com/RmZobqj9d2 — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 20, 2023 × MEA Spokesperson Bagchi tweeted, "A symbol of friendship and goodwill... Mahatma's bust, a gift from India to the city of Hiroshima, is a befitting tribute to a city that symbolises humanity's yearning for peace." Modi arrived in Hiroshima on Friday on the first leg of his three-nation trip to Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia and is expected to take part in over 40 engagements. G7 summit in Hiroshima The G7 comprises Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States. India is attending as a guest country. Even today, the world gets frightened when they listen to the word 'Hiroshima'. I got the opportunity to unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi during my visit to Japan for the G7 Summit. Today, the world is suffering from climate change and terrorism...: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Hiroshima, Japan 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.

PM Narendra Modi meets Japan's Kishida on sidelines of G7 in Hiroshima

<p>Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky met India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Hiroshima summit in Japan on Saturday, May 20. With India's foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar and&nbsp;National Security Adviser Ajit Doval present by his side, this is the first time when PM Modi met Zelensky since Russia launched its military offensive against Ukraine in February 2022.</p>

<p>"India, and I, personally would do whatever it takes to stop the war in Ukraine," India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Zelensky in Hiroshima.</p>

<p>Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said he invited India to join Ukraine's peace formula during his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Zelensky also invited Modi to visit Ukraine.</p>

<p>"I briefed the interlocutor in detail on the Ukrainian Peace Formula initiative and invited India to join its implementation. I spoke about Ukraine's needs in humanitarian demining and mobile hospitals. I thank India for supporting our country's territorial integrity and sovereignty, in particular, at the platforms of international organizations, and for providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine," Zelensky wrote on Twitter.</p>

<p>Shortly after the bilateral meet, India's PM Modi also took to Twitter and stated that he conveyed India's support for "dialogue and diplomacy to find a way forward". "We will continue extending humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine," Modi said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Met President <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a> in Hiroshima. Conveyed our clear support for dialogue and diplomacy to find a way forward. We will continue extending humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine. <a href="https://t.co/1srbIIJUB3">pic.twitter.com/1srbIIJUB3</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1659885164561051648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier during the bilateral meeting, Modi told Zelensky that he understands the pain of war currently faced by the Ukrainian people through the experiences of Indian students rescued from Ukraine at the onset of war last year.</p>

<p>"Since the last year and half, we are constantly in touch, but this is the first time we are meeting since Glasgow," Modi said while referring to the last bilateral meeting between the two leaders at UN Climate Change Conference in UK in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The war in Ukraine is a major issue for the world at large. It is affecting the world in multiple ways. But for me, this is not a political or economy-related issue. It is a humanitarian issue for me," Modi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You understand the pain of war better than us. But last year, when our children came back from Ukraine and the way they described the situation there, I was able to better understand the pain you and people of Ukraine are currently going through," Modi told Zelensky.</p>

<p>While India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pointed out country's principled opposition to conflicts anywhere in the world, and even to Russian President Vladimir Putin by stating '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/todays-era-must-not-be-of-war-g20-draft-communique-uses-indian-pm-modis-remarks-to-putin-534278">Today's era is not the era of war</a>',&nbsp;New Delhi has refrained from directly criticising Russian actions at multilateral forums.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India is among the nations with whom&nbsp;Russia shares "special and privileged strategic partnership". The two countries share deep ties since India's freedom from the British in 1947.</p>

<p>As of April 2023, roughly 70&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of the arsenal of the Indian armed forces is&nbsp;of Russian origin.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> held talks with President <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a> during the G-7 Summit in Hiroshima. <a href="https://t.co/tEk3hWku7a">pic.twitter.com/tEk3hWku7a</a></p>
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<p>Shortly after the bilateral talks between the two leaders, India's foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla told reporters that Zelensky appreciated India's support to Kyiv during the Covid crisis.</p>

<p>"The President recalled how he himself had taken Covishield vaccine manufactured by Serum Institute of India," Shringla said.</p>

<p>"President Zelensky expressed appreciation for India's support not only for vaccines but also for affordable and quality pharmaceuticals. He also suggested that India and Ukraine should collaborate in joint manufacture and production of a wide range medicines and other health equipment," Shringla added.</p>

<p>As many as 354,000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers have been killed or injured in the Ukraine war, according to a trove of purported US intelligence documents posted online in April 2023.</p>

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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky met India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Hiroshima summit in Japan on Saturday, May 20. With India's foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval present by his side, this is the first time when PM Modi met Zelensky since Russia launched its military offensive against Ukraine in February 2022.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky met India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Hiroshima summit in Japan on Saturday, May 20. With India's foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval present by his side, this is the first time when PM Modi met Zelensky since Russia launched its military offensive against Ukraine in February 2022. "India, and I, personally would do whatever it takes to stop the war in Ukraine," India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Zelensky in Hiroshima. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said he invited India to join Ukraine's peace formula during his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Zelensky also invited Modi to visit Ukraine. "I briefed the interlocutor in detail on the Ukrainian Peace Formula initiative and invited India to join its implementation. I spoke about Ukraine's needs in humanitarian demining and mobile hospitals. I thank India for supporting our country's territorial integrity and sovereignty, in particular, at the platforms of international organizations, and for providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine," Zelensky wrote on Twitter. Shortly after the bilateral meet, India's PM Modi also took to Twitter and stated that he conveyed India's support for "dialogue and diplomacy to find a way forward". "We will continue extending humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine," Modi said. Met President @ZelenskyyUa in Hiroshima. Conveyed our clear support for dialogue and diplomacy to find a way forward. We will continue extending humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/1srbIIJUB3 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 20, 2023 × Earlier during the bilateral meeting, Modi told Zelensky that he understands the pain of war currently faced by the Ukrainian people through the experiences of Indian students rescued from Ukraine at the onset of war last year. "Since the last year and half, we are constantly in touch, but this is the first time we are meeting since Glasgow," Modi said while referring to the last bilateral meeting between the two leaders at UN Climate Change Conference in UK in 2021. "The war in Ukraine is a major issue for the world at large. It is affecting the world in multiple ways. But for me, this is not a political or economy-related issue. It is a humanitarian issue for me," Modi said. "You understand the pain of war better than us. But last year, when our children came back from Ukraine and the way they described the situation there, I was able to better understand the pain you and people of Ukraine are currently going through," Modi told Zelensky. While India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pointed out country's principled opposition to conflicts anywhere in the world, and even to Russian President Vladimir Putin by stating 'Today's era is not the era of war', New Delhi has refrained from directly criticising Russian actions at multilateral forums. India is among the nations with whom Russia shares "special and privileged strategic partnership". The two countries share deep ties since India's freedom from the British in 1947. As of April 2023, roughly 70 per cent of the arsenal of the Indian armed forces is of Russian origin. PM @narendramodi held talks with President @ZelenskyyUa during the G-7 Summit in Hiroshima. pic.twitter.com/tEk3hWku7a — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 20, 2023 × Shortly after the bilateral talks between the two leaders, India's foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla told reporters that Zelensky appreciated India's support to Kyiv during the Covid crisis. "The President recalled how he himself had taken Covishield vaccine manufactured by Serum Institute of India," Shringla said. "President Zelensky expressed appreciation for India's support not only for vaccines but also for affordable and quality pharmaceuticals. He also suggested that India and Ukraine should collaborate in joint manufacture and production of a wide range medicines and other health equipment," Shringla added. As many as 354,000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers have been killed or injured in the Ukraine war, according to a trove of purported US intelligence documents posted online in April 2023. 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.

I will do whatever it takes to stop the war in Ukraine: PM Modi tells Zelensky at G7 Summit

<p>India will host the Quad Summit in 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced at the Quad Summit 2023 taking place on the margins of the G7 summit at Hiroshima in Japan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Quad group has established itself as an important platform for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," Prime Minister Modi said at the summit, adding that the Indo-Pacific region is the "engine for global trade, innovation and development"</p>

<h2><strong>Success of Indo-Pacific important for entire world: Narendra Modi at Quad summit</strong></h2>

<p>Prime Minister Modi said that there is a mutual consensus among the Quad member nations about the sheer importance of the success of Quad for the rest of the world.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-hiroshima-summit-ukraines-zelensky-meets-indias-pm-modi-594458">I will do whatever it takes to stop the war in Ukraine: PM Modi tells Zelensky at G7 summit</a></strong></p>

<p>"We agree that security and success of Indo-Pacific is important for not just this region but the entire world," Modi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are moving forward based on a constructive agenda based on shared democratic values," added Modi.</p>

<p>Reflecting on a number of shared efforts on subjects of cooperation, Modi said that the group is able to give a "practical dimension" to a number of agendas.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;G7 Hiroshima Meet 2023: PM Modi meets Ukraine Prez Zelensky for first time since Russian invasion</strong></p>

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<p>"Through our shared efforts, we are giving a practical dimension to our positive cooperation in strategic technologies, reliable supply chain, health security, maritime security, counter-terrorism. Many countries and groups are announcing their strategies for the Indo-Pacific region," Modi said.</p>

<p>Thanking Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for presiding over Quad 2023 summit in Hiroshima, Modi said that Quad will continue to make efforts "towards global welfare, peace and prosperity".<br />
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India will host the Quad Summit in 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced at the Quad Summit 2023 taking place on the margins of the G7 summit at Hiroshima in Japan.

India will host the Quad Summit in 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced at the Quad Summit 2023 taking place on the margins of the G7 summit at Hiroshima in Japan. "The Quad group has established itself as an important platform for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," Prime Minister Modi said at the summit, adding that the Indo-Pacific region is the "engine for global trade, innovation and development" Success of Indo-Pacific important for entire world: Narendra Modi at Quad summit Prime Minister Modi said that there is a mutual consensus among the Quad member nations about the sheer importance of the success of Quad for the rest of the world. ALSO READ | I will do whatever it takes to stop the war in Ukraine: PM Modi tells Zelensky at G7 summit "We agree that security and success of Indo-Pacific is important for not just this region but the entire world," Modi said. "We are moving forward based on a constructive agenda based on shared democratic values," added Modi. Reflecting on a number of shared efforts on subjects of cooperation, Modi said that the group is able to give a "practical dimension" to a number of agendas. ALSO WATCH | G7 Hiroshima Meet 2023: PM Modi meets Ukraine Prez Zelensky for first time since Russian invasion × "Through our shared efforts, we are giving a practical dimension to our positive cooperation in strategic technologies, reliable supply chain, health security, maritime security, counter-terrorism. Many countries and groups are announcing their strategies for the Indo-Pacific region," Modi said. Thanking Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for presiding over Quad 2023 summit in Hiroshima, Modi said that Quad will continue to make efforts "towards global welfare, peace and prosperity". 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 to host Quad summit in 2024, work for global welfare, peace, prosperity: PM Modi

<p>A day after his surprise removal from the position of Union Law Minister, senior BJP leader Kiren Rijiju, on Friday, assumed charge&nbsp;as the Earth Sciences minister and denied rumours that he was moved from the previous ministry as a punishment for some wrongdoing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He referred to the move as a ‘routine process’ and further highlighted that it was part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision and not a ‘punishment’.</p>

<p>"Where is the wrongdoing? Do you feel this has happened because of some wrongdoing," Rijiju said, while addressing the press, on being asked if his sudden removal was a punishment.</p>

<p>"These changes and assigning different responsibilities are the way a government functions. It is the prerogative of the prime minister to assign responsibilities as per his thinking. Why do you feel that something is amiss," he said.</p>

<p>He further thanked PM Modi for giving him an opportunity to handle various portfolios and gain experience.</p>

<p>"First of all, we are party workers. Whatever post we hold, we have to work for the party. The way the government functions, don't look at it otherwise. I will do whatever work the Prime Minister assigns me, but, I will also work for the party. We have to do both jobs. We cannot say I will do this and I will not do this," the senior BJP leader said.</p>

<p>He refused to answer questions about his previous ministry contending that these were no longer relevant and that he looked forward to serving in the earth sciences ministry.</p>

<p>"Don't ask questions related to the previous ministry as they are no longer relevant," he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">With great humility, I've taken charge as Minister of Earth Sciences at New Delhi. Had first briefing meeting with Senior officers &amp; Senior Scientists of the Ministry's various organizations. <a href="https://t.co/6480bNSSWS">https://t.co/6480bNSSWS</a> <a href="https://t.co/NaUjCHoobd">pic.twitter.com/NaUjCHoobd</a></p>
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju/status/1659470333513203712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Kiren Rijiju replaced by Arjun Ram Meghwal as Union Law Minister</strong></h2>

<p>In the latest Union cabinet reshuffle, on Thursday (May 18), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Arjun Ram Meghwal replaced Kiren Rijiju as the Union Law and Justice Minister. Meghwal has been assigned an independent charge of the minister in addition to his existing portfolios.</p>

<p>A press release from the Rashtrapati Bhawan said, "Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State be assigned the independent charge as Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice in addition to his existing portfolios, in place of Shri Kiren Rijiju."</p>

<p>The statement added that the portfolio of (the) Ministry of Earth Sciences be assigned to Rijiju. Earlier, Union Minister Jitendra Singh was holding charge of the ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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A day after his surprise removal from the position of Union Law Minister, senior BJP leader Kiren Rijiju, on Friday, assumed charge as the Earth Sciences minister and denied rumours that he was moved from the previous ministry as a punishment for some wrongdoing.

A day after his surprise removal from the position of Union Law Minister, senior BJP leader Kiren Rijiju, on Friday, assumed charge as the Earth Sciences minister and denied rumours that he was moved from the previous ministry as a punishment for some wrongdoing. He referred to the move as a ‘routine process’ and further highlighted that it was part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision and not a ‘punishment’. "Where is the wrongdoing? Do you feel this has happened because of some wrongdoing," Rijiju said, while addressing the press, on being asked if his sudden removal was a punishment. "These changes and assigning different responsibilities are the way a government functions. It is the prerogative of the prime minister to assign responsibilities as per his thinking. Why do you feel that something is amiss," he said. He further thanked PM Modi for giving him an opportunity to handle various portfolios and gain experience. "First of all, we are party workers. Whatever post we hold, we have to work for the party. The way the government functions, don't look at it otherwise. I will do whatever work the Prime Minister assigns me, but, I will also work for the party. We have to do both jobs. We cannot say I will do this and I will not do this," the senior BJP leader said. He refused to answer questions about his previous ministry contending that these were no longer relevant and that he looked forward to serving in the earth sciences ministry. "Don't ask questions related to the previous ministry as they are no longer relevant," he said. With great humility, I've taken charge as Minister of Earth Sciences at New Delhi. Had first briefing meeting with Senior officers & Senior Scientists of the Ministry's various organizations. https://t.co/6480bNSSWS pic.twitter.com/NaUjCHoobd — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) May 19, 2023 × Kiren Rijiju replaced by Arjun Ram Meghwal as Union Law Minister In the latest Union cabinet reshuffle, on Thursday (May 18), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Arjun Ram Meghwal replaced Kiren Rijiju as the Union Law and Justice Minister. Meghwal has been assigned an independent charge of the minister in addition to his existing portfolios. A press release from the Rashtrapati Bhawan said, "Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State be assigned the independent charge as Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice in addition to his existing portfolios, in place of Shri Kiren Rijiju." The statement added that the portfolio of (the) Ministry of Earth Sciences be assigned to Rijiju. Earlier, Union Minister Jitendra Singh was holding charge of the ministry. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Senior BJP leader Kiren Rijiju opens up on sudden portfolio switch, says ‘not a punishment’

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on his three-nation tour, during which he is set to meet over two dozen leaders across the world and participate in 40 engagements, with the G7 Summit and the Quad meet being the highlight of the visit.<br />
<br />
PM Modi will be visiting Hiroshima, Japan on Friday (May 19) where he will participate in the G7 Summit&nbsp;and is likely to speak on challenges being faced by the world in sectors of food, fertiliser and energy security.<br />
<br />
In the departure statement released by the Prime Minister's Office, PM Modi said, “I will leave for Hiroshima, Japan to attend the G7 Summit under the Japanese Presidency at the invitation of Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan. It will be a pleasure to meet Prime Minister Kishida again after his recent visit to India for the India – Japan Summit.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Leaving for Japan, where I will be joining the <a href="https://twitter.com/G7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@G7</a> Summit in Hiroshima. Looking forward to a healthy exchange of views on diverse global subjects. <a href="https://t.co/TYYOLeHAFH">https://t.co/TYYOLeHAFH</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1659399599361232897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>“My presence in this G7 Summit is particularly meaningful as India holds the G20 Presidency this year. I look forward to exchanging views with the G7 countries and other invited partners on the challenges that the world faces and the need to collectively address them. I would also be holding bilateral meetings with some of the leaders attending the Hiroshima G7 Summit,” the statement further added.<br />
<br />
Modi will also be inaugurating a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima, Japan.</p>

<h2><br />
<strong>Modi at FIPIC III Summit in Papua New Guinea</strong><br />
&nbsp;</h2>

<p>PM Modi will also visit Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea where he will host the third Summit of the Forum for India–Pacific Islands Co-operation (FIPIC III Summit) jointly with Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape.<br />
<br />
Speaking about his visit to Papua New Guinea, PM Modi said, “This will be my first visit, as also the first-ever visit by any Indian Prime Minister, to Papua New Guinea. I am grateful that all 14 Pacific Island Countries (PIC) have accepted the invitation to attend this important Summit. Apart from the FIPIC engagements, I look forward to my bilateral interactions with Papua New Guinea Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae, Prime Minister Marape and some of the other PIC Leaders participating in the Summit.”<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi's visit to Australia</strong></h2>

<p>The prime minister will also travel to Sydney, Australia after receiving the invitation from Prime Minister Albanese. “I look forward to our bilateral meeting, which will be an opportunity to take stock of our bilateral ties and follow up on our first India-Australia Annual Summit held in New Delhi in March this year. I will also interact with Australian CEOs and business leaders, and meet the Indian community in Sydney at a special event,” PM Modi stated.</p>

<p>According to media reports, PM Modi is also likely to meet the United Kingdom's Rishi Sunak on Sunday.</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on his three-nation tour, during which he is set to meet over two dozen leaders across the world and participate in 40 engagements, with the G7 Summit and the Quad meet being the highlight of the visit.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on his three-nation tour, during which he is set to meet over two dozen leaders across the world and participate in 40 engagements, with the G7 Summit and the Quad meet being the highlight of the visit. PM Modi will be visiting Hiroshima, Japan on Friday (May 19) where he will participate in the G7 Summit and is likely to speak on challenges being faced by the world in sectors of food, fertiliser and energy security. In the departure statement released by the Prime Minister's Office, PM Modi said, “I will leave for Hiroshima, Japan to attend the G7 Summit under the Japanese Presidency at the invitation of Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan. It will be a pleasure to meet Prime Minister Kishida again after his recent visit to India for the India – Japan Summit.” Leaving for Japan, where I will be joining the @G7 Summit in Hiroshima. Looking forward to a healthy exchange of views on diverse global subjects. https://t.co/TYYOLeHAFH — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 19, 2023 × “My presence in this G7 Summit is particularly meaningful as India holds the G20 Presidency this year. I look forward to exchanging views with the G7 countries and other invited partners on the challenges that the world faces and the need to collectively address them. I would also be holding bilateral meetings with some of the leaders attending the Hiroshima G7 Summit,” the statement further added. Modi will also be inaugurating a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima, Japan. Modi at FIPIC III Summit in Papua New Guinea PM Modi will also visit Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea where he will host the third Summit of the Forum for India–Pacific Islands Co-operation (FIPIC III Summit) jointly with Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape. Speaking about his visit to Papua New Guinea, PM Modi said, “This will be my first visit, as also the first-ever visit by any Indian Prime Minister, to Papua New Guinea. I am grateful that all 14 Pacific Island Countries (PIC) have accepted the invitation to attend this important Summit. Apart from the FIPIC engagements, I look forward to my bilateral interactions with Papua New Guinea Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae, Prime Minister Marape and some of the other PIC Leaders participating in the Summit.” PM Modi's visit to Australia The prime minister will also travel to Sydney, Australia after receiving the invitation from Prime Minister Albanese. “I look forward to our bilateral meeting, which will be an opportunity to take stock of our bilateral ties and follow up on our first India-Australia Annual Summit held in New Delhi in March this year. I will also interact with Australian CEOs and business leaders, and meet the Indian community in Sydney at a special event,” PM Modi stated. According to media reports, PM Modi is also likely to meet the United Kingdom's Rishi Sunak on Sunday. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India's PM Modi embarks on 3-nation-tour, set to attend G7 Summit, Quad meet

<p>Elon Musk's Tesla, in a bid to diversify its supply chain beyond China, has eyed India as the next potential spot of manufacturing. A group of senior Tesla executives next week will reportedly meet officials in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The meeting will be held to discuss local sourcing of components for Tesla's models, Bloomberg reported while citing people familiar with the matter.</p>

<h2><strong>Tesla's road to India and a Chinese stumble</strong></h2>

<p>Tesla has not yet entered the world's fifth largest economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Elon Musk has criticised what he said were India's high import taxes, India is averse to the idea of letting Tesla sell electric vehicles made in China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In April 2022, speaking at Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, India's road transport minister Nitin Gadkari said that Tesla's proposition of "manufacturing in China and selling in India" cannot be an acceptable one.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/manufacturing-in-china-and-selling-in-india-when-nitin-gadkari-took-a-dig-at-musk-473921">'Manufacturing in China and selling in India'... when Nitin Gadkari took a dig at Musk</a></strong></p>

<p>He said, "If Elon Musk is ready to manufacture in India, we have all the competencies and technology. Our request to him is to manufacture in India. India is a huge market, we have ports here. He could make in India and export all over."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;India: Tesla shouldn't import cars from China, says India's road transport minister Nitin Gadkari</strong></p>

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<p>At the same time, while Tesla has found it difficult to break into India, its global rivals such as Mercedes-Benz AG have taken steps to sell locally assembled cars. They are betting on rising demand for electric vehicles in what is the world’s most populous country and an automobile market with high growth potential.</p>

<h2><strong>Tesla executives India visit: Who will meet whom?</strong></h2>

<p>The visitors are set to include C-suite executives and managers from Austin, Texas-based Tesla’s supply chain, production and business development teams.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The executives are expected to reiterate Tesla’s request for India to cut import taxes on its vehicles, Bloomberg reported while citing people familiar with the matter.</p>

<p>Among other American companies, Apple has carved out India as an alternative manufacturing base and now produces 7 per cent of its global smartphone output in India.</p>

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Elon Musk's Tesla, in a bid to diversify its supply chain beyond China, has eyed India as the next potential spot of manufacturing. A group of senior Tesla executives next week will reportedly meet officials in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration.

Elon Musk's Tesla, in a bid to diversify its supply chain beyond China, has eyed India as the next potential spot of manufacturing. A group of senior Tesla executives next week will reportedly meet officials in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration. The meeting will be held to discuss local sourcing of components for Tesla's models, Bloomberg reported while citing people familiar with the matter. Tesla's road to India and a Chinese stumble Tesla has not yet entered the world's fifth largest economy. While Elon Musk has criticised what he said were India's high import taxes, India is averse to the idea of letting Tesla sell electric vehicles made in China. In April 2022, speaking at Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, India's road transport minister Nitin Gadkari said that Tesla's proposition of "manufacturing in China and selling in India" cannot be an acceptable one. ALSO READ | 'Manufacturing in China and selling in India'... when Nitin Gadkari took a dig at Musk He said, "If Elon Musk is ready to manufacture in India, we have all the competencies and technology. Our request to him is to manufacture in India. India is a huge market, we have ports here. He could make in India and export all over." ALSO WATCH | India: Tesla shouldn't import cars from China, says India's road transport minister Nitin Gadkari × At the same time, while Tesla has found it difficult to break into India, its global rivals such as Mercedes-Benz AG have taken steps to sell locally assembled cars. They are betting on rising demand for electric vehicles in what is the world’s most populous country and an automobile market with high growth potential. Tesla executives India visit: Who will meet whom? The visitors are set to include C-suite executives and managers from Austin, Texas-based Tesla’s supply chain, production and business development teams. The executives are expected to reiterate Tesla’s request for India to cut import taxes on its vehicles, Bloomberg reported while citing people familiar with the matter. Among other American companies, Apple has carved out India as an alternative manufacturing base and now produces 7 per cent of its global smartphone output in India. 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.

Elon Musk choosing India over China? Big meet to decide Tesla's road to New Delhi

<p>Indian&nbsp;Prime Minister&nbsp;Narendra Modi is set to visit Papua New Guinea on 21-22 May. The visit will focus on the India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit, meeting the Indian diaspora, and signing several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). The visit is expected to strengthen the bilateral relations between India and Papua New Guinea and further enhance cooperation in various fields, including trade, investment, and cultural exchange.</p>

<p>Ahead of the visit, the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape, held a meeting with Indian High Commissioner to PNG, Imbasekar Sundaramurhti, and Chief Liaison Officer Visvas Sapkal on Friday (May 12, 2023), to discuss preparations for the visit. In a statement after the meeting, the PNG PM said that his country is "ready to host Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi from May 21-22".</p>

<p>Modi will receive a red-carpet welcome with a 19-gun salute upon his arrival on May 21.</p>

<p>On May 22, he will meet Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae and hold talks with PM James Marape. After that, he will be participating in the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit.&nbsp;He will also meet with members of the Indian community during his visit.</p>

<p>During the visit, India and PNG are expected to sign multiple agreements and exchange proposals aimed at enhancing cooperation in various fields. The Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Micro Small to Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) will strengthen economic ties between the two countries. Reciprocal visa-on-arrival arrangements and visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders will ease travel restrictions and promote people-to-people contacts. The cultural exchange programs, MOUs between election commissions and broadcasters, and ICT cooperation agreements will further deepen bilateral relations.</p>

<p>"Cabinet has directed the Department of Foreign Affairs to liaise with relevant sectoral agencies and departments to ensure the above deliverables are ready on time to be announced during my meeting with Prime Minister Modi," PM Marape said.</p>

<p>Interestingly, the visit will coincide with US President Biden's presentation of the country and meeting with leaders of the Pacific. India has been proactive in building ties with countries in the region, and this visit is expected to further enhance India's engagement with the Pacific Island countries.</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Papua New Guinea on 21-22 May. The visit will focus on the India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit, meeting the Indian diaspora, and signing several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Papua New Guinea on 21-22 May. The visit will focus on the India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit, meeting the Indian diaspora, and signing several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). The visit is expected to strengthen the bilateral relations between India and Papua New Guinea and further enhance cooperation in various fields, including trade, investment, and cultural exchange. Ahead of the visit, the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape, held a meeting with Indian High Commissioner to PNG, Imbasekar Sundaramurhti, and Chief Liaison Officer Visvas Sapkal on Friday (May 12, 2023), to discuss preparations for the visit. In a statement after the meeting, the PNG PM said that his country is "ready to host Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi from May 21-22". Modi will receive a red-carpet welcome with a 19-gun salute upon his arrival on May 21. On May 22, he will meet Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae and hold talks with PM James Marape. After that, he will be participating in the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit. He will also meet with members of the Indian community during his visit. During the visit, India and PNG are expected to sign multiple agreements and exchange proposals aimed at enhancing cooperation in various fields. The Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Micro Small to Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) will strengthen economic ties between the two countries. Reciprocal visa-on-arrival arrangements and visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders will ease travel restrictions and promote people-to-people contacts. The cultural exchange programs, MOUs between election commissions and broadcasters, and ICT cooperation agreements will further deepen bilateral relations. "Cabinet has directed the Department of Foreign Affairs to liaise with relevant sectoral agencies and departments to ensure the above deliverables are ready on time to be announced during my meeting with Prime Minister Modi," PM Marape said. Interestingly, the visit will coincide with US President Biden's presentation of the country and meeting with leaders of the Pacific. India has been proactive in building ties with countries in the region, and this visit is expected to further enhance India's engagement with the Pacific Island countries. 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.

PM Modi to visit Papua New Guinea with focus on Pacific Summit, diaspora, and MoUs

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (May 12) took to Twitter to congratulate "Exam Warriors" who successfully passed Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) exams. He also consoled those who feel their performance could have been better.</p>

<p>“I congratulate all the #ExamWarriors who have successfully passed the CBSE Class XII examinations. I am proud of these youngsters for their hard work and determination. I also congratulate their parents and teachers for their monumental role in the success of the youngsters,” PM Modi tweeted.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to all <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ExamWarriors?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ExamWarriors</a> who have passed in the Class X CBSE exams. Wishing them the very best for their upcoming endeavours. May they have a bright academic career and also pursue their other passions beyond the classroom.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1656953231308914689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>For those who were a little dejected over their performance in the exams, PM Modi said that just one exam did not define their entire lives.</p>

<p>“I would like to tell those bright youngsters who feel they could have done better in the Class XII exams - you have so much more to look forward to in the coming times. One set of exams doesn’t define you. Harness your talents in areas you are passionate about. You will shine!" he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I would like to tell those bright youngsters who feel they could have done better in the Class XII exams - you have so much more to look forward to in the coming times. One set of exams doesn’t define you. Harness your talents in areas you are passionate about. You will shine!</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1656941001951559680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier on Friday, India's Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also took to Twitter to share words of encouragement with CBSE students.</p>

<p>"Congratulations to all the #ExamWarriors who have cleared the CBSE Class X exams with flying colors! The hard work and dedication has paid off. I wish all my friends a bright future ahead filled with endless possibilities, success and fulfilment," he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to all the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ExamWarriors?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ExamWarriors</a> who have cleared the CBSE Class X exams with flying colors!<br />
<br />
The hard work and dedication has paid off. I wish all my friends a bright future ahead filled with endless possibilities, success and fulfilment.</p>
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/dpradhanbjp/status/1656963045476962306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"All those friends who fell short of their expectations, I implore them to embrace this as an opportunity to learn, grow and come back stronger. The journey doesn’t end here-rise up and keep pushing forward until you succeed," he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">All those friends who fell short of their expectations, I implore them to embrace this as an opportunity to learn, grow and come back stronger.<br />
<br />
The journey doesn’t end here-rise up and keep pushing forward until you succeed.</p>
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/dpradhanbjp/status/1656963051139260417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>CBSE has declared results of Class 10 and Class 12 board exams. A total of 21,65,805 students appeared for Class 10 board exam. Out of them 20,16,779 cleared it. The overall passing percentage was 93.12 per cent.</p>

<p>16,60,511 students appeared for Class 12 board exam. Out of them 16,60,511 passed the exam. The overall passing percentage was &nbsp;87.33 per cent.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (May 12) took to Twitter to congratulate "Exam Warriors" who successfully passed Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) exams.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (May 12) took to Twitter to congratulate "Exam Warriors" who successfully passed Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) exams. He also consoled those who feel their performance could have been better. “I congratulate all the #ExamWarriors who have successfully passed the CBSE Class XII examinations. I am proud of these youngsters for their hard work and determination. I also congratulate their parents and teachers for their monumental role in the success of the youngsters,” PM Modi tweeted. Congratulations to all #ExamWarriors who have passed in the Class X CBSE exams. Wishing them the very best for their upcoming endeavours. May they have a bright academic career and also pursue their other passions beyond the classroom. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 12, 2023 × For those who were a little dejected over their performance in the exams, PM Modi said that just one exam did not define their entire lives. “I would like to tell those bright youngsters who feel they could have done better in the Class XII exams - you have so much more to look forward to in the coming times. One set of exams doesn’t define you. Harness your talents in areas you are passionate about. You will shine!" he added. I would like to tell those bright youngsters who feel they could have done better in the Class XII exams - you have so much more to look forward to in the coming times. One set of exams doesn’t define you. Harness your talents in areas you are passionate about. You will shine! — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 12, 2023 × Earlier on Friday, India's Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also took to Twitter to share words of encouragement with CBSE students. "Congratulations to all the #ExamWarriors who have cleared the CBSE Class X exams with flying colors! The hard work and dedication has paid off. I wish all my friends a bright future ahead filled with endless possibilities, success and fulfilment," he said. Congratulations to all the #ExamWarriors who have cleared the CBSE Class X exams with flying colors! The hard work and dedication has paid off. I wish all my friends a bright future ahead filled with endless possibilities, success and fulfilment. — Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) May 12, 2023 × "All those friends who fell short of their expectations, I implore them to embrace this as an opportunity to learn, grow and come back stronger. The journey doesn’t end here-rise up and keep pushing forward until you succeed," he added. All those friends who fell short of their expectations, I implore them to embrace this as an opportunity to learn, grow and come back stronger. The journey doesn’t end here-rise up and keep pushing forward until you succeed. — Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) May 12, 2023 × CBSE has declared results of Class 10 and Class 12 board exams. A total of 21,65,805 students appeared for Class 10 board exam. Out of them 20,16,779 cleared it. The overall passing percentage was 93.12 per cent. 16,60,511 students appeared for Class 12 board exam. Out of them 16,60,511 passed the exam. The overall passing percentage was 87.33 per cent. 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.

PM Modi congratulates CBSE achievers, boosts morale of those who didn’t do well

<p>United States President Joe Biden is set to host India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 22 when the latter will be on an official state visit to Washington, announced the White House on Wednesday.</p>

<p>"President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Republic of India for an Official State Visit to the United States, which will include a state dinner, on June 22, 2023. The upcoming visit will affirm the deep and close partnership between the United States and India and the warm bonds of family and friendship that link Americans and Indians together, " announced Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in a statement.</p>

<p>"The visit will strengthen our two countries’ shared commitment to a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific and our shared resolve to elevate our strategic technology partnership, including in defence, clean energy, and space. The leaders will discuss ways to further expand our educational exchanges and people-to-people ties, as well as our work together to confront common challenges from climate change, to workforce development and health security," the statement further read.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-narendra-modi-to-visit-paris-for-bastille-day-parade-as-guest-of-honour-on-july-14-589252">Indian PM Narendra Modi to visit Paris for Bastille Day parade as guest of honour on July 14&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, India's Ministry of External Affairs, confirming Modi's visit, stated, "The visit will underscore the growing importance of the strategic partnership between India and the United States as the two nations collaborate across numerous sectors. The leaders will have the opportunity to review strong bilateral co-operation in various areas of mutual interest, including technology, trade, industry, education, research, clean energy, defence, security, healthcare, and deepening people-to-people connections."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Prime Minister Modi and President Biden will also explore ways to strengthen India-US collaboration in pluri-lateral and multilateral fora, including in the G20. They would reflect on their shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific and discuss opportunities to expand and consolidate the Quad engagement. This historic visit offers a valuable opportunity for India and the US to further deepen a comprehensive and forward-looking global strategic partnership," the ministry added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Israel FM in New Delhi | In 2017, Narendra Modi became first sitting Indian PM to visit Tel Aviv</strong></p>

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<p>The formal state visit of PM Modi is a sign of the deepening relationship between the US and India as the Biden government supports initiatives and policies for a free and open Indo-Pacific with the aim to counter what it considers&nbsp;a growing threat from China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi's dinner with Biden will be the third formal state visit by any leader to the US. Biden first hosted French President Emmanuel Macron in December and recently hosted South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on April 26.</p>

<p>Last month, the US and India announced an initiative on emerging and critical technology which includes a plan to share advanced computing and defence technology and&nbsp;joint production of General Electric jet engines.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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United States President Joe Biden is set to host India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 22 when the latter will be on an official state visit to Washington, announced the White House on Wednesday.

United States President Joe Biden is set to host India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 22 when the latter will be on an official state visit to Washington, announced the White House on Wednesday. "President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Republic of India for an Official State Visit to the United States, which will include a state dinner, on June 22, 2023. The upcoming visit will affirm the deep and close partnership between the United States and India and the warm bonds of family and friendship that link Americans and Indians together, " announced Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in a statement. "The visit will strengthen our two countries’ shared commitment to a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific and our shared resolve to elevate our strategic technology partnership, including in defence, clean energy, and space. The leaders will discuss ways to further expand our educational exchanges and people-to-people ties, as well as our work together to confront common challenges from climate change, to workforce development and health security," the statement further read. ALSO READ | Indian PM Narendra Modi to visit Paris for Bastille Day parade as guest of honour on July 14 Meanwhile, India's Ministry of External Affairs, confirming Modi's visit, stated, "The visit will underscore the growing importance of the strategic partnership between India and the United States as the two nations collaborate across numerous sectors. The leaders will have the opportunity to review strong bilateral co-operation in various areas of mutual interest, including technology, trade, industry, education, research, clean energy, defence, security, healthcare, and deepening people-to-people connections." "Prime Minister Modi and President Biden will also explore ways to strengthen India-US collaboration in pluri-lateral and multilateral fora, including in the G20. They would reflect on their shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific and discuss opportunities to expand and consolidate the Quad engagement. This historic visit offers a valuable opportunity for India and the US to further deepen a comprehensive and forward-looking global strategic partnership," the ministry added. WATCH | Israel FM in New Delhi | In 2017, Narendra Modi became first sitting Indian PM to visit Tel Aviv The formal state visit of PM Modi is a sign of the deepening relationship between the US and India as the Biden government supports initiatives and policies for a free and open Indo-Pacific with the aim to counter what it considers a growing threat from China. PM Modi's dinner with Biden will be the third formal state visit by any leader to the US. Biden first hosted French President Emmanuel Macron in December and recently hosted South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on April 26. Last month, the US and India announced an initiative on emerging and critical technology which includes a plan to share advanced computing and defence technology and joint production of General Electric jet engines. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US President Biden to host India's PM Modi on June 22: White House

<p>In a bid to rejuvenate India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is bringing back the antiquities and artefacts from across the world.</p>

<p>According to an official release, the government has brought back various priceless artefacts stolen and smuggled abroad.</p>

<p>“Over centuries, innumerable priceless artefacts, some with deep cultural and religious significance, had been stolen and smuggled abroad. The government adopted a proactive approach to ‘bringing back Indian artefacts and cultural heritage,” said the government release.</p>

<p>On numerous foreign visits, Prime Minister discussed the matter with global leaders and multilateral institutions and a total of 251 antiquities have been brought back to India, out of which 238 were brought back since 2014.</p>

<p>Besides this, about 72 more antiquities are in the process of being repatriated from various countries.</p>

<p>“As on April 24, 2023, 251 invaluable antiquities of Indian origin have been retrieved back from different countries, out of which 238 have been brought back since 2014. Further, nearly 72 antiquities are in the process of being repatriated from various countries,” read the release.</p>

<p>“The untiring efforts of the Government of India have led to the repatriation of our rightful artefacts that reflect and epitomise the glory of our ancient civilisation,” further added the release.</p>

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In a bid to rejuvenate India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is bringing back the antiquities and artefacts from across the world.

In a bid to rejuvenate India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is bringing back the antiquities and artefacts from across the world. According to an official release, the government has brought back various priceless artefacts stolen and smuggled abroad. “Over centuries, innumerable priceless artefacts, some with deep cultural and religious significance, had been stolen and smuggled abroad. The government adopted a proactive approach to ‘bringing back Indian artefacts and cultural heritage,” said the government release. On numerous foreign visits, Prime Minister discussed the matter with global leaders and multilateral institutions and a total of 251 antiquities have been brought back to India, out of which 238 were brought back since 2014. Besides this, about 72 more antiquities are in the process of being repatriated from various countries. “As on April 24, 2023, 251 invaluable antiquities of Indian origin have been retrieved back from different countries, out of which 238 have been brought back since 2014. Further, nearly 72 antiquities are in the process of being repatriated from various countries,” read the release. “The untiring efforts of the Government of India have led to the repatriation of our rightful artefacts that reflect and epitomise the glory of our ancient civilisation,” further added the release. 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.

Indian govt says 238 stolen, smuggled antiquities brought back to country since 2014

<p>The high-voltage political campaign for the Karnataka assembly elections scheduled to take place on May 10 came to an end on Monday, as three political parties—the BJP, Congress, and JD(S)—made a last-ditch attempt to woo&nbsp;voters.</p>

<p>While the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) campaign strategy largely focused on the developmental works carried out by their government in the past five years, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity, the Congress, on the other hand, focused on local issues. The other opposition party,&nbsp;Janata Dal (Secular), also touched upon local issues during its campaign.</p>

<p>Voting for the 224-member Karnataka Assembly will begin and end on May 10, and the counting of votes will be conducted on May 13. A party needs to secure a majority of 113 seats to form a government.</p>

<p>The BJP deployed big stalwarts for the Karnataka election campaign with PM Modi leading the charge. Since the start of the campaign, he has addressed a total of 18 public rallies and held three roadshows in the state since April 28.</p>

<p>Congress, too, saw several political bigwigs, including Sonia, Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, hitting the roads for the campaign.</p>

<p>The BJP has been banking on PM Modi’s popularity to tide over the anti-incumbency wave, as the current government led by Basavaraj Bommai faces corruption charges.</p>

<h2><strong>Karnataka Elections 2023: Star campaigners from BJP, Congress, JD(S) hold mega rallies</strong></h2>

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<p>The Congress is looking for a comeback in the state after it was thrown out of power in 2018 when it entered into a coalition with the JD(S) to form a government.</p>

<p>Poll experts predict a tight election in Karnataka, with some giving a slight advantage to the Congress. However, they believe that Modi’s rally in the state might turn out to be a game changer for the state BJP unit and may help in getting better results than expected.</p>

<p>Several BJP leaders said that Modi’s campaigning across the state boosted the party’s morale and confidence among the electorate, and hoped that it will convert into votes and help the party script history in the polls.</p>

<p>Congress, too, sounded confident in securing victory in the polls.</p>

<p>“We are very confident and hopeful. I am not a predictor of numbers, I can only see the response that we have got from the public. The people of Karnataka want an end to corruption,"&nbsp;Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said in Bengaluru.</p>

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The high-voltage political campaign for the Karnataka assembly elections scheduled to take place on May 10 came to an end on Monday, as three political parties—the BJP, Congress, and JD(S)—made a last-ditch attempt to woo voters.

The high-voltage political campaign for the Karnataka assembly elections scheduled to take place on May 10 came to an end on Monday, as three political parties—the BJP, Congress, and JD(S)—made a last-ditch attempt to woo voters. While the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) campaign strategy largely focused on the developmental works carried out by their government in the past five years, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity, the Congress, on the other hand, focused on local issues. The other opposition party, Janata Dal (Secular), also touched upon local issues during its campaign. Voting for the 224-member Karnataka Assembly will begin and end on May 10, and the counting of votes will be conducted on May 13. A party needs to secure a majority of 113 seats to form a government. The BJP deployed big stalwarts for the Karnataka election campaign with PM Modi leading the charge. Since the start of the campaign, he has addressed a total of 18 public rallies and held three roadshows in the state since April 28. Congress, too, saw several political bigwigs, including Sonia, Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, hitting the roads for the campaign. The BJP has been banking on PM Modi’s popularity to tide over the anti-incumbency wave, as the current government led by Basavaraj Bommai faces corruption charges. Karnataka Elections 2023: Star campaigners from BJP, Congress, JD(S) hold mega rallies The Congress is looking for a comeback in the state after it was thrown out of power in 2018 when it entered into a coalition with the JD(S) to form a government. Poll experts predict a tight election in Karnataka, with some giving a slight advantage to the Congress. However, they believe that Modi’s rally in the state might turn out to be a game changer for the state BJP unit and may help in getting better results than expected. Several BJP leaders said that Modi’s campaigning across the state boosted the party’s morale and confidence among the electorate, and hoped that it will convert into votes and help the party script history in the polls. Congress, too, sounded confident in securing victory in the polls. “We are very confident and hopeful. I am not a predictor of numbers, I can only see the response that we have got from the public. The people of Karnataka want an end to corruption," Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said in Bengaluru. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Game, set and match! All eyes on May 10 as campaign for Karnataka election concludes

<p>A decade-old Chinese military document that has resurfaced recently provides fascinating insight into Beijing's misplaced assertions about the way New Delhi views its neighbours. The 372-page document, titled <em>zhanlue xue</em> (loosely translated 'The Science of Military Strategy'), was published by Beijing-based People's Liberation Army Academy of Military Sciences in 2013.</p>

<p>The document, prepared by PLA's Academy of Military Sciences faculty with "very high-level review", has been translated by Montgomery, Alabama-based US Air University's China Aerospace Studies Institute [CASI].</p>

<p>Among other things, the document lays out China's tactical outlook vis-a-vis India.</p>

<h2><strong>India's military strategy: What China doesn't get right</strong></h2>

<p>Referring to traditional ideas of &nbsp;Indian strategist Chanakya, the PLA document says that New Delhi is deeply affected by his traditional&nbsp;idea "that treated neighbours as enemies."</p>

<p>Experts view this Chinese assertion about Indian military strategy as completely misplaced.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This statement is a reflection of [China's] limited understanding of Indian foreign policy or a deliberate attempt to create confusion," Suyash Desai, Taiwan-based research scholar on China's military and foreign policy told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To secure its national security interests, India in the past has taken militarily and economically coercive measures in its immediate neighbourhood, points out Anushka Saxena, Research Analyst with the Indo-Pacific Studies Programme at Bengaluru-based Takshashila Institution.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For example, India was concerned when Nepal purchased Chinese military equipment in 1988 following which Nepal did not renew the Indo-Nepalese singular trade and transit treaty. In response,&nbsp;India imposed a blockade on trade with Nepal up till April 1990, when democracy was restored in Kathmandu's corridors of power.&nbsp;<i> </i></p>

<p>Similarly, part of the reason why Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s government sent Indian Peace Keeping Forces in Sri Lanka in the early 1990s was to “alleviate India’s concerns surrounding LTTE terrorist activity that impacted our national interests”, Saxena added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Has India taken coercive military and economic measures to deal with its neighbours in the past? Yes. Is there some degree of Indo-centrism reflected in this? Yes. But does that mean India did so because it considers its neighbours enemies? No,” Saxena told WION.</p>

<h2><strong>India wants Tibet as a “buffer state”: PLA document</strong></h2>

<p>The PLA document states that since independence, India has “fully carried on with the United Kingdom’s imperial expansionist strategic thought”. This, the document adds, included India attempting to incorporate Tibet into its sphere of influence as a “buffer state”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A “buffer state” refers to a neutral country between two larger hostile countries whose state of neutrality is aimed to prevent the outbreak of a regional conflict.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-chinas-exit-bans-prevent-tibetans-from-visiting-dalai-lama-in-india-safeguard-defenders-to-wion-588212">Exclusive: China's exit bans prevent Tibetans from visiting Dalai Lama in India</a></strong></p>

<p>“Every big country invests in buffers around it or at least wants to be surrounded by countries which are friendlier to it, also known as the 'sphere of influence'. Generally, the Indian governments have, at least in the early decades of Independence, seen merit in such British ideas,” Sridharan Subramanyam of Chennai Centre for China Studies told WION, adding that.</p>

<p>While New Delhi had no formal foreign policy to treat Tibet as a ‘buffer state’, the Chinese aggression into Western Ladakh in the mid-1950s was aimed at providing its G219 highway a buffer through Aksai Chin, he noted.</p>

<p><img alt="G219 highway | China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eea5ce39-a5c0-4fb6-8a90-50cb66ff1872" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2888%29_0.png" /></p>

<p><em>China’s G219 National Highway passes through India’s Aksai Chin region, under illegal Chinese occupation since&nbsp;the 1950s | Google Maps</em></p>

<p>“After all, as a 'buffer state,' Tibet would have retained its status as a sovereign nation-state, which it had always been, and would have benefitted the most from dealing with both the big powers on its two flanks,” Subramanyam reasons.</p>

<p>Reflecting upon the complex history of Tibet’s tryst with China and India, Anushka Saxena of Takshashila Institution pointed out that the British did see merit in making Tibet an “autonomous buffer” to prevent the Russian aggression south of China and towards its territory in India in the years of the 'Great Game' between London and Moscow.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: 1 Million Tibetan children separated from their families</strong></p>

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<p>“The British also made concessions to China through the Anglo-China Treaty of 1906 and the Anglo-Russian Treaty of 1907 that recognised Chinese 'suzerainty' over Tibet and maintained that any conduction of foreign relations with Tibet was to happen through Chinese diplomatic offices.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"However, with the People’s Republic of China's expanding historical territorial claims after the Communist Party of China established its rule over the country in 1949, Tibet was eventually brought under effective Chinese control, ending its status as a buffer three years after Indian independence from the British,” Saxena said.</p>

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A decade-old Chinese military document that has resurfaced recently provides fascinating insight into Beijing's misplaced assertions about the way New Delhi views its neighbours.

A decade-old Chinese military document that has resurfaced recently provides fascinating insight into Beijing's misplaced assertions about the way New Delhi views its neighbours. The 372-page document, titled zhanlue xue (loosely translated 'The Science of Military Strategy'), was published by Beijing-based People's Liberation Army Academy of Military Sciences in 2013. The document, prepared by PLA's Academy of Military Sciences faculty with "very high-level review", has been translated by Montgomery, Alabama-based US Air University's China Aerospace Studies Institute [CASI]. Among other things, the document lays out China's tactical outlook vis-a-vis India. India's military strategy: What China doesn't get right Referring to traditional ideas of Indian strategist Chanakya, the PLA document says that New Delhi is deeply affected by his traditional idea "that treated neighbours as enemies." Experts view this Chinese assertion about Indian military strategy as completely misplaced. "This statement is a reflection of [China's] limited understanding of Indian foreign policy or a deliberate attempt to create confusion," Suyash Desai, Taiwan-based research scholar on China's military and foreign policy told WION. To secure its national security interests, India in the past has taken militarily and economically coercive measures in its immediate neighbourhood, points out Anushka Saxena, Research Analyst with the Indo-Pacific Studies Programme at Bengaluru-based Takshashila Institution. For example, India was concerned when Nepal purchased Chinese military equipment in 1988 following which Nepal did not renew the Indo-Nepalese singular trade and transit treaty. In response, India imposed a blockade on trade with Nepal up till April 1990, when democracy was restored in Kathmandu's corridors of power. Similarly, part of the reason why Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s government sent Indian Peace Keeping Forces in Sri Lanka in the early 1990s was to “alleviate India’s concerns surrounding LTTE terrorist activity that impacted our national interests”, Saxena added. “Has India taken coercive military and economic measures to deal with its neighbours in the past? Yes. Is there some degree of Indo-centrism reflected in this? Yes. But does that mean India did so because it considers its neighbours enemies? No,” Saxena told WION. India wants Tibet as a “buffer state”: PLA document The PLA document states that since independence, India has “fully carried on with the United Kingdom’s imperial expansionist strategic thought”. This, the document adds, included India attempting to incorporate Tibet into its sphere of influence as a “buffer state”. A “buffer state” refers to a neutral country between two larger hostile countries whose state of neutrality is aimed to prevent the outbreak of a regional conflict. ALSO READ | Exclusive: China's exit bans prevent Tibetans from visiting Dalai Lama in India “Every big country invests in buffers around it or at least wants to be surrounded by countries which are friendlier to it, also known as the 'sphere of influence'. Generally, the Indian governments have, at least in the early decades of Independence, seen merit in such British ideas,” Sridharan Subramanyam of Chennai Centre for China Studies told WION, adding that. While New Delhi had no formal foreign policy to treat Tibet as a ‘buffer state’, the Chinese aggression into Western Ladakh in the mid-1950s was aimed at providing its G219 highway a buffer through Aksai Chin, he noted. China’s G219 National Highway passes through India’s Aksai Chin region, under illegal Chinese occupation since the 1950s | Google Maps “After all, as a 'buffer state,' Tibet would have retained its status as a sovereign nation-state, which it had always been, and would have benefitted the most from dealing with both the big powers on its two flanks,” Subramanyam reasons. Reflecting upon the complex history of Tibet’s tryst with China and India, Anushka Saxena of Takshashila Institution pointed out that the British did see merit in making Tibet an “autonomous buffer” to prevent the Russian aggression south of China and towards its territory in India in the years of the 'Great Game' between London and Moscow. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: 1 Million Tibetan children separated from their families × “The British also made concessions to China through the Anglo-China Treaty of 1906 and the Anglo-Russian Treaty of 1907 that recognised Chinese 'suzerainty' over Tibet and maintained that any conduction of foreign relations with Tibet was to happen through Chinese diplomatic offices. "However, with the People’s Republic of China's expanding historical territorial claims after the Communist Party of China established its rule over the country in 1949, Tibet was eventually brought under effective Chinese control, ending its status as a buffer three years after Indian independence from the British,” Saxena said. 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.

China does not get India right on Chanakya and Tibet

<p>A major security breach occurred on Sunday (April 29) during a rally in Mysore in the southern state of Karnataka, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present. Video&nbsp;of the incident shows a phone being thrown at the leaders' convoy. The incident happened during a roadshow in poll-bound Karnataka. As per a PTI news agency report quoting the police, the phone belonged to a worker of Modi's Bhartiya Janta Party, and she threw it out of "excitement" and had no "ill intention" towards the prime minister.</p>

<p>At the time of the incident, the Indian prime minister was under the protection of Special Protection Group (SPG) sleuths. In the video circulating on Twitter and other social media platforms, the phone could be seen flying through the air and landing on the bonnet of Modi's vehicle.</p>

<p>The phone did not hit the Indian prime minister or his companions, and no one was hurt in the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-gives-special-message-on-collective-action-in-100th-episode-of-mann-ki-baat-radio-show-587488">PM Modi gives special message on collective action in 100th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' radio show</a></strong></p>

<p>The incident was captured on camera by some of the attendees at the rally, and the video footage is going viral on social media platforms. The police are currently investigating the matter.</p>

<p>Watch it here:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BIG NEWS : Security Breach At PM Modi’s Roadshow In Mysuru. Mobile Phone Was Thrown At Convoy. 😳 <a href="https://t.co/qliheEwWoT">pic.twitter.com/qliheEwWoT</a></p>
— Narendra Modi fan (@narendramodi177) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi177/status/1652719076815560705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Talking to PTI, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), Alok Kumar said: "The prime minister was under the protection of the SPG. The lady [to whom the phone belonged] was a BJP worker. The SPG people returned it to her later."</p>

<p>"In the excitement, it (the phone) was thrown and she had no (ill) intention, but we are trying to trace the lady because the phone was handed over to her by the SPG sleuths."</p>

<p>The prime minister later tweeted about the rally, thanking the people of Mysore for their warm welcome.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It was a spectacular evening in Mysuru! Humbled by the people’s affection. <a href="https://t.co/buVl4UR4zs">pic.twitter.com/buVl4UR4zs</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1652689110912442369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The incident has raised questions about the security arrangements in place for the prime ministers'&nbsp;rallies, which are usually attended by large crowds. Narendra Modi&nbsp;has been targeted in the past as well, with at least a&nbsp;few instances of people throwing shoes at him during his public appearances.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A major security breach occurred on Sunday (April 29) during a rally in Mysore in the southern state of Karnataka, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present.

A major security breach occurred on Sunday (April 29) during a rally in Mysore in the southern state of Karnataka, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present. Video of the incident shows a phone being thrown at the leaders' convoy. The incident happened during a roadshow in poll-bound Karnataka. As per a PTI news agency report quoting the police, the phone belonged to a worker of Modi's Bhartiya Janta Party, and she threw it out of "excitement" and had no "ill intention" towards the prime minister. At the time of the incident, the Indian prime minister was under the protection of Special Protection Group (SPG) sleuths. In the video circulating on Twitter and other social media platforms, the phone could be seen flying through the air and landing on the bonnet of Modi's vehicle. The phone did not hit the Indian prime minister or his companions, and no one was hurt in the incident. Also read | PM Modi gives special message on collective action in 100th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' radio show The incident was captured on camera by some of the attendees at the rally, and the video footage is going viral on social media platforms. The police are currently investigating the matter. Watch it here: BIG NEWS : Security Breach At PM Modi’s Roadshow In Mysuru. Mobile Phone Was Thrown At Convoy. 😳 pic.twitter.com/qliheEwWoT — Narendra Modi fan (@narendramodi177) April 30, 2023 × Talking to PTI, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), Alok Kumar said: "The prime minister was under the protection of the SPG. The lady [to whom the phone belonged] was a BJP worker. The SPG people returned it to her later." "In the excitement, it (the phone) was thrown and she had no (ill) intention, but we are trying to trace the lady because the phone was handed over to her by the SPG sleuths." The prime minister later tweeted about the rally, thanking the people of Mysore for their warm welcome. It was a spectacular evening in Mysuru! Humbled by the people’s affection. pic.twitter.com/buVl4UR4zs — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 30, 2023 × The incident has raised questions about the security arrangements in place for the prime ministers' rallies, which are usually attended by large crowds. Narendra Modi has been targeted in the past as well, with at least a few instances of people throwing shoes at him during his public appearances. (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.

Massive security breach at Indian PM Narendra Modi's Mysuru rally, phone thrown at convoy. Watch

<p>India's Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday posted a timelapse video of the making of the country's first cable-stayed rail bridge called “Anji Khad bridge”, which is now been completed.<br />
<br />
The cable-stayed rail bridge has 96 cables and the cable strands' total length is 653 km.<br />
<br />
Sharing the timelapse video, Vaishnaw wrote a caption which read, "In 11 months, India's first cable-stayed rail bridge is ready. All 96 cables are set! #AnjiKhadBridge PS: Total length of cable strands 653 km.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In 11 months, India’s first cable stayed rail bridge is ready.<br />
All 96 cables set! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AnjiKhadBridge?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AnjiKhadBridge</a><br />
PS: Total length of cable strands 653 km🌁 <a href="https://t.co/CctSXFxhfa">pic.twitter.com/CctSXFxhfa</a></p>
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/AshwiniVaishnaw/status/1651913921111158784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the video, the placement of every single cable from the first to the last can be seen.<br />
<br />
The bridge has been built in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district under Indian Railways' most challenging Udampur-Srinagar-Baramulla-Rail Link (USBRL) Project.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mann-ki-baat-goes-global-pm-modis-radio-show-to-be-aired-in-un-587413">'Mann Ki Baat' goes global! Indian PM Modi's radio show to be aired in UN</a></p>

<p>The bridge is at a distance of 80 kilometres by road from Jammu. Reacting to the post, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Excellent”.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Excellent! <a href="https://t.co/cwQpm6LVQX">https://t.co/cwQpm6LVQX</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1652144444882452480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Anji Khad Bridge is the "first cable-stayed bridge" of the country which will connect Katra and Reasi in the state of Jammu and Kashmir through Indian Railways.<br />
<br />
The bridge was built as part of the national project “Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project”.<br />
<br />
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and IIT Roorkee carried out detailed site-specific investigations to understand the daunting, fragile and complex geological features of the mountains in the forms of folds, faults and thrusts as well as studied the region's seismic proneness.<br />
<br />
The mountain's slopes, which support one foundation of the main span, were stabilised by creating the special hybrid foundation on the Katra end because of space constraints.<br />
<br />
The main parts of the construction of the bridge, which includes the main pylon which has a 40-metre-deep hybrid foundation, ancillary viaduct, and the central embankment, were carried out on the Srinagar end.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | US-India ties: US President Joe Biden to visit India in September | World News | WION</strong></p>

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<p>The bridge's total length is 725.5 metres. Anji Khad Bridge will be connecting tunnels T2 and T3 on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project's Katra-Banihal Section.<br />
<br />
The Anji Khad Bridge hangs by the support of 96 cables and the cable lengths range from 82 m to 295 m. The bridge has been designed in a way that it can handle heavy storms amid strong winds. The design wind speed mentioned by the engineers is 213 kmph.<br />
<br />
A single railway line and a service road of 3.75 m-wide will be carried by the bridge and a footpath, which is 1.5m wide, will be on each side of the deck with a total width of 15 m.</p>

<main>
<section>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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India's Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday posted a timelapse video of the making of the country's first cable-stayed rail bridge called “Anji Khad bridge”, which is now been completed.

India's Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday posted a timelapse video of the making of the country's first cable-stayed rail bridge called “Anji Khad bridge”, which is now been completed. The cable-stayed rail bridge has 96 cables and the cable strands' total length is 653 km. Sharing the timelapse video, Vaishnaw wrote a caption which read, "In 11 months, India's first cable-stayed rail bridge is ready. All 96 cables are set! #AnjiKhadBridge PS: Total length of cable strands 653 km.” In 11 months, India’s first cable stayed rail bridge is ready. All 96 cables set! #AnjiKhadBridge PS: Total length of cable strands 653 km🌁 pic.twitter.com/CctSXFxhfa — Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) April 28, 2023 × In the video, the placement of every single cable from the first to the last can be seen. The bridge has been built in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district under Indian Railways' most challenging Udampur-Srinagar-Baramulla-Rail Link (USBRL) Project. ALSO READ | 'Mann Ki Baat' goes global! Indian PM Modi's radio show to be aired in UN The bridge is at a distance of 80 kilometres by road from Jammu. Reacting to the post, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Excellent”. Excellent! https://t.co/cwQpm6LVQX — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 29, 2023 × Anji Khad Bridge is the "first cable-stayed bridge" of the country which will connect Katra and Reasi in the state of Jammu and Kashmir through Indian Railways. The bridge was built as part of the national project “Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project”. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and IIT Roorkee carried out detailed site-specific investigations to understand the daunting, fragile and complex geological features of the mountains in the forms of folds, faults and thrusts as well as studied the region's seismic proneness. The mountain's slopes, which support one foundation of the main span, were stabilised by creating the special hybrid foundation on the Katra end because of space constraints. The main parts of the construction of the bridge, which includes the main pylon which has a 40-metre-deep hybrid foundation, ancillary viaduct, and the central embankment, were carried out on the Srinagar end. WATCH | US-India ties: US President Joe Biden to visit India in September | World News | WION The bridge's total length is 725.5 metres. Anji Khad Bridge will be connecting tunnels T2 and T3 on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project's Katra-Banihal Section. The Anji Khad Bridge hangs by the support of 96 cables and the cable lengths range from 82 m to 295 m. The bridge has been designed in a way that it can handle heavy storms amid strong winds. The design wind speed mentioned by the engineers is 213 kmph. A single railway line and a service road of 3.75 m-wide will be carried by the bridge and a footpath, which is 1.5m wide, will be on each side of the deck with a total width of 15 m. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Watch | India gets its first 'cable-stayed rail bridge' with 96 cables

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden will meet the Pacific Islands leaders next month in Papua New Guinea for a “historic future-oriented” meeting, the region’s Prime Minister James Marape said in a statement on Sunday.</p>

<p>“This is a historic first and at the same time a ‘going forward’ futuristic meeting of global superpowers, in the biggest country in the Pacific,” Marape said.</p>

<p>Modi and Biden will stop in Papua New Guinea on the way to Australia for the Quad, which also includes Japan and Australia, on May 24.</p>

<p>It will be the first official visit to Papua New Guinea for both the state leaders. While Modi’s two-day visit to the island country will begin on May 21, Biden will land on May 22.</p>

<p>Both will participate at the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation Summit (India Pacific Summit) on May 22.</p>

<p>The Forum brings together 14 Pacific Islands — Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu with India at the head of state/ government level.</p>

<p>For the Biden administration, strengthening ties with Papa New Guinea is major key security policy as the island nation is being courted by China, as Marape seeks to boost foreign investment. Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the nation in 2018.</p>

<h2><strong>Indian PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ hits a century today</strong></h2>

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<p>Washington’s renewed efforts to counter Beijing's growing influence in the region stems from the decision taken by Solomon Islands last year to sign a security pact with Beijing.</p>

<p>China and Australia have been major aid and infrastructure donors to Papa New Guinea, according to Reuters news agency.</p>

<p>On the other&nbsp;hand, Papua New Guinea is negotiating security pacts with the United States and Australia, and Marape has been invited to visit Beijing this year.</p>

<p>"In the Indo-Pacific conversation, PNG and the Pacific cannot be ignored. With our combined forest and sea areas, we have the world's greatest carbon sink, and the biggest sea and air space on earth," Marape said.</p>

<p>Marape said he had invited the US president when they met in Washington last year, and was "very honoured that he has fulfilled his promise to me to visit our country".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden will meet the Pacific Islands leaders next month in Papua New Guinea for a “historic future-oriented” meeting, the region’s Prime Minister James Marape said in a statement on Sunday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden will meet the Pacific Islands leaders next month in Papua New Guinea for a “historic future-oriented” meeting, the region’s Prime Minister James Marape said in a statement on Sunday. “This is a historic first and at the same time a ‘going forward’ futuristic meeting of global superpowers, in the biggest country in the Pacific,” Marape said. Modi and Biden will stop in Papua New Guinea on the way to Australia for the Quad, which also includes Japan and Australia, on May 24. It will be the first official visit to Papua New Guinea for both the state leaders. While Modi’s two-day visit to the island country will begin on May 21, Biden will land on May 22. Both will participate at the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation Summit (India Pacific Summit) on May 22. The Forum brings together 14 Pacific Islands — Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu with India at the head of state/ government level. For the Biden administration, strengthening ties with Papa New Guinea is major key security policy as the island nation is being courted by China, as Marape seeks to boost foreign investment. Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the nation in 2018. Indian PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ hits a century today Washington’s renewed efforts to counter Beijing's growing influence in the region stems from the decision taken by Solomon Islands last year to sign a security pact with Beijing. China and Australia have been major aid and infrastructure donors to Papa New Guinea, according to Reuters news agency. On the other hand, Papua New Guinea is negotiating security pacts with the United States and Australia, and Marape has been invited to visit Beijing this year. "In the Indo-Pacific conversation, PNG and the Pacific cannot be ignored. With our combined forest and sea areas, we have the world's greatest carbon sink, and the biggest sea and air space on earth," Marape said. Marape said he had invited the US president when they met in Washington last year, and was "very honoured that he has fulfilled his promise to me to visit our country". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indian PM Modi, US President Biden to meet Pacific Islands leaders in Papua New Guinea

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kochi Water Metro's first phase on Tuesday. &nbsp;The water metro, which is India's first-of-its-kind public boat service integrated with a metro rail network, will be integrating Kochi's water transport system.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before inaugurating the services, PM Modi said that Kochi Water Metro would be a "significant enhancement" to the port city's infrastructure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The water metro service will provide electrically propelled hybrid ferries which will connect the mainland to the islands in Kochi, &nbsp;benefitting more than a lakh residents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the inauguration, PM Modi said, "Today, Kerala got its first Vande Bharat Train while Kochi got its water metro. Various connectivity and development projects were inaugurated as well."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Kerala is a state of aware and educated people. Hard work and humility of people here are part of their identity," said the prime minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-flags-off-keralas-first-vande-bharat-express-train-585901">PM Modi flags off Kerala's first Vande Bharat Express train</a></p>

<p>"Kochi Water Metro is a Made in India project, it's unique, I would like to congratulate Kochi Shipyard for making the ships. This project would create Inter Water Connectivity between the Jetty, Bus Terminals and Metro Network. It would also boost Backwater Tourism," &nbsp;he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before the inauguration, the prime minister shared a video of the warm welcome he received in Kochi. PM Modi wrote, "People from all walks of life came to shower their blessings in Kochi. Here are some glimpses. Unparalleled affection in Kochi. Have a look."</p>

<h2><strong>What is the Kochi Water Metro project?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Kochi Water Metro project has been implemented by Kochi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (KMRL) along with the assistance of Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau, a German funding agency.</p>

<p>The project includes boats which are air-conditioned, &nbsp;battery-powered, hybrid and disabled-friendly among other features. The water metro will travel through water bodies, similar to any other traditional boat or ferry service, but will have modern facilities, enhanced security and safety measures.</p>

<p>How is the metro rail linked to the water metro?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kochi Water Metro has been imagined as Kochi metro rail's feeder service. The metro rail has been operational since 2017. The officials have designed the boats as Kochi Metro's coaches, meanwhile, the passenger entry and exit gates, boat terminals, safety measures and ticket counters have features similar to that of the metro rail service.</p>

<p>Electronic display boards have been installed in all jetties which inform about the boat service. Announcements will be made in Malayalam, Hindi and English when the services are operating in full swing.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | PM Modi to launch India's first water metro in the city of Kochi</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>First phase of water metro's commercial operation</strong></h2>

<p>The water metro boat services' commercial operation will start on April 26. The initial operation will be carried out on two routes which are Vyttila to Kakkanad and High Court to Vypin stretches. Eight boats will cover the two routes, each coming at the port at an interval of 15 minutes from 7 am to 8 pm.</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kochi Water Metro's first phase on Tuesday. The water metro, which is India's first-of-its-kind public boat service integrated with a metro rail network, will be integrating Kochi's water transport system.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kochi Water Metro's first phase on Tuesday. The water metro, which is India's first-of-its-kind public boat service integrated with a metro rail network, will be integrating Kochi's water transport system. Before inaugurating the services, PM Modi said that Kochi Water Metro would be a "significant enhancement" to the port city's infrastructure. The water metro service will provide electrically propelled hybrid ferries which will connect the mainland to the islands in Kochi, benefitting more than a lakh residents. During the inauguration, PM Modi said, "Today, Kerala got its first Vande Bharat Train while Kochi got its water metro. Various connectivity and development projects were inaugurated as well." "Kerala is a state of aware and educated people. Hard work and humility of people here are part of their identity," said the prime minister. ALSO READ | PM Modi flags off Kerala's first Vande Bharat Express train "Kochi Water Metro is a Made in India project, it's unique, I would like to congratulate Kochi Shipyard for making the ships. This project would create Inter Water Connectivity between the Jetty, Bus Terminals and Metro Network. It would also boost Backwater Tourism," he added. Before the inauguration, the prime minister shared a video of the warm welcome he received in Kochi. PM Modi wrote, "People from all walks of life came to shower their blessings in Kochi. Here are some glimpses. Unparalleled affection in Kochi. Have a look." What is the Kochi Water Metro project? The Kochi Water Metro project has been implemented by Kochi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (KMRL) along with the assistance of Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau, a German funding agency. The project includes boats which are air-conditioned, battery-powered, hybrid and disabled-friendly among other features. The water metro will travel through water bodies, similar to any other traditional boat or ferry service, but will have modern facilities, enhanced security and safety measures. How is the metro rail linked to the water metro? Kochi Water Metro has been imagined as Kochi metro rail's feeder service. The metro rail has been operational since 2017. The officials have designed the boats as Kochi Metro's coaches, meanwhile, the passenger entry and exit gates, boat terminals, safety measures and ticket counters have features similar to that of the metro rail service. Electronic display boards have been installed in all jetties which inform about the boat service. Announcements will be made in Malayalam, Hindi and English when the services are operating in full swing. WATCH | PM Modi to launch India's first water metro in the city of Kochi First phase of water metro's commercial operation The water metro boat services' commercial operation will start on April 26. The initial operation will be carried out on two routes which are Vyttila to Kakkanad and High Court to Vypin stretches. Eight boats will cover the two routes, each coming at the port at an interval of 15 minutes from 7 am to 8 pm. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

PM Modi inaugurates India's first water metro in Kochi

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has written a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The said letter was handed over by&nbsp;Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzheppar during her meeting with the Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi on Tuesday in New Delhi.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the letter saying Ukraine requested additional humanitarian supplies including medicines and medical equipment as the war&nbsp;lingered on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Besides holding discussion on a wide range of bilateral and international issues of mutual interest, she handed over a letter from President Zelenskyy, addressed to Prime Minister Modi," read the statement by MEA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The Ukrainian Deputy FM also proposed that rebuilding infrastructure in Ukraine could be an opportunity for Indian companies,” the statement added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-pm-modi-speaks-to-ukraine-president-zelensky-459763"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Indian PM Modi speaks to Ukraine President Zelensky</strong></a></p>

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<p>This was Dzheppar's first visit to India since Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. It was the culmination of her three-day visit to India and the letter is an attempt to win some favour from the Indian side which is due to host the G7 summit later this year.</p>

<p>Notably, the letter sought Zelensky's participation&nbsp;in the September summit as well with the Indian side keeping mum on the issue so far.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think India is a global player. It is really a 'Vishwaguru' of the world. We are feeling the pain by actually fighting for the values. This is about justice... Rusia is questioning the very existence of my country. In our history of 1,500 years, Ukraine never attacked any country," said&nbsp;Dzheppar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lekhi also took to her Twitter account to post about the visit saying,&nbsp;"Pleased to meet Ukrainian First Dy FM Emine Dzheppar. Exchanged views on bilateral &amp; global issues of mutual interest. Cultural ties &amp; women empowerment also figured in the discussion. Ukraine was assured of enhanced humanitarian assistance."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Not a time for War- PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a><br />
<br />
Pleased to meet Ukrainian First Dy FM <a href="https://twitter.com/EmineDzheppar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmineDzheppar</a>. Exchanged views on bilateral &amp; global issues of mutual interest. Cultural ties &amp; women empowerment also figured in the discussion. Ukraine was assured of enhanced humanitarian assistance. <a href="https://t.co/YmzQ6o7LbG">pic.twitter.com/YmzQ6o7LbG</a></p>
— Meenakashi Lekhi (@M_Lekhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/M_Lekhi/status/1645725274624114688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Since the war broke out, PM Modi has spoken to Zelensky as well as Russian President Vladimir Putin on multiple occasions, reiterating that this is not the 'era of war'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year in&nbsp;December, Zelensky rang up Modi and congratulated India for the G20 presidency.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I had a phone call with @PMOIndia Narendra Modi and wished a successful #G20 presidency. It was on this platform that I announced the peace formula and now I count on India's participation in its implementation. I also thanked for humanitarian aid and support in the UN." tweeted Zelensky at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukraines-president-speaks-to-indian-pm-modi-over-phone-seeks-help-with-peace-formula-546821"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Ukraine's president speaks to Indian PM Modi over phone, seeks help with 'peace formula'</strong></a></p>

<p>The Indian government released an official statement expressing that the two leaders discussed opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation. Meanwhile, PM Modi requested Ukraine authorities to facilitate arrangements for the continued education of Indian students who had to return from Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has written a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The said letter was handed over by Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzheppar during her meeting with the Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi on Tuesday in New Delhi.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has written a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The said letter was handed over by Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzheppar during her meeting with the Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi on Tuesday in New Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the letter saying Ukraine requested additional humanitarian supplies including medicines and medical equipment as the war lingered on. "Besides holding discussion on a wide range of bilateral and international issues of mutual interest, she handed over a letter from President Zelenskyy, addressed to Prime Minister Modi," read the statement by MEA. “The Ukrainian Deputy FM also proposed that rebuilding infrastructure in Ukraine could be an opportunity for Indian companies,” the statement added. WATCH | Indian PM Modi speaks to Ukraine President Zelensky × This was Dzheppar's first visit to India since Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. It was the culmination of her three-day visit to India and the letter is an attempt to win some favour from the Indian side which is due to host the G7 summit later this year. Notably, the letter sought Zelensky's participation in the September summit as well with the Indian side keeping mum on the issue so far. "I think India is a global player. It is really a 'Vishwaguru' of the world. We are feeling the pain by actually fighting for the values. This is about justice... Rusia is questioning the very existence of my country. In our history of 1,500 years, Ukraine never attacked any country," said Dzheppar. Lekhi also took to her Twitter account to post about the visit saying, "Pleased to meet Ukrainian First Dy FM Emine Dzheppar. Exchanged views on bilateral & global issues of mutual interest. Cultural ties & women empowerment also figured in the discussion. Ukraine was assured of enhanced humanitarian assistance." Not a time for War- PM @narendramodi Pleased to meet Ukrainian First Dy FM @EmineDzheppar. Exchanged views on bilateral & global issues of mutual interest. Cultural ties & women empowerment also figured in the discussion. Ukraine was assured of enhanced humanitarian assistance. pic.twitter.com/YmzQ6o7LbG — Meenakashi Lekhi (@M_Lekhi) April 11, 2023 × Since the war broke out, PM Modi has spoken to Zelensky as well as Russian President Vladimir Putin on multiple occasions, reiterating that this is not the 'era of war'. Last year in December, Zelensky rang up Modi and congratulated India for the G20 presidency. "I had a phone call with @PMOIndia Narendra Modi and wished a successful #G20 presidency. It was on this platform that I announced the peace formula and now I count on India's participation in its implementation. I also thanked for humanitarian aid and support in the UN." tweeted Zelensky at the time. ALSO READ | Ukraine's president speaks to Indian PM Modi over phone, seeks help with 'peace formula' The Indian government released an official statement expressing that the two leaders discussed opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation. Meanwhile, PM Modi requested Ukraine authorities to facilitate arrangements for the continued education of Indian students who had to return from Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Zelensky writes letter to PM Modi, seeks humanitarian aid, participation in G20 summit

<p>Twitter owner Elon Musk started following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. In the list of 195 people Musk follows, PM Modi's name appeared on Monday.</p>

<p>The screenshot of the list shared on the microblogging platform soon gained traction. Around 134.3 million people follow Musk, which makes him the most followed person on Twitter.</p>

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<p>The feat was achieved by him in late March as he surpassed former US President Barack Obama.</p>

<p>With more than 87.7 million followers, PM Modi is one of the most followed political leaders on Twitter. The news about the update in the list of Musk's followers was shared on Twitter by "Elon Alerts", which constantly monitors the activity of the account owned by the Tesla chief.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Elon Musk is now following Narendra Modi (<a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>)</p>
— ELON ALERTS (@elon_alerts) <a href="https://twitter.com/elon_alerts/status/1645299269195247618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The recent development sparked a new debate on Twitter as some users hoped that this was a sign of the arrival of Tesla in India.</p>

<p>"What made Elon Musk to follow Narendra Modi of India? Can we expect a factory there $TSLA. Let's see," quizzed one user while reacting to the news.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What made Elon Musk to follow Narendra Modi of India⁉️<br />
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Can we expect a factory there <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24TSLA&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$TSLA</a><br />
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Let’s see <a href="https://t.co/3SRwS2FuJH">https://t.co/3SRwS2FuJH</a> <a href="https://t.co/QXTSQhLfa2">pic.twitter.com/QXTSQhLfa2</a></p>
— Technosmith (@itechnosmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/itechnosmith/status/1645323647614066688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Previously, Musk had stated that electric cars will not be manufactured by Tesla in India unless it is permitted to first sell and service them locally.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/matt-taibbi-and-elon-musk-split-what-is-the-substack-twitter-rivalry-580584">Matt Taibbi and Elon Musk split. What is the Substack-Twitter rivalry?</a></p>

<p>Indian Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, on the other hand, had stated that the government will only allow Tesla to sell cars in India if it is manufacturing electric vehicles in the country.</p>

<p>Few users stated that efforts are being made by PM Modi to make India a better country.</p>

<p>"Thanks Elon Musk! As our PM Modiji is taking efforts to make our country better, prosperous, progressive &amp; improve people' lives, Elon Musk is also striving for making world sane, wokism free, assuring good society &amp; better future life for today's children. Wish both best wishes!" commented a user.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Elon Musk loses world's richest crown after Tesla shares fall 50% | World Business News | WION</strong></p>

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<p>As per a report published by the Guinness World Records Twitter has 450 million monthly active users approximately, which reflects that 30 per cent of total Twitter users are following Musk.</p>

<p>In October 2022, Musk took charge of Twitter. At that time, he had around 110 million users. In five months, the following increased to 133 million.</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

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Twitter owner Elon Musk started following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. In the list of 195 people Musk follows, PM Modi's name appeared on Monday.

Twitter owner Elon Musk started following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. In the list of 195 people Musk follows, PM Modi's name appeared on Monday. The screenshot of the list shared on the microblogging platform soon gained traction. Around 134.3 million people follow Musk, which makes him the most followed person on Twitter. The feat was achieved by him in late March as he surpassed former US President Barack Obama. With more than 87.7 million followers, PM Modi is one of the most followed political leaders on Twitter. The news about the update in the list of Musk's followers was shared on Twitter by "Elon Alerts", which constantly monitors the activity of the account owned by the Tesla chief. Elon Musk is now following Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) — ELON ALERTS (@elon_alerts) April 10, 2023 × The recent development sparked a new debate on Twitter as some users hoped that this was a sign of the arrival of Tesla in India. "What made Elon Musk to follow Narendra Modi of India? Can we expect a factory there $TSLA. Let's see," quizzed one user while reacting to the news. What made Elon Musk to follow Narendra Modi of India⁉️ Can we expect a factory there $TSLA Let’s see https://t.co/3SRwS2FuJH pic.twitter.com/QXTSQhLfa2 — Technosmith (@itechnosmith) April 10, 2023 × Previously, Musk had stated that electric cars will not be manufactured by Tesla in India unless it is permitted to first sell and service them locally. ALSO READ | Matt Taibbi and Elon Musk split. What is the Substack-Twitter rivalry? Indian Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, on the other hand, had stated that the government will only allow Tesla to sell cars in India if it is manufacturing electric vehicles in the country. Few users stated that efforts are being made by PM Modi to make India a better country. "Thanks Elon Musk! As our PM Modiji is taking efforts to make our country better, prosperous, progressive & improve people' lives, Elon Musk is also striving for making world sane, wokism free, assuring good society & better future life for today's children. Wish both best wishes!" commented a user. WATCH | Elon Musk loses world's richest crown after Tesla shares fall 50% | World Business News | WION As per a report published by the Guinness World Records Twitter has 450 million monthly active users approximately, which reflects that 30 per cent of total Twitter users are following Musk. In October 2022, Musk took charge of Twitter. At that time, he had around 110 million users. In five months, the following increased to 133 million. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Elon Musk starts following Narendra Modi on Twitter, users wonder if Tesla's India days lie ahead

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (April 6) lashed out at the Opposition as he addressed the party workers on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s 44th Foundation Day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi said that the BJP represents a new culture of taking everyone along as he slammed people with a "baadshahi" mindset for insulting the poor and backwards.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian prime minister said that the BJP was committed to taking tough steps to rid India of corruption, nepotism and law and order challenges and also stressed that his party is focusing on the idea of "Nation First".&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi even warned his own party workers and said that complacency must not prevail. He stressed that it is already said that no one can defeat it in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "Despite being the world's biggest political party, we don't have to be complacent. People have already said that no one can defeat the BJP in 2024. This is true but as BJP workers we have to win the heart of every country's citizen."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch his address:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">भाजपा के स्थापना दिवस पर सभी कार्यकर्ताओं को बधाई। पार्टी को खून-पसीने से सींचने वाले कार्यकर्ताओं के कारण ही हमें देश सेवा का सौभाग्य प्राप्त हुआ है। <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4India</a> <a href="https://t.co/SK9HYAwf77">https://t.co/SK9HYAwf77</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1643832693631729667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Modi accused the Indian National Congress and other political parties of being tied to nepotism, dynasty, casteism and regionalism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that the BJP represents a new culture of taking everyone along. He also said they have been battling an existential crisis and resorting to levelling allegations and conspiracies against the ruling party, with any direct reference to various allegations levelled by these parties against his government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi said that the opposition is full of hate and frustration, and also added: "Today, they have become so desperate that they have openly started saying 'Modi teri kabar khudegi' (your grave will be dug)".&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi said that the support of the poor, tribals, backward, Dalits and women among others would continue to protect 'lotus' and help it bloom. Lotus is BJP's election symbol.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (April 6) lashed out at the Opposition as he addressed the party workers on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s 44th Foundation Day.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (April 6) lashed out at the Opposition as he addressed the party workers on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s 44th Foundation Day. PM Modi said that the BJP represents a new culture of taking everyone along as he slammed people with a "baadshahi" mindset for insulting the poor and backwards. The Indian prime minister said that the BJP was committed to taking tough steps to rid India of corruption, nepotism and law and order challenges and also stressed that his party is focusing on the idea of "Nation First". PM Modi even warned his own party workers and said that complacency must not prevail. He stressed that it is already said that no one can defeat it in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. He said, "Despite being the world's biggest political party, we don't have to be complacent. People have already said that no one can defeat the BJP in 2024. This is true but as BJP workers we have to win the heart of every country's citizen." Watch his address: भाजपा के स्थापना दिवस पर सभी कार्यकर्ताओं को बधाई। पार्टी को खून-पसीने से सींचने वाले कार्यकर्ताओं के कारण ही हमें देश सेवा का सौभाग्य प्राप्त हुआ है। @BJP4India https://t.co/SK9HYAwf77 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2023 × Modi accused the Indian National Congress and other political parties of being tied to nepotism, dynasty, casteism and regionalism. He said that the BJP represents a new culture of taking everyone along. He also said they have been battling an existential crisis and resorting to levelling allegations and conspiracies against the ruling party, with any direct reference to various allegations levelled by these parties against his government. PM Modi said that the opposition is full of hate and frustration, and also added: "Today, they have become so desperate that they have openly started saying 'Modi teri kabar khudegi' (your grave will be dug)". PM Modi said that the support of the poor, tribals, backward, Dalits and women among others would continue to protect 'lotus' and help it bloom. Lotus is BJP's election symbol. (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.

PM Modi accuses opposition of nepotism, dynasty, casteism and regionalism

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with visiting Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Tuesday (April 4) in New Delhi at his residence. The Bhutanese king is currently on a two-day visit to India and arrived in New Delhi on April 3.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While sharing pictures with the Bhutanese King, PM Modi tweeted: "Pleased to receive His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. We had a warm and productive meeting. Deeply value our close friendship and the vision of successive Druk Gyalpos in guiding India-Bhutan relations to new heights."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The crucial talks were held against the backdrop of renewed focus on the Doklam tri-junction- the site of clashes between Indian and Chinese forces-&nbsp; as the leaders focused on a five-point broad roadmap to expand the ties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said India and Bhutan closely coordinate on shared national and security interests. He also noted that the security concerns of both sides are intertwined and indivisible. He was briefing about PM Modi's meeting with visiting Bhutanese king.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kwatra said,&nbsp;"India will work to extend an additional standby credit facility. We will work to shape long-term sustainable arrangements for export of agricultural commodities from Bhutan. Also, work to develop long-term bilateral arrangements for assured supply of critical commodities like petroleum and coal."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pleased to receive His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. We had a warm and productive meeting. Deeply value our close friendship and the vision of successive Druk Gyalpos in guiding India-Bhutan relations to new heights. <a href="https://t.co/DD33W2LvjO">pic.twitter.com/DD33W2LvjO</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1643226284754104320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Recently, Bhutan's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering said that China has an equal say in resolving the border dispute relating to the strategically-located Doklam tri-junction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asked about the mention of the Doklam issue during the talks, Kwatra said that the ties between India and Bhutan are based on mutual respect, trust, close understanding and sensitivity to each other's concerns. He added that PM Modi and the king covered the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation including issues of "respective national interests".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kwatra said, "Now besides this exemplary and unique relationship that India and Bhutan have, we also have a time-tested framework of security cooperation."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, "And as part of that, both countries maintain a longstanding tradition of very close consultations on matters relating to their mutual interest and, of course, security also. Now in this context, the intertwined and indivisible nature of our security concerns is self-evident."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As regards the recent statements and the related commentary to them is concerned, I would say that one — India and Bhutan remain in close touch relating to our shared interests including our security interests," he said, and further added that India very closely follows all developments having a bearing on its national interest and it takes all necessary measures to safeguard them as necessary.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I would only reiterate our earlier statements on this issue which very explicitly and very clearly bring out our position on the determination of the tri-junction boundary points," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with visiting Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Tuesday (April 4) in New Delhi at his residence. The Bhutanese king is currently on a two-day visit to India and arrived in New Delhi on April 3.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with visiting Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Tuesday (April 4) in New Delhi at his residence. The Bhutanese king is currently on a two-day visit to India and arrived in New Delhi on April 3. While sharing pictures with the Bhutanese King, PM Modi tweeted: "Pleased to receive His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. We had a warm and productive meeting. Deeply value our close friendship and the vision of successive Druk Gyalpos in guiding India-Bhutan relations to new heights." The crucial talks were held against the backdrop of renewed focus on the Doklam tri-junction- the site of clashes between Indian and Chinese forces- as the leaders focused on a five-point broad roadmap to expand the ties. Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said India and Bhutan closely coordinate on shared national and security interests. He also noted that the security concerns of both sides are intertwined and indivisible. He was briefing about PM Modi's meeting with visiting Bhutanese king. Kwatra said, "India will work to extend an additional standby credit facility. We will work to shape long-term sustainable arrangements for export of agricultural commodities from Bhutan. Also, work to develop long-term bilateral arrangements for assured supply of critical commodities like petroleum and coal." Pleased to receive His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. We had a warm and productive meeting. Deeply value our close friendship and the vision of successive Druk Gyalpos in guiding India-Bhutan relations to new heights. pic.twitter.com/DD33W2LvjO — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2023 × Recently, Bhutan's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering said that China has an equal say in resolving the border dispute relating to the strategically-located Doklam tri-junction. Asked about the mention of the Doklam issue during the talks, Kwatra said that the ties between India and Bhutan are based on mutual respect, trust, close understanding and sensitivity to each other's concerns. He added that PM Modi and the king covered the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation including issues of "respective national interests". Kwatra said, "Now besides this exemplary and unique relationship that India and Bhutan have, we also have a time-tested framework of security cooperation." He added, "And as part of that, both countries maintain a longstanding tradition of very close consultations on matters relating to their mutual interest and, of course, security also. Now in this context, the intertwined and indivisible nature of our security concerns is self-evident." "As regards the recent statements and the related commentary to them is concerned, I would say that one — India and Bhutan remain in close touch relating to our shared interests including our security interests," he said, and further added that India very closely follows all developments having a bearing on its national interest and it takes all necessary measures to safeguard them as necessary. "I would only reiterate our earlier statements on this issue which very explicitly and very clearly bring out our position on the determination of the tri-junction boundary points," 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.

PM Modi meets Bhutanese king in New Delhi, assures support to extend credit facility

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged most popular leader across the world yet again. A survey conducted by Morning Consult, a global decision intelligence firm has seen PM Modi leave US President Joe Biden and UK PM Rishi Sunak.</p>

<p>PM Modi got approval rating of 76 per cent. Second spot was grabbed by Mexican president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. He received approval rating of 61 per cent.</p>

<p>Union Minister Piyush Goyal sharted the news on Twitter.</p>

<p>"PM @NarendraModi ji remains the most loved, admired &amp; trusted global leader," he tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NarendraModi</a> ji remains the most loved, admired &amp; trusted global leader. <a href="https://t.co/5mmOITEmf4">pic.twitter.com/5mmOITEmf4</a></p>
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/PiyushGoyal/status/1642468653181603840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Morning Consult, the firm which has released the ratings has said that the data required for the survey was collected from March 22-28.</p>

<p>The firm said on its website that approval ratings were based on 'seven-day moving average of adult residents in each country'. It added that the sample sizes varied by the country.</p>

<p>"Surveys are weighted in each country by age, gender, region and, in certain countries, education breakdowns based on official government sources... respondents complete these surveys in languages appropriate for their countries," said Morning Consult on its website.</p>

<p>This time, US President Joe Biden saw his place slip by one. The ratings list is updated regularly.</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged most popular leader across the world yet again. A survey conducted by Morning Consult, a global decision intelligence firm has seen PM Modi leave US President Joe Biden and UK PM Rishi Sunak.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged most popular leader across the world yet again. A survey conducted by Morning Consult, a global decision intelligence firm has seen PM Modi leave US President Joe Biden and UK PM Rishi Sunak. PM Modi got approval rating of 76 per cent. Second spot was grabbed by Mexican president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. He received approval rating of 61 per cent. Union Minister Piyush Goyal sharted the news on Twitter. "PM @NarendraModi ji remains the most loved, admired & trusted global leader," he tweeted. PM @NarendraModi ji remains the most loved, admired & trusted global leader. pic.twitter.com/5mmOITEmf4 — Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) April 2, 2023 × Morning Consult, the firm which has released the ratings has said that the data required for the survey was collected from March 22-28. The firm said on its website that approval ratings were based on 'seven-day moving average of adult residents in each country'. It added that the sample sizes varied by the country. "Surveys are weighted in each country by age, gender, region and, in certain countries, education breakdowns based on official government sources... respondents complete these surveys in languages appropriate for their countries," said Morning Consult on its website. This time, US President Joe Biden saw his place slip by one. The ratings list is updated regularly. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

PM Modi is most popular global leader, says a survey

<p>The Gujarat High Court on Friday quashed a seven-year-old order of the Central Information Commission (CIC) asking the Gujarat University to provide information on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s degree to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.<br />
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Allowing the Gujarat University’s appeal against the CIC order, Justice Biren Vaishnav also imposed a cost of Rs 25,000 on Kejriwal and asked him to deposit the amount within four weeks to the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority (GSLSA).<br />
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“This court finds that the CIC while passing the impugned order was well aware that what it was directing was not a specific and certain but a fishing and roving enquiry,” said Justice Vaishnav in his order.&nbsp;“Accordingly, the petition is allowed and the impugned order (of CIC), dated April 29, 2016, is quashed and set aside,” said Justice Vaishnav in his order.<br />
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Justice Vaishnav also refused to stay his order as requested by Kejriwal's lawyer Percy Kavina.<br />
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Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/openais-chatgpt-blocked-in-italy-reports-577685">OpenAI’s ChatGPT blocked in Italy over alleged privacy violations</a><br />
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The HC observed that despite the degree in question being put on the website of the university for all to see, and Kejriwal never ever disputing the degree in question either during the pendency of these proceedings or even during final hearing, he has persisted with the matter.&nbsp;<br />
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This is one more reason to impose costs while allowing this petition, the HC order said.</p>

<p>“This court finds that the question of whether education qualifications are personal information or not is no more <em>res integra</em> and already stands authoritatively settled by the Constitution Bench of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of Subhash Chandra Agarwal (Supra),” it said.</p>

<p>“In the said judgment, the Constitution Bench of the apex court has unequivocally held that personal professional records, including qualification, performance, evaluation reports, ACRs, disciplinary proceedings, etc. Are all personal information and such personal information is entitled to protection from unwarranted invasion of privacy,” the HC said in its order.</p>

<p>The Commission being a statutory authority ought to have kept the aforesaid principles in mind while dealing with the oral request of Kejriwal and ought not to have made an exception in the present case, the HC said.</p>

<p>Treating the present case as an exception completely justifies the submission of the petitioner (university) that extraneous considerations have gone into the decision making process of the Commission, said the order. “There has been an indiscriminate misuse of the salutary provisions of the RTI Act in the present case for the purposes not contemplated by the legislature while enacting the said Act,” said Justice Vaishnav.<br />
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Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-top-10-corrupt-countries-in-the-world-577675">Top 10 corrupt countries in the world</a><br />
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Expressing surprise that the CIC entertained Kejriwal's request and issued an order, the court said, “Such requests cannot be made so casually making mockery of the very intent and purpose of the RTI Act.”<br />
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The court further observed that Kejriwal “doubtlessly used an appeal against him to kick start and trigger a controversy not falling within the purview of the RTI Act”.<br />
<br />
<strong>Watch | Will Ben Stokes be CSK's impact player? | WION Sports Extra</strong></p>

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<p>“Having found both the requests by respondent No.2 (Kejriwal) and the order by the CIC being absolutely causal and having found that neither such request was competent nor such an order could have been passed and keeping in view the salutary object of the RTI Act, this court thinks it fit to allow the present petition with a direction to Respondent No.2 to pay costs,” the HC order said.<br />
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Justice Vaishnav said since the CIC was well aware of the fact that the university will face difficulty in searching that information, it did not set any time limit.<br />
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The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said it would appeal against the order.</p>

<p>BJP also took jibe at Kejriwal after the court’s ruling. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said, “Lying &amp; making obnoxious remarks, peddling lies against the chair of the PM has become a fashion &amp; Kejriwal is in strong competition with Rahul Gandhi in this regard. But today, he has been shown his place by High Court! Hope Kejriwal ji doesn’t make scurrilous comments on judiciary like Rahul now! That would count as being literate and yet uneducated.”</p>

<p>During hearing of the case, Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta had argued that publishing a student’s degree via the RTI will breach the privacy of the individual while testifying on behalf of the institution on February 9 this year. He also submitted&nbsp;in court that the details of PM Modi’s degrees were already in the public domain,&nbsp;on the university’s website.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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The Gujarat High Court on Friday quashed a seven-year-old order of the Central Information Commission (CIC) asking the Gujarat University to provide information on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s degree to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

The Gujarat High Court on Friday quashed a seven-year-old order of the Central Information Commission (CIC) asking the Gujarat University to provide information on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s degree to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Allowing the Gujarat University’s appeal against the CIC order, Justice Biren Vaishnav also imposed a cost of Rs 25,000 on Kejriwal and asked him to deposit the amount within four weeks to the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority (GSLSA). “This court finds that the CIC while passing the impugned order was well aware that what it was directing was not a specific and certain but a fishing and roving enquiry,” said Justice Vaishnav in his order. “Accordingly, the petition is allowed and the impugned order (of CIC), dated April 29, 2016, is quashed and set aside,” said Justice Vaishnav in his order. Justice Vaishnav also refused to stay his order as requested by Kejriwal's lawyer Percy Kavina. Also Read | OpenAI’s ChatGPT blocked in Italy over alleged privacy violations The HC observed that despite the degree in question being put on the website of the university for all to see, and Kejriwal never ever disputing the degree in question either during the pendency of these proceedings or even during final hearing, he has persisted with the matter. This is one more reason to impose costs while allowing this petition, the HC order said. “This court finds that the question of whether education qualifications are personal information or not is no more res integra and already stands authoritatively settled by the Constitution Bench of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in the case of Subhash Chandra Agarwal (Supra),” it said. “In the said judgment, the Constitution Bench of the apex court has unequivocally held that personal professional records, including qualification, performance, evaluation reports, ACRs, disciplinary proceedings, etc. Are all personal information and such personal information is entitled to protection from unwarranted invasion of privacy,” the HC said in its order. The Commission being a statutory authority ought to have kept the aforesaid principles in mind while dealing with the oral request of Kejriwal and ought not to have made an exception in the present case, the HC said. Treating the present case as an exception completely justifies the submission of the petitioner (university) that extraneous considerations have gone into the decision making process of the Commission, said the order. “There has been an indiscriminate misuse of the salutary provisions of the RTI Act in the present case for the purposes not contemplated by the legislature while enacting the said Act,” said Justice Vaishnav. Also Read | Top 10 corrupt countries in the world Expressing surprise that the CIC entertained Kejriwal's request and issued an order, the court said, “Such requests cannot be made so casually making mockery of the very intent and purpose of the RTI Act.” The court further observed that Kejriwal “doubtlessly used an appeal against him to kick start and trigger a controversy not falling within the purview of the RTI Act”. Watch | Will Ben Stokes be CSK's impact player? | WION Sports Extra × “Having found both the requests by respondent No.2 (Kejriwal) and the order by the CIC being absolutely causal and having found that neither such request was competent nor such an order could have been passed and keeping in view the salutary object of the RTI Act, this court thinks it fit to allow the present petition with a direction to Respondent No.2 to pay costs,” the HC order said. Justice Vaishnav said since the CIC was well aware of the fact that the university will face difficulty in searching that information, it did not set any time limit. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said it would appeal against the order. BJP also took jibe at Kejriwal after the court’s ruling. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said, “Lying & making obnoxious remarks, peddling lies against the chair of the PM has become a fashion & Kejriwal is in strong competition with Rahul Gandhi in this regard. But today, he has been shown his place by High Court! Hope Kejriwal ji doesn’t make scurrilous comments on judiciary like Rahul now! That would count as being literate and yet uneducated.” During hearing of the case, Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta had argued that publishing a student’s degree via the RTI will breach the privacy of the individual while testifying on behalf of the institution on February 9 this year. He also submitted in court that the details of PM Modi’s degrees were already in the public domain, on the university’s website. (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.

HC quashes CIC order on PM Modi’s degree, imposes Rs 25,000 cost on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal

<p>A breach in security of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was reported during his election road show in Davanagere, about 264 km northwest of Bengaluru, the capital of South Indian&nbsp;state Karnataka on Saturday. In the visuals now confirmed by the state police, a man can be seen running towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's convoy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The man was apprehended by police in time and later detained.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The intent of the man, as for why exactly he was running towards PM Modi's convoy, remains unclear.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Davanagere police officials were not immediately available for an update on the matter, at the time of&nbsp;filing this report. However,&nbsp;the Karnataka police said there was no security breach.<br />
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“There was no breach in security as such of PM at Davangere today. It was an unsuccessful attempt. The man was caught immediately by myself and SPG at a safe distance. Appropriate action is being taken in this regard,”&nbsp;Alok Kumar, ADGP, Law &amp; Order, Karnataka, was quoted by ANI as saying.</p>

<h2><strong>Narendra Modi security breaches: Frequent occurrences?</strong></h2>

<p>This is the second time when Modi's security has been breached in the Karnataka state.&nbsp;Earlier in January, a young man breached PM Modi's security cover in order to garland him in state's Hubbali district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Narendra Modi and rest of the top functionaries of his Bharatiya Janata Party are frequenting the state of Karnataka in South India as the state is likely to go to polls in June this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prior to this, in January 2022, PM Modi's convoy was stranded for half an hour on a flyover when he was travelling by road from Bathinda airport to Ferozepur in the North Indian state of Punjab. A group of protesters had blocked the road ahead that amounted to a security breach.&nbsp;<br />
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The PM returned without attending any event, including a rally. Later, the Supreme Court appointed a five-member committee to probe the alleged security breach. The committee found that the Ferozepur SSP failed to discharge his duty though sufficient force was available. The SSP failed to to maintain law and order even though sufficient&nbsp;force&nbsp;was available and even though he was informed two hours before that PM will enter that route.</p>

<p>For the January 2022 security breach, three top Punjab Police officials face&nbsp;major penalties, including dismissal, demotion, and reduction in pension, while others have been asked to explain why disciplinary proceedings should not be initiated against them as recommended by a Supreme Court committee that investigated the security breach.</p>

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A breach in security of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was reported during his election road show in Davanagere, about 264 km northwest of Bengaluru, the capital of South Indian state Karnataka on Saturday.

A breach in security of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was reported during his election road show in Davanagere, about 264 km northwest of Bengaluru, the capital of South Indian state Karnataka on Saturday. In the visuals now confirmed by the state police, a man can be seen running towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's convoy. The man was apprehended by police in time and later detained. The intent of the man, as for why exactly he was running towards PM Modi's convoy, remains unclear. #WATCH | Karnataka: Security breach during PM Modi's roadshow in Davanagere, earlier today, when a man tried to run towards his convoy. He was later detained by police. (Visuals confirmed by police) pic.twitter.com/nibVxzgekz — ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2023 × Davanagere police officials were not immediately available for an update on the matter, at the time of filing this report. However, the Karnataka police said there was no security breach. “There was no breach in security as such of PM at Davangere today. It was an unsuccessful attempt. The man was caught immediately by myself and SPG at a safe distance. Appropriate action is being taken in this regard,” Alok Kumar, ADGP, Law & Order, Karnataka, was quoted by ANI as saying. Narendra Modi security breaches: Frequent occurrences? This is the second time when Modi's security has been breached in the Karnataka state. Earlier in January, a young man breached PM Modi's security cover in order to garland him in state's Hubbali district. Narendra Modi and rest of the top functionaries of his Bharatiya Janata Party are frequenting the state of Karnataka in South India as the state is likely to go to polls in June this year. Prior to this, in January 2022, PM Modi's convoy was stranded for half an hour on a flyover when he was travelling by road from Bathinda airport to Ferozepur in the North Indian state of Punjab. A group of protesters had blocked the road ahead that amounted to a security breach. The PM returned without attending any event, including a rally. Later, the Supreme Court appointed a five-member committee to probe the alleged security breach. The committee found that the Ferozepur SSP failed to discharge his duty though sufficient force was available. The SSP failed to to maintain law and order even though sufficient force was available and even though he was informed two hours before that PM will enter that route. For the January 2022 security breach, three top Punjab Police officials face major penalties, including dismissal, demotion, and reduction in pension, while others have been asked to explain why disciplinary proceedings should not be initiated against them as recommended by a Supreme Court committee that investigated the security breach. 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.

WATCH | Man breaches Indian PM’s security, runs towards convoy in Karnataka; detained

<p>A day after he was disqualified from the Indian parliament, <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-rahul-gandhi-the-indian-opposition-leader-disqualified-from-parliament-575302">Congress leader Rahul Gandhi</a></strong> said on Saturday (March 25) that he is not scared of disqualifications, threats or prison sentences and would continue to question the relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani. Addressing a press conference, Gandhi said, "I have said many times before that democracy is being attacked in the country. We are seeing examples of this each day. I asked questions in the parliament regarding the relationship between PM Modi and Adani."</p>

<p>Gandhi said that Prime Minister Modi is scared of his next speech on Adani, "and I have seen it in his eyes."</p>

<p>"That is why, first the distraction and then the disqualification," the Congress leader told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/plea-filed-in-indian-supreme-court-against-law-that-disqualified-rahul-gandhi-as-mp-575537">Activist files plea in India’s apex court against law that stripped Rahul Gandhi of his MP status</a></strong></p>

<p>On being asked if he would apologise for the "Modi surname" remark which led to the defamation case, Gandhi told reporters, "I am a Gandhi and not Savarkar, and Gandhis do not apologise."</p>

<p>Gandhi also said that even if he was disqualified (from parliament) permanently, he would keep fighting for the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I will keep doing my work. it does not matter if I am inside the parliament or not. I will keep fighting for the country," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"My job is to defend the democratic nature of the country which means defending the institutions of the country, defending the voice of the poor people of the country and telling people the truth about people like Adani who are exploiting the relationship they have with the PM," the Congress leader told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from parliament comes after a court in Gujarat found him guilty in a 2019 defamation case on Thursday. During a Lok Sabha election rally in Karnataka in April 2019, Gandhi referred to thieves as having the surname Modi.<br />
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After convicting Gandhi,&nbsp;the court granted him bail and suspended his jail sentence for 30 days to allow him to appeal in a higher court.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-disqualified-from-parliament-what-next-for-the-indian-opposition-leader-575354">Rahul Gandhi disqualified from parliament. What next for the Indian opposition leader?</a></strong></p>

<p>The parliament notification on Friday said that Gandhi was disqualified from the membership of the Lok Sabha as per the provisions of Article 102 (1) (e) of the Constitution of India read with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Saturday, a plea was filed in the Supreme Court challenging the provisions of the Representatives of the Peoples Act under which Gandhi was disqualified. According to the legal news portal Bar and Bench, the petition filed by scholar and social activist Aabha Muralidharan urged the court to declare “ultra-vires” Section 8(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 which provides for automatic disqualification of a legislator from the parliament or state assembly upon conviction in a criminal case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The petitioner said factors such as nature, gravity, role, moral turpitude, and the role of the accused, ought to be examined while considering disqualification under Chapter III of the 1951 Act.<br />
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A day after he was disqualified from the Indian parliament, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Saturday (March 25) that he is not scared of disqualifications, threats or prison sentences and would continue to question the relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani.

A day after he was disqualified from the Indian parliament, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Saturday (March 25) that he is not scared of disqualifications, threats or prison sentences and would continue to question the relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani. Addressing a press conference, Gandhi said, "I have said many times before that democracy is being attacked in the country. We are seeing examples of this each day. I asked questions in the parliament regarding the relationship between PM Modi and Adani." Gandhi said that Prime Minister Modi is scared of his next speech on Adani, "and I have seen it in his eyes." "That is why, first the distraction and then the disqualification," the Congress leader told reporters. ALSO READ | Activist files plea in India’s apex court against law that stripped Rahul Gandhi of his MP status On being asked if he would apologise for the "Modi surname" remark which led to the defamation case, Gandhi told reporters, "I am a Gandhi and not Savarkar, and Gandhis do not apologise." Gandhi also said that even if he was disqualified (from parliament) permanently, he would keep fighting for the country. "I will keep doing my work. it does not matter if I am inside the parliament or not. I will keep fighting for the country," he said. "My job is to defend the democratic nature of the country which means defending the institutions of the country, defending the voice of the poor people of the country and telling people the truth about people like Adani who are exploiting the relationship they have with the PM," the Congress leader told reporters. Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from parliament comes after a court in Gujarat found him guilty in a 2019 defamation case on Thursday. During a Lok Sabha election rally in Karnataka in April 2019, Gandhi referred to thieves as having the surname Modi. After convicting Gandhi, the court granted him bail and suspended his jail sentence for 30 days to allow him to appeal in a higher court. ALSO READ | Rahul Gandhi disqualified from parliament. What next for the Indian opposition leader? The parliament notification on Friday said that Gandhi was disqualified from the membership of the Lok Sabha as per the provisions of Article 102 (1) (e) of the Constitution of India read with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. On Saturday, a plea was filed in the Supreme Court challenging the provisions of the Representatives of the Peoples Act under which Gandhi was disqualified. According to the legal news portal Bar and Bench, the petition filed by scholar and social activist Aabha Muralidharan urged the court to declare “ultra-vires” Section 8(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 which provides for automatic disqualification of a legislator from the parliament or state assembly upon conviction in a criminal case. The petitioner said factors such as nature, gravity, role, moral turpitude, and the role of the accused, ought to be examined while considering disqualification under Chapter III of the 1951 Act. 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.

I'm not Savarkar, won't apologise: Rahul Gandhi on disqualification from Indian parliament

<p>The Indian parliament on Friday (March 24) disqualified opposition <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rahul-gandhi-convicted-in-2019-modi-surname-defamation-case-gets-two-year-jail-term-574899">Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as a lawmaker after a court found him guilty of defamation</a></strong> and sentenced him to two years in prison, according to a parliament secretariat notice. "Consequent upon his conviction by the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Surat in C.C./18712/2019, Shri Rahul Gandhi, Member of the Lok Sabha constituency representing the Wayanad Parliamentary Constituency of Kerala stands disqualified from the membership of Lok Sabha from the date of his conviction, i.e. March 23, 2023, in terms of the provisions of Article 102 (1) (e) of the Constitution of India read with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951," the notice issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat&nbsp;read.&nbsp;<br />
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<p>On Thursday, the Surat court had sentenced Rahul Gandhi to two years imprisonment in the defamation case over his 'Modi surname' remark made in April 2019 during a Lok Sabha election rally in the state of Karnataka.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rahul Gandhi - Congress MP from Wayanad, Kerala - disqualified as a Member of Lok Sabha following his conviction in the criminal defamation case over his 'Modi surname' remark. <a href="https://t.co/SQ1xzRZAot">pic.twitter.com/SQ1xzRZAot</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1639187379629228033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"How come all the thieves have Modi as the common surname," Gandhi said during the rally. The criminal defamation case was filed against the Congress leader by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Surat West Purnesh Modi.</p>

<p>Following his disqualification, Gandhi will not be able to contest elections for eight years unless a higher court stays his conviction and sentence.<br />
<br />
As per Section 8(3) of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, “A person convicted of any offence and sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years shall be disqualified from the date of such conviction and shall continue to be disqualified for a further period of six years since his release.”<br />
<br />
The disqualification can be reversed if a higher court grants a stay on the conviction or decides the appeal in favour of the convicted lawmaker.</p>

<p>And Article 102 (1) (e) of the constitution states that if he/she is so disqualified by or under any law made by Parliament Explanation For the purposes of this clause, a person shall not be deemed to hold an office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State by reason only that he/she is a minister either for the Union or for such state.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Reactions to Gandhi's disqualification</strong></h2>

<p>The Congress party on Friday reacted sharply to Gandhi's disqualification from parliament by saying it will fight this battle both legally and politically. "We will fight this battle both legally &amp; politically. We will not be intimidated or silenced. Instead of a JPC into the PM-linked Adani MahaMegaScam, Rahul Gandhi stands disqualified. Indian Democracy Om Shanti," tweeted Jairam Ramesh, the Congress general secretary in charge of communications.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor said that he was stunned by the action against Gandhi and by its rapidity. "This is politics with the gloves off and it bodes ill for our democracy," he tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that the party will hold a meeting at 5 pm to formulate a strategy as to how to proceed forward. "They (BJP) tried all ways to disqualify him. They don't want to keep those who are speaking the truth, but we will continue to speak the truth. We'll continue to demand JPC, if needed we'll go to jail to save democracy," Kharge said, the news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We've called a meeting of our senior party leaders at the party office at 5pm today. In the meeting, we will formulate our strategy as to how to proceed forward: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1639193482635153411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The day Rahul Gandhi raised questions against Adani and&nbsp;PM, this type of conspiracy was started to silence him. It's a clear case of anti-democratic, dictatorship attitude of BJP govt," Congress MP KC Venugopal said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ruling BJP, meanwhile, has defended Gandhi's disqualification. Union Minister of State for Law and Justice S P S Baghel said that the disqualification was lawful and asserted that "everyone is equal before the law".</p>

<p>Speaking to the news agency ANI, BJP MP Vinod Sonkar said, "This is a court order, everyone should accept it. The court convicted him. The manner in which he insulted a community at the time of the elections...this has sent out a good message across the country."</p>

<p>"How can he (Rahul Gandhi) call the entire community "chor"? Freedom of speech does not mean defaming or insulting any community. He abused the OBC community, not criticised it. He is not even seeking an apology for his remarks. He also defamed the nation abroad," Union Minister&nbsp;Bhupender Yadav said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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The Indian parliament on Friday (March 24) disqualified opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as a lawmaker after a court found him guilty of defamation and sentenced him to two years in prison, according to a parliament secretariat notice.

The Indian parliament on Friday (March 24) disqualified opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as a lawmaker after a court found him guilty of defamation and sentenced him to two years in prison, according to a parliament secretariat notice. "Consequent upon his conviction by the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Surat in C.C./18712/2019, Shri Rahul Gandhi, Member of the Lok Sabha constituency representing the Wayanad Parliamentary Constituency of Kerala stands disqualified from the membership of Lok Sabha from the date of his conviction, i.e. March 23, 2023, in terms of the provisions of Article 102 (1) (e) of the Constitution of India read with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951," the notice issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat read. Click here to follow all LIVE Updates on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification On Thursday, the Surat court had sentenced Rahul Gandhi to two years imprisonment in the defamation case over his 'Modi surname' remark made in April 2019 during a Lok Sabha election rally in the state of Karnataka. Rahul Gandhi - Congress MP from Wayanad, Kerala - disqualified as a Member of Lok Sabha following his conviction in the criminal defamation case over his 'Modi surname' remark. pic.twitter.com/SQ1xzRZAot — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2023 × "How come all the thieves have Modi as the common surname," Gandhi said during the rally. The criminal defamation case was filed against the Congress leader by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Surat West Purnesh Modi. Following his disqualification, Gandhi will not be able to contest elections for eight years unless a higher court stays his conviction and sentence. As per Section 8(3) of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, “A person convicted of any offence and sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years shall be disqualified from the date of such conviction and shall continue to be disqualified for a further period of six years since his release.” The disqualification can be reversed if a higher court grants a stay on the conviction or decides the appeal in favour of the convicted lawmaker. And Article 102 (1) (e) of the constitution states that if he/she is so disqualified by or under any law made by Parliament Explanation For the purposes of this clause, a person shall not be deemed to hold an office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State by reason only that he/she is a minister either for the Union or for such state. Reactions to Gandhi's disqualification The Congress party on Friday reacted sharply to Gandhi's disqualification from parliament by saying it will fight this battle both legally and politically. "We will fight this battle both legally & politically. We will not be intimidated or silenced. Instead of a JPC into the PM-linked Adani MahaMegaScam, Rahul Gandhi stands disqualified. Indian Democracy Om Shanti," tweeted Jairam Ramesh, the Congress general secretary in charge of communications. Senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor said that he was stunned by the action against Gandhi and by its rapidity. "This is politics with the gloves off and it bodes ill for our democracy," he tweeted. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that the party will hold a meeting at 5 pm to formulate a strategy as to how to proceed forward. "They (BJP) tried all ways to disqualify him. They don't want to keep those who are speaking the truth, but we will continue to speak the truth. We'll continue to demand JPC, if needed we'll go to jail to save democracy," Kharge said, the news agency ANI reported. We've called a meeting of our senior party leaders at the party office at 5pm today. In the meeting, we will formulate our strategy as to how to proceed forward: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2023 × "The day Rahul Gandhi raised questions against Adani and PM, this type of conspiracy was started to silence him. It's a clear case of anti-democratic, dictatorship attitude of BJP govt," Congress MP KC Venugopal said. The ruling BJP, meanwhile, has defended Gandhi's disqualification. Union Minister of State for Law and Justice S P S Baghel said that the disqualification was lawful and asserted that "everyone is equal before the law". Speaking to the news agency ANI, BJP MP Vinod Sonkar said, "This is a court order, everyone should accept it. The court convicted him. The manner in which he insulted a community at the time of the elections...this has sent out a good message across the country." "How can he (Rahul Gandhi) call the entire community "chor"? Freedom of speech does not mean defaming or insulting any community. He abused the OBC community, not criticised it. He is not even seeking an apology for his remarks. He also defamed the nation abroad," Union Minister Bhupender Yadav said. (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.

Indian parliament disqualifies Rahul Gandhi after court finds him guilty in 2019 defamation case

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