<p>US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti has once again lectured New Delhi saying there is no such thing as strategic autonomy in times of conflict.&nbsp;Garcetti was speaking at the Defence News Conclave organised by CUTS International.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Garcetti's comment comes in the backdrop of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting Russia and meeting President Vladimir Putin at the same time as the NATO Summit was underway in Washington.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I know...and I respect that India likes its strategic autonomy. But in times of conflict, there is no such thing as strategic autonomy. We will, in crisis moments, need to know each other," said Garcetti.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I don’t care what title we put to it, but we will need to know that we are trusted friends, brothers and sisters, colleagues,” he added.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/american-vlogger-amazed-by-indian-healthcare-says-its-incredible-737598"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;American vlogger amazed by Indian healthcare, says 'it's incredible'</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>'War machines'</strong></h2>

<p>Without taking Russia's name, Garcetti urged New Delhi to take action against 'war machines' and side with the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“No war is distant anymore, and we must not just stand for peace. We must take concrete actions to make sure those who don’t play by peaceful rules that their war machines cannot continue unabated. That’s something the US needs to know and that India needs to know together.”</p>

<p>Garcetti chalked a comparison between&nbsp;the India-Russia Summit,&nbsp;which resulted in two joint statements and nine agreements, and the Indian prime minister’s visit to Washington last June.</p>

<p>“We can read leaders’ agreements, as we might have done this week...look through the ones that are kind of dressed up versus the ones that have to be edited down. I was told when we had the prime minister’s visit, that a state visit that has five to 10 deliverables is a very strong visit. At our peak, we had 173 separate deliverables, that the US and India were working on together,” he said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-gaza-protests-us-ambassador-garcetti-skips-jnu-meet-720118"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Amid Gaza protests, US ambassador to India Garcetti skips JNU meet</strong></a></p>

<p>There was no immediate reaction from the Indian officials to the US envoy's comments but experts suggest that it may not have gone down well.</p>

<p>Indian government under PM Modi, throughout its 10-year regime, has maintained the ethos of keeping the nation first, which means strategic manoeuvring in diplomatic spaces.</p>

<p>While India maintains good yet circumspect&nbsp;ties with the Joe Biden administration, New Delhi is equally receptive to its traditional ally in Russia, as was evident during PM Modi's first bilateral visit to Moscow after being sworn in for his third stint.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti has once again lectured New Delhi saying there is no such thing as strategic autonomy in times of conflict. Garcetti was speaking at the Defence News Conclave organised by CUTS International.

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti has once again lectured New Delhi saying there is no such thing as strategic autonomy in times of conflict. Garcetti was speaking at the Defence News Conclave organised by CUTS International. Garcetti's comment comes in the backdrop of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting Russia and meeting President Vladimir Putin at the same time as the NATO Summit was underway in Washington. “I know...and I respect that India likes its strategic autonomy. But in times of conflict, there is no such thing as strategic autonomy. We will, in crisis moments, need to know each other," said Garcetti. "I don’t care what title we put to it, but we will need to know that we are trusted friends, brothers and sisters, colleagues,” he added. Watch | American vlogger amazed by Indian healthcare, says 'it's incredible' × 'War machines' Without taking Russia's name, Garcetti urged New Delhi to take action against 'war machines' and side with the US. “No war is distant anymore, and we must not just stand for peace. We must take concrete actions to make sure those who don’t play by peaceful rules that their war machines cannot continue unabated. That’s something the US needs to know and that India needs to know together.” Garcetti chalked a comparison between the India-Russia Summit, which resulted in two joint statements and nine agreements, and the Indian prime minister’s visit to Washington last June. “We can read leaders’ agreements, as we might have done this week...look through the ones that are kind of dressed up versus the ones that have to be edited down. I was told when we had the prime minister’s visit, that a state visit that has five to 10 deliverables is a very strong visit. At our peak, we had 173 separate deliverables, that the US and India were working on together,” he said. Also read | Amid Gaza protests, US ambassador to India Garcetti skips JNU meet There was no immediate reaction from the Indian officials to the US envoy's comments but experts suggest that it may not have gone down well. Indian government under PM Modi, throughout its 10-year regime, has maintained the ethos of keeping the nation first, which means strategic manoeuvring in diplomatic spaces. While India maintains good yet circumspect ties with the Joe Biden administration, New Delhi is equally receptive to its traditional ally in Russia, as was evident during PM Modi's first bilateral visit to Moscow after being sworn in for his third stint. (With inputs from agencies)

US envoy Garcetti miffed by India's 'strategic autonomy' after PM Modi's Russia visit

<p>Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian parliament)&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi shared a video of his visit to relief camps in the Indian state of Manipur&nbsp;on social media platform X&nbsp;and appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the state which has been marred by the ethnic violence.</p>

<p>The Congress MP,&nbsp;on Thursday (July 11), in a five-minute-long video, emphasised that the violence-stricken state is still in distress.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shankaracharya-backs-rahul-gandhi-on-hindus-and-violence-speech-in-indian-parliament-video-goes-viral-738986">Shankaracharya backs Rahul Gandhi on ‘Hindus and violence’ speech in Indian parliament; video goes viral</a></p>

<p>“Houses are burning, innocent lives are in danger and thousands of families are forced to live in relief camps,” wrote&nbsp;Gandhi in the caption posted along with the video.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">मणिपुर में हिंसा शुरू होने के बाद, मैं तीसरी बार यहां आ चुका हूं, मगर अफसोस स्थिति में कोई सुधार नहीं है - आज भी प्रदेश दो टुकड़ों में बंटा हुआ है।<br />
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घर जल रहे हैं, मासूम ज़िंदगियां खतरे में हैं और हज़ारों परिवार relief camp में जीवन काटने पर मजबूर हैं।<br />
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प्रधानमंत्री को मणिपुर खुद… <a href="https://t.co/8EaJ2Tn6v8">pic.twitter.com/8EaJ2Tn6v8</a></p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1811309180306829714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gandhi had visited Manipur for the third time since the ethnic violence broke out in the state in May 2023. He said that the state remains divided in two parts even today and appealed to PM Modi to make a visit to the state soon, lend his ears to the difficulties of the people and call for peace.</p>

<h2><strong>Rahul Gandhi hears laments of ethnic clashes</strong></h2>

<p>In the video shared Gandhi was seen consoling the people who expressed their troubles in the backdrop of the ethnic clashes in the state.</p>

<p>In the Jiribam relief camp in&nbsp;Manipur, one of the women was heard saying that her grandmother was stuck in a place of conflict and her whereabouts were unknown.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Even if we contact her, neither she can come here, nor we can go there," she added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, another woman at a relief camp in Thalai said that her brother died due to medical negligence. She added that there was no sufficient medical care available in the government hospitals which led to the death of her brother.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India: Rahul Gandhi visits relief camps in Manipur; first visit to the state as Leader of Opposition</strong></p>

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<p>Gandhi said that his Congress party will&nbsp;provide medicines at the camp. “If the government wants to end it (conflict), it can end very quickly,” he said while speaking at a relief camp in Churachandpur in Manipur.</p>

<p>“I can raise the issue and put pressure. But I can't assure you about going back. Because that question will be answered by the government. In the next session, I'll speak for you” he said, at the Moirang relief camp.</p>

<p>Violence broke out in Churachandpur on May 3 after Kukis marched in protest against the Manipur High Court's order in which the state government was directed to include the Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribes list.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The violence soon turned into a conflict between the Kukis and the Meiteis which has led to the deaths of&nbsp;more than 220 people.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian parliament) Rahul Gandhi shared a video of his visit to relief camps in the Indian state of Manipur on social media platform X and appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the state which has been marred by the ethnic violence.

Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian parliament) Rahul Gandhi shared a video of his visit to relief camps in the Indian state of Manipur on social media platform X and appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the state which has been marred by the ethnic violence. The Congress MP, on Thursday (July 11), in a five-minute-long video, emphasised that the violence-stricken state is still in distress. Also Read: Shankaracharya backs Rahul Gandhi on ‘Hindus and violence’ speech in Indian parliament; video goes viral “Houses are burning, innocent lives are in danger and thousands of families are forced to live in relief camps,” wrote Gandhi in the caption posted along with the video. मणिपुर में हिंसा शुरू होने के बाद, मैं तीसरी बार यहां आ चुका हूं, मगर अफसोस स्थिति में कोई सुधार नहीं है - आज भी प्रदेश दो टुकड़ों में बंटा हुआ है। घर जल रहे हैं, मासूम ज़िंदगियां खतरे में हैं और हज़ारों परिवार relief camp में जीवन काटने पर मजबूर हैं। प्रधानमंत्री को मणिपुर खुद… pic.twitter.com/8EaJ2Tn6v8 — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 11, 2024 × Gandhi had visited Manipur for the third time since the ethnic violence broke out in the state in May 2023. He said that the state remains divided in two parts even today and appealed to PM Modi to make a visit to the state soon, lend his ears to the difficulties of the people and call for peace. Rahul Gandhi hears laments of ethnic clashes In the video shared Gandhi was seen consoling the people who expressed their troubles in the backdrop of the ethnic clashes in the state. In the Jiribam relief camp in Manipur, one of the women was heard saying that her grandmother was stuck in a place of conflict and her whereabouts were unknown. “Even if we contact her, neither she can come here, nor we can go there," she added. Meanwhile, another woman at a relief camp in Thalai said that her brother died due to medical negligence. She added that there was no sufficient medical care available in the government hospitals which led to the death of her brother. Watch: India: Rahul Gandhi visits relief camps in Manipur; first visit to the state as Leader of Opposition Gandhi said that his Congress party will provide medicines at the camp. “If the government wants to end it (conflict), it can end very quickly,” he said while speaking at a relief camp in Churachandpur in Manipur. “I can raise the issue and put pressure. But I can't assure you about going back. Because that question will be answered by the government. In the next session, I'll speak for you” he said, at the Moirang relief camp. Violence broke out in Churachandpur on May 3 after Kukis marched in protest against the Manipur High Court's order in which the state government was directed to include the Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribes list. The violence soon turned into a conflict between the Kukis and the Meiteis which has led to the deaths of more than 220 people. (With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi says Manipur still 'burning', calls out PM Modi in five-minute-long video

<p>The 22nd summit of the leaders of India and Russia–Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin–during the former’s visit to Moscow on 8 and 9 July 2024 should be best assessed through the prism of multipolarity. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Multipolarity, the backdrop</strong></h2>

<p>Today’s geopolitics is a series of continuing and complex interactions among several poles of power such as the US, EU, China, Russia, Japan, India, and the other important nations of the Global South. In this age of conflicts and competition, tensions and turbulence, the player that enjoys positive relations with most, if not all other players, has the chance to perform well in securing its national interest. This driving motivation keeps the India-Russian partnership strong and ticking, despite new challenges. Ironically, it is this aspect that many in the West fail to appreciate while hoping for and predicting (wrongly) a rift in this relationship. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Hence, the real significance of the Putin-Modi summit is that it took place. The last summit was held in New Delhi in December 2021, before the Ukraine conflict began. The last visit by PM Modi to Russia was in September 2019 for an economic forum meeting in Vladivostok. The last meeting between the two leaders took place in September 2022 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. &nbsp;</p>

<p>It was India's turn to be the guest at the annual summit with Russia, which could have been held in 2022 or 2023, but somehow the scheduling of dates and perhaps some diplomatic factors came in the way. Now, the first bilateral visit in Modi’s third term to Moscow assumed its own momentum. More importantly, both governments ensured that the summit was projected as more than just a mere routine meeting; it was organized creatively and was perceived as a vital summit of two friendly nations that have safeguarded their mutually beneficial partnership over seven decades. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Key facets &nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The build-up to the summit was marked by extensive commentary, analysis and media coverage focusing on what the two leaders – Modi and Putin – planned to discuss and achieve through their deliberations. The Russian side, rejoicing that the long-delayed summit was taking place after all, was first off the mark in disclosing the dates of the Modi visit. It reported a sense of concern and jealousy in American and European circles that Modi was set to re-visit Russia. As this summit coincided with the NATO summit hosted by the US in Washington on the same day, several Western experts opined that either India should shun meeting Putin or persuade him to seek a peace settlement with Ukraine immediately. Chinese scholars expressed the view that only the West, not China, felt insecure over the likely outcome of the Modi-Putin talks. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In this light, New Delhi insisted that the bilateral context of the Moscow summit was of utmost importance. India looks at its “relationship with Russia purely from a framework of reference of bilateral relationships,” observed Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra at his media briefing on 5 July. But he went on to stress that the visit would be an occasion to discuss “various areas of importance in bilateral engagement as also issues of regional and global importance of mutual interest and help broaden the scope of our partnership.” A discussion on the two nations’ membership of several multilateral groupings such as BRICS and SCO was also on the agenda. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The outcome &nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The results of informal discussions preceding the 22nd summit and the extensive dialogue at the summit itself have been reflected in three documents: the joint statement, the leaders’ statement on the development of strategic areas of economic cooperation for the period up to 2030, and the list of nine MoUs/Agreements signed. A close study of these documents presents five key takeaways, as below. &nbsp;</p>

<p>One, the overarching reality is one of an enduring and expanding relationship between India and Russia, which remain committed to the further development of the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.” The two nations have been engaged in multi-faceted cooperation “in all possible areas of cooperation” and have been exploring “new avenues for cooperation while strengthening cooperation in traditional areas.” For this purpose, institutional links and mechanisms for dialogue will be reinforced in the future. An agreement was reached to convene the next annual summit in India in 2025. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Two, trade and economic partnership will receive more focused attention in the future. A $100 billion target for bilateral trade has been set up. An FTA on goods between India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) as well as on services and investments will be pushed. A separate document – ‘Programme-2030’ – contains a broad action plan. Other objectives include continued discussion on a migration and mobility partnership agreement between India and Russia, and improved transport connectivity through the Chennai-Vladivostok (Eastern Maritime) Corridor, the International North-South Corridor, and using the potential of the Northern Sea Route. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Three, other important areas for higher cooperation in the coming years are energy partnership, civil nuclear and space cooperation, military and military-technical cooperation, and cooperation in education, and science and technology. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Four, cultural cooperation, tourism and people-to-people exchanges will be further promoted proactively through multiple means. A shared motivation is “to promote a more contemporary understanding of both countries.” &nbsp;</p>

<p>Five, the two nations accept “the importance of reinvigorating multilateralism” and enhancing cooperation relating to the UN and numerous other multilateral organizations and groupings of which they are members. Notably, Russia reiterated its “steadfast support” for India's permanent membership of a reformed and expanded Security Council. India’s expression of support for Russia’s ongoing presidency of BRICS implies that the two sides should be able to narrow/eliminate their differences on the expansion issue. The leaders stressed that as “major powers” India and Russia will continue “to strive for global peace in a multipolar world.” &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Assessment &nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>As was expected, Ukraine cast a shadow on the discussions in Moscow. The missile attack on a hospital in Kyiv and the killing of Ukrainian children on the day the summit began, created an awkward situation for the Indian side. Referring to the Modi-Putin meeting, President Volodymyr Zelensky observed, “It is a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the world’s largest democracy hug the world’s most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day.” Despite this, India clearly conveyed its considered view to Russia that solutions to conflicts could not be found on the battlefield and that the only pathway was through dialogue and diplomacy. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The agreed goal to re-double efforts to expand and deepen bilateral economic cooperation makes much sense. An increase in trade rather than mere balancing is the desired way forward. However, governments will need to motivate and encourage business and industry to subscribe to this goal optimally. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Finally, on the strategic and diplomatic side, Russia has been somewhat wary about the deepening cooperation between India and the US, just as India has shown concern about the growing proximity between Russia and China. The Moscow summit indicates that the response by India and Russia to this complex phenomenon is to impart more substance and new momentum to their bilateral relations. From New Delhi’s perspective, the Moscow summit reflected India's ‘strategic autonomy’ in full play. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


The 22nd summit of the leaders of India and Russia–Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin–during the former’s visit to Moscow on 8 and 9 July 2024 should be best assessed through the prism of multipolarity.

The 22nd summit of the leaders of India and Russia–Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin–during the former’s visit to Moscow on 8 and 9 July 2024 should be best assessed through the prism of multipolarity. Multipolarity, the backdrop Today’s geopolitics is a series of continuing and complex interactions among several poles of power such as the US, EU, China, Russia, Japan, India, and the other important nations of the Global South. In this age of conflicts and competition, tensions and turbulence, the player that enjoys positive relations with most, if not all other players, has the chance to perform well in securing its national interest. This driving motivation keeps the India-Russian partnership strong and ticking, despite new challenges. Ironically, it is this aspect that many in the West fail to appreciate while hoping for and predicting (wrongly) a rift in this relationship. Hence, the real significance of the Putin-Modi summit is that it took place. The last summit was held in New Delhi in December 2021, before the Ukraine conflict began. The last visit by PM Modi to Russia was in September 2019 for an economic forum meeting in Vladivostok. The last meeting between the two leaders took place in September 2022 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. It was India's turn to be the guest at the annual summit with Russia, which could have been held in 2022 or 2023, but somehow the scheduling of dates and perhaps some diplomatic factors came in the way. Now, the first bilateral visit in Modi’s third term to Moscow assumed its own momentum. More importantly, both governments ensured that the summit was projected as more than just a mere routine meeting; it was organized creatively and was perceived as a vital summit of two friendly nations that have safeguarded their mutually beneficial partnership over seven decades. Key facets The build-up to the summit was marked by extensive commentary, analysis and media coverage focusing on what the two leaders – Modi and Putin – planned to discuss and achieve through their deliberations. The Russian side, rejoicing that the long-delayed summit was taking place after all, was first off the mark in disclosing the dates of the Modi visit. It reported a sense of concern and jealousy in American and European circles that Modi was set to re-visit Russia. As this summit coincided with the NATO summit hosted by the US in Washington on the same day, several Western experts opined that either India should shun meeting Putin or persuade him to seek a peace settlement with Ukraine immediately. Chinese scholars expressed the view that only the West, not China, felt insecure over the likely outcome of the Modi-Putin talks. In this light, New Delhi insisted that the bilateral context of the Moscow summit was of utmost importance. India looks at its “relationship with Russia purely from a framework of reference of bilateral relationships,” observed Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra at his media briefing on 5 July. But he went on to stress that the visit would be an occasion to discuss “various areas of importance in bilateral engagement as also issues of regional and global importance of mutual interest and help broaden the scope of our partnership.” A discussion on the two nations’ membership of several multilateral groupings such as BRICS and SCO was also on the agenda. The outcome The results of informal discussions preceding the 22nd summit and the extensive dialogue at the summit itself have been reflected in three documents: the joint statement, the leaders’ statement on the development of strategic areas of economic cooperation for the period up to 2030, and the list of nine MoUs/Agreements signed. A close study of these documents presents five key takeaways, as below. One, the overarching reality is one of an enduring and expanding relationship between India and Russia, which remain committed to the further development of the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.” The two nations have been engaged in multi-faceted cooperation “in all possible areas of cooperation” and have been exploring “new avenues for cooperation while strengthening cooperation in traditional areas.” For this purpose, institutional links and mechanisms for dialogue will be reinforced in the future. An agreement was reached to convene the next annual summit in India in 2025. Two, trade and economic partnership will receive more focused attention in the future. A $100 billion target for bilateral trade has been set up. An FTA on goods between India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) as well as on services and investments will be pushed. A separate document – ‘Programme-2030’ – contains a broad action plan. Other objectives include continued discussion on a migration and mobility partnership agreement between India and Russia, and improved transport connectivity through the Chennai-Vladivostok (Eastern Maritime) Corridor, the International North-South Corridor, and using the potential of the Northern Sea Route. Three, other important areas for higher cooperation in the coming years are energy partnership, civil nuclear and space cooperation, military and military-technical cooperation, and cooperation in education, and science and technology. Four, cultural cooperation, tourism and people-to-people exchanges will be further promoted proactively through multiple means. A shared motivation is “to promote a more contemporary understanding of both countries.” Five, the two nations accept “the importance of reinvigorating multilateralism” and enhancing cooperation relating to the UN and numerous other multilateral organizations and groupings of which they are members. Notably, Russia reiterated its “steadfast support” for India's permanent membership of a reformed and expanded Security Council. India’s expression of support for Russia’s ongoing presidency of BRICS implies that the two sides should be able to narrow/eliminate their differences on the expansion issue. The leaders stressed that as “major powers” India and Russia will continue “to strive for global peace in a multipolar world.” Assessment As was expected, Ukraine cast a shadow on the discussions in Moscow. The missile attack on a hospital in Kyiv and the killing of Ukrainian children on the day the summit began, created an awkward situation for the Indian side. Referring to the Modi-Putin meeting, President Volodymyr Zelensky observed, “It is a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the world’s largest democracy hug the world’s most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day.” Despite this, India clearly conveyed its considered view to Russia that solutions to conflicts could not be found on the battlefield and that the only pathway was through dialogue and diplomacy. The agreed goal to re-double efforts to expand and deepen bilateral economic cooperation makes much sense. An increase in trade rather than mere balancing is the desired way forward. However, governments will need to motivate and encourage business and industry to subscribe to this goal optimally. Finally, on the strategic and diplomatic side, Russia has been somewhat wary about the deepening cooperation between India and the US, just as India has shown concern about the growing proximity between Russia and China. The Moscow summit indicates that the response by India and Russia to this complex phenomenon is to impart more substance and new momentum to their bilateral relations. From New Delhi’s perspective, the Moscow summit reflected India's ‘strategic autonomy’ in full play.

The Moscow summit: India-Russia relations march ahead 

<p>India and Russia agreed "to continue working together to promote a bilateral settlement system using national currencies" as President Vladimir Putin hosted Indian&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 22nd India-Russia summit. The development means a continued insistence by the nations of the Global South to ensure trade operability in their own currencies in a setback to the belligerent dominance of the US dollar in global trade.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Aiming to further accelerate and sustain the growth in bilateral trade, the Leaders agreed to set the bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2030," said the 12th of the 81-point joint statement following the conclusion of the 22nd India-Russia annual summit.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;PM Modi in Russia: PM Modi interacts with Indian diaspora in Moscow</strong></p>

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<p>To further expand the business ties, Modi and Putin launched the first-ever India-Russia Investment Forum. The two sides also agreed to "facilitate participation of Russian businesses in 'Make in India' and '<em>Atmanirbhar Bharat</em>' (self-reliant India) programmes and that of Indian companies in investment projects in Russia," the joint statement stated.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India-Russia summit: On Transport and Connectivity</strong></h2>

<p>The two sides said that they will continue joint efforts to intensify the use of the International North-South Transport Corridor&nbsp;route in order to reduce the time and cost of cargo transportation and to promote connectivity in the Eurasian space.</p>

<p><img alt="Iran is at the center of International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC)" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/INSTC.png" /></p>

<p>"Cooperation in the field of transport and logistics will be based on the principles of transparency, broad participation, local priorities, financial sustainability and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations," the official readout said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two sides expressed readiness to actively work to expand logistics links with an emphasis on increasing the capacity of infrastructure, including for implementation of the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor and the International North-South Transport Corridor, as well as using the potential of the Northern Sea Route.</p>

<p><img alt="Eastern maritime corridor" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0634ab7d-279c-4b6d-8e10-04a3e4da0e1a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/chennaiRussia.png" /></p>

<p><em>Eastern Maritime Corridor | WION</em></p>

<p>Earlier in the day, the Indian PM was presented with the 'Order of St Andrew the Apostle' by the Russian president.&nbsp;PM Modi received the award for "his distinguished contribution to the development of a privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and friendly ties between the two countries".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-presented-with-order-of-st-andrew-the-apostle-russias-highest-civilian-honour-739332">PM Modi presented with ‘Order of St Andrew the Apostle’, Russia’s highest civilian honour</a></strong></p>

<p>PM Modi told President Putin that war is not a solution. Modi also highlighted how it gave him "immense pain" when innocent children were murdered.</p>

<p>"I am happy that we could discuss about the war in Ukraine with an open mind, and we listened to each other's thoughts on the war with great respect," PM Modi said during bilateral talks with President&nbsp;Putin.</p>


India and Russia agreed "to continue working together to promote a bilateral settlement system using national currencies" as President Vladimir Putin hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 22nd India-Russia summit.

India and Russia agreed "to continue working together to promote a bilateral settlement system using national currencies" as President Vladimir Putin hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 22nd India-Russia summit. The development means a continued insistence by the nations of the Global South to ensure trade operability in their own currencies in a setback to the belligerent dominance of the US dollar in global trade. "Aiming to further accelerate and sustain the growth in bilateral trade, the Leaders agreed to set the bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2030," said the 12th of the 81-point joint statement following the conclusion of the 22nd India-Russia annual summit. Also watch | PM Modi in Russia: PM Modi interacts with Indian diaspora in Moscow × To further expand the business ties, Modi and Putin launched the first-ever India-Russia Investment Forum. The two sides also agreed to "facilitate participation of Russian businesses in 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) programmes and that of Indian companies in investment projects in Russia," the joint statement stated. India-Russia summit: On Transport and Connectivity The two sides said that they will continue joint efforts to intensify the use of the International North-South Transport Corridor route in order to reduce the time and cost of cargo transportation and to promote connectivity in the Eurasian space. "Cooperation in the field of transport and logistics will be based on the principles of transparency, broad participation, local priorities, financial sustainability and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations," the official readout said. The two sides expressed readiness to actively work to expand logistics links with an emphasis on increasing the capacity of infrastructure, including for implementation of the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor and the International North-South Transport Corridor, as well as using the potential of the Northern Sea Route. Eastern Maritime Corridor | WION Earlier in the day, the Indian PM was presented with the 'Order of St Andrew the Apostle' by the Russian president. PM Modi received the award for "his distinguished contribution to the development of a privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and friendly ties between the two countries". Also read | PM Modi presented with ‘Order of St Andrew the Apostle’, Russia’s highest civilian honour PM Modi told President Putin that war is not a solution. Modi also highlighted how it gave him "immense pain" when innocent children were murdered. "I am happy that we could discuss about the war in Ukraine with an open mind, and we listened to each other's thoughts on the war with great respect," PM Modi said during bilateral talks with President Putin.

Modi-Putin deliver de-dollarisation blow to United States with ambitious trade target

<p>In a major diplomatic victory for India, Russia will release and assist in the return of all Indians reportedly serving in the Russian Army.</p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a two-day visit to Russia, brought up this issue during his discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin.</p>

<p>PM Modi&nbsp;met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the President's House in Moscow on Monday (Jul&nbsp;8).</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-begins-russia-visit-receives-guard-of-honour-in-moscow-738988">Modi in Russia: Indian PM holds meeting with Russian President Putin</a></strong></p>

<p>Putin welcomed the Indian prime minister&nbsp;and the two leaders shook hands and warmly greeted each other before proceeding to their bilateral talks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi took to social media platform X and shared, "Gratitude to President Putin for hosting me at Novo-Ogaryovo this evening. Looking forward to our talks tomorrow as well, which will surely go a long way in further cementing the bonds of friendship between India and Russia?"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Gratitude to President Putin for hosting me at Novo-Ogaryovo this evening. Looking forward to our talks tomorrow as well, which will surely go a long way in further cementing the bonds of friendship between India and Russia. <a href="https://t.co/eDdgDr0USZ">pic.twitter.com/eDdgDr0USZ</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1810368302176190843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Notably, the issue of Indians working for the Russian Army had also been raised by the opposition with the Congress questioning the government's stance on the issue.</p>

<p>The two leaders also discussed about Ukraine and will hold more comprehensive talks later today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to government sources, India believes that the solution to the Ukraine conflict cannot be achieved on the battlefield. This outlook is shared by the Global South and requires the involvement of both parties to resolve the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-in-russia-private-dinner-with-putin-rosatom-pavilion-visit-738662" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-in-russia-private-dinner-with-putin-rosatom-pavilion-visit-738662&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiimtOku5mHAxUbXWwGHW21D8cQFnoECAQQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3EGelHBPahJtMKFIj232-D&amp;arm=e&amp;fexp=72519171,72519168" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-in-russia-private-dinner-with-putin-rosatom-pavilion-visit-738662" target="_blank">PM&nbsp;Modi&nbsp;in Russia: Private dinner with Putin, Rosatom pavilion visit</a></strong></p>

<p>PM Modi on Tuesday (Jul&nbsp;9) will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and will also visit the ROSATOM pavilion.</p>

<p>PM Narendra Modi began his visit to Russia on Monday (Jul&nbsp;8) and received a Guard of Honour on his arrival in Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>This is Narendra Modi's first visit to Russia since the Ukraine war began in late February 2022. The Indian prime minister has held telephonic&nbsp;conversations with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky several times, emphasising the need for diplomacy and dialogue to end the war.</p>

<p>Before meeting Putin, Modi met the Indian community in Moscow. "A memorable welcome in Moscow! I thank the Indian community for their affection," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a major diplomatic victory for India, Russia will release and assist in the return of all Indians reportedly serving in the Russian Army. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a two-day visit to Russia, brought up this issue during his discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In a major diplomatic victory for India, Russia will release and assist in the return of all Indians reportedly serving in the Russian Army. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a two-day visit to Russia, brought up this issue during his discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin. PM Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the President's House in Moscow on Monday (Jul 8). Also read: Modi in Russia: Indian PM holds meeting with Russian President Putin Putin welcomed the Indian prime minister and the two leaders shook hands and warmly greeted each other before proceeding to their bilateral talks. PM Modi took to social media platform X and shared, "Gratitude to President Putin for hosting me at Novo-Ogaryovo this evening. Looking forward to our talks tomorrow as well, which will surely go a long way in further cementing the bonds of friendship between India and Russia?" Gratitude to President Putin for hosting me at Novo-Ogaryovo this evening. Looking forward to our talks tomorrow as well, which will surely go a long way in further cementing the bonds of friendship between India and Russia. pic.twitter.com/eDdgDr0USZ — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2024 × Notably, the issue of Indians working for the Russian Army had also been raised by the opposition with the Congress questioning the government's stance on the issue. The two leaders also discussed about Ukraine and will hold more comprehensive talks later today. According to government sources, India believes that the solution to the Ukraine conflict cannot be achieved on the battlefield. This outlook is shared by the Global South and requires the involvement of both parties to resolve the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. Also read: PM Modi in Russia: Private dinner with Putin, Rosatom pavilion visit PM Modi on Tuesday (Jul 9) will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and will also visit the ROSATOM pavilion. PM Narendra Modi began his visit to Russia on Monday (Jul 8) and received a Guard of Honour on his arrival in Moscow. × This is Narendra Modi's first visit to Russia since the Ukraine war began in late February 2022. The Indian prime minister has held telephonic conversations with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky several times, emphasising the need for diplomacy and dialogue to end the war. Before meeting Putin, Modi met the Indian community in Moscow. "A memorable welcome in Moscow! I thank the Indian community for their affection," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia to release Indians from army after PM Modi raises issue with Putin

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Jul 9) was presented with the 'Order of St Andrew the Apostle' by Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The highest order of chivalry in Russia was bestowed on him in the year 2019 at St Catherine's Hall of the Moscow Kremlin.</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> | Russian President Vladimir Putin confers Russia's highest civilian honour, Order of St Andrew the Apostle on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. <a href="https://t.co/aBBJ2QAINF">pic.twitter.com/aBBJ2QAINF</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1810664166488948921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>PM Modi received the award for "his distinguished contribution to the development of a privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and friendly ties between the two countries".<br />
<br />
Later in his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "...I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you (President Putin) for honouring me with Russia's highest (civilian) award. This honour is not just mine, this is the honour of 140 crore Indians. This is the honour of the centuries-old deep friendship and mutual trust between India and Russia. This is the honour of our special and privileged strategic partnership...In the past 2.5 decades, under your leadership, India-Russia relations have strengthened in all directions and have scaled new heights each time. The foundation of strategic ties between the two nations that you had laid has only further strengthened with the passing of time. Our mutual cooperation, based on people-to-partnership, is becoming the hope and guarantee of a better future of our people..."</p>

<h2><strong>More about the award</strong></h2>

<p>The 'Order of St Andrew the Apostle' was established by Tsar Peter the Great in 1698 in honour of Saint Andrew. The order was initially meant to recognise the efforts of individuals towards the betterment of the state and their outstanding civilian and military service.</p>

<p>The honour was scrapped following the Russian Revolution of 1917 but was reinstated in the post-Soviet era and continues to date.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiV1_PNkJqHAxVvUGwGHU5FDwMQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-not-a-solution-murder-of-children-gives-pain-pm-modis-stern-message-to-putin-739308" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/war-not-a-solution-murder-of-children-gives-pain-pm-modis-stern-message-to-putin-739308&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiV1_PNkJqHAxVvUGwGHU5FDwMQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE">'War not a solution, murder of children gives pain:' PM Modi's stern message to Putin</a></strong></p>

<p>In Russia, the award is considered as a prestige and a symbol of high honour.</p>

<p>Modi was originally decorated with the award in 2019 when he visited Russia to attend a a forum in the far eastern port of Vladivostok.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiV1_PNkJqHAxVvUGwGHU5FDwMQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/will-modi-putin-discuss-floating-nuclear-power-plants-for-india-739282" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/will-modi-putin-discuss-floating-nuclear-power-plants-for-india-739282&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiV1_PNkJqHAxVvUGwGHU5FDwMQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Will Modi-Putin discuss floating nuclear power plants for India?</a></strong></p>

<p>The two leaders then met in September 2022 at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Uzbekistan.</p>

<p>During his current visit, PM Modi will also lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Jul 9) was presented with the 'Order of St Andrew the Apostle' by Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The highest order of chivalry in Russia was bestowed on him in the year 2019 at St Catherine's Hall of the Moscow Kremlin.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Jul 9) was presented with the 'Order of St Andrew the Apostle' by Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The highest order of chivalry in Russia was bestowed on him in the year 2019 at St Catherine's Hall of the Moscow Kremlin. #WATCH | Russian President Vladimir Putin confers Russia's highest civilian honour, Order of St Andrew the Apostle on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. pic.twitter.com/aBBJ2QAINF — ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2024 × PM Modi received the award for "his distinguished contribution to the development of a privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and friendly ties between the two countries". Later in his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "...I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you (President Putin) for honouring me with Russia's highest (civilian) award. This honour is not just mine, this is the honour of 140 crore Indians. This is the honour of the centuries-old deep friendship and mutual trust between India and Russia. This is the honour of our special and privileged strategic partnership...In the past 2.5 decades, under your leadership, India-Russia relations have strengthened in all directions and have scaled new heights each time. The foundation of strategic ties between the two nations that you had laid has only further strengthened with the passing of time. Our mutual cooperation, based on people-to-partnership, is becoming the hope and guarantee of a better future of our people..." More about the award The 'Order of St Andrew the Apostle' was established by Tsar Peter the Great in 1698 in honour of Saint Andrew. The order was initially meant to recognise the efforts of individuals towards the betterment of the state and their outstanding civilian and military service. The honour was scrapped following the Russian Revolution of 1917 but was reinstated in the post-Soviet era and continues to date. Also read: 'War not a solution, murder of children gives pain:' PM Modi's stern message to Putin In Russia, the award is considered as a prestige and a symbol of high honour. Modi was originally decorated with the award in 2019 when he visited Russia to attend a a forum in the far eastern port of Vladivostok. Also read: Will Modi-Putin discuss floating nuclear power plants for India? The two leaders then met in September 2022 at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Uzbekistan. During his current visit, PM Modi will also lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi presented with ‘Order of St Andrew the Apostle’, Russia’s highest civilian honour

<p>As Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin of Russia visit the Rosatom pavilion in Moscow, a permanent exhibition of the history, progress, and future concepts of Russia's nuclear power technology, nuclear energy solutions are to be a key aspect of the bilateral discussions.</p>

<p>Given that India is the biggest customer of Russian nuclear technology exports, it would be interesting to see if India would consider the Russian Floating Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP), a niche civilian technology that only Russia has demonstrated so far.</p>

<p>Notably, during his Russia visit in May this year, the Indian Atomic Energy Commission Chief and his Russian counterpart discussed floating nuclear power plants and larger nuclear power plant projects for India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are ready for serious expansion of our cooperation with India in the field of using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. This include, first of all, serial construction of the Russian-designed high-capacity nuclear power units at a new site in India, implementation of land-based and floating low-power generation projects, cooperation in the nuclear fuel cycle area, as well as in the field of non-power applications of nuclear technologies,"&nbsp;Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation, had said in May 2024, as he hosted India's Atomic Energy Commission Chairman&nbsp;Ajit Kumar Mohanty in Russia's Tomsk region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For more than four years, Russia has been operating the world's first and only FNPP. This author had recently reported from on-board the ship-like FNPP that is placed by the Russian Arctic port town of Peek, in the country's lesser-developed Far East region.</p>

<p>Located above the Arctic circle, Pevek is a town that witnesses winter temperatures of minus 40 degrees Celsius and even the summer temperatures don't exceed 8 degrees Celsius, with chances of sub-zero weather even in the summer months.</p>

<p>The power generated by the FNPP is distributed to Pevek and the adjoining towns through the local power grid.</p>

<p>According to Russia's Nuclear power agency Rosatom, such a solution can offer reliable, all-weather power supply in the remotest parts of the world, in island territories, and in regions where it is not feasible to build a conventional Nuclear power plant.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;WION Reports from Russia's far-east | On-board world's only floating nuclear power plant</strong></p>

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<p>A conventional nuclear power plant takes decades to build and operationalise, it requires vast tracts of land and other resources. In contrast, an FNPP can be built to order in four or five years and can be towed to the destination.</p>

<p>Rosatom mentions that an FNPP can have an operational life of 40 years or more. Once decommissioned, it can be towed back, dismantled, and disposed safely. In comparison, a land-based powerplant plant leaves behind its traces even after it is decommissioned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Built like a ship, the FNPP "Akademik Lomonosov" measures 144 metres in length and 30 metres wide, stands 30&nbsp; metres tall, and has a displacement of 21,000 tonnes.</p>

<p>It houses two KLT-40S nuclear reactor systems, each of which generate 35 megawatts of energy. The total 70MW power output of the FNPP is sufficient to provide power and heat for one lakh people.</p>

<p>The nuclear reactors used on the FNPP are similar to the ones used on Russian icebreaker ships that cut through the frozen Arctic ice and clear a passage for shipping. For several decades, Nuclear reactors have been powering and propelling submarines and aircraft carriers. However, the Nuclear reactors on the FNPP only provide power and heat, as the FNPP is not a moving ship and does not have propellors. When necessary, the FNPP is towed using tug boats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When&nbsp;queried about the safety track record of the FNPP and its ability to withstand tsunamis, hurricanes, and similar natural calamities, Viktor Nikolayevich, Deputy Chief Engineer, FNPP, told this author that the floating plant is designed and built with safety features that can help it withstand all natural calamities.</p>

<p>He added that the plant is designed to operate safely and without any radiation leaks or risks to the people and environment, even if a medium-sized helicopter (similar to Russian Kamoc-32s) were to crash on it from an altitude of 50 metres.</p>

<p>Since the reactors of the FNPP are based on those used in the Russian Nuclear icebreaker vessels, Rosatom maintains that they are totally rated for handling the horizontal and vertical accelerations (similar to an earthquake) that occur when breaking through the ice. In the worst case scenario, if needed, the FNPP can also be towed far away from habitation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Russia floating nuclear power plant 'Akademik Lomonosov' caters to energy in Russia's far east</strong></p>

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<p>As per data shared in 2023 by the Indian Atomic Energy Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh,&nbsp;the share of nuclear power in the total electricity generation in the country was about 2.8% in the year 2022-23.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that installed nuclear power capacity in the country is 7480 MW, comprising of 23 nuclear power reactors. He also mentioned that India's nuclear power generation would nearly triple by the year 2031, on progressive completion of projects under construction and accorded sanction.</p>

<p>This would mean that India's nuclear power plants would go from presently generating 7480 MW to 22480 MW by 2031. The government has also accorded ‘in principle’ approval for new sites to set up nuclear reactors in the future, Dr. Singh said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India has a 7,500 kms long coastline and is flanked by the Andaman &amp; Nicobar, Lakshadweep archipelagos. India has been looking at boosting tourism and also enhancing the presence of its military on many of these islands, given their strategic location in the larger Indian Ocean region.</p>

<p>Considering the export potential of FNPPs to friendly-foreign nations, Russia is also developing larger floating reactors that can each generate 53MW of power. When two such reactors are coupled and placed in an FNPP, they can generate in excess of 100MW power, which is significantly higher than the present FNPP that generates 70MW.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia and India have remained all-weather partners for decades and this is a partnership that was built from the Soviet-era. India-Russia ties span various strategic domains including Defence, Nuclear Energy, Space, Science and technology etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP), India's largest nuclear power generating facility is the flagship project of Russian-Indian technology and energy cooperation. Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, KKNPP comprises six Russian-designed power units equipped with pressurized water reactor plants with a capacity of 1000MW each.</p>

<p>At present, two of these reactors are active and generate 2000MW, whereas the remaining four reactors are under different stages of construction. Once fully ready, all six plants would generate 6000MW.</p>


As Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin of Russia visit the Rosatom pavilion in Moscow, a permanent exhibition of the history, progress, and future concepts of Russia's nuclear power technology, nuclear energy solutions are to be a key aspect of the bilateral discussions.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin of Russia visit the Rosatom pavilion in Moscow, a permanent exhibition of the history, progress, and future concepts of Russia's nuclear power technology, nuclear energy solutions are to be a key aspect of the bilateral discussions. Given that India is the biggest customer of Russian nuclear technology exports, it would be interesting to see if India would consider the Russian Floating Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP), a niche civilian technology that only Russia has demonstrated so far. Notably, during his Russia visit in May this year, the Indian Atomic Energy Commission Chief and his Russian counterpart discussed floating nuclear power plants and larger nuclear power plant projects for India. "We are ready for serious expansion of our cooperation with India in the field of using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. This include, first of all, serial construction of the Russian-designed high-capacity nuclear power units at a new site in India, implementation of land-based and floating low-power generation projects, cooperation in the nuclear fuel cycle area, as well as in the field of non-power applications of nuclear technologies," Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation, had said in May 2024, as he hosted India's Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Ajit Kumar Mohanty in Russia's Tomsk region. For more than four years, Russia has been operating the world's first and only FNPP. This author had recently reported from on-board the ship-like FNPP that is placed by the Russian Arctic port town of Peek, in the country's lesser-developed Far East region. Located above the Arctic circle, Pevek is a town that witnesses winter temperatures of minus 40 degrees Celsius and even the summer temperatures don't exceed 8 degrees Celsius, with chances of sub-zero weather even in the summer months. The power generated by the FNPP is distributed to Pevek and the adjoining towns through the local power grid. According to Russia's Nuclear power agency Rosatom, such a solution can offer reliable, all-weather power supply in the remotest parts of the world, in island territories, and in regions where it is not feasible to build a conventional Nuclear power plant. Also watch | WION Reports from Russia's far-east | On-board world's only floating nuclear power plant × A conventional nuclear power plant takes decades to build and operationalise, it requires vast tracts of land and other resources. In contrast, an FNPP can be built to order in four or five years and can be towed to the destination. Rosatom mentions that an FNPP can have an operational life of 40 years or more. Once decommissioned, it can be towed back, dismantled, and disposed safely. In comparison, a land-based powerplant plant leaves behind its traces even after it is decommissioned. Built like a ship, the FNPP "Akademik Lomonosov" measures 144 metres in length and 30 metres wide, stands 30 metres tall, and has a displacement of 21,000 tonnes. It houses two KLT-40S nuclear reactor systems, each of which generate 35 megawatts of energy. The total 70MW power output of the FNPP is sufficient to provide power and heat for one lakh people. The nuclear reactors used on the FNPP are similar to the ones used on Russian icebreaker ships that cut through the frozen Arctic ice and clear a passage for shipping. For several decades, Nuclear reactors have been powering and propelling submarines and aircraft carriers. However, the Nuclear reactors on the FNPP only provide power and heat, as the FNPP is not a moving ship and does not have propellors. When necessary, the FNPP is towed using tug boats. When queried about the safety track record of the FNPP and its ability to withstand tsunamis, hurricanes, and similar natural calamities, Viktor Nikolayevich, Deputy Chief Engineer, FNPP, told this author that the floating plant is designed and built with safety features that can help it withstand all natural calamities. He added that the plant is designed to operate safely and without any radiation leaks or risks to the people and environment, even if a medium-sized helicopter (similar to Russian Kamoc-32s) were to crash on it from an altitude of 50 metres. Since the reactors of the FNPP are based on those used in the Russian Nuclear icebreaker vessels, Rosatom maintains that they are totally rated for handling the horizontal and vertical accelerations (similar to an earthquake) that occur when breaking through the ice. In the worst case scenario, if needed, the FNPP can also be towed far away from habitation. Also watch | Russia floating nuclear power plant 'Akademik Lomonosov' caters to energy in Russia's far east × As per data shared in 2023 by the Indian Atomic Energy Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, the share of nuclear power in the total electricity generation in the country was about 2.8% in the year 2022-23. He added that installed nuclear power capacity in the country is 7480 MW, comprising of 23 nuclear power reactors. He also mentioned that India's nuclear power generation would nearly triple by the year 2031, on progressive completion of projects under construction and accorded sanction. This would mean that India's nuclear power plants would go from presently generating 7480 MW to 22480 MW by 2031. The government has also accorded ‘in principle’ approval for new sites to set up nuclear reactors in the future, Dr. Singh said. India has a 7,500 kms long coastline and is flanked by the Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep archipelagos. India has been looking at boosting tourism and also enhancing the presence of its military on many of these islands, given their strategic location in the larger Indian Ocean region. Considering the export potential of FNPPs to friendly-foreign nations, Russia is also developing larger floating reactors that can each generate 53MW of power. When two such reactors are coupled and placed in an FNPP, they can generate in excess of 100MW power, which is significantly higher than the present FNPP that generates 70MW. Russia and India have remained all-weather partners for decades and this is a partnership that was built from the Soviet-era. India-Russia ties span various strategic domains including Defence, Nuclear Energy, Space, Science and technology etc. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP), India's largest nuclear power generating facility is the flagship project of Russian-Indian technology and energy cooperation. Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, KKNPP comprises six Russian-designed power units equipped with pressurized water reactor plants with a capacity of 1000MW each. At present, two of these reactors are active and generate 2000MW, whereas the remaining four reactors are under different stages of construction. Once fully ready, all six plants would generate 6000MW.

Will Modi-Putin discuss floating nuclear power plants for India?

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday morning (Jul 8)&nbsp;embarked on an official visit to Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin as well as attend the 22nd India-Russia annual summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his departing note, PM Modi emphasised that India seeks to play a supportive role for a peaceful and stable region.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I look forward to reviewing all aspects of bilateral cooperation with my friend President Vladimir Putin and sharing perspectives on various regional and global issues. We seek to play a supportive role for a peaceful and stable region,” an official statement released by the PM on his website stated.</p>

<p>"The Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia has advanced over the past ten years, including in the areas of energy, security, trade, investment, health, education, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Watch: PM Modi leaves for Russia <a href="https://t.co/didzAz6Vgo">pic.twitter.com/didzAz6Vgo</a></p>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-visit-key-partner-russia-on-july-8-9-set-to-hold-22nd-bilateral-annual-summit-737810" target="_blank"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;PM Modi to visit key partner Russia on July 8-9, set to hold 22nd bilateral annual summit</strong></a></p>

<p>This will be PM Modi's first visit to Russia since the&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine conflict started in 2022. Additionally, it's his first bilateral visit in his third stint as the prime minister of India.</p>

<p>Modi's last official trip to Russia came in 2019 when he visited the&nbsp;Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. To this day, he remains the only Indian PM to travel to Russia's Far East region where Moscow has been attempting to drum up investments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi's visit is crucial for Putin as it comes at the same time as when&nbsp;leaders of the 32 nations in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) will be meeting in Washington DC from July 9-11 to celebrate 75 years of the anti-Russia military alliance.</p>

<p>The Western world has been attempting to make Putin a pariah since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war but New Delhi has steadfastly stood in its corner while batting for a peaceful resolution to the problem.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-pm-to-hold-talks-with-russian-president-vladimir-putin-738010" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Indian PM to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-17="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-pm-to-hold-talks-with-russian-president-vladimir-putin-738010/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Modi's Austria trip</strong></h2>

<p>Following his Russia trip, PM Modi will embark on another historic visit to Austria where he will become the first Indian PM to visit the European nation in more than 40 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister in over 40 years," said PM Modi.</p>

<p>"Together with the Austrian Chancellor, I look forward to exchanging views with business leaders from both sides to explore mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities."</p>

<p>PM Modi will also interact with the diaspora in the country, whom he praised for their professionalism and conduct.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday morning (Jul 8) embarked on an official visit to Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin as well as attend the 22nd India-Russia annual summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday morning (Jul 8) embarked on an official visit to Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin as well as attend the 22nd India-Russia annual summit. In his departing note, PM Modi emphasised that India seeks to play a supportive role for a peaceful and stable region. “I look forward to reviewing all aspects of bilateral cooperation with my friend President Vladimir Putin and sharing perspectives on various regional and global issues. We seek to play a supportive role for a peaceful and stable region,” an official statement released by the PM on his website stated. "The Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia has advanced over the past ten years, including in the areas of energy, security, trade, investment, health, education, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges." Watch: PM Modi leaves for Russia pic.twitter.com/didzAz6Vgo — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 8, 2024 × Also read | PM Modi to visit key partner Russia on July 8-9, set to hold 22nd bilateral annual summit This will be PM Modi's first visit to Russia since the Russia-Ukraine conflict started in 2022. Additionally, it's his first bilateral visit in his third stint as the prime minister of India. Modi's last official trip to Russia came in 2019 when he visited the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. To this day, he remains the only Indian PM to travel to Russia's Far East region where Moscow has been attempting to drum up investments. PM Modi's visit is crucial for Putin as it comes at the same time as when leaders of the 32 nations in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) will be meeting in Washington DC from July 9-11 to celebrate 75 years of the anti-Russia military alliance. The Western world has been attempting to make Putin a pariah since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war but New Delhi has steadfastly stood in its corner while batting for a peaceful resolution to the problem. Watch | Indian PM to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin Modi's Austria trip Following his Russia trip, PM Modi will embark on another historic visit to Austria where he will become the first Indian PM to visit the European nation in more than 40 years. "This is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister in over 40 years," said PM Modi. "Together with the Austrian Chancellor, I look forward to exchanging views with business leaders from both sides to explore mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities." PM Modi will also interact with the diaspora in the country, whom he praised for their professionalism and conduct. (With inputs from agencies)

'Seek to play a...': PM Modi's message as he leaves for two-day Russia visit

<p>The death toll from the six-storey building that collapsed in India's Surat has risen to seven as of Sunday (Jul&nbsp;7) morning, according to police reports.</p>

<p>In a statement to the press, Rajesh Parmar, Surat Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 6), said, "One woman has been saved."</p>

<p>The&nbsp;23-year-old woman has been identified as Kashish Sharma. Following her rescue,&nbsp;she was transported to&nbsp;New Civil Hospital and was&nbsp;in stable condition.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-multi-storey-building-collapses-in-surat-many-feared-trapped-738524">India: At least one dead, many feared buried after building collapse in Gujarat</a></strong></p>

<p>"Seven dead bodies have been recovered and sent for post-mortem to the hospital," he added.</p>

<p>Many others are feared trapped in the collapsed building's rubble. However, the exact number of trapped individuals remains unknown, said Parmar.</p>

<h2><strong>Battle against time: Rescue operations</strong></h2>

<p>Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been working tirelessly through the night and are pushing through in their efforts to locate survivors.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/akhilesh-yadav-alleges-conspiracy-in-hathras-stampede-arrests-demands-judicial-inquiry-738581">India stampede: Akhilesh Yadav alleges conspiracy in Hathras stampede arrests, demands judicial inquiry</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>How did the building collapse?</strong></h2>

<p>The building in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state, Gujarat, was in a dilapidated state. Located in the Sachin area of Surat, the building, as per reports, housed several textile workers and their families.</p>

<p>On Saturday (Jul 6) afternoon, around 3 pm (local time), the building at D N Nagar society in Paligam collapsed, said the police.</p>

<h2><strong>Victims of the tragedy</strong></h2>

<p>As per authorities, the first body recovered from the site was of a man approximately 25 years old. Details of the other victims are awaited. Most of the residents of the building were labourers.</p>

<p>According to Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Gehlot, only about five out of the building's 30 flats were occupied. The residents were primarily labourers working in factories at Sachin GIDC, living there on rent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The information we have so far is from the other residents in the locality. Since it was a ground-plus five-storey building, it was a sandwich-like collapse. Rescue teams including the NDRF and local fire department are removing the rubble," Gehlot told news agency ANI on Sunday morning.</p>

<p>In conversation with The Indian Express, local MLA Sandeep Desai said that the labourers were originally from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Quoting sources, the publication reports that the building is owned by Jay Desai, a resident of Sachin, currently on a tour in the US.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The death toll from the six-storey building that collapsed in India's Surat has risen to seven as of Sunday (Jul 7) morning, according to police reports. In a statement to the press, Rajesh Parmar, Surat Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 6), said, "One woman has been saved.

The death toll from the six-storey building that collapsed in India's Surat has risen to seven as of Sunday (Jul 7) morning, according to police reports. In a statement to the press, Rajesh Parmar, Surat Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 6), said, "One woman has been saved." The 23-year-old woman has been identified as Kashish Sharma. Following her rescue, she was transported to New Civil Hospital and was in stable condition. Also read | India: At least one dead, many feared buried after building collapse in Gujarat "Seven dead bodies have been recovered and sent for post-mortem to the hospital," he added. Many others are feared trapped in the collapsed building's rubble. However, the exact number of trapped individuals remains unknown, said Parmar. Battle against time: Rescue operations Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been working tirelessly through the night and are pushing through in their efforts to locate survivors. Also read | India stampede: Akhilesh Yadav alleges conspiracy in Hathras stampede arrests, demands judicial inquiry How did the building collapse? The building in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state, Gujarat, was in a dilapidated state. Located in the Sachin area of Surat, the building, as per reports, housed several textile workers and their families. On Saturday (Jul 6) afternoon, around 3 pm (local time), the building at D N Nagar society in Paligam collapsed, said the police. Victims of the tragedy As per authorities, the first body recovered from the site was of a man approximately 25 years old. Details of the other victims are awaited. Most of the residents of the building were labourers. According to Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Gehlot, only about five out of the building's 30 flats were occupied. The residents were primarily labourers working in factories at Sachin GIDC, living there on rent. "The information we have so far is from the other residents in the locality. Since it was a ground-plus five-storey building, it was a sandwich-like collapse. Rescue teams including the NDRF and local fire department are removing the rubble," Gehlot told news agency ANI on Sunday morning. In conversation with The Indian Express, local MLA Sandeep Desai said that the labourers were originally from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Quoting sources, the publication reports that the building is owned by Jay Desai, a resident of Sachin, currently on a tour in the US. (With inputs from agencies)

Surat building collapse: Death toll rises to seven; many remain trapped in rubble

<p>Veteran batter Virat Kohli poured his heart out in a chat with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (July 4) in New Delhi. Kohli, who won the Player of the Match for his brilliant 76 in the T20 World Cup Final against South Africa, revealed he felt underconfident heading into the title match. However, just after he struck three fours off the first four balls, Kohli went to his Captain and non-striker, Rohit Sharma, saying ‘what a game this is.’</p>

<p>Kohli is a clutch player, having achieved unthinkable countless times in world cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For Kohli to overcome his below-par form this time, he needed a crunch situation, and what’s better than a grand finale?&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jasprit-bumrah-got-the-ultimate-compliment-under-my-tenure-reveals-ravi-shastri-738268">Jasprit Bumrah got ‘the ultimate compliment’ under my tenure, reveals Ravi Shastri</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking to PM Modi, Kohli said he loved every moment he lived in that final and will cherish the victory forever. Kohli continued that while he felt he wasn’t contributing to the team’s results in the lead-up to the final, head coach Dravid’s words gave him the confidence needed.</p>

<p>"I will always cherish that day (of the final). Throughout the tournament, I was not able to make the contributions that I wanted to make. At one time, I told Rahul bhai, 'I haven't done justice to myself and the team till now'. He said, 'When the situation will arise, I trust that you will perform', Kohli said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The way my tournament was going, I didn't have that much confidence when I was going in to play. Had doubts whether I would be able to perform the way I wanted. When we went in to play (in the final), and when I got three boundaries in the first four balls, I told Rohit, 'What a game this is. One day, you feel you won't be able to score a single run, and the other day, everything falls into place, and good things happen', Kohli continued.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our World T20 🏏 Champions enthralled everyone with their outstanding performances. Had a wonderful conversation with them. Do watch! <a href="https://t.co/1UPGbCmx6F">https://t.co/1UPGbCmx6F</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1809173048458694795?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Surrendering to the situation</h2>

<p>A veteran like Kohli has been in the position he was in the final multiple times in his career and knew what exactly he needed to do to get back into form and deliver for the team on D-Day.</p>

<p>“When wickets fell early, I understood that I had to surrender to the situation, for the team. The only thing I was focussing on was what's necessary for the team. I felt I was pushed into that zone. I was into that moment.”</p>

<p>“Later, I realised that whatever is supposed to happen, it happens. It was bound to happen to me and to the team (title win). From the situation we won the final, we lived each and every single delivery towards the end. From the point where the final turned around. What was going through us, we cannot explain,” Kohli concluded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Kohli won his first ICC T20 World Cup title, winning three ICC trophies to date – all in white-ball cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Just after India clinched the title, Kohli announced his T20I retirement. Rohit and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also decided to step aside from the shortest format.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Veteran batter Virat Kohli poured his heart out in a chat with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (July 4) in New Delhi. Kohli, who won the Player of the Match for his brilliant 76 in the T20 World Cup Final against South Africa, revealed he felt underconfident heading into the title match.

Veteran batter Virat Kohli poured his heart out in a chat with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (July 4) in New Delhi. Kohli, who won the Player of the Match for his brilliant 76 in the T20 World Cup Final against South Africa, revealed he felt underconfident heading into the title match. However, just after he struck three fours off the first four balls, Kohli went to his Captain and non-striker, Rohit Sharma, saying ‘what a game this is.’ Kohli is a clutch player, having achieved unthinkable countless times in world cricket. For Kohli to overcome his below-par form this time, he needed a crunch situation, and what’s better than a grand finale? ALSO READ: Jasprit Bumrah got ‘the ultimate compliment’ under my tenure, reveals Ravi Shastri Speaking to PM Modi, Kohli said he loved every moment he lived in that final and will cherish the victory forever. Kohli continued that while he felt he wasn’t contributing to the team’s results in the lead-up to the final, head coach Dravid’s words gave him the confidence needed. "I will always cherish that day (of the final). Throughout the tournament, I was not able to make the contributions that I wanted to make. At one time, I told Rahul bhai, 'I haven't done justice to myself and the team till now'. He said, 'When the situation will arise, I trust that you will perform', Kohli said. "The way my tournament was going, I didn't have that much confidence when I was going in to play. Had doubts whether I would be able to perform the way I wanted. When we went in to play (in the final), and when I got three boundaries in the first four balls, I told Rohit, 'What a game this is. One day, you feel you won't be able to score a single run, and the other day, everything falls into place, and good things happen', Kohli continued. Our World T20 🏏 Champions enthralled everyone with their outstanding performances. Had a wonderful conversation with them. Do watch! https://t.co/1UPGbCmx6F — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 5, 2024 × Surrendering to the situation A veteran like Kohli has been in the position he was in the final multiple times in his career and knew what exactly he needed to do to get back into form and deliver for the team on D-Day. “When wickets fell early, I understood that I had to surrender to the situation, for the team. The only thing I was focussing on was what's necessary for the team. I felt I was pushed into that zone. I was into that moment.” “Later, I realised that whatever is supposed to happen, it happens. It was bound to happen to me and to the team (title win). From the situation we won the final, we lived each and every single delivery towards the end. From the point where the final turned around. What was going through us, we cannot explain,” Kohli concluded. Meanwhile, Kohli won his first ICC T20 World Cup title, winning three ICC trophies to date – all in white-ball cricket. Just after India clinched the title, Kohli announced his T20I retirement. Rohit and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also decided to step aside from the shortest format. (With inputs from agencies)

‘I felt underconfident...’ - Virat Kohli pours his heart out in chat with PM Modi

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidUJEvzZ4QON6x" /></p>

<p>After the Ministry of Defence revealed the largest-ever increase in output in 2023–2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the new milestone the Indian defence industry has accomplished on Friday (July 5).</p>

<p>PM Modi wrote on X that India would become more self-sufficient and its security would be improved by the phenomenal progress.</p>

<p>"Very encouraging development. Compliments to all those who have contributed to this feat. We are fully committed to nurturing a supportive environment to further enhance our capabilities and establish India as a leading global defence manufacturing hub. This will enhance our security apparatus and make us Aatmanirbhar," PM Narendra Modi posted on X.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi's tweet follows Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's formal announcement that the Make in India initiative is reaching new heights and that India's defence output reached a record high of almost ₹1.27 lakh crore in 2023–2024.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-congratulates-keir-starmer-eyes-new-india-uk-strategic-partnership-738245">PM Modi congratulates Keir Starmer, eyes new India-UK strategic partnership</a></strong></p>

<p>"The Ministry of Defence has achieved the highest-ever growth in Indigenous defence production in value terms during the financial year (FY) 2023-24, on the back of successful implementation of the policies and initiatives of the government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focussing on achieving 'Aatmanirbharta'," the defence ministry said in a press release on Friday.</p>

<p>According to the Ministry's press release, the value of defence production in the nation has increased to a record-high figure of ₹1,26,887 crore, reflecting a growth of 16.7% over the defence production of the previous financial year. The data was obtained from all Defence Public Sector undertakings (DPSUs), other PSUs manufacturing defence items, and private companies.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi in Hathras to meet stampede victims' families</strong></p>

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<p>“Many congratulations to our industry including DPSUs, other PSUs manufacturing defence items and the Private industry. The Government is committed to creating a more conducive regime for developing India as a leading Global Defence Manufacturing Hub," Rajnath Singh's post added.</p>

<p>According to the statement, the data demonstrates that both the private sector and DPSUs/PSUs have seen consistent increases in defence output in terms of absolute value.</p>

<p>According to the ministry, the accomplishment is attributable to the government's efforts and policy changes over the past ten years that have made conducting business easier.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After the Ministry of Defence revealed the largest-ever increase in output in 2023–2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the new milestone the Indian defence industry has accomplished on Friday (July 5).

After the Ministry of Defence revealed the largest-ever increase in output in 2023–2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the new milestone the Indian defence industry has accomplished on Friday (July 5). PM Modi wrote on X that India would become more self-sufficient and its security would be improved by the phenomenal progress. "Very encouraging development. Compliments to all those who have contributed to this feat. We are fully committed to nurturing a supportive environment to further enhance our capabilities and establish India as a leading global defence manufacturing hub. This will enhance our security apparatus and make us Aatmanirbhar," PM Narendra Modi posted on X. Prime Minister Modi's tweet follows Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's formal announcement that the Make in India initiative is reaching new heights and that India's defence output reached a record high of almost ₹1.27 lakh crore in 2023–2024. Also read: PM Modi congratulates Keir Starmer, eyes new India-UK strategic partnership "The Ministry of Defence has achieved the highest-ever growth in Indigenous defence production in value terms during the financial year (FY) 2023-24, on the back of successful implementation of the policies and initiatives of the government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focussing on achieving 'Aatmanirbharta'," the defence ministry said in a press release on Friday. According to the Ministry's press release, the value of defence production in the nation has increased to a record-high figure of ₹1,26,887 crore, reflecting a growth of 16.7% over the defence production of the previous financial year. The data was obtained from all Defence Public Sector undertakings (DPSUs), other PSUs manufacturing defence items, and private companies. Watch | Rahul Gandhi in Hathras to meet stampede victims' families × “Many congratulations to our industry including DPSUs, other PSUs manufacturing defence items and the Private industry. The Government is committed to creating a more conducive regime for developing India as a leading Global Defence Manufacturing Hub," Rajnath Singh's post added. According to the statement, the data demonstrates that both the private sector and DPSUs/PSUs have seen consistent increases in defence output in terms of absolute value. According to the ministry, the accomplishment is attributable to the government's efforts and policy changes over the past ten years that have made conducting business easier. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi celebrates ‘phenomenal progress’ as India’s defence output hits record ₹1.27 trillion

<p>Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and several other Union ministers on Thursday (July 4). There he requested financial assistance for various state projects and "comprehensive financial support" for his state's capital, Amaravati.</p>

<h2><strong>Constructive discussions</strong></h2>

<p>Taking to X, Naidu described his discussions with PM Modi on key development issues as "constructive."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He expressed optimism about the state's future, and said, "I am confident that under his (Modi) leadership, our state will re-emerge as a powerhouse among states."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today, I had a constructive meeting with the Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> Ji, in Delhi to address important matters concerning the welfare and development of Andhra Pradesh. I am confident that under his leadership, our State will re-emerge as a powerhouse among… <a href="https://t.co/T8LJMK0DpC">pic.twitter.com/T8LJMK0DpC</a></p>
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<p>During the meetings, Naidu, whose Telugu Desam Party (TDP) with 16 Lok Sabha MPs is a crucial ally in the BJP-led NDA government in Centre, highlighted the "debt crisis" affecting Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sco-summit-india-urges-global-action-against-terror-harbouring-nations-takes-indirect-dig-at-china-pakistan-738126">SCO summit: India urges global action against terror-harbouring nations</a></strong></p>

<p>He pushed for increased financial aid to mitigate this issue.</p>

<h2><strong>Chandrababu Naidu meets Union ministers</strong></h2>

<p>Naidu also had talks with Union Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal, Roads Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and the Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission Arvind Panagariya.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He sought support for commissioning the Polavaram National Irrigation project and advocated for "special incentives" for industrial development.</p>

<p>Moreover, Naidu requested "additional allocations" under the scheme for special assistance to states for capital investment in critical sectors such as roads, bridges, irrigation, and drinking water projects. He also called for support for the backward regions of Andhra Pradesh, similar to the Bundelkhand package.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-make-23-25-changes-to-new-criminal-laws-in-ktaka-says-state-minister-738195">Will make 23-25 changes to new criminal laws in K'taka, says state minister</a></strong></p>

<p>Interestingly, according to an&nbsp;Indian Express report citing sources, the Special Category Status (SCS) for Andhra Pradesh did not feature in Naidu's requests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During his meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah, he asked for INR 385 crore for land costs to establish a Greyhounds (anti-Maoist force) training centre, INR 27.54 crore for operational costs and an increase in IPS officers from 79 to 117.</p>

<p>From Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Naidu&nbsp;sought approval for several road projects, including a new expressway connecting Hyderabad and Amaravati.</p>

<p>Naidu also asked Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal for grants for essential external infrastructure, including industrial water, power, rail, and road connectivity.</p>

<p>The Andhra CM requested the development of an integrated aqua park and a central share of pending agriculture assistance under various schemes from Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.</p>

<p>He also sought the expedited approval process for a power line from Kurnool to Vizag and the development of Vizag-Kakinada as a green hydrogen manufacturing hub from Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.</p>

<p>Finally, he sought the establishment of a BPCL refinery from Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and several other Union ministers on Thursday (July 4).

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and several other Union ministers on Thursday (July 4). There he requested financial assistance for various state projects and "comprehensive financial support" for his state's capital, Amaravati. Constructive discussions Taking to X, Naidu described his discussions with PM Modi on key development issues as "constructive." He expressed optimism about the state's future, and said, "I am confident that under his (Modi) leadership, our state will re-emerge as a powerhouse among states." Today, I had a constructive meeting with the Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri @narendramodi Ji, in Delhi to address important matters concerning the welfare and development of Andhra Pradesh. I am confident that under his leadership, our State will re-emerge as a powerhouse among… pic.twitter.com/T8LJMK0DpC — N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) July 4, 2024 × During the meetings, Naidu, whose Telugu Desam Party (TDP) with 16 Lok Sabha MPs is a crucial ally in the BJP-led NDA government in Centre, highlighted the "debt crisis" affecting Andhra Pradesh. Also read | SCO summit: India urges global action against terror-harbouring nations He pushed for increased financial aid to mitigate this issue. Chandrababu Naidu meets Union ministers Naidu also had talks with Union Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal, Roads Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and the Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission Arvind Panagariya. He sought support for commissioning the Polavaram National Irrigation project and advocated for "special incentives" for industrial development. Moreover, Naidu requested "additional allocations" under the scheme for special assistance to states for capital investment in critical sectors such as roads, bridges, irrigation, and drinking water projects. He also called for support for the backward regions of Andhra Pradesh, similar to the Bundelkhand package. Also read | Will make 23-25 changes to new criminal laws in K'taka, says state minister Interestingly, according to an Indian Express report citing sources, the Special Category Status (SCS) for Andhra Pradesh did not feature in Naidu's requests. During his meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah, he asked for INR 385 crore for land costs to establish a Greyhounds (anti-Maoist force) training centre, INR 27.54 crore for operational costs and an increase in IPS officers from 79 to 117. From Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Naidu sought approval for several road projects, including a new expressway connecting Hyderabad and Amaravati. Naidu also asked Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal for grants for essential external infrastructure, including industrial water, power, rail, and road connectivity. The Andhra CM requested the development of an integrated aqua park and a central share of pending agriculture assistance under various schemes from Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. He also sought the expedited approval process for a power line from Kurnool to Vizag and the development of Vizag-Kakinada as a green hydrogen manufacturing hub from Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Finally, he sought the establishment of a BPCL refinery from Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. (With inputs from agencies)

Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu meets Modi and other union ministers, seeks financial support

<p>India Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the 2024 Olympic Games-bound Indian contingent as they departed for Paris for the Summer Games starting July 26. PM Modi spoke with the Indian entourage, some through video conferencing, including star athletes, youngsters making maiden appearances, and medal hopes like PV Sindhu, Nikhat Zareen and Tokyo gold medallist Neeraj Chopra. PM Modi expressed confidence in athletes making India proud at the 2024 Olympic Games.</p>

<p>Taking to his social media handle X, PM Modi posted, “Interacted with our contingent heading to Paris for the @Olympics. I am confident our athletes will give their best and make India proud. Their life journeys and success give hope to 140 crore Indians.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Interacted with our contingent heading to Paris for the <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Olympics</a>. I am confident our athletes will give their best and make India proud. Their life journeys and success give hope to 140 crore Indians. <a href="https://t.co/OOoipJpfUb">pic.twitter.com/OOoipJpfUb</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1808877249124507716?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>With India sending nearly 120 athletes to the French Capital, including shooters, wrestlers, boxers, archers, track and field athletes and others, they believe they can top the previous tally (in Tokyo, where India won seven medals) and created history in Paris.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics/news-paris-olympics-2024-seine-water-quality-improves-reveals-latest-tests-737973">Paris Olympics 2024: Seine water quality improves, reveals latest tests</a></strong></p>

<p>Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse accompanied the Indian contingent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Neeraj Chopra - the javelin thrower who won gold in Tokyo, updated PM Modi on his fitness and how he is preparing to defend his crown in Paris.</p>

<p>"Sir, my training is going as planned. I missed a few tournaments due to a recurring injury, but right now, I am feeling much better. We have just under a month to get the final preparations done," Neeraj Chopra said while conversing with PM Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Hoping to host 2036 Olympics</h2>

<p>With the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) showing keen interest in bagging the hosting rights for the 2036 Summer Games, PM Modi also spoke on the same lines to the athletes. He urged the athletes to deliver their best to be on the medal podium, asking them to observe the arrangements whenever they get little time in between their schedules.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are hoping to host the Olympics in 2036; it will help in creating a sporting atmosphere. Work is in progress to prepare infrastructure for it,” PM Modi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I won’t ask you to do anything in the middle of your events but when you are free, I would urge you to observe the arrangements. Your inputs will help our bid for 2036. We will have an understanding on how to make sure that we are better prepared,” he continued.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the much-awaited Summer Games in Paris will take place from July 26 to August 11.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the 2024 Olympic Games-bound Indian contingent as they departed for Paris for the Summer Games starting July 26.

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the 2024 Olympic Games-bound Indian contingent as they departed for Paris for the Summer Games starting July 26. PM Modi spoke with the Indian entourage, some through video conferencing, including star athletes, youngsters making maiden appearances, and medal hopes like PV Sindhu, Nikhat Zareen and Tokyo gold medallist Neeraj Chopra. PM Modi expressed confidence in athletes making India proud at the 2024 Olympic Games. Taking to his social media handle X, PM Modi posted, “Interacted with our contingent heading to Paris for the @Olympics. I am confident our athletes will give their best and make India proud. Their life journeys and success give hope to 140 crore Indians.” Interacted with our contingent heading to Paris for the @Olympics. I am confident our athletes will give their best and make India proud. Their life journeys and success give hope to 140 crore Indians. pic.twitter.com/OOoipJpfUb — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 4, 2024 × With India sending nearly 120 athletes to the French Capital, including shooters, wrestlers, boxers, archers, track and field athletes and others, they believe they can top the previous tally (in Tokyo, where India won seven medals) and created history in Paris. ALSO READ: Paris Olympics 2024: Seine water quality improves, reveals latest tests Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse accompanied the Indian contingent. Meanwhile, Neeraj Chopra - the javelin thrower who won gold in Tokyo, updated PM Modi on his fitness and how he is preparing to defend his crown in Paris. "Sir, my training is going as planned. I missed a few tournaments due to a recurring injury, but right now, I am feeling much better. We have just under a month to get the final preparations done," Neeraj Chopra said while conversing with PM Modi. Hoping to host 2036 Olympics With the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) showing keen interest in bagging the hosting rights for the 2036 Summer Games, PM Modi also spoke on the same lines to the athletes. He urged the athletes to deliver their best to be on the medal podium, asking them to observe the arrangements whenever they get little time in between their schedules. “We are hoping to host the Olympics in 2036; it will help in creating a sporting atmosphere. Work is in progress to prepare infrastructure for it,” PM Modi said. “I won’t ask you to do anything in the middle of your events but when you are free, I would urge you to observe the arrangements. Your inputs will help our bid for 2036. We will have an understanding on how to make sure that we are better prepared,” he continued. Meanwhile, the much-awaited Summer Games in Paris will take place from July 26 to August 11. (With inputs from agencies)

Olympics: PM Modi interacts with Indian contingent ahead of Paris departure; Chopra vows to defend crown

<p>The Indian Cricket Team met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday&nbsp;(Jul&nbsp;4)&nbsp;morning at his residence in New Delhi. Upon their arrival in the country, the Men in Blue first went to the ITC Maurya Hotel before departing for the PM residence to have breakfast with him. The T20 World Cup-winning Team met PM Modi and chatted briefly, recalling the magical moments during the final in Barbados.</p>

<p>India beat South Africa by seven runs in the summit clash&nbsp;on Saturday (Jun 29), with veteran batter Virat Kohli hitting top form on the D-Day. He scored a gritty 76, helping India win the match and winning the Player of the Match for his performance. Besides, India Captain Rohit Sharma was India’s top-scorer in the tournament, while Suryakumar Yadav’s ‘The Catch’ made headlines.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An excellent meeting with our Champions!<br />
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Hosted the World Cup winning team at 7, LKM and had a memorable conversation on their experiences through the tournament. <a href="https://t.co/roqhyQRTnn">pic.twitter.com/roqhyQRTnn</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1808788228335391013?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/watch-rohit-kohli-and-dravid-cut-special-cake-before-team-india-head-to-pm-modis-residence-737737">WATCH: Rohit, Kohli and Dravid cut special cake before Team India head to PM Modi's residence</a></strong></p>

<p>PM Modi sat with the Indian Team and spoke to everyone. Per the reports, he asked skipper Rohit how the mud tasted, as the visuals of Rohit eating grass off the pitch after the win (on paying tribute) went viral.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi also chatted with Kohli, asking him of his performance in the grand finale. While Kohli struggled big time in each of the seven matches before the final, the most successful batter of his generation stood tall on the day it mattered the most, scoring a fifty-plus and putting India in a commanding position.</p>

<p>PM Modi also spoke with all-rounder Axar Patel, whose contributions came in handy for the team during the tournament. While he was among the wickets for the Men in Blue, Axar impressed everyone with his hitting ability. Even against the Proteas in the final, Axar scored 47 off 31 balls, hitting four sixes. PM Modi asked about how he felt about promotion in the batting order.</p>

<h2>'SKY’s Catch'- The talking point</h2>

<p>Not just PM Modi, the world continues to talk about the 'Catch' that helped India win the match and the T20 World Cup. During a brief chat with SKY, PM Modi asked him to relive those magical moments.&nbsp;Suryakumar’s acrobatic effort near the boundary line was the moment the Indian cricket fans will cherish forever.</p>

<p>After visiting PM Modi at his residence, the Indian Team flew to Mumbai for the evening function, including a felicitation ceremony, followed by an open bus victory parade on the streets of Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian Cricket Team met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Jul 4) morning at his residence in New Delhi. Upon their arrival in the country, the Men in Blue first went to the ITC Maurya Hotel before departing for the PM residence to have breakfast with him.

The Indian Cricket Team met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Jul 4) morning at his residence in New Delhi. Upon their arrival in the country, the Men in Blue first went to the ITC Maurya Hotel before departing for the PM residence to have breakfast with him. The T20 World Cup-winning Team met PM Modi and chatted briefly, recalling the magical moments during the final in Barbados. India beat South Africa by seven runs in the summit clash on Saturday (Jun 29), with veteran batter Virat Kohli hitting top form on the D-Day. He scored a gritty 76, helping India win the match and winning the Player of the Match for his performance. Besides, India Captain Rohit Sharma was India’s top-scorer in the tournament, while Suryakumar Yadav’s ‘The Catch’ made headlines. An excellent meeting with our Champions! Hosted the World Cup winning team at 7, LKM and had a memorable conversation on their experiences through the tournament. pic.twitter.com/roqhyQRTnn — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 4, 2024 × ALSO READ: WATCH: Rohit, Kohli and Dravid cut special cake before Team India head to PM Modi's residence PM Modi sat with the Indian Team and spoke to everyone. Per the reports, he asked skipper Rohit how the mud tasted, as the visuals of Rohit eating grass off the pitch after the win (on paying tribute) went viral. PM Modi also chatted with Kohli, asking him of his performance in the grand finale. While Kohli struggled big time in each of the seven matches before the final, the most successful batter of his generation stood tall on the day it mattered the most, scoring a fifty-plus and putting India in a commanding position. PM Modi also spoke with all-rounder Axar Patel, whose contributions came in handy for the team during the tournament. While he was among the wickets for the Men in Blue, Axar impressed everyone with his hitting ability. Even against the Proteas in the final, Axar scored 47 off 31 balls, hitting four sixes. PM Modi asked about how he felt about promotion in the batting order. 'SKY’s Catch'- The talking point Not just PM Modi, the world continues to talk about the 'Catch' that helped India win the match and the T20 World Cup. During a brief chat with SKY, PM Modi asked him to relive those magical moments. Suryakumar’s acrobatic effort near the boundary line was the moment the Indian cricket fans will cherish forever. After visiting PM Modi at his residence, the Indian Team flew to Mumbai for the evening function, including a felicitation ceremony, followed by an open bus victory parade on the streets of Mumbai. (With inputs from agencies)

Rohit, Virat speak on winning moments in chat with PM Modi as SKY relives 'The catch' of T20 World Cup

<p>Indian National Congress (INC) on Thursday (Jul 4) flagged "inaccuracies" in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address replying to the Motion of Thanks to the President's address, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Congress MP Manickam Tagore alleged that PM Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Anurag Thakur made "factually incorrect, inaccurate and misleading statements" in the House. The Congress MP also sought appropriate action in the matter, the news agency said citing sources.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-left-unchecked-jaishankar-takes-veiled-dig-at-pak-china-at-sco-summit-737849">'If left unchecked..': Jaishankar takes veiled dig at Pak, China at SCO summit</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Tagore has reportedly requested the Speaker to invoke the provisions of direction 115(1) over the statements made by Modi and Thakur. He asked Birla to initiate requisite proceedings and take appropriate action over "factually incorrect, inaccurate and misleading statements" made by PM Modi and Thakur in the House.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thakur flagged that the prime minister in his address had said that the Congress made a "false promise" of Rs 8,500 (101.77 USD) per month to women when the party's promise was conditional on victory and government formation. In his letter, he also challenged PM Modi's claim that the Congress vote share has gone down in 16 states.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-bridge-collapse-states-12th-bridge-falls-in-saran-in-17-days-pil-seeks-structural-audit-737821">Bihar bridge collapse: State's 12th bridge falls in Saran in 17 days, PIL seeks structural audit</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>"This is factually incorrect. The Congress vote share increased in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Telangana etc.," Tagore was quoted as saying in the letter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also termed as "grossly misleading" Modi's remarks that "no bullet proof jackets [were provided] for the Army during the Congress time".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There was a shortage of jackets, not that jackets were not there. Even police had bullet proof jackets like in Mumbai attacks," Tagore said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the news agency, he also challenged the PM over the claim that Congress didn't give fighter jets to the Army. "We had Jaguar, Mig 29, SU- 30, Mirage 2000," the letter read.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Indian National Congress (INC) on Thursday (Jul 4) flagged "inaccuracies" in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address replying to the Motion of Thanks to the President's address, news agency PTI reported.

Indian National Congress (INC) on Thursday (Jul 4) flagged "inaccuracies" in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address replying to the Motion of Thanks to the President's address, news agency PTI reported. In a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Congress MP Manickam Tagore alleged that PM Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Anurag Thakur made "factually incorrect, inaccurate and misleading statements" in the House. The Congress MP also sought appropriate action in the matter, the news agency said citing sources. Also read: 'If left unchecked..': Jaishankar takes veiled dig at Pak, China at SCO summit Tagore has reportedly requested the Speaker to invoke the provisions of direction 115(1) over the statements made by Modi and Thakur. He asked Birla to initiate requisite proceedings and take appropriate action over "factually incorrect, inaccurate and misleading statements" made by PM Modi and Thakur in the House. Thakur flagged that the prime minister in his address had said that the Congress made a "false promise" of Rs 8,500 (101.77 USD) per month to women when the party's promise was conditional on victory and government formation. In his letter, he also challenged PM Modi's claim that the Congress vote share has gone down in 16 states. Also read: Bihar bridge collapse: State's 12th bridge falls in Saran in 17 days, PIL seeks structural audit "This is factually incorrect. The Congress vote share increased in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Telangana etc.," Tagore was quoted as saying in the letter. He also termed as "grossly misleading" Modi's remarks that "no bullet proof jackets [were provided] for the Army during the Congress time". "There was a shortage of jackets, not that jackets were not there. Even police had bullet proof jackets like in Mumbai attacks," Tagore said. As per the news agency, he also challenged the PM over the claim that Congress didn't give fighter jets to the Army. "We had Jaguar, Mig 29, SU- 30, Mirage 2000," the letter read. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress MP flags 'inaccurate, misleading' statements by PM Modi and Anurag Thakur in Lok Sabha

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the T20 World Cup-winning Indian Team at his residence in New Delhi on Thursday morning (July 4). The Men in Blue landed in the capital city in the wee hours on Thursday to a heroic welcome by the fans at the airport. Rohit Sharma-led Team first went to ITC Maurya before leaving for the PM's residence to meet and have breakfast with him.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH VIDEO -</strong></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> | Indian Cricket team meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.<br />
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Team India arrived at Delhi airport today morning after winning the T20 World Cup in Barbados on 29th June. <a href="https://t.co/840otjWkic">pic.twitter.com/840otjWkic</a></p>
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<p>Shortly after PM Modi met the T20 WC-winning squad, the Indian Team departed for the airport to fly to Mumbai for the open bus victory parade scheduled for Monday evening from Marine Drive. The BCCI will felicitate the Indian Team at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai before the team gets onto the open bus for the parade.</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> | Indian Cricket team en route to Delhi Airport to depart for Mumbai where a victory parade has been scheduled in Marine Drive and Wankhede Stadium.<br />
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The team met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/7K7fwJEMNY">pic.twitter.com/7K7fwJEMNY</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1808764637833539835?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-sanju-samson-shares-glimpse-of-special-champions-jersey-as-team-india-return-home-737655">T20 World Cup: Sanju Samson shares glimpse of special 'champions' jersey as Team India return home</a></strong></p>

<p>The latest reports suggest that the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), alongside the local police, have made necessary arrangements for the victory parade, with thousands of fans expected to join it and celebrate the win with&nbsp;Team India.</p>

<p>The Indian Team entourage, including the players, their families, the coaching staff and even the media personnel reached the country a few days late as they&nbsp;were stranded in Barbados due to a hurricane. With the team due to travel on Sunday evening (June 30), everyone was stuck inside the team hotel for a couple of days before the BCCI arranged a special flight for all involved that landed on Monday morning.</p>

<h2>Rohit, SKY shake a leg upon arrival</h2>

<p>Upon landing in India, Captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Suryakumar Yadav were seen dancing to the ‘dhol’, as hundreds gathered at the airport and at the hotel to receive the World Cup-winning team. The videos of two dancing and celebrating India’s second world title broke the internet.</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> | Team India's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RohitSharma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RohitSharma</a> celebrates after returning to India after winning the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SouthAfrica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SouthAfrica</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsSA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaVsSouthAfrica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaVsSouthAfrica</a> <a href="https://t.co/rQ7tKtngH6">pic.twitter.com/rQ7tKtngH6</a></p>
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<p>Others, including the Player of the Match in the finale, Virat Kohli, met his family at the ITC Hotel, while others were seen enjoying the moment among themselves.</p>

<h3>India’s big win in Barbados</h3>

<p>India had failed to win a title across formats for 11 years, having last won it (2013 Champions Trophy) under MS Dhoni. This time in the Americas, the Rohit Sharma-led Team wrote history, as they remained unbeaten in their winning campaign.</p>

<p>India beat Pakistan, the USA, and Ireland in their Group games before taking down Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Australia in the Super 8s to reach the semis. In the final four, India faced the defending champions, England, beating them convincingly, booking their ticket in the final against the Proteas.</p>

<p>In a close tie in Barbados, the Men in Blue were victorious by seven runs, winning their second T20 World Cup.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the T20 World Cup-winning Indian Team at his residence in New Delhi on Thursday morning (July 4). The Men in Blue landed in the capital city in the wee hours on Thursday to a heroic welcome by the fans at the airport.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the T20 World Cup-winning Indian Team at his residence in New Delhi on Thursday morning (July 4). The Men in Blue landed in the capital city in the wee hours on Thursday to a heroic welcome by the fans at the airport. Rohit Sharma-led Team first went to ITC Maurya before leaving for the PM's residence to meet and have breakfast with him. WATCH VIDEO - #WATCH | Indian Cricket team meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Team India arrived at Delhi airport today morning after winning the T20 World Cup in Barbados on 29th June. pic.twitter.com/840otjWkic — ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2024 × Shortly after PM Modi met the T20 WC-winning squad, the Indian Team departed for the airport to fly to Mumbai for the open bus victory parade scheduled for Monday evening from Marine Drive. The BCCI will felicitate the Indian Team at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai before the team gets onto the open bus for the parade. #WATCH | Indian Cricket team en route to Delhi Airport to depart for Mumbai where a victory parade has been scheduled in Marine Drive and Wankhede Stadium. The team met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/7K7fwJEMNY — ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2024 × ALSO READ: T20 World Cup: Sanju Samson shares glimpse of special 'champions' jersey as Team India return home The latest reports suggest that the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), alongside the local police, have made necessary arrangements for the victory parade, with thousands of fans expected to join it and celebrate the win with Team India. The Indian Team entourage, including the players, their families, the coaching staff and even the media personnel reached the country a few days late as they were stranded in Barbados due to a hurricane. With the team due to travel on Sunday evening (June 30), everyone was stuck inside the team hotel for a couple of days before the BCCI arranged a special flight for all involved that landed on Monday morning. Rohit, SKY shake a leg upon arrival Upon landing in India, Captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Suryakumar Yadav were seen dancing to the ‘dhol’, as hundreds gathered at the airport and at the hotel to receive the World Cup-winning team. The videos of two dancing and celebrating India’s second world title broke the internet. #Watch | Team India's #RohitSharma celebrates after returning to India after winning the #T20WorldCup against #SouthAfrica #INDvsSA #IndiaVsSouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/rQ7tKtngH6 — WION (@WIONews) July 4, 2024 × #Watch | Team India celebrates after returning to India after winning the #T20WorldCup against #SouthAfrica #INDvsSA #IndiaVsSouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/HAbA5IuOrD — WION (@WIONews) July 4, 2024 × Others, including the Player of the Match in the finale, Virat Kohli, met his family at the ITC Hotel, while others were seen enjoying the moment among themselves. India’s big win in Barbados India had failed to win a title across formats for 11 years, having last won it (2013 Champions Trophy) under MS Dhoni. This time in the Americas, the Rohit Sharma-led Team wrote history, as they remained unbeaten in their winning campaign. India beat Pakistan, the USA, and Ireland in their Group games before taking down Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Australia in the Super 8s to reach the semis. In the final four, India faced the defending champions, England, beating them convincingly, booking their ticket in the final against the Proteas. In a close tie in Barbados, the Men in Blue were victorious by seven runs, winning their second T20 World Cup.

PM Modi meets T20 World Cup-winning Indian Team in New Delhi - WATCH

<p>T20 world champions India had a special cake-cutting ceremony at the ITC Maurya Hotel, New Delhi on Thursday (July 4) before heading to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Indian team, who were stranded in Barbados following their T20 WC win due to Hurricane Beryl, reached the national capital early Thursday morning and met PM Modi before heading to Mumbai for an open-bus victory parade at the Marine Drive. Ahead of their meet-up with the PM, captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, outgoing head coach Rahul Dravid and the likes had a special cake-cutting ceremony.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The special three-tier cake curated by the chefs of ITC Maurya had the hues of orange, blue and white, representing the colours of India's T20I jersey. In addition, it was topped with the replica of the coveted silverware that India won, at the Kensington Oval, Barbados, and comprised images of India lifting the iconic trophy.</p>

<p><strong>Here is the video of the special cake-cutting ceremony, where the players were also seen donning the special 'champions' jersey -</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A special moment! 🎂<br />
<br />
Celebrations begin in India as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> stalwart <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ViratKohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ViratKohli</a> &amp; coach <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RahulDravid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RahulDravid</a> cut the cake at ITC Maurya! 👏🏻<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCuponStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCuponStar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcomeWorldChampions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelcomeWorldChampions</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JeetkaJashn?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JeetkaJashn</a> <a href="https://t.co/wKcrpMhBxN">pic.twitter.com/wKcrpMhBxN</a></p>
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/1808755600748355731?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/team-india-open-bus-parade-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-rohit-sharma-led-t20-wcs-roadshow-737712">Team India Open Bus Parade Live Streaming: When and where to watch Rohit Sharma-led T20 WC's roadshow</a></strong></p>

<p>Talking about Team India's historic T20 WC triumph, they defeated Aiden Markram-led South Africa by 7 runs in an epic final, held at the Kensington Oval, Barbados, on June 29. Opting to bat first, India rode on Virat Kohli's 59-ball 76 to post 176-7 and later defended the score by restricting the Proteas for 169-8, courtesy of Hardik Pandya's 3 for 20 and two scalps each from Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.</p>

<p>With this, India ended their 11-year-long ICC title drought and also ended their 17-year-long wait for a second T20 WC win. In 2007, MS Dhoni-led Men in Blue won the inaugural edition in South Africa, beating Pakistan by 5 runs in the final in Johannesburg.</p>

<p>Upon arrival in India, the national side have a busy day on Thursday. After meeting PM Modi, they have left for Mumbai for an open-top victory bus parade at the city's Marine Drive.</p>


T20 world champions India had a special cake-cutting ceremony at the ITC Maurya Hotel, New Delhi on Thursday (July 4) before heading to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

T20 world champions India had a special cake-cutting ceremony at the ITC Maurya Hotel, New Delhi on Thursday (July 4) before heading to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Indian team, who were stranded in Barbados following their T20 WC win due to Hurricane Beryl, reached the national capital early Thursday morning and met PM Modi before heading to Mumbai for an open-bus victory parade at the Marine Drive. Ahead of their meet-up with the PM, captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, outgoing head coach Rahul Dravid and the likes had a special cake-cutting ceremony. The special three-tier cake curated by the chefs of ITC Maurya had the hues of orange, blue and white, representing the colours of India's T20I jersey. In addition, it was topped with the replica of the coveted silverware that India won, at the Kensington Oval, Barbados, and comprised images of India lifting the iconic trophy. Here is the video of the special cake-cutting ceremony, where the players were also seen donning the special 'champions' jersey - A special moment! 🎂 Celebrations begin in India as #TeamIndia stalwart #ViratKohli & coach #RahulDravid cut the cake at ITC Maurya! 👏🏻#T20WorldCuponStar #TeamIndia #WelcomeWorldChampions #JeetkaJashn pic.twitter.com/wKcrpMhBxN — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 4, 2024 × Also read: Team India Open Bus Parade Live Streaming: When and where to watch Rohit Sharma-led T20 WC's roadshow Talking about Team India's historic T20 WC triumph, they defeated Aiden Markram-led South Africa by 7 runs in an epic final, held at the Kensington Oval, Barbados, on June 29. Opting to bat first, India rode on Virat Kohli's 59-ball 76 to post 176-7 and later defended the score by restricting the Proteas for 169-8, courtesy of Hardik Pandya's 3 for 20 and two scalps each from Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. With this, India ended their 11-year-long ICC title drought and also ended their 17-year-long wait for a second T20 WC win. In 2007, MS Dhoni-led Men in Blue won the inaugural edition in South Africa, beating Pakistan by 5 runs in the final in Johannesburg. Upon arrival in India, the national side have a busy day on Thursday. After meeting PM Modi, they have left for Mumbai for an open-top victory bus parade at the city's Marine Drive.

WATCH: Rohit, Kohli and Dravid cut special cake before Team India head to PM Modi's residence

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian parliament directly elected by people. At the conclusion of the inaugural session of 18th Lok Sabha, the prime minister replied to Motion of Thanks to the President's address and described Gandhi&nbsp;— now a Leader of Opposition&nbsp;— as "<em>Balak Buddhi</em>"&nbsp;(a grown man with a child's mind).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reacting to Rahul Gandhi's speech in the parliament, the prime minister claimed that the Congress leader performed a "drama" to gain sympathy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Balak buddhi has been crying... this person hit me, that person hit me, I was hit here, I was hit there... this drama is being played to gain sympathy," said PM Modi.</p>

<p>"A person with a child's mind doesn't know what to say and how to behave...he (Rahul Gandhi) sometimes winks inside the Lok Sabha... the country now knows him well. The entire country is now telling him -- tumse na ho payega (you won't be able to perform)," PM Modi added.</p>

<p>Earlier on Monday (July 1), Rahul Gandhi attacked the government over a host of issues, including the raging NEET row as well as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's adherence to the true tenets of Hinduism. But parts of his speech were expunged by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla from the parliamentary records.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;NDA vs I.N.D.I.A: Showdown in Lok Sabha, political fireworks over NEET paper leak case</strong></p>

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<p>PM Modi further said that Rahul Gandhi is out on bail in a corruption case.</p>

<p>“...A new drama has been started to gain sympathy but the country knows the truth that he (Rahul Gandhi) is out on bail in a case of embezzlement of thousands of crores of rupees. He has been convicted in a case of calling OBC people thieves. He had to apologize after making an irresponsible statement in the Supreme Court,” he said.</p>

<p>Reacting to Rahul Gandhi's act of displaying a poster depicting Lord Shiva in the Lok Sabha, PM Modi said: "We will not be able to protect parliamentary democracy without taking seriously what happened yesterday. We should not ignore these acts by calling them childish, by considering them childish, we should not ignore them at all and I am saying this because the intentions behind this are not good and I also want to awaken the country," he added.</p>

<p>The prime minister&nbsp;said the Congress has been celebrating fake victory.</p>

<p>"I remember an incident, there was a boy who scored 99 marks and he used to show it to everyone. When people heard 99, they used to encourage him a lot. Then a teacher came and said why are you distributing sweets? He did not score 99 out of 100 but 99 out of 543. Now who will explain to that child that you have created a world record in failure," PM Modi said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-takes-on-speaker-birla-for-selective-expunction-demands-restoration-of-speech-737094">Rahul Gandhi targets Speaker Om Birla for ‘selective expunction’, demands restoration of speech</a></strong></p>

<p>The Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die after Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his reply to Motion of Thanks to the President’s address in the Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>Ahead of the adjournment, the Lok Sabha passed a resolution condemning opposition's disruptions during PM Modi's address.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian parliament directly elected by people.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian parliament directly elected by people. At the conclusion of the inaugural session of 18th Lok Sabha, the prime minister replied to Motion of Thanks to the President's address and described Gandhi — now a Leader of Opposition — as "Balak Buddhi" (a grown man with a child's mind). Reacting to Rahul Gandhi's speech in the parliament, the prime minister claimed that the Congress leader performed a "drama" to gain sympathy. "Balak buddhi has been crying... this person hit me, that person hit me, I was hit here, I was hit there... this drama is being played to gain sympathy," said PM Modi. "A person with a child's mind doesn't know what to say and how to behave...he (Rahul Gandhi) sometimes winks inside the Lok Sabha... the country now knows him well. The entire country is now telling him -- tumse na ho payega (you won't be able to perform)," PM Modi added. Earlier on Monday (July 1), Rahul Gandhi attacked the government over a host of issues, including the raging NEET row as well as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's adherence to the true tenets of Hinduism. But parts of his speech were expunged by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla from the parliamentary records. Also watch | NDA vs I.N.D.I.A: Showdown in Lok Sabha, political fireworks over NEET paper leak case × PM Modi further said that Rahul Gandhi is out on bail in a corruption case. “...A new drama has been started to gain sympathy but the country knows the truth that he (Rahul Gandhi) is out on bail in a case of embezzlement of thousands of crores of rupees. He has been convicted in a case of calling OBC people thieves. He had to apologize after making an irresponsible statement in the Supreme Court,” he said. Reacting to Rahul Gandhi's act of displaying a poster depicting Lord Shiva in the Lok Sabha, PM Modi said: "We will not be able to protect parliamentary democracy without taking seriously what happened yesterday. We should not ignore these acts by calling them childish, by considering them childish, we should not ignore them at all and I am saying this because the intentions behind this are not good and I also want to awaken the country," he added. The prime minister said the Congress has been celebrating fake victory. "I remember an incident, there was a boy who scored 99 marks and he used to show it to everyone. When people heard 99, they used to encourage him a lot. Then a teacher came and said why are you distributing sweets? He did not score 99 out of 100 but 99 out of 543. Now who will explain to that child that you have created a world record in failure," PM Modi said. Also read | Rahul Gandhi targets Speaker Om Birla for ‘selective expunction’, demands restoration of speech The Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die after Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his reply to Motion of Thanks to the President’s address in the Lok Sabha. Ahead of the adjournment, the Lok Sabha passed a resolution condemning opposition's disruptions during PM Modi's address. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha adjourned after PM Modi fires salvo at Rahul Gandhi for his Hinduism remark

<p>The Kremlin weighed in on the final details of a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Russia as it said on Tuesday (Jul 2) that deepening trade and economic cooperation would be one of the key themes of the visit, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian prime minister is heading to Moscow next week for talks with President Vladimir Putin. A visit, that is likely to anger the West, will be PM Modi's first to Russia since the Kremlin’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-builds-new-presidential-palace-in-pacifics-vanuatu-737138">China builds new presidential palace in Pacific's Vanuatu</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>This is also PM Modi's first bilateral visit after securing a third consecutive term in office. He will hold talks with President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian authorities and the Kremlin have yet to announce the dates of the visit. But a Russian state news agency reported last month that the visit would take place in July.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-hungary-pm-orban-a-critic-of-western-military-aid-to-ukraine-pays-surprise-visit-to-kyiv-737112">Ukraine war: Hungary PM Orban, a critic of Western military aid to Ukraine, pays surprise visit to Kyiv</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: "I can only confirm once again that the visit is in the final stage of preparation. A very important visit."&nbsp;According to Peskov, regional security and global security issues were always high on the agenda of such meetings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In addition, our trade and economic cooperation is also one of the main issues that is being discussed, the most diverse areas of cooperation that we intend to develop, for which there is mutual political will," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is the main thing," Peskov said, further adding that both leaders had a "very trusting" relationship.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;No practical way to defence against Russian glide bombs, says Ukraine&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>As quoted by Bloomberg, Swasti Rao, an associate fellow at Manohar Parrikar Institute For Defence Studies and Analyses, a Defence Ministry-backed research group in New Delhi, said: "The deepening of the strategic alignment between Russia and China is uncomfortable for New Delhi because it’s like your best friend sleeping with the enemy."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Given that we have these concerns it makes sense for the prime minister to go there and talk to Putin at the highest level," Rao added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The Kremlin weighed in on the final details of a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Russia as it said on Tuesday (Jul 2) that deepening trade and economic cooperation would be one of the key themes of the visit, news agency Reuters reported.

The Kremlin weighed in on the final details of a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Russia as it said on Tuesday (Jul 2) that deepening trade and economic cooperation would be one of the key themes of the visit, news agency Reuters reported. The Indian prime minister is heading to Moscow next week for talks with President Vladimir Putin. A visit, that is likely to anger the West, will be PM Modi's first to Russia since the Kremlin’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Also read: China builds new presidential palace in Pacific's Vanuatu This is also PM Modi's first bilateral visit after securing a third consecutive term in office. He will hold talks with President Vladimir Putin. The Indian authorities and the Kremlin have yet to announce the dates of the visit. But a Russian state news agency reported last month that the visit would take place in July. Also read: Ukraine war: Hungary PM Orban, a critic of Western military aid to Ukraine, pays surprise visit to Kyiv Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: "I can only confirm once again that the visit is in the final stage of preparation. A very important visit." According to Peskov, regional security and global security issues were always high on the agenda of such meetings. "In addition, our trade and economic cooperation is also one of the main issues that is being discussed, the most diverse areas of cooperation that we intend to develop, for which there is mutual political will," he said. "This is the main thing," Peskov said, further adding that both leaders had a "very trusting" relationship. Watch: No practical way to defence against Russian glide bombs, says Ukraine × As quoted by Bloomberg, Swasti Rao, an associate fellow at Manohar Parrikar Institute For Defence Studies and Analyses, a Defence Ministry-backed research group in New Delhi, said: "The deepening of the strategic alignment between Russia and China is uncomfortable for New Delhi because it’s like your best friend sleeping with the enemy." "Given that we have these concerns it makes sense for the prime minister to go there and talk to Putin at the highest level," Rao added. (With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin says trade, economy on agenda during PM Modi's 'very important' visit to Russia

<p>Opposition INDIA bloc MPs staged a protest in the Parliament premises in New Delhi on Monday&nbsp;(Jul&nbsp;1) against the alleged misuse of probe agencies by the government to "target" them.</p>

<p>Lok Sabha&nbsp;Leader of Opposition&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi alongside&nbsp;several leaders of the INDIA bloc, including those from the TMC and AAP, participated in the protest on the steps leading to the Makar Dwar in Parliament.</p>

<p>As power reports, they carried placards which read "Stop misusing agencies to silence opposition" and "BJP mein jao bhrashtachar ka licence pao (Join the BJP and get a licence for corruption)".&nbsp;Some AAP leaders also displayed posters of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal standing behind bars.</p>

<p>This comes as three new criminal laws replacing British-era laws come into effect in India on Monday. These new laws, as per reports, take into account some current social realities and modern-day crimes.</p>

<p>With the opposition slamming the ruling government over what they say is NDA's "bulldozer justice," the second week of the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha is expected to see a fiery, chaotic start.</p>

<h2><strong>India's new criminal laws</strong></h2>

<p>Named the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), these laws have replaced the British-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-police-ready-to-implement-new-criminal-laws-which-come-into-effect-on-july-1-736585">Delhi Police ready to implement new criminal laws which come into effect on July 1</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Opposition slams NDA-BJP</strong></h2>

<p>The opposition has slammed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led NDA Alliance and said that it was another case of "bulldozing" existing laws and that "90-99 per cent of the so-called new laws are a cut, copy and paste job".</p>

<p>In a post on X, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said that "90-99 per cent of the so-called new laws are a cut, copy and paste job. A task that could have been completed with a few amendments to the existing three laws has been turned into a wasteful exercise."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The three criminal laws to replace the IPC, CrPC and Indian Evidence Act come into force today<br />
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90-99 per cent of the so-called new laws are a cut, copy and paste job. A task that could have been completed with a few amendments to the existing three laws has been turned into a…</p>
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/1807599839326466354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Yes, there are a few improvements in the new laws and we have welcomed them. They could have been introduced as amendments. On the other hand, there are several retrograde provisions. Some changes are prima facie unconstitutional."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-arrests-hizb-ut-tahrir-members-seizes-extremist-materials-in-tamil-nadu-raid-736573">NIA arrests Hizb-ut-Tahrir members, seizes extremist materials in Tamil Nadu raids</a></strong></p>

<p>"It is another case of bulldozing three existing laws and replacing them with three new bills without adequate discussion and debate," he added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, in a statement, claimed that the three new criminal laws were passed "forcibly" after suspending 146 MPs in the last Lok Sabha.</p>

<p>He asserted that the opposition INDIA bloc will not let the NDA's "bulldozer justice" prevail in the country's parliamentary system.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Opposition INDIA bloc MPs staged a protest in the Parliament premises in New Delhi on Monday (Jul 1) against the alleged misuse of probe agencies by the government to "target" them.

Opposition INDIA bloc MPs staged a protest in the Parliament premises in New Delhi on Monday (Jul 1) against the alleged misuse of probe agencies by the government to "target" them. Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi alongside several leaders of the INDIA bloc, including those from the TMC and AAP, participated in the protest on the steps leading to the Makar Dwar in Parliament. As power reports, they carried placards which read "Stop misusing agencies to silence opposition" and "BJP mein jao bhrashtachar ka licence pao (Join the BJP and get a licence for corruption)". Some AAP leaders also displayed posters of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal standing behind bars. This comes as three new criminal laws replacing British-era laws come into effect in India on Monday. These new laws, as per reports, take into account some current social realities and modern-day crimes. With the opposition slamming the ruling government over what they say is NDA's "bulldozer justice," the second week of the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha is expected to see a fiery, chaotic start. India's new criminal laws Named the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), these laws have replaced the British-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively. Also read | Delhi Police ready to implement new criminal laws which come into effect on July 1 Opposition slams NDA-BJP The opposition has slammed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led NDA Alliance and said that it was another case of "bulldozing" existing laws and that "90-99 per cent of the so-called new laws are a cut, copy and paste job". In a post on X, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said that "90-99 per cent of the so-called new laws are a cut, copy and paste job. A task that could have been completed with a few amendments to the existing three laws has been turned into a wasteful exercise." The three criminal laws to replace the IPC, CrPC and Indian Evidence Act come into force today 90-99 per cent of the so-called new laws are a cut, copy and paste job. A task that could have been completed with a few amendments to the existing three laws has been turned into a… — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) July 1, 2024 × "Yes, there are a few improvements in the new laws and we have welcomed them. They could have been introduced as amendments. On the other hand, there are several retrograde provisions. Some changes are prima facie unconstitutional." Also read | NIA arrests Hizb-ut-Tahrir members, seizes extremist materials in Tamil Nadu raids "It is another case of bulldozing three existing laws and replacing them with three new bills without adequate discussion and debate," he added. Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, in a statement, claimed that the three new criminal laws were passed "forcibly" after suspending 146 MPs in the last Lok Sabha. He asserted that the opposition INDIA bloc will not let the NDA's "bulldozer justice" prevail in the country's parliamentary system. (With inputs from agencies)

Opposition MPs stage protest outside Parliament, accuse BJP-led NDA of 'misusing' probe agencies

<p>Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government on various issues including NEET and Emergency remarks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Prime Minister continues as if nothing has changed. He preaches the value of consensus but continues to value confrontation," the Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi said in an editorial column for the Hindu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The first few days of the 18th Lok Sabha have sadly been far from encouraging. Any hope that we might see a changed attitude has been dashed," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Prime Minister who does his 'Pariksha pe Charcha' has been conspicuously silent on the leaks that have devastated so many families across the country," she said, highlighting the NEET paper leak issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-struggles-amid-waterlogging-in-first-two-days-of-monsoon-death-toll-rises-to-11-736399">Delhi’s waterlogging woes surface in just two days of Monsoon rain, death toll rises to 11</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Sonia Gandhi said the Lok Sabha poll verdict has signalled a "personal, political and moral defeat" for PM Modi but "he is continuing as if nothing has changed".&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said that when the prime minister's "emissaries sought unanimity for the post of Speaker", the opposition INDIA bloc agreed to support the government. "But in keeping with convention and tradition, it was only fair and to be expected that the post of deputy speaker would be given to a member from the ranks of the opposition," Gandhi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-cji-chandrachuds-presence-bengal-cm-mamata-calls-for-judiciary-free-of-political-bias-736299">In CJI Chandrachud's presence, Bengal CM Mamata calls for judiciary free of political bias</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>But this "perfectly reasonable request" was found unacceptable by the government, she said, adding the opposition alliance is committed to restoring balance and productivity in Parliament. "On June 4, 2024, the verdict of our country's electorate was delivered clearly and resoundingly. It signalled a personal, political, and moral defeat for a prime minister who had awarded himself a divine status during the campaign," the Congress leader wrote in her column.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She also talked about the mention of the Emergency by the prime minister, the Lok Sabha Speaker and BJP leaders, describing it as an "assault on the Constitution".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government on various issues including NEET and Emergency remarks. "The Prime Minister continues as if nothing has changed.

Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government on various issues including NEET and Emergency remarks. "The Prime Minister continues as if nothing has changed. He preaches the value of consensus but continues to value confrontation," the Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi said in an editorial column for the Hindu. "The first few days of the 18th Lok Sabha have sadly been far from encouraging. Any hope that we might see a changed attitude has been dashed," she added. "The Prime Minister who does his 'Pariksha pe Charcha' has been conspicuously silent on the leaks that have devastated so many families across the country," she said, highlighting the NEET paper leak issue. Also read: Delhi’s waterlogging woes surface in just two days of Monsoon rain, death toll rises to 11 Sonia Gandhi said the Lok Sabha poll verdict has signalled a "personal, political and moral defeat" for PM Modi but "he is continuing as if nothing has changed". She said that when the prime minister's "emissaries sought unanimity for the post of Speaker", the opposition INDIA bloc agreed to support the government. "But in keeping with convention and tradition, it was only fair and to be expected that the post of deputy speaker would be given to a member from the ranks of the opposition," Gandhi said. Also read: In CJI Chandrachud's presence, Bengal CM Mamata calls for judiciary free of political bias But this "perfectly reasonable request" was found unacceptable by the government, she said, adding the opposition alliance is committed to restoring balance and productivity in Parliament. "On June 4, 2024, the verdict of our country's electorate was delivered clearly and resoundingly. It signalled a personal, political, and moral defeat for a prime minister who had awarded himself a divine status during the campaign," the Congress leader wrote in her column. She also talked about the mention of the Emergency by the prime minister, the Lok Sabha Speaker and BJP leaders, describing it as an "assault on the Constitution". (With inputs from agencies)

'Assault on Constitution': From NEET to Emergency remarks, Sonia Gandhi slams PM Modi

<p>India Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the T20 World Cup-winning Indian Team on Sunday morning (June 30) and congratulated the Men in Blue for lifting the world title. Modi congratulated skipper Rohit Sharma for his splendid captaincy throughout the tournament. He also thanked him for his services to Indian cricket in the shortest format as the veteran batter announced his T20I retirement following the win.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Spoke to the Indian 🏏 team and congratulated them on their exemplary success at the T20 World Cup. They have shown excellent skill and spirit throughout the tournament. Each player’s commitment is very motivating. 🇮🇳 🏆</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1807283708954837159?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-captain-rohit-sharma-announces-t20i-retirement-after-world-cup-win-barbados-736430">India captain Rohit Sharma announces T20I retirement after World Cup win in Barbados</a></strong></p>

<p>PM Modi also spoke with batting veteran Virat Kohli, the player-of-the-match in the final against South Africa, who scored a brilliant 59-ball 76, congratulating him for stepping up on the D-day and delivering for Team India.</p>

<p>Like Rohit, Virat also announced his retirement from T20Is, and PM Modi thanked the modern-day great for his incredible contribution to Indian Cricket in T20Is.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a>,<br />
<br />
Glad to have spoken to you. Like the innings in the Finals, you have anchored Indian batting splendidly. You’ve shone in all forms of the game. T20 Cricket will miss you but I am confident you’ll continue to motivate the new generation of players. <a href="https://t.co/rw8fKvgTbA">pic.twitter.com/rw8fKvgTbA</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1807284461140430943?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Virat and Rohit are the two top run-getters in the shortest format and the highest run-scorers in T20 World Cup history. While Rohit won his second T20 world title, the win in Barbados was Kohli’s first.</p>

<p>Besides, the Prime Minister talked to the Player-of-the-tournament, Jasprit Bumrah, for his outstanding performance in this edition. Bumrah was heads and shoulders ahead of everyone in leaving an impact on the game and changing its equation almost every time he came to bowl. Bumrah was instrumental in India winning the final, with two wickets in the summit clash, including the most important of Marco Jansen in the 18th over.</p>

<h2>Modi lauds Surya’s catch and Dravid’s role</h2>

<p>Another crucial factor that led India to their second T20 world title was Suryakumar’s ‘catch of the tournament’ on the first ball of the final over. David Miller’s shot was almost a six before SKY pulled off a blinder while running to dismiss him and help India win the match by seven runs. PM Modi also spoke with him and lauded him for his match-winning effort.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Prime Minister also thanked the departing India coach, Rahul Dravid, for his immense contribution to Indian cricket, more so for guiding the Men in Blue to end the ICC trophy drought.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rahul Dravid’s incredible coaching journey has shaped the success of Indian cricket.<br />
<br />
His unwavering dedication, strategic insights and nurturing the right talent have transformed the team.<br />
<br />
India is grateful to him for his contributions and for inspiring generations. We are… <a href="https://t.co/8MKSPqztDV">pic.twitter.com/8MKSPqztDV</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1807284727306731600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>With the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Americas his last assignment as India's head coach, Dravid won it for the country and will walk away with his head held high.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the T20 World Cup-winning Indian Team on Sunday morning (June 30) and congratulated the Men in Blue for lifting the world title.

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the T20 World Cup-winning Indian Team on Sunday morning (June 30) and congratulated the Men in Blue for lifting the world title. Modi congratulated skipper Rohit Sharma for his splendid captaincy throughout the tournament. He also thanked him for his services to Indian cricket in the shortest format as the veteran batter announced his T20I retirement following the win. Spoke to the Indian 🏏 team and congratulated them on their exemplary success at the T20 World Cup. They have shown excellent skill and spirit throughout the tournament. Each player’s commitment is very motivating. 🇮🇳 🏆 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 30, 2024 × ALSO READ: India captain Rohit Sharma announces T20I retirement after World Cup win in Barbados PM Modi also spoke with batting veteran Virat Kohli, the player-of-the-match in the final against South Africa, who scored a brilliant 59-ball 76, congratulating him for stepping up on the D-day and delivering for Team India. Like Rohit, Virat also announced his retirement from T20Is, and PM Modi thanked the modern-day great for his incredible contribution to Indian Cricket in T20Is. Dear @imVkohli, Glad to have spoken to you. Like the innings in the Finals, you have anchored Indian batting splendidly. You’ve shone in all forms of the game. T20 Cricket will miss you but I am confident you’ll continue to motivate the new generation of players. pic.twitter.com/rw8fKvgTbA — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 30, 2024 × Virat and Rohit are the two top run-getters in the shortest format and the highest run-scorers in T20 World Cup history. While Rohit won his second T20 world title, the win in Barbados was Kohli’s first. Besides, the Prime Minister talked to the Player-of-the-tournament, Jasprit Bumrah, for his outstanding performance in this edition. Bumrah was heads and shoulders ahead of everyone in leaving an impact on the game and changing its equation almost every time he came to bowl. Bumrah was instrumental in India winning the final, with two wickets in the summit clash, including the most important of Marco Jansen in the 18th over. Modi lauds Surya’s catch and Dravid’s role Another crucial factor that led India to their second T20 world title was Suryakumar’s ‘catch of the tournament’ on the first ball of the final over. David Miller’s shot was almost a six before SKY pulled off a blinder while running to dismiss him and help India win the match by seven runs. PM Modi also spoke with him and lauded him for his match-winning effort. The Prime Minister also thanked the departing India coach, Rahul Dravid, for his immense contribution to Indian cricket, more so for guiding the Men in Blue to end the ICC trophy drought. Rahul Dravid’s incredible coaching journey has shaped the success of Indian cricket. His unwavering dedication, strategic insights and nurturing the right talent have transformed the team. India is grateful to him for his contributions and for inspiring generations. We are… pic.twitter.com/8MKSPqztDV — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 30, 2024 × With the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Americas his last assignment as India's head coach, Dravid won it for the country and will walk away with his head held high. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi speaks to Team India after T20 World Cup win, lauds Rohit, Virat over massive effort

<p>The 'Big fat Indian wedding' is more than just a slang. A recent report by investment firm Jefferies highlights the economic significance of weddings in India. The $130 billion industry ranks second only to food and grocery and is a major driver of consumption across sectors.</p>

<p>The Indian wedding market is twice the size of the US market. It's estimated that the average expenditure on a wedding is around $15,000. Interestingly, Indian couples spend approximately twice as much on weddings compared to education. The current average expenditure per wedding is around $14,500, which is around five times India's per capita GDP of $2,900 and more than three times the average annual household income. The report added that India's wedding spending-to-GDP ratio is significantly higher than that of other countries.</p>

<p>The report notes that a typical Indian wedding involves five to six functions, hotel accommodations, catering, décor &amp; entertainment. This is more expensive for the rich, who spend more lavishly. The report excludes expenses on jewellery, wedding attire and airfares.</p>

<p>The report further notes that given the sheer size of the industry and its impact, weddings are a key growth driver in India for several categories, ranging from jewellery, apparel, catering, stay &amp; travel, among other sectors. This is reflected in the jewellery industry, where more than 10 per cent of revenues are from bridal jewellery. It also accounts for the largest proportion of the spend, accounting for 25 per cent of the total wedding expenses, followed by catering and events.</p>

<p>Small-scale businesses and individual service providers benefit from this wedding splurge. This is because the industry is highly diversified, with regional players in a better position to address consumer needs. The report also highlights challenges in India's wedding sector, notably being 'unorganised' and 'highly-fragmented.'&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the call 'Wed in India' last year, urging people to explore destinations within the country rather than foreign locations.&nbsp;</p>


The 'Big fat Indian wedding' is more than just a slang. A recent report by investment firm Jefferies highlights the economic significance of weddings in India. The $130 billion industry ranks second only to food and grocery and is a major driver of consumption across sectors.

The 'Big fat Indian wedding' is more than just a slang. A recent report by investment firm Jefferies highlights the economic significance of weddings in India. The $130 billion industry ranks second only to food and grocery and is a major driver of consumption across sectors. The Indian wedding market is twice the size of the US market. It's estimated that the average expenditure on a wedding is around $15,000. Interestingly, Indian couples spend approximately twice as much on weddings compared to education. The current average expenditure per wedding is around $14,500, which is around five times India's per capita GDP of $2,900 and more than three times the average annual household income. The report added that India's wedding spending-to-GDP ratio is significantly higher than that of other countries. The report notes that a typical Indian wedding involves five to six functions, hotel accommodations, catering, décor & entertainment. This is more expensive for the rich, who spend more lavishly. The report excludes expenses on jewellery, wedding attire and airfares. The report further notes that given the sheer size of the industry and its impact, weddings are a key growth driver in India for several categories, ranging from jewellery, apparel, catering, stay & travel, among other sectors. This is reflected in the jewellery industry, where more than 10 per cent of revenues are from bridal jewellery. It also accounts for the largest proportion of the spend, accounting for 25 per cent of the total wedding expenses, followed by catering and events. Small-scale businesses and individual service providers benefit from this wedding splurge. This is because the industry is highly diversified, with regional players in a better position to address consumer needs. The report also highlights challenges in India's wedding sector, notably being 'unorganised' and 'highly-fragmented.' Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the call 'Wed in India' last year, urging people to explore destinations within the country rather than foreign locations.

'The Big Fat Indian 'Paychecks': Wedding industry drives consumption & economic boom

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to travel to Russia in July, expectedly for the annual India-Russia summit, marking his first visit to the country in five years. His last visit to Russia was in September 2019, when he attended the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. India&nbsp;and Russia have&nbsp;the tradition of annual summit, that began in October 2000 during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India. The final contours of the visit are yet to be decided.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The last annual summit took place in December 2021 in New Delhi, with President Putin attending. The regularity of these summits has been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and other unspecified reasons over the past two years. This forthcoming visit, if materialises, will be Modi's first to Russia since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-narendra-modi-unlikely-to-attend-sco-summit-734110">PM Narendra Modi unlikely to attend SCO summit</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier this month, President Putin had a telephone conversation with PM Modi, congratulating him on his 3rd term. A statement from the Kremlin said, "Vladimir Putin warmly congratulated Narendra Modi on the success of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the recent 18th Lok Sabha elections. This reflects the support of the political course pursued by the Indian leadership, recognition of the results achieved in the socio-economic development of the country and strengthening of its international authority." PM Modi's Russia visit is expected to be his first bilateral foreign visit in his 3rd term, even though he travelled to Italy but that was in the context of the multilateral, G7 summit.</p>

<p>President Putin has&nbsp;invited PM Modi to visit Russia, including during External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar's visit last year. Russia holds the BRICS presidency this year and is set to host the BRICS summit in Kazan in October, where PM Modi is expected to participate given India is a key member of the grouping.</p>

<p>The India-Russia relationship is characterised as a ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,’ focusing on defence, energy, and connectivity as among the key pillars. Ahead of the summit, Russia has approved a military logistics pact with India to enhance interoperability between the two nations' armed forces. In the energy sector, India's import of Russian crude oil has significantly increased over the past two years, despite Western pressure.</p>

<p>Connectivity projects are also a focal point of bilateral cooperation. The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) aims to connect Mumbai to Moscow, facilitating trade between the two nations. Additionally, the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor is being developed to further strengthen economic ties between India and Russia's Far East.</p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to travel to Russia in July, expectedly for the annual India-Russia summit, marking his first visit to the country in five years.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to travel to Russia in July, expectedly for the annual India-Russia summit, marking his first visit to the country in five years. His last visit to Russia was in September 2019, when he attended the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. India and Russia have the tradition of annual summit, that began in October 2000 during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India. The final contours of the visit are yet to be decided. The last annual summit took place in December 2021 in New Delhi, with President Putin attending. The regularity of these summits has been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and other unspecified reasons over the past two years. This forthcoming visit, if materialises, will be Modi's first to Russia since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022. Also read | PM Narendra Modi unlikely to attend SCO summit Earlier this month, President Putin had a telephone conversation with PM Modi, congratulating him on his 3rd term. A statement from the Kremlin said, "Vladimir Putin warmly congratulated Narendra Modi on the success of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the recent 18th Lok Sabha elections. This reflects the support of the political course pursued by the Indian leadership, recognition of the results achieved in the socio-economic development of the country and strengthening of its international authority." PM Modi's Russia visit is expected to be his first bilateral foreign visit in his 3rd term, even though he travelled to Italy but that was in the context of the multilateral, G7 summit. President Putin has invited PM Modi to visit Russia, including during External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar's visit last year. Russia holds the BRICS presidency this year and is set to host the BRICS summit in Kazan in October, where PM Modi is expected to participate given India is a key member of the grouping. The India-Russia relationship is characterised as a ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,’ focusing on defence, energy, and connectivity as among the key pillars. Ahead of the summit, Russia has approved a military logistics pact with India to enhance interoperability between the two nations' armed forces. In the energy sector, India's import of Russian crude oil has significantly increased over the past two years, despite Western pressure. Connectivity projects are also a focal point of bilateral cooperation. The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) aims to connect Mumbai to Moscow, facilitating trade between the two nations. Additionally, the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor is being developed to further strengthen economic ties between India and Russia's Far East.

Indian PM Narendra Modi likely to visit Russia in July

<p>India said on Sunday (June 23) it was unfortunate that acts of glorifying terrorism had been allowed on many occasions in Canada. In a statement on the&nbsp;39th anniversary of the 1985 Kanishka bombing, the Indian High Commission in Canada&nbsp;said that terrorism knows "no borders, nationality, or race".</p>

<p>The Montreal-New Delhi Air India 'Kanishka' Flight 182 exploded 45 minutes before it was to have landed at London's Heathrow Airport on June 23, 1985, killing all 329 people on board, including 86 children. Most of the victims were Canadians of Indian descent.</p>

<h2><strong>'Any act of glorifying terrorism is&nbsp;deplorable'</strong></h2>

<p>"While thirty-nine years have passed since the cowardly act, terrorism has unfortunately assumed proportions of an existential threat to international peace and security today," the high commission's statement said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/parliament-honour-for-nijjar-shows-canada-is-killin-it-at-being-pakistan-734587">Opinion: Parliament honour for Nijjar shows Canada is killin' it at being Pakistan</a></strong></p>

<p>"Any act of glorifying terrorism, including the bombing of Al-182 in 1985, is deplorable and should be condemned by all peace-loving countries and people," it added.</p>

<p>Terming the Kanishka bombing "the worst ever in Canadian aviation history to date", the Indian mission said that the incident will remain an "unbearable loss" not only for the victims' families but also for humanity as a whole.</p>

<h2><strong>Canada honours Nijjar, New Delhi criticises&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The high commission's remarks came a week after&nbsp;India strongly objected to the Canadian parliament observing a "one-minute silence" in memory of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was gunned down in British Columbia in June last year.</p>

<p>Last Friday (June 21), New Delhi insisted that Ottawa&nbsp;must take action against those advocating violence and carrying out an anti-India campaign in Canada.</p>

<p>India also lodged&nbsp;a strong protest with Canada last Thursday over Khalistani extremists holding a so-called "citizens court" and burning an effigy of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsp;outside the Indian consulate in Vancouver.</p>


India said on Sunday (June 23) it was unfortunate that acts of glorifying terrorism had been allowed on many occasions in Canada. In a statement on the 39th anniversary of the 1985 Kanishka bombing, the Indian High Commission in Canada said that terrorism knows "no borders, nationality, or race".

India said on Sunday (June 23) it was unfortunate that acts of glorifying terrorism had been allowed on many occasions in Canada. In a statement on the 39th anniversary of the 1985 Kanishka bombing, the Indian High Commission in Canada said that terrorism knows "no borders, nationality, or race". The Montreal-New Delhi Air India 'Kanishka' Flight 182 exploded 45 minutes before it was to have landed at London's Heathrow Airport on June 23, 1985, killing all 329 people on board, including 86 children. Most of the victims were Canadians of Indian descent. 'Any act of glorifying terrorism is deplorable' "While thirty-nine years have passed since the cowardly act, terrorism has unfortunately assumed proportions of an existential threat to international peace and security today," the high commission's statement said. Also read | Opinion: Parliament honour for Nijjar shows Canada is killin' it at being Pakistan "Any act of glorifying terrorism, including the bombing of Al-182 in 1985, is deplorable and should be condemned by all peace-loving countries and people," it added. Terming the Kanishka bombing "the worst ever in Canadian aviation history to date", the Indian mission said that the incident will remain an "unbearable loss" not only for the victims' families but also for humanity as a whole. Canada honours Nijjar, New Delhi criticises The high commission's remarks came a week after India strongly objected to the Canadian parliament observing a "one-minute silence" in memory of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was gunned down in British Columbia in June last year. Last Friday (June 21), New Delhi insisted that Ottawa must take action against those advocating violence and carrying out an anti-India campaign in Canada. India also lodged a strong protest with Canada last Thursday over Khalistani extremists holding a so-called "citizens court" and burning an effigy of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi outside the Indian consulate in Vancouver.

Unfortunate that acts of glorifying terrorism allowed on many occasions in Canada: India

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the beginning of the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha, said that while a "majority" is required to run the government, "consensus is very important" to run the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to the reporters outside newly built parliament building in New Delhi, PM Modi said, "In the last 10 years, we have constantly tried to establish a tradition because we believe that [a] majority is required to run the government but consensus is very important to run the country. Therefore, our constant endeavour will be to serve mother India with everyone’s consent and by taking everyone along to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of 140 crore (1.4 bn) countrymen."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-narendra-modi-unlikely-to-attend-sco-summit-734110">PM Narendra Modi unlikely to attend SCO summit</a></strong></p>

<p>The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's tally is below the majority mark of 272 and it requires the consistent support of its National Democratic Alliance partners to be in the power. This is the first time that Prime Minister Modi is heading a coalition government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today is a day of pride in parliamentary democracy, it is a day of glory. For the first time after Independence, this oath is being taken in our new parliament, till now this process used to happen in the old Parliament," Modi said.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Narendra Modi swears in as PM, 71 ministers take oath including Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah</strong></p>

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<p>"For the second time after Independence, a government has got the opportunity to serve the country for the third time in a row, this opportunity has come after 60 years which is a matter of pride," PM Modi said.</p>

<p>"If the citizens of our country have trusted a government for the third consecutive time, it means they have given a stamp of approval to the policies and intent of the government," he added.</p>

<p>The prime minister also took a dig at the&nbsp;Opposition and said, "The people of the country do not want drama, ruckus. The country does not want slogans, it wants substance. The country needs a good Opposition, a responsible Opposition."</p>

<p>"Parliament sessions are an opportunity for us to realise the dreams of Indian citizens. It is an opportunity for us to build Shreshtha Bharat and achieve our goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047," he further said.</p>

<p>Referring to the state of Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975, Modi said,</p>

<p>"Tomorrow is 25 June, 50 years ago on this day a black spot was put on the Constitution. We will try [to ensure] that such a stain never comes to the country."</p>

<p>Responding to the Prime Minister’s speech, Congress chief Mallikarun Kharge wrote on X, "You are reminding us of the 50-year-old Emergency, but have forgotten the last 10 years of Undeclared Emergency, which was ended by the people."</p>

<p>"People have given their mandate against Modi ji. Despite this, if he has become the Prime Minister, then he should work," Kharge said.</p>

<p>"People need substance, not slogans’ – remember this yourself. The opposition and INDIA Janbandhan want Consensus in Parliament, we will keep raising the voice of the people in the House, on the streets and before everyone," he added.</p>

<p>"He (PM Modi) will show some sympathy towards the youth regarding the paper leak in NEET and other recruitment examinations, but he did not take any responsibility for the massive rigging and corruption of his government," the Congress president further said.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the beginning of the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha, said that while a "majority" is required to run the government, "consensus is very important" to run the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the beginning of the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha, said that while a "majority" is required to run the government, "consensus is very important" to run the country. Speaking to the reporters outside newly built parliament building in New Delhi, PM Modi said, "In the last 10 years, we have constantly tried to establish a tradition because we believe that [a] majority is required to run the government but consensus is very important to run the country. Therefore, our constant endeavour will be to serve mother India with everyone’s consent and by taking everyone along to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of 140 crore (1.4 bn) countrymen." Also read | PM Narendra Modi unlikely to attend SCO summit The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's tally is below the majority mark of 272 and it requires the consistent support of its National Democratic Alliance partners to be in the power. This is the first time that Prime Minister Modi is heading a coalition government. "Today is a day of pride in parliamentary democracy, it is a day of glory. For the first time after Independence, this oath is being taken in our new parliament, till now this process used to happen in the old Parliament," Modi said. Also watch | Narendra Modi swears in as PM, 71 ministers take oath including Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah × "For the second time after Independence, a government has got the opportunity to serve the country for the third time in a row, this opportunity has come after 60 years which is a matter of pride," PM Modi said. "If the citizens of our country have trusted a government for the third consecutive time, it means they have given a stamp of approval to the policies and intent of the government," he added. The prime minister also took a dig at the Opposition and said, "The people of the country do not want drama, ruckus. The country does not want slogans, it wants substance. The country needs a good Opposition, a responsible Opposition." "Parliament sessions are an opportunity for us to realise the dreams of Indian citizens. It is an opportunity for us to build Shreshtha Bharat and achieve our goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047," he further said. Referring to the state of Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975, Modi said, "Tomorrow is 25 June, 50 years ago on this day a black spot was put on the Constitution. We will try [to ensure] that such a stain never comes to the country." Responding to the Prime Minister’s speech, Congress chief Mallikarun Kharge wrote on X, "You are reminding us of the 50-year-old Emergency, but have forgotten the last 10 years of Undeclared Emergency, which was ended by the people." "People have given their mandate against Modi ji. Despite this, if he has become the Prime Minister, then he should work," Kharge said. "People need substance, not slogans’ – remember this yourself. The opposition and INDIA Janbandhan want Consensus in Parliament, we will keep raising the voice of the people in the House, on the streets and before everyone," he added. "He (PM Modi) will show some sympathy towards the youth regarding the paper leak in NEET and other recruitment examinations, but he did not take any responsibility for the massive rigging and corruption of his government," the Congress president further said.

PM Modi calls for 'consensus' ahead of inaugural session of 18th Lok Sabha

<p>As Sunday (June 23) marked the 39th anniversary of the Kanishka Air India terror attack that happened in&nbsp;1985 and resulted in the death&nbsp;of 329 civilians, India renewed its call for justice for the victims and reiterated its stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism.&nbsp;The bomb planted by Canada-based Khalistani terrorists exploded mid-air off the coast of Ireland, killing all 329 people on board, including Indian nationals and many Indian-origin Canadian nationals. It remains Canada's worst terror attack and one of the worst aviation disasters of all time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar posted on social media, "Today marks the 39th anniversary of one of the worst acts of terrorism in history...The anniversary is a reminder why terrorism should never be tolerated."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today marks the 39th anniversary of one of the worst acts of terrorism in history.<br />
<br />
Pay my homage to the memory of the 329 victims of AI 182 ‘Kanishka’ who were killed this day in 1985. My thoughts are with their families.<br />
<br />
The anniversary is a reminder why terrorism should…</p>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1804733627047317748?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma led the memorial at the Air India Flight 182 monument at Commissioner's Park, Dow's Lake, Ottawa. Speaking at the sombre moment, he said, "The Kanishka bombing was a heinously planned cowardly attack carried out by individuals with a twisted ideology, aimed at striking fear and demonstrating power through violence. We still await full and desired justice to the families of the victims of the bombing."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma paid homage to the victims of Air India flight 182 Kanishka in Ottawa today on the 39th anniversary of the cowardly terrorist bombing in which 329 innocent victims including 86 children, lost their lives.<br />
<br />
Addressing the gathering, High… <a href="https://t.co/iL4bpg86vh">pic.twitter.com/iL4bpg86vh</a></p>
— India in Canada (@HCI_Ottawa) <a href="https://twitter.com/HCI_Ottawa/status/1804939868935467162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Talwinder Singh Parmar, a Canadian national and the founder of the banned terrorist organisation Babbar Khalsa International was identified as the mastermind behind Canada's worst terror attack. Inderjit Singh Reyat was convicted of manslaughter in connection with the bombing and received a 15-year prison sentence in 2003. Reyat was released to the halfway house in 2016. Two other accused, Ripudaman Singh Malik and Ajaib Singh Bagri, were both acquitted and found not guilty.</p>

<p>Since Reyat refused to testify against anyone else, he remained the only suspect to be convicted in the case.</p>

<p>The Indian high commissioner said, "No government in the world should overlook the threat of terrorism emanating from its territories for political gains. Human lives are much more important than the transitory political interests. All terrorist activities should be met with exemplary legal and social actions before they start harming the larger humanity."</p>

<p>The Indian high commission's remarks come even as India has been raising its concerns over space being given to extremist ideology in the North American country. Khalistan extremists have time and again held protests&nbsp;and issued threats against&nbsp;Indian diplomats in Canada and the Indian leadership. Recently, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau attended an event that saw pro-Khalistan chants, which saw Delhi summoning Canada's Deputy High Commissioner in New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trudeau also issued a statement on the anniversary in which he pointed out that the attack "reminds us of the senseless violence that terrorism perpetuates and of our shared responsibility to unequivocally condemn terrorism."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thirty-nine years ago today, 329 innocent people, including 280 Canadians, were killed when a bomb exploded on Air India Flight 182.<br />
<br />
On the anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history, we remember the lives taken by violent extremism.</p>
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau/status/1804973879535780194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>In a detailed statement, he explained how Canada is "doing its part to counter terrorism and violent extremism", which included updating the Counter-Terrorism Strategy and providing "funding to organizations that help improve our understanding of violent extremism and our capacity to prevent these acts of violence." The statement, though, did not make any mention of the perpetrators of the terror attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jagmeet Singh, the leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), who plays a key role in supporting the Trudeau government also issued a statement but made no mention of the perpetrators. In a post on X, he said, "We will not let hate win."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">39 years ago, 329 lives were lost in the Air India Bombing, and communities were forever changed.<br />
<br />
I extend my condolences to the families who lost loved ones.<br />
<br />
Today we remember those who were lost and honour their memory by working together to build a more peaceful world.<br />
<br />
We…</p>
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/theJagmeetSingh/status/1804877456568131924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


As Sunday (June 23) marked the 39th anniversary of the Kanishka Air India terror attack that happened in 1985 and resulted in the death of 329 civilians, India renewed its call for justice for the victims and reiterated its stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism.

As Sunday (June 23) marked the 39th anniversary of the Kanishka Air India terror attack that happened in 1985 and resulted in the death of 329 civilians, India renewed its call for justice for the victims and reiterated its stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism. The bomb planted by Canada-based Khalistani terrorists exploded mid-air off the coast of Ireland, killing all 329 people on board, including Indian nationals and many Indian-origin Canadian nationals. It remains Canada's worst terror attack and one of the worst aviation disasters of all time. India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar posted on social media, "Today marks the 39th anniversary of one of the worst acts of terrorism in history...The anniversary is a reminder why terrorism should never be tolerated." Today marks the 39th anniversary of one of the worst acts of terrorism in history. Pay my homage to the memory of the 329 victims of AI 182 ‘Kanishka’ who were killed this day in 1985. My thoughts are with their families. The anniversary is a reminder why terrorism should… — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 23, 2024 × Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma led the memorial at the Air India Flight 182 monument at Commissioner's Park, Dow's Lake, Ottawa. Speaking at the sombre moment, he said, "The Kanishka bombing was a heinously planned cowardly attack carried out by individuals with a twisted ideology, aimed at striking fear and demonstrating power through violence. We still await full and desired justice to the families of the victims of the bombing." High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma paid homage to the victims of Air India flight 182 Kanishka in Ottawa today on the 39th anniversary of the cowardly terrorist bombing in which 329 innocent victims including 86 children, lost their lives. Addressing the gathering, High… pic.twitter.com/iL4bpg86vh — India in Canada (@HCI_Ottawa) June 23, 2024 × Talwinder Singh Parmar, a Canadian national and the founder of the banned terrorist organisation Babbar Khalsa International was identified as the mastermind behind Canada's worst terror attack. Inderjit Singh Reyat was convicted of manslaughter in connection with the bombing and received a 15-year prison sentence in 2003. Reyat was released to the halfway house in 2016. Two other accused, Ripudaman Singh Malik and Ajaib Singh Bagri, were both acquitted and found not guilty. Since Reyat refused to testify against anyone else, he remained the only suspect to be convicted in the case. The Indian high commissioner said, "No government in the world should overlook the threat of terrorism emanating from its territories for political gains. Human lives are much more important than the transitory political interests. All terrorist activities should be met with exemplary legal and social actions before they start harming the larger humanity." The Indian high commission's remarks come even as India has been raising its concerns over space being given to extremist ideology in the North American country. Khalistan extremists have time and again held protests and issued threats against Indian diplomats in Canada and the Indian leadership. Recently, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau attended an event that saw pro-Khalistan chants, which saw Delhi summoning Canada's Deputy High Commissioner in New Delhi. Trudeau also issued a statement on the anniversary in which he pointed out that the attack "reminds us of the senseless violence that terrorism perpetuates and of our shared responsibility to unequivocally condemn terrorism." Thirty-nine years ago today, 329 innocent people, including 280 Canadians, were killed when a bomb exploded on Air India Flight 182. On the anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history, we remember the lives taken by violent extremism. — Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 23, 2024 × In a detailed statement, he explained how Canada is "doing its part to counter terrorism and violent extremism", which included updating the Counter-Terrorism Strategy and providing "funding to organizations that help improve our understanding of violent extremism and our capacity to prevent these acts of violence." The statement, though, did not make any mention of the perpetrators of the terror attack. Jagmeet Singh, the leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), who plays a key role in supporting the Trudeau government also issued a statement but made no mention of the perpetrators. In a post on X, he said, "We will not let hate win." 39 years ago, 329 lives were lost in the Air India Bombing, and communities were forever changed. I extend my condolences to the families who lost loved ones. Today we remember those who were lost and honour their memory by working together to build a more peaceful world. We… — Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) June 23, 2024 ×

Kanishka terror attack anniversary: India says justice awaited; Trudeau silent on perpetrators

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<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (June 24) spoke with the media ahead of the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha. Prime Minister Modi called it a "glorious day in Parliamentary democracy," adding, that for the first time after independence, a swearing-in ceremony is taking place at the new Parliament building.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It used to happen in the Old Parliament building. On this significant day, I extend a hearty welcome to all newly-elected MPs, extend them greetings and best wishes," Modi said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/parliament-session-live-lok-sabha-session-18th-today-check-speaker-elections-oath-more-related-news-734460"><strong>Click here to follow all updates on the first day of first session of 18th Lok Sabha</strong></a></p>

<p>Talking about the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections in which the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) emerged victorious, Modi said, "This election has also become very important because, for the second time after independence, the people of the country have given an opportunity to a government to serve for the third consecutive time..."</p>

<h2><strong>'We will work three times harder in this tenure...'</strong></h2>

<p>With the NDA winning the Lok Sabha elections, Modi assured citizens that in the third tenure,&nbsp;his government would work three times harder and get three times the results.&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> | First session of 18th Lok Sabha | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "The people of the country have given us an opportunity for the third time. This is a great victory, a grand victory. Our responsibility increased threefold...So, I assure the countrymen that in our… <a href="https://t.co/eBPYPFBXpR">pic.twitter.com/eBPYPFBXpR</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1805109310768468192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The people of the country have given us an opportunity for the third time. This is a great victory, a grand victory. Our responsibility increased threefold...," the prime minister further said.</p>

<h2><strong>'India wants responsible opposition'</strong></h2>

<p>The prime minister further pointed out that the country wants a responsible opposition. "People want substance, not slogans, they want debate, diligence not disturbance in Parliament," he said.</p>

<p>The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha has commenced, and the swearing-in ceremony of&nbsp;newly-elected MPs is taking place.&nbsp;The session is&nbsp;expected to be stormy as the opposition is likely to corner the BJP-led NDA government on the election of the speaker on Wednesday,&nbsp;&nbsp;discussions regarding allegations of paper leaks in NEET-UG and UGC-NET, and row over the appointment of the Pro-tem speaker.</p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (June 24) spoke with the media ahead of the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha. Prime Minister Modi called it a "glorious day in Parliamentary democracy," adding, that for the first time after independence, a swearing-in ceremony is taking place at the new Parliament building.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (June 24) spoke with the media ahead of the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha. Prime Minister Modi called it a "glorious day in Parliamentary democracy," adding, that for the first time after independence, a swearing-in ceremony is taking place at the new Parliament building. "It used to happen in the Old Parliament building. On this significant day, I extend a hearty welcome to all newly-elected MPs, extend them greetings and best wishes," Modi said. Click here to follow all updates on the first day of first session of 18th Lok Sabha Talking about the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections in which the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) emerged victorious, Modi said, "This election has also become very important because, for the second time after independence, the people of the country have given an opportunity to a government to serve for the third consecutive time..." 'We will work three times harder in this tenure...' With the NDA winning the Lok Sabha elections, Modi assured citizens that in the third tenure, his government would work three times harder and get three times the results. #WATCH | First session of 18th Lok Sabha | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "The people of the country have given us an opportunity for the third time. This is a great victory, a grand victory. Our responsibility increased threefold...So, I assure the countrymen that in our… pic.twitter.com/eBPYPFBXpR — ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2024 × "The people of the country have given us an opportunity for the third time. This is a great victory, a grand victory. Our responsibility increased threefold...," the prime minister further said. 'India wants responsible opposition' The prime minister further pointed out that the country wants a responsible opposition. "People want substance, not slogans, they want debate, diligence not disturbance in Parliament," he said. The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha has commenced, and the swearing-in ceremony of newly-elected MPs is taking place. The session is expected to be stormy as the opposition is likely to corner the BJP-led NDA government on the election of the speaker on Wednesday, discussions regarding allegations of paper leaks in NEET-UG and UGC-NET, and row over the appointment of the Pro-tem speaker.

First session of 18th Lok Sabha: This is a glorious day in Parliamentary democracy, says Indian PM Modi

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, or SCO, summit in Kazakhstan. The SCO summit will be taking place from 3-4 July 2024 in Astana. No reason is known as of now for the developments, but that week also sees the Indian Parliament session. India is likely to send some other representative to the summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kazakhstan took over the presidency of the grouping from India, which was the president last year. India hosted the SCO summit virtually in July 2023. This year's host is Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who has proposed, among other initiatives, the establishment of a joint investment fund.</p>

<p>PM Modi's first foreign visit after taking charge for the 3rd consecutive term was to Italy to attend the G7 summit. The visit was in the context of a multilateral summit. This year will see a packed diplomatic agenda for India, including the BRICS summit in Russia, BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, the G20 summit in Brazil and summit of the future in New York.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a political, economic, and security group that was established in 2001. The current members of the SCO are China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Iran became a full member in 2023, under the Indian Presidency of the grouping. Belarus is an observer state and is next in line to gain full membership.</p>

<p>The SCO is focused on regional security, counter-terrorism, and economic cooperation among its member states. The organisation covers over 60% of the Eurasian landmass, 40% of the world population, and 30% of global GDP.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, or SCO, summit in Kazakhstan. The SCO summit will be taking place from 3-4 July 2024 in Astana.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, or SCO, summit in Kazakhstan. The SCO summit will be taking place from 3-4 July 2024 in Astana. No reason is known as of now for the developments, but that week also sees the Indian Parliament session. India is likely to send some other representative to the summit. Kazakhstan took over the presidency of the grouping from India, which was the president last year. India hosted the SCO summit virtually in July 2023. This year's host is Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who has proposed, among other initiatives, the establishment of a joint investment fund. PM Modi's first foreign visit after taking charge for the 3rd consecutive term was to Italy to attend the G7 summit. The visit was in the context of a multilateral summit. This year will see a packed diplomatic agenda for India, including the BRICS summit in Russia, BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, the G20 summit in Brazil and summit of the future in New York. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a political, economic, and security group that was established in 2001. The current members of the SCO are China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Iran became a full member in 2023, under the Indian Presidency of the grouping. Belarus is an observer state and is next in line to gain full membership. The SCO is focused on regional security, counter-terrorism, and economic cooperation among its member states. The organisation covers over 60% of the Eurasian landmass, 40% of the world population, and 30% of global GDP.

PM Narendra Modi unlikely to attend SCO summit

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<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday (June 22) that Bangladesh is situated at the&nbsp;confluence of India's&nbsp;Neighbourhood First Policy, Act East Policy, Vision Sagar, and Indo-Pacific Vision. Addressing a joint press conference with his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi said, "In the last one year, we have together completed many important projects of public welfare...Trade in Indian Rupees has started between the two countries."</p>

<p>"We have kept connectivity, commerce and collaboration as our focus. In the last 10 years, we have restored the connectivity that existed before 1965. We will now focus on digital and energy connectivity even more. This will speed up the economies of both countries," Modi added.</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> | Delhi: PM Narendra Modi says, "Bangladesh is situated at the confluence of our Neighbourhood First Policy, Act East Policy, Vision Sagar and Indo-Pacific Vision. In the last one year, we have together completed many important projects of public welfare...Trade in Indian… <a href="https://t.co/17E1Q9UD2a">pic.twitter.com/17E1Q9UD2a</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1804421057220350447?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>PM Hasina arrived in India on Friday evening on a two-day visit.</p>

<p>On Saturday, both countries signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements in several sectors including health and medicine, telecom, space, and railways.</p>

<h2><strong>'India to start&nbsp;e-medical visa facility...'</strong></h2>

<p>During the press conference, Indian PM Modi announced that his country would start&nbsp;an e-medical visa facility for people coming from Bangladesh to India for medical treatment.</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> | | PM Narendra Modi says, "We have kept connectivity, commerce and collaboration as our focus. In the last 10 years, we have restored the connectivity that existed before 1965. We will now focus on digital and energy connectivity even more. This will speed up the… <a href="https://t.co/iGRcs2OuDB">pic.twitter.com/iGRcs2OuDB</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1804423195342364913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"We have taken the initiative to open a new Assistant High Commission in Rangpur for the convenience of the people of the North West region of Bangladesh," he added.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sheikh-hasina-india-visit-bangladesh-pm-receives-ceremonial-reception-at-rashtrapati-bhavan-734059">Click here to follow all updates on Sheikh Hasina's India visit</a></strong></p>

<p>Modi also wished the cricket teams of India and Bangladesh the best of luck for their T20 World Cup match scheduled later on Saturday.</p>

<h2><strong>'India is a trusted friend'</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking to reporters, Bangladesh PM Hasina said India is her country's&nbsp;major neighbour, trusted friend, and regional partner.</p>

<p>"Bangladesh greatly values our relations with India, which were born during our war of liberation in 1971... I pay homage to the brave, fallen heroes of India who sacrificed their lives during our war of liberation in 1971..." Hasina said.</p>

<p>"This is my first bilateral visit to any country after Bangladesh's 12th parliamentary elections and the formation of our new government in January 2024," she added.&nbsp;</p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday (June 22) that Bangladesh is situated at the confluence of India's Neighbourhood First Policy, Act East Policy, Vision Sagar, and Indo-Pacific Vision.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday (June 22) that Bangladesh is situated at the confluence of India's Neighbourhood First Policy, Act East Policy, Vision Sagar, and Indo-Pacific Vision. Addressing a joint press conference with his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi said, "In the last one year, we have together completed many important projects of public welfare...Trade in Indian Rupees has started between the two countries." "We have kept connectivity, commerce and collaboration as our focus. In the last 10 years, we have restored the connectivity that existed before 1965. We will now focus on digital and energy connectivity even more. This will speed up the economies of both countries," Modi added. #WATCH | Delhi: PM Narendra Modi says, "Bangladesh is situated at the confluence of our Neighbourhood First Policy, Act East Policy, Vision Sagar and Indo-Pacific Vision. In the last one year, we have together completed many important projects of public welfare...Trade in Indian… pic.twitter.com/17E1Q9UD2a — ANI (@ANI) June 22, 2024 × PM Hasina arrived in India on Friday evening on a two-day visit. On Saturday, both countries signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements in several sectors including health and medicine, telecom, space, and railways. 'India to start e-medical visa facility...' During the press conference, Indian PM Modi announced that his country would start an e-medical visa facility for people coming from Bangladesh to India for medical treatment. #WATCH | | PM Narendra Modi says, "We have kept connectivity, commerce and collaboration as our focus. In the last 10 years, we have restored the connectivity that existed before 1965. We will now focus on digital and energy connectivity even more. This will speed up the… pic.twitter.com/iGRcs2OuDB — ANI (@ANI) June 22, 2024 × "We have taken the initiative to open a new Assistant High Commission in Rangpur for the convenience of the people of the North West region of Bangladesh," he added. Click here to follow all updates on Sheikh Hasina's India visit Modi also wished the cricket teams of India and Bangladesh the best of luck for their T20 World Cup match scheduled later on Saturday. 'India is a trusted friend' Speaking to reporters, Bangladesh PM Hasina said India is her country's major neighbour, trusted friend, and regional partner. "Bangladesh greatly values our relations with India, which were born during our war of liberation in 1971... I pay homage to the brave, fallen heroes of India who sacrificed their lives during our war of liberation in 1971..." Hasina said. "This is my first bilateral visit to any country after Bangladesh's 12th parliamentary elections and the formation of our new government in January 2024," she added.

Bangladesh situated at confluence of India's 'Neighbourhood First Policy': Modi

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Srinagar for his two-day visit, on Thursday (June 20) assured that the day is not far when the people of Jammu and Kashmir will cast their votes in the assembly elections to form a new government.</p>

<p>He also indicated that very soon statehood will be resorted to the union territory.</p>

<p>"The people of Jammu and Kashmir elect their representatives at the local level, through them you find ways to solve problems, what can be better than this? Therefore, now the preparations for the Assembly elections have also started. The time is not far when you will elect the new government of Jammu and Kashmir with your votes. That day will also come soon when Jammu and Kashmir will once again make its future better as a state," he said.</p>

<p>PM Modi further said that projects related to the agriculture sector worth Rs 1,800 crore were inaugurated.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">श्रीनगर में मुझे आशीर्वाद देने उमड़े लोगों के स्नेह और अपनत्व ने हृदय को छू लिया। <a href="https://t.co/7jEaTYw0DX">pic.twitter.com/7jEaTYw0DX</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1803811341385273431?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Projects related to the agriculture sector worth Rs 1800 crore were inaugurated. New national highways and expressways are being constructed here. Every Indian feels proud when they see pictures of the world's highest bridge on the river Chenab," the Indian prime minister said.</p>

<p>"The whole world is witnessing the changes in Kashmir Valley...Humara Kashmir kitna aage badh gaya hai'...You will see that the International Yoga Day celebration will also become an attraction for tourists," he added.</p>

<p>PM Modi's BJP-led government in August 2019 had scrapped Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, bifurcating the state into two union territories.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-two-terrorists-eliminated-by-security-forces-in-baramulla-district-733201">Jammu and Kashmir: Two terrorists 'eliminated' by security forces in Baramulla district</a></p>

<h2><strong>'Will not hesitate to teach lesson to enemies of Jammu and Kashmir'</strong></h2>

<p>Reacting to the recent terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, PM Modi said that the government will take stern action and not spare the enemies.</p>

<p>"The enemies of peace humanity doesn't like development. Today, they are making their last efforts so that progress in Jammu and Kashmir stops and peace is not established. The government has taken the recent terror attacks very seriously. The Union Home Minister (Amit Shah) has chaired a meeting with the officials of Jammu and Kashmir to review them," he said.</p>

<p>PM Modi reiterated, "I assure you that we will not hesitate to teach a lesson to the enemies of Jammu and Kashmir".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Srinagar for his two-day visit, on Thursday (June 20) assured that the day is not far when the people of Jammu and Kashmir will cast their votes in the assembly elections to form a new government.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Srinagar for his two-day visit, on Thursday (June 20) assured that the day is not far when the people of Jammu and Kashmir will cast their votes in the assembly elections to form a new government. He also indicated that very soon statehood will be resorted to the union territory. "The people of Jammu and Kashmir elect their representatives at the local level, through them you find ways to solve problems, what can be better than this? Therefore, now the preparations for the Assembly elections have also started. The time is not far when you will elect the new government of Jammu and Kashmir with your votes. That day will also come soon when Jammu and Kashmir will once again make its future better as a state," he said. PM Modi further said that projects related to the agriculture sector worth Rs 1,800 crore were inaugurated. श्रीनगर में मुझे आशीर्वाद देने उमड़े लोगों के स्नेह और अपनत्व ने हृदय को छू लिया। pic.twitter.com/7jEaTYw0DX — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 20, 2024 × "Projects related to the agriculture sector worth Rs 1800 crore were inaugurated. New national highways and expressways are being constructed here. Every Indian feels proud when they see pictures of the world's highest bridge on the river Chenab," the Indian prime minister said. "The whole world is witnessing the changes in Kashmir Valley...Humara Kashmir kitna aage badh gaya hai'...You will see that the International Yoga Day celebration will also become an attraction for tourists," he added. PM Modi's BJP-led government in August 2019 had scrapped Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, bifurcating the state into two union territories. Also read: Jammu and Kashmir: Two terrorists 'eliminated' by security forces in Baramulla district 'Will not hesitate to teach lesson to enemies of Jammu and Kashmir' Reacting to the recent terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, PM Modi said that the government will take stern action and not spare the enemies. "The enemies of peace humanity doesn't like development. Today, they are making their last efforts so that progress in Jammu and Kashmir stops and peace is not established. The government has taken the recent terror attacks very seriously. The Union Home Minister (Amit Shah) has chaired a meeting with the officials of Jammu and Kashmir to review them," he said. PM Modi reiterated, "I assure you that we will not hesitate to teach a lesson to the enemies of Jammu and Kashmir". (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi indicates early restoration of statehood on his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir

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