The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday announced that it is working on chip-enabled e-passports as the ministry pursues reforms to deliver citizen-centric services.

Speaking at the Passport Seva Diwas in Delhi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, "The Ministry has initiated discussions with the India Security Press regarding the project for the issue of chip-enabled e-passports to the citizens."

Explaining that the ministry has proposed to "pursue the manufacture of e-passports on priority" so that a "new passport booklet with advanced security features can be rolled out in the near future."

India Security Press in Nashik will be working on the chip-enabled e-passports which will have security features.

India issues more than one crore passports every year. The Indian government has introduced a number of reforms for the delivery of Passport which includes simplification of passport rules to launch of Passport Seva Kendras.&nbsp;

When it comes to simplification of the passport rule, self-attested documents are now acceptable and India has eased the process of getting passports for minors by their single parent and also for applicants who are either separated or divorced.

MEA along with Department of Posts has opened 505 Passport Seva Kendras since January 2017 so that citizens don't have to travel far to submit passport applications.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday announced that it is working on chip-enabled e-passports as the ministry pursues reforms to deliver citizen-centric services.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday announced that it is working on chip-enabled e-passports as the ministry pursues reforms to deliver citizen-centric services. Speaking at the Passport Seva Diwas in Delhi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, "The Ministry has initiated discussions with the India Security Press regarding the project for the issue of chip-enabled e-passports to the citizens." Explaining that the ministry has proposed to "pursue the manufacture of e-passports on priority" so that a "new passport booklet with advanced security features can be rolled out in the near future." India Security Press in Nashik will be working on the chip-enabled e-passports which will have security features. India issues more than one crore passports every year. The Indian government has introduced a number of reforms for the delivery of Passport which includes simplification of passport rules to launch of Passport Seva Kendras. When it comes to simplification of the passport rule, self-attested documents are now acceptable and India has eased the process of getting passports for minors by their single parent and also for applicants who are either separated or divorced. MEA along with Department of Posts has opened 505 Passport Seva Kendras since January 2017 so that citizens don't have to travel far to submit passport applications.

India working on chip-enabled e-passports: MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday hosted dinner for all heads&nbsp;of missions. It was presided over by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.&nbsp;

The event was a welcome dinner during which Jaishankar spoke about Indian foreign policy and had informal chats with many envoys.

Outlining the focus for the next five years, the EAM highlighted how New Delhi is ready to share global responsibilities and be part of shaping global outcomes from climate change to maritime security.&nbsp;

He explained how India will be working on its global footprint, starting with the immediate neighbourhood under the neighbourhood first policy, towards the east with Act East and other parts of the world from Pacific to Africa to Europe.&nbsp;

He said New Delhi is keen on initiating partnerships across the world as part of India's transformation. Past few years have seen PM Modi inviting countries such as Japan, Germany, France, Israel to be part of India's flagship programmes such as 'Make In India', smart cities, etc

"It was a gesture highly valued by the DC that minister Jaishankar offered us this dinner. The minister was very close and warm, approaching to greet each table and talking with us", Coromoto Godoy Calderon, Venezuelan envoy to India told WION. Adding, "I was very impressed by his kindness".

The dinner which took place at a Delhi hotel also saw Pakistan in attendance. Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah was representing his country.&nbsp;

Remember, Pakistan's new envoy Moin-ul-Haq still hasn't taken charge. Former Pak High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood went on to become new Pak foreign secretary leaving the position vacant.&nbsp;

New Delhi has sent a clear message to Pakistan to act on terror, only then any talks can happen. Many would see there is no point reading too much in India's invite to Pakistan's DHC.

During the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit last week, PM Modi and Pakistan&nbsp;PM Imran Khan exchanged pleasantries but no meeting or pull-aside happened. &nbsp;

Ties between the two nuclear neighbours have slid in a downward trajectory in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack. The responsibility of the attack was claimed by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed. 
&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday hosted dinner for all heads of missions. It was presided over by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The event was a welcome dinner during which Jaishankar spoke about Indian foreign policy and had informal chats with many envoys.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday hosted dinner for all heads of missions. It was presided over by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The event was a welcome dinner during which Jaishankar spoke about Indian foreign policy and had informal chats with many envoys. Outlining the focus for the next five years, the EAM highlighted how New Delhi is ready to share global responsibilities and be part of shaping global outcomes from climate change to maritime security. He explained how India will be working on its global footprint, starting with the immediate neighbourhood under the neighbourhood first policy, towards the east with Act East and other parts of the world from Pacific to Africa to Europe. He said New Delhi is keen on initiating partnerships across the world as part of India's transformation. Past few years have seen PM Modi inviting countries such as Japan, Germany, France, Israel to be part of India's flagship programmes such as 'Make In India', smart cities, etc "It was a gesture highly valued by the DC that minister Jaishankar offered us this dinner. The minister was very close and warm, approaching to greet each table and talking with us", Coromoto Godoy Calderon, Venezuelan envoy to India told WION. Adding, "I was very impressed by his kindness". The dinner which took place at a Delhi hotel also saw Pakistan in attendance. Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah was representing his country. Remember, Pakistan's new envoy Moin-ul-Haq still hasn't taken charge. Former Pak High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood went on to become new Pak foreign secretary leaving the position vacant. New Delhi has sent a clear message to Pakistan to act on terror, only then any talks can happen. Many would see there is no point reading too much in India's invite to Pakistan's DHC. During the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit last week, PM Modi and Pakistan PM Imran Khan exchanged pleasantries but no meeting or pull-aside happened. Ties between the two nuclear neighbours have slid in a downward trajectory in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack. The responsibility of the attack was claimed by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.

'India ready to shape global outcomes,' External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tells envoys

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Thursday spoke with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and underscored the Trump administration's strong commitment to work closely with India to advance the bilateral strategic partnership, a top official has said.

Pompeo, who will be visiting India from June 25-27, spoke with Jaishankar to congratulate the External Affairs Minister on his appointment, State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said.

The congratulatory call from Pompeo comes nearly three weeks after Jaishankar was appointed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his External Affairs Minister.

"Pompeo underscored the strong US commitment to working closely with the new Indian Government to advance our strategic partnership," Ortagus said in a readout of the call, which took a long time ? possibly the longest in at least a decade.

"Secretary Pompeo and Minister Jaishankar also discussed shared US and Indian objectives in safeguarding a free and open Indo-Pacific, US India security cooperation, and the US-India economic partnership," Ortagus said.

Pompeo's visit to India will be the first high-level engagement between the two countries since the general election.

Earlier, Pompeo said his upcoming visit to New Delhi will be focused on advancing America's "incredibly important" ties with India which is a significant part of President Donald Trump's strategy to advance the shared goal of a "free and open" Indo-Pacific region, where China is flexing its muscles.

India, the US and several other world powers have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of China's rising military maneuvering in the region.

China has been trying to expand its military presence in the Indo-Pacific, which is a biogeographic region, comprising the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea.

China claims almost all of the South China Sea. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims over the sea.

China has expanded through reclamation or built entirely new man-made islands atop coral reefs and has equipped many of them with military installations and airfields.

Prime Minister Modi during his recent visit to the Maldives underscored India's firm commitment to make the strategic Indo-Pacific an area for shared economic growth, saying it has been "our lifeline, and also the highway for trade and prosperity."&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Thursday spoke with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and underscored the Trump administration's strong commitment to work closely with India to advance the bilateral strategic partnership, a top official has said.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Thursday spoke with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and underscored the Trump administration's strong commitment to work closely with India to advance the bilateral strategic partnership, a top official has said. Pompeo, who will be visiting India from June 25-27, spoke with Jaishankar to congratulate the External Affairs Minister on his appointment, State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said. The congratulatory call from Pompeo comes nearly three weeks after Jaishankar was appointed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his External Affairs Minister. "Pompeo underscored the strong US commitment to working closely with the new Indian Government to advance our strategic partnership," Ortagus said in a readout of the call, which took a long time ? possibly the longest in at least a decade. "Secretary Pompeo and Minister Jaishankar also discussed shared US and Indian objectives in safeguarding a free and open Indo-Pacific, US India security cooperation, and the US-India economic partnership," Ortagus said. Pompeo's visit to India will be the first high-level engagement between the two countries since the general election. Earlier, Pompeo said his upcoming visit to New Delhi will be focused on advancing America's "incredibly important" ties with India which is a significant part of President Donald Trump's strategy to advance the shared goal of a "free and open" Indo-Pacific region, where China is flexing its muscles. India, the US and several other world powers have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of China's rising military maneuvering in the region. China has been trying to expand its military presence in the Indo-Pacific, which is a biogeographic region, comprising the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea. China claims almost all of the South China Sea. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims over the sea. China has expanded through reclamation or built entirely new man-made islands atop coral reefs and has equipped many of them with military installations and airfields. Prime Minister Modi during his recent visit to the Maldives underscored India's firm commitment to make the strategic Indo-Pacific an area for shared economic growth, saying it has been "our lifeline, and also the highway for trade and prosperity."

Ahead of India visit, Pompeo makes congratulatory call to Jaishankar 

India has rubbished reports in Pakistani media that PM Modi wrote a letter to his Pakistani counterpart expressing desire to resume talks between the two countries.

Responding to queries on PM Modi's response to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's congratulatory message on BJP's win in Indian general elections, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "The Indian response is as per the established diplomatic practice and the India side highlighted that New Delhi seeks normal and cooperative relations with all neighbours, including Pakistan."

PM Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, responding to congratulatory letters by Imran Khan and Pakistani Foreign Minister SM Qureshi, asked Islamabad to create an environment free of terror. India seeks normal and cooperative relations with all neighbours, including Pakistan, both PM Modi and foreign minister Jaishankar highlighted in their letters.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sco-summit-2019-india-has-refused-to-endorse-chinas-bri-227353/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In his message, PM Modi said, "It is important to build an environment of trust, free of terror, violence and hostility." Foreign minister Jaishankar emphasised the need for an "atmosphere free from the shadow of terror and violence".

India has said no talks with Pakistan will happen till it takes action on terror groups on its territory and that has been Modi government's policy in its first term.

During the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO meet in Bishkek both Indian and Pakistani premiers were in the same room many times but no bilateral meeting or <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-modi-imran-pull-aside-at-sco-as-new-delhi-strongly-raises-terror-227148">pull-aside</a> happened though <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-and-imran-khan-exchange-pleasantries-at-sco-summit-227199">pleasantries were exchanged</a> once.

Pakistani PM Imran Khan had called PM Modi after his election victory on May 23. During the conversation, no invite was extended to Imran Khan for the oath-taking of Narendra Modi on May 30 and New Delhi had called for the need to create an environment free of terrorism.

Ties between the two countries are frayed since the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based United Nations listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.

India has rubbished reports in Pakistani media that PM Modi wrote a letter to his Pakistani counterpart expressing desire to resume talks between the two countries.

India has rubbished reports in Pakistani media that PM Modi wrote a letter to his Pakistani counterpart expressing desire to resume talks between the two countries. Responding to queries on PM Modi's response to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's congratulatory message on BJP's win in Indian general elections, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "The Indian response is as per the established diplomatic practice and the India side highlighted that New Delhi seeks normal and cooperative relations with all neighbours, including Pakistan." PM Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, responding to congratulatory letters by Imran Khan and Pakistani Foreign Minister SM Qureshi, asked Islamabad to create an environment free of terror. India seeks normal and cooperative relations with all neighbours, including Pakistan, both PM Modi and foreign minister Jaishankar highlighted in their letters. × In his message, PM Modi said, "It is important to build an environment of trust, free of terror, violence and hostility." Foreign minister Jaishankar emphasised the need for an "atmosphere free from the shadow of terror and violence". India has said no talks with Pakistan will happen till it takes action on terror groups on its territory and that has been Modi government's policy in its first term. During the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO meet in Bishkek both Indian and Pakistani premiers were in the same room many times but no bilateral meeting or pull-aside happened though pleasantries were exchanged once. Pakistani PM Imran Khan had called PM Modi after his election victory on May 23. During the conversation, no invite was extended to Imran Khan for the oath-taking of Narendra Modi on May 30 and New Delhi had called for the need to create an environment free of terrorism. Ties between the two countries are frayed since the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based United Nations listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.

India rubbishes Pak media reports on PM Modi's letter, says terror and talks can't go together

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday held a preparatory meeting for the upcoming G20 summit slated to be held in Osaka and Japan on June 28 and 29.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das attended the meeting.

Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Das said,&nbsp;"It was a Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) meeting.

We reviewed the current state of the economy, the overall macro-economic situation and global development.

"The RBI Governor further said that various budget-related suggestions and proposals were also discussed.

"Regulators and concerned secretaries of the government were present during the meeting," said Das.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday held a preparatory meeting for the upcoming G20 summit slated to be held in Osaka and Japan on June 28 and 29. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das attended the meeting.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday held a preparatory meeting for the upcoming G20 summit slated to be held in Osaka and Japan on June 28 and 29. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das attended the meeting. Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Das said, "It was a Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) meeting. We reviewed the current state of the economy, the overall macro-economic situation and global development. "The RBI Governor further said that various budget-related suggestions and proposals were also discussed. "Regulators and concerned secretaries of the government were present during the meeting," said Das.

Nirmala Sitharaman holds preparatory meeting for upcoming G20 summit

A day after PM Modi strongly raised the issue of terror at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Kyrgyzstan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called it the " gravest threat" that "we face in Asia today" at a summit in neighbouring Tajikistan.

Speaking at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia or CICA Summit in Tajik capital Dushanbe, EAM said, "Many CICA members are victims of terrorism and should be clear that terrorists and their victims must never be equated".

At the summit, New Delhi called for early finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism or CCIT which was proposed by India in 2016 and calls for a common definition on terror.

On regional connectivity initiatives, India reiterated that connectivity projects should be "inclusive, sustainable, transparent and respect the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity", a message for Bejing, whose CPEC or China-Pakistan Economic Corridor passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).&nbsp;

CPEC is part of China's mega connectivity plan - Belt and Road Initiative which plans to connect China with the rest of Asia and beyond.

CICA is a 26 member grouping based in Kazakhstan.

On Afghanistan, New Delhi said, "all initiatives and processes must include all sections of Afghan society, including the legitimately elected government", a statement which shows India's continued support to President Ashraf Ghani-led government who seems to be isolated in US-Taliban talks and Russian initiatives on Afghanistan.

On the sidelines of the CICA summit, EAM Jaishankar met Vice President of Vietnam Mme Đặng Thị Ngọc Thịnh, Bahrain's Foreign Minister Khalid Al Khalifa, Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and Bangladesh's AK Abdul Momen.&nbsp;

A day after PM Modi strongly raised the issue of terror at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Kyrgyzstan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called it the " gravest threat" that "we face in Asia today" at a summit in neighbouring Tajikistan.

A day after PM Modi strongly raised the issue of terror at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Kyrgyzstan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called it the " gravest threat" that "we face in Asia today" at a summit in neighbouring Tajikistan. Speaking at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia or CICA Summit in Tajik capital Dushanbe, EAM said, "Many CICA members are victims of terrorism and should be clear that terrorists and their victims must never be equated". At the summit, New Delhi called for early finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism or CCIT which was proposed by India in 2016 and calls for a common definition on terror. On regional connectivity initiatives, India reiterated that connectivity projects should be "inclusive, sustainable, transparent and respect the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity", a message for Bejing, whose CPEC or China-Pakistan Economic Corridor passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). CPEC is part of China's mega connectivity plan - Belt and Road Initiative which plans to connect China with the rest of Asia and beyond. CICA is a 26 member grouping based in Kazakhstan. On Afghanistan, New Delhi said, "all initiatives and processes must include all sections of Afghan society, including the legitimately elected government", a statement which shows India's continued support to President Ashraf Ghani-led government who seems to be isolated in US-Taliban talks and Russian initiatives on Afghanistan. On the sidelines of the CICA summit, EAM Jaishankar met Vice President of Vietnam Mme Đặng Thị Ngọc Thịnh, Bahrain's Foreign Minister Khalid Al Khalifa, Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and Bangladesh's AK Abdul Momen.

Terrorism is gravest threat in Asia: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at CICA Summit

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is representing India at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Summit in the Dushanbe, Tajikistan capital. Watch this video to know more.

S Jaishankar speaks at 5th CICA summit

CICA summit underway in Tajikistan

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will embark on a two-day visit to Bhutan on Friday for his first bilateral trip after assuming charge of the ministry.

The visit reflects the importance that India attaches to its bilateral relationship with Bhutan, a close friend, and neighbour, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press statement.

During the visit, Jaishankar is expected to receive an audience with King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, call on Prime Minister Lyonchhen Dr. Lotay Tshering and meet his counterpart Lyonpo Dr. Tandi Dorji.

During the visit, the two sides will discuss the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including the upcoming high-level exchanges, economic development and hydro-power cooperation, the statement said.

"India and Bhutan share a unique and time tested bilateral relationship, characterized by utmost trust, goodwill and mutual understanding. External Affairs Minister`s visit is in keeping with the tradition of regular visits and exchange of views at the high levels between the two countries," it further said.

On May 30, Tshering and other BIMSTEC leaders had attended the swearing-in of Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the BJP achieved a massive victory in the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will embark on a two-day visit to Bhutan on Friday for his first bilateral trip after assuming charge of the ministry. The visit reflects the importance that India attaches to its bilateral relationship with Bhutan, a close friend, and neighbour, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press statement.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will embark on a two-day visit to Bhutan on Friday for his first bilateral trip after assuming charge of the ministry. The visit reflects the importance that India attaches to its bilateral relationship with Bhutan, a close friend, and neighbour, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press statement. During the visit, Jaishankar is expected to receive an audience with King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, call on Prime Minister Lyonchhen Dr. Lotay Tshering and meet his counterpart Lyonpo Dr. Tandi Dorji. During the visit, the two sides will discuss the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including the upcoming high-level exchanges, economic development and hydro-power cooperation, the statement said. "India and Bhutan share a unique and time tested bilateral relationship, characterized by utmost trust, goodwill and mutual understanding. External Affairs Minister`s visit is in keeping with the tradition of regular visits and exchange of views at the high levels between the two countries," it further said. On May 30, Tshering and other BIMSTEC leaders had attended the swearing-in of Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the BJP achieved a massive victory in the Lok Sabha elections.

Jaishankar to embark on first bilateral visit to Bhutan today

Addressing his first press conference after taking over as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/proud-to-follow-in-sushma-swarajs-footsteps-says-new-external-affairs-minister-jaishankar-223335">External Affairs Minister</a>&nbsp;S Jaishankar on Thursday emphasised on the importance of focusing on "external aspects" for economic growth.

Speaking at a seminar in Delhi Jaishankar said, "Today, if we want to propel economic change, I think there is a greater responsibility for Indian foreign policy to focus on external aspects of it, to create partnerships and mechanisms which help Indian businesses do their business outside the country".

"There is big responsibility on the External Affairs Ministry to focus on project execution which has strategic significance," he said.

Talking about the Modi government's first five years in power&nbsp;he said, "large&nbsp;majority of people in India have recognised that the country's stature has risen in the world in last five years".

Further talking about the growth of nationalism in the world the EAM said, "Second change I would say is, across the world you have had broadly a growth of nationalism and reasons are very complex, that nationalism has been validated electorally in many places. At one level each is different, but somewhere there is a message out there".

"Third which is actually longer term change is sort of global re-balancing, sharpest manifestation of that is rise of China, to some extent rise of India as well but overall if you look at it in a 20-year time frame, it's very clear relative weights of global economies are changing,"&nbsp;Jaishankar said.

"Today, the emphasis is on tighter integration, the ability for different departments and ministries to work together. I have been a minister for less than a week and I have already spent more time with finance and commerce minister than I may have even spent in my own ministry."

Jaishankar said that India's growth in South Asia was important for the neighbouring countries as it was the largest economy (in South Asia).

"Primary responsibility is on India because we are the largest economy (in South Asia), in that sense our growth can serve as a lifting tide for all our neighbours,if that happens,I don't think we should over-negotiate that. Need to incentivise the cooperation in the neighbourhood, " he said.

"SAARC has certain problems and I think we all know what it is even if you were to put terrorism issue aside, there are connectivity and trade issues. If you look at why BIMSTEC leaders were invited for PM's swearing-in because we see energy, mindset and possibility in BIMSTEC, " the External Affairs Minister said.

(With inputs from ANI)

&nbsp;

Addressing his first press conference after taking over as the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday emphasised on the importance of focusing on "external aspects" for economic growth.

Addressing his first press conference after taking over as the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday emphasised on the importance of focusing on "external aspects" for economic growth. Speaking at a seminar in Delhi Jaishankar said, "Today, if we want to propel economic change, I think there is a greater responsibility for Indian foreign policy to focus on external aspects of it, to create partnerships and mechanisms which help Indian businesses do their business outside the country". "There is big responsibility on the External Affairs Ministry to focus on project execution which has strategic significance," he said. Talking about the Modi government's first five years in power he said, "large majority of people in India have recognised that the country's stature has risen in the world in last five years". Further talking about the growth of nationalism in the world the EAM said, "Second change I would say is, across the world you have had broadly a growth of nationalism and reasons are very complex, that nationalism has been validated electorally in many places. At one level each is different, but somewhere there is a message out there". "Third which is actually longer term change is sort of global re-balancing, sharpest manifestation of that is rise of China, to some extent rise of India as well but overall if you look at it in a 20-year time frame, it's very clear relative weights of global economies are changing," Jaishankar said. "Today, the emphasis is on tighter integration, the ability for different departments and ministries to work together. I have been a minister for less than a week and I have already spent more time with finance and commerce minister than I may have even spent in my own ministry." Jaishankar said that India's growth in South Asia was important for the neighbouring countries as it was the largest economy (in South Asia). "Primary responsibility is on India because we are the largest economy (in South Asia), in that sense our growth can serve as a lifting tide for all our neighbours,if that happens,I don't think we should over-negotiate that. Need to incentivise the cooperation in the neighbourhood, " he said. "SAARC has certain problems and I think we all know what it is even if you were to put terrorism issue aside, there are connectivity and trade issues. If you look at why BIMSTEC leaders were invited for PM's swearing-in because we see energy, mindset and possibility in BIMSTEC, " the External Affairs Minister said. (With inputs from ANI)

For economic growth, foreign policy needs to focus on external aspect: S Jaishankar

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/s-jaishankar-former-foreign-secretary-a-surprise-pick-in-team-modi-20-222869">External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar</a> has held telephonic conversations with his French and Turkish counterparts with a focus on enhancing the bilateral ties with the two countries.

Jaishankar termed his conversation with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian as "cordial".

"Had a cordial conversation with the French Foreign Minister @JY_LeDrian Plenty to look forward to and do in our already strong and successful strategic partnership with France," he said in a tweet.

The ties between Indian and France are on an upswing in the last few years. Both sides are particularly focussing on enhancing defence and security cooperation.&nbsp;

On his talks with Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Jaishankar said it was a warm conversation.

"Had a warm conversation with Foreign Minister of Turkey @MevlutCavusoglu that helped us build a personal and professional bond. Thank you for your good wishes. Look forward to closely working with you.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has held telephonic conversations with his French and Turkish counterparts with a focus on enhancing the bilateral ties with the two countries.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has held telephonic conversations with his French and Turkish counterparts with a focus on enhancing the bilateral ties with the two countries. Jaishankar termed his conversation with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian as "cordial". "Had a cordial conversation with the French Foreign Minister @JY_LeDrian Plenty to look forward to and do in our already strong and successful strategic partnership with France," he said in a tweet. The ties between Indian and France are on an upswing in the last few years. Both sides are particularly focussing on enhancing defence and security cooperation. On his talks with Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Jaishankar said it was a warm conversation. "Had a warm conversation with Foreign Minister of Turkey @MevlutCavusoglu that helped us build a personal and professional bond. Thank you for your good wishes. Look forward to closely working with you.

S Jaishankar holds telephonic conversations with foreign ministers of France, Turkey

Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar have been inducted into the Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has reconstituted it after his massive victory in the recent elections.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are the other two members of the CCS. They were earlier in the CCS in their capacities as Home and Defence Ministers respectively.

Shah and Jaishankar, who have made their entry into the Union Cabinet, take the place of Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj, who are no longer in the government after they chose not to contest elections on health grounds.

The CCS, which is headed by the prime minister, comprises the "elite four" ministers of the North and South Blocks on the Raisina Hill, consisting of Home, Defence, Finance and External Affairs.

Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar have been inducted into the Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has reconstituted it after his massive victory in the recent elections.

Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar have been inducted into the Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has reconstituted it after his massive victory in the recent elections. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are the other two members of the CCS. They were earlier in the CCS in their capacities as Home and Defence Ministers respectively. Shah and Jaishankar, who have made their entry into the Union Cabinet, take the place of Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj, who are no longer in the government after they chose not to contest elections on health grounds. The CCS, which is headed by the prime minister, comprises the "elite four" ministers of the North and South Blocks on the Raisina Hill, consisting of Home, Defence, Finance and External Affairs.

Amit Shah, S Jaishankar enter Cabinet Committee on Security

An 11-year-old Polish girl has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and newly-appointed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-language-will-be-imposed-says-foreign-minister-subrahmanyam-jaishankar-223700">External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar </a>seeking the return of her family to India.

Alicja Wanatko, in her handwritten letter to Modi and Jaishankar, spoke about her fond memories of her Goa stay and her love for Lord Shiva and the Nanda Devi mountain.

"I love my school in Goa, the beautiful nature and I am missing my volunteering in the animal rescue centre there where I was helping to take care of cows. My mum could not re-enter India on 24th March 2019 after a short trip out and we were told we were blacklisted due to our overstay," Alicja&nbsp;said in her letter, which was tweeted to Modi and Jaishankar by her mother Marta Kotlarska.

In April her mother, Marta Kotlarska, had also pleaded to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/proud-to-follow-in-sushma-swarajs-footsteps-says-new-external-affairs-minister-jaishankar-223335"> former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj</a>. She had claimed that she was blacklisted by the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Chamoli in Uttarakhand for overstaying "due to a misunderstanding".

The letter has been posted by her mother on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
the letter my daughther who is out of school due to lack of action from MHA officers has written to Honoreable Prime Minister of India for help in our case <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://t.co/PVIolpD9Ez">pic.twitter.com/PVIolpD9Ez</a>
— Marta Kotlarska (@KotlarskaMarta) <a href="https://twitter.com/KotlarskaMarta/status/1135059227678928896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

She also claims that she had paid the requisite fines prescribed by law.

According to reports, Marta and her daughter had arrived in Goa from Warsaw in September 2018. She is an artist and photographer by profession and had come to India to capture Goan culture.

She had left for Sri Lanka a few days earlier from Goa because she was about to exceed her 180-day limit of stay in India and visa renewal norms required for foreign nationals to formally re-enter the country. But as she arrived in the country, she was turned away from the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, a report by news agency IANS said.

She was later allowed to come back to pick up her daughter and left the country within&nbsp;a few days.

According to the report,&nbsp;the mother and daughter are currently in Cambodia and awaiting a possible return to India.

"Despite not being Indian citizens, we call it home," Alicja Wanatko adds in her letter.

"It feels like everything is just destroyed again. I pray to Shiva and Nanda Devi to help us and I have decided to write to you because you are the most powerful person that can help me and my mum come back to India, my home. Please help us and allow to remove us from this blacklist," she added.

Her mother also tagged newly-appointed Home Minister Amit Shah in a tweet and asked for help.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Sir big congratulations on becoming Home Minister. Im writing for your help to remove myself and my minor child who studies in India from blacklist on entering the country. Case is in Mha but officers are not responding to emails. We are praying to God for help. <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> <a href="https://t.co/qnad7JqA4V">https://t.co/qnad7JqA4V</a> <a href="https://t.co/itEDrHgvrm">pic.twitter.com/itEDrHgvrm</a>
— Marta Kotlarska (@KotlarskaMarta) <a href="https://twitter.com/KotlarskaMarta/status/1135083412606218242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

An 11-year-old Polish girl has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and newly-appointed External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar seeking the return of her family to India.

An 11-year-old Polish girl has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and newly-appointed External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar seeking the return of her family to India. Alicja Wanatko, in her handwritten letter to Modi and Jaishankar, spoke about her fond memories of her Goa stay and her love for Lord Shiva and the Nanda Devi mountain. "I love my school in Goa, the beautiful nature and I am missing my volunteering in the animal rescue centre there where I was helping to take care of cows. My mum could not re-enter India on 24th March 2019 after a short trip out and we were told we were blacklisted due to our overstay," Alicja said in her letter, which was tweeted to Modi and Jaishankar by her mother Marta Kotlarska. In April her mother, Marta Kotlarska, had also pleaded to former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj. She had claimed that she was blacklisted by the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Chamoli in Uttarakhand for overstaying "due to a misunderstanding". The letter has been posted by her mother on Twitter. the letter my daughther who is out of school due to lack of action from MHA officers has written to Honoreable Prime Minister of India for help in our case @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/PVIolpD9Ez — Marta Kotlarska (@KotlarskaMarta) June 2, 2019 × She also claims that she had paid the requisite fines prescribed by law. According to reports, Marta and her daughter had arrived in Goa from Warsaw in September 2018. She is an artist and photographer by profession and had come to India to capture Goan culture. She had left for Sri Lanka a few days earlier from Goa because she was about to exceed her 180-day limit of stay in India and visa renewal norms required for foreign nationals to formally re-enter the country. But as she arrived in the country, she was turned away from the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, a report by news agency IANS said. She was later allowed to come back to pick up her daughter and left the country within a few days. According to the report, the mother and daughter are currently in Cambodia and awaiting a possible return to India. "Despite not being Indian citizens, we call it home," Alicja Wanatko adds in her letter. "It feels like everything is just destroyed again. I pray to Shiva and Nanda Devi to help us and I have decided to write to you because you are the most powerful person that can help me and my mum come back to India, my home. Please help us and allow to remove us from this blacklist," she added. Her mother also tagged newly-appointed Home Minister Amit Shah in a tweet and asked for help. Sir big congratulations on becoming Home Minister. Im writing for your help to remove myself and my minor child who studies in India from blacklist on entering the country. Case is in Mha but officers are not responding to emails. We are praying to God for help. @AmitShah https://t.co/qnad7JqA4V pic.twitter.com/itEDrHgvrm — Marta Kotlarska (@KotlarskaMarta) June 2, 2019 ×

Polish girl writes to PM Modi, foreign minister Jaishankar for her return to India

Engaging with the Twitterverse for the first time, newly appointed External Affairs Minister (EAM) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar paid homage to his predecessor Sushma Swaraj on Saturday.

"My first tweet. Thank you all for the best wishes! Honoured to be given this responsibility. Proud to follow on the footsteps of @SushmaSwaraj ji," Jaishankar`s first tweet read.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
My first tweet. 
 
Thank you all for the best wishes! 
Honoured to be given this responsibility. 
Proud to follow on the footsteps of <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> ji
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1134685620834582529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-20-rajnath-singh-is-defence-minister-amit-shah-home-nirmala-sitharaman-gets-finace-223084">surprise addition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's latest Union Cabinet</a>, the former Foreign Secretary succeeds Swaraj in helming the Ministry of External Affairs for the next five years under the NDA government.

Swaraj opted out of contesting in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections citing her health. She spearheaded various rescue operations during her term, including those in Libya and Yemen.

The former EAM was much-loved by people for being one of the most approachable ministers, known for hearing out and solving grievances on Twitter.

Jaishankar pledged to follow the precedent set by her, and tweeted, "We at Team @MEAIndia continue to be at your service 24x7. Happy to be leading the effort with my colleague MoS Muraleedharan ji."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We at Team <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> continue to be at your service 24x7 
 
Happy to be leading the effort with my colleague MoS Muraleedharan ji <a href="https://twitter.com/VMBJP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VMBJP</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1134687081245171713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The EAM went on to express his gratitude for the wishes extended by his counterparts from Australia, France and Indonesia, who tweeted their greetings for the former top diplomat.

Both Jaishankar and the new Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, assumed office on May 31, following the official announcement regarding portfolio allocations.

"Back at South Block, in a new role! The new External Affairs Minister of India @DrSJaishankar assumes office," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted on Friday.

A former career diplomat, the 1977-batch IFS officer and Padma Shri awardee served as the Foreign Secretary for three years - from 2015 until his retirement in 2018 - under Modi's previous term as Prime Minister.

He had earlier served as India's Ambassador to China and then to the US. The incumbent EAM has previously been India`s Ambassador to the Czech Republic and High Commissioner to Singapore as well.

He was also the First Secretary and Political Advisor to the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka.

It is believed that Modi first met Jaishankar when he travelled to China as the Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2012.

The former diplomat played a critical role in handling tough negotiations with Beijing, following the incursion in Doklam and Ladakh`s Depsang.

He is also known as the Indian government`s key strategist for China and the US.

In 2008, Jaishankar was a member of the team which negotiated the landmark Indo-US nuclear deal under the UPA government headed by then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.&nbsp;

Engaging with the Twitterverse for the first time, newly appointed External Affairs Minister (EAM) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar paid homage to his predecessor Sushma Swaraj on Saturday.

Engaging with the Twitterverse for the first time, newly appointed External Affairs Minister (EAM) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar paid homage to his predecessor Sushma Swaraj on Saturday. "My first tweet. Thank you all for the best wishes! Honoured to be given this responsibility. Proud to follow on the footsteps of @SushmaSwaraj ji," Jaishankar`s first tweet read. My first tweet. Thank you all for the best wishes! Honoured to be given this responsibility. Proud to follow on the footsteps of @SushmaSwaraj ji — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 1, 2019 × A surprise addition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's latest Union Cabinet, the former Foreign Secretary succeeds Swaraj in helming the Ministry of External Affairs for the next five years under the NDA government. Swaraj opted out of contesting in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections citing her health. She spearheaded various rescue operations during her term, including those in Libya and Yemen. The former EAM was much-loved by people for being one of the most approachable ministers, known for hearing out and solving grievances on Twitter. Jaishankar pledged to follow the precedent set by her, and tweeted, "We at Team @MEAIndia continue to be at your service 24x7. Happy to be leading the effort with my colleague MoS Muraleedharan ji." We at Team @MEAIndia continue to be at your service 24x7 Happy to be leading the effort with my colleague MoS Muraleedharan ji @VMBJP — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 1, 2019 × The EAM went on to express his gratitude for the wishes extended by his counterparts from Australia, France and Indonesia, who tweeted their greetings for the former top diplomat. Both Jaishankar and the new Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, assumed office on May 31, following the official announcement regarding portfolio allocations. "Back at South Block, in a new role! The new External Affairs Minister of India @DrSJaishankar assumes office," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted on Friday. A former career diplomat, the 1977-batch IFS officer and Padma Shri awardee served as the Foreign Secretary for three years - from 2015 until his retirement in 2018 - under Modi's previous term as Prime Minister. He had earlier served as India's Ambassador to China and then to the US. The incumbent EAM has previously been India`s Ambassador to the Czech Republic and High Commissioner to Singapore as well. He was also the First Secretary and Political Advisor to the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka. It is believed that Modi first met Jaishankar when he travelled to China as the Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2012. The former diplomat played a critical role in handling tough negotiations with Beijing, following the incursion in Doklam and Ladakh`s Depsang. He is also known as the Indian government`s key strategist for China and the US. In 2008, Jaishankar was a member of the team which negotiated the landmark Indo-US nuclear deal under the UPA government headed by then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Proud to follow in Sushma Swaraj's footsteps, says new External Affairs Minister Jaishankar

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, surprise pick in the new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-takes-oath-as-prime-minister-for-second-time-222847">Narendra Modi government</a>, will take over as the foreign minister of the country. Jaishankar, former foreign secretary, took oath along with 56 other ministers at the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President House) on Thursday. He is the first career diplomat to handle the key portfolio.

The high-profile foreign affairs porfolio was handled by Sushma Swaraj who refused to be part of the new dispensation due to health issues. He is among the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/s-jaishankar-former-foreign-secretary-a-surprise-pick-in-team-modi-20-222869">first time ministers who took oath on Thursday</a>.

Considered an expert on China and the US, the new External Affairs minister's moves will be keenly watched to see whether he brings any changes in India's approach in dealing with Pakistan.

Jaishankar is a seasoned diplomat who was the Indian government's pointsman for China and the US. He is the son of late K Subrahmanyam, one of India's leading strategic analysts, and a key member of the Indian team which negotiated the landmark Indo-US nuclear deal.

The deal, initiated in 2005, took several years to craft and was signed by the UPA government headed by Manmohan Singh in 2007.

One of the longest-serving foreign secretaries, Jaishankar played a key role in shaping Modi's foreign policy during his first term, which saw significant growth and expansion of India's ties with key countries, particularly the US and the Arab nations. He will also have to deal with overall expectations of expanding India's global influence and stature, particularly in key multilateral forums like G-20, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS.

The 64-year-old - who is not a member of either the Rajya Sabha or the Lok Sabha at this point - is also likely to push for deepening cooperation with the African continent where China is fast expanding its influence and presence.

Watch: Amit Shah, S Jaishankar PM Narendra Modi's surprise pick

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/amit-shah-s-jaishankar-pm-narendra-modis-surprise-pick-223023/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He was the Foreign Secretary from January 2015 to January 2018. Jaishankar takes charge of the ministry nearly 16 months after he retired as foreign secretary.

He had earlier served as India's Ambassador to the US and before that to China.

A 1977-batch IFS officer, Jaishankar played a key role in resolving the crisis following the incursion in Ladakh's Depsang and the Doklam stand-off, handling the tough negotiations with Beijing.

Among other positions, Jaishankar has been India's High Commissioner to Singapore and Ambassador to the Czech Republic.

A graduate of St Stephen's College, Jaishankar is an MA in Political Science and an MPhil and PhD in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

Jaishankar is married to Kyoko Jaishankar and has two sons and a daughter.

In 2019, Jaishankar was conferred with Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award of the country.

(With inputs from&nbsp;agencies)

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, surprise pick in the new Narendra Modi government, will take over as the foreign minister of the country. Jaishankar, former foreign secretary, took oath along with 56 other ministers at the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President House) on Thursday.

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, surprise pick in the new Narendra Modi government, will take over as the foreign minister of the country. Jaishankar, former foreign secretary, took oath along with 56 other ministers at the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President House) on Thursday. He is the first career diplomat to handle the key portfolio. The high-profile foreign affairs porfolio was handled by Sushma Swaraj who refused to be part of the new dispensation due to health issues. He is among the first time ministers who took oath on Thursday. Considered an expert on China and the US, the new External Affairs minister's moves will be keenly watched to see whether he brings any changes in India's approach in dealing with Pakistan. Jaishankar is a seasoned diplomat who was the Indian government's pointsman for China and the US. He is the son of late K Subrahmanyam, one of India's leading strategic analysts, and a key member of the Indian team which negotiated the landmark Indo-US nuclear deal. The deal, initiated in 2005, took several years to craft and was signed by the UPA government headed by Manmohan Singh in 2007. One of the longest-serving foreign secretaries, Jaishankar played a key role in shaping Modi's foreign policy during his first term, which saw significant growth and expansion of India's ties with key countries, particularly the US and the Arab nations. He will also have to deal with overall expectations of expanding India's global influence and stature, particularly in key multilateral forums like G-20, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS. The 64-year-old - who is not a member of either the Rajya Sabha or the Lok Sabha at this point - is also likely to push for deepening cooperation with the African continent where China is fast expanding its influence and presence. Watch: Amit Shah, S Jaishankar PM Narendra Modi's surprise pick × He was the Foreign Secretary from January 2015 to January 2018. Jaishankar takes charge of the ministry nearly 16 months after he retired as foreign secretary. He had earlier served as India's Ambassador to the US and before that to China. A 1977-batch IFS officer, Jaishankar played a key role in resolving the crisis following the incursion in Ladakh's Depsang and the Doklam stand-off, handling the tough negotiations with Beijing. Among other positions, Jaishankar has been India's High Commissioner to Singapore and Ambassador to the Czech Republic. A graduate of St Stephen's College, Jaishankar is an MA in Political Science and an MPhil and PhD in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Jaishankar is married to Kyoko Jaishankar and has two sons and a daughter. In 2019, Jaishankar was conferred with Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award of the country. (With inputs from agencies)

S Jaishankar is the new foreign minister, will replace Sushma Swaraj

Narendra Modi, who began his second term as Prime Minister, took oath along with his Council of Minister. Among them was former foreign secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

Jaishankar was a surprise inclusion in the government and was seated on the dais in the forecourt of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/live-updates-prime-minister-narendra-modi-swearing-in-ceremony-222770">Rashtrapati Bhavan where the swearing-in ceremony took place</a>.

Jaishankar is a seasoned diplomat who was the Indian government's pointsman for China and the US. He is the son of late K Subrahmanyam, one of India's leading strategic analysts, and a key member of the Indian team which negotiated the landmark Indo-US nuclear deal.

The deal, initiated in 2005, took several years to craft, and was signed by the UPA government headed by Manmohan Singh in 2007.

Jaishankar's appointment as foreign secretary in January 2015 had evoked a sharp reaction from various quarters over the timing of the government's decision to remove Sujatha Singh.

Breaking News:&nbsp;Ex-Foreign secy S Jaishankar at PMO

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-news-ex-foreign-secy-s-jaishankar-at-pmo-222836/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He had earlier served as India's Ambassador to the US and before that to China.

A 1977-batch IFS officer, Jaishankar played a key role in resolving the crisis following the incursion in Ladakh's Depsang and the Doklam stand-off, handling the tough negotiations with Beijing.

Among other positions, Jaishankar has been India's High Commissioner to Singapore and Ambassador to the Czech Republic.

A graduate of St Stephen's College, Jaishankar is an MA in Political Science and an MPhil and PhD in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

Jaishankar is married to Kyoko Jaishankar and has two sons and a daughter.

In 2019, Jaishankar was conferred with Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award of the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

Narendra Modi, who began his second term as Prime Minister, took oath along with his Council of Minister. Among them was former foreign secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

Narendra Modi, who began his second term as Prime Minister, took oath along with his Council of Minister. Among them was former foreign secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Jaishankar was a surprise inclusion in the government and was seated on the dais in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan where the swearing-in ceremony took place. Jaishankar is a seasoned diplomat who was the Indian government's pointsman for China and the US. He is the son of late K Subrahmanyam, one of India's leading strategic analysts, and a key member of the Indian team which negotiated the landmark Indo-US nuclear deal. The deal, initiated in 2005, took several years to craft, and was signed by the UPA government headed by Manmohan Singh in 2007. Jaishankar's appointment as foreign secretary in January 2015 had evoked a sharp reaction from various quarters over the timing of the government's decision to remove Sujatha Singh. Breaking News: Ex-Foreign secy S Jaishankar at PMO He had earlier served as India's Ambassador to the US and before that to China. A 1977-batch IFS officer, Jaishankar played a key role in resolving the crisis following the incursion in Ladakh's Depsang and the Doklam stand-off, handling the tough negotiations with Beijing. Among other positions, Jaishankar has been India's High Commissioner to Singapore and Ambassador to the Czech Republic. A graduate of St Stephen's College, Jaishankar is an MA in Political Science and an MPhil and PhD in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Jaishankar is married to Kyoko Jaishankar and has two sons and a daughter. In 2019, Jaishankar was conferred with Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award of the country. (With inputs from agencies)

S Jaishankar, former foreign secretary, a surprise pick in Team Modi 2.0

According to Sources, S Jaishankar will be the part of the cabinet.

Breaking News: Ex-Foreign secy S Jaishankar at PMO

Tata Group today announced the appointment of former Indian foreign secretary S Jaishankar as its President, Global Corporate Affairs, within three months of his retirement from the government service.

Jaishankar will report to Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran, Tata Sons said in a statement.

"In his new role, he will be responsible for the Tata group's global corporate affairs and international strategy development and Tata Sons' international offices will report to him," it added.

Tata Sons further said Jaishankar, who was Indian foreign secretary from January 2015 to January 2018, will work with Tata companies to help them strengthen their business presence and positioning in their respective geographies globally. He had retired on January 28.

Commenting on the appointment, Chandrasekaran said, "His extensive experience and knowledge on international affairs will be very valuable to the group as we work to reinforce our brand and leadership globally."

Jaishankar joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1977 and held key roles during his career, including stints as High Commissioner to Singapore, Ambassador to China and the United States.&nbsp

He also played a key role in negotiating the Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement, the statement said.&nbsp

A graduate of St Stephen's College, Jaishankar is an MA in Political Science and an MPhil and PhD in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

Tata Sons further said Jaishankar, who was Indian foreign secretary from January 2015 to January 2018, will work with Tata companies to help them strengthen their business presence

Tata Group today announced the appointment of former Indian foreign secretary S Jaishankar as its President, Global Corporate Affairs, within three months of his retirement from the government service. Jaishankar will report to Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran, Tata Sons said in a statement. "In his new role, he will be responsible for the Tata group's global corporate affairs and international strategy development and Tata Sons' international offices will report to him," it added. Tata Sons further said Jaishankar, who was Indian foreign secretary from January 2015 to January 2018, will work with Tata companies to help them strengthen their business presence and positioning in their respective geographies globally. He had retired on January 28. Commenting on the appointment, Chandrasekaran said, "His extensive experience and knowledge on international affairs will be very valuable to the group as we work to reinforce our brand and leadership globally." Jaishankar joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1977 and held key roles during his career, including stints as High Commissioner to Singapore, Ambassador to China and the United States. He also played a key role in negotiating the Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement, the statement said. A graduate of St Stephen's College, Jaishankar is an MA in Political Science and an MPhil and PhD in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

Tata Sons appoints ex-foreign secretary Jaishankar as global corporate affairs head

Vijay Keshav Gokhale has been appointed as the new foreign secretary.&nbsp;He will be replacing S Jaishankar who will complete his tenure on January 28, 2018.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Vijay Keshav Gokhale appointed Foreign Secretary, replaces S Jaishankar who completes his tenure on January 28.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/947839526310838272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Gokhale has been appointed for a two-year fixed term. Currently, he is the secretary (economic relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs.

A 1981&nbsp;batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Gokhale has been&nbsp;India&#39;s envoy to China.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

He will be replacing S Jaishankar who will complete his tenure on January 28

Vijay Keshav Gokhale has been appointed as the new foreign secretary. He will be replacing S Jaishankar who will complete his tenure on January 28, 2018. Vijay Keshav Gokhale appointed Foreign Secretary, replaces S Jaishankar who completes his tenure on January 28. — ANI (@ANI) January 1, 2018 × Gokhale has been appointed for a two-year fixed term. Currently, he is the secretary (economic relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs. A 1981 batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Gokhale has been India's envoy to China.

?Vijay Keshav Gokhale to be new foreign secretary

The mother and wife of Kulbhushan Jadhav on Tuesday met External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj at her residence in New Delhi.&nbsp;

The meeting took place a day after the two officially went to Pakistan to meet their son and husband respectively. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Mother and wife of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KulbhushanJadhav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KulbhushanJadhav</a> leave from residence of EAM Sushma Swaraj in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/FFWIb4HcvJ">pic.twitter.com/FFWIb4HcvJ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945545635175866369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar were also present at the meeting.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar at the residence of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/C5MCnuUz6Z">pic.twitter.com/C5MCnuUz6Z</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945544453837660160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Jadhav, the Indian national sentenced to death in Pakistan, was allowed to meet his family, from behind a glass barrier at the Pakistan foreign ministry in Islamabad.

It was Jadhav&#39;s first meeting with his family, more than a year after he was arrested by the Pakistani Army over alleged espionage and spying activities in March last year.

Mother Avanti and wife Chetankul Jadhav were accompanied to the ministry by Indian deputy high Commissioner JP Singh and three Indian foreign ministry officials.&nbsp;

Only Jadhav&rsquo;s family was allowed into the room where he was sitting, while Singh and other officials monitored the meeting from outside the room.

The meeting lasted for 40 minutes.

The meeting took place a day after the two officially went to Pakistan to meet Jadhav?

The mother and wife of Kulbhushan Jadhav on Tuesday met External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj at her residence in New Delhi. The meeting took place a day after the two officially went to Pakistan to meet their son and husband respectively. Mother and wife of #KulbhushanJadhav leave from residence of EAM Sushma Swaraj in Delhi pic.twitter.com/FFWIb4HcvJ — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar were also present at the meeting. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar at the residence of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Delhi pic.twitter.com/C5MCnuUz6Z — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × Jadhav, the Indian national sentenced to death in Pakistan, was allowed to meet his family, from behind a glass barrier at the Pakistan foreign ministry in Islamabad. It was Jadhav's first meeting with his family, more than a year after he was arrested by the Pakistani Army over alleged espionage and spying activities in March last year. Mother Avanti and wife Chetankul Jadhav were accompanied to the ministry by Indian deputy high Commissioner JP Singh and three Indian foreign ministry officials. Only Jadhav’s family was allowed into the room where he was sitting, while Singh and other officials monitored the meeting from outside the room. The meeting lasted for 40 minutes.

Kulbhushan Jadhav's wife, mother meet Sushma Swaraj

The strategic partnerships in water and agriculture that India has entered into with Israel are aimed at doubling farmer incomes, Indian foreign secretary S Jaishankar said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The Modi government aims to double farmer incomes by 2022. And that, said Jaishankar, can only happen with technological advancement.&nbsp;

Jaishankar was speaking at a media briefing after the joint statement by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.&nbsp;

&quot;We have announced strategic partnership in water and agriculture and we really think that it has major potential. The key point here that there is a declared goal by the government of doubling farmer incomes by 2022 and that`s only possible through technological advancement,&quot; Jaishankar said at the media briefing.&nbsp;

Israel has made majore advances in both water and agriculture -- a result of the terrain its farmers have had to work with.&nbsp;

Some of those technologies are already in use in India.&nbsp;

A number of Indian farms use Israeli-developed drip-irrigation systems.&nbsp;

But India will need many more of those, especially in areas that are rain- rather than irrigation-fed.&nbsp;

Sixty seven per cent of India is rain-fed.&nbsp;

India should also be able to make good use of the advances Israel has made in agriculture.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Modi government aims to double farmer incomes by 2022

The strategic partnerships in water and agriculture that India has entered into with Israel are aimed at doubling farmer incomes, Indian foreign secretary S Jaishankar said on Wednesday. The Modi government aims to double farmer incomes by 2022. And that, said Jaishankar, can only happen with technological advancement. Jaishankar was speaking at a media briefing after the joint statement by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "We have announced strategic partnership in water and agriculture and we really think that it has major potential. The key point here that there is a declared goal by the government of doubling farmer incomes by 2022 and that`s only possible through technological advancement," Jaishankar said at the media briefing. Israel has made majore advances in both water and agriculture -- a result of the terrain its farmers have had to work with. Some of those technologies are already in use in India. A number of Indian farms use Israeli-developed drip-irrigation systems. But India will need many more of those, especially in areas that are rain- rather than irrigation-fed. Sixty seven per cent of India is rain-fed. India should also be able to make good use of the advances Israel has made in agriculture.

Strategic partnership in agriculture with Israel aimed at doubling farmer incomes: Jaishankar

India and the US have called on Pakistan to stop its soil from being used as a terror launchpad, Indian foreign secretary S Jaishankar said at a Ministry of External Affairs media briefing after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Jaishankar said India and the US, in a joint statement, have called on Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice perpatrators of terror attacks like 26/11, Pathankot, and other cross-border attacks perpetrated by Pakistan-based terror groups.&nbsp;

Jaishankar added that the designation of Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin as a &quot;global terrorist&quot; before the Modi-Trump meeting was &quot;a strong signal from the administration&quot;.&nbsp;

Watch video of the media briefing below:&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/do2MWlq1dmk" width="560"></iframe>

Jaishankar added that terrorism was identified as a key challenge in the Trump-Modi meeting.&nbsp;

And that discussions were also held on the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the United Nations Security Council.&nbsp;

The meeting between the two leaders, said Jaishankar, was cordial, focused and open.&nbsp;

There was a great degree of ease, he said.&nbsp;

Both leaders emphasised the importance of free and fair trade, Jaishankar added.&nbsp;

Jaishankar also added that President Trump had accepted Prime Minister Modi&#39;s invitation to visit India.&nbsp;

But he said he had no further details about the possible visit at the moment.&nbsp;

Indian foreign secretary S Jaishankar said India and the US, in a joint statement, have called on Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice perpatrators of terror attacks like 26/11 & Pathankot

India and the US have called on Pakistan to stop its soil from being used as a terror launchpad, Indian foreign secretary S Jaishankar said at a Ministry of External Affairs media briefing after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with President Donald Trump. Jaishankar said India and the US, in a joint statement, have called on Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice perpatrators of terror attacks like 26/11, Pathankot, and other cross-border attacks perpetrated by Pakistan-based terror groups. Jaishankar added that the designation of Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin as a "global terrorist" before the Modi-Trump meeting was "a strong signal from the administration". Watch video of the media briefing below: Jaishankar added that terrorism was identified as a key challenge in the Trump-Modi meeting. And that discussions were also held on the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the United Nations Security Council. The meeting between the two leaders, said Jaishankar, was cordial, focused and open. There was a great degree of ease, he said. Both leaders emphasised the importance of free and fair trade, Jaishankar added. Jaishankar also added that President Trump had accepted Prime Minister Modi's invitation to visit India. But he said he had no further details about the possible visit at the moment.

India & US have called on Pakistan to stop its soil from being used as terror launchpad: MEA

Indian Foreign Secretary S&nbsp;Jaishankar, presently on a US&nbsp;visit, said on Friday they have conveyed to the new administration that Indian partnership is important for the growing American economy to stay competitive.

When asked about discussion held with the Trump administration over the H1-B visa issue, the foreign secretary&nbsp;said the issue was discussed in a number of meetings with administration officials as well as the Congress.

During meetings, the Indian side conveyed that the H1-B&nbsp;was a category of trade and services which actually helps the American economy. 
 
&quot;If the Trump administration&#39;s intention is to bring back American companies to America and attract more foreign investment in America therefore there will be more growth then it is important that growing America remains competitive. So, there actually will be a growing need for this partnership,&quot; said Jaishankar during a conference at the Indian embassy in Washington DC.

He added, &quot;Of course in the US context it is seen as part of an immigration basket but what I would remind you is that the President himself in his address to the Congress referred to a merit based approach to this subject.&nbsp;We heard across the board a lot respect expressed for the Indian skills and Indians in the United States.

&quot;He said that the Indian side has certainly made its point quite forcefully both in the Congress and the administration and believes that it met with a degree of understanding.The Foreign Secretary held meetings with a number of senior US administration officials including Secretary of State Rex W Tillerson, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Secretary of Homeland Security John F &nbsp;Kelly, National Security Advisor Lt Gen HR McMaster, House speaker Paul Ryan along with meetings with senior member of the Congress.

Jaishankar said a wide range of issues were discussed during these meetings. The Foreign Secretary also interacted with American business through the US-India Business Council.

He added that overall it has been a very productive visit and that the new administration has a very positive view of India and there was a lot of interest in taking this relationship forward.He also mentioned that he extended an invitation to Tillerson and Ross to visit India at an early date, which they accepted in principal.

Jaishankar&#39;s&nbsp;four-day visit to the US&nbsp;aimed at sensitising the Trump administration over India&#39;s&nbsp;concerns over the security of Indian nationals in the US following a possible cut in H1-B and L-1 visas.

This is his second visit to the US&nbsp;since the election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the US.

(ANI)

&nbsp;

S Jaishankar said Indian talent was vital for America if it wanted to remain competitive

Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, presently on a US visit, said on Friday they have conveyed to the new administration that Indian partnership is important for the growing American economy to stay competitive. When asked about discussion held with the Trump administration over the H1-B visa issue, the foreign secretary said the issue was discussed in a number of meetings with administration officials as well as the Congress. During meetings, the Indian side conveyed that the H1-B was a category of trade and services which actually helps the American economy. "If the Trump administration's intention is to bring back American companies to America and attract more foreign investment in America therefore there will be more growth then it is important that growing America remains competitive. So, there actually will be a growing need for this partnership," said Jaishankar during a conference at the Indian embassy in Washington DC. He added, "Of course in the US context it is seen as part of an immigration basket but what I would remind you is that the President himself in his address to the Congress referred to a merit based approach to this subject. We heard across the board a lot respect expressed for the Indian skills and Indians in the United States. "He said that the Indian side has certainly made its point quite forcefully both in the Congress and the administration and believes that it met with a degree of understanding.The Foreign Secretary held meetings with a number of senior US administration officials including Secretary of State Rex W Tillerson, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Secretary of Homeland Security John F Kelly, National Security Advisor Lt Gen HR McMaster, House speaker Paul Ryan along with meetings with senior member of the Congress. Jaishankar said a wide range of issues were discussed during these meetings. The Foreign Secretary also interacted with American business through the US-India Business Council. He added that overall it has been a very productive visit and that the new administration has a very positive view of India and there was a lot of interest in taking this relationship forward.He also mentioned that he extended an invitation to Tillerson and Ross to visit India at an early date, which they accepted in principal. Jaishankar's four-day visit to the US aimed at sensitising the Trump administration over India's concerns over the security of Indian nationals in the US following a possible cut in H1-B and L-1 visas. This is his second visit to the US since the election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the US. (ANI)

H1-B help American economy: Indian foreign secretary to Trump administration

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, presently on a visit to the United States, on Friday met Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.&nbsp;

Jaishankar said that various bilateral issues, including terrorism, Asia-Pacific and Afghanistan, were discussed in the meeting.&nbsp;

&quot;I would characterise our discussions this way. Obviously, a lot of focus was on US-India rather than other countries. But, we did discuss the global strategic landscape and exchanged ideas. In a sense, we are the continuity part of this relationship. In the meetings with the Secretary of the State, with the national security advisor, we discussed Asia-Pacific, Afghanistan. We discussed the challenge of terrorism,&quot; he said.

The Foreign Secretary also held meetings with a number of senior US administration officials including Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Secretary of Homeland Security John F Kelly, National Security Advisor Lt Gen H R McMaster, House speaker Paul Ryan along with meetings with senior member of the Congress.

A wide range of issues were discussed during these meetings, while keeping the focus on US-India relationship.

While responding to a poser on new targets and ambitions, Jaishankar said the current US administration looked interested in working with India in a number of areas.

&quot;At this time a lot of it was conceptual. On the economic basket, we saw a very strong interest in growing our trade, increase in investment, in finding various ways of cooperating with each other,&quot; he said.

The Foreign Secretary also interacted with American business through the US-India Business Council.

He added his visit had overall been very productive and the new administration had a very positive view of India. Jaishankar also said there was a lot of interest in taking the India-US&nbsp;relationship forward.&nbsp;

He also mentioned that he extended an invitation to Tillerson and Ross to visit India at an early date, which they accepted in principal.

Jaishankar&#39;s four-day visit to the US was aimed at sensitising the Trump administration about India&#39;s concerns over the security of Indian nationals in the US following a possible cut in H1B and L1 visas.

This is the Foreign Secretary&#39;s second visit to the US since the election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the US.

(ANI)

Jaishankar said that various bilateral issues, including terrorism, Asia-Pacific and Afghanistan, were discussed in the meeting

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, presently on a visit to the United States, on Friday met Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Jaishankar said that various bilateral issues, including terrorism, Asia-Pacific and Afghanistan, were discussed in the meeting. "I would characterise our discussions this way. Obviously, a lot of focus was on US-India rather than other countries. But, we did discuss the global strategic landscape and exchanged ideas. In a sense, we are the continuity part of this relationship. In the meetings with the Secretary of the State, with the national security advisor, we discussed Asia-Pacific, Afghanistan. We discussed the challenge of terrorism," he said. The Foreign Secretary also held meetings with a number of senior US administration officials including Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Secretary of Homeland Security John F Kelly, National Security Advisor Lt Gen H R McMaster, House speaker Paul Ryan along with meetings with senior member of the Congress. A wide range of issues were discussed during these meetings, while keeping the focus on US-India relationship. While responding to a poser on new targets and ambitions, Jaishankar said the current US administration looked interested in working with India in a number of areas. "At this time a lot of it was conceptual. On the economic basket, we saw a very strong interest in growing our trade, increase in investment, in finding various ways of cooperating with each other," he said. The Foreign Secretary also interacted with American business through the US-India Business Council. He added his visit had overall been very productive and the new administration had a very positive view of India. Jaishankar also said there was a lot of interest in taking the India-US relationship forward. He also mentioned that he extended an invitation to Tillerson and Ross to visit India at an early date, which they accepted in principal. Jaishankar's four-day visit to the US was aimed at sensitising the Trump administration about India's concerns over the security of Indian nationals in the US following a possible cut in H1B and L1 visas. This is the Foreign Secretary's second visit to the US since the election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the US. (ANI)

India's foreign secretary Jaishankar meets US secretary of state Tillerson

Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, presently on a US visit, said on Friday they have conveyed to the new administration that Indian partnership is important for the growing American economy to stay competitive.

When asked about discussion held with the Trump administration over the H-1B visa issue, the Foreign Secretary said the issue was discussed in a number of meetings with administration officials as well as the Congress.

During the meetings, the Indian side conveyed that the H-1B was a category of trade and services which actually helps the American economy.

&quot;If the Trump administration&#39;s intention is to bring back American companies to America and attract more foreign investment in America therefore there will be more growth then it is important that growing America remains competitive. So, there actually will be a growing need for this partnership,&quot; said Jaishankar during a conference at the Indian embassy in Washington DC.

He added, &quot;Of course in the US context it is seen as part of an immigration basket but what I would remind you is that the President himself in his address to the Congress referred to a merit based approach to this subject. We heard across the board a lot respect expressed for the Indian skills and Indians in the United States.&quot;&#39;

He said that the Indian side has certainly made its point quite forcefully both in the Congress and the administration and believes that it met with a degree of understanding.

The Foreign Secretary held meetings with a number of senior US administration officials including Secretary of State Rex W Tillerson, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Secretary of Homeland Security John F Kelly, National Security Advisor Lt Gen&nbsp;HR&nbsp;McMaster, House speaker Paul Ryan along with meetings with senior member of the Congress.

Jaishankar said a wide range of issues were discussed during these meetings. The Foreign Secretary also interacted with American business through the US-India Business Council. He added that overall it has been a very productive visit and that the new administration has a very positive view of India and there was a lot of interest in taking this relationship forward. He also mentioned that he extended an invitation to Tillerson and Ross to visit India at an early date, which they accepted in principal.

Jaishankar&#39;s four-day visit to the US aimed at sensitising the Trump administration over India&#39;s concerns over the security of Indian nationals in the US following a possible cut in H-1B and L-1 visas.This is his second visit to the US since the election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the US. 
 
(ANI)

S Jaishankar said he had conveyed India's concerns on H-1B and immigration to the US

Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, presently on a US visit, said on Friday they have conveyed to the new administration that Indian partnership is important for the growing American economy to stay competitive. When asked about discussion held with the Trump administration over the H-1B visa issue, the Foreign Secretary said the issue was discussed in a number of meetings with administration officials as well as the Congress. During the meetings, the Indian side conveyed that the H-1B was a category of trade and services which actually helps the American economy. "If the Trump administration's intention is to bring back American companies to America and attract more foreign investment in America therefore there will be more growth then it is important that growing America remains competitive. So, there actually will be a growing need for this partnership," said Jaishankar during a conference at the Indian embassy in Washington DC. He added, "Of course in the US context it is seen as part of an immigration basket but what I would remind you is that the President himself in his address to the Congress referred to a merit based approach to this subject. We heard across the board a lot respect expressed for the Indian skills and Indians in the United States."' He said that the Indian side has certainly made its point quite forcefully both in the Congress and the administration and believes that it met with a degree of understanding. The Foreign Secretary held meetings with a number of senior US administration officials including Secretary of State Rex W Tillerson, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Secretary of Homeland Security John F Kelly, National Security Advisor Lt Gen HR McMaster, House speaker Paul Ryan along with meetings with senior member of the Congress. Jaishankar said a wide range of issues were discussed during these meetings. The Foreign Secretary also interacted with American business through the US-India Business Council. He added that overall it has been a very productive visit and that the new administration has a very positive view of India and there was a lot of interest in taking this relationship forward. He also mentioned that he extended an invitation to Tillerson and Ross to visit India at an early date, which they accepted in principal. Jaishankar's four-day visit to the US aimed at sensitising the Trump administration over India's concerns over the security of Indian nationals in the US following a possible cut in H-1B and L-1 visas.This is his second visit to the US since the election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the US. (ANI)

H-1B visas help American economy: Indian foreign secretary to Trump administration

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar will embark on a four-day visit to USA from Tuesday and is expected to discuss bilateral issues including India&#39;s concerns over a possible clamp-down on H1-B visas and safety of Indians in the country.

Jaishankar will also hold talks on regional and international issues of mutual interest with senior members of the Donald Trump administration during the country, PTI reported.

Indian officials said Jaishankar would convey India&#39;s view to the US that Indian IT companies were contributing to the American economy by increasing the competitiveness of their firms. They added that the government was engaged with the Trump administration as well as members of the US Congress on concerns regarding the H1-B visa issue.

Jaishankar&#39;s visit will take place barely days after the killing of an Indian engineer in in Kansas in an apparent incident of hate crime. The foreign secretary is expected to discuss the issue of safety of Indian nationals in the country as well.

The H1-B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialised fields. IT companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

 
&nbsp;

He is expected to convey India's view that its IT companies are contributing to USA's economy by increasing competitiveness of their firms

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar will embark on a four-day visit to USA from Tuesday and is expected to discuss bilateral issues including India's concerns over a possible clamp-down on H1-B visas and safety of Indians in the country. Jaishankar will also hold talks on regional and international issues of mutual interest with senior members of the Donald Trump administration during the country, PTI reported. Indian officials said Jaishankar would convey India's view to the US that Indian IT companies were contributing to the American economy by increasing the competitiveness of their firms. They added that the government was engaged with the Trump administration as well as members of the US Congress on concerns regarding the H1-B visa issue. Jaishankar's visit will take place barely days after the killing of an Indian engineer in in Kansas in an apparent incident of hate crime. The foreign secretary is expected to discuss the issue of safety of Indian nationals in the country as well. The H1-B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialised fields. IT companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year. (WION with inputs from PTI)

India's top diplomat S Jaishankar set to visit US over H1-B visa concerns

Indian foreign secretary S Jaishankar on Tuesday is understood to have differed with the claims of defence minister Manohar Parrikar on the &quot;surgical strikes&quot;&nbsp;carried out by the Indian Army&#39;s special forces across the LoC on September 29 to demolish terror camps.

Briefing the parliamentary panel on external affairs, the foreign secretary was quoted by MPs as saying &quot;the army had carried out target-specific, limited-calibre, counter-terrorist operations across the LoC in the past too but this is for the first time the government has gone public about it.&quot;

The comments assume significance as the defence minister last week rejected the Congress party&#39;s claims that &quot;surgical strikes&quot; were undertaken during their tenure too. Many former military officials had described the past actions as &quot;covert operations&quot;, but agreed with Parrikar that &quot;surgical strikes&quot; were undertaken for the first time.

The foreign secretary also told the panel that while India has been engaging with Pakistan post the September 29 &quot;surgical strikes&quot;, no &quot;calendar&quot; has so far been prepared regarding future engagement and its level with Islamabad, members said on condition of anonymity.

Replying to a question, he said people-to-people contact would continue and there was no plan to stop it.

During the two-and-a-half-hour meeting, vice chief of army staff Lt Gen Bipin Rawat also gave details of the strikes targeting militant launch&nbsp;pads across the LoC. They told the panel that the strikes have fulfilled their purpose as of now. When a Congress member wanted to know whether similar operations could be carried out in the future as well, the government&#39;s representatives said the strikes have caused a nagging doubt in the Pakistani establishment as to whether India will carry out similar operations in the future.

When asked about the casualties&nbsp;they could inflict on the militants, the officials said the army would cross the LoC to carry out strikes and not to collect evidence.

Jaishankar sought to skirt the issue of the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan stating that it did not witness any action along the LoC at the time the &quot;surgical strikes&quot; took place. He said since panel chairman Shashi Tharoor had been associated with the body, he would not like to say anything.

During the meeting, there was a brief exchange of words between a BJP and a Left party member when the former raised the issue of security of MPs after the strikes. Some members said the topic of the meeting was national security and not individual security.

Defence secretary G Mohan Kumar and K K Sharma,&nbsp;director general of the&nbsp;Border Security Force,&nbsp;were also present at the meeting,&nbsp;besides the foreign secretary and the vice chief of army staff.

(WION, this story first appeared in DNA)

The minister had last week rejected the Opposition Congress' claim that similar strikes had been ordered during its tenure too

Indian foreign secretary S Jaishankar on Tuesday is understood to have differed with the claims of defence minister Manohar Parrikar on the "surgical strikes" carried out by the Indian Army's special forces across the LoC on September 29 to demolish terror camps. Briefing the parliamentary panel on external affairs, the foreign secretary was quoted by MPs as saying "the army had carried out target-specific, limited-calibre, counter-terrorist operations across the LoC in the past too but this is for the first time the government has gone public about it." The comments assume significance as the defence minister last week rejected the Congress party's claims that "surgical strikes" were undertaken during their tenure too. Many former military officials had described the past actions as "covert operations", but agreed with Parrikar that "surgical strikes" were undertaken for the first time. The foreign secretary also told the panel that while India has been engaging with Pakistan post the September 29 "surgical strikes", no "calendar" has so far been prepared regarding future engagement and its level with Islamabad, members said on condition of anonymity. Replying to a question, he said people-to-people contact would continue and there was no plan to stop it. During the two-and-a-half-hour meeting, vice chief of army staff Lt Gen Bipin Rawat also gave details of the strikes targeting militant launch pads across the LoC. They told the panel that the strikes have fulfilled their purpose as of now. When a Congress member wanted to know whether similar operations could be carried out in the future as well, the government's representatives said the strikes have caused a nagging doubt in the Pakistani establishment as to whether India will carry out similar operations in the future. When asked about the casualties they could inflict on the militants, the officials said the army would cross the LoC to carry out strikes and not to collect evidence. Jaishankar sought to skirt the issue of the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan stating that it did not witness any action along the LoC at the time the "surgical strikes" took place. He said since panel chairman Shashi Tharoor had been associated with the body, he would not like to say anything. During the meeting, there was a brief exchange of words between a BJP and a Left party member when the former raised the issue of security of MPs after the strikes. Some members said the topic of the meeting was national security and not individual security. Defence secretary G Mohan Kumar and K K Sharma, director general of the Border Security Force, were also present at the meeting, besides the foreign secretary and the vice chief of army staff. (WION, this story first appeared in DNA)

India: Foreign secretary differs with defence minister, says 'surgical strikes' were carried out in the past too

s-jaishankar-0

S Jaishankar, News on S Jaishankar, stories on S Jaishankar, articles on S Jaishankar, S Jaishankar stories at Wion, S Jaishankar news, S Jaishankar latest news

s jaishankar-0