<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-foreign-minister-qureshi-writes-to-external-affairs-minister-jaishankar-advocates-talks-225139">External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar</a> on Friday met Bhutan's top leadership, including Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, and discussed important elements of the bilateral ties with emphasis on development partnership and cooperation in the hydropower sector.

Jaishankar is in the Buddhist kingdom on a two-day visit, his first overseas trip after assuming charge of the Ministry of External Affairs.

He also conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's greetings during his talks with Prime Minister Tshering.

"It was a pleasure to call on @PMBhutan Dr Lotay Tshering. Conveyed PM @narendramodi's greetings and had a cordial conversation on important elements of the bilateral partnership," Jaishankar tweeted.

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It was a pleasure to call on <a href="https://twitter.com/PMBhutan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMBhutan</a> Dr. Lotay Tshering. 
Conveyed PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>’s greetings and had a cordial conversation on important elements of the bilateral partnership. <a href="https://t.co/ZdnUKw7ptR">pic.twitter.com/ZdnUKw7ptR</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1136946538280902656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that Jaishankar had a "constructive conversation with a close partner".

"Constructive conversation with a close partner. EAM @DrSJaishankar called on @PMBhutan Dr Lotay Tshering and conveyed PM @narendramodi's greetings. High-level exchanges &amp; engagements have further enhanced our bilateral connections," he said in a tweet.

Earlier, Jaishankar held talks with his Bhutanese counterpart Tandi Dorji and discussed issues of mutual interest with emphasis on development partnership and hydropower.

"Excellent conversation with my colleague @FMBhutan Dr Tandi Dorji. We recommitted ourselves to further enriching our special and unique ties," he said in a tweet.

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Excellent conversation with my colleague <a href="https://twitter.com/FMBhutan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FMBhutan</a> Dr. Tandi Dorji. We recommitted ourselves to further enriching our special and unique ties. <a href="https://t.co/Q4A9D7sRLc">pic.twitter.com/Q4A9D7sRLc</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1136945692994412544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Kumar said that the two leaders discussed issues of mutual interest with emphasis on development partnership and hydropower, "giving a new thrust to time-tested friendship".

"EAM @DrSJaishankar held talks with @FMBhutan Dr. Tandi Dorji. The two Ministers discussed issues of mutual interest with emphasis on development partnership and hydropower," he said in a tweet.

The External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi on Thursday said that the visit reflects the importance India attaches to its relationship with Bhutan, a close friend and neighbour.

Bhutan has been a close ally of India and bilateral ties between the two countries are on an upswing in the last few years.

Bhutan was Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first overseas visit after assuming charge in 2014.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Friday met Bhutan's top leadership, including Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, and discussed important elements of the bilateral ties with emphasis on development partnership and cooperation in the hydropower sector.

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Friday met Bhutan's top leadership, including Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, and discussed important elements of the bilateral ties with emphasis on development partnership and cooperation in the hydropower sector. Jaishankar is in the Buddhist kingdom on a two-day visit, his first overseas trip after assuming charge of the Ministry of External Affairs. He also conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's greetings during his talks with Prime Minister Tshering. "It was a pleasure to call on @PMBhutan Dr Lotay Tshering. Conveyed PM @narendramodi's greetings and had a cordial conversation on important elements of the bilateral partnership," Jaishankar tweeted. It was a pleasure to call on @PMBhutan Dr. Lotay Tshering. Conveyed PM @narendramodi’s greetings and had a cordial conversation on important elements of the bilateral partnership. pic.twitter.com/ZdnUKw7ptR — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 7, 2019 × External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that Jaishankar had a "constructive conversation with a close partner". "Constructive conversation with a close partner. EAM @DrSJaishankar called on @PMBhutan Dr Lotay Tshering and conveyed PM @narendramodi's greetings. High-level exchanges & engagements have further enhanced our bilateral connections," he said in a tweet. Earlier, Jaishankar held talks with his Bhutanese counterpart Tandi Dorji and discussed issues of mutual interest with emphasis on development partnership and hydropower. "Excellent conversation with my colleague @FMBhutan Dr Tandi Dorji. We recommitted ourselves to further enriching our special and unique ties," he said in a tweet. Excellent conversation with my colleague @FMBhutan Dr. Tandi Dorji. We recommitted ourselves to further enriching our special and unique ties. pic.twitter.com/Q4A9D7sRLc — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 7, 2019 × Kumar said that the two leaders discussed issues of mutual interest with emphasis on development partnership and hydropower, "giving a new thrust to time-tested friendship". "EAM @DrSJaishankar held talks with @FMBhutan Dr. Tandi Dorji. The two Ministers discussed issues of mutual interest with emphasis on development partnership and hydropower," he said in a tweet. The External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi on Thursday said that the visit reflects the importance India attaches to its relationship with Bhutan, a close friend and neighbour. Bhutan has been a close ally of India and bilateral ties between the two countries are on an upswing in the last few years. Bhutan was Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first overseas visit after assuming charge in 2014.

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar discusses key elements of ties with Bhutan's top leadership

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will go on a two-day visit to Bhutan from Friday.

This will be his first foreign trip after appointed as the minister.

MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that Jaishankar would meet his Bhutan counterpart Tandi Dorji.

"His visit is in keeping with the tradition that India attaches with bilateral relationship with Bhutan, a close friend and a neighbour," Kumar said.&nbsp;

Earlier today, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/for-economic-growth-foreign-policy-needs-to-focus-on-external-aspect-s-jaishankar-224853">Jaishankar addressed his first press conference</a> at a seminar in Delhi.

Watch:&nbsp;Foreign Minster S Jaishankar's first public address

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Jaishankar emphasised on the importance of focusing on "external aspects" for economic growth.

"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," he said.

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will go on a two-day visit to Bhutan from Friday. This will be his first foreign trip after appointed as the minister.

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will go on a two-day visit to Bhutan from Friday. This will be his first foreign trip after appointed as the minister. MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that Jaishankar would meet his Bhutan counterpart Tandi Dorji. "His visit is in keeping with the tradition that India attaches with bilateral relationship with Bhutan, a close friend and a neighbour," Kumar said. Earlier today, Jaishankar addressed his first press conference at a seminar in Delhi. Watch: Foreign Minster S Jaishankar's first public address Jaishankar emphasised on the importance of focusing on "external aspects" for economic growth. "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," he said.

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to go on two-day visit to Bhutan

The newly-appointed External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has said that India has a special relationship with Japan during a phone conversation with his Japanese counterpart Kono Taro, according to Japanese embassy readout.

The Japanese Foreign Minister had called Jaishankar to congratulate him on his appointment as the External Affairs Minister.&nbsp;

The Japanese embassy in Delhi said, "Subrahmanyam Jaishankar hopes to further expand the scope of cooperation with Japan with which India enjoys a special relationship, and looks forward to meeting Foreign Minister Kono Taro again."

During the conversation, the Japanese foreign minister said, ''India has an extremely huge role and responsibility as a global power for the realisation of a free and open Indo-Pacific."

Indo-Pacific as a concept has been gaining currency and has the backing of Tokyo, Washington and Delhi, but Bejing sees it suspiciously.&nbsp;

During the phone call, Kono confirmed the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to India later this year. Abe will be visiting&nbsp;for the 14th India-Japan Annual Summit which alternates between the two countries.&nbsp;

Last year Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Japan for the 13th Annual Summit. In a special gesture, Modi's 2018 visit was hosted by Abe for a private dinner at his ancestral home in Yamanashi, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader. In 2017, Abe visited PM Modi's home state of Gujarat where he was given a special welcome.

Kono was the first foreign leader to congratulate Modi on phone for his reelection on May 23. Both leaders will be meeting by the end of this month in Osaka on the sidelines of G20 summit.

Meanwhile, Kono has invited Jaishankar to the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in November and said "He would like to coordinate the schedule to hold a '2+2' Ministerial meeting as soon as possible to which both Japan and India&nbsp;agreed.

Jaishankar had served at the Indian mission in Tokyo from 1996 to 2000 as the deputy chief of the mission and knows Japanese.

The newly-appointed External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has said that India has a special relationship with Japan during a phone conversation with his Japanese counterpart Kono Taro, according to Japanese embassy readout.

The newly-appointed External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has said that India has a special relationship with Japan during a phone conversation with his Japanese counterpart Kono Taro, according to Japanese embassy readout. The Japanese Foreign Minister had called Jaishankar to congratulate him on his appointment as the External Affairs Minister. The Japanese embassy in Delhi said, "Subrahmanyam Jaishankar hopes to further expand the scope of cooperation with Japan with which India enjoys a special relationship, and looks forward to meeting Foreign Minister Kono Taro again." During the conversation, the Japanese foreign minister said, ''India has an extremely huge role and responsibility as a global power for the realisation of a free and open Indo-Pacific." Indo-Pacific as a concept has been gaining currency and has the backing of Tokyo, Washington and Delhi, but Bejing sees it suspiciously. During the phone call, Kono confirmed the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to India later this year. Abe will be visiting for the 14th India-Japan Annual Summit which alternates between the two countries. Last year Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Japan for the 13th Annual Summit. In a special gesture, Modi's 2018 visit was hosted by Abe for a private dinner at his ancestral home in Yamanashi, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader. In 2017, Abe visited PM Modi's home state of Gujarat where he was given a special welcome. Kono was the first foreign leader to congratulate Modi on phone for his reelection on May 23. Both leaders will be meeting by the end of this month in Osaka on the sidelines of G20 summit. Meanwhile, Kono has invited Jaishankar to the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in November and said "He would like to coordinate the schedule to hold a '2+2' Ministerial meeting as soon as possible to which both Japan and India agreed. Jaishankar had served at the Indian mission in Tokyo from 1996 to 2000 as the deputy chief of the mission and knows Japanese.

India has a special relationship with Japan: External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said the Central government "respects all languages" and "no language will be imposed," while stating that all stakeholders - general public and state governments - would be consulted before taking a final call on the three-language norm.

"The National Education Policy as submitted to the Minister HRD is only a draft report. Feedback shall be obtained from the general public. State governments will be consulted. Only after this, the draft report will be finalised. GoI respects all languages. No language will be imposed," said Jaishankar in a tweet.

In another tweet in Tamil, Jaishankar said: "It is only after the recommendation of the people, the Union government will take forward the Education Draft policy. The government will promote all Indian languages. There is no intention of the government to impose any language in any part of the country."

Education Secretary R Subrahmanyam on Saturday had also clarified that no policy decision has been taken by the Central government yet and there would be no "imposition of any language in educational institutions."

"This is a draft policy submitted by the committee and is placed for the views of the general public. It is not the policy announced by the government. After getting feedback from the general public, and after consulting State governments, the National Educational Policy will be finalised by the government," Subrahmanyam had said in a tweet.

"The government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed for equal development and promotion of all Indian languages. There will be no imposition of any language in educational institutions, nor discriminations against any language," he had added.

Even Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' had on Saturday said that no language would be imposed on any state.

"The committee had been formed for drafting the New Education Policy. That committee has given its report. The report of the committee is only received by the Ministry. That is not the policy. No language will be imposed on any state," HRD Minister Pokhriyal had told ANI.

"We have received the draft report to take suggestions from the people. Somewhere this misunderstanding has happened. People think that this has become policy," he had added.

"Secondly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and our government have decided that we will respect all Indian languages with full power and develop them. There shouldn't be any controversy over this matter," he said.

Several political parties had warned the Centre of a language war over 'attempts' to impose Hindi. Leaders cutting across party lines in Tamil Nadu have said the state has a history on the language issue and would not tolerate any imposition.

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said the Central government "respects all languages" and "no language will be imposed," while stating that all stakeholders - general public and state governments - would be consulted before taking a final call on the three-language norm.

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said the Central government "respects all languages" and "no language will be imposed," while stating that all stakeholders - general public and state governments - would be consulted before taking a final call on the three-language norm. "The National Education Policy as submitted to the Minister HRD is only a draft report. Feedback shall be obtained from the general public. State governments will be consulted. Only after this, the draft report will be finalised. GoI respects all languages. No language will be imposed," said Jaishankar in a tweet. In another tweet in Tamil, Jaishankar said: "It is only after the recommendation of the people, the Union government will take forward the Education Draft policy. The government will promote all Indian languages. There is no intention of the government to impose any language in any part of the country." Education Secretary R Subrahmanyam on Saturday had also clarified that no policy decision has been taken by the Central government yet and there would be no "imposition of any language in educational institutions." "This is a draft policy submitted by the committee and is placed for the views of the general public. It is not the policy announced by the government. After getting feedback from the general public, and after consulting State governments, the National Educational Policy will be finalised by the government," Subrahmanyam had said in a tweet. "The government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed for equal development and promotion of all Indian languages. There will be no imposition of any language in educational institutions, nor discriminations against any language," he had added. Even Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' had on Saturday said that no language would be imposed on any state. "The committee had been formed for drafting the New Education Policy. That committee has given its report. The report of the committee is only received by the Ministry. That is not the policy. No language will be imposed on any state," HRD Minister Pokhriyal had told ANI. "We have received the draft report to take suggestions from the people. Somewhere this misunderstanding has happened. People think that this has become policy," he had added. "Secondly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and our government have decided that we will respect all Indian languages with full power and develop them. There shouldn't be any controversy over this matter," he said. Several political parties had warned the Centre of a language war over 'attempts' to impose Hindi. Leaders cutting across party lines in Tamil Nadu have said the state has a history on the language issue and would not tolerate any imposition.

No language will be imposed, says Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam 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

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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