1. PM Modi heads back to India without handing MAGA supremo a ‘trump card’; PM Modi Affirms Global action must match ambition, Stresses importance of balanced regulation
2. PM Modi meets Ukrainian President Zelenskyy before leaving U.S.
3. EAM Jaishankar meets Foreign Ministers of G4 nations in New York
4. EAM and Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser meet in New York:
5. India extends unprecedented invite to Myanmar’s anti-junta forces, sources say

What Else

1. Rahul Gandhi joins Farooq Abdullah for the final day of campaigning in 2nd phase of J&K assembly elections
2. Dhaka lodges strong protest against Indian home minister’s remarks
3. Hindu temples get ‘threat letters’ in Bangladesh: ‘Pay Tk 5 lakh or …’
4. Pakistan: TTP ‘denies’ involvement in Swat attack on diplomats
5. US drone makers, officials visit Taiwan on mission to secure supply chain
6. US targets China’s rare earths dominance with minerals-security finance network

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PM Modi heads back to India without handing MAGA supremo a ‘trump card’

• PM Modi headed back home to India on Mon night after a hectic 72-hour visit to the US during which he steered clear of domestic American politics, including giving a wide berth to the two 2024 Presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
• Modi’s packed schedule, which included bilateral talks with outgoing President Joe Biden, a summit of Quad leaders, an address at the UNGA of the Future, a community reception, and a meeting with high-profile CEOs, left him little time to meet the candidates, both of whom have also been on the road electioneering. (more)
• PM Modi Affirms Global action must match ambition, Stresses importance of balanced regulation: PM Modi addressed the 79^th UNGA session, emphasizing the need for balanced regulation to ensure safe and responsible technology use.
• He advocated for a global digital governance framework that maintains national sovereignty and integrity, highlighting India’s readiness to share its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the greater good.
• Balanced Regulation: Needed for safe and responsible technology use.
• Global Digital Governance: Framework should maintain national sovereignty and integrity
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Should be a bridge, not a barrier
• Human-Centric Approach: Highest priority in discussions about the future
• Sustainable Development: Must ensure human welfare, food, and health security
• Global Reforms: Essential for global peace and development
• PM Modi also highlighted India’s success in lifting 250 million people out of poverty, demonstrating the possibility of successful sustainable development.
• He expressed India’s commitment to the principle of “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” reflecting the nation’s dedication to global cooperation and sustainability (more)
• PM Modi also stressed the need for reform in global governance institutions, including the UN Security Council, to ensure relevance.
• His speech underscored India’s dedication to global cooperation, sustainability, and peaceful development. (more)
• PM Modi also met with the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan on the sidelines of the Summit of the Future at the UNGA, earlier today.
• US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin posted on X. that President Biden designated the UAE a Major Defense Partner of the U.S. to build on trilateral initiatives and coordination between the U.S., the UAE, and India.
• We look forward to deepening our dynamic security and defense partnership with the UAE to build a more stable, secure, peaceful, and prosperous Middle East region.

PM Modi meets Ukrainian President Zelenskyy before leaving U.S.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York on Sept 23, 2024, to discuss the Russia-Ukraine war and bilateral relations.
• This meeting, requested by Zelenskyy’s team, was their third in as many months, following their previous meeting in Kyiv on August 23.
• Key Discussion Points: Russia-Ukraine War: Modi and Zelenskyy discussed resolving the conflict, with Modi expressing deep concern about its human toll and global impact.
• Bilateral Relations: They appreciated progress on bilateral issues and agreed to strengthen interaction on international platforms, particularly within the UN and G20.
• Future Collaboration: Areas of focus include enhancing trade and economic ties, defense cooperation, India’s involvement in post-war reconstruction, and collaboration in education, science, and culture.
• Zelenskyy thanked Modi for India’s support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. (more)

EAM Jaishankar meets Foreign Ministers of G4 nations in New York

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with his counterparts from the G4 countries – Brazil, Germany, and Japan – on the sidelines of the 79^th UNGA.
• The meeting reaffirmed the group’s commitment to urgent reform of the UNSC through text-based negotiations.
• The G4 nations have long supported each other’s bids for permanent seats on the UNSC.
• India has been a strong advocate for reform, citing the Council’s inability to address current peace and security challenges due to its outdated structure, founded in 1945.
• EAM also met with Venezuelan FM Yvan Gil to discuss energy and economic cooperation, highlighting India’s interest in strengthening ties with Venezuela, a key oil supplier.
• India has been Venezuela’s largest Asian importer of crude oil since 2012, and the two countries have collaborated on various energy projects. (more)

EAM and Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser meet in New York:

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with B’desh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain in NY, marking the 1^st bilateral meeting since PM Hasina’s ouster.
• The meeting aimed to strengthen ties between the two nations amidst rising anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh.
• Jaishankar and Hossain discussed advancing their relationship based on mutual respect and fairness, acknowledging tensions between the two nations.
• This meeting is crucial, as India-Bangladesh relations may shift with Hasina’s exit, potentially impacting trade, security, and border management.
• Key Takeaways: Rising anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh
• Sheikh Hasina’s extradition was requested by Bangladesh’s interim govt
• India-Bangladesh relations may shift with new leadership. (more)

India extends unprecedented invite to Myanmar’s anti-junta forces, sources say

• India has invited Myanmar’s anti-junta forces, including the National Unity Govt and ethnic minority rebels from Chin, Rakhine, and Kachin states, to a seminar in New Delhi in Nov.
• This move is significant as India has maintained ties with Myanmar’s top generals, who have been shunned by Western nations since the 2021 coup.
• The seminar, hosted by the Indian Council of World Affairs, will focus on “Constitutionalism and Federalism”.
• Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has expressed concerns about border instability and security risks to India’s projects in Myanmar.
• This move is seen as India’s most serious effort to engage with Myanmar’s pro-democracy side since the coup.
• However, the motive behind the seminar is unclear, and it’s uncertain whether Myanmar’s military govt will be invited.
• Invited Groups: National Unity Govt (NUG); Chin National Front; Arakan Army; Kachin Independence Army (KIA). (more)

Rahul Gandhi joins Farooq Abdullah for the final day of campaigning in 2nd phase of J&K assembly elections

• LoP, Rahul Gandhi addressed mega rallies in Poonch and Srinagar, slamming BJP and RSS for spreading hatred. He promised to: Restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
• Provide 25 lakh worth of health insurance cover to locals
• Give 11 kg of rice to every family
• Gandhi also targeted PM Modi, saying he’s “not the same” and that the opposition has “broken his psychology.”
• PM Modi had earlier addressed a rally in Srinagar, criticizing Gandhi, Abdullah, and Mufti families for ruining Jammu and Kashmir.
• Second Phase Elections: 239 candidates contesting 26 assembly constituencies;
• 25.78 lakh voters eligible
• Voting on Sept 25 from 7 am to 6 pm
• 932 polling stations, including special booths for women, specially-abled, and youth. (more)

Dhaka lodges strong protest against Indian home minister’s remarks

• Bangladesh’s foreign ministry has formally protested against Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent comments about Bangladeshi nationals during his visit to Jharkhand.
• Shah’s remarks promised that if the BJP returns to power in Jharkhand, they will expel illegal Rohingya and Bangladeshi “infiltrators” from the state.
• The Bangladeshi govt expressed their deep hurt and disappointment through a protest note handed to India’s deputy high commissioner in Dhaka, urging India to advise its leaders against making such unacceptable comments.
• These remarks undermine the friendly spirit between the two nations, and Bangladesh wants India to understand its new reality.
• It’s worth noting that PM Modi also made similar comments about Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltration being a major threat to Jharkhand.
• This issue seems to be a contentious point between the two countries, especially with elections coming up in Jharkhand.
• [The unelected establishment should refrain from putting a scar on the decades-old relationship.] (more)

 [Neighborhood]

Hindu temples get ‘threat letters’ in Bangladesh: ‘Pay Tk 5 lakh or …’

• Hindu temples in Bangladesh’s Khulna have received chilling threat letters demanding Tk 5 lakh to celebrate Durga Puja this year.
• The letters warn of severe consequences and even violence if the amount isn’t paid.
• What’s even more disturbing is that those who report these threats to authorities or the media will be “cut to pieces.”
• Temple leaders have already filed complaints with the Dakop Police Station, and investigations are underway with regular army patrols.
• However, the threats have left the Hindu community shaken, with many considering canceling festivities altogether.
• Shekhar Chandra Goldar, president of the Kamarkhola Sarvajanin Durga Puja Celebration Committee, expressed the community’s sentiment, saying, “Our members are no longer interested. This year we have to stop the puja.“
• This incident is part of a larger wave of attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh, which has reported over 2,000 incidents of violence and intimidation since August 4.
• The community is feeling increasingly insecure, with many facing forced resignations, threats to leave the country, and extortion. (more)

Pakistan: TTP ‘denies’ involvement in Swat attack on diplomats

• A case has been registered against unidentified persons for Sun’s explosion targeting a diplomatic convoy in Swat, which killed one policeman and injured 5 others.
• The Counter-Terrorism Department of KP police filed the FIR under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, Explosive Substances Act, and Anti-Terrorism Act.
• The outlawed TTP denied involvement in the attack, stating they had “nothing to do with it”.
• The group’s denial comes despite their history of similar attacks in the region, including a 2022 bombing in Swat that killed five people.
• Condemnation and Aftermath: The Swat Chamber of Commerce, traders’ federation, lawyers, and civil society members have condemned the attack.
• The funeral prayer of martyred constable Burhan Khan was held at Police Lines, Mingora, with official honors.
• The case is ongoing, and investigations are underway to determine those responsible for the attack. (more)

US drone makers, officials visit Taiwan on mission to secure supply chain

• Executives from 26 top U.S. drone manufacturers, including AeroVironment, maker of the Switchblade drone, are visiting Taiwan to explore potential partnerships and establish a secure supply chain for uncrewed systems.
• This 4-day visit, organized by the U.S. Dept of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, aims to boost U.S. exports and create American jobs while advancing national interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
• The delegation is meeting with Taiwanese officials, manufacturers, and military representatives to discuss cooperation opportunities. Their agenda includes:
• Policy Round Tables: Discussions with the American Institute in Taiwan and local manufacturers
• Company Visits: Meetings with commercial and defense companies
• Drone Association Talks: Meetings with local drone associations
• Military Meetings: Discussions with Taiwan’s military and top weapons maker, National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology
• Business Networking: Events with Taiwanese manufacturers on Tue and Wed
• This visit is a significant step in strengthening U.S.-Taiwan ties in the drone industry, with potential benefits for both countries. (more)

US targets China’s rare earths dominance with minerals-security finance network

• The U.S. has launched a minerals-security finance network with its allies to counter China’s dominance in critical minerals.
• This network aims to promote cooperation, information exchange, and co-financing among participating institutions from Indo-Pacific and EU, ultimately advancing diverse, secure, and sustainable supply chains.
• China currently produces nearly 2/3 of the world’s rare earth metals and has imposed export controls on key minerals like graphite and gallium, crucial for semiconductors and electric vehicles.
• To address this, the U.S. has established the Minerals Security Partnership with 13 countries and the EU in 2022.
• Key Objectives: Diversify supply chains for critical minerals
• Boost mineral production across Quad countries
• Counter China’s dominance in rare earth metals
• This move is part of the escalating U.S.-China tech rivalry, with the U.S. also imposing a chip ban on China in 2022.

By strengthening partnerships and supply chains, the U.S. aims to reduce dependence on Chinese critical minerals. (more)