Top Headlines: BRICS 2024: Modi Urges Russia-Ukraine Peace at Summit, Holds Key Meetings with Putin, Iran President
October 23, 2024
- BRICS 2024: Modi Urges Russia-Ukraine Peace at Summit, Holds Key Meetings with Putin, Iran President
- PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping to Meet at BRICS Summit, Army Chief Stresses Disengagement Only After Return to 2020 Status Quo ¹
- US pressures India for swift accountability in Sikh separatist murder plot; Made scapegoat: Lawyers of ex-RAW official on US charged
- Senior officials of Trudeau Govt leaked intel about India to US publication alleges leading Canadian media
- IMF maintains India’s growth projection at 7% for FY25
What Else
- Waqf meet: Day’s suspension for TMC’s Banerjee as he smashes bottle, hurls it towards chairman
- Dangerous levels of uranium found in Chhattisgarh drinking water
- J&K’s Gagangeer attack: Counter Intelligence Kashmir raids multiple districts, busts recruitment module
- Karni Sena announces reward of $132,152 to kill Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi: Reports
- Bangladesh: Police obstruct as protesters attempt to barge into Bangabhaban
- Bangladesh Govt decides to limit tourists in St. Martin’s Island for four months
- BRICS 2024: Putin meets Xi, says Russia-China cooperation ‘stabilising factor’ in the world
- Parliamentary committee approves Yahya Afridi’s nomination as CJP with two-thirds majority
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BRICS Summit: In Modi-Putin meeting, Ukraine and Indo-Russia bilateral cooperation in focus
- PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on October 22, 2024, to discuss bilateral cooperation and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Modi emphasized India’s commitment to peaceful resolution and offered assistance to achieve that goal.
- Their meeting highlighted the deep-rooted bond between India and Russia, focusing on enhancing cooperation across diverse sectors. Key areas of collaboration include:
- Trade: Target $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, with India’s imports from Russia increasing by 33% to $61.43 billion in 2023.
- Energy: Russia becoming India’s largest crude oil supplier, with India importing 176 million tons of thermal coal in 2023.
- Defense: Russia provides over 50% of India’s in-service military equipment, including the S-400 missile defense system and joint production of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
- Space and Nuclear Cooperation: Collaboration in peaceful nuclear energy and space exploration, including human spaceflight programs and satellite navigation.
- These cooperation areas demonstrate the strengthening partnership between India and Russia. (more)
- ‘Quickly restore peace and stability’: Modi calls for Russia-Ukraine peace as he meets Putin: PM Modi called for restoring peace and stability in Europe “quickly”, ending the ongoing Ukraine conflict as he met President Putin on Tue
- The three-day Brics gathering, held amid tight security, is the biggest international event in Russia since Putin ordered his troops to invade Ukraine in Feb 2022. Putin aims to build an alliance through Brics that can challenge the West’s “hegemony”.
- “We have been in constant touch over the conflict between Russia and Ukraine,” Modi told Putin after the two shook hands and embraced.
- “We believe that disputes should only be resolved peacefully. We totally support efforts to quickly restore peace and stability,” Modi. (more)
- Putin hailed what he called Russia and India’s “privileged strategic partnership” and vowed to build ties further.
- Modi has walked a diplomatic tightrope since the Ukraine conflict began as he pledged humanitarian support for Kyiv while avoid condemnation of Russia’s offensive. (more)
- PM Modi meets Iran President on sidelines of BRICS Summit: PM Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, marking their first meeting since Pezeshkian took office in July.
- This encounter highlights the long-standing civilizational ties and significant economic and security overlap between India and Iran. Key Discussion Points:
- Chabahar Port: A crucial topic of discussion, given its strategic importance for trade and regional connectivity.
- Regional and Global Issues: Including the situation in Gaza, stability and security in Afghanistan, and the Ukraine conflict.
- Economic Cooperation: Building on India’s imports from Iran, which increased by 33% to $61.43 billion in 2023.
- People-to-People Contacts: Enhancing cultural and educational exchanges between the two nations.
- This visit is Modi’s 2nd to Russia this year and 7th in the last decade, underscoring the importance of bilateral relations. (more)
- MEA Presser: Indian and Russian shared perspectives on Ukraine says Misri
- “Misplaced and erroneous”, says Foreign Secretary on reports of India opposing the expansion of the BRICS grouping.
- Patrolling and grazing activities will revert to pre-2020, says Secretary Misri on the China patrolling agreement.
PM Modi, Chinese President to have bilateral meeting on BRICS Summit sidelines
- PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to have a bilateral meeting Wed on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, 1st time in the last 5 years.
- This meeting comes 2 days after India and China agreed on patrolling arrangements in eastern Ladakh, a significant step towards easing border tensions that began in 2020.
- Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the meeting, highlighting the agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control as a crucial outcome of discussions with Chinese interlocutors.
- This breakthrough is expected to lead to disengagement and resolve issues stemming from the 2020 standoff. (more)
- Army chief on China: ‘Disengagement after situation returns to 2020 status quo’: India and China have reached an agreement to disengage in eastern Ladakh after a 4-year standoff, with Indian Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi stating that Indian forces will only disengage once the situation at the LAC returns to its April 2020 status.
- This follows recent discussions between Indian and Chinese interlocutors through the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination and military-level meetings.
- Disengagement Conditions: Return to April 2020 status quo, restoration of trust, and no encroachment into buffer zones.
- Patrolling Arrangements: Agreement reached on patrolling along the LAC, facilitating disengagement and resolution of 2020 issues.
- China’s Confirmation: Chinese FM spox confirmed the agreement, stating China will work with India to implement the resolutions. (more)
- External Affairs Minister’s Statement: S Jaishankar announced that the disengagement process with China has been completed, allowing for patrolling as in 2020.
- This breakthrough aims to ease tensions along the LAC, which escalated in 2020 due to China’s aggressive activities. (more)
US “pressures” India for quick accountability in Sikh separatist murder plot
- US officials have told their Indian counterparts they want a speedy result and more accountability after they investigate Indian involvement in a foiled murder plot against a Sikh terrorist in the US, according to a US official.
- An Indian Enquiry Committee visited Washington last week to discuss investigations after the Justice Department alleged an Indian intelligence official had directed plans to assassinate dual US-Canada citizen Gurpatwant Pannun, a Sikh separatist, last year.
- “We’ve communicated really clearly that the US govt isn’t going to feel fully satisfied until we see that meaningful accountability takes place,” said an anonymous US official to Reuters.
- The Indian embassy in Washington did not immediately respond.
- Washington’s message to Indian officials has not been previously reported.
- The accusations have tested Washington’s relations with India, which the Biden admin sees as a potential counterbalance to China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific.
- India has denied involvement in both incidents. (more)
- Made scapegoat: Lawyers of ex-RAW official charged by US in Pannun murder plot:The lawyers of Vikash Yadav, the former RAW official named by the US in the failed assassination plot of Khalistani terrorist Pannun, said that he was being made a “scapegoat in international politics”.
- Yadav’s lawyers said that there was no truth to the allegations leveled against him and that he was being made a scapegoat in international politics.
- “Vikas Yadav has never stepped out of the country. He has never traveled abroad,” his lawyers told India Today TV.
- They also called the US allegations a conspiracy against India and the govt.
- The lawyers also rejected allegations about an earlier extortion case against Vikash Yadav being used to shield him from extradition to the US. (more)
Senior officials of Trudeau Govt leaked intel about India to US publication alleges leading Canadian media
- Canada’s national security adviser Nathalie Drouin and Dy FM David Morrison allegedly provided sensitive information about India to WaPo, just days before the Royal Canadian Mounted Police linked Indian govt agents to violent crimes in Canada.
- This information included India’s alleged interference operations in Canada, which was briefed to The WaPo in the week leading up to Thanksgiving, with the understanding that it wouldn’t be published until RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme’s presser
- However, a spox for Drouin and Morrison denied sharing classified information, stating that none of the reported information came from classified intelligence.
- Instead, they referred to an unsealed U.S. indictment from Nov 2023, which mentioned plans to carry out three killings in Canada, including the murder of Hardeep Nijjar.
- This development has strained Canada-India relations, with India strongly rejecting the accusations and attributing them to PM Justin Trudeau’s political agenda.
- The situation has also sparked concerns about India’s alleged covert operations targeting Khalistani activists abroad. (more)
IMF maintains India’s growth projection at 7% for FY25
- The IMF has maintained its growth rate projections for India, predicting a 7% growth in the current fiscal year ending Mar 31, 2025, and 6.5% in the next fiscal year.
- This is a slight drop from India’s 8.2% growth in 2023, mainly due to the exhaustion of pent-up demand accumulated during the pandemic.
- Globally, the IMF expects world output to grow at 3.2% in 2024 and 2025, with inflation decreasing to 3.5% by the end of 2025.
- The US is projected to grow at 2.8% this year and 2.2% next year, an upward revision from the July WEO update.
- However, the IMF highlights several RISKS, including:
- Geopolitical: Escalation of regional conflicts, affecting commodity markets.
- Protectionist Policies: Growing protectionism, disrupting trade
- Monetary Policy Risks: Tight monetary policy impacting labor markets.
- Sovereign Debt Stress: Weak activity in China and debt stress
- To address these risks, the IMF recommends a ‘triple policy pivot’:
- Neutral Monetary Policy: Moving to a neutral monetary policy stance
- Fiscal Buffers: Building fiscal buffers after years of loose fiscal policy
- Structural Reforms: Increasing growth and productivity through reforms. (more)
Waqf meet: Day’s suspension for TMC’s Banerjee as he smashes bottle, hurls it towards chairman
- TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee was suspended for a day from the parliamentary committee on the Waqf (Amend) Bill after high drama during its meeting on Tue where he smashed a glass water bottle and threw it towards the Chair while injuring his fingers in the process.
- The committee’s chairperson and veteran BJP MP Jagdambika Pal condemned the conduct of Banerjee, a rather vocal parliamentarian who has been strident in his criticism of the Bill.
- He said such actions were “unprecedented” and crossed all limits.
- As MPs enjoy privilege, does it mean someone will appear with a revolver tomorrow, Pal said, adding he had a narrow escape? (more)
Dangerous levels of uranium found in Chhattisgarh drinking water
- The uranium contamination in Chhattisgarh’s drinking water is a serious concern, with levels exceeding triple the WHO’s recommended limit of 15 micrograms per liter.
- This can lead to severe health issues, including kidney diseases, skin conditions, pulmonary conditions, and cancer.
- Possible Solutions:
- Amla Tree Bark Filtration: Researchers have discovered that the bark of the amla tree can filter uranium from water.
- This method has been patented but awaits implementation.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO) Technology: RO is a membrane-based technology that can remove uranium from drinking water.
- Hybrid Membrane Technique: Further studies are needed to explore this method for removing uranium from drinking water.
- Urgent Action Required: The situation demands immediate attention from stakeholders, including governance and investments in groundwater protection, particularly in vulnerable regions.
- With over 10 Indian states, including Haryana and Punjab, exceeding permissible uranium limits, addressing this issue is crucial for public health and safety. (more)
J&K’s Gagangeer attack: Counter Intelligence Kashmir raids multiple districts, busts recruitment module
- Seven people, including a doctor, were killed and five injured in a terrorist attack on a tunnel construction site in Ganderbal district.
- The attack was carried out by two terrorists who fired indiscriminately at the construction staff.
- Police Response: The J&K Police’s Counter-Intelligence Kashmir wing conducted raids in 6 districts, arresting 6 people and recovering incriminating materials.
- They also dismantled a recruitment module of the terrorist organization “Tehreek Labaik Ya Muslim“.
- Security Measures: Security has been increased across the Kashmir Valley, with the National Investigation Agency visiting the attack site.
- The police have assured that non-local laborers are not being forced to leave the valley.
- Reactions: Former CM Mehbooba Mufti expressed concerns about non-local laborers being pressured to leave, but the Jammu and Kashmir Police denied these claims.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other leaders have condemned the attack. (more)
Karni Sena announces reward of $132,152 to kill Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi: Reports
- Karni Sena, a right-wing group in India, has announced a reward of $132,152 to anyone who kills gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in an encounter.
- This comes after Bishnoi’s gang claimed responsibility for killing Maharashtra-based politician Baba Siddique in Mumbai on Oct 12.
- Bishnoi is also accused of being behind the killing of Karni Sena chief Shaheed Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi, who was shot dead in Rajasthan’s Jaipur on Dec 5 last year.
- In response to these incidents, Karni Sena’s National President Raj Shekhawat released a video statement announcing the reward for Bishnoi’s neutralization.
- Latest Updates on Baba Siddique’s Murder Case:
- Total Arrests: 10 people have been arrested in connection with Siddique’s killing.
- Mumbai Police Investigation: The police are continuing to unravel the conspiracy behind the assassination.
- Accused Involved: 5 of the accused demanded ₹50 lakh for the job but backed out later due to disagreement over payment. (more)
[Neighborhood]
Bangladesh: Police obstruct as protesters attempt to barge into Bangabhaban
- Over 200 protesters gathered in front of Bangabhaban, the official residence of Bangladesh’s President Md Shahbuddin, demanding his resignation.
- The protests turned tense as demonstrators tried to breach the barricade, leading police to fire sound grenades and the Army to intervene, urging protesters to disperse.
- Protesters, who began demonstrating Tue, blocked roads between Motijheel and Gulistan, causing severe traffic congestion.
- They chanted slogans against the president, claiming he broke his oath and lost eligibility to hold office.
- The protesters’ demands stem from President Shahbuddin’s statement that he didn’t receive Sheikh Hasina’s resignation letter, 2 and a half months after her supposed resignation.
- Protester Saifuddin Emdad stated, “The only solution to such a comment is his resignation. We will leave the road as soon as he resigns. Otherwise, we won’t leave.“
- Another protester, Ariful Islam, accused President Shahabuddin of being a cohort of Sheikh Hasina, saying, “We will not leave the road until Shahbuddin resigns.” (more)
- Key Demands: Abolition of the 1972 Constitution
- Ban on Bangladesh Chatra League
- Resignation of President Shahabuddin
- Disqualification of MPs elected in 2018, 2023, and 2024
- Proclamation of the Republic
- These protests, sparked by demands to end the quota system for govt jobs, escalated into anti-govt demonstrations. (more)
Bangladesh Govt decides to limit tourists in St. Martin’s Island for four months
- The govt has decided to limit tourists to Saint Martin’s Island in Cox’s Bazar during the peak season aiming to protect the country’s lone coral island from environmental pollution caused by growing tourists.
- “The council of advisers decided that tourism in Saint Martin’s Island would be limited”
- “Basically, tourism would be limited in 4 months – Nov to Feb,” chief adviser’s deputy press secretary Apurba Jahangir told a presser at Foreign Service Academy on Tue.
- He said tourists would be allowed to visit Saint Martin’s Island in Nov but they could not stay in the island during nighttime.
- He said tourists will be restricted in Feb as the authorities will clean up the island during that time.
- In the rest of the year, tourists can go to the island, he added.
- Claiming that the govt has decided to limit tourists to the island to protect the environment and biodiversity since only 41% of coral remains there now. (more)
BRICS 2024: Putin meets Xi, says Russia-China cooperation ‘stabilising factor’ in the world
- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping met at the BRICS summit in Kazan Tue, to strengthen ties and promote global stability.
- Putin emphasized that Russian-Chinese cooperation is a stabilizing factor globally, and they intend to increase coordination in multilateral podia for global security and a just world order.
- Xi praised the “profound friendship” between the two nations, highlighting their strategic coordination and practical cooperation amidst a chaotic international situation
- Their partnership has boosted development, revitalization, and modernization in two countries, despite China’s economic challenge.
- Russia and China have grown closer since Moscow invaded Ukraine in Feb 2022, finding common geopolitical interests as they face pressure from the West.
- This alliance raises concerns in the West, with leaders viewing China and Russia as growing threats.
- President Joe Biden has characterized China as the US’s biggest competitor and Russia as its greatest nation-state threat, emphasizing the challenge from autocracies like China and Russia. (more)
Pakistan: Parliamentary committee approves Yahya Afridi’s nomination as CJP with 2/3 majority
- Pakistan’s special parliamentary committee has approved Justice Yahya Afridi’s nomination as the country’s next Chief Justice with a two-thirds majority.
- This decision came after a meeting on Tue, despite a boycott by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and the Sunni Ittehad Council, who expressed dissatisfaction with the process.
- Justice Yahya Afridi’s Nomination: Approved with a two-thirds majority, moving to the Prime Minister for final approval.
- Boycott Impact: PTI and Sunni Ittehad Council’s absence created complications but didn’t halt the process.
- Judicial Reforms: Recent changes allow the parliamentary committee to select from three senior judges, sparking concerns over judicial independence.
- Next Steps: Justice Afridi’s appointment to be formalized by the President after the Prime Minister’s approval.
This development marks a significant moment in Pakistan’s judiciary, amidst ongoing political tensions surrounding the Chief Justice’s appointment (more)