Defence Monitor

Diplomacy

India emphasises need for greater representation of Global South at UN

India emphasises need for greater representation of Global South at UN

New York, April 21 (IANS) India has highlighted the need for greater representation of the Global South, particularly in the permanent category, in the United Nations Security Council. Secretary, West, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Sibi George, delivered India's national statement at the IGN meeting on the United Nations Security Council in the UN headquarters. "He highlighted the need for greater representation of the Global South, particularly in the permanent category. He underlined the similarities between India’s approach to UN Security Council reforms and the African model," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement on…
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‘Trying to get little breathing room’: Trump says Israel-Lebanon talks to take place today

‘Trying to get little breathing room’: Trump says Israel-Lebanon talks to take place today

Washington, April 16 (IANS) US President Donald Trump has said that Israel-Lebanon talks will take place on Thursday. "Trying to get a little breathing room between Israel and Lebanon. It has been a long time since the two leaders have spoken, like 34 years. It will happen tomorrow," Trump wrote on Truth Social. Israel and Lebanon on Tuesday held a meeting in Washington, where Israel insisted on Hezbollah's disarmament, and Lebanon called for a ceasefire and concrete measures to ease the severe humanitarian crisis resulting from the US-Israeli war with Iran, according to a statement from the US State Department.…
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India, Austria to strengthen partnership in defence, semiconductors and quantum: PM Modi

India, Austria to strengthen partnership in defence, semiconductors and quantum: PM Modi

New Delhi, April 16 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that India and Austria will strengthen their partnership in defence, semiconductors, quantum, and biotechnology. Addressing a joint press meet with visiting Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, PM Modi stated that India and Austria will ensure reliable technology and supply chains for the entire world by combining Austria's expertise with India's speed and scale. "India and Austria have remained trustworthy partners in infrastructure, innovation and sustainability. Be it the Delhi Metro or the Atal Tunnel, Austria’s tunnelling expertise has made a strong impact...From green energy to urban development, Austrian companies…
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India can play key role in helping Africa’s green energy push

India can play key role in helping Africa’s green energy push

New Delhi, April 16 (IANS) India can play a key role in helping Africa scale up its renewable energy, as the country has, over the last decade, successfully added over 130 gigawatts of solar and wind capacity, with renewables now accounting for just over half of installed electricity capacity, according to an article. Across Africa, the energy transition is not a distant policy target; it is a practical attempt to turn sunlight, wind, and mineral wealth into hospitals with steady power, farms that can irrigate after sunset, and factories that can plug into something more reliable than expensive diesel generators,…
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India-Austria partnership to get more innovation-centric and future-ready: PM Modi

India-Austria partnership to get more innovation-centric and future-ready: PM Modi

New Delhi, April 16 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed confidence that the partnership between India and Austria will get "more innovation-centric and future-ready". PM Modi's statement came after he met Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker and discussed ways to deepen cooperation in areas like innovation, infrastructure, and sustainability. He stated that both nations are committed to adding new energy to trade and investment linkages. "Held very productive discussions with Chancellor Stocker of Austria. We in India are glad that he selected our nation as his first destination to visit outside Europe after he assumed office. This reflects his…
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Pakistan didn’t possess diplomatic prowess to navigate deeply-contested US-Iran issues: Report

Pakistan didn’t possess diplomatic prowess to navigate deeply-contested US-Iran issues: Report

Washington, April 16 (IANS) Pakistan should focus on securing its own peace before projecting itself as an arbiter of it on the international stage, a report highlighted on Thursday citing the recent failed Islamabad talks between Iran and the United States. Writing in US-based 'Inkstick Media', Marcus Andreopoulos stated that while Islamabad's role in brokering a temporary ceasefire may have resulted in greater global attention in the short term, any optimism quickly faded once US Vice President J D Vance announced that no agreement had been reached. "Getting both parties to the negotiating table was one thing, but the real…
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EAM Jaishankar, Japanese counterpart Motegi discuss developments in West Asia

EAM Jaishankar, Japanese counterpart Motegi discuss developments in West Asia

Port Louis, April 10 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM), S Jaishankar, held a telephonic conversation with his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi on Friday, discussing developments in West Asia, including international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Following their conversation, EAM Jaishankar wrote, "Good to speak with FM Toshimitsu Motegi of Japan. Discussed developments in West Asia, including international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Appreciate his condolences for the Indian lives lost in the conflict." The talks between the two ministers came after a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran took effect on Wednesday, with peace talks scheduled…
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EAM Jaishankar meets Mauritius President, discusses ways to bolster bilateral ties

EAM Jaishankar meets Mauritius President, discusses ways to bolster bilateral ties

Port Louis, April 10 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar called on Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool on Friday, conveying greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. EAM Jaishankar noted that the conversation reflected the warmth of the friendship between two nations and commitment to further advance ties. "Honoured to call on President Dharambeer Gokhool of Mauritius. Conveyed warm greetings of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Our conversation reflected the warmth of our friendship and the steadfast commitment to further advancing India-Mauritius partnership," EAM Jaishankar posted on X. EAM Jaishankar also met former Prime…
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FS Vikram Misri begins US visit to deepen strategic partnership

FS Vikram Misri begins US visit to deepen strategic partnership

Washington, April 8 (IANS) Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has arrived in Washington to review the full breadth of India-US ties and advance cooperation across key sectors, including trade, defence, technology, etc. Misri arrived in the United States late on Tuesday (local time) for a three-day visit and was welcomed by Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra. Taking to X, Kwatra late on Tuesday (local time), said, "Welcomed Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Washington, DC. His visit offers an opportunity to review with our American partners the full breadth of the India–US partnership, and to advance discussions across key…
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EAM Jaishankar to visit Mauritius and UAE, meet top leadership in both countries

EAM Jaishankar to visit Mauritius and UAE, meet top leadership in both countries

New Delhi, April 8 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar will visit Mauritius and UAE from April 9-12, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Wednesday. During his visit to Mauritius, EAM Jaishankar will attend the 9th Indian Ocean Conference and meet Mauritius leadership to review the entire spectrum of bilateral ties. "He will also deliver the keynote address at the 9th Indian Ocean Conference. On the sidelines, EAM is expected to hold discussions with counterparts from other participating nations. The visit underscores India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, Vision MAHASAGAR, and commitment to the Global South," read a statement…
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