While addressing at the fourth plenary session of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 Convention, on the topic 'Diaspora Divas: Celebrating Women's Leadership and Influence – Nari Shakti', Minister of external affairs of India, Dr Jaishankar explained how ‘Women empowerment’ led development in India in recent times. He said, “Improvement in National Sex Ratio, paid maternity leave to 26 weeks, the fact that 300 million MUDRA Yojana loans have been given out to women entrepreneurs, that 43% of the enrollment today in STEM is of girls, that 28% has been the increase in the female enrollment in higher education, that 32 million Sukanya Samriddhi accounts have been opened up for education, that 100 million smoke-free kitchens today or that when there is a housing scheme called Awas under which 40 million homes have been built and handed over and 72% of them have women ownership - either a sole ownership or as joint ownership. I am mentioning this because when we think of progress, of modernity, of a march towards Viksit Bharat, one metric of measuring it is GDP, how many roads have been built, how many metros, how many cities, how many airports - that is certainly a way but that is superficial unless we address the human side of that progress and to my mind today, these are really some of the powerful changes which are happening in India. But like any change, they require role models, they require inspirations, they require divas.”
10 January,2025 07:45 PM IST
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will visit the United States from December 24 to 29 to discuss important issues related to India-US relations, regional matters, and global topics. During his visit, he will meet with US officials and counterparts to strengthen ties and address key concerns. He will also lead a conference of India's Consul Generals in the US. On December 19, US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, spoke about the potential of the US-India partnership, emphasizing the need to reduce tariffs, boost trade, and make it fair and balanced for both countries. Jaishankar's visit aims to enhance collaboration and improve bilateral relations.
24 December,2024 11:03 AM IST
India strongly condemned the attack that occurred at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, where a car crashed into a crowd on December 20. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident, calling it a "horrific and senseless attack." The statement also mentioned that the Indian Embassy in Germany is working to ensure that injured Indian nationals receive the necessary care and support. The attack resulted in the deaths of five people, including a 9-year-old, and left over 200 injured. Reports also stated that seven Indian nationals were hurt in the attack, with three already discharged from the hospital. The Indian Mission is closely monitoring the condition of the other victims.
22 December,2024 12:50 PM IST
BJP spokesperson Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi criticized Congress after wishing Sonia Gandhi on her birthday. He highlighted Sonia Gandhi's role as co-chair of the Forum of Democratic Leaders in Asia-Pacific, which receives financial support from the George Soros Foundation. Trivedi pointed out that Soros has openly stated that he invested $1 billion to destabilize the Modi government. He questioned why the opposition, particularly Congress, avoids discussing this connection. Trivedi asked whether Congress was aware of the Forum's anti-India and pro-Pakistan content and if they had any ties to Soros, whom he referred to as a "traitor." Trivedi's remarks aimed to draw attention to these concerns and criticize Congress for its involvement.
09 December,2024 05:36 PM IST
On Saturday, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded firmly to criticism over India's purchase of Russian oil. He stated that while India does buy oil from Russia, it is not necessarily "cheap" and questioned if anyone else could offer a better deal. Jaishankar also emphasized that the global focus is shifting toward finding a solution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, now in its third year. He highlighted India's efforts to engage with both Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy through talks in Moscow, Kyiv, and other locations, aiming to find common ground for a peaceful resolution when the right circumstances arise.
08 December,2024 05:33 PM IST
On Saturday, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded to President-elect Donald Trump's threat to impose 100% tariffs on BRICS nations, saying India has "no interest" in weakening the US dollar. Speaking at the Doha Forum, Jaishankar highlighted the strong relationship between India and Trump's first administration, noting that the QUAD was revived during his presidency. He also mentioned the good personal bond between Prime Minister Modi and Trump, which strengthened bilateral ties. Jaishankar emphasized that India does not support de-dollarization and there is no plan for a BRICS currency. He reiterated that the US is India's largest trade partner and they have no intention of undermining the dollar.
08 December,2024 01:02 PM IST
At the India-Japan Forum Inaugural Session Conversation in New Delhi, EAM Jaishankar explained three challenges in the India-Japan relationship. EAM Dr S Jaishankar said, “We've never had problems between India and Japan but not having problems doesn't mean everything works well. I would say how do you take good sentiment and make it into a practical plan. When I look today at the kind of spike in Indian tourists...our passport issuer is going up actually at the rate of almost 10 to 15% a year. We are issuing between about 13 million to 15 million passports every year and these are 10-year validities. In this country, foreign travel is growing and interest in foreign tourism is growing but we haven't yet seen any of this directed at Japan. If you look at Southeast Asia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Gulf, Europe, Indian tourists are really going there in very large numbers.”
06 December,2024 01:52 PM IST
Donald Trump is set to return as President of the United States after a historic victory, showcasing his commitment to nationalism. On November 25, he announced plans to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, including a 25% tariff on goods from the first two countries and an additional 10% on Chinese imports. On November 30, Trump further threatened BRICS nations, demanding they refrain from creating or supporting a currency that could challenge the US dollar. Through a social media post, he warned of 100% tariffs if these countries challenge the US economy. However, India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, dismissed concerns over a BRICS currency, emphasizing it as a non-issue for national policy.
01 December,2024 03:00 PM IST
India’s ties with Canada have seen sharp deterioration with India repeatedly expressing its deep concern about anti-India activities in Canada. Canada’s PM Trudeau had claimed that he has “credible allegations” of India’s hand in the killing of K-terrorist Hardeep Nijjar. Now taking a U-turn on the same, Ottawa has officially denied the reports of the Canada-based Newspaper that claimed India’s link in the K-terrorist Nijjar killing. The action came after India strongly objected to a report in Globe & Mail newspaper that drew a connection between Nijjar’s death to PM Modi. On Nov 20, India had strongly refuted the reports and said it should be dismissed with the “contempt they deserve”. The Ministry of External Affairs had emphasised that “smear campaigns” like this only “further damage our already strained ties”.
22 November,2024 05:40 PM IST
In a new diplomatic low, Canada blocked Australia Today’s social media accounts shortly after it broadcasted a presser involving EAM Jaishankar. India's Ministry of External Affairs criticised Canada for its "hypocrisy towards freedom of speech". Australia Today’s accounts were blocked shortly after airing a press conference with EAM Jaishankar, Australian FM Penny Wong. During the press conference, Jaishankar condemned Canada’s actions, mentioning “unsupported allegations” against India. EAM S Jaishankar also exposed Canada for “unacceptable surveillance of Indian diplomats”. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the timing of Australia Today’s social media blackout in Canada "peculiar and troubling". India highlighted Canada’s inconsistency on freedom of speech, especially when dealing with issues critical of its stance toward India. The EAM's visit to Australia included meetings with business community, CEOs, participation in the 15th India-Australia Framework Dialogue. India condemned vandalism at Brampton’s Hindu Sabha Temple on November 3, calling on Canada to ensure justice. India also expressed concerns about the safety of the Indian diaspora in Canada amid recent attacks on Hindu Temples. The Indian Consulate in Toronto had to cancel upcoming consular camps due to inadequate security.
08 November,2024 12:24 PM ISTADVERTISEMENT
