The Chhattisgarh

Tag: MEA

  • ‘Sent 26 Extradition Requests…’: India Flags Canada’s Ignorance Over Action Against Lawrence Bishnoi’s Gang Members |

    India-Canada Row: Amid the strained ties with Canada, India on Thursday revealed that there are 26 extradition requests pending with the north american country since over a decade. The requests include those of some hardcore Khalistani extremists and criminals wanted by India.

    During a weekly briefing on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that besides these requests, there are several provisional arrest requests which are also pending with the Canadian side of several criminals.  

    “There are 26 extradition requests pending with the Canadian side. These are over the last decade or more. Along with it, there are several provisional arrest requests which are also pending with the Canadian side of several criminals. Some of the notable ones, who have been charged with terror and related crimes, are Gurjeet Singh, Gurjinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Lakhbir Singh Landa and Arshdeep Singh Gill. We have shared the security-related information with the Canadian government,” he said.

    It is pertinent to mention that the extradition requests pending with Canada include those of Lawrence Bishnoi gang, with the Indian government requesting the Justin Trudeau government to arrest them or take due action against them as per the law.

    “We had shared some requests with the Canadian side for the arrest of those from Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang. They haven’t taken any action on our core concerns. There is a political motive also behind this,” Jaiswal said.

    “So far no action has been taken by the Canadian side on our requests. This is very serious. Also we find it very strange that the people we asked to be deported, on whom we asked action to be taken, we are being told – the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) is blaming the Indian side – that these people are committing crimes in Canada for which India is to be blamed. So, this is a contradiction which we don’t understand,” the MEA spokesperson further stated.

    In what has been one of the lowest points in relations between the two countries, New Delhi on Monday decided to withdraw its High Commissioner and “other targeted diplomats and officials” from Canada following Trudeau’s continued “hostility” towards India.

    The MEA had stated earlier this week that India has conveyed to Canada that it reserves the right to take further steps in response to the Trudeau Government’s support for extremism, violence and separatism against India.

    “India-Canada economic ties are robust and strong. We have a large diaspora in Canada. Our students form the largest cohort of international students in the country. Several large Canadian pension funds have invested in India and Canada remains the major beneficiary of these linkages and ties. The current crisis in the relationship has been precipitated by the Trudeau government’s baseless allegations,” asserted the MEA spokesperson on Thursday.

  • Signs Of Thaw? EAM Jaishankar To Travel To Pakistan For SCO Summit |

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to lead the Indian delegation to Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, the ministry of External Affairs said on Friday. The announcement was made by external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal Friday.

    “EAM Jaishankar will lead a delegation to Pakistan for the SCO summit, which will be held in Islamabad on 15th and 16th October,” MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a briefing.

    MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “EAM Jaishankar will lead a delegation to Pakistan for the SCO summit which will be held in Islamabad on 15th and 16th October…” pic.twitter.com/JPotcj1VMq
    — ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2024

    Pakistan is hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting in mid-October. EAM spokesperson Jaiswal made it clear that, at this point, there are no details available on any bilateral engagements that EAM Jaishankar may have during his Pakistan visit.

    As part of the formal process, Pakistan had extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the meeting. The EAM’s participation in the meeting comes as no surprise as the SCO meeting does not require heads of states to participate and Indian ministerial delegations have been attending them in the past.

    “Extending an invitation to PM Modi and all other member states is a compulsive protocol any host country follows. Pakistan has done the same. I do not see this as a political stunt. However, I do not see PM Modi landing in Islamabad,” political analyst Kamran Yousaf had told IANS in August, this year.

    Last year, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had visited India for the SCO Foreign Minister’s meeting.

  • India Expresses Deep Concern, Calls For Civilian Protection Amid Mounting Tensions In Middle East |

    Israel-Iran Conflict: Amid the escalating tensions in the Middle East following Iran’s missile attacks on Israel, India on Wednesday expressed deep concerns, saying that the conflict between the two countries must not take a wider regional dimension and called for restraint and protection of civilians.

    The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a statement, emphasized that “dialogue and diplomacy” should be channeled to resolve all conflicting issues.

    “We are deeply concerned at the escalation of the security situation in West Asia and reiterate our call for restraint by all concerned and protection of civilians. It is important that the conflict doesn’t take a wider regional dimension, and we urge that all issues be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy,” the MEA said in the statement.

    Statement on the evolving situation in West Asia:https://t.co/6SNjnBHOUT pic.twitter.com/BxVAFTjuWv
    — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) October 2, 2024

    The statement from the MEA came a day after Iran fired more than 180 ballistic missiles on Israel. Following the unprecedented attacks by Iran, alarms sounded across Israel, and explosions were heard in Jerusalem and the Jordan River valley.

    Earlier, the Indian Embassy in Israel also issued travel advisory for Indians in Israel. “In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to stay vigilant and adhere to the safety protocols as advised by the local authorities. Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel within the country, and stay close to safety shelters. The Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and remains in regular touch with the Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of all our nationals. In case of any emergency, please contact the 24 x 7 helpline of the Embassy at +972-547520711, +972-543278392,” the Embassy said.

    The advisories came after Iran’s missile attack on Israel days after Israeli Defense Forces began their ground operations against Hezbollah in Israel. Israel has said that it will respond to the Iranian attack at a date and time of its choice.

    IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari said, “Iran’s attack is a severe and dangerous escalation. There will be consequences… We will respond wherever, whenever, and however we choose, in accordance with the directive of the government of Israel.”

  • ‘Doing Our Best To Bring Them Back’: MEA On Indians Duped In Russia |

    NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday assured that it is actively involved in efforts to assist Indian nationals who have been deceived into working with the Russian Army. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal underscored the government’s commitment to bringing these individuals back home and ensuring their safety.

    Working With The Russian Govt: MEA

    Jaiswal highlighted that the Indian government has taken a firm stance on the matter and is pursuing swift action against agents and entities responsible for recruiting Indian citizens under false pretences. The MEA has engaged with the Russian government, urging them to facilitate the prompt release of the duped Indian nationals.

    “Several Indian Nationals have been duped to work with the Russian Army. We have strongly taken up the matter with the Russian government for the early discharge of such Indian nationals. Strong action has been initiated against agents and unscrupulous elements who recruited them on false pretexts and promises.”

     

    #WATCH | MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “Several Indian nationals have been duped to work in the Russian army. We have strongly taken up the matter for the early discharge of such Indian nationals. Strong action has been initiated against agents who recruited them on… pic.twitter.com/4o9Puxxm9Y


    — ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2024

     

    CBI Probing Human Trafficking Network

    Recent actions by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have resulted in the busting of a major human trafficking network. Through coordinated efforts and extensive investigations, incriminating evidence has been gathered, leading to the registration of cases against multiple agents involved in illicit recruitment.

    Concerned About The Well-Being Of Affected Individuals: MEA

    Expressing concern for the safety and well-being of the affected individuals, Jaiswal cautioned Indian nationals against succumbing to offers from deceptive agents promising support jobs with the Russian Army. He emphasized the inherent risks associated with such arrangements and reiterated the government’s commitment to facilitating the safe return of those involved.

    The MEA remains in constant communication with Russian authorities, advocating for the swift release and repatriation of the duped Indian nationals. Efforts are underway to locate and assist approximately 20 individuals who have reached out to the MEA seeking assistance in this regard.

    The CBI’s investigation revealed a widespread human trafficking network operating across multiple cities in India. Victims were lured through various means, including social media platforms and local contacts, with promises of lucrative jobs abroad. However, they were ultimately coerced into combat roles in the Russia-Ukraine war zone, endangering their lives.

    Ongoing Investigation And Appeal To The Public

    The investigation into this trafficking operation is ongoing, with additional victims being identified. The public has been urged to exercise caution and vigilance, avoiding false promises of employment from dubious recruitment agencies and agents. Certain suspects have been detained for questioning, and the CBI continues its efforts to ensure justice for the victims, the MEA officials added.

  • ‘Not Even In Civilian Clothes’: President Mohamed Muizzu Sets May 10 Deadline For Indian Troops To Leave Maldives |

    Male: Hardening his stance, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has now said that no Indian military personnel will remain in the island nation past May 10, regardless of whether they are in uniform or civilian attire. According to The Edition, President Muizzu while addressing the residential community of Baa Atoll Eydhafushi said that the Indian military will not reside in Maldives in any form of clothing after May 10. He added said those who spread false rumours are trying to twist the situation.

    Muizzu said, “That these people [Indian military] are not departing, that they are returning after changing their uniforms into civilian clothing. We must not indulge such thoughts that instill doubts in our hearts and spread lies,” The Edition reported.

    “There will be no Indian troops in the country come May 10. Not in uniform and not in civilian clothing. Indian military will not be residing in this country in any form of clothing. I state this with confidence,” he added.

    Opposition Criticism 

    Muizzu’s statement comes amidst escalating criticism from the Opposition, which alleged that the Indian military personnel are surreptitiously operating within the Maldives. However, the President maintained that discussions between the two nations have facilitated the orderly withdrawal of Indian military forces.

    Shifting Dynamics In Regional Politics

    President Muizzu’s stance underscores a broader shift in regional dynamics, with Maldives increasingly gravitating towards China and distancing itself from traditional ally India. Muizzu’s electoral promise of ‘India Out’ reflects this evolving geopolitical landscape.

    Diplomatic Efforts And Continued Cooperation

    Despite the tensions, diplomatic channels remain open, with both India and Maldives engaging in constructive dialogue to address concerns and find mutually beneficial solutions. The recent arrival of Indian technical personnel signals a commitment to maintaining essential services while respecting Maldives’ sovereignty.

    Optimism Amidst Challenges

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed confidence in diplomatic resolutions during a recent event, affirming that misunderstandings can be overcome through dialogue. Highlighting the humanitarian role of Indian aviation platforms in Maldives, Jaishankar underscored the importance of cooperation amidst evolving circumstances.

    Path Forward: Diplomacy And Collaboration

    As both nations navigate complex geopolitical waters, the resolution of tensions surrounding the Indian military presence in Maldives remains a priority. Continued dialogue and cooperation hold the key to addressing differences and fostering a stable, mutually beneficial relationship.

  • India Slams Pakistan’s ‘False, Malicious Propaganda’ Of Killing Two Terrorists On Pak Soil

    India on Thursday rubbished Pakistan’s allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of two Pakistani terrorists in Sialkot and Rawalkot last year.