India has called for safe and unimpeded navigation and the free flow of commerce through international waterways, while according high priority to the safety and security of Indian vessels and seafarers. Briefing the media in New Delhi yesterday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Indian Missions across the Gulf region are in constant contact with the Ministry of Shipping and maritime authorities in the respective countries. He said 24/7 helplines are being operated to provide support to anyone who may need assistance. These helplines have been functioning for the past several months. New Delhi has also called upon all…
Author: Digital Desk
India’s relations with Pakistan can move forward only in an environment free from terror, hostility and violence, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said in the Lok Sabha on Friday, making it clear that cross-border terrorism remains the central obstacle to normalising ties between the two countries. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Jaishankar said Pakistan continues to pursue a policy of cross-border terrorism and use terrorism as an instrument of state policy against India. The External Affairs Minister said India had taken a series of diplomatic and economic measures against Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack. These…
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday stressed that the welfare and interests of athletes must remain the top priority for all stakeholders in the country’s sporting ecosystem. Mandaviya chaired the National Sports Federation (NSF) Conclave 2026, which was attended by Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Smt. Raksha Khadse, senior officials of the Ministry, representatives of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and National Sports Federations (NSFs). The conclave focused on strengthening sports governance, improving athlete welfare and reviewing India’s preparations for major international sporting events, including the Asian Games 2026, Los…
India and Bhutan on Friday discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the power sector, with a focus on hydropower, cross-border electricity trade, transmission connectivity and renewable energy. Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal held talks with Bhutan’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources H.E. Lyonpo Gem Tshering in New Delhi. The two Ministers reviewed the progress of ongoing cooperation and discussed avenues for expanding collaboration across the energy sector, which remains a key pillar of the close India-Bhutan relationship. The discussions covered hydropower development, cross-border electricity trade, transmission connectivity, renewable energy, institutional cooperation…
India and Sri Lanka on Friday reviewed bilateral cooperation in the power sector and discussed ways to deepen collaboration in cross-border electricity trade, renewable energy, transmission infrastructure and capacity building. The meeting was held in New Delhi and was led by Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal from the Indian side, while Sri Lanka was represented by Anura Karunathilake, Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation and Minister of Energy. The two sides reviewed the progress of key ongoing bilateral initiatives, including the proposed India-Sri Lanka High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) interconnection and the Sampur Solar…
India and Bhutan on Friday held a high-level bilateral meeting on cooperation in trans-border rivers, reviewing ongoing collaboration in water resources management, flood forecasting and hydrological data sharing. The Bhutanese delegation was led by Lyonpo Gem Tshering, Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, while the Indian delegation was headed by Union Minister for Jal Shakti C R Paatil. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed cooperation in the water resources sector, with particular focus on trans-border river management, flood forecasting and management, hydrological data sharing and other areas of mutual interest. The two delegations also took stock of the progress…
Maj Gen APS Chahal, ADG, NCC Directorate West Bengal & Sikkim, called on the Minister-in-Charge, Department of Higher Education, Government of West Bengal, Shri Jagannath Chattopadhyay, to discuss the wide-ranging activities being undertaken by the National Cadet Corps across the state under the aegis of NCC Directorate West Bengal & Sikkim. The interaction highlighted the NCC’s pivotal role in shaping disciplined, responsible, and nation-building youth, while also bringing to the fore the key challenges associated with expanding its reach and strengthening training infrastructure across the state. During the meeting, the Minister assured the ADG of the Government of West Bengal’s…
-by Pratyusha Mukherjee Governor of West Bengal Shri R. N. Ravi will inaugurate the exhibition “Celebrating Freedom Through Bengal” at the Marble Hall of Lok Bhavan on Saturday, August 8, at 5:00 p.m. Organised in the run-up to Independence Day, the exhibition pays tribute to the freedom fighters, revolutionaries and patriots of Bengal whose courage and sacrifice made a significant contribution to India’s struggle for Independence. The exhibition will remain open to students and the general public from August 9 to August 14 at Lok Bhavan. Educational institutions across West Bengal have been invited to organise visits for students, providing…
As India prepares to celebrate its 80th Independence Day, military bands and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) bands will present a nationwide musical tribute, showcasing the spirit of freedom, unity and patriotism across the country. The grand musical initiative will witness performances by bands of the Armed Forces and CAPFs at 343 locations across 119 cities, bringing stirring patriotic melodies and ceremonial music closer to citizens in different parts of the nation. The performances will highlight the valour, dedication and service of India’s armed forces and security personnel while celebrating the nation’s journey since Independence. Through their inspiring renditions, the…
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday chaired a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence, where discussions centred on the role, mandate and future strengthening of the Territorial Army. During the meeting, senior Ministry of Defence officials gave a detailed presentation on the Territorial Army’s responsibilities, operational contributions and key achievements. Members of the committee also offered suggestions aimed at enhancing the force’s effectiveness. Addressing the meeting, Singh described the Territorial Army as a vital contributor to the government’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat.” He said that while the regular armed forces are primarily responsible for…