Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the deal to release 50 Israeli hostages. During his address at the Virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit on November 22, he asserted that killing of innocents, especially children and women, is not acceptable. The Prime Minister made seven observations on the Israel-Hamas conflict. These included zero tolerance on terrorism, expediting humanitarian aid, need for regional stability and pursuing dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict. The virtual G20 summit was attended by 22 heads of government, though some leaders were not present. Russian Presi
India on November 20 donated $2.5 million to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) as part of its annual contribution of $5 million for the year 2023-24 to support the agency’s core programmes and services, including education, healthcare, relief, and social services provided to Palestinian refugees, the Representative Office of India at Ramallah said. The contribution was handed over by the Representative of India (ROI) to Palestine, Renu Yadav, to the Director of Partnerships, Department of External Relations
During the 10th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting - Plus (ADMM-Plus) held in Jakarta, Indonesia, on November 16, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised India’s dedication to “freedom of navigation, overflight, and unimpeded lawful commerce in international waters.” Addressing the meet, the minister highlighted the importance of fostering dialogue and reaching consensus among nations while adhering to international laws for resolving maritime disputes. On the sidelines of the meeting, the Union Defence Minister engaged in discussions with US Secretary of Defence Llo
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has partnered with Conservation International to champion environmental causes, the organisation announced on November 6. Ardern, now the sixth Arnhold Distinguished Fellow of the group, will dedicate two years to advocating internationally, particularly addressing issues impacting the Pacific and Antarctica. The role, classified as part-time, includes a stipend. This commitment to conservation is one of several new endeavours Ardern has undertaken since her unexpected resignation in January. Concurrently, she is pursuing dual fellowships at
The US mission in New Delhi has opened over 2.5 lakh interview appointments for visa applicants in India. In a post on X, the US embassy on November 1 said that more than a quarter-million non-immigrant visa appointments opened during the weekend. The most recent data from the US State Department indicates a significant reduction in wait times for B1 (business) and B2 (tourist) visa categories. According to media reports, Delhi’s wait time has decreased from 542 days to just 37 days in the past week. In addition to Delhi, other consulates in India have also seen improved wait times. K
India sent the first consignment of emergency relief materials worth ₹10 crore to quake-struck Nepal on November 5. The relief materials arrived in Nepal via a special Indian Air Force C-130 flight at Nepalgunj. The consignment of over 11 tonnes of emergency relief materials included relief materials such as tents, blankets, tarpaulin sheets and essential medicines and medical equipment. The relief materials were handed over by the Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava, on behalf of the Government of India, to the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Nepal, Purna Bahadur Khadka
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on October 28 discussed the worsening security and humanitarian situation in West Asia. Both leaders expressed their concern over the increase in terrorism, violence, and civilian casualties in the region, largely owing to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The leaders agreed on the need to quickly restore peace and stability and provide humanitarian assistance to those who have been affected by the conflict. They also exchanged views on the latest developments in the Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip. “Pr
Former Singapore President Halimah Yacob was conferred the nation’s highest civilian honour on October 29, for “embodying so fully the Singapore Story – and for her lifetime of devoted and distinguished service.” Madam Halimah received the Order of Temasek (With High Distinction) from President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the National Awards Investiture, held at the Institute of Technical Education College Central. She is the first Singaporean to be elected to the governing body of the International Labour Organisation, the first Malay woman to be elected an MP, the first female Spea
India has sent 38 tonnes of food and critical medical equipment to the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, said Ambassador R. Ravindra, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, on October 25. Representing India at the United Nations Security Council Open-debate on the “situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question,” Ravindra said India was deeply concerned about the deteriorating security situation and large-scale loss of civilians in the ongoing conflict. “We also urge the parties to work towards creating conditions n
External Affairs Minister of India, S. Jaishankar is on a two-nation visit to Vietnam and Singapore from October 15-20 to bolster bilateral relations and cooperation in a wide range of areas. Jaishankar’s visit to Vietnam came at the invitation of his counterpart Bui Thanh Son. The two foreign ministers co-chaired a meeting of the India-Vietnam Joint Commission on economic, trade, scientific and technological cooperation. During the visit, the minister travelled to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and held talks with the top Vietnamese leadership. He met members of the Indian community and unv