Diplomacy

Terror strikes 3 continents, sparks global outrage

- by India Writes Network

A string of terror attacks struck people in three countries straddling three continents on June 26, renewing the global focus on the spread of international terrorism fuelled by anarchic warped-up ideologies. In three disparate savage strikes in Tunisia, France and Kuwait, terrorists slaughtered 66 people. The sites chosen for assaults – an American-owned chemical plant in France, a mosque in Kuwait and a seaside resort in Tunisia – ensured that dozens of civilians were killed by suicide bombers and underlined the need for concreted global action to tackle this many-headed monster.

The three strikes took place almost at the same time, after the ISIL militants called for many such operations to be carried out during the holy month of Ramazan.

The Islamic State, also known as ISIL or ISIS which recently marked the first anniversary of the establishment of the so-called caliphate, has claimed responsibility for the attacks in Tunisia and Kuwait.

Read More

BRICS bank to start operations by July 2016: K V Kamath

- by India Writes Network

The BRICS’ signature initiative, the New Development Bank (NDB), a symbol of the grouping’s drive to recast global financial governance architecture, is expected to begin its operations and take up projects by April 2016.

NDB bank will function on the lines of world’s major financial institutions including World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and private money lenders. It will be given the same privileges as those institutions. The bank will have vice presidents from three other nations.

Speaking at the CII National Council Meeting in Mumbai on June 25, the newly appointed chief of the New Development Bank of BRICS countries K V Kamath said, “NDB has opted for a larger canvas by expanding its scope of operations to other member nations. The name of the bank was changed as new partner countries are likely to join the BRICS group of emerging economies.”

Read More

Rebuilding quake-hit Nepal: India unveils $1 billion assistance

- by India Writes Network

Underscoring India’s unstinting contribution for creating a resilient Nepal in the aftermath of the quake, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has pledged an assistance package of $1 billion for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the nascent Himalayan democracy.

Speaking at the International Conference on Nepal’s Reconstruction, Sushma Swaraj said: “Keeping with our very special relationship that I am happy to announce Government of India’s pledge for Nepal’s post-earthquake reconstruction of Nepali Rupees 10,000 crores, equivalent to one billion US dollars.”

She emphasised that India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with 1.25 billion Indian citizens, are committed to shoulder their responsibilities towards India’s oldest and closest friend and neighbour in the wake of the April 25 earthquake that devastated Nepal.

“Let us take inspiration from ancient philosophy of Yoga and join hands to create a more resilient Nepal,” said the minister

Read More

From hometown diplomacy to home truths: China blocks India’s UN move against Pakistan

- by Manish Chand

Call it home truths, if you will. After much-hyped hometown diplomacy by the leaders of India and China, the first time at Sabarmati Asharam in Gandhinagar and then at Xian, the city of famed Terracotta Warriors, home truths are staring New Delhi as it engages Beijing. Barely weeks after Chinese President Xi Jinping rolled out the red carpet for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, conjuring up a seductive narrative of major power relations and all that sweet talk of an Asian Century, Beijing is now drawing its own red lines. And this red line is definitely a red rag to New Delhi.
Belying Beijing’s talk of jointly countering terrorism, the Chinese representative has blocked India’s move in the UN demanding action against Pakistan for releasing the Mumbai mayhem mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi from jail on the ground that India has not provided “sufficient information”. The legal subterfuge deployed by China to shield Pakistan’s action (or lack of action against the architect of 26/11) reinforces the red line drawn by Beijing in its relations with New Delhi. Put simply, it means that China is ready to pump in $20 billion into India, build industrial parks and smart infrastructure, but if it means going against its all-weather acolyte Pakistan

Read More

Afghan President lauds parliament attack hero, UN envoy hails Afghan forces

- by India Writes Network

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has lauded Esa Khan, the Afghan soldier who killed six of the seven insurgents who tried to storm parliament on June 22, as a hero and honoured him by presenting him with a new home.
Mr Ghani tweeted a picture of himself greeting the soldier, Esa Khan, who will be promoted and given a medal. The Afghan security forces also got rich praise from the UN envoy to Afghanistan.
After a Taliban suicide bomber and six gunmen carried out a brazen attack on Afghanistan’s parliament on June 22, which killed two and injured dozens, the United Nations Envoy to Afghanistan Nicholas Haysom said that Afghan security forces were undeniably stretched amid ongoing threats from Taliban insurgents and Islamic State militants for establishing their foothold in the country.

Read More