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Ajay Bisaria to be India’s new High Commissioner to Pakistan

Published

8 years ago

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Ajay Bisaria

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Bisaria takes over from Gautam Bambawale, who moves to China. MEA likely to make formal announcement soon.

India has decided to appoint Ajay Bisaria as its new High Commissioner to Pakistan replacing incumbent Gautam Bambawale, who is now proceeding to China.

Ajay Bisaria, India’s “most presentable face” is an expert on Russia and will be, according to the Indian media, able to “address Russia’s nascent strategic proximity to Pakistan which will no doubt be an important focus area for him.”

Though officially the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has not made any announcement, the news was leaked to the Indian media and is being highlighted in both countries, as reshuffle at this level is always of great interest.

The Indian media says a 1987 batch IFS officer, the new High Commissioner to Pakistan, Bisaria, has had an impeccable career as a diplomat. A savvy diplomat, Bisaria has also served as private secretary and aide to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee from 1999 to 2004 and in that capacity handled a range of defence, economic and foreign policy issues.

Fluent in Russian, Bisaria headed the Eurasia division from 2009 to 2014. As his official profile says, he helped articulate an ambitious policy vision for India in Central Asia and coordinated India’s approach to six annual Indo-Russian summits. Bisaria also worked on India’s policy for multilateral entities like SCO and the Russia-India-China trilateral.

For the outgoing envoy, Bambawale, his must be the shortest stint for any Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan. Bambawale had been given the role on January 13, 2016 and it’s not been even a year before he’s being sent off to China. Bambawale came to Pakistan after heading the Indian mission in Bhutan, and his posting to China shows the great regard that the Modi government has in his diplomacy skills. It would not be unlikely that on completion of his posting in Beijing, Bambawale could be brought back to New Delhi as the new foreign secretary if there is an opening at the South Block.

Gautam Bambawale

Bambawale will be remembered in Islamabad for his cool demeanor in the face of some of the most difficult periods in bilateral relations. Heating up of the Line of Control (LoC) which saw body bags on both sides with scores injured and homes destroyed to Pakistan expelling officers from his mission for undesirable activities to the arrest of a high-profile Indian spy Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav, nothing appeared to have gone right during his tenure.

However, Bambawale also experienced some embarrassing moments for his remarks on Kashmir which led to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce canceling an event in which India’s top diplomat was to speak.

In his remarks in Karachi, Gautam Bambawale had called Kashmir an ‘internal matter’ of India.  “There are problems in both India and Pakistan and you [Pakistan] should focus on resolving your problems before looking into the problems of other countries,” he had said.

Even the expected foreign secretary level talks scheduled after the arrival of Bambawale had to be postponed mutually after the Pathankot terrorist attack. However, Bambawale and his wife, Amita Sathe Bambawale were a popular couple on the diplomatic circuit and frequent guests at homes of Pakistani admires.

Amita even indulged in some food diplomacy where she shared some exclusive Indian recipes with an NGO which runs a café and these are even now the most popular dishes on the menu. Bambawale is a fan of Pakistan’s pride — poet Kishwar Naheed — and enjoyed hearing her poetry saying he understood Urdu but could not read it.

Knowing the constraints in the time that he spent here, the high commissioner concentrated on trade as a means to improve and bring some semblance to bilateral relations.

“…We want to strengthen the relationship between India and Pakistan and that will be my effort while I am posted there….The road to normalisation of relations between India and Pakistan can only be accessed through trade and the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) can play a critical role in this regard, says the Indian envoy”, he had stated, adding that there was no better way of improving bilateral relations than mutually beneficial economic ties.

It was in his tenure that the Indian government introduced multiple visas for three years exclusively for businessmen. These include visits to 15 Indian cities with exemption from police reporting.

Moreover, the businessmen can travel to India by road and return via air. A 1984 batch IFS officer, Bambawale has served as joint secretary of East Asia Division where he handled both China and Japan.

He, in fact, was one of the longest serving joint secretaries there with his tenure lasting from 2009 to 2014.

According to the Indian media, “there are few who know China better than him as he has also served as India’s DCM in Beijing. His understanding of the region is also expected to help India deal with the North Korea situation more effectively.

Bambawale has also served as India’s ambassador to Bhutan and is well-versed with the situation at Doklam which is claimed by China.  As a young IFS officer, Bambawale opted to learn mandarin Chinese and also served in Beijing and Hong Kong from 1985 to 1991”.

– With Agencies

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PM Modi pays tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Sadaiv Atal, says leadership is defined by conduct

PM Modi paid tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Sadaiv Atal, saying true leadership is defined by conduct and values, not by position.

Published

10 hours ago

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December 25, 2025

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PM Modi pays tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Sadaiv Atal, says leadership is defined by conduct

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the ‘Sadaiv Atal’ memorial in New Delhi on the occasion of his 101st birth anniversary. Remembering Vajpayee’s legacy, the Prime Minister said that true leadership is not established by position, but by conduct.

Several dignitaries were present at the memorial to pay homage to the former Prime Minister, who remains one of the most respected figures in Indian politics.

PM Modi remembers Vajpayee’s conduct and values

In a message shared on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi described Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a statesman whose behaviour, dignity and unwavering commitment to national interest set a benchmark for Indian politics. He said Vajpayee’s life continues to inspire the nation and highlights that leadership is determined by character rather than authority.

The Prime Minister also shared a Sanskrit verse, noting that the actions of great leaders guide society, and said this principle was clearly reflected throughout Vajpayee’s public life.

‘Nation always came first for Atal ji’

Prime Minister Modi further said that Vajpayee’s birth anniversary is an opportunity for everyone to draw inspiration from his life. He highlighted Vajpayee’s conduct, grace, ideological firmness and resolve to place the nation’s interest above all else as an ideal standard for public life.

Through his life and work, Vajpayee demonstrated that excellence and greatness are shaped by values and conduct, not merely by holding office, the Prime Minister said. The remarks were shared with inputs from media.

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Cried over Gaza, not a word on Bangladesh: Yogi Adityanath attacks opposition in UP Assembly

Yogi Adityanath criticised the opposition in the UP Assembly, accusing them of selective outrage over Gaza while remaining silent on violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.

Published

11 hours ago

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December 25, 2025

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Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Opposition during proceedings in the State Assembly, accusing rival parties of indulging in selective outrage and appeasement politics while remaining silent on incidents involving Hindus in neighbouring countries, particularly Bangladesh.

Referring to recent incidents across the border, the Chief Minister said the Opposition raises its voice on international issues selectively but avoids speaking out when minorities, especially Hindus, are targeted in nearby nations.

“You shed tears over developments in Gaza, but not a single word comes out when a Dalit youth is killed in Bangladesh,” Adityanath said in the Assembly, alleging that such silence exposes the Opposition’s political priorities.

The Chief Minister further claimed that incidents of violence against Hindus would not have occurred had Pakistan and Bangladesh not been created, reiterating that issues are often viewed through the prism of vote bank politics. He said candle marches are organised for global events, but killings of Hindus in Pakistan or Bangladesh do not evoke similar responses.

Adityanath also called for a condemnation resolution in the Assembly, stating that it should ideally come from the Leader of the Opposition. He said such a resolution should clearly condemn the killing and convey a warning to the Bangladesh government.

Allegations over illegal immigration

Targeting the Opposition on the issue of illegal immigration, the Chief Minister alleged that they support Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas. He claimed that when authorities take action to expel illegal immigrants, Opposition leaders come out in their defence, alleging that many of them have been facilitated with voter registrations and Aadhaar cards.

Meanwhile, tensions between India and Bangladesh have been visible following recent developments. India summoned the Bangladesh High Commissioner for the second time in a week amid concerns arising from incidents in the neighbouring country.

The summons came in the backdrop of protests in Bangladesh following the killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi and the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das in separate incidents. Dipu Das, a 27-year-old youth from Mymensingh district, was beaten to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy on December 18, and his body was later set on fire, triggering widespread outrage.

The Interim Government of Bangladesh condemned the incident. Education Adviser C R Abrar visited the bereaved family on behalf of the government, expressed condolences, and assured them of financial and welfare assistance. The Office of the Chief Adviser also reiterated its resolve to protect all citizens and ensure justice in the case.

The killing has once again raised concerns at the international level over the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, with minority groups demanding strict action against those responsible.

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Christmas 2025 wishes for WhatsApp and Instagram status to share joy and warmth

From faith and kindness to love and joy, here are simple Christmas 2025 wishes you can use as WhatsApp and Instagram status messages.

Published

11 hours ago

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December 25, 2025

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Merry christmas

As Christmas 2025 is being celebrated across the world, people are marking the occasion by sharing warm messages with family, friends and loved ones. The festival commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed as a time of faith, kindness and togetherness. Along with prayers, gifts and festive meals, social media platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram have become popular spaces for expressing Christmas greetings.

Christmas is traditionally associated with reflecting God’s love through generosity and compassion, while also strengthening bonds with close ones. Many people choose short, meaningful lines as their social media status to capture the spirit of the day and convey goodwill.

Here is a curated list of loving Christmas 2025 wishes that can be used as WhatsApp or Instagram status messages on the joyful occasion:

  1. Merry Christmas! May your day be filled with love, laughter and your favourite moments.
  2. Wishing you a Christmas as bright and cheerful as your smile.
  3. May your heart be full of joy and your home be filled with love this Christmas.
  4. Sending warm Christmas wishes with a touch of festive magic.
  5. Merry Christmas! May peace and happiness surround you today.
  6. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Wishing you a Merry Christmas.
  7. May the spirit of Christmas bring love to your heart and warmth to your home.
  8. Wishing you a Christmas that is merry, bright and full of cheer.
  9. May your Christmas be rich with laughter, love and cherished traditions.
  10. Sending love, joy and the warmest Christmas wishes your way.
  11. Merry Christmas! Celebrate the day with family, friends and good food.
  12. Wishing you a Christmas filled with magic, wonder and joy.
  13. May the joy of Christmas stay with you throughout the year.
  14. Wishing you a Christmas as special as you are.
  15. Merry Christmas! Wishing happiness and good fortune always.

These short messages reflect the essence of Christmas 2025 and can be easily shared as status updates to spread positivity and festive warmth.

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