English हिन्दी
Connect with us

India News

Donald Trump Turns down India’s Republic Day Invitation

Published

on

Donald Trump Turns down India’s Republic Day Invitation

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Million Dollar Question- Who Will Accept Invitation as Second Choice?

Amidst growing tension on India’s purchase of Russian S-400 air defence missile system and unhindered oil import from Iran despite Washington’s sanction threats, US President Donald Trump has declined the invitation to be the chief guest at the Republic Day, 26 January 2019, celebrations,

According to reports, this was conveyed in t a letter from US authorities to National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. The report, initially carried out by Times of India, was later removed from their website, saying “This story has been removed due to inadequate information.”

This leaves Prime Minister Modi in a tough position, as he has to find a replacement, one who might be willing to risk public perception as the ‘second choice’ candidate. This would a test for Indian diplomacy as to which wodld leader could be roped in to grace the occasion.

Donald Trump Turns down India’s Republic Day Invitation

PM Narendra Modi had invited President Trump for a bilateral visit while he visited Washington in June last year. A joint statement at that time said, “President Trump gladly accepted Prime Minister Modi’s invitation to visit India.” A fresh invitation was sent to President Trump to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations.

Read More: India displays its might and culture on 69th Republic Day, with ASEAN leaders as chief guests

It is believed that if Trump accepted the invitation it could serve a major boost to ties between the two strategic partners in key areas of defence, security and trade.

The refusal from Washington came at a time when the ties between India and US are witnessing some strain. India had pressed Washington for a waiver from US sanctions on military procurement from Russia. The US had earlier announced sanctions against Russia for its alleged meddling in the presidential election in 2016.

After withdrawing from multilateral Iran nuclear deal, also known as JCPOA, President Trump has threatened countries importing oil from Iran to bring it down to zero by November 4.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]India, being the second largest oil buyer from Iran, had also sought a waiver from US sanctions. The US has been pushing for deeper strategic cooperation with India, especially in the Indo-Pacific region where China was expanding its influence.

Donald Trump Turns down India’s Republic Day Invitation

Every year, India invites world leaders to attend its Republic Day celebrations. Japanese PM Shinzo Abe was Chief Guest in 2014, Barack Obama, the then US President in 2015, French President Francios Hollande in 2016, Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan in 2017 while in 2018-  leaders from ten ASEAN countries attended the Republic Day celebrations.

The heads of state and government who have attended India’s Republic Day celebrations also include Nicolas Sarkozy, Vladimir Putin, Nelson Mandela, John Major, Mohammed Khatami and Jacques Chirac.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

India News

Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

Published

on

Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

Continue Reading

India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

Published

on

Rahul-Gandhi

The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

Published

on

Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com