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If Pakistan is a ‘naya Pakistan’ it should show this in ‘naya action’, says India

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MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar

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If Pakistan claims to be a ‘naya Pakistan’ with ‘nayi soch‘, it should demonstrate ‘naya action‘ against terrorism, said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar today (Saturday, March 9).

Speaking at a media briefing, Kumar said that Pakistan has not shown any serious intent to address legitimate concerns of India and the international community.

“If Pakistan claims to be naya Pak with nayi soch, it should demonstration naya action against terrorist groups and terror infrastructure on its soil and end cross-border terrorism,” he said.

Kumar said, “It is regrettable that Pakistan still continues to deny Jaish-e-Mohammed’s claim of taking ownership of Pulwama attack. Pakistan Foreign Minister said they (JeM) have not claimed responsibility of the attack. Is there some confusion or is Pakistan defending the Jaishe-Mohammed?” He added that widespread terrorist camps in Pakistan is public knowledge.

Referring to a report on Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar’s presence in Islamabad, Kumar said, “We are seeing the same script that has been played out earlier, after the terror attack on Parliament in 2001, the Mumbai attack in 2008 and the attack on Pathankot airbase in 2016. Pakistan claims to proscribe groups and individuals, but this is confined only to paper. Terror groups and individuals continue their activities without hindrance.”

He added that Pakistan should explain why it continues to deny that its F-16 fighter aircraft was shot down, adding that it has asked the United States to explain whether the use of F-16 by the country was in according to terms and conditions of the sale.

The MEA spokesperson also said that since the deadly Pulwama attack, which killed 40 CRPF soldiers on February 14, international communities have stood with India in condemning Pakistan and urging the country to take action against terrorists.

Kumar recalled that the US, UK and France have moved a fresh petition in the United Nation Security Council (UNSC) to designate Azhar as a global terrorist. He also said India’s non-military strike on JeM camp in Pakistan’s Balakot achieved its desired objective and demonstrated the country’s firm resolve to take decisive action against cross border terrorism. He also said that an Indian Air Force MiG-21 Bison, piloted by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, shot down a Pakistan Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft and there were eyewitness accounts and electronic evidence for it.

“Our non-military counter-terrorism strike achieved the desired objective. It has demonstrated our firm resolve to take decisive action against cross border terrorism. We have also shared evidence in the form of parts of AMRAAM missile which were recovered from the site and are only carried by F-16 aircraft of the PAF. Only one aircraft was lost by India during Pakistan’s unsuccessful attempt at targeting Indian military installations,” he said.

Kumar added, “Pakistan is spreading false propaganda. If Pakistan has a video recording of shooting down two aircraft of the Indian Air force, why it has not shared the evidence with the international media?”

On Pakistan using F-16s, he said, “We have asked USA to also examine whether the use of F-16 against India is in accordance with terms and conditions of sale.”

Asked about the implications of Kartarpur Corridor talks on bilateral relations, Kumar said, “I would like to make it clear that holding Kartarpur Corridor talks doesn’t mean the resumption of bilateral ties. This is related to the emotions and sentiments of our Indian citizens of Sikh faith.”

The MEA spokesperson’s statement comes a day after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that his government would not allow the country’s soil to be used for terror purposes against any country.

Paksitan’s behaviour towards terrorist groups ‘contradictory’, ‘self-defeating’: US Congressman

Meanwhile, an influential US Congressman has warned that Pakistan will continue to slide into international isolation if it does not take actions against terrorist groups operating from its soil, reported NDTV.

Ami Bera, the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, also urged China to play a constructive role by lifting its veto over UNSC resolution to designate Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist.

“The United States’ Congress stands ready to support Pakistan should Prime Minister (Imran) Khan begin cracking down on terrorist groups in earnest. This will only help improve his nation’s economy,” Bera, an Indian-American, wrote in an op-ed published in News India Times on Friday

In his op-ed titled “’Time For Pakistan to Chart a New Course”, the four-time Indian-American Congressman from California said that Pakistan did the right thing by releasing Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman.

“This de-escalated a dangerous situation but more has to be done. Prime Minister Imran Khan should use this opportunity to reset his country’s relationship with the world and chart a new course for Pakistan,” he said.

This starts with cracking down on the JeM and other terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) which was responsible for the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, Bera said, adding that unfortunately, Pakistan’s behaviour towards these terrorist groups have been contradictory and self-defeating.

“Pakistan has banned many of these terrorist groups, including adding two more groups on March 5, but at the same time tolerates them operating within its own borders. This has caused the international community to isolate Pakistan,” Bera said.

Pakistan says it has taken some initial steps, like detaining 44 suspected terrorists, including the brother of JeM chief Masood Azhar. It is, however, unclear whether this “preventative detention”, as Pakistan described it, will lead to criminal prosecutions and justice being served, he said.

“Prime Minister (Imran) Khan can help Pakistan earn enormous goodwill by tracking down and bringing to justice Masood Azhar, whom the Pakistani Foreign Minister indicated was alive, with his whereabouts known. They can further that goodwill by dismantling the terrorist networks that operate within Pakistan.

“These actions are in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1267. If Imran Khan does not take these steps, I’m afraid Pakistan will continue to slide into international isolation, which will only serve to increase economic hardship on the Pakistani people,” the Congressman said.

“I also call on China to play a constructive role in India and Pakistan relations. A good first step would be for China to cease blocking a UN Security Council resolution designating Masood Azhar a global terrorist,” said Bera.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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India calls out Canada’s move to ban Australia Today for airing S Jaishankar’s press conference

The MEA said that these actions yet again highlight the hypocrisy of Canada towards freedom of speech.

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India calls out Canada’s move to ban Australia Today for airing S Jaishankar's press conference

A few hours after Australia Today aired External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s press conference in Australia, Canada banned the outlet. The External Affairs Minister gave remarks on the India-Canada diplomatic standoff. 

Reacting to this, India on Thursday said it was surprised by Canada’s move to ban the outlet and emphasized that it highlighted Ottawa’s hypocrisy towards freedom of speech. Australia Today, which is an important outlet for the Indian community in the country, had aired the joint press conference of S Jaishankar and his Australian counterpart Penny Wong in Canberra.

In a weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that they understand that the social media handles, pages of this particular outlet, which is an important diaspora outlet, have been blocked and are not available for viewers in Canada. He continued that this happened just an hour or a few hours after this particular handle carried the press conference of S Jaishankar with Penny Wong. He called out the incident, mentioning that they are surprised, and the matter looks strange to them.

He further underlined that these are the actions which yet again highlight the hypocrisy of Canada towards freedom of speech. He noted that the External Affairs Minister spoke about three things: Canada making allegations and a pattern had developed without any specific evidence, surveillance of Indian diplomats in Canada, which he termed as unacceptable, and  the political space which has been given in Canada to anti-India elements. 

With this one can draw conclusions, why Australia Today channel was blocked by Canada, the spokesperson said. Australia Today focuses on news and analytical pieces related to the Indian community in Australia and elsewhere across the world.

This incident follows days after devotees were attacked by pro-Khalistani at a Hindu temple in Canada’s Brampton, with S Jaishankar calling it deeply concerning. Furthermore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the attack and said that there were cowardly attempts to intimidate Indian diplomats.

The diplomatic standoff between India and Canada began in September last year when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that Indian government agents might have been involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a claim outrightly rejected by New Delhi.

Later in October 2024, ties between both the countries nosedived when Canada termed the Indian High Commissioner a person of interest in its investigation into Nijjar’s murder. Issuing a strongly worded statement, India dismissed the fresh charge and recalled the envoy and some diplomats, while expelling six Canadian officials, including Canada’s acting High Commissioner.

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PM Modi congratulates Donald Trump on winning US President election

The Prime Minister urged Trump to work for the betterment of the people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday congratulated Donald Trump on winning the 2024 US Presidential election and said he is looking forward to renewing their collaboration to further strengthen the India-US partnership.

The Prime Minister urged Trump to work for the betterment of the people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity.

“Heartiest congratulations my friend @realDonaldTrump on your historic election victory. As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership. Together, let’s work for the betterment of our people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity,” PM Modi posted on his X handle.

With the results being announced for the 2024 US election on November 6, Trump became the 47th President of the United States.

Former US President Trump appeared to be on track for a remarkable political comeback in the White House race. Projections suggested that he was poised to secure the necessary 270 electoral college votes, effectively blocking Democratic candidate Kamala Harris from winning the election.

The relationship between Trump and Modi has been characterised by robust diplomatic ties, strategic collaboration, and a noticeable personal rapport. Their friendship was prominently displayed during major events such as “Howdy, Modi” in Houston in 2019 and “Namaste Trump” in Ahmedabad in 2020, where they addressed large audiences and expressed their mutual respect.

On a strategic level, Trump and Modi found common ground in matters of defense and security, both adopting a strong stance against terrorism, which reinforced their alliance, particularly concerning threats from Pakistan.

As he approaches a notable victory in the US election, Republican Presidential candidate Trump expressed gratitude to his supporters today, calling it a magnificent victory for the American people. He also referenced the assassination attempt on July 13, stating, “God spared my life for a reason.”

The 78-year-old candidate is currently projected to secure 267 electoral college votes, just three shy of the decisive 270, while his opponent, incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris, holds 224 electoral votes.

Trump described the Republican campaign as the greatest political movement of all time, asserting, “We are going to help our country heal, secure our borders, and we made history for a reason tonight. This is an incredible political victory. I want to thank the American people. I will fight for you and your family with every breath I have.”

He noted that Democrats are now looking at a projected total of 315 electoral votes.

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Trump wins tight contest with simple majority, Kamala wilts in battleground states

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Donald Trump winning Speech

America’s 45th President will also be its 47th. Donald Trump won 279 electoral college votes compared to Kamala Harris’ 223.

Earlier in his victory speech, Trump declared his win as a historic occasion. He promised to work for every citizen and protect the future of their children.

Trump however didn’t wait. He spoke warmly of his allies, including Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who supported the Republican nominee through the campaign in the seven swing states.

Pennsylvania, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, Georgia, and North Carolina were pivotal, with each holding substantial electoral college votes.

The victory confirms his aggressive political style. He attacked his Democratic rival, Kamala Harris, in personal terms while portraying a nation overwhelmed by violent migrants.

Republican Presidential candidate Trump expressed gratitude to his supporters today, calling it a magnificent victory for the American people. He also referenced the assassination attempt on July 13, stating, “God spared my life for a reason.”

The first one to congratulate Trump was none other than the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.  

“Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback! Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America,” said Netanyahu. “This is a huge victory!” he added. 

UK PM Keir Starmer also extended his congratulations to Trump on winning US elections. “I look forward to working with you in the years ahead. As the closest of allies, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise. From growth and security to innovation and tech, I know that the UK-US special relationship will continue to prosper on both sides of the Atlantic for years to come,” he said. 

French President Emmanuel Macron, in a post on X, said: “Ready to work together as we were able to do during four years. With your convictions and mine. In respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity.” 

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy too congratulated Trump on his historic election victory in the recently held United States Presidential elections. He recalled their meeting in September earlier where they both discussed the Ukraine-US strategic partnership to end Russian aggression.

“I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to the “peace through strength” approach in global affairs. This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer. I am hopeful that we will put it into action together. We look forward to an era of a strong United States of America under President Trump’s decisive leadership. We rely on continued strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States,” the Ukraine President said in a post on X.

In Pennsylvania, with its 19 electoral college votes, Trump currently holds a three-point lead after 94% of ballots have been counted. His advantage in states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Nevada has sparked discussions of a possible upset, especially given that Democrats claimed six of these seven states in the previous election cycle.

Swing states have long been the crux of US presidential elections due to their balanced support for both major parties. Their outcomes often tip the scales in favor of one candidate, with this year’s fierce competition highlighting the importance of every vote. If Trump succeeds in claiming all seven, it would mark a significant shift, signaling a strong Republican mandate and a departure from the Democratic victories in these regions four years ago.

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