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Palestinian President Abbas asks Modi to help bring peace to Middle East

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9 years ago

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Palestinian President Abbas asks Modi to help bring peace to Middle East

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]By Abu Turab

Visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has sought India’s help in resolving the Palestinian dispute with Israel.

Speaking at the India Islamic Cultural Centre on Monday, he said, “We know very well that India has very good relations with Palestine and Israel, so India can play a very important role in bringing peace in the region.” He said that during his meeting with President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he will ask them to use their good offices to bring peace between the two countries.

In his first public event during his ongoing four-day India visit, Abbas said that a solution to Palestine’s dispute with Israel is essential for fighting terrorism in the region and added that he will seek Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s help in this regard.

The Palestinian president’s remark comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel in July. President Abbas, while describing his recent diplomatic moves, said he had a very successful meeting with US President Donald Trump last month and his German and Russian counterparts Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Vladimir Putin, respectively and discussed the issue. Abbas arrived in New Delhi from Moscow.

He said that he was working for the two-state solution to the problem. “What we are trying to is to implement the two-state solution based on the border of June 1967; to establish a sovereign, independent state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital living in security and peace side by side with the state of Israel.”

“So, achieving justice is the basis for the success in fighting terrorism being practiced by terrorist groups such as ISIS and other extremist groups in the region,” Abbas said. He said that Palestine was ready to make peace and hoped for a response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Earlier, while welcoming the Palestinian president, Sirajuddin Qureshi, president of India Islamic Cultural Centre, recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s words “Palestine belongs to Arabs, in the same sense that England belongs to English or France to the French.” He said it was evident that our “principled” support to the Palestinian cause is rooted in our freedom struggle.

While reminding the gathering of his association with the Palestinian cause throughout his political career, especially as cabinet minister in several Congress governments, Ghulam Nabi Azad, now Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, reiterated his party’s support to the Palestinian cause.  Janata Dal United president Sharad Yadav said Indians would always stand in support with the Palestinian people.

Manipur Governor Najma Heptullah fondly recalled her memories of late Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) leader Yasser Arafat. She disclosed that she played an instrumental role in convincing the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to invite the PLO chief. She said she had also addressed the Israeli Knesset and the Palestinian Parliament when she headed the Inter Parliamentary Union.

President Abbas arrived in India on Sunday on a four-day visit to India, his fifth to India and the third state visit after assuming the presidency in 2005.  On Tuesday, apart from his talks with PM Modi, he will call on President Pranab Mukherjee.  He will meet Vice President Hamid Ansari and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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India considers tax relief to attract foreign investors amid Iran war impact

India is evaluating tax incentives, including a possible capital gains tax exemption on government securities for foreign investors, to support capital inflows amid economic pressures linked to the Iran war.

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4 hours ago

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June 4, 2026

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India is considering a set of measures aimed at attracting more foreign investment as the ongoing Iran war continues to create pressure on the country’s economy, according to reports citing government sources. One of the key proposals under discussion is the removal of capital gains tax on investments made by foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) in government securities.

The move comes at a time when geopolitical tensions in West Asia have pushed up global oil prices, weakened investor sentiment and increased pressure on the Indian rupee. India, which imports a significant share of its crude oil requirements, has been among the countries closely monitoring the economic fallout from the conflict.

Government exploring ways to boost capital inflows

Officials are reportedly evaluating tax-related incentives to make Indian debt markets more attractive to overseas investors. The proposed exemption on capital gains from government securities is aimed at encouraging foreign portfolio investment and supporting capital inflows during a period of heightened global uncertainty.

The government is seeking to counter the impact of foreign capital outflows that have intensified amid concerns over the Iran conflict and its implications for energy markets and global economic growth.

Rupee and markets under pressure

Recent weeks have seen increased volatility in financial markets, with foreign investors pulling money out of Indian equities. Analysts have linked part of the pressure on the rupee to rising oil prices and continued overseas investor withdrawals.

Market participants believe that measures aimed at attracting foreign investment into government securities could help improve investor confidence and provide support to the domestic currency.

Broader economic concerns

The Iran war has added to concerns about inflation, economic growth and India’s external sector. Higher energy prices can increase import costs and put pressure on inflation, while sustained foreign capital outflows may affect financial market stability.

While no final decision has been announced, discussions on easing tax rules for foreign investors reflect the government’s efforts to strengthen capital inflows and cushion the economy from external shocks.

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US proposes new tariffs on India over forced labour concerns amid trade negotiations

The United States has proposed additional tariffs on imports from India and 59 other economies following a Section 301 investigation into forced labour-related trade concerns.

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1 day ago

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June 3, 2026

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Donald Trump statement

The United States has proposed imposing additional tariffs on imports from India and 59 other economies after concluding that these countries have not taken sufficient steps to prevent the importation of goods allegedly linked to forced labour. The proposal was announced by the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) as part of an investigation conducted under Section 301 of the US Trade Act.

According to the USTR’s findings, India could face an additional tariff of 12.5% on goods exported to the United States. The proposed measure is part of a broader plan targeting 60 economies, with tariff rates ranging between 10% and 12.5% depending on the findings related to each country.

India among countries facing higher tariff proposal

The USTR said India had not effectively enforced restrictions on imports made using forced labour, describing the issue as a burden on US commerce. The agency argued that inadequate enforcement by major trading partners creates unfair competition for American workers and businesses.

While countries including Canada, Mexico, the European Union and the United Kingdom are proposed to face a 10% tariff, India is among a larger group of economies that could be subjected to a 12.5% duty under the recommendation.

Proposal comes during India-US trade discussions

The tariff proposal has emerged while Indian and US officials are engaged in trade negotiations aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two countries. A US delegation led by Assistant USTR Brendan Lynch is currently holding discussions with Indian officials in New Delhi.

India’s Commerce Ministry has indicated that discussions with the United States on the matter are continuing and noted that the proposed tariffs have not yet been finalised. The USTR has invited public comments on the proposal until July 6, with a public hearing scheduled for July 7 before any final decision is taken.

Certain products may remain exempt

The proposed tariffs include exemptions for several categories of goods, including some energy products, pharmaceuticals, rare earth materials and selected agricultural commodities. Additional details regarding sector-specific measures, including proposed textile-related actions, are expected to be released separately.

The latest move follows a Section 301 investigation launched earlier this year into forced labour concerns across global supply chains. Any final decision on imposing the tariffs will be made after the consultation process is completed.

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Trump reportedly rebukes Netanyahu over Lebanon strikes amid ceasefire concerns

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2 days ago

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June 2, 2026

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US President Donald Trump reportedly delivered a sharp rebuke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call over Israel’s military actions in Lebanon, as concerns grow that renewed hostilities could jeopardise fragile diplomatic efforts in the region.

According to multiple reports, Trump expressed frustration over Israeli strikes linked to ongoing tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon. The reported exchange came at a sensitive time, with Washington attempting to prevent further escalation while also pursuing broader diplomatic discussions involving Iran.

Reports point to unusually tense exchange

Sources cited in international reports said Trump used unusually strong language during the conversation, warning that continued military actions risked damaging efforts to stabilise the situation. One report claimed Trump told Netanyahu that his actions were hurting Israel’s international standing and complicating diplomatic initiatives.

The reported disagreement followed Israeli operations against Hezbollah-linked targets in Lebanon. While Israeli officials argued that the actions were a response to security threats and ceasefire violations, the US administration has been pushing for restraint to avoid a wider regional conflict.

Lebanon fighting threatens broader diplomatic efforts

The latest tensions come amid efforts to maintain a ceasefire framework between Israel and Hezbollah. US officials have been involved in discussions aimed at reducing hostilities and preventing attacks on major Lebanese population centres, including Beirut.

Reports indicate that Trump personally intervened to discourage further escalation and support negotiations intended to preserve regional stability. Hezbollah has reportedly signalled a willingness to consider a broader ceasefire arrangement if reciprocal commitments are made.

Differing public messages after the call

Despite reports of a heated conversation, Trump later suggested publicly that discussions had been constructive and that progress had been made toward reducing tensions. Netanyahu, however, maintained that Israel would continue to respond to security threats and would not alter its overall approach toward Hezbollah if attacks persisted.

The developments highlight growing challenges facing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, where the conflicts involving Israel, Lebanon and Iran remain closely interconnected. Analysts say any major escalation in Lebanon could further complicate ongoing negotiations and increase instability across the region.

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