Minister Jaishankar shared on social media, “Good to meet with FM Takeshi Iwaya of Japan. Reviewed the progress in our bilateral cooperation. Also discussed developments pertaining to Quad,” reflecting the cordial and constructive nature of the meeting. The discussions focused on deepening cooperation across several vital domains, including political, security, economic, technological, and people-to-people exchanges.

Both leaders highlighted the importance of continuing their regular strategic dialogues to maintain momentum in bilateral relations. They agreed on the importance of institutional mechanisms such as the Strategic Dialogue and the 2+2 Dialogue between Foreign and Defence Ministers to ensure consistent and effective collaboration. During the meeting, Jaishankar invited Minister Iwaya to visit India, underscoring the commitment to further strengthen ties between the two nations.

A key highlight of the meeting was the announcement of the India-Japan Year of Science, Technology, and Innovation, marking the 40th anniversary of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Science and Technology cooperation, which was first signed in 1985. Both ministers expressed their enthusiasm to advance mutual efforts in science and technology, with an emphasis on innovation and research partnerships in the coming year.

The bilateral talks also underscored the growing importance of people-to-people exchanges. Areas such as technology, education, and skill development were identified as critical to fostering stronger cultural and educational bonds between the two nations. This is expected to further solidify the longstanding friendship between India and Japan.

The meeting also celebrated the deep-rooted historical and cultural connections between the two countries. Japan’s spiritual and cultural ties to India date back to ancient times, with key historical milestones such as the consecration of the Buddha statue in Nara by Indian monk Bodhisena in 752 AD. Prominent Indian figures like Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, and Subhash Chandra Bose also played pivotal roles in reinforcing the bond between the nations.

In recent years, the Indian community in Japan has seen significant growth, particularly among IT professionals and engineers. Over 40,000 Indians now live in Japan, with many pursuing higher education, including doctoral courses. The Nishikasai area of Tokyo has become a hub for the Indian community, with Indian schools established to meet the growing demand for educational resources.

This strategic meeting further solidifies the enduring and multifaceted relationship between India and Japan, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to promoting regional peace, stability, and prosperity through continued cooperation across all sectors.

The post India-Japan Strengthen Bilateral Ties in Strategic Meeting on Technology, Security, and Cultural Exchange appeared first on FolksTimes.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Rashtrapati Bhavan noted, “President Droupadi Murmu received President Tharman Shanmugaratnam of Singapore at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hosted a banquet in his honor. The President emphasized that the close ties between India and Singapore are rooted in centuries-old commercial, cultural, and people-to-people connections.” This statement reflected the deep historical and enduring bond between the two nations.

During the meeting, President Murmu also acknowledged Singapore’s impressive development since its independence, calling it an example for all developing nations. “Singapore is a valuable partner for India in our developmental journey,” President Murmu remarked, reinforcing the importance of the bilateral relationship.

A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of a commemorative logo to mark the 60th anniversary of India-Singapore diplomatic relations. The logo, jointly released by both leaders, features elements from both nations’ national symbols, incorporating the colors of the Indian and Singaporean flags, as well as the national flowers—the lotus of India and the orchid of Singapore. The number “60” prominently displayed in the logo highlights the significant milestone in the bilateral history of the two countries.

The milestone anniversary was also celebrated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Tharman during a separate meeting, where they discussed enhancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Singapore. Both leaders deliberated on strengthening cooperation in futuristic sectors such as semiconductors, digitalization, skilling, and connectivity, in addition to exploring ways to further improve ties in industry, infrastructure, and culture.

Over the years, India and Singapore have significantly expanded their cooperation, with areas of collaboration now spanning advanced manufacturing, healthcare, digitization, sustainability, and education. Singapore remains a crucial partner for India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific strategy, further solidifying its strategic importance in India’s foreign relations.

The 60th anniversary celebrations, which began with Thursday’s event, will continue throughout 2025 with a series of commemorative initiatives to honor the enduring partnership between the two nations. This milestone event highlights the strong ties and shared vision for a prosperous future between India and Singapore.

The post India and Singapore Celebrate 60 Years of Diplomatic Ties at Rashtrapati Bhavan appeared first on FolksTimes.

In his address, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of Bengaluru as a key location for the new consulate, noting its central role in India’s growing technological and innovation sectors. “Bengaluru is such an important place, it was for me an imperative that there is a permanent resident presence of American diplomats this time. It has been something long in waiting,” he said. He added that the consulate would serve to strengthen ties between the two countries, particularly in areas like technology, defence, and education.

Jaishankar also announced that India would soon be opening its own consulate in Los Angeles, the hometown of US Ambassador Garcetti. “I told him (Ambassador Garcetti) you get Bengaluru done, and I’ll get you Los Angeles done,” Jaishankar said, signaling the growing reciprocity between the two nations.

The External Affairs Minister highlighted the broader significance of the consulate’s opening, noting that it reflected India’s growing global engagement. “It is important that Bengaluru too realizes its potential in the relationship,” Jaishankar stated, underscoring how the city’s strategic role in India’s economic and technological sectors will play a crucial part in fostering stronger India-US ties. He also expressed hope that more countries would establish consulates in Bengaluru, further enhancing India’s connectivity with the world.

Looking ahead, Jaishankar outlined the future trajectory of the India-US partnership, particularly in the fields of technology, space, and defence. “Today, when we look at all the possibilities before us in an era of AI, EVs, space and drones, our relationships will be heavily based on technology, even more so than before,” he remarked. Jaishankar also pointed to the growing defence cooperation between the two countries, noting that, just two decades ago, there were virtually no American weapons in India’s military inventory. “Today we fly the C17s, the C130s, the Chinooks, the Apaches,” he added, underscoring the deepening defence ties between the two nations.

Education and research collaboration also featured prominently in Jaishankar’s speech. He expressed hope for expanded academic partnerships, including collaborative campuses and increased student exchanges, which would further solidify the growing educational ties between India and the United States. “I hope to see collaborative campuses, exchange of students and a stronger American education presence in this region,” he said.

In his closing remarks, Jaishankar reflected on the historical significance of the consulate’s opening, stating that it symbolized the overcoming of past hesitations in the relationship between the two countries. “The formal opening of this consulate is one more sign that we are overcoming the hesitations of history,” he said.

The opening of the US Consulate in Bengaluru marks a new chapter in India-US relations, reinforcing the deepening diplomatic, technological, and strategic ties between the two democracies. With further plans for enhanced cooperation in education, defence, space exploration, and technology, this new diplomatic presence signals a bright future for the India-US partnership.

The post India-US Relations Strengthened with Opening of US Consulate in Bengaluru appeared first on FolksTimes.

Jaishankar explained India’s decision to abstain from certain United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolutions on the Gaza conflict, citing concerns over the lack of balance and failure to address key issues like terrorism.

India’s Support for Two-State Solution

Responding to a question from TMC MP Saket Gokhale, Jaishankar stated, “We support the two-state solution and have been public and unambiguous about it. There should be no cause for confusion regarding this position.”

Jaishankar reiterated that India’s stance on the matter remains firm and consistent, advocating for peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine.

India’s Non-Membership in ICC

In response to queries about the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrants against Israeli and Hamas leaders, Jaishankar clarified India’s position. He stated that India is not a member of the ICC and is therefore not bound by its decisions. He added, “India decided against ICC membership after thorough deliberation. As such, we have not taken a formal position on its rulings.”

Humanitarian Assistance to Palestine

Jaishankar detailed India’s continued support for Palestine through humanitarian aid. He highlighted India’s annual contribution of USD 5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which was increased from USD 1 million under the current government.

In 2023, India provided 70 metric tons of aid, including 16.5 metric tons of medicines. In 2024, India has delivered 65 metric tons of medical aid to the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA, with an additional 33 metric tons sent to Lebanon.

India’s Abstentions at UNGA

Addressing India’s abstention from certain UNGA resolutions on Gaza, Jaishankar explained the rationale. He said the resolutions lacked balance, failed to mention critical issues like terrorism and hostage-taking, and were not well-considered.

He remarked, “Resolutions that do not reflect the entirety of the situation cannot be supported. As a country that has been a victim of terrorism, India cannot ignore or downplay its implications.”

India’s Balanced Approach

Jaishankar emphasized that India takes a nuanced view of international resolutions, prioritizing their wording and implications. He condemned terrorism and hostage-taking, urged adherence to humanitarian law, and called for a ceasefire and an end to violence.

Historical Context

The Gaza conflict reignited following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, prompting Israel’s counter-offensive. India condemned the Hamas attack, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi being among the first world leaders to denounce it. India has since reiterated its commitment to a two-state solution, advocating peace and coexistence in the region.

This reaffirmation of India’s position underscores its balanced approach to international diplomacy, focusing on humanitarian concerns while addressing the broader challenges of terrorism and violence.

The post S. Jaishankar: India’s Aid to Palestine and Support for Two-State Solution Continue appeared first on FolksTimes.