The US would welcome any country interested in using its voice to further deter the Russian offensive in Ukraine and play a positive role in helping release hostages and defeating Hamas amid the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said at a press briefing on April 18. Asked how the US and the international community can use Prime Minister Narendra Modi's influence to end the ongoing war worldwide, Patel said, “Specifically, first in the context of Russia-Ukraine, if any country is interested in using its voice to further deter Russian aggression on the people of Ukraine, we certainly would welcome that and in the current ongoing context in Gaza, any country that believes that they can play a positive role in helping us get to a release of hostages, helping us get additional humanitarian assistance into Gaza, and helping to defeat Gaza, they certainly should and are welcome to play that role.”
19 April,2024 06:47 PM IST
Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal heavily criticized the United States’ remarks on the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) during a Press Conference in Delhi on March 15, describing it as “misplaced, misinformed and unwarranted”. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “As you are well aware, the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 is an internal matter of India and is in keeping with India's inclusive traditions and a long-standing commitment to human rights. The act grants a haven to persecuted minorities belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi, and Christian communities from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh who have entered India on or before December 31, 2014. The CAA is about giving citizenship, not taking away citizenship, so this must be underlined. It addresses the issue of statelessness, provides human dignity, and supports human rights. As regards the US State Department's statement on the implementation of CAA and the comments made by several others, we are of the view that it is misplaced, misinformed, and unwarranted. India's constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all its citizens. There are no grounds for any concern or treatment of minorities. Vote bank politics should not determine views about a laudable initiative to help those in distress. Lectures by those who have a limited understanding of India's pluralistic traditions and the region's post-partition history are best not attempted. Partners and wellwishers of India should welcome the intent with which this step has been taken.”
15 March,2024 08:23 PM IST
The US and UK Armed Forces conducted strikes against 18 Houthi targets in Yemen. The attacks were backed by several Western nations including Australia, Canada, Denmark, New Zealand. The strikes targeted areas used by the Houthis to attack international merchant vessels and naval ships in the region. For months, Houthi attack have been disrupting aid bound for Yemen harming Middle Eastern economies. Meanwhile, Houthi military on February 25 said that they targeted an American oil tanker in Gulf of Aden. Houthi Military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said their navy targeted the US-flagged, owned commercial ship, MV Torm Thor. Britain also released a video of Typhoon fighter jets and Voyager tanker aircraft in operation for joint military action against Houthis. The US and Britain have re-designated the Houthis as a terrorist group, after they began targeting commercial vessels.
25 February,2024 05:00 PM IST
US President Joe Biden has blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for the death of Alexei Navalny who was a prominent critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin and was found dead in Arctic Jail. As per the Russian Prison service, Navalny died after a walk at the “Polar Wolf” Arctic penal colony. US President Joe Biden said that he was “not surprised” by the news of Navalny’s death. Alexei Navalny, serving death sentence on multiple corruption charges, was seen as the leading opposition figure against President Putin. Navalny rose to prominence more than a decade ago by speaking publicly against corruption in Russia and used to organise major anti-Kremlin protests.
17 February,2024 12:41 PM IST | Mumbai
The State Department of the United States has issued a travel advisory for its citizens in or traveling to Pakistan. The US has advised its citizens to be vigilant ahead of Pakistan general elections 2024 scheduled for Feb 08. In the advisory, the State Department has highlighted potential disruptions and safety concerns during political activities of Pakistan Elections 2024. It also mentioned that in some instances, political activities in Pakistan have been targeted for violence.
04 February,2024 02:33 PM IST
India's deal with the US of almost USD 4 billion, paving the way for the acquisition of 31 state-of-the-art MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones, will not only propel India's defence capabilities but also ensure a 16-fold increase in the number of aircraft, significantly enhancing New Delhi's maritime security beyond the current lease agreement. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller shed light on the recently approved foreign military sale of MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft to India. He said, "I cannot give a timeline. This was the initial step today. Notifying Congress of the exact timeline of the delivery is something that we will explore with the government of India over the coming months. "Highlighting the significance of the deal, Miller emphasised,"Almost USD 4 billion sale of 31 MQ-9B Sky Guardian aircraft will provide India with enhanced maritime security and maritime domain awareness capability. It offers India outright ownership and a 16-fold increase in the number of aircraft as compared to their current lease. "The Biden administration has today notified the US Congress of its intent to sell nearly 4 billion dollars worth of arms, comprising mainly MQ-9B drones armed with Hellfire missiles. The defence security cooperation agency, which is an agency within the US Department of Defence, said in a press release on Thursday that the sale helps in strengthening the US-Indian Strategic Relationship. It added that New Delhi continues to be an "important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region." Watch the full video for more details!
02 February,2024 03:07 PM IST
Indian Army soldiers exhibited unwavering dedication and bravery in harsh winters while carrying out operations and surveillance in the Gurez Sector along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite facing the formidable challenges of freezing temperatures and rugged terrain, these soldiers selflessly serve the nation. The soldiers employ HR-Bino, Telescopic Daylight Sight, 5.56 MM INSAS Rif Passive in Sight, and advanced drones Insight technology. This cutting-edge equipment enables them to overcome significant challenges posed by adverse weather conditions and difficult landscapes. Residing in bunkers along the LoC, these soldiers exhibit unwavering resilience and fortitude, enduring the hardships associated with constant threats of hostilities.
27 January,2024 09:18 PM IST
Tensions shimmer in Red Sea as Yemen-backed Houthis continue to attack commercial ships, affecting int’l trade. Houthi rebels launched 18 drones over the southern Red Sea, according to the US military's Central Command, reported Al Jazeera. The Houthi rebels, who are an Iran-aligned group, started the strikes in retaliation for Israel’s Gaza conflict. Amid affecting int’l trade channel, US Secy of State Antony Blinken held a telephonic conversation with EAM Jaishankar. Both leaders discussed recent attacks on merchant ships by Houthis in the Red Sea, informed State Dept spox Matthew Miller. Blinken emphasised that the Red Sea is a major commercial corridor that welcomed increased cooperation with India. Taking to X, EAM S Jaishankar informed about his insightful discussions with his “friend” Antony Blinken. Hailing India-US ties, he said that both countries will look forward to realising their extensive cooperation agenda for 2024. The US Secretary and EAM also discussed the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, efforts to prevent the escalation.
12 January,2024 12:03 PM IST
A three-time felon attacked a judge inside a courtroom in Nevada, United States, in a disturbing occurrence. Deobra Redden appeared before Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus for sentencing on a charge of attempted violence with serious bodily harm. Redden became furious throughout the hearing and jumped over the bench, attacking Holthus. According to accounts, Judge Mary Kay Holthus suffered minor head injuries but was unharmed. A marshal was also hurt and sent to the hospital.
05 January,2024 03:00 PM IST
A car collided with a vehicle near US President Joe Biden’s motorcade in Wilmington on December 17. Biden and his wife Jill had left his campaign headquarters after having a meal with members of his re-election team when the incident happened. President was going towards his car when he heard the sound of the car hitting the SUV near his motorcade. President Biden was shocked and he was immediately escorted by security personnel. A silver copper sedan with Delaware plates hit what seemed to be a motorcade SUV. There was a loud bang and POTUS was standing outside the vehicle with a surprised expression on his face. Agents quickly sprang into action, cornering the car and pulling weapons on the driver following the Joe Biden Motorcade Car Crash. Reuters reported that President Biden and the First Lady were safe. Security officers surrounded the vehicle after it stopped and the Bidens returned safely to their home in Wilmington
18 December,2023 11:54 AM ISTADVERTISEMENT
