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Business Recorder
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
India threatening South Asia's stability
EDITORIAL: As part of Pakistan's diplomatic outreach to the international community in the aftermath of last month's four-day military standoff with India, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari visiting London at the head of a delegation gave a briefing to a meeting of cross-party British parliamentarians. There he highlighted India's attack on civilian population, violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and holding in abeyance of the Indus Water Treaty in contravention of international law and modern rules-based system. Bilawal also explained that 'India had levelled serious accusations [of backing the Pahalgam terrorist attack] without any credible investigation or verifiable evidence,' and that these actions are not just irresponsible, but pose serious risks to peace and stability in South Asia and beyond. Pakistan has rightly been arguing that if India has evidence of its involvement in the Pahalgam atrocity, it should allow an independent investigation so as to establish the truth. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a habit of using accusation of cross-border terrorism as a political tool during times of internal pressure or upcoming elections — in Behar come October. Assaults on Pakistan, rhetorical or real, are projected by him as demonstrations of strength for rallying his Hindutva support base. Extremely troubling, however, is what followed last month's incident: missile and drone attacks on alleged 'terrorist sanctuaries' inside Pakistan in blatant violation of this country's sovereignty and international law. With hubris getting the better of them, PM Modi declared the strikes as the 'New Normal', i.e., a right to fire missiles into Pakistan in the event of any act of terrorism; meanwhile, his External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that Pakistan was informed about the strikes before the start of 'Operation Sindoor', arrogantly assuming there would be no reaction. Pakistan's quick retaliatory response delivered extensive military losses, acknowledged by many independent defence analysts. The two nuclear-armed neighbours were on the brink of a full-fledged war when US President Donald Trump helped mediate a ceasefire. According to Modi, though, it is only a 'pause'. Escalatory rhetoric and actions benefit no one. Consequences of any miscalculation between the two nuclear states are unthinkable. India's attempts to unilaterally alter regional dynamics through unsubstantiated accusations and aggressive military posturing should be a matter of concern to the international community. What is needed is normalisation of dialogue rather than normalisation of aggression, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence. Pakistan, for its part, has consistently expressed willingness to engage in dialogue and address all outstanding issues of dispute, including terrorism, water, and of course Kashmir — the root cause of three of the four wars between them. The cycle of provocation and retaliation must give way to dialogue and conflict resolution in the greater interest of peace and stability in South Asia. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arabian Post
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Arabian Post
Dialogue, Dialogue And Only Dialogue Can Teach Pakistan Right Lessons
By Nitya Chakraborty More than a month after the pause of India's Operation Sindoor on May 10 at 5 PM, time has come to state it in candid terms that our Prime Minister's doctrine of New Normal in respect of relations with Pakistan has failed to convince the major global powers. While strongly defending India in its fight against the terror inspired by Islamabad, the major countries are in favour of bilateral talks to discuss the thorny issues including terror which led to the four day limited war. The seven all party parliamentary delegations which visited more than 30 countries are back after their interactions with the government leaders, parliament members and Indian diaspora. Officially, they might have expressed their opinion about getting big response to the Indian stand on fighting terror, but they are equally mum on the response they got on the two important components of new Modi doctrine- no dialogue with Pakistan at this stage and any terrorist action inside India will be followed by Indian attack on Pakistan. South Block has organized post visit favourable propaganda by the participants, but the hard ground reality is that the Pakistan delegation led by former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari made far more impact during their discussions in United Nations headquarters, with U.S. Government officials as also in London at the meeting with the British think tanks as also Parliamentarians. Indian delegation led by Shashi Tharoor of impeccable diplomatic skills was in Washington and New York at the same time with Bilawal. Tharoor had a meeting with the US vice president J D Vance, but the Congress MP did not give any details of what Vance said about the present situation in India-Pak relations and how to go about it. In fact Vance was the person who spoke to the Indian Prime Minister on May 9 on behalf of President Trump and conveyed the strong message of the U.S. President. Only PM Modi can come out with the details of May 9 talks with Vance to prove that Trump was wrong in claiming that he organized the 'full and permanent' ceasefire which Narendra Modi termed as pause. That Shashi Tharoor's efforts to market the Prime Minister's doctrine to the Oval office and the White House was a flop is evident from the fact that the commander of the US central command General Michael Kurilla described Pakistan as a phenomenal partner in the counterterrorism world crediting Islamabad with a series of successful operations against ISIS-Khorasan and advocating for continued US engagement with Pakistan and India. Just imagine the tenor of the speech of this General. This is putting Pakistan above India as a partner in the fight against terror. That is also at a time when India is complaining that Pakistan regime is still backing the terrorists to operate in the Indian soil. General Kurilla also referred to the heavy toll that terrorism has taken on Pakistan itself, noting that in the beginning of 2024, Pakistan had over 1,000 terrorist attacks in the western area, killing about 700 security personnel and civilians apart from 2500 wounded. He also highly praised the present Field Marshall and Chief of Staff Asim Munir who, Indians say, played a key role in attacks on India by Pak backed terrorists. General Kurilla's is the latest official version of the Trump administration on the current state of India-Pakistan relations. This US position India has to swallow as the Prime Minister Narendra Modi reshaped his foreign policy after coming to power in 2014 and it took a sharper turn during the first term of Donald Trump. Now, where is the escape route? How is the Indian PM going to deal with his dear friend Donald if they happen to meet in Alberta, Canada during G-7 summit beginning June 15. It is not a coincidence that the same day General Kurilla was testifying in Washington, Bilawal Bhutto was addressing a meeting of the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London and talked about the same issue about terrorist attacks in Pakistan mentioned by the US general. 'The delegation I lead has been given a mission of peace,' he declared at IISS. 'We are advocating to the international community to play their role in encouraging a dialogue, a comprehensive dialogue between India and Pakistan, where Pakistan is ready to talk about all issues.' He explained, 'As it stands today, if there's a terrorist attack anywhere in India, proof or no proof, we go to war. That is the de facto position of the new abnormal that India is trying to impose on the region. The equivalence would mean that if there's a terrorist attack in Pakistan, we have to go to war with India. That is a very untenable situation to be in.' He went on to say that Narendra Modi's new doctrine is 'lowering the threshold for conflict, a potentially nuclear armed conflict'. He suggested the issues between the two nations can 'only be solved by dialogue'. Pakistan leaders including Bilawal Bhutto can not be trusted on the basis of what they say. But in international politics and diplomacy, dialogue and negotiations are the buzzword for bringing two contending sides to the negotiating table. Narendra Modi himself told President Putin relating to Ukraine war that this was not the time for war. He was speaking the truth. US secretary Marco Rubio has told the Pakistani side that the U.S. will persuade India to participate in bilateral talks in a neutral venue. He must have told that to Indian external affairs minister Dr. S. Jaishankar also. China and Russian leaders are also suggesting bilateral talks. India should on its own agree to the dialogue with Pakistan rather than be persuaded by others like the U.S. to take part. India has nothing to lose by agreeing to bilateral talks. The Indian delegation may forcefully demand the actions which it wanted to be taken by the Pak government. India can send that list and proposed actions to the US and other countries. India is better placed militarily and morally. Why then give advantage to Islamabad to project itself as a seeker of dialogue and peace? India can be a darling of global diplomatic community again if it seizes this opportunity. (IPA Service)
Indian Express
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Yogi lauds PM: ‘Transformed service into pledge, governance into culture & security a priority'
PRIME MINISTER Narendra Modi has given India a global identity and the last 11 years have transformed service into a pledge, governance into a culture, and security into a priority, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said in Lucknow on Tuesday. Adityanath was addressing a press conference on the 11th anniversary of the Modi-led government at the Centre. The CM also congratulated the Prime Minister on behalf of the Uttar Pradesh government and presented the Centre's report card, highlighting good governance and welfare initiatives for the poor. The Chief Minister claimed that in the first 65 years after Independence, Congress-led and 'unstable' governments broke the people's trust and damaged India's global image. In contrast, the past 11 years under Prime Minister Modi have given the country a corruption-free, nepotism-free, and appeasement-free leadership, he said. The CM said that before 2014, India was seen as a nation that spoke of peace, even in the face of provocation. But under PM Modi, a new doctrine — the 'New Normal' — has emerged: while India prefers peaceful development with like-minded nations, any breach of security or promotion of terrorism would be met with decisive action such as surgical strikes, air strikes and Operation Sindoor. The CM also praised the abrogation of Article 370, saying it brought Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh fully into the constitutional fold. He said the Modi government has empowered women through various schemes. For the first time, girls were admitted to Sainik Schools and women were recruited into the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, Maharashtra. Adityanath said that before 2014, India remained the world's 11th largest economy. However, under PM Modi's leadership over the past 11 years, India has risen to become the fourth largest economy, surpassing Britain and now overtaking Japan. He added that India is the only major economy to have doubled in size within a decade and is the first country to more than double its per capita income — from Rs 79,000 in 2013–14 to around Rs 2.5 lakh today. With this momentum, India is on track to become the world's third-largest economy by 2027. He said that under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, 81 crore people nationwide — including 15 crore in Uttar Pradesh — receive 5 kg of free food grains every month. He added that while Congress governments built only one AIIMS, Atal Bihari Vajpayee added six, and Prime Minister Modi expanded the number to 23—including two in Uttar Pradesh (Gorakhpur and Rae Bareli). He added that till 2014, India had just 180 medical colleges; today, there are 2,045 medical colleges nationwide, with 80 in Uttar Pradesh alone. MBBS seats have increased from 51,348 to 1.18 lakh, and PG seats from 13,246 to over 74,000. Adityanath said that the coordination of faith and economy has created a new model of development, with spiritual heritage becoming a catalyst for economic growth. He cited the example of the Maha Kumbh, where five new economic corridors emerged, boosting employment and regional economies. The CM mentioned about Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi, Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, Vindhyavasini Dham, Naimish Dham, Shuk Tirtha, Mathura-Vrindavan, Chitrakoot — all in Uttar Pradesh. Nationally, Yogi mentioned Mahakal Mahalok, Kedarpuri, and Badrinath Dham redeveloped with modern amenities, enhancing religious tourism. An exhibition was also organised at the BJP State Office to mark the completion of 11 years of PM Modi's tenure. There were displays highlighting key schemes launched by the Central Government over the past 11 years and their achievements, including Operation Sindoor, appreciating its significance and timely execution.
New Indian Express
08-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Presented India's anti-terrorism message firmly in global fora: BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi
BHUBANESWAR: Bhubaneswar MP and BJP national spokesperson Aparajita Sarangi was given a rousing reception on her return to the city after a five-nation tour as part of an all-party delegation to convey India's message of zero tolerance against terrorism, on Saturday. Flanked by hundreds of supporters, Sarangi, upon her arrival said the delegation had a clear mandate from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to assert India's zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and explain the strategic shift in the country's security doctrine. 'In our interactions, we made it clear that neither we will forget the massacre of the innocents in Pahalgam by terrorists nor forgive those involved in it,' Sarangi said. The MP also said that India's strikes during Operation Sindoor were precise, measured and non-escalatory in nature. India now operates under a 'New Normal' of zero tolerance and immediate response, she said. Sarangi also dismissed Opposition's call for a special session of Parliament to discuss Operation Sindoor. 'There is no need for a special session of Parliament as the delegations that went around the world had members from all political parties,' she said. Her team had MPs from five different parties including TMC, Congress, CPM and JDU.
India Gazette
03-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
AIMIM MP Owaisi back in Hyderabad after concluding 4-nation anti-terror tour
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], June 3 (ANI): All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi, part of an all-party delegation led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, arrived at Hyderabad airport on Tuesday after concluding a diplomatic tour of Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain. The all-party delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, visited key partner countries to showcase India's continued fight against terrorism, wrapped up its four-country visit on Monday. They departed for India from Algeria. The delegation, led by Panda, included BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey, Phangnon Konyak and Rekha Sharma; AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi; Satnam Singh Sandhu and Ghulam Nabi Azad; and former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla. During their visit, the delegation briefed international partners on India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, highlighting the broader fight against cross-border terrorism while engaging with leaders in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria. 'Group-1 of the All-Party Parliamentary delegation concluded its four-nation (Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Algeria) visit today having successfully conveyed India's message of 'zero tolerance' for terrorism and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'New Normal'. A politically, linguistically and spiritually diverse group that spoke in one voice in the best spirit of 'India First'!' Shringla, a former Foreign Secretary, posted on X. Prior to their departure for India, India's Ambassador to Algeria, Swati Vijay Kulkarni, highlighted the strong support extended by Algeria in combating terrorism, noting that the North African nation unequivocally condemned terrorism and affirmed its solidarity with India during the delegation's visit. 'As India's global diplomatic outreach, India launched 7 groups of all-party delegations to foster cooperation in combating terrorism. The outreach was taking place in the immediate aftermath of the deadly terror attack that happened in Pahalgam on 22nd April, Operation Sindoor and subsequent developments. One such delegation, led by MP Baijayant Panda and comprising very senior MPs and former Foreign Secretary, visited Algeria from 30th May to 2nd June. During their visit to Algeria, they had very successful and productive engagements. They had two important meetings... During all these engagements, Algeria strongly condemned terrorism. They said that Algeria stands with India on the issue of terrorism. They also said that Algeria will take only the side of justice. So, we are very happy that they have given a very clear and strong message for India to remain united on terrorism,' Ambassador Kulkarni said. Earlier, Panda said that India's appeal to place Pakistan back on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list is gaining significant resonance globally, emphasising the role of illicit financing in fuelling terrorism. Panda highlighted Pakistan's misuse of funds for terrorism and its military, noting that the other Islamic countries had taken a strong stand against any kind of fundamentalism in their country. 'Pakistan is not interested in improving itself or helping its people... They have diverted the money for terrorism and its army and looted it... Terrorism is fuelled by two things. One is ideology and the other is illicit finance... Ideology-wise, these Islamic countries have taken a strong stand... They do not permit any kind of fundamentalism from their soil... Financing part is the other aspect,' Panda stated. 'Pakistan for many years was under FATF, which monitored the legitimate use of funding, and thus there was a period of lull in terrorism... Now, for the last couple of years, they were released from the grey list, and now they are operating freely... Our appeal to them that Pakistan should be kept on the FATF grey list is getting a lot of resonance. The world is committed to not tolerating terrorism anymore,' he added. Greylisting Pakistan by the FATF will limit its access to international loans. Pakistan was included in the grey list in 2018 and removed from it in 2022. India has stated that it will leave no stone unturned to bring Pakistan onto the grey list again. Meanwhile, delegation members Satnam Singh Sandhu and Rekha Sharma hailed the delegation's diplomatic outreach as a resounding success, stating that it has successfully exposed terrorist activities of Pakistan, while noting that all four countries, especially Algeria, endorsed India's zero-tolerance stance against terrorism and recognised the nation's challenges with cross-border terror. (ANI)
