Pro-Palestinian group declines to endorse Harris due to arms policy
1 www.indoustribune.com
Friday, 20 September 2024
VOL: 01 • ISSUE: 46
IndoUS Tribune Newsdesk
T
he Uncommitted National Movement, a prominent pro-Palestinian group in the United States, has announced that it will not endorse Vice President Kamala Harris due to her stance on the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. The group had previously requested a meeting with Harris to discuss their demands for a ceasefire in Gaza and a halt to arms sales to Israel, but those requests went unanswered. In a statement, the group criticized Harris for not making a clear campaign statement regarding human rights and unconditional weapons policies. Although they will not endorse her, they have expressed strong opposition to a potential Trump presidency, citing concerns over his aggressive agenda regarding the conflict. The movement, which emerged during the Democratic primaries, aims to pressure the US government for a ceasefire and is calling for significant policy changes to protect Palestinian rights.
India requests review of Indus Water Treaty, citing major changes IndoUS Tribune Newsdesk
I
ndia has officially notified Pakistan of its request for a review and modification of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), citing "fundamental and unforeseen changes in circumstances." This notice was served on August 30, according to government sources.
20 SEPTEMBER 2024 MIDWEST EDITION www.indoustribune.com We serve community first
Final preparations underway for PM Modi’s diaspora event in New York IndoUS Tribune Newsdesk
F
inal preparations are in progress for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming diaspora rally, set to take place this Sunday at the Nassau Coliseum, where over 16,000 attendees are expected to gather. The event is strategically positioned between Modi’s participation in the Quad summit, hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden in Delaware on Saturday, and his address at the United Nations 'Summit of the Future' on Monday. This timing underscores the significance of Modi’s visit, which aims to strengthen ties with both the Indian diaspora and international leaders. Avinash Gupta, President of the tristate chapter of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), shared that the organizers were overwhelmed by the response, having received more than 25,000 applications for attendance. Due to venue constraints, they had to limit attendance to approximately 16,000 individuals.
Before Prime Minister Modi takes the stage, a cultural program will showcase performances reflecting the rich diversity of Indian culture. Gupta noted that 159 applications were submitted for the cultural segment, with 15 acts selected to perform. Special emphasis has been placed on children's performances, aiming to highlight India’s vibrant cultural heritage.
Jaishankar calls for mutual respect in international political discourse
The 1960 treaty allocates the waters of the Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas rivers to India for exclusive use, totaling around 33 Million Acre Feet (MAF). In contrast, Pakistan receives water from the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers, averaging about 135 MAF, with some allowances for domestic and agricultural use for India. India's notice references Article XII(3) of the IWT, which allows for modifications through a treaty ratified by both governments. The notification emphasizes significant issues, including changes in population demographics, environmental challenges necessitating clean energy development to meet emission targets, and the impact of ongoing crossborder terrorism. This request comes amid a separate dispute regarding the Kishanganga and Ratle hydro projects. The World Bank has initiated both the Neutral Expert mechanism and the Court of Arbitration concerning these issues. India has also called for governmentto-government negotiations to review the treaty in light of the current circumstances.
Given that the event occurs just 44 days before the U.S. elections, no politicians will be featured on stage, though some may attend as audience members. This decision allows for a focus on cultural exchange and community celebration without political distractions.
See Pg. 02
US clarifies stance on Lebanon explosions, emphasizes need for diplomatic resolution
T
IndoUS Tribune Newsdesk
he US State Department stated that it was "not involved" in the recent series of pager explosions in Lebanon and was "not aware" of the incidents beforehand. Spokesperson Matthew Miller characterized the situation as an "incident" rather than an "attack" and indicated that the US is currently gathering information. IndoUS Tribune Newsdesk
E
xternal Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded strongly to comments from foreign diplomats regarding Indian politics, stating that they should also be ready to hear India's perspective on their own political situations. "I don't mind if people comment on our politics. However, they should be prepared to hear my views on their politics as well. We need a world that is more mutually respectful and equal," Jaishankar said during an event with the Indian community in Geneva. The minister, on his final leg of a threenation tour, addressed concerns about foreign diplomats frequently voicing opinions on Indian affairs. He noted that
countries often project their domestic sensitivities abroad and suggested that these diplomats reflect on how they would react if roles were reversed. Jaishankar highlighted India's significant achievements under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, such as the dramatic increase in infrastructure projects and educational institutions over the past decade. He mentioned that highway construction has surged, with 28 kilometers added daily, and the number of metro systems has expanded from six to 21. While acknowledging that poverty remains a major challenge despite 250 million people escaping it since 2014, he emphasized the need for continued efforts in manufacturing and infrastructure to establish India as a major power.
The explosions raised the death toll in the two attacks to at least 32, a number of which Hezbollah confirmed as members. Roughly 3,000 other people have been confirmed to have been injured in the attacks since Tuesday afternoon, when thousands of pagers belonging to members of Hezbollah exploded, killing 12 people and maiming thousands more. Miller emphasized that the US aims to promote a diplomatic resolution to the conflict involving Hezbollah and Israel and noted the importance of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to facilitate this goal. He refrained from speculating on the implications of the situation or the possibility of Iranian retaliation, stressing the need for diplomatic efforts in the region.