Cross-border terrorism requires decisive response: PM Modi’s strong message to SCO
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Friday, 05 July 2024
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IndoUS Tribune Newsdesk eminding the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) of one of its “original goals”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday stated that cross-border terrorism requires a “decisive response” from the grouping which must “naturally” give priority to combating terrorism and respecting territorial integrity in the region. PM Modi’s remarks, delivered by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the 24th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Kazakhstan’s Astana, assume significance as the gathering of leaders physically attending the summit also included Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
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“Many of us have had our experiences, often originating beyond our borders. Let us be clear that if left unchecked, it can become a major threat to regional and global peace. Terrorism in any form or manifestation cannot be justified or condoned,” EAM Jaishankar, who is leading the Indian delegation at the Summit, mentioned while delivering PM Modi’s remarks. “International community must isolate and expose those countries that harbor terrorists, provide safe havens and condone terrorism. Cross-border terrorism requires a decisive response and terrorism financing and recruitment must be resolutely countered,” PM Modi added in his message to the SCO community which represents approximately 40 per cent of the world’s population and nearly one-third of the global economy. Prime Minister Modi also urged to take “proactive steps” to prevent the spread of radicalization among the youth while highlighting the shared commitment agreed upon by the member states in the Joint Statement issued during India’s SCO Presidency last year. He said that the meeting was taking place in the backdrop of pandemic impact, ongoing conflicts, rising tensions, trust deficits and increasing number of hotspots around the world - events which have put significant strain on international relations and global economic growth. The gathering of the leaders, he said, is aimed at finding common ground to mitigate the consequences of these developments. While congratulating Iran and Belarus, the new members of the organization, PM Modi said that the SCO occupies a prominent place in India’s foreign policy. Prime Minister Modi, in his remarks, also focused on working towards achieving committed reduction in emissions and having robust connectivity for economic development. “Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is essential for connectivity and infrastructure projects. So too are nondiscriminatory trade rights and transit regimes. The SCO needs to deliberate seriously on these aspects,” he stated.
05 JULY 2024
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Kamala Harris emerges top contender for Biden’s White House ticket if he quits, polls show By Yashwant Raj
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amala Harris, the Indian American Vice President, is emerging as a leading choice for Democrats to take over from President Joe Biden should he step aside, bowing to growing calls from within the party following his disastrous performance in the first president debate of the 2024 cycle last week. A new poll shows she is within striking distance of former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, in a head-to-head matchup. Harris herself is being the loyal VicePresident of Biden, telling reporters that Biden is the party nominee and he will beat Trump again, after 2020. That hasn’t stopped Democrats from across the party from announcing their support for Harris. “I ran for President in 2020. I was the first Presidential candidate to endorse Joe Biden in 2020. I love America. I
love our Party. I love Joe Biden,” former Congressman Tim Ryan has written in a signed piece in Newsweek magazine.
Labour Landslide: Starmer vows national renewal after triumph in UK polls
“The Democratic Nominee in 2024 should be Kamala Harris.”
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EAM Jaishankar meets Chinese counterpart, says LAC must be respected
IndoUS Tribune Newsdesk
IndoUS Tribune Newsdesk
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eir Starmer, buoyed by a resounding victory in the recent UK parliamentary election, has pledged to lead Britain into a new era of national renewal after Labour secured a commanding majority in the 650-seat parliament. The election marked a seismic shift in British politics, ending the Conservative Party’s 14-year rule amidst widespread discontent over the cost of living crisis, faltering public services, and a string of scandals. In his victory speech, Starmer declared, “Change begins now... We will end the chaos and start the work of rebuilding our country.” Labour’s triumph saw them gain a significant 210 seats, while the Conservative Party, led by Rishi Sunak, suffered its worst defeat in history, losing approximately 250 lawmakers, including senior ministers and former Prime Minister Liz Truss.
The election also reshaped the political landscape in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Scottish National Party saw a dramatic decline, losing 38 seats and signaling a potential setback for Scotland’s independence aspirations. Conversely, Sinn Fein emerged as Northern Ireland’s largest party for the first time. Meanwhile, Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, though securing only four seats, garnered substantial support, posing a challenge to both major parties. Following the defeat, a somber Rishi Sunak announced his resignation as Conservative Party leader, acknowledging the electorate’s call for change. Despite Labour’s convincing win, concerns linger over Starmer’s popularity and the challenges ahead. The party’s victory was achieved with fewer votes than in previous elections, reflecting the complexities of Britain’s electoral system and voter turnout dynamics.
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xternal Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in the Kazakhstan capital Astana, and said that the “Line of Actual Control (LAC) must be respected and peace and tranquility in the border areas be always enforced”. The two met on the sidelines of the SCO Meeting of the Council of Heads of State and discussed bilateral issues ranging from restoring border peace to rebuilding relations. Agreeing that the prolongation of the current situation in the border areas is not in the interest of either side, the two Ministers had an “in-depth exchange” of views on finding an early resolution of the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh to “stabilize and rebuild” bilateral relations, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
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