PM Modi invited to SCO summit in Islamabad, but attendance uncertain
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Friday, 30 August 2024
VOL: 01 • ISSUE: 43
30 AUGUST 2024
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High demand for tickets to PM Modi’s New York reception overwhelms venue capacity IndoUS Tribune Newsdesk
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akistan has officially confirmed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit scheduled for midOctober in Islamabad. During her weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated that invitations had been extended to the leaders of SCO member states, including Modi. She mentioned that while some countries have confirmed their participation, the details will be disclosed in due course. The SCO heads of government meeting will be held on October 15-16 and will be preceded by a ministerial meeting and several rounds of senior officials’ meetings focusing on financial, economic, socio-cultural, and humanitarian cooperation among member states. Analysts suggest that the invitation might be a formality, as the relationship between India and Pakistan has been strained since India’s revocation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, altering the status of Jammu and Kashmir. It is anticipated that Modi may send a ministerial delegation in his place, as SCO meetings do not necessarily require heads of state to attend. Modi had also skipped the SCO’s 24th annual summit held in Kazakhstan earlier this year, with India’s representation provided by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Political analyst Kamran Yousaf commented that the invitation to Modi is a standard diplomatic practice and does not indicate a political maneuver. He expressed skepticism about Modi’s attendance in Islamabad.
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he Indian diaspora and Americans nationwide are showing overwhelming interest in attending the community reception for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New York, surpassing the venue’s capacity. Avinash Gupta, President of the tristate chapter of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), noted, “There is immense enthusiasm to see the Prime Minister and hear his message” at the reception on September 22. The event has received over 25,000 ticket requests from people in 42 states, and organizers are working to accommodate as many attendees as possible. The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, which seats only 18,000, is being expanded with temporary seating.
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Harris defends policy reversals saying her ‘values have not changed’
India urges unconditional release of Israeli hostages following terror attacks
IndoUS Tribune Newsdesk
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ice President Kamala Harris, who is also a Democratic presidential candidate, defended her shifting positions on several key issues, asserting that her core values have not changed. This defense came during her first interview since taking over the Democratic ticket for the White House, a move that has been met with scrutiny from her Republican rival, former President Donald Trump, and his allies. In a Thursday interview with CNN anchor Dana Bash, Harris addressed her previously stated opposition to fracking—a process used to extract natural gas and petroleum from deep underground. Fracking has become a significant issue in Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state for the 2024 presidential election. Critics of fracking argue that it risks contaminating underground and surface water supplies. Harris had once called for a ban on fracking but now supports it, which has led to questions about her stance. When asked if she would implement a ban on fracking, Harris firmly stated, “No, and I made that clear on the debate stage in 2020 that I would not ban fracking as vice president.” She continued, “I will not ban fracking as president. I will not ban fracking…. In 2020 I made very clear where I stand. We are in 2024 and I’ve not changed that position, nor will I be going forward. I kept my word, and I will keep my word.” Harris was pressed on why her position
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had changed over time. She responded, “Well, let’s be clear, my values have not changed.”
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ndia has reiterated its strong condemnation of the October 7 terror attacks on Israel, calling for a ceasefire and the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages.
During the interview, Harris also addressed broader concerns about her leadership and the state of the nation. She highlighted the challenges faced when President Joe Biden and she assumed office during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting the significant job losses and economic downturn attributed to the previous administration’s mismanagement. “When Joe Biden and I came in office during the height of a pandemic, we saw over 10 million jobs were lost, people, literally, we were all tracking the numbers, hundreds of people a day were dying because of Covid,” she said. “The economy had crashed, in large part, all of that because of mismanagement by Donald Trump.”
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized India’s position during the 17th India-Israel Foreign Office Consultations held in New Delhi this week, where both nations discussed their strategic partnership and regional issues. The Israeli delegation was led by Yaakov Blitshtein, Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The visit highlights ongoing collaboration and mutual support in defense and technology between the two countries, emphasizing their shared commitment to global peace and prosperity.
Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, expressed satisfaction with the talks and thanked India for its support during challenging times.
India’s stance includes support for a negotiated two-state solution between Israel and Palestine and condemnation of the terror attacks. The discussions also covered areas such as technology, agriculture, and connectivity.