Browsing Tag

India

101 posts

India hosts G20 tourism meet in disputed Kashmir under heavy security

The G20 tourism meeting in disputed Kashmir faced condemnation from China and Pakistan. Security was tightened, roads were improved, and India portrayed “normalcy and peace returning” to the region. China, along with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia, chose not to attend, citing opposition to holding meetings in disputed territories. Pakistan criticized India’s arrogance, while India accused Pakistan of supporting militants. The UN Special Rapporteur expressed concern about civil liberties, but India rejected the remarks. Security measures were heightened, leading to detentions and warnings against protests or trouble.

Papua New Guinea, US to sign security pact with eye on China

Papua New Guinea is set to sign a defense pact with the United States, as it hosts talks with the US Secretary of State and the Indian Prime Minister. The discussions will center around China’s growing influence in the region, with concerns about its attempts to entice small nations with diplomatic and financial incentives. The defense pact will grant US troops access to Papua New Guinea’s ports and airports, aiming to enhance security cooperation and stability in the region. This move highlights the increasing engagement of the United States and India in the Pacific to counter China’s presence.

MSCI drops two Adani Group companies from India index

Global stock index compiler MSCI has removed Adani Total Gas and Adani Transmission from its India index due to their failure to meet market capitalization requirements. This comes after the Adani Group faced allegations of market manipulation, causing a significant decline in share prices. Adani Enterprises is set to consider raising funds through share sales or other securities, while the Indian Supreme Court is considering an extension of the probe into the manipulation allegations. The Adani Group’s shares have partially recovered but remain significantly below pre-allegation levels. Gautam Adani’s ranking on Forbes’ billionaires list has also dropped.

Farmers break down barricades to join protesting Indian wrestlers

Indian farmers, supported by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) protesting agricultural reform bills, joined wrestlers in New Delhi to demand the arrest of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment. The involvement of farmers increases the likelihood of a prolonged protest, with nationwide demonstrations planned. Athletes, including Olympic medalists, have voiced their support and called for a speedy investigation to ensure justice is served. Delhi police have registered complaints against Singh, who denies the allegations.

Three dead after MiG jet crashes in India

A Russian-made MiG-21 military aircraft crashed into a house in India, resulting in three deaths. The Indian Air Force has experienced several crashes in recent years, often involving ageing planes supplied by the former Soviet Union. India is investing in modernizing its military and diversifying its defence industry.

Taking the high road: India infrastructure drive counters China

China’s renaming of the Indian frontier village of Zemithang, in the disputed region of Arunachal Pradesh, has sparked tension between the two Asian powers. The area remains disputed to this day, and both India and China have launched major construction drives to reinforce their positions. While India has increased its defence capabilities and invested in connectivity projects to boost civilian presence, Beijing has developed “xiaokang”, or well-to-do villages, along the Line of Actual Control, which New Delhi fears could be used for dual purposes in the event of a conflict.

Indian budget airline Go First files for bankruptcy

Go First, India’s fifth-largest domestic carrier, has filed for bankruptcy protection due to “faulty” engines from Pratt & Whitney, its exclusive engine supplier for the Airbus A320neo fleet. The airline has been in a dispute with the US aerospace company over issues that cost it US$1.32 billion in lost revenues and additional expenses, leading to the grounding of 25 aircraft. The bankruptcy was a necessary step, said Go First, due to an “ever-increasing number of failing engines” and Pratt & Whitney’s failure to comply with an arbitration order.

Joy, fear as India’s population becomes world’s biggest

A young mother in India, Manu Bala, gave birth to her newborn daughter in a government hospital, contributing to India becoming the world’s most populous nation. While elated about becoming a mother, Bala’s husband is concerned about the challenges India faces with its growing population and hopes to provide a good life for his daughter.

India’s parliament adjourned after protests over Gandhi expulsion

India’s parliament descended into chaos as lawmakers protested the expulsion of top opposition figure Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi lost his parliamentary seat after being convicted in a case that critics say shows how the rule of law is under threat in India’s largest democracy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Protests have erupted in recent weeks over potential links between Modi and tycoon Gautam Adani’s business empire, and comments made by Gandhi that Indian democracy is “under attack”. The opposition has accused Modi’s government of using legal action to silence critics and harass press organizations.

Japanese Prime Minister visits India to strengthen ties amid shared concerns about China

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived in India to discuss strengthening trade and technology ties and shared concerns over China. The Quad alliance, comprised of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia, aims to counter China’s growing assertiveness in Asia. Kishida’s visit follows talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, who will host all Quad leaders in May. Modi and Kishida were expected to announce initiatives on clean energy, digital trade, and infrastructure under the wider Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.