No Formal Meeting Between Pakistan and India at SCO, Confirms Foreign Office

Pakistan’s Foreign Office has clarified that no formal discussions took place between Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during last week’s Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conclave. In a statement made during her weekly press briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasized that while it is customary for delegates in multilateral settings to engage in informal pleasantries and conversations, no official meeting occurred between the two foreign ministers.

Jaishankar, who made headlines as the first Indian foreign minister to visit Pakistan in nearly a decade, did engage in casual conversations with Dar on two occasions during the event. However, sources indicated that these interactions did not signify any significant improvement in the strained relations between the neighboring countries.

In her briefing, Baloch also noted that Pakistan has extended an agreement with India to facilitate the visit of Indian pilgrims to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Narowal through the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for an additional five years. She reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to providing political, diplomatic, and moral support to the Kashmiri people.

On another note, Baloch announced that Pakistan has applied for membership in the BRICS group, expressing hope that the bloc would consider the request in alignment with its commitment to inclusive multilateralism. However, she acknowledged that Pakistan was not invited to the recent BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia. The BRICS group, which originally included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has recently expanded its membership to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

NIA Arrests Khalistani Associate at Delhi Airport in Major Anti-Terror Operation

Delhi, October 26, 2023 – The National Investigation Agency (NIA) made a significant breakthrough in its ongoing counter-terrorism operations by apprehending a close associate of Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Singh Dala, also known as Arsh Dala, at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Thursday. Baljeet Singh, alias Baljeet Maur, hailing from Bathinda, Punjab, was taken into custody upon his arrival from the United Arab Emirates, according to an official agency statement.

Investigations have indicated that Baljeet Maur played a crucial role in providing logistical support to the Khalistan Terrorist Force (KTF), as well as identifying targets for extortion, recruiting new operatives, and facilitating terror funding for Dala’s associates within India. The NIA emphasized that Maur is wanted in connection with various terror-related activities linked to the KTF, a proscribed organization.

A non-bailable warrant for Maur’s arrest was issued in June 2024, following which a Look Out Circular (LOC) was also raised in February. His detainment is seen as a pivotal moment in India’s relentless fight against terrorism, particularly concerning the KTF and its activities in Punjab. The NIA’s statement highlighted Maur’s key role as a conspirator in a larger KTF plot aimed at instigating terror across the region, which was formally registered by the agency on February 13.

According to the NIA’s case file, operatives associated with the KTF have been involved in raising funds through various extortion activities, the targeted killing of individuals, and smuggling arms and ammunition into India. The arrest of Baljeet Maur is expected to shed more light on the inner workings of the KTF and potentially disrupt its ongoing operations.

The NIA’s action reaffirms its commitment to tackling terrorism head-on and emphasizes the government’s resolve to dismantle networks supporting such activities within the country.

Singapore Navy Ship Arrives in Visakhapatnam for SIMBEX 31

Visakhapatnam, October 23, 2023 – The Singapore Navy Ship RSS Tenacious, accompanied by an embarked helicopter, docked at Visakhapatnam on Wednesday to participate in the 31st edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX). The exercise is set to take place from October 23 to 29, hosted by the Eastern Naval Command.

This year’s SIMBEX will unfold in two phases: the Harbour Phase from October 23 to 25, which will occur at the Visakhapatnam docks, followed by the Sea Phase from October 28 to 29 in the Bay of Bengal. The Indian Ministry of Defence highlighted that this iteration of the exercise aims to bolster the strategic partnership between India and Singapore. Key objectives include enhancing interoperability, improving maritime domain awareness, and fostering collaboration to address mutual maritime challenges.

Originally launched as ‘Exercise Lion King’ in 1994, SIMBEX has evolved into a pivotal maritime collaboration between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). During the Harbour Phase, activities will include Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), cross-deck visits, sports fixtures, and pre-sail briefings, allowing personnel from both navies to engage closely.

The Sea Phase promises to be particularly dynamic, featuring advanced naval drills that include live weapon firings, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training, anti-surface and anti-air operations, seamanship evolutions, and complex tactical manoeuvres.

This event follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s significant diplomatic visit to Singapore in September, during which India and Singapore elevated their bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. During discussions held at the Parliament House in Singapore, PM Modi and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong reviewed the progress of bilateral engagement and exchanged four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) focusing on digital technology, semiconductor industries, skill development, and healthcare.

PM Modi extended an invitation to PM Wong to visit India, which the Singaporean leader accepted, reinforcing the commitment of both nations to deepening their strategic ties. The ongoing SIMBEX exercise serves as a further testament to the robust friendship and collaboration between India and Singapore in the maritime domain.

Headline: Indian Envoy Defends Controversial Remarks Amid Rising Tensions with Canada

In a recent interview, Sanjay Kumar Verma, India’s envoy to Canada, clarified his controversial comments suggesting that some Khalistani extremists could be “deep assets” of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). Verma’s remarks have arisen against the backdrop of escalating diplomatic tensions following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations that Indian agents were involved in the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil.

Verma accused Trudeau of making serious allegations without providing evidence, stating, "He (Trudeau) said without evidence, and so am I." He underlined the importance of credible evidence, arguing that allegations should not stand in place of proven facts. "Therefore, I am not exactly saying there are connections, but there may be connections," he added, while addressing inquiries regarding his earlier claims that Khalistani extremists are used strategically by Canadian intelligence agencies.

The Indian envoy, recently recalled by the Indian government over concerns for the safety of Indian diplomats, criticized the Canadian government for what he perceived as a politically motivated campaign against India. He emphasized that allegations made in the Canadian parliament lacked substantiation, describing the incident as "not a good thing" and highlighting the need for respectful discourse between democracies.

Verma also voiced concerns about the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), suggesting that its independence is undermined by political influences and presenting a narrative that the agency has failed to maintain its professed neutrality amid escalating tensions with India.

He articulated disappointment over the deteriorating diplomatic relations, expressing regret that his efforts to strengthen ties between the two nations were thwarted by such accusations. "It feels bad that I was not successful in the work for which I went there," he lamented, emphasizing his commitment to protect India’s interests on the international stage.

The diplomatic spat escalated further when India rejected a Canadian diplomatic communication regarding its diplomats being "persons of interest" in a probe concerning Nijjar’s murder, labeling it as a "preposterous imputation." In response to increasing hostilities, India expelled six Canadian diplomats, asserting that the Trudeau government’s actions endanger the safety of Indian officials and community leaders in Canada.

The ongoing tensions are reflective of broader concerns regarding the influence of Khalistani extremists in Canada, with Verma noting that these individuals wield considerable political power and have frequently exploited the political landscape to further their agendas, which he claims undermine Canada-India relations.

As diplomatic communication hangs in the balance, both countries face pressing questions about the implications of these allegations for their bilateral relations, and observers worldwide are closely monitoring the developments that could impact international diplomatic norms.

India and Germany Set to Hold 7th Inter Governmental Consultations in New Delhi

The 7th Inter Governmental Consultations (IGC) between India and Germany are set to take place in New Delhi on October 25 and 26, co-chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. This biennial IGC format, launched in 2011, facilitates a thorough review of cooperation and identifies new areas for engagement at the Cabinet level, marking India as one of the select few countries with which Germany has established such a mechanism.

The upcoming consultations herald a strong focus on technology, with key discussions expected to revolve around sustainability, green transition, migration and mobility, and technology and innovation. This is anticipated to strengthen collaborative efforts in new and emerging technologies, following the India-Germany Vision Document that was unveiled during Chancellor Scholz’s state visit to India in 2023.

A significant aspect of this year’s IGC is the celebration of 50 years of Science and Technology Cooperation between India and Germany. Over the years, this partnership has yielded joint projects across vital fields such as space research, artificial intelligence, sustainable practices, and advanced materials. The previous IGC, held in Berlin in May 2022, resulted in numerous agreements focused on green and sustainable development, including the commitment of 10 billion Euros in funding from Germany to support India’s Paris Climate Goals and Sustainable Development Goals.

In anticipation of the IGC, Germany has released two critical documents: the first India strategy titled "Focus on India," aimed at strengthening relations across various sectors, and a skilled labor strategy designed to enhance workforce mobility from India to Germany to address labor shortages in the latter.

As strategic partners since 2000, India and Germany have long-standing diplomatic relations, having first established them in 1951. Both nations share a commitment to upholding democratic values, supporting a rules-based international order, and enhancing bilateral security and defense cooperation to tackle global challenges.

The forthcoming visit will mark Chancellor Scholz’s third trip to India since taking office, and he and PM Modi have met seven times since 2022. A variety of institutional arrangements exist for both countries to discuss mutual interests in bilateral and global matters, including coordination in multilateral forums such as the G20 and UN.

The defense relationship has seen notable growth, with plans for joint naval exercises and other military collaborations. This expansion underscores the deepening ties between the two nations, which also includes strong economic interactions. In 2023, trade between India and Germany reached a record high of USD 33.33 billion, with Germany being India’s largest trading partner within the EU.

Additionally, the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement signed in December 2022 has become a cornerstone of the relationship, reflecting the increasing number of Indian nationals residing in Germany—approximately 250,000—along with a significant presence of Indian students in German universities.

As India prepares to host the 18th Asia Pacific Conference of German Business from October 24-26, 2024, it is anticipated that the event will further enhance the trade and investment links between the two countries, bringing together hundreds of business leaders and political representatives.

The upcoming IGC is poised to solidify the robust partnership between India and Germany, setting the stage for future cooperation across various sectors in an increasingly interconnected world.

Canada Removes Notorious Gangster Goldy Brar from Wanted List Amid Diplomatic Tensions with India

In a surprising turn of events, Canada has removed gangster Goldy Brar from its wanted list, according to India’s envoy to Canada, Sanjay Verma. In an exclusive interview with PTI Videos, Verma expressed concerns regarding this decision, noting that Brar was previously placed on the list at India’s request.

Verma explained that India had provided Canadian authorities with information on Brar and fellow gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, both of whom are linked to serious criminal activities in Canada. The sudden removal of Brar from the wanted list raises questions about the status of his legal standing in Canada. “Either he is arrested or he is no more wanted,” Verma stated, expressing confusion over the abrupt change.

Brar became a prominent figure in the criminal underworld after claiming responsibility for the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in May 2022. Although he was believed to be affiliated with Bishnoi’s gang, reports indicate they may now operate separate criminal enterprises in Canada.

In addition to commenting on the status of Brar, Verma addressed the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist, which he deemed a “wrong” act. He called for a comprehensive investigation to uncover the truth behind Nijjar’s killing, asserting that while Nijjar was considered a terrorist by India, any extrajudicial action is contrary to democratic principles and the rule of law.

Verma reiterated India’s dedication to clarifying the circumstances surrounding Nijjar’s murder, stressing the importance of mutual satisfaction for both nations involved. “We have seen in various parts of the world that there are murders and killings” fueled by turf wars related to drug trafficking and other criminal enterprises, he warned, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

The relationship between India and Canada continues to face strains due to these criminal issues, compounded by differing perspectives on various incidents involving gangster activities and terrorism. As the investigation progresses, all eyes remain on the diplomatic exchanges between the two countries.