The US Supreme Court has rejected Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana's emergency application seeking a stay of his extradition to India. Rana, 64, is currently lodged in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles. He had filed an 'Emergency Application For Stay' with the Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States and Circuit Justice for the Ninth Circuit. 'Application' denied by Justice Kagan, a note dated March 6, 2025 on the Supreme Court website says. The application was submitted to Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Elena Kagan. Rana became part of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks conspiracy in 2005: NIA Tahawwur Hussain Rana became part of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks conspiracy in 2005 as a member of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami (HUJI) and was closely engaged with Pakistan-based conspirators, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had earlier revealed. On February 13, while briefing the media with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump announced that his administration has approved Rana's extradition to India, referring to him as "one of the plotters and very evil people of the world." Sixty-four-year-old Rana, a Pakistan-born Canadian national, is a close associate of Pakistani-American terrorist and one of the main conspirators David Coleman Headley. He is serving supervised detention at a metropolitan detention centre in Los Angeles after completing a 14-year sentence in 2023. Once extradited, Rana would be the third person to be sent on trial in India in the case after Ajmal Kasab and Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal. In November 2012, Kasab, the lone surviving Pakistan terrorist, was hanged to death in Pune's Yerawada Jail. Rana had entered into a criminal conspiracy for executing the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks around the beginning of 2005 along with other co-conspirators based in Pakistan, as per the National Investigation Agency (NIA) charge sheet. Rana's role as a co-conspirator of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks surfaced during the central agency's probe. On October 27, 2009, he was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Two years later, the NIA chargesheeted him under various sections of the Indian Penal Code as well as Section 6(2) of the SAARC Convention on Suppression of Terrorism. (With PTI inputs)
07 March,2025 10:03 AM IST | New York | mid-day online correspondentExternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar began his visit to Ireland from the iconic General Post Office Museum which has a special "meaning for so many who fought for freedom from colonialism." He also visited the Trinity College and interacted with Irish leaders such as former PM Leo Varadkar. In a series of posts on X, EAM said, "Started my visit to Ireland going to the iconic General Post Office Museum in Dublin. The 1916 Easter Rising has a special meaning for so many who fought for freedom from colonialism." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1897786389569147302 He also visited the Trinity College where he saw the Old Library. EAM wrote on X, "Fascinating to see the Book of Kells and the Old Library at the Trinity College in Dublin. Indeed a proud celebration of Irish heritage and culture." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1897788546301264176 He also spoke to Irish leaders such as Indian-origin former Prime Minister of Ireland, Leo Varadkar, and also interacted with Ministers James Lawless, Robert Troy, and Member of Parliament Malcolm Byrne. "A good conversation with former PM @LeoVaradkar, Minister @lawlessj, MoS @RobertTroyTD and MP @malcolmbyrne this afternoon. Appreciate their warm sentiments and steadfast support for India-Ireland ties", he wrote on X. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1897787800298438826 Jaishankar on Thursday called upon Ireland President Michael D Higgins and conveyed the regards of President Droupadi Murmu to him. The two leaders discussed about the role of culture in strengthening the nationhood. Sharing the details of the meeting on X, Jaishankar said, "Honored to call on President Michael D. Higgins in Dublin this evening. Conveyed the warm regards of President Droupadi Murmu. Value his insights on the contemporary world and its development debates. Spoke of the role of culture in strengthening nationhood." S Jaishankar is on an official visit to the United Kingdom & Ireland from March 4 to March 9. India and Ireland share friendly bilateral relations based on shared democratic values, cultural ties and growing economic engagements. India-Ireland interactions date back to the 19th century when a significant number of Irishmen joined the British Civil Service, medical, engineering and army services, the MEA observed. Ireland had supported and assisted India during the COVID-19 pandemic under EU-ECHO mechanism, Ireland sent emergency medical assistance of 1248 oxygen concentrators, 425 ventilators and 2 oxygen generators in two consignments. Notably, Ireland has consistently supported India in its fight against terror. In the aftermath of the Pulwama cross-border terrorist incident on February 14, 2019, resulting in the killing of 40 CRPF personnel, then Irish Deputy PM and FM Simon Coveney issued a statement, strongly condemning the suicide bombing, expressing concern at the increasing levels of violence in the region and maintaining that Ireland will continue to work with India and the international community to support a comprehensive international response to preventing and countering terrorism. As per the MEA, Indian Embassy has been encouraging Irish companies to engage in major flagship programmes like "Make in India", "Digital India", "Clean India" and "Smart Cities". This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 March,2025 08:40 AM IST | Dublin | ANIA weak and breathless Pope Francis thanked people for their prayers for his recovery in a remarkable audio message broadcast Thursday, the first public sign of life from the 88-year-old pope since he was hospitalized three weeks ago with double pneumonia. Francis' feeble voice, discernible through his laboured breaths and in his native Spanish, was recorded Thursday from the hospital and broadcast to the faithful in St. Peter's Square who had gathered for the nightly recitation of the rosary prayer. 'I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the square, I accompany you from here,' he said, his soft voice piercing the hushed square. 'May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you.' For anyone used to hearing Francis' voice, which is often so soft it sounds like a whisper, the audio was an emotional punch to the gut that hammered home just how sick he is. The cardinal presiding over the prayer, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, had told the crowd at the start of the service that he had 'beautiful news, a beautiful gift" to share. The clearly surprised crowd broke into applause and then applauded again after Francis' final 'Gracias.' Fernández Artime, for his part, bowed his head as he listened. The 88-year-old pope has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man. The Vatican has given twice-daily updates on Francis' medical condition, but has distributed no photos or video of him since the morning of Feb. 14, when he held a handful of audiences at the Vatican before being admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital for what was then just a bad case of bronchitis. The infection progressed into a complex respiratory tract infection and double pneumonia that has sidelined Francis for the longest period of his 12-year papacy and raised questions about the future of his papacy. Francis has issued written messages from the Gemelli, including some that sounded very much like him. But even Vatican officials had been clamouring to hear his voice, saying the pope's calls for peace are particularly needed at a time of such global conflict and war. More than any pope before him, Francis has mastered the art of informal and direct communication, often recording cell phone videos for visitors to bring home to their communities. For the considerable effort it must have taken, the audio message made clear that he understood the power of his voice, even in its weakened state. Doctors on Thursday reported that Francis was in stable condition, with no new respiratory crises or fever. He continued his respiratory and other physical therapy Thursday, worked, rested and prayed from the 10th floor papal suite at Rome's Gemelli hospital. Given the continued stability of Francis' condition, doctors said they didn't expect to provide a new medical update until Saturday. His prognosis remains guarded, meaning he is not out of danger. The pope has been sleeping with a non-invasive mechanical mask to guarantee that his lungs expand properly overnight and help his recovery. He has been transitioning to receiving high-flow oxygen with a nasal tube during the day. His routine now includes physical therapy, along with treatment for double pneumonia and respiratory therapy, Vatican officials said. The 88-year-old pope has been stable for three full days after suffering a pair of respiratory crises Monday. The pope was supposed to attend a spiritual retreat this weekend with the rest of the Holy See hierarchy. On Tuesday, the Vatican said the retreat would go ahead without Francis but in 'spiritual communion' with him. The theme, selected before Francis got sick, was 'Hope in eternal life.' This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 March,2025 08:40 AM IST | Rome | APPresident Donald Trump on Thursday postponed 25 per cent tariffs on many imports from Mexico and some imports from Canada for a month amid widespread fears of the economic fallout from a broader trade war. The White House insists its tariffs are about stopping the smuggling of fentanyl, but the taxes proposed by Trump have caused a gaping wound in the decades-old North American trade partnership. Trump's tariff plans have also caused the stock market to sink and alarmed U.S. consumers. In addition to his claims about fentanyl, Trump has insisted that the tariffs could be resolved by fixing the trade deficit and he emphasised while speaking in the Oval Office that he still plans to impose 'reciprocal' tariffs starting on April 2. 'Most of the tariffs go on April the second,' Trump said before signing the orders. 'Right now, we have some temporary ones and small ones, relatively small, although it's a lot of money having to do with Mexico and Canada.' Trump said he was not looking to extend the exemption on the 25 per cent tariff for autos for another month. Imports from Mexico that comply with the 2020 USMCA trade pact would be excluded from the 25 per cent tariffs for a month, according to the orders signed by Trump. Auto-related imports from Canada that comply with the trade deal would also avoid the 25 per cent tariffs for a month, while the potash that US farmers import from Canada would be tariffed at 10 per cent, the same rate at which Trump wants to tariff Canadian energy products. Roughly 62 per cent of imports from Canada would likely still face the new tariffs because they're not USMCA compliant, according to a White House official who insisted on anonymity to preview the orders on a call with reporters. Half of imports from Mexico that are not USCMA compliant would also be taxed under the orders being signed by Trump, the official said. Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum has planned to announce any retaliatory measures on Sunday, but Trump credited her with making progress on illegal immigration and drug smuggling as a reason for again pausing tariffs that were initially supposed to go into full effect in February. 'I did this as an accommodation, and out of respect for, President Sheinbaum," Trump said on Truth Social. "Our relationship has been a very good one, and we are working hard, together, on the Border.' Trump's actions also thawed relations with Canada somewhat, after its initial retaliatory tariffs of $30 billion Canadian (US$21 billion) on US goods. The government said it had suspended its second wave of retaliatory tariffs on additional U.S. goods worth $125 billion (US$87 billion). Major US stock markets briefly bounced off lows after Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick previewed the month-long pauses on CNBC on Thursday. Significant declines already seen this week resumed within an hour. The S&P 500 stock index has fallen below where it was before Trump was elected. Asked whether the stock market decline was due to his tariffs, Trump said: 'A lot of them are globalist countries and companies that won't be doing as well because we're taking back things that have been taken from us many years ago.' Sheinbaum said she and Trump 'had an excellent and respectful call in which we agreed that our work and collaboration have yielded unprecedented results,' on a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter. Mexico has cracked down on cartels, sent troops to the US border and delivered 29 top cartel bosses long chased by American authorities to the Trump administration in a span of weeks. At a press conference, Sheinbaum elaborated on her call with Trump Thursday, saying that she told the president that Mexico was making great strides in fulfilling his security demands. 'I told him we're getting results,' Sheinbaum said. But the US imposed the tariffs, so she asked Trump 'how are we going to continue cooperating, collaborating with something that hurts the people of Mexico?' She added that 'practically all of the trade' between the US and Mexico will be exempt from tariffs until April 2. She said the two countries will continue to work together on migration and security, and to cut back on fentanyl trafficking to the US. From January to February, the amount of fentanyl seized at the border dropped more than 41 per cent, according to Sheinbaum, citing data from US Customs and Border Protection. She cited the dip as meeting a commitment made to Trump. Still, relations between the United States and Canada remain frosty because of the tariff pressures. A senior Canadian government official said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's call on Wednesday with Trump became heated. The US president used profanity while complaining about protections in Canada's dairy industry. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to speak publicly about the call, said Trudeau did not use profanity. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, the leader of Canada's most populous province, said that starting Monday the province will charge 25 per cent more for electricity shipped to 1.5 million Americans in response to Trump's tariff plan. Ontario provides electricity to Minnesota, New York and Michigan. 'This whole thing with President Trump is a mess,' Ford said Thursday. 'This reprieve, we've went down this road before. He still threatens the tariffs on April 2.' Ford has said that so long as the threat of tariffs continue, Ontario's position will not change. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 March,2025 08:39 AM IST | Washington | APFacing the prospect that the US might cut them adrift under President Donald Trump, European Union leaders launched a day of emergency talks on Thursday in a bid to beef up their own security and ensure that Ukraine will still be properly protected. Friedrich Merz, the likely next chancellor of Germany, and summit chairman Antonio Costa discussed over breakfast in Brussels ways to fortify Europe’s defences on a short deadline. Meanwhile, the 27-nation bloc was waking up to news that French President Emmanuel Macron would confer with EU leaders about the possibility of using France’s nuclear deterrent to protect the continent from Russian threats. “Given the profound shifts in US policy, and the existential threat of another war on the continent, Europe must manage its essential defence tasks,” the European Policy Center think tank said in a commentary. Part of any security plan is also to protect the increasingly beleaguered position of Ukraine. However, Thursday’s meeting is unlikely to address Ukraine’s most pressing needs. It is not aimed at urgently drumming up more arms and ammunition to fill any supply vacuum created by the US freeze. Nor will all nations agree to unblock the estimated $196 billion in frozen Russian assets held in a Belgian clearing house, that could be seized for use. Thursday’s summit is unlikely to produce immediate decisions on spending for Ukraine. Another EU summit where the real contours of decisions would be much clearer is set for March 20-21.Agencies France steps in to provide military intel France is providing military intelligence to Ukraine after Washington announced it was freezing the sharing of information with Kyiv. French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said, “We have intelligence that we will allow Ukraine to benefit from.” Lecornu is “accelerating French aid packages” to make up for the lack US assistance. Russian ballistic missile kills four A Russian ballistic missile killed four people staying at a hotel in President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown Kryvyi Rih, central Ukraine, at night. A humanitarian organisation’s volunteers, including Ukrainian, US and British nationals had checked in just before the strike, Zelensky said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 March,2025 08:09 AM IST | Brussles | AgenciesUS President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued what he called a “last warning” to Hamas to release all remaining hostages held in Gaza, directing a sharply worded message after the White House confirmed that he had recently dispatched an envoy for unprecedented direct talks with the militant group. In a statement on his Truth Social platform soon after meeting at the White House with eight former hostages, Trump added that he was “sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job”. “Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you,” Trump said. “Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!” The Hamas militant group, meanwhile, on Thursday brushed off Trump’s latest threat and reiterated that it will only free the remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Some relief for US automakers importing from Mexico, Canada US President Donald Trump is granting a one-month exemption on his stiff new tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada for US automakers. The pause comes after President Trump spoke with leaders of the ‘Big 3’ automakers—Ford, General Motors and Stellantis—on Wednesday, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Leavitt said Trump was blunt with the automakers: “He told them to start investing, start moving and shift production to the US where they will pay no tariff.” Shares of the US Big 3, Asian and European automakers jumped as much as 6 per cent after the announcement. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 March,2025 08:09 AM IST | Washington | AgenciesTwo South Korean fighter jets accidentally dropped eight bombs on a civilian area during a joint live-fire exercise with the US military on Thursday, injuring eight people, officials said. The MK-82 bombs released by the KF-16 fighter jets fell outside a firing range, causing civilian damage. The air force said the fighter jets were taking part in the one-day firing drill with the US military. According to an official, a pilot of one of the KF-16s put in a wrong coordinate for a bombing site, leading to the mishap. A committee will investigate the incident and examine the scale of the civilian damage. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 March,2025 08:09 AM IST | Seoul | AgenciesUS space agency NASA was all set for a landing on the moon’s south pole on Thursday. This mission will join the growing fleet of spacecraft missions, including from India, mapping the lunar surface, searching for water, and conducting scientific experiments. Athena, the moon lander developed by Houston-based private company Intuitive Machines, will attempt to land near the Mons Mouton landing site on the moon’s South Pole. The site is distinct from the ‘Shiv Shakti’ touchdown site of ISRO’s Chandrayaan- 3 spacecraft, which marked a significant milestone as India became, on August 2023, the first country to land on the Moon’s South Pole. Athena had entered the lunar orbit earlier this week after being launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on February 26, 2025. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 March,2025 08:09 AM IST | Washington | AgenciesFacing the prospect that the United States might cut them adrift under President Donald Trump, European Union leaders launched a day of emergency talks Thursday in a bid to beef up their own security and ensure that Ukraine will still be properly protected. Friedrich Merz, the likely next chancellor of Germany, and summit chairman Antonio Costa discussed over breakfast in Brussels ways to fortify Europe's defences on a short deadline. Merz pushed plans this week to loosen the nation's rules on running up debt to allow for higher defence spending. Meanwhile, the 27-nation bloc was waking up to news that French President Emmanuel Macron would confer with EU leaders about the possibility of using France's nuclear deterrent to protect the continent from Russian threats. It all underscored the sea change that has taken place in the two months since Trump took office and immediately started questioning the cornerstones of cooperation between the United States and Europe that had been the bedrock of Western security since World War II. "Given these profound shifts in US policy, and the existential threat of another war on the continent, Europe must manage its essential defence tasks," the European Policy Center think tank said in a commentary. The bloc will "take decisive steps forward," Macron told the French nation Wednesday evening. "Member states will be able to increase their military spending" and "massive joint funding will be provided to buy and produce some of the most innovative munitions, tanks, weapons and equipment in Europe," he said. Adding to the ebullient message, he said that "Europe's future does not have to be decided in Washington or Moscow." Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is taking part in the summit. Limited room to increase spending European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed a plan to loosen budget rules so countries that are willing can spend much more on defense. Her proposal is underpinned by 150 billion euros ($162 billion) worth of loans to buy priority military equipment. Most of the increased defense spending would have to come from national budgets at a time when many countries are already overburdened with debt. France is struggling to reduce an excessive annual budget deficit of 5% of GDP, after running up its total debt burden to 112% of GDP with spending on relief for businesses and consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis that followed Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Five other countries using the euro currency have debt levels over 100% of GDP: Belgium, Greece, Spain, Italy and Portugal. Europe's largest economy, Germany, has more room to borrow, with a debt level of 62% of GDP. Pressing security needs Part of any security plan is also to protect the increasingly beleaguered position of Ukraine. A Russian missile killed four people staying at a hotel in Zelenskyy's hometown overnight. He said that a humanitarian organisation's volunteers had moved into the hotel in Kryvyi Rih, in central Ukraine, just before the strike. The volunteers included Ukrainian, American and British nationals, but it wasn't clear whether those people were among the 31 injured. Early this week, Trump ordered a pause to US military supplies to Ukraine as he sought to press Zelenskyy to engage in negotiations to end the war with Russia, bringing fresh urgency to Thursday's summit. Thursday's meeting is unlikely to address Ukraine's most pressing needs. It is not aimed at urgently drumming up more arms and ammunition to fill any supply vacuum created by the US freeze. Nor will all nations agree to unblock the estimated 183 billion euros ($196 billion) in frozen Russian assets held in a Belgian clearing house, a pot of ready cash that could be seized. Still, the Europeans underlined the importance of the moment. "Europe faces a clear and present danger on a scale that none of us have seen in our adult lifetime. Some of our fundamental assumptions are being undermined to their very core," von der Leyen warned in a letter to the leaders ahead of their meeting. But perhaps the biggest challenge for the EU will be to take a united stance at a moment when it's fractured, since much of what the bloc does requires unanimous support. Hungary is threatening to veto part of the summit statement on Ukraine. Even if the challenges are so daunting, Thursday's summit is unlikely to produce immediate decisions on spending for Ukraine or its own defenses. Another EU summit where the real contours of decisions would be much clearer is set for March 20-21. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 March,2025 04:08 PM IST | Brussles | APThe Consulate General of India in Chicago has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic passing of Praveen Kumar Gampa, a postgraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. According to ANI, the Consulate has assured that it is in contact with Gampa’s family and the university, offering all possible support during this difficult time. In a statement posted on X, the Indian Consulate in Chicago conveyed its condolences, stating, “We are saddened by the untimely death of Praveen Kumar Gampa, a postgraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The Consulate is in contact with Praveen's family and the University, helping them with all possible support. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with his family and friends of the departed.” As per ANI, no details regarding the cause of Gampa’s death have been officially disclosed. The Consulate is closely coordinating with authorities to ensure necessary assistance is provided to his family. This incident follows a series of unfortunate events involving Indian students in the United States. ANI reports that in November 2024, the Indian Consulate in Chicago had expressed shock and grief over the murder of another Indian student, Nukarapu Sai Teja, from Telangana. Sai Teja, who had been pursuing an MBA at Concordia University in Chicago, was reportedly shot outside a store during a robbery. According to ANI, the Consulate had taken immediate steps to seek justice, calling for swift action against the perpetrators while assuring full support to the victim’s family. The victim’s uncle, Talluri Srujan, revealed that Sai Teja had moved to the US for higher studies and was working part-time. On the day of the incident, while at a store’s cash counter, two armed suspects entered and demanded money. Despite complying, Teja was shot outside the store, ANI reports. Following such tragic incidents, the Indian Consulate continues to monitor the safety and well-being of Indian students in the US. ANI reports that the mission remains committed to providing all necessary support to affected families and working with authorities to address concerns regarding the security of Indian nationals abroad. As the Indian community mourns the loss of Praveen Kumar Gampa, the Consulate’s engagement with his family and university aims to provide them with the required assistance during this distressing time. (With inputs from ANI)
06 March,2025 01:01 PM IST | ChicagoIndia has strongly condemned what it described as "provocative activities" by separatist and extremist elements during External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar’s visit to the United Kingdom. According to ANI, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has taken serious note of the breach of security during the visit and expressed its expectation that the UK government will fulfil its diplomatic obligations in such cases. In a statement, an MEA spokesperson said, “We have seen the footage of a breach of security during the visit of EAM to the UK. We condemn the provocative activities of this small group of separatists and extremists. We deplore the misuse of democratic freedoms by such elements. We expect the host government in such cases to fully live up to their diplomatic obligations.” As per ANI, a group of pro-Khalistan demonstrators gathered outside Chatham House in London, where Jaishankar was participating in a discussion on India’s foreign policy, regional dynamics, and global economic challenges. The protestors, holding flags and using loudspeakers, chanted slogans outside the venue while the minister engaged in dialogue with Bronwen Maddox, Director and Chief Executive of Chatham House. This incident is not the first time such protests have occurred. ANI reports that in January, pro-Khalistan extremists assembled outside the Indian High Commission in London to stage a demonstration. Additionally, they previously stormed a cinema in Harrow in an attempt to halt the screening of Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency. According to ANI, when asked about acts of vandalism targeting UK theatres screening Emergency, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We consistently raise concerns with the UK government regarding incidents of violent protest and intimidation by anti-India elements. Freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively, and those obstructing it must be held accountable.” Jaiswal further noted that India expects the UK authorities to take appropriate action against those responsible. “Our High Commission in London remains in regular communication with our community members for their safety and welfare. We expect the UK side to take strong and appropriate action in this matter,” he added. Notably, in 2023, the Indian High Commission in London was the target of a violent attack by Khalistani supporters. ANI reports that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) linked these attacks to retaliation against action taken by Punjab Police against Amritpal Singh, Chief of Waris Punjab De. The NIA alleged that the attacks were aimed at influencing the crackdown on the outfit and its leader. India has consistently called upon the UK government to curb activities of such extremist elements and prevent them from misusing democratic freedoms to promote separatist agendas. As per ANI, the Indian government continues to monitor such incidents closely and engage with British authorities to ensure the safety of its diplomatic missions and community members. (With inputs from ANI)
06 March,2025 12:55 PM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
