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New Delhi, May 24 (IANS) Amid the Ebola outbreak in Africa, India on Thursday dispatched the first tranche of urgent medical supplies and protective kits to Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In a post on X, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed India's commitment to supporting Africa in responding to the emerging Ebola public health emergency.

"India dispatched the first tranche of urgent medical supplies and protective kits to Africa CDC today. Committed to support Africa in responding to the emerging Ebola public health emergency," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.

Ebola disease (EBOD) is a rare but severe illness in humans and is often fatal.

Meanwhile, the Indian government on Sunday advised Indian citizens, currently residing in or travelling to Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, to strictly follow public health guidance issued by local authorities and maintain heightened precautions, in light of the reported outbreak of Ebola disease in these countries.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the situation to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

“In view of the evolving situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other affected countries, and in line with WHO’s recommendations, Government of India advises all Indian citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan until further notice,” Health Ministry said in an advisory.

India has not reported any case of Ebola Disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, the ministry added.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has officially declared the ongoing outbreak of Bundibugyo strain Ebola Virus Disease affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security.

Further, the WHO IHR Emergency Committee on May 22 issued temporary recommendations to strengthen disease surveillance at Points of Entry to “detect, assess, report and manage travellers with unexplained febrile illness arriving from areas with documented Bundibugyo virus detection” while also “discouraging travel to areas with documented Bundibugyo virus detection”.

Countries bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, including South Sudan, are assessed to be at high risk of disease transmission, according to the statement.

--IANS

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New Delhi, May 24 (IANS) The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India issued a press statement on Sunday, rejecting recent remarks made by United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the Gulf Nation and accused it of attempting to “distort the realities of the region” and divert attention from what it described as the destabilising policies of the United States and the “Zionist regime.”

In its official statement, the Iranian Embassy said: “The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India rejects the recent remarks made by the United States Secretary of State regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran and emphasizes that such allegations constitute a clear attempt to distort the realities of the region and to deflect attention from the destabilizing policies of the United States and the Zionist regime.”

The embassy further stated that Iran, as one of the world’s major exporters of oil and energy, has always been prepared to supply energy resources to all countries, including India. However, it blamed US sanctions on Iranian oil exports for disrupting the global energy market.

“Oil sanctions represent only a small part of the broader pattern of hostile measures and pressures that the US government has imposed on the Iranian people over the past 47 years,” it said in an official statement while adding that restrictions have even affected access to medicines and medical equipment for Iranian patients.

Iran also accused the United States and Israel of creating instability in the region and threatening maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz through “military, provocative, and adventurist actions.”

Responding to allegations regarding its nuclear programme, the embassy reiterated that Iran’s nuclear activities are peaceful and remain under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

“The Islamic Republic of Iran considers the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology to be the legitimate and inalienable right of its people and emphasizes that it will never relinquish this lawful and internationally recognised right,” the statement further read.

The Embassy further claimed that Iran had emerged victorious despite pressure and military aggression from the United States and Israel, stating that attempts to change Iran’s political system had failed.

The statement came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that indirect negotiations aimed at ending the US-Iran conflict had made “some progress,” but stressed that Washington would never allow Iran to possess a nuclear weapon or unlawfully control the Strait of Hormuz by imposing tolls on maritime passage.

Iran also asserted that its armed forces remain in “full readiness” to respond to any threat against the country’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

--IANS

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New Delhi, May 24 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Sunday outlined India’s five-point approach on key regional and global issues, stressing that New Delhi advocates dialogue and diplomacy for conflict resolution, supports uninterrupted maritime commerce, and strongly opposes the weaponisation of trade and resources.

Addressing a joint press briefing with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio after delegation-level talks held at Hyderabad House, EAM Jaishankar said India and the United States continue to maintain regular engagement and strategic coordination across a broad range of sectors.

“This is the Secretary’s first visit to India, but ever since he has assumed office, we have been in regular touch. This has included occasions in Washington, D.C., and New York, and also on the sidelines of other events, the most recent one being in France. We have had a continuous engagement which has facilitated our overseeing the broad-based and growing cooperation between our two nations,” Jaishankar said.

Highlighting the political understanding between New Delhi and Washington, the External Affairs Minister said the India-US strategic partnership is built on converging interests in several areas of mutual importance.

“In terms of the political understanding between India and the US, we have a strategic partnership which emanates from a convergence of national interests in many areas,” he stated.

Listing India’s broad position on important regional and global matters, Jaishankar said New Delhi remains committed to diplomacy, lawful conduct, economic resilience, and trusted global partnerships.

“One, that we advocate dialogue and diplomacy to address conflicts. Two, we support safe and unimpeded maritime commerce. Three, we demand scrupulous respect for international law. Fourth, we are against the weaponisation of market shares and resources. And five, we believe in the value of trusted partnerships and resilient supply chains to de-risk the global economy,” the External Affairs Minister said.

EAM Jaishankar also mentioned that Rubio had called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, during which the leaders discussed a range of global and regional developments.

He said that during his own meeting with Rubio, discussions were held on developments in West Asia, the Indian subcontinent and East Asia, along with deliberations related to his recent visit to the Caribbean region.

“Our talks today over lunch will focus on the latest developments in the Gulf. A few things have happened or seem to be happening overnight, and also on the Ukraine conflict. Indo-Pacific is also on the agenda for the Quad meeting, which we will be doing on May 26,” he said.

On defence and strategic cooperation, EAM Jaishankar referred to the recently renewed 10-year major defence partnership framework agreement between India and the United States. He also highlighted the signing of a comprehensive underwater domain awareness roadmap.

“We discussed the importance of taking into account the ‘Make in India’ approach and lessons drawn from recent conflicts while going forward in the defence domain,” he added.

Speaking on economic cooperation, the EAM said both countries discussed the importance of early finalisation of the India-US interim trade agreement, which is expected to pave the way for a larger bilateral trade pact.

“On the economic front, we spoke about the value of concluding at an early date, the final text of the interim agreement regarding reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade. This will be an important step towards a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement, which was envisaged during Prime Minister Modi’s visit in February 2025,” he said.

The External Affairs Minister also said energy security and nuclear cooperation figured prominently in the talks between the two sides.

“We spent some time today discussing energy issues, and again, you’re all aware that our government’s fundamental responsibility is to address the needs of 1.4 billion people. Ensuring the accessibility and affordability of energy for them is our prime objective. Secretary and I therefore welcome the expansion in our energy trade in recent months. Diversified supplies are at the heart of energy security for India,” EAM Jaishankar said.

He further noted that the passage of the Shanti Act had opened up fresh opportunities in nuclear cooperation between the two countries.

“We devoted some time to nuclear energy cooperation as well. The passage of the Shanti Act has opened up new possibilities. An American delegation was recently in India. We hope to realise the potential of cooperation in the nuclear domain. I also raised with the Secretary some regulatory issues that we have on the American side,” he added.

EAM Jaishankar also highlighted cooperation between India and the United States in emerging technologies, critical minerals and artificial intelligence.

“All of you know the importance of critical minerals. Our two nations have been cooperating bilaterally in the Quad format and also as a like-minded group. India joined the Pax Silica and is part of the Forge initiative. The AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in February highlighted the enormous potential of the India-US relationship. And we will naturally be encouraging our businesses dealing with AI,” he said.

The External Affairs Minister also underlined that India and the United States not only share common interests but also face several common challenges, with terrorism remaining a major concern.

“Our position in that regard is very clear. It is one of zero tolerance. We appreciate the strong cooperation between the concerned agencies of our two countries in this domain. I particularly recognised the extradition from the United States to India last year of a key planner of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Our two countries will intensify cooperation bilaterally as well as in relevant international forums. We will continue to collaborate closely on countering illegal trade in narcotics,” EAM Jaishankar said.

--IANS

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New Delhi, May 24 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Sunday that India and the United States, as the two largest democracies, lay the foundation for "incredible cooperation", while emphasising that his visit is not focused on "restoring" ties, but rather on enhancing what he described as a "very solid and strong strategic partnership."

He called the US' partnership with India "one of the most important in the world".

Rubio made these statements in his opening remarks during his meeting with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar at New Delhi's Hyderabad House.

"It has already been a fantastic first day. We're looking forward to our visits and our talks today and learning more about the country," Rubio said in his remarks.

Reiterating EAM Jaishankar's remarks that the United States and India are "strategic allies of critical importance", the US State Secretary said, "We obviously work with countries all over the world and all over the region on a variety of issues as they emerge, but our strategic partnership is what sets this relationship apart, because it's not simply limited to a region. It extends to opportunities to cooperate globally in different regions of the world, and that includes potentially in the Western Hemisphere and places like that."

Rubio said that India and the US share many common interests and will continue to build upon the "solid and strong" ties.

"We are the two largest democracies in the world, and that alone is the baseline for incredible cooperation. But we have so many common interests that it makes all the sense in the world for us to continue to build upon," he said.

"This is not about restoring or reinvigorating. I've seen people use that terminology. This is about continuing to build on what is already a very solid and strong strategic partnership -- one of the most important ones that we have, and one of the most important ones in the world," he added.

EAM Jaishankar, in his opening remarks during the meeting, said that he is looking forward and is confident of holding "open and productive discussions".

"We have a comprehensive global strategic partnership, which I think in plain language means that we have a very deep, very broad-based cooperation. And a relationship that impacts and influences other regions and the world," the EAM said.

"And that is because we have converging interests on many issues and in many parts of the world. So I look forward to our conversation today. These are complicated times, but as strong partners, I'm very confident we'll have very open and productive discussions. Once again, a very warm welcome," he added.

Both leaders then held a delegation-level meeting at the Hyderabad House, with discussions focusing on strengthening cooperation in trade, energy, technology, etc.

--IANS

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New Delhi, May 24 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, in his opening remarks during a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at New Delhi's Hyderabad House, said that he is looking forward and is confident of holding "open and productive discussions".

In his remarks, EAM Jaishankar said, "We have a comprehensive global strategic partnership, which I think in plain language means that we have a very deep, very broad-based cooperation. And a relationship that impacts and influences other regions and the world."

"And that is because we have converging interests on many issues and in many parts of the world. So I look forward to our conversation today. These are complicated times, but as strong partners, I'm very confident we'll have very open and productive discussions. Once again, a very warm welcome," he added.

Both leaders will then hold a delegation-level meeting at the Hyderabad House, with discussions focusing on strengthening cooperation in trade, energy, technology, etc.

Earlier on Saturday, Rubio called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also extended an invitation on behalf of US President Donald Trump to visit the White House in the near future.

He briefed PM Modi on the "sustained progress" in bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including defence, strategic technologies, trade and investment, energy security, connectivity, education and people-to-people ties, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) stated on Saturday.

In a post on X, US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, stated that, during the meeting, both sides had a "productive discussion" on ways to deepen US-India cooperation across various sectors.

He also mentioned that India remains a "vital partner" to the United States.

"Great to join Secretary Rubio for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We had a productive discussion on ways to deepen US-India cooperation across security, trade, and critical technologies - areas that strengthen both our nations and advance a free and open Indo-Pacific. India is a vital partner to the United States!" Gor posted on X.

"News! Secretary Marco Rubio extended an invitation on behalf of President Donald Trump for Prime Minister Modi to visit the White House in the near future!" he added in another post.

--IANS

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New Delhi, May 24 (IANS) Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong on Sunday expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message of condolence following the loss of lives in the mining accident in Shanxi Province.

He said that the sympathy and support from India are "deeply valued" in the difficult time.

According to the officials on Saturday, a total of 82 people were confirmed dead, while two others remained missing after the coal mine gas explosion on Friday. The gas explosion hit the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County at 7:29 p.m. on Friday.

A total of 128 people are receiving treatment at hospitals, including two in critical condition and two in serious condition.

In a post on X, Chinese envoy Feihong said, "We appreciate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's kind message of condolence following the mining accident in Shanxi Province. The sympathy and support from the people of India are deeply valued at this difficult time."

"Our thoughts are with the victims, the missing, and their families. We are making every effort in the rescue and relief operations," he said.

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday had conveyed his condolences to Chinese President Xi Jinping over the loss of lives in the accident.

"Saddened by the loss of lives in a mining accident in Shanxi Province, China. On behalf of the people of India, my condolences to President Xi Jinping and the people of China. May the bereaved families find strength in this tragic hour. Praying for the early and safe recovery of all remaining missing persons," PM Modi wrote on X.

Meanwhile, officials said that toxic and harmful gases under the mine shaft have exceeded safe limits for a long time, posing a risk of secondary disasters.

The company involved in the coal mine explosion was found with "serious violations of laws." Those responsible for the company have been placed under control. The company's coal mines have ceased production for a safety overhaul, said Chen Xiangyang, mayor of Changzhi City, which administers Qinyuan, according to Xinhua news agency.

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged all-out rescue of the missing and treatment of the injured and demanded a thorough investigation into the cause, with accountability pursued in accordance with the law.

The investigation team said it will thoroughly ascertain the cause of the accident, clarify the responsibilities of local authorities, industry regulators and the enterprise involved, and mete out strict penalties in accordance with laws and regulations.

--IANS

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Washington, May 24 (IANS) Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan and Canada Ajay Bisaria has said the India-US relationship is entering a “very positive phase” after months of strain under President Donald Trump’s second term, even as concerns remain over Washington’s handling of Pakistan and its rhetoric towards India.

In an exclusive interview with IANS, Bisaria described US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s India visit as both a reassurance exercise and a strategic reset after what he called the “bad dream” period of Trump-era tariffs.

“But the Rubio visit is partially also a damage control visit,” Bisaria said. “Because I think it was overdue in the sense of some signals of reassurance politically of reassurance from the US were required.”

Bisaria said the rollback of Trump tariffs earlier this year helped stabilise the bilateral relationship after months of economic uncertainty.

“The way I look at the 16 month Trump period is that we went through a bad dream from August till February of the Trump tariffs,” he said. “Once those tariffs were rolled back, things began to get better.”

He identified three major “irritants” in the relationship during Trump 2.0. The first was the tariff dispute. The second, he said, was Washington’s evolving relationship with Pakistan.

“Particularly after Operation Sindoor, this is a matter of concern in India,” Bisaria said, adding that New Delhi felt the US had become “insensitive to India’s concerns about the perpetrators of that terrorism.”

Bisaria said successive US presidents since Bill Clinton had largely “de-hyphenated” India and Pakistan. However, he argued that the White House’s recent engagement with Pakistan’s military establishment had raised fresh concerns in New Delhi.

“It was being insensitive to India’s concerns about the perpetrators of that terrorism and whatever transactional deal due to critical minerals, crypto and counter-terrorism,” he said.

According to Bisaria, the Trump administration’s Pakistan outreach was driven more by transactional considerations than by any larger strategic shift.

“This particular administration has been framing not just Pakistan, but other relationships, very transactionally,” he said.

He cited three factors behind the renewed warmth between Washington and Islamabad: crypto-linked business interests, critical minerals cooperation and counter-terrorism coordination.

“The Pakistanis have been good at helping in the counter-terrorism in the sense they periodically deliver some high value terrorists to the Americans,” Bisaria said.

Despite the friction, Bisaria said the broader India-US relationship remained on a positive trajectory because of strong cooperation in defence and technology.

“Overall the sense is that the relationship is still headed in a positive direction because defence technology and a very positive ambassador that the US has, Sergio Gor, all these are positive drivers of the relationship as well,” he said.

Responding to a question, Bisaria pointed to a dramatic improvement in India-Canada ties under Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney after years of tensions during Justin Trudeau’s tenure.

“That turnaround really started last year in Cannes when soon after being elected, Mark Carney invited PM Modi for the meeting,” he said.

He said both countries had moved sensitive security issues into a “professional security dialogue” led by national security advisers, allowing political ties and trade discussions to move forward.

“What both sides have done is depoliticised the security dialogue,” Bisaria said. “And said, you guys manage it and the politicians will stay out of it.”

Bisaria, a former diplomat and author, served as India’s High Commissioner to Pakistan from 2017 to 2020 and later as High Commissioner to Canada. His comments come at a time when India is recalibrating ties with major global powers amid ongoing geopolitical tensions involving China, Iran and the Indo-Pacific region.

India and the US have steadily expanded cooperation over the past two decades through initiatives covering defence, technology, energy and strategic coordination in the Indo-Pacific. The Quad grouping involving India, the US, Japan and Australia has also emerged as a major pillar of regional cooperation.

--IANS

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Seoul, May 24 (IANS) South Korean President Lee Jae Myung vowed Sunday to build a government that "saves people's lives" and to uphold the teaching that all people are equally worthy, as he attended a ceremony marking Buddha's Birthday.

Lee made the remarks during a ceremony hosted by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, as he has increasingly prioritised policies aimed at protecting public safety and addressing issues that directly affect people's daily lives, such as stalking crimes and other safety-related incidents.

"We will build a country that looks after the lives of each and every citizen more carefully and listens to the voices of those at the lowest levels of society," he said in his speech at Jogye Temple.

"Above all, I will do my utmost to build a government that saves people's lives and put into practice the teaching that all people are equally worthy and equal," he said.

Lee said the Buddha's teachings have shared both hardship and joy over the years, helping people heal pain and embrace marginalised neighbours whenever the country experienced crises and sorrow, reports Yonhap news agency.

"Even at times of war, poverty, disasters and social conflict, the lanterns at Buddhist temples never went out," he said. "(They) allowed people to take a moment to pause and find peace of mind whenever they grew weary of life,"

"Our society today also urgently needs a spirit of consideration and understanding that embraces different views, as well as a warm-hearted pursuit of co-existence and shared prosperity, rather than every person fending for themselves," he said.

--IANS

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Geneva, May 24 (IANS) The six-day 79th World Health Assembly has concluded in Geneva, during which member states adopted multiple resolutions to advance multilateral cooperation in safeguarding human health.

Held under the theme "Reshaping global health: a shared responsibility," the assembly adopted more than 20 decisions and 13 resolutions on issues including stroke, tuberculosis, antimicrobial resistance, emergency care, haemophilia, precision medicine and radiation, reports Xinhua news agency.

In his closing remarks on Saturday (local time), President of the Assembly Victor Atallah Lajam said that amid intensifying geopolitical conflicts, frequent public health emergencies and severe challenges to the multilateral system, the assembly successfully completed its agenda, once again demonstrating the power of multilateralism.

Atallah, also minister of health of the Dominican Republic, said the assembly focused on its core mission of protecting human health and adopted a series of major decisions and future guidance with direct impact, noting that these outcomes will benefit millions or even more people, with emphasis on strengthening emergency preparedness and response, curbing antimicrobial resistance, promoting innovation in indigenous peoples' health, regulating ethical organ transplantation, and enhancing the protection and support for health workers.

On emerging issues such as digital health, interoperability, artificial intelligence and digital governance, in-depth discussions were held, and the need for ethical and inclusive frameworks was reaffirmed to advance people-centred, interoperable and diverse medical cooperation in precision medicine and diagnostic imaging, the president added.

The assembly also addressed a range of political and administrative issues, including an agreement to reform the global health architecture through a member state-led joint process hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO).

In his closing remarks, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged member states to translate resolutions into action without delay, stressing that achieving global health goals "will require political commitment, sustained financing, and continued cooperation between member states, partners and communities."

--IANS

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Seoul, May 24 (IANS) South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung called on Sunday for a public debate on introducing tougher measures against those who post hateful and derogatory content online or engage in such behaviour.

Lee made the remarks in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, sharing a report that young people believed to be linked to a far-right online forum had engaged in provocative acts mocking former liberal President Roh Moo-hyun near the site of a memorial ceremony held on the anniversary of his death.

"There are differing views on whether expressions that incite social division and conflict through mockery and insults, such as (those seen on) Ilbe, should be protected under freedom of expression or (face) sanctions, including punishment," Lee said in the post.

Ilbe refers to "Ilbe Storehouse," a South Korean internet community known for extreme political views, misogyny, racism and hate speech.

Lee raised the need for "stricter conditions" and measures such as punishment, or even punitive damages, for mocking and hateful expressions.

He also mentioned how there has been a debate over shutting down those online forums, reports Yonhap news agency.

"What do you think? ... I will also raise the matter at a Cabinet meeting," he said.

Lee's remarks came a day after he criticised Starbucks Korea over its 2024 promotional material that critics said evoked the 2014 Sewol ferry disaster.

Starbucks Korea introduced its "Siren Classic Mug Collection" on April 16, 2024, the anniversary of the ferry sinking that killed more than 300 people, mostly students on a school trip. Critics said the use of "Siren" was inappropriate because sirens in Greek mythology are associated with luring sailors to shipwrecks.

The coffee chain has come under fire for launching a "Tank Day" event on the anniversary of a 1980 pro-democracy movement that was violently suppressed by the military.

--IANS

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