Jaishankar Holds Talks as India Faces Regional Diplomatic Challenges

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held separate meetings with his Russian, Polish and South Korean counterparts in the United States amid various crises and diplomatic challenges. The discussions covered the Ukraine war, the situation in West Asia, bilateral relations and several multilateral issues. The online news outlet India Today reported the developments, citing news agency PTI.

The meetings took place at a time when India’s diplomacy is facing multiple challenges. According to the India Today report, the country is dealing with several diplomatic and security-related issues simultaneously.

PTI reported that Mr. Jaishankar unveiled a bust of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Indian Consulate General in Atlanta, United States. The event was organised to mark Patel’s birth anniversary.

Meanwhile, India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval arrived in Vietnam on Sunday on an official visit. He is scheduled to meet the country’s top leadership to further strengthen bilateral relations.

India’s Consulate in Shanghai, China, has also launched a month-long special initiative to promptly address consular issues faced by Indian nationals living within its jurisdiction.

Flight disruptions between India and Saudi Arabia continue due to security concerns. On Sunday, Akasa Air extended the suspension of its flights to and from Jeddah until November 18. Flights to and from Riyadh will remain suspended until November 30, the airline said.

Meanwhile, six Indian tourists, including two women, have been stranded in Nepal’s Shey Phoksundo National Park due to heavy snowfall. They have been stranded there since Saturday afternoon. Officials told PTI on Sunday that security personnel had been deployed and a rescue operation was underway.

Sri Lanka’s Navy also arrested seven Indian fishermen on Sunday for allegedly fishing illegally in the country’s territorial waters. Their fishing trawler was also seized.

Meanwhile, Islamabad has warned Afghanistan that Pakistan has the right to take all necessary measures to counter terrorist threats originating across its borders. Pakistan said terrorism was a ‘red line’ for the country and warned that its national security could not be put at risk due to the Taliban government’s inaction.

Reports of garment workers’ protests have also emerged from Bangladesh. Workers staged demonstrations in Gazipur and Dhaka on Sunday, demanding long-overdue wage increases. According to local media reports, the government later announced the formation of a wage board in response to their demands.

Source: India Today