Luxembourg/New Delhi January 7. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed deep concern over the recent developments in Venezuela, stating that India's primary focus remains on the welfare and safety of the Venezuelan people. He called upon all parties and relevant stakeholders to adopt a path of dialogue and find a peaceful resolution to ensure the security of citizens.

During a discussion with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel, Jaishankar highlighted India's long-standing relations with Venezuela. As per agency report, he stated that he is genuinely concerned about the developments in the region and urged all involved parties to sit together and arrive at a situation that serves the interests of the welfare and security of the people of Venezuela.

The Ministry of External Affairs has also issued a statement expressing deep concern over the situation in Venezuela and appealing for a peaceful resolution through negotiation. The Ministry reiterated its support for the people of Venezuela and emphasized peaceful dialogue to resolve the crisis. Additionally, a travel advisory has been issued for Indian citizens, suggesting they avoid non-essential travel to Venezuela and maintain contact with the Indian Embassy in Caracas.

It is noteworthy that following a US military action, President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores are currently in US custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York. They are facing trial on charges related to alleged involvement in running narco-terrorism operations. The couple pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges related to narcotics and weapons.

New York, September 28 – External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has underlined that the world will require a large-scale global workforce in the coming years and, despite prevailing uncertainties, new trade arrangements will continue to take shape.

As per agency report, Jaishankar made these remarks while addressing an Observer Research Foundation (ORF) event on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly session in New York. He observed that trade has an inherent ability to adapt and chart its own course, even during uncertain times.

The minister stressed that emerging models of trade, technology, connectivity, and workplace structures are set to transform the global landscape in the near future. He pointed out that India has been deepening its engagement with Latin American and Caribbean nations, aiming to further expand trade and partnerships in those regions.

In his address, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of capacity building, particularly for major nations, to achieve greater self-reliance in what he described as a turbulent international environment. He noted that India is focusing heavily on strengthening its technological capabilities, fostering self-reliance, advancing multipolarity, and promoting South-South cooperation.

South-South cooperation, he explained, refers to the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and technology among developing nations that form part of the Global South. The goal of this cooperation is to tackle common development challenges, promote economic and social progress, and achieve collective self-reliance without depending excessively on developed economies.

Jaishankar’s comments come against the backdrop of recent policy measures in the United States and other global developments. The US has raised the annual H-1B visa fee to 100,000 dollars, a move that impacts Indian professionals who account for nearly 71 percent of H-1B holders, numbering over 280,000. Chinese professionals make up about 11.7 percent of the total. Additionally, India has faced added tariffs on certain goods linked to its continued purchase of Russian oil.

New York, Sep 24 – External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with his counterparts from across the globe on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, engaging in discussions that spanned bilateral relations, regional developments and pressing global conflicts.

As per agency report, Jaishankar began his ministerial engagements in New York on Tuesday evening with a meeting with Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel, where the two leaders exchanged views on Europe’s strategic landscape and India’s perspective on it. He later held talks with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, during which he appreciated Denmark’s outlook on the ongoing Ukraine conflict and recent European developments. The discussions also covered cooperation between India and the European Union under Denmark’s presidency of the EU Council.

In his meeting with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Wijitha Herath, Jaishankar reviewed the progress of ongoing bilateral cooperation. He also interacted with Mauritian Foreign Minister Ritesh Ramful, where the focus was on follow-up measures after the recent state visit of Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam to India. His talks with Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel reaffirmed India’s steadfast commitment to supporting the Maldives’ development agenda.

The Indian minister also held separate discussions with the foreign ministers of Lesotho, Suriname, Somalia, Saint Lucia and Jamaica. In his meeting with Jamaica’s Kamina J Smith, he extended congratulations on her reappointment as Foreign Minister and conveyed India’s intent to further strengthen the India-Jamaica partnership. Additionally, Jaishankar engaged in an exchange with Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan during a high-level meeting of Global South countries.

Beyond his interactions with national counterparts, Jaishankar met Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of Dubai-based multinational logistics company DP World, to deliberate on current developments in the global economy and their impact on connectivity and logistics. He also joined an informal meeting of European Union foreign ministers hosted by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, where participants engaged in an open exchange of views on multilateralism, India-EU ties, the Ukraine conflict, the situation in Gaza, as well as issues relating to energy and trade.

Jaishankar is scheduled to deliver his address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 27.

Beijing/New Delhi, July 15 – In a significant diplomatic development, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing during his ongoing visit to China. This marks Jaishankar’s first visit to the country since the tense military standoff between India and China in 2020.

As per agency report, the meeting between the two leaders was focused on advancing the bilateral relationship between the neighboring Asian giants. Jaishankar conveyed greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Xi Jinping. Sharing details of the meeting on social media, Jaishankar said he briefed the Chinese President on recent progress in India-China relations and emphasized the importance of leadership guidance in managing and improving bilateral ties.

In addition to his meeting with President Xi, Jaishankar also held discussions with his counterparts from other Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states. Prior to his engagement with Xi, he met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, during which he stressed the need for open and constructive exchanges between the two nations, especially as neighboring countries and major global economies.

Jaishankar expressed optimism about his visit, stating that he hoped the talks would proceed positively. The minister is also scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his stay in Beijing.

This high-level engagement follows a gradual thaw in India-China relations since 2024. Notably, during the Kazan Summit last year, Prime Minister Modi and President Xi held a face-to-face meeting, which paved the way for both countries to begin withdrawing troops from the contentious regions of Depsang and Demchok. These areas had been flashpoints for military confrontations since the 2020 standoff in eastern Ladakh.

Before arriving in China, Jaishankar had visited Singapore as part of his overseas tour. His current visit to Beijing is being closely watched for signs of further de-escalation and normalization of ties between the two regional powers.

Berlin, May 23: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar firmly reiterated India’s stance against terrorism and nuclear threats during a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Friday. Emphasizing New Delhi’s unwavering commitment to national security, Jaishankar declared that India would never tolerate terrorism or yield to nuclear blackmail under any circumstances.

The minister's remarks came during his ongoing tour of Europe, with Germany being the first leg of his three-nation visit. As per agency report, Jaishankar highlighted that his visit to Berlin closely followed India’s military response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people. He said he had conveyed to his German counterpart that India’s reaction was not just necessary but inevitable, given the magnitude of the provocation.

Jaishankar stressed that India would deal with Pakistan entirely through bilateral mechanisms, asserting that there should be no misunderstanding regarding this position. He further expressed appreciation for Germany’s recognition of every nation’s sovereign right to defend itself against terrorism.

The minister's statements align with India’s diplomatic outreach following the Pahalgam attack. The Indian government has made it clear that any cross-border terrorist act will henceforth be treated as an act of war. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier affirmed that India's response to terrorism would be decisive and uncompromising, reflecting a broader shift in national security doctrine.

Jaishankar’s visit is expected to strengthen strategic ties between India and Germany while reinforcing India’s global message of zero tolerance toward terrorism and its commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty against all threats.

New Delhi, May 10 – External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday reaffirmed that India has maintained and will continue to maintain a balanced and responsible stance amid escalating military tensions with Pakistan. His remarks came following a telephonic conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

As per agency report, the conversation between the two leaders took place against the backdrop of a sharp escalation in hostilities, with both India and Pakistan targeting each other’s military installations in recent days.

In a post shared on social media platform X, Jaishankar stated, “Spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this morning. India’s approach has always been balanced and responsible and will remain so going forward.”

The US State Department also issued a statement regarding the call. Secretary Rubio emphasized the need for both sides to avoid miscalculation and urged the resumption of direct dialogue to de-escalate the situation.

Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce added that the US is willing to support efforts to facilitate meaningful discussions between the two nations in order to prevent future conflicts.

The call marks continued diplomatic engagement by the US as the international community closely watches developments in the subcontinent following India’s retaliatory strikes under Operation Sindoor and Pakistan’s attempted drone attacks on Indian territory.

Narmada, April 15 — In a significant boost to sports infrastructure in Gujarat, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar inaugurated a modern gymnastics hall at the Chhotubhai Purani Sports Campus in Rajpipla, Narmada district. As per agency report, the newly launched facility is equipped with cutting-edge equipment and is aimed at promoting gymnastics while providing enhanced training opportunities for local youth.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of senior administrative officials and representatives of the sports complex alongside the Minister. Addressing the gathering, Jaishankar expressed his delight at the development and emphasized how such facilities not only improve athletic performance but also uplift the morale of aspiring athletes.

Taking to social media platform X, the Minister wrote about his experience at the event, highlighting the enthusiasm of young athletes and even children who were actively utilizing the new facility. He stated that it was heartening to see the growing engagement in gymnastics and sports in general among the local community.

Jaishankar underscored the importance of modern sports infrastructure in identifying and nurturing hidden talent across the country, giving them a platform to represent India on the international stage. He added that the government is committed to strengthening sports development across India, and the inauguration of this gymnastics hall is a step forward in that direction.

The event generated widespread enthusiasm among local residents and sports enthusiasts. Several young athletes and trainees demonstrated their skills during the ceremony, showcasing the immediate impact of the new facility on grassroots talent development.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has stated that under President Donald Trump’s leadership, the US administration is moving towards a multilateral framework, which aligns well with India's interests. As per agency reports, both countries have agreed on the necessity of a bilateral trade agreement.

Speaking at a session titled "India’s Rise and Role in the World" at Chatham House in London on Wednesday evening, Jaishankar addressed questions about the early actions of the new US administration, particularly Trump’s tariff policies. He emphasized that the current administration's approach reflects a shift towards a multilateral order, which is beneficial for India.

During his six-day visit to the United Kingdom and Ireland, Jaishankar also discussed the strategic Indo-Pacific alliance known as the Quad, which includes the US, India, Australia, and Japan. He highlighted that the Quad operates on a shared responsibility model where all member nations contribute fairly, making it an effective framework for cooperation.

On the subject of tariffs, Jaishankar mentioned that India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is currently in Washington to discuss the bilateral trade agreement. This follows discussions held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump at the White House last month. Jaishankar noted that both nations had engaged in open discussions on trade policies, leading to a consensus on the need for a structured trade agreement.

During his conversation with Chatham House Director Bronwen Maddox, Jaishankar also expressed cautious optimism about the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He acknowledged the complexities involved in the negotiation process, emphasizing that such intricacies naturally require time. However, based on his discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, he conveyed that the UK government remains keen on advancing the deal.

Addressing key foreign policy issues, Jaishankar spoke about India's role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, its stance within the BRICS bloc, and relations with China. He pointed out that India is among the few nations that maintain regular dialogues with both Moscow and Kyiv at various levels. He reiterated India's position that direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are necessary for any meaningful resolution and affirmed that India remains open to facilitating peace efforts wherever feasible.

Regarding China, Jaishankar highlighted recent positive developments, including the reopening of the pilgrimage route to Mount Kailash in Tibet. He described India-China relations as unique due to the sheer population size of both nations, adding that India seeks a relationship that respects mutual interests and sensitivities while ensuring a functional engagement between the two countries.

When asked about the situation in Kashmir, Jaishankar outlined the three key steps India has undertaken: the abrogation of Article 370, the restoration of economic and social development, and the successful conduct of elections with high voter participation. He further stated that the unresolved aspect remains the retrieval of the region currently under Pakistan’s unlawful occupation. He assured that once this issue is resolved, the Kashmir dispute will reach its conclusion.

Jaishankar is scheduled to travel to Ireland on Thursday, where he will engage in discussions with his Irish counterpart, Simon Harris.

Varanasi, 26 May (HS): Senior BJP leader and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said that talking about developed India, if the country is progressing then the responsibility of teachers increases in it. Teachers educate the coming generation. Jaishankar, who came to Varanasi on a two-day visit, was addressing a program on Empowerment with Education: Teaching for a Better Tomorrow on Sunday. In a program organized at Sunbeam Varuna on the initiative of Purvanchal School of Welfare Association, Jaishankar mentioned the role of teachers in the country. He said that today due to Modi government, the prestige of India has increased significantly in foreign countries. It is a matter of pride. India's foreign policy is also in the news.

After the program, the Foreign Minister wrote on his social media that it was a pleasure to interact with the teachers and students of Varanasi on the topic of empowerment along with education for a better tomorrow. Believe strongly in education for the age of technology and globalization. He outlined several steps taken over the past decade to make the most of the technological age and global workplace. ?At the same time, we are also paying attention to our traditions and civilizational heritage,? he stated. During the program, Jaishankar told reporters that Narendra Modi is going to become Prime Minister for the third time. ?Under the leadership of BJP, NDA has crossed the absolute majority mark. We are going to cross 400 seats milestone. The Foreign Minister said that everyone will get to see Modi-3 on June 4.

The entire country has decided this. The Foreign Minister said that people have faith in Modi's guarantee. ?Once again Banaras will elect the leader who leads the country on the path to victory. The contribution and leadership of Banaras will be visible in the entire country. The public knows that India's prestige has increased at the international level in the last 10 years, which has been possible only because of the leadership of Prime Minister Modi,? he concluded.

Ahmedabad, Jan 29 (IANS) Aiming at enhancing the hospitality sector in Gujarat's Ekta Nagar, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar inaugurated the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) Skill Centre.

The centre's launch is a stride towards capitalising on the tourism in the area, highlighted by the increasing popularity of the Statue of Unity as a prime tourist spot.

On the occasion, Jaishankar, who is also a Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat, expressed his enthusiasm on social media platform X.

He lauded the establishment of the IHCL Hospitality Skill Centre as a timely initiative in line with the escalating need for skilled personnel in the hospitality industry, a sector witnessing rapid expansion due to the growing influx of tourists to Ekta Nagar. "The Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar has emerged as a major tourist destination, with steadily growing footfalls. Ensuring skilled human resources for burgeoning tourist facilities is now the task," he remarked.

The minister also interacted with the inaugural batches of students undergoing front office and food & beverage training at the centre, acknowledging the new avenues opening up for the local youth owing to the government's focus on promoting tourism.

Jaishankar, who arrived in Vadodara on January 28 night, is on a comprehensive visit to the Narmada District. His itinerary includes attending the inauguration of a lab and smart class at the Children’s Home, Girl’s Campus in Rajpipla, and flagging off new ambulances at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Lachharas.

The minister is scheduled to conclude his regional engagements and depart from Vadodara on January 30 at 7 a.m.

New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANS) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday condemned the defacing of the SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir at Newark in California and said that separatists should not get space.

The reactions from External Affairs Minister came after a prominent Hindu temple in California was defaced with pro-Khalistan slogans and anti-India graffiti. The incident came to light when images were shared on X by the Hindu-American foundation.

Speaking to the media here, Jaishankar said, “I have seen it. As you know that we are worried that… outside India the extremism and separatists should not be given space. Our Consulate there complained to the government and the police and I think an inquiry is underway."

Earlier in the day, Indian Consulate in San Francisco in a post on X also condemned the defacing of the prominent temple and said, “We strongly condemn the defacing of SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir at Newark, California with anti-India graffiti.”

“This incident has hurt the sentiments of the Indian community. We have pressed for quick investigation and prompt action against the vandals by the US authorities in this matter,” it added.

According to the temple administration, the incident took place on Thursday night.

This is not the first time a Hindu temple has been targeted, as similar incidents have occurred in the past, both in the US and its neighboring Canada.

In August, a temple in Canada's Surrey was vandalised allegedly by Khalistani supporters. Pro-Khalistan posters were put up on the walls and the gate of the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, in Surrey -- one of the oldest temples in British Columbia. Some of the posters called for Canada to investigate India's "role" in the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.

Canada had accused India of having a role in Nijjar's killing but it did not provide any evidence to India for the allegations.

The US has also arrested an Indian for alleged involvement in a plot to murder Khalistan terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

India has called the allegations false and baseless, claiming that they will investigate if the countries provide proof.