On Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi joined celebrations marking the 70th birth anniversary of the Fourth King, highlighting the deep cultural and spiritual ties between the two nations. Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who ruled Bhutan from 1972 to 2006, is known for promoting national unity and introducing the happiness-based development model.

Modi and Bhutan’s current King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck also held extensive discussions on energy, connectivity, defence, and technology. Both leaders inaugurated the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project, a major milestone in bilateral energy cooperation.

Earlier, Modi and the Bhutanese King offered prayers before the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha at Thimphu’s Tashichhodzong. The relics were sent from India to mark the Fourth King’s 70th birth anniversary and Bhutan’s Global Peace Prayer Festival.

The post Modi Meets Bhutan’s Fourth King in Thimphu appeared first on India Podcast.

Singh represented India at the opening ceremony of the 19th Mid-Term Ministerial of NAM, hosted by Uganda under the theme “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence.” He highlighted India’s humanitarian support to the people of Palestine and reaffirmed the nation’s consistent stance on the two-State solution.

On the sidelines of the NAM meeting, Singh met Mali’s Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop to discuss strengthening bilateral relations. He also held talks with Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Mohamed Omar, focusing on expanding cooperation in various sectors.

Uganda currently chairs the NAM for the 2024–26 term. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that India, as a founding member of NAM, remains dedicated to its principles, promoting global cooperation among developing nations for shared prosperity.

The post India Reaffirms Two-State Solution for Palestine appeared first on India Podcast.

Singh met Guatemalan Defence Minister Henry David Saenz Ramos to discuss collaboration in space technology, early warning systems, defence procurement, capacity building, and humanitarian initiatives. Both sides agreed to explore new avenues for mutual support and strategic cooperation.

In the health sector, Singh held talks with Minister Joaquin Barnoya to strengthen collaboration in biotechnology, Ayurveda, medical supplies, medical tourism, and low-cost generic medicines under PMBJP. Singh also confirmed India’s donation of 650 custom-made prosthetic limbs to Guatemala, supporting the planned 50-day artificial limb fitment camp.

India and Guatemala, maintaining diplomatic relations since 1972, celebrated 53 years of partnership in May. The anniversary highlighted growing bilateral ties rooted in shared democratic values, global peace initiatives, and sustainable development, with participation from diplomats, officials, business leaders, and the Indian community.

The post India Strengthens Defence, Health Ties with Guatemala appeared first on India Podcast.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, P. Harish, said the election reflected India’s unwavering commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms. He noted on X that India looked forward to serving this goal during its tenure. India emphasized that its nomination represented its dedication to advancing human rights globally and fostering dialogue to achieve collective progress.

India highlighted that its commitment to human rights stems from its Constitution, which guarantees fundamental rights and promotes justice, liberty, and equality. The country’s guiding philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—“The world is one family”—underlines its belief in unity and mutual respect.

In the proforma voting, India received 177 votes out of 188. Other nations elected included Britain, Pakistan, Egypt, and Vietnam. India last served on the HRC in 2024 and returns after a mandated one-year break.

The post India Elected Unopposed to UN Human Rights Council appeared first on India Podcast.

Konyak said any global convention on crimes against humanity must also address terrorism. She stressed that treaties should respect national sovereignty and legal diversity. Nations, she said, have the duty to ensure justice for serious human rights violations within their borders or by their citizens.

The Rajya Sabha MP from Nagaland warned that future treaties must align with the UN Charter and global law principles. Without this, she said, new agreements could create legal conflicts and weaken international cooperation.

The draft, prepared by the International Law Commission, suggests treaty talks in 2028 and 2029. Konyak noted that it draws from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. However, India and several nations, including permanent UN members, have refused to join due to its politicisation concerns.

The post India Calls to Declare Terror Sponsorship Crime appeared first on India Podcast.

Premachandran highlighted Pakistan’s repression in occupied Kashmir and condemned the killing of 26 civilians in Pahalgam by terrorists trained and supported by Islamabad. He said the people in Pakistan-occupied areas are protesting against military occupation, exploitation, and brutality. Recent clashes have left more than 12 civilians dead during demonstrations for basic rights.

Responding to Pakistan’s remarks on Kashmir, Premachandran said it was ironic for a country known for terrorism and military rule to question the world’s largest democracy. He urged Pakistan to stop “preaching” at international forums while continuing its state-sponsored extremism and oppression.

Reaffirming India’s stance, he declared Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part of India. Premachandran also reminded the UN of India’s leadership in global decolonisation efforts, helping over 80 colonies gain independence while emphasizing that the process remains unfinished.

The post India Slams Pakistan at UN Over Rights Abuses appeared first on India Podcast.

Before the ministerial, India will attend a Senior Officials Meeting on October 13 and 14. Secretary (West) Sibi George will represent India at the session. Uganda currently chairs NAM for 2024–26, and this year’s theme is “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence.”

India, a founding member of NAM, continues to support peace, development, and cooperation among its 121 member countries. Kirti Vardhan Singh will meet Ugandan leaders and counterparts from other NAM nations to discuss collaborative initiatives.

NAM originated during decolonisation and the Cold War. It helped newly independent countries achieve sovereignty and build global solidarity. India actively participates in NAM summits to strengthen unity, cooperation, and world peace.

The post Kirti Vardhan Singh to Lead India at NAM Ministerial in Uganda appeared first on India Podcast.

George said India’s peacebuilding approach is inspired by the ethos of “the world is one family.” He added that India has actively partnered with countries in the Global South, providing over US$40 billion in grants, concessional loans, and capacity-building projects.

He highlighted challenges in peacebuilding due to rising conflicts and limited finances. George urged countries to develop transparent, accountable, and inclusive institutions. He emphasized using technology to improve public services, foster trust, and promote social cohesion for sustainable peace.

Earlier this week, George attended the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting (CFAMM) 2025 alongside the UN General Assembly. He spoke on India’s commitment to Commonwealth values and called for reforms to reflect contemporary needs. Ministers from across the Commonwealth joined the discussions to strengthen global cooperation and partnerships.

The post India Strengthens Commitment to UN Peacebuilding appeared first on India Podcast.

Jaishankar updated on X, noting the meeting assessed the current Inter-Governmental Negotiation (IGN) process. The G4 nations emphasized greater representation for developing countries to make the Security Council more inclusive and effective.

On the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Jaishankar held bilateral talks with ministers from Australia, Egypt, and Malaysia. He also highlighted global counter-terrorism efforts, stating that actions against terrorism contribute to international peace and development.

He criticised selective sanctions imposed on nations under the pretext of pressuring Russia during the Ukraine war. Jaishankar warned that such measures disrupt supply chains, logistics, and economic access, creating additional pressures on countries like India.

The post Jaishankar Attends G4 Meeting in New York, Calls for UN Reforms appeared first on India Podcast.

Macron walked to the French Embassy for a scheduled meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. During the walk, he continued his conversation with Trump. The French official described the call as “warm and friendly,” discussing global matters including Gaza and coordination with Qatar.

The two leaders also met during a “pull-aside” at UNGA. Trump praised Macron’s efforts in mediating global conflicts, mentioning that several wars were settled with his assistance. However, Trump expressed disappointment over the Russia-Ukraine conflict, noting that his relationship with Putin did not resolve the situation as expected.

Macron highlighted the need for concrete support to Ukraine, citing Russia’s economic struggles as a chance for a positive outcome. Despite previous disagreements over Macron’s recognition of a Palestinian state, both leaders maintained a cordial personal relationship and continued constructive dialogue on international peace efforts.

The post Macron Calls Trump Amid UNGA Traffic Jam appeared first on India Podcast.