Jaishankar expressed confidence that India’s relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) would grow stronger as Bahrain assumes the GCC presidency. He also thanked Bahrain’s leadership for supporting the welfare of the Indian community and exchanged views on global and regional developments.

Highlighting the nations’ centuries-old friendship, Jaishankar said India and Bahrain share a common goal of peace and prosperity. He noted that bilateral cooperation has expanded across defence, trade, security, and technology, with new areas like space and fintech offering fresh opportunities.

Foreign Minister Alzayani acknowledged the deep historical and cultural ties linking both countries for nearly 5,000 years. He emphasised that strong economic links remain central to their partnership, with both sides committed to enhancing connectivity and shared growth.

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Jaishankar outlined India’s peacekeeping philosophy, rooted in its civilisational ethos and the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ — the world as one family. He stressed that peacekeeping must be guided by justice, inclusivity, and multilateral cooperation, especially in addressing pandemics, terrorism, economic instability, and climate change.

He praised UN peacekeepers worldwide, particularly the 182 Indian personnel who sacrificed their lives for peace. Jaishankar called for realistic mandates, clear resources, and safety measures for troops, emphasising that host states bear primary responsibility for civilian protection. He also highlighted the role of technology in enhancing operational efficiency and countering misinformation in peacekeeping missions.

Reiterating India’s commitment, Jaishankar said the country supports a reformed UN that is more inclusive, democratic, and representative of today’s global south. He encouraged amplifying developing nations’ voices and taking greater responsibilities in a multilateral, reformed order.

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Jaishankar highlighted that “when multilateralism is under stress, BRICS has stood firm as a voice of reason and constructive change.” He added that BRICS must reinforce dialogue, diplomacy, peacebuilding, and respect for international law.

His remarks came weeks after the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods and an additional 25% penalty on India’s purchase of Russian oil, among the steepest globally.

The minister also emphasized the urgent need to reform key UN institutions, especially the Security Council. He said technology and innovation will shape the next phase of BRICS cooperation. Looking ahead to India’s chairship in 2026, Jaishankar outlined priorities such as food and energy security, climate change, sustainable growth, and digital transformation.

On the margins of UNGA, he met leaders from Austria, Russia, UAE, Brazil, South Africa, and CELAC countries, discussing trade, health, technology, and critical minerals. He reiterated that BRICS must defend the multilateral trading system to protect the interests of the Global South.

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Jaishankar hosted the second L.69 and C-10 Joint Ministerial meeting, pushing for comprehensive UN Security Council reforms with the Global South. The forum included African Union members like Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria.

He also chaired the 13-member Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), reviewing progress on the 12-point action plan announced by PM Modi in Papua New Guinea in 2023. The agenda focused on health, technology, capacity building, and training initiatives.

During bilateral meetings, Jaishankar reaffirmed support for a Cyprus settlement with Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos. He also met Mexico’s Juan Ramon de la Fuente and other Pacific leaders, discussing roadmaps to enhance partnerships and international cooperation.

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He also pointed out the severe mental stress faced by Indian students, professionals, and parents working abroad due to these policies. Rao urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to engage in immediate discussions with the US government and seek effective solutions to mitigate the impact.

The White House clarified that the H-1B fee hike applies only to new visa applicants . Existing visa holders can continue to travel to the US without additional charges, and renewals will not be affected, addressing concerns of potential disruptions for current visa holders.

The post ### Harish Rao Criticizes US H-1B Visa Fee Hike and Tariffs on India appeared first on India Podcast.

Jaishankar meets Singapore PM Lawrence Wong during the leader’s first official visit to India since taking office. He added that he is confident Wong’s talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will set a roadmap for stronger and more contemporary ties between the two nations.

Wong arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday evening for a two-day visit. He is accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation that includes Cabinet ministers and senior officials.

Later in the day, Wong will meet Prime Minister Modi. The leaders are expected to focus on boosting cooperation in trade, technology, and regional security. These areas remain central to both India and Singapore as they adapt to global economic and strategic changes.

Wong will also call on President Droupadi Murmu and interact with other senior leaders. His visit underlines the importance Singapore places on its growing partnership with India.

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Jaishankar emphasized India’s right to pursue its own energy security, stating, “If you don’t like it, don’t buy it.” This comment underlined India’s commitment to securing affordable energy sources, regardless of external pressures. India’s oil imports from Russia are part of a broader strategy to maintain stable global energy prices, a move that the U.S. had previously supported.

The minister also made it clear that while the tariff dispute continues, India is committed to engaging in trade talks with the U.S. He noted that India’s “red lines” in these discussions include the protection of its farmers and smaller producers, reflecting the nation’s stance on safeguarding domestic interests.

This exchange highlights the complexities of balancing national priorities with global diplomatic relations.

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