
Stop blocking Saarc initiatives: India’s message to Pakistan
India indicated on Monday that Pakistan should desist from “blocking every possible initiative” under Saarc, stressing such an approach will force countries of the region to look for other options such as BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) to boost regional cooperation.
Without naming Pakistan, foreign secretary S Jaishankar said some basic standards of regional cooperation have to apply, noting that opposition to major initiatives aimed at improving regional connectivity have frustrated a majority of the member countries.
In an address to a leading think-tank in New Delhi, Jaishankar dwelled on China-Pakistan ties and said some issues, including the economic corridor Beijing was building through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, were causing concerns for India.
When asked about Pakistan’s oft-repeated threat of the use of tactical nuclear weapons, he said: “We do not speak of tactical nuclear weapons, somebody else does.”
Jaishankar said there was no need for major powers to get involved in the resolution of issues between India and Pakistan, adding it gives rise to “expectations and illusions” that are not sustained by objective facts on the ground.
He, however, insisted that “a constantly interfering umpire” does not allow the game to take its natural course. He said India’s “allergy” to involvement of any great power in India-Pakistan ties is well known.
Talking about “fluidity” of geo-politics and fast-changing foreign policy space, Jaishankar, who has just returned from the US, said there will be change in the terms of engagement between the US and the world under Donald Trump’s presidency.
On Saarc, he said India has immense interest in the grouping and called Pakistan’s approach to block major regional initiatives “hugely damaging” for the region as well as Asia.
The annual summit of the grouping was to be held in Islamabad, but it was cancelled after India and many other member countries decided not to participate.
There has been an indication that India and some other countries may look for BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) for regional cooperation if Pakistan continues to create hurdles for Saarc.
Islamabad had played spoilsport in firming up a key connectivity pact during the group’s last summit in Kathmandu.
“You cannot be a member of a region and block every possible regional initiative and still say I am good member. That sort of approach has to change,” Jaishankar said.

Home minister takes stock of situation in urgent meet
- Shah directed that additional central paramilitary forces be deployed in Delhi with immediate effect and individuals and groups behind the Red Fort seize be brought to justice.

Smaller crowd, masks mark Republic Day celebrations
- While more than 100,000 people attended the parade during the previous years, with Covid-19 norms in place on Tuesday, the crowd was limited to 25,000.

Leaders condemn violence, Opposition seeks repeal of laws
- The Opposition, including the Congress, alleges that the government rushed the farm laws without proper discussion in Parliament. The Centre, however, says the reforms will lead to new opportunities in agriculture trade.

House canteen dishes out new menu, hikes prices
- The parliament canteen, now run by ITDC will offer as many as 58 items, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, from January 27.

Discussing a possible route for Amarnath via Kargil: Prahlad Patel
- Union minister for culture and tourism Prahlad Patel said government is addressing the lack of adventure sports equipment in Kargil.

Rally to langar: Peaceful stir held across 20 states
- In contrast to the violence seen in the Capital, farmers held peaceful rallies across the country to protest against the farm laws.

At Rajpath, many firsts in the shadow of a pandemic
- India put on display its war machines at a time when the country is locked in a tense border stand-off with China.

Farmers' tractor rally: Dark day for the Republic

Union leaders make appeal, divert blame after anarchy reigns
- The chaos and violence have raised questions about the future of the two-month-long agitation of farm unions.

Macron, Johnson and Morrison send video messages on Republic Day
- Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a letter sent to her Indian counterpart, conveyed her greetings.

Western Railway to start all suburban services in Mumbai from Jan 29
- Tuesday's decision to operate all trains comes a day after a meeting to resume local train services for all passengers was chaired by Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray.

'Farmer organisations not in control of agitation now': Haryana CM
- Khattar said that unsavoury events on Tuesday deserved to be condemned in the strongest words.

Letter to CJI urges him to take cognizance of violence during tractor rally

UNSC: India welcomes elections in Palestine, calls for free, fair polls

Nagaland Governor puts NSCN in line of fire in Republic Day speech
- Governor RN Ravi said 'politics by gun' has stonewalled efforts to resolve the Naga political issue.