INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY APRIL 22, 2022 1 A W e e k l y N e w s p a p e r Fe a t u r i n g N e w s & Tr e n d s f r o m t h e I n d i a n S u b - C o n t i n e n t P u b l i s h e d f r o m t h e U S C a p i t a l Website: www.indiathisweek.online Vol. 30 No: 16b • WASHINGTON D.C • Phone: 301-917-4800; 301-445-0200 • e-mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday • April 22, 2022 Top scientist believes surge in COVID-19 cases will not lead to fourth wave New Delhi [India], April 20 (ANI): Even as some of the States and Union Territories are seeing a significant rise in the number of COVID19 cases, the top scientist believes that the surge in infection will not lead to the fourth wave by any chance. Speaking to ANI, the former Chief Scientist of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr R Gangakhedkar said that India has sublineages of the Omicron variant but no new variant has been reported so far and the chances of the fourth wave can’t be seen as of now. “I don’t think this is the fourth wave by any chance. One thing we have to understand is that the entire world continues to have BA.2 variants, which is infecting people every day,” he said. He further elaborated that due to the opening of schools and colleges, the people have become socially active resultantly the surge in cases is being witnessed. “The second issue is that we have allowed the schools to open as well as the college students are moving now. The result is now that they are out in the open, they are getting infected and clusters of those infections can be sizable mainly because of social networks,” said Dr Gangakhedkar. According to Dr Gangakhedkar, “The withdrawal of the use of Wa s h i n g t o n [US], April 15 (ANI): The United States and India need continued collaboration, hard work, and leadership for the biggest challenges that both countries face, including COVID-19, tackling climate crisis, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Speaking at the Howard University for IndiaUS Education Collaboration on Tuesday (local time), Blinken said the University has played an important role in building bonds between India and the US. Highlighting the “deeper academic” ties between the United States and India, Blinken further said that the partnership is absolutely crucial and pertinent for addressing the problems of the 21st century. “US-Indiastrategic partnership, I’m convinced, is absolutely crucial, essential for addressing the problems of the 21st century and your work is at the heart of that relationship,” he said while interacting with students, and faculty. “I believe firmly that the United States and India need continued collaboration, hard work, and leadership for the biggest challenges both countries face, whether it’s combating COVID, whether it’s building a more inclusive global economy, whether it’s tackling the climate crisis,” he said. Blinken and By Shalini Bhardwaj masks is also the reason for the surge in cases. It is also true that some of us still have misunderstood the mandatory use of masks, which has been withdrawn. Some of us may be presuming that there is no fear of acquiring any infection so I can move freely and they have stopped using the mask and therefore, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar participated in a conversation with students, faculty, and leadership of Howard University. “We are incredibly fortunate that the US has 200,000 Indian students studying in our universities enriching our campuses and fellow citizens and we see many American students studying and working in India through programs like Fulbright or the Gilman fellowships,” Blinken said. Emphasizing the importance of IndiaUS ties in expanding the partnership, the Secretary of State said a working group has been formed for the people of both the countries to facilitate learning. “To make it easier for people — a working group on education and skill training on the academic institution in the US and India together will develop a new joint research program,” he said. “The group’s focus is a lot on creating more opportunities for universities, partners...so that more of our people can learn alongside each other,” he added. “You can be developing recommendations on how India and the US can support each other on clean energy, this way you are promoting trade between our countries,” Blinken said. US Secretary of State also spoke about civil rights leader and American author, Howard Thurman’s pilgrimage to India. Blinken said Thurman was trying to “find lessons from the country’s independence movement that might be relevant to the racial justice movement in the United States”. He added that near the end of the trip, Thurman met with Mahatma Gandhi. they also get infected if they come in contact with somebody who’s infected as of now.” “So essentially this kind of a reaction when you relax the lockdown is more likely to come and we may see a smaller surge,” he added while cautioning against removing masks. He also said that infection from Omicron is going to persist for six to nine months and recombinant variants are an accident that will not lead to the fourth wave. “The last thing which we have to remember is when we talk in terms of these newer variants, which are coming BA.4, BA.5 from South Africa, and the recombinant variants that are coming, there are two factors which will have proven that all these variants continue to belong to Omicron family. So whatever protection that natural infection has given to us is likely to persist for a longer period. It could be about six to nine months’ time. And it is also important to remember at recombinant variants, by and large, do not live longer to spread the infection because recombination events are an accident. And that’s not the natural evolution of the virus. So we need not worry in terms of the emergence of the fourth wave,” he added. Sincethebeginning of April, India has been continuously registering a rise in COVID cases daily. However, on Monday, the country recorded about a 90 per cent jump with 2,183 cases. (ANI) “The conversation (with Mahatma Gandhi) and the trip made a lasting impression on Thurman. So when he came back to Howard, he developed his interpretation of nonviolence – not as a political tactic, but as a spiritual lifestyle,” Blinken stated. “ T h e s e connections and so many others across our shared history make clear that our people do share a special bond, and that as the world’s oldest and largest democracies, our countries always have something to learn from each other,” Blinken said, adding “that’s why we see our cultural and educational ties continue to grow every single year.” (ANI) US-India need continued collaboration to face ‘biggest challenges’: Blinken Remember: “Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” JESUS CHRIST
April 22, 2022 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Terming India economic powerhouse, Boris Johnson calls for democracies, friends to stick together New Delhi [India], April 17 (ANI): Calling India an economic powerhouse, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson ahead of his visit to the country underlined the strategic partnership with New Delhi while stressing “as we face threats to our peace and prosperity from autocratic states, it is vital that democracies and friends stick together”. Johnson in the statement ahead of his visit next week emphasised India being the world’s largest democracy. “India, as a major economic power and the world’s largest democracy, is a highly valued strategic partner for the UK in these uncertain times,” said Johnson. Trade and security partnerships will top the agenda in the PM ModiJohnson bilateral talks. Listing out trade, business and defence cooperation as focus areas, Johnson stated that his visit to India will deliver on things that really matter to the people of both nations, including job creation, economic growth, energy security and defence. The British High Commission in a statement said that Johnson will visit India to deepen the longterm partnership for peace and prosperity with a fellow leading democracy, in the face of global economic challenges and threats from autocratic states. Notably, the visit will begin from Ahmedabad in Gujarat on April 21 (Thursday) to meet with leading businesses and discuss the UK and India’s thriving commercial, trade and people links. This will be the first time a UK Prime Minister will visit Gujarat, India’s fifth-largest state and the ancestral home of around half of the BritishIndian population in the UK. The UK Prime Minister will then travel to New Delhi to meet Prime Minister Modi on April 22 (Friday) where the leaders will hold in-depth talks on the UK and India’s strategic defence, diplomatic and economic partnership, aimed at bolstering close partnership and stepping up security co-operation in the Indo-Pacific. Moreover, in Gujarat, Johnson is expected to announce a major investment in key industries in both the UK and India, boosting jobs and growth at home, as well as new collaboration on cuttingedge science, health and technology. According to the statement, he will use the visit to drive progress in the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations launched earlier this year as a deal with India is predicted to boost UK’s total trade by up to 28 billion pounds annually by 2035 and increase incomes across the UK by up to 3 billion pounds. Last year, Johnson and PM Modi agreed on a UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Now in Ashburn, VA ❖ Accounting and Bookkeeping Service ❖ Audit, Review, Compilation and Attestation Service ❖ Tax Service ❖ IRS Service ❖ Web Hosting ❖ Business Consultancy ❖ Dedicated Service with Smiling Faces ❖ Experienced and Reliable Staff Year Round ❖ Rely on 24 Years of Experience Balagan Arumugaswamy, CPA, LL.M Tel: (301) 931-1040, (301) 931-1042 (301) 595-4331; (703) 723-4488; (703) 723-4458 Fax: (703) 723-1140; (301) 595-4332 E Mail: balagancpa@msn.com Website: www.balaganfinancials.com announcing more than 530 million pounds in investment into the UK and committing to a deeper bilateral relationship across trade, health, climate, defence and security, and connecting our people. India was also identified as a priority relationship for the UK in the 2021 Integrated Review and was invited by the UK as a guest to last year’s G7 in Carbis Bay. The UK is leveraging post-Brexit trade opportunities with India’s growing economy to drive down prices in key commodities for consumers, open opportunities for UK businesses in areas like green tech and services, and create high-wage, high-skill jobs, said the British High Commission. Investment from Indian companies already supports 95,000 jobs across the UK, which is expected to be boosted by upcoming announcements and a future free trade deal, it added. Notably, Johnson’s visit to India was cancelled last year due to the COVID19 pandemic. UK PM fined over COVID lockdown parties London [UK], April 12 (ANI/Xinhua): British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak will be fined by the police for attending parties during the country’s COVID lockdown, British media reported on Tuesday. More than 50 related fines have been issued by the police over breaches of coronavirus lockdown rules at gatherings in Johnson‘s offices and residence at Downing Street. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologized on Tuesday after being fined by the Metropolitan Police (Met) for attending rulebreaking parties during the COVID-19 lockdown, but said he would not resign. “Let me say immediately that I’ve paid the fine and I once again offer a full apology,” Johnson said in a televised interview. Tax Season is around the corner, are you ready ? Balagan Business & Tax Services Main Office: 12100 Franklin Street Beltsville, MD 20705 Branch Offices: 44335 Premier Plaza Suite#100, Ashburn, VA 20147
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April 22, 2022 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK 11 dead, several injured as pickup vehicle collides with truck in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu Jhunjhunu (Rajasthan) [India], April 19 (ANI): As many as 11 people were killed and several others were injured in a rod accident as a pickup vehicle collided with a truck in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan on Tuesday, said police. The accident occurred in the afternoon on the Jhunjhunu-Gudha Godji highway. About 20 people were on their way home in a pickup vehicle when the incident occurred. Eight people died on the spot, others three died in hospital. A total of 11 people have died so far. The injured have been admitted to the hospital and treatment is going on,” said Shankar Lal Chhaba, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). “20-22peoplewere travelling to their homes in a pickup vehicle when the incident happened,” said Shankarlal Chabba, SubInspector. President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday condoled the loss of lives in the road accident in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu, in which 11 people were killed and several others were injured. “I am deeply saddened to hear about the death of many people in a road accident in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. My condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this accident. I wish the injured people a speedy recovery,” tweeted Rashtrapati Bhavan. PM Modi announces exgratia of Rs 2 lakh to next of kin of deceased Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed sorrow over the deaths of those killed in a road accident in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu and announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has expressed grief over the incident. “My deepest condolences to the bereaved family. May God give them strength to bear this loss and may the souls of the departed rest in peace. Wishing a speedy recovery to those injured in the accident,” he said in a tweet in Hindi. (ANI) April 18 (ANI): After a steady decline in new COVID cases for the past several weeks following the third surge in JanuaryFebruary this year mainly due to the Omicron variant, India’s daily COVID infections witnessed a jump of 89.8 per cent on Monday from yesterday’s 1,150 cases and reported 2,183 fresh cases in the last 24 hours. According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the also saw a sudden rise from 0.31 per cent (on Sunday) to 0.83 per cent (on Monday). The weekly positivity rate saw an uptick from 0.27 per cent (on Sunday) to 0.32 (on Monday). However, with the recovery of 1,985 COVID patients in the last 24 hours, the active cases saw a minor decline to 11,542 which account for 0.03 per cent of the total cases. The total number of recoveries in the country since the onset of the pandemic stands at rate remained at 98.76 per cent. The death toll due to COVID-19 climbed to 5,21,965. As many as 2,61,440 COVID samples were tested in the country during this period taking the total number of samples tested till date to 83.21 crore. Under the Nationwide Vaccination Drive, 2,66,459 COVID vaccines were administered during the period. The total number of vaccines administered so far jumped to 1,86,54,94,355. India reports 90 pc jump in daily COVID count, 2,183 newcase positivity rate in last 24 hrs infections 4,25,10,773. The recovery New Delhi [India], daily
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April 22, 2022 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Chinese hackers target Indian power grid assets in Ladakh Massachusetts [US], April 20 (ANI): Chinese state-sponsored hackers had targeted India’s power grids in Ladakh possibly for information on India’s critical infrastructure or to prepare for sabotage in the future, according to the American cybersecurity firm Recorded Future. This report, released earlier this month, details a campaign conducted by a likely Chinese statesponsored threat activity group targeting the Indian power sector. The activity was identified through a combination of largescale automated network traffic analytics and expert analysis. According to the report, this targeting is likely a long-term strategic priority for select Chinese state-sponsored threat actors active within India. The prolonged targeting of Indian power grid assets by Chinese state-linked groups offers limited economic espionage or traditional intelligence- India to remain one of fastest-growing economies: Nirmala Sitharaman gathering opportunities. “We believe this targeting is instead likely intended to enable informationgathering surrounding critical infrastructure systems or is pre-positioning for future activity,” the report said. The objective for intrusions may include gaining an increased understanding of these complex systems in order to facilitate capability development for future use or gaining sufficient access across the system in preparation for future contingency operations. In February 2021, Recorded Future’s Insikt Group reported on intrusion activity targeting operational assets within India’s power grid that it attributed to a likely Chinese state-sponsored threat activity group. Following a short lull after the publication of RedEcho reporting, the American firm detected ongoing targeting of Indian power grid organizations by China-linked adversaries, frequently using the privately shared modular backdoor ShadowPad. ShadowPad continues to be employed by an ever-increasing number of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and Ministry of State Security (MSS)-linked groups, with its origins linked to known MSS contractors first using the tool in their own operations and later likely acting as a digital quartermaster. In recent months, the American firm observed likely network intrusions targeting at least 7 Indian State Load Despatch Centres (SLDCs) responsible for carrying out real-time operations for grid control and electricity dispatch within these respective states. N o t a b l y , this targeting has been geographically concentrated, with the identified SLDCs located in North India, in proximity to the disputed IndiaChina border in Ladakh. One of these SLDCs was also targeted in previous From thePoet’sPen INDIA THIS WEEK- April 15, 10, 2021 INDIA THIS WEEK- DECEMBER 2022 INDIA THIS WEEK- March 11 2022 Au- The Glories of Ouris an A Song: Lying Blood Be Liberty Thankful Edward Thomas - 1878-1917 by Anonymous and State occupation The last light has gone out of the world, except Wa s h i n g t o n [US], April 19 (ANI): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said India’s economic recovery from the impact of COVID19 has been “distinct and pronounced” and the country will continue to be one of the fastest-growing economies in this decade. “In spite of the severe lockdown during the first quarter of 20202021, the recovery has been distinct and the recovery has been pronounced. And today, therefore, we are able to get back where we were earlier— one of the fastest-growing economies in the world,” Sitharaman said in her speech at the Washington-based think tank Atlantic Council. “As we look at India — given the pandemic and recovery from it and also where we stand today — we see the decade before us ending in 2030 as a very robust decade, where India would definitely be one of the fastest continuingly growing economies,” she added. The minister also referred to the reforms done by the government including those before and in the situation created by COVID-19. “GST (Goods and Services Tax) was done before the pandemic, equally, measures for digitizing the Indian economy had been undertaken prior to the pandemic,” she said. The minister also referred to the government leveraging the JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile) for its welfare initiatives. (ANI) This moonlight lying on the grass like everything Be thankful that you don’t already have frost By James Shirley you the tall Beyond theLaetitia Pilkington By brink ofdesire. elm’s shadow. If you did,is as ifwould there be had slept what everything else to look forward to? It The glories of our blood and state 1708-1750 Many an age,not substantial things; unforgotten and Are shadows, you don’t know lost Be thankful when something, The mengives you the things done, Fate; that were, the opportunity to learn. There is no armour against long ago, for it AllDeaththought; and but the moon and I I have lays his icy hand on kings: Lying is an occupation, LiveBe thankful for theand Crown rise; yet bySceptre difficult times. Usedand here stand idle over the grave all who mean to During those times you grow. Where all isMust tumble down, buried. Both have liberty Politicians owebe equal were free their station, To And in thewe could do if wemade dream what dust Be thankful for your limitations, With the poor crookedhad desired long, But to thing concerted spade. To do some well we scythe andlies. because they give you opportunities for improvement. The moon and I. There’s none less free than who Some men with swords may reap the field, Does thankful for else to do, Be to fresh laurels where they Thesenothing and has nothingchallenge, kill: give assistance, And plantloverseach new Being free only for what is not to and character. because it will build your strength his mind, Buto ensnare nerves at last must yield; their strong the fair-one’s heart; TAnd nothing is to his mind. If every hour They tame but one another still: Be virgin’s best resistance Like thethankful that Ior mistakes. Andthis one passingfor your late among Early have spent They will teach you valuable lessons. The wiser others commanding Yields to They when I have forgot art. this stoop to fate, To wonderwhen you’re tired and weary, And must give whether I was free or not, Be thankful up their murmuring breath Were piled before me, and creep to death. When they, pale captives,not lostdifference. because it means you’ve made a behind, Study this superiorthem away And I could take and carry science, It’sI easy to beriseor ifChurchbrow; The garlands witherIfor the good things. should be thankful had the power Would you rich; in on your or State; A life boast no more your mighty deeds! those Then of rich fulfillment comes toagain who To wipe out every Bidare also thankfulone anddefiance, to T ruth apurple altar now bold not for the setbacks. Upon Death’sbe rich to be so poor. Regret, I should See the practice of with great. ‘Tisyet I still thehalf in lovethe pain, And where am avictor-victim bleeds. Gratitude can turnheads Your negative into a positive. With whatway to be thankfulmust come mirth, Find a is imperfect, with both tears and for your troubles, T the cold tomb: o With things thatcan become your blessings. and they have an end, with life and earth, Only the actions of the just And this moon that leaves me dark within the door. Smell sweet and blossom in their dust. RedEcho activity. According to the report, this latest set of intrusions, however, is composed of an almost entirely different set of victim organizations. In addition to the targeting of power grid assets, it also identified the compromise of a national emergency response system and the Indian subsidiary of a multinational logistics company by the same threat activity group. “Toachievethis,the group likely compromised and co-opted internet-facing DVR/IP camera devices for command and control (C2) of Shadowpad malware infections, as well as use of the open source tool FastReverseProxy (FRP),” the report said. Despite a partial troop disengagement between India and China from February 2021, the prolonged targeting of Indian critical infrastructure continues to raise concerns over pre-positioning activity being conducted by Chinese adversaries. While this latest activity displays targeting and capability consistencies with previously identified RedEcho activity, there are also some notable distinctions, the report added. (ANI) INDIA THIS WEEK Address: P.O. Box 352Bryans Road, MD 20616 Phone: 301-917-4800; 301-445-0200 301-445-3543; 301-685-1800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are solely those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor either by mail to the above address or by e-mail provided below. Publisher: Chief Editor: Contributing Editors: Asst. Editors: Special Business Correspondent Business Coordinators Special Correspondent: Community Coordinator: India Office Columnists: World Religions Photo Journalist: System Admn. & Maintenance: Layout & Graphics: Business Affairs: Dr. Babu Stephen Rajan George Saju Mathew Isaac George Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Elisha B. Pulivarti Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Geeta Goindi Prof. Vinod Goel Manish Krishna Anadi Naik Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Mathew Karmel, Rajan C. George Prinston Samuel, Mrs. Molly George Advertisements: ADV Solutions Inc. Tel: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 301-445-3543, 301-685-1800 e-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Letters, Comments, Press Releases: indiathisweek@gmail.com
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April 22, 2022 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Uttarakhand: Committee formed to work on draft of Uniform Civil Code, says CM Dhami Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) [India], April 15 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday while attending a ‘Bissu Mela’ program in Jakhol, Uttarkashi reiterated that the Uniform Civil Code will be implemented in the state which is considered the ‘spiritual and cultural hub’ and a committee has been formed for it. He said, “Uttarakhand is a state of Ganges. It is a spiritual and cultural hub. We aim to implement the Uniform Civil Code here. We have taken the decision of forming a committee including policy and law experts that will be forming a draft regarding the code.” He added, “It is the people who have chosen to get the code implemented as they all voted the party to power, aware of the plans of implementing the same in the second term of the Dhami government.” He added, that people belonging to different communities, and religions will be treated equally and the same policy, law, and order will be followed for all. He also added that “We will give three cylinders free of cost to poor families in the state.” Targetting at the opposition, Dhami added, “Some talked of giving five cylinders but they have not given anything as such in the states ruled by them.” He further added that both the elderly members of the family in the state will be given pension instead of one getting the benefits.” Aiming at being one of the best states in the country, when the state turns 25 years old in 2025, Dhami said “We all have to all work together for it.” Bissu Mela is celebrated on the Shukla paksha Saptami or the seventh day of the waxing cycle of the moon. This is one of the fairs and festivals of Uttarakhand celebrated for a week in the month of March and April. It is celebrated once a year to show gratitude for a good harvest. (ANI) Assam: 20 killed due to storms, lightning strikes Dispur (Assam) [India], April 18 (ANI): As least 20 people lost their lives in several incidents of severe storms and lightning strikes throughout Assam since late March. As per the data shared by Chief Executive Officer of Assam State Disaster Management Authority GD Tripathi, in the last three days (i.e. from April 14, 2022) 22 districts have reported storm and lightning incidents in 80 Revenue Circles spanning over 1,410 villages impacting 95,239 people. “Total of 20 deaths have been reported during this season due to storms and lightning, of which 19 deaths were reported in April (till April 17) and one in the last week of March. Notably, an exgratia payment to the next of kin of deceased persons has been initiated and it will be completed soon. Reportedly, 3,011 houses are fully damaged (Katcha= 2,974; Pacca=37) and 19,256 houses (Katcha=17,713; Pacca=1,543) have been partially damaged till April 16. A further detailed assessment is underway on in many storm-affected Revenue Circles. So far, a total of 1,333 hectares of crop area damage has also been reported from the districts. Circle level task forces constituted by the Government for damage assessment have started a detailed damage assessment process and verification for speedy disbursement of financial assistance. Further, under the Scheme for Training of Community Volunteers in Disaster Response (Aapda Mitra)communityvolunteers have been deputed for the distribution of tarpaulin and gratuitous relief items in order to help local circle level administration. Teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and fire and ES were also deputed for clearance of Road communication and storm debris in the affected localities with close support from the forest department. Power has been delegated to all Deputy Commissioners by the Government for speedy sanction and disbursement of Rehabilitation grants etc. to the affected populations and beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), without referring to the government for approval. Tripathi held a virtual review meeting with the Deputy Commissioners on Sunday. (ANI)
FRIDAY APRIL 22, 2022 US distinguishes between India, China over respective stands on Russia amid Ukraine crisis: Jaishankar By Reena Bhardwaj Washington [US], April 13 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday (local time) said that America does distinguish and differentiate between India and China over their respective stands on Russia amid the Ukraine crisis. Answering to question of ANI, “if the US clearly understands the reasons behind China’s and India’s respective stands on Russia” in a press conference here with Indian ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, he said, “You are asking me, do the Americans distinguish and differentiate between India and China over respective stands on Russia amid Ukraine crisis. Obviously, they do.” China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited India on March 25, amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the continuing India-China stand-off in Ladakh. Jaishankar further stated that both the ministers shared their respective analyses concerning the Ukraine situation and agreed that the way out is the cessation of hostilities and dialogue between Russia and Ukraine. “If you are asking me how we look at unfolding developments in Ukraine, I had Min Wang Yi come to India last month. We shared our respective analyses. But we agreed and still agree on that way out is dialogue and cessation of hostilities would be a necessary first step.” Meanwhile talking about discussions with the US during the 2+2 ministerial meetings said that both countries agreed to encourage an early cessation of hostilities between Moscow and Kyiv. “Our discussions with Americans were more about what is it we can all do to encourage an early cessation of hostilities. That’s where the focus should be. We do think a large part of the international community and some other countries have taken an active interest and think along similar lines,” said Jaishankar. Jaishankar, who held a series of high-level meetings during his visit to the United States, said that a lot of time went into discussions on the Ukraine crisis. He said India provided its perspective clearly and “the two countries discussed energy crisis, food security and humanitarian assistance to Kyiv” amid the RussiaUkraine conflict. “Obviously a lot of our time went to discussions on Ukraine, there was discussion on US perspectives, their analysis, their sense, what they think is likely to happen. The conflict (Russia-Ukraine) and diplomacy involved in it — peace talks, progress etc were one set of issues that came up,” Jaishankar said at a press conference here. Jaishankar said that the Ukraine conflict situation has a direct impact on the global economy. “Ukraine situation is something that worries everyone. It also has consequences for most people. So, there’s a natural interest in the international community to say what we can do to help ease the situation and hopefully sort out the situation. I think it has been a persistent thing,” he added. Answering “if the US asked India for mediation in the Russia-Ukraine crisis,” Jaishankar said, “No there was no specific message or communication suggested to us. That’s not how it works. I think what you are having at this point of time is a set of countries who have relations with all parties concerned.” Talking about the energy crisis caused due to the conflict, he said, “We have had multiple events which have really hardened the energy market and put pressure on our economies and it is important for others to realise that. So, I think we were quite clear on what high energy prices are doing to growth prospects and inflationary consequences that happen.” Jaishankar took part in the fourth 2+2 Dialogue between the two countries. He also held talks with US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and US Trade Representative Katherine Tai. During the joint press conference after the 2+2 ministerial meeting, Jaishankar responded to questions about criticism of India’s purchase of Russian oil. “If you are looking at (India’s) energy purchases from Russia, I would suggest your attention should be on Europe. We buy some energy necessary for our energy security. But I suspect, looking at figures, our purchases for the month would be less than what Europe does in an afternoon,” he had said. He had said India has made a number of statements that articulate its position on the Ukraine conflict. “Briefly, what that position state is that we are against the conflict, we are for dialogue and diplomacy, we are for urgent cessation of violence and we are prepared to contribute to these objectives in whatever ways.” Meanwhile, Jaishankar will be visiting New York today. He will be meeting UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres and will conduct internal meetings with the India Mission at the United Nations. Jaishankar is 9 scheduled to depart for India on Friday after spending a day in New York. (ANI) 04-29-2022
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