External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj addresses a press briefing in New Delhi on June 19, 2016. PTI photo

New Delhi, June 19

India announced on Sunday it would not oppose any other country’s entry into the elite Nuclear Supplier’s Group, a clear indication to Pakistan’s bid to join the group.

”India won’t protest entry of any nation in NSG but would want application be considered on merit,” External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said at a news briefing held to mark the NDA government’s two years in power.

She also claimed that “China is not opposed to India’s entry, but insists on criteria”.

“China is not opposing membership of India in NSG, it is only talking of criteria and procedure. I am hopeful that we would be able to convince China as well to support our entry to the NSG,” she told a press conference here while highlighting her ministry’s achievements in the last two years.

“I think that there is a consensus which is being made and I am sure that India will become the member of the NSG this year,” she said, adding, “The NSG entry is crucial for India’s energy policy.”

“I am perosnally in touch with 23 nations. Although 1– 2 have voiced concerns, I think there is consensus.”

She also said India was trying to make sure that it could be part of the group by the end of the year.

Although most countries in the 48-member Nuclear Supplier’s Group — prominent among them the US — have agreed to India’s entry, some — among them China, New Zealand, Austria, Turkey and South Africa — have objected to allowing non-signatories of the Non-Proliferation Treaty from entering the group.

Pakistan has also opposed India’s entry arguing that the two nations must be treated equally.

Earlier this week, China’s official media said India’s NSG membership would “jeopardise” China’s national interests besides touching a “raw nerve” in Pakistan. The Chinese Foreign Ministry had said a week back that members of the NSG “remain divided” on the issue of non-NPT countries joining it and called for “full discussions”.
‘Peace in SCS’

She also said India wanted a peaceful settlement of the territorial dispute in the South China Sea.

Although China claims most of the key waterways that is passage to trade worth a total of $5 trillion annually, Philippines, Brunei, Taiwan, Malaysia and Vietnam have opposing claims, leading to frequent military and diplomatic standoffs.

‘Terror and talks can’t go together’

Swaraj said India and Pakistan relations were complicated due to “cross-border terrorism”, even while she claimed there was a “sehejta” (simplicity) in the chemistry involving Prime Ministers Narendra Modi of India and Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan.

“This warmth and simplicity in relations between two Prime Ministers were never there in the past,” she said.

While pursuing with the commitment for friendship, the government won’t compromise on issues of national security. India, she said, remained firm in its resolve that talks and terrorism cannot go together.

“We are awaiting solid action from Pakistan’s side on Pathankot attack. Pakistan has not rejected the proposal for NIA visit, has sought some more time,” Swaraj said.

“We have difficult issues to resolve with Pakistan. There is ease and warmth in the relations between the two countries at present,” Swaraj.

The minister denied that South Asia was not getting adequate priority in the Modi government’s foreign policy.

“In the last two years, India has emerged as a strong supporter and a friend in crisis to neighbouring countries,” she said, referring to New Delhi’s help to Nepal during the massive earthquake of 2015.

‘12 Indian sailors freed’

Twelve Indian sailors, who were in jail in Italy since June 2014 on allegations of possessing drugs, have been freed, Swaraj said.

“I appreciate Indian Embassy in Rome for the release of 12 Indian sailors on board MV ‘Aberdeen’ who were in jail in Italy since June 2014,” Swaraj said.

The Indian sailors had been arrested from aboard a ship seized by Italian police in June 2014, and were accused of possessing a huge quantity of drugs.

On the issue of threats to Hindus in Bangladesh, she said the Sheikh Hasina govermment had been taking adequate steps and had so far arrested as many as 3,000 suspects.

“More than that, I feel happy to say that even Islamic leaders in Bangladesh have condemned such threats to Hindus in that country,” she said.

India’s relationship with its western neighbour has remained strained despite repeated tries, with the latest round of peace talks between the two nations being halted after a militant attack on an air base of the Indian Air Force in Pathankot in January.

India frequently accuses Pakistan of not doing enough to contain terrorist organisations on its soil. —  Agencies

United Ex-Servicemen Front election incharge Capt CS Sidhu (C) with the kin of PoWs languishing in Pakistani jails, in Amritsar on Monday. photo: vishal kumar

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, June 13

The United Ex-servicemen Front is mulling to move the Supreme Court against the Centre’s lenient attitude in bringing back the 1965 and 1971 prisoners of war (PoWs) rotting in various Pakistani jails.The outfit claimed to have traced the antecedents of a few of the PoWs by establishing contact with their kin, who urged them to pursue the matter with the International Court of Justice (ICJ).They said that as many as 54 defence personnel are languishing in Pakistani jails since December 1971. Out of these 27 were from the Army, 24 from the Air Force, two from the Navy and one from the BSF. The organizations state incharge Capt CS Sidhu (retd) said that they would soon meet Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to know why the government was hesitant to file a case with the ICJ.Sidhu said that the government cannot save its skin by submitting in the SC that the salary and retirement benefits had been given to the dependents of the POWs.“The Centre had obtained a stay on the SC order of approaching the ICJ stating constraints due to a bilateral agreement with Pakistan based on the 1972 Shimla Agreement.“The government’s prosecutor also submitted that all dues are being forwarded to the next of kin of imprisoned soldiers, but we question them that when it was known and admitted on the floor of the Parliament that 54 personnel were missing, why monetary benefits are being given to the kin of only 29 PoWs,” he said.Col Nishan Singh Randhawa (retd) questioned that when India can release 92,000 Pakistani soldiers in the light of Shimla Agreement then why can’t we force them to release our soldiers through the ICJ?He said the front would hold candle march in various districts and in Amritsar on June 17. “We also plan to hold a protest at the Wagah border in July. We will not let Delhi-Lahore bus or the Samjhauta Express run to lodge our protest against the government’s callous attitude,” he said.http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/ex-servicemen-to-move-sc-on-pows-in-pak/251456.html

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June10

The Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba, visited Headquarters Western Command, Chandimandir, today. On his arrival, he was received by Maj Gen AK Sanyal. Later, he was briefed on the operational preparedness of the Western Army and issues of mutual interest were discussed.The Navy Chief also interacted informally with the officers posted at the Command Headquarters. Later, he proceeded to the Air Force Station, Chandigarh, from where he was seen off by the Army and Air Force officials.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had his biggest outing of the year in addressing the US Congress in Washington on Wednesday. Shorn of the atmospherics, Modi seems to have missed the moment to get counted as the world’s leading statesmen. True, there was a surfeit of platitudes and catchy phrases such as the Indo-US relationship having “overcome the hesitations of history”. Modi also provided a preview of how India sees today’s world — “(India is) already assuming her responsibilities in securing the Indian Ocean region” — and the problems — “absence of an agreed security architecture in Asia creates uncertainty”. The world by now is well acquainted with Brand Modi — words rolling out fluently, a commanding stage presence and an innovative twist at every show.But a Prime Minister on his fourth visit to the US should have been more forthcoming about his vision of India than could be gleaned from his party’s election manifestoes. Modi can hardly hope to excite American businessmen with an anodyne rendering of his government’s priorities or talking about the snakes in the terrorist pit next door which managers of American security and their accomplices had incubated. His take on social harmony —  “all the 1.25 billion of our citizens have freedom from fear, a freedom they exercise every moment of their lives” — too sounded a shade hollow when juxtaposed against the under-reported Human Rights Commission hearing at which US Congressmen slammed his government for violence against minorities.However, after all the hits and misses are tallied, Modi accomplished his primary purpose of assuring the Americans that there is permanency in India’s affinity with the US in security, defence and climate change. He also managed to convey to the ordinary US politician, the country’s indispensability in the region — India was the first responder during natural calamities in Nepal, the Maldives and Sri Lanka — as well as its disagreement with the current global structures. Despite his dexterity as a communicator, Modi missed a trick or two in painting India as a country whose time has come.http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/editorials/modi-s-big-moment-in-us/249134.html

Washington, June 7

US President Barack Obama, who held over hour-long talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi here, today promised to cooperate with India against terrorist threats from groups such as Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba as well as ‘D’ Company, a reference to underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.”In this context, they (the two leaders) directed their officials to identify specific new areas of collaboration at the next meeting of US-India Counterterrorism Joint Working Group,” said a joint statement issued after the talks.Significantly, the American side also committed itself to treating Pathankot attack on a par with 26/11 terror strike in terms of ensuring punishment to perpetrators based in Pakistan.The two countries also decided to start work on construction of six American nuclear reactors in India amid affirmation that the Liability issue has been addressed.Six pacts, including one on exchange of screening of terror information, besides two other documents were signed after the talks that mainly covered issues such as terrorism, clean energy, climate change, defence, regional security, cyber security, economic ties and people-to-people contacts.Addressing the media jointly with Modi at his Oval office, Obama said it was natural for India and the US, two biggest democracies, to “deepen and broaden” partnership.Progress made in the Civil Nuclear agreement was among the issues discussed, Obama said. Obama underlined that India needs technology, which is critical for its progress and prosperity. — PTI

Tribute to Kalpana

• PM Modi laid a wreath at the Tomb of Unknown Soldiers and paid homage to Indian-American astronaut late Kalpana Chawla at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington. “Honouring sacrifice, saluting valour. Formal engagements begin with a solemn ceremony,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted

US returns artifacts

• The US has returned to India over 200 stolen cultural artifacts, some dating back 2,000 years, estimated at $100 million. Items returned included religious statues, bronzes and terra-cotta pieces, looted from some of India’s most treasured religious sites
• Among the pieces returned is a statue of Saint Manikkavichavakar, a Hindu mystic and poet from the Chola period (circa 850 AD to 1250 AD) stolen from the Sivan Temple in Chennai, valued at $1.5 million and a bronze sculpture of Hindu god Ganesh estimated to be 1,000-year-old

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti during a visit to Shahadra Sharif in Rajouri on Friday. PTI

Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 3

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today lambasted Pakistan for carrying out a terror attack in the Bijbehara area of south Kashmir. Three BSF men died and three others were injured in the attack.“I fail to understand what such a situation will give,” Mehbooba said.Condemning the act of terror and expressing solidarity with the bereaved families, the Chief Minister said: “What if there would have been retaliation from the BSF? Children, women and men would have been killed and a situation like Handwara would have emerged.”Mehbooba was speaking during a ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ function after inaugurating an international convention centre in Jammu here this evening. She was critical of Pakistan’s response to the peace process.“Pakistan is itself fighting terrorism and their children are being killed but at the same time it is promoting terrorism in the state, which is not acceptable. We want to improve the relations but such incidents happen. Post the 1987 elections, a situation arose and people also supported the gun but now people don’t want it anymore and Pakistan must understand it,” she said.“Pakistan claims it loves people of Kashmir, but this is not the way to love,” Mehbooba added.Earlier in the day, immediately after the attack, the Chief Minister spoke to Director General, BSF, KK Sharma and expressed anguish and sorrow over the death of the BSF personnel in the attack.“Such senseless attack is a desperate attempt by the elements who want to derail the peace efforts of the government and subvert the rejuvenating economic activity in the state,” the Chief Minister said in a statement.She said such dastardly attacks and senseless killings had only brought miseries to the people and tragedies for the victim families, both security forces personnel and the civilians. “The only purpose of such gory acts seems to keep the turmoil in the state on and the latest attack is again aimed at vitiating the atmosphere,” she said.She also announced several schemes for girls, including 50 per cent subsidy on scooties for girl students of one college each in Jammu and Srinagar.CM takes on separatists over Pandit coloniesChief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday took on separatists over the construction of separate colonies for migrant Pandits in Kashmir. “We want to bring back Kashmiri Pandits to Kashmir and instill a sense of security among them they will be absorbed in separate colonies where other people will also live with them. After living there and once they feel the atmosphere is right, they can head towards their homes,” the CM said, adding that even workers of various political parties in Kashmir live in hotels with personal security officers.

Vijay Mohan

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 31

The fire at the Army’s Central Ammunition Depot (CAD) in Pulgaon near Nagpur, the latest in the string of such incidents over the past many years, ought to be a wakeup call for the government over the manner in which ammunition is stored at defence installations across the country.While a series of reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) as well as Parliament’s Standing Committee on Defence have pointed out certain deficiencies in the firefighting and safety mechanisms, heavy encroachment around many such depots have compounded safety issues.Only a few months ago, CAG had observed that ammunition depots were functioning with risk of fire accident as the equipment and manpower were not held as per the requirement and authorisation. In eight selected depots, the deficiency of firefighting staff and main firefighting equipment was 47 and 65 per cent, respectively, during 2008-13, CAG pointed out in its report.Over the past two decades, there have been a number of fire incidents, both at ammunition depots as well as during mobilisation or hostilities, resulting in destruction of ammunition worth several thousand crore rupees.The scale of firefighting equipment and authorisation of firefighting staff was last revised by the government in March 2004. Steps for revision scales and manpower were initiated by the Director General Ordnance Services in November 2011, but could not be finalised, CAG observed.Further, the deficiency in storage accommodation of ammunition with reference to authorisation of war wastage reserves was 57 per cent, while 18 per cent ammunition was stored in temporary accommodation. According to DRDO’s Centre for Environment and Explosive Safety, which prescribes norms for storage of explosives based on storage, transport and explosive committee regulations and UN classification, there is no scope for any storage in temporary accommodation

Less space, encroachment raise safety concerns

• Heavy encroachment around many ammunition depots and unabated construction in the notified areas has compounded safety issues
• The deficiency in storage accommodation of ammunition with reference to authorisation of war wastage reserves stands at 57 per cent
• 18 per cent of it is stored in temporary accommodation. According to safety norms, there is no scope for any storage in temporary accommodation

JORHAT (ASSAM): A complaint has been lodged against seven Indian Air Force men who allegedly assaulted a waiter and the manager of a bar-cum-restaurant in Tinsukia town and fled without paying their bill. DIG (Eastern Range) Bishnu Prasad Rava on Wednesday said the owner of the bar lodged the complaint with Tinsukia police station after the alleged incident on Sunday.