Amid the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, which was triggered by the former's attack from the Gaza Strip, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Tuesday underlined that terrorism is among the most serious threats to world peace.
Addressing a conclave of NSAs of India and central Asian nations in Kazakhstan, he said that irrespective of its cause, terrorism is unjustifiable.
Referring to the key issue of connectivity and economic integration with central Asian nations, Doval said that it is an area of priority for India. At the same time though, he added that it is important to ensure that connectivity initiatives are consultative, transparent, and participatory.
The NSA further said that such initiatives should respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and adhere to environmental parameters, while ensuring financial viability, rather than becoming debt burdens, in an oblique reference to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
In this context, the absence of direct land access between Central Asia and India is an anomaly, he observed. This absence of direct connectivity is the result of a conscious policy of denial by a particular country, Doval said in an indirect reference to Pakistan.
Doval said this situation is not only self-defeating for that country but it also reduces the collective well-being of the entire region. He also underlined the advantages of including the Chabahar port in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
Meanwhile touching upon other issues, the NSA further added that India is willing to provide technological support to central Asian countries related to unified payment interface (UPI) without any cost for their independent use. An association based on sovereign digital systems between India and central Asian nations will boost commercial relations and also benefit people who travel to India for medical tourism, Doval added.
Sushanta demanded Centre to start direct flight service along Agartala-Mumbai route
The state transport minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Monday met the Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu in Delhi and discussed a series of issues related to the development of air services from Agartala MBB Airport.
CM Dr Manik Saha discuses development railway services and infrastructure in Tripura
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Monday met the General Manager (Construction) of North East Frontier Railway here in his chamber at the secretariat and discussed a series of issues related to the further development of railway infrastructure in the state and ease passenger movement.
State to get Rs 150 Crore for Tourism, Sushanta Meets Union Minister Shekhawat
The Central Government has sanctioned an additional ₹150 crore for the enhancement of Tripura's tourism sector, Tripura Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury announced on Monday.
CM to inaugurate 34 projects of Rs 250 Crore tomorrow
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JP Nadda, BL Santosh arriving in state on March 9: CM Manik Saha
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today announced that BJP All India National President JP Nadda and National General Secretary (Org) B.L. Santosh will be arriving on March 9 to attend the two-year celebration of the present state government at Swami Vivekananda Maidan.
Two Bihar women held with cannabis at Agartala Railway Station
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UK PM announces new 1.6-billion-pound deal for Ukraine to buy missiles
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Britain will allow Ukraine to use 1.6 billion pounds ($2 billion) of British export finance to purchase more than 5,000 air defence missiles.
'PM Modi working for welfare of all communities without discrimination', says Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah Committee chief
Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah Committee Chairman Syed Afsar Ali Nizami on Sunday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for attending the Sufi music festival 'Jahan-e-Khusro' and said that he gave the message of brotherhood and works for the welfare of all communities and religion without any discrimination.