PM Modi underlines importance of free and open Indo-Pacific PM said Quad - comprising India, Japan, Aus and the US working towards it

Port Moresby (PTI):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday underlined the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific for the Pacific island nations and said the Quad is working in this direction.

In an address at the FIPIC (Forum for IndiaPacific Islands Cooperation) summit, Modi also emphasised the need for multilateralism and respecting the sovereignty and integrity of all countries.

The summit took place at a time when China is making efforts to enhance its military and diplomatic influence in the region.

"Like you, we believe in multilateralism; support a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and respect the sovereignty and integrity of all countries," Modi said.

“The Quad - comprising Japan, India, Australia and the United States -- is working towards it”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.

PM MODI REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR CAPACITY-BUILDING EFFORTS

Port Moresby (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reaffirmed his support for capacity-building efforts in Pacific island nations, as he interacted with alumni of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme from 14 countries across the region. Modi was here on his maiden visit to Papua New Guinea to host a key summit between India and 14 Pacific island countries to boost bilateral ties. He interacted with ITEC alumni on the sidelines of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) summit. “These ITEC alumni, including government officials, professionals and community leaders, are contributing to their societies using the skills gained in India. PM lauded them for keeping India in their hearts and reiterated his support for capacitybuilding efforts in the region.

Aiming to withdraw AFSPA by 2023 end: Assam CM Sarma

Thiruvananthapuram

INDIAN-AMERICANS TO WELCOME PM WITH UNITY MARCH

Washington (PTI): Ahead of PM Narendra Modi’s historic state visit to the US next month, Indian Americans are planning to welcome him with an ‘India Unity Day’ march in 20 major cities across America on June 18.

PM Modi will embark on his first state visit to the US at the invitation of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden in June. The US president and the First Lady will also host Modi at a state dinner on June 22. Some of the cities are Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Columbus, and St Louis.

(PTI): Union Minister Smriti Irani on Monday took a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stating that if he “remains” in Wayanad, it would suffer the same fate as Amethi in Uttar Pradesh when he was the MP from there. Gandhi was the MP from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency before his conviction and sentencing for two years by a Gujarat court in a criminal defamation case. The Gujarat High Court has reserved its verdict on the Congress leader’s plea for a stay on the conviction.

“The reason for that was that while he was an MP from Amethi, 80% of the people there did not have electricity connections, there was no District Collector’s office, no fire station, no medical college, no Kendriya Vidyalaya or Sainik School.

“Once he left, all these facilities and infrastructure was made possible there. Therefore, if he remains in Wayanad, it too shall suffer the same fate as Amethi.