Indian High Commission Launches 'Home Away from Home' Initiative for September 2023 Intake Students

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:33am on 23 Sep 2023,Saturday India Global

The Indian High Commission in London has initiated the 'Home Away from Home' initiative to assist fresh Indian students who arrived for the September 2023 intake. Students can visit special kiosks at the India House at Aldwych from Sept 26-Oct 9 on weekdays to avail of services like documentation help, consular assistance, opening local bank accounts, and registering with the High Commission for future needs. Complimentary lunch will also be provided as a welcome gesture to students who come for registration. The outreach by the High Commission of India, London aims to help new Indian students settle smoothly in the UK during the critical transition period.

Read More at HCI London on X

US Working Closely with Canada on Probe of India's Role in Terrorist Killing: Antony Blinken

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:08am on 23 Sep 2023,Saturday India Global

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed the US has been closely consulting and coordinating with Canada regarding allegations that Indian government agents were behind the killing of a Khalistani terrorist on Canadian soil. While describing India as a vital partner, Blinken emphasized the investigation must proceed unimpeded and said it is critical India cooperates fully with Canadian authorities to ensure accountability. He expressed deep US concern over the alleged transnational repression, stressing the broader importance of addressing such issues beyond just this case. Blinken's remarks indicate the Biden administration is walking a diplomatic tightrope in balancing strategic ties with India and defending principles.

Read More at Hindustan Times

Trudeau Says India Informed of Terrorist Murder Allegations Weeks Before Public Accusations

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:55am on 23 Sep 2023,Saturday India Global

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau disclosed that his government notified India weeks ago regarding allegations that Indian agents were involved in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia."Canada has shared the credible allegations that I talked about on Monday with India. We did that many weeks ago," Trudeau was quoted by Reuters as having said at a press conference in Ottawa. This follows Trudeau's initial accusations which provoked an angry Indian response. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed concerns and said the US has been closely coordinating with Canada, wanting to see accountability from India over the alleged killing on Canadian soil. However, Trudeau has not provided details on evidence backing Canada's allegations.

Read More at Outlook India

US Would Pick India over Canada Says Former Pentagon Official

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:48am on 23 Sep 2023,Saturday India Global

According to former Pentagon official Michael Rubin, the US would prioritize ties with India over Canada if forced to choose between the two countries. Rubin stated that Trudeau appeared motivated by domestic politics rather than prudent foreign policy in accusing India over a killed terrorist. He warned that Trudeau risks damaging long-term relations with the world's largest democracy for short-term political gain. Rubin emphasized that the U.S. values its strategic partnership with India and would choose those ties over Canada if forced to decide between the two countries.

Read More at The Indian Express

India Hits Out at Pakistan UN General Assembly, Demands Vacating Occupied Areas

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:17am on 23 Sep 2023,Saturday India Global

During the UN General Assembly debate, India criticized Pakistan for misusing the UN forum to spread propaganda against India. India stated Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India and Pakistan has no standing to comment on India's internal matters. India highlighted Pakistan's poor human rights record, especially against minorities and women. It cited recent attacks against Christians in Pakistan and the abduction and forced conversion of minority women. India stated Pakistan shelters terrorists and must take action against Mumbai attack perpetrators. It called for Pakistan to stop cross-border terrorism, vacate occupied Indian territory, and end rights abuses against minorities.

Read More at WION

Hardeep Singh Nijjar Used Forged Passport, 'Fake' Wife for Canada Entry: Report

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:07pm on 22 Sep 2023,Friday India Global

Amid India-Canada row over Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing, reports said Indian agencies had informed Canada about his terrorism record and fake asylum bid in 1997. Nijjar had claimed asylum fearing persecution for his "social group". But it was rejected over fabricated narrative. He then went to Canada on a forged passport as Ravi Sharma. After rejection, Nijjar reportedly arranged a sham "marriage" for immigration in 11 days. This too was denied as his "wife" had come to Canada sponsored by another man in 1997. Nijjar appealed the rejections in Canadian courts while claiming citizenship. He got citizenship by unclear means. An Interpol Red Corner Notice against Nijjar over a dozen murder and terror cases was issued in 2014. Details were shared with Canada but no action taken except a no-fly list. India informed about all of Nijjar's crimes but Canada didn't act, per reports.

Read More at Hindustan Times

Quad Foreign Ministers Meet at UNGA; Reaffirm Commitment to Free, Open Indo-Pacific

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:00pm on 22 Sep 2023,Friday India Global

The Quad foreign ministers of India, the US, Australia, and Japan met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York. They reaffirmed their commitment to upholding UN charter principles and realizing the shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. The ministers expressed concern over the Ukraine war and North Korea's destabilizing missile launches. They condemned Myanmar's humanitarian crisis and called for ending violence. The meeting highlighted the Quad's coordination on global issues like Ukraine, nuclear proliferation, and human rights violations ahead of the leaders' summit.

Read More at India Today

Canada's Allegations Against India Based on Intel Inputs From Five Eyes Alliance: Report

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:36pm on 22 Sep 2023,Friday India Global

Canada's allegations implicating India in separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing are reportedly based on both human and signals intelligence. As per Canadian government sources, the intelligence includes communications about Indian officials and diplomats in Canada. It was gathered over months of investigation into the British Columbia shooting that sparked the diplomatic row. As per CBC reports, the intelligence did not come solely from Canada and some were provided by an ‘unnamed ally’ in the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. India firmly denied the "absurd" allegations. The United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand are members of the Five Eyes alliance.

Read More at Republic World

Canada-India Visa Row Sparks Worries Among Tourists & Students

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:32am on 22 Sep 2023,Friday India Global

India's suspension of visas for Canadians has sparked concerns among tourists planning trips and students weighing future plans. A Vancouver travel agent reported nonstop calls from worried travelers with upcoming visits. Though dual citizens and OCIs can still freely enter India, some students are reconsidering staying in Canada long-term. The tensions also raise economic worries, with many Canadian firms operating in India. For Canada's large Indian diaspora, the row poses questions on future travel and relations. While Ottawa hints against retaliation, the visa move highlights worries across tourism, education, and trade.

Read More at BBC

Mahindra Group's Canada Firm Shuts Amid India-Canada Diplomatic Row

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:37am on 22 Sep 2023,Friday India Global

Amid the diplomatic firestorm between India and Canada, Mahindra & Mahindra's Canada-based associate firm Resson Aerospace has ceased operations per the auto giant's regulatory filing. Mahindra held 11% in Resson, which filed for voluntary winding up. The timing has fueled social media speculation but Mahindra hasn't clarified the reasons. This comes as Canadian PM Trudeau repeated allegations of Indian involvement in separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing, which India firmly denied. With India-Canada ties strained, Resson's sudden shutdown has raised questions on whether geopolitics played a role in Mahindra exiting the Canadian firm

Read More at NDTV

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