- 7/3/2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been awarded the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, the nation’s highest civilian honour, for his exceptional statesmanship and global leadership. Accepting the award during his historic visit, the first by an Indian PM in 37 years, Modi dedicated it to 140 crore Indians, especially the youth, and the shared cultural legacy of India and Ghana.
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00:00:00In regards to Prime Minister Modi, who is in Ghana, Prime Minister Modi conferred Ghana's national honour.
00:00:06Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Wednesday conferred with the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana,
00:00:13the country's national honour for his distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership.
00:00:21Modi received the award from the Ghanian President John Romani Mahama,
00:00:25honoured to be conferred with the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, the Prime Minister said in an ex-post.
00:00:32In his acceptance speech, Prime Minister Modi said that the award was a matter of great pride and honour for him.
00:00:39I humbly accept the award on behalf of the 140 crore Indians, he has said,
00:00:44dedicating it to the aspirations and the bright future of the youth of India,
00:00:49its cultural traditions and diversity and the historical ties between Ghana and India.
00:00:56The award was conferred on the Prime Minister in recognition of his distinguished statesmanship
00:01:01and influential global leadership, the Ministry of External Affairs has said in a press release.
00:01:08So, this is the big news that we bring to you at the very top of this hour.
00:01:12And with that, we have Pranayopadhyay joining us on the broadcast to, in fact, put it into perspective further.
00:01:17Pranayopadhyay, a very good morning to you.
00:01:20Do tell us how we are looking at this very award that has been conferred to our Prime Minister in Ghana.
00:01:28Good morning, Shreya.
00:01:30And as you know, the Prime Minister has been conferred with this,
00:01:33smashed the highest civilian award of Ghana.
00:01:36This clearly shows that how Ghana and people and the Ghanian leadership
00:01:40appreciate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit
00:01:42and also recognises the ties with India.
00:01:45Our Prime Minister is accepting speech, you heard,
00:01:48and he said that I humbly accept the award on behalf of the 100 in particular Indians.
00:01:53And he has also dedicated states to the aspiration and the bright future of the youth of India,
00:02:00its cultural tradition and diversity, historical ties between Ghana and India.
00:02:04When any leader has been conferred or gets conferred with, you know, such awards,
00:02:11this clearly shows that what kind of importance is being given to the relationship.
00:02:15These are not civilian awards or like, you know, this is not just a token,
00:02:22but this is actually the kind of appreciation which is given to the relationship.
00:02:27And that's why the Prime Minister of India, when he visited Ghana, after 37 years,
00:02:33so he has been given, this is the visit of any Indian Prime Minister to Ghana after three decades.
00:02:40And that's why he has been given, not only given a warm welcome there,
00:02:44President Mahama received him at the airport.
00:02:47And clearly, you can see that the kind of warmth, the kind of reception he received there.
00:02:54And also, important MOUs have been signed as the strategic relationship between India and Ghana.
00:03:00The MOU between the, to strengthen the cultural ties,
00:03:05the MOU Institute of Traditional Alternative Medicine,
00:03:09Ghana Institute and Teaching and Research in Ayurveda.
00:03:12India, this also shows that, you know, the kind of ties where India and Ghana want to invest.
00:03:20And both countries, both the leaders have decided to elevate the bilateral ties
00:03:25to the comprehensive relationship.
00:03:28Right, Pranay.
00:03:29Thank you so much for bringing us all those details and putting it into perspective for our viewers.
00:03:33This is a big news coming in, which also reinforces the country's relationship with the nation of Ghana.
00:03:43With that, as we speak of the Prime Minister's visit to Ghana,
00:03:47let's also take a look at his overall five-nation tour that has kick-started already.
00:03:53Now, his first stop was Ghana.
00:03:55Prime Minister Modi was welcomed by the President of Ghana
00:03:58and received a rousing reception from the Indian diaspora there, which is on your screens right now.
00:04:03He became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Ghana in three decades,
00:04:08which is what makes it and marks the importance of this very visit.
00:04:13In Ghana, the Prime Minister's key focus is gaining stronger access to West African markets.
00:04:18He has also held bilateral talks with the Ghanaian President,
00:04:21where investment, energy, security, digital infrastructure and agriculture were high on the agenda.
00:04:27Next, on the itinerary is Trinidad and Tobago,
00:04:31where the focus will be on boosting trade in the Caribbean region.
00:04:37So, well, this is the particular tour that we are speaking of.
00:04:40And Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started his five-nation tour already,
00:04:44during which he will be attending the BRICS summit in Brazil.
00:04:47During the first leg of the visit, Prime Minister Modi arrived in Ghana
00:04:51and held wide-ranging talks with President John Romani Mahama.
00:04:56Modi was also conferred with the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana.
00:05:00During the visit, Prime Minister will also be visiting Trinidad, Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia.
00:05:07Here is a news report. Take a look.
00:05:09Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his five-nation diplomatic tour
00:05:17in an effort to reach out to the global south.
00:05:20This nine-day tour is seen as the Prime Minister's longest visit overseas.
00:05:27The Prime Minister's visit begins with Ghana.
00:05:30He will also visit Trinidad, Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia.
00:05:35Prime Minister will also attend the BRICS Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
00:05:41Modi begins his tour by first stopping at Ghana,
00:05:43his first bilateral visit and also first prime ministerial visit to the country in three decades.
00:05:50India shares a growing trade and investment policy with Ghana.
00:05:54India imports more than 70% of Ghanaian gold.
00:05:58Economy, energy, defence and development cooperation are likely issues to be discussed.
00:06:05The next destination is Trinidad, Tobago, where 40-45% of the Indian diaspora live.
00:06:12Even Prime Minister Kamala Parsad Bissisar and President Pristine Carlo Kangaloo are of Indian origin.
00:06:19This will also be Modi's first visit to Trinidad, Tobago
00:06:22and the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister after 1999.
00:06:26This will also mark 180 years of the arrival of Indian immigrants in Trinidad, Tobago.
00:06:38On July 4th, the Prime Minister will land in Argentina and meet Haber Millay,
00:06:43one of the most important allies of the US.
00:06:46Millay's election campaign was particularly famous as he wielded chainsaw during his campaign
00:06:51and also gifted, one to the Tesla CEO, Elon Musk.
00:06:55This will also be the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 57 years.
00:07:01Cooperation in defence, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, energy will likely to be the topic of discussion.
00:07:08India is also eyeing Argentina's mineral resources,
00:07:11especially lithium for India's green energy transition.
00:07:14The South American country is also a major supplier of soami and sunflower oil.
00:07:20The next important stop is Brazil, where the Prime Minister will be on a state visit.
00:07:26He will also attend the two-day BRICS leader summit.
00:07:29Global governance, peace and security, multilateralism, AI, climate action, global health
00:07:35will top the Prime Minister's talking agenda at the summit.
00:07:38He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit.
00:07:42Modi concludes his nine-day tour by visiting Namibia, his first and the third foreign Indian Prime Minister.
00:07:51Modi will pay homage to the founding father of Namibia, Dr. Sam Nujoma,
00:07:56and will also address the nation's parliament.
00:07:59India has largely invested in mining, manufacturing, diamond processing and services in Namibia.
00:08:05In 2022, eight cheetahs from Namibia were released by the Prime Minister at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
00:08:15With Mahasweta Lala, Bureau Report, India Today.
00:08:18With that, viewers, we are shifting our focus and now we bring to you a big India Today exclusive.
00:08:32Jai Shankar, the External Affairs Minister, responds to India Today at the Quad.
00:08:37Now he's called out the West for not backing India on terror.
00:08:42External Affairs Minister has said ceasefire talks happen between the DGMOs.
00:08:47Jai Shankar meets the U.S. Defence Secretary and the U.S. Intelship Court, as the visuals in fact suggest.
00:08:54But yes, this is the big breaking that we bring to you,
00:08:57wherein Jai Shankar has responded to a question from the India Today colleague that we have.
00:09:03We will in fact play that out for you.
00:09:05But before that, he has called the West out on why they haven't supported India in their anti-terror measures.
00:09:12Let's take a look at what exactly has been said when asked the question on this matter.
00:09:17So first thing, obviously in mind of a lot of people, what was your initial response at NEA and at Prime Minister's office when President Trump announced ceasefire?
00:09:28Did you immediately reach out to express your disagreement and how was that taken by the White House?
00:09:36Two years ago, sorry, second question.
00:09:37Two years ago, I asked you in one of these briefings, and you noted that Pakistan was no longer a central piece to bilateral relations between India and the U.S.
00:09:47Has that changed now after the operations in third?
00:09:50Do you believe there is a double standard when it comes to terrorism, you know, when it happens in countries like India versus the West?
00:09:57Do you think Western countries see it differently, terrorism happening on their shores versus when it happens abroad?
00:10:04Well, look, I would say that even today, the central factor in the relationship between India and the United States is India and the United States.
00:10:23It is our complementarity in many ways.
00:10:26It is the benefits that we get from closer relationship that is actually driving it.
00:10:31It is not, you know, big relationships are not forged in terms of third countries and where they fit.
00:10:42So, I, you know, the comment I made to you earlier, I would say applies even today.
00:10:48That, you know, if I am talking about the United, you know, when I am looking at the future of our ties with the United States,
00:10:55or if I even look back at the progress in our ties with the United States over the last 20 years,
00:11:00I would put it to you, a lot of it is, you know, it's about trade, it is about investment, it is about technology, it is about mobility,
00:11:08it is about energy, it is about defense.
00:11:11So, I would really urge you to get over the idea that we need to define ourselves vis-à-vis third countries in order to forge ahead somewhere.
00:11:21That is not the case.
00:11:22We are a big country.
00:11:23We are, you know, among the top five economies of the world.
00:11:26We are the most populous country in the world.
00:11:28Our influence is growing.
00:11:30We must have that self-confidence, even in asking questions.
00:11:33So, and the, look, in, in, I think the record of what happened at that time was, was very clear.
00:11:44And the ceasefire was something which, you know, was negotiated between the DGMOs of the two countries.
00:11:50So, I will leave it at that.
00:11:51And on, on the terrorism issue, again, look,
00:11:57it is a fact that countries, you know, often countries do not take a position when some other country is a victim of terrorism,
00:12:11which they would do when they themselves are.
00:12:14We have, in that respect, honestly been much more consistent and principled.
00:12:21That we have, when terrorist incidents, attacks happen elsewhere, outside India,
00:12:29we have largely followed the same position that we have taken when they have happened in India.
00:12:37So, if, is your point that others, are others not doing it?
00:12:43My answer to you is, yes, you are right.
00:12:45Many of them are not doing it or not doing it sufficiently enough.
00:12:48And part of diplomacy is to exhort them, encourage them, persuade them, motivate them to do that.
00:12:57And, which is why it's important to speak up and which is why it's important to, to carry them with us to the best possible degree.
00:13:08A bold statement coming in from the External Affairs Minister yet again on this very matter.
00:13:15We will keep a close track of all the developments coming in from the Quad Meets.
00:13:19But right now, we are shifting our focus closer home to a story coming in from down south.
00:13:23The power play over the Chief Minister's seat in Karnataka Congress continues.
00:13:27And Chief Minister Sidramaya, during a key Cabinet meeting, reportedly warned against dissent,
00:13:33while D.K. Shivkumar, the Deputy Chief Minister, seems to have finally fallen in line with focus, now shifting to the 2028 polls.
00:13:41Sources tell India today the Chief Minister issued a strong warning,
00:13:44causing ministers to refrain from discussing internal party matters in public,
00:13:49stressing that the high command is taking the development seriously, adding that this is a final warning.
00:13:55D.K. Shivkumar, speaking at the Cabinet Meet, said that he has to go with the party,
00:13:59and the leadership decision is important for him.
00:14:03Despite the statements, all does not seem well ahead of the meet.
00:14:07Chief Minister Sidramaya, in fact, visited the Shreephokanandishwara Temple, along with his Cabinet.
00:14:12But D.K. Shivkumar was conspicuously missing.
00:14:16BJP, meanwhile, is predicting that mid-term polls claiming that the Congress government won't be able to complete its tenure.
00:14:22The tug-of-war for the Karrataka Chief Minister's seat is not over yet.
00:14:31Chief Minister Sidramaya, on Wednesday, dismissed all suggestions of any leadership change in the state.
00:14:37The Chief Minister's statement comes a day after Congress High Command emissary Randeep Surjewala ruled out leadership change.
00:15:00D.K. Shivkumar, the other main claimant to the post, has pledged his support to Sidramaya.
00:15:05What option I have, I have to stand by him, I have to support him, and I don't have any objection to it.
00:15:17Whatever the party High Command tells, and whatever he desires, it will be fulfilled.
00:15:23But the race is far from settled.
00:15:26Shivkumar's loyalists are not backing down yet.
00:15:28All this confusion is music to the BJP's ears.
00:15:41We are expecting a huge internal differences, conflict, and it may result in bringing down the government.
00:15:51So we are expecting a mid-term assembly poll in 2026.
00:15:54A Chief Minister who says he's here to stay.
00:15:59His deputy who's bidding his time.
00:16:02And a high command that is unable to resolve the fight.
00:16:06The cracks in the Congress are only widely.
00:16:10With Saghairaj, Bureau Report, India Today.
00:16:13Shifting from the world of politics in Karnataka to the health sector.
00:16:23The worrying spike in sudden deaths due to heart attacks in Karnataka's Hassan district has triggered a political face-off in the state.
00:16:31The Congress, led by Chief Minister Sidramaya, says the complications are an after-effect of COVID-19 vaccines.
00:16:38The centre and the medical bodies have both dismissed this claim, but the feud continues.
00:16:43Take a look at this report for more details on this.
00:16:5020 deaths in a month.
00:16:52At least four in just one day alone.
00:16:54The horror of heart attack deaths in Hassan continues to make waves.
00:16:59But now, the issue has transcended health concerns and turned political as well.
00:17:04It began with Chief Minister Sidramaya hinting at complications caused by the COVID vaccine being a possible cause.
00:17:13Thus laying the blame at the central government's vaccine policy, especially the vaccine's rapid approval and rollout.
00:17:20Health experts and leading research bodies have now empathetically refuted this claim.
00:17:25The health ministry has cited a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research, which shows no link between COVID-19 vaccines and the sudden surge in heart-related deaths.
00:17:37It has blamed genetics, sedentary lifestyle and pre-existing conditions for the cardiovascular complications.
00:17:45Despite the health ministry's rebuttal, the Congress sticks to its guns, claiming issues with vaccines have been seen across the globe.
00:17:53Throughout the world and India, today if you see any professionals, any, you know, if you meet any of the medical specialists, you know, specialists, they would say, there is a reason is because of this COVID vaccines.
00:18:05ICMR, you know, they have to substitute, no? They have to tell what is the reason then.
00:18:09Then what is the reason for?
00:18:11In one district, so many people are facing this heart attack.
00:18:14Throughout India and throughout Karnataka, there are so many people are facing, especially middle-aged and young people.
00:18:19Then what is the reason for them? They have to come up with, no?
00:18:21Countering the charges, the BJP has claimed that the deaths are a reflection of poor health facilities in the state.
00:18:29Sidrama is not a medical expert.
00:18:31Link the death of the people in Asana to COVID, his only aim is to divert the whole issue, which is always does that.
00:18:43It is incumbent duty.
00:18:46The health system in Karnataka has collapsed.
00:18:48There are no medicines, timely medicines for critical illness.
00:18:54Whether they are caused by stress, lifestyle, post-COVID complications or something more systematic, the heart-related deaths in Asana stand as a wake-up call for Karnataka.
00:19:04Bureau Report, India Today.
00:19:06Moving on, Diljeet Dosanj has put the rumours of his exit from the film Border 2 to rest by sharing a behind-the-scenes video.
00:19:17The Punjabi singer and actor shared the video from the sets of Border 2 on Instagram, which confirms that he is still part of the film.
00:19:24Amid the ongoing Sardarji 3 controversy, several reports claim that Diljeet was dropped from Border 2.
00:19:31In the video, in fact, Diljeet can be seen stepping out of his vanity van wearing a formal suit with an army logo and badge on it.
00:19:38He then walks inside the set.
00:19:40The president of the film body FWICE has told India Today that Bhushan Kumar requested him to allow Diljeet to shoot and that the federation has now revoked the ban order.
00:19:50The president of the film, Diljeet Dosanj has been completed in the film by Diljeet to shoot and that the federation has been completed in the film by Diljeet.
00:20:20We are a non-cooperation against Diljeet continues.
00:20:33So anybody else casts him and works with him in the film, then he should be ready for facing huge losses.
00:20:44The federation will not bow down and the federation will not be responsible for the heavy losses which will be suffered by that producer.
00:20:57So it's a call we have taken in good sense and in good, this thing of the industry.
00:21:03There is no Pakistani actress or Pakistani actor in the film and then the film is based on security forces.
00:21:10So all these things were considered by the federation.
00:21:12Shifting focus, IIT Kanpur's Trapit Bansal has secured a staggering $100 million joining bonus from Meta's Superintelligence Lab.
00:21:24This marks a new peak in the fierce Silicon Valley AI talent war.
00:21:29Take a look at the report to get more details.
00:21:31It's the resume of dreams for any professional in tech.
00:21:45Silicon Valley seeing a massive tech churn.
00:21:49And the beneficiaries, the cream of India's brightest.
00:21:52An IIT Kanpur export, Trapit Bansal is the latest to gain from an OpenAI vs. Meta tug-of-war for his services.
00:22:05Reports suggest, Trapit has joined Meta's Superintelligence Lab at an eye-watering joining bonus of $100 million.
00:22:14To put it in perspective, Apple CEO Tim Cook makes $74.6 million.
00:22:25$25 million less than the reported joining bonus offered to Trapit.
00:22:32In 2016, the 2B Tech prodigy joined Facebook as a research intern.
00:22:38Moving to OpenAI in 2017 in the same role, Trapit worked at Sam Altman's startup for four months.
00:22:47He then switched to Google, followed by Microsoft in 2020.
00:22:51And finally joined OpenAI full-time in 2022.
00:22:57Trapit co-created OpenAI's reasoning model, laying the foundation for ChatGPT's reasoning abilities.
00:23:05His new home, Meta Superintelligence Labs, was formally launched by Mark Zuckerberg this week.
00:23:13Meta is aggressively hiring elite AI researchers with offers worth up to $300 million, spanning four years.
00:23:22The AI talent wars have begun.
00:23:25Trapit's job offer is proof that tech titans are ready to pay more than the top dollar to secure premium talent.
00:23:33Bureau report, India Today.
00:23:36As we begin the bulletin, this is breaking news coming in and quite a crucial one of that.
00:23:42Outrage at multiple Park celebs unbanned in India.
00:23:47Now Instagram handles of Pakistani celebs visible again.
00:23:52Chahid Afridi, Shoaib, Hania, Maura get free pass.
00:23:56It's spread anti-India venom after Operation Sindhoor.
00:24:01If we go back to some of their posts that had come in right after the operation had been launched.
00:24:07Post-Operation Sindhoor, the ban has now been, from what it seems, quietly lifted.
00:24:13So why go soft on Pakistan's anti-India brigade at this point?
00:24:18That is the big question that we are in fact asking at the very top of this hour with this important news that's coming in.
00:24:27There is a lift, quite lift on the ban on several of these accounts.
00:24:32Remember, these accounts had in fact posted out openly against Operation Sindhoor right after its launch.
00:24:39Now, let us also tell you this, that the ban that's been lifted hasn't been completely lifted of all accounts.
00:24:46But yes, several of those voices which had come in against India's Operation Sindhoor seem to have been given a free pass now.
00:24:55This is the big breaking news that we are giving you at the top of this hour.
00:24:59Several of the social media accounts of celebrities and YouTube channels of Pakistani news channels
00:25:03that were banned during the India's Operation Sindhoor aftermath in retaliation to the Pehalgaam terror attack have now been reinstated.
00:25:11Now, according to government sources, a review of the previously restricted social media accounts has been recently conducted
00:25:17and some of the reinstated platforms were found to have refrained from posting anti-India content for an extended period.
00:25:24However, that does not mean or that does not at least give a free pass to the content or to some of the posts.
00:25:31Some of their remarks that had come in at the very time.
00:25:35So, let's understand what exactly has gone down here.
00:25:39With me is Pranay Upadhyaya on the broadcast to bring us more details and put things into context for now.
00:25:44Pranay, a very good morning to you.
00:25:45This is an important development we are seeing, though it still remains to be a mystery
00:25:50as to what exactly went down behind this quiet lifting of the ban of some of these accounts.
00:25:56You are right, Shreya.
00:25:59It remains a mystery that what actually made government lift the ban if these were the blocked
00:26:04and banned social media accounts of some of the Pakistani news outlets, Pakistani celebrities.
00:26:11But certainly, they have become accessible in India.
00:26:14And obviously, logically, people are asking the question that if Operation Sindhoor is still on,
00:26:19then why have we lifted, why these social media accounts have been unblocked?
00:26:25So, this remains a question.
00:26:27You know, we have also asked the Government of India officials and especially the IT ministry
00:26:31which has initially banned during the Ops Sindhoor, you know, these social media accounts.
00:26:37So, this remains unclear.
00:26:39But yeah, definitely, if the issue remains, if the Pakistani social media accounts are still
00:26:45posting the, like, you know, the kind of content which was banned and the spreading of those
00:26:51rumors, the spreading of, like, fake news, fake content, then this remains a matter of concern
00:26:57for the Indian authorities.
00:26:59And if that remains a logic, then these social media accounts should remain banned.
00:27:05So, this remains a bigger question.
00:27:07But definitely, you know, people are asking this question on social media platforms as
00:27:10well.
00:27:11And even the former Foreign Secretary, Kamal Sibbal, has also expressed a similar concern on
00:27:15his social media account, asking that the same question that, you know, if the Operation
00:27:21Sindhoor is still on, then why have we lifted these social media accounts?
00:27:25Because they will keep spreading the same kind of news content, same kind of news stories.
00:27:31Absolutely, Pranay.
00:27:32Pranay, do stay with us.
00:27:33We also have defense expert Naredur Sajdev joining us on the broadcast to, in fact, put
00:27:38things into perspective further and put forth more insights into what might have gone down.
00:27:44Mr. Sajdev, thank you for speaking to us on India Today.
00:27:47A very good morning to you.
00:27:48You know, my first question to you would be, does this move not contradict the new normal
00:27:54for India, which is Operation Sindhoor, which still continues, as we have, in fact, reiterated
00:27:59across global platforms?
00:28:02Thank you so much.
00:28:03Pleasure to be with you.
00:28:05You know, I would definitely agree with you or understand where, I mean, our earlier
00:28:10speakers are also coming from.
00:28:12But there would be another way of looking at it.
00:28:13I was just thinking, it is that maybe we are confident enough.
00:28:18And, you know, these social media accounts, whatever propaganda they're spewing forth,
00:28:24I think, and fundamentally, I think India should be strong enough, big enough to ignore such.
00:28:30Right.
00:28:30So, to my mind, that would be one indication, that's how I would look.
00:28:35You know, let it be there.
00:28:36Let them, so whatever they do, why are we kind of, you know, also getting in the mud to
00:28:41thank you the pig?
00:28:43Right.
00:28:45Right.
00:28:45Mr. Sajdev, but when we say that, when we say that, we understand the perspective you are
00:28:50putting to the table.
00:28:50But when we also say that, we've recently been seeing the kind of backlash, or at least
00:28:55the national sentiment that still continues to be in existence within the country.
00:29:01Diljit Dosanj, for example, he's worked with a Pakistani actress much before Operation
00:29:06Sindhu took place.
00:29:07But now, there is a big controversy around his release of the film.
00:29:10So, if we just put things into context in that particular way, how are we looking at
00:29:15the fact that, A, firstly, there's just a partial ban on some of these.
00:29:19The ban has been lifted from some of these accounts.
00:29:22And B, then, does this give a free pass to those who had, in fact, come out to post against
00:29:28Operation Sindhu when it had taken place?
00:29:30Because some of these accounts had very clearly taken an anti-India stance then.
00:29:36Great question, great point.
00:29:37Yes, I would very much agree that the ones, to the second point, to the latter point that
00:29:42you mentioned, that the ones who have come out against India much more, you know, let's
00:29:48say much more, with much more venom, I think those should definitely not be allowed, right?
00:29:53But on the other hand, yes, as we are also saying that Operation Sindhu continues, I think
00:29:58it's time for us to understand what all is composing Operation Sindhu, right?
00:30:04We are saying Operation Sindhu is on.
00:30:05What all is going on?
00:30:07Is there a kinetic action going on?
00:30:09There could be.
00:30:09We do not know.
00:30:10Maybe at the borders, there are some, you know, skirmishes going on.
00:30:13Similarly, under Operation Sindhu, because let's say this band was part of Operation
00:30:19Sindhu, right?
00:30:20That's the way we could look at it.
00:30:22It was a multidimensional, you know, let's say, pushback by India against Pakistan.
00:30:27So as far as this band is concerned, one, I mean, I would definitely think that it's
00:30:32much more a signal of India's confidence, if that is the reason.
00:30:36There could be some other reason.
00:30:37But to my mind, inside even primarily, how much are these accounts harming us?
00:30:42I would like to understand that better, okay, or have known that better.
00:30:46But obviously, it's a government which is privy to such information.
00:30:50So it wasn't just a knee-jerk reaction that, okay, let's ban everything of Pakistan.
00:30:54Was it part of that?
00:30:55Or was a regular or a deep due diligence done and then said that, okay, these are culturally
00:31:01banned or let's have a blanket ban on all social media from Pakistan?
00:31:06I mean, we could go with that also.
00:31:07Let's have a blanket ban on all social media from Pakistan.
00:31:09That would be one way to look.
00:31:11But there would also be another way to look at that we are strong enough.
00:31:15We are confident.
00:31:16And from our intelligence, they should have been concluded that these social media accounts
00:31:21are not having any impact on opinions in India, right?
00:31:25That should have been verified once the ban is being lifted that these accounts or whatever
00:31:32these YouTube channels are, they are not making any impact.
00:31:35They are not bringing in any propaganda and Indians are not falling prey to that propaganda.
00:31:42I would guess and hope that that due diligence would have been done.
00:31:45Otherwise, the ban should have not have been lifted, at least on several.
00:31:49Mr. Sajrev, thank you for putting it into perspective and giving us the other side of the story as well.
00:31:57But right now, as we speak of why the government may have taken this step, let's take you through
00:32:01our next breaking news that's coming in.
00:32:03Government sources, in fact, come out to defend unbanning the Pakistani celeb accounts.
00:32:08Government points to the scrutiny on the park celebs.
00:32:11Sources have said that no India bashing by the unbanned Pakistan handles.
00:32:16Government has cited 14,000 Pakistani accounts are still banned.
00:32:21That is the big news that we are also getting to you at this point.
00:32:24And we will, in fact, bring in Franai into the conversation at this point.
00:32:28On the very story that we are, in fact, covering and now bringing into perspective,
00:32:34bringing into picture, for that matter, the government's side as well.
00:32:39The government has come out to cite that while, yes, there has been a partial unbanning of certain accounts here,
00:32:4514,000 Pakistani accounts still continue to be banned.
00:32:49Now, if we speak on these very accounts, remember, these accounts had been banned in the aftermath of Operation Sindhu
00:32:56when we had seen a lot of these accounts, in fact, voicing strong dissent against the Indian stance on terrorism.
00:33:06They had, in fact, come out to defend Pakistan at that given point while lashing out at India,
00:33:12while lashing out at India's Operation Sindhu that had been launched.
00:33:15So, yes, there are questions that's also coming to the fore with regards to why India has gotten soft.
00:33:20But, yes, as a defense expert, foreign affairs expert, Robinder Sarchdev was also saying that,
00:33:25yes, there must have been due diligence done wherein these accounts must have been scrutinized,
00:33:30which the government sources are now coming out to say that, yes, there have been no anti-India posts from these accounts
00:33:37in the recent past and which is why, after scrutinizing these accounts, they have been given, not a free pass,
00:33:45but, yes, for now, the ban has been lifted from these very accounts.
00:33:49So, yes, this is the developing story at this given point.
00:33:53While we still await an official statement to come in from the government as to what exactly has gone down
00:34:00or, rather, what will happen to the rest of the accounts, yes, we will keep a track of all of those developments.
00:34:06But, for now, let's bring in Piyush Mishra into the conversation.
00:34:09Piyush, very good morning to you.
00:34:11Let us understand this.
00:34:12We are also given to understand now that the government has come out to say that due diligence has been done.
00:34:17Accounts have been scrutinized, post which this ban has been lifted from these certain accounts.
00:34:22Do take us through some more details, please.
00:34:24Well, actually, as we talk about the government sources, what we are told is that the government
00:34:28has now reviewed the social media accounts that were banned and there were multiple accounts.
00:34:33You could remember that during the Operation Sindhura, at the time, the Ministry of Communications
00:34:41has decided to ban, IT and Communications have decided to ban multiple accounts.
00:34:46And now, what we are told is that some of these platforms have been visited, who have not
00:34:53taken anti-India stars for a while.
00:34:56But we are also told is that around 14,000 accounts on social media are still there, which
00:35:03speaks, you know, anti-India language.
00:35:06They are still banned.
00:35:07And the sources are also telling us that the accounts cannot be permanently banned and these
00:35:13accounts are subjected to regular reviews.
00:35:15That's what the sources are telling us.
00:35:16And that's why a few accounts, not all, but a few accounts.
00:35:20On these accounts, the ban has been lifted.
00:35:23But there are multiple accounts that are still there on which the ban continues.
00:35:27We are also told that in coming through this, the government is likely to review a few more
00:35:32accounts and after that, a decision would be taken.
00:35:35But this has been taken, the decision has been taken because sources are telling us that
00:35:38the accounts cannot be permanently banned and that these accounts are subject to regular
00:35:43reviews.
00:35:44Right, Piyush.
00:35:45Thank you for bringing us all those details into this very story and how things have panned
00:35:50out, also giving us the government side as to what the sources have said.
00:35:53But yes, as we mentioned, viewers, there has been no official statement.
00:35:57Yes, we are awaiting the official statement on this matter from the government side as
00:36:01to what process has been followed and what awaits for the rest of the 14,000 accounts
00:36:06which continue to be banned.
00:36:10With that, viewers, we are now shifting our focus to another story which also, in fact,
00:36:15is within this particular territory as well as we speak.
00:36:18Giljit Dosan has put the rumors of his exit from the film Border 2 to rest by sharing behind
00:36:24the scenes video.
00:36:25Now, the Punjabi singer and actor shared the video from the sets of Border 2 on Instagram
00:36:30which confirms that he is still a part of the film.
00:36:33And with the ongoing Sardar G3 controversy, several reports claim that Giljit was dropped
00:36:37from Border 2.
00:36:38In fact, it was.
00:36:39It had become a matter of nationalism versus creative freedom for that matter.
00:36:44In the video, Giljit can be seen stepping out of his vanity van, wearing a formal suit with
00:36:49an army logo and a badge on it.
00:36:51He then walks inside the set.
00:36:53The president of the film body, FWICE, has told India today that Bhushan Kumar requested
00:36:59him to allow Giljit to shoot and that the federation has now revoked the ban order.
00:37:04We have spoken to some members from the industry on this matter.
00:37:07Let's quickly take a look at as to what has been said by them.
00:37:10Bhushan Kumar Ji, we have been meeting two times with Bhushan Kumar Ji.
00:37:16And they requested that our whole film is completed by Biljit Dushan and their portion is
00:37:27finished.
00:37:28We are non-cooperation against Diljit continues.
00:37:54So, anybody else casts him and works with him in the film, then he should be ready for
00:38:02facing huge losses.
00:38:05The federation will not bow down and the federation will not be responsible for the heavy losses
00:38:13which will be suffered by that producer.
00:38:16So, it's a call we have taken in good sense and in good, this thing of the industry.
00:38:24There is no Pakistani actors or Pakistani actor in the film.
00:38:28And then the film is based on security forces.
00:38:31So, all these things were considered by the federation.
00:38:34With that, Sana Farzeen joins us on the broadcast to bring us more details.
00:38:38Sana, very good morning to you.
00:38:39Very firstly, let's understand this.
00:38:41Diljit Dushanj recently has gone into a massive loss of face at this point when we speak of
00:38:47what exactly happened with Sardar G3.
00:38:50Now, when the makers of Border 2 come out to request that he not be banned from that very
00:38:55film, would you not say that it's a big risk that's also being taken by the makers at
00:39:00this point?
00:39:02Absolutely, good morning.
00:39:04And definitely it's a big risk because the film is set to release next year, Republic Day.
00:39:09I mean, that's also a day that will celebrate Indians and, of course, patriotism.
00:39:15And definitely there is a section of fans, there is a section of audiences who are still
00:39:20against Diljit and him working with Pakistani actors.
00:39:24And definitely this could cause issues when the film is released subsequently in next year.
00:39:30However, the makers, as rightly, they do not want to incur financial losses at the moment
00:39:36because 80 to 85 percent of the film with Diljit, Diljit's portion in the film have already
00:39:42been shot.
00:39:43And the makers, this is why requested the Federation that he be allowed to be part of the film.
00:39:48And just a song was remaining and they wanted to shoot that.
00:39:51However, as rightly, you rightly mentioned, definitely it's not just a risk, but also
00:39:57this could make the film just lose and dilute the entire subject that it talks about.
00:40:04It talks about the Indian army.
00:40:06It talks about patriotism.
00:40:08And definitely during the promotions, people would be, the media would want to know more
00:40:12about it.
00:40:13The people would want to know more about what happened with Diljit, the aftermath of him
00:40:17working with Hanya Aamir.
00:40:19And thus, the entire subject can get diluted when you are working with someone like Diljit,
00:40:24especially at this moment.
00:40:26Of course, Diljit has been a global star.
00:40:28His association with Border 2 had raised a lot of excitement among fans, given he's a
00:40:33Sardar and he wanted to play an army officer.
00:40:36All this before Sardarji 3 had definitely led to a lot of excitement among fans and anticipation
00:40:42about Border 2.
00:40:43But however, right now, given the scenario, given the situation, definitely this would
00:40:49cause a lot of issues.
00:40:51However, Border 2 is definitely an important film, a film that a lot of people are looking
00:40:55forward to.
00:40:56And definitely the producers would be hoping that the controversy kind of dies down or
00:41:02just gets diluted once it's about to release so that the focus remains on Border 2 rather
00:41:07than Diljit, Dushanj and the controversy.
00:41:10Right, Sana, at this given point, it is definitely a big irony that's coming to light and whether
00:41:17he ends up becoming a financial asset to the movie or a liability, that's something only
00:41:22time will tell as we grow closer to the very release date.
00:41:26But yes, thank you for putting it into perspective for our viewers.
00:41:29Our next story and the updates coming in are from the state of West Bengal.
00:41:54Kolkata Survivor's father, this is the Kolkata gang rape that we're speaking of, speaks up
00:41:59for the first time after the incident has come to light.
00:42:03Distraught father demands strictest punishment.
00:42:06Victim's father says, and I quote, want the harshest punishment on the rapist.
00:42:12Rapist Monajit and two others gang raped the college student.
00:42:15This is the South Kolkata Law College that we're speaking of, and this is the latest update
00:42:20that we're bringing to you on this very story.
00:42:23He has, in fact, come into demand for not just justice, but also the strictest of punishment
00:42:29for the rapist.
00:42:30Let's, in fact, take you through that very conversation wherein he has come out to demand
00:42:35for justice.
00:42:35So, this is the
00:43:05particular story that we are following, viewers.
00:43:07There are some very chilling details that we are, that we were, in fact, getting yesterday
00:43:11on this very rape horror wherein there was an account that had come in from the Kolkata
00:43:16police prosecutor as well who had said that an inhaler was used to revive the victim and
00:43:23then she was raped again.
00:43:25There was also another counter evidence that had come in.
00:43:28There were back scratches before that, let me tell you, that were found on Monajit's
00:43:32back, the main accused in the matter, which, in fact, may end up being a crucial DNA evidence
00:43:37in this very case.
00:43:38But, to counter that very evidence, we had seen the Monajit's lawyer come out to say
00:43:43that no one is speaking, or rather the prosecutors are not speaking about the very matter, that
00:43:50there were love bites around Monajit's neck.
00:43:53So, that proves that this was not rape.
00:43:54So, bizarre claims and sickening claims at this given point that's coming to the fore.
00:43:58And now, the father of the victim has also spoken out in this matter.
00:44:02With that, let me quickly cut across to Rajesh Shaha and bring him into the conversation as
00:44:06he brings us all the latest updates on this.
00:44:08Rajesh, a very good morning to you.
00:44:09These are the latest that we are hearing in terms of the case that we have been following.
00:44:15The father has come out to say that we demand the strictest punishment.
00:44:19And this comes in as the investigation continues.
00:44:25Zalbisra's father, the victim, has said that he is demanding the strictest punishment of
00:44:34the all arrested accused, including the prime accused, Monajit Nisra.
00:44:38He has demanded the highest punishment of all accused.
00:44:42Not only his father, we spoke to another relative of the victim, who is a maternal uncle of the
00:44:48victim.
00:44:49He also said that they are demanding the highest punishment of all four arrested accused in
00:44:55this case, including the three armed accused.
00:44:58And the father and relative of the victim has also demanded that they should not be get bailed
00:45:07immediately because whatever they have done, they should be punished.
00:45:11And the father of the victim has also said that they have full faith in Kolkata police because
00:45:17we asked him whether they are demanding for CBI investigation or not.
00:45:22But the relative of the victim has said that they have full faith in Kolkata police.
00:45:26The father of the victim has also said that he also has full faith in Kolkata police.
00:45:32Right, Rajesh, thank you for all those details.
00:45:37Yes, investigation does continue and the cries for justice only grow louder with time.
00:45:42With that, let's also bring you up to date with the entire story at this point.
00:45:46What started as a chilling cry for justice after a brutal rape case has now exposed a horrifying
00:45:53tale of assault while abusing political clout.
00:45:56But what is worse, the saga is now witnessing witness shaming, denial and even trivializing
00:46:03the very crime that's taken place.
00:46:05While the accused lawyer spins vile theories that we were just talking about, the evidence
00:46:10and more survivors are now speaking louder than ever.
00:46:14India Today reports, take a look.
00:46:15The South Kolkata law college gang rape horror gets darker and uglier with every passing day.
00:46:28What started as a shocking case of gang rape is now turning into a chilling saga of abuse,
00:46:34denial and disgrace.
00:46:36The defense has crossed a new line.
00:46:38Accused Monajit Mishra's lawyer has made sickening claims in court, citing love bites on his neck
00:46:44as the so-called proof that this wasn't rape.
00:46:47As the so-called proof that this wasn't rape.
00:47:14While Monajit's lawyer makes bogus claims of proof, here is actual physical proof of assault.
00:47:24Scratch marks were found on his body.
00:47:26Injuries confirmed during his medical legal exam on Sunday.
00:47:30Reports say these are classic signs of self-defense.
00:47:33Deep scratches left by the victim as she fought back with all her strength.
00:47:37This evidence could prove crucial.
00:47:40A silent scream embedded in DNA.
00:47:42The grim and horrifying picture painted by the prosecution doesn't end here.
00:47:47There is evidence showing the victim lost consciousness during the assault,
00:47:51only to be revived and raped again.
00:47:54An act so brutal, it defies humanity.
00:47:56And as this case plays out in the courtroom,
00:47:59another voice has come forward.
00:48:27Another student from the same institution has come forward with her traumatic experience.
00:48:34She claims she was assaulted by Monajit during a college trip two years ago.
00:48:39In her exclusive account to India Today TV,
00:48:42she alleges a pattern of predatory behavior involving at least 15 other girls.
00:48:47I had noticed that Monajit Misha was the one who had locked the door and he was staring at me and he was evidently very much under the influence of not just alcohol,
00:49:01but evidently also weed.
00:49:02He was drinking of it.
00:49:03And he had been advancing towards me with his buttons of the shirt opening one by one.
00:49:13Any girl in my possession, including me, I sensed what was about to come and what could be this guy standing in front of me's intentions.
00:49:22On several occasions, Monajit has been seen having close exchanges and interactions with DMC MLAs and leaders.
00:49:31Proof of the political patronage he enjoyed.
00:49:34The question Bengal must ask is this.
00:49:37If the evidence screams, the survivors speak and the public can see the truth,
00:49:42will the system still look away?
00:49:45Beera Report, India Today.
00:49:50With that, viewers, we are shifting our focus to the state of Maharashtra now.
00:49:54A disturbing new video from Maharashtra has sparked outrage across India.
00:49:58Workers from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, that is also the MNS as we know it,
00:50:03the party led by Raj Thakre, were caught on camera confronting a shopkeeper simply for not speaking in Marathi.
00:50:10The altercation quickly escalated into assault as he was slapped repeatedly for responding that all languages are spoken here.
00:50:18The retail owner was interrogated about why he didn't speak Marathi and then physically assaulted once he mentioned Hindi.
00:50:25Following the viral clip, police registered an FIR against the seven MNS workers.
00:50:30In fact, this is the big news that we are bringing to you that has also been a developing story.
00:50:35Now, let's quickly take a look at the exact incident that played out at this very shop first.
00:50:40Thanks for listening.
00:51:10foreign
00:51:24foreign
00:51:40foreign
00:51:53foreign
00:51:58foreign
00:52:04foreign
00:52:08So, he has decided to talk directly to the government.
00:52:15He has decided to talk directly to the government.
00:52:21I would like to say that in Maharashtra, you will go to Maharashtra,
00:52:26and you will be able to talk directly to the government.
00:52:29If you are from Maharashtra, you will not be able to take it from Gujarat.
00:52:38You know what's concerning at this point is the MNS leader doesn't only not seem apologetic toward the incident,
00:52:44but he is very clear. We've seen language wars in the past with a certain sense of regional pride.
00:52:52And this seems to be another case of that in Maharashtra this time.
00:52:56And it's really unfortunate how unapologetic this particular leader from MNS seems,
00:53:02even after the incident has taken place.
00:53:06Well, in fact, you know, a case, an FIR has been registered on the complaint of the shopkeeper.
00:53:14And the Meera Bhinder, one of the police commissioner,
00:53:18has sent notices to at least three of those people who were seen.
00:53:23Though the FIR is registered, even half a dozen people,
00:53:29but then three of them have been sent notices asking them to be present
00:53:32so that their statements should be recorded.
00:53:34But of course, this is not something new.
00:53:36We had seen that, you know, on June 29th probably this incident happened,
00:53:42but we have seen that incidences like these have happened earlier as well in Maharashtra,
00:53:46wherein over a language barrier, over being from outside Maharashtra, there are incidences like these, though they are very straight.
00:53:54But then there have been incidences in the past as well, wherein just for not speaking the language,
00:54:00for not being here, people have been dashed up, especially by the, you know, MNS leaders.
00:54:06And the fact remains that the MNS higher leaders have never condemned these acts and have only promoted them.
00:54:14Right, Vidya, thank you for bringing us all those details.
00:54:18Viewers, let's take you through that very moment where this exact incident took place at the very shop that we are speaking of.
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00:56:52award to India's youth. Prime Minister Modi was welcomed by the President of Ghana and received
00:56:57a rousing reception from the Indian diaspora there. He became the first Indian Prime Minister
00:57:02to visit Ghana in three decades. In Ghana, the Prime Minister's key focus is gaining stronger
00:57:09access to West African markets. He's also held bilateral talks with the Ghanaian President
00:57:13where investment, energy, security, digital infrastructure and agriculture were high on
00:57:19the agenda. Next on the itinerary is Trinidad and Tobago where the focus will be on boosting
00:57:25trade in the Caribbean region. This is the story that we are focusing on at the very top of this
00:57:31segment. The Prime Minister's visit to Ghana and him being conferred with this very honour in Ghana
00:57:39at this given point that we are in fact focusing on and yes it is a five nation tour that we are
00:57:45speaking of that the Prime Minister has embarked on. In fact, this happens to be a long tour in a long
00:57:52time that we are witnessing that the Prime Minister has in fact embarked on and he will also be attending
00:57:58the BRIC summit in Brazil while on this very tour. But yes, his first stop was in Ghana as we speak
00:58:05and now he will be proceeding to Trinidad and Tobago. This in fact was a very crucial visit to Ghana
00:58:12because it was the first in three decades, which is what marks its very importance, with the
00:58:19opportunity and with focus on the opportunities to expand India's presence in the West African markets.
00:58:27These are certain bilateral focuses that we are speaking of between India and Ghana. With that,
00:58:33let's bring in Pranay Upadhyay who joins me on the broadcast. Pranay, you know when we speak of this
00:58:38very honour that has been bestowed upon the Prime Minister, it also reinforces the relationship
00:58:44between India and Ghana, especially after the fact that this visit is the first in three decades.
00:58:52You're absolutely right Shreya, this is the first time in the last three decades the Prime Minister
00:58:57Narendra Modi has taken this visit and this is the first visit after three decades of any Indian
00:59:03Prime Minister to Ghana. Ghana is an important partner of India as far as the trade relations are
00:59:08concerned, the strategic relations are concerned and that's why both countries have decided to
00:59:14elevate the relationship to a comprehensive partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit.
00:59:19And to attach the importance, you know, to give importance to this visit,
00:59:25Ghana has conferred the Officer of the Order of the Star to Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
00:59:30which is the highest civilian order, highest civilian honour from Ghana.
00:59:36This also gives, you know, how much, this also shows that, you know,
00:59:39how much importance Ghana community, Ghana people give to Indian people and Indian community.
00:59:44Indian, Ghana has around 15,000 Indian community there and, you know,
00:59:49they are strongly contributing to the development story of Ghana and that's why Prime Minister Narendra Modi has,
00:59:56with humility, he has accepted this award on
00:59:58...
01:00:01...
01:00:05...
01:00:08...
01:00:09...
01:00:10Very true, Prana. You've made some very pertinent points there. It only shows the relationship between
01:00:15these two nations and how the Ghanaian community is indeed very important for India. With that, viewers,
01:00:20we'll also take you through what exactly is this bilateral relationship that we are speaking of between
01:00:27India and Ghana. This is, remember, the first visit of Prime Minister Modi's, especially also a
01:00:34first visit in three decades that we are looking at at this given point. Prime Minister Modi's maiden visit to Ghana.
01:00:39Significance one, definitely, as we said, it's a first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in itself over three decades.
01:00:47Number two would be the fact that this is, India is the top destination for Ghana's exports, which is why
01:00:54the Ghanaian community is also very close to the Indian community at this given point when we speak of
01:01:00economic importance. And it doesn't end there when we speak of the economic importance at this given
01:01:05part. We also have over 70% of India's gold imports from Ghana. These are some of the crucial economic,
01:01:12uh, you know, importances that we are harping on, that we are focusing on, which also remain to be the
01:01:17bilateral focus of this very meet between the two leaders. With that, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also,
01:01:23as we were mentioning before, started his five-nation tour during which he will attend the BRIC summit in
01:01:28Brazil. During the first leg of the visit, Prime Minister Modi arrived in Ghana and held wide-ranging talks with
01:01:34President John Dramani Mahama. Modi was also conferred with the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana.
01:01:40During the visit, Prime Minister will also be visiting Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia.
01:01:46Here is a news report. Take a look.
01:01:53Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his five-nation diplomatic tour in an effort to reach out to the
01:02:00global south. This nine-day tour is seen as the Prime Minister's longest visit overseas.
01:02:08The Prime Minister's visit begins with Ghana. He will also visit Trinidad, Tobago, Argentina,
01:02:14Brazil and Namibia. Prime Minister will also attend the BRICS Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
01:02:21Modi begins his tour by first stopping at Ghana, his first bilateral visit and also first Prime Ministerial
01:02:28visit to the country in three decades. India shares a growing trade and investment policy with Ghana.
01:02:35India imports more than 70% of Ghanaian gold. Economy, energy, defence and development cooperation
01:02:43are likely issues to be discussed. The next destination is Trinidad, Tobago, where 40-45% of the Indian
01:02:51diaspora live. Even Prime Minister Kamala Prasad Bisesar and President Pristine Carlo Kangaloo are of Indian
01:02:59origin. This will also be Modi's first visit to Trinidad, Tobago and the first visit by an Indian
01:03:05Prime Minister after 1999. This will also mark 180 years of the arrival of Indian immigrants in Trinidad,
01:03:13Tobago. On July 4th, the Prime Minister will land in Argentina and meet Haber Millay, one of the most
01:03:24important allies of the U.S. Millay's election campaign was particularly famous as he wielded
01:03:30chainsaw during his campaign and also gifted one to the Tesla CEO Elon Musk. This will also be the
01:03:37first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 57 years. Cooperation in defence, agriculture,
01:03:45mining, oil and gas, energy will likely to be the topic of discussion. India is also eyeing Argentina's
01:03:51mineral resources, especially lithium for India's green energy transition. The South American country
01:03:57is also a major supplier of soya bean and sunflower oil. The next important stop is Brazil, where the
01:04:04Prime Minister will be on a state visit. He will also attend the two-day BRICS leader summit. Global
01:04:10governance, peace and security, multilateralism, AI, climate action, global health will top the
01:04:17Prime Minister's talking agenda at the summit. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings on the
01:04:22sidelines of the summit. Modi concludes his nine-day tour by visiting Namibia, his first and the third
01:04:30foreign Indian Prime Minister. Modi will pay homage to the founding father of Namibia, Dr. Sam Nujoma and
01:04:37will also address the nation's parliament. India has largely invested in mining, manufacturing, diamond
01:04:44processing and services in Namibia. In 2022, eight cheetahs from Namibia were released by the Prime Minister
01:04:52at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. With Mahashweta Lala, Bureau Report, India Today.
01:05:08With our viewers, our next focus is a big India Today exclusive that we are bringing to you
01:05:14at this very segment of the hour. Jay Shankar, External Affairs Minister, has responded to India
01:05:20today at the Quad. Now, what has he said? He has called out the West for not backing India in their
01:05:27anti-terrorism operations. External Affairs Minister has said, and I quote, ceasefire talks
01:05:34happened exclusively between the DGMOs. Jay Shankar has in fact met the US Defence Secretary
01:05:40as well as the US Intel Chief at this very Quad meet, which is what makes this even more important.
01:05:46Let's in fact take you through this very response from the External Affairs Minister that we are
01:05:51speaking of to a question that was posed by our own colleague.
01:05:58Obviously, in the mind of a lot of people, what was your initial response at NEA and at
01:06:03Prime Minister's office when President Trump announced ceasefire? Did you immediately reach out
01:06:08to express your disagreement and how was that taken by the White House? Two years ago, sorry,
01:06:15second question. Two years ago, I asked you in one of these briefings and you noted that Pakistan was
01:06:20no longer a central piece to, you know, bilateral relationship between India and the US. Has that
01:06:25changed now after the Operation Sindhu entered? Do you believe there's a double standard when it comes
01:06:31to terrorism, you know, when it happens in like countries like India versus the West? Do you think
01:06:36Western countries see it differently, terrorism happening on their shores versus when it happens abroad? Thank you.
01:06:42Well, look, I would say that even today, the central factor in the relationship between India and the United
01:06:58States is India and the United States. It is our complementarity in many ways. It is the benefits
01:07:06that we get from closer relationship that is actually driving it. It is not, you know,
01:07:11big relationships are not forged in terms of third countries and where they fit. So, I, you know,
01:07:22the comment I made to you earlier, I would say applies even today that, you know, if I am talking
01:07:28about the United, you know, when I'm looking at the future of our ties with the United States, or if I
01:07:33even look back at the progress in our ties with the United States over the last 20 years, I would
01:07:39put it to you, a lot of it is, you know, it's about trade, it is about investment, it is about
01:07:44technology, it is about mobility, it is about energy, it is about defence. So, I would really urge you to
01:07:52get over the idea that we need to define ourselves vis-à-vis third countries in order to forge ahead
01:07:58somewhere. That is not the case. We are a big country. We are, you know, among the top five
01:08:03economies of the world. We are the most populous country in the world. Our influence is growing.
01:08:08We must have that self-confidence, even in asking questions. So, and the, look, in, in, I think the
01:08:18record of what happened at that time was, was very clear. And the ceasefire was something which,
01:08:24you know, was negotiated between the DGMOs of the two countries. So, I will leave it at that.
01:08:29And on, on the terrorism issue, again, look,
01:08:38it is a fact that countries, many, you know, often countries do not take a position when some other
01:08:48country is a victim of terrorism, which they would do when they themselves are. We have, in that respect,
01:08:55honestly, been much more consistent and principled. That we have, when terrorist incidents, attacks
01:09:04happen elsewhere, outside India, we have largely followed the same position that we have taken
01:09:13when they have happened in India. So, if, is your point that others, are others not doing it? My answer
01:09:21to you is, yes, you are right. Many of them are not doing it or not doing it sufficiently enough.
01:09:26And part of diplomacy is to exhort them, encourage them, persuade them, motivate them to do that.
01:09:34And which is why it's important to speak up and which is why it's important to carry them with us
01:09:42us to the best possible degree.