Langkawi, May 20 (IANS) India marked a prominent presence at the 17th edition of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2025), with Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth meeting Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim during the event’s grand opening ceremony.The event commenced on Tuesday with a grand opening ceremony attended by global defence and aerospace leaders.Highlighting the significance of India’s participation, the Indian High Commission in Malaysia took to social media to mention the country’s involvement in the event.“India at LIMA-2025 Hon’ble Minister of State for Defence (Raksha Rajya Mantri) of India Sanjay Seth met with YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim, Hon’ble Prime Minister of Malaysia, during the impressive opening ceremony of LIMA 2025. Hon’ble PM Ibrahim requested Sanjay Seth to convey greetings and high regards to his dear friend PM Narendra Modi. In his inaugural address, PM Ibrahim also acknowledged the participation of India, referring to it as one of the key neighbours of Malaysia, in LIMA 2025,” India in Malaysia posted on its official X account.LIMA, one of the premier defence and aerospace exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific region, is being held in Langkawi from May 20 to 24. As part of India’s participation, a dedicated Indian Pavilion has been established, which will be officially inaugurated by Minister Sanjay Seth.The pavilion is a showcase of India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities, underscoring the country’s commitment to self-reliance and technological innovation.Several prominent Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited, BEML, and Gliders India Limited are part of the Indian delegation. In addition, leading Indian private defence companies are also displaying advanced indigenous systems in aerospace and maritime domains.India’s defence forces are represented at LIMA 2025 by key operational assets, including a Dornier aircraft and an Indian Naval Ship, reinforcing the country’s defence readiness and maritime strength.On the sidelines of the event, Minister Sanjay Seth is expected to hold bilateral talks with Malaysia’s Minister of Defence, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, to further deepen strategic and defence cooperation between the two nations.India and Malaysia maintain a robust defence partnership under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework established during Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to India in 2024.Defence and security cooperation remains a cornerstone of this evolving bilateral relationship.First held in 1991, LIMA has grown into a key platform for international defence dialogue, industry collaboration, and technology exchange. India’s engagement at LIMA 2025 is expected to strengthen its regional presence and foster new avenues of cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.–IANSrs/dpb

United Nations, May 20 (IANS) Supporters of the Awami League held a demonstration on Monday outside the UN headquarters against the ban on the party in Bangladesh and demanded that the world organisation ensure that democracy is restored.Siddique Rahman, the president of the USA Awami League, said, “The illegal government of Muhammad Yunus has banned the Awami League, which is the legally elected party”.If the elections are to be held in the inclusive manner that the UN wants, the ban should be lifted, and the League should be allowed to participate in it, he said.The UN should ensure that democracy is restored, he added.Yunus may have received the Nobel Prize, but he is now a dictator running an unelected regime that overthrew the legitimate government, Rahman added.About 75 people drawn from the USA Awami League, Committee for Democratic Bangladesh, Congress of Bangladeshi Americans, and the America Bangladesh Community Development Initiative joined the protest.Speakers at the protest said that the US should demand that democracy be restored to Bangladesh.The interim government, headed by Yunus, which took power amid riots and protests against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, banned the Awami League under the Anti-terrorism Act.Last week, the Bangladesh Election Commission suspended the party’s registration, making it ineligible to contest elections.Bangladesh has not set a date for elections.Prodip Kar, an organiser of the protest, said they had given a memorandum to the UN with their demands.He said that Sheikh Hasina remains the prime minister legally and that Yunus took power with the help of “the Jamaat-e-Islami and terrorists”.–IANSal/rs

London, May 20 (IANS) Britain and the European Union (EU) reached a wide-ranging agreement, which is expected to generate nearly 9 billion pounds (about $12.02 billion) for the British economy by 2040, Downing Street announced.The deal was unveiled ahead of the first-ever UK-EU summit held in London, a meeting hailed by both sides as a “historic moment.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the agreement a “new chapter” in the relationship, as the two sides seek to reset ties after years of post-Brexit friction.Hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the summit brought together von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa. All three praised the deal as a major step forward during a joint press conference, Xinhua news agency reported.One major highlight is a youth mobility scheme, described by Downing Street as “capped and time-limited,” and modeled on similar agreements with countries like Australia and New Zealand. The UK and EU will also work toward restoring British participation in the Erasmus+ academic exchange program, from which the UK withdrew during the current 2021-2027 cycle.Von der Leyen stressed that the mobility initiative will help rebuild long-term academic and cultural connections between European and British youth.The agreement also includes a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal aimed at easing trade in food and agricultural goods. It will eliminate many routine checks on animal and plant products, cutting costs, reducing red tape, and reopening EU markets to British exports such as burgers and shellfish. It will also streamline goods movement between Britain and Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework.”This deal slashes red tape for exporters and will bring down food prices in British supermarkets,” Starmer said. “It directly impacts working people across the country.”In the fisheries sector, Britain and the EU agreed to a 12-year framework that preserves British access to EU waters and maintains current quotas for EU vessels. The British government will invest 360 million pounds to modernise its fleet and upgrade technology.”Under the old arrangement, we moved to year-by-year negotiations, which brought instability,” Starmer said. “This new deal offers predictability. Over 70 per cent of our seafood is sold to the EU, so reducing red tape makes a material difference.”The agreement also lays the groundwork for defence and security cooperation, including a framework for UK participation in the EU’s SAFE defence program, which supports joint military procurement. Further negotiations will address financial contributions and supply chain arrangements.British holidaymakers also stand to benefit. The deal will expand access to Europol data and enhance cooperation on biometric and vehicle information. British travelers will once again be able to use eGates at EU border controls, streamlining passport checks.Despite broad support, the agreement has also faced criticism. Opposition Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch pledged to reverse it if her party returns to power, while Reform UK’s Nigel Farage called the move a “surrender” to Brussels.Fisheries groups also voiced discontent. The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations said the deal “gives away the best card we still had,” benefiting large exporters and supermarkets more than independent fishers.Still, analysts viewed the agreement as a pragmatic step forward.”Fishing is a tiny part of the British economy, but critics will latch onto it as symbolic,” said Iain Begg, a European politics expert at the London School of Economics and Political Science. “However, reducing barriers to UK exports carries much greater economic weight — especially for defence contractors who could benefit from EU military procurement.”On the mobility deal, Begg noted that relaxed passport controls will be welcomed by many Brits, especially as the holiday season approaches.While some critics view the deal as a British retreat, others argue it signals a more mature phase in UK-EU relations.”If you frame this as winners and losers, you miss the bigger picture,” said Steve Nolan, senior economics lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University, who sees the move as a mutual recognition that “we are close neighbors and strategic partners.” In a fragmented world, this is a sign that “grown-up negotiation is back on the table,” he added.No timeline has been set for the agreement’s full implementation, but Starmer said remaining negotiations would continue “with the same pace and intensity.” (1 British pound = $1.34) –IANSint/rs

United Nations, May 20 (IANS) The UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator,…

Washington, May 20 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said that Russia and Ukraine will begin ceasefire negotiations and that the Vatican has offered to host them.Trump’s announcement came after a two-hour-long phone call with President Vladimir Putin. He conveyed details of the conversation to Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky in a separate call and to other European leaders.“Just completed my two-hour call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. I believe it went very well. Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War,” Trump wrote in a long post on Truth Social, his social media platform.Russia-Ukraine talks have taken place in fits and bursts amidst efforts by the American president to end the three-year war. Negotiations between the two sides were to take place directly between Putin and Zelensky in Turkey last week, but the Russian leader did not show up. Trump, who was on a West Asia tour at the time, had indicated he might go over but did not.The conditions for the ceasefire will be “negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be, because they know the details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of. The tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent. If it wasn’t, I would say so now, rather than later”, Trump said further.“Russia wants to do large-scale TRADE with the United States when this catastrophic ‘bloodbath’ is over, and I agree. There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is UNLIMITED. Likewise, Ukraine can be a great beneficiary on Trade, in the process of rebuilding its Country. Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will begin immediately,” he added.Trump noted in the post that he had “informed” President Zelenskyy, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, French President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy, Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany, and President Alexander Stubb of Finland.Finally, he said, “The Vatican, as represented by the Pope, has stated that it would be very interested in hosting the negotiations. Let the process begin!”–IANSyrj/rs

Dhaka, May 19 (IANS) Bangladesh’s Election Commissioner Abdur Rahman Masud on Monday stated that the Awami League will not be able to participate the General Elections.The Muhammad Yunus-led administration had issued an official notification on May 12, banning the Awami League party and its affiliated bodies from conducting activities online and elsewhere.According to the Election Commissioner, the acceptability of conducting election without the participation of Awami League cannot be stated.Masud made the comment while addressing a workshop titled ‘Review of Voters Lists for the upcoming General Elections’ at the Regional Public Administration Training Centre (RPATC) in Rajshahi.The Election Commission, it was detailed, is working to conduct elections in June 2026. Akhter Ahmad, Secretary in the Election Commission and officials from Rajshahi Election Commission, Law Enforcement officials were also present at the workshop.The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Saturday had expressed concerns that their December election deadline may quietly pass away as the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus is showing no indication of launching preparations for the polls.Some senior BNP leaders stated that nine months after the Yunus-led interim government came to power, there is still no talk about holding elections in the country. Additionally, many controversial moves, such as allowing human corridors to Rakhine and outsourcing port operations, have raised serious doubts about the government’s true intentions.The leaders further mentioned that the party rank and file is exerting pressure to take to the streets in order to put pressure on the interim government to announce a clear election roadmap and hold elections this year.Local media reported that a BNP leader, wishing to remain anonymous, said the party fears that the ban on activities of the Awami League, increasing contradictions among the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Jamaat-e-Islami are leading to unnecessary street protests, which might further complicate the political scenario in the coming days.Further, the BNP suspects that the recent ban on the activities of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party, Awami League, and the subsequent suspension of the party’s registration by the Election Commission are part of a larger conspiracy by local and international actors to prolong the power of the interim government.“Every now and then, new issues are brought forward, reforms are dragged out, and the overall situation is kept in a state of flux. It appears to be part of a larger conspiracy to defer elections indefinitely,” a member of the BNP Standing Committee told UNB on condition of anonymity.“Our youth rally will be held on May 28 with a massive showdown in Dhaka. From that rally, the BNP will send out a strong message to the government not to unnecessarily delay the election,” said another BNP leader–IANSint/scor/as

Dhaka, May 19 (IANS) The Supreme Court of Bangladesh on Monday stayed the bail granted to 61 lawyers who have been labelled as ‘pro-Awami League’ by the High Court in a case filed over alleged assault and attempted murder of fellow lawyers during the 2024 July uprising. The Appellate Division bench headed by Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury passed the judgment after hearing the matter, local media reported.Last month, a Dhaka court rejected the bail pleas of 83 ‘pro-Awami League’ lawyers and sent them to jail on the allegation of committing violence during last year’s July uprising. Later, 61 out of the 83 lawyers were granted bail by the High Court considering that there were no specific allegations against the lawyers.However, following a state petition challenging the bail order, the chamber judge of the Appellate Division on April 29 stayed the bail until May 5. The matter was thereafter referred to the regular bench of the Appellate Division for hearing, which on Monday suspended the bail order of the lawyers.The Awami League party, led by former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, had severely condemned the Dhaka court order of denying bail and imprisoning the 80 lawyers who had surrendered.The party stated that these lawyers, who had stood up for the rights of the oppressed and victimised Bangladeshi people, have been targetted as they could have exposed the “fraudulent nature” of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.”The fascist Yunus government has not only appointed its obedient allies as judges but has also continued its blatant interference in the judiciary. Using force, it has unlawfully removed high court judges. When people are victims of injustice or lose their rights, they seek justice by turning to the courts. Yet, the Yunus regime continues to abuse the judiciary, issuing one unlawful order after another, creating a horrific precedent in our history,” read a statement issued by the Awami League.The Awami League condemned the interim government and further said that the Yunus-led interim government has used the courts to “harass lawyers (including senior and female legal professionals) with fabricated cases.”“We demand the immediate withdrawal of all politically motivated, false, and harassing cases against these lawyers and others. We also demand the unconditional release of all political prisoners,” the statement added.–IANSint/scor/as

Dhaka, May 19 (IANS) A top official of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Monday mounted a fierce challenge to the interim government’s legitimacy, arguing that it lacks a democratic mandate to implement meaningful reforms and has pushed Bangladesh to the path of uncertainty.

“It is the primary responsibility of this government to take the necessary steps to take Bangladesh towards democratic transformation. Right now, the people are asking, where we are headed, where Bangladesh will go in the coming days, how long will this government stay, when will the election be held, and what will happen to Bangladesh afterwards. We are not seeing anything assuring in this regard,” said BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, also a former Minister of Commerce, while addressing a dialogue titled ‘Policy Reforms and the Upcoming National Budget’ organised by the Citizen’s Platform in Dhaka.Chowdhury stated that the budget was being drawn up on the basis of a questionable GDP. “What we are essentially seeing is a continuation of the budgetary practices of the previous fascist government. Nothing has been done differently. We need to ask to what extent the current economic and global contexts have been taken into consideration in formulating this budget,” he observed.Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury termed the issue of ‘humanitarian corridor’ with Myanmar as “sensitive” as it is a matter of political decision but questioned how the interim government could make such a decision without any consultation with the stakeholders.He also pointed out that trade and commerce in Bangladesh were under excessive control. “Compared to other countries, Bangladesh is far more regulated. In the past, we have seen embezzlement in the guise of regulation. The more control you impose, the more looting takes place. We need to break free from this,” he said.Sharing his vision about Bangladesh’s future economic model, Chowdhury, reported Bangladesh’s leading Bengali daily Prothom Alo, said that the economic model for the future should be that “We are open for business”.”We must be tolerant. Even if we disagree with others, we must respect their paths. Without bringing about political change alongside economic reforms, we will not be able to move forward. We must break free from confrontational politics,” he concluded–IANSint/scor/as

Washington, May 19 (IANS) The United States on Monday announced visa restrictions against travel agencies, their owners and leading officials who knowingly facilitated the movement of migrants illegally into America.

This action was announced in a statement by Tammy Bruce, the US State Department spokesperson. She shared no details of the number of identities of people and entities that had been slapped with these restrictions.”The Department of State is taking steps today to impose visa restrictions on owners, executives, and senior officials of travel agencies based and operating in India for knowingly facilitating illegal immigration to the United States,” Bruce said.She added: “Mission India’s Consular Affairs and Diplomatic Security Service work every day across our Embassy and Consulates to actively identify and target those engaged in facilitating illegal immigration and human smuggling and trafficking operations. We will continue to take steps to impose visa restrictions against owners, executives, and senior officials of travel agencies to cut off alien smuggling networks. Our immigration policy aims not only to inform foreign nationals about the dangers of illegal immigration to the United States but also to hold accountable individuals who violate our laws, including facilitators of illegal immigration.”It was not immediately known how many travel agencies have been targetted by the US agencies for facilitating illegal immigration.The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said that since President Donald Trump took office in January, the US has deported 682 Indians who were in the country. These could include both people who entered the US illegally or those who entered legally but overstayed their visa duration.Bruce further said: “Enforcing US immigration laws and policies is critical to upholding the rule of law and protecting Americans”. She went on to say: “This visa restriction policy is global and even applies to individuals who otherwise qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. These actions are taken pursuant to section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.”–IANSint/yrj/as

The Hague, May 19 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Monday held discussions with Dutch counterpart Caspar Veldkamp in The Hague as he began his six-day visit to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany.

“Thank FM Casper Veldkamp of the Netherlands for hosting me today in The Hague. Appreciate Netherland’s strong condemnation of the Pahalgam attack. And support for zero tolerance against terrorism. Had wide-ranging discussions on deepening our bilateral partnership and engagement with the EU. Exchanged views on the global situation in an era of multi polarity,” Jaishankar posted on X after the meeting.Besides the Foreign Minister, the EAM also met strategic experts with discussions focused on deeper engagement between India and the Netherlands.”A good exchange of views with strategic experts in the Hague this morning. Discussed why India and the Netherlands/EU should engage more deeply in an era of multi polarity and strategic autonomy,” the EAM posted on X.Earlier, Jaishankar was received by the Indian Ambassador to the Netherlands Kumar Tuhin and Gabriella Sancisi, Director, Protocol and Host Country Affairs Department at the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the EAM’s visit is part of India’s ongoing diplomatic engagements aimed at deepening strategic ties and enhancing cooperation with key European partners, focusing on strategic partnerships, trade, investment, and regional and global issues of mutual interest.”During the visit, EAM will meet the leadership of the three countries and hold discussions with his counterparts on the entire gamut of bilateral relations and regional and global matters of mutual interest,” the MEA stated on Sunday.The visit comes at a time when India is actively bolstering its outreach to Europe, with an emphasis on trade, investment, digital cooperation, climate action, and shared security concerns.EAM Jaishankar’s meetings are expected to cover a broad range of issues, including geopolitical developments, global economic challenges, and coordination on multilateral platforms.Last month, the Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof had strongly condemned the cowardly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and rejected terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”I just spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the horrific terrorist attack that occurred earlier this week in Pahalgam, and extended my sympathy to the victims, their loved ones and the people of India. The Netherlands stands shoulder to shoulder with India in the fight against terrorism, now and in the future,” he posted on X.PM Modi thanked PM Schoof for his words of support and solidarity and conveyed that India looks forward to closely working with the Netherlands to strengthen the global fight against terrorism.–IANSint/scor/as