Male, June 2 (IANS) Australia will gift an Australian-built Guardian-class Patrol Boat to Maldives, country’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles and Maldives Minister of Defence, Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, announced in Male on Monday.

In addition to the new vessel, Australia will also gift a multi-beam echo sounder to Maldives. The hydrographic equipment will support Maldives’ capability to map its ocean floor, helping to ensure maritime safety and unlock economic development, said the Australian Defence Ministry.The Guardian-class Patrol Boat is under construction and due for completion in 2026.”This announcement is a key milestone in our bilateral relationship and a significant step towards enhancing Maldives’ capability to protect its sovereign waters and contribute to maritime security in the Indian Ocean. The Guardian-class Patrol Boat will provide Maldives a more persistent presence in its vast exclusive economic zone to deter, detect and disrupt illegal maritime activities,” read a statement issued by the Australian Defence Ministry.Working closely with Maldives, Australia will develop a maintenance and sustainment package to support the vessel. This initiative, Australia said, upholds its shared commitment to security, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).”Australia is proud to partner with Maldives to support its maritime security capability. In line with our National Defence Strategy, Australia is working with partners across the Northeast Indian Ocean to maintain regional security and stability. Australia is pleased to gift a Guardian-class Patrol Boat to Maldives and will continue to seek opportunities to deepen our long-standing defence partnership. As Indian Ocean countries, Australia and Maldives share a vision of our region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous,” said Marles.After attending the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore from May 30-June 1, Marles is travelling to South and Southeast Asia from June 2-5 for high-level meetings.He will meet leaders and counterparts in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia to deepen diplomatic and defence partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.”The visit to India coincides with the fifth anniversary of Australia and India’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which underpins our relationship and shared vision for the Indian Ocean,” the Australian Defence Ministry stated.–IANSint/as

Cairo, June 2 (IANS) The high-level multi-party delegation from India, led by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP) Supriya Sule, on Monday held a fruitful engagement with the distinguished members of the Egyptian Senate, conveying India’s firm and principled position against terrorism.The delegates met Senator Hossam Al-Khouly of Mostaqbal Watan Party, Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee Hazem Omar and Chairmen and members of other Parliamentary Committees. The Senate reaffirmed solidarity with India and reiterated importance attached to the close strategic partnership between India and Egypt.The delegation carrying forth India’s strong message on zero-tolerance against terrorism as part of India’s diplomatic outreach on Operation Sindoor was received by Indian Ambassador to Egypt Suresh Reddy on their arrival in the Middle Eastern country.The delegates have a packed and productive schedule in Egypt, including ministerial engagements, parliamentary exchanges, interactions with think tanks, media, Indian community, and others.The all-party delegation led by Sule also includes BJP leaders Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Anurag Thakur, and V. Muraleedharan, Congress leaders Manish Tewari and Anand Sharma, Telugu Desam Party’s Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, Aam Aadmi Party leader Vikramjeet Singh Sawhney, and former diplomat Syed Akbaruddin.”The delegation will engage in dialogue with the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs (ECFA). They are also scheduled to meet with Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt. The delegation will also hold talks with Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary General of the League of Arab States,” read a statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Cairo.”The programme includes a floral tribute at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi at El-Horreya Park, visit to the Heliopolis War Memorial, and interactions with members of the Indian community in Egypt, policy makers, including senior editors, scholars, and strategic thinkers. The visit reflects India’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Egypt and the Arab world in combating terrorism and advancing shared global values,” the statement added.Earlier on Sunday evening, the delegation concluded a successful visit to Ethiopia, where they held rich, intense and fruitful interactions with Ethiopian dignitaries, members of media, academia, civil society, think-tanks as well as the Indian community in Ethiopia.They conveyed in one voice India’s zero-tolerance policy towards cross-border terrorism and briefed about developments since the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. The delegation shared that Operation Sindoor, conducted by India in response, was calibrated, targetted and proportionate, demonstrating India’s commitment to countering terrorism without escalating tensions.”The delegation emphasised the need to recognise the fact that identifying and firmly dealing with all kinds of terrorists, its perpetrators, supporters, promoters including those who give moral support is the need of hour; working on these lines, India has started dismantling the cross-border terrorism infrastructure, developed and used against India for several decades,” said Indian Embassy in Addis Ababa.”The Ethiopian side emphasised its own zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and stressed that terrorism must be condemned. The delegation appreciated the solidarity shown by the Ethiopian leadership in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack and thanked them for the support,” it added.Addressing the Indian community in Ethiopia, the delegation members commended them for upholding the values of tolerance, pluralism, and unity, and for resisting divisive efforts aimed at destabilising India’s social fabric. A large number of Ethiopian nationals who studied in India and now hold important positions in public life expressed their solidarity with India and supported the counter-terrorism measures.The visit of the Indian delegation to Egypt marks a continuation of India’s strategic outreach to garner international support against cross-border terrorism emanating from the soil of Pakistan.–IANSint/scor/as

Madrid, June 2 (IANS) The all-party Parliamentary delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi on Monday interacted with the Association of Victims of Terrorism (AVT), an organisation in Spain that was established in 1981 to support those affected by terrorist barbarity, sharing with them India’s experience in confronting cross-border threats and reaffirming a shared resolve to build a safer and more compassionate world.Having more than 4800 members, the AVT deals with those people who are directly affected by terrorism, including those who have not received any compensation.The visiting delegation also includes Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai, BJP MP Captain Brijesh Chowta (Retd.), RJD MP Prem Chand Gupta, AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal, and Former Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri.”In a heartfelt exchange, we reflected on the pain, strength, and resilience that terrorism has shaped. We also shared India’s firm approach to tackling cross-border threats, reaffirming our collective commitment to creating a safer and more humane world,” Ashok Mittal posted on X.Earlier on Sunday, the delegation had an insightful interaction with the Indian diaspora, reaffirming India’s unwavering commitment to peace in the face of terrorism. They emphasised that India will lead the global fight against terrorism, upholding the values of peace and resilience.They urged the Indian community in Spain to take pride in their roots, stand united, and actively support India’s efforts to promote justice and peace. The diaspora responded with heartfelt enthusiasm, expressing deep solidarity with the nation and a strong sense of identity and belonging.”During the interaction, members of the Indian diaspora shared that their Spanish acquaintances had reacted with shock and concern to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, reflecting growing international awareness of the challenges India faces in combating terrorism. The community also expressed strong support for India’s counter-terrorism efforts and conveyed their solidarity with the nation,” read a statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Madrid.The visiting delegates also interacted with Arturo Fernandez Alvarez, a Spanish businessman, who is a survivor of the horrible terror attacks that took place in Mumbai on November 26, 2008. Arturo joined the delegation in condemning the menace of terrorism.The delegation is scheduled to engage with members of the Spanish government, parliamentarians and civil society representatives on the final day of their visit. These engagements will provide a platform to brief Spanish leaders on Operation Sindoor and to articulate India’s position as the world’s fourth-largest economy, committed to peace, stability and a resolute stance against terrorism.Part of India’s global diplomatic outreach campaign to highlight the significance of Operation Sindoor and India’s continued fight against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism, the delegation reached Spain following successful engagements in Latvia, Greece, Slovenia and Russia, reaffirming India’s firm stance on combating terrorism.–IANSint/scor/as

London, June 2 (IANS) BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, who is currently leading an all-party Parliamentary delegation to the United Kingdom, said on Monday that terrorism and state machinery operate hand-in-hand in Pakistan.

Addressing a packed gathering at the India House in London, Prasad highlighted India’s strong stand against terrorism and the significance of the Operation Sindoor launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.The interaction saw participation of a large number of Indian diaspora members who expressed unwavering solidarity with India.The delegation briefed the community on the circumstances surrounding the Pahalgam attack and India’s subsequent countermeasures, reaffirming the country’s firm resolve to combat terrorism in all its manifestations.Prasad described the Pahalgam attack as a “conspiracy to disrupt peace and development,” adding that India’s firm response through Operation Sindoor is aimed at dismantling Pakistan-backed terror camps.”India is in favour of peace, but terrorists will have to pay the price for killing innocent Indians,” he said. “Terrorism and the state machinery work together in Pakistan, so every terror incident will be seen as a war,” he added.Emphasising India’s consistent policy on national security, Prasad declared that the country’s stance on terrorism is uncompromising.Underlining India’s strong resolve against terrorism, the Indian parliamentarians reiterated that any act of terror would be met with the utmost severity,Prasad also drew attention to the ongoing human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Balochistan.”Do you know what kind of mistreatment is happening with people in the PoK? They are crying to come to India. Women in Balochistan are being treated most barbarically. People in Pakistan are very upset today,” he said.Reflecting on India-Pakistan conflicts in the past, Prasad added, “We fought four conventional wars, none of which were started by India; we only responded, and Pakistan lost all the wars. Jinnah made Pakistan, it became the ‘General shop’.”Taking to social media after the interaction, Prasad posted on X, “Today, alongside my esteemed colleagues from the all-party delegation, I engaged with representatives of the vibrant and diverse Indian Diaspora at India House in London. We conveyed India’s unwavering stance against terrorism, shedding light on the tragic Pahalgam attack.””Additionally, we briefed them on Operation Sindoor, underscoring India’s resolute policy of combating terrorism in all its forms. We emphasised India’s united stance and unwavering commitment to decisively counter terrorism, making it clear that any acts of terror will be punished with utmost resolve,” he added.The diaspora members lauded Operation Sindoor and measures undertaken by the government led by PM Narendra Modi in confronting cross-border terrorism.The visiting all-party delegation also comprises BJP MPs Daggubati Purandeswari and Samik Bhattacharya; Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi; Congress MPs Gulam Ali Khatana and Amar Singh; former Union Minister M.J. Akbar; and former diplomat Pankaj Saran.On Sunday, the delegation paid floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Tavistock Square Garden and visited the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Museum.At the museum, Prasad said, “We paid emotional tributes to revered Dr Ambedkar. We are proud to visit this historic building where Dr Ambedkar lived for two years. The Government of India has acquired and preserved this important residence, which is now carefully maintained by the Indian High Commission. We paid our tribute to this great Indian leader and revered reformer by laying flowers.””It is notable that all five sites associated with the life and work of Dr Ambedkar have been preserved as ‘Smriti Sthal’, reflecting his enduring legacy. I pay my deep tribute to his remarkable contribution,” he added.Following visits to France, Italy, and Denmark, the delegation arrived in London as part of India’s global diplomatic outreach campaign to spotlight Operation Sindoor and the continued fight against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.–IANSint/sd/as

Seoul, June 2 (IANS) North Korea on Monday denounced a monitoring group on the enforcement…

London, June 2 (IANS) UK Conservative Party MP and Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel has reaffirmed the shared commitment to combat terrorism during a meeting with the all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation. The delegation, led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, met Patel on Sunday and discussed mutual commitment to fight terrorism, UK-India defence and security links, enhancement of economic ties and the vibrant Indian diaspora which serves as the living bridge connecting the two countries.During the meeting with Patel, the delegation shared India’s firm resolve in combating cross-border terrorism, conveying how Operation Sindoor exemplifies the new normal set by India in fighting terrorism.”A pleasure to meet with a cross-party delegation of senior Indian MPs. Significant areas of discussion covered our shared determination to combating terrorism, to UK-India defence and security links, our economic ties, and the living bridge between our two countries,” Priti Patel posted on X on Monday.Meanwhile, Ravi Shankar Prasad took to social media, highlighting the engagements with the Indian diaspora in which the delegation shed light on the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent launch of Operation Sindoor affirming India’s resolute stance against terrorism.”Today, alongside my esteemed colleagues from the all-party delegation, I engaged with representatives of the vibrant and diverse Indian Diaspora at India House in London. We conveyed India’s unwavering stance against terrorism, shedding light on the tragic Pahalgam attack,” he said.”Additionally, we briefed them on Operation Sindoor, underscoring India’s resolute policy of combating terrorism in all its forms. We emphasized India’s united stance and unwavering commitment to decisively counter terrorism, making it clear that any acts of terror will be punished with utmost resolve,” Prasad posted on X.Following the delegation’s interaction with the Indian community in London on Sunday afternoon (local time), the members of the diaspora praised Operation Sindoor and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government’s leadership.The nine-member delegation includes a diverse political representation: Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP), Daggubati Purandeswari (BJP), Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena-UBT), Ghulam Ali Khatana (BJP), Amar Singh (Congress), Samik Bhattacharya (BJP), M. Thambidurai (AIADMK), former Union Minister M.J. Akbar, and former Ambassador Pankaj Saran.After concluding visits to France, Italy, and Denmark, the Indian delegation arrived in London as a part of India’s global diplomatic outreach campaign to highlight the significance of Operation Sindoor and India’s continued fight against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism.–IANSint/scor/sd/

Seoul, June 2 (IANS) South Korean Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung and his People Power Party (PPP) rival Kim Moon-soo were set to converge on Seoul on Monday as the presidential campaign came to a close with the vote just a day away.Lee of the DP, the campaign’s front-runner, plans to begin the last day of his campaign in Seoul’s northern ward of Gangbuk before making stops in the neighbouring cities of Hanam, Seongnam, and Gwangmyeong.He will then return to the capital, campaigning in Gangseo Ward in Seoul, and hold his final rally in Yeouido Park before wrapping up his day with a live broadcast on YouTube.Lee is likely to highlight his role in the December 3 martial law crisis by ending his campaign in Yeouido, widely considered the centre of South Korea’s politics and home to the National Assembly.On the evening of former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s surprise declaration of martial law on December 3, Lee and other lawmakers rushed to the National Assembly to lift martial law, despite being blocked by the police.Kim of the PPP will start the day by visiting the Peace Park on the southern island of Jeju to pay tribute to the victims of the Jeju April 3 uprising. He will then campaign in Busan, Daegu and Daejeon to shore up last-minute support.Later in the day, Kim will hold his final rally in front of the Seoul City Hall.A campaign official said the location was chosen for its symbolic significance, as it is where ordinary citizens have historically gathered to raise their voices, Yonhap news agency reported.After the rally, Kim will greet voters in the youth-populated districts of Hongdae and Gangnam until midnight in a final effort to appeal to young voters.Lee Jun-seok of the minor conservative New Reform Party plans to meet university students in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province, while Kwon Young-kook of the minor Democratic Labor Party will campaign across Seoul, highlighting issues related to labour, disability rights, and gender equality.The latest poll on the election showed the DP’s Lee in the lead at 49.2 per cent, followed by Kim of the PPP with 36.8 per cent. Lee Jun-seok came in third with 10.3 per cent support.South Korea will elect a new President on Tuesday after Yoon was ousted over his short-lived imposition of martial law.–IANSint/jk/vd

Kuala Lumpur, June 2 (IANS) An Indian all-party parliamentary delegation met with leaders of major…

Seoul, June 2 (IANS) South Korea will deploy nearly 30,000 police officials across the polling stations nationwide this week, as part of security measures for the June 3 presidential election, government said on Monday.A total of 28,590 police officers will be stationed across 14,295 polling stations Tuesday, when the nation heads to the polls to elect its new leader, according to the National Police Agency.Police said they will maintain the highest level of emergency security, in which all police personnel can be mobilized, from 6 a.m. Tuesday until the newly elected president enters office, Yonhap news agency reported.South Korea will elect a new leader on Tuesday to succeed former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted from office over his short-lived imposition of martial law in December.The top military officer also inspected Army units Monday, the eve of the presidential election, and called for a firm readiness posture against North Korean threats.Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Chairman Adm. Kim Myung-soo made the call as he visited units under the Army’s 9th Division and the 1st Air Defence Brigade, according to the JCS.During his visit to a surveillance unit under the 9th Division, Kim noted its proximity to the North and called for utmost efforts to prevent enemy attacks and deceptions.Kim called for a firm readiness posture against potential low-altitude air infiltrations involving drones and aircraft when he visited a unit under the 1st Air Defence Brigade.Kim’s visit came as North Korea staged provocations involving ballistic missiles and cruise missiles on May 8 and 22, respectively.Presidential candidates on Sunday pressed on with their final efforts to consolidate their support base and persuade swing voters.Lee Jae-myung of the liberal Democratic Party campaigned in his hometown of Andong, approximately 190 kilometres southeast of Seoul, before meeting with voters across the wider Gyeongsang region.He apparently hoped to win over even a small number of voters in the area, a traditional stronghold for conservative candidates where his party typically has little support.–IANSint/jk/mr

Warsaw, June 2 (IANS) Karol Nawrocki, an independent candidate backed by the opposition Law and…