Latest news with #ActEast
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First Post
14-07-2025
- Business
- First Post
India to play bigger global role as world becomes multipolar: Singapore FM tells Jaishankar
India's role on the global stage is set to grow as the world becomes more multipolar, Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said after meeting External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Singapore on Sunday. read more India will have a growing global role as the world moves steadily toward a multipolar order, Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said after talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday. During his visit to Singapore, Jaishankar also met President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong. Singapore is at the heart of our Act East Policy. Always insightful to exchange views there. Great to meet FM @VivianBala this morning in Singapore. 🇮🇳 🇸🇬 — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 13, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After his meeting with Balakrishnan, Jaishankar said Singapore is central to India's Act East Policy. From Singapore, he will travel to China. A great pleasure to meet Chairman-designate of Temasek Holdings Teo Chee Hean today. Discussed the transformation underway in India and its investment opportunities. 🇮🇳 🇸🇬 — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 13, 2025 India and Singapore upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit last September. Balakrishnan said in a social media post, 'As the world inexorably transitions into multipolarity, India will play an increasingly important role as one of these major poles of opportunity.' Both sides agreed to hold the third India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable in New Delhi soon. According to the External Affairs Ministry, they reviewed progress on outcomes from PM Modi's visit and the second round of the ministerial roundtable. Key focus areas in India-Singapore ties include investments, industrial parks, semiconductors, infrastructure, skill development, and connectivity. The two countries also exchanged views on ASEAN, the Indo-Pacific, and other global developments. Jaishankar also met Teo Chee Hean, former Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, who is the chairman-designate of Temasek Holdings. After Singapore, Jaishankar will visit China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) foreign ministers' meeting. It will be his first visit to China since the deadly Galwan clashes.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Defense manufacturing can drive India's rise as global power: Ram Madhav
Ram Madhav (File photo) In a wide-ranging conversation with the Times of India, Ram Madhav , senior RSS member, outlines the strategic reorientation India must undertake to navigate a changing global order. From foreign policy to technology, economic growth to ideological values, and the Northeast to dharmocracy, Madhav, who also heads the think tank India Foundation, reflects on India's opportunities and challenges in the coming decades. In your new book, 'The New World: 21st Century Global Order and Bharat', you speak about a global churn. What is the biggest priority for India in this new world order? Ram Madhav: There is a big churn happening globally. The world is heading towards a completely different order after seven decades of a certain kind of geopolitical atmosphere. When you're confronted with a new order, you must shed some of the old habits and practices. I often cite Mao's infamous Cultural Revolution — not to endorse it, but as a metaphor. You need to think afresh. Historically, Indians have been very comfortable looking West — towards Europe and America. We do have strong ties with them. But a shift began with Narasimha Rao and taken further by Vajpayee through the Look East policy, which Modi upgraded to Act East. However, we still remain predominantly westward-facing. Meanwhile, the entire Eurasian region is in turmoil — the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Gaza-Israel tensions, and the Iran-Israel-US confrontation. These conflicts may end, but their impact will last for decades. In such a scenario, India must turn to its immediate and extended neighbourhood — Southeast Asia, ASEAN, and then the Global South, including Africa and Latin America. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo What will drive national growth in this new environment? Madhav: In the past, trade — especially in goods — powered national growth. Now, it will be technology. Prime Minister Modi has rightly focused on this with initiatives like the National Research Foundation and an emphasis on areas like quantum technology. But we still have a lot of ground to cover. Domestically, we must prioritise the economy over the next 20 years — something like what Bill Clinton famously said: 'It's the economy, stupid. ' Take China — between 1980 and 2000, it focused solely on economic growth. Deng Xiaoping even put communism on hold to prioritise economic development. India must aim for sustained 9–10% growth. The current 8% is good, but we must aspire for more. What about defense manufacturing? Madhav: That's a massive opportunity. Everyone talks about India's weakness in manufacturing, and it's true. But manufacturing has saturated globally, defense manufacturing has huge potential. India itself is a major consumer of defense equipment. Given the current global war-like environment, every nation is ramping up its defense. This is a golden opportunity not just for 'Make in India' but 'Make for the World'. That's where we can become a manufacturing powerhouse. You spoke of building 'Brand Bharat.' What does that entail? Madhav: In the outgoing world order — post-World War II — Western powers created institutions aligned with their interests and were able to set their agenda. But today, the West is no longer in a position to dictate the global agenda. If India doesn't take a proactive role, others like China will. India must assert itself not just as an economic and technological power, but also ideologically. Democracy is one such idea. The Chinese model offers economic freedom but not political freedom. Ours is different — full freedoms, rooted in pluralism, respect for sovereignty, patriotism, and sustainability. These are values India must articulate. Take yoga — that's one idea we gave to the world. The last profound political idea from India was Gandhi's non-violence. We must now think of the next idea. That's what I mean by Brand Bharat. You've also used the term 'dharmocracy'. Can you explain that? Madhav: Democracy, in its Western sense, often equates to majoritarianism — majority wins, period. In a dharmocracy, the majority may form a government, but governance must be through consensus. Gandhi's idea of Ram Rajya was not a theocracy — it was a model where the weakest had as much power as the strongest. Deendayal Upadhyaya also said that elections are majoritarian, but governance must be consensus-driven. That's the Indian model — dharmocracy. Can foreign universities in India help promote Brand Bharat? Madhav: Absolutely. Earlier, foreign dignitaries visiting India were taken to Qutub Minar or Red Fort — symbols of our subjugation. Today, they also visit temples, attend Ganga Aarti. That's our civilizational identity. But we can build up on that. With nearly 100 foreign institutions now allowed to open campuses in India, they will engage with India from the inside. However, they will mostly teach Indian students. So our education system must consciously integrate Brand Bharat thinking. RSS is entering its 100th year. What is the vision going forward? Madhav: Formal centenary celebrations begin in October. The Sarsanghchalak will share the vision then. But as someone associated with RSS for decades, I can say this: it's a unique organisation. In 100 years, there has been no split, no dissidence, no weakening — only growth. It's entirely voluntary. No one is paid. It's run by those who see it as a duty. Its openness, adaptability, and relevance in every era are its strengths. Whether during the 1962 war, the Emergency, or the Ram Janmabhoomi movement — RSS remained central to India's national life. It is an organisation that deserves academic study in itself. You have worked extensively in the Northeast. What explains the political shift there? Madhav: I don't believe in right-left binaries. But yes, the rise of BJP and nationalist sentiments in the Northeast, especially in the last 10 years, has brought emotional integration with the rest of India. Earlier, people there felt Delhi was another country. That has changed. Under PM Modi, every week a minister visited some state. This continuous engagement built a sense of belonging. When we contested in Nagaland in 2017, even in remote villages, BJP flags were seen. We won 12 out of 20 seats we contested. Such change signals, besides representing BJP's appeal, a deep emotional integration. And RSS's role there? Madhav: RSS has worked there under extremely difficult conditions. Cadres were kidnapped, tortured, even killed. Yet they went from across India — from Kerala, Maharashtra — to serve those areas, often with no knowledge of local languages or familiarity of food habits. Organisations like Vivekananda Kendra and Ramakrishna Mission played vital roles in tribal education and cultural pride. Today, Arunachal Pradesh, for instance, communicates in Hindi. That wasn't imposed — it evolved naturally due to years of engagement. That silent foundational work held the region together in its most fragile times.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kaladan project to be operational by '27, will unlock trade opportunities: Sonowal
Guwahati: The Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) will be fully operational by 2027, said Union minister for ports, shipping and waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal in Guwahati on Monday. The project aims to reduce the distance between the northeast and the rest of India through a sea route. While Sonowal mentioned that the Sittwe port in Myanmar (under the project) is ready, work is ongoing to develop road connectivity to Mizoram. Sonowal said, "This is a strategic initiative to enhance connectivity between India's northeast and Myanmar — set to be fully operational by 2027. Empowered by Modi ji's transformative 'Act East' policy, this once landlocked region is now poised for direct and shorter access to international sea routes." KMTTP is the result of the India-Myanmar Friendship Treaty. This project connects Mizoram to Kolkata through Myanmar and primarily involves Rakhine State and Chin State in Myanmar. It connects the port of Sittwe in Rakhine State to Paletwa in Chin State via the Kaladan river in Myanmar. However, prolonged violence in Rakhine and Chin states amid civil war due to armed conflict between rebel groups and the Myanmar military resulted in considerable delays in the completion and operationalisation of the project. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AI is helping small businesses increase productivity. Insider Learn More Undo From Sittwe port to Kaladan river, the distance is 159km, and through this river route, consignments can reach Paletwa. From Paletwa to Zorinpui, it is a 110km journey via road, where road construction is ongoing. From Zorinpui to Aizawl, it's another 100km. "If the waterways can be developed, the Aizawl to Kolkata distance, which is 1,800km, can be minimised by 700km from the original distance by road," Sonowal said. Once fully operational, Sonowal said the region will unlock new trade opportunities also for Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar by connecting them with Southeast Asia. From Sittwe in Myanmar to Sabroom in Tripura, goods from Kolkata to Sittwe Port can be shipped to Teknaf Port, Bangladesh, which is just 60 nautical miles from Sittwe. From Teknaf Port, goods can be transported by road to Sabroom, which is 300 km away. Sabroom has an integrated customs border between Bangladesh and Tripura. In other areas, Sonowal said that the Modi govt has planned a Rs 5,000-crore investment to develop northeast waterways. "50,000 northeast youth will get maritime skill training and job opportunities over the next decade," Sonowal affirmed.
India Gazette
07-07-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Exploring all possibilities to achieve better connectivity with Bay of Bengal: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal
Guwahati (Assam) [India], July 7 (ANI): The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, emphasised exploring all possibilities to achieve better connectivity through waterways with the Bay of Bengal to benefit people of North-East who are in the trading sector. Sarbananda Sonowal said, 'All the possibilities which are accessible to the northeast region under the Act East policy are because of PM Modi's dedicated leadership. Like the other ministries, our ministry of port shipping and water is trying to explore all possibilities to achieve better connectivity with the Bay of Bengal through waterways. We have the Bangladesh protocol route and the other one is Sittwe, and from Mizoram connecting Kaladan River and making possible the connectivity with Sittwe port and which will give access to the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. This way, people of the northeast will get the best connecting facilities.' He further said that this is possible only because PM's Act East Policy. 'The Prime Minister wants that North East should become the growth engine for India, and he also termed it because of the available potential that it is the Ashta Lakshmi of India, and North East should become the hub of entire South East Asia in all aspects. Sittwe port has already been built and it has become operational. Now the Kaladan 159 km land and other parts connecting to Mizoram, 110 kms by road is under construction and is going to be completed by 2027. This is going to strengthen us for speedy growth of our economy and particularly the people of North-East who are in the trading sector, entrepreneurs, farmers. Everyone in the production sector will also get benefit of this connectivity enhancement,' he added. Earlier on June 30 Sonowal inaugurated first-ever ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue at Chennai. The meet hosted by India is being attended by all the member nations of ASEAN; i.e. Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, along with Timor Leste. The dialogue aims to strengthen maritime cooperation, enhance cruise connectivity, and promote sustainable tourism across the Indo-Pacific region. The meeting was held aboard the MV Empress (Cordelia Cruise ship) at Chennai Port, with more than 30 delegates from ASEAN countries. Along with the stakeholders and senior officials from the MoPSW, the event will continue in Mamallapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said India plans to professionalise 5,000 km of navigable waterways to enhance cruise connectivity with ASEAN nations. Speaking at the inaugural ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue in Chennai, Sonowal noted that the Sagar Mala initiative aims for one million cruise passengers by 2029, with ship calls rising sharply from 102 in 2013-14 to over 14,000 today, driven by policy reforms, tax measures, and improved port infrastructure. Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted, 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to boost coastal connectivity and modernise customs and immigration can be achieved with greater cooperation. Two thematic sessions are guiding the discussions on 'ASEAN-India Cooperation Fund: Trade & Investment' and on 'ASEAN-India Cruise Tourist Circuits: Cruise Tourism.' (ANI)
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project to be fully operational by 2027: Sarbananda Sonowal
Guwahati: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal said that Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, a strategic initiative to enhance connectivity between India's Northeast and Myanmar is set to be fully operational by 2027. He announced multiple initiatives by the Government to boost the waterways and maritime sector in the Northeastern region with investment of Rs 5,000 crores. Around 50,000 youth from the Northeast will be trained for maritime jobs. Sonowal while talking to media persons in Guwahati on Monday said, 'Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project is the result of India Myanmar Friendship Treaty. This is a strategic initiative to enhance connectivity between India's Northeast and Myanmar — is set to be fully operational by 2027. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Northeast stands at the heart of Bharat's development agenda. Empowered by Modi ji's transformative 'Act East' policy, this once landlocked region is now poised for direct and shorter access to international sea routes. The swift execution of the Sittwe Port in Myanmar is a testament to this commitment. Once fully operational, the region will unlock new trade opportunities not just for Northeast India, but also for Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar by connecting them with Southeast Asia.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo From Paletwa in Myanmar to Zorinpui in Mizoram, the Sittwe port connects to Paletwa in Myanmar through an inland waterway and from Paletwa to Zorinpui in Mizoram through a road component. From Sittwe, Myanmar to Sarboom, Tripura, goods from Kolkata to Sittwe Port can be shipped to Teknaf Port, Bangladesh which is just 60 nautical miles from Sittwe. From Teknaf Port goods can be transported by road to Sabroom which is 300 kms away. Sabroom has an Integrated customs border between Bangladesh and Tripura. Sittwe port and Kaladan Project will immensely benefit Tripura by way of significant reduction in transportation time and logistics cost. Major cargo for export for Sittwe Port, i.e. exports from Myanmar include Rice, Timber, Fish and seafood, Petroleum products and Garments and textiles. The major cargo for import for Sittwe Port; i.e. imports by Myanmar include construction materials such as cement, steel and bricks among others Live Events He added, 'From historic growth in port capacity and cargo handling to pioneering green shipping, cruise tourism and skill development for our youth — these achievements reflect the Modi government's unwavering commitment to make India a global maritime powerhouse and drive inclusive development across every coastal and riverine region.' Sonowal said the government aims to train 50,000 youth from the region in maritime skills over the next decade, offering them assured employment opportunities in the growing sector. The Maritime Skill Development Centre (MSDC) in Guwahati as well as the upcoming Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Dibrugarh aims to power this transformation. The CoE will be developed with an investment of Rs 200 crores. Both the centres are likely to produce 500 jobs annually. The Ministry has undertaken projects worth Rs 1,000 crore in the Northeast's inland waterways sector over the past two years, with Rs 300 crore works completed and Rs 700 crore slated for completion by 2025. Major initiatives include permanent cargo terminals at Pandu, Jogighopa, Dhubri, Bogibeel, Karimganj and Badarpur; year-round fairway dredging; a new approach road to Pandu Port; heritage restoration in Dibrugarh; tourist jetties worth Rs 299 crore; skill development centres at Guwahati and Dibrugarh; and plans for lighthouses at Bogibeel, Biswanath Ghat, Silghat and Pandu. Feasibility studies have been completed and found feasible for operation in Guwahati, Tezpur and Dibrugarh, and cruise vessels are being procured under central schemes. For Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura, the efforts are on to expand IWT infrastructure and promote water-based tourism. The operationalization of Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR) offers new trade routes bypassing the Siliguri Corridor, strengthening regional connectivity and aligning with the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Other key initiatives include the deployment of 100 barges operated by a global major on NW2 & 16 by 2025, intended to significantly enhance cargo movement across Assam and neighbouring states. To ensure round-the-year navigability, the ministry plans to deploy 10 amphibian and cutter suction dredgers, backed by an investment of Rs 610 crore. Sonowal also announced plans to develop 85 community jetties across the Northeast to improve local connectivity. Sonowal shared that Rs 300 crore will be invested to build new tourism and cargo jetties at Silghat, Neamati, Biswanath Ghat and Guijan. In a major move toward modern urban transport, Water Metro projects are planned in Guwahati, Tezpur & Dibrugarh, with feasibility studies already completed. The government will also set up lighthouses at Pandu, Tezpur, Biswanath & Bogibeel, each equipped with IMD centres, with support from the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change to provide accurate local weather forecasts.
