Latest news with #Pakistan-backed
Indian Express
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘India introduced non-violence to the world but…': At Jain seer's centenary celebrations, PM Modi takes jibe at Pakistan
In a veiled warning to Pakistan, without naming the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that India had introduced the world to the power of non-violence, but would not allow anybody to meddle with it. PM Modi was speaking at the centenary celebrations of Jain spiritual leader Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj in New Delhi. 'Jo humein chhedega (Those who tease us),' he said, leaving the sentence incomplete amid applause from the crowd. He then continued, 'Even if you did not say it in words, you were perhaps conveying your blessings for Operation Sindoor.' Operation Sindoor was India's military response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives, believed to have been carried out by Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives. PM Modi asserted that India is a country where service and humanity are central to its ethos. 'When for ages, efforts were being made to quell violence with violence, then India introduced to the world the power of ahimsa (non-violence),' he said. 'India is the oldest living civilisation in the world. We are immortal for thousands of years, because our thoughts are immortal, our thinking is immortal, our philosophy is immortal,' he said at the event organised by the Ministry of Culture to mark the year-long centenary celebrations of Jain seer Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj. The source of this philosophy is 'our saints, seers, mahants and acharyas', PM Modi said about the spiritual leader who was instrumental in the restoration and revival of ancient Jain temples across India and worked for education, especially in Prakrit, Jain philosophy, and classical languages. PM Modi asserted that his ideas have inspired the government's welfare schemes. 'Whether it is PM Awas Yojana, Jal Jivan Mission, Ayushman Bharat Yojana, and other such welfare schemes, they signify the sense of service towards the last person in the social hierarchy,' he said. He also underlined that through his literature and music, he had endeavoured to revive the ancient Prakrit language. 'Because of those who neglected their own culture, this language was going out of vogue,' PM Modi said in a reference to the previous governments. 'We took efforts…and last year in October, our government accorded it (Prakrit) the status of a classical language,' he added. 'In our mission to digitise ancient manuscripts, a large section of it includes religious texts related to Jainism and manuscripts associated with acharyas. We want to go ahead on this subject,' he said, adding that mother tongues are being promoted in higher education as well. He also emphasised that his government has vowed to rid the country of the 'slavery mindset'. Divya A reports on travel, tourism, culture and social issues - not necessarily in that order - for The Indian Express. She's been a journalist for over a decade now, working with Khaleej Times and The Times of India, before settling down at Express. Besides writing/ editing news reports, she indulges her pen to write short stories. As Sanskriti Prabha Dutt Fellow for Excellence in Journalism, she is researching on the lives of the children of sex workers in India. ... Read More
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'Jo Hume Chhedega…': PM Modi's Speech on Operation Sindoor Cut Short by Audience. Here's Why
/ Jun 28, 2025, 01:33PM IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi was forced to pause his speech when thunderous applause and chants of 'Modi! Modi!' erupted at a public event. The trigger? Just three words: "Jo Hume Chhedega..." — a veiled but unmistakable warning to Pakistan. PM Modi was referring to Operation Sindoor, India's bold military response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives, allegedly carried out by Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives. Though he couldn't complete the line, the crowd understood—and completed it with their cheers. This emotional and powerful moment showcased how deeply national security resonates with citizens. Watch the full clip and reaction as PM Modi outlines India's zero-tolerance policy on terror.#pmmodi #operationsindoor #modispeech #pahalgamattack #indiaresponds #modivsPakistan #joHumeChhedega #toi #toibharat #bharat #breakingnews #indianews
News18
12 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Uttar Pradesh Set For Major Political Overhaul As BJP Eyes Course Correction Before 2027 Polls
Last Updated: After identifying lapses in regional and caste representation, the BJP leadership is initiating a reset to recover ground lost in the 2024 polls Uttar Pradesh is poised for a significant political reshuffle, both within the BJP's organisational framework and the state government structure, top sources have confirmed to CNN-News18. In the wake of its underwhelming performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP is preparing a comprehensive reset ahead of the crucial 2027 Assembly polls. The first step in this direction is expected to be the announcement of a new Uttar Pradesh BJP president — a decision currently awaited. After a brief lull following the Pakistan-backed terror attack in Pahalgam and Operation Sindoor, the BJP has resumed focus on pending organisational changes. Uttar Pradesh is at the centre of this activity, with the appointment of a new state president seen as the immediate priority. The decision is expected to set the tone not only for the 2027 state elections but also for the party's larger leadership transition. Following the appointment, a cabinet expansion in the Yogi Adityanath-led government is on the cards. The move aims to ensure balanced regional and caste representation, especially from areas and communities that have either been underrepresented or shifted their allegiance in the recent parliamentary polls. Sources indicate that additional representation may be extended to regions such as Awadh, Braj, Kashi, Ambedkar Nagar, and the Pratapgarh–Prayagraj belt. Among the communities likely to receive fresh or enhanced representation are the Pasi and Kurmi groups from Awadh; Saini, Maurya, and Shakya from the central-eastern belt; Shakya from Braj; and Bind and Kurmi from the Kashi region. An internal review conducted by the party suggests that many of these communities, including segments of the BJP's traditional voter base, drifted away in 2024 — leading to a substantial fall in vote share. In several constituencies, the drop was as high as 6–7 per cent, even in areas previously considered secure by the party's own estimates. This feedback, shared with the central leadership, has prompted urgent discussions on course correction, with the twin goals of addressing gaps in representation and regaining electoral ground. The party is also preparing to elect a new national president. JP Nadda, who was appointed in January 2020, has already completed his full term and was given extensions to steer the BJP through critical phases, including the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. As per party norms, a majority of state unit elections must be completed before the new national chief is named — making the Uttar Pradesh appointment a key step in that direction. In contrast, the Samajwadi Party's candidate selection — rooted in nuanced social engineering — paid off handsomely in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, bolstering Akhilesh Yadav's political stock. The BJP, meanwhile, is working on a counter-strategy to outpace the SP in the run-up to 2027. Having come to power in 2017 with a landslide and repeated that performance with an even stronger mandate in 2022, the Yogi Adityanath government will now seek a third consecutive term. For the BJP, retaining Uttar Pradesh is not just about a state election, it is about mirroring the larger national narrative of continuity, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently in a rare third term at the Centre. First Published: June 28, 2025, 09:44 IST
News18
16 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
BJP National President Announcement Likely Soon, But Uttar Pradesh Chief To Be Finalised First
June has largely been dedicated to Modi government events marking one year of its third term and 11 years of 'seva'. However, organisational activity has now picked up pace After a brief lull due to the Pakistan-backed terror attack in Pahalgam and the subsequent Operation Sindoor, the Bharatiya Janata Party has resumed focus on pending organisational elections. Key among these is the appointment of the party's national president, expected soon, but not before Uttar Pradesh gets its new state unit chief. Given Uttar Pradesh's political significance and the upcoming state elections in two years, the BJP is prioritising the appointment of a new president there, setting the tone for the national leadership transition. Other major states are also in focus. Gujarat, home to both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and union home minister Amit Shah, is due for a leadership change. Currently, CR Patil holds the post but he now serves as a union cabinet minister. Madhya Pradesh—considered the BJP's oldest organisational stronghold—also awaits a new state president, as BD Sharma's term has ended. June has largely been dedicated to Modi government events marking one year of its third term and 11 years of 'seva". However, organisational activity has now picked up pace. On Friday, the BJP appointed central observers for organisational elections in three key states. In Maharashtra, union minister Kiren Rijiju will oversee proceedings. Ravindra Chavan, currently working president after Chandrakant Patil joined the state cabinet, is expected to take full charge. In Uttarakhand, union minister Harsh Malhotra has been tasked with finalising the new state president. In West Bengal, former union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has been assigned as current state president Sukanta Majumdar, now also a union minister, may be replaced. With West Bengal headed to polls next year, there is speculation that the BJP may appoint a woman as state president. Agnimitra Paul and former MP Locket Chatterjee are seen as strong contenders. Organisational elections in other states are being scheduled. Tripura elections will be held on June 29, with former union minister Pratima Bhowmik in contention. Andhra Pradesh elections are set for July 1, as current president D Purandeswari remains in contention along with BJP Lok Sabha MP CM Ramesh. Sources have said that in Telangana, a new state president is likely to be announced in the coming week. In Karnataka, sources suggest that BY Vijayendra—son of veteran leader BS Yediyurappa and current state president—may continue for another term, especially given the political instability facing the Congress government in the state. Out of 36 states and union territories, the BJP has successfully concluded elections in 14. As per party norms, 51% of state units must complete their organisational polls before the national president is elected. Incumbent national president JP Nadda, appointed in January 2020, has already completed his full term. He was granted extensions to lead the party through key events, including the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP is now expected to move swiftly on completing the remaining state-level appointments before naming its next national president. First Published: June 27, 2025, 19:14 IST
The Hindu
21 hours ago
- Business
- The Hindu
A China-led trilateral nexus as India's new challenge
Last week, China, Pakistan and Bangladesh held their first trilateral meeting in Kunming, China. The discussions focused on furthering cooperation and exploring the possibilities of deeper engagement. This meeting closely follows another trilateral meeting between China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, held in May, with the aim of extending the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and increasing cooperation. These trilaterals, led by China, come at a time of Pakistan's little relevance to the region, India's increasing relations with Afghanistan, and New Delhi's deteriorating ties with Bangladesh. The use of trilaterals underscores China's fresh attempts at making Pakistan a stakeholder in the region and keeping New Delhi preoccupied with immediate concerns. A war that shaped alignments The 1962 war between India and China has largely shaped regional alignments and geopolitics. Following the war, China found Pakistan to be an ally that could keep India engaged with immediate threats and limit it from challenging Beijing's interests, security, and status. On the other hand, Pakistan deemed China to be a country that would unquestionably offer economic and military assistance to support its aggression against India. To date, Pakistan is highly dependent on China for assistance, investments and infrastructure development. In fact, by the end of 2024, Pakistan had a loan of over $29 billion from China. It is estimated that over 80% of Pakistan's arms imports are from China. In addition, China has also shielded Pakistan-backed terrorists at the United Nations Security Council and other multilateral platforms. This camaraderie was largely visible during India's Operation Sindoor in May 2025. China termed India's retaliation to the Pakistan-sponsored attack in Pahalgam as 'regrettable' and urged a political solution and dialogue. It backed Pakistan's stance of initiating an investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025. The latest escalation also saw Pakistan deploying various Chinese-made hardware and weapons that ranged from surveillance radars, drones, missiles, guidance systems, and fighter jets. In the immediate aftermath of Operation Sindoor, Pakistan's Foreign Minister met his Chinese counterpart to reaffirm its 'iron-clad friendship.' The trilateral with Afghanistan and other countries likely emerged from this meeting. The resurfacing of an idea This idea of China and Pakistan using plus one against India is not a new phenomenon. Even in 1965, Pakistan flirted with the idea of using East Pakistan, China and Nepal to cut off India from its strategic Siliguri corridor. This idea of using South Asian countries seems to have resurfaced as both China and Pakistan face a confident India. Pakistan-sponsored terror attacks in Uri (2016), Pulwama (2019), and Pahalgam have seen India retaliate in a befitting manner. It has shown that India will no longer tolerate Pakistan's nuclear blackmail. India has also used its diplomatic clout and growing economy to isolate Pakistan. India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, halting trade, restricting port access, and targeting military installations — all as a part of its retaliatory measures against the Pahalgam attack — has damaged Pakistan military's operational capacities and confidence, highlighting Rawalpindi's limitations and weaknesses. India's military and diplomatic responses to Chinese border intrusions in Doklam and Galwan have also likely taken Beijing by surprise. New Delhi has also increased close cooperation with like-minded countries to limit Chinese aggressions. At the same time, India's pragmatic engagement and domestic politics of the region have slowed down China's momentum in South Asia. In the Maldives, Beijing appears reluctant to trust President Mohamed Muizzu and the country's economy, despite his initial anti-India rhetoric. Mr. Muizzu has now turned to India to keep the country's economy afloat. In Nepal, despite signing the framework for Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation, major differences in funding remain unresolved and the progress of projects has been slow. In Sri Lanka, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is developing close ties with India by respecting its redlines. Despite ideological and historical differences with Delhi, he visited India before China. In the case of Bangladesh, despite differences, India has not hindered the trilateral energy cooperation with Nepal. These increasing anxieties are likely to have motivated China to push for trilaterals with Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Before their respective regime changes in 2021 and 2024, both countries were staunch supporters of India's fight against both Pakistan and its state-sponsored terrorism. With the change in regimes, however, Pakistan and China have attempted to draw both countries closer to their orbit. They remain cautious of pragmatic engagement between India and the Taliban, fearing that Pakistan would lose its leverage. At the same time, Pakistan has increased security, economic and political engagements with the new government in Bangladesh. Historically, both Bangladesh and Afghanistan have enjoyed close ties with Pakistan and provide a fertile ground for cross-border terrorism. Pakistan's influence, supported by China and its economic clout, could thus create new terror and security-related challenges. This will help Pakistan become a relevant country in the region, create rifts between India and its neighbours, and keep Delhi preoccupied with immediate security and terror-related challenges, making way for Chinese BRI projects, interests and investments in the region. China efforts and setbacks The developments in the region demonstrate, once again, that China, and not Pakistan, is India's biggest challenge. With both Pakistan and China confronting a confident India, China sees an opportunity to challenge India through the trilateral nexus. At a time when India is seeking support from South Asian countries to fight terrorism, Chinese efforts will create new setbacks. South Asian countries will thus have to learn to balance between India and China, as Beijing uses Islamabad to create new complexities in the region. On its part, Delhi will have to continue to express redlines and convey the point that any misadventures by its neighbours could have severe economic, military, and political costs. Harsh V. Pant is Vice-President, Observer Research Foundation. Aditya Gowdara Shivamurthy is Associate Fellow, Neighbourhood Studies, Observer Research Foundation
