Modi for Bimstec cooperation in anti-terror operations, natural disasters
Kathmandu, Aug 30 : Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday sought cooperation among all seven Bimstec member-nations in anti-terror operations as well as during natural disasters in the region.
Addressing the 4th summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec), Modi said that there was no nation which was not affected by terrorism, adding that India was also facing problems like drug trafficking and transnational crimes.
"India is ready to host a conference on these issues," he said.
"This region is linked with the Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal, and time and again it faces natural disasters like floods, cyclones and earthquakes. In this context, we should extend cooperation in humanitarian efforts for disaster relief. We have to cooperate and coordinate with each other," Modi said.
Kerala and Nagaland states in India have been affected by floods, while Myanmar is grappling with a similar situation after a dam breach. Several deaths have been reported in Nepal due to landslides.
Modi also invited all member-states to attend the International Buddhist Conclave in India in August 2020.
The Prime Minister added that India was committed to connecting its national knowledge network through digital connectivity with neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
He also promised to set up a centre for Bay of Bengal studies in the Nalanda University in Bihar to conduct research focused on Bimstec region.
"We not only have diplomatic relations with all seven Bimstec countries, but are strongly connected by civilisation, history, art, language, cuisine and a shared culture," he added.
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EAM Jaishankar meets Jamaican PM, gifts over 10 BHISHM Cubes
Kingston (PTI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday met Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and discussed ways to further deepen "political, economic and people-to-people cooperation."
Jaishankar also conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Holness.
"Pleased to call on Prime Minister @AndrewHolnessJM in Kingston. Conveyed the greetings of PM @narendramodi," Jaishankar posted on X.
"Discussed deepening our political, economic and people-to-people cooperation. Value his commitment towards further strengthening India-Jamaica relations," the post further read.
Also, the external affairs minister handed over 10 BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) Cubes as a gift to Jamaica.
"Formally handed over 10 BHISHM Cubes as a gift from India to Jamaica, in the presence of PM @AndrewHolnessJM, Health Minister @christufton and FM @kaminajsmith," Jaishankar posted on X.
"The BHISHM Cube mobile hospital system, designed for rapid deployment, will help Jamaica during disasters and emergencies. The gift of these cubes is a statement of friendship, a commitment to disaster preparedness, and an outcome of innovation," the post said.
Jaishankar arrived in Kingston on Saturday evening, marking the first leg of his nine-day tour of Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, aimed at further strengthening India's strategic and cultural ties with the Caribbean nations.
Earlier in the day, he interacted with the Indian diaspora and discussed India's ongoing transformation in infrastructure, human development and technology-driven governance and entrepreneurship with them.
He also highlighted the cricket bond between both countries as India gifted a scoreboard to Jamaica.
A scoreboard was dedicated at Sabina Park in Kingston. It is the home of the Jamaica cricket team and is the only Test cricket ground in the Caribbean island nation.
The minister expressed hope that the new scoreboard would witness many memorable innings, including those symbolising the enduring friendship between the two countries.
Cricket has long been a strong cultural bridge between India and Jamaica, which is part of the West Indies cricket team.
Jamaican players, including Chris Gayle, Courtney Walsh and Michael Holding, have played a major role in shaping the legacy of West Indies cricket in the international arena, contributing to its dominance in earlier decades and its continued global appeal.
