No formal discussions held yet: Govt on US F-35 jets query in LS
New Delhi, Aug 1 (PTI): The joint statement following the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with President Donald Trump in February mentions that the US will undertake a "review" of its policy on releasing fifth-generation fighter jets such as the F-35 and undersea systems to India and "no formal discussions" have been held as yet on this issue, the government said on Friday.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) was asked whether any "official proposal" was received from the US regarding the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to India following the announcement by the US President in February.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in a written response to the query told Lok Sabha that the India-US joint statement following the Modi-Trump meeting on February 13 "mentions that the US will undertake a review of its policy on releasing fifth generation fighters (such as the F-35) and undersea systems to India. No formal discussions have been held as yet on this issue."
The MEA was also asked about the role of American diplomats to stop hostilities between India and Pakistan; and whether the government has reviewed the relationship between US military assistance proposals and autonomy in terms of India's foreign policy in view of the strategic implication especially in a conflict scenario involving third-party mediation.
Singh in his response said, between April 22, when the Pahalgam terrorist attack happened and May 10, there were "a number of diplomatic conversations" with various countries at different levels, including with the US.
"All our interlocutors were given a common message that India's approach was focused, measured and non-escalatory," he said.
"With specific reference to the United States, it was conveyed to Vice President J D Vance on May 9 that India would appropriately respond if Pakistan launched a major attack. The discussion to cease military action took place directly between India and Pakistan through the existing channels of communication between the two-armed forces, and it was initiated at Pakistan's request," Singh added.
As regards any proposal for third party mediation, our longstanding position remains that any outstanding issue with Pakistan will be discussed "only bilaterally". This has been made clear to all nations, including by the Prime Minister to the US President, the minister said.
"The India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership is anchored in mutual trust, shared interests, goodwill and robust engagement between our citizens. The partnership has also benefited from growing strategic convergence and cooperation," he added.
"The Government of India closely evaluates all its external partnerships, including those in the defence and strategic domains, through the prism of India's national interest and commitment to strategic autonomy," Singh said.
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BJP accuses Karnataka govt of 'failing' to prevent noise pollution caused by 'azaan'
Belagavi (Karnataka) (PTI): Members of the Opposition BJP on Tuesday slammed the Karnataka government for not taking measures to prevent the alleged noise pollution caused by 'azaan', the Islamic call to prayer.
BJP MLC D S Arun raised the issue in the Legislative Council during the question hour, accusing the ruling Congress of "appeasement" by failing to take action against mosques that are violating the Supreme Court's directives.
Karnataka Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar Khandre, responding to the question, said, as per the directives of the Supreme Court in sensitive zones, the noise level should not exceed 50 decibels during the day and 40 decibels at night, and in residential areas, 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night.
In commercial areas, the noise should not exceed 65 decibels during the day, 55 at night, and in industrial areas, 75 during the day and at night 70 decibels, he said.
Pointing out that the Karnataka government had issued an order in 2022, assigning responsibility to a committee headed by a DySPs or ACPs for the effective implementation of the rules, the minister said when a complaint is received about noise pollution, the Pollution Control Board will inspect it and provide information about the decibel level to the police to take further action, including filing of criminal cases.
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"Not only during azaan, but also during bhajans held in temples and marriage events, among others, the violations happen. There is a need to spread awareness. The Supreme Court has ordered against bursting firecrackers, but it is being violated. Efforts will be made to implement the rules effectively," he said.
Several BJP MLAs, including Arun, Bharathi Shetty, among others, were not satisfied with the minister's reply. They took strong exception to it.
Arun noted that in the last three years, only 52 cases have been taken, and said there are clear violations by almost all mosques, but no action has been taken. "The decibels have in fact increased under this government. The government is giving protection to them."
Reacting to this, Khandre, calling it a "sensitive matter", said, "It is not right to politicise the issue. The law of this land is equal for everyone."
Hitting back, Arun asked, "Why is the matter sensitive? What is preventing you (the government) from implementing the Supreme Court directives?"
