US Ambassador to Estonia resigns in frustration over Trump
Washington, June 30 : The US Ambassador to Estonia has resigned in frustration with President Donald Trump's comments about, and the treatment of, European allies, a media report said.
James D. Melville Jr.'s resignation on Friday makes him the third ambassador in the last year to leave the State Department early, reports CNN.
"A Foreign Service Officer's DNA is programmed to support policy and we're schooled right from the start, that if there ever comes a point where one can no longer do so, particularly if one is in a position of leadership, the honourable course is to resign," Melville posted on Facebook.
"Having served under six presidents and 11 secretaries of state, I never really thought it would reach that point for me.
"For the President to say the EU was 'set up to take advantage of the US, to attack our piggy bank', or that 'NATO is as bad as NAFTA' is not only factually wrong, but proves to me that it's time to go," he added.
In a statement, a State Department spokesperson confirmed Melville's departure.
"Earlier today (Friday), the US' Ambassador to Estonia, Jim Melville, announced his intent to retire from the Foreign Service effective July 29 after 33 years of public service," the statement said.
The announcement of Melville's departure was followed by that of Susan Thornton, Trump's choice to be the nominee to be assistant secretary for East Asian affairs, later on Friday.
Melville and Thornton are the latest foreign service officer to leave in a department where the senior ranks have been deeply depleted and even rising stars have resigned rather than serve the President, reports CNN.
Last November, Elizabeth Shackelford, an award-winning US diplomat based in Nairobi, wrote to former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson a blistering resignation letter saying that the Trump administration had diminished the influence of State Department with its preference for military solutions.
This January, US Ambassador to Panama John Feeley resigned over differences with the Trump administration.
In March, US Ambassador to Mexico Roberta Jacobson, announced her decision to step down amid increased tensions between the US and Mexico.
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Modi urges industry to ramp up investment, prioritise research to scale up manufacturing
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday urged industry leaders to step up investments, embrace emerging technologies and prioritise research to help India Inc fully leverage the vast opportunities offered by free trade agreements with various nations.
"The days of cutting corners in research are over. We must now make substantial investments in research and development and ensure that our products meet global quality standards. Now we have got opportunities to move forward, so we should have only one mantra - Quality, Quality, Quality," he said while addressing a second webinar on Budget 2026-27.
Stressing that India has entered into free trade agreements with numerous countries, he said, these agreements have opened up a wide range of opportunities for the country.
"In such a situation, he said, "our responsibility is that we should never compromise on quality."
Today, the world is seeking reliable and resilient manufacturing partners, he said, adding that India has a strong opportunity to fulfil this role.
"Our direction is clear. Our resolve is clear. Build more, produce more, connect more, and now the need is to export more," he said.
Pointing out that a significant transformation is currently underway in the global economy, he said that markets are no longer focused solely on cost; sustainability has become an equally important consideration.
"The Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage Mission is a key initiative driving this shift. Incorporating sustainability into core business strategies is now essential. Industries that invest early in clean technologies will gain better access to emerging markets in the years ahead," he said.
Highlighting the importance of infrastructure and logistics, he said, they serve as fundamental pillars of our growth strategy.
This year's budget proposes a record level of capital expenditure to support these priorities, he said.
As India emerges as a beacon of hope for the world thanks to its robust economy, and as global supply chains undergo transformation, the prime minister said, rapid economic development has become the cornerstone for realising the vision of Viksit Bharat.
