A contingent of the Indian defence forces, Assam Rifles and the Indian Navy marching band, along with two Indian Navy ships, is also participating in the celebrations held on Sunday.

PM Modi arrived in Seychelles on Saturday at the invitation of the President of Seychelles, Patrick Herminie.

The Seychelles' soldiers parachuted into the venue from aircraft with their national flags, with people cheering enthusiastically, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the nation's independence.

PM Modi was seen clapping at the performances.

PM Modi was also seen standing while the Indian soldiers took part in the march.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, and Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, are also present at the event.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India and Seychelles share a longstanding partnership rooted in shared historical, cultural and people-to-people ties.

As a key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean region, Seychelles holds a special place in India's Vision 'MAHASAGAR' (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and our commitment to the Global South.

"The visit will reaffirm the strong and enduring friendship between India and Seychelles and reinforce the shared commitment of both countries to enhance the bilateral relationship across all sectors," the MEA said.

Earlier on Sunday, PM Modi was conferred the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon', Seychelles' highest distinction for leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable development.

The award acknowledges PM Modi's long-standing push for sustainable growth and his green vision.

This is the latest in a series of global honours recognising PM Modi's work on climate action, sustainable development, and green growth.

PM Modi thanked the people and the government of Seychelles after being conferred the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon', Seychelles' highest distinction for leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable development.

He dedicated the award to the nations fighting against the challenge of climate change and considers environmental protection their responsibility towards future generations.

"The frequency of leadership exchanges, ministerial visits, strategic dialogues, defence consultations, think-tank collaborations, and institutional partnerships over the past three years suggests that both South Block and Indonesia's Kementerian Luar Negeri (KEMLU) are investing unprecedented political capital in the bilateral relationship," said a report by the Sunday Guardian.

Earlier this month, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono confirmed that preparations are underway for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit in July.

He described it as a reciprocal gesture to Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto's visit to India as the Chief Guest at India's Republic Day celebrations last year, while noting that bilateral discussions have expanded beyond traditional diplomacy to encompass cooperation in various sectors.

These sustained engagements are raising the questions of "Why is Indonesia suddenly occupying such a prominent position in India's diplomatic priorities?" and why this relationship is getting more strategic attention than India's engagements with other countries in Southeast Asia?

"Final negotiations on the possible acquisition of the BrahMos missile system, expanding naval cooperation, and the growing emphasis on the Malacca Strait and the development of a spaceport in Biak, in the province of Papua, demonstrate that both countries increasingly perceive each other as indispensable maritime partners. Nevertheless, these developments explain only part of the story," said the report.

The report also noted that the bilateral trade has neared USD 30 billion and shows a steady growth, making Indonesia one of India's most important partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"Speaking at the Jakarta Futures Forum last year, Samir Saran, president of the Observer Research Foundation, remarked that the India-Indonesia relationship is, in many respects, larger than India's partnerships with the United Kingdom, Japan, or Germany. However, it receives remarkably little attention in India's strategic discourse. More importantly, he argued that the Indo-Pacific would truly come into its own only when both countries, together with like-minded partners, assume greater responsibility for shaping the region's future," the report noted.

According to India's ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, India and Southeast Asia today enjoy a relationship free from territorial disputes, which is characterised by strategic convergence, expanding economic engagement, and shared membership in the Global South.

"The forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi should therefore be viewed not merely as another diplomatic exchange but as an opportunity to redefine the intellectual foundations of relations between the two countries," said the report.

–IANS

ksk/uk

From assisting in economic problems, sending medical supplies to providing emergency aid during natural disasters, India has often acted as the "first responder" in times of crisis for several nations.

Recently, the Indian Army dispatched a specialised medical contingent to Venezuela to assist in humanitarian relief efforts in response to the devastating earthquake that struck the northern part of the country on Thursday.

Tarah Nguyen recalled in her article that India had supplied medicines and vaccines to dozens of countries even while managing enormous domestic challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The nation had extended similar efforts in South Asia as well. It includes assisting Sri Lanka during its economic crisis or Cyclone Ditwah, providing humanitarian support to Maldives, and sending aid to Nepal under 'Operation Maitri' in the aftermath of the April 2015 Nepal earthquake.

Nguyen underlined that India has repeatedly demonstrated that "regional leadership requires action rather than declarations".

The author also highlighted that unlike many international assistance programmes that become "trapped in bureaucracy or conditionality", Indian projects are often driven by "local priorities" and "long-term capacity building".

This consistency is important as countries around the world are looking for partners they can trust, especially amid growing uncertainty in global affairs following the West Asia conflict.

The report in Vietnam Times, termed India's ability to maintain continuity across administrations and political cycles a "significant strategic advantage".

However, Tarah Nguyen cautioned that credibility should never be confused with passivity.

"International agreements are founded upon mutual obligations. Their durability depends not only on one party honouring its commitments but also on the broader environment in which those commitments operate. No responsible state can be expected to indefinitely sustain arrangements that are undermined by persistent hostility, violence, or threats to national security," the author wrote.

The report emphasised that in a multipolar polar world, trust becomes an increasingly valuable asset and that is what might become India's "greatest strategic advantage" as countries worldwide look to pair with nations that apart from infrastructural commitments, trade and humanitarian aid, "contribute to stability rather than instability".

Nguyen underlined that trust, which is earned through decades of consistent action, creates a more everlasting influence than power or wealth.

"India's global standing today reflects precisely that reality: a nation that honours its commitments, protects its interests, and increasingly serves as a pillar of stability in an uncertain world," she said.

"Beijing is increasingly relying on a diverse set of civilian, quasi-civilian and dual-use instruments that expand its presence in contested waters without requiring a major military escalation," a report in the Rome-based Indo-Mediterranean Initiative CNKY stated.

Discussion about China's maritime ambitions has focused on artificial islands, military assets: warships, missiles and airstrips, but the recent developments reveal a broader strategy.

"The appearance of a temporary Chinese platform near Scarborough Shoal in June attracted far less attention than a naval exercise or a coast guard confrontation would have generated. Yet the episode may prove more revealing than either," noted the report.

The report said that the assumption regarding China completing the physical foundations of its regional strategy with the island-building campaign looks "premature".

"The extensive reclamation work reported at Antelope Reef demonstrates that Beijing remains willing to expand its footprint when strategic conditions are favourable. More importantly, recent activity points to a shift in emphasis. The focus is no longer limited to creating fixed military facilities. Attention is increasingly directed toward maintaining a continuous presence through a wider ecosystem of infrastructure and services," said the report.

Activities like Coast Guard patrols, communications systems, scientific expeditions, fisheries management measures and floating platforms all contribute to that objective.

"This approach offers significant advantages. It reinforces Chinese claims while reducing the risk of triggering the kind of international response that accompanied the original island-building campaign," highlighted the report.

The floating platform at Scarborough Shoal looks modest in size and temporary, which shows how China can establish a semi-permanent presence without undertaking a major construction project.

"Such structures occupy an ambiguous space between civilian and governmental activity. They are easier to justify politically than military installations and easier to deploy than permanent facilities," noted the report.

Many of these instruments used by China in the contested waters operate in a similar grey zone, be it the vessels that collect scientific data while extending state presence or Coast Guard ships performing law-enforcement functions while advancing sovereignty claims.

"The most important development may therefore be institutional rather than military. China's objective is not only to maintain access to contested maritime areas but also to normalise its role as the primary authority operating within them," highlighted the report.

"For regional actors, the challenge is that many of the tools involved fall outside traditional deterrence frameworks. Naval power remains relevant, but it is often ill-suited to respond to scientific surveys, fisheries regulations or temporary civilian infrastructure," it stressed further.

–IANS

ksk/uk

The two senators made the remarks during a joint interview on ABC's This Week, where they discussed political polarisation, bipartisan cooperation and the challenges of governing in an increasingly divided America.

Kelly said elected officials must sometimes take positions that could damage their own political careers.

"You have to take stands that you know are the right thing for the nation that moves us forward in a positive way, but could be politically harmful to you and your career," the Arizona Democrat said. "That's hard for some folks."

Young, an Indiana Republican and former Marine, said political courage often meant accepting criticism from one's own supporters.

"It's the courage to be misunderstood by people you respect and love and whose values you share on difficult issues," Young said. "It's courage to do unpopular things."

The discussion turned to Trump's recent accusation that Kelly's comments about military personnel amounted to sedition.

Young revealed that he contacted Kelly privately after the episode.

"My first reaction was to text Mark and engage in a dialogue that very morning," Young said, adding that lawmakers had to balance public criticism with the need to continue working together on legislation.

Kelly acknowledged the difficult position faced by Republicans serving under Trump.

"We're all adults. We understand the complexities of our own individual politics," he said.

"It's really not... I'd say in this situation, it's easier to be in the minority. To be in the majority and the leader of your party is, fair to say, very unconventional about how he approaches this job. It is very complicated for them."

Young defended the President's use of his political influence while stressing that lawmakers still had an independent responsibility to act in the national interest.

"He has more loyal political followers than I've ever encountered in political life," Young said.

"But that in no way absolves myself or any of my colleagues, Republican or Democrat, from the agency we have. We still need to sacrifice when we feel like the common good can be advanced through personal sacrifice."

The senators also differed over the state of American politics as the country prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary next week.

Kelly argued that the country remained deeply divided.

"We have a President who looks for every opportunity, not as an opportunity to bring the country together, but to further divide us," he said.

Young placed greater responsibility on voters.

"The reason we're so divided right now and the reason we have a government that we're unhappy with is that the American people have elected the current crop of senators, of congressmen, of the President," he said.

"If they have challenges with the way we're being led, then put people in office that can do a better job."

In an interview on CNN's State of the Union, Tillis said Republicans should stop questioning the legitimacy of elections ahead of the November midterm polls and instead focus on their record in office.

"I am concerned that we're going to continue to cast doubt on elections in November and erode what has been a 250-year tradition of a peaceful transition of power," Tillis said.

The North Carolina senator questioned efforts to rapidly implement new election rules before the midterm elections.

"I have people telling me I need to implement the SAVE Act immediately in North Carolina, in a state that has voter I.D.," he said.

"Why are we doing more things to undermine our confidence in elections, rather than getting the strong message out that will win for Republicans this year?" Tillis added. "Accept that the voting laws are going to be fundamentally what they are today, win by them."

Instead of revisiting election disputes, Tillis urged Republicans to campaign on policy issues.

"Talk about the emergence and the rise of the Democrat Socialists of America, accept that the voting laws are going to be fundamentally what they are today, win by them. Win by the good results that Republicans have produced, and stop undermining confidence in the elections."

Tillis also sharply criticised Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte, saying he should not remain in office.

"I don't think he should be in the administration, let alone in charge of DNI," Tillis said.

"He is singularly responsible for 702 beginning to go dark because of a lack of confidence of him in that role. So he needs to get out. We need to get a credible person in the role."

The senator went further, arguing that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence itself should eventually be abolished.

"I think, ultimately, we should end DNI and go back to the intelligence community, the posture that we had before 9/11," he said, adding that after 25 years, the US should be able to coordinate intelligence agencies without a separate DNI structure.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was created in 2004 following recommendations made after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to improve coordination among US intelligence agencies. The office oversees the country's 18-member intelligence community and serves as the principal intelligence adviser to the President.

Speaking on CNN's State of the Union, Tillis said recent Iranian attacks had reinforced his long-held scepticism about Tehran's willingness to abide by international commitments.

"I just simply don't trust the Iranian leadership, the mullahs, to live up to their commitments," Tillis said. "We're already seeing it."

His remarks came after President Donald Trump warned Iran overnight that it could "no longer exist" if it continued violating the ceasefire Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), following fresh exchanges of fire between US and Iranian forces.

The latest violence followed Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, raising new concerns over the durability of the agreement reached earlier this month.

Asked whether the MoU remained a good deal, Tillis questioned whether Iran could be trusted to implement it.

"My goodness, cease-fires have we had over the past several months?" he said. "And this one was supposed to be keyed to a 60-day agreement."

Tillis said much more work remained before any durable agreement could be achieved.

"I don't believe that they were any more faithful to this agreement than the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), unless it is buttoned down tight. And I just don't see that happening in 60 days," he said.

The interview came as tensions escalated in and around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest energy shipping routes.

Earlier, Iran had attacked two commercial ships in the Strait despite the ceasefire arrangement and was signalling that vessels would require its permission to transit the waterway. The renewed exchanges have raised fresh concerns over global energy supplies and the future of US-Iran negotiations.

ABC News also reported that overnight, Iran launched drones and missiles towards Bahrain and Kuwait, both of which host US military bases. According to the network, a US official said there had been no reported American casualties or damage, but both sides appeared to be testing each other's red lines.

Trump later warned on social media that continued Iranian violations could force the United States to "militarily complete the job", signalling growing frustration within the administration over repeated breaches of the ceasefire.

The current memorandum of understanding followed months of escalating military confrontation between Washington and Tehran. While both governments have said they remain committed to negotiations, repeated exchanges of fire have cast doubt on whether a broader and more durable agreement can be reached.

Appearing on separate Sunday television interviews, Mullin said TPS was always intended to be temporary and urged beneficiaries to seek another legal immigration status or voluntarily return to their home countries.

"Temporary Protected Status was never intended to be permanent," Mullin said on CNN's State of the Union. "These individuals have a couple of choices. They can try to apply for permanent residence here. They can apply for a temporary visa if they choose to, or they can choose to go back. And if they want to go back, we will help them with that."

He said the administration would provide returning migrants with transport and financial assistance.

"We will actually give you a plane ticket, plus roughly $2,100 to help you re-establish when you get there," Mullin said.

The interview followed a Supreme Court ruling allowing the Trump administration to terminate TPS protections for more than 350,000 immigrants from Haiti and Syria while legal challenges continue.

Asked whether Haiti was safe enough for deportations, Mullin said the administration considered several factors before making such decisions.

"There isn't a more generous country in the world than the United States, but we don't want people to take advantage of it," he said.

Pressed on State Department travel advisories and deteriorating conditions in Haiti, Mullin argued that warnings issued to Americans did not necessarily reflect conditions for Haitians returning home.

He added that the administration expected "pretty full flights going back to Haiti" and said rebuilding countries such as Haiti and Syria required their own citizens to return.

"If we really want those countries to succeed, then they need the best of the best to be back in their country living there," he said. "And we're going to assist them in that."

Minutes later on the same programme, DeWine publicly disagreed with the administration's policy, citing both security concerns and labour shortages.

"I think it's a mistake for a number of reasons," the Ohio governor said. "It is clearly not safe. Anybody who has followed Haiti over a long, extended period of time knows that it's worse than it has, frankly, ever been."

DeWine also argued that deporting Haitians would hurt the US economy.

"It is not in the United States' interests, certainly not in Ohio's interest, to have people who are working every single day, who are supporting a family, who are buying houses, fixing up old houses, starting businesses, and then put deep roots in this country and really are contributing and yank them out," he said.

He said Haitian immigrants play important roles in manufacturing, food production and healthcare. Many also work in nursing homes, caring for elderly Americans. He urged the administration to reconsider the policy, saying it was not in the country's long-term interest.

TPS is a humanitarian programme created by the US Congress in 1990. It allows nationals of designated countries affected by armed conflict, natural disasters or other extraordinary conditions to live and work legally in the United States for limited periods. The designation must be reviewed periodically by the Department of Homeland Security.

Haiti has remained under TPS for years because of political instability, gang violence, and repeated natural disasters, while Syria has retained the designation since the outbreak of its civil war. The Trump administration argues that the programme was never intended to become a pathway to permanent residence and says temporary protections should not become permanent immigration status.

The current unrest in PoK started in 2023, with protests staged over electricity tariffs and flour shortages. The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), a coalition of traders, lawyers, transporters, students and civil society groups, formulated a 38-point charter of demands, including subsidised rate for essentials and electoral reforms. The group has demanded abolishing 12 assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living outside the region, which local residents said are undermining their political voice, according to a report in the US-based Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI).

People of PoK have economic grievances also as the region contributes substantially to Pakistan's hydropower generation. However, residents of PoK have complained about paying electricity tariffs above production costs while consumers and officials in other parts of Pakistan pay preferential rates.

The unrest has led to strikes, clashes, barricades, arrests, and heavy security deployments in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, and other parts of PoK. Clashes erupted in Rawalakot with several media reports claiming that 27 people were killed and more than 200 others were injured.

However, the International Human Rights Foundation (IHRF) said that more than 32 people were killed from June 8-16 and demanded an independent international investigation. The Pakistani authorities banned JKJAAC under anti-terror provisions and targeted its leaders, ordered sedition cases against prominent figures, suspended internet and mobile networks in PoK, according to the report in MEMRI.

"The language used against JKJAAC follows the familiar script of Pakistan's security establishment: first delegitimise the grievance, then criminalise the protester, then justify force as law and order. A movement demanding cheaper electricity, wheat relief, local rights and political representation is now being pushed into the frame of sedition, terrorism, and anti-national activity. This is how the hard state manufactures its own justification: It turns public anger into a security file," Fatima El Hashimi, Moroccan researcher and journalist, mentioned in the report in MEMRI.

Large sit-ins, including gatherings of more than 70,000 people at Eidgah Ground in Rawalakot, continued into the third week of June, with protesters shouting slogans like "Pak Forces Out" and demanding an end to occupation. The unrest in PoK demonstrates more than a local governance crisis as it tests Pakistan's Kashmir policy and the narrative it has been promoting for years.

"The events in PoJK since 2023 provide evidence that challenges Pakistan's claim on factual grounds. Residents of the territory have protested against the administration that Islamabad controls. That administration has responded with force, communications blackouts, and anti-terrorism designations applied to civilian protest groups," Fatima El Hashimi mentioned in the report in MEMRI.

"The international community must act. There is a compelling case for an independent fact-finding mission by the UN and other international organisations to investigate the Pakistani army's excesses, civilian deaths, arbitrary arrests, and human rights violations in PoJK," Fatima El Hashimi mentioned in the report in MEMRI," the author added.

On June 16, the IHRF strongly condemned the violent crackdown on peaceful protestors in PoK by Pakistani authorities. It said that the crackdown was followed by the complete suspension of internet and mobile networks across the region, the deployment of federal paramilitary troops and mass arbitrary arrests of over 100 activists and leaders.

The rights body also cited travel restrictions barring outsiders from entering the region and the arrest of journalist Sohrab Barkat under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act.

"Branding a civil society body as 'terrorist' on vague grounds, while simultaneously sealing the region from outside scrutiny, constitutes a disproportionate and unlawful violation of the right to freedom of association," IHRF stated.

The rights body said that the crackdown was not an isolated incident but part of a systemic pattern of human rights violations in PoK.

The IHRF also documented a recurring trend of deadly crackdowns on JAAC protests, including violence in May 2024 and October 2025 that claimed multiple lives.

The rights body called on the Pakistani authorities to immediately halt the use of deadly force against peaceful protesters, lift the internet shutdown, release all individuals arbitrarily detained, and revoke the "unlawful ban" on JAAC.

It also urged an independent and impartial investigation into all civilian deaths, with full access for international observers, and accountability for those responsible for the unlawful use of force, including the alleged extrajudicial killing of activist Shahzeb Habib.

This was Prime Minister Modi's fourth meeting with Prime Minister Ramgoolam since the latter took office in November 2024.

Meeting on the sidelines of Seychelles' Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations, the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of the India-Mauritius Enhanced Strategic Partnership, including development cooperation, maritime security, trade, capacity building and people-to-people ties, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

The two leaders discussed their ongoing bilateral cooperation and reviewed the progress made in the implementation of the Special Economic Package extended by India.

"Prime Minister Modi underscored the importance attached by India to the development and progress of Mauritius, noting that the ongoing bilateral projects will contribute to Mauritius's healthcare, connectivity, sustainable development and blue economy," the MEA said on X.

"The two Prime Ministers agreed on the significance of the India-Mauritius Enhanced Strategic Partnership, under India's Vision Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR) and Neighbourhood First policy, and their shared commitment to the Global South."

The leaders reaffirmed to continue working closely for mutual growth and for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region.

In April, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar visited Mauritius for the inauguration of the first dedicated renal transplant unit in Mauritius, while assuring that the ongoing healthcare sector cooperation between the two nations is set to expand further.

In his address at the inauguration of the Renal Transplant Unit at Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in Mauritius, EAM Jaishankar mentioned the shared history of India and Mauritius, which he said continues to shape the relationship between both nations. He also conveyed Prime Minister Modi's warm greetings to the people of Mauritius.

"...Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji says that Mauritius is not a partner. Mauritius is part of our family. And before I left for this visit, he asked me to personally convey his warm greetings to each and every one of you with the message that this is not a diplomatic relationship, 'Ye Dil ka Rishta' (Connection of heart), one that is not just reflected in words but also in meaningful action," EAM noted during his remarks.

“These are not transactional relationships, these are relationships based on respect, based on trust and based on friendship... if you were to really press me hard and ask me what do I expect, I would say friendship and that's really the last word," the Foreign Secretary said at special briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the archipelagic island in response to a question regarding what India expects in return from all what it has given to Seychelles.

India has gifted Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) PS Lespwar to the Seychelles, to help strengthen the country's maritime security capabilities, enhancing maritime surveillance, search-and-rescue operations, and the protection of Seychelles' territorial waters.

India handed over 10 utility vehicles and 5 sets of Laser Radial class boats to the Seychelles Defence Force and provided 6 ambulances to the government.

It also gave 500 MT of rice to strengthen the country’s food security, as well as 8,500 MT of cement to address the infrastructure sector challenges.

Two paramedics from India also arrived in Seychelles to train and integrate people into the healthcare system.

PM Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie did a virtual ground-breaking ceremony for the Professional and Technical Education Centre being constructed under the special economic package announced earlier this year.

"This will further contribute to the efforts which are already underway in the human resource development sector between the two countries," FS Misri noted during the briefing.

An Umbrella Line of Credit Agreement between Seychelles and the Export-Import Bank of India was signed, which will extend Rs 1,250 crore rupees to support priority development projects in Seychelles.

In this package of $175 million, $125 million is concessional finance assistance, and $50 million is a grant assistance.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), International Payments Ltd., and the Central Bank of Seychelles to facilitate the deployment of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) digital payment infrastructure in Seychelles and identify avenues for broader collaboration in the payments ecosystem.

President Herminie made a proposal requesting Indian assistance in the provision of an advanced light helicopter and in setting up centres devoted to cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence during his meeting with PM Modi.

PM Modi assured that India would look into these proposals and take them forward with a positive frame of mind. The two sides will further discuss these proposals.

The minister successfully concluded his 3-day visit to the United Kingdom on Saturday with the Indiaâ€"UK: Partners in Progress Business Plenary held in London. The engagement reaffirmed the strong momentum in bilateral economic relations, with leading industry stakeholders from both countries expressing firm support for the proposed Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) as a transformative framework for deepening trade and investment ties.

The minister’s engagements in the United Kingdom, followed by the ongoing visit to Greece, reflect the Indian government's continued commitment under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthening global economic partnerships, fostering innovation-led growth, and advancing India's trade and investment diplomacy in key international markets, the statement said.

During the visit to Greece, the delegation will participate in presentations and startup pitches at The Athens Startup Business Incubator (THEA), providing a platform to showcase next-generation enterprises and promote cross-border innovation partnerships.

The delegation will also hold focused roundtable discussions with Indian and Greek industry leaders at the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI). The discussions will cover key sectors, including infrastructure, digitalisation and defence, and food and agriculture, with a view to identifying new avenues for collaboration and strengthening private-sector partnerships.

The programme will include a high-level business interaction bringing together leading stakeholders from both countries to explore opportunities for enhanced investment and commercial partnerships across priority sectors. The delegation will also visit leading Greek enterprises to explore collaboration in advanced manufacturing and technology-driven sectors, strengthening industrial synergies between the two countries.

The visit will conclude with interactions involving key business and institutional stakeholders aimed at deepening industry partnerships and expanding bilateral trade linkages, the statement added.

On June 22, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Quetta sentenced Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) founder Mahrang Baloch and leader Sibghatullah to life imprisonment over the death of Frontier Corps (FC) trooper Shabbir Baloch during the Baloch National Gathering held in July 2024. ATC-I Judge Muhammad Ali Mubeen announced the verdict while the accused, other detained BYC members, and their lawyers boycotted the proceedings, terming them as a "faceless trial", according to a report in Sri Lanka Guardian.

According to Mahrang Baloch's lawyer, Israr Jattak and other BYC leaders, the convictions are related to allegations that Shabbir Baloch suffered injuries after being hit by stones allegedly thrown by participants during the gathering. Since June 12, Mahrang Baloch and other detained leaders of BYC have held sit-ins inside Hudda District Jail in Quetta, demanding that their trial be conducted in an open court and that they should be represented by a lawyer of their own choice. The accused and their legal team boycotted the trial in protest against what they termed unfair judicial proceedings and refused to accept lawyers subsequently appointed by the government.

Mahrang Baloch's sister, Advocate Nadia Baloch, rejected the court's verdict, terming it as the outcome of a "faceless court". The BYC criticised the judgement, terming it as a proof of what it said was the Pakistani state's hostility towards Baloch people. The group said that the ruling would usher in what it described as a "historic phase of resistance and struggle."

"The life sentence imposed on Mahrang Baloch represents a significant deterioration in the Pakistani state's engagement with Baloch rights activism. The verdict is likely to intensify concerns over the human rights situation in Balochistan and deepen mistrust between the State and Baloch people, which will further aggravate the longstanding insurgency," the report in Sri Lanka Guardian mentioned.

Mahrang Baloch has remained under detention since 2025. Her activism was shaped by personal experiences as her father, Abdul Gaffar Langove, a left-wing political activist, was allegedly subjected to an 'enforced disappearance' in 2009, and his body was recovered in Lasbela District three years later.

Mahrang Baloch's brother was also reportedly detained by the Pakistani security forces in 2017 and was held for nearly three months, during which he was allegedly tortured, according to the report in Sri Lanka Guardian. These personal experiences became the motivation for her to launch the campaign against 'enforced disappearances' and 'extrajudicial killings' in Balochistan.

She was the chief organiser and the prominent speaker at the Baloch National Gathering held in Gwadar in 2024, a gathering that focused on issues like enforced disappearances and resource exploitation in Balochistan. Mahrang Baloch was arrested in 2025 while leading a protest in Quetta after the burial of 13 unclaimed bodies, which protesters believed were those of people who were victims of enforced disappearances.

Meanwhile, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Andrea Bolanos Vargas, has expressed serious concern over the life sentences handed down to BYC leaders Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shah, calling on Pakistan's judiciary to overturn what she described as “unjust convictions."

She cited multiple alleged violations during the proceedings, including denial of fair trial and due process, abuse of antiterrorism laws, criminalisation of peaceful assembly, and double punishment for the same act.

“I express grave concern regarding life sentences imposed on WHRD Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shah, leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, by the Anti-Terrorism Court in Quetta in a secret trial. Violations Identified: denial of fair trial, abuse of antiterrorism laws, criminalisation of peaceful assembly, due process, and double punishment for the same act. I urge the superior judiciary to overturn manifestly unjust convictions," Vargas posted on X.

"President Herminie and I took stock of the economic partnership between India and Seychelles. We discussed new opportunities in industries, connectivity, technology, digital infrastructure and more. India will keep working with Seychelles in sectors such as housing, healthcare, transport, skilling, food security, education and defence," PM Modi wrote on X.

PM Modi also noted that he and Seychelles's President agreed that the security, sustainability, and prosperity of the Indian Ocean are shared responsibilities.

"Dr. Patrick Herminie and I agree that the Indian Ocean is our shared home and therefore, its security, sustainability and prosperity are our shared responsibility. India envisions an Indian Ocean where: Maritime security advances alongside economic prosperity. Our partnership is based not on size, but on mutual respect and trust. We do not merely live close to one another, but move forward together. Our vision is to make the Indian Ocean an Ocean of Opportunity," the Prime Minister highlighted on X.

They also held wide-ranging discussions at the State House earlier on Saturday.

"My visit is taking place at a historic moment when Seychelles is completing 50 years of its independence, and we are also celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles. Our talks focused on how to add further momentum to this close partnership," PM Modi wrote on X.

India and Seychelles on Sunday signed agreements to strengthen bilateral ties across trade, digital technology and agriculture following talks between the leaders.

The two countries agreed on several major initiatives, including the umbrella line of credit agreement for Rs 1,250 crore between the Export-Import Bank of India and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment of Seychelles, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

–IANS

ksk/vd

In his remarks at the National Assembly as PM Modi addressed a special session during his state visit, Georges expressed gratitude to India for the support given to Seychelles in various sectors over the past 50 years. Noting the political divide in Seychelles, he said that the opposition will not be present during the ceremonies to mark the golden jubilee celebrations of Seychelles National Day.

"We must nonetheless remain mindful of our respective strengths and, as friends, remain balanced partners, respectful of the independence of each other. It is with some regret that, in my capacity as the leader of the loyal opposition in this Assembly, I take this moment to mention that while our country celebrates its independence's golden jubilee in the presence of your excellency and many other dignitaries, effusive declarations of unity and cooperation amongst our neighbours will necessarily be made. Our country remains politically divided at its core, so much so that the opposition will be absent from all ceremonies to mark the occasion."

"If we are proud as a nation, and we are, each one of us, to have achieved what we have in such a short time, we are equally concerned that the direction of political travel our country has recently embarked upon is one which puts our very democracy at risk. My hope, and the hope of all my caucus, is that democracy being resilient, as your own political journey has demonstrated, your presence amongst us during your Excellency's state visit will encourage our political leaders to look to India as an example of unity in diversity. On behalf of my caucus, and on my personal behalf, I thank India for its generosity to Seychelles in many and varied fields over five decades. And I wish Your Excellency a pleasant stay among us," he added.

He highlighted that the fusion between the two nations spans the highest levels of the Seychelles government, encompassing positions from the former President to the Vice President. Lauding the role of the Indian diaspora in Seychelles' economy, he said that the bulk of the construction industry is steered by Indian nationals.

"Our former President, our current Vice President, the member seated behind me and to my right, and my personal parliamentary assistant are testaments to the ethnic fusion between our two countries. Indeed, you will have been told by now that large segments of the wholesale and retail trade of our country are assured by Seshilva of Indian extraction, and the bulk of the construction industry is steered by Indian nationals and Indo-Seshilva entrepreneurs from your home state of Gujarat. In our own parliament, we have forged friendships and exchanges through the Seshilva India parliamentary friendship group, a bipartisan group of parliamentarians for the fostering of closer exchanges and greater cooperation. These, amongst many other ties which bind us, have ensured that our destinies are linked."

Georges stated that PM Modi's address in the National Assembly demonstrates the universal nature of the democratic process and the enduring relevance of parliamentary and participatory democracy as a system of governance.

"Thank you, Prime Minister, for your kind words to our Assembly this afternoon. It is always a pleasure to receive guests and a rare privilege to have such an august person as Your Excellency address our modest institution. The political head of the largest democracy, taking the time to speak at length and with passion to the members of one of the world's smallest, underlines the universal nature of the democratic process and the enduring relevance of parliamentary and participatory democracy as a system of governance. As you said, our two countries share more than the ocean which takes its name from your country, our big neighbour to the north."

"The future of Seychelles will be shaped by its youth. We are proud that students, professionals, officials, and security forces of Seychelles have trained and studied in India for decades. In fact, it is said that one in every fifty people in Seychelles has undergone some training in India. They have returned home with skills, friendships, and experiences that continue to strengthen our partnership today," PM Modi said in his special address at the National Assembly of Seychelles as part of his state visit to the archipelagic island.

PM Modi said he was delighted to learn about Seychelles' IGNITE initiative to provide internships for the youth, terming it "an excellent framework", and that both countries can explore new avenues for cooperation in this sector.

"A key focus area for such cooperation can be in digital innovation. India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has demonstrated how technology can expand opportunity, improve governance, boost financial inclusion, and deliver services for hundreds of millions of people," he noted.

"We would be happy to share our experiences and expertise as you pursue your own digital transformation. I am confident that the young people of Seychelles will embrace these opportunities with the same determination that guided the first fifty years of independence," he added.

According to PM Modi, Seychelles and India both seek a world where development is more inclusive.

"We both seek a world where international institutions reflect contemporary realities. We believe that our shared future must be shaped collectively, inclusively, and fairly," he noted.

"This belief guided India's efforts during our G20 Presidency. It was in this spirit that we worked to place the priorities of the Global South at the centre of international discussions. And it was in this spirit that we welcomed the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20. This is the spirit that unites the Global South. And this is the vision that India and Seychelles will continue to advance together," he highlighted.

PM Modi assured that India will remain a trusted partner.

"As we look ahead, let us continue to build upon these foundations. India will remain your trusted partner. We will celebrate your achievements. We will support your aspirations. And we will stand beside you as friends."

"Your maritime domain extends across nearly 1.4 million square kilometres. This makes Seychelles not a small island state but a large ocean country. Long before the blue economy became a part of global discussions, Seychelles was already leading the way," PM Modi highlighted during his special address in the National Assembly of Seychelles during his state visit to the archipelagic island.

Seychelles has helped shape important global conversations in protecting marine ecosystems and in advancing innovations like blue bonds, he said.

"When people look at a map, they may see Seychelles as a group of islands in the Indian Ocean. But we see something much greater. We see a nation whose horizons stretch far beyond its shores," the Prime Minister said.

"The efforts being made by you to protect and preserve this natural wonder reflect our larger philosophy that humanity must live in harmony with nature. This sentiment resonates deeply in India as well. Let us work together to ensure that future generations inherit oceans that are healthier, safer, and more abundant than those we enjoy today," he added.

According to PM Modi, the Global South and the island nations are the most impacted by climate change, and effects are already visible on coastlines, marine ecosystems, weather patterns, and in communities.

"Climate action must be guided by fairness, responsibility, and equity. This is the essence of climate justice," he stressed.

"India has sought to lead by example. Over the last decade, we have undertaken one of the world's largest expansions of renewable energy. We have championed sustainable lifestyles through Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). Through our initiatives, like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA), and 'Ek Ped Maa Kee Naam' (a tree in mother's remembrance), we have worked with partner countries to boost the green transition," he noted.

The PM congratulated the government and people of Seychelles on the 50th anniversary of Independence and highlighted the special India-Seychelles partnership founded on shared values, strong people-to-people ties and mutual trust.

"PM also underscored the special place Seychelles occupies in India's Vision MAHASAGAR and its commitment to the Global South.PM underscored India's transformative development journey and called for stronger parliamentary exchanges, while advocating deeper cooperation in security, human development and sustainability for mutual benefit," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) wrote on X.

This is the 20th parliament which PM Modi has addressed.

New Delhi, June 28 (IANS) Recent administrative changes and political transitions in Bangladesh’s medical sector have affected several of the country’s famous doctors, raising questions about institutional continuity, human rights, and the future of public health, according to an article in the Bangladeshi media.

The article in the Dhaka-based news agency Pressenza highlights that when political alignment becomes the primary lens through which professional merit and decades of service are evaluated, the entire knowledge ecosystem of a developing nation faces severe disruption. The shifting administrative landscape in Bangladesh has directly impacted several senior physicians whose clinical work, teaching, and institutional leadership helped shape modern medical practice in the country, it said.

These include Dr Samanta Lal Sen, who is widely regarded as the architect of modern plastic surgery and specialised burn care in Bangladesh. Having served as a technocrat Health Minister during the previous administration, he was later detained in a legal case that his supporters describe as politically motivated. He subsequently left the country, leaving a noticeable gap in specialised medical leadership

Then there is Prof Dr Pran Gopal Dutta, an eminent ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist and former Vice-Chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), who received the country’s highest civilian honour, the Independence Award, in 2012 for his contributions to medical science. Currently residing outside Bangladesh due to legal proceedings tied to his tenure as a former Member of Parliament, he is reported to be teaching at a medical college in India's Tripura, while continuing to provide care to underserved border communities.

Prof Dr Deen Mohammad, a senior neurologist and former Principal of Dhaka Medical College, was the founding Director of the National Institute of Neurosciences & Hospital- a specialised facility he actively helped establish. He was recently removed from his post, a decision that those close to him attribute to his perceived affiliations with pro-Awami League medical associations.

Prof. Dr ABM Abdullah, a leading internal medicine specialist and former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at BSMMU, is well-known across the country for charging a nominal fee of just Tk 300 to ensure lower-income patients could access top-tier care. Awarded the Ekushey Padak for his humanitarian services, he also served as the personal physician to the former Prime Minister. Recently, the authorities cancelled his lifetime appointment as ‘Emeritus Professor’ and requested the return of the salaries and allowances received during his tenure in that role.

The article points out that universal humanism asserts that healthcare, education, and science should remain independent of partisan shifts, serving as shared assets for the collective good. Medical expertise cannot be generated overnight; it requires decades of rigorous training, mentorship, and extensive institutional support. When senior clinicians are abruptly removed or compelled to leave the system, the generational transmission of clinical knowledge to young medical professionals is broken.

This lack of institutional stability and merit-based security has accelerated an ongoing crisis: the migration of skilled professionals abroad or 'brain drain'. Each year, thousands of talented students and young doctors leave Bangladesh for higher education and professional opportunities overseas, citing the need for structural stability and genuine recognition of merit. For a developing country of 180 million, this outflow of talent represents a profound, long-term setback to public health capacity, the article added.

"Democracy is a journey experienced by each nation in its own time and in its own way, and India stands as a beacon of excellence, not just as the largest democracy in the world, but also as the Mother of Democracy…," Ernesta said in her remarks on the occasion.

"I believe you (PM Modi) are the first Prime Minister to address our House and through this House, our people. We are grateful and appreciative of the time you have taken to convey your message to us," she added.

Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, Sylvanne Lemiel, welcomed PM Modi’s presence as Guest of Honour for their independence anniversary and said it made the occasion "meaningful".

"It is an occasion of exceptional significance for our Republic. As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the independence of Seychelles, it is a great honour to welcome to our House the distinguished Guest of Honour, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India. Prime Minister Modi, your presence today makes this historic occasion even more meaningful..." Lemiel noted.

PM Modi expressed gratitude for the warmth and friendship extended by the people of Seychelles.

"Addressed the National Assembly of Seychelles today. Expressed my gratitude for the warmth and friendship extended by the people of Seychelles. Spoke about the long-lasting partnership between our two nations that is built on shared values. It was also an honour interacting with the Members of the Assembly," he wrote on X.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi was conferred with the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon', Seychelles' highest distinction for leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable development.

The award acknowledges PM Modi's long-standing push for sustainable growth and his green vision.

Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to President Patrick Herminie for the warm welcome and honouring him with the "Guardian of the Blue Horizon" award.

"I humbly accept this title with honour and dedicate it to all other countries that are struggling against the challenges of climate change and that consider the protection of the environment their responsibility toward future generations. This is an urgent challenge that we need to overcome together," the Prime Minister said in a post on X.

The two countries agreed on several major initiatives, including the umbrella line of credit agreement for Rs 1,250 crore between the Export-Import Bank of India and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment of Seychelles, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

"President Herminie and Prime Minister Modi held bilateral talks at the State House in Victoria in Seychelles, which included development cooperation, clean energy, creative industries and health," the statement said.

Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to deepening the relationship, proposing direct shipping links, increased trade in local currencies, and greater connectivity to promote trade and tourism.

He announced the gifting of six ambulances, access to affordable medicines under the Janaushadhi Scheme, and training for Seychellois medical personnel.

India also committed to sports training, youth exchange, and promoting Seychelles as a creative and filming destination.

Both leaders participated in the virtual groundbreaking of the India-assisted Professional and Technical Education Centre and inaugurated three solar water pumping systems under the International Solar Alliance. They also jointly unveiled the commemorative logo marking 50 years of diplomatic relations.

Additional agreements covered cooperation in agricultural research and education, mutual recognition of training and certification for seafarers serving on Seychelles-flagged vessels, and collaboration in the peaceful exploration of outer space.

The two sides agreed to begin preliminary work on establishing a new Seychelles National Hospital.

New Delhi also extended humanitarian and development assistance by supplying 500 metric tonnes of rice and 8,500 metric tonnes of cement.

President Herminie reaffirmed progress in implementing the Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages (SESEL), adopted in February this year.

The Seychelles President expressed appreciation for India's Special Economic Package of $175 million, comprising $125 million in a rupee-denominated Line of Credit and $50 million in grant assistance, to support priority projects in social housing, e-mobility, vocational training, health, defence, and maritime security.

He also highlighted food security, parliamentary cooperation, and the strengthening of historic ties between the two nations as key areas of discussion.

The wide-ranging agreements reflect the deepening partnership between the two countries in connectivity, capacity building and sustainable development.

The outcomes were announced during PM Modi's State Visit, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles.

Prime Minister Modi is visiting Seychelles at the invitation of President Herminie and will attend the country's National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour.

Addressing the Seychelles National Assembly, PM Modi noted that the relations between the two nations did not start with the establishment of diplomatic ties, but when five Indians came to Seychelles in August 1770. He stated that the bond between two nations is built by people, nurtured by families and sustained by generations.

This marked the 20th Parliament, which PM Modi has addressed. Earlier, PM Modi has addressed parliaments of several nations, including Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Australia, the US, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Israel.

"Honourable Members, it is important to recall today that our friendship did not begin 50 years ago with the establishment of our diplomatic relations. It began much earlier, in August 1770, when there were five Indians among those who arrived on board the ship Telemaque on St Anne Island. That voyage sowed the path to many more who followed. Over time, these stories became part of modern Seychelles."

"It reminds us that the bonds between us were not created by governments alone. They were built by people, nurtured by families, and sustained by generations. The Indian Ocean made this possible. The Indian Ocean does not separate India and Seychelles; it connects us. That is why we meet not as strangers, we meet as old friends," he added.

Praising Seychelles' vibrant diversity, he said: "The greatest strength of Seychelles lies in its people. Over generations, people from all parts of the world arrived here, they brought with them different languages, customs, beliefs, and traditions, and together they built a shared identity that is proudly Seychellois."

He thanked Seychelles President Patrick Herminie for honouring him with 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon'. He also recalled his first visit to Seychelles in 2015, noting that it was the first nation he visited in the Indian Ocean after assuming office.

"I also thank President Herminie and the people of Seychelles for honouring me with the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' earlier today. It will encourage all those who are making sustained efforts for environmental conservation. I bring with me the warm greetings and best wishes of 1.4 billion Indians. The first country in the Indian Ocean region that I visited as Prime Minister was Seychelles in 2015. It was also my first visit to Africa as Prime Minister. I came here because I believed that Seychelles occupies a special place in India’s vision for the Indian Ocean. Today, as I return here after a decade, that conviction is stronger than ever. I am delighted to join you in celebrating 50 years of your independence. Congratulations to you and the people of Seychelles on this special occasion."

PM Modi recalled how Indian Naval Ship (INS) Nilgiri took part in Seychelles Independence Day celebrations in 1976 and mentioned the participation of INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Seychelles' 50th National Day. He stated that India deeply values the professionalism and dedication of the Seychelles Defence Forces and the Seychelles Coast Guard.

"As maritime neighbours, we recognise that the security of one adds to the security of the other, the prosperity of one supports the prosperity of the other, and the stability of the region benefits us all. This year offers a powerful reminder of the depth of our partnership. 50 years ago, at the dawn of your independence, an Indian naval ship, INS Nilgiri, was present in Port Victoria as a mark of friendship and solidarity."

"And today INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak are docked at Port Victoria to celebrate the Golden Jubilee with you. The passage of 50 years has changed many things, but it has not changed our commitment to one another. For decades, our defence forces, coast guards, and maritime agencies have trained and worked closely together. India deeply values the professionalism and dedication of the Seychelles Defence Forces and the Seychelles Coast Guard. They play a vital role in safeguarding your own vast maritime domain as well as the wider Indian Ocean region," he added.

According to a report by Democrata, the latest diplomatic exchange follows the Philippine government's renewed call for China to honour the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which invalidated Beijing's expansive claims over much of the South China Sea and ruled in favour of the Philippines.

Responding to the Chinese Embassy's rejection of Manila's official statement, Teodoro said, "The statement from the Chinese Embassy in response to our Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a window into the true intentions of the Chinese Communist Party in its relations with our country."

Teodoro, who has reportedly been barred from entering China since June 11, further criticised Beijing's response, describing it as "an arrogant display of deceptive indignation" and adding that "what they say is no longer credible, that's why they are resorting to agitation".

The renewed diplomatic tensions come after the Philippine government denounced China's continued refusal to recognise the 2016 arbitral award, saying that the tribunal's decision is "final and binding".

Despite the escalating rhetoric between the two countries, the Philippine Defence Chief said Manila would continue protecting its territorial interests in the disputed waters.

"We will not be oppressed," Teodoro said, reaffirming the Philippine government's commitment to defending the country's sovereignty against what it describes as repeated Chinese incursions in the South China Sea.

The South China Sea has remained one of Asia's most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints for decades.

The strategically important waterway is bordered by China and several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

China claims most of the South China Sea under its so-called "nine-dash line", a sweeping maritime boundary first published in 1947.

The claim overlaps with the exclusive economic zones of several neighbouring countries, including the Philippines.

In July 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favour of the Philippines, concluding that China had no legal basis to claim historic rights over maritime areas covered by the nine-dash line. However, Beijing has consistently rejected the ruling.

The latest exchange underscores the continuing tensions between Beijing and Manila, with the South China Sea remaining a key source of regional and international security concerns.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met the Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Maria Theresa Lazaro, and reaffirmed Washington's commitment to its alliance with Manila, as the two countries marked 80 years of diplomatic relations and 75 years as treaty allies amid continuing security concerns in the South China Sea.

Rubio and Lazaro discussed "a range of bilateral economic and security priorities", including the Philippines' role as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and ongoing efforts to advance peace and security in the South China Sea, the Department of State said in a readout of the call.

In December 2025, China’s National Healthcare Security Administration issued guidance formally classifying "AI-assisted diagnosis" as an extended item within pathological diagnosis and incorporating it into the pricing framework for pathological diagnostic services, the report in the Greek City Times said.

It highlights that behind this wave of innovation, legal and ethical questions around data compliance, algorithmic governance, and the boundaries of medical practice remain unanswered. How does AI in healthcare bridge the gap between the laboratory and the clinic? And how do companies unlock their technological potential within a compliance framework?

Alan Zhou, head of the life sciences and healthcare practice at Global Law Office, believes that healthcare is one of the first verticals where AI has achieved real-world deployment and is growing.

Based on industry observation, Zhou identifies four primary areas where domestic AI healthcare companies are currently focusing their products and services: Clinical decision support, medical imaging, health management and patient-facing services, and drug discovery. These directions respond to practical demands for improved diagnostic efficiency and optimised health management, while avoiding some of the higher-risk segments of medical practice â€" offering a relatively prudent path to deployment, the report states.

The sensitivity of medical data makes compliance a baseline requirement for survival in the AI healthcare sector.

Zhou identifies data sourcing and its legality as a core difficulty. "The development and deployment of AI technology requires the use of vast quantities of data for training, and data in the medical and pharmaceutical fields frequently involves the sensitive personal information of patients and clinical trial participants," he notes. "As data usage demands grow rapidly alongside technological advancement, regulatory enforcement centred on informed consent under the Personal Information Protection Law is simultaneously intensifying."

"This year offers a powerful reminder of the depth of our partnership. Fifty years ago, at the dawn of your independence, an Indian naval ship, INS Nilgiri, was present in Port Victoria as a mark of friendship and solidarity. And today, INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak are docked at Port Victoria to celebrate the Golden Jubilee with you. The passage of 50 years has changed many things, but it has not changed our commitment to one another," PM Modi highlighted in his special address to the National Assembly of the Seychelles as part of his state visit to the archipelagic island.

He said that for decades, the defence forces, Coast Guards, and maritime agencies of both nations have trained and worked closely together and that India deeply values the professionalism and dedication of the Seychelles Defence Forces and the Seychelles Coast Guard.

"They play a vital role in safeguarding your own vast maritime domain as well as the wider Indian Ocean region (IOR)," he stressed.

According to him, the cooperation in maritime security, capacity building, hydrography, and maritime domain awareness reflects India and Seychelles' shared commitment to a safer and more secure region.

"The prosperity of one contributes to the prosperity of the other. And the stability of the region benefits us all," the Prime Minister noted during his address.It is a special honour to stand before you as the first Indian Prime Minister to address this National Assembly,"

"Our vision is captured in the idea of MAHASAGAR, or Mutual And Holistic Advancement for Security And Growth Across Regions. This vision recognises that our futures are interconnected and interdependent. And we will continue to work together for a safer and more secure Indian Ocean region," he added.

At the commencement, he said that it was a "special honour to stand before you as the first Indian Prime Minister to address this National Assembly".

He also noted that the first country in the Indian Ocean region that he visited as Prime Minister was Seychelles in 2015.

This is the 20th parliament which PM Modi has addressed. Soon after assuming office in 2014, he addressed the Parliaments of Bhutan, Nepal, Australia and Fiji.

The following year, he addressed the National Assembly of Mauritius, the Parliaments of Sri Lanka, Mongolia, the UK, and Afghanistan.

The journey continued with Prime Minister Modi's address to the United States Congress in 2016, followed by a second address in 2023, making him the first Indian Prime Minister to address a Joint Session of the US Congress twice.

He also addressed the Parliaments of Uganda in 2018, the Maldives in 2019 and Guyana in 2024.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Seychelles President Patrick Herminie met and reviewed the ‘remarkable’ progress achieved in the India-Seychelles partnership.

In a post on social media platform X, Union Minister Shah said: "New Horizons for India's Glory. Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on being conferred with the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon', the highest distinction for leadership in sustainable development and environmental protection, by the Government of Seychelles."

"This honour is a proud declaration of India's ascent on the world order as a role model in revitalising natural ecosystems while leading the world in growth and sustainable development," he added.

The award acknowledges PM Modi's long-standing push for sustainable growth and his green vision.

Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to President Patrick Herminie for the warm welcome and honouring him with the "Guardian of the Blue Horizon" award.

"I humbly accept this title with honour and dedicate it to all other countries that are struggling against the challenges of climate change and that consider the protection of the environment their responsibility toward future generations. This is an urgent challenge that we need to overcome together," the Prime Minister said in a post on X.

Later, addressing a joint press meet with Seychelles President Herminie following their meeting, PM Modi added that the Indian Ocean's security, sustainability, and prosperity are shared responsibilities of nations, as he stressed that India's vision for it is to make it an "Ocean of Opportunity".

"We believe the Indian Ocean is our shared home. Its security, sustainability and prosperity are our shared responsibility. This sentiment is the basis of our MAHASAGAR vision," he said.

The Seychellois honour is the latest in a series of global honours recognising Prime Minister Modi's work on climate action, sustainable development, and green growth.

In May, PM Modi was conferred the 2026 Agricola Medal, the highest honour of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, during a ceremony held at the FAO Headquarters in Rome.

PM Modi is currently on a three-day State visit to Seychelles.

In response to media queries regarding allegations made by Pakistan, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: "We have seen Pakistani reports making baseless allegations against India regarding the recent incident in Karachi. We categorically reject them. Instead of pointing fingers at others, Pakistan would do better to look inwards, take credible action against the terror infrastructure on its territory and rid itself of its proclivity to rely on terrorism as an instrument of state policy."

The MEA's statement comes after the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) claimed that the attack on the Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) Camp in Karachi on Saturday was carried out by terrorists belonging to the Indian-backed group Jamaatul Ahrar.

At least three Sindh Rangers personnel were killed after a facility of the paramilitary force in Karachi’s Gulistan-i-Jauhar was attacked on Saturday.

Intense firing was also reported near Meteorological Chowrangi on University Road following a loud blast, Pakistan's Geo TV reported.

According to Inspector General, Sindh, Javed Alam Odho, there had not been any confirmation about a blast having occurred or not, as the terrorists had rammed the main gate with their vehicle.

He also noted that three terrorists were killed in the attack on the local Rangers headquarters.

In March, India slammed Pakistan, terming the country as a "state sponsor of terrorism for decades", and one which also has no credibility when it comes to cross-border terrorism. Reacting strongly to Islamabad's allegations of India's involvement in the ongoing conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan along the Durand Line, the MEA said that nobody is fooled by Pakistan's "assumed victimhood" now.

Addressing a weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Jaiswal said that it has become second nature for Pakistan to blame India for its misdeeds.

"We reject such baseless allegations. It has become second nature for Pakistan to blame India for its misdeeds. As a state sponsor of terrorism for decades, Pakistan has zero credibility when it comes to cross-border terrorism. No amount of storytelling is going to alter this reality, nor is anyone fooled by Pakistan's assumed victimhood," he said.

The MEA reaction came as the hostilities started between Afghanistan and Pakistan after Afghan forces launched retaliatory operations against Pakistani military installations on February 27, following Islamabad’s actions targeting areas in Afghan territory on February 21. After Afghanistan's attacks, Pakistan launched 'Operation Ghazab lil-Haq' (Righteous Fury) in response to what it described as "unprovoked firing" by the Afghan forces across multiple border sectors.

The opinion piece, authored by Shahariar Sadat, Executive Director of the Centre for Peace and Justice (CPJ) at BRAC University, and Prantick Chowdhury, Lead of the BRAC University Access Programme at the same institution, and published in the leading Bangladeshi daily Prothom Alo, argues that while Bangladesh possesses a progressive Constitutional and policy framework on education, a substantial gap persists between official commitments and the actual condition of the country's education system.

"Twelve years of schooling in Bangladesh is equivalent to seven years of schooling internationally. It is sad and disappointing that we send our children to school with hope. Yet, in reality, they are experiencing a significant loss of learning," it stated.

According to the article, Bangladesh's Constitutional and policy framework reflects an ambitious vision for education, but the country's learning outcomes indicate that these commitments have not translated into meaningful improvements on the ground.

"While policies and frameworks repeatedly promise equity, inclusion, and quality learning, the system in practice continues to reproduce quantity rather than quality, social inequality, class division, and unequal futures," the article observed.

The authors argued that the contradiction begins within the Constitutional framework itself.

They pointed out that Article 17 of the Constitution commits the state to establishing a "uniform, mass-oriented and universal" education system, extending free and compulsory education and eliminating illiteracy. However, they noted that education has been placed under the Fundamental Principles of State Policy rather than being recognised as an enforceable fundamental right.

"As a result, although the Constitution establishes education as a core state obligation and social necessity, citizens have limited scope to hold the state legally accountable for failing to ensure equitable, high-quality education," they said in the article.

The authors further highlighted that while Article 19 guarantees equality of opportunity and obligates the state to reduce social and economic disparities, Bangladesh took 18 years after adopting its Constitution to enact the Primary Education (Compulsory) Act of 1990.

The report also questioned the pace of educational reforms in the country, noting that although the National Education Policy of 2010 recommended extending free and compulsory education up to Grade VIII, implementation has remained limited.

"Although the Education Policy of 2010 recommended extending free and compulsory education up to Grade VIII, in practice, compulsory education is effectively limited to the primary level, generally up to Grade V. This places Bangladesh behind much of South and Central Asia in terms of educational commitment and continuity," the article said.

Drawing on UNESCO data, the authors stated that 155 countries worldwide have made education compulsory from pre-primary through at least the lower secondary level.

They added that several neighbouring countries, including Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and the Maldives, have already extended compulsory education beyond Bangladesh's current practice.

The article also examined changing enrolment trends across different educational streams, citing a recent report published by The Daily Star.

According to the authors, Alia madrasas are increasingly attracting students because their curriculum has become more aligned with mainstream education, while Qawmi madrasas continue to appeal to economically disadvantaged families due to lower costs and the provision of food, accommodation, discipline, and supervision.

The writers further referred to a 2024 report by Bonik Barta, which noted that enrolment in Alia madrasas reached its highest level in two decades, rising to around 40.2 lakh students in 2022 from approximately 38.06 lakh in 2019. During the same period, the Qawmi madrasa board reportedly registered an increase of nearly one lakh students.

The authors concluded that these trends have resulted in a deeply stratified education system in Bangladesh, where access to quality education increasingly depends on socio-economic status.

According to the report, the country's education landscape has evolved into a socially divided structure in which affluent families are able to access globally competitive education, while much of the urban middle class relies on the national curriculum with limited English-language adaptation.

However, economically and socially marginalised communities often remain dependent on under-resourced government Bangla-medium schools or madrasa institutions with comparatively fewer opportunities for upward mobility.

New Delhi, June 28 (IANS) Political tensions are surfacing in Pakistan between leaders from Sindh and the Federal government over the lack of investment in Karachi, the country’s largest commercial hub, that is being turned into an unlivable city, according to a report.

Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon sharply criticised Pakistan’s federal government for what he calls a "low priority" approach toward Karachi, the article in the Ceylon Wire News said, observing that his statements underscore the widening fault lines between provincial and federal authorities over infrastructure funding and urban development.

Despite being the country’s main port city and gateway for trade, it has been bypassed in the development of the national motorway network, leaving the city in crippling transport congestion. Heavy freight traffic from across Pakistan converges on Karachi, leaving the city’s arteries clogged, its roads battered, and its commuters trapped in a cycle of daily hardship, it said.

The transport crisis is compounded by Karachi’s worsening water shortages. The metropolis requires 650 million gallons per day (MGD) but currently receives only 610 MGD, leaving a shortfall of 40 MGD. The city’s civic infrastructure is not only inadequate but often absent, leaving citizens exposed to indignities that erode both public health and social life, the article pointed out.

Studies show that Karachi has the highest urban-rural temperature difference among major Pakistani cities, around 4.5 degrees Celsius, with delivery riders and rickshaw drivers experiencing temperatures far above recorded averages. The city is literally being built to absorb and retain heat, worsening health risks and productivity losses. Combined with water shortages, the heat crisis is pushing Karachi’s residents into a precarious struggle for survival.

The cumulative effect of these failures is reflected in global rankings. Karachi consistently lands in the bottom five of the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index, scoring just 42.7 out of 100. It is routinely compared with cities like Lagos, Tripoli, and Damascus, places synonymous with instability and hardship. The Asian Development Bank has similarly assessed that Pakistan’s urban centres are becoming increasingly inefficient, with Karachi marked by congestion and pollution.

Class divisions elites retreat to cantonment areas and private housing societies, while low-income groups are pushed into overcrowded districts like Karachi East, deepening the metropolis’s malaise. Ethnic and religious divisions further fracture the city, fueling outbreaks of violence. Forbes recently ranked Karachi as the second riskiest city for tourists worldwide, citing high personal security risks, poor infrastructure, and economic vulnerabilities.

The federal government’s reluctance to prioritise the city in national development projects, combined with provincial mismanagement, has left Karachi’s infrastructure overstretched and its residents underserved. Migration from across Pakistan continues to swell the city’s population, intensifying pressure on housing, transport, and water systems. Yet governance remains reactive, focused on short-term fixes rather than structural reform. The result is a metropolis that is both indispensable to Pakistan’s economy and increasingly unlivable for its people, the article noted.

Data released by China's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that industrial profits increased 21.1 per cent year-on-year in May, easing from the 24.7 per cent growth recorded in April. The moderation marked the first slowdown in profit growth since November, according to The Edge Singapore report.

During the January-May period, industrial companies reported a profit increase of 18.8 per cent from a year earlier, slightly below market expectations of 19 per cent.

The softer growth comes despite improving conditions in China's industrial sector. The country emerged from more than three years of factory-gate deflation in March, while producer prices rose in May at their fastest pace since 2022. Strong overseas demand and the global boom in artificial intelligence investments have supported China's advanced manufacturing industries.

According to the statistics bureau, the raw-materials manufacturing sector accounted for 10.2 percentage points of the overall profit growth during the first five months of the year. High-tech manufacturing contributed eight percentage points, while equipment manufacturing added 5.2 percentage points.

The NBS said rising demand linked to artificial intelligence applications boosted earnings in the electronics industry as well as in non-ferrous metals sectors such as aluminium and copper. Higher commodity prices, partly driven by disruptions in global energy markets due to tensions in the Middle East, also supported industrial profits.

However, analysts said the latest figures highlight the continued pressure from weak domestic demand. Sluggish investment activity and cautious household spending have limited the strength of the broader economic recovery, reducing the benefits from stronger exports and improving industrial prices.

The profit figures also benefited from a low comparison base, as industrial earnings had fallen 9.1 percent in May last year.

Total industrial profits reached 3.14 trillion yuan during the first five months of 2026, remaining below the level recorded during the same period in 2022.

"The problem of strong supply and weak demand within the country remained outstanding and companies in some industries were still facing difficulties," NBS analyst Yu Weining said in a statement.

Addressing a joint press meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi following their talks, President Herminie described his discussions with PM Modi as "comprehensive and forward-looking", reflecting the deep bonds of friendship and mutual trust that unite both nations.

He stated that India and Seychelles have recommitted to a partnership rooted in common geography, history and a collective vision for a stable, secure and prosperous Indian Ocean region.

"A centrepiece of our talks was the implementation of the Joint Vision for Sustainability, Economic Growth and Security through Enhanced Linkages, which Seychelles adopted earlier this year. This framework provides strategic direction for cooperation across all sectors. I express my deep appreciation for India's steadfast support in translating this vision into tangible outcomes that benefit the people of both nations."

Herminie called the development partnership a "strong pillar" of India-Seychelles ties. He said that both nations have concluded various legal instruments that will deepen our collaboration across foreign service, digital banking, health, agriculture, sea flooring, extradition, space exploration, and the construction of a new national hospital in Seychelles.

"As maritime neighbours, security in the Indian Ocean region remains central to our relationship. We reaffirmed Seychelles special place in India's Mahasagar vision. We affirmed our commitment to counter piracy, drug trafficking, illegal fishing and cross-border crime. I acknowledged India's support in maritime surveillance, hydrography and defence capacity building, including the refit of PS Zoroaster and the gifting of fast attack vessels PS Lespwar to the Seychelles Coast Guard. Development Partnership has been a strong pillar of India's Seychelles relations, guided by Seychelles priorities."

"I was especially pleased to pursue discussions on the announcement of the Special Economic Package of $175 million from the Government of India, comprising $125 million in a rupee-denominated line of credit and $50 million in grant assistance. This package will support critical projects in social housing, immobility, vocational training, health, defence and maritime security," he added.

The Seychelles President stated that his talks with PM Modi have set a strong foundation for the next chapter of bilateral cooperation. "We reviewed our progress across key areas and agreed to accelerate action on our commitments. This high-level exchange reflects the deep significance we place on our relationship and will go down as a landmark in our bilateral journey."

"A particularly significant milestone is the groundbreaking inauguration of the Professional and Technical Education Centre. This India-assisted project will equip the youth with world-class vocational training, strengthening our capacity building. My deepest gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for this transformative initiative. In our shared commitment to clean energy, we also inaugurated three solar water pumping systems under the International Solar Alliance, exemplifying India's support for Seychelles transition to renewable energy."

President Herminie said that PM Modi was honoured with the title 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' for his exceptional leadership in sustainability, the blue economy, and ocean governance.

"A particular highlight was my honour in bestowing upon Prime Minister Modi, the honorary title, 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon', a tribute to his exceptional leadership in sustainability, the blue economy, and ocean governance. This distinction represents the highest honour that the Republic of Seychelles confers upon international dignitaries. It stands as a symbol of our nation's deepest respect and recognition for those whose leadership and partnership embody the spirit of the guardian of our blue horizon and who have made exceptional contributions to advancing the shared values and aspirations that unite us."