The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Narendra Modi

  • Buhari meets Indian PM, says no going back on looters’ trial

    Buhari meets Indian PM, says no going back on looters’ trial

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday had bilateral talks with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi with oil market and defence cooperation topping the agenda.

    Despite the fall in oil prices, India pledged to buy more oil from Nigeria without intermediaries to make the process more transparent.

    The session was however emotional when the Indian PM begged Buhari to help repatriate the country’s 11-man crew in detention in Nigeria.

    In the alternative, Mr. Modi said he would appreciate if the trial of the crew can be expedited.

    Also, at a separate audience with Nigerian Community, Buhari said there was no going back on the trial of looters.

    He also said the war against Boko Haram was winnable.

    He said his government may turn the tide against Boko Haram by the end of this year.

    Buhari and Modi had talks behind closed doors on how to improve bilateral relations between the two countries.

    Briefing newsmen on the outcome of the session, the Joint Secretary (East and Southern Africa) of the Ministry of External Affairs, Amb. Tanmay Lal said: “The bilateral talks were smoother because the President of Nigeria has long standing association. He had trained in India, when he was a military officer.

    “The President of Nigeria said that India has become largest oil importer of Nigeria’s crude oil by replacing the United States. There was discussion on oil sector in the meeting and the prospect of India buying more oil from Nigeria.

    “Also there was strategic discussion on cooperation in the field of defence.

    “The PM raised the specific issue of 11 crew members who have been in jail in Nigeria for some time. He made a personal request, if the judicial process can be expedited and if they can be repatriated. Nigerian President said that he will immediately look into it.”

    A high-ranking diplomat said: “The Prime Minister said India is ready to double its oil imports from Nigeria if there is more transparency. The Indian government wants to buy directly from the Federal Government and pay through the Single Treasury Account (TSA) instead of the practice of directing us to intermediaries.

    “So, we expect reforms which will facilitate transparent transaction in our oil business with Nigeria. The two leaders struck understanding in this regard.”

  • Buhari, Modi, others to meet on terrorism, climate change

    Buhari, Modi, others to meet on terrorism, climate change

    President Muhammadu Buhari will leave Abuja on Tuesday for New Delhi to participate in the 3rd Summit of the India-Africa Forum which was established in 2008 as the official platform for the advancement of mutually-beneficial relations between India and African nations.

    President Buhari, the Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi and other participating Heads of State and Government at this year’s summit, which follows the 2nd Summit held in Addis Ababa in 2011, will deliberate on issues of common concern to their countries such as climate change and international terrorism.

    The leaders, according to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, are also expected to discuss additional measures aimed at boosting joint collaboration to accelerate the pace of socio-economic development in Africa and India as well as further cooperation for the alleviation of poverty, and the eradication of hunger, disease and illiteracy.

    President Buhari will be accompanied to New Delhi by the Governors of Kano and Delta States, the National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd) and the Permanent Secretaries in the Ministries of Defence, Power, Communications Technology, Agriculture, Foreign Affairs and Industry, Trade and Investment.

    The President is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with the Mr. Modi and other senior Indian government officials on Wednesday, ahead of the opening of the summit on Thursday.

    He will also meet with Chief Executive Officers of Indian companies with existing or prospective interests in Nigeria before returning to Abuja on Friday, October 30.

     

  • Anti-corruption party routs Modi’s BJP in Delhi election

    In anti-corruption party has won a stunning victory in the Delhi state elections in a huge setback for India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    The BJP admitted defeat after Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won 67 of the 70 assembly seats.

    Mr Modi congratulated the AAP leader, whose career seemed doomed a year ago when he quit as Delhi’s chief minister over a crucial anti-corruption bill.

    It is the BJP’s first setback since it triumphed in the 2014 general election.

    Correspondents say the win marks a remarkable comeback for Arvind Kejriwal, a former tax inspector.

    His party was routed by the BJP in last May’s general elections, months after the AAP made a spectacular debut in the 2013 Delhi elections.

    Mr Modi has enjoyed huge popularity since taking office last year, winning a string of local elections and wooing international investors and world leaders.

    Final results gave Mr Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) just three seats. India’s main opposition, Congress party failed to win a single constituency.

    Mr Kejriwal told cheering party supporters that the “people of Delhi have achieved something spectacular”.

    “With the help of people, we will make Delhi a city which both poor and rich will feel proud of,” he said.

     

  • Sydney reception for India PM Modi

    Sydney reception for India PM Modi

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the Indian community at a reception in Sydney during his ongoing trip to Australia, the first by an Indian leader in 28 years.

    More than 15,000 people are attending the meeting in Sydney’s Olympic park.

    Mr Modi arrived in Australia last week to participate in the G20 summit in Brisbane.

    Today, he will address a joint sitting of the Australian parliament in the capital, Canberra.

    Separately, Indian mining company Adani won support from the Indian government and the Australian state of Queensland on Monday to help build a $7bn (£4.4bn) coal mine, rail and port project.

    Adani signed a memorandum of understanding for a $1bn loan from a state-run bank Indian bank for the mine in Queensland, which it aims to build by the end of 2017. Australia has approved the coal project, despite concern over its potential environmental impact.

    Chants of “Modi, Modi” filled the arena as he took the stage in Sydney’s Olympic park.

    “I know that behind this affection lies expectations. Yes. We want to create the India you are dreaming of,” Mr Modi told the audience.

    He said he saw “no reason why India should stay behind” and appealed to Indians living abroad to invest in the country and create more jobs for youth.

    “We want people from across the world to invest in India, to be a part of ‘Make in India’ campaign.

    A special train has carried Mr Modi’s supporters to Sydney for the reception

    “We are changing laws to make investment easier in India,” he added.

    Before leaving for Sydney on Monday, Mr Modi addressed Australian business leaders in Brisbane and said they could expect improved investment opportunities in India.

    A special train called Modi Express, carrying more than 200 passengers from Melbourne to Sydney, was flagged off on Sunday by an Australian minister.

    “It just shows the strength of India-Australia relationship even if India beats us in Cricket World Cup 2015. His visit is very significant,” Victorian Multicultural Minister Matthew Guy said.

    Meanwhile, a group of protestors in Sydney has called on Mr Modi to end the conflict in the disputed region of Kashmir.

    Kashmir, claimed by both countries in its entirety, has been a flashpoint for more than 60 years and the South Asian rivals have fought two wars and a limited conflict over the region.

     

  • Enter Narendra Modi as Indian prime minister

    Enter Narendra Modi as Indian prime minister

    Narendra Modi has been sworn in as India’s new prime minister in a ceremony in the forecourt of the presidential palace in Delhi.

    Mr Modi took the oath before thousands of guests, including his counterpart from rival Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif.

    It is the first time since the two countries won independence in 1947 that a prime minister from one state has attended such a ceremony in the other.

    Mr Modi led his BJP party to a landslide win in the recent election.

    The BJP won the biggest victory by any party in India for 30 years, gaining a majority in parliament and trouncing the outgoing Congress Party.

    The grand presidential palace was a spectacular setting for what was an impressive ceremony. As the sun went down, the stage was set for a seamless transfer of power.

    There was an air of excitement among the thousands who had gathered to witness the historic event. Politicians mingled with celebrities and business leaders, many of whom had backed Mr Modi’s campaign. There was a large contingent from Gujarat, Mr Modi’s home-state, delighted to be there.

    But the highlight was the presence of the eight Asian leaders. A warm applause greeted the arrival of Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif, who took time to exchange words with the outgoing PM Manmohan Singh.

    But the biggest cheers broke out when the man of the moment made his appearance. Narendra Modi was applauded as he walked down the red carpet and then cheered as, moments later, he was sworn-in as India’s 15th PM.

    Senior BJP and Congress leaders as well as Bollywood actors and top industrialists watched Mr Modi take the oath as the 15th prime minister of India.

    “I, Narendra Damodardas Modi, swear in the name of God that I will maintain the integrity of India,” Mr Modi said in Hindi.

    “I will work without fear, anger or hatred and will do justice to all as per the constitution.”

    Forty-five MPs, including seven women, from Mr Modi’s BJP party and their allies have also been sworn in as ministers, although they are yet to be allocated their ministries.

    Monday’s grand outdoor ceremony was attended by the leaders of all seven South Asian countries as well as Mauritius.

    But all eyes were on the presence of Mr Sharif, who is expected to hold bilateral talks with Mr Modi on Tuesday.

    The two nuclear-armed rivals have fought three wars in the past 60 years, and Mr Modi’s BJP party advocates a tough stance on Pakistan.

    It is a great moment and a great opportunity,” Mr Sharif told the NDTV network on his arrival in Delhi for the swearing-in ceremony.

    “This is a chance to reach out to each other. Both governments have a strong mandate… This could help in turning a new page in our relations.”

    The Pakistani prime minister said the neighbours should use their cultural and traditional similarities to help improve ties.

    “We should remove fears, mistrust and misgivings about each other… Both countries should rid the region of instability and security that has plagued us for decades,” he added.

    Tight security and traffic restrictions were imposed in Delhi and all offices around the presidential palace were closed five hours before the event, according to the Press Trust of India.

    Given the margin of victory, the BJP will be able to govern without coalition partners – 272 MPs are required for an absolute majority.

    The Congress party finished with just 44 of the 543 seats and under 20% of the vote in what was its worst-ever performance

     

  • India opposition heads for landslide

    The opposition Hindu nationalist BJP party has promised “good times ahead” as early results suggest it is on course for a landslide victory.

    Although final results are not expected until later, the scale of the predicted victory is such that the ruling Congress party has admitted defeat.

    BJP leader Narendra Modi tweeted: “India has won. Good times ahead.”

    This is the most resounding victory for a political party in 30 years, the BBC reports.

    Mr. Modi, formerly chief minister of the western state of Gujarat, is seen as a no-nonsense, can-do leader who stands for development and muscular nationalism, the report says.

    He campaigned on promises of a revival in economic growth.

    But many Indians still have profound concerns over Mr. Modi because of claims he did little to stop the 2002 communal riots in Gujarat, in which at least 1,000 people died, most of them Muslims – allegations he has always denied and over which he was never charged.

    The election result will be a crushing blow to the Congress party, which is led by the Nehru-Gandhi family and has dominated Indian politics since independence.

    It reflects voter anger with Congress, which has been mired in serious corruption scandals and whose leadership has been considered ineffective in recent years.

  • India: Polls close on final day of voting

    India: Polls close on final day of voting

    Polls have closed on the final day of voting in India’s marathon election, with the first exit polls predicting early gains for the opposition BJP.

    Led by Narendra Modi, the BJP has dominated the campaign but analysts warn exit polls have a mixed record in India, having proved wrong in the past.

    The main contest in the vote is between the ruling Congress and the BJP. Votes will be counted on 16 May.

    Election Commission officials say voter turnout is a record 66.38%. The figure beats a previous record set in 1984.

    Yesterday, millions voted on the final day of the election, with crowds turning out in the sacred city of Varanasi, a key battleground, where Mr Modi is being challenged by anti-corruption campaigner Arvind Kejriwal.

    Voting was also held in 40 other seats in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal states.

    The battle in this holy city is now being seen as a straight fight between Narendra Modi and his Hindu nationalist BJP and Arvind Kejriwal and his Aam Aadmi Party.

    Mr Modi is still expected to win but many have been inspired by Mr Kejriwal’s anti-establishment message and his party’s determined door-to-door campaign.

    After being bombarded by all the parties for weeks, it’s hardly surprising that many voters were being coy in admitting who they were choosing.

    But there were some signs of nervousness among BJP workers manning a stand near one polling station. At one they were telling people ‘to vote for anybody, just don’t waste it on the Broom’ – short-hand for Mr Kejriwal

    The election began on 7 April and has been held in nine phases for security and logistical reasons. With 814 million eligible voters, it is the world’s biggest exercise in democracy.

    Mr Modi is being given a spirited fight by Mr Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party, whose army of volunteers has been engaged in extensive door-to-door campaigning.

    There are a total of 42 candidates in the fray in the seat, including the Congress party’s Ajay Rai, a local political leader.