International News
‘India and Saudi Arabia united by shared resolve to combat terrorism’
Riyadh, May 29: The Indian all-party Parliamentary delegation led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda on Thursday shared India’s firm resolve towards terrorism with a zero-tolerance approach and the ‘new normal policy’ in light of Operation Sindoor during a visit to Gulf Research Centre, a prominent think-tank in Saudi Arabia recognised for its expertise in global affairs.
The delegation, welcomed by Chairman Abdulaziz Sager, held a frank and productive exchange of views. The discussions also focused on a strong India-Saudi Arabia partnership across all domains, including security and defense cooperation.
“India-Saudi Arabia continue to deepen ties across security, defence and global affairs, united by a shared resolve to combat terrorism. Our all-party delegation had a candid and insightful exchange at Gulf Research Centre with Chairman Abdulaziz Sager sharing India’s zero-tolerance and new normal approach post-Operation Sindoor and exploring ways to strengthen the India-Saudi partnership,” Panda posted on X.
Later, the delegation held interactions with President Abdulmajeed Albanyan of Naif Arab University for Security Sciences in Riyadh, sharing strong concerns about cross-border terrorism and India’s position of zero tolerance against terrorism.
“Strengthening security ties and advancing counter-terrorism cooperation, the India-Saudi partnership continues to deepen. Along with our all-party delegation colleagues, we visited Naif Arab University for Security Sciences and had a meaningful exchange with President Abdulmajeed bin Abdullah Al-Bunyan, discussing India’s firm zero-tolerance approach to cross-border terrorism and shared opportunities in security education and research,” Panda posted on X.
Earlier, the delegates also interacted with the Saudi Civil Society, including distinguished guests from the government, think-tanks, business, and media. They shared India’s resolute stance on terrorism, Operation Sindoor, and India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership.
The delegation led by Panda also includes BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, BJP MP Phangnon Konyak, BJP MP Rekha Sharma, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi, BJP MP Satnam Singh Sandhu, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, and former Indian diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla.
Satnam Singh Sandhu highlighted that India and Saudi Arabia stand united in enhancing the bilateral ties and promoting a secure and peaceful environment in the region.
“Led by Baijayant Jay Panda, our All-Party Delegation representing India in Saudi Arabia engaged with key voices from the Saudi government, civil society, think-tanks, business and media. We conveyed India’s firm stance against terrorism and shared insights on Operation Sindoor, a proud symbol of India’s global humanitarian leadership. India and Saudi Arabia stand united in strengthening bilateral relations and ensuring peace, security, and prosperity in the region,” Sandhu posted on X.
The delegation on Wednesday had an extensive discussion with Adel Bin Ahmed al-Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi highlighting what Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his speech earlier this month – that “this is certainly not the era of war but this is also not the era of terrorism”. The delegates reiterated India’s policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and appreciated the support received from political leadership in Saudi Arabia in condemning the April 22 Pahlagam terrorist attack.
They underlined the importance of coordinated action against terrorism, dismantling terrorist infrastructure, denying safe havens, financing and political justification to terrorist entities, highlighting the “new normal” in India’s approach to terrorism.
“The delegation held a meeting with Mishaal Al-Sulami, Deputy Speaker of Shura Council. The Indian delegation expressed deep gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s strong condemnation of the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam. It conveyed that India stands firm and united in its resolve to fight terrorism. Acts of terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances or reasons. Chairman of the Saudi-India Parliamentary Friendship Committee of the Shura Council, Abdulrahman Snitan A. Alharbi and senior Members of the Committee hosted the delegation for lunch,” the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said in a statement.
“The delegation also met Mushabab bin Ayed Al-Qahtani, Director General of Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and held discussions which focused on India’s approach to countering terror. In all the meetings, the Indian delegation underlined that India has received unwavering support from Saudi Arabia on issues related to counter-terrorism. Both countries will continue to work together in their efforts towards de-radicalization and curbing extremism,” the statement added
Furthermore, the Indian Embassy hosted a dinner interaction with the participation of distinguished personalities from Saudi civil society, which gave an opportunity for further discussions on countering terrorism as well as broader topics related to India-Saudi bilateral partnership.
International News
Trump says Iran talks ‘in final stages’ as US waits for ‘right answer’

Washington, May 21: US President Donald Trump has said that his administration is “in the final stages” of peace talks with Iran and is willing to wait a few days for the “right answer.”
“We’re in the final stages of Iran,” Trump told reporters. “We’ll see what happens.”
“We’ll either have a deal, or we’re going to do some things that are a little bit nasty. But hopefully that won’t happen,” he added.
The president claimed he is in “no hurry” to finalise a peace agreement with Iran, suggesting that he would not consider making a “limited deal” only focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, reports Xinhua news agency.
“We’re going to give this one shot,” Trump said of a potential deal, ruling out the idea of a partial compromise.
“I’m in no hurry. You never think, ‘Oh, the midterms, I’m in a hurry.’ I’m in no hurry,” Trump said.
The president added that he had a “very good” phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan earlier on Wednesday. Turkey is seen as one of the key mediators during US-Iran negotiations.
Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps on Wednesday warned that if the US and Israeli aggression against the country is repeated, the war will extend beyond the West Asia region.
On the same day, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi warned in a post on X that returning to war with Iran will have many more surprises for the United States, citing a recent report by the US Congress that acknowledged the loss of dozens of aircraft.
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing Iran’s then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians. Iran responded by launching waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli and US bases and assets in the Middle East.
A ceasefire was reached between the warring parties on April 8, followed by one round of peace talks in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, on April 11 and 12, which failed to yield an agreement.
US and Israeli officials have escalated threats of repeating military attacks against Iran over the past few days. Trump on Tuesday claimed Iran’s leaders were “begging” to make a deal, warning that a new US attack could take place in the coming days if no agreement is reached.
International News
PM Modi gifts ‘Melody’ to Giorgia Meloni, revives viral ‘Melodi’ moment

Rome, May 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a light-hearted and unique gift — a “Melody” toffee packet– to his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, bringing back the widely popular “#Melodi” moment that has often gone viral on social media.
The informal exchange, marked by laughter between the two leaders, was later shared by the Italian PM on Instagram, where she also spoke about the gesture and the gift received from the Indian Prime Minister.
Sharing the video of the moment, Meloni said, “Prime Minister Modi brought us a gift — a very, very good toffee — Melody,” as both leaders were seen sharing a laugh during the interaction.
She further added in her caption, “Thank you for the gift.”
The “Melodi” phenomenon — a portmanteau combining the names of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni — has become a recurring viral trend online, reflecting the visible personal rapport and friendly exchanges between the two leaders during various international engagements.
The term has frequently been used by social media users to highlight their light-hearted interactions at global platforms, often turning into viral moments that generate memes, discussions and widespread online engagement, while also symbolising a perceived strengthening of India-Italy relations.
Earlier in the day, visuals and pictures from a special dinner hosted near the iconic Colosseum in Rome also attracted significant attention online. The two leaders were seen sharing a casual moment, including a smiling selfie and a relaxed interaction that quickly spread across social media platforms.
They were also seen standing on a balcony enjoying the sunset over the historic city of Rome, adding to the series of informal and friendly exchanges that have characterised their public appearances.
The viral ‘Melodi’ trend originally gained momentum after Meloni posted a selfie on X during the COP28 summit in Dubai, where she captioned it, “Good friends at COP28, #Melodi”. Till then, Melodi was just a meme hashtag used by Internet users.
Since then, the duo has frequently drawn attention for their warm greetings, handshakes and cordial interactions at multiple international events, including their widely shared selfie at the G20 Summit held in New Delhi.
International News
PM Modi heads to Oslo after ‘productive’ Sweden visit

Gothenburg, May 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed from Gothenburg on Monday after successfully concluding his visit to Sweden, during which he elevated the bilateral ties between the two countries to a Strategic Partnership. He is now en route to Norway for the fourth leg of his five-nation tour.
In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “A visit advancing innovation, sustainability and strategic cooperation. PM Narendra Modi departed from Gothenburg for Oslo after a productive visit marked by the elevation of India-Sweden ties to a Strategic Partnership. The visit opened a new chapter in India-Sweden ties.”
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Sweden on Sunday for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi thanked the people and the Government of Sweden for the warmth and friendship.
The Sweden visit was marked by several important outcomes that will add new momentum to relations.
“From elevating our ties to a Strategic Partnership, launching the Joint Innovation Partnership 2.0 and the India-Sweden Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor, to setting an ambitious goal of doubling bilateral trade in the next five years, the discussions were highly productive,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
During his visit, PM Modi also addressed the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) in Gothenburg.
The Prime Minister said his speech focused on the growing convergence between India and Europe, the opportunities emerging from the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and India’s reform-driven economic growth journey.
He also held wide-ranging conversations with the business leaders in Sweden on how economic linkages between India and Sweden can be enhanced, particularly in futuristic technologies, R&D, AI, security and healthcare.
During the visit, PM Modi was also conferred with the ‘Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross’ in recognition of his exceptional contribution to India-Sweden relations and his leadership in deepening cooperation between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi and his Swedish counterpart, Ulf Kristersson, also exchanged special commemorative gifts honouring the enduring legacy of Rabindranath Tagore, highlighting the deep cultural ties between India and Sweden.
PM Modi is now heading to Oslo, where he will hold discussions focusing on strengthening the bilateral cooperation.
He will participate in the 3rd India-Nordic Summit and hold bilateral engagements with Norwegian leaders.
The visit marks PM Modi’s first trip to Norway and the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 43 years. During the visit, he is scheduled to call on King Harald V and Queen Sonja, besides holding bilateral talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.
The Prime Minister will also address the India-Norway Business and Research Summit along with the Norwegian Prime Minister.
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