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PM Modi to meet President Trump, US visit expected to give further momentum to bilateral ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to arrive here late Wednesday beginning his two-day US visit, during which he will hold a bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump seeking to shore up bilateral cooperation. Modi on Wednesday left for the US from Marseille in France, the second-leg of his two-nation tour that began on February 10. PM Modi, who will hold a bilateral meeting with President Trump in both restricted and delegation-level formats, will be among the first few world leaders to visit the United States following Trump’s January 20 inauguration. A range of bilateral issues are expected to be on the table, with foreign policy-watchers indicating that some of the sensitive issues may also figure in the discussions. However, there is no official word yet on the agenda to be taken up during Modi's visit. The Prime Minister's visit comes nearly three weeks after the January 20 inauguration of Trump and amid tariff threats issued by the US leader in the recent past. The United States will impose tariffs on the countries that “harm” America, President Trump had told House Republicans at a Florida retreat late January. In his address, he had described China as a “tremendous tariff-maker” and then went on to also name India and Brazil in that category. The visit also comes days after a US military aircraft carrying 104 illegal Indian immigrants landed in Punjab's Amritsar, the first such batch of Indians deported by the Donald Trump administration as part of a crackdown against illegal immigrants. The way a batch of Indians were deported from the US has caused a great deal of anxiety, resentment and anger in India, and New Delhi will have to “delicately” convey a message to Washington behind closed doors on this, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said on Monday in New Delhi. The MP from Thiruvananthapuram had made the remarks in response to a query at a book launch event, the same day when Prime Minister Modi departed for France. The visit will provide a "valuable opportunity" to engage the new administration in all areas of mutual interest, senior officials said. The prime minister's visit to the US at the invitation of President Trump shows the “importance of India-US partnership and is also reflective of the bipartisan support that this partnership enjoys in the US,” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said in a briefing on February 7 in New Delhi. “After President Trump's inauguration, the prime minister called to wish him, and it was on that occasion they agreed to meet very soon, and that is the promise and the commitment that is now unfolding,” he said “There is an obvious convergence of interests between the two countries in a number of areas -- trade, investment, technology, defence cooperation, counterterrorism, Indo-Pacific security, and of course, people-to-people relations,” the FS said in the briefing. Modi will also interact with business leaders and members of the Indian community in the US. The visit will also strengthen people-to-people relations between the two countries, he said, adding, “The 5.4 million-strong Indian community in the US and the more than 3,50,000 students from India who are pursuing studies in universities strengthen this bond immeasurably.” “We expect a joint statement to be adopted at the end of the visit,” the foreign secretary said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

12 February,2025 10:39 PM IST | Washington | PTI
Representational Image

Taiwan detects 30 Chinese aircraft; 2 US naval vessels sailed through Strait

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) detected 30 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, seven People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels, and one official ship detected by 6 am today (UTC+8) around Taiwan's territory. Of the 30 aircraft, 23 crossed the median line into Taiwan's northern, southwestern, and eastern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). Additionally, the MND said that two US naval vessels sailed through the Taiwan Strait from north to south on February 10. Sharing a post on X, MND wrote, "30 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today." The post added, "23 out of 30 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." 30 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 23 out of 30 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly. pic.twitter.com/eVSsh9Pami — 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) February 12, 2025 In another post, MND wrote, "Two U.S. naval vessels sailed through the Taiwan Strait from north to south starting on the 10th. During this period, #ROCArmedForces maintained full control over the surrounding sea and airspace, with the situation remaining normal." Two U.S. naval vessels sailed through the Taiwan Strait from north to south starting on the 10th. During this period, #ROCArmedForces maintained full control over the surrounding sea and airspace, with the situation remaining normal. — 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) February 12, 2025 On Tuesday, MND had detected 32 aircraft from the PLA, eight vessels from PLAN, and one official ship operating nearby its shores as of 6 am (UTC+8). The MND noted that 22 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. It also detected two balloons from China. In recent weeks, China had visibly increased its capacity to conduct amphibious assaults on Taiwan's beaches with new naval equipment. This included the formal launch of an advanced landing helicopter assault (LHA) vessel, unique in the world, and the mass production of floating bridge docks to aid ship unloading during beach landings. The Taiwan-China conflict remained a longstanding geopolitical issue centred on Taiwan's sovereignty. While Taiwan functioned as a de facto independent state with its own government, military, and economy, Beijing considered it a breakaway province under the "One China" policy. Since the Chinese Civil War (1945-1949), when the Republic of China government retreated to Taiwan, China had used diplomatic, economic, and military measures to pressure Taiwan, which continued to assert its independence with strong domestic support.  This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

12 February,2025 11:56 AM IST | Taipei | ANI
Most of the victims were people displaced from other regions. File pic

At least 55 civilians killed by militia fighters in Congo

Militia fighters killed at least 55 civilians in an attack on a cluster of villages and a camp for displaced people in northeastern Congo.  Armed men from the CODECO militia attacked the Djaiba group of villages, which is also home to a camp for the displaced, in the province of Ituri Monday night, Antoinnette Nzale, the leader of the camp, said.  She said 55 civilians died but the death toll is likely higher, as bodies continue to be retrieved from the burned down houses. Most of the victims were displaced people killed with machetes and firearms. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

12 February,2025 09:06 AM IST | Goma | Agencies
South Sudan slid to the bottom of the index. Representation pic

Many nations slide down list in public sector corruption survey

Many countries had their worst showing in more than a decade in an index released on Tuesday that serves as a barometer of public sector corruption worldwide, from leading powers such as the US and France to authoritarian nations such as Russia and Venezuela. Transparency International, which compiles the annual Corruption Perceptions Index, found that 47 countries out of the 180 it surveyed had their lowest score last year since it started using its current methodology for its global ranking in 2012. It said of its 2024 survey that “global corruption levels remain alarmingly high, with efforts to reduce them faltering”. The group also pointed to worldwide risks from corruption to efforts to combat climate change. It said that a lack of transparency and accountability mechanisms increases the risk of climate funds being embezzled or misused, while “undue influence”, often from the private sector, obstructs the approval of ambitious policies. South Sudan slid to the bottom of the index with just eight points, displacing Somalia whose score dropped to nine. They were followed by Venezuela with 10 and Syria with 12. India ranked 96th with a score of 38. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

12 February,2025 09:05 AM IST | Berlin | Agencies
A US customs officer checks for harmful pests in flowers. Pic/AP

Valentine's day: Around 940 million flowers enter US via Miami

In the run up to February 14, agricultural specialists at Miami International Airport have processed about 940 million stems of cut flowers, according to US Customs and Border Protection. Around 90 per cent of the fresh cut flowers being sold for Valentine’s Day in the US come through Miami, while the other 10 per cent pass through Los Angeles.  Roses, carnations, pompons, hydrangeas, chrysanthemums and gypsophila arrive on hundreds of flights, mostly from Colombia and Ecuador, to Miami and onward, to florists across the US and Canada. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

12 February,2025 08:56 AM IST | Miami | Agencies
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen

EU chief: US tariffs will not go unanswered

European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen vowed on Tuesday that US tariffs on steel and aluminum “will not go unanswered”, adding that they will trigger tough countermeasures from the 27-nation bloc.  “The EU will act to safeguard its economic interests,” von der Leyen said reacting to US President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum the previous day. EU Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic said, “We will protect our workers, businesses and consumers. It is not our preferred scenario. We remain committed to constructive dialogue.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

12 February,2025 08:52 AM IST | Brussels | Agencies
Protest against the Trump administration’s plan to shut the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. PIC/AFP

Trump pauses enforcement of US foreign bribery law

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to pause enforcing a law that was used to launch investigations against the Adani Group. Trump signed an order to pause enforcing of the 1977 Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) that prohibits American companies and foreign firms from bribing officials of foreign governments to obtain or retain business. Last year DoJ under President Joe Biden charged Adani for allegedly being part of a scheme to pay over $250 million bribe to Indian officials in exchange of favourable terms for solar power contracts. This was concealed from the US banks and investors from whom Adani raised billions of dollars for the project. The pause and the review is being seen as a relief to the Adani Group. ‘Review Biden’s decisions’ Six US lawmakers have highlighted the Adani indictment in a letter written to the newly-appointed US Attorney General Pamela Bondi over decisions made by the DoJ under Joe Biden. They said that the DOJ, instead of deferring the case to Indian authorities, decided to indict the company’s executives. Back to plastic Trump said he is banning federal use of paper straws, saying they “don’t work” and don’t last very long. Instead he wants the government to exclusively move to plastic. ‘Cancel ceasefire deal’ Trump said the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas should be cancelled if Hamas doesn’t release the remaining hostages by Saturday. Trump said it was ultimately up to Israel. But he warned that “all hell is going to break out” if the remaining hostages aren’t released, and added that he feared many were dead. Tariff relief for Australia? President Trump agreed to consider a tariff exemption on Australian steel and aluminium imports after a telephone call on Tuesday with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Trump said the US’ trade surplus with Australia was one of the reasons he was considering an exemption. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

12 February,2025 08:49 AM IST | Washington | Agencies
A protest in Jerusalem demanding the release of Israeli hostages. PIC/AFP

Israelis facing action under universal jurisdiction

An Israeli army reservist’s dream vacation in Brazil ended abruptly last month over an accusation that he committed war crimes in the Gaza Strip. Yuval Vagdani woke up on January 4 to a flurry of missed calls from family members and Israel’s Foreign Ministry with an urgent warning: A pro-Palestinian legal group had convinced a federal judge in Brazil to open a war crimes investigation for his alleged participation in the demolition of civilian homes in Gaza. A frightened Vagdani fled the country on a commercial flight the next day to avoid the grip of a powerful legal concept called “universal jurisdiction”, which allows governments to prosecute people for the most serious crimes regardless of where they are allegedly committed. Vagdani is a survivor of Hamas’ deadly October 7, 2023, attack on an Israeli music festival. The case against him was brought by the Hind Rajab Foundation, a group based in Belgium named after a young girl who Palestinians say was killed early in the war by Israeli fire as she and her family fled Gaza City. Aided by geolocation data, the group built its case around Vagdani’s own social media posts, including  a photograph that showed him in uniform in Gaza. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

12 February,2025 08:41 AM IST | The Hague | Agencies
French President Emanuel, left, and Indian's Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrive at Marseille Provence airport in Marignane, southern France after the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris. Pic/AP/PTI

'This is right time to come to India': PM Modi invites French businesses to inve

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited French companies to look at the immense opportunities offered by the India growth story and said it was the "right time" to invest in the country. In his address at the 14th India-France CEOs Forum in Paris, where he was joined by French President Emmanuel Macron, Modi noted the expanding bilateral business and economic collaboration and the impetus it has provided to the strategic partnership between the two countries. He highlighted India's attractiveness as a favoured global investment destination, based on a stable polity and predictable policy ecosystem. "Let me tell you all, this is the right time to come to India. Everyone's progress is linked to India's progress," said Modi. "An example of this was seen in the aviation sector, when Indian companies placed large orders for airplanes. And, now, when we are going to open 120 new airports, you can imagine the future possibilities for yourselves," he said. Inviting French business to join India's development journey, he said, "When France's finesse and India's scale meet; when India's pace and France's precision join; when France's technology and India's talent unite... then, not just business landscape, but global transformation will happen." PM Modi noted that India is becoming the biggest centre of diversification and de-risking, backed by a new generation of reforms outlined in the Union Budget earlier this month. He noted, "India and France are not just linked by democratic values. The foundation of our friendship is based on the spirit of deep trust, innovation, and public welfare. Our partnership is not limited to just two countries. "We are cooperating together to address global problems and challenges. During my last visit, we had outlined the 2047 roadmap for our partnership. Following that, we are pursuing cooperation in a comprehensive manner in every field.' He pointed to areas such as aerospace, ports, defence, electronics, dairy, chemicals and consumer goods where Indo-French cooperation is already in action. "You are well aware of the changes that have taken place in India in the last decade. We have established a stable polity, and predictable policy ecosystem. Following the path of reform, perform, and transform, today India is the fifth largest economy in the world. It is the fastest growing major economy in the world," he said. "It will soon become the world's third largest economy. India's skilled young talent factory and innovation spirit are our identity on the global stage. Today, India is fast becoming a preferred global investment destination,' he added. In a post on X, Modi said the India-France CEO Forum plays a key role in strengthening economic ties and fostering innovation. "It is gladdening to see business leaders from both nations collaborate and create new opportunities across key sectors. This drives growth, investment and ensures a better future for the coming generations." According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the forum brought together CEOs from a diverse group of companies from both sides, focusing on sectors such as defence, aerospace, critical and emerging technologies, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, life-sciences, wellness and lifestyle, and food and hospitality. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also addressed the forum alongside French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, and the Minister of the Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty of France, Eric Lombard. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

12 February,2025 08:28 AM IST | Paris | PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with French President Emmanuel Macron during the India - France CEO forum in Paris, France. Pic/PTI

PM Modi in Marseille honors Veer Savarkar’s "daring escape"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, upon arriving in Marseille, paid tribute to the city's historical "significance" in India's freedom struggle, recalling the "courageous escape" attempt of "Veer" Savarkar and thanking the French activists who supported him during his time of peril. In a post on X, he wrote, "Landed in Marseille. In India's quest for freedom, this city holds special significance. It was here that the great Veer Savarkar attempted a courageous escape. I also want to thank the people of Marseille and the French activists of that time who demanded that he not be handed over to British custody. The bravery of Veer Savarkar continues to inspire generations!" The city of Marseille holds a special place in India's freedom struggle, as it was here that Veer Savarkar, one of India's freedom fighters, made a brave attempt to escape British custody. According to the government website, amrit mahotsav.nic.in, " Veer Savarkar was arrested in London in 1910 in connection with the Nasik Conspiracy Case. When he was being taken by ship to India for trial, off Marseilles, Savarkar jumped into the sea and swam to the French coast, braving the firing from the ship. He was arrested at Marseilles by the British Police. The French government protested against this arrest on French soil to the Hague International Court. This brought Veer Savarkar and other Indian freedom fighters to prominence throughout the world." Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Marseille ahead of their engagements in the city. In Marseille, they will visit the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, a significant international collaboration in nuclear fusion research. In a tribute to historical ties, the Prime Minister will also visit the Mazargues War Cemetery to honor Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the World Wars. Meanwhile, PM Modi addressed the CEOs Forum in Paris. In a post on X, he wrote, "The India-France CEO Forum plays a key role in strengthening economic ties and fostering innovation. It is gladdening to see business leaders from both nations collaborate and create new opportunities across key sectors. This drives growth, investment, and ensures a better future for the coming generations." Speaking at the event, PM Modi said, "This is more than just a business event--it's a convergence of the brightest minds from India and France. You are embracing the mantra of innovation, collaboration, and elevation, driving progress with purpose. Beyond forging boardroom connections, you are actively reinforcing the strategic partnership between India and France." He also underlined the deep trust and shared values between India and France, citing democratic values, innovation, and serving the people as the pillars of their friendship. "India and France aren't just connected by democratic values. Deep trust, innovation, and serving the people are the pillars of our friendship. Our relationship isn't limited to just our two nations. Together, we're providing solutions to global problems," PM Modi added. Meanwhile, PM Modi also co-chaired the AI Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.The week-long summit culminated in a High-Level Segment attended by global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

12 February,2025 08:27 AM IST | Marseille | ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets United States Vice President JD Vance, at Elysee Palace in Paris on Tuesday. Photo/ANI

PM Modi, Vance discuss US support for India's clean energy, nuclear technology

Vice President JD Vance met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (local time), where they discussed topics of mutual interest, including how the United States can assist India in diversifying its energy sourcing through investments in clean, "reliable" US nuclear technology, confirmed an official statement from the White House. Following the meeting, the two leaders, along with the Second Lady of the United States, Usha Vance, enjoyed coffee together. Prime Minister Modi also took the opportunity to share gifts with the Vance children and wished the Vice President's son, Vivek, a happy birthday, the White House statement added. "Today, Vice President JD Vance met with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. The two leaders, along with the Second Lady of the United States Usha Vance, enjoyed coffee together and discussed topics of mutual interest, including how the United States can assist India in diversifying its energy sourcing through investments in clean, reliable US nuclear technology. Prime Minister Modi graciously shared gifts with the Vance children and wished the Vice President's son, Vivek, a happy birthday," the statement read. Following the meeting, PM Modi wrote on X, "Had a wonderful meeting with US Vice President JD Vance and his family. We had a great conversation on various subjects. Delighted to join them in celebrating the joyous birthday of their son, Vivek!" In response, US Vice President JD Vance expressed his gratitude towards PM Modi, saying, "Prime Minister Modi was gracious and kind, and our kids really enjoyed the gifts. I'm grateful to him for the wonderful conversation." PM Modi will visit the US on February 12-13 at the invitation of US President Donald Trump. This will be the first meeting between the two leaders since President Trump assumed office for his second term. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

12 February,2025 08:26 AM IST | Paris | ANI
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