8 Afghan nationals arrested in Balochistan

India on Thursday welcomed the New Zealand Parliament’s passage of legislation giving effect to the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signed in New Delhi on April 27. The agreement will provide duty-free access for 100 per cent of Indian exports to New Zealand upon entry into force and create opportunities in services, investment and professional, student and youth mobility.

International experts and human rights advocates at a conference held on the sidelines of the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) backed India’s decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance, arguing that the issue needs to be examined in the context of security, human rights and the water rights of communities dependent on the Indus River system.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay on Thursday joined the lighting of the ‘Aashirvaad ka Diya’ at the iconic Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu in the presence of Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years of public service.

The meeting emphasised the need to further strengthen the democratic environment and values of the two countries. Both sides agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a sustainable and dignified level based on mutual respect, equality, fairness and justice.

Welcoming the initiative, Carney described the partnership between Canada and the EU as a proactive model for global democratic governance. He characterised it as a resilient alliance dedicated to upholding international law and ensuring its agenda is not dictated by outside forces.