Jaishankar, German counterpart discuss COVID-19 situation, vaccine cooperation

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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed gratitude to leaders from across the world for their wishes on the occasion of his 76th birthday. 

The high-level meeting took place during Wagle's first official visit to India since assuming office as Nepal's Finance Minister. India's Foreign Secretary and the Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs also attended the discussions.

“Warmest birthday wishes to Prime Minister @narendramodi. Wishing you many happy returns of the day. May your dedicated service to the people of India always be accompanied by good health and high spirits,” Rahman said.

Beijing reiterated its opposition to "long-arm jurisdiction" and unilateral economic sanctions, stating that any sanctions not authorised by the UN Security Council have no basis in international law. Defending sovereign trade, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said normal economic and trade cooperation between sovereign nations is not directed at third parties and should not be subjected to external coercion or interference.