The Indian Panorama

Tag: Dr S Jaishankar

  • Indian Embassy in Guatemala completes specialized ITEC course on the Prevention of Corruption

    Indian Embassy in Guatemala completes specialized ITEC course on the Prevention of Corruption

    GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): The Indian Embassy in Guatemala has successfully completed a specialized ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) course on the Prevention of Corruption, which was held from 13 to 26 February 2025 in National Institute of Labour Economics Research and Development, New Delhi, India. The course, designed to share India’s expertise in promoting transparency and good governance, saw the active participation of over 30 distinguished officials, including Congressmen, Supreme Court judges, and Ministry of Public Administration (MoPA) officials from Guatemala.

    The specialized course is part of India’s commitment to supporting capacity building and knowledge-sharing across the Global South. The initiative was first announced by Hon’ble Minister for External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, during his meeting with the Foreign Ministers of the Central American Integration System (SICA) in Panama in April 2023. The Minister’s offer to organize tailored courses for the SICA member countries has come to fruition with this focused training on anti-corruption measures, offering practical insights and strategies for strengthening governance systems.

    Participants attending the class at special ITEC Course on Prevention of Corruption.

    The Government of India has made significant strides in reducing corruption and enhancing transparency across all levels of governance. Through a series of legislative, institutional, and technological reforms, India has focused on promoting accountability and integrity within the public sector. Key initiatives include the implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which empowers citizens with access to government-held information, and the introduction of e-governance initiatives to minimize human discretion and reduce opportunities for corruption. Additionally, the establishment of anti-corruption bodies like the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has strengthened the mechanisms for investigating and addressing corruption-related issues. India’s commitment to transparency is also reflected in its efforts to digitize public services, improve financial auditing, and promote the use of technology to ensure greater public sector accountability. These comprehensive measures align with India’s vision of fostering a corruption-free governance model and serve as a model for other countries striving for similar objectives.

    Earlier, as part of the ITEC on-site program, a delegation of four mining experts had visited El Salvador in October 2022 to participate in a specialized training program for the experts from El Salvador. The primary objective of their visit was to offer expert guidance on the effective closure of abandoned mines. This initiative focused on addressing the environmental and safety challenges associated with derelict mining sites, while also sharing India’s best practices for remediation and sustainable land restoration efforts. The visit aimed to enhance the knowledge and capacity of local authorities in managing abandoned mines and mitigating their long-term impacts on the environment and public health.

    A delegation of four mining experts from India visited El Salvador in October 2022 to participate in a specialized ITEC training program for experts from El Salvador.

    The ITEC Program is an initiative of the Government of India, aimed at providing technical assistance and training to developing countries. Established in 1964, ITEC offers more than 600 courses annually, covering various sectors to promote the development of partner countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The programme continues to be a cornerstone of India’s development partnership with the Global South. These courses, offered to SICA member countries and other nations, aim to enhance cooperation and foster sustainable development.

    Over the years, more than 600 professionals from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador have benefitted from India’s ITEC courses, gaining valuable knowledge and skills in a wide range of sectors. These courses, offered as part of India’s ongoing commitment to capacity building and development cooperation, have provided participants from these countries with the tools and expertise to enhance their work in areas such as governance, public administration, technology, agriculture, and healthcare. By engaging with Indian experts and learning from India’s diverse experiences, these professionals have been able to implement innovative solutions and best practices in their respective fields. The ITEC program continues to be a cornerstone of India’s partnership with the countries of Central America, fostering deeper collaboration and mutual growth.

    Embassy of India conducts a pre-briefing session before the departure of ITEC students

    The Indian Embassy has expressed its gratitude to all participants for their active engagement in the course and their commitment to strengthening their nation’s governance structures. The Embassy remains dedicated to furthering India’s role as a partner for progress and development in the region and looks forward to expanding the ITEC offering with more specialized courses in the future to meet the unique needs of SICA member countries.

    (Based on a press release issued by Ramesh Khulbey)

  • Xi, Bolsanaro, Meloni Invited; Jaishankar to represent India at Trump Inauguration

    Xi, Bolsanaro, Meloni Invited; Jaishankar to represent India at Trump Inauguration

    WASHINGTON, DC / NEW DELHI (TIP): External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will attend the swearing-in ceremony of US President-elect Donald Trump, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Sunday, January 12. This comes after Jaishankar received an invitation from the Trump-Vance inaugural committee.

    “On the invitation of the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar will represent the Government of India at the Swearing-In Ceremony of President-Elect Donald J. Trump as the 47th President of the United States of America,” said the MEA press note.

    During his visit, Jaishankar is expected to meet with representatives of the incoming Trump administration, as well as other visiting dignitaries, the press note added.

    The press release was conspicuously silent on whether the invitation for the ceremony on January 20 was in the name of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jaishankar would be sent instead.

    So far, foreign media reports have suggested that invitations were extended to heads of state or, in one instance, a former head of state. However, the MEA press release did not specify whether the invitation was addressed to a particular individual or if the recipient was named.

    This development comes after Jaishankar’s recent visit to the US, where he met with Trump’s choice for National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, along with talks with officials from the outgoing Biden administration, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. On Monday, the external affairs minister also held talks with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, broadly reviewing the trajectory of India-US global strategic partnership in the last four years under the Biden administration. Sullivan was on a visit to India two weeks ahead of Trump’s inauguration as the 47th president of the US.

    The inauguration ceremony will mark the beginning of Trump’s second term as president. J.D. Vance will take oath as the vice president of the United States.

    Last month, Trump revealed that he had invited world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, to attend the inauguration of his presidential term – an unprecedented move for this American event.

    Initial reports suggested that Trump had personally extended an invitation to Jinping, sparking a sensation in the US. Throughout his campaign and after his victory, Trump had pledged to impose heavy tariffs on China, as well as on traditional allies like Canada and Mexico.

    From the outset, it was evident that President Xi would not be attending the inauguration. Earlier this week, the UK newspaper Financial Times reported that Xi plans to send a special envoy, possibly Vice President Han Zheng or Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The report also noted that Trump’s aides would prefer the envoy to be Cai Qi, a Politburo Standing Committee member who is believed to hold significantly more influence than Han or Wang.

    While much of the focus among foreign invitees was on China, reports in December also indicated that other world leaders, who were from right-wing parties, had also been invited to the inauguration.

    Argentinian President Javier Milei’s office confirmed receiving an invitation, while the Ambassador of El Salvador in Washington publicly stated that President Nayib Bukele had also been invited, according to an AP report on December 18. Notably, Milei was the first foreign leader to meet Trump after the election at his Mar-a-Lago club.

    Recently, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her intention to attend Trump’s inauguration but noted that she was reviewing her schedule before finally confirming her participation.

    Meanwhile, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro wrote on X on Wednesday that he has requested the return of his passport, which he had previously surrendered during an investigation into his alleged role in a 2023 coup attempt to stay in power. Bolsonaro explained that he needed the passport to attend the upcoming inauguration ceremony.

    During Trump’s first term, Modi made a concerted effort to strengthen ties, with Trump attending the ‘Howdy Modi’ rally in Houston and hosting him at a massive stadium event in Ahmedabad. However, unlike other world leaders, India has not clarified whether a specific invitation was extended to Modi.

    India is set to host the Quad leaders’ summit later this year, with Trump expected to visit for a second time.
    (With inputs from The Wire)

  • Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 starts with a focus on youth

    “The customary conclave of our younger generation as part of the #PBD celebrations is a testimony to their vital role and significant contribution in the building of a Viksit Bharat and 🇮🇳’s global image”:  EAM

    • Prabhjot Singh
    India’s EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar inaugurated the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar on January 8, 2025

    BHUBANESWAR (TIP): States that invest in their youth and stay focused on trade, technology, and tourism are bound to succeed in the present competitive world. These inferences were drawn at the preliminary session on” Beyond Borders: Diaspora Youth Leadership in a Globalized World” and the joint business session with the host Odisha government on Wednesday, the opening day of the 18th Pravasi Bharati Divas, at a sprawling tented township at Janata Maidan.

    India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, who was the guest of honor on the inaugural day, focused on the transformative role the Indian youth could play in various key areas of development. “It is critical to invest in our youth in order to achieve their full potential,” Jaishankar said, adding that maintaining their role is important in key areas like AI and EV, innovation and start-ups, space, drones, and sports.

    More than 3000 delegates drawn from all over the world are participating in the annual three-day event dedicated to Indian Diaspora. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally declare the convention open in this historic city of temples on Thursday.

    Odisha’s government has put its best foot forward to showcase its development to the elite of the Indian Diaspora while seeking FDI in various projects, including tourism.

    “We have been overwhelmed by the reception we got on our arrival here,” says Professor Indrajit Saluja, a US delegate. All delegates were accorded a traditional welcome at Biju Patnaik International Airport. Bhubaneshwar has been given a facelift, as most of the official and commercial buildings have been decked out and illuminated at night. from San Francisco was all praise for the organizers for taking delegates to various shrines, including famous Jagannath temple at Puri.

    Ravindra Jain, who has made Myanmar as his second home, also lauded the Odisha government for holding the event. “Last year, I played a role when the PBD was held in my hometown of Indore,” he said.

    “The youth have an important role to play in the present-day competitive world which is fast becoming a global village,” he said, revealing that his son, now settled in British Columbia, had the distinction of becoming President of the Kelowna University Students Association in 2019.

    Though there are not many youth delegates attending the convention, yet their growing participation in the Pravasi Bharati Divas is encouraging, says Naresh Chavda, a delegate from Canada.

    “Efforts of the Indian government to encourage youth of Indian origin to discover their roots and stay connected with the motherland of their ancestors is a welcome sign. India leads the world with its growing and empowered youth force,” he added.

    A large part of the government’s actions was to give the right motivation to the younger generation to accelerate their efforts, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar said holding that “while development itself is a very complex task, it becomes much easier when we are confident that nothing is beyond us,” EAM Jaishankar remarked.

    He also highlighted an observation by badminton star PV Sindhu, on why Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a youth icon. “She summed it up as his attitude which moved our nation from ‘chalta hai’ to ‘badal sakta hai’ to ‘hoga kaise nahin’,” he recalled.

    India’s EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar with admiring delegates

    Jaishankar believes this is the spirit which has driven India’s achievements in recent years, from supplying vaccines and medicines to the entire world during COVID-19 to undertaking missions like the Chandrayaan landing, the Aditya L1 observatory and the proposed Gaganyaan human spaceflight endeavor.

    Ambitious visions need strong foundations to be realized, EAM Jaishankar remarked, stating, “It is critical to invest in our youth in order to achieve their full potential.” He also referred to transformational efforts of campaigns and programs like Swacch Bharat, Beti Padhao, Awas and Anna Yojana, Mudra, Swanidhi, Ayushman Bharat, and Jal Jeevan.

    “If you were to see them in their entirety, connecting those dots will give you an appreciation of how we are securing the future of our youth. They will help bring their skills and creativity to the fore, ensuring that India’s talents are fully available to the global workplace,” he stated.

    Later speaking at the Joint Business Session with the Government of Odisha on the side-lines of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Jaishankar highlighted the role of the 3Ts -Trade, Technology, and Tourism – for a state like Odisha.

    Odisha has resources which need investments, connectivity, and value addition to increase Trade and leverage the state’s location, he stated. He referred to the Bali Yatra, Odisha’s historical connection with Southeast Asia. “Whether it is orthodox shipping, whether it is green shipping, whether it is power grids, whether as I say it is resources to value add on it, the potential for trade based in Odisha is enormous,” he noted.

    On Technology, he emphasized that it was increasingly associated with trusted talent. “The talent of Odisha, the fact that today you have young demography, you have a strong education backbone of the state. Today technology also offers a lot of possibilities for collaboration,” he said.

    Odisha is simply incredible in terms of what it has to offer when it comes to Tourism, EAM Jaishankar remarked, adding that tourism is the biggest employer generator and multiplier in the world. “Those who will invest in tourism in this state are actually contributing to development and inclusive growth in the state in a very powerful way,” he pointed out.

    The External Affairs Minister also highlighted the Modi Government’s commitment to Purvodaya or the Renaissance, revival and rejuvenation of the East. He pointed out that India was historically at the greatest point when the eastern parts of India were at the height of glory. In this context, EAM Jaishankar noted that one of the earliest commitments in this third term of the Modi Government was to make the practical decisions to enable the Purvodaya to happen. “A crucial fulcrum of that in many ways is the state of Odisha,” he remarked.

    Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, presided over the plenary session on “Beyond Borders: Diaspora Youth Leadership in a Globalized World” which was moderated by Binny Bansal, Co-founder of Flipkart.

    Y B Prabhakaran – Malaysian Politician and Member of Parliament for Batu and Member of the People’s Justice Party (PKR); Eeshaanee Shandilya – Business Analyst, HSBC Global Services; Don McLain Gill – Lecturer, Department of International Studies, De La Salle University (He specializes in Philippine foreign policy, India-Southeast Asian security relations, and maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and India-Southeast Asian relations); Revathy Pillay – IT Business Analyst and Southside Radio FM Presenter and dynamic youth ambassador and radio personality dedicated to empowering youth voices;
    Mohiuddin Mohamad Ali-Ali, vice-chairman of Galfar Engineering & contracting SAOG and president of the Oman chapter of the Indo-Gulf & Middle East chamber, Muscat; Mickela Panday – Daughter of former Prime Minister of T&T Basdeo Panday. The Political Leader of the newest political party in T&T- the Patriotic Front, launched in 2019 and a former MP were the panelists for the plenary session.

  • Take India Abroad, says PM Narendra Modi

    Take India Abroad, says PM Narendra Modi

    • It is time to spread a message about India’s rich and cultural heritage. As ambassadors of India, you must also look beyond some major cities and explore small towns and villages that make this country unique.
    • Wherever you live in any part of the world, plant a sapling in your mother’s name in the new city of your domicile. Spread a message about the philosophy, diversity and rich civilization you come from.
    • Institute awards to commemorate local heroes and Indian missions overseas will extend all possible support. When you come next time for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, bring along at least five people from your new neighborhoods.

    By Prabhjot Singh

    BHUBANESWAR (TIP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his inaugural address to the 18th Pravasi Bharati Divas at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneshwar on Thursday, January 8 was accorded a standing ovation on his arrival at the nearly packed specially erected pandal.

    Though the verve and exuberance that usually accompany his addresses at such august gatherings were missing, he made up for it with his exclamations, appealing to the participating delegates to play a proactive role in projecting India abroad.

    More than 3000 delegates drawn from around the globe are participating in the biannual event held every year from January 8 to 10 to commemorate the return of the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, from his stint in South Africa. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was started in 2003 and has served as a unique platform for overseas Indians to share their achievements and issues with people and governments of the country of their original domicile.

    A view of the gathering

    Prime Minister eulogized the contribution of the Indian Diaspora in making it the number one nation in the world for remittances back home. Stressing the need for connecting the new generation with its roots in India, Narendra Modi wanted the delegates to talk about India, its history, its culture, its diversity, and its progress not only with their children but also in their neighborhoods and workplaces.

    He exhorted them to work as ambassadors of India as the country was making rapid strides in all areas, including technology.

    Federation of Indian Associations, NY- NJ-CT-NE (FIA) Delegates at the PBD 2025 (Photo: Jay Mandal-on assignment)

    Prime Minister also remotely flagged off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special Tourist train for the Indian diaspora, which will depart from the Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi and would travel to multiple destinations of tourist and religious importance in India for three weeks. The Pravasi Bharatiya Express will be conducted under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana of the Ministry of External Affairs.

    He also urged the delegates to visit all places of religious and historic significance, including Prayagraj, to avail themselves of a rare opportunity of attending the “Mahakumbh.”

    After inaugurating the convention, PM Modi also went around various exhibitions and put up different departments of both the Union Government and the host Odisha government to showcase the progress the country has made since attaining Independence in 1947.

    In 2047, when India completes its centenary of independence, it will be a superpower.

    Prime Minister Modi inaugurated and went round the 4 exhibitions at the PBD.

    Mr. Modi inaugurated four exhibitions – Vishwaroop Ram: The Universal Legacy of Ramayana – by ICCR; Diaspora’s Contribution to Technology– by MEA (curated by Dr Masooma Rizvi); “Bharat Bharatiya: Swadesh Pardes – Abhilekhiye Virasat – Launch of Oman collection”, by National Archives of India; and exhibition on Heritage and Culture of Odisha by Odisha government.

    Earlier, External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, and Odisha Governor, Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, talked about the importance of the PBD and the role the Indian Diaspora has played in both rebuilding India and its image overseas.

    The Chief Guest, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Christine Carla Kangaloo addressed the gathering virtually. During her address, she remembered with fondness and pride her Indian ancestry as well as the contribution of Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago. (Photo: ANI)

    The Chief guest, the President of Trinidad and Tobago Christine Carla Kangaloo while addressing the august gathering remotely, talked about her own journey and also those of others in her country who migrated to Trinidad and Tobago more than a hundred years ago.

  • US, India stronger when working together: Blinken

    US, India stronger when working together: Blinken

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The United States and India are stronger when they work together, US Secretary of State Tony Blinken has said. Blinken made the remarks in a post on X after meeting India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the G7 meeting in Fiuggi, Italy on Tuesday. “The US and India are stronger when we are working together. Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and I met today in Italy to discuss the importance of our continued close cooperation to promote global security and prosperity,” Blinken said.

    He also shared a picture from the meeting.

    Jaishankar also posted about the meeting on X and said he discussed the state of the world and the India-US partnership, which continues to move forward, with Blinken.

    After the meeting, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said, “The United States desires to continue coordinating closely with India to address global security challenges.”

    During the meeting, Blinken and Jaishankar affirmed the US and India’s enduring commitment to deepening bilateral ties, Miller said in a readout of the meeting.
    (Source: PTI)

  • Indian Missions in Vancouver, New York and Nicosia bag One District One Product Award

    Indian Missions in Vancouver, New York and Nicosia bag One District One Product Award

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): ‘One District One Product’ is among the several initiatives of the Government of India in line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of “Aatma Nirbhar Bharat”, a self-reliant India. The idea is to select, brand, and promote One Product from each District of the country, harnessing traditional strengths and technology for holistic development.

    The prestigious ODOP Awards were conferred upon Indian Districts, States and Indian Missions abroad by EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar and Commerce and Industry Minister Mr. Piyush Goyal on January 3 as part of the ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Utsav’. The Awards aim to recognize and honor those who have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments in furthering economic development through the ODOP approach.

    Consulate General of India in New York was among the three Indian Missions to receive the prestigious ODOP Award 2023. It was declared the runners-up in the category of India’s Foreign Missions for its contribution in promoting ODOP items in the world.

    India’s Consulate General in New York, with active guidance and support of MEA and Department of Commerce, has undertaken major campaign to showcase and promote One District One Product items of India in the Unites States. Some of the popular products include Araku Coffee, Assam and Darjeeling Tea, ittar (perfume) from Kannauj, Lakadong turmeric, jute and textiles products, millet-based food items, Dhokra metal handicrafts and Longpi pottery, among others. In 2022, Consulate organized an ODOP float at the iconic ‘India Day Parade’ in Manhattan and also put up ODOP stall at Times Square on the occasion of International Yoga Day which created widespread awareness in New York and around about ODOP items. Besides these, numerous trade shows, product launches and other events have been hosted and organized by the Consulate to promote and popularize these distinctive expressions of India’s diversity, heritage, culture and economic potential.

    The ODOP initiative stands as a testament to the Government of India’s commitment to promoting the country’s unique products globally, paving the way for a self-reliant India on the global stage.

  • India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar arrived in New York on September 18, 2022 to attend the United Nations General Assembly session

    India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar arrived in New York on September 18, 2022 to attend the United Nations General Assembly session. During his stay in the City, he met with United Nations officials, world leaders, diplomats, and the community.

    Jay Mandal, a well-known photographer, took hundreds of photographs of the visit of the External Affairs Minister. Here are a few selected photographs.

    All Photos: Jay Mandal/On Assignment

    Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj greets External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar with a bouquet of flowers at JFK Airport in New York City. (September 18, 2022)
    Dr. S. Jaishankar (Right), Union Minister for External Affairs during a bilateral meeting with his counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan of UAE on the sideline of 77th UNGA in NY City. Also in the Picture, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj (Left), India’s Permanent Representative to the UN.  (September 19, 2022)
    Dr. S. Jaishankar (Center), Union Minister for External Affairs before a trilateral meeting with his counterparts Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Left) of UAE and Catherine Colonna of France on the sideline of 77th UNGA in NY City. (September 19, 2022)
    French President Emmanuel Macron (Left) welcomes India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar As he arrives to attend a dinner hosted by the French President, on the theme of the North-South Divide at the French Consulate in New York. (September 20, 2022)
    Dr. S. Jaishankar, Union Minister for External Affairs (Right) at a bilateral meeting with James Cleverly, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom, on the sideline of the 77th UN General Assembly in New York. (September 22, 2022)
    QUAD Meeting in NYC. From left, The Secretary of State of the United States, Antony Blinken, the Foreign Minister of Australia, Penny Wong, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi at a multilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 77th United Nations General Assembly in New York City.  (September 23, 2022)

    Dr. S. Jaishankar, Union Minister for External Affairs delivers his statement at the 77th United Nations General Assembly in New York City. (September 24, 2022)
    India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar (left) calls on CSABA KŐRÖSI, President of the 77th UN General Assembly, at the UN Secretariat in New York. (September 19, 2022)
    India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar (left) and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry at the bilateral meeting in New York City. (September 19, 2022)
    Dr. S. Jaishankar (Center), Union Minister for External Affairs before a bilateral meeting with his counterpart Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov of Russia on the sideline of 77th UNGA in NY City. (September 19, 2022)
  • Daniel Smith Takes Charge as US Ambassador in India, Pledges Support amid COVID-19 Crisis

    Daniel Smith Takes Charge as US Ambassador in India, Pledges Support amid COVID-19 Crisis

    -US Ambassador in India not only noted the “difficult times” that India is currently facing with resurgence of COVID-19 but also pledged to help the nation.

    WASHINGTON (TIP): Daniel B. Smith on May 3 was appointed as US Charge d’Affaires to India and said that he is ‘ready to work’. He was the former US acting Secretary of State and in 2018, he took the role as the director of the Foreign Service Institute. Prior to this, Smith has also been the Career Ambassador in the United States and in 2014, he was Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research. In 2010, the present US envoy to India was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary (Greece). Smith entered the US government in 2007 as Executive Secretary.

    Further, Smith not only noted the “difficult times” that India is currently facing with the resurgence of COVID-19 and shortage of medical supplies but also pledged to help the nation as New Delhi assisted Washington. Smith’s maiden remarks on Twitter after taking over the position came as United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID’s) fifth emergency shipment in five days landed in India on May 4. The consignment carried more than 500 oxygen concentrators to help the hospitals overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients along with more than 100,000 N95 masks to ensure the safety of the frontline workers.

    While US Ambassador in India pledged to enhance US-India cooperation amid COVID-19, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met in person with Minister of External Affairs (MEA) Dr S Jaishankar in London on May 2 when both senior diplomats the cooperation over COVID-19 resources along with other issues such as Indo-Pacific landscape and the United Nations (UN) Security Council. Further, even the US Department of Defense has said the final two flights of essential supplies for India have been delayed and will arrive by May 5.