Connect with us

National

India and Sri Lanka to Enhance Cooperation in Critical Minerals, Exploration, and Mining

Published

on

On Saturday, India and Sri Lanka convened a meeting aimed at enhancing bilateral relations in the areas of critical minerals, exploration, and mining. Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Satish Chandra Dubey, met with Sri Lanka’s Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunnetti, at Shastri Bhawan for what was described as a constructive dialogue.

The talks prioritized fostering cooperation between the two nations in mineral exploration and mining, with a particular emphasis on securing critical minerals vital for economic and industrial advancement.

A significant point of discussion was Sri Lanka’s extensive resources of graphite and beach sand minerals, which are crucial for promoting the global transition to clean energy, advanced battery technologies, and high-tech industries.

Both leaders recognized the necessity of enhancing collaboration to explore mining opportunities for Indian companies in Sri Lanka. Dubey highlighted India’s National Critical Mineral Mission, designed to ensure a stable supply of essential raw materials—including lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt, and copper—to support the country’s ambitious renewable energy goals.

He noted that India is actively pursuing mining rights for critical minerals, forming international partnerships, and encouraging domestic companies to acquire mineral assets on a global scale.

The two parties engaged in comprehensive discussions on exploration opportunities, technological collaboration, and investment potential in these fields. The potential for mineral exploration based on a Government-to-Government (G2G) framework was also broached, with the Geological Survey of India (GSI) expressing its interest in conducting mineral assessments in Sri Lanka.

Furthermore, Sri Lanka encouraged India to motivate Indian companies to join the exploratory efforts and development of its beach sand and graphite resources. The finalization of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on “Cooperation in the Field of Geology and Mineral Resources” between India’s Ministry of Mines and Sri Lanka’s Geological Survey & Mines Bureau was also part of the agenda.

Dubey expressed optimism that the conclusion of this MoU would establish a robust framework for enhancing collaboration in capacity building, mining exploration, and advanced mineral processing. He reaffirmed India’s dedication to assisting Sri Lanka in skill development, knowledge transfer, and modernizing its mining sector through technological and financial support.

Addressing the occasion, Dubey stated, “India and Sri Lanka share a long-standing partnership, and our cooperation in the mining sector will further strengthen our economic ties. By working together, we can unlock the full potential of our mineral resources, ensuring mutual growth and sustainability.”

The meeting wrapped up positively, with both leaders agreeing to expedite the efforts to formalize agreements and explore new opportunities for collaboration in the mineral sector.

National

Unity of 140 Crore Indians: Our Nation’s Greatest Strength; We Will Respond Decisively to Aggressors: PM Modi in ‘Mann Ki Baat’

Published

on

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his firm stance on Sunday, assuring the nation that those responsible for the Pahalgam attack would face the strictest consequences. During his monthly broadcast of ‘Mann ki Baat,’ his first since the attack, he stated, “Global leaders have reached out to me with letters and messages, strongly condemning this heinous act… The entire world stands united with 1.4 billion Indians in our fight against terrorism.”

He reiterated his commitment to the families of the victims, promising justice and emphasizing that the attackers and their backers would be met with severe repercussions.

In his address, he highlighted that the nation’s greatest strength in the battle against terrorism lies in the unity of its people.

“As I share my thoughts with you today, my heart is heavy with grief. The Pahalgam attack on April 22 has devastated every citizen and ignited deep sympathy for the victims’ families… I know the anger that flows through every citizen upon witnessing the tragic images of this attack,” Mr. Modi said during the 121st episode of the radio program.

He pointed out that the attack signifies the desperation of those who support terrorism. “As peace began to take root in Kashmir, the enemies of our nation could not bear it. They aim to unravel the progress, orchestrating such a significant conspiracy. In our fight against terrorism, national unity is our strongest asset… We must reinforce our resolve to confront this challenge.”

PM Modi expressed his profound sorrow for the pain experienced nationwide due to the attack. “The terror incident in Pahalgam on April 22 has inflicted great sadness on every Indian. The suffering of the affected families resonates throughout the country, transcending state lines and languages. I feel the collective anger as we observe the horrific images from the attack. This tragedy reflects the despair and cowardice of those who sponsor terrorism…”

Continue Reading

National

Pakistani Troops Launch Unprovoked Fire at J&K LoC; Indian Army Responds

Published

on

For the third consecutive day on Sunday, the Pakistan Army engaged in unprovoked firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting an appropriate response from the Indian Army. A spokesperson from the Defence Ministry stated, “On the night of April 26-27, 2025, posts of the Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked small arms fire across the LoC in the Tutmari Gali and Rampur sectors. Our troops effectively retaliated with appropriate small arms fire.”

On the night of April 25-26, multiple Pakistan Army posts also carried out unprovoked small arms fire along the LoC in Kashmir, to which Indian troops responded effectively. On April 24, further small arms firing occurred from some Pakistani positions along the LoC, which was similarly retaliated against. Thankfully, no casualties have been reported during these ceasefire violations over the past three days.

Tensions between the two nations have escalated following a tragic incident on April 22 in Baisaran, Pahalgam, where terrorists from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), backed by Pakistan, killed 26 innocent civilians, including 25 tourists and a local resident. This cowardly act sparked national outrage, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowing to track down the terrorists and their sponsors.

J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha convened a security review meeting with Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi in Srinagar on Saturday, directing the Army to employ whatever force necessary to locate the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack. Additionally, two houses in Ganderbal district—one belonging to a LeT terrorist and another to a suspected terrorist—were demolished after being identified as potential threats linked to terrorist activities.

These demolitions are part of ongoing security measures aimed at combating terrorism, with five houses associated with terrorists having been dismantled across the Valley in the aftermath of the Pahalgam incident.

Continue Reading

National

BJP Leader Reacts to Bilawal Bhutto’s Indus Treaty Threat: “Pakistan’s Recurring Habit of Nonsense”

Published

on

In light of rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in 26 fatalities, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh targeted Pakistani politician Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, calling out his tendency to “talk nonsense.”

In response to Bhutto’s threats regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, Ghosh dismissed his comments as mere posturing, highlighting Pakistan’s struggles with internal disorder.

“Blood is flowing in Pakistan. Sometimes Al-Qaeda is involved; other times, Afghanistan. We have already shown them what we can do. They are still naive,” Ghosh stated. “It’s Pakistan’s longstanding habit to engage in such rhetoric, but it won’t change anything.”

Bhutto previously cautioned India against interfering with the flow of the Indus River, insisting, “The river belongs to Pakistan and will remain with Pakistan. If India tries to stop the water, Indian blood will flow instead.”

Ghosh countered this by questioning the credibility of Pakistani leaders and their history with international agreements. He also dismissed Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s suggestion for a neutral investigation into the Pahalgam attack, stating, “He may want to talk, but who would want to engage with him? Who has ever honored agreements? This is all foolishness. That time is past; now action is required.”

In response to remarks from the Pakistan Army Chief about retaliation, Ghosh shrugged off the threat: “You’ve already been defeated four times; you were ready then too, right? Prepare to be defeated again.”

Continue Reading

Trending