Lars Odin Mellemseter

India's high commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Verma, has rejected claims of involvement in the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for harming bilateral relations after Canada identified Indian diplomats as "persons of interest" in the investigation into Nijjar's death. Verma described the allegations as politically motivated and noted the absence of supporting evidence. Verma accused Trudeau of relying on intelligence rather than solid proof when making his claims. He expressed dismay that Trudeau chose to announce these allegations in Parliament without first disclosing the evidence, which has negatively impacted India-Canada relations. Trudeau and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have alleged that Indian diplomats assisted in targeting Sikh separatists in Canada, resulting in violence against these activists. India has branded these allegations as "preposterous," suggesting they are politically motivated to bolster Trudeau's upcoming elections. The Indian government has criticized Canada for being lenient towards Khalistan movement supporters, despite its prohibition in India. Verma condemned Nijjar's murder, reiterating that any act of murder is wrong. Relations between India and Canada have deteriorated since Trudeau pointed to possible links between Indian agents and Nijjar's assassination, with India demanding evidence to support these claims. #AsiaRisk #GeopoliticalConflictandDisputes #India Get a full accounting of the security situation in Asia by subscribing to Security Asia. Subscribe now--free of charge--at https://lnkd.in/g7Cs8Gkf https://lnkd.in/gKe6Uwye

A 47-year-old Indian national, Periyasamy Mathiyazhagan, has been sentenced to nine weeks in prison for failing to return SGD 25,000 mistakenly sent to him. The funds were intended for a company loan repayment. Despite knowing the money was not his, he used it to pay off debts and sent some to his family in India. Interestingly, this case highlights the legal complexities surrounding misappropriated funds and the challenges in recovering them. What do you think should happen in such situations? Share your thoughts!

https://lnkd.in/ejwcgk2b 'Part of the answer lies in the Modi government’s failure to realize that while economic benefits had been substantial, their distribution has been uneven. India has seen a growth in inequality and persistent unemployment both in rural and urban areas. Unemployment of those aged 20 to 24 years is at a high of 44.49%. And that is the overall national number; that data does not tell us that it may be much worse in certain regions. The other explanation is that Modi’s exploitation of historic Hindu-Muslim tensions seems to have run its natural course. You can beat the religious drum – and Modi did with rhetoric including calling Muslims “infiltrators” – but then the day-to-day issues of jobs, housing and other such necessities take over, and these are the things people care about the most. BJP made a miscalculation, in my analysis. It failed to realize that in a country where only 11.3% of children get adequate nutrition, Hindu pride cannot be eaten – ultimately, it’s the price of potatoes and other essentials that matter.'

Tensions in Manipur's Jiribam district escalated as security forces clashed with suspected militants, resulting in ten deaths. The confrontation followed attacks on CRPF posts and civilian areas. Authorities identified the deceased as militants; however, tribal groups asserted they were village volunteers, leading to protests demanding investigations. The violence erupted during a security counter-offensive after CRPF posts were attacked. Among the casualties was a wounded CRPF constable, who was airlifted for medical treatment, while two civilians remain unaccounted for. In response, the Manipur Police seized significant weaponry from the scene, including rifles and bullet-proof helmets. The tribal Kuki-Zo council claimed the fatalities included 11 village volunteers, prompting a local shutdown in their honor. The Hmar Students Association accused security forces of deliberately targeting Hmar village volunteers from Jakhradawr, alleging they were captured and killed. Calls for a CBI investigation into the incident were made, along with demands for the withdrawal of CRPF and police forces. This incident adds to the recent spate of ethnic violence in Manipur, which has left over 230 people dead since May 2023, further inflaming community tensions. #AsiaRisk #GeopoliticalConflictandDisputes #India Get a full accounting of the security situation in Asia by subscribing to Security Asia. Subscribe now--free of charge--at https://lnkd.in/g7Cs8Gkf https://lnkd.in/gVQj6DBu

In the midst of the Russia-Ukraine war, reports have surfaced linking India to the artillery shells being used by Ukraine in the conflict. Despite New Delhi’s denial, the Indian aspirations to maintain ties with both the West and Russia using its arms industry are threatening global peace and security. Overlooking such irresponsible behavior could have serious consequences for the international community. To read more, visit: https://lnkd.in/d_JQeUjM or click the link in the bio. To submit your work, visit: https://lnkd.in/eYgVReYM [Russia-Ukraine war, India artillery shells, Ukraine conflict, India-West relations, India-Russia ties, arms industry, global peace and security, international community, irresponsible behavior, India denial, military supply controversy, geopolitical tensions, international consequences]

The Indian Army has resumed patrolling in Depsang, eastern Ladakh, after about four-and-a-half years, returning the area to pre-April 2020 conditions amid the India-China military standoff. This resumption follows an agreement between Indian and Chinese military leaders to disengage and allow patrolling, marking a positive step towards peace along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC). Patrolling resumed after both armies completed their disengagement from Demchok and verified troop and equipment retreats using satellites and aerial surveillance. The disengagement process started on October 23, following successful negotiations aimed at resolving the regional standoffs, ending a two-year impasse and facilitating coordinated patrolling. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh noted that sustained diplomatic and military efforts have restored the ground situation along certain LAC areas, emphasizing troop discipline and courage. The latest disengagement agreements focus on Depsang and Demchok, with further discussions planned for other contested areas. Unlike prior agreements that created buffer zones, the current accords do not establish such zones, suggesting that future patrolling will depend on ongoing negotiations. Both armies continue to maintain significant troop deployments and advanced weaponry in the region, highlighting ongoing challenges to de-escalation and peace restoration. #AsiaRisk #GeopoliticalConflictandDisputes #India Get a full accounting of the security situation in Asia by subscribing to Security Asia. Subscribe now--free of charge--at https://lnkd.in/g7Cs8Gkf https://lnkd.in/gQPPsbfY

With Donald Trump back in the White House, what does this mean for India? While his strong ties with PM Modi may foster collaboration, his 'America First' policies could bring trade tariffs and immigration hurdles. Did you know that under Trump’s first term, he labelled India a ‘tariff king’? How do you think India should respond to these potential challenges? Let us know in the comments! #IndiaUSRelations #Trump2024 #IndiaUSRelations #H1BVisa #ModiTrump

Jaipur. Narendra Modi, who has been elected as the leader of NDA, will take oath as the Prime Minister for the third time today. There is a lot of speculation about who will be included in the Modi cabinet. Last time, there were four ministers from Rajasthan in the Modi cabinet. The important post of Lok Sabha Speaker was also in Rajasthan’s bag. Last time, BJP had won all 25 seats for the second time in a row. But this time it has been reduced to only 14 seats. In view of this, it is believed that Rajasthan will get less space in Modi’s new dream team than before. According to BJP sources, despite all the circumstances, there are strong possibilities of two to three MPs from Rajasthan becoming ministers this time too. Half a dozen MPs from Rajasthan are believed to be in the race for the ministerial post, but everyone’s eyes are fixed on whose turn will come among the two-three. This time BJP’s performance in Rajasthan has been very weak compared to the last two Lok Sabha elections. Therefore, this time Rajasthan’s quota may decrease. On the other hand, looking at the number of seats of BJP, there is a possibility of more ministerial posts going to the account of other allies of NDA. Bikaner MP Arjun Ram MeghwalArjun Ram Meghwal, who was elected MP from Bikaner for the fourth consecutive time, is considered to be the front runner in the race for the ministerial post. According to sources, he has received a call. Meghwal is a big Dalit face of BJP not only in Rajasthan but in the whole country. BJP had also sent a message to the Dalit class by giving him the independent charge of Law Minister last time. Meghwal is a retired IAS officer. Hence, he knows very well how to implement government schemes. He has been a member of Modi cabinet for ten consecutive years. Alwar MP Bhupendra YadavBhupendra Yadav, who was elected as MP from Alwar, is considered to be very close to the central leadership of BJP. He was a cabinet minister in the Modi cabinet last time too while being a Rajya Sabha MP from Rajasthan. Yadav, who is considered one of the best strategists of the party, is counted among the close associates of Amit Shah. Yadav has previously also held big responsibilities in the organisation. The party has created new equations by fielding Yadav, who hails from Ajmer, from Yadav Patti Alwar. Jodhpur MP Gajendra Singh ShekhawatGajendra Singh Shekhawat, who scored a hat-trick of victories from Jodhpur, has also been a minister for the last seven and a half years. He became a minister of state after two and a half years in Modi’s first term. He was given the Agriculture Ministry. After that, he was promoted and made a cabinet minister in Modi’s second term and was given a huge department like the Jal Shakti Ministry. Shekhawat had defeated former CM Ashok Gehlot’s son Vaibhav Gehlot in Jodhpur last time. Shekhawat, who has an RSS background, is also considered close to the central leadership. Kota MP Om BirlaFormer Lok Sabha

Gold smuggling, phone tapping, solar scam cover-ups, a murder linked to gold smuggling, and allegations against the Chief Minister's political secretary—these are the troubling headlines Malayalis have been waking up to in recent days. It's particularly alarming that a ruling party MLA has come forward with serious accusations against the police department and high-ranking officials. This issue goes beyond mere political interests; it raises a significant concern for public safety and governance. When those tasked with safeguarding lives and upholding law and order become allies of criminal gangs, how can anyone feel safe? Is this unholy nexus between politics and crime turning the state into "God's Own Country" for criminals? Like past scandals, this one might fade with a token investigation. However, the deeply rooted corruption in the state's home department needs more than surface-level fixes. Real change can only come through the power of the people's vote. . . #Kerala #PoliticalCorruption #GovernanceCrisis #CrimeAndPolitics #JusticeForAll

Incessant rain has been affecting Jharkhand, prompting the weather department to issue an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in various parts of the state. The rainfall has persisted for the past two days, but local meteorologists predict a reduction in rainfall intensity over the next 48 hours. The ongoing downpour has caused significant damage, particularly in Garhwa and Latehar districts, where several culverts and diversions were washed away. Farmers have reported damage to standing paddy crops due to the combination of heavy rain and wind. On Sunday, Garhwa received the highest rainfall in the state, measuring 152.8 mm, while Ranchi's Budmu area recorded 112.2 mm and Daltonganj saw over 110 mm. Abhishek Anand, in charge of the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, stated that an orange alert has been specifically issued for the northwestern districts of Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra, and Latehar. Residents, particularly those in low-lying areas, have been urged to remain vigilant as the weather system is expected to gradually move west and cross Jharkhand within the next 24 hours. The forecast indicates widespread rainfall for Monday, with a notable decline expected by Tuesday, when light to moderate rain is anticipated across parts of Jharkhand. Since June 1, the state has recorded a total of 822.2 mm of rainfall, which is an 11 percent deficit compared to the normal 920.8 mm for that period. #AsiaRisk #ExtremeWeatherEvents #India Follow us for daily updates on risk and operations in Asia! https://lnkd.in/gnZcY3X9

Canadian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized the Canadian government for enabling extremist forces following a pro-Khalistan attack on a Hindu temple near Toronto. He expressed India's concerns about the incident and condemned Canada for lacking evidence linking Indian officials to the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and related criminal activities while highlighting a pattern of vague allegations. At a media conference in Canberra with Australian Minister Penny Wong, Jaishankar voiced his distress over the surveillance of Indian diplomats and emphasized the need for justice and rule of law after the temple incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the attack, reflecting India's deep concerns. Responding to Canada's allegations about India's involvement with Khalistani activities, Wong affirmed Australia's respect for Canada's judicial process and voiced concerns over ongoing investigations. She addressed recent vandalism of Hindu temples in Canberra, insisting that all Australians deserve safety and respect, and called for law enforcement to address violence appropriately. The diplomatic relationship between India and Canada has deteriorated since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's September claims linking Indian agents to Nijjar's killing, which India had labeled a terrorist act. Tensions escalated when Canada sought to question the Indian envoy and other diplomats, leading India to withdraw its representatives and expel six Canadian diplomats from New Delhi. #AsiaRisk #GeopoliticalConflictandDisputes #India Get a full accounting of the security situation in Asia by subscribing to Security Asia. Subscribe now--free of charge--at https://lnkd.in/g7Cs8Gkf https://lnkd.in/gExPj54s

Jaipur. Voting for the second phase of Lok Sabha elections is going to be held on 26 April. There are many important seats in Rajasthan in the second phase on which everyone’s eyes are fixed. There was very less voting in the first phase, hence political parties have put in all their efforts for the second phase of voting. 24th April is the last day of campaigning. That’s why all the parties are showing full strength today. In the second phase in Rajasthan, voting is to be held on 13 Lok Sabha seats including Tonk-Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Pali, Jodhpur, Barmer-Jaisalmer, Jalore-Sirohi, Udaipur, Banswara, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Bhilwara, Kota and Jhalawar-Baran. Among all these 13 seats, there is one seat on which there is a triangular contest. This seat is Barmer-Jaisalmer seat. Independent candidates are giving competition to BJP and Congress on this. Out of these 13 seats in Rajasthan, there are 5 seats which have tough competition. Everyone’s eyes are on these 5 seats. Candidates of both BJP and Congress are strong on these seats and they are giving tough competition to each other. Close contest on these five seatsIn the second phase, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is from BJP on Jodhpur Lok Sabha seat. In front of him is Karan Singh Uchiyarda of Congress. There is said to be a tough competition between the two. There is a contest between Om Birla of BJP and Prahlad Gunjal of Congress in Kota-Bundi Lok Sabha seat. Jalore-Sirohi seat is very important. On this, Ashok Gehlot’s son Vaibhav Galtot is in the fray from Congress, while Lumbaram Choudhary is in the fray from BJP. After this, Banswara-Dungarpur seat is also in discussions. There is Mahendrajit Singh Malviya from BJP and on the other hand there is Rajkumar Rot from Bharatiya Adivasi Party. He has the support of Congress. Competition is being seen on this seat also. Barmer-Jaisalmer seat is most discussedApart from these, the most popular seat is Barmer-Jaisalmer seat. There is a triangular contest. The most discussed candidate on this seat is independent candidate Ravindra Singh Bhati. He has given sleepless nights to both BJP and Congress. Here Kailash Chaudhary from BJP and Umedaram Beniwal from Congress are in the fray. If we look at the results of 2019 on all these 13 seats, all 13 seats were in BJP’s account and a record victory was recorded. Ajmer seat: Bhagirath Chaudhary of BJP defeated Riju Jhunjhunwala of Congress by 416424 votes. Chaudhary got 815076 votes and Jhunjhunwala got 398652 votes. Banswara seat: Kanakamal Katara of BJP defeated Tarachand Bhagora of Congress by 305464 votes. Katara got 711709 votes and Bhagora got 406245 votes. Barmer-Jaisalmer seat: Kailash Chaudhary of BJP defeated Manvendra Singh of Congress by 323808 votes. At that time Chaudhary had got 846526 votes and Singh had got 522718 votes. Bhilwara seat: Subhash Chandra Bahedia of BJP defeated Rampal Sharma of Congress by 612000 votes. Bahedia got 938160 votes and

Opinion: How Trump’s return to White House could affect India-Russia ties #bne #bneEditorsPicks #India A second Trump administration in the US could become a test for India’s historically strong ties with Russia. With increasing pressure from the US on defence and energy, India may face difficult decisions about its alliances. While India has aimed for a “multi-aligned” foreign policy, the push from a Trump White House to draw New Delhi away from Moscow could create a significant pivot in the Indo-Russian relationship. The implications could reverberate through defence sales, Russian oil imports, and India’s approach to Washington’s other allies. Shifts in defence procurement