STATE BLINKEN
US report throws light on attacks on minorities in India
The report on international religious freedom said that in 2023, senior US officials continued to "raise concerns about religious freedom issues" with their Indian counterparts. Sources here told ET that the report lacks understanding and it is motivated.
US religious freedom report notes violence against Indian minorities
The U.S. State Department's 2023 report on religious freedom in India detailed violent attacks on minority groups, including Muslims and Christians, involving killings, assaults, and vandalism of houses of worship. The report, released on Wednesday, stated that senior U.S. officials have continued to address concerns about religious freedom with Indian counterparts.
Increase in anti-conversion laws, hate speech for minorities in India concerning: Blinken
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed concern over the rising anti-conversion laws, hate speech, and demolition of homes and places of worship affecting minority faith communities in India. His remarks came during the release of the annual State Department report on international religious freedom on Wednesday. Blinken also highlighted global efforts to protect religious freedom.
Coal India exploring lithium assets in Argentina with U.S. company
Coal India Ltd, in collaboration with a U.S. firm, is exploring lithium blocks in Argentina to secure battery material supplies under the U.S.-led Minerals Security Partnership. This initiative aims to diversify critical minerals supply chains and reduce dependency on China, with preliminary studies currently underway.
US unveils sweeping sanctions targeting Russia over Ukraine war
The United States has imposed new sanctions on more than 300 targets, including entities in Russia and other countries, in an effort to constrain Moscow's war in Ukraine. The sanctions target entities involved in Russia's military-industrial complex and several liquefied natural gas projects. The move also broadens the reach of sanctions to include all Russian individuals and entities impacted by US sanctions, expanding the list from over 1,000 to about 4,500. The US is also restricting the supply of certain IT services and software support to individuals in Russia.
Blinken says some Hamas proposals unworkable but work on ceasefire to continue
Hamas proposed changes to a U.S. ceasefire proposal for the Gaza war, with some deemed unworkable by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Despite this, mediators aim to bridge gaps between Hamas and Israel. Hamas wants a ceasefire to lead to a permanent end to hostilities, Israeli withdrawal, Gaza's reconstruction, and Palestinian prisoner release. Blinken believes the remaining gaps can be bridged, and negotiations with Egypt and Qatar continue to secure a deal. The conflict has resulted in over 1,200 deaths and the capture of more than 250 hostages by Hamas, with ongoing efforts to free them.
US Secretary of State Blinken says Israel PM Netanyahu 'reaffirmed commitment' to Gaza ceasefire plan
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recommitted to a Gaza ceasefire proposal during their meeting in Jerusalem. Blinken noted Hamas' positive response to a UN vote on the US-drafted resolution as a hopeful sign, but emphasised the need for Hamas to confirm their acceptance. He underlined the importance of a political and humanitarian plan to ensure lasting security in the region.
US considering unilateral talks on hostage deal with Hamas, NBC reports
U.S. officials are considering a direct deal with Palestinian Hamas militants to free five American hostages held in Gaza if ceasefire talks with Israel fail. It's unclear what the U.S. might offer Hamas in return. The hostages were taken during a deadly Hamas incursion into Israel, prompting a retaliatory Israeli response. Secretary of State Antony Blinken believes the best way to secure their release is through the current ceasefire proposal. Any talks would be facilitated by Qatar and exclude Israel, potentially straining U.S.-Israel relations.
Blinken speaks to Israel's Gantz, Gallant about ceasefire plan
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held separate phone calls with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Benny Gantz, a centrist minister who joined Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an emergency coalition, to discuss the proposed ceasefire deal in Gaza, the State Department said on Sunday.
Blinken says Washington approved use of US weapons by Ukraine inside Russia
US President Joe Biden has approved Ukraine using US weapons to strike Russian targets attacking the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. This move follows Kyiv's request for authorization from Washington. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed the move, stating that it was a result of the US strategy of adjusting and adapting to the battleground. Biden has relaxed his policy on weapons supplies for Ukraine twice this year, earlier this year, he resisted calls to send long-range missiles to Kyiv.
US, Chinese defense chiefs to meet following Taiwan tension
China in recent days has encircled Taiwan with warships and fighter jets in a test of its ability to seize the island, which it claims. The drills follow the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te, who has vowed to safeguard self-ruling Taiwan's democracy.
US sends $275 mn of weapons and military aid to Ukraine
Last month, US lawmakers passed a long-delayed $61 billion military aid deal for Kyiv after months of squabbling in Congress as Ukrainian forces suffered setbacks on the battlefield due to ammunition and funding shortages.
Concerned about China providing inputs to Russia's defence industrial base: US
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed concerns about China's support to Russia's defense industry, emphasizing the Biden administration's concerted efforts with allies to address this issue. Responding to the UK Defence Minister's claim that China is providing lethal aid to Russia, Sullivan clarified that the US has not observed direct weapon transfers but is worried about China's contributions to Russia's defense production. British Defence Minister Grant Shapps accused China of supplying combat equipment to Russia, noting increased trade between the two nations.
Israel and Hamas reject ICC's war crimes allegations
The ICC's decision to seek arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes has been met with strong condemnation from both sides. Israel and Hamas have rejected the allegations, with Israel calling the move a "historical disgrace," and Hamas stating it "strongly condemns" the decision. The conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, with Gaza facing a worsening humanitarian crisis. The US has called for a combination of military and political strategies for Gaza's future, including a broader diplomatic agreement for normalization in the region.
Blinken delivers some of strongest US public criticism of Israel's conduct in war in Gaza
Hamas has reemerged in parts of Gaza, Blinken said, and that "heavy action" by Israeli forces in the southern city of Rafah risks leaving America's closest Mideast ally "holding the bag on an enduring insurgency."
Blinken: Israel offensive on Rafah would not eliminate Hamas
Blinken said the United States was continuing to press Israeli leaders to provide a plan for Gaza once the war is finally over. "We also haven't seen a plan for what happens the day after this war in Gaza ends," he told NBC, adding, "We've been talking to them about a much better way of getting an enduring result."
US to impose sanctions on Chinese banks for assisting Russia in Ukraine war
US State Secretary Antony Blinken, during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping last month, urged Beijing to end military support for Moscow. Earlier in December, US President Joe Biden gave the Treasury Department authority to impose secondary sanctions against financial institutions in third countries that assisted Moscow in evading sanctions, as reported by Nikkei Asia.
Israeli Defence Minister meets with US Secretary of State
Israel's Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant hosted U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in southern Israel. They visited Kibbutz Nir Oz, attacked by Hamas, and "Kerem Shalom", a key aid crossing to Gaza. They discussed returning hostages held by Hamas and the need to dismantle the terrorist group. Gallant emphasized the distinction between fighting Hamas and aiding Gaza's civilians. He reiterated Israel's determination to destroy Hamas, blaming them for starting the conflict.
Blinken promotes Gulf Arab defence in sign to Israel and Iran
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is urging tighter defense cooperation among Gulf Arab nations to counter Iran's threats and encourage peace efforts in the region. During his visit to Riyadh, Blinken emphasized the growing danger from Iran and the need for integrated defense systems. He also announced upcoming talks to enhance air and missile defense and maritime security with the Gulf Cooperation Council. The visit comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, with the US hoping to leverage Gulf Arab recognition of Israel to push for further normalization, particularly with Saudi Arabia.
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