Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

18 Jun

PM Modi Arrives in Croatia on Final Leg of Three-Nation Tour

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaIndia foreign tour 2025, Modi Eastern Europe, PM Modi Croatia visit

Zagreb, June 18, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Croatia on Tuesday evening, marking the final stop of his three-nation diplomatic tour. He was warmly received at the airport by senior Croatian officials and members of the Indian community.This visit follows his engagements in Cyprus and Canada, where he participated in the G7 Summit and held bilateral talks with global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. In Cyprus, Modi was conferred with the nation’s highest civilian honour, while in Canada, discussions focused on trade, technology, and security partnerships amid the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.In…

18 Jun

No More Toll Hassles: Govt Launches Rs 3,000 Annual FASTag Pass for Highway Commuters

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsBusiness, India, TrendingFASTag

New Delhi (National Times): In a first-of-its-kind move, the Government of India will roll out a FASTag-based Annual Toll Pass for non-commercial private vehicles starting August 15, 2025, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced today. The pass, costing Rs 3,000, will be valid for 200 toll trips or one year, whichever comes first, across all National Highways in the country. It is exclusively meant for private cars, jeeps, and vans. The Annual Pass comes in response to widespread public frustration over frequent toll deductions and bottlenecks, particularly at plazas less than 60 km apart. “This policy is designed to eliminate those…

18 Jun

India Firmly Rejects Mediation on Kashmir, PM Modi Tells Trump in Phone Call

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia, Trending, World NewsDonald Trump, Narendra Modi

New Delhi (National Times): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated that India has never accepted, and will never accept, any third-party mediation on the Kashmir issue. This strong message was conveyed to U.S. President Donald Trump during a 35-minute phone call late Tuesday, according to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The conversation took place while PM Modi was in Canada for the G7 Summit and came at Trump’s request, primarily to discuss details of Operation Sindoor—India’s military retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack, which targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). “Prime Minister Modi made it unequivocally clear that…

18 Jun

Grand Welcome for PM Modi by Indian Community in Calgary Amid Rainy Weather

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, Trending, World NewsCanada, G7 Summit, Narendra Modi

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): In a heartfelt show of unity and patriotism, the Indian community in Calgary gathered in large numbers today to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite the rainy and unfavorable weather conditions, the crowd remained enthusiastic and committed, waving Indian flags and wearing traditional Indian attire. The event served as a symbol of the strong bond between India and Canada, with participants expressing hope for improved diplomatic ties and peaceful cooperation between the two nations. The gathering was not only a gesture of welcome for Prime Minister Modi but also a call for harmony and solidarity among global…

18 Jun

Premier David Eby Calls for Terror Designation of Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Amid Rising Threats in Canada

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingCanada, David Eby, Lawrence Bishnoi

Vancouver (Rajeev Sharma): British Columbia Premier David Eby is set to request that Prime Minister Mark Carney officially designate the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organization in Canada, citing the group’s growing involvement in organized crime, extortion, and threats across multiple provinces. Speaking at a press briefing, Eby said the gang's escalating operations are no longer limited to isolated criminal acts but now represent a national security concern. "This gang poses a serious threat not only to B.C. but also to communities in Alberta and Ontario," Eby said. "We must give our law enforcement agencies every tool they need…

18 Jun

PM Modi Meets Mexican President at G7 Summit 2025, Advocates for Enhanced Bilateral Relations

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingCanada, G7 Summit, Narendra Modi

Kananaskis (Rajeev Sharma): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened with Claudia Sheinbaum, the newly elected President of Mexico, on the margins of the G7 Summit 2025 in Canada. PM Modi extended warm felicitations to her on her historic victory, marking her as the first female President of Mexico in over two centuries. The leaders engaged in discussions to broaden India-Mexico cooperation across pivotal sectors, including agriculture, semiconductors, critical minerals, healthcare, and others. Both underscored the significance of fostering people-to-people ties and augmenting strategic engagement between the two democracies. Accompanying the Prime Minister were India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar…

18 Jun

PM Modi Departs for Croatia After Wrapping Up Canada Visit

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaInternational Relations, Modi departs for Croatia, PM Modi Canada visit

Calgary, June 17, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his visit to Canada on a high note, departing for Croatia after what officials described as a “productive and forward-looking” bilateral engagement.During his two-day stay, Modi held talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and other G7 leaders on trade, global conflict resolution, climate action, and technology partnerships. The visit marked India’s deeper diplomatic involvement in the evolving international order, especially against the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.Before boarding his flight, Modi met members of the Indian diaspora in Toronto and highlighted India’s growing global influence. Canadian leaders echoed…

18 Jun

Prime Minister Carney meets with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, IndiaG7 Summit, India- Canada Relations, PM Carney, PM Modi

Kananaskis,(Rajeev Sharma): Today, Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta.Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed the significance of Canada-India relations, founded upon mutual respect, the rule of law, and a commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity. The leaders agreed to appoint new high commissioners, aiming to restore regular services for citizens and businesses in both countries. They discussed the strong historical ties between the two nations, partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, and notable commercial links between Canada and India – including partnerships in economic growth, supply…

18 Jun

Carney and Meloni Unveil New Initiatives on AI, Clean Energy, Defence, and Trade Expansion

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, World NewsAI, Canadian PM Carney, Energy, Italian PM Meloni, New Innovations

Kananaskis, Alberta ( Rajeev Sharma): On the sidelines of the G7 Summit, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reaffirmed the significance of the Canada–Italy partnership, underscoring their shared commitment to promoting global peace, the rule of law, economic prosperity, and the resilience of international institutions.The meeting marked a significant moment in the implementation of the Italy–Canada Roadmap for Enhanced Collaboration, first introduced last year. The leaders reviewed achievements to date, including the establishment of a Joint Advisory Group on Artificial Intelligence, a Joint Statement on Critical Minerals, and growing cooperation across key sectors such as…

18 Jun

Canada Commits Over $4 Billion in New Support for Ukraine at G7 Summit in Alberta

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada, Russia War, Support, Ukraine

Kananaskis (Rajeev Sharma): During the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reaffirm Canada’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine amidst the ongoing Russian invasion.Prime Minister Carney announced a comprehensive suite of new support measures for Ukraine, totaling over $4.3 billion. A significant new sanctions package targeting Russia’s shadow fleet and its energy revenues, designed to undermine the Kremlin’s capacity to sustain its war economy. An additional $2 billion in military aid, earmarked for advanced capabilities such as drones, ammunition, and armored vehicles. $2.3 billion loan disbursement to help rebuild…