Rajeev Sharma, Author at National Times

17 Jun

G7 Summit 2025: PM Mark Carney meets Italy PM Giorgia Meloni

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaG7 Summit, G7 Summit 2025, Giorgia Meloni, Italy, Mark Carney

Kananaskis, Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Mark Carney met with the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, at the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta. Prime Minister Carney thanked Prime Minister Meloni for her leadership in G7 efforts to combat illicit drugs, and the leaders agreed to accelerate ongoing work to combat organized crime, transnational repression, and foreign interference. Building on their conversations in Rome last month, they also discussed deepening and diversifying commercial ties in the areas of energy, investment, and research and innovation. The leaders underscored the growing economic relationship between Canada and Italy, as evidenced by…

17 Jun

G7 Leaders Urge Middle East Ceasefire Amid Escalating Israel-Iran Tensions

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada, G7 Summit, Israel Iran airstrikes

Kananaskis, Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): As violence intensifies between Israel and Iran, leaders of the G7 nations have issued a united appeal for a “de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East”, calling specifically for a ceasefire in Gaza. In a joint communiqué released late Monday, the group reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace and stability while also asserting that “Israel has a right to defend itself.” The summit, held in the Canadian Rockies, was rocked by geopolitical developments as U.S. President Donald Trump left the gathering early, citing the worsening crisis. “I have to be back early for obvious reasons,” he…

17 Jun

PM Modi Arrives in Canada for G7 Summit Amid Israel-Iran Tensions

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingCanada, G7 Summit, Iran, Israel, PM Modi

Kananaskis, Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Calgary, Canada, to attend the 51st G7 Summit, with the Israel-Iran conflict casting a long shadow over the high-level diplomatic gathering. The visit marks the second leg of his ongoing three-nation tour, which began in Cyprus and will conclude in Croatia. Prior to his arrival in Canada, PM Modi held wide-ranging discussions with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. Describing the visit as “memorable,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared on X (formerly Twitter) that the Prime Minister was deeply appreciative of the hospitality extended by Cyprus, and thanked President…

16 Jun

Carney Champions Unity at G7 While Trump Pushes Tariffs, Questions Russia’s Ouster

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, World NewsCanada G7 summit, Donald Trump, Mark Carney, USA

KANANASKIS, (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, hosting his first G7 Summit, struck a diplomatic tone, prioritizing unity among global leaders amid growing geopolitical tensions. Departing from tradition, Carney opted to replace the usual joint communiqué with “thematic statements”, aiming to reduce discord and highlight shared values. In a bilateral meeting with Donald Trump, Carney began by wishing the former U.S. president a belated 79th birthday and emphasized that the summit’s effectiveness depends on strong U.S. leadership. Trump, characteristically direct, reaffirmed his stance as a “tariff person” while expressing optimism about negotiating a new U.S.-Canada trade deal. Though he…

16 Jun

Four Women Killed, Dozens Injured in Blast at Firecracker Factory in UP’s Amroha

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndia4 women killed, Amroha firecracker factory blast, Uttar Pradesh explosion

Amroha (Uttar Pradesh), June 16, 2025 — A devastating explosion ripped through a firecracker factory situated in a forested area near Atrasi village on Monday morning, killing four women and injuring at least twelve others, as confirmed by local officials.The blast occurred at approximately 11:40 AM in two tin-shed structures operating within a field around two kilometers from nearby homes. Witnesses reported that debris was hurled up to 300 metres, sparking panic across surrounding villages.District Magistrate Nidhi Gupta Vats and Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar Anand led inspections at the site. While the unit held a valid licence under its owner,…

16 Jun

Israel–Iran Conflict Intensifies: Over 240 Reported Dead as Tehran Rejects Truce, Launches Fresh Airstrikes

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsIranian missile attacks Israel, Israel–Iran conflict 2025, Israeli airstrikes Iran

National Times Bureau— The Israel–Iran military confrontation deepened today after renewed airstrikes resulted in more than 240 deaths in Iran and at least 24 civilian fatalities in Israel, state and international agencies confirmed.Israel struck back at Tehran’s military and nuclear infrastructure, targeting oil depots and missile installations, in what officials now describe as their “largest strike to date.” More than 100 targets, including sites in Natanz and Tehran, were hit. Among the casualties were senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists. In response, Israeli air-raid sirens forced residents to evacuate neighborhoods close to these military zones. Iran retaliated with missile attacks…

16 Jun

Japan’s PM Ishiba to Urge Trump to End Auto Tariffs During G7 Summit in Canada

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsG7 Summit 2025, Japan-US trade talks, Shigeru Ishiba, Trump auto tariffs

Kananaskis, Canada — As global leaders gather for the G7 Summit in Canada, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is expected to raise a critical issue with U.S. President Donald Trump the removal of 25 percent tariffs on Japanese automobile imports.This meeting between the two leaders, scheduled on the sidelines of the summit, marks a pivotal moment in Japan’s trade diplomacy. The automotive tariffs, imposed under Trump’s “America First” policy, have rattled Japanese manufacturers and contributed to a slowdown in Japan’s economy. Analysts warn the tariffs could cost Japan up to 0.9% of its GDP if not lifted.Ishiba, under growing domestic…

16 Jun

Canadian PM Mark Carney Schedules Sensitive Trade Talks with Trump at G7 Summit in Alberta

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaCanada‑U.S. trade, Donald Trump, G7 Summit, Kananaskis, Mark Carney

Kananaskis, Alberta, June 16, 2025 — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to hold a crucial early-morning meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump today at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, highlighting urgent bilateral efforts to resolve escalating trade tensions.Carney, who assumed office in March and secured his first federal mandate in April, arrived at the summit amid rising concern over Trump’s sweeping tariff policies. These include a 25 percent duty on Canadian steel and aluminum as well as levies on autos, measures that have strained cross-border economic ties.Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand described the summit discussions as “sensitive,” citing deep economic integration…

16 Jun

PM Modi Conferred with Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, Cyprus’s Highest Civilian Honour

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsIndiaCyprus highest civilian honour, Narendra Modi, Order of Makarios III

New Delhi/Nicosia— In a landmark moment for India–Cyprus relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, the Republic of Cyprus’s highest civilian honour, in a ceremony held on June 16. The accolade recognises Modi’s leadership and his contribution to strengthening diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties between the two nation.Addressing the ceremony, President Nikos Christodoulides highlighted the significance of the award in light of shared democratic values and regional cooperation. Modi, in his acceptance remarks, dedicated the honour to “the 1.4 billion citizens of India,” acknowledging that it symbolises the collective efforts and achievements…

16 Jun

Gifts, Gratitude, and Global Ties: Albanese and Carney Meet Ahead of G7 Summit

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingAnthony Albanese, G7 Summit, Mark Carney

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): In a warm and symbolic display of diplomatic camaraderie, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met in Calgary ahead of the G7 Summit in Alberta, breaking from strict protocol to underscore the close bond between the two countries. The meeting comes as world leaders converge on Alberta for the G7 Summit, running from June 15 to 17, with key discussions on global security, climate resilience, and economic cooperation on the agenda. Symbolic Gifts Reflect Shared Heritage The leaders began their meeting with a handshake on the tarmac beside Albanese’s slate-blue RAAF jet,…