June 7, 2026

. SRINAGAR: A visit by PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti to an upcoming AIIMS in Pulwama’s Awantipora on Friday and her review of the project with officials has sparked a political storm in J&K, with the governing NC alleging the Centre orchestrated the move at a time it has intensified demands for restoration of statehood.National Conference (NC) spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq accused the BJP-led Centre of using PDP to create a political counterweight against the Omar Abdullah-led govt. The allegations intensified as ex-CM Mehbooba spoke to Union health minister JP Nadda after the review, requesting him to expedite work.PDP hit back, saying a govt with a comfortable majority should not feel threatened by a visit to a public health project site, and that it should be concerned about patients in Kashmir still waiting for access to a premier healthcare institution.J&K got two AIIMS under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) in 2015. While the one in Jammu’s Samba is operational, the Awantipora facility remains under construction. Both projects started in 2019.The Awantipora project has repeatedly missed completion dates and the new deadline is Dec 2026. Visiting the site, Mehbooba recalled that her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had envisioned the project as CM. This prompted PDP — which counts the area as a stronghold — to accuse the Omar-led govt of failing to monitor and expedite the project effectively.NC, however, suspected a bigger design in Mehbooba’s visit. “After the 1996 polls when we passed an autonomy resolution in the J&K assembly, Delhi countered it by facilitating PDP’s emergence as an alternative political force. Now when we have decided to go to New Delhi to protest for the restoration of statehood, the Centre has once again involved PDP by arranging a briefing for Mehbooba,” Sadiq, the NC spokesperson, said.J&K health minister, NC’s Sakina Itoo, claimed Mehbooba was acting at the Centre’s behest. “Which power centre in Delhi is directing these actions? It is ironic that the people because of whom the AIIMS project moved at a painfully slow pace are now trying to claim ownership of its progress. The fact is the project is moving towards completion because of the commitment of CM Omar’s govt,” Itoo said.PDP pushed back against the assertions. Party functionary and Mehbooba’s daughter Iltija Mufti recalled that the NC govt publicly criticised the location of the Awantipora project and “studiously avoided a review meeting since 2024 just to delay the institute’s inauguration”.Pulwama PDP MLA Waheed Parra accused Omar of not giving the project priority. Like Iltija, Parra claimed Omar had remarked last year that the site was selected due to political considerations during PDP’s tenure in office.Peoples Conference chief and MLA Sajad Lone slammed Mehbooba’s review as “nothing short of a constitutional crisis”. “I can’t believe the CM has not reacted to an event which further erodes J&K’s already eroded power structure,” Lone said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Untrue’: Sourav Ganguly Denies Asking Yusuf Pathan To Resign On Behalf Of Mamata Banerjee‘TMC Fooled Muslims, Suvendu Is Secular’: Ajmal Siddiqui Resigns From Post, Slams Abhishek BanerjeeAbhishek Banerjee’s Role Reworked As Mamata Banerjee Reshuffles TMC LeadershipTamil Nadu BJP Faces Resignation Wave as Annamalai’s New Movement Draws VolunteersSix Detained As CJP’s Jantar Mantar Protest Over NEET Leak Concludes Without Major ClashesAshwini Vaishnaw Unveils Bengal Bullet Train Plan, Targets Faster Northeast Connectivity‘Khan Sir Won’t Surrender In Patna Court, To File Anticipatory Bail Plea On 8 June’: LawyerPM Modi Chairs Economic Advisory Council Meet Amid West Asia CrisisStudents, Senior Citizens, Parents Join CJP Protest Against NEET Paper Leak Controversy | WatchBengal STF Recovers Arms Cache From TMC Leader’s Pond In Sandeshkhali, CM Suvendu Adhikari Reacts123PhotostoriesGopika Gopi to Aneesh: Here’s a look at the commoner contestants of Bigg Boss Malayalam5 silent signs your body may be missing key nutrients, according to a neurologistWhy you should ‘marry for money’, according to a top divorce lawyerPrincess Diana’s most iconic fashion moments: 5 designers behind her legendary style12 must-follow emergency rules for modern apartments and gated real estate communities5 effective money habits that protect you from going brokeHow to respond to difficult people without getting triggered: 10 practical waysFrom Kedarnath to Kamakhya: 5 iconic hill temples in India to visit at least once in lifetimeInside Sunil Grover’s stunning two-storey dream home: A massive living room, artistic interiors and moreCan Jamun help control blood sugar? Expert explains its benefits for people with diabetes123Hot PicksSuryakumar YadavBengaluru Girl DeathKerala Student HospitalisedIran AttackKhan SirAnnamalaiKaru Nagarajan ResignRoger GoodellAIADMKTop TrendingCJP ProtestKarnataka Constable RecruitmentTS Inter Supplementary ResultsIndia vs Afghanistan ScoreAnnamalai BJP exitE85 FuelDelhi hotel fireKhan sir coaching fireDelhi Plice HCM Result 2026Pawan Kalyan

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins
. SRINAGAR: A visit by PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti to an upcoming AIIMS in Pulwama’s Awantipora on Friday and her review of the project with officials has sparked a political storm in J&K, with the governing NC alleging the Centre orchestrated the move at a time it has intensified demands for restoration of statehood.National Conference (NC) spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq accused the BJP-led Centre of using PDP to create a political counterweight against the Omar Abdullah-led govt. The allegations intensified as ex-CM Mehbooba spoke to Union health minister JP Nadda after the review, requesting him to expedite work.PDP hit back, saying a govt with a comfortable majority should not feel threatened by a visit to a public health project site, and that it should be concerned about patients in Kashmir still waiting for access to a premier healthcare institution.J&K got two AIIMS under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) in 2015. While the one in Jammu’s Samba is operational, the Awantipora facility remains under construction. Both projects started in 2019.The Awantipora project has repeatedly missed completion dates and the new deadline is Dec 2026. Visiting the site, Mehbooba recalled that her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had envisioned the project as CM. This prompted PDP — which counts the area as a stronghold — to accuse the Omar-led govt of failing to monitor and expedite the project effectively.NC, however, suspected a bigger design in Mehbooba’s visit. “After the 1996 polls when we passed an autonomy resolution in the J&K assembly, Delhi countered it by facilitating PDP’s emergence as an alternative political force. Now when we have decided to go to New Delhi to protest for the restoration of statehood, the Centre has once again involved PDP by arranging a briefing for Mehbooba,” Sadiq, the NC spokesperson, said.J&K health minister, NC’s Sakina Itoo, claimed Mehbooba was acting at the Centre’s behest. “Which power centre in Delhi is directing these actions? It is ironic that the people because of whom the AIIMS project moved at a painfully slow pace are now trying to claim ownership of its progress. The fact is the project is moving towards completion because of the commitment of CM Omar’s govt,” Itoo said.PDP pushed back against the assertions. Party functionary and Mehbooba’s daughter Iltija Mufti recalled that the NC govt publicly criticised the location of the Awantipora project and “studiously avoided a review meeting since 2024 just to delay the institute’s inauguration”.Pulwama PDP MLA Waheed Parra accused Omar of not giving the project priority. Like Iltija, Parra claimed Omar had remarked last year that the site was selected due to political considerations during PDP’s tenure in office.Peoples Conference chief and MLA Sajad Lone slammed Mehbooba’s review as “nothing short of a constitutional crisis”. “I can’t believe the CM has not reacted to an event which further erodes J&K’s already eroded power structure,” Lone said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Untrue’: Sourav Ganguly Denies Asking Yusuf Pathan To Resign On Behalf Of Mamata Banerjee‘TMC Fooled Muslims, Suvendu Is Secular’: Ajmal Siddiqui Resigns From Post, Slams Abhishek BanerjeeAbhishek Banerjee’s Role Reworked As Mamata Banerjee Reshuffles TMC LeadershipTamil Nadu BJP Faces Resignation Wave as Annamalai’s New Movement Draws VolunteersSix Detained As CJP’s Jantar Mantar Protest Over NEET Leak Concludes Without Major ClashesAshwini Vaishnaw Unveils Bengal Bullet Train Plan, Targets Faster Northeast Connectivity‘Khan Sir Won’t Surrender In Patna Court, To File Anticipatory Bail Plea On 8 June’: LawyerPM Modi Chairs Economic Advisory Council Meet Amid West Asia CrisisStudents, Senior Citizens, Parents Join CJP Protest Against NEET Paper Leak Controversy | WatchBengal STF Recovers Arms Cache From TMC Leader’s Pond In Sandeshkhali, CM Suvendu Adhikari Reacts123PhotostoriesGopika Gopi to Aneesh: Here’s a look at the commoner contestants of Bigg Boss Malayalam5 silent signs your body may be missing key nutrients, according to a neurologistWhy you should ‘marry for money’, according to a top divorce lawyerPrincess Diana’s most iconic fashion moments: 5 designers behind her legendary style12 must-follow emergency rules for modern apartments and gated real estate communities5 effective money habits that protect you from going brokeHow to respond to difficult people without getting triggered: 10 practical waysFrom Kedarnath to Kamakhya: 5 iconic hill temples in India to visit at least once in lifetimeInside Sunil Grover’s stunning two-storey dream home: A massive living room, artistic interiors and moreCan Jamun help control blood sugar? Expert explains its benefits for people with diabetes123Hot PicksSuryakumar YadavBengaluru Girl DeathKerala Student HospitalisedIran AttackKhan SirAnnamalaiKaru Nagarajan ResignRoger GoodellAIADMKTop TrendingCJP ProtestKarnataka Constable RecruitmentTS Inter Supplementary ResultsIndia vs Afghanistan ScoreAnnamalai BJP exitE85 FuelDelhi hotel fireKhan sir coaching fireDelhi Plice HCM Result 2026Pawan Kalyan


J&K political storm after Mehbooba reviews AIIMS project

SRINAGAR: A visit by PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti to an upcoming AIIMS in Pulwama’s Awantipora on Friday and her review of the project with officials has sparked a political storm in J&K, with the governing NC alleging the Centre orchestrated the move at a time it has intensified demands for restoration of statehood.National Conference (NC) spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq accused the BJP-led Centre of using PDP to create a political counterweight against the Omar Abdullah-led govt. The allegations intensified as ex-CM Mehbooba spoke to Union health minister JP Nadda after the review, requesting him to expedite work.PDP hit back, saying a govt with a comfortable majority should not feel threatened by a visit to a public health project site, and that it should be concerned about patients in Kashmir still waiting for access to a premier healthcare institution.J&K got two AIIMS under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) in 2015. While the one in Jammu’s Samba is operational, the Awantipora facility remains under construction. Both projects started in 2019.The Awantipora project has repeatedly missed completion dates and the new deadline is Dec 2026. Visiting the site, Mehbooba recalled that her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had envisioned the project as CM. This prompted PDP — which counts the area as a stronghold — to accuse the Omar-led govt of failing to monitor and expedite the project effectively.NC, however, suspected a bigger design in Mehbooba’s visit. “After the 1996 polls when we passed an autonomy resolution in the J&K assembly, Delhi countered it by facilitating PDP’s emergence as an alternative political force. Now when we have decided to go to New Delhi to protest for the restoration of statehood, the Centre has once again involved PDP by arranging a briefing for Mehbooba,” Sadiq, the NC spokesperson, said.J&K health minister, NC’s Sakina Itoo, claimed Mehbooba was acting at the Centre’s behest. “Which power centre in Delhi is directing these actions? It is ironic that the people because of whom the AIIMS project moved at a painfully slow pace are now trying to claim ownership of its progress. The fact is the project is moving towards completion because of the commitment of CM Omar’s govt,” Itoo said.PDP pushed back against the assertions. Party functionary and Mehbooba’s daughter Iltija Mufti recalled that the NC govt publicly criticised the location of the Awantipora project and “studiously avoided a review meeting since 2024 just to delay the institute’s inauguration”.Pulwama PDP MLA Waheed Parra accused Omar of not giving the project priority. Like Iltija, Parra claimed Omar had remarked last year that the site was selected due to political considerations during PDP’s tenure in office.Peoples Conference chief and MLA Sajad Lone slammed Mehbooba’s review as “nothing short of a constitutional crisis”. “I can’t believe the CM has not reacted to an event which further erodes J&K’s already eroded power structure,” Lone said.



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. NEW DELHI: Ahead of the INDIA bloc meeting on Monday, CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby, in a sharply worded letter to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, has raised the allegations by Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders during the Kerala polls that CPI(M) and the BJP had struck a deal and their call for ED action against then CM Pinarayi Vijayan. The Left party has asked the Congress to “clear the air regarding such disruptive moves.”According to sources, in the letter to Kharge, Baby has alleged that there was a “systematic campaign” by the Congress leadership during the Kerala elections, wherein it was alleged that Vijayan had also struck a deal with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a question was posed ‘Otherwise, why is it that he has not been interrogated or arrested by the Enforcement Directorate’?Baby makes it clear that “unless these matters are clarified, the very purpose of the INDIA bloc would be in question”. “As the President of the Congress, it is up to you and the Congress leadership to clear the air regarding such disruptive moves,” Baby is learnt to have said in the letter, putting the ball in Kharge’s court.The CPM general secretary has said that these were not stray remarks made in the heat of an election campaign, but were “the centrepiece of the Congress party-led UDF’s political campaign. “Every national leader, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and yourself, made such allegations repeatedly,” Baby has said in the letter.In this backdrop, Monday’s INDIA bloc meeting is likely to see some straight talk and fireworks. The two-term CPI(M) led LDF lost to the Congress-led UDF in the recent assembly polls. Despite the sharp tenor of the letter, it is expected that CPM is not going to boycott the meeting, though the party leadership will take a final call on Sunday, senior leaders said.While highlighting in his letter that the leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, repeatedly called for ED action against the then Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, the CPM general secretary asks Kharge that “can this be termed as an anti-BJP stance or is it a case of inviting the Modi govt to take illegal punitive action against a fellow opposition leader?”Baby recalls that the INDIA bloc was constituted as a broad platform to politically fight the BJP, and CPI(M) has worked sincerely to see such a united platform emerge.Noting that strangely, now, the CPI(M) was being accused of having a deal with the BJP, Baby has said in the letter that this is a canard they cannot take lightly, as “this strikes at the very basis of the unity forged against the BJP.”However, Baby has assured that CPI(M) will fully cooperate in Parliament with the INDIA bloc and other opposition parties to put up a united fight against the authoritarian, communal, and anti-people policies of the Modi govt.The INDIA bloc meeting, happening after a long gap, is taking place amid changing dynamics within the Alliance, with DMK already saying it will not attend in the backdrop of the Congress severing ties with it to support TVK to form the government in Tamil Nadu. On Thursday, DMK spokesperson TKS Ekangovan told ANI that DMK is no longer part of the INDIA bloc.In Monday’s meeting, where the future strategy of the INDIA bloc is proposed to be chalked out, former West Bengal CM and national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee will be there to present the TMC’s views and rally support amid the current developments in the state. The TMC, which has all along positioned itself as a dominant regional player within the INDIA bloc, is set to lose the clout the party enjoyed in the backdrop of the recent developments – the defeat in Bengal and the recent split in the party.According to sources, at the INDIA bloc meeting, TMC leaders, among various issues, propose to share their views on the role of the Election Commission, the developments on the counting day and the reasons for defeat.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Untrue’: Sourav Ganguly Denies Asking Yusuf Pathan To Resign On Behalf Of Mamata Banerjee‘TMC Fooled Muslims, Suvendu Is Secular’: Ajmal Siddiqui Resigns From Post, Slams Abhishek BanerjeeAbhishek Banerjee’s Role Reworked As Mamata Banerjee Reshuffles TMC LeadershipTamil Nadu BJP Faces Resignation Wave as Annamalai’s New Movement Draws VolunteersSix Detained As CJP’s Jantar Mantar Protest Over NEET Leak Concludes Without Major ClashesAshwini Vaishnaw Unveils Bengal Bullet Train Plan, Targets Faster Northeast Connectivity‘Khan Sir Won’t Surrender In Patna Court, To File Anticipatory Bail Plea On 8 June’: LawyerPM Modi Chairs Economic Advisory Council Meet Amid West Asia CrisisStudents, Senior Citizens, Parents Join CJP Protest Against NEET Paper Leak Controversy | WatchBengal STF Recovers Arms Cache From TMC Leader’s Pond In Sandeshkhali, CM Suvendu Adhikari Reacts123PhotostoriesGopika Gopi to Aneesh: Here’s a look at the commoner contestants of Bigg Boss Malayalam5 silent signs your body may be missing key nutrients, according to a neurologistWhy you should ‘marry for money’, according to a top divorce lawyerPrincess Diana’s most iconic fashion moments: 5 designers behind her legendary style12 must-follow emergency rules for modern apartments and gated real estate communities5 effective money habits that protect you from going brokeHow to respond to difficult people without getting triggered: 10 practical waysFrom Kedarnath to Kamakhya: 5 iconic hill temples in India to visit at least once in lifetimeInside Sunil Grover’s stunning two-storey dream home: A massive living room, artistic interiors and moreCan Jamun help control blood sugar? 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. NEW DELHI: Ahead of the INDIA bloc meeting on Monday, CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby, in a sharply worded letter to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, has raised the allegations by Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders during the Kerala polls that CPI(M) and the BJP had struck a deal and their call for ED action against then CM Pinarayi Vijayan. The Left party has asked the Congress to “clear the air regarding such disruptive moves.”According to sources, in the letter to Kharge, Baby has alleged that there was a “systematic campaign” by the Congress leadership during the Kerala elections, wherein it was alleged that Vijayan had also struck a deal with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a question was posed ‘Otherwise, why is it that he has not been interrogated or arrested by the Enforcement Directorate’?Baby makes it clear that “unless these matters are clarified, the very purpose of the INDIA bloc would be in question”. “As the President of the Congress, it is up to you and the Congress leadership to clear the air regarding such disruptive moves,” Baby is learnt to have said in the letter, putting the ball in Kharge’s court.The CPM general secretary has said that these were not stray remarks made in the heat of an election campaign, but were “the centrepiece of the Congress party-led UDF’s political campaign. “Every national leader, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and yourself, made such allegations repeatedly,” Baby has said in the letter.In this backdrop, Monday’s INDIA bloc meeting is likely to see some straight talk and fireworks. The two-term CPI(M) led LDF lost to the Congress-led UDF in the recent assembly polls. Despite the sharp tenor of the letter, it is expected that CPM is not going to boycott the meeting, though the party leadership will take a final call on Sunday, senior leaders said.While highlighting in his letter that the leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, repeatedly called for ED action against the then Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, the CPM general secretary asks Kharge that “can this be termed as an anti-BJP stance or is it a case of inviting the Modi govt to take illegal punitive action against a fellow opposition leader?”Baby recalls that the INDIA bloc was constituted as a broad platform to politically fight the BJP, and CPI(M) has worked sincerely to see such a united platform emerge.Noting that strangely, now, the CPI(M) was being accused of having a deal with the BJP, Baby has said in the letter that this is a canard they cannot take lightly, as “this strikes at the very basis of the unity forged against the BJP.”However, Baby has assured that CPI(M) will fully cooperate in Parliament with the INDIA bloc and other opposition parties to put up a united fight against the authoritarian, communal, and anti-people policies of the Modi govt.The INDIA bloc meeting, happening after a long gap, is taking place amid changing dynamics within the Alliance, with DMK already saying it will not attend in the backdrop of the Congress severing ties with it to support TVK to form the government in Tamil Nadu. On Thursday, DMK spokesperson TKS Ekangovan told ANI that DMK is no longer part of the INDIA bloc.In Monday’s meeting, where the future strategy of the INDIA bloc is proposed to be chalked out, former West Bengal CM and national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee will be there to present the TMC’s views and rally support amid the current developments in the state. 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File photo NEW DELHI: India and Nepal share a “very special relationship” and there is now an opportunity to “decisively shift the trajectory” of bilateral engagement to realise its full potential, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday during talks with Nepal foreign minister Shisir Khanal in New Delhi.In his opening remarks, Jaishankar underlined the depth of the partnership, saying, “India and Nepal share a very special relationship, one which is built on a strong foundation of vibrant people-to-people ties, cross-border connect and shared cultural and religious traditions.”He added that the relationship is “anchored by shared trust, goodwill, and mutual benefit,” noting that cooperation has steadily expanded in trade, investment, energy, education, disaster response and culture.Jaishankar also stressed continuity in India’s support, saying, “Our two countries have always stood by each other in times of need. In the wake of the ongoing crisis in West Asia, we have ensured uninterrupted fuel supplies to Nepal”.Nepal calls ties “civilisational”, says no “old baggage”Khanal, who began a three-day visit to India on Friday, said Nepal attaches the “highest priority” to its relationship with India and is ready for “substantive and purposeful engagement”.“We carry no old baggage and have only firm resolve for a genuinely transformative relationship with our close neighbour and the most important partner,” he said.He further described India and Nepal as more than just neighbouring states, saying, “Nepal and India are not merely two countries, we are stakeholders of a proud ancient civilization.”Khanal said Nepal’s new leadership is focused on “good governance, economic transformation and result-driven diplomacy,” adding that the relationship should now move towards a “modern development-oriented partnership.”He also expressed gratitude for India’s assistance in areas such as fuel and fertiliser supplies during crises, saying Nepal has always relied on India “at the time of disaster or even today during West Asia crisis.”Talks cover energy, connectivity, digital and new sectorsJaishankar said the discussions were “productive” and covered the full spectrum of bilateral ties, including development cooperation, energy, hydropower, education, health, capacity building, digital technology, culture and sports.He said both sides now have “an opportunity to also advance ties in newer domains like startups, artificial intelligence, information technology and renewable energy,” adding that there are strong complementarities between the two governments’ development goals.Following the meeting, India and Nepal also expanded cooperation in digital infrastructure, including linkage between India’s UPI system and Nepal’s National Payments Interface to enable smoother cross-border remittances.India also handed over 72 health facilities and 12 cultural heritage projects under reconstruction support after the 2015 earthquake.Border issue and regional sensitivitiesThe talks come amid renewed tensions over Nepal’s boundary dispute remarks and suggestions of third-party involvement.India has maintained that border issues are handled through established bilateral mechanisms, reiterating its position against external mediation.Despite such sensitivities, both sides reaffirmed commitment to strengthening ties and advancing what Jaishankar described as an opportunity to “very clearly and strongly send a message of collaboration and cooperation” and “realise the full potential of our ties.”About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Untrue’: Sourav Ganguly Denies Asking Yusuf Pathan To Resign On Behalf Of Mamata Banerjee‘TMC Fooled Muslims, Suvendu Is Secular’: Ajmal Siddiqui Resigns From Post, Slams Abhishek BanerjeeAbhishek Banerjee’s Role Reworked As Mamata Banerjee Reshuffles TMC LeadershipTamil Nadu BJP Faces Resignation Wave as Annamalai’s New Movement Draws VolunteersSix Detained As CJP’s Jantar Mantar Protest Over NEET Leak Concludes Without Major ClashesAshwini Vaishnaw Unveils Bengal Bullet Train Plan, Targets Faster Northeast Connectivity‘Khan Sir Won’t Surrender In Patna Court, To File Anticipatory Bail Plea On 8 June’: LawyerPM Modi Chairs Economic Advisory Council Meet Amid West Asia CrisisStudents, Senior Citizens, Parents Join CJP Protest Against NEET Paper Leak Controversy | WatchBengal STF Recovers Arms Cache From TMC Leader’s Pond In Sandeshkhali, CM Suvendu Adhikari Reacts123PhotostoriesGopika Gopi to Aneesh: Here’s a look at the commoner contestants of Bigg Boss Malayalam5 silent signs your body may be missing key nutrients, according to a neurologistWhy you should ‘marry for money’, according to a top divorce lawyerPrincess Diana’s most iconic fashion moments: 5 designers behind her legendary style12 must-follow emergency rules for modern apartments and gated real estate communities5 effective money habits that protect you from going brokeHow to respond to difficult people without getting triggered: 10 practical waysFrom Kedarnath to Kamakhya: 5 iconic hill temples in India to visit at least once in lifetimeInside Sunil Grover’s stunning two-storey dream home: A massive living room, artistic interiors and moreCan Jamun help control blood sugar? 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File photo NEW DELHI: India and Nepal share a “very special relationship” and there is now an opportunity to “decisively shift the trajectory” of bilateral engagement to realise its full potential, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday during talks with Nepal foreign minister Shisir Khanal in New Delhi.In his opening remarks, Jaishankar underlined the depth of the partnership, saying, “India and Nepal share a very special relationship, one which is built on a strong foundation of vibrant people-to-people ties, cross-border connect and shared cultural and religious traditions.”He added that the relationship is “anchored by shared trust, goodwill, and mutual benefit,” noting that cooperation has steadily expanded in trade, investment, energy, education, disaster response and culture.Jaishankar also stressed continuity in India’s support, saying, “Our two countries have always stood by each other in times of need. In the wake of the ongoing crisis in West Asia, we have ensured uninterrupted fuel supplies to Nepal”.Nepal calls ties “civilisational”, says no “old baggage”Khanal, who began a three-day visit to India on Friday, said Nepal attaches the “highest priority” to its relationship with India and is ready for “substantive and purposeful engagement”.“We carry no old baggage and have only firm resolve for a genuinely transformative relationship with our close neighbour and the most important partner,” he said.He further described India and Nepal as more than just neighbouring states, saying, “Nepal and India are not merely two countries, we are stakeholders of a proud ancient civilization.”Khanal said Nepal’s new leadership is focused on “good governance, economic transformation and result-driven diplomacy,” adding that the relationship should now move towards a “modern development-oriented partnership.”He also expressed gratitude for India’s assistance in areas such as fuel and fertiliser supplies during crises, saying Nepal has always relied on India “at the time of disaster or even today during West Asia crisis.”Talks cover energy, connectivity, digital and new sectorsJaishankar said the discussions were “productive” and covered the full spectrum of bilateral ties, including development cooperation, energy, hydropower, education, health, capacity building, digital technology, culture and sports.He said both sides now have “an opportunity to also advance ties in newer domains like startups, artificial intelligence, information technology and renewable energy,” adding that there are strong complementarities between the two governments’ development goals.Following the meeting, India and Nepal also expanded cooperation in digital infrastructure, including linkage between India’s UPI system and Nepal’s National Payments Interface to enable smoother cross-border remittances.India also handed over 72 health facilities and 12 cultural heritage projects under reconstruction support after the 2015 earthquake.Border issue and regional sensitivitiesThe talks come amid renewed tensions over Nepal’s boundary dispute remarks and suggestions of third-party involvement.India has maintained that border issues are handled through established bilateral mechanisms, reiterating its position against external mediation.Despite such sensitivities, both sides reaffirmed commitment to strengthening ties and advancing what Jaishankar described as an opportunity to “very clearly and strongly send a message of collaboration and cooperation” and “realise the full potential of our ties.”About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Untrue’: Sourav Ganguly Denies Asking Yusuf Pathan To Resign On Behalf Of Mamata Banerjee‘TMC Fooled Muslims, Suvendu Is Secular’: Ajmal Siddiqui Resigns From Post, Slams Abhishek BanerjeeAbhishek Banerjee’s Role Reworked As Mamata Banerjee Reshuffles TMC LeadershipTamil Nadu BJP Faces Resignation Wave as Annamalai’s New Movement Draws VolunteersSix Detained As CJP’s Jantar Mantar Protest Over NEET Leak Concludes Without Major ClashesAshwini Vaishnaw Unveils Bengal Bullet Train Plan, Targets Faster Northeast Connectivity‘Khan Sir Won’t Surrender In Patna Court, To File Anticipatory Bail Plea On 8 June’: LawyerPM Modi Chairs Economic Advisory Council Meet Amid West Asia CrisisStudents, Senior Citizens, Parents Join CJP Protest Against NEET Paper Leak Controversy | WatchBengal STF Recovers Arms Cache From TMC Leader’s Pond In Sandeshkhali, CM Suvendu Adhikari Reacts123PhotostoriesGopika Gopi to Aneesh: Here’s a look at the commoner contestants of Bigg Boss Malayalam5 silent signs your body may be missing key nutrients, according to a neurologistWhy you should ‘marry for money’, according to a top divorce lawyerPrincess Diana’s most iconic fashion moments: 5 designers behind her legendary style12 must-follow emergency rules for modern apartments and gated real estate communities5 effective money habits that protect you from going brokeHow to respond to difficult people without getting triggered: 10 practical waysFrom Kedarnath to Kamakhya: 5 iconic hill temples in India to visit at least once in lifetimeInside Sunil Grover’s stunning two-storey dream home: A massive living room, artistic interiors and moreCan Jamun help control blood sugar? Expert explains its benefits for people with diabetes123Hot PicksSuryakumar YadavBengaluru Girl DeathKerala Student HospitalisedIran AttackKhan SirAnnamalaiKaru Nagarajan ResignRoger GoodellAIADMKTop TrendingCJP ProtestKarnataka Constable RecruitmentTS Inter Supplementary ResultsIndia vs Afghanistan ScoreAnnamalai BJP exitE85 FuelDelhi hotel fireKhan sir coaching fireDelhi Plice HCM Result 2026Pawan Kalyan

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