The optics were wrong. Perhaps, to emphasize India's Russian connection, the timing was carefully chosen. Prime Minister Modi selected Russia for his first foreign bilateral visit after being sworn in for his third term; and the fact that the NATO was holding a summit in Washington at the same time in support of Ukraine was not lost on all our hawk-eyed pundits of international diplomacy.
Even the bear hug Mr Putin got, now our PM's standard greeting for all male foreign heads of state, may have just about been digested. But then things went horribly wrong. Even as Putin was feting and bestowing awards on Mr Modi in Moscow, a supersonic Russian missile blew up a children's hospital in Kiev killing 37.
The reaction was swift. Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a tweet called it a "devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the world's largest democracy hug the world's most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day."
Eric Garcetti, the United States' Ambassador to India, speaking at a conclave in Kolkata, scolded India saying: "there is no such thing as a strategic autonomy during a conflict", referring to the war in Ukraine. There was a warning too from Washington. In his speech, Garcetti, while referring to improving India-US ties, added: "But as I also remind my Indian friends, while it is wide and it is deeper than it's ever been, it is not yet deep enough."
FINDING A MIDDLE WAY
Denne historien er fra July 21, 2024-utgaven av The New Indian Express.
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Denne historien er fra July 21, 2024-utgaven av The New Indian Express.
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Peter Dinklage joins Roofman
THE cast of the upcoming film Roofman is getting bigger with the addition of Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage.
Tom Holland to star in Christopher Nolan's next?
PREVIOUSLY, we reported that Christopher Nolan has set his next film at Universal Studios, with Matt Damon cast in a prominent role.
Beyond the Boundary
LIFE doesn't always give you second chances, but when you get one, you ought to make the best Tamil appearance, Swaswika has now made a smashing comeback with the sports drama Lubber Pandhu, in which her performance has garnered unanimous appreciation.
Sharon Stone and Lily Gladstone join cast of In Memoriam
EARLIER, we reported that actor-stand up comedian Marc Maron is starring in a film titled In Memoriam, an independent comedy from writer-director Rob Burnett. The latest development about the project is that Sharon Stone and Lily Gladstone are all set to join the cast.
Culinary heritage preserved in GI tags
TAMIL Nadu is known for its rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in its food history too. The state is a foodie's dream destination with each region giving a unique gastronomic experience. This vibrant food scene includes festival delicacies, temple prasadams, street food, and snacks made from the finest local and seasonal ingredients making each dish a culinary masterpiece.
Sips of success
FROM the vibrant petals of floral arrangements to the rich aroma of spiced chai, Navanethan Ponniah's entrepreneurial journey is an example of adaptability and innovation. His transition from the floral business to creating chai-making machines showcases creativity. What began with crafting beautiful bouquets for South Asian weddings evolved into a quest to bring the comforting taste of chai to the Canadian market.
M-powering
Transitioning from a drab healthy alternative to a trending everyday superfood, millets have emerged as a popular choice of grain
Impressions of Chettinad mores
EVERY corner of The Folly, Amethyst was loaded with aesthetics on Monday as we entered the venue lured by the aroma of filter coffee served in a davara set five-foot wooden cupboards with glass doors, brass utensils, lantern-shaped chandeliers, wooden cradles, and rows of fashionable attires inspired by the heritage of Chettinad. The outfits are part of 'Payanam', the latest collection by Anavila, a luxury womenswear brand.
THE BALANCE IS BROKEN!
In 'saving' Blue Water, and neglecting Green Water, humankind has put a dent in the laws of nature, as the water cycle, for the first time in recorded history, has gone off balance
Budgam village loses the healer in terror attack
WE have lost the healer and an honest man,\" said Abdul Gaffar, an elderly resident of Nadigam village of central Kashmir's Budgam district. Dr Shahnawaz was among seven persons killed on Sunday in the terror attack on a workers' camp at an under-construction site belonging to APCO Infratech company at Gagangir in central Kashmir's Ganderbal.
