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The edition of India First covers significant global and domestic developments. At the BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting in Delhi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasised the necessity of unimpeded maritime flows through the Strait of Hormuz and criticised unilateral sanctions.
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00:02Good evening, you're watching India First. I'm Gaurav Savan. The world is in turmoil.
00:07There are two very major meetings that are taking place, both in Asia, trying to find
00:12a solution to the crisis in West Asia and much more. So the BRICS foreign ministers meeting in
00:18Delhi and US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, their summit in Beijing,
00:24in China. Can dialogue and diplomacy find a way forward, peaceful way forward, or will
00:31guns boom again? Big story coming in from Delhi, where Iranian media is quoting Iran's foreign
00:38minister, Syed Abbas Araki, launching a frontal attack on the United Arab Emirates on the issue
00:44of the conflict in the region. Incidentally, this comes hours after the UAE actually denied
00:50a statement by Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office that the Israeli Prime
00:56Minister had secretly visited the UAE during the conflict, to which Syed Abbas Araki responded,
01:04saying, words to the effect, those colluding with Israel to create fissures will be held
01:10to account. Iranian media has quoted Araki saying, telling the UAE, your alliance with the Israelis
01:18did not protect you either, and you should reconsider your policy towards Iran. I'll tell
01:25you more, and I'll get you more on the story. India's external affairs minister, Dr. S. Jai
01:29Shankar, he raised the critical issues, including ongoing conflict, economic uncertainties in the
01:36region, and the challenges that the entire BRICS grouping faces in trade, in technology, other
01:42developments that are shaping the global landscape, the conflict in West Asia, for example.
01:46He said this merits particular attention, safe and unimpeded. Maritime flows through international
01:52waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, he said, remains vital for global
01:58economic well-being. Dr. Jai Shankar also said BRICS must also address the increasing resort
02:04to unilateral coercive measures and sanctions that are inconsistent with international law and
02:11the UN Charter. Such measures disproportionately affect developing countries. These unjustifiable
02:18measures cannot substitute dialogue, nor can they pressure or replace diplomacy.
02:25Of course, the BRICS foreign ministers also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They called on the
02:31Prime Minister. This meeting is happening today and tomorrow at Bharat Mandapam. But let me now
02:36take a look at the leadership focus and tell you what's happening in China. US President Donald Trump
02:41and Chinese President Xi Jinping, they've held high-stakes talks dominated by trade, by tensions
02:47over Taiwan and, of course, the escalating situation in West Asia involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.
02:54Xi Jinping called US-China relations the world's most important as he hosted a state banquet for the
03:01US President in Beijing. At the dinner, the US President praised earlier talks between two nations
03:06as extremely positive. The meeting delivered warm optics, promise of continued engagement. But
03:13those deep fault lines between the two largest economies, they remain unresolved to a very large
03:23extent. I'll get you much more on this big story. But there's breaking news coming in. There's breaking news
03:29news coming in and that's a domestic story. Big legal trouble for the Aam Admi Party convener
03:34Arvind Kejriwal and former Delhi Education Minister Manish Sasodhia. So for former Delhi Chief Minister
03:40Arvind Kejriwal and former Education Minister Manish Sasodhia, the Delhi High Court is to begin
03:46contempt of court proceedings against the Aam Admi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal and other senior leaders
03:53of the Aam Admi Party including Manish Sasodhia. Justice Sharma had earlier refused to allow Arvind Kejriwal's plea
04:02wherein he sought her recusal from hearing this CBI appeal against the Aam Admi Party leader's discharge
04:10order. The justice in the High Court earlier today said following the order wherein she refused to recuse
04:18herself, the Aam Admi Party's national convener had adopted, in her words, in this order, adopted the
04:26root of vilification and intimidation. And that's extremely serious. A sitting High Court judge is
04:35starting contempt of court proceedings against a former Delhi Chief Minister and the convener of the
04:40Aam Admi Party saying that he's resorting to vilification and is attempting to intimidate
04:46a sitting High Court judge. The High Court justice further said instead of challenging the order before
04:52the Supreme Court, Arvind Kejriwal had orchestrated a campaign of vilification and dragged the order
04:59on social media with the intention, in her words, to ridicule her. Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sasodhia
05:07and others had refused to attend hearings. Arvind Kejriwal actually posted a video on social
05:14media platform X explaining why he was boycotting court proceedings. Now Delhi excise policy scam
05:22hearings will be heard by another bench and Justice Sharma-led bench will only hear contempt of court
05:30case against Arvind Kejriwal. And I quickly want to cut across to bring in India today's Srishti
05:36Oja, who's been tracking this story very, very closely. Give us details. So one, there
05:43is Arvind Kejriwal, the former Delhi Chief Minister and the convener of the Aam Admi Party. Who are
05:48the others along with Manish Sasodhia against whom these contempt proceedings are to be initiated? And
05:54bring us details of what Justice Sharma said.
05:58Well, God of the Aam Admi Party leaders have clearly found themselves and yet are under the
06:02legal trouble. Now remember, we know some of them were discharged in the excise policy CBI
06:06case, which was challenged by CBI before the high court. Now, since then, Arvind Kejriwal
06:13has been trying to get the judge in the case to change. His request, however, was dismissed
06:19earlier by the judge herself. Since then, we have seen several social media posts being shared
06:26by Arvind Kejriwal and other Aam Admi Party leaders, several allegations against the concerned
06:32judge. He even decided to boycott the proceedings and shared a detailed video and wrote a letter
06:38to the judge against the same. Now, the high court has finally taken cognizance and according
06:42to the high court, all the material that has been shared by these leaders are contemptuous.
06:47The high court has now initiated criminal contempt proceedings against not just Arvind Kejriwal
06:51and Manish Sisodia, who were the accused in the case, but also against other AAP leaders,
06:56including Saurabh Bhadwaj, Sanjay Singh and Vinay Mishra, which resharing posts and circulating
07:03several material which according to the high court was completely false. And according to the high court,
07:08the idea, the basic goal and motive for them to share these posts was to create a false narrative,
07:15not just against the high court judge, but even against her family members, which was basically
07:21an attack not just on one court, but on the entire institution itself. According to her,
07:26false videos have been circulated and just because she decided to remain quiet till now does not mean
07:32that there's no action that the judiciary as an institution can take in these cases. She has,
07:37however, decided to not hear the main case. According to her, it's more important for the
07:43court to take cognizance of the actions, of the contemptuous actions that have been committed
07:48by the persons involved.
07:50Srishti, but explain this to our viewers. Explain this to our viewers. An accused in any case,
07:56can the accused say, I will not appear before so-and-so judge and he may file a plea,
08:03he or she may file a plea, but should that plea be turned down, does this, as Justice Sharma
08:09points out, amount to, one, intimidation of a judge and criminal intimidation? And does it
08:18amount to contempt of court and how?
08:21Well, Kauram, what have you seen happen in this case during this entire time when the
08:26Rikinzel application was filed and what happened with the urban Kisrael voice court? I mean,
08:30the proceedings is very rare. But the high court has answered your question,
08:34itself today, where the judge clearly said that she is not initiating contempt action because
08:39Arvind Kisrael or the other leaders criticized her order or did not like her order. She even
08:44said that just because he wanted her to recuse from the case does not mean that he was wrong.
08:49But if he wanted, if he was not okay or if he did not agree with her order where she
08:56dismissed
08:56his recusal plea, he should have gone to the Supreme Court. There were legal remedies that
09:00he had available. Instead of that, he went to social media and started a social media campaign
09:05with personal allegations and false allegations against the judge and also family members. So she
09:11has time and again while dictating the order multiple times to try to clarify this, that she's not
09:16initiating this contempt action out of anger. She's initiating this contempt action because a message
09:23should not go to the general public that just because a favorable order is not passed in favor of
09:28a political figure. That means you can intimidate the judiciary or you can intimidate the judge by
09:33making false allegations. Whether or not it is criminal contempt is something that would be
09:39eventually decided once the court continues to hear this case. Back to you.
09:42Keep tracking that story, Srishtri. I will come back to you for more because it's very clear,
09:47however, howsoever high you may be, the law is above you and this country will be governed as per rules
09:54and of law, not kangaroo courts and street justice. You have an issue with court, you approach a superior
10:03court. You have a problem, you approach a bigger bench. But vilification of the judiciary and that too
10:08in social media will only create, if once ignored, it could lead to others doing the same. Is that kind
10:15of
10:15kiosk and anarchy that we're looking for in our country? I now want to come back to our story on
10:21the Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, the BRICS grouping and now of course a much larger
10:27grouping. The BRICS foreign ministers, their meet kicked off in the national capital this morning
10:33and of course, while there's a very important meeting that's happening here in India and a huge
10:38grouping, there's also a meeting that's happening simultaneously in China with the United States
10:45U.S. President Donald Trump visiting Beijing and meeting Xi Jinping. But let's talk about BRICS for
10:51a moment. In his opening remarks, external affairs minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, he called for safe and
10:58unimpeded maritime flows through international waters as the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of global
11:05oil and gas supplies pass. And this remains under a blockade. The Iranian foreign minister,
11:12Sayyad Abbasarakji was there. Dr. Jaishankar added that this meeting will address key global issues.
11:20He noted that expectations from this grouping, from BRICS, they're constantly increasing.
11:26External affairs ministers, foreign ministers, own voice, deputy foreign ministers from several countries,
11:31they're a part of this meeting. Iranian foreign minister Sayyad Abbasarakji was among those leaders
11:36attending this very crucial meeting. And Arakji arrived in India on a flight carrying the Minab 168
11:44reference. I'll show you those images of that aircraft. Remember, wherever he flies, he flies
11:49on board that aircraft with Minab 168 written because that sends out a very clear message to the world.
11:58168 little schoolgirls, their families, their teachers, they were killed in a U.S. and Israeli
12:04missile strike in Minab at a school when this conflict started. Arakji called on fellow BRICS member
12:11states to condemn the U.S. and Israel over what he called was their unlawful aggression against Tehran.
12:19Listen in to the external affairs minister, Dr. Jaishankar. Also listen in to Sayyad Abbas Arakji.
12:25I'll get you more on that story.
12:28Excellencies, we meet at a time of considerable flux in international relations.
12:34Ongoing conflicts, economic uncertainties and challenges in trade and technology and climate
12:41are shaping the global landscape. There is a growing expectation, particularly from emerging markets
12:48and developing countries, that BRICS will play a constructive and stabilizing role. In this background,
12:55our discussions today are an opportunity to reflect on global and regional developments and to consider
13:02practical ways to strengthen our cooperation. Development issues remain central. Many countries
13:09face challenges on energy, food, fertilizer and health security as also access to finance. BRICS can help them
13:18respond more effectively. Economic resilience is also key. Reliable supply chains and diversified markets
13:26are its essential components. We must focus on both. Climate change remains a pressing concern.
13:33The Strait of Hormuz is now suffering first and most from the U.S. aggression and the blockade that they
13:40have imposed on it. As far as we are concerned, the Strait of Hormuz is open for all commercial vessels,
13:52but they need to cooperate with our Navy forces. So we have not made any obstacles. It is Americans who
14:01have made
14:11these crimes. These crimes and the Western silence they are met with can only take place if there is a
14:17sense of impunity.
14:19That false sense of entitlement must be shattered by all of us. Iran, therefore, calls up and BRICS member states
14:27and all responsible members of the international community to explicitly condemn violations of
14:33international law by the United States and Israel, including their illegal aggression against Iran,
14:39a member of BRICS. Prevent the politicization of international institutions and take concrete action
14:46to halt warmongering and to bring an end to the impunity of those who violate the UN Charter.
14:52While ready to fight with everything we have in defense of our freedom and our soil,
14:56we are equally ready to pursue and defend diplomacy. As I have repeatedly stated,
15:03there is no such thing as a military solution to anything related to Iran.
15:08We Iranians never bow to any pressure or threat, but we reciprocate the language of respect.
15:15As much as our powerful armed forces remain ready to exact devastating retribution on foreign aggressors,
15:21our people are peace-loving and do not seek war. We are not aggressors in this sordid situation,
15:28but they aggrieved.
15:33Now, on the Iran-UAE tensions, Syed Abbas Araqchi, the foreign minister of Iran said, and I quote,
15:40it was revealed just yesterday that Netanyahu had traveled to UAE during the war. It was also revealed
15:46that they participated in these attacks and may have even acted directly against us. Therefore, the UAE is an
15:52active partner in the aggression and there is no doubt about it. Unquote. Now, this statement came
15:57after Israeli Prime Minister's office said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had traveled secretly to
16:03the UAE during the war and that he even met Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nayyan. Now, Benjamin Netanyahu's
16:11office said that the meeting resulted in a historic breakthrough in relations between the two countries.
16:17But the UAE's foreign office denied this secret meeting, calling these reports completely unfounded.
16:24And do keep in mind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a five-nation tour that starts
16:31tomorrow, starting with the United Arab Emirates and then, of course, four European nations, the Netherlands,
16:37Sweden, Norway and Italy. Now, in the United Arab Emirates, Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks to
16:43strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the UAE. He will meet
16:51President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nayyan. Now, both describe each other as my brother and discuss
16:58avenues to further deepen the focus on trade, investment, energy, technology. Energy partnership
17:04is huge between the two countries. That's a huge area where they intend to increase cooperation.
17:11Defence and strategic ties is another area. The Prime Minister is likely to reiterate his
17:15condemnation of attacks on the UAE, expressing solidarity with the nation. Over 4.5 million Indians
17:23work and contribute to the growth of the UAE and the partnership between the two countries. The UAE is
17:31also a key energy supplier for India, being the fourth largest source of crude and second largest source of
17:37LNG and LPG. Discussions are also expected to prioritize strengthening of energy cooperation
17:43between the two countries. India Today's Foreign Affairs director, Geeta Mohan joins us for more. Also with me
17:49is Dr. Vail Awad, senior journalist and an expert on West Asia. Geeta, these deep divisions that we see
17:56between Iran and the UAE, are they impacting the overall BRICS unity and the effort to build a consensus?
18:05Well, absolutely. The Indian administration and officials are going to try very hard so that
18:13there can be a joint statement, as was the case when the Russia-Ukraine war had become very,
18:19very, very important during the G20 and yet India could manage a summit level joint statement. Over
18:27here they're trying very hard but as some reports are emerging of the spat that the Iranian had with
18:34the UAE representative during the sessions, it's quite clear and evident that this is not going to
18:40die down and any dilution is something that will not be acceptable to either side on the statements that
18:46they want be added in the joint statement. Geeta, stay with us. Dr. Awad, you know these reports
18:52that are doing the rounds about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his own office put out
18:56a message that there was a secret visit to the UAE. UAE issued an official denial.
19:02What does this reveal about the state of play in West Asia? Well, I think the timing of it,
19:09it is the main concern for all the parties, especially at the time when the American and the Israelis
19:14are trying to drag the Arab countries into a direct confrontation with Iran. So therefore,
19:20such kind of an announcement may cause some kind of turbulence, especially also with the rift between
19:26Saudi Arabia and UAE. However, this only can give you a single indication that this kind of relation
19:32has come out into the open from the secret and covert that they have been between the two countries.
19:38Having said that, I would say that the Abraham Accord have already put Bahrain and UAE on the same
19:45platform with Israel. So therefore, there is a strong bond among these three countries currently,
19:51among the GCC countries, while most of the GCC countries stayed away.
19:55Yes, while you mentioned this confrontation between UAE and Iran, today, Syed Abbas Araki,
20:01or just as he arrived in India, the Iranian foreign minister spoke of Kuwait targeting
20:08an Iranian boat and taking four Iranians as prisoners. Before that, there were reports that
20:14Saudi Arabia had targeted Iran. Before that, there were reports that UAE forces had entered
20:21Iran and targeted various strategic points, vital assets and vital points, including the Lawan refinery.
20:29So, are the Arabs and the Persians already at war or at the cusp of war?
20:38Yeah, absolutely. I think they are at the brink of the war. But also, let me add to you,
20:42one exciting development also, that there was a military base for Israeli drones inside Iraq,
20:49secretly being built for the last two years and have been attacking. And Iran denied a couple of
20:54attacks on the other Arab countries. And they said, use the Chinese or the Russian satellite. You
21:00remember, we talked about it. And then to show that there was an attack on the, not from the Iranian
21:05side. So, that gives you an indication there are sinister plot to bring the Arab country, as I said,
21:11into a direct confrontation. But nevertheless, Iran also have been damaging most of the infrastructure in
21:17the military bases of the United States in the region, which these military bases have become more
21:22of a liability, not as an asset where the Arab country were thinking that the American give them
21:27protection, while now it is the Arab country protecting the American bases.
21:31True. Geetha, can BRICS effectively either mediate or help de-escalate this rising tension between Iran and
21:41the UAE, considering they're both members of this grouping, and a grouping whose that importance of
21:48BRICS is only increasing in the world? Well, that's right. It has become a clear alternative to many
21:54countries who feel stifled by the coercion that they faced from the United States of America. And
22:01therefore, they are looking at and looking to BRICS as a clear forum that is more representative of a
22:07changed world order. But what has happened right now is the West Asian crisis, Gaurav, the conflict
22:15with Iran has changed dynamics in West Asia. So, having those members here right now, we do not know
22:22what kind of a role will India be playing in at least ensuring some semblance of a middle ground and
22:30a workable path for all countries. Because should this conflict come to the BRICS table,
22:37it will have a debilitating impact on the bloc itself and how the bloc can grow and function.
22:43Because as of now, we understand some reports saying that there are about two, more than two dozen
22:48countries who have applied to be members of the BRICS. So, it's a growing bloc. And India, a very key
22:56member of that bloc. So, again, we'll have to wait and see how this really pans out.
23:01A founding member of this very powerful grouping called BRICS and many say that this is truly
23:08representative of the new world order. The Global South countries, Dr. Awad, coming together.
23:14What are expectations from BRICS? Foreign ministers meet and especially on the situation in West Asia.
23:21Is there expectation of forward movement on the Strait of Hormuz? Because the BRICS grouping
23:27is impacted by it and it has very powerful members, whether Russia, China, India, countries that are
23:33directly impacted by what's happening in the Strait of Hormuz. Of course, apart from UAE, Iran and other
23:38countries, sir. Well, I believe most of the country, barring only Iran, wanted to free maritimes from the
23:45Strait of Hormuz. And they are also opposing to the Iranian, you know, asking for loyalty to pass
23:53through. So, but the Iranians saying that the war have changed the paradigm, the paradigm of the war
23:58have changed the dictation on this. And they have reached order to a statement or a structure that they
24:04are applying it right now. And they allowed more than 30 ships, by the way, today to pass through.
24:08But that's not the issue here. I think India, from my own understanding, I would think that India could be
24:14more clever than the Pakistan or the Chinese in bringing the three rivals into a table or a secret
24:20kind of a diplomatic talk where India can use its influence to let them reach some sort of consensus,
24:26not to inflame this war or widen this war into West Asia, because nobody can afford this war,
24:33especially India, which is having, as you know, the stakeholder, the main stakeholder in this region,
24:38food security, oil security, and diaspora, including now the reservoir petroleum
24:42that India is looking for, for a contingency plan with these countries, especially with the visit
24:48of the Prime Minister to UAE, which is going to be a very fruitful visit, because India now thinking
24:54strategically also to make sure that the disturbance of the supply line should not be happening in any
24:59eventuality.
25:00Oh, absolutely. And unlike, you know, that state sponsor of radical Islamist terror that you mentioned,
25:06India is very honest. India comes with a very pure intention, no vested interest except seek global
25:15peace, Gita. But tell me this, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Gita, indicated preferential treatment for
25:22Indian cargo, crude and gas tankers. I believe 15 have now been escorted out safely. Is there a specific
25:30signal that Iran is giving out to India in this grouping, and especially when you've interacted
25:35very extensively with Syed Abbas Araqchi, the Foreign Minister, the Foreign Office spokesperson,
25:40you've been on ground. So what is their thinking specifically when it comes to India?
25:45Well, India does hold a special and an important role when it comes to Iran. And there are few countries
25:53countries who have engaged Iran in the manner in which it was done during and all through the years
25:59when Iran was under sanctions. And India is one of those rare countries. We've had a bit of a difference
26:04when it comes to the recent past, especially during the conflict. But the fact that there was the
26:11movement towards engagement happened sooner. And then you had the Deputy Foreign Minister visit India not
26:17so long ago. Now the Foreign Minister is here. So it's an important time and an important moment for
26:25India, really, when it comes to how it's engaging Iran. And also important because the Strait of Hormuz,
26:31no matter what the status is in the future, and should it change, should it be under Iranian control,
26:37should there be tolls, there'll be some countries like China, like India, who might not have to suffer
26:44the tolls that maybe other countries, especially GCC countries might have to.
26:48So, Dr. Awad, before I let you go, I just want to understand, you understand India very well,
26:54you've worked here very extensively, you understand this entire region, the West Asian region very well.
27:01How is India handling this situation in terms of being on the table with Iran, Russia and China?
27:09And so, India is a core part of BRICS, SCO, Quad, I2U2, Prime Minister's visit to the United Arab Emirates,
27:19before he heads to Europe. Your takeaway on key expectations and key results here?
27:25Well, you said it rightly, Gaurav. I believe the three pillars of the BRICS countries is India,
27:31which is the emerging economy in the world. And then you have the Chinese, the largest importer of oil.
27:37And then you have the Gulf country, which is the largest exporter of oil. And Russia is also one of
27:43the exporters of oil. So you have the three pillars here, Russia, China and India can play a major role,
27:48in fact, in bringing the South-South cooperation and the South voice to be heard. And India is not
27:53an exception. India, I believe it can do its job in the BRICS, in the Shanghai Group, in the G20,
27:59in any format. What we are expecting India to be more proactive, and I'm saying it here again and again,
28:05because I believe India has to put its voice down on the table and make sure all the parties concerned
28:11should listen to Indian voice or point of view. It's nothing that India is taking sight. It's
28:16India's concern of its own safety of their own citizen. In the region, more than 10 million
28:21Indian there. No one can afford any kind of a catastrophe, especially India. And I think India
28:26has to put it on the table very seriously with all the stakeholders.
28:31Oh, you're absolutely right. Dr. Vail Awad, always a pleasure listening to you. Geeta Mohan and Dr. Awad,
28:37many thanks for joining me. Do keep in mind when India speaks, it's not just for 1.4 billion Indians,
28:43but India speaks for the developing world, for the global South, whether it's their concerns on oil, gas,
28:50or equally, if not more important, fertilizers. That's required for food security, for agriculture.
28:58But I now want to shift focus to the other big meeting that's going on, and that's in Beijing.
29:03This meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Now, the optics were
29:11all right. There was a lot of pomp and pageantry, but it's the substantive outcomes that we will talk
29:17about in greater detail. Conversations on trade, oil, Iran, among the topics discussed at this very
29:23high-stakes meeting that lasted nearly two hours. On trade, President Trump pushed China to buy
29:29more made-in-American goods, including oil, soya bean, beef, aircraft. He sought easier access
29:38for US goods to Chinese markets. Reports indicate that there is also talk of limited easing of
29:45restrictions on advanced AI chip sale to China. Because remember, it's always give and take.
29:51On Tehran, President Trump urged Beijing to help put pressure on Iran as tensions continue to spiral
29:58in West Asia. Both leaders agreed that Strait of Hormuz must remain open for global energy supplies.
30:05China opposed tolls on vessels crossing this very important strategic route. But beyond optics and
30:12agreement, what else can China do is one question that we'll seek answers to. On the very critical issue of
30:19Taiwan, President Xi warned that mishandling of the issue could actually push twice towards conflict. China is
30:27expecting to seek limits on future US arms sales to Taiwan, especially on Washington DC's continued backing or their
30:35strategic ambiguity on the Taiwan question. What was achieved on day one? Both leaders projected
30:43unusually positive optics. Xi Jinping said the common interests between the two countries outweigh their
30:50differences. Donald Trump called Xi a great leader. President Trump also invited President Xi Jinping to the
30:57White House on the 24th of September. That's the time that he'll be coming to the United States of
31:01America for the UNGA, signaling a desire for sustained high-level engagement. The US-China trade truce appears
31:09in place for now. It's eased some fears on renewed tariff war, but both countries also agreed on the importance
31:16of
31:16keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. Major issues also remain unresolved. No breakthrough on the issue of
31:24Taiwan. No concrete Chinese commitment on putting pressure on Iran and no formal extension of the truce.
31:31Key disputes over tariff, market access, rare earth minerals restriction, technology rivalry. These are
31:37issues that remain unresolved. Washington DC has reportedly cleared some Chinese firms to buy the Nvidia AI
31:44chips, but no deliveries, according to reports, have taken place. And despite positive atmosphere,
31:50the atmospherics were all right. That deep strategic distrust between the number one power and the
31:57country that wants to replace the number one power, that continues to overshadow talks. Now, before I get
32:04you more on the story, let's listen in to US President Donald Trump. Well, thank you very much. This is
32:10a great
32:11honor. It was a fantastic day. And in particular, I want to thank President Xi, my friend, for this
32:20magnificent welcome. And it really was a magnificent welcome like none other. And for so graciously
32:27hosting us on this very historic state visit. We had extremely positive and productive conversations and
32:36meetings today with the Chinese delegation earlier. And this evening is another cherished opportunity to
32:43discuss among friends, some of the things that we discussed today, all good for the United States
32:52and for China. And it was a great honor to be with you, please.
32:59So what's the view in the United States on these latest developments? Michael Patrick
33:04Mulroy is former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, former CIA, former US Marine, joins me
33:10on this special broadcast. Michael, as always, such a pleasure having you on the show. The optics appear all
33:18right. State banquet at the Great Hall. Talk of moving forward hand in hand. Two great leaders being
33:24together in a once in a century event. But beyond optics, as far as the United States is concerned,
33:31what, according to you, are substantive takeaways so far?
33:36Well, good to be with you again and your audience. I think as you laid out, it was basically the
33:41three
33:41Ts, right? So it was trade, technology and Taiwan, of course. And President Xi brought that up almost
33:49immediately. And it was, you know, from diplomatic talk was pretty pointed when it comes to the need
33:54to be very careful on that front, because that is where he sees that the US and China could actually
34:01come into a military confrontation. And then, of course, I believe, from President Trump's perspective,
34:08that he really wants to see China step in and put a lot of influence on Iran to help in
34:14this war
34:15between the United States and Iran and, of course, open up the strait, which President Xi has already
34:20called for publicly. But obviously, I think President Trump knows that China does have
34:26influence on Iran and one of the few countries in the world that does and could really make a difference
34:30there. Right. How significant is President Xi Jinping in a way warning the US president about
34:37that Taiwan question, that that could push US and China towards conflict? Now, is he in a way
34:47reiterating the Chinese red line that if this Taiwan situation is mishandled, everything could go south?
34:54Does this reflect either Chinese anxiety or is Beijing trying to use this issue as a leverage for
35:01broader negotiations with Washington DC to extract something from the US?
35:06Yeah, I think that's a good point. They see that the United States is in somewhat of a difficult
35:11situation in a war that we obviously started, but President Trump wants to get out of. And there's
35:18no easy path out, I mean, without major escalations, potentially. So when it comes to Taiwan, there is
35:26a loggerhead, to be frank. I mean, the United States has a Taiwan Relations Act, which requires the
35:31United States, and this is self-imposed, but it is a law to support Taiwan militarily, not with direct
35:38military interventions, but with arms and armament sales to Taiwan. And there is a $14 billion already
35:45approved sale of weapons being held back by the president right now that would go to Taiwan. Of course, from
35:53China's perspective, China's perspective, they view that as a serious concern because they want to
35:58eventually unify China, and in their words, it's part of the Chinese Communist Party platform. And the
36:06more support we give to them, the harder that would be. So this is going to be something that's always
36:11going to be an issue between the United States and China. But it can be balanced, it has been balanced,
36:18and it's really important for both countries to do so in a way that doesn't bring us into direct conflict,
36:24because it's not just China and the United States that would suffer from a war between the two countries,
36:29that would have massive global impacts on every country. Just think about just the war between the U.S. and
36:36Iran,
36:36and how that's already having an effect around the world. I can't even imagine what would happen if this
36:41was a war between the U.S. and China over Taiwan. So that's important for both countries and the rest
36:47of the world to be concerned about. But are you concerned? Because President Xi Jinping seemed to have,
36:54you know, a deadline in mind. Initially, what was thought to be 2047, he seemed to have wanted to bring
37:02to 2027. Is he in a position to do so, given what's been happening inside China? Two former
37:09defense ministers in prison, sentenced to death, but suspended sentence. Hundreds of generals axed,
37:16many sent to jail. Is he in a position to wage that war on China? Point one in your, you
37:21know,
37:21now I want you to wear your CIA hat for a moment, and your Department of Defense hat. Is he
37:26in a position
37:27to wage that war? And two, is he letting the United States, is China letting United States
37:34spend its weapons, first in Ukraine, then in Iran, and not have enough resources to protect Taiwan
37:41in years to come? A very fair point. And we've already seen that we've had significant supply chain
37:49military logistics issue in Iran alone. So they see that as well. But I'd also point out that the
37:56idea of an amphibious landing against Taiwan is very, I think, unlikely. It would be a major
38:04undertaking. They simply don't have the capacity. And as modern warfare advances, as we can see in
38:10Ukraine right now, that's going to become more and more complicated. Because Taiwan does have
38:16resources, they are purchasing the most advanced autonomous systems that could prevent that from
38:22happening. What I think would be most likely by China, by Beijing, would be that they do an
38:28economic exclusion of Taiwan. They set up a naval blockade. They do cyber attacks. They make it very
38:34miserable to be on Taiwan. They obviously block going in and out. And the question would be whether
38:39the US be willing to run that blockade. So there's a lot of questions. The further we get down the
38:45road,
38:45I think it becomes less and less likely, actually, because I do believe Taiwan, as long as the US keeps
38:50supporting them, can really make the idea of an invasion very unlikely and certainly very damaging
38:57to any country, obviously China, that would attempt it. And especially when Taiwan has that
39:01Pocupine, absolute, that Pocupine defense strategy, missiles on those bases that can, you know,
39:08hit mainland China. But before I let you go, the last 30 seconds I have on this part of the
39:12show,
39:13I want to understand. President Trump says he needs no help on the state of Hormuz,
39:17but clearly all indications on ground are he needs help. Is China willing to offer that help too?
39:22Is China in a position to help?
39:25I think we're going to find out because there's going to have to be some quid pro quo here. So
39:30China has the ability, they get about 30% of their oil from Iran. So there's, it's in their own
39:35interest. But they're, you know, been in a trade war, if you will, with the United States. So they're
39:40going to, none of these things are not connected. So they're going to look for,
39:44what can you do for me if you want to help? And then we'll see if they actually help. But
39:48I do
39:48think the United States needs help. We go back and forth. We demand help from our European allies,
39:53and then we criticize them for not doing it. And then we say, we don't need any help.
39:56So obviously we do. We need especially political help because Iran's not going to listen to the
40:03United States necessarily. We're at war with them. But they do have influential partners and China is
40:08one of them, and they can be of assistance to this. And it is ultimately in their own interest.
40:14Well, absolutely. Michael Mulroy, as always, such a privilege having you on the broadcast. Many
40:20of course. Thank you very much. I now want to shift focus to that big story that's coming in from
40:26West
40:26Bengal. Bengal now appears to be following the Yogi Adityanath model. The Shwendu Adhikari-led Bengal
40:36government has launched a massive crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses, toll gates, the illegal toll gates,
40:44and on illegal parking. These were big money spinners earlier on the earlier government,
40:51is what Shwendu Adhikari government insists. A demolition drive was initiated following the
40:57instructions of Chief Minister of Bengal, Shwendu Adhikari, after reports on some fire incidents in the
41:04same building. Shwendu Adhikari said that measures will be taken by the West Bengal BJP government to
41:11demolish all illegal factories involved in unlawful activities, including illegal slaughterhouses
41:19across Bengal. The West Bengal government has ordered permanent disconnection of electricity and
41:28water supply to dangerous factories, to illegal factories operating without government approved
41:36building plans. We will get to pictures of those bulldozers that are moving in. Now there's another
41:43order that's been passed. The Shwendu Adhikari government has passed an order. Loudspeakers will
41:51no longer be allowed to play at high volumes either in mosques or any other places of worship
41:59beyond the acceptable level across West Bengal. Shwendu Adhikari government has also now issued a
42:05formal order making Vande Mataram recitation mandatory during morning prayers at every Bengal
42:15government-run schools. If a school is sponsored by the state government then singing of Vande Mataram
42:23is mandatory. I'll get you more on the story but listen in to Bengal Chief Minister Shwendu Adhikari.
42:31The Shwendu Adhikari people are in the view of the on-tnator building plan. We are
42:40about to speak to people that are involved in the public. This is not a part of the
42:44the in-tator building plan, the in-tator building plan, the in-tator building plan and to
42:45actual government and to have a much more on-tator and to have a much more on-tator.
42:48In-tator the internal audit of the building plan, the in-tator building plan and to have a little
43:03So, this crackdown is not just on illegal slaughterhouses or illegal activities that
43:10were going on at toll plazas, illegal toll plazas and parkings.
43:14There were targeted search operations at multiple other locations across the state.
43:19The police were stunned after discovering what the police in Bengal have just described
43:24as hidden, lavish, subterranean chamber inside the home of a Trinamool Congress MLC, Shamim
43:34Ahmed.
43:35Now, according to the Bengal police, TMC, MLC, Shamim Ahmed is evading arrest following a
43:41wave of post-poll violence.
43:44Police have launched search operations at two locations, at two houses of Trinamool Congress
43:50leaders, including TMC, MLA, Dilip Mandal in the Bishnupur area.
43:57Now, the searches at TMC, MLA, Dilip Mandal's resignation, residence was for allegedly making
44:06provocative speeches and remarks and issuing threats to BJP workers in a video that is
44:12currently being investigated.
44:14Now, that picture that you see on your television screen, this is the search operation.
44:19The police found a massive swimming pool at the home of the Trinamool Congress leader.
44:27So, you're looking at these two images, that lavish underground basement shelter and of course
44:35the swimming pool.
44:36I quickly want to cut across to India today's Tapas Sengupta joining us with the latest on
44:40the story.
44:41So, Tapas, what more do we know?
44:43Is this swimming pool legal, illegal and is there an explanation from the Trinamool Congress?
44:49Was the said MLA allegedly living beyond his known sources of income?
44:57Oh, well, these are all being verified as of now.
45:00What little we could gather that Dilip Mandal who had such a lavish life, nobody knew about
45:06it.
45:06And when following an investigation, the police raided his house this morning.
45:10They were even stunned to have such a big house.
45:13It was more of a resort than of a residence.
45:15He was nowhere to be found there.
45:17He's still absconding as we speak.
45:19But Trinamool Congress seems to be absolutely tight-lipped about this Dilip Mandal and the case.
45:25And as far as Shami Mehmed is concerned, his case also pertains in a similar manner that
45:32the Trinamool Congress remains to be absolutely tight-lipped.
45:35He is also absconding as of now.
45:37He was earlier arrested by NIA and he was out on bail.
45:40But this kind of extravagant lie of the PMC MLAs and the PMC leaders which have come into
45:47limelight have obviously put Trinamool Congress at the back seat.
45:50They do not have anything else to defend.
45:53These leaders whose residences have come into limelight.
45:57But as far as the police says, the police says the kind of remuneration he used to get,
46:02Dilip Mandal used to get as an MLA, this seems to be much bigger.
46:07And whether or not the source of income that he had shown in his IPR doesn't match with
46:12the kind of what we call here Bagan Badi or a resort that the police have unearthed today,
46:18it doesn't go by that.
46:19So whether or not there will be your investigation is yes.
46:24Keep tracking that story.
46:27And what a beautiful Bagan Badi that is.
46:29What a lavish swimming pool.
46:31The person who was serving the people of Bengal apparently had.
46:37We'll be tracking that story very, very closely.
46:39Especially the crackdown on illegal toll nakas and slaughterhouses in Bengal.
46:44But another big story.
46:47Mamata Banerjee.
46:48Three times Chief Minister of West Bengal appeared in Calcutta High Court to argue a case
46:53in connection with alleged post-poll violence and attack on party offices and workers.
46:59Look at the images in court.
47:02Just as she was leaving the court premises, there were slogans chanting,
47:06Chor Chor allegedly, reportedly, directed at her.
47:12And these videos have gone viral.
47:15Mamata Banerjee said they have assaulted me.
47:17Mamata Banerjee said this, that she was assaulted in these court premises.
47:23She pointed to the crowd that was there.
47:26Soon after this episode, she left the court premises.
47:30The Trimul Congress has criticised these developments.
47:33In fact, Trimul leader and lawyer Kalyan Banerjee, who was accompanying Mamata Banerjee,
47:38who incidentally was wearing, you know, a lawyer's band and court,
47:44alleged that the lawyers were under the influence of the Bharatiya Janata Party
47:47and they attempted to heckle the lady chief minister, the former chief minister of Bengal.
47:52And the party's legal team had a tough time safely escorting her out.
47:58There's more breaking news that's coming in.
48:01I want to shift focus to that breaking news.
48:02The government has tightened rules for duty-free gold import.
48:07The new measures include cap on duty-free gold imports at 100 kilograms per license,
48:15mandatory factory inspection for new gold imports.
48:18The applicants that are the existing exporters must meet 50% gold export obligation
48:26for getting a fresh license.
48:29Gold jewelry exporters have to submit reports every 15 days,
48:34the amount that was imported and the amount that has been exported.
48:38The government has also stepped up monitoring after a hike in gold import duty.
48:46I quickly want to cut across to India today's Chetan Bhutani joining me for more on this story.
48:53So, first, the government increases duty on gold imports and then these new orders and systems are being put in
49:01place.
49:01Is there an apprehension that this could lead to gold smuggling once again like in the 1980s?
49:08Bring us details of what these measures are likely to achieve.
49:12Well, Gaurav, you know, the system is very clear that the government wants to safeguard the industry
49:16and more importantly, the government wants to really safeguard the forex investment
49:20and the rupee going out versus the dollar
49:22because clearly as the Prime Minister called it out that you have to travel in India,
49:26make the rupee more stronger.
49:27How does it impact the RMRV?
49:29That's what I want to tell you.
49:30Government will try to control over duty-free gold
49:33and of course, imports to prevent the misuse.
49:35The government wants to improve tracking of the gold coming to the country
49:38and ensure gold imported without duty is actually used for exports.
49:43So, in a way, it acts as an inverted duty structure
49:45wherein the government has actually tracked everything
49:48and everything is kept into accounts of the public and doesn't get misused.
49:52That means for jewelry exporters, it is a stricter compliance.
49:55Hence, small exporters may face a bit of difficulties
49:59due to the tighter norms and more of paperwork
50:01but for the government, it becomes better monitoring of world movement
50:05and explored obligations
50:07and the slow-duty gold-free imports in the short term
50:10could actually help the government to understand
50:12what really the whole gambit is all about
50:14because as of now, illegal export and import actually happens in India a lot.
50:21The government wants to keep a track
50:22and doesn't want the unnecessary forex.
50:24I and R to go out of the country.
50:26So, that's a preventive measure that the government has taken.
50:28Nothing to worry as far as my sources are telling about
50:31as far as what the exporters are concerned.
50:33So, as of now, this is what the development is for export of the gold.
50:38Keep tracking that story, Chetan.
50:39I will come back to you for more.
50:41Lots of developments taking place
50:43and we will continue to keep an eye on this story
50:47and what's been happening across the country and the world.
50:51But that is all I have for you on India First this evening.
50:53Many thanks for watching.
50:54News and updates continue on India Today.
50:56Stay with us.
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