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In a significant address during a video conferencing event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlined the pivotal role of government employees in shaping India’s future as it aims to become the world’s third-largest economy. The Prime Minister distributed 51,000 appointment letters to newly recruited individuals at the Rozgar Mela, emphasizing the mission of employment generation.

The recruits, carefully selected from across the country, will soon be joining various ministries and departments, including the Department of Posts, Indian Audit and Accounts Department, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Revenue, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of Health, among others. This employment drive spans 46 locations across India.

Addressing gender equality and women empowerment, Prime Minister Modi noted, “The women reservation issue, which was stuck for 30 years, has passed both houses with record votes.” He emphasized that this momentous decision signifies a fresh start for the nation during the inaugural session of the new Parliament.

With an eye on India’s soaring aspirations, Prime Minister Modi stated, “India has taken the resolve to become Viksit Bharat by 2047. In the next few years, the nation will become the third-largest economy globally, and government employees will have a significant role to play in the times ahead.”

He underscored the importance of the “Citizens First” approach and urged government employees to apply it in their work, enhancing the efficiency of governance.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the crucial responsibility shouldered by government employees in implementing government schemes at the grassroots level. He noted that the speed and scale of policy implementation receive a substantial boost when thousands of young individuals join government services, leading to employment growth beyond the public sector and the creation of new employment structures.

As India marches towards its goal of economic prominence, the commitment and dedication of government employees continue to be a driving force in realizing the nation’s vision.

News Summary:

• Prime Minister Modi recognizes the pivotal role of government employees in India‘s ascent to the world’s third-largest economy during a video conferencing event.
• 51,000 newly recruited individuals received appointment letters at the Rozgar Mela, spanning 46 locations across India.
• The recruits will serve in various ministries and departments, contributing to the nation’s growth.
• Prime Minister Modi highlights the passing of the women reservation issue and its significance for gender equality.
• India’s ambition to become Viksit Bharat by 2047 is on track, with government employees expected to play a key role.
• The “Citizens First” approach is emphasized to improve governance efficiency, and the importance of government employees in policy implementation is underscored.

Read more at: https://www.onmanorama.com/travel/travel-news/2023/09/26/vande-bharat-express-second-kerala-train-occupancy-stats.html

In a historic moment for Kerala’s railway network, the second Vande Bharat Express, a symbol of modernity and speed, commenced its regular service from Thiruvananthapuram, the state’s capital, to Palakkad on September 26, 2023. Amidst a jubilant atmosphere, the train embarked on its maiden voyage, marking a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to enhance rail connectivity.

The Vande Bharat Express, often dubbed the ‘Train 18,’ is a flagship project of Indian Railways, designed to offer passengers a comfortable and efficient mode of travel. The introduction of the second Vande Bharat Express in Kerala is set to revolutionize rail travel in the region.

Enhanced Travel Experience

The train, manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) Chennai, boasts world-class amenities and cutting-edge technology. It features spacious and well-appointed interiors, reclining seats, Wi-Fi connectivity, GPS-based passenger information systems, and bio-toilets, ensuring a seamless and eco-friendly journey for passengers.

Speaking about the new service, Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “The introduction of Kerala’s second Vande Bharat Express is a testament to our commitment to providing world-class travel experiences to our citizens and visitors alike. It will significantly reduce travel time and enhance connectivity between Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad.”

Enhanced Connectivity

The second Vande Bharat Express will cover the distance between Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad in approximately six hours, offering a faster and more convenient alternative to road travel. The train will make stops at important stations en route, including Kollam, Chengannur, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Ottapalam, ensuring improved accessibility for passengers.

Positive Occupancy Stats

In the initial days of its operation, the Vande Bharat Express has witnessed promising occupancy rates, with passengers appreciating the train’s modern amenities and punctuality. Rail authorities report that bookings for future journeys on the route are steadily increasing, reflecting the growing popularity of the service.

Indian Railways spokesperson, Anil Kumar, stated, “We are delighted to see the positive response to Kerala’s second Vande Bharat Express. Passengers are enjoying the comfort and speed of the train, which aligns with our vision of transforming the Indian rail experience.”

A Sustainable Future

Besides offering a premium travel experience, the Vande Bharat Express is also environmentally friendly, equipped with regenerative braking systems that save energy and reduce carbon emissions, aligning with India’s sustainable development goals.

As the Vande Bharat Express becomes an integral part of Kerala’s rail network, it is expected to boost tourism, trade, and overall economic development in the region, providing passengers with a safe, swift, and eco-conscious means of transportation.

In Brief:

• Kerala’s second Vande Bharat Express began regular service from Thiruvananthapuram to Palakkad on September 26, 2023.
• The train offers modern amenities and reduced travel time.
• Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, emphasizes the commitment to world-class travel experiences.
• Positive occupancy rates and growing popularity are observed in the initial days.
• The train supports sustainable development with regenerative braking systems.

Indian automotive giant Mahindra & Mahindra issued a statement on September 26, responding to a First Information Report (FIR) filed against the company and its Chairman, Anand Mahindra, along with 12 others. The FIR, lodged in Uttar Pradesh, stemmed from a car accident in January 2022 in which a man lost his son. The complainant alleged that the car’s safety features, particularly the airbags, did not function as advertised.

In its statement, Mahindra & Mahindra clarified that the incident in question is more than 18 months old, emphasizing that the reported incident took place in January 2022.

Addressing the allegations about the absence of airbags in the vehicle, the company stated, “We would hence like to categorically reconfirm that the Scorpio S9 variant manufactured in 2020 did have airbags.”

Furthermore, Mahindra & Mahindra noted that they conducted an extensive technical investigation in October 2022. The company’s findings indicated that the airbags had not malfunctioned in the accident. They explained that it was a rollover case, and frontal airbags would not deploy in such circumstances.

The FIR was filed by Rajesh Mishra from Kanpur, who claimed to have purchased a black Scorpio worth Rs 17.40 lakh after being convinced of its safety features promoted through advertisements and social media posts by Mahindra. The car was gifted to his son, Apoorv Mishra, who tragically lost his life in a car accident. The airbags, which were supposed to be installed in the vehicle, allegedly did not deploy.

Mahindra & Mahindra concluded its statement by acknowledging that the matter is currently sub judice and expressed their commitment to cooperating with the authorities for any further investigation.

Summary:

• Mahindra & Mahindra issues statement addressing FIR allegations related to car safety assurances.
• The company clarifies that the incident in question occurred in January 2022 and is more than 18 months old.
• Mahindra & Mahindra confirms that the Scorpio S9 variant manufactured in 2020 had airbags.
• The company’s technical investigation in October 2022 found no airbag malfunction and explained that the accident was a rollover case.
• The FIR was filed by a man who alleged that his son’s car accident was due to non-deployment of airbags.
• Mahindra & Mahindra commits to cooperating with authorities in the ongoing investigation.

Canada’s Deputy Army Chief, Major General Peter Scott, has stated that the recent diplomatic tensions between India and Canada will not impact ongoing bilateral military cooperation. Speaking at the Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs’ Conference (IPACC) in New Delhi, Major General Scott emphasized that the matter must be resolved at the political level.

The ties between the two nations had become strained following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. India promptly dismissed these allegations as “absurd” and “motivated,” resulting in the expulsion of a senior Canadian diplomat in retaliation.

Major General Scott clarified that the military engagement between India and Canada remains unaffected by the diplomatic dispute. He noted that both countries see this issue as a political matter and believe it should not interfere with their military relationship.

“This is an issue between both our countries at a political level. And certainly our Prime Minister… he rose at the House of Commons and made a statement requesting India’s cooperation on the independent investigation that is currently ongoing at this time,” Major General Scott explained.

He further highlighted the commitment of both armies to continue cooperating and finding opportunities for joint training, exercises, and operations among the 30 participating nations at the conference. The primary objective remains to contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

“The way we see right now is that we will continue to cooperate, discuss, and enjoy great forums like this where we can exchange ideas and find solutions to the difficulties facing a lot of the Indo-Pacific nations,” Major General Scott concluded.

The Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs’ Conference, hosted by the Indian Army, aims to develop a common strategy for ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. In his opening address, Chief of Army Staff Gen Manoj Pande reaffirmed India’s commitment to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations in the Indo-Pacific.

News Summary:

• Canada’s Deputy Army Chief, Major General Peter Scott, has stated that the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada will not affect their bilateral military cooperation.
• The dispute arose after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, leading to diplomatic expulsions.
• Major General Scott emphasized that the issue is a political matter and will not interfere with military relations, highlighting a commitment to cooperation, joint training, and peace in the Indo-Pacific.
• The Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs’ Conference, hosted by the Indian Army, seeks to develop a common strategy for ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
• India’s Chief of Army Staff, Gen Manoj Pande, stressed the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity in the region.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modic over the ongoing violence situation in Manipur. He demanded the immediate removal of the BJP’s “incompetent” chief minister, accusing the ruling party of turning Manipur into a battlefield and weaponizing violence against women and children.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kharge expressed his concerns, stating, “For 147 days, the people of Manipur have been suffering, but PM Modi does not have time to visit the state. The horrific images of students being targeted in this violence have once again shocked the entire nation.”

Kharge continued, “It is now apparent that violence against women and children was weaponized in this strife. The beautiful state of Manipur has been turned into a battlefield, all because of the BJP.”

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Kharge added, “It is high time PM Modi sacks BJP’s incompetent Manipur Chief Minister. This would be the first step to control any further turmoil.”

The Congress party has been consistently targeting the BJP-led central government regarding the ongoing violence in Manipur and has questioned why the Prime Minister has not visited the violence-hit state.

The recent photographs of two missing students, Hijam Linthoingambi, 17, and Phijam Hemjit, 20, emerged on social media platforms, revealing their presence in what appears to be a makeshift jungle camp. The tragic incident has further intensified concerns in the state.

The Manipur state government has pledged to take “swift and decisive” action against those responsible for the abduction and murder of the two students. Authorities have urged the public to exercise restraint and allow professionals to conduct the investigation. The police are working in collaboration with central security agencies to uncover the full details of this distressing incident.

The state of Manipur has been gripped by widespread violence since May, following a high court directive that recommended considering the inclusion of the non-tribal Meitei community in the list of Scheduled Tribes (ST), triggering ethnic clashes. The unrest has resulted in over 170 fatalities and numerous injuries.

News Summary:

• Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge calls for the removal of Manipur’s BJP chief minister amidst ongoing violence.
• Kharge accuses the BJP of weaponizing violence against women and children and turning Manipur into a battlefield.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi faces criticism for not visiting the violence-affected state.
• Photographs of two missing students, Hijam Linthoingambi and Phijam Hemjit, in a makeshift jungle camp raise concerns.
• The Manipur state government promises swift action against those responsible for the students’ abduction and murder.
• Over 170 casualties and numerous injuries have occurred in Manipur’s violence since May due to ethnic clashes sparked by a high court directive.

Today, the global community celebrates World Tourism Day, an annual event established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to spotlight the transformative power of tourism in bridging cultures and fostering sustainable development. While the UNWTO officially introduced the observance in 1979, it began being celebrated globally from 1980 onwards. This year, the theme of World Tourism Day is ‘Tourism and green investment,’ emphasizing the necessity for targeted investments that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations’ vision for a better world by 2030.

The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably disrupted the tourism sector, but it also presents an opportunity to reshape tourism investments for a more sustainable future. As the UNWTO states, this moment allows for a recalibration of the industry’s direction and narratives toward a more harmonious world that safeguards cultural heritage, environmental conservation, and mutual understanding.

“In the face of the pandemic, the global tourism workforce will require millions of hospitality graduates annually between now and 2030, and a further 800,000 jobs a year will require specific vocational training,” notes the UNWTO. Therefore, investing in people is crucial, ensuring equal access to quality tourism training worldwide.

As Saudi Arabia currently holds the chair of the UNWTO Executive Council, more than 500 government officials and industry leaders from 120 countries are gathering in Riyadh from September 27 to 28 for the World Tourism Day 2023 celebration. Saudi Arabia’s role highlights its commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and green investments in the sector.

Tourism serves as a powerful catalyst for mutual understanding, building bridges between cultures and nations, and promoting digitalization and innovation. It contributes to a more harmonious world and offers a platform for people to explore history, luxury, heritage, diverse cultures, unique places, and thrilling adventures.

In summary, World Tourism Day 2023 is a momentous occasion for the global community to come together and celebrate the tourism sector’s successes following the challenges posed by COVID-19. It underscores the importance of investing in sustainable tourism practices and fostering a future that benefits both people and the planet.

News Summary:

• World Tourism Day 2023, established by the UNWTO, highlights the transformative power of tourism and its role in bridging cultures.
• This year’s theme, ‘Tourism and green investment,’ underscores the need for sustainable investments aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The COVID-19 pandemic offers an opportunity to reshape tourism investments for a more harmonious world, focusing on cultural heritage, environmental conservation, and mutual understanding.
• Saudi Arabia, as the chair of the UNWTO Executive Council, hosts over 500 officials and industry leaders from 120 countries in Riyadh for the celebration.
• Tourism promotes mutual understanding, bridges cultures, and encourages digitalization and innovation while offering opportunities for exploration and adventure.

As the resplendent Ganesh Chaturthi festivities reach their crescendo, millions of devout Hindus across India are preparing for the culminating event of Ganesh Visarjan, set to take place on the 10th day of the revered festival, September 28, 2023. This emotional farewell marks the moment when Lord Ganesha’s idol, venerated in homes and pandals across the nation, is immersed in water with the hope of His return next year.

Ganeshotsav, celebrated with unparalleled fervor in various states of India, encompasses a diverse array of traditions. While some opt for early Visarjans after 1.5, 3, 5, or 7 days, the final day holds profound significance as it symbolizes Lord Ganesha’s journey back to His heavenly abode.

Rituals for Ganesh Visarjan are a spectacle of devotion and cultural richness. In the early morning hours, families, relatives, and friends unite to perform a heartfelt Lord Ganesha aarti. Sumptuous offerings of modak, fruits, flowers, and other delectables are presented to the revered deity. The idol of Lord Ganesha is meticulously prepared for Visarjan, and a joyous procession ensues, accompanied by celebratory dance, music, and palpable excitement.

Before bidding adieu, devotees seek blessings by applying akshat (rice grains mixed with turmeric) and dahi (curd) on Lord Ganesha’s hands. Lord Ganesha is reverently carried to every corner of the house, bringing forth a sense of good luck and grace. A red cloth is tenderly tied around His idol, enclosing coconut, jaggery, and grains—a symbolic meal believed to nourish Lord Ganesha during His journey home.

A poignant moment is marked when water is sprinkled on the person conducting the puja for Ganapati Visarjan. Before departing for the immersion site, a coconut is offered to Ganpati Bappa and shattered in one swift motion, signifying the union of the devotee’s wishes with the Lord. This coconut is then immersed alongside Lord Ganesha’s idol in the water.

In addition to these sacred customs, auspicious timings for Ganesha Visarjan have been established for devotees’ convenience:

• Morning Muhurat (Shubha): 06:12 AM to 07:42 AM
• Morning Muhurat (Chara, Labha, Amrita): 10:42 AM to 03:11 PM
• Afternoon Muhurat (Shubha): 04:41 PM to 06:11 PM

This joyous occasion transcends religious boundaries, fostering unity, and celebrating the spirit of devotion that is integral to Indian culture. As the melodious sounds of drums and the chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya” fill the air, devotees bid farewell to Lord Ganesha, hoping for His benevolent return in the following year.

The Ganesh Visarjan is a poignant reminder of the impermanence of life and the cyclical nature of existence, offering solace to those who participate in this sacred ritual.

In the words of a devout participant, “Ganesh Visarjan is not just a ritual; it’s an emotional journey where we send off our beloved Lord Ganesha, knowing that He will return to bless us once again.”

As the nation prepares for this emotional farewell, the echoes of devotion and celebration resound through the streets, serving as a testimony to the enduring cultural significance of Ganesh Chaturthi.

News Summary:

• Ganesh Visarjan 2023, marking the culmination of Ganesh Chaturthi, will take place on September 28.
• Devotees across India prepare to bid adieu to Lord Ganesha by immersing His idol in water.
• Rituals include morning aarti, sumptuous offerings, procession, and symbolic customs like coconut breaking.
• Auspicious timings have been designated for the Visarjan.
• The event symbolizes devotion, unity, and the cyclical nature of life, transcending religious boundaries.

The Speaker of Canada’s House of Commons, Anthony Rota, resigned on Tuesday following a controversy surrounding his decision to invite a 98-year-old Nazi veteran, Yaroslav Hunka, to Parliament during a speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Rota introduced Hunka as a war hero who had fought for the First Ukrainian Division, unaware that the division was also known as the Waffen-SS Galicia Division, associated with the Nazis.

The incident occurred just after President Zelenskyy’s address in the House of Commons on Friday when Canadian lawmakers gave Hunka a standing ovation at Speaker Rota’s prompting. Rota’s public recognition of Hunka caused widespread outrage and condemnation.

In his resignation statement, Rota expressed profound regret for his error in recognizing Hunka and acknowledged the pain it had caused to individuals and communities, particularly the Jewish community in Canada and around the world, as well as Nazi survivors in Poland and other nations.

Rota decided to step down after meeting with the House of Commons’ party leaders. All major opposition parties had called for his resignation, with House government leader Karina Gould stating that lawmakers had lost confidence in Rota.

Gould criticized Rota for inviting and recognizing Hunka without informing the government or the Ukrainian delegation, emphasizing that this had broken trust with lawmakers. Members of Parliament from all parties had applauded Hunka on Friday, unaware of his connection to the Nazis.

Canadian Health Minister Mark Holland described the incident as “incredibly embarrassing.” The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies issued a statement stating that it had left a stain on Canada’s legislature and had profound implications both in Canada and globally.

The controversy also had international implications, with Russia seizing the opportunity to criticize Canada. A Kremlin spokesman called the standing ovation given to Hunka “outrageous.” Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously portrayed his enemies in Ukraine as “neo-Nazis,” despite President Zelenskyy being Jewish and having lost relatives in the Holocaust.

Experts noted that the incident had damaged Canada’s diplomatic reputation, with some placing blame on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. While Trudeau’s office was unaware of Hunka’s invitation until after the address, the Speaker’s role in Canada is as an officer of Parliament who does not participate in partisan caucus meetings and is not a member of the Cabinet.

Political scientist Daniel Béland of McGill University in Montreal remarked, “Canada’s reputation is broken. This is by far the biggest hit Canada’s diplomatic reputation has ever taken in history, and it happened under Justin Trudeau’s watch.” Opposition Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre also called for vetting all attendees in the House of Commons during Zelenskyy’s speech.

Historian and University of Toronto professor Robert Bothwell criticized Rota for waiting so long to step down and suggested that an apology from Trudeau would be justified, not on a personal level, but as a responsibility for an event that embarrassed the country.

In response to the controversy, Speaker Rota’s office clarified that its vetting process for gallery visitors primarily focuses on physical security threats rather than reputational threats.

News Summary:

• Canadian House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota resigns over honoring Nazi veteran during Ukrainian President‘s speech.
• Rota introduced Yaroslav Hunka as a war hero without realizing his affiliation with the Nazi Waffen-SS Galicia Division.
• Controversy leads to outrage, loss of confidence in Rota by lawmakers, and criticism from experts.
• International implications as Russia seizes the opportunity to criticize Canada.
• Some place blame on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for the incident.
• Rota’s office clarifies its visitor vetting process.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament and animal rights activist, Maneka Gandhi, has launched a scathing attack on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), accusing the religious organization of selling cows from its gaushalas (cowsheds) to butchers. In response, ISKCON has vehemently denied these allegations, calling them “unsubstantiated and false.”

Gandhi’s accusations surfaced in a viral video where she labeled ISKCON as the “biggest cheat in the country.” She claimed that ISKCON maintains gaushalas and benefits from government support, including vast land holdings. Gandhi’s criticism centered on her visit to ISKCON’s Anantpur Gaushala in Andhra Pradesh, where she alleged that no cow there was incapable of producing milk or calves, suggesting that all were sold.

“ISKCON is selling all its cows to the butchers. No one else does this as much as they do. And they go on and sing ‘Hare Ram Hare Krishna’ on the roads. Then they say their entire life is dependent on milk. Probably, no one has sold as many cattle to the butchers as they did,” Gandhi claimed in the video.

In response to these allegations, ISKCON’s national spokesperson, Yudhistir Govinda Das, strongly refuted the claims. He asserted that ISKCON has been at the forefront of cow and bull protection and care, not only in India but globally. “The cows and bulls are served for their life, not sold to butchers as alleged,” he stated.

According to an official statement from ISKCON, the religious body has pioneered cow protection efforts in many parts of the world where beef is a staple diet. The statement expressed surprise at Maneka Gandhi’s allegations, considering her reputation as an animal rights activist and a well-wisher of ISKCON.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness, closely associated with the Hare Krishna movement, boasts hundreds of temples and millions of devotees worldwide.

This controversy comes on the heels of a recent incident where one of ISKCON’s monks criticized Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Paramahansa. In response, ISKCON swiftly banned the monk, Amogh Lila Das, and sent him for atonement after his comments sparked a significant controversy.

Summary:

• BJP MP Maneka Gandhi accuses ISKCON of selling cows to butchers, labeling them the “biggest cheat in the country.”
• Gandhi’s accusations were made in a viral video, claiming ISKCON sells all its cows from gaushalas.
• ISKCON vehemently denies the allegations, emphasizing their global efforts in cow and bull protection.
• The religious body expresses surprise at Gandhi’s statements, considering her reputation as an animal rights activist.
• This controversy follows a recent incident where an ISKCON monk criticized Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Paramahansa.

The Sri Lankan government’s decision on whether to permit the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 to dock at the Colombo port in October remains uncertain, as it grapples with diplomatic intricacies involving Indian security concerns. The vessel’s current location in the mid-ocean, en route to Sri Lanka, has raised questions about the delicate balancing act Sri Lanka faces in the Indian Ocean region.

Mixed Signals from Sri Lanka: The Ranil Wickremesinghe-led government has been sending mixed signals regarding the docking permission for the Chinese vessel. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry recently stated that Colombo had not granted permission due to Indian security concerns. However, Sabry also mentioned that negotiations were ongoing, and if the vessel adhered to Sri Lanka’s standard operating procedures (SOPs), there might be no obstacles.

President Wickremesinghe had previously asserted that there were no Chinese spy ships in Sri Lanka and that docking permission would be granted if the vessel followed Sri Lanka’s SOPs. The Shi Yan 6 is scheduled to conduct joint military scientific research in Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and beyond in October-November 2023.

Chinese Research Vessel Activity in the Indian Ocean: Since 2019, a total of 48 Chinese scientific research vessels have been deployed in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), primarily in the Bay of Bengal, south of the Arabian Sea, and towards the Persian Gulf. This increased presence has raised concerns among neighboring countries, particularly India.

Economic Ties and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): India is closely monitoring Sri Lanka’s decision on permitting the Shi Yan 6 to dock in Colombo, with the expectation that a final decision will be made during President Wickremesinghe’s visit to Beijing in October for the 10th-anniversary celebration of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Sri Lanka’s economic challenges, exacerbated by high-interest loans and infrastructure projects funded by the Chinese EXIM bank under the BRI, have deepened over the years. The Hambantota seaport was leased to China for 99 years during Wickremesinghe’s tenure as a Cabinet Minister and Prime Minister, as Sri Lanka struggled to repay loans.

Vessel’s Recent Movements: The Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 entered the Indian Ocean via the Malacca Straits on September 23, and it was observed in Singapore on September 14. It left its homeport, Guangzhou, on September 10.

Geopolitical Tensions in the Region: While India has emphasized Sri Lanka’s need to address its security and strategic concerns, China’s influence in Sri Lanka has grown through mounting debt and intelligence penetration. Sri Lanka may choose to delay granting permission for the research vessel’s docking, possibly hoping that the November turbulence in the Indian Ocean will impact the situation.

News Summary:

• Sri Lanka’s decision on whether to allow the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 to dock in Colombo in October is uncertain, with diplomatic complexities related to Indian security concerns.
• Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry stated that permission had not been granted due to Indian security concerns but suggested negotiations were ongoing.
• President Ranil Wickremesinghe previously indicated that docking permission would be granted if the vessel followed Sri Lanka’s standard operating procedures.
• China has deployed 48 scientific research vessels in the Indian Ocean Region since 2019, causing concerns among neighboring countries.
• India is closely monitoring the situation, expecting a decision during President Wickremesinghe’s visit to Beijing for the Belt and Road Initiative celebration in October.
• Sri Lanka’s economic challenges, tied to the Belt and Road Initiative, have deepened over the years.
• The Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 entered the Indian Ocean recently, following a route that has raised questions about Sri Lanka’s decision-making.
• Tensions between India and China in the Indian Ocean region continue to be a geopolitical concern.