Akshay Kumar downplays romancing Wamiqa Gabbi, 32, in Bhooth Bangla, Priyadarshan says 'actor's screen age is different'Apart from Akshay Kumar, Bhoot Bangla director Priyadarshan also addressed the age-gap, emphasising that he sees no issue with it. Mar 25, 2026
CoinDCX promoters Sumit Gupta and Neeraj Khandelwal, arrested in a ₹71.6 lakh fraud case, were granted bail by a Thane court. The duo was accused of cheating an insurance advisor with false cryptocurrency investment and franchise promises. Their defense argued mistaken identity
Jewar Airport latest update: IndiGo, Akasa Air and Air India Express confirm flight operations, expected routes, and launch timeline for Noida International Airport. The upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar is set to emerge as a major aviation hub for North India
Energy-related infrastructure in Iran’s Isfahan province and the southwestern city of Khorramshahr has been struck, according to Iran’s semiofficial Fars news agency. The reported attacks come a day after US President Donald Trump announced a pause by extending his deadline for Iran to halt
The controversy surrounding the Satara Zilla Parishad elections has intensified into a major political confrontation, with the suspension of the district’s top police officer following allegations of high-handedness. Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe Monday ordered the
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season is set to get underway on March 28 with defending champions Royal Challengers Begaluru facing Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. With a fresh stack of players across all 10 franchise following the mini-auction process from last
A Delhi court on Tuesday sentenced Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment, PTI reported. Andrabi, alleged to be the founder and chief of the banned all-women separatist group Dukhtaraan-e-Millat, and two of her associates had been convicted under the Unlawful Activities
Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has sparked fresh buzz after viewers realised that the character Pinda is inspired by real-life drug dealer and militant Rinda. This detail is now being widely discussed as fans connect the film’s story with real events
MEA Secretary (East), Periasamy Kumaran, highlighted that discussions on the Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea should be effective, substantive, and inclusive of the interests of all stakeholders, including those not party to the negotiations.
'We Support Freedom Of Navigational Overflight, Legitimate Commerce Through South China Sea': MEA
MEA Secretary (East), Periasamy Kumaran, highlighted that discussions on the Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea should be effective, substantive, and inclusive of the interests of all stakeholders, including those not party to the negotiations.
NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday reiterated its steadfast position on the South China Sea, asserting its support for freedom of navigation, overflight, and legitimate commerce through the region, which it views as part of the "global commons", noting that the stance is rooted in international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
During a special press briefing on the occasion of the state visit of the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, to India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that India has a long-standing interest in peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, underscoring that any disputes in the region should be resolved peacefully, without the threat or use of force, and through legal and diplomatic means.
MEA Secretary (East), Periasamy Kumaran, highlighted that discussions on the Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea should be effective, substantive, and inclusive of the interests of all stakeholders, including those not party to the negotiations. "Our position on the South China Sea is clear and consistent. We consider the South China Sea as a part of global commons and we support freedom of navigational overflight in the region and legitimate commerce through the waters of the South China Sea. India has an abiding interest in peace and stability in the region, and our position is based on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982," Kumaran stated.
Add Zee News as a Preferred Source
"India also believes that any difference between the parties concerned should be resolved peacefully by respecting the legal and diplomatic processes and without resorting to the threat or use of force. We have also said that the discussions on the code of conduct that come out of these discussions should be effective and substantive and it should also take into account the interests of the parties which are not part of the COC negotiations. The PM himself had said in his joint statement that 'We support the freedom of navigation based on international law'; that broadly sums up our policy there," he added.
This remark came following a statement by Spokesperson of China's People's Liberation Army's Southern Theatre Command calling out the Philippines for organising "joint patrols" with "external countries", noting that these exercises undermine regional peace and stability. "The Philippines has been rallying an external country to interfere in the South China Sea by organising so-called "joint patrols", which undermine regional peace and stability. PLA Southern Theatre Command's forces remain on high alert, resolutely defending national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," the Spokesperson said.
The statement was a veiled reference to India recent joint naval exercise with the Philippines, where three Indian Naval Ships, INS Delhi, INS Shakti and INS Kiltan of the Eastern Fleet, took part for operational deployment in Southeast Asia. The exercise was led by Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, Rear Admiral Susheel Menon.
India and the Philippines, in a Joint Declaration on the "Establishment of a Strategic Partnership", following Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippines President Marcos meeting, have also reaffirmed their position on the matter, underscoring their commitment to upholding international law, unimpeded lawful commerce and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.
Both nations also expressed concern over coercive and aggressive actions that threaten peace and stability in the South China Sea and called on all relevant parties to exercise restraint and commit to peaceful, constructive means of dispute resolution. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, while also supporting the enhancement of engagement under the ASEAN framework, the joint statement stated.
Both countries also recognised the crucial role of the seas and oceans in supporting their development goals and shared challenges on maritime security as coastal and maritime nations in the Indo-Pacific. They exchanged views on regional maritime challenges, committed to sharing best practices, and pledged to enhance cooperation between maritime agencies and institutions for the peaceful and sustainable use of marine resources, including collaboration on maritime domain awareness, shipbuilding, coastal surveillance, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, pollution control, and search and rescue operations, as stated in the statement.
The two nations expressed interest in greater participation in multilateral maritime exercises, including the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise, India's Exercise MILAN, and the Philippines' Maritime Cooperative Activities and furthermore agreed to enhance security cooperation through regular dialogue and engagement on peacekeeping operations, cyber security, military medicine, critical technologies, and economic security matters.
India and the Philippines also agreed to deepen cooperation under the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, aiming to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. They reiterated their shared commitment to working together on issues concerning the Global South, including through continued cooperation in the Voice of the Global South Summit (VOGSS).
Source: ZeeNews
Related Posts: Nicolas Cage in discussions to lead ‘True Detective’ season five India says no discussions on deploying warships to Strait of Hormuz Shashi Tharoor declines to comment on discussions with CPI(M) in Dubai Piyush Goyal-Led Delegation To Visit US On Sept 22 For Trade Deal Discussions "Look forward to meaningful discussions MEA refutes claim that US military is using Indian ports to attack Iran MEA Shuts Down Rumours AAP MP Kang urges MEA to act on stranded Indians in Spain MEA Denies Involvement Amid Row Over No Women Journalists At Taliban PC
IndiGo warns of demand hit as Iran war drives up flight ticket pricesIndiGo's warnings come even as an escalating Iran war continues to rattle global crude oil markets and complicates flight paths. Published on: Mar 24, 2026 5:13 PM IST By HT Business Desk Share via Copy link IndiGo has warned that
8 hours ago
Losing stubborn belly fat isn’t just about cutting calories, but it’s about choosing the right kind of movement. The fat stored around your abdomen, especially visceral fat, is closely linked to metabolism and overall health. The good news is that you don’t need hours in the gym
8 hours ago
And so the long goodbye begins for the 'Egyptian King' - undoubtedly, one of the greatest footballers the Premier League has ever seen. Mohamed Salah has worn the Liverpool shirt 435 times across all competitions. At most, he will get the opportunity up to 15 more times between now and the end of
8 hours ago
At his factory in Visakhapatnam, Sanjeev Relhan produces surgical gowns and protective gear that doctors and nurses routinely use in hospitals while handling an infectious patient or for a surgery. Usually, Relhan sells gowns to hospitals for Rs 80 a piece. In the last few days
8 hours ago
Kerala Police asks X to remove posts related to ECI document with BJP sealKerala Police on Tuesday issued notices to social media users and asked platform X to remove posts related to an Election Commission of India (ECI) document that carried the seal of the BJP Published on: Mar 25
8 hours ago
JICA is eager to partner with India on semiconductor and new energy initiatives. The agency plans to invest JPY 275 billion this year, a significant increase from last year's JPY 191 billion. JICA's chief representative, Takeuchi Takuro, highlighted semiconductor manufacturing and biogas as key
8 hours ago
One minute, he’s catching heat for a quiet cameo in the Madrid derby. And the next, he’s at the centre of a bizarre controversy that’s got France and Spain pointing fingers — and Real Madrid sweating. Mbappe’s substitute appearance against Atletico Madrid didn’t exactly wow anyone
8 hours ago
Premier League’s edge blunted as La Liga continues to dictate tempo and control in Champions League Updated on: Mar 25, 2026 6:08 AM IST By Aditya Maheshwari Share via Copy link Premier League may be the most competitive, but La Liga’s technical edge outclasses it in the UEFA Champions League
8 hours ago
Once operational, will Jewar International Airport in Noida, likely to be inaugurated on March 28, be India’s largest airport? There is understandable confusion around this claim. But the short answer is — not yet. But it could be India’s largest airport in the future
8 hours ago
If you cancel between 24 hours and 8 hours before the journey, 50% of your ticket fare will be cut, along with the minimum applicable charge. The Indian Railways has made some major changes to its ticket cancellation fee. From now on, if you cancel your ticket between 24 to 72 hours before the
8 hours ago
Globally, tuberculosis remains the leading cause of death and according to the World Health Organization, over 10.7 million people fell ill with TB in 2024, with more than 1.25 million deaths recorded globally. Despite decades of medical advances
8 hours ago
A tarot reader predicts financial growth for these 5 zodiac signs before March 2026 ends. Here’s whyMarch 2026 Horoscope: According to a tarot reader, Manisha Koushik, a few zodiac signs may experience financial progress before the month ends. Published on: Mar 25
8 hours ago
From April 1, 2026, filing your income tax return (ITR) is set to undergo a significant transformation. With the new Income-tax Rules, 2026 coming into effect, the government is not just tweaking forms—it is reshaping how income, tax and deductions are reported across the system.From April 1
8 hours ago
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has decided to withdraw the temporary fare caps on domestic airfares starting today (March 23). New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has decided to withdraw the temporary fare caps on domestic airfares starting today (March 23)
8 hours ago
22-year-old UK woman lands job in Bengaluru, asks if relocating to India is safeThe woman shared that she is also worried about feeling lonely in a new country if she decides to move from the UK to India. Published on: Mar 25, 2026 6:10 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link A 22-year-old
8 hours ago
The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed by voice vote the 2026 Transgender Persons Protection of Rights Amendment Bill. The bill will now be moved to the Rajya Sabha. If cleared by the Upper House of Parliament, it will be sent for presidential assent. Introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 13
8 hours ago
Opposition parties are carefully responding to a government proposal to speed up the Women's Reservation Act. They are not opposing it directly but are requesting an all-party meeting. This meeting is proposed to take place after the upcoming assembly elections conclude
8 hours ago
Apex court issued broad directions to correct past injustices and to guarantee equal opportunities in the future. In a landmark judgment stregthening gender equality in the armed forces, the Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that women Short Service Commission (SSC) officers are entitled to Permanent
8 hours ago
HDFC Bank has appointed domestic law firms Wadia Ghandy and Trilegal, along with a leading US-based firm, to review the circumstances surrounding former chairman Atanu Chakraborty’s abrupt resignation, according to a report by The Economic Times (ET), citing people familiar with the matter
8 hours ago
Singer-rapper Badshah has reportedly tied the knot with Punjabi actress and model Isha Rikhi. Recently, Isha’s mother, Poonam, took to her Instagram handle and shared a series of pictures which suggest that the two are now married. In the photos
8 hours ago
Malaika Arora, in a recent interview, mentioned that she is a massive fan of two Thai dishes. She spoke about her love for green Thai curry rice and mango sticky rice and went on to share how she makes these dishes at home. Green Thai curry or Gaeng Khiao Wan is a fragrant coconut milk-based dish
8 hours ago
Delays in visa appointment scheduling are affecting not only H-1B visa holders but also H-4 dependents, L-1/L-2 employees, and F-1 students. After arriving in India in December, holders with H-1B visas are now ‘stranded in their home country’
9 hours ago
Thousands of Malayalees return home from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other Gulf states during election seasons to exercise their franchise. Expatriate groups even arrange chartered flights for their members to travel. This year this crowd would have been bigger
9 hours ago
Nandini, the dairy brand of Karnataka Milk Federation, will be the Official Dairy Partner for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 2026 IPL season. This partnership unites two prominent Karnataka-based brands. The collaboration aims to connect with passionate RCB fans
9 hours ago
On March 19, Ras Laffan, the largest liquified natural gas terminal in the world, supplying one-fifth of the world’s super-chilled fuel, was hit by Iranian missiles and drones. The Qatari terminal suffered substantial damage in the strikes – fires were raging across the gas-to-liquids facility
9 hours ago
Four European teams will secure their 2026 World Cup spots this week. Sixteen nations are vying for these final four places. Italy faces Northern Ireland in Path A. Ukraine meets Sweden in Path B. Kosovo plays Slovakia in Path C. The Republic of Ireland takes on the Czech Republic in Path D
9 hours ago
Honda’s homecoming at the Japanese Grand Prix was supposed to be a celebration. Instead, it’s shaping up to be an ugly yet much-needed reality check. To state that the new regulations haven’t been kind to Honda — and Aston Martin, in turn — would be an understatement
9 hours ago
