Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) Underscoring the strategic importance of the US naval support facility at Diego Garcia, lawmakers and a senior State Department official have said that safeguarding Indian Ocean sea lanes is central to countering China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.
Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) Lawmakers pressed the State Department to make the US ambassador to India available for congressional testimony, underscoring the strategic importance of the bilateral relationship and calling for greater oversight.
Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) US lawmakers pressed the State Department over the fate of Afghan allies awaiting relocation, raising concerns about payments for voluntary return and the planned closure of a processing facility housing more than 1,000 Afghans.
Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) The United States expressed optimism ahead of Bangladesh’s elections, describing the vote as a new chapter in its engagement in South Asia, even as lawmakers debated how Washington should support democratic transitions in the region.
Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) The United States has described Pakistan as “another important partner” in South Asia, outlining cooperation on critical minerals, trade and counterterrorism even as lawmakers highlighted regional tensions and the risks of instability.
Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) Lawmakers questioned whether the Quad is being given sufficient prominence in the US’ Indo-Pacific strategy, even as the State Department defended the grouping as a “very important platform” central to balancing China’s influence.
Ottawa, Feb 12 (IANS) The shooter who killed eight people in British Columbia has been identified as a transgender female by officials, who said the person's mother and stepbrother were among the victims.
Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) Calling South Asia “vitally important,” US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia S. Paul Kapur told lawmakers that India’s size and location make it the region’s anchor, arguing that a strong, independent New Delhi helps prevent any “single hegemon” from imposing “coercive leverage” over the Indo-Pacific.
United Nations, Feb 12 (IANS) As Bangladesh goes to the polls, the world organisation has expressed concern over the reports of violence against and harassment of women candidates and voters, especially those emanating digitally, and called for a "zero-tolerance approach".
Dhaka, Feb 12 (IANS) Bangladesh is set to hold its crucial parliamentary elections on Thursday, nearly 18 months after the collapse of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule following massive nationwide protests.
