The Indian Weekender, September 25, 2020

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Editorial Harnessing strategic ties with Dhaka Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has recently written a book on India’s position on the implementation of foreign policy. The book was virtually launched last Thursday in Delhi at a function organised by the Observer Research Foundation. Jaishankar had written the book after retiring as Foreign Secretary. At the time, he had no idea that he would become the Foreign Minister. In a discussion titled, ‘Broad Canvas of Indian Diplomacy during Pandemic’ organised by the Indian Council of World Affairs, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said unequivocally last Friday that our foreign policy is ‘neighbourhood first’. What he didn’t mention was that at present China and Pakistan are colluding together to test India’s military preparedness and the resolve to deal with what is termed as “two front war.” In Moscow, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to the Chinese delegates, even tried to understand Moscow’s temperament. In a situation of this sort, China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar require Bangladesh more than ever. Meanwhile, a self-interested group has started to spread the word in both India and Bangladesh that China has already made an offer to Sheikh Hasina’s government that it will hold trials for the Coronavirus vaccine in Dhaka and that Dhaka has agreed to the trials. On the other hand, despite being such a great friend of Bangladesh, India isn’t doing anything! Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla’s recent visit to Dhaka must be understood in this context. And after returning from this tour, the Cabinet of Modi Government called for a meeting and pledged to give the Covid-19 vaccine to Dhaka first. The Cabinet has approved an agreement between the two countries, stating that India will give the vaccine to Bangladesh as soon as it arrives. If Oxford or any other organisation or any other country gives these vaccines to India, India’s Institute of Serology will send them to various neighbouring countries in South Asia. In Dhaka the distribution will be done through various non governmental organisations. As for the reason behind providing the vaccine to Bangladesh on priority, India has called Bangladesh a ‘strategic’ partner. Beximco Pharmaceuticals of Bangladesh has signed an agreement with Serum Institute of India for the Covid vaccine. On the other hand, Dhaka has not yet signed any agreement with China regarding a vaccine, only trials have been approved. It is pertinent to remind readers in Bangladesh that at the behest of Modi and Jaishankar, Shringla went to Dhaka in this Corona situation and held a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during which a detailed discussion took place about the Covid-19 vaccine. The draft of the bilateral agreement was finalised at this meeting. The agreement reaffirms the triumph of the earlier friendship between these two countries. The journey of the bilateral friendship, which began in 1971 with the birth of an independentsovereign Bangladesh continues even today. Shringla will be visiting Myanmar soon. He had assured Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka that India will keep in mind this strategic relationship in resolving the Rohingya issue. This time around, India will enact an active role in order to solve the problem. India will act as an informal mediator with the Myanmar government and will then raise the issue at the UN General Assembly in September. Shringla went to Dhaka as the Foreign Secretary. He mentioned a special route for the Rohingya from Bangladesh to Myanmar, so that a consensus could be reached . India is particularly active in this regard but does not want to ruin the friendly relations with Myanmar. Friendship with Myanmar is important for India. As for Bangladesh, it wants India’s Foreign Secretary to go to Myanmar but that the Indian Government should make no statement which could hurt Bangladesh’s sovereign interests. The Bangladesh government has seen how the Sri Lankan government fell into a debt trap by borrowing from China. Sri Lanka signed a 99-year-old lease agreement with Merchant Port Holdings Limited in 2016 and for that reason took $ 1.12 billion. But it fell short of the terms of the Exim Bank of China. To get out of the trap of past debt, Sri Lanka had to take further loans. The balance of payments situation in the country is extremely serious. Hence, Bangladesh is putting its trust in India’s longterm friendship without falling into China’s trap. From Dhaka to Delhi to Kolkata, everywhere there have been articles, television talk shows, round table conferences at midnight. We all want democracy to last long in both the countries. Covid-19 has ruined the economy. India is committed to the Sheikh Hasina government. In the age of globalisation, no state can adopt a ‘walk alone’ policy. There is great significance of the India-Bangladesh border. Therefore, by saying that Bangladesh is its strategic partner, India wants to end all misunderstanding. For the same reason Shringla announced that India will resolve all the outstanding issues. Thought of the week “Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.” –Wilma Rudolph. 25 September – 1 October 2020 Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu On-and-off rain and drizzle 16° 9° Partly sunny 15° 8° 17° 9° Indian Weekender : Volume 12 Issue 28 Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited Content Editor: Sandeep Singh | sandeep@indianweekender.co.nz Chief Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | rizwan@indianweekender.co.nz Chief Technical Officer: Rohan deSouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz Sr Graphics and Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | design@indianweekender.co.nz Accounts and Admin.: 09-2173623 | accounts@indianweekender.co.nz Media Sales Manager.: Leena Pal: 021 952 216 | leena@indianweekender.co.nz Sales and Distribution: 021 952218 | sales@indianweekender.co.nz Editor at Large: Dev Nadkarni | dev@indianweekender.co.nz Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher is not responsible for advertisers’ claims as appearing in the publication Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent the views of the team at the Indian Weekender Kiwi Media Publishing Limited - 133A, Level 1, Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland. Printed at Horton Media, Auckland Parlty sunny Clouds and sun 14° 10° A touch o dafr This week in New Zealand’s history 15° 10° Copyright 2017. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved. Sunshine and pactcy clouds 16° 9° 26 September 1865 Native Rights Act declares Māori British subjects A few morning showers The Act deemed all Māori to be natural-born subjects of the Crown, confirming in law the treaty promise that Māori were to be accorded the same status as other British subjects. 27 September 1974 William Sutch charged with spying On a rainy night, Security Intelligence Service (SIS) agents gatecrashed a meeting between William Sutch and Dimitri Razgovorov in Aro St, Wellington. The SIS believed that Sutch, a prominent economist and former senior public servant, was passing information to Razgovorov, a Soviet diplomat. 27 September 2013 Lorde releases Pure heroine in New Zealand and Australia Following the success of her single ‘Royals’, Lorde’s first studio album Pure heroine debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 charts and went on to become one of the world’s best-selling albums of 2014. 28 September 1899 New Zealand answers the empire's call to arms Premier Richard ‘King Dick’ Seddon asked Parliament to approve an offer to the British government of a contingent of mounted riflemen to serve in South Africa. Amid emotional scenes, the members overwhelmingly endorsed the motion – only five voted against it. 29 September 1862 New Zealand's first professional opera performance The first professional opera performance in New Zealand was put on by members of the English Opera Troupe and the Royal Princess Theatre Company. 30 September 1878 Great Flood hits South Island In the pre-dawn darkness, a house in Balclutha near the banks of the flooded Clutha River was struck by a huge tree that had been uprooted and swept intact into the current. Clinging onto the roof for dear life, Frederick Rehberg ‘coo-eed’ frantically for help. 1 October 1986 Goods and Services Tax Act introduced Adding 10 per cent to the cost of most goods and services, GST was a key part of the economic reforms of the fourth Labour government – dubbed ‘Rogernomics’ after Minister of Finance Roger Douglas. 15° 9°
The Indian Weekender Friday, September 25, 2020 FIJI 13 COVID-19 vaccine still guaranteed to those who can afford it: PM Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says Fiji and other developing nations are forced to watch social progress over decades slip through our collective fingers. Bainimarama says this comes in the face of new and terrifying challenges. He adds that months into economically devastating lockdowns and border closures, a COVID-19 vaccine is still only guaranteed for those who can afford it. While speaking at the highlevel meeting commemorating of the UN General Assembly’s 75th Anniversary, the Prime Minister also touched on the growing effects of climate change among the recent challenges posed by the Pandemic. “Five years post Paris, global 1970 Independence Order well preserved Most Fijians might be curious about the status of important documents that were either signed or handed over by His Royal Highness, Prince Charles on Fiji’s Independence Day in 1970. FBC News delved into the National Archives of Fiji to take a glance at Fiji’s Independence Order or our first constitution which paved the way for the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara’s administration in the 1970s. Assistant Archivist Xavier Fesaitu says fifty-years on – researchers, students, and individuals are still after historic records for perusal. “Lately, since we are going towards the 50th anniversary of Fiji’s independence we have been receiving a lot of requests with regards to these records. People are looking at the history of Fiji, and this is one of the founding document of our country.” Archives Assistant Makelesi Rokoleka says they have restoration processes for the longevity of the valuable pieces of paper for public access and preservation. “When they see there is a need to repair this document, they will bring it down and we will have to do our processes on restoration. If pages are torn we’ll have to mend it with special tapes or will have to restore it using special tissues. And if there is a need for washing of these pages, we’ll have to go through various processes.” Among the Independence Day records at the National Archives are historical photographs and audiovisual materials. These are also in high demand from various stakeholders for exhibition and display purposes leading up to the 10th of next month. temperature rise is still projected to rocket past the 2, 3 or even 4-degree mark. Our ocean ecosystems are acidifying and a sixth mass extinction event is already underway. I ask anyone feeling bleak about the prospects of 2020 to imagine the world 75 years on from today should our foresight continue to fail us.” Bainimarama says 50 years ago Fiji recognized we had far more to gain than we could ever give this UN Assembly adding that this also rings true for even the mightiest countries in the world. The Prime Minister says every nation large or small, stands a better chance at our best future by acting in solidarity. Bainimarama adds that guided by the UN, countries are building a world of peace, but he also stresses that a world of net-zero emissions, sustainably-managed oceans, gender equity, digital inclusivity and equitable development is no less critical. He says we have the means to make that world a reality by meeting the year 75 of the UN with a political fortitude to see it built. For this to happen, Bainimarama says multilateralism must deliver once again and if leaders give voice and vigor to that purpose, then our people, children and their children will all see the greatest gain. Fiji’s contribution to the UN driven by genuine care: PM Fiji’s contribution to the United Nations has been driven by a genuine care for those less fortunate than ourselves. These were the sentiment shared by the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama while speaking at the commemoration of the UN General Assembly 75th Anniversary. Bainimarama adds that Fiji’s contribution is evident through the Fijian peacekeepers who have defended the defenseless in the world’s most conflict ridden regions. He adds that Fiji is also driven by an uncompromising passion for the protection of our natural world. “Our oceans diplomacy spearheaded the United Nations law of the sea, of which Fiji was the first signatory. Today, we light the way towards the sustainable management of the ocean and its resources. Fiji was the first country to ratify the Paris Agreement as well as the first small island state to lead the climate negotiations as president of COP23.” The Prime Minister also highlighted that today, Fiji is among the nations committed to net zero emissions by 2050. Bainimarama says he can still recall the optimism and sense among our people that Fiji had something good to give the world when we joined the UN Assembly three days after gaining independence in October, 1970. WHO rates Fiji’s COVID-19 testing as 100% compliant Minister for Health, Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete says that the World Health Organization has assessed Fiji and has declared that Fiji’s COVID-19 testing is 100 percent compliant of the highest calibre of testing. While receiving COVID-19 PCR Test kits from South Korea, Dr. Waqainabete says Fiji’s Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama delivers statement on the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Picture: SUPPLIED PM Bainimarama joins world leaders in calling for solidarity and multilateralism Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarma joined world leaders in calling for solidarity and multilateralism to realise the shared vision on global peace and prosperity at the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Over 150 Prime Ministers’ and President’s participated in this historic event commemorated on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the UN which commenced at the United Nations (UN), at New York headquarters yesterday. The Year 2020 testing is rigid and stringent and if Fiji says someone is COVID-19 negative then that person is negative or if someone is COVID-19 positive then that person is COVID-19 positive. Fiji has done 10,000 COVID-19 tests so far. Dr. Waqainabete says the testing kits donated by South Korea will further enhance Fiji’s testing capability. signifies the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Founded at the end of the 2nd World War, the UN has evolved into the most important body for global governance, international peace and security and development. Mr Bainimarama reflected on Fiji’s partnership with the United Nations "I recall the optimism of that moment; that sense among our people that Fiji had something good to give the world and something much larger to gain from a multilateral pursuit of peace" in advancing its mandate on global prosperity. “On the 10th of October, 1970, Fiji became an independent country. Three days later, we joined this Assembly. “I recall the optimism of that moment; that sense among our people that Fiji had something good to give the world and something much larger to gain from a multilateral pursuit of peace. "For 50 years, Fiji’s contribution to the United Nations has been driven by genuine care for those less fortunate than ourselves and uncompromising passion for the protection of our natural world.” Mr Bainimarama reminded the UN that “Fijian Peacekeepers have served more than 40 years defending the defenceless in the World’s most conflict ridden regions”. The Health Minister adds that measures at Fiji’s borders have been robust and the broader health unit agents have worked tirelessly to protect everyone beyond those points. He says the government will continue to work hard in protecting all Fijians in this unorthodox health pandemic period.
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The Indian Weekender, September 25, 2020

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