India

Egyptian President al-Sisi invited to the G20 in Delhi during the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Egypt in 26 years. During his stay, Modi visited the al-Hakim mosque, a place dear to a small Islamic community in Gujarat, allied with the BJP. This comes after he dismissed a reporter’s question in Washington centred on allegations that several Indian laws and policies violate the rights of Muslims.

The testimony of Fr. Ajo Thelappilly, an Indian Catholic priest who has been a missionary for a decade in one of the poorest areas in the foothills of the Himalayas. "The local Church here is still in its infancy." The dream of being able to snatch the little ones from work in markets or city hotels.

Day of Paryer called by Bishops' Conference president Msgr. Thazhath to invoke from God the gift of peace and raise awareness of the violence between Meitei and Kuki in the northeastern state. Imphal Archbishop Msgr. Lumon: "We are working to reopen dialogue between the two communities, but the situation remains stuck. Only prayer can help us." Already today in Mumbai an initiative by Card. Gracias.

Today's headines: Moscow on tenterhooks over Wagner Company mutiny, which claims to have taken control of Rostov; Indian oppositions in Patna discuss "common front" against Modi (but Kejrival and Congress remain divided); Islamabad government confirms: 350 Pakistanis aboard migrant ship wrecked in Aegean Sea; Beijing heatwave breaks records for most number of days above 40 degrees; First Ocha convoy in Idlib after earthquake.

A series of deals and investments in semiconductor testing and assembly in India were agreed during PM Modi's visit, but production will still have to wait. Some defence agreements have also been signed, not only to counter Beijing, but also to free Delhi from dependence on Moscow. Despite criticism for the deterioration of human rights at home, the visit was a great success for the Indian prime minister in view of next year's elections.

In a video message, the former Congress leader speaks of an 'unprecedented' event that 'devastated' people's lives and caused a 'deep wound' in the nation's conscience. People forced to flee their homes, long-time brothers and sisters and now driven to 'turn against each other'. The responsibilities of the central and state governments that 'must' maintain law and order.

Today's headlines: Japan's emperor and empress visit a cemetery for independence heroes in Indonesia; Glaciers in the Hindu Kush are melting at an "unprecedented" rate; An activist for independent Sikh state is killed in Canada; Five Palestinians killed in Jenin; In Taiwan kindergarten teachers accused of drugging children; Two Pakistanis aboard submarine lost in Atlantic.

A report issued six weeks into violent clashes between Meitei and Kuki , Msgr. Lumon's harsh denunciation "Worrying silence from Prime Minister Modi. In Imphal fear, uncertainty and a general sense of hopelessness." The conflict itself is not religious, but outside forces are working to make it so: "All the churches in the Christian Metei have also been affected." Caution not to further exacerbate tempers and thanks to other dioceses for solidarity.

Last Friday, new passengaer services were inaugurated between the two South Asian countries. For Ports Minister de Silva, this will boost “longstanding ties” and “tourism”. The Sri Lankan Navy played a key role in the construction by providing manpower and expertise.

Today's headlines: Thai government holds peace talks in Myanmar but Asean countries decline invitation; Nearly 100 deaths in India from heat waves; Qatar wants to reduce Iraq's energy dependence on Iran; Russia and Algeria vow they "will never be enemies."

Card Alencherry announced the request made by the bishops at the end of their meeting for the archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, where the "unified" rite for the Eucharistic celebration has been rejected. Meanwhile, the local basilica closed for more than 200 days will reopen, but the Holy Qurbana can only take place in accordance with the rite established by the Synod.

India’s prime minister will be in New York and Washington from 21 to 24 June, a visit described as “historic” by US officials. In fact, Delhi has nurtured this relationship for some time, favoured by the presence of a large Indian diaspora in the US. Its aim goes beyond containing China. Farwa Aamer, director of South Asia Initiatives at the Asia Society Policy Institute, talked to AsiaNews about it.