Corporate Advisor. Distinguished Fellow, ORF. Ex-envoy to Canada, Pakistan, Poland, Lithuania. Author: Anger Management (on Indo-Pak dip ties). 🏌️
New Delhi, India
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Meaningful at multiple levels. Before leaving Pakistan, planted a sapling for a better future.
Planting a greener future. #IndiainPakistan has planted 150 trees in its chancery and residential complex as homage to #MahatmaGandhi for his #150thBirthAnniversary. The 150th sapling on our green campus was planted by HC @AjayBis. @DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia @PMOIndia #Bapuat150
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Honoured to be appointed today as India’s High Com to #Canada.
2year assignment in Pakistan formally ends. Fond memories of the roller coaster ride, it’s many special moments. Farewell to friends in Pakistan and to the outstanding Team @IndiainPakistan flying the flag high.
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And the flag will keep flying over @IndiainPakistan
The 73rd #IndependanceDay of India was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the High Commission of India in Pakistan. Chargé d'affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia unfurled the National Flag and read out the President's message. @ajaybis @DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia @PMOIndia
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He’s home! Delighted that #HamidAnsari has returned to his family this evening after six agonising years in Pakistani jails. @IndiainPakistan
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Heart-breaking tragedy in Canada: 5 Indians students passed away in an auto accident near Toronto on Saturday. Two others in hospital. Deepest condolences to the families of the victims. @IndiainToronto team in touch with friends of the victims for assistance. @MEAIndia
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Signing off today as India’s High Commissioner to Canada. Thank you for being part of this fulfilling journey, for the friendship and support. On to new beginnings, new adventures. @HCI_Ottawa
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Building bridges with Bollywood. After years of Indian movies being shot in Poland (oft dressed up as Kashmir), coming up: a joint Indo-Polish thriller #NiemeansNie, by @G7FilmsPoland and @g7_vikashverma. Featuring love, evil, song, dance, action and lots of snow:
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Privileged to be appointed India’s High Commissioner to #Canada today, at a time when the IC strategic partnership is poised to move to the next level. Looking forward to catching up with old friends and making new ones! @HCI_Ottawa
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The #Kartarpur #CorridorofFaith fast becoming real! See plans for the Terminal Building on the Indian side. Coming this November. @IndiainPakistan
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Thanks Sidhant! Let me know what you think of it!
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India and Canada have agreed to step up numbers of direct flights and to work towards an open skies regime. Excellent discussion in Ottawa today between Minister of Civil Aviation 🇮🇳 @JM_Scindia and Minister of Transport 🇨🇦 @OmarAlghabra. @MoCA_GoI @MEAIndia @HCI_Ottawa
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Delighted to take formal possession of Annapurna Devi as the goddess stops over at @HCI_Ottawa on her journey home after more than 100 yrs in Regina. Thanks to friends in 🇨🇦 for facilitating the return of such cultural treasures to 🇮🇳, a marker of the strength of our partnership.
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Delivered! Delighted that a consignment of 5 million tabs HCQ reached Toronto from India this evening. Special provision by India for strategic partner Canada. India will continue to be the pharmacy of the world, maintaining integrity of global supply chains even in tough times.
The first consignment of 5 million tablets of Hydroxychloroquine from India arrives in Toronto. India-Canada cooperation continues in these critical times. @HCI_Ottawa @cgivancouver @mintpharma @IndianDiplomacy @CanadainIndia
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Close to a hundred votes from Pakistan this time!
#IndiaVotesinPakistan. We voted! Will you? 900 million eligible voters in #GeneralElections2019. A small contribution of #IndianHighCommission in #Pakistan to the biggest #FestivalofDemocracy. Thanks to the @ECISVEEP for the effective e-Postal Ballot system. @Ajaybis @MEAIndia
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The journey to Canada begins in Punjab! Found this delightful milestone of aspiration in Kapurthala, between Amritsar and Chandigarh. Learnt much from a sunny immersion in the new Punjab, from sights sounds smells, and candid chats with movers shakers, common folk. @HCI_Ottawa
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Harappa:four hours from Lahore and five millenia back! What a thrill to check out the remains of the oldest civilisation of our region, predating borders and religions. Many mysteries are still buried under the mounds. Less than a fifth of the site is excavated. @IndiainPakistan
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Two years today since former PM #AtalBihariVajpayee passed on. Had the opp to work with him for five years: a privilege and honour to be part of a team that helped implement his vision of a peaceful, prosperous, progressive India. He was the best boss I ever had.
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Dear Ma’am @SushmaSwaraj, it was an honour and privilege to work with you all these years. You gave our policy a soul, with that deft human touch and focus on people-centric diplomacy. Wishing you good health and happiness always.
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Goodbye Ma’am! Grieved at her passing. It was a privilege working with her as Minister. One of our finest, most articulate politicians, she leaves a lasting legacy of an MEA she pushed to become more humane and people-centric.@IndiainPakistan
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Delighted #KartarpurCorridor became functional today. Two PMs inaugurated gleaming facilities at respective ends. #KartarpurSpirit will surely bring positive energy to bilateral relations. With #550thPrakashPurab, hope #CorridorofFaith becomes #CorridorofPeace @IndiainPakistan
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This is a grave tragedy. An Indian consular team is travelling today from @IndiainToronto to Manitoba to coordinate and help. We will work with Canadian authorities to investigate these disturbing events. @HCI_Ottawa
Shocked by the report that 4 Indian nationals, including an infant have lost their lives at the Canada-US border. Have asked our Ambassadors in the US and Canada to urgently respond to the situation.
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Eid Mubarak! Wishing you peace, harmony and happiness on this auspicious day. And greetings from Delhi!
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Always an honour and privilege to raise the tricolour abroad. A special thrill to do it in minus 20 degrees!
Happy Republic Day!
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We’ve lost one of the nation’s finest sons, an embodiment of a progressive vision for 21st century India. He was not just a globally respected statesman, but also a great, inspiring boss with a calming touch. It was a unique privilege to have worked in his team for five years.
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Exchanged #Eid greetings with President @ArifAlvi in #Islamabad this morning. The President expressed hope for #peace in our region.@IndiainPakistan
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Shameful that one of our finest officers @VikramMisri working hard at a critical time for the country is being wantonly trolled. Strongly support Vikram at this time. Hope the clowns getting after him get a life.
Politicians, diplomats come out in support of Vikram Misri after online attacks
hindustantimes.com/india-new…
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Politicians, diplomats come out in support of Vikram Misri after online attacks
hindustantimes.com/india-new…
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India to Canada: Speed up study permits before new semester starts in September | World News - Hindustan Times @HCI_Ottawa @IndiainToronto @cgivancouver hindustantimes.com/world-new…
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Voted on my desk! Delighted to add a voice as an early bird electronic-postal voter in #GeneralElections2019. For the first time from abroad, thanks to # ECISVEEP. More than hundred of #TeamIndiainPakistan get to vote!
#IndiainPakistan
#IndiaVotesinPakistan
#FestivalofDemocracy
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A delightful bonus of a quick trip to the hotel gym in Mumbai: a chat with the only other user: @msdhoni. Thanked him for his extraordinary service for the country. Talked of cricket, his trip to Pakistan and his Pakistani fans. Also offered him some completely unsolicited advice on shaping his upcoming golf career!
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A homage to our deeply respected former Minister (#SushmaSwaraj) @IndiainPakistan. The High Commission team remembers her with admiration and gratitude as a mentor and guide. Goodbye Ma’am. @AjayBis @MEAIndia
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Congratulations to ace diplomat Sohail Mahmood on his appointment as Pak Foreign Secretary! The India innings will no doubt equip him to infuse greater positivity, newer ideas to #India-Pak ties!
@IndiainPakistan
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Called on @ImranKhanPTI and his team today for a positive, constructive conversation.@MEAIndia @IndiainPakistan
Indian HC Ajay Bisaria called on Mr Imran Khan, Chairperson & senior leadership of PTI. HC congratulated @ImranKhanPTI on his electoral success, discussed range of issues, prospects of India-Pak relationship. HC gifted a cricket bat autographed by the entire Indian cricket team.
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Vajpayeeji made several trips to Pakistan with a message of peace: as Foreign Minister and as Prime Minister. Don’t miss these pix from the High Commission’s collection!
Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee worked relentlessly to forge new relations between India and Pakistan and make the words of his poem ‘Ab jung naa hone denge hum’ a living reality. Some glimpses of his intimate association with Pakistan. @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @PMOIndia @Ajaybis
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Team India in Islamabad had a particularly boisterous Holi. No face left uncoloured!
The spirit of Holi continues into the new week! The "Festival of Colours" was celebrated with great joy and fervour by the High Commission of India in Pakistan. @Ajaybis
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Imp to rapidly normalise mobility for economic recovery, for achieving normalcy in biz n educn. Discussed with @airindiain Toronto rep #RachelLawrence plans for resumption of flights in the 🇮🇳 🇨🇦 corridor given pressing needs of travellers, particularly students.@IndiainToronto
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Privileged to visit the beautiful #KatasRaj temple complex in Chakwal. Hundreds of pilgrims from India come here each year, next expected for #Shivratri. Believed that pond formed from Shiva’s tears, Pandavas spent some exile here, site of #yakshaprashna @IndiainPakistan
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Blessed to visit the Panja Sahib gurudwara in Hassan Abdal. This is where Baba Guru Nanak came in 1521 and stopped a falling boulder with his panja: the handprint still infuses you with good energy! @IndiainPakistan
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First ever statue of #SardarPatel in Canada unveiled today at Sanatan Mandir Cul Centre, Markham. Privileged to join event with close to 1000 people, including Ministers, MPs MPPs. Honoured by virtual address by PM @narendramodi, special msg from PM @JustinTrudeau. @MEAIndia
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My turn today to get vaxed with the first dose in #Ottawa. Got #Pfizer. The best #CovidVaccine is the one you can get. Thank you 🇨🇦.
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She put people at the core of diplomacy with Pakistan as well. She advocated humanitarian measures to help common folk, build trust and confidence. Her legacy will live on. @IndiainPakistan
#TeamMEA mourns the sad demise of former External Affairs Minister #sushmaswaraj. Enjoying immense respect within the Ministry and outside, for her compassionate and amiable personality, she has left a lasting legacy for putting people at the core of Indian diplomacy.
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Wonderful meeting Canada’s Foreign Minister HE @melaniejoly. Great discussion on the growing strength of the 🇮🇳🇨🇦 partnership and Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy. Hope to welcome her in India before long. @HCI_Ottawa
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Made in India vaccines for Canada! PM @narendramodi assured PM @JustinTrudeau in a call that India would facilitate supplies of COVID vaccines. The leaders agreed to continue collaborating on issues like climate change and global economic recovery.
#VaccineMaitri Filepic
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The newest and best airport in the world: T2 at Bengaluru!Delighted to be part of the glittering inaugural. Congrats to the teams that made it possible. Great example of 🇮🇳 🇨🇦 collaboration: Fairfax helmed by Prem Watsa is a majority stakeholder. @HCI_Ottawa
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Indo-Canadian Minister @AnitaOakville has provided strong leadership in the vaccine partnership with 🇮🇳. Delighted to collaborate with her in making @SerumInstIndia vaccines available in 🇨🇦 this week. Watch her remarks:
#VaccineMaitri @IndiainToronto @nadirypatel @MEAIndia
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Delighted to call on Rashtrapatiji, on the eve of my departure for Ottawa. @HCI_Ottawa
Shri Ajay Bisaria, High Commissioner-designate of India to Canada, called on President Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan
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Great catching up in New Delhi with Foreign Secretary @harshvshringla. Discussed the state of our world and approach to strengthening 🇮🇳 🇨🇦 ties in 2022. @HCI_Ottawa @CanadainIndia
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Shafqat Amanat Ali from Pakistan lends his voice to a global chorus in honour of the Mahatma on his birthday! @IndiainPakistan
The world joins in paying homage to Bapu through his favourite Bhajan 'Vaishnav Jan To'. PM @narendramodi & EAM @SushmaSwaraj release a medley version of bhajan from artists of 124 countries at function at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Press Release at mymea.in/dgo #BapuAt150
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Tested covid positive on Monday with mild symptoms. Was about to board a plane to Toronto. But now its going to be WFH from Delhi for the next two weeks! @HCI_Ottawa
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Delighted to announce special #AirIndia flights from Canada for stranded Indian citizens. 3 from Toronto (22, 24, 26 May) and 2 from Vancouver (20, 24 May) to begin with. Those on the list will hear from us soon. @HCI_Ottawa
@IndiainToronto @cgivancouver
#VandeBharatMission
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Welcome to Delhi, @HarshShringla, as the next Foreign Secretary. Wishing you a great tenure!
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Finally made it to #Jashn-e-Rekhta: a celebration of Urdu and more, now in its sixth edition in Delhi. Delighted to find hordes of young thronging to sample a magical menu of ghazal, qawwali, shayari, cuisine, literature and tehzeeb!
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Greatly benefited from a candid exchange of views with @UNHumanRights High Commissioner @mbachelet before the current Human Rights Council session began. Briefed her on India’s positions and concerns at lunch at @IndiaUNGeneva
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PM Imran Khan today called PM Modi to congratulate him. PM Modi thanked him and referred to his earlier suggestion to fight poverty jointly. He said creating trust, an environment free of violence and terrorism, were essential for peace, progress and prosperity in our region.
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Action stations! Happy to present a copy of my credentials to Canadian Chief of Protocol @StewartRWheeler today. In the saddle now to start work with our strong teams at @HCI_Ottawa @IndiainToronto and @cgivancouver.
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Working together with fresh energy to promote the 🇮🇳🇨🇦 strategic partnership. Great catching up in India recently with my counterpart and Canada’s new HC Cameron MacKay @HCCanInd. @HCI_Ottawa @CanadainIndia
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Ma’am, Indian citizen Reshma’s mortal remains were repatriated to her family in Barmer this morning. Wish to thank immigration and other authorities in Pakistan and India who worked hard to get special exemption for ambulance crossover at Khokrapar Munabao railway crossing.
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Great to see a decisive step towards normalising air mobility between 🇮🇳 and 🇨🇦. @airindiain and @AirCanada now set to run daily flights bw Delhi and Toronto/Vancouver from 27 September. Working with Canadian partners to further ease travel. @HCI_Ottawa @MEAIndia @IndiainToronto
#ICYMI: Beginning at 00:01 EDT on September 27, direct flights from India can land in Canada with additional public health measures in place. (1/2)
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We have spoken to Josh, victim of failed mugging. Now well. Our Hon Cons in Lithuania will meet him today. Case taken up with authorities.
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Canada removes India-specific Covid-19 testing rules for travellers | A welcome step for better mobility between India and Canada. @HCI_Ottawa @MEAIndia hindustantimes.com/world-new…
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Remembering this month the first martyr of the Indian Foreign Service, tragically killed in Ottawa 60 years ago: Justice at last to memory of ‘first martyr of Indian Foreign Service’- The New Indian Express @HCI_Ottawa newindianexpress.com/states/…
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Coming next week: 0.5 million India-made AstraZeneca vaccines for Canada. @SerumInstIndia will supply 2 million doses by mid-May. Strengthening the 🇮🇳 🇨🇦 strategic partnership. @AnitaOakville #VaccineMaitri
Fulfilling the assurance given by PM @narendramodi to the request made by PM @JustinTrudeau for #CovishieldVaccine, the first tranche of 500,000 vaccines from @SerumInstIndia to arrive in Canada on 3 March.
#VaccineMaitri
#VaccinEquity
bit.ly/3pYIJY2
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Thank you Prime Minister for your support and solidarity in this difficult hour. We are stronger together. @MEAIndia @DrSJaishankar @PMOIndia @HCI_Ottawa
Right now, the people of India are facing a tragic situation. To help with everything from ambulance services to buying personal protective equipment, we’re contributing $10 million to @IndianRedCross through @RedCrossCanada. We stand ready to donate extra medical supplies, too.
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Delighted to join a virtual ‘Diwali on the Hill’ celebration hosted by Canadian MPs. Gracious of PM @JustinTrudeau to join in and celebrate with us. Thanks Minister @AnitaOakville and MPs @RajSaini4KitCen, @gary_srp for hosting this happy event.@HCI_Ottawa
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Blessed to visit Nankana Sahib (where Guru Nanak Dev was born in 1469), and Kartarpur Sahib, (where he spent the last 18 years of his life). You feel a special energy, an inner calm, around these spots. Some of Sikhism’s holiest shrines are in today’s Pakistan. @IndiainPakistan
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Diplomacy, the first line of defence, or even of offence! The #IndianForeignService completes 74 years today. Congrats to all colleagues, past and present, who’ve been part of this journey. We’re united by the privilege of working across the world for 🇮🇳
#ServingTheNation
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We already have 30 direct weekly flights between 🇮🇳 and 🇨🇦 run by @airindiain and @AirCanada. Travel is getting smoother as public health guidelines ease. Good to catch up in Toronto with Air India Manager Rachel Lawrence to discuss mobility plans. @IndiainToronto
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Boy assaulted in Poznan fine, injury minor, in touch with Emb, family. Police investigating. Emb monitoring. @IndianDiplomacy @SushmaSwaraj
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Heartening to hear Prime Minister @JustinTrudeau start his presser with a tribute to the Indian diaspora in Canada and its contribution to community service in these challenging times. Bravo! @HCI_Ottawa @IndiainToronto @cgivancouver
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PM Modi invites Canadian businesses to invest in education, agriculture, manufacturing sectors. @HCI_Ottawa @MEAIndia yourstory.com/2020/10/pm-can…
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Honoured to present credentials in a charming ceremony to Canada’s Governor General @GGJuliePayette today. One way to celebrate #Holi at Ottawa’s Rideau Hall! @HCI_Ottawa
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Capping a three-day immersion in Punjab, blessed and honoured at the Golden Temple today.@HCI_Ottawa
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Always a special moment to fly the tricolour. Unfurling the flag with a shower of rose petals in Ottawa this morning. Warm greetings on India’s 74th Independence Day to all Indians, Indo-Canadians and friends of India across the world! @HCI_Ottawa @cgivancouver @IndiainToronto
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0.5 million vaccines arriving in Canada tomorrow from @SerumInstIndia. Spoke to @amberkanwar of @BNNBloomberg on India's contribution to Canada's fight against #COVID19 and India's vaccine internationalism. #VaccineMaitri bnnbloomberg.ca/video/canada…
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Welcome @airindiain to Toronto! All set for 3 flights this week. @IndiainToronto working round the clock to make it work.
#VandeBharatMission
And so it begins! The Toronto leg of the historic #vandebharatmission. Welcomed the first @airindian flight in #Toronto which will take off tomo at 2245hrs carrying stranded Indians back home to #Delhi and #Amritsar.
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Telephone conversation today between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Trudeau: mea.gov.in/press-releases.ht…
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At the stroke of the midnight hour 75 years ago, as the world slept, India awoke to life and freedom. What a feeling it must have been to read those headlines. What a joy to celebrate that moment this midnight!
Wishing India 🇮🇳 and all Indians a Happy #IndependenceDay!
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Driving to work on a snowy morning: just another beautiful Canadian day. @HCI_Ottawa
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Public and conditional offers of talks from Pakistan cannot replace quiet, creative diplomacy. My take in the @timesofindia of 19 January.
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Great idea Abhijit! And I won’t need to change the title!
This book is going to be great fun. But @Ajaybis also waiting/hoping for a book on Canada sir. Nobody better than you to delve into the intricacies.
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