In June 2014, shortly after Narendra Modi’s inaugural swearing-in as Prime Minister of India, Wang Yi, the then Chinese Foreign Minister, traveled to New Delhi as a Special Envoy from President Xi Jinping. Wang, who referred to Modi as an “old friend of China,” highlighted Modi’s previous engagements during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister. His visit underscored China’s eagerness to foster diplomatic ties following the NDA’s return to power, which he described as injecting “new vitality into an ancient civilization.”

Wang Yi’s primary objective during this visit was to facilitate a meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi scheduled for September 2014, while also inviting Modi to visit Beijing. These diplomatic overtures took precedence over other planned engagements, resulting in the cancellation of the India-U.S.-Japan trilateral meeting in Delhi and the postponement of Modi’s planned trip to Japan.

Affectionately nicknamed the ‘silver fox’ for his distinguished appearance and diplomatic finesse, Wang Yi has since risen to become a pivotal figure in Xi Jinping’s foreign policy initiative. His influence transcends that of other ministers, attributed to his senior position within the Communist Party. In 2022, he reached the prestigious 24-member Politburo, a significant elevation reflecting his standing in Chinese politics. Despite stepping down from his role as Foreign Minister in December 2022, Wang quickly returned to a prominent position, overseeing foreign affairs efforts again shortly after.

Wang’s journey in diplomacy is rooted in his experiences during the Cultural Revolution, when he was “sent down” to work in Heilongjiang after finishing school. His academic pursuits in Japanese language and history eventually led him to the Foreign Ministry in 1982, where he cultivated his skills through various positions, including a stint as Ambassador to Japan from 2004 to 2007.

Within South Block, the Indian diplomatic community has recognized Wang’s sophisticated negotiation style. His tenure as Vice Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs saw him at the helm of crucial discussions that paved the way for Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s visit to China in 2003. Despite hard bargaining on pivotal issues such as Tibet and Sikkim, Indian officials left feeling somewhat unsatisfied with the outcomes.

Former Ambassador to China Ashok Kantha noted Wang’s tenacity and the need for Indian diplomats to remain vigilant during discussions, emphasizing Wang’s capability as a results-oriented negotiator.

Wang’s commitment to China’s “One China” policy has put him at odds with Indian officials, particularly since New Delhi has avoided using this phrase in its statements due to contentious issues surrounding stapled visas. Despite these tensions, he has consistently pushed for reaffirmation of this policy.

Beyond bilateral relations with India, Wang has played a prominent role in numerous diplomatic initiatives globally. His efforts have included facilitating talks between the U.S. and North Korea, and reconnecting diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia. However, his engagement in South Asian groupings, including recent trade talks with Pakistan and Bangladesh, raises concerns for India about regional dynamics.

Wang’s diplomatic style has been noticeably tough yet polished, especially during tense standoffs along the Line of Actual Control, where he navigated the complexities following the Galwan clashes and the Doklam standoff. More recently, in May, he announced the establishment of an “inter-governmental organization for international mediation,” proposing a diplomatic approach intended to ease international disputes. However, for many in diplomatic circles, his interpretation of a “win-win” situation is often perceived as advantageous primarily to China, reflecting a traditional power-centric view.

As Wang continues to steer China’s foreign policy, his various roles demonstrate a blend of historical understanding, seasoned negotiating skills, and the pursuit of China’s expansive diplomatic agenda. His ability to influence key geopolitical discussions underscores his significance in both regional and global arenas.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock at the passing away of veteran Communist leader Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy.

In a message on X, Mr. Naidu said Mr. Sudhakar Reddy had always thought about and strived for the well-being of the people, and recalled the days when they worked together as contemporary political leaders.

Mr. Naidu observed that Mr. Sudhakar Reddy rose through the ranks in the Communist Party of India and became its National General Secretary.

Paying tributes, Mr. Naidu stated that the departed leader had worked with unwavering commitment to his values regardless of the position he held.

Chikkamagaluru Police on Friday arrested three persons native to Nepal on charges of being involved in theft cases, and recovered valuables worth over ₹1.75 crore from them.

The arrested are identified as Rajendra Sher, 30, Ekendra Kutal Badwal, 31, and Karam Singh Bahaddur Damari.The police have recovered 1.8 kg of gold jewellery, 1.2 kg of silver items, and two cars from them. The total value of the recovered goods has been estimated to be around ₹1.75 crore.

In a press release to the media on Saturday, Chikkamagaluru Superintedent of Police Vikram Amathe said that a theft case was reported in Haranduru village under Koppa Police Station limits on August 21. Unknown people stole ₹6 lakh in cash and jewellery worth over ₹37.5 lakh from a house belonging to the owner of an estate, according to the complaint.

Mr. Amathe had formed two teams under the leadership of Additional Superintedent of Police K.T. Jayakumar. Deputy Superintendents of Police Thippe Swamy, Balaji Singh, and their support staff arrested the accused in Sangli, Maharashtra, on Friday. Mr. Amathe has announced a cash reward for the investigating team, appreciating their job.

The police have appealed to the public not to keep valuables at home and suggested them to use bank lockers. They also urged the public to verify the background of persons being hired for domestic work.

INS Jyoti and INS Rana from the Eastern Fleet participated in the 12th India-Sri Lanka bilateral naval exercise SLINEX-25 in Colombo, said a release on Friday. Sri Lankan Naval Ships SLNS Sayura and SLNS Vijayabahu also participated in the exercise.

Upon arrival at the Port of Colombo, the Commanding Officers of INS Jyoti and INS Rana met Commander of the Western Naval Area (WNA), Rear Admiral Chandima Silva and discussed enhancing bilateral naval cooperation, and sharing best practices.

They paid tributes at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial, honouring the Indian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during peacekeeping operations in Sri Lanka between 1987 and 1990.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday (August 23, 2025) inaugurated a nearly seven-kilometre flyover in Jabalpur, with Mr. Gadkari also announcing multiple projects, including a corridor to connect four of the State’s tiger reserves.

Mr. Gadkari announced national highway projects worth ₹15,000 crore that included the four-lane ‘tiger corridor’ to connect Kanha, Pench, Bandhavgarh, and Panna tiger reserves, aimed at boosting tourism in the State. The Union Minister said that the corridor’s cost has been increased to ₹5,500 crore from ₹4,600 crore earlier.

He also announced several road development projects worth around ₹60,000 crore, including a 255-km greenfield highway connecting Jabalpur and the capital Bhopal at a cost of ₹15,000, and a 220-km high-speed corridor connecting Lakhnadon in Seoni district and Raipur in neighbouring Chhattisgarh.

The flyover inaugurated in Jabalpur is touted to be the longest in the State at 6.85 km, connecting Madan Mahal and Damoh Naka in the city and reducing travel time between the two points from about 45 minutes to seven minutes.

The flyover also features a 192-metre single-span cable-stayed bridge built over a railway line and three bow-string bridges. Multiple amenities like a basketball court, a children’s park and an open gym apart from planting about 50,000 saplings under the flyover.

The flyover has been constructed at a cost of ₹1,200 from the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF). The foundation of the flyover had been laid by Mr. Gadkari in 2019 during the Congress government in the State, with the Union Minister saying that he had advised the then Chief Minister Kamal Nath to submit a proposal for the project.