Top news of the day: China ‘appreciates’ PM Modi’s ‘positive’ remarks on Sino-India ties; India, New Zealand ink defence pact, and more

China ‘appreciates’ PM Modi’s ‘positive’ remarks on Sino-India ties; India, New Zealand ink defence pact, and more in top news of the day of March 17, 2025

India and New Zealand inked a mega pact to institutionalise their defence and security ties even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed concerns to his Kiwi counterpart over certain unlawful elements carrying out anti-India activities in the Pacific island nation. Mr. Modi and visiting New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held wide-ranging talks with a focus on ramping up overall bilateral ties, especially in areas of trade, defence, education and agriculture.

China “appreciated” Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “positive” remarks on the Sino-Indian ties favouring dialogue over discord and said that a cooperative dance between the elephant and dragon contributing to mutual success is the only choice for both sides. China noted Prime Minister Modi’s recent positive statement on China-India relations and appreciate it, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a media briefing in Beijing while responding to a question on the Prime Minister’s remarks in conversation with American podcaster Lex Fridman.

Several MPs in the Rajya Sabha raised concerns over crowded trains and inadequate amenities, with some noting that even first-class compartments face maintenance issues. Participating in a debate on the working of the Ministry of Railways, NCP-SCP member Fauzia Khan highlighted the overcrowding issue, saying people are travelling in bogies “like cattle”.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Monday (March 17, 2025) held wide-ranging talks focusing on enhancing the overall India-US strategic ties, especially in areas of defence and information sharing. Ms. Gabbard, who is on a two-day visit to India met National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Sunday. She met him on the the sidelines of a conclave of top global intelligence czars focusing on ways to boost cooperation in dealing with various security challenges.

A video of a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)-rank officer allegedly kicking and abusing protesters and relatives of two missing youths who died under mysterious circumstances in south Kashmir’s Kulgam triggered protests inside the J&K Assembly on Monday. Meanwhile, the police ordered an inquiry into the incident.

A parliamentary panel has recommended formulation of a comprehensive foreign policy strategy that is specifically “tailored to India’s distinctive geopolitical context”, emerging economic clout and evolving global relationships. The committee, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, in its report said it was keen to know whether the Ministry of External Affairs has explored the idea of having a “grand strategy” that clearly spells out coherent foreign policy objectives, goals and strategy for the long run.

NCP-SCP Rajya Sabha member Fauzia Khan expressed concern over increasing number of accidents involving school buses and vans, and urged the government to formulate a national school transport policy to establish uniform safety regulations across all states. Raising the issue during the Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Ms. Khan cited a study to highlight the lack of safety measures in vehicles transporting school children.