FOLLOW US: @TheStatesmanLtd @thestatesmanltd thestatesman1875 www.thestatesman.com People’s Parliament, Always in Session India’s National Newspaper since 1818 | Pages 12 | ` 5.00 | KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR | LUCKNOW | MUMBAI | Monday, 29 June 2026 SPORTS WORLD Iran strikes eight US bases in Gulf BUSINESS NATION ‘States opposing Centre’s new Rural Employment Scheme’ ‘Made in India label represents reputation’ Page 10 BRIEFLY Centre issues advisory ahead of Mansarovar Yatra: New Delhi: The government on Sunday advised Indian citizens not to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra until they have obtained all required documents to commence the journey. The Ministry of External Affairs said it has received several requests for help and assistance from Indian citizens stuck in Nepal while undertaking the ‘Yatra’ without the required entry permit and visas for China, through tours organised by private tour operators. “Citizens are advised not to commence their journey from India until all required travel documents have been obtained for undertaking the complete journey. Commencing travel without confirmed documentation or in anticipation of obtaining the necessary documentation increases the likelihood of being stranded,’’ the MEA said. Page 9 STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 28 June F raming the Indian Ocean as a shared space for security, sustainability and prosperity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday outlined an ambitious roadmap for the next phase of India-Seychelles relations, announcing deeper cooperation in digital connectivity, healthcare, clean energy, maritime security and capacity building while declaring that New Delhi's vision is to transform the region into an "Ocean of Opportunity." Addressing a joint press conference with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie following bilateral talks at the State House, Modi said the relationship between the two countries had evolved over five decades from friendship to a comprehensive strategic partnership rooted in trust, development and shared interests. "My visit comes at a historic moment, as Seychelles celebrates Page 12 Page 5 PM Modi strengthens India’s maritime footprint in Seychelles the 50th anniversary of its independence, and our two countries also commemorate the 50th anniversary of India-Seychelles diplomatic relations," Modi said. "Over these fifty years, we have transformed friendship into trust, trust into cooperation, and cooperation into the welfare of our people." The Prime Minister's visit also carried symbolic significance as he received the "Guardian of the Blue Horizon" award, Seychelles' highest honour for environmental conservation and sustainable development. Accepting the award, Modi dedicated it to countries working to combat climate change and protect the environment for future generations. "It is a matter of great joy for me and for the 1.4 billion people of India to be honoured with the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' award. I humbly accept this honour and dedicate it to all nations that are fighting the challenge of climate change and regard environmental protection as their responsibility toward future generations," he said. Projecting the Indian Ocean as central to India's regional vision, Modi said the sea had for centuries connected India and Seychelles through trade, cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts. The Prime Minister said both leaders discussed making bilateral economic cooperation "more resilient and future-ready" by encouraging greater business opportunities and improving connectivity between the island nation and India, which would also strengthen links with East Africa and the wider Indian Ocean region. Security cooperation also remained high on the agenda, with Modi asserting that "the defense and security of India and Seychelles are inseparable" and reaffirming continued collaboration in safeguarding the maritime domain. Modi further said the partnership between the two countries would continue to be guided by equality and mutual respect rather than size or power. Messi creates more history as Argentina finish group stage unbeaten India dismisses Pak’s charges over Karachi attack, asks Islamabad to look inwards and act on terror We have seen Pakistani reports making baseless allegations against India regarding the recent incident in Karachi. We categorically reject them. MEA SPOKESPERSON RANDHIR JAISWAL STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 28 June India on Sunday dismissed Pakistan's charges against it over a recent attack on security forces in Karachi, calling it "baseless". New Delhi has asked Islamabad to look inwards and take "credible action" against the terror infrastructure on its territory. India's reaction came after the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) claimed that the attack on the Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) Camp in Karachi on Saturday was carried out by terrorists belonging to the Indian-backed group Jamaatul Ahrar. In response to media queries regarding allegations made by Pakistan, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We have seen Pakistani reports making baseless allegations against India regarding the recent incident in Karachi. We categorically reject them." "Instead of pointing fingers at others, Pakistan would do better to look inwards, take credible action against the terror infrastructure on its territory and rid itself of its proclivity to rely on terrorism as an instrument of state policy," the MEA spokesperson added. At least three Sindh Rangers personnel were killed after a facility of the paramilitary force in Karachi’s Gulistan-i-Jauhar was attacked on Saturday. Intense firing was also reported near Meteorological Chowrangi on University Road following a loud blast, Pakistan's media reported.