www.thestatesman.com | FOLLOW US: India’s National Newspaper since 1818 @TheStatesmanLtd | Pages 16 | 8th Day @thestatesmanltd ` 5.00 | People’s Parliament, Always in Session thestatesman1875 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | MUMBAI | BHUBANESWAR Evolve LUCKNOW | SILIGURI | 12 April 2026 S P O RT S Moon Moon Sen on a life well lived Drama of the road | IPL 2026: Iyer guides PBKS to six-wicket victory over SRH Page 16 High-stakes Islamabad talks open as USA, Iran seek lasting truce Iran sets four conditions for deal UNITED NEWS OF INDIA Islamabad, 11 April Negotiations between the US and Iran began in Islamabad on Saturday, marking the next critical step in efforts to solidify a fragile two-week ceasefire that halted 40 days of devastating war between Iran and the US-Israeli alliance just days ago, which had ravaged global energy supplies. The US delegation is led by Vice President JD Vance, alongside special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Facing them across the table is a formidable Iranian contingent of 71 members,comprising negotiators, technical experts, media representatives. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, known as a strategic moderator, is leaidng the Iranian delegation, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also among its ranks. The size of the Iranian delegation reflects the complexity and sensitivity of the talks. The US has come up with a 15-point proposal, the full details of which have not been made public. It is reported to include demands that Iran renounce nuclear weapons, surrender its highly enriched uranium stockpiles, accept limits on its defence capabilities, and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, hours before the talks, President Donald Trump told The New York Post that US warships are being reloaded with “the best ammunition” to resume strikes on Iran if the negotiations fail. “We’re going to find out in about 24 hours. We’re going to know soon,” Trump said in a phone interview to New York Post when asked if he believed the talks would succeed. “We have a reset going. We’re loading up the ships with the best ammunition, the best weapons ever made , even Islamabad/Tehran: Iran has set four conditions for any agreement to be reached with the United States in the ongoing Islamabad talks. The four conditions, as per Iran state media, include sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, full compensation for war damages, unconditional release of frozen assets, and a sustained regional ceasefire. Meanwhile, Iran’s Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said a deal with the United States is possible if American negotiators adopt an “America First” approach, warning that talks would fail if they instead pursue an “Israel First” agenda. better than what we did previously, and we blew them apart,” he added. As Iran holds deep mistrust toward US, especially Witkoff, who led earlier negotiating rounds that were ultimately cut short by US strikes in 2025 and early this year as US-Israeli launched strikes amidst the negotiations. Negotiations are expected to take several days before a ceasefire can be formally locked in. How it will be achieved remains to be seen. Mr Vance has been expressing concern that the conflict risked spiraling beyond control and has been instrumental in the lead-up to the peace talks. He had been sceptical about striking Iran from the outset and has spent weeks quietly working toward a diplomatic off-ramp, as per media reports. The stakes are high and success is far from guaranteed; the two sides remain far apart and have continued to exchange sharp rhetoric since Tuesday's abrupt ceasefire announcement as Iran said that Lebanon was also part of the 10-point plan and US said Lebanon was not part of the deal. • Related report: Page 11 Enough is enough, time for change: PM in Bengal MANAS R BANNERJEE Siliguri, 11 April S triking an aggressive campaign tone in North Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday declared, “Enough is enough. No more ~ this time, we want change,” while addressing a massive election rally at Kushmundi in South Dinajpur. In a sharp attack on the ruling dispensation, the Prime Minister questioned the government’s performance over the past 15 years. “I want to ask the people of West Bengal ~ what has this government done in the last 15 years? Have they given any account of their work? No, they have not. Therefore, there is no need to bring this government back for the next five years. If you do, it will ruin the state,” he said. Criticising the absence of a development roadmap, Mr Lucknow, 11 April Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today said that regardless of the formal talks of a ceasefire between Iran and the US, considering the ground situation, it would not be appropriate to assume that the West Asia crisis has completely ended. The Lucknow MP said that in view of such circumstances, a team has been formed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which is keeping a constant watch on the situation. He also said that despite the global geopolitical challenges, India remains among the fastest growing major economies in the world today and can face any challenges. The Defence Minister assured that the country has adequate resources to deal with any potential crisis. Adequate stocks of essential commodities, including petrol, diesel, and cooking gas, are available, and the supply chain is fully operational. Attending the annual function of the Gomtinagar Jan Kalyan Mahasabha, Rajnath Singh on Saturday inaugurated development projects worth Rs 58.27 crore including the Laxman Mandapam. Rajnath Singh stated: “No major crisis will be allowed to arise in the country under the BJP government. India faced a major global crisis like Covid with strength. Similarly, the country has the capacity to deal with the current situation." "India's position is also strong internationally, that institutions like the World Bank recognize that India is government have the right to govern West Bengal again? In my opinion, no ~ absolutely not,” he asserted. Emphasising the role of the state in national progress, the Prime Minister said: “Development of West Bengal is very important. Only when West Bengal develops will India become a developed nation by 2047.” Referring to the RG Kar incident, Mr Modi noted that even traditional rivals such as Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC had come Centre hikes diesel excise duty and cess with immediate effect: New Delhi: The Ministry of Finance on Saturday announced a series of revisions to duties and cesses on high-speed diesel, issuing multiple notifications that came into force with immediate effect. According to official notifications dated April 11, 2026, the government has increased the Special Additional Excise Duty on high-speed diesel under the provisions of the Finance Act, 2002. The revised rate has been set at Rs. 24 per litre, replacing the earlier entry in the Eighth Schedule. The notification stated that the decision was taken as the Centre was “satisfied that circumstances exist which render it necessary to take immediate action.” (Page 12) Jaishankar opposes targeting of commercial shipping in West Asia conflict, calls for safe & unimpeded navigation STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 11 April Expressing deep concern over the developments in West Asia, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said India firmly opposes the targeting of civilians, of infrastructure and of commercial shipping while strongly urging that navigation must remain safe and unimpeded. “In these turbulent times, India can face any challenges, including the West Asia crisis: Rajnath Singh STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Modi remarked: “In these 15 years, has any new development model emerged? No ~ absolutely zero. But there is one area where this government is a master, even a PhD holder ~ and that is corruption and the syndicate system.” He further alleged widespread irregularities in the electoral process and governance. “In this state, government-backed syndicates operate, polling booths are looted during elections, and corruption is carried out through new techniques. Does this together in protest. “Now is the time to forget all divisions and unite to bring change in this government,” he said. Turning to women’s issues, he alleged neglect by the state administration. “This government does not care about women. If we form a double-engine government, women will receive double the benefits compared to what they are getting now. In Bihar, where 23–24 per cent of police recruitment is reserved for women, in West Bengal it is only 10 per cent. Is this acceptable?” he asked. Highlighting concerns in the education sector, Mr Modi pointed to infrastructural deficiencies in South Dinajpur. “There is a university here, but it lacks infrastructure. It is running with just a college hostel. There are no teachers, guest lecturers are underpaid, and as a result, students are dropping out midway. This government is ruining the future of the youth,” he said. capable of handling any crisis. The ongoing situation in the Gulf countries is impacting the entire world, but India has faced every challenge with strength," he added. The Defence Minister stated that the government is continuously working to ensure that no further crises arises in the coming months. He acknowledged that the global crisis may have a limited impact for some time, but asserted that the situation is under control. The government is monitoring the situation with full competence and restraint. The Defence Minister appealed to the people not to pay attention to any kind of rumours and maintain faith in the government. Mr Singh said that 12 years of the NDA government have been completed and during this period, facing many challenges and adverse circumstances, the government has emerged stronger than before. the situation in West Asia merits particular attention. All of us are deeply concerned about the conflict and would like to see an early return to normalcy,’’ he said, addressing the 9th Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius. Noting that every participating country in the conference has felt the economic impact of the conflict, Mr Jaishankar said that when energy is scarce and expensive, it has an overarching implication for the entire society. “When trade is constricted, this goes beyond business to livelihoods in different sectors. When fertilisers are more difficult to procure, its food security consequence is obvious. These have become the immediate challenges as we meet here in this conference. But there are underlying issues that we also need to address because there is no guarantee that such scenarios will not recur,’’ he added. Pointing out that the fullblown conflict in West Asia has deeply impacted all nations of the Indian Ocean, the Indian Minister said, “Moreover, there are grey zone activities that span the spectrum between the traditional and the non-traditional. We all saw and we all felt the consequences when shipping in the Red Sea was disrupted in the last few years. So, the bottom line is that the spectrum of challenges has become wider and more seamless. And unfortunately, also more serious.’’ He was of the view that no single Indian Ocean state, however capable, can preserve and protect maritime space India-flagged LPG vessel Jag Vikram safely crosses Strait of Hormuz, says government: New Delhi: India-flagged LPG vessel Jag Vikram carrying approximately 20,400 MT of LPG has safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. In light of the evolving situation in West Asia, the government of India remains actively engaged in ensuring preparedness and seamless functioning across key sectors. Necessary measures have been put in place to safeguard Indian vessels and seafarers operating in the West Asia region, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said. The Ministry stated that all Indian seafarers in the region are safe and no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels has been reported in the past 24 hours. Jag Vikram is carrying approximately 20,400 MT of LPG cargo with 24 seafarers onboard. It is expected to arrive at Mumbai on 15 April 2026. alone. The complex challenges demand a shared commitment. One that is rooted in cooperation, and transparency, and above all, in respect for international law. ‘’We must view the Indian Ocean as a global commons, where not only the benefits are shared but so are other responsibilities. Our efforts must be pursued through strong institutional networks,’’ he added. Mr Jaishankar said India has consistently acted as a ‘First Responder’ in the Indian Ocean region. ‘’Whether in humanitarian crises or natural disasters, we have stepped forward with speed and with reliability. Be it disaster relief operations in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Mozambique or responding to oil spills off the coasts of Mauritius or Sri Lanka, we have been there for the region,’’ he added and referred to joint defence exercises by some of the participating countries in the conference. Suspense lingers over next CM face in Bihar STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Patna, 11 April With several prominent names, mostly from the BJP, doing the rounds in political circles as potential Chief Minister, suspense over the next CM of Bihar continues to loom amid hectic backchannel discussions among the NDA allies. The buzz is that a high-level meeting in New Delhi of the BJP was called off without any specific reason. Leaders who had reached the national capital are learnt to have returned to Patna empty-handed, fueling speculation of unresolved differences among NDA constituents. Amid the prevailing uncertainty, the JDU convened a crucial meeting at the Chief Minister’s residence in Patna on Saturday morning, which lasted over two hours. Senior party leaders deliberated on the evolving political situation, including the contentious issue of the next chief ministerial face and the possible structure of a new cabinet. On Saturday morning, JDU working president Sanjay Jha and Bihar Parliamentary Affairs minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary met Nitish Kumar, underlining the urgency of internal consultations. Speaking on the developments, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, considered a close aide of Nitish Kumar, indicated that there is no immediate change in government merely due to the chief minister’s elevation to the Rajya Sabha. “Government formation does not happen with oath-taking but with resignation. One needs to wait, the timing will be appropriate,” he remarked, hinting that key decisions are still pending. Meanwhile, Chirag Paswan, union Minister and national president of the THE BUZZ IS THAT A HIGH-LEVEL MEETING IN NEW DELHI OF THE BJP WAS CALLED OFF WITHOUT ANY SPECIFIC REASON. LEADERS WHO HAD REACHED THE NATIONAL CAPITAL ARE LEARNT TO HAVE RETURNED TO PATNA EMPTY-HANDED, FUELING SPECULATION OF UNRESOLVED DIFFERENCES AMONG NDA CONSTITUENTS. Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), ruled himself out of the chief ministerial race. He reiterated that while the “face” of the government may change, the NDA’s governing formula will remain intact. Paswan emphasised that any new leader would carry forward Nitish Kumar’s experience, vision and inclusive approach. In parallel, the BJP is also slated to hold a crucial meeting in Patna, where party in-charge for the political affairs of Bihar Vinod Tawde is expected to be present. The meeting is likely to focus on the CM face and the roadmap for government formation. The political churn gained momentum after Nitish Kumar took oath as a Rajya Sabha member, triggering fresh speculation about a possible leadership transition in Bihar. The coming three-four days are being seen as crucial, with intense discussions underway on Nitish Kumar's successor. Adding another dimension to the unfolding scenario, JDU chief spokesperson Neeraj Kumar shared a social media post hinting at the emergence of Nishant Kumar, son of Nitish Kumar, as a future political figure. The post, accompanied by a video, portrayed Nishant as a potential leader, reflecting growing voices within the party advocating a larger role for him.