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 | MUMBAI | BHUBANESWAR | LUCKNOW | SILIGURI Tuesday, 21 April 2026 SPORTS WORLD Paying the price Second round of US-Iran talks uncertain as tensions spike over seized cargo ship Page 6 Page 9 EDITORIAL | From dominance to dream: Bayern Munich’s chase for treble begins BUSINESS India, US trade talks resume in Washington Page 12 Page 10 Chips to ships: PM maps India, S. Korea partnership STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 20 April P rime Minister Narendra Modi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Monday held extensive bilateral talks in New Delhi, committing to elevate their longstanding partnership into a “futuristic partnership” driven by collaboration in technology, trade and shared strategic priorities in the Indo-Pacific. Speaking at a joint press conference, Modi termed President Lee’s visit — after a gap of eight years — “extremely significant,” highlighting the alignment between the nations. “Democratic values, a market economy, and respect for the rule of law are part of the DNA of both our countries,” he said, adding that India and South Korea share a “common outlook” on the Indo-Pacific region. Outlining a forward-looking agenda, Modi said both countries are ready to expand cooperation across a wide spectrum of sectors. “From chips to ships, from talent to technology, and from entertainment to energy, we will realise new opportunities for cooperation across all sectors,” he said, adding, “Today, we are laying the foundation for success stories of the next decade.” A major outcome of the talks was the launch of the India-Korea Digital Bridge, aimed at boosting collaboration in artificial intelligence, semiconductors and information technology. The meeting marked the third in-person interaction between the two leaders since President Lee assumed office last year, underscoring growing momentum in bilateral engagement. Several memoranda of understanding were signed to strengthen cooperation in areas including shipbuilding, emerging technologies and people-to-people exchanges. Emphasising the deep-rooted cultural ties between the two nations, Modi referred to the shared heritage linking India India, S. Korea step up cooperation across sectors: Subrata Dutta and Korea. “The story of Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya and King Kim Suro of Korea from 2,000 years ago is part of our shared heritage,” he said, while also noting the rising popularity of Korean pop culture in India and increasing recognition of Indian culture in South Korea. Modi underscored the broader significance of the partnership. “In this time of global tensions, India and Korea together send a message of peace and stability,” he said. President Lee, who is on a three-day State visit to India from April 19 to 21, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was received by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi. He also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, accompanied by First Lady Kim Hea Kyung. During his visit, President Lee held discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and engaged with a high-level delegation comprising ministers, senior officials and business leaders. The leaders also exchanged views on key regional and global issues, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the ‘Special Strategic Partnership’. In a symbolic gesture reflecting the growing partnership, the two leaders planted a tree together, signalling a shared long-term vision for cooperation. The visit, President Lee’s first to India since assuming office, is seen as a key step in expanding a multifaceted relationship grounded in shared democratic values, economic synergy and increasing strategic convergence in the Indo-Pacific. New Delhi: India and South Korea on Monday rolled out a wide-ranging set of agreements and initiatives to deepen their Special Strategic Partnership, as President Lee Jae Myung wrapped up key engagements during his state visit to India. The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit led to the adoption of a “Joint Strategic Vision for the India-ROK Special Strategic Partnership,” laying the groundwork for expanded cooperation across sectors such as maritime logistics, sustainability and energy security. Both sides also issued joint statements on sustainability and energy resource security, highlighting a shared resolve to tackle global challenges. A major outcome was the agreement on a comprehensive framework for cooperation in shipbuilding, shipping and maritime logistics, signalling a push to strengthen infrastructure and trade connectivity. “These outcomes reflect the growing convergence between India and the Republic of Korea in ensuring resilient supply chains and strengthening economic cooperation,” the Ministry said. Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed across key areas including ports, industrial collaboration, steel supply chains, small and medium enterprises, and science and technology. Financial and digital cooperation also received a boost, with agreements between regulatory bodies and payments institutions aimed at improving cross-border financial linkages. In a significant economic move, both countries agreed to resume negotiations to upgrade their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a step expected to enhance trade and investment flows. “The decision to restart CEPA upgrade talks signals both sides’ intent to unlock the full potential of their economic partnership,” the statement noted. Climate cooperation emerged as a central pillar, with agreements on climate action and a cooperative approach under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement. The two sides also launched an “India-Korea Digital Bridge” framework to drive collaboration in emerging technologies and digital infrastructure. • Related report: Pg 10 J&K: 21 dead, several injured as bus falls into gorge in Udhampur, PM announces ex gratia STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Jammu, 20 April At least 21 people have died and several others injured after a passenger bus skidded off the road and fell into a gorge on Monday in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir. Police officials here said that a bus ferrying passengers, on its way from Ramnagar towards Udhampur met with an accident and plunged into a gorge near Village Khagote. Senior police officials including Deputy Inspector General of J&K Police, Shiv Kumar Sharma, locals and Army troops rushed to the spot and launched the rescue operation. Officials said that 20 passengers have been confirmed dead. However, injured have been shifted to the Government Medical College and Hospital, Udhampur while one of the critical has been airlifted to the Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu for an advanced treatment. “There is a very sharp curve at the spot and the driver may have lost control while negotiating the curve,” said a senior police officer. He said that the vehicle rolled down into the gorge after hitting the parapet. President Droupadi Murmu also expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy and prayed for the speedy recovery of those ECI announces dry days for poll-bound states ahead of assembly elections STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 20 April The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the implementation of ‘dry days’ across poll-bound regions as part of measures to ensure free and fair elections during the ongoing General Elections to Legislative Assemblies and bye-elections in 2026. Citing provisions under Section 135C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Commission, in a press note, said that the sale, distribution, or serving of liquor will be strictly prohibited during the 48-hour period leading up to the close of polling in each constituency. “No spirituous, fermented or intoxicating liquor or other substances of like nature shall be sold, given or distributed… within a polling area during the period of forty-eight hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of poll,” the Commission said. In line with this provision, authorities have been instructed to declare and notify ‘dry days’ under relevant state and Union Territory laws for the specified period, including any re -poll if required. Additionally, the Commission has mandated that May 4, the day of vote counting, will also be observed as a ‘dry day’ in all poll-going regions. The order prohibits liquor sales and service at all establishments, including shops, hotels, restaurants, clubs and bars, during the notified period. “No liquor shops, hotels, restaurants, clubs and other establishments… shall be permitted to sell or serve liquor to anyone whatsoever on the aforesaid days,” the statement said. The restrictions will also apply to non-proprietary clubs, star hotels and establishments operating under various excise licences. The Commission further directed strict enforcement of rules related to storage of liquor, with authorities instructed to curb stocking by individuals and take action against violations in unlicensed premises. The enforcement of dry days is a routine but crucial election-time measure aimed at maintaining law and order and preventing inducement of voters, ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. who were injured. Meanwhile, PM Modi, in a post on X, expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident. “Pained to hear about the loss of lives due to a bus accident in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir. I extend my heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he posted. An ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives in the tragic mishap. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000, said PM Modi. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said that rescue and evacuation operations are underway with teams from Police, SDRF and district administration on site. Pilgrim ready Devotees and workers decorate Kedarnath Temple with flowers ahead of the opening of its doors for pilgrims in Rudraprayag on Monday. AGENCIES Delhi government issues SOP to curb tree-related offences; violations will not be tolerated: CM STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 20 April The Delhi government has taken an initiative for the protection of environment by notifying a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to address offences related to the trees. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has described the initiative as historic, aimed at safeguarding Delhi’s green cover by ensuring strict enforcement of tree protection laws. Sharing details of the SOP, Gupta said it has been notified by the Department of Forests and Wildlife under Section 33 of the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994 to devise a robust, transparent and time-bound mechanism for the prevention, detection, and prosecution of illegal felling, damage and unauthorised activities involving trees. She added that the implementation of this SOP will ensure effective and accountable action in every case of violation. A strong rapid response system has been developed under the SOP, enabling citizens to register complaints through a toll-free helpline, an online portal, and offline modes. All such complaints will be transmitted in real time to the concerned field officers to ensure prompt action. The Quick Response Teams constituted at headquarters and division levels will reach the site within a stipulated time to prevent further damage and will collect evidence scientifically through geo-tagged photographs and videos. According to Gupta, enforcement at the field-level has been further strengthened with the forest officials, including Beat Officers and Tree Officers empowered to issue prohibitory orders to prevent violations, seize equipment used in offences, and coordinate with law enforcement agencies. A Forest Control Room at the headquarters level and Division Control Rooms at the divisional level have been established, which will function 24x7, and ensure round the clock monitoring. The government has reactivated the Green Helpline number 1800118600, and in addition to that, Green Helpline portal (https://ghl.eforest.delhi.gov.in) is fully operational. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision on environmental protection, CM Gupta said that his approach of ‘development in harmony with nature’ serves as a guiding inspiration for the nation. Gupta reiterated her government's commitment to protecting the capital’s green assets and will ensure strict, transparent, and time-bound action against violators of tree protection laws.