Delegation of Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) on their tour to the USA engaged with Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and explored the possibility of their contribution to the development and building of new India.

SJM delegation concluded one week tour of USA in Washington DC and New York n last week of September.

"Delegation of Swadeshi Jagran Manch engaged with Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and explored the possibility of their contribution to the development and building of new India. The delegation received overwhelming response and reception from the Indian Diaspora, which is waiting to wholeheartedly work towards the development of India, aspiring to be a global economic powerhouse," said the release.

The delegation also had a series of meetings with American think-tanks, corporations, funds along with senior officials of World Bank.

The delegation was led by SJM's National co-Convener, Dr Ashwani Mahajan and other official members.

Dr Mahajan further emphasised that such corporations are required to change their business model to maintain their presence in India's market place.

He assured this is first such tour and SJM leaders will travel across the globe to express, present and familiarise the stakeholders with SJM's worldview and will continue doing so in near future too.

The delegation met with corporations at special sessions organised by Business Council for International Understanding (BICU) and US India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF).

The corporations with interests in data, banking, defence production, e-commerce, technology, HR and labour and agriculture participated in these freewheeling conversations.

This was for the first time that SJM engaged foreign corporations in conversations.

The idea behind this is to let the corporations, lawmakers, think tanks know of SJM's world view.

It was made clear to these corporations that SJM firmly believes in the concept of 'Vasudhev Kutumbakam' or 'world as one family'.

Delegation of Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) on their tour to the USA engaged with Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and explored the possibility of their contribution to the development and building of new India.

Delegation of Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) on their tour to the USA engaged with Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and explored the possibility of their contribution to the development and building of new India. SJM delegation concluded one week tour of USA in Washington DC and New York n last week of September. "Delegation of Swadeshi Jagran Manch engaged with Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and explored the possibility of their contribution to the development and building of new India. The delegation received overwhelming response and reception from the Indian Diaspora, which is waiting to wholeheartedly work towards the development of India, aspiring to be a global economic powerhouse," said the release. The delegation also had a series of meetings with American think-tanks, corporations, funds along with senior officials of World Bank. The delegation was led by SJM's National co-Convener, Dr Ashwani Mahajan and other official members. Dr Mahajan further emphasised that such corporations are required to change their business model to maintain their presence in India's market place. He assured this is first such tour and SJM leaders will travel across the globe to express, present and familiarise the stakeholders with SJM's worldview and will continue doing so in near future too. The delegation met with corporations at special sessions organised by Business Council for International Understanding (BICU) and US India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF). The corporations with interests in data, banking, defence production, e-commerce, technology, HR and labour and agriculture participated in these freewheeling conversations. This was for the first time that SJM engaged foreign corporations in conversations. The idea behind this is to let the corporations, lawmakers, think tanks know of SJM's world view. It was made clear to these corporations that SJM firmly believes in the concept of 'Vasudhev Kutumbakam' or 'world as one family'.

Swadeshi Jagran Manch delegation concludes US tour, holds meetings with overseas citizens, corporations

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-asked-australia-for-help-discrediting-russia-probe-252947">Australia's</a> central bank on Tuesday lowered the cost of borrowing, slashing interest rates for the third time this year amid fears about the flagging domestic economy.

The Reserve Bank of Australia announced it had cut rates by another 25 basis points to 0.75 per cent, a decision that brings the country's interest rates to a historic new low.

The move is part of efforts to extend a record 28-year run without a recession, in the face of increasing economic headwinds that include stagnant employment levels, low wage growth and high household debt.

Resource-rich Australia dodged the worst of the financial crisis but the economy recently recorded its weakest annual growth in a decade, expanding just 1.4 percent in the year to June.

RBA governor Philip Lowe said the decision to lower the cash rate was designed to "support employment and income growth and to provide greater confidence that inflation will be consistent with the medium-term target".&nbsp;

"The economy still has spare capacity and lower interest rates will help make inroads into that," he said in a statement following the bank's monthly policy meeting.

Lowe has forecast an "extended period" of low interest rates will be necessary to achieve full unemployment and reach the bank's inflation target, with the bank remaining "prepared to ease monetary policy further if needed".

Australia is also feeling the impact of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-china-trade-war-points-to-the-real-crisis-that-global-leaders-must-confront-at-g20-summit-231112"> US-China trade tensions</a>, which have rattled the global economy as central banks worldwide attempt to offset economic risks by lowering rates.

One bright light identified by Lowe, however, were recent signs of a turnaround in the Sydney and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-major-fire-breaks-out-in-melbourne-warehouse-no-casualties-162434">Melbourne</a> housing markets after a prolonged slump.

The Australian stock exchange moved slightly higher on the news, with the All Ordinaries reaching above 6,834 in afternoon trade, while the dollar was buying US$0.6728.

Australia's central bank on Tuesday lowered the cost of borrowing, slashing interest rates for the third time this year amid fears about the flagging domestic economy.

Australia's central bank on Tuesday lowered the cost of borrowing, slashing interest rates for the third time this year amid fears about the flagging domestic economy. The Reserve Bank of Australia announced it had cut rates by another 25 basis points to 0.75 per cent, a decision that brings the country's interest rates to a historic new low. The move is part of efforts to extend a record 28-year run without a recession, in the face of increasing economic headwinds that include stagnant employment levels, low wage growth and high household debt. Resource-rich Australia dodged the worst of the financial crisis but the economy recently recorded its weakest annual growth in a decade, expanding just 1.4 percent in the year to June. RBA governor Philip Lowe said the decision to lower the cash rate was designed to "support employment and income growth and to provide greater confidence that inflation will be consistent with the medium-term target". "The economy still has spare capacity and lower interest rates will help make inroads into that," he said in a statement following the bank's monthly policy meeting. Lowe has forecast an "extended period" of low interest rates will be necessary to achieve full unemployment and reach the bank's inflation target, with the bank remaining "prepared to ease monetary policy further if needed". Australia is also feeling the impact of US-China trade tensions, which have rattled the global economy as central banks worldwide attempt to offset economic risks by lowering rates. One bright light identified by Lowe, however, were recent signs of a turnaround in the Sydney and Melbourne housing markets after a prolonged slump. The Australian stock exchange moved slightly higher on the news, with the All Ordinaries reaching above 6,834 in afternoon trade, while the dollar was buying US$0.6728.

Australia's central bank cuts rates to new record low

Isolated places over East Rajasthan, West Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya are likely to receive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-ndrf-teams-rescue-4000-from-flooded-areas-in-patna-death-toll-reaches-29-252878">heavy rainfall</a> on Tuesday according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). 
 
The weather forecast agency further predicted that a few areas over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim and Nagaland are also likely to witness heavy downpour throughout the day.

Watch: Floods in India: Parts of Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh face deluge

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/floods-in-india-parts-of-bihar-and-eastern-uttar-pradesh-face-deluge-252731/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-reaches-122-in-northern-india-due-to-heavy-rains-252853">Heavy to very heavy rainfall</a> is very likely at isolated places over Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Gujarat Region, Madhya Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, Kerala and Mahe," the IMD stated in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin. 
 
Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning is very likely to occur over Jharkhand and Gangetic West Bengal. 
 
Squally weather is likely to prevail over Lakshadweep and Maldive-Comorin area. The weather department has also advised fishermen not to venture into these areas.

Isolated places over East Rajasthan, West Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya are likely to receive heavy rainfall on Tuesday according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Isolated places over East Rajasthan, West Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya are likely to receive heavy rainfall on Tuesday according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The weather forecast agency further predicted that a few areas over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim and Nagaland are also likely to witness heavy downpour throughout the day. Watch: Floods in India: Parts of Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh face deluge "Heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely at isolated places over Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Gujarat Region, Madhya Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, Kerala and Mahe," the IMD stated in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin. Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning is very likely to occur over Jharkhand and Gangetic West Bengal. Squally weather is likely to prevail over Lakshadweep and Maldive-Comorin area. The weather department has also advised fishermen not to venture into these areas.

Indian Meteorological Department predicts heavy rainfall over East Rajasthan, West Madhya Pradesh

Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;asked&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;to "assist" in&nbsp;discrediting&nbsp;a&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;investigation that has clouded his presidency, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-offers-trump-only-limited-commitment-on-iran-pm-251136">Prime Minister Scott Morrison</a> admitting Tuesday that he agreed to&nbsp;help.

An Australian government spokesperson confirmed&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;asked&nbsp;Morrison to investigate issues raised in Robert Mueller's&nbsp;probe, which concluded that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;tried to swing the 2016 election in the Republican's favour.

The official said&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;"has always been ready to assist and cooperate with efforts that&nbsp;help&nbsp;shed further light on the matters under investigation".

"The PM confirmed this readiness once again in conversation with the President."

The revelation will fuel allegations&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;is using the power of the Oval Office and risking long-standing relationships with allies for his own political ends.

He is already facing impeachment for asking Ukraine's leader to investigate his potential election rival, former vice president Joe Biden, and his son Hunter.

Mueller's&nbsp;probe&nbsp;concluded in March and led to the conviction of several of&nbsp;Trump's top aides for obstruction and lying to investigators.

But ahead of the 2020 election&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-remains-defiant-as-impeachment-enquiry-against-him-intensifies-252755">Trump</a>&nbsp;has painted the&nbsp;probe&nbsp;and its findings as a "deep state" conspiracy, pointing to conservative media reports as evidence and urging the Justice Department to launch counter-investigations.

The New York Times, which first reported&nbsp;Trump's Australian request, said the White House had restricted access to the transcript of the&nbsp;Trump-Morrison call, in a similar way to its handling of&nbsp;Trump's recent call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Several other calls and meetings between&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and foreign leaders, including&nbsp;Russia's Vladimir Putin are now under scrutiny.

Separately, the Washington Post reported that Attorney General Bill Barr has had multiple contacts with officials and spies in&nbsp;Australia, Britain and Italy in a bid to investigate Mueller and US intelligence findings.

State visit 
At&nbsp;Trump's encouragement, Barr's Justice Department is examining the roots of the Mueller&nbsp;probe, including the evidence that led the CIA, FBI and other intelligence agencies to declare that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;did, in fact, interfere in 2016 to boost&nbsp;Trump.

Australia&nbsp;and Britain were both important because the original FBI&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;meddling&nbsp;probe&nbsp;was launched in July 2016 after the bureau received a tip from an Australian diplomat in Britain about a meeting between people tied to Russian intelligence and a&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;campaign official.

In a May letter to Barr and White House chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney cited by Australian media Tuesday&nbsp;the country's ambassador in Washington also offered to&nbsp;help.

Morrison recently enjoyed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-backed-by-australias-morrison-talks-tough-on-china-250920">state visit to Washington</a> and his close ties to&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;had already been facing scrutiny at home.

"It was risky for the Morrison government to get so cosy with&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;when almost no other government has done so," said Emma Shortis of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.

"I think this development shows just how risky that is, Trump&nbsp;will come calling for favours, embroil you in controversy, and put relationships at risk", she added.

In a statement, the Justice Department defended contacts abroad and said&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and Barr's roles were to&nbsp;help&nbsp;investigator John Durham make contacts.

"Mr Durham is gathering information from numerous sources, including a number of foreign countries," said Justice Department spokesperson Kerri Kupec.

"At Attorney General Barr's request, the president has contacted other countries to ask them to introduce the attorney general and Mr Durham to appropriate officials," she said.

Donald Trump asked Australia to "assist" in discrediting a Russia investigation that has clouded his presidency, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison admitting Tuesday that he agreed to help.

Donald Trump asked Australia to "assist" in discrediting a Russia investigation that has clouded his presidency, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison admitting Tuesday that he agreed to help. An Australian government spokesperson confirmed Trump asked Morrison to investigate issues raised in Robert Mueller's probe, which concluded that Russia tried to swing the 2016 election in the Republican's favour. The official said Australia "has always been ready to assist and cooperate with efforts that help shed further light on the matters under investigation". "The PM confirmed this readiness once again in conversation with the President." The revelation will fuel allegations Trump is using the power of the Oval Office and risking long-standing relationships with allies for his own political ends. He is already facing impeachment for asking Ukraine's leader to investigate his potential election rival, former vice president Joe Biden, and his son Hunter. Mueller's probe concluded in March and led to the conviction of several of Trump's top aides for obstruction and lying to investigators. But ahead of the 2020 election Trump has painted the probe and its findings as a "deep state" conspiracy, pointing to conservative media reports as evidence and urging the Justice Department to launch counter-investigations. The New York Times, which first reported Trump's Australian request, said the White House had restricted access to the transcript of the Trump-Morrison call, in a similar way to its handling of Trump's recent call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Several other calls and meetings between Trump and foreign leaders, including Russia's Vladimir Putin are now under scrutiny. Separately, the Washington Post reported that Attorney General Bill Barr has had multiple contacts with officials and spies in Australia, Britain and Italy in a bid to investigate Mueller and US intelligence findings. State visit At Trump's encouragement, Barr's Justice Department is examining the roots of the Mueller probe, including the evidence that led the CIA, FBI and other intelligence agencies to declare that Russia did, in fact, interfere in 2016 to boost Trump. Australia and Britain were both important because the original FBI Russia meddling probe was launched in July 2016 after the bureau received a tip from an Australian diplomat in Britain about a meeting between people tied to Russian intelligence and a Trump campaign official. In a May letter to Barr and White House chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney cited by Australian media Tuesday the country's ambassador in Washington also offered to help. Morrison recently enjoyed a state visit to Washington and his close ties to Trump had already been facing scrutiny at home. "It was risky for the Morrison government to get so cosy with Trump when almost no other government has done so," said Emma Shortis of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. "I think this development shows just how risky that is, Trump will come calling for favours, embroil you in controversy, and put relationships at risk", she added. In a statement, the Justice Department defended contacts abroad and said Trump and Barr's roles were to help investigator John Durham make contacts. "Mr Durham is gathering information from numerous sources, including a number of foreign countries," said Justice Department spokesperson Kerri Kupec. "At Attorney General Barr's request, the president has contacted other countries to ask them to introduce the attorney general and Mr Durham to appropriate officials," she said.

Trump asked Australia for help to discredit Russia probe

Pakistan on Wednesday morning <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-pakistan-violates-ceasefire-along-loc-in-shahpur-kerni-sectors-in-poonch-district-250938">violated ceasefire</a> along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Shahpur and Kirni sector in Pooch district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Indian Army is retaliating befittingly to the unprovoked ceasefire violation.

Firing and shelling from across the border started at around 7:45 am IST today, with the Pakistani troops resorting to the firing of small arms and shelling with mortars.

Further details are awaited.

Pakistan on Wednesday morning violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Shahpur and Kirni sector in Pooch district of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army is retaliating befittingly to the unprovoked ceasefire violation.

Pakistan on Wednesday morning violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Shahpur and Kirni sector in Pooch district of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army is retaliating befittingly to the unprovoked ceasefire violation. Firing and shelling from across the border started at around 7:45 am IST today, with the Pakistani troops resorting to the firing of small arms and shelling with mortars. Further details are awaited.

Pakistan violates ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch, Indian Army retaliating

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) working president JP Nadda on Monday addressed a seminar here on the abrogation of Article 370, which he said was "temporary and transitional" since the beginning. 
 
Parliament had in August revoked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/removal-of-article-370-step-towards-permanent-peace-in-jammu-and-kashmir-says-amit-shah-252796">Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir</a> and also passed the Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Act 2019, reorganising the state into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir with Assembly and Ladakh without it. 
 
"First Sheikh Abdullah, then Farooq Abdullah and Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, later Omar Abdullah and Ghulam Nabi Azad used to say that Jammu and Kashmir has special status. They confused the word. It's not a special status. Right from the beginning, Article 370 was temporary and transitional," Nadda said. 
 
Nadda stated that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-misread-indias-action-to-nullify-article-370-jaishankar-251943">Article 370 was revoked</a> due to the will power of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the effective strategy of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) working president JP Nadda on Monday addressed a seminar here on the abrogation of Article 370, which he said was "temporary and transitional" since the beginning.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) working president JP Nadda on Monday addressed a seminar here on the abrogation of Article 370, which he said was "temporary and transitional" since the beginning. Parliament had in August revoked Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and also passed the Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Act 2019, reorganising the state into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir with Assembly and Ladakh without it. "First Sheikh Abdullah, then Farooq Abdullah and Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, later Omar Abdullah and Ghulam Nabi Azad used to say that Jammu and Kashmir has special status. They confused the word. It's not a special status. Right from the beginning, Article 370 was temporary and transitional," Nadda said. Nadda stated that Article 370 was revoked due to the will power of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the effective strategy of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Article 370 was temporary from the beginning, says BJP working president JP Nadda

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-to-give-india-edge-over-china-pakistan-iaf-chief-bhadauria-252849">Indian Air Force</a> On Monday organised an air show and display of their fighter aircraft and helicopters at Sulur Air Force Station, near Coimbatore. 
&nbsp; 
Different fighter jets and aircrafts displayed at the air show included Tejas, Antonov An-32 transport aircraft, helicopters among others. 
 
The air show and display were held in the run-up to the 87th Air Force Day celebrations which will be organised on October 8. 
 
The show was attended by schoolchildren and teachers who were briefed about the utility and the applications of the various air crafts and weapons which were on display. 
 
"The main focus is to prove our aerial strength and motivate the youngsters to join the Indian Air Force," officials of the IAF said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-ready-to-face-any-challenges-from-pakistan-air-chief-marshal-rks-bhadauria-252816">The Indian Air Force</a> was established on October 8, 1932, in undivided India which was under colonial rule. 
 
It was given the prefix "Royal" by King George VI for its contribution during the Second World War. 
 
The prefix was later dropped in 1950 when India became a republic.

The Indian Air Force On Monday organised an air show and display of their fighter aircraft and helicopters at Sulur Air Force Station, near Coimbatore. Different fighter jets and aircrafts displayed at the air show included Tejas, Antonov An-32 transport aircraft, helicopters among others.

The Indian Air Force On Monday organised an air show and display of their fighter aircraft and helicopters at Sulur Air Force Station, near Coimbatore. Different fighter jets and aircrafts displayed at the air show included Tejas, Antonov An-32 transport aircraft, helicopters among others. The air show and display were held in the run-up to the 87th Air Force Day celebrations which will be organised on October 8. The show was attended by schoolchildren and teachers who were briefed about the utility and the applications of the various air crafts and weapons which were on display. "The main focus is to prove our aerial strength and motivate the youngsters to join the Indian Air Force," officials of the IAF said. The Indian Air Force was established on October 8, 1932, in undivided India which was under colonial rule. It was given the prefix "Royal" by King George VI for its contribution during the Second World War. The prefix was later dropped in 1950 when India became a republic.

Indian Air Force organises air show ahead of Air Force Day in Coimbatore

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/papua-new-guinea-prime-ministers-election-faces-court-challenge-247987">Papua New Guinea's</a> volatile Ulawun volcano erupted early Tuesday, sending a column of red lava shooting up into the sky and forcing the evacuation of recently returned residents.

Mount Ulawan, situated on the remote <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gunmen-massacre-18-including-children-in-papua-new-guinea-attack-234678">Bismarck Archipelago chain</a>, displaced between 7,000 and 13,000 people from their homes when it last erupted in June.

Seismic activity started at midday on Monday before the volcano erupted at about 4:30 am Tuesday, according to Rabaul Volcano Observatory assistant director Ima Itikarai.

"It was noiseless and in the dark just before dawn; the eruption was visible (with) a distinct shard (of) red incandescent glow shooting up less than 100 metres from the base," he told AFP.

As light dawned, billowing clouds of grey ash could be seen rising several hundred metres into the sky, he said, while local Chris Lagisa said residents could hear the noise of gushing gas and flowing lava.

While most people&nbsp;affected by the previous eruption had remained at evacuation centres, an official with the West New Britain Disaster Office said a number who had returned to tend to their homes and gardens at the base of the volcano had to be evacuated again.

The volcano is one of the world's most hazardous, featuring on a list of 16 "Decade Volcanoes" targeted for research because they pose a significant risk of large, violent eruptions.

Papua New Guinea's volatile Ulawun volcano erupted early Tuesday, sending a column of red lava shooting up into the sky and forcing the evacuation of recently returned residents.

Papua New Guinea's volatile Ulawun volcano erupted early Tuesday, sending a column of red lava shooting up into the sky and forcing the evacuation of recently returned residents. Mount Ulawan, situated on the remote Bismarck Archipelago chain, displaced between 7,000 and 13,000 people from their homes when it last erupted in June. Seismic activity started at midday on Monday before the volcano erupted at about 4:30 am Tuesday, according to Rabaul Volcano Observatory assistant director Ima Itikarai. "It was noiseless and in the dark just before dawn; the eruption was visible (with) a distinct shard (of) red incandescent glow shooting up less than 100 metres from the base," he told AFP. As light dawned, billowing clouds of grey ash could be seen rising several hundred metres into the sky, he said, while local Chris Lagisa said residents could hear the noise of gushing gas and flowing lava. While most people affected by the previous eruption had remained at evacuation centres, an official with the West New Britain Disaster Office said a number who had returned to tend to their homes and gardens at the base of the volcano had to be evacuated again. The volcano is one of the world's most hazardous, featuring on a list of 16 "Decade Volcanoes" targeted for research because they pose a significant risk of large, violent eruptions.

Residents flee after Papua New Guinea volcano erupts

China celebrates 70th anniversary of Communist rule

India's Foreign Minister on Monday defended his country's right to buy a missile defence system from Russia despite the threat of sanctions from the United States.

On a visit to Washington, Foreign Minister S&nbsp;Jaishankar said India was discussing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-vows-to-retaliate-over-new-anti-russian-united-states-sanctions-252913">US concerns</a> but declined to forecast the ultimate decision on the fate of the S-400 purchase from Russia.

"We have always maintained that what we buy -- the sourcing of military equipment -- is very much a sovereign right," he told reporters ahead of a meeting with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

"We would not like any state to tell us what to buy or not to buy from Russia any more than we would like any state to tell us to buy or not buy from America," he said.

"That freedom of choice is ours and we think it's in everybody's interest to recognize that," he said.

India, a Cold War ally of the Soviet Union, last year agreed to buy five S-400 systems for $5.2 billion, and Russia has said that delivery is on track.

Under a 2017 law, the U<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-russians-over-2018-elections-interference-252904">nited States imposes sanctions against countries over "major" arms purchases from Russia</a> due to Moscow's military involvement in Ukraine and Syria and alleged meddling in US elections.

Turkey, a NATO ally, in June angered the United States by also going ahead with an S-400 purchase.

President Donald Trump responded by ending Turkey's involvement in the F-35 fighter jet program but has yet to announce other sanctions.

Jaishankar hailed warm relations overall with the United States but underlined India's differences with Trump's hawkish stance on Iran.

The United States has threatened sanctions to force all countries to stop buying oil from Iran as it seeks to curb the clerical regime's influence in the Middle East.

In May, the Trump administration ended waivers for countries including India, formerly a leading customer for Iranian oil&nbsp;

"We view Iran from the east, and from east Iran has been a very stable, status quo power," Jaishankar said.

For India, "we've been repeatedly assured that the affordable and predictable access to energy will not change," he said, declining to comment further on discussions on Iran.

India has been teaming up to expand Iran's Chabahar port, a way to ensure a supply route to Afghanistan that bypasses Pakistan, New Delhi's rival and historical ally&nbsp;of the Taliban.

India's Foreign Minister on Monday defended his country's right to buy a missile defence system from Russia despite the threat of sanctions from the United States.

India's Foreign Minister on Monday defended his country's right to buy a missile defence system from Russia despite the threat of sanctions from the United States. On a visit to Washington, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said India was discussing the US concerns but declined to forecast the ultimate decision on the fate of the S-400 purchase from Russia. "We have always maintained that what we buy -- the sourcing of military equipment -- is very much a sovereign right," he told reporters ahead of a meeting with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. "We would not like any state to tell us what to buy or not to buy from Russia any more than we would like any state to tell us to buy or not buy from America," he said. "That freedom of choice is ours and we think it's in everybody's interest to recognize that," he said. India, a Cold War ally of the Soviet Union, last year agreed to buy five S-400 systems for $5.2 billion, and Russia has said that delivery is on track. Under a 2017 law, the United States imposes sanctions against countries over "major" arms purchases from Russia due to Moscow's military involvement in Ukraine and Syria and alleged meddling in US elections. Turkey, a NATO ally, in June angered the United States by also going ahead with an S-400 purchase. President Donald Trump responded by ending Turkey's involvement in the F-35 fighter jet program but has yet to announce other sanctions. Jaishankar hailed warm relations overall with the United States but underlined India's differences with Trump's hawkish stance on Iran. The United States has threatened sanctions to force all countries to stop buying oil from Iran as it seeks to curb the clerical regime's influence in the Middle East. In May, the Trump administration ended waivers for countries including India, formerly a leading customer for Iranian oil "We view Iran from the east, and from east Iran has been a very stable, status quo power," Jaishankar said. For India, "we've been repeatedly assured that the affordable and predictable access to energy will not change," he said, declining to comment further on discussions on Iran. India has been teaming up to expand Iran's Chabahar port, a way to ensure a supply route to Afghanistan that bypasses Pakistan, New Delhi's rival and historical ally of the Taliban.

India defends right to buy Russian arms on United States trip

Asian markets mostly rose Tuesday after Wall Street finished a volatile quarter on a positive note, while China began a week-long break to celebrate the 70th birthday of the People's Republic.

Following Wall Street's lead, Tokyo climbed 0.7 per cent, helped by a drop in the yen and as investors shrugged off a Japanese survey that showed business confidence continued falling.

Buyer sentiment got a boost from comments from the Trump administration denying the likelihood of potential new US restrictions on Chinese investment, analysts said.

"<a href="Global Markets: Asian shares, Yuan off to calm start; focus on China">US stocks rebounded and the dollar topped 108 yen</a>" in a positive development for Japanese exporters, Seiichi Suzuki, senior market analyst at Tokai Tokyo Research Institute, told AFP.

Taipei and Singapore both jumped 1.0 per cent and gains were also seen in Wellington and Seoul. Manila and Bangkok were both down by around half a per cent while Jakarta was flat.

Investors are looking ahead to the resumption of talks between Beijing and Washington this month, said Quincy Krosby, chief market strategist of Prudential Financial.

The talks are "clearly a positive for the markets because the effect it has on the world economy is paramount going into the last quarter", Krosby said.

Markets in China and Hong Kong were closed for a public holiday as anniversary celebrations were underway in Beijing but with mass protests planned in the southern financial hub.

Sydney rose 0.3 per cent ahead of a central bank meeting, with a rate cut predicted by a Bloomberg survey of economists.

Oil prices had fallen sharply Monday following reports that Saudi Arabia restored oil production more quickly than expected following attacks on infrastructure.

The retreat in prices also came after remarks by Saudi leader Mohammed bin Salman endorsing a non-military solution for a longstanding conflict with Iran, which Saudi Arabia has blamed for the recent oilfield attacks.

He told a "60 minutes" war would be catastrophic for global growth.

"Oil supplies will be disrupted and oil prices will jump to unimaginably high numbers that we haven't seen in our lifetimes," the prince said.

On Tuesday Brent crude was still down but West Texas Intermediate rose 0.5 per cent.

Asian markets mostly rose Tuesday after Wall Street finished a volatile quarter on a positive note, while China began a week-long break to celebrate the 70th birthday of the People's Republic.

Asian markets mostly rose Tuesday after Wall Street finished a volatile quarter on a positive note, while China began a week-long break to celebrate the 70th birthday of the People's Republic. Following Wall Street's lead, Tokyo climbed 0.7 per cent, helped by a drop in the yen and as investors shrugged off a Japanese survey that showed business confidence continued falling. Buyer sentiment got a boost from comments from the Trump administration denying the likelihood of potential new US restrictions on Chinese investment, analysts said. "US stocks rebounded and the dollar topped 108 yen" in a positive development for Japanese exporters, Seiichi Suzuki, senior market analyst at Tokai Tokyo Research Institute, told AFP. Taipei and Singapore both jumped 1.0 per cent and gains were also seen in Wellington and Seoul. Manila and Bangkok were both down by around half a per cent while Jakarta was flat. Investors are looking ahead to the resumption of talks between Beijing and Washington this month, said Quincy Krosby, chief market strategist of Prudential Financial. The talks are "clearly a positive for the markets because the effect it has on the world economy is paramount going into the last quarter", Krosby said. Markets in China and Hong Kong were closed for a public holiday as anniversary celebrations were underway in Beijing but with mass protests planned in the southern financial hub. Sydney rose 0.3 per cent ahead of a central bank meeting, with a rate cut predicted by a Bloomberg survey of economists. Oil prices had fallen sharply Monday following reports that Saudi Arabia restored oil production more quickly than expected following attacks on infrastructure. The retreat in prices also came after remarks by Saudi leader Mohammed bin Salman endorsing a non-military solution for a longstanding conflict with Iran, which Saudi Arabia has blamed for the recent oilfield attacks. He told a "60 minutes" war would be catastrophic for global growth. "Oil supplies will be disrupted and oil prices will jump to unimaginably high numbers that we haven't seen in our lifetimes," the prince said. On Tuesday Brent crude was still down but West Texas Intermediate rose 0.5 per cent.

Tokyo leads Asian market gains in holiday trade

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-says-128000-syrians-subject-to-arbitrary-detention-252917">United States</a> military command for Africa announced on Monday that it had killed seven suspected Islamic State jihadists in an airstrike in southern Libya, the fourth such operation in two weeks.

"Our pursuit of ISIS-Libya and other terrorist networks degrades their ability to effectively conduct operations against the Libyan people," said Africa Command director of operations William Gayler, using an alternative acronym for IS.

His statement said the strike was carried out in coordination with the U.N.-backed Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli, and brings to 43 the number of suspected IS members killed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-must-take-sustained-and-verifiable-action-against-terrorists-united-states-252580">US forces</a> in Libya since September 19.

Three airstrikes were carried out on September 19, 24, and 26 in the area around Murzuq, an oasis town some 1,000 kilometres&nbsp;south of Tripoli, killing eight, eleven, and seventeen&nbsp;IS terrorists&nbsp;respectively, according to Africom.&nbsp;

Libya's southern desert lies outside the control of the GNA and of rival forces loyal to eastern strongman Khalifa Haftar, although Haftar is alleged to have a presence there.

Since the start of an anti-GNA offensive launched by Haftar on April 4 to take Tripoli, analysts have warned of a security vacuum that could benefit IS in other parts of the country.

The United States military command for Africa announced on Monday that it had killed seven suspected Islamic State jihadists in an airstrike in southern Libya, the fourth such operation in two weeks.

The United States military command for Africa announced on Monday that it had killed seven suspected Islamic State jihadists in an airstrike in southern Libya, the fourth such operation in two weeks. "Our pursuit of ISIS-Libya and other terrorist networks degrades their ability to effectively conduct operations against the Libyan people," said Africa Command director of operations William Gayler, using an alternative acronym for IS. His statement said the strike was carried out in coordination with the U.N.-backed Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli, and brings to 43 the number of suspected IS members killed by US forces in Libya since September 19. Three airstrikes were carried out on September 19, 24, and 26 in the area around Murzuq, an oasis town some 1,000 kilometres south of Tripoli, killing eight, eleven, and seventeen IS terrorists respectively, according to Africom. Libya's southern desert lies outside the control of the GNA and of rival forces loyal to eastern strongman Khalifa Haftar, although Haftar is alleged to have a presence there. Since the start of an anti-GNA offensive launched by Haftar on April 4 to take Tripoli, analysts have warned of a security vacuum that could benefit IS in other parts of the country.

United States kills seven Islamic State terrorists in Libya air strike

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Bharat Sharma

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