An alliance of ethnic armies in Myanmar that has opposed the junta's crackdown on anti-coup protests attacked a police station in the east on Saturday and at least 10 policemen were killed, domestic media said.&nbsp;

The police station at Naungmon in Shan state was attacked early in the morning by fighters from an alliance that includes the Arakan Army, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, media reported.&nbsp;

Shan News said at least 10 policemen were killed, while the Shwe Phee Myay news outlet put the death toll at 14.&nbsp;

A spokesman for the junta did not return calls asking for comment.&nbsp;

More than 600 people have been killed by the military in the crackdown on protests against the February 1 coup, according to a monitoring group. As violence has escalated, about a dozen armed groups have condemned the junta as illegitimate and vowed to stand with the protesters.&nbsp;

Civilian lawmakers, most of whom are in hiding after their ouster, have announced plans to form a "national unity government" - with key roles for ethnic leaders - and are holding online talks about joint resistance to the military junta.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Nineteen people have been sentenced to death in Myanmar for killing an associate of an army captain, the military owned Myawaddy TV station said on Friday, the first such sentences announced in public since the coup and crackdown on protesters.&nbsp;

The report said the killing took place on March 27 in the North Okkalapa district of Yangon, Myanmar's biggest city. Martial law has been declared in the district, allowing courts martial to pronounce sentences.&nbsp;

The military rulers, who overthrew an elected government said on Friday that a protest campaign against its rule was dwindling because people wanted peace, and that it would hold elections within two years, the first timeframe it has given for a return to democracy.&nbsp;

Troops fired rifle grenades at anti-coup protesters on Friday in the town of Bago, near Yangon, witnesses and news reports said. At least 10 people were killed and their bodies piled up inside a pagoda, they said.&nbsp;

Myanmar Now news and Mawkun, an online news magazine, said at least 20 people were killed and many wounded. It was not possible to get a precise toll because troops had cordoned off the area near the pagoda, they said.&nbsp;

Junta spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun told a news conference in the capital, Naypyitaw, that the country was returning to normal and government ministries and banks would resume full operations soon. &nbsp;

More than 600 people have been killed by security forces cracking down on protests against the coup, according to an activist group. The country has ground to a standstill because of the protests and widespread strikes against military rule.&nbsp;

An alliance of ethnic armies in Myanmar that has opposed the junta's crackdown on anti-coup protests attacked a police station in the east on Saturday and at least 10 policemen were killed, domestic media said.

An alliance of ethnic armies in Myanmar that has opposed the junta's crackdown on anti-coup protests attacked a police station in the east on Saturday and at least 10 policemen were killed, domestic media said. The police station at Naungmon in Shan state was attacked early in the morning by fighters from an alliance that includes the Arakan Army, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, media reported. Shan News said at least 10 policemen were killed, while the Shwe Phee Myay news outlet put the death toll at 14. A spokesman for the junta did not return calls asking for comment. More than 600 people have been killed by the military in the crackdown on protests against the February 1 coup, according to a monitoring group. As violence has escalated, about a dozen armed groups have condemned the junta as illegitimate and vowed to stand with the protesters. Civilian lawmakers, most of whom are in hiding after their ouster, have announced plans to form a "national unity government" - with key roles for ethnic leaders - and are holding online talks about joint resistance to the military junta. Meanwhile, Nineteen people have been sentenced to death in Myanmar for killing an associate of an army captain, the military owned Myawaddy TV station said on Friday, the first such sentences announced in public since the coup and crackdown on protesters. The report said the killing took place on March 27 in the North Okkalapa district of Yangon, Myanmar's biggest city. Martial law has been declared in the district, allowing courts martial to pronounce sentences. The military rulers, who overthrew an elected government said on Friday that a protest campaign against its rule was dwindling because people wanted peace, and that it would hold elections within two years, the first timeframe it has given for a return to democracy. Troops fired rifle grenades at anti-coup protesters on Friday in the town of Bago, near Yangon, witnesses and news reports said. At least 10 people were killed and their bodies piled up inside a pagoda, they said. Myanmar Now news and Mawkun, an online news magazine, said at least 20 people were killed and many wounded. It was not possible to get a precise toll because troops had cordoned off the area near the pagoda, they said. Junta spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun told a news conference in the capital, Naypyitaw, that the country was returning to normal and government ministries and banks would resume full operations soon. More than 600 people have been killed by security forces cracking down on protests against the coup, according to an activist group. The country has ground to a standstill because of the protests and widespread strikes against military rule.

10 Myanmar policemen killed in attack by ethnic armies opposed to junta: Report 

Russian businessman Nikolai Glushkov, who was found dead in 2018, was strangled in his home in southwest London by an unidentified person, a British coroner has ruled, the BBC reported.&nbsp;

Glushkov fled Russia after being accused of fraud during his time as deputy director of the Aeroflot airline, and was granted political asylum in the UK in 2010, the BBC reported on Saturday.&nbsp;

Senior coroner Chinyere Inyama ruled that Glushkov was unlawfully killed.&nbsp;

A pathology report summarised to the court said the injuries "could be consistent with a neck-hold, applied from behind, and the assailant being behind the victim," the BBC reported.&nbsp;

British police have appealed for information as part of a murder investigation and said they were seeking to trace a black car that was seen around his home but which has never been traced.&nbsp;

"This has been a hugely complex, challenging investigation from the outset," said Commander Richard Smith, head of London police's Counter Terrorism Command.&nbsp;

"Officers have taken hundreds of statements and collected a large amount of evidential material, but so far no arrests have been made," he said in a police statement on Friday. &nbsp;

Counter terrorism police are heading the inquiry into the death. It occurred shortly after the attempted murders of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the English city of Salisbury, although detectives said there was nothing to link the events.&nbsp;

Glushkov was also an associate of late Russian tycoon Boris Berezovsky, who was found dead in March 2013 with a scarf tied around his neck in the bathroom of a luxury mansion west of London.&nbsp;

His family feared he might have been murdered by enemies from Russia. British police and forensic experts concluded it was suicide, although a British judge in 2014 reached an open verdict on Berezovsky’s death, saying he could not be sure if the Russian killed himself or was the victim of foul play.

Russian businessman Nikolai Glushkov, who was found dead in 2018, was strangled in his home in southwest London by an unidentified person, a British coroner has ruled, the BBC reported.

Russian businessman Nikolai Glushkov, who was found dead in 2018, was strangled in his home in southwest London by an unidentified person, a British coroner has ruled, the BBC reported. Glushkov fled Russia after being accused of fraud during his time as deputy director of the Aeroflot airline, and was granted political asylum in the UK in 2010, the BBC reported on Saturday. Senior coroner Chinyere Inyama ruled that Glushkov was unlawfully killed. A pathology report summarised to the court said the injuries "could be consistent with a neck-hold, applied from behind, and the assailant being behind the victim," the BBC reported. British police have appealed for information as part of a murder investigation and said they were seeking to trace a black car that was seen around his home but which has never been traced. "This has been a hugely complex, challenging investigation from the outset," said Commander Richard Smith, head of London police's Counter Terrorism Command. "Officers have taken hundreds of statements and collected a large amount of evidential material, but so far no arrests have been made," he said in a police statement on Friday. Counter terrorism police are heading the inquiry into the death. It occurred shortly after the attempted murders of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the English city of Salisbury, although detectives said there was nothing to link the events. Glushkov was also an associate of late Russian tycoon Boris Berezovsky, who was found dead in March 2013 with a scarf tied around his neck in the bathroom of a luxury mansion west of London. His family feared he might have been murdered by enemies from Russia. British police and forensic experts concluded it was suicide, although a British judge in 2014 reached an open verdict on Berezovsky’s death, saying he could not be sure if the Russian killed himself or was the victim of foul play.

Russian businessman Glushkov was strangled in 2018, British coroner rules 

More than six years after his arrest in a major corruption investigation, Portugal's former Prime Minister Jose Socrates will stand trial, but only on lesser charges of money laundering and falsifying documents, a judge in Lisbon ruled on Friday.&nbsp;

In a decision that sent shockwaves through the country, Judge Ivo Rosa of Portugal's criminal court for preliminary hearings dismissed the corruption accusations against Socrates, 63, as weak, inconsistent or lacking sufficient evidence, and noted that the statute of limitations had run out on some of them.&nbsp;

"Prosecutors' arguments are based on speculation and fantasy," he said while reading out his decision.&nbsp;

Rosa also dismissed tax fraud charges against Socrates, who will be tried on three counts of money laundering worth some 1.7 million euros and three others of faking documents related to service contracts and the purchase and renting of an apartment in Paris.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Socrates has denied wrongdoing, labelling the investigation as politically motivated as he sought to avoid a trial.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Businessman Carlos Santos Silva, a friend of the former prime minister who is accused of acting as a middleman in the deals, will also stand trial. He also has denied the charges.&nbsp;

A socialist who served as prime minister from 2005 to 2011, Socrates was arrested at Lisbon's airport in November 2014 as part of Portugal's biggest-ever corruption investigation, codenamed Operation Marquis. It was the first time an ex-premier had been arrested in the country.&nbsp;

He spent months in jail before being placed under house arrest.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a country notorious for its slow justice system, it took prosecutors three years after the arrest to formally charge Socrates with 31 crimes allegedly committed in the 2006-2015 period.&nbsp;

Those included passive corruption while in office, tax fraud and financial crimes in an alleged scheme involving the disgraced former heads of Banco Espirito Santo (BES) and Portugal Telecom. Ricardo Salgado, former head of the collapsed BES, will be tried for "confidence abuse". Salgado has denied wrongdoing.&nbsp;

"Something unique happened here today. All the great lies of the prosecution collapsed," Socrates told reporters, adding that he will fight the remaining accusations. A few protesters shouted "Shame!" as he spoke.&nbsp;

No trial date has been set and both sides are expected to appeal Rosa`s decision.&nbsp;

Socrates stepped down as prime minister in March 2011, during the middle of his second term, after a debt crisis forced him to request an international bailout for the Iberian nation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A subsequent&nbsp;centre-right government imposed a painful austerity program including tax hikes and wage and pension cuts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Socialist Party returned to power in 2015 under current Prime Minister Antonio Costa, who had led the interior ministry for two years during Socrates' first term in office.&nbsp;

More than six years after his arrest in a major corruption investigation, Portugal's former Prime Minister Jose Socrates will stand trial, but only on lesser charges of money laundering and falsifying documents, a judge in Lisbon ruled on Friday.

More than six years after his arrest in a major corruption investigation, Portugal's former Prime Minister Jose Socrates will stand trial, but only on lesser charges of money laundering and falsifying documents, a judge in Lisbon ruled on Friday. In a decision that sent shockwaves through the country, Judge Ivo Rosa of Portugal's criminal court for preliminary hearings dismissed the corruption accusations against Socrates, 63, as weak, inconsistent or lacking sufficient evidence, and noted that the statute of limitations had run out on some of them. "Prosecutors' arguments are based on speculation and fantasy," he said while reading out his decision. Rosa also dismissed tax fraud charges against Socrates, who will be tried on three counts of money laundering worth some 1.7 million euros and three others of faking documents related to service contracts and the purchase and renting of an apartment in Paris. Socrates has denied wrongdoing, labelling the investigation as politically motivated as he sought to avoid a trial. Businessman Carlos Santos Silva, a friend of the former prime minister who is accused of acting as a middleman in the deals, will also stand trial. He also has denied the charges. A socialist who served as prime minister from 2005 to 2011, Socrates was arrested at Lisbon's airport in November 2014 as part of Portugal's biggest-ever corruption investigation, codenamed Operation Marquis. It was the first time an ex-premier had been arrested in the country. He spent months in jail before being placed under house arrest. In a country notorious for its slow justice system, it took prosecutors three years after the arrest to formally charge Socrates with 31 crimes allegedly committed in the 2006-2015 period. Those included passive corruption while in office, tax fraud and financial crimes in an alleged scheme involving the disgraced former heads of Banco Espirito Santo (BES) and Portugal Telecom. Ricardo Salgado, former head of the collapsed BES, will be tried for "confidence abuse". Salgado has denied wrongdoing. "Something unique happened here today. All the great lies of the prosecution collapsed," Socrates told reporters, adding that he will fight the remaining accusations. A few protesters shouted "Shame!" as he spoke. No trial date has been set and both sides are expected to appeal Rosa`s decision. Socrates stepped down as prime minister in March 2011, during the middle of his second term, after a debt crisis forced him to request an international bailout for the Iberian nation. A subsequent centre-right government imposed a painful austerity program including tax hikes and wage and pension cuts. The Socialist Party returned to power in 2015 under current Prime Minister Antonio Costa, who had led the interior ministry for two years during Socrates' first term in office.

Portugal ex-PM Socrates to face trial for alleged money laundering; graft charges dropped 

Hundreds of people demonstrated in Australia's major cities on Saturday to protest the deaths of Indigenous people in custody, ahead of the 30th anniversary of a major report into the issue.&nbsp;

More than 470 Aboriginal people have died in custody in those three decades, including at least five since last month, local media reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Almost 30 years and 441 deaths since the Royal Commission, no police officer or authority has been convicted for Black deaths in custody," said NATSILS, a legal services group for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.&nbsp;

"Our people continue to die at horrific rates. There is no accountability, and no justice," it said in a statement. "We call on the Prime Minister to meet us face to face on the 30-year anniversary to hear our stories, to see our pain, but most of all we want answers."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Protests and marches took place in cities including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and the capital Canberra ahead of Thursday's anniversary of the report by a royal commission on Black deaths in custody.&nbsp;

Undertaken from 1987 to 1991, it found that Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in custody died at about the same rate but that Indigenous people were incarcerated at a much higher rate.&nbsp;

Indigenous people account for around 2% of Australia's population but around 27% of the national prison population.&nbsp;

The commission made 339 recommendations, of which few have been implemented.&nbsp;

Protesters carried signs with the hashtag Black Lives Matter and the Aboriginal flag, pictures on social media showed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Really hope we’ll see the same outpouring of grief and remembrance for the 474 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people whose deaths we mourn today on the 30-year anniversary of the Royal Commision into deaths in custody, as that of a 99-year-old member of the&nbsp;colonising&nbsp;British Monarchy," said activist Sally Rugg on Twitter.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Australia has no treaty with its Indigenous people. British settlement of the then-colony was based on the legal concept that land could be acquired by settlement.&nbsp;

Hundreds of people demonstrated in Australia's major cities on Saturday to protest the deaths of Indigenous people in custody, ahead of the 30th anniversary of a major report into the issue.

Hundreds of people demonstrated in Australia's major cities on Saturday to protest the deaths of Indigenous people in custody, ahead of the 30th anniversary of a major report into the issue. More than 470 Aboriginal people have died in custody in those three decades, including at least five since last month, local media reported. "Almost 30 years and 441 deaths since the Royal Commission, no police officer or authority has been convicted for Black deaths in custody," said NATSILS, a legal services group for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. "Our people continue to die at horrific rates. There is no accountability, and no justice," it said in a statement. "We call on the Prime Minister to meet us face to face on the 30-year anniversary to hear our stories, to see our pain, but most of all we want answers." Protests and marches took place in cities including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and the capital Canberra ahead of Thursday's anniversary of the report by a royal commission on Black deaths in custody. Undertaken from 1987 to 1991, it found that Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in custody died at about the same rate but that Indigenous people were incarcerated at a much higher rate. Indigenous people account for around 2% of Australia's population but around 27% of the national prison population. The commission made 339 recommendations, of which few have been implemented. Protesters carried signs with the hashtag Black Lives Matter and the Aboriginal flag, pictures on social media showed. "Really hope we’ll see the same outpouring of grief and remembrance for the 474 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people whose deaths we mourn today on the 30-year anniversary of the Royal Commision into deaths in custody, as that of a 99-year-old member of the colonising British Monarchy," said activist Sally Rugg on Twitter. Australia has no treaty with its Indigenous people. British settlement of the then-colony was based on the legal concept that land could be acquired by settlement.

Australians protest Aboriginal deaths in custody, 30 years after major report 

India and Japan are planning to hold a '2+2' format meeting of foreign and defence ministers in Tokyo later this month, Japanese media reported. &nbsp;

According to NHK, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu and Defence Minister Kishi Nobuo are due to attend the meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.&nbsp;

This will the second such meeting between the two countries as the inaugural meeting of the India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2) was held on November 30, 2019, in New Delhi.&nbsp;

According to Asia Nikkei, this comes as China ramps up its activities in the disputed East and South China Seas. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Japan's Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide is also making arrangements to visit India. The ministers are expected to discuss ways to cooperate more closely on defence. &nbsp;

Japan and India signed an agreement last year to allow the Self-Defence Forces and the Indian military to provide each other with food and fuel. &nbsp;

The NHK, in a report, said that the Japanese government is increasingly looking to India as an ally that shares basic values and can help work toward a free and open Indo-Pacific as China continues to assert itself across the region. Both India and Japan time and again have asserted that they are committed to efforts to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. &nbsp;

Last month, the leaders of the Quad alliance, India, the US, Japan and Australia had underscored the importance of a 'free and open' Indo-Pacific region during the group's first-ever leaders' summit.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that Quad has now come of age and will serve as an important pillar in ensuring the stability of the Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;

The Asia-Pacific region features several territorial disputes in the South China and East China seas, which involve Brunei, China, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India and Japan are planning to hold a '2+2' format meeting of foreign and defence ministers in Tokyo later this month, Japanese media reported. According to NHK, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu and Defence Minister Kishi Nobuo are due to attend the meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

India and Japan are planning to hold a '2+2' format meeting of foreign and defence ministers in Tokyo later this month, Japanese media reported. According to NHK, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu and Defence Minister Kishi Nobuo are due to attend the meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. This will the second such meeting between the two countries as the inaugural meeting of the India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2) was held on November 30, 2019, in New Delhi. According to Asia Nikkei, this comes as China ramps up its activities in the disputed East and South China Seas. Meanwhile, Japan's Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide is also making arrangements to visit India. The ministers are expected to discuss ways to cooperate more closely on defence. Japan and India signed an agreement last year to allow the Self-Defence Forces and the Indian military to provide each other with food and fuel. The NHK, in a report, said that the Japanese government is increasingly looking to India as an ally that shares basic values and can help work toward a free and open Indo-Pacific as China continues to assert itself across the region. Both India and Japan time and again have asserted that they are committed to efforts to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. Last month, the leaders of the Quad alliance, India, the US, Japan and Australia had underscored the importance of a 'free and open' Indo-Pacific region during the group's first-ever leaders' summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that Quad has now come of age and will serve as an important pillar in ensuring the stability of the Indo-Pacific region. The Asia-Pacific region features several territorial disputes in the South China and East China seas, which involve Brunei, China, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. (With inputs from agencies)

India, Japan to hold 2+2 talks amid China's aggressive moves  

A protest erupted against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, demanding a public apology from him for his statement blaming 'vulgarity' in society for rape and sexual violence. &nbsp;

The demonstration was organised on Thursday by rights activist and civil society representatives outside the National Press Club here, Pakistan's News International reported.&nbsp;

The protestors criticised Khan for what they called 'victim-blaming' and called for an apology for the comment he made during a question and answer session with the public when he was asked for suggesting a solution to rising child abuse cases in the country.&nbsp;

The protestors were holding placards and banners inscribed with their demand for an apology and said that such statements would encourage rapists.&nbsp;

"It can be considered an opinion when a common person says such thing but if a prime minister makes such comment, it becomes a policy statement. We cannot ignore such a statement which puts the burden of such crimes on the way women dress up. It is a dangerous statement for women like us who work in offices, fields and factories," said one protestor.&nbsp;

Last week, Khan has blamed 'fahashi' (vulgarity) for surge in rape and sexual violence instead of the deteriorating law and order situation in the country. &nbsp;

As he took calls from the people on Sunday, Khan, when asked by a caller what the government plans to do in the light of rising incidents of rape and sexual violence, especially against children, said that there are some fights that governments and legislation alone cannot win and that the society must join in the fight. He said it was important for societies to protect themselves against 'fahashi' (vulgarity), reported Geo News. &nbsp;

The prime minister said incidents of rape and sexual violence that make their way to the media are just one per cent of the actual horrific crimes of such nature that take place.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A protest erupted against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, demanding a public apology from him for his statement blaming 'vulgarity' in society for rape and sexual violence.

A protest erupted against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, demanding a public apology from him for his statement blaming 'vulgarity' in society for rape and sexual violence. The demonstration was organised on Thursday by rights activist and civil society representatives outside the National Press Club here, Pakistan's News International reported. The protestors criticised Khan for what they called 'victim-blaming' and called for an apology for the comment he made during a question and answer session with the public when he was asked for suggesting a solution to rising child abuse cases in the country. The protestors were holding placards and banners inscribed with their demand for an apology and said that such statements would encourage rapists. "It can be considered an opinion when a common person says such thing but if a prime minister makes such comment, it becomes a policy statement. We cannot ignore such a statement which puts the burden of such crimes on the way women dress up. It is a dangerous statement for women like us who work in offices, fields and factories," said one protestor. Last week, Khan has blamed 'fahashi' (vulgarity) for surge in rape and sexual violence instead of the deteriorating law and order situation in the country. As he took calls from the people on Sunday, Khan, when asked by a caller what the government plans to do in the light of rising incidents of rape and sexual violence, especially against children, said that there are some fights that governments and legislation alone cannot win and that the society must join in the fight. He said it was important for societies to protect themselves against 'fahashi' (vulgarity), reported Geo News. The prime minister said incidents of rape and sexual violence that make their way to the media are just one per cent of the actual horrific crimes of such nature that take place. (With inputs from agencies)

Protest erupts in Pak demanding Imran Khan to apologise over rape statement 

In medieval India, the royal courts buzzed with foreign dignitaries. Back then, India was a trading hub. A military power with huge standing armies. So, Indian friendship was a strategic goal. Today, centuries later, we are witnessing a revival. A global realignment is underway and India finds itself at the centre of it. &nbsp;

New Delhi is preparing for a busy summer, a summer of diplomacy. It started with a Quad summit in March. It was the first head of state-level meeting. For India, it was a new chapter. Remember, New Delhi is a non-aligned country. It has stayed away from political alliances. The Quad is the closest India has come to joining one. So, has India abandoned its commitment to neutrality?&nbsp;

Far from it, the Quad is an exercise in deterrence. It does not seek power in the Indo-Pacific. It just wants China to follow the rules as the only Quad member that shares a border with China, the stakes are higher for India but so are the opportunities. &nbsp;

The West sees India as a bulwark against China's rise and for a change, they are right. In the next few years, New Delhi could become one of the most powerful capitals in the world. Today, India hosted top officials from the US and Russia.&nbsp;

Not many countries in the world can do that but New Delhi is neutral turf. It has excellent ties with Moscow and Washington. Lavrov has left, Kerry will leave in a few days but India's summer of diplomacy isn't quite over.&nbsp;

Later this month, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be paying a visit. He will arrive as Britain's first post-Brexit prime minister. His intentions are clear. The UK is thinking beyond Europe. It wants in on the Indo-Pacific and India fits the bill:&nbsp;a massive trading machine with strong regional influence.

So, here's a quick round-up of who has visited India. First, the Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin, then Russia's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov.&nbsp;

US climate envoy John Kerry and capping the summer will be Boris Johnson. What does this train of foreign leaders symbolise?&nbsp;

India's rise, its position of pre-eminence across the board. Just think about the scope. From Delhi, the democratic axis can keep a check on China. They can keenly monitor the Afghan peace process and at the same time, keep an eye on Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. The bottom line is it pays to be a stable and prospering democracy. Who will the world trust to guard the peace in Afghanistan?&nbsp;

A country that is one bad week away from a military coup? Or the largest democracy in the world?&nbsp;

It's a no-brainer. The world needs New Delhi to ensure ever-lasting peace in Afghanistan but like all partnerships, this is a two-way street. India too needs world powers in its corner, especially in defence. &nbsp;

Russia's ties with India were forged over time. It is something America will have to contend with. Take the S-400 missile system for instance. Later this year, India will take delivery of the Russian missiles. This will put New Delhi in America's CAATSA bracket. CAATSA stands for Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act.&nbsp;

In theory, the US could sanction India, once the Russian missiles arrive but will America actually do so?&nbsp;

That's a whole different question. Joe Biden has certain foreign policy pet peeves, such as climate change, the Iran nuclear deal and the Indo-Pacific. He can't achieve any of these without Indian support. So, there is a growing caucus in Washington that wants a sanctions-waiver for India. The CAATSA is supposed to target America's adversaries. Is that really how Joe Biden wants to categorise India? As an adversary? Highly unlikely. The world's interests are converging with india's. These are exciting times in New Delhi's south block. World powers are courting the Indian leadership. Climate, peace, defence, you name it. They want New Delhi on board. If India plays its cards right, the summer of diplomacy could mark the beginning of pax indica, a world order built around India.&nbsp;

In medieval India, the royal courts buzzed with foreign dignitaries. Back then, India was a trading hub. A military power with huge standing armies. So, Indian friendship was a strategic goal.

In medieval India, the royal courts buzzed with foreign dignitaries. Back then, India was a trading hub. A military power with huge standing armies. So, Indian friendship was a strategic goal. Today, centuries later, we are witnessing a revival. A global realignment is underway and India finds itself at the centre of it. New Delhi is preparing for a busy summer, a summer of diplomacy. It started with a Quad summit in March. It was the first head of state-level meeting. For India, it was a new chapter. Remember, New Delhi is a non-aligned country. It has stayed away from political alliances. The Quad is the closest India has come to joining one. So, has India abandoned its commitment to neutrality? Far from it, the Quad is an exercise in deterrence. It does not seek power in the Indo-Pacific. It just wants China to follow the rules as the only Quad member that shares a border with China, the stakes are higher for India but so are the opportunities. The West sees India as a bulwark against China's rise and for a change, they are right. In the next few years, New Delhi could become one of the most powerful capitals in the world. Today, India hosted top officials from the US and Russia. Not many countries in the world can do that but New Delhi is neutral turf. It has excellent ties with Moscow and Washington. Lavrov has left, Kerry will leave in a few days but India's summer of diplomacy isn't quite over. Later this month, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be paying a visit. He will arrive as Britain's first post-Brexit prime minister. His intentions are clear. The UK is thinking beyond Europe. It wants in on the Indo-Pacific and India fits the bill: a massive trading machine with strong regional influence. So, here's a quick round-up of who has visited India. First, the Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin, then Russia's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov. US climate envoy John Kerry and capping the summer will be Boris Johnson. What does this train of foreign leaders symbolise? India's rise, its position of pre-eminence across the board. Just think about the scope. From Delhi, the democratic axis can keep a check on China. They can keenly monitor the Afghan peace process and at the same time, keep an eye on Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. The bottom line is it pays to be a stable and prospering democracy. Who will the world trust to guard the peace in Afghanistan? A country that is one bad week away from a military coup? Or the largest democracy in the world? It's a no-brainer. The world needs New Delhi to ensure ever-lasting peace in Afghanistan but like all partnerships, this is a two-way street. India too needs world powers in its corner, especially in defence. Russia's ties with India were forged over time. It is something America will have to contend with. Take the S-400 missile system for instance. Later this year, India will take delivery of the Russian missiles. This will put New Delhi in America's CAATSA bracket. CAATSA stands for Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. In theory, the US could sanction India, once the Russian missiles arrive but will America actually do so? That's a whole different question. Joe Biden has certain foreign policy pet peeves, such as climate change, the Iran nuclear deal and the Indo-Pacific. He can't achieve any of these without Indian support. So, there is a growing caucus in Washington that wants a sanctions-waiver for India. The CAATSA is supposed to target America's adversaries. Is that really how Joe Biden wants to categorise India? As an adversary? Highly unlikely. The world's interests are converging with india's. These are exciting times in New Delhi's south block. World powers are courting the Indian leadership. Climate, peace, defence, you name it. They want New Delhi on board. If India plays its cards right, the summer of diplomacy could mark the beginning of pax indica, a world order built around India.

The summer of diplomacy has begun for India? 

New Delhi is in a dilemma.&nbsp;Russia is India's biggest&nbsp;defence&nbsp;partner&nbsp;and the US&nbsp;is a key partner in the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;So far,&nbsp;India has carefully built an independent relationship with both countries.&nbsp;But as the friction between the Kremlin and the White House increases,&nbsp;India is walking a diplomatic tightrope.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kremlin,&nbsp;a cold war ally&nbsp;and&nbsp;White House&nbsp;is&nbsp;an Indo-Pacific partner.&nbsp;

One has been a critical source of military equipment&nbsp;and&nbsp;the other is crucial for safeguarding strategic interests.&nbsp;In maintaining one partnership,&nbsp;India has been careful not to damage the other.&nbsp;

It has enjoyed an independent relationship with both Moscow&nbsp;and&nbsp;Washington.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This has been the state of play for several years.&nbsp;But the US-Russia&nbsp;acrimony is entering a new phase.&nbsp;

A new president is in the White House&nbsp;and&nbsp;he is trying to distinguish himself from his predecessor&nbsp;and assert&nbsp;America's&nbsp;place in the world.&nbsp;

Words have been flying like missiles&nbsp;and&nbsp;in this growing friction between the two super-powers,&nbsp;India faces the real test.&nbsp;Which way will it tilt?&nbsp;So far,&nbsp;New Delhi has successfully struck a balance.&nbsp;In&nbsp;February,&nbsp;India's&nbsp;foreign secretary travelled to Moscow for a&nbsp;two-day visit.&nbsp;In March,&nbsp;US&nbsp;defence&nbsp;secretary&nbsp;Lloyd&nbsp;Austin&nbsp;visited&nbsp;India.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Now,&nbsp;the US climate envoy John Kerry&nbsp;is in New Delhi&nbsp;and so is Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.&nbsp;India is actively engaged with both countries&nbsp;but one bargain hangs above India-US ties like the sword of&nbsp;democracies.&nbsp;

The S-400 deal!&nbsp;New Delhi's decision to purchase this anti-aircraft missile system from Russia&nbsp;has raised the risk of US sanctions.&nbsp;America&nbsp;has imposed sanctions on Turkey for a similar deal with Russia.&nbsp;

The delivery in India is due in December&nbsp;and the Pentagon has not indicated that it won't impose sanctions on India.&nbsp;

On the other hand,&nbsp;Moscow's biggest worry is&nbsp;India's&nbsp;growing security ties with the&nbsp;US.&nbsp;Prime Minister Modi attended the first-ever Quad summit last month.&nbsp;Signs of discomfort have surfaced at Kremlin.&nbsp;

Russia along with China is proposing a new regional security bloc aimed at countering any US-led blocs.&nbsp;

It already seems to be laying the groundwork.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lavrov will be visiting Islamabad after his India visit.&nbsp;This will be the first such visit by a Russian Foreign Minister in nine years.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;the challenge before India is quite complex&nbsp;and it comes at a crucial time.&nbsp;

Right across the Himalayas,&nbsp;Chinese still pose a significant threat to&nbsp;India's&nbsp;security.&nbsp;New Delhi will have to choose wisely.&nbsp;It will have to ask serious questions about American reliability in the face of this potent threat&nbsp;and align its approach in the Indo-Pacific in a way that does not damage the Delhi-Moscow dynamics.&nbsp;As the stakes go higher,&nbsp;the balancing act will only become tougher for India.&nbsp;

New Delhi is in a dilemma. Russia is India's biggest defence partner and the US is a key partner in the Indo-Pacific. So far, India has carefully built an independent relationship with both countries.

New Delhi is in a dilemma. Russia is India's biggest defence partner and the US is a key partner in the Indo-Pacific. So far, India has carefully built an independent relationship with both countries. But as the friction between the Kremlin and the White House increases, India is walking a diplomatic tightrope. Kremlin, a cold war ally and White House is an Indo-Pacific partner. One has been a critical source of military equipment and the other is crucial for safeguarding strategic interests. In maintaining one partnership, India has been careful not to damage the other. It has enjoyed an independent relationship with both Moscow and Washington. This has been the state of play for several years. But the US-Russia acrimony is entering a new phase. A new president is in the White House and he is trying to distinguish himself from his predecessor and assert America's place in the world. Words have been flying like missiles and in this growing friction between the two super-powers, India faces the real test. Which way will it tilt? So far, New Delhi has successfully struck a balance. In February, India's foreign secretary travelled to Moscow for a two-day visit. In March, US defence secretary Lloyd Austin visited India. Now, the US climate envoy John Kerry is in New Delhi and so is Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. India is actively engaged with both countries but one bargain hangs above India-US ties like the sword of democracies. The S-400 deal! New Delhi's decision to purchase this anti-aircraft missile system from Russia has raised the risk of US sanctions. America has imposed sanctions on Turkey for a similar deal with Russia. The delivery in India is due in December and the Pentagon has not indicated that it won't impose sanctions on India. On the other hand, Moscow's biggest worry is India's growing security ties with the US. Prime Minister Modi attended the first-ever Quad summit last month. Signs of discomfort have surfaced at Kremlin. Russia along with China is proposing a new regional security bloc aimed at countering any US-led blocs. It already seems to be laying the groundwork. Lavrov will be visiting Islamabad after his India visit. This will be the first such visit by a Russian Foreign Minister in nine years. So, the challenge before India is quite complex and it comes at a crucial time. Right across the Himalayas, Chinese still pose a significant threat to India's security. New Delhi will have to choose wisely. It will have to ask serious questions about American reliability in the face of this potent threat and align its approach in the Indo-Pacific in a way that does not damage the Delhi-Moscow dynamics. As the stakes go higher, the balancing act will only become tougher for India.

India walking on a diplomatic tightrope? 

It was a hectic day for Indian diplomats as the country was hosting two high-profile leaders on the same day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US special envoy for climate John Kerry.&nbsp;

What makes this all the more crucial is the dynamics between Russia and the US. They are arch enemies. Their presidents call each other names but, their top diplomats were in New Delhi at the same time. Was this a coincidence? Possibly but, we're not surprised that their schedules overlapped.&nbsp;

World leaders are actively engaging with India. This is turning out to be the summer of high profile engagements.&nbsp;

Let's look at what happened today. Sergey Lavrov and John Kerry arrived in India's national capital on Monday. Both of them are on different missions. The Russian Foreign Minister was here to prepare the ground for an annual summit that will be held later this year. John Kerry was meeting different stakeholders to discuss climate goals. Let's start with the Russian mission.&nbsp;

Sergey Lavrov met India's External&nbsp;Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. They discussed a whole lot of issues, such as the UN Security Council, Afghanistan, West Asia, the Gulf, Myanmar, Asean, space, the Indo-pacific and vaccine production. &nbsp;&nbsp;

India and Russia vowed to deepen their defence cooperation. They are looking for ways to expand the production of Russian weapons in India and this despite, the threat of American sanctions.&nbsp;

Remember, the US sanctions countries that buy Russian weapons. India is a big buyer of Russian weapons. The latest purchase is the Russian S-400 missile defence system. The delivery is expected in December this year. Will the US sanction India?&nbsp;

There's no clarity yet. More importantly, no assurance from Washington that Delhi won't face sanctions. As for Delhi and Moscow, they say they remain committed to strong defence ties. &nbsp;

The other elephant in the room was China. Lavrov said Russia is watching the border situation in Ladakh. He addressed a joint press conference with India's S Jaishankar.&nbsp;

He was asked a pointed question. Is Russia working on a military alliance with China?&nbsp;

He said no but went on to speak about another military alliance in the region, the Quad. &nbsp;&nbsp;

India's position is clear. It will not engage in a Nato-like military alliance with the Quad and that's the challenge for Delhi, striking the right balance between Russia and the Quad. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Lavrov has already left India and landed in Pakistan, that's his next destination and that makes the India-Russia equation more intriguing. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, John Kerry, the US special envoy, is going to be in India for four days and he's not going to Pakistan. US President Joe Biden has appointed Kerry as his special envoy on the climate crisis. &nbsp;

It's a position that includes a seat on the US national security council. This council is the principal forum for the US president to discuss national security.&nbsp;

What does this mean? It means that US has put climate change on a par with national security priorities. So, what is Kerry doing in India? &nbsp;&nbsp;

Meeting representatives from the government, the private sector and NGOs on Tuesday. He met India's environment minister Prakash Javadekar and finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman.&nbsp;

The purpose was to get India to commit on climate action, and to cut back on the use of fossil fuels. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Remember, India too has been at the forefront of climate action and sustainable development goals.&nbsp;

Joe Biden has now formed an alliance of like-minded countries to take this forward. Kerry was all praises for India.&nbsp;

Calling India a world leader in deployment of renewable energy, Kerry said India is setting a 'very strong example' for other nations. So, that's how the day panned out for Sergey Lavrov and John Kerry.&nbsp;

You may be wondering if their paths crossed. Did Lavrov and Kerry meet in New Delhi? The answer is yes, they did!&nbsp;

They were staying in the same hotel. They met in the lobby. What did they talk about? Climate change. That's what the Russians have told the press. The Americans are much more guarded about this engagement. The US embassy in Delhi said the leaders 'ran into each other by happenstance’. Believe what you will. &nbsp;We'll give you a short backgrounder. When John Kerry was the US secretary of state in the Obama era, there was a lot of talk about the 'bromance' between him and Lavrov.&nbsp;

On several occasions, the leaders have exchanged gifts too. Once Kerry had gifted Lavrov two potatoes from Idaho. Why? Because the Russian Foreign Minister had mentioned them in an earlier conversation. Then, Lavrov had returned the favour with some tomatoes from Sochi. &nbsp;

He had even gifted a T-shirt to Kerry with symbols of victory. That was almost six years back. Now, their presidents are hurling abuses at each other. But why should that stop them from a quick catch-up in New Delhi?&nbsp;

It was a hectic day for Indian diplomats as the country was hosting two high-profile leaders on the same day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US special envoy for climate John Kerry.

It was a hectic day for Indian diplomats as the country was hosting two high-profile leaders on the same day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US special envoy for climate John Kerry. What makes this all the more crucial is the dynamics between Russia and the US. They are arch enemies. Their presidents call each other names but, their top diplomats were in New Delhi at the same time. Was this a coincidence? Possibly but, we're not surprised that their schedules overlapped. World leaders are actively engaging with India. This is turning out to be the summer of high profile engagements. Let's look at what happened today. Sergey Lavrov and John Kerry arrived in India's national capital on Monday. Both of them are on different missions. The Russian Foreign Minister was here to prepare the ground for an annual summit that will be held later this year. John Kerry was meeting different stakeholders to discuss climate goals. Let's start with the Russian mission. Sergey Lavrov met India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. They discussed a whole lot of issues, such as the UN Security Council, Afghanistan, West Asia, the Gulf, Myanmar, Asean, space, the Indo-pacific and vaccine production. India and Russia vowed to deepen their defence cooperation. They are looking for ways to expand the production of Russian weapons in India and this despite, the threat of American sanctions. Remember, the US sanctions countries that buy Russian weapons. India is a big buyer of Russian weapons. The latest purchase is the Russian S-400 missile defence system. The delivery is expected in December this year. Will the US sanction India? There's no clarity yet. More importantly, no assurance from Washington that Delhi won't face sanctions. As for Delhi and Moscow, they say they remain committed to strong defence ties. The other elephant in the room was China. Lavrov said Russia is watching the border situation in Ladakh. He addressed a joint press conference with India's S Jaishankar. He was asked a pointed question. Is Russia working on a military alliance with China? He said no but went on to speak about another military alliance in the region, the Quad. India's position is clear. It will not engage in a Nato-like military alliance with the Quad and that's the challenge for Delhi, striking the right balance between Russia and the Quad. Meanwhile, Lavrov has already left India and landed in Pakistan, that's his next destination and that makes the India-Russia equation more intriguing. Meanwhile, John Kerry, the US special envoy, is going to be in India for four days and he's not going to Pakistan. US President Joe Biden has appointed Kerry as his special envoy on the climate crisis. It's a position that includes a seat on the US national security council. This council is the principal forum for the US president to discuss national security. What does this mean? It means that US has put climate change on a par with national security priorities. So, what is Kerry doing in India? Meeting representatives from the government, the private sector and NGOs on Tuesday. He met India's environment minister Prakash Javadekar and finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The purpose was to get India to commit on climate action, and to cut back on the use of fossil fuels. Remember, India too has been at the forefront of climate action and sustainable development goals. Joe Biden has now formed an alliance of like-minded countries to take this forward. Kerry was all praises for India. Calling India a world leader in deployment of renewable energy, Kerry said India is setting a 'very strong example' for other nations. So, that's how the day panned out for Sergey Lavrov and John Kerry. You may be wondering if their paths crossed. Did Lavrov and Kerry meet in New Delhi? The answer is yes, they did! They were staying in the same hotel. They met in the lobby. What did they talk about? Climate change. That's what the Russians have told the press. The Americans are much more guarded about this engagement. The US embassy in Delhi said the leaders 'ran into each other by happenstance’. Believe what you will. We'll give you a short backgrounder. When John Kerry was the US secretary of state in the Obama era, there was a lot of talk about the 'bromance' between him and Lavrov. On several occasions, the leaders have exchanged gifts too. Once Kerry had gifted Lavrov two potatoes from Idaho. Why? Because the Russian Foreign Minister had mentioned them in an earlier conversation. Then, Lavrov had returned the favour with some tomatoes from Sochi. He had even gifted a T-shirt to Kerry with symbols of victory. That was almost six years back. Now, their presidents are hurling abuses at each other. But why should that stop them from a quick catch-up in New Delhi?

Busy day for diplomacy in India as Lavrov, Kerry pay visit 

From Pakistan to India and Bangladesh, a deadly second wave is sweeping through South Asia. All countries are reporting a record spike in cases. India reported more than 100,000 new infections in a day, becoming only the second country in the world after the United States to hit that mark.&nbsp;

A grim milestone in India's fight against the coronavirus. On Monday, more than 100,000 cases of new infections were found, the highest single day figures for India since the pandemic began.&nbsp;

At the beginning of the new year, India was breathing easy, but now it seems like the virus has come back with a vengeance even with vaccination.&nbsp;

Hospital beds are filling up fast and the restrictions are returning. The state of Maharashtra has accounted for nearly 60 per cent of all the new cases in the last two weeks. Reports say eight out of 10 worst affected districts are in Maharashtra. The state govt has announced a night and weekend curfew. Public spaces like parks, shopping malls and cinemas have been closed again.&nbsp;

India's neighbourhood is battling a surge too. Bangladesh has decided to impose a week-long lockdown after recording more than 7,000 new cases on Sunday. This is the highest daily count for Bangladesh. Only utility and emergency services will run for the next seven days. Factories can remain open but they will have to follow strict hygiene rules.&nbsp;

The second wave has swept Pakistan too. On Saturday, the country reported more than 5,000 cases.&nbsp; 
Islamabad says this surge is worse than last year's wave. Pakistan has also become the first country to allow the commercial sale of vaccines. Russian made shot Sputnik V is now available in the open market. It has been priced at 12,000 Pakistani rupees or 80 dollars. A cost price that may keep the life- saving jabs out of the hands of the poor, who make up almost one fourth of Pakistan.&nbsp;

Beyond South Asia, Europe is struggling with a third wave of the pandemic. Many countries are reimposing lockdowns and restrictions. Last week, France announced its third national lockdown. Thousands of cops were seen on the streets of Paris on Monday, asking people to wear masks.

Those who broke the rules were fined on the spot.&nbsp;

In contrast is the United Kingdom, which is gradually opening up. New coronavirus cases have reduced dramatically in the UK, thanks to its vaccination programme.&nbsp;

After inoculating more than 47 per cent of its population with at least one dose, new infections are now down to just six per cent of the peak, that was reported in January. That's when the so-called UK strain had led to a big rise in cases.&nbsp;

Three months on, the British government is lifting lockdown restrictions. People can now meet outside and outdoor sports facilities have reopened. For the rest of the world, the writing is on the wall. It is critical to vaccinate large sections of the population to beat the surge, and it must be done sooner, rather than later. 
&nbsp;

From Pakistan to India and Bangladesh, a deadly second wave is sweeping through South Asia. All countries are reporting a record spike in cases. India reported more than 100,000 new infections in a day, becoming only the second country in the world after the United States to hit that mark.

From Pakistan to India and Bangladesh, a deadly second wave is sweeping through South Asia. All countries are reporting a record spike in cases. India reported more than 100,000 new infections in a day, becoming only the second country in the world after the United States to hit that mark. A grim milestone in India's fight against the coronavirus. On Monday, more than 100,000 cases of new infections were found, the highest single day figures for India since the pandemic began. At the beginning of the new year, India was breathing easy, but now it seems like the virus has come back with a vengeance even with vaccination. Hospital beds are filling up fast and the restrictions are returning. The state of Maharashtra has accounted for nearly 60 per cent of all the new cases in the last two weeks. Reports say eight out of 10 worst affected districts are in Maharashtra. The state govt has announced a night and weekend curfew. Public spaces like parks, shopping malls and cinemas have been closed again. India's neighbourhood is battling a surge too. Bangladesh has decided to impose a week-long lockdown after recording more than 7,000 new cases on Sunday. This is the highest daily count for Bangladesh. Only utility and emergency services will run for the next seven days. Factories can remain open but they will have to follow strict hygiene rules. The second wave has swept Pakistan too. On Saturday, the country reported more than 5,000 cases. Islamabad says this surge is worse than last year's wave. Pakistan has also become the first country to allow the commercial sale of vaccines. Russian made shot Sputnik V is now available in the open market. It has been priced at 12,000 Pakistani rupees or 80 dollars. A cost price that may keep the life- saving jabs out of the hands of the poor, who make up almost one fourth of Pakistan. Beyond South Asia, Europe is struggling with a third wave of the pandemic. Many countries are reimposing lockdowns and restrictions. Last week, France announced its third national lockdown. Thousands of cops were seen on the streets of Paris on Monday, asking people to wear masks. Those who broke the rules were fined on the spot. In contrast is the United Kingdom, which is gradually opening up. New coronavirus cases have reduced dramatically in the UK, thanks to its vaccination programme. After inoculating more than 47 per cent of its population with at least one dose, new infections are now down to just six per cent of the peak, that was reported in January. That's when the so-called UK strain had led to a big rise in cases. Three months on, the British government is lifting lockdown restrictions. People can now meet outside and outdoor sports facilities have reopened. For the rest of the world, the writing is on the wall. It is critical to vaccinate large sections of the population to beat the surge, and it must be done sooner, rather than later.

Deadly wave strikes South Asia hard as record coronavirus cases reported

Italy's business owners hold protests against Covid-19 restrictions

US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry praised India as a world leader in renewables as he began talks with government leaders aimed at cutting carbon emissions faster to slow global warming.

India is the world’s third biggest emitter behind the United States and China and is under pressure to commit itself to net zero emissions by 2050, in line with pledges made by several other countries.

"India is getting the job done on climate, pushing the curve," Kerry said.&nbsp;

"You (India) are indisputably a world leader already in the deployment of renewable energy."

Government sources said that India was unlikely to bind itself to a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as its energy demand was projected to grow more than that of any other nation over the next two decades.

Kerry is leading efforts to get countries to step up commitments ahead of a summit of 40 leaders on April 22-23 called by US President Joe Biden.&nbsp;

Later this year, world leaders are due to gather for a UN climate summit to build on the 2015 Paris accord to limit global warming.&nbsp;

Kerry said India was setting a ‘very strong example’ for other nations on powering a growing economy with clean energy.

"That kind of urgency is exactly what we need to confront global climate change," he said.

India points to its target of generating 450 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030 - five times its current capacity and two and half times its Paris pledge.&nbsp;

But officials in India argue against adopting tougher emission goals, noting that its per capita emissions are still only an eighth of those of the United States and less than a third of China’s, even as it tries to bridge a development gap.

Kerry said it was ‘absolutely critical’ that India, the United States and others scale up investments in areas including energy storage, clean fuels and decarbonising industries.

"India, in particular, is a red-hot investment opportunity because of its clean energy transition," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry praised India as a world leader in renewables as he began talks with government leaders aimed at cutting carbon emissions faster to slow global warming.

US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry praised India as a world leader in renewables as he began talks with government leaders aimed at cutting carbon emissions faster to slow global warming. India is the world’s third biggest emitter behind the United States and China and is under pressure to commit itself to net zero emissions by 2050, in line with pledges made by several other countries. "India is getting the job done on climate, pushing the curve," Kerry said. "You (India) are indisputably a world leader already in the deployment of renewable energy." Government sources said that India was unlikely to bind itself to a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as its energy demand was projected to grow more than that of any other nation over the next two decades. Kerry is leading efforts to get countries to step up commitments ahead of a summit of 40 leaders on April 22-23 called by US President Joe Biden. Later this year, world leaders are due to gather for a UN climate summit to build on the 2015 Paris accord to limit global warming. Kerry said India was setting a ‘very strong example’ for other nations on powering a growing economy with clean energy. "That kind of urgency is exactly what we need to confront global climate change," he said. India points to its target of generating 450 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030 - five times its current capacity and two and half times its Paris pledge. But officials in India argue against adopting tougher emission goals, noting that its per capita emissions are still only an eighth of those of the United States and less than a third of China’s, even as it tries to bridge a development gap. Kerry said it was ‘absolutely critical’ that India, the United States and others scale up investments in areas including energy storage, clean fuels and decarbonising industries. "India, in particular, is a red-hot investment opportunity because of its clean energy transition," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

US envoy Kerry says India is ‘getting job done’ on climate

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