Saudi Arabia has published a dress code for those attending the upcoming Grand Prix at Jeddah. Visitors have been asked not to wear sleeveless dresses, shorts, miniskirts or bikinis. Women have also been asked to not wear too much make-up. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Saudi Arabia publishes dress code for upcoming Grand Prix

Is Donald Trump being harassed? At a recent legal hearing, Trump labelled a lawsuit against him as 'pure harassment'. The former U.S. President is fighting multiple legal battles after leaving the White House. Palki Shama gets you a report.

Gravitas: 'Pure Harassment', Trump slams Lawsuit against him

165 countries owe at least $385 billion to China. But, the world barely knows about these loans. This "hidden debt" could trigger an economic crisis. Palki Sharma tells you how.

Gravitas: 165 countries owe at least $385 billion to China

Days after saying it doesn't want war, North Korea launched a submarine-based missile into the Sea of Japan. Tokyo says all options - including enemy base strikes are on the table. Palki Sharma gets you the latest on the Korean arms race.

Gravitas: North Korea tests submarine-launched missiles

Hindus in Bangladesh are seeking Justice. Protests are being held in Dhaka to punish the culprits of recent killings. What action has the Sheikh Hasina govt taken? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: 'Give us Justice', Hindus in Bangladesh stage protests

Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has said that while she supports mediation from Russia for a peaceful transition of power in the eastern European country, the “future of Belarus would be only decided by its people”.

Speaking to WION’s Executive Editor Palki Sharma in an exclusive interview, she also urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop supporting his Belarusian counterpart, Alexander Lukashenko.

“I would like to underline that it is not up to Russia or other countries to decide the future of Belarus. It is only up to the people of Belarus. We are not in contact with Kremlin. We haven’t had any communication with them, but we sent our message through media, through different leaders that if Russia wants to play a constructive role in our country, then they have to stop supporting Lukashenko and his regime,” Tsikhanouskaya told WION from Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, where she is living in exile.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-india-shouldnt-back-gangster-lukashenko-says-belarus-oppn-leader-sviatlana-tsikhanouskaya-421777">Exclusive: India shouldn't back ‘gangster’ Lukashenko, says Belarus oppn leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya</a>

Belarus has been on edge ever since August last year when a controversial presidential vote showed Lukashenko winning his sixth straight election. Thousands of people have been on the streets demanding that their autocratic leader step down.

Lukashenko has been the President of Belarus since 1994 and is known as “Europe’s last dictator.” It was alleged that he sought the help of Putin to solidify his leadership in the eastern European country.

Following Lukashenko’s disputed victory, a crackdown ensued, forcing Tikhanovskaya to flee the country, while others were jailed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-fight-west-aggression-belarus-may-turn-into-joint-military-base-with-russia-says-president-alexander-lukashenko-417737">To fight West aggression, Belarus may turn into joint military base with Russia, says President Alexander Lukashenko</a>

“We are sure that peaceful transition of power can be only through negotiations. We live in the 21st century, we are&nbsp;civilised people and everything should be solved peacefully. We welcome every side that can be a mediator in this negotiation. But it should not be a negotiation between the regimes of US, Russia and Belarus, but between the Belarus regime and the civil society, along with representatives of the other countries who can sit at the round table and be mediators. As a mediator, Russia, US, UK, India, whoever, if they can help us with this crisis, we welcome everyone,” she said.

Tsikhanouskaya said that Russia has also been keeping its distance from Belarus President Lukashenko as he has become a liability to the Kremlin government.

“Lukashenko is becoming expensive economically and politically for Kremlin. But the question is they don’t have another person to change Lukashenko at the moment. And now they are prolonging Lukashenko’s time by&nbsp;supporting him,” she said.

“They (Russia) understand that Lukashenko’s political career is over,” she added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-belarus-agree-on-deepening-economic-integration-411981">Russia, Belarus agree on deepening economic integration</a>

Speaking on the US’ support for the democratic movement in Belarus, Tsikhanouskaya said she didn’t see any political will from the Biden government to resolve the issue.

“The Belarus Democracy Act was adopted rather fast in the US, but it has not been implemented fully. There is no political will for its implementation,” she said.

The Belarus Democracy Act of 2004 is a United States federal law that authorizes assistance for political parties, non-governmental organizations, and independent media working to advance democracy and human rights in Belarus.

Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has said that while she supports mediation from Russia for a peaceful transition of power in the eastern European country, the “future of Belarus would be only decided by its people”.

Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has said that while she supports mediation from Russia for a peaceful transition of power in the eastern European country, the “future of Belarus would be only decided by its people”. Speaking to WION’s Executive Editor Palki Sharma in an exclusive interview, she also urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop supporting his Belarusian counterpart, Alexander Lukashenko. “I would like to underline that it is not up to Russia or other countries to decide the future of Belarus. It is only up to the people of Belarus. We are not in contact with Kremlin. We haven’t had any communication with them, but we sent our message through media, through different leaders that if Russia wants to play a constructive role in our country, then they have to stop supporting Lukashenko and his regime,” Tsikhanouskaya told WION from Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, where she is living in exile. Also read | Exclusive: India shouldn't back ‘gangster’ Lukashenko, says Belarus oppn leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya Belarus has been on edge ever since August last year when a controversial presidential vote showed Lukashenko winning his sixth straight election. Thousands of people have been on the streets demanding that their autocratic leader step down. Lukashenko has been the President of Belarus since 1994 and is known as “Europe’s last dictator.” It was alleged that he sought the help of Putin to solidify his leadership in the eastern European country. Following Lukashenko’s disputed victory, a crackdown ensued, forcing Tikhanovskaya to flee the country, while others were jailed. Also read | To fight West aggression, Belarus may turn into joint military base with Russia, says President Alexander Lukashenko “We are sure that peaceful transition of power can be only through negotiations. We live in the 21st century, we are civilised people and everything should be solved peacefully. We welcome every side that can be a mediator in this negotiation. But it should not be a negotiation between the regimes of US, Russia and Belarus, but between the Belarus regime and the civil society, along with representatives of the other countries who can sit at the round table and be mediators. As a mediator, Russia, US, UK, India, whoever, if they can help us with this crisis, we welcome everyone,” she said. Tsikhanouskaya said that Russia has also been keeping its distance from Belarus President Lukashenko as he has become a liability to the Kremlin government. “Lukashenko is becoming expensive economically and politically for Kremlin. But the question is they don’t have another person to change Lukashenko at the moment. And now they are prolonging Lukashenko’s time by supporting him,” she said. “They (Russia) understand that Lukashenko’s political career is over,” she added. Also read | Russia, Belarus agree on deepening economic integration Speaking on the US’ support for the democratic movement in Belarus, Tsikhanouskaya said she didn’t see any political will from the Biden government to resolve the issue. “The Belarus Democracy Act was adopted rather fast in the US, but it has not been implemented fully. There is no political will for its implementation,” she said. The Belarus Democracy Act of 2004 is a United States federal law that authorizes assistance for political parties, non-governmental organizations, and independent media working to advance democracy and human rights in Belarus.

Exclusive: Belarus’ political future will be decided by its people, not Russia, says oppn leader Tsikhanouskaya

Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has urged India not to support strongman President Alexander Lukashenko, calling him a ‘gangster’, in an exclusive interview to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma.

“It is about democratic values which are important for India as well. You can’t support a gangster. You can't support a criminal. It is the basis of any democracy. India can be vocal about the situation. India can't say that everything is alright in Belarus when thousands are tortured in jails at the moment. India should stop cooperating with the regime,” Tsikhanouskaya told WION from Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, where she is living in exile.

She urged India to support rule of law and democratic values in Belarus, adding that she would like to have cordial relations with New Delhi.&nbsp;

"We ask India to postpone the cooperation until democratic changes and elections happen in our country. I really want India to be honest and support human rights, rule of law and democratic values. I would like to have wonderful relations with India,"&nbsp;Tsikhanouskaya said.

Tsikhanouskaya was the opposition candidate in the highly controversial presidential election of 2020, which Lukashenko won much to the chagrin of the international community that rejected the vote.

She entered the fray after her husband Sergei Tikhanovsky was arrested by Belarusian authorities.

Since the election, forces of Lukashenko, who has been president since 1994, have cracked down on months of opposition protests, eventually leading Tsikhanouskaya and her close associates to leave the country.

Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has urged India not to support strongman President Alexander Lukashenko, calling him a ‘gangster’, in an exclusive interview to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma.

Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has urged India not to support strongman President Alexander Lukashenko, calling him a ‘gangster’, in an exclusive interview to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma. “It is about democratic values which are important for India as well. You can’t support a gangster. You can't support a criminal. It is the basis of any democracy. India can be vocal about the situation. India can't say that everything is alright in Belarus when thousands are tortured in jails at the moment. India should stop cooperating with the regime,” Tsikhanouskaya told WION from Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, where she is living in exile. She urged India to support rule of law and democratic values in Belarus, adding that she would like to have cordial relations with New Delhi. "We ask India to postpone the cooperation until democratic changes and elections happen in our country. I really want India to be honest and support human rights, rule of law and democratic values. I would like to have wonderful relations with India," Tsikhanouskaya said. Tsikhanouskaya was the opposition candidate in the highly controversial presidential election of 2020, which Lukashenko won much to the chagrin of the international community that rejected the vote. She entered the fray after her husband Sergei Tikhanovsky was arrested by Belarusian authorities. Since the election, forces of Lukashenko, who has been president since 1994, have cracked down on months of opposition protests, eventually leading Tsikhanouskaya and her close associates to leave the country.

Exclusive: India shouldn't back ‘gangster’ Lukashenko, says Belarus oppn leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya 

India wants to achieve status quo ante along the border with China in Ladakh and revert to the situation on the border as of April 2020, the nation's Chief of Defence Staff General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-disengagement-at-border-with-china-is-slow-due-to-suspicions-indias-chief-of-defence-staff-general-bipin-rawat-to-wion-390891">Bipin Rawat</a> told WION in an exclusive interview.

"Yes, we wish to achieve status quo ante," General Rawat said while speaking to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma. "Our bottom line is that we want to revert to the April 2020 situation."

"This is what has been communicated to the Chinese. So the ultimate aim is to ensure that we reverse to status quo ante." If that happens, he said, "there will be some kind of belief in each other, satisfaction that it's not likely to lead to further escalation." 
 
Watch | Gravitas: The Interview with General Bipin Rawat

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Noting that reversing the status quo will be a gradual process, General&nbsp;Rawat said, "I'm quite sure both sides are looking to return to status quo ante. Let's hope for the best because efforts are being made at all levels, be it political, diplomatic or at the military front."

He said the lower commanders of both sides are "constantly in contact to make sure that the situation does not turn ugly". &nbsp;

The border tensions in eastern Ladakh intensified last June, leading to the deaths of twenty&nbsp;Indian soldiers and four Chinese troops in Galwan Valley.

Talks to restore the status quo prior to the standoff have been slow with twelve rounds of military dialogue being held on disengagement. There have been reports of military replenishments and buildup&nbsp;on the Chinese side.&nbsp;

Asked about reports that the Chinese military conducted exercises near eastern Ladakh, India's&nbsp;CDS described the exercises as a "regular feature" on both sides.

"All armies, during peace time,&nbsp;carry out training activities and conduct of exercises is one such event," CDS General Rawat said.

"Whenever you have new troops coming to the area, you normally familiarise them to their operational tasks. And the best way is to conduct exercises. This is what the Chinese are doing, and what we have been doing," he pointed out.

"In our case, we frequent our borders more often, whereas on the Chinese side, they have a large conscript army. So it takes time for them to get acclimatised, get familiar with the terrain and kind of operations they're expected to carry out in such high mountain areas," General Rawat informed.

"We keep a close watch on them. And we are monitoring the situation very carefully. But exercises are a very regular feature and I think it should not be a cause for concern," General Rawat said.&nbsp;

"But at the same time, we should not lower our guard. We have to continue to monitor&nbsp;the activities of the Chinese&nbsp;and make sure they do not come to the areas which have been vacated earlier," he added.

India wants to achieve status quo ante along the border with China in Ladakh and revert to the situation on the border as of April 2020, the nation's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat told WION in an exclusive interview.

India wants to achieve status quo ante along the border with China in Ladakh and revert to the situation on the border as of April 2020, the nation's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat told WION in an exclusive interview. "Yes, we wish to achieve status quo ante," General Rawat said while speaking to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma. "Our bottom line is that we want to revert to the April 2020 situation." "This is what has been communicated to the Chinese. So the ultimate aim is to ensure that we reverse to status quo ante." If that happens, he said, "there will be some kind of belief in each other, satisfaction that it's not likely to lead to further escalation." Watch | Gravitas: The Interview with General Bipin Rawat Noting that reversing the status quo will be a gradual process, General Rawat said, "I'm quite sure both sides are looking to return to status quo ante. Let's hope for the best because efforts are being made at all levels, be it political, diplomatic or at the military front." He said the lower commanders of both sides are "constantly in contact to make sure that the situation does not turn ugly". The border tensions in eastern Ladakh intensified last June, leading to the deaths of twenty Indian soldiers and four Chinese troops in Galwan Valley. Talks to restore the status quo prior to the standoff have been slow with twelve rounds of military dialogue being held on disengagement. There have been reports of military replenishments and buildup on the Chinese side. Asked about reports that the Chinese military conducted exercises near eastern Ladakh, India's CDS described the exercises as a "regular feature" on both sides. "All armies, during peace time, carry out training activities and conduct of exercises is one such event," CDS General Rawat said. "Whenever you have new troops coming to the area, you normally familiarise them to their operational tasks. And the best way is to conduct exercises. This is what the Chinese are doing, and what we have been doing," he pointed out. "In our case, we frequent our borders more often, whereas on the Chinese side, they have a large conscript army. So it takes time for them to get acclimatised, get familiar with the terrain and kind of operations they're expected to carry out in such high mountain areas," General Rawat informed. "We keep a close watch on them. And we are monitoring the situation very carefully. But exercises are a very regular feature and I think it should not be a cause for concern," General Rawat said. "But at the same time, we should not lower our guard. We have to continue to monitor the activities of the Chinese and make sure they do not come to the areas which have been vacated earlier," he added.

Exclusive: India wants status quo ante in Ladakh, says India's CDS to WION

Pakistan must cease fire on all fronts, not just along the Line of Control (LOC), India's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat told WION in an exclusive interview.

He was referring to the practice of Pakistan dropping weapons and drugs using drones and quadcopter&nbsp;into the Indian side of the international border.

"Pakistan must understand that if they want a genuine ceasefire, they must ceasefire on all fronts," General Rawat told WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma.

India's CDS said he wanted Pakistan should "cease fire on the borders, ensure no support to terrorism in the hinterland," and make sure that "war-like stores" are not delivered.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-interview-with-general-bipin-rawat-390931">WATCH |</a>

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Otherwise, he warned, "our armed forces are always ready to retaliate in a befitting manner."

"Any instance of the violation of the ceasefire or any attempt at infiltration along the Line of Control, they will get a befitting reply from our troops."

He said India is not lowering its guard while exercising utmost caution, "but in no way will we allow Pakistan to take advantage of the ceasefire."

Asked if the recent peace overture from&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;is a lull before the storm, General Rawat said the demand for ceasefire may have come from civilians in Pakistan living in the border areas in Pakistan, along with the military casualties they suffered.&nbsp;

He also noted that the other reason may be that Pakistan's western border with Afghanistan has become very active. "So we have to wait and watch as to how the Afghanistan situation evolves" and how long the ceasefire lasts.

Pakistan sending "war-like stores" across the border is vitiating the atmosphere and does not augur well for the continuation of the ceasefire, the Indian CDS said.

"If it happens repeatedly," he warned, "then there may be a change in strategy on our side as well."

"When we talk about the ceasefire, it does not only mean engaging with weapons, but if we want Pakistan to take a serious view of the ceasefire, then I think even sending these drones across, especially with weapons which will foment insurgency in the hinterland, that's something that must stop. Otherwise, this could again lead to escalation."

On February 24, India and Pakistan had agreed to&nbsp;“strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing&nbsp;along the Line of Control and all other sectors”.

In the past few months, there have been several incidents of firing across the border by Pakistan, sometimes leading to civilian casualties.

Ceasefire violations along the India-Pakistan border were highest in 2020 at 4,645, or nearly 12.7 violations a day.&nbsp;

Between January 1 and February 16 this year, there were 524 violations&nbsp;which is more than 11 violations a day, according to an Indian government reply to a&nbsp;Right to Information(RTI)&nbsp;query.

Pakistan must cease fire on all fronts, not just along the Line of Control (LOC), India's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat told WION in an exclusive interview.

Pakistan must cease fire on all fronts, not just along the Line of Control (LOC), India's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat told WION in an exclusive interview. He was referring to the practice of Pakistan dropping weapons and drugs using drones and quadcopter into the Indian side of the international border. "Pakistan must understand that if they want a genuine ceasefire, they must ceasefire on all fronts," General Rawat told WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma. India's CDS said he wanted Pakistan should "cease fire on the borders, ensure no support to terrorism in the hinterland," and make sure that "war-like stores" are not delivered. WATCH | Otherwise, he warned, "our armed forces are always ready to retaliate in a befitting manner." "Any instance of the violation of the ceasefire or any attempt at infiltration along the Line of Control, they will get a befitting reply from our troops." He said India is not lowering its guard while exercising utmost caution, "but in no way will we allow Pakistan to take advantage of the ceasefire." Asked if the recent peace overture from Pakistan is a lull before the storm, General Rawat said the demand for ceasefire may have come from civilians in Pakistan living in the border areas in Pakistan, along with the military casualties they suffered. He also noted that the other reason may be that Pakistan's western border with Afghanistan has become very active. "So we have to wait and watch as to how the Afghanistan situation evolves" and how long the ceasefire lasts. Pakistan sending "war-like stores" across the border is vitiating the atmosphere and does not augur well for the continuation of the ceasefire, the Indian CDS said. "If it happens repeatedly," he warned, "then there may be a change in strategy on our side as well." "When we talk about the ceasefire, it does not only mean engaging with weapons, but if we want Pakistan to take a serious view of the ceasefire, then I think even sending these drones across, especially with weapons which will foment insurgency in the hinterland, that's something that must stop. Otherwise, this could again lead to escalation." On February 24, India and Pakistan had agreed to “strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors”. In the past few months, there have been several incidents of firing across the border by Pakistan, sometimes leading to civilian casualties. Ceasefire violations along the India-Pakistan border were highest in 2020 at 4,645, or nearly 12.7 violations a day. Between January 1 and February 16 this year, there were 524 violations which is more than 11 violations a day, according to an Indian government reply to a Right to Information(RTI) query.

Exclusive: Pakistan must cease fire on all fronts, not just LOC, India's Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat to WION

The disengagement process with China after the recent border standoff in the Ladakh area is slow due to suspicions on both sides, India's Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat told WION in an exclusive interview.

After the tense border standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the two countries have begun the process of disengagement, but the negotiations have been proceeding slowly.

"The disengagement process with China is slow because there is suspicion on both sides," India's CDS&nbsp;General Bipin Rawat said.

"There are always suspicions on both sides,"&nbsp;General Rawat told WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: The Interview with General Bipin Rawat

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"When you have adversaries and you've had this kind of engagements in the past, there are always suspicions that if you withdraw prematurely, will the other side come up and occupy the same features. Because of these kind of suspicions that we have, we are trying to resolve these at the diplomatic, political and military level,"&nbsp;General Rawat said.

Noting that "some very good progress" has been made in the Pangong Tso area&nbsp;where the north and south banks of the lake have been vacated, he said: "in the other areas, it is happening in a transitory manner".

"I think we are making good headway. While we should not expect very good progress because as I mentioned there will be suspicions, at the same time we have to ensure and not allow our guard to be lowered. We cannot take things for granted. We have to move in a very cautious manner."

Yet, he said, "we do not want to continue to operate in this manner because this creates tension."

Whenever troops are in close proximity, there are always chances of the situation escalating, he said. "Our commanders want that we must de-escalate at the earliest, and I think gradually we will succeed in achieving what we wish to achieve."

"It is a slow process, but it will happen in times to come," he said.

India had said last week that the disengagement along the LAC is unfinished, asking China to maintain stability in the area and avoid any further incidents.

"The process of disengagement remains unfinished. The two sides have agreed that in the interim, they would maintain stability on the ground and avoid any new incidents. It is our expectation, therefore, that neither side should do anything that is not in keeping with these understandings,” India's&nbsp;external affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had told reporters on June 4.

After the tense border standoff last year, troops on both sides conducted a drawdown along the banks of the Pangong Lake in February. However, the disengagement process has stalled since then. Talks at the diplomatic and military levels failed to reach a consensus on friction points such as Depsang Plains, Gogra and Hot Springs.

Recent reports said China has been moving in military equipment and formations into Tibet and Xinjiang and boosting its air defence, missile positions and airports on its side of the LAC.

The disengagement process with China after the recent border standoff in the Ladakh area is slow due to suspicions on both sides, India's Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat told WION in an exclusive interview.

The disengagement process with China after the recent border standoff in the Ladakh area is slow due to suspicions on both sides, India's Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat told WION in an exclusive interview. After the tense border standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the two countries have begun the process of disengagement, but the negotiations have been proceeding slowly. "The disengagement process with China is slow because there is suspicion on both sides," India's CDS General Bipin Rawat said. "There are always suspicions on both sides," General Rawat told WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma. Watch | Gravitas: The Interview with General Bipin Rawat "When you have adversaries and you've had this kind of engagements in the past, there are always suspicions that if you withdraw prematurely, will the other side come up and occupy the same features. Because of these kind of suspicions that we have, we are trying to resolve these at the diplomatic, political and military level," General Rawat said. Noting that "some very good progress" has been made in the Pangong Tso area where the north and south banks of the lake have been vacated, he said: "in the other areas, it is happening in a transitory manner". "I think we are making good headway. While we should not expect very good progress because as I mentioned there will be suspicions, at the same time we have to ensure and not allow our guard to be lowered. We cannot take things for granted. We have to move in a very cautious manner." Yet, he said, "we do not want to continue to operate in this manner because this creates tension." Whenever troops are in close proximity, there are always chances of the situation escalating, he said. "Our commanders want that we must de-escalate at the earliest, and I think gradually we will succeed in achieving what we wish to achieve." "It is a slow process, but it will happen in times to come," he said. India had said last week that the disengagement along the LAC is unfinished, asking China to maintain stability in the area and avoid any further incidents. "The process of disengagement remains unfinished. The two sides have agreed that in the interim, they would maintain stability on the ground and avoid any new incidents. It is our expectation, therefore, that neither side should do anything that is not in keeping with these understandings,” India's external affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had told reporters on June 4. After the tense border standoff last year, troops on both sides conducted a drawdown along the banks of the Pangong Lake in February. However, the disengagement process has stalled since then. Talks at the diplomatic and military levels failed to reach a consensus on friction points such as Depsang Plains, Gogra and Hot Springs. Recent reports said China has been moving in military equipment and formations into Tibet and Xinjiang and boosting its air defence, missile positions and airports on its side of the LAC.

Exclusive: Disengagement with China slow due to suspicions, says India's CDS

China is a bigger security threat for India than Pakistan, India's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat said in an exclusive interview with WION.

"We know we have challenges on both sides, but we have to obviously address our larger neighbour with some degree of concern," General Rawat, India's first-ever CDS, told WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma.

"When you have a larger neighbour, which has got a better force, better technology, you obviously prepare for a larger neighbour," he said. 
 
Watch:&nbsp;

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"You have a neighbour on the other side which is rogue. While the other neighbour may still be more pragmatic in decision making, this side there are terrorists who are operating alongside them," he said in reference to Pakistan.

"Terrorists sometimes go out of control of the establishment and they could actually escalate the situation.&nbsp;If a situation like Kargil happens again, then even the western neighbour could become a challenge," he said.

As the US troops pull out of Afghanistan, General&nbsp;Rawat said India has to wait and watch how the situation evolves.

Asked if he still maintains that India should talk to the Taliban, he said "the people dealing with the situation" will do what is best for India.

The CDS also addressed questions about Quad - the quadrilateral alliance of US, India, Japan and Australia.&nbsp;Asked if it's fair to call it&nbsp;the Asian NATO, he said, "Quad is more of an alliance for ensuring freedom of navigation on the Indo-Pacific region."

As of now, he said, it is a group of four nations "ensuring peace in the region",&nbsp; but added that it is difficult to predict what form Quad will take in the future.

China is a bigger security threat for India than Pakistan, India's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat said in an exclusive interview with WION. "We know we have challenges on both sides, but we have to obviously address our larger neighbour with some degree of concern," General Rawat, India's first-ever CDS, told WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma.

China is a bigger security threat for India than Pakistan, India's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat said in an exclusive interview with WION. "We know we have challenges on both sides, but we have to obviously address our larger neighbour with some degree of concern," General Rawat, India's first-ever CDS, told WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma. "When you have a larger neighbour, which has got a better force, better technology, you obviously prepare for a larger neighbour," he said. Watch: × "You have a neighbour on the other side which is rogue. While the other neighbour may still be more pragmatic in decision making, this side there are terrorists who are operating alongside them," he said in reference to Pakistan. "Terrorists sometimes go out of control of the establishment and they could actually escalate the situation. If a situation like Kargil happens again, then even the western neighbour could become a challenge," he said. As the US troops pull out of Afghanistan, General Rawat said India has to wait and watch how the situation evolves. Asked if he still maintains that India should talk to the Taliban, he said "the people dealing with the situation" will do what is best for India. The CDS also addressed questions about Quad - the quadrilateral alliance of US, India, Japan and Australia. Asked if it's fair to call it the Asian NATO, he said, "Quad is more of an alliance for ensuring freedom of navigation on the Indo-Pacific region." As of now, he said, it is a group of four nations "ensuring peace in the region", but added that it is difficult to predict what form Quad will take in the future.

Exclusive: For India, China a bigger security threat than Pakistan, says CDS Bipin Rawat

Former vice president Amrullah&nbsp;Saleh speaking exclusively to WION's&nbsp;Palki Sharma&nbsp;said former president Ashraf Ghani leaving <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/terror-threat-at-kabul-airport-say-us-and-allies-amid-evacuation-408392">Afghanistan</a> was a "stain on our history".

"Ghani's escape shattered whatever positivity was left about his image," Saleh declared.

Saleh asserted that had Ghani stayed in Afghanistan and honoured his word it would have been much better both for him, "his legacy and the Afghan people". 
 
Watch | Former Vice President of Afghanistan Amrullah Saleh speaks with WION

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/former-vice-president-of-afghanistan-amrullah-saleh-speaks-with-wion-408561/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Saleh added that few days before the collapse of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/briton-to-evacuate-200-dogs-and-cats-from-his-animal-shelter-in-kabul-408364">Kabul</a>, Ghani had claimed that, "I am a fan of King Amanullah" who had regained independence from the British, however, at the time of difficulty and uncertainty, Ghani left the country.

"At the right moment he did not show a sense of sacrifice and a sense of giving back to the country, I feel very sorry that," Saleh lamented.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghan-baby-girl-born-aboard-us-military-plane-named-reach-after-aircrafts-code-name-408427">Also Read: Afghan baby girl born aboard US military plane named 'Reach'</a>

The former Afgan vice president reasoned that even if Ghani was captured and imprisoned by the Taliban it would have been a "rallying point" for the Afghan people and it would have led to an outcry in the international community.

"I don't think his escape from Afghanistan has either helped him or those around him," he said," adding, "this will be a dark chapter in our history."

When asked about asylum offered by other countries to him, Abdullah Saleh said: "If a person of my stature and history tries to escape it would be disgraceful and a historic shame."

Saleh said for years the Afghan people were told to sacrifice one's life for a "noble cause and for humanity. "When the country is seeking our trust if we escape it would dishonouring the sacrifices of the Afghan people."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-role-in-afghan-crisis-is-clear-every-child-knows-this-female-afghan-mayor-408130">Also Read: Pakistan's role in Afghan crisis is clear, every child knows this, says Afghan mayor</a>

"I did not want to be part of that disgrace, humiliation and historic shame," Saleh said on a possible escape from Afghanistan as the Taliban took control of the country.

"I am with the Afghan people and I am on my soil, I share their pain and frustration," he said. Saleh declared&nbsp;he is prepared to share "every hardship" faced by his fellow citizens.

The former vice president informed that even though&nbsp;was offered evacuation and chartered flights out of the country by friendly nations,&nbsp;he refused and decided to stay in Afghanistan.

Former vice president Amrullah Saleh speaking exclusively to WION's Palki Sharma said former president Ashraf Ghani leaving Afghanistan was a "stain on our history".

Former vice president Amrullah Saleh speaking exclusively to WION's Palki Sharma said former president Ashraf Ghani leaving Afghanistan was a "stain on our history". "Ghani's escape shattered whatever positivity was left about his image," Saleh declared. Saleh asserted that had Ghani stayed in Afghanistan and honoured his word it would have been much better both for him, "his legacy and the Afghan people". Watch | Former Vice President of Afghanistan Amrullah Saleh speaks with WION Saleh added that few days before the collapse of Kabul, Ghani had claimed that, "I am a fan of King Amanullah" who had regained independence from the British, however, at the time of difficulty and uncertainty, Ghani left the country. "At the right moment he did not show a sense of sacrifice and a sense of giving back to the country, I feel very sorry that," Saleh lamented. Also Read: Afghan baby girl born aboard US military plane named 'Reach' The former Afgan vice president reasoned that even if Ghani was captured and imprisoned by the Taliban it would have been a "rallying point" for the Afghan people and it would have led to an outcry in the international community. "I don't think his escape from Afghanistan has either helped him or those around him," he said," adding, "this will be a dark chapter in our history." When asked about asylum offered by other countries to him, Abdullah Saleh said: "If a person of my stature and history tries to escape it would be disgraceful and a historic shame." Saleh said for years the Afghan people were told to sacrifice one's life for a "noble cause and for humanity. "When the country is seeking our trust if we escape it would dishonouring the sacrifices of the Afghan people." Also Read: Pakistan's role in Afghan crisis is clear, every child knows this, says Afghan mayor "I did not want to be part of that disgrace, humiliation and historic shame," Saleh said on a possible escape from Afghanistan as the Taliban took control of the country. "I am with the Afghan people and I am on my soil, I share their pain and frustration," he said. Saleh declared he is prepared to share "every hardship" faced by his fellow citizens. The former vice president informed that even though was offered evacuation and chartered flights out of the country by friendly nations, he refused and decided to stay in Afghanistan.

Exclusive: Ghani leaving the country a stain on our history, says former Afghan vice-president Amrullah Saleh

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