<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-summit-to-discuss-progress-in-tackling-terrorism-climate-change-pm-modi-230700">Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is&nbsp;in Osaka</a>, Japan for the 14th G20 Summit,&nbsp;will be meeting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-xi-trade-meeting-set-for-saturday-morning-in-osaka-white-house-230701">US President Donald Trump</a> on Friday.

This is Modi's first meeting with the US president in his second term.

The meeting comes just a day after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met PM Modi in Delhi during his three-day India visit.

During the meet, Pompeo conveyed greetings of US president to the prime minister and congratulated PM Modi on his electoral victory, according to a&nbsp;government statement.

Meanwhile, PM Modi reiterated priority that he attaches to relations with the US and outlined his vision for the ''strategic partnership'' in the new tenure of his&nbsp;government and beyond.

PM Modi will also be meeting Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, South Korea President Moon Jae-in, German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the first day of the two-day G20 summit, the sixth he is participating since he became prime minister in 2014.

On Friday, PM Modi will attend two trilateral -- Japan America &amp; India (JAI)&nbsp;and Russia India &amp; China trilateral (RIC). On the same day&nbsp;he will also be present at the informal BRICS Meet.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;What awaits India at the G-20 summit in Japan

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The first meeting of JAI trilateral took place in December of 2018 on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina. While RIC was revived at heads of state/government level only last year when leaders of all the three countries-- Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and PM Modi -- met on the sidelines of G20 summit.

PM Modi arrived in Japan on Thursday morning and in a tweet said, "Reached Osaka to join the #G20 Summit. Grateful to the dynamic Indian community for the warm welcome!"

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Reached Osaka to join the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20</a> Summit. 
 
Grateful to the dynamic Indian community for the warm welcome! <a href="https://t.co/BrPkl9VJqJ">pic.twitter.com/BrPkl9VJqJ</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1144042531987922944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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All in all PM Modi will be having 10 bilateral meetings&nbsp;and more than five pull-asides on the sidelines of G20 summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Osaka, Japan for the 14th G20 Summit, will be meeting US President Donald Trump on Friday. This is Modi's first meeting with the US president in his second term.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Osaka, Japan for the 14th G20 Summit, will be meeting US President Donald Trump on Friday. This is Modi's first meeting with the US president in his second term. The meeting comes just a day after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met PM Modi in Delhi during his three-day India visit. During the meet, Pompeo conveyed greetings of US president to the prime minister and congratulated PM Modi on his electoral victory, according to a government statement. Meanwhile, PM Modi reiterated priority that he attaches to relations with the US and outlined his vision for the ''strategic partnership'' in the new tenure of his government and beyond. PM Modi will also be meeting Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, South Korea President Moon Jae-in, German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the first day of the two-day G20 summit, the sixth he is participating since he became prime minister in 2014. On Friday, PM Modi will attend two trilateral -- Japan America & India (JAI) and Russia India & China trilateral (RIC). On the same day he will also be present at the informal BRICS Meet. Watch: What awaits India at the G-20 summit in Japan The first meeting of JAI trilateral took place in December of 2018 on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina. While RIC was revived at heads of state/government level only last year when leaders of all the three countries-- Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and PM Modi -- met on the sidelines of G20 summit. PM Modi arrived in Japan on Thursday morning and in a tweet said, "Reached Osaka to join the #G20 Summit. Grateful to the dynamic Indian community for the warm welcome!" Reached Osaka to join the #G20 Summit. Grateful to the dynamic Indian community for the warm welcome! pic.twitter.com/BrPkl9VJqJ — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 27, 2019 × All in all PM Modi will be having 10 bilateral meetings and more than five pull-asides on the sidelines of G20 summit.

G20 Summit: PM Modi to meet Trump, attend two trilateral on Friday

Days after the incident of harassment of guests at the Iftar party hosted by the Indian High Commission, 6 cases of harassment of Indian diplomats have come to light.

In one case, Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria's car was aggressively tailed on his visit to Nathia Gali on June 13. Nathia Gali is a hill station in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. India had sent a note verbale to Islamabad on June 20 regarding the matter.

After the Incident that took place on June 1, New Delhi had strongly protested the harassment of guests invited for the Iftar organised by Indian High Commission at a hotel in Islamabad and asked the Pakistani government to investigate the "ugly" incident.

A release issued by the Indian mission in Islamabad said, "India has strongly protested to Pakistan's gross intimation of guests invited for an Iftar event in Islamabad on Saturday... Guests faced unprecedented harassment and intimation at the hands of security agencies".

The reports of the harassment of Indian diplomats in Pakistan has been a continued affair since December 2018. Despite repeated note verbale from New Delhi, Islamabad hasn't changed its behaviour.

Days after the incident of harassment of guests at the Iftar party hosted by the Indian High Commission, 6 cases of harassment of Indian diplomats have come to light.

Days after the incident of harassment of guests at the Iftar party hosted by the Indian High Commission, 6 cases of harassment of Indian diplomats have come to light. In one case, Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria's car was aggressively tailed on his visit to Nathia Gali on June 13. Nathia Gali is a hill station in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. India had sent a note verbale to Islamabad on June 20 regarding the matter. After the Incident that took place on June 1, New Delhi had strongly protested the harassment of guests invited for the Iftar organised by Indian High Commission at a hotel in Islamabad and asked the Pakistani government to investigate the "ugly" incident. A release issued by the Indian mission in Islamabad said, "India has strongly protested to Pakistan's gross intimation of guests invited for an Iftar event in Islamabad on Saturday... Guests faced unprecedented harassment and intimation at the hands of security agencies". The reports of the harassment of Indian diplomats in Pakistan has been a continued affair since December 2018. Despite repeated note verbale from New Delhi, Islamabad hasn't changed its behaviour.

Indian diplomats harrassed yet again in Pakistan

Indian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-leave-for-g20-summit-today-first-bilateral-meeting-with-japan-pm-shinzo-abe-230584">PM Modi's first bilateral</a> on the sidelines of G20 Summit will be with Japanese Prime minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday in Osaka. Indian envoy to Japan Sanjay Kumar Verma spoke to WION on what to expect from the meet and India's role at the G20 grouping.

WION: What can be expected from PM Modi's bilateral with the Japanese PM?

Sanjay Kumar Verma: Today India-Japan relationship is at historical best and if you look at the chemistry between any two leaders, there could not be anything better than what PM Modi and Japan PM Shinzo Abe have. If we look at the Japanese contribution, in foreign policy goals, then each and every element we look at both countries are complementary to each other. This plays a huge role in taking the relationship forward, from economy to skill development to smart city and digital, anything you look at it compliments.

WION: And Japanese PM will be visiting India this year for the annual summit?

Sanjay Kumar Verma: Yes, last year PM Modi was in Japan for the summit, so this year, its turn of PM Abe to go to India.

WION: Both are now working on the third country projects, like in Sri Lanka?

Sanjay Kumar Verma: Yes, the third country projects are extremely important between the two countries and that was agreed upon by the two prime ministers in the last meeting which took place in Tokyo last year.&nbsp;

That has been taken forward. It plugs very well with India's Act East policy and Japan's own policy of engaging India for third country projects. So Japan is engaged in India for projects, for example, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed railway, dedicated freight corridor, metro projects in large infrastructure projects and now we want to go to other countries and it will start in the vicinity of India.

WION: You also spoke about the personal chemistry, we saw the Japan PM hosting PM Modi at his residence.

Sanjay Kumar Verma: You know getting a leader from another country to Japanese PM's own residence was a first. Therefore that tells you a lot about what is the personal chemistry between PM Modi and Japanese PM Abe and how much trust exists between them, they are more like friends. They very close, very frank and have very open discussions and they are very helpful towards each other.

WION: How is India playing a leadership role at G20?

Sanjay Kumar Verma: India has been playing a very key role at the G20 outcomes, from digital partnership to climate change to financial architecture and counter-terrorism. Also in trade multilateralism, India is a key player globally. India has been able to shape global opinions and has led the way in out-of-box thinking.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Indian PM Modi's first bilateral on the sidelines of G20 Summit will be with Japanese Prime minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday in Osaka. Indian envoy to Japan Sanjay Kumar Verma spoke to WION on what to expect from the meet and India's role at the G20 grouping.

Indian PM Modi's first bilateral on the sidelines of G20 Summit will be with Japanese Prime minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday in Osaka. Indian envoy to Japan Sanjay Kumar Verma spoke to WION on what to expect from the meet and India's role at the G20 grouping. WION: What can be expected from PM Modi's bilateral with the Japanese PM? Sanjay Kumar Verma: Today India-Japan relationship is at historical best and if you look at the chemistry between any two leaders, there could not be anything better than what PM Modi and Japan PM Shinzo Abe have. If we look at the Japanese contribution, in foreign policy goals, then each and every element we look at both countries are complementary to each other. This plays a huge role in taking the relationship forward, from economy to skill development to smart city and digital, anything you look at it compliments. WION: And Japanese PM will be visiting India this year for the annual summit? Sanjay Kumar Verma: Yes, last year PM Modi was in Japan for the summit, so this year, its turn of PM Abe to go to India. WION: Both are now working on the third country projects, like in Sri Lanka? Sanjay Kumar Verma: Yes, the third country projects are extremely important between the two countries and that was agreed upon by the two prime ministers in the last meeting which took place in Tokyo last year. That has been taken forward. It plugs very well with India's Act East policy and Japan's own policy of engaging India for third country projects. So Japan is engaged in India for projects, for example, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed railway, dedicated freight corridor, metro projects in large infrastructure projects and now we want to go to other countries and it will start in the vicinity of India. WION: You also spoke about the personal chemistry, we saw the Japan PM hosting PM Modi at his residence. Sanjay Kumar Verma: You know getting a leader from another country to Japanese PM's own residence was a first. Therefore that tells you a lot about what is the personal chemistry between PM Modi and Japanese PM Abe and how much trust exists between them, they are more like friends. They very close, very frank and have very open discussions and they are very helpful towards each other. WION: How is India playing a leadership role at G20? Sanjay Kumar Verma: India has been playing a very key role at the G20 outcomes, from digital partnership to climate change to financial architecture and counter-terrorism. Also in trade multilateralism, India is a key player globally. India has been able to shape global opinions and has led the way in out-of-box thinking.

New Delhi, Tokyo will be working on third country projects in India's vicinity, says Indian envoy to Japan

Laying the foundation for<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-leave-for-g20-summit-today-first-bilateral-meeting-with-japan-pm-shinzo-abe-230584"> PM Modi's meeting with US President</a> Donald Trump in Osaka, Japan, on the sidelines of the 14th G20 Summit, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo met PM Modi and external affairs&nbsp;minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday in Delhi.&nbsp;

PM Modi during his talks with secretary Pompeo, reiterated priorities his government attaches to the US and "outlined his vision for the strategic partnership in the new tenure of the government", according to an Indian government release. Pompeo and Jaishankar had a frank discussion on a range of topics, from US-Iran tensions to S-400 to trade issues to terror.

Terror was something both agreed on with EAM expressing India's appreciation for the "strong support" received from the Trump administration and "zero tolerance" for cross- border terrorism. Pompeo said the US "will strengthen India's ability to fight terrorism" and New Delhi's ability to fight the scourge "should be second to none".

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In the backdrop of current Tehran-Washington tension, EAM shared with Secretary Pompeo India's interest and concern like diaspora, regional security and trade. Pompeo called for the need to make sure the Straits of Hormuz is open and reiterated what the US has been saying that Iran has been sponsoring terror.&nbsp;

On Indo-Pacific, EAM said the concept is "for something and not against somebody and that something is peace, security, stability, prosperity and rules". But Pompeo was critical of China, saying countries who are part of Beijing's Belt and Road initiative has seen not "strings attached but shackles". &nbsp;

Contentious issues like trade and India's S400 with Russia also dominated the talks.&nbsp;

During the press statements, Pompeo said both countries can work together and "India is an important friend" for the US.&nbsp;

The Trump administration has been asking for more market access in the Indian markets.&nbsp;

India's EAM said: "Hoping both sides will find a common ground", "sign of mature relationship is that the ability to negotiate your way through".&nbsp;

On the S-400 deal, EAM made it clear to Washington, "we have many relationships with many countries....and many of them are some standing and they have a history". Explaining, "we will do what is in our national interest."

&nbsp;

Laying the foundation for PM Modi's meeting with US President Donald Trump in Osaka, Japan, on the sidelines of the 14th G20 Summit, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo met PM Modi and external affairs minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday in Delhi.

Laying the foundation for PM Modi's meeting with US President Donald Trump in Osaka, Japan, on the sidelines of the 14th G20 Summit, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo met PM Modi and external affairs minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday in Delhi. PM Modi during his talks with secretary Pompeo, reiterated priorities his government attaches to the US and "outlined his vision for the strategic partnership in the new tenure of the government", according to an Indian government release. Pompeo and Jaishankar had a frank discussion on a range of topics, from US-Iran tensions to S-400 to trade issues to terror. Terror was something both agreed on with EAM expressing India's appreciation for the "strong support" received from the Trump administration and "zero tolerance" for cross- border terrorism. Pompeo said the US "will strengthen India's ability to fight terrorism" and New Delhi's ability to fight the scourge "should be second to none". In the backdrop of current Tehran-Washington tension, EAM shared with Secretary Pompeo India's interest and concern like diaspora, regional security and trade. Pompeo called for the need to make sure the Straits of Hormuz is open and reiterated what the US has been saying that Iran has been sponsoring terror. On Indo-Pacific, EAM said the concept is "for something and not against somebody and that something is peace, security, stability, prosperity and rules". But Pompeo was critical of China, saying countries who are part of Beijing's Belt and Road initiative has seen not "strings attached but shackles". Contentious issues like trade and India's S400 with Russia also dominated the talks. During the press statements, Pompeo said both countries can work together and "India is an important friend" for the US. The Trump administration has been asking for more market access in the Indian markets. India's EAM said: "Hoping both sides will find a common ground", "sign of mature relationship is that the ability to negotiate your way through". On the S-400 deal, EAM made it clear to Washington, "we have many relationships with many countries....and many of them are some standing and they have a history". Explaining, "we will do what is in our national interest."

Countries who are part of China's BRI have seen not 'strings attached but shackles': Pompeo during meeting with Jaishankar

PM Modi will be leaving for Osaka, Japan today for a three-day visit during which he will be meeting a host of world leaders and take part in the 14th G20 Summit. He will be arriving in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-has-become-a-vital-forum-to-address-the-most-pressing-issues-brazil-ambassador-to-india-andre-aranha-correa-do-lago-230443">Osaka on 27th and on 28th and 29th</a>&nbsp;the Indian prime minister will take part in the G20 summit, his sixth since 2014 and first in his second term.

PM Modi's first bilateral on day one will be with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. Japanese PM was the first foreign leader to congratulate PM Modi on phone on his re-election on May 23rd.

The Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be visiting India later this year for the 14th India-Japan Annual Summit that alternates its location between India and Japan.

Last year PM Modi visited Japan for the 13th Annual Summit during which Japan announced it will be joining the New Delhi-led International Solar Alliance and signed a Currency Swap Agreement.&nbsp;

PM Modi will be taking part in more than ten bilaterals and pull-asides at the summit. He will be meeting US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron &nbsp;He met Chinese and Russian leaders on the sidelines of Shanghai cooperation organization Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan just two weeks ago.

The important trilaterals will also happen, the JAI meet - Japan, America, India grouping and RIC meet - Russia, India and China trilaterals. Besides this, a permanent fixture has been informal the BRICS Summit.

The informal meet between Modi-Xi during the informal BRICS summit at the 2017 Hamburg G20 acted as a major ice-breaker between the two countries in the backdrop of the Doklam crisis.

New Delhi is expected to strongly raise the issue of economic offenders and black money. Other than this climate change, counter-terrorism, disaster resilient infrastructure, reformed multilateralism, WTO reforms will be other focus for India.&nbsp;

The summit is happening in the backdrop of trade wars between World's number 1 and number 2 economies - US and China and Washington's diminishing commitment to global trade body - world trade organization(WTO).

The annual gathering of the world's power club will have plenty to talk about including the much talked about meeting between US president Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping to resolve issues on trade. The US-Iran tiff is also expected to dominate the discourse.

The theme of this year's summit under the Japanese Presidency is "human centred future society” and focus will be on a range of issues from Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence to Inclusive and Sustainable World and pressing issues like Energy and Environment, Global Health, Climate change and Marine plastic waste.&nbsp;

G20 emerged in the backdrop of Asian financial crisis in 1999 when it was a forum of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of developing and developed countries.&nbsp;

After the 2008 global financial crisis, it took shape in its present forum and has summits across the world. G20 members represent around 85 per cent of global gross domestic product, over 75 per cent of global trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population.

PM Modi will be leaving for Osaka, Japan today for a three-day visit during which he will be meeting a host of world leaders and take part in the 14th G20 Summit.

PM Modi will be leaving for Osaka, Japan today for a three-day visit during which he will be meeting a host of world leaders and take part in the 14th G20 Summit. He will be arriving in Osaka on 27th and on 28th and 29th the Indian prime minister will take part in the G20 summit, his sixth since 2014 and first in his second term. PM Modi's first bilateral on day one will be with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. Japanese PM was the first foreign leader to congratulate PM Modi on phone on his re-election on May 23rd. The Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be visiting India later this year for the 14th India-Japan Annual Summit that alternates its location between India and Japan. Last year PM Modi visited Japan for the 13th Annual Summit during which Japan announced it will be joining the New Delhi-led International Solar Alliance and signed a Currency Swap Agreement. PM Modi will be taking part in more than ten bilaterals and pull-asides at the summit. He will be meeting US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron He met Chinese and Russian leaders on the sidelines of Shanghai cooperation organization Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan just two weeks ago. The important trilaterals will also happen, the JAI meet - Japan, America, India grouping and RIC meet - Russia, India and China trilaterals. Besides this, a permanent fixture has been informal the BRICS Summit. The informal meet between Modi-Xi during the informal BRICS summit at the 2017 Hamburg G20 acted as a major ice-breaker between the two countries in the backdrop of the Doklam crisis. New Delhi is expected to strongly raise the issue of economic offenders and black money. Other than this climate change, counter-terrorism, disaster resilient infrastructure, reformed multilateralism, WTO reforms will be other focus for India. The summit is happening in the backdrop of trade wars between World's number 1 and number 2 economies - US and China and Washington's diminishing commitment to global trade body - world trade organization(WTO). The annual gathering of the world's power club will have plenty to talk about including the much talked about meeting between US president Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping to resolve issues on trade. The US-Iran tiff is also expected to dominate the discourse. The theme of this year's summit under the Japanese Presidency is "human centred future society” and focus will be on a range of issues from Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence to Inclusive and Sustainable World and pressing issues like Energy and Environment, Global Health, Climate change and Marine plastic waste. G20 emerged in the backdrop of Asian financial crisis in 1999 when it was a forum of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of developing and developed countries. After the 2008 global financial crisis, it took shape in its present forum and has summits across the world. G20 members represent around 85 per cent of global gross domestic product, over 75 per cent of global trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population.

PM Modi to leave for G20 Summit today; first bilateral meeting with Japan PM Shinzo Abe

Sri Lankan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/west-asia/islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-sri-lanka-bombings-212899">PM Ranil Wickremesinghe</a> on Tuesday confirmed at a press conference that India had offered specific intelligence about an impending attack.

India had warned Sri Lanka of jihadi threat, the PM said.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan PM said, "there has always been sharing of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-colombo-on-high-alert-following-reports-of-explosives-laden-van-212903">information between our two countries</a> with regard to terrorism. There was specific intelligence on this".

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Investigation are on and a number of people have been detained in the aftermath of the terror attack. Interpol has deployed a team while FBI has been assisting the government in the probe. The Lankan PM said all the people who have been arrested are Sri Lankans.

PM Ranil said, "The investigators are making good progress in identifying the culprits."

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena briefed foreign envoys on the situation in the country.

At least ten&nbsp;Indians are among the more than 300 dead in Sunday's terror attack, the worst in the country.

Eight of the dead are from Karnataka, one from Hyderabad, one is still to be identified, and relatives of another Indian &nbsp;- Mr Chandrashaker - are still to contact the mission. All seven JD(S) member have been confirmed dead in the attack, and WION&nbsp;has learnt that the suicide bomber was sitting in the table next to them.&nbsp;

Many Indians have left the country and were facilitated by the Indian mission. Approximately 500 Indian expats are in the island nation.

Islamic State has taken responsibility for the attacks via the group's Amaq news agency.

Reacting to this PM Ranil said, "Security apparatus was of the view, &nbsp;there are foreign links, and some of the evidence points to that and when ISIS claimed it, we will be following it up on this claim."

State minister for defence Ruwan Wijewardene confirmed in Parliament earlier that Islamist group National Thowfeeth Jamath (NTJ) was&nbsp;responsible for the worst terror attack in the island nation.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday confirmed at a press conference that India had offered specific intelligence about an impending attack. India had warned Sri Lanka of jihadi threat, the PM said.

Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday confirmed at a press conference that India had offered specific intelligence about an impending attack. India had warned Sri Lanka of jihadi threat, the PM said. The Sri Lankan PM said, "there has always been sharing of information between our two countries with regard to terrorism. There was specific intelligence on this". × Investigation are on and a number of people have been detained in the aftermath of the terror attack. Interpol has deployed a team while FBI has been assisting the government in the probe. The Lankan PM said all the people who have been arrested are Sri Lankans. PM Ranil said, "The investigators are making good progress in identifying the culprits." Meanwhile, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena briefed foreign envoys on the situation in the country. At least ten Indians are among the more than 300 dead in Sunday's terror attack, the worst in the country. Eight of the dead are from Karnataka, one from Hyderabad, one is still to be identified, and relatives of another Indian - Mr Chandrashaker - are still to contact the mission. All seven JD(S) member have been confirmed dead in the attack, and WION has learnt that the suicide bomber was sitting in the table next to them. Many Indians have left the country and were facilitated by the Indian mission. Approximately 500 Indian expats are in the island nation. Islamic State has taken responsibility for the attacks via the group's Amaq news agency. Reacting to this PM Ranil said, "Security apparatus was of the view, there are foreign links, and some of the evidence points to that and when ISIS claimed it, we will be following it up on this claim." State minister for defence Ruwan Wijewardene confirmed in Parliament earlier that Islamist group National Thowfeeth Jamath (NTJ) was responsible for the worst terror attack in the island nation.

India had provided specific intelligence on attack: Sri Lanka PM Wickremesinghe

PM Modi will be in Japan later this week for 2 days - June 28 and 29 - to participate at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-summit-should-find-solutions-to-global-challenges-german-ambassador-230040">14th G20 Summit in Osaka</a>. This will be the 6th G20 he will be participating in since 2014 and the first one of his second term. PM Modi has earlier participated at the summit held in Brisbane (2014), Antalya (2015), Hangzhou (2016), Hamburg (2017) and Buenos Aires (2018).

PM will be taking part in nearly 10 bilaterals and pull-asides during the summit.

He will be meeting Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump. This will be PM's first meet with Shinzo Abe and Donald Trump in his second term. He met Chinese and Russian leaders on the sidelines of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-refuses-to-endorse-chinas-bri-at-sco-says-connectivity-projects-must-respect-territorial-integrity-227208">the Shanghai Cooperation Organization</a> (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan just 2 weeks ago.

During last year's summit in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, PM Modi met these leaders under the JAI- Japan, America, India grouping; RIC-Russia, India and China tri-laterals and during the BRICS Summit. Remember, the informal meeting between Modi and Xi during the informal BRICS Summit at the 2017 Hamburg G20 acted as a major icebreaker between the two countries in the backdrop of the Doklam crisis that year.

New Delhi is expected to strongly raise the issue of economic offenders and black money this year at the summit.&nbsp;

"We are keen that the economic offenders and those who are the perpetrators of economic crime, holders of black money should be brought to book. Those are running away from India should be brought back and no country should provide them shelter," India's sherpa or the chief negotiator for G20 Suresh Prabhu told WION.

Other than this, climate change, countering terrorism, disaster resilient infrastructure, reformed multilateralism, WTO reforms will be other areas of focus for India. The summit is happening in the backdrop of trade wars between the world's biggest economies - US and China - and Washington's diminishing commitment to global trade body the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

"India is of the strong view that global trade should be free from any restrictions. Multilateralism should prevail, it should happen under WTO. Reforming WTO is necessary but it should happen in a way that all the countries in the world should have the right to decide. WTO should be a forum for growth, equity and inclusiveness," Prabhu explained.

But the annual gathering of the world's power club will have plenty to talk about including the much talked about meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to resolve issues on trade. The US-Iran tiff is also expected to dominate the discourse.

The theme of this year's summit under the Japanese presidency is "Human-centred future society” and the focus will be on a range of issues from digital economy and artificial intelligence to inclusive and sustainable world and pressing issues like energy and environment, global health, climate change and marine plastic waste.&nbsp;

The G20 emerged in the backdrop of the Asian financial crisis in 1999 when it was a forum of finance ministers and central bank governors of developing and developed countries.&nbsp;

After the 2008 global financial crisis, it took shape into its present form and has summits across the world.&nbsp;

G20 members represent around 85 per cent of global gross domestic product, over 75 per cent of global trade and two-thirds of the world’s population.

PM Modi will be in Japan later this week for 2 days - June 28 and 29 - to participate at the 14th G20 Summit in Osaka. This will be the 6th G20 he will be participating in since 2014 and the first one of his second term.

PM Modi will be in Japan later this week for 2 days - June 28 and 29 - to participate at the 14th G20 Summit in Osaka. This will be the 6th G20 he will be participating in since 2014 and the first one of his second term. PM Modi has earlier participated at the summit held in Brisbane (2014), Antalya (2015), Hangzhou (2016), Hamburg (2017) and Buenos Aires (2018). PM will be taking part in nearly 10 bilaterals and pull-asides during the summit. He will be meeting Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump. This will be PM's first meet with Shinzo Abe and Donald Trump in his second term. He met Chinese and Russian leaders on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan just 2 weeks ago. During last year's summit in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, PM Modi met these leaders under the JAI- Japan, America, India grouping; RIC-Russia, India and China tri-laterals and during the BRICS Summit. Remember, the informal meeting between Modi and Xi during the informal BRICS Summit at the 2017 Hamburg G20 acted as a major icebreaker between the two countries in the backdrop of the Doklam crisis that year. New Delhi is expected to strongly raise the issue of economic offenders and black money this year at the summit. "We are keen that the economic offenders and those who are the perpetrators of economic crime, holders of black money should be brought to book. Those are running away from India should be brought back and no country should provide them shelter," India's sherpa or the chief negotiator for G20 Suresh Prabhu told WION. Other than this, climate change, countering terrorism, disaster resilient infrastructure, reformed multilateralism, WTO reforms will be other areas of focus for India. The summit is happening in the backdrop of trade wars between the world's biggest economies - US and China - and Washington's diminishing commitment to global trade body the World Trade Organisation (WTO). "India is of the strong view that global trade should be free from any restrictions. Multilateralism should prevail, it should happen under WTO. Reforming WTO is necessary but it should happen in a way that all the countries in the world should have the right to decide. WTO should be a forum for growth, equity and inclusiveness," Prabhu explained. But the annual gathering of the world's power club will have plenty to talk about including the much talked about meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to resolve issues on trade. The US-Iran tiff is also expected to dominate the discourse. The theme of this year's summit under the Japanese presidency is "Human-centred future society” and the focus will be on a range of issues from digital economy and artificial intelligence to inclusive and sustainable world and pressing issues like energy and environment, global health, climate change and marine plastic waste. The G20 emerged in the backdrop of the Asian financial crisis in 1999 when it was a forum of finance ministers and central bank governors of developing and developed countries. After the 2008 global financial crisis, it took shape into its present form and has summits across the world. G20 members represent around 85 per cent of global gross domestic product, over 75 per cent of global trade and two-thirds of the world’s population.

With focus on economic offenders and countering terror, PM Modi to participate in 14th G20 Summit in Japan

Financial Action Task Force(FATF) president Marshall Billingslea has<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/day-after-fatf-warning-pak-army-chief-claims-country-doing-best-to-wipe-out-terrorism-229711"> said Pakistan has to do</a> "significant work to meet the obligations they themselves undertook" as part of there high-level commitments and the country is "lacking in almost every respect of action plan."

Following its greylisting in 2018, Islamabad had made a high-level political commitment <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-tells-pakistan-to-take-credible-verifiable-irreversible-measures-on-terror-financing-after-fatf-relief-229407">to work with the FATF</a> to deal with “structural deficiencies” in its anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) or simply put-- acting on the financing of terror.

Speaking at the end of FATF plenary which took place in Orlando, Florida last week and whose audio was provided on Monday, Billingslea said, "There is absolutely a possibility that Pakistan could be put on the blacklist. That is a decision to be taken in future plenary because the period of the action plan has not yet expired, the action plan runs through September of this year."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-remains-in-fatf-greylist-survives-blacklist-scare-229398/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The next plenary of FATF will be in Paris in October during which Pakistan will be assessed if it was able to full fill its commitments. Coming strongly on Pakistan, FATF president said, "Pakistan does not appreciate or chooses not to acknowledge the transnational and transborder terrorist financing risk they face."

Pakistan was slammed by the global anti-terror financing body during the Orlando meet last week after failing to meet its commitments twice - first in January 2019 and then May 2019.&nbsp;

Billingslea explained, "Pakistan was cautioned in February at the plenary that they have missed almost all of the January milestones and they were urged not to fail milestones in May. Unfortunately, Pakistan yet again missed the May milestones."

Billingslea added, "The action plan is set to complete in September. So this was not the plenary we were to discuss blacklisting, this was the plenary how far or how far behind Pakistan is on its action plan, and I must say, they are far behind and there is much that must be done, by September."

If Islamabad fails to implement the action plan by September, then the FATF may consider next steps, which includes a possible blacklisting. FATF is a technical body, whose main aim is to protect the international financial system. The 30-year-old body works on the consensus of member countries.&nbsp;

FATF added that it is ready to "provide advice" to International monetary fund(IMF) if requested by the multilateral Washington-based organisation.&nbsp;

IMF is an observer organisation at the grouping and has a detailed understanding about the Pakistani action plan but its board has to decide on what conditionality they will like to apply.

The IMF fund had agreed on a $6bn bailout for Pakistan's beleaguered economy for three years but it has to be approved by the board of the organisation.

This is the thirteenth bailout the South Asian country has got since the 1980s. The last time the Pakistan government got a bailout from the IMF was in 2013.

Financial Action Task Force(FATF) president Marshall Billingslea has said Pakistan has to do "significant work to meet the obligations they themselves undertook" as part of there high-level commitments and the country is "lacking in almost every respect of action plan.

Financial Action Task Force(FATF) president Marshall Billingslea has said Pakistan has to do "significant work to meet the obligations they themselves undertook" as part of there high-level commitments and the country is "lacking in almost every respect of action plan." Following its greylisting in 2018, Islamabad had made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF to deal with “structural deficiencies” in its anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) or simply put-- acting on the financing of terror. Speaking at the end of FATF plenary which took place in Orlando, Florida last week and whose audio was provided on Monday, Billingslea said, "There is absolutely a possibility that Pakistan could be put on the blacklist. That is a decision to be taken in future plenary because the period of the action plan has not yet expired, the action plan runs through September of this year." The next plenary of FATF will be in Paris in October during which Pakistan will be assessed if it was able to full fill its commitments. Coming strongly on Pakistan, FATF president said, "Pakistan does not appreciate or chooses not to acknowledge the transnational and transborder terrorist financing risk they face." Pakistan was slammed by the global anti-terror financing body during the Orlando meet last week after failing to meet its commitments twice - first in January 2019 and then May 2019. Billingslea explained, "Pakistan was cautioned in February at the plenary that they have missed almost all of the January milestones and they were urged not to fail milestones in May. Unfortunately, Pakistan yet again missed the May milestones." Billingslea added, "The action plan is set to complete in September. So this was not the plenary we were to discuss blacklisting, this was the plenary how far or how far behind Pakistan is on its action plan, and I must say, they are far behind and there is much that must be done, by September." If Islamabad fails to implement the action plan by September, then the FATF may consider next steps, which includes a possible blacklisting. FATF is a technical body, whose main aim is to protect the international financial system. The 30-year-old body works on the consensus of member countries. FATF added that it is ready to "provide advice" to International monetary fund(IMF) if requested by the multilateral Washington-based organisation. IMF is an observer organisation at the grouping and has a detailed understanding about the Pakistani action plan but its board has to decide on what conditionality they will like to apply. The IMF fund had agreed on a $6bn bailout for Pakistan's beleaguered economy for three years but it has to be approved by the board of the organisation. This is the thirteenth bailout the South Asian country has got since the 1980s. The last time the Pakistan government got a bailout from the IMF was in 2013.

Absolute possibility Pakistan could be blacklisted: FATF president Billingslea

In a major blow to fugitive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/willing-to-join-investigation-will-travel-to-india-as-soon-as-im-medically-fit-mehul-choksi-228031">diamantaire Mehul Choksi</a>, the Antiguan PM has announced that his&nbsp;citizenship shall be revoked soon. WION has learnt that Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston&nbsp;Browne on Tuesday stated that Choksi, once he exhausts all his legal options, will be repatriated to India.&nbsp;

A local Antiguan daily, Antigua Observer, reported that PM Gaston&nbsp;Browne is set to revoke Choksi's citizenship. Browne said that his Antigua and Barbuda citizenship will be revoked in short order.

“His citizenship was processed; he got through but the reality is his citizenship will be revoked and he will be repatriated to India; so there is recourse. It’s not a case that we are trying to provide any safe harbour for criminals, for those who are involved in financial crimes,” Browne said.

"I can assure you, after he has exhausted all of his legal options, he will be extradited,” Browne added.&nbsp;

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I can assure you, after he has exhausted all of his legal options, he will be extradited:Antigua PM Gastone Browne <a href="https://t.co/QO1sFgkxl3">https://t.co/QO1sFgkxl3</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1143405336625176576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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“We have to allow for due process. He has a matter before the court and as we said to the Indian Government, criminals have fundamental rights, too, and Choksi has a right to go to court and defend his position. But I can assure you after he has exhausted all of his legal options, he will be extradited.”

In his statement, PM Browne seems to be sending out a message that his country is not a safe haven for economic offenders.

He said, "It’s not a case that we are trying to provide any safe harbour for criminals, for those who are involved in financial crimes,”

The Antiguan government had told India that "criminals have fundamental rights too and Choksi has a right to go to court and defend his position".

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Govt sources on reports on Mehul Choksi: India waits for Antigua's internal process of revoking citizenship.Only after that extradition process can start separately. India continues to engage with Antigua.MEA yet to hear officially from Antiguan govt about revoking of citizenship <a href="https://t.co/WqZVNx5zRW">pic.twitter.com/WqZVNx5zRW</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1143425387680227329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile,&nbsp;government sources on Tuesday stated that India waits for Antigua's internal process of revoking Mehul Choksi's citizenship.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that he has no information on the matter and that he would "not like to comment on it,"&nbsp;news agency ANI reported.

"Only after that extradition process can start separately. India continues to engage with Antigua. MEA yet to hear officially from Antiguan govt about revoking of citizenship," ANI reported quoting government sources.&nbsp;

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(<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MehulChoksi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MehulChoksi</a>) got through but the reality is his citizenship will be revoked and he will be repatriated to India: Antigua PM <a href="https://t.co/QO1sFgkxl3">https://t.co/QO1sFgkxl3</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1143404950698881027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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This comes soon after the&nbsp;Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday informed a Mumbai court that it was willing to provide an air ambulance with medical experts to bring Mehul Choksi from Antigua to India and provide him with all necessary treatment back home.

ED has filed a counter affidavit in a Mumbai court in connection with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ready-to-provide-air-ambulance-to-mehul-choksi-to-bring-him-back-to-india-enforcement-directorate-tells-court-229405">Mehul Choksi</a> case in which it stated, "The medical reasons and conditions appear to be facades being erected merely to mislead the court in an obvious attempt to delay the lawful proceedings."

ED filed the counter affidavit following Choksi's recent affidavit in a Mumbai court which he stated that he left the country for medical treatment and did not flee.&nbsp;

Choksi, last week,&nbsp;submitted an affidavit in the High Court of Judicature at Bombay with details of his diseases. Choksi stated that he has left the country for medical treatment and has not fled. He said that he is willing to join the investigation but is unable to travel to India owing to his medical issue. "If the court may deem it fit, it may direct the investigating officer to travel to Antigua," news agency ANI quoted Choksi.&nbsp;

"I am willing to join the investigation but due to my medical issue, I am unable to travel. I undertake to travel to India as soon as I am medically fit to travel," Choksi stated.

"I am currently residing in Antigua and willing to co-operate in the investigation," he added.&nbsp;

Choksi obtained an Antiguan citizenship in January this year. He is co-accused in the multi billion dollar PNB scam along with Nirav Modi.&nbsp;

India continues to pursue Choksi's return with the Government of Antigua through diplomatic and legal channels. &nbsp;New Delhi has already sent an extradition request to the country. Mehul Choksi had surrendered his Indian passport to the High Commission in Guyana in January of 2019.

The development comes days ahead of the G20 summit in Osaka during which PM Modi will strongly raise the issue of economic offenders being &nbsp;provided safe havens.

In a major blow to fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, the Antiguan PM has announced that his citizenship shall be revoked soon. WION has learnt that Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Tuesday stated that Choksi, once he exhausts all his legal options, will be repatriated to India.

In a major blow to fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, the Antiguan PM has announced that his citizenship shall be revoked soon. WION has learnt that Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Tuesday stated that Choksi, once he exhausts all his legal options, will be repatriated to India. A local Antiguan daily, Antigua Observer, reported that PM Gaston Browne is set to revoke Choksi's citizenship. Browne said that his Antigua and Barbuda citizenship will be revoked in short order. “His citizenship was processed; he got through but the reality is his citizenship will be revoked and he will be repatriated to India; so there is recourse. It’s not a case that we are trying to provide any safe harbour for criminals, for those who are involved in financial crimes,” Browne said. "I can assure you, after he has exhausted all of his legal options, he will be extradited,” Browne added. I can assure you, after he has exhausted all of his legal options, he will be extradited:Antigua PM Gastone Browne https://t.co/QO1sFgkxl3 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 25, 2019 × “We have to allow for due process. He has a matter before the court and as we said to the Indian Government, criminals have fundamental rights, too, and Choksi has a right to go to court and defend his position. But I can assure you after he has exhausted all of his legal options, he will be extradited.” In his statement, PM Browne seems to be sending out a message that his country is not a safe haven for economic offenders. He said, "It’s not a case that we are trying to provide any safe harbour for criminals, for those who are involved in financial crimes,” The Antiguan government had told India that "criminals have fundamental rights too and Choksi has a right to go to court and defend his position". Govt sources on reports on Mehul Choksi: India waits for Antigua's internal process of revoking citizenship.Only after that extradition process can start separately. India continues to engage with Antigua.MEA yet to hear officially from Antiguan govt about revoking of citizenship pic.twitter.com/WqZVNx5zRW — ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2019 × Meanwhile, government sources on Tuesday stated that India waits for Antigua's internal process of revoking Mehul Choksi's citizenship. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that he has no information on the matter and that he would "not like to comment on it," news agency ANI reported. "Only after that extradition process can start separately. India continues to engage with Antigua. MEA yet to hear officially from Antiguan govt about revoking of citizenship," ANI reported quoting government sources. (#MehulChoksi) got through but the reality is his citizenship will be revoked and he will be repatriated to India: Antigua PM https://t.co/QO1sFgkxl3 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 25, 2019 × This comes soon after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday informed a Mumbai court that it was willing to provide an air ambulance with medical experts to bring Mehul Choksi from Antigua to India and provide him with all necessary treatment back home. ED has filed a counter affidavit in a Mumbai court in connection with Mehul Choksi case in which it stated, "The medical reasons and conditions appear to be facades being erected merely to mislead the court in an obvious attempt to delay the lawful proceedings." ED filed the counter affidavit following Choksi's recent affidavit in a Mumbai court which he stated that he left the country for medical treatment and did not flee. Choksi, last week, submitted an affidavit in the High Court of Judicature at Bombay with details of his diseases. Choksi stated that he has left the country for medical treatment and has not fled. He said that he is willing to join the investigation but is unable to travel to India owing to his medical issue. "If the court may deem it fit, it may direct the investigating officer to travel to Antigua," news agency ANI quoted Choksi. "I am willing to join the investigation but due to my medical issue, I am unable to travel. I undertake to travel to India as soon as I am medically fit to travel," Choksi stated. "I am currently residing in Antigua and willing to co-operate in the investigation," he added. Choksi obtained an Antiguan citizenship in January this year. He is co-accused in the multi billion dollar PNB scam along with Nirav Modi. India continues to pursue Choksi's return with the Government of Antigua through diplomatic and legal channels. New Delhi has already sent an extradition request to the country. Mehul Choksi had surrendered his Indian passport to the High Commission in Guyana in January of 2019. The development comes days ahead of the G20 summit in Osaka during which PM Modi will strongly raise the issue of economic offenders being provided safe havens.

Antigua to revoke Mehul Choksi's citizenship, PM Browne says he will be repatriated to India  

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday announced that it is working on chip-enabled e-passports as the ministry pursues reforms to deliver citizen-centric services.

Speaking at the Passport Seva Diwas in Delhi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, "The Ministry has initiated discussions with the India Security Press regarding the project for the issue of chip-enabled e-passports to the citizens."

Explaining that the ministry has proposed to "pursue the manufacture of e-passports on priority" so that a "new passport booklet with advanced security features can be rolled out in the near future."

India Security Press in Nashik will be working on the chip-enabled e-passports which will have security features.

India issues more than one crore passports every year. The Indian government has introduced a number of reforms for the delivery of Passport which includes simplification of passport rules to launch of Passport Seva Kendras.&nbsp;

When it comes to simplification of the passport rule, self-attested documents are now acceptable and India has eased the process of getting passports for minors by their single parent and also for applicants who are either separated or divorced.

MEA along with Department of Posts has opened 505 Passport Seva Kendras since January 2017 so that citizens don't have to travel far to submit passport applications.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday announced that it is working on chip-enabled e-passports as the ministry pursues reforms to deliver citizen-centric services.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday announced that it is working on chip-enabled e-passports as the ministry pursues reforms to deliver citizen-centric services. Speaking at the Passport Seva Diwas in Delhi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, "The Ministry has initiated discussions with the India Security Press regarding the project for the issue of chip-enabled e-passports to the citizens." Explaining that the ministry has proposed to "pursue the manufacture of e-passports on priority" so that a "new passport booklet with advanced security features can be rolled out in the near future." India Security Press in Nashik will be working on the chip-enabled e-passports which will have security features. India issues more than one crore passports every year. The Indian government has introduced a number of reforms for the delivery of Passport which includes simplification of passport rules to launch of Passport Seva Kendras. When it comes to simplification of the passport rule, self-attested documents are now acceptable and India has eased the process of getting passports for minors by their single parent and also for applicants who are either separated or divorced. MEA along with Department of Posts has opened 505 Passport Seva Kendras since January 2017 so that citizens don't have to travel far to submit passport applications.

India working on chip-enabled e-passports: MEA

India's 1990 emergency ambulance service in Sri Lanka which played a crucial role in the aftermath of the recent terror attacks is now available throughout the nine&nbsp;provinces of the Indian Ocean Island country.&nbsp;

The last phase of the project was launched on Sunday by Sri Lankan ministers and Indian high commissioner Taranjit Singh Sandhu in Ampara, the eastern province of the country.

The Sri Lankan ministers present at the launch were--Daya Gamage, Minister of Primary Industries and Social Empowerment, Dr Harsha de Silva Minister of Economic Reforms and Public Distribution and Anoma Gamage, Deputy Minister of Petroleum Resources Development.

A video recorded message of EAM Dr Jaishankar was played who described it as a "great example of what India and Sri Lanka can achieve together."

The ambulance service which can be obtained by dialling toll-free number 1990 was requested by Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe during the visit of PM Modi in March 2015.
<img alt="Emergency ambulance service" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a0f184ed-f151-4560-99c7-af26c5ac81fe" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/SL2.JPG" /><img alt="Emergency ambulance service" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5e8a1e3b-7144-4312-a740-c5941e5f8454" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/SL.JPG" />
It came into existence in July 2016 with its launch in southern and western provinces of the country and under the initial Indian grant of $ 7.5 million.

It was later expanded phase wise from May 2017 to a massive expansion in many provinces in 2018. It is the largest Indian grant project in Sri Lanka after the Indian Housing Project.

India's 1990 emergency ambulance service in Sri Lanka which played a crucial role in the aftermath of the recent terror attacks is now available throughout the nine provinces of the Indian Ocean Island country.

India's 1990 emergency ambulance service in Sri Lanka which played a crucial role in the aftermath of the recent terror attacks is now available throughout the nine provinces of the Indian Ocean Island country. The last phase of the project was launched on Sunday by Sri Lankan ministers and Indian high commissioner Taranjit Singh Sandhu in Ampara, the eastern province of the country. The Sri Lankan ministers present at the launch were--Daya Gamage, Minister of Primary Industries and Social Empowerment, Dr Harsha de Silva Minister of Economic Reforms and Public Distribution and Anoma Gamage, Deputy Minister of Petroleum Resources Development. A video recorded message of EAM Dr Jaishankar was played who described it as a "great example of what India and Sri Lanka can achieve together." The ambulance service which can be obtained by dialling toll-free number 1990 was requested by Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe during the visit of PM Modi in March 2015. It came into existence in July 2016 with its launch in southern and western provinces of the country and under the initial Indian grant of $ 7.5 million. It was later expanded phase wise from May 2017 to a massive expansion in many provinces in 2018. It is the largest Indian grant project in Sri Lanka after the Indian Housing Project.

India backed emergency ambulance service now available across Sri Lanka

The leaders at the 34th <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/southeast-asian-leaders-throw-weight-behind-china-led-trade-pact-229516">ASEAN Summit</a>, that took place in Thailand on Saturday, acknowledged Indo-Pacific region as a concept for dialogue and cooperation.

They offered "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/southeast-asian-leaders-meet-expected-to-discuss-rohingyas-south-china-sea-229680">ASEAN</a> Centrality" as means of engagement with all stakeholders in Indo–Pacific from the groupings such as BIMSTEC, IORA, East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus). India is part of all these groups.

ASEAN Outlook stated, "Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.." are "closely integrated and interconnected region, with ASEAN playing a central and strategic role" and Indo Pacific region should be a region of "dialogue and cooperation instead of rivalry" and "development and prosperity for all"&nbsp;

Explaining, ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific is meant to "contribute to the maintenance of peace, freedom, and prosperity", it said, the grouping will "continue being an honest broker within the strategic environment of competing interests", a line which will not go unnoticed in Bejing which sees the concept with suspicion.

It elucidated several areas of cooperation from maritime to connectivity to economic. On the maritime front, it mentioned United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the "freedom of navigation and overflight", which has been reiterated by backers of Indo Pacific concept in the face of increasingly aggressive China.

India has been the supporter of the concept with PM Modi giving New Delhi's vision for it twice - once at the Maldivian Parliament earlier this month, then last month at the Shangri La Dialogue.

Talking about ASEAN during his speech at the Shangri La Dialogue, PM Modi Mentioned it several times and said, "ASEAN has been and will be central to the future" of the Indo Pacific.

The leaders at the 34th ASEAN Summit, that took place in Thailand on Saturday, acknowledged Indo-Pacific region as a concept for dialogue and cooperation. They offered "ASEAN Centrality" as means of engagement with all stakeholders in Indo–Pacific from the groupings such as BIMSTEC, IORA, East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus).

The leaders at the 34th ASEAN Summit, that took place in Thailand on Saturday, acknowledged Indo-Pacific region as a concept for dialogue and cooperation. They offered "ASEAN Centrality" as means of engagement with all stakeholders in Indo–Pacific from the groupings such as BIMSTEC, IORA, East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus). India is part of all these groups. ASEAN Outlook stated, "Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.." are "closely integrated and interconnected region, with ASEAN playing a central and strategic role" and Indo Pacific region should be a region of "dialogue and cooperation instead of rivalry" and "development and prosperity for all" Explaining, ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific is meant to "contribute to the maintenance of peace, freedom, and prosperity", it said, the grouping will "continue being an honest broker within the strategic environment of competing interests", a line which will not go unnoticed in Bejing which sees the concept with suspicion. It elucidated several areas of cooperation from maritime to connectivity to economic. On the maritime front, it mentioned United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the "freedom of navigation and overflight", which has been reiterated by backers of Indo Pacific concept in the face of increasingly aggressive China. India has been the supporter of the concept with PM Modi giving New Delhi's vision for it twice - once at the Maldivian Parliament earlier this month, then last month at the Shangri La Dialogue. Talking about ASEAN during his speech at the Shangri La Dialogue, PM Modi Mentioned it several times and said, "ASEAN has been and will be central to the future" of the Indo Pacific.

ASEAN acknowledges Indo-Pacific concept; offers its centrality as means of engagement 

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Siddhant Sibal

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