Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived on Monday night in New Delhi to hold talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj primarily on the impact of the US ending waivers on import of oil from Iran, and ways to deal with it, official sources said.

The Iranian Foreign Minister and Sushma Swaraj will also discuss the latest developments pertaining to the Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which was inked in 2015 that had then paved the way for the lifting of US sanctions on Iran.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Javad Zarif arrived at 11.45 PM on Monday and will depart at 2:30 PM on Wednesday.

The Iranian foreign ministry in a release said, "Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will travel to the Indian capital of New Delhi to hold talks with Indian officials".

Iranian FM will also visit other countries and brief about the deal, from which the US withdrew last year. Tehran is banking on the European Union to save the deal now.

European Union’s (EU) Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini on Monday said, "As long as Iran remains compliant, we remain committed to implementing the Nuclear Deal and our stand is that the IAEA remains the only body to verify on Iran's compliance".

Import of Iranian oil will also be up for discussion when Zarif meets Sushma since US waivers to Delhi on Iran sanctions came to end earlier this month.&nbsp;

Iran is one of the supplier to crude oil to India. The India-Iran bilateral trade during the fiscal year 2016-17 was $12.89 billion with India importing $ 10.5 billion worth of goods mainly crude oil.&nbsp;

The US had told India and other countries to cut oil imports from Iran to "zero" by November 4 or face sanctions. However, Washington had granted a six-month waiver from sanctions to eight countries, including India.

The world's third-biggest oil consumer, India meets more than 80 per cent of its oil needs through imports. Iran is its third largest supplier after Iraq and Saudi Arabia and meets about 10 per cent of its total needs.

This is Zarif's second visit to India this year. He met Minister of State in the ministry of external affairs Gen V K Singh in Doha at the ministerial meeting of Asian Cooperation Dialogue on 1 May.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived on Monday night in New Delhi to hold talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj primarily on the impact of the US ending waivers on import of oil from Iran, and ways to deal with it, official sources said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived on Monday night in New Delhi to hold talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj primarily on the impact of the US ending waivers on import of oil from Iran, and ways to deal with it, official sources said. The Iranian Foreign Minister and Sushma Swaraj will also discuss the latest developments pertaining to the Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which was inked in 2015 that had then paved the way for the lifting of US sanctions on Iran. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Javad Zarif arrived at 11.45 PM on Monday and will depart at 2:30 PM on Wednesday. The Iranian foreign ministry in a release said, "Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will travel to the Indian capital of New Delhi to hold talks with Indian officials". Iranian FM will also visit other countries and brief about the deal, from which the US withdrew last year. Tehran is banking on the European Union to save the deal now. European Union’s (EU) Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini on Monday said, "As long as Iran remains compliant, we remain committed to implementing the Nuclear Deal and our stand is that the IAEA remains the only body to verify on Iran's compliance". Import of Iranian oil will also be up for discussion when Zarif meets Sushma since US waivers to Delhi on Iran sanctions came to end earlier this month. Iran is one of the supplier to crude oil to India. The India-Iran bilateral trade during the fiscal year 2016-17 was $12.89 billion with India importing $ 10.5 billion worth of goods mainly crude oil. The US had told India and other countries to cut oil imports from Iran to "zero" by November 4 or face sanctions. However, Washington had granted a six-month waiver from sanctions to eight countries, including India. The world's third-biggest oil consumer, India meets more than 80 per cent of its oil needs through imports. Iran is its third largest supplier after Iraq and Saudi Arabia and meets about 10 per cent of its total needs. This is Zarif's second visit to India this year. He met Minister of State in the ministry of external affairs Gen V K Singh in Doha at the ministerial meeting of Asian Cooperation Dialogue on 1 May.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif visits India as US sanctions weigh in

International Monetary Fund agreed to a $6 billion bailout for Pakistan's beleaguered economy with a caveat that the government act&nbsp;on terror funding and other key areas.

The IMF statement&nbsp;confirming the bailout said, "Priority areas include improving the management of public enterprises, strengthening institutions and governance, continuing anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism efforts"

The development comes even as Islamabad faces blacklisting by Financial Action Task Force (FATF) due to its inaction on the financing of terror. &nbsp;The country was greylisted last year by the Paris based body.

An IMF mission was in Islamabad from April 29 to May 11 to discuss the bailout package or Extended Fund Facility (EFF) with the Imran Khan government and request it to cut subsidies and introduce several reforms.&nbsp;

"The EFF aims to support the authorities’ ambitious macroeconomic and structural reform agenda during the next three years. This includes improving public finances and reducing public debt through tax policy and administrative reforms to strengthen revenue mobilization and ensure a more equal and transparent distribution of the tax burden", IMF in a statement added.

The&nbsp;bailout will also see an increase in electricity prices in Pakistan although the government has assured it will not impact the common man.

The staff-level agreement will now have to be approved by IMF management and Executive Board. This is the 13th bailout the south Asian country has received since the 1980s. The last time Pakistan government got a bailout package from the IMF was in 2013. 
&nbsp;

International Monetary Fund agreed to a $6 billion bailout for Pakistan's beleaguered economy with a caveat that the government act on terror funding and other key areas.

International Monetary Fund agreed to a $6 billion bailout for Pakistan's beleaguered economy with a caveat that the government act on terror funding and other key areas. The IMF statement confirming the bailout said, "Priority areas include improving the management of public enterprises, strengthening institutions and governance, continuing anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism efforts" The development comes even as Islamabad faces blacklisting by Financial Action Task Force (FATF) due to its inaction on the financing of terror. The country was greylisted last year by the Paris based body. An IMF mission was in Islamabad from April 29 to May 11 to discuss the bailout package or Extended Fund Facility (EFF) with the Imran Khan government and request it to cut subsidies and introduce several reforms. "The EFF aims to support the authorities’ ambitious macroeconomic and structural reform agenda during the next three years. This includes improving public finances and reducing public debt through tax policy and administrative reforms to strengthen revenue mobilization and ensure a more equal and transparent distribution of the tax burden", IMF in a statement added. The bailout will also see an increase in electricity prices in Pakistan although the government has assured it will not impact the common man. The staff-level agreement will now have to be approved by IMF management and Executive Board. This is the 13th bailout the south Asian country has received since the 1980s. The last time Pakistan government got a bailout package from the IMF was in 2013.

IMF agrees to $6 billion bailout for Pakistan but wants action on terror funding 

Even as the two-month long election is underway, there is a considerable global interest with envoys of South Korea, Indonesia requesting a visit to polling booths while heads and representatives of 20 Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from across the World are in New Delhi to witness the polling.

The 20 representatives include 65 delegates, who have been invited by Election Commission of India (ECI) to join the Election Visitors Programme.

The countries include Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bosnia &amp; Herzegovina, Fiji, Georgia, Kenya, Republic of Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Romania, Russia, Srilanka, &nbsp;Suriname, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Zimbabwe and International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA).

The delegates visited various polling stations in North West Delhi, East Delhi, Chandni Chowk, South Delhi and Gurgaon on Sunday, during the 6th phase of polls to see the polling and on-ground action.

''We visited polling stations and saw the process of the polls. We also visited polling stations in Gurgaon and Delhi, and were quite happy to see the participation of the voters and the festivity which was there," said Umesh Sinha, Sr. Deputy Election Commissioner.&nbsp;

They also visited polling stations which are managed entirely by women polling staff and some model polling stations other than interacting with the chief electoral officer of Delhi to get the perspective on elections.&nbsp;

Australia's envoy to India Harinder Sindhu after one such visit, speaking to news agency ANI said, "It's been a really inspiring experience. How can you get so many people to voting? The answer is well-organised EC and its officials. It's a good system and organised."

Delegates included a team of six members and nine Sr. Election officers from Election Commission of Myanmar visiting India as part of training programme being conducted by Election commissions' India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) under Ministry of External Affairs' sponsorship.

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora briefed various delegates during which he said, "The objective and intention of the Commission is to always keep learning from the experiences of the past for necessary course corrections for the future".&nbsp;

The election commission of India has organized more than 10 lakh polling stations for 910 million voters in India's ongoing General Elections to 17th Lok Sabha.

Even as the two-month long election is underway, there is a considerable global interest with envoys of South Korea, Indonesia requesting a visit to polling booths while heads and representatives of 20 Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from across the World are in New Delhi to witness the polling.

Even as the two-month long election is underway, there is a considerable global interest with envoys of South Korea, Indonesia requesting a visit to polling booths while heads and representatives of 20 Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from across the World are in New Delhi to witness the polling. The 20 representatives include 65 delegates, who have been invited by Election Commission of India (ECI) to join the Election Visitors Programme. The countries include Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Fiji, Georgia, Kenya, Republic of Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Romania, Russia, Srilanka, Suriname, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Zimbabwe and International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA). The delegates visited various polling stations in North West Delhi, East Delhi, Chandni Chowk, South Delhi and Gurgaon on Sunday, during the 6th phase of polls to see the polling and on-ground action. ''We visited polling stations and saw the process of the polls. We also visited polling stations in Gurgaon and Delhi, and were quite happy to see the participation of the voters and the festivity which was there," said Umesh Sinha, Sr. Deputy Election Commissioner. They also visited polling stations which are managed entirely by women polling staff and some model polling stations other than interacting with the chief electoral officer of Delhi to get the perspective on elections. Australia's envoy to India Harinder Sindhu after one such visit, speaking to news agency ANI said, "It's been a really inspiring experience. How can you get so many people to voting? The answer is well-organised EC and its officials. It's a good system and organised." Delegates included a team of six members and nine Sr. Election officers from Election Commission of Myanmar visiting India as part of training programme being conducted by Election commissions' India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) under Ministry of External Affairs' sponsorship. Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora briefed various delegates during which he said, "The objective and intention of the Commission is to always keep learning from the experiences of the past for necessary course corrections for the future". The election commission of India has organized more than 10 lakh polling stations for 910 million voters in India's ongoing General Elections to 17th Lok Sabha.

Representatives of several countries in India to witness Lok Sabha polls 

In the backdrop of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tariffs-will-bring-in-far-more-wealth-to-our-country-than-even-phenomenal-deal-of-traditional-kind-donald-trump-217507">US-China trade war</a> and the impasse at the World Trade Organisation (WTO), a WTO ministerial of 22 developing countries will take place in New Delhi next week.&nbsp;

In the meeting, which will take place next week, the countries are expected to deliberate on a common position on unilateral measures being taken by few countries among other issues of interest.&nbsp;

India's commerce ministry in a release said the meeting is being held at a time when the "multilateral rule-based-trading system is facing serious and grave challenges" and in the recent past, "there have been increasing unilateral measures and countermeasures by members".

US president Donald Trump on Friday tweeted on the ongoing trade spat&nbsp;with China. "Tariffs will make our Country MUCH STRONGER, not weaker. Just sit back and watch," he tweeted even as Washington imposed increased tariffs on Chinese goods.

The meet will also discuss the impasse in the Appellate Body of the WTO which could impact the existence of a Dispute Settlement Mechanism at the global body and further impact the position of the WTO as an effective multilateral organisation.

The Appellate Body based in Geneva hears appeals brought by the WTO members and consists of 7 members. The US has blocked the nomination of new members at the body.

Next week's meeting will have 16 developing countries, 6 least developed countries (LDC) along with Director General, WTO Roberto Azevêdo. Countries that will participate in the meeting include Argentina, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Brazil, Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, China, Egypt, Guatemala, Guyana, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Malawi, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey and Uganda.&nbsp;

Bangladesh, Central African Republic and South Africa have confirmed their participation. Vice ministers, senior officials and ambassadors of respective countries will be in attendance during the meeting.&nbsp;

China will be represented by an assistant minister and its envoy. A joint statement is expected by the end of the two day meet.&nbsp;

In the backdrop of the US-China trade war and the impasse at the World Trade Organisation (WTO), a WTO ministerial of 22 developing countries will take place in New Delhi next week.

In the backdrop of the US-China trade war and the impasse at the World Trade Organisation (WTO), a WTO ministerial of 22 developing countries will take place in New Delhi next week. In the meeting, which will take place next week, the countries are expected to deliberate on a common position on unilateral measures being taken by few countries among other issues of interest. India's commerce ministry in a release said the meeting is being held at a time when the "multilateral rule-based-trading system is facing serious and grave challenges" and in the recent past, "there have been increasing unilateral measures and countermeasures by members". US president Donald Trump on Friday tweeted on the ongoing trade spat with China. "Tariffs will make our Country MUCH STRONGER, not weaker. Just sit back and watch," he tweeted even as Washington imposed increased tariffs on Chinese goods. The meet will also discuss the impasse in the Appellate Body of the WTO which could impact the existence of a Dispute Settlement Mechanism at the global body and further impact the position of the WTO as an effective multilateral organisation. The Appellate Body based in Geneva hears appeals brought by the WTO members and consists of 7 members. The US has blocked the nomination of new members at the body. Next week's meeting will have 16 developing countries, 6 least developed countries (LDC) along with Director General, WTO Roberto Azevêdo. Countries that will participate in the meeting include Argentina, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Brazil, Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, China, Egypt, Guatemala, Guyana, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Malawi, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey and Uganda. Bangladesh, Central African Republic and South Africa have confirmed their participation. Vice ministers, senior officials and ambassadors of respective countries will be in attendance during the meeting. China will be represented by an assistant minister and its envoy. A joint statement is expected by the end of the two day meet.

Amid US-China trade war, 22 WTO countries to meet in New Delhi next week

The US plans to increase its engagement with all Indian Ocean rim countries along the "Bay of Bengal" under its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-always-stand-for-open-indo-pacific-we-have-put-china-on-notice-pence-190830">Indo-Pacific concept</a> at a time when China is also trying to increase its influence in the region.

Asked about Indian Ocean Rim Association or (IORA) discussing the Indo-Pacific concept, a&nbsp;US State Department spokesperson told WION, "We are expanding our relationships with all Indian Ocean nations along the Bay of Bengal, evident through our economic engagement, Bay of Bengal security initiative, and other efforts. &nbsp;ASEAN centrality is a cornerstone of the US vision for the Indo-Pacific."

The IORA grouping, which has 22 countries who share their shores with the Indian Ocean as its members discussed the concept in a meeting in Mauritius in April.&nbsp;

The State Department with this statement demarcated the geographical border of the concept till Indian shores while New Delhi wants to expand it till the eastern shore of Africa.

Asked about New Delhi's role, the State Department spokesperson said, "We welcome India’s interest in playing a larger role in the Indo-Pacific and look forward to cooperating with our counterparts in the Indian government to achieve mutual goals in this part of the world."

Washington in its national security strategy has said that it supports New Delhi's leadership role in the&nbsp;Indian Ocean security and throughout the broader region.&nbsp;

China is also increasing engagement with the region especially through the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Gwadar port and has its only overseas military base in the region in Djibouti. China views the Indo-Pacific concept backed by New Delhi and Washington suspiciously since it sees it as an "encirclement".

The United States provided over $1.8 billion in assistance to the Indo-Pacific region last year, including economic, security, and governance programs.

Last year, it even changed the name of its largest naval command, US Pacific command, to 'Indo-Pacific Command' to boost the growing concept. The Trump administration is also working to revitalise the Export-Import Bank of the United States which is expected to invest $10 billion in Indo-Pacific projects.

India's vision for Indo-Pacific is one of "inclusiveness, openness and ASEAN centrality" as described by Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore last year.

Other than IORA, ASEAN has also discussed the concept with Indonesia being a vocal proponent of the concept.

The US plans to increase its engagement with all Indian Ocean rim countries along the "Bay of Bengal" under its Indo-Pacific concept at a time when China is also trying to increase its influence in the region.

The US plans to increase its engagement with all Indian Ocean rim countries along the "Bay of Bengal" under its Indo-Pacific concept at a time when China is also trying to increase its influence in the region. Asked about Indian Ocean Rim Association or (IORA) discussing the Indo-Pacific concept, a US State Department spokesperson told WION, "We are expanding our relationships with all Indian Ocean nations along the Bay of Bengal, evident through our economic engagement, Bay of Bengal security initiative, and other efforts. ASEAN centrality is a cornerstone of the US vision for the Indo-Pacific." The IORA grouping, which has 22 countries who share their shores with the Indian Ocean as its members discussed the concept in a meeting in Mauritius in April. The State Department with this statement demarcated the geographical border of the concept till Indian shores while New Delhi wants to expand it till the eastern shore of Africa. Asked about New Delhi's role, the State Department spokesperson said, "We welcome India’s interest in playing a larger role in the Indo-Pacific and look forward to cooperating with our counterparts in the Indian government to achieve mutual goals in this part of the world." Washington in its national security strategy has said that it supports New Delhi's leadership role in the Indian Ocean security and throughout the broader region. China is also increasing engagement with the region especially through the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Gwadar port and has its only overseas military base in the region in Djibouti. China views the Indo-Pacific concept backed by New Delhi and Washington suspiciously since it sees it as an "encirclement". The United States provided over $1.8 billion in assistance to the Indo-Pacific region last year, including economic, security, and governance programs. Last year, it even changed the name of its largest naval command, US Pacific command, to 'Indo-Pacific Command' to boost the growing concept. The Trump administration is also working to revitalise the Export-Import Bank of the United States which is expected to invest $10 billion in Indo-Pacific projects. India's vision for Indo-Pacific is one of "inclusiveness, openness and ASEAN centrality" as described by Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore last year. Other than IORA, ASEAN has also discussed the concept with Indonesia being a vocal proponent of the concept.

US expanding ties with Indian Ocean countries especially along Bay of Bengal: State Department to WION

India has asked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-keen-to-finalise-pact-for-kartarpur-corridor-opening-211605">Pakistan</a> to build a bridge on Ravi river to manage the flow of water and prevent flood damages.

The matter was raised by Indian authorities in an official note to Islamabad during the first week of May.

The issue was earlier raised on April 16 in the second technical meet on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/500-year-old-well-discovered-near-gurdwara-on-kartarpur-corridor-in-pakistan-214166">Kartarpur</a> .

Work is on in full swing on the Indian side to build the corridor. New Delhi is building a Passenger Terminal Building (PTB ) at the cost of Rs 195 crore on its side of the border, which is expected to be completed by September.

Around 50 acres of land has been demarcated to build the PTB with Rs 10 crore been given as compensation for land acquisition done for the project.

Passenger Terminal Building will be able to cater to 5000 pilgrims per day.

In March, India had postponed the second India-Pakistan official talks over Khalistani concerns.

Khalistani and close aide of Hafiz Saeed, Gopal Singh Chawla was appointed to Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak committee by Pakistan, irking New Delhi.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak committee will overlook the construction of Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan.

Pakistan is yet to respond on New Delhi's concerns.

India has asked Pakistan to build a bridge on Ravi river to manage the flow of water and prevent flood damages. The matter was raised by Indian authorities in an official note to Islamabad during the first week of May.

India has asked Pakistan to build a bridge on Ravi river to manage the flow of water and prevent flood damages. The matter was raised by Indian authorities in an official note to Islamabad during the first week of May. The issue was earlier raised on April 16 in the second technical meet on Kartarpur . Work is on in full swing on the Indian side to build the corridor. New Delhi is building a Passenger Terminal Building (PTB ) at the cost of Rs 195 crore on its side of the border, which is expected to be completed by September. Around 50 acres of land has been demarcated to build the PTB with Rs 10 crore been given as compensation for land acquisition done for the project. Passenger Terminal Building will be able to cater to 5000 pilgrims per day. In March, India had postponed the second India-Pakistan official talks over Khalistani concerns. Khalistani and close aide of Hafiz Saeed, Gopal Singh Chawla was appointed to Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak committee by Pakistan, irking New Delhi. The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak committee will overlook the construction of Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan. Pakistan is yet to respond on New Delhi's concerns.

Kartarpur corridor: India asks Pakistan to build bridge on Ravi river

For the first time Afghanistan publically raised the continued closure of Pakistan airspace for Afghan planes coming to India. The Deputy Afghan Foreign Minister Idrees Zaman met with the Pakistani Ambassador to Kabul Zahed Nasrullah Khan in Kabul and raised the matter.

A readout from Afghan foreign ministry said Deputy Minister Zaman "expressed the Afghan Government’s concern regarding the closure of Pakistani aerial space for Afghanistan’s flights."

The readout further said, "Pakistani Ambassador promised that the Pakistani Government will soon decide on reopening the aerial space."

The Pakistan govt had closed its air space on February 27 after launching strikes on Indian military installations in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir in response to India's counter-terror strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed's terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan.

Since then Pakistan govt has partially opened its airspace in the west side of the country, but airspace along the Indian border continues to be closed. No flights going from India to westwards or coming from Afghanistan or beyond to India are allowed to use Pakistan air space by Islamabad.

WION had on Monday first broke the story that Afghanistan, through the official channel, raised the matter with Islamabad on the closure of its Airspace for Afghan planes.

An Afghanistan govt source told WION on Monday that Afghan govt raised the matter through its officials and "will raise it again". The source, when asked if Kabul is hopeful Pakistan will open its airspace, replied, "We are negotiating".

Closure of Pak airspace has particularly impacted Afghan airlines, who not only have to take a longer route over Iran and also spend more on fuel, increasing the cost of the ticket. Delhi to Kabul flight that used to take less than 2 hours before now takes more than five hours.

Cost of a one-way ticket from Afghanistan to India for Afghan airlines such as Ariana and Kam Air stands at $200 and $300 respectively. This was previously $ 145 for Ariana and $160 for Kam air.

For the first time Afghanistan publically raised the continued closure of Pakistan airspace for Afghan planes coming to India. The Deputy Afghan Foreign Minister Idrees Zaman met with the Pakistani Ambassador to Kabul Zahed Nasrullah Khan in Kabul and raised the matter.

For the first time Afghanistan publically raised the continued closure of Pakistan airspace for Afghan planes coming to India. The Deputy Afghan Foreign Minister Idrees Zaman met with the Pakistani Ambassador to Kabul Zahed Nasrullah Khan in Kabul and raised the matter. A readout from Afghan foreign ministry said Deputy Minister Zaman "expressed the Afghan Government’s concern regarding the closure of Pakistani aerial space for Afghanistan’s flights." The readout further said, "Pakistani Ambassador promised that the Pakistani Government will soon decide on reopening the aerial space." The Pakistan govt had closed its air space on February 27 after launching strikes on Indian military installations in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir in response to India's counter-terror strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed's terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan. Since then Pakistan govt has partially opened its airspace in the west side of the country, but airspace along the Indian border continues to be closed. No flights going from India to westwards or coming from Afghanistan or beyond to India are allowed to use Pakistan air space by Islamabad. WION had on Monday first broke the story that Afghanistan, through the official channel, raised the matter with Islamabad on the closure of its Airspace for Afghan planes. An Afghanistan govt source told WION on Monday that Afghan govt raised the matter through its officials and "will raise it again". The source, when asked if Kabul is hopeful Pakistan will open its airspace, replied, "We are negotiating". Closure of Pak airspace has particularly impacted Afghan airlines, who not only have to take a longer route over Iran and also spend more on fuel, increasing the cost of the ticket. Delhi to Kabul flight that used to take less than 2 hours before now takes more than five hours. Cost of a one-way ticket from Afghanistan to India for Afghan airlines such as Ariana and Kam Air stands at $200 and $300 respectively. This was previously $ 145 for Ariana and $160 for Kam air.

Closure of Pakistan airspace: Afghanistan government expresses concern

The US has said that it will consult New Delhi as the Afghan peace process goes forward even as it called for "inclusive and legitimate process" that preserves the gains made in the last 18 years.

A statement issued by the American embassy in Delhi on US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad's second day India visit, said, "Ambassador Khalilzad and his counterparts also discussed that Afghanistan’s political future is for Afghans to decide through an inclusive and legitimate process."

During his second visit in 2019 to Delhi, he met, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale &amp; India’s Ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar.

The statement said during the meet they "agreed that Afghan gains of the last 18 years must be preserved and built upon."

This is an important development for New Delhi since it is not in favour of an interim administration to replace the political structure arrived in the last 18 years. This was conveyed during Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale's US visit in March during which he met Zalmay Khalilzad in Washington.

Taliban during its talks with the US has been calling for an interim administration in Kabul which will replace the existing govt, something India is against as it back Afghan President Ghani's govt.

Washington also "recognized the many important contributions India has made to Afghanistan’s development." This development comes months after US President Donald Trump took a jibe against development aid to Afghanistan.

US President in the 1st cabinet meet of the year in January had said even though he gets "along very well with India and Prime Minister Modi", PM Modi "is constantly telling me, he built a library in Afghanistan" but Trump "Don’t know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan".&nbsp;

India has built large scale infrastructure projects in Afghanistan like Parliament building in Kabul, Salma Dam in Herat to Capacity Building by providing training to 3500 afghans to connectivity by Chabahar project and India Afghanistan air corridor.

The US has said that it will consult New Delhi as the Afghan peace process goes forward even as it called for "inclusive and legitimate process" that preserves the gains made in the last 18 years.

The US has said that it will consult New Delhi as the Afghan peace process goes forward even as it called for "inclusive and legitimate process" that preserves the gains made in the last 18 years. A statement issued by the American embassy in Delhi on US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad's second day India visit, said, "Ambassador Khalilzad and his counterparts also discussed that Afghanistan’s political future is for Afghans to decide through an inclusive and legitimate process." During his second visit in 2019 to Delhi, he met, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale & India’s Ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar. The statement said during the meet they "agreed that Afghan gains of the last 18 years must be preserved and built upon." This is an important development for New Delhi since it is not in favour of an interim administration to replace the political structure arrived in the last 18 years. This was conveyed during Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale's US visit in March during which he met Zalmay Khalilzad in Washington. Taliban during its talks with the US has been calling for an interim administration in Kabul which will replace the existing govt, something India is against as it back Afghan President Ghani's govt. Washington also "recognized the many important contributions India has made to Afghanistan’s development." This development comes months after US President Donald Trump took a jibe against development aid to Afghanistan. US President in the 1st cabinet meet of the year in January had said even though he gets "along very well with India and Prime Minister Modi", PM Modi "is constantly telling me, he built a library in Afghanistan" but Trump "Don’t know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan". India has built large scale infrastructure projects in Afghanistan like Parliament building in Kabul, Salma Dam in Herat to Capacity Building by providing training to 3500 afghans to connectivity by Chabahar project and India Afghanistan air corridor.

United States to consult India on Afghan peace process

The US wants India to eliminate trade barriers for American companies and remove restrictions with regard to data localisation to cut the cost of doing business, visiting US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said on Tuesday.

Speaking at US govt backed business event "Indo-Pacific Trade winds", Wilbur Ross Said, “today India is only the America's 13th largest market due to overly restrictive market access barriers. The US is India's largest export market, that is a real imbalance"

India's average applied tariff rate is 13% with a tariff on auto at 60%, bikes at 50% &amp; Alcohol at 100%.&nbsp;

Calling it "unjustified", Ross said, "US businesses face significant market access barriers in India. These include both tariff and non-tariff barriers, &nbsp;as well as multiple practises and regulations that disadvantage foreign companies."

But assured US companies that Washington is "working diligently&nbsp;with Indian govt" on market access, he explained, "goal is to eliminate barrier" for US companies including on data localization, that "weakens data security and increases the cost of doing business".

Ross who is on a two day India visit raised the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsp;and&nbsp;Commerce minister Suresh Prabhu during a bilateral meet.

Bilateral trade last year between India and the US stood at $142 billion, up to $16 billion from 2017. US exports of goods to India increased by 7.4 billion, to 33% but imports increased by 12% to 54 billion, representing trade deficit of $ 21 billion for the US, something that is irking trump administration.

India has been trying to reduce its trade deficit with the US. India is importing $4.5 billion worth of US crude and natural gas. Indian private airlines have placed orders for around 300 Boeing aircraft to be delivered over the next 5 to 7 years that are worth around $ 39 billion and will create 130,000 American jobs.

Ross though reaffirmed India US ties and said "Make America Great Again (MAGA)" needs to be rephrased to MAGWIC (Make America Great Again With Indian Corporations).

He also emphasised on New Delhi's important role in Indo-Pacific. He said, "Indo-Pacific is strategically and economically significant... India is key to the administration approach to Indo-Pacific".

The US wants India to eliminate trade barriers for American companies and remove restrictions with regard to data localisation to cut the cost of doing business, visiting US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said on Tuesday.

The US wants India to eliminate trade barriers for American companies and remove restrictions with regard to data localisation to cut the cost of doing business, visiting US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said on Tuesday. Speaking at US govt backed business event "Indo-Pacific Trade winds", Wilbur Ross Said, “today India is only the America's 13th largest market due to overly restrictive market access barriers. The US is India's largest export market, that is a real imbalance" India's average applied tariff rate is 13% with a tariff on auto at 60%, bikes at 50% & Alcohol at 100%. Calling it "unjustified", Ross said, "US businesses face significant market access barriers in India. These include both tariff and non-tariff barriers, as well as multiple practises and regulations that disadvantage foreign companies." But assured US companies that Washington is "working diligently with Indian govt" on market access, he explained, "goal is to eliminate barrier" for US companies including on data localization, that "weakens data security and increases the cost of doing business". Ross who is on a two day India visit raised the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Commerce minister Suresh Prabhu during a bilateral meet. Bilateral trade last year between India and the US stood at $142 billion, up to $16 billion from 2017. US exports of goods to India increased by 7.4 billion, to 33% but imports increased by 12% to 54 billion, representing trade deficit of $ 21 billion for the US, something that is irking trump administration. India has been trying to reduce its trade deficit with the US. India is importing $4.5 billion worth of US crude and natural gas. Indian private airlines have placed orders for around 300 Boeing aircraft to be delivered over the next 5 to 7 years that are worth around $ 39 billion and will create 130,000 American jobs. Ross though reaffirmed India US ties and said "Make America Great Again (MAGA)" needs to be rephrased to MAGWIC (Make America Great Again With Indian Corporations). He also emphasised on New Delhi's important role in Indo-Pacific. He said, "Indo-Pacific is strategically and economically significant... India is key to the administration approach to Indo-Pacific".

India's tariff rate is 'unjustified': US commerce secretary Wilbur Ross

The Afghan cricket team will soon be sporting a logo of an Indian company on their jerseys. India's well-known dairy brand, Amul will be sponsoring Afghan cricket team for upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=ICC+Cricket+World+Cup">ICC Cricket World Cup</a> in England and Wales, which is scheduled to kick off from May 30.&nbsp;

MD of Amul RS Sodhi&nbsp;speaking to WION on the announcement said, "Amul is the main sponsor. On the arm and jersey, we will have Amul logo. It's our first sponsorship of a cricket team. We have high hopes. Let us see how it goes."

Thanking, Amul, India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI),&nbsp;Asadullah Khan, the CEO of Afghan cricket board told WION, "You know, cricket is number one sports in Afghanistan. Everyone love and likes cricket. Its good sign of peace. BCCI is helping us, and also the govt, it's a good opportunity. It will help in peace."

Amul is the first sponsor from India of an Afghan cricket team.

Asked about India's role in supporting Afghan cricket Asadullah said, "India has helped us. Embassy of India has helped us. They are making grounds. They making ground in Kandahar. They promised us, they will make a rehab center in Kabul for Afghan cricket."&nbsp;

India is helping building Kandahar cricket stadium. With a capacity of 14,000, the stadium is being built with $1million grant from India. New Delhi is also building a stadium in Mazar-e-Sharif.&nbsp;

Other than this, India is providing two "home grounds"&nbsp;in Greater Noida and Dehradun for Afghan team and also, technical and logistical support for players and the Afghanistan Cricket Board.&nbsp;

Afghan team will play a warm-up match with Pakistan on May 24 with England on May 27.&nbsp;

The schedule of World Cup matches of Afghanistan team is as follows:&nbsp;

VS Australia on June 1 
VS Sri Lanka on June 4 
VS New Zealand on June 8 
VS South Africa on June 15 
VS England on June 18 
VS India on June 22 
VS Bangladesh on June 24 
VS Pakistan on June 29 
VS West Indes on July 4

The Afghan cricket team will soon be sporting a logo of an Indian company on their jerseys. India's well-known dairy brand, Amul will be sponsoring Afghan cricket team for upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in England and Wales, which is scheduled to kick off from May 30.

The Afghan cricket team will soon be sporting a logo of an Indian company on their jerseys. India's well-known dairy brand, Amul will be sponsoring Afghan cricket team for upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in England and Wales, which is scheduled to kick off from May 30. MD of Amul RS Sodhi speaking to WION on the announcement said, "Amul is the main sponsor. On the arm and jersey, we will have Amul logo. It's our first sponsorship of a cricket team. We have high hopes. Let us see how it goes." Thanking, Amul, India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Asadullah Khan, the CEO of Afghan cricket board told WION, "You know, cricket is number one sports in Afghanistan. Everyone love and likes cricket. Its good sign of peace. BCCI is helping us, and also the govt, it's a good opportunity. It will help in peace." Amul is the first sponsor from India of an Afghan cricket team. Asked about India's role in supporting Afghan cricket Asadullah said, "India has helped us. Embassy of India has helped us. They are making grounds. They making ground in Kandahar. They promised us, they will make a rehab center in Kabul for Afghan cricket." India is helping building Kandahar cricket stadium. With a capacity of 14,000, the stadium is being built with $1million grant from India. New Delhi is also building a stadium in Mazar-e-Sharif. Other than this, India is providing two "home grounds" in Greater Noida and Dehradun for Afghan team and also, technical and logistical support for players and the Afghanistan Cricket Board. Afghan team will play a warm-up match with Pakistan on May 24 with England on May 27. The schedule of World Cup matches of Afghanistan team is as follows: VS Australia on June 1 VS Sri Lanka on June 4 VS New Zealand on June 8 VS South Africa on June 15 VS England on June 18 VS India on June 22 VS Bangladesh on June 24 VS Pakistan on June 29 VS West Indes on July 4

'Good sign of peace,' says Afghanistan cricket board on getting Indian sponsor for ICC World Cup 2019

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad Monday met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and briefed her about the Afghan peace process.

In a tweet, the ministry of external affairs said, "Both discussed the role of all regional stakeholders in bringing peace &amp; development in Afghanistan."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Appreciate Amb <a href="https://twitter.com/US4AfghanPeace?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@US4AfghanPeace</a> Khalilzad briefing EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> on peace efforts in Afghanistan in midst of ongoing Doha meetings. Both discussed role of all regional stakeholders in bringing peace &amp; development in Afghanistan. India will work with key partners in days ahead. <a href="https://t.co/Sw78HuV4xa">pic.twitter.com/Sw78HuV4xa</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1125393113067876352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Adding, "India will work with key partners in days ahead."

The talks come in the midst of Doha talks between Taliban and US.&nbsp;

This is the second visit by Zalmay Khalilzad to India this year, first being in January.

He has already visited Pakistan and Afghanistan during his current visit to the region. Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale had met the US envoy in March in Washington &amp; appraised about India's view on the Afghan peace process.

India backs "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled" peace process. India has been engaging with regional countries—Iran, Russia, China, Central Asian countries-- regarding the Afghan peace process.&nbsp;

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad Monday met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and briefed her about the Afghan peace process. In a tweet, the ministry of external affairs said, "Both discussed the role of all regional stakeholders in bringing peace & development in Afghanistan.

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad Monday met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and briefed her about the Afghan peace process. In a tweet, the ministry of external affairs said, "Both discussed the role of all regional stakeholders in bringing peace & development in Afghanistan." Appreciate Amb @US4AfghanPeace Khalilzad briefing EAM @SushmaSwaraj on peace efforts in Afghanistan in midst of ongoing Doha meetings. Both discussed role of all regional stakeholders in bringing peace & development in Afghanistan. India will work with key partners in days ahead. pic.twitter.com/Sw78HuV4xa — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) May 6, 2019 × Adding, "India will work with key partners in days ahead." The talks come in the midst of Doha talks between Taliban and US. This is the second visit by Zalmay Khalilzad to India this year, first being in January. He has already visited Pakistan and Afghanistan during his current visit to the region. Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale had met the US envoy in March in Washington & appraised about India's view on the Afghan peace process. India backs "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled" peace process. India has been engaging with regional countries—Iran, Russia, China, Central Asian countries-- regarding the Afghan peace process.

US representative Zalmay Khalizad briefs Sushma Swaraj on Afghan peace initiatives

The Afghan government raised the issue of Pakistan air space ban on Monday as its airline continued to face problems in reaching India.

The Afghan government raised the matter through its officials and will raise it again. On being asked whether Kabul is hopeful on Pakistan opening its airspace, sources told WION that they are "negotiating".

The Pakistan government closed its air space on February 27 after launching strikes on Indian military installations in Jammu and Kashmir. The airstrikes were in response to India's counter-terror strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed's terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan on February 26.

So far, the Pakistan government has partially opened its airspace in the west side of the country, but along the Indian border, it continues to be closed. No flights going from India to westwards or coming from Afghanistan or beyond to India are allowed to use Pakistan air space.

The partial Pakistan airspace ban has particularly impacted Afghan airlines, who have to take a longer route over Iran, but also spend more on fuel which increases the cost of the ticket.&nbsp;

Delhi to Kabul flight that used to take less than two hours before, now takes more than five hours.

Cost of a one-way ticket from Afghanistan to India for Afghan airlines such as Ariana Afghan Airlines and Kam Air Airline stands at $200 to $300 respectively. This was previously at $145 for Ariana Afghan Airlines and $160 for Kam Air Airline.&nbsp;

According to local Pakistan media reports, its national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) suffered a loss of over Rs 1 billion due to "closure of certain routes for the airline".

The Afghan government raised the issue of Pakistan air space ban on Monday as its airline continued to face problems in reaching India. The Afghan government raised the matter through its officials and will raise it again.

The Afghan government raised the issue of Pakistan air space ban on Monday as its airline continued to face problems in reaching India. The Afghan government raised the matter through its officials and will raise it again. On being asked whether Kabul is hopeful on Pakistan opening its airspace, sources told WION that they are "negotiating". The Pakistan government closed its air space on February 27 after launching strikes on Indian military installations in Jammu and Kashmir. The airstrikes were in response to India's counter-terror strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed's terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan on February 26. So far, the Pakistan government has partially opened its airspace in the west side of the country, but along the Indian border, it continues to be closed. No flights going from India to westwards or coming from Afghanistan or beyond to India are allowed to use Pakistan air space. The partial Pakistan airspace ban has particularly impacted Afghan airlines, who have to take a longer route over Iran, but also spend more on fuel which increases the cost of the ticket. Delhi to Kabul flight that used to take less than two hours before, now takes more than five hours. Cost of a one-way ticket from Afghanistan to India for Afghan airlines such as Ariana Afghan Airlines and Kam Air Airline stands at $200 to $300 respectively. This was previously at $145 for Ariana Afghan Airlines and $160 for Kam Air Airline. According to local Pakistan media reports, its national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) suffered a loss of over Rs 1 billion due to "closure of certain routes for the airline".

Afghan government raises partial airspace ban issue with Pakistan

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