India on Friday slammed Pakistan for its comments that India has no role in Afghanistan. A statement issued by ministry of external affairs (MEA) said, "It is not for Pakistan to decide as to what role another country has in regional or global affairs. Pakistan also cannot decide on behalf of an independent and sovereign country Afghanistan and dictate them as to how to conduct their foreign policy."

New Delhi said Pakistan should "first and foremost introspect its own role" and "responsibility in the precarious situation in Afghanistan".

India asked Islamabad to put an end to "all kind of support to cross border terrorism under Pakistan's control" and "join international efforts to bring inclusive peace to Afghanistan"

In response to a question at weekly Pakistan foreign ministry briefing on Thursday, spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal said, "India has no role in Afghanistan."

The development comes even as US special representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad is in the region and visited India, Afghanistan, China and is currently in Pakistan. During Zalmay's visit to New Delhi, he met EAM Sushma Swaraj and Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale. India briefed Zalmay about the destabilising role Pakistan is playing in the region.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj met Afghanistan's FM Salahuddin Rabbani on Sunday in Samarkand, Uzbekistan during the first India Central Asia dialogue. According to a release by Afghan foreign affairs, "Swaraj reaffirmed her country’s commitment to Afghanistan".

India has been a key development partner of Afghanistan since 2001 and has committed over 3 billion dollars to the country. The Afghan Parliament in Kabul and the India Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat was built with New Delhi's help. New Delhi is also connecting the landlocked country through the Chabahar port in Iram.&nbsp;

India on Friday slammed Pakistan for its comments that India has no role in Afghanistan. A statement issued by ministry of external affairs (MEA) said, "It is not for Pakistan to decide as to what role another country has in regional or global affairs.

India on Friday slammed Pakistan for its comments that India has no role in Afghanistan. A statement issued by ministry of external affairs (MEA) said, "It is not for Pakistan to decide as to what role another country has in regional or global affairs. Pakistan also cannot decide on behalf of an independent and sovereign country Afghanistan and dictate them as to how to conduct their foreign policy." New Delhi said Pakistan should "first and foremost introspect its own role" and "responsibility in the precarious situation in Afghanistan". India asked Islamabad to put an end to "all kind of support to cross border terrorism under Pakistan's control" and "join international efforts to bring inclusive peace to Afghanistan" In response to a question at weekly Pakistan foreign ministry briefing on Thursday, spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal said, "India has no role in Afghanistan." The development comes even as US special representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad is in the region and visited India, Afghanistan, China and is currently in Pakistan. During Zalmay's visit to New Delhi, he met EAM Sushma Swaraj and Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale. India briefed Zalmay about the destabilising role Pakistan is playing in the region. External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj met Afghanistan's FM Salahuddin Rabbani on Sunday in Samarkand, Uzbekistan during the first India Central Asia dialogue. According to a release by Afghan foreign affairs, "Swaraj reaffirmed her country’s commitment to Afghanistan". India has been a key development partner of Afghanistan since 2001 and has committed over 3 billion dollars to the country. The Afghan Parliament in Kabul and the India Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat was built with New Delhi's help. New Delhi is also connecting the landlocked country through the Chabahar port in Iram.

India slams Pakistan for saying New Delhi has no role in Afghanistan 

India on Friday summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner to protest Pakistan Supreme Court's&nbsp;recent order on&nbsp;"Gilgit-Baltistan” in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.&nbsp;

Calling the order "interference in India’s internal affairs", the ministry of external affairs (MEA) in a release said, "Pakistan Government or judiciary have no locus standi on territories illegally and forcibly occupied by it. Any action to alter the status of these occupied territories by Pakistan has no legal basis whatsoever."

Reiterating&nbsp;that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, New Delhi rejected "continued attempts by Pakistan to bring material change in these occupied territories and to camouflage grave human rights violations, exploitation and sufferings of the people living there."

It called on Pakistan to immediately vacate all areas under its illegal occupation.

Pakistan's Supreme Court gave its verdict on Thursday giving so-called more rights to people of Gilgit Baltistan in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.&nbsp;

The region is becoming crucial to Pakistan and China's massive infrastructure programme-- The China Pakistan Economic Corridor. Pakistan is keen to declare the strategic region in the PoK as its fifth province.

Earlier this week New Delhi summoned a Pakistan High Commission official after a civilian was killed due to Pakistani ceasefire violation in J&amp;K.

India on Friday summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner to protest Pakistan Supreme Court's recent order on "Gilgit-Baltistan” in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

India on Friday summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner to protest Pakistan Supreme Court's recent order on "Gilgit-Baltistan” in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Calling the order "interference in India’s internal affairs", the ministry of external affairs (MEA) in a release said, "Pakistan Government or judiciary have no locus standi on territories illegally and forcibly occupied by it. Any action to alter the status of these occupied territories by Pakistan has no legal basis whatsoever." Reiterating that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, New Delhi rejected "continued attempts by Pakistan to bring material change in these occupied territories and to camouflage grave human rights violations, exploitation and sufferings of the people living there." It called on Pakistan to immediately vacate all areas under its illegal occupation. Pakistan's Supreme Court gave its verdict on Thursday giving so-called more rights to people of Gilgit Baltistan in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The region is becoming crucial to Pakistan and China's massive infrastructure programme-- The China Pakistan Economic Corridor. Pakistan is keen to declare the strategic region in the PoK as its fifth province. Earlier this week New Delhi summoned a Pakistan High Commission official after a civilian was killed due to Pakistani ceasefire violation in J&K.

India summons Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to protest SC order on 'Gilgit-Baltistan'

Maldivian defence minister Mariya Didi will be in India from January 23 to 30. This is her first visit after taking charge as country's defence minister under&nbsp;Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's government in November of 2018.

Speaking exclusively to WION from Male she said, "It is my first trip to India as the Maldivian Minister for Defence and I look forward to fruitful discussions with my Indian counterpart Hon Nirmala Sitharaman. As someone who believes in gender equality, I am excited. I understand this is the first time in the history of the region that there is going to be a meeting between two female defence ministers.”

On security cooperation, she said, “From time immemorial we have traditionally enjoyed close ties with India. I believe it is in our respective self-interest to continue to do so. Our security co-operation helps to keep us safe and combats a variety of problems from fish poaching to piracy and smuggling."

Her visit comes a month after Maldivian foreign minister Abdulla Shahid and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih visited India, making her trip the third&nbsp;high-level visit from the new Maldivian government.

During President Solih's India visit in December, India had announced financial assistance up to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-president-solihs-visit-maldives-resets-india-first-policy-india-reciprocates-with-14-bn-aid-package-184877">$1.4 billion to the island nation</a>.

Relations under former president Abdulla Yameen's administration and New Delhi had suffered, especially since Yameen junked 'Ïndia First'&nbsp;policy for a pro-Beijing policy. Yameen even wanted New Delhi to take back 2 helicopters it had gifted. Speaking to WION, immediately after taking charge, Mariya had said the helicopters will not be given back and "It’s not in our culture to ask neighbours to take back what they give."

PM Modi had visited the&nbsp;Maldives in November 2018 to take part in the swearing-in ceremony of President Solih. During the bilateral meeting, both the leaders agreed on the "importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean" and "being mindful of each other’s concerns and aspirations for the stability of the region."

Maldivian defence minister Mariya Didi will be in India from January 23 to 30. This is her first visit after taking charge as country's defence minister under Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's government in November of 2018.

Maldivian defence minister Mariya Didi will be in India from January 23 to 30. This is her first visit after taking charge as country's defence minister under Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's government in November of 2018. Speaking exclusively to WION from Male she said, "It is my first trip to India as the Maldivian Minister for Defence and I look forward to fruitful discussions with my Indian counterpart Hon Nirmala Sitharaman. As someone who believes in gender equality, I am excited. I understand this is the first time in the history of the region that there is going to be a meeting between two female defence ministers.” On security cooperation, she said, “From time immemorial we have traditionally enjoyed close ties with India. I believe it is in our respective self-interest to continue to do so. Our security co-operation helps to keep us safe and combats a variety of problems from fish poaching to piracy and smuggling." Her visit comes a month after Maldivian foreign minister Abdulla Shahid and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih visited India, making her trip the third high-level visit from the new Maldivian government. During President Solih's India visit in December, India had announced financial assistance up to $1.4 billion to the island nation. Relations under former president Abdulla Yameen's administration and New Delhi had suffered, especially since Yameen junked 'Ïndia First' policy for a pro-Beijing policy. Yameen even wanted New Delhi to take back 2 helicopters it had gifted. Speaking to WION, immediately after taking charge, Mariya had said the helicopters will not be given back and "It’s not in our culture to ask neighbours to take back what they give." PM Modi had visited the Maldives in November 2018 to take part in the swearing-in ceremony of President Solih. During the bilateral meeting, both the leaders agreed on the "importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean" and "being mindful of each other’s concerns and aspirations for the stability of the region."

India-Maldives security cooperation keeps us safe: Maldivian defence minister to WION

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman Kailasavadivoo Sivan has said when it comes to India versus China debate in the space sector, India is at par with China. His comments have come&nbsp;days after China's launch of Chang'e 4 lunar probe on the dark side of the moon and ahead of India's Chandrayaan-2 mission which will be launched later this year.&nbsp;

Speaking to our correspondent Siddhant Sibal, the chairman also spoke on Gaganyaan and ISRO's focus for 2019.

WION: What will be your focus this year?

K Sivan: This year we mainly want to make use of the children, students and we want them to be more and more aware of ISRO's programmes. We want to bring students for the&nbsp;young scientist programme. Student satellite Kalam SAT is being launched. Along with this outreach programme, we have incubation centres. These are for spreading the wings of ISRO. Along with this, we have priority for Gaganyaan. We have 32 missions to be completed this year.&nbsp;

WION: We are going to launch Chandrayaan-2 this year. Weeks ago <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-landed-on-moons-far-side-we-will-aim-for-lunar-south-pole-isro-chief-191189">China landed Rover</a> on the dark side of the moon. What is the difference?

K Sivan: The Chinese have landed on the <a href="http://wionews.com/world/china-launches-rover-for-first-far-side-of-the-moon-landing-182334">dark side of the moon</a>. We are going to land on the light side of the moon. Only thing is where we are landing, nobody else has gone. Going closer to the South pole, which nobody has gone. We expect a lot of science available for that.

WION: Your reaction to China versus India space debate?

K Sivan: Regarding the tech part. We are at par with them.

WION: How are we helping the South Asian region?

K Sivan: South Asia, we have one South Asia satellite. We are giving one transponder free of cost to each country. Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives&nbsp;are making use of this. Happy to note they are using satellite for the benefit of their country

WION: On Gaganyaan, are we taking help of countries?&nbsp;

K Sivan: Gaganyaan, many countries are ready to help us. France and Russia are ready to help. We will make use of everybody's expertise to our benefit. NASA is also ready to help us. We want to make use of everyone's help for maximum benefit

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman Kailasavadivoo Sivan has said when it comes to India versus China debate in the space sector, India is at par with China.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman Kailasavadivoo Sivan has said when it comes to India versus China debate in the space sector, India is at par with China. His comments have come days after China's launch of Chang'e 4 lunar probe on the dark side of the moon and ahead of India's Chandrayaan-2 mission which will be launched later this year. Speaking to our correspondent Siddhant Sibal, the chairman also spoke on Gaganyaan and ISRO's focus for 2019. WION: What will be your focus this year? K Sivan: This year we mainly want to make use of the children, students and we want them to be more and more aware of ISRO's programmes. We want to bring students for the young scientist programme. Student satellite Kalam SAT is being launched. Along with this outreach programme, we have incubation centres. These are for spreading the wings of ISRO. Along with this, we have priority for Gaganyaan. We have 32 missions to be completed this year. WION: We are going to launch Chandrayaan-2 this year. Weeks ago China landed Rover on the dark side of the moon. What is the difference? K Sivan: The Chinese have landed on the dark side of the moon. We are going to land on the light side of the moon. Only thing is where we are landing, nobody else has gone. Going closer to the South pole, which nobody has gone. We expect a lot of science available for that. WION: Your reaction to China versus India space debate? K Sivan: Regarding the tech part. We are at par with them. WION: How are we helping the South Asian region? K Sivan: South Asia, we have one South Asia satellite. We are giving one transponder free of cost to each country. Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives are making use of this. Happy to note they are using satellite for the benefit of their country WION: On Gaganyaan, are we taking help of countries? K Sivan: Gaganyaan, many countries are ready to help us. France and Russia are ready to help. We will make use of everybody's expertise to our benefit. NASA is also ready to help us. We want to make use of everyone's help for maximum benefit

We are at par with China: ISRO chairman on space race

The Indian Navy's Commander Abhilash Tomy is the stuff legends are made of. In 2013, he created history by becoming the only Indian to circumnavigate the planet — solo and unassisted — a feat only 80 people had achieved before. In 2018, during the Golden Globe race to circumnavigate the world, he was very badly hurt, his boat was damaged, and he was stuck for three&nbsp;days in the middle of the ocean before being rescued. He spoke to WION about his ordeal, his phone call with the prime minister, and what he plans to do next.&nbsp;

WION: How do you feel now that you are back?

Abhilash Tomy: I feel good. I am really happy how the navy rescued me and whatever injury I had did not become worse. And I got some treatment at a military hospital that despite suffering multiple fractures on the spine I am in a position to walk

WION: What happened at the high seas during your circumnavigation?

Abhilash Tomy: I had 2 fracture in my spine. I had one unstable fracture. There were different kinds of issues. What doctors did is they took 5 vertebrates and they put titanium rods and they screwed the 5 bones into a single piece.

WION: Will you go for such a thing again?

Abhilash Tomy: Yes Ofcource. I am working on my fitness. And if I am better I will, definitely go and do it again.

WION: How do you get this spirit..a spirit of an adventurer?&nbsp;

Abhilash Tomy: I really don't know. But maybe because I am in the navy. We keep doing things nobody else does.

WION: Your message to youngsters?

Abhilash Tomy: Well I hope that they don't take any rash decision. They (should) prepare hard. I prepared for three years before this circumnavigation. I prepared for five years before my last circumnavigation. A lot of time and effort goes into this and I hope they put it before they take the first step and cast off.

WION: what goes into preparation?

Abhilash Tomy: Tremendous amount of preparation goes. The physical part is just one bit out of hundred. I did a course in medicine. I did a course in survival. You need to know how to sail, keep yourself hydrated, how much water to carry, how much to conserve, how much food to carry, how to repair, how to do carpentry work, how to repair the engine and stitch a sail. You need to know a lot of things. Just not one skill. Preparation takes a lot of time. It's not cross country race that you wear shoes and start running. This requires multiple skill set. You need to be able to use the skill in a harsh environment and unstable platform when your boat is moving in all directions-- left and right, up and down, rolling. It is not easy.

WION: Did you give it up anytime?

Abhilash Tomy: Never. That thought never crossed my mind. I never gave up. Always looking at the future with a lot of expectations. I was thinking what all I will do now that I am not part of the race, what all I can do. I was making a mental note of things I will be able to do in case I go for another race. All these thoughts were coming to my mind.... I was looking at the future, the bright one.

WION: Your family's reaction. They must be worried....

Abhilash Tomy: They are always worried whenever I go for a race like this. It is full of risk. Even when this incident happened, it was a period of a struggle for my wife and mother, at the same time my father was giving statements that he will go again. And that is what my mother told me, don't stop, you have to go again. My wife told me if you better you definitely must go back. I'm glad I got a supportive family like this. I am happy I have got really strong women in my family.&nbsp;

WION: PM Modi called you... What all he said?

Abhilash Tomy: The fact that prime minister calls you means he is keeping a tab on things. Means most powerful person in the country wants you back and he will spare no effort to get you back. So that kind of things gives you a lot of confidence. He called me and told me "apko yaad hai ap hamarey ghar aye they milney key liye". It was so fantastic of him to speak so humbly and nicely. During the course of interaction, I told him that I'll definitely go back to sea and he made a mention of it in Mann Ki Baat.&nbsp;

The Indian Navy's Commander Abhilash Tomy is the stuff legends are made of. In 2013, he created history by becoming the only Indian to circumnavigate the planet — solo and unassisted — a feat only 80 people had achieved before.

The Indian Navy's Commander Abhilash Tomy is the stuff legends are made of. In 2013, he created history by becoming the only Indian to circumnavigate the planet — solo and unassisted — a feat only 80 people had achieved before. In 2018, during the Golden Globe race to circumnavigate the world, he was very badly hurt, his boat was damaged, and he was stuck for three days in the middle of the ocean before being rescued. He spoke to WION about his ordeal, his phone call with the prime minister, and what he plans to do next. WION: How do you feel now that you are back? Abhilash Tomy: I feel good. I am really happy how the navy rescued me and whatever injury I had did not become worse. And I got some treatment at a military hospital that despite suffering multiple fractures on the spine I am in a position to walk WION: What happened at the high seas during your circumnavigation? Abhilash Tomy: I had 2 fracture in my spine. I had one unstable fracture. There were different kinds of issues. What doctors did is they took 5 vertebrates and they put titanium rods and they screwed the 5 bones into a single piece. WION: Will you go for such a thing again? Abhilash Tomy: Yes Ofcource. I am working on my fitness. And if I am better I will, definitely go and do it again. WION: How do you get this spirit..a spirit of an adventurer? Abhilash Tomy: I really don't know. But maybe because I am in the navy. We keep doing things nobody else does. WION: Your message to youngsters? Abhilash Tomy: Well I hope that they don't take any rash decision. They (should) prepare hard. I prepared for three years before this circumnavigation. I prepared for five years before my last circumnavigation. A lot of time and effort goes into this and I hope they put it before they take the first step and cast off. WION: what goes into preparation? Abhilash Tomy: Tremendous amount of preparation goes. The physical part is just one bit out of hundred. I did a course in medicine. I did a course in survival. You need to know how to sail, keep yourself hydrated, how much water to carry, how much to conserve, how much food to carry, how to repair, how to do carpentry work, how to repair the engine and stitch a sail. You need to know a lot of things. Just not one skill. Preparation takes a lot of time. It's not cross country race that you wear shoes and start running. This requires multiple skill set. You need to be able to use the skill in a harsh environment and unstable platform when your boat is moving in all directions-- left and right, up and down, rolling. It is not easy. WION: Did you give it up anytime? Abhilash Tomy: Never. That thought never crossed my mind. I never gave up. Always looking at the future with a lot of expectations. I was thinking what all I will do now that I am not part of the race, what all I can do. I was making a mental note of things I will be able to do in case I go for another race. All these thoughts were coming to my mind.... I was looking at the future, the bright one. WION: Your family's reaction. They must be worried.... Abhilash Tomy: They are always worried whenever I go for a race like this. It is full of risk. Even when this incident happened, it was a period of a struggle for my wife and mother, at the same time my father was giving statements that he will go again. And that is what my mother told me, don't stop, you have to go again. My wife told me if you better you definitely must go back. I'm glad I got a supportive family like this. I am happy I have got really strong women in my family. WION: PM Modi called you... What all he said? Abhilash Tomy: The fact that prime minister calls you means he is keeping a tab on things. Means most powerful person in the country wants you back and he will spare no effort to get you back. So that kind of things gives you a lot of confidence. He called me and told me "apko yaad hai ap hamarey ghar aye they milney key liye". It was so fantastic of him to speak so humbly and nicely. During the course of interaction, I told him that I'll definitely go back to sea and he made a mention of it in Mann Ki Baat.

Thought of giving up never crossed my mind: Commander Abhilash Tomy to WION

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that one Indian died in the attack in Kabul that took place on Monday. The Indian Embassy in Kabul is taking steps to bring back the mortal remains of the Indian national.&nbsp;

New Delhi has strongly condemned the horrific terror attack in Kabul and has expressed sincere condolences to the families of the victims, wishing an early recovery to those injured.&nbsp;

The MEA release said, "India calls for the perpetrators of this heinous attack and those who provide them shelter to be brought to justice expeditiously."

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MEA: The Indian Embassy in Kabul is taking steps for repatriation of the mortal remains of the Indian national. India calls for the perpetrators of this heinous attack and those who provide them shelter to be brought to justice expeditiously. <a href="https://t.co/jwefErZjsP">https://t.co/jwefErZjsP</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1085110879115456513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The blast was felt in the green zone where the Indian embassy is located. The explosion occurred about 3 kilometres from the embassy.

Four people died and more than 40 were injured. The site of the explosion is frequented by tourists. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-taliban-claim-responsibility-for-deadly-kabul-car-bomb-attack-190365">Afghan Taliban claimed the terror attack</a> and warned of similar attacks in the future.

The attack comes even as the Afghan government and global powers engage in an effort to initiate a peace deal in the country, especially with the Taliban.&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that one Indian died in the attack in Kabul that took place on Monday. The Indian Embassy in Kabul is taking steps to bring back the mortal remains of the Indian national.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that one Indian died in the attack in Kabul that took place on Monday. The Indian Embassy in Kabul is taking steps to bring back the mortal remains of the Indian national. New Delhi has strongly condemned the horrific terror attack in Kabul and has expressed sincere condolences to the families of the victims, wishing an early recovery to those injured. The MEA release said, "India calls for the perpetrators of this heinous attack and those who provide them shelter to be brought to justice expeditiously." MEA: The Indian Embassy in Kabul is taking steps for repatriation of the mortal remains of the Indian national. India calls for the perpetrators of this heinous attack and those who provide them shelter to be brought to justice expeditiously. https://t.co/jwefErZjsP — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2019 × The blast was felt in the green zone where the Indian embassy is located. The explosion occurred about 3 kilometres from the embassy. Four people died and more than 40 were injured. The site of the explosion is frequented by tourists. Afghan Taliban claimed the terror attack and warned of similar attacks in the future. The attack comes even as the Afghan government and global powers engage in an effort to initiate a peace deal in the country, especially with the Taliban.

Indian national killed in Monday's Kabul blast, says Ministry of External Affairs

India is training 62 officials of Nepal's Ministry of Finance under its ITEC programme (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) which provides development assistance to developing countries.

The special tailor-made training course on&nbsp;'Global Perspectives on Public Financial Management'&nbsp;is being conducted at the Institute of Government Accounts and Finance (INGAF) in New Delhi.

The Government of Nepal had requested India to provide the training course under the Nepal-India Economic Co-operation Programme.

According to a release by the Indian embassy in Nepal, "The training will enhance the capabilities of these officials in global practices dealing with e-payment system, accounting and cash management, public burrowing system, accounting of foreign loans/grants and repayments, pension payment system, internal audit, fiscal responsibility and budget management, etc."

<img alt="India training Nepali officials." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d0c16d4-1f3f-43b3-b0bf-045488fa0144" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2815%29_0.jpg" />

&nbsp;

<img alt="India training Nepali officials." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0e747a5b-b8fd-4b74-a148-d9f5f8a935d2" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2814%29_0.jpg" />

(Image source: Indian high commission in Kathmandu, Nepal.)

The training course will be held in three batches. The first batch of 20 Nepali officials is currently undergoing training at INGAF, New Delhi from January 14, 2019.

INGAF has been undertaking tailor-made training for officials from the neighbouring countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. India also trains a number of defence personnel from Nepal Army who attends training courses in various Indian Army training institutions.&nbsp;

India in October of 2018 trained Afghan diplomats at Institute of Foreign Service as part of an agreement reached between India and China during the Wuhan summit between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping.&nbsp;

India is training 62 officials of Nepal's Ministry of Finance under its ITEC programme (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) which provides development assistance to developing countries.

India is training 62 officials of Nepal's Ministry of Finance under its ITEC programme (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) which provides development assistance to developing countries. The special tailor-made training course on 'Global Perspectives on Public Financial Management' is being conducted at the Institute of Government Accounts and Finance (INGAF) in New Delhi. The Government of Nepal had requested India to provide the training course under the Nepal-India Economic Co-operation Programme. According to a release by the Indian embassy in Nepal, "The training will enhance the capabilities of these officials in global practices dealing with e-payment system, accounting and cash management, public burrowing system, accounting of foreign loans/grants and repayments, pension payment system, internal audit, fiscal responsibility and budget management, etc." (Image source: Indian high commission in Kathmandu, Nepal.) The training course will be held in three batches. The first batch of 20 Nepali officials is currently undergoing training at INGAF, New Delhi from January 14, 2019. INGAF has been undertaking tailor-made training for officials from the neighbouring countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. India also trains a number of defence personnel from Nepal Army who attends training courses in various Indian Army training institutions. India in October of 2018 trained Afghan diplomats at Institute of Foreign Service as part of an agreement reached between India and China during the Wuhan summit between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping.

India trains 62 officials of Nepal's Finance Ministry under its ITEC programme

The harassment of Indian diplomats continues unabated this year as well. The latest incident is an attempt to hack the social media accounts of Indian High Commission diplomats posted in Islamabad. In one such incident, attempts were made to hack the social media account of a second secretary in Islamabad. Fake profile similar to that of the diplomat's relatives was created to hack the account.

In another incident, a second secretary stationed at the Indian mission received an email from Facebook notifying repeated attempts made to log into his Facebook account.

India sent a note verbale regarding the issue to Pakistan's foreign office on January 10 saying, "such incidents of aggressive surveillance, violation of privacy and harassment amount to a breach of the understanding reached between Pakistan foreign secretary and the High Commissioner of India on 27th March 2018."

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Sources:High Commission of India in Pakistan writes to Pak govt over attempts made to hack social media accounts of senior Indian diplomats.High commissioner&amp; Dy high commissioner being closely followed&amp;aggressively watched by a Pak security official during a wedding in Islamabad <a href="https://t.co/UqR7Fs0evQ">pic.twitter.com/UqR7Fs0evQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1084791158776053760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-diplomats-harassed-after-being-questioned-on-road-now-electricity-cut-for-4-hours-in-peak-winter-187521">Indian diplomats in Islamabad have been facing harassment</a> since the end of 2018. On December 4, 2018, the Indian High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner were closely followed and aggressively watched by Pakistani security officials during a wedding reception at Serena Hotel, Islamabad.&nbsp;

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>A Timeline of Harassment</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dec 4</td>
			<td>Indian HC, Deputy aggressively kept watch on</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dec 10</td>
			<td>Someone tries to barge into diplomat's house</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dec 21&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Diplomats questioned on road in Peshawar</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dec 25</td>
			<td>Electricity cut to diplomat's house&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

&nbsp;

On December 10, someone tried to barge into the house of an Indian diplomat. On December 21, the Indian High Commission team was questioned on a road in Peshawar. On Christmas, the electricity was cut to the house of an Indian diplomat.&nbsp;

WION was the first to report the harassment of Indian diplomats in Pakistan. Earlier in 2018, Indian and Pakistani diplomats in Islamabad and New Delhi had reported incidents of harassment and an understanding was reached in March 2018 to avoid such occurrences with both sides coming out with an official statement.&nbsp;

The functioning of the diplomatic missions between India and Pakistan is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the bilateral Code of Conduct, 1992.

The 1992 code of conduct clearly says the safety and security of the premises of diplomatic personnel, their families shall be respected and protected and any intrusive and aggressive surveillance shall not be allowed.

The harassment of Indian diplomats continues unabated this year as well. The latest incident is an attempt to hack the social media accounts of Indian High Commission diplomats posted in Islamabad.

The harassment of Indian diplomats continues unabated this year as well. The latest incident is an attempt to hack the social media accounts of Indian High Commission diplomats posted in Islamabad. In one such incident, attempts were made to hack the social media account of a second secretary in Islamabad. Fake profile similar to that of the diplomat's relatives was created to hack the account. In another incident, a second secretary stationed at the Indian mission received an email from Facebook notifying repeated attempts made to log into his Facebook account. India sent a note verbale regarding the issue to Pakistan's foreign office on January 10 saying, "such incidents of aggressive surveillance, violation of privacy and harassment amount to a breach of the understanding reached between Pakistan foreign secretary and the High Commissioner of India on 27th March 2018." Sources:High Commission of India in Pakistan writes to Pak govt over attempts made to hack social media accounts of senior Indian diplomats.High commissioner& Dy high commissioner being closely followed&aggressively watched by a Pak security official during a wedding in Islamabad pic.twitter.com/UqR7Fs0evQ — ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2019 × Indian diplomats in Islamabad have been facing harassment since the end of 2018. On December 4, 2018, the Indian High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner were closely followed and aggressively watched by Pakistani security officials during a wedding reception at Serena Hotel, Islamabad. A Timeline of Harassment Dec 4 Indian HC, Deputy aggressively kept watch on Dec 10 Someone tries to barge into diplomat's house Dec 21 Diplomats questioned on road in Peshawar Dec 25 Electricity cut to diplomat's house On December 10, someone tried to barge into the house of an Indian diplomat. On December 21, the Indian High Commission team was questioned on a road in Peshawar. On Christmas, the electricity was cut to the house of an Indian diplomat. WION was the first to report the harassment of Indian diplomats in Pakistan. Earlier in 2018, Indian and Pakistani diplomats in Islamabad and New Delhi had reported incidents of harassment and an understanding was reached in March 2018 to avoid such occurrences with both sides coming out with an official statement. The functioning of the diplomatic missions between India and Pakistan is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the bilateral Code of Conduct, 1992. The 1992 code of conduct clearly says the safety and security of the premises of diplomatic personnel, their families shall be respected and protected and any intrusive and aggressive surveillance shall not be allowed.

Attempts made to hack diplomats' social media accounts, India takes up matter with Pak

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Afghanistan's foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani met in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on Sunday on the sidelines of first India-Central Asia Dialogue.

This is the first meeting between both the ministers this year. Afghanistan was also invited to the dialogue. According to a release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, "Swaraj reaffirmed her country’s commitment toward&nbsp;Afghanistan."&nbsp;

During the meet "both sides exchanged views on the dynamics of the peace talks, the Afghan-leadership and ownership element of the peace process and regional cooperation."

The meeting comes in the backdrop of the Afghan National Security Advisory (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib and US Special Representative of Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad's New Delhi visit.

Mohib met his Indian counterpart NSA Ajit Doval and appreciated the assistance provided by India for the economic development and the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

Zalmay, during his maiden visit to&nbsp;India, met Swaraj and foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale. During the meetings, the Indian side briefed Zalmay about Pakistan's destabilizing role and "made it very clear that peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan should be Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar noted.

A number of developments have taken place with respect to the Afghan&nbsp;peace process. US media suggest that Washington is keen to withdraw a certain number of its troops&nbsp;from the country. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's neighbours, along with Moscow and Washington but barring India, have also been engaging with the&nbsp;Taliban. India has a policy of not engaging with the Taliban but did participate at a non-official level at Moscow talks on Afghanistan last year in which the group was also present. &nbsp;&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Afghanistan's foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani met in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on Sunday on the sidelines of first India-Central Asia Dialogue.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Afghanistan's foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani met in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on Sunday on the sidelines of first India-Central Asia Dialogue. This is the first meeting between both the ministers this year. Afghanistan was also invited to the dialogue. According to a release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, "Swaraj reaffirmed her country’s commitment toward Afghanistan." During the meet "both sides exchanged views on the dynamics of the peace talks, the Afghan-leadership and ownership element of the peace process and regional cooperation." The meeting comes in the backdrop of the Afghan National Security Advisory (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib and US Special Representative of Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad's New Delhi visit. Mohib met his Indian counterpart NSA Ajit Doval and appreciated the assistance provided by India for the economic development and the reconstruction of Afghanistan. Zalmay, during his maiden visit to India, met Swaraj and foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale. During the meetings, the Indian side briefed Zalmay about Pakistan's destabilizing role and "made it very clear that peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan should be Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar noted. A number of developments have taken place with respect to the Afghan peace process. US media suggest that Washington is keen to withdraw a certain number of its troops from the country. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's neighbours, along with Moscow and Washington but barring India, have also been engaging with the Taliban. India has a policy of not engaging with the Taliban but did participate at a non-official level at Moscow talks on Afghanistan last year in which the group was also present.

India-Central Asia Dialogue: Indian, Afghan foreign ministers meet in Uzbekistan

Prime minister Narendra Modi on Sunday&nbsp;said that Sikhs or anyone from India will soon be able to visit Kartapur Gurudwara in Narowal district of Pakistan without a visa.&nbsp;

He was speaking at a ceremony where a commemorative coin on Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti was released.&nbsp;

"It is because of the efforts of central government Kartarpur corridor is being built. Now, Indians and Sikh don't need to use binoculars, they can go to Narowal without visas and can pay respects at the Darbar Sahib," Modi said.

He explained that the corridor is "atonement of the mistake of August of 1947" and "despite the holy site being just a few kilometres away, the important pilgrimage site for Sikhs was not taken (on the Indian side.) The corridor will reduce the damage that was done."

Days after India and Pakistan announced that they build a corridor on the respective sides in November of 2018, PM Modi had then given parallels and said, "Who would have thought that Berlin wall would fall. With the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev ji, Kartarpur corridor will not be just a corridor but will act as a bridge to connect people"

The Indian cabinet had passed a resolution that a corridor will be built from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur District till the border on November 22, 2018. On that day itself, the Ministry of External Affairs also informed Islamabad through Pakistan's high commission in Delhi its decision to build Kartarpur Corridor and urged "Pakistan to develop a corridor in their territory from the International Border to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib."

The Indian Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone on November 26 while Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone on 28 of the same month. The corridor is being built as part of the 550th Birth Anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak which is being celebrated this year.&nbsp;

Kartarpur Gurudwara is located just 3 kilometres away from the Pakistan- India border and the founder of the Sikh religion, Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji had spent the last 18 years of his life at the location. The Gurudwara holds huge significance for the Sikh community and it had been a long-standing demand of the community to ease the travel to the holy site.

Prime minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Sikhs or anyone from India will soon be able to visit Kartapur Gurudwara in Narowal district of Pakistan without a visa.

Prime minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Sikhs or anyone from India will soon be able to visit Kartapur Gurudwara in Narowal district of Pakistan without a visa. He was speaking at a ceremony where a commemorative coin on Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti was released. "It is because of the efforts of central government Kartarpur corridor is being built. Now, Indians and Sikh don't need to use binoculars, they can go to Narowal without visas and can pay respects at the Darbar Sahib," Modi said. He explained that the corridor is "atonement of the mistake of August of 1947" and "despite the holy site being just a few kilometres away, the important pilgrimage site for Sikhs was not taken (on the Indian side.) The corridor will reduce the damage that was done." Days after India and Pakistan announced that they build a corridor on the respective sides in November of 2018, PM Modi had then given parallels and said, "Who would have thought that Berlin wall would fall. With the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev ji, Kartarpur corridor will not be just a corridor but will act as a bridge to connect people" The Indian cabinet had passed a resolution that a corridor will be built from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur District till the border on November 22, 2018. On that day itself, the Ministry of External Affairs also informed Islamabad through Pakistan's high commission in Delhi its decision to build Kartarpur Corridor and urged "Pakistan to develop a corridor in their territory from the International Border to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib." The Indian Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone on November 26 while Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone on 28 of the same month. The corridor is being built as part of the 550th Birth Anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak which is being celebrated this year. Kartarpur Gurudwara is located just 3 kilometres away from the Pakistan- India border and the founder of the Sikh religion, Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji had spent the last 18 years of his life at the location. The Gurudwara holds huge significance for the Sikh community and it had been a long-standing demand of the community to ease the travel to the holy site.

Sikhs will soon be able to visit Kartarpur Gurudwara in Pakistan without visas: PM Modi 

Peace and stability in Afghanistan was the main focus of India at the 1st India-Central Asia dialogue in Samarkand, Uzbekistan in which External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj led the delegation.&nbsp;

Speaking at the dialogue, External Affair minister said, "peaceful and stable Afghanistan, which lies at the Heart of Asia, can be a bridge to connect Central Asia with South Asia."

Afghanistan's FM Salahuddin Rabbani was also present at the dialogue.&nbsp;

Hitting out at the "scourge of terrorism", Sushma Swaraj said, "We need to ask that who these terrorists are, who funds them, how do they find sustenance, who protects and sponsors them".&nbsp;

Adding, "For almost two decades now, these are the people who would not let Afghanistan return to peace and normalcy. Terrorism seriously erodes all avenues of development which a country can have. No business development, no investment can take place in a country suffering from terrorism."

Reiterating New Delhi's official stand on the Afghan peace process, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "India supports all efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan which are inclusive and Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" and "efforts should preserve the gains of the last 18 years. The violence and terror imposed on Afghan people should end. It should strengthen unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country."

New Delhi has been a major development partner of Afghanistan and has extended assistance worth over US$ 3 billion to the country. &nbsp;Under the ‘New Development Partnership’ launched in September 2017, new projects are being taken up which include the Shahtoot Dam which is a drinking water project for Kabul city, low-cost housing in Nangarhar province, 116 High Impact Community Development Projects.&nbsp;

Over 3500 Afghan nationals are trained and receive education in India every year. India built the Afghan Parliament and the India Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat which were inaugurated by PM Modi who has been to the country twice.

Focusing on connectivity, EAM said, "While geographically Afghanistan and Central Asia are landlocked, there are several ways in which India, Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries can join hands to work on promoting connectivity in the region so that trade and commerce may flow between us and our people to people exchanges may prosper."&nbsp;

India has two projects to connect Afghanistan with India. The Chabahar port and the India Afghanistan air corridor. India has partially taken over Chabahar port, which has been built with New Delhi's help and will provide a viable and operational trade route to connect to Afghanistan and Central Asia. New Delhi is also looking at developing the Chabahar-Zahedan railway link which would bring it closer to the Zaranj-Delaram road link which India has already built in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Central Asian countries are also increasing connectivity with Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Uzbekistan has built a rail link between Hairatan to Mazar-i-Sharif and reports suggest that it might be further extended to Heart.

During the dialogue, India also announced a 2-week training course for 8 diplomats from each of the five Central Asian countries at the Foreign Service Institute in New Delhi.

PM Narendra Modi had visited all the five Central Asian countries in 2015 and India has been focusing on increasing ties with the region.

Peace and stability in Afghanistan was the main focus of India at the 1st India-Central Asia dialogue in Samarkand, Uzbekistan in which External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj led the delegation.

Peace and stability in Afghanistan was the main focus of India at the 1st India-Central Asia dialogue in Samarkand, Uzbekistan in which External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj led the delegation. Speaking at the dialogue, External Affair minister said, "peaceful and stable Afghanistan, which lies at the Heart of Asia, can be a bridge to connect Central Asia with South Asia." Afghanistan's FM Salahuddin Rabbani was also present at the dialogue. Hitting out at the "scourge of terrorism", Sushma Swaraj said, "We need to ask that who these terrorists are, who funds them, how do they find sustenance, who protects and sponsors them". Adding, "For almost two decades now, these are the people who would not let Afghanistan return to peace and normalcy. Terrorism seriously erodes all avenues of development which a country can have. No business development, no investment can take place in a country suffering from terrorism." Reiterating New Delhi's official stand on the Afghan peace process, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "India supports all efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan which are inclusive and Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" and "efforts should preserve the gains of the last 18 years. The violence and terror imposed on Afghan people should end. It should strengthen unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country." New Delhi has been a major development partner of Afghanistan and has extended assistance worth over US$ 3 billion to the country. Under the ‘New Development Partnership’ launched in September 2017, new projects are being taken up which include the Shahtoot Dam which is a drinking water project for Kabul city, low-cost housing in Nangarhar province, 116 High Impact Community Development Projects. Over 3500 Afghan nationals are trained and receive education in India every year. India built the Afghan Parliament and the India Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat which were inaugurated by PM Modi who has been to the country twice. Focusing on connectivity, EAM said, "While geographically Afghanistan and Central Asia are landlocked, there are several ways in which India, Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries can join hands to work on promoting connectivity in the region so that trade and commerce may flow between us and our people to people exchanges may prosper." India has two projects to connect Afghanistan with India. The Chabahar port and the India Afghanistan air corridor. India has partially taken over Chabahar port, which has been built with New Delhi's help and will provide a viable and operational trade route to connect to Afghanistan and Central Asia. New Delhi is also looking at developing the Chabahar-Zahedan railway link which would bring it closer to the Zaranj-Delaram road link which India has already built in Afghanistan. Central Asian countries are also increasing connectivity with Afghanistan. Uzbekistan has built a rail link between Hairatan to Mazar-i-Sharif and reports suggest that it might be further extended to Heart. During the dialogue, India also announced a 2-week training course for 8 diplomats from each of the five Central Asian countries at the Foreign Service Institute in New Delhi. PM Narendra Modi had visited all the five Central Asian countries in 2015 and India has been focusing on increasing ties with the region.

At 1st India-Central Asia dialogue, New Delhi focuses on Afghanistan

The new Indian high commissioner to the United States, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, has presented his credentials to US President Donald Trump in a ceremony at the White House. Shringla conveyed warm greetings from President Kovind and Prime Minister Modi to Trump and First Lady Melania.&nbsp;

"US President fondly recalled his friendship with Prime Minister Modi and his recent telephone conversation with the Prime Minister. He highlighted <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-explaining-trumps-blow-hot-blow-cold-india-policy-165229">the broad range of strategic interests and fundamental democratic values shared between our two countries</a>," a statement from the Indian high commission in the US said.&nbsp;

"The United States is the partner of choice in India’s remarkable journey of transformation. Our investment relationship has become increasingly reciprocal, with growing American investments in India being matched by rapid growth in Indian investments in the United States. These have helped fulfil our common objective of creating more jobs, promoting prosperity and economic growth in our respective countries," Shringla said in his written remarks to Trump.&nbsp;

Shringla said India has been a "positive and stabilising partner of the United States in South Asia and Indo Pacific region" and our approach and action in the region have largely complemented each other’s. On Afghanistan he said: "India has scaled up its economic development assistance to Afghanistan", adding, "India will always strive to remain the net security provider and the first responder in the Indian Ocean Region, working in concert with our most important partners including the United States."

India and the US held their inaugural 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in September 2018 and Indian PM Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe had a trilateral JAI (Japan, America, India) meeting in December 2018 on the sidelines of G20 Summit.

Shringla, who was before this India's high commissioner to Bangladesh, said "India and the United States are the world’s largest and the oldest democracies". He added that "our relationship has been nurtured by shared belief in democratic values, individual freedom and rule of law, and increasingly, by strong convergences of interest on key regional and global issues — making ours a truly global partnership."

 
Pakistani ambassador also presents credientials to Trump

Pakistan’s new ambassador to the United States of America, Dr Asad Majeed Khan, also presented his credentials to Donald Trump.&nbsp;

According to a release by the Pakistani embassy in the United States, "Ambassador Khan conveyed the greetings of Pakistan’s leadership to President Trump who reciprocated with similar positive sentiments for Prime Minister Imran Khan." The release added that "President Trump has said that he wants to explore opportunities for the two countries to work closely together and to renew their partnership."

Later, in a message to the Pakistani American community, Asad said, "Our diaspora in the United States is a valuable asset that can play a vital role in realising Prime Minister Imran Khan's vision of building a stronger and better Pakistan"

The US-Pakistan relationship has seen a downward trend in the recent past due to what America says is Islamabad's continued support to terrorism which has created instability in the region.

The new Indian high commissioner to the United States, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, has presented his credentials to US President Donald Trump in a ceremony at the White House.

The new Indian high commissioner to the United States, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, has presented his credentials to US President Donald Trump in a ceremony at the White House. Shringla conveyed warm greetings from President Kovind and Prime Minister Modi to Trump and First Lady Melania. "US President fondly recalled his friendship with Prime Minister Modi and his recent telephone conversation with the Prime Minister. He highlighted the broad range of strategic interests and fundamental democratic values shared between our two countries," a statement from the Indian high commission in the US said. "The United States is the partner of choice in India’s remarkable journey of transformation. Our investment relationship has become increasingly reciprocal, with growing American investments in India being matched by rapid growth in Indian investments in the United States. These have helped fulfil our common objective of creating more jobs, promoting prosperity and economic growth in our respective countries," Shringla said in his written remarks to Trump. Shringla said India has been a "positive and stabilising partner of the United States in South Asia and Indo Pacific region" and our approach and action in the region have largely complemented each other’s. On Afghanistan he said: "India has scaled up its economic development assistance to Afghanistan", adding, "India will always strive to remain the net security provider and the first responder in the Indian Ocean Region, working in concert with our most important partners including the United States." India and the US held their inaugural 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in September 2018 and Indian PM Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe had a trilateral JAI (Japan, America, India) meeting in December 2018 on the sidelines of G20 Summit. Shringla, who was before this India's high commissioner to Bangladesh, said "India and the United States are the world’s largest and the oldest democracies". He added that "our relationship has been nurtured by shared belief in democratic values, individual freedom and rule of law, and increasingly, by strong convergences of interest on key regional and global issues — making ours a truly global partnership." Pakistani ambassador also presents credientials to Trump Pakistan’s new ambassador to the United States of America, Dr Asad Majeed Khan, also presented his credentials to Donald Trump. According to a release by the Pakistani embassy in the United States, "Ambassador Khan conveyed the greetings of Pakistan’s leadership to President Trump who reciprocated with similar positive sentiments for Prime Minister Imran Khan." The release added that "President Trump has said that he wants to explore opportunities for the two countries to work closely together and to renew their partnership." Later, in a message to the Pakistani American community, Asad said, "Our diaspora in the United States is a valuable asset that can play a vital role in realising Prime Minister Imran Khan's vision of building a stronger and better Pakistan" The US-Pakistan relationship has seen a downward trend in the recent past due to what America says is Islamabad's continued support to terrorism which has created instability in the region.

India, US share 'strategic interests', 'fundamental democratic values': Trump to Indian high commissioner

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