The Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg will be the first foreign leader to visit India in 2019. Solberg will be in India from January 7 to 9.

During the visit, Prime Minister Solberg will be calling on President Kovind and Vice President Naidu; she will also hold talks with Prime Minister Modi. Other than this, she will deliver the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue and will address India-Norway Business Summit.&nbsp;

According to the official Ministry of External Affairs release, "The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Solberg will provide an opportunity to the two sides to review the progress in bilateral cooperation and discuss ways to further expand the multifaceted partnership in areas of common interest. "

Solberg and PM Modi last met in 2017 and 2018. In 2017, during her meeting with PM Modi on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Germany, Solberg gifted PM Modi a football. The football had SDG -- Sustainable Development Goal inscribed on it. The gesture was to symbolise attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). During the meeting at G20, PM Modi invited the participation of Norwegian pension funds in the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund.&nbsp;

Last year, PM Modi met the Norwegian counterpart during the maiden India Nordic summit in Stockholm on April 17. During the summit, India and Nordic countries pledged to deepen cooperation and focus on key issues relating to global security, economic growth, innovation and climate change. The annual India-Nordic trade is about $5.3 billion. The cumulative Nordic FDI into India has been recorded at $2.5 billion.

More than 100 Norwegian companies have invested in India in areas such as ship-building, petroleum-related services, hydropower, clean energy and IT services. Several major Indian companies are also present in Norway.&nbsp;

As many as 12,924 Indians (9,485 Person of Indian Origins (PIO) and 3,439 NRIs) are in Norway. According to the official Norwegian Immigration Department figures, India has become the leading source of foreign skilled professionals working in Norway. The number of skilled professionals from India went up from just 100 in 2005 to around 2000 in 2014.

The Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg will be the first foreign leader to visit India in 2019. Solberg will be in India from January 7 to 9. During the visit, Prime Minister Solberg will be calling on President Kovind and Vice President Naidu; she will also hold talks with Prime Minister Modi.

The Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg will be the first foreign leader to visit India in 2019. Solberg will be in India from January 7 to 9. During the visit, Prime Minister Solberg will be calling on President Kovind and Vice President Naidu; she will also hold talks with Prime Minister Modi. Other than this, she will deliver the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue and will address India-Norway Business Summit. According to the official Ministry of External Affairs release, "The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Solberg will provide an opportunity to the two sides to review the progress in bilateral cooperation and discuss ways to further expand the multifaceted partnership in areas of common interest. " Solberg and PM Modi last met in 2017 and 2018. In 2017, during her meeting with PM Modi on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Germany, Solberg gifted PM Modi a football. The football had SDG -- Sustainable Development Goal inscribed on it. The gesture was to symbolise attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). During the meeting at G20, PM Modi invited the participation of Norwegian pension funds in the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund. Last year, PM Modi met the Norwegian counterpart during the maiden India Nordic summit in Stockholm on April 17. During the summit, India and Nordic countries pledged to deepen cooperation and focus on key issues relating to global security, economic growth, innovation and climate change. The annual India-Nordic trade is about $5.3 billion. The cumulative Nordic FDI into India has been recorded at $2.5 billion. More than 100 Norwegian companies have invested in India in areas such as ship-building, petroleum-related services, hydropower, clean energy and IT services. Several major Indian companies are also present in Norway. As many as 12,924 Indians (9,485 Person of Indian Origins (PIO) and 3,439 NRIs) are in Norway. According to the official Norwegian Immigration Department figures, India has become the leading source of foreign skilled professionals working in Norway. The number of skilled professionals from India went up from just 100 in 2005 to around 2000 in 2014.

Norwegian PM Erna Solberg to visit New Delhi as India's 1st foreign leader this year

India has reacted to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-indian-pm-for-library-in-afghanistan-187955">US President Donald Trump's jibe&nbsp;</a> at Prime Minister Narendra Modi mocking India's development aid to Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Top sources speaking to WION said: "India firmly believes in the critical role that developmental assistance can play in transforming human lives. India plays a significant role in Afghanistan as a development partner. This partnership is built on the specific needs and requirements worked out with the government of Afghanistan. It is aimed at the welfare of the people of Afghanistan and for a tangible improvement in the lives of its people."&nbsp;

The sources further added that "India seeks to build capacities and capabilities of Afghan nationals and its institutions for governance and delivery of public service, develop socio-economic infrastructure, secure lives and promote livelihood."&nbsp;

Sources ruled out India sending troops to the country saying we "do not send armed forces abroad except under the specific mandate of UN Peacekeeping Operations."&nbsp;

The US president in his first cabinet meet of the year had said that 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" and added "don’t know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan".&nbsp;

India's development partnership is premised on five pillars - infrastructure, capacity building, humanitarian assistance, economic development and connectivity.&nbsp;

On the infrastructure front, India is building a 218 km road from Zaranj to Delaram for facilitating movement of goods and services to the Iranian border.&nbsp;

The highway will connect Iran with the Garland highway, which links Kabul, Kandahar, Mazar-e-Sharif Herat and Kunduz. The construction of 220kV DC transmission line from Pul-e-Khumri to Kabul and a 220/110/20 kV sub-station at Chimtala will not only bring electricity and light to smaller towns and villages but also provide a key element of security for Afghan and US forces.&nbsp;

The India prime minister along with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had inaugurated the India-Afghanistan friendship dam (Salma Dam). The dam has an installed capacity of 42 MW and supplies water for irrigating 75,000 hectares of land. Since its inauguration in 2016, the project has been generating electricity and releasing water for irrigation. The new Afghan parliament is also built with Indian support.&nbsp;

On capacity building, more than 3,500 Afghans are undergoing various training programmes in India. New Delhi also offers 500 Indian technical and economic cooperation (ITEC) slots to Afghanistan annually.&nbsp;

As far as humanitarian assistance is concerned, India has supplied of 1.1 million MT of wheat to Afghanistan. The Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health IGICH - a 400-bed hospital is the main hospital in Afghanistan and caters to the well-being of children from all across Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Also, the direct air freight corridor between India and Afghanistan established in 2017 has increased the market for Afghan good in India.

India has reacted to US President Donald Trump's jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi mocking India's development aid to Afghanistan. Top sources speaking to WION said: "India firmly believes in the critical role that developmental assistance can play in transforming human lives.

India has reacted to US President Donald Trump's jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi mocking India's development aid to Afghanistan. Top sources speaking to WION said: "India firmly believes in the critical role that developmental assistance can play in transforming human lives. India plays a significant role in Afghanistan as a development partner. This partnership is built on the specific needs and requirements worked out with the government of Afghanistan. It is aimed at the welfare of the people of Afghanistan and for a tangible improvement in the lives of its people." The sources further added that "India seeks to build capacities and capabilities of Afghan nationals and its institutions for governance and delivery of public service, develop socio-economic infrastructure, secure lives and promote livelihood." Sources ruled out India sending troops to the country saying we "do not send armed forces abroad except under the specific mandate of UN Peacekeeping Operations." The US president in his first cabinet meet of the year had said that 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" and added "don’t know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan". India's development partnership is premised on five pillars - infrastructure, capacity building, humanitarian assistance, economic development and connectivity. On the infrastructure front, India is building a 218 km road from Zaranj to Delaram for facilitating movement of goods and services to the Iranian border. The highway will connect Iran with the Garland highway, which links Kabul, Kandahar, Mazar-e-Sharif Herat and Kunduz. The construction of 220kV DC transmission line from Pul-e-Khumri to Kabul and a 220/110/20 kV sub-station at Chimtala will not only bring electricity and light to smaller towns and villages but also provide a key element of security for Afghan and US forces. The India prime minister along with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had inaugurated the India-Afghanistan friendship dam (Salma Dam). The dam has an installed capacity of 42 MW and supplies water for irrigating 75,000 hectares of land. Since its inauguration in 2016, the project has been generating electricity and releasing water for irrigation. The new Afghan parliament is also built with Indian support. On capacity building, more than 3,500 Afghans are undergoing various training programmes in India. New Delhi also offers 500 Indian technical and economic cooperation (ITEC) slots to Afghanistan annually. As far as humanitarian assistance is concerned, India has supplied of 1.1 million MT of wheat to Afghanistan. The Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health IGICH - a 400-bed hospital is the main hospital in Afghanistan and caters to the well-being of children from all across Afghanistan. Also, the direct air freight corridor between India and Afghanistan established in 2017 has increased the market for Afghan good in India.

After Trump's jibe, India says developmental assistance transforming Afghanistan

New Delhi is engaging with China on the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan and its &nbsp;Nuclear Suppliers Group or NSG membership. The information was given by the minister of state in the Ministry of external affairs General VK Singh in a written statement.&nbsp;

General VK Singh said, As regards China’s blocking of international efforts for a listing of Pakistan based terrorists under the United Nations Sanctions Committee, Government has been raising the issue with China, including at the highest level, consistently highlighting the threat of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan and affecting the region, including India."&nbsp;

He added, "India has also remained engaged in dialogue with China, which is a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, on matters related to India’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group."

Remember China blocked India's bid to list Masood Azhar as a global terrorist at Al Qaeda Sanctions committee of the united nations security council.&nbsp;

The bid was supported by the US, Britain and France. At the 48 member NSG which controls the global nuclear trade too, Bejing is block's New Delhi's entry.

2018 is considered the year of reset in India China ties starting with famous informal Wuhan Summit in April followed by bilateral meetings between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.&nbsp;

The 2 leaders met 4 times 2018 which many have called unprecedented in many ways. In 2019 Chinese President will be visiting India for the 2nd informal summit.&nbsp;

On 1st January, Indian and Chinese forces in Ladakh and Tawang celebrated the new year together. with a border personnel meeting taking place with a focus on improving relations at function level at the border.&nbsp;

At the invitation of China's People's Liberation Army, a Ceremonial Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) to celebrate the “New Year” took place at Chinese meeting hut at Chushul - Moldo and Daulat Beg Oldi- TWD &nbsp;Meeting Points in Eastern Ladakh.&nbsp;

The Ceremonial Border Personnel Meeting was held in the backdrop of successful conduct of Exercise Hand-in-Hand at Chengdu in China in December where troops of both the countries participated in joint exercises and shared ground experiences.

New Delhi is engaging with China on the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan and its Nuclear Suppliers Group or NSG membership. The information was given by the minister of state in the Ministry of external affairs General VK Singh in a written statement.

New Delhi is engaging with China on the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan and its Nuclear Suppliers Group or NSG membership. The information was given by the minister of state in the Ministry of external affairs General VK Singh in a written statement. General VK Singh said, As regards China’s blocking of international efforts for a listing of Pakistan based terrorists under the United Nations Sanctions Committee, Government has been raising the issue with China, including at the highest level, consistently highlighting the threat of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan and affecting the region, including India." He added, "India has also remained engaged in dialogue with China, which is a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, on matters related to India’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group." Remember China blocked India's bid to list Masood Azhar as a global terrorist at Al Qaeda Sanctions committee of the united nations security council. The bid was supported by the US, Britain and France. At the 48 member NSG which controls the global nuclear trade too, Bejing is block's New Delhi's entry. 2018 is considered the year of reset in India China ties starting with famous informal Wuhan Summit in April followed by bilateral meetings between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The 2 leaders met 4 times 2018 which many have called unprecedented in many ways. In 2019 Chinese President will be visiting India for the 2nd informal summit. On 1st January, Indian and Chinese forces in Ladakh and Tawang celebrated the new year together. with a border personnel meeting taking place with a focus on improving relations at function level at the border. At the invitation of China's People's Liberation Army, a Ceremonial Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) to celebrate the “New Year” took place at Chinese meeting hut at Chushul - Moldo and Daulat Beg Oldi- TWD Meeting Points in Eastern Ladakh. The Ceremonial Border Personnel Meeting was held in the backdrop of successful conduct of Exercise Hand-in-Hand at Chengdu in China in December where troops of both the countries participated in joint exercises and shared ground experiences.

India engaging with China on NSG membership, terror emanating from Pakistan

Argentina's President Mauricio Macri will be visiting India from February 17. The visit comes months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Argentina for the G20 Summit and met the Argentine&nbsp;president.&nbsp;

During the visit, PM Modi addressed a Yoga event stating, "There is a distance of 15 thousand kilometres between India and Argentina. We have two vast oceans and continents between the two countries. The time difference between the two countries is 8 hours and 30 minutes. But your Yoga practice has shown that both India and Argentina have respect for each other’s culture and the distance of thousands of kilometres between both countries is nothing but just a figure."

PM Modi first met Macri on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Hangzhou, China in 2016. There are around 2,400 Indians living in Argentina, most of them are Non-Resident Indians living in the capital city, Buenos Aires.

The majority of Indians belong to the Sindhi community while others are professionals working with Indian companies and multinational corporations such as TCS, Cognizant Technologies.&nbsp;

It is interesting to note that about 300 Sikhs from Punjab had settled down in 7 Salta province of Argentina in the course of the early and mid-twentieth century. Over time, they have assimilated in the local population and become Argentine citizens.

Most of them are in retail and wholesale trade. A Gurudwara has been established in the Argentine town of Rosario de la Frontera, where Guru Nanak Day is celebrated every year. 
&nbsp;

Argentina's President Mauricio Macri will be visiting India from February 17. The visit comes months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Argentina for the G20 Summit and met the Argentine president.

Argentina's President Mauricio Macri will be visiting India from February 17. The visit comes months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Argentina for the G20 Summit and met the Argentine president. During the visit, PM Modi addressed a Yoga event stating, "There is a distance of 15 thousand kilometres between India and Argentina. We have two vast oceans and continents between the two countries. The time difference between the two countries is 8 hours and 30 minutes. But your Yoga practice has shown that both India and Argentina have respect for each other’s culture and the distance of thousands of kilometres between both countries is nothing but just a figure." PM Modi first met Macri on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Hangzhou, China in 2016. There are around 2,400 Indians living in Argentina, most of them are Non-Resident Indians living in the capital city, Buenos Aires. The majority of Indians belong to the Sindhi community while others are professionals working with Indian companies and multinational corporations such as TCS, Cognizant Technologies. It is interesting to note that about 300 Sikhs from Punjab had settled down in 7 Salta province of Argentina in the course of the early and mid-twentieth century. Over time, they have assimilated in the local population and become Argentine citizens. Most of them are in retail and wholesale trade. A Gurudwara has been established in the Argentine town of Rosario de la Frontera, where Guru Nanak Day is celebrated every year.

Argentine President Mauricio Macri to visit India in February

India is engaged with US authorities for the extradition of US-based individuals for their role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.&nbsp;

A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) visited the US on 13-15 December 2018 for discussion with the US authorities.&nbsp;

The information was given by Minister of state in the ministry of external affairs General Vijay Kumar Singh in the parliament who said, "The United States has expressed its commitment towards working with its international partners to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the 26/11/2008 Mumbai attack.".

Remember during the India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue on 6 September 2018, both sides called on Pakistan to bring to justice expeditiously the perpetrators of the Mumbai, Pathankot, Uri, and other cross-border terrorist attacks.

American citizen and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative David Headley who conspired in plotting the 26/11 terror attacks is currently lodged in a US jail.&nbsp;

He had scouted targets for the attacks in Mumbai for LeT and visited the city 5 times between 2007-2008.&nbsp;

In 2013 he was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison. In 2010, US had given NIA access to Headley.&nbsp;

His co-accused Tahawwur Rana was acquitted of plotting the 26/11 terror attacks but the court said that he did provide material support to LeT.

India is engaged with US authorities for the extradition of US-based individuals for their role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) visited the US on 13-15 December 2018 for discussion with the US authorities.

India is engaged with US authorities for the extradition of US-based individuals for their role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) visited the US on 13-15 December 2018 for discussion with the US authorities. The information was given by Minister of state in the ministry of external affairs General Vijay Kumar Singh in the parliament who said, "The United States has expressed its commitment towards working with its international partners to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the 26/11/2008 Mumbai attack.". Remember during the India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue on 6 September 2018, both sides called on Pakistan to bring to justice expeditiously the perpetrators of the Mumbai, Pathankot, Uri, and other cross-border terrorist attacks. American citizen and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative David Headley who conspired in plotting the 26/11 terror attacks is currently lodged in a US jail. He had scouted targets for the attacks in Mumbai for LeT and visited the city 5 times between 2007-2008. In 2013 he was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison. In 2010, US had given NIA access to Headley. His co-accused Tahawwur Rana was acquitted of plotting the 26/11 terror attacks but the court said that he did provide material support to LeT.

26/11 terror attacks: India engaging with Trump administration for extradition of US-based individuals

India believes that the ongoing imposition of tariff by Bejing and Washington provides it with the opportunity to increase exports to both the countries.

In a written statement in the parliament, Minister of state in the commerce ministry C R Chaudhary said,''The retaliatory tariffs between US and China provides a window of opportunity for enhancing India’s exports to China and US, particularly in products in which India is competitive."

Though New Delhi does consider that the current trade war between the US and China is likely to have its "impact on the imports and exports of other countries, including India'' and may bring about a ''shift in their bilateral trading patterns and displacement of their bilaterally traded commodities to other countries.''

But Overall the commerce ministry doesn't see the impact on Indian imports to Sino US tariffs imposition as both countries have increased tariffs directed at each other.

India, from various global forums, have been calling for a "'rule-based trading system for promoting free and fair trade.'' US and China are one of India's largest trading partners.

The trade deficit with China has been a worry for India and during the 11 sessions of India China Joint Group on Economic relations which was held in New Delhi in March of last year, both countries agreed to increase trade in a balanced and sustainable manner.&nbsp;

India has been seeking market access for Indian agricultural products, animal feed, oil seeds etc.&nbsp;

India has a huge trade deficit with China due to the fact that Chinese exports to India rely strongly on manufactured items which are required in sectors like telecom and power while India's export to China are primary and intermediate products.

China and US hammered a trade truce on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina in December 2018. Both are currently working on a trade deal.

India believes that the ongoing imposition of tariff by Bejing and Washington provides it with the opportunity to increase exports to both the countries. In a written statement in the parliament, Minister of state in the commerce ministry C R Chaudhary said,''The retaliatory tariffs between US and China provides a window of opportunity for enhancing India’s exports to China and US, particularly in products in which India is competitive.

India believes that the ongoing imposition of tariff by Bejing and Washington provides it with the opportunity to increase exports to both the countries. In a written statement in the parliament, Minister of state in the commerce ministry C R Chaudhary said,''The retaliatory tariffs between US and China provides a window of opportunity for enhancing India’s exports to China and US, particularly in products in which India is competitive." Though New Delhi does consider that the current trade war between the US and China is likely to have its "impact on the imports and exports of other countries, including India'' and may bring about a ''shift in their bilateral trading patterns and displacement of their bilaterally traded commodities to other countries.'' But Overall the commerce ministry doesn't see the impact on Indian imports to Sino US tariffs imposition as both countries have increased tariffs directed at each other. India, from various global forums, have been calling for a "'rule-based trading system for promoting free and fair trade.'' US and China are one of India's largest trading partners. The trade deficit with China has been a worry for India and during the 11 sessions of India China Joint Group on Economic relations which was held in New Delhi in March of last year, both countries agreed to increase trade in a balanced and sustainable manner. India has been seeking market access for Indian agricultural products, animal feed, oil seeds etc. India has a huge trade deficit with China due to the fact that Chinese exports to India rely strongly on manufactured items which are required in sectors like telecom and power while India's export to China are primary and intermediate products. China and US hammered a trade truce on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina in December 2018. Both are currently working on a trade deal.

Retaliatory tariffs between US, China opportunity for India’s exports: Commerce Ministry

India has officially confirmed that Pakistani High Commission has "misplaced" passports of 23 Indian pilgrims.&nbsp;

India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj in a written statement in the parliament while confirming the development said, "The Ministry of External Affairs has received information that a total of twenty-three (23) passports have been misplaced by the High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi."

To prevent misuse of these misplaced passports, all the passports have been declared as ‘lost’ in the passport database. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has instructed all the Passport issuing authorities to ensure that if these applicants apply for reissue of passports "caution may be exercised'' while processing their passport applications.

The incident happened in November of 2018 and was 1st reported in December. Pakistan high commission had issued 3800 visas to Sikh pilgrims in India to participate in the 549th birth anniversary celebration of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Pakistan from 21 to 30 November 2018.

The development comes even as India and Pakistan announced the building of Kartarpur corridor in 2018. Pakistani Draft proposal as seen by WION says Islamabad will be issuing a permit, 500 per day to pilgrims and India has to hand over the list 3 days ahead of the visit.

India has officially confirmed that Pakistani High Commission has "misplaced" passports of 23 Indian pilgrims. India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj in a written statement in the parliament while confirming the development said, "The Ministry of External Affairs has received information that a total of twenty-three (23) passports have been misplaced by the High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi.

India has officially confirmed that Pakistani High Commission has "misplaced" passports of 23 Indian pilgrims. India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj in a written statement in the parliament while confirming the development said, "The Ministry of External Affairs has received information that a total of twenty-three (23) passports have been misplaced by the High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi." To prevent misuse of these misplaced passports, all the passports have been declared as ‘lost’ in the passport database. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has instructed all the Passport issuing authorities to ensure that if these applicants apply for reissue of passports "caution may be exercised'' while processing their passport applications. The incident happened in November of 2018 and was 1st reported in December. Pakistan high commission had issued 3800 visas to Sikh pilgrims in India to participate in the 549th birth anniversary celebration of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Pakistan from 21 to 30 November 2018. The development comes even as India and Pakistan announced the building of Kartarpur corridor in 2018. Pakistani Draft proposal as seen by WION says Islamabad will be issuing a permit, 500 per day to pilgrims and India has to hand over the list 3 days ahead of the visit.

Pakistan High Commission has misplaced 23 Indian passports: Sushma Swaraj

India has said that Pakistan-based terror&nbsp;groups are training in a bid to infiltrate by sea or waterways. In a written reply to the Parliament, Minister of State in Home Ministry, Hansraj Ahir said, "available inputs indicate that Pakistan-based terror&nbsp;groups continue to train their cadres for underwater strike capabilities in a bid to infiltrate India by sea/waterways."

According to the minister, Pakistan-based terror&nbsp;organizations have exhorted&nbsp;cadres for "samundari jihad" against India, though the minister said there is no specific input about any terror group planning a 26/11-type attack in the port, cargo and oil tankers in the high seas.

The development comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/one-surgical-strike-not-enough-says-pm-modi-pak-calls-remark-political-statements-made-ahead-of-ls-polls-187817">in his first interview of </a>2019, said New Delhi is open to dialogue with Islamabad but "amid the noise of bombs and guns, the dialogue cannot be heard. Cross-border terrorism must end."

India, last year, marked the 10th anniversary of the deadly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. New Delhi had then called on the "Government of Pakistan to give up double standards and to expeditiously bring the perpetrators of the horrific attack to justice.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan hasn't shown interest in resolving the matter, however, in an interview to Washington Post Khan noted, “We also want something done about the bombers of Mumbai. I have asked our government to find out the status of the case. Resolving that case is in our interest because it was an act of terrorism.".

India, on its part, is not taking any chances. A large-scale, pan-India, coastal defence exercise 'Sea Vigil'&nbsp;is being scheduled during the Indian Navy's biennial theatre-level operational readiness exercise TROPEX-19 this month.

A coastal security ring, all along the Indian coast, is provided by the Marine Police, the Indian&nbsp;Coast Guard and the Indian Navy. The government is implementing the Coastal Security Scheme in phases since 2005 to augment the capacity and infrastructure of police forces of coastal states and Union Territories.

The National Committee on Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security (NCSMCS) monitors the progress with respect to coastal security initiatives and ensures deciding on measures to plug the gaps in case any shortfall is encountered. &nbsp;

India has said that Pakistan-based terror groups are training in a bid to infiltrate by sea or waterways. In a written reply to the Parliament, Minister of State in Home Ministry, Hansraj Ahir said, "available inputs indicate that Pakistan-based terror groups continue to train their cadres for underwater strike capabilities in a bid to infiltrate India by sea/waterways.

India has said that Pakistan-based terror groups are training in a bid to infiltrate by sea or waterways. In a written reply to the Parliament, Minister of State in Home Ministry, Hansraj Ahir said, "available inputs indicate that Pakistan-based terror groups continue to train their cadres for underwater strike capabilities in a bid to infiltrate India by sea/waterways." According to the minister, Pakistan-based terror organizations have exhorted cadres for "samundari jihad" against India, though the minister said there is no specific input about any terror group planning a 26/11-type attack in the port, cargo and oil tankers in the high seas. The development comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first interview of 2019, said New Delhi is open to dialogue with Islamabad but "amid the noise of bombs and guns, the dialogue cannot be heard. Cross-border terrorism must end." India, last year, marked the 10th anniversary of the deadly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. New Delhi had then called on the "Government of Pakistan to give up double standards and to expeditiously bring the perpetrators of the horrific attack to justice. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan hasn't shown interest in resolving the matter, however, in an interview to Washington Post Khan noted, “We also want something done about the bombers of Mumbai. I have asked our government to find out the status of the case. Resolving that case is in our interest because it was an act of terrorism.". India, on its part, is not taking any chances. A large-scale, pan-India, coastal defence exercise 'Sea Vigil' is being scheduled during the Indian Navy's biennial theatre-level operational readiness exercise TROPEX-19 this month. A coastal security ring, all along the Indian coast, is provided by the Marine Police, the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy. The government is implementing the Coastal Security Scheme in phases since 2005 to augment the capacity and infrastructure of police forces of coastal states and Union Territories. The National Committee on Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security (NCSMCS) monitors the progress with respect to coastal security initiatives and ensures deciding on measures to plug the gaps in case any shortfall is encountered.

Indian government says Pak-based terror groups continue to train cadres to infiltrate by sea

New Delhi has been able to retrieve as many as&nbsp;28 Indian antiquities from abroad in the last four years from 2015 to 2018. This was revealed by culture minister in a written reply to the parliament.&nbsp;

India got 21 antiquities from the United States, 3 from Australia, 1 each from Canada, Germany, Singapore and UK. All of them were voluntarily returned, the reply said.

At 14 objects, 2016 was the year when India got back a maximum number of Indian antiquities while in 2018 it received just two, the lowest number in the last four years. In 2017, India got back nine objects while in 2015 India got three objects back.

Tamil Nadu got back the highest number of antiquities with eight, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir each received two artefacts while West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Uttarakhand each got one.&nbsp;

In fact, the statue of Mahishmardini was handed over by German Chancellor Angela Merkel herself to Prime Minister Modi during her state visit to India in 2015. The PMO had back then tweeted, "The statue is from Jammu and Kashmir &amp; is a symbol of victory of good over evil"

From 1976 to 2001, India was able to get back just 13 artefacts.

In the written statement in Parliament, Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma had said, "The Archaeological Survey of India is constantly making its best efforts to retrieve the antiquities which have been taken away from the country in violation of the Antiquates and Art Treasure Act, 1972. Efforts are made to retrieve such antiquities as and when surfaced in foreign countries."

Meanwhile, India has been pressing the United Kingdom to return Kohinoor Diamond. Minister of state in the MEA Gen VK Singh in 2018 in the Parliament said, "Mindful of the sentiments that have been expressed by the Indian public and the Parliament, the Ministry of External Affairs after getting the relevant information from the Archaeological Survey of India under the Ministry of Culture has time and again raised the matter about the return of the Kohinoor and other antiquities with the relevant authorities abroad. Government is continuing to explore ways and means for obtaining a satisfactory resolution of the matter."

A petition is pending in front of the supreme court--All Human Rights and Social Justice Front Vs. High Commissioner of U K &amp; Ors -- in connection with the return of Kohinoor diamond from London, United Kingdom.

It must be noted that the antiquities taken away from India during the British Period and displayed in the International Museums does not come under the purview of illegal export.

New Delhi has been able to retrieve as many as 28 Indian antiquities from abroad in the last four years from 2015 to 2018. This was revealed by culture minister in a written reply to the parliament.

New Delhi has been able to retrieve as many as 28 Indian antiquities from abroad in the last four years from 2015 to 2018. This was revealed by culture minister in a written reply to the parliament. India got 21 antiquities from the United States, 3 from Australia, 1 each from Canada, Germany, Singapore and UK. All of them were voluntarily returned, the reply said. At 14 objects, 2016 was the year when India got back a maximum number of Indian antiquities while in 2018 it received just two, the lowest number in the last four years. In 2017, India got back nine objects while in 2015 India got three objects back. Tamil Nadu got back the highest number of antiquities with eight, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir each received two artefacts while West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Uttarakhand each got one. In fact, the statue of Mahishmardini was handed over by German Chancellor Angela Merkel herself to Prime Minister Modi during her state visit to India in 2015. The PMO had back then tweeted, "The statue is from Jammu and Kashmir & is a symbol of victory of good over evil" From 1976 to 2001, India was able to get back just 13 artefacts. In the written statement in Parliament, Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma had said, "The Archaeological Survey of India is constantly making its best efforts to retrieve the antiquities which have been taken away from the country in violation of the Antiquates and Art Treasure Act, 1972. Efforts are made to retrieve such antiquities as and when surfaced in foreign countries." Meanwhile, India has been pressing the United Kingdom to return Kohinoor Diamond. Minister of state in the MEA Gen VK Singh in 2018 in the Parliament said, "Mindful of the sentiments that have been expressed by the Indian public and the Parliament, the Ministry of External Affairs after getting the relevant information from the Archaeological Survey of India under the Ministry of Culture has time and again raised the matter about the return of the Kohinoor and other antiquities with the relevant authorities abroad. Government is continuing to explore ways and means for obtaining a satisfactory resolution of the matter." A petition is pending in front of the supreme court--All Human Rights and Social Justice Front Vs. High Commissioner of U K & Ors -- in connection with the return of Kohinoor diamond from London, United Kingdom. It must be noted that the antiquities taken away from India during the British Period and displayed in the International Museums does not come under the purview of illegal export.

India retrieved 28 antiquities including 21 from US in last 4 years: Culture minister

India and Pakistan on Tuesday exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in their custody as part of the 2008 India Pakistan Consular Access Agreement. Under the agreement, both the countries are required to exchange lists of prisoners in each other's custody twice a year -- on January 1 and on July 1.

India handed over a list of 249 Pakistan civilian prisoners and 98 fishermen in its custody to Pakistan. Pakistan shared a list of 54 civilian prisoners and 483 fishermen in its custody who are Indians or are believed to be Indians.

The list was exchanged through the respective High Commissions located in New Delhi and Islamabad.&nbsp;

India also called for an early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, missing Indian defence personnel and fishermen. Pakistan was asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 17 Indian civilian prisoners and 369 Indian fishermen to India who have been confirmed as Indian nationals. India has also demanded consular access to them.

Remember, just a few weeks ago, the issue of Indian and Pakistani prisoners was highlighted with the release of Indian national <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hamid-nihal-ansaris-emotional-homecoming-kisses-indian-soil-hugs-and-consoles-teary-eyed-mother-185173">Hamid Nihal Ansari</a> by Pakistan. Pakistani nationals Imran Warsi and Abdullah Shah were also released by New Delhi.&nbsp;

Ansari was jailed in Pakistan for 6 years after he crossed over to Pakistan on a fake passport to meet a girl who he fell in love on social media. Imran Warsi, who came to India in 2004 on a valid visa, overstayed after marrying an Indian girl. He was caught after trying to make a fake passport in Bhopal and was recently released after 10 years in jail. Shah, an autistic from Pakistan, crossed over to India to meet Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan in 2017.&nbsp;

India has also asked Pakistan to expedite response in the case of 80 Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences and await repatriation for want of nationality confirmation.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, in October 2017, suggested to the High Commissioner of Pakistan that the two sides could work together to resolve humanitarian issues related to elderly, women and mentally unsound prisoners in each other’s custody and consider their early release and repatriation.&nbsp;

New Delhi had then proposed to revive the Joint Judicial Committee and Pakistan responded positively on March 7 2018.&nbsp;

Every year on January 1, India and Pakistan also exchange a list of nuclear installations and facilities under Article-II of the Agreement on Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities which was signed on December 31, 1988.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India and Pakistan on Tuesday exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in their custody as part of the 2008 India Pakistan Consular Access Agreement. Under the agreement, both the countries are required to exchange lists of prisoners in each other's custody twice a year -- on January 1 and on July 1.

India and Pakistan on Tuesday exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in their custody as part of the 2008 India Pakistan Consular Access Agreement. Under the agreement, both the countries are required to exchange lists of prisoners in each other's custody twice a year -- on January 1 and on July 1. India handed over a list of 249 Pakistan civilian prisoners and 98 fishermen in its custody to Pakistan. Pakistan shared a list of 54 civilian prisoners and 483 fishermen in its custody who are Indians or are believed to be Indians. The list was exchanged through the respective High Commissions located in New Delhi and Islamabad. India also called for an early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, missing Indian defence personnel and fishermen. Pakistan was asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 17 Indian civilian prisoners and 369 Indian fishermen to India who have been confirmed as Indian nationals. India has also demanded consular access to them. Remember, just a few weeks ago, the issue of Indian and Pakistani prisoners was highlighted with the release of Indian national Hamid Nihal Ansari by Pakistan. Pakistani nationals Imran Warsi and Abdullah Shah were also released by New Delhi. Ansari was jailed in Pakistan for 6 years after he crossed over to Pakistan on a fake passport to meet a girl who he fell in love on social media. Imran Warsi, who came to India in 2004 on a valid visa, overstayed after marrying an Indian girl. He was caught after trying to make a fake passport in Bhopal and was recently released after 10 years in jail. Shah, an autistic from Pakistan, crossed over to India to meet Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan in 2017. India has also asked Pakistan to expedite response in the case of 80 Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentences and await repatriation for want of nationality confirmation. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, in October 2017, suggested to the High Commissioner of Pakistan that the two sides could work together to resolve humanitarian issues related to elderly, women and mentally unsound prisoners in each other’s custody and consider their early release and repatriation. New Delhi had then proposed to revive the Joint Judicial Committee and Pakistan responded positively on March 7 2018. Every year on January 1, India and Pakistan also exchange a list of nuclear installations and facilities under Article-II of the Agreement on Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities which was signed on December 31, 1988.

India, Pakistan exchange list of prisoners, nuclear installations

Commenting on whether India and the United States (US) have commenced trade deal talks, the commerce ministry has said that both the countries are trying to resolve trade issues.&nbsp;

In a written reply in the parliament, Minister of state in the commerce ministry C R Chaudhary said, "India and United States (US) are currently engaged bilaterally to resolve certain identified trade issues".&nbsp;

Saying "no" to if New Delhi and Washington have reached any understand, Chaudhary said, "discussion is continuing with the intent of mutually satisfactory resolution".

US President Donald Trump had called India "Tariff King" in October 2018 and said India called and "want to start negotiating immediately" for a trade deal to keep him happy.&nbsp;

Tariff on Harley Davidson has been a key issue US President has been raising and raised it during his phone calls with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During Diwali celebration at White House, President said, "We’re trying very hard to make better trade deals with India, but they’re very good traders. &nbsp;So we’re working, and it’s moving along."

Indian Prime minister met US president Trump on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Argentina on 30th November 2018 for the Japan-India-US trilateral or JAI Meeting. PM Modi met US Vice President Mike Pence on the sidelines of East Asia Summit in Singapore.

2018 saw US granting India STA1—Strategic Trade Authorisation-1 status and 2+2 India US dialogue. The US also granted India 6 month wavier, which is expected to be renewed, from Iran Sanctions. But in terms of trade US has been calling India for a "free, fair, and reciprocal trade."

Commenting on whether India and the United States (US) have commenced trade deal talks, the commerce ministry has said that both the countries are trying to resolve trade issues.

Commenting on whether India and the United States (US) have commenced trade deal talks, the commerce ministry has said that both the countries are trying to resolve trade issues. In a written reply in the parliament, Minister of state in the commerce ministry C R Chaudhary said, "India and United States (US) are currently engaged bilaterally to resolve certain identified trade issues". Saying "no" to if New Delhi and Washington have reached any understand, Chaudhary said, "discussion is continuing with the intent of mutually satisfactory resolution". US President Donald Trump had called India "Tariff King" in October 2018 and said India called and "want to start negotiating immediately" for a trade deal to keep him happy. Tariff on Harley Davidson has been a key issue US President has been raising and raised it during his phone calls with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During Diwali celebration at White House, President said, "We’re trying very hard to make better trade deals with India, but they’re very good traders. So we’re working, and it’s moving along." Indian Prime minister met US president Trump on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Argentina on 30th November 2018 for the Japan-India-US trilateral or JAI Meeting. PM Modi met US Vice President Mike Pence on the sidelines of East Asia Summit in Singapore. 2018 saw US granting India STA1—Strategic Trade Authorisation-1 status and 2+2 India US dialogue. The US also granted India 6 month wavier, which is expected to be renewed, from Iran Sanctions. But in terms of trade US has been calling India for a "free, fair, and reciprocal trade."

Discussions underway to resolve certain trade issues: Commerce Ministry on if India, US have commenced trade deal talks

After being questioned on the road for 30 minutes in Peshawar by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-diplomats-in-pakistan-harassed-again-questioned-for-nearly-half-an-hour-186781">Pakistani security agencies,</a> another incident of harassment of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/harassment-of-indian-diplomats-returns-in-islamabad-185684">Indian diplomats</a> in Pakistan has come to fore.

This time electricity was cut for four hours at the residence of the second secretary in Islamabad on 25th December causing inconvenience to the family members of the diplomat along with kids.

This the first time that family members of Indian diplomats have been impacted by the ongoing harassment of Indian diplomats. The problem is compounded by the fact that it is peak winter in the Pakistani capital which is nestled in the foothills of Himalayas.&nbsp;

The power was cut for four hours from 7 am to 10.45 am and the matter was raised with Pakistan's Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA).

WAPDA is the government-owned public utility which maintains power and water in Pakistan. The diplomat also made a telephonic complaint with WAPDA. It may be noted that there was no electrical fault at the residence and power supply was cut off only at his residence.

India has raised the matter with Islamabad with a note verbale being sent on December 27. India asked the Pakistani foreign ministry to "direct the relevant authorities to ensure that such incident do not recur". This is not for the first time electricity is cut at the house of Indian diplomats in Islamabad this month.

This is the 3rd major incidents of harassment of Indian diplomats reported. On&nbsp;December 10 someone tried to enter in the house of an Indian diplomat, on December 21 Indian High commission team was harassed in Peshawar on a road for 30 minutes. &nbsp;

The Indian officials were returning from Qissa Khwani Bazar and nearby places to Hotel pearl continental when their vehicle was stopped by 2 agency officials who were following them on a motorbike. &nbsp;

Other instances of harassment include no gas connection in new residences, hostile questioning of guests at receptions and internet being cut. WION was the first to report on the Indian diplomats being harassed in Pakistan earlier this month.

Pakistani side has also reported issues with gas and water suppliers being barred for 6 days to Pakistani staff in its mission in Delhi. Sources on the Indian side speaking to WION have said, "we leave up to you to decide who is harassing who. Our side facing issues while Pakistani diplomats are living comfortably".

In March of 2018, Indian and Pakistani diplomats had reported harassment and after weeks of talking at a higher level, both sides agreed to resolve the matter.

On March 30, 2018, India and Pakistan issued press statements saying they have mutually agreed to resolve matters related to the treatment of diplomats in line with the 1992 Code of Conduct for the treatment of diplomatic/consular personnel in India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

The functioning of diplomatic missions between India and Pakistan is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the bilateral Code of Conduct signed by the two countries in 1992.

India, Pakistan code of conduct of 1992 says safety and security of the premises of diplomatic personnel, their families shall be respected and protected. It also says intrusive and aggressive surveillance such as verbal and physical harassment shall not be allowed.

After being questioned on the road for 30 minutes in Peshawar by Pakistani security agencies, another incident of harassment of Indian diplomats in Pakistan has come to fore.

After being questioned on the road for 30 minutes in Peshawar by Pakistani security agencies, another incident of harassment of Indian diplomats in Pakistan has come to fore. This time electricity was cut for four hours at the residence of the second secretary in Islamabad on 25th December causing inconvenience to the family members of the diplomat along with kids. This the first time that family members of Indian diplomats have been impacted by the ongoing harassment of Indian diplomats. The problem is compounded by the fact that it is peak winter in the Pakistani capital which is nestled in the foothills of Himalayas. The power was cut for four hours from 7 am to 10.45 am and the matter was raised with Pakistan's Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA). WAPDA is the government-owned public utility which maintains power and water in Pakistan. The diplomat also made a telephonic complaint with WAPDA. It may be noted that there was no electrical fault at the residence and power supply was cut off only at his residence. India has raised the matter with Islamabad with a note verbale being sent on December 27. India asked the Pakistani foreign ministry to "direct the relevant authorities to ensure that such incident do not recur". This is not for the first time electricity is cut at the house of Indian diplomats in Islamabad this month. This is the 3rd major incidents of harassment of Indian diplomats reported. On December 10 someone tried to enter in the house of an Indian diplomat, on December 21 Indian High commission team was harassed in Peshawar on a road for 30 minutes. The Indian officials were returning from Qissa Khwani Bazar and nearby places to Hotel pearl continental when their vehicle was stopped by 2 agency officials who were following them on a motorbike. Other instances of harassment include no gas connection in new residences, hostile questioning of guests at receptions and internet being cut. WION was the first to report on the Indian diplomats being harassed in Pakistan earlier this month. Pakistani side has also reported issues with gas and water suppliers being barred for 6 days to Pakistani staff in its mission in Delhi. Sources on the Indian side speaking to WION have said, "we leave up to you to decide who is harassing who. Our side facing issues while Pakistani diplomats are living comfortably". In March of 2018, Indian and Pakistani diplomats had reported harassment and after weeks of talking at a higher level, both sides agreed to resolve the matter. On March 30, 2018, India and Pakistan issued press statements saying they have mutually agreed to resolve matters related to the treatment of diplomats in line with the 1992 Code of Conduct for the treatment of diplomatic/consular personnel in India and Pakistan. The functioning of diplomatic missions between India and Pakistan is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the bilateral Code of Conduct signed by the two countries in 1992. India, Pakistan code of conduct of 1992 says safety and security of the premises of diplomatic personnel, their families shall be respected and protected. It also says intrusive and aggressive surveillance such as verbal and physical harassment shall not be allowed.

Indian diplomats harassed: After being questioned on road, now electricity cut for 4 hours in peak winter

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Siddhant Sibal

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