In his last "Mann Ki Baat" radio programme of the year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the special connection between India and South Africa quoting the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi.&nbsp;

"Bapu had a special connection with South Africa... it was in South Africa Mohan became Mahatma. It was in South Africa, Gandhi started his first satyagraha, stood against racism, He founded Phoenix and Tolstoy farms from where demands for peace and justice reverberated around the world," Modi said.

''Mahatma Gandhi's first experiment with truth was here (South Africa). It was here that he showed his exceptional determination for justice and developed a philosophy of satyagraha and methods of struggle here," Modi added.

India is celebrating the 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and several events are being planned in the country as well as abroad. South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the chief guest for Republic Day programme in 2019.&nbsp;

"This year we are celebrating 150 birth anniversary of Bapu. Its a matter of great pride that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa would be the chief guest at republic day 2019," Modi said during Mann Ki Baat.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially handed over the invite to South African President in a bilateral on the sidelines of G20 in Argentina on December 1.

PM Modi also spoke about Nelson Mandela who ''was an icon in the fight against apartheid" and said Mandela drew inspiration from Mahatma.&nbsp;

2018 is being observed as the birth centenary year of Nelson Mandela.&nbsp;

Drawing parallels between "Madiba and Bapu", PM said, "Bapu and Mandela are a source of inspiration for the world. Their rectitude encourages us to build a loving and sympathetic society."

PM Modi had paid an official visit to South Africa from 7-9 July 2016 and visited Pretoria, Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg and Durban.&nbsp;

In his last "Mann Ki Baat" radio programme of the year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the special connection between India and South Africa quoting the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi.

In his last "Mann Ki Baat" radio programme of the year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the special connection between India and South Africa quoting the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi. "Bapu had a special connection with South Africa... it was in South Africa Mohan became Mahatma. It was in South Africa, Gandhi started his first satyagraha, stood against racism, He founded Phoenix and Tolstoy farms from where demands for peace and justice reverberated around the world," Modi said. ''Mahatma Gandhi's first experiment with truth was here (South Africa). It was here that he showed his exceptional determination for justice and developed a philosophy of satyagraha and methods of struggle here," Modi added. India is celebrating the 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and several events are being planned in the country as well as abroad. South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the chief guest for Republic Day programme in 2019. "This year we are celebrating 150 birth anniversary of Bapu. Its a matter of great pride that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa would be the chief guest at republic day 2019," Modi said during Mann Ki Baat. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially handed over the invite to South African President in a bilateral on the sidelines of G20 in Argentina on December 1. PM Modi also spoke about Nelson Mandela who ''was an icon in the fight against apartheid" and said Mandela drew inspiration from Mahatma. 2018 is being observed as the birth centenary year of Nelson Mandela. Drawing parallels between "Madiba and Bapu", PM said, "Bapu and Mandela are a source of inspiration for the world. Their rectitude encourages us to build a loving and sympathetic society." PM Modi had paid an official visit to South Africa from 7-9 July 2016 and visited Pretoria, Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg and Durban.

Bapu had a special connection with South Africa: PM Modi in last Mann Ki Baat of 2018 

WION has accessed the initial draft on Kartarpur agreement which Pakistan will be proposing&nbsp;to India. According to the draft, Pakistan will be issuing a permit which will allow entry to 500 pilgrims per day. It will be visa-free travel but pilgrims will have to carry their passport and security clearance from India.&nbsp;

The government of India will have to share the details of pilgrims and their security clearance certificate with the Pakistan government&nbsp;three days prior to their entry through the Kartarpur corridor.&nbsp;

It is also proposed that the pilgrims must constitute a group of 15 people for the visit. The corridor will be open from 8 am to 5 pm. Both the sides will be creating a database of visiting pilgrims along with their travel history.

The Indian side is yet to receive the draft which says that, "Pakistan reserves the right to refuse entry, reduce the period of stay or terminate the stay in its territory of any pilgrim despite the grant of permit" if it considers "the pilgrim is found undesirable for security or other purposes."

In case of a dispute, it will be "amicably settled between parties through the diplomatic channel." Any side can terminate the agreement any time by giving one month's notice. The agreement also does not affect the existing commitments on border security.&nbsp;

On November 22, the Indian cabinet passed a resolution to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji in 2019 and approved the building of Kartarpur Corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district till the border. On the same day, Delhi informed Islamabad about its decision through Pakistan High Commission and urged&nbsp;Pakistan to develop a corridor in their territory.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the construction of the corridor on the Indian side on November 26 2018. Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone on November 28 in Pakistan. Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Minister of State (IC) for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri attended the groundbreaking ceremony on the Pakistan side as representatives of the government of India.

India has been doubtful of Pakistan's intentions owing to incidents like Pak foreign minister Shah Mehmood <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khans-googly-ensured-presence-of-indian-ministers-at-kartarpur-corridor-event-pakistan-foreign-minister-180412">Qureshi's "googly" remark</a>. Reacting to the remark, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said a few days ago, "Some people went from here and certain comments were made from that side, so I think there is hardly any need to speak further on this issue. I think their intentions on doing this thing was not with clear conscious which we felt from their certain statements."

The Transport Ministry is the nodal ministry for developing the corridor while the Home Ministry is in charge of coordinating with the concerned authorities, including the local government.

A high-level committee under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has been constituted to review, monitor and oversee the activities as approved by the Cabinet for the implementation of the decisions in the matter.

Sources have told WION that India considers "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kartarpur-corridor-high-point-of-diplomacy-for-imran-khan-government-pakistan-186836">Kartarpur corridor</a> a cultural initiative and not a diplomatic initiative" and it will not lead to the start of any dialogue process.&nbsp;

In a written statement in the Parliament, Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh said, "the Kartarpur corridor on the Indian side is envisaged to be an integrated development project with the government of India, funding for smooth and easy passage of Indian pilgrims with modern amenities."

India has also proposed pilgrim’s visit to shrines in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) including <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ground-report-kashmiri-pandits-demand-opening-of-sharada-temple-182956">Sharda Peeth</a>; Islamabad has not concurred with the proposal so far.

WION has accessed the initial draft on Kartarpur agreement which Pakistan will be proposing to India. According to the draft, Pakistan will be issuing a permit which will allow entry to 500 pilgrims per day.

WION has accessed the initial draft on Kartarpur agreement which Pakistan will be proposing to India. According to the draft, Pakistan will be issuing a permit which will allow entry to 500 pilgrims per day. It will be visa-free travel but pilgrims will have to carry their passport and security clearance from India. The government of India will have to share the details of pilgrims and their security clearance certificate with the Pakistan government three days prior to their entry through the Kartarpur corridor. It is also proposed that the pilgrims must constitute a group of 15 people for the visit. The corridor will be open from 8 am to 5 pm. Both the sides will be creating a database of visiting pilgrims along with their travel history. The Indian side is yet to receive the draft which says that, "Pakistan reserves the right to refuse entry, reduce the period of stay or terminate the stay in its territory of any pilgrim despite the grant of permit" if it considers "the pilgrim is found undesirable for security or other purposes." In case of a dispute, it will be "amicably settled between parties through the diplomatic channel." Any side can terminate the agreement any time by giving one month's notice. The agreement also does not affect the existing commitments on border security. On November 22, the Indian cabinet passed a resolution to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji in 2019 and approved the building of Kartarpur Corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district till the border. On the same day, Delhi informed Islamabad about its decision through Pakistan High Commission and urged Pakistan to develop a corridor in their territory. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the construction of the corridor on the Indian side on November 26 2018. Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone on November 28 in Pakistan. Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Minister of State (IC) for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri attended the groundbreaking ceremony on the Pakistan side as representatives of the government of India. India has been doubtful of Pakistan's intentions owing to incidents like Pak foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's "googly" remark. Reacting to the remark, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said a few days ago, "Some people went from here and certain comments were made from that side, so I think there is hardly any need to speak further on this issue. I think their intentions on doing this thing was not with clear conscious which we felt from their certain statements." The Transport Ministry is the nodal ministry for developing the corridor while the Home Ministry is in charge of coordinating with the concerned authorities, including the local government. A high-level committee under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has been constituted to review, monitor and oversee the activities as approved by the Cabinet for the implementation of the decisions in the matter. Sources have told WION that India considers "Kartarpur corridor a cultural initiative and not a diplomatic initiative" and it will not lead to the start of any dialogue process. In a written statement in the Parliament, Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh said, "the Kartarpur corridor on the Indian side is envisaged to be an integrated development project with the government of India, funding for smooth and easy passage of Indian pilgrims with modern amenities." India has also proposed pilgrim’s visit to shrines in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) including Sharda Peeth; Islamabad has not concurred with the proposal so far.

Kartarpur corridor: Pakistan's initial draft proposes permit-based entry to 500 pilgrims per day

In a big development just before the election season kicks in India in 2019, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/16-fugitive-extradited-back-to-india-in-last-4-years-5-in-2018-187061">Christian Michel the man who was the key </a>middleman in the Rs 3600 crore&nbsp; AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam has taken the name of Mrs Gandhi during interrogation by enforcement directorate (ED), though the reference wasn't clear.&nbsp;

The ED counsel had shared the information at Delhi's Patiala court during the plea to extend his custody. He has spoken about the "son of the Italian lady" &nbsp;and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country.&nbsp;

Other than that he said, "Big man R" which ED still has to decipher and will be confronting him on that.&nbsp;

The ED highlighted how Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was removed from the deal and it was offered to Tata.&nbsp;

ED also sought to ban Michel's lawyer's access to him alleging he is being tutored from outside after they found that he was giving chits to them.

Reacting to it, Michel’s lawyer Aljo K Joseph said, "We don’t dispute that he (Christian Michel) had handed us the papers, but it’s the fault of the ED that they allowed it to happen."

ED has got 7-day custody of Michel.&nbsp;

The revelations by Michel is considered as a big political bombshell with Congress facing the heat. Congress's RPN Singh said, "there is pressure on Michel to name a particular family".&nbsp;

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RPN Singh Congress on ED says Christian Michel has taken the name of "Mrs Gandhi": There is pressure on Michel to name a particular family, why is the chowkidaar trying to pressurize the govt agencies to name a family? BJP script writers are working over time. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Agustawestland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Agustawestland</a> <a href="https://t.co/qCxYeObJYN">pic.twitter.com/qCxYeObJYN</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078951959976206337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Hours after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) disclosed that Christian Michel took the name of “Mrs Gandhi” during interrogation, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar alleged that the Congress regime was a government of corruption that compromised with national security.

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Union Min Prakash Javadekar on ED says Christian Michel spoke about 'son of Italian lady': Revelations by ED show that there is ‘son of Italian lady’,‘big man’&amp;‘R’ involved. It points towards a family. Congress govt was a govt of corruption that compromised with national security <a href="https://t.co/LqGRuSGoDv">pic.twitter.com/LqGRuSGoDv</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078980179425320960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Christian Michel, a British national, was extradited from UAE early this month. UK has been seeking consular access which CBI has in principle approved but still not given the day.&nbsp;

Reacting to extradition of Michel, PM Modi speaking at a rally had said, "Under the regime of United Progressive Alliance (UPA), a VVIP chopper scam took place. After we came to power, an investigation was conducted into it and one person from Dubai was found (allegedly) guilty for his involvement in the case. Now this 'raazdaar' (custodian of secrets) will reveal all the secrets".

Clearly, it might be cold in Delhi, but political temperatures are rising.

In a big development just before the election season kicks in India in 2019, Christian Michel the man who was the key middleman in the Rs 3600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam has taken the name of Mrs Gandhi during interrogation by enforcement directorate (ED), though the reference wasn't clear.

In a big development just before the election season kicks in India in 2019, Christian Michel the man who was the key middleman in the Rs 3600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam has taken the name of Mrs Gandhi during interrogation by enforcement directorate (ED), though the reference wasn't clear. The ED counsel had shared the information at Delhi's Patiala court during the plea to extend his custody. He has spoken about the "son of the Italian lady" and how he is going to become the “next prime minister of the country. Other than that he said, "Big man R" which ED still has to decipher and will be confronting him on that. The ED highlighted how Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was removed from the deal and it was offered to Tata. ED also sought to ban Michel's lawyer's access to him alleging he is being tutored from outside after they found that he was giving chits to them. Reacting to it, Michel’s lawyer Aljo K Joseph said, "We don’t dispute that he (Christian Michel) had handed us the papers, but it’s the fault of the ED that they allowed it to happen." ED has got 7-day custody of Michel. The revelations by Michel is considered as a big political bombshell with Congress facing the heat. Congress's RPN Singh said, "there is pressure on Michel to name a particular family". RPN Singh Congress on ED says Christian Michel has taken the name of "Mrs Gandhi": There is pressure on Michel to name a particular family, why is the chowkidaar trying to pressurize the govt agencies to name a family? BJP script writers are working over time. #Agustawestland pic.twitter.com/qCxYeObJYN — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2018 × Hours after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) disclosed that Christian Michel took the name of “Mrs Gandhi” during interrogation, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar alleged that the Congress regime was a government of corruption that compromised with national security. Union Min Prakash Javadekar on ED says Christian Michel spoke about 'son of Italian lady': Revelations by ED show that there is ‘son of Italian lady’,‘big man’&‘R’ involved. It points towards a family. Congress govt was a govt of corruption that compromised with national security pic.twitter.com/LqGRuSGoDv — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2018 × Christian Michel, a British national, was extradited from UAE early this month. UK has been seeking consular access which CBI has in principle approved but still not given the day. Reacting to extradition of Michel, PM Modi speaking at a rally had said, "Under the regime of United Progressive Alliance (UPA), a VVIP chopper scam took place. After we came to power, an investigation was conducted into it and one person from Dubai was found (allegedly) guilty for his involvement in the case. Now this 'raazdaar' (custodian of secrets) will reveal all the secrets". Clearly, it might be cold in Delhi, but political temperatures are rising.

AgustaWestland scam: Christian Michel named 'Mrs Gandhi', 'son of Italian lady' in probe, ED tells court

In the last four years, 16 &nbsp;fugitive criminals have been extradited back to India with 2018 being the year in which New Delhi brought back 5 fugitives. Out of these 5 fugitives, 3 were Indian, one was Romanian, one British—Christian Michel James.

The details were shared by Minister of state for external affairs General V K Singh in Lok Sabha. 2015 was the year in which India brought back a maximum number of fugitives — 6 in number — in the last 4 years. This includes getting General Secretary of the banned United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), Anup Chetia from Bangladesh.

In 2016, India brought back 4 fugitives while only one in 2017 -Sultan Abubakr Kadir from Singapore for his involvement in Job scam racket.

Overall, In the last four years, India received 43 extradition requests from foreign countries while New Delhi forwarded 132 extradition requests to foreign governments. India also signed Extradition Treaties with 4 countries --Afghanistan, Lithuania, Malawi and Morocco-- in last 4 years.

India has been pressing the United Kingdom on extradition of Nirav Modi. India in August of 2018 sent 2 extradition request to London-- one from CBI and the other from the Enforcement Directorate on Nirav Modi. According to the Ministry of external affairs, the "requests are presently under the consideration of the concerned UK authorities."

The investigator of National Central Bureau Manchester had found out the locations of Nirav Modi in the UK and conveyed the information to National Central Bureau India.

India has got positive news on extradition of Vijay Mallya with British court giving go-ahead to it, but it waits for a legal battle and a nod from Sajid Javid, Home Secretary of the United Kingdom.

India was able to get Christian Michael James, a British national and key middleman in the AgustaWestland back from United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 4th of December. Interestingly, Christian Michael wasn't the only foreign national India got back in the last 4 years. Out of 16 people brought back to India, 3 were foreign nationals—Christian Michael (British), Ionut Alexandru Marinoiu (Romanian) and Wily Naruenartwani ch (Thai).

A comprehensive, specialised central legislation- Extradition Act, 1962 exists which regulates the extradition of fugitive offenders as well as the implementation of Extradition Treaties entered into by India, with various foreign States. The Ministry of External Affairs is the nodal Ministry for extradition matters.

In the last four years, 16 fugitive criminals have been extradited back to India with 2018 being the year in which New Delhi brought back 5 fugitives. Out of these 5 fugitives, 3 were Indian, one was Romanian, one British—Christian Michel James.

In the last four years, 16 fugitive criminals have been extradited back to India with 2018 being the year in which New Delhi brought back 5 fugitives. Out of these 5 fugitives, 3 were Indian, one was Romanian, one British—Christian Michel James. The details were shared by Minister of state for external affairs General V K Singh in Lok Sabha. 2015 was the year in which India brought back a maximum number of fugitives — 6 in number — in the last 4 years. This includes getting General Secretary of the banned United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), Anup Chetia from Bangladesh. In 2016, India brought back 4 fugitives while only one in 2017 -Sultan Abubakr Kadir from Singapore for his involvement in Job scam racket. Overall, In the last four years, India received 43 extradition requests from foreign countries while New Delhi forwarded 132 extradition requests to foreign governments. India also signed Extradition Treaties with 4 countries --Afghanistan, Lithuania, Malawi and Morocco-- in last 4 years. India has been pressing the United Kingdom on extradition of Nirav Modi. India in August of 2018 sent 2 extradition request to London-- one from CBI and the other from the Enforcement Directorate on Nirav Modi. According to the Ministry of external affairs, the "requests are presently under the consideration of the concerned UK authorities." The investigator of National Central Bureau Manchester had found out the locations of Nirav Modi in the UK and conveyed the information to National Central Bureau India. India has got positive news on extradition of Vijay Mallya with British court giving go-ahead to it, but it waits for a legal battle and a nod from Sajid Javid, Home Secretary of the United Kingdom. India was able to get Christian Michael James, a British national and key middleman in the AgustaWestland back from United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 4th of December. Interestingly, Christian Michael wasn't the only foreign national India got back in the last 4 years. Out of 16 people brought back to India, 3 were foreign nationals—Christian Michael (British), Ionut Alexandru Marinoiu (Romanian) and Wily Naruenartwani ch (Thai). A comprehensive, specialised central legislation- Extradition Act, 1962 exists which regulates the extradition of fugitive offenders as well as the implementation of Extradition Treaties entered into by India, with various foreign States. The Ministry of External Affairs is the nodal Ministry for extradition matters.

16 fugitives extradited back to India in last 4 years, 5 in 2018

India has announced that it will provide Rs 4500 cr support to Bhutan's 12th five-year plan and both New Delhi and Thimpu have agreed on the Mangdechhu Tariff. The Mangdechhu project in Bhutan is being built with India's help and will be commissioned soon.&nbsp;

This was announced during joint press statements delivered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering who is on a 3 day maiden India visit after assuming charge in November.

Announcing India's support to Bhutan's five-year plan and outcome on Mangdechhu Tariff, PM Modi said, "In Bhutan's progress, India will be a committed friend. India will contribute Rs 4500 rupees in Bhutan's 12th 5-year plan. We discussed cooperation in Hydropower project. Work on Mangdechhu project will be completed soon. We have agreed on Mangdechhu tariff also."

Bhutan govt will soon launch RuPay cards which PM Modi said this "will benefit the people to people ties between both the countries."

Thanking India for its support to Bhutanese 5 year plans and personal commitment of PM Modi to India Bhutan ties, Bhutan PM explained how "barely 20 hours after (Bhutan Election) results were declared" he "got a call from none other than PM Modi" and "Modi was the only and first head of the govt who personally took the trouble to call and congratulate and expressed how happy he was, how democracy is taking root in Bhutan. It was that day, 24 hours after the election result was out PM wanted me to visit India."

<img alt="Bhutan PM" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="51243ee7-a068-42db-a43b-135333ac71c3" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202018-12-28%20at%202.19.47%20PM%20%282%29.jpeg" />

(Bhutan PM Lotay Tshering's comments at Rajghat.)

He thanked PM Modi for supporting Bhutanese traders affected by "GST which has come in action in India"

He lauded India's neighbourhood first policy and invited PM Modi to "visit Bhutan as soon as possible" to inaugurate the Mangdechhu which will be "commissioned very soon in the next few months".&nbsp;

India plays an important in Bhutan economic development and has constructed three Hydroelectric Projects (HEPs) in Bhutan totalling 1416 MW.

He appreciated what India achieved under PM Modi and said it is because of "Modi Factor" and his country has all the regards for it.

Earlier during the day, he was given a ceremonial guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhawan where did he said, "I carry volumes of love from my King and people of Bhutan".

He later paid respects to the Father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi and in the visitors, book wrote "It is my great honour to be visiting India today. Thank PM Modi and people of India. I could not have hoped for a better country on my first foreign visit after assuming office"

This was the visit of new Bhutanese PM after taking charge. He took over on 7th of November and is the 8th Prime Minister of Bhutan. After taking charge in 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit abroad was to Bhutan.

&nbsp;This year marks the Golden Jubilee year of establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Bhutan and has seen a number of events. Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale was the 1st Indian official to visit Bhutan to meet the new Prime Minister.

India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. In 2016, total bilateral trade between the two countries stood at Rs. 8,723 crore. 82 % of Bhutan's total import which is Rs. 5528.5 crore comes from India while Bhutan's 90% export goes to India and stands at Rs. 3205.2 crore. Most of the Bhutanese export to India is electricity.

India has announced that it will provide Rs 4500 cr support to Bhutan's 12th five-year plan and both New Delhi and Thimpu have agreed on the Mangdechhu Tariff. The Mangdechhu project in Bhutan is being built with India's help and will be commissioned soon.

India has announced that it will provide Rs 4500 cr support to Bhutan's 12th five-year plan and both New Delhi and Thimpu have agreed on the Mangdechhu Tariff. The Mangdechhu project in Bhutan is being built with India's help and will be commissioned soon. This was announced during joint press statements delivered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering who is on a 3 day maiden India visit after assuming charge in November. Announcing India's support to Bhutan's five-year plan and outcome on Mangdechhu Tariff, PM Modi said, "In Bhutan's progress, India will be a committed friend. India will contribute Rs 4500 rupees in Bhutan's 12th 5-year plan. We discussed cooperation in Hydropower project. Work on Mangdechhu project will be completed soon. We have agreed on Mangdechhu tariff also." Bhutan govt will soon launch RuPay cards which PM Modi said this "will benefit the people to people ties between both the countries." Thanking India for its support to Bhutanese 5 year plans and personal commitment of PM Modi to India Bhutan ties, Bhutan PM explained how "barely 20 hours after (Bhutan Election) results were declared" he "got a call from none other than PM Modi" and "Modi was the only and first head of the govt who personally took the trouble to call and congratulate and expressed how happy he was, how democracy is taking root in Bhutan. It was that day, 24 hours after the election result was out PM wanted me to visit India." (Bhutan PM Lotay Tshering's comments at Rajghat.) He thanked PM Modi for supporting Bhutanese traders affected by "GST which has come in action in India" He lauded India's neighbourhood first policy and invited PM Modi to "visit Bhutan as soon as possible" to inaugurate the Mangdechhu which will be "commissioned very soon in the next few months". India plays an important in Bhutan economic development and has constructed three Hydroelectric Projects (HEPs) in Bhutan totalling 1416 MW. He appreciated what India achieved under PM Modi and said it is because of "Modi Factor" and his country has all the regards for it. Earlier during the day, he was given a ceremonial guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhawan where did he said, "I carry volumes of love from my King and people of Bhutan". He later paid respects to the Father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi and in the visitors, book wrote "It is my great honour to be visiting India today. Thank PM Modi and people of India. I could not have hoped for a better country on my first foreign visit after assuming office" This was the visit of new Bhutanese PM after taking charge. He took over on 7th of November and is the 8th Prime Minister of Bhutan. After taking charge in 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit abroad was to Bhutan. This year marks the Golden Jubilee year of establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Bhutan and has seen a number of events. Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale was the 1st Indian official to visit Bhutan to meet the new Prime Minister. India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. In 2016, total bilateral trade between the two countries stood at Rs. 8,723 crore. 82 % of Bhutan's total import which is Rs. 5528.5 crore comes from India while Bhutan's 90% export goes to India and stands at Rs. 3205.2 crore. Most of the Bhutanese export to India is electricity.

India, Bhutan agree on Mangdechhu Tariff as India announces Rs 4500 cr for Bhutanese 5-year plan

Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering is on a 3-day trip to India. It is Tshering's maiden foreign visit after assuming office last month. Tshering, earlier in the day, said, "India and Bhutan are very close because we have opened our heart for each other".&nbsp;

Bhutanese PM's remarks came while speaking to media after his ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi today. He was welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Today is the main day of his engagements with the Indian leadership.

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This is what Bhutan PM Lotay Tshering wrote at Rajghat: Could not have hoped for a better country on my first foreign visit after assuming office. <a href="https://t.co/0f9jiJihxJ">pic.twitter.com/0f9jiJihxJ</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1078525663844409344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Bhutan PM said, "I carry volumes of love from my King and people of Bhutan."&nbsp;He also thanked PM Modi for extending an invitation to visit India.

During the visit, PM Tshering will be discussing Bhutan’s 12th Five Year Plan. He will also talk about hydropower cooperation, particularly the Mangdechhu project which is built with India's help.

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India and Bhutan are very close because we have open our heart for each other says new Bhutanese PM Lotay Tshering. Adds, grateful PM Modi chose Bhutan as his first foreign visit in 2014. <a href="https://t.co/L9mepCoSMO">pic.twitter.com/L9mepCoSMO</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1078513842550906880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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PM Tshering visited Rajghat. In the visitor's book, he wrote, "It is my great honour to be visiting India today. I thank PM Modi and the people of India. I could not have hoped for a better country on my first foreign visit after assuming office."

Tshering took over as Bhutan's 8th prime minister on November 7. After his victory in the Bhutanese elections, PM Modi had called Lotay Tshering and congratulated him over his electoral success.&nbsp;

<img alt="Ceremonial reception to Bhutanese prime minister." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7eb56ed4-af2b-4682-92b0-86e0e2745e97" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/MEA%202.JPG" />

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Prime Minister Modi conveyed that India attaches "highest priority to further strengthening unique ties of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan, which is based on shared interests and values, utmost trust, goodwill and mutual understanding."

This year marks the golden jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Bhutan. Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was the first Indian official to visit Bhutan to meet the Bhutanese PM.

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Time-tested relationship 
 
Dr Lotay Tshering <a href="https://twitter.com/PMBhutan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMBhutan</a> received warmly by MoS Finance <a href="https://twitter.com/BJPShivPShukla?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJPShivPShukla</a> on arrival in Delhi for a 3-day State Visit at the invitation of PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaBhutan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaBhutan</a> celebrate 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations this year <a href="https://t.co/zFifjNLYZE">pic.twitter.com/zFifjNLYZE</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1078186318222450688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. In 2016, the total bilateral trade between the two countries stood at Rs. 8,723 crores. 82 per cent of Bhutan's total import, which comes to Rs 5528.5 crores, comes from India while 90 per cent of Bhutan's export goes to India and stands at Rs 3205.2 crores. Most of Bhutan's export to India is electricity.

Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering is on a 3-day trip to India. It is Tshering's maiden foreign visit after assuming office last month. Tshering, earlier in the day, said, "India and Bhutan are very close because we have opened our heart for each other".

Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering is on a 3-day trip to India. It is Tshering's maiden foreign visit after assuming office last month. Tshering, earlier in the day, said, "India and Bhutan are very close because we have opened our heart for each other". Bhutanese PM's remarks came while speaking to media after his ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi today. He was welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Today is the main day of his engagements with the Indian leadership. This is what Bhutan PM Lotay Tshering wrote at Rajghat: Could not have hoped for a better country on my first foreign visit after assuming office. pic.twitter.com/0f9jiJihxJ — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 28, 2018 × Bhutan PM said, "I carry volumes of love from my King and people of Bhutan." He also thanked PM Modi for extending an invitation to visit India. During the visit, PM Tshering will be discussing Bhutan’s 12th Five Year Plan. He will also talk about hydropower cooperation, particularly the Mangdechhu project which is built with India's help. India and Bhutan are very close because we have open our heart for each other says new Bhutanese PM Lotay Tshering. Adds, grateful PM Modi chose Bhutan as his first foreign visit in 2014. pic.twitter.com/L9mepCoSMO — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 28, 2018 × PM Tshering visited Rajghat. In the visitor's book, he wrote, "It is my great honour to be visiting India today. I thank PM Modi and the people of India. I could not have hoped for a better country on my first foreign visit after assuming office." Tshering took over as Bhutan's 8th prime minister on November 7. After his victory in the Bhutanese elections, PM Modi had called Lotay Tshering and congratulated him over his electoral success. Prime Minister Modi conveyed that India attaches "highest priority to further strengthening unique ties of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan, which is based on shared interests and values, utmost trust, goodwill and mutual understanding." This year marks the golden jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Bhutan. Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was the first Indian official to visit Bhutan to meet the Bhutanese PM. Time-tested relationship Dr Lotay Tshering @PMBhutan received warmly by MoS Finance @BJPShivPShukla on arrival in Delhi for a 3-day State Visit at the invitation of PM @narendramodi. #IndiaBhutan celebrate 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations this year pic.twitter.com/zFifjNLYZE — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) December 27, 2018 × India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. In 2016, the total bilateral trade between the two countries stood at Rs. 8,723 crores. 82 per cent of Bhutan's total import, which comes to Rs 5528.5 crores, comes from India while 90 per cent of Bhutan's export goes to India and stands at Rs 3205.2 crores. Most of Bhutan's export to India is electricity.

Couldn't have hoped for better country on my first foreign visit: Bhutanese PM in India

India has been engaging with the Chinese side on Indo-Pacific but the Chinese side has expressed doubts even though it has appreciated Prime Minister Modi's speech on the issue at the Shangri La dialogue earlier this year.

The word from India comes even as both New Delhi and China ties in 2018 went through a reset.&nbsp;

Sources have clarified to WION on Quad also, saying "Quad is a dialogue mechanism, Indo Pacific is a concept. Quad doesn't define Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

Quad is not an alliance" though certain countries "taking that impression and some are even contributing to this impression."&nbsp;

Thorny issues between New Delhi and China remain such as China's belt and road initiative. India has made it clear that the Chinese infrastructure project "should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity."&nbsp;

Particularly on China Pakistan economic corridor or CPEC which New Delhi believes is a "direct challenge to India's sovereignty". &nbsp;CPEC's has dual use--military as well as civilian, which is a "matter of concern."

But India might be taking a divergent view on Huawei, the Chinese telecom company under pressure especially in United States, Australia and Britain. Sources told WION that India is "weighing the situation" and it remains Huawei "legal entity"&nbsp;

By an large India considers its relation with China returning to normalcy in 2018 and "political relationship has been restored and heightened."&nbsp;

2017 saw Doklam crisis in Bhutan in which Indian and Chinese forces were on a standoff against each other for more than 2 months. It was considered one of the worst standoff in many decades.

Both the countries also resumed defence contact this year and "peace and tranquillity have been restored" at the border.

This year saw Indian and Chinese leadership engaging with each other. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met 4 times this year. First at informal Wuhan summit, followed by meets on the sidelines of the SCO summit in China, BRICS in South Africa and G20 in Argentina. Next year the Chinese President Xi Jinping will be coming to India for 2nd India Chian Informal summit in India.

India has been engaging with the Chinese side on Indo-Pacific but the Chinese side has expressed doubts even though it has appreciated Prime Minister Modi's speech on the issue at the Shangri La dialogue earlier this year.

India has been engaging with the Chinese side on Indo-Pacific but the Chinese side has expressed doubts even though it has appreciated Prime Minister Modi's speech on the issue at the Shangri La dialogue earlier this year. The word from India comes even as both New Delhi and China ties in 2018 went through a reset. Sources have clarified to WION on Quad also, saying "Quad is a dialogue mechanism, Indo Pacific is a concept. Quad doesn't define Indo-Pacific. Quad is not an alliance" though certain countries "taking that impression and some are even contributing to this impression." Thorny issues between New Delhi and China remain such as China's belt and road initiative. India has made it clear that the Chinese infrastructure project "should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity." Particularly on China Pakistan economic corridor or CPEC which New Delhi believes is a "direct challenge to India's sovereignty". CPEC's has dual use--military as well as civilian, which is a "matter of concern." But India might be taking a divergent view on Huawei, the Chinese telecom company under pressure especially in United States, Australia and Britain. Sources told WION that India is "weighing the situation" and it remains Huawei "legal entity" By an large India considers its relation with China returning to normalcy in 2018 and "political relationship has been restored and heightened." 2017 saw Doklam crisis in Bhutan in which Indian and Chinese forces were on a standoff against each other for more than 2 months. It was considered one of the worst standoff in many decades. Both the countries also resumed defence contact this year and "peace and tranquillity have been restored" at the border. This year saw Indian and Chinese leadership engaging with each other. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met 4 times this year. First at informal Wuhan summit, followed by meets on the sidelines of the SCO summit in China, BRICS in South Africa and G20 in Argentina. Next year the Chinese President Xi Jinping will be coming to India for 2nd India Chian Informal summit in India.

India engaging with China on Indo-Pacific Concept

India is "closely watching" recent development in Afghanistan regarding the peace initiatives and does not find any reason to be concerned about changes in US policy on Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Sources have told WION that the "basis of US South Asia policy was not India front and centre but the US in Afghanistan". US South Asia policy under Trump administration had called for greater participation of India, something that had miffed Pakistan.

India's official policy on the Afghan peace process is that it should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with the participation of the Government of Afghanistan.

On recent participation of New Delhi at the non-official level during Moscow format talks on Afghanistan, sources said "We haven't spoken to the Taliban and that is our policy&nbsp;but India would like to be in all the processes since we have a legitimate interest in Afghanistan".

India sent 2 former diplomats-- Amar Sinha, India's former envoy to Afghanistan &amp; TCA Raghavan at the non-official level at the Moscow talks.

US special representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will be visiting India in January during which he will be meeting Indian leadership and brief them about developments in Afghanistan.

Recent months have seen hectic parleys on peace in Afghanistan. Earlier this month Foreign Ministers of China, Afghanistan &amp; Pakistan meet in Kabul and earlier this week Pakistani FM Shah Mehmood Qureshi was in Kabul, his 2nd visit to the country in one month. Iran, US, Russia have been engaging with the Taliban.

The development coming even as US media reported that US President Donald Trump may withdraw 7000 troops from Afghanistan, something that still is to be confirmed by Pentagon.

India is "closely watching" recent development in Afghanistan regarding the peace initiatives and does not find any reason to be concerned about changes in US policy on Afghanistan.

India is "closely watching" recent development in Afghanistan regarding the peace initiatives and does not find any reason to be concerned about changes in US policy on Afghanistan. Sources have told WION that the "basis of US South Asia policy was not India front and centre but the US in Afghanistan". US South Asia policy under Trump administration had called for greater participation of India, something that had miffed Pakistan. India's official policy on the Afghan peace process is that it should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with the participation of the Government of Afghanistan. On recent participation of New Delhi at the non-official level during Moscow format talks on Afghanistan, sources said "We haven't spoken to the Taliban and that is our policy but India would like to be in all the processes since we have a legitimate interest in Afghanistan". India sent 2 former diplomats-- Amar Sinha, India's former envoy to Afghanistan & TCA Raghavan at the non-official level at the Moscow talks. US special representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will be visiting India in January during which he will be meeting Indian leadership and brief them about developments in Afghanistan. Recent months have seen hectic parleys on peace in Afghanistan. Earlier this month Foreign Ministers of China, Afghanistan & Pakistan meet in Kabul and earlier this week Pakistani FM Shah Mehmood Qureshi was in Kabul, his 2nd visit to the country in one month. Iran, US, Russia have been engaging with the Taliban. The development coming even as US media reported that US President Donald Trump may withdraw 7000 troops from Afghanistan, something that still is to be confirmed by Pentagon.

India closely watching developments in Afghanistan

In news that had rung alarm bells across the country, National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday busted an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-conducts-raids-across-delhi-and-uttar-pradesh-detains-10-to-bust-new-isis-inspired-terror-module-186623">Islamic State-inspired terror module</a> styled as 'Harkat-ul-Harb-e-Islam' and arrested 10 people, 5 in Delhi and 5 in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

The NIA carried out searches in 17 location in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh all through the day with the active support of Delhi Police and UP Police/UP ATS.

The man at the centre of the module is 29-year-old Mufti Mohammad Suhail a native of Amroha, UP was presently staying at Delhi's Jaffrabad and had tasked other team members to procure arms, explosives and other accessories to prepare IED’s and pipe-bombs.16 people were taken in custody and a female was also involved.&nbsp;

All the men in the module were from middle-class families between the age group of 27 to 30 years.&nbsp;

24-year-old Anas Yunus from Jafrabad was pursuing Civil Engineering at a University in, Noida. He was instrumental in procuring electrical items, alarm clocks &amp; batteries etc. 20-year-old Zubair Malik from Jaffrabad was studying in BA 3rd year at a University in Delhi.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> NIA conducts a raid in Delhi's Jafrabad area in connection with a new ISIS module styled as 'Harkat ul Harb e Islam' . <a href="https://t.co/GL1GjOa1tq">pic.twitter.com/GL1GjOa1tq</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1077899378864672768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Other were into garments business, one worked at a welding shop in Amroha, and another ran a medical shop in Seelampur, Shahdara, Delhi.

Mufti Suhail and his associates mobilized funds and procured weapons, ammunition and explosive material to prepare IED’s and bombs and they plan to carry out explosions and fidayeen attacks at places of importance in &amp; around Delhi and also target crowded places.&nbsp;

Briefing the media, NIA IG Alok Mittal said, "Total amount worth Rs 7.5 lakh recovered, nearly 100 mobile phone, 135 SIM cards, laptops and memory also seized. Some of the searches are still underway. After initial interrogation of the 16 suspects, we have decided to arrest 10 accused."

Searches were carried out at 6 places in Jafrabad, Seelampur, Delhi, and 11 places in Uttar Pradesh i.e. 6 in Amroha, 2 in Lucknow, 2 in Hapur and 1 in Meerut. The seized items include 25 kg of explosive material, such as Potassium Nitrate, Ammonium Nitrate, Sulphur, Sugar material paste, 12 pistols, 150 rounds of live ammunition, 112 alarm clocks, mobile phone circuits, batteries, 51 pipes, remote control car triggering switch, wireless digital doorbell for remote switch, steel containers, electric wires, 91 mobile phones, 134 SIM cards, 3 laptops, knife, sword, ISIS-related literature and a cash amount of Rs. 7.5 lacs approximately. NIA also recovered 1 country- made a rocket launcher.

The arrested accused would be produced before the NIA Special Court in Delhi's Patiala Court House on Thursday.

The development came on the day when NIA arrested 25-year-old Habeeb Rahman from Wayanad Kerala in the ISIS Kasaragod Module Case. The case relates to the criminal conspiracy hatched by the accused persons from Kasaragod district of Kerala with the intention of joining ISIS. 14 accused persons from Kasaragod district had exited India and their workplaces in Middle-East Asia to visit Afghanistan and Syria and join the ISIS.

In news that had rung alarm bells across the country, National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday busted an Islamic State-inspired terror module styled as 'Harkat-ul-Harb-e-Islam' and arrested 10 people, 5 in Delhi and 5 in Uttar Pradesh.

In news that had rung alarm bells across the country, National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday busted an Islamic State-inspired terror module styled as 'Harkat-ul-Harb-e-Islam' and arrested 10 people, 5 in Delhi and 5 in Uttar Pradesh. The NIA carried out searches in 17 location in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh all through the day with the active support of Delhi Police and UP Police/UP ATS. The man at the centre of the module is 29-year-old Mufti Mohammad Suhail a native of Amroha, UP was presently staying at Delhi's Jaffrabad and had tasked other team members to procure arms, explosives and other accessories to prepare IED’s and pipe-bombs.16 people were taken in custody and a female was also involved. All the men in the module were from middle-class families between the age group of 27 to 30 years. 24-year-old Anas Yunus from Jafrabad was pursuing Civil Engineering at a University in, Noida. He was instrumental in procuring electrical items, alarm clocks & batteries etc. 20-year-old Zubair Malik from Jaffrabad was studying in BA 3rd year at a University in Delhi. #WATCH NIA conducts a raid in Delhi's Jafrabad area in connection with a new ISIS module styled as 'Harkat ul Harb e Islam' . pic.twitter.com/GL1GjOa1tq — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2018 × Other were into garments business, one worked at a welding shop in Amroha, and another ran a medical shop in Seelampur, Shahdara, Delhi. Mufti Suhail and his associates mobilized funds and procured weapons, ammunition and explosive material to prepare IED’s and bombs and they plan to carry out explosions and fidayeen attacks at places of importance in & around Delhi and also target crowded places. Briefing the media, NIA IG Alok Mittal said, "Total amount worth Rs 7.5 lakh recovered, nearly 100 mobile phone, 135 SIM cards, laptops and memory also seized. Some of the searches are still underway. After initial interrogation of the 16 suspects, we have decided to arrest 10 accused." Searches were carried out at 6 places in Jafrabad, Seelampur, Delhi, and 11 places in Uttar Pradesh i.e. 6 in Amroha, 2 in Lucknow, 2 in Hapur and 1 in Meerut. The seized items include 25 kg of explosive material, such as Potassium Nitrate, Ammonium Nitrate, Sulphur, Sugar material paste, 12 pistols, 150 rounds of live ammunition, 112 alarm clocks, mobile phone circuits, batteries, 51 pipes, remote control car triggering switch, wireless digital doorbell for remote switch, steel containers, electric wires, 91 mobile phones, 134 SIM cards, 3 laptops, knife, sword, ISIS-related literature and a cash amount of Rs. 7.5 lacs approximately. NIA also recovered 1 country- made a rocket launcher. The arrested accused would be produced before the NIA Special Court in Delhi's Patiala Court House on Thursday. The development came on the day when NIA arrested 25-year-old Habeeb Rahman from Wayanad Kerala in the ISIS Kasaragod Module Case. The case relates to the criminal conspiracy hatched by the accused persons from Kasaragod district of Kerala with the intention of joining ISIS. 14 accused persons from Kasaragod district had exited India and their workplaces in Middle-East Asia to visit Afghanistan and Syria and join the ISIS.

ISIS-inspired terror module rings alarm bells; Mufti, two university students arrested

India on Wednesday repatriated two&nbsp;Pakistan — <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-hamid-nehal-ansaris-return-india-to-send-back-pak-man-with-similar-story-today-186603">Imran Warsi and Abdullah Shah</a> to Pakistan. They were repatriated via Wagah border to Pakistan.&nbsp;

Imran Qureshi Warsi, a Karachi resident was in an Indian jail for last 10 years on charges of a fake passport. He had come to India on a valid visa in 2004 and fell in love with an Indian girl and overstayed. Abdullah Shah, a resident of Swat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province had crossed over to India in 2017 to meet Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan. Abdullah is autistic.&nbsp;

Speaking to media at the Wagah border, Abdullah Shah said, "I love you India. I will come to India again. Will meet Shah Rukh Khan. Shah Rukh Khan is in my heart. I am happy today. It was my dream to meet Shah Rukh"

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Wagah-Attari border: Abdullah, a Pakistani national who crossed over in 2017, being released by the Indian authorities - I came to India through Attari in 2017. It was my childhood dream to come to India &amp; meet Shah Rukh Khan. My dream was not fulfilled. I'll come back again. <a href="https://t.co/1ar1c7hEDb">pic.twitter.com/1ar1c7hEDb</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1077828204382035968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The development comes just a week after Pakistan released Hamid Nehal Ansari who was in a Pakistani jail for 6 years. He went to Pakistan on fake IDs from Afghanistan to meet a girl who he fell in love on Facebook.&nbsp;

The repatriation has highlighted the issue of Indian and Pakistani prisoners languishing in each other's jails.

India and Pakistan exchange list of civilian prisoners and fishermen of each country lodged in the jails of the other on 1 January and 1 July of every year according to India-Pakistan ‘Agreement on Consular Access’ signed on 21 May 2008. According to the lists exchanged on 1 July 2018, there were 108 Pakistan fishermen and 249 Pakistan civilian prisoners in India’s custody.&nbsp;

Pakistan had acknowledged the custody of 418 fishermen and 53 civilian prisoners who are Indian or believed-to-be Indian in their jails. In addition, there is the issue of 83 missing Indian defence personnel, whose custody has not been acknowledged by Pakistan so far.

The External Affairs Minister, 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;

It was proposed to revive the mechanism of Joint Judicial Committee and that a team of Indian medical experts could be allowed to visit the mentally unsound prisoners with a view to facilitating their nationality verification and subsequent repatriation. Pakistan responded positively on 7 March 2018.&nbsp;

India has already shared the details of the medical experts' team and the reconstituted Joint Judicial Committee with Pakistan with the request to organise their visit. Pakistan has not responded so far.

India on Wednesday repatriated two Pakistan — Imran Warsi and Abdullah Shah to Pakistan. They were repatriated via Wagah border to Pakistan. Imran Qureshi Warsi, a Karachi resident was in an Indian jail for last 10 years on charges of a fake passport.

India on Wednesday repatriated two Pakistan — Imran Warsi and Abdullah Shah to Pakistan. They were repatriated via Wagah border to Pakistan. Imran Qureshi Warsi, a Karachi resident was in an Indian jail for last 10 years on charges of a fake passport. He had come to India on a valid visa in 2004 and fell in love with an Indian girl and overstayed. Abdullah Shah, a resident of Swat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province had crossed over to India in 2017 to meet Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan. Abdullah is autistic. Speaking to media at the Wagah border, Abdullah Shah said, "I love you India. I will come to India again. Will meet Shah Rukh Khan. Shah Rukh Khan is in my heart. I am happy today. It was my dream to meet Shah Rukh" Wagah-Attari border: Abdullah, a Pakistani national who crossed over in 2017, being released by the Indian authorities - I came to India through Attari in 2017. It was my childhood dream to come to India & meet Shah Rukh Khan. My dream was not fulfilled. I'll come back again. pic.twitter.com/1ar1c7hEDb — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2018 × The development comes just a week after Pakistan released Hamid Nehal Ansari who was in a Pakistani jail for 6 years. He went to Pakistan on fake IDs from Afghanistan to meet a girl who he fell in love on Facebook. The repatriation has highlighted the issue of Indian and Pakistani prisoners languishing in each other's jails. India and Pakistan exchange list of civilian prisoners and fishermen of each country lodged in the jails of the other on 1 January and 1 July of every year according to India-Pakistan ‘Agreement on Consular Access’ signed on 21 May 2008. According to the lists exchanged on 1 July 2018, there were 108 Pakistan fishermen and 249 Pakistan civilian prisoners in India’s custody. Pakistan had acknowledged the custody of 418 fishermen and 53 civilian prisoners who are Indian or believed-to-be Indian in their jails. In addition, there is the issue of 83 missing Indian defence personnel, whose custody has not been acknowledged by Pakistan so far. The External Affairs Minister, 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. It was proposed to revive the mechanism of Joint Judicial Committee and that a team of Indian medical experts could be allowed to visit the mentally unsound prisoners with a view to facilitating their nationality verification and subsequent repatriation. Pakistan responded positively on 7 March 2018. India has already shared the details of the medical experts' team and the reconstituted Joint Judicial Committee with Pakistan with the request to organise their visit. Pakistan has not responded so far.

A week after Hamid's repatriation, India repatriates two Pakistani nationals

The New prime minister of Bhutan, Lotay Tshering, will be visiting India on December 27th. This will be his first foreign visit after taking charge.&nbsp;

Tshering recently took&nbsp;over as the eighth prime minister of Bhutan.

After his victory in the Bhutanese elections, Prime Minister Modi had called Lotay Tshering and congratulated him on his victory in the elections.&nbsp;

PM Modi during his call had conveyed that India attaches the "highest priority to further strengthening unique ties of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan, which is based on shared interests and values, utmost trust, goodwill and mutual understanding."

Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was the first Indian official to visit Bhutan to meet the new prime minister. During the meet, Bhutanese PM had said that he was committed to "strengthening the special bond of friendship and cooperation shared by the two countries."&nbsp;

Tshering also assured India that “our foreign policy should not change every five years with the change in government”.

The PM and the foreign secretary also discussed Bhutan’s 12th five-year plan. India plays a significant role in Bhutan's 5-year plans.

This year marks the golden jubilee year of establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Bhutan, as a result, several events have been organized. "Bhutan Week" was celebrated in New Delhi in September with India's vice president Venkaiah Naidu the chief guest at the event.&nbsp;

India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. In 2016, total bilateral trade between the two countries stood at Rs 8,723 crore with total imports being Rs 5528.5 crore (82 per cent of Bhutan’s total imports) and exports recorded as Rs 3205.20 crore including electricity (90 per cent of Bhutan’s total exports). India soon plans to commission 720 MWs Mangdechhu hydro-power project.

In 2017, a crisis erupted at Doklam in Bhutan, which is a trijunction area of Bhutan, India and China, when the Chinese army tried to construct a road in the area. This led to an almost two-month long standoff between Indian and Chinese forces in the region.&nbsp;

Later during the official visit of the Bhutanese King and Queen to India in 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind had “conveyed deep appreciation for the King of Bhutan’s personal involvement and guidance and the support provided by Bhutan in addressing the recent situation in the Doklam area”.

India plays an important role in Bhutan's economic development and has constructed three Hydroelectric Projects (HEPs) in Bhutan totalling 1416 MW (336 MW Chukha HEP, 60 MW Kurichhu HEP and 1020 MW Tala HEP).

In April 2014, an Inter-Governmental Agreement was signed between India and Bhutan for development of four more HEP’s of capacity 2120 MW (600 MW Kholongchhu, 180 MW Bunakha, 570 MW Wangchhu and 770 MW Chamkharchhu) under the Joint Venture Model.&nbsp;

After taking charge in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit abroad was to Bhutan.

The New prime minister of Bhutan, Lotay Tshering, will be visiting India on December 27th. This will be his first foreign visit after taking charge. Tshering recently took over as the eighth prime minister of Bhutan.

The New prime minister of Bhutan, Lotay Tshering, will be visiting India on December 27th. This will be his first foreign visit after taking charge. Tshering recently took over as the eighth prime minister of Bhutan. After his victory in the Bhutanese elections, Prime Minister Modi had called Lotay Tshering and congratulated him on his victory in the elections. PM Modi during his call had conveyed that India attaches the "highest priority to further strengthening unique ties of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan, which is based on shared interests and values, utmost trust, goodwill and mutual understanding." Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was the first Indian official to visit Bhutan to meet the new prime minister. During the meet, Bhutanese PM had said that he was committed to "strengthening the special bond of friendship and cooperation shared by the two countries." Tshering also assured India that “our foreign policy should not change every five years with the change in government”. The PM and the foreign secretary also discussed Bhutan’s 12th five-year plan. India plays a significant role in Bhutan's 5-year plans. This year marks the golden jubilee year of establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Bhutan, as a result, several events have been organized. "Bhutan Week" was celebrated in New Delhi in September with India's vice president Venkaiah Naidu the chief guest at the event. India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. In 2016, total bilateral trade between the two countries stood at Rs 8,723 crore with total imports being Rs 5528.5 crore (82 per cent of Bhutan’s total imports) and exports recorded as Rs 3205.20 crore including electricity (90 per cent of Bhutan’s total exports). India soon plans to commission 720 MWs Mangdechhu hydro-power project. In 2017, a crisis erupted at Doklam in Bhutan, which is a trijunction area of Bhutan, India and China, when the Chinese army tried to construct a road in the area. This led to an almost two-month long standoff between Indian and Chinese forces in the region. Later during the official visit of the Bhutanese King and Queen to India in 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind had “conveyed deep appreciation for the King of Bhutan’s personal involvement and guidance and the support provided by Bhutan in addressing the recent situation in the Doklam area”. India plays an important role in Bhutan's economic development and has constructed three Hydroelectric Projects (HEPs) in Bhutan totalling 1416 MW (336 MW Chukha HEP, 60 MW Kurichhu HEP and 1020 MW Tala HEP). In April 2014, an Inter-Governmental Agreement was signed between India and Bhutan for development of four more HEP’s of capacity 2120 MW (600 MW Kholongchhu, 180 MW Bunakha, 570 MW Wangchhu and 770 MW Chamkharchhu) under the Joint Venture Model. After taking charge in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit abroad was to Bhutan.

New Bhutan PM Lotay Tshering to visit India on Thursday

India has begun its fourth tranche of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rohingya-sent-back-to-myanmar-camps-hungry-and-in-debt-182279">relief assistance to Rohingya refugees </a>sheltered in Bangladesh's Cox Bazar as part of "Operation Insaniyat" which began in September 2017.&nbsp;

The total aid in the fourth tranche would include 2,25,000 blankets, 2,00,000 woollen sweaters and 500 solar street lights. The new tranche is the result of a specific request made to the minister for disaster management and relief.&nbsp;

In a release, Indian High Commission to Bangladesh said:&nbsp;"As a special gesture, India is making available a part of the consignment of blankets and sweaters for distribution to vulnerable sections of the local community in Cox’s Bazar."

The material includes the latest consignment of assistance for displaced persons for the winter, while the solar street lights are meant to ensure environment-friendly lighting solutions for the camps.

The release by High Commission added that the aid "is part of India’s continuing partnership and support for Bangladesh especially in sharing the burden imposed upon it because of the influx of a large number of displaced persons from Rakhine State in Myanmar."&nbsp;

The distribution of aid began from Monday by the refugee, relief and repatriation commissioner of Bangladesh.

The first tranche under "Operation Insaniyat" in September last year&nbsp;comprised of 981 metric tonnes&nbsp;(MT) of relief supplies, including family packs of rice, pulses, sugar, salt, cooking oil, tea, ready-to-eat noodles, biscuits, mosquito nets among other relief services.&nbsp;

The second tranche was delivered in May 2018 with 373 MT&nbsp;of relief material. The consignment included 104 MT of milk powder, 102 MT of dried fish, 61 MT of baby food, 50,000 raincoats, and 50,000 pairs of gumboots.&nbsp;

The third consignment was provided in September 2018, where India handed over 1.1 million litres of SKO (super kerosene oil) and 20,000 kerosene multi-wick stoves.&nbsp;

India has been calling on Myanmar and Bangladesh to implement the Rohingya repatriation agreement.

Recently, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said:"Government of India has noted that governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar have recently reached a bilateral understanding and obviously as the only country that neighbours both Bangladesh and Myanmar, we believe it is in our interest and in the interest of the region that this bilateral understanding is implemented as soon as possible and that the displaced persons return to their homeland as soon as possible."

Late last year India had signed the Rakhine State Development Program with Myanmar. The program is designed to assist the government of Myanmar in Rakhine State to build housing infrastructure for the return of displaced persons.

India has begun its fourth tranche of relief assistance to Rohingya refugees sheltered in Bangladesh's Cox Bazar as part of "Operation Insaniyat" which began in September 2017.

India has begun its fourth tranche of relief assistance to Rohingya refugees sheltered in Bangladesh's Cox Bazar as part of "Operation Insaniyat" which began in September 2017. The total aid in the fourth tranche would include 2,25,000 blankets, 2,00,000 woollen sweaters and 500 solar street lights. The new tranche is the result of a specific request made to the minister for disaster management and relief. In a release, Indian High Commission to Bangladesh said: "As a special gesture, India is making available a part of the consignment of blankets and sweaters for distribution to vulnerable sections of the local community in Cox’s Bazar." The material includes the latest consignment of assistance for displaced persons for the winter, while the solar street lights are meant to ensure environment-friendly lighting solutions for the camps. The release by High Commission added that the aid "is part of India’s continuing partnership and support for Bangladesh especially in sharing the burden imposed upon it because of the influx of a large number of displaced persons from Rakhine State in Myanmar." The distribution of aid began from Monday by the refugee, relief and repatriation commissioner of Bangladesh. The first tranche under "Operation Insaniyat" in September last year comprised of 981 metric tonnes (MT) of relief supplies, including family packs of rice, pulses, sugar, salt, cooking oil, tea, ready-to-eat noodles, biscuits, mosquito nets among other relief services. The second tranche was delivered in May 2018 with 373 MT of relief material. The consignment included 104 MT of milk powder, 102 MT of dried fish, 61 MT of baby food, 50,000 raincoats, and 50,000 pairs of gumboots. The third consignment was provided in September 2018, where India handed over 1.1 million litres of SKO (super kerosene oil) and 20,000 kerosene multi-wick stoves. India has been calling on Myanmar and Bangladesh to implement the Rohingya repatriation agreement. Recently, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said:"Government of India has noted that governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar have recently reached a bilateral understanding and obviously as the only country that neighbours both Bangladesh and Myanmar, we believe it is in our interest and in the interest of the region that this bilateral understanding is implemented as soon as possible and that the displaced persons return to their homeland as soon as possible." Late last year India had signed the Rakhine State Development Program with Myanmar. The program is designed to assist the government of Myanmar in Rakhine State to build housing infrastructure for the return of displaced persons.

India sends another tranche of relief assistance to Rohingyas in Bangladesh

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Zee News Rajasthan

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