India will be taking part in two major trilaterals on Friday. One with Japan and US, another with China and Russia. The very first trilateral with Japan, America will take place on Friday. It was United States National Security Advisor Ambassador John Bolton who announced it and said," (Trump will be meeting)...Prime Minister Abe of Japan. That will transform at some point during that meeting into a trilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi."

This is an important trilateral coming on the background of Indo-Pacific concept gaining currency and quad meeting--India, Japan, Australia and the US-- taking place earlier this year in Singapore.

The second meeting with Russia and China (RIC) will take place after an interval of twelve years.

The timing of the&nbsp;meetings is directly related to the&nbsp;period of major global developments from trade wars to climate change issue. Sources told WION that, "It is indicative of India's growing diplomatic and economic profile in the world."

Sources added that it is "recognition of India assuming the leadership role on global issues of people's concerns such as climate change, renewable energy, corruption and disaster resilient infrastructure. Reflection of our willingness to contribute in a positive and a constructive way in strengthening multilateral institutions like WTO and trying to build a consensus on new ideas like Indo-Pacific."

BRICS informal summit will also take place which has been a permanent fixture on the sidelines of G20 summits.

Last year in 2017 the BRICS Informal summit took place on the sidelines of the 12th G20 summit during which the Indian PM met Chinese President Xi Jinping which helped in brokering peace at a time when the Doklam crisis was looming large on Sino-India ties. 
&nbsp;

India will be taking part in two major trilaterals on Friday. One with Japan and US, another with China and Russia. The very first trilateral with Japan, America will take place on Friday.

India will be taking part in two major trilaterals on Friday. One with Japan and US, another with China and Russia. The very first trilateral with Japan, America will take place on Friday. It was United States National Security Advisor Ambassador John Bolton who announced it and said," (Trump will be meeting)...Prime Minister Abe of Japan. That will transform at some point during that meeting into a trilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi." This is an important trilateral coming on the background of Indo-Pacific concept gaining currency and quad meeting--India, Japan, Australia and the US-- taking place earlier this year in Singapore. The second meeting with Russia and China (RIC) will take place after an interval of twelve years. The timing of the meetings is directly related to the period of major global developments from trade wars to climate change issue. Sources told WION that, "It is indicative of India's growing diplomatic and economic profile in the world." Sources added that it is "recognition of India assuming the leadership role on global issues of people's concerns such as climate change, renewable energy, corruption and disaster resilient infrastructure. Reflection of our willingness to contribute in a positive and a constructive way in strengthening multilateral institutions like WTO and trying to build a consensus on new ideas like Indo-Pacific." BRICS informal summit will also take place which has been a permanent fixture on the sidelines of G20 summits. Last year in 2017 the BRICS Informal summit took place on the sidelines of the 12th G20 summit during which the Indian PM met Chinese President Xi Jinping which helped in brokering peace at a time when the Doklam crisis was looming large on Sino-India ties.

G20 Summit: A day of trilaterals for India 

The 13th G20 Summit is all set to begin in Argentina's capital Buenos Aires today with India focusing on issues such as terror, black money and fugitive economic offenders.

Outlining his agenda at the G20 summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at a yoga event in here said, "At G-20 summit many issues will be discussed, such as global economy, sustainable development, climate change, fugitive economic offenders. These are in the interest of the entire world, not just India and Argentina".

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Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale: The Secretary-General specifically acknowledged that India plays a very major role in climate change negotiations. He acknowledged that Prime Minister had taken a number of very concrete steps towards addressing climate change. <a href="https://t.co/DllEsahVa2">pic.twitter.com/DllEsahVa2</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068302103452385280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This comes even as fellow G20 country United Kingdom has been hosting fugitives like Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya who have duped India's banks with billions of Rupees. 
&nbsp; 
India's G20 sherpa had told WION in an exclusive interview last week that, 'India will like the need for greater cooperation on economic offence and the issue of fugitive economic offenders."

He added, "economic offence offences have posed a major threat to the global economy and can undermine the economic stability of the global economy"

Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi will also take part in two trilateral meetings and an informal BRICS meet. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-summit-a-day-of-trilaterals-for-india-180323">The </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-summit-a-day-of-trilaterals-for-india-180323">trilaterals</a> will include Japan, America and India or JAI and Russia, India and China or RIC. While the Russia-India-China trilateral is happening for the second time in 12 years, the Japan, America and India trilateral is taking place for the first time. This is an important trilateral coming on the background of the Indo Pacific concept gaining currency and quad meeting--India, Japan, Australia and US-- taking place earlier this year in Singapore.&nbsp;

Need to have stable oil prices: PM Modi tells Saudi Crown Prince

Indian Prime minister has a number of bilaterals lined-up ahead of the&nbsp;G20 Summit. He has already met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. With UN chief, the main subject of discussion was the forthcoming climate change meeting in Katowice, Poland, the so-called 'COP 24'. With the Saudi Crown Prince, PM raised the issue of having stable oil prices.

Briefing the media after the meet foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "Crown Prince informed PM that Saudi will be finalising an initial investment into the&nbsp;national infrastructure fund. He referred to future prospects for investment in tech, agricultural and energy sectors. PM, in particular, stressed on&nbsp; the importance of having stable energy prices."

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PM Narendra Modi held bilateral meeting with Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia in Buenos Aires, Argentina. PM Modi is in Argentina to attend the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20Summit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20Summit</a>. <a href="https://t.co/hKV9HZQhH8">pic.twitter.com/hKV9HZQhH8</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068279688001282048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Prime Minister will be meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, the fourth meeting between the two leaders this year after Wuhan Informal summit and the meet on the sidelines of SCO summit and BRICS Summit.

Other than this, the focus will be on the ongoing trade war as US president Donald Trump sits down with Chinese President. Trump has already cancelled his talks with Russian president Vladimir Putin over the crisis in Ukraine. Clearly, it is a high voltage summit.

The 13th G20 Summit is all set to begin in Argentina's capital Buenos Aires today with India focusing on issues such as terror, black money and fugitive economic offenders.

The 13th G20 Summit is all set to begin in Argentina's capital Buenos Aires today with India focusing on issues such as terror, black money and fugitive economic offenders. Outlining his agenda at the G20 summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at a yoga event in here said, "At G-20 summit many issues will be discussed, such as global economy, sustainable development, climate change, fugitive economic offenders. These are in the interest of the entire world, not just India and Argentina". Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale: The Secretary-General specifically acknowledged that India plays a very major role in climate change negotiations. He acknowledged that Prime Minister had taken a number of very concrete steps towards addressing climate change. pic.twitter.com/DllEsahVa2 — ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2018 × This comes even as fellow G20 country United Kingdom has been hosting fugitives like Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya who have duped India's banks with billions of Rupees. India's G20 sherpa had told WION in an exclusive interview last week that, 'India will like the need for greater cooperation on economic offence and the issue of fugitive economic offenders." He added, "economic offence offences have posed a major threat to the global economy and can undermine the economic stability of the global economy" Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi will also take part in two trilateral meetings and an informal BRICS meet. The trilaterals will include Japan, America and India or JAI and Russia, India and China or RIC. While the Russia-India-China trilateral is happening for the second time in 12 years, the Japan, America and India trilateral is taking place for the first time. This is an important trilateral coming on the background of the Indo Pacific concept gaining currency and quad meeting--India, Japan, Australia and US-- taking place earlier this year in Singapore. Need to have stable oil prices: PM Modi tells Saudi Crown Prince Indian Prime minister has a number of bilaterals lined-up ahead of the G20 Summit. He has already met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. With UN chief, the main subject of discussion was the forthcoming climate change meeting in Katowice, Poland, the so-called 'COP 24'. With the Saudi Crown Prince, PM raised the issue of having stable oil prices. Briefing the media after the meet foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "Crown Prince informed PM that Saudi will be finalising an initial investment into the national infrastructure fund. He referred to future prospects for investment in tech, agricultural and energy sectors. PM, in particular, stressed on the importance of having stable energy prices." PM Narendra Modi held bilateral meeting with Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia in Buenos Aires, Argentina. PM Modi is in Argentina to attend the #G20Summit. pic.twitter.com/hKV9HZQhH8 — ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2018 × The Prime Minister will be meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, the fourth meeting between the two leaders this year after Wuhan Informal summit and the meet on the sidelines of SCO summit and BRICS Summit. Other than this, the focus will be on the ongoing trade war as US president Donald Trump sits down with Chinese President. Trump has already cancelled his talks with Russian president Vladimir Putin over the crisis in Ukraine. Clearly, it is a high voltage summit.

G20 Summit: PM Modi says focus on fugitive economic offenders, boosting global economy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be meeting Saudi crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman in Argentina today. India will be discussing all issues of bilateral and regional interest.

Oil prices is&nbsp;the&nbsp;key issue for India and foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale in a briefing before the G20 summit had said India will highlight the risks posed by oil price volatility at the summit as it "is something which has directly impacted the Indian economy."

He also added, "It is something which affects the lives of people and it is incumbent that the leaders of 20 largest economy to reflect upon both the price of oil and its availability in the market."

On the sidelines of the G-20 Hangzhou Summit in September 2016, Prime Minister had held&nbsp;bilateral meeting with the Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman during which the&nbsp;two leaders discussed ways of further strengthening and diversifying bilateral engagements.

For India, Saudi Arabia has been a valuable partner and the relationship has expanded beyond the Indian community to issues related to the economy, energy and security.

PM&nbsp;Narendra Modi had visited Riyadh from April 2-3, 2016 during which he had met King Salman &amp; Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. In a special gesture during the visit King Salman honoured Prime Minister Narendra&nbsp;Modi with the ‘Sash of King Abdulaziz’, the highest civilian decoration awarded by the&nbsp;Kingdom.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be meeting Saudi crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman in Argentina today. India will be discussing all issues of bilateral and regional interest.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be meeting Saudi crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman in Argentina today. India will be discussing all issues of bilateral and regional interest. Oil prices is the key issue for India and foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale in a briefing before the G20 summit had said India will highlight the risks posed by oil price volatility at the summit as it "is something which has directly impacted the Indian economy." He also added, "It is something which affects the lives of people and it is incumbent that the leaders of 20 largest economy to reflect upon both the price of oil and its availability in the market." On the sidelines of the G-20 Hangzhou Summit in September 2016, Prime Minister had held bilateral meeting with the Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman during which the two leaders discussed ways of further strengthening and diversifying bilateral engagements. For India, Saudi Arabia has been a valuable partner and the relationship has expanded beyond the Indian community to issues related to the economy, energy and security. PM Narendra Modi had visited Riyadh from April 2-3, 2016 during which he had met King Salman & Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. In a special gesture during the visit King Salman honoured Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the ‘Sash of King Abdulaziz’, the highest civilian decoration awarded by the Kingdom.

G20 summit: PM Modi to meet  Saudi crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman

In an exclusive conversation with WION ahead of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/13th-g20-summit-from-trade-wars-to-terror-to-south-south-cooperation-focus-on-consensus-making-179885">G20 summit in Buenos Aires</a>, Argentina’s ambassador to India Daniel Chuburu said the focus of the summit will be on putting forward the perspective of developing countries. Argentina will be hosting this year's G20 summit form November 30 to December 1, becoming the first South American country to do so. Chuburu added that the focus will be on terror, trade wars and cryptocurrency.

WION:&nbsp;What will be the focus of this year's G20 summit?

Daniel Chuburu:&nbsp;The main theme has been— during this year— it has been the fact of trying to get consensus. That was something that came very clearly from last years summit in Germany in which there was a need to have a consensus. So we felt the question of consensus has to be clearly&nbsp;spoken. Argentina, India come from the south. We are developing countries. The question of sustainable development is something that is very important. We believe sustainable development that can give us the greater benefit. The very important question of fairness. We believe the world has been doing well in the last years, a lot of growth coming to a lot of countries, but the benefits of growth have not been fairly distributed.&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;What will the G20 summit in Argentina be remembered for?

Daniel Chuburu: As far as we can be credible to the theme we develop, we would like to be remembered for that. Unfortunately, this has been the year of trade wars that have been on the first page of newspapers for a long time. So this is one of the issues that are there in the mind of everyone for the summit. There have been a lot of discussions. The process of G20 happens through the summit, 20 G20 leaders, 30 Leaders in total. This is a whole year process. We had more than 60 meetings, 10 at minister levels. During the meet, we prepare what is discussed. The bureaucracy goes in one direction, then 20 leaders get together to discuss. It's not a strict agenda. We have to give leaders the possibility to sit down and discuss. We firmly believe G20 document should be short, final, action-oriented document. G20 doesn’t have a secretariat. G20 is not an international organization. G20 is an informal mechanism whose main expression is leaders summit.

 
WION: How can G20 bring viability to South America?

Daniel Chuburu: That was one of the main preoccupations of the government of Argentina since we took office in December last year. Our sherpa and our minister have been visiting the region and developing member countries of the G20. We thought it was very important to bring the perspective of the south. The perspective of developing countries. We have stressed that and we have been transmitting the idea in all the meets. There is not such a thing or a single answer to any problem. Tried to put the perspective of region and countries.

WION: How much will the focus be on cryptocurrency?

Daniel Chuburu: Argentina has accepted that issue is to be discussed. It was discussed by the minister of finance and presidents of the central bank in July this year. They have interpreted that it is not a threat but have to keep eye on it. It touches a very sensitive area. The question of illegality brings me to clarify that there is not yet such a consensus on G20 on a need to establish a regulation on it. The decision has to be taken. Yes, the consensus is that cryptocurrency touches important issues like money laundering, protection of the right of investors, consumers, financing of terror, transparency of the market. No clear consensus on regulation.

 
WION: How much will terror be the issue?

Daniel Chuburu: I believe terror is one of the issues that are on the international agenda. But not a specific group dealing with it in G20. So I guess it will be in the final document. It will reflect the concern that a lot of countries and region within G20 have especially on the financing of terror.

 
WION: Will you be calling neighbours?

Daniel Chuburu: Chile has been invited. Netherland has been invited. Two countries, Argentina has invited themselves. Chair of international groupings like ASEAN with Singapore and African Union with Rwanda invited. So, seven countries have been invited. Spain is always invited to G20. Participation of every region. South Africa has been invited. Some countries do have representation in their own region and they are part of the G20.

 
WION: How do you see the future of G20?

Daniel Chuburu: We believe the composition of G20 plus do represent the changes that have taken place in the world. Its a place where you can discuss world problems and the impacts of the different crisis. It's not an international organisation. It is an informal mechanism. They further take it to an international organisation. We don’t intend to take a further step on formalisation or institutionalisation of G20.

WION: Any update on bilaterals at the summit?

Daniel Chuburu:&nbsp;I can’t confirm you any bilateral. We can deal with meeting that we are going to deal bilaterally. Difficult to keep track of bilateral. Will reassure you that a lot of bilateral will take place.

In an exclusive conversation with WION ahead of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s ambassador to India Daniel Chuburu said the focus of the summit will be on putting forward the perspective of developing countries.

In an exclusive conversation with WION ahead of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s ambassador to India Daniel Chuburu said the focus of the summit will be on putting forward the perspective of developing countries. Argentina will be hosting this year's G20 summit form November 30 to December 1, becoming the first South American country to do so. Chuburu added that the focus will be on terror, trade wars and cryptocurrency. WION: What will be the focus of this year's G20 summit? Daniel Chuburu: The main theme has been— during this year— it has been the fact of trying to get consensus. That was something that came very clearly from last years summit in Germany in which there was a need to have a consensus. So we felt the question of consensus has to be clearly spoken. Argentina, India come from the south. We are developing countries. The question of sustainable development is something that is very important. We believe sustainable development that can give us the greater benefit. The very important question of fairness. We believe the world has been doing well in the last years, a lot of growth coming to a lot of countries, but the benefits of growth have not been fairly distributed. WION: What will the G20 summit in Argentina be remembered for? Daniel Chuburu: As far as we can be credible to the theme we develop, we would like to be remembered for that. Unfortunately, this has been the year of trade wars that have been on the first page of newspapers for a long time. So this is one of the issues that are there in the mind of everyone for the summit. There have been a lot of discussions. The process of G20 happens through the summit, 20 G20 leaders, 30 Leaders in total. This is a whole year process. We had more than 60 meetings, 10 at minister levels. During the meet, we prepare what is discussed. The bureaucracy goes in one direction, then 20 leaders get together to discuss. It's not a strict agenda. We have to give leaders the possibility to sit down and discuss. We firmly believe G20 document should be short, final, action-oriented document. G20 doesn’t have a secretariat. G20 is not an international organization. G20 is an informal mechanism whose main expression is leaders summit. WION: How can G20 bring viability to South America? Daniel Chuburu: That was one of the main preoccupations of the government of Argentina since we took office in December last year. Our sherpa and our minister have been visiting the region and developing member countries of the G20. We thought it was very important to bring the perspective of the south. The perspective of developing countries. We have stressed that and we have been transmitting the idea in all the meets. There is not such a thing or a single answer to any problem. Tried to put the perspective of region and countries. WION: How much will the focus be on cryptocurrency? Daniel Chuburu: Argentina has accepted that issue is to be discussed. It was discussed by the minister of finance and presidents of the central bank in July this year. They have interpreted that it is not a threat but have to keep eye on it. It touches a very sensitive area. The question of illegality brings me to clarify that there is not yet such a consensus on G20 on a need to establish a regulation on it. The decision has to be taken. Yes, the consensus is that cryptocurrency touches important issues like money laundering, protection of the right of investors, consumers, financing of terror, transparency of the market. No clear consensus on regulation. WION: How much will terror be the issue? Daniel Chuburu: I believe terror is one of the issues that are on the international agenda. But not a specific group dealing with it in G20. So I guess it will be in the final document. It will reflect the concern that a lot of countries and region within G20 have especially on the financing of terror. WION: Will you be calling neighbours? Daniel Chuburu: Chile has been invited. Netherland has been invited. Two countries, Argentina has invited themselves. Chair of international groupings like ASEAN with Singapore and African Union with Rwanda invited. So, seven countries have been invited. Spain is always invited to G20. Participation of every region. South Africa has been invited. Some countries do have representation in their own region and they are part of the G20. WION: How do you see the future of G20? Daniel Chuburu: We believe the composition of G20 plus do represent the changes that have taken place in the world. Its a place where you can discuss world problems and the impacts of the different crisis. It's not an international organisation. It is an informal mechanism. They further take it to an international organisation. We don’t intend to take a further step on formalisation or institutionalisation of G20. WION: Any update on bilaterals at the summit? Daniel Chuburu: I can’t confirm you any bilateral. We can deal with meeting that we are going to deal bilaterally. Difficult to keep track of bilateral. Will reassure you that a lot of bilateral will take place.

Perspective of developing countries to be put forward at G20: Argentina envoy to WION

Trade wars between the United States and China will be the top focus at the 13the G20 summit even as host Argentina will focus on South-South cooperation and India on highlighting the issue of terror, especially in its region. Speaking to WION ahead of the G20 summit that will take place in Argentina’s capital&nbsp;Buenos Aires, India’s sherpa or top negotiator at the grouping, Shaktikanta Das, said, “On FATF (Financial Action Task Force) leaders will spell out what kind of appeal or political message they would like to give to FATF. Not just passing laws to deal with terror but the actual implementation of FATF principals by all countries”.&nbsp;

This comes against the backdrop of Pakistan’s inaction on 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed who roams the streets of that country freely and even wanted to contest the general elections. Earlier this year, Pakistan was blacklisted for failing to take strong action, especially against financial support to terror groups.

In the previous G20 summit held in Hamburg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given an 11-point agenda on terror.

Prime Minister Modi will&nbsp;meet Chinese President Xi Jinping for the fourth time this year on the sidelines of G20. They first met at the famous informal Wuhan summit in April followed by meetings on the sidelines of SCO and BRICS summit in China and South Africa.

In a pre-departure statement, Modi said, "I look forward to meeting leaders from other G-20 countries to review the work of G-20 in the last ten years of its existence and chart the ways and means to meet the new and upcoming challenges of the coming decade. We will deliberate on the situation of global economy and trade, international financial and tax systems, the future of work, women empowerment, infrastructure and sustainable development."

Prime Minister&nbsp;Modi is also expected to meet US President Donald Trump. The expected meet will be the first one since the S400 deal was signed between India and Russia.&nbsp;India hasn’t confirmed the meet with Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale saying New Delhi is “Currently working on several bilateral meetings”.&nbsp;

Both India and the US have been focusing on terror emanating from Pakistan. The Indian prime minister&nbsp;had raised the issue with US Vice-President Mike Pence when the two met on the sidelines of the 13th East Asian summit just two weeks ago. Last week, US President Trump made known his displeasure with Islamabad when he justified his aid cut saying that the country does not do a single “damn thing”. He also came down on Pakistan for providing safe haven to Osama bin Laden&nbsp;who was killed by US forces in the Pakistani city of Abbottabad in 2011.

India’s sherpa also told WION that India would call for “greater international cooperation on economic offences and offenders, especially fugitive economic offenders” and “economic offences pose a major threat to global economy”. This comes even as Nirav Modi, the man behind the infamous scam at Punjab National Bank and Vijay Mallya who owes billions of rupees to India’s public sector banks continue to stay in the&nbsp;UK, a fellow G20 country.

A BRICS meeting will also take place.&nbsp;A similar BRICS summit&nbsp;followed the&nbsp;2017 G20 summit&nbsp;during which the talks between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping helped in defusing the Doklam crisis.

All in all, New Delhi will be using the high table to raise awareness about issues that concern today's increasingly fragile world.&nbsp;Meanwhile, host, Argentina will be focusing on giving perspective on&nbsp;south-south&nbsp;cooperation and raising the issue of cryptocurrency. Argentina’s ambassador to India Daniel Chuburu spoke to WION and said, “consensus is that cryptocurrency touches important issues like money laundering, protection of the right of investors, consumers, financing of terror”

Argentina is the first South American country to host the G20 summit. This is the 13th G20 summit and comes on the 10th anniversary of leaders summit which took place on the backdrop of financial crisis in 2008.

On South-South cooperation, Argentinian ambassador said, “Our sherpa and our minister have been visiting the region and developing member countries of the G20. We thought it was very important to bring the perspective of the south. The perspective of developing countries.”

But this year summit will have a lot of big bilaterals. US President Donald Trump will be meeting Chinese president Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin. With Xi, Trump will be focusing on solving the current trade wars that have broken between world’s number one and number two economy. No solution means global growth can suffer in 2019. With Russian president, with whom he will be meeting for the second time this year, the focus will be on Syria and the current crisis in Ukraine.

The long shadow of Khashoggi murder will also have an impact some uncomfortable moments are expected when Turkish President&nbsp;Recep Tayyip Erdogan&nbsp;and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman come face to face for the first time since the news of&nbsp;Khashoggi's&nbsp;killing came.

Trade wars between the United States and China will be the top focus at the 13the G20 summit even as host Argentina will focus on South-South cooperation and India on highlighting the issue of terror, especially in its region.

Trade wars between the United States and China will be the top focus at the 13the G20 summit even as host Argentina will focus on South-South cooperation and India on highlighting the issue of terror, especially in its region. Speaking to WION ahead of the G20 summit that will take place in Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires, India’s sherpa or top negotiator at the grouping, Shaktikanta Das, said, “On FATF (Financial Action Task Force) leaders will spell out what kind of appeal or political message they would like to give to FATF. Not just passing laws to deal with terror but the actual implementation of FATF principals by all countries”. This comes against the backdrop of Pakistan’s inaction on 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed who roams the streets of that country freely and even wanted to contest the general elections. Earlier this year, Pakistan was blacklisted for failing to take strong action, especially against financial support to terror groups. In the previous G20 summit held in Hamburg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given an 11-point agenda on terror. Prime Minister Modi will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping for the fourth time this year on the sidelines of G20. They first met at the famous informal Wuhan summit in April followed by meetings on the sidelines of SCO and BRICS summit in China and South Africa. In a pre-departure statement, Modi said, "I look forward to meeting leaders from other G-20 countries to review the work of G-20 in the last ten years of its existence and chart the ways and means to meet the new and upcoming challenges of the coming decade. We will deliberate on the situation of global economy and trade, international financial and tax systems, the future of work, women empowerment, infrastructure and sustainable development." Prime Minister Modi is also expected to meet US President Donald Trump. The expected meet will be the first one since the S400 deal was signed between India and Russia. India hasn’t confirmed the meet with Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale saying New Delhi is “Currently working on several bilateral meetings”. Both India and the US have been focusing on terror emanating from Pakistan. The Indian prime minister had raised the issue with US Vice-President Mike Pence when the two met on the sidelines of the 13th East Asian summit just two weeks ago. Last week, US President Trump made known his displeasure with Islamabad when he justified his aid cut saying that the country does not do a single “damn thing”. He also came down on Pakistan for providing safe haven to Osama bin Laden who was killed by US forces in the Pakistani city of Abbottabad in 2011. India’s sherpa also told WION that India would call for “greater international cooperation on economic offences and offenders, especially fugitive economic offenders” and “economic offences pose a major threat to global economy”. This comes even as Nirav Modi, the man behind the infamous scam at Punjab National Bank and Vijay Mallya who owes billions of rupees to India’s public sector banks continue to stay in the UK, a fellow G20 country. A BRICS meeting will also take place. A similar BRICS summit followed the 2017 G20 summit during which the talks between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping helped in defusing the Doklam crisis. All in all, New Delhi will be using the high table to raise awareness about issues that concern today's increasingly fragile world. Meanwhile, host, Argentina will be focusing on giving perspective on south-south cooperation and raising the issue of cryptocurrency. Argentina’s ambassador to India Daniel Chuburu spoke to WION and said, “consensus is that cryptocurrency touches important issues like money laundering, protection of the right of investors, consumers, financing of terror” Argentina is the first South American country to host the G20 summit. This is the 13th G20 summit and comes on the 10th anniversary of leaders summit which took place on the backdrop of financial crisis in 2008. On South-South cooperation, Argentinian ambassador said, “Our sherpa and our minister have been visiting the region and developing member countries of the G20. We thought it was very important to bring the perspective of the south. The perspective of developing countries.” But this year summit will have a lot of big bilaterals. US President Donald Trump will be meeting Chinese president Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin. With Xi, Trump will be focusing on solving the current trade wars that have broken between world’s number one and number two economy. No solution means global growth can suffer in 2019. With Russian president, with whom he will be meeting for the second time this year, the focus will be on Syria and the current crisis in Ukraine. The long shadow of Khashoggi murder will also have an impact some uncomfortable moments are expected when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman come face to face for the first time since the news of Khashoggi's killing came.

At G20 summit, India will call for greater cooperation on fugitive economic offenders

The Maldives has seen a major change in the last few months. On November 17 Ibrahim Mohamed Solih took oath as new President in which India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the only head of state as a guest.&nbsp;The New President will be visiting India in December.&nbsp;Meanwhile, in an exclusive conversation with WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Siddhant Sibal, the new Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid spoke at length about the expectation of the new Maldives government from India, Maldives-China Free Trade agreement, Indo-Pacific concept among other things.

WION: How do you characterise the current India-Maldives ties?

Abdulla Shahid: Thank you very much. It's a pleasure to be here in Delhi. My first visit after taking office. I had the opportunity to receive PM Modi at the airport upon his arrival at the stadium in which President Solih took the oath of office. The warmth with which people of Maldives received PM Modi on his arrival characterises the new era in India Maldives ties. The Modi-Solih meet was characterised by warmth, closeness and sincerity. I was in the meeting and I see nothing but success in years to come

WION: What kind of assistance would you expect from India?

Abdulla Shahid: As you know President Yameen's dictatorship had taken the country to the brink of bankruptcy. We need generous assistance from the Indian government to overcome the difficulties we are facing. We need budgetary assistance. We also need to deliver on the campaign promises we have made. The pledges of development need to be delivered. In order to do that.. we need general assistance.

WION: The India Maldives Joint statement called for security and peace in the Indian ocean. What are the threats the region faces?

Abdulla Shahid: Our region is key to maritime throughout the world. All the ships that travel between the African continent and northeast Pacific go through our waters. We have a responsibility. We have seen increased piracy in the Indian ocean. We have seen increased tension within the Indian ocean, be it the rivalry between neighbouring countries or rivalry between Indian ocean interested countries, we need to simmer it down. We need to make the Indian Ocean a zone of less tension and free access to all.

WION: How do you see the Indo-pacific concept and the quad?

Abdulla Shahid: We are fully involved in the Indo-Pacific concept of free access. In order for intl trade to increase, we need openness. We can't, in this day and age, draw lines or sea lanes.&nbsp;

WION: Your take on the Quad and statements made after the meet in Singapore on the country?

Abdulla Shahid: &nbsp;Statements shows they are concerned about the dictatorship that was in the Maldives.

WION: Indians faced a lot of visa restrictions. Will those be relaxed now?

Abdulla Shahid: When I meet my counterpart I will disc ease of visa restrictions for Maldivian nationals and Indian nationals. I think both are countries must come to an agreement on visa easing. Hoping to sign a new agreement during President Solih's visit in December

WION: So president Solih is coming to India in December?

Abdulla Shahid: The new president will bring a message of goodwill of returning India-Maldives relation to normalcy. We recognise the long-standing generosity of the Indian government that will be the message President Solih will bring.

WION: You defence minister has already told WION that Indian helicopters are needed. How important are they to your country?

Abdulla Shahid: These helicopters have been used for humanitarian missions. Total of 164 patients has been airlifted from remote islands to Male. We as a seafaring nation, we lose people in the sea. In having these machines on site, will help us launch missions more easily.

WION: What are the key foreign policy decisions you will be taking?

Abdulla Shahid: The foreign policy created by Yameen is a total disaster. The Maldives has been sidelined. The Maldives lost its credibility internationally, nobody listens to what the Maldives says. We as the chairman of the alliance of the small island in the last 2 years have not done anything. We have played into the hands of the people who want climate change debate to be sidelined. Two years as the chair of the alliance we became disreputed. We will be vocal again on climate change. We will be vocal on environment issues internationally. Last time we wanted to contest for human rights commission in Geneva under Yameen, we didn't get it due to disastrous track record. We will go back and establish our self as the lead country on human rights issue within the UN. We are joining the Commonwealth. The Maldives left commonwealth since it asked Yameen government to get back in the main folds of democracy and human rights. Commonwealth is an association or group of countries to promote human rights, democracy and good governance.

Parliament will endorse the cabinet decision and president will write to the commonwealth to rejoin it. Through it, our young people will get a lot of opportunities.

WION: No discussion is over without mentioning China. How will be the ties between New govt and China?

Abdulla Shahid: &nbsp;President Yameen tried to play India against China and China against India. He wanted to be a puppet master. India and China are much larger in capacity to see through what president Yameen was trying to do. President Yameen's failure came through because of the manner he dealt with relations. We will not try to be a puppet master. We know better. We should have good relations with both.&nbsp;

I know that both India and China will respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Maldives. None of these countries would be interested in making the Maldives part of theirs. They will be interested in sitting down with us as equals and discuss issues. I see that is the direction we have to go. We have to keep in mind that our closest neighbour is India. The country which has delivered assistance to us. India will also in the future help us not because of geographical proximity only but because of a long-lasting friendship. We had a water crisis in Male, and Indian navy helped us overcome the difficulty. Because of the proximity and nature of the relationship between two countries, India has the tendency to immediately help us without a second thought. It's the nature of the relationship. These are eg of past. In future, I see nothing but good will.&nbsp;

WION: Will you relook at Maldives China FTA?

Abdulla Shahid: FTA was rushed through the parliament. I was in the parliament that time and I was not informed of the session. Many of my collogues did not know seating was taking place until it was over. Parliament or the parliamentary committee took less than 15 minutes also to review the 100-page document. It is unreasonable to believe that such a document can be reviewed in such little time. Now I am the foreign minister and I'm supposed to comment on the document which I don't think is fair. So I will get my officials to go through the document and advice the government. I will get the new attorney general to look at it. It is fair that we go in an agreement of that nature of that importance after knowing what it has.

WION: How much the Maldives owes to China?

Abdulla Shahid: &nbsp;Finance minister was in parliament on Thursday and was asked the same question. He answered that figures don't tally. He said he was getting different figures from different departments. As soon as the FM is in a position to tell, I'll be in a better position to start comparing how much we owe to China and other countries. All we know up to now is that Yameen government has been most irresponsible in borrowing and taking us to the edge of the debt burden

WION: Your take on China's one belt and one road initiative?

Abdulla Shahid: Integration of economies of all countries of the region has to be thought about. The interest of the not only one country should be given priority. We will be looking into the integration of India, Sri Lanka and other countries of the region.&nbsp;

WION: One country in the region continues to indulge in cross-border terror and SAARC has been defunct due to this?

Abdulla Shahid: &nbsp;Terror is an issue that we need to address. We need to address at a regional level and international level. So the more we shy away from addressing it, the more, we damage the core values we sort to promote. We need to address the issue at the regional level.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Maldives has seen a major change in the last few months. On November 17 Ibrahim Mohamed Solih took oath as new President in which India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the only head of state as a guest.

The Maldives has seen a major change in the last few months. On November 17 Ibrahim Mohamed Solih took oath as new President in which India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the only head of state as a guest. The New President will be visiting India in December. Meanwhile, in an exclusive conversation with WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Siddhant Sibal, the new Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid spoke at length about the expectation of the new Maldives government from India, Maldives-China Free Trade agreement, Indo-Pacific concept among other things. WION: How do you characterise the current India-Maldives ties? Abdulla Shahid: Thank you very much. It's a pleasure to be here in Delhi. My first visit after taking office. I had the opportunity to receive PM Modi at the airport upon his arrival at the stadium in which President Solih took the oath of office. The warmth with which people of Maldives received PM Modi on his arrival characterises the new era in India Maldives ties. The Modi-Solih meet was characterised by warmth, closeness and sincerity. I was in the meeting and I see nothing but success in years to come WION: What kind of assistance would you expect from India? Abdulla Shahid: As you know President Yameen's dictatorship had taken the country to the brink of bankruptcy. We need generous assistance from the Indian government to overcome the difficulties we are facing. We need budgetary assistance. We also need to deliver on the campaign promises we have made. The pledges of development need to be delivered. In order to do that.. we need general assistance. WION: The India Maldives Joint statement called for security and peace in the Indian ocean. What are the threats the region faces? Abdulla Shahid: Our region is key to maritime throughout the world. All the ships that travel between the African continent and northeast Pacific go through our waters. We have a responsibility. We have seen increased piracy in the Indian ocean. We have seen increased tension within the Indian ocean, be it the rivalry between neighbouring countries or rivalry between Indian ocean interested countries, we need to simmer it down. We need to make the Indian Ocean a zone of less tension and free access to all. WION: How do you see the Indo-pacific concept and the quad? Abdulla Shahid: We are fully involved in the Indo-Pacific concept of free access. In order for intl trade to increase, we need openness. We can't, in this day and age, draw lines or sea lanes. WION: Your take on the Quad and statements made after the meet in Singapore on the country? Abdulla Shahid: Statements shows they are concerned about the dictatorship that was in the Maldives. WION: Indians faced a lot of visa restrictions. Will those be relaxed now? Abdulla Shahid: When I meet my counterpart I will disc ease of visa restrictions for Maldivian nationals and Indian nationals. I think both are countries must come to an agreement on visa easing. Hoping to sign a new agreement during President Solih's visit in December WION: So president Solih is coming to India in December? Abdulla Shahid: The new president will bring a message of goodwill of returning India-Maldives relation to normalcy. We recognise the long-standing generosity of the Indian government that will be the message President Solih will bring. WION: You defence minister has already told WION that Indian helicopters are needed. How important are they to your country? Abdulla Shahid: These helicopters have been used for humanitarian missions. Total of 164 patients has been airlifted from remote islands to Male. We as a seafaring nation, we lose people in the sea. In having these machines on site, will help us launch missions more easily. WION: What are the key foreign policy decisions you will be taking? Abdulla Shahid: The foreign policy created by Yameen is a total disaster. The Maldives has been sidelined. The Maldives lost its credibility internationally, nobody listens to what the Maldives says. We as the chairman of the alliance of the small island in the last 2 years have not done anything. We have played into the hands of the people who want climate change debate to be sidelined. Two years as the chair of the alliance we became disreputed. We will be vocal again on climate change. We will be vocal on environment issues internationally. Last time we wanted to contest for human rights commission in Geneva under Yameen, we didn't get it due to disastrous track record. We will go back and establish our self as the lead country on human rights issue within the UN. We are joining the Commonwealth. The Maldives left commonwealth since it asked Yameen government to get back in the main folds of democracy and human rights. Commonwealth is an association or group of countries to promote human rights, democracy and good governance. Parliament will endorse the cabinet decision and president will write to the commonwealth to rejoin it. Through it, our young people will get a lot of opportunities. WION: No discussion is over without mentioning China. How will be the ties between New govt and China? Abdulla Shahid: President Yameen tried to play India against China and China against India. He wanted to be a puppet master. India and China are much larger in capacity to see through what president Yameen was trying to do. President Yameen's failure came through because of the manner he dealt with relations. We will not try to be a puppet master. We know better. We should have good relations with both. I know that both India and China will respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Maldives. None of these countries would be interested in making the Maldives part of theirs. They will be interested in sitting down with us as equals and discuss issues. I see that is the direction we have to go. We have to keep in mind that our closest neighbour is India. The country which has delivered assistance to us. India will also in the future help us not because of geographical proximity only but because of a long-lasting friendship. We had a water crisis in Male, and Indian navy helped us overcome the difficulty. Because of the proximity and nature of the relationship between two countries, India has the tendency to immediately help us without a second thought. It's the nature of the relationship. These are eg of past. In future, I see nothing but good will. WION: Will you relook at Maldives China FTA? Abdulla Shahid: FTA was rushed through the parliament. I was in the parliament that time and I was not informed of the session. Many of my collogues did not know seating was taking place until it was over. Parliament or the parliamentary committee took less than 15 minutes also to review the 100-page document. It is unreasonable to believe that such a document can be reviewed in such little time. Now I am the foreign minister and I'm supposed to comment on the document which I don't think is fair. So I will get my officials to go through the document and advice the government. I will get the new attorney general to look at it. It is fair that we go in an agreement of that nature of that importance after knowing what it has. WION: How much the Maldives owes to China? Abdulla Shahid: Finance minister was in parliament on Thursday and was asked the same question. He answered that figures don't tally. He said he was getting different figures from different departments. As soon as the FM is in a position to tell, I'll be in a better position to start comparing how much we owe to China and other countries. All we know up to now is that Yameen government has been most irresponsible in borrowing and taking us to the edge of the debt burden WION: Your take on China's one belt and one road initiative? Abdulla Shahid: Integration of economies of all countries of the region has to be thought about. The interest of the not only one country should be given priority. We will be looking into the integration of India, Sri Lanka and other countries of the region. WION: One country in the region continues to indulge in cross-border terror and SAARC has been defunct due to this? Abdulla Shahid: Terror is an issue that we need to address. We need to address at a regional level and international level. So the more we shy away from addressing it, the more, we damage the core values we sort to promote. We need to address the issue at the regional level.

With China tilt over, Maldives says it is looking for 'generous aid' from India

Asking Islamabad to act on Lashkar e-Taiba, the United States on the 10th anniversary of 26/11 terror attacks has <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2611-attacks-us-announces-5-million-reward-for-information-on-perpetrators-179416">announced a reward of up to $5 million</a> for information leading to the arrest or conviction of any individual who committed, conspired to commit, aided or abetted in the execution of the 2008 Mumbai attack.

US announced the reward under its Rewards for Justice (RFJ) Program.

10 years ago, on 26th November in 2008, Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar e-Taiba (LeT) carried out a series of coordinated terror attacks against multiple targets in Mumbai. The attack resulted in the deaths of 166 people, including six Americans.

In a release by the state department, US said it is "committed to working with our international partners to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attack."

Anyone with information can contact the Rewards for Justice office via the website, e-mail (info@rewardsforjustice.net), call on (800-877-3927 in North America), or mail (Rewards for Justice, Washington, D.C., 20520-0303, USA). Individuals can also contact the Regional Security Officer at the nearest US&nbsp;embassy or consulate.

All information under the reward is kept confidential. The Rewards for Justice program is administered by the US&nbsp;Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service. Since its inception in 1984, the program has paid in excess of $150 million to more than 100 people who provided actionable information that helped bring terrorists to justice or prevented acts of international terrorism worldwide.

Meanwhile, remembering the 26/11 attacks and expressing solidarity with India, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo in a statement on Monday said, "On behalf of the Government of the United States of America and all Americans, I express my solidarity with the people of India and the city of Mumbai on the 10th anniversary of the Mumbai terrorist attack. We stand with the families and friends of the victims, whose loved ones were lost in this act of barbarism, including six American citizens. The barbarity of 26/11 shocked the entire world."

US has been asking Pakistan to do more to rein in terror groups. Pompeo nudged Islamabad to do more and said, "We call upon all countries, particularly Pakistan, to uphold their UN Security Council obligations to implement sanctions against the terrorists responsible for this atrocity, including Lashkar e-Taiba and its affiliates."

Washington's announcement marks the third RFJ reward offer seeking information on the perpetrators of the Mumbai attack.

In April 2012, the Department of State announced reward offers for information that brings to justice LeT founder Hafiz Mohammad Saeed and Hafiz Abdul Rahman Makki, another senior LeT leader. For the last 10 years, US has been putting pressure on Pakistan.

In May 2005, the United Nations (UN) 1267 Sanctions Committee added LeT to the Consolidated UN Security Council Sanctions List.

The development comes days after PM Modi met US vice president Mike Pence on the sidelines of 13th East Asia Summit in Singapore and an expected meet between PM Modi and US president Donald Trump on the sidelines of G20 in Argentina.

Earlier last week, US President Donald Trump also lashed out at Pakistan for providing 'safe haven'&nbsp;to 9/11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden. He justified the aid cut to the country saying they do not do anything.

On Saturday, in a response to WION's questions, Pentagon spokesperson &nbsp;Lieutenant Colonel Koné Faulkner said, "We continue to press Pakistan to indiscriminately target all terrorist groups, including the Haqqani Network and LET."

&nbsp;

Asking Islamabad to act on Lashkar e-Taiba, the United States on the 10th anniversary of 26/11 terror attacks has announced a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of any individual who committed, conspired to commit, aided or abetted in the execution of the 2008 Mumbai attack.

Asking Islamabad to act on Lashkar e-Taiba, the United States on the 10th anniversary of 26/11 terror attacks has announced a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of any individual who committed, conspired to commit, aided or abetted in the execution of the 2008 Mumbai attack. US announced the reward under its Rewards for Justice (RFJ) Program. 10 years ago, on 26th November in 2008, Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar e-Taiba (LeT) carried out a series of coordinated terror attacks against multiple targets in Mumbai. The attack resulted in the deaths of 166 people, including six Americans. In a release by the state department, US said it is "committed to working with our international partners to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attack." Anyone with information can contact the Rewards for Justice office via the website, e-mail (info@rewardsforjustice.net), call on (800-877-3927 in North America), or mail (Rewards for Justice, Washington, D.C., 20520-0303, USA). Individuals can also contact the Regional Security Officer at the nearest US embassy or consulate. All information under the reward is kept confidential. The Rewards for Justice program is administered by the US Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service. Since its inception in 1984, the program has paid in excess of $150 million to more than 100 people who provided actionable information that helped bring terrorists to justice or prevented acts of international terrorism worldwide. Meanwhile, remembering the 26/11 attacks and expressing solidarity with India, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo in a statement on Monday said, "On behalf of the Government of the United States of America and all Americans, I express my solidarity with the people of India and the city of Mumbai on the 10th anniversary of the Mumbai terrorist attack. We stand with the families and friends of the victims, whose loved ones were lost in this act of barbarism, including six American citizens. The barbarity of 26/11 shocked the entire world." US has been asking Pakistan to do more to rein in terror groups. Pompeo nudged Islamabad to do more and said, "We call upon all countries, particularly Pakistan, to uphold their UN Security Council obligations to implement sanctions against the terrorists responsible for this atrocity, including Lashkar e-Taiba and its affiliates." Washington's announcement marks the third RFJ reward offer seeking information on the perpetrators of the Mumbai attack. In April 2012, the Department of State announced reward offers for information that brings to justice LeT founder Hafiz Mohammad Saeed and Hafiz Abdul Rahman Makki, another senior LeT leader. For the last 10 years, US has been putting pressure on Pakistan. In May 2005, the United Nations (UN) 1267 Sanctions Committee added LeT to the Consolidated UN Security Council Sanctions List. The development comes days after PM Modi met US vice president Mike Pence on the sidelines of 13th East Asia Summit in Singapore and an expected meet between PM Modi and US president Donald Trump on the sidelines of G20 in Argentina. Earlier last week, US President Donald Trump also lashed out at Pakistan for providing 'safe haven' to 9/11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden. He justified the aid cut to the country saying they do not do anything. On Saturday, in a response to WION's questions, Pentagon spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Koné Faulkner said, "We continue to press Pakistan to indiscriminately target all terrorist groups, including the Haqqani Network and LET."

26/11 attacks: US announces $5 million reward for info on perpetrators

India and China have agreed to continue the positive trajectory in the relationship and maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas at the 21st round of talks between the Special Representatives (SR) of two countries on the Boundary Issue.&nbsp;

According to a release by Ministry of External Affairs, "Special Representatives agreed that pending the final resolution of the boundary question, it is important to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas and to ensure that the boundary question does not affect the overall development of the bilateral relationship."&nbsp;

The meet was led by India's special representative and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Dujiangyan, Chengdu in China's Sichuan province. This was the first SR talks after the famous Wuhan informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this year.

During the Doval-Wang talks, both recalled the "strategic guidance and support" to their work provided by "the leaders at the Wuhan Summit" and resolved to intensify their efforts to "achieve a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the India-China boundary question" at an early date.

The Special representatives underlined the importance of approaching the boundary question from the "strategic perspective of India-China relations" and agreed that an "early settlement of the boundary question serves the fundamental interests of both countries."

Last year the SR talks took place in Delhi amid the Doklam crisis. The 73-day long Doklam standoff at China, India and Bhutan trijunction had led to conflict between Indian and Chinese forces at the border. This meeting is the first meeting after State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi took over as special representative.

The two Special Representatives also underlined the "importance of sustained and effective implementation of the directions" given by PM Modi and Chinese President and give "due respect for each other’s sensitivities, concerns and aspirations".

<img alt="India China meet" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6a5c98b3-ef4e-4ff2-a153-9cced292e8df" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/india%20china%202.jpg" />

(Image source: Chinese Foreign Minister)

China led China Pakistan economic corridor which passes through Pakistan occupied Kashmir and China not supporting New Delhi's bid for entry into Nuclear Suppliers Group has been a cause of concern for India. India is also worried as China has not been calling on its all-weather ally Pakistan for its support to terror groups.

During the talks, NSA Doval expressed his condolences over the attack on the Chinese Consulate in Karachi and strongly condemned the terrorist attack. The SR talks come ahead of PM Modi-President Xi meet on the sidelines of G20. This is the fourth meeting between the two leaders. The two leaders first met in April for the informal Wuhan summit, followed by meet in Qingdao in June 2018 on the sidelines of SCO and then in Johannesburg in July in the sidelines of BRICS summit. &nbsp;

The SR mechanism was established in 2003.

India and China have agreed to continue the positive trajectory in the relationship and maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas at the 21st round of talks between the Special Representatives (SR) of two countries on the Boundary Issue.

India and China have agreed to continue the positive trajectory in the relationship and maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas at the 21st round of talks between the Special Representatives (SR) of two countries on the Boundary Issue. According to a release by Ministry of External Affairs, "Special Representatives agreed that pending the final resolution of the boundary question, it is important to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas and to ensure that the boundary question does not affect the overall development of the bilateral relationship." The meet was led by India's special representative and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Dujiangyan, Chengdu in China's Sichuan province. This was the first SR talks after the famous Wuhan informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this year. During the Doval-Wang talks, both recalled the "strategic guidance and support" to their work provided by "the leaders at the Wuhan Summit" and resolved to intensify their efforts to "achieve a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the India-China boundary question" at an early date. The Special representatives underlined the importance of approaching the boundary question from the "strategic perspective of India-China relations" and agreed that an "early settlement of the boundary question serves the fundamental interests of both countries." Last year the SR talks took place in Delhi amid the Doklam crisis. The 73-day long Doklam standoff at China, India and Bhutan trijunction had led to conflict between Indian and Chinese forces at the border. This meeting is the first meeting after State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi took over as special representative. The two Special Representatives also underlined the "importance of sustained and effective implementation of the directions" given by PM Modi and Chinese President and give "due respect for each other’s sensitivities, concerns and aspirations". (Image source: Chinese Foreign Minister) China led China Pakistan economic corridor which passes through Pakistan occupied Kashmir and China not supporting New Delhi's bid for entry into Nuclear Suppliers Group has been a cause of concern for India. India is also worried as China has not been calling on its all-weather ally Pakistan for its support to terror groups. During the talks, NSA Doval expressed his condolences over the attack on the Chinese Consulate in Karachi and strongly condemned the terrorist attack. The SR talks come ahead of PM Modi-President Xi meet on the sidelines of G20. This is the fourth meeting between the two leaders. The two leaders first met in April for the informal Wuhan summit, followed by meet in Qingdao in June 2018 on the sidelines of SCO and then in Johannesburg in July in the sidelines of BRICS summit. The SR mechanism was established in 2003.

21st India, China border talks end with both agreeing to maintain peace along the border

On the eve of the 10th anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks the United States has again asked Pakistan to act on Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the terror group behind the attacks .&nbsp;

In a response to WION's questions, Pentagon spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Koné Faulkner said, "We continue to press Pakistan to indiscriminately target all terrorist groups, including the Haqqani Network and LeT."

When asked on Pakistan's role in Afghanistan, Faulkner said, "No country has more to gain than Pakistan from a peaceful Afghanistan. &nbsp;We continue to call on Pakistan to arrest, expel or bring the Taliban leadership to the negotiating table.".

This&nbsp;development comes days after US President Donald Trump slammed Pakistan in an interview to FOX News for not doing enough on terror and providing safe haven to 9/11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden.&nbsp;

US President has also lashed out at Pakistan on Twitter saying &nbsp;we paid "Pakistan Billions of Dollars &amp; they never told us he was living there."

In daring raid from across the border in Afghanistan,&nbsp;US special forces killed Osama Bin Laden inside his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan on&nbsp;April 2, 2011.

Pentagon also confirmed that it has suspended aid to Pakistan saying that last January "the Coalition Support Funds (CSF) security assistance the US provides to Pakistan was suspended" and this "suspension remains in place totalling approximately $1.66 billion in security assistance to Pakistan that has been frozen to date."

During his interview to Fox earlier this week, Trump said that aid was cut since Pakistan doesn't "do a damn thing" for united states.

The relationship between US and Pakistan are on the downward spiral due to Islamabad's inability to rein in on terror groups on its territory. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has been saying that Washington has been trying to make Islamabad a scapegoat due to its failure in Afghanistan.

On the eve of the 10th anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks the United States has again asked Pakistan to act on Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the terror group behind the attacks .

On the eve of the 10th anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks the United States has again asked Pakistan to act on Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the terror group behind the attacks . In a response to WION's questions, Pentagon spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Koné Faulkner said, "We continue to press Pakistan to indiscriminately target all terrorist groups, including the Haqqani Network and LeT." When asked on Pakistan's role in Afghanistan, Faulkner said, "No country has more to gain than Pakistan from a peaceful Afghanistan. We continue to call on Pakistan to arrest, expel or bring the Taliban leadership to the negotiating table.". This development comes days after US President Donald Trump slammed Pakistan in an interview to FOX News for not doing enough on terror and providing safe haven to 9/11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden. US President has also lashed out at Pakistan on Twitter saying we paid "Pakistan Billions of Dollars & they never told us he was living there." In daring raid from across the border in Afghanistan, US special forces killed Osama Bin Laden inside his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan on April 2, 2011. Pentagon also confirmed that it has suspended aid to Pakistan saying that last January "the Coalition Support Funds (CSF) security assistance the US provides to Pakistan was suspended" and this "suspension remains in place totalling approximately $1.66 billion in security assistance to Pakistan that has been frozen to date." During his interview to Fox earlier this week, Trump said that aid was cut since Pakistan doesn't "do a damn thing" for united states. The relationship between US and Pakistan are on the downward spiral due to Islamabad's inability to rein in on terror groups on its territory. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has been saying that Washington has been trying to make Islamabad a scapegoat due to its failure in Afghanistan.

US asks Pakistan to act against Lashkar-e-Taiba ahead of 10th anniversary of 26/11

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Kartarpur corridor will act as a bridge for the people of India and Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion of Guru Purab PM Modi said, "Kisne socha that ki Berlin ki deewar gir sakti hai? Shayad Guru Nanak Dev Ji ke aashirwad se, Kartarpur ka corridor sirf corrdior nahi, jan jan ko jodne ka bahut bada karan ban sakta hai (Who would have thought that Berlin wall would fall. With the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev ji , Kartarpur corridor will not be just a corridor but will act as a bridge to connect people)."

''We do not wish bad for anyone…we believe in Vasudhev Kutumbkam,'' Modi said and added that the sacrifices of the Sikh gurus have built and protected the country.

This is the first comment by PM Modi on the Kartarpur corridor.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh will jointly lay the foundation stone of the corridor project in Dera Baba Nanak area of Gurdaspur district on November 26.

The Union Cabinet had on Thursday decided to develop the corridor from Gurdaspur in Punjab to the International Border (IB) to facilitate the passage of pilgrims to the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan as part of the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev, next year.

The Centre also clarified that India's decision was not in response to any proposal from Pakistan.

"1947 me jo hua so hua.. kuchh aisi batein jo shayad sarkron aur senaon key beech hota hoga.. lekin jan jan ka judaw.. people to people contact ki ek takat hoti hai (Whatever happened in 1947, there are some things...Whatever happens between the governments, the armies happens.. but people to people contact has a power)," the Prime Minister said on Friday.

The Kartarpur Corridor project will be implemented as an integrated development project with funding by Government of India. India had approached Pakistan through its high commission in Delhi and urged it develop the corridor. Pakistan has also announced the development of corridor on its side of the border.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, while briefing the Pakistani National Assembly on Friday, announced that Islamabad has decided to open the Kartarpur Corridor for the 550th Birth Anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak next year. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will hold the groundbreaking ceremony on the Pakistan side on November 28, 2018.

The gurdwara is significant for the Sikh community since Guru Nanak Dev spent 18 years of his life in Kartarpur till he died in 1539.

It is located around 2 km from the IB between both countries and can be seen from the Indian side.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Kartarpur corridor will act as a bridge for the people of India and Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion of Guru Purab PM Modi said, "Kisne socha that ki Berlin ki deewar gir sakti hai?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Kartarpur corridor will act as a bridge for the people of India and Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion of Guru Purab PM Modi said, "Kisne socha that ki Berlin ki deewar gir sakti hai? Shayad Guru Nanak Dev Ji ke aashirwad se, Kartarpur ka corridor sirf corrdior nahi, jan jan ko jodne ka bahut bada karan ban sakta hai (Who would have thought that Berlin wall would fall. With the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev ji , Kartarpur corridor will not be just a corridor but will act as a bridge to connect people)." ''We do not wish bad for anyone…we believe in Vasudhev Kutumbkam,'' Modi said and added that the sacrifices of the Sikh gurus have built and protected the country. This is the first comment by PM Modi on the Kartarpur corridor. President Ram Nath Kovind and Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh will jointly lay the foundation stone of the corridor project in Dera Baba Nanak area of Gurdaspur district on November 26. The Union Cabinet had on Thursday decided to develop the corridor from Gurdaspur in Punjab to the International Border (IB) to facilitate the passage of pilgrims to the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan as part of the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev, next year. The Centre also clarified that India's decision was not in response to any proposal from Pakistan. "1947 me jo hua so hua.. kuchh aisi batein jo shayad sarkron aur senaon key beech hota hoga.. lekin jan jan ka judaw.. people to people contact ki ek takat hoti hai (Whatever happened in 1947, there are some things...Whatever happens between the governments, the armies happens.. but people to people contact has a power)," the Prime Minister said on Friday. The Kartarpur Corridor project will be implemented as an integrated development project with funding by Government of India. India had approached Pakistan through its high commission in Delhi and urged it develop the corridor. Pakistan has also announced the development of corridor on its side of the border. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, while briefing the Pakistani National Assembly on Friday, announced that Islamabad has decided to open the Kartarpur Corridor for the 550th Birth Anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak next year. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will hold the groundbreaking ceremony on the Pakistan side on November 28, 2018. The gurdwara is significant for the Sikh community since Guru Nanak Dev spent 18 years of his life in Kartarpur till he died in 1539. It is located around 2 km from the IB between both countries and can be seen from the Indian side.

Kartarpur corridor will act as a bridge for people of India and Pakistan: PM Modi 

A day after India and Pakistan announced that they will be building Kartarpur corridor on the respective sides of the border, India slammed Pakistan for not giving consular access to its diplomats to meet the Indian Sikh Yatris. New Delhi lodged a strong protest with Islamabad that despite having been granted prior travel permission by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan the Consular officials of the High Commission of India were "harassed and denied access".

In a statement India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said,"We have shared our grave concern that this is the third consecutive visit of the Indian Sikh pilgrims when Pakistan has prevented the Indian High Commission officials from meeting the visiting Indian nationals on the pretext of security in order to deflect attention from Pakistan’s violation of the international legal instruments and conventions like the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963."

Indian diplomats were denied access to meet Indian Pilgrims on November 21 and 22 at Gurudwara Nankana Sahib and Gurudwara Sacha Sauda.

India also said that "this is also in breach of the letter and spirit of the 1974 Bilateral Protocol on visit to religious shrines and the Code of Conduct for the treatment of diplomatic/consular personnel in India and Pakistan, 1992."

The treatment is in contrast to the treatment met out to Pakistani High Commissioner and the Consular officials in New Delhi who have been provided full access to meet the Pakistani pilgrims who are currently in India on a pilgrimage to Kalyar Sharif.

India also raised the issue of Pakistan supporting pro-Khalistani groups with Khalistani flags being waved&nbsp;at Nagar kirtans at religious places like Nankana Sahib. Expressing "grave concern" at these developments New Delhi said Islamabad is trying to "incite communal disharmony and intolerance and promote secessionist tendencies with the objective of undermining India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity."&nbsp;

Calling Pakistan to not allow its territory to be used for any "hostile propaganda and support for secessionist tendencies against India", India reminded the country to keep the commitments made by it under the Simla Agreement, 1972 and Lahore Declaration, 1999.

On Thursday, India announced that it will be making the Kartarpur Corridor and the foundation stone will be laid on November 26&nbsp;by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind and Punjab Chief Minister Amrinder Singh. The Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan will be laying stone its side of Kartarpur Corridor on November 28.

Kartarpur Gurudwara is just 3 kilometres away from the Indian border and can be seen from across the border. It is holy for Sikhs since Guru Nanak Dev ji spent 18 years of his life. It was a long-standing demand of the Sikh community and India had been pursuing it for a long time for Pakistan to build a corridor till the Gurudwara.&nbsp;

A day after India and Pakistan announced that they will be building Kartarpur corridor on the respective sides of the border, India slammed Pakistan for not giving consular access to its diplomats to meet the Indian Sikh Yatris.

A day after India and Pakistan announced that they will be building Kartarpur corridor on the respective sides of the border, India slammed Pakistan for not giving consular access to its diplomats to meet the Indian Sikh Yatris. New Delhi lodged a strong protest with Islamabad that despite having been granted prior travel permission by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan the Consular officials of the High Commission of India were "harassed and denied access". In a statement India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said,"We have shared our grave concern that this is the third consecutive visit of the Indian Sikh pilgrims when Pakistan has prevented the Indian High Commission officials from meeting the visiting Indian nationals on the pretext of security in order to deflect attention from Pakistan’s violation of the international legal instruments and conventions like the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963." Indian diplomats were denied access to meet Indian Pilgrims on November 21 and 22 at Gurudwara Nankana Sahib and Gurudwara Sacha Sauda. India also said that "this is also in breach of the letter and spirit of the 1974 Bilateral Protocol on visit to religious shrines and the Code of Conduct for the treatment of diplomatic/consular personnel in India and Pakistan, 1992." The treatment is in contrast to the treatment met out to Pakistani High Commissioner and the Consular officials in New Delhi who have been provided full access to meet the Pakistani pilgrims who are currently in India on a pilgrimage to Kalyar Sharif. India also raised the issue of Pakistan supporting pro-Khalistani groups with Khalistani flags being waved at Nagar kirtans at religious places like Nankana Sahib. Expressing "grave concern" at these developments New Delhi said Islamabad is trying to "incite communal disharmony and intolerance and promote secessionist tendencies with the objective of undermining India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity." Calling Pakistan to not allow its territory to be used for any "hostile propaganda and support for secessionist tendencies against India", India reminded the country to keep the commitments made by it under the Simla Agreement, 1972 and Lahore Declaration, 1999. On Thursday, India announced that it will be making the Kartarpur Corridor and the foundation stone will be laid on November 26 by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind and Punjab Chief Minister Amrinder Singh. The Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan will be laying stone its side of Kartarpur Corridor on November 28. Kartarpur Gurudwara is just 3 kilometres away from the Indian border and can be seen from across the border. It is holy for Sikhs since Guru Nanak Dev ji spent 18 years of his life. It was a long-standing demand of the Sikh community and India had been pursuing it for a long time for Pakistan to build a corridor till the Gurudwara.

India slams Pakistan for not granting diplomatic access to Indian Sikh pilgrims

In what can be considered a big boost to the Indo-Pacific concept, Thailand, the chair for ASEAN 2019, has said that the grouping is working on a common approach to the Indo-Pacific concept. Speaking on “ASEAN in 2019: Thailand’s Chairmanship” at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreign minister Don Pramudwinai said, "ASEAN is working on a common approach on an Indo-Pacific concept that complements existing frameworks such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association or IORA."

The Indo-Pacific concept has been gaining ground with the United States and India increasingly collaborating on it with a focus on ASEAN centrality. The Thai FM also said, "New proposals regarding the regional architecture also need to complement existing frameworks of cooperation and the ASEAN-centred regional architecture."

Thailand takes over from Singapore which had been the chair for 2018.

Delhi and Washington consider themselves as the bookends of Indo Pacific and US recently changed the name of its largest naval commands--the Pacific command-- to Indo Pacific Command. Earlier this year speaking at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described India's view of Indo Pacific and said for New Delhi, "Inclusiveness, openness and ASEAN centrality and unity lie at the heart of the new Indo-Pacific. "

The comments by Thailand comes even as Indonesia was also focusing on Indo Pacific on the concept with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi during her annual press statements on January 9,&nbsp;2018 saying Jakarta "will continue to contribute in advancing a strong positive cooperation in the Indo-Pacific". Last year during Indonesian PM Joko Widodo's India visit, New Delhi and Jakarta adopted “Shared Vision on Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific between India and Indonesia”.

China refuses to recognise the concept and usage of the term Indo Pacific since it believes it India centric term. The US has been announcing a number of infrastructures projects for the region to counter Beijing's one belt one road initiative. The recent APEC meet in Papua new guinea saw an open clash between US Vice President Mike Pence and Chinese President Xi Jinping.&nbsp;

Both Bejing and Washington are trying to woo ASEAN and comments by Bangkok and Jakarta will be welcomed by both the US and India.

In what can be considered a big boost to the Indo-Pacific concept, Thailand, the chair for ASEAN 2019, has said that the grouping is working on a common approach to the Indo-Pacific concept.

In what can be considered a big boost to the Indo-Pacific concept, Thailand, the chair for ASEAN 2019, has said that the grouping is working on a common approach to the Indo-Pacific concept. Speaking on “ASEAN in 2019: Thailand’s Chairmanship” at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreign minister Don Pramudwinai said, "ASEAN is working on a common approach on an Indo-Pacific concept that complements existing frameworks such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association or IORA." The Indo-Pacific concept has been gaining ground with the United States and India increasingly collaborating on it with a focus on ASEAN centrality. The Thai FM also said, "New proposals regarding the regional architecture also need to complement existing frameworks of cooperation and the ASEAN-centred regional architecture." Thailand takes over from Singapore which had been the chair for 2018. Delhi and Washington consider themselves as the bookends of Indo Pacific and US recently changed the name of its largest naval commands--the Pacific command-- to Indo Pacific Command. Earlier this year speaking at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described India's view of Indo Pacific and said for New Delhi, "Inclusiveness, openness and ASEAN centrality and unity lie at the heart of the new Indo-Pacific. " The comments by Thailand comes even as Indonesia was also focusing on Indo Pacific on the concept with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi during her annual press statements on January 9, 2018 saying Jakarta "will continue to contribute in advancing a strong positive cooperation in the Indo-Pacific". Last year during Indonesian PM Joko Widodo's India visit, New Delhi and Jakarta adopted “Shared Vision on Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific between India and Indonesia”. China refuses to recognise the concept and usage of the term Indo Pacific since it believes it India centric term. The US has been announcing a number of infrastructures projects for the region to counter Beijing's one belt one road initiative. The recent APEC meet in Papua new guinea saw an open clash between US Vice President Mike Pence and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both Bejing and Washington are trying to woo ASEAN and comments by Bangkok and Jakarta will be welcomed by both the US and India.

ASEAN working on common approach to Indo-Pacific concept: 2019 chair Thailand

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Siddhant Sibal

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