In a major goodwill gesture from the UK, the country has returned a 12th-century old statue of Buddha which was stolen from India 57 years ago in 1961.

It was returned by Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) in a special event as part India's 72nd Independence Day celebrations. Detective chief inspector Sheila Stewart who was accompanied by officials from UK's department for digital, culture, media and sports handed over the statue to the Indian high commissioner YK Sinha.&nbsp;

Lauding the cooperation between the two countries, Indian High Commissioner YK Sinha said, "its a wonderful gesture of handing over priceless Buddha statue. Nalanda was the grandest and biggest university of the ancient world and great centre of Buddhist learning.&nbsp;It's&nbsp;a great honour and privilege to accept the return of Lord Buddha's statue".

Highlighting the cultural diplomacy, Michael Tyrone Ellis Under-Secretary of State at UK's Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said, " As we celebrate India’s Independence Day, I am proud to highlight the latest example of the UK's cultural diplomacy in action. Thanks to the work of the Metropolitan Police’s Arts and Antiques Unit, we are one of the first countries to recover one of the fourteen elusive Buddha statues stolen from Nalanda nearly sixty years ago. This underlines how law enforcement and the London art market are working hand in hand to deliver positive cultural diplomacy to the world"

The Buddha statue, a bronze statue with silver inlay from the post-Gupta 12th century period was one of the 14 statues stolen in 1961 from the Archaeological Survey of India site museum in Nalanda, Bihar.&nbsp;

There was no knowledge of the image till earlier this year when Vijay Kumar of India Pride Project got in touch with the High Commission and MET police.

India Pride Project is a volunteer-network spread across the globe, that tracks and brings back India's stolen heritage. The statue was being auctioned organized by a &nbsp;London based dealer.&nbsp;

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), which is the territorial police force responsible for law enforcement in Greater London, acted swiftly to investigate the case and got experts from the International Council of Museums (ICOM) who confirmed that it was the stolen statue.

Both the dealer and the consignor fully cooperated with the police and it was decided to return the statue back.

The statue will be handed over to the Archaeological Survey of India. Though many will ask questions now, when will Britain return the Koh-i-Noor diamond, which is part of the British Crown jewels now.

Lauding the cooperation between the 2 countries, Indian High Commissioner YK Sinha said, 'its a wonderful gesture of handing over priceless Buddha statue'.

In a major goodwill gesture from the UK, the country has returned a 12th-century old statue of Buddha which was stolen from India 57 years ago in 1961. It was returned by Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) in a special event as part India's 72nd Independence Day celebrations. Detective chief inspector Sheila Stewart who was accompanied by officials from UK's department for digital, culture, media and sports handed over the statue to the Indian high commissioner YK Sinha. Lauding the cooperation between the two countries, Indian High Commissioner YK Sinha said, "its a wonderful gesture of handing over priceless Buddha statue. Nalanda was the grandest and biggest university of the ancient world and great centre of Buddhist learning. It's a great honour and privilege to accept the return of Lord Buddha's statue". Highlighting the cultural diplomacy, Michael Tyrone Ellis Under-Secretary of State at UK's Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said, " As we celebrate India’s Independence Day, I am proud to highlight the latest example of the UK's cultural diplomacy in action. Thanks to the work of the Metropolitan Police’s Arts and Antiques Unit, we are one of the first countries to recover one of the fourteen elusive Buddha statues stolen from Nalanda nearly sixty years ago. This underlines how law enforcement and the London art market are working hand in hand to deliver positive cultural diplomacy to the world" The Buddha statue, a bronze statue with silver inlay from the post-Gupta 12th century period was one of the 14 statues stolen in 1961 from the Archaeological Survey of India site museum in Nalanda, Bihar. There was no knowledge of the image till earlier this year when Vijay Kumar of India Pride Project got in touch with the High Commission and MET police. India Pride Project is a volunteer-network spread across the globe, that tracks and brings back India's stolen heritage. The statue was being auctioned organized by a London based dealer. The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), which is the territorial police force responsible for law enforcement in Greater London, acted swiftly to investigate the case and got experts from the International Council of Museums (ICOM) who confirmed that it was the stolen statue. Both the dealer and the consignor fully cooperated with the police and it was decided to return the statue back. The statue will be handed over to the Archaeological Survey of India. Though many will ask questions now, when will Britain return the Koh-i-Noor diamond, which is part of the British Crown jewels now.

On Indian Independence day, UK returns 57-year-old stolen Buddha statue

The Islamabad High Court has slapped a fine on the Pakistani Defence Secretary and rapped the country's powerful ISI agency. This is rare&nbsp;in a country where the army is usually out of bounds.&nbsp;

The court had been hearing a case related to two missing brothers who, Pakistani newspapers reported last month, were allegedly "disappeared" by a "spy agency".&nbsp;

The court had, at the time, told the country's all-powerful army and the ISI to not meddle in the affairs of other departments. The court added that the country's agencies needed to stay within the bounds of the country's constitution.&nbsp;

The court also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh each on:&nbsp;

a. Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Lt General (retd) Zamirul Hassan Shah &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
b. Islamabad Chief Commissioner, Zulfiqar Haider 
c. Islamabad Inspector General of Police, Khalid Khan Khattak 
d. Islamabad District Magistrate Capt (retd) Mushtaq Ahmed.

Interestingly, in its judgement, the court borrowed from the famous Supreme Court of India's&nbsp;judgement in "Bhim Singh, MLA vs State of J&K and others".&nbsp;

On the ISI meanwhile, the court said: "It is the duty of the Special Branch, Intelligence Bureau, the Inter-Services Intelligence and the Military Intelligence to collect information and promptly report to the concerned functionaries regarding any incident of abduction of a citizen having the characteristics of an 'enforced disappearance' and to take effective measures in tracing the whereabouts of the victim."

The Islamabad High Court’s Justice Athar Minallah added that “enforced disappearance is one of the cruellest and inhuman acts and categorised as a crime against humanity.”

The Defence Secretary and three other senior officials were fined Rs 1 lakh each by the Islamabad High Court.

The Islamabad High Court has slapped a fine on the Pakistani Defence Secretary and rapped the country's powerful ISI agency. This is rare in a country where the army is usually out of bounds. The court had been hearing a case related to two missing brothers who, Pakistani newspapers reported last month, were allegedly "disappeared" by a "spy agency". The court had, at the time, told the country's all-powerful army and the ISI to not meddle in the affairs of other departments. The court added that the country's agencies needed to stay within the bounds of the country's constitution. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh each on: a. Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Lt General (retd) Zamirul Hassan Shah b. Islamabad Chief Commissioner, Zulfiqar Haider c. Islamabad Inspector General of Police, Khalid Khan Khattak d. Islamabad District Magistrate Capt (retd) Mushtaq Ahmed. Interestingly, in its judgement, the court borrowed from the famous Supreme Court of India's judgement in "Bhim Singh, MLA vs State of J&K and others". On the ISI meanwhile, the court said: "It is the duty of the Special Branch, Intelligence Bureau, the Inter-Services Intelligence and the Military Intelligence to collect information and promptly report to the concerned functionaries regarding any incident of abduction of a citizen having the characteristics of an 'enforced disappearance' and to take effective measures in tracing the whereabouts of the victim." The Islamabad High Court’s Justice Athar Minallah added that “enforced disappearance is one of the cruellest and inhuman acts and categorised as a crime against humanity.”

In historic first, court in Pak takes on Army, ISI

In what seems to be a deja vu, another Maldivian hotel has shut doors to Indians to get employment in the country. The Hulhule Island Hotel, located near the busy Malé International Airport has come with openings but said: "Due to visa restrictions — Maldivian, Sri Lankan, Nepalese, Thai, Filipino, Indonesians may apply only."&nbsp;

The advertisement by the hotel finds no mentions of Indians. WION had reached out to the hotel for a response but not got any before this copy went to the print.&nbsp;

WION spoke to two Indians impacted by work permit ban but they did not wish to disclose identity. Sounding hopeless, one person said, "I almost waited more than 5 months and nothing has changed. So many people lost their job some of them resigned from their previous job because they got an offer from the Maldives. Now they lost everything even the balance of their family". &nbsp;

Another one added, &nbsp;"HR asking me to wait. So as per my HR, we can still wait for 2-3 months. Let's see if the situation will change. But if it does not resolve, we will lose our jobs." 
&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Earlier this year, Alexander Blair - General Manager of 'The St Regis' on his LinkedIn profile while advertising for a vacancy in his hotel said, "unfortunately with the current situation that work permits are not being granted to Indian nationals, we are ideally searching for an Indian who is holding another passport or is the spouse of a Maldivian."&nbsp;

WION was the first Indian Channel to raise the issue back then.

The Indian mission in the Maldives is trying its level best and is aware of difficulties faced by Indian nationals in getting Maldives visa. It has even taken up the matter several times with foreign ministry of Maldives and Maldives Department of Immigration. The Ministry of External Affairs has also raised the matter with Maldives Embassy in New Delhi.

Though the grant or denial of visa is the discretion and sovereign authority of every country many would say the recent downward spiral in the ties between the two countries is the main reason of the work permit ban.

The former President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed in an interview to WION, when the work permit ban came to light said, "it will have negative implications for the Maldives especially the tourism industry." &nbsp;

He also asked India to step in so that the Maldives can have free and fair elections on 23rd September.

The Indian mission in the Maldives is trying its level best and is aware of difficulties faced by Indian nationals in getting Maldives visa.

In what seems to be a deja vu, another Maldivian hotel has shut doors to Indians to get employment in the country. The Hulhule Island Hotel, located near the busy Malé International Airport has come with openings but said: "Due to visa restrictions — Maldivian, Sri Lankan, Nepalese, Thai, Filipino, Indonesians may apply only." The advertisement by the hotel finds no mentions of Indians. WION had reached out to the hotel for a response but not got any before this copy went to the print. WION spoke to two Indians impacted by work permit ban but they did not wish to disclose identity. Sounding hopeless, one person said, "I almost waited more than 5 months and nothing has changed. So many people lost their job some of them resigned from their previous job because they got an offer from the Maldives. Now they lost everything even the balance of their family". Another one added, "HR asking me to wait. So as per my HR, we can still wait for 2-3 months. Let's see if the situation will change. But if it does not resolve, we will lose our jobs." Earlier this year, Alexander Blair - General Manager of 'The St Regis' on his LinkedIn profile while advertising for a vacancy in his hotel said, "unfortunately with the current situation that work permits are not being granted to Indian nationals, we are ideally searching for an Indian who is holding another passport or is the spouse of a Maldivian." WION was the first Indian Channel to raise the issue back then. The Indian mission in the Maldives is trying its level best and is aware of difficulties faced by Indian nationals in getting Maldives visa. It has even taken up the matter several times with foreign ministry of Maldives and Maldives Department of Immigration. The Ministry of External Affairs has also raised the matter with Maldives Embassy in New Delhi. Though the grant or denial of visa is the discretion and sovereign authority of every country many would say the recent downward spiral in the ties between the two countries is the main reason of the work permit ban. The former President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed in an interview to WION, when the work permit ban came to light said, "it will have negative implications for the Maldives especially the tourism industry." He also asked India to step in so that the Maldives can have free and fair elections on 23rd September.

No work permit for Indians in Maldives continues

The Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad Ajay Bisaria on Friday met Pakistan's pm-elect Imran Khan, in a meeting that lasted 30 minutes and&nbsp;saw a candid exchange of views. India raised the issue of terror, something that has been a cause of concern for not only for India but for the entire region.

In a press release, the Indian high commission in Pakistan said, "The Indian High Commissioner briefed the PTI leadership on India’s concerns about terrorism and cross-border infiltration."

This is also in line with India's long-standing policy of "talks and terror can't go together". The Indian government has consistently raised the issue of cross-border terrorism with Islamabad and has many times called upon Pakistan to not allow its territory to support or aid terror in any manner.

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-to-take-oath-as-prime-minister-on-august-18th-pti-158307">Also Read:&nbsp;Imran Khan to take oath as Prime Minister on August 18th, says&nbsp;PTI</a>

The High Commissioner congratulated Imran Khan on his electoral success and discussed a range of issues focusing on "prospects of the India-Pakistan relationship".

Pakistan has been facing flak since the country has been not only supporting terror but allowing its territory to be used by internationally designated terrorist entities and individuals such as Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizbul Mujahideen.

Ahead of the recently concluded elections, the country saw 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed putting his candidates including son and son-in-law to fight elections which many called as active mainstreaming of terror.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The Indian High Commissioner briefed the PTI leadership on India’s concerns about terrorism and cross-border infiltration. 
 
The High Commissioner gifted Mr. Khan a bat autographed by the entire Indian cricket team. 
 
Date: August 10, 2018 <a href="https://t.co/E1J7NxDjrV">pic.twitter.com/E1J7NxDjrV</a>
— India in Pakistan (@IndiainPakistan) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainPakistan/status/1027920372908417026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) at its plenary in June 2018 had put Pakistan on the ‘grey list’ due to continuing terror financing related concerns, including with respect to the UN proscribed terrorist entities like LeT, JuD and Falah-i-Insaniyat.&nbsp;

The Indian High Commissioner also gifted Imran Khan a bat autographed by the entire Indian cricket team.

Meanwhile, in a separate press release, Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) media department said, "Chairman PTI welcomed the positive message conveyed by the Indian High Commissioner on behalf of his government and reiterated his hope for both countries to move forward for the betterment of the people of the subcontinent."

PM Modi had spoken to Imran Khan after his election victory. According to an MEA release, PM Modi congratulated him for his party emerging as the largest political party in the National Assembly of Pakistan and reiterated his "vision of peace and development in the entire neighbourhood."

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Indian HC Ajay Bisaria called on Mr Imran Khan, Chairperson & senior leadership of PTI. HC congratulated <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> on his electoral success, discussed range of issues, prospects of India-Pak relationship. HC gifted a cricket bat autographed by the entire Indian cricket team. <a href="https://t.co/xtdZ8H8ZQ5">pic.twitter.com/xtdZ8H8ZQ5</a>
— India in Pakistan (@IndiainPakistan) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainPakistan/status/1027891406734544897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPL1UqtnwOc" width="560"></iframe>

This is India's first high-level engagement with Imran since PM Modi called him up after his victory in the July 25th elections.

The Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad Ajay Bisaria on Friday met Pakistan's pm-elect Imran Khan, in a meeting that lasted 30 minutes and saw a candid exchange of views. India raised the issue of terror, something that has been a cause of concern for not only for India but for the entire region. In a press release, the Indian high commission in Pakistan said, "The Indian High Commissioner briefed the PTI leadership on India’s concerns about terrorism and cross-border infiltration." This is also in line with India's long-standing policy of "talks and terror can't go together". The Indian government has consistently raised the issue of cross-border terrorism with Islamabad and has many times called upon Pakistan to not allow its territory to support or aid terror in any manner. Also Read: Imran Khan to take oath as Prime Minister on August 18th, says PTI The High Commissioner congratulated Imran Khan on his electoral success and discussed a range of issues focusing on "prospects of the India-Pakistan relationship". Pakistan has been facing flak since the country has been not only supporting terror but allowing its territory to be used by internationally designated terrorist entities and individuals such as Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizbul Mujahideen. Ahead of the recently concluded elections, the country saw 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed putting his candidates including son and son-in-law to fight elections which many called as active mainstreaming of terror. The Indian High Commissioner briefed the PTI leadership on India’s concerns about terrorism and cross-border infiltration. The High Commissioner gifted Mr. Khan a bat autographed by the entire Indian cricket team. Date: August 10, 2018 pic.twitter.com/E1J7NxDjrV — India in Pakistan (@IndiainPakistan) August 10, 2018 × The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) at its plenary in June 2018 had put Pakistan on the ‘grey list’ due to continuing terror financing related concerns, including with respect to the UN proscribed terrorist entities like LeT, JuD and Falah-i-Insaniyat. The Indian High Commissioner also gifted Imran Khan a bat autographed by the entire Indian cricket team. Meanwhile, in a separate press release, Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) media department said, "Chairman PTI welcomed the positive message conveyed by the Indian High Commissioner on behalf of his government and reiterated his hope for both countries to move forward for the betterment of the people of the subcontinent." PM Modi had spoken to Imran Khan after his election victory. According to an MEA release, PM Modi congratulated him for his party emerging as the largest political party in the National Assembly of Pakistan and reiterated his "vision of peace and development in the entire neighbourhood." Indian HC Ajay Bisaria called on Mr Imran Khan, Chairperson & senior leadership of PTI. HC congratulated @ImranKhanPTI on his electoral success, discussed range of issues, prospects of India-Pak relationship. HC gifted a cricket bat autographed by the entire Indian cricket team. pic.twitter.com/xtdZ8H8ZQ5 — India in Pakistan (@IndiainPakistan) August 10, 2018 ×

Indian High Commissioner Bisaria meets Imran, raises terror & cross-border infiltration issues

The US department also expressed concerns about the constraints put on Pakistani press ahead of the Pakistani election. The US State dept told WION, "We are concerned by reports of constraints placed on freedoms of expression, association, and the press leading up to the elections."&nbsp;

The Pakistani press has seen censorship in the run-up to elections. The country's most popular newspaper --Dawn's distribution was disrupted after an interview with Nawaz Sharif in which he said non-state actors in Pakistan were responsible for 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

Reporters Without Borders issued a release which said,"the unwarranted blocking of the distribution of one of the main independent newspapers has yet again shown that the military are determined to maintain their grip on access to news and information in Pakistan".

In another case, a Pakistani journalist and a known critic of the military, Gul Bukhari was abducted and later freed. Earlier this year unofficial instructions were given to cable tv operators in Pakistan to stop carrying Geo News, a channel who was believed to be giving more air time to former PM of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif.

Pakistan is ranked 139th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders's 2018 World Press Freedom Index.

In the run-up to the big event on 25th July, Indian Media wasn't given any visa to cover Pakistan elections and the Pakistan high commission in Delhi told the media that they haven't got any "permission from Islamabad."&nbsp;

Every major news channel in India had applied for visas to cover Pakistani elections. Even Imran Khan, in his press statement after the announcement of the election results, commented on Indian media and said he has been "portrayed by Indian media... As a bollywood villain."

S Venkat Narayan. President of the Foreign Correspondent's club in Delhi reacting on the development said, "Very disappointing that Pakistan High Commission is not issuing visas to Indian media to cover Pakistan elections. How can relations between India and Pakistan get better if media representatives are not allowed to cover what are claimed to be democratic elections?".

Many have been saying that this was the dirtiest election the country has seen in its history.

Pakistan is ranked 139th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders's 2018 World Press Freedom Index.

The US department also expressed concerns about the constraints put on Pakistani press ahead of the Pakistani election. The US State dept told WION, "We are concerned by reports of constraints placed on freedoms of expression, association, and the press leading up to the elections." The Pakistani press has seen censorship in the run-up to elections. The country's most popular newspaper --Dawn's distribution was disrupted after an interview with Nawaz Sharif in which he said non-state actors in Pakistan were responsible for 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Reporters Without Borders issued a release which said,"the unwarranted blocking of the distribution of one of the main independent newspapers has yet again shown that the military are determined to maintain their grip on access to news and information in Pakistan". In another case, a Pakistani journalist and a known critic of the military, Gul Bukhari was abducted and later freed. Earlier this year unofficial instructions were given to cable tv operators in Pakistan to stop carrying Geo News, a channel who was believed to be giving more air time to former PM of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif. Pakistan is ranked 139th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders's 2018 World Press Freedom Index. In the run-up to the big event on 25th July, Indian Media wasn't given any visa to cover Pakistan elections and the Pakistan high commission in Delhi told the media that they haven't got any "permission from Islamabad." Every major news channel in India had applied for visas to cover Pakistani elections. Even Imran Khan, in his press statement after the announcement of the election results, commented on Indian media and said he has been "portrayed by Indian media... As a bollywood villain." S Venkat Narayan. President of the Foreign Correspondent's club in Delhi reacting on the development said, "Very disappointing that Pakistan High Commission is not issuing visas to Indian media to cover Pakistan elections. How can relations between India and Pakistan get better if media representatives are not allowed to cover what are claimed to be democratic elections?". Many have been saying that this was the dirtiest election the country has seen in its history.

US looking to work with new Pak govt but expresses concern on press freedom

Ahead of the meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Bejing has suggested "China-India plus one" or "China-India plus X" cooperation model.

"We hope that the two sides will follow through on the consensus between the two leaders to vigorously explore 'China-India plus one'&nbsp;or 'China-India plus X'&nbsp;cooperation to achieve mutual benefits and win-win outcomes between China and India and other countries, and jointly make contributions to promoting regional and world peace, stability, development and prosperity,"&nbsp;China's foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang noted.

The comments come at a time of growing camaraderie between India and China.

This will be the third meeting between PM Modi and President XI in four months. In April, both met for the informal summit in Wuhan, they later met again in Qingdao on the sidelines of SCO summit and will now meet on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. China hopes the third meeting will showcase "the positive momentum in China-India relations".

Interestingly, both the leaders were hosted by Rwanda earlier this week. Both PM Modi and President Xi are currently on visits to Africa. The comments come at a time when China is also trying to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-seeks-bhutan-border-cooperation-after-india-spat-154137">engage with Bhutan</a>.

In the highest-level interaction between China and Bhutan since the Doklam incident, China's Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou was on a visit to Thimpu from July 22&nbsp;to 24. During his visit to Bhutan, he called on the king of Bhutan, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Foreign Minister Damcho Dorji and held talks with the Foreign Secretary. Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui accompanied him during the visit.&nbsp;

According to China's foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang, the two sides exchanged in-depth views on the "China-Bhutan relations and border issues and reached common understandings".&nbsp;

The visit comes months before Bhutan goes to the polls and can be seen as China reaching out to Bhutan. China and Bhutan do not have formal diplomatic ties.

'We hope that the two sides will follow through on the consensus between the two leaders to vigorously explore 'China-India plus one' or 'China-India plus X' cooperation to achieve mutual benefits and win-win outcomes...' China's foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said

Ahead of the meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Bejing has suggested "China-India plus one" or "China-India plus X" cooperation model. "We hope that the two sides will follow through on the consensus between the two leaders to vigorously explore 'China-India plus one' or 'China-India plus X' cooperation to achieve mutual benefits and win-win outcomes between China and India and other countries, and jointly make contributions to promoting regional and world peace, stability, development and prosperity," China's foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang noted. The comments come at a time of growing camaraderie between India and China. This will be the third meeting between PM Modi and President XI in four months. In April, both met for the informal summit in Wuhan, they later met again in Qingdao on the sidelines of SCO summit and will now meet on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. China hopes the third meeting will showcase "the positive momentum in China-India relations". Interestingly, both the leaders were hosted by Rwanda earlier this week. Both PM Modi and President Xi are currently on visits to Africa. The comments come at a time when China is also trying to engage with Bhutan. In the highest-level interaction between China and Bhutan since the Doklam incident, China's Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou was on a visit to Thimpu from July 22 to 24. During his visit to Bhutan, he called on the king of Bhutan, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Foreign Minister Damcho Dorji and held talks with the Foreign Secretary. Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui accompanied him during the visit. According to China's foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang, the two sides exchanged in-depth views on the "China-Bhutan relations and border issues and reached common understandings". The visit comes months before Bhutan goes to the polls and can be seen as China reaching out to Bhutan. China and Bhutan do not have formal diplomatic ties.

Ahead of Modi-Xi meet in South Africa, Bejing moots 'China-India plus one' cooperation model

Prime Minister Modi will be in Africa this week where he will visit three African countries--Rwanda, Uganda and South Africa. Following his bilateral visits to two countries in East Africa, he will take part in BRICS summit in South Africa. This will be the second visit of Prime Minister Modi to Africa. During his first visit, he visited six African countries.&nbsp;

He will begin his visit from Rwanda which will be from 23rd to 24th July followed by Uganda from 24th to 25th July and finally will end his visit in South Africa where he will take part in 10th BRICS summit.&nbsp;

Prime Minister’s official engagement in Rwanda and Uganda include bilateral meetings with the presidents, delegation level talks, and meetings with the business and the Indian communities. According to a release by the ministry of external affairs, a number of agreements and MoUs in the areas of Defence, trade, culture, Agriculture and Dairy cooperation are scheduled to be signed during the visits."

Hello Rwanda

The Indian PM will begin his Africa visit from Rwanda. This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Rwanda. Other than the official engagements, the PM&nbsp;will also visit the Genocide Memorial. Rwandan genocide in 1994 has been a tragic moment in the history of the country in which an estimated one lakh people were killed. Thankfully not a single Indian was harmed during the genocide in&nbsp;1994 and the evacuation of Indian nationals by the Indian Government from Rwanda to Bujumbura and Nairobi was not interfered with by Rwandan Patriotic Front or the Government forces.

India elevated its bilateral relations with Rwanda to the level of a strategic partnership in January 2017. A regular visitor in India, Rwanda's President Paul Kagame visited Delhi in Jan 2017 to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017 and later in March 2018 to participate in the Founding Conference of International Solar Alliance (ISA). Rwanda is part of India led International solar alliance and has ratified the Framework Agreement of International Solar Alliance.&nbsp;

India-Rwanda connect

Paul Kagame has visited India four times during his tenure, thrice in his private capacity. There are approximately 3000 Indian nationals and PIOs in Rwanda and the country's only sugar refinery, its only modern textile mill as well as a soap and cosmetic factory are all PIO-owned. In June 2016, an Indian company, Aroma International, announced an investment of about US $1 million in the laundry and detergent sector of Rwanda.&nbsp;

India right now doesn't have a mission in Rwanda but will be opening its Mission in Rwanda very soon. In fact, India announced its envoy last week only. &nbsp;India will conclude two LoCs – one of US $100 million for development of industrial parks and Kigali SEZ and another for US $100 million for agriculture and irrigation during the visit of Prime Minister.

India to give 200 cows to Rwanda

PM Modi will visit Rweru model village in the country and gift 200 cows as a contribution from India to the Girinka scheme of Rwanda. "Girinka” or one cow per family is a national social protection scheme of Rwanda personally initiated by President Paul Kagame. The poorest families are gifted dairy cows by the Government and the first female calf born of the cow is gifted to the neighbour. All cows will be Rwandan cows.

Why Rwanda matters?

Rwanda is considered an important gateway to East Africa. The country&nbsp;holds the chair of African Union and hosted the Assembly of the African Union in March 2018 in Kigali where African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCTA) establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area was signed.

Fouty-four members of the African Union signed the Agreement. Once ratified, the Agreement would be the largest Free Trade Area in terms of participating countries since the formation of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Rwanda has played an important role in UN peacekeeping missions in Africa and is the third largest troop contributor for peacekeeping in Africa. The country plays an important role in the UN Mission (MINUSCA) in Central African Republic.

Uganda calling

This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Uganda in over 21 years. The last time an Indian PM visited Uganda was in the year 1997. Prime Minister will address at Parliament of Uganda thus becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address it. His address will be telecasted live in India and in many African countries.&nbsp;

Engagements, especially on defence, have continued. Training and capacity building has been the focus of bilateral defence cooperation. India has an Indian Military Training Team (IMTT) stationed at Jinja since 2010. India is expected to extend two lines of credit of US $141 million for electricity lines and US$ 64 million for agriculture and dairy production. This will be for the first time India will extend LoC to Uganda.

Uganda is currently Chair of East African Community and its capital Kampala can be base of Indian investments in East Africa.&nbsp;

There are over 30,000 Indians / PIOs in Uganda. &nbsp;During the reign of President Amin in the early 70’s, nearly 60,000 Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Indians were expelled from Uganda. After Adi Amin's leading to an exodus of Indian origin people from the country, it was President Museveni who was responsible for inviting much of Indian community to return to the country assuring them of their safety and security. &nbsp;He has also been hosting the Indian community for Diwali dinners in the State House.&nbsp;

PIOs and NRIs are estimated to have invested over US $1 billion in Uganda in the last two decades. Indian Nationals/PIOs who constitute about 0.1% of Uganda’s total population of 35 million, contribute about 60% of Uganda’s direct taxes as per statistics of the Bank of Uganda and the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

South Africa: 10th BRICS Summit

In South Africa, the Prime Minister will have a bilateral meeting with the South African President and will attend the BRICS Summit. He will also have a bilateral meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, his 3rd since the Doklam standoff.

South Africa is organizing 10th BRICS Leaders’ Summit under the theme “BRICS in Africa: Collaboration with Developing Countries for Inclusive Growth and Shared Prosperity in the 4thIndustrial Revolution”. Other than BRICS, PM Modi will participate in Outreach with Leaders from Africa & Outreach with Leaders from Global South summit.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
In the BRICS Africa Outreach, those invited include Rwanda, Uganda, Togo, Zambia, Namibia, Senegal, Gabon, Ethiopia, Angola, and the African Union Chair In the BRICS Plus Outreach, the invited countries of the Global South include Argentina, Turkey, Indonesia, Jamaica and Egypt. The UN Secretary-General has also been invited. Clearly, many heads of states are expected to converge in Johannesburg.

According to MEA BRICS Leaders are expected to discuss "global hot-spot issues, international peace, and security, global governance,&nbsp;trade issues during the restricted session".&nbsp;

BRICS Rating Agency: An Indian Idea 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The idea of BRICS rating agency will also be taken up during the summit and it was confirmed by Secretary Economic Relations in MEA, TS Tirumurti to WION. India has been pressing forward on the idea and it was taken up during the 1st meeting of BRICS Finance ministers and central bank governors on the sidelines of IMF/World ban meetings in Washington in April this year.&nbsp;

The Indian finance ministry said in a statement in April that India, 'requested the Presidency to receive and take forward the report to be submitted by an expert group set up under the aegis of BRICS Business Council to study the feasibility of the BRICS Rating Agency"

The idea was proposed by India given the fact that 3 western rating agencies --S&P, Moody's and Fitch--dominate the rating market. The Idea of BRICS bank or New Development bank was also proposed by India during the 4th BRICS summit in 2012 in Delhi. The bank

India and China in Africa 
&nbsp; 
It is interesting to note that the Chinese President will also be on many African nation visits. His visit will coincide with a week-long visit of Indian PM. In a release ahead of Chinese President's visit, Chinese foreign ministry said,"The visits will promote the further deepening of political mutual trust, mutual development assistance, mutual learning on each other's concepts between China and Africa and the building of a closer China-Africa community of common destiny."

Currently, China is funding infrastructure projects in Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria and South Africa. But with support comes debt and Chinese debt has been creating a lot of issues globally--including on national sovereignty. &nbsp;Chinese Chequebook diplomacy has come under criticism.&nbsp;

In Rwanda, Indian PM's plane will land even as the Chinese President's plane takes off. While Chinese President will be in Rwanda from July 22nd to 23rd, Indian PM will be in the country from July 23rd to 24th. Chinese President will visit Senegal, Rwanda, South Africa and Mauritius. Like in the case of India, this is the first time any Chinese president is visiting Rwanda.&nbsp;

In a release, Rwanda said, " Discussions will touch upon continental matters in the context of the African Union, which President Kagame currently chairs. China and India are among Africa's most important and fast-growing economic partners".

China is increasing its presence in Africa and is the largest trading partner of Africa now. But is this a worry for India?&nbsp;Reacting to a question on Chinese President Xi Jinping and PM Modi presence in East Africa at the same time MEA said, "we don't see ourselves in competition with China".

India shares close, warm and friendly relations with Africa and a large presence of the Indian diaspora and Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi's link with South Africa only cements the ties. But increasingly both China and India are hoping to get a piece in Africa's economic and political space. Africa has been the top priority for both country's Foreign Policy.&nbsp;

MODI-XI Meet in South Africa

PM Modi will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Africa on the sidelines of BRICS Summit. Confirming the meet, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said, "on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, President Xi Jinping is expected to hold bilateral meetings with leaders of relevant countries, including Indian Prime Minister Modi. We are still making relevant arrangements.".

This would be the third meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi since their informal meeting in Wuhan in April. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry during the meet both the leaders "will exchange views on issues of mutual interest, including on international situation, bilateral relations and BRICS cooperation."

Ever since the Doklam standoff last year, India and China are trying to engage with each other. The Chinese ambassador Luo Zhaohui in New Delhi recently said, "we could not stand another Doklam incident". &nbsp;Hoping for a peaceful border he added, "boundary question between our two countries was left over by history. We need to build on convergence to find a mutually acceptable solution through the Special Representatives' Meeting while adopting confidence-building measures to maintain the peace and tranquillity along the border."

It's time for Africa, in India

Over the last few years, there has been a significant increase in India's engagement in various fields with African countries. There have been 23 outgoing visits to Africa at the level of President, Vice President and Prime Minister in the last four years. More than 40 Heads of State and Government took part at the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit in October 2015 in New Delhi. Several African Heads of State and Government took part in the International Solar Alliance Founding Conference in March 2018 in Delhi.

The visit will see 200 cows being gifted to Rwanda, an address to the Parliament of Uganda and a meet with Chinese President Xi in South Africa on the sidelines of BRICS.

Prime Minister Modi will be in Africa this week where he will visit three African countries--Rwanda, Uganda and South Africa. Following his bilateral visits to two countries in East Africa, he will take part in BRICS summit in South Africa. This will be the second visit of Prime Minister Modi to Africa. During his first visit, he visited six African countries. He will begin his visit from Rwanda which will be from 23rd to 24th July followed by Uganda from 24th to 25th July and finally will end his visit in South Africa where he will take part in 10th BRICS summit. Prime Minister’s official engagement in Rwanda and Uganda include bilateral meetings with the presidents, delegation level talks, and meetings with the business and the Indian communities. According to a release by the ministry of external affairs, a number of agreements and MoUs in the areas of Defence, trade, culture, Agriculture and Dairy cooperation are scheduled to be signed during the visits." Hello Rwanda The Indian PM will begin his Africa visit from Rwanda. This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Rwanda. Other than the official engagements, the PM will also visit the Genocide Memorial. Rwandan genocide in 1994 has been a tragic moment in the history of the country in which an estimated one lakh people were killed. Thankfully not a single Indian was harmed during the genocide in 1994 and the evacuation of Indian nationals by the Indian Government from Rwanda to Bujumbura and Nairobi was not interfered with by Rwandan Patriotic Front or the Government forces. India elevated its bilateral relations with Rwanda to the level of a strategic partnership in January 2017. A regular visitor in India, Rwanda's President Paul Kagame visited Delhi in Jan 2017 to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017 and later in March 2018 to participate in the Founding Conference of International Solar Alliance (ISA). Rwanda is part of India led International solar alliance and has ratified the Framework Agreement of International Solar Alliance. India-Rwanda connect Paul Kagame has visited India four times during his tenure, thrice in his private capacity. There are approximately 3000 Indian nationals and PIOs in Rwanda and the country's only sugar refinery, its only modern textile mill as well as a soap and cosmetic factory are all PIO-owned. In June 2016, an Indian company, Aroma International, announced an investment of about US $1 million in the laundry and detergent sector of Rwanda. India right now doesn't have a mission in Rwanda but will be opening its Mission in Rwanda very soon. In fact, India announced its envoy last week only. India will conclude two LoCs – one of US $100 million for development of industrial parks and Kigali SEZ and another for US $100 million for agriculture and irrigation during the visit of Prime Minister. India to give 200 cows to Rwanda PM Modi will visit Rweru model village in the country and gift 200 cows as a contribution from India to the Girinka scheme of Rwanda. "Girinka” or one cow per family is a national social protection scheme of Rwanda personally initiated by President Paul Kagame. The poorest families are gifted dairy cows by the Government and the first female calf born of the cow is gifted to the neighbour. All cows will be Rwandan cows. Why Rwanda matters? Rwanda is considered an important gateway to East Africa. The country holds the chair of African Union and hosted the Assembly of the African Union in March 2018 in Kigali where African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCTA) establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area was signed. Fouty-four members of the African Union signed the Agreement. Once ratified, the Agreement would be the largest Free Trade Area in terms of participating countries since the formation of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Rwanda has played an important role in UN peacekeeping missions in Africa and is the third largest troop contributor for peacekeeping in Africa. The country plays an important role in the UN Mission (MINUSCA) in Central African Republic. Uganda calling This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Uganda in over 21 years. The last time an Indian PM visited Uganda was in the year 1997. Prime Minister will address at Parliament of Uganda thus becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address it. His address will be telecasted live in India and in many African countries. Engagements, especially on defence, have continued. Training and capacity building has been the focus of bilateral defence cooperation. India has an Indian Military Training Team (IMTT) stationed at Jinja since 2010. India is expected to extend two lines of credit of US $141 million for electricity lines and US$ 64 million for agriculture and dairy production. This will be for the first time India will extend LoC to Uganda. Uganda is currently Chair of East African Community and its capital Kampala can be base of Indian investments in East Africa. There are over 30,000 Indians / PIOs in Uganda. During the reign of President Amin in the early 70’s, nearly 60,000 Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Indians were expelled from Uganda. After Adi Amin's leading to an exodus of Indian origin people from the country, it was President Museveni who was responsible for inviting much of Indian community to return to the country assuring them of their safety and security. He has also been hosting the Indian community for Diwali dinners in the State House. PIOs and NRIs are estimated to have invested over US $1 billion in Uganda in the last two decades. Indian Nationals/PIOs who constitute about 0.1% of Uganda’s total population of 35 million, contribute about 60% of Uganda’s direct taxes as per statistics of the Bank of Uganda and the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). South Africa: 10th BRICS Summit In South Africa, the Prime Minister will have a bilateral meeting with the South African President and will attend the BRICS Summit. He will also have a bilateral meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, his 3rd since the Doklam standoff. South Africa is organizing 10th BRICS Leaders’ Summit under the theme “BRICS in Africa: Collaboration with Developing Countries for Inclusive Growth and Shared Prosperity in the 4thIndustrial Revolution”. Other than BRICS, PM Modi will participate in Outreach with Leaders from Africa & Outreach with Leaders from Global South summit. In the BRICS Africa Outreach, those invited include Rwanda, Uganda, Togo, Zambia, Namibia, Senegal, Gabon, Ethiopia, Angola, and the African Union Chair In the BRICS Plus Outreach, the invited countries of the Global South include Argentina, Turkey, Indonesia, Jamaica and Egypt. The UN Secretary-General has also been invited. Clearly, many heads of states are expected to converge in Johannesburg. According to MEA BRICS Leaders are expected to discuss "global hot-spot issues, international peace, and security, global governance, trade issues during the restricted session". BRICS Rating Agency: An Indian Idea The idea of BRICS rating agency will also be taken up during the summit and it was confirmed by Secretary Economic Relations in MEA, TS Tirumurti to WION. India has been pressing forward on the idea and it was taken up during the 1st meeting of BRICS Finance ministers and central bank governors on the sidelines of IMF/World ban meetings in Washington in April this year. The Indian finance ministry said in a statement in April that India, 'requested the Presidency to receive and take forward the report to be submitted by an expert group set up under the aegis of BRICS Business Council to study the feasibility of the BRICS Rating Agency" The idea was proposed by India given the fact that 3 western rating agencies --S&P, Moody's and Fitch--dominate the rating market. The Idea of BRICS bank or New Development bank was also proposed by India during the 4th BRICS summit in 2012 in Delhi. The bank India and China in Africa It is interesting to note that the Chinese President will also be on many African nation visits. His visit will coincide with a week-long visit of Indian PM. In a release ahead of Chinese President's visit, Chinese foreign ministry said,"The visits will promote the further deepening of political mutual trust, mutual development assistance, mutual learning on each other's concepts between China and Africa and the building of a closer China-Africa community of common destiny." Currently, China is funding infrastructure projects in Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria and South Africa. But with support comes debt and Chinese debt has been creating a lot of issues globally--including on national sovereignty. Chinese Chequebook diplomacy has come under criticism. In Rwanda, Indian PM's plane will land even as the Chinese President's plane takes off. While Chinese President will be in Rwanda from July 22nd to 23rd, Indian PM will be in the country from July 23rd to 24th. Chinese President will visit Senegal, Rwanda, South Africa and Mauritius. Like in the case of India, this is the first time any Chinese president is visiting Rwanda. In a release, Rwanda said, " Discussions will touch upon continental matters in the context of the African Union, which President Kagame currently chairs. China and India are among Africa's most important and fast-growing economic partners". China is increasing its presence in Africa and is the largest trading partner of Africa now. But is this a worry for India? Reacting to a question on Chinese President Xi Jinping and PM Modi presence in East Africa at the same time MEA said, "we don't see ourselves in competition with China". India shares close, warm and friendly relations with Africa and a large presence of the Indian diaspora and Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi's link with South Africa only cements the ties. But increasingly both China and India are hoping to get a piece in Africa's economic and political space. Africa has been the top priority for both country's Foreign Policy. MODI-XI Meet in South Africa PM Modi will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Africa on the sidelines of BRICS Summit. Confirming the meet, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said, "on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, President Xi Jinping is expected to hold bilateral meetings with leaders of relevant countries, including Indian Prime Minister Modi. We are still making relevant arrangements.". This would be the third meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi since their informal meeting in Wuhan in April. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry during the meet both the leaders "will exchange views on issues of mutual interest, including on international situation, bilateral relations and BRICS cooperation." Ever since the Doklam standoff last year, India and China are trying to engage with each other. The Chinese ambassador Luo Zhaohui in New Delhi recently said, "we could not stand another Doklam incident". Hoping for a peaceful border he added, "boundary question between our two countries was left over by history. We need to build on convergence to find a mutually acceptable solution through the Special Representatives' Meeting while adopting confidence-building measures to maintain the peace and tranquillity along the border." It's time for Africa, in India Over the last few years, there has been a significant increase in India's engagement in various fields with African countries. There have been 23 outgoing visits to Africa at the level of President, Vice President and Prime Minister in the last four years. More than 40 Heads of State and Government took part at the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit in October 2015 in New Delhi. Several African Heads of State and Government took part in the International Solar Alliance Founding Conference in March 2018 in Delhi.

PM Modi's Africa visit to set tone for India's BRICS 2018 agenda

Giving a boost to India's neighborhood first policy, India along with Sri Lanka on Saturday inaugurated the nationwide expansion of India Funded Emergency Ambulance Service.&nbsp;

It was jointly inaugurated by Indian PM in New Delhi via video conferencing and Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickramasinghe in Jaffna.

Speaking at the event PM Modi said, "the event marks another major achievement in the development partnership of India and Sri Lanka". He also added, that " in good times and bad, India has been, and will always be the first responder for Sri Lanka".

Sri Lankan lauded PM Modi and said that India has helped consolidated "our health services."

He also congratulated PM Modi for defeating no-confidence motion in the Indian Parliament saying even he had the same experience.

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Sri Lankan PM congratulates PM modi for defeating <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoConfidenceMotion?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoConfidenceMotion</a> says even I had same experience. <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainSL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainSL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MFA_SriLanka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MFA_SriLanka</a> <a href="https://t.co/0TBQYrjwEi">https://t.co/0TBQYrjwEi</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1020627497967382529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Saturday's expansion of follows successful operation in Western n Southern Provinces. Service has already attended 600000 calls, served over 100000 people and handled 30 baby deliveries outside the hospital.&nbsp;

More than 1500 more jobs to be added with the nationwide expansion and staff will be trained in India and Sri Lanka. This is India's second largest project in Sri Lanka after the Indian housing project.&nbsp;

Service was launched in Sri Lanka on 28th July 2016 under Indian Grant Assistance of US $7.55 million. PM Modi had received a request for setting up an emergency ambulance service in Sri Lanka during his first visit in March 2015. 
&nbsp;

It was jointly inaugurated by Indian PM in New Delhi via video conferencing and Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickramasinghe in Jaffna.

Giving a boost to India's neighborhood first policy, India along with Sri Lanka on Saturday inaugurated the nationwide expansion of India Funded Emergency Ambulance Service. It was jointly inaugurated by Indian PM in New Delhi via video conferencing and Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickramasinghe in Jaffna. Speaking at the event PM Modi said, "the event marks another major achievement in the development partnership of India and Sri Lanka". He also added, that " in good times and bad, India has been, and will always be the first responder for Sri Lanka". Sri Lankan lauded PM Modi and said that India has helped consolidated "our health services." He also congratulated PM Modi for defeating no-confidence motion in the Indian Parliament saying even he had the same experience. Sri Lankan PM congratulates PM modi for defeating #NoConfidenceMotion says even I had same experience. @IndiainSL @MFA_SriLanka https://t.co/0TBQYrjwEi — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 21, 2018 × Saturday's expansion of follows successful operation in Western n Southern Provinces. Service has already attended 600000 calls, served over 100000 people and handled 30 baby deliveries outside the hospital. More than 1500 more jobs to be added with the nationwide expansion and staff will be trained in India and Sri Lanka. This is India's second largest project in Sri Lanka after the Indian housing project. Service was launched in Sri Lanka on 28th July 2016 under Indian Grant Assistance of US $7.55 million. PM Modi had received a request for setting up an emergency ambulance service in Sri Lanka during his first visit in March 2015.

India's 2nd biggest development project: Emergency Ambulance Service inaugurated in Sri Lanka

In perhaps the most direct attack on the US, Moscow has said Washington's sanctions are not only unfair but aimed at driving Russia out of the Indian defence sector and its military and political space. In an interview to RIA Novosti about the interaction between Moscow and New Delhi, Russia's ambassador Nikolay&nbsp;Kudashev said, "A distinctive feature of the present time is the sanctions against Russian producers, which are a means of unfair competition and which are pursuing the goal of driving Russia out of the Indian defence sector and its military and political space."

He said that Russia is "ready for equitable, fair and open competition" but sanctions and what the US is doing "is not a competition, it is something opposite to competition."&nbsp;

Accepting that US Sanctions do create difficulties but of "a certain kind" but " &nbsp;these difficulties are surmountable. We are searching for the solution of these problems and undoubtedly it will be found. " 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;Sounding upbeat about India Russia ties he said both the countries "remain closest partners, and all our defence industry agreements are being implemented".&nbsp;

India is likely to purchase of S-400s from Russia soon and undertake joint production of Ka-226 helicopters.

The comments come ahead of 2+2 India US defence and foreign ministers meet in New Delhi on Sept 6 and India, Russia annual summit in October.&nbsp;

In both meetings, countering America's adversaries through Sanctions Act or CAATSA is likely to be taken up and its impact on India. The acts impose sanctions on Russia and impacts countries like India which engages with it. With a substantial defence partnership with Russia, New Delhi could soon be under pressure due to sanctions.&nbsp;

Russia Lauds India on Chabahar

On the connectivity front, both the countries are engaged in Eurasian connectivity project. &nbsp;The first round of negotiations was held but these were of a technical nature, concerning modalities of further negotiations. The Ambassador said, "Government of India is becoming more convinced in this idea, though some of our geopolitical competitors suggest and whisper to India other options, which go against the evident reality."

India and Moscow are planning on “South-North” corridor to connect Mumbai to Moscow and go via Chabahar port in Iran and Azerbaijan. With US sanctions kicking on Iran from August 6, New Delhi will be under pressure on that front. Russian ambassador meanwhile, lauded India and said, "India make(ing) great effort to develop this idea despite growing complications around Iran. I am sure that the prospect of the project is very bright because it is not artificial, but is in demand by life and the millenniums of the history of relations between our countries."

The comments come ahead of 2+2 India US defence and foreign ministers meet in New Delhi on Sept 6 and India, Russia annual summit in October.

In perhaps the most direct attack on the US, Moscow has said Washington's sanctions are not only unfair but aimed at driving Russia out of the Indian defence sector and its military and political space. In an interview to RIA Novosti about the interaction between Moscow and New Delhi, Russia's ambassador Nikolay Kudashev said, "A distinctive feature of the present time is the sanctions against Russian producers, which are a means of unfair competition and which are pursuing the goal of driving Russia out of the Indian defence sector and its military and political space." He said that Russia is "ready for equitable, fair and open competition" but sanctions and what the US is doing "is not a competition, it is something opposite to competition." Accepting that US Sanctions do create difficulties but of "a certain kind" but " these difficulties are surmountable. We are searching for the solution of these problems and undoubtedly it will be found. " Sounding upbeat about India Russia ties he said both the countries "remain closest partners, and all our defence industry agreements are being implemented". India is likely to purchase of S-400s from Russia soon and undertake joint production of Ka-226 helicopters. The comments come ahead of 2+2 India US defence and foreign ministers meet in New Delhi on Sept 6 and India, Russia annual summit in October. In both meetings, countering America's adversaries through Sanctions Act or CAATSA is likely to be taken up and its impact on India. The acts impose sanctions on Russia and impacts countries like India which engages with it. With a substantial defence partnership with Russia, New Delhi could soon be under pressure due to sanctions. Russia Lauds India on Chabahar On the connectivity front, both the countries are engaged in Eurasian connectivity project. The first round of negotiations was held but these were of a technical nature, concerning modalities of further negotiations. The Ambassador said, "Government of India is becoming more convinced in this idea, though some of our geopolitical competitors suggest and whisper to India other options, which go against the evident reality." India and Moscow are planning on “South-North” corridor to connect Mumbai to Moscow and go via Chabahar port in Iran and Azerbaijan. With US sanctions kicking on Iran from August 6, New Delhi will be under pressure on that front. Russian ambassador meanwhile, lauded India and said, "India make(ing) great effort to develop this idea despite growing complications around Iran. I am sure that the prospect of the project is very bright because it is not artificial, but is in demand by life and the millenniums of the history of relations between our countries."

US trying to force Russia out of Indian arms market: Russian Ambassador

After getting postponed twice, India-US inaugural 2+2 dialogue will take place in New Delhi in September. In a statement, the US State dept said, "United States is pleased to announce that the inaugural US-India 2+2 Dialogue will be held in New Delhi, India, on September 6."

The meeting will take place between US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Secretary of Defense James Mattis and the Indian counterparts External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

According to the US State dept both sides will "discuss strengthening strategic, security, and defense cooperation as the United States and India jointly address challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond."

The focus will also be the CAATSA or Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, a bill that imposes sanctions on Russia and countries engaged with the country on defense. India gets roughly 70 per cent of its defence equipment from Russia.

Only a few weeks ago Defence Minister Sitharaman had confirmed that the <a href="http://wionews.com/world/22-dialogue-will-take-place-in-september-says-defence-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-151358">meet will take place in September</a>. The 2+2 meet was to take place on July 6 but was postponed since US Secy of state was to leave for Pyongyang.

The 2+2 Defence and foreign ministers dialogue is a new format of engagement between India and US. In Obama Admin the 2+2 was between Foreign and Commerce ministers.

The 2+2 meet was to take place on 6th of July but was postponed since US Secy of state was to leave for Pyongyang

After getting postponed twice, India-US inaugural 2+2 dialogue will take place in New Delhi in September. In a statement, the US State dept said, "United States is pleased to announce that the inaugural US-India 2+2 Dialogue will be held in New Delhi, India, on September 6." The meeting will take place between US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Secretary of Defense James Mattis and the Indian counterparts External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. According to the US State dept both sides will "discuss strengthening strategic, security, and defense cooperation as the United States and India jointly address challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond." The focus will also be the CAATSA or Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, a bill that imposes sanctions on Russia and countries engaged with the country on defense. India gets roughly 70 per cent of its defence equipment from Russia. Only a few weeks ago Defence Minister Sitharaman had confirmed that the meet will take place in September. The 2+2 meet was to take place on July 6 but was postponed since US Secy of state was to leave for Pyongyang. The 2+2 Defence and foreign ministers dialogue is a new format of engagement between India and US. In Obama Admin the 2+2 was between Foreign and Commerce ministers.

2+2 dialogue to be held on September 6: US

India continues to engage with China on a number of fronts including New Delhi's bid for Nuclear suppliers group(NSG) membership.

In a written reply to Rajya Sabha, MoS MEA VK Singh said,"Government is engaged with all NSG members including China at the appropriate levels for a decision on India’s application for membership of the group." The most recent talks were held in Beijing on April 10, 2018.&nbsp;

The development comes at a time when India&nbsp;and China&nbsp;have been talking to each other to iron out differences.

PM Modi is likely to meet Chinese President XI Jinping in Johannesburg on the sidelines of BRICS summit.

This will be the third&nbsp;meet between both the two leaders in just matter of three&nbsp;months. Both met first in April during the "informal summit"&nbsp;in Wuhan, then in June for the SCO summit.

India has been the member of three&nbsp;out of four export control regimes. The three regimes are Wassenaar arrangement, Australia group and Missile Technology Control Regime(MTCR).

USA and France continue to strongly support India’s membership but Bejing has been a tough nut to crack. Bejing has been demanding Pakistan&nbsp;entry into the elite club.

Earlier in June meeting of NSG in Latvia, the grouping in a release had said that it "discussed the NSG relationship with India".

USA and France continue to strongly support India’s membership

India continues to engage with China on a number of fronts including New Delhi's bid for Nuclear suppliers group(NSG) membership. In a written reply to Rajya Sabha, MoS MEA VK Singh said,"Government is engaged with all NSG members including China at the appropriate levels for a decision on India’s application for membership of the group." The most recent talks were held in Beijing on April 10, 2018. The development comes at a time when India and China have been talking to each other to iron out differences. PM Modi is likely to meet Chinese President XI Jinping in Johannesburg on the sidelines of BRICS summit. This will be the third meet between both the two leaders in just matter of three months. Both met first in April during the "informal summit" in Wuhan, then in June for the SCO summit. India has been the member of three out of four export control regimes. The three regimes are Wassenaar arrangement, Australia group and Missile Technology Control Regime(MTCR). USA and France continue to strongly support India’s membership but Bejing has been a tough nut to crack. Bejing has been demanding Pakistan entry into the elite club. Earlier in June meeting of NSG in Latvia, the grouping in a release had said that it "discussed the NSG relationship with India".

India engaging with everyone including China over NSG membership: Government

Despite American pressure on Tehran and on New Delhi to cut its oil imports from Iran, India has come out and said it will have independent ties with Iran.

In a written reply in the Lok sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh said, "India’s bilateral relations with Iran stand on their own and are not influenced by India’s relations with any third country." He added that "both sides are engaged in developing a long-term partnership in energy deepening of trade and investment cooperation and an early and full operations of Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar."

The answer comes a little after Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/india-iran-exploring-ways-of-working-around-us-sanctions-iran-deputy-foreign-minister-to-wion-152365">Dr Seyyed Abbas Araghchi visited New Delhi</a> and met Foreign Secretary Shri Vijay Gokhale. India and Iran exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including efforts being made by various parties to address issues that have arisen over the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or the Iran nuclear deal.

India has always maintained that the Iranian nuclear issue should be resolved through dialogue, with the resolution respecting Iran's right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Interestingly, the US Treasury's Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing, Marshall Billingslea, was also in Delhi. The treasury department, in reply to a WION question, said Billingslea was in Delhi to talk on a "range of bilateral issues including countering terrorism finance, the regulation of virtual currency, Iran, and other AML/CFT issues."

India and US will hold the first 2+2 dialogue — between India's external affairs and defence ministers and the US' secretaries of state and defence — in September in which talk of Iran and Russia is expected to dominate. The dialogue was postponed in July since US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was in Pyongyang. 
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'India’s bilateral relations with Iran stand on their own and are not influenced by India’s relations with any third country,' Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh said in written reply in the Lok Sabha

Despite American pressure on Tehran and on New Delhi to cut its oil imports from Iran, India has come out and said it will have independent ties with Iran. In a written reply in the Lok sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh said, "India’s bilateral relations with Iran stand on their own and are not influenced by India’s relations with any third country." He added that "both sides are engaged in developing a long-term partnership in energy deepening of trade and investment cooperation and an early and full operations of Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar." The answer comes a little after Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Dr Seyyed Abbas Araghchi visited New Delhi and met Foreign Secretary Shri Vijay Gokhale. India and Iran exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including efforts being made by various parties to address issues that have arisen over the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or the Iran nuclear deal. India has always maintained that the Iranian nuclear issue should be resolved through dialogue, with the resolution respecting Iran's right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Interestingly, the US Treasury's Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing, Marshall Billingslea, was also in Delhi. The treasury department, in reply to a WION question, said Billingslea was in Delhi to talk on a "range of bilateral issues including countering terrorism finance, the regulation of virtual currency, Iran, and other AML/CFT issues." India and US will hold the first 2+2 dialogue — between India's external affairs and defence ministers and the US' secretaries of state and defence — in September in which talk of Iran and Russia is expected to dominate. The dialogue was postponed in July since US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was in Pyongyang.

Despite American pressure, India says it will have independent ties with Iran

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Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Siddhant Sibal

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