India's Ambassador to China Vikram Misri has said "closer developmental partnership" between India and China has&nbsp;been "under considerable strain" due to the "serious incidents" and the "resultant violation of peace and tranquility" at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh in April 2020.

Chinese aggressive actions in Galwan led to the death of 20 Indian soldiers, the worst such incident at the LAC since 1970s. Both sides have been engaging in multiple rounds of talks and in February this year disengagement at the Pangong lake was achieved but&nbsp;disengagement in Gogra, Hot Springs, and resolution at Depsang plains&nbsp;remains.&nbsp;

Highlighting how the development had a "particularly strong" impact on the "public opinion", Envoy Vikram said, "tendency in some quarters [is] to sweep this situation under the carpet and characterise it as just a minor issue and a matter of perspective" which is "inadvisable" as takes "us further away from a sustained solution to present difficulties and deeper into an unfulfilling stalemate".

He explained that it "would be tantamount to running away from the problem and in a direction opposite to that where the promise of our closer development partnership lies."

While the February breakthrough of disengagement at Pangong has been positive development, other friction points remain, with Beijing slow to move on them so far.&nbsp;India has been consistently saying that "complete disengagement" can only improve the ties.

The Indian envoy said,"we must achieve complete disengagement in all friction areas... it would also help in restoring peace and tranquility and, together, these would provide conditions for gradual and step-by-step progress in the bilateral relationship"

Since the Chinese aggressive action of last year, India banned many Chinese apps and increased scrutiny on Chinese investment in the country. Increased focus has been on alternative supply chains which have been dominated by China.

The envoy, without directly mentioning Quad grouping said, "we must remember... that multilateral structures are presently under some stress" and this has created space for a "number of plurilateral initiatives" which "essentially represent efforts by groups of interested actors" and "it is important to afford space to them rather than prejudge them."

Beijing has been critical of Quad, a grouping of India, US, Australia, and Japan calling it "Asian Nato" while being silent on similar formats it has been engaging in. China is keen on the "Himalayan Quad" involving Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and itself.

India's Ambassador to China Vikram Misri has said "closer developmental partnership" between India and China has been "under considerable strain" due to the "serious incidents" and the "resultant violation of peace and tranquility" at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh in April 2020.

India's Ambassador to China Vikram Misri has said "closer developmental partnership" between India and China has been "under considerable strain" due to the "serious incidents" and the "resultant violation of peace and tranquility" at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh in April 2020. Chinese aggressive actions in Galwan led to the death of 20 Indian soldiers, the worst such incident at the LAC since 1970s. Both sides have been engaging in multiple rounds of talks and in February this year disengagement at the Pangong lake was achieved but disengagement in Gogra, Hot Springs, and resolution at Depsang plains remains. Highlighting how the development had a "particularly strong" impact on the "public opinion", Envoy Vikram said, "tendency in some quarters [is] to sweep this situation under the carpet and characterise it as just a minor issue and a matter of perspective" which is "inadvisable" as takes "us further away from a sustained solution to present difficulties and deeper into an unfulfilling stalemate". He explained that it "would be tantamount to running away from the problem and in a direction opposite to that where the promise of our closer development partnership lies." While the February breakthrough of disengagement at Pangong has been positive development, other friction points remain, with Beijing slow to move on them so far. India has been consistently saying that "complete disengagement" can only improve the ties. The Indian envoy said,"we must achieve complete disengagement in all friction areas... it would also help in restoring peace and tranquility and, together, these would provide conditions for gradual and step-by-step progress in the bilateral relationship" Since the Chinese aggressive action of last year, India banned many Chinese apps and increased scrutiny on Chinese investment in the country. Increased focus has been on alternative supply chains which have been dominated by China. The envoy, without directly mentioning Quad grouping said, "we must remember... that multilateral structures are presently under some stress" and this has created space for a "number of plurilateral initiatives" which "essentially represent efforts by groups of interested actors" and "it is important to afford space to them rather than prejudge them." Beijing has been critical of Quad, a grouping of India, US, Australia, and Japan calling it "Asian Nato" while being silent on similar formats it has been engaging in. China is keen on the "Himalayan Quad" involving Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and itself.

Indo-China partnership under 'considerable strain' due to 2020 LAC incident, says Indian envoy to China

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that he has asked 'some big countries' to keep raw material for Covid vaccine 'flowing'. India produces 60% of global vaccines and has been termed as the 'pharmacy of the world'. &nbsp;

Speaking at an event, he said, "Today as foreign minister, I am pushing other countries, particularly some big countries that look please keep the raw materials flowing for vaccines to be made in India."&nbsp;

He explained, "Can I go around the world and tell people that guys, keep your supply chains flowing towards me and by the way the end product.. I am asking you for raw material but I am not going to give you the vaccine. Look at the vaccine, your largest vaccine under production is an international product, It’s a co-creation, it’s a co-production." &nbsp;

The development comes even as the US has remained non-committal on allowing the opening up of export of raw material for vaccines to India. On Monday, questions were asked to both White House spokesperson Jen Psaki and US President Joe Biden's chief Medical Adviser Dr Anthony Fauci on the issue, but no direct answers came. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Dr Jaishankar also batted for the export of vaccines saying, those questioning it are 'shortsighted'. He said, "If you get into this, why are you exporting abroad, then someone else will ask, why I am exporting to India. That is so shortsighted, only really irresponsible people, non-serious people can make some kind of argument." &nbsp;

India has supplied 660.13 lakh doses of Covid vaccines to 92 countries along with UN health workers and UN Peacekeepers as of April 20. Of this, 106.15 lakh has been supplied as a gift, 357.92 commercially, and 192.06 under the Covax facility. India began the export of vaccines days after it began its domestic vaccination in January, with Bhutan and Maldives being the first countries to get it as a gift. Albania was the last country as of now to get on April 16, with a gift of 0.50 lakh doses. &nbsp;&nbsp;

He also dismissed 'those who talk about why you doing this to the world', highlighting, "It’s not we are not prioritising our people" and "when things got tough, we actually spoke to the world very honestly and said look we have done our best to live up to the commitments, contractual commitments to the producers, Covax commitments, GAVI...but right now, please understand I have a very situation at home, and most countries understand that."&nbsp;

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that he has asked 'some big countries' to keep raw material for Covid vaccine 'flowing'. India produces 60% of global vaccines and has been termed as the 'pharmacy of the world'.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that he has asked 'some big countries' to keep raw material for Covid vaccine 'flowing'. India produces 60% of global vaccines and has been termed as the 'pharmacy of the world'. Speaking at an event, he said, "Today as foreign minister, I am pushing other countries, particularly some big countries that look please keep the raw materials flowing for vaccines to be made in India." He explained, "Can I go around the world and tell people that guys, keep your supply chains flowing towards me and by the way the end product.. I am asking you for raw material but I am not going to give you the vaccine. Look at the vaccine, your largest vaccine under production is an international product, It’s a co-creation, it’s a co-production." The development comes even as the US has remained non-committal on allowing the opening up of export of raw material for vaccines to India. On Monday, questions were asked to both White House spokesperson Jen Psaki and US President Joe Biden's chief Medical Adviser Dr Anthony Fauci on the issue, but no direct answers came. Dr Jaishankar also batted for the export of vaccines saying, those questioning it are 'shortsighted'. He said, "If you get into this, why are you exporting abroad, then someone else will ask, why I am exporting to India. That is so shortsighted, only really irresponsible people, non-serious people can make some kind of argument." India has supplied 660.13 lakh doses of Covid vaccines to 92 countries along with UN health workers and UN Peacekeepers as of April 20. Of this, 106.15 lakh has been supplied as a gift, 357.92 commercially, and 192.06 under the Covax facility. India began the export of vaccines days after it began its domestic vaccination in January, with Bhutan and Maldives being the first countries to get it as a gift. Albania was the last country as of now to get on April 16, with a gift of 0.50 lakh doses. He also dismissed 'those who talk about why you doing this to the world', highlighting, "It’s not we are not prioritising our people" and "when things got tough, we actually spoke to the world very honestly and said look we have done our best to live up to the commitments, contractual commitments to the producers, Covax commitments, GAVI...but right now, please understand I have a very situation at home, and most countries understand that."

Pushing countries to keep vaccine raw material flowing says EAM; Bats for vaccine export  

Top&nbsp;officials have said 90-95 per cent&nbsp;of the Indian Army has been vaccinated with the first dose of vaccines.&nbsp;Field formation has&nbsp;been&nbsp;given priority during the entire campaign. Approximately 50 to 55 per cent&nbsp;of the forces have been vaccinated with the second&nbsp;dose.&nbsp;Field formation was given priority during the vaccination drive.

An official aware of the developments said, "no let-up was done when the country was easing up, the mandatory quarantine period was being followed".

According to data shared by the defence ministry&nbsp;in the Indian Parliament in the month of March, 33,003 positive cases were detected in the Army, 8,159 in the Air Force, and 3,604 cases reported in the Navy. The Army reported the death of 81 personnel, the Air Force reported 36 deaths and the Navy reported two&nbsp;deaths due to COVID-19.

Meanwhile, as cases surged in the country amid the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, senior-most Army officers in every state have been asked to interact with civil counterparts to deal with the situation.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh earlier today chaired a meeting through video conference to review the COVID-19 situation. The meet was attended by all the Service Chiefs, CDS, all Secretaries, DRDO Chairman and DG AFMS.&nbsp;

The Defence Research and Development Organisation has developed COVID-19 facilities in Delhi with 250 beds, which will be increased to 500. The organisation has been working on a&nbsp;war footing to set up a 450-bed hospital in Lucknow, a 750-bed hospital in Varanasi and 900-bed hospital in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;

India began its vaccination drive in January and in the first phase frontline workers were prioritised.

Top officials have said 90-95 per cent of the Indian Army has been vaccinated with the first dose of vaccines. Field formation has been given priority during the entire campaign.

Top officials have said 90-95 per cent of the Indian Army has been vaccinated with the first dose of vaccines. Field formation has been given priority during the entire campaign. Approximately 50 to 55 per cent of the forces have been vaccinated with the second dose. Field formation was given priority during the vaccination drive. An official aware of the developments said, "no let-up was done when the country was easing up, the mandatory quarantine period was being followed". According to data shared by the defence ministry in the Indian Parliament in the month of March, 33,003 positive cases were detected in the Army, 8,159 in the Air Force, and 3,604 cases reported in the Navy. The Army reported the death of 81 personnel, the Air Force reported 36 deaths and the Navy reported two deaths due to COVID-19. Meanwhile, as cases surged in the country amid the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, senior-most Army officers in every state have been asked to interact with civil counterparts to deal with the situation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh earlier today chaired a meeting through video conference to review the COVID-19 situation. The meet was attended by all the Service Chiefs, CDS, all Secretaries, DRDO Chairman and DG AFMS. The Defence Research and Development Organisation has developed COVID-19 facilities in Delhi with 250 beds, which will be increased to 500. The organisation has been working on a war footing to set up a 450-bed hospital in Lucknow, a 750-bed hospital in Varanasi and 900-bed hospital in Ahmedabad. India began its vaccination drive in January and in the first phase frontline workers were prioritised.

Vaccination drive: 90-95% Indian Army inoculated with first dose, say officials

Backing India-developed Chabahar port's role as central to "development and prosperity" in the region, Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has said that the port is not against China or Pakistan's port Gwadar.

Gwadar is key to China's mega infrastructure project the China Pakistan Economic Corridor and provides connectivity to China's westernmost region to the Arabian Sea and West Asia. Gwadar is just 170 km away from Chabahar port.

Zarif, speaking at a virtual event, said, "We have made very clear to our Indian, Chinese friends that Chabahar is open for cooperation for everybody. Chabahar is not against China, is not against Gwadar. Chabahar is a place where we can all come together in order to help Afghanistan, help development and prosperity in the region."

He explained, "India is playing an active role in Chabahar. Chinese are interested in playing an active role elsewhere in Iran and also in Chabahar".

New Delhi is helping develop the Iranian port which has been playing an important role in connecting India with Afghanistan. Last year, India sent 75000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan via the port to deal with any food scarcity that arose from the pandemic.&nbsp;

Highlighting the benefits of the port to Afghanistan, the Iranian foreign minister said, "If we provide Afghanistan transit opportunities through Chabahar, through elsewhere, to the international market...the unofficial economy will go away. That economy gives rise to drug trafficking, human trafficking."

Earlier this year, India sent four cranes for the port operations. Two more will be sent soon. The port is getting more interest, especially from central Asian countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.&nbsp;

On the Afghan peace process and the issue of terror, the Iranian foreign minister said, "All of us have shared interest, share threats in Afghanistan. I think all of us need a stable and peaceful Afghanistan. An Afghanistan where terrorists have the freedom to operate is a threat to Iran, India, Pakistan, China, Central Asia, Russia, and a threat to the world. We have seen that in 2001, we have seen that in the murder of PM Benazir Bhutto".

Iran has been engaging with the Taliban in the Afghan peace process. &nbsp;On the Taliban, and its role in the peace process,, Zarif said, "An Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan is an existential threat to Pakistan, national security threat to Iran and India. We have a similar area of common interest with our Pakistani friends, similarly with Tajik, Uzbek friends who are threatened by extremism."

He pointed that Tehran has had a "frank and open discussion with the Taliban" and his govt has told them that "it is a very different society, the different situation...we need to preserve what was achieved in Afghanistan, we cannot create a vacuum".

"A vacuum doesn't help the people of Afghanistan, it only draws in fighting, violence, civil war. We need to have a continuity," he added.

Backing India-developed Chabahar port's role as central to "development and prosperity" in the region, Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has said that the port is not against China or Pakistan's port Gwadar.

Backing India-developed Chabahar port's role as central to "development and prosperity" in the region, Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has said that the port is not against China or Pakistan's port Gwadar. Gwadar is key to China's mega infrastructure project the China Pakistan Economic Corridor and provides connectivity to China's westernmost region to the Arabian Sea and West Asia. Gwadar is just 170 km away from Chabahar port. Zarif, speaking at a virtual event, said, "We have made very clear to our Indian, Chinese friends that Chabahar is open for cooperation for everybody. Chabahar is not against China, is not against Gwadar. Chabahar is a place where we can all come together in order to help Afghanistan, help development and prosperity in the region." He explained, "India is playing an active role in Chabahar. Chinese are interested in playing an active role elsewhere in Iran and also in Chabahar". New Delhi is helping develop the Iranian port which has been playing an important role in connecting India with Afghanistan. Last year, India sent 75000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan via the port to deal with any food scarcity that arose from the pandemic. Highlighting the benefits of the port to Afghanistan, the Iranian foreign minister said, "If we provide Afghanistan transit opportunities through Chabahar, through elsewhere, to the international market...the unofficial economy will go away. That economy gives rise to drug trafficking, human trafficking." Earlier this year, India sent four cranes for the port operations. Two more will be sent soon. The port is getting more interest, especially from central Asian countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. On the Afghan peace process and the issue of terror, the Iranian foreign minister said, "All of us have shared interest, share threats in Afghanistan. I think all of us need a stable and peaceful Afghanistan. An Afghanistan where terrorists have the freedom to operate is a threat to Iran, India, Pakistan, China, Central Asia, Russia, and a threat to the world. We have seen that in 2001, we have seen that in the murder of PM Benazir Bhutto". Iran has been engaging with the Taliban in the Afghan peace process. On the Taliban, and its role in the peace process,, Zarif said, "An Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan is an existential threat to Pakistan, national security threat to Iran and India. We have a similar area of common interest with our Pakistani friends, similarly with Tajik, Uzbek friends who are threatened by extremism." He pointed that Tehran has had a "frank and open discussion with the Taliban" and his govt has told them that "it is a very different society, the different situation...we need to preserve what was achieved in Afghanistan, we cannot create a vacuum". "A vacuum doesn't help the people of Afghanistan, it only draws in fighting, violence, civil war. We need to have a continuity," he added.

Chabahar is not against China, Gwadar: Iranian foreign minister 

Against the backdrop of US President Joe Biden's announcement of the withdrawal of American troops, Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib and India's NSA Ajit Doval spoke on Friday morning. This is the first-ever high-level engagement between the two sides and comes just two days after the announcement came from Washington.

Mohib, speaking at an event virtually, confirmed the call and said, "I spoke to Ajit Doval this morning about our views and shared what we think should go and happen".

Watch |&nbsp;

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India supports "Afghan-led , Afghan-owned, and Afghan controlled" peace process. In the last two decades, since the fall of the Taliban in 2001 in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in New York, New Delhi had emerged as the country's major development partner.&nbsp;

The Afghan NSA, speaking at the event, slammed Pakistan for its support to the Taliban. Without taking the country by name, he pointed out, "any further push means that there is direct involvement in, by a neighbour which can be very dangerous. Nationalistic forces in Afghanistan are very angry, upset over this."

Warning that If this "limit is passed, then I think, there would be a huge problem for the said neighbour in their country by all Afghans who are there and from within Afghanistan. There could be huge blowback which can be destructive for the neighbour".

In the past, Taliban top leadership like Mullah Baradar have been coming to Pakistan, and not only holding a meeting with foreign minister Qureshi and Pakistani Prime minister Imran Khan but also their fighters in the country. This has irked the Afghan government, which has strongly raised the matter with Islamabad.

On Taliban, he said, "Taliban has no reason to continue violence in Afghanistan, the reason, why they continued, are totally out the picture and its time they make real peace with Afghan govt, become part of the mainstream political society".

"They need to know, they can't take power by force, they can start a civil war but not come to power through that."

He expressed confidence in the capabilities of Afghan National Defense and Security Force (ANDSAF).

He said, "I see it as a time where Afghan take care of the full security situation in our country...Afghanistan doesn't need US combat troops on the ground, what we need is support to ANDSAF, which we have been told will continue."&nbsp;

Since 2014, ANDSAF has been in charge, and since the US Taliban pact of last year, 94 per cent&nbsp;of combat offensive operations have been done by them independently.

Dismissing the parallels in Afghanistan when it comes to the 1990s, Mohib said, "Afghanistan is not what it was, but one thing is for certain, those parallels do not reflect the realities of Afghanistan".

Against the backdrop of US President Joe Biden's announcement of the withdrawal of American troops, Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib and India's NSA Ajit Doval spoke on Friday morning.

Against the backdrop of US President Joe Biden's announcement of the withdrawal of American troops, Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib and India's NSA Ajit Doval spoke on Friday morning. This is the first-ever high-level engagement between the two sides and comes just two days after the announcement came from Washington. Mohib, speaking at an event virtually, confirmed the call and said, "I spoke to Ajit Doval this morning about our views and shared what we think should go and happen". Watch | India supports "Afghan-led , Afghan-owned, and Afghan controlled" peace process. In the last two decades, since the fall of the Taliban in 2001 in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in New York, New Delhi had emerged as the country's major development partner. The Afghan NSA, speaking at the event, slammed Pakistan for its support to the Taliban. Without taking the country by name, he pointed out, "any further push means that there is direct involvement in, by a neighbour which can be very dangerous. Nationalistic forces in Afghanistan are very angry, upset over this." Warning that If this "limit is passed, then I think, there would be a huge problem for the said neighbour in their country by all Afghans who are there and from within Afghanistan. There could be huge blowback which can be destructive for the neighbour". In the past, Taliban top leadership like Mullah Baradar have been coming to Pakistan, and not only holding a meeting with foreign minister Qureshi and Pakistani Prime minister Imran Khan but also their fighters in the country. This has irked the Afghan government, which has strongly raised the matter with Islamabad. On Taliban, he said, "Taliban has no reason to continue violence in Afghanistan, the reason, why they continued, are totally out the picture and its time they make real peace with Afghan govt, become part of the mainstream political society". "They need to know, they can't take power by force, they can start a civil war but not come to power through that." He expressed confidence in the capabilities of Afghan National Defense and Security Force (ANDSAF). He said, "I see it as a time where Afghan take care of the full security situation in our country...Afghanistan doesn't need US combat troops on the ground, what we need is support to ANDSAF, which we have been told will continue." Since 2014, ANDSAF has been in charge, and since the US Taliban pact of last year, 94 per cent of combat offensive operations have been done by them independently. Dismissing the parallels in Afghanistan when it comes to the 1990s, Mohib said, "Afghanistan is not what it was, but one thing is for certain, those parallels do not reflect the realities of Afghanistan".

Afghan, Indian NSAs speak in the backdrop of Biden's announcement of troop withdrawal 

Describing his country as "heart of the Indian Ocean", Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has called for a "peaceful, prosperous and stable" region which he feels is an "essential factor" for the "prosperity of Maldives".

Speaking exclusively to WION's&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal during his ongoing Delhi visit, he said, "We will work with all our neighbours in making sure the region continues to be peaceful."

This has come at a time when India and Maldives are engaging in multiple ways on tackling challenges of the region such as terror and piracy, under a trilateral format with Sri Lanka — all three countries aim to better enhance the coordination.&nbsp;

He lauded New Delhi for its vaccine outreach under the Vaccine Maitri initiative, saying, "We are very grateful to India for the vaccines it provided and the promptness with which it was provided."

The Maldives was one of the first countries to get made-in-India vaccines in January, just 48 hours after India began its mega domestic vaccination programme. He also appreciated India's support for his candidature for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President.

WION: How do you characterise the relations between the two countries?

Abdulla Shahid: I have been recently describing the relationship between Maldives and India like a flight of a bird. A bird takes flight because the two wings flap together in unison. If one wing doesn't flap then the bird cannot fly, the flight is not there. The Maldives-India relationship is like the flight of a bird because countries flap their wings together and it's moving into new heights.

WION: India has been providing support to many countries including the Maldives amid the pandemic. Vaccines have been sent out to your country. What are your thoughts on that?

Abdulla Shahid:&nbsp;When India rolled out its vaccine programme Vaccine Maitri, Maldives received the gift of vaccines from India within 48 hours and we are very grateful for that.

We have been vaccinating our population and I am happy to say, 67 per cent of the population has been vaccinated now by the first dose. In the vaccination&nbsp;programme, in the rollout, we do not discriminate among nationalities or among any status. Everyone in the Maldives, irrespective of the status or nationalities will get the opportunity to get vaccinated. No one is safe till everyone is safe. We are very grateful to India for the vaccines it provided and the promptness with which it was provided. We are counting on India and the Serum Institute to make available more doses so that people, who have taken the first dose, can also be given the second dose during the required period of 8-12 weeks.

WION: How do you see the ongoing security situation in the Indian Ocean, the collaboration with the regional countries?

Abdulla Shahid:&nbsp;The Maldives regards itself as the heart of the Indian Ocean. If you look at the Indian Ocean and compare it with the human body, Maldives lies where the heart lies and throughout ages, Maldives has been the route through which the travellers have been travelling, crossing the Indian Ocean. For us, it is very important that the Indian Ocean be a peaceful, prosperous, and stable regime, and also for the prosperity of Maldives, it is an essential factor. Also, for the prosperity of the Indian Ocean, it is essential Maldives be stable and essential. Therefore, we will work with all our neighbours in making sure that this is maintained.

WION: You are standing for President of the United Nations General Assembly. What is your country's main focus with this, considering you have got Indian support as well.&nbsp;

Abdulla Shahid:&nbsp;President Solih came into office promising re-engagement with the international community. You would recall, when President Solih took office, we had already left the Commonwealth, the previous regime had left the grouping. We have been marginalised internationally. So, for President Solih, the first decision as President was to put the candidature of Maldives for the 76th session of the General Assembly. President Solih's decision to nominate me for the candidature is a great honour and a privilege for me. But it’s Maldives candidature and the support of the Indian government for the Maldives candidature is very much appreciated and it is a great honour for the country.

We have been able to work with many countries in many parts of the world and I have been meeting representatives, foreign ministers, ambassadors from many, many countries. The support for the Maldives and the standing that the Maldives has risen internationally since Maldives President took office and we are very confident in the candidature.

WION: Since you landed in Delhi, you have had several engagements with many envoys and you will be meeting EAM. What is your main aim for this visit?

Abdulla Shahid:&nbsp;The envoys I have been meeting today have not been to the Maldives, they haven't been able to come to the Maldives for over a year due to the pandemic. So I am using my Delhi visit to brief them about the situation in the Maldives and the steps we have been taking during the pandemic. Many envoys represent countries from where tourists visit the Maldives, so it's good to keep them briefed about the developments in the country.

I am looking forward to my meeting tomorrow with the EAM Jaishankar, with whom we are going to review the status of so many projects that are currently undertaken by the Maldives through Indian assistance.

WION: Since you mentioned tourism, a key sector of your economy, how is it going? What, perhaps will you say to Indian tourists coming to your country?

Abdulla Shahid:&nbsp;We closed our borders on March 15, 2020. We reopened after three months on 15 July and India was the first country to have a travel bubble with the Maldives and we have been able to secure this travel arrangement between India and Maldives in such a way that tourists visiting the Maldives are safe. The [Covid case] numbers in the Maldives are coming down tremendously and the stay arrangements, the procedures that we have from the airport to the resorts, are very strict. The protocols are adhered to perfectly and it provides a safe passage to visitors.

Also, we are blessed with geography, we are an archipelago state, and the concept of one Island, one hotel makes it easy for any outbreak to be contained. So far we haven't got any outbreaks at any tourist resorts and we have been able to provide the tourists with secure confidence that they would require to be on holiday. My advice to all Indians is to come and visit us, gets some sun, sea and the beach.

Describing his country as "heart of the Indian Ocean", Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has called for a "peaceful, prosperous and stable" region which he feels is an "essential factor" for the "prosperity of Maldives".

Describing his country as "heart of the Indian Ocean", Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has called for a "peaceful, prosperous and stable" region which he feels is an "essential factor" for the "prosperity of Maldives". Speaking exclusively to WION's Sidhant Sibal during his ongoing Delhi visit, he said, "We will work with all our neighbours in making sure the region continues to be peaceful." This has come at a time when India and Maldives are engaging in multiple ways on tackling challenges of the region such as terror and piracy, under a trilateral format with Sri Lanka — all three countries aim to better enhance the coordination. He lauded New Delhi for its vaccine outreach under the Vaccine Maitri initiative, saying, "We are very grateful to India for the vaccines it provided and the promptness with which it was provided." The Maldives was one of the first countries to get made-in-India vaccines in January, just 48 hours after India began its mega domestic vaccination programme. He also appreciated India's support for his candidature for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President. WION: How do you characterise the relations between the two countries? Abdulla Shahid: I have been recently describing the relationship between Maldives and India like a flight of a bird. A bird takes flight because the two wings flap together in unison. If one wing doesn't flap then the bird cannot fly, the flight is not there. The Maldives-India relationship is like the flight of a bird because countries flap their wings together and it's moving into new heights. WION: India has been providing support to many countries including the Maldives amid the pandemic. Vaccines have been sent out to your country. What are your thoughts on that? Abdulla Shahid: When India rolled out its vaccine programme Vaccine Maitri, Maldives received the gift of vaccines from India within 48 hours and we are very grateful for that. We have been vaccinating our population and I am happy to say, 67 per cent of the population has been vaccinated now by the first dose. In the vaccination programme, in the rollout, we do not discriminate among nationalities or among any status. Everyone in the Maldives, irrespective of the status or nationalities will get the opportunity to get vaccinated. No one is safe till everyone is safe. We are very grateful to India for the vaccines it provided and the promptness with which it was provided. We are counting on India and the Serum Institute to make available more doses so that people, who have taken the first dose, can also be given the second dose during the required period of 8-12 weeks. WION: How do you see the ongoing security situation in the Indian Ocean, the collaboration with the regional countries? Abdulla Shahid: The Maldives regards itself as the heart of the Indian Ocean. If you look at the Indian Ocean and compare it with the human body, Maldives lies where the heart lies and throughout ages, Maldives has been the route through which the travellers have been travelling, crossing the Indian Ocean. For us, it is very important that the Indian Ocean be a peaceful, prosperous, and stable regime, and also for the prosperity of Maldives, it is an essential factor. Also, for the prosperity of the Indian Ocean, it is essential Maldives be stable and essential. Therefore, we will work with all our neighbours in making sure that this is maintained. WION: You are standing for President of the United Nations General Assembly. What is your country's main focus with this, considering you have got Indian support as well. Abdulla Shahid: President Solih came into office promising re-engagement with the international community. You would recall, when President Solih took office, we had already left the Commonwealth, the previous regime had left the grouping. We have been marginalised internationally. So, for President Solih, the first decision as President was to put the candidature of Maldives for the 76th session of the General Assembly. President Solih's decision to nominate me for the candidature is a great honour and a privilege for me. But it’s Maldives candidature and the support of the Indian government for the Maldives candidature is very much appreciated and it is a great honour for the country. We have been able to work with many countries in many parts of the world and I have been meeting representatives, foreign ministers, ambassadors from many, many countries. The support for the Maldives and the standing that the Maldives has risen internationally since Maldives President took office and we are very confident in the candidature. WION: Since you landed in Delhi, you have had several engagements with many envoys and you will be meeting EAM. What is your main aim for this visit? Abdulla Shahid: The envoys I have been meeting today have not been to the Maldives, they haven't been able to come to the Maldives for over a year due to the pandemic. So I am using my Delhi visit to brief them about the situation in the Maldives and the steps we have been taking during the pandemic. Many envoys represent countries from where tourists visit the Maldives, so it's good to keep them briefed about the developments in the country. I am looking forward to my meeting tomorrow with the EAM Jaishankar, with whom we are going to review the status of so many projects that are currently undertaken by the Maldives through Indian assistance. WION: Since you mentioned tourism, a key sector of your economy, how is it going? What, perhaps will you say to Indian tourists coming to your country? Abdulla Shahid: We closed our borders on March 15, 2020. We reopened after three months on 15 July and India was the first country to have a travel bubble with the Maldives and we have been able to secure this travel arrangement between India and Maldives in such a way that tourists visiting the Maldives are safe. The [Covid case] numbers in the Maldives are coming down tremendously and the stay arrangements, the procedures that we have from the airport to the resorts, are very strict. The protocols are adhered to perfectly and it provides a safe passage to visitors. Also, we are blessed with geography, we are an archipelago state, and the concept of one Island, one hotel makes it easy for any outbreak to be contained. So far we haven't got any outbreaks at any tourist resorts and we have been able to provide the tourists with secure confidence that they would require to be on holiday. My advice to all Indians is to come and visit us, gets some sun, sea and the beach.

'Peaceful Indian Ocean important': Maldives FM; thanks India for support for UNGA prez candidature

Russia has called India a "welcomed partner" in its efforts when it comes to the Afghan peace process.

"India is the closest friend and (most) trusted partner. Big meeting of minds on the majority of global and regional issues... India is a welcomed partner in our efforts to secure solutions for security and stability and predictability in and around Afghanistan,"&nbsp;Russian envoy to Delhi, Nikolay Kudashev, said.

This has come after India was not invited for troika plus talks on Afghanistan, which were hosted by Moscow. Russia, the US, China and Pakistan were the main countries at the Troika plus talks that took place last month on March 18.

In response to WION's question of&nbsp;whether India will be invited for future troika talks on Afghanistan, Kudashev said, "India was never denied an opportunity to be in troika but otherwise there is still a larger and&nbsp;more comprehensive format where India is the most welcome part. Thus, the problem should not be seen from the point of view of denial, but rather from the point of view of the multiplicity of choice."&nbsp;

Russia has been holding Moscow format talks on Afghanistan. India has been invited for this format of talks that involved Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, and Iran.

This year, Russian President Vladimir Putin will be visiting India for the annual India-Russia bilateral summit.

Ahead of the visit that will take place towards the end of 2021, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was in Delhi in April. During Lavrov's visit, in which the Russian special envoy on Afghan Zamir Kabulov was also present, a considerable discussion took place on Afghanistan.

Russia has called India a "welcomed partner" in its efforts when it comes to the Afghan peace process. "India is the closest friend and (most) trusted partner. Big meeting of minds on the majority of global and regional issues.

Russia has called India a "welcomed partner" in its efforts when it comes to the Afghan peace process. "India is the closest friend and (most) trusted partner. Big meeting of minds on the majority of global and regional issues... India is a welcomed partner in our efforts to secure solutions for security and stability and predictability in and around Afghanistan," Russian envoy to Delhi, Nikolay Kudashev, said. This has come after India was not invited for troika plus talks on Afghanistan, which were hosted by Moscow. Russia, the US, China and Pakistan were the main countries at the Troika plus talks that took place last month on March 18. In response to WION's question of whether India will be invited for future troika talks on Afghanistan, Kudashev said, "India was never denied an opportunity to be in troika but otherwise there is still a larger and more comprehensive format where India is the most welcome part. Thus, the problem should not be seen from the point of view of denial, but rather from the point of view of the multiplicity of choice." Russia has been holding Moscow format talks on Afghanistan. India has been invited for this format of talks that involved Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, and Iran. This year, Russian President Vladimir Putin will be visiting India for the annual India-Russia bilateral summit. Ahead of the visit that will take place towards the end of 2021, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was in Delhi in April. During Lavrov's visit, in which the Russian special envoy on Afghan Zamir Kabulov was also present, a considerable discussion took place on Afghanistan.

'India is a welcomed partner', says Russian envoy on Moscow led engagement on Afghan peace process

France and India are expected to work together on a joint initiative on phasing out single-use plastics as part of their engagement in dealing with climate change. This was one of the key outcomes of the meet between visiting French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and India's Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar.&nbsp;

Speaking at an event in Delhi, in the presence of an Indian minister, the French Foreign minister said, "France and India could also work together to fight single-use plastics. Our countries have taken very strong decisions on this issue...We should invite other countries to join this momentum and why not work on a moratorium on single-use plastics."&nbsp;

India will be phasing out single-use plastics by 2022, and France, for its part, has started to ban a series of single-use plastic products. In the past, India and France have taken the joint initiative, most notable being the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in 2015, which aims to harness the energy of the sun as part of the use of clean energy.&nbsp;

Other than the initiative on 'Single Use Plastic', both sides decided to work on Green Hydrogen or Hydrogen used via 'clean process'. France will also be sending an 'expert' for the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure or CDRI.&nbsp;

French FM lauding CRDI said, "France and India are also cooperating together under the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, which was launched by the Prime Minister of India in 2019."&nbsp;

Adding, "From our point of view, this coalition has a very important role to play in the Indo-Pacific region to adapt infrastructures to the consequences of climate change. Here, too, France will make a concrete contribution by seconding an expert to this organisation in Delhi."&nbsp;

CRDI aims to promote the resilience of new and existing infrastructure against climate and disaster risks. 22 countries and 7 organisations have joined the group, as of March 2021.&nbsp;

France and India are expected to work together on a joint initiative on phasing out single-use plastics as part of their engagement in dealing with climate change.

France and India are expected to work together on a joint initiative on phasing out single-use plastics as part of their engagement in dealing with climate change. This was one of the key outcomes of the meet between visiting French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and India's Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar. Speaking at an event in Delhi, in the presence of an Indian minister, the French Foreign minister said, "France and India could also work together to fight single-use plastics. Our countries have taken very strong decisions on this issue...We should invite other countries to join this momentum and why not work on a moratorium on single-use plastics." India will be phasing out single-use plastics by 2022, and France, for its part, has started to ban a series of single-use plastic products. In the past, India and France have taken the joint initiative, most notable being the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in 2015, which aims to harness the energy of the sun as part of the use of clean energy. Other than the initiative on 'Single Use Plastic', both sides decided to work on Green Hydrogen or Hydrogen used via 'clean process'. France will also be sending an 'expert' for the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure or CDRI. French FM lauding CRDI said, "France and India are also cooperating together under the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, which was launched by the Prime Minister of India in 2019." Adding, "From our point of view, this coalition has a very important role to play in the Indo-Pacific region to adapt infrastructures to the consequences of climate change. Here, too, France will make a concrete contribution by seconding an expert to this organisation in Delhi." CRDI aims to promote the resilience of new and existing infrastructure against climate and disaster risks. 22 countries and 7 organisations have joined the group, as of March 2021.

India, France to work jointly on phasing out single-use plastics 

Slovenia's Foreign Minister Anže Logar has batted for strong ties with India while calling for European Union to increase engagement with countries in the Indo-Pacific.

Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Logar said, "India is a very interesting and welcome partner for cooperation...see many common positions that we can take together". On the Indo-Pacific vision, the foreign minister said, "We think the EU has to be very actively engaged in discussion with Indo-Pacific countries."&nbsp;

His comments are important since Slovenia will be presiding over the Council of the European Union from July for six months. The Indian PM is expected to travel to Portugal next month for the India EU summit. The summit happens under the Portuguese presidency. Asked about India EU Free Trade agreement, FM Logar pointed out that, his country "would like to bring this issue back high on the agenda of the European Union".&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India-Slovenia ties?&nbsp;

Anže Logar: For Slovenia, India is a very interesting and welcome partner for cooperation. India is the 3rd most important market in this region if we count it as bilateral trade. And I see many common positions, that we can take together, especially, with the new developments of digitalisation, artificial intelligence. Looking forward to enhanced cooperation.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Next month Indian PM is expected to travel to Portugal for the India EU summit. What will be the key focus. Also, on India EU FTA, while Indian political leadership is keen on it, but it looks some reluctance from European bureaucrats.&nbsp;

Anže Logar: In a way, India is becoming more and more important and even your foreign policy is growing its importance and interest in this global currents of political engagement and economical engagement. In that sense, European Union and India are sharing their values, values built on rule of law and coming from the same democratic hemisphere of the world. In that sense, one should only complement enhanced cooperation and I see initiatives from the Portuguese presidency, very good in a way to improve our bilateral exchange, be it from the economic point of view, be it from a political point of view. Due to the Slovenian geo strategical position, we have port koper, we can be a very good gate for Indian enterprises, in order to access the European hinterland. In that terms, Slovenia is very interested in enhancing cooperation at the EU level.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: And about the India EU FTA.&nbsp;

Anže Logar: We would like to bring this issue back high on the agenda of the European Union. We saw free trade agreement between several countries in the Indo-Pacific region, in which India did not participate in the initiative. It is very important we proceed towards this initiative between India and the European Union. I see this, as one of the main topics on the agenda.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Slovenia has great tourism potential, especially for Indian tourists.&nbsp;

Anže Logar: Slovenia can offer, on a very small piece of land everything, what to expect, perfect landscapes. This voice of beauty of Slovenia spread around quickly. In that sense, I would suggest, like better, on the highest possible engagement between our tourist agencies as well as to enhance our cooperation. Direct air flight would definitely enhance the availability of the Slovenian tourist market to Indian tourists. &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: What kind of cooperation India and Slovenia have against Covid pandemic?&nbsp;

Anže Logar: We can exchange information as the EU countries exchange it on a daily basis. And if there are some good consequences on countering pandemic, there are best practices in every country around the globe, if we can exchange this, we can tackle the crisis. This is a good way on how to proceed on a mix of measures that can lower volume of the spread of the crisis. Now, we are heading to the 2nd phase, which is the vaccination period, in that sense, it is a global problem. Until we globally vaccinate the population, we will still have problems with covid. So, we have to cooperate in that sense. India, has vast production capacities for vaccines, and the EU is trying to build up the capacities in producing our own, so we have vast space for cooperation. We are all on the same boat, so we have to go in same direction.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Slovenia will be presiding over the Council of the European Union from July for six months. Key focus areas.&nbsp;

Anže Logar: We hope, we will be the first presidency in a row that will hold meetings in person. In-person rather than via audio and video because it gives pristine relation with interlocutors and it is much easier to agree on certain important details in person than via virtual connections. We hope we will be able to perform it in a full-fledged presidency. If we consider one globally important issue, it is to improve and enhance cooperation with our ally, the US. The last summit was 2017 and since then no discussion at the highest level. FTA between EU and US was stopped, and we have to kick that. The same is with India, we want to synchronise our views on bilateral exchange. Slovenia as a country of central Europe, we want to focus on countries of central Europe and western Balkans. There will be two main issues, one is resilient Europe on the health sector and we want to give strategic debate on managing the health crisis and aim to have good crisis management and second is cybersecurity. Data is next oil and EU needs to be prepared on safeguarding the digital life of European Union.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Chinese rise, how do you see that...&nbsp;

Anže Logar: China is a seasoned power, it is rising as well, India is rising as well. Big markets are increasing influence in the world and we need to take this into consideration. If look into the Slovenian side, we have imbalanced bilateral ties with China. We import much more than export, and from my perspective, in not so distant future, we want to balance this. Between the partners, we should have more or less the same exchanges. Slovenia can offer high edge technologies, we are taking an active part in seeing the possibility to enhance our bilateral ties. If we look at the EU perspective, the last days of the German presidency, the end of 2020, we had an institutional agreement on investment with China.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: How do you see the Indo-Pacific vision?&nbsp;

Anže Logar: Lot of focus on Indo-Pacific, as well your FM Jaishankar in his book the Indian way, stressed on rediscovering Indo-Pacific and the importance of it. We know the first visit of the US Secretary of state was to Indo-Pacific. This is proof of the importance of the region. As the incoming presidency, we think the EU has to be very actively engaged in discussion with Indo-Pacific countries. &nbsp;

Slovenia's Foreign Minister Anže Logar has batted for strong ties with India while calling for European Union to increase engagement with countries in the Indo-Pacific.

Slovenia's Foreign Minister Anže Logar has batted for strong ties with India while calling for European Union to increase engagement with countries in the Indo-Pacific. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Logar said, "India is a very interesting and welcome partner for cooperation...see many common positions that we can take together". On the Indo-Pacific vision, the foreign minister said, "We think the EU has to be very actively engaged in discussion with Indo-Pacific countries." His comments are important since Slovenia will be presiding over the Council of the European Union from July for six months. The Indian PM is expected to travel to Portugal next month for the India EU summit. The summit happens under the Portuguese presidency. Asked about India EU Free Trade agreement, FM Logar pointed out that, his country "would like to bring this issue back high on the agenda of the European Union". Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India-Slovenia ties? Anže Logar: For Slovenia, India is a very interesting and welcome partner for cooperation. India is the 3rd most important market in this region if we count it as bilateral trade. And I see many common positions, that we can take together, especially, with the new developments of digitalisation, artificial intelligence. Looking forward to enhanced cooperation. Sidhant Sibal: Next month Indian PM is expected to travel to Portugal for the India EU summit. What will be the key focus. Also, on India EU FTA, while Indian political leadership is keen on it, but it looks some reluctance from European bureaucrats. Anže Logar: In a way, India is becoming more and more important and even your foreign policy is growing its importance and interest in this global currents of political engagement and economical engagement. In that sense, European Union and India are sharing their values, values built on rule of law and coming from the same democratic hemisphere of the world. In that sense, one should only complement enhanced cooperation and I see initiatives from the Portuguese presidency, very good in a way to improve our bilateral exchange, be it from the economic point of view, be it from a political point of view. Due to the Slovenian geo strategical position, we have port koper, we can be a very good gate for Indian enterprises, in order to access the European hinterland. In that terms, Slovenia is very interested in enhancing cooperation at the EU level. Sidhant Sibal: And about the India EU FTA. Anže Logar: We would like to bring this issue back high on the agenda of the European Union. We saw free trade agreement between several countries in the Indo-Pacific region, in which India did not participate in the initiative. It is very important we proceed towards this initiative between India and the European Union. I see this, as one of the main topics on the agenda. Sidhant Sibal: Slovenia has great tourism potential, especially for Indian tourists. Anže Logar: Slovenia can offer, on a very small piece of land everything, what to expect, perfect landscapes. This voice of beauty of Slovenia spread around quickly. In that sense, I would suggest, like better, on the highest possible engagement between our tourist agencies as well as to enhance our cooperation. Direct air flight would definitely enhance the availability of the Slovenian tourist market to Indian tourists. Sidhant Sibal: What kind of cooperation India and Slovenia have against Covid pandemic? Anže Logar: We can exchange information as the EU countries exchange it on a daily basis. And if there are some good consequences on countering pandemic, there are best practices in every country around the globe, if we can exchange this, we can tackle the crisis. This is a good way on how to proceed on a mix of measures that can lower volume of the spread of the crisis. Now, we are heading to the 2nd phase, which is the vaccination period, in that sense, it is a global problem. Until we globally vaccinate the population, we will still have problems with covid. So, we have to cooperate in that sense. India, has vast production capacities for vaccines, and the EU is trying to build up the capacities in producing our own, so we have vast space for cooperation. We are all on the same boat, so we have to go in same direction. Sidhant Sibal: Slovenia will be presiding over the Council of the European Union from July for six months. Key focus areas. Anže Logar: We hope, we will be the first presidency in a row that will hold meetings in person. In-person rather than via audio and video because it gives pristine relation with interlocutors and it is much easier to agree on certain important details in person than via virtual connections. We hope we will be able to perform it in a full-fledged presidency. If we consider one globally important issue, it is to improve and enhance cooperation with our ally, the US. The last summit was 2017 and since then no discussion at the highest level. FTA between EU and US was stopped, and we have to kick that. The same is with India, we want to synchronise our views on bilateral exchange. Slovenia as a country of central Europe, we want to focus on countries of central Europe and western Balkans. There will be two main issues, one is resilient Europe on the health sector and we want to give strategic debate on managing the health crisis and aim to have good crisis management and second is cybersecurity. Data is next oil and EU needs to be prepared on safeguarding the digital life of European Union. Sidhant Sibal: Chinese rise, how do you see that... Anže Logar: China is a seasoned power, it is rising as well, India is rising as well. Big markets are increasing influence in the world and we need to take this into consideration. If look into the Slovenian side, we have imbalanced bilateral ties with China. We import much more than export, and from my perspective, in not so distant future, we want to balance this. Between the partners, we should have more or less the same exchanges. Slovenia can offer high edge technologies, we are taking an active part in seeing the possibility to enhance our bilateral ties. If we look at the EU perspective, the last days of the German presidency, the end of 2020, we had an institutional agreement on investment with China. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see the Indo-Pacific vision? Anže Logar: Lot of focus on Indo-Pacific, as well your FM Jaishankar in his book the Indian way, stressed on rediscovering Indo-Pacific and the importance of it. We know the first visit of the US Secretary of state was to Indo-Pacific. This is proof of the importance of the region. As the incoming presidency, we think the EU has to be very actively engaged in discussion with Indo-Pacific countries.

Slovenia FM bats for stronger ties with India, engagement on Indo-Pacific 

The United States annual intelligence report has said that India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "more likely" to respond with force to Pakistani provocation.&nbsp;

The annual threat assessment of the US intelligence community report 2021 said, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is more likely than in the past to respond with military force to perceived or real Pakistani provocations."

In the past, in the backdrop of terror attacks like Pulwama in February of 2019, India responded by "Balakot airstrikes" deep inside Pakistani territory. Indian Air force planes struck terror camps in the vicinity of Balakot town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. In 2016, after the Uri attacks, Indian forces conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Highlighting that "tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan remain a concern for the world", the US intel report released by the Director of National Intelligence pointed out, "although a general war between India and Pakistan is unlikely, crises between the two are likely to become more intense, risking an escalatory cycle."

India has repeatedly asked Pakistan to take action against terror groups under its territories. It has raised the issue at many multilateral forums such as United Nations.

The report also mentioned the ongoing situation between India and China, pointing out, "China-India border tensions remain high, despite some force pullbacks this year."

The year 2020 was the worst in decades for India-China ties due to aggressive action by Chinese forces that killed 20 Indian soldiers in Galwan, at thLline of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh.

The report said, "China’s occupation since May 2020 of contested border areas is the most serious escalation in decades and led to the first lethal border clash between the two countries since 1975." February saw de-escalation at Pangong lake with both sides pulling back forces and equipment but no movement is seen by Chinese forces at areas like Hot Springs, Depsang, and Gogra.&nbsp;

The report warned, "Interstate conflicts will also flare, ranging from border sparrings, such as that between China and India, to potentially more sustained violent confrontations."

The United States annual intelligence report has said that India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "more likely" to respond with force to Pakistani provocation.

The United States annual intelligence report has said that India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "more likely" to respond with force to Pakistani provocation. The annual threat assessment of the US intelligence community report 2021 said, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is more likely than in the past to respond with military force to perceived or real Pakistani provocations." In the past, in the backdrop of terror attacks like Pulwama in February of 2019, India responded by "Balakot airstrikes" deep inside Pakistani territory. Indian Air force planes struck terror camps in the vicinity of Balakot town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. In 2016, after the Uri attacks, Indian forces conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Highlighting that "tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan remain a concern for the world", the US intel report released by the Director of National Intelligence pointed out, "although a general war between India and Pakistan is unlikely, crises between the two are likely to become more intense, risking an escalatory cycle." India has repeatedly asked Pakistan to take action against terror groups under its territories. It has raised the issue at many multilateral forums such as United Nations. The report also mentioned the ongoing situation between India and China, pointing out, "China-India border tensions remain high, despite some force pullbacks this year." The year 2020 was the worst in decades for India-China ties due to aggressive action by Chinese forces that killed 20 Indian soldiers in Galwan, at thLline of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. The report said, "China’s occupation since May 2020 of contested border areas is the most serious escalation in decades and led to the first lethal border clash between the two countries since 1975." February saw de-escalation at Pangong lake with both sides pulling back forces and equipment but no movement is seen by Chinese forces at areas like Hot Springs, Depsang, and Gogra. The report warned, "Interstate conflicts will also flare, ranging from border sparrings, such as that between China and India, to potentially more sustained violent confrontations."

Under PM Modi, India 'more likely' to respond with force to Pakistani provocation: US intelligence report

In a setback for Islamabad, the United Kingdom in its new amended regulations on money laundering and&nbsp;terror financing has listed Pakistan under high-risk states. Pakistan is listed under 21 'high-risk third countries', which includes North Korea, Syria, Zimbabwe, Syria and Yemen.&nbsp;

The 'Amendment of the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017' has the amendment with the new list which includes Pakistan. The regulation came into effect on March 26.&nbsp;

The new regulation is a post-Brexit regime and mentioned that replacement of "a country which has been identified by the European Commission as a high-risk third country in delegated acts adopted under Article 9.2 of the fourth money laundering directive” with a new substitute “a high-risk third country”.&nbsp;

Pakistan strongly reacted to the development and said, "UK's assessment leading to the subject regulation is not based on facts", asking London to "review its regulations" and "avoid politically motivated and misplaced measures."&nbsp;

The development comes even as the Financial Action Task Force or FATF's sword continues to hang on Pakistan. The country has been on the financial watchdog's grey list since June 2018, impacting its economy. In the February meeting, the body decided to keep Pakistan on the grey list and gave more time to implement its 27-point action plan. It called on Pakistan to address deficiencies, including "demonstrating effective implementation of targeted financial sanctions against all 1267 and 1373 designated terrorists, specifically those acting for or on their behalf."&nbsp;

In a setback for Islamabad, the United Kingdom in its new amended regulations on money laundering and terror financing has listed Pakistan under high-risk states.

In a setback for Islamabad, the United Kingdom in its new amended regulations on money laundering and terror financing has listed Pakistan under high-risk states. Pakistan is listed under 21 'high-risk third countries', which includes North Korea, Syria, Zimbabwe, Syria and Yemen. The 'Amendment of the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017' has the amendment with the new list which includes Pakistan. The regulation came into effect on March 26. The new regulation is a post-Brexit regime and mentioned that replacement of "a country which has been identified by the European Commission as a high-risk third country in delegated acts adopted under Article 9.2 of the fourth money laundering directive” with a new substitute “a high-risk third country”. Pakistan strongly reacted to the development and said, "UK's assessment leading to the subject regulation is not based on facts", asking London to "review its regulations" and "avoid politically motivated and misplaced measures." The development comes even as the Financial Action Task Force or FATF's sword continues to hang on Pakistan. The country has been on the financial watchdog's grey list since June 2018, impacting its economy. In the February meeting, the body decided to keep Pakistan on the grey list and gave more time to implement its 27-point action plan. It called on Pakistan to address deficiencies, including "demonstrating effective implementation of targeted financial sanctions against all 1267 and 1373 designated terrorists, specifically those acting for or on their behalf."

UK classifies Pakistan as 'high risk' state over money laundering, terror financing 

Even as India&nbsp; and France strengthen ties, Paris has agreed to join New Delhi's&nbsp;Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI).&nbsp;&nbsp;IPOI was proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the East Asia Summit in November&nbsp;2019.

The development comes even as French Foreign minister&nbsp;Jean-Yves Le Drian is on an India visit. Earlier in the day, he met India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. He will also be going to&nbsp;Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters in&nbsp;Bengaluru.

Increasing trade connectivity, maritime transport and maritime security are among the seven key pillars of the initiative. Other five are maritime ecology, maritime resources, capacity building and resource sharing, disaster risk reduction and management, science, technology and academic cooperation.

India has been engaging with countries under IPOI. Many countries in the region have been invited for it.

Both India and France are increasing engagement, especially in defence and martime domain. French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle will take part in India-France Varuna naval exercise.

Charles de Gaulle is the&nbsp;first French&nbsp;nuclear-powered&nbsp;surface vessel. The exercises will start from April 26th and take place off the coast of Oman (Western Indian Ocean).

The last edition of Varuna Exercises took place along the Goa coast in May&nbsp;2019.&nbsp;That was the 17th edition of this exercise.&nbsp; Earlier this month, India for the first time joined France-initiated La Pérouse exercises. The exercises saw coming together of naval ships of France and all four Quad countries-- India, US, Australia and Japan.

Even as India and France strengthen ties, Paris has agreed to join New Delhi's Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI). IPOI was proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the East Asia Summit in November 2019.

Even as India and France strengthen ties, Paris has agreed to join New Delhi's Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI). IPOI was proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the East Asia Summit in November 2019. The development comes even as French Foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian is on an India visit. Earlier in the day, he met India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. He will also be going to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters in Bengaluru. Increasing trade connectivity, maritime transport and maritime security are among the seven key pillars of the initiative. Other five are maritime ecology, maritime resources, capacity building and resource sharing, disaster risk reduction and management, science, technology and academic cooperation. India has been engaging with countries under IPOI. Many countries in the region have been invited for it. Both India and France are increasing engagement, especially in defence and martime domain. French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle will take part in India-France Varuna naval exercise. Charles de Gaulle is the first French nuclear-powered surface vessel. The exercises will start from April 26th and take place off the coast of Oman (Western Indian Ocean). The last edition of Varuna Exercises took place along the Goa coast in May 2019. That was the 17th edition of this exercise. Earlier this month, India for the first time joined France-initiated La Pérouse exercises. The exercises saw coming together of naval ships of France and all four Quad countries-- India, US, Australia and Japan.

France to join India's Indo-Pacific oceans initiative; aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to exercise with Indian Navy

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