Amid increased violence in Pakistan, India is concerned about Indian Sikh pilgrims in the country for Baisakhi celebrations.

Top sources in Delhi have told WION that the Indian government&nbsp;is continuously monitoring the situation and is in touch with Pakistani authorities for the safety and wellbeing of its citizens.

Two people have died in Pakistan after massive protests in the backdrop of Pakistani authorities detaining Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Saad Hussain Rizvi. The TLP chief has been detained ahead of the April 20 deadline to implement the group's demands, which includes expelling of the French envoy to Pakistan and cutting diplomatic ties with France.

Currently, around 900 Indian Sikh pilgrims are in Pakistan who will&nbsp;go to Panja Sahib Gurdwara for Baisakhi celebrations. Due to protests in Pakistan, they were taken to a Gurdwara in Lahore. Pakistan authorities have rescheduled their visits.

Satwant Singh of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) told WION, "Security arrangements are being reviewed by the authorities..arrangements being made to facilitate the Jatha".

As per the schedule prepared earlier, they were to reach Panja Sahib on April 12 to April 14 to celebrate Baisakhi. But now authorities are rescheduling the itinerary.

The journey from Lahore to Punjab Sahib is approximately six&nbsp;hours by road, but the main roads are closed as of now due to the violence.

High Commission for Pakistan in India had issued over 1100 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to participate in the annual Baisakhi celebrations from 12 to 22 April.

Under the framework of the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974, a large number of Sikh Yatrees (pilgrims) from India visit Pakistan to observe various religious festivals/occasions every year.

Amid increased violence in Pakistan, India is concerned about Indian Sikh pilgrims in the country for Baisakhi celebrations. Top sources in Delhi have told WION that the Indian government is continuously monitoring the situation and is in touch with Pakistani authorities for the safety and wellbeing of its citizens.

Amid increased violence in Pakistan, India is concerned about Indian Sikh pilgrims in the country for Baisakhi celebrations. Top sources in Delhi have told WION that the Indian government is continuously monitoring the situation and is in touch with Pakistani authorities for the safety and wellbeing of its citizens. Two people have died in Pakistan after massive protests in the backdrop of Pakistani authorities detaining Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Saad Hussain Rizvi. The TLP chief has been detained ahead of the April 20 deadline to implement the group's demands, which includes expelling of the French envoy to Pakistan and cutting diplomatic ties with France. Currently, around 900 Indian Sikh pilgrims are in Pakistan who will go to Panja Sahib Gurdwara for Baisakhi celebrations. Due to protests in Pakistan, they were taken to a Gurdwara in Lahore. Pakistan authorities have rescheduled their visits. Satwant Singh of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) told WION, "Security arrangements are being reviewed by the authorities..arrangements being made to facilitate the Jatha". As per the schedule prepared earlier, they were to reach Panja Sahib on April 12 to April 14 to celebrate Baisakhi. But now authorities are rescheduling the itinerary. The journey from Lahore to Punjab Sahib is approximately six hours by road, but the main roads are closed as of now due to the violence. High Commission for Pakistan in India had issued over 1100 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to participate in the annual Baisakhi celebrations from 12 to 22 April. Under the framework of the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974, a large number of Sikh Yatrees (pilgrims) from India visit Pakistan to observe various religious festivals/occasions every year.

Pakistan violence: New Delhi concerned about Indian Sikh pilgrims; in touch with authorities

Sputnik V, the COVID-19 vaccine from Russia, has been given 'Emergency Use Authorisation' in India by a panel of experts. It is the third vaccine Indian authorities have given approval to after Bharat Biotech's Covaxin&nbsp;and the University of Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield vaccine.

The approval on Monday was given by&nbsp;Subject Expert Committee. The regulator Drug Controller General of India will have to give final nod for wider use of the doses on all citizens.

Russian Direct Investment Fund or RDIF is behind the Sputnik V vaccine. The vaccine will be produced in India under a pact between RDIF and Indian Pharma companies like Dr Reddy's, Virchow, Stelis Biopharma and Panacea Biotec. The pacts were already in place, given that India is the hub of global manufacturing of vaccines. Around 750 million doses of the Sputnik V vaccine are expected to be produced in India.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-ignore-these-new-oral-symptoms-of-covid-19-377054">Don't ignore these new oral symptoms of Covid-19</a>

Earlier this month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was in New Delhi.

On a question about Sputnik V vaccine approval, he said,"I do not rule out that further cooperation in this area could encompass vaccine production in Russia. Specialists should discuss it and proceed on the basis of the maximum effectiveness of such cooperation."

Sputnik V is already registered in more than 59 countries. The efficacy of the two-shot vaccine is over 91.6%. According to RDIF.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/these-are-the-three-new-symptoms-of-covid-19-dont-take-them-lightly-375900">These are the three new symptoms of COVID-19. Don't take them lightly</a>

"The cost of one dose of the vaccine for international markets is less than $10 (Sputnik V is a two-dose vaccine)."&nbsp;

The vaccine can be stored at a temperature of +2 to +8 degrees Celsius. The vaccine is named after the first Soviet space satellite.

Sputnik V, the COVID-19 vaccine from Russia, has been given 'Emergency Use Authorisation' in India by a panel of experts. It is the third vaccine Indian authorities have given approval to after Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and the University of Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield vaccine.

Sputnik V, the COVID-19 vaccine from Russia, has been given 'Emergency Use Authorisation' in India by a panel of experts. It is the third vaccine Indian authorities have given approval to after Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and the University of Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield vaccine. The approval on Monday was given by Subject Expert Committee. The regulator Drug Controller General of India will have to give final nod for wider use of the doses on all citizens. Russian Direct Investment Fund or RDIF is behind the Sputnik V vaccine. The vaccine will be produced in India under a pact between RDIF and Indian Pharma companies like Dr Reddy's, Virchow, Stelis Biopharma and Panacea Biotec. The pacts were already in place, given that India is the hub of global manufacturing of vaccines. Around 750 million doses of the Sputnik V vaccine are expected to be produced in India. Also Read | Don't ignore these new oral symptoms of Covid-19 Earlier this month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was in New Delhi. On a question about Sputnik V vaccine approval, he said,"I do not rule out that further cooperation in this area could encompass vaccine production in Russia. Specialists should discuss it and proceed on the basis of the maximum effectiveness of such cooperation." Sputnik V is already registered in more than 59 countries. The efficacy of the two-shot vaccine is over 91.6%. According to RDIF. Also Read | These are the three new symptoms of COVID-19. Don't take them lightly "The cost of one dose of the vaccine for international markets is less than $10 (Sputnik V is a two-dose vaccine)." The vaccine can be stored at a temperature of +2 to +8 degrees Celsius. The vaccine is named after the first Soviet space satellite.

Russia's Sputnik V COVID vaccine gets emergency nod from expert panel in India

Indian government has&nbsp;launched first-ever app that enables the user to learn Sanskrit, the ancient language of the country. The app created by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has been named 'Little Guru'.

The app aims to make learning Sanskrit easy and entertaining by 'gamifying' it. It has been developed by Bengaluru-based company Gamapp sportswizz. The app is available on Google Play Store.

"Little guru is a beautiful symbol of what we proposed to do in teaching to people across the world. This app will help students, teachers, monks...to be able to get an app that will help them learn easier at their own pace, whatever time they want. It helps you do better," said Dinesh Patnaik, director general&nbsp;of ICCR.

"We realised something, we need something more modern, more up to date. Which works with technology, to bring this ancient language to the people...We decided to use modern-day tools like machine learning, AI, and gaming techniques. Gaming techniques help in bringing life to language," he said.

Sankrit is often called the 'language of the Gods' in Indian culture. ICCR has been providing Sanskrit books and other material to help people learn the language. ICCR comes under India's Ministry of External Affairs. It also deputes teachers, professors to universities and institutes.

Indian diaspora as well as foreigners have been requesting ICCR for assistance in Sanskrit learning. Many Buddhist, Jain and other religious texts are in Sanskrit. There has been great demand from some countries for assistance in learning the language.

Many Indian languages like Bengali, Tamil, Marathi use Sanskrit as a base.&nbsp;

A number of universities teaching Sanskrit across the world have been keen for an app that helps not only the current students but also other young scholars who wish to learn Sanskrit before joining universities.

Indian government has launched first-ever app that enables the user to learn Sanskrit, the ancient language of the country. The app created by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has been named 'Little Guru'.

Indian government has launched first-ever app that enables the user to learn Sanskrit, the ancient language of the country. The app created by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has been named 'Little Guru'. The app aims to make learning Sanskrit easy and entertaining by 'gamifying' it. It has been developed by Bengaluru-based company Gamapp sportswizz. The app is available on Google Play Store. "Little guru is a beautiful symbol of what we proposed to do in teaching to people across the world. This app will help students, teachers, monks...to be able to get an app that will help them learn easier at their own pace, whatever time they want. It helps you do better," said Dinesh Patnaik, director general of ICCR. "We realised something, we need something more modern, more up to date. Which works with technology, to bring this ancient language to the people...We decided to use modern-day tools like machine learning, AI, and gaming techniques. Gaming techniques help in bringing life to language," he said. Sankrit is often called the 'language of the Gods' in Indian culture. ICCR has been providing Sanskrit books and other material to help people learn the language. ICCR comes under India's Ministry of External Affairs. It also deputes teachers, professors to universities and institutes. Indian diaspora as well as foreigners have been requesting ICCR for assistance in Sanskrit learning. Many Buddhist, Jain and other religious texts are in Sanskrit. There has been great demand from some countries for assistance in learning the language. Many Indian languages like Bengali, Tamil, Marathi use Sanskrit as a base. A number of universities teaching Sanskrit across the world have been keen for an app that helps not only the current students but also other young scholars who wish to learn Sanskrit before joining universities.

Little Guru: India launches first of its kind app that teaches Sanskrit

Paying "tributes" to India, Vietnam's ambassador the country&nbsp;Pham Sanh Chau recieved&nbsp;the first dose of Indian vaccine Covaxin. Covaxin is made by Bharat Biotech, headquartered in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad. The envoy got vaccinated at Delhi's Dr Ram Manohar Lohia hospital.

Speaking to WION after getting the first jab, Chau said, "I took the decision to come to a government hospital to take my first jab of Covaxin vaccine. Why I decided to take Covaxin, because I believe that Covaxin is a very good vaccine and it will be safer."

He added, "I am here for more than two years, and it's time for me to pay tribute to this great country of India and its people. Also, acknowledge the contribution of Indian scientists to the noble cause of vaccinating the whole world".

The Vietnamese envoy joins other envoys in getting vaccinated. Earlier this month, Australian envoy&nbsp;Barry O’Farrell got vaccinated using Covisheild&nbsp;vaccine.

&nbsp;

In a tweet, the Australian envoy had said, "&nbsp;#FirstDose today of&nbsp;@AstraZeneca ’s #Covishield vaccine, manufactured by Flag of India @SerumInstIndia."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FirstDose?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FirstDose</a> today of <a href="https://twitter.com/AstraZeneca?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AstraZeneca</a>’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covishield?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covishield</a> vaccine, manufactured by 🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/SerumInstIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SerumInstIndia</a>. Pleased to be a part of the world’s largest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> vaccination program rolled out in India - 83,110,926 vaccinated since 16 January. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LargestVaccineDrive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LargestVaccineDrive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AstraZenaca?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AstraZenaca</a> <a href="https://t.co/wdw3W6vX7d">pic.twitter.com/wdw3W6vX7d</a>
— Barry O’Farrell AO (@AusHCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AusHCIndia/status/1379304487962087430?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

India had earlier this year invited all eligible foreign diplomats and their families based out of Delhi to be vaccinated.

The country began its domestic vaccination drive in January and since then 100 million people have been vaccinated.

New Delhi is also exporting vaccines globally as gift or commercially, and has sent doses to 85 countries so far.

Paying "tributes" to India, Vietnam's ambassador the country Pham Sanh Chau recieved the first dose of Indian vaccine Covaxin. Covaxin is made by Bharat Biotech, headquartered in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad.

Paying "tributes" to India, Vietnam's ambassador the country Pham Sanh Chau recieved the first dose of Indian vaccine Covaxin. Covaxin is made by Bharat Biotech, headquartered in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad. The envoy got vaccinated at Delhi's Dr Ram Manohar Lohia hospital. Speaking to WION after getting the first jab, Chau said, "I took the decision to come to a government hospital to take my first jab of Covaxin vaccine. Why I decided to take Covaxin, because I believe that Covaxin is a very good vaccine and it will be safer." He added, "I am here for more than two years, and it's time for me to pay tribute to this great country of India and its people. Also, acknowledge the contribution of Indian scientists to the noble cause of vaccinating the whole world". The Vietnamese envoy joins other envoys in getting vaccinated. Earlier this month, Australian envoy Barry O’Farrell got vaccinated using Covisheild vaccine. In a tweet, the Australian envoy had said, " #FirstDose today of @AstraZeneca ’s #Covishield vaccine, manufactured by Flag of India @SerumInstIndia." #FirstDose today of @AstraZeneca’s #Covishield vaccine, manufactured by 🇮🇳 @SerumInstIndia. Pleased to be a part of the world’s largest #COVID19 vaccination program rolled out in India - 83,110,926 vaccinated since 16 January. #LargestVaccineDrive #AstraZenaca pic.twitter.com/wdw3W6vX7d — Barry O’Farrell AO (@AusHCIndia) April 6, 2021 × India had earlier this year invited all eligible foreign diplomats and their families based out of Delhi to be vaccinated. The country began its domestic vaccination drive in January and since then 100 million people have been vaccinated. New Delhi is also exporting vaccines globally as gift or commercially, and has sent doses to 85 countries so far.

Vietnamese envoy gets first dose of Indian COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin

Istanbul is all set to host the talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. While the date is&nbsp; Friday the 16th of April, no announcement has come so far given anything can happen anytime when it comes to the Afghan peace process. Taliban is eager to cross the 1st of May deadline for withdrawal of American troops. While it is given that the US troops won't be able to withdraw by then, the Taliban is hoping to gain leverage, a kind of moral upper hand.&nbsp;

An Afghan govt source told WION, "they are keen on condition-based withdrawal, not a time-bound withdrawal". A condition, on the Taliban to reduce violence, something that continues to remain high.

But what did Doha gain from hosting the talks on Afghan Peace Process? The lucrative geopolitics of hosting Afghan peace talks mean, getting international prestige and certain trade-offs.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Qatar was able to normalise ties with four Arab countries--Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt--at the famous Al Ula summit.&nbsp;The four Arab states had cut ties with the oil-rich state of Qatar way back in 2017. The outcome in practical terms was the end of a three and half-year-old blockade against Qatar, and reopening of land and sea routes.

Qatar, last year, was a busy place. It not only hosted the signing of the Taliban-US peace pact, but also in September hosted the start of intra-Afghan talks between the Afghan govt and Taliban. America's reduced role in Afghanistan, which can pave way for its troops to leave, is Washington's priority, and while that still hasn't happened, Qatar was able to bring the various factions together.&nbsp;And this helped Qatar normalise ties with its neighbours in the long term.

Now, it's Turkey that is set to host such talks. Turkey, which has been having tiff of some kind with both Russia and the US, will be able to get back some lost ground.

And with hosting such talks, moral leadership and economics are not far behind. In fact, hosting big-ticket talks amid the economic downturn is something that can be politically fruitful.&nbsp;&nbsp;The US, under its new proposal to the Afghan president, suggested&nbsp;talks in Turkey between the Afghan government and the Taliban and later six-country talks under United Nations umbrella.&nbsp;

Interestingly, it was not only Turkey which has been keen to host Afghan peace talks. Uzbekistan and Indonesia have been in the fray as well.&nbsp;

Istanbul is all set to host the talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. While the date is Friday the 16th of April, no announcement has come so far given anything can happen anytime when it comes to the Afghan peace process.

Istanbul is all set to host the talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. While the date is Friday the 16th of April, no announcement has come so far given anything can happen anytime when it comes to the Afghan peace process. Taliban is eager to cross the 1st of May deadline for withdrawal of American troops. While it is given that the US troops won't be able to withdraw by then, the Taliban is hoping to gain leverage, a kind of moral upper hand. An Afghan govt source told WION, "they are keen on condition-based withdrawal, not a time-bound withdrawal". A condition, on the Taliban to reduce violence, something that continues to remain high. But what did Doha gain from hosting the talks on Afghan Peace Process? The lucrative geopolitics of hosting Afghan peace talks mean, getting international prestige and certain trade-offs. Earlier this year, Qatar was able to normalise ties with four Arab countries--Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt--at the famous Al Ula summit. The four Arab states had cut ties with the oil-rich state of Qatar way back in 2017. The outcome in practical terms was the end of a three and half-year-old blockade against Qatar, and reopening of land and sea routes. Qatar, last year, was a busy place. It not only hosted the signing of the Taliban-US peace pact, but also in September hosted the start of intra-Afghan talks between the Afghan govt and Taliban. America's reduced role in Afghanistan, which can pave way for its troops to leave, is Washington's priority, and while that still hasn't happened, Qatar was able to bring the various factions together. And this helped Qatar normalise ties with its neighbours in the long term. Now, it's Turkey that is set to host such talks. Turkey, which has been having tiff of some kind with both Russia and the US, will be able to get back some lost ground. And with hosting such talks, moral leadership and economics are not far behind. In fact, hosting big-ticket talks amid the economic downturn is something that can be politically fruitful. The US, under its new proposal to the Afghan president, suggested talks in Turkey between the Afghan government and the Taliban and later six-country talks under United Nations umbrella. Interestingly, it was not only Turkey which has been keen to host Afghan peace talks. Uzbekistan and Indonesia have been in the fray as well.

The lucrative "geo-politics" of hosting Afghan peace talks: What will Doha, Istanbul get?

Netherlands Ambassador Marten van den Berg has said that India is a ‘key player in the Indo-Pacific’, and sees New Delhi ‘as a key partner in addressing all the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region’. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Marten van den Berg also lauded India's role amid the Covid pandemic. He said, "Happy the way, India is presenting itself as a very important vaccine manufacturing country and taking big responsibility" and it has a "very positive impact on the world in addressing the covid pandemic crisis."&nbsp;

Netherlands Prime minister Mark Rutte and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meet on Friday. One of the key outcomes of the meet was that both countries announced a ‘strategic partnership on water’. The Netherlands is a world leader in water management and a collaboration with New Delhi aims to increase research and innovation in the sector.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Key outcomes of the virtual summit?&nbsp;

Marten van den Berg: Netherlands and India have a long-term relationship and both Prime Ministers know each other very well. So, it was a very open and productive meeting. The outcome was a strategic partnership on the water between Netherlands and India. We are active already in India on the topic of water, in terms of water management, dealing with floods and also water scarcity. We have a large programme in Chennai, we are doing a lot of research with India, and decided to bring it to a higher level, so as to have a strategic relationship on the water to address the challenges we both face in our countries over water.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: &nbsp;How do you see India-Netherlands engagement going forward?&nbsp;

Marten van den Berg: We will have more meetings at a political level. We have upgraded collaboration on the water. We are quite active in research and innovation so that we will strengthen our joint research programmes. We have collaboration with the department of science, department of biotechnology with India. strengthen collaboration on health, agriculture, water in terms of research, trade, investment. Also on the issue of space, the close relationship between the two countries. We see a lot of opportunities. Also on energy and climate. We are both partners in the international solar alliance. India is ambitious on renewables. A lot of opportunities on offshore wind, solar energy, a grid system. We decided to go next step to deal with the challenges of climate.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: The Netherlands has been a world leader in climate technology. Your PM has been famous for cycling around, and gifted cycle to PM Modi. How both countries are engaging on climate issues?&nbsp;

Marten van den Berg: It is a very important part because the climate challenge is a real global crisis and maybe one of the biggest crisis we face at the moment, maybe after Covid. What we have to do is fast track sustainable development in Netherlands and India. We are partnering in developing clean technologies, working on decarbonisation, also important, in the context of the international solar alliance, both countries work together in Africa to fast track in sustainable development, introduce clean technologies, fast track in phasing fossil fuels.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: What is Netherlands' view on Indo-Pacific?&nbsp;

Marten van den Berg: Indo-Pacific region is a very important region. If you look at economic figures, it is of increasing importance in the world. So, on one hand, you see a lot of economic opportunities, you see some challenges, some concerns, so we are very much in favour of an open inclusive rules-based society. Two PMs discussed this topic in how we can strengthen the institutions, how we can strengthen the rule of law, how we can strengthen institutions for enforcing the rule of law. we doing that in terms of discussion. We are getting more collaboration on maritime security, sharing expertise, maybe also training, exercise together. We see India as a key player in the Indo-Pacific, we see India as a key partner in addressing all the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The Netherlands proposed Indo-Pacific strategies, guidelines on how we can address the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: How are both countries planning to increase cooperation on dealing with pandemic, vaccines?&nbsp;

Marten van den Berg: Covid is a huge concern to all of us. We work closely together, both countries working on health issues. Also on vaccine development, research and science. Serum Institute has a plant in the Netherlands. So, there is a close collaboration with Serum Institute, and we are happy the way India is presenting itself as a very important vaccine manufacturing country, taking big responsibility and have a very positive impact on the world in addressing the Covid pandemic crisis. We are looking forward to strengthening our collaboration on vaccine development and vaccine manufacturing.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: A personal question, if you can talk about the history of the place you are living in?&nbsp;

Marten van den Berg: The residence of the Netherlands envoy is the Jinnah house, and in this library, Gandhi, Jinnah and Nehru discussed independence and partition. So, historically, it is a very important place, a lot of important discussions took place and Nehru, Gandhi came here. It's a privilege to be ambassador to India and also living in this very historical place in India.&nbsp;

Netherlands Ambassador Marten van den Berg has said that India is a ‘key player in the Indo-Pacific’, and sees New Delhi ‘as a key partner in addressing all the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region’.

Netherlands Ambassador Marten van den Berg has said that India is a ‘key player in the Indo-Pacific’, and sees New Delhi ‘as a key partner in addressing all the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region’. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Marten van den Berg also lauded India's role amid the Covid pandemic. He said, "Happy the way, India is presenting itself as a very important vaccine manufacturing country and taking big responsibility" and it has a "very positive impact on the world in addressing the covid pandemic crisis." Netherlands Prime minister Mark Rutte and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meet on Friday. One of the key outcomes of the meet was that both countries announced a ‘strategic partnership on water’. The Netherlands is a world leader in water management and a collaboration with New Delhi aims to increase research and innovation in the sector. Sidhant Sibal: Key outcomes of the virtual summit? Marten van den Berg: Netherlands and India have a long-term relationship and both Prime Ministers know each other very well. So, it was a very open and productive meeting. The outcome was a strategic partnership on the water between Netherlands and India. We are active already in India on the topic of water, in terms of water management, dealing with floods and also water scarcity. We have a large programme in Chennai, we are doing a lot of research with India, and decided to bring it to a higher level, so as to have a strategic relationship on the water to address the challenges we both face in our countries over water. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India-Netherlands engagement going forward? Marten van den Berg: We will have more meetings at a political level. We have upgraded collaboration on the water. We are quite active in research and innovation so that we will strengthen our joint research programmes. We have collaboration with the department of science, department of biotechnology with India. strengthen collaboration on health, agriculture, water in terms of research, trade, investment. Also on the issue of space, the close relationship between the two countries. We see a lot of opportunities. Also on energy and climate. We are both partners in the international solar alliance. India is ambitious on renewables. A lot of opportunities on offshore wind, solar energy, a grid system. We decided to go next step to deal with the challenges of climate. Sidhant Sibal: The Netherlands has been a world leader in climate technology. Your PM has been famous for cycling around, and gifted cycle to PM Modi. How both countries are engaging on climate issues? Marten van den Berg: It is a very important part because the climate challenge is a real global crisis and maybe one of the biggest crisis we face at the moment, maybe after Covid. What we have to do is fast track sustainable development in Netherlands and India. We are partnering in developing clean technologies, working on decarbonisation, also important, in the context of the international solar alliance, both countries work together in Africa to fast track in sustainable development, introduce clean technologies, fast track in phasing fossil fuels. Sidhant Sibal: What is Netherlands' view on Indo-Pacific? Marten van den Berg: Indo-Pacific region is a very important region. If you look at economic figures, it is of increasing importance in the world. So, on one hand, you see a lot of economic opportunities, you see some challenges, some concerns, so we are very much in favour of an open inclusive rules-based society. Two PMs discussed this topic in how we can strengthen the institutions, how we can strengthen the rule of law, how we can strengthen institutions for enforcing the rule of law. we doing that in terms of discussion. We are getting more collaboration on maritime security, sharing expertise, maybe also training, exercise together. We see India as a key player in the Indo-Pacific, we see India as a key partner in addressing all the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The Netherlands proposed Indo-Pacific strategies, guidelines on how we can address the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Sidhant Sibal: How are both countries planning to increase cooperation on dealing with pandemic, vaccines? Marten van den Berg: Covid is a huge concern to all of us. We work closely together, both countries working on health issues. Also on vaccine development, research and science. Serum Institute has a plant in the Netherlands. So, there is a close collaboration with Serum Institute, and we are happy the way India is presenting itself as a very important vaccine manufacturing country, taking big responsibility and have a very positive impact on the world in addressing the Covid pandemic crisis. We are looking forward to strengthening our collaboration on vaccine development and vaccine manufacturing. Sidhant Sibal: A personal question, if you can talk about the history of the place you are living in? Marten van den Berg: The residence of the Netherlands envoy is the Jinnah house, and in this library, Gandhi, Jinnah and Nehru discussed independence and partition. So, historically, it is a very important place, a lot of important discussions took place and Nehru, Gandhi came here. It's a privilege to be ambassador to India and also living in this very historical place in India.

India a key player in Indo-Pacific: Netherlands envoy Marten van den Berg

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday described Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan &nbsp;a "son of India", highlighting his links with India.

Ramkalawan, who became the country's president last year, is of Indian origin with roots in Bihar's Gopalganj district.

During a virtual meet of the two leaders, Modi said, "Not just the people of his village Parsauni, but all Indians feel proud of his achievements. His election as president shows the faith that the people of Seychelles have in his dedication to public service."

Ramkalawan had visited India in January 2018 as part of the People of Indian Origin (PIO) Parliamentarian’s Conference and had visited his native village Parsauni. Thursday's virtual meet was the first such face-to-face interaction between the Indian PM and Ramkalawan.

Modi said&nbsp;India is committed to strengthening the maritime security of Seychelles&nbsp;and "Seychelles is central to India's vision of 'SAGAR' - 'Security and Growth for All in the Region'".

He said India is "honoured to be a partner of Seychelles in the development of its security capabilities and in meeting its infrastructural and developmental needs".

India gifted Seychelles Coast Guard a state-of-the-art Fast Patrol Vessel&nbsp;PS Zoroaster. Made in India and worth Rs 100 crore, the vessel is&nbsp;the fourth ship to be gifted by India to Seychelles.

The other vessels gifted by India include PS Topaz (in 2005), PS Constant (2014) and&nbsp;Patrol Boat Hermes (2016).

During the event, both sides inaugurated the Magistrates’ Court Building, built by Indian grant, &nbsp;10 high impact community development projects, and handed over a 1 MW solar project. The project will generate around 14 lakh Units of power annually meeting the electricity consumption of around 400 Seychellois houses all around the year.

Seychelles was the first African country to receive the 'Made in India' COVID-19 vaccines. India sent 50,000 doses of 'Made in India' vaccines to the Indian Ocean Island country.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday described Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan a "son of India", highlighting his links with India. Ramkalawan, who became the country's president last year, is of Indian origin with roots in Bihar's Gopalganj district.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday described Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan a "son of India", highlighting his links with India. Ramkalawan, who became the country's president last year, is of Indian origin with roots in Bihar's Gopalganj district. During a virtual meet of the two leaders, Modi said, "Not just the people of his village Parsauni, but all Indians feel proud of his achievements. His election as president shows the faith that the people of Seychelles have in his dedication to public service." Ramkalawan had visited India in January 2018 as part of the People of Indian Origin (PIO) Parliamentarian’s Conference and had visited his native village Parsauni. Thursday's virtual meet was the first such face-to-face interaction between the Indian PM and Ramkalawan. Modi said India is committed to strengthening the maritime security of Seychelles and "Seychelles is central to India's vision of 'SAGAR' - 'Security and Growth for All in the Region'". He said India is "honoured to be a partner of Seychelles in the development of its security capabilities and in meeting its infrastructural and developmental needs". India gifted Seychelles Coast Guard a state-of-the-art Fast Patrol Vessel PS Zoroaster. Made in India and worth Rs 100 crore, the vessel is the fourth ship to be gifted by India to Seychelles. The other vessels gifted by India include PS Topaz (in 2005), PS Constant (2014) and Patrol Boat Hermes (2016). During the event, both sides inaugurated the Magistrates’ Court Building, built by Indian grant, 10 high impact community development projects, and handed over a 1 MW solar project. The project will generate around 14 lakh Units of power annually meeting the electricity consumption of around 400 Seychellois houses all around the year. Seychelles was the first African country to receive the 'Made in India' COVID-19 vaccines. India sent 50,000 doses of 'Made in India' vaccines to the Indian Ocean Island country.

Seychelles President Ramkalawan 'son of India': Indian PM Modi

India's Ministry of external affairs has dismissed media reports quoting Taiwan Foreign Minister&nbsp;Joseph Wu that Taipei's intervention led to Paraguay getting vaccines from India.

In response to a question, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "&nbsp;I would like to confirm that no third party was involved in" New Delhi sending vaccines to the south American country.&nbsp;

On March 26, India sent 100,000 doses of India-made Covid vaccines to the South American country. This came in the backdrop of a request from&nbsp;Paraguay during a telephonic conversation between its foreign minister and India's External Affairs Minister Dr&nbsp;S Jaishankar. Earlier this year, India announced that it will open its embassy in the country.&nbsp;

Media reports quoting Taiwan's foreign minister had said that its intervention and working together with "like-minded countries" led to Paraguay getting vaccines.

Paraguay has ties with Taiwan and doesn't recognise China, which considers Taiwan its breakaway territory. Paraguay is the largest country&nbsp;in terms of size to recognise Taiwan.

Taipei, keen to help its ally reached out to New Delhi, the foreign minister had indicated.

India's Ministry of external affairs has dismissed media reports quoting Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu that Taipei's intervention led to Paraguay getting vaccines from India.

India's Ministry of external affairs has dismissed media reports quoting Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu that Taipei's intervention led to Paraguay getting vaccines from India. In response to a question, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, " I would like to confirm that no third party was involved in" New Delhi sending vaccines to the south American country. On March 26, India sent 100,000 doses of India-made Covid vaccines to the South American country. This came in the backdrop of a request from Paraguay during a telephonic conversation between its foreign minister and India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. Earlier this year, India announced that it will open its embassy in the country. Media reports quoting Taiwan's foreign minister had said that its intervention and working together with "like-minded countries" led to Paraguay getting vaccines. Paraguay has ties with Taiwan and doesn't recognise China, which considers Taiwan its breakaway territory. Paraguay is the largest country in terms of size to recognise Taiwan. Taipei, keen to help its ally reached out to New Delhi, the foreign minister had indicated.

No third party involved, says India on sending vaccines to Paraguay

In a development that has raised many eyebrows, the US Navy&nbsp;ship USS John Paul Jones, which is part of the US Seventh Fleet, has violated the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of India and Maldives by its "freedom of navigation operation (“FONOP”).

Under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)&nbsp;EEZ is an area 200 nautical miles from the coast line of any country.

Under the UNCLOS, countries have sovereign rights such as the right to use resources in that area.

A US Navy release said the ship "asserted navigational rights and freedoms...inside India’s exclusive economic zone, without requesting India’s prior consent, consistent with international law."

The release specifically&nbsp;mentioned that the ship passed 130 nautical miles west of the Lakshadweep Islands and by its freedom of navigation operation, the US upheld the "rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognised in international law by challenging India’s excessive maritime claims."

Under Indian domestic laws, prior consent for military exercises or maneuvres in the exclusive economic zone or continental shelf is required, and by current action, the US has violated it.

While the US is not violative of international laws under UNCLOS, which doesn't give full rights over EEZ, interestingly Washington is not a signatory to UNCLOS. It is in fact the only permanent member of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) which is a non-party to it.&nbsp;

The development comes even as US climate envoy John Kerry was in India, with the release of US Navy being issued on 7th April.

No reaction has come from India so far, with WION even reaching out to the Pentagon for a reaction. What is perplexing is that US-India ties have been marked by much warmth, both being part of Quad and backers of Indo-Pacific vision.

In fact, days from now, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be participating in the climate virtual summit being hosted by US President Joe Biden.&nbsp;

A similar statement was issued for Maldives, with the US saying, "USS John Paul Jones asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the vicinity of the Republic of the Maldives" by conducting "innocent passage through its territorial sea and normal operations within its exclusive economic zone without requesting prior permission".

The US Navy release claimed, "This freedom of navigation operation (“FONOP”) upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognised in international law by challenging Maldives’ excessive maritime claims."

The Maldives requires prior permission for foreign warships to enter its territorial sea, and prior permission for all foreign vessels to enter its exclusive economic zone.&nbsp;

It is interesting to know that the US Seventh Fleet based out of Japan was the same fleet whose carrier task force had entered the Bay of Bengal during the Liberation War of Bangladesh of 1971.

The aim was to intimidate India and support Pakistan but could not achieve much as the USSR had dispatched its 10th Operative Battle Group of its Pacific Fleet. The fleet had to abort its mission.

In a development that has raised many eyebrows, the US Navy ship USS John Paul Jones, which is part of the US Seventh Fleet, has violated the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of India and Maldives by its "freedom of navigation operation (“FONOP”).

In a development that has raised many eyebrows, the US Navy ship USS John Paul Jones, which is part of the US Seventh Fleet, has violated the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of India and Maldives by its "freedom of navigation operation (“FONOP”). Under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) EEZ is an area 200 nautical miles from the coast line of any country. Under the UNCLOS, countries have sovereign rights such as the right to use resources in that area. A US Navy release said the ship "asserted navigational rights and freedoms...inside India’s exclusive economic zone, without requesting India’s prior consent, consistent with international law." The release specifically mentioned that the ship passed 130 nautical miles west of the Lakshadweep Islands and by its freedom of navigation operation, the US upheld the "rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognised in international law by challenging India’s excessive maritime claims." Under Indian domestic laws, prior consent for military exercises or maneuvres in the exclusive economic zone or continental shelf is required, and by current action, the US has violated it. While the US is not violative of international laws under UNCLOS, which doesn't give full rights over EEZ, interestingly Washington is not a signatory to UNCLOS. It is in fact the only permanent member of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) which is a non-party to it. The development comes even as US climate envoy John Kerry was in India, with the release of US Navy being issued on 7th April. No reaction has come from India so far, with WION even reaching out to the Pentagon for a reaction. What is perplexing is that US-India ties have been marked by much warmth, both being part of Quad and backers of Indo-Pacific vision. In fact, days from now, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be participating in the climate virtual summit being hosted by US President Joe Biden. A similar statement was issued for Maldives, with the US saying, "USS John Paul Jones asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the vicinity of the Republic of the Maldives" by conducting "innocent passage through its territorial sea and normal operations within its exclusive economic zone without requesting prior permission". The US Navy release claimed, "This freedom of navigation operation (“FONOP”) upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognised in international law by challenging Maldives’ excessive maritime claims." The Maldives requires prior permission for foreign warships to enter its territorial sea, and prior permission for all foreign vessels to enter its exclusive economic zone. It is interesting to know that the US Seventh Fleet based out of Japan was the same fleet whose carrier task force had entered the Bay of Bengal during the Liberation War of Bangladesh of 1971. The aim was to intimidate India and support Pakistan but could not achieve much as the USSR had dispatched its 10th Operative Battle Group of its Pacific Fleet. The fleet had to abort its mission.

US Navy violates exclusive economic zones of India, Maldives

India will be gifting a Fast Patrol Vessel worth Rs 100 crore to Seychelles Coast Guard at the virtual event on Thursday that will be presided over by Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi and the new President of Seychelles Wavel Ramkalawan.&nbsp;

The 48.9 m Fast Patrol Vessel, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders &amp; Engineering will be used for multi-purpose operations, such as patrolling, anti-smuggling, anti-poaching, and search and rescue (SAR).

The vessel has already been delivered to Seychelles on March 16th and will be officially handed over to Seychelles Coast Guard during the virtual event that will take place at 5 pm IST.&nbsp;

The Fast Patrol Vessel will be the fourth ship to be gifted by India to Seychelles and is named PS Zoroaster. The other vessels gifted by India include PS Topaz (2005), PS Constant (2014), Patrol Boat Hermes (2016).

Interestingly, over 50% of Seychelles’ maritime and air assets and around 70% of capacity development in terms of training, exercise, and human resource expertise are provided by India.&nbsp;

The development comes even as the Indian Ocean has seen increased threats such as privacy, illegal fishing, or Chinese presence.

India will also hand over a 1 MW Solar Power Plant at Romainville Island of Seychelles. The plant has been completed as part of the ‘Solar photovoltaic Democratization Project’ being implemented in Seychelles by the Government of India under grant assistance.&nbsp;

The 1 MW solar plant project will generate around 14 lakh units of power annually meeting the electricity consumption of around 400 Seychellois houses all around the year.

A release from India's ministry of external affairs said, " Seychelles occupies a central place in the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘SAGAR’ - ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’.&nbsp;

The inauguration of these key projects demonstrates India’s privileged and time-tested role as a reliable partner of Seychelles for meeting its infrastructural, developmental and security requirements and is a testimony to the deep and friendly ties between the people of India and Seychelles."

Other than handing over of patrol boat and solar power plant, both sides will jointly inaugurate the new Magistrates’ Court Building in Seychelles, 10 High Impact Community Development Projects.&nbsp;

The new Magistrates’ Court Building in the capital city Victoria, is India’s first major civil infrastructure project in Seychelles built with grant assistance.&nbsp;

The building brings together Magistrate courts spread over different locations in Mahé into a single building. It houses eight courtrooms spread over three floors, waiting for areas for the public and parking space for court users, multi-functional conference rooms, and other such facilities.

Thursday's virtual event will be the first interaction of Prime Minister Modi with President Wavel Ramkalawan of Seychelles. President Wavel, who is of Indian origin with ancestral roots in the Gopalganj district of Bihar came to power in October 2020. He had visited India in January 2018 as a part of the PIO Parliamentarian’s Conference and had visited his native village ‘Parsauni’.

India has been increasing its engagement with Seychelles, with EAM Jaishanker visiting the country in November 2020, becoming the first foreign minister to visit the country after Ramkalawan took charge.&nbsp;

Indian PM Modi had visited the country in 2015, which was the first Prime Ministerial visit from India in 33 years.

India will be gifting a Fast Patrol Vessel worth Rs 100 crore to Seychelles Coast Guard at the virtual event on Thursday that will be presided over by Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi and the new President of Seychelles Wavel Ramkalawan.

India will be gifting a Fast Patrol Vessel worth Rs 100 crore to Seychelles Coast Guard at the virtual event on Thursday that will be presided over by Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi and the new President of Seychelles Wavel Ramkalawan. The 48.9 m Fast Patrol Vessel, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineering will be used for multi-purpose operations, such as patrolling, anti-smuggling, anti-poaching, and search and rescue (SAR). The vessel has already been delivered to Seychelles on March 16th and will be officially handed over to Seychelles Coast Guard during the virtual event that will take place at 5 pm IST. The Fast Patrol Vessel will be the fourth ship to be gifted by India to Seychelles and is named PS Zoroaster. The other vessels gifted by India include PS Topaz (2005), PS Constant (2014), Patrol Boat Hermes (2016). Interestingly, over 50% of Seychelles’ maritime and air assets and around 70% of capacity development in terms of training, exercise, and human resource expertise are provided by India. The development comes even as the Indian Ocean has seen increased threats such as privacy, illegal fishing, or Chinese presence. India will also hand over a 1 MW Solar Power Plant at Romainville Island of Seychelles. The plant has been completed as part of the ‘Solar photovoltaic Democratization Project’ being implemented in Seychelles by the Government of India under grant assistance. The 1 MW solar plant project will generate around 14 lakh units of power annually meeting the electricity consumption of around 400 Seychellois houses all around the year. A release from India's ministry of external affairs said, " Seychelles occupies a central place in the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘SAGAR’ - ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’. The inauguration of these key projects demonstrates India’s privileged and time-tested role as a reliable partner of Seychelles for meeting its infrastructural, developmental and security requirements and is a testimony to the deep and friendly ties between the people of India and Seychelles." Other than handing over of patrol boat and solar power plant, both sides will jointly inaugurate the new Magistrates’ Court Building in Seychelles, 10 High Impact Community Development Projects. The new Magistrates’ Court Building in the capital city Victoria, is India’s first major civil infrastructure project in Seychelles built with grant assistance. The building brings together Magistrate courts spread over different locations in Mahé into a single building. It houses eight courtrooms spread over three floors, waiting for areas for the public and parking space for court users, multi-functional conference rooms, and other such facilities. Thursday's virtual event will be the first interaction of Prime Minister Modi with President Wavel Ramkalawan of Seychelles. President Wavel, who is of Indian origin with ancestral roots in the Gopalganj district of Bihar came to power in October 2020. He had visited India in January 2018 as a part of the PIO Parliamentarian’s Conference and had visited his native village ‘Parsauni’. India has been increasing its engagement with Seychelles, with EAM Jaishanker visiting the country in November 2020, becoming the first foreign minister to visit the country after Ramkalawan took charge. Indian PM Modi had visited the country in 2015, which was the first Prime Ministerial visit from India in 33 years.

India to gift patrol vessel worth Rs 100 cr to Seychelles at Modi-Ramkalawan virtual meet

Turkey talks on the Afghan peace process between the Afghan government&nbsp;and the Taliban are likely to take place on April 16 in Istanbul.

The talks were one of the proposals by Washington when US Secretary of State&nbsp;Antony Blinken wrote to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. Earlier the talks were happening in Doha.

While dates for the talks are formally yet to be announced, the&nbsp;Taliban is still to give its formal nod as it drags its feet. The view is that the Taliban is keen that the May 1 deadline of withdrawal of American troops passes, and they get a moral high ground when they sit across the table in Istanbul.&nbsp;

But for Kabul, the Taliban hasn't changed, and the group if in power will try to reverse the gains of the last 20 years. One senior Afghan govt official speaking WION from Kabul said, "plan is to bring Taliban back, control Kabul and get back Islamabad's role on Afghan domestic affairs".

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ahead-of-turkey-meet-afghan-president-ghani-briefs-indian-other-envoys-on-his-peace-plan-375703">Ahead of Turkey meet, Afghan President Ghani briefs Indian, other envoys on his peace plan</a>

Since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, after the American invasion, the country has made strides in basic human liberties, women's rights. Afghan Envoy to Washington to UN, US are women, 1/5 of Afghan cabinet is women, many provincial governors are women.&nbsp;

The Afghan officials don't see a change in the Taliban's stance. The official, speaking on anonymity explained, "Taliban hasn't changed, they are hot at feet and cold at heart."

The violence level in Afghanistan remains high, with provinces like Helmand and Kandahar continuing to witness violence. But the Afghan side doesn't see the repetition of the 1990s when the Taliban was able to rule the country with its own archaic laws.

"We would rather choose to fight than live a life of slave...we will never give up our integrity", the official pointed out. Currently, Afghan forces&nbsp;led 98 per cent&nbsp;of operations in the country, and since 2014, all major operations have been done by Afghan authorities. This includes the killing of number two&nbsp;of Al Qaeda.

&nbsp;

Turkey talks on the Afghan peace process between the Afghan government and the Taliban are likely to take place on April 16 in Istanbul. The talks were one of the proposals by Washington when US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrote to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

Turkey talks on the Afghan peace process between the Afghan government and the Taliban are likely to take place on April 16 in Istanbul. The talks were one of the proposals by Washington when US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrote to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. Earlier the talks were happening in Doha. While dates for the talks are formally yet to be announced, the Taliban is still to give its formal nod as it drags its feet. The view is that the Taliban is keen that the May 1 deadline of withdrawal of American troops passes, and they get a moral high ground when they sit across the table in Istanbul. But for Kabul, the Taliban hasn't changed, and the group if in power will try to reverse the gains of the last 20 years. One senior Afghan govt official speaking WION from Kabul said, "plan is to bring Taliban back, control Kabul and get back Islamabad's role on Afghan domestic affairs". Also read| Ahead of Turkey meet, Afghan President Ghani briefs Indian, other envoys on his peace plan Since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, after the American invasion, the country has made strides in basic human liberties, women's rights. Afghan Envoy to Washington to UN, US are women, 1/5 of Afghan cabinet is women, many provincial governors are women. The Afghan officials don't see a change in the Taliban's stance. The official, speaking on anonymity explained, "Taliban hasn't changed, they are hot at feet and cold at heart." The violence level in Afghanistan remains high, with provinces like Helmand and Kandahar continuing to witness violence. But the Afghan side doesn't see the repetition of the 1990s when the Taliban was able to rule the country with its own archaic laws. "We would rather choose to fight than live a life of slave...we will never give up our integrity", the official pointed out. Currently, Afghan forces led 98 per cent of operations in the country, and since 2014, all major operations have been done by Afghan authorities. This includes the killing of number two of Al Qaeda.

Turkey talks on Afghanistan likely on April 16, Kabul does not see any change in Taliban

Uzbekistan has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and leaders in Central Asia for an international connectivity summit from 15th to 16th July that will take place in the Uzbek capital Tashkent.

The summit named "Central Asia and South Asia regional connectivity: Challenges and opportunities" is being organised as an initiative of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. It will have three common themes of discussion--economic, cultural, security--connectivity and aims to refresh historical ties.&nbsp;&nbsp;Leaders and representatives of Russia, Iran, China, the US, and the European Union will also be invited to the summit.

The invitation to India was extended during Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov's New Delhi visit in late February. Kamilov has already visited the capitals of the other four Central Asian countries to extend the invitation. In March, Kamilov had visited Islamabad to hand over the invitation to Khan.

The summit will see a gathering of leaders from South and Central Asia and aims to increase connectivity between the two regions. This is the first such initiative of this kind from Uzbekistan, which is a doubly landlocked country. Uzbekistan, along with Liechtenstein are the only two doubly landlocked countries in the world.

Uzbekistan has been keen on using the India-built Chabahar port in Iran. Both countries formed the group with Iran for increasing engagement on the port. Afghanistan will be invited for the next meet of the grouping. During the December virtual summit between Indian PM Modi and Uzbek President&nbsp; Mirziyoyev, the latter announced the intention to join International North-South Transport Corridor that connects Mumbai to Moscow.

Uzbekistan is the only Central Asian country with which India has held a virtual summit so far. In strategic space and defence, both sides are increasing engagement. India and Uzbekistan held military exercises Dustlik-2 from 9th to 21st March at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand. On Afghanistan as well, both sides hold regular exchanges.

With other countries in the region, Afghanistan is increasing engagement on connectivity, especially with air corridors and the Chabahar port project backed by New Delhi. A trans-Afghan railway is being planned, with Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan being part of it.

Uzbekistan has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and leaders in Central Asia for an international connectivity summit from 15th to 16th July that will take place in the Uzbek capital Tashkent.

Uzbekistan has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and leaders in Central Asia for an international connectivity summit from 15th to 16th July that will take place in the Uzbek capital Tashkent. The summit named "Central Asia and South Asia regional connectivity: Challenges and opportunities" is being organised as an initiative of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. It will have three common themes of discussion--economic, cultural, security--connectivity and aims to refresh historical ties. Leaders and representatives of Russia, Iran, China, the US, and the European Union will also be invited to the summit. The invitation to India was extended during Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov's New Delhi visit in late February. Kamilov has already visited the capitals of the other four Central Asian countries to extend the invitation. In March, Kamilov had visited Islamabad to hand over the invitation to Khan. The summit will see a gathering of leaders from South and Central Asia and aims to increase connectivity between the two regions. This is the first such initiative of this kind from Uzbekistan, which is a doubly landlocked country. Uzbekistan, along with Liechtenstein are the only two doubly landlocked countries in the world. Uzbekistan has been keen on using the India-built Chabahar port in Iran. Both countries formed the group with Iran for increasing engagement on the port. Afghanistan will be invited for the next meet of the grouping. During the December virtual summit between Indian PM Modi and Uzbek President Mirziyoyev, the latter announced the intention to join International North-South Transport Corridor that connects Mumbai to Moscow. Uzbekistan is the only Central Asian country with which India has held a virtual summit so far. In strategic space and defence, both sides are increasing engagement. India and Uzbekistan held military exercises Dustlik-2 from 9th to 21st March at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand. On Afghanistan as well, both sides hold regular exchanges. With other countries in the region, Afghanistan is increasing engagement on connectivity, especially with air corridors and the Chabahar port project backed by New Delhi. A trans-Afghan railway is being planned, with Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan being part of it.

Uzbekistan invites Indian PM Modi, Pak PM Khan, other leaders for connectivity summit

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