Russian Foreign minister Sergey Lavrov will be visiting New Delhi early next week. This will be the first high-level visit from Russia to India this year.

Sources&nbsp;told WION that foreign minister is expected to be in Delhi between April 5 and 7.

Earlier this year, India's foreign&nbsp;secretary Harsh Shringla was on a visit to Moscow, during which he extended an invitation for the Russian foreign minister to visit India.

Afghan peace talks will be a key priority with Russian special envoy to Afghanistan Ambassador Zamir Kabulov to accompany FM Lavrov during Delhi visit. Remember Russia in March hosted the troika plus--Russia, US, China &amp; Pakistan talks on Afghanistan.&nbsp;

During Shringla's Moscow visit, a roadmap was decided on the high level visits and engagements.

This year will also see the visit&nbsp;of Indian Army and Navy chiefs to Moscow.

The big focus will be the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin for the annual India-Russia summit. The summit could not happen last year due to the Covid-19&nbsp;pandemic.

Earlier, Secretary (West) Vikas Swarup had visited Moscow for consultations with the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin on UN Security Council issues.&nbsp;

April could also see the visit of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov for inter inter-governmental commission meeting.

During Lavorv's visit, focus areas will include cooperation during the Covid crisis. The approval for Russia's Covid vaccine Sputnik V&nbsp;is expected to be taken up by Indian regulatory authorities soon. India's BRICS chairmanship for this year will also be in focus. India, as the chair of BRICS, will be inviting the member countries for a summit towards the later half of the year.

Russian Foreign minister Sergey Lavrov will be visiting New Delhi early next week. This will be the first high-level visit from Russia to India this year. Sources told WION that foreign minister is expected to be in Delhi between April 5 and 7.

Russian Foreign minister Sergey Lavrov will be visiting New Delhi early next week. This will be the first high-level visit from Russia to India this year. Sources told WION that foreign minister is expected to be in Delhi between April 5 and 7. Earlier this year, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla was on a visit to Moscow, during which he extended an invitation for the Russian foreign minister to visit India. Afghan peace talks will be a key priority with Russian special envoy to Afghanistan Ambassador Zamir Kabulov to accompany FM Lavrov during Delhi visit. Remember Russia in March hosted the troika plus--Russia, US, China & Pakistan talks on Afghanistan. During Shringla's Moscow visit, a roadmap was decided on the high level visits and engagements. This year will also see the visit of Indian Army and Navy chiefs to Moscow. The big focus will be the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin for the annual India-Russia summit. The summit could not happen last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier, Secretary (West) Vikas Swarup had visited Moscow for consultations with the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin on UN Security Council issues. April could also see the visit of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov for inter inter-governmental commission meeting. During Lavorv's visit, focus areas will include cooperation during the Covid crisis. The approval for Russia's Covid vaccine Sputnik V is expected to be taken up by Indian regulatory authorities soon. India's BRICS chairmanship for this year will also be in focus. India, as the chair of BRICS, will be inviting the member countries for a summit towards the later half of the year.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to visit India next week

US&nbsp;Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will be visiting India on April 6, the second top Biden Administration official to visit India in the last one month. March saw the visit of US Defense secretary Lloyd Austin. The visit by top American officials comes even as both New Delhi and Washington increase engagement on several fronts, from cooperation against Covid to climate change.

During the visit, John Kerry will hold talks with India's Environment Prakash Javadekar and expected to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Climate has been a key priority area for the new US administration. On the first day of his office, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">President Biden </a>announced the US joining the Paris Climate Pact, from which previous US president Trump had withdrawn.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russian-foreign-minister-sergey-lavrov-to-visit-india-next-week-374518">Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to visit India next week</a>

The visit comes even as US President Joe Biden has invited 40 world leaders including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a leader's summit on climate that he will host on April 22&nbsp;and 23. The summit will be virtual, and the invitation has also been extended to India's neighbours like Bhutan's Lotay Tshering, Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina.

According to the White House, the aim of the summit is, "galvanizing efforts by the world’s major economies to reduce emissions during this critical decade to keep a limit to warming of 1.5 degree Celsius within reach.". Summit will reconvene the U.S.-led Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate, which brings together 17 countries responsible for approximately 80 per cent of global emissions and global GDP.

India has its own ambitious International Solar Alliance which aims to harness solar energy to fight climate change. As of January 15, 2021, 89 Countries have signed the Framework Agreement of the ISA. India is expected to talk about that during Kerry's India visit and also the upcoming Climate Meet led by the US.

US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will be visiting India on April 6, the second top Biden Administration official to visit India in the last one month.

US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will be visiting India on April 6, the second top Biden Administration official to visit India in the last one month. March saw the visit of US Defense secretary Lloyd Austin. The visit by top American officials comes even as both New Delhi and Washington increase engagement on several fronts, from cooperation against Covid to climate change. During the visit, John Kerry will hold talks with India's Environment Prakash Javadekar and expected to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Climate has been a key priority area for the new US administration. On the first day of his office, President Biden announced the US joining the Paris Climate Pact, from which previous US president Trump had withdrawn. Also read | Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to visit India next week The visit comes even as US President Joe Biden has invited 40 world leaders including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a leader's summit on climate that he will host on April 22 and 23. The summit will be virtual, and the invitation has also been extended to India's neighbours like Bhutan's Lotay Tshering, Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina. According to the White House, the aim of the summit is, "galvanizing efforts by the world’s major economies to reduce emissions during this critical decade to keep a limit to warming of 1.5 degree Celsius within reach.". Summit will reconvene the U.S.-led Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate, which brings together 17 countries responsible for approximately 80 per cent of global emissions and global GDP. India has its own ambitious International Solar Alliance which aims to harness solar energy to fight climate change. As of January 15, 2021, 89 Countries have signed the Framework Agreement of the ISA. India is expected to talk about that during Kerry's India visit and also the upcoming Climate Meet led by the US.

John Kerry to visit India on April 6

India's coronavirus vaccine outreach, or Vaccine Maitri, is continuing with full gusto, with the latest entrant being Fiji, which got&nbsp;a consignment of 100,000 doses.&nbsp;

The vaccines were handed over by India's acting high commissioner Saifullah Khan to Fiji's Prime Minister Admiral (Retd) Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama at the Nadi International Airport.&nbsp;Fiji's Health minister Ifereimi Waqainabete, Defence minister Inia Seruiratu, Permanent Secretary for Office of the Prime Minister Yogesh Karan, Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services James Fong and other top officials were also present.

Fiji's prime minister thanked Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi, tweeting, "Vinaka [thank you]&nbsp;to my friend, @narendramodi , for helping us take this giant step towards a post-pandemic future for Fiji and for the world."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VaccineMaitri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VaccineMaitri</a> has arrived to Fiji with 100k doses of life-saving COVID-19 vaccines. 
 
Vinaka to my friend, <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>, for helping us take this giant step towards a post-pandemic future for Fiji and for the world. <a href="https://t.co/xlWdm04Nvs">pic.twitter.com/xlWdm04Nvs</a>
— Frank Bainimarama (@FijiPM) <a href="https://twitter.com/FijiPM/status/1376455082242269190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"In a bleak year for multilateralism, you’ve helped put a welcome pause on the pandemic politics that’s kept valuable vaccines in the world’s largest &amp; richest countries," he added.

India has sent vaccines to other countries in the Pacific, including to Solomon Islands. India has also dispatched the doses to the Caribbean.

The Indian high commission&nbsp;said in a release: "India and Fiji share longstanding partnership based on mutual respect, cooperation and cultural ties. Fiji is an important partner for realising the Indo- Pacific vision that envisages a free, open and inclusive region in a common pursuit of progress and prosperity."

India began its Vaccine Maitri drive in January, with the first tranche of Indian vaccines being sent to the Maldives and Bhutan, followed by other countries in the neighbourhood. India's vaccine outreach to the world started within four days of it starting its mega domestic vaccination programme on 16th January.

Speaking at an event on Tuesday, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla said, "Since the launch of Vaccine Maitri, we have supplied 64 million doses of vaccines to 82 countries. This includes supplies under a grant, commercial contracts and the COVAX facility [the global vaccine access initiative spearheaded by World Health Organization]."

India's vaccine initiative is expected to get a booster shot, with Quad countries - India, US, Australia, Japan- agreeing after the first leadership summit in March that India's vaccine manufacturing capacity will be increased to produce more doses for the Indo-Pacific region.

India's coronavirus vaccine outreach, or Vaccine Maitri, is continuing with full gusto, with the latest entrant being Fiji, which got a consignment of 100,000 doses.

India's coronavirus vaccine outreach, or Vaccine Maitri, is continuing with full gusto, with the latest entrant being Fiji, which got a consignment of 100,000 doses. The vaccines were handed over by India's acting high commissioner Saifullah Khan to Fiji's Prime Minister Admiral (Retd) Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama at the Nadi International Airport. Fiji's Health minister Ifereimi Waqainabete, Defence minister Inia Seruiratu, Permanent Secretary for Office of the Prime Minister Yogesh Karan, Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services James Fong and other top officials were also present. Fiji's prime minister thanked Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi, tweeting, "Vinaka [thank you] to my friend, @narendramodi , for helping us take this giant step towards a post-pandemic future for Fiji and for the world." #VaccineMaitri has arrived to Fiji with 100k doses of life-saving COVID-19 vaccines. Vinaka to my friend, @narendramodi, for helping us take this giant step towards a post-pandemic future for Fiji and for the world. pic.twitter.com/xlWdm04Nvs — Frank Bainimarama (@FijiPM) March 29, 2021 × "In a bleak year for multilateralism, you’ve helped put a welcome pause on the pandemic politics that’s kept valuable vaccines in the world’s largest & richest countries," he added. India has sent vaccines to other countries in the Pacific, including to Solomon Islands. India has also dispatched the doses to the Caribbean. The Indian high commission said in a release: "India and Fiji share longstanding partnership based on mutual respect, cooperation and cultural ties. Fiji is an important partner for realising the Indo- Pacific vision that envisages a free, open and inclusive region in a common pursuit of progress and prosperity." India began its Vaccine Maitri drive in January, with the first tranche of Indian vaccines being sent to the Maldives and Bhutan, followed by other countries in the neighbourhood. India's vaccine outreach to the world started within four days of it starting its mega domestic vaccination programme on 16th January. Speaking at an event on Tuesday, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla said, "Since the launch of Vaccine Maitri, we have supplied 64 million doses of vaccines to 82 countries. This includes supplies under a grant, commercial contracts and the COVAX facility [the global vaccine access initiative spearheaded by World Health Organization]." India's vaccine initiative is expected to get a booster shot, with Quad countries - India, US, Australia, Japan- agreeing after the first leadership summit in March that India's vaccine manufacturing capacity will be increased to produce more doses for the Indo-Pacific region.

India sends COVID-19 vaccines to over 80 countries, Fiji the latest entrant

The Afghan envoy to India, Farid Mamundzay in his first-ever interview to any media has batted for India's inclusion in all Afghan related peace process--like the troika, UN-facilitated, or Turkey process, calling "Delhi an important capital".

Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Mamundzay said, "we want India's involvement in almost every peace fora....We hope India would be given its rightful place in all those talks, in all those meetings".

His comments come even as more than 10 countries met in Dushanbe for the Heart of Asia meet. India was represented by its foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar. On the heart of Asia meet, Farid said, " It provides us an opportunity to raise the voice of Afghan people, Afghan republic, and present the gains of the last 20 years to our regional partners".

He also spoke on India's role in Afghanistan in building infrastructure, capacity building. He highlighted, " India is helping in state-building in Afghanistan in so many ways...It is incredible to see the belief that Indian leadership has on the youth of Afghanistan"

WION: How do you see the heart of Asia meet furthering peace in Afghanistan? 
Farid Mamundzay: The meeting in Dushanbe takes place at a very important time for us, the ongoing peace process, and the meeting of 15 members of the process is significant for us.

It's a platform for regional stability, it's a platform for cooperation and building confidence. It provides us with an opportunity to raise the voice of the Afghan people, Afghan republic, and present the gains of the last 20 years to our regional partners, to preserve and protect those gains. It's an important platform for us, for regional stability and security. We hope the message was taken loud and clear by regional stakeholders and we look forward to a productive conclusion of the meeting.

WION: Afghanistan is known as the Heart of Asia. The key focus being at that strategic location means connectivity being the focus. How has Afghanistan able to become a central point or a roundabout with connectivity initiatives like Chabahar, Lapis Lazuli corridor?

Farid Mamundzay: You see, these 15 countries form around 40 million square km of land, 27 per cent&nbsp;of the landmass, so it's a huge geographic area. Afghanistan, by no standard, is a landlocked country, it connects, south Asia with central Asia, central Asia with the middle east, and south Asia with the middle east.

So it provides an excellent opportunity for regional and economic cooperation, regional connectivity. It provides a bridge within the continent. So, given that, there is peace in Afghanistan, it promotes prosperity in the region. Given its, location, its roundabout for regional economic cooperation and wonderful initiatives we are undertaking like the Chabahar, lapis lazuli, lot of potentials.

There are different services done by international entities, some of them will be operationalised in the next decade, or decades to come, the economic situation of the region will change as well as GDP of the region, all this will get positively impacted. So, we look forward to practical cooperation with responsible states in the region, to get to that stage where local or inhabitant of the region deserves to get economic benefit from those activities.

 
WION: You have just taken charge. We saw high profile visit of Afghan FM. How has your stint been so far in Delhi? 
Farid Mamundzay: New Delhi is one of the most important capitals for us, given the fact, India is a strategic partner, the largest contributor to Afghanistan's development in the region. New Delhi is very important to us, it's not only important for govt, our relations, but people to people also existed for centuries. My assignment here will be strengthening those ties, whether they be focusing on security cooperation. we have initiated the economic partnership, trade and transit, and areas of further cooperation which include cultural exchanges, education support which we have been receiving very generously over the years. those will be some of the areas of top engagement.

Our foreign minister was here, a 3-day state visit, where he met his counterpart, he met NSA Ajit Doval and other influential people in the policy-making entities. He was able to consult his counterpart and other officials on the ongoing peace process. the visit was there for bilateral ties as well, it has been his first visit while he has taken charge as the foreign minister and it has been a long time since the last time any Afghan FM visited New Delhi. So, it both for, strengthening bilateral ties and peace consultations.

 
WION: How do you see India's role in the Afghan Peace process? 
Farid Mamundzay: As an important regional power, and as a strategic partner, we want India's involvement in almost every peace fora. Whether it's the troika, whether it's the UN-facilitated sitting, whether it's the turkey process, where there is engagement in the Afghan peace process, we want India's presence to be there. The reason we want India's presence is that India has always adopted a very principled approach to support the people of Afghanistan, democratic values issues significant to Afghan people, human rights, democratic gains, individual liberties, women's rights, minorities rights, so India has been critical in key support in all those gains. And we Afghan people, Afghan govt would like a key ally like India in all those processes. We hope India would be given its rightful place in all those talks, in all those meetings and I hope this will be the case as we go along the other process in the future.

WION: And India's role in rebuilding Afghanistan. From Infra to capacity building? 
Farid Mamundzay: If you ask any ordinary afghan, they will be in a better position to tell you what some of the great work India has been doing. From Delaram to Zaranj, from Shahtoot to building Afghan parliament. from initiating Chabahar to small-scale projects across 34 provinces, India has been doing some wonderful initiatives for the Afghan people. If you look at the Indian universities in India, we have more than 60,000 graduates, more than 20,000 studying presently, nowhere in the region or anywhere in the world we have so many afghan students. they are contributing to national building, to state-building. India is helping in state-building in Afghanistan in so many ways, not only, by gifting us development projects and by providing us covid vaccinations, but also by educating our youth and investing in our future. It is incredible to see the belief that Indian leadership has on the youth of Afghanistan, youth which has been ignored for way too long by different actors, India has been investing in them. We are grateful for that support and we are hopeful that it continues for as long as we need it.

WION: How do you see the US proposal of the UN lead process of 6 countries. India is involved in the process. India's EAM spoke about it at the heart of the Asia meet. This even as violence level is increasing.

Farid Mamundzay: It is a sad reality that despite the Doha pact between the Taliban and the US, the level of violence has not reduced, you look at the civilian Casualty report published by the un last year, the Casualty of 2020, there has been civilian Casualty. we support un call for mediation, but we also would like to reiterate the fact that certain principles should be considered. The end state from that peace, an end state where a democratic state will be preserved, where women's rights and minority rights will be protected.

Afghan leadership has been asking our international partners to have an end state where all those values, for which we the afghan for the past 20 years have stood strong alongside our strong partners like India, need to be considered. We welcome the call and support of international partners, regional countries, but want peace that brings lasting stability to Afghanistan and prosperity to the region. Not a process that will further take us to chaos and more and more misery that has been there for way too long. a process that guarantees a peaceful end to the conflict.

The Afghan envoy to India, Farid Mamundzay in his first-ever interview to any media has batted for India's inclusion in all Afghan related peace process--like the troika, UN-facilitated, or Turkey process, calling "Delhi an important capital".

The Afghan envoy to India, Farid Mamundzay in his first-ever interview to any media has batted for India's inclusion in all Afghan related peace process--like the troika, UN-facilitated, or Turkey process, calling "Delhi an important capital". Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Mamundzay said, "we want India's involvement in almost every peace fora....We hope India would be given its rightful place in all those talks, in all those meetings". His comments come even as more than 10 countries met in Dushanbe for the Heart of Asia meet. India was represented by its foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar. On the heart of Asia meet, Farid said, " It provides us an opportunity to raise the voice of Afghan people, Afghan republic, and present the gains of the last 20 years to our regional partners". He also spoke on India's role in Afghanistan in building infrastructure, capacity building. He highlighted, " India is helping in state-building in Afghanistan in so many ways...It is incredible to see the belief that Indian leadership has on the youth of Afghanistan" WION: How do you see the heart of Asia meet furthering peace in Afghanistan? Farid Mamundzay: The meeting in Dushanbe takes place at a very important time for us, the ongoing peace process, and the meeting of 15 members of the process is significant for us. It's a platform for regional stability, it's a platform for cooperation and building confidence. It provides us with an opportunity to raise the voice of the Afghan people, Afghan republic, and present the gains of the last 20 years to our regional partners, to preserve and protect those gains. It's an important platform for us, for regional stability and security. We hope the message was taken loud and clear by regional stakeholders and we look forward to a productive conclusion of the meeting. WION: Afghanistan is known as the Heart of Asia. The key focus being at that strategic location means connectivity being the focus. How has Afghanistan able to become a central point or a roundabout with connectivity initiatives like Chabahar, Lapis Lazuli corridor? Farid Mamundzay: You see, these 15 countries form around 40 million square km of land, 27 per cent of the landmass, so it's a huge geographic area. Afghanistan, by no standard, is a landlocked country, it connects, south Asia with central Asia, central Asia with the middle east, and south Asia with the middle east. So it provides an excellent opportunity for regional and economic cooperation, regional connectivity. It provides a bridge within the continent. So, given that, there is peace in Afghanistan, it promotes prosperity in the region. Given its, location, its roundabout for regional economic cooperation and wonderful initiatives we are undertaking like the Chabahar, lapis lazuli, lot of potentials. There are different services done by international entities, some of them will be operationalised in the next decade, or decades to come, the economic situation of the region will change as well as GDP of the region, all this will get positively impacted. So, we look forward to practical cooperation with responsible states in the region, to get to that stage where local or inhabitant of the region deserves to get economic benefit from those activities. WION: You have just taken charge. We saw high profile visit of Afghan FM. How has your stint been so far in Delhi? Farid Mamundzay: New Delhi is one of the most important capitals for us, given the fact, India is a strategic partner, the largest contributor to Afghanistan's development in the region. New Delhi is very important to us, it's not only important for govt, our relations, but people to people also existed for centuries. My assignment here will be strengthening those ties, whether they be focusing on security cooperation. we have initiated the economic partnership, trade and transit, and areas of further cooperation which include cultural exchanges, education support which we have been receiving very generously over the years. those will be some of the areas of top engagement. Our foreign minister was here, a 3-day state visit, where he met his counterpart, he met NSA Ajit Doval and other influential people in the policy-making entities. He was able to consult his counterpart and other officials on the ongoing peace process. the visit was there for bilateral ties as well, it has been his first visit while he has taken charge as the foreign minister and it has been a long time since the last time any Afghan FM visited New Delhi. So, it both for, strengthening bilateral ties and peace consultations. WION: How do you see India's role in the Afghan Peace process? Farid Mamundzay: As an important regional power, and as a strategic partner, we want India's involvement in almost every peace fora. Whether it's the troika, whether it's the UN-facilitated sitting, whether it's the turkey process, where there is engagement in the Afghan peace process, we want India's presence to be there. The reason we want India's presence is that India has always adopted a very principled approach to support the people of Afghanistan, democratic values issues significant to Afghan people, human rights, democratic gains, individual liberties, women's rights, minorities rights, so India has been critical in key support in all those gains. And we Afghan people, Afghan govt would like a key ally like India in all those processes. We hope India would be given its rightful place in all those talks, in all those meetings and I hope this will be the case as we go along the other process in the future. WION: And India's role in rebuilding Afghanistan. From Infra to capacity building? Farid Mamundzay: If you ask any ordinary afghan, they will be in a better position to tell you what some of the great work India has been doing. From Delaram to Zaranj, from Shahtoot to building Afghan parliament. from initiating Chabahar to small-scale projects across 34 provinces, India has been doing some wonderful initiatives for the Afghan people. If you look at the Indian universities in India, we have more than 60,000 graduates, more than 20,000 studying presently, nowhere in the region or anywhere in the world we have so many afghan students. they are contributing to national building, to state-building. India is helping in state-building in Afghanistan in so many ways, not only, by gifting us development projects and by providing us covid vaccinations, but also by educating our youth and investing in our future. It is incredible to see the belief that Indian leadership has on the youth of Afghanistan, youth which has been ignored for way too long by different actors, India has been investing in them. We are grateful for that support and we are hopeful that it continues for as long as we need it. WION: How do you see the US proposal of the UN lead process of 6 countries. India is involved in the process. India's EAM spoke about it at the heart of the Asia meet. This even as violence level is increasing. Farid Mamundzay: It is a sad reality that despite the Doha pact between the Taliban and the US, the level of violence has not reduced, you look at the civilian Casualty report published by the un last year, the Casualty of 2020, there has been civilian Casualty. we support un call for mediation, but we also would like to reiterate the fact that certain principles should be considered. The end state from that peace, an end state where a democratic state will be preserved, where women's rights and minority rights will be protected. Afghan leadership has been asking our international partners to have an end state where all those values, for which we the afghan for the past 20 years have stood strong alongside our strong partners like India, need to be considered. We welcome the call and support of international partners, regional countries, but want peace that brings lasting stability to Afghanistan and prosperity to the region. Not a process that will further take us to chaos and more and more misery that has been there for way too long. a process that guarantees a peaceful end to the conflict.

Afghan envoy bats for India's inclusion in all peace process; says, New Delhi an important capital

The French Navy's&nbsp;amphibious assault helicopter carrier Tonnerre and escort frigate Surcouf&nbsp;will arrive at the Indian port of Kochi on Tuesday morning ahead of joint drills with the navies of Quad member countries. The two French ships will make the port call for three days till&nbsp; April 1.

Tonnerre and Surcouf are carrying out a five-month long deployment, which started in February and takes place throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

The port call will come ahead of joint exercises of French ships with Quad vessels. The France-led "La Pérouse" exercise will take place in April in the Bay of Bengal. This time, all the the four Quad members - India, US, Australia and Japan -&nbsp;will take part in it. The first edition of this exercise took place in 2019.

It is for the first time India will be joining France-initiated La Pérouse exercises. The 2019 edition only had US, Australia, and Japan. The exercises have been named after La Pérouse, a French naval officer and explorer from in 18th century.

In late April, France will also have the bilateral 'Varuna'&nbsp;naval exercise with India, which will involve France's aircraft carrier again. The last edition of Varuna exercises took place along the Goa coast in May 2019. That was the 17th edition of this exercise.&nbsp;In 2020, French and Indian Navies carried out their first joint patrol from the French island of La Réunion.

France has been engaging with Quad member countries in various formats. In January, the India-France-Australia trilateral senior officials’ meeting took place. September saw the first foreign secretary-level trilateral dialogue between the three countries.

The French Navy's amphibious assault helicopter carrier Tonnerre and escort frigate Surcouf will arrive at the Indian port of Kochi on Tuesday morning ahead of joint drills with the navies of Quad member countries.

The French Navy's amphibious assault helicopter carrier Tonnerre and escort frigate Surcouf will arrive at the Indian port of Kochi on Tuesday morning ahead of joint drills with the navies of Quad member countries. The two French ships will make the port call for three days till April 1. Tonnerre and Surcouf are carrying out a five-month long deployment, which started in February and takes place throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The port call will come ahead of joint exercises of French ships with Quad vessels. The France-led "La Pérouse" exercise will take place in April in the Bay of Bengal. This time, all the the four Quad members - India, US, Australia and Japan - will take part in it. The first edition of this exercise took place in 2019. It is for the first time India will be joining France-initiated La Pérouse exercises. The 2019 edition only had US, Australia, and Japan. The exercises have been named after La Pérouse, a French naval officer and explorer from in 18th century. In late April, France will also have the bilateral 'Varuna' naval exercise with India, which will involve France's aircraft carrier again. The last edition of Varuna exercises took place along the Goa coast in May 2019. That was the 17th edition of this exercise. In 2020, French and Indian Navies carried out their first joint patrol from the French island of La Réunion. France has been engaging with Quad member countries in various formats. In January, the India-France-Australia trilateral senior officials’ meeting took place. September saw the first foreign secretary-level trilateral dialogue between the three countries.

French ships to make port call at Kochi ahead of joint drills with navies of Quad countries

Bangladesh's Foreign minister AK Abdul Momen has expressed his delight that "PM of the biggest democracy" is taking part in the&nbsp;country's 50th independence anniversary celebration. Speaking exclusively to our Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Momen said,"Our relationship with India was rock solid."

Indian PM Modi will be travelling outside Dhaka as well during his two&nbsp;day Bangladesh visit starting today. This is his first visit abroad&nbsp;in more than a year.&nbsp;The Bangladeshi FM also thanked India for giving vaccines. He said, "We developed such a good relation and inspite of certain difficulties in India, the&nbsp;government honoured its commitments."

WION: What is the main focus of this visit?

Momen:&nbsp;The main focus of the visit is observing 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence, and also Mujib Barso - the&nbsp;100th anniversary of father of the nation&nbsp;Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. We are very delighted that Narendra Modi, the PM of the biggest democracy in the world&nbsp;is joining us in these two&nbsp;great events... We are very pleased the largest democracy is&nbsp;honouring Bangabandhu. Bangladesh and India worked very hard, and&nbsp;many Indian soldiers shed blood for our independence. So our victory&nbsp;is also India's victory.&nbsp;Bangladesh and India are jointly observing&nbsp;this great historical event. In addition, this year 2021, Bangladesh has met all categories to graduate from LDC country. With 50 years of diplomatic relations with India, we are observing so many events together.

WION: How do you characterise this relationship?

Momen:&nbsp;Our relationship with India was rock solid. During war of Independence, both Bangladesh and India worked together, jointly. Now again, PM Modi and Bangladesh PM have&nbsp;developed height of diplomatic maturity, marking a&nbsp;true&nbsp;Shonali Addhya or Golden Phase because these are two&nbsp;neighbouring countries. All neighbouring countries, all across the world have problem.s But here, with India we have 4000 km of border, and India is big country and the good news is because of the good relations we have resolved most of the major problems between Bangladesh and India amicably. We have resolved our land boundary arrangement, resolved our maritime boundary issues, we have resolved sharing of waters of major rivers via dialogue and discussion. Not a single bullet was shot to achieve any of those. We have big problems which we have resolved and also, India is happy because their&nbsp;eastern border is secure. With a&nbsp;friend like Bangladesh, India doesn't have&nbsp;to worry. Both the countries are gainers. We believe, our PM believes, connectivity is productivity and it is vision of our father of nation. His vision was Bangladesh would be Switzerland of east, an island of peace and it will emit spirit of peace across the world. He also believed that a country can't prosper without peace and stability. That is what PM Hasina is doing, because it is a stable government and she is emitting gospel of peace across the world. India is with us together in the campaign for greater government to government, people to people connectivity and developing a rock solid relationship with our neighbour.&nbsp;

WION: PM will go beyond Dhaka; how do you see that?

Momen: PM Modi&nbsp;is going outside Dhaka, including, Tungipara. It has the mausoleum of the father of the nation. He will show his respect. Also, he will visit two other places - Satkhira, another is Orakandi. India will also provide a&nbsp;lot of deliverables. This is his first visit&nbsp;abroad after COVID-19. That means he is giving lot of respect to Bangladesh. We are also reciprocating.

WION: Any announcement on connectivity - a key focal point?

Momen:&nbsp;We will open the Swadhinta Sadak, a&nbsp;road leading from Nadia to Mujib Nagar. This is a historic event. In 1971, on April&nbsp;17, 17 vehicles from Calcutta took&nbsp;all our leaders, and international journalists. They came to Mujibnagar. The exile govt was established in Mujibnagar, where this road leads. We have a railway from Haldibari to Chilahati, which opened after 75 years. It is open for cargo, and now it will be open for passengers. Once it opens, we can move further. Connectivity is not just rail but also via&nbsp;road, air, railway, and river ways. 

We would like to move forward. I am from Sylhet, and my mother used to tell me that in that area, we have a big Mazar of a saint known as&nbsp;Hazrat Shah Jalal. In his Mazar, there are big utensils for cooking. We used to tell our mother, how such big utensils came. They came from Delhi, and&nbsp;legend has it, they came via river. My grandparents used to take the river route when they used to go to Calcutta. That is the norm. There was no railway, no flight, no road. So many rivers come from India, and it is time to open up all the river routes. Transport will be cost effective and&nbsp;it will be easier for our people to move around and we will follow the natural law of rivers. There are 54 rivers that come from India, we are working on six of them, plus Teesta. Our prime minister has a vision that the whole region has to develop. This can be done, together in partnership and&nbsp;collaboration. Happy we got good friend like PM Modi who is with our PM in meeting the same mission, developing the whole region as one. 

WION: How do you see India's vaccine outreach?

Momen: This pandemic is a disaster and we did not know much about it. When it came, some of the experts projected&nbsp;that 5-10 million death will happen in Bangladesh due to the pandemic. Bangladesh is a very congested and highly densely populated country. We had lot of fear, naturally our PM Hasina took all the initiatives to avert the crisis. She has been successful. When we heard that vaccine is likely to come, immediately Bangladesh took certain positive steps. First, when we heard vaccine will be created, Bangladesh joined the movement and paid for it. We paid to European Union and had one condition, that vaccine should be considered a public good and should be available to everyone without any discrimination. Rich and poor, everyone should have access to vaccine. Then we came to know, vaccine is being produced in India in cooperation with the Oxford AstraZeneca. Immediately, we requested the company that we would like to be part of it. India agreed and&nbsp;assured that whenever India gets the vaccine, Bangladesh will also get the vaccine. Initially we asked for 30 million vaccines and we paid for it fully.&nbsp;Indian government agreed to sell those 30 million and sent 2 million as gift. We developed such a good relation and inspite of certain difficulties in India, Indian govt honoured its commitments. Each month we getting 5 million&nbsp;pieces of vaccines. In addition, India has offered India's indigenous&nbsp;vaccine - Bharat Biotech.

Bangladesh's Foreign minister AK Abdul Momen has expressed his delight that "PM of the biggest democracy" is taking part in the country's 50th independence anniversary celebration.

Bangladesh's Foreign minister AK Abdul Momen has expressed his delight that "PM of the biggest democracy" is taking part in the country's 50th independence anniversary celebration. Speaking exclusively to our Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Momen said,"Our relationship with India was rock solid." Indian PM Modi will be travelling outside Dhaka as well during his two day Bangladesh visit starting today. This is his first visit abroad in more than a year. The Bangladeshi FM also thanked India for giving vaccines. He said, "We developed such a good relation and inspite of certain difficulties in India, the government honoured its commitments." WION: What is the main focus of this visit? Momen: The main focus of the visit is observing 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence, and also Mujib Barso - the 100th anniversary of father of the nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. We are very delighted that Narendra Modi, the PM of the biggest democracy in the world is joining us in these two great events... We are very pleased the largest democracy is honouring Bangabandhu. Bangladesh and India worked very hard, and many Indian soldiers shed blood for our independence. So our victory is also India's victory. Bangladesh and India are jointly observing this great historical event. In addition, this year 2021, Bangladesh has met all categories to graduate from LDC country. With 50 years of diplomatic relations with India, we are observing so many events together. WION: How do you characterise this relationship? Momen: Our relationship with India was rock solid. During war of Independence, both Bangladesh and India worked together, jointly. Now again, PM Modi and Bangladesh PM have developed height of diplomatic maturity, marking a true Shonali Addhya or Golden Phase because these are two neighbouring countries. All neighbouring countries, all across the world have problem.s But here, with India we have 4000 km of border, and India is big country and the good news is because of the good relations we have resolved most of the major problems between Bangladesh and India amicably. We have resolved our land boundary arrangement, resolved our maritime boundary issues, we have resolved sharing of waters of major rivers via dialogue and discussion. Not a single bullet was shot to achieve any of those. We have big problems which we have resolved and also, India is happy because their eastern border is secure. With a friend like Bangladesh, India doesn't have to worry. Both the countries are gainers. We believe, our PM believes, connectivity is productivity and it is vision of our father of nation. His vision was Bangladesh would be Switzerland of east, an island of peace and it will emit spirit of peace across the world. He also believed that a country can't prosper without peace and stability. That is what PM Hasina is doing, because it is a stable government and she is emitting gospel of peace across the world. India is with us together in the campaign for greater government to government, people to people connectivity and developing a rock solid relationship with our neighbour. WION: PM will go beyond Dhaka; how do you see that? Momen: PM Modi is going outside Dhaka, including, Tungipara. It has the mausoleum of the father of the nation. He will show his respect. Also, he will visit two other places - Satkhira, another is Orakandi. India will also provide a lot of deliverables. This is his first visit abroad after COVID-19. That means he is giving lot of respect to Bangladesh. We are also reciprocating. WION: Any announcement on connectivity - a key focal point? Momen: We will open the Swadhinta Sadak, a road leading from Nadia to Mujib Nagar. This is a historic event. In 1971, on April 17, 17 vehicles from Calcutta took all our leaders, and international journalists. They came to Mujibnagar. The exile govt was established in Mujibnagar, where this road leads. We have a railway from Haldibari to Chilahati, which opened after 75 years. It is open for cargo, and now it will be open for passengers. Once it opens, we can move further. Connectivity is not just rail but also via road, air, railway, and river ways. We would like to move forward. I am from Sylhet, and my mother used to tell me that in that area, we have a big Mazar of a saint known as Hazrat Shah Jalal. In his Mazar, there are big utensils for cooking. We used to tell our mother, how such big utensils came. They came from Delhi, and legend has it, they came via river. My grandparents used to take the river route when they used to go to Calcutta. That is the norm. There was no railway, no flight, no road. So many rivers come from India, and it is time to open up all the river routes. Transport will be cost effective and it will be easier for our people to move around and we will follow the natural law of rivers. There are 54 rivers that come from India, we are working on six of them, plus Teesta. Our prime minister has a vision that the whole region has to develop. This can be done, together in partnership and collaboration. Happy we got good friend like PM Modi who is with our PM in meeting the same mission, developing the whole region as one. WION: How do you see India's vaccine outreach? Momen: This pandemic is a disaster and we did not know much about it. When it came, some of the experts projected that 5-10 million death will happen in Bangladesh due to the pandemic. Bangladesh is a very congested and highly densely populated country. We had lot of fear, naturally our PM Hasina took all the initiatives to avert the crisis. She has been successful. When we heard that vaccine is likely to come, immediately Bangladesh took certain positive steps. First, when we heard vaccine will be created, Bangladesh joined the movement and paid for it. We paid to European Union and had one condition, that vaccine should be considered a public good and should be available to everyone without any discrimination. Rich and poor, everyone should have access to vaccine. Then we came to know, vaccine is being produced in India in cooperation with the Oxford AstraZeneca. Immediately, we requested the company that we would like to be part of it. India agreed and assured that whenever India gets the vaccine, Bangladesh will also get the vaccine. Initially we asked for 30 million vaccines and we paid for it fully. Indian government agreed to sell those 30 million and sent 2 million as gift. We developed such a good relation and inspite of certain difficulties in India, Indian govt honoured its commitments. Each month we getting 5 million pieces of vaccines. In addition, India has offered India's indigenous vaccine - Bharat Biotech.

Delighted that PM of biggest democracy is joining our independence celebration: Bangladesh FM

The streets of Dhaka are lined up with pictures of its father of the nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, even as the mood in Dhaka is celebratory as the country marks its 50th Independence anniversary.

In a few days, India's&nbsp;prime minister Narendra Modi will be in the city for a two-day visit. Upon landing in Dhaka on Friday,&nbsp;he will be welcomed by the Bangladesh PM herself at the Hazrat Shahjalal International airport.&nbsp;

It will be followed by a visit to the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar where Modi will pay tributes to those who made sacrifices for the liberation of Bangladesh 50 years ago. India is celebrating its own Swarnim Vijay Varsh to recall the 1971 war with Pakistan —&nbsp;one that lead to the creation of the modern state of Bangladesh.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/prime-minister-narendra-modi-to-interact-with-matua-community-372664" hreflang="en">Prime Minister Narendra Modi to interact with Matua Community</a>

PM Modi will be the chief guest at the country's 50th independence day celebration at the National Parade Ground and Bangabandhu International Conference on Friday.

This year is a significant year for the country as it not only celebrates 50 years of independence but also the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation — Mujib Borsho.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/george-harrison-ravi-shankar-concert-for-bangladesh-where-history-was-made-in-music-372520" hreflang="en">George Harrison-Ravi Shankar Concert for Bangladesh: Where history was made in music</a>

The visit of the Indian PM will be historic, given that he will go beyond the capital to three other important places. His first stop will be the Jeshoreshwari temple in Ishwaripur, a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali and one of the shaktipiths of Hindu religion.

He will then move on to Tungipara to pay homage at Bangabandhu Mausoleum — the birthplace of the father of Bangladesh. Finally, he will visit a Thakurbari in Orakandi, which is the birthplace of the Harichand Thakur who formed the Matua sect. Matuas, migrated from Bangladesh to West Bengal and can decide influence polling in 70 assembly constituencies in the Indian state that goes to polls. The key demands of Matuas are citizenship and that is linked to CAA law, a key law passed under the ruling BJP government.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sheikh-mujibur-rahman-one-of-the-greatest-leaders-of-subcontinent-says-pm-modi-372406" hreflang="en">Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, one of the greatest leaders of subcontinent says PM Modi</a>

Ties between the two countries have been on an upswing and undergoing what the two sides have been calling 'Shonar Adhya'&nbsp;(or golden phase).

Indian Prime Minister had last visited Dhaka in 2015. Since then, both sides have increased engagement in various ways. In December, the two countries organised&nbsp;a virtual summit, during which the key focus was connectivity with the opening of the Haldibari-Chilahati rail link connecting Bangladesh with the Indian state of West Bengal.

Five out of pre-1965 six rail links have been revived. Bangladesh, in this region, has got the maximum number of India-made vaccines. Bangladesh has got 9,000,000&nbsp;doses of India-made COVID-19 vaccines, 7,000,000 commercially and 2,000,000 as a gift.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/readymade-in-bangladesh-a-future-proof-success-story-in-textiles-372290" hreflang="en">Readymade in Bangladesh: A future-proof success story in textiles</a>

Ahead of the visit of the Indian Prime minister, EAM Jaishankar had visited the country to lay the ground for PM's&nbsp;visit.

PM Modi was initially expected to visit Dhaka last year in March, but the plan was scrapped due to the coronavirus pandemic. This is the first visit of PM Modi amid the pandemic and one that will be a packed one. PM Modi last traveled abroad in November 2019.&nbsp;

Bangladesh is abuzz with activity since last fortnight as the country celebrates its 50th Independence year. It saw the visit of Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa, Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Bhutan's PM Lotay Tsering. The celebration will culminate with the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 26 and 27.

The streets of Dhaka are lined up with pictures of its father of the nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, even as the mood in Dhaka is celebratory as the country marks its 50th Independence anniversary.

The streets of Dhaka are lined up with pictures of its father of the nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, even as the mood in Dhaka is celebratory as the country marks its 50th Independence anniversary. In a few days, India's prime minister Narendra Modi will be in the city for a two-day visit. Upon landing in Dhaka on Friday, he will be welcomed by the Bangladesh PM herself at the Hazrat Shahjalal International airport. It will be followed by a visit to the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar where Modi will pay tributes to those who made sacrifices for the liberation of Bangladesh 50 years ago. India is celebrating its own Swarnim Vijay Varsh to recall the 1971 war with Pakistan — one that lead to the creation of the modern state of Bangladesh. Also read | Prime Minister Narendra Modi to interact with Matua Community PM Modi will be the chief guest at the country's 50th independence day celebration at the National Parade Ground and Bangabandhu International Conference on Friday. This year is a significant year for the country as it not only celebrates 50 years of independence but also the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation — Mujib Borsho. Also read | George Harrison-Ravi Shankar Concert for Bangladesh: Where history was made in music The visit of the Indian PM will be historic, given that he will go beyond the capital to three other important places. His first stop will be the Jeshoreshwari temple in Ishwaripur, a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali and one of the shaktipiths of Hindu religion. He will then move on to Tungipara to pay homage at Bangabandhu Mausoleum — the birthplace of the father of Bangladesh. Finally, he will visit a Thakurbari in Orakandi, which is the birthplace of the Harichand Thakur who formed the Matua sect. Matuas, migrated from Bangladesh to West Bengal and can decide influence polling in 70 assembly constituencies in the Indian state that goes to polls. The key demands of Matuas are citizenship and that is linked to CAA law, a key law passed under the ruling BJP government. Also read | Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, one of the greatest leaders of subcontinent says PM Modi Ties between the two countries have been on an upswing and undergoing what the two sides have been calling 'Shonar Adhya' (or golden phase). Indian Prime Minister had last visited Dhaka in 2015. Since then, both sides have increased engagement in various ways. In December, the two countries organised a virtual summit, during which the key focus was connectivity with the opening of the Haldibari-Chilahati rail link connecting Bangladesh with the Indian state of West Bengal. Five out of pre-1965 six rail links have been revived. Bangladesh, in this region, has got the maximum number of India-made vaccines. Bangladesh has got 9,000,000 doses of India-made COVID-19 vaccines, 7,000,000 commercially and 2,000,000 as a gift. Also read | Readymade in Bangladesh: A future-proof success story in textiles Ahead of the visit of the Indian Prime minister, EAM Jaishankar had visited the country to lay the ground for PM's visit. PM Modi was initially expected to visit Dhaka last year in March, but the plan was scrapped due to the coronavirus pandemic. This is the first visit of PM Modi amid the pandemic and one that will be a packed one. PM Modi last traveled abroad in November 2019. Bangladesh is abuzz with activity since last fortnight as the country celebrates its 50th Independence year. It saw the visit of Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa, Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Bhutan's PM Lotay Tsering. The celebration will culminate with the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 26 and 27.

Dhaka abuzz with activity ahead of PM Modi's visit; focus on Matua community,  Shakti Peeth

India on Monday honoured the Arab world's longest-serving ruler, late Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman by conferring him with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladeshs-founding-leader-sheikh-mujibur-rahman-conferred-gandhi-peace-prize-372315">Gandhi Peace Prize</a> for 2019 posthumously.&nbsp;

Sultan Qaboos died last year and had ruled his country for 50 years starting from 1970. He was instrumental in the modernisation of Oman and instituting a number of reforms. &nbsp;

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His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said was a strong advocate of India-Oman friendship, and took special care of the welfare of the Indian community in Oman. I cherished my interactions with His Majesty, and benefited from his wise insights on many subjects. <a href="https://t.co/tcPcJwzbHI">https://t.co/tcPcJwzbHI</a> <a href="https://t.co/dK1vnjrENn">pic.twitter.com/dK1vnjrENn</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1374005214190071808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Gandhi Peace Prize recognises the unparalleled vision and leadership of the late H.M. Sultan Qaboos Bin Said in strengthening relations between India and Oman and his efforts to promote peace and non-violence in the Gulf region," the Indian government said.

In a rare development, the Indian government had announced national mourning for one day on January 13, 2020 in his honour.&nbsp;

India's minister of minority affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi had visited the country on January 14 last year and had his conveyed condolences on behalf of leadership and Indian government on passing away of the late Sultan Qaboos.

"Sultan Qaboos was the architect of the special ties between India and Oman. He had studied in India and always maintained a special relationship with India. Under his leadership, India and Oman became strategic partners and our mutually beneficial, comprehensive partnership strengthened and scaled newer heights," the Indian government added.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Oman in 2018 and had held talks with Sultan Qaboos.

India on Monday honoured the Arab world's longest-serving ruler, late Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman by conferring him with Gandhi Peace Prize for 2019 posthumously.

India on Monday honoured the Arab world's longest-serving ruler, late Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman by conferring him with Gandhi Peace Prize for 2019 posthumously. Sultan Qaboos died last year and had ruled his country for 50 years starting from 1970. He was instrumental in the modernisation of Oman and instituting a number of reforms. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said was a strong advocate of India-Oman friendship, and took special care of the welfare of the Indian community in Oman. I cherished my interactions with His Majesty, and benefited from his wise insights on many subjects. https://t.co/tcPcJwzbHI pic.twitter.com/dK1vnjrENn — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 22, 2021 × "Gandhi Peace Prize recognises the unparalleled vision and leadership of the late H.M. Sultan Qaboos Bin Said in strengthening relations between India and Oman and his efforts to promote peace and non-violence in the Gulf region," the Indian government said. In a rare development, the Indian government had announced national mourning for one day on January 13, 2020 in his honour. India's minister of minority affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi had visited the country on January 14 last year and had his conveyed condolences on behalf of leadership and Indian government on passing away of the late Sultan Qaboos. "Sultan Qaboos was the architect of the special ties between India and Oman. He had studied in India and always maintained a special relationship with India. Under his leadership, India and Oman became strategic partners and our mutually beneficial, comprehensive partnership strengthened and scaled newer heights," the Indian government added. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Oman in 2018 and had held talks with Sultan Qaboos.

India honours late Sultan Qaboos of Oman, once Arab world's longest-serving leader

Ahead of his Dhaka visit later this week, the Indian Prime Minister has called Bangladesh's father of nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as "one of the greatest leaders of our subcontinent".&nbsp;

In a tweet, PM Modi said, "He remains an icon of indomitable courage and the tireless struggle for his millions of admirers."

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Bangabandhu's vision continues to light the India-Bangladesh friendship. I had the privilege of honouring his memory during my previous Bangladesh visit and will again pay homage to him, alongside PM Hasina, during the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MujibBorsho?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MujibBorsho</a> celebrations. <a href="https://t.co/5rFPCnlpVy">https://t.co/5rFPCnlpVy</a> <a href="https://t.co/iS2wjPLIdo">pic.twitter.com/iS2wjPLIdo</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1374006072675995652?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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During&nbsp;his two-day visit to Bangladesh, PM Modi will&nbsp;visit&nbsp;the&nbsp;Tungipara village of Gopalganj District to pay homage at his mausoleum. Tungipara is the birthplace of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladeshs-founding-leader-sheikh-mujibur-rahman-conferred-gandhi-peace-prize-372315" hreflang="en">Bangladesh's Sheikh Mujibur Rahman conferred Gandhi Peace Prize</a>

He will also inaugurate the Bangabandhu Bapu digital exhibition during his visit. Bangladesh is celebrating Mujib Barsho from 2020-21, the centennial birth anniversary of Bangabandhu.&nbsp;

This comes even as India conferred the prestigious Gandhi Peace Prize for 2020 on Bangabandhu. The Indian government in a release said, "The Gandhi Peace Prize recognizes the immense and unparalleled contribution of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in inspiring the liberation of Bangladesh, bringing stability to a nation born out of strife, laying the foundation for the close and fraternal relations between India and Bangladesh, and promoting peace and non-violence in the Indian subcontinent."

Bangladesh government was quick to express its "deep gratitude" to New Delhi's decision to confer the Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 to Bangabandhu. 
&nbsp; 
The Bangladeshi foreign ministry in a statement said, "award is also a befitting tribute to the ever-deepening Bangladesh-India relations in a year when both countries are jointly celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence, 50 years of diplomatic relations and the birth centenary of Bangabandhu".

Award carries an amount of Rs. 1 crore, a citation, a plaque andan exquisite traditional handicraft/ handloom item. The award instituted in 1995 has been in the past conferred on Late Dr. Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa, Grameen Bank of Bangladesh, Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, Ramakrishna Mission, Baba Amte.

Ahead of his Dhaka visit later this week, the Indian Prime Minister has called Bangladesh's father of nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as "one of the greatest leaders of our subcontinent".

Ahead of his Dhaka visit later this week, the Indian Prime Minister has called Bangladesh's father of nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as "one of the greatest leaders of our subcontinent". In a tweet, PM Modi said, "He remains an icon of indomitable courage and the tireless struggle for his millions of admirers." Bangabandhu's vision continues to light the India-Bangladesh friendship. I had the privilege of honouring his memory during my previous Bangladesh visit and will again pay homage to him, alongside PM Hasina, during the #MujibBorsho celebrations. https://t.co/5rFPCnlpVy pic.twitter.com/iS2wjPLIdo — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 22, 2021 × During his two-day visit to Bangladesh, PM Modi will visit the Tungipara village of Gopalganj District to pay homage at his mausoleum. Tungipara is the birthplace of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Also read| Bangladesh's Sheikh Mujibur Rahman conferred Gandhi Peace Prize He will also inaugurate the Bangabandhu Bapu digital exhibition during his visit. Bangladesh is celebrating Mujib Barsho from 2020-21, the centennial birth anniversary of Bangabandhu. This comes even as India conferred the prestigious Gandhi Peace Prize for 2020 on Bangabandhu. The Indian government in a release said, "The Gandhi Peace Prize recognizes the immense and unparalleled contribution of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in inspiring the liberation of Bangladesh, bringing stability to a nation born out of strife, laying the foundation for the close and fraternal relations between India and Bangladesh, and promoting peace and non-violence in the Indian subcontinent." Bangladesh government was quick to express its "deep gratitude" to New Delhi's decision to confer the Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 to Bangabandhu. The Bangladeshi foreign ministry in a statement said, "award is also a befitting tribute to the ever-deepening Bangladesh-India relations in a year when both countries are jointly celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence, 50 years of diplomatic relations and the birth centenary of Bangabandhu". Award carries an amount of Rs. 1 crore, a citation, a plaque andan exquisite traditional handicraft/ handloom item. The award instituted in 1995 has been in the past conferred on Late Dr. Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa, Grameen Bank of Bangladesh, Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, Ramakrishna Mission, Baba Amte.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, one of the greatest leaders of subcontinent says PM Modi

Afghanistan and the situation in Indo-Pacific were the key topics of discussions during the talks between India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and visiting US defence secretary Lloyd Austin. The one-hour-long talks saw both sides talking about the current strategic situation in the Indo-Pacific, with EAM briefing about India's 'current security challenges and our long term strategic outlook', sources said.&nbsp;

US Defence Secretary Llyod Austin briefed about his visit to Japan and South Korea. Austin is on his maiden as defence secretary to Asia, with India, a key stop during it. His visit comes against the backdrop of the Quad- India, Australia, Japan and US leadership virtual meet and increased New Delhi-Washington engagement.&nbsp;

During discussion on Afghanistan, the ongoing peace process was discussed including assessment of the situation on the ground. EAM appreciated the Biden Administration’s engagement with India on this issue. Remember US has proposed to Afghan governement, a six-country talks, which include India to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan. The visit of the US defence secretary will be followed by the visit of the Afghan FM Haneef Atmar to Delhi.&nbsp;

During the meet, highlighting the 'commonalities and convergence', sources said, EAM said that the India US 'relationship was unique for the breadth and intensity of cooperation that covered so many domains'. While defence engagement have increased with Washington authorising over $20 billion in defence sales to India, people to people relation form the bedrock of this relationship. &nbsp;

The issue of human rights as shared attribute also came up, with sources pointing out that while US Defence Secretary said that as the "two largest democracies in the world, human rights and values are important to us and we will lead with these values",&nbsp;EAM 'agreed and emphasised'&nbsp;that a ''strong relationship between the two democracies was not only important for both countries but for the rest of the world."

Ahead of the visit, chairman of the US Senate foreign relations committee Senator Robert Menendez called for US defence secretary to raise the issue of human rights.&nbsp;

Afghanistan and the situation in Indo-Pacific were the key topics of discussions during the talks between India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and visiting US defence secretary Lloyd Austin.

Afghanistan and the situation in Indo-Pacific were the key topics of discussions during the talks between India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and visiting US defence secretary Lloyd Austin. The one-hour-long talks saw both sides talking about the current strategic situation in the Indo-Pacific, with EAM briefing about India's 'current security challenges and our long term strategic outlook', sources said. US Defence Secretary Llyod Austin briefed about his visit to Japan and South Korea. Austin is on his maiden as defence secretary to Asia, with India, a key stop during it. His visit comes against the backdrop of the Quad- India, Australia, Japan and US leadership virtual meet and increased New Delhi-Washington engagement. During discussion on Afghanistan, the ongoing peace process was discussed including assessment of the situation on the ground. EAM appreciated the Biden Administration’s engagement with India on this issue. Remember US has proposed to Afghan governement, a six-country talks, which include India to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan. The visit of the US defence secretary will be followed by the visit of the Afghan FM Haneef Atmar to Delhi. During the meet, highlighting the 'commonalities and convergence', sources said, EAM said that the India US 'relationship was unique for the breadth and intensity of cooperation that covered so many domains'. While defence engagement have increased with Washington authorising over $20 billion in defence sales to India, people to people relation form the bedrock of this relationship. The issue of human rights as shared attribute also came up, with sources pointing out that while US Defence Secretary said that as the "two largest democracies in the world, human rights and values are important to us and we will lead with these values", EAM 'agreed and emphasised' that a ''strong relationship between the two democracies was not only important for both countries but for the rest of the world." Ahead of the visit, chairman of the US Senate foreign relations committee Senator Robert Menendez called for US defence secretary to raise the issue of human rights.

Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific discussed during Jaishankar-Austin meet 

The line of actual control standoff involving Chinese aggressive actions in Eastern Ladakh was discussed during the meeting of India's defense minister Rajnath Singh and visiting US Defense secretary Lloyd Austin in Delhi on Saturday. During the press statements after the over one-hour-long&nbsp;meeting both sides spoke on "free and open Indo Pacific", a term increasingly in usage amid the Chinese aggressive actions in the region.&nbsp;

US Defence Secretary General Lloyd Austin pointed out, "As the world faces a global pandemic and growing challenges to an open and stable international system, the US-India relationship is a stronghold of a free and open Indo-Pacific region."

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh highlighted that both sides "discussed steps to be taken to realise full potential" of foundational agreements--LEMOA, COMCASA and BECA for mutual benefit and agreed to pursue "enhanced cooperation with the US Indo-Pacific Command, Central Command and Africa Command."

LEMOA or Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement and COMCASA or the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement are foundational agreements which Washington has signed with its close allies with an aim to increase military interoperability and transfer of equipment. Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) provides for sharing unclassified geospatial information.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-and-us-defence-secy-reaffirm-partnership-expansion-of-strategic-cooperation-371874">Rajnath Singh and US defence secy reaffirm partnership, expansion of strategic cooperation</a>

The many month-long China-India standoff involved the Galwan incident in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. Disengagement at Pangong Tso took place in February. But there has been little clarity over complete disengagement at Gogra, Depsang, and hot spring has been achieved.

During the meeting, cross border terror from Pakistan and the recent joint statement of Indian and Pakistani militaries on observance of Ceasefire pact of 2003 was mentioned by the Indian side during the discussion with the Americans. Last month saw India and Pakistan issue a rare joint statement after DGMO talks to cease hostilities at the Line of Control (LOC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Last year was the worst year in terms of ceasefire violation at LOC.&nbsp;

The ongoing situation in Afghanistan also came up during&nbsp;talks, with India reiterating that the peace and reconciliation efforts in the country should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled.

Secretary Austin at the press statement said, "India... is an increasingly important partner amid today’s rapidly shifting international dynamics."

Other areas which were mentioned and discussed during the talks include, information-sharing, logistics cooperation, artificial intelligence, and cooperation in new domains such as space and cyber, military to military cooperation.

US Defense secretary Lloyd Austin is the first high profile official of Biden administration to visit India since the change of guard in Washington two months ago. India was the last leg of his visit to the Indo-Pacific region during which he visited Japan and South Korea as well.

The line of actual control standoff involving Chinese aggressive actions in Eastern Ladakh was discussed during the meeting of India's defense minister Rajnath Singh and visiting US Defense secretary Lloyd Austin in Delhi on Saturday.

The line of actual control standoff involving Chinese aggressive actions in Eastern Ladakh was discussed during the meeting of India's defense minister Rajnath Singh and visiting US Defense secretary Lloyd Austin in Delhi on Saturday. During the press statements after the over one-hour-long meeting both sides spoke on "free and open Indo Pacific", a term increasingly in usage amid the Chinese aggressive actions in the region. US Defence Secretary General Lloyd Austin pointed out, "As the world faces a global pandemic and growing challenges to an open and stable international system, the US-India relationship is a stronghold of a free and open Indo-Pacific region." India's defence minister Rajnath Singh highlighted that both sides "discussed steps to be taken to realise full potential" of foundational agreements--LEMOA, COMCASA and BECA for mutual benefit and agreed to pursue "enhanced cooperation with the US Indo-Pacific Command, Central Command and Africa Command." LEMOA or Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement and COMCASA or the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement are foundational agreements which Washington has signed with its close allies with an aim to increase military interoperability and transfer of equipment. Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) provides for sharing unclassified geospatial information. Also Read | Rajnath Singh and US defence secy reaffirm partnership, expansion of strategic cooperation The many month-long China-India standoff involved the Galwan incident in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. Disengagement at Pangong Tso took place in February. But there has been little clarity over complete disengagement at Gogra, Depsang, and hot spring has been achieved. During the meeting, cross border terror from Pakistan and the recent joint statement of Indian and Pakistani militaries on observance of Ceasefire pact of 2003 was mentioned by the Indian side during the discussion with the Americans. Last month saw India and Pakistan issue a rare joint statement after DGMO talks to cease hostilities at the Line of Control (LOC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Last year was the worst year in terms of ceasefire violation at LOC. The ongoing situation in Afghanistan also came up during talks, with India reiterating that the peace and reconciliation efforts in the country should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled. Secretary Austin at the press statement said, "India... is an increasingly important partner amid today’s rapidly shifting international dynamics." Other areas which were mentioned and discussed during the talks include, information-sharing, logistics cooperation, artificial intelligence, and cooperation in new domains such as space and cyber, military to military cooperation. US Defense secretary Lloyd Austin is the first high profile official of Biden administration to visit India since the change of guard in Washington two months ago. India was the last leg of his visit to the Indo-Pacific region during which he visited Japan and South Korea as well.

Chinese actions at LAC discussed during Austin-Rajnath Singh meeting

Indian external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi will attend the Ninth Ministerial Conference of the "Heart of Asia" on March 30 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. This is after many years that both Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers will be together under one roof. As of now, there is no confirmation of any meeting happening between the two sides.

The development comes even as several conciliatory comments are coming from Pakistan, by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistani Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa. On Thursday (March 19), speaking at the Islamabad security dialogue, the Pakistani Army Chief said, "We feel it is time to bury the past and move forward." Earlier, at the same platform, Imran Khan talked about trade in the region can only prosper if India takes "the first step".

Earlier in the week, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla said, "India desires good neighbourly relations with Pakistan and is committed to addressing issues, if any, bilaterally and peacefully."

"Any meaningful dialogue can only be held in a conducive atmosphere and the onus is on Pakistan to create such an atmosphere," he added.

Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process is a decade old initiative of Afghan-Turkey that has 15 countries as part of it. The initiative aims at peace in Afghanistan. Most of the countries are Afghanistan's Neighbours and west Asian countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE as part of it. India hosted the same meet in 2016 in Amritsar.

Indian external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi will attend the Ninth Ministerial Conference of the "Heart of Asia" on March 30 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Indian external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi will attend the Ninth Ministerial Conference of the "Heart of Asia" on March 30 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. This is after many years that both Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers will be together under one roof. As of now, there is no confirmation of any meeting happening between the two sides. The development comes even as several conciliatory comments are coming from Pakistan, by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistani Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa. On Thursday (March 19), speaking at the Islamabad security dialogue, the Pakistani Army Chief said, "We feel it is time to bury the past and move forward." Earlier, at the same platform, Imran Khan talked about trade in the region can only prosper if India takes "the first step". Earlier in the week, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla said, "India desires good neighbourly relations with Pakistan and is committed to addressing issues, if any, bilaterally and peacefully." "Any meaningful dialogue can only be held in a conducive atmosphere and the onus is on Pakistan to create such an atmosphere," he added. Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process is a decade old initiative of Afghan-Turkey that has 15 countries as part of it. The initiative aims at peace in Afghanistan. Most of the countries are Afghanistan's Neighbours and west Asian countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE as part of it. India hosted the same meet in 2016 in Amritsar.

Indian EAM, Pak FM to attend Dushanbe meet on Afghanistan

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Zee News Rajasthan

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