Ahead of a crucial vote at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Sri Lanka has sought India's support and has dialled PM Narendra Modi. UNHRC vote was one of the key points discussed during the telephonic conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Saturday. Voting will take place on the 22nd and 23rd of March on a resolution against Sri Lanka at the Human Rights Council.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka is facing the heat at UN HRC over human rights violations during the civil war with Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The 46th session of the UNHRC is underway and will continue till 23rd March and several times matters related to Sri Lanka have been raised.

Last month after the report of the office of the High commissioner for Human Rights on Sri Lanka was placed, India's envoy to UN in Geneva, Indra Mani Pandey said while, "assessment of the high commissioner...raises important concern" the "Sri Lankan govt has articulated its position" and the "evaluation of both of these, we should be guided by a commitment to find a lasting and effective solution".&nbsp;

During the same statement he called for respecting the "rights of the Tamil community, including through meaningful devolution" and said that this "contributes directly to the unity and integrity of Sri Lanka". This is not for the first time Sri Lanka has requested Indian support on UNHRC.

The telephonic conversation, that took place at the request of Sri Lanka also saw discussions on the COVID crisis. A statement by the Indian Prime Ministers' office said, that the leaders reviewed "topical developments and the ongoing cooperation between both countries in bilateral and multilateral forums". Both sides agreed to "maintain regular contact between relevant officials" which includes in the context of the "continuing COVID-19 challenges."

It further added, that, "Prime Minister reiterated the importance of Sri Lanka to India's Neighbourhood First policy."

India has so far sent Sri Lanka 12.64 doses of India-made COVID vaccines. Of these, 5 lakh doses have been gifted, 5 lakhs sent commercially, and 2.64 lakh via COVAX.

Ahead of a crucial vote at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Sri Lanka has sought India's support and has dialled PM Narendra Modi. UNHRC vote was one of the key points discussed during the telephonic conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Saturday.

Ahead of a crucial vote at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Sri Lanka has sought India's support and has dialled PM Narendra Modi. UNHRC vote was one of the key points discussed during the telephonic conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Saturday. Voting will take place on the 22nd and 23rd of March on a resolution against Sri Lanka at the Human Rights Council. Sri Lanka is facing the heat at UN HRC over human rights violations during the civil war with Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The 46th session of the UNHRC is underway and will continue till 23rd March and several times matters related to Sri Lanka have been raised. Last month after the report of the office of the High commissioner for Human Rights on Sri Lanka was placed, India's envoy to UN in Geneva, Indra Mani Pandey said while, "assessment of the high commissioner...raises important concern" the "Sri Lankan govt has articulated its position" and the "evaluation of both of these, we should be guided by a commitment to find a lasting and effective solution". During the same statement he called for respecting the "rights of the Tamil community, including through meaningful devolution" and said that this "contributes directly to the unity and integrity of Sri Lanka". This is not for the first time Sri Lanka has requested Indian support on UNHRC. The telephonic conversation, that took place at the request of Sri Lanka also saw discussions on the COVID crisis. A statement by the Indian Prime Ministers' office said, that the leaders reviewed "topical developments and the ongoing cooperation between both countries in bilateral and multilateral forums". Both sides agreed to "maintain regular contact between relevant officials" which includes in the context of the "continuing COVID-19 challenges." It further added, that, "Prime Minister reiterated the importance of Sri Lanka to India's Neighbourhood First policy." India has so far sent Sri Lanka 12.64 doses of India-made COVID vaccines. Of these, 5 lakh doses have been gifted, 5 lakhs sent commercially, and 2.64 lakh via COVAX.

Ahead of UNHRC vote, Sri Lanka seeks India's support

India will be a part of France-led exercises "La Pérouse" that will take place in early April this year in the Bay of Bengal. With the Indian Navy's addition, all other QUAD member countries — the US, Japan and Australia — will be a part of France initiated joint naval exercise.&nbsp;

France initiated the joint naval exercise "La Pérouse" in 2019 and at that time had included US, Japanese, and Australian forces. The exercises have been named after La Pérouse, a French naval officer and explorer from in 18th century.&nbsp;

The development comes even as 2020 saw Australia being invited for the Malabar exercises for the first time. The exercises, which happened in the Indian ocean saw QUAD countries coming under one umbrella after a gap of many years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/quad-countries-pledge-cooperation-on-covid-climate-and-security-370185">Watch |</a>&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/quad-countries-pledge-cooperation-on-covid-climate-and-security-370185/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

France has been engaging with QUAD member countries in various formats. In January, the India-France-Australia Trilateral Senior Officials’ Meeting took place. Then, September saw the first Foreign Secretary-level Trilateral Dialogue between the three countries.

The European nation, France, has the world's largest exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and includes territories in the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Indian Ocean.

EEZ is an area where a country has special rights on maritime resources. France also has 8,000 military personnel based in the region.

In 2018, the country published its Indo-Pacific strategy whose main objective was to promote a rules-based, multilateral regional order, free of any hegemony. Last year, France became&nbsp;the 23rd member of the India ocean Rim Association (IORA).

IORA countries have member countries whose shores are washed by the Indian Ocean waters.

India will be a part of France-led exercises "La Pérouse" that will take place in early April this year in the Bay of Bengal. With the Indian Navy's addition, all other QUAD member countries — the US, Japan and Australia — will be a part of France initiated joint naval exercise.

India will be a part of France-led exercises "La Pérouse" that will take place in early April this year in the Bay of Bengal. With the Indian Navy's addition, all other QUAD member countries — the US, Japan and Australia — will be a part of France initiated joint naval exercise. France initiated the joint naval exercise "La Pérouse" in 2019 and at that time had included US, Japanese, and Australian forces. The exercises have been named after La Pérouse, a French naval officer and explorer from in 18th century. The development comes even as 2020 saw Australia being invited for the Malabar exercises for the first time. The exercises, which happened in the Indian ocean saw QUAD countries coming under one umbrella after a gap of many years. Watch | France has been engaging with QUAD member countries in various formats. In January, the India-France-Australia Trilateral Senior Officials’ Meeting took place. Then, September saw the first Foreign Secretary-level Trilateral Dialogue between the three countries. The European nation, France, has the world's largest exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and includes territories in the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Indian Ocean. EEZ is an area where a country has special rights on maritime resources. France also has 8,000 military personnel based in the region. In 2018, the country published its Indo-Pacific strategy whose main objective was to promote a rules-based, multilateral regional order, free of any hegemony. Last year, France became the 23rd member of the India ocean Rim Association (IORA). IORA countries have member countries whose shores are washed by the Indian Ocean waters.

QUAD member countries to be part of France-led joint exercises

A mega Quad vaccine initiative with India as the key will be one of the main outcomes of the first-ever <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-an-eye-on-china-biden-to-hold-first-summit-with-india-australia-japan-369834">Quad</a> grouping's leadership summit.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/quad-summit-2021-2-hours-summit-to-discuss-efforts-to-contain-covid-19-369871/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The leaders of the Quad - Indian PM Narendra Modi, Australia's PM Scott Morrison, Japan's PM Yoshihide Suga&nbsp;and US President Joe&nbsp;Biden will be meeting at 7pm&nbsp;virtually.

Sources told WION that the Quad vaccine initiative will basically function as "vaccines developed in the US, manufactured in India, financed by Japan and US, and supported by Australia" and will allow "new manufacturing capacity to be added" in India for exports to the Indo-Pacific region.

India has been playing a major role in terms of providing COVID-19&nbsp;vaccines to the global community and so far sent vaccines to 69 countries. The total vaccines India has sent, both as gift and commercial is at 585.30 lakh doses. This number includes 1 lakh doses sent to UN Health workers.

Sources explained, "Our role in the Quad vaccine initiative will project and reinforce India’s credentials as a trusted, reliable manufacturer and supplier of quality vaccines."

"It will appreciably expand our vaccine maitri effort" and "strengthen India’s standing.... as a critical node in global health supply chains, and as a selfless contributor to global health security," the source added.

India produces 60 per cent&nbsp;of global vaccines and amid the COVID-19&nbsp;pandemic has been termed the “pharmacy of the world”.

Last year it sent medicines such as HCQ and Paracetamol to around 150 countries to deal with covid. Interestingly, the Quad+ initiative at the foreign secretary-level regularly met virtually in 2020 to share best practices to deal with the crisis.

Pointing out, sources said, "pooling of individual capacities and strengths by Quad countries" is aimed at "expediting global vaccine delivery" and will help meet the "demand-supply gap, focusing on the Indo-Pacific region."

Beijing sees Quad as "anti China"&nbsp;grouping, something dismissed by member countries.

In the backdrop of Chinese views, the sources said Quad’s "model of enlightened, humanitarian collective action" through the supply of COVID-19 vaccines will "offer a template for peace, cooperation and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region".

A mega Quad vaccine initiative with India as the key will be one of the main outcomes of the first-ever Quad grouping's leadership summit. Watch: The leaders of the Quad - Indian PM Narendra Modi, Australia's PM Scott Morrison, Japan's PM Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden will be meeting at 7pm virtually.

A mega Quad vaccine initiative with India as the key will be one of the main outcomes of the first-ever Quad grouping's leadership summit. Watch: The leaders of the Quad - Indian PM Narendra Modi, Australia's PM Scott Morrison, Japan's PM Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden will be meeting at 7pm virtually. Sources told WION that the Quad vaccine initiative will basically function as "vaccines developed in the US, manufactured in India, financed by Japan and US, and supported by Australia" and will allow "new manufacturing capacity to be added" in India for exports to the Indo-Pacific region. India has been playing a major role in terms of providing COVID-19 vaccines to the global community and so far sent vaccines to 69 countries. The total vaccines India has sent, both as gift and commercial is at 585.30 lakh doses. This number includes 1 lakh doses sent to UN Health workers. Sources explained, "Our role in the Quad vaccine initiative will project and reinforce India’s credentials as a trusted, reliable manufacturer and supplier of quality vaccines." "It will appreciably expand our vaccine maitri effort" and "strengthen India’s standing.... as a critical node in global health supply chains, and as a selfless contributor to global health security," the source added. India produces 60 per cent of global vaccines and amid the COVID-19 pandemic has been termed the “pharmacy of the world”. Last year it sent medicines such as HCQ and Paracetamol to around 150 countries to deal with covid. Interestingly, the Quad+ initiative at the foreign secretary-level regularly met virtually in 2020 to share best practices to deal with the crisis. Pointing out, sources said, "pooling of individual capacities and strengths by Quad countries" is aimed at "expediting global vaccine delivery" and will help meet the "demand-supply gap, focusing on the Indo-Pacific region." Beijing sees Quad as "anti China" grouping, something dismissed by member countries. In the backdrop of Chinese views, the sources said Quad’s "model of enlightened, humanitarian collective action" through the supply of COVID-19 vaccines will "offer a template for peace, cooperation and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region".

Quad summit to announce 'vaccine initiative' with India's manufacturing at the centre

Even as the Afghan peace process sees a number of developments, the Afghan foreign minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar will be visiting Delhi on March 22.

During the visit, the Afghan FM will hold talks with India's external affairs minister Dr&nbsp;S Jaishankar and call other dignitaries.&nbsp;

The visit comes even as the Biden administration is reviewing the development vis a vis the Afghan peace process. Washington has proposed six&nbsp;countries Afghan talks, including India via the United Nations.&nbsp;

US Secretary of state Antony J. Blinken in a letter to the Afghan president as part of the larger Afghan peace process had said, "We intend to ask the United Nations to convene foreign minister and envoys from Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, India, and the US to discuss a unified approach to supporting peace in Afghanistan."

It is the first high-profile visit from Kabul to Delhi this year. Earlier this year, India's National Security Advisor(NSA) Ajit Doval had visited Kabul and the Afghan leadership, including FM Atmar. Counter-terror, building regional consensus for supporting peace in Afghanistan were the key topics of discussions.

In a statement after NSA's call on to Afghan President Ghani, a statement from the Afghan government said "Afghanistan and India in joint efforts with NATO and the United States will be able to succeed in the fight against terrorism."

Last year saw three&nbsp;high-level visits from Afghanistan. These were, visit by Abdul Rashid Dostum, former vice president of Afghanistan, chairperson of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation Dr Abdullah Abdullah, and senior Afghan politician Ata Mohammad Noor.

Even as the Afghan peace process sees a number of developments, the Afghan foreign minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar will be visiting Delhi on March 22. During the visit, the Afghan FM will hold talks with India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and call other dignitaries.

Even as the Afghan peace process sees a number of developments, the Afghan foreign minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar will be visiting Delhi on March 22. During the visit, the Afghan FM will hold talks with India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and call other dignitaries. The visit comes even as the Biden administration is reviewing the development vis a vis the Afghan peace process. Washington has proposed six countries Afghan talks, including India via the United Nations. US Secretary of state Antony J. Blinken in a letter to the Afghan president as part of the larger Afghan peace process had said, "We intend to ask the United Nations to convene foreign minister and envoys from Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, India, and the US to discuss a unified approach to supporting peace in Afghanistan." It is the first high-profile visit from Kabul to Delhi this year. Earlier this year, India's National Security Advisor(NSA) Ajit Doval had visited Kabul and the Afghan leadership, including FM Atmar. Counter-terror, building regional consensus for supporting peace in Afghanistan were the key topics of discussions. In a statement after NSA's call on to Afghan President Ghani, a statement from the Afghan government said "Afghanistan and India in joint efforts with NATO and the United States will be able to succeed in the fight against terrorism." Last year saw three high-level visits from Afghanistan. These were, visit by Abdul Rashid Dostum, former vice president of Afghanistan, chairperson of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation Dr Abdullah Abdullah, and senior Afghan politician Ata Mohammad Noor.

Afghan foreign minister Atmar to visit Delhi

India on Wednesday played a constructive role in the presidential statement that was issued by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) regarding the situation in Myanmar.

The statement by the UNSC reiterated "deep concern" about the development in Myanmar while condemning the "violence against peaceful protesters". The one-page statement expressed "deep concern" over restrictions against medical personnel, civil society, labour union members, journalists and media workers, and "called for the immediate release of all those detained arbitrarily".&nbsp;

This is the first time the UNSC statement has "condemned" the violence in Myanmar.

India's "constructive" engagement was reflected in the UNSC statement and also in line with its previous statement at the United Nations. When it comes to New Delhi's policy on Myanmar, it was explicitly mentioned by India's ambassador to the UN, TS Tirumurti, at the United Nations General Assembly in February. While expressing "concerns", the envoy called out for "restoration of democratic order", the release of political detainees, and the development should not impact the repatriation of Rohingya refugees to the country.&nbsp;

The UNSC presidential statement builds upon the earlier press statement of February 4. The core UN group had met back then, days after February 1 coup.&nbsp;

Back then, India was widely appreciated for playing an "important" role by being the "bridge" and making sure that there is a balanced approach in the text. In both major conversations at the UN high table, India did not take sides with the Chinese or Russian position.&nbsp;

Interestingly, immediately after the UNSC statement, the Chinese envoy to United Nations Zhang Jun issued a statement and parroted the line of Myanmar's military.&nbsp; 
In reply to the UNSC statement, China said, "Now it's time for de-escalation. It's time for diplomacy. It's time for dialogue".&nbsp;

"The international community should create an enabling environment for relevant parties in Myanmar to address differences under the constitutional and legal framework," he added.

Question is that half the "relevant parties" is the disposed civilian government of the country which is in jail for any "differences" to be addressed. As for the "constitutional or legal" framework, many will see it being violated by Tatmadaw or the armed forces of Myanmar in the first place.

The Chinese statement was seen as one backsliding on the UNSC presidential statement. The statement also had no mention of the restoration of democracy or the release of detainees, unlike the Indian statement at UNGA.

The US, which is the chair of the UNSC for the month of March, also issued a statement commending the "courage and determination" of the "peaceful protesters" in Burma in the "face of continued, brutal attacks by military and security forces."

The US does not recognise "Myanmar" as the official name of the country but refers to it as Burma. Myanmar was the name adopted by the country's military in 1989.

India on Wednesday played a constructive role in the presidential statement that was issued by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) regarding the situation in Myanmar.

India on Wednesday played a constructive role in the presidential statement that was issued by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) regarding the situation in Myanmar. The statement by the UNSC reiterated "deep concern" about the development in Myanmar while condemning the "violence against peaceful protesters". The one-page statement expressed "deep concern" over restrictions against medical personnel, civil society, labour union members, journalists and media workers, and "called for the immediate release of all those detained arbitrarily". This is the first time the UNSC statement has "condemned" the violence in Myanmar. India's "constructive" engagement was reflected in the UNSC statement and also in line with its previous statement at the United Nations. When it comes to New Delhi's policy on Myanmar, it was explicitly mentioned by India's ambassador to the UN, TS Tirumurti, at the United Nations General Assembly in February. While expressing "concerns", the envoy called out for "restoration of democratic order", the release of political detainees, and the development should not impact the repatriation of Rohingya refugees to the country. The UNSC presidential statement builds upon the earlier press statement of February 4. The core UN group had met back then, days after February 1 coup. Back then, India was widely appreciated for playing an "important" role by being the "bridge" and making sure that there is a balanced approach in the text. In both major conversations at the UN high table, India did not take sides with the Chinese or Russian position. Interestingly, immediately after the UNSC statement, the Chinese envoy to United Nations Zhang Jun issued a statement and parroted the line of Myanmar's military. In reply to the UNSC statement, China said, "Now it's time for de-escalation. It's time for diplomacy. It's time for dialogue". "The international community should create an enabling environment for relevant parties in Myanmar to address differences under the constitutional and legal framework," he added. Question is that half the "relevant parties" is the disposed civilian government of the country which is in jail for any "differences" to be addressed. As for the "constitutional or legal" framework, many will see it being violated by Tatmadaw or the armed forces of Myanmar in the first place. The Chinese statement was seen as one backsliding on the UNSC presidential statement. The statement also had no mention of the restoration of democracy or the release of detainees, unlike the Indian statement at UNGA. The US, which is the chair of the UNSC for the month of March, also issued a statement commending the "courage and determination" of the "peaceful protesters" in Burma in the "face of continued, brutal attacks by military and security forces." The US does not recognise "Myanmar" as the official name of the country but refers to it as Burma. Myanmar was the name adopted by the country's military in 1989.

India engages constructively in UNSC presidential statement on Myanmar

United States&nbsp;Defence Secretary&nbsp;Lloyd Austin will be on an India visit on March 19-21 as part of his first overseas travel since taking charge at the Pentagon.&nbsp;This is the first in-person visit by an official of the Joe Biden administration to India, and comes just two months after the new US president took charge.&nbsp;WION was the first channel to break the news over the weekend.

Announcing his visit, which will also take him to Japan and South Korea, the US defence secretary tweeted, "I’ll then travel to India to meet with my counterpart, Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh , and other senior national security leaders to discuss deepening the US-India Major Defense Partnership and advancing cooperation between our countries."

In a statement ahead of Austin's weeklong trip to the region&nbsp;that begins on March 13, the Pentagon said that the focus will be on "advancing cooperation between our countries for a free, prosperous and open Indo-Pacific and Western Indian Ocean Region."

His visit comes in the backdrop of the first summit of Quad- India, Australia, Japan and the US- which will be held virtually. This is the first such meet at the leadership level for the grouping. Previous meetings have been at the levels of senior officials&nbsp;and foreign ministers.

During the visit, Austin will hold talks with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.&nbsp;

"Both sides are expected to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and exchange views on regional security challenges and common interests in maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region,"&nbsp;the Indian defence ministry said in a statement.

Both countries have increased defence partnership in recent years. India signed four key defence pacts with US in the past few years. The Communications Compatibility and&nbsp;Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018 enhanced information sharing and interoperability. The Industrial Security Annex (ISA), signed in December 2019, allows for the transfer of technologies in support of defence production. The Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) is for sharing unclassified geospatial&nbsp;information. The agreement on Navy-to-Navy Information Sharing was signed in October 2020.

India has&nbsp;substantially increased its acquisition of US defence equipment, with Indian forces&nbsp;operating US-sourced platforms such as P-8s, C-130Js, C-17s,&nbsp;AH-64s, CH-47s, Precision Guided-Excalibur Munitions, and M777 howitzers. In&nbsp;February, India agreed to acquire Apache and MH-60R multi-mission helicopters worth $3.1 billion, and is considering other US systems.

US has sent its laison officer for the&nbsp;Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) based in Gurugram, which keeps an eye on any movement in the Indian Ocean region. This is key to track the movement of Chinese vessels that have been encroaching into the area. Both have been part of joint military-to-military exercises like Tiger Triumph and Malabar.

United States Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin will be on an India visit on March 19-21 as part of his first overseas travel since taking charge at the Pentagon. This is the first in-person visit by an official of the Joe Biden administration to India, and comes just two months after the new US president took charge.

United States Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin will be on an India visit on March 19-21 as part of his first overseas travel since taking charge at the Pentagon. This is the first in-person visit by an official of the Joe Biden administration to India, and comes just two months after the new US president took charge. WION was the first channel to break the news over the weekend. Announcing his visit, which will also take him to Japan and South Korea, the US defence secretary tweeted, "I’ll then travel to India to meet with my counterpart, Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh , and other senior national security leaders to discuss deepening the US-India Major Defense Partnership and advancing cooperation between our countries." In a statement ahead of Austin's weeklong trip to the region that begins on March 13, the Pentagon said that the focus will be on "advancing cooperation between our countries for a free, prosperous and open Indo-Pacific and Western Indian Ocean Region." His visit comes in the backdrop of the first summit of Quad- India, Australia, Japan and the US- which will be held virtually. This is the first such meet at the leadership level for the grouping. Previous meetings have been at the levels of senior officials and foreign ministers. During the visit, Austin will hold talks with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. "Both sides are expected to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and exchange views on regional security challenges and common interests in maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region," the Indian defence ministry said in a statement. Both countries have increased defence partnership in recent years. India signed four key defence pacts with US in the past few years. The Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018 enhanced information sharing and interoperability. The Industrial Security Annex (ISA), signed in December 2019, allows for the transfer of technologies in support of defence production. The Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) is for sharing unclassified geospatial information. The agreement on Navy-to-Navy Information Sharing was signed in October 2020. India has substantially increased its acquisition of US defence equipment, with Indian forces operating US-sourced platforms such as P-8s, C-130Js, C-17s, AH-64s, CH-47s, Precision Guided-Excalibur Munitions, and M777 howitzers. In February, India agreed to acquire Apache and MH-60R multi-mission helicopters worth $3.1 billion, and is considering other US systems. US has sent its laison officer for the Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) based in Gurugram, which keeps an eye on any movement in the Indian Ocean region. This is key to track the movement of Chinese vessels that have been encroaching into the area. Both have been part of joint military-to-military exercises like Tiger Triumph and Malabar.

US defence secretary set to visit India, in the first from Biden admin

Sri Lanka has invited India for the group's foreign ministers virtual meet on April 01. The South Asian country is this year's host of the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).&nbsp;

BIMSTEC is a regional grouping has 7 members — namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand —&nbsp;all of whom share coastal borders with the Bay of Bengal.

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SAARC and BIMSTEC are two regional groupings in South Asia. BIMSTEC is seen connecting South Asia with ASEAN, with two of its members from that grouping. With SAARC being redundant due to Islamabad being adamant on several issues, BIMSTEC is seen as a natural choice for India. In fact, in 2019, during Narendra Modi's second swearing-in as the prime minister of India, all the leaders of BIMSTEC had participated.

Colombo has also sent invites for finance&nbsp;ministers meet to Myanmar's U Wunna Maung lwin, who has been appointed as the foreign minister of the country by the military after the coup. This has sparked a row over legitimacy being given to the military's actions.

Sri Lanka is expected to host the group's leadership summit later this year. The fourth BIMSTEC summit took place in Nepal's Kathmandu in 2018. BIMSTEC is working on a masterplan for Transport Connectivity which envisages 264 projects of different sizes among all its members.

Sri Lanka has invited India for the group's foreign ministers virtual meet on April 01. The South Asian country is this year's host of the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).

Sri Lanka has invited India for the group's foreign ministers virtual meet on April 01. The South Asian country is this year's host of the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation). BIMSTEC is a regional grouping has 7 members — namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand — all of whom share coastal borders with the Bay of Bengal. Also read | In Nepal and across the world, child marriage is rising SAARC and BIMSTEC are two regional groupings in South Asia. BIMSTEC is seen connecting South Asia with ASEAN, with two of its members from that grouping. With SAARC being redundant due to Islamabad being adamant on several issues, BIMSTEC is seen as a natural choice for India. In fact, in 2019, during Narendra Modi's second swearing-in as the prime minister of India, all the leaders of BIMSTEC had participated. Colombo has also sent invites for finance ministers meet to Myanmar's U Wunna Maung lwin, who has been appointed as the foreign minister of the country by the military after the coup. This has sparked a row over legitimacy being given to the military's actions. Sri Lanka is expected to host the group's leadership summit later this year. The fourth BIMSTEC summit took place in Nepal's Kathmandu in 2018. BIMSTEC is working on a masterplan for Transport Connectivity which envisages 264 projects of different sizes among all its members.

Sri Lanka invites India for BIMSTEC FMs meet on April 1

Even as India and Uzbekistan have seen increased high-level exchanges, New Delhi has been invited to an international connectivity summit from July 15 and 16 which will take place in the Uzbek capital Tashkent.

Connectivity has been a key focus point of talks between the two countries and both India and Uzbekistan are already engaging on the Chabahar project. They formed a core group involving Iran, India and Uzbekistan on Chabahar port after the virtual summit between PM Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in December 2020. Chabahar port in Iran is key to India's connectivity westwards and New Delhi has heavily invested in it.

Speaking to WION, Uzbek envoy to India, Dilshod Akhatov said, "Chabahar is a very important port. An important route for us in connectivity in the trade area, for our regions and between Uzbekistan and India. This was also discussed during the virtual summit between our leaders. We created a trilateral working group and to discuss the possibility of joint use of the port."

Uzbekistan had earlier announced its intent to join the international north-south transport corridor that connects Mumbai to Moscow. The invite for the mega connectivity summit was personally handed over by Uzbek foreign minister Abdulaziz Kamilov during his Delhi visit from February 24 to 25.

Uzbek envoy to India, Dilshod Akhatov said, "the main goal of the summit is to elevate the cooperation between two regions and countries of two neighbouring regions into a new level. Elevation of close historical ties between the region in a mutually beneficial manner in areas like economic, trade, investment, transport, innovations and technologies, culture, tourist exchanges and security areas."

The international conference named "Central Asia and South Asia regional connectivity: Challenges and opportunities" is being organized which is the initiative of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The summit will have three common themes of discussion - economic, cultural, security- connectivity and aims to refresh historical ties. This is the first such initiative to bring leaders of central and South Asia together.

The summit will focus on connectivity between Central Asia and South Asia. The heads of states, governments and ministers of foreign affairs of Central and South Asia and other foreign countries, heads of leading international organizations, financial institutions, investment funds and companies as well as world research and analytical centres will be invited to the summit.

All leaders of both the regions, including the leadership and representatives of Russia, Iran, China, the US, and the EU will be invited to the summit.

Uzbekistan is the only central Asian country with which India has held a virtual summit so far. In strategic space and defense both sides are set to increase engagement. India and Uzbekistan are holding military exercises Dustlik-2 from March 9 to 21 Chaubatia, Uttarakhand.&nbsp;

Indian PM Narendra Modi had visited Uzbekistan twice, the first being &nbsp;2015 and the second in 2016. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also visited India twice in 2018 and in 2019. Uzbekistan is the only country in the region to host two private Indian universities.&nbsp;

The Bukhara state medical institute opened its branch at a university in Noida. An MoU on cooperation has been signed between Gujarat and the Andijan region of Uzbekistan and next in the line is India's Haryana state and Fergana.

Amid the pandemic, the air bubble agreement has also been given a green light to restart air travel between the two countries.&nbsp;

Recently the chief of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations(ICCR) Vinay Sahasrabuddhe had visited Uzbekistan to increase the cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Even as India and Uzbekistan have seen increased high-level exchanges, New Delhi has been invited to an international connectivity summit from July 15 and 16 which will take place in the Uzbek capital Tashkent.

Even as India and Uzbekistan have seen increased high-level exchanges, New Delhi has been invited to an international connectivity summit from July 15 and 16 which will take place in the Uzbek capital Tashkent. Connectivity has been a key focus point of talks between the two countries and both India and Uzbekistan are already engaging on the Chabahar project. They formed a core group involving Iran, India and Uzbekistan on Chabahar port after the virtual summit between PM Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in December 2020. Chabahar port in Iran is key to India's connectivity westwards and New Delhi has heavily invested in it. Speaking to WION, Uzbek envoy to India, Dilshod Akhatov said, "Chabahar is a very important port. An important route for us in connectivity in the trade area, for our regions and between Uzbekistan and India. This was also discussed during the virtual summit between our leaders. We created a trilateral working group and to discuss the possibility of joint use of the port." Uzbekistan had earlier announced its intent to join the international north-south transport corridor that connects Mumbai to Moscow. The invite for the mega connectivity summit was personally handed over by Uzbek foreign minister Abdulaziz Kamilov during his Delhi visit from February 24 to 25. Uzbek envoy to India, Dilshod Akhatov said, "the main goal of the summit is to elevate the cooperation between two regions and countries of two neighbouring regions into a new level. Elevation of close historical ties between the region in a mutually beneficial manner in areas like economic, trade, investment, transport, innovations and technologies, culture, tourist exchanges and security areas." The international conference named "Central Asia and South Asia regional connectivity: Challenges and opportunities" is being organized which is the initiative of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The summit will have three common themes of discussion - economic, cultural, security- connectivity and aims to refresh historical ties. This is the first such initiative to bring leaders of central and South Asia together. The summit will focus on connectivity between Central Asia and South Asia. The heads of states, governments and ministers of foreign affairs of Central and South Asia and other foreign countries, heads of leading international organizations, financial institutions, investment funds and companies as well as world research and analytical centres will be invited to the summit. All leaders of both the regions, including the leadership and representatives of Russia, Iran, China, the US, and the EU will be invited to the summit. Uzbekistan is the only central Asian country with which India has held a virtual summit so far. In strategic space and defense both sides are set to increase engagement. India and Uzbekistan are holding military exercises Dustlik-2 from March 9 to 21 Chaubatia, Uttarakhand. Indian PM Narendra Modi had visited Uzbekistan twice, the first being 2015 and the second in 2016. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also visited India twice in 2018 and in 2019. Uzbekistan is the only country in the region to host two private Indian universities. The Bukhara state medical institute opened its branch at a university in Noida. An MoU on cooperation has been signed between Gujarat and the Andijan region of Uzbekistan and next in the line is India's Haryana state and Fergana. Amid the pandemic, the air bubble agreement has also been given a green light to restart air travel between the two countries. Recently the chief of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations(ICCR) Vinay Sahasrabuddhe had visited Uzbekistan to increase the cultural exchanges between the two countries.

As ties strengthen, Uzbekistan invites India for mega connectivity summit

The first-ever Quad, India, Japan, Australia and US leaders' summit will take place virtually on March 12, the Friday marking a significant geopolitical moment. The summit will see participation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Australian PM Scott Morrison, Japan's PM Yoshihide Suga and US President Joseph R Biden.&nbsp;

India's ministry of external affairs, in a statement said, "The leaders will discuss regional and global issues of shared interest, and exchange views on practical areas of cooperation towards maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region".&nbsp;

It explained, "the Summit will provide an opportunity to exchange views on contemporary challenges, such as resilient supply chains, emerging and critical technologies, maritime security, and climate change."&nbsp;

Covid vaccines will be a key focus, with leaders discussing 'ongoing efforts to combat Covid-19 pandemic' and 'explore opportunities for collaboration in ensuring safe, equitable and affordable vaccines in the Indo-Pacific region', the release mentioned.&nbsp;

So far, three foreign ministers' level conversations have taken place, two of them physical meetings--one in New York in 2019, another in Tokyo last year and one telephonic conversation just last month. Last month's telephonic conversation between the four foreign ministers, US State Secretary Blinken, Japan FM Motegi Toshimitsu, Australian FM Marise Payne and EAM Dr S Jaishankar saw key focus being on Myanmar.&nbsp;

Last week, Australian PM Scott Morrison confirming plans of the meet, said, "I am looking forward to that first gathering of quad leaders. It will be the first-ever gathering of quad leaders. I already had bilateral discussions with Narendra Modi and Yoshihide Suga, the PM of Japan and PM of India."&nbsp;

He pointed that such meets would become a 'feature of the Indo Pacific engagement' but it will "not have a big bureaucracy, with a big secretariat. it will be four leaders, four countries working together constructively for the peace, prosperity, and stability of the Indo pacific."&nbsp;

Quad is seen very suspiciously by China, which has termed it 'Asian Nato' something that has been dismissed by the grouping. The dialogue was first initiated in 2007 by the then Japanese PM Shinzo Abe but lost support only to re-emerge in 2017 when leaders of the grouping had met. Last year, saw Australia being invited to Malabar exercises which saw all four Quad countries coming under one umbrella for naval exercises in the Indian ocean. Amid the covid pandemic, Quad plus meetings happened at the foreign secretary-level to exchange best practices.&nbsp;

The first-ever Quad, India, Japan, Australia and US leaders' summit will take place virtually on March 12, the Friday marking a significant geopolitical moment. The summit will see participation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Australian PM Scott Morrison, Japan's PM Yoshihide Suga and US President Joseph R Biden.

The first-ever Quad, India, Japan, Australia and US leaders' summit will take place virtually on March 12, the Friday marking a significant geopolitical moment. The summit will see participation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Australian PM Scott Morrison, Japan's PM Yoshihide Suga and US President Joseph R Biden. India's ministry of external affairs, in a statement said, "The leaders will discuss regional and global issues of shared interest, and exchange views on practical areas of cooperation towards maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region". It explained, "the Summit will provide an opportunity to exchange views on contemporary challenges, such as resilient supply chains, emerging and critical technologies, maritime security, and climate change." Covid vaccines will be a key focus, with leaders discussing 'ongoing efforts to combat Covid-19 pandemic' and 'explore opportunities for collaboration in ensuring safe, equitable and affordable vaccines in the Indo-Pacific region', the release mentioned. So far, three foreign ministers' level conversations have taken place, two of them physical meetings--one in New York in 2019, another in Tokyo last year and one telephonic conversation just last month. Last month's telephonic conversation between the four foreign ministers, US State Secretary Blinken, Japan FM Motegi Toshimitsu, Australian FM Marise Payne and EAM Dr S Jaishankar saw key focus being on Myanmar. Last week, Australian PM Scott Morrison confirming plans of the meet, said, "I am looking forward to that first gathering of quad leaders. It will be the first-ever gathering of quad leaders. I already had bilateral discussions with Narendra Modi and Yoshihide Suga, the PM of Japan and PM of India." He pointed that such meets would become a 'feature of the Indo Pacific engagement' but it will "not have a big bureaucracy, with a big secretariat. it will be four leaders, four countries working together constructively for the peace, prosperity, and stability of the Indo pacific." Quad is seen very suspiciously by China, which has termed it 'Asian Nato' something that has been dismissed by the grouping. The dialogue was first initiated in 2007 by the then Japanese PM Shinzo Abe but lost support only to re-emerge in 2017 when leaders of the grouping had met. Last year, saw Australia being invited to Malabar exercises which saw all four Quad countries coming under one umbrella for naval exercises in the Indian ocean. Amid the covid pandemic, Quad plus meetings happened at the foreign secretary-level to exchange best practices.

First Quad leaders summit this Friday 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga on Tuesday held talks for 40 minutes with key focus on Quad, a grouping of four&nbsp;countries including India, Japan, Australia and the United States.

The talks between the two&nbsp;leaders come, just days before the first-ever Quad leaders' summit is expected to take place.

The Indian statement said during the talks, both "emphasized that their engagement with like-minded countries" such as Australia and the US. in the form of Quad "holds the value" and "agreed that these useful discussions must continue."

The Japanese readout also spoke on similar lines. It said, two leaders shared the "recognition" that cooperation towards "realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific" is becoming "increasingly important and to this end" and shared the view to "steadily advance both Japan-India bilateral cooperation and Japan-Australia-India-U.S. quadrilateral cooperation."

So far, three&nbsp;foreign ministers' level conversations have taken place, two&nbsp;of them physical meetings, one in New York in 2019, another in Tokyo last year and one&nbsp;telephonic&nbsp;conversation just last month. The grouping is seen suspiciously by Beijing, even terming it "Asian Nato".

During the talks, the discussion was also on the Mumbai Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project or the bullet train which PM Modi said is a "shining example of India-Japan bilateral strategic partnership and expressed his commitment to its successful implementation."

Japan PM is expected to visit India for the annual India Japan summit. The summit has been postponed two&nbsp;times in the last two&nbsp;years.

The Japanese readout pointed that during the talks, Prime Minister Suga expressed "serious concerns" regarding "unilateral attempts" to change the status quo in the East and the South China Sea, China’s Coast Guard Law and the situation in Hong Kong and Xinjiang.&nbsp;

Importantly, both leaders discussed the situation in Myanmar also, a key global issue. The country saw a coup in February and since then visuals of the violent crackdown have emerged, sparking international concerns.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga on Tuesday held talks for 40 minutes with key focus on Quad, a grouping of four countries including India, Japan, Australia and the United States.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga on Tuesday held talks for 40 minutes with key focus on Quad, a grouping of four countries including India, Japan, Australia and the United States. The talks between the two leaders come, just days before the first-ever Quad leaders' summit is expected to take place. The Indian statement said during the talks, both "emphasized that their engagement with like-minded countries" such as Australia and the US. in the form of Quad "holds the value" and "agreed that these useful discussions must continue." The Japanese readout also spoke on similar lines. It said, two leaders shared the "recognition" that cooperation towards "realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific" is becoming "increasingly important and to this end" and shared the view to "steadily advance both Japan-India bilateral cooperation and Japan-Australia-India-U.S. quadrilateral cooperation." So far, three foreign ministers' level conversations have taken place, two of them physical meetings, one in New York in 2019, another in Tokyo last year and one telephonic conversation just last month. The grouping is seen suspiciously by Beijing, even terming it "Asian Nato". During the talks, the discussion was also on the Mumbai Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project or the bullet train which PM Modi said is a "shining example of India-Japan bilateral strategic partnership and expressed his commitment to its successful implementation." Japan PM is expected to visit India for the annual India Japan summit. The summit has been postponed two times in the last two years. The Japanese readout pointed that during the talks, Prime Minister Suga expressed "serious concerns" regarding "unilateral attempts" to change the status quo in the East and the South China Sea, China’s Coast Guard Law and the situation in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. Importantly, both leaders discussed the situation in Myanmar also, a key global issue. The country saw a coup in February and since then visuals of the violent crackdown have emerged, sparking international concerns.

With Quad in focus, PM Modi, Japan PM Suga hold talks

In an unprecedented development, India on Tuesday summoned UK's high commissioner to Delhi Alex Ellis to lodge a strong protest after a discussion in UK Parliament over India's farm laws. The meeting took place in the UK house of commons Westminster hall in response to an e-petition campaign.

The UK HC, in a rare summoning by India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla, was handed over a demarche or diplomatic note of protests over "unwarranted and tendentious discussion" on "agricultural reforms" in India in the British Parliament.

The readout by India's Ministry of External Affairs said that the foreign secretary "made clear" that this "represented a gross interference in the politics of another democratic country" advising that British MPs should "refrain from practising vote bank politics by misrepresenting events, especially concerning another fellow democracy."

The strongly-worded statement comes even as the Indian high commission in London, just hours before had slammed the "one-sided discussion" of UK MPs calling out the "false assertions - without substantiation or facts - were made, casting aspersions on the largest functioning democracy in the world and its institutions."

This is not the first time such developments have happened. In the past also, Westminster hall has seen similar discussions. The discussion saw several MPs speaking against India, which included Pakistan origin UK MP Khalid Mahmood, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi.

Dhesi said, "Imagine our collective pain when we see scenes of tear gas and water cannon and brute force being used against farmers". Jeremy Corbyn, who was the leader of the labour party till last year highlighted the "unprecedented nature" of protest which is the biggest ever "industrial dispute".

The British government had strongly defended the Indian government during the discussion with the UK government's Minister of State for Asia, Nigel Adams pointing out that "India's agriculture reforms are India's internal matter."

India and UK have seen high-level engagement; with UK PM Boris Johnson expected to visit India and Indian PM Narendra Modi to visit UK for the G7 summit later this year.

In an unprecedented development, India on Tuesday summoned UK's high commissioner to Delhi Alex Ellis to lodge a strong protest after a discussion in UK Parliament over India's farm laws.

In an unprecedented development, India on Tuesday summoned UK's high commissioner to Delhi Alex Ellis to lodge a strong protest after a discussion in UK Parliament over India's farm laws. The meeting took place in the UK house of commons Westminster hall in response to an e-petition campaign. The UK HC, in a rare summoning by India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla, was handed over a demarche or diplomatic note of protests over "unwarranted and tendentious discussion" on "agricultural reforms" in India in the British Parliament. The readout by India's Ministry of External Affairs said that the foreign secretary "made clear" that this "represented a gross interference in the politics of another democratic country" advising that British MPs should "refrain from practising vote bank politics by misrepresenting events, especially concerning another fellow democracy." The strongly-worded statement comes even as the Indian high commission in London, just hours before had slammed the "one-sided discussion" of UK MPs calling out the "false assertions - without substantiation or facts - were made, casting aspersions on the largest functioning democracy in the world and its institutions." This is not the first time such developments have happened. In the past also, Westminster hall has seen similar discussions. The discussion saw several MPs speaking against India, which included Pakistan origin UK MP Khalid Mahmood, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi. Dhesi said, "Imagine our collective pain when we see scenes of tear gas and water cannon and brute force being used against farmers". Jeremy Corbyn, who was the leader of the labour party till last year highlighted the "unprecedented nature" of protest which is the biggest ever "industrial dispute". The British government had strongly defended the Indian government during the discussion with the UK government's Minister of State for Asia, Nigel Adams pointing out that "India's agriculture reforms are India's internal matter." India and UK have seen high-level engagement; with UK PM Boris Johnson expected to visit India and Indian PM Narendra Modi to visit UK for the G7 summit later this year.

'Unwarranted discussion': India summons British envoy over debate on farm laws in UK Parliament

In a development that bore wells for the Indian govt's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" policy that aims at self-sufficiency, the country has seen a reduction of 65% split AC or air conditioners being imported. The policy that has been put in place calls for ACs that use local refrigerants.

In October of 2020, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a notification under which import of Air conditioners with refrigerants was prohibited.

According to DGFT data, the October-November period of 2019 saw ACs worth 150 core Rs being imported, while October- November 2020 period saw only 52 ACs worth 52 crore Rs being imported, leading to a dramatic fall. And the trend continues. As per industry information by Volza, as against the import of 5,53,000 units of room air conditioners in January 2020, only 74,000 kits were imported in January of 2021, a reduction of 87%.

India is focusing on domestic manufacturing of ACs with its PLI (Production-Linked Incentive) scheme. The PLI scheme aims to give companies incentives on products being manufactured in India. Around 15-20 companies are waiting for PLI, with some already making announcements. Among the companies interested in setting up manufacturing is Japan's Panasonic. Essentially the Atmanirbhar Bharat policy aims to reduce dependency on China.

In a development that bore wells for the Indian govt's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" policy that aims at self-sufficiency, the country has seen a reduction of 65% split AC or air conditioners being imported.

In a development that bore wells for the Indian govt's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" policy that aims at self-sufficiency, the country has seen a reduction of 65% split AC or air conditioners being imported. The policy that has been put in place calls for ACs that use local refrigerants. In October of 2020, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a notification under which import of Air conditioners with refrigerants was prohibited. According to DGFT data, the October-November period of 2019 saw ACs worth 150 core Rs being imported, while October- November 2020 period saw only 52 ACs worth 52 crore Rs being imported, leading to a dramatic fall. And the trend continues. As per industry information by Volza, as against the import of 5,53,000 units of room air conditioners in January 2020, only 74,000 kits were imported in January of 2021, a reduction of 87%. India is focusing on domestic manufacturing of ACs with its PLI (Production-Linked Incentive) scheme. The PLI scheme aims to give companies incentives on products being manufactured in India. Around 15-20 companies are waiting for PLI, with some already making announcements. Among the companies interested in setting up manufacturing is Japan's Panasonic. Essentially the Atmanirbhar Bharat policy aims to reduce dependency on China.

Under India's Atmanirbhar policy, import of air conditioners decrease

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Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Sidhant Sibal

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