Days after India gifted vaccines to Mongolia, the country is keen to get more vaccines from New Delhi, this time commercially.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Caring for a Spiritual Neighbour. Made in India vaccines reach Mongolia. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VaccineMaitri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VaccineMaitri</a> <a href="https://t.co/8wIRImXX7D">pic.twitter.com/8wIRImXX7D</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1363712034337034241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia has written to India's external affairs minister Dr. S Jaishankar requesting for 10 to 15 lakh India-made vaccines Covishield.

India had gifted 1.5 lakh doses of Covishield vaccine to Mongolia on February 21 that helped the country begin its vaccination drive.&nbsp;

Interestingly, the Prime Minister of Mongolia Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene was vaccinated using India-made vaccines. What makes Covishield is the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine produced by Pune-based Serum Institute of India much sought after is that it has got approval from the World Health Organization (WHO).

India and Mongolia share close ties and have seen a number of visits including the famous visit of Indian PM Modi in 2015. Mongolia, landlocked between China and Russia considers India as its spiritual and third neighbour.

New Delhi's outreach on COVID-19 vaccines has been much appreciated globally with India sending 568.06 lakh doses of vaccines to 56 countries and UN Health workers.&nbsp;

Not only Mongolia but countries in South Asia - Afghanistan, Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh and countries in Africa and Caricom region began their COVID-19 vaccination using India-made coronavirus vaccines.

Days after India gifted vaccines to Mongolia, the country is keen to get more vaccines from New Delhi, this time commercially. Caring for a Spiritual Neighbour. Made in India vaccines reach Mongolia.

Days after India gifted vaccines to Mongolia, the country is keen to get more vaccines from New Delhi, this time commercially. Caring for a Spiritual Neighbour. Made in India vaccines reach Mongolia. #VaccineMaitri pic.twitter.com/8wIRImXX7D — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 22, 2021 × The deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia has written to India's external affairs minister Dr. S Jaishankar requesting for 10 to 15 lakh India-made vaccines Covishield. India had gifted 1.5 lakh doses of Covishield vaccine to Mongolia on February 21 that helped the country begin its vaccination drive. Interestingly, the Prime Minister of Mongolia Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene was vaccinated using India-made vaccines. What makes Covishield is the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine produced by Pune-based Serum Institute of India much sought after is that it has got approval from the World Health Organization (WHO). India and Mongolia share close ties and have seen a number of visits including the famous visit of Indian PM Modi in 2015. Mongolia, landlocked between China and Russia considers India as its spiritual and third neighbour. New Delhi's outreach on COVID-19 vaccines has been much appreciated globally with India sending 568.06 lakh doses of vaccines to 56 countries and UN Health workers. Not only Mongolia but countries in South Asia - Afghanistan, Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh and countries in Africa and Caricom region began their COVID-19 vaccination using India-made coronavirus vaccines.

Mongolia requests for more vaccines from India

Washington is keen on a six-country meet including India for a meet on Afghanistan as it reviews its strategy for the country. In a letter to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken&nbsp;has outlined several ways "to move matter more fundamentally and quickly towards a settlement".&nbsp;

The letter, which surfaced in Afghan media on Sunday said, "We intend to as the United Nations to convene foreign ministers and envoys from Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, India, and US to discuss a unified approach to supporting peace in Afghanistan".&nbsp;

In the letter, Blinken explained, "it is my belief that these countries share an abiding common interest in a stable Afghanistan and must work together if we are to succeed".

Sunday also saw, US Special Representative to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad speaking to India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. A tweet from Jaishankar's account said, "discussed latest developments pertaining to peace talks".

India has been seen as a close partner of the Afghan government and has built a number of mega infrastructure projects in the country, from the Afghan Parliament to the India Afghan friendship dam in western Herat province. Last month saw Indian PM Modi and Afghan President Ghani holding a virtual summit and also announcing the start of Shahtoot dam project, which will be built by India and provide clean drinking water to residents of Kabul.

The letter by Blinken also includes a written proposal that will be shared by Khalilzad with President Ghani and Taliban leaders and is "aimed at accelerating discussions on a negotiated settlement and ceasefire", Turkish government hosting a meet between the two&nbsp;sides, reduction in violence proposal to "prevent a spring offensive by the Taliban" and eventual full withdrawal of American forces by May 1.

It has been 20 years since the fall of the Taliban and US presence in Afghanistan with Washington keen to leave the country. Last year saw&nbsp;US-Taliban pact, followed by the start of talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government. While these two&nbsp;developments have been seen as positive, the violence level continues to increase in the country.

Washington is keen on a six-country meet including India for a meet on Afghanistan as it reviews its strategy for the country. In a letter to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has outlined several ways "to move matter more fundamentally and quickly towards a settlement".

Washington is keen on a six-country meet including India for a meet on Afghanistan as it reviews its strategy for the country. In a letter to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has outlined several ways "to move matter more fundamentally and quickly towards a settlement". The letter, which surfaced in Afghan media on Sunday said, "We intend to as the United Nations to convene foreign ministers and envoys from Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, India, and US to discuss a unified approach to supporting peace in Afghanistan". In the letter, Blinken explained, "it is my belief that these countries share an abiding common interest in a stable Afghanistan and must work together if we are to succeed". Sunday also saw, US Special Representative to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad speaking to India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. A tweet from Jaishankar's account said, "discussed latest developments pertaining to peace talks". India has been seen as a close partner of the Afghan government and has built a number of mega infrastructure projects in the country, from the Afghan Parliament to the India Afghan friendship dam in western Herat province. Last month saw Indian PM Modi and Afghan President Ghani holding a virtual summit and also announcing the start of Shahtoot dam project, which will be built by India and provide clean drinking water to residents of Kabul. The letter by Blinken also includes a written proposal that will be shared by Khalilzad with President Ghani and Taliban leaders and is "aimed at accelerating discussions on a negotiated settlement and ceasefire", Turkish government hosting a meet between the two sides, reduction in violence proposal to "prevent a spring offensive by the Taliban" and eventual full withdrawal of American forces by May 1. It has been 20 years since the fall of the Taliban and US presence in Afghanistan with Washington keen to leave the country. Last year saw US-Taliban pact, followed by the start of talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government. While these two developments have been seen as positive, the violence level continues to increase in the country.

Washington keen on 6-country meet including India on Afghanistan

In signs of growing ties and shared values between India and Sweden, Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan Löfven at the virtual summit on Friday called "India and EU as democratic superpowers".&nbsp;

Indian PM held a virtual summit with Swedish counterpart, the 2nd such virtual summit with any Nordic country, the last being with Denmark in 2020.

Stefan Löfven said, "From our bilateral cooperation to multilateral regional affairs, India and the European union are democratic superpowers. As we join forces, to build back more inclusive societies, it is more important than ever to reaffirm our shared values and mutual commitment to democracy, rule of law, gender equality, human rights and fundamental rights"

The comments come even as European Union is keen to increase ties with New Delhi amidst an aggressive China. Interestingly the statement comes at a time when a Washington-based NGO Freedom house downgraded India has "partly free" from free, pointing out that civil rights are being eroded in the country.&nbsp;

During the one house long virtual summit, both leaders discussed a number of issues, from Myanmar to terrorism to Sweden’s decision to join the International Solar Alliance and reviving NSA level talks between the 2 countries.

MEA's Secretary West Vikas Swarup in response to a question from WION said, "Both leaders expressed concerns over recent developments in Myanmar. PM Modi mentioned that as a country that shares land and maritime border with Myanmar, we have the highest stake in peace and stability in that country". Adding, "as a democracy ourselves, we have remained invested in supporting the democratic transition of Myanmar for it to emerge as a democratic federal union and recent developments are of deep concern to India".

One of the key outcomes of the summit was the creation of a Sweden-India Health Hub at AIIMS-Jodhpur. New Delhi noted defense as long-standing areas of cooperation between the 2 countries, with Indian leadership being aware of Swedish interest on Gripen fighter jets being manufactured in India.

In signs of growing ties and shared values between India and Sweden, Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan Löfven at the virtual summit on Friday called "India and EU as democratic superpowers".

In signs of growing ties and shared values between India and Sweden, Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan Löfven at the virtual summit on Friday called "India and EU as democratic superpowers". Indian PM held a virtual summit with Swedish counterpart, the 2nd such virtual summit with any Nordic country, the last being with Denmark in 2020. Stefan Löfven said, "From our bilateral cooperation to multilateral regional affairs, India and the European union are democratic superpowers. As we join forces, to build back more inclusive societies, it is more important than ever to reaffirm our shared values and mutual commitment to democracy, rule of law, gender equality, human rights and fundamental rights" The comments come even as European Union is keen to increase ties with New Delhi amidst an aggressive China. Interestingly the statement comes at a time when a Washington-based NGO Freedom house downgraded India has "partly free" from free, pointing out that civil rights are being eroded in the country. During the one house long virtual summit, both leaders discussed a number of issues, from Myanmar to terrorism to Sweden’s decision to join the International Solar Alliance and reviving NSA level talks between the 2 countries. MEA's Secretary West Vikas Swarup in response to a question from WION said, "Both leaders expressed concerns over recent developments in Myanmar. PM Modi mentioned that as a country that shares land and maritime border with Myanmar, we have the highest stake in peace and stability in that country". Adding, "as a democracy ourselves, we have remained invested in supporting the democratic transition of Myanmar for it to emerge as a democratic federal union and recent developments are of deep concern to India". One of the key outcomes of the summit was the creation of a Sweden-India Health Hub at AIIMS-Jodhpur. New Delhi noted defense as long-standing areas of cooperation between the 2 countries, with Indian leadership being aware of Swedish interest on Gripen fighter jets being manufactured in India.

India, European Union are democratic superpowers: Sweden PM

Highlighting India-Japan ties which are "rooted in history and based on common values", India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla has said both countries are working together to "construct resilient and reliable value chains in a post-pandemic world." The statement comes even as New Delhi and Tokyo have come closer amid an increasingly aggressive China. Japan is the fourth largest investor in India and around 1400 Japanese companies are present in India.

Speaking at an event on Indo-Japan Collaboration in India's northeast, the foreign secretary said, "It is a valuable partner for us in our efforts to navigate the vagaries of the post-pandemic international system and in generating new opportunities for the cooperative endeavour in all areas of India including the northeast."

Japan is involved in a number of connectivity projects in India's northeast. It is involved in four road connectivity projects in part of India, the longest bridge in the country across the Brahmaputra in Dhubri in Assam is being constructed with Japanese support. The country is also helping India modernise the Umiam-Umtru Hydroelectric Power Station in Meghalaya and Guwahati Water Supply and Guwahati Sewerage Project.

The Japanese envoy Satoshi Suzuki was also present at the virtual event and said, "on the ground, Japan has been actively promoting connectivity both within the northeast region and with the neighbouring countries", adding, "our national highways projects, be it in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram or Tripura, will be extended to the border of Bangladesh. Japan and India have been working road connection improvement projects in Bangladesh as well".

In 2017, Indian Prime Minister Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Abe established the India-Japan Act East Forum to coordinate joint efforts for the overall development of the region. The key aim of the forum is to enhance connectivity between India's North East Region and South East Asia and Bangladesh.

Highlighting India-Japan ties which are "rooted in history and based on common values", India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla has said both countries are working together to "construct resilient and reliable value chains in a post-pandemic world.

Highlighting India-Japan ties which are "rooted in history and based on common values", India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla has said both countries are working together to "construct resilient and reliable value chains in a post-pandemic world." The statement comes even as New Delhi and Tokyo have come closer amid an increasingly aggressive China. Japan is the fourth largest investor in India and around 1400 Japanese companies are present in India. Speaking at an event on Indo-Japan Collaboration in India's northeast, the foreign secretary said, "It is a valuable partner for us in our efforts to navigate the vagaries of the post-pandemic international system and in generating new opportunities for the cooperative endeavour in all areas of India including the northeast." Japan is involved in a number of connectivity projects in India's northeast. It is involved in four road connectivity projects in part of India, the longest bridge in the country across the Brahmaputra in Dhubri in Assam is being constructed with Japanese support. The country is also helping India modernise the Umiam-Umtru Hydroelectric Power Station in Meghalaya and Guwahati Water Supply and Guwahati Sewerage Project. The Japanese envoy Satoshi Suzuki was also present at the virtual event and said, "on the ground, Japan has been actively promoting connectivity both within the northeast region and with the neighbouring countries", adding, "our national highways projects, be it in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram or Tripura, will be extended to the border of Bangladesh. Japan and India have been working road connection improvement projects in Bangladesh as well". In 2017, Indian Prime Minister Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Abe established the India-Japan Act East Forum to coordinate joint efforts for the overall development of the region. The key aim of the forum is to enhance connectivity between India's North East Region and South East Asia and Bangladesh.

India, Japan working on reliable value chain, connectivity in northeast: Foreign Secretary Shringla

The new US Defense Secretary&nbsp;Lloyd Austin will be visiting India later in March.&nbsp;His visit will take place in the second half of March and will be part of his larger visit to Indo-Pacific countries.

This will be the first in-person visit of any top Biden administration official to Delhi and comes two&nbsp;months after the new president took charge in Washington.

During his India visit, Llyod will hold talks with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Both ministers held talks in January, with a key focus on the Indo-Pacific vision backed by New Delhi and Washington.

The visit happens&nbsp;as work is in progress for the Quad leadership meeting. The meet will be attended by US President Joe Biden,&nbsp;Australian PM Scott Morrison, Indian PM Narendra Modi, and Japan's&nbsp;Yoshihide Suga.

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."

India and the US share close defence cooperation with Washington authorising&nbsp;over $20 billion in defence sales to India.

US State Department last week said, "It’s these offers of advanced U.S. defense platforms that demonstrate our commitment to India’s security and sovereignty. It demonstrates our commitment to that global, comprehensive, strategic partnership."

The new US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will be visiting India later in March. His visit will take place in the second half of March and will be part of his larger visit to Indo-Pacific countries.

The new US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will be visiting India later in March. His visit will take place in the second half of March and will be part of his larger visit to Indo-Pacific countries. This will be the first in-person visit of any top Biden administration official to Delhi and comes two months after the new president took charge in Washington. During his India visit, Llyod will hold talks with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Both ministers held talks in January, with a key focus on the Indo-Pacific vision backed by New Delhi and Washington. The visit happens as work is in progress for the Quad leadership meeting. The meet will be attended by US President Joe Biden, Australian PM Scott Morrison, Indian PM Narendra Modi, and Japan's Yoshihide Suga. 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." India and the US share close defence cooperation with Washington authorising over $20 billion in defence sales to India. US State Department last week said, "It’s these offers of advanced U.S. defense platforms that demonstrate our commitment to India’s security and sovereignty. It demonstrates our commitment to that global, comprehensive, strategic partnership."

New US Defense Secretary Austin to visit India this month

In a significant development for the world and the region, the first-ever summit of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/quad-fms-meet-for-third-time-india-calls-for-upholding-rule-of-law-in-myanmar-364627">Quad</a> leaders is being planned and is expected to take place very soon.&nbsp;

While no time schedule is known as of now, the meet, expected to be held virtually, will bring together US President Joe Biden, Indian Prime Minister&nbsp;Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister&nbsp;Scott Morrison, and Japan's Yoshihide Suga.

Confirming plans of the meet, Australian PM Scott Morrison&nbsp;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."

"We are looking forward to those discussions and follow-up face-to-face meetings as well,"&nbsp; he said, adding that such meets will become a "feature of the Indo-Pacific engagement".&nbsp; It will, however, not have a big bureaucracy, with a big secretariat, he added.

"It will be four leaders, four countries working together constructively for the peace, prosperity and stability of the Indo -Pacific".

The Australian PM also recalled how the summit was "one of the first things" he had discussed with Biden when both spoke after the US president took office.

"The Quad is very central to the United States and our thinking about the region. Looking at the Indo-Pacific also through the prism of our ASEAN partners, their vision of the Indo-Pacific," the Australian PM added.

"The president and indeed the secretary of state, have made clear that their re-engagement in multilateral organisations particularly in the Indo-Pacific is key in building stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific."

February saw the third foreign minister-level talks of the Quad grouping. The foreign ministers of Quad countries - US secretary state Antony Blinken, Japanese foreign minister Motegi Toshimitsu, Australian foreign minister&nbsp;Marise Payne and India's external affairs minister Dr S&nbsp;Jaishankar discussed key issues like COVID-19 pandemic&nbsp;and Myanmar.&nbsp;

Quad foreign ministers&nbsp;had met last year in Tokyo in a physical meeting. The first Quad foreign ministerial meeting took place in New York in 2019 on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

Quad is seen very suspiciously by China which has termed it "Asian NATO",&nbsp; something that has been dismissed by the grouping.&nbsp;

 
The dialogue was first initiated in 2007 by the then Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe&nbsp;but lost support, only to re-emerge in 2017 when leaders of the grouping met.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Quad plus meetings took place at the foreign secretary-level to exchange best practices.

In a significant development for the world and the region, the first-ever summit of Quad leaders is being planned and is expected to take place very soon. While no time schedule is known as of now, the meet, expected to be held virtually, will bring together US President Joe Biden, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and Japan's Yoshihide Suga.

In a significant development for the world and the region, the first-ever summit of Quad leaders is being planned and is expected to take place very soon. While no time schedule is known as of now, the meet, expected to be held virtually, will bring together US President Joe Biden, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and Japan's Yoshihide Suga. Confirming plans of the meet, Australian PM Scott Morrison 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." "We are looking forward to those discussions and follow-up face-to-face meetings as well," he said, adding that such meets will become a "feature of the Indo-Pacific engagement". It will, however, not have a big bureaucracy, with a big secretariat, he added. "It will be four leaders, four countries working together constructively for the peace, prosperity and stability of the Indo -Pacific". The Australian PM also recalled how the summit was "one of the first things" he had discussed with Biden when both spoke after the US president took office. "The Quad is very central to the United States and our thinking about the region. Looking at the Indo-Pacific also through the prism of our ASEAN partners, their vision of the Indo-Pacific," the Australian PM added. "The president and indeed the secretary of state, have made clear that their re-engagement in multilateral organisations particularly in the Indo-Pacific is key in building stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific." February saw the third foreign minister-level talks of the Quad grouping. The foreign ministers of Quad countries - US secretary state Antony Blinken, Japanese foreign minister Motegi Toshimitsu, Australian foreign minister Marise Payne and India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar discussed key issues like COVID-19 pandemic and Myanmar. Quad foreign ministers had met last year in Tokyo in a physical meeting. The first Quad foreign ministerial meeting took place in New York in 2019 on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. 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 prime minister Shinzo Abe but lost support, only to re-emerge in 2017 when leaders of the grouping 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-19 pandemic, Quad plus meetings took place at the foreign secretary-level to exchange best practices.

First-ever summit of Quad leaders set to take place

The United Kingdom sees India as an important partner when it comes to bringing change on the ground in Myanmar. The situation has deteriorated in the country, with many protestors being killed more than a month after the coup by the military.

Speaking to a select group of reporters, the new British high commissioner Alex Ellis in his first briefing said, "The situation has got worse, it is a matter of great concern...India is important to partner to change the situation on the ground. How India does that is up to India. We need to keep the pressure up on the regime."

At the United Nations security council, UK has taken a lead on discussing the issue. The United Nations human rights council has also seen a lot of developments vis a vis coup on Myanmar, with several countries condemning the development.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-rights-chief-tells-myanmar-military-to-stop-murdering-protesters-367967" hreflang="en">UN rights chief tells Myanmar military to 'stop murdering' protesters</a>

Speaking on India-UK ties, the high commissioner pointed out the "political will" with "stars aligned" which is "shubh" (auspicious). UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to visit India soon, and Indian PM Modi will be going to the UK for the G7 summit later in the year.&nbsp;

Asked about UK Parliament set to discuss the farmers' protests in India, Alex Ellis said that it is an "internal matter of India" but "things that happen in India have ripples in the UK, partially because of Indian Diaspora"

After a petition which got lot of support, the UK Parliament will be discussing the issue on Monday. Indian mission in UK has reached out explaining that the farm laws is a reform agenda of Indian govt, dispelling any misconception.

Questions were also asked on extradition of Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi, Indian fugitives who had fled to UK, to which the envoy pointed out that his country, "recognizes the desire to get back people involved in corruption"

One of the most interesting aspects of his around one-hour long interaction with reporters was he highlighting that "World of the collapse of Soviet Union is over..that world is gone, we are in a new world", adding,"...white western model is over."

The United Kingdom sees India as an important partner when it comes to bringing change on the ground in Myanmar. The situation has deteriorated in the country, with many protestors being killed more than a month after the coup by the military.

The United Kingdom sees India as an important partner when it comes to bringing change on the ground in Myanmar. The situation has deteriorated in the country, with many protestors being killed more than a month after the coup by the military. Speaking to a select group of reporters, the new British high commissioner Alex Ellis in his first briefing said, "The situation has got worse, it is a matter of great concern...India is important to partner to change the situation on the ground. How India does that is up to India. We need to keep the pressure up on the regime." At the United Nations security council, UK has taken a lead on discussing the issue. The United Nations human rights council has also seen a lot of developments vis a vis coup on Myanmar, with several countries condemning the development. Also read: UN rights chief tells Myanmar military to 'stop murdering' protesters Speaking on India-UK ties, the high commissioner pointed out the "political will" with "stars aligned" which is "shubh" (auspicious). UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to visit India soon, and Indian PM Modi will be going to the UK for the G7 summit later in the year. Asked about UK Parliament set to discuss the farmers' protests in India, Alex Ellis said that it is an "internal matter of India" but "things that happen in India have ripples in the UK, partially because of Indian Diaspora" After a petition which got lot of support, the UK Parliament will be discussing the issue on Monday. Indian mission in UK has reached out explaining that the farm laws is a reform agenda of Indian govt, dispelling any misconception. Questions were also asked on extradition of Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi, Indian fugitives who had fled to UK, to which the envoy pointed out that his country, "recognizes the desire to get back people involved in corruption" One of the most interesting aspects of his around one-hour long interaction with reporters was he highlighting that "World of the collapse of Soviet Union is over..that world is gone, we are in a new world", adding,"...white western model is over."

Myanmar situation: UK sees India as an important partner to bring change

With a focus on jointly dealing with the Covid pandemic, Joint Innovation Partnership, and Sustainable Technologies, India and Sweden will hold a virtual summit on Friday.&nbsp;

It will be a premier level meeting with Indian PM Narendra Modi and Swedish PM Stefan Löfven taking part in it. This is the second Nordic country with which India is holding a virtual summit. Last year Indian PM held a virtual summit with Denmark's leadership.

India's ministry of external affairs in a statement said, "During the Summit, the two leaders will hold comprehensive discussions on the entire spectrum of the bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global issues including further strengthening of cooperation in the post COVID era."

Other key focus areas will be Healthcare, Biotech, Smart Cities, Smart Grids, Circular Economy, Artificial intelligence. India will also be inviting Swedish companies to take part in India's "make in India" program and setting up R&amp;D hubs

The virtual summit will be the first interaction between the two&nbsp;leaders since 2015. Indian PM had visited the Swedish capital Stockholm in April of 2018 for the first India Nordic summit. Swedish Prime Minister Löfven had visited India in February 2016 for the special Make in India week. Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia had visited India in December 2019.

The Indian statement pointed out, "India and Sweden have warm and friendly relations based on shared values of democracy, freedom, pluralism and rules-based international order. Both countries have very close cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, innovation, science &amp; technology as well as research and development."

Around 250 Swedish companies are actively operating in India in various sectors such as health &amp; life sciences, auto industry, clean technology, defence, heavy machinery &amp; equipment. Around 75 Indian companies are also active in Sweden.

With a focus on jointly dealing with the Covid pandemic, Joint Innovation Partnership, and Sustainable Technologies, India and Sweden will hold a virtual summit on Friday.

With a focus on jointly dealing with the Covid pandemic, Joint Innovation Partnership, and Sustainable Technologies, India and Sweden will hold a virtual summit on Friday. It will be a premier level meeting with Indian PM Narendra Modi and Swedish PM Stefan Löfven taking part in it. This is the second Nordic country with which India is holding a virtual summit. Last year Indian PM held a virtual summit with Denmark's leadership. India's ministry of external affairs in a statement said, "During the Summit, the two leaders will hold comprehensive discussions on the entire spectrum of the bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global issues including further strengthening of cooperation in the post COVID era." Other key focus areas will be Healthcare, Biotech, Smart Cities, Smart Grids, Circular Economy, Artificial intelligence. India will also be inviting Swedish companies to take part in India's "make in India" program and setting up R&D hubs The virtual summit will be the first interaction between the two leaders since 2015. Indian PM had visited the Swedish capital Stockholm in April of 2018 for the first India Nordic summit. Swedish Prime Minister Löfven had visited India in February 2016 for the special Make in India week. Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia had visited India in December 2019. The Indian statement pointed out, "India and Sweden have warm and friendly relations based on shared values of democracy, freedom, pluralism and rules-based international order. Both countries have very close cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, innovation, science & technology as well as research and development." Around 250 Swedish companies are actively operating in India in various sectors such as health & life sciences, auto industry, clean technology, defence, heavy machinery & equipment. Around 75 Indian companies are also active in Sweden.

With a focus on the Covid crisis, innovation, India-Sweden to hold virtual summit

India has proposed the inclusion of the key Chabahar port in the mega&nbsp;International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that connects Mumbai with Moscow.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Speaking at "Chabahar day" hosted by India on the sidelines of the International Maritime Summit, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, "India has also proposed the inclusion of Chabahar in the INSTC route. I am hopeful that during the INSTC Coordination Council meeting, member states would agree to the expansion of the INSTC route to include the Chabahar Port and also agree on expanding the membership of this project."

Chabahar is key to India's connectivity towards its west, providing routes to Afghanistan and Central Asia while&nbsp;North-South Transport Corridor&nbsp;made up of rail, shipping, and road route currently passes via cities like Bandar Abbad, Bandar Anzali, Tehran in Iran, Baku in Azerbaijan and Astrakhan in Russia.

More than 10 countries are part of the corridor, with more countries keen to join it.&nbsp;Uzbekistan&nbsp;and Afghanistan, both landlocked countries, are keen on joining the connectivity project. Uzbekistan had proposed joining the project during the India-Uzbekistan virtual summit last year.

Highlighting Chabahar's role in connectivity, Jaishankar said it "has not only emerged as a commercial transit hub for the region but also facilitated the delivery of humanitarian assistance, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic" and "part of our shared commitment towards peace, stability, and prosperity of the people of Afghanistan."&nbsp;

Last year amid the pandemic, India had used the Chabahar port to send 75,000 metric tonnes of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan and&nbsp;25 MT of the pesticide Malathion to Iran to deal with locust invasion.

Minister of State for Ports,&nbsp;Mansukh Mandaviya, whose ministry coordinated the maritime summit said, "Chabahar Port is a joint effort of the governments of India, Iran and Afghanistan, to support landlocked Afghanistan by giving access to the open seas, optimising logistic cost by bringing in efficiency and create a reliable and safe transport corridor."

&nbsp;

Ministers from six countries -- Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan&nbsp;and Uzbekistan -- took part in the "Chabahar day".&nbsp;

Transport Minister of Afghanistan Qudratullah Zaki, Armenia's Infrastructure Minister Suren Papikyan, Iran's Minister of Roads Mohammad Eslami, Russia's Deputy Minister of Industry Oleg N Ryazantsev and Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister of Transport Choriyev Jasurbek Ergashevich were present at the day-long virtual meet.&nbsp;

India has proposed the inclusion of the key Chabahar port in the mega International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that connects Mumbai with Moscow. Speaking at "Chabahar day" hosted by India on the sidelines of the International Maritime Summit, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, "India has also proposed the inclusion of Chabahar in the INSTC route.

India has proposed the inclusion of the key Chabahar port in the mega International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that connects Mumbai with Moscow. Speaking at "Chabahar day" hosted by India on the sidelines of the International Maritime Summit, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, "India has also proposed the inclusion of Chabahar in the INSTC route. I am hopeful that during the INSTC Coordination Council meeting, member states would agree to the expansion of the INSTC route to include the Chabahar Port and also agree on expanding the membership of this project." Chabahar is key to India's connectivity towards its west, providing routes to Afghanistan and Central Asia while North-South Transport Corridor made up of rail, shipping, and road route currently passes via cities like Bandar Abbad, Bandar Anzali, Tehran in Iran, Baku in Azerbaijan and Astrakhan in Russia. More than 10 countries are part of the corridor, with more countries keen to join it. Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, both landlocked countries, are keen on joining the connectivity project. Uzbekistan had proposed joining the project during the India-Uzbekistan virtual summit last year. Highlighting Chabahar's role in connectivity, Jaishankar said it "has not only emerged as a commercial transit hub for the region but also facilitated the delivery of humanitarian assistance, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic" and "part of our shared commitment towards peace, stability, and prosperity of the people of Afghanistan." Last year amid the pandemic, India had used the Chabahar port to send 75,000 metric tonnes of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan and 25 MT of the pesticide Malathion to Iran to deal with locust invasion. Minister of State for Ports, Mansukh Mandaviya, whose ministry coordinated the maritime summit said, "Chabahar Port is a joint effort of the governments of India, Iran and Afghanistan, to support landlocked Afghanistan by giving access to the open seas, optimising logistic cost by bringing in efficiency and create a reliable and safe transport corridor." Ministers from six countries -- Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan -- took part in the "Chabahar day". Transport Minister of Afghanistan Qudratullah Zaki, Armenia's Infrastructure Minister Suren Papikyan, Iran's Minister of Roads Mohammad Eslami, Russia's Deputy Minister of Industry Oleg N Ryazantsev and Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister of Transport Choriyev Jasurbek Ergashevich were present at the day-long virtual meet.

India proposes inclusion of Chabahar port in North-South Transport Corridor........

India proposes inclusion of Chabahar port in North-South Transport Corridor

Ministers from six countries including Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Armenia will take part in India's commemoration of Chabahar Day on Thursday.

The "Chabahar Day" will be celebrated on the last day of the mega India maritime summit that was inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

Transport minister of Afghanistan Qudratullah Zaki, Armenia's Infrastructure minister Suren Papikyan, Iran's Minister of Roads, Mohammad Eslami, Russia's Deputy Minister of Industry Oleg N Ryazantsev and Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister of Transport Choriyev Jasurbek Ergashevich will be present at the virtual meet. India will be represented by 2 of its minister--India's external affairs minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Minister of State for ports Mansukh Mandaviya.

Earlier this week, speaking to WION, Mandaviya said, "Chabahar port is an important destination, and we are developing it. 2 cranes have been put. I will be going and inaugurating it. Chabahar connects us to CIS countries... which will increase connectivity to Europe. Chabahar port is important"

Chabahar in Iran is key to India's westwards connectivity, providing inroads to Afghanistan and Central Asia and the key to the north-south international transport corridor linking Mumbai with Moscow. January saw India sending 2 cranes for the port, and the next few months will see four&nbsp;more cranes being sent that will increase the efficiency of the port.&nbsp;

Interest has been coming from Central Asian countries to be part of the project. A working group of India, Iran, and Uzbekistan met in December as one of the key outcomes of the India Uzbekistan virtual summit between the leaders of the 2 countries. In fact, 3 of the participating countries taking part in the "Chabahar day" are from central Asia.

Last year, the Kazakh envoy to Delhi Yerlan Alimbayev pointing out his country's interest in the project said, "Kazakhstan will not only join, we are actually in a process. We initiated this process and we were expected the Chabahar connection will be done"

Ministers from six countries including Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Armenia will take part in India's commemoration of Chabahar Day on Thursday.

Ministers from six countries including Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Armenia will take part in India's commemoration of Chabahar Day on Thursday. The "Chabahar Day" will be celebrated on the last day of the mega India maritime summit that was inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. Transport minister of Afghanistan Qudratullah Zaki, Armenia's Infrastructure minister Suren Papikyan, Iran's Minister of Roads, Mohammad Eslami, Russia's Deputy Minister of Industry Oleg N Ryazantsev and Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister of Transport Choriyev Jasurbek Ergashevich will be present at the virtual meet. India will be represented by 2 of its minister--India's external affairs minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Minister of State for ports Mansukh Mandaviya. Earlier this week, speaking to WION, Mandaviya said, "Chabahar port is an important destination, and we are developing it. 2 cranes have been put. I will be going and inaugurating it. Chabahar connects us to CIS countries... which will increase connectivity to Europe. Chabahar port is important" Chabahar in Iran is key to India's westwards connectivity, providing inroads to Afghanistan and Central Asia and the key to the north-south international transport corridor linking Mumbai with Moscow. January saw India sending 2 cranes for the port, and the next few months will see four more cranes being sent that will increase the efficiency of the port. Interest has been coming from Central Asian countries to be part of the project. A working group of India, Iran, and Uzbekistan met in December as one of the key outcomes of the India Uzbekistan virtual summit between the leaders of the 2 countries. In fact, 3 of the participating countries taking part in the "Chabahar day" are from central Asia. Last year, the Kazakh envoy to Delhi Yerlan Alimbayev pointing out his country's interest in the project said, "Kazakhstan will not only join, we are actually in a process. We initiated this process and we were expected the Chabahar connection will be done"

Ministers from 6 countries to participate in India's commemoration of Chabahar Day

Maldives sports minister Ahmed Mahloof has said that India and Maldives are 'writing history in the Maldives – India sports ties' even as New Delhi is helping build mega sporting infrastructure in the Indian ocean country. Speaking exclusively to Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Male, Ahmed Mahloof said that the recently announced line of credit will be used for, "developing the first-ever National Centers for Basketball, Volleyball, Table Tennis and Netball" of the country.&nbsp;

February saw the visit of India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar to the Maldives during which India announced a $40 million line of credit (LOC) for sports infrastructure in the Indian Ocean Island country. In November last year, the Indian Foreign Secretary had done the groundbreaking for the synthetic track at the Ekuveni stadium. India is also building state of art Cricket Stadium in Hulhumalé and is training young Maldivians in cricket.&nbsp;

<img alt="Maldives sports minister Ahmed Mahloof " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="029f5768-67bc-4e22-b8db-74dbc4e8d3a7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/EAM%20Jaishankar%20with%20Maldives%20sports%20minister%20Ahmed%20Mahloof%20%20%282%29.jpg" />

In picture:&nbsp;Maldives sports minister Ahmed Mahloof (Image credit:Twitter)

Wion: How do you see India-Maldives sports ties?&nbsp;

Ahmed Mahloof: India has always provided support for the development of sports in the Maldives. Our national teams have had training camps in India and India has always provided technical assistance for our sports associations. We are installing 61 outdoor gyms and the development of Ekuveni Synthetic Track was also made possible due to the generous aid provided by India. I believe we are writing history in Maldives – India sports ties. External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar announced a USD 40 Million LoC for sports infrastructure and the bidding process for Maldives first International Cricket Stadium is also underway. The future of Maldivian Sports looks bright with India by our side.&nbsp;

Wion: India offered $40 m LoC for sports infra. What kind of sports Infra you are looking at?&nbsp;

Ahmed Mahloof: We are looking at the development of synthetic tracks in several islands along with the development of badminton, volleyball, table tennis, and basketball facilities in different islands across the country. We’ll also be developing the first-ever national centers for basketball, volleyball, table tennis and netball under this credit line.&nbsp;

Wion: &nbsp;India is training the Maldives cricket team. Do u see the Maldives cricket team on the international stage? How do you see cricket diplomacy?&nbsp;

Ahmed Mahloof: India is the world’s leading cricket nation and I believe that with the assistance that is being provided we have a high chance of making it to the international stage in the near future. We also have very talented players and the development of the international cricket stadium will have a very positive impact in their development.&nbsp;

Wion: Do you think sports is the biggest bond between any two countries?&nbsp;

Ahmed Mahloof: PM Modi and President Solih’s excellent relationship has brought our nations much closer than ever. We share a very strong bond in various different fields and with the unprecedented assistance that is being provided to the Maldives – the India union will continue to grow in the upcoming years. Sports plays a vital role in the brotherly relations we share, and I would say India will always remain as our closest friends.&nbsp;

Maldives sports minister Ahmed Mahloof has said that India and Maldives are 'writing history in the Maldives – India sports ties' even as New Delhi is helping build mega sporting infrastructure in the Indian ocean country.

Maldives sports minister Ahmed Mahloof has said that India and Maldives are 'writing history in the Maldives – India sports ties' even as New Delhi is helping build mega sporting infrastructure in the Indian ocean country. Speaking exclusively to Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Male, Ahmed Mahloof said that the recently announced line of credit will be used for, "developing the first-ever National Centers for Basketball, Volleyball, Table Tennis and Netball" of the country. February saw the visit of India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar to the Maldives during which India announced a $40 million line of credit (LOC) for sports infrastructure in the Indian Ocean Island country. In November last year, the Indian Foreign Secretary had done the groundbreaking for the synthetic track at the Ekuveni stadium. India is also building state of art Cricket Stadium in Hulhumalé and is training young Maldivians in cricket. In picture: Maldives sports minister Ahmed Mahloof (Image credit:Twitter) Wion: How do you see India-Maldives sports ties? Ahmed Mahloof: India has always provided support for the development of sports in the Maldives. Our national teams have had training camps in India and India has always provided technical assistance for our sports associations. We are installing 61 outdoor gyms and the development of Ekuveni Synthetic Track was also made possible due to the generous aid provided by India. I believe we are writing history in Maldives – India sports ties. External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar announced a USD 40 Million LoC for sports infrastructure and the bidding process for Maldives first International Cricket Stadium is also underway. The future of Maldivian Sports looks bright with India by our side. Wion: India offered $40 m LoC for sports infra. What kind of sports Infra you are looking at? Ahmed Mahloof: We are looking at the development of synthetic tracks in several islands along with the development of badminton, volleyball, table tennis, and basketball facilities in different islands across the country. We’ll also be developing the first-ever national centers for basketball, volleyball, table tennis and netball under this credit line. Wion: India is training the Maldives cricket team. Do u see the Maldives cricket team on the international stage? How do you see cricket diplomacy? Ahmed Mahloof: India is the world’s leading cricket nation and I believe that with the assistance that is being provided we have a high chance of making it to the international stage in the near future. We also have very talented players and the development of the international cricket stadium will have a very positive impact in their development. Wion: Do you think sports is the biggest bond between any two countries? Ahmed Mahloof: PM Modi and President Solih’s excellent relationship has brought our nations much closer than ever. We share a very strong bond in various different fields and with the unprecedented assistance that is being provided to the Maldives – the India union will continue to grow in the upcoming years. Sports plays a vital role in the brotherly relations we share, and I would say India will always remain as our closest friends.

We are writing history in Maldives-India sports ties: Maldives sports minister

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Sidhant Sibal

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.