India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla will be visiting Russia next week. The visit will be for a couple of days and will see a number of bilateral meetings. The visit comes even as both sides have been engaged at multiple levels, from cooperation against covid pandemic to defense.&nbsp;

The visit, in the works for some time, will be the first foreign visit of the top Indian diplomat this year. The focus will be on the India-Russia annual summit this year, with Russian President Vladimir Putin's India visit. Russia and India have an annual bilateral summit level mechanism that alternates between the 2 countries. PM Modi had visited Russia's Vladivostok in 2019 for the summit, while 2018 saw the visit of President Putin visiting Delhi for the annual summit. Last year, the summit could not take place due to the covid pandemic. Russia and Japan are the only 2 countries with which India has this mechanism.&nbsp;

A multilateral focus will also be there since India and Russia are part of the BRICS and New Delhi being the chair of the grouping this year. &nbsp;Last year saw India's defense minister visiting Moscow 2 times, first for the 75th anniversary of victory day and then for the Shanghai cooperation organization or SCO defense minister. The Indian external affairs minister Dr. S Jaishankar visited the country too for the SCO FMs meet.

Russia will be delivering the S400 missile system by the end of this year, in what will be a significant defense-related development between New Delhi and Moscow. The $5 billion deal was signed in October 2018 by both countries. While this is the first visit of FS this year, last year saw him traveling to Bangladesh, Myanmar, Maldives, Nepal, France, Germany, and UK amid the covid pandemic.

India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla will be visiting Russia next week. The visit will be for a couple of days and will see a number of bilateral meetings. The visit comes even as both sides have been engaged at multiple levels, from cooperation against covid pandemic to defense.

India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla will be visiting Russia next week. The visit will be for a couple of days and will see a number of bilateral meetings. The visit comes even as both sides have been engaged at multiple levels, from cooperation against covid pandemic to defense. The visit, in the works for some time, will be the first foreign visit of the top Indian diplomat this year. The focus will be on the India-Russia annual summit this year, with Russian President Vladimir Putin's India visit. Russia and India have an annual bilateral summit level mechanism that alternates between the 2 countries. PM Modi had visited Russia's Vladivostok in 2019 for the summit, while 2018 saw the visit of President Putin visiting Delhi for the annual summit. Last year, the summit could not take place due to the covid pandemic. Russia and Japan are the only 2 countries with which India has this mechanism. A multilateral focus will also be there since India and Russia are part of the BRICS and New Delhi being the chair of the grouping this year. Last year saw India's defense minister visiting Moscow 2 times, first for the 75th anniversary of victory day and then for the Shanghai cooperation organization or SCO defense minister. The Indian external affairs minister Dr. S Jaishankar visited the country too for the SCO FMs meet. Russia will be delivering the S400 missile system by the end of this year, in what will be a significant defense-related development between New Delhi and Moscow. The $5 billion deal was signed in October 2018 by both countries. While this is the first visit of FS this year, last year saw him traveling to Bangladesh, Myanmar, Maldives, Nepal, France, Germany, and UK amid the covid pandemic.

India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla to visit Russia next week

The first-ever ASEAN-India Hackathon was held from February 1st to 4th and saw the participation of 330 students and 110 mentors from 10 ASEAN countries and India.&nbsp;

Coming together online as 55 teams, they came up with innovative solutions to 11 problems as part of the hackathon which was announced by PM Modi at the 16th ASEAN India summit in Bangkok in November of 2019.&nbsp;

The hackathon was organized jointly by the Ministry of external affairs and India's education ministry.

The themes of the hackathon were 'Blue Economy' and 'Education', which was lauded by EAM Dr S Jaishankar.&nbsp;

He said, "Weaving together of two priority areas of cooperation into problem statements provides added relevance to this Hackathon. India has identified cooperation in the maritime domain as a priority under the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership."&nbsp;

On Education, Jaishankar said, it is "a central element of our Strategic Partnership with ASEAN recognizing the role it plays in effectively and constructively channelizing the energy of our youth."

The Hackathon is Key to the larger ASEAN-India strategic partnership and forms part of other youth-centric initiatives like Special Courses for Young ASEAN Diplomats, Exchange Programmes for Young Farmers', Media Exchange Programmes, Programmes for Young Parliamentarians.

In fact, India's education minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ said that the "Hackathon is well aligned with the vision of ASEAN - plan of action on science, technology and innovation (APASTI) 2016-2025”.

Senior Ministers from Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam were present in the concluding ceremony of the event.&nbsp;

There are other India-ASEAN programmes to increase the people-to-people engagement, which includes New Delhi providing 1000 ASEAN PhD fellowships exclusively for ASEAN Nationals at IITs with a budget outlay of $45 million.

The first-ever ASEAN-India Hackathon was held from February 1st to 4th and saw the participation of 330 students and 110 mentors from 10 ASEAN countries and India.

The first-ever ASEAN-India Hackathon was held from February 1st to 4th and saw the participation of 330 students and 110 mentors from 10 ASEAN countries and India. Coming together online as 55 teams, they came up with innovative solutions to 11 problems as part of the hackathon which was announced by PM Modi at the 16th ASEAN India summit in Bangkok in November of 2019. The hackathon was organized jointly by the Ministry of external affairs and India's education ministry. The themes of the hackathon were 'Blue Economy' and 'Education', which was lauded by EAM Dr S Jaishankar. He said, "Weaving together of two priority areas of cooperation into problem statements provides added relevance to this Hackathon. India has identified cooperation in the maritime domain as a priority under the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership." On Education, Jaishankar said, it is "a central element of our Strategic Partnership with ASEAN recognizing the role it plays in effectively and constructively channelizing the energy of our youth." The Hackathon is Key to the larger ASEAN-India strategic partnership and forms part of other youth-centric initiatives like Special Courses for Young ASEAN Diplomats, Exchange Programmes for Young Farmers', Media Exchange Programmes, Programmes for Young Parliamentarians. In fact, India's education minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ said that the "Hackathon is well aligned with the vision of ASEAN - plan of action on science, technology and innovation (APASTI) 2016-2025”. Senior Ministers from Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam were present in the concluding ceremony of the event. There are other India-ASEAN programmes to increase the people-to-people engagement, which includes New Delhi providing 1000 ASEAN PhD fellowships exclusively for ASEAN Nationals at IITs with a budget outlay of $45 million.

India, ASEAN increase people to people engagement with 1st ever Hackathon

During a conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, PM Narendra Modi assured him of coronavirus vaccine supplies. India has already sent vaccines to around 20 countries. It has got requests from developing as well as developed nations.

A readout from Indian PM's office said during the talks Prime Minister Trudeau informed PM Modi about "Canada's requirements of COVID-19 vaccines from India" to which the latter "assured...that India would do its best to support Canada's vaccination efforts, just as it had done for many other countries already"

The readout said Canadian leader lauded New Delhi saying, "if the world managed to conquer COVID-19, it would be significantly because of India's tremendous pharmaceutical capacity" and "Prime Minister Modi's leadership in sharing this capacity with the world."

The vaccines will be supplied commercially from India to Canada. India has already supplied vaccines on a commercial basis to countries like Brazil, Morrocco, South Africa.&nbsp;

During the talks, India and Canada discussed issues such as the economic impact of the pandemic, climate change.

The talks assume significance since ties between the two countries were impacted in December after Canadian PM commented on the farmer protests in India.&nbsp;

Back then, an angry New Delhi had summoned the Canadian envoy to Delhi Nadir Patel and handed over a strong demarche. In fact, the matter was taken up with Canadian authorities both in Ottawa and New Delhi and conveyed that such comments pertaining to the internal affairs of India are "unwarranted and unacceptable".

During a conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, PM Narendra Modi assured him of coronavirus vaccine supplies. India has already sent vaccines to around 20 countries.

During a conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, PM Narendra Modi assured him of coronavirus vaccine supplies. India has already sent vaccines to around 20 countries. It has got requests from developing as well as developed nations. A readout from Indian PM's office said during the talks Prime Minister Trudeau informed PM Modi about "Canada's requirements of COVID-19 vaccines from India" to which the latter "assured...that India would do its best to support Canada's vaccination efforts, just as it had done for many other countries already" The readout said Canadian leader lauded New Delhi saying, "if the world managed to conquer COVID-19, it would be significantly because of India's tremendous pharmaceutical capacity" and "Prime Minister Modi's leadership in sharing this capacity with the world." The vaccines will be supplied commercially from India to Canada. India has already supplied vaccines on a commercial basis to countries like Brazil, Morrocco, South Africa. During the talks, India and Canada discussed issues such as the economic impact of the pandemic, climate change. The talks assume significance since ties between the two countries were impacted in December after Canadian PM commented on the farmer protests in India. Back then, an angry New Delhi had summoned the Canadian envoy to Delhi Nadir Patel and handed over a strong demarche. In fact, the matter was taken up with Canadian authorities both in Ottawa and New Delhi and conveyed that such comments pertaining to the internal affairs of India are "unwarranted and unacceptable".

PM Modi assures Canada's Trudeau of COVID vaccine supplies

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday (February 11) gave keys details regarding the disengagement agreement between India and China, in the Rajya Sabha. The agreement comes in the backdrop of the India-China standoff that started in April/May of 2020 that saw the death of 20 Indian soldiers in the Galwan Valley due to aggressive actions by Chinese forces, the first such development at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) since 1975. The Chinese Defence Ministry had made the announcement on the same on Wednesday (February 10).&nbsp;

Here are the key details spelt out by the Defence Minister:

1) Agreement for disengagement is for "North and South Bank" of the Pangong Lake. Pangong Lake is one of the sites of the stand-off, with the north bank having eight "fingers" or geographical formations with mountains spurs jutting into the lake, and the main point of contention for New Delhi.

2) Disengagement will be "mutual and reciprocal".

3) The implementation of this agreement started on Wednesday in the North and South Bank of the Pangong Lake. The tanks have started to move, and next up will the movement of soldiers.

4) Both sides will cease their "forward deployments" in the area. The process will take place in a "phased, coordinated and verified manner".

5) The most crucial point and one that forms the core of the development is -- The Chinese side will keep its troop presence in the North Bank area to the east of Finger 8. India, reciprocally, will base its troops at the permanent base -- Dhan Singh Thapa Post near Finger 3.

6) A similar action would be taken in the South Bank area by both sides. No details are known yet on how this will happen, in terms of movements of troops.

7) Any structures that had been built by both sides since April 2020 in both North and South Bank area will be removed and the landforms will be restored. April 2020 is the month that saw China amassing its troops and trying to unilaterally change the situation.

8) Both sides have agreed on a "temporary moratorium on military activities" by both sides in the North Bank of the lake. This includes a moratorium on patrolling to the traditional areas. Patrolling will be resumed only after both sides reach an agreement during further rounds of diplomatic and military talks.

9) Once "complete disengagement" has happened at Pangong Lake, Senior Commanders of both sides will meet within 48 hours. So far nine rounds of &nbsp;Senior Commanders meet or military talks have taken place, the last one being in January of this year.

10) &nbsp;New Delhi's message to China, by the Defence Minister from Parliament is, "By now, the Chinese side is also fully aware of our resolve. It is therefore our expectation that the Chinese side will work with us in full sincerity to resolve these remaining issues." He highlighted, " I want to assure this House that in these talks we have not conceded anything."

What next?

Some issue still remains. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, "there are still some outstanding issues with regard to deployment and patrolling" at some points along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh. They will be discussed during future India-China talks at the military and diplomatic level.

India is the Chair of the BRICS grouping this year. India is expected to hold a summit, the annual BRICS summit. If the summit happens physically then Chinese President Xi Jinping will be visiting India.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday (February 11) gave keys details regarding the disengagement agreement between India and China, in the Rajya Sabha. The agreement comes in the backdrop of the India-China standoff that started in April/May of 2020 that saw the death of 20 Indian soldiers in the Galwan Valley due to aggressive actions by Chinese forces, the first such development at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) since 1975.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday (February 11) gave keys details regarding the disengagement agreement between India and China, in the Rajya Sabha. The agreement comes in the backdrop of the India-China standoff that started in April/May of 2020 that saw the death of 20 Indian soldiers in the Galwan Valley due to aggressive actions by Chinese forces, the first such development at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) since 1975. The Chinese Defence Ministry had made the announcement on the same on Wednesday (February 10). Here are the key details spelt out by the Defence Minister: 1) Agreement for disengagement is for "North and South Bank" of the Pangong Lake. Pangong Lake is one of the sites of the stand-off, with the north bank having eight "fingers" or geographical formations with mountains spurs jutting into the lake, and the main point of contention for New Delhi. 2) Disengagement will be "mutual and reciprocal". 3) The implementation of this agreement started on Wednesday in the North and South Bank of the Pangong Lake. The tanks have started to move, and next up will the movement of soldiers. 4) Both sides will cease their "forward deployments" in the area. The process will take place in a "phased, coordinated and verified manner". 5) The most crucial point and one that forms the core of the development is -- The Chinese side will keep its troop presence in the North Bank area to the east of Finger 8. India, reciprocally, will base its troops at the permanent base -- Dhan Singh Thapa Post near Finger 3. 6) A similar action would be taken in the South Bank area by both sides. No details are known yet on how this will happen, in terms of movements of troops. 7) Any structures that had been built by both sides since April 2020 in both North and South Bank area will be removed and the landforms will be restored. April 2020 is the month that saw China amassing its troops and trying to unilaterally change the situation. 8) Both sides have agreed on a "temporary moratorium on military activities" by both sides in the North Bank of the lake. This includes a moratorium on patrolling to the traditional areas. Patrolling will be resumed only after both sides reach an agreement during further rounds of diplomatic and military talks. 9) Once "complete disengagement" has happened at Pangong Lake, Senior Commanders of both sides will meet within 48 hours. So far nine rounds of Senior Commanders meet or military talks have taken place, the last one being in January of this year. 10) New Delhi's message to China, by the Defence Minister from Parliament is, "By now, the Chinese side is also fully aware of our resolve. It is therefore our expectation that the Chinese side will work with us in full sincerity to resolve these remaining issues." He highlighted, " I want to assure this House that in these talks we have not conceded anything." What next? Some issue still remains. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, "there are still some outstanding issues with regard to deployment and patrolling" at some points along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh. They will be discussed during future India-China talks at the military and diplomatic level. India is the Chair of the BRICS grouping this year. India is expected to hold a summit, the annual BRICS summit. If the summit happens physically then Chinese President Xi Jinping will be visiting India.

India-China border disengagement: 10 key points of agreement

Twitter on Wednesday said that it has suspended more than 500 accounts in response to orders by the Indian government.&nbsp;

In an extensive statement 'to set the record straight', the social media giant said, "We took a range of enforcement actions — including permanent suspension in certain cases — against more than 500 accounts escalated across all Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology orders for clear violations of Twitter’s Rules."&nbsp;

Indian Government had sent two orders--one on January 31 and another on February 4 for blocking 257 and 1,178 accounts respectively in the backdrop of farmers' protests. The orders pointed out that these accounts were trying to trend genocide and many of them were backed by the Pakistan-Khalistani combo that could play mischief amid the protests.&nbsp;

Other than suspending accounts, Twitter took 'steps to reduce the visibility of the hashtags containing harmful content' and withheld accounts under 'country withheld content policy', which means these accounts will be available outside of India.&nbsp;

Twitter had informed the Indian government about its actions on Wednesday itself even as engagement between the two continues. The action comes even as the tiff between the two sides has been escalating, with the Indian govt willing to exercises penal provisions under section 69A of the Indian IT act. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Twitter said it has not taken any actions on accounts of news media entities, journalists, activists, and politicians since, "we believe, would violate their fundamental right to free expression under Indian law." Elaborating, "We will continue to advocate for the right of free expression on behalf of the people we serve."&nbsp;

Twitter, which had in the past blocked 500 accounts, has suspended 500 accounts that were engaged in 'clear examples of platform manipulation and spam'.

Twitter on Wednesday said that it has suspended more than 500 accounts in response to orders by the Indian government. In an extensive statement 'to set the record straight', the social media giant said, "We took a range of enforcement actions — including permanent suspension in certain cases — against more than 500 accounts escalated across all Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology orders for clear violations of Twitter’s Rules.

Twitter on Wednesday said that it has suspended more than 500 accounts in response to orders by the Indian government. In an extensive statement 'to set the record straight', the social media giant said, "We took a range of enforcement actions — including permanent suspension in certain cases — against more than 500 accounts escalated across all Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology orders for clear violations of Twitter’s Rules." Indian Government had sent two orders--one on January 31 and another on February 4 for blocking 257 and 1,178 accounts respectively in the backdrop of farmers' protests. The orders pointed out that these accounts were trying to trend genocide and many of them were backed by the Pakistan-Khalistani combo that could play mischief amid the protests. Other than suspending accounts, Twitter took 'steps to reduce the visibility of the hashtags containing harmful content' and withheld accounts under 'country withheld content policy', which means these accounts will be available outside of India. Twitter had informed the Indian government about its actions on Wednesday itself even as engagement between the two continues. The action comes even as the tiff between the two sides has been escalating, with the Indian govt willing to exercises penal provisions under section 69A of the Indian IT act. Meanwhile, Twitter said it has not taken any actions on accounts of news media entities, journalists, activists, and politicians since, "we believe, would violate their fundamental right to free expression under Indian law." Elaborating, "We will continue to advocate for the right of free expression on behalf of the people we serve." Twitter, which had in the past blocked 500 accounts, has suspended 500 accounts that were engaged in 'clear examples of platform manipulation and spam'.

Twitter suspends 500 accounts in response to Indian govt orders

India on Wednesday pointed out to Pakistan links with terror groups like Al Qaeda, the Islamic State(ISIL), and others and "safe havens" being provided to them in the country.&nbsp;

India's envoy to United Nations TS Tirumurti said, "It is essential that we don’t lose sight of the ease with which the proscribed Haqqani Network and its supporters, especially the Pakistani authorities, have worked along with prominent terrorist organizations like Al-Qaida, ISIL K, Tehrik–Taliban Pakistan, etc. in South Asia."

He explained that the "world is fully aware that these groups also perpetrate terrorist activities from safe havens in Pakistan, including through violent attacks in Afghanistan that have disrupted the peace process."

India's comments came at a UNSC briefing on the 12th report of the UN Secretary-General (SG)on the threat posed by the Islamic State (ISIL/Da'esh) to international peace and security.&nbsp;

The Indian envoy said that UNSG’s report on ISIL "should cover activities" of the proscribed terrorist entities under UN's ISIL and Al Qaida Sanctions regimes like Lashkar-e-Taiba and other Pakistan based terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad and frontal organizations.

In fact, Tirumurti pointed out the "relocation of terror groups" to Afghanistan especially in Kunar and Nangarhar. 
provinces from across the Durand Line which is the International border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, saying, "to not name them in this report is doing a disservice as it gives only a partial and a biased view of the situation in the region."

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar had spoken at the body last month and given 8 point action plan for the UN to deal with the threat of terrorism, which including no double standards on the issue, strengthening of FATF.

India on Wednesday pointed out to Pakistan links with terror groups like Al Qaeda, the Islamic State(ISIL), and others and "safe havens" being provided to them in the country.

India on Wednesday pointed out to Pakistan links with terror groups like Al Qaeda, the Islamic State(ISIL), and others and "safe havens" being provided to them in the country. India's envoy to United Nations TS Tirumurti said, "It is essential that we don’t lose sight of the ease with which the proscribed Haqqani Network and its supporters, especially the Pakistani authorities, have worked along with prominent terrorist organizations like Al-Qaida, ISIL K, Tehrik–Taliban Pakistan, etc. in South Asia." He explained that the "world is fully aware that these groups also perpetrate terrorist activities from safe havens in Pakistan, including through violent attacks in Afghanistan that have disrupted the peace process." India's comments came at a UNSC briefing on the 12th report of the UN Secretary-General (SG)on the threat posed by the Islamic State (ISIL/Da'esh) to international peace and security. The Indian envoy said that UNSG’s report on ISIL "should cover activities" of the proscribed terrorist entities under UN's ISIL and Al Qaida Sanctions regimes like Lashkar-e-Taiba and other Pakistan based terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad and frontal organizations. In fact, Tirumurti pointed out the "relocation of terror groups" to Afghanistan especially in Kunar and Nangarhar. provinces from across the Durand Line which is the International border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, saying, "to not name them in this report is doing a disservice as it gives only a partial and a biased view of the situation in the region." India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar had spoken at the body last month and given 8 point action plan for the UN to deal with the threat of terrorism, which including no double standards on the issue, strengthening of FATF.

At UNSC, India highlights Pakistan's link with Al Qaida, Islamic State in South Asia

India's covid vaccine supplies on Wednesday reached the Caribbean with Barbados getting one lakh doses of it and Dominica getting 70,000. The leadership of the country was quick to appreciate India's gesture.

Prime Minister of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit expressed his "heartfelt thanks and appreciation" to "PM Modi, his govt and citizens of India" for sending covid vaccine supplies. He said, "I must confess I did not imagine that the prayers of my country would have been answered so swiftly. Being the leader of a small Caribbean Island with a population of 72,000 people I did not fancy my chances of getting such a swift and positive response to my request from India's PM Narendra Modi."

Elaborating, "One would have thought and understood that in a global pandemic such as this, a nation's size and might would have been the primary consideration, but it is to the credit of PM Modi, that our request was considered on merit and the equality of our people was recognized."

Barbados's PM Mia Amor Mottley tweeted, "India's gift of 100,000 COVID-19 vaccines arrived Barbados earlier today. This was a very special moment for all Barbadians and I want to thank Prime Minister Modi for his quick, decisive, and magnanimous action in allowing us to be the beneficiary of these vaccines."

Meanwhile, Nicaragua and Mexico in the same region will also soon get India-made vaccines. Indian envoy to Mexico Manpreet Vohra announced, "To assist Mexico's fight against the covid pandemic, I am delighted to confirm that 500,000 Made-in-India vaccines are scheduled to reach here on Sunday" &nbsp;

Expectedly more consignments will be sent from India. &nbsp;While Sunday's amount is the first such consignment, a much larger amount will be shipped to Mexico in March. In total, 2 million doses of vaccine will be going from India to Mexico.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION on the development, Mexican envoy Federico Salas said, "We are very pleased to work with India to address this very important issue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic."

India has so far sent vaccine supplies to around 20 countries, both as gifts and commercially. These are Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Brazil, Morocco, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Algeria, Kuwait, South Africa, Afghanistan, Dominica, Barbados. In the coming weeks, India made vaccines are scheduled to reach Pacific Island States, Mongolia, etc.

60% of global vaccines are produced by India, and apart from COVID vaccines, India is the largest supplier of DPT, BCG and measles vaccines. The world health organization sources 70% of its vaccine needs from India. Last year, amid the pandemic New Delhi sent assistance in the form of medicines and medical equipment to over 150 countries, including grants-in-aid valued at around Rupees 80 crore to 82 countries.

India's covid vaccine supplies on Wednesday reached the Caribbean with Barbados getting one lakh doses of it and Dominica getting 70,000. The leadership of the country was quick to appreciate India's gesture.

India's covid vaccine supplies on Wednesday reached the Caribbean with Barbados getting one lakh doses of it and Dominica getting 70,000. The leadership of the country was quick to appreciate India's gesture. Prime Minister of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit expressed his "heartfelt thanks and appreciation" to "PM Modi, his govt and citizens of India" for sending covid vaccine supplies. He said, "I must confess I did not imagine that the prayers of my country would have been answered so swiftly. Being the leader of a small Caribbean Island with a population of 72,000 people I did not fancy my chances of getting such a swift and positive response to my request from India's PM Narendra Modi." Elaborating, "One would have thought and understood that in a global pandemic such as this, a nation's size and might would have been the primary consideration, but it is to the credit of PM Modi, that our request was considered on merit and the equality of our people was recognized." Barbados's PM Mia Amor Mottley tweeted, "India's gift of 100,000 COVID-19 vaccines arrived Barbados earlier today. This was a very special moment for all Barbadians and I want to thank Prime Minister Modi for his quick, decisive, and magnanimous action in allowing us to be the beneficiary of these vaccines." Meanwhile, Nicaragua and Mexico in the same region will also soon get India-made vaccines. Indian envoy to Mexico Manpreet Vohra announced, "To assist Mexico's fight against the covid pandemic, I am delighted to confirm that 500,000 Made-in-India vaccines are scheduled to reach here on Sunday" Expectedly more consignments will be sent from India. While Sunday's amount is the first such consignment, a much larger amount will be shipped to Mexico in March. In total, 2 million doses of vaccine will be going from India to Mexico. Speaking to WION on the development, Mexican envoy Federico Salas said, "We are very pleased to work with India to address this very important issue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic." India has so far sent vaccine supplies to around 20 countries, both as gifts and commercially. These are Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Brazil, Morocco, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Algeria, Kuwait, South Africa, Afghanistan, Dominica, Barbados. In the coming weeks, India made vaccines are scheduled to reach Pacific Island States, Mongolia, etc. 60% of global vaccines are produced by India, and apart from COVID vaccines, India is the largest supplier of DPT, BCG and measles vaccines. The world health organization sources 70% of its vaccine needs from India. Last year, amid the pandemic New Delhi sent assistance in the form of medicines and medical equipment to over 150 countries, including grants-in-aid valued at around Rupees 80 crore to 82 countries.

India sends Covid vaccines to Caribbean, up next Mexico

Around 3000 foreign diplomats and&nbsp;their eligible family members&nbsp;based out of India have sent names for New Delhi's offer for vaccination against COVID. India had offered vaccination using India-manufactured covid vaccine to diplomats based in the country--both in the national capital Delhi and various consulates across the country.&nbsp;Around 115 missions and 39 international organizations responded to the Indian offer and a final call will be soon taken on when the vaccination starts.

Many of the envoys and diplomats based out of India welcomed the initiative.&nbsp;Denmark's Ambassador to India Freddy Svane told WION, "The Government of India has offered all diplomats and their dependents to be included in India’s vaccination schedule. Great &nbsp; Initiative. Personally, I am very keen not to jump any Queue".

Lauding the initiative,&nbsp;Ambassador of Italy to India&nbsp;Vincenzo de Luca speaking to WION said,&nbsp;“We believe that it is a commendable initiative which is also in line with a similar programme launched by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the foreign diplomatic community accredited in Italy. These programmes confirm that the purpose of countering the Corona-19 pandemic is better served through global solidarity and effective international cooperation”

India began its mega vaccination drive on January 16 and so far,&nbsp;62.6 lakh&nbsp;healthcare workers have been vaccinated against COVID.&nbsp;

Kazakhstan's envoy to India Yerlan Alimbayev said, "We welcome the gesture of goodwill and solidarity offered by the Indian Government in terms of COVID-19 vaccination for foreign diplomats based in New Delhi. So far our staff and their family members are considering this option. Just like in Kazakhstan, I believe, this is a voluntary decision for people in India as well."

He explained, in response to WION's question, "As you probably know, a vaccination in Kazakhstan kicked off recently, on 1st February. Like in India, a priority also is given to medical and frontline workers. Kazakhstan uses the “Sputnik V” vaccine and our own vaccine is under the last phase of trials. We have to check with our capital whether Indian vaccine is registered in Kazakhstan and will decide accordingly."

Indonesian Cd'A Ferdy Nico Yohannes Piay also appreciated&nbsp;the "Government of India's efforts in running the biggest COVID-19 vaccination drive in the world, and welcomes its policy to also include foreign service officers based in India in its program."

Elaborating Piay said, "India’s strong commitment to provide its self-made vaccines to the neighbouring countries and beyond will surely place India at leading role and the forefront of this war against the pandemic"

India has been reaching out to foreign diplomats on its action plan on how to deal with a covid pandemic. Last year, foreign secretary Harsh Shringla briefed 190 heads of diplomatic missions on a covid action plan. It was followed by the visit of over 50 foreign envoys based out of Delhi going to Hyderabad to showcase the country's vaccine production centres at 2 biotechnology companies - Bharat Biotech and Biological E.

India produces 60 per cent&nbsp;of global vaccines, and so far supplied covid vaccines to 18 countries both as gifts and commercially. Vaccines have been sent to countries in the neighbourhood and beyond--these countries are Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Brazil, Morocco, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Algeria, Kuwait, South Africa, and Afghanistan. It has gifted 56 lakh doses and commercially supplied 100 lakh doses.

Around 3000 foreign diplomats and their eligible family members based out of India have sent names for New Delhi's offer for vaccination against COVID. India had offered vaccination using India-manufactured covid vaccine to diplomats based in the country--both in the national capital Delhi and various consulates across the country.

Around 3000 foreign diplomats and their eligible family members based out of India have sent names for New Delhi's offer for vaccination against COVID. India had offered vaccination using India-manufactured covid vaccine to diplomats based in the country--both in the national capital Delhi and various consulates across the country. Around 115 missions and 39 international organizations responded to the Indian offer and a final call will be soon taken on when the vaccination starts. Many of the envoys and diplomats based out of India welcomed the initiative. Denmark's Ambassador to India Freddy Svane told WION, "The Government of India has offered all diplomats and their dependents to be included in India’s vaccination schedule. Great Initiative. Personally, I am very keen not to jump any Queue". Lauding the initiative, Ambassador of Italy to India Vincenzo de Luca speaking to WION said, “We believe that it is a commendable initiative which is also in line with a similar programme launched by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the foreign diplomatic community accredited in Italy. These programmes confirm that the purpose of countering the Corona-19 pandemic is better served through global solidarity and effective international cooperation” India began its mega vaccination drive on January 16 and so far, 62.6 lakh healthcare workers have been vaccinated against COVID. Kazakhstan's envoy to India Yerlan Alimbayev said, "We welcome the gesture of goodwill and solidarity offered by the Indian Government in terms of COVID-19 vaccination for foreign diplomats based in New Delhi. So far our staff and their family members are considering this option. Just like in Kazakhstan, I believe, this is a voluntary decision for people in India as well." He explained, in response to WION's question, "As you probably know, a vaccination in Kazakhstan kicked off recently, on 1st February. Like in India, a priority also is given to medical and frontline workers. Kazakhstan uses the “Sputnik V” vaccine and our own vaccine is under the last phase of trials. We have to check with our capital whether Indian vaccine is registered in Kazakhstan and will decide accordingly." Indonesian Cd'A Ferdy Nico Yohannes Piay also appreciated the "Government of India's efforts in running the biggest COVID-19 vaccination drive in the world, and welcomes its policy to also include foreign service officers based in India in its program." Elaborating Piay said, "India’s strong commitment to provide its self-made vaccines to the neighbouring countries and beyond will surely place India at leading role and the forefront of this war against the pandemic" India has been reaching out to foreign diplomats on its action plan on how to deal with a covid pandemic. Last year, foreign secretary Harsh Shringla briefed 190 heads of diplomatic missions on a covid action plan. It was followed by the visit of over 50 foreign envoys based out of Delhi going to Hyderabad to showcase the country's vaccine production centres at 2 biotechnology companies - Bharat Biotech and Biological E. India produces 60 per cent of global vaccines, and so far supplied covid vaccines to 18 countries both as gifts and commercially. Vaccines have been sent to countries in the neighbourhood and beyond--these countries are Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Brazil, Morocco, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Algeria, Kuwait, South Africa, and Afghanistan. It has gifted 56 lakh doses and commercially supplied 100 lakh doses.

115 foreign missions send 3000 names for India's COVID vaccination drive

Afghanistan's Cd'A charge de affairs to Delhi Tahir Qadiry has said mega infrastructure projects such as Shahtoot are "hallmark of India Afghanistan friendship".

Afghanistan's Cd'A charge de affairs to Delhi Tahir Qadiry has said mega infrastructure projects such as Shahtoot are "hallmark of India Afghanistan friendship". India has been involved in many infrastructure projects in Afghanistan, including the India Afghanistan Friendship dam or Salma dam, the Afghan Parliament, and now the announcement being made on the Shahtoot dam. Leaders of both countries PM Modi-Afghan President Ashraf Ghani held a virtual summit today during which the agreement on the Shahtoot dam was announced. This was the first virtual summit of PM Modi this year. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Tahir said, "bond between the 2 countries are "organic" and both have been "standing by each other through thick and thin of time". India on Sunday sent 500,000 India made covid vaccines to Afghanistan which Tahir said was "highly appreciated in Afghanistan and this will help us to jointly tackle the pandemic". Amid the pandemic, India sent 75000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan and crucial medicines like HCQ and paracetamol. In fact, Quoting Sher Khan, an Afghan character from Zanjeer film, Tahir described India Afghan ties as "Yaari hai, iman hai mera, iman hai meri Zindagi--Friend is my faith, faith is my life." He also spoke on the Afghan govenment's expectation from the Biden adminstration, the issue of terror and connectivity. WION: What will be the key focus of the India Afghanistan virtual meet? Tahir Qadiry: We have been looking forward to a long time now and because of the pandemic it did not materialize. India has announced another big project they have on Afghanistan - the Shahtoot dam. After the Salma dam, it is the biggest project of India in Afghanistan. Around 2 million people in Kabul will benefit from drinkable water. If you know about Kabul, it is a cosmopolitan city made for a couple of hundred thousand people, but now more than 6 million people are living here. So as a result, this will be a very vital project for the residents of Kabul. WION: What will be the key function of the dam? Tahir Qadiry: These projects are hallmarks of the friendship and the bond which India, and Afghanistan have! What India did in Afghanistan was a couple of things, for democracy, they build the house of Parliament, for infrastructure, they built the Salma dam and now the Shahtoot dam is happening. Along with, sports, soft power, students exchanges, this dam comes at a very important juncture. At a time, a lot of people in Kabul lack drinkable water. It will provide two million people with drinkable water, so if you have seen pictures of Kabul, a lot of people live in the mountain, on top hill, so this will provide the opportunity to have access to drinkable water, and a great bond of friendship between the two countries. WION: How has been ties been, the overarching point of convergence between India and Afghanistan? Tahir Qadiry: The bond is organic with two countries standing by each other through thick and thin which speaks for itself. During a very difficult time of the pandemic and during the lockdown, we were given the chance to sent 15,000 Afghans back home. It would have not happened without the help of India. The air bubble we have now direct daily flights to Kabul and Mazar-e-sharif. It is again a signal of friendship while India is again close to a lot of countries and it is open to Afghanistan. Through trade and strategic partnership, India was the first country to sign that strategic partnership with India after the fall of the Taliban. A lot of cultural exchanges, these are all good examples of people-to-people relationship and no matter who has been at the helm of power in Kabul or Delhi, the relationship has always been the same. WION: And Vaccine diplomacy is one key point of convergence... Tahir Qadiry: Afghanistan was the first recipient country to receive 500,000 doses of Made in India vaccine and it has been highly appreciated in Afghanistan and it will help us to jointly tackle the pandemic. This was not actually the first time, both countries did such a giant thing. During the very hard time of the pandemic, India sent Afghanistan 75,000 MT of wheat, in case Afghanistan faced insecurity for food. At the same time, they sent critical drugs as well, like HCQ, Paracetamol, and masks. They were gifted by the Indian government. Under the neighbourhood first policy, they have sent 500,000 doses of the Made in India vaccine. In his statement, President Ghani has said the vaccine should be allocated and prioritized for Afghan security forces and for frontline workers, working in hospitals and others. It is quite timely, at a time when everyone is trying to access the vaccines, Afghanistan has been one of the first countries to receive it, it has been appreciated in social media too. WION: You visited Ajmer Sharif, culture is one key connecting point... Tahir Qadiry: As part of my trip, I have been travelling around to many states, one particular place which I really loved to go was Ajmer Sharif because we have a common history there. Mu'in al-Din Chishti came from Herat in the 12th or 13th century and he travelled all the way and resided there. So I always wanted to go there, according to my good friend, Salman Chishti Sahib, he said, when I went here, he said, normally Ajmer calls someone. It took me a couple of hours to go there, the magnificent Dargah, a lot of people were holding prayers and we had a very good tour of the Dargah too. We had qawwali there, which is part of it. Chishti Sharif, one of the common things they connected is via music. Qawwali, which they did for us too and we did our Duas. I got a praying bead from there as a holy thing, and you know, again getting back to cultural ties we had, it has been portrayed in a lot of senses, and you know recently I wrote an article, there was a character, Sher khan. Sher Khan was a character of an Afghan in Zanjeer film, where he talks about this bond, Yaari hai, iman hai mera, iman hai meri Zindagi--Friend is my faith, faith is my life. I think that is the kind of picture that symbolizes the relationship between India and Afghanistan. WION: We have a new president in Washington. President Joe Biden. What is the key expectation of the Ghani government from him? Tahir Qadiry: There have been lot of contacts between our government and the new US administration. Some positive signals have been there. There have been at least three things, the US commitment to Afghanistan, which is very important for all of us because they have invested in blood and treasure, the international community, especially the US and European countries. It is very important to stay committed to Afghanistan. They have reaffirmed. Second is a review of the Taliban-US agreement because we believe that the Taliban has not stood by the agreement and they have not been delivering at a time we have been negotiating with them, they have been increasing violence in Afghanistan. They are actually resorting to targeted attacks of the civil society activist, journalists, politicians, and on average we had 50 attacks across Afghanistan. They have been attacking schools, hospital wards, and university students including the attack at the university in Kabul. At such a time, it is good news that the US will be reviewing it and the third is regional consensus because without the regional consensus, we believe we cannot have enduring peace and we need to bring all our neighbours to the same table. we need to persuade every one peace in Afghanistan is peace for the region because geographically we are in such a location that is called the heart of Asia that if there is peace in Afghanistan, we can become the region's hub where goods and money, and ideas will flow. WION: How have been the connectivity projects going, the air corridor, the Chabahar. Tahir Qadiry: Connectivity is one of the ambitious plans our govt has had, and we have materialized it in many ways. Now, Afghanistan is no more called a landlocked country, but a land bridged country. So air corridor is one of those ambitious projects, Chabahar is a strategic point for all the three countries - Iran, Afghanistan and India. Quite soon we will have the Quad meet of all the four countries. They will take it forward. I'm happy to see India investing. The recent visit by Joint secretary in MEA to Chabahar where they delivered the crane and these are all good signs. Regarding the volume of trade, in fact, despite the restrictions of the pandemic, we have seen increased export to India. Back in 2017-18, the volume of our export to India was $433 million, and despite the pandemic in 2019-20, it has increased to $530 million which is a very good sign for all of us. Regarding, saffron, we have seen a 23 per cent increase in export to India. When it comes to connectivity, it is our dream project that we want Afghanistan to change that area that can connect the two parts of the world. WION: Lastly, terror has been something which concerns everyone from Kabul to Delhi. A recent US report said Pakistan Taliban has been shielding Al Qaeda. Your reaction... Tahir Qadiry: Cross-border insurgency is something we all have been suffering from. It has been the call of the Afghan government to different countries and our neighbours that we need to join hands to fight terrorism. At the end of the day, we all will be the victims of the war, and let me point to the US treasury dept's saying that the Taliban has not cut ties with Al Qaeda so again it is concerning for us that we are fighting at the forefront of fighting terror in the world. It has been the reason why our FM has been travelling around, and the president has been calling different countries to forge this regional consensus so that everyone is convinced that peace in Afghanistan has been peace in the region. If we have peace in Afghanistan, the region will have move towards prosperity.

Shahtoot dam hallmark of India-Afghanistan friendship: Tahir Qadiry

Indian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi</a> and the newly-elected US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> spoke to each other on Monday. This is the first conversation between the two leaders&nbsp;since Biden took charge as the US President last month.

In a tweet, Modi said he conveyed "best wishes for his success" and "discussed regional issues and our shared priorities", with a focus on "co-operation against climate change".

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-bidens-dreams-for-america-will-the-us-india-ties-change-362282" hreflang="en">With Biden's dreams for America, will the US-India ties change?</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Spoke to <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> and conveyed my best wishes for his success. We discussed regional issues and our shared priorities. We also agreed to further our co-operation against climate change.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1358831326602817537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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He also said that both sides are "committed to a rules-based international order" and are looking&nbsp;"forward to consolidating our strategic partnership" to "further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-along-with-the-world-awaits-who-probe-report-on-origin-of-coronavirus-362275" hreflang="en">Joe Biden, along with the world, awaits WHO probe report on origin of coronavirus</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
President <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> and I are committed to a rules-based international order. We look forward to consolidating our strategic partnership to further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1358831328263741441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In November, after the US election results, both sides had spoken to each other and discussed cooperation on the coronavirus&nbsp;pandemic, its economic impact, and Indo-Pacific. The Defence, External Affairs/secretary of state counterparts and National Security Advisors of both countries have already spoken to each other.&nbsp;

Biden has been a supporter of close New Delhi-Washington ties, in his capacity as a senator and the Vice President. In August 2001, Joe Biden had written a letter to the then-President George W. Bush calling on the new administration to drop US sanctions against India and during his tenure as the Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he worked towards the US Senate’s approval of US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the newly-elected US President Joe Biden spoke to each other on Monday. This is the first conversation between the two leaders since Biden took charge as the US President last month.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the newly-elected US President Joe Biden spoke to each other on Monday. This is the first conversation between the two leaders since Biden took charge as the US President last month. In a tweet, Modi said he conveyed "best wishes for his success" and "discussed regional issues and our shared priorities", with a focus on "co-operation against climate change". Also read| With Biden's dreams for America, will the US-India ties change? Spoke to @POTUS @JoeBiden and conveyed my best wishes for his success. We discussed regional issues and our shared priorities. We also agreed to further our co-operation against climate change. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 8, 2021 × He also said that both sides are "committed to a rules-based international order" and are looking "forward to consolidating our strategic partnership" to "further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond." Also read| Joe Biden, along with the world, awaits WHO probe report on origin of coronavirus President @JoeBiden and I are committed to a rules-based international order. We look forward to consolidating our strategic partnership to further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. @POTUS — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 8, 2021 × In November, after the US election results, both sides had spoken to each other and discussed cooperation on the coronavirus pandemic, its economic impact, and Indo-Pacific. The Defence, External Affairs/secretary of state counterparts and National Security Advisors of both countries have already spoken to each other. Biden has been a supporter of close New Delhi-Washington ties, in his capacity as a senator and the Vice President. In August 2001, Joe Biden had written a letter to the then-President George W. Bush calling on the new administration to drop US sanctions against India and during his tenure as the Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he worked towards the US Senate’s approval of US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008.

Modi speaks to Biden for first time since US inaugural ceremony

The Indian government has asked Twitter to remove 1,178 Pakistani-Khalistani accounts spreading misinformation in the backdrop of the farmers' protests. The list was shared on February 4, and Twitter is yet to comply with the order.&nbsp;

Sources told WION: "Many of these accounts were also automated bots that were used for sharing and amplifying misinformation and provocative contents on farmers protests."

It is the second time in the last two weeks that the Indian government has pointed out the issues related to certain accounts. On January 31 also India's Electronics and IT ministry had sent a list of 257 accounts which the home ministry had listed for trying to trend genocide vis-a-vis the protests. While Twitter had acted on them by withholding them, but hours later it unblocked them. An irked IT ministry had sent another notice to the social media giant which is yet to be implemented.&nbsp;

The Indian government is also concerned over Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey liking "several tweets made by foreign-based celebrities in support of farmer protests" which Indian government sources said, "raises questions about Twitter’s neutrality".

The Indian government has asked Twitter to remove 1,178 Pakistani-Khalistani accounts spreading misinformation in the backdrop of the farmers' protests. The list was shared on February 4, and Twitter is yet to comply with the order.

The Indian government has asked Twitter to remove 1,178 Pakistani-Khalistani accounts spreading misinformation in the backdrop of the farmers' protests. The list was shared on February 4, and Twitter is yet to comply with the order. Sources told WION: "Many of these accounts were also automated bots that were used for sharing and amplifying misinformation and provocative contents on farmers protests." It is the second time in the last two weeks that the Indian government has pointed out the issues related to certain accounts. On January 31 also India's Electronics and IT ministry had sent a list of 257 accounts which the home ministry had listed for trying to trend genocide vis-a-vis the protests. While Twitter had acted on them by withholding them, but hours later it unblocked them. An irked IT ministry had sent another notice to the social media giant which is yet to be implemented. The Indian government is also concerned over Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey liking "several tweets made by foreign-based celebrities in support of farmer protests" which Indian government sources said, "raises questions about Twitter’s neutrality".

Farmers protests: Indian government asks Twitter to remove over 1,000 Pak-Khalistan accounts

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani will hold a virtual summit on Tuesday. This will be the first virtual summit of PM Modi in 2021.&nbsp;

In 2020, PM Modi held several virtual summits with his counterparts from Australia, EU, Sri Lanka, Denmark, Italy, Luxembourg, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, and Vietnam.

Both India and Afghanistan share a close partnership. Amid the pandemic, India sent 75,000 tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan and was also able to send more than 20 tonnes of life-saving medicines and other equipment to address the Covid-19 challenge. On Sunday, New Delhi sent 500,000 India-made Covid vaccines to Afghanistan, making it the first country to do so.

The virtual summit will see many announcements, including sealing an agreement on Shahtoot dam that will provide clean water to 2 million residents of Kabul.

This will be the second dam India will build in the country after the Salma or India–Afghanistan friendship dam in the Herat province of the country. The agreement was also announced by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar during his address to the Afghanistan 2020 Conference in November.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani will hold a virtual summit on Tuesday. This will be the first virtual summit of PM Modi in 2021.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani will hold a virtual summit on Tuesday. This will be the first virtual summit of PM Modi in 2021. In 2020, PM Modi held several virtual summits with his counterparts from Australia, EU, Sri Lanka, Denmark, Italy, Luxembourg, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. Both India and Afghanistan share a close partnership. Amid the pandemic, India sent 75,000 tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan and was also able to send more than 20 tonnes of life-saving medicines and other equipment to address the Covid-19 challenge. On Sunday, New Delhi sent 500,000 India-made Covid vaccines to Afghanistan, making it the first country to do so. The virtual summit will see many announcements, including sealing an agreement on Shahtoot dam that will provide clean water to 2 million residents of Kabul. This will be the second dam India will build in the country after the Salma or India–Afghanistan friendship dam in the Herat province of the country. The agreement was also announced by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar during his address to the Afghanistan 2020 Conference in November.

Indian PM Modi and Afghan president to hold virtual summit on Feb 9

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