The Maldives will become the first country to receive the Indian COVID-19&nbsp;vaccine on Wednesday.&nbsp;The Indian Ocean island country will receive Oxford Astrazeneca's COVISHIELD vaccine produced by Serum Institute of India. The Maldives government has given all regulatory approvals and permissions.

The Indian consignment will arrive at 2&nbsp;pm local time by Air India flight at Velana International Airport Malé. The development reaffirms India's reputation as the first responder in an emergency situation, especially in the neighbourhood.&nbsp;

Maldives has been the largest COVID-19 assistance recipient in India’s neighbourhood including medicine supply, food supply, medical team, training, and financial assistance of $250 million. Under the operation Sanjeevani, the Indian Air force airlifted 6.3 tonnes of essential medicines and consumables from various cities in India in April&nbsp;2020.&nbsp;

Additionally, under Mission Sagar one of the Indian Navy to reach out to countries with COVID aid, India sent food to 5 Indian Ocean countries including the Maldives just before the onset of Ramzan.&nbsp;In fact, India sent 600 tonnes of food items to the Maldives via Indian Naval Ship Kesari. The package included&nbsp;200 tonnes of rice, 140 tonnes of wheat flour, 120 tonnes of yellow dal, 80 tonnes of sugar, 26 tonnes of onions and 14 tonnes of Potato.&nbsp;Another key focus has been capacity building with the training of Maldivian healthcare officials.&nbsp;

The Maldives will become the first country to receive the Indian COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday. The Indian Ocean island country will receive Oxford Astrazeneca's COVISHIELD vaccine produced by Serum Institute of India.

The Maldives will become the first country to receive the Indian COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday. The Indian Ocean island country will receive Oxford Astrazeneca's COVISHIELD vaccine produced by Serum Institute of India. The Maldives government has given all regulatory approvals and permissions. The Indian consignment will arrive at 2 pm local time by Air India flight at Velana International Airport Malé. The development reaffirms India's reputation as the first responder in an emergency situation, especially in the neighbourhood. Maldives has been the largest COVID-19 assistance recipient in India’s neighbourhood including medicine supply, food supply, medical team, training, and financial assistance of $250 million. Under the operation Sanjeevani, the Indian Air force airlifted 6.3 tonnes of essential medicines and consumables from various cities in India in April 2020. Additionally, under Mission Sagar one of the Indian Navy to reach out to countries with COVID aid, India sent food to 5 Indian Ocean countries including the Maldives just before the onset of Ramzan. In fact, India sent 600 tonnes of food items to the Maldives via Indian Naval Ship Kesari. The package included 200 tonnes of rice, 140 tonnes of wheat flour, 120 tonnes of yellow dal, 80 tonnes of sugar, 26 tonnes of onions and 14 tonnes of Potato. Another key focus has been capacity building with the training of Maldivian healthcare officials.

Maldives to be the first country to receive Indian COVID-19 vaccine

In a strongly worded letter to WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart, India's ministry of electronics and information technology has expressed its "strong concerns" on the new privacy changes and asked the instant messaging app to "respect the date security of Indian users".&nbsp;

The IT ministry in the letter has asked Whatsapp to withdraw the proposed policy, slamming its "all or nothing" approach which "leverages the social significance of the app to force users into a bargain".

The policy announced earlier this month asked the social media company to agree to the new terms or lose access to accounts by February 8, sparking widespread concerns and criticism. Since Whatsapp is owned by Facebook, the letter called on the social media giant to "value the principles of privacy and consent" as laid down by the Indian Supreme Court in its judgment of Justice (retd) KS Puttaswamy vs union of India (2017).

The data sharing between Whatsapp and Facebook has been one key aspect of the concern. The Indian government's letter said that the new proposed policy ceases any "any meaningful distinction between WhatsApp and Facebook companies" and given the huge user base of both the companies in India, "consolidation of this sensitive information" exposes a "very large segment of Indian citizens" to "greater security risks and vulnerabilities creating a honeypot of information." Under such pressures, Whatsapp recently halted the rollout of its controversial privacy policy.

Interestingly, India has raised "strong objections" against "differential treatment" by WhatsApp to its users in India and in the European Union. While the new proposed WhatsApp policy was only for India, they remained unchanged for Europe. The letter said, "differential treatment is prejudicial to the interests of Indian users" and is viewed with "serious concern by the government"."

The Indian government has handed over a detailed questionnaire to the messaging app to get details about its data-sharing protocols and business practices. Questions included does WhatsApp conduct the profiling of Indian users, does the app capture information about other apps running on a mobile device. Here some of the key questions by the Indian govenment to Whatsapp:

1.Disclose the exact categories of data that WhatsApp application collects from Indian users.

2. Give details of the permissions and user consent sought by WhatsApp app and utility of each of these with respect to the functioning and specific service provided.

3. Does WhatsApp conduct profiling of Indian users on the basis of their usage of application? What nature of profiling is conducted?

4. Details of difference between WhatsApp privacy policies in other countries and India. 
&nbsp; 
5. Details of Data Security Policy, Information Security Policy, Cyber Security Policy, Privacy Policy and Encryption Policy.

6. Does WhatsApp app share data with any other app or business unit of the same company or associated companies? Share details of the data flow 
among these apps, business units or associated companies. 
&nbsp; 
7. Does the WhatsApp app capture the information about the other apps running on the mobile device of the user? If yes, what information is being captured by the app and what purpose is it being collected and used?

8. Details about the server when data of Indian users is transmitted or hosted. 
&nbsp; 
9. Has the company or application provided any access to a third party to access a user’s personal data? If yes, then share those details. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
10. Does the app harvest user data? Has the company faced any action in any country for surreptitiously harvesting user data?

In a strongly worded letter to WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart, India's ministry of electronics and information technology has expressed its "strong concerns" on the new privacy changes and asked the instant messaging app to "respect the date security of Indian users".

In a strongly worded letter to WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart, India's ministry of electronics and information technology has expressed its "strong concerns" on the new privacy changes and asked the instant messaging app to "respect the date security of Indian users". The IT ministry in the letter has asked Whatsapp to withdraw the proposed policy, slamming its "all or nothing" approach which "leverages the social significance of the app to force users into a bargain". The policy announced earlier this month asked the social media company to agree to the new terms or lose access to accounts by February 8, sparking widespread concerns and criticism. Since Whatsapp is owned by Facebook, the letter called on the social media giant to "value the principles of privacy and consent" as laid down by the Indian Supreme Court in its judgment of Justice (retd) KS Puttaswamy vs union of India (2017). The data sharing between Whatsapp and Facebook has been one key aspect of the concern. The Indian government's letter said that the new proposed policy ceases any "any meaningful distinction between WhatsApp and Facebook companies" and given the huge user base of both the companies in India, "consolidation of this sensitive information" exposes a "very large segment of Indian citizens" to "greater security risks and vulnerabilities creating a honeypot of information." Under such pressures, Whatsapp recently halted the rollout of its controversial privacy policy. Interestingly, India has raised "strong objections" against "differential treatment" by WhatsApp to its users in India and in the European Union. While the new proposed WhatsApp policy was only for India, they remained unchanged for Europe. The letter said, "differential treatment is prejudicial to the interests of Indian users" and is viewed with "serious concern by the government"." The Indian government has handed over a detailed questionnaire to the messaging app to get details about its data-sharing protocols and business practices. Questions included does WhatsApp conduct the profiling of Indian users, does the app capture information about other apps running on a mobile device. Here some of the key questions by the Indian govenment to Whatsapp: 1.Disclose the exact categories of data that WhatsApp application collects from Indian users. 2. Give details of the permissions and user consent sought by WhatsApp app and utility of each of these with respect to the functioning and specific service provided. 3. Does WhatsApp conduct profiling of Indian users on the basis of their usage of application? What nature of profiling is conducted? 4. Details of difference between WhatsApp privacy policies in other countries and India. 5. Details of Data Security Policy, Information Security Policy, Cyber Security Policy, Privacy Policy and Encryption Policy. 6. Does WhatsApp app share data with any other app or business unit of the same company or associated companies? Share details of the data flow among these apps, business units or associated companies. 7. Does the WhatsApp app capture the information about the other apps running on the mobile device of the user? If yes, what information is being captured by the app and what purpose is it being collected and used? 8. Details about the server when data of Indian users is transmitted or hosted. 9. Has the company or application provided any access to a third party to access a user’s personal data? If yes, then share those details. 10. Does the app harvest user data? Has the company faced any action in any country for surreptitiously harvesting user data?

India's IT ministry writes to Whatsapp; asks it to withdraw new policy

At the United Nations Security Council, India has welcomed the recently signed&nbsp;Abraham Accords that saw several countries in West Asia establishing ties with Israel.&nbsp;Calling the signing of "Abraham Accords" a "positive development", India's envoy to the United Nations TS Tirumurti said, "We welcome these agreements regarding normalization of relations between Israel and other countries, which, we believe will contribute to peace and stability in West Asia."

The accords signed in 2020 saw UAE, Bahrain establishing ties with Israel. The development comes after more than 2 decades, since the last time any Arab country recognised Israel, which was Jordan in 1994, and Egypt in 1979.

The Indian envoy highlighted New Delhi's "traditional support" to the "Palestinian cause", pointing out that, "A two-state solution and lasting peace can be achieved only through direct negotiations between the two parties on all final status issues, taking into account the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians for Statehood and Israel’s security concerns."

The Indian top diplomat to the United Nations was speaking at a meet on cooperation between the UN and League of Arab States, where he lauded role of the latter.&nbsp;He said, "Members of the Arab League are among the top troop and police-contributing countries. Arab states are also among the largest donors of humanitarian assistance to countries facing armed conflict."&nbsp;Arab League is a 22-member grouping based out of Cairo, Egypt.&nbsp;

On India's ties with the grouping, he said that New Delhi " will work together with the League of Arab States in their pursuit of regional peace and security, in combating terrorism and other challenges and in promoting tolerance and pluralistic traditions."

9 million Indians live and work in Arab countries forming the largest expat community of the region. Indians from the Arab world remit around $48 billion to India annually.&nbsp; He said, India and the Arab world share a "civilisational relationship" and "our interaction with the region encompasses every aspect of human endeavour - from agriculture to hi-tech, from clean energy to counterterrorism, and from education to trade and commerce."

During his intervention, he also spoke on the ongoing conflicts in countries like Syria, Libya, or Yemen, elaborating that "at the heart of the conflict are human beings" and "unfortunately these conflicts have brought untold misery to millions of people due to unabated violence and displacement, affecting mainly women, children and the elderly."

At the United Nations Security Council, India has welcomed the recently signed Abraham Accords that saw several countries in West Asia establishing ties with Israel.

At the United Nations Security Council, India has welcomed the recently signed Abraham Accords that saw several countries in West Asia establishing ties with Israel. Calling the signing of "Abraham Accords" a "positive development", India's envoy to the United Nations TS Tirumurti said, "We welcome these agreements regarding normalization of relations between Israel and other countries, which, we believe will contribute to peace and stability in West Asia." The accords signed in 2020 saw UAE, Bahrain establishing ties with Israel. The development comes after more than 2 decades, since the last time any Arab country recognised Israel, which was Jordan in 1994, and Egypt in 1979. The Indian envoy highlighted New Delhi's "traditional support" to the "Palestinian cause", pointing out that, "A two-state solution and lasting peace can be achieved only through direct negotiations between the two parties on all final status issues, taking into account the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians for Statehood and Israel’s security concerns." The Indian top diplomat to the United Nations was speaking at a meet on cooperation between the UN and League of Arab States, where he lauded role of the latter. He said, "Members of the Arab League are among the top troop and police-contributing countries. Arab states are also among the largest donors of humanitarian assistance to countries facing armed conflict." Arab League is a 22-member grouping based out of Cairo, Egypt. On India's ties with the grouping, he said that New Delhi " will work together with the League of Arab States in their pursuit of regional peace and security, in combating terrorism and other challenges and in promoting tolerance and pluralistic traditions." 9 million Indians live and work in Arab countries forming the largest expat community of the region. Indians from the Arab world remit around $48 billion to India annually. He said, India and the Arab world share a "civilisational relationship" and "our interaction with the region encompasses every aspect of human endeavour - from agriculture to hi-tech, from clean energy to counterterrorism, and from education to trade and commerce." During his intervention, he also spoke on the ongoing conflicts in countries like Syria, Libya, or Yemen, elaborating that "at the heart of the conflict are human beings" and "unfortunately these conflicts have brought untold misery to millions of people due to unabated violence and displacement, affecting mainly women, children and the elderly."

At UNSC, India welcomes Abraham Accords; lauds role of Arab League

Speaking yet again on the Indo Pacific vision, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, on Monday, in response to a question recalled his conversation with his "good friend" External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. "Our Indian colleagues fully understand that some countries would like to use the Indo-Pacific concept in a manner which is not inclusive and is confrontational," he said.

Pointing out Russian concerns on Indo-Pacific vision especially on it "undermining the central role of ASEAN in the Asia-Pacific region", he explained that, "I know that India is not going to move this Indo-Pacific cooperation in a way which would be not positive and constructive." Indo Pacific vision is backed by India and Washington, along with other countries such as Japan and Australia. The Chinese are suspicious of it, believing it is aimed at encircling it.&nbsp;

Highlighting the absence of no common Indo Pacific vision, the Russian foreign minister said, "We don’t believe that it is just a terminological change" because "if you take it literally, from the geographical point of view, then 'Indo'&nbsp;means all littoral states of the Indian Ocean, but East Africa, we are told, is not included in the Indo-Pacific strategy. The Persian Gulf, which is a part of the Indian Ocean, is not included in the Indo-Pacific strategy" but "what is included, as the American sponsors of this concept say repeatedly, is the 'Quad'&nbsp;— India, Australia, Japan and USA”.&nbsp;

Interestingly, he pointed out to his previous statement on Indo pacific, clarifying, "Some of my previous statements on this issue have been widely discussed in India, by media which are not very friendly towards the Indian Government, but we don’t want any misunderstanding with our friends — the Indian people."

He had in December said, that "India is currently an object of the Western countries’ persistent, aggressive and devious policy" on the "anti-China games by promoting Indo Pacific strategies", something that was seen as harsh criticism.

While he did reiterate Russian views on the Indo Pacific, he reaffirmed the long-standing Moscow-New Delhi ties. Calling India, "very close, very strategic, very special, and very privileged partner", Lavrov said, "take the spheres of economy, innovation, military-technical and High-Tech cooperation. India is one of our closest partners on all these issues."

India and Russia have a special and privileged strategic partnership. Russia and India have an annual summit-level mechanism that alternates between the two countries. The only other country with which India shares this mechanism is Japan.

He made remarks on the current India China standoff as well, saying, "we are doing the utmost to make sure that India and China, our two great friends and brothers, live in peace with each other."

All the three countries are part of the BRICS, SCO and RIC groupings. While Russia was the host of RIC or Russia, India and China grouping in 2020, this year India will be hosting meetings of the grouping. He also assured that "in no way our closest cooperation and partnership with India is going to be affected" vis a vis Moscow's ties with China.

Speaking yet again on the Indo Pacific vision, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, on Monday, in response to a question recalled his conversation with his "good friend" External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.

Speaking yet again on the Indo Pacific vision, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, on Monday, in response to a question recalled his conversation with his "good friend" External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. "Our Indian colleagues fully understand that some countries would like to use the Indo-Pacific concept in a manner which is not inclusive and is confrontational," he said. Pointing out Russian concerns on Indo-Pacific vision especially on it "undermining the central role of ASEAN in the Asia-Pacific region", he explained that, "I know that India is not going to move this Indo-Pacific cooperation in a way which would be not positive and constructive." Indo Pacific vision is backed by India and Washington, along with other countries such as Japan and Australia. The Chinese are suspicious of it, believing it is aimed at encircling it. Highlighting the absence of no common Indo Pacific vision, the Russian foreign minister said, "We don’t believe that it is just a terminological change" because "if you take it literally, from the geographical point of view, then 'Indo' means all littoral states of the Indian Ocean, but East Africa, we are told, is not included in the Indo-Pacific strategy. The Persian Gulf, which is a part of the Indian Ocean, is not included in the Indo-Pacific strategy" but "what is included, as the American sponsors of this concept say repeatedly, is the 'Quad' — India, Australia, Japan and USA”. Interestingly, he pointed out to his previous statement on Indo pacific, clarifying, "Some of my previous statements on this issue have been widely discussed in India, by media which are not very friendly towards the Indian Government, but we don’t want any misunderstanding with our friends — the Indian people." He had in December said, that "India is currently an object of the Western countries’ persistent, aggressive and devious policy" on the "anti-China games by promoting Indo Pacific strategies", something that was seen as harsh criticism. While he did reiterate Russian views on the Indo Pacific, he reaffirmed the long-standing Moscow-New Delhi ties. Calling India, "very close, very strategic, very special, and very privileged partner", Lavrov said, "take the spheres of economy, innovation, military-technical and High-Tech cooperation. India is one of our closest partners on all these issues." India and Russia have a special and privileged strategic partnership. Russia and India have an annual summit-level mechanism that alternates between the two countries. The only other country with which India shares this mechanism is Japan. He made remarks on the current India China standoff as well, saying, "we are doing the utmost to make sure that India and China, our two great friends and brothers, live in peace with each other." All the three countries are part of the BRICS, SCO and RIC groupings. While Russia was the host of RIC or Russia, India and China grouping in 2020, this year India will be hosting meetings of the grouping. He also assured that "in no way our closest cooperation and partnership with India is going to be affected" vis a vis Moscow's ties with China.

Russian FM calls India 'very close partner'; says discussed Indo-Pacific with 'good friend' Jaishankar

Two newly inducted Rafale fighter jets will be a part of this year's India's Republic Day flypast, to be held in the national capital city, New&nbsp;Delhi. This is the first time that these fighter jets will be part of Republic Day flypast.&nbsp;

They will be a part of two different formations. The name of the mixed formation in which the first Rafale will take part is Eklavya. Interestingly, the name of the last formation that will see a single Rafale is "Brahmastra", which means weapons that can destroy everything.

Have a look|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tracking-rafales-journey-to-ambala-indias-new-beast-undergoes-air-to-air-refueling-316539">Tracking Rafale's journey to Ambala: India's new beast undergoes air-to-air refueling</a>

Speaking to WION, Indian Air Force spokesperson, Wing Commander Indranil Nandi PRO said, "There will be a mixed formation. Single rafale, flanked by two Jaguar and two MiG 29, and single Rafale will carry out vertical Charlie."

Vertical Charlie is a manoeuvre in which fighter jets fly at a low height, and pitch vertically, followed by a succession of roles before stabilising. In all, 38 IAF aircraft will be part of this&nbsp;grand parade.&nbsp;

India had inducted the fighter jets in&nbsp;batches last year, amid rising fanfare. Under the 2016 agreement, worth Rs 59,000 crores, India will procure 36 Rafales. The first five Rafales were inducted at Ambala airbase on September 10 in the presence of the French defence minister Florence Parly and Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh.

Two newly inducted Rafale fighter jets will be a part of this year's India's Republic Day flypast, to be held in the national capital city, New Delhi. This is the first time that these fighter jets will be part of Republic Day flypast.

Two newly inducted Rafale fighter jets will be a part of this year's India's Republic Day flypast, to be held in the national capital city, New Delhi. This is the first time that these fighter jets will be part of Republic Day flypast. They will be a part of two different formations. The name of the mixed formation in which the first Rafale will take part is Eklavya. Interestingly, the name of the last formation that will see a single Rafale is "Brahmastra", which means weapons that can destroy everything. Have a look| Tracking Rafale's journey to Ambala: India's new beast undergoes air-to-air refueling Speaking to WION, Indian Air Force spokesperson, Wing Commander Indranil Nandi PRO said, "There will be a mixed formation. Single rafale, flanked by two Jaguar and two MiG 29, and single Rafale will carry out vertical Charlie." Vertical Charlie is a manoeuvre in which fighter jets fly at a low height, and pitch vertically, followed by a succession of roles before stabilising. In all, 38 IAF aircraft will be part of this grand parade. India had inducted the fighter jets in batches last year, amid rising fanfare. Under the 2016 agreement, worth Rs 59,000 crores, India will procure 36 Rafales. The first five Rafales were inducted at Ambala airbase on September 10 in the presence of the French defence minister Florence Parly and Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh.

Two newly inducted Rafales to be part of Republic Day flypast

Pro-independence protest rally in Pakistan's southern Sindh province on Sunday saw Indian Prime Minister&nbsp;Narendra Modi's posters.

The protests were part of a rally to mark the birth anniversary of GM Syed, a vocal proponent of Sindhudesh or a separate country for the province.

The protest rally had pictures of other world leaders as well, including&nbsp;US President-Elect Joe Biden, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina, France's Marcon, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman, Russian President Vladimir Putin, German chancellor Angela Merkel, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, British PM Boris Johnson. The posters mentioned, "Sindh wants freedom from Pakistan".

Sindhudesh freedom movement's posters were also seen. The rally by Jiye Sindh Mutahida Mahaz took place in Sann, located in Jamshoro District, Sindh Province. Sann is the birthplace of GM Syed.

Sunday marked&nbsp;the 117th birth anniversary of SM Syed, who is regarded as one of the founding fathers of modern Sindhi nationalism.

Among many ideas and ideologies, he was inspired by India's father of the nation Gandhi. He was the first political prisoner after the creation of Pakistan and spent around 30 years in jail in the country. &nbsp;

Pakistan, formed after the partitioning of India in 1947 has had a number of separatist movements. These include a major one in the largest province of Baluchistan, Sindhudesh in Sindh, and also calls to form a separate homeland for Muhajirs, for people who left India for Pakistan.

1971 saw the country losing its eastern flank leading to the formation of Bangladesh. This year Bangladesh celebrates the 50th year of its independence.

Pro-independence protest rally in Pakistan's southern Sindh province on Sunday saw Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's posters. The protests were part of a rally to mark the birth anniversary of GM Syed, a vocal proponent of Sindhudesh or a separate country for the province.

Pro-independence protest rally in Pakistan's southern Sindh province on Sunday saw Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's posters. The protests were part of a rally to mark the birth anniversary of GM Syed, a vocal proponent of Sindhudesh or a separate country for the province. The protest rally had pictures of other world leaders as well, including US President-Elect Joe Biden, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina, France's Marcon, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman, Russian President Vladimir Putin, German chancellor Angela Merkel, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, British PM Boris Johnson. The posters mentioned, "Sindh wants freedom from Pakistan". Sindhudesh freedom movement's posters were also seen. The rally by Jiye Sindh Mutahida Mahaz took place in Sann, located in Jamshoro District, Sindh Province. Sann is the birthplace of GM Syed. Sunday marked the 117th birth anniversary of SM Syed, who is regarded as one of the founding fathers of modern Sindhi nationalism. Among many ideas and ideologies, he was inspired by India's father of the nation Gandhi. He was the first political prisoner after the creation of Pakistan and spent around 30 years in jail in the country. Pakistan, formed after the partitioning of India in 1947 has had a number of separatist movements. These include a major one in the largest province of Baluchistan, Sindhudesh in Sindh, and also calls to form a separate homeland for Muhajirs, for people who left India for Pakistan. 1971 saw the country losing its eastern flank leading to the formation of Bangladesh. This year Bangladesh celebrates the 50th year of its independence.

Pro-independence rally in Pakistan sees posters of Indian PM Modi

As part of a high-level defence engagement with Sri Lanka, India earlier this month provided the country with 341 Indra Radar spares worth 200 Sri Lankan million. The spares will be used to provide support to the four Indra MK-11 air surveillance radars gifted to India by Sri Lankan Air Force in 2011.

Indra MK II radar is a mobile 2d Radar capable of detecting low flying aircraft. They have been developed by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) wing of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). It is manufactured by Bharat Electronics and is the cornerstone of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

Indian Air Force's An-32 aircraft had landed with the spares on January 10 and was formally handed over by Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay to Commander of Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana.

India has also completed the annual life extension checks of 54 shoulder-launched surface to air IGLA missiles of the Sri Lankan Air force. This coincided with the handing over of the spare parts.

The Indian mission in Sri Lanka in a statement said, "the expeditious positioning of the spares and the Igla Missiles is indicative of the growing cooperation, camaraderie and friendship between the two nations, with Sri Lanka being accorded the status of ‘Priority One’ partner by India."

The IGLA missile system was gifted to Sri Lanka by India in 2007 and as a "goodwill gesture," the annual life extension checks are taken by Indian Air Force. In fact, IAF training teams had assisted Sri Lanka Air Force in setting up the system and have also conducted multiple courses on the missile system.

The development comes even as under its SAGAR vision - Security and Growth for All in the Region, India has been reaching out to many Indian ocean countries. November of 2020 saw India-Sri Lanka-Maldives NSA level trilateral with focus on more increased cooperation amid challenges like piracy, maritime security and counter-terror.

As part of a high-level defence engagement with Sri Lanka, India earlier this month provided the country with 341 Indra Radar spares worth 200 Sri Lankan million.

As part of a high-level defence engagement with Sri Lanka, India earlier this month provided the country with 341 Indra Radar spares worth 200 Sri Lankan million. The spares will be used to provide support to the four Indra MK-11 air surveillance radars gifted to India by Sri Lankan Air Force in 2011. Indra MK II radar is a mobile 2d Radar capable of detecting low flying aircraft. They have been developed by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) wing of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). It is manufactured by Bharat Electronics and is the cornerstone of the Sri Lanka Air Force. Indian Air Force's An-32 aircraft had landed with the spares on January 10 and was formally handed over by Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay to Commander of Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana. India has also completed the annual life extension checks of 54 shoulder-launched surface to air IGLA missiles of the Sri Lankan Air force. This coincided with the handing over of the spare parts. The Indian mission in Sri Lanka in a statement said, "the expeditious positioning of the spares and the Igla Missiles is indicative of the growing cooperation, camaraderie and friendship between the two nations, with Sri Lanka being accorded the status of ‘Priority One’ partner by India." The IGLA missile system was gifted to Sri Lanka by India in 2007 and as a "goodwill gesture," the annual life extension checks are taken by Indian Air Force. In fact, IAF training teams had assisted Sri Lanka Air Force in setting up the system and have also conducted multiple courses on the missile system. The development comes even as under its SAGAR vision - Security and Growth for All in the Region, India has been reaching out to many Indian ocean countries. November of 2020 saw India-Sri Lanka-Maldives NSA level trilateral with focus on more increased cooperation amid challenges like piracy, maritime security and counter-terror.

India provides spares for air surveillance radar to Sri Lanka

Fast pacing the work on the crucial Chabahar port, the Government of India has supplied the much-awaited first shipment of mobile harbour cranes to Iran. Two 140-ton mobile harbour cranes arrived at the Chabahar port on Saturday night and are being currently unloaded. India has supplied the cranes via an Italian company called Italgru.

Chabahar has been a key connectivity project of India that aims to connect it with Iran, Afghanistan, and beyond. More and more countries are keen to join the port now. December saw the first India-Uzbekistan-Iran trilateral working group meeting on the joint use of the port for trade and transit purposes and enhanced regional connectivity. New Delhi will be inviting Afghanistan for the next meeting. India is also pursuing the inclusion of Chabahar port in INSTC.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kazakhstan-bats-for-chabahar-port-envoy-says-process-underway-for-use-via-caspian-sea-354885">WATCH|</a>

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Kazakhstan envoy speaking to WION highlighted the importance of the port for the country. Kazakh envoy Yerlan Alimbayev to India 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"

India is involved with the development of phase-I of the Shahid Beheshti port in Chabahar. In December 2018, an Indian company, India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) took over the port operations, and as of December 2020, the port has handled 1.75 million tonnes of bulk cargo and more than 13,000 TEUs of container cargo.&nbsp;

India has used the port to send 75,000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan in 2020 as part of the humanitarian aid amidst the covid pandemic. India also supplied 20,000 litres of the pesticide Malathion 96 per cent ULV to Iran via Chabahar port in 2020 to help Iran curb the menace of desert locusts. Another Malathion consignment from India to Iran is due this year.

Fast pacing the work on the crucial Chabahar port, the Government of India has supplied the much-awaited first shipment of mobile harbour cranes to Iran. Two 140-ton mobile harbour cranes arrived at the Chabahar port on Saturday night and are being currently unloaded.

Fast pacing the work on the crucial Chabahar port, the Government of India has supplied the much-awaited first shipment of mobile harbour cranes to Iran. Two 140-ton mobile harbour cranes arrived at the Chabahar port on Saturday night and are being currently unloaded. India has supplied the cranes via an Italian company called Italgru. Chabahar has been a key connectivity project of India that aims to connect it with Iran, Afghanistan, and beyond. More and more countries are keen to join the port now. December saw the first India-Uzbekistan-Iran trilateral working group meeting on the joint use of the port for trade and transit purposes and enhanced regional connectivity. New Delhi will be inviting Afghanistan for the next meeting. India is also pursuing the inclusion of Chabahar port in INSTC. WATCH| Kazakhstan envoy speaking to WION highlighted the importance of the port for the country. Kazakh envoy Yerlan Alimbayev to India 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" India is involved with the development of phase-I of the Shahid Beheshti port in Chabahar. In December 2018, an Indian company, India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) took over the port operations, and as of December 2020, the port has handled 1.75 million tonnes of bulk cargo and more than 13,000 TEUs of container cargo. India has used the port to send 75,000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan in 2020 as part of the humanitarian aid amidst the covid pandemic. India also supplied 20,000 litres of the pesticide Malathion 96 per cent ULV to Iran via Chabahar port in 2020 to help Iran curb the menace of desert locusts. Another Malathion consignment from India to Iran is due this year.

Work on Chabahar fast-paced as India begins handing over cranes to Iran

Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Saturday inaugurated the first India funded grant project of 2021 in the capital Male. The project to upgrade the Ekuveni running track into a state-of-the-art synthetic nine-lane running track is the 8th Indian grant project of the country in the last 6 months.&nbsp;

Present on the occasion was India's high commissioner Sunjay Sudhir. The ceremony included a limited over cricket match with the participation of the President and Indian high commissioner, a relay race, and showcase events by differently-abled children. President Solih closely monitored the progress of the upgrade work and extended his heartfelt appreciation to all parties involved in the project's expeditious completion.

The work on the Ekuveni running track and cricket ground started in September of last year. In fact, the groundbreaking ceremony for the project took place in November of 2020 during the Indian foreign secretary Harsh Shringla's Maldives visit.&nbsp;

Speaking at the inauguration the Indian HC said, "Relations between India and Maldives are historical, comprehensive and unique. India has not only supported the plans and priorities of the govt of Maldives but has also been the first responder in times of crisis".

Highlighting, "The high impact community development projects undertaken through Indian grant assistance constitute an important dimension of the dynamic development partnership between our 2 countries."

The next few months will see more such projects being inaugurated. These include, Rasdhoo Coastal protection project, Wetland Park in Faresmathoda, a refurbished ‘My Home - Fiyavathi’ orphanage in Hulhumale’, Central Park and renovated Jetty in Hulhumale’, classrooms in Lhohi and Kinolhas schools.

When it comes to Addu city, India is assisting in setting up 3 fish processing plants, 5 eco-tourism zones and a Drug-Detoxification Centre. In northern islands, India's grant assistance includes setting up a bottled-water plant in Hoarafushi, and a soil- testing lab at the Hanimaadhoo Agricultural Research Centre.

The Ekuveni Project is the only track of international standards in the country. It forms part of a larger set of 30 high impact community development projects being implemented across the Maldives by India with a financial outlay of $13 million.

Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Saturday inaugurated the first India funded grant project of 2021 in the capital Male. The project to upgrade the Ekuveni running track into a state-of-the-art synthetic nine-lane running track is the 8th Indian grant project of the country in the last 6 months.

Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Saturday inaugurated the first India funded grant project of 2021 in the capital Male. The project to upgrade the Ekuveni running track into a state-of-the-art synthetic nine-lane running track is the 8th Indian grant project of the country in the last 6 months. Present on the occasion was India's high commissioner Sunjay Sudhir. The ceremony included a limited over cricket match with the participation of the President and Indian high commissioner, a relay race, and showcase events by differently-abled children. President Solih closely monitored the progress of the upgrade work and extended his heartfelt appreciation to all parties involved in the project's expeditious completion. The work on the Ekuveni running track and cricket ground started in September of last year. In fact, the groundbreaking ceremony for the project took place in November of 2020 during the Indian foreign secretary Harsh Shringla's Maldives visit. Speaking at the inauguration the Indian HC said, "Relations between India and Maldives are historical, comprehensive and unique. India has not only supported the plans and priorities of the govt of Maldives but has also been the first responder in times of crisis". Highlighting, "The high impact community development projects undertaken through Indian grant assistance constitute an important dimension of the dynamic development partnership between our 2 countries." The next few months will see more such projects being inaugurated. These include, Rasdhoo Coastal protection project, Wetland Park in Faresmathoda, a refurbished ‘My Home - Fiyavathi’ orphanage in Hulhumale’, Central Park and renovated Jetty in Hulhumale’, classrooms in Lhohi and Kinolhas schools. When it comes to Addu city, India is assisting in setting up 3 fish processing plants, 5 eco-tourism zones and a Drug-Detoxification Centre. In northern islands, India's grant assistance includes setting up a bottled-water plant in Hoarafushi, and a soil- testing lab at the Hanimaadhoo Agricultural Research Centre. The Ekuveni Project is the only track of international standards in the country. It forms part of a larger set of 30 high impact community development projects being implemented across the Maldives by India with a financial outlay of $13 million.

First India funded project of 2021 inaugurated in the Maldives; several more lined up

A new agreement on the IT sector that seeks to increase cooperation in 5G, Artificial intelligence (AI), and submarine cable network. The agreement was signed between India's IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Japan's minister for Internal Affairs Takeda Ryota.

Japanese Minister during the signing of the agreement said, “I am convinced of the critical importance for Japan and India to deepen cooperation in various fields as both countries share values and a larger diplomatic vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. I am therefore extremely pleased to have been able to sign this comprehensive MOC with Minister Prasad in the field of ICT and digital.

The current agreement is seen as signifying the increased level of trust between the 2 countries even as the IT sector has become a vital part of the daily lives of people around the world.

On 5G Japanese minister said, "Japan is willing to share our experience and expertise and work together towards the successful introduction of 5G in India.”

Japan already has experience in AI, optic fibre cables in India. Japanese company NEC had laid the submarine optical fibre cables between Chennai and Andaman and Nicobar which was inaugurated by Indian PM Modi last August. In terms of AI, a Japanese company Olympus has been working with the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology in Hyderabad to introduce AI-assisted diagnosis of colonoscopy.

“Under the COVID pandemic, it is increasingly recognized that the digital transformation is becoming even more important. In order to accelerate the digital transformation across the society, we would like to further engage in cooperative projects in the ICT with India", minister Takeda said, highlighting the connection between IT and impact on the economy

The development comes in the run-up to next year India and Japan celebrating 70 years of establishment of relationship.

A new agreement on the IT sector that seeks to increase cooperation in 5G, Artificial intelligence (AI), and submarine cable network. The agreement was signed between India's IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Japan's minister for Internal Affairs Takeda Ryota.

A new agreement on the IT sector that seeks to increase cooperation in 5G, Artificial intelligence (AI), and submarine cable network. The agreement was signed between India's IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Japan's minister for Internal Affairs Takeda Ryota. Japanese Minister during the signing of the agreement said, “I am convinced of the critical importance for Japan and India to deepen cooperation in various fields as both countries share values and a larger diplomatic vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. I am therefore extremely pleased to have been able to sign this comprehensive MOC with Minister Prasad in the field of ICT and digital. The current agreement is seen as signifying the increased level of trust between the 2 countries even as the IT sector has become a vital part of the daily lives of people around the world. On 5G Japanese minister said, "Japan is willing to share our experience and expertise and work together towards the successful introduction of 5G in India.” Japan already has experience in AI, optic fibre cables in India. Japanese company NEC had laid the submarine optical fibre cables between Chennai and Andaman and Nicobar which was inaugurated by Indian PM Modi last August. In terms of AI, a Japanese company Olympus has been working with the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology in Hyderabad to introduce AI-assisted diagnosis of colonoscopy. “Under the COVID pandemic, it is increasingly recognized that the digital transformation is becoming even more important. In order to accelerate the digital transformation across the society, we would like to further engage in cooperative projects in the ICT with India", minister Takeda said, highlighting the connection between IT and impact on the economy The development comes in the run-up to next year India and Japan celebrating 70 years of establishment of relationship.

India, Japan sign new agreement on it, seeks to increase cooperation in 5G, AI

The foreign ministers of India and Nepal sat for the sixth round of a joint commission meeting in Delhi on Friday. The meeting saw a key focus being on Covid vaccine, the border issue, and connectivity.

The Indian side assured that Nepal's requirement will be a priority consideration. This happened on a day when Nepal approved India's Covishield vaccine produced by the Serum Institute of India.&nbsp;

Nepal wants 20 per cent or around 12 million doses of Covid vaccines from India.

A release by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "The close cooperation between the two sides in combating Covid-19 pandemic in the region was noted. Nepal congratulated India on the remarkable success in production of Covishield and Covaxin vaccines in India and requested for early provision of vaccines to Nepal."

The meet -- which was chaired by Nepal's foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali and external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar -- saw a discussion on the border issues as well.&nbsp;

Nepal had notably issued a new map of the country that showed Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura as their territories drawing the ire of New Delhi which dismissed this as "unjustified cartographic assertion".

Nepali foreign minister speaking at a public event in Delhi, to this end, had said, "We desire to start the conversation with a view to resolving the question of boundary alignment in the remaining segments."

"Finding an agreeable boundary alignment in these segments may not only take us to the stage of fully settled international boundary but may also help generate positive vibe in public sentiment as well as help instill greater degree of trust and confidence in bilateral relations," he added.

The two sides also discussed a new oil pipeline on the eastern side connecting Siliguri to Jhapa in Nepal and a possible Raxaul-Kathmandu broad gauge railway line. Both sides welcomed the commencement of construction of third Integrated Check Posts at Nepalgunj.

On the Pancheshwar hydropower project, Nepali FM said, "Our recent conversation on this transformative mega project has been encouraging. Once realised, Pancheshwar will not only be a big project on its own but also set a success story of how we can make arrangements for cost and benefit sharing in harnessing of our vast water resources."

The talks happened in the backdrop of the political crisis in the country with Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli dissolving the lower house of the Parliament. The country goes to the election later this year.&nbsp;

The foreign ministers of India and Nepal sat for the sixth round of a joint commission meeting in Delhi on Friday. The meeting saw a key focus being on Covid vaccine, the border issue, and connectivity.

The foreign ministers of India and Nepal sat for the sixth round of a joint commission meeting in Delhi on Friday. The meeting saw a key focus being on Covid vaccine, the border issue, and connectivity. The Indian side assured that Nepal's requirement will be a priority consideration. This happened on a day when Nepal approved India's Covishield vaccine produced by the Serum Institute of India. Nepal wants 20 per cent or around 12 million doses of Covid vaccines from India. A release by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "The close cooperation between the two sides in combating Covid-19 pandemic in the region was noted. Nepal congratulated India on the remarkable success in production of Covishield and Covaxin vaccines in India and requested for early provision of vaccines to Nepal." The meet -- which was chaired by Nepal's foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali and external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar -- saw a discussion on the border issues as well. Nepal had notably issued a new map of the country that showed Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura as their territories drawing the ire of New Delhi which dismissed this as "unjustified cartographic assertion". Nepali foreign minister speaking at a public event in Delhi, to this end, had said, "We desire to start the conversation with a view to resolving the question of boundary alignment in the remaining segments." "Finding an agreeable boundary alignment in these segments may not only take us to the stage of fully settled international boundary but may also help generate positive vibe in public sentiment as well as help instill greater degree of trust and confidence in bilateral relations," he added. The two sides also discussed a new oil pipeline on the eastern side connecting Siliguri to Jhapa in Nepal and a possible Raxaul-Kathmandu broad gauge railway line. Both sides welcomed the commencement of construction of third Integrated Check Posts at Nepalgunj. On the Pancheshwar hydropower project, Nepali FM said, "Our recent conversation on this transformative mega project has been encouraging. Once realised, Pancheshwar will not only be a big project on its own but also set a success story of how we can make arrangements for cost and benefit sharing in harnessing of our vast water resources." The talks happened in the backdrop of the political crisis in the country with Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli dissolving the lower house of the Parliament. The country goes to the election later this year.

Covid vaccine, border issue discussed during India-Nepal talks in Delhi

Amid reports of a rethink on Nepal's Gorkha recruitment policy, the visiting Nepal foreign minister has said that so far there has not been any change in Kathmandu's position.&nbsp;

In response to a question in Delhi, Nepal FM Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said, "So far as the Gorkha recruitment in the Indian army is concerned, it is a reality and one of the important components of our relationship." Adding, "Yes there are academic discussions in societies, in vibrant democracies, there may be different opinions in that regard, but so far govt of Nepal has not changed its position on this issue or made any new decision in that regard"

As part of India-UK-Nepal tripartite agreement of 1947, Gorkha Regiments serve in the British and Indian army. Last year, the FM had called the agreement "redundant" which raised eyebrows in India.

The Gorkha regiments in the Indian army have been a much-celebrated element of the India-Nepal people-to-people relationship. In fact, India's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat is from 5/11 Gorkha &nbsp;Rifles. The bravery of Gorkhas has been legendary. &nbsp;War cry of the regiments is 'Jai Maha Kali, Ayo ri Gorkhali' (Hail Goddess Kali, the Gorkhas are here!), well known on both sides of India-Nepal border.

Amid reports of a rethink on Nepal's Gorkha recruitment policy, the visiting Nepal foreign minister has said that so far there has not been any change in Kathmandu's position.

Amid reports of a rethink on Nepal's Gorkha recruitment policy, the visiting Nepal foreign minister has said that so far there has not been any change in Kathmandu's position. In response to a question in Delhi, Nepal FM Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said, "So far as the Gorkha recruitment in the Indian army is concerned, it is a reality and one of the important components of our relationship." Adding, "Yes there are academic discussions in societies, in vibrant democracies, there may be different opinions in that regard, but so far govt of Nepal has not changed its position on this issue or made any new decision in that regard" As part of India-UK-Nepal tripartite agreement of 1947, Gorkha Regiments serve in the British and Indian army. Last year, the FM had called the agreement "redundant" which raised eyebrows in India. The Gorkha regiments in the Indian army have been a much-celebrated element of the India-Nepal people-to-people relationship. In fact, India's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat is from 5/11 Gorkha Rifles. The bravery of Gorkhas has been legendary. War cry of the regiments is 'Jai Maha Kali, Ayo ri Gorkhali' (Hail Goddess Kali, the Gorkhas are here!), well known on both sides of India-Nepal border.

No change in position on Gorkha recruitment in Indian army: Nepal

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