India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over demolishing of a Hindu Temple in Pakistan. The protest was lodged on Thursday with Islamabad via diplomatic channels.

Highlighting the "repeated instances of similar nature" involving "atrocities against the members of the minority community", Indian government sources told WION, that they expect, "Government of Pakistan to investigate the matter and take strict action against those responsible for this vandalization and demolition of the temple."

Sources said, "our message reiterated that the Government of Pakistan, in discharge of its responsibilities, is expected to look after the safety, security and well-being of its minority communities including protection of their religious rights and cultural heritage."

India has also asked Pakistan&nbsp;to share the investigation report on the incident.&nbsp; 
 
Earlier this week, a Hindu temple was burnt down by a mob in Karak, in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. The Pakistani Hindu community staged protest in the aftermath of the demolishment of the temple which was over 100 years old. 
 
Many arrests have been made by local authorities in connection to the incident. The Pakistani Supreme Court has also taken note of the development and takes up the case next week. 
 
Interestingly, the provincial government is ruled by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, which is also the ruling Party of the country. 
 
The temple has been target of attack in the past as well. It was demolished in 1997 and later reconstructed again in 2015.&nbsp;

The demolishing of temple comes even as situation of the minorities in the country continue to deteriorate. Multiple cases of abduction of Hindu, Sikh and Christian girls have been dominating headlines all throughout 2020.

India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over demolishing of a Hindu Temple in Pakistan. The protest was lodged on Thursday with Islamabad via diplomatic channels.

India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over demolishing of a Hindu Temple in Pakistan. The protest was lodged on Thursday with Islamabad via diplomatic channels. Highlighting the "repeated instances of similar nature" involving "atrocities against the members of the minority community", Indian government sources told WION, that they expect, "Government of Pakistan to investigate the matter and take strict action against those responsible for this vandalization and demolition of the temple." Sources said, "our message reiterated that the Government of Pakistan, in discharge of its responsibilities, is expected to look after the safety, security and well-being of its minority communities including protection of their religious rights and cultural heritage." India has also asked Pakistan to share the investigation report on the incident. Earlier this week, a Hindu temple was burnt down by a mob in Karak, in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. The Pakistani Hindu community staged protest in the aftermath of the demolishment of the temple which was over 100 years old. Many arrests have been made by local authorities in connection to the incident. The Pakistani Supreme Court has also taken note of the development and takes up the case next week. Interestingly, the provincial government is ruled by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, which is also the ruling Party of the country. The temple has been target of attack in the past as well. It was demolished in 1997 and later reconstructed again in 2015. The demolishing of temple comes even as situation of the minorities in the country continue to deteriorate. Multiple cases of abduction of Hindu, Sikh and Christian girls have been dominating headlines all throughout 2020.

India lodges protest with Pakistan over temple demolition

Increasingly and mostly as an outcome of China's One-Child policy, more and more Chinese are looking for a bride, and Beijing's all-weather friend--Pakistan has a role to play. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor or CPEC has increased engagement in all spheres of society including people to people spurring many marriages, many times a pure outcome of economics.

It has emerged that agents in China and Pakistan have used the garb of CPEC to literally kidnap girls from lower socio-economic backgrounds, especially from minority communities such as Christians, and marry them off to Chinese men.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-at-least-30-arrested-for-vandalising-hindu-temple-353664">Pakistan: At least 30 arrested for vandalising Hindu temple</a>

Many of these marriages have taken place in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, and Faisalabad. For a prospect of a better life in China, many of the unsuspecting women take the bait, and much to the shock life hasn't been easy in the foreign land.&nbsp;

One of the biggest fall out of these marriages has been, many times women who have been to China are unable to accept the Chinese way of life. A number of reports and complaints have been received from the families of these women and the women themselves about mistreatment by their husbands and in-laws.

An obvious reason for the existence of the current situation is a continuing gap in demographics in China, combined with abject poverty in many places in Pakistan. Most of the Pakistani brides are from minority communities, and many times the Chinese side has been giving inflated information about their socio-economic status which turns out to be false.

It has been decades since China adopted One Child policy, with a preference for a male child leading to a skewed gender ratio that continues even today. The number of marriageable Chinese men outnumber women in the country by more than 30 million, as per the most recent estimates of Dec 2020. While logically increased Pakistan-China partnership has played a role in societal engagement, many times at the detriment of the lower strata of society.

Increasingly and mostly as an outcome of China's One-Child policy, more and more Chinese are looking for a bride, and Beijing's all-weather friend--Pakistan has a role to play.

Increasingly and mostly as an outcome of China's One-Child policy, more and more Chinese are looking for a bride, and Beijing's all-weather friend--Pakistan has a role to play. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor or CPEC has increased engagement in all spheres of society including people to people spurring many marriages, many times a pure outcome of economics. It has emerged that agents in China and Pakistan have used the garb of CPEC to literally kidnap girls from lower socio-economic backgrounds, especially from minority communities such as Christians, and marry them off to Chinese men. Also read | Pakistan: At least 30 arrested for vandalising Hindu temple Many of these marriages have taken place in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, and Faisalabad. For a prospect of a better life in China, many of the unsuspecting women take the bait, and much to the shock life hasn't been easy in the foreign land. One of the biggest fall out of these marriages has been, many times women who have been to China are unable to accept the Chinese way of life. A number of reports and complaints have been received from the families of these women and the women themselves about mistreatment by their husbands and in-laws. An obvious reason for the existence of the current situation is a continuing gap in demographics in China, combined with abject poverty in many places in Pakistan. Most of the Pakistani brides are from minority communities, and many times the Chinese side has been giving inflated information about their socio-economic status which turns out to be false. It has been decades since China adopted One Child policy, with a preference for a male child leading to a skewed gender ratio that continues even today. The number of marriageable Chinese men outnumber women in the country by more than 30 million, as per the most recent estimates of Dec 2020. While logically increased Pakistan-China partnership has played a role in societal engagement, many times at the detriment of the lower strata of society.

Chinese in search for Pakistani bride as skewed gender ratio impacts the country

In a first, Indian and Afghan Islamic religious scholars or Ulemas have decried the actions of the Taliban and called it "illegitimate". The scholars called for an "immediate nationwide ceasefire" even as the group has stepped up attacks in the country. The development comes after Islamic religious scholars and ulemas from both the countries met in the first such meet.

Mentioning the "war and violence perpetrated against the government and people" of Afghanistan by Taliban, a joint declaration after the meet said, " targeting of civilian institutions and public infrastructures by the Taliban goes against the basic teachings of Islam and therefore it is illegitimate and has no religious justification."

The gathering had ulemas from various Islamic institutions from India and Afghanistan. In all 14 Islamic religious scholars participated in the meet, 7 each from both sides.

The joint declaration on "War in Afghanistan" called on both Taliban and the Afghan government to "rise to the occasion and seize this rare opportunity" to "accelerate their negotiations for establishing a just and lasting peace in Afghanistan. They extended "support" to the "steps taken by the government of Afghanistan to pave the way for reaching an enduring peace"

2020 saw two&nbsp;key developments vis a vis Afghanistan, the Taliban, and US government pact and the start of the intra Afghan talks between Taliban and Afghan govt. And while pacts and talks took place, Pentagon announced a reduction in US troop levels in the country by January, and the Taliban stepping up attacks. The fear is, the situation might destabilize the country in an eerie parallel to developments of the 1990s with the Taliban in control.

The joint declaration recalled the "remarkable progress" and "hard-gained achievements" made in the last 19 years which should be "preserved and protected."

The statement called on "other Ulema and Islamic scholars" to come forward in "support of the peace process in Afghanistan" and "raise their voice against the heinous attacks on innocent people and to call on the Taliban to agree to a nationwide ceasefire and embrace peace."

The people to people engagement comes in as a shot in the arm, even as New Delhi and Kabul continue the high-level engagement. India has been a major supporter of the Afghan govt and has been involved in major infrastructure projects in the country like the India Afghanistan friendship dam, the Afghan parliament. India and Afghanistan will soon sign an agreement on the building of the Shatoot dam that will provide safe drinking water to 2 million residents of the national capital Kabul.

In a first, Indian and Afghan Islamic religious scholars or Ulemas have decried the actions of the Taliban and called it "illegitimate". The scholars called for an "immediate nationwide ceasefire" even as the group has stepped up attacks in the country.

In a first, Indian and Afghan Islamic religious scholars or Ulemas have decried the actions of the Taliban and called it "illegitimate". The scholars called for an "immediate nationwide ceasefire" even as the group has stepped up attacks in the country. The development comes after Islamic religious scholars and ulemas from both the countries met in the first such meet. Mentioning the "war and violence perpetrated against the government and people" of Afghanistan by Taliban, a joint declaration after the meet said, " targeting of civilian institutions and public infrastructures by the Taliban goes against the basic teachings of Islam and therefore it is illegitimate and has no religious justification." The gathering had ulemas from various Islamic institutions from India and Afghanistan. In all 14 Islamic religious scholars participated in the meet, 7 each from both sides. The joint declaration on "War in Afghanistan" called on both Taliban and the Afghan government to "rise to the occasion and seize this rare opportunity" to "accelerate their negotiations for establishing a just and lasting peace in Afghanistan. They extended "support" to the "steps taken by the government of Afghanistan to pave the way for reaching an enduring peace" 2020 saw two key developments vis a vis Afghanistan, the Taliban, and US government pact and the start of the intra Afghan talks between Taliban and Afghan govt. And while pacts and talks took place, Pentagon announced a reduction in US troop levels in the country by January, and the Taliban stepping up attacks. The fear is, the situation might destabilize the country in an eerie parallel to developments of the 1990s with the Taliban in control. The joint declaration recalled the "remarkable progress" and "hard-gained achievements" made in the last 19 years which should be "preserved and protected." The statement called on "other Ulema and Islamic scholars" to come forward in "support of the peace process in Afghanistan" and "raise their voice against the heinous attacks on innocent people and to call on the Taliban to agree to a nationwide ceasefire and embrace peace." The people to people engagement comes in as a shot in the arm, even as New Delhi and Kabul continue the high-level engagement. India has been a major supporter of the Afghan govt and has been involved in major infrastructure projects in the country like the India Afghanistan friendship dam, the Afghan parliament. India and Afghanistan will soon sign an agreement on the building of the Shatoot dam that will provide safe drinking water to 2 million residents of the national capital Kabul.

In a first, Indian, Afghan Ulemas condemn Taliban; call its actions illegitimate

India which has consolidated its position as the "pharmacy of the world" amid covid crisis has sent the Maldives 2400 vials of BCG vaccine.

The dispatched supply of vaccines that have been gifted by India reaches the country today, just ahead of the dawn of the new year. New Delhi "urgently dispatched" the vaccine,&nbsp;administered to babies to prevent&nbsp;tuberculosis,&nbsp;to bridge a shortfall in the National Immunization Programme of the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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In picture: One of the boxes of the&nbsp;BCG vaccines gifted by India to Maldives

The vaccines were&nbsp;procured by India's&nbsp;Ministry of Health and Ministry of External Affairs and coordinated with Maldives High Commission in Delhi,&nbsp; Honorary Consul of the Maldives in Mumbai, and the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the entire process.&nbsp;

A statement by the Indian high commission in the Maldives said, "India’s Neighbourhood First foreign policy has demonstrated time and again, willingness and ability to assist Maldives with speed and scale, in times of need."

Adding, "Under the leadership of PM Modi and President Solih, the India-Maldives bilateral partnership based on mutual respect, trust and understanding has been infused with renewed vigour for the benefit of our peoples. "

Earlier this year in January, India sent&nbsp;30,000 doses of the measles-Rubella vaccine. In 2020, as the covid pandemic wreaked the world, India has reached out the Maldives by sending a medical team and gifting&nbsp;5.5 tonnes of essential medicines. Under the operation Sanjeevani, Indian Air force airlifted&nbsp;6.3 tonnes of essential medicines and consumables from various cities in India in April 2020.

That time, Indian High commissioner to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir said the operation is a "growing example of India's neighbourhood first policy and reciprocation of Maldives' India first policy. Friendship in action!"

Another key focus has been capacity building with the training of&nbsp;Maldivian healthcare official. 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;

&nbsp;

In fact, India sent 600 tonnes of food items to the Maldives via Indian Naval Ship Kesari. The package includes 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.

India which has consolidated its position as the "pharmacy of the world" amid covid crisis has sent the Maldives 2400 vials of BCG vaccine. The dispatched supply of vaccines that have been gifted by India reaches the country today, just ahead of the dawn of the new year.

India which has consolidated its position as the "pharmacy of the world" amid covid crisis has sent the Maldives 2400 vials of BCG vaccine. The dispatched supply of vaccines that have been gifted by India reaches the country today, just ahead of the dawn of the new year. New Delhi "urgently dispatched" the vaccine, administered to babies to prevent tuberculosis, to bridge a shortfall in the National Immunization Programme of the country. In picture: One of the boxes of the BCG vaccines gifted by India to Maldives The vaccines were procured by India's Ministry of Health and Ministry of External Affairs and coordinated with Maldives High Commission in Delhi, Honorary Consul of the Maldives in Mumbai, and the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the entire process. A statement by the Indian high commission in the Maldives said, "India’s Neighbourhood First foreign policy has demonstrated time and again, willingness and ability to assist Maldives with speed and scale, in times of need." Adding, "Under the leadership of PM Modi and President Solih, the India-Maldives bilateral partnership based on mutual respect, trust and understanding has been infused with renewed vigour for the benefit of our peoples. " Earlier this year in January, India sent 30,000 doses of the measles-Rubella vaccine. In 2020, as the covid pandemic wreaked the world, India has reached out the Maldives by sending a medical team and gifting 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines. Under the operation Sanjeevani, Indian Air force airlifted 6.3 tonnes of essential medicines and consumables from various cities in India in April 2020. That time, Indian High commissioner to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir said the operation is a "growing example of India's neighbourhood first policy and reciprocation of Maldives' India first policy. Friendship in action!" Another key focus has been capacity building with the training of Maldivian healthcare official. 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 includes 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.

New Year's gift! India sends BCG vaccines to Maldives

India's envoy to Uzbekistan Manish Prabhat has said that Chabahar can become a "fulcrum of transit" between India and Central Asia. The comments of the envoy come even as India, Uzbekistan, and Iran held the first trilateral talks on the use of the Chabahar project in Iran.

Speaking to WION's&nbsp;principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Uzbekistan capital Tashkent, the envoy said, "While transit through railways and trucks already takes place from Iran’s Bandar Abbas port to Central Asian countries, the need is to develop the infrastructure to connect Central Asia to the Chabahar port."

India built the Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar as part of the India, Iran, Afghanistan 2016 agreement to increase its connectivity with Afghanistan and beyond to central Asia. &nbsp;The Indian envoy spoke on the recent India-Uzbekistan virtual summit, pointing out that it was, "India’s first virtual summit with an important partner in Central Asia and it was Uzbekistan’s first-ever bilateral virtual summit with any country. "

During the virtual summit, the first with any central Asian country, New Delhi approved 448 million lines of credit for four projects developmental projects in the country--two in road construction and one each in sewerage treatment and information technology.

WION: Key outcomes of the India-Uzbekistan virtual meet. While it was the seventh&nbsp;such virtual summit, it was the first such virtual summit with a central Asian country. Why Uzbekistan was chosen for the first such meet in that region?

Manish Prabhat: India-Uzbekistan strategic partnership has grown by leaps and bound thanks to the regular exchanges of VVIP visits in the last few years. Prime Minister visited Uzbekistan in 2015 and 2016. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s first visit to India took place in October 2018 and soon after he visited again in January 2019 to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.&nbsp;

This year Prime Minister’s visit to Uzbekistan was on cards. However, in the situation of the ongoing pandemic, the visit was not possible. It was decided to hold a virtual summit between the two leaders to continue the momentum of our exchanges. Indeed, it became India’s first virtual summit with an important partner in Central Asia and it was Uzbekistan’s first-ever bilateral virtual summit with any country. Both sides were very satisfied with the results of the summit. The state of bilateral relations is excellent.

Foreign Ministers and Defence Ministers have met and are working on a range of issues. Our multilateral cooperation in the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and in the India-Central Asia Dialogue format is set to further strengthen. Our positions on important issues like terrorism and Afghanistan are similar. India’s term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2021-22 and Uzbekistan’s first-ever stint as a member of the UN Human Rights Council for 2021-23 gives rise to new possibilities of cooperation. Uzbekistan reiterated its support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UNSC. Both countries also called for reformed multilateralism including comprehensive reforms of the UN structures.&nbsp;

Both India and Uzbekistan have cooperated closely in tackling the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Prime Minister assured of India’s continued commitment to support Uzbekistan in its fight against the pandemic. Uzbekistan is very interested in Indian vaccines for Covid-19 and has sought our support in bringing these vaccines to Uzbekistan. India is keen to expand its development partnership with Uzbekistan. India has already declared a USD one billion line of credit for development projects in Uzbekistan.

In the framework of the India-Central Asia Dialogue also, India has offered another line of credit of USD one billion for projects in the region. Both sides also signed an MoU on High Impact Community Development Projects to be undertaken in Uzbekistan under India’s grant assistance. In order to boost bilateral investment and trade, both sides are already engaged in negotiations on a Bilateral Investment Treaty and finalizing a Joint Feasibility Study which would pave the way for starting negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement. These will bring further dividends as Uzbekistan has recently become an Observer in the Eurasian Economic Union, a market of more than 200 million people.

Both India and Uzbekistan seek to achieve a bilateral trade turnover of USD one billion but have actually reached only one-third of that landmark. A major factor inhibiting the development of closer trade and economic relationship is the absence of economic and efficient surface connectivity. Both sides believe that the Chabahar route can be the key to address this problem. A total of nine agreements and MoUs on cooperation were signed during the summit including on the line of credit, information technology, cybersecurity, solar energy, customs, standardisation, mass communication, etc. Space and civil nuclear energy are also upcoming areas of our bilateral cooperation.

WION: On connectivity, a trilateral happened between on Chabahar between India, Iran, and Uzbekistan. Chabahar is India built port, how do you see, Central Asia benefitting from it?

Manish Prabhat:&nbsp;As we are all aware, India has been pushing for encouraging the use of the Chabahar port by all Central Asian countries.&nbsp; Even during the first India-Central Asia Dialogue at the level of Foreign Ministers held in January 2019 in Samarkand, then External Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj had put forth the idea of the use of Chabahar for establishing greater connectivity between India and Central Asia.&nbsp;

It is heartening to see that Uzbekistan fully supports this idea and has taken the initiative to host the first trilateral dialogue among Uzbekistan, India, and Iran on the possibilities of the joint use of Chabahar port.&nbsp; The trilateral meeting took place on 14 December at the level of Deputy Ministers of the three countries concerned with transport and logistics relating to the Chabahar port.&nbsp;

The three sides discussed the possibility of developing joint platforms and establishing commercial parameters to encourage the transit of goods through the Chabahar port.&nbsp; The idea, when taken further, would need customs administrations of the three countries, freight forwarding companies, and other stakeholders to work together.&nbsp; We would need the participation of Afghanistan and other Central Asian countries to have a wider reach for this proposal.&nbsp; While transit through railways and trucks already takes place from Iran’s Bandar Abbas port to Central Asian countries, the need is to develop the infrastructure to connect Central Asia to the Chabahar port. This will further make the route between India and Central Asia shorter and economical for the movement of containers.&nbsp;

The Chabahar port is already successfully handling the movement of goods between India and Afghanistan.&nbsp; Its success has already shown that it has the potential to become the fulcrum of transit between India and Central Asia.&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;Uzbekistan is the first country in Central Asia with which we have started our development partners in terms of extending Lines of Credit. We have now listed 4 projects for the partnership, can you give details?

Manish Prabhat:&nbsp;As per the request of the Government of Uzbekistan, the Government of India has approved four projects to be undertaken under India’s Line of Credit in Uzbekistan.&nbsp; These projects are in the sectors of road construction, sewerage, and supply of IT equipment for education and are worth USD 448 million. These projects are also spread over different regions of Uzbekistan.&nbsp; More such projects will also be identified in the future as our total commitment is of USD 1 billion of Line of Credit.&nbsp; The Government of Uzbekistan is expected to soon make us available the Detailed Project Reports so that they could be studied and examined from a technical and financial point of view. The implementation of projects can begin soon thereafter.&nbsp;

WION: How do you see future cooperation. We have with Gujarat and Andijan, also plans for Haryana and Fergana. IT is another sector which has seen cooperation.

Manish Prabhat:&nbsp;Establishing cooperation between identified pairs of regions of Uzbekistan and states of India could become a good model for encouraging investment and projects between the two sides.&nbsp; We have been encouraged by the results of the visit of the Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Vijay Rupani who led a strong business delegation of Gujarat-based companies to the Andijan region of Uzbekistan in October 2019. Gujarat and Andijan have a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation.&nbsp; Shortly after the visit of Shri Rupani, a strong Uzbek business delegation paid a return visit to Gujarat.&nbsp; As a result of these visits, more than 20 B2B Agreements and documents were signed, especially in the fields of pharmaceuticals, IT, education and agriculture, and agri-processing.&nbsp;

Cadila has announced a major investment in Andijan to manufacture pharmaceuticals.&nbsp; Andijan has opened a special Free Pharmaceuticals Zone to attract Indian companies.&nbsp; Both India and Uzbekistan seek to further expand this model of cooperation and are taking further steps to encourage cooperation between the Fergana region and the state of Haryana.&nbsp; Development of various contours of cooperation would depend on the respective strengths of the identified regions and the states and their potential. IT certainly continues to be a major sector of our bilateral cooperation.&nbsp; It may be noted that the Uzbek government invited an expert from the Software Technology Parks of India to be stationed in Uzbekistan and provide technical expertise to establish IT parks in the country.&nbsp; As a result, Uzbekistan’s first-ever IT Park was opened in Tashkent in early 2019 and more IT parks have since been opened in other regions of Uzbekistan. The Uzbekistan government is upbeat about attracting Indian IT companies to Uzbekistan to help with various digitization and e-governance activities in the country. The Uzbek side would also like to benefit from India’s experience in helping startups to grow.&nbsp;

WION: Uzbek Parliament has also constituted an India Friendship Group in their Parliament, is it the first such Parliament in the region to do so?

Manish Prabhat:&nbsp;Oliy Majlis, the Parliament of Uzbekistan has expressed its strong desire to expand cooperation with the Indian Parliament and benefit from the study of India’s parliamentary practices given our strong credentials of being the largest democracy in the world.&nbsp;

As per the parliamentary practices in Uzbekistan, Parliamentary Friendship Groups for India have already been established in both Houses of the Oliy Majlis and they would like to have interaction with their counterpart groups in the Indian Parliament.&nbsp; There have also been proposals to have online interaction between parliamentarians from both sides on topics of mutual interest and exchange of visits in the future once the pandemic situation improves.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Both India and Uzbekistan would like to strengthen their inter-parliamentary cooperation. With the ongoing reforms in various spheres in Uzbekistan, including in the fields of governance, media, economy and finance, there is interest in the Uzbek Parliament to study the practices of developed democracies to learn how their parliaments support such initiatives.&nbsp;

India's envoy to Uzbekistan Manish Prabhat has said that Chabahar can become a "fulcrum of transit" between India and Central Asia. The comments of the envoy come even as India, Uzbekistan, and Iran held the first trilateral talks on the use of the Chabahar project in Iran.

India's envoy to Uzbekistan Manish Prabhat has said that Chabahar can become a "fulcrum of transit" between India and Central Asia. The comments of the envoy come even as India, Uzbekistan, and Iran held the first trilateral talks on the use of the Chabahar project in Iran. Speaking to WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Uzbekistan capital Tashkent, the envoy said, "While transit through railways and trucks already takes place from Iran’s Bandar Abbas port to Central Asian countries, the need is to develop the infrastructure to connect Central Asia to the Chabahar port." India built the Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar as part of the India, Iran, Afghanistan 2016 agreement to increase its connectivity with Afghanistan and beyond to central Asia. The Indian envoy spoke on the recent India-Uzbekistan virtual summit, pointing out that it was, "India’s first virtual summit with an important partner in Central Asia and it was Uzbekistan’s first-ever bilateral virtual summit with any country. " During the virtual summit, the first with any central Asian country, New Delhi approved 448 million lines of credit for four projects developmental projects in the country--two in road construction and one each in sewerage treatment and information technology. WION: Key outcomes of the India-Uzbekistan virtual meet. While it was the seventh such virtual summit, it was the first such virtual summit with a central Asian country. Why Uzbekistan was chosen for the first such meet in that region? Manish Prabhat: India-Uzbekistan strategic partnership has grown by leaps and bound thanks to the regular exchanges of VVIP visits in the last few years. Prime Minister visited Uzbekistan in 2015 and 2016. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s first visit to India took place in October 2018 and soon after he visited again in January 2019 to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. This year Prime Minister’s visit to Uzbekistan was on cards. However, in the situation of the ongoing pandemic, the visit was not possible. It was decided to hold a virtual summit between the two leaders to continue the momentum of our exchanges. Indeed, it became India’s first virtual summit with an important partner in Central Asia and it was Uzbekistan’s first-ever bilateral virtual summit with any country. Both sides were very satisfied with the results of the summit. The state of bilateral relations is excellent. Foreign Ministers and Defence Ministers have met and are working on a range of issues. Our multilateral cooperation in the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and in the India-Central Asia Dialogue format is set to further strengthen. Our positions on important issues like terrorism and Afghanistan are similar. India’s term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2021-22 and Uzbekistan’s first-ever stint as a member of the UN Human Rights Council for 2021-23 gives rise to new possibilities of cooperation. Uzbekistan reiterated its support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UNSC. Both countries also called for reformed multilateralism including comprehensive reforms of the UN structures. Both India and Uzbekistan have cooperated closely in tackling the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Prime Minister assured of India’s continued commitment to support Uzbekistan in its fight against the pandemic. Uzbekistan is very interested in Indian vaccines for Covid-19 and has sought our support in bringing these vaccines to Uzbekistan. India is keen to expand its development partnership with Uzbekistan. India has already declared a USD one billion line of credit for development projects in Uzbekistan. In the framework of the India-Central Asia Dialogue also, India has offered another line of credit of USD one billion for projects in the region. Both sides also signed an MoU on High Impact Community Development Projects to be undertaken in Uzbekistan under India’s grant assistance. In order to boost bilateral investment and trade, both sides are already engaged in negotiations on a Bilateral Investment Treaty and finalizing a Joint Feasibility Study which would pave the way for starting negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement. These will bring further dividends as Uzbekistan has recently become an Observer in the Eurasian Economic Union, a market of more than 200 million people. Both India and Uzbekistan seek to achieve a bilateral trade turnover of USD one billion but have actually reached only one-third of that landmark. A major factor inhibiting the development of closer trade and economic relationship is the absence of economic and efficient surface connectivity. Both sides believe that the Chabahar route can be the key to address this problem. A total of nine agreements and MoUs on cooperation were signed during the summit including on the line of credit, information technology, cybersecurity, solar energy, customs, standardisation, mass communication, etc. Space and civil nuclear energy are also upcoming areas of our bilateral cooperation. WION: On connectivity, a trilateral happened between on Chabahar between India, Iran, and Uzbekistan. Chabahar is India built port, how do you see, Central Asia benefitting from it? Manish Prabhat: As we are all aware, India has been pushing for encouraging the use of the Chabahar port by all Central Asian countries. Even during the first India-Central Asia Dialogue at the level of Foreign Ministers held in January 2019 in Samarkand, then External Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj had put forth the idea of the use of Chabahar for establishing greater connectivity between India and Central Asia. It is heartening to see that Uzbekistan fully supports this idea and has taken the initiative to host the first trilateral dialogue among Uzbekistan, India, and Iran on the possibilities of the joint use of Chabahar port. The trilateral meeting took place on 14 December at the level of Deputy Ministers of the three countries concerned with transport and logistics relating to the Chabahar port. The three sides discussed the possibility of developing joint platforms and establishing commercial parameters to encourage the transit of goods through the Chabahar port. The idea, when taken further, would need customs administrations of the three countries, freight forwarding companies, and other stakeholders to work together. We would need the participation of Afghanistan and other Central Asian countries to have a wider reach for this proposal. While transit through railways and trucks already takes place from Iran’s Bandar Abbas port to Central Asian countries, the need is to develop the infrastructure to connect Central Asia to the Chabahar port. This will further make the route between India and Central Asia shorter and economical for the movement of containers. The Chabahar port is already successfully handling the movement of goods between India and Afghanistan. Its success has already shown that it has the potential to become the fulcrum of transit between India and Central Asia. WION: Uzbekistan is the first country in Central Asia with which we have started our development partners in terms of extending Lines of Credit. We have now listed 4 projects for the partnership, can you give details? Manish Prabhat: As per the request of the Government of Uzbekistan, the Government of India has approved four projects to be undertaken under India’s Line of Credit in Uzbekistan. These projects are in the sectors of road construction, sewerage, and supply of IT equipment for education and are worth USD 448 million. These projects are also spread over different regions of Uzbekistan. More such projects will also be identified in the future as our total commitment is of USD 1 billion of Line of Credit. The Government of Uzbekistan is expected to soon make us available the Detailed Project Reports so that they could be studied and examined from a technical and financial point of view. The implementation of projects can begin soon thereafter. WION: How do you see future cooperation. We have with Gujarat and Andijan, also plans for Haryana and Fergana. IT is another sector which has seen cooperation. Manish Prabhat: Establishing cooperation between identified pairs of regions of Uzbekistan and states of India could become a good model for encouraging investment and projects between the two sides. We have been encouraged by the results of the visit of the Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Vijay Rupani who led a strong business delegation of Gujarat-based companies to the Andijan region of Uzbekistan in October 2019. Gujarat and Andijan have a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation. Shortly after the visit of Shri Rupani, a strong Uzbek business delegation paid a return visit to Gujarat. As a result of these visits, more than 20 B2B Agreements and documents were signed, especially in the fields of pharmaceuticals, IT, education and agriculture, and agri-processing. Cadila has announced a major investment in Andijan to manufacture pharmaceuticals. Andijan has opened a special Free Pharmaceuticals Zone to attract Indian companies. Both India and Uzbekistan seek to further expand this model of cooperation and are taking further steps to encourage cooperation between the Fergana region and the state of Haryana. Development of various contours of cooperation would depend on the respective strengths of the identified regions and the states and their potential. IT certainly continues to be a major sector of our bilateral cooperation. It may be noted that the Uzbek government invited an expert from the Software Technology Parks of India to be stationed in Uzbekistan and provide technical expertise to establish IT parks in the country. As a result, Uzbekistan’s first-ever IT Park was opened in Tashkent in early 2019 and more IT parks have since been opened in other regions of Uzbekistan. The Uzbekistan government is upbeat about attracting Indian IT companies to Uzbekistan to help with various digitization and e-governance activities in the country. The Uzbek side would also like to benefit from India’s experience in helping startups to grow. WION: Uzbek Parliament has also constituted an India Friendship Group in their Parliament, is it the first such Parliament in the region to do so? Manish Prabhat: Oliy Majlis, the Parliament of Uzbekistan has expressed its strong desire to expand cooperation with the Indian Parliament and benefit from the study of India’s parliamentary practices given our strong credentials of being the largest democracy in the world. As per the parliamentary practices in Uzbekistan, Parliamentary Friendship Groups for India have already been established in both Houses of the Oliy Majlis and they would like to have interaction with their counterpart groups in the Indian Parliament. There have also been proposals to have online interaction between parliamentarians from both sides on topics of mutual interest and exchange of visits in the future once the pandemic situation improves. Both India and Uzbekistan would like to strengthen their inter-parliamentary cooperation. With the ongoing reforms in various spheres in Uzbekistan, including in the fields of governance, media, economy and finance, there is interest in the Uzbek Parliament to study the practices of developed democracies to learn how their parliaments support such initiatives.

Chabahar can be fulcrum of transit between India and Central Asia, says Indian envoy to Uzbekistan Manish Prabhat

In the second leg of India's mission Sagar 3, Indian Navy ship Kiltan reached Cambodia's Sihanoukville Port with 15 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance to deal with the floods. &nbsp;The country has been impacted by massive flooding. The aid was handed over to Cambodia’s National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC).&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, India's envoy to Cambodia Devyani Khobragade said&nbsp;the flood relief material to Cambodia has been given "under 'Mission SAGAR'&nbsp;as part of India’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) assistance to Friendly Foreign Countries.''

Adding," Mission SAGAR-III, is being undertaken in accordance with the vision of the Prime Minister of India&nbsp;Narendra Modi vision for Security and Growth for All in the Region. It highlights the importance that India attaches to Cambodia and her other maritime neighbors"

The technical halt of the INS Kiltan in Sihanoukville would be from 29 December 2020 to 01 January 2021. Before INS Kiltan, it was INS Sahyadri in November of 2019 to visit Cambodia.&nbsp;

Kiltan arrived from Vietnam to which India handed over 15 tons of food aid. The worst flooding in years in both Vietnam and Cambodia has leftover 100 dead and impacted millions. This is the first time India has sent aid to ASEAN member countries under its mission Sagar.

This year the Indian navy undertook three&nbsp;missions to reach out to the countries in the Indo pacific. Under its mission Sagar 1 and 2, New Delhi sent aid to deal with the COVID pandemic to nine&nbsp;Countries. Mission Sagar one saw, Indian navy sending covid related aid in form of medicine and food to 5 Indian ocean countries-- Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles which was followed by mission Sagar 2 under which it reached out to 4 African countries--Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti, and Eritrea

In the second leg of India's mission Sagar 3, Indian Navy ship Kiltan reached Cambodia's Sihanoukville Port with 15 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance to deal with the floods.

In the second leg of India's mission Sagar 3, Indian Navy ship Kiltan reached Cambodia's Sihanoukville Port with 15 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance to deal with the floods. The country has been impacted by massive flooding. The aid was handed over to Cambodia’s National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC). Speaking to WION, India's envoy to Cambodia Devyani Khobragade said the flood relief material to Cambodia has been given "under 'Mission SAGAR' as part of India’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) assistance to Friendly Foreign Countries.'' Adding," Mission SAGAR-III, is being undertaken in accordance with the vision of the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi vision for Security and Growth for All in the Region. It highlights the importance that India attaches to Cambodia and her other maritime neighbors" The technical halt of the INS Kiltan in Sihanoukville would be from 29 December 2020 to 01 January 2021. Before INS Kiltan, it was INS Sahyadri in November of 2019 to visit Cambodia. Kiltan arrived from Vietnam to which India handed over 15 tons of food aid. The worst flooding in years in both Vietnam and Cambodia has leftover 100 dead and impacted millions. This is the first time India has sent aid to ASEAN member countries under its mission Sagar. This year the Indian navy undertook three missions to reach out to the countries in the Indo pacific. Under its mission Sagar 1 and 2, New Delhi sent aid to deal with the COVID pandemic to nine Countries. Mission Sagar one saw, Indian navy sending covid related aid in form of medicine and food to 5 Indian ocean countries-- Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles which was followed by mission Sagar 2 under which it reached out to 4 African countries--Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti, and Eritrea

India sends 15 tonnes of flood aid to Cambodia

The external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar who is on a 2-day Qatar visit has told the Indian community that the economic impact of covid "can be put behind us" and the "economic confidence is visible".

In over one hour virtual meet, EAM said, &nbsp;"The general sense is Economy is coming back and coming back very very strongly. The feeling is Q1 &amp; Q2 of this financial year was obviously extremely tough, the feeling is now, all the feedback we get in terms of the critical sectors of the economy have been very positive."

Explaining that ,"there are areas, particularly the services sector, informal sector where recovery is not going to be so rapid. But again, there is economic confidence which is also visible, both the feeling that we can put the pandemic behind us as well as the economic consequences can be put behind us"

India's growth contracted to minus 23.9% in the first quarter of this financial year, and in the 2nd quarter, it came out at minus 7.5 % as the COVID crisis took a toll on the Economy. India along with all major economies saw contraction due to the pandemic.

EAM said India is "shifting gears" via Atmanirbhar Bharat which is "an expression, a desire to build stronger capabilities at home so that our participation in global economic activities is more effective"

Adding, "one of the issues with COVID has been that a lot of countries have been redoing supply chains, looking at on shoring many activities...Qatar is looking at its own near-term future, they have their own priorities, world cup football is significant among them and these are opportunities to draw the countries closer"

Qatar hosts more than 7 lakh Indians with bilateral trade at $10.95 billion in FY 2019-20. This is EAM's first visit to West Asia amidst the COVID pandemic. In September he made a stopover in Iran while going to Moscow, November saw a visit to UAE and Bahrain and currently, he is in Qatar. The increased high-level engagement between India and West Asian capitals comes even as both sides come closer in a number of areas from security to defence to people to people ties.

The external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar who is on a 2-day Qatar visit has told the Indian community that the economic impact of covid "can be put behind us" and the "economic confidence is visible".

The external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar who is on a 2-day Qatar visit has told the Indian community that the economic impact of covid "can be put behind us" and the "economic confidence is visible". In over one hour virtual meet, EAM said, "The general sense is Economy is coming back and coming back very very strongly. The feeling is Q1 & Q2 of this financial year was obviously extremely tough, the feeling is now, all the feedback we get in terms of the critical sectors of the economy have been very positive." Explaining that ,"there are areas, particularly the services sector, informal sector where recovery is not going to be so rapid. But again, there is economic confidence which is also visible, both the feeling that we can put the pandemic behind us as well as the economic consequences can be put behind us" India's growth contracted to minus 23.9% in the first quarter of this financial year, and in the 2nd quarter, it came out at minus 7.5 % as the COVID crisis took a toll on the Economy. India along with all major economies saw contraction due to the pandemic. EAM said India is "shifting gears" via Atmanirbhar Bharat which is "an expression, a desire to build stronger capabilities at home so that our participation in global economic activities is more effective" Adding, "one of the issues with COVID has been that a lot of countries have been redoing supply chains, looking at on shoring many activities...Qatar is looking at its own near-term future, they have their own priorities, world cup football is significant among them and these are opportunities to draw the countries closer" Qatar hosts more than 7 lakh Indians with bilateral trade at $10.95 billion in FY 2019-20. This is EAM's first visit to West Asia amidst the COVID pandemic. In September he made a stopover in Iran while going to Moscow, November saw a visit to UAE and Bahrain and currently, he is in Qatar. The increased high-level engagement between India and West Asian capitals comes even as both sides come closer in a number of areas from security to defence to people to people ties.

EAM tells Indian community in Qatar, economic confidence visible in India

The Indian Space Research Organization or ISRO has started phase one of the training of 4 Bhutanese engineers. The engineers are being trained under a joint India and Bhutan project to develop a satellite for Bhutan.

Phase one of the training will take place at ISRO's UR Rao Satellite center (URSC) from 28th December 2020 to 25th February 2021 and will involve theoretical and technical aspects. It will also involve visits to labs and test facilities. The 2nd phase of training will focus on developing the satellite for Bhutan--INS-2B.

The satellite will be used to map the country's natural resources and for disaster management. An India Bhutan Joint working group is implementing the project.These engineers are from Bhutan's department of information technology and telecom which comes under Ministry of Information and communication.

A release by the Indian mission in Bhutan said, "Cooperation in new frontiers such as space technology has been given an impetus by the leadership of the countries and will be bolstered further through the joint development of the small satellite for Bhutan."

Last month, during a virtual meet between both the Indian and Bhutanese PM, India announced that the small satellite will be launched in 2021 and for that as part of capacity building, ISRO will train 4 Bhutanese engineers.

Announcing the development at the launch of phase 2 of RuPay card in the country virtually, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said," I am happy to tell you, next year ISRO is planning to send a Bhutanese satellite to outer space next year and work is going on in full pace. For this 4 Bhutanese space, engineers will be trained in India from December by ISRO. I congratulate these Bhutanese nationals. "

The project was first announced during PM Modi's Bhutan visit in August 2019. During that visit, a ground Earth station for South Asia Satellite was inaugurated in Thimphu.

India led south Asia satellite project was launched in 2017. Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives are part of the project. New Delhi has offered to increase the bandwidth on an additional transponder on the satellite "as per Bhutan's requirements" and "as a gift".

The Indian Space Research Organization or ISRO has started phase one of the training of 4 Bhutanese engineers. The engineers are being trained under a joint India and Bhutan project to develop a satellite for Bhutan.

The Indian Space Research Organization or ISRO has started phase one of the training of 4 Bhutanese engineers. The engineers are being trained under a joint India and Bhutan project to develop a satellite for Bhutan. Phase one of the training will take place at ISRO's UR Rao Satellite center (URSC) from 28th December 2020 to 25th February 2021 and will involve theoretical and technical aspects. It will also involve visits to labs and test facilities. The 2nd phase of training will focus on developing the satellite for Bhutan--INS-2B. The satellite will be used to map the country's natural resources and for disaster management. An India Bhutan Joint working group is implementing the project.These engineers are from Bhutan's department of information technology and telecom which comes under Ministry of Information and communication. A release by the Indian mission in Bhutan said, "Cooperation in new frontiers such as space technology has been given an impetus by the leadership of the countries and will be bolstered further through the joint development of the small satellite for Bhutan." Last month, during a virtual meet between both the Indian and Bhutanese PM, India announced that the small satellite will be launched in 2021 and for that as part of capacity building, ISRO will train 4 Bhutanese engineers. Announcing the development at the launch of phase 2 of RuPay card in the country virtually, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said," I am happy to tell you, next year ISRO is planning to send a Bhutanese satellite to outer space next year and work is going on in full pace. For this 4 Bhutanese space, engineers will be trained in India from December by ISRO. I congratulate these Bhutanese nationals. " The project was first announced during PM Modi's Bhutan visit in August 2019. During that visit, a ground Earth station for South Asia Satellite was inaugurated in Thimphu. India led south Asia satellite project was launched in 2017. Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives are part of the project. New Delhi has offered to increase the bandwidth on an additional transponder on the satellite "as per Bhutan's requirements" and "as a gift".

India begins training of four Bhutanese space engineers for satellite launch

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has reached Qatar for a two-day visit that will see him meeting top leadership of the politically significant West Asian country.&nbsp;

Jaishankar will meet the foreign minister of the country, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, and other top political leaders.

A Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) release said, "During the visit, he will hold talks with his counterpart on bilateral issues as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. He will convey special gratitude to the State of Qatar for taking care of Indians during the Covid-19 pandemic."

This is the seventh high-level in-person visit from India to West Asia amid Covid pandemic in the last four months.&nbsp;

September saw a stop-over by both India's defence minister Rajnath Singh and Jaishankar in Tehran, while on way to Moscow for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation defense and foreign ministers met respectively.

October saw the visit of India's energy minister Dharmendra Pradhan to Kuwait to offer condolences on the passing away of former Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al Ahmed al Jaber al Sabah. It was followed by the visit of Jaishankar to UAE and Bahrain in November.

December saw two visits -- the visit of Indian Army Chief MM Naravane to Saudi Arabia and UAE and Minister of State in the MEA V Muraleedharan to Oman. This visit by Indian Army chief was the first such visit to West Asia.

Overall, Indian leaders have been to seven West Asian countries -- Iran (two visits), Kuwait, UAE (two visits), Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar -- the maximum to any region this year.

During his current visit, Jaishankar will address the Indian community. The country hosts 7 lakh Indian workers, many of them send huge remittances to back home.&nbsp;

India has welcomed the recent labour reforms measures adopted by the country -- which include the institutionalisation of rights of workers, their safe movement and settlement of labour issues.

Qatar, which has punched above its weight in West Asia, also hosts the intra-Afghan talks and Taliban delegation with Afghanistan -- which is also expected to be the key focus of Jaishankar's talks with the country's leadership.&nbsp;

In September, Jaishankar virtually joined the ceremony marking the start of talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government hosted by Doha.

Earlier this month, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Amir Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani with investment being the focus of the talks. Both sides have decided to create a special task force to further facilitate investments by Qatar investment authority into India. They have also resolved to explore Qatari investments in the entire energy value-chain in India.&nbsp;

The bilateral trade between the two countries stands at US$ 10.95 billion in 2019-20.

India has continued its engagement via virtual means with West Asia amidst the COVID pandemic as well. Jaishankar has spoken to a number of his counterparts, including a meet with the GCC or Gulf Cooperation Council.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has reached Qatar for a two-day visit that will see him meeting top leadership of the politically significant West Asian country.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has reached Qatar for a two-day visit that will see him meeting top leadership of the politically significant West Asian country. Jaishankar will meet the foreign minister of the country, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, and other top political leaders. A Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) release said, "During the visit, he will hold talks with his counterpart on bilateral issues as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. He will convey special gratitude to the State of Qatar for taking care of Indians during the Covid-19 pandemic." This is the seventh high-level in-person visit from India to West Asia amid Covid pandemic in the last four months. September saw a stop-over by both India's defence minister Rajnath Singh and Jaishankar in Tehran, while on way to Moscow for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation defense and foreign ministers met respectively. October saw the visit of India's energy minister Dharmendra Pradhan to Kuwait to offer condolences on the passing away of former Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al Ahmed al Jaber al Sabah. It was followed by the visit of Jaishankar to UAE and Bahrain in November. December saw two visits -- the visit of Indian Army Chief MM Naravane to Saudi Arabia and UAE and Minister of State in the MEA V Muraleedharan to Oman. This visit by Indian Army chief was the first such visit to West Asia. Overall, Indian leaders have been to seven West Asian countries -- Iran (two visits), Kuwait, UAE (two visits), Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar -- the maximum to any region this year. During his current visit, Jaishankar will address the Indian community. The country hosts 7 lakh Indian workers, many of them send huge remittances to back home. India has welcomed the recent labour reforms measures adopted by the country -- which include the institutionalisation of rights of workers, their safe movement and settlement of labour issues. Qatar, which has punched above its weight in West Asia, also hosts the intra-Afghan talks and Taliban delegation with Afghanistan -- which is also expected to be the key focus of Jaishankar's talks with the country's leadership. In September, Jaishankar virtually joined the ceremony marking the start of talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government hosted by Doha. Earlier this month, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Amir Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani with investment being the focus of the talks. Both sides have decided to create a special task force to further facilitate investments by Qatar investment authority into India. They have also resolved to explore Qatari investments in the entire energy value-chain in India. The bilateral trade between the two countries stands at US$ 10.95 billion in 2019-20. India has continued its engagement via virtual means with West Asia amidst the COVID pandemic as well. Jaishankar has spoken to a number of his counterparts, including a meet with the GCC or Gulf Cooperation Council.

Seventh high-level visit from India to West Asia begins as Jaishankar reaches Qatar

Mincing no words, senior Afghan leader and once a member of the legendary Northern Alliance, Ata Mohammad Noor has termed Pakistan the "birthplace of Taliban".

His comments come days after videos emerged of the Taliban's top leader Abdul Ghani Baradar engaging with followers in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi and confessing to the group's leadership in the country.

Ata, who has been in the past Governor of the northern Balkh province said, "we know that Pakistan is the birthplace of the Taliban and they support them." Adding, "We hope Pakistan will collaborate with us as it will be in the best interests of both nations."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-afghan-policemen-killed-as-kabul-hit-by-bomb-blasts-352520" hreflang="en">Two Afghan policemen killed as Kabul hit by bomb blasts</a>

Noor recalled his recent meeting with the top leadership of the country, saying he told them, "foreign insurgents will move their safe havens from Northern Waziristan (Pakistan) to the north of Afghanistan.." Highlighting that he, "warned them against late actions and told them that it’s best we take action today as we will pay a big price tomorrow" and "They kept on coming from Pakistan under the pretext of fighting foreign terrorism. They came and joined the Taliban and improved their presence from Badakhshan to Fariab and Badghis (provinces)"

Earlier this month Taliban's top leadership was in the Pakistani capital Islamabad and met Pakistan foreign minister SM Qureshi and PM Imran Khan. But what raised eyebrows of the Taliban leadership then meeting followers and going to training camps.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/seven-taliban-terrorists-killed-in-airstrike-in-afghanistans-balkh-province-352496" hreflang="en">Seven Taliban terrorists killed in airstrike in Afghanistan's Balkh province</a>

Afghan foreign ministry had taken a strong objection to it and in a strong statement said, "The overt presence and activities of Afghan insurgent elements and their leaders in Pakistani territory clearly violate Afghanistan's national sovereignty and continue to cause crisis and instability in the region" which poses a "serious challenge to achieving sustainable peace in Afghanistan."

Noor is currently the Chief Executive of Jamiat-e Islami Afghanistan and was earlier in India as part of the engagements with New Delhi vis a vis the peace process.

Mincing no words, senior Afghan leader and once a member of the legendary Northern Alliance, Ata Mohammad Noor has termed Pakistan the "birthplace of Taliban". His comments come days after videos emerged of the Taliban's top leader Abdul Ghani Baradar engaging with followers in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi and confessing to the group's leadership in the country.

Mincing no words, senior Afghan leader and once a member of the legendary Northern Alliance, Ata Mohammad Noor has termed Pakistan the "birthplace of Taliban". His comments come days after videos emerged of the Taliban's top leader Abdul Ghani Baradar engaging with followers in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi and confessing to the group's leadership in the country. Ata, who has been in the past Governor of the northern Balkh province said, "we know that Pakistan is the birthplace of the Taliban and they support them." Adding, "We hope Pakistan will collaborate with us as it will be in the best interests of both nations." Also read| Two Afghan policemen killed as Kabul hit by bomb blasts Noor recalled his recent meeting with the top leadership of the country, saying he told them, "foreign insurgents will move their safe havens from Northern Waziristan (Pakistan) to the north of Afghanistan.." Highlighting that he, "warned them against late actions and told them that it’s best we take action today as we will pay a big price tomorrow" and "They kept on coming from Pakistan under the pretext of fighting foreign terrorism. They came and joined the Taliban and improved their presence from Badakhshan to Fariab and Badghis (provinces)" Earlier this month Taliban's top leadership was in the Pakistani capital Islamabad and met Pakistan foreign minister SM Qureshi and PM Imran Khan. But what raised eyebrows of the Taliban leadership then meeting followers and going to training camps. Also read| Seven Taliban terrorists killed in airstrike in Afghanistan's Balkh province Afghan foreign ministry had taken a strong objection to it and in a strong statement said, "The overt presence and activities of Afghan insurgent elements and their leaders in Pakistani territory clearly violate Afghanistan's national sovereignty and continue to cause crisis and instability in the region" which poses a "serious challenge to achieving sustainable peace in Afghanistan." Noor is currently the Chief Executive of Jamiat-e Islami Afghanistan and was earlier in India as part of the engagements with New Delhi vis a vis the peace process.

Pakistan birthplace of Taliban, says top Afghan leader Ata Noor

Afghanistan has strongly objected to Pakistan providing safe haven to the Taliban with new evidence emerging on how the group has itself openly acknowledged its presence in the country

Afghan foreign ministry in a strongly worded statement said, "The overt presence and activities of Afghan insurgent elements and their leaders in Pakistani territory clearly violate Afghanistan's national sovereignty and continue to cause crisis and instability in the region" which poses a "serious challenge to achieving sustainable peace in Afghanistan."

Kabil called on the "Pakistani government not to allow its territory to be used by insurgents and elements who insist on continuing the war and bloodshed".

Earlier this month, the top Taliban delegation was in Pakistan for talks with Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood&nbsp;Qureshi and PM Imran Khan but what came as a shocker was videos of them visiting followers and extending support to them.

Terming the development regretful and concerning, the Afghan ministry pointed out the videos in which "Taliban appeared among their followers, disclosing the existence of all Taliban leaders in Pakistan and acknowledging their continued activities in Pakistani territory."

The videos, which went viral showed Taliban Abdul Ghani Baradar engaging with followers in Karachi and confessing to the group's leadership in the country.

The Afghan statement highlighted that Kabul "considers the closure of insurgent and terrorist sanctuaries and the cessation of their activities vital for the peaceful resolution of the Afghan crisis and ensuring regional peace and stability" and called for "continuation of sincere cooperation and genuine fight against terrorism and common threats."

It is not the first time, the Taliban has been to Pakistan on an official visit for the talks. While the Taliban has been having talks with other countries like Iran, China, a visit to Pakistan has been with much fanfare with videos been released of a warm welcome.

Afghanistan in the past has also raised concerns over Pakistan hosting insurgent and terror groups. In fact, along with Kabul, Tehran and Delhi have multiple times raised concerns over safe haven to terror groups but Islamabad has yet to take action.

Afghanistan has strongly objected to Pakistan providing safe haven to the Taliban with new evidence emerging on how the group has itself openly acknowledged its presence in the country Afghan foreign ministry in a strongly worded statement said, "The overt presence and activities of Afghan insurgent elements and their leaders in Pakistani territory clearly violate Afghanistan's national sovereignty and continue to cause crisis and instability in the region" which poses a "serious challenge to achieving sustainable peace in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan has strongly objected to Pakistan providing safe haven to the Taliban with new evidence emerging on how the group has itself openly acknowledged its presence in the country Afghan foreign ministry in a strongly worded statement said, "The overt presence and activities of Afghan insurgent elements and their leaders in Pakistani territory clearly violate Afghanistan's national sovereignty and continue to cause crisis and instability in the region" which poses a "serious challenge to achieving sustainable peace in Afghanistan." Kabil called on the "Pakistani government not to allow its territory to be used by insurgents and elements who insist on continuing the war and bloodshed". Earlier this month, the top Taliban delegation was in Pakistan for talks with Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and PM Imran Khan but what came as a shocker was videos of them visiting followers and extending support to them. Terming the development regretful and concerning, the Afghan ministry pointed out the videos in which "Taliban appeared among their followers, disclosing the existence of all Taliban leaders in Pakistan and acknowledging their continued activities in Pakistani territory." The videos, which went viral showed Taliban Abdul Ghani Baradar engaging with followers in Karachi and confessing to the group's leadership in the country. The Afghan statement highlighted that Kabul "considers the closure of insurgent and terrorist sanctuaries and the cessation of their activities vital for the peaceful resolution of the Afghan crisis and ensuring regional peace and stability" and called for "continuation of sincere cooperation and genuine fight against terrorism and common threats." It is not the first time, the Taliban has been to Pakistan on an official visit for the talks. While the Taliban has been having talks with other countries like Iran, China, a visit to Pakistan has been with much fanfare with videos been released of a warm welcome. Afghanistan in the past has also raised concerns over Pakistan hosting insurgent and terror groups. In fact, along with Kabul, Tehran and Delhi have multiple times raised concerns over safe haven to terror groups but Islamabad has yet to take action.

Afghanistan objects to Pakistan providing Taliban a safe haven

India and South Korea are holding talks on starting transport air bubble arrangements between the 2 countries for the movement of people. Amidst the COVID pandemic global air travel came to a grinding halt and “Transport Air Bubbles” was established which are temporary arrangements between two countries aimed at restarting commercial passenger services.

During the talks between India's secretary east in the ministry of external affairs Riva Ganguly Das and South Korea's First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-Kun on Wednesday both sides, "exchanged views on cooperation in the context of COVID-19, including facilitating essential air travel between the two countries", an MEA readout said.&nbsp;

South Korean minister highlighted the steps being considered by his Government to further relax the travel restrictions for foreigners including Indian citizens travelling to the country including relaxing restrictions on numbers per flight and categories of visas.&nbsp;

The readout said, "The two sides also agreed to continue ongoing consultations for an air bubble arrangement." 
 
Transport air bubbles are reciprocal and airlines from both countries enjoy similar benefits. India has an air bubble arrangement with 23 countries, while with the UK it has been suspended just recently due to the new strain of corona visit.

During the talks, both sides also planned to deepen cooperation in areas like defence, and in particular on enhancing defence industry cooperation.

India and South Korea are holding talks on starting transport air bubble arrangements between the 2 countries for the movement of people. Amidst the COVID pandemic global air travel came to a grinding halt and “Transport Air Bubbles” was established which are temporary arrangements between two countries aimed at restarting commercial passenger services.

India and South Korea are holding talks on starting transport air bubble arrangements between the 2 countries for the movement of people. Amidst the COVID pandemic global air travel came to a grinding halt and “Transport Air Bubbles” was established which are temporary arrangements between two countries aimed at restarting commercial passenger services. During the talks between India's secretary east in the ministry of external affairs Riva Ganguly Das and South Korea's First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-Kun on Wednesday both sides, "exchanged views on cooperation in the context of COVID-19, including facilitating essential air travel between the two countries", an MEA readout said. South Korean minister highlighted the steps being considered by his Government to further relax the travel restrictions for foreigners including Indian citizens travelling to the country including relaxing restrictions on numbers per flight and categories of visas. The readout said, "The two sides also agreed to continue ongoing consultations for an air bubble arrangement." Transport air bubbles are reciprocal and airlines from both countries enjoy similar benefits. India has an air bubble arrangement with 23 countries, while with the UK it has been suspended just recently due to the new strain of corona visit. During the talks, both sides also planned to deepen cooperation in areas like defence, and in particular on enhancing defence industry cooperation.

India, South Korea hold talks on starting a transport air bubble arrangement

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Sidhant Sibal

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