In the backdrop of the Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov raising question over Indo Pacific and Quad, top Russian diplomats in Delhi has said Moscow does understand, "India's national concept on Indo pacific" but sees Quad as "detrimental" due to lack of inclusivity.&nbsp;

Russian Envoy Nikolay R. Kudashev said, “As far as the Indian ocean initiative, raised by PM Modi, we have no problem with Indian vision". Adding, "We offer a unifying agenda a concept of larger Eurasian partnership which could and we should bring 2 ends together, the Russian vision, the Chinese vision, the Indian vision. The alternative is the lines of division.”

Recently during his remarks at the general meeting of the Russian International Affairs Council, Russian FM Lavrov also mentioned Indo Pacific and quad terming them anti-China. While China sees Indo Pacific and quad very suspiciously, Moscow isn't keen either on it, given it backed by Washington and the west.&nbsp;

Russian Deputy Envoy Roman N. Babushkin pointed out, "while understanding and recognizing the Indian national concept for Indo pacific, let us don't forget about, no unified vision for Indo Pacific currently because we know many countries do promote their own Indo pacific visions.”

Calling mechanism "non-inclusive" and "apprehensions about the intentions" Roman explained, they "threaten to jeopardies regional cooperation, for example, ASEAN centrality and ASEAN unity and that Quad will be detrimental to the inclusive dialogue to the region."

Russia, India ties are much celebrated and historically close. Both PM Modi and President Putin spoke 4 times this year and have annual summits that alternate between the 2 countries. Earlier this year, both Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had visited Russia amidst the pandemic to take part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation defence and foreign ministers meet.

Asked about ties between India and China, the Russian envoy said, "As a friend to both India and China we would welcome enhanced dialogue between Delhi and Beijing" and "this is the key in reaching progress in the ties and regional security and stability"

The Moscow meets saw, Indian and Chinese defence and foreign ministers meet. After India and Chinese foreign minister meet, both countries came out with 5 points joint statement to diffuse the heightened tension.&nbsp;

The envoy also spoke the S400 sanctions by America, saying, "it is hard to predict and let the Biden administration first announce publicly its stance...otherwise, we do not recognize unilateral sanctions as....interstate relations"

Trump administration had imposed sanctions on Turkey for buying the S400 system from Russia. India will also get the system soon, raising fears of possible American sanctions.

In the backdrop of the Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov raising question over Indo Pacific and Quad, top Russian diplomats in Delhi has said Moscow does understand, "India's national concept on Indo pacific" but sees Quad as "detrimental" due to lack of inclusivity.

In the backdrop of the Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov raising question over Indo Pacific and Quad, top Russian diplomats in Delhi has said Moscow does understand, "India's national concept on Indo pacific" but sees Quad as "detrimental" due to lack of inclusivity. Russian Envoy Nikolay R. Kudashev said, “As far as the Indian ocean initiative, raised by PM Modi, we have no problem with Indian vision". Adding, "We offer a unifying agenda a concept of larger Eurasian partnership which could and we should bring 2 ends together, the Russian vision, the Chinese vision, the Indian vision. The alternative is the lines of division.” Recently during his remarks at the general meeting of the Russian International Affairs Council, Russian FM Lavrov also mentioned Indo Pacific and quad terming them anti-China. While China sees Indo Pacific and quad very suspiciously, Moscow isn't keen either on it, given it backed by Washington and the west. Russian Deputy Envoy Roman N. Babushkin pointed out, "while understanding and recognizing the Indian national concept for Indo pacific, let us don't forget about, no unified vision for Indo Pacific currently because we know many countries do promote their own Indo pacific visions.” Calling mechanism "non-inclusive" and "apprehensions about the intentions" Roman explained, they "threaten to jeopardies regional cooperation, for example, ASEAN centrality and ASEAN unity and that Quad will be detrimental to the inclusive dialogue to the region." Russia, India ties are much celebrated and historically close. Both PM Modi and President Putin spoke 4 times this year and have annual summits that alternate between the 2 countries. Earlier this year, both Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had visited Russia amidst the pandemic to take part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation defence and foreign ministers meet. Asked about ties between India and China, the Russian envoy said, "As a friend to both India and China we would welcome enhanced dialogue between Delhi and Beijing" and "this is the key in reaching progress in the ties and regional security and stability" The Moscow meets saw, Indian and Chinese defence and foreign ministers meet. After India and Chinese foreign minister meet, both countries came out with 5 points joint statement to diffuse the heightened tension. The envoy also spoke the S400 sanctions by America, saying, "it is hard to predict and let the Biden administration first announce publicly its stance...otherwise, we do not recognize unilateral sanctions as....interstate relations" Trump administration had imposed sanctions on Turkey for buying the S400 system from Russia. India will also get the system soon, raising fears of possible American sanctions.

Understand Indian concept on Indo-Pacific, but Quad detrimental to inclusivity: Russia

A day after Pakistan claimed that India fired at UN Vehicles at Line of Control (LoC), New Delhi has conveyed its finds to Islamabad and asked it to "responsibly investigate" lapses on its side.

In the aftermath of Pakistan's allegations, New Delhi has investigated the incident and found the allegations "incorrect and false" and in a strongly worded response, the minister of external affairs said, "Instead of repeating baseless and fabricated allegations against India to cover up its own failure in ensuring the safety and security of UN personnel in territory under its control, Pakistan should responsibly investigate its lapses."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-refuses-to-take-position-on-pakistans-claims-of-india-firing-at-agencys-vehicles-350934">UN refuses to take position on Pakistan's claims of India firing at agency's vehicles</a>

Pakistan's army had released pictures of damaged UN vehicles on Friday, claiming they were damaged by Indian forces, something that the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-dismisses-pakistans-claim-of-army-targetting-un-vehicle-along-loc-350912"> Indian Army had immediately dismissed</a>. In fact, the Indian forces were aware of the visit of UN Military Observers in the area and did not conduct any firing that day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/unmo-vehicle-impacted-while-conducting-routine-monitoring-along-loc-351007">WATCH|</a>

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The United Nations has also refused to take the Pakistani position on the matter. In response to a WION's question, Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for UN Secretary-General said United Nations Military Observer Group (UNMOGIP) vehicle carrying UN military observers "was impacted by an unidentified object" while "conducting routine monitoring activities" near Rawalakot as a "part of its mandate to observe and report on ceasefire violations at the Line of Control (LOC) in Jammu and Kashmir."

UN Spokesperson did not identify it as an act of Indian troops as claimed by the Pakistani Army. Farhan said, "UNMOGIP personnel and the driver were not harmed but the vehicle sustained some damage" and the mission is "currently investigating the incident."

A day after Pakistan claimed that India fired at UN Vehicles at Line of Control (LoC), New Delhi has conveyed its finds to Islamabad and asked it to "responsibly investigate" lapses on its side.

A day after Pakistan claimed that India fired at UN Vehicles at Line of Control (LoC), New Delhi has conveyed its finds to Islamabad and asked it to "responsibly investigate" lapses on its side. In the aftermath of Pakistan's allegations, New Delhi has investigated the incident and found the allegations "incorrect and false" and in a strongly worded response, the minister of external affairs said, "Instead of repeating baseless and fabricated allegations against India to cover up its own failure in ensuring the safety and security of UN personnel in territory under its control, Pakistan should responsibly investigate its lapses." Also read| UN refuses to take position on Pakistan's claims of India firing at agency's vehicles Pakistan's army had released pictures of damaged UN vehicles on Friday, claiming they were damaged by Indian forces, something that the Indian Army had immediately dismissed. In fact, the Indian forces were aware of the visit of UN Military Observers in the area and did not conduct any firing that day. WATCH| × The United Nations has also refused to take the Pakistani position on the matter. In response to a WION's question, Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for UN Secretary-General said United Nations Military Observer Group (UNMOGIP) vehicle carrying UN military observers "was impacted by an unidentified object" while "conducting routine monitoring activities" near Rawalakot as a "part of its mandate to observe and report on ceasefire violations at the Line of Control (LOC) in Jammu and Kashmir." UN Spokesperson did not identify it as an act of Indian troops as claimed by the Pakistani Army. Farhan said, "UNMOGIP personnel and the driver were not harmed but the vehicle sustained some damage" and the mission is "currently investigating the incident."

UN vehicles targetted: India asks Islamabad to investigate its lapses, conveys finding

The United Nations has refused to take a position on Pakistan's&nbsp;claims of Indian forces firing at UN Vehicles at the Line of control.

In response to a WION question, Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for UN Secretary-General said United Nations Military Observer Group (UNMOGIP) vehicle carrying UN military observers "was impacted by an unidentified object" while "conducting routine monitoring activities" near Rawalakot as "part of its mandate to observe and report on ceasefire violations at the Line of Control (LOC) in Jammu and Kashmir."

UN Spokesperson did not identify it as an act of Indian troops as claimed by the Pakistani Army. Farhan said, "UNMOGIP personnel and the driver were not harmed but the vehicle sustained some damage" and the mission is "currently investigating the incident."

At the daily presser, in response to questions posed by Indian and Pakistani reporters, he said, "we are aware what both sides have been saying", reiterating, "at this stage, we are simply aware that vehicle was hit by an unidentified object"

Pakistan's Army had released pictures of damaged UN vehicles on Friday, claiming it was damaged by Indian forces. The Indian Army dismissed the Pakistani allegations saying it did not fire at the UN Vehicles.

Top Indian government sources termed the Pakistani allegations as "completely false, factually incorrect and baseless". The sources said no firing was done by Indian troops at the particular sector where UN vehicles were present since movements of "UN vehicles are known in advance" and therefore "the question does not arise of any such firing."

Interesting to point out that in 2017, Pakistan had claimed that Indian troops had targeted UN vehicles. At that time the UN said that there is "no evidence" of vehicles being targeted by gunfire

The United Nations has refused to take a position on Pakistan's claims of Indian forces firing at UN Vehicles at the Line of control. In response to a WION question, Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for UN Secretary-General said United Nations Military Observer Group (UNMOGIP) vehicle carrying UN military observers "was impacted by an unidentified object" while "conducting routine monitoring activities" near Rawalakot as "part of its mandate to observe and report on ceasefire violations at the Line of Control (LOC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

The United Nations has refused to take a position on Pakistan's claims of Indian forces firing at UN Vehicles at the Line of control. In response to a WION question, Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for UN Secretary-General said United Nations Military Observer Group (UNMOGIP) vehicle carrying UN military observers "was impacted by an unidentified object" while "conducting routine monitoring activities" near Rawalakot as "part of its mandate to observe and report on ceasefire violations at the Line of Control (LOC) in Jammu and Kashmir." UN Spokesperson did not identify it as an act of Indian troops as claimed by the Pakistani Army. Farhan said, "UNMOGIP personnel and the driver were not harmed but the vehicle sustained some damage" and the mission is "currently investigating the incident." At the daily presser, in response to questions posed by Indian and Pakistani reporters, he said, "we are aware what both sides have been saying", reiterating, "at this stage, we are simply aware that vehicle was hit by an unidentified object" Pakistan's Army had released pictures of damaged UN vehicles on Friday, claiming it was damaged by Indian forces. The Indian Army dismissed the Pakistani allegations saying it did not fire at the UN Vehicles. Top Indian government sources termed the Pakistani allegations as "completely false, factually incorrect and baseless". The sources said no firing was done by Indian troops at the particular sector where UN vehicles were present since movements of "UN vehicles are known in advance" and therefore "the question does not arise of any such firing." Interesting to point out that in 2017, Pakistan had claimed that Indian troops had targeted UN vehicles. At that time the UN said that there is "no evidence" of vehicles being targeted by gunfire

UN refuses to take position on Pakistan's claims of India firing at agency's vehicles

In what is a clear indication of grudging acceptance, the ruling Chinese Communist Party via its mouthpiece Global Times has accepted that India has "unique geographical advantages" in the Indian ocean.

In an article on 17 December titled “India changes attitude toward multilateral mechanisms for global ambition”, Hu Shisheng who is a director of the Institute for South Asian Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations pointed out, "India has also taken the lead in planning small-scale multilateral cooperation mechanisms in the Indian Ocean”

Increasingly,&nbsp;under the groupings of IORA or Indian ocean Rim Association to the Indo-Pacific construct, New Delhi has been able to leverage the advantage with more and more countries joining Indian led initiatives. In fact, with Indo-Pacific construct, India is connecting the Indian and Pacific oceans from the east coast of Africa to the west coast of the Americas, and as External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said,"Indo-Pacific is not tomorrow’s forecast but yesterday’s reality."

And clearly, in the last few years, India has expanded its role in the Indian Ocean region (IOR), from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) to supplying food and medical aid amidst the COVID pandemic to 5 countries of the Indian Ocean namely: Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, and Seychelles.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-china-introduces-security-review-rules-for-foreign-investors-351014">Now, China introduces security review rules for foreign investors</a>

In 2019, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had proposed the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), under which countries like Australia, Japan, and those in ASEAN grouping has expressed willingness to work with India on issues like maritime security to transport.

In fact, in what looks like a taunt, but is more a reminder for itself, the write-up says, "India wants to be the net security provider of the Indian Ocean". While New Delhi hasn't said so, it is seen as a "Preferred Security Partner".

India's Information Fusion Centre at Gurugram, which keeps an eye on the movement of ships in the Indian ocean is emerging as the nodal center for real-time information in the region.&nbsp;

US and France have sent their liaison officers already, with more countries joining. Under its defense training programmes, India has provided Mobile training teams to 11 countries from Vietnam to South Africa, as well as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.

And in a Deja Vu, the Chinese communist party's indignation via its mouth-piece about India’s ‘Sinophobic, pro-West’ diplomacy comes as no surprise. While Beijing sees India drifting away, it forgets how it opposed New Delhi's bid for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) or the UN Security Council. 2020 saw an increasingly aggressive China, which not only violated agreements on buildups at the Line of Actual control but also indulged in actions such as those in Galwan which saw 20 Indian soldiers attaining martyrdom.

Beijing is already perturbed by Quad meetings and Australia being invited to Malabar exercises and the country perhaps failed to understand or recall the outreach by New Delhi in form of informal summits--in Wuhan and then the Chennai connect. But past is past, as the world woke up to a new China, an aggressive one amidst the COVID pandemic.

In what is a clear indication of grudging acceptance, the ruling Chinese Communist Party via its mouthpiece Global Times has accepted that India has "unique geographical advantages" in the Indian ocean.

In what is a clear indication of grudging acceptance, the ruling Chinese Communist Party via its mouthpiece Global Times has accepted that India has "unique geographical advantages" in the Indian ocean. In an article on 17 December titled “India changes attitude toward multilateral mechanisms for global ambition”, Hu Shisheng who is a director of the Institute for South Asian Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations pointed out, "India has also taken the lead in planning small-scale multilateral cooperation mechanisms in the Indian Ocean” Increasingly, under the groupings of IORA or Indian ocean Rim Association to the Indo-Pacific construct, New Delhi has been able to leverage the advantage with more and more countries joining Indian led initiatives. In fact, with Indo-Pacific construct, India is connecting the Indian and Pacific oceans from the east coast of Africa to the west coast of the Americas, and as External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said,"Indo-Pacific is not tomorrow’s forecast but yesterday’s reality." And clearly, in the last few years, India has expanded its role in the Indian Ocean region (IOR), from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) to supplying food and medical aid amidst the COVID pandemic to 5 countries of the Indian Ocean namely: Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, and Seychelles. Also Read | Now, China introduces security review rules for foreign investors In 2019, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had proposed the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), under which countries like Australia, Japan, and those in ASEAN grouping has expressed willingness to work with India on issues like maritime security to transport. In fact, in what looks like a taunt, but is more a reminder for itself, the write-up says, "India wants to be the net security provider of the Indian Ocean". While New Delhi hasn't said so, it is seen as a "Preferred Security Partner". India's Information Fusion Centre at Gurugram, which keeps an eye on the movement of ships in the Indian ocean is emerging as the nodal center for real-time information in the region. US and France have sent their liaison officers already, with more countries joining. Under its defense training programmes, India has provided Mobile training teams to 11 countries from Vietnam to South Africa, as well as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. And in a Deja Vu, the Chinese communist party's indignation via its mouth-piece about India’s ‘Sinophobic, pro-West’ diplomacy comes as no surprise. While Beijing sees India drifting away, it forgets how it opposed New Delhi's bid for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) or the UN Security Council. 2020 saw an increasingly aggressive China, which not only violated agreements on buildups at the Line of Actual control but also indulged in actions such as those in Galwan which saw 20 Indian soldiers attaining martyrdom. Beijing is already perturbed by Quad meetings and Australia being invited to Malabar exercises and the country perhaps failed to understand or recall the outreach by New Delhi in form of informal summits--in Wuhan and then the Chennai connect. But past is past, as the world woke up to a new China, an aggressive one amidst the COVID pandemic.

China tacitly accepts India's supremacy in Indian Ocean

Zimbabwe's envoy to India has backed New Delhi's place at the United Nations Security Council highlighting the progress role played by the country at other international forums and reforming the "skewed" global governance system.

In response to a WION question at the virtual event of Confederation of Young Leaders (CYL), Zimbabwe's envoy to India Dr. G. M. Chipare said, "You are aware that the current global governance structure is a skewed one..it was put in place more than 60 years ago. I don't think it is fit for the purpose now and India is a front candidate for the post in the United Nation Security Council as a permanent member."

He added, "let's look at the progressive role India has played in the non-aligned movement, united nations conference on trade and development...we think India will play a positive role...in peace and stability at the international level."

Zimbabwe's envoy highlighting how the current UNSC structure is "archaic and tailor-made for a world that doesn't exist" and "India with a formidable economy and population of 1.3 billion cannot be marginalized and we think they deserve a place at the high table. Zimbabwe supports India's efforts to be part of that structure, the permanent member of the Security Council."

India will be at the Security Council from January 1 for a period of two years as a non-permanent member. Its key focus will be on UN reforms, something which Indian PM Modi highlighted during the United Nations General Assembly speech earlier this year. 
&nbsp; 
The ambassador called for an African seat at the high table which currently has 5 permanent members from North America and the Eurasian continent. The UN Security Council has 15 members, 5 permanent, and 10 non-permanent which get the seat for two years.

He said, "African continent with 55 member states deserves a seat at the high level and I am aware that consultations between African representatives at the UN and India, my good friend Amb Tirumurti of India recently had a meeting with ambassador/permanent representative of Zimbabwe to share perspectives on how they will approach issues of common perspective at the UN."

India has backed its support for the Common African Position on the UN reforms as specified in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration. Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, both call for at least 2 permanent and 5 to 2 non-permanent UNSC seats to be given to African countries at the high table.

Asked about ties with China, the Envoy said, "I am the ambassador to India, I am constrained to comment on third party relations."

Explaining further he said, "you are aware that historically, we had good relations with China....But its not a juxtaposition of China and India because India equally played a positive role in our struggle for Independence and as Zimbabwe's envoy to India my brief is to make sure, that India and Zimbabwe become a friend." 
&nbsp;

Zimbabwe's envoy to India has backed New Delhi's place at the United Nations Security Council highlighting the progress role played by the country at other international forums and reforming the "skewed" global governance system.

Zimbabwe's envoy to India has backed New Delhi's place at the United Nations Security Council highlighting the progress role played by the country at other international forums and reforming the "skewed" global governance system. In response to a WION question at the virtual event of Confederation of Young Leaders (CYL), Zimbabwe's envoy to India Dr. G. M. Chipare said, "You are aware that the current global governance structure is a skewed one..it was put in place more than 60 years ago. I don't think it is fit for the purpose now and India is a front candidate for the post in the United Nation Security Council as a permanent member." He added, "let's look at the progressive role India has played in the non-aligned movement, united nations conference on trade and development...we think India will play a positive role...in peace and stability at the international level." Zimbabwe's envoy highlighting how the current UNSC structure is "archaic and tailor-made for a world that doesn't exist" and "India with a formidable economy and population of 1.3 billion cannot be marginalized and we think they deserve a place at the high table. Zimbabwe supports India's efforts to be part of that structure, the permanent member of the Security Council." India will be at the Security Council from January 1 for a period of two years as a non-permanent member. Its key focus will be on UN reforms, something which Indian PM Modi highlighted during the United Nations General Assembly speech earlier this year. The ambassador called for an African seat at the high table which currently has 5 permanent members from North America and the Eurasian continent. The UN Security Council has 15 members, 5 permanent, and 10 non-permanent which get the seat for two years. He said, "African continent with 55 member states deserves a seat at the high level and I am aware that consultations between African representatives at the UN and India, my good friend Amb Tirumurti of India recently had a meeting with ambassador/permanent representative of Zimbabwe to share perspectives on how they will approach issues of common perspective at the UN." India has backed its support for the Common African Position on the UN reforms as specified in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration. Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, both call for at least 2 permanent and 5 to 2 non-permanent UNSC seats to be given to African countries at the high table. Asked about ties with China, the Envoy said, "I am the ambassador to India, I am constrained to comment on third party relations." Explaining further he said, "you are aware that historically, we had good relations with China....But its not a juxtaposition of China and India because India equally played a positive role in our struggle for Independence and as Zimbabwe's envoy to India my brief is to make sure, that India and Zimbabwe become a friend."

India has played a progressive global role, deserves to be at UNSC: Zimbabwe envoy

India's&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnam's PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc will hold a virtual summit on Monday, December 21, Vietnam's Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang has announced.

This will be the first such virtual summit of PM Modi with an ASEAN country. Vietnam is the chair of the ASEAN grouping this year and recent years have seen a number of high-level engagements and visits.

"During the Summit, the two leaders will exchange views on wide-ranging bilateral, regional and global issues and provide guidance for the future development of India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," an official <a href="https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/33317/Virtual_Summit_between_Prime_Minister_Shri_Narendra_Modi_and_Prime_Minister_of_Vietnam_HE_Nguyen_Xuan_Phuc">statement</a> by the&nbsp;Ministry of External Affairs read.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-produce-about-300-mn-doses-of-russian-vaccine-new-deals-signed-350702" hreflang="en">India to produce about 300 mn doses of Russian vaccine; new deals signed</a>

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind had visited the country in 2018 and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu in 2019. President of Vietnam Tran Dai and PM Phuc both were in India in 2018. During the 2016 visit of PM Modi, ties between India and Vietnam were elevated to "comprehensive strategic partnership", a status Vietnam shares with only two&nbsp;other countries&nbsp; — Russia and China.&nbsp;

The India Vietnam virtual summit will be the ninth virtual summit of the Indian PM. He has had virtual summits with Australia, EU, Sri Lanka, Denmark, Italy, Luxembourg, Uzbekistan, and Bangladesh so far. Earlier this month, under this new form of digital diplomacy, he had had virtual summits with his Uzbek and Bangladeshi counterpart.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/farm-laws-have-not-been-introduced-overnight-pm-modi-slams-opposition-for-misguiding-farmers-350700" hreflang="en">Farm laws have not been introduced overnight, PM Modi slams opposition for 'misguiding' farmers</a>

Last month speaking to WION, Vietnam's envoy to India, Pham Sanh Chau said, "India is a very important country, it is going to be the global partner for ASEAN and as a global player India will assume responsibility in many many fields. So we need to strengthen further cooperation that has been in existence between ASEAN and India, also between India and Vietnam."

New Delhi sees Vietnam as the vital&nbsp;pillar of its ‘Act East Policy’ and an essential partner in ‘Indo-Pacific Ocean’s Initiative (IPOI)’.

Vietnam is among 11 countries where India under its defense cooperation has deputed Mobile training teams. Defense Lines of Credit worth US$ 600 million being oriented towards strengthening Vietnam’s domestic defense manufacturing. Both India and Vietnam will serve concurrently as non-permanent members at the United Nations Security Council in 2021.&nbsp;

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnam's PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc will hold a virtual summit on Monday, December 21, Vietnam's Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang has announced.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnam's PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc will hold a virtual summit on Monday, December 21, Vietnam's Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang has announced. This will be the first such virtual summit of PM Modi with an ASEAN country. Vietnam is the chair of the ASEAN grouping this year and recent years have seen a number of high-level engagements and visits. "During the Summit, the two leaders will exchange views on wide-ranging bilateral, regional and global issues and provide guidance for the future development of India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," an official statement by the Ministry of External Affairs read. Also read| India to produce about 300 mn doses of Russian vaccine; new deals signed Indian President Ram Nath Kovind had visited the country in 2018 and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu in 2019. President of Vietnam Tran Dai and PM Phuc both were in India in 2018. During the 2016 visit of PM Modi, ties between India and Vietnam were elevated to "comprehensive strategic partnership", a status Vietnam shares with only two other countries — Russia and China. The India Vietnam virtual summit will be the ninth virtual summit of the Indian PM. He has had virtual summits with Australia, EU, Sri Lanka, Denmark, Italy, Luxembourg, Uzbekistan, and Bangladesh so far. Earlier this month, under this new form of digital diplomacy, he had had virtual summits with his Uzbek and Bangladeshi counterpart. Also read| Farm laws have not been introduced overnight, PM Modi slams opposition for 'misguiding' farmers Last month speaking to WION, Vietnam's envoy to India, Pham Sanh Chau said, "India is a very important country, it is going to be the global partner for ASEAN and as a global player India will assume responsibility in many many fields. So we need to strengthen further cooperation that has been in existence between ASEAN and India, also between India and Vietnam." New Delhi sees Vietnam as the vital pillar of its ‘Act East Policy’ and an essential partner in ‘Indo-Pacific Ocean’s Initiative (IPOI)’. Vietnam is among 11 countries where India under its defense cooperation has deputed Mobile training teams. Defense Lines of Credit worth US$ 600 million being oriented towards strengthening Vietnam’s domestic defense manufacturing. Both India and Vietnam will serve concurrently as non-permanent members at the United Nations Security Council in 2021.

India, Vietnam virtual summit on Monday

Senior officials of the Quad grouping - India, Australia, Japan, and the US met for the second time virtually this year on Friday with focus on COVID-19 vaccine, Indo-Pacific among others.&nbsp;

The first meeting of the group had taken place on September 25 followed by Quad foreign ministers in-person meeting in Japan in October, making the total number of Quad meets this year at three showing an increased engagement.

The minister of external affairs in a release said officials "underscored the importance of enhancing the resilience of supply chains" and highlighted the need to "ensure safe, effective and affordable access to COVID-19 vaccines."&nbsp;

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, a number of COVID plus meetings at the foreign secretary-level took place that saw the participation of countries like New Zealand, South Korea and Japan.

Indo-Pacific was expectedly the top focus area with officials of the grouping reaffirming "their commitment towards a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region" based on "shared values and principles and respect for international law especially the UNCLOS."&nbsp;

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea(UNCLOS) was violated by China in 2016 by not accepting the award of the tribunal constituted under it. The tribunal had dismissed the Chinese claim to a large portion of South China Sea based on its so called "nine dash line".

The read out also said that the grouping of four countries "reiterated their firm support for ASEAN-centrality and ASEAN-led mechanisms" in the regional architecture for the Indo-Pacific, and "their readiness to work with ASEAN and all other countries towards realising a common and promising vision for the Indo-Pacific."

While the MEA release listed areas of cooperation as counter-terrorism, cyber security, maritime security, a new addition was humanitarian and disaster relief something that Indian forces have been able to do amidst the covid pandemic by sending relief to many countries in Africa and the Indian ocean.

China sees the grouping very suspiciously and has been terming it "Asian NATO". The increased engagement of the grouping comes even as Beijing in 2020 tried to increase its territorial ambitions by being aggressive not only with its neighbours but also Quad member countries. In some ways, it has been having either territorial or trade issues with all the Quad member countries.

Senior officials of the Quad grouping - India, Australia, Japan, and the US met for the second time virtually this year on Friday with focus on COVID-19 vaccine, Indo-Pacific among others.

Senior officials of the Quad grouping - India, Australia, Japan, and the US met for the second time virtually this year on Friday with focus on COVID-19 vaccine, Indo-Pacific among others. The first meeting of the group had taken place on September 25 followed by Quad foreign ministers in-person meeting in Japan in October, making the total number of Quad meets this year at three showing an increased engagement. The minister of external affairs in a release said officials "underscored the importance of enhancing the resilience of supply chains" and highlighted the need to "ensure safe, effective and affordable access to COVID-19 vaccines." Amid the COVID-19 crisis, a number of COVID plus meetings at the foreign secretary-level took place that saw the participation of countries like New Zealand, South Korea and Japan. Indo-Pacific was expectedly the top focus area with officials of the grouping reaffirming "their commitment towards a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region" based on "shared values and principles and respect for international law especially the UNCLOS." United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea(UNCLOS) was violated by China in 2016 by not accepting the award of the tribunal constituted under it. The tribunal had dismissed the Chinese claim to a large portion of South China Sea based on its so called "nine dash line". The read out also said that the grouping of four countries "reiterated their firm support for ASEAN-centrality and ASEAN-led mechanisms" in the regional architecture for the Indo-Pacific, and "their readiness to work with ASEAN and all other countries towards realising a common and promising vision for the Indo-Pacific." While the MEA release listed areas of cooperation as counter-terrorism, cyber security, maritime security, a new addition was humanitarian and disaster relief something that Indian forces have been able to do amidst the covid pandemic by sending relief to many countries in Africa and the Indian ocean. China sees the grouping very suspiciously and has been terming it "Asian NATO". The increased engagement of the grouping comes even as Beijing in 2020 tried to increase its territorial ambitions by being aggressive not only with its neighbours but also Quad member countries. In some ways, it has been having either territorial or trade issues with all the Quad member countries.

Quad senior officials meet second time this year; India says focus on COVID vaccine, ASEAN centrality

Indian and Chinese officials on Friday sat for diplomatic talks as &nbsp;part of Working Mechanism for Consultation &amp; Coordination (WMCC) after more than two months with the top focus being disengagement and the next round of military talks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-china-standoff-satellite-image-of-winter-at-galwan-valley-emerges-350823">In Pics:&nbsp;Satellite image of winter at Galwan Valley emerges</a>

A ministry of external affairs read out after the 20th round of WMCC said both sided "agreed that the next (9th) round of senior commanders meeting should be held at an early date" so that they can "work towards early and complete disengagement of troops along the LAC" something that New Delhi has been reiterating many times in the over 8 months-long stand-off.

The read out explained: "The two sides agreed that based on the guidance provided by senior leaders and the agreements reached between the two foreign ministers and special representatives, they would continue to work towards ensuring complete disengagement in all friction points along the LAC in the western sector at the earliest."

The talks took place virtually. The Indian side was led by joint secretary (East Asia), Ministry of External Affairs Naveen Srivastava and from the Chinese side, Director General of the Department of Boundary &amp; Oceanic Affairs was present. The last such meet happened on September 30.

Chinese foreign ministry in its statement said both sides, "agreed to earnestly implement" the five-point consensus reached by the foreign minister of both the countries after the meeting in Moscow earlier this year and, "focused on the disengagement of frontline troops" and "take concrete measures to deal with the issues on the ground to further deescalate the border situation." 
&nbsp; 
The Chinese side also called for holding the "9th round of Senior commanders meeting as soon as possible".

The next focus will be on the military round of talks. The last round of military talks occurred on November 6 and since then the stalemate continues as forces from both sides remained stationed at the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

2020 saw an aggressive China which not only violated the understanding and agreements with India on build-up but also indulged in action in Galwan Valley that killed 20 Indian soldiers in June.

Indian and Chinese officials on Friday sat for diplomatic talks as part of Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination (WMCC) after more than two months with the top focus being disengagement and the next round of military talks.

Indian and Chinese officials on Friday sat for diplomatic talks as part of Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination (WMCC) after more than two months with the top focus being disengagement and the next round of military talks. In Pics: Satellite image of winter at Galwan Valley emerges A ministry of external affairs read out after the 20th round of WMCC said both sided "agreed that the next (9th) round of senior commanders meeting should be held at an early date" so that they can "work towards early and complete disengagement of troops along the LAC" something that New Delhi has been reiterating many times in the over 8 months-long stand-off. The read out explained: "The two sides agreed that based on the guidance provided by senior leaders and the agreements reached between the two foreign ministers and special representatives, they would continue to work towards ensuring complete disengagement in all friction points along the LAC in the western sector at the earliest." The talks took place virtually. The Indian side was led by joint secretary (East Asia), Ministry of External Affairs Naveen Srivastava and from the Chinese side, Director General of the Department of Boundary & Oceanic Affairs was present. The last such meet happened on September 30. Chinese foreign ministry in its statement said both sides, "agreed to earnestly implement" the five-point consensus reached by the foreign minister of both the countries after the meeting in Moscow earlier this year and, "focused on the disengagement of frontline troops" and "take concrete measures to deal with the issues on the ground to further deescalate the border situation." The Chinese side also called for holding the "9th round of Senior commanders meeting as soon as possible". The next focus will be on the military round of talks. The last round of military talks occurred on November 6 and since then the stalemate continues as forces from both sides remained stationed at the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in eastern Ladakh. 2020 saw an aggressive China which not only violated the understanding and agreements with India on build-up but also indulged in action in Galwan Valley that killed 20 Indian soldiers in June.

India, China sit down for diplomatic talks after over two months; disengagement remains top focus

India sees IORA, the Indian Ocean Rim Association playing an important role in the Indo Pacific, with India's Minister of State (MOS) in the Ministry of External Affairs V Muraleedharan highlighting its "importance as a platform for regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region and the wider Indo-Pacific".

The minister's comments come even as India, along with countries like Australia, Japan, the US, UK, Germany are focusing on the concept. ASEAN came up with its outlook on Indo Pacific last year.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-vietnam-virtual-summit-on-monday-350783">India, Vietnam virtual summit on Monday</a>

The council of ministers of IORA countries had met on 17th December virtually, with Muraleedharan pointing out the contributions made "by India, as a Coordinating Country, in two priority areas of IORA namely, Disaster Risk Management and Academic, Science &amp; Technology", MEA statement said.

India will be setting up of Mahatma Gandhi library at the IORA Secretariat in Mauritius. It has already deployed an IT Expert at the Secretariat.

The MEA in the statement said, "India views IORA as a unique platform for promotion of peace stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific through greater inter-regional partnership."

The increasingly influential Indian Ocean grouping also saw France becoming its 23rd member on the basis of the Reunion Islands. Réunion is an Indian ocean Island in the east of Africa and is a French overseas territory.

The French presence comes in the backdrop of its engagement with India and Australia in a trilateral format and it appointing an envoy for the Indo Pacific, Christophe Penot, which is a first anywhere.

UAE is the chair of IORA for this year and under its leadership adopted the Emirates Communique and the IORA’s Solidarity and Cooperation Statement in response to Covid-19.

India is one of the founding members of the grouping formed in 1997. Only 2 countries that have the Indian Ocean as its shores and are not part of the grouping are-- Pakistan and Myanmar.

India sees IORA, the Indian Ocean Rim Association playing an important role in the Indo Pacific, with India's Minister of State (MOS) in the Ministry of External Affairs V Muraleedharan highlighting its "importance as a platform for regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region and the wider Indo-Pacific".

India sees IORA, the Indian Ocean Rim Association playing an important role in the Indo Pacific, with India's Minister of State (MOS) in the Ministry of External Affairs V Muraleedharan highlighting its "importance as a platform for regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region and the wider Indo-Pacific". The minister's comments come even as India, along with countries like Australia, Japan, the US, UK, Germany are focusing on the concept. ASEAN came up with its outlook on Indo Pacific last year. Also read | India, Vietnam virtual summit on Monday The council of ministers of IORA countries had met on 17th December virtually, with Muraleedharan pointing out the contributions made "by India, as a Coordinating Country, in two priority areas of IORA namely, Disaster Risk Management and Academic, Science & Technology", MEA statement said. India will be setting up of Mahatma Gandhi library at the IORA Secretariat in Mauritius. It has already deployed an IT Expert at the Secretariat. The MEA in the statement said, "India views IORA as a unique platform for promotion of peace stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific through greater inter-regional partnership." The increasingly influential Indian Ocean grouping also saw France becoming its 23rd member on the basis of the Reunion Islands. Réunion is an Indian ocean Island in the east of Africa and is a French overseas territory. The French presence comes in the backdrop of its engagement with India and Australia in a trilateral format and it appointing an envoy for the Indo Pacific, Christophe Penot, which is a first anywhere. UAE is the chair of IORA for this year and under its leadership adopted the Emirates Communique and the IORA’s Solidarity and Cooperation Statement in response to Covid-19. India is one of the founding members of the grouping formed in 1997. Only 2 countries that have the Indian Ocean as its shores and are not part of the grouping are-- Pakistan and Myanmar.

India sees Indian Ocean Rim Association playing a role in Indo Pacific

With Pakistan in focus, India, and Australia have called for "sustained" and "irreversible" action on terrorism during the 12th meeting of Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism between the 2 countries.

Without taking Islamabad's name, a joint release after the virtual talks said both sides, "underlined the urgent need for all countries to take immediate, sustained, verifiable and irreversible action" to ensure that "no territory under their control is used for terrorist attacks".

Both sides also called " to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of such attacks", something that in diplomatic parlance means, Pakistan acting on the perpetrators of terror attacks in India, including the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

The release said, "Australia reiterated its condemnation of terrorist attacks in India, including 26/11 Mumbai, Pathankot and Pulwama and reiterated its support for the people and the government of India in the fight against terrorism."

All the 3 terror attacks were masterminded by terrorists and terror organisations based in Pakistan and by the country's own admission, many of these terrorists remain on its soil. &nbsp;Pakistan's top investigative authority, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in November of this year accepted the presence of eleven 26/11 terrorists who facilitated the 26/11 terror attack on its soil.

During the talks, India and Australia, "condemned the use of terrorist proxies for cross-border terrorism", and exchanged views on areas of cooperation like countering radicalization, combating the financing of terrorism, exploitation of the internet for terrorism, and violent extremism. The focus was also on counter-terrorism cooperation at UN, G20, FATF and the Quad--grouping.

Mahaveer Singhvi, Joint Secretary for Counter-Terrorism in the Ministry of External Affairs represented India in the talks, while from the Australian side, Tony Sheehan, Deputy Secretary International Security was present.

With Pakistan in focus, India, and Australia have called for "sustained" and "irreversible" action on terrorism during the 12th meeting of Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism between the 2 countries.

With Pakistan in focus, India, and Australia have called for "sustained" and "irreversible" action on terrorism during the 12th meeting of Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism between the 2 countries. Without taking Islamabad's name, a joint release after the virtual talks said both sides, "underlined the urgent need for all countries to take immediate, sustained, verifiable and irreversible action" to ensure that "no territory under their control is used for terrorist attacks". Both sides also called " to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of such attacks", something that in diplomatic parlance means, Pakistan acting on the perpetrators of terror attacks in India, including the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. The release said, "Australia reiterated its condemnation of terrorist attacks in India, including 26/11 Mumbai, Pathankot and Pulwama and reiterated its support for the people and the government of India in the fight against terrorism." All the 3 terror attacks were masterminded by terrorists and terror organisations based in Pakistan and by the country's own admission, many of these terrorists remain on its soil. Pakistan's top investigative authority, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in November of this year accepted the presence of eleven 26/11 terrorists who facilitated the 26/11 terror attack on its soil. During the talks, India and Australia, "condemned the use of terrorist proxies for cross-border terrorism", and exchanged views on areas of cooperation like countering radicalization, combating the financing of terrorism, exploitation of the internet for terrorism, and violent extremism. The focus was also on counter-terrorism cooperation at UN, G20, FATF and the Quad--grouping. Mahaveer Singhvi, Joint Secretary for Counter-Terrorism in the Ministry of External Affairs represented India in the talks, while from the Australian side, Tony Sheehan, Deputy Secretary International Security was present.

With Pakistan in focus, India, Australia call for sustainable, irreversible action on terrorism

The 20th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation &amp; Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) is underway virtually. WMCC is an institutional mechanism, established in 2012, for consultation and coordination for the management of India - China border areas.

On Thursday, at the weekly virtual meet, the Indian ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava said, "It is our expectation that the further discussions will help both sides to achieve an agreement on a mutually acceptable solution for ensuring complete disengagement in all friction points along the LAC in the Western sector and full restoration of peace and tranquillity as early as possible."

The last such round of talks happened on 30th September. The Indian side is led by Joint Secretary (East Asia) from the Ministry of External Affairs with his Chinese counterpart, who is usually the Director-General of the Boundary &amp; Oceanic Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The talks come even as the over 8-month long standoff at the line of actual control (LAC) continues. 2020 has a bad year for India China ties, not only because of the build-up by the Chinese troops at LAC in eastern Ladakh but also because of the aggressive actions by PLA troops in Galwan which led to the death of 20 Indian soldiers.

The 20th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) is underway virtually. WMCC is an institutional mechanism, established in 2012, for consultation and coordination for the management of India - China border areas.

The 20th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) is underway virtually. WMCC is an institutional mechanism, established in 2012, for consultation and coordination for the management of India - China border areas. On Thursday, at the weekly virtual meet, the Indian ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava said, "It is our expectation that the further discussions will help both sides to achieve an agreement on a mutually acceptable solution for ensuring complete disengagement in all friction points along the LAC in the Western sector and full restoration of peace and tranquillity as early as possible." The last such round of talks happened on 30th September. The Indian side is led by Joint Secretary (East Asia) from the Ministry of External Affairs with his Chinese counterpart, who is usually the Director-General of the Boundary & Oceanic Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The talks come even as the over 8-month long standoff at the line of actual control (LAC) continues. 2020 has a bad year for India China ties, not only because of the build-up by the Chinese troops at LAC in eastern Ladakh but also because of the aggressive actions by PLA troops in Galwan which led to the death of 20 Indian soldiers.

20th round of India, China WMCC talks underway

Batting yet again for the Indo Pacific concept, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that "Indo-Pacific is actually a bread-and-butter expression" of "our political, economic, connectivity, travel, and societal interests".

Speaking at a virtual event, EAM Jaishankar said, "Indo-Pacific is not tomorrow’s forecast but yesterday’s reality....This change actually reflects a regional manifestation of larger global trends."

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-foreign-secretary-dominic-raab-holds-talks-with-indian-mea-s-jaishankar-349888/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

His comments come even as globally the concept is being adopted and welcomed.&nbsp;

India, the US, Japan, and Australia have been the main supporter of it and just last year ASEAN came out with its outlook on it. Many European countries like France, Germany, and The Netherlands have enunciated their official policies, and just earlier this week, British foreign secretary Dominic Raab briefed the Indian side about London's "Indo Pacific tilt"

Defining the region encompassing the concept, he said it is a "maritime space that connects Africa, Asia, Eurasia’s Pacific Coast, Oceania, and the Pacific Coast of the Americas." About 50% of global trade traverses the region and is home to 64% of the world population and 62% of global GDP.

India has been increasing its engagement with countries in the region under initiatives such as Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI).

EAM said, "The IPOI is an inclusive and open initiative, seeking to better manage, conserve, sustain and secure the maritime domain. It does not envisage creating a new institutional framework and will rely on ASEAN-led EAS framework, though not necessarily limited to it"

Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI) has 7 pillars and was proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the East Asia Summit in November 2019. Under the initiative, India and Australia will together host a conference on combating Marine Pollution &amp; Marine Plastic Debris which will bring together many countries of the region next year.

The EAM, interestingly raised the issue of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing saying, "IUU fishing in particular has emerged as an important issue and there is a need to address this through a regional framework of cooperation. India has undertaken to organize an EAS Conference in that regard."

When it comes to IUU fishing, it is the Chinese vessels that have been indulging in such activity, draining oceanic regions near Latin America to North Korea out of resources.

Batting yet again for the Indo Pacific concept, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that "Indo-Pacific is actually a bread-and-butter expression" of "our political, economic, connectivity, travel, and societal interests".

Batting yet again for the Indo Pacific concept, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that "Indo-Pacific is actually a bread-and-butter expression" of "our political, economic, connectivity, travel, and societal interests". Speaking at a virtual event, EAM Jaishankar said, "Indo-Pacific is not tomorrow’s forecast but yesterday’s reality....This change actually reflects a regional manifestation of larger global trends." Watch | His comments come even as globally the concept is being adopted and welcomed. India, the US, Japan, and Australia have been the main supporter of it and just last year ASEAN came out with its outlook on it. Many European countries like France, Germany, and The Netherlands have enunciated their official policies, and just earlier this week, British foreign secretary Dominic Raab briefed the Indian side about London's "Indo Pacific tilt" Defining the region encompassing the concept, he said it is a "maritime space that connects Africa, Asia, Eurasia’s Pacific Coast, Oceania, and the Pacific Coast of the Americas." About 50% of global trade traverses the region and is home to 64% of the world population and 62% of global GDP. India has been increasing its engagement with countries in the region under initiatives such as Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI). EAM said, "The IPOI is an inclusive and open initiative, seeking to better manage, conserve, sustain and secure the maritime domain. It does not envisage creating a new institutional framework and will rely on ASEAN-led EAS framework, though not necessarily limited to it" Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI) has 7 pillars and was proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the East Asia Summit in November 2019. Under the initiative, India and Australia will together host a conference on combating Marine Pollution & Marine Plastic Debris which will bring together many countries of the region next year. The EAM, interestingly raised the issue of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing saying, "IUU fishing in particular has emerged as an important issue and there is a need to address this through a regional framework of cooperation. India has undertaken to organize an EAS Conference in that regard." When it comes to IUU fishing, it is the Chinese vessels that have been indulging in such activity, draining oceanic regions near Latin America to North Korea out of resources.

Indo-Pacific is a 'bread-and-butter expression' says EAM

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Zee News Rajasthan

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