Connectivity and paying tributes to Bangladesh's father of the nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the centenary birth anniversary celebration will be the top focus areas of Indian PM Modi and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's virtual summit on Thursday.&nbsp;

On connectivity, the opening of the Haldibari-Chilahati rail link connecting Bangladesh with the Indian state of West Bengal will be the major outcome of the meet. The route will also connect Assam with Bangladesh and expectedly increase connectivity and economic development in the region help in the movement of cargo.&nbsp;

With the opening of the rail link, five out of pre-1965 six rail links between the two countries will be revived. The Haldibari-Chilahati rail link was part of the broad gauge main route from Kolkata to Siliguri. &nbsp;The other four rail links are Petrapole (India) - Benapole (Bangladesh), Gede (India) – Darshana (Bangladesh), Singhabad (India)-Rohanpur (Bangladesh) and Radhikapur (India)–Birol (Bangladesh).&nbsp;

Both sides are working on Agartala and Akhaura rail link which will open next year. Amid the pandemic, a transport air bubble was also opened to facilitate the movement of travellers on both sides, especially of medical travellers. Earlier this year, as part of increasing connectivity via waterways, trial runs on Sonamura – Daudkandi and Daudkandi – Sonamura route was started.

Both PMs will jointly inaugurate a commemorative stamp on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Bangladesh is celebrating Mujib Borsho, the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who led the freedom movement for the country against Pakistan rule. India's department of the post has issued 500,000 stamps, 3,0750 first day covers and 25,610 brochures on Bangabandhu.

As part of the increased common connection, both sides will open a Bangabandhu-Bapu digital exhibition. The exhibition will be displayed in New Delhi, followed by Bangladesh, United Nations, and would finally culminate at Kolkata in early 2022. While it will provide details on both the leaders, it will have a 360-degree view of some of the historic locations and a robotic signature of Bangabandhu and Bapu. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Connectivity and paying tributes to Bangladesh's father of the nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the centenary birth anniversary celebration will be the top focus areas of Indian PM Modi and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's virtual summit on Thursday.

Connectivity and paying tributes to Bangladesh's father of the nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the centenary birth anniversary celebration will be the top focus areas of Indian PM Modi and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's virtual summit on Thursday. On connectivity, the opening of the Haldibari-Chilahati rail link connecting Bangladesh with the Indian state of West Bengal will be the major outcome of the meet. The route will also connect Assam with Bangladesh and expectedly increase connectivity and economic development in the region help in the movement of cargo. With the opening of the rail link, five out of pre-1965 six rail links between the two countries will be revived. The Haldibari-Chilahati rail link was part of the broad gauge main route from Kolkata to Siliguri. The other four rail links are Petrapole (India) - Benapole (Bangladesh), Gede (India) – Darshana (Bangladesh), Singhabad (India)-Rohanpur (Bangladesh) and Radhikapur (India)–Birol (Bangladesh). Both sides are working on Agartala and Akhaura rail link which will open next year. Amid the pandemic, a transport air bubble was also opened to facilitate the movement of travellers on both sides, especially of medical travellers. Earlier this year, as part of increasing connectivity via waterways, trial runs on Sonamura – Daudkandi and Daudkandi – Sonamura route was started. Both PMs will jointly inaugurate a commemorative stamp on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Bangladesh is celebrating Mujib Borsho, the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who led the freedom movement for the country against Pakistan rule. India's department of the post has issued 500,000 stamps, 3,0750 first day covers and 25,610 brochures on Bangabandhu. As part of the increased common connection, both sides will open a Bangabandhu-Bapu digital exhibition. The exhibition will be displayed in New Delhi, followed by Bangladesh, United Nations, and would finally culminate at Kolkata in early 2022. While it will provide details on both the leaders, it will have a 360-degree view of some of the historic locations and a robotic signature of Bangabandhu and Bapu.

Connectivity, Bangabandhu-Bapu link top focus during PM Modi, Sheikh Hasina virtual summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his meeting with the visiting UK Foreign secretary Dominic Raab on Wednesday called for an "ambitious and outcome-oriented 360-degree roadmap" as part of the 10-year plan. The roadmap will focus on collaboration in all sectors--from defense to trade to education to energy to climate.

The Indian PM stressed on an&nbsp;India-UK partnership in a post-Covid world even as both sides announced a new virtual hub on the covid vaccine. On his part, the UK Foreign secretary "signalled his ambition for a closer UK-India relationship as part of a wider UK focus on our partnerships in the Indo-Pacific", a statement by UK foreign office said.

The virtual hub that has been announced will have experts from both countries sharing best practices, regulatory approvals, efficient distribution of vaccines, and clinical trials. When it comes to the Covid crisis, India's Serum Institute will be producing over a billion doses of the&nbsp;vaccine developed by&nbsp;UK's Oxford University and AstraZeneca. The UK Foreign secretary during his 2nd day of 4 day-long India visit went to a Delhi health clinic where Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines will be administered.

The Foreign Secretary&nbsp;said, "A global pandemic requires a global solution. Scientific cooperation has made breakthroughs on coronavirus vaccines at record-breaking pace and the UK-India Vaccine Hub will now build on these innovations, to bring this crisis to an end and protect us all against future pandemics."

A million doses of vaccines made by India's Serum Institute will be distributed across the world under the global COVAX initiative, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, the vaccine alliance. Amid the pandemic, India has been able to reaffirm its position as the pharmacy of the world and while it supplies 50% of the world's vaccine, it supplies 25% of the UK's National health service's generic drugs.

The FS also met as India's Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal and called India’s National Education Policy 2020 as visionary. Both sides are working on an agreement for mutual recognition of academic qualifications that will help in the internationalization of India's higher education. An agreement has been signed between the University of Edinburgh and Gujarat to open a new biotechnology university in Gujarat in July 2021.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his meeting with the visiting UK Foreign secretary Dominic Raab on Wednesday called for an "ambitious and outcome-oriented 360-degree roadmap" as part of the 10-year plan.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his meeting with the visiting UK Foreign secretary Dominic Raab on Wednesday called for an "ambitious and outcome-oriented 360-degree roadmap" as part of the 10-year plan. The roadmap will focus on collaboration in all sectors--from defense to trade to education to energy to climate. The Indian PM stressed on an India-UK partnership in a post-Covid world even as both sides announced a new virtual hub on the covid vaccine. On his part, the UK Foreign secretary "signalled his ambition for a closer UK-India relationship as part of a wider UK focus on our partnerships in the Indo-Pacific", a statement by UK foreign office said. The virtual hub that has been announced will have experts from both countries sharing best practices, regulatory approvals, efficient distribution of vaccines, and clinical trials. When it comes to the Covid crisis, India's Serum Institute will be producing over a billion doses of the vaccine developed by UK's Oxford University and AstraZeneca. The UK Foreign secretary during his 2nd day of 4 day-long India visit went to a Delhi health clinic where Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines will be administered. The Foreign Secretary said, "A global pandemic requires a global solution. Scientific cooperation has made breakthroughs on coronavirus vaccines at record-breaking pace and the UK-India Vaccine Hub will now build on these innovations, to bring this crisis to an end and protect us all against future pandemics." A million doses of vaccines made by India's Serum Institute will be distributed across the world under the global COVAX initiative, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, the vaccine alliance. Amid the pandemic, India has been able to reaffirm its position as the pharmacy of the world and while it supplies 50% of the world's vaccine, it supplies 25% of the UK's National health service's generic drugs. The FS also met as India's Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal and called India’s National Education Policy 2020 as visionary. Both sides are working on an agreement for mutual recognition of academic qualifications that will help in the internationalization of India's higher education. An agreement has been signed between the University of Edinburgh and Gujarat to open a new biotechnology university in Gujarat in July 2021.

PM Modi calls for outcome oriented roadmap with UK, virtual vaccine hub announced

Minister of State in the ministry of external affairs V. Muraleedharan will on a visit to Oman in the 3rd high-level visit from India to West Asia amidst the pandemic. The last few weeks have seen External affairs minister Dr. S Jaishankar visiting Bahrain and UAE, followed by the visit of Indian army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane to UAE and Saudi Arabia. &nbsp;

MoS will embark on a visit to Oman on December 16&nbsp;and 17&nbsp;and will meet Oman's foreign and labour minister and the large Indian community members. Oman hosts more than 600,000 Indians. &nbsp;

PM Modi has spoken to Sultan of Oman Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik in April and both Indian and Omani Foreign ministers had a virtual meeting earlier this month.

Amidst the pandemic, India ensured that supply chains for food and other essential items functioned smoothly and facilitated the return of health professionals to Oman. Both countries event have an air bubble arrangement for travel and recently Oman announced that Indians will be exempted from entry visas for visiting Oman for a period of ten days.

The MEA release announcing the visit said, "India and Oman are linked by geography, history and culture and enjoy warm and cordial relations."

India sees west Asia as part of its extended neighborhood, and the past few years have been increased engagement and high-level visits. The region which hosts a large number of Indians, mostly Blue-collar worker is also vital for India's energy security in terms of crude oil import.

Increasingly, India is engaging in defense cooperation and connectivity in the region.

The recent normalization of ties of Arab states with Israel under the Abraham accords has been welcomed by India, as it sees many of its allies in the region, once estranged, now coming together.

Minister of State in the ministry of external affairs V. Muraleedharan will on a visit to Oman in the 3rd high-level visit from India to West Asia amidst the pandemic.

Minister of State in the ministry of external affairs V. Muraleedharan will on a visit to Oman in the 3rd high-level visit from India to West Asia amidst the pandemic. The last few weeks have seen External affairs minister Dr. S Jaishankar visiting Bahrain and UAE, followed by the visit of Indian army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane to UAE and Saudi Arabia. MoS will embark on a visit to Oman on December 16 and 17 and will meet Oman's foreign and labour minister and the large Indian community members. Oman hosts more than 600,000 Indians. PM Modi has spoken to Sultan of Oman Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik in April and both Indian and Omani Foreign ministers had a virtual meeting earlier this month. Amidst the pandemic, India ensured that supply chains for food and other essential items functioned smoothly and facilitated the return of health professionals to Oman. Both countries event have an air bubble arrangement for travel and recently Oman announced that Indians will be exempted from entry visas for visiting Oman for a period of ten days. The MEA release announcing the visit said, "India and Oman are linked by geography, history and culture and enjoy warm and cordial relations." India sees west Asia as part of its extended neighborhood, and the past few years have been increased engagement and high-level visits. The region which hosts a large number of Indians, mostly Blue-collar worker is also vital for India's energy security in terms of crude oil import. Increasingly, India is engaging in defense cooperation and connectivity in the region. The recent normalization of ties of Arab states with Israel under the Abraham accords has been welcomed by India, as it sees many of its allies in the region, once estranged, now coming together.

Minister of State in MEA to visit Oman in third high-level visit from India to West Asia amid coronavirus pandemic

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called India an "indispensable partner" ahead of his Delhi visit next month as the chief guest at the Republic day parade. The visit will be his first major bilateral visit since taking charge in 2019 and Brexit.

Johnson said, "I am absolutely delighted to be visiting India next year at the start of an exciting year for Global Britain, and look forward to delivering the quantum leap in our bilateral relationship that Prime Minister Modi and I have pledged to achieve."

The visit will be key to London's pivot to Indo-Pacific. As Johnson described it, "As a key player in the Indo-Pacific region, India is an increasingly indispensable partner for the United Kingdom" as we "work to boost jobs and growth, confront shared threats to our security and protect our planet."

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/british-leaders-who-were-invited-to-indias-republic-day-346990">British leaders who were invited to India's Republic Day</a>

Boris Johnson will be the second British Prime Minister to be at India's Republic Day parade as a chief guest since John Major in 1993.

The British Prime Minister has also extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Modi for the next year's G7 summit. India, along with Australia and South Korea are 3 countries that have been invited to the G7 summit under the chairmanship of the UK.

Ahead of the visit, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is on a four-day India visit and met India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar for talks that lasted for 4 hours at Delhi's Hyderabad house.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-pm-johnsons-visit-dominic-raab-jaishankar-seek-to-deepen-india-uk-ties-349926" hreflang="en">Ahead of PM Johnson's visit, Dominic Raab, Jaishankar seek to deepen India, UK ties</a>

EAM, reacting to the announcement made of Raab that PM Boris has accepted the invitation to come to India said, "It would in a way symbolic of a new era, a new phase of our relationship, it will also really drive us to put in place mechanism, platforms which would realize the expectations that both PM Modi and PM Johnson have of the relationship."

During the Raab-Jaishankar talks, both sides focused on the strengthened UK-India relationship over the next 10 years. Raab said, " As COP26 President and G7 President next year we will work closely with our Indian friends, as they return to the UN Security Council, to boost trade, promote peace and work together as a force for good throughout the Indo-Pacific."

While on every field both sides are working, the key areas are people to people, trade, defense and security, climate change, and health. The British Foreign Secretary will meet Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday to discuss a ‘10-year roadmap’ with emphasis on the collaboration on Trade, dealing with the coronavirus crisis, and tackle climate change.

Both sides are working on a Free Trade Agreement, something the post-Brexit UK is very keen on. Trade between the UK and India stands at £24 billion and grew at 11% last financial year. While there are 842 Indian companies in the UK with a combined turnover of £41.2 billion, 400 British companies are present in India.&nbsp;

On the COVID pandemic, a billion doses of the UK’s Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine being manufactured at India’s Serum Institute in Pune. Amidst the pandemic, the UK got 11 million masks, 3 million packets of Paracetamol from India which emerged as the Pharmacy of the world. When it comes to defense and security, UK will send HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike Group to the Indo-Pacific region next year even as both sides have vowed to increase cooperation.&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called India an "indispensable partner" ahead of his Delhi visit next month as the chief guest at the Republic day parade.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called India an "indispensable partner" ahead of his Delhi visit next month as the chief guest at the Republic day parade. The visit will be his first major bilateral visit since taking charge in 2019 and Brexit. Johnson said, "I am absolutely delighted to be visiting India next year at the start of an exciting year for Global Britain, and look forward to delivering the quantum leap in our bilateral relationship that Prime Minister Modi and I have pledged to achieve." The visit will be key to London's pivot to Indo-Pacific. As Johnson described it, "As a key player in the Indo-Pacific region, India is an increasingly indispensable partner for the United Kingdom" as we "work to boost jobs and growth, confront shared threats to our security and protect our planet." Also see: British leaders who were invited to India's Republic Day Boris Johnson will be the second British Prime Minister to be at India's Republic Day parade as a chief guest since John Major in 1993. The British Prime Minister has also extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Modi for the next year's G7 summit. India, along with Australia and South Korea are 3 countries that have been invited to the G7 summit under the chairmanship of the UK. Ahead of the visit, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is on a four-day India visit and met India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar for talks that lasted for 4 hours at Delhi's Hyderabad house. Also read: Ahead of PM Johnson's visit, Dominic Raab, Jaishankar seek to deepen India, UK ties EAM, reacting to the announcement made of Raab that PM Boris has accepted the invitation to come to India said, "It would in a way symbolic of a new era, a new phase of our relationship, it will also really drive us to put in place mechanism, platforms which would realize the expectations that both PM Modi and PM Johnson have of the relationship." During the Raab-Jaishankar talks, both sides focused on the strengthened UK-India relationship over the next 10 years. Raab said, " As COP26 President and G7 President next year we will work closely with our Indian friends, as they return to the UN Security Council, to boost trade, promote peace and work together as a force for good throughout the Indo-Pacific." While on every field both sides are working, the key areas are people to people, trade, defense and security, climate change, and health. The British Foreign Secretary will meet Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday to discuss a ‘10-year roadmap’ with emphasis on the collaboration on Trade, dealing with the coronavirus crisis, and tackle climate change. Both sides are working on a Free Trade Agreement, something the post-Brexit UK is very keen on. Trade between the UK and India stands at £24 billion and grew at 11% last financial year. While there are 842 Indian companies in the UK with a combined turnover of £41.2 billion, 400 British companies are present in India. On the COVID pandemic, a billion doses of the UK’s Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine being manufactured at India’s Serum Institute in Pune. Amidst the pandemic, the UK got 11 million masks, 3 million packets of Paracetamol from India which emerged as the Pharmacy of the world. When it comes to defense and security, UK will send HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike Group to the Indo-Pacific region next year even as both sides have vowed to increase cooperation.

UK PM Boris Johnson calls India 'indispensable partner' ahead of Delhi visit next month

British Foreign secretary Dominic Raab will be on an India visit starting later tonight till Thursday, a visit that comes in the backdrop of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's India visit next month to take part in Republic day celebrations and Brexit.

He will hold talks with India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar on Tuesday morning and later meet India's environment minister Prakash Javadekar and Education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal. In his 2nd leg of the visit, he will travel to the southern Indian city of Bengaluru and call on the Chief Minister of Karnataka B.S. Yediyurappa.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-defence-minister-highlights-chinas-unprovoked-aggression-build-up-in-ladakh-349692" hreflang="en">India's Defence Minister highlights China's ‘unprovoked aggression’, ‘build-up’ in Ladakh</a>

A release by the MEA said, "Raab’s visit will pave the way for further strengthening of the partnership across trade, defence, climate, migration and mobility, education and health sectors in the post-Covid, post-Brexit context."

India and the UK, who have strategic partnership since 2004, have seen a number of high-level engagements including the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the country in 2018 and 2015. This year, Indian PM and British PM have spoken many times, the main focus being the COVID-19 crisis.

British Foreign secretary's India visit is a third-highest level diplomatic visit to India amidst COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier in October top Afghan govt negotiator, Dr Abdullah Abdulla had visited India, followed by the US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and the then US defence secretary Mark Esper for India, US 2+2 dialogue.

British Foreign secretary Dominic Raab will be on an India visit starting later tonight till Thursday, a visit that comes in the backdrop of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's India visit next month to take part in Republic day celebrations and Brexit.

British Foreign secretary Dominic Raab will be on an India visit starting later tonight till Thursday, a visit that comes in the backdrop of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's India visit next month to take part in Republic day celebrations and Brexit. He will hold talks with India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar on Tuesday morning and later meet India's environment minister Prakash Javadekar and Education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal. In his 2nd leg of the visit, he will travel to the southern Indian city of Bengaluru and call on the Chief Minister of Karnataka B.S. Yediyurappa. Also read| India's Defence Minister highlights China's ‘unprovoked aggression’, ‘build-up’ in Ladakh A release by the MEA said, "Raab’s visit will pave the way for further strengthening of the partnership across trade, defence, climate, migration and mobility, education and health sectors in the post-Covid, post-Brexit context." India and the UK, who have strategic partnership since 2004, have seen a number of high-level engagements including the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the country in 2018 and 2015. This year, Indian PM and British PM have spoken many times, the main focus being the COVID-19 crisis. British Foreign secretary's India visit is a third-highest level diplomatic visit to India amidst COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier in October top Afghan govt negotiator, Dr Abdullah Abdulla had visited India, followed by the US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and the then US defence secretary Mark Esper for India, US 2+2 dialogue.

British foreign secretary Dominic Raab to visit India

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh has highlighted China's "unprovoked aggression" at the line of actual control in eastern Ladakh and the present "big build-up" even as the more than 7-month long stalemate continues between the 2 countries.&nbsp;

Speaking at an industry body FICCI event in Delhi, he said, "The unprovoked aggression on our Himalayan frontiers is a reminder of how the world is changing, how existing agreements are being challenged".&nbsp;

He pointed out how "how power is being asserted not just in the Himalayas but across the Indo-Pacific. And how uncertain the future of the region and world could be in this backdrop."

2020 saw Chinese forces not only indulging in aggressive and violent acts with India at the line of actual control but also threatening other countries like Japan, Taiwan, Australia, Canada, UK and trying to stake claims in South China sea. With India, at the icy mountains of Himalayas, the situation remains tensed even as Chinese forces continue the build-up despite multiple rounds of diplomatic and military talks.

The Indian defence minister lauded the strong response by the Indian forces so far while dealing with an aggressive China, especially at the Galwan valley.&nbsp;

He said, "In these testing times our forces" have shown "exemplary courage and remarkable fortitude" and "they fought the PLA with utmost bravery and forced them to go back." Adding, "The coming generations of this nation will be proud of what our forces have managed to achieve this year."

At the Galwan incident of June, India lost 20 of its soldiers due to aggressive actions by Chinese forces. While Beijing accepted it suffered casualties, it never came out with figures which shows the opaque governance system led by the Chinese communist party.

The Indian defence minister said, "India is far ahead of China when it comes to leading the world with ideas" citing the country's huge cultural impact in East Asia.

Quoting Chinese thinker Hu Shi, Rajnath Singh said “India has culturally dominated and controlled China for more than 2000 years without sending a single soldier across the border” which he said shows how India as a "civilisational state" has been "inspiring and influencing the world through its culture and soft power for centuries."

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh has highlighted China's "unprovoked aggression" at the line of actual control in eastern Ladakh and the present "big build-up" even as the more than 7-month long stalemate continues between the 2 countries.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh has highlighted China's "unprovoked aggression" at the line of actual control in eastern Ladakh and the present "big build-up" even as the more than 7-month long stalemate continues between the 2 countries. Speaking at an industry body FICCI event in Delhi, he said, "The unprovoked aggression on our Himalayan frontiers is a reminder of how the world is changing, how existing agreements are being challenged". He pointed out how "how power is being asserted not just in the Himalayas but across the Indo-Pacific. And how uncertain the future of the region and world could be in this backdrop." 2020 saw Chinese forces not only indulging in aggressive and violent acts with India at the line of actual control but also threatening other countries like Japan, Taiwan, Australia, Canada, UK and trying to stake claims in South China sea. With India, at the icy mountains of Himalayas, the situation remains tensed even as Chinese forces continue the build-up despite multiple rounds of diplomatic and military talks. The Indian defence minister lauded the strong response by the Indian forces so far while dealing with an aggressive China, especially at the Galwan valley. He said, "In these testing times our forces" have shown "exemplary courage and remarkable fortitude" and "they fought the PLA with utmost bravery and forced them to go back." Adding, "The coming generations of this nation will be proud of what our forces have managed to achieve this year." At the Galwan incident of June, India lost 20 of its soldiers due to aggressive actions by Chinese forces. While Beijing accepted it suffered casualties, it never came out with figures which shows the opaque governance system led by the Chinese communist party. The Indian defence minister said, "India is far ahead of China when it comes to leading the world with ideas" citing the country's huge cultural impact in East Asia. Quoting Chinese thinker Hu Shi, Rajnath Singh said “India has culturally dominated and controlled China for more than 2000 years without sending a single soldier across the border” which he said shows how India as a "civilisational state" has been "inspiring and influencing the world through its culture and soft power for centuries."

India's Defence Minister highlights China's ‘unprovoked aggression’, ‘build-up’ in Ladakh

The Mongolian Ambassador to India Gonching Ganbold has said that his countries ties to India are based on 3 Ds--Dharma, Democracy and Development and as both countries celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties this month, the "relationship has grown in forms and content".&nbsp;

Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ganbold said, "India is known in Mongolia as Bharat and the land of Lord Buddha. Each and every Mongolian has very high regard for India."

As part of diplomatic year celebrations, both countries earlier this month released a joint commemorative stamp. Last year, PM Modi and the Mongolian President virtually inaugurated the statue of Buddha which Ambassador Ganbold said, is "a spiritual investment and revival of our national identity.”. Ambassador Ganbold knows Hindi well.

India is helping build an oil refinery in the country, which will help Mongolia save foreign exchange and also have far-reaching economic benefits. In fact, India is training 22 Mongolian engineers at the Indian Institute of mines who will work at the refinery.&nbsp;

WION: This year marks the 65th anniversary of ties, so what is being planned. 
 
Gonching Ganbold: Sabse phley mai WION ke dwara apney Bhartiya doston ko namaskar karna chahta hun. Ye 65th varsh ganth hai aupachaarik sabandhon ki, mai apko dhanyavad karna chahta hun, apne&nbsp;doston&nbsp;ko hardhik namaskar karna chahta hun. 
 
Yes, you have pointed outright, our relations are marking 65th anniversary this month of the official establishment which is based on aged long bonds, historical, spiritual, cultural links that bind our 2 nations. Ever since the teaching of Lord Buddha had prevailed in the Steppes of Mongolia, we became to learn of India. India is known in Mongolia as Bharat and the land of Lord Buddha. Each and every Mongolian has a very high regard for India. Based on the spiritual ties, our cultural-historic links have grown up. You know, a lot of places in Delhi, those have names which are thought-provoking--Mongolpuri, Mongolbad. That could give me the idea that our relationship had to be deep routed and then we have a lot of cultural links. Last July, the President of India, had released the sutras of Mongol Kanjur, which are collections of Lord Buddha's teaching. PM Modi visited Mongolia in 2015, and then he also gave a sampling of Lord Buddha Banyan tree which was greatly appreciated by Mongolian Buddhists. This shows how close we are, spiritually, culturally. This year we mark our 65th anniversary, our links and ties are bond for years, centuries. Our diplomatic relation is based on aged long ancient traditional relations.

 
WION: What kind of current engagement is on, we saw PM visiting, defence minister's visit as well. 
 
Gonching Ganbold: I would link to define the relations in "D"s--Dharma, democracy, development. Dharma, we mentioned. It aged long ties, which we have common links, democracy is our common values. Like India, is the largest democracy, we also a democracy in Asia. We adopted our new democratic constitution in which Indian Parliamentarian have given us support, and worked together with us in drafting in 1992. Then we working in the field of development. This is also unleashing, new areas, and brought our relationship to new heights. Our relationship is very vast, and it is wide in range, comprising a lot of areas. Though this time of the pandemic, the relationship has grown in forms and content. Dr Jaishankar met with our cabinet minister, earlier this year, and then they chalked out together what they will do this year on 65th anniversary. We recently, 2 weeks back had inter govt commission meeting that summed up, what we have done in the last year or so, and what we have planned in the coming months and years.

WION: The Oil refinery is a key infrastructure project India is engaging on if you can give a status. 
 
Gonching Ganbold: One part of our relationship is developing. Oil refinery is one of the big projects between our 2 governments. Mongolia exports crude oil, imports petroleum products which we spent a lot of foreign exchange. The refinery will help save foreign exchange and build up indigenous production of oil, new jobs and I believe will create a new wave of industrialization in Mongolia. Govt of India and Mongolia had done a large number of surveys, where the soft loan will be utilized efficient way, then we came to a conclusion on oil refinery. We have announced the tenders and project also started and engineers India ltd became a leading player in the project and then sub-contractors were selected. Construction work going on in full swing, Mongolian govt also built up railways, 27KM, and high power electricity grid, 22KM and housing construction for 550 employees- workers, not only physical infrastructure. We have started training our engineers in India. This year we had 22 engineers from Mongolia to India, who will work in the refinery and underwent training in the Indian Institute of mines. So, the project is moving ahead on all fronts--physical, intellectual. I find this project will become leverage in expanding our economic exchange.

WION: Both countries are focusing on cultural engagement as well. 
 
Gonching Ganbold: Last year we inaugurated the huge statue of Lord Buddha and his 2 disciples from here in Delhi. PM Modi, together with my President inaugurated virtually, that statute inauguration became indeed a spiritual investment and revival of our national identity. Through Buddhism, we reviving our identity. Then we also had a conference bilaterally in which 11 Asian Buddhist countries also took part and that is samwad--Dialogue. At this time of terrorism, radicalism, compassionate teaching of Lord Buddha is becoming important. So both of our countries share common spiritual links, it will become another area in which we can work together, and prevailing of soft power. The teaching of Lord Buddha have been complied in sutras, Kanjur and has been printed in various places, including India. President of India also presented new publications of Kanjurs sutras to Mongolian people on 4th July and that event is an indication of the importance govt of India attaches to its relations to Mongolia. I as an envoy of Mongolia appreciate this, its big respect and attachment.

WION: Amidst the Covid crisis, how both countries are working together? 
 
Gonching Ganbold: Covid related situation creating new normal, and it also not only causing challenge but also created an opportunity. 2 weeks back we had our joint commission meeting in which our ministers also discussed in details where and how we can work effectively for the instance pharma industry in India is highly developed and products good quality and cost-effective. In this field we can work, Bharat biotech doing remarkable work. Govt of India has indicated that it will support Mongolia in this regard. Mongolia is unfortunately not left aloof from the challenge. We have witnessed the first local transmission, so far we have some 810 cases, out of which 450 are imported, and the situation not very easy and we also working with our friends to obtain this vaccine and other pharmaceuticals. Discussions going on with India and we find it very helpful. This situation created new opportunities, though it is physically impossible to exchange visits and talks, we spoke virtually. 2 weeks back we had a joint commission meeting and previously our 2 foreign ministers also had telephonic exchanges and covered a lot of issues of our bilateral relations. In the past, we worked to arrange special flights. So far we have arranged 4 special flights, some students from here left for Mongolia and engineers from Indian companies went to Mongolia to construct the project. Last we arranged special consignments of IT equipment so that they can be used to set up cyber centres. So these trying times created problems, but at the same time, they also created promising opportunities. The cyber outsourcing and training centres will be established in Mongolia so that Mongolian youth can be trained. Physical distance has become shrunk. A few years back, I used to say India is far due to geography, but closer to our hearts but now it is not only closer to hearts but becoming very easier to communicate. In the ancient past, people used to travel on horseback, foot, but thanks to IT advancement it is becoming handy to communicate.

The Mongolian Ambassador to India Gonching Ganbold has said that his countries ties to India are based on 3 Ds--Dharma, Democracy and Development and as both countries celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties this month, the "relationship has grown in forms and content".

The Mongolian Ambassador to India Gonching Ganbold has said that his countries ties to India are based on 3 Ds--Dharma, Democracy and Development and as both countries celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties this month, the "relationship has grown in forms and content". Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ganbold said, "India is known in Mongolia as Bharat and the land of Lord Buddha. Each and every Mongolian has very high regard for India." As part of diplomatic year celebrations, both countries earlier this month released a joint commemorative stamp. Last year, PM Modi and the Mongolian President virtually inaugurated the statue of Buddha which Ambassador Ganbold said, is "a spiritual investment and revival of our national identity.”. Ambassador Ganbold knows Hindi well. India is helping build an oil refinery in the country, which will help Mongolia save foreign exchange and also have far-reaching economic benefits. In fact, India is training 22 Mongolian engineers at the Indian Institute of mines who will work at the refinery. WION: This year marks the 65th anniversary of ties, so what is being planned. Gonching Ganbold: Sabse phley mai WION ke dwara apney Bhartiya doston ko namaskar karna chahta hun. Ye 65th varsh ganth hai aupachaarik sabandhon ki, mai apko dhanyavad karna chahta hun, apne doston ko hardhik namaskar karna chahta hun. Yes, you have pointed outright, our relations are marking 65th anniversary this month of the official establishment which is based on aged long bonds, historical, spiritual, cultural links that bind our 2 nations. Ever since the teaching of Lord Buddha had prevailed in the Steppes of Mongolia, we became to learn of India. India is known in Mongolia as Bharat and the land of Lord Buddha. Each and every Mongolian has a very high regard for India. Based on the spiritual ties, our cultural-historic links have grown up. You know, a lot of places in Delhi, those have names which are thought-provoking--Mongolpuri, Mongolbad. That could give me the idea that our relationship had to be deep routed and then we have a lot of cultural links. Last July, the President of India, had released the sutras of Mongol Kanjur, which are collections of Lord Buddha's teaching. PM Modi visited Mongolia in 2015, and then he also gave a sampling of Lord Buddha Banyan tree which was greatly appreciated by Mongolian Buddhists. This shows how close we are, spiritually, culturally. This year we mark our 65th anniversary, our links and ties are bond for years, centuries. Our diplomatic relation is based on aged long ancient traditional relations. WION: What kind of current engagement is on, we saw PM visiting, defence minister's visit as well. Gonching Ganbold: I would link to define the relations in "D"s--Dharma, democracy, development. Dharma, we mentioned. It aged long ties, which we have common links, democracy is our common values. Like India, is the largest democracy, we also a democracy in Asia. We adopted our new democratic constitution in which Indian Parliamentarian have given us support, and worked together with us in drafting in 1992. Then we working in the field of development. This is also unleashing, new areas, and brought our relationship to new heights. Our relationship is very vast, and it is wide in range, comprising a lot of areas. Though this time of the pandemic, the relationship has grown in forms and content. Dr Jaishankar met with our cabinet minister, earlier this year, and then they chalked out together what they will do this year on 65th anniversary. We recently, 2 weeks back had inter govt commission meeting that summed up, what we have done in the last year or so, and what we have planned in the coming months and years. WION: The Oil refinery is a key infrastructure project India is engaging on if you can give a status. Gonching Ganbold: One part of our relationship is developing. Oil refinery is one of the big projects between our 2 governments. Mongolia exports crude oil, imports petroleum products which we spent a lot of foreign exchange. The refinery will help save foreign exchange and build up indigenous production of oil, new jobs and I believe will create a new wave of industrialization in Mongolia. Govt of India and Mongolia had done a large number of surveys, where the soft loan will be utilized efficient way, then we came to a conclusion on oil refinery. We have announced the tenders and project also started and engineers India ltd became a leading player in the project and then sub-contractors were selected. Construction work going on in full swing, Mongolian govt also built up railways, 27KM, and high power electricity grid, 22KM and housing construction for 550 employees- workers, not only physical infrastructure. We have started training our engineers in India. This year we had 22 engineers from Mongolia to India, who will work in the refinery and underwent training in the Indian Institute of mines. So, the project is moving ahead on all fronts--physical, intellectual. I find this project will become leverage in expanding our economic exchange. WION: Both countries are focusing on cultural engagement as well. Gonching Ganbold: Last year we inaugurated the huge statue of Lord Buddha and his 2 disciples from here in Delhi. PM Modi, together with my President inaugurated virtually, that statute inauguration became indeed a spiritual investment and revival of our national identity. Through Buddhism, we reviving our identity. Then we also had a conference bilaterally in which 11 Asian Buddhist countries also took part and that is samwad--Dialogue. At this time of terrorism, radicalism, compassionate teaching of Lord Buddha is becoming important. So both of our countries share common spiritual links, it will become another area in which we can work together, and prevailing of soft power. The teaching of Lord Buddha have been complied in sutras, Kanjur and has been printed in various places, including India. President of India also presented new publications of Kanjurs sutras to Mongolian people on 4th July and that event is an indication of the importance govt of India attaches to its relations to Mongolia. I as an envoy of Mongolia appreciate this, its big respect and attachment. WION: Amidst the Covid crisis, how both countries are working together? Gonching Ganbold: Covid related situation creating new normal, and it also not only causing challenge but also created an opportunity. 2 weeks back we had our joint commission meeting in which our ministers also discussed in details where and how we can work effectively for the instance pharma industry in India is highly developed and products good quality and cost-effective. In this field we can work, Bharat biotech doing remarkable work. Govt of India has indicated that it will support Mongolia in this regard. Mongolia is unfortunately not left aloof from the challenge. We have witnessed the first local transmission, so far we have some 810 cases, out of which 450 are imported, and the situation not very easy and we also working with our friends to obtain this vaccine and other pharmaceuticals. Discussions going on with India and we find it very helpful. This situation created new opportunities, though it is physically impossible to exchange visits and talks, we spoke virtually. 2 weeks back we had a joint commission meeting and previously our 2 foreign ministers also had telephonic exchanges and covered a lot of issues of our bilateral relations. In the past, we worked to arrange special flights. So far we have arranged 4 special flights, some students from here left for Mongolia and engineers from Indian companies went to Mongolia to construct the project. Last we arranged special consignments of IT equipment so that they can be used to set up cyber centres. So these trying times created problems, but at the same time, they also created promising opportunities. The cyber outsourcing and training centres will be established in Mongolia so that Mongolian youth can be trained. Physical distance has become shrunk. A few years back, I used to say India is far due to geography, but closer to our hearts but now it is not only closer to hearts but becoming very easier to communicate. In the ancient past, people used to travel on horseback, foot, but thanks to IT advancement it is becoming handy to communicate.

Dharma, democracy & development, key pillars of ties with India: Mongolian envoy

In a major development for South Asia, Bhutan and Israel formally established diplomatic relations with the exchange of diplomatic documents between Israeli envoy to India Ron Malka and Bhutanese envoy General Vetsop Namgyel in Delhi on Saturday.

Following the ceremony, the foreign ministers of the two countries, Bhutanese FM Lyonpo Dr. Tandi Dorji and Israeli FM Gabi Ashkenazi sent mutual congratulations. &nbsp;

A joint statement after the establishment of ties said, "it would not only build upon the existing close ties but open the path to greater cooperation and further strengthen relations between the two countries and peoples."

Both countries have had cordial ties&nbsp;with Israel supporting Bhutan's human resource development since 1982, especially in areas such as agriculture development.

The joint statement said&nbsp;both sides, "reiterated the shared desire of the two countries to further strengthen bilateral cooperation to the benefit of both peoples" and "in addition to deepening cooperation in areas including economic, technological, and agricultural development, the two ambassadors highlighted that the ties between the peoples through cultural exchanges and tourism would also be further enhanced."

Key areas both sides plan to increase cooperation after the establishment of ties are water management, technology, human resource development and&nbsp;agricultural sciences.

The development comes even as just last month Germany and Bhutan established ties. In West Asia, Bhutan already has ties with Kuwait, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Oman. The last time the Himalayan country established any diplomatic relations with a West Asian country was with Oman in 2013.

Bhutan now has diplomatic relations with 55 countries. It is interesting to point out, Thimphu does not have any formal diplomatic relation with any P5 country&nbsp; - US, Russia, UK, France or China.

In a major development for South Asia, Bhutan and Israel formally established diplomatic relations with the exchange of diplomatic documents between Israeli envoy to India Ron Malka and Bhutanese envoy General Vetsop Namgyel in Delhi on Saturday.

In a major development for South Asia, Bhutan and Israel formally established diplomatic relations with the exchange of diplomatic documents between Israeli envoy to India Ron Malka and Bhutanese envoy General Vetsop Namgyel in Delhi on Saturday. Following the ceremony, the foreign ministers of the two countries, Bhutanese FM Lyonpo Dr. Tandi Dorji and Israeli FM Gabi Ashkenazi sent mutual congratulations. A joint statement after the establishment of ties said, "it would not only build upon the existing close ties but open the path to greater cooperation and further strengthen relations between the two countries and peoples." Both countries have had cordial ties with Israel supporting Bhutan's human resource development since 1982, especially in areas such as agriculture development. The joint statement said both sides, "reiterated the shared desire of the two countries to further strengthen bilateral cooperation to the benefit of both peoples" and "in addition to deepening cooperation in areas including economic, technological, and agricultural development, the two ambassadors highlighted that the ties between the peoples through cultural exchanges and tourism would also be further enhanced." Key areas both sides plan to increase cooperation after the establishment of ties are water management, technology, human resource development and agricultural sciences. The development comes even as just last month Germany and Bhutan established ties. In West Asia, Bhutan already has ties with Kuwait, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Oman. The last time the Himalayan country established any diplomatic relations with a West Asian country was with Oman in 2013. Bhutan now has diplomatic relations with 55 countries. It is interesting to point out, Thimphu does not have any formal diplomatic relation with any P5 country - US, Russia, UK, France or China.

Israel-Bhutan establish formal diplomatic ties

A British Labour MP Taiwo Owatemi has apologised after extending support to banned Khalistani group, Sikh for Justice (SFJ) and pointed out how a staff member "posted the tweet" from her account for the group.

In a tweet she said, "A small number of individuals emailed me to post a suggested tweet supporting Sikhs for Justice. Unbeknown to me a staff member who helps to run my social media posted the tweet." Adding, "This has now been deleted. I sincerely apologise for any offence caused to any of my constituents."

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A small number of individuals emailed me to post a suggested tweet supporting Sikhs for Justice. Unbeknown to me a staff member who helps to run my social media posted the tweet. This has now been deleted. I sincerely apologise for any offence caused to any of my constituents.
— Taiwo Owatemi MP (@TaiwoOwatemi) <a href="https://twitter.com/TaiwoOwatemi/status/1337715198933815298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In her earlier tweet, she not only extended support for the group banned by India just last year but also said,&nbsp;"I stand with #SIkhForJustice and the Sikh community's right to self-determination on #UNDayOfHumanRights". She later deleted the tweet.

ALso read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-social-leftist-and-maoist-elements-trying-to-take-control-of-farmers-agitation-says-govt-protesters-in-no-mood-to-budge-349173" hreflang="en">Anti-social, Leftist and Maoist elements trying to take control of farmers' agitation, says Govt; protesters in no mood to budge</a>

But her tweet is being used by a number of "ghost" Khalistani Twitter handles for their own propaganda purposes. SFJ has been very active on social media and promotion of Khalistani activities.

The development comes even as the group has organized a number of protests in the United Kingdom in front of the Indian high commission in London and consulate in Birmingham. Last weekend's protest saw around 3,500-4,000 people in front of the Indian mission, violating the COVID protocols. London's Metropolitan Police arrested 13 due to violation of the pandemic protocols. During the protest was present Paramjit Singh Pamma, who is on National Investigation Agency's most wanted list.

Labour party's popularity amongst the Indian diaspora sharply fell under the previous party chief Jeremy Corbyn who had criticized New Delhi after removal of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Indian origin people in the UK form a substantial part of the British population, and actions of the Labour leadership dented ties. Under the new leadership led by Keir Starmer, attempts have been made for a reach out, including calling Kashmir a bilateral issue between Indian and Pakistan.

A British Labour MP Taiwo Owatemi has apologised after extending support to banned Khalistani group, Sikh for Justice (SFJ) and pointed out how a staff member "posted the tweet" from her account for the group.

A British Labour MP Taiwo Owatemi has apologised after extending support to banned Khalistani group, Sikh for Justice (SFJ) and pointed out how a staff member "posted the tweet" from her account for the group. In a tweet she said, "A small number of individuals emailed me to post a suggested tweet supporting Sikhs for Justice. Unbeknown to me a staff member who helps to run my social media posted the tweet." Adding, "This has now been deleted. I sincerely apologise for any offence caused to any of my constituents." A small number of individuals emailed me to post a suggested tweet supporting Sikhs for Justice. Unbeknown to me a staff member who helps to run my social media posted the tweet. This has now been deleted. I sincerely apologise for any offence caused to any of my constituents. — Taiwo Owatemi MP (@TaiwoOwatemi) December 12, 2020 × In her earlier tweet, she not only extended support for the group banned by India just last year but also said, "I stand with #SIkhForJustice and the Sikh community's right to self-determination on #UNDayOfHumanRights". She later deleted the tweet. ALso read| Anti-social, Leftist and Maoist elements trying to take control of farmers' agitation, says Govt; protesters in no mood to budge But her tweet is being used by a number of "ghost" Khalistani Twitter handles for their own propaganda purposes. SFJ has been very active on social media and promotion of Khalistani activities. The development comes even as the group has organized a number of protests in the United Kingdom in front of the Indian high commission in London and consulate in Birmingham. Last weekend's protest saw around 3,500-4,000 people in front of the Indian mission, violating the COVID protocols. London's Metropolitan Police arrested 13 due to violation of the pandemic protocols. During the protest was present Paramjit Singh Pamma, who is on National Investigation Agency's most wanted list. Labour party's popularity amongst the Indian diaspora sharply fell under the previous party chief Jeremy Corbyn who had criticized New Delhi after removal of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Indian origin people in the UK form a substantial part of the British population, and actions of the Labour leadership dented ties. Under the new leadership led by Keir Starmer, attempts have been made for a reach out, including calling Kashmir a bilateral issue between Indian and Pakistan.

Labour MP apologises for extending support to banned Khalistani group

India has dismissed the comments made by Chinese Embassy spokesperson on the joint release of a commemorative stamp marking the 70th anniversary of bilateral ties between both the countries, calling it "factually incorrect".

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson&nbsp;Anurag Shrivastava pointed out, in response to a WION question that, "there had been no discussion on any launch date with any Chinese authorities for this activity."

Chinese embassy spokesperson Ji Rong had claimed that the Indian side "had not given feedback" on the "launch time agreed by both sides" and "China state post-Bureau made the notice according to customary practices"

2020 marks the 70th year of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and China and 35 events in India and 35 events in China were agreed upon during last year's Chennai connect summit. One of the event was a joint release of commemorative stamps for the anniversary year.&nbsp;

In fact, as the MEA spokesperson pointed out, "launch of the 70th-anniversary celebrations itself has not taken place yet" and therefore, the "issue of going ahead with joint activities under its ambit does not arise."

2020 saw an aggressive China, which not only undertook a massive build-up at the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh but action by the People's liberation army in June month led to the death of 20 Indian soldiers.

India has dismissed the comments made by Chinese Embassy spokesperson on the joint release of a commemorative stamp marking the 70th anniversary of bilateral ties between both the countries, calling it "factually incorrect".

India has dismissed the comments made by Chinese Embassy spokesperson on the joint release of a commemorative stamp marking the 70th anniversary of bilateral ties between both the countries, calling it "factually incorrect". Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava pointed out, in response to a WION question that, "there had been no discussion on any launch date with any Chinese authorities for this activity." Chinese embassy spokesperson Ji Rong had claimed that the Indian side "had not given feedback" on the "launch time agreed by both sides" and "China state post-Bureau made the notice according to customary practices" 2020 marks the 70th year of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and China and 35 events in India and 35 events in China were agreed upon during last year's Chennai connect summit. One of the event was a joint release of commemorative stamps for the anniversary year. In fact, as the MEA spokesperson pointed out, "launch of the 70th-anniversary celebrations itself has not taken place yet" and therefore, the "issue of going ahead with joint activities under its ambit does not arise." 2020 saw an aggressive China, which not only undertook a massive build-up at the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh but action by the People's liberation army in June month led to the death of 20 Indian soldiers.

Factually incorrect: India dismisses Chinese embassy spokesperson's comments on joint release of stamp

The first meeting of India, Uzbekistan, and Iran on the joint use of Chabahar port will take place virtually on Monday. The meeting will be jointly chaired at the deputy minister level from Uzbekistan and Iran and at the secretary-level from India.

The announcement comes just a day after the virtual summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. &nbsp;The proposal for the trilateral meet was proposed by the Uzbek side and India has welcomed the "interest of Uzbekistan to use the Chabahar port as a transit port" as "this would open up economic opportunities for the traders and business community of the region", a ministry of external affairs statement said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indo-pacific-represents-evolution-of-india-s-jaishankar-349286" hreflang="en">Indo-Pacific represents evolution of India: S Jaishankar</a>

And it is just not Uzbekistan, but other Central Asian countries who have shown interest in using the port, built with the help of New Delhi with India seeking to "to cooperate closely with regional countries on this issue".

The development is seen as an important shot in the arm for India's connectivity plans in the west of it, were often Pakistan has been playing an obstructionist role. India sees the Chabahar port as a fulcrum of connectivity in the region, and even the US gave an exemption to the project from Iran sanctions since it not only provided humanitarian supplies to Afghanistan but also economic alternatives.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/factually-incorrect-india-dismisses-chinese-embassy-spokespersons-comments-on-joint-release-of-stamp-349191" hreflang="en">Factually incorrect: India dismisses Chinese embassy spokesperson's comments on joint release of stamp</a>

India built the Shahid Behesti Port at Chabahar as part of India, Iran, Afghanistan 2016 agreement to increase its connectivity with Afghanistan and beyond. In December 2018, an Indian company India Ports Global Limited took over the port operations and as of August of 2020, the port has handled 12 lakhs tons of cargo and 82000 containers. In fact, India used the port to send 75000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan as part of the humanitarian aid amidst the covid pandemic.

The first meeting of India, Uzbekistan, and Iran on the joint use of Chabahar port will take place virtually on Monday. The meeting will be jointly chaired at the deputy minister level from Uzbekistan and Iran and at the secretary-level from India.

The first meeting of India, Uzbekistan, and Iran on the joint use of Chabahar port will take place virtually on Monday. The meeting will be jointly chaired at the deputy minister level from Uzbekistan and Iran and at the secretary-level from India. The announcement comes just a day after the virtual summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The proposal for the trilateral meet was proposed by the Uzbek side and India has welcomed the "interest of Uzbekistan to use the Chabahar port as a transit port" as "this would open up economic opportunities for the traders and business community of the region", a ministry of external affairs statement said. Also read| Indo-Pacific represents evolution of India: S Jaishankar And it is just not Uzbekistan, but other Central Asian countries who have shown interest in using the port, built with the help of New Delhi with India seeking to "to cooperate closely with regional countries on this issue". The development is seen as an important shot in the arm for India's connectivity plans in the west of it, were often Pakistan has been playing an obstructionist role. India sees the Chabahar port as a fulcrum of connectivity in the region, and even the US gave an exemption to the project from Iran sanctions since it not only provided humanitarian supplies to Afghanistan but also economic alternatives. Also read| Factually incorrect: India dismisses Chinese embassy spokesperson's comments on joint release of stamp India built the Shahid Behesti Port at Chabahar as part of India, Iran, Afghanistan 2016 agreement to increase its connectivity with Afghanistan and beyond. In December 2018, an Indian company India Ports Global Limited took over the port operations and as of August of 2020, the port has handled 12 lakhs tons of cargo and 82000 containers. In fact, India used the port to send 75000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan as part of the humanitarian aid amidst the covid pandemic.

India, Uzbekistan, Iran trilateral meet on Chabahar on Monday

India's external affairs Minister S Jaishankar batting for the Indo-Pacific concept has said that it represents "a natural evolution... the evolution of India", a concept backed by Washington, several European countries, and ASEAN coming up with an outlook on it.

"Indo Pacific is an emphatic statement that doesn't artificially separate Indian ocean, and India from the pacific ocean and those countries. The world is much more seamless," Jaishankar&nbsp;said at the virtual event.

&nbsp;"Only a person in denial of globalization will actually contest Indo pacific and certainly an Indian who will understand our interest beyond the Indian ocean will see the logic of it," Jaishankar said.

In June 2018, the Indian Prime Minister had first elaborated New Delhi's point of view on the concept saying, it is not a strategy or directed at any country but stands for a free, open and inclusive region.&nbsp;

The comments by EAM comes even as Moscow has expressed its reservation on it. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov last week called Indo-Pacific strategy which is being promoted by the western countries as being "Anti China."

Beijing has always been suspicious of the concept, which sees Asia-Pacific being replaced by Indo Pacific and it might lose its dominance to India in the region.

Meanwhile, EAM yet again spoke on Chinese aggressive action at Line of actual control calling events of this year "disturbing" and raising "basic concerns" about how the "other party has not abided by agreements" on many things including amassing troops.&nbsp;

"What has happened is not actually in the interest of China.... it has significantly impacted public sentiments."

2020 has been the worst year for India-China ties due to not only build up Chinese forces at the LAC but also due to the aggressive action in Galwan valley due to which 20 Indian soldiers died. Despite multiple rounds of talks at military and diplomatic levels, the build by the Chinese forces continues.

India's external affairs Minister S Jaishankar batting for the Indo-Pacific concept has said that it represents "a natural evolution... the evolution of India", a concept backed by Washington, several European countries, and ASEAN coming up with an outlook on it.

India's external affairs Minister S Jaishankar batting for the Indo-Pacific concept has said that it represents "a natural evolution... the evolution of India", a concept backed by Washington, several European countries, and ASEAN coming up with an outlook on it. "Indo Pacific is an emphatic statement that doesn't artificially separate Indian ocean, and India from the pacific ocean and those countries. The world is much more seamless," Jaishankar said at the virtual event. "Only a person in denial of globalization will actually contest Indo pacific and certainly an Indian who will understand our interest beyond the Indian ocean will see the logic of it," Jaishankar said. In June 2018, the Indian Prime Minister had first elaborated New Delhi's point of view on the concept saying, it is not a strategy or directed at any country but stands for a free, open and inclusive region. The comments by EAM comes even as Moscow has expressed its reservation on it. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov last week called Indo-Pacific strategy which is being promoted by the western countries as being "Anti China." Beijing has always been suspicious of the concept, which sees Asia-Pacific being replaced by Indo Pacific and it might lose its dominance to India in the region. Meanwhile, EAM yet again spoke on Chinese aggressive action at Line of actual control calling events of this year "disturbing" and raising "basic concerns" about how the "other party has not abided by agreements" on many things including amassing troops. "What has happened is not actually in the interest of China.... it has significantly impacted public sentiments." 2020 has been the worst year for India-China ties due to not only build up Chinese forces at the LAC but also due to the aggressive action in Galwan valley due to which 20 Indian soldiers died. Despite multiple rounds of talks at military and diplomatic levels, the build by the Chinese forces continues.

Indo-Pacific represents evolution of India: S Jaishankar

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