India will on Monday host Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) heads of governments virtually. The virtual meet will see participation of 7 Prime Ministers -- 6 from the member states of SCO (Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) and one from observer member Belarus.

SCO has 8 member states and 4 observer states. Pakistan, which is a member of SCO will be represented by its Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is giving the meet a miss.

The other three observer states will be represented too. Afghanistan will be represented by its President Ashraf Ghani, Iran by its First Vice President and Mongolia by its Deputy Prime Minister.

A statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs said,"​India considers the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as an important regional organization to promote cooperation in the areas of peace, security, trade, economy and culture. India is committed to widening our cooperation with SCO by playing a proactive, positive and constructive role in the organization."

India has invited Turkmenistan as a special guest. The country and will be represented by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers. SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov, Executive Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), Chairmen of the SCO Business Council and the SCO Interbank Association will also be present.

The challenge of COVID-19 pandemic, shared Buddhist connect will be the top focus of India at the meet. 
On that day itself, first-ever SCO Digital Exhibition on Shared Buddhist Heritage by the National Museum will be inaugurated.

This is the first time India is hosting such a meeting of the SCO, with India's Vice President Venkaiah Naidu chairing it. The year 2020 marks 15-years of India's formal association with SCO. New Delhi became a full member of the Beijing headquartered grouping in 2017. Earlier, India had the status of an observer.

The November 30 summit will end with the adoption of the joint communique that will contain major proposals from member states on issues of trade and economic cooperation under the chairmanship of India. The SCO summit of Heads of Governments also decides the strategies and priorities for trade and economic cooperation for the next year.

Earlier this year, India hosted virtual meetings of the SCO ministers responsible for external economy and foreign trade and SCO Ministers for Justice.

India will on Monday host Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) heads of governments virtually. The virtual meet will see participation of 7 Prime Ministers -- 6 from the member states of SCO (Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) and one from observer member Belarus.

India will on Monday host Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) heads of governments virtually. The virtual meet will see participation of 7 Prime Ministers -- 6 from the member states of SCO (Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) and one from observer member Belarus. SCO has 8 member states and 4 observer states. Pakistan, which is a member of SCO will be represented by its Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is giving the meet a miss. The other three observer states will be represented too. Afghanistan will be represented by its President Ashraf Ghani, Iran by its First Vice President and Mongolia by its Deputy Prime Minister. A statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs said,"India considers the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as an important regional organization to promote cooperation in the areas of peace, security, trade, economy and culture. India is committed to widening our cooperation with SCO by playing a proactive, positive and constructive role in the organization." India has invited Turkmenistan as a special guest. The country and will be represented by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers. SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov, Executive Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), Chairmen of the SCO Business Council and the SCO Interbank Association will also be present. The challenge of COVID-19 pandemic, shared Buddhist connect will be the top focus of India at the meet. On that day itself, first-ever SCO Digital Exhibition on Shared Buddhist Heritage by the National Museum will be inaugurated. This is the first time India is hosting such a meeting of the SCO, with India's Vice President Venkaiah Naidu chairing it. The year 2020 marks 15-years of India's formal association with SCO. New Delhi became a full member of the Beijing headquartered grouping in 2017. Earlier, India had the status of an observer. The November 30 summit will end with the adoption of the joint communique that will contain major proposals from member states on issues of trade and economic cooperation under the chairmanship of India. The SCO summit of Heads of Governments also decides the strategies and priorities for trade and economic cooperation for the next year. Earlier this year, India hosted virtual meetings of the SCO ministers responsible for external economy and foreign trade and SCO Ministers for Justice.

India to host 7 PMs in SCO heads of governments meeting

As a direct outcome of the India-Luxembourg virtual summit, a company from the European country is partnering with the government of the western state of Gujarat to produce portable vaccine refrigeration equipment.

Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel had made the suggestion to Indian PM Modi during the virtual meet on 19th November. PM Modi had "enthusiastically" taken the offer and asked officials to move quickly.

A govt source said, "We are&nbsp;making it happen. The distinguishing factor is quick response. We have pushed and got it moving within a week after the summit"

The company, B Systems is ordering machines for India operations, and production is expected by end-March in India. Its team will travel next week or early the following week.&nbsp;

The COVID vaccine is expected to need cold temperature, and for that portable refrigeration will be required.&nbsp;

Oxford vaccine requires ordinary refrigeration temperatures, while other vaccines like the one from Pfizer need to be kept at much lower temperatures. Russia's Sputnik V requires a temperature of around 2 to 8 degrees.

The Indian Embassy in Brussels is facilitating the entire process, with 2 virtual meets between the mission and the company taking place already.&nbsp;

The November virtual summit was the first stand-alone Summit meeting between India and Luxembourg in the past two decades.&nbsp;

As a direct outcome of the India-Luxembourg virtual summit, a company from the European country is partnering with the government of the western state of Gujarat to produce portable vaccine refrigeration equipment.

As a direct outcome of the India-Luxembourg virtual summit, a company from the European country is partnering with the government of the western state of Gujarat to produce portable vaccine refrigeration equipment. Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel had made the suggestion to Indian PM Modi during the virtual meet on 19th November. PM Modi had "enthusiastically" taken the offer and asked officials to move quickly. A govt source said, "We are making it happen. The distinguishing factor is quick response. We have pushed and got it moving within a week after the summit" The company, B Systems is ordering machines for India operations, and production is expected by end-March in India. Its team will travel next week or early the following week. The COVID vaccine is expected to need cold temperature, and for that portable refrigeration will be required. Oxford vaccine requires ordinary refrigeration temperatures, while other vaccines like the one from Pfizer need to be kept at much lower temperatures. Russia's Sputnik V requires a temperature of around 2 to 8 degrees. The Indian Embassy in Brussels is facilitating the entire process, with 2 virtual meets between the mission and the company taking place already. The November virtual summit was the first stand-alone Summit meeting between India and Luxembourg in the past two decades.

Luxembourg-India tie-up to produce COVID vaccine refrigeration equipment by mid-March

India, Maldives, Sri Lanka have agreed to expand intelligence sharing at the 4th National Security Adviser trilateral meet that happened in Colombo.

The three&nbsp;countries, will share intelligence on issues such as terrorism, radicalization, extremism, drugs, arms and human trafficking, money laundering, and effects of climate change on the maritime environment.

India was represented by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Maldives Defense minister Mariya Didi and Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne. The first such trilateral happened in 2011, followed by meet in 2013 and in March of 2014 in Delhi.

The other major key outcome of the meet is that the three&nbsp;countries have decided to hold deputy NSA level meetings biannually to increase cooperation at the "operational level".

Significantly, a joint statement was issued by the 3 sides that said, "the past deliberations and outcomes have helped the three countries in improving close coordination in maritime security of the region".

The joint statement pointed to the "significance of the forum" for "promoting meaningful cooperation in the Indian Ocean region on common issues pertaining to maritime security".

During the meet, the three&nbsp;sides took stock of the "current maritime security" environment in the region and discussed "mutual cooperation" in areas such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, joint exercises, capacity building, maritime security, marine pollution, and maritime underwater heritage.

The meet comes, even as Chinese fishing and research vessels increase presence in the Indian ocean. The deep-sea Chinese fishing vessels, usually been involved in Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. 
&nbsp;

India, Maldives, Sri Lanka have agreed to expand intelligence sharing at the 4th National Security Adviser trilateral meet that happened in Colombo. The three countries, will share intelligence on issues such as terrorism, radicalization, extremism, drugs, arms and human trafficking, money laundering, and effects of climate change on the maritime environment.

India, Maldives, Sri Lanka have agreed to expand intelligence sharing at the 4th National Security Adviser trilateral meet that happened in Colombo. The three countries, will share intelligence on issues such as terrorism, radicalization, extremism, drugs, arms and human trafficking, money laundering, and effects of climate change on the maritime environment. India was represented by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Maldives Defense minister Mariya Didi and Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne. The first such trilateral happened in 2011, followed by meet in 2013 and in March of 2014 in Delhi. The other major key outcome of the meet is that the three countries have decided to hold deputy NSA level meetings biannually to increase cooperation at the "operational level". Significantly, a joint statement was issued by the 3 sides that said, "the past deliberations and outcomes have helped the three countries in improving close coordination in maritime security of the region". The joint statement pointed to the "significance of the forum" for "promoting meaningful cooperation in the Indian Ocean region on common issues pertaining to maritime security". During the meet, the three sides took stock of the "current maritime security" environment in the region and discussed "mutual cooperation" in areas such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, joint exercises, capacity building, maritime security, marine pollution, and maritime underwater heritage. The meet comes, even as Chinese fishing and research vessels increase presence in the Indian ocean. The deep-sea Chinese fishing vessels, usually been involved in Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

India-Maldives-Sri Lanka agree to expand intelligence sharing

India is all set to beef up its "eye in the Indian Ocean" with the up-gradation of the Information Management and Analysis Centre or IMAC. The center, soon to become National Maritime Domain Awareness (NMDA) will see all major agencies --civilians as well as defense being on board.

India is all set to beef up its "eye in the Indian Ocean" with the up-gradation of the Information Management and Analysis Centre or IMAC. The center, soon to become National Maritime Domain Awareness (NMDA) will see all major agencies --civilians as well as defense being on board. IMAC, based out of Delhi's suburb Gurugram, gets real-time data on movement in the Indian ocean region being fed information from several places--from coastal radar to white shipping agreement India has several countries to coastal surveillance systems and several other ways. It is interesting to know, IMAC was set up in the aftermath of 26/11 as deterrence of any future act of terror through the maritime route. It has been around 6 years since it has been functioning. Under the NMDA, the fisheries department to local policing authorities will get information on development or movements across the coast. This will make sure that any risk, especially transnational can be prevented. The idea was to upgrade it was proposed by the Indian Navy, with the CCS of Cabinet Committee on Security expected to take a call soon. Meanwhile, IMAC which also gives information to IFC-IOR or Information fusion Centre--Indian Ocean Region will see new foreign liaison officers taking up the post, taking the number to around 10-12 . The arrival was delayed due to the COVID pandemic. At present, France, Japan, and the USA have full-time liaison officers at the IFC-IOR, that shares a campus with IMAC. The body was inaugurated in 2018, with a focus on India and like-minded countries sharing real-time developments in the maritime domain. It has been also recognized by UN's International Maritime Organization. In fact, it has 21 countries as partners, the majority from the Indian Ocean region, and is working with 22 multi-national agencies. In 2019, it conducted a coastal security workshop for BIMSTEC countries. During the MT New Diamond fire incident off the coast of Sri Lanka, IFC-IOR played a key role in the early mobilization of resources that resulting in a quick reaction.

Set up after 26/11, India to upgrade its 'eye in Indian Ocean' top maritime body

A steady increase has been seen in Chinese research and fishing vessel in the Indian Ocean region, something that can be a cause of concern given how they have been involved in&nbsp;illegal, unreported and unregulated(IUU) fishing and data collecting.

Deployment of the Chinese research vessel has been observed in the ninety-degree east ridge and southwest Indian ridge. In the last few weeks, three&nbsp;Chinese research vessels have been seen in the region.

When it comes to Chinese fishing vessels in the high seas, around 300 to 450 have been seen in the last four years. Largely, fishing activity has been a seasonal behavior as they withdraw from the Arabian sea prior to the onset of monsoon and return in September to October period.&nbsp;

The IUU, involving China's distant water fishing (DWF) has been depleting fishing resources from areas near North &amp; South Korean and Japanese waters to as far off as Latin America and West Asia.&nbsp;

Most of the areas Chinese vessels are fishing in the Indian ocean are international water, outside of the exclusive economic zone of any country, but since it is unregulated, it impacts the ecosystem in surrounding waters as well. Distant water fishing is heavily subsidized by Beijing.

The two-way vessel traffic between Pakistan and China via the Indian Ocean has also been significant&nbsp;even as both countries grow engagement.&nbsp;The number of vessels going from China to Pakistan stands at 100 vessels per year, while the number of vessels coming from Pakistan to China stands at 50 per year.

Earlier this year, a Karachi-bound ship with Chinese crew was detained at Gujarat's Kandla port and after the inspection was found to carry an autoclave, used in the ballistic missile.

The development raised eyebrows in Delhi, and was quick to convey its concerns on the issue since the item was on India's dual-use export list.

A steady increase has been seen in Chinese research and fishing vessel in the Indian Ocean region, something that can be a cause of concern given how they have been involved in illegal, unreported and unregulated(IUU) fishing and data collecting.

A steady increase has been seen in Chinese research and fishing vessel in the Indian Ocean region, something that can be a cause of concern given how they have been involved in illegal, unreported and unregulated(IUU) fishing and data collecting. Deployment of the Chinese research vessel has been observed in the ninety-degree east ridge and southwest Indian ridge. In the last few weeks, three Chinese research vessels have been seen in the region. When it comes to Chinese fishing vessels in the high seas, around 300 to 450 have been seen in the last four years. Largely, fishing activity has been a seasonal behavior as they withdraw from the Arabian sea prior to the onset of monsoon and return in September to October period. The IUU, involving China's distant water fishing (DWF) has been depleting fishing resources from areas near North & South Korean and Japanese waters to as far off as Latin America and West Asia. Most of the areas Chinese vessels are fishing in the Indian ocean are international water, outside of the exclusive economic zone of any country, but since it is unregulated, it impacts the ecosystem in surrounding waters as well. Distant water fishing is heavily subsidized by Beijing. The two-way vessel traffic between Pakistan and China via the Indian Ocean has also been significant even as both countries grow engagement. The number of vessels going from China to Pakistan stands at 100 vessels per year, while the number of vessels coming from Pakistan to China stands at 50 per year. Earlier this year, a Karachi-bound ship with Chinese crew was detained at Gujarat's Kandla port and after the inspection was found to carry an autoclave, used in the ballistic missile. The development raised eyebrows in Delhi, and was quick to convey its concerns on the issue since the item was on India's dual-use export list.

Increase in Chinese research, fishing vessels in Indian Ocean; 100 ships traveling from China to Pak per year

India will highlight the common Buddhist heritage at the Shanghai cooperation organization heads of government virtual meeting. The meeting will take place on 30th November and India is the host of the meet. New Delhi, as protocol, invited all the member states of SCO--Pakistan, China, Russia, and the 4 central Asian countries Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.&nbsp;

When it comes to SCO countries, from China to Kyrgyzstan to several parts of Russia has a strong Buddhist legacy, cultural and religious impact. Kyrgyzstan has several of its Buddhist cultural heritages being renovated by Japan. 
 
Russia's Kalmykia has a huge population following Buddhism and regard Dalai Lama as their spiritual leader. Buddhism reached China from India in the first century CE. Visit by Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang to India in AD 630s has been much talked about. 
&nbsp; 
When it comes to Buddhism, India has been taking a number of steps internationally to signify the shared cultural heritage. India will soon host a major conference on Buddhist studies starting next year that will see the participation of Buddhist scholars from across the world.&nbsp;

Gautama Buddha founder of Buddhism achieved enlightenment in India's Bodh Gaya. The place is visited by thousands of pilgrims from across the world every year.

During the India-Sri Lanka virtual summit, India announced a $15million grant to Sri Lanka to deepening people-to-people linkages between the two countries in the sphere of Buddhism. The grant will be used for the construction and renovation of Buddhist cultural sites in the Indian Ocean country, archaeological cooperation, and the reciprocal study of Lord Buddha’s relics, strengthening of Buddhist scholarship, and supporting the clergy.

With ASEAN, India shares cultural heritage especially Buddhism and sees an increase in tourists from the grouping. Kushinagar's Airport has been designated as an international airport. Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar is the place where it is believed that Buddha attained Parinirvana or death after achieving Nirvana.

India will highlight the common Buddhist heritage at the Shanghai cooperation organization heads of government virtual meeting. The meeting will take place on 30th November and India is the host of the meet.

India will highlight the common Buddhist heritage at the Shanghai cooperation organization heads of government virtual meeting. The meeting will take place on 30th November and India is the host of the meet. New Delhi, as protocol, invited all the member states of SCO--Pakistan, China, Russia, and the 4 central Asian countries Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. When it comes to SCO countries, from China to Kyrgyzstan to several parts of Russia has a strong Buddhist legacy, cultural and religious impact. Kyrgyzstan has several of its Buddhist cultural heritages being renovated by Japan. Russia's Kalmykia has a huge population following Buddhism and regard Dalai Lama as their spiritual leader. Buddhism reached China from India in the first century CE. Visit by Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang to India in AD 630s has been much talked about. When it comes to Buddhism, India has been taking a number of steps internationally to signify the shared cultural heritage. India will soon host a major conference on Buddhist studies starting next year that will see the participation of Buddhist scholars from across the world. Gautama Buddha founder of Buddhism achieved enlightenment in India's Bodh Gaya. The place is visited by thousands of pilgrims from across the world every year. During the India-Sri Lanka virtual summit, India announced a $15million grant to Sri Lanka to deepening people-to-people linkages between the two countries in the sphere of Buddhism. The grant will be used for the construction and renovation of Buddhist cultural sites in the Indian Ocean country, archaeological cooperation, and the reciprocal study of Lord Buddha’s relics, strengthening of Buddhist scholarship, and supporting the clergy. With ASEAN, India shares cultural heritage especially Buddhism and sees an increase in tourists from the grouping. Kushinagar's Airport has been designated as an international airport. Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar is the place where it is believed that Buddha attained Parinirvana or death after achieving Nirvana.

India to highlight common Buddhist heritage at SCO heads of Govt meet 

As part of increased defense cooperation, India &amp; Vietnam have agreed on joint training of pilots by the respective Air Forces and training of forces to be deployed in UN Peacekeeping missions.

This was one of the key outcomes of the virtual meet between India's defence minister Rajnath Singh and Vietnamese defence minister General Ngo Xuan Lich that took place on Friday.

A readout of the meet from Indian defense ministry said both ministers,"discussed various ongoing projects and the future trajectory of bilateral Defense engagements...(and) expressed satisfaction that despite the COVID-19 situation Defense exchanges between both Armed Forces have maintained positive momentum.".

Both countries are also looking at collaborating in a number of domains of defense cooperation like shipbuilding, surface and subsurface capacities like submarines at sea. New Delhi has already extended defence Lines of Credit worth USD 600 million to strengthen Vietnam’s domestic defence manufacturing.

The release explained out,"Ministers discussed collaboration in Defence Industry capability building, training and cooperation in UN Peacekeeping Operations"

India assured Vietnam, a key partner in Indo-Pacific that it remains committed to the modernization of the Vietnamese Armed Forces during. Both sides also signed the agreement on Hydrographic cooperation that will enable the sharing of Hydrographic data and assist in the production of navigational charts by both sides.

The Vietnamese defence minister invited the Indian defence minister for ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and also the meeting being hosted by Vietnam on 10 Dec through virtual mode.

As part of increased defense cooperation, India & Vietnam have agreed on joint training of pilots by the respective Air Forces and training of forces to be deployed in UN Peacekeeping missions.

As part of increased defense cooperation, India & Vietnam have agreed on joint training of pilots by the respective Air Forces and training of forces to be deployed in UN Peacekeeping missions. This was one of the key outcomes of the virtual meet between India's defence minister Rajnath Singh and Vietnamese defence minister General Ngo Xuan Lich that took place on Friday. A readout of the meet from Indian defense ministry said both ministers,"discussed various ongoing projects and the future trajectory of bilateral Defense engagements...(and) expressed satisfaction that despite the COVID-19 situation Defense exchanges between both Armed Forces have maintained positive momentum.". Both countries are also looking at collaborating in a number of domains of defense cooperation like shipbuilding, surface and subsurface capacities like submarines at sea. New Delhi has already extended defence Lines of Credit worth USD 600 million to strengthen Vietnam’s domestic defence manufacturing. The release explained out,"Ministers discussed collaboration in Defence Industry capability building, training and cooperation in UN Peacekeeping Operations" India assured Vietnam, a key partner in Indo-Pacific that it remains committed to the modernization of the Vietnamese Armed Forces during. Both sides also signed the agreement on Hydrographic cooperation that will enable the sharing of Hydrographic data and assist in the production of navigational charts by both sides. The Vietnamese defence minister invited the Indian defence minister for ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and also the meeting being hosted by Vietnam on 10 Dec through virtual mode.

India, Vietnam to jointly train pilots, collaborate in shipbuilding

The 47th meet of the foreign ministers of the OIC or Organisation of Islamic Cooperation took place at an India-built convention center in Niger's capital Niamey. The Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre (MGICC) is the first such centre which was established in Africa by India to honour the memory of Mahatma Gandhi whose 150th birth anniversary was observed in 2019.

Maldives Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid tweeted a picture of himself at the convention centre saying, OIC meet was "taking place at the beautiful Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Center in Niamey, at this time of crisis it is crucial to build solidarity, togetherness and friendship to overcome the many challenges the world faces today!"

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The 47th Council of Foreign Ministers of <a href="https://twitter.com/OIC_OCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OIC_OCI</a>, taking place at the beautiful Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Center in Niamey, at this time of crisis, it is crucial to build solidarity, togetherness and friendship to overcome the many challenges the world faces today! <a href="https://t.co/RM9C2MNq1x">pic.twitter.com/RM9C2MNq1x</a>
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) <a href="https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid/status/1332324120965623809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The centre was jointly inaugurated by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou during the former's visit to the country in January of this year.&nbsp;

A Ministry of External Affairs release that time said, "The establishment of the Centre is a landmark for India-Niger friendship, as also a symbol of India’s firm commitment towards Africa."

The plenary hall of the centre has a capacity of 2000 people and with total cost being at USD 56 million. It was constructed by Shapoorji Pallonji Private Limited with Government of India's NBCC being the project management consultant for the project.&nbsp;

The total duration of construction was 13 months, and India is building more such centres across the continent. India offered to establish Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centres in more than 20 countries in Africa. The centres in 9 countries are being built in the immediate phase.

The 47th meet of the foreign ministers of the OIC or Organisation of Islamic Cooperation took place at an India-built convention center in Niger's capital Niamey.

The 47th meet of the foreign ministers of the OIC or Organisation of Islamic Cooperation took place at an India-built convention center in Niger's capital Niamey. The Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre (MGICC) is the first such centre which was established in Africa by India to honour the memory of Mahatma Gandhi whose 150th birth anniversary was observed in 2019. Maldives Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid tweeted a picture of himself at the convention centre saying, OIC meet was "taking place at the beautiful Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Center in Niamey, at this time of crisis it is crucial to build solidarity, togetherness and friendship to overcome the many challenges the world faces today!" The 47th Council of Foreign Ministers of @OIC_OCI, taking place at the beautiful Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Center in Niamey, at this time of crisis, it is crucial to build solidarity, togetherness and friendship to overcome the many challenges the world faces today! pic.twitter.com/RM9C2MNq1x — Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) November 27, 2020 × The centre was jointly inaugurated by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou during the former's visit to the country in January of this year. A Ministry of External Affairs release that time said, "The establishment of the Centre is a landmark for India-Niger friendship, as also a symbol of India’s firm commitment towards Africa." The plenary hall of the centre has a capacity of 2000 people and with total cost being at USD 56 million. It was constructed by Shapoorji Pallonji Private Limited with Government of India's NBCC being the project management consultant for the project. The total duration of construction was 13 months, and India is building more such centres across the continent. India offered to establish Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centres in more than 20 countries in Africa. The centres in 9 countries are being built in the immediate phase.

OIC meet takes place at India-built convention centre in Niger

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh and Vietnamese defence minister General Ngo Xuan Lich held a virtual meet on Friday, with focus on strengthening of ties and increase bilateral exchanges.&nbsp;

In terms of defence, both sides have increased partnership significantly. India trains a number of Vietnamese defence personnel under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) which has 70 slots for the country.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nsa-ajit-doval-arrives-in-sri-lanka-to-attend-trilateral-maritime-dialogue-345789">NSA Ajit Doval arrives in Sri Lanka to attend trilateral maritime dialogue</a>

In October 2019, the 12th annual security dialogue at defence secretary-level took place in Ho Chin Minh city. India has deputed mobile training teams to 11 countries, among them one is&nbsp;Vietnam. Defence industrial cooperation has been a new focus area of cooperation, with New Delhi extending defence Lines of Credit worth US$ 600 million to strengthening Vietnam’s domestic defence manufacturing.

Both, India and Vietnam, have been dealing with an aggressive China — India at the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh while Vietnam in the South China Sea — with Chinese vessels breaching into the country's exclusive economic zone.

Amidst the aggressive behaviour, both are working together, especially on the Indo Pacific concept. ASEAN countries, including Vietnam, have come up with their own outlook on the Indo-Pacific, which is broadly similar to India’s Indo-Pacific Vision.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh and Vietnamese defence minister General Ngo Xuan Lich held a virtual meet on Friday, with focus on strengthening of ties and increase bilateral exchanges.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh and Vietnamese defence minister General Ngo Xuan Lich held a virtual meet on Friday, with focus on strengthening of ties and increase bilateral exchanges. In terms of defence, both sides have increased partnership significantly. India trains a number of Vietnamese defence personnel under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) which has 70 slots for the country. Also read| NSA Ajit Doval arrives in Sri Lanka to attend trilateral maritime dialogue In October 2019, the 12th annual security dialogue at defence secretary-level took place in Ho Chin Minh city. India has deputed mobile training teams to 11 countries, among them one is Vietnam. Defence industrial cooperation has been a new focus area of cooperation, with New Delhi extending defence Lines of Credit worth US$ 600 million to strengthening Vietnam’s domestic defence manufacturing. Both, India and Vietnam, have been dealing with an aggressive China — India at the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh while Vietnam in the South China Sea — with Chinese vessels breaching into the country's exclusive economic zone. Amidst the aggressive behaviour, both are working together, especially on the Indo Pacific concept. ASEAN countries, including Vietnam, have come up with their own outlook on the Indo-Pacific, which is broadly similar to India’s Indo-Pacific Vision.

Indian and Vietnamese defence ministers hold talks

Energy, Covid-19 cooperation, defence were the key focus areas of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit to United Arab Emirates (UAE) as he met the top leadership---Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and foreign minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.&nbsp;

The in-person visit comes amidst the pandemic and UAE normalising its ties with Israel, a significant development that has ramifications in the region.

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Thank HH <a href="https://twitter.com/MohamedBinZayed?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MohamedBinZayed</a> for receiving me on arrival at Abu Dhabi. Conveyed the greetings and good wishes of PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>. UAE’s care and consideration of its large Indian community is deeply appreciated. <a href="https://t.co/0xewAQvj9a">pic.twitter.com/0xewAQvj9a</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1331699969280106497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs said, "EAM and the UAE Foreign Minister discussed recent regional and international developments and agreed to continue coordination on various multilateral issues."

When it comes to Covid-19, EAM briefed his counterpart on the "progress made by India" in dealing the pandemic and thanked the Emirati leadership for " taking great care of Indians during the Covid-19 pandemic".

UAE has the largest population of Indians outside of India, many of whom are playing a key part in the local economy and also sending huge remittances back home.&nbsp;

EAM is on a week-long 3 nation visit and has already visited Bahrain and UAE and his next destination is Indian ocean Island country of Seychelles to meet with the new leadership of President Ramkalawan.

Energy, Covid-19 cooperation, defence were the key focus areas of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit to United Arab Emirates (UAE) as he met the top leadership---Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and foreign minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Energy, Covid-19 cooperation, defence were the key focus areas of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit to United Arab Emirates (UAE) as he met the top leadership---Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and foreign minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The in-person visit comes amidst the pandemic and UAE normalising its ties with Israel, a significant development that has ramifications in the region. Thank HH @MohamedBinZayed for receiving me on arrival at Abu Dhabi. Conveyed the greetings and good wishes of PM @narendramodi. UAE’s care and consideration of its large Indian community is deeply appreciated. pic.twitter.com/0xewAQvj9a — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 25, 2020 × A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs said, "EAM and the UAE Foreign Minister discussed recent regional and international developments and agreed to continue coordination on various multilateral issues." When it comes to Covid-19, EAM briefed his counterpart on the "progress made by India" in dealing the pandemic and thanked the Emirati leadership for " taking great care of Indians during the Covid-19 pandemic". UAE has the largest population of Indians outside of India, many of whom are playing a key part in the local economy and also sending huge remittances back home. EAM is on a week-long 3 nation visit and has already visited Bahrain and UAE and his next destination is Indian ocean Island country of Seychelles to meet with the new leadership of President Ramkalawan.

Covid-19, energy, defence key focus of Foreign Minister Jaishankar's UAE visit

After a gap of 6 years, India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka trilateral meet will take place with a focus on maritime security co-operation in the Indian Ocean region. The meet will take place in Colombo on November 27 and 28th, with India being represented by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. This is the first foreign visit of the NSA amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sri Lanka is being represented by its Defense Secretary Major General Kamal Gunaratne. Maldives Defense Minister Mariya Didi will be representing her country.&nbsp;

This is the 4th time such a meeting is taking place. The first India-Maldives-Sri Lanka trilateral took place in 2011 in the Maldives. Second meeting took place in Sri Lanka in 2013 while the third took place in India in 2014.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-can-never-forget-2611-mumbai-attacks-pm-modi-345539">India can never forget 26/11 Mumbai attacks: PM Modi</a> 
 
The Ministry of External Affairs while making the announcement called it an "effective platform for cooperation among Indian Ocean countries" and said it will provide an "opportunity for discussion on issues pertaining to cooperation in maritime security in the Indian Ocean region."

Bangladesh, Mauritius, and Seychelles are observer members of the trilateral meet and are expected to participate. Maldives foreign ministry said it will see discussion on "most pressing issues surrounding maritime security in the Indian Ocean region".

The meet happens even as the Indian ocean has seen an increased presence of Chinese vessels, a worrisome factor for several countries in the region. Chinese vessels have been found indulging in Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) activities in addition to being a security issue.&nbsp;

The Indian Ocean region sees 80 per cent of world trade and a substantial oil trade taking place via its waters. It has 4 choke points, the most important being the strait of Malacca, which if disrupted can led to global trade being disrupted.

After a gap of 6 years, India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka trilateral meet will take place with a focus on maritime security co-operation in the Indian Ocean region.

After a gap of 6 years, India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka trilateral meet will take place with a focus on maritime security co-operation in the Indian Ocean region. The meet will take place in Colombo on November 27 and 28th, with India being represented by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. This is the first foreign visit of the NSA amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Sri Lanka is being represented by its Defense Secretary Major General Kamal Gunaratne. Maldives Defense Minister Mariya Didi will be representing her country. This is the 4th time such a meeting is taking place. The first India-Maldives-Sri Lanka trilateral took place in 2011 in the Maldives. Second meeting took place in Sri Lanka in 2013 while the third took place in India in 2014. Also Read | India can never forget 26/11 Mumbai attacks: PM Modi The Ministry of External Affairs while making the announcement called it an "effective platform for cooperation among Indian Ocean countries" and said it will provide an "opportunity for discussion on issues pertaining to cooperation in maritime security in the Indian Ocean region." Bangladesh, Mauritius, and Seychelles are observer members of the trilateral meet and are expected to participate. Maldives foreign ministry said it will see discussion on "most pressing issues surrounding maritime security in the Indian Ocean region". The meet happens even as the Indian ocean has seen an increased presence of Chinese vessels, a worrisome factor for several countries in the region. Chinese vessels have been found indulging in Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) activities in addition to being a security issue. The Indian Ocean region sees 80 per cent of world trade and a substantial oil trade taking place via its waters. It has 4 choke points, the most important being the strait of Malacca, which if disrupted can led to global trade being disrupted.

India-Maldives-Sri Lanka to meet on Indian Ocean security after 6 years

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla has assured Kathmandu on the covid vaccine even as both sides have agreed to "advance cooperation" in several areas. FS's visit is currently on a 2 day Nepal visit, 3rd major in-person visit from India to Nepal, after the visit of the RAW chief and Indian Army chief's visit.

After his meeting with Nepal's Foreign secretary Bharat Paudyal, Shringla said, "We had a very productive and useful exchange, we went through a very large number of issues of bilateral cooperation. It shows the multifaceted and comprehensive nature of our cooperation".

During the visit, Shringla called on Nepal Foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali and Nepal PM K P Sharma Oli. He handed over 2000 vials of Remdesivir as part of New Delhi's assistance to Nepal to deal with the COVID crisis.

Shringla assured Nepal will be a priority when it comes to vaccine saying, "we will make this vaccine accessible and affordable and it goes without saying, that first priority will be for our closest neighbors like Nepal..will put our health ministers and regulators in touch with each other to ensure that when this vaccine enters the market when this vaccine is available, Nepal will have the fullest benefit of the vaccine."

The visit comes even as ties had deteriorated between the two&nbsp;countries after the Nepal government led by KP Sharma Oli issued a new map of the country. The new map showed the Indian territories of Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura as Nepali territories, irking New Delhi.

Highlighting the "civilisational ties", Shringla said, "bilateral relations are age-old and historic....and even during the worst period of the covid pandemic, the strict lockdown, we ensured trade, essential supplies and commodities continue to flow between our 2 countries"

It is interesting to know, Shringla when he reached Kathmandu on Thursday morning, spoke to the media in Nepali, a gesture that has not gone unnoticed and was seen positively.

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla has assured Kathmandu on the covid vaccine even as both sides have agreed to "advance cooperation" in several areas. FS's visit is currently on a 2 day Nepal visit, 3rd major in-person visit from India to Nepal, after the visit of the RAW chief and Indian Army chief's visit.

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla has assured Kathmandu on the covid vaccine even as both sides have agreed to "advance cooperation" in several areas. FS's visit is currently on a 2 day Nepal visit, 3rd major in-person visit from India to Nepal, after the visit of the RAW chief and Indian Army chief's visit. After his meeting with Nepal's Foreign secretary Bharat Paudyal, Shringla said, "We had a very productive and useful exchange, we went through a very large number of issues of bilateral cooperation. It shows the multifaceted and comprehensive nature of our cooperation". During the visit, Shringla called on Nepal Foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali and Nepal PM K P Sharma Oli. He handed over 2000 vials of Remdesivir as part of New Delhi's assistance to Nepal to deal with the COVID crisis. Shringla assured Nepal will be a priority when it comes to vaccine saying, "we will make this vaccine accessible and affordable and it goes without saying, that first priority will be for our closest neighbors like Nepal..will put our health ministers and regulators in touch with each other to ensure that when this vaccine enters the market when this vaccine is available, Nepal will have the fullest benefit of the vaccine." The visit comes even as ties had deteriorated between the two countries after the Nepal government led by KP Sharma Oli issued a new map of the country. The new map showed the Indian territories of Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura as Nepali territories, irking New Delhi. Highlighting the "civilisational ties", Shringla said, "bilateral relations are age-old and historic....and even during the worst period of the covid pandemic, the strict lockdown, we ensured trade, essential supplies and commodities continue to flow between our 2 countries" It is interesting to know, Shringla when he reached Kathmandu on Thursday morning, spoke to the media in Nepali, a gesture that has not gone unnoticed and was seen positively.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla assures Nepal on vaccine; both agree to advance cooperation

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Sidhant Sibal

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