Bhutan and Germany on Wednesday established diplomatic ties with each other, something that was in the pipeline for a while now.&nbsp;

In a small ceremony at the Bhutanese mission in Delhi, German ambassador to India Walter J Lindner and Bhutan's envoy to India Maj. Gen. V. Namgyel exchanged the diplomatic documents marking the establishment of ties.&nbsp;

The announcement does not involve plans to open resident missions in both countries. Bhutanese foreign ministry statement said, "with the establishment of diplomatic relations, the 2 ambassadors expressed the desire to further deepen the friendship and cooperation between the 2 countries".

The development partnership is the key rationale for establishing ties, with the foreign ministry highlighting, "Germany had been supporting Bhutan's socio-economic development since the 1980s" and "more significantly Bhutan continues to receive support from the EU of which Germany is the largest contributor to the Union's budget".

India has taken "note" of the development with sources pointing out that "we are aware that the two countries already established consular relations in July 2000 and Germany is an important development partner of Bhutan". The sources added," This is a further step on that path."

Before the establishment of ties, official bilateral ties were maintained through the Germany embassy in Delhi, Bhutanese embassy in Brussels. Bhutan already has an Honorary Consul in Germany and vice versa for diplomatic communication.

Bhutan now has diplomatic relations with 53 countries and the European Union. It is interesting to point out, Thimphu does not have any formal diplomatic relation with any P5 country - US, Russia, UK, France or China.

Bhutan and Germany on Wednesday established diplomatic ties with each other, something that was in the pipeline for a while now. In a small ceremony at the Bhutanese mission in Delhi, German ambassador to India Walter J Lindner and Bhutan's envoy to India Maj.

Bhutan and Germany on Wednesday established diplomatic ties with each other, something that was in the pipeline for a while now. In a small ceremony at the Bhutanese mission in Delhi, German ambassador to India Walter J Lindner and Bhutan's envoy to India Maj. Gen. V. Namgyel exchanged the diplomatic documents marking the establishment of ties. The announcement does not involve plans to open resident missions in both countries. Bhutanese foreign ministry statement said, "with the establishment of diplomatic relations, the 2 ambassadors expressed the desire to further deepen the friendship and cooperation between the 2 countries". The development partnership is the key rationale for establishing ties, with the foreign ministry highlighting, "Germany had been supporting Bhutan's socio-economic development since the 1980s" and "more significantly Bhutan continues to receive support from the EU of which Germany is the largest contributor to the Union's budget". India has taken "note" of the development with sources pointing out that "we are aware that the two countries already established consular relations in July 2000 and Germany is an important development partner of Bhutan". The sources added," This is a further step on that path." Before the establishment of ties, official bilateral ties were maintained through the Germany embassy in Delhi, Bhutanese embassy in Brussels. Bhutan already has an Honorary Consul in Germany and vice versa for diplomatic communication. Bhutan now has diplomatic relations with 53 countries and the European Union. It is interesting to point out, Thimphu does not have any formal diplomatic relation with any P5 country - US, Russia, UK, France or China.

Bhutan-Germany establish diplomatic ties; India takes 'note'

Several foreign envoys will be visiting Pune on December 4 to see India's covid vaccine development programme. The visit, organized by India's Ministry of External Affairs will be a one-day visit. The envoys will visit 2 institutes--Serum institute of India and Gennova Biopharmaceuticals.

The visit was one of the key outcomes of Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla's meet with the envoys earlier this month in Delhi. On 6th November, India's Foreign Secretary along with Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Prof K Vijay Raghavan, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary of Department of Biotechnology, Dr. Renu Swarup and Secretary of Department of Science &amp; Technology Ashutosh Sharma briefed More than 190 heads of diplomatic missions on India's action on COVID-19 pandemic.

Serum Institute is involved in the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine against COVID while Gennova is working on mRNA based vaccine.

Indian PM Narendra Modi during his virtual meet with Chief Minister earlier this week said, "Work on vaccine research is almost at the last stage both in the country as well as in the world" and the "Indian government is keeping a close eye on each and every development and we are in touch with everybody", pointing out, "it is not yet decided whether there will be one, two or three doses of vaccine or what will be its price."

India is expected to be a major centre of the global covid vaccine manufacturing and supply. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, India has emerged as the pharma capital of the world supplying medicines such as HCQ, Paracetamol to more than 150 countries.&nbsp;

On vaccine development programme, New Delhi has organized training programmes on clinical trials for neighbouring countries in which nearly 90 experts from 8 countries participated.&nbsp;

It has sent aid, in terms of food and medicines to 5 Indian ocean countries--Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles and 4 African countries--Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea.

Several foreign envoys will be visiting Pune on December 4 to see India's covid vaccine development programme. The visit, organized by India's Ministry of External Affairs will be a one-day visit.

Several foreign envoys will be visiting Pune on December 4 to see India's covid vaccine development programme. The visit, organized by India's Ministry of External Affairs will be a one-day visit. The envoys will visit 2 institutes--Serum institute of India and Gennova Biopharmaceuticals. The visit was one of the key outcomes of Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla's meet with the envoys earlier this month in Delhi. On 6th November, India's Foreign Secretary along with Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Prof K Vijay Raghavan, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary of Department of Biotechnology, Dr. Renu Swarup and Secretary of Department of Science & Technology Ashutosh Sharma briefed More than 190 heads of diplomatic missions on India's action on COVID-19 pandemic. Serum Institute is involved in the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine against COVID while Gennova is working on mRNA based vaccine. Indian PM Narendra Modi during his virtual meet with Chief Minister earlier this week said, "Work on vaccine research is almost at the last stage both in the country as well as in the world" and the "Indian government is keeping a close eye on each and every development and we are in touch with everybody", pointing out, "it is not yet decided whether there will be one, two or three doses of vaccine or what will be its price." India is expected to be a major centre of the global covid vaccine manufacturing and supply. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, India has emerged as the pharma capital of the world supplying medicines such as HCQ, Paracetamol to more than 150 countries. On vaccine development programme, New Delhi has organized training programmes on clinical trials for neighbouring countries in which nearly 90 experts from 8 countries participated. It has sent aid, in terms of food and medicines to 5 Indian ocean countries--Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles and 4 African countries--Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea.

Foreign envoys to visit Pune on Dec 4 to see India's COVID-19 vaccine programme

The Maldives is looking for a cohesive strategy for its Indo-Pacific engagement such that it can "benefit our own development priorities", the spokesperson for the Maldives President has said. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Male, spokesperson Ibrahim Hood said, "We especially share our partners’ vision of keeping a Free and Open Indo-Pacific so that legitimate commercial activity across this vast expanse is unhindered and brings prosperity to all of its communities."

The spokesperson also talked about ties with India, saying, "As our largest neighbour and one of our oldest development partners, India features prominently in our regional engagements."&nbsp;

Ties between the 2 countries have grown under the present President Solih administration with increased high-level visits. India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla had visited the country in early November. New Delhi is involved in a number of infra projects in the country and has extended support amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

WION: How does the Maldives see its partnership with India in 2020? 
Ibrahim Hood: The Maldives continues to cherish the excellent partnership we have with India. Since President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was sworn into office, his administration has made a determined effort to improve the Maldives’ relationships the world over and with its immediate neighbours in particular. As our largest neighbour and one of our oldest development partners, India features prominently in our regional engagements. During the first two years of this Administration’s time in office the Maldives and India have exchanged several high-level visits including State visits by President Solih and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Over the course of these engagements, we have expanded cooperation on all spheres, from fisheries and trade to tourism, healthcare and regional defence. Our ties with India cannot be limited to governmental interactions alone. Large communities of Maldivians call India a second home. In turn, the Maldives hosts a significant population of Indian expatriates. The cultural influence that India exerts on the Maldives through mediums such as Bollywood is immense, and the civilizational and cultural ties that bind our two countries together run deep. Complemented by our two governments’ determination to maintain friendly relations, these factors will keep the Maldives-India relationship strong and enduring.&nbsp;

WION: How has India helped the Maldives during the Covid-19 pandemic? 
Ibrahim Hood: India’s timely and generous assistance throughout the pandemic helped enhance the Maldives’ healthcare capacity, reduced the strain on our economy and increased the efficiency of our response to the disease. Through operation Sanjeevani they airlifted over six tons of essential medicines to the Maldives and sent a medical team to assist us with our health response. Prime Minister Modi’s early initiative to establish a South Asian Covid-19 fund to be used as a common resource to help the region combat the pandemic was also of great help to us. In addition to direct medical assistance, India has also provided us with support to help allay the indirect challenges of the disease, especially economic ones. They have provided us with budgetary support and set up lines of credit which have helped us shore up our foreign currency reserves. We cannot thank them enough for all that they have done for us. &nbsp;

WION: How are both countries working together on regional security in the Indian Ocean? 
Ibrahim Hood: The Maldives has always maintained the firm belief that the Indian ocean should be a zone of peace. The best way to do this is through increased cooperation amongst all stakeholders. All Indian Ocean States have a common interest in addressing the current drivers of regional insecurity from terrorism, to narcotics and human smuggling, to Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing, which diminishes our food security, to natural disasters such as the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004, which seriously endanger our populations, economies and physical infrastructure. These issues cannot be resolved unilaterally, and all South Asian States must cooperate on such things as intelligence sharing, monitoring the Indian ocean’s vast EEZs and ensuring the safety and security of its Sea Lanes of Communication. That is why the Maldives has joined regional organizations such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) which strive to resolve these issues collectively.

WION: How do India and Maldives plan to work on issues such as connectivity? 
Ibrahim Hood: The South Asian region is one of the least integrated regions in the world. This is costing our populations. For instance, intraregional trade within South Asia is estimated to be 5% of our collective GDP compared to 25% for ASEAN countries. Reducing trade barriers between our countries could potentially raise billions of dollars for our economies. Furthermore, as I have alluded to in my answer to the previous question, South Asia faces a set of common challenges which can only be overcome by the region’s countries working together. The governments of both India and Maldives recognize these facts, which is why we have strengthened our bilateral partnerships with each other and with the rest of South Asia, and why we committed to strengthening the capacity of important regional bodies such as SAARC and IORA. &nbsp;&nbsp;

 
WION: How do you see the Indo-Pacific concept? Do you support this concept? 
Ibrahim Hood: As Japan’s former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo famously expressed during his remarks while addressing India’s Lok Sabha and referring to the increasing linkages between the Indian and the Pacific Oceans, there is now a salient ‘confluence between the two seas’. The Indian and Pacific region together are now at the heart of international relations; together, they comprise a region that stretches from the West coast of the United States to the Western shores of India. Contributing to 2/3rds of the global GDP growth, home to several major world powers, six of which possess nuclear weapons and containing over half of the world’s population, the region’s centrality to global geopolitics is unquestionable. That the Indian and Pacific oceans should be recognized as a single political construct is increasingly recognized by the world’s great powers. For instance, that is why the United States has combined their previously separate Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean fleets into a single Indo-Pacific fleet. As an island nation centrally located in the Indian Ocean, sitting astride several important sea lines of communication (SLOCS) linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the Maldives must have a cohesive strategy regarding our Indo Pacific engagement, in terms of making use of the increased geopolitical attention given to this region, and making use of that to benefit our own development priorities. We especially share our partners’ vision of keeping a Free and Open Indo-Pacific so that legitimate commercial activity across this vast expanse is unhindered and brings prosperity to all of its communities.

The Maldives is looking for a cohesive strategy for its Indo-Pacific engagement such that it can "benefit our own development priorities", the spokesperson for the Maldives President has said.

The Maldives is looking for a cohesive strategy for its Indo-Pacific engagement such that it can "benefit our own development priorities", the spokesperson for the Maldives President has said. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Male, spokesperson Ibrahim Hood said, "We especially share our partners’ vision of keeping a Free and Open Indo-Pacific so that legitimate commercial activity across this vast expanse is unhindered and brings prosperity to all of its communities." The spokesperson also talked about ties with India, saying, "As our largest neighbour and one of our oldest development partners, India features prominently in our regional engagements." Ties between the 2 countries have grown under the present President Solih administration with increased high-level visits. India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla had visited the country in early November. New Delhi is involved in a number of infra projects in the country and has extended support amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. WION: How does the Maldives see its partnership with India in 2020? Ibrahim Hood: The Maldives continues to cherish the excellent partnership we have with India. Since President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was sworn into office, his administration has made a determined effort to improve the Maldives’ relationships the world over and with its immediate neighbours in particular. As our largest neighbour and one of our oldest development partners, India features prominently in our regional engagements. During the first two years of this Administration’s time in office the Maldives and India have exchanged several high-level visits including State visits by President Solih and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Over the course of these engagements, we have expanded cooperation on all spheres, from fisheries and trade to tourism, healthcare and regional defence. Our ties with India cannot be limited to governmental interactions alone. Large communities of Maldivians call India a second home. In turn, the Maldives hosts a significant population of Indian expatriates. The cultural influence that India exerts on the Maldives through mediums such as Bollywood is immense, and the civilizational and cultural ties that bind our two countries together run deep. Complemented by our two governments’ determination to maintain friendly relations, these factors will keep the Maldives-India relationship strong and enduring. WION: How has India helped the Maldives during the Covid-19 pandemic? Ibrahim Hood: India’s timely and generous assistance throughout the pandemic helped enhance the Maldives’ healthcare capacity, reduced the strain on our economy and increased the efficiency of our response to the disease. Through operation Sanjeevani they airlifted over six tons of essential medicines to the Maldives and sent a medical team to assist us with our health response. Prime Minister Modi’s early initiative to establish a South Asian Covid-19 fund to be used as a common resource to help the region combat the pandemic was also of great help to us. In addition to direct medical assistance, India has also provided us with support to help allay the indirect challenges of the disease, especially economic ones. They have provided us with budgetary support and set up lines of credit which have helped us shore up our foreign currency reserves. We cannot thank them enough for all that they have done for us. WION: How are both countries working together on regional security in the Indian Ocean? Ibrahim Hood: The Maldives has always maintained the firm belief that the Indian ocean should be a zone of peace. The best way to do this is through increased cooperation amongst all stakeholders. All Indian Ocean States have a common interest in addressing the current drivers of regional insecurity from terrorism, to narcotics and human smuggling, to Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing, which diminishes our food security, to natural disasters such as the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004, which seriously endanger our populations, economies and physical infrastructure. These issues cannot be resolved unilaterally, and all South Asian States must cooperate on such things as intelligence sharing, monitoring the Indian ocean’s vast EEZs and ensuring the safety and security of its Sea Lanes of Communication. That is why the Maldives has joined regional organizations such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) which strive to resolve these issues collectively. WION: How do India and Maldives plan to work on issues such as connectivity? Ibrahim Hood: The South Asian region is one of the least integrated regions in the world. This is costing our populations. For instance, intraregional trade within South Asia is estimated to be 5% of our collective GDP compared to 25% for ASEAN countries. Reducing trade barriers between our countries could potentially raise billions of dollars for our economies. Furthermore, as I have alluded to in my answer to the previous question, South Asia faces a set of common challenges which can only be overcome by the region’s countries working together. The governments of both India and Maldives recognize these facts, which is why we have strengthened our bilateral partnerships with each other and with the rest of South Asia, and why we committed to strengthening the capacity of important regional bodies such as SAARC and IORA. WION: How do you see the Indo-Pacific concept? Do you support this concept? Ibrahim Hood: As Japan’s former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo famously expressed during his remarks while addressing India’s Lok Sabha and referring to the increasing linkages between the Indian and the Pacific Oceans, there is now a salient ‘confluence between the two seas’. The Indian and Pacific region together are now at the heart of international relations; together, they comprise a region that stretches from the West coast of the United States to the Western shores of India. Contributing to 2/3rds of the global GDP growth, home to several major world powers, six of which possess nuclear weapons and containing over half of the world’s population, the region’s centrality to global geopolitics is unquestionable. That the Indian and Pacific oceans should be recognized as a single political construct is increasingly recognized by the world’s great powers. For instance, that is why the United States has combined their previously separate Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean fleets into a single Indo-Pacific fleet. As an island nation centrally located in the Indian Ocean, sitting astride several important sea lines of communication (SLOCS) linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the Maldives must have a cohesive strategy regarding our Indo Pacific engagement, in terms of making use of the increased geopolitical attention given to this region, and making use of that to benefit our own development priorities. We especially share our partners’ vision of keeping a Free and Open Indo-Pacific so that legitimate commercial activity across this vast expanse is unhindered and brings prosperity to all of its communities.

Indo-Pacific engagement should benefit development priorities: Maldives President Spokesperson

Japanese envoy to India has described RCEP or Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership countries offer to India for observer status as "exceptional" and "based on our recognition of the significance of partnership with India."&nbsp;

Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Japanese envoy Satoshi Suzuki said, "Japan understands the current position of the Government of India concerning RCEP. At the same time, India’s engagement in regional frameworks has strategic importance."

Earlier this month, the pact with 15 countries of the Asia-Pacific came into being, however, it announced that India can participate in the group's activities as an observer member and it left a window open for India to join it at a future date.

Envoy Suzuki speaking on the recently concluded Malabar exercises called for "unwavering commitment of the Quad countries to jointly promote a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific." Asked, if he sees Australia in next year's edition, he said,"looking forward to seeing the four maritime forces continuing to operate together in the next exercise".

He also spoke on progress on the bullet train, resilient supply chains on which he pointed out that JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) has adopted two projects from India on rare earth and automobile keyless entry parts under the "Program for Strengthening Overseas Supply Chains."

WION: How do you see the Malabar exercise, especially with the participation of Australia. Do you see continued participation of Australia at the exercises?

Satoshi Suzuki: Through a number of working-level consultations and two Foreign Ministers Meetings among the Quad countries, we have found significant convergences in our approaches to ensure a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and tremendous potential to augment individual efforts by working together.&nbsp;

The Malabar exercise this year was a great example of such joint efforts. By operating together at sea, the four maritime forces strengthened partnerships among them, which is the foundation of cooperative actions to maintain a rules-based maritime order.&nbsp;

Moreover, the exercise displayed unwavering commitment of the Quad countries to jointly promote a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. I am looking forward to seeing the four maritime forces continuing to operate together in the next exercise on.

WION: &nbsp;On Indo-Pacific cooperation, how does the Suga administration sees it. Any new initiative expected under the new Japanese leadership...

Satoshi Suzuki: Prime Minister Suga expressed that his administration will continue to uphold and attach significance to a free and open Indo-Pacific. He emphasized this in his first telephone conversation with Prime Minister Modi on September 25 and in the recent East Asia Summit meeting.&nbsp;

India is a prime partner in achieving this shared vision of Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law. That is why Japan has just recently become a leading country in the connectivity pillar of the Indo-Pacific Ocean’s Initiative (IPOI) which was proposed by Prime Minister Modi last year.&nbsp;

COVID-19 has made the importance of international cooperation even more salient. Japan continues to cooperate with India and other like-minded countries to realize a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

WION: On COVID-19 cooperation how have things have been? Is there anything on jointly producing a vaccine?

Satoshi Suzuki: Japan has been partnering with India in the fight against COVID-19. Japan’s assistance is extensive, ranging from 50 billion yen (about Rs 7,500 crore) budget support and 1 billion yen (about Rs. 150 crore) grant assistance, to support through international organizations such as UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCR and IFRC.&nbsp;

Japan is providing oxygen generators and is helping the Government of India to implement her policies, including the development of hospitals equipped with ICUs and infection prevention and management facilities as well as the enhancement of telemedicine using digital technology in numerous villages across India.&nbsp;

Vaccine could be possible future cooperation. Japan is also working with our Indian friends to bolster the Indian economy after COVID-19.&nbsp;

JBIC (Japan Bank for International Cooperation) signed loan agreements (totaling 11,000 crore）with the SBI and NTPC at the end of October in order to boost India's automobile and solar power generation sectors.&nbsp;

METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) is working with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to increase the competitiveness of Indian industries so that the Indian economy will strongly and sustainably grow.

WION: How is the alternate supply chain project going. India, Australia, and Japan started the process. Is Japan giving special incentives for companies to be part of it. How many countries are keen on it?

Satoshi Suzuki: Commerce/Trade Ministers of Japan, India and Australia concurred to launch a new initiative for resilient supply chains in the Indo-Pacific region when they met online in September.&nbsp;

The Ministers are aiming at launching this initiative by the end of this year and are in the process of consulting with other interested countries. In relation to this initiative, I would like to touch upon that JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) is implementing the "Program for Strengthening Overseas Supply Chains."&nbsp;

I am pleased that two projects were adopted from India concerning rare earth and automobile keyless entry parts. They are the first and only projects adopted outside ASEAN countries.&nbsp;

I hope these efforts will help our shared objectives for realizing resilient supply chains.

WION: &nbsp;India and Japan have been working on several projects both in India and abroad. In India, the bullet train is something much celebrated. How has the progress been? Has it been impacted by COVID-19? Also, what about the third countries project, is there any update...

Satoshi Suzuki: India is the largest recipient of Japan’s ODA, while Japan is the largest bilateral donor to India. Our assistance ranges from big scale infrastructure projects such as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-speed Rail (MAHSR) to more grass-root-level efforts.&nbsp;

Japan is also a staunch partner for the development of strategically important India’s North East. Of course, COVID-19 has had some impact; but to take the example of the MAHSR, tender for the largest civil work segment has recently been awarded.&nbsp;

This example attests that Japan is fully committed to earnestly implementing ODA projects notwithstanding COVID-19. Importantly, these civil works will also serve as a sizable economic stimulus in the midst of COVID-19, as they are performed by Indian companies. &nbsp;

Japan-India cooperation in third countries is important to realize our shared vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Japan and India are working together in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and elsewhere in order to enhance connectivity and realize better livelihood. We are keen to continue and expand our collaborations.

WION: Any high-level engagement between Suga-Modi admin, any plans for virtual summit?

Satoshi Suzuki: At the first telephone conversation between Prime Minister Suga and Prime Minister Modi, it was confirmed that annual Summit meetings would be resumed once the situation related to COVID-19 be improved.&nbsp;

I hope that the situation will improve to permit us to hold the meeting between the two PMs at the earliest possible and mutually-convenient time.

WION: What do you think of India and RCEP. RCEP has taken off but invited India for observer status...

Satoshi Suzuki: Japan understands the current position of the Government of India concerning RCEP. At the same time, India’s engagement in regional frameworks has strategic importance. Our shared vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific is also underpinned by our emphasis on the rule of law.&nbsp;

From this perspective, Japan took a lead in drafting the Ministerial Declaration on India’s participation in the RCEP, which was endorsed by the Joint Leaders’ Statement issued on 15th November. The Declaration expressed the willingness of other 15 countries to commence negotiations with India once India so wishes.&nbsp;

It also allows India to join as an observer related meetings even before acceding to the RCEP if India so wishes. This means that we keep the door open to India, which can enjoy certain benefits even while remaining in the current position.&nbsp;

I believe this is an exceptional offer to India, based on our recognition of the significance of partnership with India.

Japanese envoy to India has described RCEP or Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership countries offer to India for observer status as "exceptional" and "based on our recognition of the significance of partnership with India.

Japanese envoy to India has described RCEP or Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership countries offer to India for observer status as "exceptional" and "based on our recognition of the significance of partnership with India." Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Japanese envoy Satoshi Suzuki said, "Japan understands the current position of the Government of India concerning RCEP. At the same time, India’s engagement in regional frameworks has strategic importance." Earlier this month, the pact with 15 countries of the Asia-Pacific came into being, however, it announced that India can participate in the group's activities as an observer member and it left a window open for India to join it at a future date. Envoy Suzuki speaking on the recently concluded Malabar exercises called for "unwavering commitment of the Quad countries to jointly promote a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific." Asked, if he sees Australia in next year's edition, he said,"looking forward to seeing the four maritime forces continuing to operate together in the next exercise". He also spoke on progress on the bullet train, resilient supply chains on which he pointed out that JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) has adopted two projects from India on rare earth and automobile keyless entry parts under the "Program for Strengthening Overseas Supply Chains." WION: How do you see the Malabar exercise, especially with the participation of Australia. Do you see continued participation of Australia at the exercises? Satoshi Suzuki: Through a number of working-level consultations and two Foreign Ministers Meetings among the Quad countries, we have found significant convergences in our approaches to ensure a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and tremendous potential to augment individual efforts by working together. The Malabar exercise this year was a great example of such joint efforts. By operating together at sea, the four maritime forces strengthened partnerships among them, which is the foundation of cooperative actions to maintain a rules-based maritime order. Moreover, the exercise displayed unwavering commitment of the Quad countries to jointly promote a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. I am looking forward to seeing the four maritime forces continuing to operate together in the next exercise on. WION: On Indo-Pacific cooperation, how does the Suga administration sees it. Any new initiative expected under the new Japanese leadership... Satoshi Suzuki: Prime Minister Suga expressed that his administration will continue to uphold and attach significance to a free and open Indo-Pacific. He emphasized this in his first telephone conversation with Prime Minister Modi on September 25 and in the recent East Asia Summit meeting. India is a prime partner in achieving this shared vision of Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law. That is why Japan has just recently become a leading country in the connectivity pillar of the Indo-Pacific Ocean’s Initiative (IPOI) which was proposed by Prime Minister Modi last year. COVID-19 has made the importance of international cooperation even more salient. Japan continues to cooperate with India and other like-minded countries to realize a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. WION: On COVID-19 cooperation how have things have been? Is there anything on jointly producing a vaccine? Satoshi Suzuki: Japan has been partnering with India in the fight against COVID-19. Japan’s assistance is extensive, ranging from 50 billion yen (about Rs 7,500 crore) budget support and 1 billion yen (about Rs. 150 crore) grant assistance, to support through international organizations such as UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCR and IFRC. Japan is providing oxygen generators and is helping the Government of India to implement her policies, including the development of hospitals equipped with ICUs and infection prevention and management facilities as well as the enhancement of telemedicine using digital technology in numerous villages across India. Vaccine could be possible future cooperation. Japan is also working with our Indian friends to bolster the Indian economy after COVID-19. JBIC (Japan Bank for International Cooperation) signed loan agreements (totaling 11,000 crore）with the SBI and NTPC at the end of October in order to boost India's automobile and solar power generation sectors. METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) is working with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to increase the competitiveness of Indian industries so that the Indian economy will strongly and sustainably grow. WION: How is the alternate supply chain project going. India, Australia, and Japan started the process. Is Japan giving special incentives for companies to be part of it. How many countries are keen on it? Satoshi Suzuki: Commerce/Trade Ministers of Japan, India and Australia concurred to launch a new initiative for resilient supply chains in the Indo-Pacific region when they met online in September. The Ministers are aiming at launching this initiative by the end of this year and are in the process of consulting with other interested countries. In relation to this initiative, I would like to touch upon that JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) is implementing the "Program for Strengthening Overseas Supply Chains." I am pleased that two projects were adopted from India concerning rare earth and automobile keyless entry parts. They are the first and only projects adopted outside ASEAN countries. I hope these efforts will help our shared objectives for realizing resilient supply chains. WION: India and Japan have been working on several projects both in India and abroad. In India, the bullet train is something much celebrated. How has the progress been? Has it been impacted by COVID-19? Also, what about the third countries project, is there any update... Satoshi Suzuki: India is the largest recipient of Japan’s ODA, while Japan is the largest bilateral donor to India. Our assistance ranges from big scale infrastructure projects such as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-speed Rail (MAHSR) to more grass-root-level efforts. Japan is also a staunch partner for the development of strategically important India’s North East. Of course, COVID-19 has had some impact; but to take the example of the MAHSR, tender for the largest civil work segment has recently been awarded. This example attests that Japan is fully committed to earnestly implementing ODA projects notwithstanding COVID-19. Importantly, these civil works will also serve as a sizable economic stimulus in the midst of COVID-19, as they are performed by Indian companies. Japan-India cooperation in third countries is important to realize our shared vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Japan and India are working together in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and elsewhere in order to enhance connectivity and realize better livelihood. We are keen to continue and expand our collaborations. WION: Any high-level engagement between Suga-Modi admin, any plans for virtual summit? Satoshi Suzuki: At the first telephone conversation between Prime Minister Suga and Prime Minister Modi, it was confirmed that annual Summit meetings would be resumed once the situation related to COVID-19 be improved. I hope that the situation will improve to permit us to hold the meeting between the two PMs at the earliest possible and mutually-convenient time. WION: What do you think of India and RCEP. RCEP has taken off but invited India for observer status... Satoshi Suzuki: Japan understands the current position of the Government of India concerning RCEP. At the same time, India’s engagement in regional frameworks has strategic importance. Our shared vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific is also underpinned by our emphasis on the rule of law. From this perspective, Japan took a lead in drafting the Ministerial Declaration on India’s participation in the RCEP, which was endorsed by the Joint Leaders’ Statement issued on 15th November. The Declaration expressed the willingness of other 15 countries to commence negotiations with India once India so wishes. It also allows India to join as an observer related meetings even before acceding to the RCEP if India so wishes. This means that we keep the door open to India, which can enjoy certain benefits even while remaining in the current position. I believe this is an exceptional offer to India, based on our recognition of the significance of partnership with India.

Japanese envoy calls RCEP's offer to India as observer 'exceptional'; sees Malabar exercise with four forces next year

Russia's Sputnik V Covid vaccine will be manufactured in India, among other countries and current clinical trials are underway as well in the country.&nbsp;

CEO of Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF),&nbsp;Kirill Dmitriev,&nbsp;said, We are ready to start deliveries of the Sputnik V vaccine to foreign markets thanks to partnerships with manufacturers in India, Brazil, South Korea, China, and four other countries.”.&nbsp;RDIF, Russia's sovereign wealth fund&nbsp;is the main body, which is funding the Sputnik vaccine project.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vaccine-to-lowest-levels-pm-modi-speaks-on-covid-19-vaccine-cost-distribution-strategy-during-chief-ministers-meeting-345108">'Vaccine to lowest levels': PM Modi on COVID-19 vaccine cost, distribution</a>

Phase II-III clinical trials of Sputnik V Covid vaccine are underway in India, the company has said, with phase III going in&nbsp;Belarus, the UAE, Venezuela, and other countries.&nbsp;

Last month, India's Drug Control General of India gave the approval to conduct clinical trials for the vaccine. RDIF and Dr. Reddy's are in partnership to conduct trials and distribute the vaccine, with the latter sending 100 million doses to India.

According to the company,&nbsp;the vaccine is 95 per cent&nbsp;effective and will cost less than $10 or Rs 740 internationally. Since its 2 dose vaccine, the total cost is expected to be around 1480. It estimates that the first international deliveries of the vaccine will be made to customers in January&nbsp;2021.&nbsp;For the Russian Nationals, it will be free of charge.

More than&nbsp;22,000 volunteers were vaccinated with the first dose and&nbsp;more than 19,000 volunteers with the first and the second dose of the vaccine at 29 medical centers in Russia.&nbsp;

Russia's Sputnik V Covid vaccine will be manufactured in India, among other countries and current clinical trials are underway as well in the country. CEO of Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), Kirill Dmitriev, said, We are ready to start deliveries of the Sputnik V vaccine to foreign markets thanks to partnerships with manufacturers in India, Brazil, South Korea, China, and four other countries.

Russia's Sputnik V Covid vaccine will be manufactured in India, among other countries and current clinical trials are underway as well in the country. CEO of Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), Kirill Dmitriev, said, We are ready to start deliveries of the Sputnik V vaccine to foreign markets thanks to partnerships with manufacturers in India, Brazil, South Korea, China, and four other countries.”. RDIF, Russia's sovereign wealth fund is the main body, which is funding the Sputnik vaccine project. Also read| 'Vaccine to lowest levels': PM Modi on COVID-19 vaccine cost, distribution Phase II-III clinical trials of Sputnik V Covid vaccine are underway in India, the company has said, with phase III going in Belarus, the UAE, Venezuela, and other countries. Last month, India's Drug Control General of India gave the approval to conduct clinical trials for the vaccine. RDIF and Dr. Reddy's are in partnership to conduct trials and distribute the vaccine, with the latter sending 100 million doses to India. According to the company, the vaccine is 95 per cent effective and will cost less than $10 or Rs 740 internationally. Since its 2 dose vaccine, the total cost is expected to be around 1480. It estimates that the first international deliveries of the vaccine will be made to customers in January 2021. For the Russian Nationals, it will be free of charge. More than 22,000 volunteers were vaccinated with the first dose and more than 19,000 volunteers with the first and the second dose of the vaccine at 29 medical centers in Russia.

Russia's Sputnik V vaccine to be manufactured in India

India has announced phase 4 of the High Impact Community Development Projects in Afghanistan which involves 100 projects worth $80 million.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-role-praised-by-president-ghani-at-afghanistan-conference-in-geneva-345123">Also Read:&nbsp;India's role praised by President Ghani at Afghanistan conference in Geneva&nbsp;</a>

India has already been involved in four hundred community projects in all 34 provinces of the country.

External affairs minister Jaishankar speaking at the Afghanistan 2020 virtual conference in Geneva said, "As contiguous neighbours, India and Afghanistan share natural historical relations. Our strategic partnership and long term commitment to the development of Afghanistan reflects the time tested partnership".

India's EAM also announced that India has concluded an agreement with Afghanistan for the construction of the Shatoot dam. The dam would provide safe drinking water to 2 million residents in Kabul.&nbsp;

New Delhi has been involved in a number of infrastructure and capacity building projects worth $3 billion.&nbsp;

It includes the India-Afghanistan friendship dam, the Afghan Parliament and 202-km Phul-e-Khumri transmission line that is providing electricity to Kabul city.&nbsp;

More than 65,000 Afghan students have studied in India under various scholarships and currently 15000 students are studying.

Jaishankar pointed out, "Afghanistan's growth has been constrained by its landlocked geography...and through Chabahar port we have provided alternative connectivity to Afghanistan."

India has sent 75,000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan via India-built Chabahar port to deal with the COVID-19 crisis this year. It has also given 20 tonnes of life-saving medicines and equipment to deal with the COVID crisis.

Expressing concern over the "increasing level of violence in Afghanistan", he reiterated India’s call for "an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire."

The Afghanistan conference was co-hosted by the United Nations, Afghan government, the government of Finland and saw a number of pledges by other countries.

India has announced phase 4 of the High Impact Community Development Projects in Afghanistan which involves 100 projects worth $80 million. Also Read: India's role praised by President Ghani at Afghanistan conference in Geneva India has already been involved in four hundred community projects in all 34 provinces of the country.

India has announced phase 4 of the High Impact Community Development Projects in Afghanistan which involves 100 projects worth $80 million. Also Read: India's role praised by President Ghani at Afghanistan conference in Geneva India has already been involved in four hundred community projects in all 34 provinces of the country. External affairs minister Jaishankar speaking at the Afghanistan 2020 virtual conference in Geneva said, "As contiguous neighbours, India and Afghanistan share natural historical relations. Our strategic partnership and long term commitment to the development of Afghanistan reflects the time tested partnership". India's EAM also announced that India has concluded an agreement with Afghanistan for the construction of the Shatoot dam. The dam would provide safe drinking water to 2 million residents in Kabul. New Delhi has been involved in a number of infrastructure and capacity building projects worth $3 billion. It includes the India-Afghanistan friendship dam, the Afghan Parliament and 202-km Phul-e-Khumri transmission line that is providing electricity to Kabul city. More than 65,000 Afghan students have studied in India under various scholarships and currently 15000 students are studying. Jaishankar pointed out, "Afghanistan's growth has been constrained by its landlocked geography...and through Chabahar port we have provided alternative connectivity to Afghanistan." India has sent 75,000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan via India-built Chabahar port to deal with the COVID-19 crisis this year. It has also given 20 tonnes of life-saving medicines and equipment to deal with the COVID crisis. Expressing concern over the "increasing level of violence in Afghanistan", he reiterated India’s call for "an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire." The Afghanistan conference was co-hosted by the United Nations, Afghan government, the government of Finland and saw a number of pledges by other countries.

India to launch phase 4 of community development projects in Afghanistan

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has praised the role of India at the Afghanistan conference in Geneva.

On Tuesday, during his address, the Afghan President thanked India for its "commitment of over $2 billion" while on the first day he said, "I’d like to thank India and Iran for the Chahbahar corridor in the related sea corridor as well as the air corridor."

In 2017, New Delhi started the India-Afghanistan air corridor so that Afghan produce such as fruits can get the huge Indian market. India built Chabahar port in Iran has helped increased connectivity between the 2 countries. In fact, amidst the covid pandemic, India sent 75000 MT of wheat aid to the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-taliban-resolve-several-disputed-issues-officials-344739" hreflang="en">Afghanistan, Taliban resolve several disputed issues: Officials</a>

India since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, has emerged as a vital partner of Kabul, and helped in capacity building and built a number of infrastructure projects as well, which includes, the India Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat, the Afghan Parliament in Kabul.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The 2020 Afghanistan Conference is being co-hosted by the Afghan Government, Finland's government and United Nations. The&nbsp;conference&nbsp;has seen a number of financial pledges by several countries for the country even as the peace process gains momentum.&nbsp;

At the conference, the Afghan President highlighted how his country is known by many names such as "heart of Asia", "gates of India", "Switzerland of Asia", pointing out the vital geography of the country via a vis whole of Asia.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has praised the role of India at the Afghanistan conference in Geneva. On Tuesday, during his address, the Afghan President thanked India for its "commitment of over $2 billion" while on the first day he said, "I’d like to thank India and Iran for the Chahbahar corridor in the related sea corridor as well as the air corridor.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has praised the role of India at the Afghanistan conference in Geneva. On Tuesday, during his address, the Afghan President thanked India for its "commitment of over $2 billion" while on the first day he said, "I’d like to thank India and Iran for the Chahbahar corridor in the related sea corridor as well as the air corridor." In 2017, New Delhi started the India-Afghanistan air corridor so that Afghan produce such as fruits can get the huge Indian market. India built Chabahar port in Iran has helped increased connectivity between the 2 countries. In fact, amidst the covid pandemic, India sent 75000 MT of wheat aid to the country. Also read: Afghanistan, Taliban resolve several disputed issues: Officials India since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, has emerged as a vital partner of Kabul, and helped in capacity building and built a number of infrastructure projects as well, which includes, the India Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat, the Afghan Parliament in Kabul. The 2020 Afghanistan Conference is being co-hosted by the Afghan Government, Finland's government and United Nations. The conference has seen a number of financial pledges by several countries for the country even as the peace process gains momentum. At the conference, the Afghan President highlighted how his country is known by many names such as "heart of Asia", "gates of India", "Switzerland of Asia", pointing out the vital geography of the country via a vis whole of Asia.

India's role praised by President Ghani at Afghanistan conference in Geneva

With an outreach to new leadership in Seychelles, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be in the Indian ocean country from 27th to 28th November.&nbsp;Last month, the country elected a new President Wavel Ramkalawan. Wavel is of Indian origin, with his grandfather being from Bihar.

A statement from the ministry of external affairs said, "EAM will call-on the newly elected President of Seychelles H.E. Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan to present greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discuss with him the priorities of the new Government and avenues for further strengthening India-Seychelles bilateral relations."

The External Affairs Ministery&nbsp;will also hold bilateral consultations with the newly appointed counterpart, Minister for Foreign Affairs Sylvestre Radegonde.&nbsp;

Amid&nbsp;the COVID-19 pandemic, under mission Sagar 1, India had sent aid to Seychelles.&nbsp;Its also engaged in building a number of infrastructure projects in the country. These include&nbsp;the Attorney General’s Office, Secretariat building, Police Headquarters, and a State of the art Convention Centre for Seychelles.

With an outreach to new leadership in Seychelles, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be in the Indian ocean country from 27th to 28th November. Last month, the country elected a new President Wavel Ramkalawan.

With an outreach to new leadership in Seychelles, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be in the Indian ocean country from 27th to 28th November. Last month, the country elected a new President Wavel Ramkalawan. Wavel is of Indian origin, with his grandfather being from Bihar. A statement from the ministry of external affairs said, "EAM will call-on the newly elected President of Seychelles H.E. Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan to present greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discuss with him the priorities of the new Government and avenues for further strengthening India-Seychelles bilateral relations." The External Affairs Ministery will also hold bilateral consultations with the newly appointed counterpart, Minister for Foreign Affairs Sylvestre Radegonde. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, under mission Sagar 1, India had sent aid to Seychelles. Its also engaged in building a number of infrastructure projects in the country. These include the Attorney General’s Office, Secretariat building, Police Headquarters, and a State of the art Convention Centre for Seychelles.

India reaches out to the new leadership of Seychelles with EAM's visit

India has started sharing with the international community the evidence of Pakistan's involvement in the Nagrota terror attack. India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla briefed the first set of foreign envoys of Pakistan's involvement in the Nagrota terror attack, giving them detailed evidence of how Islamabad continues to support cross border terror.

Envoys of the US, Russia, France, Japan, and some more envoys were briefed by Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla on Monday evening, with more such briefings being planned on Tuesday. The Chinese envoy was not briefed in the first set of briefing on Monday.

Sources told WION, FS informed them of the details of the preliminary investigations which showed how 4 terrorists of United Nation listed terrorist Jaish-e- Mohammad had planned to do a major terror attack.

The terrorists were neutralised at a toll plaza on Jammu--Srinagar national highway in the Nagrota area of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir last week. Pakistan's involvement in the incident has emerged, especially in the supply of phones, the list of items, and ammunition indicating origins from across the line of control.

The phones recovered from the slain terrorists have been manufactured by a Pakistani company. In fact, investigators have found terrorists got into India through an underground tunnel in the Samba sector.

The incident occurred just ahead of the District development council elections in the union territory, the first since the removal of special status under article 370. The Indian side, sources pointed out, sensitized about Pakistan's sustained effort to destabilize Jammu and Kashmir and subvert the election process.

Jaish has been involved in previous attacks in India, including the Pulwama terror attack of 2019 in which India lost 40 paramilitary soldiers.

Over the weekend, India had summoned Pakistan's top diplomat in Delhi and raised the matter with him. A release by the ministry of external affairs said, India "demanded that Pakistan desists from its policy of supporting terrorists and terror groups operating from its territory and dismantle the terror infrastructure operated by terrorist outfits to launch attacks in other countries."

India has started sharing with the international community the evidence of Pakistan's involvement in the Nagrota terror attack. India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla briefed the first set of foreign envoys of Pakistan's involvement in the Nagrota terror attack, giving them detailed evidence of how Islamabad continues to support cross border terror.

India has started sharing with the international community the evidence of Pakistan's involvement in the Nagrota terror attack. India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla briefed the first set of foreign envoys of Pakistan's involvement in the Nagrota terror attack, giving them detailed evidence of how Islamabad continues to support cross border terror. Envoys of the US, Russia, France, Japan, and some more envoys were briefed by Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla on Monday evening, with more such briefings being planned on Tuesday. The Chinese envoy was not briefed in the first set of briefing on Monday. Sources told WION, FS informed them of the details of the preliminary investigations which showed how 4 terrorists of United Nation listed terrorist Jaish-e- Mohammad had planned to do a major terror attack. The terrorists were neutralised at a toll plaza on Jammu--Srinagar national highway in the Nagrota area of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir last week. Pakistan's involvement in the incident has emerged, especially in the supply of phones, the list of items, and ammunition indicating origins from across the line of control. The phones recovered from the slain terrorists have been manufactured by a Pakistani company. In fact, investigators have found terrorists got into India through an underground tunnel in the Samba sector. The incident occurred just ahead of the District development council elections in the union territory, the first since the removal of special status under article 370. The Indian side, sources pointed out, sensitized about Pakistan's sustained effort to destabilize Jammu and Kashmir and subvert the election process. Jaish has been involved in previous attacks in India, including the Pulwama terror attack of 2019 in which India lost 40 paramilitary soldiers. Over the weekend, India had summoned Pakistan's top diplomat in Delhi and raised the matter with him. A release by the ministry of external affairs said, India "demanded that Pakistan desists from its policy of supporting terrorists and terror groups operating from its territory and dismantle the terror infrastructure operated by terrorist outfits to launch attacks in other countries."

India shares evidence of Pak's involvement in Nagrota attack with international community

India has officially announced the visit of foreign secretary Harsh Shringla to Nepal — a visit that comes in the backdrop of tensions between the two countries earlier this year.&nbsp;

He will be in Nepal from November 26 to 27 and this will be his first such visit to the country after taking charge as the Foreign Secretary.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-seeks-early-availability-of-covid-19-vaccines-344665" hreflang="en">Nepal seeks early availability of Covid-19 vaccines</a>

The ministry of external affairs, in a release announcing the visit said, "The visit is in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries and the priority India attaches to its relations with Nepal. During the visit, Foreign Secretary will meet his counterpart and other Nepalese dignitaries to discuss the wide ranging bilateral cooperation between the two countries."

Kathmandu-Delhi ties hit a low earlier this year after Nepal's KP Sharma Oli government had issued a new map of the country staking a claim on Indian territories. The new Nepal map showed India territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura drawing a sharp reaction from New Delhi who called it "unjustified cartographic assertion".

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During his visit, Shringla will also hand over COVID-19 related support to the Government of Nepal. This is the third high-level visit from India to Nepal, following the visit of the RAW chief and Indian Army chief.

Shringla has been to Bangladesh, Myanmar, the Maldives in the region amidst the coronavirus pandemic, besides his Europe visit during which he visited France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

India has officially announced the visit of foreign secretary Harsh Shringla to Nepal — a visit that comes in the backdrop of tensions between the two countries earlier this year.

India has officially announced the visit of foreign secretary Harsh Shringla to Nepal — a visit that comes in the backdrop of tensions between the two countries earlier this year. He will be in Nepal from November 26 to 27 and this will be his first such visit to the country after taking charge as the Foreign Secretary. Also read| Nepal seeks early availability of Covid-19 vaccines The ministry of external affairs, in a release announcing the visit said, "The visit is in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries and the priority India attaches to its relations with Nepal. During the visit, Foreign Secretary will meet his counterpart and other Nepalese dignitaries to discuss the wide ranging bilateral cooperation between the two countries." Kathmandu-Delhi ties hit a low earlier this year after Nepal's KP Sharma Oli government had issued a new map of the country staking a claim on Indian territories. The new Nepal map showed India territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura drawing a sharp reaction from New Delhi who called it "unjustified cartographic assertion". × During his visit, Shringla will also hand over COVID-19 related support to the Government of Nepal. This is the third high-level visit from India to Nepal, following the visit of the RAW chief and Indian Army chief. Shringla has been to Bangladesh, Myanmar, the Maldives in the region amidst the coronavirus pandemic, besides his Europe visit during which he visited France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Indian foreign secretary on Nepal visit from November 26 to 27

India will host the G20 summit in 2023 and not in 2022, with a postponement of one year. Sources both in Saudi Arabia and Delhi confirmed the development that India will host the summit of the grouping of the 20 biggest economies in 2023.

Sources told WION, "It has been decided on the basis of consultations and mutual convenience that we will be hosting in 2021 after Italy and Indonesia".

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-exceeding-paris-climate-targets-pm-narendra-modi-at-g20-climate-event-344725">India exceeding Paris climate targets: PM Narendra Modi at G20 climate event</a>

This will be the first such summit of the grouping that will take place in India since its formation after the 2008 financial crisis.&nbsp;

The Riyadh leader's declaration said, "We thank Saudi Arabia for hosting a successful Riyadh Summit and its contribution to the &nbsp;G20 process. We look forward to our next meetings in Italy in 2021, Indonesia in 2022, India in 2023 and Brazil in 2024"

India has already started preparation for the summit and building a secretariat as well for the summit meetings in Delhi. India's G20 Sherpa Suresh Prabhu last week told WION, "we have started the preparation, in full swing. It is led by our PM Modi, he is a very hands-on leader of the country and we are already working on a very high-tech, very state-of-the-art efficient secretariat in which there will number of ministries participating."

It was agreed at the Argentina G20 summit in 2018 that India will be hosting the summit in the 75th Independence anniversary year.

Speaking at the G20 summit that time, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "It's India's 75th Independence Day in 2022 &amp; we had requested Italy if we can get '22 instead of '21 (for hosting G20 summit). They accepted our request, others accepted it too.I'm grateful &amp; I invite leadership from across the world to come to India in 2022".

Italy and India had swapped the year for hosting G20 summit. In Asia, South Korea hosted G20 in 2010, followed by Turkey in 2015 and China in 2016 and next will be Indonesia.&nbsp;

India will host the G20 summit in 2023 and not in 2022, with a postponement of one year. Sources both in Saudi Arabia and Delhi confirmed the development that India will host the summit of the grouping of the 20 biggest economies in 2023.

India will host the G20 summit in 2023 and not in 2022, with a postponement of one year. Sources both in Saudi Arabia and Delhi confirmed the development that India will host the summit of the grouping of the 20 biggest economies in 2023. Sources told WION, "It has been decided on the basis of consultations and mutual convenience that we will be hosting in 2021 after Italy and Indonesia". Also read | India exceeding Paris climate targets: PM Narendra Modi at G20 climate event This will be the first such summit of the grouping that will take place in India since its formation after the 2008 financial crisis. The Riyadh leader's declaration said, "We thank Saudi Arabia for hosting a successful Riyadh Summit and its contribution to the G20 process. We look forward to our next meetings in Italy in 2021, Indonesia in 2022, India in 2023 and Brazil in 2024" India has already started preparation for the summit and building a secretariat as well for the summit meetings in Delhi. India's G20 Sherpa Suresh Prabhu last week told WION, "we have started the preparation, in full swing. It is led by our PM Modi, he is a very hands-on leader of the country and we are already working on a very high-tech, very state-of-the-art efficient secretariat in which there will number of ministries participating." It was agreed at the Argentina G20 summit in 2018 that India will be hosting the summit in the 75th Independence anniversary year. Speaking at the G20 summit that time, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "It's India's 75th Independence Day in 2022 & we had requested Italy if we can get '22 instead of '21 (for hosting G20 summit). They accepted our request, others accepted it too.I'm grateful & I invite leadership from across the world to come to India in 2022". Italy and India had swapped the year for hosting G20 summit. In Asia, South Korea hosted G20 in 2010, followed by Turkey in 2015 and China in 2016 and next will be Indonesia.

G20 summit in India postponed for one year, now to be held in 2023

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking at G20 summit Climate Change event has highlighted that India is "exceeding" its Paris Agreement targets and New Delhi is taking a number of "concrete actions" such as making LED lights popular which is saving 38 million tons of Carbon Dioxide emissions per year and smoke-free kitchens being provided to 80 million households.

He said, "Climate change must be fought not in silos but in an integrated, comprehensive and holistic way."

Explaining, "Inspired by our traditional ethos of living in harmony with the environment, and the commitment of my Government, India has adopted low-carbon and climate-resilient development practices."

Also read | At G20 summit, PM Modi pitches for 'global index' for post-COVID world

India has taken several measures such as elimination of single-use plastics, expansion of forest cover, restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, achieve 175 gigawatts of renewable energy aimed at reducing carbon footprint and prevent climate change.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister batted for the International Solar Alliance, pointing out how it is "among the fastest-growing International Organizations, with 88 signatories" and has plans to mobilise billions of dollars to train thousands of stake-holders, and promote research and development in renewable energy, the ISA will contribute to reducing carbon foot-print.

The Gurugram-headquartered alliance is an India initiated project aimed at using solar energy to reduce dependency on fossil fuel.&nbsp;

He said, "This is the best time for further increasing research and innovation in new and sustainable technologies. We should do so with a spirit of cooperation and collaboration."

The side event saw the participation of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud who is the host of G20, along with Italy's PM Giuseppe Conte, Japan's PM Yoshihide Suga, Australia's PM Scott Morrison, Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump.

 
&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking at G20 summit Climate Change event has highlighted that India is "exceeding" its Paris Agreement targets and New Delhi is taking a number of "concrete actions" such as making LED lights popular which is saving 38 million tons of Carbon Dioxide emissions per year and smoke-free kitchens being provided to 80 million households.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking at G20 summit Climate Change event has highlighted that India is "exceeding" its Paris Agreement targets and New Delhi is taking a number of "concrete actions" such as making LED lights popular which is saving 38 million tons of Carbon Dioxide emissions per year and smoke-free kitchens being provided to 80 million households. He said, "Climate change must be fought not in silos but in an integrated, comprehensive and holistic way." Explaining, "Inspired by our traditional ethos of living in harmony with the environment, and the commitment of my Government, India has adopted low-carbon and climate-resilient development practices." Also read | At G20 summit, PM Modi pitches for 'global index' for post-COVID world India has taken several measures such as elimination of single-use plastics, expansion of forest cover, restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, achieve 175 gigawatts of renewable energy aimed at reducing carbon footprint and prevent climate change. Indian Prime Minister batted for the International Solar Alliance, pointing out how it is "among the fastest-growing International Organizations, with 88 signatories" and has plans to mobilise billions of dollars to train thousands of stake-holders, and promote research and development in renewable energy, the ISA will contribute to reducing carbon foot-print. The Gurugram-headquartered alliance is an India initiated project aimed at using solar energy to reduce dependency on fossil fuel. He said, "This is the best time for further increasing research and innovation in new and sustainable technologies. We should do so with a spirit of cooperation and collaboration." The side event saw the participation of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud who is the host of G20, along with Italy's PM Giuseppe Conte, Japan's PM Yoshihide Suga, Australia's PM Scott Morrison, Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump.

India exceeding Paris climate targets: PM Narendra Modi at G20 climate event

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