India's 100 tonnes of food arrived for the African nation of Sudan arrived at Port Sudan on Monday. The aid arrived on Indian Naval ship INS Airavat and support comes even as New Delhi has reached out to four African countries amid covid pandemic. These 4 African countries are--Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea.

All in All, India is sending 270 MT tonnes of food aid to all the four countries. Food aid comprises of 155 MT of wheat flour, 65 MT of rice and 50 MT of sugar. INS Airavat will make port calls at Mombasa, Massawa and Djibouti later. 
&nbsp; 
The multi ministry mission involves the Indian Navy and the Ministry of Defense and External Affairs. A Navy release said that the mission is in "line with the Prime Minister’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region ‘SAGAR’ and highlights the importance accorded by India to relations with her maritime neighbours and further strengthens the existing bond."

The mission is being termed "Mission Sagar-II", given earlier this year India launched ‘Mission Sagar’ during the May-June period to provide food and medical aid to five countries in the Indian ocean to deal with the impact of the pandemic. These countries were--Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and Comoros, and provided food aid and medicines.

India's 100 tonnes of food arrived for the African nation of Sudan arrived at Port Sudan on Monday. The aid arrived on Indian Naval ship INS Airavat and support comes even as New Delhi has reached out to four African countries amid covid pandemic.

India's 100 tonnes of food arrived for the African nation of Sudan arrived at Port Sudan on Monday. The aid arrived on Indian Naval ship INS Airavat and support comes even as New Delhi has reached out to four African countries amid covid pandemic. These 4 African countries are--Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea. All in All, India is sending 270 MT tonnes of food aid to all the four countries. Food aid comprises of 155 MT of wheat flour, 65 MT of rice and 50 MT of sugar. INS Airavat will make port calls at Mombasa, Massawa and Djibouti later. The multi ministry mission involves the Indian Navy and the Ministry of Defense and External Affairs. A Navy release said that the mission is in "line with the Prime Minister’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region ‘SAGAR’ and highlights the importance accorded by India to relations with her maritime neighbours and further strengthens the existing bond." The mission is being termed "Mission Sagar-II", given earlier this year India launched ‘Mission Sagar’ during the May-June period to provide food and medical aid to five countries in the Indian ocean to deal with the impact of the pandemic. These countries were--Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and Comoros, and provided food aid and medicines.

India's food aid arrives in Sudan as part of New Delhi's outreach amid covid

India has slammed Pakistan's plan&nbsp;to convert Pakistan occupied Kashmir's (PoK) Gilgit Baltistan as the 5th province of the country. The development comes after Pakistani PM Imran Khan today announced that his government plans to accord “provisional provincial status” to the region.

The Ministry of external affairs in a strongly worded statement said, India "firmly rejects" the attempt by Pakistan to bring "material changes" to a "part of Indian territory, under its illegal and forcible occupation" and reiterated that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an "integral part of India by virtue of the legal, complete and irrevocable accession" of Jammu and Kashmir to the Union of India in 1947.

Adding further that "Pakistan has no locus standi on territories illegally and forcibly occupied by it." and such attempts by the country "intended to camouflage its illegal occupation" cannot hide the "grave human rights violations, exploitation and denial of freedom for over seven decades to the people residing in these Pakistan occupied territories."

This is the first time Imran Khan has publically announced his intention to announce the area as a province of Pakistan, and it was expected to draw a strong reaction from New Delhi.&nbsp;

New Delhi also called on Pakistan that, "instead of seeking to alter the status of these Indian territories", Islamabad should "immediately vacate all areas under its illegal occupation.”

What is to be seen, is if China will reach out to United Nations on Pakistani action, given that in 2019 Beijing had gone to the New York-based body after India removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Pakistan has 4 provinces as of now--most populated Punjab, the southern Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bordering Afghanistan and the largest one, also resource-rich Balochistan.

India has slammed Pakistan's plan to convert Pakistan occupied Kashmir's (PoK) Gilgit Baltistan as the 5th province of the country. The development comes after Pakistani PM Imran Khan today announced that his government plans to accord “provisional provincial status” to the region.

India has slammed Pakistan's plan to convert Pakistan occupied Kashmir's (PoK) Gilgit Baltistan as the 5th province of the country. The development comes after Pakistani PM Imran Khan today announced that his government plans to accord “provisional provincial status” to the region. The Ministry of external affairs in a strongly worded statement said, India "firmly rejects" the attempt by Pakistan to bring "material changes" to a "part of Indian territory, under its illegal and forcible occupation" and reiterated that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an "integral part of India by virtue of the legal, complete and irrevocable accession" of Jammu and Kashmir to the Union of India in 1947. Adding further that "Pakistan has no locus standi on territories illegally and forcibly occupied by it." and such attempts by the country "intended to camouflage its illegal occupation" cannot hide the "grave human rights violations, exploitation and denial of freedom for over seven decades to the people residing in these Pakistan occupied territories." This is the first time Imran Khan has publically announced his intention to announce the area as a province of Pakistan, and it was expected to draw a strong reaction from New Delhi. New Delhi also called on Pakistan that, "instead of seeking to alter the status of these Indian territories", Islamabad should "immediately vacate all areas under its illegal occupation.” What is to be seen, is if China will reach out to United Nations on Pakistani action, given that in 2019 Beijing had gone to the New York-based body after India removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan has 4 provinces as of now--most populated Punjab, the southern Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bordering Afghanistan and the largest one, also resource-rich Balochistan.

'Attempt to hide illegal occupation': India slams Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan move

India has called for "coordinated" response on state supporting terror and radicalism amid French action in the aftermath of terror attacks in form of Knife attacks in the country in the past few weeks.

Top sources said, "Terrorism and the radicalism that gives rise to it are the most chilling form of censorship...they threaten our cherished democratic freedoms and our shared republican ideals." Adding, "events of the past week in Paris and Nice have been horrific. India stands by France..."

Paris knife attack saw the beheading of a 47-year-old school teacher Samuel Paty by a Chechen Teenager who was miffed with him overdrawing a caricature of Prophet Muhammad during a lecture on freedom of expression. Earlier this week, in a similar terror attack in the city of Nice, three people were killed.

Sources explained, "We cannot pretend such actions come from simply lone-wolf initiatives and misguided individuals. There is an infrastructure of radicalism, including its online manifestations, that comes into play."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/posters-of-emmanuel-macron-pasted-on-road-in-mumbai-police-remove-them-339067">Also read|&nbsp;Posters of Emmanuel Macron pasted on road in Mumbai, police remove them</a>

Pointing out without the name of any country, sources said, "It has the backing of states and organised institutions. You know who they are. We cannot and should not postpone a coordinated and definitive response."

India was the first non-western country to publically back French President Macron as he faced negative comments by Turkey's Erdogan and Pakistan. PM Modi was also quick to condemn the terror attack in Nice and MEA while condemning the murder of Paty said, "there is no justification for terrorism for any reason or under any circumstance."

Amidst the developments in France, India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla was in Paris on a scheduled visit during which he met Francois Delattre, Secretary-General at the French Foreign ministry and Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to French President Macron and other officials.

Sources calling France, India's "Friend for All Seasons", said Foreign secretary discussed many things like the common fight against terrorism, global warming, maritime security, sustainable development, norms-based international institutions on which both the countries "are inevitably on the same side of the court."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-stood-with-france-four-times-in-last-two-days-339024">Also read|&nbsp;India stood with France four times in last two days</a>

This is FS Shringla's first non-neighbourhood stop in pandemic-age diplomacy. He has been to Bangladesh and Myanmar earlier.

On convergences on Indo Pacific, cyberspace sources said, "India and France are voices of wisdom and stability and actors for the greater common good"

It is interesting to know France recently appointed an envoy for the Indo Pacific--Christophe Penot. His last posting was Canberra as France's envoy to Australia. He has been France's envoy to Malaysia and served in Tokyo, Ottawa, London, Hanoi.

On United Nations security council--the United Nations high table on which India will be taking a seat for a 2 year term starting first January 2021 was also discussed during the visit.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-in-a-war-french-minister-says-country-must-brace-itself-for-attacks-fueled-by-islamist-ideology-339015">Also read|&nbsp;'We are in a war': French minister says country must brace itself for attacks fueled by 'Islamist ideology'</a>

"As instinctive multilateralists", sources said, "India and France have to shoulder responsibilities together, especially at the UNSC where we will work together."

France is a veto-holding non-permanent member of the UNSC. In the past it has backed Delhi in its bid to list Pakistan based terrorist responsible for terror attacks in India and also thwarted attempts by Islamabad-China to rake Kashmir.

India has called for "coordinated" response on state supporting terror and radicalism amid French action in the aftermath of terror attacks in form of Knife attacks in the country in the past few weeks.

India has called for "coordinated" response on state supporting terror and radicalism amid French action in the aftermath of terror attacks in form of Knife attacks in the country in the past few weeks. Top sources said, "Terrorism and the radicalism that gives rise to it are the most chilling form of censorship...they threaten our cherished democratic freedoms and our shared republican ideals." Adding, "events of the past week in Paris and Nice have been horrific. India stands by France..." Paris knife attack saw the beheading of a 47-year-old school teacher Samuel Paty by a Chechen Teenager who was miffed with him overdrawing a caricature of Prophet Muhammad during a lecture on freedom of expression. Earlier this week, in a similar terror attack in the city of Nice, three people were killed. Sources explained, "We cannot pretend such actions come from simply lone-wolf initiatives and misguided individuals. There is an infrastructure of radicalism, including its online manifestations, that comes into play." Also read| Posters of Emmanuel Macron pasted on road in Mumbai, police remove them Pointing out without the name of any country, sources said, "It has the backing of states and organised institutions. You know who they are. We cannot and should not postpone a coordinated and definitive response." India was the first non-western country to publically back French President Macron as he faced negative comments by Turkey's Erdogan and Pakistan. PM Modi was also quick to condemn the terror attack in Nice and MEA while condemning the murder of Paty said, "there is no justification for terrorism for any reason or under any circumstance." Amidst the developments in France, India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla was in Paris on a scheduled visit during which he met Francois Delattre, Secretary-General at the French Foreign ministry and Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to French President Macron and other officials. Sources calling France, India's "Friend for All Seasons", said Foreign secretary discussed many things like the common fight against terrorism, global warming, maritime security, sustainable development, norms-based international institutions on which both the countries "are inevitably on the same side of the court." Also read| India stood with France four times in last two days This is FS Shringla's first non-neighbourhood stop in pandemic-age diplomacy. He has been to Bangladesh and Myanmar earlier. On convergences on Indo Pacific, cyberspace sources said, "India and France are voices of wisdom and stability and actors for the greater common good" It is interesting to know France recently appointed an envoy for the Indo Pacific--Christophe Penot. His last posting was Canberra as France's envoy to Australia. He has been France's envoy to Malaysia and served in Tokyo, Ottawa, London, Hanoi. On United Nations security council--the United Nations high table on which India will be taking a seat for a 2 year term starting first January 2021 was also discussed during the visit. Also read| 'We are in a war': French minister says country must brace itself for attacks fueled by 'Islamist ideology' "As instinctive multilateralists", sources said, "India and France have to shoulder responsibilities together, especially at the UNSC where we will work together." France is a veto-holding non-permanent member of the UNSC. In the past it has backed Delhi in its bid to list Pakistan based terrorist responsible for terror attacks in India and also thwarted attempts by Islamabad-China to rake Kashmir.

India calls for 'coordinated' response on states supporting terror amid French action

India will brief foreign envoys and diplomats based in the Indian capital city New Delhi next week in a mega exercise on its COVID action plan. The briefing will take place on November 06 and will be done by India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla.

This is not the first time India is briefing foreign diplomats on its COVID action plan and response. In the past also such briefing have been conducted.

Amidst the COVID crisis, India has reached out to more than 150 countries with medicines such as HCQ, Paracetamol. During his United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) speech, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured the global community that "India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting this crisis" and will also "help all the countries in enhancing their cold chain and storage capacities for the delivery of vaccines."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-19-tally-surges-past-81-million-recovery-rate-stands-at-9134-339188">Also read|&nbsp;India's COVID-19 tally surges past 8.1 million; recovery rate stands at 91.34%</a>

The focus will also be on the vaccine, with Health minister Harsh Vardhan claimed expressing hope that by early 2021 India will likely get a vaccine. As of now, three vaccines are in advanced stages of development in the country, out of which two are in phase two and one is in phase three. &nbsp;

India's Scientists and Research Teams are collaborating and strengthening the research capacities in neighbouring countries such as Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Countries such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, Qatar and Bhutan have requested for clinical trials in their countries.

In fact, on vaccine development, Indian officials with counterparts from Myanmar and Bangladesh have had meetings. This has also been the top focus during the foreign secretary's visit to both these countries. During a Myanmar visit earlier this month along with Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, India gifted 3000 vials of Anti Covid Remdesivir to State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi as a "symbol" of India‘s commitment to helping Myanmar mitigate the impact of the pandemic.

For the neighbourhood, India has organised two training modules in which about 90 health experts and scientists have participated.

India will brief foreign envoys and diplomats based in the Indian capital city New Delhi next week in a mega exercise on its COVID action plan. The briefing will take place on November 06 and will be done by India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla.

India will brief foreign envoys and diplomats based in the Indian capital city New Delhi next week in a mega exercise on its COVID action plan. The briefing will take place on November 06 and will be done by India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla. This is not the first time India is briefing foreign diplomats on its COVID action plan and response. In the past also such briefing have been conducted. Amidst the COVID crisis, India has reached out to more than 150 countries with medicines such as HCQ, Paracetamol. During his United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) speech, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured the global community that "India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting this crisis" and will also "help all the countries in enhancing their cold chain and storage capacities for the delivery of vaccines." Also read| India's COVID-19 tally surges past 8.1 million; recovery rate stands at 91.34% The focus will also be on the vaccine, with Health minister Harsh Vardhan claimed expressing hope that by early 2021 India will likely get a vaccine. As of now, three vaccines are in advanced stages of development in the country, out of which two are in phase two and one is in phase three. India's Scientists and Research Teams are collaborating and strengthening the research capacities in neighbouring countries such as Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Countries such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, Qatar and Bhutan have requested for clinical trials in their countries. In fact, on vaccine development, Indian officials with counterparts from Myanmar and Bangladesh have had meetings. This has also been the top focus during the foreign secretary's visit to both these countries. During a Myanmar visit earlier this month along with Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, India gifted 3000 vials of Anti Covid Remdesivir to State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi as a "symbol" of India‘s commitment to helping Myanmar mitigate the impact of the pandemic. For the neighbourhood, India has organised two training modules in which about 90 health experts and scientists have participated.

India to brief foreign envoys on its COVID response on November 6

Even as France and French President face a barrage of negative comments from countries like Turkey, Pakistan among others, New Delhi stood by Paris four times in the last 2 days. India is the first 'Non-Western' country to support Macron publicly. So far, Italy, Germany, Canada, Netherlands have come in full public support for the French leader.

Thursday saw the Indian Prime Minister condemning the terror attacks in France. He tweeted," I strongly condemn the recent terrorist attacks in France, including today's heinous attack in Nice inside a church. Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the people of France. India stands with France in the fight against terrorism."

Thursday saw 2 knife attack in France, one in Nice in which 3 people died in a Knife attack at a Church, another in Avignon, in which the attacker was killed. On the same day, a guard at the French consulate at the Saudi city of Jeddah was attacked.&nbsp;

While Indian PM tweeted, India's foreign secretary Harsh V Shringla is on a weeklong European tour, with his visit starting from Paris. During his meeting with Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic advisor to French President Macron, India's foreign secretary extended Indian government's condolences on the terror attack in France and conveyed PM Modi's message that India stands with France in the fight against terrorism.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-in-a-war-french-minister-says-country-must-brace-itself-for-attacks-fueled-by-islamist-ideology-339015">'We are in a war': French minister says country must brace itself for attacks fueled by 'Islamist ideology'</a> 
 
He also reiterated the support during his address at a French Think Tank-- Institut Français des Relations Internationales (IFRI).&nbsp;

Shringla said, "It was horrifying to hear about the two recent terrorist incidents in France, one of which, as is very often the case, had its origins in our western neighbourhood – Pakistan. For the past three decades, we have experienced what unbridled radicalism can wreak – and what malevolent violent forces it can unleash."

The first public support came on Wednesday evening in a statement by India's Ministry of External Affairs. In a clear statement extending Delhi's backing of Paris, MEA said, "We strongly deplore the personal attacks in unacceptable language on President Emmanuel Macron in violation of the most basic standards of international discourse."

Remember Turkish President has been making personal remarks on Macron, including saying he needs "mental treatment".

India also condemned the "brutal terrorist attack that took the life of a French teacher in a gruesome manner that has shocked the world. We offer our condolences to his family and the people of France. There is no justification for terrorism for any reason or under any circumstance."

The current focus on extremism in France started in the country after a 47-year-old French teacher Samuel Paty was beheaded in a knife attack. After the incident the French president said, his country will stand by its secular values.

Interestingly, while the Indian Govt has backed the French govt, it is the virtual world that also saw a lot of support. #IstandWithFrance has been trending on India twitter, something French outlets have said started from India and then took to other parts of the virtual world.

Even as France and French President face a barrage of negative comments from countries like Turkey, Pakistan among others, New Delhi stood by Paris four times in the last 2 days.

Even as France and French President face a barrage of negative comments from countries like Turkey, Pakistan among others, New Delhi stood by Paris four times in the last 2 days. India is the first 'Non-Western' country to support Macron publicly. So far, Italy, Germany, Canada, Netherlands have come in full public support for the French leader. Thursday saw the Indian Prime Minister condemning the terror attacks in France. He tweeted," I strongly condemn the recent terrorist attacks in France, including today's heinous attack in Nice inside a church. Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the people of France. India stands with France in the fight against terrorism." Thursday saw 2 knife attack in France, one in Nice in which 3 people died in a Knife attack at a Church, another in Avignon, in which the attacker was killed. On the same day, a guard at the French consulate at the Saudi city of Jeddah was attacked. While Indian PM tweeted, India's foreign secretary Harsh V Shringla is on a weeklong European tour, with his visit starting from Paris. During his meeting with Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic advisor to French President Macron, India's foreign secretary extended Indian government's condolences on the terror attack in France and conveyed PM Modi's message that India stands with France in the fight against terrorism. Also Read | 'We are in a war': French minister says country must brace itself for attacks fueled by 'Islamist ideology' He also reiterated the support during his address at a French Think Tank-- Institut Français des Relations Internationales (IFRI). Shringla said, "It was horrifying to hear about the two recent terrorist incidents in France, one of which, as is very often the case, had its origins in our western neighbourhood – Pakistan. For the past three decades, we have experienced what unbridled radicalism can wreak – and what malevolent violent forces it can unleash." The first public support came on Wednesday evening in a statement by India's Ministry of External Affairs. In a clear statement extending Delhi's backing of Paris, MEA said, "We strongly deplore the personal attacks in unacceptable language on President Emmanuel Macron in violation of the most basic standards of international discourse." Remember Turkish President has been making personal remarks on Macron, including saying he needs "mental treatment". India also condemned the "brutal terrorist attack that took the life of a French teacher in a gruesome manner that has shocked the world. We offer our condolences to his family and the people of France. There is no justification for terrorism for any reason or under any circumstance." The current focus on extremism in France started in the country after a 47-year-old French teacher Samuel Paty was beheaded in a knife attack. After the incident the French president said, his country will stand by its secular values. Interestingly, while the Indian Govt has backed the French govt, it is the virtual world that also saw a lot of support. #IstandWithFrance has been trending on India twitter, something French outlets have said started from India and then took to other parts of the virtual world.

India stood with France four times in last two days

India has increased its engagement with Myanmar and Bangladesh on Covid-19 vaccine with in-person and virtual high-level meetings with officials of the two countries.&nbsp;

Earlier this month an Indian delegation visited Bangladesh from 17th to 19th October with Ministry of External Affairs saying that both sides had "fruitful discussions" on the "current stage of vaccine development in India and modalities of clinical trials in Bangladesh".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-vaccine-production-delivery-capacity-to-help-all-humanity-in-fighting-covid-19-mea-338838">India's vaccine production, delivery capacity to help all humanity in fighting COVID-19: MEA</a>

With Myanmar, a virtual interaction happened with key stakeholders from both sides present in the meeting. The MEA said, "As the situation with respect to vaccine development evolves, the sides will discuss and decide on modalities of cooperation."

Remember India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla had visited both the countries and cooperation amidst the Covid-19 crisis and Covid-19 vaccine was the key focus of the meet. During his Myanmar visit earlier this month along with Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, India gifted 3000 vials of Anti Covid Remdesivir to State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi as a "symbol" of India‘s commitment to helping Myanmar mitigate the impact of the pandemic.

Remember at the United Nations General Assembly, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to "help all humanity" in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

While India has sent medicines like HCQ, paracetamol to more than 150 countries, it is also been organising training to build capacity. In fact, for the neighbourhood, India has organised two training modules in which about 90 health experts and scientists have participated.

India has increased its engagement with Myanmar and Bangladesh on Covid-19 vaccine with in-person and virtual high-level meetings with officials of the two countries.

India has increased its engagement with Myanmar and Bangladesh on Covid-19 vaccine with in-person and virtual high-level meetings with officials of the two countries. Earlier this month an Indian delegation visited Bangladesh from 17th to 19th October with Ministry of External Affairs saying that both sides had "fruitful discussions" on the "current stage of vaccine development in India and modalities of clinical trials in Bangladesh". Also read | India's vaccine production, delivery capacity to help all humanity in fighting COVID-19: MEA With Myanmar, a virtual interaction happened with key stakeholders from both sides present in the meeting. The MEA said, "As the situation with respect to vaccine development evolves, the sides will discuss and decide on modalities of cooperation." Remember India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla had visited both the countries and cooperation amidst the Covid-19 crisis and Covid-19 vaccine was the key focus of the meet. During his Myanmar visit earlier this month along with Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, India gifted 3000 vials of Anti Covid Remdesivir to State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi as a "symbol" of India‘s commitment to helping Myanmar mitigate the impact of the pandemic. Remember at the United Nations General Assembly, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to "help all humanity" in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. While India has sent medicines like HCQ, paracetamol to more than 150 countries, it is also been organising training to build capacity. In fact, for the neighbourhood, India has organised two training modules in which about 90 health experts and scientists have participated.

India increases engagement with Myanmar, Bangladesh on Covid-19 vaccine

In a development that shows the closeness between India and France, New Delhi has come in full support for French President Emmanuel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-macron-needs-mental-checks-france-reacts-337679">Macron </a>who is facing uncharitable remarks by Turkish President Recep Tayyip <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-condemns-cartoons-offending-prophet-mohammad-338197">Erdoğan</a>.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/those-scoundrels-erdogan-vows-all-legal-and-diplomatic-action-against-charlie-hebdo-amid-anti-macron-wave-338600">Also Read:&nbsp;Erdogan vows 'all legal and diplomatic' action against Charlie Hebdo amid anti-Macron wave</a>

Turkish President has been taking swipes at the French President after the latter called for action over what he called "Islamist separatism”.

The ministry of external affairs in a statement said, "We strongly deplore the personal attacks in unacceptable language on President Emmanuel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-anti-macron-row-chinas-state-run-cctv-shows-prophet-muhammads-portrait-in-tv-show-338578">Macron</a> in violation of the most basic standards of international discourse."

The entire development started over the beheading of a school teacher <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-not-give-up-cartoons-teens-charged-over-teachers-beheading-in-france-336999">Samuel Paty </a>in a suburb of Paris after he had shown caricatures of Prophet Mohammed. The 47-year-old Paty was beheaded by an 18-year-old Chechen Muslim.

The MEA "condemned" the "brutal terrorist attack" that took the life of a French teacher in a "gruesome manner that has shocked the world" and offered "condolences to his family and the people of France."

The French envoy to India Emmanuel Lenain thanked MEA for the support tweeting, "France and India can always count on each other in the fight against terrorism".

Interestingly, earlier this week saw #StandWithFrance trending on Twitter. In fact, according to some French media outlets, the hashtag actually started in India.

India and France have increased engagement in the past few years, and In fact, the Indian foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla will be in Paris this weekend.

The MEA announcing the visit said, "India's relations with France, Germany and UK are built on a foundation of shared democratic values and are informed by a commonality of interest in issues such as sustainable development and climate change"

Other than India, Netherland's Prime Minister Mark Rutte has come out in full support of France. He tweeted, "President Erdogan’s words addressing President @EmmanuelMacron are unacceptable. The Netherlands stands firmly with France and for the collective values of the European Union. For the freedom of speech and against extremism and radicalism."

The Canadian Foreign minister also came out in support of France. Canadian FM tweeted, We stand in solidarity with our French friends. &nbsp;Turkey’s recent comments about France are totally unacceptable. We must return to respectful diplomatic exchanges. &nbsp;We will always stand together to defend freedom of expression with respect. &nbsp;@JY_LeDrian "

In a development that shows the closeness between India and France, New Delhi has come in full support for French President Emmanuel Macron who is facing uncharitable remarks by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

In a development that shows the closeness between India and France, New Delhi has come in full support for French President Emmanuel Macron who is facing uncharitable remarks by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Also Read: Erdogan vows 'all legal and diplomatic' action against Charlie Hebdo amid anti-Macron wave Turkish President has been taking swipes at the French President after the latter called for action over what he called "Islamist separatism”. The ministry of external affairs in a statement said, "We strongly deplore the personal attacks in unacceptable language on President Emmanuel Macron in violation of the most basic standards of international discourse." The entire development started over the beheading of a school teacher Samuel Paty in a suburb of Paris after he had shown caricatures of Prophet Mohammed. The 47-year-old Paty was beheaded by an 18-year-old Chechen Muslim. The MEA "condemned" the "brutal terrorist attack" that took the life of a French teacher in a "gruesome manner that has shocked the world" and offered "condolences to his family and the people of France." The French envoy to India Emmanuel Lenain thanked MEA for the support tweeting, "France and India can always count on each other in the fight against terrorism". Interestingly, earlier this week saw #StandWithFrance trending on Twitter. In fact, according to some French media outlets, the hashtag actually started in India. India and France have increased engagement in the past few years, and In fact, the Indian foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla will be in Paris this weekend. The MEA announcing the visit said, "India's relations with France, Germany and UK are built on a foundation of shared democratic values and are informed by a commonality of interest in issues such as sustainable development and climate change" Other than India, Netherland's Prime Minister Mark Rutte has come out in full support of France. He tweeted, "President Erdogan’s words addressing President @EmmanuelMacron are unacceptable. The Netherlands stands firmly with France and for the collective values of the European Union. For the freedom of speech and against extremism and radicalism." The Canadian Foreign minister also came out in support of France. Canadian FM tweeted, We stand in solidarity with our French friends. Turkey’s recent comments about France are totally unacceptable. We must return to respectful diplomatic exchanges. We will always stand together to defend freedom of expression with respect. @JY_LeDrian "

Vive la France! India comes in full support for French President Macron

India has asked Saudi Arabia to take "corrective steps" on the new currency note issued to mark the country's presidency of the G20 grouping. India said that 20 Riyal note showed "incorrect depiction of India's external territorial boundaries" as Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were shown as a separate entity and&nbsp;Aksai Chin part of China.

The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava during his weekly virtually presser said, "We have conveyed our serious concern to Saudi Arabia....for this gross misrepresentation of India's external territorial boundaries on an official and legal banknote of Saudi Arabia" and have "asked the Saudi side for taking urgent corrective steps in this regard."

"I would like to further reiterate that entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India," he said.

India conveyed its strong concern via Saudi Ambassador in New Delhi as well as at Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia's Monetary Authority had issued the new note on October 24.

India has asked Saudi Arabia to take "corrective steps" on the new currency note issued to mark the country's presidency of the G20 grouping. India said that 20 Riyal note showed "incorrect depiction of India's external territorial boundaries" as Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were shown as a separate entity and Aksai Chin part of China.

India has asked Saudi Arabia to take "corrective steps" on the new currency note issued to mark the country's presidency of the G20 grouping. India said that 20 Riyal note showed "incorrect depiction of India's external territorial boundaries" as Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were shown as a separate entity and Aksai Chin part of China. The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava during his weekly virtually presser said, "We have conveyed our serious concern to Saudi Arabia....for this gross misrepresentation of India's external territorial boundaries on an official and legal banknote of Saudi Arabia" and have "asked the Saudi side for taking urgent corrective steps in this regard." "I would like to further reiterate that entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India," he said. India conveyed its strong concern via Saudi Ambassador in New Delhi as well as at Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia's Monetary Authority had issued the new note on October 24.

India asks Riyadh to take 'corrective steps' on currency showing Jammu and Kashmir separate

India has sent a new name to Pakistan for the post of acting head of Indian high commission in Islamabad. The name proposed is of ex-director, Pakistan--Suresh at the Ministry of external affairs and will be the Deputy Commissioner of India and overall chargé d'affaires at the mission.

While no decision has been taken by Pakistan yet on the acceptance of the name, WION has learnt not much of a problem will come this time.

Remember Pakistan had denied a visa for Jayant Khobragade, a senior Indian diplomat whose name was earlier proposed by New Delhi in June. Pakistan rejected Khobragade's name since they said he is too senior for the post.

Khobragade who has served in Russia, Kazakhstan, Spain and Pakistan was India's envoy to Kyrgyz Republic between 2013 to 2017.

As a protocol, countries send names of the envoys and diplomats, it will appoint to the country of the appointment. Usually, not much of a problem comes and the country of appointment accepts the name without much of an ado.

The Indian mission in Pakistan and the Pakistani mission in Delhi are headed by Deputy high commissioners. Ties between the 2 countries had deteriorated last year after New Delhi removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into 2 union territories (UT)--UT of Jammu and Kashmir and UT of Ladakh.

Pakistan in reaction had expelled the then Indian Envoy to Islamabad, while refused to send its newly appointed envoy to New Delhi. With the espionage scandal earlier this year involving Pakistani diplomats, New Delhi announced the cutting of staff of Pakistani high commission by 50% and reduced its mission strength in Islamabad by half.

India has sent a new name to Pakistan for the post of acting head of Indian high commission in Islamabad. The name proposed is of ex-director, Pakistan--Suresh at the Ministry of external affairs and will be the Deputy Commissioner of India and overall chargé d'affaires at the mission.

India has sent a new name to Pakistan for the post of acting head of Indian high commission in Islamabad. The name proposed is of ex-director, Pakistan--Suresh at the Ministry of external affairs and will be the Deputy Commissioner of India and overall chargé d'affaires at the mission. While no decision has been taken by Pakistan yet on the acceptance of the name, WION has learnt not much of a problem will come this time. Remember Pakistan had denied a visa for Jayant Khobragade, a senior Indian diplomat whose name was earlier proposed by New Delhi in June. Pakistan rejected Khobragade's name since they said he is too senior for the post. Khobragade who has served in Russia, Kazakhstan, Spain and Pakistan was India's envoy to Kyrgyz Republic between 2013 to 2017. As a protocol, countries send names of the envoys and diplomats, it will appoint to the country of the appointment. Usually, not much of a problem comes and the country of appointment accepts the name without much of an ado. The Indian mission in Pakistan and the Pakistani mission in Delhi are headed by Deputy high commissioners. Ties between the 2 countries had deteriorated last year after New Delhi removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into 2 union territories (UT)--UT of Jammu and Kashmir and UT of Ladakh. Pakistan in reaction had expelled the then Indian Envoy to Islamabad, while refused to send its newly appointed envoy to New Delhi. With the espionage scandal earlier this year involving Pakistani diplomats, New Delhi announced the cutting of staff of Pakistani high commission by 50% and reduced its mission strength in Islamabad by half.

Delhi sends new name for acting head of Indian mission in Islamabad 

The foreign minister of central Asian countries and India's external affairs minister will meet virtually to discuss many issues including connectivity. While Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will be represented on FMs level, Kyrgyzstan will be represented by First Deputy Foreign Minister.

Given how central Asia is geographically connected with Afghanistan, Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar has also been invited.&nbsp;

A release from India's ministry of external affairs said, "The Ministers will exchange views on a wide gamut of areas including political, security, economic and commercial, humanitarian and cultural spheres as well as on regional and international issues of mutual interest."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-signs-military-agreement-with-us-on-sharing-of-satellite-data-338409">Also read|&nbsp;India signs military agreement with US on sharing of satellite data</a>

India and central Asian countries are working to start an air corridor to boost connectivity as well as increase trade between the two sides. India already has an air corridor with Afghanistan, that has been bringing Afghan products to cities like New Delhi and Mumbai. &nbsp;Focus is also on how the Chabahar port in Iran can help increase India's connectivity to Central Asia via Afghanistan.

India's Ambassador to Uzbekistan Manish Prabhat, recently said that New Delhi is "working on the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Uzbekistan can also become its member. An air corridor between India and Central Asia is also being worked on. Indian carriers should also target direct flights to Uzbekistan.”

This is the second such India Central Asia Dialogue, a platform created to increase and strengthen cooperation between New Delhi and the Central Asian region. The inaugural meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue was jointly organized by India and Uzbekistan on 13 January 2019 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

The foreign minister of central Asian countries and India's external affairs minister will meet virtually to discuss many issues including connectivity. While Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will be represented on FMs level, Kyrgyzstan will be represented by First Deputy Foreign Minister.

The foreign minister of central Asian countries and India's external affairs minister will meet virtually to discuss many issues including connectivity. While Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will be represented on FMs level, Kyrgyzstan will be represented by First Deputy Foreign Minister. Given how central Asia is geographically connected with Afghanistan, Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar has also been invited. A release from India's ministry of external affairs said, "The Ministers will exchange views on a wide gamut of areas including political, security, economic and commercial, humanitarian and cultural spheres as well as on regional and international issues of mutual interest." Also read| India signs military agreement with US on sharing of satellite data India and central Asian countries are working to start an air corridor to boost connectivity as well as increase trade between the two sides. India already has an air corridor with Afghanistan, that has been bringing Afghan products to cities like New Delhi and Mumbai. Focus is also on how the Chabahar port in Iran can help increase India's connectivity to Central Asia via Afghanistan. India's Ambassador to Uzbekistan Manish Prabhat, recently said that New Delhi is "working on the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Uzbekistan can also become its member. An air corridor between India and Central Asia is also being worked on. Indian carriers should also target direct flights to Uzbekistan.” This is the second such India Central Asia Dialogue, a platform created to increase and strengthen cooperation between New Delhi and the Central Asian region. The inaugural meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue was jointly organized by India and Uzbekistan on 13 January 2019 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

With connectivity in focus, India-central Asian FMs to meet virtually today

Seven Indian who were released in Libya after around a month-long captivity arrived in Delhi on Wednesday morning. The Indians were kidnapped in Asshwerif in Libya on September 14.

Indian envoy to Tunisia Puneet Roy Kundal played a key role in the entire release process. In fact, while many nationalities have been kidnapped in the past, it is for the first time the release has happened in such a swift manner. New Delhi does not have a working mission in Libya given the current situation and Indian mission in neighbouring Tunisia is dealing with the affairs in the country.

On local front Principal of Indian International School, Benghazi, Tabassum Mansoor played an important role. Mansoor who has been living in Libya for last 40 years, on the instructions of the Indian Envoy Kundal was in constant touch with all the Libyan authorities especially the company manager and other key players on a daily basis.

In fact, in 2011 when civil war erupted in the country, she was able to evacuate 3000 stranded Indians from Benghazi and Eastern Libya. Again in 2014, she assisted in the repatriation of 289 Indian nations from Benghazi to Malta.

The negotiations were complex given the fact two parallel governments were involved. India took the help of local tribals to secure the release. New Delhi had thanked the "Libyan authorities and the tribal elders" from the region for "their steadfast cooperation in securing the release of our nationals unharmed".

The Indian nationals belong to the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. They were working at a construction and oil field supplies company and were kidnapped on their way to the Tripoli airport to catch a flight to India.

India in September of 2015 issued a travel advisory for Indian nationals to avoid travelling to Libya in view of the security situation there. Later, in May 2016, the government had imposed a complete travel ban irrespective of the purpose in view of the deteriorating security situation. The travel ban remains in force.

Seven Indian who were released in Libya after around a month-long captivity arrived in Delhi on Wednesday morning. The Indians were kidnapped in Asshwerif in Libya on September 14.

Seven Indian who were released in Libya after around a month-long captivity arrived in Delhi on Wednesday morning. The Indians were kidnapped in Asshwerif in Libya on September 14. Indian envoy to Tunisia Puneet Roy Kundal played a key role in the entire release process. In fact, while many nationalities have been kidnapped in the past, it is for the first time the release has happened in such a swift manner. New Delhi does not have a working mission in Libya given the current situation and Indian mission in neighbouring Tunisia is dealing with the affairs in the country. On local front Principal of Indian International School, Benghazi, Tabassum Mansoor played an important role. Mansoor who has been living in Libya for last 40 years, on the instructions of the Indian Envoy Kundal was in constant touch with all the Libyan authorities especially the company manager and other key players on a daily basis. In fact, in 2011 when civil war erupted in the country, she was able to evacuate 3000 stranded Indians from Benghazi and Eastern Libya. Again in 2014, she assisted in the repatriation of 289 Indian nations from Benghazi to Malta. The negotiations were complex given the fact two parallel governments were involved. India took the help of local tribals to secure the release. New Delhi had thanked the "Libyan authorities and the tribal elders" from the region for "their steadfast cooperation in securing the release of our nationals unharmed". The Indian nationals belong to the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. They were working at a construction and oil field supplies company and were kidnapped on their way to the Tripoli airport to catch a flight to India. India in September of 2015 issued a travel advisory for Indian nationals to avoid travelling to Libya in view of the security situation there. Later, in May 2016, the government had imposed a complete travel ban irrespective of the purpose in view of the deteriorating security situation. The travel ban remains in force.

Seven Indians freed in Libya arrive in Delhi

India and five central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic have vowed to increase engagement on several areas with connectivity being the top focus area.

India and five central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic have vowed to increase engagement on several areas with connectivity being the top focus area. The foreign minister of these all these countries met virtually, along with the Afghan foreign minister who was a special invite at the meet. In his opening statement, India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar highlighted the "commonality of views on various regional and international issues" and since "we face common challenges of terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking and such other issues. All these commonalities make us a natural partner in our developmental journey." During the meet, India announced $ 1 billion Line of Credit for "priority developmental projects" in Central Asian countries in the fields of connectivity, energy, IT, healthcare, education, agriculture and offered to provide grant assistance for implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP) for furthering socio-economic development. A joint statement after the meet said, "the ministers expressed their continued interest in further developing the transit and transport potential of their countries, improving the logistics network of the region and promoting joint initiatives to create regional and international transport corridors." The ministers of the Central Asian countries "appreciated" India’s efforts to modernize the infrastructure of the Chabahar port in Iran which the joint statement said, "could become an important link in trade and transport communications between the markets of Central and South Asia." New Delhi is keen to increase connectivity to the region via Chabahar port and is even planning on an air corridor. It already has an air corridor with Afghanistan bringing goods from Kabul and other parts to cities like Delhi and Mumbai. On the issue of terrorism, the joint statement, without mentioning Pakistan said, "strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations" and reaffirmed the "determination of their countries to combat this menace by destroying terrorist safe-havens, networks, infrastructure and funding channels." Adding further, the ministers "underlined the need for every country to ensure that its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks against other countries." This is the second such meet of the India-Central Asian countries foreign ministers. The first such meeting, which was a physical one had taken place in Uzbekistan's Samarkand in 2019 and aimed to become a platform to increase and strengthen New Delhi's ties with the region which it sees as its "extended neighbourhood". On Afghanistan, the joint statement called for the "settlement of the Afghan conflict on the principle of Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled peace process." and emphasized on "preserving the socio-economic development and political gains made by Afghanistan in the last 19 years." Three Central Asian countries--Tajikistan, Uzbekistan Turkmenistan share a land border with Afghanistan and that is why stability in the country is something all of them are keen on.

India and five Central Asian countries vow to increase engagement; New Delhi announces $1 billion line of credit

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Sidhant Sibal

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