India is expected to get 3 Rafale jets on November 5th. New Delhi has already got the first batch of 5 Rafales earlier this year amid fanfare. The 5 Rafales were inducted at Ambala airbase on 10th September in the presence of French Defence Minister Florence Parly and Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh. Under the 2016 agreement worth Rs 59000 crores, India will get 36 rafales.&nbsp;

The development comes even as tensions at the Line of actual control between India and China remains. The Chinese build-up at the LAC remains despite a number of rounds of diplomatic and military talks.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla is expected to be in France later this week during his European tour. During the visit, he will have high-level meetings at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs with dedicated consultations on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as India prepares to be on the high table from January.&nbsp;

Both sides are keen to jointly work at the council when India becomes a non-permanent member of the United Nation Security Council starting first January 2021. France is a veto-holding permanent member of the UNSC. Shringla will also make a speech in a prominent French think tank.

India is expected to get 3 Rafale jets on November 5th. New Delhi has already got the first batch of 5 Rafales earlier this year amid fanfare. The 5 Rafales were inducted at Ambala airbase on 10th September in the presence of French Defence Minister Florence Parly and Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh.

India is expected to get 3 Rafale jets on November 5th. New Delhi has already got the first batch of 5 Rafales earlier this year amid fanfare. The 5 Rafales were inducted at Ambala airbase on 10th September in the presence of French Defence Minister Florence Parly and Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh. Under the 2016 agreement worth Rs 59000 crores, India will get 36 rafales. The development comes even as tensions at the Line of actual control between India and China remains. The Chinese build-up at the LAC remains despite a number of rounds of diplomatic and military talks. Meanwhile, India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla is expected to be in France later this week during his European tour. During the visit, he will have high-level meetings at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs with dedicated consultations on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as India prepares to be on the high table from January. Both sides are keen to jointly work at the council when India becomes a non-permanent member of the United Nation Security Council starting first January 2021. France is a veto-holding permanent member of the UNSC. Shringla will also make a speech in a prominent French think tank.

India to get 3 Rafales on November 5

&nbsp;India and the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/22-dialogue-in-a-major-boost-to-bilateral-ties-india-us-ink-strategic-defence-pact-beca-338263"> United States</a> have called on Pakistan to act on terrorism and not allow its territory to be used for terrorist attacks.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/news-alert-india-us-ink-deal-to-share-geospatial-data-338293/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The joint statement issued by both sides after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-india-must-focus-on-threat-posed-by-china-secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-338239">2+2</a> foreign and defence minister meet in Delhi said, "They denounced the use of terrorist proxies and strongly condemned cross-border terrorism in all its forms" and emphasised the "need for concerted action against all terrorist networks, including al-Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-declares-18-pakistan-based-individuals-including-hizbul-chief-chota-shakeel-as-terrorists-under-uapa-338247"> Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT)</a>, Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen."

Earlier this year at the seventeenth meeting of the India-US Counter-Terrorism Joint Working Group had met virtually, followed by the third session of the India-US Designations Dialogue on September 9-10.

The joint statement calling on Pakistan to take "immediate, sustained and irreversible action" to ensure that "no territory under its control is used for terrorist attacks" asked Pakistan to "expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators and planners of all such attacks, including 26/11 Mumbai, Uri, and Pathankot."

Both sides have been exchanging information on sanctions and designations against terror groups and individuals.&nbsp;

After the Pulwama terror attack last year, US along with India's allies like France helped to list Masood Azhar as a global terror at the UN. Azhar's Jaish-e-Mohammed was responsible for the 2019 terror attack in which India lost more than 40 paramilitary soldiers.

India and the United States have called on Pakistan to act on terrorism and not allow its territory to be used for terrorist attacks. Watch: The joint statement issued by both sides after the 2+2 foreign and defence minister meet in Delhi said, "They denounced the use of terrorist proxies and strongly condemned cross-border terrorism in all its forms" and emphasised the "need for concerted action against all terrorist networks, including al-Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen.

India and the United States have called on Pakistan to act on terrorism and not allow its territory to be used for terrorist attacks. Watch: The joint statement issued by both sides after the 2+2 foreign and defence minister meet in Delhi said, "They denounced the use of terrorist proxies and strongly condemned cross-border terrorism in all its forms" and emphasised the "need for concerted action against all terrorist networks, including al-Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen." Earlier this year at the seventeenth meeting of the India-US Counter-Terrorism Joint Working Group had met virtually, followed by the third session of the India-US Designations Dialogue on September 9-10. The joint statement calling on Pakistan to take "immediate, sustained and irreversible action" to ensure that "no territory under its control is used for terrorist attacks" asked Pakistan to "expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators and planners of all such attacks, including 26/11 Mumbai, Uri, and Pathankot." Both sides have been exchanging information on sanctions and designations against terror groups and individuals. After the Pulwama terror attack last year, US along with India's allies like France helped to list Masood Azhar as a global terror at the UN. Azhar's Jaish-e-Mohammed was responsible for the 2019 terror attack in which India lost more than 40 paramilitary soldiers.

'Sustained and irreversible action': India, US ask Pakistan to act on terrorism during 2+2 meet

In a two-hour-long bilateral meet between US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, key focus areas were Indo-Pacific, the situation in Afghanistan and a follow up on their Tokyo discussions earlier this month.

Sources told WION, both sides, "exchanged views on current global situation and its contemporary challenges and discussed our shared concerns and interests including stability and security in Asia, and how best that can be ensured".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-sign-beca-military-pact-with-us-338112" hreflang="en">India to sign BECA military pact with US</a>

This is the second meeting between the 2 ministers in a months' time and comes amidst Chinese aggressiveness not only with India but with other countries in the region. Both also had an in-person meeting earlier this month on the sidelines of the QUAD --India, US, Japan and Australia foreign minister meet in Tokyo, Japan.

Other focus areas of discussions were&nbsp;maritime security, open connectivity and resilient supply chains.&nbsp;During the meet, US Secretary of state&nbsp;shared with EAM the Trump Administration’s thinking on Afghanistan with the latter highlighting "India’s stakes and its continuing concern that decisions should be made by Afghans themselves without the use of force", sources added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-mark-esper-discuss-joint-service-cooperation-in-bilateral-meet-338063" hreflang="en">Rajnath Singh, Mark Esper discuss joint service cooperation in bilateral meet</a>

New Delhi also made, "clear that cross-border terrorism was completely unacceptable." This even as India has called on Pakistan to take action on terror safe havens it has been hosting, something that has gone deaf ears in Islamabad.&nbsp;

This is the fourth time US Secretary of the state is visiting India under Trump administration and how the closeness between the 2 countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the meet, EAM called for "supportive policies" that helps in talent flow and underlined that a "innovation partnership is central to our future".&nbsp;&nbsp;Washington has been tightening visa rules, something that has been concerning many Indians who have been going to US for jobs, education.&nbsp;&nbsp;The number of Indian students studying in the United States has increased five years in a row, doubling from 96,000 students in the 2012- 13 academic year to more than 200,000 in 2018-19.

In a two-hour-long bilateral meet between US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, key focus areas were Indo-Pacific, the situation in Afghanistan and a follow up on their Tokyo discussions earlier this month.

In a two-hour-long bilateral meet between US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, key focus areas were Indo-Pacific, the situation in Afghanistan and a follow up on their Tokyo discussions earlier this month. Sources told WION, both sides, "exchanged views on current global situation and its contemporary challenges and discussed our shared concerns and interests including stability and security in Asia, and how best that can be ensured". Also read: India to sign BECA military pact with US This is the second meeting between the 2 ministers in a months' time and comes amidst Chinese aggressiveness not only with India but with other countries in the region. Both also had an in-person meeting earlier this month on the sidelines of the QUAD --India, US, Japan and Australia foreign minister meet in Tokyo, Japan. Other focus areas of discussions were maritime security, open connectivity and resilient supply chains. During the meet, US Secretary of state shared with EAM the Trump Administration’s thinking on Afghanistan with the latter highlighting "India’s stakes and its continuing concern that decisions should be made by Afghans themselves without the use of force", sources added. Also read: Rajnath Singh, Mark Esper discuss joint service cooperation in bilateral meet New Delhi also made, "clear that cross-border terrorism was completely unacceptable." This even as India has called on Pakistan to take action on terror safe havens it has been hosting, something that has gone deaf ears in Islamabad. This is the fourth time US Secretary of the state is visiting India under Trump administration and how the closeness between the 2 countries. During the meet, EAM called for "supportive policies" that helps in talent flow and underlined that a "innovation partnership is central to our future". Washington has been tightening visa rules, something that has been concerning many Indians who have been going to US for jobs, education. The number of Indian students studying in the United States has increased five years in a row, doubling from 96,000 students in the 2012- 13 academic year to more than 200,000 in 2018-19.

Pompeo-Jaishankar discuss Indo-Pacific, Afghanistan

India will be sending food aid to four central African countries of&nbsp;Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea. The 270 MT aid is to help these countries deal with the COVID pandemic and also natural calamities.&nbsp;

Ministry of External Affairs release said, "strong bonds of friendship and brotherly relations between India and countries in Africa have been forged and strengthened over several centuries."

Adding, "India has always stood in solidarity with the countries and people in Africa and has partnered in undertaking development, capacity building and humanitarian assistance programmes."

The aid is being transported on Indian Nava Ship Airvat which left Mumbai on 24th October and it will make port calls at&nbsp;Djibouti, Massawa, Port Sudan and Mombasa. The 270 MT aid includes --155 MT of wheat flour, 65 MT of rice and 50 MT of sugar.

Amidst the COVID Pandemic, India has reached out to several countries. It supplied anti-COVID medicine HCQ to over 150 countries. Earlier this year, it sent medical and food assistance to five countries of the Indian Ocean--Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and Comoros to deal with the crisis.&nbsp;

India will be sending food aid to four central African countries of Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea. The 270 MT aid is to help these countries deal with the COVID pandemic and also natural calamities.

India will be sending food aid to four central African countries of Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea. The 270 MT aid is to help these countries deal with the COVID pandemic and also natural calamities. Ministry of External Affairs release said, "strong bonds of friendship and brotherly relations between India and countries in Africa have been forged and strengthened over several centuries." Adding, "India has always stood in solidarity with the countries and people in Africa and has partnered in undertaking development, capacity building and humanitarian assistance programmes." The aid is being transported on Indian Nava Ship Airvat which left Mumbai on 24th October and it will make port calls at Djibouti, Massawa, Port Sudan and Mombasa. The 270 MT aid includes --155 MT of wheat flour, 65 MT of rice and 50 MT of sugar. Amidst the COVID Pandemic, India has reached out to several countries. It supplied anti-COVID medicine HCQ to over 150 countries. Earlier this year, it sent medical and food assistance to five countries of the Indian Ocean--Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and Comoros to deal with the crisis.

India sends aid to four African countries to deal with COVID-19 crisis

India's National Security Advisor has said that India is a "civilizational" state which has existed since times. Speaking at Parmarth Niketan in Uttarakhand, he highlighted how India as "Rastra" or civilisation existed, but as a "Rajya" or nation came to being in 1947.

NSA Doval said, "Our state, India is a civilizational state, its not based on religion, not based on language, nor ethnicity but on a civilization."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reacted-early-and-well-on-covid-19-world-economic-forum-chief-klaus-schwab-337764">Also read|&nbsp;India reacted early and well on COVID-19: World Economic Forum chief Klaus Schwab</a>

He lauded India's saints and the role the played in nation building and gave examples of how Jews as a civilisation existed for 2,000 years but got a state in 1947, while how civilisations like Egypt disappeared.

While not mentioning any regional tensions, he said, "To save the nation is important....we will fight only where we are getting threats". Adding," We will fight, on our soil and outside, but not for selfish motives or vested interest but for Parmarth or larger good"

He also called on to spread the message of India's spirituality.

India's National Security Advisor has said that India is a "civilizational" state which has existed since times. Speaking at Parmarth Niketan in Uttarakhand, he highlighted how India as "Rastra" or civilisation existed, but as a "Rajya" or nation came to being in 1947.

India's National Security Advisor has said that India is a "civilizational" state which has existed since times. Speaking at Parmarth Niketan in Uttarakhand, he highlighted how India as "Rastra" or civilisation existed, but as a "Rajya" or nation came to being in 1947. NSA Doval said, "Our state, India is a civilizational state, its not based on religion, not based on language, nor ethnicity but on a civilization." Also read| India reacted early and well on COVID-19: World Economic Forum chief Klaus Schwab He lauded India's saints and the role the played in nation building and gave examples of how Jews as a civilisation existed for 2,000 years but got a state in 1947, while how civilisations like Egypt disappeared. While not mentioning any regional tensions, he said, "To save the nation is important....we will fight only where we are getting threats". Adding," We will fight, on our soil and outside, but not for selfish motives or vested interest but for Parmarth or larger good" He also called on to spread the message of India's spirituality.

India is a civilisational state, not based on religion or language: NSA Doval

Even as Quad, a grouping of US, India, Australia and Japan is increasingly gaining currency, the US has said it is an "alignment of democracies" and more common activities are on the anvil when it comes to it.

In response to a WION question at a briefing for reporters, a senior US administration official said, “Regarding the next level of the Quad, because the Quad is an informal arrangement – it’s an alignment of democracies in the Indo-Pacific – there are many different dimensions in which it can grow and expand, and more – all activities are on the table and meetings among officials in different places and at different levels and with different subject matter focus."

Adding, “So I think all of us are open to additional cooperation, coordination, and common activity. &nbsp;And I expect that the next year will see even more alignment of activities among the four countries in the Quad, and hopefully those that will bring in other like-minded nations as well."

Earlier this month the Quad Foreign ministers met in Tokyo. The second such meeting that happened in the last year. The grouping is seen with a lot of suspicion by Beijing, which sees it as anti-China grouping calling it "Asian Nato".

Asked about any plans for a summit-level Quad meeting, US administration officials said, "Regarding a Quad summit, no, there are no plans for that in the immediate short term, but anything could happen in the future.”

The quad meeting, India inviting Australia for Malabar exercises in the Indian Ocean in November and the visit of US secretary of state and defence to New Delhi for 2+2 dialogue come amid increase Chinese aggressiveness.&nbsp;

On next week's 2+2, a senior state department official said, "The 2+2 ministerial will serve as a capstone to review our many accomplishments as well as lay down next steps for the US-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership."

Four major themes at this years 2+2 will be, global cooperation, which includes public health collaboration, economic cooperation, which include partnership on energy and in space, people-to-people ties and defense and security ties.

Even as Quad, a grouping of US, India, Australia and Japan is increasingly gaining currency, the US has said it is an "alignment of democracies" and more common activities are on the anvil when it comes to it.

Even as Quad, a grouping of US, India, Australia and Japan is increasingly gaining currency, the US has said it is an "alignment of democracies" and more common activities are on the anvil when it comes to it. In response to a WION question at a briefing for reporters, a senior US administration official said, “Regarding the next level of the Quad, because the Quad is an informal arrangement – it’s an alignment of democracies in the Indo-Pacific – there are many different dimensions in which it can grow and expand, and more – all activities are on the table and meetings among officials in different places and at different levels and with different subject matter focus." Adding, “So I think all of us are open to additional cooperation, coordination, and common activity. And I expect that the next year will see even more alignment of activities among the four countries in the Quad, and hopefully those that will bring in other like-minded nations as well." Earlier this month the Quad Foreign ministers met in Tokyo. The second such meeting that happened in the last year. The grouping is seen with a lot of suspicion by Beijing, which sees it as anti-China grouping calling it "Asian Nato". Asked about any plans for a summit-level Quad meeting, US administration officials said, "Regarding a Quad summit, no, there are no plans for that in the immediate short term, but anything could happen in the future.” The quad meeting, India inviting Australia for Malabar exercises in the Indian Ocean in November and the visit of US secretary of state and defence to New Delhi for 2+2 dialogue come amid increase Chinese aggressiveness. On next week's 2+2, a senior state department official said, "The 2+2 ministerial will serve as a capstone to review our many accomplishments as well as lay down next steps for the US-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership." Four major themes at this years 2+2 will be, global cooperation, which includes public health collaboration, economic cooperation, which include partnership on energy and in space, people-to-people ties and defense and security ties.

Quad is an alignment of democracies: Senior US administration official to WION

India and Myanmar have increased engagement to collaborate on joint development of COVID vaccine with the first round of discussion taking place earlier this week. Key Officials from both sides held a virtual discussion on the possible cooperation in the development of a COVID-19 vaccine and this includes its joint production, distribution and supply.

During the visit of foreign secretary Harsh Shringla to Myanmar, he had indicated India’s willingness to prioritize Myanmar in sharing vaccines. It was in that visit that happened earlier this month, Shringla handed over 3000 vials of Remdesivir state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi as a symbol of India‘s commitment to helping Myanmar mitigate the impact of covid 19.

Myanmar's envoy Moe Kyaw Aung on collaboration against covid told WION, "We have informed to the Indian side that Myanmar will participate in the development of a vaccine."

Amid the COVID crisis, India has been reaching out to countries in the region and across the world and Myanmar is no different. India provided more than one million USD worth of covid assistance to Myanmar.

e-ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) Programme courses related to COVID-19 pandemic conducted by Indian Institutes such as AIIMS in Raipur, Bhubaneshwar and Jodhpur, PGI Chandigarh etc. has registered healthy participation from Myanmar side.

The increase in engagement is in line with India's stated policy that India's vaccine will be used to help all humanity.

Indian PM Modi during his speech at United Nations General Assembly in September said, "As the largest vaccine producing country of the world, I want to give one more assurance to the global community today. India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting this crisis. We are moving ahead with phase 3 clinical trials in India and in our neighbourhood. India will also help all the countries in enhancing their cold chain and storage capacities for the delivery of Vaccines."

Amid the pandemic, India had sent anti covid medicines to around 150 countries. Indian Scientists and Research Teams are collaborating and strengthening the research capacities in neighbouring countries like Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal and Sri Lanka when it comes to the pandemic. New Delhi has received requests from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Qatar and Bhutan for clinical trials in their countries.

India and Myanmar have increased engagement to collaborate on joint development of COVID vaccine with the first round of discussion taking place earlier this week.

India and Myanmar have increased engagement to collaborate on joint development of COVID vaccine with the first round of discussion taking place earlier this week. Key Officials from both sides held a virtual discussion on the possible cooperation in the development of a COVID-19 vaccine and this includes its joint production, distribution and supply. During the visit of foreign secretary Harsh Shringla to Myanmar, he had indicated India’s willingness to prioritize Myanmar in sharing vaccines. It was in that visit that happened earlier this month, Shringla handed over 3000 vials of Remdesivir state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi as a symbol of India‘s commitment to helping Myanmar mitigate the impact of covid 19. Myanmar's envoy Moe Kyaw Aung on collaboration against covid told WION, "We have informed to the Indian side that Myanmar will participate in the development of a vaccine." Amid the COVID crisis, India has been reaching out to countries in the region and across the world and Myanmar is no different. India provided more than one million USD worth of covid assistance to Myanmar. e-ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) Programme courses related to COVID-19 pandemic conducted by Indian Institutes such as AIIMS in Raipur, Bhubaneshwar and Jodhpur, PGI Chandigarh etc. has registered healthy participation from Myanmar side. The increase in engagement is in line with India's stated policy that India's vaccine will be used to help all humanity. Indian PM Modi during his speech at United Nations General Assembly in September said, "As the largest vaccine producing country of the world, I want to give one more assurance to the global community today. India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting this crisis. We are moving ahead with phase 3 clinical trials in India and in our neighbourhood. India will also help all the countries in enhancing their cold chain and storage capacities for the delivery of Vaccines." Amid the pandemic, India had sent anti covid medicines to around 150 countries. Indian Scientists and Research Teams are collaborating and strengthening the research capacities in neighbouring countries like Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal and Sri Lanka when it comes to the pandemic. New Delhi has received requests from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Qatar and Bhutan for clinical trials in their countries.

India-Myanmar increase engagement on joint development of COVID-19 vaccine

Ahead of third India, US 2+2 foreign and defence ministers meet in New Delhi next week, the US state department has said that the situation at the Line of Actual Control with Chinese forces amassed will be discussed at the meet. The 2+2 meet will take place on October 26 and 27, and for that US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo and US Defence secretary Mark Esper will visit India.

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Dean R. Thompson, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs speaking to reporters in Washington said, "Certainly, I think the situation on the Line of Actual Control will be – will probably be discussed at some point, and we’re watching the situation closely. &nbsp;I think both sides have expressed a desire to de-escalate violence".

The Ministry of external affairs' spokesperson Anurag Srivastav on Thursday during weekly virtual presser said, "The Third India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue will entail a comprehensive discussion on cross cutting bilateral issues of mutual interest. &nbsp;In addition, both sides will also exchange views on salient regional and global issues."

India and China are engaged in a tensed standoff at LAC in eastern Ladakh, which started in the month of April. The situation got worse in June after 20 Indian soldiers died in Galwan valley due to Chinese aggressiveness, and even though Chinese also suffered casualties, they never came out with any number.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/its-official-india-and-usa-will-hold-22-dialogue-next-week-337003">Also read|&nbsp;It's official: India and USA will hold 2+2 dialogue next week</a>

On Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) which is a military pact, Thompson said, "We’re in the process of finalizing a lot of the discussions right now, and so I know that BECA and other agreements are in the works. &nbsp;I’m not going to, I think, commit to anything right this minute, but we do expect to have several items highlighted as we go through the trip."

BECA will be the last of the four foundational military pacts that will be signed to increase interoperability and share information. India and US have already signed Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018, Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016, General Security Of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) in 2002.

Asked about the 2+2 happening just a week before the US goes to the election, the state department official said, "the 2+2 had previously been scheduled, has been delayed, and this was an opportunity where schedules worked out to get together, so that’s really what’s driving the opportunity for this trip right now."

Explaining, " There’s a lot happening in the relationship with India and with our other partners in the region, and so the fact that we could go now, that we could have this discussion, is driven by the situation in the region and what – where we’re headed. "

The previous two dialogues were held in New Delhi in September 2018 and in Washington DC in December 2019. US Secretary of state will be on a four-country tour next week, starting with India, followed by Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia.

Ahead of third India, US 2+2 foreign and defence ministers meet in New Delhi next week, the US state department has said that the situation at the Line of Actual Control with Chinese forces amassed will be discussed at the meet.

Ahead of third India, US 2+2 foreign and defence ministers meet in New Delhi next week, the US state department has said that the situation at the Line of Actual Control with Chinese forces amassed will be discussed at the meet. The 2+2 meet will take place on October 26 and 27, and for that US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo and US Defence secretary Mark Esper will visit India. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Dean R. Thompson, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs speaking to reporters in Washington said, "Certainly, I think the situation on the Line of Actual Control will be – will probably be discussed at some point, and we’re watching the situation closely. I think both sides have expressed a desire to de-escalate violence". The Ministry of external affairs' spokesperson Anurag Srivastav on Thursday during weekly virtual presser said, "The Third India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue will entail a comprehensive discussion on cross cutting bilateral issues of mutual interest. In addition, both sides will also exchange views on salient regional and global issues." India and China are engaged in a tensed standoff at LAC in eastern Ladakh, which started in the month of April. The situation got worse in June after 20 Indian soldiers died in Galwan valley due to Chinese aggressiveness, and even though Chinese also suffered casualties, they never came out with any number. Also read| It's official: India and USA will hold 2+2 dialogue next week On Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) which is a military pact, Thompson said, "We’re in the process of finalizing a lot of the discussions right now, and so I know that BECA and other agreements are in the works. I’m not going to, I think, commit to anything right this minute, but we do expect to have several items highlighted as we go through the trip." BECA will be the last of the four foundational military pacts that will be signed to increase interoperability and share information. India and US have already signed Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018, Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016, General Security Of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) in 2002. Asked about the 2+2 happening just a week before the US goes to the election, the state department official said, "the 2+2 had previously been scheduled, has been delayed, and this was an opportunity where schedules worked out to get together, so that’s really what’s driving the opportunity for this trip right now." Explaining, " There’s a lot happening in the relationship with India and with our other partners in the region, and so the fact that we could go now, that we could have this discussion, is driven by the situation in the region and what – where we’re headed. " The previous two dialogues were held in New Delhi in September 2018 and in Washington DC in December 2019. US Secretary of state will be on a four-country tour next week, starting with India, followed by Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia.

US state department says LAC situation will be discussed at 2+2; BECA agreement in works

Atta Mohammad Noor, a Prominent Afghan politician and former member of the Northern Alliance resistance group against the Taliban has had a series of meeting with India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla in New Delhi and discussed the recent increase in violence in Afghanistan even as the peace process is underway.

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava in response to a WION question said, &nbsp;"During the meeting views were exchanged on the current situation in Afghanistan including on the ongoing peace process and the increased level of violence in Afghanistan. We reiterated our long-term commitment towards the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan".

The peace process or the intra Afghan talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban which started in September are underway but increasingly the country. Recently heavy violence was seen in the country's southern Helmand province backed by the Taliban. This comes ahead of US troops withdrawal from the country by Christmas as announced by US President Donal Trump.

Earlier speaking to WION, Atta Noor said, "India has the right and should engage the Taliban and in line with their national interests".

Atta Noor is the third prominent politician to visit India in the last one month. Earlier Abdul Rashid Dostum, former vice president of Afghanistan and Chairperson of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation Dr. Abdullah Abdullah had visited India.

In 2016, he personally took up arms back to repel a terrorist attack on the Indian consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif and&nbsp;protected it. During the Taliban rein in the country in 1990s, Noor had served as a commander in Ahmad Shah Massoud's Nothern front.

Atta Mohammad Noor, a Prominent Afghan politician and former member of the Northern Alliance resistance group against the Taliban has had a series of meeting with India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla in New Delhi and discussed the recent increase in violence in Afghanistan even as the peace process is underway.

Atta Mohammad Noor, a Prominent Afghan politician and former member of the Northern Alliance resistance group against the Taliban has had a series of meeting with India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla in New Delhi and discussed the recent increase in violence in Afghanistan even as the peace process is underway. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava in response to a WION question said, "During the meeting views were exchanged on the current situation in Afghanistan including on the ongoing peace process and the increased level of violence in Afghanistan. We reiterated our long-term commitment towards the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan". The peace process or the intra Afghan talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban which started in September are underway but increasingly the country. Recently heavy violence was seen in the country's southern Helmand province backed by the Taliban. This comes ahead of US troops withdrawal from the country by Christmas as announced by US President Donal Trump. Earlier speaking to WION, Atta Noor said, "India has the right and should engage the Taliban and in line with their national interests". Atta Noor is the third prominent politician to visit India in the last one month. Earlier Abdul Rashid Dostum, former vice president of Afghanistan and Chairperson of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation Dr. Abdullah Abdullah had visited India. In 2016, he personally took up arms back to repel a terrorist attack on the Indian consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif and protected it. During the Taliban rein in the country in 1990s, Noor had served as a commander in Ahmad Shah Massoud's Nothern front.

India and former Northern Alliance leader Atta Noor discuss increased level of violence in Afghanistan

Myanmar's Ambassador to India Moe Kyaw Aung has said that his country won't allow any insurgents to use its territory against India. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Myanmar envoy Moe Kyaw Aung said, "Myanmar maintains good neighborliness and you know, we will never allow our territory to be used by insurgents against other neighbouring countries and we will never support them". He recalled how last year, Myanmar handed over 22 insurgents to India after a security operation.&nbsp;

On the connectivity front, Envoy Moe said distance between Kolkata and Sittwe ports was&nbsp;less than 500 nautical miles and that could&nbsp;pave way for "coastal shipping which can transport goods from countries effectively and cheaply". In the first week of October Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane had visited the country, and since the visit took place&nbsp;amid the COVID&nbsp;pandemic, envoy&nbsp;highlighted that both sides were serious about bilateral co-operation.

Sidhant Sibal: What are the current status of ties?

Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Myanmar, India enjoy very friendly relation for ages, thanks to geographical proximity and share cultural heritage and close links, recently Act East Policy and Neighbourhood First Policy of India and good neighborliness policy of Myanmar greatly contributed to good bilateral relations. Bilateral relations have reached to new level thanks to efforts of leaders of the 2 countries.

Sidhant Sibal: India's Foreign Secretary and Army Chief visited your country. How do you see the visit?

Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Amid the COVID&nbsp;crisis, high-level visit between the 2 countries happened. It shows, both sides put great importance to the visit, and how serious they are for bilateral cooperation between the 2 countries. The delegation of Foreign Secretary and Army Chief had a meeting with state counsellor and commander in chief of defence services and discussion covered range of areas like&nbsp;trade, investment, security and defence cooperation, power generation, oil and gas, technological transfer and natural disaster management. Lot of areas, covered and I expect from those discussions fruitful outcome will come.

 
Sidhant Sibal: On connectivity front, how things are progressing. Is Sittwe set to be operationalised next year?

Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Sittwe is part of Kaladan Multimodal transport project, and that project connects northeast India to Myanmar via Kaladan river in Myanmar and access to bay of Bengal. So it's very important, and the Sittwe port will provide access to the products of northeastern state to the Indian Ocean and via Bay of Bengal products can reach mainland India. Also it will greatly be&nbsp;conducive to bilateral ties between India and Myanmar because using that route export of India and Myanmar can be sent effectively. Apart from this, distance between Sittwe port and Kolkata port is less than 500 nautical miles, it will pave&nbsp;way for coastal shipping which can transport goods from countries effectively and cheaply. It will increase bilateral trade. Another important infrastructure project is trilateral highway connecting Northeastern India with Myanmar and Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries.

 
Sidhant Sibal:&nbsp;Defence and security has seen increased focus.&nbsp;You have sent 22 insurgents back to India...

Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Myanmar maintains good neighborliness and you know, we will never allow our territory to be used by insurgents against other neighbouring countries and we will never support them. In 2019, a security operation took place at India-Myanmar border. We handed over insurgents to India and it shows, Myanmar's friendliness and good neighborliness to India.

 
Sidhant Sibal: Defence is also gaining focus, India will give you submarines. If you can tell us, when will they give u..

Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: I think, we have good relations between the 2 armed forces. And exchanges of visit, procurement of military hardware happens in terms of cooperation. We have good cooperation between 2 armed forces. Myanmar is opposed to terrorism of all forms and manifestations, so that is one of the areas we can cooperate in. We have to make sure, terror organisations, do not&nbsp;operate in our countries.

 
Sidhant Sibal:&nbsp;How has been the collaboration on COVID&nbsp;front?

Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: India and Myanmar have good relations, earlier this year, India donated HCQ and other medical supplies for Covid. During the visit of FS, India donated 3000 vials of Remdesivir to Myanmar. During the discussions, Foreign Secretary and Myanmar leaders discussed cooperation in the development of Vaccines. Now I think, we have informed to Indian side that Myanmar will participate in development of vaccine.

Sidhant Sibal: You are neighbours of India and China. China has been aggressive, that has been the talking point. How are u reaching out to New Delhi, even as Chinese aggressiveness is increasing?

Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Let me explain our foreign policy, our policy is based on 5 principles of peaceful coexistence. And also, neutrality and respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity. We maintained, good relations with all countries. In that&nbsp;case, we have an independent and active foreign policy. For Myanmar, we strongly support India and China in the effort of de-escalating of tensions.

Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India backed Indo-Pacific concept?

Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: I think, Indo-Pacific, as a general concept, regional cooperation is a win win for all the countries involved.

Myanmar's Ambassador to India Moe Kyaw Aung has said that his country won't allow any insurgents to use its territory against India. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Myanmar envoy Moe Kyaw Aung said, "Myanmar maintains good neighborliness and you know, we will never allow our territory to be used by insurgents against other neighbouring countries and we will never support them".

Myanmar's Ambassador to India Moe Kyaw Aung has said that his country won't allow any insurgents to use its territory against India. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Myanmar envoy Moe Kyaw Aung said, "Myanmar maintains good neighborliness and you know, we will never allow our territory to be used by insurgents against other neighbouring countries and we will never support them". He recalled how last year, Myanmar handed over 22 insurgents to India after a security operation. On the connectivity front, Envoy Moe said distance between Kolkata and Sittwe ports was less than 500 nautical miles and that could pave way for "coastal shipping which can transport goods from countries effectively and cheaply". In the first week of October Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane had visited the country, and since the visit took place amid the COVID pandemic, envoy highlighted that both sides were serious about bilateral co-operation. Sidhant Sibal: What are the current status of ties? Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Myanmar, India enjoy very friendly relation for ages, thanks to geographical proximity and share cultural heritage and close links, recently Act East Policy and Neighbourhood First Policy of India and good neighborliness policy of Myanmar greatly contributed to good bilateral relations. Bilateral relations have reached to new level thanks to efforts of leaders of the 2 countries. Sidhant Sibal: India's Foreign Secretary and Army Chief visited your country. How do you see the visit? Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Amid the COVID crisis, high-level visit between the 2 countries happened. It shows, both sides put great importance to the visit, and how serious they are for bilateral cooperation between the 2 countries. The delegation of Foreign Secretary and Army Chief had a meeting with state counsellor and commander in chief of defence services and discussion covered range of areas like trade, investment, security and defence cooperation, power generation, oil and gas, technological transfer and natural disaster management. Lot of areas, covered and I expect from those discussions fruitful outcome will come. Sidhant Sibal: On connectivity front, how things are progressing. Is Sittwe set to be operationalised next year? Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Sittwe is part of Kaladan Multimodal transport project, and that project connects northeast India to Myanmar via Kaladan river in Myanmar and access to bay of Bengal. So it's very important, and the Sittwe port will provide access to the products of northeastern state to the Indian Ocean and via Bay of Bengal products can reach mainland India. Also it will greatly be conducive to bilateral ties between India and Myanmar because using that route export of India and Myanmar can be sent effectively. Apart from this, distance between Sittwe port and Kolkata port is less than 500 nautical miles, it will pave way for coastal shipping which can transport goods from countries effectively and cheaply. It will increase bilateral trade. Another important infrastructure project is trilateral highway connecting Northeastern India with Myanmar and Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. Sidhant Sibal: Defence and security has seen increased focus. You have sent 22 insurgents back to India... Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Myanmar maintains good neighborliness and you know, we will never allow our territory to be used by insurgents against other neighbouring countries and we will never support them. In 2019, a security operation took place at India-Myanmar border. We handed over insurgents to India and it shows, Myanmar's friendliness and good neighborliness to India. Sidhant Sibal: Defence is also gaining focus, India will give you submarines. If you can tell us, when will they give u.. Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: I think, we have good relations between the 2 armed forces. And exchanges of visit, procurement of military hardware happens in terms of cooperation. We have good cooperation between 2 armed forces. Myanmar is opposed to terrorism of all forms and manifestations, so that is one of the areas we can cooperate in. We have to make sure, terror organisations, do not operate in our countries. Sidhant Sibal: How has been the collaboration on COVID front? Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: India and Myanmar have good relations, earlier this year, India donated HCQ and other medical supplies for Covid. During the visit of FS, India donated 3000 vials of Remdesivir to Myanmar. During the discussions, Foreign Secretary and Myanmar leaders discussed cooperation in the development of Vaccines. Now I think, we have informed to Indian side that Myanmar will participate in development of vaccine. Sidhant Sibal: You are neighbours of India and China. China has been aggressive, that has been the talking point. How are u reaching out to New Delhi, even as Chinese aggressiveness is increasing? Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Let me explain our foreign policy, our policy is based on 5 principles of peaceful coexistence. And also, neutrality and respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity. We maintained, good relations with all countries. In that case, we have an independent and active foreign policy. For Myanmar, we strongly support India and China in the effort of de-escalating of tensions. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India backed Indo-Pacific concept? Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: I think, Indo-Pacific, as a general concept, regional cooperation is a win win for all the countries involved.

Myanmar won't allow insurgents to use territory against India: Ambassador

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) in Exclusive economic zones of number of countries by Chinese vessels is destroying economies and environment of several countries it has emerged.

This is especially impacting developing countries and coastal countries and contributed to decreases in fish stocks including endangered fish species across several continents.&nbsp;

China's distant water fishing (DWF) fleet number around 12,000-17,000 vessels with almost 1,000 Chinese vessels are flagged to countries other than China. These fleets started with overfishing of squids near North and South Korean and Japanese waters and now has expanded to Latin America and West Africa.

Unfortunately, when it comes to Latin America and West Africa most countries in these regions are unable to police and monitor their Exclusive economic zone (EEZ) effectively. In fact, Chinese vessels have caught fishes equal to a year's catch when it comes to Sengal. IUU fishing by China near the waters of North Korea has led to the depletion of squid stocks in the area.

It's China's domestic demand that is contributing to this illegal fishing, and at global scale represents 60-65 per cent of the stake, the highest.

China uses three methods to hide its involvement in illegal fishing, Chinese boat ‘go dark’ when they are near the EEZ of another country, a large number of Chinese vessels are flagged to countries other than China; and under complex laws hide their ownership to skirt local laws.

DWF is heavily subsidised by Beijing as most of the waters near its own coast have been overfished.

The Chinese government has stated that it plans to reduce the subsidy by 60 per cent on DWF but even that would mean that the country remains the world’s largest provider of it.

China has refused to join a WTO-led effort to end subsidies to DWF saying its a ‘developing country’. The country is yet to sign the 2016 Port State Measures Agreement, a UN treaty requiring countries to close their ports to illegal fishing vessels.

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) in Exclusive economic zones of number of countries by Chinese vessels is destroying economies and environment of several countries it has emerged.

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) in Exclusive economic zones of number of countries by Chinese vessels is destroying economies and environment of several countries it has emerged. This is especially impacting developing countries and coastal countries and contributed to decreases in fish stocks including endangered fish species across several continents. China's distant water fishing (DWF) fleet number around 12,000-17,000 vessels with almost 1,000 Chinese vessels are flagged to countries other than China. These fleets started with overfishing of squids near North and South Korean and Japanese waters and now has expanded to Latin America and West Africa. Unfortunately, when it comes to Latin America and West Africa most countries in these regions are unable to police and monitor their Exclusive economic zone (EEZ) effectively. In fact, Chinese vessels have caught fishes equal to a year's catch when it comes to Sengal. IUU fishing by China near the waters of North Korea has led to the depletion of squid stocks in the area. It's China's domestic demand that is contributing to this illegal fishing, and at global scale represents 60-65 per cent of the stake, the highest. China uses three methods to hide its involvement in illegal fishing, Chinese boat ‘go dark’ when they are near the EEZ of another country, a large number of Chinese vessels are flagged to countries other than China; and under complex laws hide their ownership to skirt local laws. DWF is heavily subsidised by Beijing as most of the waters near its own coast have been overfished. The Chinese government has stated that it plans to reduce the subsidy by 60 per cent on DWF but even that would mean that the country remains the world’s largest provider of it. China has refused to join a WTO-led effort to end subsidies to DWF saying its a ‘developing country’. The country is yet to sign the 2016 Port State Measures Agreement, a UN treaty requiring countries to close their ports to illegal fishing vessels.

China's illegal distant water fishing destroying economies, environment

Ahead of next week's 2+2 dialogue between US and India, US State Department said that situation at Line of Actual Control between India and China will be discussed. The 2+ 2 meeting is due to take place on 26th and 27th October. This the third such dialogue between India and the US. US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and US Defence secretary Mark Esper will be visiting India to meet their Indian counterparts.

"Certainly, I think the situation on the Line of Actual Control will be – will probably be discussed at some point, and we’re watching the situation closely. &nbsp;I think both sides have expressed a desire to de-escalate violence," said Dean Thompson, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs. He was speaking with reporters in Washington.

"The Third India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue will entail a comprehensive discussion on cross-cutting bilateral issues of mutual interest. In addition, both sides will also exchange views on salient regional and global issues," said MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastav on Thursday during the weekly virtual press conference.

India and China are engaged in a tensed standoff at LAC in eastern Ladakh, which started in the month of April. The situation got worse in June after 20 Indian soldiers died in Galwan valley due to Chinese aggressiveness, and even though Chinese also suffered casualties, they never came out with any number.

On Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) a military pact, Thompson said, "We’re in the process of finalizing a lot of the discussions right now, and so I know that BECA and other agreements are in the works. &nbsp;I’m not going to, I think, commit to anything right this minute, but we do expect to have several items highlighted as we go through the trip."

BECA will be the last of the 4 foundational military pacts that will be signed to increase interoperability and share information. India and US have already signed the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018, Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016, General Security Of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) in 2002.

Asked about the 2+2 happening just a week before the US goes to the election, the state department official said, "the 2+2 had previously been scheduled, has been delayed, and this was an opportunity where schedules worked out to get together, so that’s really what’s driving the opportunity for this trip right now."

"There’s a lot happening in the relationship with India and with our other partners in the region, and so the fact that we could go now, that we could have this discussion, is driven by the situation in the region and what – where we’re headed," the official added.

The previous two dialogues were held in New Delhi in September 2018 and in Washington DC in December 2019. US Secretary of state will be on a four-country tour next week, starting with India, followed by Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia.

Ahead of next week's 2+2 dialogue between US and India, US State Department said that situation at Line of Actual Control between India and China will be discussed.

Ahead of next week's 2+2 dialogue between US and India, US State Department said that situation at Line of Actual Control between India and China will be discussed. The 2+ 2 meeting is due to take place on 26th and 27th October. This the third such dialogue between India and the US. US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and US Defence secretary Mark Esper will be visiting India to meet their Indian counterparts. "Certainly, I think the situation on the Line of Actual Control will be – will probably be discussed at some point, and we’re watching the situation closely. I think both sides have expressed a desire to de-escalate violence," said Dean Thompson, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs. He was speaking with reporters in Washington. "The Third India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue will entail a comprehensive discussion on cross-cutting bilateral issues of mutual interest. In addition, both sides will also exchange views on salient regional and global issues," said MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastav on Thursday during the weekly virtual press conference. India and China are engaged in a tensed standoff at LAC in eastern Ladakh, which started in the month of April. The situation got worse in June after 20 Indian soldiers died in Galwan valley due to Chinese aggressiveness, and even though Chinese also suffered casualties, they never came out with any number. On Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) a military pact, Thompson said, "We’re in the process of finalizing a lot of the discussions right now, and so I know that BECA and other agreements are in the works. I’m not going to, I think, commit to anything right this minute, but we do expect to have several items highlighted as we go through the trip." BECA will be the last of the 4 foundational military pacts that will be signed to increase interoperability and share information. India and US have already signed the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018, Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016, General Security Of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) in 2002. Asked about the 2+2 happening just a week before the US goes to the election, the state department official said, "the 2+2 had previously been scheduled, has been delayed, and this was an opportunity where schedules worked out to get together, so that’s really what’s driving the opportunity for this trip right now." "There’s a lot happening in the relationship with India and with our other partners in the region, and so the fact that we could go now, that we could have this discussion, is driven by the situation in the region and what – where we’re headed," the official added. The previous two dialogues were held in New Delhi in September 2018 and in Washington DC in December 2019. US Secretary of state will be on a four-country tour next week, starting with India, followed by Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia.

Situation at LAC will be discussed during 2+2 dialogue with India: US State Department

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