Calling Australia's participation at Malabar exercises as a "milestone", the country in its first reaction on the development said it, “showcases the deep trust between four major Indo-Pacific democracies and their shared will to work together on common security interests.”

A joint release by Australian foreign and defense ministry said," “It will bolster the ability of India, Australia, Japan and the United States to work together to uphold peace and stability across our region.”

The invitation for participation in the exercises was sent by New Delhi to Canberra in last one week. The exercises which will take place in November will see all four quad member countries participating in exercises in Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.

Australian defence minister Linda Reynolds said," “High-end military exercises like MALABAR are key to enhancing Australia’s maritime capabilities, building interoperability with our close partners, and demonstrating our collective resolve to support an open and prosperous Indo-Pacific".

The sentiment was echoed by Australian foreign minister Marise Payne, who said, “This builds on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, to which Prime Minister Morrison and Prime Minister Modi agreed on 4 June 2020, and which I progressed with my counterpart, Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar, this month when we met in Tokyo."

Australia last participated in Exercises in 2007 and this will be after a decade it will be back in the exercises which is bound to irk China. China has already been upset with quad, calling it Asian Nato, and coming together of all 4 quad countries under Malabar exercises umbrella is bound to draw a sharp reaction from Beijing.

Indian and Australian Navies already have bilateral exercises and the Indian navy has been going to Australian waters for multilateral exercises. Interestingly, New Delhi has LEMOA or Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement with all 3 countries--US, Japan and Australia.

Calling Australia's participation at Malabar exercises as a "milestone", the country in its first reaction on the development said it, “showcases the deep trust between four major Indo-Pacific democracies and their shared will to work together on common security interests.

Calling Australia's participation at Malabar exercises as a "milestone", the country in its first reaction on the development said it, “showcases the deep trust between four major Indo-Pacific democracies and their shared will to work together on common security interests.” A joint release by Australian foreign and defense ministry said," “It will bolster the ability of India, Australia, Japan and the United States to work together to uphold peace and stability across our region.” The invitation for participation in the exercises was sent by New Delhi to Canberra in last one week. The exercises which will take place in November will see all four quad member countries participating in exercises in Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. Australian defence minister Linda Reynolds said," “High-end military exercises like MALABAR are key to enhancing Australia’s maritime capabilities, building interoperability with our close partners, and demonstrating our collective resolve to support an open and prosperous Indo-Pacific". The sentiment was echoed by Australian foreign minister Marise Payne, who said, “This builds on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, to which Prime Minister Morrison and Prime Minister Modi agreed on 4 June 2020, and which I progressed with my counterpart, Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar, this month when we met in Tokyo." Australia last participated in Exercises in 2007 and this will be after a decade it will be back in the exercises which is bound to irk China. China has already been upset with quad, calling it Asian Nato, and coming together of all 4 quad countries under Malabar exercises umbrella is bound to draw a sharp reaction from Beijing. Indian and Australian Navies already have bilateral exercises and the Indian navy has been going to Australian waters for multilateral exercises. Interestingly, New Delhi has LEMOA or Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement with all 3 countries--US, Japan and Australia.

Australia calls its participation in Malabar exercise a ‘milestone opportunity’

In a major development, Australia will be part of the annual Malabar exercises that will take place in Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea in November.

Defence Ministry in a release said,"as India Seeks to increase cooperation with other countries in the maritime security domain and in the light of increased defence cooperation with Australia, Malabar 2020 will see the participation of the Australian Navy"

Malabar exercises will now have all 4 quad countries as part of the exercises - US, India, Japan and Australia. The announcement comes weeks after Quad country foreign ministers met in person in Tokyo.

The exercise will be ‘non-contact - at sea’ format and will "strengthen the coordination between the Navies of the participating countries", the Indian defence ministry release said.

In fact,&nbsp;Malabar exercises started in 1992 as a bilateral Indian Navy-US Navy exercise and Japan joined the exercises in 2015. In 2018, the exercise took place off the coast of Guam in the Philippine Sea, in 2019 off the coast the Japan.

The Indian Defence Ministry explained,&nbsp;"Participants of Exercise Malabar 2020 are engaging to enhance safety and security in the maritime domain."

Adding,"They collectively support free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and remain committed to a rules based international order."

The development will raise eyebrows in Beijing that sees coming together of Quad countries suspiciously.

In a major development, Australia will be part of the annual Malabar exercises that will take place in Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea in November. Defence Ministry in a release said,"as India Seeks to increase cooperation with other countries in the maritime security domain and in the light of increased defence cooperation with Australia, Malabar 2020 will see the participation of the Australian Navy" Malabar exercises will now have all 4 quad countries as part of the exercises - US, India, Japan and Australia.

In a major development, Australia will be part of the annual Malabar exercises that will take place in Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea in November. Defence Ministry in a release said,"as India Seeks to increase cooperation with other countries in the maritime security domain and in the light of increased defence cooperation with Australia, Malabar 2020 will see the participation of the Australian Navy" Malabar exercises will now have all 4 quad countries as part of the exercises - US, India, Japan and Australia. The announcement comes weeks after Quad country foreign ministers met in person in Tokyo. The exercise will be ‘non-contact - at sea’ format and will "strengthen the coordination between the Navies of the participating countries", the Indian defence ministry release said. In fact, Malabar exercises started in 1992 as a bilateral Indian Navy-US Navy exercise and Japan joined the exercises in 2015. In 2018, the exercise took place off the coast of Guam in the Philippine Sea, in 2019 off the coast the Japan. The Indian Defence Ministry explained, "Participants of Exercise Malabar 2020 are engaging to enhance safety and security in the maritime domain." Adding,"They collectively support free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and remain committed to a rules based international order." The development will raise eyebrows in Beijing that sees coming together of Quad countries suspiciously.

Eyeing China, Australia to join India's annual Malabar drill

India is expected to get three <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-displays-rafale-sukhoi-fighters-on-88th-foundation-day-333586">Rafale </a>fighter jets in early November. Official confirmation of the dates is yet to be made by the Indian side on when they will ferry the Rafales.

Under the 2016 agreement worth Rs 59,000 crores, India will get 36 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-occupies-six-new-major-heights-along-lac-rafales-conduct-familiarisation-sorties-328997">Rafales</a>. It has already got the first batch of five Rafales earlier this year amid fanfare.

The five Rafales were inducted at Ambala airbase on September 10 in the presence of French defence minister Florence Parly and Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh.

The development comes even as tensions along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) between India and China remains. The Chinese build-up at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/india-china-standoff">LAC</a> remains despite several rounds of diplomatic and military talks.&nbsp;

India is expected to get three Rafale fighter jets in early November. Official confirmation of the dates is yet to be made by the Indian side on when they will ferry the Rafales.

India is expected to get three Rafale fighter jets in early November. Official confirmation of the dates is yet to be made by the Indian side on when they will ferry the Rafales. Under the 2016 agreement worth Rs 59,000 crores, India will get 36 Rafales. It has already got the first batch of five Rafales earlier this year amid fanfare. The five Rafales were inducted at Ambala airbase on September 10 in the presence of French defence minister Florence Parly and Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh. The development comes even as tensions along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) between India and China remains. The Chinese build-up at the LAC remains despite several rounds of diplomatic and military talks.

India to get three Rafale fighter jets in November

In a move that is bound to increase trade between the two countries, India has allowed market access for 5 Bhutanese agricultural products. This will also allow Bhutan to gain access to large Indian market.

Now, Bhutan can market its Areca nuts, Mandarin Oranges, Apples, Potatoes and Ginger in India. Bhutan can access Indian market with immediate effect. The decision in this regard got impetus during the visit of Indian trade minister Piyush Goyal to Bhutan in February this year.

India's envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj called the development, "a key commitment to grow our bilateral trade".

India's Ministry of Agriculture &amp; Farmers Welfare on 14th October had issued the notification that was published in the Gazette of India on 16 October 2020, notifying five agri-products originating from Bhutan in the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003.

A release by the Indian mission in Bhutan said, "India and Bhutan share exceptionally close and friendly ties inclusive of matters pertaining to trade and commerce. Agriculture being an important sector in the economy of both countries, this decision to allow market access for these agricultural commodities was arrived at after detailed deliberation".

Meanwhile, Bhutan's Ministry of Agriculture &amp; Forests has allowed import of Tomato, Onion, and Okra from India under the Plant Quarantine Rules and Regulations of Bhutan, 2018.

The decision comes after talks between India's National Plant Protection Organization and Bhutan's Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) and the Embassy of India, Thimphu. Earlier only two Bhutanese agri-products – asparagus and cardamom – were listed in the Plant Quarantine Order of India which meant -- Bhutan could formally export only these two commodities to India.

India will also be setting up a Plant Quarantine (PQ) centre at Jaigaon, one of the key route of trade route between the 2 countries. An Indian Plant Protection officer has been deployed and will assume office shortly. Till date, Bhutanese agri-traders had to wait for the PQ officer stationed at Panitanki on the India-Nepal border, to visit Jaigaon for clearance of their agri-exports to India.

India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. In 2018, the total bilateral trade between the two countries stood at Rs. 9227.7 crores. Major exports from India to Bhutan are mineral products, machinery and mechanical appliances, electrical equipment, plastics and articles. The major items of export from Bhutan to India are electricity, ferro-silicon, portland cement, dolomite etc.

In a move that is bound to increase trade between the two countries, India has allowed market access for 5 Bhutanese agricultural products. This will also allow Bhutan to gain access to large Indian market.

In a move that is bound to increase trade between the two countries, India has allowed market access for 5 Bhutanese agricultural products. This will also allow Bhutan to gain access to large Indian market. Now, Bhutan can market its Areca nuts, Mandarin Oranges, Apples, Potatoes and Ginger in India. Bhutan can access Indian market with immediate effect. The decision in this regard got impetus during the visit of Indian trade minister Piyush Goyal to Bhutan in February this year. India's envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj called the development, "a key commitment to grow our bilateral trade". India's Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare on 14th October had issued the notification that was published in the Gazette of India on 16 October 2020, notifying five agri-products originating from Bhutan in the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003. A release by the Indian mission in Bhutan said, "India and Bhutan share exceptionally close and friendly ties inclusive of matters pertaining to trade and commerce. Agriculture being an important sector in the economy of both countries, this decision to allow market access for these agricultural commodities was arrived at after detailed deliberation". Meanwhile, Bhutan's Ministry of Agriculture & Forests has allowed import of Tomato, Onion, and Okra from India under the Plant Quarantine Rules and Regulations of Bhutan, 2018. The decision comes after talks between India's National Plant Protection Organization and Bhutan's Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) and the Embassy of India, Thimphu. Earlier only two Bhutanese agri-products – asparagus and cardamom – were listed in the Plant Quarantine Order of India which meant -- Bhutan could formally export only these two commodities to India. India will also be setting up a Plant Quarantine (PQ) centre at Jaigaon, one of the key route of trade route between the 2 countries. An Indian Plant Protection officer has been deployed and will assume office shortly. Till date, Bhutanese agri-traders had to wait for the PQ officer stationed at Panitanki on the India-Nepal border, to visit Jaigaon for clearance of their agri-exports to India. India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. In 2018, the total bilateral trade between the two countries stood at Rs. 9227.7 crores. Major exports from India to Bhutan are mineral products, machinery and mechanical appliances, electrical equipment, plastics and articles. The major items of export from Bhutan to India are electricity, ferro-silicon, portland cement, dolomite etc.

India allows market access for 5 Bhutanese agri-products

India has been invited for a global aid conference for Rohingya refugees. The conference is being co-hosted by US, UK, European Union and United Nations refugee agency. The aim of the conference is to generate funds to support Rohingya refugees who have been displaced from Myanmar.

"On the issue of displaced persons from Rakhine state, you would know...as a neighbour of both Bangladesh and Myanmar, India has stakes in the issue. We are committed to ensuring early, safe and sustainable repatriation of the displaced persons to the Rakhine state in Myanmar and towards this end we have committed resources to both countries," said Anurag Srivastava, Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs.

The UN has appealed for more than USD 1 billion in aid to meet the humanitarian needs of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh this year. However, only&nbsp;less than half amount has been contributed. The conference will take place on October 22 virtually.

India has been invited for a global aid conference for Rohingya refugees. The conference is being co-hosted by US, UK, European Union and United Nations refugee agency.

India has been invited for a global aid conference for Rohingya refugees. The conference is being co-hosted by US, UK, European Union and United Nations refugee agency. The aim of the conference is to generate funds to support Rohingya refugees who have been displaced from Myanmar. "On the issue of displaced persons from Rakhine state, you would know...as a neighbour of both Bangladesh and Myanmar, India has stakes in the issue. We are committed to ensuring early, safe and sustainable repatriation of the displaced persons to the Rakhine state in Myanmar and towards this end we have committed resources to both countries," said Anurag Srivastava, Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs. The UN has appealed for more than USD 1 billion in aid to meet the humanitarian needs of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh this year. However, only less than half amount has been contributed. The conference will take place on October 22 virtually.

India invited for global aid conference on Rohingya crisis

India has been invited for a global aid conference for Rohingya Refugees that is being co-hosted by US, UK, EU and UN Refugee Agency. The aim of the conference is to generate funds to support Rohingya Refugees who have been displaced from Myanmar.

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "On the issue of displaced persons from Rakhine state, you would know...as a neighbour of both Bangladesh and Myanmar, India has stakes in the issue. We are committed to ensuring early, safe and sustainable repatriation of the displaced persons to the Rakhine state in Myanmar and towards this end we have committed resources to both countries"

The UN has appealed for more than $1 billion in aid to meet the humanitarian needs of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh this year, but so far less than half has been contributed. The conference will take place virtually and takes place on October 22.

India has been invited for a global aid conference for Rohingya Refugees that is being co-hosted by US, UK, EU and UN Refugee Agency. The aim of the conference is to generate funds to support Rohingya Refugees who have been displaced from Myanmar.

India has been invited for a global aid conference for Rohingya Refugees that is being co-hosted by US, UK, EU and UN Refugee Agency. The aim of the conference is to generate funds to support Rohingya Refugees who have been displaced from Myanmar. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "On the issue of displaced persons from Rakhine state, you would know...as a neighbour of both Bangladesh and Myanmar, India has stakes in the issue. We are committed to ensuring early, safe and sustainable repatriation of the displaced persons to the Rakhine state in Myanmar and towards this end we have committed resources to both countries" The UN has appealed for more than $1 billion in aid to meet the humanitarian needs of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh this year, but so far less than half has been contributed. The conference will take place virtually and takes place on October 22.

India invited for global aid conference on rohingya refugees 

Ministry of external affairs has asked China to stop commenting on India's internal matters after Beijing raked Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.&nbsp;

The ministry of external affairs reminded China that "union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are, and would remain an integral part of India" and "China has no locus standi to comment on India's internal matters".

Advising Beijing that "We hope that countries will not comment on India’s internal matters, as much as they expect the same of others."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-talks-are-work-in-progress-eam-jaishankar-335585">Also read:&nbsp;India, China talks are work in progress: EAM Jaishankar</a>

New Delhi reiterated the same position on Arunachal Pradesh saying, "Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India. This fact has also been clearly conveyed to the Chinese side on several occasions, including at the highest level."

China earlier this week said, it "doesn’t recognize Ladakh Union Territory... and also Arunachal Pradesh" after India's defence minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated bridges in the region. The defence minister inaugurated 44 bridges in seven union territories and states, many of them bordering China. &nbsp;

Beijing was irked with the development with its foreign ministry saying, "Indian side has been ramping up infrastructure development along the border...is root cause of the tension between the two sides." The comments come even as the country has ramped up infrastructure in its Tibet region, that borders with India in several areas.&nbsp;

Ministry of external affairs has asked China to stop commenting on India's internal matters after Beijing raked Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. The ministry of external affairs reminded China that "union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are, and would remain an integral part of India" and "China has no locus standi to comment on India's internal matters".

Ministry of external affairs has asked China to stop commenting on India's internal matters after Beijing raked Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. The ministry of external affairs reminded China that "union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are, and would remain an integral part of India" and "China has no locus standi to comment on India's internal matters". Advising Beijing that "We hope that countries will not comment on India’s internal matters, as much as they expect the same of others." Also read: India, China talks are work in progress: EAM Jaishankar New Delhi reiterated the same position on Arunachal Pradesh saying, "Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India. This fact has also been clearly conveyed to the Chinese side on several occasions, including at the highest level." China earlier this week said, it "doesn’t recognize Ladakh Union Territory... and also Arunachal Pradesh" after India's defence minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated bridges in the region. The defence minister inaugurated 44 bridges in seven union territories and states, many of them bordering China. Beijing was irked with the development with its foreign ministry saying, "Indian side has been ramping up infrastructure development along the border...is root cause of the tension between the two sides." The comments come even as the country has ramped up infrastructure in its Tibet region, that borders with India in several areas.

Stop commenting in internal issue, if you expect same from others: India after China rakes AP, Ladakh

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said the discussions with the Chinese on the Line of Actual Control row is "work in progress" and India will "wait to see how this plays out".

Speaking at a media event, EAM recalled his meet with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in September and said, "we had a discussion and we agreed on the importance of early disengagement and since then meeting have happened between the military commanders assisted by diplomats. That is work in progress."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-first-india-to-deliver-submarine-to-myanmar-navy-335553">Also read|&nbsp;In a first, India to deliver submarine to Myanmar navy</a> 
&nbsp; 
Adding, "we regularly patrol the line of actual control...Army is present and is monitoring...discussion are going on, it is work in progress. The first rule is don't predict what is going on".

Ties between the two countries have suffered after the increased Chinese build-up and Galwan incident in which India lost 20 of its soldiers.&nbsp;

Describing the Chinese troop build-up as one that "has no precedent in recent past" and whose "gravity..is certainly there", EAM said, "Can rising China and rising India find an equilibrium and situation at borders is an expression of that challenge, inability to meet the challenge"&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-message-sent-india-on-pakistan-nsas-claim-of-new-delhi-reaching-out-to-islamabad-335503">Also read|&nbsp;No message sent: India on Pakistan NSA's claim of New Delhi reaching out to Islamabad</a>

He explained, "If underlined peace and tranquility is disturbed, if the agreements...are not honored, then that is the primary cause of disruption."

The 7th corps commanders meet happened on Monday, in which the Chinese side gave a proposal. The proposal has been discussed at the China study group. &nbsp;

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said the discussions with the Chinese on the Line of Actual Control row is "work in progress" and India will "wait to see how this plays out".

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said the discussions with the Chinese on the Line of Actual Control row is "work in progress" and India will "wait to see how this plays out". Speaking at a media event, EAM recalled his meet with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in September and said, "we had a discussion and we agreed on the importance of early disengagement and since then meeting have happened between the military commanders assisted by diplomats. That is work in progress." Also read| In a first, India to deliver submarine to Myanmar navy Adding, "we regularly patrol the line of actual control...Army is present and is monitoring...discussion are going on, it is work in progress. The first rule is don't predict what is going on". Ties between the two countries have suffered after the increased Chinese build-up and Galwan incident in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. Describing the Chinese troop build-up as one that "has no precedent in recent past" and whose "gravity..is certainly there", EAM said, "Can rising China and rising India find an equilibrium and situation at borders is an expression of that challenge, inability to meet the challenge" Also read| No message sent: India on Pakistan NSA's claim of New Delhi reaching out to Islamabad He explained, "If underlined peace and tranquility is disturbed, if the agreements...are not honored, then that is the primary cause of disruption." The 7th corps commanders meet happened on Monday, in which the Chinese side gave a proposal. The proposal has been discussed at the China study group.

India, China talks are work in progress: EAM Jaishankar

In a first, India will deliver submarine to Myanmar Navy as part of growing defence cooperation between the 2 neighbouring countries. The submarine will be a EKM or kilo class submarine INS Sindhuvir which an Indian govt sources descibed as "state of the art package", adding, "it is a major step towards building and consolidating foreign cooperation".

In weekly virtual presser ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "Cooperation in the maritime domain is a part of our diverse and enhanced engagement with Myanmar. In this context, India will be delivering a kilo class submarine INS Sindhuvir to the Myanmar Navy."

Explaining," This is in accordance with our vision of SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region, and also in line with our commitment to build capacities and self-reliance in all our neighbouring countries."

A Kilo Class submarine has a displacement of 3,000 tonnes, a length of 74 metres and a beam of 10 metres. It is manned by a crew of 15 officers and 60 sailors and is equipped with an array of weapons and sensors which enables the submarine to participate in various fleet, tactical and theatre level exercises.

This will be first submarine of the Myanmar Navy and the "fully operational" submarine has undergone a "refit package". Sindhuvir has been modernized by the Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Vizag.

Both Navies have close cooperation and Indian side has been training Myanmese Naval personnel. Last year, Indian and Myanmar naval undertook joint exercises IMNEX 2019 in Bay of Bengal.

Kilo class submarines are operated by Indian, Chinese, Russian and Iranian Naval forces and were designed by the Rubin Central Maritime Design Bureau, St Petersburg.

The announcement comes just 2 weeks after the visit of Indian army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane and foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla to Myanmar. During the visit the focus Primarly was on connectivity and increasing people to people ties.

On connectivity, India built Sittwe port in Myanmar's Rakhine state will be operationalized in first quarter of next year. Part of the larger connectivity project--Kaladan multimodal project, it will increase economic activity in the region.&nbsp;

During the high powered visit, it was announced that India will provide a grant of $ 2 million for the construction of the border Haat Bridge at Byanyu/Sarsichauk in Myanmar's Chin State which will provide increased economic connectivity between Mizoram and Myanmar.

In a first, India will deliver submarine to Myanmar Navy as part of growing defence cooperation between the 2 neighbouring countries. The submarine will be a EKM or kilo class submarine INS Sindhuvir which an Indian govt sources descibed as "state of the art package", adding, "it is a major step towards building and consolidating foreign cooperation".

In a first, India will deliver submarine to Myanmar Navy as part of growing defence cooperation between the 2 neighbouring countries. The submarine will be a EKM or kilo class submarine INS Sindhuvir which an Indian govt sources descibed as "state of the art package", adding, "it is a major step towards building and consolidating foreign cooperation". In weekly virtual presser ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "Cooperation in the maritime domain is a part of our diverse and enhanced engagement with Myanmar. In this context, India will be delivering a kilo class submarine INS Sindhuvir to the Myanmar Navy." Explaining," This is in accordance with our vision of SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region, and also in line with our commitment to build capacities and self-reliance in all our neighbouring countries." A Kilo Class submarine has a displacement of 3,000 tonnes, a length of 74 metres and a beam of 10 metres. It is manned by a crew of 15 officers and 60 sailors and is equipped with an array of weapons and sensors which enables the submarine to participate in various fleet, tactical and theatre level exercises. This will be first submarine of the Myanmar Navy and the "fully operational" submarine has undergone a "refit package". Sindhuvir has been modernized by the Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Vizag. Both Navies have close cooperation and Indian side has been training Myanmese Naval personnel. Last year, Indian and Myanmar naval undertook joint exercises IMNEX 2019 in Bay of Bengal. Kilo class submarines are operated by Indian, Chinese, Russian and Iranian Naval forces and were designed by the Rubin Central Maritime Design Bureau, St Petersburg. The announcement comes just 2 weeks after the visit of Indian army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane and foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla to Myanmar. During the visit the focus Primarly was on connectivity and increasing people to people ties. On connectivity, India built Sittwe port in Myanmar's Rakhine state will be operationalized in first quarter of next year. Part of the larger connectivity project--Kaladan multimodal project, it will increase economic activity in the region. During the high powered visit, it was announced that India will provide a grant of $ 2 million for the construction of the border Haat Bridge at Byanyu/Sarsichauk in Myanmar's Chin State which will provide increased economic connectivity between Mizoram and Myanmar.

In a first, India to deliver submarine to Myanmar navy

India on Thursday slammed Pakistan and dismissed its National Security Advisor (NSA) Moeed Yusaf claims that New Delhi reached out to Islamabad for talks. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said that the Pakistan NSA's comments were "contrary to facts on the ground, misleading and fictitious".

Srivastava added, "As regards the purported message, let me make it clear that no such message was sent from our side." In an interview, Pakistani NSA had claimed that India had expressed "desire" for talks.

The MEA explained that these are Pakistan's "effort to divert attention from domestic failures of the present government and mislead its domestic constituents by pulling India into headlines on a daily basis".

The spokesperson added that "his establishment (should) not to comment on India’s domestic policy." The comments by Pakistan NSA comes even as opposition in Pakistan plans massive rally against the Imran Khan government. The first such rally will happen on October 16 (Friday).

He said, "We've seen reports on the interview of senior Pakistani official to an India media outlets and he commented on India's internal matters. As always, this is Pakistan's efforts to divert attention from domestic failures and mislead its domestic constituents by pulling India into headlines."

"The official is advised to restrict his advise to his establishment &amp; to not comment on India's domestic policies. His statements are contrary to facts, misleading &amp; fictitious. With regard to the purported message that was referred to, no such message was sent from our side," the MEA added.

India also highlighted Pakistan's support to "cross-border terrorism against India" with the country “resorting to unprovoked ceasefire violations to support terrorist infiltration."

He added," The Pakistani leadership continues to indulge in inappropriate, provocative and hate speech against India. Such support to terrorism against India and the use of derogatory and abusive language is not conducive to normal neighbourly relations."

No formal India Pakistan talks have happened in many years. Indian Prime Minister Modi tried to initiate peace with Islamabad during his famous stopover in Lahore in 2015 but this was followed by Pathankot terror by Pakistan based terrorist groups.

In a major snub to China, the MEA on Thursday said that the Union Territories of Ladakh, Jammu &amp; Kashmir and the north-eastern state Arunachal Pradesh have been, are and would always remain an "integral part of India." The MEA also said that "China has no locus standi to comment on India's internal matters," days after Beijing remarked that it "does not recognise the UT of Ladakh, illegally set up by India."

India on Thursday slammed Pakistan and dismissed its National Security Advisor (NSA) Moeed Yusaf claims that New Delhi reached out to Islamabad for talks. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said that the Pakistan NSA's comments were "contrary to facts on the ground, misleading and fictitious".

India on Thursday slammed Pakistan and dismissed its National Security Advisor (NSA) Moeed Yusaf claims that New Delhi reached out to Islamabad for talks. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said that the Pakistan NSA's comments were "contrary to facts on the ground, misleading and fictitious". Srivastava added, "As regards the purported message, let me make it clear that no such message was sent from our side." In an interview, Pakistani NSA had claimed that India had expressed "desire" for talks. The MEA explained that these are Pakistan's "effort to divert attention from domestic failures of the present government and mislead its domestic constituents by pulling India into headlines on a daily basis". The spokesperson added that "his establishment (should) not to comment on India’s domestic policy." The comments by Pakistan NSA comes even as opposition in Pakistan plans massive rally against the Imran Khan government. The first such rally will happen on October 16 (Friday). He said, "We've seen reports on the interview of senior Pakistani official to an India media outlets and he commented on India's internal matters. As always, this is Pakistan's efforts to divert attention from domestic failures and mislead its domestic constituents by pulling India into headlines." "The official is advised to restrict his advise to his establishment & to not comment on India's domestic policies. His statements are contrary to facts, misleading & fictitious. With regard to the purported message that was referred to, no such message was sent from our side," the MEA added. India also highlighted Pakistan's support to "cross-border terrorism against India" with the country “resorting to unprovoked ceasefire violations to support terrorist infiltration." He added," The Pakistani leadership continues to indulge in inappropriate, provocative and hate speech against India. Such support to terrorism against India and the use of derogatory and abusive language is not conducive to normal neighbourly relations." No formal India Pakistan talks have happened in many years. Indian Prime Minister Modi tried to initiate peace with Islamabad during his famous stopover in Lahore in 2015 but this was followed by Pathankot terror by Pakistan based terrorist groups. In a major snub to China, the MEA on Thursday said that the Union Territories of Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir and the north-eastern state Arunachal Pradesh have been, are and would always remain an "integral part of India." The MEA also said that "China has no locus standi to comment on India's internal matters," days after Beijing remarked that it "does not recognise the UT of Ladakh, illegally set up by India."

No message sent: India on Pakistan NSA's claim of New Delhi reaching out to Islamabad

India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla is expected to visit the Maldives on November 10. This will be his third visit outside the country, after visits to Bangladesh and Myanmar amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Foreign ministers of both the countries, earlier this year held virtual talks after which a slew of initiatives were announced. Before the pandemic impacted travel, a number of high-level visits between the two countries have taken place -- with PM Modi last year visiting the Indian Ocean island country that was his first foreign visit in his second term in office.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, India has reached out to Maldives in a number of ways including by sending medicines, rapid response team and extended US $250 million loans to deal with the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

New Delhi has also announced support to the country's largest infrastructure project -- Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP) by providing a funding of US $500 million that will increase connectivity within the country. The US $500-financial package consists of a grant of US$-100 million and a new Line of Credit of US $400 million.

India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla is expected to visit the Maldives on November 10. This will be his third visit outside the country, after visits to Bangladesh and Myanmar amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla is expected to visit the Maldives on November 10. This will be his third visit outside the country, after visits to Bangladesh and Myanmar amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Foreign ministers of both the countries, earlier this year held virtual talks after which a slew of initiatives were announced. Before the pandemic impacted travel, a number of high-level visits between the two countries have taken place -- with PM Modi last year visiting the Indian Ocean island country that was his first foreign visit in his second term in office. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, India has reached out to Maldives in a number of ways including by sending medicines, rapid response team and extended US $250 million loans to deal with the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. New Delhi has also announced support to the country's largest infrastructure project -- Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP) by providing a funding of US $500 million that will increase connectivity within the country. The US $500-financial package consists of a grant of US$-100 million and a new Line of Credit of US $400 million.

Indian Foreign secretary Harsh Shringla to visit Maldives on November 10

India on Wednesday slammed Pakistan at Commonwealth foreign ministers meet after Islamabad raked its anti-India Agenda.&nbsp;

Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Vikas Swarup said, "it was unfortunate that today’s Commonwealth Meeting was misused by one of our south Asian member state to pursue its own bigoted, ill-conceived, narrow and unilateral agenda on a multilateral platform."

Pakistan was represented by its foreign minister SM Qureshi who on expected lines,&nbsp;blamed India for fomenting trouble in the region.

Pointing out to its role in cross border terror, secretary west said, "it came from a globally acknowledged promoter of state-sponsored terrorism masquerading as an alleged victim of the same".

Adding, "this is also the same country that has the dubious distinction of becoming synonymous with the phrase "epicentre&nbsp;of terrorism” and hosting the largest number of terrorists proscribed by the United Nations."

Next week, the financial action task force will take up the progress made by Pakistan on curbing financing of terror, and the country is expected to remain on grey list which impacts its economy.

Highlighting the country's role in atrocities in east Pakistan which is now Bangladesh, he said,&nbsp;&nbsp;that Pakistan was the country that "brought genocide to South Asia 49 years back when it killed its own people."

On Pakistan occupied Kashmir, Swarup reminded that "only dispute left is ...disputed territory is (Pakistan's) illegal occupation.....which sooner or later, it would have to vacate."

Pakistan has been raking its anti-India agenda at other forums like NAM--non-alignment movement, UN bodies such as United Nations Human rights council, SAARC--South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, CICA--Conference on Interaction &amp; Confidence Building Measures in Asia.&nbsp;

India on Wednesday slammed Pakistan at Commonwealth foreign ministers meet after Islamabad raked its anti-India Agenda. Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Vikas Swarup said, "it was unfortunate that today’s Commonwealth Meeting was misused by one of our south Asian member state to pursue its own bigoted, ill-conceived, narrow and unilateral agenda on a multilateral platform.

India on Wednesday slammed Pakistan at Commonwealth foreign ministers meet after Islamabad raked its anti-India Agenda. Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Vikas Swarup said, "it was unfortunate that today’s Commonwealth Meeting was misused by one of our south Asian member state to pursue its own bigoted, ill-conceived, narrow and unilateral agenda on a multilateral platform." Pakistan was represented by its foreign minister SM Qureshi who on expected lines, blamed India for fomenting trouble in the region. Pointing out to its role in cross border terror, secretary west said, "it came from a globally acknowledged promoter of state-sponsored terrorism masquerading as an alleged victim of the same". Adding, "this is also the same country that has the dubious distinction of becoming synonymous with the phrase "epicentre of terrorism” and hosting the largest number of terrorists proscribed by the United Nations." Next week, the financial action task force will take up the progress made by Pakistan on curbing financing of terror, and the country is expected to remain on grey list which impacts its economy. Highlighting the country's role in atrocities in east Pakistan which is now Bangladesh, he said, that Pakistan was the country that "brought genocide to South Asia 49 years back when it killed its own people." On Pakistan occupied Kashmir, Swarup reminded that "only dispute left is ...disputed territory is (Pakistan's) illegal occupation.....which sooner or later, it would have to vacate." Pakistan has been raking its anti-India agenda at other forums like NAM--non-alignment movement, UN bodies such as United Nations Human rights council, SAARC--South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, CICA--Conference on Interaction & Confidence Building Measures in Asia.

New Delhi slams Pakistan at Commonwealth foreign ministers meet after it rakes anti-India agenda

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Zee News Rajasthan

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