Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa met on Saturday for a virtual summit.&nbsp;

While this is the third virtual summit of Indian PM amid the COVID-19 crisis, after meeting with Australian and European Union leadership, it is the first such meet with any leader of a country in the neighbourhood.

The Indian PM congratulated Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa&nbsp;on&nbsp;his recent victory which he said shows "confidence in your leadership" and said that the victory "will give the opportunity to start a new chapter in Indo-Sri Lanka ties". &nbsp;PM Modi said, "under neighbourhood first policy and SAGAR Doctrine, we will give priority to Sri Lanka".&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan PM, recalling the close ties while talking about the COVID-19 crisis, thanked New Delhi for extending support, especially financial support to deal with the economic impact. He said," Indian government supported us...and India is with us and helping us".

Earlier this year, India and Sri Lanka agreed to a $400 million currency swap agreement which will be a relief to Colombo. Both countries are also engaged in debt repayment rescheduling talks.

Mahinda Rajapaksa&nbsp;appreciated India for rapid help during the MT Diamond crisis. Earlier this month, the ship which was on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka caught fire risking a major environmental disaster. The Indian Navy played a key role as one of the key responders to the crisis.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa met on Saturday for a virtual summit. While this is the third virtual summit of Indian PM amid the COVID-19 crisis, after meeting with Australian and European Union leadership, it is the first such meet with any leader of a country in the neighbourhood.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa met on Saturday for a virtual summit. While this is the third virtual summit of Indian PM amid the COVID-19 crisis, after meeting with Australian and European Union leadership, it is the first such meet with any leader of a country in the neighbourhood. The Indian PM congratulated Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa on his recent victory which he said shows "confidence in your leadership" and said that the victory "will give the opportunity to start a new chapter in Indo-Sri Lanka ties". PM Modi said, "under neighbourhood first policy and SAGAR Doctrine, we will give priority to Sri Lanka". The Sri Lankan PM, recalling the close ties while talking about the COVID-19 crisis, thanked New Delhi for extending support, especially financial support to deal with the economic impact. He said," Indian government supported us...and India is with us and helping us". Earlier this year, India and Sri Lanka agreed to a $400 million currency swap agreement which will be a relief to Colombo. Both countries are also engaged in debt repayment rescheduling talks. Mahinda Rajapaksa appreciated India for rapid help during the MT Diamond crisis. Earlier this month, the ship which was on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka caught fire risking a major environmental disaster. The Indian Navy played a key role as one of the key responders to the crisis.

Sri Lanka a priority, says PM Modi during virtual summit with PM Mahinda Rajapaksa

India&nbsp;raised the issue of misuse of the blasphemy law in Pakistan against minorities.

According to India, currently at least 80 people in prison in Pakistan for the crime of "blasphemy", with at least half of them facing life sentences or the death penalty. At least 42 cases pertaining to blasphemy were registered across Pakistan in a single month.

Indian diplomat to UN in Geneva, Senthil Kumar said, "Pakistan’s deplorable human rights records and discriminatory treatment of its minorities has been a cause of persistent concern for the international community"

Explaining, "In Pakistan, Blasphemy laws are being used against religious minorities such as Christians, Hindus and Sikhs, to violate their human rights and dignity.".

Misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan is something that has been talked about at the international level, especially when it comes to the case of Christian Pakistani women Asia Bibi who later got asylum in Canada.

Senthil Kumar highlighted, "Enforced disappearances, state violence and forced mass displacements, harassment, extrajudicial killings, army operations, torture, kill-and-dumps, torture camps, detention centers, military camps" being a "regular features in Baluchistan".&nbsp;

India cited the example of the disappearance of Rashid Hussain in December 2018, and the killing of journalist Sajid Hussain Baloch after he went missing in March 2020.

He said, "nobody knows the fate of missing 47,000 Baloch and 35,000 Pashtuns till date. Sectarian violence has claimed more than 500 Hazaras in Baluchistan and more than 100,000 Hazaras have fled Pakistan."

He also slammed Islamabad for a similar situation in Pakistan occupied Kashmir saying, "before preaching to others Pakistan must remember that terrorism is the worst form of human rights abuse and a crime against humanity" and "the world doesn’t need lessons on human rights from a country which has been known as nursery and epicentre of Terrorism".

India raised the issue of misuse of the blasphemy law in Pakistan against minorities. According to India, currently at least 80 people in prison in Pakistan for the crime of "blasphemy", with at least half of them facing life sentences or the death penalty.

India raised the issue of misuse of the blasphemy law in Pakistan against minorities. According to India, currently at least 80 people in prison in Pakistan for the crime of "blasphemy", with at least half of them facing life sentences or the death penalty. At least 42 cases pertaining to blasphemy were registered across Pakistan in a single month. Indian diplomat to UN in Geneva, Senthil Kumar said, "Pakistan’s deplorable human rights records and discriminatory treatment of its minorities has been a cause of persistent concern for the international community" Explaining, "In Pakistan, Blasphemy laws are being used against religious minorities such as Christians, Hindus and Sikhs, to violate their human rights and dignity.". Misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan is something that has been talked about at the international level, especially when it comes to the case of Christian Pakistani women Asia Bibi who later got asylum in Canada. Senthil Kumar highlighted, "Enforced disappearances, state violence and forced mass displacements, harassment, extrajudicial killings, army operations, torture, kill-and-dumps, torture camps, detention centers, military camps" being a "regular features in Baluchistan". India cited the example of the disappearance of Rashid Hussain in December 2018, and the killing of journalist Sajid Hussain Baloch after he went missing in March 2020. He said, "nobody knows the fate of missing 47,000 Baloch and 35,000 Pashtuns till date. Sectarian violence has claimed more than 500 Hazaras in Baluchistan and more than 100,000 Hazaras have fled Pakistan." He also slammed Islamabad for a similar situation in Pakistan occupied Kashmir saying, "before preaching to others Pakistan must remember that terrorism is the worst form of human rights abuse and a crime against humanity" and "the world doesn’t need lessons on human rights from a country which has been known as nursery and epicentre of Terrorism".

At UN, India raises the issue of misuse of blasphemy laws by Pakistan against minorities

The newly appointed prime minister of Japan, Yoshihide Suga, batted for Quad grouping in his first conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Quad grouping consists of Japan, India, Australia and the United States.

The Japan government readout about the conversation said that it lasted for 25 minutes.&nbsp;

"Prime Minster Suga stated that he would like to promote cooperation in such multilateral mechanism as Japan-Australia-India-US meetings and the United Nations," it said.

The comments come as Tokyo is all set to host a meeting of Quad foreign ministers in October. This will be the second such meeting. The first happened last year on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

Both leaders spoke at length on Indo-Pacific. The Indian readout of the meet said both leaders "emphasised that the economic architecture of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region" must be premised on "resilient supply chains, and in this context, welcomed cooperation between India, Japan and other like-minded countries."

During the conversation, the bullet train which Japan is helping to build was also discussed. Ties between the two countries have seen significant development in the last few years, especially under the leadership for former Japanese prime minister Abe Shinzo. He had developed a personal connection with Modi.

PM Modi is the sixth head of India the new Japan prime minister has spoken to. Since taking charge on September 16, 2020, Yoshihide Suga has spoken to US President Donald Trump, Australian PM Scott Morrison, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, President of the European Council Charles Michel and British PM Boris Johnson.

The newly appointed prime minister of Japan, Yoshihide Suga, batted for Quad grouping in his first conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Quad grouping consists of Japan, India, Australia and the United States.

The newly appointed prime minister of Japan, Yoshihide Suga, batted for Quad grouping in his first conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Quad grouping consists of Japan, India, Australia and the United States. The Japan government readout about the conversation said that it lasted for 25 minutes. "Prime Minster Suga stated that he would like to promote cooperation in such multilateral mechanism as Japan-Australia-India-US meetings and the United Nations," it said. The comments come as Tokyo is all set to host a meeting of Quad foreign ministers in October. This will be the second such meeting. The first happened last year on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Both leaders spoke at length on Indo-Pacific. The Indian readout of the meet said both leaders "emphasised that the economic architecture of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region" must be premised on "resilient supply chains, and in this context, welcomed cooperation between India, Japan and other like-minded countries." During the conversation, the bullet train which Japan is helping to build was also discussed. Ties between the two countries have seen significant development in the last few years, especially under the leadership for former Japanese prime minister Abe Shinzo. He had developed a personal connection with Modi. PM Modi is the sixth head of India the new Japan prime minister has spoken to. Since taking charge on September 16, 2020, Yoshihide Suga has spoken to US President Donald Trump, Australian PM Scott Morrison, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, President of the European Council Charles Michel and British PM Boris Johnson.

New Japan PM bats for quad in first conversation with Indian counterpart

India hit out at Pakistan, telling the United Nations Human Right Council (UNHRC) that UN-listed international terror groups have been collecting funds in name of charity to finance terrorism.

Calling the development a "disturbing trend", India's first secretary to the United Nations in Geneva Pawan Badhe said, "The collection of funds by proscribed terrorist outfits ostensibly for undertaking charitable activities are in reality being used to finance terror."

The national investigation agency or NIA recently said Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) founded by United Nations-listed terrorist Hafiz Saeed has been supporting terror activities in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking at the debate "Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention", Pawan Badhe highlighted how "malevolent attempts by terrorists" has been observed whose aim is "to exploit the financial and emotional distress caused by the lock-downs to disturb the cohesiveness of societies".

"Terror groups have also exhorted supporters to target security forces and health workers."

India also raised the issue of fake news and detailed how "increased presence of people online and on social media has been targeted by terrorists to disseminate misinformation through hate speeches, fake news and doctored videos" with the intent to "entice and establish links with vulnerable individuals and recruit them in their cadres."

India also called on states to cooperate to fight against terrorism and called it "a grossest affront to the enjoyment of the inalienable human right to life and to live in peace and security"

India hit out at Pakistan, telling the United Nations Human Right Council (UNHRC) that UN-listed international terror groups have been collecting funds in name of charity to finance terrorism.

India hit out at Pakistan, telling the United Nations Human Right Council (UNHRC) that UN-listed international terror groups have been collecting funds in name of charity to finance terrorism. Calling the development a "disturbing trend", India's first secretary to the United Nations in Geneva Pawan Badhe said, "The collection of funds by proscribed terrorist outfits ostensibly for undertaking charitable activities are in reality being used to finance terror." The national investigation agency or NIA recently said Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) founded by United Nations-listed terrorist Hafiz Saeed has been supporting terror activities in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at the debate "Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention", Pawan Badhe highlighted how "malevolent attempts by terrorists" has been observed whose aim is "to exploit the financial and emotional distress caused by the lock-downs to disturb the cohesiveness of societies". "Terror groups have also exhorted supporters to target security forces and health workers." India also raised the issue of fake news and detailed how "increased presence of people online and on social media has been targeted by terrorists to disseminate misinformation through hate speeches, fake news and doctored videos" with the intent to "entice and establish links with vulnerable individuals and recruit them in their cadres." India also called on states to cooperate to fight against terrorism and called it "a grossest affront to the enjoyment of the inalienable human right to life and to live in peace and security"

Funds being collected by proscribed terror outfits in name of charity: India hits out at Pak at UNHRC

Pakistan's bid to host the 19th SAARC heads of government summit has failed yet again as it failed to achieve consensus for it in the south Asian region. Maldives at the SAARC informal foreign ministers meet on Thursday clearly told Pakistan that amidst the COVID crisis, it is not "appropriate time to discuss the summit".

Maldives Abdulla Shahid speaking at the virtual meet said, “The Maldives remains steadfast in its commitment towards regional cooperation. Taking a cue from our Leaders Meeting in March 2020, the Maldives calls for the creation of a conducive environment to reach consensus on the convening of the 19th SAARC Summit."

Explaining, "At this point in time we are preoccupied with dealing with COVID-19 pandemic and do not think it’s the appropriate time discuss the time of the Summit."

Plans to hold the 19th SAARC summit in Islamabad was on the agenda of the SAARC FMs virtual meet. The summit was to happen in 2016 in Islamabad but India along with most SAARC countries boycotted it due to Uri Terror attack perpetrated by Pakistan based terrorist.

Pakistan has been trying to host the summit for the last 4 years but has not been successful in its attempt. Last year also on the sidelines of the SAARC FMs meet, Islamabad claimed has been able to achieve the consensus but no movement happened.

Pakistan's bid to host the 19th SAARC heads of government summit has failed yet again as it failed to achieve consensus for it in the south Asian region. Maldives at the SAARC informal foreign ministers meet on Thursday clearly told Pakistan that amidst the COVID crisis, it is not "appropriate time to discuss the summit".

Pakistan's bid to host the 19th SAARC heads of government summit has failed yet again as it failed to achieve consensus for it in the south Asian region. Maldives at the SAARC informal foreign ministers meet on Thursday clearly told Pakistan that amidst the COVID crisis, it is not "appropriate time to discuss the summit". Maldives Abdulla Shahid speaking at the virtual meet said, “The Maldives remains steadfast in its commitment towards regional cooperation. Taking a cue from our Leaders Meeting in March 2020, the Maldives calls for the creation of a conducive environment to reach consensus on the convening of the 19th SAARC Summit." Explaining, "At this point in time we are preoccupied with dealing with COVID-19 pandemic and do not think it’s the appropriate time discuss the time of the Summit." Plans to hold the 19th SAARC summit in Islamabad was on the agenda of the SAARC FMs virtual meet. The summit was to happen in 2016 in Islamabad but India along with most SAARC countries boycotted it due to Uri Terror attack perpetrated by Pakistan based terrorist. Pakistan has been trying to host the summit for the last 4 years but has not been successful in its attempt. Last year also on the sidelines of the SAARC FMs meet, Islamabad claimed has been able to achieve the consensus but no movement happened.

Not appropriate time for SAARC summit in Pakistan: Maldives

Facing numerous terror threats, 357 members of the Afghan minority community have&nbsp;arrived in India with help of Indian mission in Kabul.

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava in response to a question said, "We have been receiving requests from Hindus and Sikhs in Afghanistan to grant permission to settle down in India. And the request has gone up after the attack in the Gurdwara in March 2020."

Explaining, “We see targeted persecution of minority community members by terrorist and their sponsors and this is a matter of serious concern. Now to ensure the safety and well-being, our mission in Kabul has been in contact with them and facilitated smooth arrival from Afghanistan despite COVID related restrictions. So far 357 members of the minority community have arrived from Afghanistan to India in the lockdown and Indian Sikh community here is assisting their stay comfortable in India."

The March 25 attack on Gurdwara Har Rai Sahib saw the death of 24 Afghan Sikhs and one Indian Sikh. 
 
This was one of the worst attack on Afghan Sikh community since the 2018 Jalalabad attack in which 19 people died, mostly Sikh.

Earlier this year the first batch of 11 Afghan Sikhs keen to come to India landed in Delhi in June. This included Delhi based Afghan Sikh Nidan Singh who was abducted but later released.10 of the 11 Afghan Sikhs were the family members of Sikhs killed in Kabul Gurudwara terror attack.

Facing numerous terror threats, 357 members of the Afghan minority community have arrived in India with help of Indian mission in Kabul. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava in response to a question said, "We have been receiving requests from Hindus and Sikhs in Afghanistan to grant permission to settle down in India.

Facing numerous terror threats, 357 members of the Afghan minority community have arrived in India with help of Indian mission in Kabul. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava in response to a question said, "We have been receiving requests from Hindus and Sikhs in Afghanistan to grant permission to settle down in India. And the request has gone up after the attack in the Gurdwara in March 2020." Explaining, “We see targeted persecution of minority community members by terrorist and their sponsors and this is a matter of serious concern. Now to ensure the safety and well-being, our mission in Kabul has been in contact with them and facilitated smooth arrival from Afghanistan despite COVID related restrictions. So far 357 members of the minority community have arrived from Afghanistan to India in the lockdown and Indian Sikh community here is assisting their stay comfortable in India." The March 25 attack on Gurdwara Har Rai Sahib saw the death of 24 Afghan Sikhs and one Indian Sikh. This was one of the worst attack on Afghan Sikh community since the 2018 Jalalabad attack in which 19 people died, mostly Sikh. Earlier this year the first batch of 11 Afghan Sikhs keen to come to India landed in Delhi in June. This included Delhi based Afghan Sikh Nidan Singh who was abducted but later released.10 of the 11 Afghan Sikhs were the family members of Sikhs killed in Kabul Gurudwara terror attack.

357 members of Afghanistan minority community have arrived in India: MEA  

In a rare development, both India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval were present at the Saudi National Day celebrations in Delhi. The development shows the growing closeness between India and Saudi Arabia.

The last time India's EAM was present at National Day celebration of any country was in 2018 when the then external affairs minister late Sushma Swaraj was the chief guest at Russian National Day at the Russian embassy in Delhi.&nbsp;

Speaking at the 90th National day celebrations, Saudi Arabia's envoy to India Saud M Al Sati called India a "close friend and an important strategic partner", one with whom the country has "cultural, socioeconomic engagement and strategic partnership" based on "mutual respect and shared interests.".

The country is India’s fourth-largest trade partner and a major source of energy as India imports around 18 per cent&nbsp;of its crude oil requirement from the Kingdom.

He added,"Our investment in India is growing and our engagement is expanding" and "there is a huge untapped potential available in merchandise trade, particularly in non-oil trade and we are enhancing cooperation in commercial, investment, cultural and technological fields."

Trade between the 2 countries has increased significantly and current bilateral trade stands at $34 billion. The country hosts 2.6 million-strong Indian community, with 200,000 Indians visiting it in 2019 for the Hajj pilgrimage.&nbsp;

Sati also highlighted the "bonds" both countries share which are "diverse and deeply rooted and will continue its importance as we pursue our mutual quest for prosperous future for all."

Ties between the two countries have been growing and 2019 saw the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India, followed by the visit of Indian PM Modi to the country in October. Saudi Arabia is the host of G20 grouping and later this year will host the summit.&nbsp;

In a rare development, both India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval were present at the Saudi National Day celebrations in Delhi.

In a rare development, both India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval were present at the Saudi National Day celebrations in Delhi. The development shows the growing closeness between India and Saudi Arabia. The last time India's EAM was present at National Day celebration of any country was in 2018 when the then external affairs minister late Sushma Swaraj was the chief guest at Russian National Day at the Russian embassy in Delhi. Speaking at the 90th National day celebrations, Saudi Arabia's envoy to India Saud M Al Sati called India a "close friend and an important strategic partner", one with whom the country has "cultural, socioeconomic engagement and strategic partnership" based on "mutual respect and shared interests.". The country is India’s fourth-largest trade partner and a major source of energy as India imports around 18 per cent of its crude oil requirement from the Kingdom. He added,"Our investment in India is growing and our engagement is expanding" and "there is a huge untapped potential available in merchandise trade, particularly in non-oil trade and we are enhancing cooperation in commercial, investment, cultural and technological fields." Trade between the 2 countries has increased significantly and current bilateral trade stands at $34 billion. The country hosts 2.6 million-strong Indian community, with 200,000 Indians visiting it in 2019 for the Hajj pilgrimage. Sati also highlighted the "bonds" both countries share which are "diverse and deeply rooted and will continue its importance as we pursue our mutual quest for prosperous future for all." Ties between the two countries have been growing and 2019 saw the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India, followed by the visit of Indian PM Modi to the country in October. Saudi Arabia is the host of G20 grouping and later this year will host the summit.

Jaishankar, NSA Doval at Saudi National Day in Delhi; Saudi envoy calls India 'important strategic partner'

Pakistan's proposal to host 19th SAARC summit falls again due to lack of consensus. &nbsp;Plans to hold the 19th SAARC summit in Islamabad was on the agenda of the SAARC FMs virtual meet on Thursday.

Sources say, "Most countries felt it’s not an opportune time for the event considering due to the COVID pandemic and most member countries were preoccupied with it".

The summit was to happen in 2016 in Islamabad but India along with most SAARC countries boycotted it due to Uri Terror attack perpetrated by Pak based terrorist.

The SAARC FMs meet is an annual gathering which has been taking place since 1997 on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly. Due to COVID, the meet happened virtually for the first time this year.&nbsp;

In Thursday meeting, Secretary-General of SAARC gave a report on the status of regional cooperation since the last informal meeting of the SAARC Council of Ministers took place in New York on 26th September 2019.

Last year, Pakistan had claimed consensus has been achieved for the summit, but no other country made a public pronouncement on it.

Pakistan's proposal to host 19th SAARC summit falls again due to lack of consensus. Plans to hold the 19th SAARC summit in Islamabad was on the agenda of the SAARC FMs virtual meet on Thursday.

Pakistan's proposal to host 19th SAARC summit falls again due to lack of consensus. Plans to hold the 19th SAARC summit in Islamabad was on the agenda of the SAARC FMs virtual meet on Thursday. Sources say, "Most countries felt it’s not an opportune time for the event considering due to the COVID pandemic and most member countries were preoccupied with it". The summit was to happen in 2016 in Islamabad but India along with most SAARC countries boycotted it due to Uri Terror attack perpetrated by Pak based terrorist. The SAARC FMs meet is an annual gathering which has been taking place since 1997 on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly. Due to COVID, the meet happened virtually for the first time this year. In Thursday meeting, Secretary-General of SAARC gave a report on the status of regional cooperation since the last informal meeting of the SAARC Council of Ministers took place in New York on 26th September 2019. Last year, Pakistan had claimed consensus has been achieved for the summit, but no other country made a public pronouncement on it.

Pakistan proposal for SAARC Leaders Summit in Islamabad fails to get backing

India has slammed Pakistan yet again for raking Kashmir at multiple forums on Thursday saying its "typical of Pakistan" to use multilateral platforms of SAARC and CICA "to raise bilateral and contentious issues"

Ministry of external affairs said this is "inconsistent with the principles and charter of such organizations and their meetings" but "what else can be expected of a country that indulges in cross-border terrorism as a part of its state policy."

SAARC foreign ministers and Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures or CICA FMs met virtually on Thursday and at both the meetings Pakistani foreign minister raised Kashmir. While at CICA it was direct mentioning, at SAARC it was by diplomatic usage of words by recalling UNSC resolutions.

At SAARC India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar without mentioning Pakistan's name listed out the challenges faced by the region. He listed cross border, obstructionism for connectivity and trade as main challenges for SAARC, in all of which Islamabad has a major role to play.

On CICA, MEA in its right of reply said, "Pakistan has misused another forum by continuing its spurious narrative about India" and "The Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been and will remain an integral part of India. Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on India’s internal affairs."

Interestingly, Pakistan also raked Kashmir at the United Nations Human rights council and got a strong rebuttal by India.&nbsp;

Vimarsh Aryan, India's first secretary at the United Nations in Geneva speaking at the council said, " In these extraordinary times of pandemic when everyone is putting on a mask for the safety and protection of fellow human beings, Pakistan, unfortunately, is using another kind of pernicious mask to masquerade as a champion of human rights that it itself violates egregiously by torturing and persecuting minorities."

India has slammed Pakistan yet again for raking Kashmir at multiple forums on Thursday saying its "typical of Pakistan" to use multilateral platforms of SAARC and CICA "to raise bilateral and contentious issues" Ministry of external affairs said this is "inconsistent with the principles and charter of such organizations and their meetings" but "what else can be expected of a country that indulges in cross-border terrorism as a part of its state policy.

India has slammed Pakistan yet again for raking Kashmir at multiple forums on Thursday saying its "typical of Pakistan" to use multilateral platforms of SAARC and CICA "to raise bilateral and contentious issues" Ministry of external affairs said this is "inconsistent with the principles and charter of such organizations and their meetings" but "what else can be expected of a country that indulges in cross-border terrorism as a part of its state policy." SAARC foreign ministers and Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures or CICA FMs met virtually on Thursday and at both the meetings Pakistani foreign minister raised Kashmir. While at CICA it was direct mentioning, at SAARC it was by diplomatic usage of words by recalling UNSC resolutions. At SAARC India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar without mentioning Pakistan's name listed out the challenges faced by the region. He listed cross border, obstructionism for connectivity and trade as main challenges for SAARC, in all of which Islamabad has a major role to play. On CICA, MEA in its right of reply said, "Pakistan has misused another forum by continuing its spurious narrative about India" and "The Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been and will remain an integral part of India. Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on India’s internal affairs." Interestingly, Pakistan also raked Kashmir at the United Nations Human rights council and got a strong rebuttal by India. Vimarsh Aryan, India's first secretary at the United Nations in Geneva speaking at the council said, " In these extraordinary times of pandemic when everyone is putting on a mask for the safety and protection of fellow human beings, Pakistan, unfortunately, is using another kind of pernicious mask to masquerade as a champion of human rights that it itself violates egregiously by torturing and persecuting minorities."

"Typical of Pakistan...”, says India as Islamabad rakes Kashmir at SAARC, CICA 

India has said that Pakistan has no legal basis to convert Pakistan occupied Kashmir's Gilgit-Baltistan region as its 5th province and the action will be "void ab initio".&nbsp;

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava in response to a WION question said, “Any action by Pakistan to alter the status of the militarily occupied so-called “Gilgit-Baltistan” has no legal basis whatsoever and is totally void ab-initio."

Reiterating its "clear and consistent" position on PoK, MEA said, "The entire territories of the UTs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been and are an integral part of India and would remain so. Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on India’s internal matters."

Pakistan has announced it will conduct elections in PoK's Gilgit-Baltistan area in November.&nbsp;

Hectic political activity is taking place in Pakistan over plans to make the area the country's 5th province, other 4 being--Punjab, the most populated, Balochistan, the largest one, khyber Pakhtunkhwa bordering Afghanistan and southern Sindh province.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, the Pakistani Army Chief Javed Bajwa and ISI DG Lt Gen Faiz Hameed had a meeting with opposition parties over the issue.

India has said that Pakistan has no legal basis to convert Pakistan occupied Kashmir's Gilgit-Baltistan region as its 5th province and the action will be "void ab initio".

India has said that Pakistan has no legal basis to convert Pakistan occupied Kashmir's Gilgit-Baltistan region as its 5th province and the action will be "void ab initio". Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava in response to a WION question said, “Any action by Pakistan to alter the status of the militarily occupied so-called “Gilgit-Baltistan” has no legal basis whatsoever and is totally void ab-initio." Reiterating its "clear and consistent" position on PoK, MEA said, "The entire territories of the UTs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been and are an integral part of India and would remain so. Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on India’s internal matters." Pakistan has announced it will conduct elections in PoK's Gilgit-Baltistan area in November. Hectic political activity is taking place in Pakistan over plans to make the area the country's 5th province, other 4 being--Punjab, the most populated, Balochistan, the largest one, khyber Pakhtunkhwa bordering Afghanistan and southern Sindh province. Earlier this week, the Pakistani Army Chief Javed Bajwa and ISI DG Lt Gen Faiz Hameed had a meeting with opposition parties over the issue.

Pakistan has no legal basis to convert Gilgit-Baltistan as its 5th province: India

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar, in his first comments since the Moscow pact has said India and China need to adjust to each other rise which has been dominating factor in "diplomacy of both countries"

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar speaking at the world economic forum development impact summit said, India and China need "to accommodate each other's rise. They will have some common interest and many interests which are more individual or nationally centred. And that process of how to adjust to each other when both are rising, to my mind is one of the big issues in the diplomacy of both countries."

Calling "border issues" as "one part of that problem" he said, "we are going through a very unprecedented situation, and if one looks at in a longer-term, this is one facet of larger phenomenon" for which both "India and China have to sit down and find a solution."

Earlier this month both Indian and Chinese foreign minister had first in-person physical meeting amidst the more than four-month-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) crisis. After the 2 hours long meet, both came out with 5-point joint statement calling for easing the situation of the LAC via dialogue, disengagement and maintaining the distance between the troops of 2 countries.

After the meet, the corps commanders of India and China met earlier this week and agreed that build up should be stopped. The was the 6th such meeting and both sides will soon meet for the next round of talks.

MEA spokesperson giving an update on the situation on Thursday said, "The two sides have also decided to strengthen the ground communication to avoid any further misunderstandings and misjudgments, stop sending more troops to the frontline, refrain from unilaterally changing the situation on the ground, and avoid taking any actions that may complicate the situation."

The next meeting of the WMCC or Working Mechanism for Consultation &amp; Coordination is expected to take place soon.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar, in his first comments since the Moscow pact has said India and China need to adjust to each other rise which has been dominating factor in "diplomacy of both countries" External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar speaking at the world economic forum development impact summit said, India and China need "to accommodate each other's rise.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar, in his first comments since the Moscow pact has said India and China need to adjust to each other rise which has been dominating factor in "diplomacy of both countries" External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar speaking at the world economic forum development impact summit said, India and China need "to accommodate each other's rise. They will have some common interest and many interests which are more individual or nationally centred. And that process of how to adjust to each other when both are rising, to my mind is one of the big issues in the diplomacy of both countries." Calling "border issues" as "one part of that problem" he said, "we are going through a very unprecedented situation, and if one looks at in a longer-term, this is one facet of larger phenomenon" for which both "India and China have to sit down and find a solution." Earlier this month both Indian and Chinese foreign minister had first in-person physical meeting amidst the more than four-month-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) crisis. After the 2 hours long meet, both came out with 5-point joint statement calling for easing the situation of the LAC via dialogue, disengagement and maintaining the distance between the troops of 2 countries. After the meet, the corps commanders of India and China met earlier this week and agreed that build up should be stopped. The was the 6th such meeting and both sides will soon meet for the next round of talks. MEA spokesperson giving an update on the situation on Thursday said, "The two sides have also decided to strengthen the ground communication to avoid any further misunderstandings and misjudgments, stop sending more troops to the frontline, refrain from unilaterally changing the situation on the ground, and avoid taking any actions that may complicate the situation." The next meeting of the WMCC or Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination is expected to take place soon.

India, China need to adjust to each other's rise: S Jaishankar

Hitting out at Pakistan, India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has listed 3 challenges in front of South Asia--Cross-border terrorism, blocking connectivity and obstructing trade at the virtually SAARC Foreign ministers meet. The informal SAARC FMs meet takes place every year on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, but this year taking place virtually due to COVID pandemic.

In the meet, EAM, "Reaffirmed India’s commitment to Neighbourhood First policy" and "towards building a connected, integrated, secure and prosperous South Asia".

Special focus was on jointly dealing the COVID crisis with Jaishankar highlighting how New Delhi committed to $ 10 million for COVID emergency fund and how it has reached out to several countries of SAARC with essential drugs, COVID protection &amp; testing kits.

He emphasized how India supported SAARC neighbours amidst COVID and give examples of Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka. India extended $ 150 million foreign currency swap support to the Maldives, Currency swap support of $ 200 million to Bhutan and $ 400 million to Sri Lanka during the course of this year.

Amidst the pandemic, health professionals of SAARC met to share information and best practices of the region and SAARC Food Bank mechanism was activated to mitigate the adverse impact of the crisis.

Indian Prime Minister has taken a lead in calling SAARC heads of governments virtual meet to deal with the crisis. This was the first such regional meet on COVID crisis anywhere in the world.

Bangladesh foreign minister Abdul Momen, Nepali FM Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Afghan FM Mohammad Hanif Atmar, Maldives FM Abdulla Shahid, Bhutan FMTandi Dorji, Sri Lankan FM Dinesh Gunawardene were present in the meet.

Hitting out at Pakistan, India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has listed 3 challenges in front of South Asia--Cross-border terrorism, blocking connectivity and obstructing trade at the virtually SAARC Foreign ministers meet.

Hitting out at Pakistan, India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has listed 3 challenges in front of South Asia--Cross-border terrorism, blocking connectivity and obstructing trade at the virtually SAARC Foreign ministers meet. The informal SAARC FMs meet takes place every year on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, but this year taking place virtually due to COVID pandemic. In the meet, EAM, "Reaffirmed India’s commitment to Neighbourhood First policy" and "towards building a connected, integrated, secure and prosperous South Asia". Special focus was on jointly dealing the COVID crisis with Jaishankar highlighting how New Delhi committed to $ 10 million for COVID emergency fund and how it has reached out to several countries of SAARC with essential drugs, COVID protection & testing kits. He emphasized how India supported SAARC neighbours amidst COVID and give examples of Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka. India extended $ 150 million foreign currency swap support to the Maldives, Currency swap support of $ 200 million to Bhutan and $ 400 million to Sri Lanka during the course of this year. Amidst the pandemic, health professionals of SAARC met to share information and best practices of the region and SAARC Food Bank mechanism was activated to mitigate the adverse impact of the crisis. Indian Prime Minister has taken a lead in calling SAARC heads of governments virtual meet to deal with the crisis. This was the first such regional meet on COVID crisis anywhere in the world. Bangladesh foreign minister Abdul Momen, Nepali FM Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Afghan FM Mohammad Hanif Atmar, Maldives FM Abdulla Shahid, Bhutan FMTandi Dorji, Sri Lankan FM Dinesh Gunawardene were present in the meet.

EAM lists Cross-border terrorism, blocking connectivity & obstructing trade as 3 challenges at SAARC FMs meet

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Sidhant Sibal

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