Calling for "urgency of reform" at the United Nations Security Council "to better reflect contemporary realities", G4 countries--India, Japan, Germany &amp; Brazil in a strongly worded joint statement have said the top UN body risks becoming "obsolete". G4 countries are a group of countries who have been calling for reforms at the UNSC.

The statement said, "As part of reforming the Security Council an expansion of the Security Council in both categories will be indispensable to make this body" more "representative, legitimate and effective.... to deal with the complex challenges the world faces today on questions of international peace and security".&nbsp;

Explaining, "Only if we manage to reform the Security Council will we stop it from becoming obsolete...which will allow it to preserve its credibility and create the political backing needed for the peaceful resolution of today’s international crises".

The G4 statement "expressed disappointment" and without taking China's name called out "attempts to derail this process".

So far over the decade-old Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on Security Council reform has seen no movement forward. The statement said, "The recent session demonstrated yet again that the IGN lacks the necessary openness and transparency and is constrained by flawed working methods."

G4 countries have said that the IGN process should follow working methods laid out in United Nations Charter, UN General Assembly rules and time-bound text-based negotiations should happen. China has been dragging its feet on the issue and recently said starting text-based negotiation in a haste will not conducive to building a consensus.

The grouping also batted for Africa at the high table and the joint statement mentioned support for Common African Position enshrined in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte declaration call for at least 2 permanent and 5 to 2 non-permanent UNSC seats to be given to African countries at UNSC.

The statement said, “Africa needs to be represented in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of membership of a reformed and expanded Security Council to correct the historical injustice against this continent" with regard to its under-representation in the Security Council.&nbsp;

The G4 statement comes days after IBSA grouping-- India, Brazil, South Africa issued a similar statement on the reforms.

Calling for "urgency of reform" at the United Nations Security Council "to better reflect contemporary realities", G4 countries--India, Japan, Germany & Brazil in a strongly worded joint statement have said the top UN body risks becoming "obsolete".

Calling for "urgency of reform" at the United Nations Security Council "to better reflect contemporary realities", G4 countries--India, Japan, Germany & Brazil in a strongly worded joint statement have said the top UN body risks becoming "obsolete". G4 countries are a group of countries who have been calling for reforms at the UNSC. The statement said, "As part of reforming the Security Council an expansion of the Security Council in both categories will be indispensable to make this body" more "representative, legitimate and effective.... to deal with the complex challenges the world faces today on questions of international peace and security". Explaining, "Only if we manage to reform the Security Council will we stop it from becoming obsolete...which will allow it to preserve its credibility and create the political backing needed for the peaceful resolution of today’s international crises". The G4 statement "expressed disappointment" and without taking China's name called out "attempts to derail this process". So far over the decade-old Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on Security Council reform has seen no movement forward. The statement said, "The recent session demonstrated yet again that the IGN lacks the necessary openness and transparency and is constrained by flawed working methods." G4 countries have said that the IGN process should follow working methods laid out in United Nations Charter, UN General Assembly rules and time-bound text-based negotiations should happen. China has been dragging its feet on the issue and recently said starting text-based negotiation in a haste will not conducive to building a consensus. The grouping also batted for Africa at the high table and the joint statement mentioned support for Common African Position enshrined in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte declaration call for at least 2 permanent and 5 to 2 non-permanent UNSC seats to be given to African countries at UNSC. The statement said, “Africa needs to be represented in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of membership of a reformed and expanded Security Council to correct the historical injustice against this continent" with regard to its under-representation in the Security Council. The G4 statement comes days after IBSA grouping-- India, Brazil, South Africa issued a similar statement on the reforms.

UN Security Council will become obsolete, if not reformed: G4 countries

Indians who had left the Gulf amid the COVID-19 pandemic have started to return to the region signalling a return of normalcy. An estimated 50,000 Indians have already gone back.&nbsp;

The secretary in the Overseas Indian Affairs (OIA) of the ministry of external affairs (MEA) Sanjay Bhattacharyya speaking at a FICCI event said,"We are happy that the return of Indian workers and professionals to the Gulf region has now begun. With the return of PRs to their families and return to Gulf of professionals in healthcare, data management, oil and construction sectors and even sports professionals, the future of our cooperation in human resources looks bright."

Under the Vande Bharat mission, the largest repatriation mission launched by India, the maximum number of Indians came back from the Gulf and the wider Arab region. At least 457596 Indians came back from the United Arab Emirates, 163851 from Saudi Arabia, 104444 from Qatar, 85498 from Oman and 90759 from Kuwait.

Indians are the largest expatriate community in the Arab world with 9 million workers and professionals which form 30 per cent of all expat workforce. Indian ex-pats remit around $48 billion to India from the Arab world.

Sanjay Bhattacharyya also highlighted India's reach out to the Arab world in the pandemic. He said, "India provided emergency medical supplies to several Arab countries, emerging as the first provider of humanitarian assistance to COVID-19."

Adding,"India was able to provide, during the pandemic, thousands of healthcare professionals to Saudi Arabia and hundreds to Kuwait, Bahrain and UAE to help them address the challenge of COVID-19. We also had cooperation in COVID-19 research and testing."

He assured vaccine availability from India to the Arab world "once the vaccine is ready."

For India, energy security forms a key component of its ties with the Arab world. India imports 53 per cent of its oil imports and 41 per cent of gas imports from the region and has stakes in oil blocks in Iraq, Syria, Libya, UAE, Yemen and South Sudan.

Indians who had left the Gulf amid the COVID-19 pandemic have started to return to the region signalling a return of normalcy. An estimated 50,000 Indians have already gone back.

Indians who had left the Gulf amid the COVID-19 pandemic have started to return to the region signalling a return of normalcy. An estimated 50,000 Indians have already gone back. The secretary in the Overseas Indian Affairs (OIA) of the ministry of external affairs (MEA) Sanjay Bhattacharyya speaking at a FICCI event said,"We are happy that the return of Indian workers and professionals to the Gulf region has now begun. With the return of PRs to their families and return to Gulf of professionals in healthcare, data management, oil and construction sectors and even sports professionals, the future of our cooperation in human resources looks bright." Under the Vande Bharat mission, the largest repatriation mission launched by India, the maximum number of Indians came back from the Gulf and the wider Arab region. At least 457596 Indians came back from the United Arab Emirates, 163851 from Saudi Arabia, 104444 from Qatar, 85498 from Oman and 90759 from Kuwait. Indians are the largest expatriate community in the Arab world with 9 million workers and professionals which form 30 per cent of all expat workforce. Indian ex-pats remit around $48 billion to India from the Arab world. Sanjay Bhattacharyya also highlighted India's reach out to the Arab world in the pandemic. He said, "India provided emergency medical supplies to several Arab countries, emerging as the first provider of humanitarian assistance to COVID-19." Adding,"India was able to provide, during the pandemic, thousands of healthcare professionals to Saudi Arabia and hundreds to Kuwait, Bahrain and UAE to help them address the challenge of COVID-19. We also had cooperation in COVID-19 research and testing." He assured vaccine availability from India to the Arab world "once the vaccine is ready." For India, energy security forms a key component of its ties with the Arab world. India imports 53 per cent of its oil imports and 41 per cent of gas imports from the region and has stakes in oil blocks in Iraq, Syria, Libya, UAE, Yemen and South Sudan.

Indian professionals returning back to Gulf: MEA

Days after India announced $250 million loans to the Maldives to deal with COVID's economic impact, New Delhi has started work on the expansion of Hanimaadhoo International Airport in the northern Maldives, which is billed as the largest infrastructure and connectivity project in that part of the Indian ocean country.&nbsp;

While the project will formally begin next year after tendering by Maldives government, an Airports Authority of India (AAI) visited the airport earlier this week for assessment and initial survey. The AAI team is preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and will submit it within 2 months.

The team also met with Maldives Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail and officials from Maldive's Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation.&nbsp;

The expansion of the airport includes-- an extension of the runway to 2200 metres which will allow A320s, Boeing 737s to land and up-gradation of terminals, fuel farms, cargo terminal, and fire station. India has extended line of credit of $ 800 million Line of Credit for the development of the project.

A release by the Indian mission in the Maldives said, "Transparency and partnership are cornerstone principles of Indian Line of Credit projects. ....Capacity building of local companies and officials will be a priority even while the project is being implemented to assure sustainability."

The project is expected to increase development in the northern Maldives, especially when it comes to drawing investment. Earlier this week India and Maldives announced a ferry service from Tuticorin and Cochin to Kulhudhuhfushi and Male. This will increase connectivity between the 2 countries but also increase economic activity in Northern Maldives where Kulhudhuhfushi is located. &nbsp;

India has engaged in 7 major infrastructure projects in the country under $ 800 million Line of Credit--and these include Water and Sewerage network for 34 islands, Addu Roads and Reclamation project, Gulhifalhu Port, (expansion of facilities of Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company, Cricket Stadium in Hulhumale, Hanimaadhoo International Airport expansion and Cancer Hospital in Hulhumale.&nbsp;

Another Line of Credit of $ 400 million and a grant of $ 100 million has been extended for the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) – the bridge and causeway network that will link Male to Vilingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.

Days after India announced $250 million loans to the Maldives to deal with COVID's economic impact, New Delhi has started work on the expansion of Hanimaadhoo International Airport in the northern Maldives, which is billed as the largest infrastructure and connectivity project in that part of the Indian ocean country.

Days after India announced $250 million loans to the Maldives to deal with COVID's economic impact, New Delhi has started work on the expansion of Hanimaadhoo International Airport in the northern Maldives, which is billed as the largest infrastructure and connectivity project in that part of the Indian ocean country. While the project will formally begin next year after tendering by Maldives government, an Airports Authority of India (AAI) visited the airport earlier this week for assessment and initial survey. The AAI team is preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and will submit it within 2 months. The team also met with Maldives Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail and officials from Maldive's Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation. The expansion of the airport includes-- an extension of the runway to 2200 metres which will allow A320s, Boeing 737s to land and up-gradation of terminals, fuel farms, cargo terminal, and fire station. India has extended line of credit of $ 800 million Line of Credit for the development of the project. A release by the Indian mission in the Maldives said, "Transparency and partnership are cornerstone principles of Indian Line of Credit projects. ....Capacity building of local companies and officials will be a priority even while the project is being implemented to assure sustainability." The project is expected to increase development in the northern Maldives, especially when it comes to drawing investment. Earlier this week India and Maldives announced a ferry service from Tuticorin and Cochin to Kulhudhuhfushi and Male. This will increase connectivity between the 2 countries but also increase economic activity in Northern Maldives where Kulhudhuhfushi is located. India has engaged in 7 major infrastructure projects in the country under $ 800 million Line of Credit--and these include Water and Sewerage network for 34 islands, Addu Roads and Reclamation project, Gulhifalhu Port, (expansion of facilities of Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company, Cricket Stadium in Hulhumale, Hanimaadhoo International Airport expansion and Cancer Hospital in Hulhumale. Another Line of Credit of $ 400 million and a grant of $ 100 million has been extended for the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) – the bridge and causeway network that will link Male to Vilingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.

Work on India supported expansion of Maldives's Hanimaadhoo airport to begin next year

The Shahid Beheshti port of Chabahar in Iran built by India has handled 12 lakh tons of cargo and 8200 containers since December 2018, the ministry of external affairs has told the Indian parliament. It was in the year 2018, an Indian company--India ports Global which had taken over the operations of the port.&nbsp;

The port has played a key role in connecting India with Afghanistan. So far, in this financial year starting April 2020, India has sent 53,000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The country is sending 75,000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan as part of its COVID-19 support and eight consignments have already been shipped via Chabahar.

The MEA said in a written response to the Parliament that,"In the recent past, there has been a rise in transit cargo for Afghanistan through Chabahar...Afghanistan’s exports to India are also routed via Chabahar Port"

India, as part of a trilateral agreement with Tehran and Kabul, signed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2016 Iran visit started developing the first phase of the Shahid Beheshti port in Chabahar.

Meanwhile, New Delhi has affirmed that it continues to be part of Chabahar-Zahedan railway line, that connects the Iran port to the border town of Zahedan on Iran Afghanistan border. The line will further connect India with Afghanistan.&nbsp;

MEA, in another response to another question in the Indian parliament, said, "The two sides remain engaged on this matter....India and Iran continue to cooperate on developmental projects in Iran, including the Chabahar-Zahedan railway line."

The development of the railway line was also agreed during Indian PM's Iran visit with an MoU being signed between Indian Railways’ IRCON and Iranian Railways’ CDTIC --Construction &amp; Development of Transportation Infrastructures Company.

The Shahid Beheshti port of Chabahar in Iran built by India has handled 12 lakh tons of cargo and 8200 containers since December 2018, the ministry of external affairs has told the Indian parliament.

The Shahid Beheshti port of Chabahar in Iran built by India has handled 12 lakh tons of cargo and 8200 containers since December 2018, the ministry of external affairs has told the Indian parliament. It was in the year 2018, an Indian company--India ports Global which had taken over the operations of the port. The port has played a key role in connecting India with Afghanistan. So far, in this financial year starting April 2020, India has sent 53,000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan. The country is sending 75,000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan as part of its COVID-19 support and eight consignments have already been shipped via Chabahar. The MEA said in a written response to the Parliament that,"In the recent past, there has been a rise in transit cargo for Afghanistan through Chabahar...Afghanistan’s exports to India are also routed via Chabahar Port" India, as part of a trilateral agreement with Tehran and Kabul, signed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2016 Iran visit started developing the first phase of the Shahid Beheshti port in Chabahar. Meanwhile, New Delhi has affirmed that it continues to be part of Chabahar-Zahedan railway line, that connects the Iran port to the border town of Zahedan on Iran Afghanistan border. The line will further connect India with Afghanistan. MEA, in another response to another question in the Indian parliament, said, "The two sides remain engaged on this matter....India and Iran continue to cooperate on developmental projects in Iran, including the Chabahar-Zahedan railway line." The development of the railway line was also agreed during Indian PM's Iran visit with an MoU being signed between Indian Railways’ IRCON and Iranian Railways’ CDTIC --Construction & Development of Transportation Infrastructures Company.

Iran's Shahid Beheshti built by India has handled 12 lakh tons of cargo since 2018

Protest erupted in front of the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu over Chinese construction in northern Nepal district of Humla.

Watch:

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Protestors chanted "go back China" and "Back off China" with banners. The protestors were carrying pictures of the Chinese construction activity in that part of the country.

Nepali media reported that China has built 11 buildings in Humla with a border pillar missing. In one of the building, Chinese security forces live, while others are empty.&nbsp;

Chair of Namkha Rural Municipality told Kathmandu post that, "Chinese side claimed that the area where the houses are built falls within the Chinese territory".

Nepali home ministry is expected to come out with a report on the developments after a visit by a team of government officials to the area.

Chinese mission in Nepal has reacted to the development. A spokesperson of the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu said, "China and Nepal are friendly neighbours. China has always respected Nepal's sovereignty and territorial integrity".&nbsp;

Explaining, "The building mentioned by the media has been verified to be on the Chinese side of the China-Nepal border" and "Nepali side may make verifications again".&nbsp;

It added, "China and Nepal have no territorial disputes. The two sides have always maintained close communication on border affairs". 
&nbsp;

Protest erupted in front of the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu over Chinese construction in northern Nepal district of Humla. Watch: Protestors chanted "go back China" and "Back off China" with banners.

Protest erupted in front of the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu over Chinese construction in northern Nepal district of Humla. Watch: Protestors chanted "go back China" and "Back off China" with banners. The protestors were carrying pictures of the Chinese construction activity in that part of the country. Nepali media reported that China has built 11 buildings in Humla with a border pillar missing. In one of the building, Chinese security forces live, while others are empty. Chair of Namkha Rural Municipality told Kathmandu post that, "Chinese side claimed that the area where the houses are built falls within the Chinese territory". Nepali home ministry is expected to come out with a report on the developments after a visit by a team of government officials to the area. Chinese mission in Nepal has reacted to the development. A spokesperson of the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu said, "China and Nepal are friendly neighbours. China has always respected Nepal's sovereignty and territorial integrity". Explaining, "The building mentioned by the media has been verified to be on the Chinese side of the China-Nepal border" and "Nepali side may make verifications again". It added, "China and Nepal have no territorial disputes. The two sides have always maintained close communication on border affairs".

'Go back China' protests in front of Chinese embassy in Kathmandu

The Indian and the Australian Navies will undertake Passage Exercise or PASSEX exercises on Wednesday and Thursday.&nbsp;

Australia is the 3rd country with which India has had Passex exercises in the Indian Ocean since June. The first was with US Navy's USS Nimitz and then with the Russian Navy.&nbsp;

India and Australia in the last few months have increased cooperation, especially defence engagement. 
 
A Navy statement said, the exercises, “reflects the growing strength of Indo-Australian bilateral relations as comprehensive strategic partners, particularly in defence cooperation in the maritime domain."

Adding," The exercise, which is in keeping with the strong bond shared by the two navies, would be another step towards strengthening Indo-Australia defence relations and the continued efforts of both Governments to work closely to enhance safety and security of the global commons in accordance with international regulations."

From the Australian side, HMAS Hobart will be present, from the Indian side-- Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Karmuk will be present.

Indian Navy said, "The exercise, aimed at enhancing interoperability, improving understanding and imbibing best practices from each other, would involve advanced surface and anti-air exercises including weapon firings, seamanship exercises, naval manoeuvres and Cross Deck Flying Operations."

The exercises happening in the backdrop of COVID crisis will be ‘non-contact activity’ and would not involve any physical contact between the participating personnel of the two navies. Both navies have regular biennially AUSINDEX exercises.&nbsp;

The Indian and the Australian Navies will undertake Passage Exercise or PASSEX exercises on Wednesday and Thursday. Australia is the 3rd country with which India has had Passex exercises in the Indian Ocean since June.

The Indian and the Australian Navies will undertake Passage Exercise or PASSEX exercises on Wednesday and Thursday. Australia is the 3rd country with which India has had Passex exercises in the Indian Ocean since June. The first was with US Navy's USS Nimitz and then with the Russian Navy. India and Australia in the last few months have increased cooperation, especially defence engagement. A Navy statement said, the exercises, “reflects the growing strength of Indo-Australian bilateral relations as comprehensive strategic partners, particularly in defence cooperation in the maritime domain." Adding," The exercise, which is in keeping with the strong bond shared by the two navies, would be another step towards strengthening Indo-Australia defence relations and the continued efforts of both Governments to work closely to enhance safety and security of the global commons in accordance with international regulations." From the Australian side, HMAS Hobart will be present, from the Indian side-- Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Karmuk will be present. Indian Navy said, "The exercise, aimed at enhancing interoperability, improving understanding and imbibing best practices from each other, would involve advanced surface and anti-air exercises including weapon firings, seamanship exercises, naval manoeuvres and Cross Deck Flying Operations." The exercises happening in the backdrop of COVID crisis will be ‘non-contact activity’ and would not involve any physical contact between the participating personnel of the two navies. Both navies have regular biennially AUSINDEX exercises.

Indian, Australian navies to undertake PASSEX exercises in Indian Ocean

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that New Delhi offers Africa "an honest partnership" and believes in "empowering rather than extracting from" local.

He said, "India offers Africa an honest partnership, and room to maximize its space under the sun and multiply its options. Africa is of course not without options, and by no stretch does India claim to be the only one. However, what we can promise is to be Africa’s most steadfast partner."

Highlighting how despite the "pandemic and through the lockdown", New Delhi "kept its critical supply lines open to Africa. Indian medicines reached and were made available to patients in many African countries" and "These adverse times will not last; but Africa-India friendship and cooperation, trust me, will."

The comments come even as New Delhi has been reaching out to the continent especially as a development partner and helping in capacity and human resource building.

India has provided duty-free, quota-free market access 33 African least developing nations and has invested in oil and gas sector--like an investment of $ 7 billion in a gas field in Mozambique and half a billion dollars in South Sudan. In terms of human resource, 50,000 training slots have been given by India to African students under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programmes.

EAM said, “Africa’s rise as one of the global system’s poles is not just desirable, it is absolutely necessary" and is "fundamental to our foreign policy thinking" as "broader global rebalancing is incomplete without the genuine emergence of Africa. Only then will the world’s strategic diversity come into full play."

Since 2015, 34 high-level visits, at the level of Indian President, Vice-President or Prime Minister, have taken place to Africa and in last 6 years, 100 African leaders have visited India for bilateral or multilateral meetings.&nbsp;

The Third India-Africa Forum Summit in 2015 in Delhi saw all 54 African nations participating. India has missions now in 38 African nations, a quarter of which have opened in the past two years.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that New Delhi offers Africa "an honest partnership" and believes in "empowering rather than extracting from" local.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that New Delhi offers Africa "an honest partnership" and believes in "empowering rather than extracting from" local. He said, "India offers Africa an honest partnership, and room to maximize its space under the sun and multiply its options. Africa is of course not without options, and by no stretch does India claim to be the only one. However, what we can promise is to be Africa’s most steadfast partner." Highlighting how despite the "pandemic and through the lockdown", New Delhi "kept its critical supply lines open to Africa. Indian medicines reached and were made available to patients in many African countries" and "These adverse times will not last; but Africa-India friendship and cooperation, trust me, will." The comments come even as New Delhi has been reaching out to the continent especially as a development partner and helping in capacity and human resource building. India has provided duty-free, quota-free market access 33 African least developing nations and has invested in oil and gas sector--like an investment of $ 7 billion in a gas field in Mozambique and half a billion dollars in South Sudan. In terms of human resource, 50,000 training slots have been given by India to African students under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programmes. EAM said, “Africa’s rise as one of the global system’s poles is not just desirable, it is absolutely necessary" and is "fundamental to our foreign policy thinking" as "broader global rebalancing is incomplete without the genuine emergence of Africa. Only then will the world’s strategic diversity come into full play." Since 2015, 34 high-level visits, at the level of Indian President, Vice-President or Prime Minister, have taken place to Africa and in last 6 years, 100 African leaders have visited India for bilateral or multilateral meetings. The Third India-Africa Forum Summit in 2015 in Delhi saw all 54 African nations participating. India has missions now in 38 African nations, a quarter of which have opened in the past two years.

India offers Africa an honest partnership: EAM Dr S Jaishankar 

Hours after Pakistan raked Kashmir at the UN, India slammed Pakistan and highlighted its role in supporting and aiding terrorism.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/united-nations-faces-crisis-of-confidence-pm-modi-in-unga-address-329308">Also Read:&nbsp;United Nations faces 'crisis of confidence': PM Modi in UNGA address</a>

Vidisha Maitra first secretary at Indian mission to UN in New York said, "If there is an item that is unfinished on the agenda of the UN, it is that of tackling the scourge of terrorism."

"Pakistan is a country which is globally recognized epicentre of terrorism, which by its own admission harbours and trains terrorists and hails them as martyrs, and consistently persecutes its ethnic and religious minorities," Maitra asserted.

Pakistan while speaking at the 75th anniversary of the United Nations had raked Kashmir and first secretary's statement was India's right of reply to the statement.

Vidisha while rejecting the references made by Pakistan on Jammu and Kashmir, said, "Our delegation had hoped that during this solemn commemoration of a shared global milestone, the General Assembly would be spared another repetition of the baseless falsehoods that have now become a trademark of Pakistan’s interventions on such platforms."

For a nation that is bereft of milestones, one can only expect a stonewalled and stymied approach to reason, diplomacy and dialogue. What we heard today is the never-ending fabricated narrative presented by the Pakistani representative about the internal affairs of India," India's first secretary at Indian mission to UN added.&nbsp;

Hours after Pakistan raked Kashmir at the UN, India slammed Pakistan and highlighted its role in supporting and aiding terrorism. Also Read: United Nations faces 'crisis of confidence': PM Modi in UNGA address Vidisha Maitra first secretary at Indian mission to UN in New York said, "If there is an item that is unfinished on the agenda of the UN, it is that of tackling the scourge of terrorism.

Hours after Pakistan raked Kashmir at the UN, India slammed Pakistan and highlighted its role in supporting and aiding terrorism. Also Read: United Nations faces 'crisis of confidence': PM Modi in UNGA address Vidisha Maitra first secretary at Indian mission to UN in New York said, "If there is an item that is unfinished on the agenda of the UN, it is that of tackling the scourge of terrorism." "Pakistan is a country which is globally recognized epicentre of terrorism, which by its own admission harbours and trains terrorists and hails them as martyrs, and consistently persecutes its ethnic and religious minorities," Maitra asserted. Pakistan while speaking at the 75th anniversary of the United Nations had raked Kashmir and first secretary's statement was India's right of reply to the statement. Vidisha while rejecting the references made by Pakistan on Jammu and Kashmir, said, "Our delegation had hoped that during this solemn commemoration of a shared global milestone, the General Assembly would be spared another repetition of the baseless falsehoods that have now become a trademark of Pakistan’s interventions on such platforms." For a nation that is bereft of milestones, one can only expect a stonewalled and stymied approach to reason, diplomacy and dialogue. What we heard today is the never-ending fabricated narrative presented by the Pakistani representative about the internal affairs of India," India's first secretary at Indian mission to UN added.

India slams Pakistan at UN, says it is globally recognised epicentre of terrorism

Highlighting enforced disappearances in Pakistan at United Nations Human Rights Council, India has said, " In Imran Khan’s Naya Pakistan (new Pakistan) – you may not return home"

First secretary Senthil Kumar at India's mission in United Nations Geneva, said," Security forces in Pakistan have gained proficiency in unlawful killings and kidnapping of people in so called counter-terrorism operations. This has been compounded by a weak judiciary in Pakistan which has consistently failed to protect even the basic human rights of the people in Pakistan."

New Delhi pointed to the harassment faced by Pakistani journalist Marvi Sirmed, Ahmed Noorani, Gul Bhukari and detention of human rights defender Idris Khattak.

Kumar said, “Targeting of journalists through threats, assaults, arrests instilling extreme fear and self-censorship exposes the fallacy of Pakistan’s so-called military-run ‘democratic’ system.".

India also gave a detailed account of cases of "enforced disappearances, murders, detentions, custodial deaths and torture of civil rights activists, representatives of local political parties and journalists" in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The statement said,"It’s well documented that a large number of Kashmiri detainees are in secret detention facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Territories now for several years and they have been severely tortured by the security forces. "

The focus was also on the arbitrary detention of any person in Pakistani provinces of Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh with the statement saying, "Cries of Baloch sister Haseeba Qambrani for her brothers Hasaan and Hizbullah Qambrani, who have been forcibly taken away by the Pakistan military go unheard.”

Highlighting enforced disappearances in Pakistan at United Nations Human Rights Council, India has said, " In Imran Khan’s Naya Pakistan (new Pakistan) – you may not return home" First secretary Senthil Kumar at India's mission in United Nations Geneva, said," Security forces in Pakistan have gained proficiency in unlawful killings and kidnapping of people in so called counter-terrorism operations.

Highlighting enforced disappearances in Pakistan at United Nations Human Rights Council, India has said, " In Imran Khan’s Naya Pakistan (new Pakistan) – you may not return home" First secretary Senthil Kumar at India's mission in United Nations Geneva, said," Security forces in Pakistan have gained proficiency in unlawful killings and kidnapping of people in so called counter-terrorism operations. This has been compounded by a weak judiciary in Pakistan which has consistently failed to protect even the basic human rights of the people in Pakistan." New Delhi pointed to the harassment faced by Pakistani journalist Marvi Sirmed, Ahmed Noorani, Gul Bhukari and detention of human rights defender Idris Khattak. Kumar said, “Targeting of journalists through threats, assaults, arrests instilling extreme fear and self-censorship exposes the fallacy of Pakistan’s so-called military-run ‘democratic’ system.". India also gave a detailed account of cases of "enforced disappearances, murders, detentions, custodial deaths and torture of civil rights activists, representatives of local political parties and journalists" in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The statement said,"It’s well documented that a large number of Kashmiri detainees are in secret detention facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Territories now for several years and they have been severely tortured by the security forces. " The focus was also on the arbitrary detention of any person in Pakistani provinces of Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh with the statement saying, "Cries of Baloch sister Haseeba Qambrani for her brothers Hasaan and Hizbullah Qambrani, who have been forcibly taken away by the Pakistan military go unheard.”

In Imran Khan's Naya Pakistan, you may not return home: India highlights enforced disappearances in Pakistan at UN

India has strongly raised the matter of abduction of a Sikh girl in Pakistan with the Pakistani establishment. On Friday, India summoned a senior Pakistani diplomat from the Pakistani high commission in Delhi over the issue and issue a strong demarche or letter of protest on the issue.

Last week, it came to light that the daughter of Pritam Singh, Bulbul Kaur has been abducted and being converted forcibly. Pritam Singh is the head Granthi of Gurdwara Panja Sahib. Panja Sahib located in Pakistan's Hasan Abdal is considered an important Sikh place of worship since it has the handprint of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak.

A candlelight march will take place near Pakistan high commission in Delhi on Tuesday to protest against the development. Around 50 Sikh ladies will be part of the candlelight march.

Earlier conversion of Sikh girl Jagjit Kaur to Ayesha Bibi had rocked the Sikh community in Pakistan. A court had ruled that Jagjit should go with her "husband" Muhammad Hassan. Hassan says Jagjit alias "Ayesha bibi" married to him on her own accord which has been disputed by her family.

Jagjit Kaur is the daughter of the Granthi of Nankana Sahib Gurudwara, one of the holiest Sikh places of worship since it is the birthplace of the founder of Sikhism-- Guru Nanak.

9 family members of "converted" Sikh Girl Jagjit Kaur from Pakistan's Nankana Sahib had written to authorities asking them to make a passport for them as they want to leave the country.

United States Commission on International Religious Freedom 2020 report has taken note of forced conversation of girls from minority Hindu, Christian and Sikh communities in Pakistan and how local police has been often complicit to it. The Sikh community in the country has reported more than 55 such instances of abductions and forced conversions in the past few months.

India has strongly raised the matter of abduction of a Sikh girl in Pakistan with the Pakistani establishment. On Friday, India summoned a senior Pakistani diplomat from the Pakistani high commission in Delhi over the issue and issue a strong demarche or letter of protest on the issue.

India has strongly raised the matter of abduction of a Sikh girl in Pakistan with the Pakistani establishment. On Friday, India summoned a senior Pakistani diplomat from the Pakistani high commission in Delhi over the issue and issue a strong demarche or letter of protest on the issue. Last week, it came to light that the daughter of Pritam Singh, Bulbul Kaur has been abducted and being converted forcibly. Pritam Singh is the head Granthi of Gurdwara Panja Sahib. Panja Sahib located in Pakistan's Hasan Abdal is considered an important Sikh place of worship since it has the handprint of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak. A candlelight march will take place near Pakistan high commission in Delhi on Tuesday to protest against the development. Around 50 Sikh ladies will be part of the candlelight march. Earlier conversion of Sikh girl Jagjit Kaur to Ayesha Bibi had rocked the Sikh community in Pakistan. A court had ruled that Jagjit should go with her "husband" Muhammad Hassan. Hassan says Jagjit alias "Ayesha bibi" married to him on her own accord which has been disputed by her family. Jagjit Kaur is the daughter of the Granthi of Nankana Sahib Gurudwara, one of the holiest Sikh places of worship since it is the birthplace of the founder of Sikhism-- Guru Nanak. 9 family members of "converted" Sikh Girl Jagjit Kaur from Pakistan's Nankana Sahib had written to authorities asking them to make a passport for them as they want to leave the country. United States Commission on International Religious Freedom 2020 report has taken note of forced conversation of girls from minority Hindu, Christian and Sikh communities in Pakistan and how local police has been often complicit to it. The Sikh community in the country has reported more than 55 such instances of abductions and forced conversions in the past few months.

India raises the issue of abduction of Sikh girl with Pakistan

A year after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised a ferry service between India and Maldives, the service was formally launched on Monday. The service connects Indian ports of Tuticorin and Cochin ports with Kulhudhuhfushi and Male ports in the Maldives.&nbsp;

PM Modi during his visit to the country last year announced in the Maldives Parliament or People's Majlis the ferry service. The visit was his first foreign visit after taking charge as the PM in the second term.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-maldives-will-support-each-other-in-fight-against-health-economic-impact-of-covid-19-pm-modi-329129" hreflang="en">'India, Maldives will support each other in fight against impact of COVID-19'</a>

India's minister of state for shipping Mansukh Mandaviya speaking at the virtual event inaugurating the service said, "fulfilled the important commitment of PM to the Maldives last year. The service will increase people to people contact between the two&nbsp;countries and assist in ensuring food security and stable and predictable trade for the people of Maldives". India's envoy to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir was also present in the virtual event.

The Cargo Ferry Vessel MCP Linz operated by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) will connect the Indian and Maldivian ports. The vessel is expected to arrive in Kulhudhuhfushi on September 26 and Male on September 28.&nbsp;

Aishath Nahula, Maldives Transport minister said the service will "empower northern islands of Maldives. And is a key milestone to decentralize economic activity". Kulhudhuhfushi is a port in the north of Maldives.

The vessel which is used for ferry service can carry 380 TEUs and 3000 MT on bulk cargo and has refrigerated containers. The Cargo service will open the large India market for Tuna exporters of Maldives and will further provide a springboard to Europe through Cochin and Tuticorin ports. Cochin Port has weekly connectivity to Europe through a 6500 TEU vessel.

The decision to commence the Cargo Ferry Service between the two countries was announced during a virtual meeting between EAM Dr.S. Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid in the month of August. India will subsidise the service at approx $ 3 million. 
&nbsp;

A year after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised a ferry service between India and Maldives, the service was formally launched on Monday. The service connects Indian ports of Tuticorin and Cochin ports with Kulhudhuhfushi and Male ports in the Maldives.

A year after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised a ferry service between India and Maldives, the service was formally launched on Monday. The service connects Indian ports of Tuticorin and Cochin ports with Kulhudhuhfushi and Male ports in the Maldives. PM Modi during his visit to the country last year announced in the Maldives Parliament or People's Majlis the ferry service. The visit was his first foreign visit after taking charge as the PM in the second term. Also read: 'India, Maldives will support each other in fight against impact of COVID-19' India's minister of state for shipping Mansukh Mandaviya speaking at the virtual event inaugurating the service said, "fulfilled the important commitment of PM to the Maldives last year. The service will increase people to people contact between the two countries and assist in ensuring food security and stable and predictable trade for the people of Maldives". India's envoy to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir was also present in the virtual event. The Cargo Ferry Vessel MCP Linz operated by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) will connect the Indian and Maldivian ports. The vessel is expected to arrive in Kulhudhuhfushi on September 26 and Male on September 28. Aishath Nahula, Maldives Transport minister said the service will "empower northern islands of Maldives. And is a key milestone to decentralize economic activity". Kulhudhuhfushi is a port in the north of Maldives. The vessel which is used for ferry service can carry 380 TEUs and 3000 MT on bulk cargo and has refrigerated containers. The Cargo service will open the large India market for Tuna exporters of Maldives and will further provide a springboard to Europe through Cochin and Tuticorin ports. Cochin Port has weekly connectivity to Europe through a 6500 TEU vessel. The decision to commence the Cargo Ferry Service between the two countries was announced during a virtual meeting between EAM Dr.S. Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid in the month of August. India will subsidise the service at approx $ 3 million.

India, Maldives get connected by ferry service; opens vast Indian market for Maldivian exporters

The 6th India-China Corps Commander-level meeting will take place on Monday morning at 9am IST at Moldo.

India's focus will be on disengagement by the Chinese side, something which New Delhi has been reiterating since the beginning of Ladakh&nbsp;standoff.

The first such meeting since Moscow pact, a key outcome of India, China FMs parley earlier this month.

The 5 point Moscow pact called for easing of tension via dialogue, disengagement &amp; "maintain proper distance and ease tensions." 
 
Joint Secretary East Asia in Ministry of external affairs Naveen Srivastava will also be present in the Crops Cdr meet. This is for the first time, a diplomat will be present during Corps Cdr Meet.

So far 5 corps commander meets have taken place since June. These were on June 6, 22 and 30, July 14 &amp; August 2.

In the first meet, on 6th June, both sides fid arrive on a consensus for disengagement by the Chinese side violated it leading to Galwan incident of June 15. India lost 20 of its soldier, and while China also accepted it suffered casualties, it never came out with any number.

The 6th India-China Corps Commander-level meeting will take place on Monday morning at 9am IST at Moldo. India's focus will be on disengagement by the Chinese side, something which New Delhi has been reiterating since the beginning of Ladakh standoff.

The 6th India-China Corps Commander-level meeting will take place on Monday morning at 9am IST at Moldo. India's focus will be on disengagement by the Chinese side, something which New Delhi has been reiterating since the beginning of Ladakh standoff. The first such meeting since Moscow pact, a key outcome of India, China FMs parley earlier this month. The 5 point Moscow pact called for easing of tension via dialogue, disengagement & "maintain proper distance and ease tensions." Joint Secretary East Asia in Ministry of external affairs Naveen Srivastava will also be present in the Crops Cdr meet. This is for the first time, a diplomat will be present during Corps Cdr Meet. So far 5 corps commander meets have taken place since June. These were on June 6, 22 and 30, July 14 & August 2. In the first meet, on 6th June, both sides fid arrive on a consensus for disengagement by the Chinese side violated it leading to Galwan incident of June 15. India lost 20 of its soldier, and while China also accepted it suffered casualties, it never came out with any number.

LAC standoff: India, China to hold sixth round of Corps Commander-level talks on Monday

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Sidhant Sibal

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