Even as Afghanistan celebrated its 101st Independence Day, the Indian President Ram Nath Kovind sent a special message to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and at the special Independence Day event organised at the Afghan mission in Delhi, minister of state in the ministry of external affairs V. Muraleedharan sent his greetings calling the country a "brother".

The Indian president wrote in the message "Afghanistan and India have a lot in common, our long-standing relationship has lasted for centuries and further strengthened as we jointly fight enemies such as poverty, injustice, contagious diseases and terrorism."

"We reaffirm our support for a democratic, secure, peaceful, prosperous and pluralistic Afghanistan, and I wish that this anniversary of independence will bring peace and prosperity to Afghanistan," The Indian president added.

Indian envoy to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar was present at Afghanistan's Independence Day celebrations at Kabul.&nbsp;

In Delhi, celebrations took place at the Afghan embassy which was presided over by envoy Tahir Qadiry, with Joint Secretary in MEA's PAI Division --Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran division JP Singh being the chief guest and a special video message was sent by MEA MoS V. Muraleedharan.

Calling Afghanistan a "close friend" and a "beloved brother", MoS MEA said,"India and Afghanistan are strategic partners. We have extremely good relations, both people-to-people level and government-to- government level".

Highlighting India's "commitment" for Afghanistan's capacity building Muraleedharan said,"more than 65,000 Afghan students have studied in India and they carry the message of friendship deep down to Afghan villages and towns".

He said India and Afghanistan are "contiguous neighbours, it is our PM's vision to see the peaceful prosperous and developed neighbourhood and to ensure greater connectivity in this region" reiterating, "India's support for a united, sovereign, stable, peaceful, prosperous, democratic and inclusive Afghanistan."

Both Indian and Afghan foreign ministers on Wednesday spoke to each other. &nbsp;

EAM Jaishanker in a tweet said, "A productive conversation with Acting FM Haneef Atmar of Afghanistan. Greeted him on Afghan Independence Day. Discussed recent developments in Afghanistan and our bilateral cooperation. Reaffirmed our development partnership and connectivity linkages."

India has been Afghanistan's largest development partner in the region and has built a number of the infrastructure project in the country including the Afghan parliament.

Even as Afghanistan celebrated its 101st Independence Day, the Indian President Ram Nath Kovind sent a special message to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and at the special Independence Day event organised at the Afghan mission in Delhi, minister of state in the ministry of external affairs V.

Even as Afghanistan celebrated its 101st Independence Day, the Indian President Ram Nath Kovind sent a special message to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and at the special Independence Day event organised at the Afghan mission in Delhi, minister of state in the ministry of external affairs V. Muraleedharan sent his greetings calling the country a "brother". The Indian president wrote in the message "Afghanistan and India have a lot in common, our long-standing relationship has lasted for centuries and further strengthened as we jointly fight enemies such as poverty, injustice, contagious diseases and terrorism." "We reaffirm our support for a democratic, secure, peaceful, prosperous and pluralistic Afghanistan, and I wish that this anniversary of independence will bring peace and prosperity to Afghanistan," The Indian president added. Indian envoy to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar was present at Afghanistan's Independence Day celebrations at Kabul. In Delhi, celebrations took place at the Afghan embassy which was presided over by envoy Tahir Qadiry, with Joint Secretary in MEA's PAI Division --Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran division JP Singh being the chief guest and a special video message was sent by MEA MoS V. Muraleedharan. Calling Afghanistan a "close friend" and a "beloved brother", MoS MEA said,"India and Afghanistan are strategic partners. We have extremely good relations, both people-to-people level and government-to- government level". Highlighting India's "commitment" for Afghanistan's capacity building Muraleedharan said,"more than 65,000 Afghan students have studied in India and they carry the message of friendship deep down to Afghan villages and towns". He said India and Afghanistan are "contiguous neighbours, it is our PM's vision to see the peaceful prosperous and developed neighbourhood and to ensure greater connectivity in this region" reiterating, "India's support for a united, sovereign, stable, peaceful, prosperous, democratic and inclusive Afghanistan." Both Indian and Afghan foreign ministers on Wednesday spoke to each other. EAM Jaishanker in a tweet said, "A productive conversation with Acting FM Haneef Atmar of Afghanistan. Greeted him on Afghan Independence Day. Discussed recent developments in Afghanistan and our bilateral cooperation. Reaffirmed our development partnership and connectivity linkages." India has been Afghanistan's largest development partner in the region and has built a number of the infrastructure project in the country including the Afghan parliament.

Afghanistan is a beloved brother: India

Nepal and China are likely to make a&nbsp;joint&nbsp;announcement regarding the new height of Mount Everest, the highest mountain of the world, according to sources.

The proposition was a part of a&nbsp;Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) called the 'height of mount Zhumulangma/Sagarmatha'&nbsp;that was exchanged between China's ministry of natural resources and Nepal's ministry of land management, cooperatives and poverty alleviation.

Article one&nbsp;of the MoU states that political parties of both the countries will discuss the date and details about the&nbsp;announcement as per a joint statement between the People's Republic of China and Nepal issued on October 13, 2019.

The draft explicitly mentions joint&nbsp;mapping but&nbsp; joint measurement is not a part of it. Article five&nbsp;of the draft calls on Beijing and Kathmandu to "establish a communication mechanism to promote the joint collaboration on various activities on surveying, mapping and geo-information management".

Last year, Nepal mounted an expedition to measure the mountain. This year China sent an expedition for the same purpose. It is believed that China is keen on making the announcement.

Article four&nbsp;of the draft document calls for both countries to "jointly conduct scientific research and engineering cooperation" in the fields of "topographic mapping, geographic information system" the region of Mount Everest.

The current elevation of Mount Everest is 8,848 meters, recognised by India, China and Nepal. It was established by an Indian survey done in 1955. Amid heightened scrutiny against China, the development is bound to face international criticism.

Nepal and China are likely to make a joint announcement regarding the new height of Mount Everest, the highest mountain of the world, according to sources. The proposition was a part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) called the 'height of mount Zhumulangma/Sagarmatha' that was exchanged between China's ministry of natural resources and Nepal's ministry of land management, cooperatives and poverty alleviation.

Nepal and China are likely to make a joint announcement regarding the new height of Mount Everest, the highest mountain of the world, according to sources. The proposition was a part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) called the 'height of mount Zhumulangma/Sagarmatha' that was exchanged between China's ministry of natural resources and Nepal's ministry of land management, cooperatives and poverty alleviation. Article one of the MoU states that political parties of both the countries will discuss the date and details about the announcement as per a joint statement between the People's Republic of China and Nepal issued on October 13, 2019. The draft explicitly mentions joint mapping but joint measurement is not a part of it. Article five of the draft calls on Beijing and Kathmandu to "establish a communication mechanism to promote the joint collaboration on various activities on surveying, mapping and geo-information management". Last year, Nepal mounted an expedition to measure the mountain. This year China sent an expedition for the same purpose. It is believed that China is keen on making the announcement. Article four of the draft document calls for both countries to "jointly conduct scientific research and engineering cooperation" in the fields of "topographic mapping, geographic information system" the region of Mount Everest. The current elevation of Mount Everest is 8,848 meters, recognised by India, China and Nepal. It was established by an Indian survey done in 1955. Amid heightened scrutiny against China, the development is bound to face international criticism.

Exclusive: Nepal and China to jointly announce Mount Everest's new height

The daughter of the former Afghan President&nbsp;Najibullah, Heela Najibullah has pointed at Pakistan's involvement in the killing of her father. 
 
Speaking exclusively to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Switzerland, Heela said, "Number of reports indicating that it was the establishment in Pakistan" behind the killing of her father, explaining, "Why leaders of Afghanistan who want a strong, independent Afghanistan, self-sufficient Afghanistan are targetted".&nbsp;

Calling Pakistan's role has "destructive", she called for a "thorough investigation" to find who was behind the assassination of her father.

In 1996, Najibullah was brutally murdered when the Taliban entered the city that year. His body was hanged his body from a traffic light pole outside the Afghan Presidential palace, a development that marked the beginning of Taliban rule in the country and sent shockwaves through global capitals.

Heela also spoke on India, saying, "if Afghanistan gave me my roots, India gave me wings to fly and it nurtured me.”

Sidhant Sibal: How do you see current Afghanistan? 
 
Heela Najibullah: We are once again at a very critical political juncture in the context of Afghanistan. I say this, especially following the peace process in the past 2 and a half years. There are elements in the peace process in the way the whole process has evolved that creates quite a lot of concern as to what we have ahead of us. For example, some of the loopholes I would like to highlight is the fact that it has not been inclusive, so the Afghan government was kept out of the whole process. The voice of the Afghans was not really included. In addition to that government needed to have a more solid strategy and mechanisms to ensure that reconciliation is moved forward. So these are some of the gaps, which I as a researcher have observed. &nbsp;But also I see a struggle between the destructive way of going ahead and building a shared future for peace. Now what is the choice that the Afghan and the international partners would like to support, is something remains to be seen.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Do you see history being repeated in Afghanistan and can we trust the Taliban? 
 
Heela Najibullah: If you look at the parallels of my father's government and what is going on right now in Afghanistan in terms of peacemaking, remember he in 1987 had his government announced the national reconciliation policy and they wanted to make peace with the Mujahideen. He also requested from Zahir Shah the then king who was based out of Rome, to come back. So the point was too able to have an inclusive political way out of the crisis, caused by the cold war, but currently if you look at it. The narrative, that was used, at that point of time, is very much similar to the narratives of the Mujahideen. Very much similar to the narratives which the Taliban are using. I will give you some examples, the government is illegitimate, the fact that the security apparatus and defence apparatus that exist have to be dissolved. They tried to say some things to my father in different ways. These are some of the political narratives that you see as repetition and when you view this you need to be considerate, you need to be aware to ensure that the future we are making in Afghanistan is not repeated. As far as trust is concerned for the Taliban, since the peace process, whatever they have said in terms of negotiations, actually they have acted against it. So it a reduction of violence targetted assassination, the fact of the matter is they will sit with the Afghan govt now, saying the Afghan govt is illegitimate, so the words need to be taken cautiously. It really on the surface, it has a different meaning, but the actions say something else.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: It is a painful memory about your father, the incident if you can talk about it. 
 
Heela Najibullah: I don't know what aspects of you want me to highlight. It is known very well, worldwide, how he was assassinated along with his brother. Bodies were hanged for 2 days. We tried our best, to negotiate with the UN and other partners to ensure bodies are brought down and that an investigation as to who killed them or assassinated them. Unfortunately, none of that happened at that point of time. I remember talking to him a night before his killing. He called us up on satellite phone, it was 4-5 o clock Indian time. I remember because it was my last grade of school in India. He just wanted to hello and I should take care of my sisters and my mother. He wanted to say hello to everybody. I asked him Taliban is 40 km from you, what does that mean. He said, I dont have time to talk much, take care of your family. That was it, by 1.30 on BBC that he was taken out of the UN. So that is what I can tell u. But what I would like to highlight is, what happened to my father remains a mystery. That is why my mother on 31st of May 2020 did issue statement requesting officially the Afghan government and also the UN to a thorough investigation, to find out who was behind his and his brother's assassination. This needs to be considered because peace without truth and justice is not possible.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Sidhant Sibal: Who do you suspect responsible for the killing of your father? Reports suggest Pakistan might be behind it. 
 
Heela Najibullah: Not one or 2 reports, but a number of reports indicating that it was the establishment in Pakistan, even the Americans have written about this. In last one year, I have heard interviews of Taliban members on Afghan TV channel like Tolo saying it wasn't us who killed Najibullah. The question remains, who killed him, and why was he killed and this is extremely crucial in order to us to understand why leaders of Afghanistan who want a strong, independent Afghanistan, self-sufficient Afghanistan are targetted. This is something that we need to look at, the region needs to look at, the UN needs to look at, especially if we talking about peace, especially if we talking about truth and we talking about justice.

Sidhant Sibal: Personally, do you think, Pakistan is responsible? Your feeling? 
 
Heela Najibullah: When you belong to a political family, so many conspiracy stories, issues but I must say the role of Pakistan in the Afghan war, since the cold war, has been very destructive. If they have hands in killing my father needs to be established. For example, Peter Thomson in his book has mentioned this. Is it mentioned by American envoy or how does he knows, does it has to be determined internationally that the president of another country, Afghanistan is killed in day light and no investigation has taken place. Complete silence.

Sidhant Sibal: Any plans to go to Afghanistan, start it again? 
 
Heela Najibullah: When time is right, I will go where my father and uncle are buried. That is something that will eventually take me back. As long as, political lineage, with my father's achievement, I do have this. I am proud of it, I don't consider myself as a politician. I must say, as the day passes by Afghans, especially, Afghan youth has realised the values my father stood for. Of national unity, of progressive Afghanistan, of democratic Afghanistan. His slogan, watanya kafan is still chanted in Afghanistan. So this is something that encourages a lot of youth, to look up to him and have his vision as a guideline, to establish an independent and strong Afghanistan but for that, they need to have a structure. They need to have a political possibility to raise the voice and represent the idea. Example, I was asking my father's colleagues that why they are not overtly talking about the current situation, and he was basically saying the party wasn't even allowed to be registered. Even though in the past 19 years, we have had democracy. Imagine having an emirate and trying to then raise your voice and that is the most difficult issue at the moment. If you want to have a political structure in place in which the youth can bring his vision come true.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India, you have lived in India. 
 
Heela Najibullah: I did grow up in India, I studied my schooling in India. I have not been living in your country now, but I learnt a lot from your country. India and Afghanistan share a very deep history and culture and for me personally, if Afghanistan gave me my roots, India gave me wings to fly and it nurtured me. For me, India played a very constructive role since 2001, with the kind of projects they had in Afghanistan. The kind of relationship they established with the Afghan government, which I laud. The fact of the matter is India did not only built libraries, how reading and talking to Afghans who were excited--cricket grounds India is building, the fact that the Parliament building was built by Indian aid, the roads that connected whole of Afghanistan, so, I was actually studying in India when Afghan students came to be educated and do masters. We have ministers today in Afganistan who studied in India. To me, India has been a friend and all the deeds, Afghans will remember and cherish.

The daughter of the former Afghan President Najibullah, Heela Najibullah has pointed at Pakistan's involvement in the killing of her father. Speaking exclusively to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Switzerland, Heela said, "Number of reports indicating that it was the establishment in Pakistan" behind the killing of her father, explaining, "Why leaders of Afghanistan who want a strong, independent Afghanistan, self-sufficient Afghanistan are targetted".

The daughter of the former Afghan President Najibullah, Heela Najibullah has pointed at Pakistan's involvement in the killing of her father. Speaking exclusively to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Switzerland, Heela said, "Number of reports indicating that it was the establishment in Pakistan" behind the killing of her father, explaining, "Why leaders of Afghanistan who want a strong, independent Afghanistan, self-sufficient Afghanistan are targetted". Calling Pakistan's role has "destructive", she called for a "thorough investigation" to find who was behind the assassination of her father. In 1996, Najibullah was brutally murdered when the Taliban entered the city that year. His body was hanged his body from a traffic light pole outside the Afghan Presidential palace, a development that marked the beginning of Taliban rule in the country and sent shockwaves through global capitals. Heela also spoke on India, saying, "if Afghanistan gave me my roots, India gave me wings to fly and it nurtured me.” Sidhant Sibal: How do you see current Afghanistan? Heela Najibullah: We are once again at a very critical political juncture in the context of Afghanistan. I say this, especially following the peace process in the past 2 and a half years. There are elements in the peace process in the way the whole process has evolved that creates quite a lot of concern as to what we have ahead of us. For example, some of the loopholes I would like to highlight is the fact that it has not been inclusive, so the Afghan government was kept out of the whole process. The voice of the Afghans was not really included. In addition to that government needed to have a more solid strategy and mechanisms to ensure that reconciliation is moved forward. So these are some of the gaps, which I as a researcher have observed. But also I see a struggle between the destructive way of going ahead and building a shared future for peace. Now what is the choice that the Afghan and the international partners would like to support, is something remains to be seen. Sidhant Sibal: Do you see history being repeated in Afghanistan and can we trust the Taliban? Heela Najibullah: If you look at the parallels of my father's government and what is going on right now in Afghanistan in terms of peacemaking, remember he in 1987 had his government announced the national reconciliation policy and they wanted to make peace with the Mujahideen. He also requested from Zahir Shah the then king who was based out of Rome, to come back. So the point was too able to have an inclusive political way out of the crisis, caused by the cold war, but currently if you look at it. The narrative, that was used, at that point of time, is very much similar to the narratives of the Mujahideen. Very much similar to the narratives which the Taliban are using. I will give you some examples, the government is illegitimate, the fact that the security apparatus and defence apparatus that exist have to be dissolved. They tried to say some things to my father in different ways. These are some of the political narratives that you see as repetition and when you view this you need to be considerate, you need to be aware to ensure that the future we are making in Afghanistan is not repeated. As far as trust is concerned for the Taliban, since the peace process, whatever they have said in terms of negotiations, actually they have acted against it. So it a reduction of violence targetted assassination, the fact of the matter is they will sit with the Afghan govt now, saying the Afghan govt is illegitimate, so the words need to be taken cautiously. It really on the surface, it has a different meaning, but the actions say something else. Sidhant Sibal: It is a painful memory about your father, the incident if you can talk about it. Heela Najibullah: I don't know what aspects of you want me to highlight. It is known very well, worldwide, how he was assassinated along with his brother. Bodies were hanged for 2 days. We tried our best, to negotiate with the UN and other partners to ensure bodies are brought down and that an investigation as to who killed them or assassinated them. Unfortunately, none of that happened at that point of time. I remember talking to him a night before his killing. He called us up on satellite phone, it was 4-5 o clock Indian time. I remember because it was my last grade of school in India. He just wanted to hello and I should take care of my sisters and my mother. He wanted to say hello to everybody. I asked him Taliban is 40 km from you, what does that mean. He said, I dont have time to talk much, take care of your family. That was it, by 1.30 on BBC that he was taken out of the UN. So that is what I can tell u. But what I would like to highlight is, what happened to my father remains a mystery. That is why my mother on 31st of May 2020 did issue statement requesting officially the Afghan government and also the UN to a thorough investigation, to find out who was behind his and his brother's assassination. This needs to be considered because peace without truth and justice is not possible. Sidhant Sibal: Who do you suspect responsible for the killing of your father? Reports suggest Pakistan might be behind it. Heela Najibullah: Not one or 2 reports, but a number of reports indicating that it was the establishment in Pakistan, even the Americans have written about this. In last one year, I have heard interviews of Taliban members on Afghan TV channel like Tolo saying it wasn't us who killed Najibullah. The question remains, who killed him, and why was he killed and this is extremely crucial in order to us to understand why leaders of Afghanistan who want a strong, independent Afghanistan, self-sufficient Afghanistan are targetted. This is something that we need to look at, the region needs to look at, the UN needs to look at, especially if we talking about peace, especially if we talking about truth and we talking about justice. Sidhant Sibal: Personally, do you think, Pakistan is responsible? Your feeling? Heela Najibullah: When you belong to a political family, so many conspiracy stories, issues but I must say the role of Pakistan in the Afghan war, since the cold war, has been very destructive. If they have hands in killing my father needs to be established. For example, Peter Thomson in his book has mentioned this. Is it mentioned by American envoy or how does he knows, does it has to be determined internationally that the president of another country, Afghanistan is killed in day light and no investigation has taken place. Complete silence. Sidhant Sibal: Any plans to go to Afghanistan, start it again? Heela Najibullah: When time is right, I will go where my father and uncle are buried. That is something that will eventually take me back. As long as, political lineage, with my father's achievement, I do have this. I am proud of it, I don't consider myself as a politician. I must say, as the day passes by Afghans, especially, Afghan youth has realised the values my father stood for. Of national unity, of progressive Afghanistan, of democratic Afghanistan. His slogan, watanya kafan is still chanted in Afghanistan. So this is something that encourages a lot of youth, to look up to him and have his vision as a guideline, to establish an independent and strong Afghanistan but for that, they need to have a structure. They need to have a political possibility to raise the voice and represent the idea. Example, I was asking my father's colleagues that why they are not overtly talking about the current situation, and he was basically saying the party wasn't even allowed to be registered. Even though in the past 19 years, we have had democracy. Imagine having an emirate and trying to then raise your voice and that is the most difficult issue at the moment. If you want to have a political structure in place in which the youth can bring his vision come true. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India, you have lived in India. Heela Najibullah: I did grow up in India, I studied my schooling in India. I have not been living in your country now, but I learnt a lot from your country. India and Afghanistan share a very deep history and culture and for me personally, if Afghanistan gave me my roots, India gave me wings to fly and it nurtured me. For me, India played a very constructive role since 2001, with the kind of projects they had in Afghanistan. The kind of relationship they established with the Afghan government, which I laud. The fact of the matter is India did not only built libraries, how reading and talking to Afghans who were excited--cricket grounds India is building, the fact that the Parliament building was built by Indian aid, the roads that connected whole of Afghanistan, so, I was actually studying in India when Afghan students came to be educated and do masters. We have ministers today in Afganistan who studied in India. To me, India has been a friend and all the deeds, Afghans will remember and cherish.

Daughter of former Afghan President Najibullah sees Pakistan's involvement in the killing of her father

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's Dhruv chopper along with 3 Chetak helicopters are helping extricate skimmed oil from the vessel MV Wakashio. India had gifted One Dhruv and 2 Chetak Helicopters in December 2016 to Government of Mauritius.&nbsp;

HAL Dhruv is a utility helicopter designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). &nbsp;A total of 228 Dhruv Helicopters have been produced by March 2017 including 216 for the Indian Armed Forces. It has been supplied to Nepal Army &amp; Mauritius Police, Maldives.

India has been increasingly focusing on Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence and just a few weeks ago defence ministry had come out with 101 "negative list" of items that can’t be imported.

When it comes to Chetak Helicopters, HAL started manufacturing of helicopters in 1962 by entering in an agreement with Sud Aviation (Presently M/S Airbus). The first Chetak in ‘Fly Away’ condition delivered in 1965. One of the Chetaks used to clean the Mauritius oil spill was given in 1987.

India yesterday sent equipment and a 10 member team to Mauritius to help the country deal with the crisis which it as declared as an "environmental emergency".

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's Dhruv chopper along with 3 Chetak helicopters are helping extricate skimmed oil from the vessel MV Wakashio. India had gifted One Dhruv and 2 Chetak Helicopters in December 2016 to Government of Mauritius.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's Dhruv chopper along with 3 Chetak helicopters are helping extricate skimmed oil from the vessel MV Wakashio. India had gifted One Dhruv and 2 Chetak Helicopters in December 2016 to Government of Mauritius. HAL Dhruv is a utility helicopter designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). A total of 228 Dhruv Helicopters have been produced by March 2017 including 216 for the Indian Armed Forces. It has been supplied to Nepal Army & Mauritius Police, Maldives. India has been increasingly focusing on Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence and just a few weeks ago defence ministry had come out with 101 "negative list" of items that can’t be imported. When it comes to Chetak Helicopters, HAL started manufacturing of helicopters in 1962 by entering in an agreement with Sud Aviation (Presently M/S Airbus). The first Chetak in ‘Fly Away’ condition delivered in 1965. One of the Chetaks used to clean the Mauritius oil spill was given in 1987. India yesterday sent equipment and a 10 member team to Mauritius to help the country deal with the crisis which it as declared as an "environmental emergency".

Made in India helicopters help Mauritus in evacuating oil from breached Japanese vessel

The Indian Coast Guard last week helped a Pakistani national who suffered a heart attack on high seas.

The Pakistan national Captain Badar Hasnain, master of vessel MV Haykal, suffered a heart stroke on 13 July, 2020 while the vessel was en route Gopalpur Port, Odisha.&nbsp;

The Indian coast guard immediately responded to the request for medical assistance and evacuated him to a hospital in Visakhapatnam for treatment.

Initial diagnosis at Queen’s NRI Hospital, Visakhapatnam pointed out that he suffered from “Hypoxic Ischemic Encehalopthy” and was further recommended his treatment to continue in the hospital. &nbsp;

His condition has now stabilized&nbsp;and he left for Pakistan on Monday via Attari Wagah Border.

Captain Hasnain’s daughter has appreciated the humanitarian gesture of the Indian government and efforts of doctors at the hospital to provide him with medical treatment.&nbsp;

The Indian Coast Guard last week helped a Pakistani national who suffered a heart attack on high seas. The Pakistan national Captain Badar Hasnain, master of vessel MV Haykal, suffered a heart stroke on 13 July, 2020 while the vessel was en route Gopalpur Port, Odisha.

The Indian Coast Guard last week helped a Pakistani national who suffered a heart attack on high seas. The Pakistan national Captain Badar Hasnain, master of vessel MV Haykal, suffered a heart stroke on 13 July, 2020 while the vessel was en route Gopalpur Port, Odisha. The Indian coast guard immediately responded to the request for medical assistance and evacuated him to a hospital in Visakhapatnam for treatment. Initial diagnosis at Queen’s NRI Hospital, Visakhapatnam pointed out that he suffered from “Hypoxic Ischemic Encehalopthy” and was further recommended his treatment to continue in the hospital. His condition has now stabilized and he left for Pakistan on Monday via Attari Wagah Border. Captain Hasnain’s daughter has appreciated the humanitarian gesture of the Indian government and efforts of doctors at the hospital to provide him with medical treatment.

Indian Coast Guard comes to the aid of Pakistani national who suffered heart attack on high seas

India and Nepal on Monday held the 8th round of the Oversight Mechanism (OSM) meet through Video Conferencing. The talks were led by Indian Envoy to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra and Nepal government Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi.

During the talks, the status of implementation of the on-going projects was discussed including the Ramayana circuit.&nbsp;

Development of Terai roads, cross-border railways, Arun-III hydropower project, Pancheshwar multipurpose project, irrigation, power and transmission lines, construction of Nepal Police Academy, motorable bridges over Mahakali River are some of the other projects discussed during the OSM.

Both sides also discussed the reconstruction of 46,301 earthquakes affected houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, the operationalization of Motihari-Amlekhgunj cross-border petroleum products pipeline and the Integrated Check Post at Biratnagar.&nbsp;

Motihari-Amlekhgunj oil pipeline is the first cross country oil pipeline in South Asia.&nbsp;

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-nepal-vow-to-expeditiously-implement-bilateral-projects-during-high-level-talks-321126">&nbsp;India, Nepal vow to 'expeditiously' implement bilateral projects during high-level talks</a>

The Indian government's readout on the meet said, "Nepal also noted with appreciation COVID-19 related assistance, including the supply of medicines and medical equipment to Nepal by India."

The Nepali foreign ministry said, "Both sides underlined the need for the expeditious implementation of the bilateral projects" and "In that connection, they agreed to undertake necessary measures to timely address problems and obstacles in the course of implementation."

OSM was set up after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Nepal visit in 2016 to oversee the implementation of bilateral projects.&nbsp;

This is the first formal meeting between the two sides amidst a strain in relationship. Nepal government had come up with new Nepal map showing Indian territories as its own territories irking Indian government which ruptured ties between the two countries.&nbsp;

Border issues was not discussed in monday meeting. This was expected, given the mandate of the mechanism is to discuss development projects.

India and Nepal on Monday held the 8th round of the Oversight Mechanism (OSM) meet through Video Conferencing. The talks were led by Indian Envoy to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra and Nepal government Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi.

India and Nepal on Monday held the 8th round of the Oversight Mechanism (OSM) meet through Video Conferencing. The talks were led by Indian Envoy to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra and Nepal government Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi. During the talks, the status of implementation of the on-going projects was discussed including the Ramayana circuit. Development of Terai roads, cross-border railways, Arun-III hydropower project, Pancheshwar multipurpose project, irrigation, power and transmission lines, construction of Nepal Police Academy, motorable bridges over Mahakali River are some of the other projects discussed during the OSM. Both sides also discussed the reconstruction of 46,301 earthquakes affected houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, the operationalization of Motihari-Amlekhgunj cross-border petroleum products pipeline and the Integrated Check Post at Biratnagar. Motihari-Amlekhgunj oil pipeline is the first cross country oil pipeline in South Asia. Also read: India, Nepal vow to 'expeditiously' implement bilateral projects during high-level talks The Indian government's readout on the meet said, "Nepal also noted with appreciation COVID-19 related assistance, including the supply of medicines and medical equipment to Nepal by India." The Nepali foreign ministry said, "Both sides underlined the need for the expeditious implementation of the bilateral projects" and "In that connection, they agreed to undertake necessary measures to timely address problems and obstacles in the course of implementation." OSM was set up after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Nepal visit in 2016 to oversee the implementation of bilateral projects. This is the first formal meeting between the two sides amidst a strain in relationship. Nepal government had come up with new Nepal map showing Indian territories as its own territories irking Indian government which ruptured ties between the two countries. Border issues was not discussed in monday meeting. This was expected, given the mandate of the mechanism is to discuss development projects.

India, Nepal discuss Ramayana circuit and other development projects during meet

Envoys from South Asian countries have welcomed the speech by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Independence Day. During the speech, PM Modi had called for 'peace and harmony' in the region which will be 'immense help to the welfare of humanity'.

Afghan envoy to India Tahir Qadiry speaking to WION said, "As Prime Minister Modi said that 'neighbours are not only those with whom one shares geographical boundaries but also those with whom hearts meet,' I want to reassert the profundity in the social and cultural ties between the two countries."

Explaining "Our common thread visible in the vivid visage of contemporariness is deeply ingrained in our historical relations, which can broadly be trifurcated into three main pillars: Dosti (friendship or brotherhood/sisterhood), Vishwas (trust), and Samman (respect). I commend PM's call to further enrich and reinforce this bond to the betterment of the entire region and the world.

Aminath Shabeena Maldivian Acting High Commissioner told WION," PM Modi’s speech at the outset of the 74th Independence Day of India stands to be very promising and indeed reinvigorating the potential neighbourly cooperation."

Adding," As emphasized, the Maldives rightly agrees on inclusiveness, equitability and collaborating as a family is the rightful means to address the present-day challenges, and compelling reasons to forge cooperation at both regional and global level."

Thanking India's support amidst COVID, she said,' during this COVID-19 pandemic, especially to the Maldives India has supported immensely in all aspects – we share a dynamic relation with commonalities and links embedded deeply into the roots of our people. These aspects bring us close and hold strong relations as deep as the Indian Ocean, as very rightly PM Modi stated."

Reacting to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech on Independence Day, Nilamber Acharya agreed that, "Indian PM has rightly emphasised on century-old relations in the region and unleashing the potential of the future cooperation. India's Independence movement has inspired many movements in the world. We neighbours in south Asia have things in common, not only emotionally, culturally, socially, morally but spiritually as well. We have common aspirations for the future."

High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India, Mohammad Imran said it was "encouraging to listen to” PM Modi and "We look forward to strengthening our ties." Over the weekend in an exclusive conversation with WION, Bangladesh’s envoy said Indian Prime Minister Modi is taking "ties to a higher level" and currently New Delhi-Dhaka ties are passing through a "Shonali Adhyay" or Golden era.

Envoys from South Asian countries have welcomed the speech by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Independence Day. During the speech, PM Modi had called for 'peace and harmony' in the region which will be 'immense help to the welfare of humanity'.

Envoys from South Asian countries have welcomed the speech by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Independence Day. During the speech, PM Modi had called for 'peace and harmony' in the region which will be 'immense help to the welfare of humanity'. Afghan envoy to India Tahir Qadiry speaking to WION said, "As Prime Minister Modi said that 'neighbours are not only those with whom one shares geographical boundaries but also those with whom hearts meet,' I want to reassert the profundity in the social and cultural ties between the two countries." Explaining "Our common thread visible in the vivid visage of contemporariness is deeply ingrained in our historical relations, which can broadly be trifurcated into three main pillars: Dosti (friendship or brotherhood/sisterhood), Vishwas (trust), and Samman (respect). I commend PM's call to further enrich and reinforce this bond to the betterment of the entire region and the world. Aminath Shabeena Maldivian Acting High Commissioner told WION," PM Modi’s speech at the outset of the 74th Independence Day of India stands to be very promising and indeed reinvigorating the potential neighbourly cooperation." Adding," As emphasized, the Maldives rightly agrees on inclusiveness, equitability and collaborating as a family is the rightful means to address the present-day challenges, and compelling reasons to forge cooperation at both regional and global level." Thanking India's support amidst COVID, she said,' during this COVID-19 pandemic, especially to the Maldives India has supported immensely in all aspects – we share a dynamic relation with commonalities and links embedded deeply into the roots of our people. These aspects bring us close and hold strong relations as deep as the Indian Ocean, as very rightly PM Modi stated." Reacting to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech on Independence Day, Nilamber Acharya agreed that, "Indian PM has rightly emphasised on century-old relations in the region and unleashing the potential of the future cooperation. India's Independence movement has inspired many movements in the world. We neighbours in south Asia have things in common, not only emotionally, culturally, socially, morally but spiritually as well. We have common aspirations for the future." High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India, Mohammad Imran said it was "encouraging to listen to” PM Modi and "We look forward to strengthening our ties." Over the weekend in an exclusive conversation with WION, Bangladesh’s envoy said Indian Prime Minister Modi is taking "ties to a higher level" and currently New Delhi-Dhaka ties are passing through a "Shonali Adhyay" or Golden era.

Envoys from South Asia welcome Prime Minister's Independence Day speech 

India and Nepal will sit on Monday to talk on the New Delhi's development projects in the country. Talks will start at 10 am local time in Kathmandu and last for 2 hours to finish at 12 noon.

India and Nepal will sit on Monday to talk on the New Delhi's development projects in the country. Talks will start at 10 am local time in Kathmandu and last for 2 hours to finish at 12 noon. This will be the first formal talks between the two sides amidst strained ties. Border row will not be discussed in the meet, since the talks do not have the mandate for it. The "scheduled oversight mechanism" as the talks are referred as will see India being represented by its envoy in Kathmandu Vinay Mohan Kwatra and Nepal by Foreign Secretary Shankar Das Bairagi. Indian government sources said the meet is "part of regular interaction between India and Nepal" and the mechanism was set up in 2016 to "review ongoing bilateral economic and development projects on a periodic basis". On Saturday both Indian PM Modi and Nepal PM Oli spoke to each other, first time in months as ties deteriorated after new Nepal Map. The Nepal Map showed Indian territories as Nepali territories irking New Delhi. The talks, at the request of Nepali PM, focused on COVID crisis. Prime Minister offered India’s "continued support to Nepal in this regard", Indian govt readout on the talks said. Indian PM "recalled the civilizational and cultural links that India and Nepal share", something New Delhi has been emphasising even as government to government talks went downhill. Nepal PM conveyed his congratulations for India’s recent election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

India, Nepal to hold talks on New Delhi's projects tomorrow

Nepal's ambassador to India Nilamber Acharya on Sunday said recent talks between Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi show that "ties are close and friendly" and "both sides can sit together in proper times and solve any problem"

Speaking exclusively to WION, Ambassador Acharya said, "Telephonic conversations confirmed that we have close ties, and we can sit together at an appropriate time and solve any problems or discuss shaping our relations. Talks show we are close and friendly"

"We may differ, or have a problem in one or two aspects of relations but that can't impact the entire spectrum of relationship. Our problem, small or big, we have to solve through friendly dialogue. We have a broad and wide comprehensive relationship. Might be a difference of opinion but that can't impact the comprehensive ties,'' he said.

On Saturday both Indian, Nepali prime ministers spoke over phone and among other things discussed COVID-19 crisis. The Nepali PM also congratulated his Indian counterpart on India’s recent election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Reacting to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech on Independence day, Acharya agreed that, "Indian PM has rightly emphasised on century-old relations in the region and unleashing the potential of the future cooperation. India's Independence movement has inspired many movements in the world. We neighbours in south Asia have things in common, not only emotionally, culturally, socially, morally but spiritually as well. We have common aspirations for the future."

Modi during his independence day speech called "cooperation and partnership" in South Asia is needed and "peace and harmony" in the region will help in "welfare of humanity".

Nepali envoy elaborating on the shared cultural linkages in South Asia and said,"Our cultural and social are not made today, generations and generations have contributed, these are strong and deep-rooted ties and we as people are close are in South Asia."

On Monday both sides will sit together to discuss New Delhi's development projects in the country. These are the first formal talks between the 2 sides months after the new Nepal map that irked New Delhi. The "scheduled oversight mechanism" will see India being represented by its envoy in Kathmandu Vinay Mohan Kwatra and Nepal by Foreign Secretary Shankar Das Bairagi.

India has been assisting Nepal in development of border infrastructure through up-gradation of 10 roads in the Terai area, developing cross-border rail links at Jogbani-Biratnagar, Jaynagar-Bardibas and establishment of Integrated Check Posts at Birgunj, Biratnagar, Bhairahawa, and Nepalgunj. 
&nbsp;

Nepal's ambassador to India Nilamber Acharya on Sunday said recent talks between Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi show that "ties are close and friendly" and "both sides can sit together in proper times and solve any problem" Speaking exclusively to WION, Ambassador Acharya said, "Telephonic conversations confirmed that we have close ties, and we can sit together at an appropriate time and solve any problems or discuss shaping our relations.

Nepal's ambassador to India Nilamber Acharya on Sunday said recent talks between Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi show that "ties are close and friendly" and "both sides can sit together in proper times and solve any problem" Speaking exclusively to WION, Ambassador Acharya said, "Telephonic conversations confirmed that we have close ties, and we can sit together at an appropriate time and solve any problems or discuss shaping our relations. Talks show we are close and friendly" "We may differ, or have a problem in one or two aspects of relations but that can't impact the entire spectrum of relationship. Our problem, small or big, we have to solve through friendly dialogue. We have a broad and wide comprehensive relationship. Might be a difference of opinion but that can't impact the comprehensive ties,'' he said. On Saturday both Indian, Nepali prime ministers spoke over phone and among other things discussed COVID-19 crisis. The Nepali PM also congratulated his Indian counterpart on India’s recent election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Reacting to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech on Independence day, Acharya agreed that, "Indian PM has rightly emphasised on century-old relations in the region and unleashing the potential of the future cooperation. India's Independence movement has inspired many movements in the world. We neighbours in south Asia have things in common, not only emotionally, culturally, socially, morally but spiritually as well. We have common aspirations for the future." Modi during his independence day speech called "cooperation and partnership" in South Asia is needed and "peace and harmony" in the region will help in "welfare of humanity". Nepali envoy elaborating on the shared cultural linkages in South Asia and said,"Our cultural and social are not made today, generations and generations have contributed, these are strong and deep-rooted ties and we as people are close are in South Asia." On Monday both sides will sit together to discuss New Delhi's development projects in the country. These are the first formal talks between the 2 sides months after the new Nepal map that irked New Delhi. The "scheduled oversight mechanism" will see India being represented by its envoy in Kathmandu Vinay Mohan Kwatra and Nepal by Foreign Secretary Shankar Das Bairagi. India has been assisting Nepal in development of border infrastructure through up-gradation of 10 roads in the Terai area, developing cross-border rail links at Jogbani-Biratnagar, Jaynagar-Bardibas and establishment of Integrated Check Posts at Birgunj, Biratnagar, Bhairahawa, and Nepalgunj.

PM Modi, Nepal PM talks show ties are close, says Nepal envoy Acharya

India has sent a&nbsp;10 member response team from the Indian Coast Guard and 30 tonnes of technical equipment including oil 10,000 absorbent pads in order to assist&nbsp;Mauritius to deal with the oil spill.&nbsp;

The assistance, in response to a request by the Mauritius government, was sent on India Air Force's C17 Globemaster.

The equipment includes Ocean Booms, River Booms, Disc Skimmers, Heli Skimmers, Power packs, Inflators, Blowers, Salvage barge and 10000 Oil absorbent pads.

The Oil absorbent pads are manufactured by India using grapheme, an allotrope of carbon and have been supplied by Indian Oil Corporation.

Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, "India’s assistance is in line with it’s policy to extend humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to its neighbours in the Indian Ocean region, guided by the Prime Minister’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)" and the "urgent assistance reflects the close bonds of friendship between India and Mauritius and India’s abiding commitment to assist the people of Mauritius in need."

It is interesting to know that the equipment has been provided by the Indian Coast Guard. The coast guard is the nodal body under India's National Oil Spill-Disaster Contingency Plan(NOS-DCP).

WION had broken first on 8th August first that India is exploring avenues to help Mauritius to deal with the Oil spill. As an initial response Indian Oil (Mauritius) Limited (IOML) sent a barge ‘Tresta Star’ towards the site and was able to evacuate 1000 tonnes of fuel oil from a tank by August 10.

Last month on 25th July, bulk carrier vessel MV Wakashio ran aground on a reef in the southeastern part of Mauritius. The vessel carried around 4000 metric tons of fuel and the spill thereafter threatens to impact the entire ecologically sensitive region.

India has been reaching out to countries of the Indian ocean amidst the COVID pandemic. This includes assistance to Mauritius with essential medicines that included a special consignment of Ayurvedic medicines. 
&nbsp;

India has sent a 10 member response team from the Indian Coast Guard and 30 tonnes of technical equipment including oil 10,000 absorbent pads in order to assist Mauritius to deal with the oil spill.

India has sent a 10 member response team from the Indian Coast Guard and 30 tonnes of technical equipment including oil 10,000 absorbent pads in order to assist Mauritius to deal with the oil spill. The assistance, in response to a request by the Mauritius government, was sent on India Air Force's C17 Globemaster. The equipment includes Ocean Booms, River Booms, Disc Skimmers, Heli Skimmers, Power packs, Inflators, Blowers, Salvage barge and 10000 Oil absorbent pads. The Oil absorbent pads are manufactured by India using grapheme, an allotrope of carbon and have been supplied by Indian Oil Corporation. Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, "India’s assistance is in line with it’s policy to extend humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to its neighbours in the Indian Ocean region, guided by the Prime Minister’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)" and the "urgent assistance reflects the close bonds of friendship between India and Mauritius and India’s abiding commitment to assist the people of Mauritius in need." It is interesting to know that the equipment has been provided by the Indian Coast Guard. The coast guard is the nodal body under India's National Oil Spill-Disaster Contingency Plan(NOS-DCP). WION had broken first on 8th August first that India is exploring avenues to help Mauritius to deal with the Oil spill. As an initial response Indian Oil (Mauritius) Limited (IOML) sent a barge ‘Tresta Star’ towards the site and was able to evacuate 1000 tonnes of fuel oil from a tank by August 10. Last month on 25th July, bulk carrier vessel MV Wakashio ran aground on a reef in the southeastern part of Mauritius. The vessel carried around 4000 metric tons of fuel and the spill thereafter threatens to impact the entire ecologically sensitive region. India has been reaching out to countries of the Indian ocean amidst the COVID pandemic. This includes assistance to Mauritius with essential medicines that included a special consignment of Ayurvedic medicines.

Mauritius oil spill: India sends response team, 10,000 oil absorbent pads

Indian and Australian artists came together on the occasion of India's 74th Independence day to come up with a joint composition called 'Sur Sagar', the confluence of music.

It was conceptualised by tabla maestro, Pandit Yogesh Samsi from India and eminent percussionist, Chris Fields from Australia in association with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center, Consulate General of India, Sydney.

The 11 minutes 51-second confluence of music saw three&nbsp;Indian and three&nbsp;Australian artists. On the Indian side, it was &nbsp;Pandit Rakesh chaurasia who is known as the ''flute icon of India'', Pandit Purbayan Chatterjee known as the country's ''finest sitar player'' and belongs to Senia Maihar Gharana, and Pandit Yogesh Samsi famous for his solo performances. Samsi has been trained by Legendary Ustad Allah Rakha.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5_h2XUW91IA" width="560"></iframe>

Yogesh Shamsi speaking to WION said, "We have all come together in one voice in celebration of India's independence and basically to convey the message of love and brotherhood, the whole vibe"

Rakesh chaurasia added, "Music has its own language and no barriers and it can reach any corner of the world. Honoured, proud to be part of this project"

On the Australian side, it is its Chris Fields who is a third generation drummer, Michael Galeazzi who has over two&nbsp;decades of National and international touring and Stuart Vandergraaff, a saxophone specialist and proficient on nay (Arabic flute) family, Clarinet and other woodwinds.

Chris Fields speaking to WION from Australia said,"In this very difficult time for the world, the fact we were able to come together, it is testament to the universal language of music."

Michael lauding Indian music said,"Indian musicians are masterful at portraying melody, putting note..its much more sophisticated"

The collaboration was a virtual one given the fact COVID-19&nbsp;has restricted movement. Asked about this virtual collaboration Stuart said," This new normal is opening up collaboration, the audience is getting broadening...in recent performances, I had audiences in India, Australia, Toronto. "

The new composition is inspired by Raag Desh, a traditional Indian melody and known for its signature pentatonic movement of notes. Raag Desh has ornamented various songs from India, including the national song of India, Vande Mataram.

Indian and Australian artists came together on the occasion of India's 74th Independence day to come up with a joint composition called 'Sur Sagar', the confluence of music.

Indian and Australian artists came together on the occasion of India's 74th Independence day to come up with a joint composition called 'Sur Sagar', the confluence of music. It was conceptualised by tabla maestro, Pandit Yogesh Samsi from India and eminent percussionist, Chris Fields from Australia in association with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center, Consulate General of India, Sydney. The 11 minutes 51-second confluence of music saw three Indian and three Australian artists. On the Indian side, it was Pandit Rakesh chaurasia who is known as the ''flute icon of India'', Pandit Purbayan Chatterjee known as the country's ''finest sitar player'' and belongs to Senia Maihar Gharana, and Pandit Yogesh Samsi famous for his solo performances. Samsi has been trained by Legendary Ustad Allah Rakha. Yogesh Shamsi speaking to WION said, "We have all come together in one voice in celebration of India's independence and basically to convey the message of love and brotherhood, the whole vibe" Rakesh chaurasia added, "Music has its own language and no barriers and it can reach any corner of the world. Honoured, proud to be part of this project" On the Australian side, it is its Chris Fields who is a third generation drummer, Michael Galeazzi who has over two decades of National and international touring and Stuart Vandergraaff, a saxophone specialist and proficient on nay (Arabic flute) family, Clarinet and other woodwinds. Chris Fields speaking to WION from Australia said,"In this very difficult time for the world, the fact we were able to come together, it is testament to the universal language of music." Michael lauding Indian music said,"Indian musicians are masterful at portraying melody, putting note..its much more sophisticated" The collaboration was a virtual one given the fact COVID-19 has restricted movement. Asked about this virtual collaboration Stuart said," This new normal is opening up collaboration, the audience is getting broadening...in recent performances, I had audiences in India, Australia, Toronto. " The new composition is inspired by Raag Desh, a traditional Indian melody and known for its signature pentatonic movement of notes. Raag Desh has ornamented various songs from India, including the national song of India, Vande Mataram.

Indian and Australian artists come together on India's Independence Day for joint composition

Indian and Australian artists came together on the occasion of India's 74th Independence day to come up with a joint composition called Sur Sagar--The confluence of music. It was conceptualised by Tabla Maestro - Pandit Yogesh Samsi from India and eminent percussionist - Chris Fields from Australia in association with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center, Consulate General of India, Sydney.

The 11 minutes 51-second confluence of music saw three&nbsp;Indian and three&nbsp;Australian artists. On the Indian side, it was &nbsp;Pandit Rakesh chaurasia who is known as the flute icon of India, Pandit Purbayan Chatterjee known as country's finest Sitar player and belongs to Senia Maihar Gharana, and Pandit Yogesh Samsi famous for his solo performances. Samsi has been trained by Legendary Ustad Allah Rakha.

Yogesh Shamsi speaking to WION said, "We have all come together in one voice in celebration of India's independence and basically to convey the message of love and brotherhood, the whole vibe"

Rakesh chaurasia added, "Music has its own language and no barriers and it can reach any corner of the world. Honoured, proud to be part of this project"

On the Australian side, it is its Chris Fields who is a 3rd generation drummer, Michael Galeazzi who has over 2 decades of National and international touring and Stuart Vandergraaff, a saxophone specialist and proficient on nay (Arabic flute) family, Clarinet and other woodwinds.

Chris Fields speaking to WION from Australia said,"In this very difficult time for the world, the fact we were able to come together, it is testament to the universal language of music."

Michael lauding Indian music said,"Indian musicians are masterful at portraying melody, putting note..its much more sophisticated"

The collaboration was a virtual one given the fact COVID has restricted movement. Asked about this virtual collaboration Stuart said," This new normal is opening up collaboration, the audience is getting broadening...in recent performances, I had audiences in India, Australia, Toronto "

The new composition is inspired by Raag Desh – a traditional Hindustani Raag and known for its signature pentatonic movement of notes --swar. Raag Desh has ornamented various songs from India, including the national song of India - Vande Mataram.

Indian and Australian artists came together on the occasion of India's 74th Independence day to come up with a joint composition called Sur Sagar--The confluence of music.

Indian and Australian artists came together on the occasion of India's 74th Independence day to come up with a joint composition called Sur Sagar--The confluence of music. It was conceptualised by Tabla Maestro - Pandit Yogesh Samsi from India and eminent percussionist - Chris Fields from Australia in association with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center, Consulate General of India, Sydney. The 11 minutes 51-second confluence of music saw three Indian and three Australian artists. On the Indian side, it was Pandit Rakesh chaurasia who is known as the flute icon of India, Pandit Purbayan Chatterjee known as country's finest Sitar player and belongs to Senia Maihar Gharana, and Pandit Yogesh Samsi famous for his solo performances. Samsi has been trained by Legendary Ustad Allah Rakha. Yogesh Shamsi speaking to WION said, "We have all come together in one voice in celebration of India's independence and basically to convey the message of love and brotherhood, the whole vibe" Rakesh chaurasia added, "Music has its own language and no barriers and it can reach any corner of the world. Honoured, proud to be part of this project" On the Australian side, it is its Chris Fields who is a 3rd generation drummer, Michael Galeazzi who has over 2 decades of National and international touring and Stuart Vandergraaff, a saxophone specialist and proficient on nay (Arabic flute) family, Clarinet and other woodwinds. Chris Fields speaking to WION from Australia said,"In this very difficult time for the world, the fact we were able to come together, it is testament to the universal language of music." Michael lauding Indian music said,"Indian musicians are masterful at portraying melody, putting note..its much more sophisticated" The collaboration was a virtual one given the fact COVID has restricted movement. Asked about this virtual collaboration Stuart said," This new normal is opening up collaboration, the audience is getting broadening...in recent performances, I had audiences in India, Australia, Toronto " The new composition is inspired by Raag Desh – a traditional Hindustani Raag and known for its signature pentatonic movement of notes --swar. Raag Desh has ornamented various songs from India, including the national song of India - Vande Mataram.

Indian, Australian artists come together on India's Independence Day for joint composition

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Sidhant Sibal

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