India has raised the matter with Washington on the new guidelines issued by the country under which foreign students whose universities have moved online due to COVID-19 will have to leave the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-chinese-students-face-deportation-as-us-changes-visa-policy-amid-pandemic-311429">Also Read:&nbsp;Indian, Chinese students face deportation as US changes visa policy amid pandemic</a>

The matter was raised during the India-US foreign office consultations between Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Assuring New Delhi, sources said, the US side took note and said they will keep the best interests of the students in mind and would try and mitigate the impact.&nbsp;

The Indian government readout of the talks said,"discussed ways to further enhance mutually beneficial trade and people-to-people ties, including through visa facilitation for students and professionals."&nbsp;

This action will majorly impact Indian students. More than 200,000 Indian students are currently pursuing various courses in the US, which form the second highest number of foreign students after Chinese students.

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announced modifications for non-immigrant students taking online classes due to the pandemic for the fall 2020 semester.&nbsp;

The release from the US immigration and customs enforcement said,"Active students currently in the United States enrolled in such programs must depart the country or take other measures, such as transferring to a school with in-person instruction to remain in lawful status."

"If not, they may face immigration consequences including, but not limited to, the initiation of removal proceedings."

Detailed implementation guidelines are yet to come out.

India has raised the matter with Washington on the new guidelines issued by the country under which foreign students whose universities have moved online due to COVID-19 will have to leave the country.

India has raised the matter with Washington on the new guidelines issued by the country under which foreign students whose universities have moved online due to COVID-19 will have to leave the country. Also Read: Indian, Chinese students face deportation as US changes visa policy amid pandemic The matter was raised during the India-US foreign office consultations between Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale on Tuesday. Assuring New Delhi, sources said, the US side took note and said they will keep the best interests of the students in mind and would try and mitigate the impact. The Indian government readout of the talks said,"discussed ways to further enhance mutually beneficial trade and people-to-people ties, including through visa facilitation for students and professionals." This action will majorly impact Indian students. More than 200,000 Indian students are currently pursuing various courses in the US, which form the second highest number of foreign students after Chinese students. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announced modifications for non-immigrant students taking online classes due to the pandemic for the fall 2020 semester. The release from the US immigration and customs enforcement said,"Active students currently in the United States enrolled in such programs must depart the country or take other measures, such as transferring to a school with in-person instruction to remain in lawful status." "If not, they may face immigration consequences including, but not limited to, the initiation of removal proceedings." Detailed implementation guidelines are yet to come out.

India raises foreign student visa issue with US

Highlighting how Pakistan continues to support terror amidst COVID pandemic, India has said, Pakistan must introspect upon why it is universally acknowledged as the "international epicentre of terrorism and the best safe haven for terrorists."

Speaking at the Virtual Counter-Terrorism Week, Mahaveer Singhvi Head of Indian Delegation said, “While the world is coming together to battle the pandemic, it is unfortunate that Pakistan, a state which sponsors cross border terrorism, continues to use every opportunity to peddle false narratives and make baseless, malicious and egregious allegations against India and interfere in our internal affairs."

The statement made during," “The global scourge of terrorism: Assessment of high-risk threats and trends including the rise of violent extremism and hate speech in a pandemic environment”, India called on the international community to ask Pakistan "to take sustained, verifiable and irreversible actions against terror outfits operating on the territory under its control.”

India listed out the Pakistani role in the terror attack on the Indian mission in Kabul, Mumbai terror attack of 2008, Pathankot attack of 2016, Uri and Pulwama.

Bringing to notice the recent comments by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in the national parliament terming 9/11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden a martyr, Singhvi said, “This is a chilling reminder of the patronage, and that the international terrorists receive in Pakistan."

In the past, Pakistan’s Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the presence of up to 40,000 terrorists in his country and a recent report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team of the UN Security Council reported that around 6,500 Pakistani terrorists belonging to LeT and JeM are operating in Afghanistan.

On Pakistan raking Kashmir, India said the country," continues to peddle false and motivated narrative on the situation in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir" while it seeks "to portray its military, financial, logistical support to cross border terrorism against India as a freedom struggle. It is also peddling misinformation about India’s domestic legislation and policies."

India also pointed out the human rights violations in Balochistan, Kyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan occupied Kashmir and the "systematically and consistently discriminated against its religious and cultural minorities".

Singhvi said, “Members from minority communities have held high offices in India, including Presidents and Prime Ministers. Pakistan, being a theocratic State, may find it difficult to fathom India’s secular credentials."

Adding," The least, Pakistan could do, therefore, is to look into its own sorry state of affairs and put its house in order before pointing finger at others and spewing venom against the democratically elected Indian government and its leaders."

Highlighting how Pakistan continues to support terror amidst COVID pandemic, India has said, Pakistan must introspect upon why it is universally acknowledged as the "international epicentre of terrorism and the best safe haven for terrorists.

Highlighting how Pakistan continues to support terror amidst COVID pandemic, India has said, Pakistan must introspect upon why it is universally acknowledged as the "international epicentre of terrorism and the best safe haven for terrorists." Speaking at the Virtual Counter-Terrorism Week, Mahaveer Singhvi Head of Indian Delegation said, “While the world is coming together to battle the pandemic, it is unfortunate that Pakistan, a state which sponsors cross border terrorism, continues to use every opportunity to peddle false narratives and make baseless, malicious and egregious allegations against India and interfere in our internal affairs." The statement made during," “The global scourge of terrorism: Assessment of high-risk threats and trends including the rise of violent extremism and hate speech in a pandemic environment”, India called on the international community to ask Pakistan "to take sustained, verifiable and irreversible actions against terror outfits operating on the territory under its control.” India listed out the Pakistani role in the terror attack on the Indian mission in Kabul, Mumbai terror attack of 2008, Pathankot attack of 2016, Uri and Pulwama. Bringing to notice the recent comments by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in the national parliament terming 9/11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden a martyr, Singhvi said, “This is a chilling reminder of the patronage, and that the international terrorists receive in Pakistan." In the past, Pakistan’s Prime Minister has publicly acknowledged the presence of up to 40,000 terrorists in his country and a recent report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team of the UN Security Council reported that around 6,500 Pakistani terrorists belonging to LeT and JeM are operating in Afghanistan. On Pakistan raking Kashmir, India said the country," continues to peddle false and motivated narrative on the situation in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir" while it seeks "to portray its military, financial, logistical support to cross border terrorism against India as a freedom struggle. It is also peddling misinformation about India’s domestic legislation and policies." India also pointed out the human rights violations in Balochistan, Kyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan occupied Kashmir and the "systematically and consistently discriminated against its religious and cultural minorities". Singhvi said, “Members from minority communities have held high offices in India, including Presidents and Prime Ministers. Pakistan, being a theocratic State, may find it difficult to fathom India’s secular credentials." Adding," The least, Pakistan could do, therefore, is to look into its own sorry state of affairs and put its house in order before pointing finger at others and spewing venom against the democratically elected Indian government and its leaders."

Amidst Covid-19, Pakistan continues to support terror says India at United Nations

The ruling Nepal communist party (NCP)'s standing committee meeting has been postponed yet again amid fissure within the party. Rift has been growing between the co-chairs of the party--Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli and Prachanda.

The ruling Nepal communist party (NCP)'s standing committee meeting has been postponed yet again amid fissure within the party. Rift has been growing between the co-chairs of the party--Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli and Prachanda. The meet is now expected to take place on Friday. The meet has been postponed for the third time since Saturday when it was expected to meet first. The committee has been meeting earlier with Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli facing criticism from other members of the party over mishandling of the COVID crisis, anti-India comments by him and corruption crisis. Meanwhile growing interference of Chinese envoy to Nepal Hou Yanqi has been now the subject of national debate in the country. She has been meeting members of the NCP to defuse the tensions and with these pictures going viral. Nepali newspaper The Himalayan has a picture of protests against Chinese envoy in Nepal over Beijing's involvement in the country. The pictures show Chinese envoy's face marked with another poster saying,"Keep in the embassy, not in our leader's house" Kathmandu Post, Kantipur times have also talked about Chinese envoy's role in the country's internal politics with Kathmandu post having a headline story of about Nepal PM's failure on foreign policy.

Ruling Nepal Communist Party's standing committee meeting postponed yet again

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched an investigation into the Kerala smuggling case to find out who was trying to smuggle gold to India under its consulate's name in the southern state and had sent the cargo addressed to it.

According to local authorities, Sarith Kumar, a former PRO at the consulate and one Swapna Suresh, working with Kerala govt IT Company were involved in the gold smuggling racket.&nbsp;A major political row has broken in Kerala after customs seized the diplomatic baggage containing gold worth crores a few days ago.&nbsp;

A statement by the UAE mission in Delhi said, "The authorities have stressed that the culprits who not only committed a major crime but also sought to tarnish the reputation of the UAE mission in India will not be spared. We remain committed to cooperating with Indian authorities in getting to the root of the crime."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-gold-smuggling-ias-officer-m-sivasankar-removed-from-it-secretary-post-311388" hreflang="en">Kerala gold smuggling: IAS officer M Sivasankar removed from IT secretary post</a>

The mission pointed out that the, "employee in question was fired for misconduct long preceding this incident. At this time, it appears that this individual exploited his knowledge of the mission’s channels to engage in criminal activity."

The UAE Embassy has also "utterly condemned&nbsp;the attempted misuse of diplomatic channels by an individual engaged in smuggling activity".

Swapna Suresh&nbsp;was working as a manager at the Kerala State Information technology infrastructure limited company and was hired by IAS official M Sivasankar. Sivasankar, principal secretary to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has been now removed and has been replaced by Mir Muhammad Ali. The opposition in the state is now seeking a wider probe into the matter.&nbsp;

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched an investigation into the Kerala smuggling case to find out who was trying to smuggle gold to India under its consulate's name in the southern state and had sent the cargo addressed to it.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched an investigation into the Kerala smuggling case to find out who was trying to smuggle gold to India under its consulate's name in the southern state and had sent the cargo addressed to it. According to local authorities, Sarith Kumar, a former PRO at the consulate and one Swapna Suresh, working with Kerala govt IT Company were involved in the gold smuggling racket. A major political row has broken in Kerala after customs seized the diplomatic baggage containing gold worth crores a few days ago. A statement by the UAE mission in Delhi said, "The authorities have stressed that the culprits who not only committed a major crime but also sought to tarnish the reputation of the UAE mission in India will not be spared. We remain committed to cooperating with Indian authorities in getting to the root of the crime." Also read: Kerala gold smuggling: IAS officer M Sivasankar removed from IT secretary post The mission pointed out that the, "employee in question was fired for misconduct long preceding this incident. At this time, it appears that this individual exploited his knowledge of the mission’s channels to engage in criminal activity." The UAE Embassy has also "utterly condemned the attempted misuse of diplomatic channels by an individual engaged in smuggling activity". Swapna Suresh was working as a manager at the Kerala State Information technology infrastructure limited company and was hired by IAS official M Sivasankar. Sivasankar, principal secretary to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has been now removed and has been replaced by Mir Muhammad Ali. The opposition in the state is now seeking a wider probe into the matter.

Kerala smuggling case: UAE launches investigation; says culprits won't be spared

Disengagement by Chinese side continued at the Line of Actual Control(LAC) with more rearward movement of Chinese troops seen on Tuesday. Government sources expect complete disengagement at Patrol Point PP 15 to finish by Wednesday and at Patrol Point PP 17 Alpha in next 2 day. The reduction of Chinese forces has been seen at Pangong Lake.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-carrying-out-intensive-night-time-operations-over-eastern-ladakh-311304">Also Read:&nbsp;IAF carrying out intensive night-time operations over eastern Ladakh</a>

Monday saw confirmation on the disengagement amid days of heightened tensions between India and China after the violent face-off at the Galwan Valley on June 15 that saw the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers. The Chinese side also suffered casualties but haven't confirmed the numbers.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, to avoid accidental friction, patroling has been suspended in the disengaged area temporarily but both sides have not given up the right to patrol.

Sunday saw Special Representatives level talks between India and China with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Wang Yi, Chinese foreign minister speaking to each other for 2 hours.

During the talks, both sides "agreed that it was necessary to ensure at the earliest complete disengagement of the troops along the LAC and de-escalation from India-China border areas" for full restoration of peace and tranquillity and in this regard "they further agreed that both sides should complete the ongoing disengagement process along the LAC expeditiously", the Indian read out on the talks stated.&nbsp;

The Chinese readout also called for "complete disengagement of the front-line troops as soon as possible." 
&nbsp;

Disengagement by Chinese side continued at the Line of Actual Control(LAC) with more rearward movement of Chinese troops seen on Tuesday. Government sources expect complete disengagement at Patrol Point PP 15 to finish by Wednesday and at Patrol Point PP 17 Alpha in next 2 day.

Disengagement by Chinese side continued at the Line of Actual Control(LAC) with more rearward movement of Chinese troops seen on Tuesday. Government sources expect complete disengagement at Patrol Point PP 15 to finish by Wednesday and at Patrol Point PP 17 Alpha in next 2 day. The reduction of Chinese forces has been seen at Pangong Lake. Also Read: IAF carrying out intensive night-time operations over eastern Ladakh Monday saw confirmation on the disengagement amid days of heightened tensions between India and China after the violent face-off at the Galwan Valley on June 15 that saw the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers. The Chinese side also suffered casualties but haven't confirmed the numbers. Meanwhile, to avoid accidental friction, patroling has been suspended in the disengaged area temporarily but both sides have not given up the right to patrol. Sunday saw Special Representatives level talks between India and China with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Wang Yi, Chinese foreign minister speaking to each other for 2 hours. During the talks, both sides "agreed that it was necessary to ensure at the earliest complete disengagement of the troops along the LAC and de-escalation from India-China border areas" for full restoration of peace and tranquillity and in this regard "they further agreed that both sides should complete the ongoing disengagement process along the LAC expeditiously", the Indian read out on the talks stated. The Chinese readout also called for "complete disengagement of the front-line troops as soon as possible."

India-China standoff: Disengagement continues at LAC; reduction of Chinese troops takes place at Pangong lake

India and Canada have discussed growing Chinese aggression, something that has been a cause of worry for both the countries. The matter was discussed between Indian High Commissioner to Canada Ajay Bisaria and Canadian Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne (FPC) last week on June 3.&nbsp;

The Indian envoy after the meet tweeted, "Engaging conversation today with Foreign Minister of Canada Hon. @FP_Champagne. Discussed range of bilat issues, recent global events. Agreed on the role of growing economic engagement in strengthening ties between our plural, diverse democracies."

In response to a WION question, the Canadian foreign ministry said,"Minister Champagne and High Commissioner Bisaria discussed several issues of mutual concern. Minister Champagne and High Commissioner Bisaria looked forward to continuing to work together to strengthen the Canada-India relationship."

Both sides briefed each other about the ongoing situation with China. When it comes to India, Chinese build-up at Line of Actual Control has been a major cause of worry and June month saw violent face-off that killed 20 Indian soldiers. The Chinese side has been mum about casualty number on its side.&nbsp;

New Delhi has already briefed US, Russia, Japan, France and Germany on the India China violent face-off of 15th June.&nbsp;

Ties between Canada and China worsened after Canada arrested Meng Wanzhow, Chief Financial officer of Huawei which was followed by the arrests of former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and Businessman Michael Spavor by China on charges of espionage. Canada arrested Huawei CFO on the request of the US for violating Iran sanctions.

After the new security law announced by Bejing for Hong Kong, ties have futher taken a dip with Canada suspending extradition treaty with Hong Kong.&nbsp;

India and Canada have discussed growing Chinese aggression, something that has been a cause of worry for both the countries. The matter was discussed between Indian High Commissioner to Canada Ajay Bisaria and Canadian Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne (FPC) last week on June 3.

India and Canada have discussed growing Chinese aggression, something that has been a cause of worry for both the countries. The matter was discussed between Indian High Commissioner to Canada Ajay Bisaria and Canadian Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne (FPC) last week on June 3. The Indian envoy after the meet tweeted, "Engaging conversation today with Foreign Minister of Canada Hon. @FP_Champagne. Discussed range of bilat issues, recent global events. Agreed on the role of growing economic engagement in strengthening ties between our plural, diverse democracies." In response to a WION question, the Canadian foreign ministry said,"Minister Champagne and High Commissioner Bisaria discussed several issues of mutual concern. Minister Champagne and High Commissioner Bisaria looked forward to continuing to work together to strengthen the Canada-India relationship." Both sides briefed each other about the ongoing situation with China. When it comes to India, Chinese build-up at Line of Actual Control has been a major cause of worry and June month saw violent face-off that killed 20 Indian soldiers. The Chinese side has been mum about casualty number on its side. New Delhi has already briefed US, Russia, Japan, France and Germany on the India China violent face-off of 15th June. Ties between Canada and China worsened after Canada arrested Meng Wanzhow, Chief Financial officer of Huawei which was followed by the arrests of former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and Businessman Michael Spavor by China on charges of espionage. Canada arrested Huawei CFO on the request of the US for violating Iran sanctions. After the new security law announced by Bejing for Hong Kong, ties have futher taken a dip with Canada suspending extradition treaty with Hong Kong.

India, Canada discuss Chinese aggression, bilateral issues

India has confirmed that disengagement has started by Chinese at the Line of actual control at 3 locations — Galwan, Hot springs and Gogra. WION had broken the story 10 days ago on June 24 that disengagement has started with Chinese troops moving away from the 3 locations. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-disengagement-begins-at-lacs-three-flash-points-308350">Also read: Disengagement begins at LAC's three flash points</a>

Sources said, “Rearward movement of vehicles of PLA seen at General area Galwan, Hotsprings &amp; Gogra."&nbsp;

At Galwan, Chinese troops have been seen moving away 1-2 Km away with tents being removed by them.&nbsp;

"Disengagement with PLA has started as per agreed terms in the Corps Commander's meeting", sources added.&nbsp;

Both militaries had talks on June 6, June 22 and June 30 on disengagement modalities. It is after June 22, thinning of troops was seen. The June 22 talks lasted for 11 hours while June 30 lasted for 12 hours.&nbsp;

Since early May 2020, the Chinese side has been hindering India's normal patrolling pattern the LAC area in Ladakh.&nbsp;

In Mid-May, the Chinese side attempted to transgress the LAC in other areas of the Western Sector of the India-China border areas and this was met with an appropriate response by Indian forces.

India has confirmed that disengagement has started by Chinese at the Line of actual control at 3 locations — Galwan, Hot springs and Gogra. WION had broken the story 10 days ago on June 24 that disengagement has started with Chinese troops moving away from the 3 locations.

India has confirmed that disengagement has started by Chinese at the Line of actual control at 3 locations — Galwan, Hot springs and Gogra. WION had broken the story 10 days ago on June 24 that disengagement has started with Chinese troops moving away from the 3 locations. Also read: Disengagement begins at LAC's three flash points Sources said, “Rearward movement of vehicles of PLA seen at General area Galwan, Hotsprings & Gogra." At Galwan, Chinese troops have been seen moving away 1-2 Km away with tents being removed by them. "Disengagement with PLA has started as per agreed terms in the Corps Commander's meeting", sources added. Both militaries had talks on June 6, June 22 and June 30 on disengagement modalities. It is after June 22, thinning of troops was seen. The June 22 talks lasted for 11 hours while June 30 lasted for 12 hours. Since early May 2020, the Chinese side has been hindering India's normal patrolling pattern the LAC area in Ladakh. In Mid-May, the Chinese side attempted to transgress the LAC in other areas of the Western Sector of the India-China border areas and this was met with an appropriate response by Indian forces.

Government confirms what WION told you 10 days ago - China moves troops back from Galwan Valley

Somaliland, a full fledged functioning defacto independent country in the horn of Africa, has established ties with Taiwan. What is significant is that Somaliland borders Djibouti that host many foriegn bases including the only base foriegn base of China.&nbsp;

Chinese People's Liberation Army Support Base in Djibouti was established in 2017 and gives the Chinese navy an oversight from Suez canal to western Indian ocean.

The Taiwanese foreign ministry said, "We've signed an agreement with Somaliland to establish good relations."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-hunger-for-others-land-knows-no-limits-its-latest-target-is-russia-310561">Also read|&nbsp;China's hunger for others' land knows no limits. It's latest target is Russia</a>

A Taiwan Representative Office will be set up in this "independent country on the Horn of Africa" and "We're thousands of miles apart, but share a deep-seated love of freedom and democracy" the statement from Taipei.

The Somaliland FM Yasin Hagi Mohamoud was himself in the Taiwan to sign the agreement and establishment of diplomatic ties, welcomed by both Tsai Ing-wen President of Taiwan and Muse Bihi Abdi President of Somaliland.

Remember Somaliland in north western Somalia, while is a fully functioning country, but is not recognised globally. Few engagements with foriegn govts have happened including with South Africa, UK, Djibouti, Sweden.

Eswatini is the only country to have diplomatic ties with Taiwan so far in Africa. Burkina Faso in 2018 broke official ties with Taiwan. Taiwan has formal ties with 15 countries, and substantial relationship with most countries in the world.&nbsp;

Its passport is officially accepted by more than 150 countries and enjoys a high-level of visa exemption or facilitation treatment due to its people's 20 million outbound visits every year.

Somaliland, a full fledged functioning defacto independent country in the horn of Africa, has established ties with Taiwan. What is significant is that Somaliland borders Djibouti that host many foriegn bases including the only base foriegn base of China.

Somaliland, a full fledged functioning defacto independent country in the horn of Africa, has established ties with Taiwan. What is significant is that Somaliland borders Djibouti that host many foriegn bases including the only base foriegn base of China. Chinese People's Liberation Army Support Base in Djibouti was established in 2017 and gives the Chinese navy an oversight from Suez canal to western Indian ocean. The Taiwanese foreign ministry said, "We've signed an agreement with Somaliland to establish good relations." Also read| China's hunger for others' land knows no limits. It's latest target is Russia A Taiwan Representative Office will be set up in this "independent country on the Horn of Africa" and "We're thousands of miles apart, but share a deep-seated love of freedom and democracy" the statement from Taipei. The Somaliland FM Yasin Hagi Mohamoud was himself in the Taiwan to sign the agreement and establishment of diplomatic ties, welcomed by both Tsai Ing-wen President of Taiwan and Muse Bihi Abdi President of Somaliland. Remember Somaliland in north western Somalia, while is a fully functioning country, but is not recognised globally. Few engagements with foriegn govts have happened including with South Africa, UK, Djibouti, Sweden. Eswatini is the only country to have diplomatic ties with Taiwan so far in Africa. Burkina Faso in 2018 broke official ties with Taiwan. Taiwan has formal ties with 15 countries, and substantial relationship with most countries in the world. Its passport is officially accepted by more than 150 countries and enjoys a high-level of visa exemption or facilitation treatment due to its people's 20 million outbound visits every year.

Somaliland, next to China's only military base in Indian Ocean establishes ties with Taiwan

The home ministry has blacklisted Houston based Pakistani event manager Rehan Siddiqui associated with organising Bollywood events in the US. The issue surfaced earlier this year when the link between Rehan Siddiqui's organising of Bollywood events and his funding of anti-India propaganda especially related Kashmir had surfaced. He has been associated with organising Bollywood events in the US, something that had been highlighted by the diaspora.

The matter was raised by Shiv Sena MP Rahul Shewale from Mumbai South-Central constituency. The MP from Mumbai had written a letter on February 15th to the home minister highlighting the issue requesting him, "to desist Indian artists to collude with anti-India elements in the US".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-global-image-continues-to-worsen-pia-suspension-in-eu-latest-fallout-310309">Pakistan's global image continues to worsen, PIA suspension in EU latest fallout</a>

In a letter tweeted by the MP from MoS Home G Krishna Reddy said, "I have got the issue examined. The MEA has apprised that Rehan Siddiqui... has&nbsp;been blacklisted on the recommendation of the consulate general of India, Houston".&nbsp;

The MHA, via the MEA, has requested Indian mission in Washington DC and consulate general in India in Houston to engage with cultural bodies "bona fide Bollywood affiliates local entities to ensure that appropriate message is conveyed to Indian actors and artists so that they disassociate themselves from such anti-national elements".

The Rehan Siddiqui incident had caused a lot of social media backlash with calls to boycott the event organised by him for Bollywood.

The home ministry has blacklisted Houston based Pakistani event manager Rehan Siddiqui associated with organising Bollywood events in the US. The issue surfaced earlier this year when the link between Rehan Siddiqui's organising of Bollywood events and his funding of anti-India propaganda especially related Kashmir had surfaced.

The home ministry has blacklisted Houston based Pakistani event manager Rehan Siddiqui associated with organising Bollywood events in the US. The issue surfaced earlier this year when the link between Rehan Siddiqui's organising of Bollywood events and his funding of anti-India propaganda especially related Kashmir had surfaced. He has been associated with organising Bollywood events in the US, something that had been highlighted by the diaspora. The matter was raised by Shiv Sena MP Rahul Shewale from Mumbai South-Central constituency. The MP from Mumbai had written a letter on February 15th to the home minister highlighting the issue requesting him, "to desist Indian artists to collude with anti-India elements in the US". Also read | Pakistan's global image continues to worsen, PIA suspension in EU latest fallout In a letter tweeted by the MP from MoS Home G Krishna Reddy said, "I have got the issue examined. The MEA has apprised that Rehan Siddiqui... has been blacklisted on the recommendation of the consulate general of India, Houston". The MHA, via the MEA, has requested Indian mission in Washington DC and consulate general in India in Houston to engage with cultural bodies "bona fide Bollywood affiliates local entities to ensure that appropriate message is conveyed to Indian actors and artists so that they disassociate themselves from such anti-national elements". The Rehan Siddiqui incident had caused a lot of social media backlash with calls to boycott the event organised by him for Bollywood.

India blacklists Pakistani organiser of Bollywood events in Houston

The Afghan Security Forces (ASF) on Monday night destroyed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) camp at the Afghanistan Pakistan border. The operation lasted for two hours from 11 PM to 1 AM and resulted in two Lashkar cadres being killed. This includes LeT commander Abu Bakar from Khyber Agency in Pakistan, whose body was left on the Afghan side.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-pak-border-sanctuary-for-terror-groups-pentagon-310240" hreflang="en">Afghan-Pak border sanctuary for terror groups: Pentagon</a>

During the action, two members of Afghan Security Forces also died and five were injured. The incidence happened close to Durand Line at Spinzara near Durbaba area of Naizan district of Nangarhar. Durand Line is the name of Afghanistan Pakistan border and the area of operation is in the eastern province of Nangarhar that borders Pakistan.

The action came after Lashkar-e-Taiba reportedly established camps in Wargah and Tordarah on the border and were launching attacks on Afghan forces from there. Members of the Taliban were also present during the operation. Sources believe that the causalities on LeT and Taliban side is much higher as the dead and injured were taken by those who were fleeing back to Pakistan in vehicles.

The development comes even as Pentagon in its report on Afghanistan said, "Afghanistan-Pakistan border region remains a sanctuary for various groups" and this includes Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT).

Last month a United Nations report said that about 6,500 Pakistanis foreign terrorist fighters are present in Afghanistan including 1,000 belonging to Pakistan based terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. The report said, most of the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba fighters are co-located with Taliban fighters and are hand in glove with them.

Meanwhile, concerns have been expressed European Union heads of mission on the escalation of violence. The statement possed by EU mission in Afghanistan said, "The attacks by the Taliban against Afghan National Defence and security forces are undermining the prospect for Intra Afghan negotiation, this must end and a full-fledged ceasefire enter into force"&nbsp;

EU mission strongly condemned the "targeted killings" which have "risen sharply in recent weeks" directed against the clergy, journalist, media workers, human rights defenders. The EU said: "The violence must stop now and an immediate humanitarian ceasefire put in place" and "a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire is a subsequent step that needs to accompany the infra afghan negotiations". 
&nbsp;

The Afghan Security Forces (ASF) on Monday night destroyed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) camp at the Afghanistan Pakistan border. The operation lasted for two hours from 11 PM to 1 AM and resulted in two Lashkar cadres being killed.

The Afghan Security Forces (ASF) on Monday night destroyed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) camp at the Afghanistan Pakistan border. The operation lasted for two hours from 11 PM to 1 AM and resulted in two Lashkar cadres being killed. This includes LeT commander Abu Bakar from Khyber Agency in Pakistan, whose body was left on the Afghan side. Also read: Afghan-Pak border sanctuary for terror groups: Pentagon During the action, two members of Afghan Security Forces also died and five were injured. The incidence happened close to Durand Line at Spinzara near Durbaba area of Naizan district of Nangarhar. Durand Line is the name of Afghanistan Pakistan border and the area of operation is in the eastern province of Nangarhar that borders Pakistan. The action came after Lashkar-e-Taiba reportedly established camps in Wargah and Tordarah on the border and were launching attacks on Afghan forces from there. Members of the Taliban were also present during the operation. Sources believe that the causalities on LeT and Taliban side is much higher as the dead and injured were taken by those who were fleeing back to Pakistan in vehicles. The development comes even as Pentagon in its report on Afghanistan said, "Afghanistan-Pakistan border region remains a sanctuary for various groups" and this includes Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT). Last month a United Nations report said that about 6,500 Pakistanis foreign terrorist fighters are present in Afghanistan including 1,000 belonging to Pakistan based terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. The report said, most of the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba fighters are co-located with Taliban fighters and are hand in glove with them. Meanwhile, concerns have been expressed European Union heads of mission on the escalation of violence. The statement possed by EU mission in Afghanistan said, "The attacks by the Taliban against Afghan National Defence and security forces are undermining the prospect for Intra Afghan negotiation, this must end and a full-fledged ceasefire enter into force" EU mission strongly condemned the "targeted killings" which have "risen sharply in recent weeks" directed against the clergy, journalist, media workers, human rights defenders. The EU said: "The violence must stop now and an immediate humanitarian ceasefire put in place" and "a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire is a subsequent step that needs to accompany the infra afghan negotiations".

Exclusive: Afghan forces destroy LeT camp at Af-Pak border; kill commander

Khalid Noor, 25, is the youngest member of the Afghan Negotiating team that will sit with the Taliban in the near future to draw out the peace plan for Afghanistan.

Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Kabul, Khalid said, Taliban knows Afghanistan has changed but "We have to see if they really mean that during negotiations".

He said, his "vision for his country is peaceful, independent and democratic Afghanistan". He also called India's role in the Afghan peace process a crucial one.

Khalid's father Atta Muhammad Noor, a powerful Afghan politician had in 2016 took up the gun himself to protect the Indian consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif during a terror attack.

WION: Afghanistan is an old nation, with a young population. We see more young people in public policy. What is your vision for Afghanistan?

Khalid Noor: Afghanistan has been at war for more than 4 decades. My people have been suffering for a generation. However, we are proud of our resilience. One-fourth of my generation, one-fourth of the country's population have been born during the war. This has made us strong and committed to rebuilding Afghanistan.

Post 9/11 a new society and a new generation has emerged. A &nbsp;generation that is well equipped with the latest knowledge and technology and indeed, there are more young people in a senior position and decision-making process in the country. For the first time, in a long time, the country is to young people in terms of jobs. My vision for my country is peaceful, independent and democratic Afghanistan--where there is human rights, where there is justice, where there is social justice, freedom, where we have rights of minorities, women rights. These are the values I envision for my country.&nbsp;

WION: How do you see your countries ties with India? 
Khalid Noor: India is a very old friend of Afghanistan and a very good one. We have a common culture and a common history, that goes back to thousands of years. India's role in Afghanistan in the last 19 years has been very very important to us. They have played a good role and contributed to rebuilding Afghanistan in the last 19 years.

I can name places, the house of parliament, an iconic building in the capital city and the Salma dam which an infrastructure project. These are 2 simple and small contribution of India to Afghanistan. The most important part which I see, the scholarship which our young people receive from India. We have more than 65000 graduates in the last few years from India, most of whom received scholarships. Education is the greatest gift that one can give and India as a strategic and good partner of Afghanistan has helped in building the country. Our hearts are very close to each other.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION: When you sit with the Taliban, along with your team, what will be your focus?&nbsp;Do you&nbsp;think, Taliban will be back like it was in 1996?

Khalid Noor: Taliban is misunderstanding reality on the ground. We have a strong govt, strong security force, strong institutions, a strong army in the country. Even if the Taliban tries to come to Afghanistan by force, they will face the national army and people Afghanistan and it will unrealistic to say that the Taliban came to Afghanistan the way they came in 1996.

When I go and when my team goes to the negotiating table we have a huge responsibility of conveying the message of our people, the message of new Afghanistan and defending the republic, the constitution of Afghanistan, especially the second&nbsp;chapter of constitution which is very important for us, that include human rights, women rights, the rights of minorities, freedom of expression, freedom of media, all these values we hold.

These are the things we will be taking our selves to the Taliban and on the table, we are giving a chance to the Taliban to reintegrate into the society and to come back and join the other Afghan fellows and have a good and peaceful life in the country.

WION: What is&nbsp;India's role in the Afghan peace process? Do you think, India should talk to the Taliban?

Khalid Noor: India as the key actor in the region, and also as an important partner of Afghanistan plays a very crucial role. A stable Afghanistan means a stable region, keeping this in mind, any peace deal should ensure the safety of the region and our allies and no one in the region, none of our neighbours should have any concerns regarding the peace deal. About India, as they have supported Afghanistan, Afghan govt, we expect India to keep on supporting the people of Afghanistan, Republic of Afghanistan and also support Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan controlled peace process.&nbsp;

WION: &nbsp;As a member of the team, how has been your experiences in Moscow, Doha and Pakistan. Who do you think, are not for Afghanistan, a stable prosperous Afghanistan?

Khalid Noor: I have met the Taliban on several occasions. In Moscow, Doha and have attended conferences on peace in Afganistan, one in Pakistan. My experiences have been very good.

Meeting face to face with others helps us know the narratives, different narratives of this war. It is also important to build personal trust if you going for negotiations with Taliban, building trust is the most important so that both sides can trust each other and these dialogues have helped and other people know the Taliban better and also my personal experience, Taliban in Doha, we went there and showed Taliban the new face of Afghanistan and the new Afghanistan.

They were surprised. They said, we know Afghanistan has changed and we respect that. We have to see if they really meant that during negotiations.

Khalid Noor, 25, is the youngest member of the Afghan Negotiating team that will sit with the Taliban in the near future to draw out the peace plan for Afghanistan.

Khalid Noor, 25, is the youngest member of the Afghan Negotiating team that will sit with the Taliban in the near future to draw out the peace plan for Afghanistan. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Kabul, Khalid said, Taliban knows Afghanistan has changed but "We have to see if they really mean that during negotiations". He said, his "vision for his country is peaceful, independent and democratic Afghanistan". He also called India's role in the Afghan peace process a crucial one. Khalid's father Atta Muhammad Noor, a powerful Afghan politician had in 2016 took up the gun himself to protect the Indian consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif during a terror attack. WION: Afghanistan is an old nation, with a young population. We see more young people in public policy. What is your vision for Afghanistan? Khalid Noor: Afghanistan has been at war for more than 4 decades. My people have been suffering for a generation. However, we are proud of our resilience. One-fourth of my generation, one-fourth of the country's population have been born during the war. This has made us strong and committed to rebuilding Afghanistan. Post 9/11 a new society and a new generation has emerged. A generation that is well equipped with the latest knowledge and technology and indeed, there are more young people in a senior position and decision-making process in the country. For the first time, in a long time, the country is to young people in terms of jobs. My vision for my country is peaceful, independent and democratic Afghanistan--where there is human rights, where there is justice, where there is social justice, freedom, where we have rights of minorities, women rights. These are the values I envision for my country. WION: How do you see your countries ties with India? Khalid Noor: India is a very old friend of Afghanistan and a very good one. We have a common culture and a common history, that goes back to thousands of years. India's role in Afghanistan in the last 19 years has been very very important to us. They have played a good role and contributed to rebuilding Afghanistan in the last 19 years. I can name places, the house of parliament, an iconic building in the capital city and the Salma dam which an infrastructure project. These are 2 simple and small contribution of India to Afghanistan. The most important part which I see, the scholarship which our young people receive from India. We have more than 65000 graduates in the last few years from India, most of whom received scholarships. Education is the greatest gift that one can give and India as a strategic and good partner of Afghanistan has helped in building the country. Our hearts are very close to each other. WION: When you sit with the Taliban, along with your team, what will be your focus? Do you think, Taliban will be back like it was in 1996? Khalid Noor: Taliban is misunderstanding reality on the ground. We have a strong govt, strong security force, strong institutions, a strong army in the country. Even if the Taliban tries to come to Afghanistan by force, they will face the national army and people Afghanistan and it will unrealistic to say that the Taliban came to Afghanistan the way they came in 1996. When I go and when my team goes to the negotiating table we have a huge responsibility of conveying the message of our people, the message of new Afghanistan and defending the republic, the constitution of Afghanistan, especially the second chapter of constitution which is very important for us, that include human rights, women rights, the rights of minorities, freedom of expression, freedom of media, all these values we hold. These are the things we will be taking our selves to the Taliban and on the table, we are giving a chance to the Taliban to reintegrate into the society and to come back and join the other Afghan fellows and have a good and peaceful life in the country. WION: What is India's role in the Afghan peace process? Do you think, India should talk to the Taliban? Khalid Noor: India as the key actor in the region, and also as an important partner of Afghanistan plays a very crucial role. A stable Afghanistan means a stable region, keeping this in mind, any peace deal should ensure the safety of the region and our allies and no one in the region, none of our neighbours should have any concerns regarding the peace deal. About India, as they have supported Afghanistan, Afghan govt, we expect India to keep on supporting the people of Afghanistan, Republic of Afghanistan and also support Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan controlled peace process. WION: As a member of the team, how has been your experiences in Moscow, Doha and Pakistan. Who do you think, are not for Afghanistan, a stable prosperous Afghanistan? Khalid Noor: I have met the Taliban on several occasions. In Moscow, Doha and have attended conferences on peace in Afganistan, one in Pakistan. My experiences have been very good. Meeting face to face with others helps us know the narratives, different narratives of this war. It is also important to build personal trust if you going for negotiations with Taliban, building trust is the most important so that both sides can trust each other and these dialogues have helped and other people know the Taliban better and also my personal experience, Taliban in Doha, we went there and showed Taliban the new face of Afghanistan and the new Afghanistan. They were surprised. They said, we know Afghanistan has changed and we respect that. We have to see if they really meant that during negotiations.

Want peaceful, democratic Afghanistan with rights for women, minorities: Khalid Noor

US Department of Defence or the Pentagon sees and appreciates&nbsp;India's role as positive in Afghanistan --&nbsp;as the "largest donor" to the country.

Highlighting the "traditionally" strong ties India has with Afghanistan, Pentagon in its report on Afghanistan said, "The Indian government does not support the Taliban politically and continues to support the Afghan government" and "India has reiterated its support for an Afghan-led, &nbsp;Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled peace process."

On the issue of counter-terror, the report said, "India works with regional state actors, the Afghan Government&nbsp;and Afghan power brokers to prevent transnational terrorist safe havens, and maintain access to Afghanistan as a gateway to Central Asian markets."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/want-peaceful-democratic-afghanistan-with-rights-for-women-minorities-khalid-noor-310052">Also read| Want peaceful, democratic Afghanistan with rights for women, minorities: Khalid Noor</a>

At $3 billion, India is the largest regional donor to Afghanistan since 2001. Indian aid to Afghanistan focuses primarily on four main categories-- humanitarian assistance, &nbsp;major infrastructure projects, small and community-based projects and education and capacity development.&nbsp;

But the report warned, "A significant deterioration of security conditions in Afghanistan, however, may adversely affect the ability of India to provide aid."

India has built the Afghan parliament, the India Afghan friendship dam in Herat province and provided scholarship to Afghan students. To increase connectivity, India has started the India-Afghanistan air corridor and via Chabahar provided connectivity via Iran. India also committed to taking up 116 High Impact Community Development Projects in 34 provinces of Afghanistan.

These important investments will be in the areas of education, health, agriculture, irrigation, drinking water, renewable energy, flood control, micro-hydro power, sports and administrative infrastructure.

US Department of Defence or the Pentagon sees and appreciates India's role as positive in Afghanistan -- as the "largest donor" to the country. Highlighting the "traditionally" strong ties India has with Afghanistan, Pentagon in its report on Afghanistan said, "The Indian government does not support the Taliban politically and continues to support the Afghan government" and "India has reiterated its support for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled peace process.

US Department of Defence or the Pentagon sees and appreciates India's role as positive in Afghanistan -- as the "largest donor" to the country. Highlighting the "traditionally" strong ties India has with Afghanistan, Pentagon in its report on Afghanistan said, "The Indian government does not support the Taliban politically and continues to support the Afghan government" and "India has reiterated its support for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled peace process." On the issue of counter-terror, the report said, "India works with regional state actors, the Afghan Government and Afghan power brokers to prevent transnational terrorist safe havens, and maintain access to Afghanistan as a gateway to Central Asian markets." Also read| Want peaceful, democratic Afghanistan with rights for women, minorities: Khalid Noor At $3 billion, India is the largest regional donor to Afghanistan since 2001. Indian aid to Afghanistan focuses primarily on four main categories-- humanitarian assistance, major infrastructure projects, small and community-based projects and education and capacity development. But the report warned, "A significant deterioration of security conditions in Afghanistan, however, may adversely affect the ability of India to provide aid." India has built the Afghan parliament, the India Afghan friendship dam in Herat province and provided scholarship to Afghan students. To increase connectivity, India has started the India-Afghanistan air corridor and via Chabahar provided connectivity via Iran. India also committed to taking up 116 High Impact Community Development Projects in 34 provinces of Afghanistan. These important investments will be in the areas of education, health, agriculture, irrigation, drinking water, renewable energy, flood control, micro-hydro power, sports and administrative infrastructure.

Pentagon sees India's role as positive in Afghanistan

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Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Sidhant Sibal

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