Continuing its support to Rohingya Refugees, India on Monday delivered relief material to Myanmar.

Indian Envoy to Myanmar Saurabh Kumar handed a relief material consisting&nbsp;20,000 kits of Rice, Rice Noodles, Toor Dal, Chana Dal, Soya Oil, Chili Powder, Turmeric Powder, Cumin Powder, Coriander Powder, Salt and Tarpaulin.

The handing over ceremony took place in the city of Sittwe, capital of the Rakhine Province in the presence of Myanmar's Social Welfare Minister Dr Win Myat Aye and state&nbsp;Chief Minister Nyi Pu.

Last year, India constructed 250 pre-fabricated houses for the refugees which were handed over to Rakhine government.

Other than this, to impart skill training for the Rohingya youth to increase employability, India has built two centres in Pakokku and&nbsp;Myingyan and two others will be operational soon at Monywa and&nbsp;Thaton.&nbsp;

New Delhi plans to build new projects like construction of pre-schools, solar power supply, water supply, road constructions and this under advance consideration.&nbsp;

Under the High Impact, Community Development Projects Indian government provided IT equipment to Sittwe Computer University and agriculture equipment to Rakhine State Government. Earlier, India had provided medical equipment to upgrade the facilities at Sittwe General Hospital.

In Myanmar, India is helping the Rohingya refugees to rebuild by providing infrastructure and skills, while&nbsp;in Bangladesh, through Operation Insaniyat, New Delhi is helping the refugees.

In September 2017, India started the support operation for refugees in Bangladesh by supplying essential items etc.

Continuing its support to Rohingya Refugees, India on Monday delivered relief material to Myanmar. Indian Envoy to Myanmar Saurabh Kumar handed a relief material consisting 20,000 kits of Rice, Rice Noodles, Toor Dal, Chana Dal, Soya Oil, Chili Powder, Turmeric Powder, Cumin Powder, Coriander Powder, Salt and Tarpaulin.

Continuing its support to Rohingya Refugees, India on Monday delivered relief material to Myanmar. Indian Envoy to Myanmar Saurabh Kumar handed a relief material consisting 20,000 kits of Rice, Rice Noodles, Toor Dal, Chana Dal, Soya Oil, Chili Powder, Turmeric Powder, Cumin Powder, Coriander Powder, Salt and Tarpaulin. The handing over ceremony took place in the city of Sittwe, capital of the Rakhine Province in the presence of Myanmar's Social Welfare Minister Dr Win Myat Aye and state Chief Minister Nyi Pu. Last year, India constructed 250 pre-fabricated houses for the refugees which were handed over to Rakhine government. Other than this, to impart skill training for the Rohingya youth to increase employability, India has built two centres in Pakokku and Myingyan and two others will be operational soon at Monywa and Thaton. New Delhi plans to build new projects like construction of pre-schools, solar power supply, water supply, road constructions and this under advance consideration. Under the High Impact, Community Development Projects Indian government provided IT equipment to Sittwe Computer University and agriculture equipment to Rakhine State Government. Earlier, India had provided medical equipment to upgrade the facilities at Sittwe General Hospital. In Myanmar, India is helping the Rohingya refugees to rebuild by providing infrastructure and skills, while in Bangladesh, through Operation Insaniyat, New Delhi is helping the refugees. In September 2017, India started the support operation for refugees in Bangladesh by supplying essential items etc.

India provides relief assistance to Myanmar's Rohingya refugees; sends 20,000 kits of food items

Bangladesh's foreign minister AK Abdul Momen has said when it comes to Citizenship amendment law and NRC, they trust New Delhi and Indian leadership. Opinion: How Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is different from NRC and NPR Speaking exclusively with WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Momen said, India has assured Dhaka that these issues will not impact Bangladesh and he believes in the Indian government.

Bangladesh's foreign minister AK Abdul Momen has said when it comes to Citizenship amendment law and NRC, they trust New Delhi and Indian leadership. Opinion: How Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is different from NRC and NPR Speaking exclusively with WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Momen said, India has assured Dhaka that these issues will not impact Bangladesh and he believes in the Indian government. Opinion: How CAA and NRC affect India-Bangladesh ties He also spoke on Teesta, SAARC and other issues. WION is the first channel in India with which Bangladesh FM has spoken extensively since the passage of CAA law in December of 2019. WION: How you see current ties between India and Bangladesh? A K Abdul Momen: Current ties between Bangladesh and India are simply excellent. Our relationship is based on mutual trust and confidence. WION: The key has been connectivity, how is the work going on the projects? A K Abdul Momen: Work on connectivity is progressing smoothly. WION: How do you see India's support on Rohingya refugee issue? Do u think India needs to do more? A K Abdul Momen: India assured us of full support on Rohingya issue. Being a friend, our expectation is that they will do much more proactively and effectively. WION: Are you hopefull, Teesta Issue will be resolved with India, given that it has been a long-pending issue? A K Abdul Momen: Yes, we are hopeful that Teesta issue will be resolved as India promised it. WION: The citizenship amendment law, is something that has been a talked about. Do you think, it is going to have a negative impact on the state of relationship? A K Abdul Momen: CAA and NRC issues are India's internal issues. India assured us repeatedly that these issues will not affect Bangladesh at all. We have trust in Indian leadership and we expect that India, being our historic friend will not do anything that may cause harm to Bangladesh. WION: On SAARC, do you think the body is dead? A K Abdul Momen: When relationship and confidence between Pakistan and India will improve, SAARC can be more effective and can deliver better. Thank you.

India will not harm Bangladesh, we trust New Delhi: Bangladesh's Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on CAA-NRC

Waking up at 3 AM, reaching Vijay Chowk by 4 AM, marching 12-14 kilometres per day is part of the two-month drill for flight lieutenant Shrikant Sharma and his 144 men contingent as they prepare for Republic day 2020.&nbsp;

Leading the Air Force's contingent again at Republic Day 2020 for the second year in a row, lieutenant Sharma told WION, "The feeling is actually the same, rather it has doubled as compared to last year. The amount of pressure, physical exertion, and level of training increase every year."

Asked about the competition, lieutenant Sharma said, "in this journey, competition for me was not with the rest of 39 officers. It was a competition with me, from myself as compared to last year".

Forty officers were called for the selection to lead the Air Force's contingent.&nbsp;

In the evening session, they go for a run for 6-8 kilometres, followed by physical training and yoga.&nbsp;

This year, the IAF Tableau will have models of Rafale aircraft, indigenously developed light combat aircraft and light combat helicopter and surface to air guided weapon Aakash missile system and Astra missiles.

Waking up at 3 AM, reaching Vijay Chowk by 4 AM, marching 12-14 kilometres per day is part of the two-month drill for flight lieutenant Shrikant Sharma and his 144 men contingent as they prepare for Republic day 2020.

Waking up at 3 AM, reaching Vijay Chowk by 4 AM, marching 12-14 kilometres per day is part of the two-month drill for flight lieutenant Shrikant Sharma and his 144 men contingent as they prepare for Republic day 2020. Leading the Air Force's contingent again at Republic Day 2020 for the second year in a row, lieutenant Sharma told WION, "The feeling is actually the same, rather it has doubled as compared to last year. The amount of pressure, physical exertion, and level of training increase every year." Asked about the competition, lieutenant Sharma said, "in this journey, competition for me was not with the rest of 39 officers. It was a competition with me, from myself as compared to last year". Forty officers were called for the selection to lead the Air Force's contingent. In the evening session, they go for a run for 6-8 kilometres, followed by physical training and yoga. This year, the IAF Tableau will have models of Rafale aircraft, indigenously developed light combat aircraft and light combat helicopter and surface to air guided weapon Aakash missile system and Astra missiles.

'It's a proud moment', says flight lieutenant Shrikant Sharma on leading IAF contingent in Republic Day parade

Reaffirming close India-Russia strategic ties, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brics-is-new-model-of-international-contact-russian-envoy-to-india-261083">Russian envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev</a> has said Moscow's ties with New Delhi is "second to none".

Speaking to WION, Kudashev said, "Our relationship with India is second to none. This is a relationship which is a privileged strategic partnership."

"We supply topmost technology and weapons, committed to Indian industries like nuclear," he added. &nbsp;

The comments come days before Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov's India visit next week. PM Modi will travel to Russia in May and a return visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin can be expected towards the end of the year.&nbsp;

On Kashmir, he reiterated his government's stand saying, "Kashmir is an internal matter of India, it belongs to the constitutional space of India. We always consider the internal affairs of your country."

When asked about the envoy's recent visit to the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Kudashev said, while he hasn't received an "official invitation" but "as far as India inviting other envoys are concerned, it is a sovereign matter of India. I do not feel obliged to comment on the matter."

"No doubt as far as geopolitics in Kashmir is concerned, if somebody has some doubts or issues, let them travel, it is my personal comment," he said.&nbsp;

Russia is also going to train Indian astronauts for the Gaganyaan programme the first Indian manned mission to space. On the programme, the envoy said, "space is established entity of our cooperation and we have been willing to contribute... based on our common conviction of peacefull and open outerspace".

Reaffirming close India-Russia strategic ties, Russian envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev has said Moscow's ties with New Delhi is "second to none". Speaking to WION, Kudashev said, "Our relationship with India is second to none.

Reaffirming close India-Russia strategic ties, Russian envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev has said Moscow's ties with New Delhi is "second to none". Speaking to WION, Kudashev said, "Our relationship with India is second to none. This is a relationship which is a privileged strategic partnership." "We supply topmost technology and weapons, committed to Indian industries like nuclear," he added. The comments come days before Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov's India visit next week. PM Modi will travel to Russia in May and a return visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin can be expected towards the end of the year. On Kashmir, he reiterated his government's stand saying, "Kashmir is an internal matter of India, it belongs to the constitutional space of India. We always consider the internal affairs of your country." When asked about the envoy's recent visit to the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Kudashev said, while he hasn't received an "official invitation" but "as far as India inviting other envoys are concerned, it is a sovereign matter of India. I do not feel obliged to comment on the matter." "No doubt as far as geopolitics in Kashmir is concerned, if somebody has some doubts or issues, let them travel, it is my personal comment," he said. Russia is also going to train Indian astronauts for the Gaganyaan programme the first Indian manned mission to space. On the programme, the envoy said, "space is established entity of our cooperation and we have been willing to contribute... based on our common conviction of peacefull and open outerspace".

Our ties with New Delhi second to none: Russian envoy to India

Highlighting Afghan&nbsp;govt's role in the advancement of women's right, Naheed Esar, 30-year-old deputy foreign minister of Afghanistan said women in Afghanistan are now in leading roles. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, the deputy foreign minister FM of Afghanistan lauded New Delhi's role in the country. She was forced to flee her country under Taliban rule, but after coming back she played an important role in reaching out to women especially women who suffered during Taliban rule and decades of strife. Esar is fluent in Pashto, Dari, English, and Hindi.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-welcomes-preliminary-results-of-afghanistan-presidential-election-269718">India welcomes preliminary results of Afghanistan presidential election</a>

WION: How do you see India and Afghanistan relation? 
Naheed Esar: The relationship between India and Afghanistan goes back to thousands of years. We share culture, we share values, we share the same morals and its a heart to heart connection between Indians and Afghans

WION: On India Afghan ties, the role you would like to see of New Delhi in future? 
Naheed Esar: India has supported Afghanistan in various areas. India has committed to about $3 billion to Afghanistan and more importantly they focused on fundamental projects, fundamental areas--education, medical area, hospitals. Because we are shifting from aid-dependent country to self-reliant country, and that was one of the reasons we started out consulate general in Hyderabad to invest more in trade, economy. In 2017, we started the air corridor, 22 items were exported.

WION: You are a young minister in the Afghan govt, how are you&nbsp;changing Afghanistan? 
Naheed Esar: Afghanistan is probably the youngest country in the world with 65% of people constituting the young generation. Especially in the past 5 years, we have a young generation in the leading position. Before that, you could not see Afghan women and young Afghan women representing their generation at the foreign ministry. I am very much grateful to the govt for believing in young generation and believing in women.&nbsp;

WION: How has the role of women increased in the last 2 decades? 
Naheed Esar: The biggest difference I see in women's role in the govt is there is a shift in rather a symbolic role to technocrat or proper leading position. we have women as deputy ministers in the ministry of defence, ministry of interior. we have women leading the most revenue-generating ministries. We have 25 per cent&nbsp;of women parliamentarians. We have 30 per cent of women staff in the government. Having given those example, I see a very bright role for Afghan women from leading position to grassroots young afghans going to universities, schools, more so than ever.

WION: How will you compare the increase in women participation from Taliban years? 
Naheed Esar: In the past 18-19 years after the fall of the Taliban, we shifted from zero per cent women in the education system--in schools and universities to about 30 per cent&nbsp;women now. This&nbsp;is the biggest achievement. We have laws, Article 22 of the Afghan constitution talks about the equality of men and women. We have laws against harassments and parallel to that we have institutions implementing those laws. We have women in leading positions, and that is the biggest achievement in the past 2 decades.

Highlighting Afghan govt's role in the advancement of women's right, Naheed Esar, 30-year-old deputy foreign minister of Afghanistan said women in Afghanistan are now in leading roles.

Highlighting Afghan govt's role in the advancement of women's right, Naheed Esar, 30-year-old deputy foreign minister of Afghanistan said women in Afghanistan are now in leading roles. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, the deputy foreign minister FM of Afghanistan lauded New Delhi's role in the country. She was forced to flee her country under Taliban rule, but after coming back she played an important role in reaching out to women especially women who suffered during Taliban rule and decades of strife. Esar is fluent in Pashto, Dari, English, and Hindi. Also read: India welcomes preliminary results of Afghanistan presidential election WION: How do you see India and Afghanistan relation? Naheed Esar: The relationship between India and Afghanistan goes back to thousands of years. We share culture, we share values, we share the same morals and its a heart to heart connection between Indians and Afghans WION: On India Afghan ties, the role you would like to see of New Delhi in future? Naheed Esar: India has supported Afghanistan in various areas. India has committed to about $3 billion to Afghanistan and more importantly they focused on fundamental projects, fundamental areas--education, medical area, hospitals. Because we are shifting from aid-dependent country to self-reliant country, and that was one of the reasons we started out consulate general in Hyderabad to invest more in trade, economy. In 2017, we started the air corridor, 22 items were exported. WION: You are a young minister in the Afghan govt, how are you changing Afghanistan? Naheed Esar: Afghanistan is probably the youngest country in the world with 65% of people constituting the young generation. Especially in the past 5 years, we have a young generation in the leading position. Before that, you could not see Afghan women and young Afghan women representing their generation at the foreign ministry. I am very much grateful to the govt for believing in young generation and believing in women. WION: How has the role of women increased in the last 2 decades? Naheed Esar: The biggest difference I see in women's role in the govt is there is a shift in rather a symbolic role to technocrat or proper leading position. we have women as deputy ministers in the ministry of defence, ministry of interior. we have women leading the most revenue-generating ministries. We have 25 per cent of women parliamentarians. We have 30 per cent of women staff in the government. Having given those example, I see a very bright role for Afghan women from leading position to grassroots young afghans going to universities, schools, more so than ever. WION: How will you compare the increase in women participation from Taliban years? Naheed Esar: In the past 18-19 years after the fall of the Taliban, we shifted from zero per cent women in the education system--in schools and universities to about 30 per cent women now. This is the biggest achievement. We have laws, Article 22 of the Afghan constitution talks about the equality of men and women. We have laws against harassments and parallel to that we have institutions implementing those laws. We have women in leading positions, and that is the biggest achievement in the past 2 decades.

EXCLUSIVE: No going back on women's rights, says young Afghan minister; praises India's role for development in her country

Afghanistan has said while the ongoing US, Iran tensions are not impacting Chabahar project, it hopes smooth working of the project will continue in the future.

Speaking to WION from Kabul, Afghanistan's Transport ministry spokesperson Alisina Saeed said, "No impact as of now to Chabahar port. Hopefully, no impact will happen, as you know US extended waiver for the port".

Last week, the US killed top Iranian Qasem Soleimani in Iraq, which has sparked fears of a major turmoil in West Asia which can impact India's key connectivity project in Iran, the Chabahar project.

Located at southeastern Iran, on the Gulf of Oman, Chabahar is the home for Iran's only oceanic port. The operation of the Shaheed Beheshti Port at Chabahar was taken over by India Ports Global Co in December 2018. Over 5 lakh tons of cargo has been handled from the port since then.&nbsp;

In December 2019, it was agreed by India, Afghanistan and Iran to include Mormugoa and New Mangalore Port from India in the designated route under the Chabahar Agreement.

Afghanistan has said while the ongoing US, Iran tensions are not impacting Chabahar project, it hopes smooth working of the project will continue in the future. Speaking to WION from Kabul, Afghanistan's Transport ministry spokesperson Alisina Saeed said, "No impact as of now to Chabahar port.

Afghanistan has said while the ongoing US, Iran tensions are not impacting Chabahar project, it hopes smooth working of the project will continue in the future. Speaking to WION from Kabul, Afghanistan's Transport ministry spokesperson Alisina Saeed said, "No impact as of now to Chabahar port. Hopefully, no impact will happen, as you know US extended waiver for the port". Last week, the US killed top Iranian Qasem Soleimani in Iraq, which has sparked fears of a major turmoil in West Asia which can impact India's key connectivity project in Iran, the Chabahar project. Located at southeastern Iran, on the Gulf of Oman, Chabahar is the home for Iran's only oceanic port. The operation of the Shaheed Beheshti Port at Chabahar was taken over by India Ports Global Co in December 2018. Over 5 lakh tons of cargo has been handled from the port since then. In December 2019, it was agreed by India, Afghanistan and Iran to include Mormugoa and New Mangalore Port from India in the designated route under the Chabahar Agreement.

Afghanistan hopes the US-Iran tensions won't impact Chabahar project

India reached out to global capital on Sunday evening in the backdrop of growing tensions in West Asia after the US killed top Iranian general - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-parliament-passes-resolution-to-end-foreign-troop-presence-272342">Qasem Soleimani</a> of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) last week. This even as Washington told New Delhi about Iranian "threats" to which US won't "hesitate" to act.

India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar spoke to Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif, United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Oman's FM Yusuf Alawi and UAE's FM Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Top Indian government sources said, "We are closely following the developments in the West Asia region. We are engaged with all important stakeholders on the prevailing situation given our deep interest in the stability and security of the region."&nbsp;

"In this context, today EAM had a telephonic conversation with his counterparts from Iran, UAE, Oman and the United States to discuss ways to reduce the rising level of tension in the region," sources added.

The external affairs ministry highlighted "India's stakes and concern" with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo talking about "Iran’s continued threats and provocations", explained that "Trump administration won’t hesitate to act to keep American lives, and those of our friends and allies, safe."&nbsp;

With three West Asian countries, Iran, Oman and UAE, the focus was on how the developing situation can impact the region. EAM during his talks with Iranian counterpart noted that developments "have taken a very serious turn" and New Delhi remains "deeply concerned" about the levels of tension. With Oman, both sides, "reaffirmed" the "shared interest in the stability and security of the Gulf."

Jaishankar's last visit in 2019 was to Iran and Oman and foreign ministers of three countries had met in the Omani capital Muscat on December 24 with focus on increasing connectivity in the region.

Meanwhile, the Iranian mission in a statement expressed its "gratitude" to all "individuals, groups, elites, &nbsp;media outlets, organizations and foreign missions" in India who have expressed their "sympathy and solidarity" with Tehran.

India has huge stakes in the stability of the region with the presence of large diaspora and energy security and connectivity linkages. India's key connectivity programme - the Chabahar project and North-South Transport corridor that will help it connect with Afghanistan and Central Asia and Moscow could get impacted with instability in the region.&nbsp;

New Delhi's oil imports come from Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran and tensions in the region will impact consumers in the country, already reeling under high onion prices.&nbsp;

India reached out to global capital on Sunday evening in the backdrop of growing tensions in West Asia after the US killed top Iranian general - Qasem Soleimani of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) last week.

India reached out to global capital on Sunday evening in the backdrop of growing tensions in West Asia after the US killed top Iranian general - Qasem Soleimani of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) last week. This even as Washington told New Delhi about Iranian "threats" to which US won't "hesitate" to act. India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar spoke to Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif, United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Oman's FM Yusuf Alawi and UAE's FM Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Top Indian government sources said, "We are closely following the developments in the West Asia region. We are engaged with all important stakeholders on the prevailing situation given our deep interest in the stability and security of the region." "In this context, today EAM had a telephonic conversation with his counterparts from Iran, UAE, Oman and the United States to discuss ways to reduce the rising level of tension in the region," sources added. The external affairs ministry highlighted "India's stakes and concern" with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo talking about "Iran’s continued threats and provocations", explained that "Trump administration won’t hesitate to act to keep American lives, and those of our friends and allies, safe." With three West Asian countries, Iran, Oman and UAE, the focus was on how the developing situation can impact the region. EAM during his talks with Iranian counterpart noted that developments "have taken a very serious turn" and New Delhi remains "deeply concerned" about the levels of tension. With Oman, both sides, "reaffirmed" the "shared interest in the stability and security of the Gulf." Jaishankar's last visit in 2019 was to Iran and Oman and foreign ministers of three countries had met in the Omani capital Muscat on December 24 with focus on increasing connectivity in the region. Meanwhile, the Iranian mission in a statement expressed its "gratitude" to all "individuals, groups, elites, media outlets, organizations and foreign missions" in India who have expressed their "sympathy and solidarity" with Tehran. India has huge stakes in the stability of the region with the presence of large diaspora and energy security and connectivity linkages. India's key connectivity programme - the Chabahar project and North-South Transport corridor that will help it connect with Afghanistan and Central Asia and Moscow could get impacted with instability in the region. New Delhi's oil imports come from Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran and tensions in the region will impact consumers in the country, already reeling under high onion prices.

India reaches out to countries in West Asia amid US-Iran tensions

Moscow has made a decision to hold talks with Delhi on a preferential trade agreement (PTA) with between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) bloc and India. EAEU is one of the largest trading bloc and five members - Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Armenia, integrating 180 million people and nearly $5 trillion GDP.

The preferential trading agreement is one in which tariffs are reduced on certain products and can be termed as an FTA. EAEU already has FTAs with China, Iran, Vietnam, Serbia, Tajikistan, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Moldova and Ukraine.

In 2016, speaking at the, St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin had said, "Now we propose considering the prospects for a more extensive Eurasian partnership involving the EAEU and countries with which we already have a close partnership – China, India, Pakistan and Iran – and certainly our CIS partners."

India and Russia have “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" and this year will see PM Modi visiting the country to participate in the 75th victory day celebrations in Moscow on May 9th. Victory day is the celebration of Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War-II.

Moscow has made a decision to hold talks with Delhi on a preferential trade agreement (PTA) with between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) bloc and India. EAEU is one of the largest trading bloc and five members - Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Armenia, integrating 180 million people and nearly $5 trillion GDP.

Moscow has made a decision to hold talks with Delhi on a preferential trade agreement (PTA) with between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) bloc and India. EAEU is one of the largest trading bloc and five members - Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Armenia, integrating 180 million people and nearly $5 trillion GDP. The preferential trading agreement is one in which tariffs are reduced on certain products and can be termed as an FTA. EAEU already has FTAs with China, Iran, Vietnam, Serbia, Tajikistan, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Moldova and Ukraine. In 2016, speaking at the, St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin had said, "Now we propose considering the prospects for a more extensive Eurasian partnership involving the EAEU and countries with which we already have a close partnership – China, India, Pakistan and Iran – and certainly our CIS partners." India and Russia have “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" and this year will see PM Modi visiting the country to participate in the 75th victory day celebrations in Moscow on May 9th. Victory day is the celebration of Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War-II.

Eurasian Economic Union to hold preferential trade agreement talks with India

India has strongly reacted to the stone pelting at Nankana Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan and murder of a Sikh youth in Peshawar. The Ministry of External Affairs was quick to react on Sunday after reports emerged of the murder of Ravinder Singh, brother of journalist Harmeet Singh in Peshawar.

India has strongly reacted to the stone pelting at Nankana Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan and murder of a Sikh youth in Peshawar. The Ministry of External Affairs was quick to react on Sunday after reports emerged of the murder of Ravinder Singh, brother of journalist Harmeet Singh in Peshawar. "Strongly" condemning the "targeted killing of minority Sikh community", MEA asked Islamabad to stop "prevaricating and take immediate action to apprehend and give exemplary punishment to the perpetrators of these heinous acts." Ravinder, 25, got married a few days ago and was coming to Peshawar from Shangla. This was the second statement by India on the situation of Sikhs in Pakistan. This is a worrying concern why is the Sikh community being attacked in Pakistan? @ImranKhanPTI https://t.co/y6te13EOMR — Preet Kaur Gill MP (@PreetKGillMP) January 3, 2020 × On Friday, when stone-pelting happened in front of Nankana Sahib Gurudwara, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism, India expressing its "concern", condemned the "wanton acts of destruction and desecration of the holy place". New Delhi called up Islamabad to take "immediate steps to ensure the safety, security, and welfare of the members of the Sikh community" and take "strong action" against miscreants who desecrated the Gurudwara. Preet Kaur Gill, the first female British Sikh MP, tweeted, saying, "This is a worrying concern why is the Sikh community being attacked in Pakistan?" and tagged Pakistani PM Imran Khan.

India condemns Sikh youth murder, stone-pelting incident at Gurudwara in Pakistan 

Terror camps, terror launch pads and terror infrastructure continue to exist in Pakistan, the new Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane told WION on Tuesday. Speaking to WION's correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Naravane also said that after the 2018 Wuhan informal summit, India and China forces have developed greater understanding.

Terror camps, terror launch pads and terror infrastructure continue to exist in Pakistan, the new Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane told WION on Tuesday. Speaking to WION's correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Naravane also said that after the 2018 Wuhan informal summit, India and China forces have developed greater understanding. WION: What will be your key priorities as the new Army Chief? Army Chief: Happy new year and thanks for having me here. After taking over as Army Chief, my priority is to ensure the operational preparedness of the Army and make sure that we are never found wanting and we are able to meet any threat as and when it arises. WION: We saw the Wuhan informal summit after the Dokalm. How do you see the situation evolving on India-China border now? Army Chief: After the Wuhan summit, certain strategic guidelines were formulated and these have been decimated to the armies on both sides. As a result, there has been greater understanding and bonhomie at the ground level. We have regular border personnel meetings. This kind of interaction has gone a long way in dispelling misperceptions and fostering greater understanding among ourselves. WION: Hopefully, there won't be another Doklam, one can rest assured? Army Chief: That is one hopes for. WION: How big is the issue of cross border terrorism emanating from Pakistan? Army Chief: This problem of terrorism is not something new. We have been tackling this for many years now, we have very strong counter-terrorist and counter-infiltration bid to deal with this situation. But, the fact remains that terror camps, terror launch pads and terror infrastructure continue to be where it used to be. We are keeping a close eye on this to make sure nothing untoward takes place on our side. WION: If another Pulwama happens, can we see the Indian Army doing another surgical strike? Army Chief: You see, every response is dynamic in nature and what response will be in the future it will be not correct to speculate it right now. What the response will be, what dimension it will be, that will remain to be seen as and when it happens. WION: Pakistan Foreign Minister said, India is removing fences; any reaction? Army Chief: I think, reports that say certain fencing has been removed or some troops have been positioned or stationed, those were just false propaganda on his part to raise the level and divert the attention of his own countrymen from the situation that is prevailing in his own country. There is nothing, that sort from our side. WION: What has been the situation on the ground post removal of Article 370 for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir? Army Chief: Post abrogation of Article 370, there has been a definitive improvement in the situation on the ground. I say this based on facts and figures of various indices. The incident of violence, be it stone-pelting, terrorist-related violence, all have seen a sharp decline. There is a great improvement in law and order situation and hope it augers well for J&K. WION: Has there been a reduction in infiltration level from across the LoC? Army Chief: As I mentioned little while earlier, terror camps and infrastructure remain intact on the other side of the Line of Control and we are keeping a close eye on that. Attempts at infiltration continue to be made and we have been successful in foiling these attempts and this high level of alertness and preparedness on our side will continue. We will not let our guard down. WION: How do you see women's role in the Army? Army Chief: We have been inducting women in the armed forces. As you know, earlier, women were only in the Army Medical Corps and gradually we opened it up for the services, that is the Army service corp. Then we broadened the avenues like the supporting arms such as the engineers. There is a continues transition that is taking place.

Terror camps continue to 'exist in Pakistan': Army Chief MM Naravane to WION

No call has been taken by The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on if any OIC Foreign ministers meet on Kashmir and India's citizenship amendment law will take place or not, OIC member countries have confirmed.&nbsp;

Over the weekend, reports from the Pakistani press, quoting Pakistani govt sources emerged that said during the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud's Pakistan visit it was agreed that Riyadh can call for an OIC FMs meet on Kashmir/CAA.

While no formal call has been made it doesn't look like an open-ended OIC FMs meet would happen by April 2020, as Pakistani govt sources were claiming. Islamabad could try to form a consensus for OIC Executive Committee Council of FM which includes 4 countries — Saudi Arabia, Gambia, Turkey, UAE. Saudi govt sources have so far said, that they have no information yet on any planned OIC FMs meet.

During Saudi FM's meet with Pakistan FM meet SM Qureshi, "two Foreign Ministers discussed OIC’s role in the advancement of the cause of Kashmir", a Pakistan foreign ministry release said, adding, "The Foreign Minister thanked the Kingdom’s support in OIC Contact Group on Jammu &amp; Kashmir"

The Saudi FM's call on with Pakistani PM Imran Khan also saw Kashmir being raised by the latter. A Pakistani PMO release said, "The enhanced role of the OIC in the context of Jammu &amp; Kashmir dispute was discussed."

While no official reaction has come from India on the developments, Indian govt sources told WION that the Jeddah based organisation has no locus standi &amp; New Delhi's position is clear on it.

No call has been taken by The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on if any OIC Foreign ministers meet on Kashmir and India's citizenship amendment law will take place or not, OIC member countries have confirmed.

No call has been taken by The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on if any OIC Foreign ministers meet on Kashmir and India's citizenship amendment law will take place or not, OIC member countries have confirmed. Over the weekend, reports from the Pakistani press, quoting Pakistani govt sources emerged that said during the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud's Pakistan visit it was agreed that Riyadh can call for an OIC FMs meet on Kashmir/CAA. While no formal call has been made it doesn't look like an open-ended OIC FMs meet would happen by April 2020, as Pakistani govt sources were claiming. Islamabad could try to form a consensus for OIC Executive Committee Council of FM which includes 4 countries — Saudi Arabia, Gambia, Turkey, UAE. Saudi govt sources have so far said, that they have no information yet on any planned OIC FMs meet. During Saudi FM's meet with Pakistan FM meet SM Qureshi, "two Foreign Ministers discussed OIC’s role in the advancement of the cause of Kashmir", a Pakistan foreign ministry release said, adding, "The Foreign Minister thanked the Kingdom’s support in OIC Contact Group on Jammu & Kashmir" The Saudi FM's call on with Pakistani PM Imran Khan also saw Kashmir being raised by the latter. A Pakistani PMO release said, "The enhanced role of the OIC in the context of Jammu & Kashmir dispute was discussed." While no official reaction has come from India on the developments, Indian govt sources told WION that the Jeddah based organisation has no locus standi & New Delhi's position is clear on it.

No call taken by Organisation of Islamic Cooperation on foreign minister meet on Kashmir/CAA yet

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has told India's external affairs minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-meets-iranian-president-hassan-rouhani-discusses-progress-in-india-iran-bilateral-ties-269834"> S Jaishankar </a>that Washington's sanctions on the west Asian country are "transient" and the country will "have no choice but to abandon maximum pressure on Iran before or after its presidential elections”.

In a meeting on Monday in Tehran, Hassan Rouhani said despite the "current conditions that the US is imposing unilateral sanctions against other nations", India and Iran "have to attempt to maintain good relations and cooperation".

Iran also shared the proposed Hormuz Peace Endeavour (HOPE) Initiative which aims to provide free maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The idea was shared by the Iranian President from the annual United General Assembly meeting in September.

Chabahar remained the main focus of the meeting, President Rouhani said, "Finalising the Chabahar-Zahedan Railway and connecting it to the nationwide railway system can develop trade in the region."

Earlier, Iran President Rouhani met Jaishankar which lasted for half an hour. During the meet, EAM delivered greetings of PM Modi and called for developing relations between Iranian and Indian banks.

India plans to build a railway network from&nbsp;Zahedan, which is a border city of Iran and Afghanistan and connect it to Chabahar and which will help in the transportation of goods from Afghanistan to the port.

Both the countries have agreed to speed up the Chabahar project with externtal affairs minister S Jaishankar saying, "cooperation between the two countries in Chabahar region has a very good pace and we should accelerate the implementation of projects."

The operation of the Shaheed Beheshti Port at Chabahar was taken over by India Ports Global Co last December and since then over 5 lakh tons of cargo has been handled which includes exports from Afghanistan which began in February.&nbsp;

In a meet last week, India, Afghanistan and Iran agreed to include Mormugoa and New Mangalore port from India in the designated route under the Chabahar Agreement.&nbsp;

On Sunday, the 19th India-Iran joint commission meeting took place and was chaired by extrnal affairs minister Jaishankar and his counterpart Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif. During the meet, the issue of state sponsorship of terror came up.

Without taking the name of Pakistan, a ministry of external affairs release said, "Both sides shared concerns at the grave threat posed by terrorism and called for an immediate end to all support to terror sanctuaries. They agreed that state aid, abetment and support to terrorism should be condemned."

This is the fourth meeting between external affairs minister Jaishankar and foreign minister Zarif. They had earlier met in Dushanbe, New York and Baku on the sidelines of multilateral events. They will next meet in January in Delhi during Iran FM's India visit. &nbsp;Next year marks 70 years of ties between the two countries.&nbsp;

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has told India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar that Washington's sanctions on the west Asian country are "transient" and the country will "have no choice but to abandon maximum pressure on Iran before or after its presidential elections”.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has told India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar that Washington's sanctions on the west Asian country are "transient" and the country will "have no choice but to abandon maximum pressure on Iran before or after its presidential elections”. In a meeting on Monday in Tehran, Hassan Rouhani said despite the "current conditions that the US is imposing unilateral sanctions against other nations", India and Iran "have to attempt to maintain good relations and cooperation". Iran also shared the proposed Hormuz Peace Endeavour (HOPE) Initiative which aims to provide free maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The idea was shared by the Iranian President from the annual United General Assembly meeting in September. Chabahar remained the main focus of the meeting, President Rouhani said, "Finalising the Chabahar-Zahedan Railway and connecting it to the nationwide railway system can develop trade in the region." Earlier, Iran President Rouhani met Jaishankar which lasted for half an hour. During the meet, EAM delivered greetings of PM Modi and called for developing relations between Iranian and Indian banks. India plans to build a railway network from Zahedan, which is a border city of Iran and Afghanistan and connect it to Chabahar and which will help in the transportation of goods from Afghanistan to the port. Both the countries have agreed to speed up the Chabahar project with externtal affairs minister S Jaishankar saying, "cooperation between the two countries in Chabahar region has a very good pace and we should accelerate the implementation of projects." The operation of the Shaheed Beheshti Port at Chabahar was taken over by India Ports Global Co last December and since then over 5 lakh tons of cargo has been handled which includes exports from Afghanistan which began in February. In a meet last week, India, Afghanistan and Iran agreed to include Mormugoa and New Mangalore port from India in the designated route under the Chabahar Agreement. On Sunday, the 19th India-Iran joint commission meeting took place and was chaired by extrnal affairs minister Jaishankar and his counterpart Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif. During the meet, the issue of state sponsorship of terror came up. Without taking the name of Pakistan, a ministry of external affairs release said, "Both sides shared concerns at the grave threat posed by terrorism and called for an immediate end to all support to terror sanctuaries. They agreed that state aid, abetment and support to terrorism should be condemned." This is the fourth meeting between external affairs minister Jaishankar and foreign minister Zarif. They had earlier met in Dushanbe, New York and Baku on the sidelines of multilateral events. They will next meet in January in Delhi during Iran FM's India visit. Next year marks 70 years of ties between the two countries.

US will have no choice but to abandon maximum pressure after presidential elections: Iran to India

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Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Sidhant Sibal

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