Indian election commission will be sending a team to observe the Uzbekistan parliamentary election on December 22. India has been sending observers in elections in the neighbourhood and had recently sent observers in Sri Lankan Presidential elections.&nbsp;

The doubly landlocked central Asian country has introduced many reforms in the past few years especially political reforms.

Speaking to WION, Uzbek envoy to India, Farhod Arziev said, "For the past three years unprecedented reform processes have been underway in Uzbekistan. In the beginning of 2017 under the initiative of President of Uzbekistan, his excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev new national Development Strategy of Uzbekistan was adopted. The Strategy has been consistently put into action since then."

"No doubt that the upcoming parliamentary elections will play a significant role in further deepening the democratic reforms in our society, further increasing the role of the parliament," he added.

Five political parties will participate in the parliamentary elections and will compete to get seats in the 150-seat Legislative Assembly – the lower chamber of the Uzbek parliament. The five political parties standing in the polls are &nbsp;National Revival Party, People's Democratic Party, Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, ‘Adolat’ (Justice) Social Democratic Party and Ecological Party.&nbsp;

20 million people will participate in the elections, including two million youth who will vote for the first time. Nearly 10,000 ballot boxes will be used in 150 separate constituencies.

Uzbek citizens, who are temporarily or permanently living abroad, can cast their votes at the missions. A voting station at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in India for the citizens of Uzbekistan will be set up.

Indian election commission will be sending a team to observe the Uzbekistan parliamentary election on December 22. India has been sending observers in elections in the neighbourhood and had recently sent observers in Sri Lankan Presidential elections.

Indian election commission will be sending a team to observe the Uzbekistan parliamentary election on December 22. India has been sending observers in elections in the neighbourhood and had recently sent observers in Sri Lankan Presidential elections. The doubly landlocked central Asian country has introduced many reforms in the past few years especially political reforms. Speaking to WION, Uzbek envoy to India, Farhod Arziev said, "For the past three years unprecedented reform processes have been underway in Uzbekistan. In the beginning of 2017 under the initiative of President of Uzbekistan, his excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev new national Development Strategy of Uzbekistan was adopted. The Strategy has been consistently put into action since then." "No doubt that the upcoming parliamentary elections will play a significant role in further deepening the democratic reforms in our society, further increasing the role of the parliament," he added. Five political parties will participate in the parliamentary elections and will compete to get seats in the 150-seat Legislative Assembly – the lower chamber of the Uzbek parliament. The five political parties standing in the polls are National Revival Party, People's Democratic Party, Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, ‘Adolat’ (Justice) Social Democratic Party and Ecological Party. 20 million people will participate in the elections, including two million youth who will vote for the first time. Nearly 10,000 ballot boxes will be used in 150 separate constituencies. Uzbek citizens, who are temporarily or permanently living abroad, can cast their votes at the missions. A voting station at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in India for the citizens of Uzbekistan will be set up.

Indian observers to monitor Uzbekistan parliamentary election on December 22

Indian ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar has urged Pakistan to act on terror which impacts the entire region from Afghanistan to India. Speaking at the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies (AISS), ambassador Kumar said, "We in last 3-4 decades, have seen, the same source of terrorism impacting both the countries.

Indian ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar has urged Pakistan to act on terror which impacts the entire region from Afghanistan to India. Speaking at the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies (AISS), ambassador Kumar said, "We in last 3-4 decades, have seen, the same source of terrorism impacting both the countries...if we have peace in Afghanistan, we all stand to benefit from that peace by various cooperative mechanism" The biggest threat to peace and stability in the region is terrorism, he said and added, ''Our region, like most other parts of the world, can have peace, stability, prosperity but the condition is just one, violence stops, terrorism stops, the entire region stands to benefit... it requires a decision we can talk about our issues in an atmosphere free of violence and terrorism.. better sense should prevail" Talking about the need for integration and connectivity in South Asia, Envoy Kumar said, "peace for us empowerment of all the people to enable them to reach full potential, to integrate the region for the socio-economic benefit for all..how fast we have moved in the eastern side with other neighbours" Adding, "fundamentals of foreign policy is to create stakes for neighbours in India's growth" He highlighted India's development assistance to the landlocked South Asian country saying New Delhi has committed 3 billion dollars for Afghanistan development of which 2 billion dollars has already been spent. India has built major highways, parliament building, and Salma dam and contributed 350 projects throughout Afghanistan in all the districts.

If we have peace in Afghanistan, we all stand to benefit: Indian envoy to Kabul 

In a strong message, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ties-with-japan-key-component-of-indias-vision-for-stability-in-indo-pacific-pm-modi-265476">India and Japan</a> have called Pakistan to act against terror groups operating out of territory under its control and comply with the commitments it has made to the anti-terror financing body Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The joint statement issued after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/22-dialogue-reflects-synergy-between-indias-act-east-policy-and-japans-vision-for-free-open-indo-pacific-jaishankar-265460">India, Japan maiden 2+2 Defence and Foreign Ministers meeting</a> said, "The Ministers underlined the need for all countries to ensure that all territory under their control is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries in any manner."

"They noted in this context the threat posed to regional security by terrorist networks operating out of Pakistan and called upon it to take resolute and irreversible action against them and fully comply with international commitments including to FATF," the statement added. &nbsp;

Pakistan had given commitments to the FATF but has failed to live up to them and has received a rap from the Paris-based body. Islamabad faces a probable blacklisting and has time till February when the plenary meets next.&nbsp;

Other than Pakistan, North Korea and the South China Sea was also discussed during the meet at Delhi's Hyderabad house.&nbsp;

Both sides urged a call on North Korea for "complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of all weapons of mass destruction" and urged Pyongyang to "resolve the abductions issue at the earliest date". North Korea is known to have abducted many Japanese citizens, Tokyo has nudged the country to release them soon.

On the South China Sea, both the sides called on the 'Code of Conduct' to be negotiated and not to "prejudice the rights and interests of the stakeholders using the South China Sea and freedoms of all states under international law". The nations also reiterated the need for a "free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific region in which the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity are ensured".

Both sides made "significant progress" on Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) negotiations and expressed a "desire for an early conclusion". ACSA is a logistics agreement. Its negotiations started last year, expected to be signed during Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to India in December.&nbsp;

The Japanese side will be sending a liaison officer at the Information Fusion Centre - Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) - in Gurgaon and both the countries have agreed for the first India-Japan joint fighter aircraft exercise to take place in Japan. 
&nbsp;

In a strong message, India and Japan have called Pakistan to act against terror groups operating out of territory under its control and comply with the commitments it has made to the anti-terror financing body Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

In a strong message, India and Japan have called Pakistan to act against terror groups operating out of territory under its control and comply with the commitments it has made to the anti-terror financing body Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The joint statement issued after India, Japan maiden 2+2 Defence and Foreign Ministers meeting said, "The Ministers underlined the need for all countries to ensure that all territory under their control is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries in any manner." "They noted in this context the threat posed to regional security by terrorist networks operating out of Pakistan and called upon it to take resolute and irreversible action against them and fully comply with international commitments including to FATF," the statement added. Pakistan had given commitments to the FATF but has failed to live up to them and has received a rap from the Paris-based body. Islamabad faces a probable blacklisting and has time till February when the plenary meets next. Other than Pakistan, North Korea and the South China Sea was also discussed during the meet at Delhi's Hyderabad house. Both sides urged a call on North Korea for "complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of all weapons of mass destruction" and urged Pyongyang to "resolve the abductions issue at the earliest date". North Korea is known to have abducted many Japanese citizens, Tokyo has nudged the country to release them soon. On the South China Sea, both the sides called on the 'Code of Conduct' to be negotiated and not to "prejudice the rights and interests of the stakeholders using the South China Sea and freedoms of all states under international law". The nations also reiterated the need for a "free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific region in which the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity are ensured". Both sides made "significant progress" on Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) negotiations and expressed a "desire for an early conclusion". ACSA is a logistics agreement. Its negotiations started last year, expected to be signed during Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to India in December. The Japanese side will be sending a liaison officer at the Information Fusion Centre - Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) - in Gurgaon and both the countries have agreed for the first India-Japan joint fighter aircraft exercise to take place in Japan.

India, Japan ask Pakistan to take irreversible action on terror; fulfil FATF commitments

The stage is set for Sri Lanka's new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gotabaya-rajapaksa-sworn-in-as-sri-lankan-new-president-262851">President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's</a> India visit, which will the first foreign visit by him since taking charge earlier this month.

Gotabaya arrives in Delhi today evening and Friday will be the main day of engagement when he meets PM Modi at Hyderabad house.&nbsp;

This visit is keenly awaited&nbsp;given India's neighbourhood policy and New Delhi's outreach to newly elected governments in the region.

In fact, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar made an unscheduled visit to the island country last week to physically hand over PM Modi's invite to Gotabaya to visit India. During the meet, India also called on the new leadership to continue the process of national reconciliation with&nbsp;regards to the minority Tamils.&nbsp;

Last week, the ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "EAM also expected and he conveyed to President Rajapaksa India’s expectation that the Sri Lankan government will take forward the process of national reconciliation to arrive at a solution that meets the aspirations of the Tamil community for equality, justice, peace and dignity."

Gotabaya&nbsp;as the defence secretary in 2009, played a key role in the defeat of LTTE militant group but that also raised issues of human right violations. And then China is the dragon in the room when it comes to Bejing's growing footprint in South Asia. New Delhi has dismissed such concerns.

"Our relationship with Sri Lanka or for that matter with any other country is not dependent on a third country, it stands independently. We enjoy a historical and very close relationship with Sri Lanka and we are looking forward and we will work very closely with the new Sri Lankan government", Raveesh Kumar said.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Modi had made a solidarity visit to Sri Lanka after the Easter Sunday terror attacks in the country.

During the visit, PM Modi paid respects at one of the attack sites - St Anthony’s Church. PM Modi has visited Sri Lanka three&nbsp;times since 2014 -&nbsp;with the first visit being in 2015, followed by a visit in 2017 and then June 2019.

The Modi government has been increasing its engagement with Colombo and helping to meet its development needs. &nbsp;

Under the Indian Housing Project, more than 46,000 houses have been built in northern and eastern provinces at the cost of 1,372 crores. This is also one of the largest projects undertaken by the Indian government&nbsp;abroad.

The nationwise ambulance service has also got much applause. In terms of major infrastructure projects, India will be been supplying 160 passengers coached to Sri Lankan railways and building many solar projects.

The stage is set for Sri Lanka's new President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's India visit, which will the first foreign visit by him since taking charge earlier this month.

The stage is set for Sri Lanka's new President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's India visit, which will the first foreign visit by him since taking charge earlier this month. Gotabaya arrives in Delhi today evening and Friday will be the main day of engagement when he meets PM Modi at Hyderabad house. This visit is keenly awaited given India's neighbourhood policy and New Delhi's outreach to newly elected governments in the region. In fact, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar made an unscheduled visit to the island country last week to physically hand over PM Modi's invite to Gotabaya to visit India. During the meet, India also called on the new leadership to continue the process of national reconciliation with regards to the minority Tamils. Last week, the ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "EAM also expected and he conveyed to President Rajapaksa India’s expectation that the Sri Lankan government will take forward the process of national reconciliation to arrive at a solution that meets the aspirations of the Tamil community for equality, justice, peace and dignity." Gotabaya as the defence secretary in 2009, played a key role in the defeat of LTTE militant group but that also raised issues of human right violations. And then China is the dragon in the room when it comes to Bejing's growing footprint in South Asia. New Delhi has dismissed such concerns. "Our relationship with Sri Lanka or for that matter with any other country is not dependent on a third country, it stands independently. We enjoy a historical and very close relationship with Sri Lanka and we are looking forward and we will work very closely with the new Sri Lankan government", Raveesh Kumar said. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Modi had made a solidarity visit to Sri Lanka after the Easter Sunday terror attacks in the country. During the visit, PM Modi paid respects at one of the attack sites - St Anthony’s Church. PM Modi has visited Sri Lanka three times since 2014 - with the first visit being in 2015, followed by a visit in 2017 and then June 2019. The Modi government has been increasing its engagement with Colombo and helping to meet its development needs. Under the Indian Housing Project, more than 46,000 houses have been built in northern and eastern provinces at the cost of 1,372 crores. This is also one of the largest projects undertaken by the Indian government abroad. The nationwise ambulance service has also got much applause. In terms of major infrastructure projects, India will be been supplying 160 passengers coached to Sri Lankan railways and building many solar projects.

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to visit India today

While postal services between India and Pakistan have not been resumed yet, the Indian Department of Posts has raised the matter with the United Nations' Post Union.&nbsp;

Switzerland-based Universal Post Union is the United Nations' specialised body which coordinates postal policies and global postal systems.&nbsp;

The 145-year old body is one of the oldest bodies of the UN.

While Pakistani media reported that services are to be resumed, Thursday saw none present from the Pakistani side at the Wagha border.&nbsp;

The chief postmaster general of Punjab Circle was informed by Pakistan last evening of having received instructions from their authorities wherein it was communicated that normal exchanges will be initiated from Thursday.

Nonetheless, India's postal department will be sending personnel on a daily basis if Pakistan plans to send their representative with the posts.

It is for the first time in 70 years when postal services between India and Pakistan have been stopped.

Pakistan had unilaterally stopped postal services with India in the backdrop of the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and kashmir in August this year.

While postal services between India and Pakistan have not been resumed yet, the Indian Department of Posts has raised the matter with the United Nations' Post Union.

While postal services between India and Pakistan have not been resumed yet, the Indian Department of Posts has raised the matter with the United Nations' Post Union. Switzerland-based Universal Post Union is the United Nations' specialised body which coordinates postal policies and global postal systems. The 145-year old body is one of the oldest bodies of the UN. While Pakistani media reported that services are to be resumed, Thursday saw none present from the Pakistani side at the Wagha border. The chief postmaster general of Punjab Circle was informed by Pakistan last evening of having received instructions from their authorities wherein it was communicated that normal exchanges will be initiated from Thursday. Nonetheless, India's postal department will be sending personnel on a daily basis if Pakistan plans to send their representative with the posts. It is for the first time in 70 years when postal services between India and Pakistan have been stopped. Pakistan had unilaterally stopped postal services with India in the backdrop of the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and kashmir in August this year.

Non-resumption of India-Pakistan postal services: New Delhi raises matter with UN postal body

The 14th <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/japanese-pm-shinzo-abe-to-visit-india-in-december-247703">India-Japan Annual Summit</a> could happen in Northeastern India in mid-December. The Indian side has identified the location and forwarded it to the Japanese side. The likely dates for the summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe are December 15 to 17.

Choosing the northeastern region for the summit has strategic undertones, as Japan's engagement in that region has tremendously increased, especially in terms of infrastructural development.

The Government of Japan is slated to invest Rs 13,000 crores in India's northeast. Additionally, according to the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Japan is a stakeholder in several projects like Guwahati Water Supply Project, Guwahati Sewage Project in Assam, Northeast Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project spread over Assam and Meghalaya, Northeast Network Connectivity Improvement Project in Meghalaya, Bio-diversity Conservation and Forest Management Project in Sikkim, Sustainable Forest Management Project in Tripura, Technical Cooperation Project for Sustainable Agriculture &amp; Irrigation in Mizoram, and a Forest Management Project in Nagaland.

Watch: PM Modi holds talks with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-holds-talks-with-japanese-pm-shinzo-abe-247661/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/narendra-modi-government-20-must-focus-on-fixing-indias-economy-263158">PM Modi</a> has already met Japanese PM Shinzo Abe thrice this year, first in Osaka on the sidelines of the G20 summit, then in Biarritz, France on the sidelines of G7 summit followed by a meeting in Vladivostok, Russia on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum.

New Delhi and Tokyo have been increasing engagement and defined their relationship as a "special strategic and global partnership" in 2014 during PM Modi's visit to Japan. It marked Modi's first major visit outside of the region after taking charge during his first term.

India-Japan annual summits have become a platform for both sides to display the growing partnership between both the countries, as well as highlighting the special relationship shared by both the leaders. The 2015 edition of the summit took place in Varanasi while the 2017 Annual Summit took place in PM Modi's home state of Gujarat. The Varanasi summit saw both leaders attending Ganga aarti (prayer) while Ahmedabad summit witnessed a roadshow by both the leaders.&nbsp;

The 2018 summit saw PM Modi being hosted by PM Abe for a private dinner at his ancestral home in Yamanashi, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader.

The 14th India-Japan Annual Summit could happen in Northeastern India in mid-December. The Indian side has identified the location and forwarded it to the Japanese side.

The 14th India-Japan Annual Summit could happen in Northeastern India in mid-December. The Indian side has identified the location and forwarded it to the Japanese side. The likely dates for the summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe are December 15 to 17. Choosing the northeastern region for the summit has strategic undertones, as Japan's engagement in that region has tremendously increased, especially in terms of infrastructural development. The Government of Japan is slated to invest Rs 13,000 crores in India's northeast. Additionally, according to the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Japan is a stakeholder in several projects like Guwahati Water Supply Project, Guwahati Sewage Project in Assam, Northeast Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project spread over Assam and Meghalaya, Northeast Network Connectivity Improvement Project in Meghalaya, Bio-diversity Conservation and Forest Management Project in Sikkim, Sustainable Forest Management Project in Tripura, Technical Cooperation Project for Sustainable Agriculture & Irrigation in Mizoram, and a Forest Management Project in Nagaland. Watch: PM Modi holds talks with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe PM Modi has already met Japanese PM Shinzo Abe thrice this year, first in Osaka on the sidelines of the G20 summit, then in Biarritz, France on the sidelines of G7 summit followed by a meeting in Vladivostok, Russia on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum. New Delhi and Tokyo have been increasing engagement and defined their relationship as a "special strategic and global partnership" in 2014 during PM Modi's visit to Japan. It marked Modi's first major visit outside of the region after taking charge during his first term. India-Japan annual summits have become a platform for both sides to display the growing partnership between both the countries, as well as highlighting the special relationship shared by both the leaders. The 2015 edition of the summit took place in Varanasi while the 2017 Annual Summit took place in PM Modi's home state of Gujarat. The Varanasi summit saw both leaders attending Ganga aarti (prayer) while Ahmedabad summit witnessed a roadshow by both the leaders. The 2018 summit saw PM Modi being hosted by PM Abe for a private dinner at his ancestral home in Yamanashi, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader.

14th edition of India-Japan Annual Summit to be held in Northeastern region around mid-December

Pakistan has halted release and repatriation of five Indians nationals and many Indian fishermen who have completed their sentence and waiting to be sent back.

According to list exchanged on July 1, Pakistan has 209 Indian fishermen and 52 Indian prisoners in its custody while India has 256 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 99 fishermen in its custody.

India and Pakistan exchange list of civilian prisoners and fishermen of each country lodged in the jails of each other on January 1 and July 1 every year, according to India-Pakistan ‘Agreement on Consular Access’ signed on May 21, 2008.

In fact, on August 5, when India announced abrogation of the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan had halted repatriation at Attari border of two Indians who were about to be sent back. WION had first reported about it on August 7.

To resolve humanitarian issues related to elderly, women and mentally unsound prisoners in each other’s custody and consider their early release and repatriation, India in October, 2017 had suggested to Pakistan to revive the mechanism of Joint Judicial Committee.&nbsp;

New Delhi had also said a team of Indian medical experts could be allowed to visit the mentally unsound prisoners in Pakistan with a view to facilitating their nationality verification and subsequent repatriation.

While India did share the details of the medical experts' team and the reconstituted Joint Judicial Committee with Pakistan with the request to organise their visit, Islamabad has not responded so far.

In its first term, the Modi government was able to secure the release of 1,749 Indian prisoners, including 1,725 fishermen along with 57 boats.

Pakistan has halted release and repatriation of five Indians nationals and many Indian fishermen who have completed their sentence and waiting to be sent back. According to list exchanged on July 1, Pakistan has 209 Indian fishermen and 52 Indian prisoners in its custody while India has 256 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 99 fishermen in its custody.

Pakistan has halted release and repatriation of five Indians nationals and many Indian fishermen who have completed their sentence and waiting to be sent back. According to list exchanged on July 1, Pakistan has 209 Indian fishermen and 52 Indian prisoners in its custody while India has 256 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 99 fishermen in its custody. India and Pakistan exchange list of civilian prisoners and fishermen of each country lodged in the jails of each other on January 1 and July 1 every year, according to India-Pakistan ‘Agreement on Consular Access’ signed on May 21, 2008. In fact, on August 5, when India announced abrogation of the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan had halted repatriation at Attari border of two Indians who were about to be sent back. WION had first reported about it on August 7. To resolve humanitarian issues related to elderly, women and mentally unsound prisoners in each other’s custody and consider their early release and repatriation, India in October, 2017 had suggested to Pakistan to revive the mechanism of Joint Judicial Committee. New Delhi had also said a team of Indian medical experts could be allowed to visit the mentally unsound prisoners in Pakistan with a view to facilitating their nationality verification and subsequent repatriation. While India did share the details of the medical experts' team and the reconstituted Joint Judicial Committee with Pakistan with the request to organise their visit, Islamabad has not responded so far. In its first term, the Modi government was able to secure the release of 1,749 Indian prisoners, including 1,725 fishermen along with 57 boats.

Article 370 abrogation: Pakistan halts repatriation of Indian nationals in its custody

The first India-Japan foreign and defence minister 2+2 dialogue will take place in Delhi on November 30.&nbsp;

The 2+2 dialogue comes weeks before Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's upcoming India visit. He is slated to visit in mid-December for the annual India-Japan summit which will be the 14th one in the series.&nbsp;

Defence minister Rajnath Singh had met Japanese Defence minister on Sunday in Thailand on the sidelines of the 6th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).

A release from the defence ministry on the meet said, "Both of them will meet again in New Delhi for the 2+2 meeting scheduled later this month. Both the leaders had a detailed discussion on adding further momentum to India-Japan defence cooperation."&nbsp;

India and Japan have been increasing engagement, especially when it comes to the growing Indo Pacific concept.&nbsp;

PM Modi has met Japanese PM Abe 2 times this year, first in Osaka on the sidelines of the G20 summit and then in Vladivostok, Russia on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum.

The first India-Japan foreign and defence minister 2+2 dialogue will take place in Delhi on November 30. The 2+2 dialogue comes weeks before Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's upcoming India visit.

The first India-Japan foreign and defence minister 2+2 dialogue will take place in Delhi on November 30. The 2+2 dialogue comes weeks before Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's upcoming India visit. He is slated to visit in mid-December for the annual India-Japan summit which will be the 14th one in the series. Defence minister Rajnath Singh had met Japanese Defence minister on Sunday in Thailand on the sidelines of the 6th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus). A release from the defence ministry on the meet said, "Both of them will meet again in New Delhi for the 2+2 meeting scheduled later this month. Both the leaders had a detailed discussion on adding further momentum to India-Japan defence cooperation." India and Japan have been increasing engagement, especially when it comes to the growing Indo Pacific concept. PM Modi has met Japanese PM Abe 2 times this year, first in Osaka on the sidelines of the G20 summit and then in Vladivostok, Russia on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum.

India-Japan to hold maiden 2+2 dialogue on November 30

India has demanded that Islamabad should hand over Indians wanted for terror activities living in Pakistan to be handed over back to New Delhi. In 2011, India had handed over a list of 48 most wanted people living in Pakistan and included names such as underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

In an interview to French newspaper Le Monde, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, "We need actions" from Pakistan "that demonstrate a real willingness to cooperate. For example, there are Indians wanted for terrorist activities living in Pakistan. We are telling Pakistan: hand them over to us."

Highlighting Pakistan's use of terrorism against India, Jaishankar said, "Pakistan has developed an important terrorist industry and sends terrorists to India to carry out attacks. Pakistan itself does not deny this situation."

Explaining, "Now, tell me: which country would be willing to talk and negotiate with a neighbour who openly practices terrorism against it? If one of your neighbours did, would you, France, pretend that everything is fine?"

India has been calling Pakistan to take "credible, irreversible and verifiable" against terror camps on its territory. Meanwhile, the EAM also spoke on Kashmir, saying restrictions have been "gradually reduced" and the situation is normalising with telephone and mobile lines being restored and shops being opened.

Asked if foreign journalists will be allowed to visit Kashmir, Jaishankar said, while he "can't commit to a deadline" but "as soon as it is safe, they can go", adding, "We don't want their presence to provoke problems - from people who would take advantage of it to show that there is unrest."

India has demanded that Islamabad should hand over Indians wanted for terror activities living in Pakistan to be handed over back to New Delhi. In 2011, India had handed over a list of 48 most wanted people living in Pakistan and included names such as underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

India has demanded that Islamabad should hand over Indians wanted for terror activities living in Pakistan to be handed over back to New Delhi. In 2011, India had handed over a list of 48 most wanted people living in Pakistan and included names such as underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. In an interview to French newspaper Le Monde, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, "We need actions" from Pakistan "that demonstrate a real willingness to cooperate. For example, there are Indians wanted for terrorist activities living in Pakistan. We are telling Pakistan: hand them over to us." Highlighting Pakistan's use of terrorism against India, Jaishankar said, "Pakistan has developed an important terrorist industry and sends terrorists to India to carry out attacks. Pakistan itself does not deny this situation." Explaining, "Now, tell me: which country would be willing to talk and negotiate with a neighbour who openly practices terrorism against it? If one of your neighbours did, would you, France, pretend that everything is fine?" India has been calling Pakistan to take "credible, irreversible and verifiable" against terror camps on its territory. Meanwhile, the EAM also spoke on Kashmir, saying restrictions have been "gradually reduced" and the situation is normalising with telephone and mobile lines being restored and shops being opened. Asked if foreign journalists will be allowed to visit Kashmir, Jaishankar said, while he "can't commit to a deadline" but "as soon as it is safe, they can go", adding, "We don't want their presence to provoke problems - from people who would take advantage of it to show that there is unrest."

Hand over Indians wanted for terror activities, India tells Pakistan

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Brazil from November 13-14 for the 11th BRICS summit during which New Delhi's focus will be on the issue of multilateralism and counter-terror. 
&nbsp; 
Ahead of the visit, Secretary Economic Relations T S Tirumurt said, "Prime Minister has articulated his vision for reformed multilateralism and has underlined the importance of strengthening and reforming the multilateral system itself. He has specifically underlined that when we call for multilateralism, we should not call to reinforce the status-quo of multilateralism but seek to reform multilateralism itself since this is what BRICS had originally set out to do".

Cooperation on the counter-terror front has been another key focus of New Delhi, with Secretary ER saying, India has "worked closely within BRICS to not only take a strong stand against terrorism but also work to bring about focused consultations on specific aspects related to terrorism".

A joint working grouping has been constituted by BRICS with five focus areas - terrorist financing, countering radicalisation, issue of foreign terrorist fighters, capacity-building and use of the Internet for terrorist purposes. India will be chairing the subgroup on the misuse of the internet by terrorists.

In fact, during the BRICS National Security Advisors meet in Brazil, NSA Ajit Doval had put the proposal to host a BRICS workshop on digital forensics in India. Under Brazil's presidency, first BRICS seminar on Strategies for Countering Terrorism took place.

The PM is also expected to meet his Russian, Brazilian and Chinese counterparts. PM last met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok, Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tamil Nadu for the second India China informal summit and Brazilian President Bolsonaro on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Osaka Japan.

Four Key outcomes of the summit include MoUs between trade and investment promotion agencies of BRICS, the launch of BRICS women business alliance, iBRICS - Innovation network of BRICS which will include setting up research institutes like science parks, incubators, accelerators and BRICS institute of the future network.

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Brazil from November 13-14 for the 11th BRICS summit during which New Delhi's focus will be on the issue of multilateralism and counter-terror.

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Brazil from November 13-14 for the 11th BRICS summit during which New Delhi's focus will be on the issue of multilateralism and counter-terror. Ahead of the visit, Secretary Economic Relations T S Tirumurt said, "Prime Minister has articulated his vision for reformed multilateralism and has underlined the importance of strengthening and reforming the multilateral system itself. He has specifically underlined that when we call for multilateralism, we should not call to reinforce the status-quo of multilateralism but seek to reform multilateralism itself since this is what BRICS had originally set out to do". Cooperation on the counter-terror front has been another key focus of New Delhi, with Secretary ER saying, India has "worked closely within BRICS to not only take a strong stand against terrorism but also work to bring about focused consultations on specific aspects related to terrorism". A joint working grouping has been constituted by BRICS with five focus areas - terrorist financing, countering radicalisation, issue of foreign terrorist fighters, capacity-building and use of the Internet for terrorist purposes. India will be chairing the subgroup on the misuse of the internet by terrorists. In fact, during the BRICS National Security Advisors meet in Brazil, NSA Ajit Doval had put the proposal to host a BRICS workshop on digital forensics in India. Under Brazil's presidency, first BRICS seminar on Strategies for Countering Terrorism took place. The PM is also expected to meet his Russian, Brazilian and Chinese counterparts. PM last met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok, Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tamil Nadu for the second India China informal summit and Brazilian President Bolsonaro on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Osaka Japan. Four Key outcomes of the summit include MoUs between trade and investment promotion agencies of BRICS, the launch of BRICS women business alliance, iBRICS - Innovation network of BRICS which will include setting up research institutes like science parks, incubators, accelerators and BRICS institute of the future network.

PM Modi to focus on reformed multilateralism at 11th BRICS Summit in Brazil

Ahead of the BRICS Summit in Brazil next week, Russian envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev spoke to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal.&nbsp;

Kudashev said that the grouping is a new model of international, political and economic contact. While confirming Modi-Putin meet next week on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, Kudashev said that Russia supports India's idea of holding a global comprehensive convention against terrorism or CCIT that calls for a common definition of terror as well as PM Modi's idea to convene a global conference on counter-terror.&nbsp;

Here is the transcript of the interview.

WION: What will be the main focus of the BRICS Summit in Brazil?

Kudashev: The summit testifies that the BRICS remain very much relevant and remains capable of generating new ideas and the new vision for the future. For us, as a regional member to the BRICS, our highest priority will be the position of the group of 5 as a new model of international, political and economic contact. No less important will be the issue of strategic stability, multipolarity, peace and security. Economic dimensions of BRICS have greater and greater importance. In the offing are BRICS women business alliance, BRICS platform for energy research. Issue of new challenges and threats, counter-terrorism and information security will be in focus. Russia advocates a separate pact on information security which is of great importance for us. Multiple ideas are put forward by our BRICS partners, including India, for enhanced humanitarian connect.

WION: Will PM Modi meet Russian President Putin in Brazil?

Kudashev: Yes, it is in the offing. It will be premature for me to announce the specific date and time, but it will happen. Our relation with India is special and in the coming year, we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of our strategic partnership, the 10th anniversary of our specially privilege strategic partnership, the 75th anniversary in the great patriotic war and 550th anniversary of the first contact between India and Russia.

WION: When will the training of Gaganyaan astronauts begin in Russia?&nbsp;

Kudashev: The legal environment is there and the sooner we start doing the business and start the training procedure, the better it is because time goes by very fast and the flight will come very soon.

WION: Indian defence minister was in Moscow. When can we see an inter-government agreement on Reciprocal Logistics Support (ARLS) ?

Kudashev: I could say that we remain committed to this agreement, committed to doing it at the earliest, so I believe doing in the course of coming 2-3 months, it will be there.

WION: Terror remains a key global concern, including for India, how are both countries are increasing the counter-terror initiative?&nbsp;

Kudashev: We should help each other. We actively cooperate at the global level and at the regional level. We do exchange our experiences, information and certain material. Russia is supportive of India's idea of doing a global comprehensive convention against terrorism and remains supportive of PM Modi's idea to convene a global conference on counter-terror.&nbsp;

Ahead of the BRICS Summit in Brazil next week, Russian envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev spoke to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal. Kudashev said that the grouping is a new model of international, political and economic contact.

Ahead of the BRICS Summit in Brazil next week, Russian envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev spoke to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal. Kudashev said that the grouping is a new model of international, political and economic contact. While confirming Modi-Putin meet next week on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, Kudashev said that Russia supports India's idea of holding a global comprehensive convention against terrorism or CCIT that calls for a common definition of terror as well as PM Modi's idea to convene a global conference on counter-terror. Here is the transcript of the interview. WION: What will be the main focus of the BRICS Summit in Brazil? Kudashev: The summit testifies that the BRICS remain very much relevant and remains capable of generating new ideas and the new vision for the future. For us, as a regional member to the BRICS, our highest priority will be the position of the group of 5 as a new model of international, political and economic contact. No less important will be the issue of strategic stability, multipolarity, peace and security. Economic dimensions of BRICS have greater and greater importance. In the offing are BRICS women business alliance, BRICS platform for energy research. Issue of new challenges and threats, counter-terrorism and information security will be in focus. Russia advocates a separate pact on information security which is of great importance for us. Multiple ideas are put forward by our BRICS partners, including India, for enhanced humanitarian connect. WION: Will PM Modi meet Russian President Putin in Brazil? Kudashev: Yes, it is in the offing. It will be premature for me to announce the specific date and time, but it will happen. Our relation with India is special and in the coming year, we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of our strategic partnership, the 10th anniversary of our specially privilege strategic partnership, the 75th anniversary in the great patriotic war and 550th anniversary of the first contact between India and Russia. WION: When will the training of Gaganyaan astronauts begin in Russia? Kudashev: The legal environment is there and the sooner we start doing the business and start the training procedure, the better it is because time goes by very fast and the flight will come very soon. WION: Indian defence minister was in Moscow. When can we see an inter-government agreement on Reciprocal Logistics Support (ARLS) ? Kudashev: I could say that we remain committed to this agreement, committed to doing it at the earliest, so I believe doing in the course of coming 2-3 months, it will be there. WION: Terror remains a key global concern, including for India, how are both countries are increasing the counter-terror initiative? Kudashev: We should help each other. We actively cooperate at the global level and at the regional level. We do exchange our experiences, information and certain material. Russia is supportive of India's idea of doing a global comprehensive convention against terrorism and remains supportive of PM Modi's idea to convene a global conference on counter-terror.

BRICS is new model of international contact: Russian envoy to India

Reacting to Nepal government's comments to the new Indian Map, India has said that not only it depicts India's territory accurately, but Kathmandu should "guard against vested interests trying to create differences between India and Nepal."

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson, Raveesh Kumar in response to a question in the weekly presser said, " Our map accurately depicts the sovereign territory of India. The new map has in no manner revised our boundary with Nepal."&nbsp;

Nepal government on Wednesday in a statement said Kalapani, which is part of the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, is Nepali territory. The territory borders China and Nepal.

In a statement, the Nepal government said, "Nepal is committed to protecting its international borders. Nepal is steadfast in its commitment that any border-related issues between the two friendly nations should be resolved through diplomatic channels based on historical documents, facts and proofs."

The Indian foreign ministry spokesperson while highlighting that "boundary delineation exercise with Nepal is ongoing under the existing mechanism" reiterated New Delhi's commitment to " find a solution through dialogue in the spirit of our close and friendly bilateral relations."

India earlier this month released a new map, which depicts the newly form union territories of - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Reacting to Nepal government's comments to the new Indian Map, India has said that not only it depicts India's territory accurately, but Kathmandu should "guard against vested interests trying to create differences between India and Nepal.

Reacting to Nepal government's comments to the new Indian Map, India has said that not only it depicts India's territory accurately, but Kathmandu should "guard against vested interests trying to create differences between India and Nepal." Ministry of external affairs spokesperson, Raveesh Kumar in response to a question in the weekly presser said, " Our map accurately depicts the sovereign territory of India. The new map has in no manner revised our boundary with Nepal." Nepal government on Wednesday in a statement said Kalapani, which is part of the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, is Nepali territory. The territory borders China and Nepal. In a statement, the Nepal government said, "Nepal is committed to protecting its international borders. Nepal is steadfast in its commitment that any border-related issues between the two friendly nations should be resolved through diplomatic channels based on historical documents, facts and proofs." The Indian foreign ministry spokesperson while highlighting that "boundary delineation exercise with Nepal is ongoing under the existing mechanism" reiterated New Delhi's commitment to " find a solution through dialogue in the spirit of our close and friendly bilateral relations." India earlier this month released a new map, which depicts the newly form union territories of - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

No change in boundary with Nepal, claims Ministry of external affairs

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Sidhant Sibal

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