Brazil is all set to host this year's BRICS summit which will see Indian PM Modi participating. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Brazilian envoy to India Andre Aranha Correa Do Lago said one of the key objectives of the summit will be innovation and how these five countries - India, Brazil, China, Russia and South Africa can work together and set an example for the world.&nbsp;

Excerpts:

WION: What will be the main agenda of the BRICS summit?

Andre Aranha Correa Do Lago: We are very happy to host the summit, this is the 11th BRICS summit and what really Brazil thinks is very important, its economic growth, innovation and technology for the future, which is an important objective. There are different things happening in the world, but we have to focus on this, how much these countries can get together and this can improve things and economic growth, science, technology and innovation.

WION: How much global growth can be part of the talks, since BRICS is a grouping based on economic issues?

Andre Aranha Correa Do Lago: As you know, we have very different circumstances, India has been growing very strongly, as well as China but Russia, Brazil, South Africa have been growing through more difficult times with much less significant percentage of growth.

What we know, we are all living in a world full of uncertainties and since these economies got together in the group, &nbsp;because of our economic significance, we have to show we have lines that we follow and that their things to show what can be done between us and that can be example for rest of the world.

WION: Are you planning to call other Latin American countries?

Andre Aranha Correa Do Lago: In this BRICS summit, the Brazilian government decided not to call anybody else, just five leaders and somehow we want to concentrate on the leadership of the five countries.

It will also be a celebration because one doesn't notice but during the process of presidency of BRICS we had several meetings. This year we organising over 90 government meetings, 17 at the level of ministers and also 15 people-to-people meet which is a great achievement. BRICS institutions coming together.

The summit is not something to be looked at in isolation, it is in fact, the symbolic end of engagements.

WION: How are current India-Brazil ties faring?

Andre Aranha Correa Do Lago: The relationship is getting stronger, and you have to think of one element, which is forgotten, the most important new groups formed recently to try to solve some of the difficulties we have in multilateral, basically BRICS formed to deal with economics and trade regarding the IMF, WTO but we have also we have the group G4 to deal the UN issues.&nbsp;

In G4, we have India with Brazil, and then IBSA that concentrates on south-south cooperation and has big democracies in three different continents and it is being preceded by India this year. SO whatever geometry we choose to try to overcome the difficulties of traditional structure, India and Brazil are always together.&nbsp;

WION: Any high-level visits in the offing from Brazil to India?

Andre Aranha Correa Do Lago: I hope so. As you know reports of things that can happen, the fact this is a very good moment for the relationship and there is a very good understanding between our leaders in the Osaka G20 meet and it has continued.

We all know how important it is to have a special relationship between the leaders and will be good to have more high-level visits.

WION: What is your take on UN reforms?

Andre Aranha Correa Do Lago: Well, I hope yes. As a Brazilian diplomat I have believe in the United Nations and both India and Brazil want to work with the UN, we don't want to reduce the strength of the UN.

But the world has changed since 1945 and no doubt reforms are needed. It is a complex process and we have to remember, their can't be reforms without considering India and Brazil, this is the main message and the reform should reduce us.

Brazil is all set to host this year's BRICS summit which will see Indian PM Modi participating. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Brazilian envoy to India Andre Aranha Correa Do Lago said one of the key objectives of the summit will be innovation and how these five countries - India, Brazil, China, Russia and South Africa can work together and set an example for the world.

Brazil is all set to host this year's BRICS summit which will see Indian PM Modi participating. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Brazilian envoy to India Andre Aranha Correa Do Lago said one of the key objectives of the summit will be innovation and how these five countries - India, Brazil, China, Russia and South Africa can work together and set an example for the world. Excerpts: WION: What will be the main agenda of the BRICS summit? Andre Aranha Correa Do Lago: We are very happy to host the summit, this is the 11th BRICS summit and what really Brazil thinks is very important, its economic growth, innovation and technology for the future, which is an important objective. There are different things happening in the world, but we have to focus on this, how much these countries can get together and this can improve things and economic growth, science, technology and innovation. WION: How much global growth can be part of the talks, since BRICS is a grouping based on economic issues? Andre Aranha Correa Do Lago: As you know, we have very different circumstances, India has been growing very strongly, as well as China but Russia, Brazil, South Africa have been growing through more difficult times with much less significant percentage of growth. What we know, we are all living in a world full of uncertainties and since these economies got together in the group, because of our economic significance, we have to show we have lines that we follow and that their things to show what can be done between us and that can be example for rest of the world. WION: Are you planning to call other Latin American countries? Andre Aranha Correa Do Lago: In this BRICS summit, the Brazilian government decided not to call anybody else, just five leaders and somehow we want to concentrate on the leadership of the five countries. It will also be a celebration because one doesn't notice but during the process of presidency of BRICS we had several meetings. This year we organising over 90 government meetings, 17 at the level of ministers and also 15 people-to-people meet which is a great achievement. BRICS institutions coming together. The summit is not something to be looked at in isolation, it is in fact, the symbolic end of engagements. WION: How are current India-Brazil ties faring? Andre Aranha Correa Do Lago: The relationship is getting stronger, and you have to think of one element, which is forgotten, the most important new groups formed recently to try to solve some of the difficulties we have in multilateral, basically BRICS formed to deal with economics and trade regarding the IMF, WTO but we have also we have the group G4 to deal the UN issues. In G4, we have India with Brazil, and then IBSA that concentrates on south-south cooperation and has big democracies in three different continents and it is being preceded by India this year. SO whatever geometry we choose to try to overcome the difficulties of traditional structure, India and Brazil are always together. WION: Any high-level visits in the offing from Brazil to India? Andre Aranha Correa Do Lago: I hope so. As you know reports of things that can happen, the fact this is a very good moment for the relationship and there is a very good understanding between our leaders in the Osaka G20 meet and it has continued. We all know how important it is to have a special relationship between the leaders and will be good to have more high-level visits. WION: What is your take on UN reforms? Andre Aranha Correa Do Lago: Well, I hope yes. As a Brazilian diplomat I have believe in the United Nations and both India and Brazil want to work with the UN, we don't want to reduce the strength of the UN. But the world has changed since 1945 and no doubt reforms are needed. It is a complex process and we have to remember, their can't be reforms without considering India and Brazil, this is the main message and the reform should reduce us.

BRICS can set example for the rest of the world: Brazilian envoy

With just three days left before the opening of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/siddhant-sibbal-on-terror-camps-spotted-near-kartarpur-259842">Kartarpur corridor</a> on November 9, Pakistan is yet to allow the visit of Indian advance teams to Kartarpur Gurudwara to check the arrangements that have been made and also hasn't given confirmation to the list New Delhi had sent of prominent Indian Sikh leaders who are part of the inaugural jatha.&nbsp;

Sources said Pakistan refused to "extend full cooperation" which is against the "spirit of pilgrimage" and this "despite Pakistan's insistence" on levying $20 service fee on the pilgrims.

India had shared the list of 575 pilgrims which will go in the inaugural jatha to the Kartarpur Sahib and includes former PM Dr Manmohan Singh, Union Ministers Hardeep Puri and Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Punjab Chief Minister Amrinder Singh and several MPs and MLAs from Punjab.

Islamabad has made a number of arrangements for the opening of Kartarpur corridor on its side which will be inaugurated by Pakistan PM Imran Khan but government sources said, "Pakistan has unilaterally decided on the programme and timing of the inaugural jatha" without taking input from the Indian side.

In fact, Islamabad hasn't even shared critical information like availability of medical facilities and security arrangements of pilgrims, Indian government sources said.&nbsp;

This comes even as Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in a tweet last week said Sikh pilgrims coming from India for a pilgrimage to Kartarpur are not required to carry passports but only valid ID and won't be required to register ten days in advance.&nbsp;

Sources said this has created confusion since, in the MOU signed in October, the passport was a necessary requirement and Islamabad hasn't bothered to get back to India after Imran Khan's tweet announcement leading to confusion among the pilgrims.

Last year both India and Pakistan had agreed on the opening of the Kartarpur corridor to the Kartarpur Gurudwara on the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji. Founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Devji, spent the last 18 years of his life in the Gurudwara which is just a few kilometres away from the International border with India.&nbsp;

With just three days left before the opening of the Kartarpur corridor on November 9, Pakistan is yet to allow the visit of Indian advance teams to Kartarpur Gurudwara to check the arrangements that have been made and also hasn't given confirmation to the list New Delhi had sent of prominent Indian Sikh leaders who are part of the inaugural jatha.

With just three days left before the opening of the Kartarpur corridor on November 9, Pakistan is yet to allow the visit of Indian advance teams to Kartarpur Gurudwara to check the arrangements that have been made and also hasn't given confirmation to the list New Delhi had sent of prominent Indian Sikh leaders who are part of the inaugural jatha. Sources said Pakistan refused to "extend full cooperation" which is against the "spirit of pilgrimage" and this "despite Pakistan's insistence" on levying $20 service fee on the pilgrims. India had shared the list of 575 pilgrims which will go in the inaugural jatha to the Kartarpur Sahib and includes former PM Dr Manmohan Singh, Union Ministers Hardeep Puri and Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Punjab Chief Minister Amrinder Singh and several MPs and MLAs from Punjab. Islamabad has made a number of arrangements for the opening of Kartarpur corridor on its side which will be inaugurated by Pakistan PM Imran Khan but government sources said, "Pakistan has unilaterally decided on the programme and timing of the inaugural jatha" without taking input from the Indian side. In fact, Islamabad hasn't even shared critical information like availability of medical facilities and security arrangements of pilgrims, Indian government sources said. This comes even as Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in a tweet last week said Sikh pilgrims coming from India for a pilgrimage to Kartarpur are not required to carry passports but only valid ID and won't be required to register ten days in advance. Sources said this has created confusion since, in the MOU signed in October, the passport was a necessary requirement and Islamabad hasn't bothered to get back to India after Imran Khan's tweet announcement leading to confusion among the pilgrims. Last year both India and Pakistan had agreed on the opening of the Kartarpur corridor to the Kartarpur Gurudwara on the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji. Founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Devji, spent the last 18 years of his life in the Gurudwara which is just a few kilometres away from the International border with India.

Kartarpur corridor: Pakistan fails to allow visit of Indian advance team

India will not be joining the mega trading deal - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vietnam-backs-india-at-rcep-says-want-trade-deal-with-all-16-countries-259891">Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership</a>&nbsp;(RCEP), as its key concerns have not been addressed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi making it clear that New Delhi will not compromise on its "core interests".

While speaking at the third RCEP meet in Bangkok, PM Modi&nbsp;said, "The present form of the RCEP agreement does not fully reflect the basic spirt and the agreed guiding principles of RCEP. It also does not satisfactorily address India's outstanding issues and concerns. In such a situation, it is not possible for India to join the RCEP agreement."

"When I measure the RCEP agreement with respect to the interests of all Indians, I do not get a positive answer. Therefore, neither the Talisman of Gandhiji nor my own conscience permits me to join the RCEP,&nbsp;" the Indian prime minister added.

The key issues that concerned New Delhi included inadequate protection against import surge, insufficient differential with China, keeping the base year as 2014 and no credible assurances on market access and non-tariff barriers.

Meanwhile, ASEAN sources reacting to the development called it a "win win outcome" with "both side getting to inform their constituencies back home that they got a deal (RCEP 15) &amp; India gets to tell its constituencies that India held out to safeguard domestic interests."

Adding, "If a deal could be struck before the 15 complete their legal scrubbing, then it could be 16 members. If not, 15 will proceed ahead without India. &nbsp;Meanwhile, 15 will be able to benefit, although not as much as with India in RCEP."

Calling "RCEP deal is better for the world economy",&nbsp;ASEAN sources said "RCEP deal bucks the trend of protectionism being equated with nationalism."

The negotiation for the deal started in 2012 in Cambodia and will be one of the biggest Free trade agreement in the world.

India will not be joining the mega trading deal - Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), as its key concerns have not been addressed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi making it clear that New Delhi will not compromise on its "core interests".

India will not be joining the mega trading deal - Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), as its key concerns have not been addressed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi making it clear that New Delhi will not compromise on its "core interests". While speaking at the third RCEP meet in Bangkok, PM Modi said, "The present form of the RCEP agreement does not fully reflect the basic spirt and the agreed guiding principles of RCEP. It also does not satisfactorily address India's outstanding issues and concerns. In such a situation, it is not possible for India to join the RCEP agreement." "When I measure the RCEP agreement with respect to the interests of all Indians, I do not get a positive answer. Therefore, neither the Talisman of Gandhiji nor my own conscience permits me to join the RCEP, " the Indian prime minister added. The key issues that concerned New Delhi included inadequate protection against import surge, insufficient differential with China, keeping the base year as 2014 and no credible assurances on market access and non-tariff barriers. Meanwhile, ASEAN sources reacting to the development called it a "win win outcome" with "both side getting to inform their constituencies back home that they got a deal (RCEP 15) & India gets to tell its constituencies that India held out to safeguard domestic interests." Adding, "If a deal could be struck before the 15 complete their legal scrubbing, then it could be 16 members. If not, 15 will proceed ahead without India. Meanwhile, 15 will be able to benefit, although not as much as with India in RCEP." Calling "RCEP deal is better for the world economy", ASEAN sources said "RCEP deal bucks the trend of protectionism being equated with nationalism." The negotiation for the deal started in 2012 in Cambodia and will be one of the biggest Free trade agreement in the world.

Not possible for India to join RCEP agreement: PM Modi in Bangkok

Vietnamese envoy to India Pham Sanh Chau has backed New Delhi at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rcep-meet-piyush-goyal-meets-australian-counterpart-holds-discussions-on-trade-issues-255400">RCEP</a> saying his country would like to see 16 countries in the mega trade pact. Vietnam will be the chair of ASEAN next year when the RCEP trade deal is expected to be signed. &nbsp;Chau also spoke about high-level visits between the two countries and increased air connectivity between the two countries.&nbsp;

WION: How do you see the ties between the two countries?

Pham Sanh Chau: This month we had two high-level visits. The first deputy minister of public security which is a minister of state level, he came at the invitation of his counterpart and we discussed all matters related to security and towards the end of the month, chief of the general staff of defence visited.&nbsp;

Security and defence are the key cooperation between Vietnam and India and it reflects the mutual trust between the two countries.

WION: How do you see the people-to-people ties increasing?

Pham Sanh Chau: We are very pleased that Indigo started direct flights between Hanoi and Kolkota and Ho Chi Min and in December Vietjet Air will start direct flights between Delhi and Ho Chi Min city. We see a substantial increase in passengers and an increase in the number of visitors from Vietnam and into Vietnam will increase.

WION: How do you see RCEP negotiations panning out?

Pham Sanh Chau: I hope all the countries concerned will be able to address their differences in order to soon sign the agreement. The agreement is very important because it will be in the interests of the countries concerned. We keep our fingers crossed and hope under the Vietnam-ASEAN chairmanship and Vietnam EAS chairmanship, we will be able to witness the signing of the document.&nbsp;

WION: As the chair of ASEAN next year, how do you see RCEP talks panning out&nbsp;since the deal is now expected to be signed next week?

Pham Sanh Chau: We hope when we hold the chair of ASEAN, number one, if everyone agrees, we can declare the completion of the negotiations and that will be fantastic. Secondly, leaders can then basically conclude all negotiations and technical issues that require some time to be addressed and finally the negotiations need to be carried out next year under Vietnamese chairmanship.

WION: And you will be back in New Delhi for RCEP...

Pham Sanh Chau: We hope RCEP will include all the 16 countries because we believe it is in the interest of all the countries concerned but it is also important for peace and security in the region.&nbsp;

WION: How do see the situation in the South China Sea?

Pham Sanh Chau: As clearly stated in the ASEAN summit by my prime minister, we hope that the serious incident that took place in the waters of Vietnam will not happen again.

WION: And your take on the Delhi pollution?

Pham Sanh Chau: I think this is a matter not only of India and Delhi and pollution is a matter for many countries as well.

I understand the genuine concerns of my colleague in the diplomatic community but for me it is okay. I see the weather is nice except the fact we should not go out.

I feel more comfortable with the heat in summer and of course, we have come up with measures like air purifiers. So for the Vietnamese people it is not a big issue.

Vietnamese envoy to India Pham Sanh Chau has backed New Delhi at RCEP saying his country would like to see 16 countries in the mega trade pact. Vietnam will be the chair of ASEAN next year when the RCEP trade deal is expected to be signed.

Vietnamese envoy to India Pham Sanh Chau has backed New Delhi at RCEP saying his country would like to see 16 countries in the mega trade pact. Vietnam will be the chair of ASEAN next year when the RCEP trade deal is expected to be signed. Chau also spoke about high-level visits between the two countries and increased air connectivity between the two countries. WION: How do you see the ties between the two countries? Pham Sanh Chau: This month we had two high-level visits. The first deputy minister of public security which is a minister of state level, he came at the invitation of his counterpart and we discussed all matters related to security and towards the end of the month, chief of the general staff of defence visited. Security and defence are the key cooperation between Vietnam and India and it reflects the mutual trust between the two countries. WION: How do you see the people-to-people ties increasing? Pham Sanh Chau: We are very pleased that Indigo started direct flights between Hanoi and Kolkota and Ho Chi Min and in December Vietjet Air will start direct flights between Delhi and Ho Chi Min city. We see a substantial increase in passengers and an increase in the number of visitors from Vietnam and into Vietnam will increase. WION: How do you see RCEP negotiations panning out? Pham Sanh Chau: I hope all the countries concerned will be able to address their differences in order to soon sign the agreement. The agreement is very important because it will be in the interests of the countries concerned. We keep our fingers crossed and hope under the Vietnam-ASEAN chairmanship and Vietnam EAS chairmanship, we will be able to witness the signing of the document. WION: As the chair of ASEAN next year, how do you see RCEP talks panning out since the deal is now expected to be signed next week? Pham Sanh Chau: We hope when we hold the chair of ASEAN, number one, if everyone agrees, we can declare the completion of the negotiations and that will be fantastic. Secondly, leaders can then basically conclude all negotiations and technical issues that require some time to be addressed and finally the negotiations need to be carried out next year under Vietnamese chairmanship. WION: And you will be back in New Delhi for RCEP... Pham Sanh Chau: We hope RCEP will include all the 16 countries because we believe it is in the interest of all the countries concerned but it is also important for peace and security in the region. WION: How do see the situation in the South China Sea? Pham Sanh Chau: As clearly stated in the ASEAN summit by my prime minister, we hope that the serious incident that took place in the waters of Vietnam will not happen again. WION: And your take on the Delhi pollution? Pham Sanh Chau: I think this is a matter not only of India and Delhi and pollution is a matter for many countries as well. I understand the genuine concerns of my colleague in the diplomatic community but for me it is okay. I see the weather is nice except the fact we should not go out. I feel more comfortable with the heat in summer and of course, we have come up with measures like air purifiers. So for the Vietnamese people it is not a big issue.

Vietnam backs India at RCEP; says want trade deal with all 16 countries

Indian Prime Minister and the Saudi crown prince will be meeting every two years at summit level as part of the newly formed strategic partnership council which was inked during PM Modi's visit to the Kingdom on Tuesday.

Indian Prime Minister and the Saudi crown prince will be meeting every two years at summit level as part of the newly formed strategic partnership council which was inked during PM Modi's visit to the Kingdom on Tuesday. Speaking exclusively to our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Riyadh, Indian envoy to Saudi Ausaf Sayeed said Indian foreign minister and trade minister will be meeting annually as part of the council. Here is the full transcript of the interview. WION: How do you see the visit of PM Modi? Ausaf Sayeed: It was one of the most successful visits by PM abroad. The biggest outcome is the launching of the strategic council at the level of PM and the Crown Prince. There were dozens of agreement which were signed and these were all in different sectors and included civil aviation defence, security cooperation, small and medium enterprises. Another significant outcome was the launching of the RuPay card, integration of the e-migrate system to its Saudi counterpart. Overall it has been a very good visit. There have been very fruitful discussions between our Prime Minister and King Salman, followed by equally intense and good discussions which covered all sectors. Eight cabinet ministers had also joined the discussions from the Saudi side. Overall I would say a very successful visit. WION: How do see the relationship between the two countries panning out? Ausaf Sayeed: The visit came eight months after Crown Prince's visit and the very fact that successive visits are taking place at a high level, itself is a reflection that the two countries seek each other as dependable friends and strategic partners; and the mandate of the strategic partnership council is itself is that there will be mandatory summit level meet in two years and ministerial-level engagement once every year which will be apart from the meetings on the sidelines of international grouping like G20 every year. We look forward to furthering engaging relationship which will take our relationship to the next level in many domains.

Summit-level meet to take place every 2 years with India: Indian Envoy to Saudi Arabia

Martin Sorrell, founder of WPP plc, the world's largest advertising and PR group has said that India's brand image is at an all-time high. Speaking to WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Riyadh, Sorrell expressed confidence in the Indian economy adding that any fall in the growth is just a "fluctuation". Here's the trasncript of the interview.&nbsp;

WION: How do you see India's role in the world?

Sorrell: Growing. India's role in the world is developing, PM Modi has been at the FII. He has made his impact during his first term, he will make an impact in his second term, so I have been always being a raging bull in India and will continue to do so. My company, where I was, made a huge position in India, about 50 per cent of the ad industry, about 15000-16,000 people, have a very strong business. I have started a new business - S4 Capital- and will be doing something in India and have a tour in India with Google in November end and I have mentioned this because it is emblematic of what is happening in India, tremendous growth domestically.

WION: But reports suggest the Indian economy is not doing well, your thoughts?

Sorrell: It is never going to go up in a straight line, it will be a secular growth and there will be fluctuations in terms of the growth rate. In the long term, India will be the most populous country of the planet, with that comes issues, but if I look at the British point of view, Brexit, if we do come out, we have to pivot away from the EU on which we are dependent for trade to markets such as the US and Asia - China and India are two massive economies in Asia. It can't be a straight line upwards. It remains extremely bullish.

WION: How do you see the leadership of the Indian PM?

Sorrell: I think the brand image of India has strengthened considerably in the last 4-6 years, it has been mainly due to PM Modi and what he has done and what he will do. Obviously, everybody faces criticism, it will not be positive all the time. Like the growth rate, there will be fluctuations but the brand image of India is at an all-time high.&nbsp;

Martin Sorrell, founder of WPP plc, the world's largest advertising and PR group has said that India's brand image is at an all-time high. Speaking to WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Riyadh, Sorrell expressed confidence in the Indian economy adding that any fall in the growth is just a "fluctuation".

Martin Sorrell, founder of WPP plc, the world's largest advertising and PR group has said that India's brand image is at an all-time high. Speaking to WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Riyadh, Sorrell expressed confidence in the Indian economy adding that any fall in the growth is just a "fluctuation". Here's the trasncript of the interview. WION: How do you see India's role in the world? Sorrell: Growing. India's role in the world is developing, PM Modi has been at the FII. He has made his impact during his first term, he will make an impact in his second term, so I have been always being a raging bull in India and will continue to do so. My company, where I was, made a huge position in India, about 50 per cent of the ad industry, about 15000-16,000 people, have a very strong business. I have started a new business - S4 Capital- and will be doing something in India and have a tour in India with Google in November end and I have mentioned this because it is emblematic of what is happening in India, tremendous growth domestically. WION: But reports suggest the Indian economy is not doing well, your thoughts? Sorrell: It is never going to go up in a straight line, it will be a secular growth and there will be fluctuations in terms of the growth rate. In the long term, India will be the most populous country of the planet, with that comes issues, but if I look at the British point of view, Brexit, if we do come out, we have to pivot away from the EU on which we are dependent for trade to markets such as the US and Asia - China and India are two massive economies in Asia. It can't be a straight line upwards. It remains extremely bullish. WION: How do you see the leadership of the Indian PM? Sorrell: I think the brand image of India has strengthened considerably in the last 4-6 years, it has been mainly due to PM Modi and what he has done and what he will do. Obviously, everybody faces criticism, it will not be positive all the time. Like the growth rate, there will be fluctuations but the brand image of India is at an all-time high.

India's brand image at all-time high: Martin Sorrell, founder of world's largest advertisement company tells WION

In April-May 2019, a series of cyber attacks took place on around 1,400 WhatsApp accounts using a malware built by an Israeli company NSO. The spyware can be injected into phones simply by ringing the number of a target device.

WhatsApp reached out to people impacted by the cyber attack. Citizen Lab, a research group based at Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto, volunteered to work with WhatsApp to understand the cyber attack and reached out to civil society targets. Among those who were targeted was our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal.

He spoke to John Scott Railton, senior researcher at Citizen Lab on what comes next and how to be sure that there is no repetition of the attack.

 
WION: How big was the attack. How many people were impacted? The scale of the attack?

John Scott Railton: In this case, according to WhatsApp's announcement, around 1,400 were targetted and based on Citizen Lab's work, we can say, about 100 of them were members of the civil society. The company that WhatsApp publically names goes by the name NSO group. They sell power technology and carry out surveillance of people. Part of the problem of this technology is monitoring of people through there telephone, monitoring their encrypted telephone calls, snooping on their text messages, pulling away their private photographs and remotely turning on their microphones and listening to what is happening in the room. Part of the problem is that the sale and use of it is secret and very unaccountable. The case shows us when the government gets the ability to conduct unaccountable surveillance, they often go after very familiar targets like journalist, human rights activists and others.

WION: 1,400 people were impacted. How can we secure ourselves? What would you like to suggest?

John Scott Railton: There are steps everyone can take to be more secure and privately online. One of them is using an encrypted messaging service, it is clear after WhatsApp's lawsuit that they are not only working behind the scenes but have put their litigators where their mouth is and are going directly after the company which is targetting users. This is very unprecedented and a big win for human rights, that said, the existence of companies likes NSO creates this continued monitored cyber risk, around the globe. One of the most important things is that there are investigations and transparency on how these technologies are used and in some case, accountability is the best protection we have given how this powerful technology is.

 
WION: So can we say WhatsApp is hackable and is not secure? And will WhatsApp be able to make sure there are no repetition?

John Scott Railton: Anytime when there is a targeted, anytime there is a hack, inevitably people ask if this telephone, this service is secure... the honest answer is that there will always be groups trying to target you and your phone and depending on who you are and what you do. These groups may be very sophisticated or not which impacts how likely they are to be successful. At the end of the day, as an individual you chose what technology to use, based on if it will keep you safe and we have to understand looking at how companies behave, not only on day-to-day basis but on how they behave when things go wrong. In this case, WhatsApp users were targeted and WhatsApp not only worked behind the scenes to close vulnerability but took an unprecedented step, they went to the courts and put the litigators where their mouths are and went after the company which is contributing to the hacking. It is a very strong signal to the users and the general population that WhatsApp is working very hard to protect the privacy of the users. At the end of the day, no one can tell you, use this, it will be perfect; what is true is the fact that you have to use your own judgement and look at what happens not only when the day is good but also when there is a problem, and in this case, what WhatsApp has done is not only a win for their users but a win for human rights.

In April-May 2019, a series of cyber attacks took place on around 1,400 WhatsApp accounts using a malware built by an Israeli company NSO. The spyware can be injected into phones simply by ringing the number of a target device.

In April-May 2019, a series of cyber attacks took place on around 1,400 WhatsApp accounts using a malware built by an Israeli company NSO. The spyware can be injected into phones simply by ringing the number of a target device. WhatsApp reached out to people impacted by the cyber attack. Citizen Lab, a research group based at Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto, volunteered to work with WhatsApp to understand the cyber attack and reached out to civil society targets. Among those who were targeted was our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal. He spoke to John Scott Railton, senior researcher at Citizen Lab on what comes next and how to be sure that there is no repetition of the attack. WION: How big was the attack. How many people were impacted? The scale of the attack? John Scott Railton: In this case, according to WhatsApp's announcement, around 1,400 were targetted and based on Citizen Lab's work, we can say, about 100 of them were members of the civil society. The company that WhatsApp publically names goes by the name NSO group. They sell power technology and carry out surveillance of people. Part of the problem of this technology is monitoring of people through there telephone, monitoring their encrypted telephone calls, snooping on their text messages, pulling away their private photographs and remotely turning on their microphones and listening to what is happening in the room. Part of the problem is that the sale and use of it is secret and very unaccountable. The case shows us when the government gets the ability to conduct unaccountable surveillance, they often go after very familiar targets like journalist, human rights activists and others. WION: 1,400 people were impacted. How can we secure ourselves? What would you like to suggest? John Scott Railton: There are steps everyone can take to be more secure and privately online. One of them is using an encrypted messaging service, it is clear after WhatsApp's lawsuit that they are not only working behind the scenes but have put their litigators where their mouth is and are going directly after the company which is targetting users. This is very unprecedented and a big win for human rights, that said, the existence of companies likes NSO creates this continued monitored cyber risk, around the globe. One of the most important things is that there are investigations and transparency on how these technologies are used and in some case, accountability is the best protection we have given how this powerful technology is. WION: So can we say WhatsApp is hackable and is not secure? And will WhatsApp be able to make sure there are no repetition? John Scott Railton: Anytime when there is a targeted, anytime there is a hack, inevitably people ask if this telephone, this service is secure... the honest answer is that there will always be groups trying to target you and your phone and depending on who you are and what you do. These groups may be very sophisticated or not which impacts how likely they are to be successful. At the end of the day, as an individual you chose what technology to use, based on if it will keep you safe and we have to understand looking at how companies behave, not only on day-to-day basis but on how they behave when things go wrong. In this case, WhatsApp users were targeted and WhatsApp not only worked behind the scenes to close vulnerability but took an unprecedented step, they went to the courts and put the litigators where their mouths are and went after the company which is contributing to the hacking. It is a very strong signal to the users and the general population that WhatsApp is working very hard to protect the privacy of the users. At the end of the day, no one can tell you, use this, it will be perfect; what is true is the fact that you have to use your own judgement and look at what happens not only when the day is good but also when there is a problem, and in this case, what WhatsApp has done is not only a win for their users but a win for human rights.

'Cyber threat continues across the globe,' says group that helped WhatsApp reach out to people impacted by cyber attack 

Saudi Deputy Information minister Dr Khalid AlGhamdi told WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-arrives-in-delhi-after-concluding-2-day-visit-to-saudi-arabia-258715">PM Modi's presence</a> at the Future Investment Initiative shows the growing ties between India and Saudi Arabia. PM Modi addressed the 3rd Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh on Tuesday wherein he talked about the reforms taken by his government to make India a major investment destination. Here is the transcript of the interview.&nbsp;

WION: What's the aim of Future Investment Initiative for Saudi Arabia?

AlGhamdi: The forum's idea is to diversify the economic resources of the kingdom from oil to other resources and this is the 3rd version of this. We attracted investments in all the areas. This is meant to be a forum where all those interested in investment internationally come for investment. It is an opportunity to communicate and connect with people. We have many prime ministers and presidents. We are honoured to have the prime minister of India here.&nbsp;

WION: Your thoughts on PM Modi's address at the forum

AlGhamdi: We see this as a great opportunity to enforce and emphasise the already strong relationship between India and Saudi Arabia. In fact, our crown prince visited Saudi Arabia a couple of months ago and they have discussed many opportunities for investment in India. India is a strategic partner in many areas including energy and other areas that mutually interest both the countries and the businessmen.&nbsp;

WION: How do see India's role in the region and the world?

AlGhamdi: India is one of the biggest countries in the world in terms of people. They are rich in human resource, they are rich in natural resources and they are rich in terms of intellectuals. Cooperating with India is very strategic and important for us. We hope our relationship will strengthen furthermore. Being in the same continent, being in Asia, we have discussed so many opportunities especially energy, we hope to pursue. We hope for more.

WION: Saudi Arabia will be hosting the G20 next year, India will be hosting at its 75th anniversary. How can both countries share the experience?

AlGhamdi: I think, in terms of G20, there are practices and countries can mutually benefit from there experiences. Saudi Arabia will host it and we will be sharing our experience with India as well as with other countries. We hope this will help us and help India represent the strategic importance of both countries and reflect it in hosting the summit. &nbsp;

Saudi Deputy Information minister Dr Khalid AlGhamdi told WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal that PM Modi's presence at the Future Investment Initiative shows the growing ties between India and Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Deputy Information minister Dr Khalid AlGhamdi told WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal that PM Modi's presence at the Future Investment Initiative shows the growing ties between India and Saudi Arabia. PM Modi addressed the 3rd Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh on Tuesday wherein he talked about the reforms taken by his government to make India a major investment destination. Here is the transcript of the interview. WION: What's the aim of Future Investment Initiative for Saudi Arabia? AlGhamdi: The forum's idea is to diversify the economic resources of the kingdom from oil to other resources and this is the 3rd version of this. We attracted investments in all the areas. This is meant to be a forum where all those interested in investment internationally come for investment. It is an opportunity to communicate and connect with people. We have many prime ministers and presidents. We are honoured to have the prime minister of India here. WION: Your thoughts on PM Modi's address at the forum AlGhamdi: We see this as a great opportunity to enforce and emphasise the already strong relationship between India and Saudi Arabia. In fact, our crown prince visited Saudi Arabia a couple of months ago and they have discussed many opportunities for investment in India. India is a strategic partner in many areas including energy and other areas that mutually interest both the countries and the businessmen. WION: How do see India's role in the region and the world? AlGhamdi: India is one of the biggest countries in the world in terms of people. They are rich in human resource, they are rich in natural resources and they are rich in terms of intellectuals. Cooperating with India is very strategic and important for us. We hope our relationship will strengthen furthermore. Being in the same continent, being in Asia, we have discussed so many opportunities especially energy, we hope to pursue. We hope for more. WION: Saudi Arabia will be hosting the G20 next year, India will be hosting at its 75th anniversary. How can both countries share the experience? AlGhamdi: I think, in terms of G20, there are practices and countries can mutually benefit from there experiences. Saudi Arabia will host it and we will be sharing our experience with India as well as with other countries. We hope this will help us and help India represent the strategic importance of both countries and reflect it in hosting the summit.

Honoured to have PM Modi at investment summit: Saudi minister to WION

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday embarked on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia with the focus on energy, defence and security, the launching of RuPay card in the kingdom and a speech at the third Future Investment Initiative Forum, also known as the "Davos of the desert".

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday embarked on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia with the focus on energy, defence and security, the launching of RuPay card in the kingdom and a speech at the third Future Investment Initiative Forum, also known as the "Davos of the desert". In his departure statement, Modi said, "India and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed traditionally close and friendly relations. Saudi Arabia has been one of the largest and reliable suppliers of India’s energy needs." Modi will be addressing the Future Investment Initiative Forum, which is part of the King's vision 2030 to make Saudi a more diversified economy at 8pm on Tuesday. At the forum meet, PM will, "speak about the growing trade and investment opportunities for the global investors in India as the country marches forward to a 5 trillion dollar economy by 2024.", the statement said. Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with King Salman of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday and separate delegation-level talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. Both sides will be signing the Strategic Partnership Council --SPC MoU--which will be headed by PM Modi and crown prince and have two verticals at foreign minister level and trade ministers level. Under vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has selected eight countries -- India, China, UK, US, France, Germany, South Korea and Japan -- for forging a strategic partnership which was agreed in February this year and aims to monitor the Strategic partnership between both countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be visiting India from October 31&nbsp;to Nov 2 to participate in the 5th Biennial Indo-German Integovnmental consultations (IGC).

Ahead of the visit, the German Chancellor lauded India which she called "the largest democracy in the world" and her country would want to "work in the economics field" with New Delhi especially relating to "issues of smart cities, renewable energy and new forms of mobility".&nbsp;

"We will talk about how we can work towards climate protection and sustainable development in our relationship" and discuss "foreign and security policy issues - that means that our discussion will cover a large spectrum," the German Chancellor added.

Merkel added, that she is "especially impressed by the developmental dynamics of India" and it is important that "we, as Germans, the largest trade partner of India in the EU, work further for the strengthening of our relationship and learn from India..that would be a good win-win situation for both countries."

While Chancellor Merkel last visited India in October 2015, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-meets-german-chancellor-angela-merkel-at-g20-summit-discusses-ways-to-deepen-indo-german-ties-231118">PM Modi has been to Germany</a>&nbsp;four&nbsp;times -&nbsp;first in April 2015 when India was the partner country at Hannover Messe, which is one of the world's largest trade fairs and then twice in 2017 - for the 4th IGC meet and G20 Summit and then again last year.

Announcing the visit, a release from external affairs ministry&nbsp;said, "During the IGC, the two sides will discuss the deepening of cooperation in traditional sectors such as transport, skill development and energy, and explore possibilities for cooperation in newer areas like green urban mobility, AI, etc. The two leaders will also exchange views on regional and global matters of mutual interest."

The visit comes even as Brexit remains a top concern in Europe and both EU and UK are scouting for partners.

There are 1.5 lakh Indians and people of Indian-origin in Germany including 15,000 Indian students. Most of the Indians are in the fields of IT, banking and other professions.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be visiting India from October 31 to Nov 2 to participate in the 5th Biennial Indo-German Integovnmental consultations (IGC).

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be visiting India from October 31 to Nov 2 to participate in the 5th Biennial Indo-German Integovnmental consultations (IGC). Ahead of the visit, the German Chancellor lauded India which she called "the largest democracy in the world" and her country would want to "work in the economics field" with New Delhi especially relating to "issues of smart cities, renewable energy and new forms of mobility". "We will talk about how we can work towards climate protection and sustainable development in our relationship" and discuss "foreign and security policy issues - that means that our discussion will cover a large spectrum," the German Chancellor added. Merkel added, that she is "especially impressed by the developmental dynamics of India" and it is important that "we, as Germans, the largest trade partner of India in the EU, work further for the strengthening of our relationship and learn from India..that would be a good win-win situation for both countries." While Chancellor Merkel last visited India in October 2015, PM Modi has been to Germany four times - first in April 2015 when India was the partner country at Hannover Messe, which is one of the world's largest trade fairs and then twice in 2017 - for the 4th IGC meet and G20 Summit and then again last year. Announcing the visit, a release from external affairs ministry said, "During the IGC, the two sides will discuss the deepening of cooperation in traditional sectors such as transport, skill development and energy, and explore possibilities for cooperation in newer areas like green urban mobility, AI, etc. The two leaders will also exchange views on regional and global matters of mutual interest." The visit comes even as Brexit remains a top concern in Europe and both EU and UK are scouting for partners. There are 1.5 lakh Indians and people of Indian-origin in Germany including 15,000 Indian students. Most of the Indians are in the fields of IT, banking and other professions.

Ahead of visit, German Chancellor Merkel says impressed with India's development dynamics

Even as Indian Prime Minister met over 20 European Parliamentarians who will be going to Jammu and Kashmir, New Delhi has highlighted that it is keen on the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (India-EU FTA).&nbsp;

PM Narendra Modi, Speaking to European MPs called for "early conclusion of a fair and balanced Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) " which he called a "priority for the government."

Formal talks were suspended on the proposed FTA in 2013, an FTA which will help both India and Europe in a major way. Since 2013, India, EU has met 9 times informally to talk about the FTA with August 5, 2019, was the last time both sides met to discuss the issue.

Key issues why talks failed were on customs duty on wine, auto manufacturing and labour issues. While India did not want an FTA without investments being part of it, the EU wanted FTA on goods. On European cars, Brussels said it wants to sell full manufactured cars to be sold in India to which New Delhi pointed out to its policy of local manufacturing.

High customs on wine in India was another thorny issue as well as EU raising the issue of labour and human rights issues. EU also wanted to be part of the government procurement, which India is not keen on.

Next year the 15th India-EU summit is expected to happen in Brussels, which can spur the talks on the FTA. The last India EU summit happened in 2017.&nbsp;

The development on EU India FTA comes even as next week could see mega RCEP FTA being inked in Bangkok on the sidelines of East Asia summit. India is keen to be part of RCEP whose part will be China, ASEAN, Australia etc.

Even as Indian Prime Minister met over 20 European Parliamentarians who will be going to Jammu and Kashmir, New Delhi has highlighted that it is keen on the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (India-EU FTA).

Even as Indian Prime Minister met over 20 European Parliamentarians who will be going to Jammu and Kashmir, New Delhi has highlighted that it is keen on the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (India-EU FTA). PM Narendra Modi, Speaking to European MPs called for "early conclusion of a fair and balanced Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) " which he called a "priority for the government." Formal talks were suspended on the proposed FTA in 2013, an FTA which will help both India and Europe in a major way. Since 2013, India, EU has met 9 times informally to talk about the FTA with August 5, 2019, was the last time both sides met to discuss the issue. Key issues why talks failed were on customs duty on wine, auto manufacturing and labour issues. While India did not want an FTA without investments being part of it, the EU wanted FTA on goods. On European cars, Brussels said it wants to sell full manufactured cars to be sold in India to which New Delhi pointed out to its policy of local manufacturing. High customs on wine in India was another thorny issue as well as EU raising the issue of labour and human rights issues. EU also wanted to be part of the government procurement, which India is not keen on. Next year the 15th India-EU summit is expected to happen in Brussels, which can spur the talks on the FTA. The last India EU summit happened in 2017. The development on EU India FTA comes even as next week could see mega RCEP FTA being inked in Bangkok on the sidelines of East Asia summit. India is keen to be part of RCEP whose part will be China, ASEAN, Australia etc.

New Delhi keen for early conclusion of India-European Union free trade agreement

85 days after the Centre annulled Article 370 and bifurcated Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, a 28-member European Union Parliamentarians will visit the region on Tuesday, the first such visit by an international delegation.

85 days after the Centre annulled Article 370 and bifurcated Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, a 28-member European Union Parliamentarians will visit the region on Tuesday, the first such visit by an international delegation. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the country's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met the visiting members of European Parliament and briefed them about the developments in Jammu and Kashmir. PM expressed hope that the MEP--Members of the European Parliament will have a "fruitful'' visit to various parts of the country, including to Jammu and Kashmir and their "visit to Jammu and Kashmir should give the delegation a better understanding of the cultural and religious diversity of the region of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, apart from giving them a clear view of the development and governance priorities of the region." He also raised the issue of cross border terror and said " Urgent action must be taken against all those who support or sponsor terrorists or support such activities and organizations or use terrorism as a state policy''. There should be zero tolerance for terrorism, he added. A source said Pakistan sponsored protests against India in different parts of European Union in last few months was also raised which PM said was "deliberate mischief by Pakistan ''deep state'' to create a false impression about India on Kashmir". The source added, "EU MEPs welcomed the steps taken by India in Kashmir, especially ending discrimination and going against corruption after the abrogation of Article 370 which now gives equal rights to all in J&K at par with India." The NSA briefed them about Pakistan sponsored terror and provocation by Islamabad since August 5 when Jammu and Kashmir was stripped of special status. The European Parliamentarians visiting Kashmir include six each from Poland and France, five from UK, four from Italy, two from Germany, and one each from the Czech Republic, Belgium and Slovakia. The European Parliamentarians are in India in their private capacity. The visit comes even as there has been criticism over India keeping the region locked down. Last week at a US congressional panel, some US Congress members slammed India for its handling of the situation in the valley post abrogation of article 370 to which US govt highlighted the issue of cross border terrorism emanating from Pakistan among other things.

First international delegation to visit Kashmir since abolition of Article 370 

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Sidhant Sibal

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