On the eve of the second India-China informal summit, New Delhi has reminded both Islamabad and Beijing that Kashmir is India's internal matter and countries should not comment on it.

The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, "India’s position has been consistent and clear that Jammu &amp; Kashmir is an integral part of India."

Adding, "China is well aware of our position. It is not for other countries to comment on the internal affairs of India."

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was on a two-day visit to China and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Kashmir was mentioned in the release issued by Pakistan and China on the Xi-Khan talks and was a topic in the joint statement by both countries.

While the Chinese government readout on Xi-Imran talks said that the President supports "Pakistan's legitimate interest in Kashmir... and parties should resolve the dispute via peaceful dialogue", Pakistani readout was stronger and mentioned the "humanitarian crisis in Jammu and Kashmir."

The China-Pakistan joint statement mentioned Kashmir and called for a resolution "based on the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements" with China opposing "any unilateral actions that complicate the situation."

But China and Pakistan have been making statements critical of Delhi since the revocation of the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The India-China second informal summit will take place on October 11 and 12, and New Delhi has asserted that Jammu and Kashmir would not be on the agenda since it's India's internal matter.

Government sources said, "Irrespective of which every country we deal with, our position is very clear. The issue of discussing with any country doesn't arise."

Adding, "If the President of China would like to understand, the PM will outline what we have done. On Union Territory of Ladakh, the logic has been explained. Foreign Minister Jaishankar has made our position clear in this regard."&nbsp;

On Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's ongoing China visit, the source said, "Visit has been decided by Pakistan and China and the matter is not a concern to us... we don't see it as hyphenation if the other side sees it, the Chinese side has to react."

On the eve of the second India-China informal summit, New Delhi has reminded both Islamabad and Beijing that Kashmir is India's internal matter and countries should not comment on it.

On the eve of the second India-China informal summit, New Delhi has reminded both Islamabad and Beijing that Kashmir is India's internal matter and countries should not comment on it. The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, "India’s position has been consistent and clear that Jammu & Kashmir is an integral part of India." Adding, "China is well aware of our position. It is not for other countries to comment on the internal affairs of India." Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was on a two-day visit to China and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday. Kashmir was mentioned in the release issued by Pakistan and China on the Xi-Khan talks and was a topic in the joint statement by both countries. While the Chinese government readout on Xi-Imran talks said that the President supports "Pakistan's legitimate interest in Kashmir... and parties should resolve the dispute via peaceful dialogue", Pakistani readout was stronger and mentioned the "humanitarian crisis in Jammu and Kashmir." The China-Pakistan joint statement mentioned Kashmir and called for a resolution "based on the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements" with China opposing "any unilateral actions that complicate the situation." But China and Pakistan have been making statements critical of Delhi since the revocation of the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The India-China second informal summit will take place on October 11 and 12, and New Delhi has asserted that Jammu and Kashmir would not be on the agenda since it's India's internal matter. Government sources said, "Irrespective of which every country we deal with, our position is very clear. The issue of discussing with any country doesn't arise." Adding, "If the President of China would like to understand, the PM will outline what we have done. On Union Territory of Ladakh, the logic has been explained. Foreign Minister Jaishankar has made our position clear in this regard." On Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's ongoing China visit, the source said, "Visit has been decided by Pakistan and China and the matter is not a concern to us... we don't see it as hyphenation if the other side sees it, the Chinese side has to react."

Ahead of second India-China informal summit, India reaffirms that Kashmir is internal matter

India has expressed its "deep concern" at the Turkish invasion of northern Syria, an area dominated by minority Kurds who Ankara blames for terrorism.

In a strong response by New Delhi, the ministry of external affairs said, the "unilateral military offensive by Turkey in north-east Syria..undermine stability in the region and the fight against terrorism."

The west Asian country's action has the "potential for causing humanitarian and civilian distress" and urged it to "exercise restraint and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria."It called on Ankara to peaceful settle "all issues through dialogue and discussion," the MEA added.

The Syrian Ambassador to India Riad Abbas speaking to WION has welcomed New Delhi's statement

The statement by New Delhi comes on the back of Turkey backing Pakistan on Kashmir with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan even raising Kashmir from the United Nations General Assembly in New York in Kashmir.

Turkey, along with Malaysia and China are the only three countries who have reacted negatively on New Delhi's decision to remove a special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has welcomed the Turkish invasion of Syria.&nbsp;

Pakistan foreign office spokesperson said, "We appreciate Turkey’s positive role in finding a viable political solution to the conflict in Syria. We also acknowledge Turkey’s humanitarian efforts by graciously hosting over 3.5 million Syrian refugees. We recognize Turkey’s legitimate security concerns in the region. Like Pakistan, Turkey has also been a victim of terrorism."

"Pakistan has been and continues to support the territorial integrity of Syria and expresses the hope that a political solution to the Syrian conflict will be reached at the earliest, that takes into account concerns of all regional stakeholders and parties to the conflict," he added.

India has expressed its "deep concern" at the Turkish invasion of northern Syria, an area dominated by minority Kurds who Ankara blames for terrorism. In a strong response by New Delhi, the ministry of external affairs said, the "unilateral military offensive by Turkey in north-east Syria.

India has expressed its "deep concern" at the Turkish invasion of northern Syria, an area dominated by minority Kurds who Ankara blames for terrorism. In a strong response by New Delhi, the ministry of external affairs said, the "unilateral military offensive by Turkey in north-east Syria..undermine stability in the region and the fight against terrorism." The west Asian country's action has the "potential for causing humanitarian and civilian distress" and urged it to "exercise restraint and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria."It called on Ankara to peaceful settle "all issues through dialogue and discussion," the MEA added. The Syrian Ambassador to India Riad Abbas speaking to WION has welcomed New Delhi's statement The statement by New Delhi comes on the back of Turkey backing Pakistan on Kashmir with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan even raising Kashmir from the United Nations General Assembly in New York in Kashmir. Turkey, along with Malaysia and China are the only three countries who have reacted negatively on New Delhi's decision to remove a special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, Pakistan has welcomed the Turkish invasion of Syria. Pakistan foreign office spokesperson said, "We appreciate Turkey’s positive role in finding a viable political solution to the conflict in Syria. We also acknowledge Turkey’s humanitarian efforts by graciously hosting over 3.5 million Syrian refugees. We recognize Turkey’s legitimate security concerns in the region. Like Pakistan, Turkey has also been a victim of terrorism." "Pakistan has been and continues to support the territorial integrity of Syria and expresses the hope that a political solution to the Syrian conflict will be reached at the earliest, that takes into account concerns of all regional stakeholders and parties to the conflict," he added.

India expresses 'deep concern' over Turkish invasion of northern Syria; Pak lauds Ankara’s 'positive role'  

With heavy security, a freshly painted wall and banana tree-lined roads, the tourist town of Mamallapuram, Chennai suburb is all set to host Asia's two important leaders -- Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping for the second informal summit.

With heavy security, a freshly painted wall and banana tree-lined roads, the tourist town of Mamallapuram, Chennai suburb is all set to host Asia's two important leaders -- Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping for the second informal summit. The first summit took place in Wuhan, China and the focus of this year's summit will be too keep the momentum generated from the last year's summit. Friday afternoon around 2pm local time President Xi will be reaching Chennai and by 5pm, Modi will give him a guided tour of three important UNESCO world heritage sites -- Arjuna’s Penance, Panch Rathas and Shore Temple. Chinese President will be driving down to the suburb from Chennai and will be joined PM Modi. The fact that Mamallapuram hosts world heritage sites coupled with its coastal links with China dating back to sixth century Pallava dynasty played a key role in it hosting the summit. Both leaders will see cultural performances at the Shore temple followed by a dinner in the evening. On Saturday, both will meet again and after the lunch, President Xi leaves for Nepal, the first visit by Chinese President in decades. Since its an informal summit, no joint statement is expected but both sides will issue separate statements in a coordinated manner. The trade deficit stands at 57.86 billion dollars and while greater market access has been given to Indian agriculture products like rapeseed, fishmeal, tobacco leaves, chilli meal, India is hoping it is translated into volumes. On border dispute, both sides are expected to start work on new confidence-building measures that could be announced later this year. One of the key outcomes of the Wuhan informal summit that happened in the backdrop of 2017 Doklam crisis, was strategic guidance being given by both leaders to there armies to resolve any issue at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in a sensible manner.

Mamallapuram decked up for second India-China Informal Summit

Chinese <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-pak-should-resolve-kashmir-issue-bilaterally-says-china-ahead-of-xi-modi-summit-in-chennai-254619">President Xi Jinping</a> will be visiting India from October 11 to 12 for the second informal summit with PM Narendra Modi. Both India and China simultaneous announced the visit.&nbsp;

India's ministry of external affairs in a statement said, "At the invitation of the Prime Minister, the President of the People’s Republic of China H.E. Mr. Xi Jinping will be visiting Chennai, India from October 11-12, 2019 for the 2nd Informal Summit."

"The forthcoming Chennai Informal Summit will provide an opportunity for the two leaders to continue their discussions on overarching issues of bilateral, regional and global importance and to exchange views on deepening India-China Closer Development Partnership," it added.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-xi-jinping-to-officially-meet-on-11th-12th-october-in-mamallapuram-chennai-254645/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Almost immediately, the Chinese envoy to India Sun Weidong tweeted, "Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit India from October 11th to 12th for the 2nd Informal Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Chennai. Hope their &nbsp;Strategic guidance and friendship will usher China-India ties into a new chapter."

This is not the first time a Chinese leader is visiting South India. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamallapuram-zhou-enlai-in-1956-and-modi-xi-in-2019-254588">Zhou Enlai, the first Premier</a> of the People's Republic of China visited Tamil Nadu on December 5th, 1956 on a two-day visit. During the visit, he visited Mahabalipuram, Gemini studio and a Coach Factory.

Last year first of the informal summit between India and China took place in Wuhan in the backdrop of the Doklam crisis of 2017. The crisis saw a two-month standoff between Indian and Chinese army in Bhutanese territory of Doklam which is claimed by Beijing but is part of Bhutan.&nbsp;

During the Wuhan informal summit, leaders of both India and China gave strategic guidance to forces of both the countries so that their can't be a repetition of the Doklam crisis.&nbsp;

Other key outcomes of Wuhan summit was the establishment of the India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges (HLM).

The second meet of the mechanism happened earlier this year during EAM Jaishankar's China visit. Both sides also decided to jointly train Afghan diplomats, the first batch was trained last year, the second is expected to happen very soon this year.

PM Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan. That was the first meeting of Indian Prime Minister with the Chinese leader in 2019. Both leaders have met four&nbsp;times in 2018, starting with informal Wuhan summit in April followed by bilateral meetings on the sidelines of SCO, BRICS and G20.

On Tuesday, PM Modi sent greeting on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. PM Modi said on Chinese social media said India "cherishes its friendship with China", adding,&nbsp;"we look forward to further developing political, trade as well as people-to-people ties."

Next year both India and China celebrate 70 years of establishment of ties and 70 important events - 35 in India, 35 in China to mark the event. Both sides also called for expediting discussing on the boundary question.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will be visiting India from October 11 to 12 for the second informal summit with PM Narendra Modi. Both India and China simultaneous announced the visit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will be visiting India from October 11 to 12 for the second informal summit with PM Narendra Modi. Both India and China simultaneous announced the visit. India's ministry of external affairs in a statement said, "At the invitation of the Prime Minister, the President of the People’s Republic of China H.E. Mr. Xi Jinping will be visiting Chennai, India from October 11-12, 2019 for the 2nd Informal Summit." "The forthcoming Chennai Informal Summit will provide an opportunity for the two leaders to continue their discussions on overarching issues of bilateral, regional and global importance and to exchange views on deepening India-China Closer Development Partnership," it added. Watch Video: Almost immediately, the Chinese envoy to India Sun Weidong tweeted, "Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit India from October 11th to 12th for the 2nd Informal Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Chennai. Hope their Strategic guidance and friendship will usher China-India ties into a new chapter." This is not the first time a Chinese leader is visiting South India. Zhou Enlai, the first Premier of the People's Republic of China visited Tamil Nadu on December 5th, 1956 on a two-day visit. During the visit, he visited Mahabalipuram, Gemini studio and a Coach Factory. Last year first of the informal summit between India and China took place in Wuhan in the backdrop of the Doklam crisis of 2017. The crisis saw a two-month standoff between Indian and Chinese army in Bhutanese territory of Doklam which is claimed by Beijing but is part of Bhutan. During the Wuhan informal summit, leaders of both India and China gave strategic guidance to forces of both the countries so that their can't be a repetition of the Doklam crisis. Other key outcomes of Wuhan summit was the establishment of the India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges (HLM). The second meet of the mechanism happened earlier this year during EAM Jaishankar's China visit. Both sides also decided to jointly train Afghan diplomats, the first batch was trained last year, the second is expected to happen very soon this year. PM Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan. That was the first meeting of Indian Prime Minister with the Chinese leader in 2019. Both leaders have met four times in 2018, starting with informal Wuhan summit in April followed by bilateral meetings on the sidelines of SCO, BRICS and G20. On Tuesday, PM Modi sent greeting on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. PM Modi said on Chinese social media said India "cherishes its friendship with China", adding, "we look forward to further developing political, trade as well as people-to-people ties." Next year both India and China celebrate 70 years of establishment of ties and 70 important events - 35 in India, 35 in China to mark the event. Both sides also called for expediting discussing on the boundary question.

India, China officially announce second informal summit between PM Modi, President Xi in Chennai

As India gets ready to host the Chinese President Xi Jinping for the second India China informal summit, many issues are going to be discussed by both the leaders.

These include additional confidence-building measures (CBMs), counter-terror, trade, reforms at United Nations Security Council, challenges faced at the World Trade Organisation and "selective walking back from global trading arrangements" where both India and China "have a similar approach". Afghanistan will serve as the host of these issues on the table.

A source told WION that the objective of the summit will be to build "contacts at the highest level and exchange views on strategic issues and overarching issues in the world today and giving a broad direction to bilateral ties".

The source explained that the "communication between the leaders is routinised and easy-going" indicating that "President Xi &amp; PM Modi are getting to business in an informal and a more practical way... several hours of one to one discussion [will happen] in which any subject can be discussed".

Additionally, the discussion will be more about ''where the leaders see the relationship going and how and where we need to address it" and so far "political relations have gone well, there have been several visits by both sides since Wuhan".

The summit will mark the third meeting between both the leaders since the re-election of President Xi. They have already met in Japan on the sidelines of G20 Summit and in Kyrgystan on the sidelines of the SCO summit. PM Modi and President Xi will be meeting next in Bangkok on the sidelines of the East Asia/ASEAN summit from 31 October-4 November 2019. The meeting will come within 15 days of the informal summit. The Bangkok meeting will be the fourth this year between Xi-Modi.

Xi will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Wang Yi. National Security Adviser Doval and External Affairs Minister Jaishanker will be present in the meetings.&nbsp;

The source said that there has been "fairly frequent" contact and there is "readiness by both sides to maintain and advance the contact and [to] build a personal connection".

The informal summit is unlike the regular summit which involves the signing of MoUs, agreements and joint statements.

President Xi will land on Friday afternoon, and there will be an engagement with PM Modi with the latter showing the former the world heritage sites at Mahabalipuram. Dinner will be hosted by the PM on Friday evening with a cultural show being organised by Kalakshetra. The second round of talks will take place on Saturday in the one-to-one format as well as on the delegation-level. President Xi will depart by 2 pm IST for Nepal on that day itself.&nbsp;

For India, the trade deficit "remains a matter of concern" and even though there is "encouraging progress" on the regulatory side like market access for soya, non-basmati rice, rapeseed, Tabacco leaves since Wuhan, "it is yet to translate into meaningful ways on volumes on trade front", said the government source. ''We need to bridge that trade deficit... our effort is [to understand] how much flexibility China is willing to show in sectors and certain tariff lines", the source added.

The resolution on border dispute has been topping the priority for both the sides and while "mechanism is in place" on border disputes which both sides have been "able to handle in a sensible manner", both are looking at additional CBMs. Additionally, these won't be announced in the summit with the "[negotiations on the border dispute] being part of the discussion''. Focus for both New Delhi and Bejing will be how to "make sure peace and tranquillity" remains on the border.

More India China defence exchanges are coming soon and additional CBMs can be announced during that time or during Special Representative (SR) meetings between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Later this year, the annual bilateral joint counter-terrorism exercises will also take place.

Next year is the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the relationship between India and China. The focus will be "how we commemorate this summit and make it more people-centric". Terrorism will be other key issues that will be discussed with "the common threat we face and [which] needs to be addressed comprehensively". Indo-pacific issues, the source said, will be on the table and "it is important for us and the PM has publically articulated it... at official levels, we have explained it to China."

Government sources dismissed that Jammu and Kashmir will be on agenda, saying "irrespective of whichever country we deal with, our position is very clear. The issue of discussing with any country doesn't arise."

Adding, "If the President of China would like to understand, the PM will outline what we have done. On Union Territory of Ladakh, logic has been explained. FM Jaishankar has made our position clear in this regard."&nbsp;

On Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's ongoing China visit, the source said, "visit has been decided by Pakistan and China and the matter is not a concern to us... we don't see it as hyphenation if the other side sees it, the Chinese side has to react".

As India gets ready to host the Chinese President Xi Jinping for the second India China informal summit, many issues are going to be discussed by both the leaders.

As India gets ready to host the Chinese President Xi Jinping for the second India China informal summit, many issues are going to be discussed by both the leaders. These include additional confidence-building measures (CBMs), counter-terror, trade, reforms at United Nations Security Council, challenges faced at the World Trade Organisation and "selective walking back from global trading arrangements" where both India and China "have a similar approach". Afghanistan will serve as the host of these issues on the table. A source told WION that the objective of the summit will be to build "contacts at the highest level and exchange views on strategic issues and overarching issues in the world today and giving a broad direction to bilateral ties". The source explained that the "communication between the leaders is routinised and easy-going" indicating that "President Xi & PM Modi are getting to business in an informal and a more practical way... several hours of one to one discussion [will happen] in which any subject can be discussed". Additionally, the discussion will be more about ''where the leaders see the relationship going and how and where we need to address it" and so far "political relations have gone well, there have been several visits by both sides since Wuhan". The summit will mark the third meeting between both the leaders since the re-election of President Xi. They have already met in Japan on the sidelines of G20 Summit and in Kyrgystan on the sidelines of the SCO summit. PM Modi and President Xi will be meeting next in Bangkok on the sidelines of the East Asia/ASEAN summit from 31 October-4 November 2019. The meeting will come within 15 days of the informal summit. The Bangkok meeting will be the fourth this year between Xi-Modi. Xi will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Wang Yi. National Security Adviser Doval and External Affairs Minister Jaishanker will be present in the meetings. The source said that there has been "fairly frequent" contact and there is "readiness by both sides to maintain and advance the contact and [to] build a personal connection". The informal summit is unlike the regular summit which involves the signing of MoUs, agreements and joint statements. President Xi will land on Friday afternoon, and there will be an engagement with PM Modi with the latter showing the former the world heritage sites at Mahabalipuram. Dinner will be hosted by the PM on Friday evening with a cultural show being organised by Kalakshetra. The second round of talks will take place on Saturday in the one-to-one format as well as on the delegation-level. President Xi will depart by 2 pm IST for Nepal on that day itself. For India, the trade deficit "remains a matter of concern" and even though there is "encouraging progress" on the regulatory side like market access for soya, non-basmati rice, rapeseed, Tabacco leaves since Wuhan, "it is yet to translate into meaningful ways on volumes on trade front", said the government source. ''We need to bridge that trade deficit... our effort is [to understand] how much flexibility China is willing to show in sectors and certain tariff lines", the source added. The resolution on border dispute has been topping the priority for both the sides and while "mechanism is in place" on border disputes which both sides have been "able to handle in a sensible manner", both are looking at additional CBMs. Additionally, these won't be announced in the summit with the "[negotiations on the border dispute] being part of the discussion''. Focus for both New Delhi and Bejing will be how to "make sure peace and tranquillity" remains on the border. More India China defence exchanges are coming soon and additional CBMs can be announced during that time or during Special Representative (SR) meetings between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Later this year, the annual bilateral joint counter-terrorism exercises will also take place. Next year is the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the relationship between India and China. The focus will be "how we commemorate this summit and make it more people-centric". Terrorism will be other key issues that will be discussed with "the common threat we face and [which] needs to be addressed comprehensively". Indo-pacific issues, the source said, will be on the table and "it is important for us and the PM has publically articulated it... at official levels, we have explained it to China." Government sources dismissed that Jammu and Kashmir will be on agenda, saying "irrespective of whichever country we deal with, our position is very clear. The issue of discussing with any country doesn't arise." Adding, "If the President of China would like to understand, the PM will outline what we have done. On Union Territory of Ladakh, logic has been explained. FM Jaishankar has made our position clear in this regard." On Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's ongoing China visit, the source said, "visit has been decided by Pakistan and China and the matter is not a concern to us... we don't see it as hyphenation if the other side sees it, the Chinese side has to react".

PM Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping getting to business in practical way, says India ahead of second informal summit

As India gets ready to host Chinese President Xi Jinping for the second<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/world/india-pak-should-resolve-kashmir-issue-bilaterally-says-china-ahead-of-xi-modi-summit-in-chennai-254619"> India-China informal summit</a>, it was history and PM Modi's desire to showcase other parts of India that clinched Mahabalipuram as the venue of the meet between two most important leaders of Asia.

While the Indian authorities looked at many locations, Mahabalipuram's world heritage tag "with a strong connection with China" and PM's view "that we need to show other parts of India and particularly southern India" became the deciding factor a source told WION.

Chinese President Xi is an enthusiast of history and culture and it was "evident to PM during the first informal summit in Wuhan" so India was "looking for the venue with a world heritage site" the source explained.

Mahabalipuram is a world heritage site and was listed in 1984. Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang had visited Kanchipuram during Pallava dynasty and spoken about his visit elaborately. Mahabalipuram has been a major port city during the Pallava kingdom in the 7th century.

Bodhidharma who had spread Zen Buddhism to China had set sail from the coast of Tamil Nadu and landed in present-day Guangdong (Canton) Province. A small temple has been constructed at a place where he landed and former President Pranab Mukherjee paid a visit there in 2016.&nbsp;

And then there is the sea connect. There has been a major trading connection between Pallava and Chola kingdoms of South India with the southeastern coast of China particularly the province of Fujian and city of Quanzhou. A large amount of physical evidence has been found like coins and pottery from China's Song dynasty in and discovery of Indian temple architecture that part of china. China's song dynasty had maintained diplomatic ties with the Chola kingdom. It is interesting to know, President Xi has been the governor of Fujian, which "clinched the venue."

A source said, "We were given clear guidance that we are to look for a venue outside the national capital. PM has been favouring practise of taking foreign dignitaries outside the national capital and showcase other parts of India. Outside objective to do outside Delhi."

Visiting global leaders like President Xi has been previously taken to Ahmadabad, French President Emmanuel Macron has been to Varanasi, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been to Bengaluru, Japanese PM Shinzo abe has been to both Ahmedabad and Varanasi.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Overall the idea was to showcase "tourism potential of Tamil Nadu" also played in the background when the venue was being decided.

The town, which according to one estimate is one of the most visited towns of south India has "group of Hindu monuments" which are UNESCO world heritage sites as its key focus points.&nbsp;

The monument consists of 7th and 8th century-old open-air rock sculptures such as "descent of the Ganges" and famous Shore temple.

As India gets ready to host Chinese President Xi Jinping for the second India-China informal summit, it was history and PM Modi's desire to showcase other parts of India that clinched Mahabalipuram as the venue of the meet between two most important leaders of Asia.

As India gets ready to host Chinese President Xi Jinping for the second India-China informal summit, it was history and PM Modi's desire to showcase other parts of India that clinched Mahabalipuram as the venue of the meet between two most important leaders of Asia. While the Indian authorities looked at many locations, Mahabalipuram's world heritage tag "with a strong connection with China" and PM's view "that we need to show other parts of India and particularly southern India" became the deciding factor a source told WION. Chinese President Xi is an enthusiast of history and culture and it was "evident to PM during the first informal summit in Wuhan" so India was "looking for the venue with a world heritage site" the source explained. Mahabalipuram is a world heritage site and was listed in 1984. Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang had visited Kanchipuram during Pallava dynasty and spoken about his visit elaborately. Mahabalipuram has been a major port city during the Pallava kingdom in the 7th century. Bodhidharma who had spread Zen Buddhism to China had set sail from the coast of Tamil Nadu and landed in present-day Guangdong (Canton) Province. A small temple has been constructed at a place where he landed and former President Pranab Mukherjee paid a visit there in 2016. And then there is the sea connect. There has been a major trading connection between Pallava and Chola kingdoms of South India with the southeastern coast of China particularly the province of Fujian and city of Quanzhou. A large amount of physical evidence has been found like coins and pottery from China's Song dynasty in and discovery of Indian temple architecture that part of china. China's song dynasty had maintained diplomatic ties with the Chola kingdom. It is interesting to know, President Xi has been the governor of Fujian, which "clinched the venue." A source said, "We were given clear guidance that we are to look for a venue outside the national capital. PM has been favouring practise of taking foreign dignitaries outside the national capital and showcase other parts of India. Outside objective to do outside Delhi." Visiting global leaders like President Xi has been previously taken to Ahmadabad, French President Emmanuel Macron has been to Varanasi, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been to Bengaluru, Japanese PM Shinzo abe has been to both Ahmedabad and Varanasi. Overall the idea was to showcase "tourism potential of Tamil Nadu" also played in the background when the venue was being decided. The town, which according to one estimate is one of the most visited towns of south India has "group of Hindu monuments" which are UNESCO world heritage sites as its key focus points. The monument consists of 7th and 8th century-old open-air rock sculptures such as "descent of the Ganges" and famous Shore temple.

Historical relationship played a clinching role in Mahabalipuram hosting second India-China informal summit

Goods from India's northeast can now be transported through Bangladeshi territory providing a major boost to connectivity and cutting down the cost and time of travel.&nbsp;

Under the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) signed between Bangladesh and India during PM Sheikh Hasina's India visit, Dhaka has allowed a couple of its major ports - the Chattogram and Mongla Ports - for the movement of goods to and from India through its territory.

Calling the development an outcome of PM Modi's "successful foreign policy", Union Minister of State Shipping (Independent charge) Mansukh Mandaviya said, "shorter distance and coastal shipping benefits will make northeast states' products competitive in the market."

The agreement allows the use of Bangladeshi waterways, rail, road and other means of transport. Eight routes have been provided under the agreement and will connect landlocked Tripura, Assam and Meghalaya.&nbsp;

These routes are Chattogram/Mongla Port to Agartala in Tripura via Akhura in Bangladesh; Chattogram/Mongla Port to Dawki in Meghalaya via Tamabil in Bangladesh; Chattogram/Mongla Port to Sutarkandi (Assam) via Sheola in Bangladesh and Chattogram/Mongla Port to Srimantpur in Tripura via Bibirbazar in Bangladesh.

Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura will be directly connected to the sea via Chattogram and Mongla ports and by consequence other Indian ports. 
&nbsp; 
Distance between Kolkata and Agartala by road is 2,000 kilometres, this will reduce to just 810 kilometres since the port of Chattogram is 600 kilometres and the port is 201 kilometres away from Agartala. The second busiest port of Bangladesh, Mongla port is even closer to Kolkata.

Goods from India's northeast can now be transported through Bangladeshi territory providing a major boost to connectivity and cutting down the cost and time of travel.

Goods from India's northeast can now be transported through Bangladeshi territory providing a major boost to connectivity and cutting down the cost and time of travel. Under the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) signed between Bangladesh and India during PM Sheikh Hasina's India visit, Dhaka has allowed a couple of its major ports - the Chattogram and Mongla Ports - for the movement of goods to and from India through its territory. Calling the development an outcome of PM Modi's "successful foreign policy", Union Minister of State Shipping (Independent charge) Mansukh Mandaviya said, "shorter distance and coastal shipping benefits will make northeast states' products competitive in the market." The agreement allows the use of Bangladeshi waterways, rail, road and other means of transport. Eight routes have been provided under the agreement and will connect landlocked Tripura, Assam and Meghalaya. These routes are Chattogram/Mongla Port to Agartala in Tripura via Akhura in Bangladesh; Chattogram/Mongla Port to Dawki in Meghalaya via Tamabil in Bangladesh; Chattogram/Mongla Port to Sutarkandi (Assam) via Sheola in Bangladesh and Chattogram/Mongla Port to Srimantpur in Tripura via Bibirbazar in Bangladesh. Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura will be directly connected to the sea via Chattogram and Mongla ports and by consequence other Indian ports. Distance between Kolkata and Agartala by road is 2,000 kilometres, this will reduce to just 810 kilometres since the port of Chattogram is 600 kilometres and the port is 201 kilometres away from Agartala. The second busiest port of Bangladesh, Mongla port is even closer to Kolkata.

Bangladesh allows India to use its territory for movement of goods

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamallapuram-gets-a-facelift-ahead-of-modi-xi-informal-summit-254322">Ahead of the second Indo-China informal summit</a> that will happen in Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu over the weekend, China has said that ties have seen "sound momentum" and has suggested a dialogue between India and Pakistan to solve the Kashmir issue.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said, "China and India are important neighbours to each other. Both are large developing countries as well as major emerging markets. Since the Wuhan Informal Summit last year, China-India relations have shown sound momentum of development."

"The two sides have steadily advanced cooperation in various fields and properly manage differences and sensitive issues", Shuang added.&nbsp;

"Both sides are also in communication on the next stage of bilateral high-level exchanges. The two sides should jointly create a favourable atmosphere and environment for high-level exchanges", Shuang said.

The first India China informal summit took place in Wuhan in April of 2018.

On Kashmir, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said that both India and Pakistan must "strengthen dialogue". The Pakistani Prime Minister is currently in China and to hold talks with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

India has always maintained that New Delhi and Islamabad have to bilaterally resolve all matters in accordance with the Simla and Lahore agreements.

China, along with Pakistan has been very vocal at the international stage on Kashmir since New Delhi revoked the special status for the region.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Chinese envoy to India, Sun Weidong in a series of tweets highlighted how China's imports from India have increased by five per cent. Trade deficit has been a major issue for India. The country has asked China many times to open its market for Indian goods especially the pharma sector.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mahabalipuram-preparations-in-full-swing-for-informal-summit-between-modi-jinping-254576">Other than trade, both sides will discuss multiple issues.&nbsp;</a>

During last year's Wuhan informal summit, leaders of both India and China gave strategic guidance to forces of both the countries to avoid the repetition of the Doklam crisis.&nbsp;

Other key outcomes of the Wuhan summit included the establishment of the India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges (HLM). The second meet of the mechanism happened earlier this year during External Affairs Minister Jaishankar's China visit. Both sides have also decided to jointly train Afghan diplomats, with the first batch trained last year, and the second due this year.
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Ahead of the second Indo-China informal summit that will happen in Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu over the weekend, China has said that ties have seen "sound momentum" and has suggested a dialogue between India and Pakistan to solve the Kashmir issue.

Ahead of the second Indo-China informal summit that will happen in Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu over the weekend, China has said that ties have seen "sound momentum" and has suggested a dialogue between India and Pakistan to solve the Kashmir issue. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said, "China and India are important neighbours to each other. Both are large developing countries as well as major emerging markets. Since the Wuhan Informal Summit last year, China-India relations have shown sound momentum of development." "The two sides have steadily advanced cooperation in various fields and properly manage differences and sensitive issues", Shuang added. "Both sides are also in communication on the next stage of bilateral high-level exchanges. The two sides should jointly create a favourable atmosphere and environment for high-level exchanges", Shuang said. The first India China informal summit took place in Wuhan in April of 2018. On Kashmir, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said that both India and Pakistan must "strengthen dialogue". The Pakistani Prime Minister is currently in China and to hold talks with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. India has always maintained that New Delhi and Islamabad have to bilaterally resolve all matters in accordance with the Simla and Lahore agreements. China, along with Pakistan has been very vocal at the international stage on Kashmir since New Delhi revoked the special status for the region. Meanwhile, Chinese envoy to India, Sun Weidong in a series of tweets highlighted how China's imports from India have increased by five per cent. Trade deficit has been a major issue for India. The country has asked China many times to open its market for Indian goods especially the pharma sector. Other than trade, both sides will discuss multiple issues. During last year's Wuhan informal summit, leaders of both India and China gave strategic guidance to forces of both the countries to avoid the repetition of the Doklam crisis. Other key outcomes of the Wuhan summit included the establishment of the India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges (HLM). The second meet of the mechanism happened earlier this year during External Affairs Minister Jaishankar's China visit. Both sides have also decided to jointly train Afghan diplomats, with the first batch trained last year, and the second due this year.

Chinese foreign ministry says Indo-China ties have shown 'sound momentum' ahead of second informal summit

India has rapped Islamabad at the United Nations for raking up Kashmir at a debate on "advancement of women" at the United Nations General Assembly and asked the country what did its army do during Bangladesh's liberation war in 1971.

Paulomi Tripathi, first secretary at the Indian mission at the UN said, " The international community still remembers that the armed forces of this country perpetrated dreadful sexual violence against women with impunity, in our immediate neighbourhood in 1971. We still hear accounts of these gruesome violations at the annual high-level general debate."

India said it "ironical" that a "country, where violations of women’s right to life in the name of so-called "honour"&nbsp;go unpunished, is making baseless statements about women’s rights in my country."

The outgoing ambassador of Pakistan to the UN Maleeha Lodhi had raked up Kashmir at the UN while talking about the communication ban in the region in a debate.&nbsp;

India highlighted how it gives "utmost importance" to "representation of women in decision making positions" and said it is "proud that the first woman President of the General Assembly was Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit from India" and it was India's Dr Hansa Mehta &nbsp;who made "pioneering contribution" in the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

On Modi government's policies, the diplomat said though government’s financial Inclusion Initiative, more than 197 million women in India have a bank account and via Stand Up India and Mudra Yojana programmes women entrepreneurs are able to get access to loans.&nbsp;

New Delhi has also launched the National Nutrition Mission to eradicate malnutrition by 2022, with special focus on children, women and adolescent girls.

This is not the first time Pakistan has raked up the Kashmir issue in the unrelated platform. In September, the Pakistani delegates had raised the Kashmir issue at the sustainable development goal in Maldives Parliament and UNICEF South Asian Parliamentarian Conference in Sri Lanka and were given a strong reply by the sitting Indian delegates.

India has rapped Islamabad at the United Nations for raking up Kashmir at a debate on "advancement of women" at the United Nations General Assembly and asked the country what did its army do during Bangladesh's liberation war in 1971.

India has rapped Islamabad at the United Nations for raking up Kashmir at a debate on "advancement of women" at the United Nations General Assembly and asked the country what did its army do during Bangladesh's liberation war in 1971. Paulomi Tripathi, first secretary at the Indian mission at the UN said, " The international community still remembers that the armed forces of this country perpetrated dreadful sexual violence against women with impunity, in our immediate neighbourhood in 1971. We still hear accounts of these gruesome violations at the annual high-level general debate." India said it "ironical" that a "country, where violations of women’s right to life in the name of so-called "honour" go unpunished, is making baseless statements about women’s rights in my country." The outgoing ambassador of Pakistan to the UN Maleeha Lodhi had raked up Kashmir at the UN while talking about the communication ban in the region in a debate. India highlighted how it gives "utmost importance" to "representation of women in decision making positions" and said it is "proud that the first woman President of the General Assembly was Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit from India" and it was India's Dr Hansa Mehta who made "pioneering contribution" in the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On Modi government's policies, the diplomat said though government’s financial Inclusion Initiative, more than 197 million women in India have a bank account and via Stand Up India and Mudra Yojana programmes women entrepreneurs are able to get access to loans. New Delhi has also launched the National Nutrition Mission to eradicate malnutrition by 2022, with special focus on children, women and adolescent girls. This is not the first time Pakistan has raked up the Kashmir issue in the unrelated platform. In September, the Pakistani delegates had raised the Kashmir issue at the sustainable development goal in Maldives Parliament and UNICEF South Asian Parliamentarian Conference in Sri Lanka and were given a strong reply by the sitting Indian delegates.

India raps Pakistan for raking up Kashmir issue during debate on women's advancement

India has handed over 10,000 anti-rabies vaccines to Myanmar in a goodwill gesture in the neighbouring country's fight against the deadly disease.&nbsp;

It was handed over by India's deputy chief of mission at the Indian mission to&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;Dr Sumit Seth to Zaw Than Htun, director general of department of medical research.

A release from the Indian mission in Myanmar said, "The Director-General thanked India for its initiative and recalled the growing bilateral health cooperation between the two countries."

India is planning&nbsp;capacity-building programmes for Myanmar's doctors and paramedics with the help of the Indian Council for Medical Research(ICMR).&nbsp;

New Delhi is considered the world leader when it comes to its pharmaceutical sector that provides high-quality vaccines at competitive prices. India is also upgrading Yangon Children's Hospital and Sittwe General Hospital and constructing 200-bed women's hospital at Monywa in the neighbouring country.

When it comes to the health sector, India is providing development assistance to countries in the neighbourhood. India financed the 1990 Emergency Ambulance Service in Sri Lanka and has expanded it all provinces in the country. It was launched nationwide by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in last year. 
&nbsp;

India has handed over 10,000 anti-rabies vaccines to Myanmar in a goodwill gesture in the neighbouring country's fight against the deadly disease. It was handed over by India's deputy chief of mission at the Indian mission to Myanmar Dr Sumit Seth to Zaw Than Htun, director general of department of medical research.

India has handed over 10,000 anti-rabies vaccines to Myanmar in a goodwill gesture in the neighbouring country's fight against the deadly disease. It was handed over by India's deputy chief of mission at the Indian mission to Myanmar Dr Sumit Seth to Zaw Than Htun, director general of department of medical research. A release from the Indian mission in Myanmar said, "The Director-General thanked India for its initiative and recalled the growing bilateral health cooperation between the two countries." India is planning capacity-building programmes for Myanmar's doctors and paramedics with the help of the Indian Council for Medical Research(ICMR). New Delhi is considered the world leader when it comes to its pharmaceutical sector that provides high-quality vaccines at competitive prices. India is also upgrading Yangon Children's Hospital and Sittwe General Hospital and constructing 200-bed women's hospital at Monywa in the neighbouring country. When it comes to the health sector, India is providing development assistance to countries in the neighbourhood. India financed the 1990 Emergency Ambulance Service in Sri Lanka and has expanded it all provinces in the country. It was launched nationwide by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in last year.

India provides 10,000 anti-rabies vaccines to Myanmar

In a major breakthrough in fight against black money, Switzerland on Monday confirmed that it had shared information regarding accounts held by Indian residents in the central European country with the Indian government.

In a major breakthrough in fight against black money, Switzerland on Monday confirmed that it had shared information regarding accounts held by Indian residents in the central European country with the Indian government. India received the first list of account holders in September 2019 for the year 2018 under the Automatic Exchange Of Information (AEOI) on tax matters, it added. AEOI was signed between India and Switzerland in November 2016. Swiss government gave information about the accounts including name, address and account balance to the Indian government. India will now receive the information automatically every year. The Swiss federal department of finance in a release said, "Federal Tax Administration (FTA) has exchanged information on financial accounts with 75 countries." The Swiss finance department confirmed to WION that list of 75 countries include India but on the number of accounts whose details have been given to Indian government the department said, "communication of statistical data is subject to the confidentiality clauses" Swiss government shared information of 3.1 million financial accounts to 75 countries and received information on 2.4 million of them on a reciprocal basis. The largest exchange was with Germany.

Indian government gets first list of Swiss account holders 

Even as last week saw pictures of camaraderie and bonhomie between the Taliban and Pakistan, Afghanistan has come hard on Islamabad for hosting the group and India has said that New Delhi is monitoring the development.

President Ashraf Ghani's spokesman Sediq Sediqqi, speaking to WION, slammed Pakistan and said, "We don’t know why these Taliban-Pak are talks happening!"

Sediq added, "The key to sustainable peace is in Afghanistan. This kind of hosting of the Taliban by Pakistan only emboldens them to continue and hold to their violence against the Afghan government."

Meanwhile, India is also "closely monitoring" the developments from Islamabad on the Taliban-Pakistan talks.&nbsp;

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, in his weekly press briefing, on Friday said, "All sections of the Afghan government, including the legitimately elected Afghan government, should be part of the Afghan peace process" and "all processes should respect the constitutional legacy and political mandate" clearly highlighting the exclusion of government in Kabul will not be accepted by India.

New Delhi also said, no "ungoverned spaces where terrorist and their proxies can operate and where they can create bases to target India" should form as the outcome of any talks.

India did not have ties with Afghanistan when it was under the Taliban's control in the late 199s. Pakistan was among the very few countries to have ties with Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. India saw its plane hijacked - Indian Airlines flight 814 - and taken to Kandahar in 1999 by Pakistan-based terrorist.

New Delhi is engaging with the United States and Afghanistan both on the recent developments in the South Asian country.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad last week on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the first meet since US President Donald Trump cancelled talks with the Taliban.

Even as last week saw pictures of camaraderie and bonhomie between the Taliban and Pakistan, Afghanistan has come hard on Islamabad for hosting the group and India has said that New Delhi is monitoring the development.

Even as last week saw pictures of camaraderie and bonhomie between the Taliban and Pakistan, Afghanistan has come hard on Islamabad for hosting the group and India has said that New Delhi is monitoring the development. President Ashraf Ghani's spokesman Sediq Sediqqi, speaking to WION, slammed Pakistan and said, "We don’t know why these Taliban-Pak are talks happening!" Sediq added, "The key to sustainable peace is in Afghanistan. This kind of hosting of the Taliban by Pakistan only emboldens them to continue and hold to their violence against the Afghan government." Meanwhile, India is also "closely monitoring" the developments from Islamabad on the Taliban-Pakistan talks. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, in his weekly press briefing, on Friday said, "All sections of the Afghan government, including the legitimately elected Afghan government, should be part of the Afghan peace process" and "all processes should respect the constitutional legacy and political mandate" clearly highlighting the exclusion of government in Kabul will not be accepted by India. New Delhi also said, no "ungoverned spaces where terrorist and their proxies can operate and where they can create bases to target India" should form as the outcome of any talks. India did not have ties with Afghanistan when it was under the Taliban's control in the late 199s. Pakistan was among the very few countries to have ties with Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. India saw its plane hijacked - Indian Airlines flight 814 - and taken to Kandahar in 1999 by Pakistan-based terrorist. New Delhi is engaging with the United States and Afghanistan both on the recent developments in the South Asian country. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad last week on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the first meet since US President Donald Trump cancelled talks with the Taliban.

Pakistan-Taliban talks: Afghanistan slams Islamabad; India says closely monitoring development 

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Sidhant Sibal

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