The Maldives has lauded India for its help in training its cricket team which was announced after PM Modi and the&nbsp;President of Maldives&nbsp;Solih's bilateral meeting on the sidelines of UNGA. Maldivian foreign minister Abdulla Shahid, while speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in New York, said that the removal of the special status for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/contextualising-jammu-and-kashmirs-integration-and-framing-of-article-370-243092">Jammu and Kashmir</a> is not for other countries to decide on.&nbsp;

Here's the full transcript of the exclusive interview.&nbsp;

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WION: How do you see India-Maldives ties?

Abdulla Shahid: The relationship between our countries have never been better. There is mutual respect. There is an understanding between our governments and leadership. There is a partnership, irrespective of the size of the countries, irrespective of the size of the populations, there are common goals. Common goals of security and development. Here, in New York when the President and the Prime Minister met, the meeting was cordial and they are meeting for the fourth time within a span of 11 months. Shows how strong the partnership is.

WION: India plans to train your cricket team, how will it help people-to-people ties?

Abdulla Shahid: We have a growing relationship and people are in love with cricket. Your <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/focus-on-cricket-diplomacy-as-pm-modi-gifts-bat-to-maldives-president-solih-225524">cricket team</a> is the best in the world. Some of the best cricketers and some of the best cricket training opportunities. We have seen how India has assisted Afghanistan to come on to the world stage. It is our hope, with the training opportunities which are given to the Maldivian players, we will be able to follow the same path and one day may come out and beat your team.

WION: Does your country back New Delhi on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/removal-of-article-370-heralds-an-era-of-progress-for-jammu-and-kashmir-242889">Kashmir</a>?

Abdulla Shahid: We have a principled foreign policy. We do not look at the issues at hand but principles&nbsp;on which things are decided and we strongly feel that each and every country has the right to decide on its constitution and the constitutional changes India brought about are not for other countries to decide and we respect that.

WION: &nbsp;Does connectivity remain the big focus?

Abdulla Shahid: Currently we have 5 Indian cities connected to Male. I hope there will be more air connectivity. Indian tourist arrivals have jumped, they have come to be number 3 in arrivals. There has been a 100 per cent increase in Indian tourist arrivals. During PM Modi's visit, we signed an MoU by sea connectivity. The Ambassador has informed that within the next 2 months, the Cochin Kulhudhuffushi Male ferry will begin.

WION: How big is climate change an issue for you?

Abdulla Shahid: Climate change is a very big issue for us because <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/were-now-leading-from-the-front-on-climate-change-prakash-javadekar-tells-wion-in-exclusive-conversation-251632">climate change</a> and degradation of the environment is an existential issue. It a threat to the country and the Maldives is one of the low-lying island states in the world. If there is a rise in sea level by 3-4 meters we are finished. We can't let it happen. We still trust humanity. We still believe countries will come together and save the planet. We are happy that India is leading on climate change issues on many fronts. One of them is solar alliance which Indian Prime Minister Modi has initiated and we are part of it.

WION: The key focus for your country at this year's UNGA?

Abdulla Shahid: We want to consolidate democracy in the Maldives. President Solih, in his speech at UNGA, highlighted where we have come from and how far we have come. We have come from a total dictatorship, from a government which totally ignored human rights and abused power. We want to establish the Maldives where democracy is consolidated and human rights are respected. Today we saw, UN SG in his statement, one of the success stories he highlighted was the Maldives.&nbsp;

The Maldives has lauded India for its help in training its cricket team which was announced after PM Modi and the President of Maldives Solih's bilateral meeting on the sidelines of UNGA.

The Maldives has lauded India for its help in training its cricket team which was announced after PM Modi and the President of Maldives Solih's bilateral meeting on the sidelines of UNGA. Maldivian foreign minister Abdulla Shahid, while speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in New York, said that the removal of the special status for Jammu and Kashmir is not for other countries to decide on. Here's the full transcript of the exclusive interview. × WION: How do you see India-Maldives ties? Abdulla Shahid: The relationship between our countries have never been better. There is mutual respect. There is an understanding between our governments and leadership. There is a partnership, irrespective of the size of the countries, irrespective of the size of the populations, there are common goals. Common goals of security and development. Here, in New York when the President and the Prime Minister met, the meeting was cordial and they are meeting for the fourth time within a span of 11 months. Shows how strong the partnership is. WION: India plans to train your cricket team, how will it help people-to-people ties? Abdulla Shahid: We have a growing relationship and people are in love with cricket. Your cricket team is the best in the world. Some of the best cricketers and some of the best cricket training opportunities. We have seen how India has assisted Afghanistan to come on to the world stage. It is our hope, with the training opportunities which are given to the Maldivian players, we will be able to follow the same path and one day may come out and beat your team. WION: Does your country back New Delhi on Kashmir? Abdulla Shahid: We have a principled foreign policy. We do not look at the issues at hand but principles on which things are decided and we strongly feel that each and every country has the right to decide on its constitution and the constitutional changes India brought about are not for other countries to decide and we respect that. WION: Does connectivity remain the big focus? Abdulla Shahid: Currently we have 5 Indian cities connected to Male. I hope there will be more air connectivity. Indian tourist arrivals have jumped, they have come to be number 3 in arrivals. There has been a 100 per cent increase in Indian tourist arrivals. During PM Modi's visit, we signed an MoU by sea connectivity. The Ambassador has informed that within the next 2 months, the Cochin Kulhudhuffushi Male ferry will begin. WION: How big is climate change an issue for you? Abdulla Shahid: Climate change is a very big issue for us because climate change and degradation of the environment is an existential issue. It a threat to the country and the Maldives is one of the low-lying island states in the world. If there is a rise in sea level by 3-4 meters we are finished. We can't let it happen. We still trust humanity. We still believe countries will come together and save the planet. We are happy that India is leading on climate change issues on many fronts. One of them is solar alliance which Indian Prime Minister Modi has initiated and we are part of it. WION: The key focus for your country at this year's UNGA? Abdulla Shahid: We want to consolidate democracy in the Maldives. President Solih, in his speech at UNGA, highlighted where we have come from and how far we have come. We have come from a total dictatorship, from a government which totally ignored human rights and abused power. We want to establish the Maldives where democracy is consolidated and human rights are respected. Today we saw, UN SG in his statement, one of the success stories he highlighted was the Maldives.

Article 370 abrogation India’s internal matter, other countries shouldn’t comment on it: Maldives foreign minister to WION

President Donald Trump and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/joining-us-after-911-was-big-blunder-pakistani-pm-imran-khan-in-us-251574">Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> met on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly in which the US president made it clear any mediation will require approval from both sides.

US President Donald Trump said: "I have a very good relationship with Prime minister Modi, I have very good relations with Prime Minister Khan. And if at any point they say they can iron out, I will be the extremely good arbitrator. I have never failed as an arbitrator...but you want accent from the other side."

"If I can help, I will certainly do that," he said, adding, "but it will be dependent on both of these gentlemen. One without the other doesn't work, if going to do mediation, if&nbsp;you do arbitration."

"Certainly I can help, if both India and Pakistan wanted me to do that. I am ready and willing. It is a complex issue and going for a long time. But if both wanted, I would be ready to do it," the US president added.

Trump hoped that "India and Pakistan can come together and do something smart and good for both, there is always a solution."

India has made it clear that when it comes to India and Pakistan ties, no third party mediation is required which has been stated under the Shimla and Lahore agreements.

During PM Modi's meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of G7 Summit in France, India had clearly reiterated the long-standing policy on mediation with PM Modi saying "India- Pakistan are bilateral in nature".

PM Modi will be meeting US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of UNGA on Tuesday, which will be his third bilateral this year with the US president. Both leaders were together in Houston on Sunday for the diaspora event, 'Howdy, Modi', in which over 50,000, mostly Indian-Americans participated. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan met on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly in which the US president made it clear any mediation will require approval from both sides.

President Donald Trump and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan met on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly in which the US president made it clear any mediation will require approval from both sides. US President Donald Trump said: "I have a very good relationship with Prime minister Modi, I have very good relations with Prime Minister Khan. And if at any point they say they can iron out, I will be the extremely good arbitrator. I have never failed as an arbitrator...but you want accent from the other side." "If I can help, I will certainly do that," he said, adding, "but it will be dependent on both of these gentlemen. One without the other doesn't work, if going to do mediation, if you do arbitration." "Certainly I can help, if both India and Pakistan wanted me to do that. I am ready and willing. It is a complex issue and going for a long time. But if both wanted, I would be ready to do it," the US president added. Trump hoped that "India and Pakistan can come together and do something smart and good for both, there is always a solution." India has made it clear that when it comes to India and Pakistan ties, no third party mediation is required which has been stated under the Shimla and Lahore agreements. During PM Modi's meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of G7 Summit in France, India had clearly reiterated the long-standing policy on mediation with PM Modi saying "India- Pakistan are bilateral in nature". PM Modi will be meeting US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of UNGA on Tuesday, which will be his third bilateral this year with the US president. Both leaders were together in Houston on Sunday for the diaspora event, 'Howdy, Modi', in which over 50,000, mostly Indian-Americans participated.

Mediation only if both India, Pakistan agree: Trump after meeting PM Imran Khan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-strong-message-on-climate-change-pm-modi-to-inaugurate-gandhi-solar-park-251609">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> has called for the need to avoid politicisation of UN listings and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), stating that the only way to defeat terror is through development.&nbsp;

Speaking at the United Nations, the prime minister said that terrorists should not be allowed to get funds and arms for this objective to be realised. "We need to avoid the politicisation of mechanisms like the UN listings and the FATF and these mechanisms should be enforced and strengthened," he said. &nbsp;

This is an important development given the fact that Islamabad has been saying that New Delhi is pushing the country to blacklist that will impact the economy.

Sharing India's experience, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/time-for-talks-is-over-world-needs-to-act-now-pm-modi-at-un-climate-change-summit-251563">PM said</a>, "democratic values, diversity and inclusive development were the most important weapons against ideologies that promote terrorism, extremism and radicalisation."&nbsp;

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Briefing the media on the meeting led by Jordan and New Zealand, secretary west Gitesh Sarma said, "the PM called for global solidarity and readiness against terrorism in the same way as the world has shown solidarity against challenges like climate change... and terrorist act anywhere should be considered as terrorism and not good or bad terrorism".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was attending leaders' dialogue to discuss 'strategic responses to terrorist and violent extremist narrative' which took stock of Christchurch's call to eliminate terrorists and violent extremist content online.

India has supported Christchurch's call to sanitize cyberspace from contents that promote terrorism, hate and violence.

PM Modi also called for the need to institutionalise counter-terror cooperation at a multilateral level and help in capacity building of friendly countries in the region.

Interestingly, India was mentioned by French President Emmanuel Macron during his opening speech at the conference. Macron expressed his appreciation for its association for the Christchurch call.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the need to avoid politicisation of UN listings and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), stating that the only way to defeat terror is through development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the need to avoid politicisation of UN listings and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), stating that the only way to defeat terror is through development. Speaking at the United Nations, the prime minister said that terrorists should not be allowed to get funds and arms for this objective to be realised. "We need to avoid the politicisation of mechanisms like the UN listings and the FATF and these mechanisms should be enforced and strengthened," he said. This is an important development given the fact that Islamabad has been saying that New Delhi is pushing the country to blacklist that will impact the economy. Sharing India's experience, PM said, "democratic values, diversity and inclusive development were the most important weapons against ideologies that promote terrorism, extremism and radicalisation." × Briefing the media on the meeting led by Jordan and New Zealand, secretary west Gitesh Sarma said, "the PM called for global solidarity and readiness against terrorism in the same way as the world has shown solidarity against challenges like climate change... and terrorist act anywhere should be considered as terrorism and not good or bad terrorism". Prime Minister Narendra Modi was attending leaders' dialogue to discuss 'strategic responses to terrorist and violent extremist narrative' which took stock of Christchurch's call to eliminate terrorists and violent extremist content online. India has supported Christchurch's call to sanitize cyberspace from contents that promote terrorism, hate and violence. PM Modi also called for the need to institutionalise counter-terror cooperation at a multilateral level and help in capacity building of friendly countries in the region. Interestingly, India was mentioned by French President Emmanuel Macron during his opening speech at the conference. Macron expressed his appreciation for its association for the Christchurch call.

India says avoid politicisation of UN listing, FATF during anti-terror meet at United Nations 

Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that joining the United States after 9/11 was the country's "biggest blunder" which led to the loss of many lives and cost Pakistan $200 billion.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that joining the United States after 9/11 was the country's "biggest blunder" which led to the loss of many lives and cost Pakistan $200 billion. The Pakistan prime minister speaking at the US Council on Foreign Relations, said, "Then came 9/11 and Pakistan again joined the US in the war against terror...Pakistan by joining the US after 9/11 committed biggest blunder. 70,000 Pakistanis died in this." When asked on whether there was any information of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden being in Pakistan, PM Imran Khan said, "As far as I know, Pakistani military chief, ISI chief had no idea about this" and if "there was, it was at a lower level." Osama was killed in Abbottabad, a town just 120 kilometres away from Islamabad on May 2, 2011, by American forces with fingers being pointed at Pakistan for providing him protection. Watch: Pakistan PM Imran Khan on failure of US-Taliban talks × On ties with New Delhi, Khan said, he told PM Modi, "let us have a new chapter" and "assured it is our policy that we will not allow any terrorist groups in Pakistan and we were dismantling from day one..let's base our relationship on trust." "But we found that India is pushing us to blacklist on Financial Action Task Force (FATF)," the Pakistan prime minister added. The plenary of FATF meet in October and could see a blacklisting for Islamabad if the country is not able to show concrete action taken by it on terror groups being hosted on its territory. FATF kept Pakistan on grey list in its June meeting, after failing to meet deadline two times, January and May 2019. Being on the greylist impacts the Pakistani economy which loses $10 billion annually.

Pakistan joining US after 9/11 was biggest blunder: PM Imran Khan in US

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first engagement at the United Nations was at UN Climate Action Summit during which he called for a global movement to bring about change saying "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-pm-modi-at-un-to-address-climate-change-summit-251536">time for talk&nbsp;is over, the world needs to act now</a>".

"What is needed is a comprehensive approach that covers education, lifestyle, development strategy. We need global people's movement to bring about change," the Indian prime minister told the UN climate change summit.

"We believe that an ounce of practice is worth more than a ton of preaching," PM Modi asserted.

Talking about India's climate change policies, PM Modi said: "Respect for nature is part of the tradition and need and not greed."

Watch Video:

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He highlighted how India is increasing its renewable energy in its overall energy basket and aims to "increase its renewable energy capacity to 175 GW by 2022".

The prime minister called for people's movement to end the usage of "single-use plastic" in India, saying, "this will create awareness at the global level against single-use plastic". PM from his Independence day speech earlier this year had called for ending use of single-use plastics.

"We have started the jal jeevan mission for water conservation, rain water harvesting and for the development of water resources," he said, adding,"India is going to spend $50 million on this."

PM Modi was the third speaker at the climate change summit, after Prime Miniter of New Zealand and President of Marshall Islands.

PM Modi will be inaugurating the Gandhi Solar Park at the United Nations headquarters on Tuesday as part of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi celebrations. The park has 193 solar panels, one for each member country of the United Nations.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump made an appearance at the UN Climate Change summit. He entered the room even as Prime Minister Modi was speaking. US President Trump, who is known for not to be keen on climate action policies, had initially planned to skip the event.

PM Modi also spoke at the United Nations health care summit saying the focus has been on preventive health care, affordable health care, strengthening medical infrastructure and Mission Mode Intervention.

The Indian prime minister highlighted how electronic cigarettes have been banned in India and the country's aim to eradicate TB by 2025. &nbsp;

Modi said New Delhi is helping the international community in health care especially Africa with telemedicine and India's "experience is available for all developing nations". 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first engagement at the United Nations was at UN Climate Action Summit during which he called for a global movement to bring about change saying "time for talk is over, the world needs to act now".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first engagement at the United Nations was at UN Climate Action Summit during which he called for a global movement to bring about change saying "time for talk is over, the world needs to act now". "What is needed is a comprehensive approach that covers education, lifestyle, development strategy. We need global people's movement to bring about change," the Indian prime minister told the UN climate change summit. "We believe that an ounce of practice is worth more than a ton of preaching," PM Modi asserted. Talking about India's climate change policies, PM Modi said: "Respect for nature is part of the tradition and need and not greed." Watch Video: He highlighted how India is increasing its renewable energy in its overall energy basket and aims to "increase its renewable energy capacity to 175 GW by 2022". The prime minister called for people's movement to end the usage of "single-use plastic" in India, saying, "this will create awareness at the global level against single-use plastic". PM from his Independence day speech earlier this year had called for ending use of single-use plastics. "We have started the jal jeevan mission for water conservation, rain water harvesting and for the development of water resources," he said, adding,"India is going to spend $50 million on this." PM Modi was the third speaker at the climate change summit, after Prime Miniter of New Zealand and President of Marshall Islands. PM Modi will be inaugurating the Gandhi Solar Park at the United Nations headquarters on Tuesday as part of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi celebrations. The park has 193 solar panels, one for each member country of the United Nations. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump made an appearance at the UN Climate Change summit. He entered the room even as Prime Minister Modi was speaking. US President Trump, who is known for not to be keen on climate action policies, had initially planned to skip the event. PM Modi also spoke at the United Nations health care summit saying the focus has been on preventive health care, affordable health care, strengthening medical infrastructure and Mission Mode Intervention. The Indian prime minister highlighted how electronic cigarettes have been banned in India and the country's aim to eradicate TB by 2025. Modi said New Delhi is helping the international community in health care especially Africa with telemedicine and India's "experience is available for all developing nations".

Time for talk is over, world needs to act now: PM Modi at UN Climate Change Summit

Pakistan's Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mediation-only-if-both-india-pakistan-agree-trump-after-meeting-pm-imran-khan-251588">Imran Khan</a> on Monday said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/joining-us-after-911-was-big-blunder-pakistani-pm-imran-khan-in-us-251574">Taliban</a> has changed and that the group is no longer the same as it was in 2001.&nbsp;

Speaking in New York, Khan said, "I feel that this is not the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-meets-us-envoy-to-discuss-situation-in-afghanistan-251416">Taliban</a> which was there in 2001 who were displaced by the US. Things have changed. Realities have changed, they have learnt. Taliban realises they cannot control the whole of Afganistan. Afghan government knows that there needs to be some kind of peace deal. There has to be a political settlement". 
 
"I wish that this deal had been signed...then we had proceeded to the only way the US will eventually take the troops out and there will be peace," Pakistan PM added.

Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump called off peace talks with the Taliban after an attack in Afghanistan's Kabul. The US is keen to withdraw forces from Afghanistan and had many rounds of negotiations with the group in Doha.

Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Khan blamed the US for the dire situation in Pakistan.

He said, "In the 1980s when Soviets invaded Afghanistan, Pakistan along with the US organised the resistance. It was organised by the Pakistani ISI who trained the militants invited from all across the Muslim world to fight against the Soviet Union. So we created these militant groups against the Soviets."

"We first trained these guys for Jihad on the money from the US to fight the soviets and back then it was a great idea and now after the Soviet defeat, we are treating the same groups as terrorists because they are now fighting the US invasion," Pakistan's PM added.

Pakistan has been facing pressure on the issue of terrorism and support to a terrorist on the territory under its control.

Both India and Afghanistan both have raised the issue globally but Islamabad remains unfazed.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday said that the Taliban has changed and that the group is no longer the same as it was in 2001. Speaking in New York, Khan said, "I feel that this is not the Taliban which was there in 2001 who were displaced by the US.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday said that the Taliban has changed and that the group is no longer the same as it was in 2001. Speaking in New York, Khan said, "I feel that this is not the Taliban which was there in 2001 who were displaced by the US. Things have changed. Realities have changed, they have learnt. Taliban realises they cannot control the whole of Afganistan. Afghan government knows that there needs to be some kind of peace deal. There has to be a political settlement". "I wish that this deal had been signed...then we had proceeded to the only way the US will eventually take the troops out and there will be peace," Pakistan PM added. Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump called off peace talks with the Taliban after an attack in Afghanistan's Kabul. The US is keen to withdraw forces from Afghanistan and had many rounds of negotiations with the group in Doha. Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Khan blamed the US for the dire situation in Pakistan. He said, "In the 1980s when Soviets invaded Afghanistan, Pakistan along with the US organised the resistance. It was organised by the Pakistani ISI who trained the militants invited from all across the Muslim world to fight against the Soviet Union. So we created these militant groups against the Soviets." "We first trained these guys for Jihad on the money from the US to fight the soviets and back then it was a great idea and now after the Soviet defeat, we are treating the same groups as terrorists because they are now fighting the US invasion," Pakistan's PM added. Pakistan has been facing pressure on the issue of terrorism and support to a terrorist on the territory under its control. Both India and Afghanistan both have raised the issue globally but Islamabad remains unfazed.

Things have changed; Taliban no longer the same, says Pakistan PM Imran Khan

In a strong message on action on climate change, Prime minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Gandhi Solar Park, built with India's help on the roof of the United Nations.

In a strong message on action on climate change, Prime minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Gandhi Solar Park, built with India's help on the roof of the United Nations. He will be joined by five world leaders, South Korea President Moon Jae In, Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. The event will take place at the United Nations Economic and Social Council Chamber where leaders will address under the theme "Relevance of Mahatma Gandhi in the contemporary world". Syed Akbaruddin, India's envoy to United Nations said, "Gandhi Ji is known, as a votary and prophet of non-violence and his views known worldwide but there is less knowledge on how he was focused on sustainability, environment, clean energy and simplicity in life. All these are reflected in solar energy and that is why we chose the solar park. Since it will be a tribute to Gandhiji on his 150 birth anniversary we have in consultation with UN-designated it as Gandhi solar park ". Watch: Discussion on 'Brand Modi & An Enthused Diaspora' × There are 193 solar panels, each representing, a member country of the United Nations and the annual output from each panel is 86244 kWh/year, which is equal to CO2 emissions from 30,246 kg of coal burned. This equals to the carbon sequestered from 1008 tree seedlings grown for 10-years. United Nations will also release special UN postage stamp commemorating 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and remotely inaugurate Gandhi Peace Park. Earlier on Monday, prime minister Narendra Modi's first engagement at the United Nations was at Climate Action Summit during which he called for a global movement to bring about change saying "time for talks is over, the world needs to act now". He said, "What is needed today, is a comprehensive approach which covers everything from education to values, and from lifestyle to developmental philosophy. What we need is a global people’s movement to bring about behavioural change." India aims to increase its share of non-fossil fuel, and by 2022 plans to increase renewable energy capacity to much beyond 175 GW, and later till 450 GW. In addition, India is also providing clean cooking gas to 150 million families. Almost 80 countries have joined India lead International Solar Alliance campaign.

In strong message on climate change, PM Modi to inaugurate Gandhi Solar Park

The US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will sit down for third bilateral meet this year in New York on Tuesday. Both leaders met first on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan, this year; which was followed by the meet on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France.

The US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will sit down for third bilateral meet this year in New York on Tuesday. Both leaders met first on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan, this year; which was followed by the meet on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France. Now, both leaders will meet on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The meet comes within the 48-hours of both sharing the stage in Houston during the largest Indian American diaspora meet on Sunday. During the mega event on Sunday, both leaders endorsed each other. Using Trump's slogan "make America great again", PM said that the US President has achieved much for the United States; and India has connected well with President Trump. He the vouched for Trump ahead of 2020 presidential polls, saying "abki baar, Tump sarkar". Trump meanwhile, called PM Modi as "one of Americas most devoted and most loyal friend" who is "doing a truly exceptional job for India and all of the Indian people" The event made headlines in all major American newspapers from The New York Times to The Wall Street Journal and to The Washington Post. Pictures of both leaders were on the front pages of American dailies, on the first day of high decibel diplomatic week that started at the United Nations. The Modi-Trump meet comes a day after Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan met US President Donald Trump in New York and in a big snub said both any mediation by Washington will require approval from both India and Pakistan. US President Donald Trump said, "I have a very good relationship with Prime minister Modi, I have very good relations with Prime Minister Khan. And if at any point they say they can iron out, I will be the extremely good arbitrator. I have never failed as an arbitrator...but you want accent from the other side". India has made it clear that when it comes to India and Pakistan ties, no third party mediation is required which has been stated under the Shimla and Lahore agreements.

PM Modi, Trump to sit down for third bilateral meet of this year on Tuesday

Indian envoy to United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin spoke exclusively to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal in New York ahead of UN General Assembly (UNGA) high-level meeting next week.

Indian envoy to United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin spoke exclusively to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal in New York ahead of UN General Assembly (UNGA) high-level meeting next week. During the conversation, the Indian envoy said India is looking for action-oriented, tangible outcomes to the challenges faced by the global community. He also extensively spoke about India's climate strategy and the Gandhi solar park built on the UN roof by Indian government's grant. WION: Tell us about the Gandhi Solar park built with India's help on the roof of the United Nations? Syed Akbaruddin: The United Nations is now focused on climate action. The summit that is being called by the UN Secretary-General is focused on tangible concrete climate action. So when we looked at our participation in this summit, we looked at how we can contribute to the UN and its goals. We also looked at our own traditions. Ours is a tradition that revers the sun god. We also believe that the sun not only the source of energy but a source of very life itself. This goes back to millennia in our tradition. For all these things we chose, a solar park because it will symbolise in a very tangible and manifest way, the link between India's civilisational heritage as well as our future vision. Gandhi Ji is known, as a votary and prophet of non-violence and his views on those issues are well known but less is known, how he was focused on sustainability, environment, clean energy and simplicity in life. all these are reflected in solar energy and that is why we choose the solar park and since it will be a tribute to Gandhiji on his 150 birth anniversary; we have in consultation with UN-designated it as Gandhi solar park. We hope PM Modi will be joined by UN Secretary-General and other leaders on 24 September. WION: How is India shaping the global discourse on Climate Change? Syed Akbaruddin: You have to understand, one-sixth of the world community is in India, and whatever we do will impact globally. Our Prime Minister is committed to a way of life which is in harmony with nature. His view is, for generations Indians have lived in harmony with nature and therefore they should continue that lifestyle which has sustained us for all our known history. And that is our effort. In terms of climate change, we have committed ourself to a path which is sustainable and which has components of renewable energy, and that is why we have increased our commitments under the Paris accord more than 4 years ahead of schedule. We have the ambition, the vision to keep pushing for a sustainable renewable path for development. WION: India is sending a strong message with the establishment of the solar park. How will this message echo when PM Modi speaks at a climate summit? Syed Akbaruddin: We are grateful that the United Nations has given PM Modi pride of place in terms of speakers. His vision about how India intends to take forward a renewable and sustainable path towards development will find echos because we are a developing country, because we are a country which is committed to sustainable lifestyle and world is looking at us to be a pathfinder and to be a facilitator to what is increasingly a major a concern globally that unless we act, man-made climate change will overwhelm all of us. WION: You must be talking to your counterparts. What have they been saying about India's role? Syed Akbaruddin: You will notice that we have engagement with a large array of developing countries. Many of them are members of the international solar alliance, so unprecedented effort and outreach PM Modi will be meeting numerous leaders. This is a first for us, this is a unique way of engagement and you will see tangible outcomes next week when meetings take place. I don't want to preempt those outcomes. All I can tell you, India is looking towards action-oriented, tangible outcomes to challenges the international community is facing.

Looking towards action-oriented, tangible outcomes: Indian Envoy on UNGA week

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the "special gesture" of United States President Donald Trump to participate in one of the largest Indian diaspora event in Houston, Texas on 22nd of September.&nbsp;

PM Modi will address the event, Howdy Modi, which will see the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-modi-addressing-howdy-modi-event-reflects-personal-chemistry-between-two-indian-us-envoy-249891">participation of 50,000 people</a>, mostly Indian Americans.

In a tweet, PM said&nbsp;the participation "highlights the strength of the relationship and recognition of the contribution of the Indian community to American society and economy."

The event will take place in NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on September 22 8.30 pm.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A special gesture by <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>, signifying the special friendship between India and USA! 
 
Delighted that President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> will join the community programme in Houston on the 22nd. 
 
Looking forward to joining the Indian origin community in welcoming him at the programme.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1173449532769632261?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Earlier, the White House confirmed Donald Trump's participation saying it underscores the important partnerships between the United States and India.

In a statement, White House said, "In Houston, President Trump will participate in an event with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. The event, “Howdy, Modi! Shared Dreams, Bright Futures,” is expected to draw tens of thousands of people."

Explaining, "It will be a great opportunity to emphasize&nbsp;the strong ties between the people of the United States and India, to reaffirm the strategic partnership between the world’s oldest and largest democracies, and to discuss ways to deepen their energy and trade relationship."

The event, bigger than the Madison Square Garden diaspora event in New York in 2014, is being hosted by Texas India Forum.

Calling the development "unconventional and unique", Indian Ambassador to the US, Harsh Vardhan Shringla said, "It reflects not only closeness and comfort levels in the relationship but also personal chemistry and friendship between PM Modi &amp; President Trump."

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in US between September 21 and 27 during which he will also address the United Nations General Assembly, meet US CEOs and hold several bilaterals with many world leaders. This is the second Modi will be addressing the UNGA. 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the "special gesture" of United States President Donald Trump to participate in one of the largest Indian diaspora event in Houston, Texas on 22nd of September.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the "special gesture" of United States President Donald Trump to participate in one of the largest Indian diaspora event in Houston, Texas on 22nd of September. PM Modi will address the event, Howdy Modi, which will see the participation of 50,000 people, mostly Indian Americans. In a tweet, PM said the participation "highlights the strength of the relationship and recognition of the contribution of the Indian community to American society and economy." The event will take place in NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on September 22 8.30 pm. A special gesture by @POTUS, signifying the special friendship between India and USA! Delighted that President @realDonaldTrump will join the community programme in Houston on the 22nd. Looking forward to joining the Indian origin community in welcoming him at the programme. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 16, 2019 × Earlier, the White House confirmed Donald Trump's participation saying it underscores the important partnerships between the United States and India. In a statement, White House said, "In Houston, President Trump will participate in an event with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. The event, “Howdy, Modi! Shared Dreams, Bright Futures,” is expected to draw tens of thousands of people." Explaining, "It will be a great opportunity to emphasize the strong ties between the people of the United States and India, to reaffirm the strategic partnership between the world’s oldest and largest democracies, and to discuss ways to deepen their energy and trade relationship." The event, bigger than the Madison Square Garden diaspora event in New York in 2014, is being hosted by Texas India Forum. Calling the development "unconventional and unique", Indian Ambassador to the US, Harsh Vardhan Shringla said, "It reflects not only closeness and comfort levels in the relationship but also personal chemistry and friendship between PM Modi & President Trump." India Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in US between September 21 and 27 during which he will also address the United Nations General Assembly, meet US CEOs and hold several bilaterals with many world leaders. This is the second Modi will be addressing the UNGA.

PM Modi hails Trump's 'special gesture' towards Houston diaspora event 'Howdy Modi'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/biggest-address-20-bilaterals-and-meeting-with-trump-pm-modis-jam-packed-us-schedule-250601">PM Modi will be meeting US President Donald Trump</a> on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on September 24. This is the third time this year when both the leaders will be meeting. Modi and Trump first met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Osaka followed by their meeting during the G7 Summit in France.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Thursday said, "with the United States, the engagements are with multiple stakeholders, obviously with President Trump, with congressional leaders, business leaders and with the Indian community".

His first engagement will be a roundtable with US energy companies in Houston, Texas on Saturday evening. A key highlight on Sunday will be the diaspora 'Howdy Modi' event in Houston. This will be the third and the largest diaspora event in the US which PM Modi will address.

"We are expecting 50,000 people from the diaspora... we are delighted that President Trump, as well as senior democratic leadership of the United States, will also be at this event, this includes several elected Congressional representatives from both parties," Gokhale said.&nbsp;

PM Modi will be addressing UNGA for the second time since 2014.

Gokhale added, "the Prime Minister will focus on what the United Nations General Assembly high-level segment is meant to focus - which is as an important economy, as an important country, as a responsible member of the UN, PM will flag what we are doing for development, peace and security".

It will be a packed week for PM Modi. On Monday, the prime minister will participate in UN-hosted climate change, universal health care summits and leaders' dialogue on Strategic Responses to Terrorist and Violent Extremist Narrative which will be jointly hosted by the King of Jordan, Prime Minister of New Zealand, President of France and Secretary-General of UN António Guterres.

On Tuesday, PM Modi will be at a lunch event hosted by the secretary-general of the UN. He will also attend the commemoration of 150 anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at the UN which will be attended by leaders from Bangladesh, New Zealand, Singapore, Jamaica among other nations. The day will end with PM Modi receiving an award by Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation for leading the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan'. On Wednesday, the PM will take part in the Government of India-backed investment roundtable.&nbsp;

On September 24, the prime minister will meet 12 leaders of Pacific countries during the third India-Pacific Island Summit. On September 25, the prime minister will meet 14 leaders of Caricom (Caribbean Community) countries for the first India-Carribean Summit.&nbsp;

Overall, the prime minister is expected to meet 20 leaders including diplomats from South Asia and Latin America. India will also announce the collation of disaster resilience infrastructure in New York which - an idea proposed by PM Modi.&nbsp;

PM Modi will be meeting US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on September 24. This is the third time this year when both the leaders will be meeting.

PM Modi will be meeting US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on September 24. This is the third time this year when both the leaders will be meeting. Modi and Trump first met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Osaka followed by their meeting during the G7 Summit in France. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Thursday said, "with the United States, the engagements are with multiple stakeholders, obviously with President Trump, with congressional leaders, business leaders and with the Indian community". His first engagement will be a roundtable with US energy companies in Houston, Texas on Saturday evening. A key highlight on Sunday will be the diaspora 'Howdy Modi' event in Houston. This will be the third and the largest diaspora event in the US which PM Modi will address. "We are expecting 50,000 people from the diaspora... we are delighted that President Trump, as well as senior democratic leadership of the United States, will also be at this event, this includes several elected Congressional representatives from both parties," Gokhale said. PM Modi will be addressing UNGA for the second time since 2014. Gokhale added, "the Prime Minister will focus on what the United Nations General Assembly high-level segment is meant to focus - which is as an important economy, as an important country, as a responsible member of the UN, PM will flag what we are doing for development, peace and security". It will be a packed week for PM Modi. On Monday, the prime minister will participate in UN-hosted climate change, universal health care summits and leaders' dialogue on Strategic Responses to Terrorist and Violent Extremist Narrative which will be jointly hosted by the King of Jordan, Prime Minister of New Zealand, President of France and Secretary-General of UN António Guterres. On Tuesday, PM Modi will be at a lunch event hosted by the secretary-general of the UN. He will also attend the commemoration of 150 anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at the UN which will be attended by leaders from Bangladesh, New Zealand, Singapore, Jamaica among other nations. The day will end with PM Modi receiving an award by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for leading the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan'. On Wednesday, the PM will take part in the Government of India-backed investment roundtable. On September 24, the prime minister will meet 12 leaders of Pacific countries during the third India-Pacific Island Summit. On September 25, the prime minister will meet 14 leaders of Caricom (Caribbean Community) countries for the first India-Carribean Summit. Overall, the prime minister is expected to meet 20 leaders including diplomats from South Asia and Latin America. India will also announce the collation of disaster resilience infrastructure in New York which - an idea proposed by PM Modi.

PM Modi to meet US President Donald Trump on September 24 in New York 

Pakistan on Thursday failed to muster any support to table a resolution on Kashmir at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Thursday was the last day to bring any resolution at the UNHRC.&nbsp;

Islamabad claimed support of over 50 countries in a joint statement delivered on their behalf last week. The names of countries were never released by Pakistan.

Meanwhile, India raised the issue of human rights violations by Pakistan in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.

Mini Devi Kumam, first secretary at India's permanent mission to UNHRC in Geneva said, "Our decision in J&amp;K is within our sovereign right and it is an internal matter of India. None of Pakistan's attempts to misrepresent our decision under different agendas will work".

The 42nd session of the Human Rights Council is underway in Geneva where the headquarters of UNHRC is located from September 9 to 27.&nbsp;

India, last week, had said it is quite confident at the United Nations Human Rights Council to thwart any attempts by Pakistan to raise the Kashmir issue.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "we are quite confident that the members of UNHRC are aware of our position on Article 370 and the steps we have taken in J&amp;K to ensure normalcy".

Calling Pakistan's situation quite desperate, the MEA spokesperson said, "In case of doublespeak, its quite audacious on Pakistan that the country, which is harbouring terrorists, which is the epicentre of terrorism, is pretending to speak on behalf of the global community on human rights, this is very rich. Their record of persecution of minorities - ethnic and religious - I don't think needs explaining".

"Repeating a lie, 4-5 times doesn't turn out to be gospel truth that came out very clearly at UNHRC," he added.&nbsp;

Last week, India and Pakistan clashed at the UN institution as New Delhi slammed Islamabad for raking the Kashmir issue.

Pakistan on Thursday failed to muster any support to table a resolution on Kashmir at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Thursday was the last day to bring any resolution at the UNHRC.

Pakistan on Thursday failed to muster any support to table a resolution on Kashmir at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Thursday was the last day to bring any resolution at the UNHRC. Islamabad claimed support of over 50 countries in a joint statement delivered on their behalf last week. The names of countries were never released by Pakistan. Meanwhile, India raised the issue of human rights violations by Pakistan in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir. Mini Devi Kumam, first secretary at India's permanent mission to UNHRC in Geneva said, "Our decision in J&K is within our sovereign right and it is an internal matter of India. None of Pakistan's attempts to misrepresent our decision under different agendas will work". The 42nd session of the Human Rights Council is underway in Geneva where the headquarters of UNHRC is located from September 9 to 27. India, last week, had said it is quite confident at the United Nations Human Rights Council to thwart any attempts by Pakistan to raise the Kashmir issue. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "we are quite confident that the members of UNHRC are aware of our position on Article 370 and the steps we have taken in J&K to ensure normalcy". Calling Pakistan's situation quite desperate, the MEA spokesperson said, "In case of doublespeak, its quite audacious on Pakistan that the country, which is harbouring terrorists, which is the epicentre of terrorism, is pretending to speak on behalf of the global community on human rights, this is very rich. Their record of persecution of minorities - ethnic and religious - I don't think needs explaining". "Repeating a lie, 4-5 times doesn't turn out to be gospel truth that came out very clearly at UNHRC," he added. Last week, India and Pakistan clashed at the UN institution as New Delhi slammed Islamabad for raking the Kashmir issue.

Pakistan fails to muster support to table resolution on Kashmir at UNHRC 

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Sidhant Sibal

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