Over the weekend, two countries of the Islamic world - the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain - honoured PM Modi with their top honours. While UAE's Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred his country's highest civilian award - The Zayed Medal, Bahrain's king honoured PM Modi with '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bahrain-honours-pm-modi-with-king-hamad-order-of-the-renaissance-245393">King Hamad Order of the Renaissance</a>'.

While accepting Bahrain's award PM said, "I feel very honoured and fortunate to be awarded 'The King Hamad Order of the Renaissance'. I am equally honoured by your majesty's friendship for me and for my country. I humbly accept this prestigious honour on behalf of 1.3 billion Indians."

In all, six times countries from the Islamic world have had honoured PM Modi with their top honours.&nbsp;

The first Islamic country was Saudi Arabia in April 2016 which awarded 'King Abdulaziz Sash' award' to PM Modi. Afghanistan in June 2016 honoured PM Modi with 'Amir Amanullah Khan' award which was followed by Palestine, which conferred the 'Grand Collar of the State of Palestine' award in February 2018.

Earlier this year, the Maldives conferred ‘Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen’ to PM Modi in June 2019 which was the first foreign visit of PM Modi after taking charge in the second term.

India and the Islamic world has seen a growing engagement and strengthing of ties.&nbsp;Responding to WION on a question on ties with the&nbsp;Islamic&nbsp;world,&nbsp;TS Tirumurti, secretary economic relations, Ministry of External Affairs said,&nbsp;"Our engagement has been extremely robust and our relations with the&nbsp;Arab countries and many of the other countries are at an all-time high. There is absolutely no doubt about it, our relations with the Gulf are at an all-time high. And there is absolutely no question of the fact that we enjoy excellent relations with the&nbsp;Islamic&nbsp;world."

Two-way investment between West Asia and India has been increasing. Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia backed Saudi&nbsp;Aramco - one of the&nbsp;world's largest company by revenue and announced that it will acquire 20 per cent stake in Reliance's oil, making it India's largest foreign direct investment.&nbsp;

PM Modi has also been honoured with UN's highest environmental honour, 'Champions of the Earth' award (2018), the '2018 Seoul Peace Prize' and Russia's highest civilian award the 'Order of St Andrew the Apostle'.

Meanwhile, there has been outrage in Pakistan over PM Modi being conferred the top civilian award of the UAE. Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani, along with the parliamentary delegation, has cancelled his scheduled UAE visit in light of PM Modi visit to the UAE.

Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi reacted to the cancellation of the visit and said, while "we should respect his decision, he became too&nbsp;sentimental".

He explained,&nbsp;"the UAE is our friend and they have supported us," adding, "just one year ago they bailed us out".

Over the weekend, two countries of the Islamic world - the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain - honoured PM Modi with their top honours. While UAE's Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred his country's highest civilian award - The Zayed Medal, Bahrain's king honoured PM Modi with 'King Hamad Order of the Renaissance'.

Over the weekend, two countries of the Islamic world - the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain - honoured PM Modi with their top honours. While UAE's Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred his country's highest civilian award - The Zayed Medal, Bahrain's king honoured PM Modi with 'King Hamad Order of the Renaissance'. While accepting Bahrain's award PM said, "I feel very honoured and fortunate to be awarded 'The King Hamad Order of the Renaissance'. I am equally honoured by your majesty's friendship for me and for my country. I humbly accept this prestigious honour on behalf of 1.3 billion Indians." In all, six times countries from the Islamic world have had honoured PM Modi with their top honours. The first Islamic country was Saudi Arabia in April 2016 which awarded 'King Abdulaziz Sash' award' to PM Modi. Afghanistan in June 2016 honoured PM Modi with 'Amir Amanullah Khan' award which was followed by Palestine, which conferred the 'Grand Collar of the State of Palestine' award in February 2018. Earlier this year, the Maldives conferred ‘Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen’ to PM Modi in June 2019 which was the first foreign visit of PM Modi after taking charge in the second term. India and the Islamic world has seen a growing engagement and strengthing of ties. Responding to WION on a question on ties with the Islamic world, TS Tirumurti, secretary economic relations, Ministry of External Affairs said, "Our engagement has been extremely robust and our relations with the Arab countries and many of the other countries are at an all-time high. There is absolutely no doubt about it, our relations with the Gulf are at an all-time high. And there is absolutely no question of the fact that we enjoy excellent relations with the Islamic world." Two-way investment between West Asia and India has been increasing. Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia backed Saudi Aramco - one of the world's largest company by revenue and announced that it will acquire 20 per cent stake in Reliance's oil, making it India's largest foreign direct investment. PM Modi has also been honoured with UN's highest environmental honour, 'Champions of the Earth' award (2018), the '2018 Seoul Peace Prize' and Russia's highest civilian award the 'Order of St Andrew the Apostle'. Meanwhile, there has been outrage in Pakistan over PM Modi being conferred the top civilian award of the UAE. Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani, along with the parliamentary delegation, has cancelled his scheduled UAE visit in light of PM Modi visit to the UAE. Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi reacted to the cancellation of the visit and said, while "we should respect his decision, he became too sentimental". He explained, "the UAE is our friend and they have supported us," adding, "just one year ago they bailed us out".

6 times Islamic countries honoured PM Modi with their highest awards 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/6-times-islamic-countries-honoured-pm-modi-with-their-highest-awards-245560">PM Modi</a> is all set to meet <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/very-big-trade-deal-after-brexit-bigger-than-weve-ever-had-trumps-promise-to-uk-pm-boris-johnson-at-g7-245514">US President Donald Trump</a> on Monday at around 3.45 pm in France. The meeting is expected to last around 45 minutes till 4.30 pm.

The engagement will take place on the sidelines of the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beneath-show-of-bonhomie-rifts-emerge-between-trump-and-western-allies-at-the-g7-summit-245543">G7 Summit</a> in Biarritz. This will be the second time when both world leaders will meet this year. They last met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan a couple of months back.

Both the leaders will come face to face for the first time at the G7 Summit during Cultural Program and Leaders’ Dinner on Sunday evening.&nbsp;

The ongoing India-Pak situation in the backdrop of New Delhi removing the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir is bound to be discussed.&nbsp;

"India’s decision to rescind Article 370 in Kashmir is an internal decision, but certainly with regional implications.&nbsp;And President Trump will likely want to hear how Prime Minister Modi intends to calm regional tensions in light of this significant move", a senior Trump administration official said during a teleconference on Trumps's G7 Summit.

Donald Trump has offered to mediate on Kashmir three times, something that has irked New Delhi which has made it clear that India, Pakistan ties follow Simla and Lahore agreements according to which no third party mediation is acceptable. Trade, defence ties and the Afghan peace process will also be discussed.&nbsp;

Senior Trump administration official said, "They will look for solutions on the trade front. The US is looking at India to reduce tariffs and open its markets."

Last week both the leaders spoke during which India had raised the rhetoric coming from Islamabad since August 5 that impacts regional stability.&nbsp;

All in all, PM Modi will have 4 bilaterals on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.

India is "Biarritz partner" country along with Australia, Chile, South Africa, Rwanda, Senegal, Egypt and Burkina Faso. Climate, biodiversity will be the main focuses of the 45th G7 Summit whose theme is "combating inequality".

It is after a gap of more than 10 years that India has been invited at the G7 Summit, the last time being 2005 when the then British Prime Minister Tony Blair had invited the then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the Gleneagles Summit.

On Thursday PM was in France on a state visit and met with French President Emmanuel Macron for the 5th time.

PM Modi visited France in 2017 followed by the visit of the French President in 2018 and then meetings on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Argentina and Japan in December 2018 and June 2019, respectively. After his France visit, the prime minister went to the UAE and Bahrain where he met with the top leadership and launched RuPay card.

PM Modi is back in France for the G7 Summit.

PM Modi is all set to meet US President Donald Trump on Monday at around 3.45 pm in France. The meeting is expected to last around 45 minutes till 4.30 pm. The engagement will take place on the sidelines of the ongoing G7 Summit in Biarritz.

PM Modi is all set to meet US President Donald Trump on Monday at around 3.45 pm in France. The meeting is expected to last around 45 minutes till 4.30 pm. The engagement will take place on the sidelines of the ongoing G7 Summit in Biarritz. This will be the second time when both world leaders will meet this year. They last met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan a couple of months back. Both the leaders will come face to face for the first time at the G7 Summit during Cultural Program and Leaders’ Dinner on Sunday evening. The ongoing India-Pak situation in the backdrop of New Delhi removing the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir is bound to be discussed. "India’s decision to rescind Article 370 in Kashmir is an internal decision, but certainly with regional implications. And President Trump will likely want to hear how Prime Minister Modi intends to calm regional tensions in light of this significant move", a senior Trump administration official said during a teleconference on Trumps's G7 Summit. Donald Trump has offered to mediate on Kashmir three times, something that has irked New Delhi which has made it clear that India, Pakistan ties follow Simla and Lahore agreements according to which no third party mediation is acceptable. Trade, defence ties and the Afghan peace process will also be discussed. Senior Trump administration official said, "They will look for solutions on the trade front. The US is looking at India to reduce tariffs and open its markets." Last week both the leaders spoke during which India had raised the rhetoric coming from Islamabad since August 5 that impacts regional stability. All in all, PM Modi will have 4 bilaterals on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. India is "Biarritz partner" country along with Australia, Chile, South Africa, Rwanda, Senegal, Egypt and Burkina Faso. Climate, biodiversity will be the main focuses of the 45th G7 Summit whose theme is "combating inequality". It is after a gap of more than 10 years that India has been invited at the G7 Summit, the last time being 2005 when the then British Prime Minister Tony Blair had invited the then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the Gleneagles Summit. On Thursday PM was in France on a state visit and met with French President Emmanuel Macron for the 5th time. PM Modi visited France in 2017 followed by the visit of the French President in 2018 and then meetings on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Argentina and Japan in December 2018 and June 2019, respectively. After his France visit, the prime minister went to the UAE and Bahrain where he met with the top leadership and launched RuPay card. PM Modi is back in France for the G7 Summit.

Second Modi-Trump meeting to take place on Monday in France

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bahrain-sign-4-mous-after-delegation-level-talks-245398">King Hamad Order of the Renaissance</a> (or for Development by the King of Bahrain.

While accepting the award PM said, "I feel very honoured and fortunate to be awarded The King Hamad Order of the Renaissance. I am equally honoured by your majesty's friendship for me and my country. I humbly accept this prestigious honour on behalf of 1.3 billion Indians."

Bahrain is the second country in the Gulf region to confer an award to Modi. On Saturday, UAE also conferred the Zayed Medal, the highest civilian award of the country to PM Modi.

The King Hamad Order of the Renaissance or for Development was founded by King Hamad II on 17th&nbsp;April 2008. The award is to recognises services towards the development of the nation. It is awarded in fives classes with the First Class being awarded to foreign leaders, prime ministers, crown princes, parliamentary chiefs, ministers or those of equal rank.&nbsp;

The Second Class goes to civil servants and military personnel and the Third Class to those who have helped in the development of women's rights and human rights

Meanwhile, during the press statements, the king of Bahrain&nbsp;Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa lauded the cultural and civilisational ties between India and his country and the contribution made by the Indian community.

He said, "the establishment of the Hindu temple more than two hundred years ago in Manama, as the oldest in the region, is a clear testament to the depth of the ties that link us together and the civilised qualities of peaceful coexistence and freedom of belief and religion that have characterized Bahrain throughout its history"

Lauding New Delhi's global role, he said," Bahrain is fully convinced of the pioneering role of India at the international level, given its strategic weight and appreciated stances on many core issues. We, therefore, continue to work with you to protect trade and oil routes and to strengthen our cooperation in the areas of cybersecurity, space technology and energy"

This is Modi's first visit to Bahrain.&nbsp;

Modi is currently on a three-nation tour of France, UAE and Bahrain.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with King Hamad Order of the Renaissance (or for Development by the King of Bahrain. While accepting the award PM said, "I feel very honoured and fortunate to be awarded The King Hamad Order of the Renaissance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with King Hamad Order of the Renaissance (or for Development by the King of Bahrain. While accepting the award PM said, "I feel very honoured and fortunate to be awarded The King Hamad Order of the Renaissance. I am equally honoured by your majesty's friendship for me and my country. I humbly accept this prestigious honour on behalf of 1.3 billion Indians." Bahrain is the second country in the Gulf region to confer an award to Modi. On Saturday, UAE also conferred the Zayed Medal, the highest civilian award of the country to PM Modi. The King Hamad Order of the Renaissance or for Development was founded by King Hamad II on 17th April 2008. The award is to recognises services towards the development of the nation. It is awarded in fives classes with the First Class being awarded to foreign leaders, prime ministers, crown princes, parliamentary chiefs, ministers or those of equal rank. The Second Class goes to civil servants and military personnel and the Third Class to those who have helped in the development of women's rights and human rights Meanwhile, during the press statements, the king of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa lauded the cultural and civilisational ties between India and his country and the contribution made by the Indian community. He said, "the establishment of the Hindu temple more than two hundred years ago in Manama, as the oldest in the region, is a clear testament to the depth of the ties that link us together and the civilised qualities of peaceful coexistence and freedom of belief and religion that have characterized Bahrain throughout its history" Lauding New Delhi's global role, he said," Bahrain is fully convinced of the pioneering role of India at the international level, given its strategic weight and appreciated stances on many core issues. We, therefore, continue to work with you to protect trade and oil routes and to strengthen our cooperation in the areas of cybersecurity, space technology and energy" This is Modi's first visit to Bahrain. Modi is currently on a three-nation tour of France, UAE and Bahrain.

Bahrain honours PM Modi with King Hamad Order of the Renaissance

Ahead of the one on one between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, Washington has made it clear that removing the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir is India's internal matter even as it called Pakistan to rein in terror groups.

Ahead of the one on one between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, Washington has made it clear that removing the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir is India's internal matter even as it called Pakistan to rein in terror groups. During a press briefing as Trump heads to France for G7, a senior Trump administration official said, "India’s decision to rescind Article 370 in Kashmir is an internal decision, but certainly with regional implications." The official said, while "President is likely to stress the need for dialogue among all sides of the conflict", he has also been "calling on Pakistan to prevent the infiltration of militants across the line of control that divides Kashmir and to crack down on groups on its territory that have attacked India in the past." The February 14 terror attack in Pulwama, the worst terror attack on Indian soil, was perpetrated by Pakistan based United Nations listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed. × Trump is also expected to urge from PM how he plans to "uphold respect for human rights for Kashmir" The one on one at the 45th G7 Summit in Biarritz, France comes almost two months after both leaders met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan. On Trump's offer to mediate between India and Pakistan, the White House official said no formal request has come from India. He said, "he has indicated -- that he is ready to assist if both sides are interested in helping to reduce their tensions. But we just note that India has not requested any formal mediation." Since the meet in Osaka, both leaders had a telephone conversation earlier this week during which along with Pakistan and Afghanistan, trade was also a key issue. The official said, "US is looking to India to reduce tariffs and open its markets."

US says abrogation of Article 370 India's internal matter, asks Pakistan to rein in terror groups

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-took-too-long-for-indian-pm-to-visit-this-country-pm-modi-addresses-indian-diaspora-in-bahrain-245375">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Sunday will participate at a Janmashtami event at Gulf's oldest temple - Shreenathji (Shree Krishna) Hindu temple in Bahrain built by the&nbsp;Thattai Hindu community. The Thattai community had arrived from Sindh.&nbsp;

The prime minister will also launch the temple's renovation project. The 200-year-old Shree Krishna temple was built in 1817 and was situated in Bahrain's capital Manama.

PM Modi is currently in 2-nation visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain.

The Shreenathji temple was established by the Thattai [Bhatia] Hindu community in 1817 under the royal patronage and is also the first temple of the Gulf region.

The temple in Bahrain is located in the heart of Manama (Souq). In the honour of the contributions made by the Indian community, the Bahrain government designated the old Manama Souq area around the temple as 'Little India in Bahrain' in December 2015.&nbsp;

The temple is owned by the Thattai Hindu Mercantile Community from Thatta,&nbsp;Sindh -&nbsp;hence the&nbsp;name Thattai Bhatia.&nbsp;

Thattai Bhatias were one of the earliest expatriate communities to settle in Bahrain in the early 19th century and establish business interest in Bahrain. The community made Bahrain their home even before oil was discovered. Today, Thattais are renowned businessmen in Bahrain and own many companies.

The temple functions on the spiritual path of Pushti Marg or Vallabh Sampradaya which is a Vaishnav sect of Hinduism founded by Shree Vallabhacharya around 1500 AD. Shree Krishna is the chief deity in the temple. The main temple is in India, Nathdwara Temple in Udaipur, Rajasthan which was built in 1672 by Goswami priests who manage the temple and are revered by the followers of Pushti marg all over the world.

 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday will participate at a Janmashtami event at Gulf's oldest temple - Shreenathji (Shree Krishna) Hindu temple in Bahrain built by the Thattai Hindu community.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday will participate at a Janmashtami event at Gulf's oldest temple - Shreenathji (Shree Krishna) Hindu temple in Bahrain built by the Thattai Hindu community. The Thattai community had arrived from Sindh. The prime minister will also launch the temple's renovation project. The 200-year-old Shree Krishna temple was built in 1817 and was situated in Bahrain's capital Manama. PM Modi is currently in 2-nation visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain. The Shreenathji temple was established by the Thattai [Bhatia] Hindu community in 1817 under the royal patronage and is also the first temple of the Gulf region. The temple in Bahrain is located in the heart of Manama (Souq). In the honour of the contributions made by the Indian community, the Bahrain government designated the old Manama Souq area around the temple as 'Little India in Bahrain' in December 2015. The temple is owned by the Thattai Hindu Mercantile Community from Thatta, Sindh - hence the name Thattai Bhatia. Thattai Bhatias were one of the earliest expatriate communities to settle in Bahrain in the early 19th century and establish business interest in Bahrain. The community made Bahrain their home even before oil was discovered. Today, Thattais are renowned businessmen in Bahrain and own many companies. The temple functions on the spiritual path of Pushti Marg or Vallabh Sampradaya which is a Vaishnav sect of Hinduism founded by Shree Vallabhacharya around 1500 AD. Shree Krishna is the chief deity in the temple. The main temple is in India, Nathdwara Temple in Udaipur, Rajasthan which was built in 1672 by Goswami priests who manage the temple and are revered by the followers of Pushti marg all over the world.

PM Modi to participate in Janmashtami event at Gulf's oldest temple on Sunday

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uae-honours-pm-modi-with-highest-civilian-award-order-of-zayed-245309">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> will continue with his ongoing foreign tour without any change in his plan after the sad demise of former finance minister Arun&nbsp;Jaitley.&nbsp;

PM Modi had tweeted out saying that had spoken to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/leaders-politicians-arrive-at-jaitleys-residence-to-pay-tribute-last-rites-to-take-place-tomorrow-at-nigambodh-ghat-245311">Arun&nbsp;Jaitley</a>'s family and expressed his condolences.The family had insisted that PM should not cut short his ongoing foreign tour.

Paying homage to&nbsp;Arun&nbsp;Jaitley&nbsp;PM Modi in a tweet had said, "Arun Jaitley Ji was a political giant, towering intellectual and legal luminary. He was an articulate leader who made a lasting contribution to India. His passing away is very saddening. Spoke to his wife Sangeeta Ji as well as son Rohan and expressed condolences. Om Shanti."

He said, "With the demise of Arun Jaitley Ji, I have lost a valued friend, whom I have had the honour of knowing for decades. His insight on issues and nuanced understanding of matters had very few parallels. He lived well, leaving us all with innumerable happy memories. We will miss him!"

PM is on a 3-nation tour of France, UAE and Bahrain. He has already visited UAE and France on a state visit and is currently in Bahrain. He will again go to France on Sunday to participate in the 45th G7 summit where India has been invited after 10 years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will continue with his ongoing foreign tour without any change in his plan after the sad demise of former finance minister Arun Jaitley.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will continue with his ongoing foreign tour without any change in his plan after the sad demise of former finance minister Arun Jaitley. PM Modi had tweeted out saying that had spoken to Arun Jaitley's family and expressed his condolences.The family had insisted that PM should not cut short his ongoing foreign tour. Paying homage to Arun Jaitley PM Modi in a tweet had said, "Arun Jaitley Ji was a political giant, towering intellectual and legal luminary. He was an articulate leader who made a lasting contribution to India. His passing away is very saddening. Spoke to his wife Sangeeta Ji as well as son Rohan and expressed condolences. Om Shanti." He said, "With the demise of Arun Jaitley Ji, I have lost a valued friend, whom I have had the honour of knowing for decades. His insight on issues and nuanced understanding of matters had very few parallels. He lived well, leaving us all with innumerable happy memories. We will miss him!" PM is on a 3-nation tour of France, UAE and Bahrain. He has already visited UAE and France on a state visit and is currently in Bahrain. He will again go to France on Sunday to participate in the 45th G7 summit where India has been invited after 10 years.

PM Modi to continue with his foreign visit

Indian Prime will be conferred with United Arab Emirates's highest civilian award--the Zayed medal on Saturday. The award was announced in April this year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in UAE yesterday evening.

Indian Prime will be conferred with United Arab Emirates's highest civilian award--the Zayed medal on Saturday. The award was announced in April this year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in UAE yesterday evening. In a tweet the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said that PM Modi has been conferred the award for boosting India-UAE ties. He tweeted, “We have historical and comprehensive strategic ties with India, reinforced by the pivotal role of my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who gave these relations a big boost. In appreciation of his efforts, the UAE President grants him the Zayed Medal.” We have historical and comprehensive strategic ties with India, reinforced by the pivotal role of my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who gave these relations a big boost. In appreciation of his efforts, the UAE President grants him the Zayed Medal. — محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) April 4, 2019 × He will also be initiating work for early adoption of the RuPay card that will help Indian tourist and businesses. After Singapore and Bhutan, UAE and Bahrain will be soon adopting the RuPay card. Recent years have seen several high-level engagements between India and UAE. Modi first visited the country in August of 2015 which was followed by the visit of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2016. The following year the Crown Prince was the chief guest at India's republic day parade and again in 2018 PM Modi visited the country and was the chief guest at the sixth World Government Summit in Dubai. His next stopover will be neighbouring Bahrain, his first visit to that country. Other than meeting the top leadership, Modi will be addressing the Indian diaspora. 350,000 Indian nationals are living in the west Asian country. Modi will be also leading a ceremony for the renovation of the 200-year-old Shree Krishna temple, the oldest temple in the Gulf on Sunday.

PM Modi to be honoured with UAE's highest civilian award for boosting ties

The United Kingdom has said it did not support any statement from the United Nations Security Council during the consultative meet, called at the behest of China last Friday in the backdrop of India removing the special status for the erstwhile state for Jammu and Kashmir.

A British High Commission spokesperson in Delhi said: "the UK did not call for this session or support a formal Council statement."&nbsp;

UK is the first permanent five members of the UNSC to come out with a statement on its position at the meet.

Reiterating London's "long-standing&nbsp;position" that India and Pakistan should resolve their issues bilaterally, the High Commission said, "neither do we seek to mediate."

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-instead-of-meddling-in-kashmir-trump-could-do-these-244693/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Earlier this week, PM Modi had spoken to UK PM Boris Johnson&nbsp;during which the latter called Kashmir an India-Pakistan bilateral issue.

The statement by UK high commission comes even as some reports emerged after 16th August that London was siding with China during the closed-door meet.&nbsp;

UK HC while calling for "restraint and action to address current concerns", said it welcomes "efforts to do so as soon as possible.”

The China-Pak initiative to rake up Kashmir at United Nation found no support at United Nation Security Council(UNSC) Consultative meet last Friday which saw Russia, France, UK and US backing India.

The outcome will be considered a big diplomatic victory for India as consultations did not lead to any formal meeting which Islamabad was keen to have.&nbsp;

In the aftermath of India's international decision to remove the special status for Jammy and Kashmir, Pakistan has been trying to internationalise Kashmir by reaching out to global capitals but has not got any traction. 
&nbsp;

The United Kingdom has said it did not support any statement from the United Nations Security Council during the consultative meet, called at the behest of China last Friday in the backdrop of India removing the special status for the erstwhile state for Jammu and Kashmir.

The United Kingdom has said it did not support any statement from the United Nations Security Council during the consultative meet, called at the behest of China last Friday in the backdrop of India removing the special status for the erstwhile state for Jammu and Kashmir. A British High Commission spokesperson in Delhi said: "the UK did not call for this session or support a formal Council statement." UK is the first permanent five members of the UNSC to come out with a statement on its position at the meet. Reiterating London's "long-standing position" that India and Pakistan should resolve their issues bilaterally, the High Commission said, "neither do we seek to mediate." Watch Video: Earlier this week, PM Modi had spoken to UK PM Boris Johnson during which the latter called Kashmir an India-Pakistan bilateral issue. The statement by UK high commission comes even as some reports emerged after 16th August that London was siding with China during the closed-door meet. UK HC while calling for "restraint and action to address current concerns", said it welcomes "efforts to do so as soon as possible.” The China-Pak initiative to rake up Kashmir at United Nation found no support at United Nation Security Council(UNSC) Consultative meet last Friday which saw Russia, France, UK and US backing India. The outcome will be considered a big diplomatic victory for India as consultations did not lead to any formal meeting which Islamabad was keen to have. In the aftermath of India's international decision to remove the special status for Jammy and Kashmir, Pakistan has been trying to internationalise Kashmir by reaching out to global capitals but has not got any traction.

Did not support UNSC statement: UK on China-backed consultative meet on Kashmir

Pakistan continues to drag its feet for the fourth round of Kartarpur technical meet which was requested by New Delhi earlier this month. India had requested Pakistan in early August to hold another round of technical meeting on Kartarpur corridor but did not receive any response so far.

Pakistan continues to drag its feet for the fourth round of Kartarpur technical meet which was requested by New Delhi earlier this month. India had requested Pakistan in early August to hold another round of technical meeting on Kartarpur corridor but did not receive any response so far. This week again India sent a reminder requesting Pakistan to hold the technical meet. The development comes despite Islamabad's public statements that it is committed to the initiative in the backdrop of it cutting diplomatic and trade ties with India due to New Delhi removing a special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. "Kartarpur initiative will continue," Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had said. WION had first reported that New Delhi has requested for the meet in the first week of August, for which "A reminder was also issued", a source said. On the agenda will be three things, till the time bridge on Ravi river is not constructed, Pakistan should build a service road, provision to help pilgrims if an emergency arises and mechanism to share details of pilgrims. If the meet materialises, this will be the fourth round of technical talks between the two countries in 2019. So far three rounds of India-Pakistan technical meetings have taken place, March, April and May 2019, during which both sides endorsed the crossing point coordinates. When the second round of talks between Indian-Pakistan officials took place on July 14, Islamabad agreed to construct a bridge over the old Ravi creek that will allow all-weather pilgrimage to the Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib, throughout the year. Both sides are keen to open the corridor, which was agreed by both sides last year ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji in November 2019.

Pakistan drags its feet on India's request on technical meeting on Kartarpur

Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid who received a call from Pakistan foreign minister SM Qureshi to brief on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/did-not-support-unsc-statement-uk-on-china-backed-consultative-meet-on-kashmir-245179">abrogation of article 370</a> has clearly stated that it was New Delhi's internal matter.

A statement from Maldives foreign ministry said: "Minister Shahid stated that the Maldives viewed the decision taken by India regarding Article 370 of the Indian Constitution as an internal matter."

"Both Pakistan and India are close friends and bilateral partners of the Maldives and stressed the importance of resolving differences between countries amicably through peaceful means," the foreign ministry added.

Watch Video: 

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The statement made by the Pakistani foreign ministry made no mention of what Madlvies foreign minister had told his Pakistani counterpart.

The Pakistani release said, "The Maldivian foreign minister said that they were closely watching the situation. The two leaders agreed to remain in contact and continue to work together for peace and stability in the region."

The Maldives which is the member of the organisation of Islamic Cooperation was one of the first neighbouring countries to back India, calling New Delhi's decision an internal one.&nbsp;

The Maldives foreign ministry in it is issued on August 7 said: "We believe that it is the right of every sovereign nation to amend their laws as required."

India's neighbours in the region have backed New Delhi on its August 5 decision to repeal special status for Jammu and Kashmir. While Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives have called it an internal decision, Nepal and Afghanistan have called it a bilateral issue between New Delhi and Islamabad.&nbsp;

Don't misquote us: Sri Lanka to Pakistan

Earlier, Sri Lanka contradicted what the Pakistani High Commission in Colombo had said after a meeting between Pakistani High Commissioner and President Maithripala Sirisena with the President's office issuing a statement.&nbsp;

A statement issued by Pakistan High Commission in Colombo had said: "President acknowledged that Jammu and Kashmir is a disputed territory and expressed his desire that this dispute should be resolved according to wishes of Kashmiris under UNSC resolution. He also offered Sri Lanka's mediation and facilitation of dialogue between Pakistan and India to reactivate the SAARC forum."

It was contradicted by the Sri Lankan President's office, who said, "President stated that both India and Pakistan have excellent friendly relations with Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka's interest is to see the growth of regional cooperation and friendship."

"The president did not make any other comment on the issues pertaining to India and Pakistan," it added.

The Pakistani High Commissioner to Sri Lanka on Tuesday had met the President at the request of the former to brief him of India's decision to abrogate Article 370 on August 5.

Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid who received a call from Pakistan foreign minister SM Qureshi to brief on abrogation of article 370 has clearly stated that it was New Delhi's internal matter.

Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid who received a call from Pakistan foreign minister SM Qureshi to brief on abrogation of article 370 has clearly stated that it was New Delhi's internal matter. A statement from Maldives foreign ministry said: "Minister Shahid stated that the Maldives viewed the decision taken by India regarding Article 370 of the Indian Constitution as an internal matter." "Both Pakistan and India are close friends and bilateral partners of the Maldives and stressed the importance of resolving differences between countries amicably through peaceful means," the foreign ministry added. Watch Video: The statement made by the Pakistani foreign ministry made no mention of what Madlvies foreign minister had told his Pakistani counterpart. The Pakistani release said, "The Maldivian foreign minister said that they were closely watching the situation. The two leaders agreed to remain in contact and continue to work together for peace and stability in the region." The Maldives which is the member of the organisation of Islamic Cooperation was one of the first neighbouring countries to back India, calling New Delhi's decision an internal one. The Maldives foreign ministry in it is issued on August 7 said: "We believe that it is the right of every sovereign nation to amend their laws as required." India's neighbours in the region have backed New Delhi on its August 5 decision to repeal special status for Jammu and Kashmir. While Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives have called it an internal decision, Nepal and Afghanistan have called it a bilateral issue between New Delhi and Islamabad. Don't misquote us: Sri Lanka to Pakistan Earlier, Sri Lanka contradicted what the Pakistani High Commission in Colombo had said after a meeting between Pakistani High Commissioner and President Maithripala Sirisena with the President's office issuing a statement. A statement issued by Pakistan High Commission in Colombo had said: "President acknowledged that Jammu and Kashmir is a disputed territory and expressed his desire that this dispute should be resolved according to wishes of Kashmiris under UNSC resolution. He also offered Sri Lanka's mediation and facilitation of dialogue between Pakistan and India to reactivate the SAARC forum." It was contradicted by the Sri Lankan President's office, who said, "President stated that both India and Pakistan have excellent friendly relations with Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka's interest is to see the growth of regional cooperation and friendship." "The president did not make any other comment on the issues pertaining to India and Pakistan," it added. The Pakistani High Commissioner to Sri Lanka on Tuesday had met the President at the request of the former to brief him of India's decision to abrogate Article 370 on August 5.

Abrogation of Article 370 India's internal decision: Maldives to Pakistan

Russia and France will help&nbsp;India in its manned space mission Gaganyaan that will be sent in the year 2022.&nbsp;

While the Russian space agency Roscosmos will train four Indian astronauts of which three will be selected to go onboard India's human spaceflight programme, France will train their medical support personnel. Training of medical support personnel will be carried out in France and India.

Glavkosmos, which is a subsidiary of Roscosmos and manages of the international space project has signed a contract with India's Indian Space Research Organisation or ISRO for the training of Indian astronauts at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center.

The development comes in the backdrop of India's Nation Security Advisor Ajit Doval's Moscow visit during which he met Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin.

A release from Roscosmos said, "The sides discussed possible Indian crewed flight carrier rocket aerodynamic tests, as well as piloted vehicle and crew rescue system. It is planned to reach an agreement until the end of August 2019."&nbsp;

Adding, "Russia and India are expecting to negotiate the contracts to supply windows, crew seats and spacesuits for the Indian crewed mission."

France and India meanwhile announced to further their space cooperation during PM Modi's state visit to the country that is underway.

"France and India desire to deepen their space cooperation so as to meet new challenges together, whether it concerns planetary exploration or human spaceflight", India France joint statement released on Thursday said.

The Rs 10,000 crore Gaganyaan project was announced by PM Modi during his Independence day speech on August 15, 2018 and involves three members Indian crew being sent to space for seven days. After this manned mission, India will become the fourth country after Russia, US and China to send humans in space.

Russia and France will help India in its manned space mission Gaganyaan that will be sent in the year 2022. While the Russian space agency Roscosmos will train four Indian astronauts of which three will be selected to go onboard India's human spaceflight programme, France will train their medical support personnel.

Russia and France will help India in its manned space mission Gaganyaan that will be sent in the year 2022. While the Russian space agency Roscosmos will train four Indian astronauts of which three will be selected to go onboard India's human spaceflight programme, France will train their medical support personnel. Training of medical support personnel will be carried out in France and India. Glavkosmos, which is a subsidiary of Roscosmos and manages of the international space project has signed a contract with India's Indian Space Research Organisation or ISRO for the training of Indian astronauts at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center. The development comes in the backdrop of India's Nation Security Advisor Ajit Doval's Moscow visit during which he met Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin. A release from Roscosmos said, "The sides discussed possible Indian crewed flight carrier rocket aerodynamic tests, as well as piloted vehicle and crew rescue system. It is planned to reach an agreement until the end of August 2019." Adding, "Russia and India are expecting to negotiate the contracts to supply windows, crew seats and spacesuits for the Indian crewed mission." France and India meanwhile announced to further their space cooperation during PM Modi's state visit to the country that is underway. "France and India desire to deepen their space cooperation so as to meet new challenges together, whether it concerns planetary exploration or human spaceflight", India France joint statement released on Thursday said. The Rs 10,000 crore Gaganyaan project was announced by PM Modi during his Independence day speech on August 15, 2018 and involves three members Indian crew being sent to space for seven days. After this manned mission, India will become the fourth country after Russia, US and China to send humans in space.

Russia, France to assist India in its manned space mission Gaganyaan

The meeting between officials of foreign and defence ministry also known as&nbsp;US-India 2+2 Intersessional and Maritime Security Dialogue&nbsp;concluded in&nbsp;Monterey, California with focus on Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

A release from the Ministry of External Affairs said, ''Both sides discussed regional developments, and agreed to pursue their quest for a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific."

They also reviewed the progress and development of bilateral relations in cross-cutting defence, security, and foreign policy areas.

The meeting took place at&nbsp;Naval Postgraduate School with the participation of&nbsp;Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary in Ministry of External Affairs and V Anandarajan, Joint Secretary in Ministry of Defence from Indian side while from the US side Alice Wells, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs and Randall Schriver, Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs.&nbsp;

The inaugural 2+2 India-US dialogue took place in September 2018, in Delhi and the next meet is expected to take place next month in the United States.

2+2 is the highest forum of annual India-US engagement and has been developed in the background of growing engagement between Delhi and Washington.&nbsp;

The meeting between officials of foreign and defence ministry also known as US-India 2+2 Intersessional and Maritime Security Dialogue concluded in Monterey, California with focus on Indo-Pacific.

The meeting between officials of foreign and defence ministry also known as US-India 2+2 Intersessional and Maritime Security Dialogue concluded in Monterey, California with focus on Indo-Pacific. A release from the Ministry of External Affairs said, ''Both sides discussed regional developments, and agreed to pursue their quest for a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific." They also reviewed the progress and development of bilateral relations in cross-cutting defence, security, and foreign policy areas. The meeting took place at Naval Postgraduate School with the participation of Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary in Ministry of External Affairs and V Anandarajan, Joint Secretary in Ministry of Defence from Indian side while from the US side Alice Wells, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs and Randall Schriver, Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs. The inaugural 2+2 India-US dialogue took place in September 2018, in Delhi and the next meet is expected to take place next month in the United States. 2+2 is the highest forum of annual India-US engagement and has been developed in the background of growing engagement between Delhi and Washington.

Regional developments discussed during India-US 2+2 meeting: Ministry of External Affairs

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Sidhant Sibal

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