Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his visit to France on Thursday during which he will meet the top French leadership and participate in 45th G7 summit in Biarritz.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his visit to France on Thursday during which he will meet the top French leadership and participate in 45th G7 summit in Biarritz. Ahead of his France visit PM said, "India and France have excellent bilateral ties, which are reinforced by a shared vision to cooperate for further enhancing peace and prosperity for our two countries and the world at large." "Our strong strategic and economic partnership is complemented by a shared perspective on major global concerns such as terrorism, climate change, etc. I am confident that this visit will further promote our long-standing and valued friendship with France for mutual prosperity, peace and progress," he added. Modi will arrive at Paris's Charles de Gaulle Airport at 9pm IST and hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron around 10pm IST. This will be followed by press statements at 11.15pm IST. On Wednesday, speaking at his farewell, outgoing French Envoy to India Alexandre Ziegler said, "we have crossed a milestone over the past years. A milestone at the strategic level – that’s obvious. A milestone in the very strong personal rapport that has developed between our two leaders, Emmanuel Macron and Narendra Modi." This will be Modi's fifth meeting with the French President. 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. Air India Crash Victims On Friday morning Modi will meet Prime Minister of Franch Édouard Philippe and address the Indian diaspora at the UNESCO Headquarters. He will also inaugurate memorials for Indian victims of the air India crash in Nid D'Aigle. The memorial commemorates two tragic air crashes of Air India flights 245 and 101 in 1950 and 1966 respectively. Air India flight 245 crashed into Mont Blanc on 3 November 1950 killing 48 people and 16 years later, almost exactly on the same spot Air India Flight 101 crashed killing 117 passengers. Among the 117 killed onboard AI Flight 101 was chairman of the Indian Atomic Energy Commission and the man who was referred as the "father of the Indian nuclear programme" Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha. G7: Modi to meet Trump, Boris It's 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. India is "Biarritz partner" country along with Australia, Chile, South Africa, Rwanda, Senegal, Egypt and Burkina Faso. Climate and biodiversity will be the main focus of the 45th G7 summit whose theme is "combating inequality". Modi is also expected to interact with US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at G7. "I am going to be with PM Modi... I will be with him over a weekend in France", US President Donald Trump had said. During the conversation between PM Modi and British PM Boris Johnson, G7 was discussed.

PM Modi to meet Macron, attend G7 as he begins three-nation tour of France, UAE and Bahrain

The Sri Lankan President's office has contradicted the statement attributed to President Maithripala Sirisena <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/qureshi-dials-up-swedens-fm-who-asks-him-to-engage-bilaterally-with-india-on-kashmir-244827">by Pakistan</a> and issued a statement asserting that it was being misquoted.

The Pakistani High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Shahzad Chaudhary on Tuesday had met President Sirisena at the request of the former to brief him of India's internal decision of August 5&nbsp;to remove the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

A statement issued by the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo 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."

The statement was however contradicted by Sri Lankan President's office, who said, "The 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," Lankan president's office said.

Sri Lanka was one of the first country in the region to call New Delhi's decision as an "internal" issue.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe in a tweet had welcomed the creation of "Ladakh state" which he said will be the "first Indian state with a Buddhist majority".&nbsp;

In a tweet, he had said, "Ladakh will become an Indian State. With 70 per cent of Ladakh’s population being Buddhist it will be the first Indian state with a Buddhist majority. Creation of Ladakh and consequential restructuring is India’s internal matter, it is a beautiful region well worth a visit."

Sri Lanka, along with Bangladesh, Maldives and Bhutan have backed India on abrogation of Article 370 calling it an internal decision while Nepal and Afghanistan called Kashmir an India- Pakistan bilateral issue.

The Sri Lankan President's office has contradicted the statement attributed to President Maithripala Sirisena by Pakistan and issued a statement asserting that it was being misquoted.

The Sri Lankan President's office has contradicted the statement attributed to President Maithripala Sirisena by Pakistan and issued a statement asserting that it was being misquoted. The Pakistani High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Shahzad Chaudhary on Tuesday had met President Sirisena at the request of the former to brief him of India's internal decision of August 5 to remove the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. A statement issued by the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo 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." The statement was however contradicted by Sri Lankan President's office, who said, "The 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," Lankan president's office said. Sri Lanka was one of the first country in the region to call New Delhi's decision as an "internal" issue. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe in a tweet had welcomed the creation of "Ladakh state" which he said will be the "first Indian state with a Buddhist majority". In a tweet, he had said, "Ladakh will become an Indian State. With 70 per cent of Ladakh’s population being Buddhist it will be the first Indian state with a Buddhist majority. Creation of Ladakh and consequential restructuring is India’s internal matter, it is a beautiful region well worth a visit." Sri Lanka, along with Bangladesh, Maldives and Bhutan have backed India on abrogation of Article 370 calling it an internal decision while Nepal and Afghanistan called Kashmir an India- Pakistan bilateral issue.

We are being misquoted: Sri Lanka president's office on Pak statement on Article 370

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump will be face-to-face on the sidelines of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-meet-macron-attend-g7-as-he-begins-three-nation-tour-france-uae-and-bahrain-244742"> 45th G7 summit in Biarritz</a>, France on August 26.

This is the first time both leaders will be together at a forum after there much talked about bilateral on the sidelines of G20 summit at the end of June in Osaka Japan.

"I am gonna be with PM Modi...I will be with him over a weekend in France", US President Donald Trump had said earlier this week.

The meet comes in the backdrop of India-Pakistan tensions over India's internal decision to remove the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir which saw Islamabad lashing out at New Delhi.

Since that decision, Pakistani Prime Minister and President Trump have spoken twice and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President have spoken once and discussed the ongoing situation in the Indian subcontinent.&nbsp;

The US while asking both sides to show restraint, has asked Pakistan to tone down its anti-India rhetoric.

Afghanistan is expected to be discussed even as the Afghan peace process reaches a crucial stage. On Thursday, the US President had asked both India and Pakistan to fight the Islamic State(IS) in Afghanistan.

US President Donald Trump said, "countries are going to have to fight them....countries and that includes Russia and it includes Iran and Turkey and Iraq and Afghanistan and Pakistan and India. Look India is right there. They're not fighting it. We're fighting it. Pakistan is right next door. They're fighting it very little. Very very little. It's not fair."

Trade has been another contentious issue with Washington asking India to do more on that front. US President has in the past called India a "tariff king" and has been proding New Delhi to open its market for US companies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump will be face-to-face on the sidelines of the 45th G7 summit in Biarritz, France on August 26. This is the first time both leaders will be together at a forum after there much talked about bilateral on the sidelines of G20 summit at the end of June in Osaka Japan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump will be face-to-face on the sidelines of the 45th G7 summit in Biarritz, France on August 26. This is the first time both leaders will be together at a forum after there much talked about bilateral on the sidelines of G20 summit at the end of June in Osaka Japan. "I am gonna be with PM Modi...I will be with him over a weekend in France", US President Donald Trump had said earlier this week. The meet comes in the backdrop of India-Pakistan tensions over India's internal decision to remove the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir which saw Islamabad lashing out at New Delhi. Since that decision, Pakistani Prime Minister and President Trump have spoken twice and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President have spoken once and discussed the ongoing situation in the Indian subcontinent. The US while asking both sides to show restraint, has asked Pakistan to tone down its anti-India rhetoric. Afghanistan is expected to be discussed even as the Afghan peace process reaches a crucial stage. On Thursday, the US President had asked both India and Pakistan to fight the Islamic State(IS) in Afghanistan. US President Donald Trump said, "countries are going to have to fight them....countries and that includes Russia and it includes Iran and Turkey and Iraq and Afghanistan and Pakistan and India. Look India is right there. They're not fighting it. We're fighting it. Pakistan is right next door. They're fighting it very little. Very very little. It's not fair." Trade has been another contentious issue with Washington asking India to do more on that front. US President has in the past called India a "tariff king" and has been proding New Delhi to open its market for US companies.

PM Modi, Trump set to meet at G7 summit on August 26

The United Kingdom and France have called Kashmir a bilateral issue and urged a resolution of the issue through dialogue. In a conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British PM Boris Johnson on Tuesday afternoon, both sides discussed the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, with the latter urging dialogue to resolve the issue.

The United Kingdom and France have called Kashmir a bilateral issue and urged a resolution of the issue through dialogue. In a conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British PM Boris Johnson on Tuesday afternoon, both sides discussed the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, with the latter urging dialogue to resolve the issue. A UK government readout said,"The Prime Minister and Prime Minister Modi discussed the current situation in Kashmir. The Prime Minister made clear that the UK views the issue of Kashmir is one for India and Pakistan to resolve bilaterally. He underlined the importance of resolving issues through dialogue." Both the leaders will be present at the G7 summit in France over the weekend and "ahead of the G7, the Prime Minister and Prime Minister Modi agreed on the importance of working together to tackle climate change and other threats to biodiversity", the UK readout added. Meanwhile, the Pakistani foreign minister SM Qureshi spoke to French Foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian during which France reiterated its position on Kashmir that its a bilateral issue. "It is up to the two countries, under the framework of their bilateral political dialogue, to resolve this dispute so as to establish lasting peace", French readout on Le Drian-Qureshi talks said. Paris also urged both parties for "restraint, de-escalation, and easing the situation" in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian Prime Minister will be in France on Thursday for a state visit where he will meet French President Emmanuel Macron and later participate in at the 45th G7 summit where he is expected to meet his British PM Johnson and US President Donald Trump.

UK, France say Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan

British Government underlined the need for dialogue between India and Pakistan and added that Kashmir was a bilateral issue between the two neighbours.

This was said during a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-speaks-to-uk-pm-johnson-on-violent-protests-by-pak-group-outside-indian-mission-in-london-244512">conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British PM </a>Boris Johnson on Tuesday afternoon.

A UK Government readout said, "The Prime Minister and Prime Minister Modi discussed the current situation in Kashmir. The Prime Minister made clear that the UK views the issue of Kashmir is one for India and Pakistan to resolve bilaterally. He underlined the importance of resolving issues through dialogue."

Both the leaders will be present at the G7 summit that will take place in France over the weekend and "ahead of the G7, the Prime Minister and Prime Minister Modi agreed on the importance of working together to tackle climate change and other threats to biodiversity", the UK government readout added.

Terror and trade was also discussed during the phone call with PM Modi highlighting how terror has plagued all parts of the world, including India and Europe

During the same conversation, PM Modi had raised the issue of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/overwhelmingly-peaceful-says-british-high-commission-on-protests-outside-indian-high-commission-in-london-243434">violent protests that took place in UK outside the Indian mission</a> by Pakistani and Khalistani groups on Independence Day.

An Indian government readout said, that Prime Minister Modi "drew attention to the challenges posed by vested interests pursuing their motivated agenda, including by violent means."

Adding, "In this context, he referred to the violence and vandalism perpetrated by a large mob against the High Commission of India in London on the last Independence Day of India."

The British Prime minister has regretted the incident and assured the safety of the Indian mission.

The readout said, Prime Minister Johnson "assured that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure safety and security of the High Commission, its personnel and visitors."

Thousands of protestors from Pakistani and Khalistani groups in London clashed violently with outside the Indian High Commission on India's Independence day even as the authorities tried to control the mob. Four people were arrested by the London authorities and one person was injured in the incident.

Though the Indian mission was informed that protest will take place and asked to take all precautionary measures, the scale at which it took place and dramatic visuals that were seen left many members of Indian diaspora shocked.

India has already taken up with the United Kingdom the violent protests which took place outside the Indian high commission on Independence day and conveyed its concerns on how the security of the mission was undermined.&nbsp;

British Government underlined the need for dialogue between India and Pakistan and added that Kashmir was a bilateral issue between the two neighbours. This was said during a conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British PM Boris Johnson on Tuesday afternoon.

British Government underlined the need for dialogue between India and Pakistan and added that Kashmir was a bilateral issue between the two neighbours. This was said during a conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British PM Boris Johnson on Tuesday afternoon. A UK Government readout said, "The Prime Minister and Prime Minister Modi discussed the current situation in Kashmir. The Prime Minister made clear that the UK views the issue of Kashmir is one for India and Pakistan to resolve bilaterally. He underlined the importance of resolving issues through dialogue." Both the leaders will be present at the G7 summit that will take place in France over the weekend and "ahead of the G7, the Prime Minister and Prime Minister Modi agreed on the importance of working together to tackle climate change and other threats to biodiversity", the UK government readout added. Terror and trade was also discussed during the phone call with PM Modi highlighting how terror has plagued all parts of the world, including India and Europe During the same conversation, PM Modi had raised the issue of violent protests that took place in UK outside the Indian mission by Pakistani and Khalistani groups on Independence Day. An Indian government readout said, that Prime Minister Modi "drew attention to the challenges posed by vested interests pursuing their motivated agenda, including by violent means." Adding, "In this context, he referred to the violence and vandalism perpetrated by a large mob against the High Commission of India in London on the last Independence Day of India." The British Prime minister has regretted the incident and assured the safety of the Indian mission. The readout said, Prime Minister Johnson "assured that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure safety and security of the High Commission, its personnel and visitors." Thousands of protestors from Pakistani and Khalistani groups in London clashed violently with outside the Indian High Commission on India's Independence day even as the authorities tried to control the mob. Four people were arrested by the London authorities and one person was injured in the incident. Though the Indian mission was informed that protest will take place and asked to take all precautionary measures, the scale at which it took place and dramatic visuals that were seen left many members of Indian diaspora shocked. India has already taken up with the United Kingdom the violent protests which took place outside the Indian high commission on Independence day and conveyed its concerns on how the security of the mission was undermined.

Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan: UK PM Boris Johnson

In a third major intrusion, China placed twenty ships in Vietnam's exclusive economic zone.&nbsp;

Critically, the area has India's commercial interest as ONGC Videsh Ltd has its oil block with shareholding from Russia's Rosneft in the economic zone.

Bejing has placed two of its coast guard ships near ONGC's block. This is the second intrusion by the Chinese this year which began on August 13 at 1500 hours(local time).

In the second intrusion, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-criticises-militarisation-of-south-china-sea-240822">six coast guard ships</a>, ten fishing ships and two service ships along with H6 bomber, fighter aircraft and mid-air refuelers were also spotted.

The Chinese have also placed speakers asking Vietnam drillers to leave.

"Escalation is building up..blunt violation of International govt", a Vietnamese government source said.

The first intrusion began on July 3 and Chinese ships left on August 7. The number of ships at that time were thirty-five, but without much airpower. Interestingly, the Chinese deployment was removed after the ASEAN foreign ministers meet in ASEAN on August 1.

The meet saw the participation of over twenty foreign ministers of the region including the Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar and China's Wang Yi.

"Very well-calculated action and at the Bangkok meeting, Chinese side said there is peace and security in the region..deep down this is the destruction of freedom of navigation", the source added.

After the first intrusion, Chinese envoys were contacted thirty times, and since August 13 intrusion, seven times the Chinese envoys have been contacted by the Vietnamese side.&nbsp;

Hanoi is mulling a number of actions including legal and going to United Nations Security Council.

"Just follow the same China Pakistan model at UNSC.. if Pakistan can take a bilateral issue at UNSC, South China Sea is still an international issue", a diplomat said.

Indian and Russian governments who have a commercial interest in the area have been informed. Vietnamese envoys have reached out to global capitals and the country is in touch with its partners like US, Australia and its 16 dialogue partners.&nbsp;

This is the third major intrusion by the Chinese since 2011. In 2011, Chinese had cut Vietnamese cables and in 2014, Beijing had placed a drilling platform, which was later withdrawn.

In a third major intrusion, China placed twenty ships in Vietnam's exclusive economic zone. Critically, the area has India's commercial interest as ONGC Videsh Ltd has its oil block with shareholding from Russia's Rosneft in the economic zone.

In a third major intrusion, China placed twenty ships in Vietnam's exclusive economic zone. Critically, the area has India's commercial interest as ONGC Videsh Ltd has its oil block with shareholding from Russia's Rosneft in the economic zone. Bejing has placed two of its coast guard ships near ONGC's block. This is the second intrusion by the Chinese this year which began on August 13 at 1500 hours(local time). In the second intrusion, six coast guard ships, ten fishing ships and two service ships along with H6 bomber, fighter aircraft and mid-air refuelers were also spotted. The Chinese have also placed speakers asking Vietnam drillers to leave. "Escalation is building up..blunt violation of International govt", a Vietnamese government source said. The first intrusion began on July 3 and Chinese ships left on August 7. The number of ships at that time were thirty-five, but without much airpower. Interestingly, the Chinese deployment was removed after the ASEAN foreign ministers meet in ASEAN on August 1. The meet saw the participation of over twenty foreign ministers of the region including the Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar and China's Wang Yi. "Very well-calculated action and at the Bangkok meeting, Chinese side said there is peace and security in the region..deep down this is the destruction of freedom of navigation", the source added. After the first intrusion, Chinese envoys were contacted thirty times, and since August 13 intrusion, seven times the Chinese envoys have been contacted by the Vietnamese side. Hanoi is mulling a number of actions including legal and going to United Nations Security Council. "Just follow the same China Pakistan model at UNSC.. if Pakistan can take a bilateral issue at UNSC, South China Sea is still an international issue", a diplomat said. Indian and Russian governments who have a commercial interest in the area have been informed. Vietnamese envoys have reached out to global capitals and the country is in touch with its partners like US, Australia and its 16 dialogue partners. This is the third major intrusion by the Chinese since 2011. In 2011, Chinese had cut Vietnamese cables and in 2014, Beijing had placed a drilling platform, which was later withdrawn.

China intrudes into Vietnam's economic zone, places Coast Guards near ONGC block

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday and raised the issue of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/overwhelmingly-peaceful-says-british-high-commission-on-protests-outside-indian-high-commission-in-london-243434"> violent protests</a> that took place outside the Indian mission by Pakistani and Khalistani groups on Independence day with the British Prime Minister.&nbsp;

An Indian government readout said that Prime Minister Modi "drew attention to the challenges posed by vested interests pursuing their motivated agenda, including by violent means."

"In this context he referred to the violence and vandalism perpetrated by a large mob against the High Commission of India in London on the last Independence Day of India," the statement added.

The British Prime minister regretted the incident and assured the safety of the Indian mission.

The readout said Prime Minister Johnson "assured that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure safety and security of the High Commission, its personnel and visitors."

Thousands of protestors from Pakistani and Khalistani groups in London had clashed violently outside the Indian High Commission on India's Independence Day even as the authorities tried to control the mob. At least four people were arrested by the London authorities and one person was injured in the incident.

Though the Indian mission was informed that protest will take place and had asked to take all precautionary measures, the scale at which it took place and dramatic visuals that were seen left many members of Indian diaspora shocked.&nbsp;

India has already taken up with the United Kingdom the violent protests which took place outside the Indian High Commission on Independence Day and conveyed its concerns on how the security of the mission was undermined.&nbsp;

British PM Johonson and PM Modi are expected to interact in Biarritz during the 45th G7 summit that will take place over the weekend.&nbsp;

During the phone call, PM Modi congratulated Boris Johnson on his election as the British PM and "expressed his readiness to work with him for strengthening the strategic partnership between India and the United Kingdom."

Terror was also raised by Prime Minister Modi who pointed out that "terrorism had plagued all parts of the world, including India and Europe" and stressed the "importance of effective steps to ward off the threats posed by radicalisation, violence and intolerance, particularly in the context of the expanding footprint of terrorist organisations such as ISIS."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday and raised the issue of violent protests that took place outside the Indian mission by Pakistani and Khalistani groups on Independence day with the British Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday and raised the issue of violent protests that took place outside the Indian mission by Pakistani and Khalistani groups on Independence day with the British Prime Minister. An Indian government readout said that Prime Minister Modi "drew attention to the challenges posed by vested interests pursuing their motivated agenda, including by violent means." "In this context he referred to the violence and vandalism perpetrated by a large mob against the High Commission of India in London on the last Independence Day of India," the statement added. The British Prime minister regretted the incident and assured the safety of the Indian mission. The readout said Prime Minister Johnson "assured that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure safety and security of the High Commission, its personnel and visitors." Thousands of protestors from Pakistani and Khalistani groups in London had clashed violently outside the Indian High Commission on India's Independence Day even as the authorities tried to control the mob. At least four people were arrested by the London authorities and one person was injured in the incident. Though the Indian mission was informed that protest will take place and had asked to take all precautionary measures, the scale at which it took place and dramatic visuals that were seen left many members of Indian diaspora shocked. India has already taken up with the United Kingdom the violent protests which took place outside the Indian High Commission on Independence Day and conveyed its concerns on how the security of the mission was undermined. British PM Johonson and PM Modi are expected to interact in Biarritz during the 45th G7 summit that will take place over the weekend. During the phone call, PM Modi congratulated Boris Johnson on his election as the British PM and "expressed his readiness to work with him for strengthening the strategic partnership between India and the United Kingdom." Terror was also raised by Prime Minister Modi who pointed out that "terrorism had plagued all parts of the world, including India and Europe" and stressed the "importance of effective steps to ward off the threats posed by radicalisation, violence and intolerance, particularly in the context of the expanding footprint of terrorist organisations such as ISIS."

PM Modi speaks to UK PM Johnson on violent protests by Pak group outside Indian mission in London

The Ministry of External Affairs has announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting West Asian countries the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain from August 23 to 25.

The Ministry of External Affairs has announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting West Asian countries the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain from August 23 to 25. The prime minister will be visiting the UAE on August 23 and will be meeting Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He will also be conferred the Zayed Medal, UAE's highest civilian award. In April this year, UAE announced that it will be honouring PM Modi with its highest civilian award. In a tweet in April, the crown prince 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.” Address to Indian Community in Bahrain by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during the forthcoming visit. For participation register at https://t.co/M1lFyQLVAJ — India in Bahrain (@IndiaInBahrain) August 17, 2019 × PM Modi's second stop will be Bahrain from August 24 where he will be holding talks with Prime Minister of Bahrain Prince Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and call on King of Bahrain Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Later he will address members of the Indian community, something that has become a permanent focus of his foreign visits. There are 350,000 Indian nationals living in the West Asian country. Bahrain launched ‘Little India in Bahrain’ project in November 2015 to acknowledge and mark the contribution of the Indian community to the history and progress of Bahrain. 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 × The visit will be part of his visit to France where he has been invited as a special guest for the G7. The 45th G7 summit will take place from August 24 to 26, 2019, in Biarritz, France. India–United Arab Emirates relations United Arab Emirates was one of the first OIC or Organisation of Islamic Cooperation countries to welcome the Indian government's decision to remove the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The UAE envoy to India Dr Ahmad Al Banna while taking note of the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir and removal of Article 370 called it internal matter of India said "We expect that the changes would improve social justice and security and confidence of the people in the local governance and will encourage further stability and peace". Recent years have seen India and UAE coming closers and an increase in a number of high-level visits between the 2 countries. Indian PM 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. With Bahrain, the focus is on increasing bilateral ties, especially economics and trade. There are 23 branches of prominent Indian banks/companies registered in Bahrain and India’s total capital investment into Bahrain between January 2003 & March 2018 has been estimated at approximately US$ 1.69 billion.

PM Modi to visit Bahrain and UAE from August 23 to 25

Ahead of Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-to-visit-united-arab-emirates-and-bahrain-243795">Narendra Modi's visit to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain</a> from August 23 to 25, India has said that its ties with Gulf countries are at all-time high and New Delhi enjoys excellent relations with the Islamic world.

Responding to WION question on ties with the Islamic 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 others, 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.&nbsp;"

Earlier this year, in a first, India was invited as a guest of honour at the Organisation&nbsp;of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)&nbsp;Foreign Minister's meet.&nbsp;

On being asked if India would like to join the OIC,&nbsp;Secretary Economic Relations said, "the invitation they extended to us, as a guest of honour, is something which reflected in many ways the high esteem that the Islamic world has for India and there is no doubt about it.&nbsp;but however, at this point of time, I don't think there is any thinking to take it any further as of now."

India plans to roll out RuPay cards in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain and for that necessary Memorandum of Understanding will be signed during PM Modi's visit to both the countries.&nbsp;

After Singapore and Bhutan, both the West Asian countries will be adopting the RuPay cards that will help the huge Indian diaspora and the visiting Indian tourist.&nbsp;

As a two-way investment between West Asia and India has been increasing,&nbsp;Indian PSUs are keen to invest in Bahrain's newly discovered Khaleej Al Bahrain oil basin located off the west coast.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia backed Saudi&nbsp;Aramco, one of the world's largest company by revenue, announced that it will acquire a 20% stake in Reliance's oil to the chemical business making it India's largest foreign direct investment.&nbsp;

UAE was the first OIC country to back India's decision on abrogation of special status for Jammu and Kashmir and called it an internal matter.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the visit to UAE, PM will be conferred the Zayed Medal, a highest civilian award of the west Asian country. A commemorative stamp on Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary will also be released.&nbsp;The upcoming visit will PM's third to UAE and first to Bahrain.

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain from August 23 to 25, India has said that its ties with Gulf countries are at all-time high and New Delhi enjoys excellent relations with the Islamic world.

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain from August 23 to 25, India has said that its ties with Gulf countries are at all-time high and New Delhi enjoys excellent relations with the Islamic world. Responding to WION 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 others, 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. " Earlier this year, in a first, India was invited as a guest of honour at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Minister's meet. On being asked if India would like to join the OIC, Secretary Economic Relations said, "the invitation they extended to us, as a guest of honour, is something which reflected in many ways the high esteem that the Islamic world has for India and there is no doubt about it. but however, at this point of time, I don't think there is any thinking to take it any further as of now." India plans to roll out RuPay cards in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain and for that necessary Memorandum of Understanding will be signed during PM Modi's visit to both the countries. After Singapore and Bhutan, both the West Asian countries will be adopting the RuPay cards that will help the huge Indian diaspora and the visiting Indian tourist. As a two-way investment between West Asia and India has been increasing, Indian PSUs are keen to invest in Bahrain's newly discovered Khaleej Al Bahrain oil basin located off the west coast. Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia backed Saudi Aramco, one of the world's largest company by revenue, announced that it will acquire a 20% stake in Reliance's oil to the chemical business making it India's largest foreign direct investment. UAE was the first OIC country to back India's decision on abrogation of special status for Jammu and Kashmir and called it an internal matter. During the visit to UAE, PM will be conferred the Zayed Medal, a highest civilian award of the west Asian country. A commemorative stamp on Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary will also be released. The upcoming visit will PM's third to UAE and first to Bahrain.

We enjoy excellent relations with Islamic World, says MEA  ahead of PM Modi's visit to UAE, Bahrain

Afghanistan has slammed Pakistan for linking developments in Kashmir with the Afghan peace process, calling such statements "reckless, unwarranted and irresponsible" and asked the country to act on terror groups it has been hosting.

Pakistan's Ambassador to US Asad Maheed Khan in an interview said the current India Pakistan escalation "comes at a wrong time" as it could impact the Afghan peace process.

Calling the statement a poor excuse by Pakistan to justify "It's inaction against the Taliban and to avoid taking a decisive stance against the militant group" Afghan Embassy in US in a statement said, "We believe Pakistan's motive and insistence to purposely tie Afghanistan to the Kashmir issue is a deliberate attempt to prolong violence happening on Afghan soil."

Asking Islamabad to take sincere and forceful law and order measure through police action inside Pakistan, Afghan embassy said, "Afghan stability is frequently threatened by Pakistan based, sanctioned and supported militant and terrorist group which operate openly from Pakistan's governed space and regularly spills over into Afghanistan that undermines Afghan security."

It is not the first time the Pakistan government has linked India and Pakistan tensions with the stability of Afghan Peace Process. Earlier, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said New Delhi's action at Line of Control (LoC) can be a distraction.

Former envoys see statements by Pakistani foreign minister and Pakistan envoy to US as Islamabad's attempt to blackmail Washington who wants to leave Afghanistan as soon as possible.

Kanwal Sibal, former foreign secretary said, "Imran Khan is playing the old game of linking India’s legitimate actions in J&amp;K to curb Pak-supported terrorism to its complying with US demands to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table to promote the so-called&nbsp;peace process in Afghanistan which is a sham."

In February, Afghan foreign ministry had summoned the Pakistani envoy to Kabul Zahid Nasrullah who had said any action by Indian army post-Pulwama, which was perpetrated by Pakistan based terror group--Jaish-e-Mohammed, could impact the peace process.

Afghanistan has slammed Pakistan for linking developments in Kashmir with the Afghan peace process, calling such statements "reckless, unwarranted and irresponsible" and asked the country to act on terror groups it has been hosting.

Afghanistan has slammed Pakistan for linking developments in Kashmir with the Afghan peace process, calling such statements "reckless, unwarranted and irresponsible" and asked the country to act on terror groups it has been hosting. Pakistan's Ambassador to US Asad Maheed Khan in an interview said the current India Pakistan escalation "comes at a wrong time" as it could impact the Afghan peace process. Calling the statement a poor excuse by Pakistan to justify "It's inaction against the Taliban and to avoid taking a decisive stance against the militant group" Afghan Embassy in US in a statement said, "We believe Pakistan's motive and insistence to purposely tie Afghanistan to the Kashmir issue is a deliberate attempt to prolong violence happening on Afghan soil." Asking Islamabad to take sincere and forceful law and order measure through police action inside Pakistan, Afghan embassy said, "Afghan stability is frequently threatened by Pakistan based, sanctioned and supported militant and terrorist group which operate openly from Pakistan's governed space and regularly spills over into Afghanistan that undermines Afghan security." It is not the first time the Pakistan government has linked India and Pakistan tensions with the stability of Afghan Peace Process. Earlier, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said New Delhi's action at Line of Control (LoC) can be a distraction. Former envoys see statements by Pakistani foreign minister and Pakistan envoy to US as Islamabad's attempt to blackmail Washington who wants to leave Afghanistan as soon as possible. Kanwal Sibal, former foreign secretary said, "Imran Khan is playing the old game of linking India’s legitimate actions in J&K to curb Pak-supported terrorism to its complying with US demands to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table to promote the so-called peace process in Afghanistan which is a sham." In February, Afghan foreign ministry had summoned the Pakistani envoy to Kabul Zahid Nasrullah who had said any action by Indian army post-Pulwama, which was perpetrated by Pakistan based terror group--Jaish-e-Mohammed, could impact the peace process.

Afghanistan slams Pakistan's 'reckless' claim that Kashmir issue may impact peace process

Zambia President Edgar Chagwa Lungu will be on a three-day visit to India from Tuesday during which he will meet the top Indian leadership including President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

This is the first visit of any head of the state from Africa after PM Modi government took charge in May of this year.&nbsp;

"The discussion is likely to focus on cooperation in defence, security, geology and mineral resources, energy, health, education, infrastructure, culture, trade and investment-related issues. The capacity building continues to be an important aspect of our engagement with Zambia", a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs said while announcing the visit.

President Kovind had paid a visit to the southern African country in April of 2018.&nbsp;Bilateral trade between India and Zambia stands at $830 million dollars with India importing copper from the country. Zambia is the second-largest producer of copper in Africa.&nbsp;

With $5 billion investment, India is one of the leading investors in the country.

India has been providing considerable aid to the country and under the defence cooperation providing training and capacity building.&nbsp;

Currently, India is building the Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centre in capital Lusaka, which is the fastest-growing cities in southern Africa. A donation of $100,000 has also been announced for the renovation of Mahatma Gandhi School in Lusaka.

It is interesting to know that Kenneth Kaunda, who was the first president of an independent Zambia and was the forefront of the struggle for Independence from Britain was inspired by India's father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Kaunda is referred to as "Gandhi of Africa" or "African Gandhi".

Approximately 25,000 PIOs/NRIs, many of whom are from Gujarat has made Zambia there home and has been playing a significant role in the economy. In fact, during the&nbsp;Movement for Multi-Party (MMD) government from 1991 to 2002, Dipak KA Patel and Suresh Desai held cabinet-level positions.

The visit is significant in the context of India's&nbsp;Africa outreach policy. In the last five years, India had 32 outgoing visits at the level of President, Vice President and Prime Minister and nearly 100 incoming visits of an African head of states/head of government.

Zambia President Edgar Chagwa Lungu will be on a three-day visit to India from Tuesday during which he will meet the top Indian leadership including President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Zambia President Edgar Chagwa Lungu will be on a three-day visit to India from Tuesday during which he will meet the top Indian leadership including President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is the first visit of any head of the state from Africa after PM Modi government took charge in May of this year. "The discussion is likely to focus on cooperation in defence, security, geology and mineral resources, energy, health, education, infrastructure, culture, trade and investment-related issues. The capacity building continues to be an important aspect of our engagement with Zambia", a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs said while announcing the visit. President Kovind had paid a visit to the southern African country in April of 2018. Bilateral trade between India and Zambia stands at $830 million dollars with India importing copper from the country. Zambia is the second-largest producer of copper in Africa. With $5 billion investment, India is one of the leading investors in the country. India has been providing considerable aid to the country and under the defence cooperation providing training and capacity building. Currently, India is building the Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centre in capital Lusaka, which is the fastest-growing cities in southern Africa. A donation of $100,000 has also been announced for the renovation of Mahatma Gandhi School in Lusaka. It is interesting to know that Kenneth Kaunda, who was the first president of an independent Zambia and was the forefront of the struggle for Independence from Britain was inspired by India's father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Kaunda is referred to as "Gandhi of Africa" or "African Gandhi". Approximately 25,000 PIOs/NRIs, many of whom are from Gujarat has made Zambia there home and has been playing a significant role in the economy. In fact, during the Movement for Multi-Party (MMD) government from 1991 to 2002, Dipak KA Patel and Suresh Desai held cabinet-level positions. The visit is significant in the context of India's Africa outreach policy. In the last five years, India had 32 outgoing visits at the level of President, Vice President and Prime Minister and nearly 100 incoming visits of an African head of states/head of government.

Zambia President Edgar Chagwa Lungu to visit India on August 20

The United States President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trumps-kashmir-mediation-offer-not-on-table-anymore-indian-envoy-242696">Trump's offer to mediate</a> between India and Pakistan is off the table as Trump has told Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan that New Delhi and Islamabad have to resolve issues bilaterally.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-calls-us-president-donald-trump-to-discuss-kashmir-243492">Imran Khan had called Trump</a> on Friday ahead of the United Nations Security Council consultation meetings on how to react to Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's letter.

Qureshi had earlier written a letter to UNSC president Joanna Wronecka, urging the council to urgently convene a session on India's decision to reorganise Jammu and Kashmir and revoking of Article 370.

A statement from White House Deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley said, "The President conveyed the importance of India and Pakistan reducing tensions through bilateral dialogue regarding the situation in Jammu and Kashmir."&nbsp;

The development comes after the&nbsp;Indian Envoy to the United States, Harsh Shringla in an interview to a private US channel said, "President Trump has made it very clear that his offer to mediate on Jammu and Kashmir is dependent on both India and Pakistan accepting it."

Harsh Shringla further added, "Since India has not accepted the offer of mediation, he has made it clear that this is not on the table anymore."

Last month, Trump, while sitting next to Imran Khan in White House said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for mediation on Kashmir during Trump-Modi bilateral on the sidelines of Osaka G20 summit and he is willing to mediate. He again reiterated the offer in early August.

This was dismissed by the Indian side with Minister of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar saying all bilateral issues between India and Pakistan are governed by Shimla and Lahore agreements under which no third party mediation will be allowed.&nbsp;

The United States President Donald Trump's offer to mediate between India and Pakistan is off the table as Trump has told Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan that New Delhi and Islamabad have to resolve issues bilaterally.

The United States President Donald Trump's offer to mediate between India and Pakistan is off the table as Trump has told Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan that New Delhi and Islamabad have to resolve issues bilaterally. Imran Khan had called Trump on Friday ahead of the United Nations Security Council consultation meetings on how to react to Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's letter. Qureshi had earlier written a letter to UNSC president Joanna Wronecka, urging the council to urgently convene a session on India's decision to reorganise Jammu and Kashmir and revoking of Article 370. A statement from White House Deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley said, "The President conveyed the importance of India and Pakistan reducing tensions through bilateral dialogue regarding the situation in Jammu and Kashmir." The development comes after the Indian Envoy to the United States, Harsh Shringla in an interview to a private US channel said, "President Trump has made it very clear that his offer to mediate on Jammu and Kashmir is dependent on both India and Pakistan accepting it." Harsh Shringla further added, "Since India has not accepted the offer of mediation, he has made it clear that this is not on the table anymore." Last month, Trump, while sitting next to Imran Khan in White House said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for mediation on Kashmir during Trump-Modi bilateral on the sidelines of Osaka G20 summit and he is willing to mediate. He again reiterated the offer in early August. This was dismissed by the Indian side with Minister of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar saying all bilateral issues between India and Pakistan are governed by Shimla and Lahore agreements under which no third party mediation will be allowed.

Mediation off table as US President Donald Trump says Indian and Pakistan should resolve issues bilaterally

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