India and China agreed to cooperate in several areas on Monday, during India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar's meeting with his counterpart Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi.&nbsp;

The visit is a preparatory visit for the second informal summit between Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping which will take place on October 11 in Varanasi. The first informal summit between the two leaders had taken place in April 2018 at Wuhan.

During the joint press conference with Wang Yi, Jaishanker said: "Wuhan was a historic meeting that has provided positive direction to our relations", adding, "there has been progress in overall relationship. The two countries agree that maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas is essential for the smooth development of our relations."

Beijing has offered to expand Mansarovar Yatra and said it is aware of India's call for greater access to domestic Chinese market.

"We are of the view that we need to deepen our cooperation," China's foreign minister said, adding, "we stand ready to provide facilities to Indian exports to China".

Jaishanker is in the Chinese capital for a three-day visit to participate in the India-China high-level mechanism to increase cultural and people-to-people exchanges. It was part of the informal agreement between PM Modi and President Xi at the Wuhan Summit.

Watch Video:

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Jaishanker's meeting on Monday took place in the backdrop of New Delhi's decision to remove the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir which cropped up during the Jaishankar-Wang discussions.

The Chinese foreign minister said: "There are some differences between our two countries, we don't shy away from those differences. We exchanged view on those matters in a candid manner regarding recent tensions between India and Pak, we made clear China's concerns and issues regarding China's sovereignty, we stated China's principled position."&nbsp;

Jaishankar called for "mutual sensitivity to each other’s core concerns" and "properly managing differences" vital for India-China relations.&nbsp;

"As our leaders agreed in Astana, differences should not become disputes. That is how India-China relations can remain a factor of stability in an uncertain world," he said.

Meanwhile, China has called for Indian support to "pushback unilateralism, protectionism with concrete action" and "safeguard the status of China and India as developing countries" even as Bejing faces Washington's ire on the trade front.

Both sides also concluded four MoUs on promoting cultural exchanges, enhancing cooperation in the field of traditional medicine, promoting exchanges between national sports associations and cooperation in museum management.&nbsp;

The two foreign ministries have agreed on a plan of action for bilateral engagements for the year 2020 which marks 70 years of establishment of diplomatic ties.

Jaishanker will be calling the Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday morning before leaving for Delhi. He called on Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan on Monday morning.

India and China agreed to cooperate in several areas on Monday, during India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar's meeting with his counterpart Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi.

India and China agreed to cooperate in several areas on Monday, during India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar's meeting with his counterpart Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi. The visit is a preparatory visit for the second informal summit between Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping which will take place on October 11 in Varanasi. The first informal summit between the two leaders had taken place in April 2018 at Wuhan. During the joint press conference with Wang Yi, Jaishanker said: "Wuhan was a historic meeting that has provided positive direction to our relations", adding, "there has been progress in overall relationship. The two countries agree that maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas is essential for the smooth development of our relations." Beijing has offered to expand Mansarovar Yatra and said it is aware of India's call for greater access to domestic Chinese market. "We are of the view that we need to deepen our cooperation," China's foreign minister said, adding, "we stand ready to provide facilities to Indian exports to China". Jaishanker is in the Chinese capital for a three-day visit to participate in the India-China high-level mechanism to increase cultural and people-to-people exchanges. It was part of the informal agreement between PM Modi and President Xi at the Wuhan Summit. Watch Video: Jaishanker's meeting on Monday took place in the backdrop of New Delhi's decision to remove the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir which cropped up during the Jaishankar-Wang discussions. The Chinese foreign minister said: "There are some differences between our two countries, we don't shy away from those differences. We exchanged view on those matters in a candid manner regarding recent tensions between India and Pak, we made clear China's concerns and issues regarding China's sovereignty, we stated China's principled position." Jaishankar called for "mutual sensitivity to each other’s core concerns" and "properly managing differences" vital for India-China relations. "As our leaders agreed in Astana, differences should not become disputes. That is how India-China relations can remain a factor of stability in an uncertain world," he said. Meanwhile, China has called for Indian support to "pushback unilateralism, protectionism with concrete action" and "safeguard the status of China and India as developing countries" even as Bejing faces Washington's ire on the trade front. Both sides also concluded four MoUs on promoting cultural exchanges, enhancing cooperation in the field of traditional medicine, promoting exchanges between national sports associations and cooperation in museum management. The two foreign ministries have agreed on a plan of action for bilateral engagements for the year 2020 which marks 70 years of establishment of diplomatic ties. Jaishanker will be calling the Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday morning before leaving for Delhi. He called on Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan on Monday morning.

PM Modi, President Xi to meet in Varanasi on October 11

Days after New Delhi abrogated Article 370 that granted Jammu and Kashmir special status, Pakistan continued its hate campaign against India.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday tweeted about "impending genocide" in Kashmir due to "RSS ideology inspired by Nazi ideology". He said India is trying to change the "demography of Kashmir through ethnic cleansing"

While Imran Khan may be talking about genocide but 1971 saw Pakistani military in cahoots with&nbsp;Islamist group Jamaat-e-Islami executing&nbsp;3,000,000 Bangladeshis to suppress the South Asian country's freedom. This is now being remembered as the Bangladesh Genocide, worst in the history of the Indian subcontinent.&nbsp;

Khan also spoke about Muslims being suppressed in India, something he has talked in the past too. ''I am afraid this RSS ideology of Hindu Supremacy, like the Nazi Aryan Supremacy, will not stop in IOK; instead it will lead to suppression of Muslims in India &amp; eventually lead to targeting of Pakistan," he said in a tweet.

This even as reports have emerged from Pakistan how Hindu and Sikh minorities are facing persecution in the country. In March, two Hindu girls were forcibly abducted which became a national story in that country.

Sindh in southern Pakistan has a higher percentage of Hindus than the rest of Pakistan. Three districts of Mirpurkhas (33% Hindus), Tharparkar (36% Hindus) and Umerkot (49% Hindus) contribute to significant Hindu community in Sindh and these are the districts were most forced conversion and marriages of underage Hindu girls in Pakistan have been reported.

India has been taking up this issue with Pakistan. These include the abduction of 16-year-old Hindu girls Anusha Kumari in January 2019, forceful conversation of 16-year-old Hindu girl Ravita Meghwar on June 07, 2017 and in the same year kidnapping of 17 years of minor Sikh girl Priya Kaur who was married off to one Wajid Ali in Buner district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

It is interesting to note just a few months ago when asked about China's treatment of Uighur Muslims in North-Western Xinjiang, a usually very vocal Imran Khan said, "I don't know much about that".&nbsp;

Meanwhile, BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav slammed the comments of Imran Khan on Twitter saying, "Heights of frustration from the ringleader of global terror empire Pakistan. Threat to the democratic world is from Pak-sponsored Jihadi terror, not from India."

"We have undone Jinnah’s Two-Nation theory n Sheik Abdullah’s Three Nation theory today. Can Imran Khan end religious fascism in Pak?" he added.

Following New Delhi's move on special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has cut trade and diplomatic ties with India and in a big blow to people to people contact between the two countries, shut down Samjhauta and Thar train services besides suspending Delhi Lahore bus service.

Days after New Delhi abrogated Article 370 that granted Jammu and Kashmir special status, Pakistan continued its hate campaign against India. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday tweeted about "impending genocide" in Kashmir due to "RSS ideology inspired by Nazi ideology".

Days after New Delhi abrogated Article 370 that granted Jammu and Kashmir special status, Pakistan continued its hate campaign against India. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday tweeted about "impending genocide" in Kashmir due to "RSS ideology inspired by Nazi ideology". He said India is trying to change the "demography of Kashmir through ethnic cleansing" While Imran Khan may be talking about genocide but 1971 saw Pakistani military in cahoots with Islamist group Jamaat-e-Islami executing 3,000,000 Bangladeshis to suppress the South Asian country's freedom. This is now being remembered as the Bangladesh Genocide, worst in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Khan also spoke about Muslims being suppressed in India, something he has talked in the past too. ''I am afraid this RSS ideology of Hindu Supremacy, like the Nazi Aryan Supremacy, will not stop in IOK; instead it will lead to suppression of Muslims in India & eventually lead to targeting of Pakistan," he said in a tweet. This even as reports have emerged from Pakistan how Hindu and Sikh minorities are facing persecution in the country. In March, two Hindu girls were forcibly abducted which became a national story in that country. Sindh in southern Pakistan has a higher percentage of Hindus than the rest of Pakistan. Three districts of Mirpurkhas (33% Hindus), Tharparkar (36% Hindus) and Umerkot (49% Hindus) contribute to significant Hindu community in Sindh and these are the districts were most forced conversion and marriages of underage Hindu girls in Pakistan have been reported. India has been taking up this issue with Pakistan. These include the abduction of 16-year-old Hindu girls Anusha Kumari in January 2019, forceful conversation of 16-year-old Hindu girl Ravita Meghwar on June 07, 2017 and in the same year kidnapping of 17 years of minor Sikh girl Priya Kaur who was married off to one Wajid Ali in Buner district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is interesting to note just a few months ago when asked about China's treatment of Uighur Muslims in North-Western Xinjiang, a usually very vocal Imran Khan said, "I don't know much about that". Meanwhile, BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav slammed the comments of Imran Khan on Twitter saying, "Heights of frustration from the ringleader of global terror empire Pakistan. Threat to the democratic world is from Pak-sponsored Jihadi terror, not from India." "We have undone Jinnah’s Two-Nation theory n Sheik Abdullah’s Three Nation theory today. Can Imran Khan end religious fascism in Pak?" he added. Following New Delhi's move on special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has cut trade and diplomatic ties with India and in a big blow to people to people contact between the two countries, shut down Samjhauta and Thar train services besides suspending Delhi Lahore bus service.

A week after abrogation of Article 370, Pakistan's hate campaign continues unabated

With focus on the second informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will meet Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on Monday.&nbsp;

Jaishankar is on a pre-scheduled visit to Beijing from August 11-13 and left for China on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ahead of the visit, India called China an important partner. Raveesh Kumar, spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs said,&nbsp;"China is a very important partner. There are many channels available to us to discuss all bilateral issues."

Further adding Raveesh Kumar said, "It is expected that bilateral issues will come up for discussion. We will discuss the informal summit. We will also discuss how to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties."

PM Modi met the Chinese President in Kyrgyzstan earlier this year on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Summit and last year both met each other four times starting with the famous informal summit in Wuhan in April.

External Affairs Minister will co-chair the second meeting of the India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges (HLM) along with his counterpart.&nbsp;

The HLM aims to increase&nbsp;people-to-people ties and enhance engagement in areas such as tourism, art, films, media, culture, sports.

"The second HLM meeting will provide an opportunity to follow up on the outcomes of the first HLM meeting and discuss new initiatives for enhancing people-to-people exchanges between our two countries", MEA said in a statement.

The HLC was one of the key outcomes of the Wuhan informal meet and the first meet happened in Delhi in 2018 between Wang Yi and former external affairs minister S Jaishankar.

The visit of Indian foreign minister comes even as Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi went on an emergency visit to China to meet Wang Yi in the backdrop of India's internal decision to change the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Qureshi met Wang Yi on Friday and in a release, the Chinese foreign ministry said, "Pakistan and India are both China’s friendly neighbours and major developing countries that are in a crucial stage of development", and called on the "two sides to proceed from their national development and peace in South Asia."

China has reacted negatively to New Delhi's decision on Jammu and Kashmir evoking a strong reaction New Delhi and said, "India&nbsp;does not comment on the internal affairs of other countries and similarly expects other countries to do likewise."

With focus on the second informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will meet Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on Monday.

With focus on the second informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will meet Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on Monday. Jaishankar is on a pre-scheduled visit to Beijing from August 11-13 and left for China on Sunday. Ahead of the visit, India called China an important partner. Raveesh Kumar, spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs said, "China is a very important partner. There are many channels available to us to discuss all bilateral issues." Further adding Raveesh Kumar said, "It is expected that bilateral issues will come up for discussion. We will discuss the informal summit. We will also discuss how to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties." PM Modi met the Chinese President in Kyrgyzstan earlier this year on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Summit and last year both met each other four times starting with the famous informal summit in Wuhan in April. External Affairs Minister will co-chair the second meeting of the India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges (HLM) along with his counterpart. The HLM aims to increase people-to-people ties and enhance engagement in areas such as tourism, art, films, media, culture, sports. "The second HLM meeting will provide an opportunity to follow up on the outcomes of the first HLM meeting and discuss new initiatives for enhancing people-to-people exchanges between our two countries", MEA said in a statement. The HLC was one of the key outcomes of the Wuhan informal meet and the first meet happened in Delhi in 2018 between Wang Yi and former external affairs minister S Jaishankar. The visit of Indian foreign minister comes even as Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi went on an emergency visit to China to meet Wang Yi in the backdrop of India's internal decision to change the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Qureshi met Wang Yi on Friday and in a release, the Chinese foreign ministry said, "Pakistan and India are both China’s friendly neighbours and major developing countries that are in a crucial stage of development", and called on the "two sides to proceed from their national development and peace in South Asia." China has reacted negatively to New Delhi's decision on Jammu and Kashmir evoking a strong reaction New Delhi and said, "India does not comment on the internal affairs of other countries and similarly expects other countries to do likewise."

India's foreign minister Jaishankar leaves for China ahead of second informal summit

Russia has backed India's decision to revoke the special status for Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating into two Union Territories.

In response to a question, Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "Change in the status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and its division into two union territories are carried out within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of India"

Recalling the Simla and Lahore accord, the ministry said, "We hope that the differences between them will be resolved by political and diplomatic means on a bilateral basis in accordance with the provisions of the Simla Agreement of 1972 and the Lahore Declaration of 1999." 
Both the agreement call of no third party mediation and resolution of issues between the two South Asian nations bilaterally.&nbsp;

Moscow also hoped that the "parties involved will not allow a new aggravation of the situation in the region as a result of the decisions" and added that Russia is a "consistent supporter of the normalization of relations between India and Pakistan."

So far, Maldives, United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, US, UN have reacted to India's decision on Kashmir. While Maldives, UAE, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Thailand have called it an internal matter of India, Saudi and Malaysia have said that India and Pakistan should settle the issues peacefully.

The Maldives, a member of the organisation of Islamic cooperation (OIC), went ahead to say that "we believe that it is the right of every sovereign nation to amend their laws as required."

Taking note of the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir and removal of Article 370, UAE envoy to India Dr Ahmed Al Banna called it India's internal matter and 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".

New Delhi has welcomed the positive statements by some OIC members with Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar saying, "There is also a greater understanding that the rhetoric of Pakistan is something which has been seen through and has been exposed on many counts."

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe in a tweet welcomed the creation of "Ladakh state" which he said will be the first Indian state with a Buddhist majority.&nbsp;

"Ladakh will become an Indian State. With 70% 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," he tweeted.

The United Nations, while appealing for "maximum restraint", recalled the '1972 Agreement on bilateral relations between India and Pakistan, also known as the Simla Agreement, which states that the final status of Jammu and Kashmir is to be settled by peaceful means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.'

Interestingly, the UN did not offer its office for mediation between India and Pakistan, a departure from the past actions.

The UN Security Council president Joanna Wronecka said, no comments in response to question by a reporter on Islamabad trying to raise the issue at the top body of the United Nation. 
US was the first country to react and said it has taken note of Indian govt's describing the developments "as strictly an internal matter" and said there has been no policy change by Washington.

Russia has backed India's decision to revoke the special status for Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating into two Union Territories. In response to a question, Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "Change in the status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and its division into two union territories are carried out within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of India" Recalling the Simla and Lahore accord, the ministry said, "We hope that the differences between them will be resolved by political and diplomatic means on a bilateral basis in accordance with the provisions of the Simla Agreement of 1972 and the Lahore Declaration of 1999.

Russia has backed India's decision to revoke the special status for Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating into two Union Territories. In response to a question, Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "Change in the status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and its division into two union territories are carried out within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of India" Recalling the Simla and Lahore accord, the ministry said, "We hope that the differences between them will be resolved by political and diplomatic means on a bilateral basis in accordance with the provisions of the Simla Agreement of 1972 and the Lahore Declaration of 1999." Both the agreement call of no third party mediation and resolution of issues between the two South Asian nations bilaterally. Moscow also hoped that the "parties involved will not allow a new aggravation of the situation in the region as a result of the decisions" and added that Russia is a "consistent supporter of the normalization of relations between India and Pakistan." So far, Maldives, United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, US, UN have reacted to India's decision on Kashmir. While Maldives, UAE, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Thailand have called it an internal matter of India, Saudi and Malaysia have said that India and Pakistan should settle the issues peacefully. The Maldives, a member of the organisation of Islamic cooperation (OIC), went ahead to say that "we believe that it is the right of every sovereign nation to amend their laws as required." Taking note of the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir and removal of Article 370, UAE envoy to India Dr Ahmed Al Banna called it India's internal matter and 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". New Delhi has welcomed the positive statements by some OIC members with Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar saying, "There is also a greater understanding that the rhetoric of Pakistan is something which has been seen through and has been exposed on many counts." Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe in a tweet welcomed the creation of "Ladakh state" which he said will be the first Indian state with a Buddhist majority. "Ladakh will become an Indian State. With 70% 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," he tweeted. The United Nations, while appealing for "maximum restraint", recalled the '1972 Agreement on bilateral relations between India and Pakistan, also known as the Simla Agreement, which states that the final status of Jammu and Kashmir is to be settled by peaceful means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.' Interestingly, the UN did not offer its office for mediation between India and Pakistan, a departure from the past actions. The UN Security Council president Joanna Wronecka said, no comments in response to question by a reporter on Islamabad trying to raise the issue at the top body of the United Nation. US was the first country to react and said it has taken note of Indian govt's describing the developments "as strictly an internal matter" and said there has been no policy change by Washington.

Russia backs India on abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir

Indian envoy to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma has called the S-400 missile defence system ''the best in the world''.

Speaking to a Russian daily, the envoy said, "We have no doubt that the S-400 is the best anti-aircraft missile system in the world. India is glad to have S-400, made in Russia,&nbsp;in its armed forces."

He was confident that "fulfilment of contractual obligations will continue in accordance with the provisions of the document"

India will be getting <a href="wionews.com/india-news/russias-s-400-missile-defence-system-to-delivered-in-april-2023-india-236683">all the units of Russian S-400 by April 2023</a>.&nbsp;The announcement was made by the minister of the state of defence Sripad Naik in a written statement in Lok Sabha.

India had signed the missile deal in October 2018 during Russian President Putin's visit. The deal was worth $5 billion ensuring the advanced long-range surface-to-air missile would become a key weapon in India's arsenal.

However, the Trump administration had warned that the deal would have serious implications for India even though no specific details were put forward by the US.

India feared US sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) instituted by the US Congress on arms purchases from Russia, but it did not transpire after Indian officials communicated India's defence requirements to Trump's officials.

The Indian government in the Parliament said that ''It takes Sovereign decisions based on threat perception, operational and technological aspects to keep the Armed Forces in a state of readiness to meet the entire spectrum of security challenges."

India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar will be visiting Moscow by the end of August during which he will be meeting Russian foreign minister&nbsp;Sergey Lavrov.

Indian envoy to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma has called the S-400 missile defence system ''the best in the world''. Speaking to a Russian daily, the envoy said, "We have no doubt that the S-400 is the best anti-aircraft missile system in the world.

Indian envoy to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma has called the S-400 missile defence system ''the best in the world''. Speaking to a Russian daily, the envoy said, "We have no doubt that the S-400 is the best anti-aircraft missile system in the world. India is glad to have S-400, made in Russia, in its armed forces." He was confident that "fulfilment of contractual obligations will continue in accordance with the provisions of the document" India will be getting all the units of Russian S-400 by April 2023. The announcement was made by the minister of the state of defence Sripad Naik in a written statement in Lok Sabha. India had signed the missile deal in October 2018 during Russian President Putin's visit. The deal was worth $5 billion ensuring the advanced long-range surface-to-air missile would become a key weapon in India's arsenal. However, the Trump administration had warned that the deal would have serious implications for India even though no specific details were put forward by the US. India feared US sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) instituted by the US Congress on arms purchases from Russia, but it did not transpire after Indian officials communicated India's defence requirements to Trump's officials. The Indian government in the Parliament said that ''It takes Sovereign decisions based on threat perception, operational and technological aspects to keep the Armed Forces in a state of readiness to meet the entire spectrum of security challenges." India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar will be visiting Moscow by the end of August during which he will be meeting Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov.

S-400 is the best anti-aircraft missile system in world: Indian envoy to Russia

Pakistan is yet to respond to Indian request to for another round of technical talks on Kartarpur Corridor. WION last week&nbsp;reported that New Delhi had&nbsp;requested for the meeting in August first week, for which, according to a source, a reminder has also been issued.

If the talks take place, on the table would be Pakistan build a service road, provision to help pilgrims if an emergency arises till the time bridge on Ravi river is constructed and a mechanism to share details of pilgrims.

"India hopes that Pakistan would respond expeditiously on these proposals in order to operationalise the Kartarpur Corridor in time for the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev," the source added.

If the talks come to fruition, this will be the fourth round of technical talks between the two countries in 2019.&nbsp;So far, three rounds of meetings have taken place in March, April and May, 2019 between the two countries during which both sides&nbsp;endorsed the crossing point coordinates.

"India had also shared proposals for finalising the agreement on the modalities to operationalise the Kartarpur Corridor," another source added.

Though Pakistan has cut diplomatic and trade ties with India after New Delhi removed special status accorded to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Islamabad has assured that it remains committed to Kartarpur corridor.

"Kartarpur initiative will continue," Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi announced earlier this week.

When the second round of talks between Indian Pakistan officials took place on July 14, Islamabad agreed to construct the bridge over the old Ravi creek that will allow&nbsp;all-weather pilgrimage to the&nbsp;Gurudwara&nbsp;Kartarpur&nbsp;Sahib throughout the year.

Both sides are keen to open the corridor ahead of the&nbsp;550th&nbsp;birth anniversary of&nbsp;Guru Nanak Devji in November 2019.&nbsp;Work is on in full swing on the Indian side with 50 per cent of the work being completed.&nbsp;

India is building a four-lane highway and passenger bus terminal.&nbsp;

Pakistan is yet to respond to Indian request to for another round of technical talks on Kartarpur Corridor. WION last week reported that New Delhi had requested for the meeting in August first week, for which, according to a source, a reminder has also been issued.

Pakistan is yet to respond to Indian request to for another round of technical talks on Kartarpur Corridor. WION last week reported that New Delhi had requested for the meeting in August first week, for which, according to a source, a reminder has also been issued. If the talks take place, on the table would be Pakistan build a service road, provision to help pilgrims if an emergency arises till the time bridge on Ravi river is constructed and a mechanism to share details of pilgrims. "India hopes that Pakistan would respond expeditiously on these proposals in order to operationalise the Kartarpur Corridor in time for the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev," the source added. If the talks come to fruition, this will be the fourth round of technical talks between the two countries in 2019. So far, three rounds of meetings have taken place in March, April and May, 2019 between the two countries during which both sides endorsed the crossing point coordinates. "India had also shared proposals for finalising the agreement on the modalities to operationalise the Kartarpur Corridor," another source added. Though Pakistan has cut diplomatic and trade ties with India after New Delhi removed special status accorded to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Islamabad has assured that it remains committed to Kartarpur corridor. "Kartarpur initiative will continue," Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi announced earlier this week. When the second round of talks between Indian Pakistan officials took place on July 14, Islamabad agreed to construct the 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 ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji in November 2019. Work is on in full swing on the Indian side with 50 per cent of the work being completed. India is building a four-lane highway and passenger bus terminal.

Pakistan yet to respond to India's request for another round of talks on Kartarpur corridor

In a big snub to Pakistan, the United Nations Security Council did not take up Islamabad's letter of August 6 at several meetings it held this week, in the aftermath of New Delhi removing the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistani Foreign Minister SM Qureshi in a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres tried to rake up Kashmir issue at the top United Nations body on August 6. Pakistani ambassador to UN Maleeha Lodhi briefed UN Security Council President Joanna Wronecka in this regard but the matter seems not to have found any traction.

Answering a question on if UNSC will take up the matter on Thursday, the UNSC president responded saying "no comments".

This even as Russia, one of the Permanent five members of the UNSC has come out openly in support of India on it abrogating article 370.

The Russia Foreign Ministry said changes in the status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and its bifurcation is "carried out within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of India". &nbsp;

Echoing New Delhi on Shimla agreement, Moscow said, "We hope that the differences between them(India and Pakistan) will be resolved by political and diplomatic means on a bilateral basis by following the provisions of the Simla Agreement of 1972 and the Lahore Declaration of 1999." 
&nbsp; 
US State Department last week in a statement said it has "taken note" of Indian government saying development on changing the special status of Jammu and Kashmir is its internal matter. &nbsp;

China, on the other hand, reacted negatively calling India's move as "unacceptable". &nbsp;India responded to it asking Bejing "not to comment on the internal affairs of other countries". So far no statement was issued by France or UK on the development.

The United Nations also last week reacted to the developments in the Indian subcontinent.&nbsp; 
Recalling the Shimla agreement, the UN urged restraint by all sides. Interestingly, it did not offer its "good offices" for mediation between India and Pakistan.

In a big snub to Pakistan, the United Nations Security Council did not take up Islamabad's letter of August 6 at several meetings it held this week, in the aftermath of New Delhi removing the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

In a big snub to Pakistan, the United Nations Security Council did not take up Islamabad's letter of August 6 at several meetings it held this week, in the aftermath of New Delhi removing the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistani Foreign Minister SM Qureshi in a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres tried to rake up Kashmir issue at the top United Nations body on August 6. Pakistani ambassador to UN Maleeha Lodhi briefed UN Security Council President Joanna Wronecka in this regard but the matter seems not to have found any traction. Answering a question on if UNSC will take up the matter on Thursday, the UNSC president responded saying "no comments". This even as Russia, one of the Permanent five members of the UNSC has come out openly in support of India on it abrogating article 370. The Russia Foreign Ministry said changes in the status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and its bifurcation is "carried out within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of India". Echoing New Delhi on Shimla agreement, Moscow said, "We hope that the differences between them(India and Pakistan) will be resolved by political and diplomatic means on a bilateral basis by following the provisions of the Simla Agreement of 1972 and the Lahore Declaration of 1999." US State Department last week in a statement said it has "taken note" of Indian government saying development on changing the special status of Jammu and Kashmir is its internal matter. China, on the other hand, reacted negatively calling India's move as "unacceptable". India responded to it asking Bejing "not to comment on the internal affairs of other countries". So far no statement was issued by France or UK on the development. The United Nations also last week reacted to the developments in the Indian subcontinent. Recalling the Shimla agreement, the UN urged restraint by all sides. Interestingly, it did not offer its "good offices" for mediation between India and Pakistan.

United Nations Security Council snubs Pakistan, does not discuss its letter on Kashmir

India has asked United Nations member states to contribute more to the&nbsp;United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees&nbsp;as it handed over its annual contribution of&nbsp;$5 million to UN body which is facing financial vows in the backdrop of aid cut by the US.

Indian mission in Palestine in a statement said, "India made a strong appeal to other traditional donors of UNRWA to consider enhancing their contributions as well as to non-donor member states to consider contributing to UNRWA in solidarity with the Palestine refugees."

India's representative to Palestine Sunil Kumar handed over the cheque for $5 million at the UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem.&nbsp;The contribution comes at that time when the agency faces a difficult financial situation.

US President Donald Trump last year announced that America will end support to the body.&nbsp;

The state department in a statement back then said, "The United States will no longer commit further funding to this irredeemably flawed operation."

UNRWA has been providing relief to 5.4 million Palestinians&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank, and the Gaza Strip since 1950.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Palestine in February 2018, India had announced that it will increase its contribution to the body from $1.25 million to $5 million.

India has been providing&nbsp;assistance programmes in Palestine to strengthen capacity-building efforts. Under India-Palestine development partnership, New Delhi is currently funding eight on-going developmental projects worth of $ 59 million dollars including building a 215 Bed Super Specialty Hospital in Bethlehem.

India has asked United Nations member states to contribute more to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees as it handed over its annual contribution of $5 million to UN body which is facing financial vows in the backdrop of aid cut by the US.

India has asked United Nations member states to contribute more to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees as it handed over its annual contribution of $5 million to UN body which is facing financial vows in the backdrop of aid cut by the US. Indian mission in Palestine in a statement said, "India made a strong appeal to other traditional donors of UNRWA to consider enhancing their contributions as well as to non-donor member states to consider contributing to UNRWA in solidarity with the Palestine refugees." India's representative to Palestine Sunil Kumar handed over the cheque for $5 million at the UNRWA headquarters in Jerusalem. The contribution comes at that time when the agency faces a difficult financial situation. US President Donald Trump last year announced that America will end support to the body. The state department in a statement back then said, "The United States will no longer commit further funding to this irredeemably flawed operation." UNRWA has been providing relief to 5.4 million Palestinians refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank, and the Gaza Strip since 1950. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Palestine in February 2018, India had announced that it will increase its contribution to the body from $1.25 million to $5 million. India has been providing assistance programmes in Palestine to strengthen capacity-building efforts. Under India-Palestine development partnership, New Delhi is currently funding eight on-going developmental projects worth of $ 59 million dollars including building a 215 Bed Super Specialty Hospital in Bethlehem.

India contributes $5 million to UNRWA for Palestine Refugees

A day after shutting down Samjhauta Express--the bi-weekly train that connects Delhi in India to Lahore in Pakistan -- ''forever'', Pakistan on Friday suspended Thar Link Express - a weekly train that runs between Jodhpur to Munabao in India and Khokhrapar to Karachi in Pakistan.

Pakistan Minister for Railways, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad announced that Thar Express services (Jodhpur-Karachi) will be stopped.

Thar express is a weekly passenger train that connects Khokhrapar in Pakistan with&nbsp;Munabao in Barmer district of Rajasthan&nbsp;and was started in 2006.

Every Saturday, the Thar Link Express departs from Bhagat Ki Kothi railway station on the outskirts of Jodhpur and makes a 320km journey to Munabao in Barmer on the international border. The train then crosses over to Pakistan.

Thar Link Express service had remained unaffected after the tense situation between both the countries after the Pulwama attack. Although the Samjhauta Express was suspended for a brief while, it was restored within weeks.

Suspension of&nbsp;both the international railway links is a big blow to people to people contacts between both the countries.&nbsp;

Pakistan on Thursday announced that it will shut down&nbsp;samjhauta express--the bi-weekly train that connects&nbsp;Delhi in India to Lahore in Pakistan.&nbsp;Those who have already brought Samjhota Express tickets will be&nbsp;refunded without any deduction.

Meanwhile, the last service of Samjhauta express from Lahore arrived at Delhi railway station on Friday morning.&nbsp;

Samjhauta express was discontinued after the attack on Indian Parliament in 2001. Service was later resumed in 2014 but again suspended after the assassination of Pakistani leader Benazir Bhutto.&nbsp;

In 2019, Pakistan again suspended the service after its forces attacked Indian military installation on 27th February in the backdrop on Indian counter-terror strikes on Jaish E Mohammad camps in Balakot.

The service was started in 1976 as part of the Shimla Agreement and initially ran between Amritsar and Lahore.

A day after shutting down Samjhauta Express--the bi-weekly train that connects Delhi in India to Lahore in Pakistan -- ''forever'', Pakistan on Friday suspended Thar Link Express - a weekly train that runs between Jodhpur to Munabao in India and Khokhrapar to Karachi in Pakistan.

A day after shutting down Samjhauta Express--the bi-weekly train that connects Delhi in India to Lahore in Pakistan -- ''forever'', Pakistan on Friday suspended Thar Link Express - a weekly train that runs between Jodhpur to Munabao in India and Khokhrapar to Karachi in Pakistan. Pakistan Minister for Railways, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad announced that Thar Express services (Jodhpur-Karachi) will be stopped. Thar express is a weekly passenger train that connects Khokhrapar in Pakistan with Munabao in Barmer district of Rajasthan and was started in 2006. Every Saturday, the Thar Link Express departs from Bhagat Ki Kothi railway station on the outskirts of Jodhpur and makes a 320km journey to Munabao in Barmer on the international border. The train then crosses over to Pakistan. Thar Link Express service had remained unaffected after the tense situation between both the countries after the Pulwama attack. Although the Samjhauta Express was suspended for a brief while, it was restored within weeks. Suspension of both the international railway links is a big blow to people to people contacts between both the countries. Pakistan on Thursday announced that it will shut down samjhauta express--the bi-weekly train that connects Delhi in India to Lahore in Pakistan. Those who have already brought Samjhota Express tickets will be refunded without any deduction. Meanwhile, the last service of Samjhauta express from Lahore arrived at Delhi railway station on Friday morning. Samjhauta express was discontinued after the attack on Indian Parliament in 2001. Service was later resumed in 2014 but again suspended after the assassination of Pakistani leader Benazir Bhutto. In 2019, Pakistan again suspended the service after its forces attacked Indian military installation on 27th February in the backdrop on Indian counter-terror strikes on Jaish E Mohammad camps in Balakot. The service was started in 1976 as part of the Shimla Agreement and initially ran between Amritsar and Lahore.

After Samjhauta, Pakistan shuts down Thar Link Express 

&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs has announced that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-35a-370-acted-as-a-tool-to-spread-terrorism-and-violence-in-valley-pm-modi-241575">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> will be visiting&nbsp;Bhutan&nbsp;from August 17 to 18.

In a statement, the MEA said, "The visit reflects the high priority that the Government of India attaches to its relations with Bhutan, India’s trusted friend and neighbour. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Bhutan, very early in his second term, is in line with GoI’s continued emphasis on its ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’."

PM will&nbsp;receive audiences with&nbsp;Bhutanese King&nbsp;Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the&nbsp;fourth King of Bhutan&nbsp;Jigme Singye Wangchuck and hold talks with Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dr Lotay Tshering.

The MEA in its release highlighted the ties between the two countries stating, "India and Bhutan share a special and time-tested partnership" which is "anchored in mutual understanding and respect and reinforced by a shared cultural heritage and strong people to people links."

This will be the first visit by PM Modi to&nbsp;Bhutan&nbsp;after&nbsp;the Doklam crisis of 2017. The crisis&nbsp;saw a two-month-long&nbsp;standoff between the Indian Army and Chinese forces in&nbsp;the Bhutanese territory of Doklam which is claimed by Beijing.

Newly-elected Bhutanese&nbsp;Prime Minister Lyonchhen Lotay Tshering was on a state visit to India in&nbsp;December 2018. He was again in Delhi in May to attend Modi's oath-taking ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan along with other BIMSTEC leaders.&nbsp;

Earlier this year,&nbsp;External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Bhutan, his first visit abroad after taking charge.&nbsp;

Hydro-power sector is one of the main pillars of India-Bhutan&nbsp;ties with New Delhi building three power projects in the country.&nbsp;Bhutan&nbsp;exports three fourth of power generated, which is surplus, to India and uses rest for its domestic consumption.

Bhutan&nbsp;was the first country PM Modi visited after taking charge in 2014. During that visit, the prime minister addressed the joint session of&nbsp;Bhutanese Parliament,&nbsp;laid&nbsp;the foundation stone of the 600 MW Kholongchhu Hydropower Project and inaugurated the Supreme Court building which was constructed with the help of the Indian government.

The Ministry of External Affairs has announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Bhutan from August 17 to 18. In a statement, the MEA said, "The visit reflects the high priority that the Government of India attaches to its relations with Bhutan, India’s trusted friend and neighbour.

The Ministry of External Affairs has announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Bhutan from August 17 to 18. In a statement, the MEA said, "The visit reflects the high priority that the Government of India attaches to its relations with Bhutan, India’s trusted friend and neighbour. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Bhutan, very early in his second term, is in line with GoI’s continued emphasis on its ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’." PM will receive audiences with Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the fourth King of Bhutan Jigme Singye Wangchuck and hold talks with Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dr Lotay Tshering. The MEA in its release highlighted the ties between the two countries stating, "India and Bhutan share a special and time-tested partnership" which is "anchored in mutual understanding and respect and reinforced by a shared cultural heritage and strong people to people links." This will be the first visit by PM Modi to Bhutan after the Doklam crisis of 2017. The crisis saw a two-month-long standoff between the Indian Army and Chinese forces in the Bhutanese territory of Doklam which is claimed by Beijing. Newly-elected Bhutanese Prime Minister Lyonchhen Lotay Tshering was on a state visit to India in December 2018. He was again in Delhi in May to attend Modi's oath-taking ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan along with other BIMSTEC leaders. Earlier this year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Bhutan, his first visit abroad after taking charge. Hydro-power sector is one of the main pillars of India-Bhutan ties with New Delhi building three power projects in the country. Bhutan exports three fourth of power generated, which is surplus, to India and uses rest for its domestic consumption. Bhutan was the first country PM Modi visited after taking charge in 2014. During that visit, the prime minister addressed the joint session of Bhutanese Parliament, laid the foundation stone of the 600 MW Kholongchhu Hydropower Project and inaugurated the Supreme Court building which was constructed with the help of the Indian government.

With focus on 'neighbourhood first policy', PM Modi to visit Bhutan on August 17

Taliban, the Afghan insurgent group which is designated as a terror group by several countries, has added its two cents on the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/abrogation-of-article-370-pakistan-downgrades-ties-with-india-looks-towards-china-for-support-241399">India-Pakistan tensions</a> in the backdrop of New Delhi removing a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-35a-370-acted-as-a-tool-to-spread-terrorism-and-violence-in-valley-pm-modi-241575">special status for Jammu and Kashmir</a>.

The group in a release, while expressing its concerns on India's decision, urged both "India and Pakistan to refrain from taking steps that could pave a way for violence and complications in the region" 
&nbsp; 
The group explained that it&nbsp;"having gained bitter experiences from war and conflict"&nbsp;requests&nbsp;"peace and use of rational pathways to solve regional issues.

Taliban which&nbsp;controlled&nbsp;a major portion of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 also slammed&nbsp;Islamabad for linking the Afghan peace process with developments in Kashmir.&nbsp;

It said, "Linking the issue of Kashmir with that of Afghanistan by some parties will not aid in improving the crisis at hand because the issue is not related nor should Afghanistan be turned into the theatre of competition between other countries."

Remember earlier this month Pakistan linked Afghan peace process with the situation at the line of control.

Speaking to a Pakistani media channel, Pakistan Foreign Minister SM Qureshi&nbsp;said, "Afghan&nbsp;peace process is going through a critical stage...the action by the Indian army is a distraction. These spoilers can impact peace."

The last time such a statement was made, Kabul summoned Pakistani envoy to&nbsp;Afghanistan.

In February, in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed, the Pakistani envoy to Kabul Zahid Nasrullah linked any response by Indian army impacting the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;peace process.

Taliban is currently in talks with the US in Doha over an agreement that can see American troops leaving the landlock south Asian country. US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad who is leading the talks from American side was recently in Delhi and said India has an important role to play in the Afghan peace process.&nbsp;

Taliban, the Afghan insurgent group which is designated as a terror group by several countries, has added its two cents on the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions in the backdrop of New Delhi removing a special status for Jammu and Kashmir.

Taliban, the Afghan insurgent group which is designated as a terror group by several countries, has added its two cents on the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions in the backdrop of New Delhi removing a special status for Jammu and Kashmir. The group in a release, while expressing its concerns on India's decision, urged both "India and Pakistan to refrain from taking steps that could pave a way for violence and complications in the region" The group explained that it "having gained bitter experiences from war and conflict" requests "peace and use of rational pathways to solve regional issues. Taliban which controlled a major portion of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 also slammed Islamabad for linking the Afghan peace process with developments in Kashmir. It said, "Linking the issue of Kashmir with that of Afghanistan by some parties will not aid in improving the crisis at hand because the issue is not related nor should Afghanistan be turned into the theatre of competition between other countries." Remember earlier this month Pakistan linked Afghan peace process with the situation at the line of control. Speaking to a Pakistani media channel, Pakistan Foreign Minister SM Qureshi said, "Afghan peace process is going through a critical stage...the action by the Indian army is a distraction. These spoilers can impact peace." The last time such a statement was made, Kabul summoned Pakistani envoy to Afghanistan. In February, in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed, the Pakistani envoy to Kabul Zahid Nasrullah linked any response by Indian army impacting the Afghan peace process. Taliban is currently in talks with the US in Doha over an agreement that can see American troops leaving the landlock south Asian country. US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad who is leading the talks from American side was recently in Delhi and said India has an important role to play in the Afghan peace process.

Taliban slams Pakistan for linking Kashmir with Afghan peace process

US has backed the Indian role in the Afghan Peace Process. In a tweet, the visiting US special representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad said, "India has an important role to play in helping deliver &amp; sustain a durable peace in Afghanistan."

&nbsp;He met India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar in Delhi on Tuesday and had a&nbsp;detailed discussion on the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;Peace&nbsp;Process with both sides briefing each other on their views respectively.&nbsp;

The ministry of external affairs said both sides held "useful discussions" with EAM Jaishankar tweeting, they "shared views on how we could work together effectively".&nbsp;

This is the third visit by Khalilzad to India in 2019 and comes even as Afghan Peace Process gathers pace.

Zalmay came directly to Delhi from Doha where he held the 8th round of talks with Taliban and it is expected that a deal might happen soon between them both that can pave way for the American troops to leave the landlocked South Asian country. Taliban expects the deal to be signed between Eid that begins from August 11 to August 14.

Before leaving for Delhi, Zalmay in a tweet said, "My team and Taliban representatives will continue to discuss technical details as well as steps and mechanisms required for a successful implementation of the four-part agreement we've been working towards since my appointment. Agreement on these details is essential".

India backs "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled" peace process and has&nbsp;been engaging with regional countries--Iran, Russia, China, Central Asian countries-- regarding the Afghan peace process.

US has backed the Indian role in the Afghan Peace Process. In a tweet, the visiting US special representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad said, "India has an important role to play in helping deliver & sustain a durable peace in Afghanistan.

US has backed the Indian role in the Afghan Peace Process. In a tweet, the visiting US special representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad said, "India has an important role to play in helping deliver & sustain a durable peace in Afghanistan." He met India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar in Delhi on Tuesday and had a detailed discussion on the Afghan Peace Process with both sides briefing each other on their views respectively. The ministry of external affairs said both sides held "useful discussions" with EAM Jaishankar tweeting, they "shared views on how we could work together effectively". This is the third visit by Khalilzad to India in 2019 and comes even as Afghan Peace Process gathers pace. Zalmay came directly to Delhi from Doha where he held the 8th round of talks with Taliban and it is expected that a deal might happen soon between them both that can pave way for the American troops to leave the landlocked South Asian country. Taliban expects the deal to be signed between Eid that begins from August 11 to August 14. Before leaving for Delhi, Zalmay in a tweet said, "My team and Taliban representatives will continue to discuss technical details as well as steps and mechanisms required for a successful implementation of the four-part agreement we've been working towards since my appointment. Agreement on these details is essential". India backs "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled" peace process and has been engaging with regional countries--Iran, Russia, China, Central Asian countries-- regarding the Afghan peace process.

United States backs India's role in Afghan peace process

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Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Sidhant Sibal

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