India has strongly taken up the issue of US military sale to Pakistan and expresses grave concern over the issue with the US side assuring that it doesn't mean a freeze on US military assistance to Pakistan has been removed.&nbsp;

Ministry of external affair spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "We've taken up the matter with US ambassador here in Delhi as well as the govt of US in Washington through our ambassador. We have expressed grave concern over the US military assistance to Pakistan."

Adding, "What we have been told by the US Side is that the proposed sale doesn't indicate any change in the US policy of maintaining a freeze in military assistance to Pakistan."

US State Department last week approved a $125 million support for Pakistan's F-16 Program.

The US defence Security cooperation agency said the $125 million support will not "alter the basic military balance in the region."

Remember, F16s were used by the Pakistani forces on February 27 when they launched an attack on Indian military installations in response to Indian counter-terror strike on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan. The use of F16s on February 27 was raised by the Indian side with the US subsequently.

In 2016, India summoned US envoy over the Obama Administration's decision to notify the sale of F-16 aircraft to Pakistan. The MEA back then said, "We disagree with their rationale that such arms transfers help to combat terrorism. The record of the last many years in this regard speaks for itself."

India has strongly taken up the issue of US military sale to Pakistan and expresses grave concern over the issue with the US side assuring that it doesn't mean a freeze on US military assistance to Pakistan has been removed.

India has strongly taken up the issue of US military sale to Pakistan and expresses grave concern over the issue with the US side assuring that it doesn't mean a freeze on US military assistance to Pakistan has been removed. Ministry of external affair spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "We've taken up the matter with US ambassador here in Delhi as well as the govt of US in Washington through our ambassador. We have expressed grave concern over the US military assistance to Pakistan." Adding, "What we have been told by the US Side is that the proposed sale doesn't indicate any change in the US policy of maintaining a freeze in military assistance to Pakistan." US State Department last week approved a $125 million support for Pakistan's F-16 Program. The US defence Security cooperation agency said the $125 million support will not "alter the basic military balance in the region." Remember, F16s were used by the Pakistani forces on February 27 when they launched an attack on Indian military installations in response to Indian counter-terror strike on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan. The use of F16s on February 27 was raised by the Indian side with the US subsequently. In 2016, India summoned US envoy over the Obama Administration's decision to notify the sale of F-16 aircraft to Pakistan. The MEA back then said, "We disagree with their rationale that such arms transfers help to combat terrorism. The record of the last many years in this regard speaks for itself."

US military assistance to Pakistan: India conveys 'grave concern' to Washington

Calling ASEAN grouping a "critical element of India's act east policy and strategy", External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar said, "acting east is also implementing our Indo-Pacific outlook" and "its logical extrapolation."

Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Bangkok, was speaking at the ASEAN-India ministerial meeting. India's "act east" policy that evolved from the "look east" policy call for greater engagement with ASEAN countries.&nbsp;

Talking about connectivity, he said, "India seeks greater connect with the ASEAN region. We envision connectivity within the region in very broad terms including physical, economic and political and close contact at people to people level."

"The historic, cultural, economic political that have existed between India and ASEAN region are the stepping stones to achieve the vision of a more connected India and ASEAN region and a closer partnership," he added.

The ASEAN-India ministerial meeting which was co-chaired by EAM and Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai also reviewed progress on implementation of decisions between ASEAN and India during the 25th Anniversary ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit held in New Delhi on January 25, 2018.&nbsp;

The indo-pacific concept is expected to dominate conversations in Bangkok as Delhi and Washington are keen on it and ASEAN has also issued its outlook on it.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken about India's vision Indo-pacific concept last year at Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore and this year in Maldivian parliament and said New Delhi is vision is an inclusive one.&nbsp;

Jaishankar&nbsp;will also participate in East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (EAS FMM), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) ministerial Meeting.

Earlier in the day, he met Thailand foreign minister and ASEAN Chair Don Pramudwinai, &nbsp;and New Zealand finance minister Winston peter.&nbsp;

He is expected to meet US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo. This will be the first high-level engagement between Indian and American after US President Donald Trump said that he was willing to mediate between Indian and Pakistan on Kashmir issue.

The comments were dismissed by New Delhi who said all issues between India and Pakistan can only be resolved bilaterally in accordance with Shimla and Lahore agreements which do not allow 3rd party mediation.

Calling ASEAN grouping a "critical element of India's act east policy and strategy", External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar said, "acting east is also implementing our Indo-Pacific outlook" and "its logical extrapolation.

Calling ASEAN grouping a "critical element of India's act east policy and strategy", External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar said, "acting east is also implementing our Indo-Pacific outlook" and "its logical extrapolation." Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Bangkok, was speaking at the ASEAN-India ministerial meeting. India's "act east" policy that evolved from the "look east" policy call for greater engagement with ASEAN countries. Talking about connectivity, he said, "India seeks greater connect with the ASEAN region. We envision connectivity within the region in very broad terms including physical, economic and political and close contact at people to people level." "The historic, cultural, economic political that have existed between India and ASEAN region are the stepping stones to achieve the vision of a more connected India and ASEAN region and a closer partnership," he added. The ASEAN-India ministerial meeting which was co-chaired by EAM and Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai also reviewed progress on implementation of decisions between ASEAN and India during the 25th Anniversary ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit held in New Delhi on January 25, 2018. The indo-pacific concept is expected to dominate conversations in Bangkok as Delhi and Washington are keen on it and ASEAN has also issued its outlook on it. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken about India's vision Indo-pacific concept last year at Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore and this year in Maldivian parliament and said New Delhi is vision is an inclusive one. Jaishankar will also participate in East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (EAS FMM), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) ministerial Meeting. Earlier in the day, he met Thailand foreign minister and ASEAN Chair Don Pramudwinai, and New Zealand finance minister Winston peter. He is expected to meet US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo. This will be the first high-level engagement between Indian and American after US President Donald Trump said that he was willing to mediate between Indian and Pakistan on Kashmir issue. The comments were dismissed by New Delhi who said all issues between India and Pakistan can only be resolved bilaterally in accordance with Shimla and Lahore agreements which do not allow 3rd party mediation.

India seeks greater connectedness with the ASEAN: Jaishankar at ministerial meeting in Bangkok

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is likely to have a pull-aside with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the sidelines of 9th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers meet in Bangkok, Thailand. 
 
Jaishankar will be in Bangkok from August 1 to August 2 and will also participate in ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting, &nbsp;26th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) &amp; 10th Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Ministerial Meeting.

Jaishankar-Pompeo pull aside will be the first high-level engagement between US and India since&nbsp;President Donald Trump's remarks on Kashmir.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump, a few weeks ago, had said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for mediation in Kashmir issue.

This was dismissed by the Indian side. Jaioshankar had said that all bilateral issues between India and Pakistan are governed by Shimla and Lahore agreements under which no third party mediation will be allowed.&nbsp;

During the two-day visit, Jaishankar will "enumerate India's Indo-Pacific vision, which was elaborated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore in June 2018", a ministry of external affairs release said. 
&nbsp; 
He will also meet the new British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and the British envoy to India Dominic Asquith. He is expected to meet foreign minister of Sri Lanka, Tilak Marapana. 13 foreign ministers will be in Bangkok for the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers meeting.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is likely to have a pull-aside with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the sidelines of 9th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers meet in Bangkok, Thailand.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is likely to have a pull-aside with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the sidelines of 9th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers meet in Bangkok, Thailand. Jaishankar will be in Bangkok from August 1 to August 2 and will also participate in ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting, 26th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) & 10th Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Ministerial Meeting. Jaishankar-Pompeo pull aside will be the first high-level engagement between US and India since President Donald Trump's remarks on Kashmir. US President Donald Trump, a few weeks ago, had said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for mediation in Kashmir issue. This was dismissed by the Indian side. Jaioshankar had said that all bilateral issues between India and Pakistan are governed by Shimla and Lahore agreements under which no third party mediation will be allowed. During the two-day visit, Jaishankar will "enumerate India's Indo-Pacific vision, which was elaborated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore in June 2018", a ministry of external affairs release said. He will also meet the new British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and the British envoy to India Dominic Asquith. He is expected to meet foreign minister of Sri Lanka, Tilak Marapana. 13 foreign ministers will be in Bangkok for the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers meeting.

Foreign minister S Jaishankar likely to meet Mike Pompeo in Bangkok

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is on a three-day visit to Mozambique, on Monday handed over two Fast Interceptor boats to the that will be used for coastal surveillance.

The two India-made boats were handed over at a ceremony at the Mozambican Naval Headquarters with the handing-over certificate being signed by the Director-General, Coast Guards of India, K Natarajan, and Chief of Mozambican Navy.&nbsp;

A four-member Indian Coast Guard team will be assisting with training, support for maintenance and operation of the two boats.

The development comes as New Delhi has upped engagement on defence with Indian Ocean countries in the backdrop of growing Chinese influence here.&nbsp;

The official release from Defence Ministry said that the visit will 'witness the growing defence co-operation between Mozambique and India' and the 'potential such collaboration offers for enhancing security in the Indian Ocean Region.'

This is the first visit of Rajnath Singh abroad as Defence Minister and also the first-ever visit of Defence Minister of India to Mozambique.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is on a three-day visit to Mozambique, on Monday handed over two Fast Interceptor boats to the that will be used for coastal surveillance.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is on a three-day visit to Mozambique, on Monday handed over two Fast Interceptor boats to the that will be used for coastal surveillance. The two India-made boats were handed over at a ceremony at the Mozambican Naval Headquarters with the handing-over certificate being signed by the Director-General, Coast Guards of India, K Natarajan, and Chief of Mozambican Navy. A four-member Indian Coast Guard team will be assisting with training, support for maintenance and operation of the two boats. The development comes as New Delhi has upped engagement on defence with Indian Ocean countries in the backdrop of growing Chinese influence here. The official release from Defence Ministry said that the visit will 'witness the growing defence co-operation between Mozambique and India' and the 'potential such collaboration offers for enhancing security in the Indian Ocean Region.' This is the first visit of Rajnath Singh abroad as Defence Minister and also the first-ever visit of Defence Minister of India to Mozambique.

India hands over two fast interceptor boats to Mozambique

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Bhutan on a two-day visit starting August 17. This will be his first visit to Bhutan since the Doklam crisis in 2017. The crisis saw a two-month-long standoff between Indian and Chinese forces in Doklam which is claimed by Beijing but is part of Bhutan.

New Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering was on a state visit to India in December of 2018. He returned to Delhi in May to take part in the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi at Rashtrapati Bhawan along with other leaders of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).&nbsp;

Earlier this year, 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 ties with New Delhi building three power projects in the country. Bhutan exports three-fourth of power generated, which is in surplus, to India and uses the rest for domestic consumption.

Bhutan was the first foreign visit of PM Modi after taking charge in 2014. During that visit, he 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 Government of India's assistance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Bhutan on a two-day visit starting August 17. This will be his first visit to Bhutan since the Doklam crisis in 2017. The crisis saw a two-month-long standoff between Indian and Chinese forces in Doklam which is claimed by Beijing but is part of Bhutan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Bhutan on a two-day visit starting August 17. This will be his first visit to Bhutan since the Doklam crisis in 2017. The crisis saw a two-month-long standoff between Indian and Chinese forces in Doklam which is claimed by Beijing but is part of Bhutan. New Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering was on a state visit to India in December of 2018. He returned to Delhi in May to take part in the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi at Rashtrapati Bhawan along with other leaders of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). 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 in surplus, to India and uses the rest for domestic consumption. Bhutan was the first foreign visit of PM Modi after taking charge in 2014. During that visit, he 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 Government of India's assistance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Bhutan on August 17-18

Upping focus on increasing ties with Africa, President Ram Nath Kovind is on a visit to West African country Benin while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is in Mozambique.&nbsp;

President Ram Nath Kovind reached Porto-Novo on Sunday and will address the national assembly there on Monday. Benin is a signatory of India-led International Solar Alliance and New Delhi is the largest trading partner of the country with trade growing at 100 million dollars in last one year.&nbsp;

President Kovind is currently on a 3-nation tour of West African countries -Benin, Gambia and Guinea from July 28 to August 3. He will be received by President of Gambia in Banjul. President Kovind will address the national assembly of Gambia as well. In all 3 countries, he will be meeting with the Indian community members. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
"Engagement with Africa is one of the priorities of foreign policy and we are looking at countries where high-level visits have not taken place", Vijay Thakur Singh, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs said.

New Delhi has taken up several projects in Africa including two regional hospitals in Guinea with the help of Indian line of credit worth $35 million. The national assembly of Gambia has been build with the help of the Indian line of credit.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; &nbsp; 
This is the 10th foreign visit by the president since taking charge. After this visit, he will be travelling to 23 countries.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is on a 3-day visit to Mozambique. This is the first bilateral visit by any Indian Defence Minister to the East African country. On the first day, Rajnath Singh visited the headquarters of Forças Armadas de Defesa de Moçambique (FADM), the national armed forces of Mozambique.

He tweeted," India is willing to forge a strong bilateral relationship with Mozambique by increasing regular engagement and cooperation in multiple spheres."

PM Modi had visited the country in July 2016. There have been 29 visits at the level of President, Vice President and Prime Minister in last 5 years. Next year the India-Africa forum summit will take place in Africa.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Upping focus on increasing ties with Africa, President Ram Nath Kovind is on a visit to West African country Benin while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is in Mozambique.

Upping focus on increasing ties with Africa, President Ram Nath Kovind is on a visit to West African country Benin while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is in Mozambique. President Ram Nath Kovind reached Porto-Novo on Sunday and will address the national assembly there on Monday. Benin is a signatory of India-led International Solar Alliance and New Delhi is the largest trading partner of the country with trade growing at 100 million dollars in last one year. President Kovind is currently on a 3-nation tour of West African countries -Benin, Gambia and Guinea from July 28 to August 3. He will be received by President of Gambia in Banjul. President Kovind will address the national assembly of Gambia as well. In all 3 countries, he will be meeting with the Indian community members. "Engagement with Africa is one of the priorities of foreign policy and we are looking at countries where high-level visits have not taken place", Vijay Thakur Singh, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs said. New Delhi has taken up several projects in Africa including two regional hospitals in Guinea with the help of Indian line of credit worth $35 million. The national assembly of Gambia has been build with the help of the Indian line of credit. This is the 10th foreign visit by the president since taking charge. After this visit, he will be travelling to 23 countries. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is on a 3-day visit to Mozambique. This is the first bilateral visit by any Indian Defence Minister to the East African country. On the first day, Rajnath Singh visited the headquarters of Forças Armadas de Defesa de Moçambique (FADM), the national armed forces of Mozambique. He tweeted," India is willing to forge a strong bilateral relationship with Mozambique by increasing regular engagement and cooperation in multiple spheres." PM Modi had visited the country in July 2016. There have been 29 visits at the level of President, Vice President and Prime Minister in last 5 years. Next year the India-Africa forum summit will take place in Africa.

India's Africa focus: President Kovind visits Benin, Defence Minister on trip to Mozambique

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mann-ki-baat-chandrayaan-2-is-indian-in-heart-and-spirit-says-pm-modi-238958">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> has been featured in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-prime-minister-blasts-european-union-for-trying-to-save-iran-nuclear-deal-236278">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>'s election campaign. Netanyahu's party, Likud party, has in a campaign video shown clips of PM Modi along with Netanyahu. The clips are from PM Modi's visit to Isreal in 2017, the first standalone visit by any Indian Prime Minister to the West Asian country.&nbsp;

The video shows PM Modi being welcomed at the airport in Israel as well as various moments of his trip to Israel. Remember, the beach stroll by both the leaders at Haifa's beach to see a demonstration of the mobile desalination unit became one of the highlights of Modi's visit. &nbsp;

The two other leaders in the video include Rusian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
PM Modi in Israeli Election campaign! Benjamin Netanyahu's <a href="https://twitter.com/Likud_Party?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Likud_Party</a> party shows pictures of PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> along with <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@netanyahu</a> in the election campaign video. <a href="https://t.co/yqRpDP36BC">pic.twitter.com/yqRpDP36BC</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1155491801496576001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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It is also interesting to note, the headquarters of Likud party has a large picture of Netanyahu with PM Modi. On the other sides are the installations of gigantic posters of Netanyahu with Trump and Putin.&nbsp;

This is perhaps for the first time when an Indian PM's pictures have been used in a foreign election campaign, particularly in West Asia.&nbsp;

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Full Video of Likud party on Election campaign: Along with PM Modi, Other 2 foreign leaders in the campaign include Trump and Putin. This is perhaps for the first time Indian PMs pictures being used in a foreign election campaign. <a href="https://t.co/yjZmqrmgSu">pic.twitter.com/yjZmqrmgSu</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1155492940258537472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Isreal will be holding elections on September 17 after no party was able to get majority or cobble up a coalition in April elections.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was one of the first leaders to congratulate Modi after his election victory in the Lok Sabha elections that were conducted in May this year. Lauding PM Modi's mandate he said, "the election results further reaffirm your leadership of the world's largest democracy."&nbsp;

Netanyahu is expected to visit India on September 9. He had visited India in January 2018 to commemorate 25 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties with India.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been featured in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's election campaign. Netanyahu's party, Likud party, has in a campaign video shown clips of PM Modi along with Netanyahu.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been featured in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's election campaign. Netanyahu's party, Likud party, has in a campaign video shown clips of PM Modi along with Netanyahu. The clips are from PM Modi's visit to Isreal in 2017, the first standalone visit by any Indian Prime Minister to the West Asian country. The video shows PM Modi being welcomed at the airport in Israel as well as various moments of his trip to Israel. Remember, the beach stroll by both the leaders at Haifa's beach to see a demonstration of the mobile desalination unit became one of the highlights of Modi's visit. The two other leaders in the video include Rusian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. PM Modi in Israeli Election campaign! Benjamin Netanyahu's @Likud_Party party shows pictures of PM @narendramodi along with @netanyahu in the election campaign video. pic.twitter.com/yqRpDP36BC — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 28, 2019 × It is also interesting to note, the headquarters of Likud party has a large picture of Netanyahu with PM Modi. On the other sides are the installations of gigantic posters of Netanyahu with Trump and Putin. This is perhaps for the first time when an Indian PM's pictures have been used in a foreign election campaign, particularly in West Asia. Full Video of Likud party on Election campaign: Along with PM Modi, Other 2 foreign leaders in the campaign include Trump and Putin. This is perhaps for the first time Indian PMs pictures being used in a foreign election campaign. pic.twitter.com/yjZmqrmgSu — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 28, 2019 × Isreal will be holding elections on September 17 after no party was able to get majority or cobble up a coalition in April elections. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was one of the first leaders to congratulate Modi after his election victory in the Lok Sabha elections that were conducted in May this year. Lauding PM Modi's mandate he said, "the election results further reaffirm your leadership of the world's largest democracy." Netanyahu is expected to visit India on September 9. He had visited India in January 2018 to commemorate 25 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties with India.

PM Modi features in Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's election campaign

India has got the consular access for Indians on board the seized Iranian tanker Grace 1 and UK tanker Stena Impero.&nbsp;

On Thursday evening, the country's diplomats based in Tehran were given the consular access for 18 Indians who were taken into custody when Iran detained UK tanker Stena Impero.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale met Iranian Ambassador in Delhi. The Indian Ambassador in Tehran also held meetings with senior officials of the Iranian Foreign Ministry regarding the issue.

Stena Impero was detained two weeks ago for "failing to respect international maritime rules", Iranian authorities stated.

On Wednesday, New Delhi was given consular access by British authorities for 24 Indian sailors who were taken into custody after an Iranian tanker was detained a few weeks ago.&nbsp;

The Iranian tanker Grace 1 was detained off the coast of British Territory Gibraltar for allegedly carrying oil to Syria that would have violated sanctions on the country.&nbsp;

A three-member team from the Indian mission in London met all 24 crew members. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "Crew members were calm and compose and no sense of panic" and Indian diplomats assured that government of "India will take all necessary steps for early release and repatriation".

The seizing of UK Tanker Stena Impero was seen as a reaction by Tehran to seizing of Iran Tanker Grace-1 and in both cases, Indians sailors on board them suffered the brunt.

India has got the consular access for Indians on board the seized Iranian tanker Grace 1 and UK tanker Stena Impero. On Thursday evening, the country's diplomats based in Tehran were given the consular access for 18 Indians who were taken into custody when Iran detained UK tanker Stena Impero.

India has got the consular access for Indians on board the seized Iranian tanker Grace 1 and UK tanker Stena Impero. On Thursday evening, the country's diplomats based in Tehran were given the consular access for 18 Indians who were taken into custody when Iran detained UK tanker Stena Impero. Earlier this week, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale met Iranian Ambassador in Delhi. The Indian Ambassador in Tehran also held meetings with senior officials of the Iranian Foreign Ministry regarding the issue. Stena Impero was detained two weeks ago for "failing to respect international maritime rules", Iranian authorities stated. On Wednesday, New Delhi was given consular access by British authorities for 24 Indian sailors who were taken into custody after an Iranian tanker was detained a few weeks ago. The Iranian tanker Grace 1 was detained off the coast of British Territory Gibraltar for allegedly carrying oil to Syria that would have violated sanctions on the country. A three-member team from the Indian mission in London met all 24 crew members. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "Crew members were calm and compose and no sense of panic" and Indian diplomats assured that government of "India will take all necessary steps for early release and repatriation". The seizing of UK Tanker Stena Impero was seen as a reaction by Tehran to seizing of Iran Tanker Grace-1 and in both cases, Indians sailors on board them suffered the brunt.

India gets consular access for Indians on-board seized Iranian, UK Tankers

Days after United States President Donald Trump ruffled up feathers by his comments on mediation on Kashmir, New Delhi has said its time to "move on" since clarification has been given by both sides.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in his weekly presser said, "There was a statement made by us, External Affairs Minister in both houses of the Parliament. State Department has issued a clarification in this regard."

Calling India-US ties important, Raveesh said, "We are a very strong strategic partnership, we have deep convergences on range of issues. We have excellent trade and investment linkages... we are moving towards technological ties up"

He added, "Our relationship with the US remains multifaceted.. stands on its own merit. We have broadened convergence"

Trump earlier this week riled up India when he said PM Modi during his meet with him on the sidelines of G20 summit had asked him to mediate on Kashmir.&nbsp;

This was immediately dismissed by India with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar "categorically" assuring the Parliament that no such suggestion was ever made. The state department too said its a bilateral issue and US can only assist.

Days after United States President Donald Trump ruffled up feathers by his comments on mediation on Kashmir, New Delhi has said its time to "move on" since clarification has been given by both sides.

Days after United States President Donald Trump ruffled up feathers by his comments on mediation on Kashmir, New Delhi has said its time to "move on" since clarification has been given by both sides. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in his weekly presser said, "There was a statement made by us, External Affairs Minister in both houses of the Parliament. State Department has issued a clarification in this regard." Calling India-US ties important, Raveesh said, "We are a very strong strategic partnership, we have deep convergences on range of issues. We have excellent trade and investment linkages... we are moving towards technological ties up" He added, "Our relationship with the US remains multifaceted.. stands on its own merit. We have broadened convergence" Trump earlier this week riled up India when he said PM Modi during his meet with him on the sidelines of G20 summit had asked him to mediate on Kashmir. This was immediately dismissed by India with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar "categorically" assuring the Parliament that no such suggestion was ever made. The state department too said its a bilateral issue and US can only assist.

Time to move on from Trump's Kashmir comments: MEA

India on Thursday called&nbsp;Pakistan to take "credible and irreversible action" against terrorism after Pakistan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-will-not-allow-armed-militia-in-the-country-imran-khan-238076">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> admitted&nbsp;Pakistan terror groups operated in Kashmir.

Ravish Kumar, spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs said:&nbsp;"It's a glaring admission by Pakistani leadership. This&nbsp;is not the first time, Pakistan and Pakistani leadership have owned up to the presence of terrorist, training camps of terrorist and terrorist who are being sent to India to create acts of terrorism. It is also a public knowledge among the international community."

Watch Video:

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Calling on Islamabad to take "credible and irreversible action" on terror groups on its territory, the foreign ministry spokesman said, "since Pak PM has acknowledged the presence of training camps, he has acknowledged that terrorist are&nbsp;being trained and sent to fight in Kashmir...they should make sure that safe havens and terror sanctuaries that exist in Pakistan should be neutralised. Pakistan has taken half-hearted steps to please the international community which are meant for the consumption of certain people"

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan during his US had said at an event,"We are disarming all armed militias...You cannot disarm because the police is incapable of disarming these (terror) groups. They are trained, these people have experience of fighting in Afghanistan, some in Kashmir."

India has been calling Pakistan to take action on terror groups for years but Islamabad hasn't changed its policy and supported terror. And it is just not New Delhi, Kabul has also called on Islamabad to rein in terror groups.&nbsp;

Afghanistan last week released audio of terrorist based in Pakistan who planned the Kandahar terror attack that killed 12 people. 
&nbsp;

India on Thursday called Pakistan to take "credible and irreversible action" against terrorism after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan admitted Pakistan terror groups operated in Kashmir.

India on Thursday called Pakistan to take "credible and irreversible action" against terrorism after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan admitted Pakistan terror groups operated in Kashmir. Ravish Kumar, spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs said: "It's a glaring admission by Pakistani leadership. This is not the first time, Pakistan and Pakistani leadership have owned up to the presence of terrorist, training camps of terrorist and terrorist who are being sent to India to create acts of terrorism. It is also a public knowledge among the international community." Watch Video: Calling on Islamabad to take "credible and irreversible action" on terror groups on its territory, the foreign ministry spokesman said, "since Pak PM has acknowledged the presence of training camps, he has acknowledged that terrorist are being trained and sent to fight in Kashmir...they should make sure that safe havens and terror sanctuaries that exist in Pakistan should be neutralised. Pakistan has taken half-hearted steps to please the international community which are meant for the consumption of certain people" Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan during his US had said at an event,"We are disarming all armed militias...You cannot disarm because the police is incapable of disarming these (terror) groups. They are trained, these people have experience of fighting in Afghanistan, some in Kashmir." India has been calling Pakistan to take action on terror groups for years but Islamabad hasn't changed its policy and supported terror. And it is just not New Delhi, Kabul has also called on Islamabad to rein in terror groups. Afghanistan last week released audio of terrorist based in Pakistan who planned the Kandahar terror attack that killed 12 people.

After Pak's admission on terror groups in Kashmir, India calls Imran-led government to take 'credible and irreversible action'

India is in touch with Pakistan regarding Kulbhushan Jadhav's consular access. New Delhi has conveyed its demand for full consular access under the ICJ verdict and Vienna convention to Islamabad.

Speaking at the weekly Ministry of External Affairs weekly presser, spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "There have been favourable judgement from the International Court of Justice in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav. We expect full consular access should be granted to him at the earliest in full compliance and conformity of ICJ judgement and Vienna convention. We are in touch with Pakistani authorities in this regard through diplomatic channels."

Meanwhile, Pakistan ministry has informed Jadhav about his rights and that Islamabad will be giving him consular access

The Pakistani foreign ministry said, "Process is underway regarding the implementation of ICJ verdict"

India got a major victory last week at the world court, with the Hague based organisation calling Islamabad to give India consular access to Kulbhushan. The Court declared that Pakistan is under an obligation to inform Jadhav without further "delay of his rights."&nbsp;

The court unanimously found that it had jurisdiction in the case and by a vote of 15-1, pronounced its verdict, with the sole dissenting Judge being Ad Hoc Judge Tassdduq Hussain Jillani who is the former Chief justice of Pakistan.

India was first informed about Jadhav's custody by Pakistani authorities on 25 March 2016. In 2017 Islamabad announced that the military has awarded death sentence to him.

New Delhi then went to the world court on May 8, 2017 and filed a case against Pakistan for "egregious violations of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963” and got a stay on his hanging.

India is in touch with Pakistan regarding Kulbhushan Jadhav's consular access. New Delhi has conveyed its demand for full consular access under the ICJ verdict and Vienna convention to Islamabad.

India is in touch with Pakistan regarding Kulbhushan Jadhav's consular access. New Delhi has conveyed its demand for full consular access under the ICJ verdict and Vienna convention to Islamabad. Speaking at the weekly Ministry of External Affairs weekly presser, spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "There have been favourable judgement from the International Court of Justice in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav. We expect full consular access should be granted to him at the earliest in full compliance and conformity of ICJ judgement and Vienna convention. We are in touch with Pakistani authorities in this regard through diplomatic channels." Meanwhile, Pakistan ministry has informed Jadhav about his rights and that Islamabad will be giving him consular access The Pakistani foreign ministry said, "Process is underway regarding the implementation of ICJ verdict" India got a major victory last week at the world court, with the Hague based organisation calling Islamabad to give India consular access to Kulbhushan. The Court declared that Pakistan is under an obligation to inform Jadhav without further "delay of his rights." The court unanimously found that it had jurisdiction in the case and by a vote of 15-1, pronounced its verdict, with the sole dissenting Judge being Ad Hoc Judge Tassdduq Hussain Jillani who is the former Chief justice of Pakistan. India was first informed about Jadhav's custody by Pakistani authorities on 25 March 2016. In 2017 Islamabad announced that the military has awarded death sentence to him. New Delhi then went to the world court on May 8, 2017 and filed a case against Pakistan for "egregious violations of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963” and got a stay on his hanging.

India in touch with Pakistan over Kulbhushan Jadhav's consular access; Islamabad informs him of his rights

The Russian deputy chief of mission in Delhi, Roman Babushkin has said that BRICS groupings have a common approach when it comes to unilateral sanctions.

BRICS members such as Russia are under American sanctions and countries like India face the prospects of these sanctions when it comes to deals such as S400 defence deal, he told WION.

He also spoke on the relevance of BRICS, trade-in national currencies.&nbsp;

WION: The relevance of BRICS in the current world order?

Roman Babushkin: BRICS is a very important mechanism in terms of its continued efforts, to support international community activities in shaping new multipolar world order. BRICS is doing its best to provide and propose the international community a unifying agenda. It is not against anybody, it is standing for bringing developing countries to the decision-making process when it comes to global economic governance and we stand for collective efforts while we are dealing with the global and regional issues.

WION: How much is terror an issue for BRICS. India has been raising the issue of counter-terror?

Roman Babushkin: We do support Indian measures and Indian approach to make this issue in the framework of BRICS more practical. This is in a way general process, we have just started practical cooperation in the framework of BRICS. During Indian contribution, we established a dedicated group against terrorism and the current president is bringing this cooperation to the new level. We do hope our relevant experts who will meet next month will have an opportunity to discuss in more details and work out something specific for the next summit to be held in brazil.

WION: How much trade is currently happening in national currencies?&nbsp;

Roman Babushkin: BRICS is also to give more opportunity for member states to use national currencies in their trade. The volume of trade in national currencies is increasing. its a common tendency and BRICS is just following it.&nbsp;

WION: Unilateral Sanctions an issue, what is BRICS approach?

Roman Babushkin: In fact, BRICS approach on unilateral sanctions is already there. We have quite a similar position that we do not accept unilateral sanctions, extraterritorial sanctions. We do support, new multipolar world order and it should be based on the central role of united nations and avoiding unilateral and politically motivated approach in global and regional affairs and against double standards. This is part of the BRICS agenda and unacceptability of unilateral sanctions. If we succeed in our efforts, to stable financial systems and national currencies stronger, it will help us overcome restrictions.

The Russian deputy chief of mission in Delhi, Roman Babushkin has said that BRICS groupings have a common approach when it comes to unilateral sanctions. BRICS members such as Russia are under American sanctions and countries like India face the prospects of these sanctions when it comes to deals such as S400 defence deal, he told WION.

The Russian deputy chief of mission in Delhi, Roman Babushkin has said that BRICS groupings have a common approach when it comes to unilateral sanctions. BRICS members such as Russia are under American sanctions and countries like India face the prospects of these sanctions when it comes to deals such as S400 defence deal, he told WION. He also spoke on the relevance of BRICS, trade-in national currencies. WION: The relevance of BRICS in the current world order? Roman Babushkin: BRICS is a very important mechanism in terms of its continued efforts, to support international community activities in shaping new multipolar world order. BRICS is doing its best to provide and propose the international community a unifying agenda. It is not against anybody, it is standing for bringing developing countries to the decision-making process when it comes to global economic governance and we stand for collective efforts while we are dealing with the global and regional issues. WION: How much is terror an issue for BRICS. India has been raising the issue of counter-terror? Roman Babushkin: We do support Indian measures and Indian approach to make this issue in the framework of BRICS more practical. This is in a way general process, we have just started practical cooperation in the framework of BRICS. During Indian contribution, we established a dedicated group against terrorism and the current president is bringing this cooperation to the new level. We do hope our relevant experts who will meet next month will have an opportunity to discuss in more details and work out something specific for the next summit to be held in brazil. WION: How much trade is currently happening in national currencies? Roman Babushkin: BRICS is also to give more opportunity for member states to use national currencies in their trade. The volume of trade in national currencies is increasing. its a common tendency and BRICS is just following it. WION: Unilateral Sanctions an issue, what is BRICS approach? Roman Babushkin: In fact, BRICS approach on unilateral sanctions is already there. We have quite a similar position that we do not accept unilateral sanctions, extraterritorial sanctions. We do support, new multipolar world order and it should be based on the central role of united nations and avoiding unilateral and politically motivated approach in global and regional affairs and against double standards. This is part of the BRICS agenda and unacceptability of unilateral sanctions. If we succeed in our efforts, to stable financial systems and national currencies stronger, it will help us overcome restrictions.

BRICS has a common approach against unilateral sanctions: Russian deputy chief of mission

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Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Sidhant Sibal

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