India has extended a grant of $15 million to Niger to help it organise the African Union (AU) summit.&nbsp;

The summit will take place from July 7-8&nbsp;in its capital Niamey. The grant assistance was handed over to Niger deputy foreign minister Lamido Ousseini Bala Goga Salamatou by the Indian envoy to Niger Rajesh Agarwal.&nbsp;

This is the first time the country is hosting the AU summit and India's support was in response to a specific request made by the Niger government. The AU summit is expected to launch the historic African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Indian assistance comes even as the government&nbsp;increases its engagement with the continent.&nbsp;

New Delhi in October 2015 had hosted the India-Africa summit that had seen&nbsp;maximum participation of African head of states and governments. Niger President Issoufou Mahamadou had participated in the 2015 summit and also visited India in March 2018 to attend the Founding Conference of International Solar Alliance.&nbsp;

India opened its mission in Niamey in 2009 and has provided Lines of Credit worth $ 96.54 million to Niger for projects in transport, electrification, solar energy and potable drinking water. &nbsp;

New Delhi is also establishing Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre (MGICC) in the country and is likely to host meetings associated with the upcoming AU summit.

India has extended a grant of $15 million to Niger to help it organise the African Union (AU) summit. The summit will take place from July 7-8 in its capital Niamey.

India has extended a grant of $15 million to Niger to help it organise the African Union (AU) summit. The summit will take place from July 7-8 in its capital Niamey. The grant assistance was handed over to Niger deputy foreign minister Lamido Ousseini Bala Goga Salamatou by the Indian envoy to Niger Rajesh Agarwal. This is the first time the country is hosting the AU summit and India's support was in response to a specific request made by the Niger government. The AU summit is expected to launch the historic African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Indian assistance comes even as the government increases its engagement with the continent. New Delhi in October 2015 had hosted the India-Africa summit that had seen maximum participation of African head of states and governments. Niger President Issoufou Mahamadou had participated in the 2015 summit and also visited India in March 2018 to attend the Founding Conference of International Solar Alliance. India opened its mission in Niamey in 2009 and has provided Lines of Credit worth $ 96.54 million to Niger for projects in transport, electrification, solar energy and potable drinking water. New Delhi is also establishing Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre (MGICC) in the country and is likely to host meetings associated with the upcoming AU summit.

India extends $15 million to Niger for African Union summit

Chief justice of India(CJI) Ranjan&nbsp;Gogoi has said that independence of the judiciary is not a one-time pill but "state of affairs" that has to remain constant. He was speaking at the 14th SCO conference of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-you-need-to-know-about-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-227166">chief justices in Sochi, Russia</a>.&nbsp;

While emphasising on the dire need to develop and nurture leadership in the judiciary, the CJI said that every nation should aspire for an independent judicial system and independence is the "very soul" of a functioning judiciary.

He explained countries that support and invest in a strong judicial infrastructure are more likely to become nations with stable governments and administrations.&nbsp;

On India experience, he said, executive and judiciary enjoy healthy relationship of mutual respect.

Other Indian Supreme court judges who participated in the meet were Justice V.N.Ramana, Justice D.Y.Chandrachud and Justice M.R.Shah.&nbsp;

On Monday, CJI Gogoi met Russian chief justice Vyacheslav Lebedev during which he said he would look forward to learn from other SCO member states on fast disposal of cases.&nbsp;

He said, the Indian judicial system can absorb practices such as mediation, out of court settlement to resolve pendency of cases, which Indian courts have highest among the world.

The SCO Supreme court judges conference ended with a declaration for further promotion of cooperation among judicial bodies of SCO countries.

Chief justice of India(CJI) Ranjan Gogoi has said that independence of the judiciary is not a one-time pill but "state of affairs" that has to remain constant. He was speaking at the 14th SCO conference of chief justices in Sochi, Russia.

Chief justice of India(CJI) Ranjan Gogoi has said that independence of the judiciary is not a one-time pill but "state of affairs" that has to remain constant. He was speaking at the 14th SCO conference of chief justices in Sochi, Russia. While emphasising on the dire need to develop and nurture leadership in the judiciary, the CJI said that every nation should aspire for an independent judicial system and independence is the "very soul" of a functioning judiciary. He explained countries that support and invest in a strong judicial infrastructure are more likely to become nations with stable governments and administrations. On India experience, he said, executive and judiciary enjoy healthy relationship of mutual respect. Other Indian Supreme court judges who participated in the meet were Justice V.N.Ramana, Justice D.Y.Chandrachud and Justice M.R.Shah. On Monday, CJI Gogoi met Russian chief justice Vyacheslav Lebedev during which he said he would look forward to learn from other SCO member states on fast disposal of cases. He said, the Indian judicial system can absorb practices such as mediation, out of court settlement to resolve pendency of cases, which Indian courts have highest among the world. The SCO Supreme court judges conference ended with a declaration for further promotion of cooperation among judicial bodies of SCO countries.

Independence of judiciary not a one-time pill, says CJI Gogoi at SCO conference

A day after PM Modi strongly raised the issue of terror at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Kyrgyzstan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called it the " gravest threat" that "we face in Asia today" at a summit in neighbouring Tajikistan.

Speaking at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia or CICA Summit in Tajik capital Dushanbe, EAM said, "Many CICA members are victims of terrorism and should be clear that terrorists and their victims must never be equated".

At the summit, New Delhi called for early finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism or CCIT which was proposed by India in 2016 and calls for a common definition on terror.

On regional connectivity initiatives, India reiterated that connectivity projects should be "inclusive, sustainable, transparent and respect the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity", a message for Bejing, whose CPEC or China-Pakistan Economic Corridor passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).&nbsp;

CPEC is part of China's mega connectivity plan - Belt and Road Initiative which plans to connect China with the rest of Asia and beyond.

CICA is a 26 member grouping based in Kazakhstan.

On Afghanistan, New Delhi said, "all initiatives and processes must include all sections of Afghan society, including the legitimately elected government", a statement which shows India's continued support to President Ashraf Ghani-led government who seems to be isolated in US-Taliban talks and Russian initiatives on Afghanistan.

On the sidelines of the CICA summit, EAM Jaishankar met Vice President of Vietnam Mme Đặng Thị Ngọc Thịnh, Bahrain's Foreign Minister Khalid Al Khalifa, Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and Bangladesh's AK Abdul Momen.&nbsp;

A day after PM Modi strongly raised the issue of terror at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Kyrgyzstan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called it the " gravest threat" that "we face in Asia today" at a summit in neighbouring Tajikistan.

A day after PM Modi strongly raised the issue of terror at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Kyrgyzstan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called it the " gravest threat" that "we face in Asia today" at a summit in neighbouring Tajikistan. Speaking at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia or CICA Summit in Tajik capital Dushanbe, EAM said, "Many CICA members are victims of terrorism and should be clear that terrorists and their victims must never be equated". At the summit, New Delhi called for early finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism or CCIT which was proposed by India in 2016 and calls for a common definition on terror. On regional connectivity initiatives, India reiterated that connectivity projects should be "inclusive, sustainable, transparent and respect the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity", a message for Bejing, whose CPEC or China-Pakistan Economic Corridor passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). CPEC is part of China's mega connectivity plan - Belt and Road Initiative which plans to connect China with the rest of Asia and beyond. CICA is a 26 member grouping based in Kazakhstan. On Afghanistan, New Delhi said, "all initiatives and processes must include all sections of Afghan society, including the legitimately elected government", a statement which shows India's continued support to President Ashraf Ghani-led government who seems to be isolated in US-Taliban talks and Russian initiatives on Afghanistan. On the sidelines of the CICA summit, EAM Jaishankar met Vice President of Vietnam Mme Đặng Thị Ngọc Thịnh, Bahrain's Foreign Minister Khalid Al Khalifa, Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and Bangladesh's AK Abdul Momen.

Terrorism is gravest threat in Asia: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at CICA Summit

India on Friday refused to endorse China's flagship connectivity programme--Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with the Bishkek declaration of SCO's head of state council only mentioning names of six countries backing it.

The declaration said, "The Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, &nbsp;the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan reaffirm their support for China’s Belt and Road Initiative and praise the results of the &nbsp;Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (Beijing, 26 April 2019)."

The six countries also note the ongoing work to implement BRI initiative together, including efforts to align the Eurasian Economic Union projects with those under the Belt and Road initiative.

India has raised concern over BRI since part of it -- China Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC) passes through Pakistan&nbsp;occupied Kashmir (PoK). At the SCO summit, Indian PM Modi said connectivity projects should be "transparent", "inclusive" and respect the "territorial integrity" of countries, a message that will not go unnoticed in Beijing.

But the SCO members --India, Pakistan, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan agreed to "expand the practice of using national currencies in transactions" between themselves which will be seen as challenging the dominance of Dollar.

These were convergence on terrorism with the declaration saying "member States, stressing that acts of terrorism and extremism cannot be justified, believe it important to take comprehensive measures to intensify efforts against &nbsp;terrorism and its ideology"

It called for passage of Indian proposal Comprehensive Convention on &nbsp;International Terrorism or CCIT that calls for common definition on terrorism.

Along with India, other SCO members such as Afghanistan strongly raised the issue of terror.&nbsp;

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani highlighted the link between terror and narcotics and said they "threaten both our wellbeing and the security of CSO members and observers."

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said, "Terrorism, in its different types, extremism, unilateralism and interference of extra-regional countries in the affairs of other regions and interference in the internal affairs of other countries have put the international community in a grave situation".&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

India on Friday refused to endorse China's flagship connectivity programme--Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with the Bishkek declaration of SCO's head of state council only mentioning names of six countries backing it.

India on Friday refused to endorse China's flagship connectivity programme--Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with the Bishkek declaration of SCO's head of state council only mentioning names of six countries backing it. The declaration said, "The Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan reaffirm their support for China’s Belt and Road Initiative and praise the results of the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (Beijing, 26 April 2019)." The six countries also note the ongoing work to implement BRI initiative together, including efforts to align the Eurasian Economic Union projects with those under the Belt and Road initiative. India has raised concern over BRI since part of it -- China Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC) passes through Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). At the SCO summit, Indian PM Modi said connectivity projects should be "transparent", "inclusive" and respect the "territorial integrity" of countries, a message that will not go unnoticed in Beijing. But the SCO members --India, Pakistan, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan agreed to "expand the practice of using national currencies in transactions" between themselves which will be seen as challenging the dominance of Dollar. These were convergence on terrorism with the declaration saying "member States, stressing that acts of terrorism and extremism cannot be justified, believe it important to take comprehensive measures to intensify efforts against terrorism and its ideology" It called for passage of Indian proposal Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism or CCIT that calls for common definition on terrorism. Along with India, other SCO members such as Afghanistan strongly raised the issue of terror. Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani highlighted the link between terror and narcotics and said they "threaten both our wellbeing and the security of CSO members and observers." Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said, "Terrorism, in its different types, extremism, unilateralism and interference of extra-regional countries in the affairs of other regions and interference in the internal affairs of other countries have put the international community in a grave situation".

PM Modi refuses to endorse China's BRI at SCO, says connectivity projects must respect 'territorial integrity'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday late evening for a bilateral meet on the sidelines of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-pleasantries-exchanged-between-pm-modi-and-imran-khan-on-day-1-of-sco-summit-226949">SCO Summit held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan</a>.

During the meet, India assured the Afghans that it will fulfil all the expectations of Afghanistan and Kabul in the path of "legitimate government chosen through democratic path".

In the bilateral meet that lasted for more than 30 minutes, PM Modi said neighbours can work together and gave the example of India-Bangladesh ties.

The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, "The two sides exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan and the role played by India towards an inclusive Afghanistan."

The Afghan president shared his views on the current situation in his country and how both New Delhi and Kabul should see drugs and terror together since the former fuels the latter.

He also shared his views on "sincerity of Pakistan" on action taken on terror group on its territory which has been a common cause of concern for both the countries.&nbsp;

New Delhi has been Afghanistan's biggest backer in the region. India through its community development scheme since 2005 has supported over 550 projects throughout Afghanistan. Of these, around 345 projects have been completed while the remaining are in various stages of completion.&nbsp;

India is the largest donor to Afghanistan in the region and since 2001 after the fall of the Taliban, the country has undertaken projects and programmes of over $2 billion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday late evening for a bilateral meet on the sidelines of SCO Summit held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday late evening for a bilateral meet on the sidelines of SCO Summit held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. During the meet, India assured the Afghans that it will fulfil all the expectations of Afghanistan and Kabul in the path of "legitimate government chosen through democratic path". In the bilateral meet that lasted for more than 30 minutes, PM Modi said neighbours can work together and gave the example of India-Bangladesh ties. The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, "The two sides exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan and the role played by India towards an inclusive Afghanistan." The Afghan president shared his views on the current situation in his country and how both New Delhi and Kabul should see drugs and terror together since the former fuels the latter. He also shared his views on "sincerity of Pakistan" on action taken on terror group on its territory which has been a common cause of concern for both the countries. New Delhi has been Afghanistan's biggest backer in the region. India through its community development scheme since 2005 has supported over 550 projects throughout Afghanistan. Of these, around 345 projects have been completed while the remaining are in various stages of completion. India is the largest donor to Afghanistan in the region and since 2001 after the fall of the Taliban, the country has undertaken projects and programmes of over $2 billion.

Will back legitimate government chosen through democratic path: PM Modi to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani

The 19th Shanghai cooperation organisation (SCO) summit ended on Friday with India seeking global cooperation on the issue of terror and raising issues such as trade, connectivity.&nbsp;

Speaking at the SCO summit, Prime Minister Modi sought concerted action against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-pleasantries-exchanged-between-pm-modi-and-imran-khan-on-day-1-of-sco-summit-226949">countries that support,</a> abet and provide financial assistance to terror.

The summit saw no interaction or exchange of pleasantries between Indian Prime Minister and Pakistani Prime Minister. There were seven occasions when both the leaders came across each other starting with informal dinner hosted by Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov and Gala Concert on Thursday to five occasions on Friday. These were photo opp in the morning, followed by restricted format meetings, extended format meeting, final photo opp and lunch.

Ahead of the Summit India had clarified no structured bilateral talks will take place between the two leaders but speculation was rife about a pull aside. Many see this as a strong message to Islamabad that it needs to take strong and verifiable action against terrorist on its territory.&nbsp;

Modi batted for improving healthy cooperation in the region with an acronym--H.E.A.L.T.H. H stands for healthcare cooperation, E for economic cooperation, A for alternate energy, L for literature, T for terrorism free society, H for humanitarian cooperation, Modi said.

Strongly speaking against protectionist policies, PM said unilateralism and protectionism haven't helped anyone and said "we need a rule-based transparent non-discriminatory open and inclusive multilateral trading system centered&nbsp;around WTO".

This is an important statement given both China and India are facing the heat from the White House on trade. US President has been calling India a ''tariff king'' and asked New Delhi to reduce tariffs on Harley Davidson motorbikes.

India also talked about connectivity projects such as Chabahar port and air corridor connecting Kabul, Kandahar to New Delhi and Mumbai but said connectivity projects should be "transparent". "inclusive" and respect the "territorial integrity" of countries.

China-Pakistan Economic corridor which is part of China's one belt one road initiative passes through Pakistan occupied Kashmir, which is an Indian territory occupied by Pakistan and New Delhi has made its concern known to Beijing.

New Delhi also reiterated its stand on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-back-legitimate-government-chosen-through-democratic-path-india-to-afghan-president-ashraf-ghani-226971">Afghan peace process</a> saying it continues with "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned &amp; Afghan-controlled" policy.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The 19th Shanghai cooperation organisation (SCO) summit ended on Friday with India seeking global cooperation on the issue of terror and raising issues such as trade, connectivity.

The 19th Shanghai cooperation organisation (SCO) summit ended on Friday with India seeking global cooperation on the issue of terror and raising issues such as trade, connectivity. Speaking at the SCO summit, Prime Minister Modi sought concerted action against the countries that support, abet and provide financial assistance to terror. The summit saw no interaction or exchange of pleasantries between Indian Prime Minister and Pakistani Prime Minister. There were seven occasions when both the leaders came across each other starting with informal dinner hosted by Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov and Gala Concert on Thursday to five occasions on Friday. These were photo opp in the morning, followed by restricted format meetings, extended format meeting, final photo opp and lunch. Ahead of the Summit India had clarified no structured bilateral talks will take place between the two leaders but speculation was rife about a pull aside. Many see this as a strong message to Islamabad that it needs to take strong and verifiable action against terrorist on its territory. Modi batted for improving healthy cooperation in the region with an acronym--H.E.A.L.T.H. H stands for healthcare cooperation, E for economic cooperation, A for alternate energy, L for literature, T for terrorism free society, H for humanitarian cooperation, Modi said. Strongly speaking against protectionist policies, PM said unilateralism and protectionism haven't helped anyone and said "we need a rule-based transparent non-discriminatory open and inclusive multilateral trading system centered around WTO". This is an important statement given both China and India are facing the heat from the White House on trade. US President has been calling India a ''tariff king'' and asked New Delhi to reduce tariffs on Harley Davidson motorbikes. India also talked about connectivity projects such as Chabahar port and air corridor connecting Kabul, Kandahar to New Delhi and Mumbai but said connectivity projects should be "transparent". "inclusive" and respect the "territorial integrity" of countries. China-Pakistan Economic corridor which is part of China's one belt one road initiative passes through Pakistan occupied Kashmir, which is an Indian territory occupied by Pakistan and New Delhi has made its concern known to Beijing. New Delhi also reiterated its stand on the Afghan peace process saying it continues with "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned & Afghan-controlled" policy.

No Modi-Imran pull-aside at SCO as New Delhi strongly raises terror 

At the informal dinner hosted by President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov on day 1 of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistan counterpart exchanged no pleasantries.

Both the leaders entered the dining hall almost the same time, with PM Modi entering a step ahead of cricketer-turned-politician Khan.&nbsp;

Except for each other, both the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wuhan-provided-stability-and-momentum-to-india-china-ties-pm-modi-to-xi-226895">leaders shook hands</a> with everyone. No interaction has taken place between the two sides all throughout the event.

PM Modi was seated towards the right of PM Khan on the fourth seat.

Ahead of the Bishkek summit, India had dismissed reports of any <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/during-bilateral-talks-pm-modi-and-xi-jinping-discuss-pakistan-terror-and-boundary-dispute-226899">bilateral-level talks</a> between the two South Asian neighbours.&nbsp;

"To the best of my knowledge no meeting has been planned between PM Modi and Pakistan PM Imran Khan at the SCO Summit in Bishkek," MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told WION.

Meanwhile, in what many see as a diplomatic gaffe, Pakistan PM Imran Khan continued to be seated while the host --President of Kyrgyzstan Jeenbekov and other leaders entered the venue.&nbsp;

At the informal dinner hosted by President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov on day 1 of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistan counterpart exchanged no pleasantries.

At the informal dinner hosted by President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov on day 1 of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistan counterpart exchanged no pleasantries. Both the leaders entered the dining hall almost the same time, with PM Modi entering a step ahead of cricketer-turned-politician Khan. Except for each other, both the leaders shook hands with everyone. No interaction has taken place between the two sides all throughout the event. PM Modi was seated towards the right of PM Khan on the fourth seat. Ahead of the Bishkek summit, India had dismissed reports of any bilateral-level talks between the two South Asian neighbours. "To the best of my knowledge no meeting has been planned between PM Modi and Pakistan PM Imran Khan at the SCO Summit in Bishkek," MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told WION. Meanwhile, in what many see as a diplomatic gaffe, Pakistan PM Imran Khan continued to be seated while the host --President of Kyrgyzstan Jeenbekov and other leaders entered the venue.

No pleasantries exchanged between PM Modi and Imran Khan on day 1 of SCO summit 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a delegation-level talk on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek on Thursday.

During the meet, PM thanked Russian President Putin for the "support for the rifle manufacturing unit in Amethi''.

In March of 2019, Prime Minister inaugurated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wuhan-provided-stability-and-momentum-to-india-china-ties-pm-modi-to-xi-226895">Indo-Russian joint venture</a> (JV) rifle manufacturing facility in Korwa, Amethi which will produce Kalashnikov AK 203 rifle.

27 meeting has taken place between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/during-bilateral-talks-pm-modi-and-xi-jinping-discuss-pakistan-terror-and-boundary-dispute-226899">Modi and Putin</a> since 2014. Out of which 13 were bilateral while 14 multilateral.

On Friday, PM will participate at the SCO meet in the morning and will have bilateral meeting meet Iran President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbay Jeenbekov.&nbsp;

He will also many pull-aside meeting with several countries but no pull aside with Pakistan PM Imran Khan is expected. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a delegation-level talk on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek on Thursday. During the meet, PM thanked Russian President Putin for the "support for the rifle manufacturing unit in Amethi''.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a delegation-level talk on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek on Thursday. During the meet, PM thanked Russian President Putin for the "support for the rifle manufacturing unit in Amethi''. In March of 2019, Prime Minister inaugurated Indo-Russian joint venture (JV) rifle manufacturing facility in Korwa, Amethi which will produce Kalashnikov AK 203 rifle. 27 meeting has taken place between Modi and Putin since 2014. Out of which 13 were bilateral while 14 multilateral. On Friday, PM will participate at the SCO meet in the morning and will have bilateral meeting meet Iran President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. He will also many pull-aside meeting with several countries but no pull aside with Pakistan PM Imran Khan is expected.

PM Modi holds delegation-level talks with Russian President Putin on SCO sidelines

PM Modi will be meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov.

The Indian prime minister will be landing in the central<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-leaves-for-sco-summit-in-kyrgyzstan-avoids-pakistan-airspace-226690"> Asian country post-2:30pm (IST) </a>and will have bilateral talks with leaders of China, Russia and Afghanistan today and an informal dinner with President Sooronbay Jeenbekov of Kyrgyzstan.

On the first day, PM Modi will be meeting&nbsp;Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This will be his first meeting with Chinese President Xi this year and first meet since the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist by the United Nations. Later this year the Chinese President will be visiting India for the second informal summit.&nbsp;

With Iran, focus will be on import of Iranian oil as the US has done away with&nbsp;waivers after sanctions came into effect.

This is the first multilateral summit PM Modi will be attending after the elections.

In a pre-departure statement ahead of SCO summit, PM said, "We attach special importance to SCO in promoting multilateral, political, security, economic and people-to-people interaction in the region."

PM Modi will not be using the Pakistani airspace for his Kyrgyzstan visit and will be using airspace of Oman, Iran and central Asian countries to reach the country.

Air India has confirmed that the route does not cross Pakistani airspace in any way. India had explored two options for the route to be taken by PM's aircraft to Bishkek.&nbsp;

The SCO represents 42 per cent of the world’s population, 22 per cent of its land area and 20 per cent of its GDP and New Delhi sees it as a platform to engage with central Asian countries.

PM Modi will be meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov.

PM Modi will be meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. The Indian prime minister will be landing in the central Asian country post-2:30pm (IST) and will have bilateral talks with leaders of China, Russia and Afghanistan today and an informal dinner with President Sooronbay Jeenbekov of Kyrgyzstan. On the first day, PM Modi will be meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This will be his first meeting with Chinese President Xi this year and first meet since the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist by the United Nations. Later this year the Chinese President will be visiting India for the second informal summit. With Iran, focus will be on import of Iranian oil as the US has done away with waivers after sanctions came into effect. This is the first multilateral summit PM Modi will be attending after the elections. In a pre-departure statement ahead of SCO summit, PM said, "We attach special importance to SCO in promoting multilateral, political, security, economic and people-to-people interaction in the region." PM Modi will not be using the Pakistani airspace for his Kyrgyzstan visit and will be using airspace of Oman, Iran and central Asian countries to reach the country. Air India has confirmed that the route does not cross Pakistani airspace in any way. India had explored two options for the route to be taken by PM's aircraft to Bishkek. The SCO represents 42 per cent of the world’s population, 22 per cent of its land area and 20 per cent of its GDP and New Delhi sees it as a platform to engage with central Asian countries.

SCO summit: PM Modi set to meet President Xi, Putin today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told Chinese President Xi Jinping that the relationship between the two countries has strengthened.

PM Modi and Xi held a bilateral talks on the sidelines of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-bilateral-talks-with-chinese-president-xi-jinping-on-sco-sidelines-226851">SCO summit</a> in Kyrgyzstan. This was the first meeting between the two leaders after Modi's re-election following the stunning victory of the BJP in the general elections in India last month.

The meeting began with President Xi congratulating Prime Minister Modi over his election victory.

"After the election results in India, I got your message, and today again you wish me on the victory, I am very grateful to you for this," Modi replied.

PM Modi also mentioned about Wuhan informal summit and said there has been "improvement in strategic communication" between the two countries after the summit.&nbsp;

"After our meeting in Wuhan, we have seen a new momentum and stability in our relations. There has been a rapid progress in the strategic communication between the two sides, leading to be more sensitive towards each other's concerns and interests. And there has been new areas for further cooperation since then," Modi told Xi.

Watch: MEA briefing on Modi-Xi meeting

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The 2018 Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi was largely credited to have turned around the bilateral relations soured by the 73-day Doklam stand-off, triggered by Chinese troops attempts to build a road close to Indian border in an area also claimed by Bhutan in 2017.

After the Wuhan summit, both the countries stepped up efforts to improve relations on different spheres including the military-to-military ties.

Modi also wished Chinese President Xi Jinping happy birthday during the meeting. The Chinese leader celebrates his 66th birthday on June 15.

This was the first meeting of Modi with the Chinese leader in 2019. This also was the first meeting of Modi and Xi after the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist.&nbsp;

The two leaders have met more than 10 times in the last five years, out of which four meetings happened in 2018, starting with informal Wuhan summit in April followed by bilateral meetings on the sidelines of SCO, BRICS and G20. The Chinese president will be coming to India later this year for the second informal summit.

On Friday, PM will participate at the SCO meet in the morning and will have a bilateral meeting with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and&nbsp;Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. He will also have many pull-aside meeting with leaders of several countries but no pull aside with Pakistan Prime Minister&nbsp;Imran Khan is expected.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told Chinese President Xi Jinping that the relationship between the two countries has strengthened. PM Modi and Xi held a bilateral talks on the sidelines of SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told Chinese President Xi Jinping that the relationship between the two countries has strengthened. PM Modi and Xi held a bilateral talks on the sidelines of SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan. This was the first meeting between the two leaders after Modi's re-election following the stunning victory of the BJP in the general elections in India last month. The meeting began with President Xi congratulating Prime Minister Modi over his election victory. "After the election results in India, I got your message, and today again you wish me on the victory, I am very grateful to you for this," Modi replied. PM Modi also mentioned about Wuhan informal summit and said there has been "improvement in strategic communication" between the two countries after the summit. "After our meeting in Wuhan, we have seen a new momentum and stability in our relations. There has been a rapid progress in the strategic communication between the two sides, leading to be more sensitive towards each other's concerns and interests. And there has been new areas for further cooperation since then," Modi told Xi. Watch: MEA briefing on Modi-Xi meeting The 2018 Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi was largely credited to have turned around the bilateral relations soured by the 73-day Doklam stand-off, triggered by Chinese troops attempts to build a road close to Indian border in an area also claimed by Bhutan in 2017. After the Wuhan summit, both the countries stepped up efforts to improve relations on different spheres including the military-to-military ties. Modi also wished Chinese President Xi Jinping happy birthday during the meeting. The Chinese leader celebrates his 66th birthday on June 15. This was the first meeting of Modi with the Chinese leader in 2019. This also was the first meeting of Modi and Xi after the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. The two leaders have met more than 10 times in the last five years, out of which four meetings happened in 2018, starting with informal Wuhan summit in April followed by bilateral meetings on the sidelines of SCO, BRICS and G20. The Chinese president will be coming to India later this year for the second informal summit. On Friday, PM will participate at the SCO meet in the morning and will have a bilateral meeting with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. He will also have many pull-aside meeting with leaders of several countries but no pull aside with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected.

Wuhan provided 'stability and momentum' to India-China ties: PM Modi to Xi Jinping

PM Modi will be in Kyrgyzstan on a two-day visit starting Thursday during which he will be participating in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-sco-summit-member-countries-say-india-has-important-role-to-play-226250">19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit</a> and hold a number of bilateral meetings. This is the first multilateral summit that PM Modi will be attending after the recently concluded general elections.

In a pre-departure statement ahead of the SCO summit, PM said, "We attach special importance to SCO in promoting multilateral, political, security, economic and people-to-people interaction in the region".

Explaining further, "India has actively participated in various SCO dialogue mechanisms since its full membership of SCO two years ago. We have extended full cooperation to the Chairmanship of the Kyrgyz Republic over the past year."

PM Modi will not be using <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-not-to-fly-over-pak-airspace-for-sco-summit-226462">Pakistan's airspace for his Kyrgyzstan visit</a>, instead, he will flying over Oman, Iran and Central Asian countries to reach the country.

Air India has confirmed that the route does not cross Pakistan's airspace in any way. India had explored two options for the route to be taken by PM's aircraft to Bishkek.&nbsp;

The prime minister will be reaching Kyrgyzstan by midday on Thursday and is set to have a packed day. His first engagement will be inaugurating India-Kyrgyz textile exhibition along with Kyrgystan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov on the theme of "Colors and Weaves of India and Central Asia”.&nbsp;

Watch: PM Modi's tough stand against terror, no meet with Imran Khan

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The first day will also see him meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This will be his first meeting with the Chinese President this year and first since the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist by the United Nations. Later this year, Jinping will be visiting India for the second informal summit.&nbsp;

Last year PM Modi and Chinese President met four times starting with the Wuhan informal summit followed by a meeting on the sidelines of the SCO summit in China, the BRICS summit in South Africa and the G20 summit in Argentina.&nbsp;

The second day of PM's Kyrgyzstan trip will have two components - his participation at the SCO summit and his engagement with the Kyrgyz counterpart.&nbsp;

India is expected to raise a number of issues, from terror to trade to connectivity and ties with central Asia at the summit. New Delhi became an SCO member in 2017 and this is the second time PM Modi is participating in the summit.

"Prime Minister, when he participates, when he makes his intervention, he will reflect the Indian concerns and priorities with respect to the SCO process," Secretary West, Gitesh Sarma said in a media briefing ahead of the summit.

The organization represents &nbsp;42 per cent of the world’s population, 22 per cent of its land area and 20 per cent of its GDP and New Delhi sees it as a platform to engage with Central Asian countries.&nbsp;

"We live in a globalised world. The distances are much shorter and multilateralism of this order is the new order of the world relationship," Alok A Dimri, Indian envoy to Kyrgyzstan, told WION in Bishkek.

In the afternoon of June 14, the prime minister will participate in India Kyrgyz Business Forum followed by his bilateral meet with Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. Remember, India had invited the Kyrgyz president for the oathtaking ceremony of PM Modi on May 30 at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Reacting on the invite, Kyrgyz Envoy Asein Isaev had told WION, "It was a big surprise. We were very excited by this invitation. Our president immediately answered, and immediately arrived. He was in Kazakhstan and after that, he had to go to Saudi Arabia. He only had half a day but he decided to directly come here".

This is the second visit of PM Modi to the central Asian country. In his first term, he had visited all the central Asian countries.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that there will be no structured formal talks between PM Modi and Pakistan's PM Imran Khan on the sidelines of the SCO summit but a pull aside is something that is keeping everyone on tenterhooks with huge media presence from both India and Pakistan in Bishkek.

PM Modi will be in Kyrgyzstan on a two-day visit starting Thursday during which he will be participating in the 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and hold a number of bilateral meetings.

PM Modi will be in Kyrgyzstan on a two-day visit starting Thursday during which he will be participating in the 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and hold a number of bilateral meetings. This is the first multilateral summit that PM Modi will be attending after the recently concluded general elections. In a pre-departure statement ahead of the SCO summit, PM said, "We attach special importance to SCO in promoting multilateral, political, security, economic and people-to-people interaction in the region". Explaining further, "India has actively participated in various SCO dialogue mechanisms since its full membership of SCO two years ago. We have extended full cooperation to the Chairmanship of the Kyrgyz Republic over the past year." PM Modi will not be using Pakistan's airspace for his Kyrgyzstan visit, instead, he will flying over Oman, Iran and Central Asian countries to reach the country. Air India has confirmed that the route does not cross Pakistan's airspace in any way. India had explored two options for the route to be taken by PM's aircraft to Bishkek. The prime minister will be reaching Kyrgyzstan by midday on Thursday and is set to have a packed day. His first engagement will be inaugurating India-Kyrgyz textile exhibition along with Kyrgystan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov on the theme of "Colors and Weaves of India and Central Asia”. Watch: PM Modi's tough stand against terror, no meet with Imran Khan × The first day will also see him meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This will be his first meeting with the Chinese President this year and first since the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist by the United Nations. Later this year, Jinping will be visiting India for the second informal summit. Last year PM Modi and Chinese President met four times starting with the Wuhan informal summit followed by a meeting on the sidelines of the SCO summit in China, the BRICS summit in South Africa and the G20 summit in Argentina. The second day of PM's Kyrgyzstan trip will have two components - his participation at the SCO summit and his engagement with the Kyrgyz counterpart. India is expected to raise a number of issues, from terror to trade to connectivity and ties with central Asia at the summit. New Delhi became an SCO member in 2017 and this is the second time PM Modi is participating in the summit. "Prime Minister, when he participates, when he makes his intervention, he will reflect the Indian concerns and priorities with respect to the SCO process," Secretary West, Gitesh Sarma said in a media briefing ahead of the summit. The organization represents 42 per cent of the world’s population, 22 per cent of its land area and 20 per cent of its GDP and New Delhi sees it as a platform to engage with Central Asian countries. "We live in a globalised world. The distances are much shorter and multilateralism of this order is the new order of the world relationship," Alok A Dimri, Indian envoy to Kyrgyzstan, told WION in Bishkek. In the afternoon of June 14, the prime minister will participate in India Kyrgyz Business Forum followed by his bilateral meet with Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. Remember, India had invited the Kyrgyz president for the oathtaking ceremony of PM Modi on May 30 at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Reacting on the invite, Kyrgyz Envoy Asein Isaev had told WION, "It was a big surprise. We were very excited by this invitation. Our president immediately answered, and immediately arrived. He was in Kazakhstan and after that, he had to go to Saudi Arabia. He only had half a day but he decided to directly come here". This is the second visit of PM Modi to the central Asian country. In his first term, he had visited all the central Asian countries. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that there will be no structured formal talks between PM Modi and Pakistan's PM Imran Khan on the sidelines of the SCO summit but a pull aside is something that is keeping everyone on tenterhooks with huge media presence from both India and Pakistan in Bishkek.

PM Modi's two-day visit to Kyrgyzstan begins from Thursday; will meet Xi, Putin 

PM Modi won't be flying over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-requests-pakistan-to-let-pm-modis-flight-pass-through-its-airspace-225685">Pakistan airspace while visiting Kyrgyzstan</a> for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) summit.

An official spokesman said: "The government explored two options for the route to be taken by the VVIP aircraft to Bishkek. A decision has now been taken that the VVIP aircraft will fly via Oman, Iran and central Asian countries on the way to Bishkek."

Pakistan had decided in principle to let PM Modi's aircraft to fly over its airspace to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan. Air India has confirmed that the route taken by PM Modi's plane does not cross over Pakistan airspace anywhere.

The summit will take place on Thursday and Friday. Pakistan PM Imran Khan will also be present at the summit, however, PM Modi and PM Imran Khan are not set to meet.

Indians, Afghans getting affected

This comes even as many Indians face daily trouble to come back to India. The airspace closure is also impacting thousands of Indian students in Kyrgyzstan. As many as 4,500 Indian students are there in Kyrgyzstan. Indian are now paying extra and also bearing the brunt of longer flights top come to India.&nbsp;

Not just Indians, many Afghans who wanted to visit family members in India or come for health checkups are also facing problems.&nbsp;

The time and cost for Kabul-New Delhi flight have increased substantially. A Delhi to Kabul flight that used to take less than 2 hours earlier now takes more than five hours just because it now has to go via Iran.

Watch: PM Modi's tough stand against terror, no meet with Imran Khan

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Pakistan had fully closed its airspace on February 26 after an Indian Air Force (IAF) strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot. Since then, it has only opened two routes, both of them pass through southern Pakistan, of the total 11.

India had earlier requested Pakistan to let Prime Minister Modi's aircraft fly over its airspace to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan.&nbsp;

Pakistan had given special permission to India's then external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj to fly directly through Pakistani airspace to attend the SCO Foreign Ministers' meet in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on May 21 last year.

PM Modi won't be flying over Pakistan airspace while visiting Kyrgyzstan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) summit. An official spokesman said: "The government explored two options for the route to be taken by the VVIP aircraft to Bishkek.

PM Modi won't be flying over Pakistan airspace while visiting Kyrgyzstan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) summit. An official spokesman said: "The government explored two options for the route to be taken by the VVIP aircraft to Bishkek. A decision has now been taken that the VVIP aircraft will fly via Oman, Iran and central Asian countries on the way to Bishkek." Pakistan had decided in principle to let PM Modi's aircraft to fly over its airspace to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan. Air India has confirmed that the route taken by PM Modi's plane does not cross over Pakistan airspace anywhere. The summit will take place on Thursday and Friday. Pakistan PM Imran Khan will also be present at the summit, however, PM Modi and PM Imran Khan are not set to meet. Indians, Afghans getting affected This comes even as many Indians face daily trouble to come back to India. The airspace closure is also impacting thousands of Indian students in Kyrgyzstan. As many as 4,500 Indian students are there in Kyrgyzstan. Indian are now paying extra and also bearing the brunt of longer flights top come to India. Not just Indians, many Afghans who wanted to visit family members in India or come for health checkups are also facing problems. The time and cost for Kabul-New Delhi flight have increased substantially. A Delhi to Kabul flight that used to take less than 2 hours earlier now takes more than five hours just because it now has to go via Iran. Watch: PM Modi's tough stand against terror, no meet with Imran Khan × Pakistan had fully closed its airspace on February 26 after an Indian Air Force (IAF) strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot. Since then, it has only opened two routes, both of them pass through southern Pakistan, of the total 11. India had earlier requested Pakistan to let Prime Minister Modi's aircraft fly over its airspace to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan. Pakistan had given special permission to India's then external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj to fly directly through Pakistani airspace to attend the SCO Foreign Ministers' meet in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on May 21 last year.

PM Modi not to fly over Pak airspace for SCO summit; plane to travel via Oman, Iran and central Asian countries

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Zee News Rajasthan

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