The Ministry of External Affairs has said that both <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-eye-on-china-india-japan-and-sri-lanka-agree-to-develop-colombo-port-222353">India and China</a> are in touch with each other regarding the second informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping that will take place in India later this year. The summit is likely to take place in October, though the venue hasn't been decided.&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs in its release said, "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-to-cooperate-closely-on-afghanistans-peace-efforts-217633">The two sides</a> are in touch, through diplomatic channels, to finalise the date and venue for the meeting. Details about the visit will be announced in due course after the details are finalised."

During the first Informal Summit in Wuhan last year, Chinese President Xi had accepted PM Modi's invitation to visit India for the next Informal summit in 2019.&nbsp;

Watch: Can India, China stop the 4th Gulf war?

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The Wuhan summit, which happened in the backdrop of the Doklam crisis of 2017, is considered an important milestone in Indo-China ties as it helped re-set the ties between the two Asian neighbours.&nbsp;

The Doklam crisis saw over a two-month-long standoff between Indian and Chinese forces after Bejing attempted to build a road in the Bhutanese territory of Doklam.&nbsp;

Chinese President Xi Jinping and PM Modi met four times in 2018 starting with Wuhan summit followed by meetings on the sidelines of the SCO, BRICS and G20 summits.&nbsp;

After the PM Modi's re-election, Chinese president Xi Jinping had written a letter to him congratulating him on his victory. &nbsp;In the letter, President Xi noted the "great importance he attached to the development of India-China relations" and his "desire to work with Prime Minister Modi to take the Closer Development Partnership between the two countries to a new height", according to an MEA release.

The two leaders are likely to meet on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan in June.

The Ministry of External Affairs has said that both India and China are in touch with each other regarding the second informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping that will take place in India later this year.

The Ministry of External Affairs has said that both India and China are in touch with each other regarding the second informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping that will take place in India later this year. The summit is likely to take place in October, though the venue hasn't been decided. The Ministry of External Affairs in its release said, "The two sides are in touch, through diplomatic channels, to finalise the date and venue for the meeting. Details about the visit will be announced in due course after the details are finalised." During the first Informal Summit in Wuhan last year, Chinese President Xi had accepted PM Modi's invitation to visit India for the next Informal summit in 2019. Watch: Can India, China stop the 4th Gulf war? The Wuhan summit, which happened in the backdrop of the Doklam crisis of 2017, is considered an important milestone in Indo-China ties as it helped re-set the ties between the two Asian neighbours. The Doklam crisis saw over a two-month-long standoff between Indian and Chinese forces after Bejing attempted to build a road in the Bhutanese territory of Doklam. Chinese President Xi Jinping and PM Modi met four times in 2018 starting with Wuhan summit followed by meetings on the sidelines of the SCO, BRICS and G20 summits. After the PM Modi's re-election, Chinese president Xi Jinping had written a letter to him congratulating him on his victory. In the letter, President Xi noted the "great importance he attached to the development of India-China relations" and his "desire to work with Prime Minister Modi to take the Closer Development Partnership between the two countries to a new height", according to an MEA release. The two leaders are likely to meet on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan in June.

India, China in touch for second informal summit: Ministry of External Affairs

The oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi for the Prime Minister's office will be a grand spectacle at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhawan and will be attended by four Presidents, three Prime Ministers, one special envoy, India's top political class and the entire diplomatic corps. Millions will be watching it television and social media, as always is expected to see millions of tweets and posts.

The four Presidents at the ceremony are—President of Bangladesh Mohammed Abdul Hamid, President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena, President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena, President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov and President of Myanmar U Win Myint.

The three PMs include Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli &amp; Prime Minister of Bhutan Dr Lotay Tshering.&nbsp;

Remember BIMSTEC leaders along with Kyrgyzstan who is the chair of Shanghai cooperation organisation (SCO) and Mauritius, who was the Chief Guest at this year's Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, will be coming at the oath-taking ceremony.

Narendra Modi has been getting congratulatory calls and messages by world leaders since the election results were announced on May 23.

Nepal Ambassador Nilambar Acharya told WION, "We have close relations and we are confident that relationship will get further impetus in the 2nd term of Narendra Modi"

Thailand, one of the BIMSTEC country, is being represented by special envoy Grisada Boonrach since due to there own government formation.

"Thailand applauds India’s vibrant democracy &amp; welcomes the swearing in of a new government. The next 5 years will see a New India @ 75 &amp; dynamic change. Strong neighbours can reinforce this. That’s why we are honoured to be here", Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Ambassador of Thailand said, while reacting to WION on Indian invite to the neighbouring country.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan envoy Austin Fernando speaking to WION on the re-election and oath taking said, "We must remember that we are not only friends and neighbours, but relations too. Our mutual relations will certainly benefit both countries also in the future under PM Narendra Modi’s second tenure of office"

Before the oath-taking ceremony, PM will pay homage to father of nation Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, the samadhi of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Atal Samadhi &amp; the National War Memorial in front of India Gate, before he takes oath at Rashtrapati Bhawan at 7 PM.

The oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi for the Prime Minister's office will be a grand spectacle at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhawan and will be attended by four Presidents, three Prime Ministers, one special envoy, India's top political class and the entire diplomatic corps.

The oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi for the Prime Minister's office will be a grand spectacle at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhawan and will be attended by four Presidents, three Prime Ministers, one special envoy, India's top political class and the entire diplomatic corps. Millions will be watching it television and social media, as always is expected to see millions of tweets and posts. The four Presidents at the ceremony are—President of Bangladesh Mohammed Abdul Hamid, President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena, President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena, President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov and President of Myanmar U Win Myint. The three PMs include Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli & Prime Minister of Bhutan Dr Lotay Tshering. Remember BIMSTEC leaders along with Kyrgyzstan who is the chair of Shanghai cooperation organisation (SCO) and Mauritius, who was the Chief Guest at this year's Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, will be coming at the oath-taking ceremony. Narendra Modi has been getting congratulatory calls and messages by world leaders since the election results were announced on May 23. Nepal Ambassador Nilambar Acharya told WION, "We have close relations and we are confident that relationship will get further impetus in the 2nd term of Narendra Modi" Thailand, one of the BIMSTEC country, is being represented by special envoy Grisada Boonrach since due to there own government formation. "Thailand applauds India’s vibrant democracy & welcomes the swearing in of a new government. The next 5 years will see a New India @ 75 & dynamic change. Strong neighbours can reinforce this. That’s why we are honoured to be here", Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Ambassador of Thailand said, while reacting to WION on Indian invite to the neighbouring country. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan envoy Austin Fernando speaking to WION on the re-election and oath taking said, "We must remember that we are not only friends and neighbours, but relations too. Our mutual relations will certainly benefit both countries also in the future under PM Narendra Modi’s second tenure of office" Before the oath-taking ceremony, PM will pay homage to father of nation Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, the samadhi of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Atal Samadhi & the National War Memorial in front of India Gate, before he takes oath at Rashtrapati Bhawan at 7 PM.

PM Narendra Modi oath ceremony: Four Presidents, three PMs and millions glued on tv screens

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing Parliament of Maldives - People's Majlis - during his visit to the country from June 7 to 8.&nbsp;

This will be his first foreign visit after assuming office for the second term.

In a tweet, Maldives' Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid said, "Maldives Parliament has unanimously passed a resolution to invite PM Narendra&nbsp;modi to address a sitting of the house during his upcoming visit to the Maldives."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maldives?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maldives</a> Parliament has unanimously passed a resolution to invite PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> to address a sitting of the house during his upcoming visit to the Maldives.
— Abdulla Shahid 🎈 (@abdulla_shahid) <a href="https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid/status/1133664222284603392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Majlis took up the matter on Wednesday and motion was passed with consensus. As a part of a process, if any foreign leader addresses the country's parliament, it has to be approved by the MPs. 
 
Former High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, Rajeev Shahare speaking to WION on the visit said, "PM Modi’s upcoming visit to the Maldives, his first overseas visit after re-affirmation of a robust mandate in the recent polls, is a strong reiteration of his “neighbourhood-first” policy."

He explained, "Given Maldivian President Ibu Solih’s favourable disposition towards India with his “India-first” policy and India’s desire to intensify and deepen its engagement with the Maldives, the visit is likely to open a new chapter in our bilateral relations."

Bhutan was the first foreign country he visited in the first term after taking charge as Prime Minister in 2014. During that visit, he addressed the joint session of Parliament.

The last Indian Prime Minister to address the Maldives' Parliament was Manmohan Singh in 2011. He was then the first head of the government to address the 'People's Majlis'.

Last six months have seen a number of high-level visits between the two countries. PM Modi had visited the island country during the oath-taking ceremony of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. This visit was followed by visits by Maldivian foreign minister Abdulla Shahid &amp; President Solih.

In March this year, Sushma Swaraj, the minister of external affairs under the Modi government's first term, visited the country in which India announced 100 million rufiyaa grant.

Under the 100 million rufiyaa grant, two&nbsp;new projects, financial support to establish Emergency Medical Services and construction of classrooms were announced on Wednesday.

The Maldives is a key country in the Indian Ocean region and lies in the heart of busy shipping lanes connecting Africa with Asia. The previous administration under President Yameen had junked the "India first" policy for a pro-china policy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing Parliament of Maldives - People's Majlis - during his visit to the country from June 7 to 8. This will be his first foreign visit after assuming office for the second term.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing Parliament of Maldives - People's Majlis - during his visit to the country from June 7 to 8. This will be his first foreign visit after assuming office for the second term. In a tweet, Maldives' Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid said, "Maldives Parliament has unanimously passed a resolution to invite PM Narendra modi to address a sitting of the house during his upcoming visit to the Maldives." #Maldives Parliament has unanimously passed a resolution to invite PM @narendramodi to address a sitting of the house during his upcoming visit to the Maldives. — Abdulla Shahid 🎈 (@abdulla_shahid) May 29, 2019 × The Majlis took up the matter on Wednesday and motion was passed with consensus. As a part of a process, if any foreign leader addresses the country's parliament, it has to be approved by the MPs. Former High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, Rajeev Shahare speaking to WION on the visit said, "PM Modi’s upcoming visit to the Maldives, his first overseas visit after re-affirmation of a robust mandate in the recent polls, is a strong reiteration of his “neighbourhood-first” policy." He explained, "Given Maldivian President Ibu Solih’s favourable disposition towards India with his “India-first” policy and India’s desire to intensify and deepen its engagement with the Maldives, the visit is likely to open a new chapter in our bilateral relations." Bhutan was the first foreign country he visited in the first term after taking charge as Prime Minister in 2014. During that visit, he addressed the joint session of Parliament. The last Indian Prime Minister to address the Maldives' Parliament was Manmohan Singh in 2011. He was then the first head of the government to address the 'People's Majlis'. Last six months have seen a number of high-level visits between the two countries. PM Modi had visited the island country during the oath-taking ceremony of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. This visit was followed by visits by Maldivian foreign minister Abdulla Shahid & President Solih. In March this year, Sushma Swaraj, the minister of external affairs under the Modi government's first term, visited the country in which India announced 100 million rufiyaa grant. Under the 100 million rufiyaa grant, two new projects, financial support to establish Emergency Medical Services and construction of classrooms were announced on Wednesday. The Maldives is a key country in the Indian Ocean region and lies in the heart of busy shipping lanes connecting Africa with Asia. The previous administration under President Yameen had junked the "India first" policy for a pro-china policy.

PM Narendra Modi to address Maldives Parliament

Pakistan is certain to stay on the grey list in the next meet of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an official from FATF member countries told WION on Wednesday.

FATF which looks into money laundering and terrorism financing will meet from June 16 to 21 in Orlando, Florida.

The main discussion of the meeting would be Pakistan's listing and whether the country has taken any action to combat terror financing.&nbsp;

FATF's Asia-Pacific Group (APG) which met in China in mid-May was not impressed by Pakistan's action on terror financing.

Pakistan was put on the grey list last year which means the country comes under financial jurisdiction with ''structural deficiencies'' in anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) or simply-- supports financing of terror.

In June 2018, Pakistan had made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and Asia Pacific group to strengthen its AML/CFT regime and to address its strategic counter- terrorist financing-related deficiencies.&nbsp;

Being in FATF’s grey list, it has caused a loss of $10 billion to Islamabad and if Islamabad fails to take any concrete action on terror, it might be put on the blacklist.

The FATF in its February meet had come hard on Pakistan saying it has not demonstrated a proper understanding of the Terror Financing risks posed by "Da’esh, AQ, JuD, FiF, LeT, JeM, HQN, and persons affiliated with the Taliban."

Pakistan is certain to stay on the grey list in the next meet of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an official from FATF member countries told WION on Wednesday.

Pakistan is certain to stay on the grey list in the next meet of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an official from FATF member countries told WION on Wednesday. FATF which looks into money laundering and terrorism financing will meet from June 16 to 21 in Orlando, Florida. The main discussion of the meeting would be Pakistan's listing and whether the country has taken any action to combat terror financing. FATF's Asia-Pacific Group (APG) which met in China in mid-May was not impressed by Pakistan's action on terror financing. Pakistan was put on the grey list last year which means the country comes under financial jurisdiction with ''structural deficiencies'' in anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) or simply-- supports financing of terror. In June 2018, Pakistan had made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and Asia Pacific group to strengthen its AML/CFT regime and to address its strategic counter- terrorist financing-related deficiencies. Being in FATF’s grey list, it has caused a loss of $10 billion to Islamabad and if Islamabad fails to take any concrete action on terror, it might be put on the blacklist. The FATF in its February meet had come hard on Pakistan saying it has not demonstrated a proper understanding of the Terror Financing risks posed by "Da’esh, AQ, JuD, FiF, LeT, JeM, HQN, and persons affiliated with the Taliban."

Pakistan to stay on FATF's grey list: Official to WION

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/need-to-take-concrete-measures-to-enhance-youth-exchanges-between-india-and-china-chinese-envoy-177767">outgoing Chinese envoy to India, Luo Zhaohui</a>, has said that he will be leaving India with a lot of fond memories.

Speaking to WION, Luo said, he is leaving with "a lot of memories, fond and friendly memories".

He said that this was not the first time he was in India, adding that he will miss the food.

"Not my first time to India, the second time to India. Will miss the food. A lot of similarities between India and China like history."

He will be going back to Bejing as he has been promoted to the rank of vice minister.

Zhaohui was Chinese envoy to India for two years and eight months. He played a key role in lowering down the heat in the aftermath of the Doklam crisis in 2017. The crisis saw a standoff between the Indian and the Chinese army on the Bhutanese territory of Doklam on which Beijing sought to build a road.

Last year's Wuhan Summit between the Indian PM and Chinese President saw a reset of ties. PM Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping met four times last year starting with Wuhan, followed by the meetings on the sidelines of the SCO, the BRICS and the G20 summit.&nbsp;

Both the leaders are likely to meet again on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Kyrgyzstan this year.

The outgoing Chinese envoy to India, Luo Zhaohui, has said that he will be leaving India with a lot of fond memories. Speaking to WION, Luo said, he is leaving with "a lot of memories, fond and friendly memories".

The outgoing Chinese envoy to India, Luo Zhaohui, has said that he will be leaving India with a lot of fond memories. Speaking to WION, Luo said, he is leaving with "a lot of memories, fond and friendly memories". He said that this was not the first time he was in India, adding that he will miss the food. "Not my first time to India, the second time to India. Will miss the food. A lot of similarities between India and China like history." He will be going back to Bejing as he has been promoted to the rank of vice minister. Zhaohui was Chinese envoy to India for two years and eight months. He played a key role in lowering down the heat in the aftermath of the Doklam crisis in 2017. The crisis saw a standoff between the Indian and the Chinese army on the Bhutanese territory of Doklam on which Beijing sought to build a road. Last year's Wuhan Summit between the Indian PM and Chinese President saw a reset of ties. PM Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping met four times last year starting with Wuhan, followed by the meetings on the sidelines of the SCO, the BRICS and the G20 summit. Both the leaders are likely to meet again on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Kyrgyzstan this year.

Leaving India with fond memories: Outgoing Chinese envoy to WION

India has dismissed reports about a structured meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Shanghai cooperation organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The summit will take place in the second week of June.&nbsp;

It will be for the first time that both leaders will be face to face since Imran Khan became the prime minister of Pakistan&nbsp;last year.

Government sources said, "Report appearing in a section of the media about a possible meeting between Modi and Imran Khan is entirely speculative."

Khan had called Modi on Sunday to congratulate him on his victory. During the conversation, no invite was extended to Imran Khan for the oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi on May 30.

Ties between the two countries are frayed since the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based and United Nations listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.

India has dismissed reports about a structured meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Shanghai cooperation organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

India has dismissed reports about a structured meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Shanghai cooperation organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The summit will take place in the second week of June. It will be for the first time that both leaders will be face to face since Imran Khan became the prime minister of Pakistan last year. Government sources said, "Report appearing in a section of the media about a possible meeting between Modi and Imran Khan is entirely speculative." Khan had called Modi on Sunday to congratulate him on his victory. During the conversation, no invite was extended to Imran Khan for the oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi on May 30. Ties between the two countries are frayed since the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based and United Nations listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.

PM Modi, Pakistan's Imran Khan structured meet unlikely at SCO in Bishkek

India has lifted the advisory for Indians to reconsider non-essential travel to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of 21st April terror attacks that killed more than 250 people.&nbsp;

In a freshly updated advisory, ministry of external affairs said, "Security situation in Sri Lanka is gradually returning to normal with the lifting of curfew &amp; restrictions on social media and the opening of schools" but advised Indian travelling to Sri Lanka to be "careful and vigilant."

India had issued the advisory on April 27 asking Indians to avoid non-essential travel to Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Remember Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had asked countries to remove the travel advisory since it impacts the tourism business of the island nation.

China over the weekend was one of the first countries to tone down the advisory from 'Do not travel to Sri Lanka' to 'be cautious'.

Tourism is one of the major contributors to the Sri Lankan economy and had taken a severe beating after the 21st Aprill attacks in which many foreigners were also killed.

India has lifted the advisory for Indians to reconsider non-essential travel to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of 21st April terror attacks that killed more than 250 people.

India has lifted the advisory for Indians to reconsider non-essential travel to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of 21st April terror attacks that killed more than 250 people. In a freshly updated advisory, ministry of external affairs said, "Security situation in Sri Lanka is gradually returning to normal with the lifting of curfew & restrictions on social media and the opening of schools" but advised Indian travelling to Sri Lanka to be "careful and vigilant." India had issued the advisory on April 27 asking Indians to avoid non-essential travel to Sri Lanka. Remember Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had asked countries to remove the travel advisory since it impacts the tourism business of the island nation. China over the weekend was one of the first countries to tone down the advisory from 'Do not travel to Sri Lanka' to 'be cautious'. Tourism is one of the major contributors to the Sri Lankan economy and had taken a severe beating after the 21st Aprill attacks in which many foreigners were also killed.

India relaxes travel advisory for Sri Lanka

India, Sri Lanka and Japan have agreed to develop East Container Terminal (ECT) in Colombo's South Port. The three countries signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) in Colombo with India being represented by its High Commissioner - Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

A release from the Sri Lankan Port Authority (SLPA) said, "The three governments will work out details based on the MOC at joint working group meetings and advance their cooperation towards early commencement of work and operation of the ECT."

While SLPA retains 100% ownership of East Container Terminal (ECT), the Terminal Operations Company (TOC) conducting all East Container Terminal operations is jointly owned. Sri Lanka will have a 51% stake of the Terminal Operations Company, the joint venture partners will hold a 49% stake.

The release of the Port Authority said, " The 51% stake is also one of the best in SLPA joint ownership endeavours" with "SLPA's majority ownership in the new TOC represents a significant step in prioritizing National Interests."

Around 70% of Colombo Port's trans-shipment business is India-related.&nbsp;

Tuesday's development comes even as China has been trying to increase its influence in South Asia especially with the development of ports like Gwadar in Pakistan and Hambantota port in Sri Lanka. In 2017, unable to pay its debts, Sri Lanka handed over Hambantota to China for a 99 year period lease.

India, Sri Lanka and Japan have agreed to develop East Container Terminal (ECT) in Colombo's South Port. The three countries signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) in Colombo with India being represented by its High Commissioner - Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

India, Sri Lanka and Japan have agreed to develop East Container Terminal (ECT) in Colombo's South Port. The three countries signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) in Colombo with India being represented by its High Commissioner - Taranjit Singh Sandhu. A release from the Sri Lankan Port Authority (SLPA) said, "The three governments will work out details based on the MOC at joint working group meetings and advance their cooperation towards early commencement of work and operation of the ECT." While SLPA retains 100% ownership of East Container Terminal (ECT), the Terminal Operations Company (TOC) conducting all East Container Terminal operations is jointly owned. Sri Lanka will have a 51% stake of the Terminal Operations Company, the joint venture partners will hold a 49% stake. The release of the Port Authority said, " The 51% stake is also one of the best in SLPA joint ownership endeavours" with "SLPA's majority ownership in the new TOC represents a significant step in prioritizing National Interests." Around 70% of Colombo Port's trans-shipment business is India-related. Tuesday's development comes even as China has been trying to increase its influence in South Asia especially with the development of ports like Gwadar in Pakistan and Hambantota port in Sri Lanka. In 2017, unable to pay its debts, Sri Lanka handed over Hambantota to China for a 99 year period lease.

With eye on China, India, Japan and Sri Lanka agree to develop Colombo port

The Indian High Commission in Islamabad has organised an Iftar party on &nbsp;June 1 and has extended an invitation to Pakistani leadership including Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Other invited Pakistani dignitaries include the Pakistani President Arif Alvi, the foreign secretary Sohail Mahmood, Senate Chairman and the speaker of the national assembly.&nbsp;

The mission invites all dignitaries each year and normally Prime Minister never comes.

Ties between India and Pakistan are frayed in the aftermath Pulwama terror attack. On Sunday, Imran Khan called India's Prime Minister-elect <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/road-ahead-for-pm-narendra-modi-222133">Narendra Modi</a> and congratulated him on his re-election.

During the conversation, PM-designate Modi "stressed that creating trust and an environment free of violence and terrorism" which is "essential for fostering cooperation for peace, progress and prosperity in our region," the ministry of external affairs said.

Sunday's call was the first conversation between the two leaders after the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 in which more than 40 Indian security personnel had died. Pakistan based and United Nations listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed took responsibility for the attack.

Meanwhile, no invitation has been extended to Imran Khan for the oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi on May 30.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in the second week of June will be the first time both leaders will be under the same roof, though it is not confirmed whether they will meet.

The Indian High Commission in Islamabad has organised an Iftar party on June 1 and has extended an invitation to Pakistani leadership including Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The Indian High Commission in Islamabad has organised an Iftar party on June 1 and has extended an invitation to Pakistani leadership including Prime Minister Imran Khan. Other invited Pakistani dignitaries include the Pakistani President Arif Alvi, the foreign secretary Sohail Mahmood, Senate Chairman and the speaker of the national assembly. The mission invites all dignitaries each year and normally Prime Minister never comes. Ties between India and Pakistan are frayed in the aftermath Pulwama terror attack. On Sunday, Imran Khan called India's Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi and congratulated him on his re-election. During the conversation, PM-designate Modi "stressed that creating trust and an environment free of violence and terrorism" which is "essential for fostering cooperation for peace, progress and prosperity in our region," the ministry of external affairs said. Sunday's call was the first conversation between the two leaders after the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 in which more than 40 Indian security personnel had died. Pakistan based and United Nations listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed took responsibility for the attack. Meanwhile, no invitation has been extended to Imran Khan for the oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi on May 30. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in the second week of June will be the first time both leaders will be under the same roof, though it is not confirmed whether they will meet.

India mission in Pakistan invites Imran Khan to Iftar party on June 1

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday called for strengthening ties with India as part of 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific.' He said this in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-buy-105-f-35-us-stealth-warplanes-donald-trump-221898">press conference standing along with US President Donald Trump</a> who is on a state visit to the Asian country.

Abe said, "We will expand and enhance our efforts on free and open Indo-Pacific with India, Australia and ASEAN countries."

Abe, who shares close ties with PM-designate Narendra Modi, was the first foreign leader to congratulate the latter after his landslide victory in India's 17th general election.

Abe and Modi will be meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Japan from June 28 to 29.

The Shinzo Abe will also be visiting India later this year for the 14th India Japan Annual Summit that alternates its location between India and Japan.&nbsp;

Last year PM Modi visited Japan for the 13th Annual Summit during which the East Asian country announced that it will join New Delhi led International Solar Alliance and signed a Currency Swap Agreement.

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trade-beef-aside-trump-and-abe-bond-over-burgers-sumo-and-golf-221840">Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe</a> held a joint press conference after holding talks.

While Trump stated that US ties with Japan have never been better, Abe said he is determined to show the strength of US-Japan ties to the world.

Trump said that even though there exists an "imbalance" in trade with Japan, the same should be resolved over time.

"I think we will be announcing some things, probably in August, that will be very good for both countries."&nbsp;

Trump and Abe are slated to meet again for the G20 Summit to be held in Osaka, Japan this year. &nbsp;

The two leaders met in Tokyo and discussed a range of issues from Iran, North Korea to bilateral trade.&nbsp;

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday called for strengthening ties with India as part of 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific.' He said this in a press conference standing along with US President Donald Trump who is on a state visit to the Asian country.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday called for strengthening ties with India as part of 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific.' He said this in a press conference standing along with US President Donald Trump who is on a state visit to the Asian country. Abe said, "We will expand and enhance our efforts on free and open Indo-Pacific with India, Australia and ASEAN countries." Abe, who shares close ties with PM-designate Narendra Modi, was the first foreign leader to congratulate the latter after his landslide victory in India's 17th general election. Abe and Modi will be meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Japan from June 28 to 29. The Shinzo Abe will also be visiting India later this year for the 14th India Japan Annual Summit that alternates its location between India and Japan. Last year PM Modi visited Japan for the 13th Annual Summit during which the East Asian country announced that it will join New Delhi led International Solar Alliance and signed a Currency Swap Agreement. US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a joint press conference after holding talks. While Trump stated that US ties with Japan have never been better, Abe said he is determined to show the strength of US-Japan ties to the world. Trump said that even though there exists an "imbalance" in trade with Japan, the same should be resolved over time. "I think we will be announcing some things, probably in August, that will be very good for both countries." Trump and Abe are slated to meet again for the G20 Summit to be held in Osaka, Japan this year. The two leaders met in Tokyo and discussed a range of issues from Iran, North Korea to bilateral trade.

Japan PM Shinzo Abe calls for strengthening ties with India

Prime minister elect-Narendra Modi received a congratulatory message from Kim Jae Ryong, Premier of the Cabinet in North Korea. Ryong congratulated Modi on being elected to office for the second term, the ministry of external affairs tweeted.&nbsp;

Modi has been getting calls, letters and congratulatory&nbsp;tweets from world leaders after his victory on 23rd May.&nbsp;

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Kim Jae Ryong, Premier of the Cabinet in DPRK congratulated PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> on being elected to office for the second term.
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1132978735576211460?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In recent years, India has maintained steady exchanges with North Korea. Last year, Minister of state in Ministry of External Affairs Gen VK Singh had visited the country and met Foreign Minister Ri Yong. This was the first high-level visit by anyone from India in the last 20 years.

During the visit, India reiterated its support to the joint peace initiative of north and south Korean leadership and lauded both sides for their efforts towards the establishment of peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula", an MEA release last year said.

North Korean foreign minister visited India in April of &nbsp;2015. This was the first ever visit by DPRK Foreign Minister to India.&nbsp;

During the visit, he had a meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. He also had interactions with the Indian business community.&nbsp;

India and DPRK established formal diplomatic relations on 10 December 1973 and 2018 marked the 45th year of establishment of diplomatic relations. 
&nbsp;

Prime minister elect-Narendra Modi received a congratulatory message from Kim Jae Ryong, Premier of the Cabinet in North Korea. Ryong congratulated Modi on being elected to office for the second term, the ministry of external affairs tweeted.

Prime minister elect-Narendra Modi received a congratulatory message from Kim Jae Ryong, Premier of the Cabinet in North Korea. Ryong congratulated Modi on being elected to office for the second term, the ministry of external affairs tweeted. Modi has been getting calls, letters and congratulatory tweets from world leaders after his victory on 23rd May. Kim Jae Ryong, Premier of the Cabinet in DPRK congratulated PM @narendramodi on being elected to office for the second term. — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) May 27, 2019 × In recent years, India has maintained steady exchanges with North Korea. Last year, Minister of state in Ministry of External Affairs Gen VK Singh had visited the country and met Foreign Minister Ri Yong. This was the first high-level visit by anyone from India in the last 20 years. During the visit, India reiterated its support to the joint peace initiative of north and south Korean leadership and lauded both sides for their efforts towards the establishment of peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula", an MEA release last year said. North Korean foreign minister visited India in April of 2015. This was the first ever visit by DPRK Foreign Minister to India. During the visit, he had a meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. He also had interactions with the Indian business community. India and DPRK established formal diplomatic relations on 10 December 1973 and 2018 marked the 45th year of establishment of diplomatic relations.

North Korea congratulates Modi on his election victory

Leaders of BIMSTEC or Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation are set to attend the oath-taking ceremony of prime minister-designate &nbsp;Narendra Modi at Rashtrapati Bhawan on May 30 at 7pm.&nbsp;

The ministry of external affairs in a release said, "Government of India has invited the leaders of the BIMSTEC member states for the Swearing-in ceremony. This is in line with the government's focus on its 'Neighbourhood First' policy."

Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal &amp; Bhutan are the BIMSTEC member states.

Modi had participated in the 4th BIMSTEC summit which took place in Kathmandu last year. India had also called all the BIMSTEC leaders for a retreat in Goa in 2016 when India hosted the BRICS summit.

India's focus has been BIMSTEC since the cancellation of the SAARC summit in 2016. India along with Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Maldives had boycotted the summit in Islamabad in the aftermath of Uri terror attack.&nbsp;

Heads of Bangladesh and&nbsp;Thailand won't be attending the ceremony due to prior engagement of Sheikh Hasina and government&nbsp;formation in Thailand.

Bangladesh will be represented by President Abdul Hamid.

India has also invited President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Jeenbekov, who is the current Chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth, who was the Chief Guest at this year's Pravasi Bhartiya Divas.

PM Modi will be going to Kyrgyzstan in June for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

At his oath-taking ceremony in 2014, Modi had invited all heads of state of SAARC countries. PM of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay, Nepal PM Sushil Koirala, PM of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif, Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, Afghan President Hamid Karzai, and speaker of Bangladesh's Jatiyo Sangshad Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury attended the oath-taking ceremony as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was on another planned visit.&nbsp;

Only Bangladesh's PM Hasina remains in office while all other countries have seen a change of guard.&nbsp;

Leaders of BIMSTEC or Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation are set to attend the oath-taking ceremony of prime minister-designate Narendra Modi at Rashtrapati Bhawan on May 30 at 7pm.

Leaders of BIMSTEC or Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation are set to attend the oath-taking ceremony of prime minister-designate Narendra Modi at Rashtrapati Bhawan on May 30 at 7pm. The ministry of external affairs in a release said, "Government of India has invited the leaders of the BIMSTEC member states for the Swearing-in ceremony. This is in line with the government's focus on its 'Neighbourhood First' policy." Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal & Bhutan are the BIMSTEC member states. Modi had participated in the 4th BIMSTEC summit which took place in Kathmandu last year. India had also called all the BIMSTEC leaders for a retreat in Goa in 2016 when India hosted the BRICS summit. India's focus has been BIMSTEC since the cancellation of the SAARC summit in 2016. India along with Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Maldives had boycotted the summit in Islamabad in the aftermath of Uri terror attack. Heads of Bangladesh and Thailand won't be attending the ceremony due to prior engagement of Sheikh Hasina and government formation in Thailand. Bangladesh will be represented by President Abdul Hamid. India has also invited President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Jeenbekov, who is the current Chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth, who was the Chief Guest at this year's Pravasi Bhartiya Divas. PM Modi will be going to Kyrgyzstan in June for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. At his oath-taking ceremony in 2014, Modi had invited all heads of state of SAARC countries. PM of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay, Nepal PM Sushil Koirala, PM of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif, Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, Afghan President Hamid Karzai, and speaker of Bangladesh's Jatiyo Sangshad Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury attended the oath-taking ceremony as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was on another planned visit. Only Bangladesh's PM Hasina remains in office while all other countries have seen a change of guard.

BIMSTEC leaders to attend Modi's swearing-in ceremony in Delhi on May 30

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Zee News Rajasthan

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