Foreign ministers of six countries will be in Delhi this week. Australian, Japanese, Nepalese, Mongolian, Spanish and Iranian foreign ministers will be in the national capital on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue.&nbsp;

Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono was the first one to arrive in Delhi on Monday. Kono took part in the 10th round of Strategic Dialogue and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The focus during the Strategic Dialogue was on Indo Pacific. The Ministry of External Affairs, in its release, said "India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership has acquired a broader significance in the current global context" and "has become a factor of prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region."

Australian foreign minister Marise Payne also arrived on Monday. Payne will address the Raisina Dialogue on how Australia and India can work together along with regional partners to deliver a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. This will be Payne’s first visit to India as country's foreign minister and follows President Ram Nath Kovind's visit to the country in November 2018.&nbsp;

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Deep rooted ties blossoming into a special strategic and global partnership. 
 
Japanese Foreign Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/konotaromp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@konotaromp</a> is warmly welcomed by EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> ahead of the 10th <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaJapan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaJapan</a> Strategic Dialogue. EAM had visited Japan in March 2018 for the last edition. <a href="https://t.co/tIJ30uWDEA">pic.twitter.com/tIJ30uWDEA</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1082277986202779649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Australia’s High Commissioner to India Harinder Sidhu said, "Minister Payne is visiting at a time when our relationship has grown to become a significant partnership. Our shared interests range widely across political, security, cultural and economic fields."

Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif is also in the city and held talks with Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. This comes in the background of India taking over the operations of part of Shahid Beheshti Port, Chabahar in Iran during the Chabahar Trilateral Agreement meeting held on December 24, 2018. The Iranian foreign minister will hold talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Giving details of the visit, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said, "He will meet with Indian officials and participate in a joint trade conference of the two countries. Among other programs of the Iranian foreign minister during this important visit is to attend the annual international conference of the Raisina Dialogue."

Mongolian foreign minister Damdin Tsogtbaatar and Nepalese counterpart Pradeep Kumar Gyawali will also be in Delhi. India has been increasing its engagement with land-lock Mongolia in recent years. India has had close ties with Nepal with PM Modi visiting the country twice last year.

Foreign affairs ministers from as many as 10 countries visited India between November 24 to December 24, 2018.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Foreign ministers of six countries will be in Delhi this week. Australian, Japanese, Nepalese, Mongolian, Spanish and Iranian foreign ministers will be in the national capital on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue.

Foreign ministers of six countries will be in Delhi this week. Australian, Japanese, Nepalese, Mongolian, Spanish and Iranian foreign ministers will be in the national capital on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue. Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono was the first one to arrive in Delhi on Monday. Kono took part in the 10th round of Strategic Dialogue and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The focus during the Strategic Dialogue was on Indo Pacific. The Ministry of External Affairs, in its release, said "India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership has acquired a broader significance in the current global context" and "has become a factor of prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region." Australian foreign minister Marise Payne also arrived on Monday. Payne will address the Raisina Dialogue on how Australia and India can work together along with regional partners to deliver a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. This will be Payne’s first visit to India as country's foreign minister and follows President Ram Nath Kovind's visit to the country in November 2018. Deep rooted ties blossoming into a special strategic and global partnership. Japanese Foreign Minister @konotaromp is warmly welcomed by EAM @SushmaSwaraj ahead of the 10th #IndiaJapan Strategic Dialogue. EAM had visited Japan in March 2018 for the last edition. pic.twitter.com/tIJ30uWDEA — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 7, 2019 × Australia’s High Commissioner to India Harinder Sidhu said, "Minister Payne is visiting at a time when our relationship has grown to become a significant partnership. Our shared interests range widely across political, security, cultural and economic fields." Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif is also in the city and held talks with Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. This comes in the background of India taking over the operations of part of Shahid Beheshti Port, Chabahar in Iran during the Chabahar Trilateral Agreement meeting held on December 24, 2018. The Iranian foreign minister will hold talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday. Giving details of the visit, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said, "He will meet with Indian officials and participate in a joint trade conference of the two countries. Among other programs of the Iranian foreign minister during this important visit is to attend the annual international conference of the Raisina Dialogue." Mongolian foreign minister Damdin Tsogtbaatar and Nepalese counterpart Pradeep Kumar Gyawali will also be in Delhi. India has been increasing its engagement with land-lock Mongolia in recent years. India has had close ties with Nepal with PM Modi visiting the country twice last year. Foreign affairs ministers from as many as 10 countries visited India between November 24 to December 24, 2018.

Foreign ministers of 6 countries in Delhi this week

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norwegian PM Erna Solberg on Tuesday held bilateral talks which focused on ocean economy, with Oslo appreciating New Delhi's role in global affairs being "the largest democracy." Both also exchanged one document on "India Norway Ocean Dialogue".

Calling India an "ocean country" Norway PM agreed to "intensify" cooperation with India on the "issues of the sea" while PM Modi said, "For India's development ocean economy is an important sector. 15% of Indian population stay in coastal districts and their lives are dependent on the ocean. We discussed it and will increase cooperation in it"

Norway PM's comments are important given the fact that India now sees its neighbourhood in respect to countries around the Indian ocean &amp; not just countries bordering it on the landmass. Also, comes at a time when New Delhi is growing its focus on Indo Pacific concept.

PM invited Norwegian companies to invest in India especially in ports. He said, "Under Sagarmala projects, Norway companies can take part in shipbuilding and ports development in India"

Norway's PM lauding India's role said, "As the world's largest democracy, India plays an important role both regionally and globally. We had an open and constructive dialogue on how we can work together to protect and develop rules-based international order governance"

She added, "Its important that both big countries like India and smaller countries like Norway join forces to work for the benefit and talk about the benefits of multilateralism in a time &nbsp;of increased protectionism."

Calling for reform of United Nations, Norway PM said, "Multilateralism is not just about trade and economy but also making international organisations function. For example through the reform of the UN. UN needs to reform.. they need to be representative as it looks today and not the way the world was seen in the 1940s."

The focus was also on sustainable development with Norway PM saying SDGs (Sustainable development Goals) arent achievable if India is not involved. She Invited PM Modi to visit Norway.

Recently, Norway government launched a new strategy for India to engage with New Delhi.

Earlier during the day after the ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan, Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg talked about "friendship and partnership" with India especially on "oceans and sustainable development and bilateral issues". She said, "I would like to thank Prime minister Modi for the warm welcome so far and impressive reception. Good tradition. We hope for good friendship and partnership with India on oceans and sustainable development and bilateral issues. I would like to say Thank you for the warm welcome and looking forward to the talks."

She later paid respects to father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. At the visitors' book, she wrote," I am grateful for the opportunity to pay my respects to Mahatma Gandhi, 150 years after his birth. His efforts for peace and non-violence continue to resonate across the global."

She is the first foreign leader and head of government to visit New Delhi in 2019. On the 1st day, she addressed the Indian-Norwegian Business Summit &amp; opened of the new "green" compound of Norwegian Embassy.&nbsp;

PM Modi has met the Solberg twice. In 2017during her meet with PM Modi on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Hamburg Germany, she giftedPM Modi a football. The football had SDG-- sustainable development goal inscribed on it. The gesture was to symbolise attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Last year PM Modi met Norway PM during the maiden India Nordic summit in Stockholm on 17 April 2018.

Message for China?

The Norway PM was the chief guest at the inaugural session of Raisina Dialogue in which PM Modi also was present.&nbsp;

Speaking at the session, Solberg lauded India for respecting laws of the sea and said, "when large countries respect rule small countries like us take note. The principle that might is right can't be used in governance".&nbsp;

She said UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) provide a "legal framework" and rules-based order has served her country. The message won't be missed by China who has been embroiled in south china sea dispute with countries in south-east Asia.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norwegian PM Erna Solberg on Tuesday held bilateral talks which focused on ocean economy, with Oslo appreciating New Delhi's role in global affairs being "the largest democracy.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norwegian PM Erna Solberg on Tuesday held bilateral talks which focused on ocean economy, with Oslo appreciating New Delhi's role in global affairs being "the largest democracy." Both also exchanged one document on "India Norway Ocean Dialogue". Calling India an "ocean country" Norway PM agreed to "intensify" cooperation with India on the "issues of the sea" while PM Modi said, "For India's development ocean economy is an important sector. 15% of Indian population stay in coastal districts and their lives are dependent on the ocean. We discussed it and will increase cooperation in it" Norway PM's comments are important given the fact that India now sees its neighbourhood in respect to countries around the Indian ocean & not just countries bordering it on the landmass. Also, comes at a time when New Delhi is growing its focus on Indo Pacific concept. PM invited Norwegian companies to invest in India especially in ports. He said, "Under Sagarmala projects, Norway companies can take part in shipbuilding and ports development in India" Norway's PM lauding India's role said, "As the world's largest democracy, India plays an important role both regionally and globally. We had an open and constructive dialogue on how we can work together to protect and develop rules-based international order governance" She added, "Its important that both big countries like India and smaller countries like Norway join forces to work for the benefit and talk about the benefits of multilateralism in a time of increased protectionism." Calling for reform of United Nations, Norway PM said, "Multilateralism is not just about trade and economy but also making international organisations function. For example through the reform of the UN. UN needs to reform.. they need to be representative as it looks today and not the way the world was seen in the 1940s." The focus was also on sustainable development with Norway PM saying SDGs (Sustainable development Goals) arent achievable if India is not involved. She Invited PM Modi to visit Norway. Recently, Norway government launched a new strategy for India to engage with New Delhi. Earlier during the day after the ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan, Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg talked about "friendship and partnership" with India especially on "oceans and sustainable development and bilateral issues". She said, "I would like to thank Prime minister Modi for the warm welcome so far and impressive reception. Good tradition. We hope for good friendship and partnership with India on oceans and sustainable development and bilateral issues. I would like to say Thank you for the warm welcome and looking forward to the talks." She later paid respects to father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. At the visitors' book, she wrote," I am grateful for the opportunity to pay my respects to Mahatma Gandhi, 150 years after his birth. His efforts for peace and non-violence continue to resonate across the global." She is the first foreign leader and head of government to visit New Delhi in 2019. On the 1st day, she addressed the Indian-Norwegian Business Summit & opened of the new "green" compound of Norwegian Embassy. PM Modi has met the Solberg twice. In 2017during her meet with PM Modi on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Hamburg Germany, she giftedPM Modi a football. The football had SDG-- sustainable development goal inscribed on it. The gesture was to symbolise attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Last year PM Modi met Norway PM during the maiden India Nordic summit in Stockholm on 17 April 2018. Message for China? The Norway PM was the chief guest at the inaugural session of Raisina Dialogue in which PM Modi also was present. Speaking at the session, Solberg lauded India for respecting laws of the sea and said, "when large countries respect rule small countries like us take note. The principle that might is right can't be used in governance". She said UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) provide a "legal framework" and rules-based order has served her country. The message won't be missed by China who has been embroiled in south china sea dispute with countries in south-east Asia.

Norway PM calls India an 'Ocean country' as both nations agree to intensify engagement on Ocean Economy

From Sittwe in the east in Myanmar to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-afghanistan-and-iran-meet-for-chabahar-agreement-186253">Chabahar in the west in Iran</a>, New Delhi is taking over operations of key ports that will give a fillip to its influence in the region.&nbsp;

In a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, minister of state for shipping, road transport and chemical &amp; fertilizer Mansukh L Mandaviya informed that the "infrastructure at Sittwe Port in Myanmar, constructed with India’s assistance, is ready for operation."&nbsp;

The construction of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/eus-envoy-welcomes-indias-move-to-develop-chabahar-expresses-worry-on-data-localisation-178611">Sittwe Port is part of the Kaladan</a> multi-modal transit transport project and its objective is to create a multi-modal sea, river and road transport corridor for shipment of cargo from the eastern ports of India to Myanmar through Sittwe port as well as to north-eastern part of India via Myanmar.&nbsp;

The approved construction cost of Sittwe Port and Inland Water Terminals at Sittwe and Paletwa is Rs. 517.29 crore.&nbsp;

India and Myanmar signed a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 22nd October, 2018 for operationalisation of the port at Sittwe and Inland Water Transport (IWT) Terminals at Sittwe and Paletwa. Once fully operational, the project would encourage investment and trade and also open up alternate routes for connectivity to India’s north-east region.&nbsp;

India is keen to engage with ASEAN and has invited all ten heads of states for its Republic day this year. Under its Act East policy, India will also be building a road from north-east to connect with other ASEAN countries.&nbsp;

The development comes even as India took over the operations of a part of Shahid Beheshti Port, Chabahar in Iran during the Chabahar Trilateral Agreement meeting that was held on December 24th, 2018.&nbsp;

The heads of Indian, Iranian and Afghanistan delegation jointly inaugurated the office of the Indian SPV - India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ) at Chabahar. The physical take-over of the terminal area, cargo handling equipment and Office building was completed by December, 29th last year.

Commercial operations began at IPGCFZ with the arrival of a vessel. A Cyprus registered bulk carrier had arrived at Chabahar with 72458 MT of corn cargo. The vessel MV MACHERAS berthed at the terminal a few days back on December 30th.&nbsp;

According to the ministry of shipping, "this step marks the beginning of a long journey. India has written history with its engagement in Chabahar and is now leading the regional cooperation and joint efforts to support landlocked Afghanistan."

Interestingly, this is the first time India will be operating a port outside its territories. India started interacting with Iran on Chabahar Port around 2003 but a major push was received in the second half of 2014, resulting in the signing of an &nbsp;MOU between the two countries for the development of Chabahar Port in May 2015.&nbsp;

This MOU translated into a formal 10-year contract for equipping and operating the Chabahar Port, which was executed on May 23rd, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tehran.

The US has already provided a wavier to India on the port from the Iranian sanctions.

The state department had told WION last year that,"after extensive consideration, the secretary has provided an exception from the imposition of certain sanctions under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 (IFCA) with respect to the development of Chabahar Port and the construction of an associated railway and for the shipment of non-sanctionable goods through the Port for Afghanistan’s use, as well as Afghanistan’s continued imports of Iranian petroleum products.‎"

From Sittwe in the east in Myanmar to Chabahar in the west in Iran, New Delhi is taking over operations of key ports that will give a fillip to its influence in the region.

From Sittwe in the east in Myanmar to Chabahar in the west in Iran, New Delhi is taking over operations of key ports that will give a fillip to its influence in the region. In a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, minister of state for shipping, road transport and chemical & fertilizer Mansukh L Mandaviya informed that the "infrastructure at Sittwe Port in Myanmar, constructed with India’s assistance, is ready for operation." The construction of Sittwe Port is part of the Kaladan multi-modal transit transport project and its objective is to create a multi-modal sea, river and road transport corridor for shipment of cargo from the eastern ports of India to Myanmar through Sittwe port as well as to north-eastern part of India via Myanmar. The approved construction cost of Sittwe Port and Inland Water Terminals at Sittwe and Paletwa is Rs. 517.29 crore. India and Myanmar signed a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 22nd October, 2018 for operationalisation of the port at Sittwe and Inland Water Transport (IWT) Terminals at Sittwe and Paletwa. Once fully operational, the project would encourage investment and trade and also open up alternate routes for connectivity to India’s north-east region. India is keen to engage with ASEAN and has invited all ten heads of states for its Republic day this year. Under its Act East policy, India will also be building a road from north-east to connect with other ASEAN countries. The development comes even as India took over the operations of a part of Shahid Beheshti Port, Chabahar in Iran during the Chabahar Trilateral Agreement meeting that was held on December 24th, 2018. The heads of Indian, Iranian and Afghanistan delegation jointly inaugurated the office of the Indian SPV - India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ) at Chabahar. The physical take-over of the terminal area, cargo handling equipment and Office building was completed by December, 29th last year. Commercial operations began at IPGCFZ with the arrival of a vessel. A Cyprus registered bulk carrier had arrived at Chabahar with 72458 MT of corn cargo. The vessel MV MACHERAS berthed at the terminal a few days back on December 30th. According to the ministry of shipping, "this step marks the beginning of a long journey. India has written history with its engagement in Chabahar and is now leading the regional cooperation and joint efforts to support landlocked Afghanistan." Interestingly, this is the first time India will be operating a port outside its territories. India started interacting with Iran on Chabahar Port around 2003 but a major push was received in the second half of 2014, resulting in the signing of an MOU between the two countries for the development of Chabahar Port in May 2015. This MOU translated into a formal 10-year contract for equipping and operating the Chabahar Port, which was executed on May 23rd, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tehran. The US has already provided a wavier to India on the port from the Iranian sanctions. The state department had told WION last year that,"after extensive consideration, the secretary has provided an exception from the imposition of certain sanctions under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 (IFCA) with respect to the development of Chabahar Port and the construction of an associated railway and for the shipment of non-sanctionable goods through the Port for Afghanistan’s use, as well as Afghanistan’s continued imports of Iranian petroleum products.‎"

Sittwe Port in Myanmar constructed with India’s assistance ready for operation: Government to Rajya Sabha

Visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif met with Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday in Delhi. This was their first meeting since India took over operations of a part of Chabahar port in Iran.&nbsp;

Speaking to the media after their meeting, Gadkari said: "We had good discussions with Minister Zarif on Chabahar port. Received first ship from Brazil at Chabahar. We have started activity with help of Iranian operator. Regarding machinery order financial arrangement is ready."&nbsp;

Gadkari also annouced that India has given permission to the Iranian Bank to open in Mumbai within 3 month and both sides have "resolved lot of pending issues.&nbsp;

"Minister (Zarif) give lot proposals for future. We need steel. We ready to supply urea. We had detailed discussion. We resolved lot of pending issues. Function of Chabahar is important for us. Confident we are in position to start function of Chabahar."&nbsp;

Zarif said he hoped New Delhi and Tehran would continue to cooperate despite the "illegal US sanctions".&nbsp;

He added that "Iran and India have complimentary economies. We need Indian goods and services and India needs goods and services. In banking sector, very happy that both UCO Bank and Pasargad Bank are getting started with business. We have full range of options. We hope despite the illegal US sanctions, India and Iran can cooperate for the benefit of the people and region." &nbsp;

Asked if Iran would be keen to supply cheap gas to India to develop industry in Chabahar and nearby areas, Zarif said, "We open to discussion with India so that they can start investments in Chabahar area including petrochemicals. We always open for discussions with India in that area and we welcome proposal from India."&nbsp;

Chabahar is key to India's connectivity to its near-west regions, especially Afghanistan and central Asia. Chabahar is also crucial to the North-South International Corridor which connects Mumbai to Moscow.&nbsp;

India has already conveyed its readiness to support the development of the Chabahar-Zahedan Rail line to boost connectivity. The physical taking over of the terminal area, cargo handling equipment and office building at Shahid Beheshti Port was completed by December 29 last year and commercial operations have since begun.&nbsp;

A Cyprus-registered bulk carrier, the MV Macheras, arrived at Chabahar with a 72,458 MT cargo of corn on December 30.&nbsp;

The US has already given India a waiver from sanctions on the port. The US State Department told WION last year that "after extensive consideration, the Secretary has provided for an exception from the imposition of certain sanctions under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 (IFCA) with respect to the development of Chabahar port and the construction of an associated railway and for the shipment of non-sanctionable goods through the port for Afghanistan’s use, as well as Afghanistan’s continued imports of Iranian petroleum products.‎"

Visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif met with Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday in Delhi. This was their first meeting since India took over operations of a part of Chabahar port in Iran.

Visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif met with Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday in Delhi. This was their first meeting since India took over operations of a part of Chabahar port in Iran. Speaking to the media after their meeting, Gadkari said: "We had good discussions with Minister Zarif on Chabahar port. Received first ship from Brazil at Chabahar. We have started activity with help of Iranian operator. Regarding machinery order financial arrangement is ready." Gadkari also annouced that India has given permission to the Iranian Bank to open in Mumbai within 3 month and both sides have "resolved lot of pending issues. "Minister (Zarif) give lot proposals for future. We need steel. We ready to supply urea. We had detailed discussion. We resolved lot of pending issues. Function of Chabahar is important for us. Confident we are in position to start function of Chabahar." Zarif said he hoped New Delhi and Tehran would continue to cooperate despite the "illegal US sanctions". He added that "Iran and India have complimentary economies. We need Indian goods and services and India needs goods and services. In banking sector, very happy that both UCO Bank and Pasargad Bank are getting started with business. We have full range of options. We hope despite the illegal US sanctions, India and Iran can cooperate for the benefit of the people and region." Asked if Iran would be keen to supply cheap gas to India to develop industry in Chabahar and nearby areas, Zarif said, "We open to discussion with India so that they can start investments in Chabahar area including petrochemicals. We always open for discussions with India in that area and we welcome proposal from India." Chabahar is key to India's connectivity to its near-west regions, especially Afghanistan and central Asia. Chabahar is also crucial to the North-South International Corridor which connects Mumbai to Moscow. India has already conveyed its readiness to support the development of the Chabahar-Zahedan Rail line to boost connectivity. The physical taking over of the terminal area, cargo handling equipment and office building at Shahid Beheshti Port was completed by December 29 last year and commercial operations have since begun. A Cyprus-registered bulk carrier, the MV Macheras, arrived at Chabahar with a 72,458 MT cargo of corn on December 30. The US has already given India a waiver from sanctions on the port. The US State Department told WION last year that "after extensive consideration, the Secretary has provided for an exception from the imposition of certain sanctions under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 (IFCA) with respect to the development of Chabahar port and the construction of an associated railway and for the shipment of non-sanctionable goods through the port for Afghanistan’s use, as well as Afghanistan’s continued imports of Iranian petroleum products.‎"

After India begins operations at Iran's Chabahar port, visiting Iran FM calls for Indian investment

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump had a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-and-pm-modi-discuss-trade-afghanistan-in-phone-call-white-house-188894">telephonic conversation last evening</a> in which both exchanged New Year greetings and expressed satisfaction over the progress in India-US&nbsp;strategic partnership.

According to a release by the Ministry of External Affairs, "they appreciated the developments such as the launch of the 2+2 Dialogue mechanism and the first-ever trilateral summit of India, the US&nbsp;and Japan."

According to the White House, President Trump received a call from PM Modi in which both "the leaders exchanged perspectives on how to reduce the US&nbsp;trade deficit with India, expand security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and increase cooperation in Afghanistan.”&nbsp;

The two leaders took positive note of growing bilateral cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism, energy and coordination on regional and global issues and agreed to continue to work together for further strengthening India-US&nbsp;bilateral relations in 2019.&nbsp;

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PM Modi &amp; US President Trump took positive note of growing bilateral cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism&amp;energy and coordination on regional and global issues. They agreed to continue to work together for further strengthening India-U.S. bilateral relations in 2019.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082456716510261248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The development comes a week after President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-indian-pm-for-library-in-afghanistan-187955">Trump mocked Prime Minister Modi</a> and India's development aid to Afghanistan. US President, in the first cabinet meet of the year, had said that even though he gets "along very well with India and Prime Minister Modi", he doesn't "know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan."&nbsp;

The conversations also come at a time when US media reports suggest that Washington may be withdrawing 7,000 of its troops from Afghanistan, however,&nbsp;it has not been confirmed by the Pentagon or the Afghan authorities.

Both the leader last met at the JAI - Japan, America and India trilateral on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina. Before that PM Modi met US vice president Mike Pence in November on the sidelines of East Asia Summit. During the Diwali celebration at the White House in 2018, Trump had called PM Modi a friend and said he is "grateful for friendship with PM Modi".

India and US have been working on Indo-Pacific concept but issues such as trade remain. While Trump had referred to India as a "tariff king", India has been trying to reduce the trade deficit with Washington.

On Monday, PM Modi also had a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin during which Putin wished PM Modi success for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and invited him to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September 2019.

During October 2018, India and Russia signed the S400 deal that comes under the ambit of American sanctions under CAATSA law. Washington is yet to make a decision regarding the sanction.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump had a telephonic conversation last evening in which both exchanged New Year greetings and expressed satisfaction over the progress in India-US strategic partnership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump had a telephonic conversation last evening in which both exchanged New Year greetings and expressed satisfaction over the progress in India-US strategic partnership. According to a release by the Ministry of External Affairs, "they appreciated the developments such as the launch of the 2+2 Dialogue mechanism and the first-ever trilateral summit of India, the US and Japan." According to the White House, President Trump received a call from PM Modi in which both "the leaders exchanged perspectives on how to reduce the US trade deficit with India, expand security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and increase cooperation in Afghanistan.” The two leaders took positive note of growing bilateral cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism, energy and coordination on regional and global issues and agreed to continue to work together for further strengthening India-US bilateral relations in 2019. PM Modi & US President Trump took positive note of growing bilateral cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism&energy and coordination on regional and global issues. They agreed to continue to work together for further strengthening India-U.S. bilateral relations in 2019. — ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2019 × The development comes a week after President Trump mocked Prime Minister Modi and India's development aid to Afghanistan. US President, in the first cabinet meet of the year, had said that even though he gets "along very well with India and Prime Minister Modi", he doesn't "know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan." The conversations also come at a time when US media reports suggest that Washington may be withdrawing 7,000 of its troops from Afghanistan, however, it has not been confirmed by the Pentagon or the Afghan authorities. Both the leader last met at the JAI - Japan, America and India trilateral on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina. Before that PM Modi met US vice president Mike Pence in November on the sidelines of East Asia Summit. During the Diwali celebration at the White House in 2018, Trump had called PM Modi a friend and said he is "grateful for friendship with PM Modi". India and US have been working on Indo-Pacific concept but issues such as trade remain. While Trump had referred to India as a "tariff king", India has been trying to reduce the trade deficit with Washington. On Monday, PM Modi also had a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin during which Putin wished PM Modi success for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and invited him to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September 2019. During October 2018, India and Russia signed the S400 deal that comes under the ambit of American sanctions under CAATSA law. Washington is yet to make a decision regarding the sanction.

PM Modi, US President Trump discuss Indo-Pacific and Afghanistan in phone call

India and Japan held the tenth round of their strategic dialogue at the foreign ministers' level on Monday in which both exchanged views on regional and global issues and reaffirmed that their ties are based on shared values and interests. Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono is on a three-day visit to India.&nbsp;

The last round of the dialogue was held in Tokyo in March 2018.&nbsp;

The focus during the strategic dialogue was also on the Indo-Pacific region with a ministry of external affairs release saying "India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership has acquired a broader significance in the current global context" and "has become a factor of prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region."

Prime Minister Modi enunciated India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific region during his keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 1, 2018. India has been calling for a "free, open and inclusive region, which embraces all stakeholders in this region".&nbsp;

The two foreign ministers — Kono and Sushma Swaraj — held discussions on follow-up actions on decisions taken during PM Modi's visit to Japan for the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit in October 2018.&nbsp;

Kono also called on PM Modi and briefed the prime minister about the follow-up action taken in recent months after the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Japan in October 2018. Modi reiterated his strong commitment to further deepen "the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan."

Modi had also visited Yamanashi prefecture and the FANUC corporation during his visit to Japan in 2018. In a special gesture, he had been hosted by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his ancestral home in Yamanashi, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader.

Modi had hosted Abe in Ahmedabad in 2017. During the visit, the two prime ministers oversaw the ground-breaking ceremony for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project.&nbsp;

The next round of the annual India-Japan summit will take place in India this year.&nbsp;

Japan will be hosting this year's G20 summit in Osaka in June and to which India has extended full support.

India and Japan held the tenth round of their strategic dialogue at the foreign ministers' level on Monday in which both exchanged views on regional and global issues and reaffirmed that their ties are based on shared values and interests.

India and Japan held the tenth round of their strategic dialogue at the foreign ministers' level on Monday in which both exchanged views on regional and global issues and reaffirmed that their ties are based on shared values and interests. Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono is on a three-day visit to India. The last round of the dialogue was held in Tokyo in March 2018. The focus during the strategic dialogue was also on the Indo-Pacific region with a ministry of external affairs release saying "India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership has acquired a broader significance in the current global context" and "has become a factor of prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region." Prime Minister Modi enunciated India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific region during his keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 1, 2018. India has been calling for a "free, open and inclusive region, which embraces all stakeholders in this region". The two foreign ministers — Kono and Sushma Swaraj — held discussions on follow-up actions on decisions taken during PM Modi's visit to Japan for the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit in October 2018. Kono also called on PM Modi and briefed the prime minister about the follow-up action taken in recent months after the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Japan in October 2018. Modi reiterated his strong commitment to further deepen "the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan." Modi had also visited Yamanashi prefecture and the FANUC corporation during his visit to Japan in 2018. In a special gesture, he had been hosted by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his ancestral home in Yamanashi, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader. Modi had hosted Abe in Ahmedabad in 2017. During the visit, the two prime ministers oversaw the ground-breaking ceremony for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project. The next round of the annual India-Japan summit will take place in India this year. Japan will be hosting this year's G20 summit in Osaka in June and to which India has extended full support.

India-Japan relationship a factor of stability in Indo-Pacific region: India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephonic conversation on Monday during which both exchanged greeting for the new year 2019, with PM Modi wishing President Putin and people of Russia on the occasion of Christmas. Christmas is celebrated in Russia on January 7.&nbsp;

Vladimir Putin wished Narendra Modi success in connection with the upcoming parliamentary elections in India.&nbsp;

Putin also invited PM to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September 2019 as the main guest.

According to the ministry of external affairs release, "the two leaders appreciated the major milestones achieved in the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries in the past year".&nbsp;

Both the leaders recalled the "successful wide-ranging discussions" during the informal summit in Sochi in May of 2018 and during President Putin's visit to New Delhi in October for the Annual Summit with both agreeing "to maintain the momentum in the bilateral relations". This year, Russia will host the annual summit.

The leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in the key areas including defence and counter-terrorism and agreed that India-Russia cooperation "plays an important role in the global multilateral order." &nbsp;

Remember roughly 70% of India's defence equipment is Russian in origin. During the 17th Annual Summit, the sides concluded agreements on the supply of S-400 air defence systems, construction of frigates under Project 1135.6 and shareholders agreement on the formation of joint venture to manufacture Ka-226T helicopters in India. The two countries also hold exchanges and training exercises between their armed forces annually.&nbsp;

Russia and India have been engaging in various forums such as SCO, BRICS and G20. On the sidelines of G20 in 2018, Russia, India and China met for the RIC meet which happened after a gap of 12 years.&nbsp;

According to Russian Federal Customs Service data, bilateral trade during in 2016 amounted to US$ 7.71 billion, with Indian exports amounting to US$ 2.39 billion and imports from Russia amounting to US$ 5.32 billion.&nbsp;

Both are also focusing on connectivity via the International North-South Transport Corridor that will connect Mumbai to Moscow.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephonic conversation on Monday during which both exchanged greeting for the new year 2019, with PM Modi wishing President Putin and people of Russia on the occasion of Christmas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephonic conversation on Monday during which both exchanged greeting for the new year 2019, with PM Modi wishing President Putin and people of Russia on the occasion of Christmas. Christmas is celebrated in Russia on January 7. Vladimir Putin wished Narendra Modi success in connection with the upcoming parliamentary elections in India. Putin also invited PM to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September 2019 as the main guest. According to the ministry of external affairs release, "the two leaders appreciated the major milestones achieved in the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries in the past year". Both the leaders recalled the "successful wide-ranging discussions" during the informal summit in Sochi in May of 2018 and during President Putin's visit to New Delhi in October for the Annual Summit with both agreeing "to maintain the momentum in the bilateral relations". This year, Russia will host the annual summit. The leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in the key areas including defence and counter-terrorism and agreed that India-Russia cooperation "plays an important role in the global multilateral order." Remember roughly 70% of India's defence equipment is Russian in origin. During the 17th Annual Summit, the sides concluded agreements on the supply of S-400 air defence systems, construction of frigates under Project 1135.6 and shareholders agreement on the formation of joint venture to manufacture Ka-226T helicopters in India. The two countries also hold exchanges and training exercises between their armed forces annually. Russia and India have been engaging in various forums such as SCO, BRICS and G20. On the sidelines of G20 in 2018, Russia, India and China met for the RIC meet which happened after a gap of 12 years. According to Russian Federal Customs Service data, bilateral trade during in 2016 amounted to US$ 7.71 billion, with Indian exports amounting to US$ 2.39 billion and imports from Russia amounting to US$ 5.32 billion. Both are also focusing on connectivity via the International North-South Transport Corridor that will connect Mumbai to Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin calls PM Modi, discusses key strategic issues wishes success in Lok Sabha polls

Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg who is on a 3 day India has ruled out any mediation between India and Pakistan on Kashmir. Speaking to reporters at the Norweign embassy, PM said, "nobody from outside can create peace or make changes. It has to come from inside. So if there is a movement in India and Pakistan for greater talks together, of course, other countries can help, if there is a possibility. It has to be partner driven. It has to be those who are part of the conflict."&nbsp;

She said India and Pakistan are "big enough country that they can decrease tension between them without help from outside. "

Remember Norway has played a role as a mediator in Colombia and Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Stating her govt's policy on mediation she said, "our govt policy is clear if we going to help someone, they have to ask for it."

She dismissed any military solution to any conflict saying she "personally don't believe that military solution solves the problem" but in "peaceful solutions", putting the onus on "Pakistan and India together who find the time when they going to start talks about things".

Asked about the former prime minister Kjell Magne Bondevik visit to Kashmir in November of last year, she said, "he went as a private citizen" and "no (Norway) govt plan to start any negotiation. "

Bondevik visited Jammu &amp; Kashmir on November 23, 2018, and met representatives of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jammu &amp; Kashmir Youth Development Forum and All Party Hurriyat Conference. He later visited Pakistan occupied Kashmir.&nbsp;

India has always maintained that there is no scope for a third-party role on Kashmir. In a written reply to Parliament, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, &nbsp;"there is no change in government’s consistent and principled position that under the Simla Agreement (1972) and as reiterated in the Lahore Declaration (1999), both India and Pakistan are committed to addressing all outstanding issues bilaterally."

Norway's Ambassador Nils Ragnar Kamsvag elaborating his PM comments on Twitter said, "PM @erna_solberg has not offered to mediate between India and Pakistan as has been erroneously reported. Norway has neither been asked nor offered to mediate."

Solberg is the first foreign leader and head of government to visit New Delhi in 2019. Tuesday is the main day of engagement for the Prime Minister and she will call on President Kovind, Vice President Naidu and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She will leave on Wednesday.

Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg who is on a 3 day India has ruled out any mediation between India and Pakistan on Kashmir. Speaking to reporters at the Norweign embassy, PM said, "nobody from outside can create peace or make changes.

Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg who is on a 3 day India has ruled out any mediation between India and Pakistan on Kashmir. Speaking to reporters at the Norweign embassy, PM said, "nobody from outside can create peace or make changes. It has to come from inside. So if there is a movement in India and Pakistan for greater talks together, of course, other countries can help, if there is a possibility. It has to be partner driven. It has to be those who are part of the conflict." She said India and Pakistan are "big enough country that they can decrease tension between them without help from outside. " Remember Norway has played a role as a mediator in Colombia and Sri Lanka. Stating her govt's policy on mediation she said, "our govt policy is clear if we going to help someone, they have to ask for it." She dismissed any military solution to any conflict saying she "personally don't believe that military solution solves the problem" but in "peaceful solutions", putting the onus on "Pakistan and India together who find the time when they going to start talks about things". Asked about the former prime minister Kjell Magne Bondevik visit to Kashmir in November of last year, she said, "he went as a private citizen" and "no (Norway) govt plan to start any negotiation. " Bondevik visited Jammu & Kashmir on November 23, 2018, and met representatives of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jammu & Kashmir Youth Development Forum and All Party Hurriyat Conference. He later visited Pakistan occupied Kashmir. India has always maintained that there is no scope for a third-party role on Kashmir. In a written reply to Parliament, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "there is no change in government’s consistent and principled position that under the Simla Agreement (1972) and as reiterated in the Lahore Declaration (1999), both India and Pakistan are committed to addressing all outstanding issues bilaterally." Norway's Ambassador Nils Ragnar Kamsvag elaborating his PM comments on Twitter said, "PM @erna_solberg has not offered to mediate between India and Pakistan as has been erroneously reported. Norway has neither been asked nor offered to mediate." Solberg is the first foreign leader and head of government to visit New Delhi in 2019. Tuesday is the main day of engagement for the Prime Minister and she will call on President Kovind, Vice President Naidu and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She will leave on Wednesday.

Norway PM rules out mediation on Kashmir, says nobody from outside can create peace

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg will land in New Delhi on Monday for a 3-day visit, making her the first foreign leader to visit India in 2019. Solberg will meet with President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and hold talks with Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday, the main day of engagement. She will leave on Wednesday.

"Business cooperation, sustainable use of the oceans and implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals will feature high on the Prime Minister’s agenda," a statement from the Norwegian embassy said.

Solberg's other engagements include an address at the Indian-Norwegian Business Summit, the opening of Norway's "green" embassy compound, and a visit to a school in Ghaziabad with a special emphasis on efforts to further education for girls.&nbsp;

Solberg will also deliver the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue.

"The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Solberg will provide an opportunity to the two sides to review the progress in bilateral cooperation and discuss ways to further expand the multifaceted partnership in areas of common interest," a statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs said.&nbsp;

The new Norwegian embassy building — it will be inaugurated by Solberg, Modi and Minister of State for External affairs Gen VK Singh will attend — will be one of the few building in India to make use of geothermal wells to regulate temperature. The solar panels installed at the building will produce 200 kwh of energy a day.&nbsp;

Modi has met Solberg twice. In 2017, during her meeting with PM Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, she gifted PM Modi a football. The football had SDG — sustainable development goals — inscribed on it. Last year, Modi met Solberg during the maiden India-Nordic summit in Stockholm on April 17, 2018.

More than 100 Norwegian companies have invested in India in areas such as ship building, petroleum-related services, hydropower, clean energy and IT services. Several major Indian companies are also present in Norway.&nbsp;

A total of 12,924 Indians (9,485 PIOs and 3,439 NRIs) live in Norway.&nbsp;

According to figures from Norway's Immigration Department, India has become the leading source of skilled foreign professionals working in Norway. Between 2005 and 2014, the number of skilled professionals from India working in Norway went up from 100 to about 2,000.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg will land in New Delhi on Monday for a 3-day visit, making her the first foreign leader to visit India in 2019. Solberg will meet with President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and hold talks with Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday, the main day of engagement.

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg will land in New Delhi on Monday for a 3-day visit, making her the first foreign leader to visit India in 2019. Solberg will meet with President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and hold talks with Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday, the main day of engagement. She will leave on Wednesday. "Business cooperation, sustainable use of the oceans and implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals will feature high on the Prime Minister’s agenda," a statement from the Norwegian embassy said. Solberg's other engagements include an address at the Indian-Norwegian Business Summit, the opening of Norway's "green" embassy compound, and a visit to a school in Ghaziabad with a special emphasis on efforts to further education for girls. Solberg will also deliver the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue. "The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Solberg will provide an opportunity to the two sides to review the progress in bilateral cooperation and discuss ways to further expand the multifaceted partnership in areas of common interest," a statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs said. The new Norwegian embassy building — it will be inaugurated by Solberg, Modi and Minister of State for External affairs Gen VK Singh will attend — will be one of the few building in India to make use of geothermal wells to regulate temperature. The solar panels installed at the building will produce 200 kwh of energy a day. Modi has met Solberg twice. In 2017, during her meeting with PM Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, she gifted PM Modi a football. The football had SDG — sustainable development goals — inscribed on it. Last year, Modi met Solberg during the maiden India-Nordic summit in Stockholm on April 17, 2018. More than 100 Norwegian companies have invested in India in areas such as ship building, petroleum-related services, hydropower, clean energy and IT services. Several major Indian companies are also present in Norway. A total of 12,924 Indians (9,485 PIOs and 3,439 NRIs) live in Norway. According to figures from Norway's Immigration Department, India has become the leading source of skilled foreign professionals working in Norway. Between 2005 and 2014, the number of skilled professionals from India working in Norway went up from 100 to about 2,000.

Norway PM to land in India on Monday, green solutions will be on her agenda

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has touted the increase in his country's exports to India as a major success of 2018. He was speaking at the first weekly cabinet meeting of 2019.&nbsp;

He said, "Exports to India and Latin America have risen by 27%. These are all new markets that we are opening. This has increased exports and the GNP, brings money into state coffers, creates jobs and raises Israeli citizens' wages."

He was talking about the overall increase in Israeli exports which he said: "broke a record in 2018 and they are expected to reach $110 billion." He talked about his strategy of "opening new markets", increasing Israeli exports. With China he said, Israeli exports have risen by 56%, while export of goods and services to Japan has risen by 50%.

He started the cabinet meeting by discussing his recently concluded Brazil visit. He said, "We have a new ally here and whoever needs additional proof of Israel's rising status in the world simply needs to look at what is happening in Brazil. One needs to understand that the Brazilian people, the masses in Brazil, admire Israel and want to be close to us. Therefore, we have opened a very large market here and there is much more work that needs to be done."

Recent years have seen a number of high-level visits between India and Israel. Netanyahu was in India in January of 2018 while Prime minister Modi visited Israel in 2017.

President Pranab Mukherjee paid a state visit to Israel in October 2015, while the Israeli President Reuven Rivlin visited India in November 2016.&nbsp;

Bilateral trade between the 2 countries stood at US$ 5.02 billion (excluding defence) in 2016- 2017. Trade in diamonds constitutes more than 53% of bilateral trade. India is Israel's third largest trade partner in Asia after China and Hong Kong.&nbsp;

During PM Modi’s visit in July 2017, the first meeting of the newly established India-Israel CEOs Forum took place, while its second meeting took place during PM Netanyahu’s visit to India in January 2018.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has touted the increase in his country's exports to India as a major success of 2018. He was speaking at the first weekly cabinet meeting of 2019.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has touted the increase in his country's exports to India as a major success of 2018. He was speaking at the first weekly cabinet meeting of 2019. He said, "Exports to India and Latin America have risen by 27%. These are all new markets that we are opening. This has increased exports and the GNP, brings money into state coffers, creates jobs and raises Israeli citizens' wages." He was talking about the overall increase in Israeli exports which he said: "broke a record in 2018 and they are expected to reach $110 billion." He talked about his strategy of "opening new markets", increasing Israeli exports. With China he said, Israeli exports have risen by 56%, while export of goods and services to Japan has risen by 50%. He started the cabinet meeting by discussing his recently concluded Brazil visit. He said, "We have a new ally here and whoever needs additional proof of Israel's rising status in the world simply needs to look at what is happening in Brazil. One needs to understand that the Brazilian people, the masses in Brazil, admire Israel and want to be close to us. Therefore, we have opened a very large market here and there is much more work that needs to be done." Recent years have seen a number of high-level visits between India and Israel. Netanyahu was in India in January of 2018 while Prime minister Modi visited Israel in 2017. President Pranab Mukherjee paid a state visit to Israel in October 2015, while the Israeli President Reuven Rivlin visited India in November 2016. Bilateral trade between the 2 countries stood at US$ 5.02 billion (excluding defence) in 2016- 2017. Trade in diamonds constitutes more than 53% of bilateral trade. India is Israel's third largest trade partner in Asia after China and Hong Kong. During PM Modi’s visit in July 2017, the first meeting of the newly established India-Israel CEOs Forum took place, while its second meeting took place during PM Netanyahu’s visit to India in January 2018.

Exports to India increased by 27% in 2018, says Israeli PM in year's first cabinet meeting

Afghanistan's National Security Advisor (NSA)<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-trumps-jibe-india-says-developmental-assistance-transforming-afghanistan-188038"> Hamdullah Mohib on Friday met India's </a>NSA Ajit Doval at Hyderabad House in which both sides had a detailed exchange of views about the recent developments in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

NSA Mohib appreciated assistance provided by India for economic development and reconstruction of Afghanistan and also for human resource development, including training of Afghan national defence and security forces in India.&nbsp;

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Held productive meetings in India with my counterpart NSA Ajit Doval and other security officials on regional stability, the democratic progress and ongoing peace efforts in Afghanistan, and bilateral security cooperation. <a href="https://t.co/KfuDi47GIo">pic.twitter.com/KfuDi47GIo</a>
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This comes just a day after US president Donald<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-indian-pm-for-library-in-afghanistan-187955"> Trump mocked Prime Minister Modi </a>and India's aid to Afghanistan and said, “I could give you an example where I get along very well with India and Prime Minister Modi. But he is constantly telling me, he built a library in Afghanistan. Library! We are supposed to say, oh thank you for the library. Don’t know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan."

Mohib briefed the Indian side about the security situation, the holding of Parliamentary elections, scheduled presidential elections and efforts of the Afghanistan government towards peace and reconciliation.&nbsp;

In a tweet, Hamdullah Mohib said: "Held productive meetings in India with my counterpart NSA Ajit Doval and other security officials on regional stability, the democratic progress and ongoing peace efforts in Afghanistan&nbsp;and bilateral security cooperation."

NSA Doval conveyed India's continued support to Afghanistan in its efforts to bring peace, security and prosperity in the country. He reiterated New Delhi's stand on the Afghan peace process that it should be "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled. "

According to a release by the ministry of external affairs, India called on regional and international partners of Afghanistan "to work keeping in mind the priorities, wishes and desire of the Afghan people."

The release added&nbsp;that "India welcomes the fact that the people of Afghanistan have time and again reposed faith in democratic governance and the forthcoming presidential elections in Afghanistan will further deepen the roots of democracy in Afghanistan."

The NSA meet happens when the situation in Afghanistan is rapidly evolving with Russia, Iran, Pakistan and US all engaged in talks with Taliban, though the Afghan government is not pleased with talks involving the terror group.&nbsp;

The US media has been reporting that US may withdraw 7,000 troops from Afghanistan though it has not been confirmed by the Pentagon. Top Indian government sources last week told WION that New Delhi is "closely watching" recent development in Afghanistan regarding the peace initiatives and does not find any reason to be concerned about changes in US policy on Afghanistan.

Last year India participated in the Moscow talks on Afghanistan in which the Taliban also took part. India participated at non-official level sending 2 former diplomats-- Amar Sinha, India's former envoy to Afghanistan &amp; TCA Raghavan at the non-official level at the Moscow talks.

Mohib is the first high-level member of the Afghan government to visit India.

The Afghan NSA has invited NSA Doval to visit Afghanistan and the invitation has been accepted.

Next week former Afghan President Hamid Karzai and United State's special representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will visit India for Raisina Dialogue. This will the first official visit by Zalmay to India in his capacity as the special representative of US for Afghanistan and he will be meeting Indian leadership.

Afghanistan's National Security Advisor (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib on Friday met India's NSA Ajit Doval at Hyderabad House in which both sides had a detailed exchange of views about the recent developments in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan's National Security Advisor (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib on Friday met India's NSA Ajit Doval at Hyderabad House in which both sides had a detailed exchange of views about the recent developments in Afghanistan. NSA Mohib appreciated assistance provided by India for economic development and reconstruction of Afghanistan and also for human resource development, including training of Afghan national defence and security forces in India. Held productive meetings in India with my counterpart NSA Ajit Doval and other security officials on regional stability, the democratic progress and ongoing peace efforts in Afghanistan, and bilateral security cooperation. pic.twitter.com/KfuDi47GIo — Hamdullah Mohib (@hmohib) January 4, 2019 × This comes just a day after US president Donald Trump mocked Prime Minister Modi and India's aid to Afghanistan and said, “I could give you an example where I get along very well with India and Prime Minister Modi. But he is constantly telling me, he built a library in Afghanistan. Library! We are supposed to say, oh thank you for the library. Don’t know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan." Mohib briefed the Indian side about the security situation, the holding of Parliamentary elections, scheduled presidential elections and efforts of the Afghanistan government towards peace and reconciliation. In a tweet, Hamdullah Mohib said: "Held productive meetings in India with my counterpart NSA Ajit Doval and other security officials on regional stability, the democratic progress and ongoing peace efforts in Afghanistan and bilateral security cooperation." NSA Doval conveyed India's continued support to Afghanistan in its efforts to bring peace, security and prosperity in the country. He reiterated New Delhi's stand on the Afghan peace process that it should be "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled. " According to a release by the ministry of external affairs, India called on regional and international partners of Afghanistan "to work keeping in mind the priorities, wishes and desire of the Afghan people." The release added that "India welcomes the fact that the people of Afghanistan have time and again reposed faith in democratic governance and the forthcoming presidential elections in Afghanistan will further deepen the roots of democracy in Afghanistan." The NSA meet happens when the situation in Afghanistan is rapidly evolving with Russia, Iran, Pakistan and US all engaged in talks with Taliban, though the Afghan government is not pleased with talks involving the terror group. The US media has been reporting that US may withdraw 7,000 troops from Afghanistan though it has not been confirmed by the Pentagon. Top Indian government sources last week told WION that New Delhi is "closely watching" recent development in Afghanistan regarding the peace initiatives and does not find any reason to be concerned about changes in US policy on Afghanistan. Last year India participated in the Moscow talks on Afghanistan in which the Taliban also took part. India participated at non-official level sending 2 former diplomats-- Amar Sinha, India's former envoy to Afghanistan & TCA Raghavan at the non-official level at the Moscow talks. Mohib is the first high-level member of the Afghan government to visit India. The Afghan NSA has invited NSA Doval to visit Afghanistan and the invitation has been accepted. Next week former Afghan President Hamid Karzai and United State's special representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will visit India for Raisina Dialogue. This will the first official visit by Zalmay to India in his capacity as the special representative of US for Afghanistan and he will be meeting Indian leadership.

Day after Trump's jibe at Modi, Afghan government thanks India's assistance

China has a healthy and stable <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/willing-to-work-with-india-to-enhance-communication-in-international-affairs-china-188263">China-India relationship</a> which is not only in the interest of the two countries but also conducive to the cause of world peace and development,&nbsp;Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said.

The comments have come a day after Minister of state in the ministry of external affairs General VK Singh reiterated in the parliament "India-China relations are a factor of stability, and that the two countries must not allow their differences to become disputes."&nbsp;

At the daily China's Foreign Ministry briefing, Spokesperson Lu Kang said,&nbsp;"China and India are each other's, important neighbour. We are all important emerging markets. China always believes that a healthy and stable China-India relationship is not only in the interests of the two countries and the two people, but also conducive to the cause of world peace and development."

He added, "In the context of growing uncertainty and instability globally, China is willing to work with India to strengthen coordination on international affairs and jointly safeguard the interests of the two countries and the collective interests of the developing countries."

The comments come even as pressure on China has been growing from Trump Administration. Trump has been calling Bejing to reduce the trade deficit and both are currently working on a trade deal after a truce was achieved on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina last year.&nbsp;

General VK Singh on Thursday also said that India has been engaging with China on NSG membership and terror emanating from Pakistan.&nbsp;

Remember China blocked India's bid to list Masood Azhar as a global terrorist at Al Qaeda Sanctions committee of the United Nations Security Council. At the 48 member NSG, Bejing block's New Delhi's entry.

2018 is considered the year of reset in India China ties starting with famous informal Wuhan Summit in April followed by bilateral meetings between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two leaders met four times 2018 which many have called unprecedented in many ways.

In 2019 the Chinese President will be visiting India for the second informal summit.

China has a healthy and stable China-India relationship which is not only in the interest of the two countries but also conducive to the cause of world peace and development, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said.

China has a healthy and stable China-India relationship which is not only in the interest of the two countries but also conducive to the cause of world peace and development, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said. The comments have come a day after Minister of state in the ministry of external affairs General VK Singh reiterated in the parliament "India-China relations are a factor of stability, and that the two countries must not allow their differences to become disputes." At the daily China's Foreign Ministry briefing, Spokesperson Lu Kang said, "China and India are each other's, important neighbour. We are all important emerging markets. China always believes that a healthy and stable China-India relationship is not only in the interests of the two countries and the two people, but also conducive to the cause of world peace and development." He added, "In the context of growing uncertainty and instability globally, China is willing to work with India to strengthen coordination on international affairs and jointly safeguard the interests of the two countries and the collective interests of the developing countries." The comments come even as pressure on China has been growing from Trump Administration. Trump has been calling Bejing to reduce the trade deficit and both are currently working on a trade deal after a truce was achieved on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina last year. General VK Singh on Thursday also said that India has been engaging with China on NSG membership and terror emanating from Pakistan. Remember China blocked India's bid to list Masood Azhar as a global terrorist at Al Qaeda Sanctions committee of the United Nations Security Council. At the 48 member NSG, Bejing block's New Delhi's entry. 2018 is considered the year of reset in India China ties starting with famous informal Wuhan Summit in April followed by bilateral meetings between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two leaders met four times 2018 which many have called unprecedented in many ways. In 2019 the Chinese President will be visiting India for the second informal summit.

China and India are each other's important neighbour: Chinese Foreign Ministry

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