In a first, India's defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited US Indo Pacific command in Hawaii. The visit comes months after the US changed the name of Pacific command, its largest command in the world, to Indo Pacific command. She was hosted by Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command Adm. Phil Davidson who said, “Our two democratic nations are committed to upholding a rules-based international order, which has brought decades of peace, stability, and prosperity. We are global partners on defense and security and this exemplifies our mutual cooperation to assure a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”

India's defence minister also visited the historic Pearl Harbour and boarded US Guided Missile Destroyer USS Michael Murphy. The visit coincided with the 77th anniversary of the 1941 attack on pearl harbour by Japanese forces, the attack which is considered a turning point in world war 2 and eventually led to the defeat of Japanese forces in the region. Nirmala Sitharaman is on an official visit to the US from December 2-7, at the invitation of US Secretary of Defence James N. Mattis.

The visit by Defence minister comes at a time when India and US have been engaging to expand the Indo Pacific concept. At the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore, PM Modi said that Indo Pacific is inclusive and "India's vision for the Indo-Pacific Region is a positive one" with "ASEAN centrality and unity".

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<img alt="Defence Minister in Hawaii" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="411bbed3-edda-4b14-baae-c44177ce16a9" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/defence%20minister%203.JPG" />

The United States and India have been major defense partners since 2016. During the recently concluded inaugural US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi in September, New Delhi and Washington signed COMCASA or Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement. Air forces of India and the US are currently conducting a 12-day military exercise in Kalaikunda and Panagarh air bases in West Bengal, with an aim to enhance operational coordination, according to India Air Forces officials. The 'Ex Cope India-18' will be the fourth edition in the series of bilateral drills between the Indian Air Force and the US Air Force.

<img alt="Defence Minister in Hawaii" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="922bc0f3-81e4-49f3-85ad-8264c672adaa" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/defence%20minister%204.JPG" />

In a first, India's defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited US Indo Pacific command in Hawaii. The visit comes months after the US changed the name of Pacific command, its largest command in the world, to Indo Pacific command.

In a first, India's defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited US Indo Pacific command in Hawaii. The visit comes months after the US changed the name of Pacific command, its largest command in the world, to Indo Pacific command. She was hosted by Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command Adm. Phil Davidson who said, “Our two democratic nations are committed to upholding a rules-based international order, which has brought decades of peace, stability, and prosperity. We are global partners on defense and security and this exemplifies our mutual cooperation to assure a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” India's defence minister also visited the historic Pearl Harbour and boarded US Guided Missile Destroyer USS Michael Murphy. The visit coincided with the 77th anniversary of the 1941 attack on pearl harbour by Japanese forces, the attack which is considered a turning point in world war 2 and eventually led to the defeat of Japanese forces in the region. Nirmala Sitharaman is on an official visit to the US from December 2-7, at the invitation of US Secretary of Defence James N. Mattis. The visit by Defence minister comes at a time when India and US have been engaging to expand the Indo Pacific concept. At the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore, PM Modi said that Indo Pacific is inclusive and "India's vision for the Indo-Pacific Region is a positive one" with "ASEAN centrality and unity". The United States and India have been major defense partners since 2016. During the recently concluded inaugural US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi in September, New Delhi and Washington signed COMCASA or Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement. Air forces of India and the US are currently conducting a 12-day military exercise in Kalaikunda and Panagarh air bases in West Bengal, with an aim to enhance operational coordination, according to India Air Forces officials. The 'Ex Cope India-18' will be the fourth edition in the series of bilateral drills between the Indian Air Force and the US Air Force.

Defence minister visits US Indo-Pacific command in Hawaii

India slammed Pakistan at United Nation General Assembly (UNGA) for destabilising Afghanistan and continuing to provide sanctuaries to terror organisations in its territory.&nbsp;

"Offensives are planned and launched by those who are harboured in safe havens in the neighbourhood of Afghanistan. These sanctuaries have, for years, provided safety for the dark agendas of ideologically and operationally-fused terror networks like the Taliban, Haqqani network, Daesh, Al- Qaeda and its prescribed affiliates such as the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed," said Indian Diplomat Eenam Gambhir delivering India's statement in UNGA. &nbsp;

Afghanistan has seen a number of terror attacks in 2018 in which hundreds of people have been killed. The Jalalabad suicide attack in July killed the man Sikhs including Atma Singh who was to represent the minorities in the Afghan Parliament.&nbsp;

"It is clear that the terrorists and those who plan such attacks are not interested in peace. The goalposts for them have changed" Gambhir said and added the terrorists and their supporters have now set up industries amongst them of narcotics and illegal mining in the territories they control stealing the resources of the Afghan people and to fund more violence and terrorism.

As per the latest reports on Global Terrorism Index released earlier this week, Afghanistan is now the world’s deadliest country for terrorism. One-quarter of all worldwide terrorism-related deaths during 2017 occurred in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

India also slammed Security Council sanctions committee for refusing to designate new leaders of the Taliban or to freeze the assets of the slain leader of Taliban stating that peace in Afghanistan is tied to the peace and security in the entire world.

Dwelling on Pakistan- Afghanistan relationship, Afghanistan's permanent representative to UN Ambassador Mahmoud Saikal said, "No country can benefit more from a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, than Pakistan itself." &nbsp;

Kabul and Islamabad signed the Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity between Afghanistan and Pakistan ( APAPPS) in April this year. The mechanism is aimed for improved cooperation to address outstanding concerns with respect to combating terrorism, and clear measures to advance peace efforts.&nbsp;

The Assembly held its annual debate on the situation in Afghanistan during which it adopted a resolution on the matter by a record 124 vote in favour to none against, with 3 abstentions (Libya, Russian Federation, Zimbabwe).&nbsp;

India has emerged as one of the major development partners of Afghanistan in the last few years. The India-Afghanistan Air-Freight Corridor has helped Afghan products to reach India and via Chabahar port, India has connectivity to the Afghanistan market.&nbsp;

India slammed Pakistan at United Nation General Assembly (UNGA) for destabilising Afghanistan and continuing to provide sanctuaries to terror organisations in its territory.

India slammed Pakistan at United Nation General Assembly (UNGA) for destabilising Afghanistan and continuing to provide sanctuaries to terror organisations in its territory. "Offensives are planned and launched by those who are harboured in safe havens in the neighbourhood of Afghanistan. These sanctuaries have, for years, provided safety for the dark agendas of ideologically and operationally-fused terror networks like the Taliban, Haqqani network, Daesh, Al- Qaeda and its prescribed affiliates such as the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed," said Indian Diplomat Eenam Gambhir delivering India's statement in UNGA. Afghanistan has seen a number of terror attacks in 2018 in which hundreds of people have been killed. The Jalalabad suicide attack in July killed the man Sikhs including Atma Singh who was to represent the minorities in the Afghan Parliament. "It is clear that the terrorists and those who plan such attacks are not interested in peace. The goalposts for them have changed" Gambhir said and added the terrorists and their supporters have now set up industries amongst them of narcotics and illegal mining in the territories they control stealing the resources of the Afghan people and to fund more violence and terrorism. As per the latest reports on Global Terrorism Index released earlier this week, Afghanistan is now the world’s deadliest country for terrorism. One-quarter of all worldwide terrorism-related deaths during 2017 occurred in Afghanistan. India also slammed Security Council sanctions committee for refusing to designate new leaders of the Taliban or to freeze the assets of the slain leader of Taliban stating that peace in Afghanistan is tied to the peace and security in the entire world. Dwelling on Pakistan- Afghanistan relationship, Afghanistan's permanent representative to UN Ambassador Mahmoud Saikal said, "No country can benefit more from a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, than Pakistan itself." Kabul and Islamabad signed the Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity between Afghanistan and Pakistan ( APAPPS) in April this year. The mechanism is aimed for improved cooperation to address outstanding concerns with respect to combating terrorism, and clear measures to advance peace efforts. The Assembly held its annual debate on the situation in Afghanistan during which it adopted a resolution on the matter by a record 124 vote in favour to none against, with 3 abstentions (Libya, Russian Federation, Zimbabwe). India has emerged as one of the major development partners of Afghanistan in the last few years. The India-Afghanistan Air-Freight Corridor has helped Afghan products to reach India and via Chabahar port, India has connectivity to the Afghanistan market.

Terror attacks on Afghanistan planned in neighbourhood safe havens: India at UNGA

Even as the OPEC or Organisation of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-not-in-a-position-to-tell-us-what-to-do-says-saudi-arabia-on-oil-price-cut-181971">Petroleum Exporting Countries meet happens</a> in Vienna, Saudi Arabia's energy minister Khalid al-Falih said India's prime minister Narendra Modi was&nbsp;"vocal" about the increase in oil prices and raised it with Riyadh many times.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters ahead of the OPEC meeting, Khalid al-Falih said: "We also take views of Prime Minister Modi, who is equally vocal. We just met him in Buenos Aires. Privately he made those points. He does care for Indian consumers."

He also disclosed that PM Modi had met him three&nbsp;times in India at "various energy events in India. And he was very vocal".

The Saudi energy minister assured the nervous energy market that the Kingdom will ensure&nbsp;affordable oil prices, adding, "consumer in the&nbsp;US, just like a consumer in France, just like a consumer in India, wants affordable energy".

Unstable oil prices has been a key issue which&nbsp;India has been raising during its meeting with oil producing countries especially Saudi Arabia. It was one of the main&nbsp;issues India raised at the recently concluded 13th G20 Summit in Argentina.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, OPEC has agreed to cut prices but has been waiting for non-member Russia's nod to decide on the volume of the intended cut.

The comments by Saudi energy minister comes a&nbsp;week after PM Modi met Saudi Arabia's crown prince&nbsp;Mohammad Bin Salman on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

During the bilateral meeting, according to the foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale, "the PM, in particular, stressed upon the importance of having stable energy prices".

India views the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a "valuable partner"&nbsp;and the relationship has expanded beyond issues related to the Indian community to&nbsp;economy, energy and security.

PM Modi visited Saudi Arabia in 2016 during which King Salman honoured him with ‘Sash of King Abdulaziz’, the highest civilian decoration awarded by the Kingdom.

Even as the OPEC or Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries meet happens in Vienna, Saudi Arabia's energy minister Khalid al-Falih said India's prime minister Narendra Modi was "vocal" about the increase in oil prices and raised it with Riyadh many times.

Even as the OPEC or Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries meet happens in Vienna, Saudi Arabia's energy minister Khalid al-Falih said India's prime minister Narendra Modi was "vocal" about the increase in oil prices and raised it with Riyadh many times. Speaking to reporters ahead of the OPEC meeting, Khalid al-Falih said: "We also take views of Prime Minister Modi, who is equally vocal. We just met him in Buenos Aires. Privately he made those points. He does care for Indian consumers." He also disclosed that PM Modi had met him three times in India at "various energy events in India. And he was very vocal". The Saudi energy minister assured the nervous energy market that the Kingdom will ensure affordable oil prices, adding, "consumer in the US, just like a consumer in France, just like a consumer in India, wants affordable energy". Unstable oil prices has been a key issue which India has been raising during its meeting with oil producing countries especially Saudi Arabia. It was one of the main issues India raised at the recently concluded 13th G20 Summit in Argentina. Meanwhile, OPEC has agreed to cut prices but has been waiting for non-member Russia's nod to decide on the volume of the intended cut. The comments by Saudi energy minister comes a week after PM Modi met Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammad Bin Salman on the sidelines of the G20 summit. During the bilateral meeting, according to the foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale, "the PM, in particular, stressed upon the importance of having stable energy prices". India views the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a "valuable partner" and the relationship has expanded beyond issues related to the Indian community to economy, energy and security. PM Modi visited Saudi Arabia in 2016 during which King Salman honoured him with ‘Sash of King Abdulaziz’, the highest civilian decoration awarded by the Kingdom.

We also take views of PM Modi, he cares about Indian consumers: Saudi energy minister on oil price cut

A day after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-chopper-case-christian-michel-appears-in-delhi-court-security-tightened-181662">Christian Michel, the alleged middleman</a> in Rs 3600 cr &nbsp;Agusta Westland chopper scam was extradited to India, it was a day of many developments from the courts, to CBI headquarters to the poll-bound state of Rajasthan.&nbsp;

Lashing out at Congress in the poll-bound state of Rajasthan Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a rally in Dausa said, "We've caught a 'raazdaar' of chopper scam and brought him here. The entire family(Gandhi family) is now scared of the things which will be revealed. They are scared as to whose name will he take if he opens his mouth".

In another rally at Sumerpur, launching a scathing attack on Congress, PM Modi said; "Helicopter kaand ke raazdar aur dalal ko sarkar Dubai se pakad ke layi hai. Ab raazdar raaz kholega, pata nahi baat kahan tak jayegi, kitni duur tak jayegi" (Govt has got the man who gave bribes in Agusta Westland chopper scam from Dubai. If he opens his mouth, he can speak a lot and this might go very far.)

The extradition of Michel is being considered a shot in the arm for Modi Govt just before the elections in states like Telangana, Rajasthan and general elections of 2019.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in Delhi's Patiala house court, a CBI Special Court sent Michel to 5-day CBI custody and has allowed his counsel one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening for consultancy. Michel has also sought bail hearing which the court will hear in next hearing. &nbsp;

The British high commission has also reacted to the development. Remember Michel is a British national who has been extradited from a 3rd country, that is UAE.&nbsp;

The British High Commission spokesperson said, "Our staff continue to support the family of a British man following his detention in UAE. We're in contact with his family and Emirati authorities regarding his case and are urgently seeking info from Indian authorities on his circumstances.”&nbsp;

Government sources have said India is willing to provide consular access to UK High Commission for Christian Michel and due process will be followed.

India has sent extradition request last year to UAE and after a lengthy legal battle in UAE's courts, he was extradited on 4th December to India.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, it seems Michel's extradition has sent messages to many including Vijay Mallya in London who tweeted, "I have offered to repay 100 % of the Principal amount to them( banks). Please take it."

A London court will announce the judgement on extradition of Vijay Mallya on 10th December.

A day after Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in Rs 3600 cr Agusta Westland chopper scam was extradited to India, it was a day of many developments from the courts, to CBI headquarters to the poll-bound state of Rajasthan.

A day after Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in Rs 3600 cr Agusta Westland chopper scam was extradited to India, it was a day of many developments from the courts, to CBI headquarters to the poll-bound state of Rajasthan. Lashing out at Congress in the poll-bound state of Rajasthan Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a rally in Dausa said, "We've caught a 'raazdaar' of chopper scam and brought him here. The entire family(Gandhi family) is now scared of the things which will be revealed. They are scared as to whose name will he take if he opens his mouth". In another rally at Sumerpur, launching a scathing attack on Congress, PM Modi said; "Helicopter kaand ke raazdar aur dalal ko sarkar Dubai se pakad ke layi hai. Ab raazdar raaz kholega, pata nahi baat kahan tak jayegi, kitni duur tak jayegi" (Govt has got the man who gave bribes in Agusta Westland chopper scam from Dubai. If he opens his mouth, he can speak a lot and this might go very far.) The extradition of Michel is being considered a shot in the arm for Modi Govt just before the elections in states like Telangana, Rajasthan and general elections of 2019. Meanwhile, in Delhi's Patiala house court, a CBI Special Court sent Michel to 5-day CBI custody and has allowed his counsel one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening for consultancy. Michel has also sought bail hearing which the court will hear in next hearing. The British high commission has also reacted to the development. Remember Michel is a British national who has been extradited from a 3rd country, that is UAE. The British High Commission spokesperson said, "Our staff continue to support the family of a British man following his detention in UAE. We're in contact with his family and Emirati authorities regarding his case and are urgently seeking info from Indian authorities on his circumstances.” Government sources have said India is willing to provide consular access to UK High Commission for Christian Michel and due process will be followed. India has sent extradition request last year to UAE and after a lengthy legal battle in UAE's courts, he was extradited on 4th December to India. Meanwhile, it seems Michel's extradition has sent messages to many including Vijay Mallya in London who tweeted, "I have offered to repay 100 % of the Principal amount to them( banks). Please take it." A London court will announce the judgement on extradition of Vijay Mallya on 10th December.

Christian Michel's extradition: Entire Gandhi family scared as 'raazdaar' caught, says PM Modi in Rajasthan

Evading a direct answer to a question on whether India will get wavier under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) for the S400 missile deal with Russia, US Defence secretary Jim Mattis said that he and his Indian counterpart &nbsp;Nirmala Sitharaman will sort out all the issues.

Sitharaman is on a visit to the US. Earlier, in a meeting with his Indian counterpart at&nbsp;the Pentagon, Mattis appreciated India's leadership as a ''stabilising force" in pursuit of promoting peace and security across the region and the globe.&nbsp;

On S400, he said, "We'll work everything out".

"India has spent many, many years in its non-aligned status. It's drawn a lot of weapons from Russia," he further said.&nbsp;

Prior to her meeting with Mattis, the Indian defence minister was received by US Secretary of State and was accorded the Armed Forces Enhanced Honours Cordon welcome.

Sitharaman while "acknowledging the warmth shown" during her visit, complimented the US for "responsiveness to India's sensitivities."

The duo reviewed ongoing initiatives to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, as a key pillar of the strategic partnership between India and USA

India has longstanding and wide-ranging cooperation with Russia in the field of defence.

During the 17th India Russia Annual Summit in Delhi, the two sides concluded agreements on the supply of S-400 air defence systems. Along with it India, Russia also agreed on the construction of frigates under Project 1135.6 and shareholders agreement on the formation of joint venture to manufacture Ka-226T helicopters in India. But even as India has tradition ties with Moscow, it is also forging ties with the US.

Lauding the ''growing mutual trust and confidence in our defence partnership" Sitharaman said, a strong foundation has been made for the India-US defence relations over the years. The Minister highlighted the steps taken by the Government of India to promote defence sector manufacturing under "Make in India" flag-ship programme.

The visit by Indian Defence minister comes months after the inaugural 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi. Earlier Defence Minister visited the US Department of State, where she signed the condolence book for former US President George HW Bush. She also paid respects at the 'Tomb of the Unknown Soldier' by placing a wreath at the Arlington National Cemetery Memorial.&nbsp;

Following her engagements in Washington DC, Defence Minister will be visiting Reno on 4 December, where she will hold interactions with select leaders of the Indian community in the US. Later, she will visit San Francisco where she would address a roundtable meeting at Stanford.&nbsp;

She will also visit the Defence Innovation unit of the US Department of Defence and interact with start-ups and venture capitalists associated with this Unit.&nbsp;

From 5-7 December, she will visit Honolulu, which is the headquarters of the US Pacific Command (PACOM), recently renamed as INDO-PACOM.&nbsp;

During her visit, she will also hold meetings with Commander of INDO-PACOM, Admiral Philip S. Davidson.&nbsp;

She will also visit Joint Base Pearl Harbour Hickam, where she would board a US Guided Missile Destroyer and will be briefed on INDO-PACOM activities.

Evading a direct answer to a question on whether India will get wavier under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) for the S400 missile deal with Russia, US Defence secretary Jim Mattis said that he and his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman will sort out all the issues.

Evading a direct answer to a question on whether India will get wavier under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) for the S400 missile deal with Russia, US Defence secretary Jim Mattis said that he and his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman will sort out all the issues. Sitharaman is on a visit to the US. Earlier, in a meeting with his Indian counterpart at the Pentagon, Mattis appreciated India's leadership as a ''stabilising force" in pursuit of promoting peace and security across the region and the globe. On S400, he said, "We'll work everything out". "India has spent many, many years in its non-aligned status. It's drawn a lot of weapons from Russia," he further said. Prior to her meeting with Mattis, the Indian defence minister was received by US Secretary of State and was accorded the Armed Forces Enhanced Honours Cordon welcome. Sitharaman while "acknowledging the warmth shown" during her visit, complimented the US for "responsiveness to India's sensitivities." The duo reviewed ongoing initiatives to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, as a key pillar of the strategic partnership between India and USA India has longstanding and wide-ranging cooperation with Russia in the field of defence. During the 17th India Russia Annual Summit in Delhi, the two sides concluded agreements on the supply of S-400 air defence systems. Along with it India, Russia also agreed on the construction of frigates under Project 1135.6 and shareholders agreement on the formation of joint venture to manufacture Ka-226T helicopters in India. But even as India has tradition ties with Moscow, it is also forging ties with the US. Lauding the ''growing mutual trust and confidence in our defence partnership" Sitharaman said, a strong foundation has been made for the India-US defence relations over the years. The Minister highlighted the steps taken by the Government of India to promote defence sector manufacturing under "Make in India" flag-ship programme. The visit by Indian Defence minister comes months after the inaugural 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi. Earlier Defence Minister visited the US Department of State, where she signed the condolence book for former US President George HW Bush. She also paid respects at the 'Tomb of the Unknown Soldier' by placing a wreath at the Arlington National Cemetery Memorial. Following her engagements in Washington DC, Defence Minister will be visiting Reno on 4 December, where she will hold interactions with select leaders of the Indian community in the US. Later, she will visit San Francisco where she would address a roundtable meeting at Stanford. She will also visit the Defence Innovation unit of the US Department of Defence and interact with start-ups and venture capitalists associated with this Unit. From 5-7 December, she will visit Honolulu, which is the headquarters of the US Pacific Command (PACOM), recently renamed as INDO-PACOM. During her visit, she will also hold meetings with Commander of INDO-PACOM, Admiral Philip S. Davidson. She will also visit Joint Base Pearl Harbour Hickam, where she would board a US Guided Missile Destroyer and will be briefed on INDO-PACOM activities.

S400 missile deal with Russia dominates Mattis-Sitharaman talks in US

The 13 G20 Summit ended with a number of big outcomes such as India being as the host for G20 in 2022 and Trump-Xi truce in the ongoing trade war.&nbsp;

India will be hosting the summit on the 75th Independence anniversary year.

Speaking at the G20 summit, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said "It's India's 75th Independence Day in 2022 &amp; we had requested Italy if we can get '22 instead of '21 (for hosting G20 summit). They accepted our request, others accepted it too.I'm grateful and I invite leadership from across the world to come to India in 2022"

Italy and India swapped year for hosting G20 summit. Italy will be hosting G20 Summit in 2021. Italian PM Giuseppe Conte said it was "very important for India to celebrate its 75th anniversary of Independence with our presence and therefore I decide to accept the swap".

In Asia, South Korea hosted G20 in 2010, followed by Turkey in 2015 and China in 2016.&nbsp;

GLOBAL OUTCOMES

On Global outcomes, US president and Chinese President met for almost two-and-a-half hours on a working dinner. Later in a press statement, the white house said, "President Trump has agreed that on January 1, 2019, he will leave the tariffs on $200 billion worth of product at the 10% rate, and not raise it to 25% at this time."

According to White House, China also agreed to purchase "very substantial" amount of agricultural, energy, industrial, and other product from the United States to "reduce the trade imbalance between our two countries."

US President has been calling on Bejing to reduce the trade deficit with Washington.

Trump &amp; Xi have also agreed to "immediately" begin negotiations on "structural changes" with respect to forced technology transfer, intellectual property protection, non-tariff barriers, cyber intrusions and cyber theft, services and agriculture. Both agreed that this will be completed within the next 90 days.

President Trump said, “This was an amazing and productive meeting with unlimited possibilities for both the United States and China. It is my great honour to be working with President Xi.”

India's Prime minister also spoke on the ongoing trade wars between world number one and number two economies in the world saying it has a "collateral" impact on emerging economies.

Terror and the issue of fugitive economic offenders remained the key focus by the PM with the PM calling on the need to "implement the 11 point action plan against terrorism which was issued as a stand-alone statement in last year's G20 summit (in Hamburg)".&nbsp;

India's Sherpa or Chief negotiator Shaktikanta Das, replying to WION's question on terror said, "PM raised the issue of terror and the way it undermines human life and also economies and society. PM emphasised that the Hamburg declaration should be implemented by all countries. "

PM had also given 9 point agenda to tackle fugitive economic offenders which called on Financial Action Task Force (FATF) &nbsp;to define economic offenders.&nbsp;

On the sidelines of G20, PM Modi also met a number of world leaders including Chinese President Xi for the fourth time since he assumed office and invited South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for the Republic day celebrations.

Speaking after the bilateral, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "PM extended South Africa Pres Cyril Ramaphosa invitation to be the chief guest for India's Republic Day in 2019 and Ramaphosa accepted."

The 13 G20 Summit ended with a number of big outcomes such as India being as the host for G20 in 2022 and Trump-Xi truce in the ongoing trade war. India will be hosting the summit on the 75th Independence anniversary year.

The 13 G20 Summit ended with a number of big outcomes such as India being as the host for G20 in 2022 and Trump-Xi truce in the ongoing trade war. India will be hosting the summit on the 75th Independence anniversary year. Speaking at the G20 summit, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said "It's India's 75th Independence Day in 2022 & we had requested Italy if we can get '22 instead of '21 (for hosting G20 summit). They accepted our request, others accepted it too.I'm grateful and I invite leadership from across the world to come to India in 2022" Italy and India swapped year for hosting G20 summit. Italy will be hosting G20 Summit in 2021. Italian PM Giuseppe Conte said it was "very important for India to celebrate its 75th anniversary of Independence with our presence and therefore I decide to accept the swap". In Asia, South Korea hosted G20 in 2010, followed by Turkey in 2015 and China in 2016. GLOBAL OUTCOMES On Global outcomes, US president and Chinese President met for almost two-and-a-half hours on a working dinner. Later in a press statement, the white house said, "President Trump has agreed that on January 1, 2019, he will leave the tariffs on $200 billion worth of product at the 10% rate, and not raise it to 25% at this time." According to White House, China also agreed to purchase "very substantial" amount of agricultural, energy, industrial, and other product from the United States to "reduce the trade imbalance between our two countries." US President has been calling on Bejing to reduce the trade deficit with Washington. Trump & Xi have also agreed to "immediately" begin negotiations on "structural changes" with respect to forced technology transfer, intellectual property protection, non-tariff barriers, cyber intrusions and cyber theft, services and agriculture. Both agreed that this will be completed within the next 90 days. President Trump said, “This was an amazing and productive meeting with unlimited possibilities for both the United States and China. It is my great honour to be working with President Xi.” India's Prime minister also spoke on the ongoing trade wars between world number one and number two economies in the world saying it has a "collateral" impact on emerging economies. Terror and the issue of fugitive economic offenders remained the key focus by the PM with the PM calling on the need to "implement the 11 point action plan against terrorism which was issued as a stand-alone statement in last year's G20 summit (in Hamburg)". India's Sherpa or Chief negotiator Shaktikanta Das, replying to WION's question on terror said, "PM raised the issue of terror and the way it undermines human life and also economies and society. PM emphasised that the Hamburg declaration should be implemented by all countries. " PM had also given 9 point agenda to tackle fugitive economic offenders which called on Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to define economic offenders. On the sidelines of G20, PM Modi also met a number of world leaders including Chinese President Xi for the fourth time since he assumed office and invited South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for the Republic day celebrations. Speaking after the bilateral, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "PM extended South Africa Pres Cyril Ramaphosa invitation to be the chief guest for India's Republic Day in 2019 and Ramaphosa accepted."

G20's big outcomes: India to host G20 in 2022, Trump-Xi's trade truce

Day 2 of the G20 summit came to an end Saturday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi focusing on the issue of terror and highlighting how trade wars can be detrimental to global economies.

Briefing the media, India's sherpa at the G20,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/strengthening-fatf-bring-to-book-fugitive-economic-offender-indias-top-focus-at-g20-180325">Shaktikanta Das</a>, said, "The PM highlighted escalating trade tension and the collateral damage it can do to emerging economies."

The big focus at this year's G20 has been the trade&nbsp;war&nbsp;between the world's two biggest economies, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/at-g20-dinner-trump-calls-relationship-with-xi-very-special-180799">the US and China</a>.

The focus was also on reforms at the WTO and the PM called on the "need to have proactive and reformed multilateralism at the global level."

Even the BRICS statement, issued after the informal meet on the sidelines of G20, mentioned WTO and called on "all members to oppose such WTO inconsistent measures, stand by their commitments undertaken in the WTO and rollback such measures of a discriminatory and restrictive nature."

Terror remained a key focus by the PM. He called on the need to "implement the 11-point action plan against terrorism which was issued as a stand-alone statement in last year's G20 summit (in Hamburg)."&nbsp;

Sherpa replying to WION's question on terror said, "the PM raised the issue of terror and the way it undermines human life and also economies and society. The PM emphasised that the Hamburg declaration should be implemented by all countries. "

PM Modi also a gave a 9-point agenda on fugitive economic offenders which suggested that FATF or Financial Action Task Force should come out with a common definition on who is a "fugitive economic offenders."

Day 2 of the G20 summit came to an end Saturday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi focusing on the issue of terror and highlighting how trade wars can be detrimental to global economies.

Day 2 of the G20 summit came to an end Saturday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi focusing on the issue of terror and highlighting how trade wars can be detrimental to global economies. Briefing the media, India's sherpa at the G20, Shaktikanta Das, said, "The PM highlighted escalating trade tension and the collateral damage it can do to emerging economies." The big focus at this year's G20 has been the trade war between the world's two biggest economies, the US and China. The focus was also on reforms at the WTO and the PM called on the "need to have proactive and reformed multilateralism at the global level." Even the BRICS statement, issued after the informal meet on the sidelines of G20, mentioned WTO and called on "all members to oppose such WTO inconsistent measures, stand by their commitments undertaken in the WTO and rollback such measures of a discriminatory and restrictive nature." Terror remained a key focus by the PM. He called on the need to "implement the 11-point action plan against terrorism which was issued as a stand-alone statement in last year's G20 summit (in Hamburg)." Sherpa replying to WION's question on terror said, "the PM raised the issue of terror and the way it undermines human life and also economies and society. The PM emphasised that the Hamburg declaration should be implemented by all countries. " PM Modi also a gave a 9-point agenda on fugitive economic offenders which suggested that FATF or Financial Action Task Force should come out with a common definition on who is a "fugitive economic offenders."

At G20, Modi says trade war can do collateral damage to emerging economies

In a big announcement from the 13th G20 summit in Argentina's&nbsp;Buenos Aires, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India will host the&nbsp;G20 Summit in 2022.

India will be hosting the summit in the 75th Independence anniversary year.

Speaking at the G20 summit, PM Modi said, "It's India's 75th Independence Day in 2022 and we had requested Italy if we can get '22 instead of '21 (for hosting G20 summit). They accepted our request, others accepted it too. I am grateful and I invite leadership from across the world to come to India in 2022".

Italy and India swapped year for hosting G20 summit. Italy will be hosting G20 Summit in 2021.

Italian PM Giuseppe Conte said it was "very important for India to celebrate its 75th anniversary of Independence with our presence and therefore I decide to accept the swap".

In Asia, South Korea hosted G20 in 2010, followed by Turkey in 2015 and China in 2016. Next year the summit&nbsp;will take place in Japan followed by Saudi Arabia.

This year's summit, the 13th G20 summit, was hosted by Argentina. This was the first time that the summit had taken place in a country of&nbsp;South American continent.&nbsp;

In a big announcement from the 13th G20 summit in Argentina's Buenos Aires, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India will host the G20 Summit in 2022. India will be hosting the summit in the 75th Independence anniversary year.

In a big announcement from the 13th G20 summit in Argentina's Buenos Aires, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India will host the G20 Summit in 2022. India will be hosting the summit in the 75th Independence anniversary year. Speaking at the G20 summit, PM Modi said, "It's India's 75th Independence Day in 2022 and we had requested Italy if we can get '22 instead of '21 (for hosting G20 summit). They accepted our request, others accepted it too. I am grateful and I invite leadership from across the world to come to India in 2022". Italy and India swapped year for hosting G20 summit. Italy will be hosting G20 Summit in 2021. Italian PM Giuseppe Conte said it was "very important for India to celebrate its 75th anniversary of Independence with our presence and therefore I decide to accept the swap". In Asia, South Korea hosted G20 in 2010, followed by Turkey in 2015 and China in 2016. Next year the summit will take place in Japan followed by Saudi Arabia. This year's summit, the 13th G20 summit, was hosted by Argentina. This was the first time that the summit had taken place in a country of South American continent.

India to host G20 summit in 2022, PM Modi announces in Argentina

The South African President &nbsp;Cyril Ramaphosa will be the chief guest at India's republic day celebration in 2019.&nbsp;

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially handed over the invite to South African President in a bilateral on the sidelines of G20.

Speaking after the bilateral, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "PM extended South Africa Pres Cyril Ramaphosa invitation to be the chief guest for India's Republic Day in 2019 and Ramaphosa accepted"

India will be celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 2019. A number of programmes have been organised by India to celebrate the anniversary.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, India invited all 10 heads of the ASEAN grouping for the republic day.

The South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the chief guest at India's republic day celebration in 2019. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially handed over the invite to South African President in a bilateral on the sidelines of G20.

The South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the chief guest at India's republic day celebration in 2019. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially handed over the invite to South African President in a bilateral on the sidelines of G20. Speaking after the bilateral, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "PM extended South Africa Pres Cyril Ramaphosa invitation to be the chief guest for India's Republic Day in 2019 and Ramaphosa accepted" India will be celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 2019. A number of programmes have been organised by India to celebrate the anniversary. Earlier this year, India invited all 10 heads of the ASEAN grouping for the republic day.

Republic Day 2019: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to be India's chief guest

India has suggested that Financial Action Task Force (FATF) should formulate a standard definition of fugitive economic offenders. The focus should be on establishing international cooperation that leads to a&nbsp;timely exchange of information among other ways to deal with economic offenders. This was suggested by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his intervention at the 2nd session of G20 summit on international trade, international financial and tax system on Friday.&nbsp;

The nine-point agenda also suggests FATF should develop a set of commonly agreed and standardized procedures related to identification, extradition and judicial proceedings for dealing with economic offenders which will provide assistance to G20 countries.

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MEA: In his intervention at the 2nd session at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20Summit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20Summit</a> on international trade, international financial and tax systems, PM Narendra Modi presented a 9-point programme to take action against fugitive economic offenders. <a href="https://t.co/nsOwZiQyCq">pic.twitter.com/nsOwZiQyCq</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068661939197394944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Before the G20 Summit, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/strengthening-fatf-bring-to-book-fugitive-economic-offender-indias-top-focus-at-g20-180325">India's Sherpa to G20 Shatikanta Das told WION</a>, "One must recognize how to further strengthen the implementation of FATF standards by non-compliant countries and jurisdictions"

The FATF&nbsp;is an inter-governmental body established in 1989. The objectives of the FATF are to set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system. The FATF's decision-making body, the FATF Plenary, meets three times per year. &nbsp;

The development comes at a time when a fellow G20 country is hosting Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya accused of duping Indian banks with billions of rupees. India has been trying to extradite both of them.

India also called for a joint effort by G20 countries to form a mechanism that denies entry and safe havens to all fugitive economic offenders. It also suggested that G20 forum should consider initiating work on locating properties of economic offenders who have a tax debt in the country of their residence for its recovery.

Last year at the 12th G20 summit in Hamburg, Prime Minister Modi suggested an 11 point agenda on terror which was finally adopted in final G20 papers.&nbsp;

India has suggested that Financial Action Task Force (FATF) should formulate a standard definition of fugitive economic offenders. The focus should be on establishing international cooperation that leads to a timely exchange of information among other ways to deal with economic offenders.

India has suggested that Financial Action Task Force (FATF) should formulate a standard definition of fugitive economic offenders. The focus should be on establishing international cooperation that leads to a timely exchange of information among other ways to deal with economic offenders. This was suggested by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his intervention at the 2nd session of G20 summit on international trade, international financial and tax system on Friday. The nine-point agenda also suggests FATF should develop a set of commonly agreed and standardized procedures related to identification, extradition and judicial proceedings for dealing with economic offenders which will provide assistance to G20 countries. MEA: In his intervention at the 2nd session at #G20Summit on international trade, international financial and tax systems, PM Narendra Modi presented a 9-point programme to take action against fugitive economic offenders. pic.twitter.com/nsOwZiQyCq — ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2018 × Before the G20 Summit, India's Sherpa to G20 Shatikanta Das told WION, "One must recognize how to further strengthen the implementation of FATF standards by non-compliant countries and jurisdictions" The FATF is an inter-governmental body established in 1989. The objectives of the FATF are to set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system. The FATF's decision-making body, the FATF Plenary, meets three times per year. The development comes at a time when a fellow G20 country is hosting Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya accused of duping Indian banks with billions of rupees. India has been trying to extradite both of them. India also called for a joint effort by G20 countries to form a mechanism that denies entry and safe havens to all fugitive economic offenders. It also suggested that G20 forum should consider initiating work on locating properties of economic offenders who have a tax debt in the country of their residence for its recovery. Last year at the 12th G20 summit in Hamburg, Prime Minister Modi suggested an 11 point agenda on terror which was finally adopted in final G20 papers.

At G20, India suggests FATF should define fugitive economic offenders

The first Japan, America, India or JAI trilateral to take place on the sidelines of the 13th G20 summit in Argentina focused on the Indo Pacific, an idea which is increasingly gaining currency in a region which is witnessing the emergence of new powers and rapid geopolitical development.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> PM Narendra Modi on meeting US President Trump and Japan PM Shinzo Abe says 'Both countries are our strategic partners and both leaders are my good friends. Japan, USA, India acronym is JAI, so Jai in India means success. This sends a good message.' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Argentina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Argentina</a> <a href="https://t.co/VhHPVXd1dB">pic.twitter.com/VhHPVXd1dB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068562749419073536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the Idea of JAI saying both Japan and US are "our strategic partners and both leaders are my good friends".On JAI he said "Japan, USA, India acronym is JAI, so Jai in India means success. This sends a good message."

The JAI meet comes on the back of 2nd Quad meet earlier this year on the sidelines of 13th East Asia Summit. The Quad was revived last year and Bejing views it with suspicion.&nbsp;

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JAI (Japan, America, India) trilateral marks the coming together of three friendly nations. 
 
Today's historic JAI meeting was a great beginning. PM <a href="https://twitter.com/AbeShinzo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbeShinzo</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and I held fruitful talks aimed at furthering connectivity, maritime cooperation and a stable Indo-Pacific. <a href="https://t.co/8Lw7kj9waN">pic.twitter.com/8Lw7kj9waN</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1068581708545576960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Focusing on defence ties, US President said, "We just had a great meeting. Our relationship is extremely great, strong. It is stronger than ever. We are doing very well together, a lot of defences and military purchases"

This was the first meeting between India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump after New Delhi signed the S400 deal with Moscow.

Later briefing the media, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "They all agreed that a free, open, inclusive and rules-based order is essential for the region's peace and prosperity. The PM offered some ideas on how we should take forward the concept of Indo-Pacific and how the three countries can work together to promote this concept."

Maintained on ASEAN centrality, Gokhale said, "The leaders also agreed on the central role of ASEAN. They also agreed to work on maritime and connectivity issues and to synergise efforts in this regard."

Both US President Trump and Japan PM Abe complimented PM Modi for the reforms he has introduced in India.

The first Japan, America, India or JAI trilateral to take place on the sidelines of the 13th G20 summit in Argentina focused on the Indo Pacific, an idea which is increasingly gaining currency in a region which is witnessing the emergence of new powers and rapid geopolitical development.

The first Japan, America, India or JAI trilateral to take place on the sidelines of the 13th G20 summit in Argentina focused on the Indo Pacific, an idea which is increasingly gaining currency in a region which is witnessing the emergence of new powers and rapid geopolitical development. #WATCH PM Narendra Modi on meeting US President Trump and Japan PM Shinzo Abe says 'Both countries are our strategic partners and both leaders are my good friends. Japan, USA, India acronym is JAI, so Jai in India means success. This sends a good message.' #G20 #Argentina pic.twitter.com/VhHPVXd1dB — ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2018 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the Idea of JAI saying both Japan and US are "our strategic partners and both leaders are my good friends".On JAI he said "Japan, USA, India acronym is JAI, so Jai in India means success. This sends a good message." The JAI meet comes on the back of 2nd Quad meet earlier this year on the sidelines of 13th East Asia Summit. The Quad was revived last year and Bejing views it with suspicion. JAI (Japan, America, India) trilateral marks the coming together of three friendly nations. Today's historic JAI meeting was a great beginning. PM @AbeShinzo, @POTUS and I held fruitful talks aimed at furthering connectivity, maritime cooperation and a stable Indo-Pacific. pic.twitter.com/8Lw7kj9waN — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 30, 2018 × Focusing on defence ties, US President said, "We just had a great meeting. Our relationship is extremely great, strong. It is stronger than ever. We are doing very well together, a lot of defences and military purchases" This was the first meeting between India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump after New Delhi signed the S400 deal with Moscow. Later briefing the media, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "They all agreed that a free, open, inclusive and rules-based order is essential for the region's peace and prosperity. The PM offered some ideas on how we should take forward the concept of Indo-Pacific and how the three countries can work together to promote this concept." Maintained on ASEAN centrality, Gokhale said, "The leaders also agreed on the central role of ASEAN. They also agreed to work on maritime and connectivity issues and to synergise efforts in this regard." Both US President Trump and Japan PM Abe complimented PM Modi for the reforms he has introduced in India.

Japan, America, India trilateral focuses on Indo-Pacific; Trump talks about defence purchases

Ahead of the big G20 summit in Argentina, India's sherpa or chief negotiator Shaktikanta Das has spoken to WION's Principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal. He said India will speak on the issue of terror, strengthening of Financial Action Task Force and bringing to book fugitive economic offenders.

On FATF a political message will be sent and it is not just passing laws to deal with terror but the actual implementation of FATF principals required by all countries.

India will also raise the issue of economic offenders in fellow G20 countries. This is on the basis of Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya having a safe haven in the UK.

WION: What will be India's focus at this years G20 Summit?

Shaktikanta Das: India wants G20 to focus on the main challenges confronting the world. The main challenges are not just emanating from trade conflict, tariff conflict between certain big economies. This is a problem. Entire G20 should not be hijacked by the single current problem. There are other issues as well as Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs of 2030, how to deal with the problem of artificial intelligence and job creation. These are bigger challenges which G20 should focus on and we have been emphasising that while we should discuss trade issues and find a resolution on trade tariff issue, the focus should be on a wide range of issues as well.&nbsp;

WION: What is the relevance of G20 today and 10 years after the leaders' summit in 2008?

Shaktikanta Das: G20 became very active and proactive from 2008. In the last 10 years, if we look back to see&nbsp;what it has achieved in terms of outcomes, the first G20 summit saw agreements among leaders to take coordinated measures for the revival of the global economy. So, the kind of problems confronting the world in 2008 were contained in subsequent years. The first tangible outcomes of the G20 summits after 2008 is how to deal with global economic challenges. Number two is the monetary policy action of the developed countries. We saw monetary expansion post-2008. &nbsp;After they started withdrawing, there was a flight of capital from emerging economies to developed countries. Known popularly were&nbsp;taper tantrums. Thanks to G20 leaders who prevailed upon to spell-out in advance, a calibrated response in the withdrawal of monetary expansion policies so that the rest of the economies or rest of the world economies&nbsp;don't suffer. The third outcome&nbsp;is quota reforms at IMF. So, a lot of outcomes.&nbsp;

WION: What will be the India story at G20 summit in Argentina?

Shaktikanta Das: You see achievement which India has accomplished in the last few years have been widely appreciated and widely recognised. I can tell you from my experience. Naturally, when PM attends the summit, discussions will happen and these things will be refocused. India is looked on as a major global power and not just another G20 country. When India talks, it talks as a major global player who is trying to resolve major global issues such as the issue of terrorism. In Hamburg, our PM came out on an 11-point agenda to deal with the problem of terrorism. That has been accepted and the stand-alone statement was issued.&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;How big will be the issue of terror for India?

Shaktikanta Das: India will focus on the issue of terrorism and terror financing. Making FATF more active and ensuring universal implementation of its rules. Not just passing laws to deal with terror but the actual implementation of FATF principals by all countries. Our focus will be on terrorism, terrorism financing, on unaccounted money and unaccounted flow what we call as black money. As you are aware, the prime minister had made an initiative in Brisbane summit and following this, we have multilateral agreements on sharing of information between countries. It's already implemented and countries are sharing information. India has a big story to tell in the fight against black money and India would like further action on that front. There is also need for greater cooperation on economic offence and problem of the fugitive economic offender. Economic offences have posed&nbsp;a major threat to the global economy and can undermine the economic stability of global economy&nbsp;

WION: So India will be raising the issue of economic offenders?

Shaktikanta Das: This has been discussed in meetings of Sherpas during Argentina presidency. The importance of the issue is now recognised by everyone. India is keen&nbsp;on the need for the energy security of emerging economies especially on the issue of stability of oil prices and oil supplies. India will focus on infrastructure and will be also keen on the resolution of trade issue which is an issue between two largest economies in the world.

India would like to play a constructive role so that they discuss the issue. Trade issues if allowed to continue, would have an impact on global growth. When global growth slows down, it impacts poor people.&nbsp;

WION: Compliance of FATF norms will also be raised?

Shaktikanta Das: Usually, G20 leaders give a strong political message on certain issues. Today, there is unanimity among all G20 countries that terror is a big threat to the world community and it has to be dealt with effectively. So FATF, its for the leaders to spell out what kind of appeal, or political message they would like to give to it. FATF has been playing a very significant role. One must recognize how to further strengthen the implementation of FATF standards by non-compliant countries and jurisdictions

WION:&nbsp;India has been doing a lot on climate change. How much will that be the focus?

Shaktikanta Das: India has been appealing to countries to join the International Solar Alliance. There has been a good progress. The PM has played important role in COP0-21 negotiations in Paris. Therefore, India would like to stress that the Paris agreement should be implemented. India has a lot of things to tell... we have a strong story to tell. India would like other countries to join the ISA. There was a commitment on climate finance by developed countries... that from 2020, developed countries will provide 100 million dollars in the form of climate finance. We don't see much progress. It's an important part of the Paris climate accord

WION: Cryptocurrency or bitcoin has been another issue of concern.

Shaktikanta Das: India's position has been spelt out by the Finance Minister in the last budget. He has cautioned people. It has the potential to become another Ponzi scheme. Understand it has been discussed in the finance track of G20. This is something that has to be dealt with very carefully.

WION: India has always been raising the issue of black money. Do we expect it to be raised this time since it aligns with the domestic agenda?

Shaktikanta Das: Our PM had talked about it during the Brisbane summit. During the successive summit, India has been focussing on greater coordination. India has enacted its own law on assets outside the country. India has been able to renegotiate tax treaties with Mauritius, Singapore. Fighting the menace of black money has been on India's focus.

WION: Connectivity has become a geopolitical currency but with it comes debt issue. What has been G20's&nbsp;stand?

Shaktikanta Das: Some countries have been raising issues. These are bilateral or regional issues. The issue of sustainable debt does come up.

WION: Big political picture India will be presenting?&nbsp;

Shaktikanta Das: India is playing an important role in G20 and Indian participation is very proactive. The PM is playing a very proactive role at the summit. There is a need to activate other forums like the WTO.

WTO should play a greater role on trade issues, FATF on the terror issue. You have the United Nations. The relevance of the United Nations cant belittled. Poor countries have a voice at the United Nation. All multilateral forums -- UN, WTO, IMF -- need to be activated.

WION: When will India host G20? &nbsp;

Shaktikanta Das: You will get to know when it will be announced.

Ahead of the big G20 summit in Argentina, India's sherpa or chief negotiator Shaktikanta Das has spoken to WION's Principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal.

Ahead of the big G20 summit in Argentina, India's sherpa or chief negotiator Shaktikanta Das has spoken to WION's Principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal. He said India will speak on the issue of terror, strengthening of Financial Action Task Force and bringing to book fugitive economic offenders. On FATF a political message will be sent and it is not just passing laws to deal with terror but the actual implementation of FATF principals required by all countries. India will also raise the issue of economic offenders in fellow G20 countries. This is on the basis of Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya having a safe haven in the UK. WION: What will be India's focus at this years G20 Summit? Shaktikanta Das: India wants G20 to focus on the main challenges confronting the world. The main challenges are not just emanating from trade conflict, tariff conflict between certain big economies. This is a problem. Entire G20 should not be hijacked by the single current problem. There are other issues as well as Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs of 2030, how to deal with the problem of artificial intelligence and job creation. These are bigger challenges which G20 should focus on and we have been emphasising that while we should discuss trade issues and find a resolution on trade tariff issue, the focus should be on a wide range of issues as well. WION: What is the relevance of G20 today and 10 years after the leaders' summit in 2008? Shaktikanta Das: G20 became very active and proactive from 2008. In the last 10 years, if we look back to see what it has achieved in terms of outcomes, the first G20 summit saw agreements among leaders to take coordinated measures for the revival of the global economy. So, the kind of problems confronting the world in 2008 were contained in subsequent years. The first tangible outcomes of the G20 summits after 2008 is how to deal with global economic challenges. Number two is the monetary policy action of the developed countries. We saw monetary expansion post-2008. After they started withdrawing, there was a flight of capital from emerging economies to developed countries. Known popularly were taper tantrums. Thanks to G20 leaders who prevailed upon to spell-out in advance, a calibrated response in the withdrawal of monetary expansion policies so that the rest of the economies or rest of the world economies don't suffer. The third outcome is quota reforms at IMF. So, a lot of outcomes. WION: What will be the India story at G20 summit in Argentina? Shaktikanta Das: You see achievement which India has accomplished in the last few years have been widely appreciated and widely recognised. I can tell you from my experience. Naturally, when PM attends the summit, discussions will happen and these things will be refocused. India is looked on as a major global power and not just another G20 country. When India talks, it talks as a major global player who is trying to resolve major global issues such as the issue of terrorism. In Hamburg, our PM came out on an 11-point agenda to deal with the problem of terrorism. That has been accepted and the stand-alone statement was issued. WION: How big will be the issue of terror for India? Shaktikanta Das: India will focus on the issue of terrorism and terror financing. Making FATF more active and ensuring universal implementation of its rules. Not just passing laws to deal with terror but the actual implementation of FATF principals by all countries. Our focus will be on terrorism, terrorism financing, on unaccounted money and unaccounted flow what we call as black money. As you are aware, the prime minister had made an initiative in Brisbane summit and following this, we have multilateral agreements on sharing of information between countries. It's already implemented and countries are sharing information. India has a big story to tell in the fight against black money and India would like further action on that front. There is also need for greater cooperation on economic offence and problem of the fugitive economic offender. Economic offences have posed a major threat to the global economy and can undermine the economic stability of global economy WION: So India will be raising the issue of economic offenders? Shaktikanta Das: This has been discussed in meetings of Sherpas during Argentina presidency. The importance of the issue is now recognised by everyone. India is keen on the need for the energy security of emerging economies especially on the issue of stability of oil prices and oil supplies. India will focus on infrastructure and will be also keen on the resolution of trade issue which is an issue between two largest economies in the world. India would like to play a constructive role so that they discuss the issue. Trade issues if allowed to continue, would have an impact on global growth. When global growth slows down, it impacts poor people. WION: Compliance of FATF norms will also be raised? Shaktikanta Das: Usually, G20 leaders give a strong political message on certain issues. Today, there is unanimity among all G20 countries that terror is a big threat to the world community and it has to be dealt with effectively. So FATF, its for the leaders to spell out what kind of appeal, or political message they would like to give to it. FATF has been playing a very significant role. One must recognize how to further strengthen the implementation of FATF standards by non-compliant countries and jurisdictions WION: India has been doing a lot on climate change. How much will that be the focus? Shaktikanta Das: India has been appealing to countries to join the International Solar Alliance. There has been a good progress. The PM has played important role in COP0-21 negotiations in Paris. Therefore, India would like to stress that the Paris agreement should be implemented. India has a lot of things to tell... we have a strong story to tell. India would like other countries to join the ISA. There was a commitment on climate finance by developed countries... that from 2020, developed countries will provide 100 million dollars in the form of climate finance. We don't see much progress. It's an important part of the Paris climate accord WION: Cryptocurrency or bitcoin has been another issue of concern. Shaktikanta Das: India's position has been spelt out by the Finance Minister in the last budget. He has cautioned people. It has the potential to become another Ponzi scheme. Understand it has been discussed in the finance track of G20. This is something that has to be dealt with very carefully. WION: India has always been raising the issue of black money. Do we expect it to be raised this time since it aligns with the domestic agenda? Shaktikanta Das: Our PM had talked about it during the Brisbane summit. During the successive summit, India has been focussing on greater coordination. India has enacted its own law on assets outside the country. India has been able to renegotiate tax treaties with Mauritius, Singapore. Fighting the menace of black money has been on India's focus. WION: Connectivity has become a geopolitical currency but with it comes debt issue. What has been G20's stand? Shaktikanta Das: Some countries have been raising issues. These are bilateral or regional issues. The issue of sustainable debt does come up. WION: Big political picture India will be presenting? Shaktikanta Das: India is playing an important role in G20 and Indian participation is very proactive. The PM is playing a very proactive role at the summit. There is a need to activate other forums like the WTO. WTO should play a greater role on trade issues, FATF on the terror issue. You have the United Nations. The relevance of the United Nations cant belittled. Poor countries have a voice at the United Nation. All multilateral forums -- UN, WTO, IMF -- need to be activated. WION: When will India host G20? Shaktikanta Das: You will get to know when it will be announced.

Strengthening FATF India's top focus at G20: India's Sherpa Shaktikanta Das to WION

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