In what can be considered a big boost to the Indo-Pacific concept, Thailand, the chair for ASEAN 2019, has said that the grouping is working on a common approach to the Indo-Pacific concept. Speaking on “ASEAN in 2019: Thailand’s Chairmanship” at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreign minister Don Pramudwinai said, "ASEAN is working on a common approach on an Indo-Pacific concept that complements existing frameworks such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association or IORA."

The Indo-Pacific concept has been gaining ground with the United States and India increasingly collaborating on it with a focus on ASEAN centrality. The Thai FM also said, "New proposals regarding the regional architecture also need to complement existing frameworks of cooperation and the ASEAN-centred regional architecture."

Thailand takes over from Singapore which had been the chair for 2018.

Delhi and Washington consider themselves as the bookends of Indo Pacific and US recently changed the name of its largest naval commands--the Pacific command-- to Indo Pacific Command. Earlier this year speaking at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described India's view of Indo Pacific and said for New Delhi, "Inclusiveness, openness and ASEAN centrality and unity lie at the heart of the new Indo-Pacific. "

The comments by Thailand comes even as Indonesia was also focusing on Indo Pacific on the concept with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi during her annual press statements on January 9,&nbsp;2018 saying Jakarta "will continue to contribute in advancing a strong positive cooperation in the Indo-Pacific". Last year during Indonesian PM Joko Widodo's India visit, New Delhi and Jakarta adopted “Shared Vision on Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific between India and Indonesia”.

China refuses to recognise the concept and usage of the term Indo Pacific since it believes it India centric term. The US has been announcing a number of infrastructures projects for the region to counter Beijing's one belt one road initiative. The recent APEC meet in Papua new guinea saw an open clash between US Vice President Mike Pence and Chinese President Xi Jinping.&nbsp;

Both Bejing and Washington are trying to woo ASEAN and comments by Bangkok and Jakarta will be welcomed by both the US and India.

In what can be considered a big boost to the Indo-Pacific concept, Thailand, the chair for ASEAN 2019, has said that the grouping is working on a common approach to the Indo-Pacific concept.

In what can be considered a big boost to the Indo-Pacific concept, Thailand, the chair for ASEAN 2019, has said that the grouping is working on a common approach to the Indo-Pacific concept. Speaking on “ASEAN in 2019: Thailand’s Chairmanship” at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreign minister Don Pramudwinai said, "ASEAN is working on a common approach on an Indo-Pacific concept that complements existing frameworks such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association or IORA." The Indo-Pacific concept has been gaining ground with the United States and India increasingly collaborating on it with a focus on ASEAN centrality. The Thai FM also said, "New proposals regarding the regional architecture also need to complement existing frameworks of cooperation and the ASEAN-centred regional architecture." Thailand takes over from Singapore which had been the chair for 2018. Delhi and Washington consider themselves as the bookends of Indo Pacific and US recently changed the name of its largest naval commands--the Pacific command-- to Indo Pacific Command. Earlier this year speaking at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described India's view of Indo Pacific and said for New Delhi, "Inclusiveness, openness and ASEAN centrality and unity lie at the heart of the new Indo-Pacific. " The comments by Thailand comes even as Indonesia was also focusing on Indo Pacific on the concept with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi during her annual press statements on January 9, 2018 saying Jakarta "will continue to contribute in advancing a strong positive cooperation in the Indo-Pacific". Last year during Indonesian PM Joko Widodo's India visit, New Delhi and Jakarta adopted “Shared Vision on Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific between India and Indonesia”. China refuses to recognise the concept and usage of the term Indo Pacific since it believes it India centric term. The US has been announcing a number of infrastructures projects for the region to counter Beijing's one belt one road initiative. The recent APEC meet in Papua new guinea saw an open clash between US Vice President Mike Pence and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both Bejing and Washington are trying to woo ASEAN and comments by Bangkok and Jakarta will be welcomed by both the US and India.

ASEAN working on common approach to Indo-Pacific concept: 2019 chair Thailand

In an exclusive conversation with WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, European Union's ambassador to India Tomasz Kozlowski welcomed New Delhi's role in global governance and said it is in favour of India's efforts to develop Chabahar port to connect with Afghanistan. But on India's data localisation plans, the ambassador said it may be a burden for the free flow of business data. Here is the full interview.

WION: How do you characterize New Delhi-Brussel ties and why is India an important ally for Brussels?

Kozlowski: The European union perceives India as an extremely important partner for the European Union. First of all, India enjoys very high economic growth, India is growing, it has a huge economic potential for bilateral, mutually beneficial cooperation for the future, that is why we have a well-established cooperation partnership.

The second rationale is India is an important international partner -- very much respected and very influential. We are looking for partners all around the world with whom we share the same approach on global governance. India and EU are promoting rules based on the international order to multilateral approach. That is why we think we can make an impact on shaping or reshaping global political and economic governance.

WION: How do you see the current economic environment in India, especially the ease of doing business?&nbsp;

Kozlowski: According to the European economic community in India, and we have 6,000 EU companies, EU is the largest trading partner. Europe is one of the largest foreign investors in India and provider of technology.

According to our business community, the business environment has improved substantially in the last few years. Of course, the situation might be better in the future. The fact the business environment is better is reflected in the 'ease of doing business' ranking in which India stands 77th.&nbsp;

WION: The India-EU Free trade agreement has been stuck for 10 years with no progress, any comments?&nbsp;

Kozlowski: Concerning EU India trade ties, EU is the largest trading partner for India. we have here the presence of European companies. EU is fully committed to having a comprehensive, economically meaningful, mutually beneficial agreement and we are in the process of discussing, very actively, the way forward for a possible FTA.

WION: Connectivity is the new geopolitical currency. Your reaction to India connecting EU through Chabahar?

Kozlowski: &nbsp;EU is in favour and support of all connectivity initiatives between India and EU. A few months ago, EU approved its own strategy on connectivity. We are in favour of India's efforts to rebuild or develop Chabahar port as an entry point to Afghanistan, further to central Asia and even to Europe. We are very much in favour.

WION: Your take on the privacy debate in India and EU? Any comments on India's data localisation plans?

Kozlowski: Privacy is an important right for the citizens of India and for the European Union. EU approved its own regulations which are known as GDPR. As I understand, India is working on its own privacy law.

With respect to data location, we don't share India's sentiment to such a solution. We think such steps may be a burden for the free flow of business data between India and its partners. &nbsp;

WION: Your reaction to the Brexit development that is taking place and Brexit's impact on India-EU ties?

Kozlowski: Brexit is a very unfortunate development but we respect the decision taken by the British people which are now followed by the British government.

From the point of view of EU, we are prepared for signing an agreement with the UK in coming days on the Brexit and it will not impact EU-India relations. We are committed to honouring all our agreement in developing cooperation.

In an exclusive conversation with WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, European Union's ambassador to India Tomasz Kozlowski welcomed New Delhi's role in global governance and said it is in favour of India's efforts to develop Chabahar port to connect with Afghanistan.

In an exclusive conversation with WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, European Union's ambassador to India Tomasz Kozlowski welcomed New Delhi's role in global governance and said it is in favour of India's efforts to develop Chabahar port to connect with Afghanistan. But on India's data localisation plans, the ambassador said it may be a burden for the free flow of business data. Here is the full interview. WION: How do you characterize New Delhi-Brussel ties and why is India an important ally for Brussels? Kozlowski: The European union perceives India as an extremely important partner for the European Union. First of all, India enjoys very high economic growth, India is growing, it has a huge economic potential for bilateral, mutually beneficial cooperation for the future, that is why we have a well-established cooperation partnership. The second rationale is India is an important international partner -- very much respected and very influential. We are looking for partners all around the world with whom we share the same approach on global governance. India and EU are promoting rules based on the international order to multilateral approach. That is why we think we can make an impact on shaping or reshaping global political and economic governance. WION: How do you see the current economic environment in India, especially the ease of doing business? Kozlowski: According to the European economic community in India, and we have 6,000 EU companies, EU is the largest trading partner. Europe is one of the largest foreign investors in India and provider of technology. According to our business community, the business environment has improved substantially in the last few years. Of course, the situation might be better in the future. The fact the business environment is better is reflected in the 'ease of doing business' ranking in which India stands 77th. WION: The India-EU Free trade agreement has been stuck for 10 years with no progress, any comments? Kozlowski: Concerning EU India trade ties, EU is the largest trading partner for India. we have here the presence of European companies. EU is fully committed to having a comprehensive, economically meaningful, mutually beneficial agreement and we are in the process of discussing, very actively, the way forward for a possible FTA. WION: Connectivity is the new geopolitical currency. Your reaction to India connecting EU through Chabahar? Kozlowski: EU is in favour and support of all connectivity initiatives between India and EU. A few months ago, EU approved its own strategy on connectivity. We are in favour of India's efforts to rebuild or develop Chabahar port as an entry point to Afghanistan, further to central Asia and even to Europe. We are very much in favour. WION: Your take on the privacy debate in India and EU? Any comments on India's data localisation plans? Kozlowski: Privacy is an important right for the citizens of India and for the European Union. EU approved its own regulations which are known as GDPR. As I understand, India is working on its own privacy law. With respect to data location, we don't share India's sentiment to such a solution. We think such steps may be a burden for the free flow of business data between India and its partners. WION: Your reaction to the Brexit development that is taking place and Brexit's impact on India-EU ties? Kozlowski: Brexit is a very unfortunate development but we respect the decision taken by the British people which are now followed by the British government. From the point of view of EU, we are prepared for signing an agreement with the UK in coming days on the Brexit and it will not impact EU-India relations. We are committed to honouring all our agreement in developing cooperation.

EU envoy welcomes India's move to develop Chabahar

The 21st special representative (SR) border talks between India and China will take place on November 23, 24. The talks on border issues between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will happen in Chengdu, Sichuan province of China this year.&nbsp;

The talks will take place ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of G20.

Announcing the visit, Chinese foreign minister spokesperson Geng Shuang said, "Two sides attach great importance to it. The two Special Representatives will have an in-depth exchange of views on border-related issues. They will follow the guidance of the consensus reached by the two leaders bearing in mind the general picture of bilateral ties on the basis of the outcomes that have been achieved to actively promote the negotiations. At the same time, will promptly manage differences and uphold the peace and tranquillity of the border areas."

This meeting is the first after Wang Yi took over as a special representative. The SR talks this year are happening in the backdrop of three bilateral meetings between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, including the famous informal Wuhan summit that took place in April this year.

Spokesperson Geng Shuang added, "under the strategic guidance of the two leaders, the Indo-China relations have maintained sound growth with ever deepening exchanges and cooperation in all areas. The two sides have maintained close communication and correlation in border-related affairs. We have promptly managed differences through dialogue and consultation. The border areas have on the whole maintained stability."

The 20th SR talks took place in Delhi in 2017 with the meeting between NSA Doval and the then Chinese special representative Yang Jiechi. The talk that year took place under the shadow of the Doklam crisis.

SR talks, a mechanism came into existence in 2003 and happens alternatively between India and China every year.

The 21st special representative (SR) border talks between India and China will take place on November 23, 24. The talks on border issues between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will happen in Chengdu, Sichuan province of China this year.

The 21st special representative (SR) border talks between India and China will take place on November 23, 24. The talks on border issues between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will happen in Chengdu, Sichuan province of China this year. The talks will take place ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of G20. Announcing the visit, Chinese foreign minister spokesperson Geng Shuang said, "Two sides attach great importance to it. The two Special Representatives will have an in-depth exchange of views on border-related issues. They will follow the guidance of the consensus reached by the two leaders bearing in mind the general picture of bilateral ties on the basis of the outcomes that have been achieved to actively promote the negotiations. At the same time, will promptly manage differences and uphold the peace and tranquillity of the border areas." This meeting is the first after Wang Yi took over as a special representative. The SR talks this year are happening in the backdrop of three bilateral meetings between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, including the famous informal Wuhan summit that took place in April this year. Spokesperson Geng Shuang added, "under the strategic guidance of the two leaders, the Indo-China relations have maintained sound growth with ever deepening exchanges and cooperation in all areas. The two sides have maintained close communication and correlation in border-related affairs. We have promptly managed differences through dialogue and consultation. The border areas have on the whole maintained stability." The 20th SR talks took place in Delhi in 2017 with the meeting between NSA Doval and the then Chinese special representative Yang Jiechi. The talk that year took place under the shadow of the Doklam crisis. SR talks, a mechanism came into existence in 2003 and happens alternatively between India and China every year.

21st Indo-China special representative border talks to take place on November 23, 24

China's foreign ministry has reacted sharply to comments made by former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed saying Male will pull out of the Maldives-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that was signed under the previous Yameen administration. &nbsp;

Hoping "the Maldivian government will make the right choice in this regards", Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said. "Early implementation of the agreement will deliver benefits to the two sides at an early date." He added that the FTA was reached "through friendly and equal consultation, which is mutually beneficial."

Speaking to the news agency Reuters on Monday, Mohamed Nasheed said, “It was ratified by parliament, but fortunately it calls for different sets of legislation. We are not going to have this further legislation. We can’t go with that.”&nbsp;

Nasheed, along with former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, is considered the power behind <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-new-president-solih-warns-state-coffers-looted-after-china-led-boom-177940">new President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih</a>.

Bejing also reacted to the new Maldivian government's plans to review and audit a number of Chinese projects. "China is committed to deepening our win-win cooperation with Maldives, and our will to maintain good relations with Maldives is firm and clear cut," Geng Shuang said.&nbsp;

China was represented at Solih's swearing-in ceremony by Luo Shugang, Special Envoy of the Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Minister of Culture and Tourism. Shugang also called on the new President later.&nbsp;

At that meeting, the Special Envoy of the Chinese President assured President Solih of China’s commitment to further strengthening their close bilateral relations.&nbsp;

According to a release from the president's office, Solih underscored the "contributions made by China to the development of Maldives over the years" and further "expressed his confidence for continued cooperation between the two countries in the future."

Maldives' relationship with China had progressed under former President Yameen but he had junked the India First policy which Male had traditionally been pursuing. The Solih government has made a pledge to reset ties with New Delhi and the new Maldivian foreign minister Abdulla Shahid will be visiting India on November 26.&nbsp;

China has been building a number of infrastructure projects in the Indian ocean Island country but that has been the cause of worry since it has lead to an increase in debt. Speaking to WION a few months ago, Nasheed had said, "China has been using debt as a leverage"

China's foreign ministry has reacted sharply to comments made by former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed saying Male will pull out of the Maldives-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that was signed under the previous Yameen administration.

China's foreign ministry has reacted sharply to comments made by former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed saying Male will pull out of the Maldives-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that was signed under the previous Yameen administration. Hoping "the Maldivian government will make the right choice in this regards", Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said. "Early implementation of the agreement will deliver benefits to the two sides at an early date." He added that the FTA was reached "through friendly and equal consultation, which is mutually beneficial." Speaking to the news agency Reuters on Monday, Mohamed Nasheed said, “It was ratified by parliament, but fortunately it calls for different sets of legislation. We are not going to have this further legislation. We can’t go with that.” Nasheed, along with former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, is considered the power behind new President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Bejing also reacted to the new Maldivian government's plans to review and audit a number of Chinese projects. "China is committed to deepening our win-win cooperation with Maldives, and our will to maintain good relations with Maldives is firm and clear cut," Geng Shuang said. China was represented at Solih's swearing-in ceremony by Luo Shugang, Special Envoy of the Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Minister of Culture and Tourism. Shugang also called on the new President later. At that meeting, the Special Envoy of the Chinese President assured President Solih of China’s commitment to further strengthening their close bilateral relations. According to a release from the president's office, Solih underscored the "contributions made by China to the development of Maldives over the years" and further "expressed his confidence for continued cooperation between the two countries in the future." Maldives' relationship with China had progressed under former President Yameen but he had junked the India First policy which Male had traditionally been pursuing. The Solih government has made a pledge to reset ties with New Delhi and the new Maldivian foreign minister Abdulla Shahid will be visiting India on November 26. China has been building a number of infrastructure projects in the Indian ocean Island country but that has been the cause of worry since it has lead to an increase in debt. Speaking to WION a few months ago, Nasheed had said, "China has been using debt as a leverage"

China says Maldives will make 'right choice' on free trade deal

In a speech that China will be closely going through, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind has called for respect for rule of law in the Indo-Pacific during his address to Vietnam's Parliament. He is the only second leader after China's Xi Jinping to address the Vietnamese parliament.

Speaking in the Parliament, he said, "Vietnam and India share a vision for the Indo-Pacific region, of which the South China Sea is a critical component. We share a vision of a rule-based order that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity, ensures freedom of navigation and over-flight, as well as unimpeded commerce."

The South China Sea issue, which involves China and its neighbour, involves the demarcation of the sea but each has overlapping claims. In recent years, China is seen as aggressive in its approach regarding its claim.

The President of India further added, "our shared vision seeks peaceful resolution of disputes, with full respect to legal and diplomatic processes in accordance to the principles of the international law, including those reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. "

The Philippines had dragged China to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) regarding the territorial disputes in the&nbsp;South China Sea. The tribunal had favoured Manila but Bejing rejected the ruling.

President Kovind also highlighted India's consistent support for "ASEAN’s unity and centrality" and "ASEAN-led mechanisms for regional security and economic architecture – to promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region".

This is the first time President Kovind has visited any ASEAN country. Earlier this year, India invited all 10 heads of ASEAN for its Republic Day. Bilateral trade between Hanoi and Delhi has touched $12.8 billion in the past year and India is one of Vietnam’s top 10 trading partners.

The President highlighted Indo-Pacific many times during his address saying "we are both ancient maritime nations and are stakeholders in the commerce, security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region"

Both countries will participate in the first Bilateral Maritime Security Dialogue to be hosted by Vietnam in early 2019. There have been a number of high-level visits between India and Vietnam with both the Vietnamese Prime Minister and the President visiting New Delhi earlier this year.

In a speech that China will be closely going through, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind has called for respect for rule of law in the Indo-Pacific during his address to Vietnam's Parliament.

In a speech that China will be closely going through, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind has called for respect for rule of law in the Indo-Pacific during his address to Vietnam's Parliament. He is the only second leader after China's Xi Jinping to address the Vietnamese parliament. Speaking in the Parliament, he said, "Vietnam and India share a vision for the Indo-Pacific region, of which the South China Sea is a critical component. We share a vision of a rule-based order that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity, ensures freedom of navigation and over-flight, as well as unimpeded commerce." The South China Sea issue, which involves China and its neighbour, involves the demarcation of the sea but each has overlapping claims. In recent years, China is seen as aggressive in its approach regarding its claim. The President of India further added, "our shared vision seeks peaceful resolution of disputes, with full respect to legal and diplomatic processes in accordance to the principles of the international law, including those reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. " The Philippines had dragged China to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) regarding the territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The tribunal had favoured Manila but Bejing rejected the ruling. President Kovind also highlighted India's consistent support for "ASEAN’s unity and centrality" and "ASEAN-led mechanisms for regional security and economic architecture – to promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region". This is the first time President Kovind has visited any ASEAN country. Earlier this year, India invited all 10 heads of ASEAN for its Republic Day. Bilateral trade between Hanoi and Delhi has touched $12.8 billion in the past year and India is one of Vietnam’s top 10 trading partners. The President highlighted Indo-Pacific many times during his address saying "we are both ancient maritime nations and are stakeholders in the commerce, security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region" Both countries will participate in the first Bilateral Maritime Security Dialogue to be hosted by Vietnam in early 2019. There have been a number of high-level visits between India and Vietnam with both the Vietnamese Prime Minister and the President visiting New Delhi earlier this year.

In President Kovind's address to Vietnamese Parliament, a message for China

A day after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and US President Donald Trump slammed each other on twitter, Pakistan on Tuesday summoned American US Charge d'affaires CdA Ambassador Paul Jones.

According to Pakistan to the ministry of foreign affairs release Islamabad registered a "strong protest on the unwarranted and unsubstantiated allegations made against Pakistan".

American US Charge d'affaires was summoned by the Pakistani foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua and conveyed her Government's disappointment on the recent tweets and comments by the US President. The US CdA was told that such "baseless rhetoric about Pakistan was totally unacceptable."&nbsp;

Rejecting the insinuations about Osama Bin Laden, the Foreign Secretary reminded the US CdA "that it was Pakistan's intelligence cooperation that provided the initial evidence to trace the whereabouts of Osama Bin Laden."

The Imran-Trump tiff on tweeter started after US President in an interview to Fox news channel justified aid cut to Pakistan and said the country doesn't do "a damn thing" and was hiding Osama.

Explaining the US CdA that no other country had paid a heavier price than Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, Tehmina Janjua said, "US must not forget that scores of top AQ leaders were killed or captured by active Pakistani cooperation."

She also remined "Pakistan's continued support to the efforts of international community in Afghanistan" through Ground/ Air and Sea lines of communication was "unquestionably critical to the success of this Mission in Afghanistan."

Meanwhile, Diplomatic sources told WION that US CdA has assured Pakistan that America greatly values Pakistan sacrifices and needs its support. CdA also told Foreign secretary that diplomatic channels should remain open between Pakistan and US.

Slamming Pak on Twitter, Trump had tweeted, "We paid Pakistan Billions of Dollars &amp; they never told us he was living there.". Earlier, Pakistan's Prime Minister had tweeted that US was trying to make Pakistan a "scapegoat for their failures".

The relationship between the 2 erstwhile allies has suffered in last few years over Pakistan's inaction on terror which has miffed Washington. The first tweet this year by US President this year was on Pakistan saying he is the cutting aid to the country since it has only offered "lies and deceit".

A day after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and US President Donald Trump slammed each other on twitter, Pakistan on Tuesday summoned American US Charge d'affaires CdA Ambassador Paul Jones.

A day after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and US President Donald Trump slammed each other on twitter, Pakistan on Tuesday summoned American US Charge d'affaires CdA Ambassador Paul Jones. According to Pakistan to the ministry of foreign affairs release Islamabad registered a "strong protest on the unwarranted and unsubstantiated allegations made against Pakistan". American US Charge d'affaires was summoned by the Pakistani foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua and conveyed her Government's disappointment on the recent tweets and comments by the US President. The US CdA was told that such "baseless rhetoric about Pakistan was totally unacceptable." Rejecting the insinuations about Osama Bin Laden, the Foreign Secretary reminded the US CdA "that it was Pakistan's intelligence cooperation that provided the initial evidence to trace the whereabouts of Osama Bin Laden." The Imran-Trump tiff on tweeter started after US President in an interview to Fox news channel justified aid cut to Pakistan and said the country doesn't do "a damn thing" and was hiding Osama. Explaining the US CdA that no other country had paid a heavier price than Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, Tehmina Janjua said, "US must not forget that scores of top AQ leaders were killed or captured by active Pakistani cooperation." She also remined "Pakistan's continued support to the efforts of international community in Afghanistan" through Ground/ Air and Sea lines of communication was "unquestionably critical to the success of this Mission in Afghanistan." Meanwhile, Diplomatic sources told WION that US CdA has assured Pakistan that America greatly values Pakistan sacrifices and needs its support. CdA also told Foreign secretary that diplomatic channels should remain open between Pakistan and US. Slamming Pak on Twitter, Trump had tweeted, "We paid Pakistan Billions of Dollars & they never told us he was living there.". Earlier, Pakistan's Prime Minister had tweeted that US was trying to make Pakistan a "scapegoat for their failures". The relationship between the 2 erstwhile allies has suffered in last few years over Pakistan's inaction on terror which has miffed Washington. The first tweet this year by US President this year was on Pakistan saying he is the cutting aid to the country since it has only offered "lies and deceit".

Pakistan summons US envoy over President Trump's tweets

In the first-ever Interaction between Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering and New Delhi, Tshering has expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Modi for the telephonic call to felicitate him on election victory and said that he is committed to strengthening the special bond of friendship and cooperation shared by the two countries.&nbsp;

India's Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale was on a visit to Bhutan from 18th to November 20. This was the first ever high-level govt visit from India to Bhutan ever since the new govt took charge.&nbsp;

The Bhutanese PM told FS Gokhale that, “Our foreign policy should not change every five years with a change in government".

According to Ministry of the external affairs press release, the Foreign Secretary conveyed that "India attaches the highest priority to further expanding its unique ties of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan, based on the priorities of the Royal Government of Bhutan." The two sides discussed all aspects of bilateral relations, including high-level exchanges, economic and development co-operation, hydro-power co-operation and people to people ties. &nbsp;

Lotay Tshering became the new PM of Bhutan on 7th November. This year both the countries are marking the Golden Jubilee year of establishing diplomatic ties and several commemorative activities are being jointly organized.&nbsp;

Foreign Secretary also called on foreign Minister Lyonpo Dr Tandi Dorji and met Foreign Secretary of Bhutan Ambassador Sonam Tshong. He had an audience with the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck His Majesty Jigme &amp; &nbsp;the Fourth King of Bhutan Singye Wangchuck.

Bhutan's Doklam area was the centre of a tiff between China and India in 2017 after Chinese forces sought to occupy the area by building a road. During the standoff, Bhutan had conveyed to the Chinese side that the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory is a direct violation of the agreements and affects the process of demarcating the boundary between both the neighbours.

Though both New Delhi and Bejing finally managed to cool of the tensions, it is a precarious peace.

In the first-ever Interaction between Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering and New Delhi, Tshering has expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Modi for the telephonic call to felicitate him on election victory and said that he is committed to strengthening the special bond of friendship and cooperation shared by the two countries.

In the first-ever Interaction between Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering and New Delhi, Tshering has expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Modi for the telephonic call to felicitate him on election victory and said that he is committed to strengthening the special bond of friendship and cooperation shared by the two countries. India's Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale was on a visit to Bhutan from 18th to November 20. This was the first ever high-level govt visit from India to Bhutan ever since the new govt took charge. The Bhutanese PM told FS Gokhale that, “Our foreign policy should not change every five years with a change in government". According to Ministry of the external affairs press release, the Foreign Secretary conveyed that "India attaches the highest priority to further expanding its unique ties of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan, based on the priorities of the Royal Government of Bhutan." The two sides discussed all aspects of bilateral relations, including high-level exchanges, economic and development co-operation, hydro-power co-operation and people to people ties. Lotay Tshering became the new PM of Bhutan on 7th November. This year both the countries are marking the Golden Jubilee year of establishing diplomatic ties and several commemorative activities are being jointly organized. Foreign Secretary also called on foreign Minister Lyonpo Dr Tandi Dorji and met Foreign Secretary of Bhutan Ambassador Sonam Tshong. He had an audience with the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck His Majesty Jigme & the Fourth King of Bhutan Singye Wangchuck. Bhutan's Doklam area was the centre of a tiff between China and India in 2017 after Chinese forces sought to occupy the area by building a road. During the standoff, Bhutan had conveyed to the Chinese side that the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory is a direct violation of the agreements and affects the process of demarcating the boundary between both the neighbours. Though both New Delhi and Bejing finally managed to cool of the tensions, it is a precarious peace.

Our foreign policy should not change every five years with change in government: Bhutan PM to India

The second phase of training programme of 10 Afghan diplomats in Beijing began on Monday as part of the joint project by India and China.&nbsp;

In the first phase, the Afghan diplomats were trained at the Foreign Service Institute in Delhi from October 15 to October 26.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Indian embassy in Bejing Dr Acquino Vimal said," India is firmly committed in Afghanistan’s efforts to emerge as a united, peaceful, secure, stable, inclusive and economically vibrant nation. India and Afghanistan are close neighbours as well as strategic and development partners."

He added that all the efforts of India as the development partner of Afghanistan has been based on the "priorities set by Government and the people of Afghanistan and this has been our fundamental basis for any development partnership."

Charge d’ Affairs of the Embassy of Afghanistan in Beijing Mardan Ali Qasemi &amp; Hou Yanqi, DDG, Department of Asian Affairs, MFA of China were also present during the occasion. Through its scholarship and training programme, India trains 3500 Afghan diplomats every year.

In the last 17 years, India has committed a grant of US$3 billion for the development of Afghanistan. Since 2017, the next generation of new development partnership has been launched with the Government of Afghanistan through high impact community development projects in all the provinces of Afghanistan.

The Indian Deputy Chief of Mission said, "We are hopeful that in the months to come we will be able to identify more specific projects which can be jointly done by Government of India and Government of China for the benefit of Afghanistan as desired by the government and people of Afghanistan."

India has also been developing a number of infrastructure projects in Afghanistan with the Afghan Parliament in Kabul and India Afghan Friendship dam in Herat being constructed with New Delhi's help. Indian PM Modi has visited Afghanistan 2 times since taking over in 2014.

The joint training of diplomats was one of the major outcomes of Wuhan informal summit between PM Modi and Chinese President &nbsp;Xi Jinping earlier this year.&nbsp;

Since then PM Modi and Chinese President have met on the sidelines of BRICS and SCO Summit. They will be meeting again on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Argentina. This will be the 4th meeting between the 2 leaders this year.

The second phase of training programme of 10 Afghan diplomats in Beijing began on Monday as part of the joint project by India and China. In the first phase, the Afghan diplomats were trained at the Foreign Service Institute in Delhi from October 15 to October 26.

The second phase of training programme of 10 Afghan diplomats in Beijing began on Monday as part of the joint project by India and China. In the first phase, the Afghan diplomats were trained at the Foreign Service Institute in Delhi from October 15 to October 26. Speaking at the event, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Indian embassy in Bejing Dr Acquino Vimal said," India is firmly committed in Afghanistan’s efforts to emerge as a united, peaceful, secure, stable, inclusive and economically vibrant nation. India and Afghanistan are close neighbours as well as strategic and development partners." He added that all the efforts of India as the development partner of Afghanistan has been based on the "priorities set by Government and the people of Afghanistan and this has been our fundamental basis for any development partnership." Charge d’ Affairs of the Embassy of Afghanistan in Beijing Mardan Ali Qasemi & Hou Yanqi, DDG, Department of Asian Affairs, MFA of China were also present during the occasion. Through its scholarship and training programme, India trains 3500 Afghan diplomats every year. In the last 17 years, India has committed a grant of US$3 billion for the development of Afghanistan. Since 2017, the next generation of new development partnership has been launched with the Government of Afghanistan through high impact community development projects in all the provinces of Afghanistan. The Indian Deputy Chief of Mission said, "We are hopeful that in the months to come we will be able to identify more specific projects which can be jointly done by Government of India and Government of China for the benefit of Afghanistan as desired by the government and people of Afghanistan." India has also been developing a number of infrastructure projects in Afghanistan with the Afghan Parliament in Kabul and India Afghan Friendship dam in Herat being constructed with New Delhi's help. Indian PM Modi has visited Afghanistan 2 times since taking over in 2014. The joint training of diplomats was one of the major outcomes of Wuhan informal summit between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this year. Since then PM Modi and Chinese President have met on the sidelines of BRICS and SCO Summit. They will be meeting again on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Argentina. This will be the 4th meeting between the 2 leaders this year.

India, China come together to train Afghan diplomats

24 hours after Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was sworn in as&nbsp;President of Maldives,&nbsp;new Defence Minister Mariya Didi told WION that Male won't be returning two Indian helicopters which New Delhi had gifted.&nbsp;

Maldives, under Yameen, had asked New Delhi to take back the helicopters.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION Didi said, "It’s not in our culture to ask neighbours to take back what they give."&nbsp;

One chopper is deployed in the Indian Ocean nation's southernmost&nbsp;island of Addu and the other in the strategically-located Lammu, he said.&nbsp;

The helicopters which were gifted in 2013 following a request from Maldives.

"The helicopters can be put to good use such as evacuations and search and rescue," he said.&nbsp;

It's for the first time the new Maldivian defence minister spoke to any Indian media after taking charge.

"They were very useful in the past but with the development of adequate infrastructure, facilities and resources, we are in a position to handle medical evacuations on our own" former Maldives ambassador in India Ahmed Mohamed had told news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

Yameen had junked pro India "India first policy" and increasingly aligned with China.

Former President Nasheed had indicated that China was responsible for the development and told WION a few months ago that Yameen was under pressure from "external forces to remove these helicopters".

Indian PM Modi was present at the oath-taking the ceremony of the new president on Saturday. The new President, in his first address after being sworn in had said, "We will endeavour to fortify existing ties with India. Maldives will hereupon bolster its shared role to retain enduring peace &amp; harmony of the Indian Ocean."

24 hours after Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was sworn in as President of Maldives, new Defence Minister Mariya Didi told WION that Male won't be returning two Indian helicopters which New Delhi had gifted.

24 hours after Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was sworn in as President of Maldives, new Defence Minister Mariya Didi told WION that Male won't be returning two Indian helicopters which New Delhi had gifted. Maldives, under Yameen, had asked New Delhi to take back the helicopters. Speaking to WION Didi said, "It’s not in our culture to ask neighbours to take back what they give." One chopper is deployed in the Indian Ocean nation's southernmost island of Addu and the other in the strategically-located Lammu, he said. The helicopters which were gifted in 2013 following a request from Maldives. "The helicopters can be put to good use such as evacuations and search and rescue," he said. It's for the first time the new Maldivian defence minister spoke to any Indian media after taking charge. "They were very useful in the past but with the development of adequate infrastructure, facilities and resources, we are in a position to handle medical evacuations on our own" former Maldives ambassador in India Ahmed Mohamed had told news agency Reuters. Yameen had junked pro India "India first policy" and increasingly aligned with China. Former President Nasheed had indicated that China was responsible for the development and told WION a few months ago that Yameen was under pressure from "external forces to remove these helicopters". Indian PM Modi was present at the oath-taking the ceremony of the new president on Saturday. The new President, in his first address after being sworn in had said, "We will endeavour to fortify existing ties with India. Maldives will hereupon bolster its shared role to retain enduring peace & harmony of the Indian Ocean."

Maldives won't return helicopters India had gifted, says new Defence Minister 

In his first comments on China, Maldives new president President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih "underscored the contributions made by China to the development of Maldives over the years." According to a release&nbsp;issued by the Maldivian President's office, Solih noted that "the Maldives values the historical and brotherly relations with China."

This came after his meeting with the special envoy of the Chinese President Xi Jinping and Minister of Culture and Tourism Luo Shugang who paid a courtesy call on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at the President’s Office. He represented Bejing during Solih's swearing-in ceremony Saturday.&nbsp;

The Maldivian President "further expressed his confidence for continued cooperation between the two countries in the future,"&nbsp;the release said.

At the meeting, the special envoy of the Chinese President assured President Solih of China’s "commitment to further strengthening the close bilateral relations."

Under former President Yameen, Maldivian ties with China had enhanced but at the same time, Yameen had junked India first policy. The number of Chinese infrastructure projects in the Indian ocean island country had increased and Yameen had signed a free-trade agreement or FTA with China.&nbsp;

The Chinese government has also constructed China Maldives friendship dam that connects the islands of Male and Hulhule and was the 1st inter-island bridge in the country. &nbsp;Built at an estimated cost of $210 million, $126 million was given by the Chinese government as a grant in aid.&nbsp;

But it is being feared that the Maldives might be saddled with debt during the China-led infrastructure development. During Modi-Solih meet on Saturday after swearing in ceremony, President Solih had briefed Prime Minister Modi on the dire economic situation in his country as he takes office. The two leaders discussed ways in which India can continue development partnership, particularly to help the new government in meeting its pledges to the people of the Maldives. 
&nbsp;

In his first comments on China, Maldives new president President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih "underscored the contributions made by China to the development of Maldives over the years.

In his first comments on China, Maldives new president President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih "underscored the contributions made by China to the development of Maldives over the years." According to a release issued by the Maldivian President's office, Solih noted that "the Maldives values the historical and brotherly relations with China." This came after his meeting with the special envoy of the Chinese President Xi Jinping and Minister of Culture and Tourism Luo Shugang who paid a courtesy call on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at the President’s Office. He represented Bejing during Solih's swearing-in ceremony Saturday. The Maldivian President "further expressed his confidence for continued cooperation between the two countries in the future," the release said. At the meeting, the special envoy of the Chinese President assured President Solih of China’s "commitment to further strengthening the close bilateral relations." Under former President Yameen, Maldivian ties with China had enhanced but at the same time, Yameen had junked India first policy. The number of Chinese infrastructure projects in the Indian ocean island country had increased and Yameen had signed a free-trade agreement or FTA with China. The Chinese government has also constructed China Maldives friendship dam that connects the islands of Male and Hulhule and was the 1st inter-island bridge in the country. Built at an estimated cost of $210 million, $126 million was given by the Chinese government as a grant in aid. But it is being feared that the Maldives might be saddled with debt during the China-led infrastructure development. During Modi-Solih meet on Saturday after swearing in ceremony, President Solih had briefed Prime Minister Modi on the dire economic situation in his country as he takes office. The two leaders discussed ways in which India can continue development partnership, particularly to help the new government in meeting its pledges to the people of the Maldives.

Solih meets Xi's special envoy; underscores contributions made by China to development of Maldives

The Australian High Commission has issued a warning for Indian nationals wanting to live permanently or seek permanent residency in Australia against organised contrived marriage scams targeting South Asians.

The High Commission asked Indians to be aware of the scam which targeted&nbsp;young Australian women, many of whom come from disadvantaged and low socio-economic backgrounds.&nbsp;

The warning comes after the Australian Border Force (ABF) shut down an elaborate contrived marriages syndicate operating out of Sydney.

The syndicate had a 32-year-old Indian national facing court over his alleged role as the main facilitator.4 Australian citizens are also facing charges for allegedly convincing individuals to fraudulently marry non-citizens seeking to obtain permanent residency.&nbsp;

ABF Acting Investigations Commander, Clinton Sims, said, "Those seeking a visa through a contrived marriage also need to understand that paying a facilitator will not buy them a permanent visa pathway in Australia."

The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) has charged the 32- year-old Indian national with four counts of arranging a marriage to obtain permanent residence, contrary to Section 240 of the Migration Act 1958. The maximum penalty is a fine up to $210,000 and/or 10 years imprisonment.

The remaining four individuals have each been charged with offences under the Migration Act and Criminal Code.

An Australian High Commission release said, "While contrived marriages are not unique to any one nationality, this particular syndicate was attempting to illegally facilitate fake marriages with non-citizens in the South Asian community."

ABF also acted on contrived marriages in Victoria, with one individual sentenced to six months imprisonment for fraud offences against the Migration Act.

Earlier this year, the Australian High Commission had warned of a visa scam which was being allegedly perpetrated by an employment agency operating in south-west Delhi.

The Australian High Commission has issued a warning for Indian nationals wanting to live permanently or seek permanent residency in Australia against organised contrived marriage scams targeting South Asians.

The Australian High Commission has issued a warning for Indian nationals wanting to live permanently or seek permanent residency in Australia against organised contrived marriage scams targeting South Asians. The High Commission asked Indians to be aware of the scam which targeted young Australian women, many of whom come from disadvantaged and low socio-economic backgrounds. The warning comes after the Australian Border Force (ABF) shut down an elaborate contrived marriages syndicate operating out of Sydney. The syndicate had a 32-year-old Indian national facing court over his alleged role as the main facilitator.4 Australian citizens are also facing charges for allegedly convincing individuals to fraudulently marry non-citizens seeking to obtain permanent residency. ABF Acting Investigations Commander, Clinton Sims, said, "Those seeking a visa through a contrived marriage also need to understand that paying a facilitator will not buy them a permanent visa pathway in Australia." The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) has charged the 32- year-old Indian national with four counts of arranging a marriage to obtain permanent residence, contrary to Section 240 of the Migration Act 1958. The maximum penalty is a fine up to $210,000 and/or 10 years imprisonment. The remaining four individuals have each been charged with offences under the Migration Act and Criminal Code. An Australian High Commission release said, "While contrived marriages are not unique to any one nationality, this particular syndicate was attempting to illegally facilitate fake marriages with non-citizens in the South Asian community." ABF also acted on contrived marriages in Victoria, with one individual sentenced to six months imprisonment for fraud offences against the Migration Act. Earlier this year, the Australian High Commission had warned of a visa scam which was being allegedly perpetrated by an employment agency operating in south-west Delhi.

Be aware of fake marriage scams: Australian govt to Indians

The New US ambassador of the United States of America to the Maldives, Alaina Teplitz, took charge on Sunday.&nbsp;

Teplitz presented her Letter of credence to Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih‎ a day after the latter took charge as the new President.&nbsp;

The ceremony to present credentials took place at the President’s Office.&nbsp;

The President and the new Ambassador also discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations between the Maldives and US.

Teplitz, a career diplomat was earlier American Ambassador to Nepal and has an extensive experience on the South Asian region. She will also be American ambassador to Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

The US was among the major countries that had expressed concerns during the political instability during former President Yameen's regime.&nbsp;

Interestingly, the US Quad statement had mentioned the Maldives.&nbsp;

Washington had called for "support for the new Maldivian government".&nbsp;

Quad statements from Tokyo and Canberra also mentioned the Maldives. &nbsp;

The New US ambassador of the United States of America to the Maldives, Alaina Teplitz, took charge on Sunday. Teplitz presented her Letter of credence to Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih‎ a day after the latter took charge as the new President.

The New US ambassador of the United States of America to the Maldives, Alaina Teplitz, took charge on Sunday. Teplitz presented her Letter of credence to Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih‎ a day after the latter took charge as the new President. The ceremony to present credentials took place at the President’s Office. The President and the new Ambassador also discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations between the Maldives and US. Teplitz, a career diplomat was earlier American Ambassador to Nepal and has an extensive experience on the South Asian region. She will also be American ambassador to Sri Lanka. The US was among the major countries that had expressed concerns during the political instability during former President Yameen's regime. Interestingly, the US Quad statement had mentioned the Maldives. Washington had called for "support for the new Maldivian government". Quad statements from Tokyo and Canberra also mentioned the Maldives.

Alaina Teplitz takes charge as new US ambassador to Maldives 

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Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Sidhant Sibal

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