In her first speech in the ongoing 73rd session of United Nations General Assembly, India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj choose to highlight India's links with Africa and linkages between the Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi.

Speaking at the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit, Sushma Swaraj said,"India cherishes its special relationship and longstanding partnership with Africa and its people. Our close bonds are reflected in the philosophy of Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi - Father of our Nation. "

Nelson Mandela Peace Summit was held in honour of the centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela in New York and was attended by a large number of world leaders.&nbsp;

Emphasising on the commonalities between the two&nbsp;leaders, minister Swaraj said,"both of them led their peoples to freedom through mass peaceful struggles. They made all efforts to overcome the divisive and narrow identity politics to turn diversity of a society into its strength, instead of a weakness."

India has been in the past few years tried to reaffirm her ties with the African continent and a number of high-level visits have taken from India including that of the President and Prime minister. Recently the cabinet approved the opening of 18 new Indian missions in Africa by 2021. India has 29 resident missions in Africa. The 3rd India-Africa Forum summit took place in 2015 and was called as India's biggest diplomatic outreach to African nations.

Paying tributes to Mandela, the minister said,"The values espoused by him – forgiveness and compassion as well as inclusiveness of society - are needed now, more than ever, in these turbulent times around the world. We, Indians, consider Madiba to be one of our own."

Mandela was one of the only two&nbsp;non-Indians who has ever been conferred with Bharat Ratna, the other being Pakistani national Abdul Ghaffar Khan. Madiba, as he was popularly called, was conferred with Bharat Ratna in 1990.

Minister also used the occasion to raise the issue of terror and without taking any name said, "no one should be allowed to support terror or its perpetration."&nbsp;

India is expected to strongly raise the issue of terror at the world body this year. India has been calling for a common definition of terror through the comprehensive convention on international terrorism.

It will be a busy week for EAM Sushma at the UNGA with over 30 bilaterals and participation in various meets of groups such as BRICS, SAARC.

In her first speech in the ongoing 73rd session of United Nations General Assembly, India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj choose to highlight India's links with Africa and linkages between the Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi.

In her first speech in the ongoing 73rd session of United Nations General Assembly, India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj choose to highlight India's links with Africa and linkages between the Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. Speaking at the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit, Sushma Swaraj said,"India cherishes its special relationship and longstanding partnership with Africa and its people. Our close bonds are reflected in the philosophy of Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi - Father of our Nation. " Nelson Mandela Peace Summit was held in honour of the centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela in New York and was attended by a large number of world leaders. Emphasising on the commonalities between the two leaders, minister Swaraj said,"both of them led their peoples to freedom through mass peaceful struggles. They made all efforts to overcome the divisive and narrow identity politics to turn diversity of a society into its strength, instead of a weakness." India has been in the past few years tried to reaffirm her ties with the African continent and a number of high-level visits have taken from India including that of the President and Prime minister. Recently the cabinet approved the opening of 18 new Indian missions in Africa by 2021. India has 29 resident missions in Africa. The 3rd India-Africa Forum summit took place in 2015 and was called as India's biggest diplomatic outreach to African nations. Paying tributes to Mandela, the minister said,"The values espoused by him – forgiveness and compassion as well as inclusiveness of society - are needed now, more than ever, in these turbulent times around the world. We, Indians, consider Madiba to be one of our own." Mandela was one of the only two non-Indians who has ever been conferred with Bharat Ratna, the other being Pakistani national Abdul Ghaffar Khan. Madiba, as he was popularly called, was conferred with Bharat Ratna in 1990. Minister also used the occasion to raise the issue of terror and without taking any name said, "no one should be allowed to support terror or its perpetration." India is expected to strongly raise the issue of terror at the world body this year. India has been calling for a common definition of terror through the comprehensive convention on international terrorism. It will be a busy week for EAM Sushma at the UNGA with over 30 bilaterals and participation in various meets of groups such as BRICS, SAARC.

At UN, India highlights links with Africa

As India and Pakistan get ready to make the country statements at the United Nations general assembly, India has sent a stern message to Islamabad on Kashmir.&nbsp;

Calling Pakistan's reference to Kashmir at UNGA an "annual itch" for Pakistan, India's permanent representative to UN Syed Akbaruddin while speaking to WION said, "India is part of the mainstream of global community, if someone else wants to fritter away the time and have an annual itch, it is their choice."&nbsp;

He said UNGA is a global forum is that it provides "everybody an opportunity" and that opportunity "can either be used to broaden friendships, strengthen collaborations or to follow tracks that have no resonance.. each country has to do something that finds resonance. "

The sentiment was echoed by the head of the UN division in MEA Dinesh Patnaik who said India has been handling Pakistan raising Kashmir every year and "this is not the first time this is happening". He said &nbsp;Pakistan wants to "act solo and is not multilateralist. They want to bring issues that are not part of multilateral agenda. This is not the first time they do this. Whenever they have done it in past we have tackled it. This is nothing new"

India will strongly raise the issue of terrorism and call for an early resolution on a comprehensive convention on international terrorism or CCIT. &nbsp;Syed Akbaruddin while answering WION's question on terror said,' terrorism by its definition is a threat to the nation-state. Theoretically, these are state actors that threaten civil society. All in the comity of nation tackle it collectively. Its a growing and perennial threat."

India has been calling for a common definition of terror through the comprehensive convention on international terrorism. The treaty which India had proposed way back in 1996 calls for criminalizing all forms of terrorism and terror safe havens. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had pitched for it during his address at the 69th session of the UNGA in September of 2014.

India will focus on many things from climate change to peacekeeping. On Climate change, Akbaruddin said, "India has a good story to tell". He also talked about the "challenges and stresses" multilateralism is facing" India is multilateralist by orientation and tradition"

India is being represented by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at the 73rd session of UNGA. She will be having over 30 bilateral meetings with her counterparts from different nations and take in meets such as SAARC FMs meeting, IBSA Meeting, NAM meets on Palestine, G4 meet on the reformation of UNSC on the sidelines of UNGA. The external affairs minister will end her week-long visit to new york by making the country statement for India on 29th September which according to India's permanent representative will "give a broad picture of what India is doing and how India supports multilateralism".

As India and Pakistan get ready to make the country statements at the United Nations general assembly, India has sent a stern message to Islamabad on Kashmir. Calling Pakistan's reference to Kashmir at UNGA an "annual itch" for Pakistan, India's permanent representative to UN Syed Akbaruddin while speaking to WION said, "India is part of the mainstream of global community, if someone else wants to fritter away the time and have an annual itch, it is their choice.

As India and Pakistan get ready to make the country statements at the United Nations general assembly, India has sent a stern message to Islamabad on Kashmir. Calling Pakistan's reference to Kashmir at UNGA an "annual itch" for Pakistan, India's permanent representative to UN Syed Akbaruddin while speaking to WION said, "India is part of the mainstream of global community, if someone else wants to fritter away the time and have an annual itch, it is their choice." He said UNGA is a global forum is that it provides "everybody an opportunity" and that opportunity "can either be used to broaden friendships, strengthen collaborations or to follow tracks that have no resonance.. each country has to do something that finds resonance. " The sentiment was echoed by the head of the UN division in MEA Dinesh Patnaik who said India has been handling Pakistan raising Kashmir every year and "this is not the first time this is happening". He said Pakistan wants to "act solo and is not multilateralist. They want to bring issues that are not part of multilateral agenda. This is not the first time they do this. Whenever they have done it in past we have tackled it. This is nothing new" India will strongly raise the issue of terrorism and call for an early resolution on a comprehensive convention on international terrorism or CCIT. Syed Akbaruddin while answering WION's question on terror said,' terrorism by its definition is a threat to the nation-state. Theoretically, these are state actors that threaten civil society. All in the comity of nation tackle it collectively. Its a growing and perennial threat." India has been calling for a common definition of terror through the comprehensive convention on international terrorism. The treaty which India had proposed way back in 1996 calls for criminalizing all forms of terrorism and terror safe havens. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had pitched for it during his address at the 69th session of the UNGA in September of 2014. India will focus on many things from climate change to peacekeeping. On Climate change, Akbaruddin said, "India has a good story to tell". He also talked about the "challenges and stresses" multilateralism is facing" India is multilateralist by orientation and tradition" India is being represented by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at the 73rd session of UNGA. She will be having over 30 bilateral meetings with her counterparts from different nations and take in meets such as SAARC FMs meeting, IBSA Meeting, NAM meets on Palestine, G4 meet on the reformation of UNSC on the sidelines of UNGA. The external affairs minister will end her week-long visit to new york by making the country statement for India on 29th September which according to India's permanent representative will "give a broad picture of what India is doing and how India supports multilateralism".

Talking about Kashmir at UNGA is Pakistan's annual itch: India

India has hit out at Pakistan for removing <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/real-problem-in-jk-is-cross-border-terrorism-emanating-from-pakistan-india-at-un-166533">renowned economist Atif Mian</a> from Economic Advisory Council because he was a member of minority Ahmadiyya faith.

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-caves-to-islamist-pressure-over-minority-economic-advisor-164302">Also Read:&nbsp;Pakistan caves to Islamist pressure over minority economic advisor</a>

Speaking at the United Nation's Human Rights Council, First Secretary at Indian mission in Geneva, Mini Devi Kumam said, "The extent to which fundamentalism has been mainstreamed in Pakistan is evident from the fact that a member of the Economic Advisory Council was asked to step down by the new government only because of his Ahmadi faith."

Atif Mian a Pakistani-American economist and the first person of Pakistani origin to rank among the top 25 young economists of the world was removed from Economic Advisory Council of Pakistan by the new Imran Khan govt after pressure from the right-wing extremist group. Atif landed in controversy since he is an Ahmadiyya and they are considered non-Muslims in Pakistan. 
&nbsp; 
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has identified Atif as one of the 25 young economists who the world body expects will shape the world's thinking about the global economy in the future.The Economic advisory council of Pakistan is a non-constitutional and independent body formed to give economic advice to the Government of Pakistan, specifically the Prime Minister.

India highlighted the conditions of Muslim minorities in Pakistan and said that they have been reduced to second class citizens. The first secretary said, "In its obsession with puritanism, it has unleashed systematic persecution against its own Muslim minorities including Shias, Ahmadiyas, Ismailia and Hazaras, who have been reduced to second class citizens. "It also highlighted the conditions minorities such as Hindus, Sikh and Christian and said "abductions, forced conversions and marriages of minority - Hindu, Sikh and Christian - women including girls are routinely carried out in Pakistan."

Pakistan has the dubious distinction of having more cases of persecution under Blasphemy laws than the rest of the world put together.&nbsp;

India was replying in its "right to reply" after Pakistan raked up Kashmir. India said, "The world does not need lessons on democracy and human rights from Pakistan which has not enjoyed any true democracy since its existence. Indian democracy guarantees constitutional rights to all its citizens and is mature enough to effectively address all challenges including that in Jammu and Kashmir through sufficiently strong and adequate mechanisms."

This is not first time Pakistan has raked up Kashmir at the world body. Infact, Islamabad has raked up Kashmir many time even after new Pakistan govt took charge and has been saying it wants peace with India. Recently, in what was direct talk from Delhi, Minister of state in MEA, Gen VK Singh has said Imran Khan has been propped up by the army and the army calls the shots in the country. 
&nbsp;

India was replying in its "right to reply" after Pakistan raked up Kashmir.

India has hit out at Pakistan for removing renowned economist Atif Mian from Economic Advisory Council because he was a member of minority Ahmadiyya faith. Also Read: Pakistan caves to Islamist pressure over minority economic advisor Speaking at the United Nation's Human Rights Council, First Secretary at Indian mission in Geneva, Mini Devi Kumam said, "The extent to which fundamentalism has been mainstreamed in Pakistan is evident from the fact that a member of the Economic Advisory Council was asked to step down by the new government only because of his Ahmadi faith." Atif Mian a Pakistani-American economist and the first person of Pakistani origin to rank among the top 25 young economists of the world was removed from Economic Advisory Council of Pakistan by the new Imran Khan govt after pressure from the right-wing extremist group. Atif landed in controversy since he is an Ahmadiyya and they are considered non-Muslims in Pakistan. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has identified Atif as one of the 25 young economists who the world body expects will shape the world's thinking about the global economy in the future.The Economic advisory council of Pakistan is a non-constitutional and independent body formed to give economic advice to the Government of Pakistan, specifically the Prime Minister. India highlighted the conditions of Muslim minorities in Pakistan and said that they have been reduced to second class citizens. The first secretary said, "In its obsession with puritanism, it has unleashed systematic persecution against its own Muslim minorities including Shias, Ahmadiyas, Ismailia and Hazaras, who have been reduced to second class citizens. "It also highlighted the conditions minorities such as Hindus, Sikh and Christian and said "abductions, forced conversions and marriages of minority - Hindu, Sikh and Christian - women including girls are routinely carried out in Pakistan." Pakistan has the dubious distinction of having more cases of persecution under Blasphemy laws than the rest of the world put together. India was replying in its "right to reply" after Pakistan raked up Kashmir. India said, "The world does not need lessons on democracy and human rights from Pakistan which has not enjoyed any true democracy since its existence. Indian democracy guarantees constitutional rights to all its citizens and is mature enough to effectively address all challenges including that in Jammu and Kashmir through sufficiently strong and adequate mechanisms." This is not first time Pakistan has raked up Kashmir at the world body. Infact, Islamabad has raked up Kashmir many time even after new Pakistan govt took charge and has been saying it wants peace with India. Recently, in what was direct talk from Delhi, Minister of state in MEA, Gen VK Singh has said Imran Khan has been propped up by the army and the army calls the shots in the country.

India slams Pak at UNHRC over Atif Mian's removal from Economic Advisory Council

India has extended more help to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh under the third phase of its programme. The Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh Harsh Vardhan Shringla handed over 1.1 million litres of SKO or Super Kerosene Oil and 20,000 Kerosene Multi Wick Stoves to Bangladesh's Minister of Disaster Management & Relief Mofazzel Hussain Chowdhury at Cox’s Bazar. The wick stoves and the oil were distributed to Rohingya refugees at Kutupalong camp in Cox’s Bazar. This is the third phase of humanitarian assistance from India to Bangladesh to help the Rohingyas who have been staying in camps after being forced to leave the Rakhine State of Myanmar.&nbsp;

Speaking on the occasion, Indian high commissioner said, "We understand the plight of the displaced persons and Bangladesh’s support to the displaced persons under trying circumstances deserves appreciation. I will also visit 
some of the camps." Conveying that "India will continue to extend humanitarian assistance to support the Government of Bangladesh in its efforts to provide succour to the displaced persons" he said, "Our gesture of providing relief will continue beyond the third tranche."

The kerosene oil and stoves will address the energy needs of the displaced persons and contribute to environmental conservation in Bangladesh, by reducing demand for locally sourced firewood.&nbsp;

The 1st phase of Indian help started in September 2017 under ‘Operation Insaniyat’ and comprised of 981 metric tons of relief supplies. The relief material consisted of family packs of rice, pulses, sugar, salt, cooking oil, tea, ready-to-eat noodles, biscuits, mosquito nets, etc to meet the immediate requirements of the approximately 3,00,000 Rohingyas refugees Bangladesh was hosting that time.

<img alt="IMG-20180917-WA0152.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="853" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/IMG-20180917-WA0152.jpg" width="1280" />

In May 2018, the 2nd phase of Indian assistance began with 373 Metric Tons (MT) of relief materials containing 104 MT milk powder, 102 MT dried fish 61 MT baby food 50,000 raincoats and 50,000 pairs of gumboots for the rainy season.&nbsp;

<img alt="IMG-20180917-WA0339.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="774" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/IMG-20180917-WA0339.jpg" width="1032" />

The Indian High Commissioner said, "India has always stood by Bangladesh in times of need" and the relationship is based on "trust, friendship and shared martyrdom that goes beyond strategic partnership."

Bangladesh has been hosting close to one million Rohingya refugees from the Rakhine State of Myanmar. This has put a strain on Bangladesh's resources and also its ties with neighbouring Myanmar.

India has also started construction of pre-fabricated houses in the Rakhine State in Myanmar. 250 of these pre-fabricated houses are nearing completion and foundation work has already started for 50 houses at a village called Kyein Chaung in Maungdaw district of Myanmar. These dwellings are intended to facilitate the return of displaced persons from Bangladesh.

The kerosene oil and stoves will address the energy needs of the displaced persons and contribute to environmental conservation in Bangladesh, by reducing demand for locally sourced firewood.

India has extended more help to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh under the third phase of its programme. The Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh Harsh Vardhan Shringla handed over 1.1 million litres of SKO or Super Kerosene Oil and 20,000 Kerosene Multi Wick Stoves to Bangladesh's Minister of Disaster Management & Relief Mofazzel Hussain Chowdhury at Cox’s Bazar. The wick stoves and the oil were distributed to Rohingya refugees at Kutupalong camp in Cox’s Bazar. This is the third phase of humanitarian assistance from India to Bangladesh to help the Rohingyas who have been staying in camps after being forced to leave the Rakhine State of Myanmar. Speaking on the occasion, Indian high commissioner said, "We understand the plight of the displaced persons and Bangladesh’s support to the displaced persons under trying circumstances deserves appreciation. I will also visit some of the camps." Conveying that "India will continue to extend humanitarian assistance to support the Government of Bangladesh in its efforts to provide succour to the displaced persons" he said, "Our gesture of providing relief will continue beyond the third tranche." The kerosene oil and stoves will address the energy needs of the displaced persons and contribute to environmental conservation in Bangladesh, by reducing demand for locally sourced firewood. The 1st phase of Indian help started in September 2017 under ‘Operation Insaniyat’ and comprised of 981 metric tons of relief supplies. The relief material consisted of family packs of rice, pulses, sugar, salt, cooking oil, tea, ready-to-eat noodles, biscuits, mosquito nets, etc to meet the immediate requirements of the approximately 3,00,000 Rohingyas refugees Bangladesh was hosting that time. In May 2018, the 2nd phase of Indian assistance began with 373 Metric Tons (MT) of relief materials containing 104 MT milk powder, 102 MT dried fish 61 MT baby food 50,000 raincoats and 50,000 pairs of gumboots for the rainy season. The Indian High Commissioner said, "India has always stood by Bangladesh in times of need" and the relationship is based on "trust, friendship and shared martyrdom that goes beyond strategic partnership." Bangladesh has been hosting close to one million Rohingya refugees from the Rakhine State of Myanmar. This has put a strain on Bangladesh's resources and also its ties with neighbouring Myanmar. India has also started construction of pre-fabricated houses in the Rakhine State in Myanmar. 250 of these pre-fabricated houses are nearing completion and foundation work has already started for 50 houses at a village called Kyein Chaung in Maungdaw district of Myanmar. These dwellings are intended to facilitate the return of displaced persons from Bangladesh.

1.1 million litres of kerosene handed over under New Delhi's third phase of aid to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh 

Australia would like to see the Indo-Pacific region free of coercion, Australian High Commissioner to Indian Harinder Sidhu told WION on Tuesday.&nbsp;

She added that Australia would like to work with democracies in the region to building peace and security.&nbsp;

Sidhu told WION that the "idea of Indo-Pacific makes a lot of sense for Australia", adding that her country "faces the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other side, and when we think what our region is, it's the Indo-Pacific."

"Our interest is very much to deepen our relationship with all the countries of Indo-Pacfic," said Sidhu. "To create Indo-Pacific that is stable and that is free and free from coercion... where there is a free and open trade. It's very very important that we work with key democracies in Indo-Pacfic to build that sense of peace, prosperity and security."

China's role in the region has come under criticism, especially over how it is handling the South China Sea issue. Its ties with India were also hit after the Doklam incident in 2017. Since then, both New Delhi and Beijing have been trying to reset ties with each other and Indian PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping have met 3 times in the last few months.

But India, Japan, Australia, and the US have been trying to engage under the auspices of the Quad. A Quad meet is going to take place next month.&nbsp;

When asked what role Australia would like to see for India in the Quad, the high commissioner said, "All the countries that are like-minded countries will deal with each other in different ways. Quad is one way. We have trilateral engagement with India and Japan. Many other combinations. Aussie-India strategic relationship is at all-time high and there is a high level of trust and confidence and it iwill only get better."

India-Australia ties: Genuine warmth&nbsp; 
Calling India-Australia ties as a "very, very strong relationship", Sidhu said there were "more Indian students going to Australia and more tourism happening in both directions" and there is "genuine warmth and friendship between our people".&nbsp; 
Approximately, two per cent of Australia's population is of Indian origin. 
&nbsp; 
The Australian government recently released a paper — Indian economic strategy 2035 — to expand economic relationships with India over the next 20 years. The paper covers all sectors of the economy and looks at how to engage with Individual Indian states to deepen economic ties.

The Khalistan issue was broached too.&nbsp;

Sidhu said we are "aware of the issue and something that we will look in Australia . We are a country where people come from different background. They all have views on the country of &nbsp;the origin and as long as they can express the views peacefully and within the law, they are entitled... we are a free country."

'To create Indo-Pacific that is stable and that is free and free from coercion... where there is a free and open trade. It's very very important that we work with key democracies in Indo-Pacfic to build that sense of peace, prosperity and security,' Australian High Commissioner to India Harinder Sidhu said.

Australia would like to see the Indo-Pacific region free of coercion, Australian High Commissioner to Indian Harinder Sidhu told WION on Tuesday. She added that Australia would like to work with democracies in the region to building peace and security. Sidhu told WION that the "idea of Indo-Pacific makes a lot of sense for Australia", adding that her country "faces the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other side, and when we think what our region is, it's the Indo-Pacific." "Our interest is very much to deepen our relationship with all the countries of Indo-Pacfic," said Sidhu. "To create Indo-Pacific that is stable and that is free and free from coercion... where there is a free and open trade. It's very very important that we work with key democracies in Indo-Pacfic to build that sense of peace, prosperity and security." China's role in the region has come under criticism, especially over how it is handling the South China Sea issue. Its ties with India were also hit after the Doklam incident in 2017. Since then, both New Delhi and Beijing have been trying to reset ties with each other and Indian PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping have met 3 times in the last few months. But India, Japan, Australia, and the US have been trying to engage under the auspices of the Quad. A Quad meet is going to take place next month. When asked what role Australia would like to see for India in the Quad, the high commissioner said, "All the countries that are like-minded countries will deal with each other in different ways. Quad is one way. We have trilateral engagement with India and Japan. Many other combinations. Aussie-India strategic relationship is at all-time high and there is a high level of trust and confidence and it iwill only get better." India-Australia ties: Genuine warmth Calling India-Australia ties as a "very, very strong relationship", Sidhu said there were "more Indian students going to Australia and more tourism happening in both directions" and there is "genuine warmth and friendship between our people". Approximately, two per cent of Australia's population is of Indian origin. The Australian government recently released a paper — Indian economic strategy 2035 — to expand economic relationships with India over the next 20 years. The paper covers all sectors of the economy and looks at how to engage with Individual Indian states to deepen economic ties. The Khalistan issue was broached too. Sidhu said we are "aware of the issue and something that we will look in Australia . We are a country where people come from different background. They all have views on the country of the origin and as long as they can express the views peacefully and within the law, they are entitled... we are a free country."

Want Indo-Pacific free from coercion: Australian High Commissioner to WION

Minister of State, External Affairs and Former Chief of Army Staff General VK Singh on Monday attacked <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/india-and-pakistan-must-talk-resolve-their-conflicts-including-kashmir-imran-khan-160621?amp">Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> over infiltration incidents at the Indo-Pak border and said that the army still rules Pakistan despite the election of new PM.

Speaking on the sidelines of a FICCI event in New Delhi General VK Singh said, "Did you all expect a change? I don't know. After all, the person has been propped up by the (Pakistan) army. The army still rules. So, let's wait and watch how things go -- whether the person remains under army control or doesn't remain under its control.”&nbsp;

On India Pakistan talks, the minister reiterated India's official policy that talks and terror cant go together. He said, "our policy very clear..dialogue will happen provided the environment made conducive for that.. and we stick to that".

The strong statement comes at a time when even though Pakistan has been saying it wants talks with New Delhi, it has been raking up Kashmir at various global forums. Its permanent representative at the United Nations, Maleeha Lodhi recently raised Kashmir and was given a strong reply by India's Syed Akbaruddin who said, 'new government of Pakistan rather than indulge in polemics" should "work constructively to build a safe, stable, secure and developed South Asian region, free of terror and violence".

The US has also weighed in on the prospects of Indo Pakistan dialogue but has raised Indian concerns on cross-border terror for talks to happen. Responding to a question by WION on the US take on Indo Pakistan talks, Ambassador Alice Wells Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia said " In General, US supports India Pakistan dialogue" but raised Indian concerns of cross-border terror.

All eyes will be on United Nations general assembly (UNGA) session next week where Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and &nbsp;Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will be speaking and take part at the SAARC FMs meet.&nbsp;

Kartarpur border: No proposal received from Pakistan&nbsp;

Referring to reports of proposals to open the Kartarpur border crossing for Sikh pilgrims, Singh said India has “not received any proposal” from Pakistan to open the route.&nbsp;

“Nothing has come from the government's (Pakistan) side. This issue has been going on for a very long time. If anything comes about we will let you know," he said.&nbsp;

The Kartarpur route, along India-Pakistan border, is nearly three kilometres away from Gurdaspur, Punjab. If opened, it will allow Sikh pilgrims a direct access to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan. The idea though an old one, got a fresh lease of life when Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu met Pakistan army chief during oath-taking ceremony of new Pakistan PM Imran Khan.

General VK Singh criticised Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan over infiltration incidents at the Indo-Pak border.

Minister of State, External Affairs and Former Chief of Army Staff General VK Singh on Monday attacked Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan over infiltration incidents at the Indo-Pak border and said that the army still rules Pakistan despite the election of new PM. Speaking on the sidelines of a FICCI event in New Delhi General VK Singh said, "Did you all expect a change? I don't know. After all, the person has been propped up by the (Pakistan) army. The army still rules. So, let's wait and watch how things go -- whether the person remains under army control or doesn't remain under its control.” On India Pakistan talks, the minister reiterated India's official policy that talks and terror cant go together. He said, "our policy very clear..dialogue will happen provided the environment made conducive for that.. and we stick to that". The strong statement comes at a time when even though Pakistan has been saying it wants talks with New Delhi, it has been raking up Kashmir at various global forums. Its permanent representative at the United Nations, Maleeha Lodhi recently raised Kashmir and was given a strong reply by India's Syed Akbaruddin who said, 'new government of Pakistan rather than indulge in polemics" should "work constructively to build a safe, stable, secure and developed South Asian region, free of terror and violence". The US has also weighed in on the prospects of Indo Pakistan dialogue but has raised Indian concerns on cross-border terror for talks to happen. Responding to a question by WION on the US take on Indo Pakistan talks, Ambassador Alice Wells Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia said " In General, US supports India Pakistan dialogue" but raised Indian concerns of cross-border terror. All eyes will be on United Nations general assembly (UNGA) session next week where Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will be speaking and take part at the SAARC FMs meet. Kartarpur border: No proposal received from Pakistan Referring to reports of proposals to open the Kartarpur border crossing for Sikh pilgrims, Singh said India has “not received any proposal” from Pakistan to open the route. “Nothing has come from the government's (Pakistan) side. This issue has been going on for a very long time. If anything comes about we will let you know," he said. The Kartarpur route, along India-Pakistan border, is nearly three kilometres away from Gurdaspur, Punjab. If opened, it will allow Sikh pilgrims a direct access to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan. The idea though an old one, got a fresh lease of life when Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu met Pakistan army chief during oath-taking ceremony of new Pakistan PM Imran Khan.

Army still rules Pakistan: VK Singh on Imran Khan 

Ahead of the second inter-Korean summit next week, <a href="http://wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-has-asked-for-a-second-meeting-with-trump-white-house-164987">South Korean ambassador to India </a>Shin Bongkil has said the&nbsp;world should have patience when it comes to the North Korean denuclearisation issue.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/trump-thanks-kim-for-not-showcasing-icbms-at-north-korea-military-parade-164838">Also Read:&nbsp;Trump thanks Kim for not showcasing ICBMs at North Korea military parade</a>

Speaking exclusively to WION, South Korean ambassador said, "Solving this issue in a period of time may not be unrealistic. We should have patience. There will be up and down but we won't give up the determination."

Accepting that North Korean and US nuclear negotiation "faces some dilemma and certain impasse" he said his "President's visit to North Korea will help facilitate US-North Korea negotiation and also reconciliation between North and South and ease any tension."

The visit by South Korean president Moon Jae-in for the summit was decided during the first&nbsp;inter-Korean summit earlier this year. The second&nbsp;inter-Korean summit will take place from 18th to 20th September.&nbsp;

Bongkil added, "Nuclear negotiation is very difficult and complex issue" and if "we can't resolve the issue there will be serious consequence."

Recently, US president Trump had conceded lack of action on denuclearisation by North Korea and had cancelled a&nbsp;visit by US secretary of state Mike Pompeo's to the country. Tweeting about the cancellation of visit the US president had said, “I feel we are not making sufficient progress with respect to the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.”

As part of the Panmunjeom Declaration, both North and South Korea will open a liaison office in Pyongyang on Friday which is expected to provide&nbsp;stable communication between the two.

The ambassador also said that the Indian side has shown a close interest in the development of the region. He said, "We talk with them (India) and the Indian side sees development in Korean Peninsula with a&nbsp;positive attitude."

He, however,&nbsp;refrained from commenting on North Korea and Pakistan link, the South Korean ambassador said, "Nuclear issue is sensitive to every country. India has the experience to negotiate with other countries and naturally, India will have close interest in the development of the Korean peninsula."

India has been talking about raising the North Korea-Pakistan nuclear link many times. The ministry of external affairs in its statement after US president Trump and North Korean leader Kim's summit had said, "We also hope that the resolution of the Korean Peninsula issue will take into account and address our concerns about proliferation linkages extending to India’s neighbourhood.” 
&nbsp;

US president Trump had conceded lack of action on denuclearisation by North Korea

Ahead of the second inter-Korean summit next week, South Korean ambassador to India Shin Bongkil has said the world should have patience when it comes to the North Korean denuclearisation issue. Also Read: Trump thanks Kim for not showcasing ICBMs at North Korea military parade Speaking exclusively to WION, South Korean ambassador said, "Solving this issue in a period of time may not be unrealistic. We should have patience. There will be up and down but we won't give up the determination." Accepting that North Korean and US nuclear negotiation "faces some dilemma and certain impasse" he said his "President's visit to North Korea will help facilitate US-North Korea negotiation and also reconciliation between North and South and ease any tension." The visit by South Korean president Moon Jae-in for the summit was decided during the first inter-Korean summit earlier this year. The second inter-Korean summit will take place from 18th to 20th September. Bongkil added, "Nuclear negotiation is very difficult and complex issue" and if "we can't resolve the issue there will be serious consequence." Recently, US president Trump had conceded lack of action on denuclearisation by North Korea and had cancelled a visit by US secretary of state Mike Pompeo's to the country. Tweeting about the cancellation of visit the US president had said, “I feel we are not making sufficient progress with respect to the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.” As part of the Panmunjeom Declaration, both North and South Korea will open a liaison office in Pyongyang on Friday which is expected to provide stable communication between the two. The ambassador also said that the Indian side has shown a close interest in the development of the region. He said, "We talk with them (India) and the Indian side sees development in Korean Peninsula with a positive attitude." He, however, refrained from commenting on North Korea and Pakistan link, the South Korean ambassador said, "Nuclear issue is sensitive to every country. India has the experience to negotiate with other countries and naturally, India will have close interest in the development of the Korean peninsula." India has been talking about raising the North Korea-Pakistan nuclear link many times. The ministry of external affairs in its statement after US president Trump and North Korean leader Kim's summit had said, "We also hope that the resolution of the Korean Peninsula issue will take into account and address our concerns about proliferation linkages extending to India’s neighbourhood.”

We should have patience on denuclearisation: South Korean ambassador Bongkil

The US has weighed in on the prospects of Indo Pakistan dialogue but has raised Indian concerns on cross-border terror for talks to happen.

Responding to a question by WION on the US take on Indo Pakistan talks, Ambassador Alice Wells Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia said, "in general, US supports India Pakistan dialogue" but raised Indian concerns of cross-border terror.&nbsp

Wells talked about the conversations American have been having with "Indian partners" in which they have been asking for "a demonstrable reduction in cross-border terror that will help create confidence for dialogue to take place. "India has been saying talk and terror can't go together when it comes to Pakistan but talks on terror can happen".

Alice Wells welcomed the "positive messages exchanged between PM Khan and PM Modi" and said, "conditions can be created for productive bilateral conversations" for which Washington will be supportive.

Ever since taking charge as the Prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan has been talking about dialogue with India. In a recent tweet, Khan said, "To move forward Pakistan and India must dialogue and resolve their conflicts including Kashmir".

In his victory speech after winning elections, Khan had said, "If they (India) take one step towards us, we will take two, but at least (we) need a start". But he has been raking Kashmir along with dialogue calling it "the biggest problem".

Delhi is treading cautiously given the fact it has burnt its fingers many times. PM Narendra Modi had tried to make a new start by a stopover in Lahore but terror attacks, such as the one in Pathankot and Uri, had derailed the peace initiative by New Delhi.

Meanwhile, US has also been raising the issue of terror proxies being supported by Pakistan.

US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo during his a visit to Pakistan last week conveyed "the need for Pakistan to take sustained and decisive measures against terrorists and militants threatening regional peace and stability", according to the US State Department.

A senior state department official in a briefing ahead of the 2+2 dialogue in Delhi said, "we share India’s concern that Pakistan continues to allow Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind of the Mumbai bombing, free, at-large, despite the reward that’s on his head and despite his very known role in helping to facilitate that attack."

There hasn't been any meeting between the Indian leadership with new Pakistani ministers. The focus is now at UNGA meeting in New York were India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistani FM Shah Mehmood Qureshi will be present and will also take part in SAARC foreign ministers' meet.

Ever since taking charge as the Prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan has been talking about dialogue with India.

The US has weighed in on the prospects of Indo Pakistan dialogue but has raised Indian concerns on cross-border terror for talks to happen. Responding to a question by WION on the US take on Indo Pakistan talks, Ambassador Alice Wells Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia said, "in general, US supports India Pakistan dialogue" but raised Indian concerns of cross-border terror. Wells talked about the conversations American have been having with "Indian partners" in which they have been asking for "a demonstrable reduction in cross-border terror that will help create confidence for dialogue to take place. "India has been saying talk and terror can't go together when it comes to Pakistan but talks on terror can happen". Alice Wells welcomed the "positive messages exchanged between PM Khan and PM Modi" and said, "conditions can be created for productive bilateral conversations" for which Washington will be supportive. Ever since taking charge as the Prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan has been talking about dialogue with India. In a recent tweet, Khan said, "To move forward Pakistan and India must dialogue and resolve their conflicts including Kashmir". In his victory speech after winning elections, Khan had said, "If they (India) take one step towards us, we will take two, but at least (we) need a start". But he has been raking Kashmir along with dialogue calling it "the biggest problem". Delhi is treading cautiously given the fact it has burnt its fingers many times. PM Narendra Modi had tried to make a new start by a stopover in Lahore but terror attacks, such as the one in Pathankot and Uri, had derailed the peace initiative by New Delhi. Meanwhile, US has also been raising the issue of terror proxies being supported by Pakistan. US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo during his a visit to Pakistan last week conveyed "the need for Pakistan to take sustained and decisive measures against terrorists and militants threatening regional peace and stability", according to the US State Department. A senior state department official in a briefing ahead of the 2+2 dialogue in Delhi said, "we share India’s concern that Pakistan continues to allow Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind of the Mumbai bombing, free, at-large, despite the reward that’s on his head and despite his very known role in helping to facilitate that attack." There hasn't been any meeting between the Indian leadership with new Pakistani ministers. The focus is now at UNGA meeting in New York were India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistani FM Shah Mehmood Qureshi will be present and will also take part in SAARC foreign ministers' meet.

Indo-Pak dialogue: Washington uses Delhi's language

Days after Pakistani information and broadcasting minister Fawad Chowdhary said that the Kartarpur Border will be opened for pilgrims, India denied receiving any request on the corridor from Islamabad.

Answering WION's questions on the corridor on the sidelines of an event in FICCI in Delhi, Union Cabinet minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said, "nothing has been received by the government of India from Islamabad indicating they are willing to do this." This is the first ever reaction by any Indian minister on the Kartarpur corridor.&nbsp;

Kartarpur Gurdwara is in Pakistan and it has been a long-standing demand of the Sikh community in India for a corridor to be able to visit the holy site.

The idea of the corridor got new lease of life when Punjab government minister Navjot Singh Sidhu visited Pakistan and met Pakistan's army chief Qamar Bajwa during the oath-taking ceremony of Pakistan's PM Imran Khan.

Navjot Singh, later that day, said the army chief had suggested the idea of the Kartarpur Gurdwara.

Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal reacting to WION's question on the corridor also said, "these decisions are taken by the governments and not by military generals."

She also slammed Navjot Singh Sidhu and described his act of hugging Pak army chief as an "unfortunate" event.

She said, "huge amount of talk by one individual about this is being sanctioned. As far as I am concerned, one individual went and gave an extremely unfortunate hug&nbsp;to that Individual (Pak Army chief) who is responsible for the killing of our jawans at the border. I appeal to that individual if he holds such power over our enemy country next door then he should use this power to stop the killing of our people and jawans."

The Kartarpur Gurdwara has been built on the site where Guru Nanak Ji died in 1539. The shrine, which is just a few kilometres from the border, is visible from the Indian side. Recently, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria also visited the Gurdwara.

Pak MOFA spokesperson Mohammad Faisal recently in a briefing had said that Kartarpur corridor "cannot be considered in isolation", a comment many believe shows that it could take a long time for the corridor to open. &nbsp;

Kartarpur Gurdwara is in Pakistan and it has been a long-standing demand of the Sikh community in India for a corridor to be able to visit the holy site.

Days after Pakistani information and broadcasting minister Fawad Chowdhary said that the Kartarpur Border will be opened for pilgrims, India denied receiving any request on the corridor from Islamabad. Answering WION's questions on the corridor on the sidelines of an event in FICCI in Delhi, Union Cabinet minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said, "nothing has been received by the government of India from Islamabad indicating they are willing to do this." This is the first ever reaction by any Indian minister on the Kartarpur corridor. Kartarpur Gurdwara is in Pakistan and it has been a long-standing demand of the Sikh community in India for a corridor to be able to visit the holy site. The idea of the corridor got new lease of life when Punjab government minister Navjot Singh Sidhu visited Pakistan and met Pakistan's army chief Qamar Bajwa during the oath-taking ceremony of Pakistan's PM Imran Khan. Navjot Singh, later that day, said the army chief had suggested the idea of the Kartarpur Gurdwara. Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal reacting to WION's question on the corridor also said, "these decisions are taken by the governments and not by military generals." She also slammed Navjot Singh Sidhu and described his act of hugging Pak army chief as an "unfortunate" event. She said, "huge amount of talk by one individual about this is being sanctioned. As far as I am concerned, one individual went and gave an extremely unfortunate hug to that Individual (Pak Army chief) who is responsible for the killing of our jawans at the border. I appeal to that individual if he holds such power over our enemy country next door then he should use this power to stop the killing of our people and jawans." The Kartarpur Gurdwara has been built on the site where Guru Nanak Ji died in 1539. The shrine, which is just a few kilometres from the border, is visible from the Indian side. Recently, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria also visited the Gurdwara. Pak MOFA spokesperson Mohammad Faisal recently in a briefing had said that Kartarpur corridor "cannot be considered in isolation", a comment many believe shows that it could take a long time for the corridor to open.

India hasn't received any request on Kartarpur corridor: Harsimrat Kaur Badal

The first ever trilateral meet between Iran, India and Afghanistan took place in Kabul on Tuesday where Chabahar and counter-terrorism were discussed.

The meet happened at the level of Deputy Foreign Minister. While India was represented at the level of Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, Afghanistan was represented by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Hekmat Khalil Karzai and Iran by Deputy Foreign Minister Dr&nbspAbbas Araghchi.&nbsp

The joint statement after the tripartite meeting said, "The meeting focused on consolidating economic cooperation, including Chabahar".

Chabahar port is considered as India's answer to Gwadar port which is part of China Pakistan economic corridor.

With the second set of American sanctions on Iran coming into effect this November, India is keen to get a waiver for the port.&nbsp

Chabahar was discussed during the recently concluded maiden 2+2 dialogue in Delhi, in which sources told WION that "the&nbspUS is willing to accommodate India on Chabahar".

In a briefing by US diplomat Alice wells on 2+2, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia said, "Indian government described the rationale of Chabahar as means to provide access to Afghanistan and opening north-south trade to central Asia. US official said we are still in process of reviewing... So informational conversation".

Chabahar is expected to provide India with&nbspan alternative and a reliable access route into Afghanistan and a reliable and more direct sea-road access route into Central Asian Region.

Chabahar's location at the Arabian Sea means that it would be able to skirt any challenges posed by developments in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp

The first consignment of wheat assistance to Afghanistan through Chabahar was flagged off on 29th Oct 2017. Since then many consignments have been sent and New Delhi is keen to make the port a connecting link between India, Iran, Afghanistan and beyond.

The port forms an important part of the international north-south transport corridor that will link Moscow to Mumbai via Iran and Azerbaijan.

All sides also said they "continue to support the peace and reconciliation process that is led and owned by Afghanistan." The next round of consultation will take place in India in 2019.

The port forms an important part of the international north-south transport corridor that will link Moscow to Mumbai via Iran and Azerbaijan.

The first ever trilateral meet between Iran, India and Afghanistan took place in Kabul on Tuesday where Chabahar and counter-terrorism were discussed. The meet happened at the level of Deputy Foreign Minister. While India was represented at the level of Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, Afghanistan was represented by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Hekmat Khalil Karzai and Iran by Deputy Foreign Minister Dr&nbspAbbas Araghchi. The joint statement after the tripartite meeting said, "The meeting focused on consolidating economic cooperation, including Chabahar". Chabahar port is considered as India's answer to Gwadar port which is part of China Pakistan economic corridor. With the second set of American sanctions on Iran coming into effect this November, India is keen to get a waiver for the port. Chabahar was discussed during the recently concluded maiden 2+2 dialogue in Delhi, in which sources told WION that "the&nbspUS is willing to accommodate India on Chabahar". In a briefing by US diplomat Alice wells on 2+2, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia said, "Indian government described the rationale of Chabahar as means to provide access to Afghanistan and opening north-south trade to central Asia. US official said we are still in process of reviewing... So informational conversation". Chabahar is expected to provide India with&nbspan alternative and a reliable access route into Afghanistan and a reliable and more direct sea-road access route into Central Asian Region. Chabahar's location at the Arabian Sea means that it would be able to skirt any challenges posed by developments in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. The first consignment of wheat assistance to Afghanistan through Chabahar was flagged off on 29th Oct 2017. Since then many consignments have been sent and New Delhi is keen to make the port a connecting link between India, Iran, Afghanistan and beyond. The port forms an important part of the international north-south transport corridor that will link Moscow to Mumbai via Iran and Azerbaijan. All sides also said they "continue to support the peace and reconciliation process that is led and owned by Afghanistan." The next round of consultation will take place in India in 2019.

India, Iran and Afghanistan meet in Kabul; discuss Chabahar

Ahead of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation or BIMSTEC summit, India has called the 21-year-old grouping as 'natural choice to fulfil our foreign policy priorities'.&nbsp;

The 4th summit of BIMSTEC will take place in Nepal's capital Kathmandu from 30th to 31st of August.

Briefing the media, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, Preeti Saran&nbsp;said, 'For India BIMSTEC is a natural choice to fulfil our foreign policy priorities which is our Neighborhood Frist and Act East policy."&nbsp;

MEA also said,"Regional cooperation under BIMSTEC also extends to developments of the North Eastern states of India forming a bridge between South and South East Asia".

Pakistan must act on terror: New Delhi on SAARC

The statement comes at a time when SAARC summit has headed to a deadlock over terror emanating from Pakistan.2016 SAARC summit in Islamabad was cancelled after New Delhi along with other SAARC members spoke openly on Pakistan providing safe havens to terrorist groups. Last year, the then Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar called SAARC a 'jammed' vehicle.

On SAARC, New Delhi has called on Pakistan for a constructive attitude on the grouping and act on terror groups in the country. Ahead of the BIMSTEC summit, sources speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal on SAARC said, "The ball is in Pakistan's court to revive the process by taking action against terrorists and terror groups operating from its soil and contribute meaningfully towards regional cooperation by adopting a constructive attitude."

Counter-terror, connectivity to dominate agenda&nbsp;

Counter-terror, connectivity will be the main focus area of this years BIMSTEC summit. Calling "connectivity is a very important component of our discussions within BIMSTEC", secretary east said, "projects such as Kaladan Multi-modal project, the Tri-lateral highway which directly ends up connecting the Northeastern states in India to the BIMSTEC countries."

A strong statement is expected on counter-terror front. BIMSTEC NSAs have already met twice —1st in New Delhi last year and then this year in Dhaka. In Fact, during the BIMSTECOutreach Summit in 2016 in Goa, all member countries had strong words on terror and countries supporting terror. The joint declaration without naming any country said, "they seek to disrupt and eliminate terrorists, terror organizations, and network and also identify, hold accountable and take strong measures against states who encourage, support and finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups and falsely extol their virtues.”&nbsp;

NRC Fallout: Sheikh Hasina-Modi Bilateral?

A number of bilaterals are expected. While confirming meet with Nepal PM, the ministry of external affairs in response to WION's question did not confirm Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's meet with PM Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

The Secretary east said, "I can confirm there will be bilaterals for sure with Nepal as it is the host country, but it is customary for our Prime Minister whenever he attends such regional summits, it is certainly a very important opportunity for him to meet his counterparts from the neighbouring countries."

The Bangla PM meet with Indian PM assumes significance in the backdrop of the draft list coming out under the National Register of Citizens or NRC for the eastern Indian state of Assam.&nbsp;

BIMSTEC has 7 members--Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand and Sri Lanka and is home to 1.6 billion people. With nearly 22 % of the world’s population, it has a combined GDP of $2.8 trillion. This is the 4th BIMSTEC summit. This is also the 4th visit by Indian PM to Nepal since taking charge in 2014 and 2nd visit in 2018.

BIMSTEC has 7 members--Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand and Sri Lanka and is home to 1.6 billion people.

Ahead of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation or BIMSTEC summit, India has called the 21-year-old grouping as 'natural choice to fulfil our foreign policy priorities'. The 4th summit of BIMSTEC will take place in Nepal's capital Kathmandu from 30th to 31st of August. Briefing the media, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, Preeti Saran said, 'For India BIMSTEC is a natural choice to fulfil our foreign policy priorities which is our Neighborhood Frist and Act East policy." MEA also said,"Regional cooperation under BIMSTEC also extends to developments of the North Eastern states of India forming a bridge between South and South East Asia". Pakistan must act on terror: New Delhi on SAARC The statement comes at a time when SAARC summit has headed to a deadlock over terror emanating from Pakistan.2016 SAARC summit in Islamabad was cancelled after New Delhi along with other SAARC members spoke openly on Pakistan providing safe havens to terrorist groups. Last year, the then Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar called SAARC a 'jammed' vehicle. On SAARC, New Delhi has called on Pakistan for a constructive attitude on the grouping and act on terror groups in the country. Ahead of the BIMSTEC summit, sources speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal on SAARC said, "The ball is in Pakistan's court to revive the process by taking action against terrorists and terror groups operating from its soil and contribute meaningfully towards regional cooperation by adopting a constructive attitude." Counter-terror, connectivity to dominate agenda Counter-terror, connectivity will be the main focus area of this years BIMSTEC summit. Calling "connectivity is a very important component of our discussions within BIMSTEC", secretary east said, "projects such as Kaladan Multi-modal project, the Tri-lateral highway which directly ends up connecting the Northeastern states in India to the BIMSTEC countries." A strong statement is expected on counter-terror front. BIMSTEC NSAs have already met twice —1st in New Delhi last year and then this year in Dhaka. In Fact, during the BIMSTECOutreach Summit in 2016 in Goa, all member countries had strong words on terror and countries supporting terror. The joint declaration without naming any country said, "they seek to disrupt and eliminate terrorists, terror organizations, and network and also identify, hold accountable and take strong measures against states who encourage, support and finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups and falsely extol their virtues.” NRC Fallout: Sheikh Hasina-Modi Bilateral? A number of bilaterals are expected. While confirming meet with Nepal PM, the ministry of external affairs in response to WION's question did not confirm Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's meet with PM Narendra Modi. The Secretary east said, "I can confirm there will be bilaterals for sure with Nepal as it is the host country, but it is customary for our Prime Minister whenever he attends such regional summits, it is certainly a very important opportunity for him to meet his counterparts from the neighbouring countries." The Bangla PM meet with Indian PM assumes significance in the backdrop of the draft list coming out under the National Register of Citizens or NRC for the eastern Indian state of Assam. BIMSTEC has 7 members--Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand and Sri Lanka and is home to 1.6 billion people. With nearly 22 % of the world’s population, it has a combined GDP of $2.8 trillion. This is the 4th BIMSTEC summit. This is also the 4th visit by Indian PM to Nepal since taking charge in 2014 and 2nd visit in 2018.

BIMSTEC: A natural choice for India to fulfil foreign policy priorities

Prime Minister&nbsp;Narendra Modi will meet Bangladesh&nbsp;PM Sheikh Hasina in Kathmandu on Thursday on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit.

This will be the first meeting between the two after the second and final draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) was released in Assam. It has however not been confirmed that the NRC will be discussed.

Bangladesh has been silent on the issue saying it is India's internal issue.

Earlier, speaking to WION, Bangladesh’s Information Minister Hasanul-Haque Inu said, “This is an internal issue for state of Assam and India, Bangladesh has nothing to do with it.”

He added that Bangladesh has no interest in what is happening in Assam.

He further said the Indian government has never raised the issue of migration with Bangladesh in the past several years.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee however had said the issue will destroy New Delhi's ties with Bangladesh.&nbsp;

"The NRC will destroy the relationship between India and Bangladesh. Out of 40 lakh people whose names are not on the list of NRC, only 1 per cent could be illegal infiltrators. But the BJP is trying to show that all those not included (in NRC) are infiltrators,” Mamata had said.&nbsp;

PM Modi will also meet with Nepal Prime Minister&nbsp;KP Sharma Oli.

Preeti Saran, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, in a curtain raiser press conference ahead of the BIMSTEC Summit in New Delhi, said, "I can confirm there will be bilaterals for sure with Nepal as it is the host country, but it is customary for our Prime Minister whenever he attends such regional summits, it is certainly a very important opportunity for him to meet his counterparts from the neighboring countries."

This will be the second visit by Modi to Nepal this year and the fourth visit since taking charge in 2014. He will also visit Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu.

Other than the bilateral meetings with Bangladesh and Nepal PMs, Modi will also meet with the Sri Lankan President and the Thai Prime Minister.

The two will meet on Thursday. This will be the first meeting between the two after the second draft of the National Register of Citizens was released in Assam.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina in Kathmandu on Thursday on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit. This will be the first meeting between the two after the second and final draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) was released in Assam. It has however not been confirmed that the NRC will be discussed. Bangladesh has been silent on the issue saying it is India's internal issue. Earlier, speaking to WION, Bangladesh’s Information Minister Hasanul-Haque Inu said, “This is an internal issue for state of Assam and India, Bangladesh has nothing to do with it.” He added that Bangladesh has no interest in what is happening in Assam. He further said the Indian government has never raised the issue of migration with Bangladesh in the past several years. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee however had said the issue will destroy New Delhi's ties with Bangladesh. "The NRC will destroy the relationship between India and Bangladesh. Out of 40 lakh people whose names are not on the list of NRC, only 1 per cent could be illegal infiltrators. But the BJP is trying to show that all those not included (in NRC) are infiltrators,” Mamata had said. PM Modi will also meet with Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Preeti Saran, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, in a curtain raiser press conference ahead of the BIMSTEC Summit in New Delhi, said, "I can confirm there will be bilaterals for sure with Nepal as it is the host country, but it is customary for our Prime Minister whenever he attends such regional summits, it is certainly a very important opportunity for him to meet his counterparts from the neighboring countries." This will be the second visit by Modi to Nepal this year and the fourth visit since taking charge in 2014. He will also visit Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu. Other than the bilateral meetings with Bangladesh and Nepal PMs, Modi will also meet with the Sri Lankan President and the Thai Prime Minister.

After NRC, Modi, Bangladesh's Hasina to meet on sidelines of BIMSTEC summit

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Sidhant Sibal

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