<p>In an unprecedented show of solidarity, Afghan diplomats today joined protesting Sikhs in India's capital Delhi. Delhi's Sikhs and a number of Afghan Sikhs had been protesting against the Jalalabad terror attack in Delhi's diplomatic area.</p>

<p>The protesters had wanted to march to the Afghan embassy and protest in front of it but were stopped midway. It was then that the Afghan diplomats walked out to meet the protersters and calm them down.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The diplomats assured the protesters of support and discussed the terror challenge Afghanistan is facing.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Unprecedented show of solidarity! Afghan embassy officials reach out to protesting sikhs in Delhi meet the protestors, assure them all support <a href="https://t.co/cE4IkXx2h1">pic.twitter.com/cE4IkXx2h1</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1014081870399791104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The protesting Sikhs had been carrying placards which said "Sikhs have always helped people in distress without discrimination. Is this how you repay them", and waving back flags.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Security was also tight in the area but despite the protests, the Sikhs made certain the public did not suffer. All litter was removed and a langar was organised after the protest.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sikh protest in delhi against killings in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jalalabad?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jalalabad</a> <a href="https://t.co/v901XDlor1">pic.twitter.com/v901XDlor1</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1014036021128957952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>A palpable anger can be felt in Delhi's Sikh community. Ardas or prayers have been held in memory of the Jalalabad terror attack victims.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ardas being done in a Delhi Afghan Sikh Gurudwara for the Sikhs martyred in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jalalabad?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jalalabad</a> terror attack. <a href="https://t.co/eVQ8h0Lhl2">pic.twitter.com/eVQ8h0Lhl2</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1013787610442027010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee have announced Rs 1 lakh rupees each in compensation to the victims' next of kin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met the relatives of the Sikhs killed in the Jalalabad attack on Monday and assured them all help. India's High Commissioner to Pakistan AJay Bisaria and India's HIgh Commissioner to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar were both present at the meet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani condemned the attack.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We strongly condemn the terror attacks in Afghanistan yesterday. They are an attack on Afghanistan's multicultural fabric. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover soon. India stands ready to assist the Afghanistan government in this sad hour.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1013610293514170369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>A massive terror attack in Afghanistan's eastern city of Jalalabad killed 13 Afghan Sikhs on Sunday. The dead included Avtar Singh, the man who was to represent the minority Sikh and Hindu community in Afghanistan's parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The terror attack wiped out Afghanistan's Sikh political leadership. Afghanistan goes to the polls on October 20.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Monday, in an exclusive conversation with WION, Afghanistan's ambassador to India Shaida Abdali lauded Avtar Singh, calling him a true patriot. Abdali said that the attack was a blow to Afghanistan's diversity.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Afghanistan's ambassador to India <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaidaAbdali?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShaidaAbdali</a> spoke exclusively to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WION?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WION</a>'s <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sidhant</a> on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JalalabadAttack?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JalalabadAttack</a> saying the attack was very "tragic". <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianEmbKabul?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianEmbKabul</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianConsHerat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianConsHerat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AfghanistanInIN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AfghanistanInIN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ashrafghani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashrafghani</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> <a href="https://t.co/mKjt7Hpu1u">pic.twitter.com/mKjt7Hpu1u</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1013724633202229250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Avtar Singh had been in touch with WION and was to give us an interview ahead of the Afghan elections. His last words to me were "(I am) standing on behalf of all Sikh and Hindu community who lives in Afghanistan. Minorities are in bad conditions. We haven't got any help from anyone. We want to ask our rights from the government."</p>

<p>The local Muslim community has joined in the grieving. The governor of Nangarhar province met members of the Sikh community in Jalalabad. He offered condolences from President Ghani.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nangarhar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nangarhar</a> governor met Sikh community members in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jalalabad?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jalalabad</a> and offered condolence from Pres <a href="https://twitter.com/ashrafghani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashrafghani</a> and the government. <a href="https://t.co/aqNALTxqlZ">pic.twitter.com/aqNALTxqlZ</a></p>
— Pajhwok Afghan News (@pajhwok) <a href="https://twitter.com/pajhwok/status/1014002836231815168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Only recently, a delegation of Afghan Sikhs led by Avtar Singh had India's ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar to discuss the issues the community was facing.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I took this photograph about 2 weeks back and little did I know that such fine people would leave us soon.Saddened, heartbroken and gutted at the loss of such fine people from the Afghan Sikh & Hindu Community in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jalalabad?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jalalabad</a> today. <a href="https://t.co/CTEdKhfRru">pic.twitter.com/CTEdKhfRru</a></p>
— Vasudev Ravi (@vasudev_ravi) <a href="https://twitter.com/vasudev_ravi/status/1013488872217567233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Ever since the terror attack, both Afghanistan and India have been pointing fingers at Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Afghan ambassador in Delhi said the terror attacks came from across the border. In a strongly-worded statement, the Indian mission in Kabul said "the attack again underlines the need for a united global fight against international terrorism without discrimination and accountability of those who support terrorists in any manner".</p>

<p>The situation in Afghanisatn remains precarious for minority Sikhs and Hindus. Once a thriving community, their population has declined to just 1,000. Many have returned to India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India has become a home away from home. But a love for Afghanistan remains, as does a flicker of hope that stability will return one day to the land which once was home.</p>


The attack wiped out Afghanistan's Sikh political leadership. Thirteen Sikhs and a total of 19 people were killed in the attack

In an unprecedented show of solidarity, Afghan diplomats today joined protesting Sikhs in India's capital Delhi. Delhi's Sikhs and a number of Afghan Sikhs had been protesting against the Jalalabad terror attack in Delhi's diplomatic area. The protesters had wanted to march to the Afghan embassy and protest in front of it but were stopped midway. It was then that the Afghan diplomats walked out to meet the protersters and calm them down. The diplomats assured the protesters of support and discussed the terror challenge Afghanistan is facing. Unprecedented show of solidarity! Afghan embassy officials reach out to protesting sikhs in Delhi meet the protestors, assure them all support pic.twitter.com/cE4IkXx2h1 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 3, 2018 × The protesting Sikhs had been carrying placards which said "Sikhs have always helped people in distress without discrimination. Is this how you repay them", and waving back flags. Security was also tight in the area but despite the protests, the Sikhs made certain the public did not suffer. All litter was removed and a langar was organised after the protest. Sikh protest in delhi against killings in #Jalalabad pic.twitter.com/v901XDlor1 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 3, 2018 × A palpable anger can be felt in Delhi's Sikh community. Ardas or prayers have been held in memory of the Jalalabad terror attack victims. Ardas being done in a Delhi Afghan Sikh Gurudwara for the Sikhs martyred in the #Jalalabad terror attack. pic.twitter.com/eVQ8h0Lhl2 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 2, 2018 × The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee have announced Rs 1 lakh rupees each in compensation to the victims' next of kin. India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met the relatives of the Sikhs killed in the Jalalabad attack on Monday and assured them all help. India's High Commissioner to Pakistan AJay Bisaria and India's HIgh Commissioner to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar were both present at the meet. Both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani condemned the attack. We strongly condemn the terror attacks in Afghanistan yesterday. They are an attack on Afghanistan's multicultural fabric. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover soon. India stands ready to assist the Afghanistan government in this sad hour. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 2, 2018 × A massive terror attack in Afghanistan's eastern city of Jalalabad killed 13 Afghan Sikhs on Sunday. The dead included Avtar Singh, the man who was to represent the minority Sikh and Hindu community in Afghanistan's parliament. The terror attack wiped out Afghanistan's Sikh political leadership. Afghanistan goes to the polls on October 20. On Monday, in an exclusive conversation with WION, Afghanistan's ambassador to India Shaida Abdali lauded Avtar Singh, calling him a true patriot. Abdali said that the attack was a blow to Afghanistan's diversity. Afghanistan's ambassador to India @ShaidaAbdali spoke exclusively to #WION's @sidhant on the #JalalabadAttack saying the attack was very "tragic". @IndianEmbKabul @IndianConsHerat @AfghanistanInIN @ashrafghani @PMOIndia @MEAIndia @SushmaSwaraj pic.twitter.com/mKjt7Hpu1u — WION (@WIONews) July 2, 2018 × Avtar Singh had been in touch with WION and was to give us an interview ahead of the Afghan elections. His last words to me were "(I am) standing on behalf of all Sikh and Hindu community who lives in Afghanistan. Minorities are in bad conditions. We haven't got any help from anyone. We want to ask our rights from the government." The local Muslim community has joined in the grieving. The governor of Nangarhar province met members of the Sikh community in Jalalabad. He offered condolences from President Ghani. #Nangarhar governor met Sikh community members in #Jalalabad and offered condolence from Pres @ashrafghani and the government. pic.twitter.com/aqNALTxqlZ — Pajhwok Afghan News (@pajhwok) July 3, 2018 × Only recently, a delegation of Afghan Sikhs led by Avtar Singh had India's ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar to discuss the issues the community was facing. I took this photograph about 2 weeks back and little did I know that such fine people would leave us soon.Saddened, heartbroken and gutted at the loss of such fine people from the Afghan Sikh & Hindu Community in #Jalalabad today. pic.twitter.com/CTEdKhfRru — Vasudev Ravi (@vasudev_ravi) July 1, 2018 × Ever since the terror attack, both Afghanistan and India have been pointing fingers at Pakistan. The Afghan ambassador in Delhi said the terror attacks came from across the border. In a strongly-worded statement, the Indian mission in Kabul said "the attack again underlines the need for a united global fight against international terrorism without discrimination and accountability of those who support terrorists in any manner". The situation in Afghanisatn remains precarious for minority Sikhs and Hindus. Once a thriving community, their population has declined to just 1,000. Many have returned to India. India has become a home away from home. But a love for Afghanistan remains, as does a flicker of hope that stability will return one day to the land which once was home.

Delhi: Afghan diplomats reach out to Sikhs protesting Jalalabad terror attack

<p>The situation remains precarious for the over 1,000 Indian pilgrims stranded in Nepal and Tibet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pilgrims were on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra but found themselves stranded because of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-1500-indian-kailash-yatra-pilgrims-stranded-in-nepal-due-to-heavy-rains-148622">heavy rains</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian high commission in Kathmandu has been able to evacuate about 150 pilgrims from Hilsa, a Nepalese town on the border with Tibet, to Simikot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nine commercial flights were then operated and 158 pilgrims evacuated from Simikot to Nepalganj.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nepalganj is in the Terai plains and borders UP's Bahraich district. From there, Lucknow, is a three-hour drive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian high commission is also in touch with the Nepalese Army, which has kept a helicopter in a state of readiness.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Conditions remain dire in the region because of the rains.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mansarovar Yatris being rescued in Nepal's Simikot. Remember over a 1000 Indian Yatris are stranded in Nepal due to heavy rains. Indian Mission is working overtime to rescue them. <a href="https://t.co/2z6VDjEDQn">pic.twitter.com/2z6VDjEDQn</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1014082103540174848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, 2 Indian pilgrims have died in Nepal. They were identified as Leela Narayanan Mandredath of Kerala and Satya Lakshmi Narayana Subba Rao of Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mandredath died in Simikot on the morning of July 2, possibly due to high-altitude sickness, while Subba Rao died from a heart attack in Tibert.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All necessary assistance is being provided by the high commission for early repatriation of the bodies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian mission is leaving no stone unturned to make certain the Indian pilgrims return home safely.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The mission, in liaison with civil authorities, is providing medical facilities to the stranded pilgrims.&nbsp;<br />
The Indian mission sent a four-member team to Nepalganj on the evening of July 3. The team will reach Simikot and Hilsa at the earliest and set up camp offices to assist the stranded pilgrims.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The mission has also set up a hotline for pilgrims and their families. The hotline is available ??? in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam.</p>

<p>In an exclusive conversation with WION, the Nepalese goverment assured all help required to the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims stranded in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The chargé d’affaires of the Nepalese embassy Bharat Kumar Regmi said his government is doing its best to help the pilgrims and to provide them with shelter and medical facilities.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">WION Exclusive | Nepal's envoy says government assures of all help to Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiansStrandedInNepal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiansStrandedInNepal</a><a href="https://t.co/TqE9weeE79">https://t.co/TqE9weeE79</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZA36h2zjIk">pic.twitter.com/ZA36h2zjIk</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1014105756310724608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>India's Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj has tweeted about the situation and said India has requested the Nepalese government for army helicopters to help evacuate stranded Indian nationals.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">Pl RT<br />
Pranav Ganesh First Secy +977-9851107006<br />
Tashi Khampa +977-98511550077<br />
Tarun Raheja +977 9851107021<br />
Rajesh Jha +977 9818832398<br />
Yogananda +977 9823672371 (Kannada)<br />
Pindi Naresh +977 9808082292 (Telugu)<br />
R Murugan +977 98085006 (Tamil)<br />
Ranjith +977 9808500644 (Malayalam)</p>
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1014005705890643969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Prime Minister Modi meanwhile is in touch with the MEA and other top officials regarding the well-being of Indian pilgrims stranded in Nepal. He has asked officials to extend all possible assistance to those affected.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India is hopeful all its citizens will be evacuated over the next three to four days so long as the weather continues to improve.</p>


Over a 1,000 Indian pilgrims are stranded in Nepal and Tibet because of heavy rains. The 150 pilgrims were evacuated from Hilsa, a Nepalese town on the border with Tibet, to Simikot, and then on to Nepalganj

The situation remains precarious for the over 1,000 Indian pilgrims stranded in Nepal and Tibet. The pilgrims were on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra but found themselves stranded because of heavy rains. The Indian high commission in Kathmandu has been able to evacuate about 150 pilgrims from Hilsa, a Nepalese town on the border with Tibet, to Simikot. Nine commercial flights were then operated and 158 pilgrims evacuated from Simikot to Nepalganj. Nepalganj is in the Terai plains and borders UP's Bahraich district. From there, Lucknow, is a three-hour drive. The Indian high commission is also in touch with the Nepalese Army, which has kept a helicopter in a state of readiness. Conditions remain dire in the region because of the rains. Mansarovar Yatris being rescued in Nepal's Simikot. Remember over a 1000 Indian Yatris are stranded in Nepal due to heavy rains. Indian Mission is working overtime to rescue them. pic.twitter.com/2z6VDjEDQn — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 3, 2018 × Meanwhile, 2 Indian pilgrims have died in Nepal. They were identified as Leela Narayanan Mandredath of Kerala and Satya Lakshmi Narayana Subba Rao of Andhra Pradesh. Mandredath died in Simikot on the morning of July 2, possibly due to high-altitude sickness, while Subba Rao died from a heart attack in Tibert. All necessary assistance is being provided by the high commission for early repatriation of the bodies. The Indian mission is leaving no stone unturned to make certain the Indian pilgrims return home safely. The mission, in liaison with civil authorities, is providing medical facilities to the stranded pilgrims. The Indian mission sent a four-member team to Nepalganj on the evening of July 3. The team will reach Simikot and Hilsa at the earliest and set up camp offices to assist the stranded pilgrims. The mission has also set up a hotline for pilgrims and their families. The hotline is available ??? in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. In an exclusive conversation with WION, the Nepalese goverment assured all help required to the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims stranded in the country. The chargé d’affaires of the Nepalese embassy Bharat Kumar Regmi said his government is doing its best to help the pilgrims and to provide them with shelter and medical facilities. WION Exclusive | Nepal's envoy says government assures of all help to Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims. #IndiansStrandedInNepalhttps://t.co/TqE9weeE79 pic.twitter.com/ZA36h2zjIk — WION (@WIONews) July 3, 2018 × India's Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj has tweeted about the situation and said India has requested the Nepalese government for army helicopters to help evacuate stranded Indian nationals. Pl RT Pranav Ganesh First Secy +977-9851107006 Tashi Khampa +977-98511550077 Tarun Raheja +977 9851107021 Rajesh Jha +977 9818832398 Yogananda +977 9823672371 (Kannada) Pindi Naresh +977 9808082292 (Telugu) R Murugan +977 98085006 (Tamil) Ranjith +977 9808500644 (Malayalam) — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 3, 2018 × Prime Minister Modi meanwhile is in touch with the MEA and other top officials regarding the well-being of Indian pilgrims stranded in Nepal. He has asked officials to extend all possible assistance to those affected. India is hopeful all its citizens will be evacuated over the next three to four days so long as the weather continues to improve.

Kailash Mansarovar yatra: India evacuates 150 citizens stranded in Nepal

<p>Afghanistan's ambassador to <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-condemns-jalalabad-blast-extends-assistance-148367">India&nbsp;Shaida Mohammad Abdali </a>spoke exclusively to WION on the Jalalabad attack saying the attack was very "tragic".&nbsp;</p>

<p>A suicide blast in <a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/lone-sikh-candidate-among-those-killed-in-jalalabad-blast-148339">Nangarhar province in Jalalabad</a> claimed lives of 19 people and injured 20 others, mostly Sikhs and Hindus including politician Avtar Singh Khalsa.</p>

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/suicide-bomber-targets-group-of-sikhs-and-hindus-kills-12-in-afghanistan-148248">Also Read:&nbsp;Suicide bomber targets group of Sikhs and Hindus</a></p>

<p>The Afghan ambassador said Afghanistan is under attack, adding that "terror is coming from across the border".</p>

<p>The group of Sikhs were on their way to meet Afghan President Ashraf Ghani when the explosion occurred.</p>

<p>"Afghanistan is under attack," Abdali&nbsp;said.</p>

<p>On the death of Sikh politician Avtar Singh Khalsa, Abdali&nbsp;said he was a "patriotic Afghan", asserting that Afghan Sikh & Hindus were "more patriotic than common Afghans".</p>

<p>"Loss of Avtar Singh is an irreparable loss, Sikhs & Hindus have been in all walks of life in Afghanistan," the Afghan ambassador said.</p>

<p>"Jalalabad attack was an attack on our diversity and Indo-Afghan ties," he felt, saying: "India, Afghanistan have been impacted by terror from one country."</p>

<p>Hinting at Pakistan, the ambassador said: "A country in the region is sponsoring terror, both countries have been impacted by one country."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The world should not keep quiet on the role of the country that is sponsoring terror," Abdali insisted.</p>

<p>The attack was condemned by PM Modi who said it was an attack on "Afghanistan's multicultural fabric". PM Modi said the country was ready to assist Afghanistan.</p>

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The Afghan ambassador said Afghanistan is under attack, adding that "terror coming from across the border".

Afghanistan's ambassador to India Shaida Mohammad Abdali spoke exclusively to WION on the Jalalabad attack saying the attack was very "tragic". A suicide blast in Nangarhar province in Jalalabad claimed lives of 19 people and injured 20 others, mostly Sikhs and Hindus including politician Avtar Singh Khalsa. Also Read: Suicide bomber targets group of Sikhs and Hindus The Afghan ambassador said Afghanistan is under attack, adding that "terror is coming from across the border". The group of Sikhs were on their way to meet Afghan President Ashraf Ghani when the explosion occurred. "Afghanistan is under attack," Abdali said. On the death of Sikh politician Avtar Singh Khalsa, Abdali said he was a "patriotic Afghan", asserting that Afghan Sikh & Hindus were "more patriotic than common Afghans". "Loss of Avtar Singh is an irreparable loss, Sikhs & Hindus have been in all walks of life in Afghanistan," the Afghan ambassador said. "Jalalabad attack was an attack on our diversity and Indo-Afghan ties," he felt, saying: "India, Afghanistan have been impacted by terror from one country." Hinting at Pakistan, the ambassador said: "A country in the region is sponsoring terror, both countries have been impacted by one country." "The world should not keep quiet on the role of the country that is sponsoring terror," Abdali insisted. The attack was condemned by PM Modi who said it was an attack on "Afghanistan's multicultural fabric". PM Modi said the country was ready to assist Afghanistan.

Jalalabad attack: 'Terror coming from across the border,' says Afghanistan ambassador to India

<p>Seychelles President Danny Faure is in India for a 5-day visit. This is his&nbspfirst State Visit to India and he will be in India from 22 to 27 June 2018. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising two Cabinet Ministers, four Secretaries of State and other senior officials of the Government of Seychelles. A business delegation will also be accompanying the President on the visit. President Faure will visit Ahmedabad in Gujarat and Goa, before the State Visit on&nbsp25 and 26 June 2018. &nbspIn Ahmedabad, he will visit prestigious institutions of higher learning including the Indian Institute of Management, and the Gujarat Forensic Sciences University. In Goa, he will visit the Indian Naval Air Station. President Faure will then go to New Delhi where he will meet Indian leadership. His official engagements include meeting with the President of India, delegation level talks with the Prime Minister, calls by the Vice President and the External Affairs Minister, and an address to the India-Seychelles Business Forum. The President of India will host a State Banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary. He will also visit Dehradun and visit &nbspIndira Gandhi National Forest Academy. The MEA said that the "State Visit of President Faure is part of regular high-level exchanges between India and Seychelles, and will accord an opportunity to review our wide-ranging bilateral cooperation including in the fields of defence and security and development partnership."</p>

<p><strong>No Assumption Island Deal</strong></p>

<p>But the big focus will be Indian facility or what many would say Indian Military base on assumption Island. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Seychelles in March of 2015 both countries agreed to develop a military facility on the Assumption Island. The revised agreement was signed on 27 January 2018. As per the terms of the agreement, the facilities on Assumption Island will be funded by India, owned by Seychelles and jointly managed by both sides. That seems to be in trouble now. Days before his visit, Seychelles President in an exclusive conversation with Wion's Amitabh Revi said he won't put the Indian facility agreement on the Assumption Island for ratification in the parliament since it will not pass through.</p>

<p><strong>Agreement that won’t go before our National Assembly: President to WION</strong></p>

<p>The blamed it on domestic issues. He said "As President, I am the head of the executive but I do not have a majority in our Parliament, in our National Assembly and the difference between your system and our system is that a ratification has to go through Parliament. Although there has been an agreement, I have decided not to submit the agreement to National Assembly for ratification because I have received the signals that it won’t go (through). So, as we speak there is the agreement that won’t go before our National Assembly, but it doesn’t mean that the ambition of my government, my administration for us to have a coast guard facility on Assumption does not remain. We will continue to do that on our own as the government of Seychelles - to have a facility on that island, it is important because of what is happening around in our waters. We will continue to do that on our own". But he lauded India for not interfering in domestic affairs. He said,"India and its Prime Minister understand the Seychelles position. And what I am happy about is that there hasn’t been any moment where the government of India has tried to influence our domestic politics. India is a democracy, we are an evolving democracy and we are building institutions. "</p>

<p>So why does Seychelles needs a facility? First, it is part of crucial sea lanes through which much of Africa's trade with Asia passes and piracy is a big issue. Remember, Seychelles might have a small land area but its Exclusive Economic Zone is the size of South Africa and twice the size of Madagascar.&nbsp</p>

<p><strong>China, A Worry</strong></p>

<p>But what is the real reason for assumption island deal to fall apart..is China behind the decision? President of Seychelles'has rejected that. He said " Big countries, size of your country, size of the population, but genuine respect for a small country like Seychelles. Our relationship has never been one of being dictated by big country or a small country and I think it is in this context that I believe that Seychelles' relationship will grow with both India and China".This will be the third meeting between PM Modi and Seychelles's President this year. First at the solar summit in New Delhi, second CHOGM chogm summit in London. The visit happens at a time when China is increasing its presence in Indian ocean region. India will give a grand welcome to the president, but the assumption island deal will remain on top of the mind of Indian policymakers. China's predatory practices are well known in Maldives, Sri Lanka. The country is situated just 600 miles east of Diego Garcia which hosts American military base in China. Clearly, the stakes are high.</p>

<p><strong>India to gift a Dornier aircraft</strong></p>

<p>But defence ties continue to grow between India & Seychelles. India will gift Dornier aircraft to President of Seychelles on Tuesday. It will be handed over by India's ministry of external affairs minister. This is the second Dornier aircraft in India will be giving to Seychelles. India gifted one Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft to Seychelles in 2013 and had promised to give second Dornier aircraft by June 2018. Indian Coast Guard’s Fast Interceptor Boat C-405 (rechristened ‘PB Hermes’) was gifted to Seychelles in 2016. India gifted and installed six coastal surveillance radar systems in Seychelles in 2015 enabling better coastal security for Seychelles. A 45-member Indian Army team participated in the 7th India-Seychelles biennial joint military exercise “LAMlTYE-7” conducted in Mahé in Feb 2016.INS Sunayna, an offshore patrol ship, visited Seychelles in June of 2017 for participating in the Seychelles National Day Parade. INS Mumbai visited Victoria to undertake an anti-narcotics patrol for Seychelles.&nbsp</p>

<p><strong>India's helping hand</strong></p>

<p>India supplied 108 different medicines in four lots during 2016 to the country. The majority of medicines were for combating common infections, while others are to treat diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, etc. The medicines worth Rupees 3 Crore and part of US $ 8.76 million earmarked for the supply of medical equipment and medicines to Seychelles. Indian PM Modi had visited Seychelles in 2015, a first by any Indian PM since 1981.</p>


Seychelles President Danny Faure is in India for a 5-day visit. This is his first State Visit to India and he will be in India from 22 to 27 June 2018. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising two Cabinet Ministers, four Secretaries of State and other senior officials of the Government of Seychelles

Seychelles President Danny Faure is in India for a 5-day visit. This is his&nbspfirst State Visit to India and he will be in India from 22 to 27 June 2018. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising two Cabinet Ministers, four Secretaries of State and other senior officials of the Government of Seychelles. A business delegation will also be accompanying the President on the visit. President Faure will visit Ahmedabad in Gujarat and Goa, before the State Visit on&nbsp25 and 26 June 2018. &nbspIn Ahmedabad, he will visit prestigious institutions of higher learning including the Indian Institute of Management, and the Gujarat Forensic Sciences University. In Goa, he will visit the Indian Naval Air Station. President Faure will then go to New Delhi where he will meet Indian leadership. His official engagements include meeting with the President of India, delegation level talks with the Prime Minister, calls by the Vice President and the External Affairs Minister, and an address to the India-Seychelles Business Forum. The President of India will host a State Banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary. He will also visit Dehradun and visit &nbspIndira Gandhi National Forest Academy. The MEA said that the "State Visit of President Faure is part of regular high-level exchanges between India and Seychelles, and will accord an opportunity to review our wide-ranging bilateral cooperation including in the fields of defence and security and development partnership." No Assumption Island Deal But the big focus will be Indian facility or what many would say Indian Military base on assumption Island. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Seychelles in March of 2015 both countries agreed to develop a military facility on the Assumption Island. The revised agreement was signed on 27 January 2018. As per the terms of the agreement, the facilities on Assumption Island will be funded by India, owned by Seychelles and jointly managed by both sides. That seems to be in trouble now. Days before his visit, Seychelles President in an exclusive conversation with Wion's Amitabh Revi said he won't put the Indian facility agreement on the Assumption Island for ratification in the parliament since it will not pass through. Agreement that won’t go before our National Assembly: President to WION The blamed it on domestic issues. He said "As President, I am the head of the executive but I do not have a majority in our Parliament, in our National Assembly and the difference between your system and our system is that a ratification has to go through Parliament. Although there has been an agreement, I have decided not to submit the agreement to National Assembly for ratification because I have received the signals that it won’t go (through). So, as we speak there is the agreement that won’t go before our National Assembly, but it doesn’t mean that the ambition of my government, my administration for us to have a coast guard facility on Assumption does not remain. We will continue to do that on our own as the government of Seychelles - to have a facility on that island, it is important because of what is happening around in our waters. We will continue to do that on our own". But he lauded India for not interfering in domestic affairs. He said,"India and its Prime Minister understand the Seychelles position. And what I am happy about is that there hasn’t been any moment where the government of India has tried to influence our domestic politics. India is a democracy, we are an evolving democracy and we are building institutions. " So why does Seychelles needs a facility? First, it is part of crucial sea lanes through which much of Africa's trade with Asia passes and piracy is a big issue. Remember, Seychelles might have a small land area but its Exclusive Economic Zone is the size of South Africa and twice the size of Madagascar. China, A Worry But what is the real reason for assumption island deal to fall apart..is China behind the decision? President of Seychelles'has rejected that. He said " Big countries, size of your country, size of the population, but genuine respect for a small country like Seychelles. Our relationship has never been one of being dictated by big country or a small country and I think it is in this context that I believe that Seychelles' relationship will grow with both India and China".This will be the third meeting between PM Modi and Seychelles's President this year. First at the solar summit in New Delhi, second CHOGM chogm summit in London. The visit happens at a time when China is increasing its presence in Indian ocean region. India will give a grand welcome to the president, but the assumption island deal will remain on top of the mind of Indian policymakers. China's predatory practices are well known in Maldives, Sri Lanka. The country is situated just 600 miles east of Diego Garcia which hosts American military base in China. Clearly, the stakes are high. India to gift a Dornier aircraft But defence ties continue to grow between India & Seychelles. India will gift Dornier aircraft to President of Seychelles on Tuesday. It will be handed over by India's ministry of external affairs minister. This is the second Dornier aircraft in India will be giving to Seychelles. India gifted one Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft to Seychelles in 2013 and had promised to give second Dornier aircraft by June 2018. Indian Coast Guard’s Fast Interceptor Boat C-405 (rechristened ‘PB Hermes’) was gifted to Seychelles in 2016. India gifted and installed six coastal surveillance radar systems in Seychelles in 2015 enabling better coastal security for Seychelles. A 45-member Indian Army team participated in the 7th India-Seychelles biennial joint military exercise “LAMlTYE-7” conducted in Mahé in Feb 2016.INS Sunayna, an offshore patrol ship, visited Seychelles in June of 2017 for participating in the Seychelles National Day Parade. INS Mumbai visited Victoria to undertake an anti-narcotics patrol for Seychelles. India's helping hand India supplied 108 different medicines in four lots during 2016 to the country. The majority of medicines were for combating common infections, while others are to treat diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, etc. The medicines worth Rupees 3 Crore and part of US $ 8.76 million earmarked for the supply of medical equipment and medicines to Seychelles. Indian PM Modi had visited Seychelles in 2015, a first by any Indian PM since 1981.

Seychelles President In India; focus on defence ties

<p>A day after the Chinese ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui proposed India, Pakistan, and China cooperation under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), there seems to have been some backtracking.&nbsp</p>

<p>A copy of the Chinese ambassador's speech uploaded online says, "We hope that in the future China, India, Pakistan leaders' meeting could be held under the SCO framework."&nbsp</p>

<p>But in his original speech — the one that everyone heard — Zhaohui had said, "Some Indian friends suggested that China, India and Pakistan may have some kind of trilateral cooperation under the SCO."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A case of changing statements. Chinese amb amends monday speech of chinese amb. Removes the line "at the suggestion of Indian friends"<br />
<br />
Gray: What He Said<br />
Blue: New Statement <a href="https://t.co/tSpJWwYAYI">pic.twitter.com/tSpJWwYAYI</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1009152184666079232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Whatever the reason for the amendment, many would say China may have suggested a trilateral summit to test the waters.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">China Amb <a href="https://twitter.com/China_Amb_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@China_Amb_India</a> on India, Pak, China cooperation at SCO: proposal suggested by Indian friends. Its a great idea. <a href="https://t.co/EmG666C6Bj">pic.twitter.com/EmG666C6Bj</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1008593465599459329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>India and Pakistan participated as full members of the SCO at the Qingdao Summit. In August, India and Pakistan will be participating in SCO military exercises in Russia.</p>

<p>India reacted sharply to the statement made by the Chinese ambassador in New Delhi.&nbsp</p>

<p>Calling it the ambassador's personal opinion, India said, "We have not received any such suggestion from the Chinese government ." India also said, "Matters related to India-Pakistan relations are purely bilateral in nature and have no scope for involvement of any third country."</p>

<p><strong>China, </strong><strong>a honest</strong><strong> broker?</strong></p>

<p>Experts believe China might be trying to play negotiator when it comes to India and Pakistan, an idea New Delhi has dismissed many times. China is deeply involved with Pakistan and with the CPEC — China-Pakistan Economic Corridor — passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, experts say China cannot be an honest broker in the region.</p>

<p><strong>Changing speeches: Not for the first time</strong></p>

<p>This is not for the first time such an an amendment has been made. The Chinese ambassador had suggested last year that China could rename the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor if India agreed to join it, but his remarks were expunged from the uploaded copy of his speech.</p>

<p>When the Chinese foreign ministry was asked why, it had nothing to say.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Who did it? The Missing Line "ready to change <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPEC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPEC</a> name" case becomes bigger. China MOFA has nthng to offer P <a href="https://t.co/yWeMwiZzSW">pic.twitter.com/yWeMwiZzSW</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/861974734614929409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>India and China have been trying to increase engagement between them.&nbsp</p>

<p>In the last three months, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping have met twice. First at their informal summit in Wuhan, China and the then on the sidelines of the Qingdao summit. The two of them are likely to meet again on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in South Africa next month.&nbsp</p>

<p>The Doklam incident last year had put a strain on India-China ties. During his speech on Monday, the Chinese ambassador had said, "We <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-cannot-stand-another-doklam-incident-chinese-ambassador-145188">cannot stand</a> another Doklam incident." And the two countries have recently agreed to work together on a project in Afghanistan.&nbsp</p>

<p>Clearly, both the Asians giants understand that cooperation and not conflict is the way forward.&nbsp<br />
&nbsp</p>


In his original statement, Luo Zhaohui had said the idea of an India-Pak-China summit was a 'suggestion of Indian friends'. That statement however was removed from the copy of his speech that was uploaded online

A day after the Chinese ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui proposed India, Pakistan, and China cooperation under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), there seems to have been some backtracking. A copy of the Chinese ambassador's speech uploaded online says, "We hope that in the future China, India, Pakistan leaders' meeting could be held under the SCO framework." But in his original speech — the one that everyone heard — Zhaohui had said, "Some Indian friends suggested that China, India and Pakistan may have some kind of trilateral cooperation under the SCO." A case of changing statements. Chinese amb amends monday speech of chinese amb. Removes the line "at the suggestion of Indian friends" Gray: What He Said Blue: New Statement pic.twitter.com/tSpJWwYAYI — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 19, 2018 × Whatever the reason for the amendment, many would say China may have suggested a trilateral summit to test the waters. China Amb @China_Amb_India on India, Pak, China cooperation at SCO: proposal suggested by Indian friends. Its a great idea. pic.twitter.com/EmG666C6Bj — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 18, 2018 × India and Pakistan participated as full members of the SCO at the Qingdao Summit. In August, India and Pakistan will be participating in SCO military exercises in Russia. India reacted sharply to the statement made by the Chinese ambassador in New Delhi. Calling it the ambassador's personal opinion, India said, "We have not received any such suggestion from the Chinese government ." India also said, "Matters related to India-Pakistan relations are purely bilateral in nature and have no scope for involvement of any third country." China, a honest broker? Experts believe China might be trying to play negotiator when it comes to India and Pakistan, an idea New Delhi has dismissed many times. China is deeply involved with Pakistan and with the CPEC — China-Pakistan Economic Corridor — passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, experts say China cannot be an honest broker in the region. Changing speeches: Not for the first time This is not for the first time such an an amendment has been made. The Chinese ambassador had suggested last year that China could rename the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor if India agreed to join it, but his remarks were expunged from the uploaded copy of his speech. When the Chinese foreign ministry was asked why, it had nothing to say. Who did it? The Missing Line "ready to change #CPEC name" case becomes bigger. China MOFA has nthng to offer P pic.twitter.com/yWeMwiZzSW — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) May 9, 2017 × India and China have been trying to increase engagement between them. In the last three months, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping have met twice. First at their informal summit in Wuhan, China and the then on the sidelines of the Qingdao summit. The two of them are likely to meet again on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in South Africa next month. The Doklam incident last year had put a strain on India-China ties. During his speech on Monday, the Chinese ambassador had said, "We cannot stand another Doklam incident." And the two countries have recently agreed to work together on a project in Afghanistan. Clearly, both the Asians giants understand that cooperation and not conflict is the way forward.

After he proposes India-Pak-China summit, China quietly amends ambassador's statement

<p>Former President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed has slammed President Yameen's unofficial ban on Indians getting work permits in the Maldives. In an exclusive conversation with WION, he said that such action will "have negative implications for the Maldives since Indians are the majority technical workforce". He said "when President Yameen goes ahead and bans visas, it has an impact on the tourism industry. It cant be tolerated and it must stop".</p>

<p>Male has imposed an 'informal ban' on work permits to Indians. The ban has been imposed since the last 3 months.</p>

<p>This came to light when Alexander Blair, General manager of the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, requested for an Indian Chef without an Indian passport.</p>

<p>"The Maldives finest address has an opportunity for an outstanding Indian speciality chef. Unfortunately, with the current situation that work permits are not being granted to Indian Nationals, we are ideally searching for an Indian who is holding another passport or is the spouse of a Maldivian," he said on LinkedIn.</p>

<p>Several Indians are expected to be impacted by this 'informal ban'. Indians are the second largest expatriate community in the Maldives with an approximate strength of around 22,000 people.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>India must step in&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The former Maldives President has been critical of the Yameen government saying that the situation in his country is worrying. He said "we have a situation where President Yameen has arrested every single opposition leader during last two years. We have four political opposition parties. He has arrested his VP, two defence ministers, two police chiefs, Chief Justice of Supreme Court, his own brother, his nephew. He has dismantled the Supreme Court and the judiciary. The military has occupied the Parliament. The situation is worrying. The country has changed to an authoritarian system."</p>

<p>Chief justice of Supreme court and former President Gayoom were sentenced last week. India has reacted sharply to this latest development.&nbsp;</p>

<p>New Delhi said that it is deeply dismay by the sentence handed over to former President of the Maldives as well as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court without a fair trial. India said that it casts doubt on the commitment of the Government of the Maldives to uphold the rule of law and will also call into question the credibility of the entire process of Presidential elections in September this year.</p>

<p>He called for India's intervention saying that India must robustly step in to make sure the elections are free and fair. The Maldives goes to elections on 23rd September.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Fmr Prez of Maldives says India should make sure free & fair election happens in Maldives <a href="https://t.co/jDM6XmMIVY">https://t.co/jDM6XmMIVY</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1007666135024599042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>China's influence</strong></p>

<p>But he believes China is to blame for the current situation. He said that "The Maldives has drifted towards China and fallen into Chinese debt trap. China has grabbed more land than east India company during the colonial times".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that "China has strengthened President Yameen's hand in suppressing &nbsp;the internal democratic process and is using the Maldives debt as a disciplining agent."</p>

<p><strong>Returning Indian helicopters under Chinese pressure</strong></p>

<p>And confirming what has been long reported, he said the Maldives is returning Indian Helicopters under "Chinese pressure". He said "we came into power in 2008. We invited Indian government to station two helicopters in the country... they were used for emergency evacuations... for that purpose alone. The government is pressed by external forces to remove these helicopters. My view is Chinese government is using debt as a leverage to remove these helicopters."</p>

<p>The 4th President of the Maldives Nasheed was convicted under anti-terror laws. The Maldives SC overturned his conviction on February 1. The Yameen government dismissed the order and removed the judges throwing the country into more political crisis.&nbsp;</p>


Male has imposed an 'informal ban' on work permits to Indians. The ban has been imposed since the last 3 months

Former President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed has slammed President Yameen's unofficial ban on Indians getting work permits in the Maldives. In an exclusive conversation with WION, he said that such action will "have negative implications for the Maldives since Indians are the majority technical workforce". He said "when President Yameen goes ahead and bans visas, it has an impact on the tourism industry. It cant be tolerated and it must stop". Male has imposed an 'informal ban' on work permits to Indians. The ban has been imposed since the last 3 months. This came to light when Alexander Blair, General manager of the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, requested for an Indian Chef without an Indian passport. "The Maldives finest address has an opportunity for an outstanding Indian speciality chef. Unfortunately, with the current situation that work permits are not being granted to Indian Nationals, we are ideally searching for an Indian who is holding another passport or is the spouse of a Maldivian," he said on LinkedIn. Several Indians are expected to be impacted by this 'informal ban'. Indians are the second largest expatriate community in the Maldives with an approximate strength of around 22,000 people. India must step in The former Maldives President has been critical of the Yameen government saying that the situation in his country is worrying. He said "we have a situation where President Yameen has arrested every single opposition leader during last two years. We have four political opposition parties. He has arrested his VP, two defence ministers, two police chiefs, Chief Justice of Supreme Court, his own brother, his nephew. He has dismantled the Supreme Court and the judiciary. The military has occupied the Parliament. The situation is worrying. The country has changed to an authoritarian system." Chief justice of Supreme court and former President Gayoom were sentenced last week. India has reacted sharply to this latest development. New Delhi said that it is deeply dismay by the sentence handed over to former President of the Maldives as well as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court without a fair trial. India said that it casts doubt on the commitment of the Government of the Maldives to uphold the rule of law and will also call into question the credibility of the entire process of Presidential elections in September this year. He called for India's intervention saying that India must robustly step in to make sure the elections are free and fair. The Maldives goes to elections on 23rd September. Fmr Prez of Maldives says India should make sure free & fair election happens in Maldives https://t.co/jDM6XmMIVY — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 15, 2018 × China's influence But he believes China is to blame for the current situation. He said that "The Maldives has drifted towards China and fallen into Chinese debt trap. China has grabbed more land than east India company during the colonial times". He added that "China has strengthened President Yameen's hand in suppressing the internal democratic process and is using the Maldives debt as a disciplining agent." Returning Indian helicopters under Chinese pressure And confirming what has been long reported, he said the Maldives is returning Indian Helicopters under "Chinese pressure". He said "we came into power in 2008. We invited Indian government to station two helicopters in the country... they were used for emergency evacuations... for that purpose alone. The government is pressed by external forces to remove these helicopters. My view is Chinese government is using debt as a leverage to remove these helicopters." The 4th President of the Maldives Nasheed was convicted under anti-terror laws. The Maldives SC overturned his conviction on February 1. The Yameen government dismissed the order and removed the judges throwing the country into more political crisis.

Maldives: Former President Nasheed slams Yameen's 'informal ban' on work permits to Indians 

<p>A host of issues were discussed at two-day NSG meet in Latvia. Latvia assumed chairmanship of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) for 2018-2019. At the NSG Plenary Meeting in Jūrmala, Latvia’s chairmanship was launched by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs last week. Latvia is the first Baltic State to chair the NSG.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>India Discussed&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The meet discussed India's NSG membership. In a statement, NSG said it "continued to consider all aspects of the implementation of the 2008 Statement on Civil Nuclear Cooperation with India. Group also noted that discussions were continuing on the issue of “technical, legal and political aspects of the participation of Non-NPT states in the NSG” initiated at the 2016 Seoul Plenary.</p>

<p><br />
Remember this was the first NSG meet since India got admitted into three out of four export control regimes. There are four export control regimes --MTCR, Australia group, Wassenaar arrangement & NSG. China has been opposing India's membership at NSG. Ironically China is not part of other 3 export control regimes. With recent high-level engagement between India and China at Wuhan and at SCO summit experts hope that some movement can happen. Indian PM is again expected to meet Chinese Prez Xi Jinping in South Africa during the BRICS summit next month. The approval of a candidacy for the NSG chairmanship requires the consensus of all 48 Participating Governments.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Latvia Backs Indian Membership&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Latvia, the current chair of NSG, backs India's entry into the group. Last year, Prime Minister of Latvia, Māris Kučinskis had visited India from 2-6 November 2017.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement in 2016, Latvia had said: "Latvia wishes that an open debate is held between the participating governments of the Nuclear Support Group that would result in the definition of clear criteria for participation decisions".</p>

<p>On 16 June 2016, the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs, had a telephone conversation with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, in which both Ministers discussed bilateral cooperation between the countries, including India’s membership the Nuclear Suppliers Group.<br />
The Latvian</p>

<p><strong>North Korea</strong></p>

<p>NSG also discussed the North Korean Nuclear issue. The group said that it "noted with encouragement the recent Inter-Korean summits and the DPRK-US summit." But added North Korea must abandon all nuclear weapons & existing nuclear programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner. Participating Governments noted the developments in the DPRK since the 2017 NSG Plenary in Bern, and reconfirmed their commitment to the United Nations Security Council resolutions 2371(2017), 2375(2017), 2397(2017) and previous relevant UNSC resolutions.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Iran</strong></p>

<p>On Iran, &nbsp;Participating Governments reconfirmed their commitment to the UNSCR 2231(2015). United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231is a resolution endorsing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the nuclear program of Iran. Since the last Plenary in Switzerland, the NSG continued to receive briefings from the JCPOA Procurement Working Group Coordinator, regarding the work of the Procurement Channel. Participating Governments expressed interest in receiving further briefings.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NSG?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NSG</a> dscs North Korea's Nuclear issue & Iran Deal<br />
North Korea<br />
"noted with encouragement the recent Inter-Korean summits and the DPRK-US summit."<br />
<br />
Iran Deal<br />
"Participating Governments reconfirmed their commitment to the UNSCR 2231(2015)" <a href="https://t.co/NGJNyVfyd9">pic.twitter.com/NGJNyVfyd9</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1007836469245796353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>All in All, NSG members call for a strong rules-based international order in tackling proliferation among other transnational security challenges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The NSG was created in 1975, and currently, its membership comprises 48 nuclear supplier countries from across the globe seeking to limit the exports of nuclear materials and technologies.</p>

<p>Strategic export controls have been set up to prevent an uncontrolled transboundary movement of military and dual-use goods.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/news/latest-news/60445-public-statement-of-the-plenary-meeting-of-the-nuclear-suppliers-group">Public Statement of the Plenary Meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group</a></p>
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Latvia, the current chair of NSG, backs India's entry in the group. Last year, Prime Minister of Latvia, Māris Kučinskis had visited India from 2-6 November 2017

A host of issues were discussed at two-day NSG meet in Latvia. Latvia assumed chairmanship of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) for 2018-2019. At the NSG Plenary Meeting in Jūrmala, Latvia’s chairmanship was launched by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs last week. Latvia is the first Baltic State to chair the NSG. India Discussed The meet discussed India's NSG membership. In a statement, NSG said it "continued to consider all aspects of the implementation of the 2008 Statement on Civil Nuclear Cooperation with India. Group also noted that discussions were continuing on the issue of “technical, legal and political aspects of the participation of Non-NPT states in the NSG” initiated at the 2016 Seoul Plenary. Remember this was the first NSG meet since India got admitted into three out of four export control regimes. There are four export control regimes --MTCR, Australia group, Wassenaar arrangement & NSG. China has been opposing India's membership at NSG. Ironically China is not part of other 3 export control regimes. With recent high-level engagement between India and China at Wuhan and at SCO summit experts hope that some movement can happen. Indian PM is again expected to meet Chinese Prez Xi Jinping in South Africa during the BRICS summit next month. The approval of a candidacy for the NSG chairmanship requires the consensus of all 48 Participating Governments. Latvia Backs Indian Membership Latvia, the current chair of NSG, backs India's entry into the group. Last year, Prime Minister of Latvia, Māris Kučinskis had visited India from 2-6 November 2017. In a statement in 2016, Latvia had said: "Latvia wishes that an open debate is held between the participating governments of the Nuclear Support Group that would result in the definition of clear criteria for participation decisions". On 16 June 2016, the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs, had a telephone conversation with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, in which both Ministers discussed bilateral cooperation between the countries, including India’s membership the Nuclear Suppliers Group. The Latvian North Korea NSG also discussed the North Korean Nuclear issue. The group said that it "noted with encouragement the recent Inter-Korean summits and the DPRK-US summit." But added North Korea must abandon all nuclear weapons & existing nuclear programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner. Participating Governments noted the developments in the DPRK since the 2017 NSG Plenary in Bern, and reconfirmed their commitment to the United Nations Security Council resolutions 2371(2017), 2375(2017), 2397(2017) and previous relevant UNSC resolutions. Iran On Iran, Participating Governments reconfirmed their commitment to the UNSCR 2231(2015). United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231is a resolution endorsing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the nuclear program of Iran. Since the last Plenary in Switzerland, the NSG continued to receive briefings from the JCPOA Procurement Working Group Coordinator, regarding the work of the Procurement Channel. Participating Governments expressed interest in receiving further briefings. #NSG dscs North Korea's Nuclear issue & Iran Deal North Korea "noted with encouragement the recent Inter-Korean summits and the DPRK-US summit." Iran Deal "Participating Governments reconfirmed their commitment to the UNSCR 2231(2015)" pic.twitter.com/NGJNyVfyd9 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 16, 2018 × All in All, NSG members call for a strong rules-based international order in tackling proliferation among other transnational security challenges. The NSG was created in 1975, and currently, its membership comprises 48 nuclear supplier countries from across the globe seeking to limit the exports of nuclear materials and technologies. Strategic export controls have been set up to prevent an uncontrolled transboundary movement of military and dual-use goods. Public Statement of the Plenary Meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group

India, North Korea and Iran Deal discussed at NSG meet held in Latvia

<p>In a development that can further deteriorate the already fractured relationship between India and &nbsp;Maldives, Male has imposed an informal ban on work permits to Indians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ban was imposed three months ago.</p>

<p>The ban came to came to light when Alexander Blair, General manager of the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort on LinkedIn asked for Indians Chef but not with Indian passport.</p>

<p>"The Maldives finest address has an opportunity for an outstanding Indian speciality chef. Unfortunately, with the current situation that work permits are not being granted to Indian Nationals, we are ideally searching for an Indian who is holding another passport or is the spouse of a Maldivian," he wrote on LinkedIn.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several Indians are expected to be impacted by this informal ban. Indians are the second largest expatriate community in the Maldives with an approximate strength of around 22,000. Indian expatriate community consists of workers as well as professionals like doctors, teachers, accountants, managers, engineers, nurses and technicians etcetera spread over several islands. Of the country’s approximately 400 doctors, over 125 are Indians. Similarly, around 25 per cent of teachers in the Maldives are Indians, mostly at middle and senior levels.</p>

<p>The Maldives has been a preferred destination for Indian tourists while India has been a preferred destination for Maldivians for education, medical treatment, recreation and business. The number of Maldivians seeking a long-term visa for pursuing higher studies/medical treatment in India has shown a sharp increase over the last two years. Recently, Maldives asked India to take back 2 of its military helicopters which were gifted by New Delhi.</p>

<p>But ties at the political level has deteriorated. Especially after President Yameen dismissed the February 1 order which called for freeing the opposition leaders and quashing the case against former president Mohamed Nasheed. Instead, Chief justice of Supreme court and former President Gayoom has been sentenced. India has reacted sharply to this latest development.&nbsp;</p>

<p>New Delhi said that its deep dismay by the sentence handed over to former President of the Maldives as well as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court without a fair trial. India said that it casts doubt on the commitment of the Government of the Maldives to uphold the rule of law and will also call into question the credibility of the entire process of Presidential elections in September this year.</p>

<p>Since the beginning of the political crisis in the Maldives, India has repeatedly urged the Government of the Maldives to allow all institutions, including the Supreme Court and the Parliament, to function in a free and independent manner, and to permit genuine political dialogue between all political parties. This has also been the demand of the international community at large.</p>

<p>Impact of the ban on work permits to Indians is also quite negative for the investors and its investment-friendly image. By such political measures, the government is interfering in day to day HR and management of the business. All foreign investors in the Maldives, depend on the supply of cost-effective, competent professional manpower from India, given its large pool of technical manpower. In hurting Indians, Abdulla Yameen is actually hurting Maldivian business companies and foreign investor in tourism, construction, ICT, health and education sector.</p>

<p>This is the first time people to people contacts have been disrupted between the two countries. Despite a breakdown in New Delhi Male relationship, people to people contact have been good. With this move by Male, the relationship is headed for much worse time.</p>


In a development that can further deteriorate the already fractured relationship between India and Maldives, Male has imposed an informal ban on work permits to Indians. The ban was imposed three months ago. The ban came to came to light when Alexander Blair, General manager of the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort on LinkedIn asked for Indians Chef but not with Indian passport. "The Maldives finest address has an opportunity for an outstanding Indian speciality chef. Unfortunately, with the current situation that work permits are not being granted to Indian Nationals, we are ideally searching for an Indian who is holding another passport or is the spouse of a Maldivian," he wrote on LinkedIn. Several Indians are expected to be impacted by this informal ban. Indians are the second largest expatriate community in the Maldives with an approximate strength of around 22,000. Indian expatriate community consists of workers as well as professionals like doctors, teachers, accountants, managers, engineers, nurses and technicians etcetera spread over several islands. Of the country’s approximately 400 doctors, over 125 are Indians. Similarly, around 25 per cent of teachers in the Maldives are Indians, mostly at middle and senior levels. The Maldives has been a preferred destination for Indian tourists while India has been a preferred destination for Maldivians for education, medical treatment, recreation and business. The number of Maldivians seeking a long-term visa for pursuing higher studies/medical treatment in India has shown a sharp increase over the last two years. Recently, Maldives asked India to take back 2 of its military helicopters which were gifted by New Delhi. But ties at the political level has deteriorated. Especially after President Yameen dismissed the February 1 order which called for freeing the opposition leaders and quashing the case against former president Mohamed Nasheed. Instead, Chief justice of Supreme court and former President Gayoom has been sentenced. India has reacted sharply to this latest development. New Delhi said that its deep dismay by the sentence handed over to former President of the Maldives as well as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court without a fair trial. India said that it casts doubt on the commitment of the Government of the Maldives to uphold the rule of law and will also call into question the credibility of the entire process of Presidential elections in September this year. Since the beginning of the political crisis in the Maldives, India has repeatedly urged the Government of the Maldives to allow all institutions, including the Supreme Court and the Parliament, to function in a free and independent manner, and to permit genuine political dialogue between all political parties. This has also been the demand of the international community at large. Impact of the ban on work permits to Indians is also quite negative for the investors and its investment-friendly image. By such political measures, the government is interfering in day to day HR and management of the business. All foreign investors in the Maldives, depend on the supply of cost-effective, competent professional manpower from India, given its large pool of technical manpower. In hurting Indians, Abdulla Yameen is actually hurting Maldivian business companies and foreign investor in tourism, construction, ICT, health and education sector. This is the first time people to people contacts have been disrupted between the two countries. Despite a breakdown in New Delhi Male relationship, people to people contact have been good. With this move by Male, the relationship is headed for much worse time.

Maldives government imposes 'informal ban' on work permits to Indians

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to travel to Indonesia on May 29 in his first ever visit to the country. The bilateral engagements between PM Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo will take place on May 30&nbspand 31.</p>

<p>PM Modi will receive a Guard of Honor and will deliver press statements along with his Indonesian counterpart. He is also expected to visit Hero National Cemetery, national monuments and interact with the Indonesian business community. A permanent feature during most of his visit, the PM will also interact with the Indian diaspora. Both India and Indonesia will unveil a logo marking 70 years of diplomatic ties.&nbsp<br />
&nbsp<br />
The Prime Minister will also visit a Buddhist Temple. India and Indonesia are&nbspexpected to sign a MoU on the&nbsprenewal of defence cooperation, space and policy planning.<br />
&nbsp<br />
President of Indonesia Joko Widodo had visited India earlier this year and was one of the chief guests at the Republic Day event. During the visit, Widodo had appreciated India's support for the ASEAN-led mechanism included in the East Asia Summit (EAS).</p>

<p>President Widodo is expected to invite the key countries in the region to discuss the Indo-Pacific concept.</p>

<p>Interestingly, Indonesia was the&nbspsecond foreign destination of India's external affairs minister this year. Sushma Swaraj visited Indonesia in&nbspJanuary 2018 and co-chaired the 5th meeting of India-Indonesia Joint Commission. Indian and Indonesian ministers also inaugurated the second meeting of ASEAN-India Network of think tanks.<br />
&nbsp<br />
Indonesia is an important partner for India with respect to trade and strategic matters. In recent times, there has been intensive engagement between the two countries.&nbsp</p>

<p>Both India and Indonesia consider themselves as maritime neighbors. India's Andaman & Nicobar Islands border&nbspthe Aceh province of Indonesia. New Delhi and Jakarta have also been discussing connectivity plans including a cruise connectivity project.<br />
&nbsp</p>


During the visit, India and Indonesia will sign a MoU on the renewal of defence cooperation, space and policy planning

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to travel to Indonesia on May 29 in his first ever visit to the country. The bilateral engagements between PM Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo will take place on May 30&nbspand 31. PM Modi will receive a Guard of Honor and will deliver press statements along with his Indonesian counterpart. He is also expected to visit Hero National Cemetery, national monuments and interact with the Indonesian business community. A permanent feature during most of his visit, the PM will also interact with the Indian diaspora. Both India and Indonesia will unveil a logo marking 70 years of diplomatic ties. The Prime Minister will also visit a Buddhist Temple. India and Indonesia are&nbspexpected to sign a MoU on the&nbsprenewal of defence cooperation, space and policy planning. President of Indonesia Joko Widodo had visited India earlier this year and was one of the chief guests at the Republic Day event. During the visit, Widodo had appreciated India's support for the ASEAN-led mechanism included in the East Asia Summit (EAS). President Widodo is expected to invite the key countries in the region to discuss the Indo-Pacific concept. Interestingly, Indonesia was the&nbspsecond foreign destination of India's external affairs minister this year. Sushma Swaraj visited Indonesia in&nbspJanuary 2018 and co-chaired the 5th meeting of India-Indonesia Joint Commission. Indian and Indonesian ministers also inaugurated the second meeting of ASEAN-India Network of think tanks. Indonesia is an important partner for India with respect to trade and strategic matters. In recent times, there has been intensive engagement between the two countries. Both India and Indonesia consider themselves as maritime neighbors. India's Andaman & Nicobar Islands border&nbspthe Aceh province of Indonesia. New Delhi and Jakarta have also been discussing connectivity plans including a cruise connectivity project.

PM Modi to visit Indonesia on May 29 to mark 70 years of diplomatic ties

<p>For a long time, India and many across the world have been saying that the Pakistan army that has been calling the shots in and not the civilian leadership. For the first time, documentary proof has shown, how Rawalpindi has been behind Pakistan's foreign policy.</p>

<p>Explosive revelations from Hillary Clinton's mails have shown how the Pakistani Army has been influencing Pakistani foreign policy.</p>

<p>Former Pakistani foreign minister Heena Rabbani Khar was reportedly under pressure from the Pakistani Army not to attend a conference in Bonn on Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The emails say:</p>

<p>"She said that during the defense committee meeting yesterday, the military had pressed hard for her to announce that she would not go to Bonn, but that she had been able to prevent that . But she was not sure she could sustain that argument in the days ahead.”</p>

<p>Ultimately, Pakistan withdrew from participation in the Bonn Conference due to a NATO airstrike in its territory on November 26, 2011 that resulted in the deaths of 26 Pakistani soldiers.</p>

<p>The emails confirmed&nbsp;how the military was responsible for Pakistan not participating in the Bonn conference.</p>

<p>“The Pakistani defence committee concluded its emergency meeting, called to discuss response to the November 27th Mohmand border incident. The MFA desk officer called to inform us of two decisions."</p>

<p>1st: Pakistan will not attend the Bonn conference</p>

<p>2nd: Foreign minister Khar urgently requests to speak with the secretary to explain that decision, as soon as possible.&nbsp;Khar is travelling by car to Lahore. Her cell phone number is... ”</p>

<p>The German ambassador in Pakistan had phoned the then Pakistan foreign minister and asked her to take part in the meet. The 5th December 2011 International Conference on Afghanistan was an important meet. Delegations from 85 states, 15 international organizations and the United Nations attended the conference.</p>

<p>The US did apologize for the 26 November 2011 incident that killed Pakistani soldiers. Secretary Clinton had called on foreign minister Khar and had said sorry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hillary said that the US is committed to working closely with "Pakistan and Afghanistan to prevent this from ever happening again”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The foreign minister of Pakistan informed that ground supply lines into Afghanistan are opening and Islamabad won't charge any transit fee in the larger interest of peace and security in Afghanistan.</p>

<p>Closing ground supplies the been the best possible blackmailing technique of Islamabad to trouble US in Afghanistan.</p>

<p>The mails also show how Pakistan's permanent representative Maleeha Lodhi has been acting as conduit between the then secretary of state Hillary Clinton and the then Pakistani army chief Kayani.</p>

<p>In a mail it is written:</p>

<p>"I got a call from Maleeha Lodhi (former Pakistan Ambassador to US and UK) who is in London. She gave a message from Kayani."</p>

<p>The Pakistani foreign minister Khar had even messaged the then secretary of state Hillary Clinton after Malala was shot. Khar had appreciated Clinton’s strong statement regarding Malala Yousafzai.</p>

<p>The mails clearly show what is known to the world for a long time. It's Rawalpindi that has been calling the shots and not Islamabad when it comes to Pakistan's foreign policy.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Closing ground supplies the been the best possible blackmailing technique of Islamabad to trouble US in Afghanistan.

For a long time, India and many across the world have been saying that the Pakistan army that has been calling the shots in and not the civilian leadership. For the first time, documentary proof has shown, how Rawalpindi has been behind Pakistan's foreign policy. Explosive revelations from Hillary Clinton's mails have shown how the Pakistani Army has been influencing Pakistani foreign policy. Former Pakistani foreign minister Heena Rabbani Khar was reportedly under pressure from the Pakistani Army not to attend a conference in Bonn on Afghanistan. The emails say: "She said that during the defense committee meeting yesterday, the military had pressed hard for her to announce that she would not go to Bonn, but that she had been able to prevent that . But she was not sure she could sustain that argument in the days ahead.” Ultimately, Pakistan withdrew from participation in the Bonn Conference due to a NATO airstrike in its territory on November 26, 2011 that resulted in the deaths of 26 Pakistani soldiers. The emails confirmed how the military was responsible for Pakistan not participating in the Bonn conference. “The Pakistani defence committee concluded its emergency meeting, called to discuss response to the November 27th Mohmand border incident. The MFA desk officer called to inform us of two decisions." 1st: Pakistan will not attend the Bonn conference 2nd: Foreign minister Khar urgently requests to speak with the secretary to explain that decision, as soon as possible. Khar is travelling by car to Lahore. Her cell phone number is... ” The German ambassador in Pakistan had phoned the then Pakistan foreign minister and asked her to take part in the meet. The 5th December 2011 International Conference on Afghanistan was an important meet. Delegations from 85 states, 15 international organizations and the United Nations attended the conference. The US did apologize for the 26 November 2011 incident that killed Pakistani soldiers. Secretary Clinton had called on foreign minister Khar and had said sorry. Hillary said that the US is committed to working closely with "Pakistan and Afghanistan to prevent this from ever happening again”. The foreign minister of Pakistan informed that ground supply lines into Afghanistan are opening and Islamabad won't charge any transit fee in the larger interest of peace and security in Afghanistan. Closing ground supplies the been the best possible blackmailing technique of Islamabad to trouble US in Afghanistan. The mails also show how Pakistan's permanent representative Maleeha Lodhi has been acting as conduit between the then secretary of state Hillary Clinton and the then Pakistani army chief Kayani. In a mail it is written: "I got a call from Maleeha Lodhi (former Pakistan Ambassador to US and UK) who is in London. She gave a message from Kayani." The Pakistani foreign minister Khar had even messaged the then secretary of state Hillary Clinton after Malala was shot. Khar had appreciated Clinton’s strong statement regarding Malala Yousafzai. The mails clearly show what is known to the world for a long time. It's Rawalpindi that has been calling the shots and not Islamabad when it comes to Pakistan's foreign policy.

Watch: Hillary Clinton's mail trail shows how Pak Army influences foreign policy

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Black Sea resort town of Sochi. This will be an informal summit, so expect no joint communique, guard of honour, joint statements or any other protocol.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Interestingly, this will be Modi's second informal summit in just one month, the first being with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Wuhan.</p>

<p>An MEA press release said: “This will be an important occasion for the two leaders to exchange views on international matters in a broad and long-term perspective with the objective of further strengthening our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Both leaders will also discuss their respective national developmental priorities and bilateral matters.”</p>

<p>Speaking to news agency ANI, the Indian Ambassador to Russia said that the informal summit is a great opportunity for Modi and Putin to discuss different issues. Talks will begin May 21 at 3.30 PM IST in Sochi in delegation format followed by lunch hosted by Putin.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We expect talks to begin at 1 o'clock local time in delegation format followed by lunch hosted by Pres just for PM. We expect them to be together for a few hrs. It's great opportunity for personal chemistry b/w them to discuss different ssues: Pankaj Saran, Indian Envoy to Russia <a href="https://t.co/GEscu6cXRY">pic.twitter.com/GEscu6cXRY</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/998054906564096000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>FOCUS: IRAN DEAL</strong></p>

<p>On the cards will be global and regional issues. From Iran, Afghanistan to Syria, everything will be on the table.</p>

<p>The informal summit comes just after the US withdrawing from the Iran deal, sparking global outrage. Speaking to agency ANI, Ambassador Saran confirmed that the impact of the US withdrawal will be discussed. “Iran is very important subject. There's been recent development with regard to nuclear agreement with Iran. I'm sure it'll come up for discussion between Russia and India because they have relations with Iran of different kinds and have big stakes in Iran,” said Saran.</p>

<p>But terror is likely to dominate the agenda. “ISIS threat, international terrorism, how we need to tackle it, will come up for discussion. Besides India being victim of terrorism from so many years, Russia also has been a victim and is concerned about spread of terrorism within its own country," said Saran.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>INDIA, RUSSIA ANNUAL SUMMITS</strong></p>

<p>India and Russia have annual summits. The last summit took place at St Petersberg 2017. During the summit, Modi also participated in the St Petersburg International Economic forum as guest of honour. Subsequently, Modi and Putin also met on the sidelines of the Astana SCO summit in June 2017 and the G20 summit in Hamburg in July 2017. In a few months, Putin himself will be travelling to India for the regular summit.</p>

<p><strong>NUCLEAR POWER: AREA OF COOPERATION</strong></p>

<p>India and Russia are important defence partners and Moscow has been helping in building nuclear power plants not only in India but in south Asia also. Russia is already participating in the construction of the Kudankulam nuclear plant and has committed to building six plants in Kudankulam. India has signed an agreement with Russia to construct more units in India. The agreement for Kudankulam's units 5 and 6 was concluded during the 18th Annual Bilateral Summit in St&nbsp;Petersburg in June. Besides this, an emerging area of cooperation in the nuclear sector is possible co-operation between India and Russia in third countries.</p>

<p>In Bangladesh, Moscow and New Delhi are pooling their expertise to build the Rooppur nuclear plant.</p>

<p><strong>THE CAATSA QUESTION</strong></p>

<p>India and Russia have been long-term defence allies. But the West vs Russia tussle now threatens to impact India. According to the US legislation CAATSA — Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act — any country trading with the Russian defence sector can be placed under sanctions. India will be impacted by this legislation. Indian government sources told WION that we “won't allow our defence requirements to be dictated by other countries. India has been lobbying with US administration. Russia has been reliable and trusted partner."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, US Pacific commander Harry Harris has already pitched for India being put on an exception list.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Harry Harris commander of the US Pacific Command say India shd be put under exception list of CAATSA law. CAATSA puts sanctions on countries that do trade with Russian defence sector.<br />
<br />
PS: India-US biz cud be impacted by sanctions on Russia. <a href="https://t.co/xixQvnXs8T">pic.twitter.com/xixQvnXs8T</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/974572495696150529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Interestingly, just ahead of his summit with the Indian PM, Putin met German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Sochi.</p>


This will be Modi's second informal summit in less than a month. He recently met 'informally' with China's Xi Jinping

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Black Sea resort town of Sochi. This will be an informal summit, so expect no joint communique, guard of honour, joint statements or any other protocol. Interestingly, this will be Modi's second informal summit in just one month, the first being with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Wuhan. An MEA press release said: “This will be an important occasion for the two leaders to exchange views on international matters in a broad and long-term perspective with the objective of further strengthening our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Both leaders will also discuss their respective national developmental priorities and bilateral matters.” Speaking to news agency ANI, the Indian Ambassador to Russia said that the informal summit is a great opportunity for Modi and Putin to discuss different issues. Talks will begin May 21 at 3.30 PM IST in Sochi in delegation format followed by lunch hosted by Putin. We expect talks to begin at 1 o'clock local time in delegation format followed by lunch hosted by Pres just for PM. We expect them to be together for a few hrs. It's great opportunity for personal chemistry b/w them to discuss different ssues: Pankaj Saran, Indian Envoy to Russia pic.twitter.com/GEscu6cXRY — ANI (@ANI) May 20, 2018 × FOCUS: IRAN DEAL On the cards will be global and regional issues. From Iran, Afghanistan to Syria, everything will be on the table. The informal summit comes just after the US withdrawing from the Iran deal, sparking global outrage. Speaking to agency ANI, Ambassador Saran confirmed that the impact of the US withdrawal will be discussed. “Iran is very important subject. There's been recent development with regard to nuclear agreement with Iran. I'm sure it'll come up for discussion between Russia and India because they have relations with Iran of different kinds and have big stakes in Iran,” said Saran. But terror is likely to dominate the agenda. “ISIS threat, international terrorism, how we need to tackle it, will come up for discussion. Besides India being victim of terrorism from so many years, Russia also has been a victim and is concerned about spread of terrorism within its own country," said Saran. INDIA, RUSSIA ANNUAL SUMMITS India and Russia have annual summits. The last summit took place at St Petersberg 2017. During the summit, Modi also participated in the St Petersburg International Economic forum as guest of honour. Subsequently, Modi and Putin also met on the sidelines of the Astana SCO summit in June 2017 and the G20 summit in Hamburg in July 2017. In a few months, Putin himself will be travelling to India for the regular summit. NUCLEAR POWER: AREA OF COOPERATION India and Russia are important defence partners and Moscow has been helping in building nuclear power plants not only in India but in south Asia also. Russia is already participating in the construction of the Kudankulam nuclear plant and has committed to building six plants in Kudankulam. India has signed an agreement with Russia to construct more units in India. The agreement for Kudankulam's units 5 and 6 was concluded during the 18th Annual Bilateral Summit in St Petersburg in June. Besides this, an emerging area of cooperation in the nuclear sector is possible co-operation between India and Russia in third countries. In Bangladesh, Moscow and New Delhi are pooling their expertise to build the Rooppur nuclear plant. THE CAATSA QUESTION India and Russia have been long-term defence allies. But the West vs Russia tussle now threatens to impact India. According to the US legislation CAATSA — Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act — any country trading with the Russian defence sector can be placed under sanctions. India will be impacted by this legislation. Indian government sources told WION that we “won't allow our defence requirements to be dictated by other countries. India has been lobbying with US administration. Russia has been reliable and trusted partner." Meanwhile, US Pacific commander Harry Harris has already pitched for India being put on an exception list. Harry Harris commander of the US Pacific Command say India shd be put under exception list of CAATSA law. CAATSA puts sanctions on countries that do trade with Russian defence sector. PS: India-US biz cud be impacted by sanctions on Russia. pic.twitter.com/xixQvnXs8T — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 16, 2018 × Interestingly, just ahead of his summit with the Indian PM, Putin met German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Sochi.

At Modi's informal summit with Putin in Russia, everything will be up for discussion

<p>The Indian Prime Ministers two-day&nbsp;visit that focused on faith as the common link is over. It was PM Modi's faith diplomacy that was the main highlight of the visit. The visit started at Janakpur’s Janaki temple. Along with Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli,&nbsp;PM Modi flagged off the Janakpur Ayodhya bus service. The bus service connects Janakpur— the birthplace of Goddess Sita with the birthplace of God Ram in Uttar Pradesh. This will not only help in connecting the two cities but increase two-way tourism between India and Nepal.</p>

<p>At a public address thereafter PM Modi had a heart to heart talk with the people of Nepal. He said, “India is incomplete without Nepal”, referring to the common cultural connect. A number of Hindu pilgrimage sites are in Nepal. At the same public reception, he lauded Nepal’s democratic process and said Nepal opted for ballot over bullet and Buddha over Yudh.</p>

<p>He visited Mukhtinath and Kathmandu’s Pashupatinath. Muktinath in north Nepal is an important site of pilgrimage for Hindus and is revered by both Hindus and Buddhist.</p>

<p>This was his second visit to Pashupatinath. In his maiden visit to Nepal after taking charge as the Prime Minister, Modi had first visited the holy temple in Kathmandu.</p>

<p>At his second public felicitation in Kathmandu, he said he will come again, this time to visit Lumbini which he&nbsp;referred to as “birthplace of Buddha in Nepal”. It has been a light-hearted issue of discord between India and Nepal once with both claiming Buddha was born in the respective countries. So the debate is settled once and for all.</p>

<p>Other than faith, the focus was also on infrastructure and connectivity. On the connectivity front, India will build a railway line connecting Kathmandu with Raxaul. This will connect Kathmandu with Indian railway network. Inland waterway system is also been explored. Kosi will soon see inland waterway connectivity with an Indian team coming soon to Nepal for a feasibility study.</p>

<p>As Indian PM during the joint statement at the Diwarika hotel in Kathmandu said, “Nepal is no longer landlocked, its land linked and water linked”.</p>

<p>On the infrastructure front, both PM’s inaugurated Arun 3 project, which will be the largest infrastructure project in Nepal. India PM said that this will create “economic opportunities in Nepal”.</p>

<p>In a symbolic move, the Mayor of Kathmandu handed over keys of the city to Indian PM signifying that the city will be always open to PM Modi. While reactivation of SAARC was not discussed Bimstec summit will soon be held in Nepal.</p>

<p>But one question was on the mind of everyone. Was the visit timed so that BJP gets the benefit in Karnataka polls? During the press briefing, this question was asked by media to which foreign secretary replied,” dates are decided in consultations with both government's”.</p>

<p>Hopefully, this visit will help Delhi and Kathmandu to re-engage with each other and forget the mistakes of past.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


In a symbolic move, the Mayor of Kathmandu handed over keys of the city to Indian PM signifying that the city will be always open to PM Modi. While reactivation of SAARC was not discussed Bimstec summit will soon be held in Nepal

The Indian Prime Ministers two-day visit that focused on faith as the common link is over. It was PM Modi's faith diplomacy that was the main highlight of the visit. The visit started at Janakpur’s Janaki temple. Along with Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, PM Modi flagged off the Janakpur Ayodhya bus service. The bus service connects Janakpur— the birthplace of Goddess Sita with the birthplace of God Ram in Uttar Pradesh. This will not only help in connecting the two cities but increase two-way tourism between India and Nepal. At a public address thereafter PM Modi had a heart to heart talk with the people of Nepal. He said, “India is incomplete without Nepal”, referring to the common cultural connect. A number of Hindu pilgrimage sites are in Nepal. At the same public reception, he lauded Nepal’s democratic process and said Nepal opted for ballot over bullet and Buddha over Yudh. He visited Mukhtinath and Kathmandu’s Pashupatinath. Muktinath in north Nepal is an important site of pilgrimage for Hindus and is revered by both Hindus and Buddhist. This was his second visit to Pashupatinath. In his maiden visit to Nepal after taking charge as the Prime Minister, Modi had first visited the holy temple in Kathmandu. At his second public felicitation in Kathmandu, he said he will come again, this time to visit Lumbini which he referred to as “birthplace of Buddha in Nepal”. It has been a light-hearted issue of discord between India and Nepal once with both claiming Buddha was born in the respective countries. So the debate is settled once and for all. Other than faith, the focus was also on infrastructure and connectivity. On the connectivity front, India will build a railway line connecting Kathmandu with Raxaul. This will connect Kathmandu with Indian railway network. Inland waterway system is also been explored. Kosi will soon see inland waterway connectivity with an Indian team coming soon to Nepal for a feasibility study. As Indian PM during the joint statement at the Diwarika hotel in Kathmandu said, “Nepal is no longer landlocked, its land linked and water linked”. On the infrastructure front, both PM’s inaugurated Arun 3 project, which will be the largest infrastructure project in Nepal. India PM said that this will create “economic opportunities in Nepal”. In a symbolic move, the Mayor of Kathmandu handed over keys of the city to Indian PM signifying that the city will be always open to PM Modi. While reactivation of SAARC was not discussed Bimstec summit will soon be held in Nepal. But one question was on the mind of everyone. Was the visit timed so that BJP gets the benefit in Karnataka polls? During the press briefing, this question was asked by media to which foreign secretary replied,” dates are decided in consultations with both government's”. Hopefully, this visit will help Delhi and Kathmandu to re-engage with each other and forget the mistakes of past.

With his recent visit to Nepal, PM Modi tries to re-engage with the neighbour, forget past mistakes

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Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Sidhant Sibal

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