Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said his recent visit to Kargil had renewed his confidence and respect for the Indian Army.

Speaking at a function organised by Veterans India here, Singh said, "During my visit to Kargil, I saw the tall peaks which our brave soldiers managed to win back after defeating Pakistani soldiers positioned on them during the Kargil war. I listened to all the stories of how our brave soldiers recaptured Kargil, I heard the names of brave personnel like Captain Vikram Batra who were ready to sacrifice their life for the nation. It made me respect them even more."

The Defence Minister had visited the Kargil War Memorial in Drass on Saturday and paid tributes to soldiers who had laid down their lives in the 1999 war with Pakistan.

Singh was in Jammu and Kashmir for a day-long visit ahead of Kargil Vijay Diwas.

"The courage showed by the Indian Army soldiers in other wars as well to protect the integrity of the nation is unparalleled to that of any other country in my opinion," Singh added.

He said that in his term as Defence Minister of the nation he will try to ensure that the ex-servicemen and serving personnel face no hardships.

"I will try to do whatever I can to ensure there are no questions raised on your honour and dedication and of that of the soldiers serving today," he added.

He also spoke about his decision of going to Siachen immediately after he took charge of his post in the Union Cabinet.

"On the second day of taking charge as Defence Minister, I went on a trip to Siachen after consulting the Army Chief General Bipin Rawat. My reason for undertaking this trip was to understand what it felt like to be a soldier standing on the border before I start taking decisions for their good," he said.

"It helped me make decisions for their welfare, it helped me keep them in the centre before taking any decision for their benefit," Singh added.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said his recent visit to Kargil had renewed his confidence and respect for the Indian Army. Speaking at a function organised by Veterans India here, Singh said, "During my visit to Kargil, I saw the tall peaks which our brave soldiers managed to win back after defeating Pakistani soldiers positioned on them during the Kargil war.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said his recent visit to Kargil had renewed his confidence and respect for the Indian Army. Speaking at a function organised by Veterans India here, Singh said, "During my visit to Kargil, I saw the tall peaks which our brave soldiers managed to win back after defeating Pakistani soldiers positioned on them during the Kargil war. I listened to all the stories of how our brave soldiers recaptured Kargil, I heard the names of brave personnel like Captain Vikram Batra who were ready to sacrifice their life for the nation. It made me respect them even more." The Defence Minister had visited the Kargil War Memorial in Drass on Saturday and paid tributes to soldiers who had laid down their lives in the 1999 war with Pakistan. Singh was in Jammu and Kashmir for a day-long visit ahead of Kargil Vijay Diwas. "The courage showed by the Indian Army soldiers in other wars as well to protect the integrity of the nation is unparalleled to that of any other country in my opinion," Singh added. He said that in his term as Defence Minister of the nation he will try to ensure that the ex-servicemen and serving personnel face no hardships. "I will try to do whatever I can to ensure there are no questions raised on your honour and dedication and of that of the soldiers serving today," he added. He also spoke about his decision of going to Siachen immediately after he took charge of his post in the Union Cabinet. "On the second day of taking charge as Defence Minister, I went on a trip to Siachen after consulting the Army Chief General Bipin Rawat. My reason for undertaking this trip was to understand what it felt like to be a soldier standing on the border before I start taking decisions for their good," he said. "It helped me make decisions for their welfare, it helped me keep them in the centre before taking any decision for their benefit," Singh added.

Kargil visit induced in me new-found respect for Indian Army: Rajnath Singh

Reliance Industries plans to remain focused on subscriber additions rather than chase higher tariffs for its Jio telecoms business, a top company executive said.&nbsp;

Its strategy is aimed at prolonging the pressure on rivals such as Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, whose revenue and profits have plunged since the launch of Jio by Reliance boss Mukesh Ambani, country's richest man.&nbsp;

"We have been telling you from the beginning, the priority for us today is customers," Jio's head of strategy, Anshuman Thakur, said in a news briefing late on Friday after quarterly results.&nbsp;

Since its launch in September 2016 Jio has added 331.3 million subscribers by offering cut-price data plans and free voice calls, along with free music, movies and more.

Its arrival has caused upheaval in India's mobile telephony market, forcing some small players out of business while bigger Vodafone and Idea have responded by merging in India.&nbsp;

Competition from Jio has sent the average revenue per user (ARPU) tumbling. Jio's results for the three months to June 30 showed its ARPU - a key metric for telecoms companies - was at 122 rupees ($1.77), down 9.3% from a year ago.

"We are not in this ARPU game," Thakur said, adding that the management`s priority is to ensure that more subscribers latch on to its network and use its services, thereby creating greater "long-term value."

Jio recently topped Bharti Airtel to become India's second-biggest telecoms operator behind Vodafone Idea.

Analysts had predicted that Jio would start raising its tariffs as soon as it reached a critical mass of subscribers.&nbsp;

Thakur, however, suggested that Jio is in no mood to relent, noting that it added 24.5 million subscribers in the quarter and that its subscribers consume an average of 11.4 gigabytes of data each month.&nbsp;

"We're quite happy with these key performance indicators," he said.

Reliance also announced on Friday that Jio has sold its tower assets via an investment trust to Canada's Brookfield Asset Management for 250 billion rupees.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Reliance Industries plans to remain focused on subscriber additions rather than chase higher tariffs for its Jio telecoms business, a top company executive said.

Reliance Industries plans to remain focused on subscriber additions rather than chase higher tariffs for its Jio telecoms business, a top company executive said. Its strategy is aimed at prolonging the pressure on rivals such as Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, whose revenue and profits have plunged since the launch of Jio by Reliance boss Mukesh Ambani, country's richest man. "We have been telling you from the beginning, the priority for us today is customers," Jio's head of strategy, Anshuman Thakur, said in a news briefing late on Friday after quarterly results. Since its launch in September 2016 Jio has added 331.3 million subscribers by offering cut-price data plans and free voice calls, along with free music, movies and more. Its arrival has caused upheaval in India's mobile telephony market, forcing some small players out of business while bigger Vodafone and Idea have responded by merging in India. Competition from Jio has sent the average revenue per user (ARPU) tumbling. Jio's results for the three months to June 30 showed its ARPU - a key metric for telecoms companies - was at 122 rupees ($1.77), down 9.3% from a year ago. "We are not in this ARPU game," Thakur said, adding that the management`s priority is to ensure that more subscribers latch on to its network and use its services, thereby creating greater "long-term value." Jio recently topped Bharti Airtel to become India's second-biggest telecoms operator behind Vodafone Idea. Analysts had predicted that Jio would start raising its tariffs as soon as it reached a critical mass of subscribers. Thakur, however, suggested that Jio is in no mood to relent, noting that it added 24.5 million subscribers in the quarter and that its subscribers consume an average of 11.4 gigabytes of data each month. "We're quite happy with these key performance indicators," he said. Reliance also announced on Friday that Jio has sold its tower assets via an investment trust to Canada's Brookfield Asset Management for 250 billion rupees.

Reliance mobile operator Jio to focus on subscriber numbers not tariffs: Report

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday hoped that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led UP's BJP government will fulfill all the announcements made for the victims of Sonbhadra firing.

Taking a jibe at Yogi-led government, Priyanka said that when thousands of Congress party workers raised the voice for the victims, the state government realised that a serious incident had occurred.

"When thousands of Congress party workers were raising the voices of the victims in Ubbha village, the Uttar Pradesh government thought that a serious incident had taken place. I hope that all the announcements made by the state government are fulfilled. Adivasis should get the ownership of the land and more importantly, there should be proper security for the villagers," she tweeted.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Adityanath met the family members of the firing victims and handed over a cheque of Rs 50,000 each to those injured in the incident.

He later said at a press conference that an ex-gratia of Rs 18.5 lakh would be given to kin of the deceased and Rs 2.5 lakh each to the injured from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) under the SC and ST provisions.

At least ten people including women were killed, while over 20 sustained injuries when a village headman and his associates allegedly opened fire at a group of people over a land dispute at Ubbha village in Ghorawal area in Sonbhadra district on July 17.

The incident took place when the village headman went to take possession of his land purchased two years ago.Twenty-nine people have been arrested and four officials have been suspended in connection with the incident.

Priyanka, who met the victims'&nbsp;families after a high-voltage political drama, also announced Rs 10 lakh to each of the families who lost their near ones in the firing.

Priyanka's visit had upped the temperature of the state politics after she was not allowed to visit the bereaved families and was put in detention at a guest house in the adjacent Mirzapur district.&nbsp;

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday hoped that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led UP's BJP government will fulfill all the announcements made for the victims of Sonbhadra firing.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday hoped that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led UP's BJP government will fulfill all the announcements made for the victims of Sonbhadra firing. Taking a jibe at Yogi-led government, Priyanka said that when thousands of Congress party workers raised the voice for the victims, the state government realised that a serious incident had occurred. "When thousands of Congress party workers were raising the voices of the victims in Ubbha village, the Uttar Pradesh government thought that a serious incident had taken place. I hope that all the announcements made by the state government are fulfilled. Adivasis should get the ownership of the land and more importantly, there should be proper security for the villagers," she tweeted. Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Adityanath met the family members of the firing victims and handed over a cheque of Rs 50,000 each to those injured in the incident. He later said at a press conference that an ex-gratia of Rs 18.5 lakh would be given to kin of the deceased and Rs 2.5 lakh each to the injured from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) under the SC and ST provisions. At least ten people including women were killed, while over 20 sustained injuries when a village headman and his associates allegedly opened fire at a group of people over a land dispute at Ubbha village in Ghorawal area in Sonbhadra district on July 17. The incident took place when the village headman went to take possession of his land purchased two years ago.Twenty-nine people have been arrested and four officials have been suspended in connection with the incident. Priyanka, who met the victims' families after a high-voltage political drama, also announced Rs 10 lakh to each of the families who lost their near ones in the firing. Priyanka's visit had upped the temperature of the state politics after she was not allowed to visit the bereaved families and was put in detention at a guest house in the adjacent Mirzapur district.

Hope Uttar Pradesh government fulfills all announcements for Sonbhadra firing victims: Priyanka Gandhi

The Andhra Pradesh government on Sunday said that The World Bank has given positive indications towards compensating the dropped $300 million <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/world-bank-pulls-300-million-of-funding-for-amaravati-after-delhi-drops-support-237142">loan for developing capital city of Amaravati</a> and moving the aid to other important sectors.

According to a press note released by the Chief Minister's office on Sunday, "The World Bank has given enough indications pointing at compensating the dropped $300 million loan for the capital city to other sectors and there is every possibility of an increase in the quantum of aid."

"The Washington-based bank is now not averse to extend the loan to Andhra Pradesh Government, with YS Jagan Mohan Reddy at the helm, should it mention its priorities," it added.

The statement from the Andhra Pradesh government came days after the World Bank dropped the multi-crore Amaravati infrastructure project citing non-compliance of its policies.

The Chief Minister's office also slammed the previous Chandrababu Naidu government for alleged corrupt practices which forced the World Bank to drop out of the Amaravati development project.

"The main reasons behind the World Bank backing out of the Amaravati Capital City project were considered to be rampant corruption besides flouting of various socio-economic norms. The TDP government has invited tenders for infrastructure development even before the World Bank loan details were finalised," the release noted.

It added that the World Bank team that toured the proposed city area region in 2017 found many irregularities in the tender process. The release further read, "The team has found numerous irregularities in land pooling, utilisation of verdant agriculture land for other purposes, agriculture workers losing livelihood, serious environmental violations, the plan of the new proposed capital affecting the course of Krishna river and other issues."&nbsp;

The Andhra Pradesh government on Sunday said that The World Bank has given positive indications towards compensating the dropped $300 million loan for developing capital city of Amaravati and moving the aid to other important sectors.

The Andhra Pradesh government on Sunday said that The World Bank has given positive indications towards compensating the dropped $300 million loan for developing capital city of Amaravati and moving the aid to other important sectors. According to a press note released by the Chief Minister's office on Sunday, "The World Bank has given enough indications pointing at compensating the dropped $300 million loan for the capital city to other sectors and there is every possibility of an increase in the quantum of aid." "The Washington-based bank is now not averse to extend the loan to Andhra Pradesh Government, with YS Jagan Mohan Reddy at the helm, should it mention its priorities," it added. The statement from the Andhra Pradesh government came days after the World Bank dropped the multi-crore Amaravati infrastructure project citing non-compliance of its policies. The Chief Minister's office also slammed the previous Chandrababu Naidu government for alleged corrupt practices which forced the World Bank to drop out of the Amaravati development project. "The main reasons behind the World Bank backing out of the Amaravati Capital City project were considered to be rampant corruption besides flouting of various socio-economic norms. The TDP government has invited tenders for infrastructure development even before the World Bank loan details were finalised," the release noted. It added that the World Bank team that toured the proposed city area region in 2017 found many irregularities in the tender process. The release further read, "The team has found numerous irregularities in land pooling, utilisation of verdant agriculture land for other purposes, agriculture workers losing livelihood, serious environmental violations, the plan of the new proposed capital affecting the course of Krishna river and other issues."

World Bank may fund priority sectors other than Amaravati project

Three people died and as many as 404 cases of dengue and malaria have been detected in Dakshina Kannada district, officials said on Sunday.

Speaking to ANI, Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada district Sasikanth Senthil said, "Due to the peculiar weather condition in the city, we are seeing a spurt in the cases of fever since July 1. As many as 404 dengue and malaria cases have been detected, of which we've suspected three cases where dengue fatalities occurred."

"In the last three weeks, there is a spike in the number of patients admitted to various hospitals due to viral fever. The blood samples of patients suspected of having dengue have been collected and sent for testing," he added.

Senthil said the district administration and health department have constituted special teams to tackle the situation.

Data compiled by the Health Ministry has revealed that at least 8,058 positive dengue cases with eight deaths, and 14404 cases of Chikungunya have been reported from across the country till June 30 this year.

A total of 66,313 Malaria cases have also been reported from across the country till May 31 this year, according to available data.&nbsp;

Three people died and as many as 404 cases of dengue and malaria have been detected in Dakshina Kannada district, officials said on Sunday. Speaking to ANI, Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada district Sasikanth Senthil said, "Due to the peculiar weather condition in the city, we are seeing a spurt in the cases of fever since July 1.

Three people died and as many as 404 cases of dengue and malaria have been detected in Dakshina Kannada district, officials said on Sunday. Speaking to ANI, Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada district Sasikanth Senthil said, "Due to the peculiar weather condition in the city, we are seeing a spurt in the cases of fever since July 1. As many as 404 dengue and malaria cases have been detected, of which we've suspected three cases where dengue fatalities occurred." "In the last three weeks, there is a spike in the number of patients admitted to various hospitals due to viral fever. The blood samples of patients suspected of having dengue have been collected and sent for testing," he added. Senthil said the district administration and health department have constituted special teams to tackle the situation. Data compiled by the Health Ministry has revealed that at least 8,058 positive dengue cases with eight deaths, and 14404 cases of Chikungunya have been reported from across the country till June 30 this year. A total of 66,313 Malaria cases have also been reported from across the country till May 31 this year, according to available data.

3 dead, 404 dengue and malaria cases detected in Dakshina Kannada

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/chandrayaan-2-rescheduled-everything-you-need-to-know-about-indias-lunar-mission-237423">Chandrayaan-2</a> will perform 15 crucial maneuvers in the days to come, said Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K Sivan on Sunday.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-says-it-successfully-completed-launch-rehearsal-of-chandrayaan-2-237370">countdown for the launch of Chandrayaan-2</a>, India's second lunar exploration mission after Chandrayaan-1, begins Sunday evening.

ISRO has successfully completed the launch rehearsal of the Chandrayaan-2 mission.

The launch is slated for July 22."Chandrayaan-2 will be launched on Monday afternoon. All the preparatory works regarding the launch have been completed. Technical snags that developed in the first attempt have been rectified," Sivan told reporters.

"The 20-hour countdown will begin at 6.43 pm today. It will be launched at 2.43 pm tomorrow. All arrangements are going well," he added.

He said that Chandrayaan-2 will be landing on the moon very slowly. "It will land on the South Pole. There is a lot of scientific testing to be done regarding the mission. Scientists around the world are looking forward to the launch," said Sivan.

Speaking to ANI in New Delhi, Gauhar Raza, a retired chief scientist from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), said, "ISRO took a very responsible step by calling off the launch on July 15 after the scientists discovered an anomaly in the helium tank."

Gauhar believes that the scientists stay under pressure till the last moment while launching any complex mission.

"It is their responsibility to take a correct decision even under immense pressure," he added.

Ravi Gupta, a retired scientist from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), told ANI, "I am very confident that the mission is going to be successful. India will reach the moon and beyond. We do face problems in such a complex mission, but the success lies in timely identification of any abnormality and taking the corrective steps accordingly."

"I believe that not only our scientists but our industry is also going to a higher level, which will eventually help our economy to rise. Our industry is the backbone of our economy. That is why this mission is intrinsic for our country," he said.

"Chandrayaan-2 is an indigenous mission. It has been fully designed and developed by our scientists. The software for the Chandrayaan-2 mission has also been created by our scientists," informed Ravi.

PK Ghosh, also a space scientist, told ANI,&nbsp;"There have been a series of delays due to technical snags but I believe that scientists took a correct decision by delaying the last launch as nobody wants to see this mission getting failed. All the tests are completed. I believe the launch will successfully take place on Monday."

The Chandrayaan-2 was scheduled to be launched on July 15. However, less than an hour before the launch, the mission was aborted after a technical snag was detected.

Chandrayaan-2 will explore a region of Moon where no mission has ever set foot. The spacecraft consists of an orbiter, a lander, and a rover together referred to as "composite body."

The probe's total mass is 3.8 ton and is expected to land on the Moon's south polar region on September 6 or 7 this year.It will be the first Indian expedition to attempt a soft landing on the lunar surface.

This mission will make India the fourth country after the US, Russia, and China to carry out a soft landing on Moon.&nbsp;

The Chandrayaan-2 will perform 15 crucial maneuvers in the days to come, said Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K Sivan on Sunday. The countdown for the launch of Chandrayaan-2, India's second lunar exploration mission after Chandrayaan-1, begins Sunday evening.

The Chandrayaan-2 will perform 15 crucial maneuvers in the days to come, said Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K Sivan on Sunday. The countdown for the launch of Chandrayaan-2, India's second lunar exploration mission after Chandrayaan-1, begins Sunday evening. ISRO has successfully completed the launch rehearsal of the Chandrayaan-2 mission. The launch is slated for July 22."Chandrayaan-2 will be launched on Monday afternoon. All the preparatory works regarding the launch have been completed. Technical snags that developed in the first attempt have been rectified," Sivan told reporters. "The 20-hour countdown will begin at 6.43 pm today. It will be launched at 2.43 pm tomorrow. All arrangements are going well," he added. He said that Chandrayaan-2 will be landing on the moon very slowly. "It will land on the South Pole. There is a lot of scientific testing to be done regarding the mission. Scientists around the world are looking forward to the launch," said Sivan. Speaking to ANI in New Delhi, Gauhar Raza, a retired chief scientist from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), said, "ISRO took a very responsible step by calling off the launch on July 15 after the scientists discovered an anomaly in the helium tank." Gauhar believes that the scientists stay under pressure till the last moment while launching any complex mission. "It is their responsibility to take a correct decision even under immense pressure," he added. Ravi Gupta, a retired scientist from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), told ANI, "I am very confident that the mission is going to be successful. India will reach the moon and beyond. We do face problems in such a complex mission, but the success lies in timely identification of any abnormality and taking the corrective steps accordingly." "I believe that not only our scientists but our industry is also going to a higher level, which will eventually help our economy to rise. Our industry is the backbone of our economy. That is why this mission is intrinsic for our country," he said. "Chandrayaan-2 is an indigenous mission. It has been fully designed and developed by our scientists. The software for the Chandrayaan-2 mission has also been created by our scientists," informed Ravi. PK Ghosh, also a space scientist, told ANI, "There have been a series of delays due to technical snags but I believe that scientists took a correct decision by delaying the last launch as nobody wants to see this mission getting failed. All the tests are completed. I believe the launch will successfully take place on Monday." The Chandrayaan-2 was scheduled to be launched on July 15. However, less than an hour before the launch, the mission was aborted after a technical snag was detected. Chandrayaan-2 will explore a region of Moon where no mission has ever set foot. The spacecraft consists of an orbiter, a lander, and a rover together referred to as "composite body." The probe's total mass is 3.8 ton and is expected to land on the Moon's south polar region on September 6 or 7 this year.It will be the first Indian expedition to attempt a soft landing on the lunar surface. This mission will make India the fourth country after the US, Russia, and China to carry out a soft landing on Moon.

Chandrayaan-2 to perform 15 maneuvers, countdown for the launch begins

Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman A S Kiran Kumar on Saturday said that Chandrayaan-2 is ready for launch on July 22.

"Chandrayaan-2 is now ready for launch on 22 July. We intend to move towards the moon on August 14 and land on the moon around September 6. All the activities are in full swing and we are getting ready for the event on July 22," he told ANI.

Talking about the technical snag due to which the launch of the lunar mission was aborted last week, he said, "One of the issues, any system of this magnitude, we keep testing to various levels and during one of the levels we found that there was a shortcoming. So, that has been overcome. We are ready to go now."

Chandrayaan-2 was scheduled to be launched on July 15. However, less than an hour before the launch, the mission was aborted after a technical snag was detected in the rocket.

Chandrayaan-2, which has home-grown technology, will explore a region of Moon where no mission has ever set foot. The spacecraft consists of an orbiter, a lander and a rover together referred to as "composite body".

The probe's total mass is 3.8 ton and it is expected to land on Moon's South Polar Region on September 6 or 7 this year.It will be the first Indian expedition to attempt a soft landing on the lunar surface.

This mission will make India the fourth country after the US, Russia and China to carry out a soft landing on Moon.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman A S Kiran Kumar on Saturday said that Chandrayaan-2 is ready for launch on July 22. "Chandrayaan-2 is now ready for launch on 22 July.

Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman A S Kiran Kumar on Saturday said that Chandrayaan-2 is ready for launch on July 22. "Chandrayaan-2 is now ready for launch on 22 July. We intend to move towards the moon on August 14 and land on the moon around September 6. All the activities are in full swing and we are getting ready for the event on July 22," he told ANI. Talking about the technical snag due to which the launch of the lunar mission was aborted last week, he said, "One of the issues, any system of this magnitude, we keep testing to various levels and during one of the levels we found that there was a shortcoming. So, that has been overcome. We are ready to go now." Chandrayaan-2 was scheduled to be launched on July 15. However, less than an hour before the launch, the mission was aborted after a technical snag was detected in the rocket. Chandrayaan-2, which has home-grown technology, will explore a region of Moon where no mission has ever set foot. The spacecraft consists of an orbiter, a lander and a rover together referred to as "composite body". The probe's total mass is 3.8 ton and it is expected to land on Moon's South Polar Region on September 6 or 7 this year.It will be the first Indian expedition to attempt a soft landing on the lunar surface. This mission will make India the fourth country after the US, Russia and China to carry out a soft landing on Moon.

Technical snag fixed, Chandrayaan-2 ready for launch: Ex-ISRO chief

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday said that the state government is doing everything possible to provide relief to those affected by floods across the state.

"Assam government is doing everything to provide relief to people affected by floods in the state... All state Cabinet ministers and our MPs and MLAs are meeting the people affected by floods in the state and helping them out," Sonowal told media here.

"On behalf of people of Assam, I want to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for helping the state government in this matter. Also, I want to thank Union Jal Shakti minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for visiting Assam and helping the people," he added.

The Indian Army had earlier launched a large scale flood relief operation in flood-hit areas of lower Assam after the torrential rains hit the region.

Operations are in full swing to provide aid to locals. According to the State Disaster Management Authority, close to 50 people have lost their lives in the state due to incessant rains and related incidents.Rivers such as the Brahmaputra at Neamatighat in Jorhat, Guwahati (Kamrup), Goalpara and Dhubri; Dhansiri at Numaligarh in Golaghat; Jia Bharali at N.T.Rd.Xing in Sonitpur and Kopili at Dharamtul in Nagaon are flowing at danger levels in the state.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday said that the state government is doing everything possible to provide relief to those affected by floods across the state.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday said that the state government is doing everything possible to provide relief to those affected by floods across the state. "Assam government is doing everything to provide relief to people affected by floods in the state... All state Cabinet ministers and our MPs and MLAs are meeting the people affected by floods in the state and helping them out," Sonowal told media here. "On behalf of people of Assam, I want to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for helping the state government in this matter. Also, I want to thank Union Jal Shakti minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for visiting Assam and helping the people," he added. The Indian Army had earlier launched a large scale flood relief operation in flood-hit areas of lower Assam after the torrential rains hit the region. Operations are in full swing to provide aid to locals. According to the State Disaster Management Authority, close to 50 people have lost their lives in the state due to incessant rains and related incidents.Rivers such as the Brahmaputra at Neamatighat in Jorhat, Guwahati (Kamrup), Goalpara and Dhubri; Dhansiri at Numaligarh in Golaghat; Jia Bharali at N.T.Rd.Xing in Sonitpur and Kopili at Dharamtul in Nagaon are flowing at danger levels in the state.

Doing everything to provide relief to people affected by floods: Assam Chief Minister

India is facing the unintended consequence of Iran's tiff with the United Kingdom as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ministry-of-external-affairs-in-touch-with-iran-to-secure-release-of-indians-onboard-seized-british-vessel-237281">New Delhi tries for early release of its citizens</a> from the seized UK oil tanker Stena Impero.&nbsp;

India has 18 of its citizens on the tanker along with nationals of other countries. &nbsp;

Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement, said, "Our Mission is in touch with the Government of Iran to secure the early release and repatriation of Indian nationals."

The tanker was seized by Iranian authorities on Friday for "failing to respect international maritime rules", the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or IRGC said in a statement.

A British High Commission spokesperson, reacting to WION's question on the safety of Indians on the seized tanker said, "We remain deeply concerned about Iran's actions, and have advised UK shipping to stay out of the area for an interim period."

“We remain in close contact with our international partners and there will be further meetings over the weekend," he added.&nbsp;

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt spoke to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/detained-british-flagged-tanker-must-go-through-legal-process-irans-foreign-minister-237322">Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif</a> and "expressed extreme disappointment" on the seizing of the tanker.&nbsp;

"Just spoke to ... Zarif and expressed extreme disappointment that having assured me last Saturday Iran wanted to de-escalate situation, they have behaved in the opposite way," he tweeted on Saturday.

"This has to be about actions not words if we are to find a way through," Hunt added. "British shipping must and will be protected."

The detained British-flagged tanker Stena Impero must go through a legal process because it violated maritime regulations, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told British Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt in a phone call on Saturday, the Iranian news agency ISNA reported.

Indians were also present on Iranian ship seized by the UK off the coast of Gibraltar. The Indian authorities have been given consular access to them, with the MEA saying "due process of law will continue."

It is alleged by the authorities in Gibraltar that the Iranian oil tanker Grace 1 was headed to Syria with oil that would have violated sanctions, a charge that Tehran denies. Gibraltar is a British Territory in Europe, surrounded by Spain.

India is facing the unintended consequence of Iran's tiff with the United Kingdom as New Delhi tries for early release of its citizens from the seized UK oil tanker Stena Impero.

India is facing the unintended consequence of Iran's tiff with the United Kingdom as New Delhi tries for early release of its citizens from the seized UK oil tanker Stena Impero. India has 18 of its citizens on the tanker along with nationals of other countries. Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement, said, "Our Mission is in touch with the Government of Iran to secure the early release and repatriation of Indian nationals." The tanker was seized by Iranian authorities on Friday for "failing to respect international maritime rules", the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or IRGC said in a statement. A British High Commission spokesperson, reacting to WION's question on the safety of Indians on the seized tanker said, "We remain deeply concerned about Iran's actions, and have advised UK shipping to stay out of the area for an interim period." “We remain in close contact with our international partners and there will be further meetings over the weekend," he added. British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt spoke to the Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and "expressed extreme disappointment" on the seizing of the tanker. "Just spoke to ... Zarif and expressed extreme disappointment that having assured me last Saturday Iran wanted to de-escalate situation, they have behaved in the opposite way," he tweeted on Saturday. "This has to be about actions not words if we are to find a way through," Hunt added. "British shipping must and will be protected." The detained British-flagged tanker Stena Impero must go through a legal process because it violated maritime regulations, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told British Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt in a phone call on Saturday, the Iranian news agency ISNA reported. Indians were also present on Iranian ship seized by the UK off the coast of Gibraltar. The Indian authorities have been given consular access to them, with the MEA saying "due process of law will continue." It is alleged by the authorities in Gibraltar that the Iranian oil tanker Grace 1 was headed to Syria with oil that would have violated sanctions, a charge that Tehran denies. Gibraltar is a British Territory in Europe, surrounded by Spain.

India faces unintended consequences of Iran-UK tiff, tries for early release of nationals aboard seized British vessel 

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at the residences of 14 men who were deported to India from the UAE and were arrested on July 15th for owing allegiance to the proscribed terrorist organizations ISIS/ Daesh, Al-Qaeda and Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), while being within and beyond India.&nbsp;

They had allegedly conspired and made preparations to wage war against the Indian government by forming the terrorist gang Ansarulla.

The United Arab Emirates had kept the men in jail for six months before deporting them to India last week. They were arrested from Delhi airport and brought to Tamil Nadu where a special court on Friday allowed the police to keep the men in their custody till July 26.

Following the arrests and interrogation of the 14 members, the agency also arrested two more members from Nagapattinam, taking the overall arrests to 16.

Searches were conducted at five locations in Ramanathapuram district, two locations in Theni district and one location each in Chennai city, Tirunelveli city, Madurai city, Thanjavur district, Perambalur district, Nagapattinam district and Thiruvarur district.

The NIA conducted searches at the residences of 14 arrested accused persons in this case, namely Mohamed Ibrahim (A-4), Mohamed Sheik Maitheen (A-5), Meeran Ghani (A-6), Gulam Nabi Asath (A-7), Ahamed Azarudhen (A-8), Toufiq Ahmed (A-9), Mohamed Ibrahim (A-10), Mohammed Afzar (A-11), Rafi Ahamed (A-12), Munthasir (A-13), Umar Barook (A-14), Mohideen Seeni Shahul Hameed (A-15), Faizal Sharief (A-16) and Farook (A-17).

During the searches, a laptop, 7 mobiles, 5 SIM cards, 3 memory cards, a hard disk drive, 2 pen drives, an internet dongle, 9 CDs/ DVDs and about 50 documents have been seized. The seized materials will be submitted before the Honorable Special Court for NIA cases, Chennai and the digital devices will be subjected to cyber forensic examination.

A press release from the agency said, “The accused persons and their associates had collected funds and made preparations to carry out terrorist attacks in India with the intention of establishing Islamic rule in India. Accused persons have been actively recruiting individuals to strike terror in India and have also been disseminating videos and other jihadi propaganda material exhorting their supporters to conduct terrorist attacks through various methods including the use of explosives, poison, knives and vehicles, as means of attack. NIA has arrested 16 accused persons in this case.”

Cases have been registered under sections 120B, 121A and 122 of the IPC, besides sections 17, 18, 18-B, 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, added the NIA release.&nbsp;

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at the residences of 14 men who were deported to India from the UAE and were arrested on July 15th for owing allegiance to the proscribed terrorist organizations ISIS/ Daesh, Al-Qaeda and Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), while being within and beyond India.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at the residences of 14 men who were deported to India from the UAE and were arrested on July 15th for owing allegiance to the proscribed terrorist organizations ISIS/ Daesh, Al-Qaeda and Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), while being within and beyond India. They had allegedly conspired and made preparations to wage war against the Indian government by forming the terrorist gang Ansarulla. The United Arab Emirates had kept the men in jail for six months before deporting them to India last week. They were arrested from Delhi airport and brought to Tamil Nadu where a special court on Friday allowed the police to keep the men in their custody till July 26. Following the arrests and interrogation of the 14 members, the agency also arrested two more members from Nagapattinam, taking the overall arrests to 16. Searches were conducted at five locations in Ramanathapuram district, two locations in Theni district and one location each in Chennai city, Tirunelveli city, Madurai city, Thanjavur district, Perambalur district, Nagapattinam district and Thiruvarur district. The NIA conducted searches at the residences of 14 arrested accused persons in this case, namely Mohamed Ibrahim (A-4), Mohamed Sheik Maitheen (A-5), Meeran Ghani (A-6), Gulam Nabi Asath (A-7), Ahamed Azarudhen (A-8), Toufiq Ahmed (A-9), Mohamed Ibrahim (A-10), Mohammed Afzar (A-11), Rafi Ahamed (A-12), Munthasir (A-13), Umar Barook (A-14), Mohideen Seeni Shahul Hameed (A-15), Faizal Sharief (A-16) and Farook (A-17). During the searches, a laptop, 7 mobiles, 5 SIM cards, 3 memory cards, a hard disk drive, 2 pen drives, an internet dongle, 9 CDs/ DVDs and about 50 documents have been seized. The seized materials will be submitted before the Honorable Special Court for NIA cases, Chennai and the digital devices will be subjected to cyber forensic examination. A press release from the agency said, “The accused persons and their associates had collected funds and made preparations to carry out terrorist attacks in India with the intention of establishing Islamic rule in India. Accused persons have been actively recruiting individuals to strike terror in India and have also been disseminating videos and other jihadi propaganda material exhorting their supporters to conduct terrorist attacks through various methods including the use of explosives, poison, knives and vehicles, as means of attack. NIA has arrested 16 accused persons in this case.” Cases have been registered under sections 120B, 121A and 122 of the IPC, besides sections 17, 18, 18-B, 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, added the NIA release.

Tamil Nadu: NIA raids 14 locations across state in connection with terror gang 

Ten US lawmakers have written to US President Donald Trump, urging him to raise the issue of human rights abuses in Pakistan's Sindh -&nbsp;including enforced disappearances -&nbsp;during his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-embarks-on-3-day-visit-to-us-will-hold-talks-with-donald-trump-237208">upcoming meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan</a>.

In a letter addressed to Trump on July 19, the lawmakers highlight that human rights abuses, at the hands of the authorities, continue to prevail in the Pakistani province, despite Washington having provided more than $30 billion in aid to the South Asian country.

The aid, according to them, was supposed to improve social and economic conditions in Pakistan, as well as promote good governance -&nbsp;improvements that have not occurred.

"Nowhere is that failure more evident than in Sindh Province, which has continued to suffer from numerous economic and social injustices, often at the hands of the Pakistani government," the lawmakers state.

They go on to highlight the failures and "injustices" in Sindh, including the recent outbreak of HIV in the province, enforced disappearances and the forced conversions of young girls to Islam.

Highlighting the widespread issue of enforced disappearances at the hands of the Pakistani government, the ten leaders said, "Hundreds of people in Sindh have disappeared this way, including writers, students, activists, and politicians who campaign for human rights. Some of these individuals have ended up dead, and their families have never received the justice they deserve."

They also shed light on the human rights abuse of minorities, with young Hindu and Christian girls being kidnapped and forcefully converted to Islam. They are often married off to men decades older to them, the lawmakers said."

Other injustices in Sindh Province are deliberately carried out by the Pakistani state and its supporters," they stated.

"According to an independent Pakistani watchdog group, there were around one-thousand cases of forced conversions in Sindh Province in 2018 alone. The actual number is certainly higher. Shockingly, there are no laws in Sindh banning forced conversions," they added.

Other social injustices the Pakistani province faces is widespread medical negligence, with the recent outbreak of HIV serving as the prime example.

The reason behind the outbreak is being pegged on syringes and needles being reused, as well as unsafe blood transfusions by the lawmakers.

"In one town, at least 681 people tested positive for HIV in one month earlier this year.

Of these, 537 were children, including a tragic case of a 16-month-old little girl," the lawmakers claimed.

"This isn't the first time that reckless negligence has caused HIV outbreaks in Sindh Province -&nbsp;in one outbreak in 2016, 1,521 people were found to be HIV positive in another part of Sindh," they added.

The lawmakers slam Pakistan, stating that the outbreak is "simply unacceptable," especially when the United States has given Pakistan $283 million in health assistance since 2001."As you seek to change Pakistani behaviour on issues like terrorism, it is essential that you also push the Pakistani government to improve the lives of its citizens," the lawmakers lastly told Trump in the letter.

The 10 lawmakers include Brad Sherman, Adam B. Schiff, Eleanor H Norton, David E Price, David Schweikert, Dan Crenshaw, Juan Vargas, Carolyn B Maloney, Jan Schakosky and Ann Wagner. &nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Ten US lawmakers have written to US President Donald Trump, urging him to raise the issue of human rights abuses in Pakistan's Sindh - including enforced disappearances - during his upcoming meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Ten US lawmakers have written to US President Donald Trump, urging him to raise the issue of human rights abuses in Pakistan's Sindh - including enforced disappearances - during his upcoming meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. In a letter addressed to Trump on July 19, the lawmakers highlight that human rights abuses, at the hands of the authorities, continue to prevail in the Pakistani province, despite Washington having provided more than $30 billion in aid to the South Asian country. The aid, according to them, was supposed to improve social and economic conditions in Pakistan, as well as promote good governance - improvements that have not occurred. "Nowhere is that failure more evident than in Sindh Province, which has continued to suffer from numerous economic and social injustices, often at the hands of the Pakistani government," the lawmakers state. They go on to highlight the failures and "injustices" in Sindh, including the recent outbreak of HIV in the province, enforced disappearances and the forced conversions of young girls to Islam. Highlighting the widespread issue of enforced disappearances at the hands of the Pakistani government, the ten leaders said, "Hundreds of people in Sindh have disappeared this way, including writers, students, activists, and politicians who campaign for human rights. Some of these individuals have ended up dead, and their families have never received the justice they deserve." They also shed light on the human rights abuse of minorities, with young Hindu and Christian girls being kidnapped and forcefully converted to Islam. They are often married off to men decades older to them, the lawmakers said." Other injustices in Sindh Province are deliberately carried out by the Pakistani state and its supporters," they stated. "According to an independent Pakistani watchdog group, there were around one-thousand cases of forced conversions in Sindh Province in 2018 alone. The actual number is certainly higher. Shockingly, there are no laws in Sindh banning forced conversions," they added. Other social injustices the Pakistani province faces is widespread medical negligence, with the recent outbreak of HIV serving as the prime example. The reason behind the outbreak is being pegged on syringes and needles being reused, as well as unsafe blood transfusions by the lawmakers. "In one town, at least 681 people tested positive for HIV in one month earlier this year. Of these, 537 were children, including a tragic case of a 16-month-old little girl," the lawmakers claimed. "This isn't the first time that reckless negligence has caused HIV outbreaks in Sindh Province - in one outbreak in 2016, 1,521 people were found to be HIV positive in another part of Sindh," they added. The lawmakers slam Pakistan, stating that the outbreak is "simply unacceptable," especially when the United States has given Pakistan $283 million in health assistance since 2001."As you seek to change Pakistani behaviour on issues like terrorism, it is essential that you also push the Pakistani government to improve the lives of its citizens," the lawmakers lastly told Trump in the letter. The 10 lawmakers include Brad Sherman, Adam B. Schiff, Eleanor H Norton, David E Price, David Schweikert, Dan Crenshaw, Juan Vargas, Carolyn B Maloney, Jan Schakosky and Ann Wagner.

US lawmakers urge Trump to raise Pak's human rights abuse issue during meeting with Imran Khan

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ministry-of-external-affairs-in-touch-with-iran-to-secure-release-of-indians-onboard-seized-british-vessel-237281">detained British-flagged tanker Stena Impero</a> must go through a legal process because it violated maritime regulations, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told British Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt in a phone call on Saturday, the Iranian news agency ISNA reported.

British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said he had spoken to his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif and expressed his "extreme disappointment" over Iran's seizure of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ministry-of-external-affairs-in-touch-with-iran-to-secure-release-of-indians-onboard-seized-british-vessel-237281">British-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz</a> on Friday.

"Just spoke to ... Zarif and expressed extreme disappointment that having assured me last Saturday Iran wanted to de-escalate situation, they have behaved in the opposite way," he tweeted on Saturday.

"This has to be about actions not words if we are to find a way through," Hunt added. "British shipping must and will be protected."

Iran said on Saturday it had seized a British-flagged oil tanker because it was involved in an accident, an explanation Britain rejected, calling the move a "hostile act".

The action by Iranian Revolutionary Guards in the global oil trade's most important waterway came two weeks after Britain seized an Iranian tanker accused of violating sanctions on Syria. It is certain to be viewed in the West as a military escalation after three months of confrontation which has already taken Iran and the United States to the brink of war.

Iran's Fars news agency said elite Revolutionary Guards had taken control of the Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday after it collided with an Iranian fishing boat whose distress call it ignored.

The vessel, carrying no cargo, was taken to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas. It would remain there with its 23 crew -- 18 of them Indians -- while the accident was investigated, Iranian news agencies quoted the head of Ports and Maritime Organisation in southern Hormozgan province, Allahmorad Afifipour, as saying.

Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency posted a video of the ship anchored at sea, its name clearly visible.

The strait, between Iran and the Arabian peninsula, is the sole outlet for exports of the vast majority of Middle Eastern oil, and the seizure sent oil prices sharply higher. The United States, which tightened sanctions against Iran in May with the aim of halting its oil exports altogether, has been warning for months of an Iranian threat to shipping in the strait.

In London, British Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt called the incident a "hostile act". The Foreign Office summoned Iran's Charge d'Affaires for an urgent meeting.

France and Germany joined Britain in condemning the seizure.

The three big European countries are signatories to a 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers that Washington undermined by quitting last year, setting Iran's already fragile relations with the West on a downward spiral.

"We have learned with great concern of the seizure of a British vessel by Iranian forces," France's foreign ministry said. "We strongly condemn it and express our full solidarity with the United Kingdom."

A German foreign ministry spokesman said further escalation of regional tensions "would be very dangerous (and)... undermine all ongoing efforts to find a way out of the current crisis."

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Friday he would talk to Britain about the seizure.

Under the pact, Iran agreed to restrict nuclear work in return for lifting sanctions. The European countries opposed the Trump administration's decision to abandon the agreement last year, but have so far failed to fulfil promises to Iran of providing alternative means for it to access world trade.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said London's reaction to Friday's tanker seizure would be "considered but robust", and it would ensure the safety of its shipping.

He accused Iran of a tit-for-tat response after the seizure of Iran's Grace 1 tanker in the British territory of Gibraltar at the mouth of the Mediterranean on July 4.

"Yesterday's action in Gulf shows worrying signs Iran may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising behaviour after Gibraltar’s legal detention of oil bound for Syria," Hunt said on Twitter on Saturday.

On Friday, Hunt said the solution would be found via diplomacy and London was "not looking at military options." Britain's government said it had advised British shipping to stay out of the Hormuz area for an interim period.

Not looking for war

The past three months of escalation have seen the United States and Iran come as close as ever to direct military confrontation. In June, Tehran shot down a US&nbsp;drone, and Trump ordered retaliatory air strikes, only to call them off just minutes before impact.

Since British Royal Marines abseiled from a helicopter to seize the Iranian tanker on July 4, a number of Iranian officials had threatened to retaliate. After maintaining his silence for more than a week, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the British action "piracy".

A senior politician and Revolutionary Guards commander, Major General Mohsen Rezai, said on Twitter that Iran was also not looking for war, "but we are not going to come up short in reciprocating".

In New Delhi, India's foreign ministry said it was actively seeking the release of its nationals among the crew.

Operator Stena Bulk said on Friday the tanker had been "in full compliance with all navigation and international regulations", but could not be contacted. It had no further comment early on Saturday.

The vessel had been heading to a port in Saudi Arabia and suddenly changed course after passing through the strait.

The United States has blamed Iran for a series of attacks on shipping around the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran rejects the allegations. Washington also said it had this week downed an Iranian drone near where the Stena Impero was seized.

The United States is sending military personnel and resources to Saudi Arabia for the first time since the US&nbsp;invasion of Iraq in 2003.

The detained British-flagged tanker Stena Impero must go through a legal process because it violated maritime regulations, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told British Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt in a phone call on Saturday, the Iranian news agency ISNA reported.

The detained British-flagged tanker Stena Impero must go through a legal process because it violated maritime regulations, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told British Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt in a phone call on Saturday, the Iranian news agency ISNA reported. British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said he had spoken to his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif and expressed his "extreme disappointment" over Iran's seizure of a British-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. "Just spoke to ... Zarif and expressed extreme disappointment that having assured me last Saturday Iran wanted to de-escalate situation, they have behaved in the opposite way," he tweeted on Saturday. "This has to be about actions not words if we are to find a way through," Hunt added. "British shipping must and will be protected." Iran said on Saturday it had seized a British-flagged oil tanker because it was involved in an accident, an explanation Britain rejected, calling the move a "hostile act". The action by Iranian Revolutionary Guards in the global oil trade's most important waterway came two weeks after Britain seized an Iranian tanker accused of violating sanctions on Syria. It is certain to be viewed in the West as a military escalation after three months of confrontation which has already taken Iran and the United States to the brink of war. Iran's Fars news agency said elite Revolutionary Guards had taken control of the Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday after it collided with an Iranian fishing boat whose distress call it ignored. The vessel, carrying no cargo, was taken to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas. It would remain there with its 23 crew -- 18 of them Indians -- while the accident was investigated, Iranian news agencies quoted the head of Ports and Maritime Organisation in southern Hormozgan province, Allahmorad Afifipour, as saying. Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency posted a video of the ship anchored at sea, its name clearly visible. The strait, between Iran and the Arabian peninsula, is the sole outlet for exports of the vast majority of Middle Eastern oil, and the seizure sent oil prices sharply higher. The United States, which tightened sanctions against Iran in May with the aim of halting its oil exports altogether, has been warning for months of an Iranian threat to shipping in the strait. In London, British Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt called the incident a "hostile act". The Foreign Office summoned Iran's Charge d'Affaires for an urgent meeting. France and Germany joined Britain in condemning the seizure. The three big European countries are signatories to a 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers that Washington undermined by quitting last year, setting Iran's already fragile relations with the West on a downward spiral. "We have learned with great concern of the seizure of a British vessel by Iranian forces," France's foreign ministry said. "We strongly condemn it and express our full solidarity with the United Kingdom." A German foreign ministry spokesman said further escalation of regional tensions "would be very dangerous (and)... undermine all ongoing efforts to find a way out of the current crisis." US President Donald Trump said on Friday he would talk to Britain about the seizure. Under the pact, Iran agreed to restrict nuclear work in return for lifting sanctions. The European countries opposed the Trump administration's decision to abandon the agreement last year, but have so far failed to fulfil promises to Iran of providing alternative means for it to access world trade. Britain's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said London's reaction to Friday's tanker seizure would be "considered but robust", and it would ensure the safety of its shipping. He accused Iran of a tit-for-tat response after the seizure of Iran's Grace 1 tanker in the British territory of Gibraltar at the mouth of the Mediterranean on July 4. "Yesterday's action in Gulf shows worrying signs Iran may be choosing a dangerous path of illegal and destabilising behaviour after Gibraltar’s legal detention of oil bound for Syria," Hunt said on Twitter on Saturday. On Friday, Hunt said the solution would be found via diplomacy and London was "not looking at military options." Britain's government said it had advised British shipping to stay out of the Hormuz area for an interim period. Not looking for war The past three months of escalation have seen the United States and Iran come as close as ever to direct military confrontation. In June, Tehran shot down a US drone, and Trump ordered retaliatory air strikes, only to call them off just minutes before impact. Since British Royal Marines abseiled from a helicopter to seize the Iranian tanker on July 4, a number of Iranian officials had threatened to retaliate. After maintaining his silence for more than a week, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the British action "piracy". A senior politician and Revolutionary Guards commander, Major General Mohsen Rezai, said on Twitter that Iran was also not looking for war, "but we are not going to come up short in reciprocating". In New Delhi, India's foreign ministry said it was actively seeking the release of its nationals among the crew. Operator Stena Bulk said on Friday the tanker had been "in full compliance with all navigation and international regulations", but could not be contacted. It had no further comment early on Saturday. The vessel had been heading to a port in Saudi Arabia and suddenly changed course after passing through the strait. The United States has blamed Iran for a series of attacks on shipping around the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran rejects the allegations. Washington also said it had this week downed an Iranian drone near where the Stena Impero was seized. The United States is sending military personnel and resources to Saudi Arabia for the first time since the US invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Detained British-flagged tanker must go through legal process: Iran's foreign minister

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