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The United States highlighted a deteriorating picture for&nbsp;human&nbsp;rights across the world on Tuesday.

The State Department released reports on the&nbsp;rights situation last year in nearly 200 countries, which are required annually by law.

The report states that India has several significant human right issues including unlawful and arbitrary killings, restrictions on freedom of expression, corruption and tolerance of violations of religious freedom.

However, it appreciated the restoration of normalcy in Kashmir, saying ''The government continued taking steps to restore normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir by gradually lifting some security and communications restrictions.''

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-human-rights-report-lambasts-china-over-uighur-atrocities-374537">US human rights report lambasts China over Uighur atrocities</a>

The trendlines on human rights continue to move in the wrong direction, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said.

Governments that respect human rights are more likely to support the rules-based international order that the US and its allies have built and invested in for decades and decades, Blinken said.

Some have argued that it is not worth it for the US to speak up forcefully for human rights or highlight abuse only in select countries and only in a way that "directly advances our national interests", he noted.

"We will hear from some countries as we do every year that we have no right to criticise them because we have our own challenges to deal with," he said.&nbsp;

America's judgement is unsolicited as neither India nor any other country asked for the report.

The information for the report is collected from random sources NGOs, academics and activists. Their&nbsp;opinions are influenced by their politics.

The report praises allies of the United States. Blinken himself admitted that the US has to work on itself and is open towards the idea.&nbsp;

George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes as Floyd lay on the pavement in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Floyd’s death has sparked global protests about racial inequality and police brutality, and renewed pledges from some to fight racism.

The number of immigrant families apprehended by US&nbsp;agents along the southern border nearly tripled in February from a month earlier to about 19,000 people. Hunger and poverty are spurring their flight. So is disinformation that has rocketed across social media and by word of mouth that the US&nbsp;border is now wide open.

According to government statistics, on Monday the&nbsp;Department of Health and Human Services,&nbsp;had 12,035 migrant children in its care, while the US Customs and Border Protection, the agency which first processes migrants, was holding another 4,068.&nbsp;

American troops deployed all across the world&nbsp;commit horrendous crimes&nbsp;in the name of security and get get a free pass for them in there country.

American presidents have carpet-bombed civilians and&nbsp;starved rival nations with sanctions.

The United States highlighted a deteriorating picture for human rights across the world on Tuesday. The State Department released reports on the rights situation last year in nearly 200 countries, which are required annually by law.

The United States highlighted a deteriorating picture for human rights across the world on Tuesday. The State Department released reports on the rights situation last year in nearly 200 countries, which are required annually by law. The report states that India has several significant human right issues including unlawful and arbitrary killings, restrictions on freedom of expression, corruption and tolerance of violations of religious freedom. However, it appreciated the restoration of normalcy in Kashmir, saying ''The government continued taking steps to restore normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir by gradually lifting some security and communications restrictions.'' Also read| US human rights report lambasts China over Uighur atrocities The trendlines on human rights continue to move in the wrong direction, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said. Governments that respect human rights are more likely to support the rules-based international order that the US and its allies have built and invested in for decades and decades, Blinken said. Some have argued that it is not worth it for the US to speak up forcefully for human rights or highlight abuse only in select countries and only in a way that "directly advances our national interests", he noted. "We will hear from some countries as we do every year that we have no right to criticise them because we have our own challenges to deal with," he said. America's judgement is unsolicited as neither India nor any other country asked for the report. The information for the report is collected from random sources NGOs, academics and activists. Their opinions are influenced by their politics. The report praises allies of the United States. Blinken himself admitted that the US has to work on itself and is open towards the idea. George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes as Floyd lay on the pavement in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Floyd’s death has sparked global protests about racial inequality and police brutality, and renewed pledges from some to fight racism. The number of immigrant families apprehended by US agents along the southern border nearly tripled in February from a month earlier to about 19,000 people. Hunger and poverty are spurring their flight. So is disinformation that has rocketed across social media and by word of mouth that the US border is now wide open. According to government statistics, on Monday the Department of Health and Human Services, had 12,035 migrant children in its care, while the US Customs and Border Protection, the agency which first processes migrants, was holding another 4,068. American troops deployed all across the world commit horrendous crimes in the name of security and get get a free pass for them in there country. American presidents have carpet-bombed civilians and starved rival nations with sanctions.

Are human rights a US monopoly?

Dialogue is the only way forward for India and Pakistan, Pakistani Foreign Minister&nbsp;Shah Mahmood Qureshi&nbsp;told WION in an exclusive interview, while appreciating that&nbsp;India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar didn't mention anything negative about Pakistan in his address to the recently concluded Heart of Asia conference.

Qureshi reiterated that Pakistan would take two steps if India takes one towards peace, while taking note of recent mutual overtures like the exchange of letters between the prime ministers of the two countries and the neighours' decision to strictly observe ceasefire along Line of Control (LoC).

Watch |&nbsp;

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''Pakistan has never shied away from talks, we believe that dialogue is the only way forward. There are two nuclear powers, who cannot indulge in the stupidity of war, this would be equivalent to suicide,'' he said.&nbsp;

"So when there’s no other solution, no military solution, then what's the way forward except dialogue? For dialogue, if India can consider for an enabling environment, then Pakistan has earlier said that if India takes one step, Pakistan will take two."&nbsp;

"If India wants to move forward with Pakistan, now they would have to create a conducive environment and for that take some steps to create an enabling environment," the minister added.

There was wide expectation that Jaishankar and Qureshi would have a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of Heart of Asia conference in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on peace in Afghanistan. But it did not happen.&nbsp;

Asked about this, Qureshi said,&nbsp;"We haven't met, have had no talk and no pull-aside meeting happened that you [media] were watching closely. I didn’t receive any request from him, neither did we [request] and moreover, we didn't have any schedule of meeting either."&nbsp;

''He was busy on his programme and I was also engaged with my prior schedule - so we couldn't met bilaterally. "

He expressed happiness about the ceasefire agreement.&nbsp;"I am happy that we have come to the understanding of 2003 ceasefire agreement on LoC, which is a welcome move and Kashmiris also express happiness."

He mentioned Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's&nbsp;reply to Indian Prime Narendra Modi's letter on Pakistan National Day.&nbsp;"PM Modi also wrote to Imran Khan and [sent] wishes to Pakistani PM and Pakistani citizens on its National day and PM Imran Khan also wrote to PM Modi.''

In his letter, Khan thanked Modi and he has said that Pakistan's longstanding wish has been that it wants better relations with every of its neighbour and live with peace, Qureshi noted.&nbsp;

The need is to resolve all outstanding issues, he said.

On Jaishankar not bringing up Pakistan-related issues during his speech at Heart of Asia, Qureshi said:&nbsp; "I was listening carefully. He didn't point&nbsp;or mention anything negative about Pakistan, which they usually did in the past...PM Modi's letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan and India not slamming or blaming Pakistan&nbsp;on Heart of Asia summit, I would consider it a positive move."

Dialogue is the only way forward for India and Pakistan, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told WION in an exclusive interview, while appreciating that India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar didn't mention anything negative about Pakistan in his address to the recently concluded Heart of Asia conference.

Dialogue is the only way forward for India and Pakistan, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told WION in an exclusive interview, while appreciating that India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar didn't mention anything negative about Pakistan in his address to the recently concluded Heart of Asia conference. Qureshi reiterated that Pakistan would take two steps if India takes one towards peace, while taking note of recent mutual overtures like the exchange of letters between the prime ministers of the two countries and the neighours' decision to strictly observe ceasefire along Line of Control (LoC). Watch | ''Pakistan has never shied away from talks, we believe that dialogue is the only way forward. There are two nuclear powers, who cannot indulge in the stupidity of war, this would be equivalent to suicide,'' he said. "So when there’s no other solution, no military solution, then what's the way forward except dialogue? For dialogue, if India can consider for an enabling environment, then Pakistan has earlier said that if India takes one step, Pakistan will take two." "If India wants to move forward with Pakistan, now they would have to create a conducive environment and for that take some steps to create an enabling environment," the minister added. There was wide expectation that Jaishankar and Qureshi would have a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of Heart of Asia conference in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on peace in Afghanistan. But it did not happen. Asked about this, Qureshi said, "We haven't met, have had no talk and no pull-aside meeting happened that you [media] were watching closely. I didn’t receive any request from him, neither did we [request] and moreover, we didn't have any schedule of meeting either." ''He was busy on his programme and I was also engaged with my prior schedule - so we couldn't met bilaterally. " He expressed happiness about the ceasefire agreement. "I am happy that we have come to the understanding of 2003 ceasefire agreement on LoC, which is a welcome move and Kashmiris also express happiness." He mentioned Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's reply to Indian Prime Narendra Modi's letter on Pakistan National Day. "PM Modi also wrote to Imran Khan and [sent] wishes to Pakistani PM and Pakistani citizens on its National day and PM Imran Khan also wrote to PM Modi.'' In his letter, Khan thanked Modi and he has said that Pakistan's longstanding wish has been that it wants better relations with every of its neighbour and live with peace, Qureshi noted. The need is to resolve all outstanding issues, he said. On Jaishankar not bringing up Pakistan-related issues during his speech at Heart of Asia, Qureshi said: "I was listening carefully. He didn't point or mention anything negative about Pakistan, which they usually did in the past...PM Modi's letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan and India not slamming or blaming Pakistan on Heart of Asia summit, I would consider it a positive move."

WION Exclusive: Dialogue with India only way forward, says Pak Foreign Minister Qureshi 

India reported 53,480 new cases of the coronavirus, health ministry data showed on Wednesday, the second day that cases have risen less than the day before. 
 
Deaths were at their highest since mid-December, according to a Reuters tally, with 354 people dying of the coronavirus in the last 24 hours, the ministry said, taking total mortalities to 162,468. 
 
India has been reporting a spike in cases this month, with its richest state of Maharashtra, home to the financial capital of Mumbai, accounting for a majority of its case load. 
 
With more than 12 million cases of the coronavirus reported since the beginning of the outbreak last year, India is the third worst affected country in the world, after the United States and Brazil.

India reported 53,480 new cases of the coronavirus, health ministry data showed on Wednesday, the second day that cases have risen less than the day before. Deaths were at their highest since mid-December, according to a Reuters tally, with 354 people dying of the coronavirus in the last 24 hours, the ministry said, taking total mortalities to 162,468.

India reported 53,480 new cases of the coronavirus, health ministry data showed on Wednesday, the second day that cases have risen less than the day before. Deaths were at their highest since mid-December, according to a Reuters tally, with 354 people dying of the coronavirus in the last 24 hours, the ministry said, taking total mortalities to 162,468. India has been reporting a spike in cases this month, with its richest state of Maharashtra, home to the financial capital of Mumbai, accounting for a majority of its case load. With more than 12 million cases of the coronavirus reported since the beginning of the outbreak last year, India is the third worst affected country in the world, after the United States and Brazil.

India records 53,480 coronavirus cases marking a slight decline

Russian Foreign minister Sergey Lavrov will be visiting New Delhi early next week. This will be the first high-level visit from Russia to India this year.

Sources&nbsp;told WION that foreign minister is expected to be in Delhi between April 5 and 7.

Earlier this year, India's foreign&nbsp;secretary Harsh Shringla was on a visit to Moscow, during which he extended an invitation for the Russian foreign minister to visit India.

Afghan peace talks will be a key priority with Russian special envoy to Afghanistan Ambassador Zamir Kabulov to accompany FM Lavrov during Delhi visit. Remember Russia in March hosted the troika plus--Russia, US, China &amp; Pakistan talks on Afghanistan.&nbsp;

During Shringla's Moscow visit, a roadmap was decided on the high level visits and engagements.

This year will also see the visit&nbsp;of Indian Army and Navy chiefs to Moscow.

The big focus will be the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin for the annual India-Russia summit. The summit could not happen last year due to the Covid-19&nbsp;pandemic.

Earlier, Secretary (West) Vikas Swarup had visited Moscow for consultations with the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin on UN Security Council issues.&nbsp;

April could also see the visit of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov for inter inter-governmental commission meeting.

During Lavorv's visit, focus areas will include cooperation during the Covid crisis. The approval for Russia's Covid vaccine Sputnik V&nbsp;is expected to be taken up by Indian regulatory authorities soon. India's BRICS chairmanship for this year will also be in focus. India, as the chair of BRICS, will be inviting the member countries for a summit towards the later half of the year.

Russian Foreign minister Sergey Lavrov will be visiting New Delhi early next week. This will be the first high-level visit from Russia to India this year. Sources told WION that foreign minister is expected to be in Delhi between April 5 and 7.

Russian Foreign minister Sergey Lavrov will be visiting New Delhi early next week. This will be the first high-level visit from Russia to India this year. Sources told WION that foreign minister is expected to be in Delhi between April 5 and 7. Earlier this year, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla was on a visit to Moscow, during which he extended an invitation for the Russian foreign minister to visit India. Afghan peace talks will be a key priority with Russian special envoy to Afghanistan Ambassador Zamir Kabulov to accompany FM Lavrov during Delhi visit. Remember Russia in March hosted the troika plus--Russia, US, China & Pakistan talks on Afghanistan. During Shringla's Moscow visit, a roadmap was decided on the high level visits and engagements. This year will also see the visit of Indian Army and Navy chiefs to Moscow. The big focus will be the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin for the annual India-Russia summit. The summit could not happen last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier, Secretary (West) Vikas Swarup had visited Moscow for consultations with the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin on UN Security Council issues. April could also see the visit of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov for inter inter-governmental commission meeting. During Lavorv's visit, focus areas will include cooperation during the Covid crisis. The approval for Russia's Covid vaccine Sputnik V is expected to be taken up by Indian regulatory authorities soon. India's BRICS chairmanship for this year will also be in focus. India, as the chair of BRICS, will be inviting the member countries for a summit towards the later half of the year.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to visit India next week

Emmanuel Lenain, Ambassador of France to India on Tuesday said that five extra Rafale jets will be ferried to India by the end of April. This would be other than three Rafale which is arriving on Wednesday.

The Ambassador said that It's a matter of great pride, "we've been able to deliver on schedule and even ahead of schedule" in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Right now 21 Rafales delivered to India, 11 already ferried to India, three are right now being ferried and 5 extra will be ferried by end of April," French Envoy to India said.

He added, "Total in 2022, the 36 aircraft will have been delivered as per contract."

Have a look |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/as-india-eyes-more-rafale-jets-why-france-is-developing-future-combat-air-system-362608">As India eyes more Rafale jets, why France is developing Future Combat Air System</a>

The aircraft had started joining the Air Force fleet in the July-August timeframe last year and were quickly operationalised by the Air Force in the shortest possible time.

The aircraft had also been deployed for patrolling along the China front in eastern Ladakh and other fronts during the height of the China confrontation.

The planes equipped with the Hammer missiles have enhanced their capability to carry out air to ground strikes like the one in Balakot.

The Ambassador was in Kochi and boarded Tonnerre ship which will be making a port call.

Two French Navy ships, the Tonnerre and the Surcouf will make a port call in Kochi from March 30 to April 1. Following the port call, the two warships will sail to the Bay of Bengal to take part in the France-led joint naval exercise, La Perouse, which will bring together the navies from India, Australia, Japan, and the United States from April 5-7.

The Tonnerre, an amphibious assault helicopter carrier, is a versatile ship that can deploy assets for amphibious and air assault, conduct troop transport, as well as command a maritime task force and hospital ship. The Surcouf, a La Fayette-class frigate, is designed for high stealth and reduced acoustic signature, and can act as escort to capital ships like the Tonnerre.

The Tonnerre and the Surcouf, together, form the battlegroup Jeanne d'Arc which set sail from France in February 2021 for a five-month-long deployment in the Indo-Pacific region with the aim of providing training for the new cohort of 148 on-board French naval officer cadets, demonstrating France's capacity to deploy assets in strategic areas and strengthening interoperability with major partners in the Indo-Pacific, particularly India, France's foremost strategic partner in Asia.

After this joint exercise, the Tonnerre and the Surcouf will continue their deployment through the Indo-Pacific region, all the way to Japan, before sailing back to France to reach their home port on 14th July, France's National Day. During their voyage, the ships will sail through the South China Sea twice.

In the coming weeks, in addition to the La Perouse exercise, France and India will hold a large-scale Varuna bilateral exercise in the Western Arabian Sea which will involve the French aircraft carrier, battle group.

Emmanuel Lenain, Ambassador of France to India on Tuesday said that five extra Rafale jets will be ferried to India by the end of April. This would be other than three Rafale which is arriving on Wednesday.

Emmanuel Lenain, Ambassador of France to India on Tuesday said that five extra Rafale jets will be ferried to India by the end of April. This would be other than three Rafale which is arriving on Wednesday. The Ambassador said that It's a matter of great pride, "we've been able to deliver on schedule and even ahead of schedule" in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic. "Right now 21 Rafales delivered to India, 11 already ferried to India, three are right now being ferried and 5 extra will be ferried by end of April," French Envoy to India said. He added, "Total in 2022, the 36 aircraft will have been delivered as per contract." Have a look | As India eyes more Rafale jets, why France is developing Future Combat Air System The aircraft had started joining the Air Force fleet in the July-August timeframe last year and were quickly operationalised by the Air Force in the shortest possible time. The aircraft had also been deployed for patrolling along the China front in eastern Ladakh and other fronts during the height of the China confrontation. The planes equipped with the Hammer missiles have enhanced their capability to carry out air to ground strikes like the one in Balakot. The Ambassador was in Kochi and boarded Tonnerre ship which will be making a port call. Two French Navy ships, the Tonnerre and the Surcouf will make a port call in Kochi from March 30 to April 1. Following the port call, the two warships will sail to the Bay of Bengal to take part in the France-led joint naval exercise, La Perouse, which will bring together the navies from India, Australia, Japan, and the United States from April 5-7. The Tonnerre, an amphibious assault helicopter carrier, is a versatile ship that can deploy assets for amphibious and air assault, conduct troop transport, as well as command a maritime task force and hospital ship. The Surcouf, a La Fayette-class frigate, is designed for high stealth and reduced acoustic signature, and can act as escort to capital ships like the Tonnerre. The Tonnerre and the Surcouf, together, form the battlegroup Jeanne d'Arc which set sail from France in February 2021 for a five-month-long deployment in the Indo-Pacific region with the aim of providing training for the new cohort of 148 on-board French naval officer cadets, demonstrating France's capacity to deploy assets in strategic areas and strengthening interoperability with major partners in the Indo-Pacific, particularly India, France's foremost strategic partner in Asia. After this joint exercise, the Tonnerre and the Surcouf will continue their deployment through the Indo-Pacific region, all the way to Japan, before sailing back to France to reach their home port on 14th July, France's National Day. During their voyage, the ships will sail through the South China Sea twice. In the coming weeks, in addition to the La Perouse exercise, France and India will hold a large-scale Varuna bilateral exercise in the Western Arabian Sea which will involve the French aircraft carrier, battle group.

Five extra Rafale jets will be delivered by April-end: French Envoy

US&nbsp;Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will be visiting India on April 6, the second top Biden Administration official to visit India in the last one month. March saw the visit of US Defense secretary Lloyd Austin. The visit by top American officials comes even as both New Delhi and Washington increase engagement on several fronts, from cooperation against Covid to climate change.

During the visit, John Kerry will hold talks with India's Environment Prakash Javadekar and expected to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Climate has been a key priority area for the new US administration. On the first day of his office, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">President Biden </a>announced the US joining the Paris Climate Pact, from which previous US president Trump had withdrawn.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russian-foreign-minister-sergey-lavrov-to-visit-india-next-week-374518">Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to visit India next week</a>

The visit comes even as US President Joe Biden has invited 40 world leaders including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a leader's summit on climate that he will host on April 22&nbsp;and 23. The summit will be virtual, and the invitation has also been extended to India's neighbours like Bhutan's Lotay Tshering, Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina.

According to the White House, the aim of the summit is, "galvanizing efforts by the world’s major economies to reduce emissions during this critical decade to keep a limit to warming of 1.5 degree Celsius within reach.". Summit will reconvene the U.S.-led Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate, which brings together 17 countries responsible for approximately 80 per cent of global emissions and global GDP.

India has its own ambitious International Solar Alliance which aims to harness solar energy to fight climate change. As of January 15, 2021, 89 Countries have signed the Framework Agreement of the ISA. India is expected to talk about that during Kerry's India visit and also the upcoming Climate Meet led by the US.

US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will be visiting India on April 6, the second top Biden Administration official to visit India in the last one month.

US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will be visiting India on April 6, the second top Biden Administration official to visit India in the last one month. March saw the visit of US Defense secretary Lloyd Austin. The visit by top American officials comes even as both New Delhi and Washington increase engagement on several fronts, from cooperation against Covid to climate change. During the visit, John Kerry will hold talks with India's Environment Prakash Javadekar and expected to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Climate has been a key priority area for the new US administration. On the first day of his office, President Biden announced the US joining the Paris Climate Pact, from which previous US president Trump had withdrawn. Also read | Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to visit India next week The visit comes even as US President Joe Biden has invited 40 world leaders including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a leader's summit on climate that he will host on April 22 and 23. The summit will be virtual, and the invitation has also been extended to India's neighbours like Bhutan's Lotay Tshering, Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina. According to the White House, the aim of the summit is, "galvanizing efforts by the world’s major economies to reduce emissions during this critical decade to keep a limit to warming of 1.5 degree Celsius within reach.". Summit will reconvene the U.S.-led Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate, which brings together 17 countries responsible for approximately 80 per cent of global emissions and global GDP. India has its own ambitious International Solar Alliance which aims to harness solar energy to fight climate change. As of January 15, 2021, 89 Countries have signed the Framework Agreement of the ISA. India is expected to talk about that during Kerry's India visit and also the upcoming Climate Meet led by the US.

John Kerry to visit India on April 6

Former Prime Minister and JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda and his wife Chennamma have tested positive for Covid-19.

“My wife Chennamma and I have tested positive for COVID-19. We are self-isolating along with other family members. I request all those who came in contact with us over the last few days to get themselves tested,” he tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
My wife Chennamma and I have tested positive for COVID-19. We are self-isolating along with other family members. 
I request all those who came in contact with us over the last few days to get themselves tested. I request party workers and well-wishers not to panic.
— H D Devegowda (@H_D_Devegowda) <a href="https://twitter.com/H_D_Devegowda/status/1377150151379222529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The JDS leader is self-isolating after he, along with his wife Chennamma, tested positive for COVID-19.&nbsp;

Requesting party members not to panic, former PM Deve Gowda also requested those who had come in contact with his family in recent days to "get themselves tested." 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Spoke to former PM Shri @H_D_Devegowda Ji and enquired about his and his wife’s health. Praying for their quick recovery,.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Spoke to former PM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/H_D_Devegowda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@H_D_Devegowda</a> Ji and enquired about his and his wife’s health. Praying for their quick recovery.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1377168245476614146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

Former Prime Minister and JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda and his wife Chennamma have tested positive for Covid-19. “My wife Chennamma and I have tested positive for COVID-19.

Former Prime Minister and JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda and his wife Chennamma have tested positive for Covid-19. “My wife Chennamma and I have tested positive for COVID-19. We are self-isolating along with other family members. I request all those who came in contact with us over the last few days to get themselves tested,” he tweeted. My wife Chennamma and I have tested positive for COVID-19. We are self-isolating along with other family members. I request all those who came in contact with us over the last few days to get themselves tested. I request party workers and well-wishers not to panic. — H D Devegowda (@H_D_Devegowda) March 31, 2021 × The JDS leader is self-isolating after he, along with his wife Chennamma, tested positive for COVID-19. Requesting party members not to panic, former PM Deve Gowda also requested those who had come in contact with his family in recent days to "get themselves tested." Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Spoke to former PM Shri @H_D_Devegowda Ji and enquired about his and his wife’s health. Praying for their quick recovery,.” Spoke to former PM Shri @H_D_Devegowda Ji and enquired about his and his wife’s health. Praying for their quick recovery. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 31, 2021 × (With inputs from agencies)

Former PM Deve Gowda and his wife Chennamma test positive for Covid-19

India's coronavirus vaccine outreach, or Vaccine Maitri, is continuing with full gusto, with the latest entrant being Fiji, which got&nbsp;a consignment of 100,000 doses.&nbsp;

The vaccines were handed over by India's acting high commissioner Saifullah Khan to Fiji's Prime Minister Admiral (Retd) Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama at the Nadi International Airport.&nbsp;Fiji's Health minister Ifereimi Waqainabete, Defence minister Inia Seruiratu, Permanent Secretary for Office of the Prime Minister Yogesh Karan, Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services James Fong and other top officials were also present.

Fiji's prime minister thanked Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi, tweeting, "Vinaka [thank you]&nbsp;to my friend, @narendramodi , for helping us take this giant step towards a post-pandemic future for Fiji and for the world."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VaccineMaitri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VaccineMaitri</a> has arrived to Fiji with 100k doses of life-saving COVID-19 vaccines. 
 
Vinaka to my friend, <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>, for helping us take this giant step towards a post-pandemic future for Fiji and for the world. <a href="https://t.co/xlWdm04Nvs">pic.twitter.com/xlWdm04Nvs</a>
— Frank Bainimarama (@FijiPM) <a href="https://twitter.com/FijiPM/status/1376455082242269190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"In a bleak year for multilateralism, you’ve helped put a welcome pause on the pandemic politics that’s kept valuable vaccines in the world’s largest &amp; richest countries," he added.

India has sent vaccines to other countries in the Pacific, including to Solomon Islands. India has also dispatched the doses to the Caribbean.

The Indian high commission&nbsp;said in a release: "India and Fiji share longstanding partnership based on mutual respect, cooperation and cultural ties. Fiji is an important partner for realising the Indo- Pacific vision that envisages a free, open and inclusive region in a common pursuit of progress and prosperity."

India began its Vaccine Maitri drive in January, with the first tranche of Indian vaccines being sent to the Maldives and Bhutan, followed by other countries in the neighbourhood. India's vaccine outreach to the world started within four days of it starting its mega domestic vaccination programme on 16th January.

Speaking at an event on Tuesday, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla said, "Since the launch of Vaccine Maitri, we have supplied 64 million doses of vaccines to 82 countries. This includes supplies under a grant, commercial contracts and the COVAX facility [the global vaccine access initiative spearheaded by World Health Organization]."

India's vaccine initiative is expected to get a booster shot, with Quad countries - India, US, Australia, Japan- agreeing after the first leadership summit in March that India's vaccine manufacturing capacity will be increased to produce more doses for the Indo-Pacific region.

India's coronavirus vaccine outreach, or Vaccine Maitri, is continuing with full gusto, with the latest entrant being Fiji, which got a consignment of 100,000 doses.

India's coronavirus vaccine outreach, or Vaccine Maitri, is continuing with full gusto, with the latest entrant being Fiji, which got a consignment of 100,000 doses. The vaccines were handed over by India's acting high commissioner Saifullah Khan to Fiji's Prime Minister Admiral (Retd) Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama at the Nadi International Airport. Fiji's Health minister Ifereimi Waqainabete, Defence minister Inia Seruiratu, Permanent Secretary for Office of the Prime Minister Yogesh Karan, Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services James Fong and other top officials were also present. Fiji's prime minister thanked Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi, tweeting, "Vinaka [thank you] to my friend, @narendramodi , for helping us take this giant step towards a post-pandemic future for Fiji and for the world." #VaccineMaitri has arrived to Fiji with 100k doses of life-saving COVID-19 vaccines. Vinaka to my friend, @narendramodi, for helping us take this giant step towards a post-pandemic future for Fiji and for the world. pic.twitter.com/xlWdm04Nvs — Frank Bainimarama (@FijiPM) March 29, 2021 × "In a bleak year for multilateralism, you’ve helped put a welcome pause on the pandemic politics that’s kept valuable vaccines in the world’s largest & richest countries," he added. India has sent vaccines to other countries in the Pacific, including to Solomon Islands. India has also dispatched the doses to the Caribbean. The Indian high commission said in a release: "India and Fiji share longstanding partnership based on mutual respect, cooperation and cultural ties. Fiji is an important partner for realising the Indo- Pacific vision that envisages a free, open and inclusive region in a common pursuit of progress and prosperity." India began its Vaccine Maitri drive in January, with the first tranche of Indian vaccines being sent to the Maldives and Bhutan, followed by other countries in the neighbourhood. India's vaccine outreach to the world started within four days of it starting its mega domestic vaccination programme on 16th January. Speaking at an event on Tuesday, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla said, "Since the launch of Vaccine Maitri, we have supplied 64 million doses of vaccines to 82 countries. This includes supplies under a grant, commercial contracts and the COVAX facility [the global vaccine access initiative spearheaded by World Health Organization]." India's vaccine initiative is expected to get a booster shot, with Quad countries - India, US, Australia, Japan- agreeing after the first leadership summit in March that India's vaccine manufacturing capacity will be increased to produce more doses for the Indo-Pacific region.

India sends COVID-19 vaccines to over 80 countries, Fiji the latest entrant

India has reported 53,480 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours whereas 354 people have lost their lives. The active caseload increased to over 5,52,000 and the total death toll reached 1,62,468 in the country.

India reports 53,480 new cases of COVID-19 infection, 354 deaths

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister's son and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah confirmed the news on Twitter on Tuesday.

Omar urged everyone who came in contact with his father recently to get tested.

"My father has tested positive for COVID-19 &amp; is showing some symptoms," Omar, &nbsp;who is also vice president of the party, said in a tweet. 
 
"I will be self-isolating along with other family members until we get ourselves tested. I request anyone who has come in to contact with us over the last few days to take all the mandated precautions," he added.

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My father has tested positive for COVID-19 &amp; is showing some symptoms. I will be self-isolating along with other family members until we get ourselves tested. I request anyone who has come in to contact with us over the last few days to take all the mandated precautions.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/1376738046096252932?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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83-year-old Farooq Abdullah had received his first Covid vaccine dose at the start of this month. He hasn't received the second shot.

Omar Abdullah had tweeted about the shot on 2 March.

(With inputs from agencies)

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister's son and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah confirmed the news on Twitter on Tuesday.

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister's son and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah confirmed the news on Twitter on Tuesday. Omar urged everyone who came in contact with his father recently to get tested. "My father has tested positive for COVID-19 & is showing some symptoms," Omar, who is also vice president of the party, said in a tweet. "I will be self-isolating along with other family members until we get ourselves tested. I request anyone who has come in to contact with us over the last few days to take all the mandated precautions," he added. My father has tested positive for COVID-19 & is showing some symptoms. I will be self-isolating along with other family members until we get ourselves tested. I request anyone who has come in to contact with us over the last few days to take all the mandated precautions. — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) March 30, 2021 × 83-year-old Farooq Abdullah had received his first Covid vaccine dose at the start of this month. He hasn't received the second shot. Omar Abdullah had tweeted about the shot on 2 March. (With inputs from agencies)

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah tests positive for COVID-19

The participation of both Indian External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had&nbsp;sparked speculation of a possible meeting between the two leaders amidst recent peace overtures from the Pakistan Army.&nbsp;

While announcing his participation, the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement on Friday said Jaishankar is expected to meet leaders of other participating countries on the sidelines of the 9th Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) ministerial conference.&nbsp;

However, Jaishankar and&nbsp;Qureshi had a bumpy and awkward encounter when they gathered for a group picture during the summit. They constantly avoided each other.

Jaishankar engaged with key stakeholders of the Afghanistan peace dialogue including&nbsp;Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, Turkish Foreign Minister,&nbsp;Mevlut Cavusoglu and&nbsp;Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif. He extended support to a regional process on peace in Afghanistan under the United Nations umbrella.&nbsp;

The process was proposed by the US, in a letter by the US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken to Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani. The proposal calls for the meeting of foreign ministers of Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, India, and the US under the United Nations for a "unified approach to supporting peace in Afghanistan".

The last meeting between Qureshi and an Indian external affairs minister took place in May 2019 in Bishkek on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting. Late Sushma Swaraj was then holding the portfolio of the external affairs minister.&nbsp;

On March 18, Pakistan's powerful Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said it was time for India and Pakistan to ''bury the past and move forward.''

India has said it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence and that the onus is on Islamabad to create an environment free of terror and hostility.&nbsp;

The HoA-IP ministerial conference is part of the Istanbul Process, a regional initiative on security and cooperation for a stable and peaceful Afghanistan that was launched on November 2, 2011, in Turkey. &nbsp;

With India's participation at the Heart of Asia Summit, it finally has a formal seat at the table&nbsp;for the peace negotiations.

The participation of both Indian External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had sparked speculation of a possible meeting between the two leaders amidst recent peace overtures from the Pakistan Army.

The participation of both Indian External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had sparked speculation of a possible meeting between the two leaders amidst recent peace overtures from the Pakistan Army. While announcing his participation, the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement on Friday said Jaishankar is expected to meet leaders of other participating countries on the sidelines of the 9th Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) ministerial conference. However, Jaishankar and Qureshi had a bumpy and awkward encounter when they gathered for a group picture during the summit. They constantly avoided each other. Jaishankar engaged with key stakeholders of the Afghanistan peace dialogue including Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu and Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif. He extended support to a regional process on peace in Afghanistan under the United Nations umbrella. The process was proposed by the US, in a letter by the US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken to Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani. The proposal calls for the meeting of foreign ministers of Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, India, and the US under the United Nations for a "unified approach to supporting peace in Afghanistan". The last meeting between Qureshi and an Indian external affairs minister took place in May 2019 in Bishkek on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting. Late Sushma Swaraj was then holding the portfolio of the external affairs minister. On March 18, Pakistan's powerful Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said it was time for India and Pakistan to ''bury the past and move forward.'' India has said it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence and that the onus is on Islamabad to create an environment free of terror and hostility. The HoA-IP ministerial conference is part of the Istanbul Process, a regional initiative on security and cooperation for a stable and peaceful Afghanistan that was launched on November 2, 2011, in Turkey. With India's participation at the Heart of Asia Summit, it finally has a formal seat at the table for the peace negotiations.

Heart of Asia Summit: No India-Pakistan bilateral talks in Tajikistan

India recorded 56,211 new cases of coronavirus, a slight dip from the country`s record-breaking tallies over the last three days, data from the health ministry showed on Tuesday. 
 
The country`s tally dipped below the 60,000 mark after three days, a Reuters tally showed, with its richest state, Maharashtra, accounting for more than 31,000 of the 56,211 cases reported in the last 24 hours. 
 
Deaths in the last 24 hours stood at 271, and 162,114 have died so far in the pandemic, the health ministry said. 
 
Authorities in Maharashtra were considering whether to impose stricter curbs starting Thursday to contain the rapid spread of the virus, but opposition parties and industrialists have opposed a lockdown. 
 
"The people a lockdown hurts most are the poor, migrant workers &amp; small businesses. The original lockdowns were essentially to buy time to build up hospital/health infrastructure. Let’s focus on resurrecting that &amp; on avoiding mortality," industrialist Anand Mahindra, who heads Mahindra, India`s autos-to-technology conglomerate, said on Twitter on Monday.

India recorded 56,211 new cases of coronavirus, a slight dip from the country`s record-breaking tallies over the last three days, data from the health ministry showed on Tuesday.

India recorded 56,211 new cases of coronavirus, a slight dip from the country`s record-breaking tallies over the last three days, data from the health ministry showed on Tuesday. The country`s tally dipped below the 60,000 mark after three days, a Reuters tally showed, with its richest state, Maharashtra, accounting for more than 31,000 of the 56,211 cases reported in the last 24 hours. Deaths in the last 24 hours stood at 271, and 162,114 have died so far in the pandemic, the health ministry said. Authorities in Maharashtra were considering whether to impose stricter curbs starting Thursday to contain the rapid spread of the virus, but opposition parties and industrialists have opposed a lockdown. "The people a lockdown hurts most are the poor, migrant workers & small businesses. The original lockdowns were essentially to buy time to build up hospital/health infrastructure. Let’s focus on resurrecting that & on avoiding mortality," industrialist Anand Mahindra, who heads Mahindra, India`s autos-to-technology conglomerate, said on Twitter on Monday.

India records 56,211 new cases of coronavirus

The Afghan envoy to India, Farid Mamundzay in his first-ever interview to any media has batted for India's inclusion in all Afghan related peace process--like the troika, UN-facilitated, or Turkey process, calling "Delhi an important capital".

Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Mamundzay said, "we want India's involvement in almost every peace fora....We hope India would be given its rightful place in all those talks, in all those meetings".

His comments come even as more than 10 countries met in Dushanbe for the Heart of Asia meet. India was represented by its foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar. On the heart of Asia meet, Farid said, " It provides us an opportunity to raise the voice of Afghan people, Afghan republic, and present the gains of the last 20 years to our regional partners".

He also spoke on India's role in Afghanistan in building infrastructure, capacity building. He highlighted, " India is helping in state-building in Afghanistan in so many ways...It is incredible to see the belief that Indian leadership has on the youth of Afghanistan"

WION: How do you see the heart of Asia meet furthering peace in Afghanistan? 
Farid Mamundzay: The meeting in Dushanbe takes place at a very important time for us, the ongoing peace process, and the meeting of 15 members of the process is significant for us.

It's a platform for regional stability, it's a platform for cooperation and building confidence. It provides us with an opportunity to raise the voice of the Afghan people, Afghan republic, and present the gains of the last 20 years to our regional partners, to preserve and protect those gains. It's an important platform for us, for regional stability and security. We hope the message was taken loud and clear by regional stakeholders and we look forward to a productive conclusion of the meeting.

WION: Afghanistan is known as the Heart of Asia. The key focus being at that strategic location means connectivity being the focus. How has Afghanistan able to become a central point or a roundabout with connectivity initiatives like Chabahar, Lapis Lazuli corridor?

Farid Mamundzay: You see, these 15 countries form around 40 million square km of land, 27 per cent&nbsp;of the landmass, so it's a huge geographic area. Afghanistan, by no standard, is a landlocked country, it connects, south Asia with central Asia, central Asia with the middle east, and south Asia with the middle east.

So it provides an excellent opportunity for regional and economic cooperation, regional connectivity. It provides a bridge within the continent. So, given that, there is peace in Afghanistan, it promotes prosperity in the region. Given its, location, its roundabout for regional economic cooperation and wonderful initiatives we are undertaking like the Chabahar, lapis lazuli, lot of potentials.

There are different services done by international entities, some of them will be operationalised in the next decade, or decades to come, the economic situation of the region will change as well as GDP of the region, all this will get positively impacted. So, we look forward to practical cooperation with responsible states in the region, to get to that stage where local or inhabitant of the region deserves to get economic benefit from those activities.

 
WION: You have just taken charge. We saw high profile visit of Afghan FM. How has your stint been so far in Delhi? 
Farid Mamundzay: New Delhi is one of the most important capitals for us, given the fact, India is a strategic partner, the largest contributor to Afghanistan's development in the region. New Delhi is very important to us, it's not only important for govt, our relations, but people to people also existed for centuries. My assignment here will be strengthening those ties, whether they be focusing on security cooperation. we have initiated the economic partnership, trade and transit, and areas of further cooperation which include cultural exchanges, education support which we have been receiving very generously over the years. those will be some of the areas of top engagement.

Our foreign minister was here, a 3-day state visit, where he met his counterpart, he met NSA Ajit Doval and other influential people in the policy-making entities. He was able to consult his counterpart and other officials on the ongoing peace process. the visit was there for bilateral ties as well, it has been his first visit while he has taken charge as the foreign minister and it has been a long time since the last time any Afghan FM visited New Delhi. So, it both for, strengthening bilateral ties and peace consultations.

 
WION: How do you see India's role in the Afghan Peace process? 
Farid Mamundzay: As an important regional power, and as a strategic partner, we want India's involvement in almost every peace fora. Whether it's the troika, whether it's the UN-facilitated sitting, whether it's the turkey process, where there is engagement in the Afghan peace process, we want India's presence to be there. The reason we want India's presence is that India has always adopted a very principled approach to support the people of Afghanistan, democratic values issues significant to Afghan people, human rights, democratic gains, individual liberties, women's rights, minorities rights, so India has been critical in key support in all those gains. And we Afghan people, Afghan govt would like a key ally like India in all those processes. We hope India would be given its rightful place in all those talks, in all those meetings and I hope this will be the case as we go along the other process in the future.

WION: And India's role in rebuilding Afghanistan. From Infra to capacity building? 
Farid Mamundzay: If you ask any ordinary afghan, they will be in a better position to tell you what some of the great work India has been doing. From Delaram to Zaranj, from Shahtoot to building Afghan parliament. from initiating Chabahar to small-scale projects across 34 provinces, India has been doing some wonderful initiatives for the Afghan people. If you look at the Indian universities in India, we have more than 60,000 graduates, more than 20,000 studying presently, nowhere in the region or anywhere in the world we have so many afghan students. they are contributing to national building, to state-building. India is helping in state-building in Afghanistan in so many ways, not only, by gifting us development projects and by providing us covid vaccinations, but also by educating our youth and investing in our future. It is incredible to see the belief that Indian leadership has on the youth of Afghanistan, youth which has been ignored for way too long by different actors, India has been investing in them. We are grateful for that support and we are hopeful that it continues for as long as we need it.

WION: How do you see the US proposal of the UN lead process of 6 countries. India is involved in the process. India's EAM spoke about it at the heart of the Asia meet. This even as violence level is increasing.

Farid Mamundzay: It is a sad reality that despite the Doha pact between the Taliban and the US, the level of violence has not reduced, you look at the civilian Casualty report published by the un last year, the Casualty of 2020, there has been civilian Casualty. we support un call for mediation, but we also would like to reiterate the fact that certain principles should be considered. The end state from that peace, an end state where a democratic state will be preserved, where women's rights and minority rights will be protected.

Afghan leadership has been asking our international partners to have an end state where all those values, for which we the afghan for the past 20 years have stood strong alongside our strong partners like India, need to be considered. We welcome the call and support of international partners, regional countries, but want peace that brings lasting stability to Afghanistan and prosperity to the region. Not a process that will further take us to chaos and more and more misery that has been there for way too long. a process that guarantees a peaceful end to the conflict.

The Afghan envoy to India, Farid Mamundzay in his first-ever interview to any media has batted for India's inclusion in all Afghan related peace process--like the troika, UN-facilitated, or Turkey process, calling "Delhi an important capital".

The Afghan envoy to India, Farid Mamundzay in his first-ever interview to any media has batted for India's inclusion in all Afghan related peace process--like the troika, UN-facilitated, or Turkey process, calling "Delhi an important capital". Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Mamundzay said, "we want India's involvement in almost every peace fora....We hope India would be given its rightful place in all those talks, in all those meetings". His comments come even as more than 10 countries met in Dushanbe for the Heart of Asia meet. India was represented by its foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar. On the heart of Asia meet, Farid said, " It provides us an opportunity to raise the voice of Afghan people, Afghan republic, and present the gains of the last 20 years to our regional partners". He also spoke on India's role in Afghanistan in building infrastructure, capacity building. He highlighted, " India is helping in state-building in Afghanistan in so many ways...It is incredible to see the belief that Indian leadership has on the youth of Afghanistan" WION: How do you see the heart of Asia meet furthering peace in Afghanistan? Farid Mamundzay: The meeting in Dushanbe takes place at a very important time for us, the ongoing peace process, and the meeting of 15 members of the process is significant for us. It's a platform for regional stability, it's a platform for cooperation and building confidence. It provides us with an opportunity to raise the voice of the Afghan people, Afghan republic, and present the gains of the last 20 years to our regional partners, to preserve and protect those gains. It's an important platform for us, for regional stability and security. We hope the message was taken loud and clear by regional stakeholders and we look forward to a productive conclusion of the meeting. WION: Afghanistan is known as the Heart of Asia. The key focus being at that strategic location means connectivity being the focus. How has Afghanistan able to become a central point or a roundabout with connectivity initiatives like Chabahar, Lapis Lazuli corridor? Farid Mamundzay: You see, these 15 countries form around 40 million square km of land, 27 per cent of the landmass, so it's a huge geographic area. Afghanistan, by no standard, is a landlocked country, it connects, south Asia with central Asia, central Asia with the middle east, and south Asia with the middle east. So it provides an excellent opportunity for regional and economic cooperation, regional connectivity. It provides a bridge within the continent. So, given that, there is peace in Afghanistan, it promotes prosperity in the region. Given its, location, its roundabout for regional economic cooperation and wonderful initiatives we are undertaking like the Chabahar, lapis lazuli, lot of potentials. There are different services done by international entities, some of them will be operationalised in the next decade, or decades to come, the economic situation of the region will change as well as GDP of the region, all this will get positively impacted. So, we look forward to practical cooperation with responsible states in the region, to get to that stage where local or inhabitant of the region deserves to get economic benefit from those activities. WION: You have just taken charge. We saw high profile visit of Afghan FM. How has your stint been so far in Delhi? Farid Mamundzay: New Delhi is one of the most important capitals for us, given the fact, India is a strategic partner, the largest contributor to Afghanistan's development in the region. New Delhi is very important to us, it's not only important for govt, our relations, but people to people also existed for centuries. My assignment here will be strengthening those ties, whether they be focusing on security cooperation. we have initiated the economic partnership, trade and transit, and areas of further cooperation which include cultural exchanges, education support which we have been receiving very generously over the years. those will be some of the areas of top engagement. Our foreign minister was here, a 3-day state visit, where he met his counterpart, he met NSA Ajit Doval and other influential people in the policy-making entities. He was able to consult his counterpart and other officials on the ongoing peace process. the visit was there for bilateral ties as well, it has been his first visit while he has taken charge as the foreign minister and it has been a long time since the last time any Afghan FM visited New Delhi. So, it both for, strengthening bilateral ties and peace consultations. WION: How do you see India's role in the Afghan Peace process? Farid Mamundzay: As an important regional power, and as a strategic partner, we want India's involvement in almost every peace fora. Whether it's the troika, whether it's the UN-facilitated sitting, whether it's the turkey process, where there is engagement in the Afghan peace process, we want India's presence to be there. The reason we want India's presence is that India has always adopted a very principled approach to support the people of Afghanistan, democratic values issues significant to Afghan people, human rights, democratic gains, individual liberties, women's rights, minorities rights, so India has been critical in key support in all those gains. And we Afghan people, Afghan govt would like a key ally like India in all those processes. We hope India would be given its rightful place in all those talks, in all those meetings and I hope this will be the case as we go along the other process in the future. WION: And India's role in rebuilding Afghanistan. From Infra to capacity building? Farid Mamundzay: If you ask any ordinary afghan, they will be in a better position to tell you what some of the great work India has been doing. From Delaram to Zaranj, from Shahtoot to building Afghan parliament. from initiating Chabahar to small-scale projects across 34 provinces, India has been doing some wonderful initiatives for the Afghan people. If you look at the Indian universities in India, we have more than 60,000 graduates, more than 20,000 studying presently, nowhere in the region or anywhere in the world we have so many afghan students. they are contributing to national building, to state-building. India is helping in state-building in Afghanistan in so many ways, not only, by gifting us development projects and by providing us covid vaccinations, but also by educating our youth and investing in our future. It is incredible to see the belief that Indian leadership has on the youth of Afghanistan, youth which has been ignored for way too long by different actors, India has been investing in them. We are grateful for that support and we are hopeful that it continues for as long as we need it. WION: How do you see the US proposal of the UN lead process of 6 countries. India is involved in the process. India's EAM spoke about it at the heart of the Asia meet. This even as violence level is increasing. Farid Mamundzay: It is a sad reality that despite the Doha pact between the Taliban and the US, the level of violence has not reduced, you look at the civilian Casualty report published by the un last year, the Casualty of 2020, there has been civilian Casualty. we support un call for mediation, but we also would like to reiterate the fact that certain principles should be considered. The end state from that peace, an end state where a democratic state will be preserved, where women's rights and minority rights will be protected. Afghan leadership has been asking our international partners to have an end state where all those values, for which we the afghan for the past 20 years have stood strong alongside our strong partners like India, need to be considered. We welcome the call and support of international partners, regional countries, but want peace that brings lasting stability to Afghanistan and prosperity to the region. Not a process that will further take us to chaos and more and more misery that has been there for way too long. a process that guarantees a peaceful end to the conflict.

Afghan envoy bats for India's inclusion in all peace process; says, New Delhi an important capital

La Perouse will be followed by another important naval exercise, the Indo-French Varuna exercise. This time, Varuna will also include the United Arab Emirates.

India to participate in France's 'La Pérouse' naval exercise

In response to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's letter, Pakistan's PM Imran Khan has written back thanking for the latter's greetings on Pakistan Day. &nbsp;

Khan said, "The people of Pakistan also desire peaceful, cooperative relations with all neighbours, including India. We are convinced that durable peace and stability in South Asia is contingent upon resolving all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan, in particular the Jammu &amp; Kashmir dispute."&nbsp;

The PM also talked about the importance of creation of an enabling environment for a constructive and result-oriented dialogue.&nbsp;

Prime Minister also looked to elaborate on the importance of the day by saying, "The people of Pakistan commemorate this Day by paying tribute to the wisdom and foresight of our founding fathers in envisioning an independent, sovereign state where they could live in freedom and realize their full potential." &nbsp;

Prime Minister Imran Khan also took the opportunity to convey best wishes for the people of India in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Earlier, Modi wrote a letter to Khan to extend greetings to the people of that country on the occasion of Pakistan Day.&nbsp;

He also said, "As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative." &nbsp;

Government sources said it is a routine letter sent every year.&nbsp;

Modi also conveyed his best wishes to Khan and the people of Pakistan in dealing with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

There have been indications of positive movement in ties between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

Last month, the Indian and Pakistani armies recommitted themselves to the 2003 ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Recently, a delegation of Pakistani officials arrived in India for a meeting of the permanent Indus commission. It is the first such dialogue in over two-and-a-half years.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In response to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's letter, Pakistan's PM Imran Khan has written back thanking for the latter's greetings on Pakistan Day. Khan said, "The people of Pakistan also desire peaceful, cooperative relations with all neighbours, including India.

In response to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's letter, Pakistan's PM Imran Khan has written back thanking for the latter's greetings on Pakistan Day. Khan said, "The people of Pakistan also desire peaceful, cooperative relations with all neighbours, including India. We are convinced that durable peace and stability in South Asia is contingent upon resolving all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan, in particular the Jammu & Kashmir dispute." The PM also talked about the importance of creation of an enabling environment for a constructive and result-oriented dialogue. Prime Minister also looked to elaborate on the importance of the day by saying, "The people of Pakistan commemorate this Day by paying tribute to the wisdom and foresight of our founding fathers in envisioning an independent, sovereign state where they could live in freedom and realize their full potential." Prime Minister Imran Khan also took the opportunity to convey best wishes for the people of India in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier, Modi wrote a letter to Khan to extend greetings to the people of that country on the occasion of Pakistan Day. He also said, "As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative." Government sources said it is a routine letter sent every year. Modi also conveyed his best wishes to Khan and the people of Pakistan in dealing with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. There have been indications of positive movement in ties between India and Pakistan. Last month, the Indian and Pakistani armies recommitted themselves to the 2003 ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Recently, a delegation of Pakistani officials arrived in India for a meeting of the permanent Indus commission. It is the first such dialogue in over two-and-a-half years. (With inputs from agencies)

Letter diplomacy? Imran Khan writes back to PM Modi conveying gratitude

Paraguay on Monday received a shipment of 1,00,000 doses of India`s indigenously developed Covaxin vaccine.

"Paraguay receives 100,000 doses of Covaxin vaccine from India. We guarantee the continued immunization against COVID-19. Thanks to India for its support," Sputnik reported citing Paraguay Health Ministry.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar took to Twitter to announce that `Made in India` vaccines have arrived in the south American country. "Never too far for friendship. Made in India vaccines arrive in Paraguay," Jaishankar tweeted.

Paraguay has reported over 2,09,000 COVID-19 cases. So far, over 4,063 people have died in the country due to the infection.India has been supplying coronavirus vaccines to countries around the world under the Vaccine Maitri initiative.

New Delhi has provided vaccines to over 75 countries. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, over 638.81 lakh doses of vaccines have been provided by India to countries.

Paraguay on Monday received a shipment of 1,00,000 doses of India`s indigenously developed Covaxin vaccine. "Paraguay receives 100,000 doses of Covaxin vaccine from India.

Paraguay on Monday received a shipment of 1,00,000 doses of India`s indigenously developed Covaxin vaccine. "Paraguay receives 100,000 doses of Covaxin vaccine from India. We guarantee the continued immunization against COVID-19. Thanks to India for its support," Sputnik reported citing Paraguay Health Ministry. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar took to Twitter to announce that `Made in India` vaccines have arrived in the south American country. "Never too far for friendship. Made in India vaccines arrive in Paraguay," Jaishankar tweeted. Paraguay has reported over 2,09,000 COVID-19 cases. So far, over 4,063 people have died in the country due to the infection.India has been supplying coronavirus vaccines to countries around the world under the Vaccine Maitri initiative. New Delhi has provided vaccines to over 75 countries. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, over 638.81 lakh doses of vaccines have been provided by India to countries.

India provides 1,00,000 doses of Covaxin to Paraguay

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani during his speech at the Heart of Asia conference in Dushanbe thanked India for supporting the Afghan Peace process.

He said, “We acknowledge and appreciate the support and commitment of our other partners such as Iran, India, Saudi Arabia, UAE as well as our Central Asian neighbours to the Afghanistan peace process."

New Delhi has multiple times backed the Afghan govt when it comes to the Afghan peace process.&nbsp;

India's then envoy to Qatar P Kumaran was present at the signing of the US-Taliban pact in February of 2020. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar joined the start of Intra-Afghan talks in September.

The Afghan President highlighted India's connectivity projects that led to increased trade between the two countries. He said, "thanks to cooperation with India, we demonstrated the feasibility of an air corridor."

India-Afghanistan air corridor started in 2017 opened a huge Indian market for Afghan good. Various Air corridors now connect Afghanistan to 55 different countries making the land-locked country, a land-linked country. India has invested at the Chabahar Port that connects India with Afghanistan and beyond.

President Ghani also mentioned Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran (TAPI) pipeline.&nbsp;

He said, “I’d also like to thank Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and India for agreeing with us to broaden the scope of TAPI to encompass the TAP transmission line, the installation of fibre optics, thereby changing the project into a developmental corridor and the site for the growth of clusters."

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani during his speech at the Heart of Asia conference in Dushanbe thanked India for supporting the Afghan Peace process. He said, “We acknowledge and appreciate the support and commitment of our other partners such as Iran, India, Saudi Arabia, UAE as well as our Central Asian neighbours to the Afghanistan peace process.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani during his speech at the Heart of Asia conference in Dushanbe thanked India for supporting the Afghan Peace process. He said, “We acknowledge and appreciate the support and commitment of our other partners such as Iran, India, Saudi Arabia, UAE as well as our Central Asian neighbours to the Afghanistan peace process." New Delhi has multiple times backed the Afghan govt when it comes to the Afghan peace process. India's then envoy to Qatar P Kumaran was present at the signing of the US-Taliban pact in February of 2020. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar joined the start of Intra-Afghan talks in September. The Afghan President highlighted India's connectivity projects that led to increased trade between the two countries. He said, "thanks to cooperation with India, we demonstrated the feasibility of an air corridor." India-Afghanistan air corridor started in 2017 opened a huge Indian market for Afghan good. Various Air corridors now connect Afghanistan to 55 different countries making the land-locked country, a land-linked country. India has invested at the Chabahar Port that connects India with Afghanistan and beyond. President Ghani also mentioned Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran (TAPI) pipeline. He said, “I’d also like to thank Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and India for agreeing with us to broaden the scope of TAPI to encompass the TAP transmission line, the installation of fibre optics, thereby changing the project into a developmental corridor and the site for the growth of clusters."

Afghanistan president thanks India for support on the peace process, connectivity at Heart of Asia conference

India celebrates the Hindu festival of Holi on Monday -- with fears of a second wave of Covid-19 putting a damper on the usually boisterous celebration marked by the throwing of coloured powder and dousing with dyed water.

The two-day spring festival is a rowdy explosion of colour. Sunday was marked by 'Holika Dehan', and prayers to the almighty. And on Monday, people will smear each other’s faces with green, yellow and red powder.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to this end, took to Twitter to greet people on the auspicious occasion and extended them his best wishes.

Modi wished that this festival of joy and celebration infuses new energy and enthusiasm in everyone's life.

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आप सभी को होली की ढेर सारी शुभकामनाएं। आनंद, उमंग, हर्ष और उल्लास का यह त्योहार हर किसी के जीवन में नए जोश और नई ऊर्जा का संचार करे।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1376344887033962499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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US Vice-President Kamala Harris also greeted people on the occasion of Holi, saying the festival is all about "positivity, setting aside our differences, and coming together".&nbsp;

Taking to Twitter, Harris said: "Happy Holi! Holi is best known for vibrant colors that are tossed at friends and loved ones. Full of joy, Holi is all about positivity, setting aside our differences, and coming together. A message that`s been embodied by communities across the world during these tough times."&nbsp;

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Happy Holi! Holi is best known for vibrant colors that are tossed at friends and loved ones. Full of joy, Holi is all about positivity, setting aside our differences, and coming together. A message that’s been embodied by communities across the world during these tough times.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1376187325231816708?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also took to Twitter to wish people.

Notably, Canada is known to house many people of Hindu ethnicity.

He posted on Twitter: "Holi Hai! To all Hindus across the country and around the world who are celebrating today, Sophie and I are wishing you a joyous and colourful festival."

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Holi Hai! To all Hindus across the country and around the world who are celebrating today, Sophie and I are wishing you a joyous and colourful festival. <a href="https://t.co/prFprnMqMt">https://t.co/prFprnMqMt</a>
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau/status/1376165186994905092?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The US embassy in India also extended their wishes.

"This year, to celebrate #Holi in a safe and delicious style, we're focusing on the food! Watch the reactions as we filmed our diplomats trying various Holi treats from a safe distance. #HappyHoli everyone!"

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This year, to celebrate <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Holi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Holi</a> in a safe and delicious style, we're focusing on the food! Watch the reactions as we filmed our diplomats trying various Holi treats from a safe distance. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyHoli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyHoli</a> everyone! <a href="https://t.co/g23Et4Wcoi">pic.twitter.com/g23Et4Wcoi</a>
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAndIndia/status/1376383617035689988?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Even though Holi is predominantly a Hindu festival, it is celebrated by people of many cultures across the world.

India celebrates the Hindu festival of Holi on Monday -- with fears of a second wave of Covid-19 putting a damper on the usually boisterous celebration marked by the throwing of coloured powder and dousing with dyed water.

India celebrates the Hindu festival of Holi on Monday -- with fears of a second wave of Covid-19 putting a damper on the usually boisterous celebration marked by the throwing of coloured powder and dousing with dyed water. The two-day spring festival is a rowdy explosion of colour. Sunday was marked by 'Holika Dehan', and prayers to the almighty. And on Monday, people will smear each other’s faces with green, yellow and red powder. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to this end, took to Twitter to greet people on the auspicious occasion and extended them his best wishes. Modi wished that this festival of joy and celebration infuses new energy and enthusiasm in everyone's life. आप सभी को होली की ढेर सारी शुभकामनाएं। आनंद, उमंग, हर्ष और उल्लास का यह त्योहार हर किसी के जीवन में नए जोश और नई ऊर्जा का संचार करे। — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 29, 2021 × US Vice-President Kamala Harris also greeted people on the occasion of Holi, saying the festival is all about "positivity, setting aside our differences, and coming together". Taking to Twitter, Harris said: "Happy Holi! Holi is best known for vibrant colors that are tossed at friends and loved ones. Full of joy, Holi is all about positivity, setting aside our differences, and coming together. A message that`s been embodied by communities across the world during these tough times." Happy Holi! Holi is best known for vibrant colors that are tossed at friends and loved ones. Full of joy, Holi is all about positivity, setting aside our differences, and coming together. A message that’s been embodied by communities across the world during these tough times. — Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) March 28, 2021 × Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also took to Twitter to wish people. Notably, Canada is known to house many people of Hindu ethnicity. He posted on Twitter: "Holi Hai! To all Hindus across the country and around the world who are celebrating today, Sophie and I are wishing you a joyous and colourful festival." Holi Hai! To all Hindus across the country and around the world who are celebrating today, Sophie and I are wishing you a joyous and colourful festival. https://t.co/prFprnMqMt — Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 28, 2021 × The US embassy in India also extended their wishes. "This year, to celebrate #Holi in a safe and delicious style, we're focusing on the food! Watch the reactions as we filmed our diplomats trying various Holi treats from a safe distance. #HappyHoli everyone!" This year, to celebrate #Holi in a safe and delicious style, we're focusing on the food! Watch the reactions as we filmed our diplomats trying various Holi treats from a safe distance. #HappyHoli everyone! pic.twitter.com/g23Et4Wcoi — U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) March 29, 2021 × Even though Holi is predominantly a Hindu festival, it is celebrated by people of many cultures across the world.

India celebrates Holi; wishes pour in from across the world

As key stakeholders on the situation in Afghanistan gather in Tajikistan this week, focus will be on the country once ruled by Taliban. Heart of Asia summit is taking place in Tajikistan. This is a conference to promote peace in Afghanistan.

But all eyes will be on the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan. They'll come face to face at the summit.

After the ceasefire at the border, speculation is high. Many say a pull-aside is possible.

The Heart of Asia Summit began in 2011. It is a forum for leaders of Afghanistan and its extended neighbourhood to gather and discuss their differences and disputes.

But this year, the focus has shifted. While Afghanistan will still be discussed, there is intense speculation over a possible meeting between the leaders of India and Pakistan.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Dushanbe.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is also participating.

Reports say that Islamabad is pushing for talks. The odds stack in favour of talks.

There have been hints and developments in the past two months. First, India and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to honour the ceasefire on the Line of Control.

Then Pakistan's Army Chief made clear overtures. Gen&nbsp;Qamar Javed Bajwa said it's time to bury the past and move forward. New Delhi still maintains&nbsp;terror and talks can't go together.

But India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently penned a goodwill letter to his counterpart in Pakistan, Imran Khan. The letter said that India desired cordial relations with the people of Pakistan.

And for this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative.

Beyond Pakistan, minister Jaishankar has a packed schedule. He met with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif. They discussed progress on the Chabahar port.

Also in focus will be the Afghan peace deal. Key stakeholders Iran, Russia, Turkey and China will be present. 
&nbsp; 
India can gauge if the peace deal will hold.

The US Is looking for an exit. India has stakes in Afghanistan.

The Heart of Asia Summit is a good platform to assess the situation and make its voice heard in the peace process.

As key stakeholders on the situation in Afghanistan gather in Tajikistan this week, focus will be on the country once ruled by Taliban. Heart of Asia summit is taking place in Tajikistan.

As key stakeholders on the situation in Afghanistan gather in Tajikistan this week, focus will be on the country once ruled by Taliban. Heart of Asia summit is taking place in Tajikistan. This is a conference to promote peace in Afghanistan. But all eyes will be on the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan. They'll come face to face at the summit. After the ceasefire at the border, speculation is high. Many say a pull-aside is possible. The Heart of Asia Summit began in 2011. It is a forum for leaders of Afghanistan and its extended neighbourhood to gather and discuss their differences and disputes. But this year, the focus has shifted. While Afghanistan will still be discussed, there is intense speculation over a possible meeting between the leaders of India and Pakistan. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Dushanbe. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is also participating. Reports say that Islamabad is pushing for talks. The odds stack in favour of talks. There have been hints and developments in the past two months. First, India and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to honour the ceasefire on the Line of Control. Then Pakistan's Army Chief made clear overtures. Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said it's time to bury the past and move forward. New Delhi still maintains terror and talks can't go together. But India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently penned a goodwill letter to his counterpart in Pakistan, Imran Khan. The letter said that India desired cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. And for this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative. Beyond Pakistan, minister Jaishankar has a packed schedule. He met with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif. They discussed progress on the Chabahar port. Also in focus will be the Afghan peace deal. Key stakeholders Iran, Russia, Turkey and China will be present. India can gauge if the peace deal will hold. The US Is looking for an exit. India has stakes in Afghanistan. The Heart of Asia Summit is a good platform to assess the situation and make its voice heard in the peace process.

Heart of Asia Summit: World watches India and Pakistan in Tajikistan

This year, Holi has come at a time when the country is in the grip of the second wave of Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). And the latest figures show that India has shown the biggest jump in COVID-19 weekly cases in the past week.

COVID-19 cases surge in India, Maharashtra is India's worst affected state

The French Navy's&nbsp;amphibious assault helicopter carrier Tonnerre and escort frigate Surcouf&nbsp;will arrive at the Indian port of Kochi on Tuesday morning ahead of joint drills with the navies of Quad member countries. The two French ships will make the port call for three days till&nbsp; April 1.

Tonnerre and Surcouf are carrying out a five-month long deployment, which started in February and takes place throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

The port call will come ahead of joint exercises of French ships with Quad vessels. The France-led "La Pérouse" exercise will take place in April in the Bay of Bengal. This time, all the the four Quad members - India, US, Australia and Japan -&nbsp;will take part in it. The first edition of this exercise took place in 2019.

It is for the first time India will be joining France-initiated La Pérouse exercises. The 2019 edition only had US, Australia, and Japan. The exercises have been named after La Pérouse, a French naval officer and explorer from in 18th century.

In late April, France will also have the bilateral 'Varuna'&nbsp;naval exercise with India, which will involve France's aircraft carrier again. The last edition of Varuna exercises took place along the Goa coast in May 2019. That was the 17th edition of this exercise.&nbsp;In 2020, French and Indian Navies carried out their first joint patrol from the French island of La Réunion.

France has been engaging with Quad member countries in various formats. In January, the India-France-Australia trilateral senior officials’ meeting took place. September saw the first foreign secretary-level trilateral dialogue between the three countries.

The French Navy's amphibious assault helicopter carrier Tonnerre and escort frigate Surcouf will arrive at the Indian port of Kochi on Tuesday morning ahead of joint drills with the navies of Quad member countries.

The French Navy's amphibious assault helicopter carrier Tonnerre and escort frigate Surcouf will arrive at the Indian port of Kochi on Tuesday morning ahead of joint drills with the navies of Quad member countries. The two French ships will make the port call for three days till April 1. Tonnerre and Surcouf are carrying out a five-month long deployment, which started in February and takes place throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The port call will come ahead of joint exercises of French ships with Quad vessels. The France-led "La Pérouse" exercise will take place in April in the Bay of Bengal. This time, all the the four Quad members - India, US, Australia and Japan - will take part in it. The first edition of this exercise took place in 2019. It is for the first time India will be joining France-initiated La Pérouse exercises. The 2019 edition only had US, Australia, and Japan. The exercises have been named after La Pérouse, a French naval officer and explorer from in 18th century. In late April, France will also have the bilateral 'Varuna' naval exercise with India, which will involve France's aircraft carrier again. The last edition of Varuna exercises took place along the Goa coast in May 2019. That was the 17th edition of this exercise. In 2020, French and Indian Navies carried out their first joint patrol from the French island of La Réunion. France has been engaging with Quad member countries in various formats. In January, the India-France-Australia trilateral senior officials’ meeting took place. September saw the first foreign secretary-level trilateral dialogue between the three countries.

French ships to make port call at Kochi ahead of joint drills with navies of Quad countries

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said no meeting has been 'finalised or requested' so far with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the 'Heart of Asia' conference on Tuesday at Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe, according to a media report on Monday.&nbsp;

The participation of both the ministers at the conference has sparked speculation of a possible meeting between the two leaders amidst recent peace overtures from the Pakistan Army.&nbsp;

Qureshi on Sunday told the Dawn newspaper that no meeting (between him and Jaishankar) has been finalised or requested.&nbsp;

When asked about media speculation that India and Pakistan have been quietly negotiating for the full resumption of diplomatic relations, Qureshi said, "No such decision yet".&nbsp;

Jaishankar last week also did not give a specific reply to questions on whether he will meet Qureshi on the sidelines of the conference.&nbsp;

"My scheduling is in progress. So far, I do not think any such meeting (is scheduled)," he said, at the India Economic Conclave in New Delhi on March 26.&nbsp;

While announcing his participation, the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement on Friday said Jaishankar is expected to meet leaders of other participating countries on the sidelines of the 9th Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) ministerial conference.&nbsp;

The last meeting between Qureshi and an Indian external affairs minister took place in May 2019 in Bishkek on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting. Late Sushma Swaraj was then holding the portfolio of the external affairs minister.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Foreign Office on Sunday said Qureshi would hold consultations with key regional and international partners on the sidelines of the conference.&nbsp;

India and Pakistan are without high commissioners in each other's capital, New Delhi and Islamabad, respectively, since the relations between the two countries nosedived after India withdrew special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two union territories in August 2019.&nbsp;

On March 18, Pakistan's powerful Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said it was time for India and Pakistan to 'bury the past and move forward'.&nbsp;

India has said it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence and that the onus is on Islamabad to create an environment free of terror and hostility.&nbsp;

The HoA-IP ministerial conference is part of the Istanbul Process, a regional initiative on security and cooperation for a stable and peaceful Afghanistan that was launched on November 2, 2011 in Turkey. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said no meeting has been 'finalised or requested' so far with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the 'Heart of Asia' conference on Tuesday at Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe, according to a media report on Monday.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said no meeting has been 'finalised or requested' so far with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the 'Heart of Asia' conference on Tuesday at Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe, according to a media report on Monday. The participation of both the ministers at the conference has sparked speculation of a possible meeting between the two leaders amidst recent peace overtures from the Pakistan Army. Qureshi on Sunday told the Dawn newspaper that no meeting (between him and Jaishankar) has been finalised or requested. When asked about media speculation that India and Pakistan have been quietly negotiating for the full resumption of diplomatic relations, Qureshi said, "No such decision yet". Jaishankar last week also did not give a specific reply to questions on whether he will meet Qureshi on the sidelines of the conference. "My scheduling is in progress. So far, I do not think any such meeting (is scheduled)," he said, at the India Economic Conclave in New Delhi on March 26. While announcing his participation, the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement on Friday said Jaishankar is expected to meet leaders of other participating countries on the sidelines of the 9th Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) ministerial conference. The last meeting between Qureshi and an Indian external affairs minister took place in May 2019 in Bishkek on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting. Late Sushma Swaraj was then holding the portfolio of the external affairs minister. Pakistan's Foreign Office on Sunday said Qureshi would hold consultations with key regional and international partners on the sidelines of the conference. India and Pakistan are without high commissioners in each other's capital, New Delhi and Islamabad, respectively, since the relations between the two countries nosedived after India withdrew special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two union territories in August 2019. On March 18, Pakistan's powerful Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said it was time for India and Pakistan to 'bury the past and move forward'. India has said it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence and that the onus is on Islamabad to create an environment free of terror and hostility. The HoA-IP ministerial conference is part of the Istanbul Process, a regional initiative on security and cooperation for a stable and peaceful Afghanistan that was launched on November 2, 2011 in Turkey. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak Foreign Minister: Meeting with Jaishankar not 'finalised or requested' 

With hardly a week to go for polling day on April 6th&nbsp;in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, WION caught up with actor-turned-politician Khushbu Sundar, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)&nbsp;candidate for Thousand Lights constituency in Chennai. Her background in cinema has made her&nbsp;a household name, and after more than a decade in politics, she is now making her poll debut as a BJP candidate for the assembly. Later this week, Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to campaign for her.&nbsp;&nbsp;

WION: How is the response to BJP’s campaign in Thousand Lights constituency ?

Khushbu Sundar: There’s a very good response for our campaign, women want me to win and they’re confident that I’ll solve their issues as a woman. Their love towards me is evident from the way they have gathered in large numbers. They (opposition) said BJP would never make it, but now there’s a clear wave of change in people’s minds.&nbsp;

WION: Are minority votes in Tamil Nadu a major challenge?&nbsp;

Khushbu Sundar: The BJP won the largest mandate of 303 parliamentary seats in 2019, and this was not possible without minorities voting for us. As far as the women in minority communities are concerned, they say that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is akin to an elder brother and a source of strength for them. The opposition parties are indulging in fake propaganda.&nbsp;

WION: As a woman leader, how do you see the recent misogynistic comments by opposition leaders?

Khushbu Sundar: On the one hand, the opposition claims that they will help women and keep them safe, but now they themselves are saying deplorable things about women. How can such people enable a same environment for women?&nbsp;

WION: The DMK (whose candidate you are taking on) says this seat is their stronghold. Do you foresee a blockbuster on your electoral debut ?

Khushbu Sundar: We are sure of the people being with us. We must recall that DMK President MK Stalin who contested here, jumped to Kolathur constituency 10 years back. He had done so based on doubts of losing here. Our ally AIADMK has won here many times, DMK themselves are claiming that this seat is their stronghold. The finest example of this is MK Stalin, who left for another seat.&nbsp;

WION: There are allegations that actors will forget their constituencies and people after elections. How do you respond ?&nbsp;

Khushbu Sundar: I have seen that these comments have come from a dynast, who is looking at things through his perspective. They are the ones who promise development, safety, roads, employment, water supply and end up neglecting their constituencies. They better brush up their history lessons and recollect Tamil Nadu’s political history where all tall leaders Karunanidhi, MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa have had a cinema industry background.&nbsp;

With hardly a week to go for polling day on April 6th in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, WION caught up with actor-turned-politician Khushbu Sundar, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for Thousand Lights constituency in Chennai.

With hardly a week to go for polling day on April 6th in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, WION caught up with actor-turned-politician Khushbu Sundar, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for Thousand Lights constituency in Chennai. Her background in cinema has made her a household name, and after more than a decade in politics, she is now making her poll debut as a BJP candidate for the assembly. Later this week, Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to campaign for her. WION: How is the response to BJP’s campaign in Thousand Lights constituency ? Khushbu Sundar: There’s a very good response for our campaign, women want me to win and they’re confident that I’ll solve their issues as a woman. Their love towards me is evident from the way they have gathered in large numbers. They (opposition) said BJP would never make it, but now there’s a clear wave of change in people’s minds. WION: Are minority votes in Tamil Nadu a major challenge? Khushbu Sundar: The BJP won the largest mandate of 303 parliamentary seats in 2019, and this was not possible without minorities voting for us. As far as the women in minority communities are concerned, they say that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is akin to an elder brother and a source of strength for them. The opposition parties are indulging in fake propaganda. WION: As a woman leader, how do you see the recent misogynistic comments by opposition leaders? Khushbu Sundar: On the one hand, the opposition claims that they will help women and keep them safe, but now they themselves are saying deplorable things about women. How can such people enable a same environment for women? WION: The DMK (whose candidate you are taking on) says this seat is their stronghold. Do you foresee a blockbuster on your electoral debut ? Khushbu Sundar: We are sure of the people being with us. We must recall that DMK President MK Stalin who contested here, jumped to Kolathur constituency 10 years back. He had done so based on doubts of losing here. Our ally AIADMK has won here many times, DMK themselves are claiming that this seat is their stronghold. The finest example of this is MK Stalin, who left for another seat. WION: There are allegations that actors will forget their constituencies and people after elections. How do you respond ? Khushbu Sundar: I have seen that these comments have come from a dynast, who is looking at things through his perspective. They are the ones who promise development, safety, roads, employment, water supply and end up neglecting their constituencies. They better brush up their history lessons and recollect Tamil Nadu’s political history where all tall leaders Karunanidhi, MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa have had a cinema industry background.

Tamil Nadu polls: BJP’s Khushbu Sundar confident of victory, dismisses criticism of her cinema background

India saw 68,020 new coronavirus cases in a span of 24 hours, the highest single-day rise so far this year, taking the country's COVID-19 tally to above 1.20 crore, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

Registering a steady increase for the 19th day in a row, the active cases have increased to &nbsp;5,21,808, which comprise 4.33 per cent of the total infections, while the recovery rate has further dropped to 94.32 per cent, the data stated.

A total of 68,020 new cases were reported in a day, the highest recorded since October 11 last year, taking the country's tally of cases to 1,20,39,644, while the death toll increased to 1,61,843 with 291 fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.

As many as 74,383 new cases were recorded in a span of 24 hours on October 11.

The active caseload was at its lowest at 1,35,926 on February 12 comprising 1.25 per cent of the total infections.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,13,55,993, while the case fatality rate has further has dropped to 1.34 per cent, the data stated.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed 20 lakh mark on August 7 last year, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16.

It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19 last year.

According to the Indian Council for Medical Research, 24,18,64,161 samples have been tested up to March 28 with 9,13,319 samples being tested on Saturday.

The 291 new fatalities include 108 from Maharashtra, 69 from Punjab, 15 from Chhattisgarh, 12 each from Kerala and Karnataka, and 11 each from Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

A total of 1,61,843 &nbsp;deaths have been reported so far in the country, including 54,181 from Maharashtra, 12,670 from Tamil Nadu, 12,504 from Karnataka, 11,006 from Delhi, 10,324 from West Bengal, 8,786 from Uttar Pradesh, 7,205 from Andhra Pradesh and 6,690 from Punjab.

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

P

India saw 68,020 new coronavirus cases in a span of 24 hours, the highest single-day rise so far this year, taking the country's COVID-19 tally to above 1.20 crore, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

India saw 68,020 new coronavirus cases in a span of 24 hours, the highest single-day rise so far this year, taking the country's COVID-19 tally to above 1.20 crore, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday. Registering a steady increase for the 19th day in a row, the active cases have increased to 5,21,808, which comprise 4.33 per cent of the total infections, while the recovery rate has further dropped to 94.32 per cent, the data stated. A total of 68,020 new cases were reported in a day, the highest recorded since October 11 last year, taking the country's tally of cases to 1,20,39,644, while the death toll increased to 1,61,843 with 291 fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. As many as 74,383 new cases were recorded in a span of 24 hours on October 11. The active caseload was at its lowest at 1,35,926 on February 12 comprising 1.25 per cent of the total infections. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,13,55,993, while the case fatality rate has further has dropped to 1.34 per cent, the data stated. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed 20 lakh mark on August 7 last year, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19 last year. According to the Indian Council for Medical Research, 24,18,64,161 samples have been tested up to March 28 with 9,13,319 samples being tested on Saturday. The 291 new fatalities include 108 from Maharashtra, 69 from Punjab, 15 from Chhattisgarh, 12 each from Kerala and Karnataka, and 11 each from Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. A total of 1,61,843 deaths have been reported so far in the country, including 54,181 from Maharashtra, 12,670 from Tamil Nadu, 12,504 from Karnataka, 11,006 from Delhi, 10,324 from West Bengal, 8,786 from Uttar Pradesh, 7,205 from Andhra Pradesh and 6,690 from Punjab. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. P

Spike in fresh COVID-19 cases, India records 68,020 new infections

India reported 62,714 new COVID-19 cases, 28,739 discharges and 312 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry on Sunday.

The cumulative cases reached 1,19,71,624 including 1,13,23,762 recoveries, 4,86,310 active infections. The death toll reached 1,61,552.With 3,04,809 active cases, Maharashtra remains the worst affected state.

As many as 23,14,579 recovered from the disease while the state recorded 54,073 deaths.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the total number of samples tested up to March 27 is 24,09,50,842 including 11,81,289 samples tested yesterday. A total of 6,02,69,782 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far in the country.&nbsp;

India reported 62,714 new COVID-19 cases, 28,739 discharges and 312 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry on Sunday. The cumulative cases reached 1,19,71,624 including 1,13,23,762 recoveries, 4,86,310 active infections.

India reported 62,714 new COVID-19 cases, 28,739 discharges and 312 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry on Sunday. The cumulative cases reached 1,19,71,624 including 1,13,23,762 recoveries, 4,86,310 active infections. The death toll reached 1,61,552.With 3,04,809 active cases, Maharashtra remains the worst affected state. As many as 23,14,579 recovered from the disease while the state recorded 54,073 deaths. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the total number of samples tested up to March 27 is 24,09,50,842 including 11,81,289 samples tested yesterday. A total of 6,02,69,782 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far in the country.

India reports 62,714 new COVID-19 cases, 312 deaths in last 24 hours

India reported 62,714 new COVID-19 cases, 28,739 discharges and 312 deaths in the 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry on Sunday.

COVID-19 cases in India at a 5 months high

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