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Sending alarms bells ringing, Maharashtra`s Covid-19 cases jumped to a new high of over 30,000 on Sunday, with deaths also shooting up in the "second wave" that has gripped the state, while Mumbai recorded 3,000 plus fresh infections, health officials said.

The state saw 30,535 new infections, up from Saturday`s 27,126, and 99 deaths, taking up the state tally to 24,79,682 and toll to 53,399, respectively - both highest in the country.

For the first time, Mumbai figures have shot up over 3,000 to 3,779, and this is attributed to the rapid antigen tests being conducted at malls and public places to trace infectees as the city reels under the surge.

The state`s recovery rate came down from 89.97 per cent to 89.32 per cent, while the death rate stood at 2.15 percent, as compared to 2.18 per cent a day earlier, while the number of active cases jumped up sharply from 191,006 to 210,120.

The number of people sent to home isolation shot up to 969,867 while those shunted to institutional quarantine increased to 9,601 on Sunday.

Pune saw the maximum fatalities, 25, while there were 17 deaths in Nagpur, 11 in Jalgaon, 10 in Mumbai, seven in Akola, four in Thane, three each in Nashik, Nandurbar, and Aurangabad, two each in Raigad, Satara, Ratnagiri, Beed, Nanded, Wardha, and Chandrapur, and one each in Sangli and Latur.

The developments came two days after Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray warned that "lockdown is an option in future" before the government, and solicited peoples` voluntary cooperation as the new cases surpassed all previous records.

Sending alarms bells ringing, Maharashtra`s Covid-19 cases jumped to a new high of over 30,000 on Sunday, with deaths also shooting up in the "second wave" that has gripped the state, while Mumbai recorded 3,000 plus fresh infections, health officials said.

Sending alarms bells ringing, Maharashtra`s Covid-19 cases jumped to a new high of over 30,000 on Sunday, with deaths also shooting up in the "second wave" that has gripped the state, while Mumbai recorded 3,000 plus fresh infections, health officials said. The state saw 30,535 new infections, up from Saturday`s 27,126, and 99 deaths, taking up the state tally to 24,79,682 and toll to 53,399, respectively - both highest in the country. For the first time, Mumbai figures have shot up over 3,000 to 3,779, and this is attributed to the rapid antigen tests being conducted at malls and public places to trace infectees as the city reels under the surge. The state`s recovery rate came down from 89.97 per cent to 89.32 per cent, while the death rate stood at 2.15 percent, as compared to 2.18 per cent a day earlier, while the number of active cases jumped up sharply from 191,006 to 210,120. The number of people sent to home isolation shot up to 969,867 while those shunted to institutional quarantine increased to 9,601 on Sunday. Pune saw the maximum fatalities, 25, while there were 17 deaths in Nagpur, 11 in Jalgaon, 10 in Mumbai, seven in Akola, four in Thane, three each in Nashik, Nandurbar, and Aurangabad, two each in Raigad, Satara, Ratnagiri, Beed, Nanded, Wardha, and Chandrapur, and one each in Sangli and Latur. The developments came two days after Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray warned that "lockdown is an option in future" before the government, and solicited peoples` voluntary cooperation as the new cases surpassed all previous records.

Maharashtra Covid cases scale new high of 30,000

Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said that the country has made preparations to provide maximum security for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Dhaka later this week. 
 
While addressing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy here on Saturday, Momen said: "This is a democratic country and people have different opinions here. But we have no reason to worry about the security of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We will provide the maximum amount of security for him". 
 
"It is a matter of happiness for us that the head of the Indian government will go out of Dhaka", the Minister said. 
 
Modi is scheduled to visit Bangladesh from Friday to Saturday to join the celebration of Bangabandhu`s birth centenary and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh`s independence. 
 
On Friday, the Indian Prime Minister is slated to visit the two temples in Satkhira and Gopalganj and exchange views with the locals. 
 
Also speaking at the press conference, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam said: "Those who believe in the spirit of the Liberation War and consider Bangabandhu as the Father of the Nation should show honour to the visiting South Asian leaders. This is because the main reason behind their visit is Bangabandhu`s birth centenary and the Golden Jubilee of Independent Bangladesh".

Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said that the country has made preparations to provide maximum security for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Dhaka later this week.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said that the country has made preparations to provide maximum security for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Dhaka later this week. While addressing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy here on Saturday, Momen said: "This is a democratic country and people have different opinions here. But we have no reason to worry about the security of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We will provide the maximum amount of security for him". "It is a matter of happiness for us that the head of the Indian government will go out of Dhaka", the Minister said. Modi is scheduled to visit Bangladesh from Friday to Saturday to join the celebration of Bangabandhu`s birth centenary and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh`s independence. On Friday, the Indian Prime Minister is slated to visit the two temples in Satkhira and Gopalganj and exchange views with the locals. Also speaking at the press conference, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam said: "Those who believe in the spirit of the Liberation War and consider Bangabandhu as the Father of the Nation should show honour to the visiting South Asian leaders. This is because the main reason behind their visit is Bangabandhu`s birth centenary and the Golden Jubilee of Independent Bangladesh".

We'll provide maximum security for PM Modi: Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Momen

India is once again witnessing a massive surge in coronavirus cases as it recorded 40,953 infections in the last 24 hours, highest so far since November, taking the total tally to 1,15,55,284 on Saturday. 
 
A single-day spike of 41,810 new infections were recorded on November 28 last year. The country has been registering an increase in cases for the 10th consecutive day. 
 
According to the Health Ministry, Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh are exhibiting a steep rise in daily numbers. 
 
The central government is closely monitoring and actively engaging with the states and union territories over the rising cases. 
 
With death of 188 people in the last 24 hours, the toll has reached 1,59,558 in India. The active caseload in country has mounted to 2,88,394. 
 
With the discharge of 23,653 patients in a day, a total of 1,11,07,332 persons have been discharged so far. A total of 10,60,971 tests were done on Friday. 
 
So far, 4.20 crore doses of corona vaccines have been administered in the country since the drive began on January 16 after approval for `Covishield` and `Covaxin`. 
 
More than 18.16 lakh doses were administered on a single day on Friday. 
 
--IANS 
 
aka/in 
&nbsp;

India is once again witnessing a massive surge in coronavirus cases as it recorded 40,953 infections in the last 24 hours, highest so far since November, taking the total tally to 1,15,55,284 on Saturday.

India is once again witnessing a massive surge in coronavirus cases as it recorded 40,953 infections in the last 24 hours, highest so far since November, taking the total tally to 1,15,55,284 on Saturday. A single-day spike of 41,810 new infections were recorded on November 28 last year. The country has been registering an increase in cases for the 10th consecutive day. According to the Health Ministry, Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh are exhibiting a steep rise in daily numbers. The central government is closely monitoring and actively engaging with the states and union territories over the rising cases. With death of 188 people in the last 24 hours, the toll has reached 1,59,558 in India. The active caseload in country has mounted to 2,88,394. With the discharge of 23,653 patients in a day, a total of 1,11,07,332 persons have been discharged so far. A total of 10,60,971 tests were done on Friday. So far, 4.20 crore doses of corona vaccines have been administered in the country since the drive began on January 16 after approval for `Covishield` and `Covaxin`. More than 18.16 lakh doses were administered on a single day on Friday. --IANS aka/in

India adds nearly 41,000 new COVID-19 cases

US President Joe Biden has been in office for exactly two months now.

Last week, he held his first high profile international summit and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-new-chapter-in-the-india-us-relationship-371785/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This week, he sent his defence minister on a maiden tour and India is one of his destinations.

<h2>What does the trend tell you?</h2>

The US is focusing on its strategic relationship with India as its top priority.

This is the beginning of a new chapter in India's ties with the US.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-secretary-of-defence-lloyd-austin-arrives-in-india-371698">US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin arrives in India, meets PM Modi</a>

The US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin is in India and for the next three days, he will hold deliberations at the highest levels of the Indian government.

The global press is tracking this engagement because the agenda is global.

And it goes way beyond the Chinese military threat.

What India and America decide will impact South Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

In this report, WION will tell you about the US's game plan and how India's defence relationship is evolving with Wahington.&nbsp;

It will also decode why New Delhi is critical to Biden's plans.

Earlier today, Austin landed in New Delhi for a three-day visit.

This is the last leg of his first overseas tour as defence secretary as he arrived in New Delhi after trips to Tokyo and Seoul.&nbsp;

It is significant as Japan and South Korea have been US defence partners since the Second World War and are countries that are militarily guarded by Washington.&nbsp;

But India is not a traditional defence and strategic ally of the US and this visit is proof that America now sees India in the list of its top partners.

It shows how defence and security ties will be a priority moving forward.

So what will Austin do in India?

He kicked off his visit today and met India's prime minister.&nbsp;

Over the next three days, he is scheduled to meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and perhaps External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

<h2>What's on the agenda?</h2>

The discussions will be expected on issues including China's aggression, the Afghan peace deal and the security of the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

A statement from the Pentagon said Austin will push for stronger bilateral cooperation in both the Indo-Pacific as well as the Indian Ocean regions.

There is also talk of stepping up the security partnership.

India and the US have had arms sales, technology transfers and defence agreements. 
&nbsp; 
In 2016, the US designated India as a "major defence partner" and now is the time to take this forward to jointly tackle a common enemy China.

Austin has done the groundwork and visited Japan and South Korea to create a framework for closer cooperation.

He made a pitch to South Korea for "greater collaboration" with the US and Japan and discussed ways to "rejuvenate trilateral security cooperation" among South Korea, Japan and the US.&nbsp;

Now he's in India, while his colleague US Secretary of state Antony Blinken is holding a dialogue with the Chinese.

On one hand, the US is engaging with partners, and on the other, it is talking to China.

This visit is to show China that the US has formidable allies in Asia.

<h2>Who is Lloyd Austin?&nbsp;</h2>

He is the US's first African American defence secretary.

Austin has served for more than 40 years in the US Army and has a lot of achievements to his credit.&nbsp;

He was the first African American general to command a theatre of war in Iraq and the first to serve as the Commander of the US Central Command.

This command is responsible for West Asia, Central and some parts of South Asia, implying he has some experience in the region too.

Austin believes that China presents the most significant threat going forward.

During his confirmation hearings, Austin had told lawmakers that he wanted to elevate America's relations with India. 
&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden has been in office for exactly two months now. Last week, he held his first high profile international summit and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present.

US President Joe Biden has been in office for exactly two months now. Last week, he held his first high profile international summit and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present. Watch | This week, he sent his defence minister on a maiden tour and India is one of his destinations. What does the trend tell you? The US is focusing on its strategic relationship with India as its top priority. This is the beginning of a new chapter in India's ties with the US. Also read | US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin arrives in India, meets PM Modi The US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin is in India and for the next three days, he will hold deliberations at the highest levels of the Indian government. The global press is tracking this engagement because the agenda is global. And it goes way beyond the Chinese military threat. What India and America decide will impact South Asia and the Indo-Pacific. In this report, WION will tell you about the US's game plan and how India's defence relationship is evolving with Wahington. It will also decode why New Delhi is critical to Biden's plans. Earlier today, Austin landed in New Delhi for a three-day visit. This is the last leg of his first overseas tour as defence secretary as he arrived in New Delhi after trips to Tokyo and Seoul. It is significant as Japan and South Korea have been US defence partners since the Second World War and are countries that are militarily guarded by Washington. But India is not a traditional defence and strategic ally of the US and this visit is proof that America now sees India in the list of its top partners. It shows how defence and security ties will be a priority moving forward. So what will Austin do in India? He kicked off his visit today and met India's prime minister. Over the next three days, he is scheduled to meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and perhaps External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. What's on the agenda? The discussions will be expected on issues including China's aggression, the Afghan peace deal and the security of the Indo-Pacific. A statement from the Pentagon said Austin will push for stronger bilateral cooperation in both the Indo-Pacific as well as the Indian Ocean regions. There is also talk of stepping up the security partnership. India and the US have had arms sales, technology transfers and defence agreements. In 2016, the US designated India as a "major defence partner" and now is the time to take this forward to jointly tackle a common enemy China. Austin has done the groundwork and visited Japan and South Korea to create a framework for closer cooperation. He made a pitch to South Korea for "greater collaboration" with the US and Japan and discussed ways to "rejuvenate trilateral security cooperation" among South Korea, Japan and the US. Now he's in India, while his colleague US Secretary of state Antony Blinken is holding a dialogue with the Chinese. On one hand, the US is engaging with partners, and on the other, it is talking to China. This visit is to show China that the US has formidable allies in Asia. Who is Lloyd Austin? He is the US's first African American defence secretary. Austin has served for more than 40 years in the US Army and has a lot of achievements to his credit. He was the first African American general to command a theatre of war in Iraq and the first to serve as the Commander of the US Central Command. This command is responsible for West Asia, Central and some parts of South Asia, implying he has some experience in the region too. Austin believes that China presents the most significant threat going forward. During his confirmation hearings, Austin had told lawmakers that he wanted to elevate America's relations with India.

Decoding Washington's game plan as US Defence Secretary arrives in India

The US is arguably India's most comprehensive security partner.

The collaboration extends in areas such as intelligence, maritime ties, space exploration and cyber cooperation.

The US Is also perhaps India's most comprehensive economic partner if we take into consideration research and development, education, technology, employment, energy and health care.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-history-of-india-us-strategic-ties-371791/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This partnership has progressed at a time when almost every other major bilateral relationship be it with adversaries or allies has experienced immense challenges.&nbsp;

India is that rare country in which both the Republicans and Democrats are on the same page.

In fact, both parties compete to project themselves as a better partner for India.

But how were the contours of this strategic partnership drawn?

And how have the ties between the largest democracy and the oldest one evolved over the years? Our report attempts to find out.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/decoding-washingtons-game-plan-as-us-defence-secretary-arrives-in-india-371783">Decoding Washington's game plan as US Defence Secretary arrives in India</a>

In October 1949, India's Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru went on a multi-week tour of the US.&nbsp;

He was hosted by US President Harry S Truman.

Just before the visit, India had formally proclaimed neutrality in the developing Cold War by spearheading the Non-Aligned Movement.

This laid the groundwork for the US's relationship with India and left room for friendly ties between Delhi and Moscow.&nbsp;

In December 1959, Dwight Eisenhower became the first serving US President to visit New Delhi.

Eisenhower's visit helped India acquire adequate financial assistance and achieve reasonable stability during the Cold War.

Since then seven US presidents have visited India and nine Indian PMs have visited the US.&nbsp;

But a strategic partnership between the two democracies emerged only in 2010.

In June 2010, the US and India formally convened the first-ever strategic dialogue when a large and high-ranking delegation of Indian officials visited Washington DC.&nbsp;

The US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called India "an indispensable partner" and the US President Barack Obama called the relationship "a defining partnership in the 21st century".

In November 2010, Obama visited India and addressed the countrý's parliament.

He also backed India's long-held bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and also announced 14.9 billion dollars in trade deals.&nbsp;

In the years that followed the strategic partnership only grew further.&nbsp;

In 2011, India and the US signed an MoU on cybersecurity cooperation.

The very next year the US Secretary of Defence Leon Panetta visited India to boost Obama's "pivot to Asia" plan.&nbsp;

In 2014, the newly-elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a high-profile visit to the US where agreements were signed.&nbsp;

Obama attended India's Republic Day celebrations in 2015.&nbsp;

In 2017, the then US President Donald Trump welcomed Modi at the White House.

The joint statements emphasised the existing defence partnership and counter-terrorism efforts.

In 2018, India and the US signed the COMCASA which gave India access to the US's advanced defence technology. &nbsp;

Trump made his first and last visit to India as US president in 2020 in which New Delhi agreed to purchase US military equipment worth three billion dollars.

Currently, the India-US Strategic partnership is a broad-based and multi-sectoral affair and this is irrespective of who is in the White House.

New Delhi and Washington have been called natural allies with shared democratic values.

Last week, the first-ever Quad leaders' summit underscored this and now with the arrival of the US Defence Secretary in New Delhi, they're turning another page in both countries strategic partnership. 
&nbsp;

The US is arguably India's most comprehensive security partner. The collaboration extends in areas such as intelligence, maritime ties, space exploration and cyber cooperation.

The US is arguably India's most comprehensive security partner. The collaboration extends in areas such as intelligence, maritime ties, space exploration and cyber cooperation. The US Is also perhaps India's most comprehensive economic partner if we take into consideration research and development, education, technology, employment, energy and health care. Watch | This partnership has progressed at a time when almost every other major bilateral relationship be it with adversaries or allies has experienced immense challenges. India is that rare country in which both the Republicans and Democrats are on the same page. In fact, both parties compete to project themselves as a better partner for India. But how were the contours of this strategic partnership drawn? And how have the ties between the largest democracy and the oldest one evolved over the years? Our report attempts to find out. Also read | Decoding Washington's game plan as US Defence Secretary arrives in India In October 1949, India's Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru went on a multi-week tour of the US. He was hosted by US President Harry S Truman. Just before the visit, India had formally proclaimed neutrality in the developing Cold War by spearheading the Non-Aligned Movement. This laid the groundwork for the US's relationship with India and left room for friendly ties between Delhi and Moscow. In December 1959, Dwight Eisenhower became the first serving US President to visit New Delhi. Eisenhower's visit helped India acquire adequate financial assistance and achieve reasonable stability during the Cold War. Since then seven US presidents have visited India and nine Indian PMs have visited the US. But a strategic partnership between the two democracies emerged only in 2010. In June 2010, the US and India formally convened the first-ever strategic dialogue when a large and high-ranking delegation of Indian officials visited Washington DC. The US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called India "an indispensable partner" and the US President Barack Obama called the relationship "a defining partnership in the 21st century". In November 2010, Obama visited India and addressed the countrý's parliament. He also backed India's long-held bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and also announced 14.9 billion dollars in trade deals. In the years that followed the strategic partnership only grew further. In 2011, India and the US signed an MoU on cybersecurity cooperation. The very next year the US Secretary of Defence Leon Panetta visited India to boost Obama's "pivot to Asia" plan. In 2014, the newly-elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a high-profile visit to the US where agreements were signed. Obama attended India's Republic Day celebrations in 2015. In 2017, the then US President Donald Trump welcomed Modi at the White House. The joint statements emphasised the existing defence partnership and counter-terrorism efforts. In 2018, India and the US signed the COMCASA which gave India access to the US's advanced defence technology. Trump made his first and last visit to India as US president in 2020 in which New Delhi agreed to purchase US military equipment worth three billion dollars. Currently, the India-US Strategic partnership is a broad-based and multi-sectoral affair and this is irrespective of who is in the White House. New Delhi and Washington have been called natural allies with shared democratic values. Last week, the first-ever Quad leaders' summit underscored this and now with the arrival of the US Defence Secretary in New Delhi, they're turning another page in both countries strategic partnership.

How India-US ties evolved over the years

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and&nbsp;visiting US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin held delegation-level talks&nbsp;on Saturday -- and discussed challenges confronting the region, as well as concerns over Chinese aggression.

CDS General Bipin Rawat and the three services chiefs were also present at the meeting.

The Indian defence ministry had earlier said Singh and Austin were "expected to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and exchange views on regional security challenges and common interests in maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region".

"Discussions regarding defence cooperation would also focus on how both countries could consolidate military-to-military cooperation and defence trade and industry cooperation."

Austin, who is on a three-day visit to India, arrived in Delhi&nbsp;on Friday. He met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday evening.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-secretary-of-defence-lloyd-austin-arrives-in-india-371698">Also read |&nbsp;US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin arrives in India, meets PM Modi</a>

Following their meeting, Modi tweeted: "Pleasure to meet US @SecDef Lloyd Austin today. Conveyed my best wishes to @POTUS @JoeBiden. India and US are committed to our strategic partnership that is a force for global good."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Pleasure to meet U.S. <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecDef</a> Lloyd Austin today. Conveyed my best wishes to <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a>. India and US are committed to our strategic partnership that is a force for global good. <a href="https://t.co/Z1AoGJlzFX">pic.twitter.com/Z1AoGJlzFX</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1372926001559273472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Austin tweeted that his discussions in India would centre on cooperating to face "most pressing challenges" in the Indo-Pacific region where China`s aggressive actions, from the Himalayas to the South China Sea are on the rise.

He embarked on his Indo-Pacific visits on March 13, a day after the leaders of the Quad nations -- India, Australia, Japan, the US -- virtually met for their first summit.

The leaders decided to work towards an open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

The member countries also pointed out the challenges posed be China in the Indo-Pacific region and how the partnerships can be strengthened to overcome the assertiveness of China.

Before arriving in India, Austin had visited Japan and South Korea.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and visiting US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin held delegation-level talks on Saturday -- and discussed challenges confronting the region, as well as concerns over Chinese aggression.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and visiting US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin held delegation-level talks on Saturday -- and discussed challenges confronting the region, as well as concerns over Chinese aggression. CDS General Bipin Rawat and the three services chiefs were also present at the meeting. The Indian defence ministry had earlier said Singh and Austin were "expected to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and exchange views on regional security challenges and common interests in maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region". "Discussions regarding defence cooperation would also focus on how both countries could consolidate military-to-military cooperation and defence trade and industry cooperation." Austin, who is on a three-day visit to India, arrived in Delhi on Friday. He met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday evening. Also read | US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin arrives in India, meets PM Modi Following their meeting, Modi tweeted: "Pleasure to meet US @SecDef Lloyd Austin today. Conveyed my best wishes to @POTUS @JoeBiden. India and US are committed to our strategic partnership that is a force for global good." Pleasure to meet U.S. @SecDef Lloyd Austin today. Conveyed my best wishes to @POTUS @JoeBiden. India and US are committed to our strategic partnership that is a force for global good. pic.twitter.com/Z1AoGJlzFX — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 19, 2021 × Austin tweeted that his discussions in India would centre on cooperating to face "most pressing challenges" in the Indo-Pacific region where China`s aggressive actions, from the Himalayas to the South China Sea are on the rise. He embarked on his Indo-Pacific visits on March 13, a day after the leaders of the Quad nations -- India, Australia, Japan, the US -- virtually met for their first summit. The leaders decided to work towards an open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. The member countries also pointed out the challenges posed be China in the Indo-Pacific region and how the partnerships can be strengthened to overcome the assertiveness of China. Before arriving in India, Austin had visited Japan and South Korea.

India's Rajnath Singh, US defence secy hold delegation-level talks in New Delhi

Afghanistan and the situation in Indo-Pacific were the key topics of discussions during the talks between India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and visiting US defence secretary Lloyd Austin. The one-hour-long talks saw both sides talking about the current strategic situation in the Indo-Pacific, with EAM briefing about India's 'current security challenges and our long term strategic outlook', sources said.&nbsp;

US Defence Secretary Llyod Austin briefed about his visit to Japan and South Korea. Austin is on his maiden as defence secretary to Asia, with India, a key stop during it. His visit comes against the backdrop of the Quad- India, Australia, Japan and US leadership virtual meet and increased New Delhi-Washington engagement.&nbsp;

During discussion on Afghanistan, the ongoing peace process was discussed including assessment of the situation on the ground. EAM appreciated the Biden Administration’s engagement with India on this issue. Remember US has proposed to Afghan governement, a six-country talks, which include India to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan. The visit of the US defence secretary will be followed by the visit of the Afghan FM Haneef Atmar to Delhi.&nbsp;

During the meet, highlighting the 'commonalities and convergence', sources said, EAM said that the India US 'relationship was unique for the breadth and intensity of cooperation that covered so many domains'. While defence engagement have increased with Washington authorising over $20 billion in defence sales to India, people to people relation form the bedrock of this relationship. &nbsp;

The issue of human rights as shared attribute also came up, with sources pointing out that while US Defence Secretary said that as the "two largest democracies in the world, human rights and values are important to us and we will lead with these values",&nbsp;EAM 'agreed and emphasised'&nbsp;that a ''strong relationship between the two democracies was not only important for both countries but for the rest of the world."

Ahead of the visit, chairman of the US Senate foreign relations committee Senator Robert Menendez called for US defence secretary to raise the issue of human rights.&nbsp;

Afghanistan and the situation in Indo-Pacific were the key topics of discussions during the talks between India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and visiting US defence secretary Lloyd Austin.

Afghanistan and the situation in Indo-Pacific were the key topics of discussions during the talks between India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and visiting US defence secretary Lloyd Austin. The one-hour-long talks saw both sides talking about the current strategic situation in the Indo-Pacific, with EAM briefing about India's 'current security challenges and our long term strategic outlook', sources said. US Defence Secretary Llyod Austin briefed about his visit to Japan and South Korea. Austin is on his maiden as defence secretary to Asia, with India, a key stop during it. His visit comes against the backdrop of the Quad- India, Australia, Japan and US leadership virtual meet and increased New Delhi-Washington engagement. During discussion on Afghanistan, the ongoing peace process was discussed including assessment of the situation on the ground. EAM appreciated the Biden Administration’s engagement with India on this issue. Remember US has proposed to Afghan governement, a six-country talks, which include India to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan. The visit of the US defence secretary will be followed by the visit of the Afghan FM Haneef Atmar to Delhi. During the meet, highlighting the 'commonalities and convergence', sources said, EAM said that the India US 'relationship was unique for the breadth and intensity of cooperation that covered so many domains'. While defence engagement have increased with Washington authorising over $20 billion in defence sales to India, people to people relation form the bedrock of this relationship. The issue of human rights as shared attribute also came up, with sources pointing out that while US Defence Secretary said that as the "two largest democracies in the world, human rights and values are important to us and we will lead with these values", EAM 'agreed and emphasised' that a ''strong relationship between the two democracies was not only important for both countries but for the rest of the world." Ahead of the visit, chairman of the US Senate foreign relations committee Senator Robert Menendez called for US defence secretary to raise the issue of human rights.

Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific discussed during Jaishankar-Austin meet 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday wished for Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's recovery from COVID-19.

"Best wishes to Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI for a speedy recovery from COVID-19." &nbsp;tweeted PM Modi.

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Best wishes to Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> for a speedy recovery from COVID-19.
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Imran Khan tested positive just two days after he received dose of Chinese Sinopharm COVID vaccine. Khan received the vaccine of Thursday.

He was tested positive on Saturday and is now self-isolating at home.

In Pakistan, the COVID-19 vaccine is being provided to people 60 years of age and above and to front-line health workers.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday wished for Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's recovery from COVID-19. "Best wishes to Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI for a speedy recovery from COVID-19.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday wished for Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's recovery from COVID-19. "Best wishes to Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI for a speedy recovery from COVID-19." tweeted PM Modi. Best wishes to Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI for a speedy recovery from COVID-19. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 20, 2021 × Imran Khan tested positive just two days after he received dose of Chinese Sinopharm COVID vaccine. Khan received the vaccine of Thursday. He was tested positive on Saturday and is now self-isolating at home. In Pakistan, the COVID-19 vaccine is being provided to people 60 years of age and above and to front-line health workers.

PM Modi sends wishes for Imran Khan's speedy recovery from COVID-19

Odisha, a great destination for anyone interested in handicrafts, handlooms, art, and culture. We showcase some of the best that the state has to offer in 'Discover Odisha, India's best-kept secret'. Exploring the handicrafts, handlooms, art, and culture of the state with us on WION.

Discovering Odisha | Exploring the handicrafts, handlooms, art, and culture

The line of actual control standoff involving Chinese aggressive actions in Eastern Ladakh was discussed during the meeting of India's defense minister Rajnath Singh and visiting US Defense secretary Lloyd Austin in Delhi on Saturday. During the press statements after the over one-hour-long&nbsp;meeting both sides spoke on "free and open Indo Pacific", a term increasingly in usage amid the Chinese aggressive actions in the region.&nbsp;

US Defence Secretary General Lloyd Austin pointed out, "As the world faces a global pandemic and growing challenges to an open and stable international system, the US-India relationship is a stronghold of a free and open Indo-Pacific region."

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh highlighted that both sides "discussed steps to be taken to realise full potential" of foundational agreements--LEMOA, COMCASA and BECA for mutual benefit and agreed to pursue "enhanced cooperation with the US Indo-Pacific Command, Central Command and Africa Command."

LEMOA or Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement and COMCASA or the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement are foundational agreements which Washington has signed with its close allies with an aim to increase military interoperability and transfer of equipment. Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) provides for sharing unclassified geospatial information.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-and-us-defence-secy-reaffirm-partnership-expansion-of-strategic-cooperation-371874">Rajnath Singh and US defence secy reaffirm partnership, expansion of strategic cooperation</a>

The many month-long China-India standoff involved the Galwan incident in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. Disengagement at Pangong Tso took place in February. But there has been little clarity over complete disengagement at Gogra, Depsang, and hot spring has been achieved.

During the meeting, cross border terror from Pakistan and the recent joint statement of Indian and Pakistani militaries on observance of Ceasefire pact of 2003 was mentioned by the Indian side during the discussion with the Americans. Last month saw India and Pakistan issue a rare joint statement after DGMO talks to cease hostilities at the Line of Control (LOC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Last year was the worst year in terms of ceasefire violation at LOC.&nbsp;

The ongoing situation in Afghanistan also came up during&nbsp;talks, with India reiterating that the peace and reconciliation efforts in the country should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled.

Secretary Austin at the press statement said, "India... is an increasingly important partner amid today’s rapidly shifting international dynamics."

Other areas which were mentioned and discussed during the talks include, information-sharing, logistics cooperation, artificial intelligence, and cooperation in new domains such as space and cyber, military to military cooperation.

US Defense secretary Lloyd Austin is the first high profile official of Biden administration to visit India since the change of guard in Washington two months ago. India was the last leg of his visit to the Indo-Pacific region during which he visited Japan and South Korea as well.

The line of actual control standoff involving Chinese aggressive actions in Eastern Ladakh was discussed during the meeting of India's defense minister Rajnath Singh and visiting US Defense secretary Lloyd Austin in Delhi on Saturday.

The line of actual control standoff involving Chinese aggressive actions in Eastern Ladakh was discussed during the meeting of India's defense minister Rajnath Singh and visiting US Defense secretary Lloyd Austin in Delhi on Saturday. During the press statements after the over one-hour-long meeting both sides spoke on "free and open Indo Pacific", a term increasingly in usage amid the Chinese aggressive actions in the region. US Defence Secretary General Lloyd Austin pointed out, "As the world faces a global pandemic and growing challenges to an open and stable international system, the US-India relationship is a stronghold of a free and open Indo-Pacific region." India's defence minister Rajnath Singh highlighted that both sides "discussed steps to be taken to realise full potential" of foundational agreements--LEMOA, COMCASA and BECA for mutual benefit and agreed to pursue "enhanced cooperation with the US Indo-Pacific Command, Central Command and Africa Command." LEMOA or Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement and COMCASA or the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement are foundational agreements which Washington has signed with its close allies with an aim to increase military interoperability and transfer of equipment. Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) provides for sharing unclassified geospatial information. Also Read | Rajnath Singh and US defence secy reaffirm partnership, expansion of strategic cooperation The many month-long China-India standoff involved the Galwan incident in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. Disengagement at Pangong Tso took place in February. But there has been little clarity over complete disengagement at Gogra, Depsang, and hot spring has been achieved. During the meeting, cross border terror from Pakistan and the recent joint statement of Indian and Pakistani militaries on observance of Ceasefire pact of 2003 was mentioned by the Indian side during the discussion with the Americans. Last month saw India and Pakistan issue a rare joint statement after DGMO talks to cease hostilities at the Line of Control (LOC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Last year was the worst year in terms of ceasefire violation at LOC. The ongoing situation in Afghanistan also came up during talks, with India reiterating that the peace and reconciliation efforts in the country should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled. Secretary Austin at the press statement said, "India... is an increasingly important partner amid today’s rapidly shifting international dynamics." Other areas which were mentioned and discussed during the talks include, information-sharing, logistics cooperation, artificial intelligence, and cooperation in new domains such as space and cyber, military to military cooperation. US Defense secretary Lloyd Austin is the first high profile official of Biden administration to visit India since the change of guard in Washington two months ago. India was the last leg of his visit to the Indo-Pacific region during which he visited Japan and South Korea as well.

Chinese actions at LAC discussed during Austin-Rajnath Singh meeting

India is once again witnessing a massive surge in coronavirus cases as it recorded 40,953 infections in the last 24 hours, the highest so far since November, taking the total tally to 1,15,55,284 on Saturday.

India reports nearly 40,953 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours

On the day US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in India, WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma spoke with Syed Akbaruddin, India's former Permanent Representative to the United Nations and also India's representative to IAEA.&nbsp;

Palki Sharma: How much of a shift are we seeing in foreign policy under Joe Biden as compared to the Trump administration?

Syed Akabruddin: Yes, it's pretty obvious that unlike the Trump administration, the discerning feature of Biden administration is to look for partners, global partners who can work with them on host of issues. And today, the distinction between addressing common challenges domestically and internationally is fading very fast because many of these are trans-boundary challenges whether it's climate change whether it's pandemic, whether it's cybersecurity, there are host of challenges which the Biden administration has to address. And these need partnerships. An so I think you are right that this is the distinction that is clear from the last administration.

Palki Sharma: What should India expect from the US Defense Secretary's visit?

Syed Akbaruddin: Visits need to be always looked at as landmarks which are reflections of where we stand rather than as outcomes. So what can we expect? One, we expect this to be a reflection of the importance the Biden administration places on ties with India. It comes shortly after a very successful Quad summit. Also, the Defense Secretary Austin has come to India after visit to two US alliance partners in Asia. And India, a partner, which is not an alliance partner has been given importance in terms of engagement.

So number one, it is a clear signal of the importance that Biden administration places on ties with India.

Number two, our defence ties are pretty expansive. Look at defence trade. Since 2008, our defence trade has amounted to something like 21 billion dollars. This is a huge amount if you look at the previous decade before that. Number two, we are both committed to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.

Number three, there are a host of new challenges which are coming up such as, say in cybersecurity. Increasingly, infrastructure which is of critical nature is becoming a target of state actors and non-state actors. And both, US and India have faced these challenges in the recent past.

Again, there are a lot of defence requirements that India has and it is looking for partners and perhaps that will proceed further down the line.

Finally, in our region (South Asia), situation is evolving very fast in Afghanistan. India has vital interest so does the US. And there is a possibility of greater understanding of way we are proceeding together on this front too.

So there are a host of issues. Some of them, are a little longer term in nature. Some a little short but all of them very important.

Palki Sharma: How do we balance strategic autonomy with strategic alliances?

Syed Akbaruddin: So we started by saying strategic autonomy. Strategic autonomy is a factor of how we see who are our potential adversaries and who are our potential friends and partners in this framework.

So, I don't see how India's strategic autonomy would in any way be adversely impinged on greater ties with the US. Our interests are not contradictory in nature. Yes the US would want allies, we on the other hand would want partners. That's how we are. Partnership for us, perhaps the maximum we can go. And its not against US interest to enhance that partnership with India because they are looking for partners too.

So if there is coalescence of interest, strategic autonomy will not be undermined just because partnership is strengthened.

And, in a world which is volatile, we all need partners. India is too big a country to be in one camp or the other.

There may be occasions when we, on our own accord, choose a line of thinking and maybe on others, we may choose a slightly different line of thinking. That's there with the US too.

There are differences for example on our acquisition of arms from the Russian Federation. It hasn't undermined our ties with the US despite our understanding that they have sharp differences with the Russian Federation.

Whereas our ties with Russian Federation are historic in nature and are in a way extremely important for our own strategic autonomy.

Palki Sharma: How should India expect China to respond to this visit?

Syed Akbaruddin: How should we expect and how would we want are two different things. But we would want China to understand that for example China's trade with the US is three to four times than our trade with the US. That hasn't engendered any sense of concern in us.

So we would like them to understand that it's normal for states to co-operate in some areas, collaborate in some areas, compete in other areas and perhaps be in a less than friendly atmosphere in some others.

However, what we've seen is that the Chinese have not been very helpful in their responses for example to the Quad summit. They have talked of it as a clique. If the Quad is clique then BRICS is a clique too. So is China's quadrilateral with some of our neighbours. So is SCO. So what is fair for the Goose is fair for the Gander. We Can't have two different ways.

So we hope China would be mature, understand our&nbsp;needs and see the evolving situation. And they can also try and improve their ties with us. However, it looks that, they may not be as understanding as we would want them to be. But that, we will have to tackle as it goes forward. Our own interests are supreme. Other countries will have to adjust to how they view us as we pursue our own interests.

On the day US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in India, WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma spoke with Syed Akbaruddin, India's former Permanent Representative to the United Nations and also India's representative to IAEA.

On the day US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in India, WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma spoke with Syed Akbaruddin, India's former Permanent Representative to the United Nations and also India's representative to IAEA. Palki Sharma: How much of a shift are we seeing in foreign policy under Joe Biden as compared to the Trump administration? Syed Akabruddin: Yes, it's pretty obvious that unlike the Trump administration, the discerning feature of Biden administration is to look for partners, global partners who can work with them on host of issues. And today, the distinction between addressing common challenges domestically and internationally is fading very fast because many of these are trans-boundary challenges whether it's climate change whether it's pandemic, whether it's cybersecurity, there are host of challenges which the Biden administration has to address. And these need partnerships. An so I think you are right that this is the distinction that is clear from the last administration. Palki Sharma: What should India expect from the US Defense Secretary's visit? Syed Akbaruddin: Visits need to be always looked at as landmarks which are reflections of where we stand rather than as outcomes. So what can we expect? One, we expect this to be a reflection of the importance the Biden administration places on ties with India. It comes shortly after a very successful Quad summit. Also, the Defense Secretary Austin has come to India after visit to two US alliance partners in Asia. And India, a partner, which is not an alliance partner has been given importance in terms of engagement. So number one, it is a clear signal of the importance that Biden administration places on ties with India. Number two, our defence ties are pretty expansive. Look at defence trade. Since 2008, our defence trade has amounted to something like 21 billion dollars. This is a huge amount if you look at the previous decade before that. Number two, we are both committed to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. Number three, there are a host of new challenges which are coming up such as, say in cybersecurity. Increasingly, infrastructure which is of critical nature is becoming a target of state actors and non-state actors. And both, US and India have faced these challenges in the recent past. Again, there are a lot of defence requirements that India has and it is looking for partners and perhaps that will proceed further down the line. Finally, in our region (South Asia), situation is evolving very fast in Afghanistan. India has vital interest so does the US. And there is a possibility of greater understanding of way we are proceeding together on this front too. So there are a host of issues. Some of them, are a little longer term in nature. Some a little short but all of them very important. Palki Sharma: How do we balance strategic autonomy with strategic alliances? Syed Akbaruddin: So we started by saying strategic autonomy. Strategic autonomy is a factor of how we see who are our potential adversaries and who are our potential friends and partners in this framework. So, I don't see how India's strategic autonomy would in any way be adversely impinged on greater ties with the US. Our interests are not contradictory in nature. Yes the US would want allies, we on the other hand would want partners. That's how we are. Partnership for us, perhaps the maximum we can go. And its not against US interest to enhance that partnership with India because they are looking for partners too. So if there is coalescence of interest, strategic autonomy will not be undermined just because partnership is strengthened. And, in a world which is volatile, we all need partners. India is too big a country to be in one camp or the other. There may be occasions when we, on our own accord, choose a line of thinking and maybe on others, we may choose a slightly different line of thinking. That's there with the US too. There are differences for example on our acquisition of arms from the Russian Federation. It hasn't undermined our ties with the US despite our understanding that they have sharp differences with the Russian Federation. Whereas our ties with Russian Federation are historic in nature and are in a way extremely important for our own strategic autonomy. Palki Sharma: How should India expect China to respond to this visit? Syed Akbaruddin: How should we expect and how would we want are two different things. But we would want China to understand that for example China's trade with the US is three to four times than our trade with the US. That hasn't engendered any sense of concern in us. So we would like them to understand that it's normal for states to co-operate in some areas, collaborate in some areas, compete in other areas and perhaps be in a less than friendly atmosphere in some others. However, what we've seen is that the Chinese have not been very helpful in their responses for example to the Quad summit. They have talked of it as a clique. If the Quad is clique then BRICS is a clique too. So is China's quadrilateral with some of our neighbours. So is SCO. So what is fair for the Goose is fair for the Gander. We Can't have two different ways. So we hope China would be mature, understand our needs and see the evolving situation. And they can also try and improve their ties with us. However, it looks that, they may not be as understanding as we would want them to be. But that, we will have to tackle as it goes forward. Our own interests are supreme. Other countries will have to adjust to how they view us as we pursue our own interests.

Indian strategic autonomy won't be undermined because of better Indo-US relations, says Akbaruddin

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his American counterpart Lloyd Austin on Saturday held wide-ranging talks focussing on further expansion of bilateral strategic ties, evolving situation in the Indo-Pacific region and challenges of terrorism.

"I am happy to inform that I had a comprehensive and fruitful discussion with Secretary Austin and his delegation. We are keen to work together to realise the full potential of the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership," India's Rajnath Singh said in his statement to the media.

He added the talks focussed on military-to-military engagement, information sharing and logistics support among others issues.

Referring to Indo-US foundational agreements on defence ties, he said both sides discussed steps to be taken to realise the full potential of pacts such as LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement), COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) and BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) for mutual benefit.

Singh also said the recent summit of leaders of India, the US, Japan and Australia under the Quad framework emphasised the resolve to maintain a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

In his comments, US Secretary of Defence Austin reaffirmed the commitment by the US to a comprehensive and forward-looking defence partnership with India as a "central pillar" of its approach to the region.

He also described the India-US relationship as a "stronghold" of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-secretary-of-defence-lloyd-austin-arrives-in-india-371698">Also read |&nbsp;US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin arrives in India, meets PM Modi</a>

"Singh and I had a very productive discussion...I wanted to convey the Biden-Harris administration's message about our strong commitment to our allies and partners," he said.

"The world's two largest democracies remain resilient and strong, and we will seek every opportunity to build upon this major partnership.We will continue to deepen our cooperation."

Austin called New Delhi&nbsp;an increasingly important partner in the rapidly shifting international dynamics, adding the India-US relationship was a stronghold of the free and open Indo-Pacific region.

“PM Narendra Modi stated India stands for freedom of navigation and freedom of overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce in adherence to international law. This reaffirms our shared vision for regional security,” he said.

India is the third destination of Austin's three-nation first overseas tour, and the visit is seen as a reflection of the Joe Biden administration's strong commitment to its relations with its close allies and partners in the region.

On Saturday morning, Austin visited the National War Memorial and paid tributes to India's fallen heroes. Before the talks, he was given a guard of honour at the Vigyan Bhavan complex.

The US defence secretary called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval hours after his arrival in Delhi on Friday.

In his meeting with Modi, he conveyed the Biden administration's strong desire to further deepen strategic ties with India to address the pressing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-rajnath-singh-us-defence-secy-hold-delegation-level-talks-in-new-delhi-371845">Also read |&nbsp;India's Rajnath Singh, US defence secy hold delegation-level talks in New Delhi</a>

Almost all key issues of mutual concerns, including China's aggressive behaviour in the region, are learnt to have figured in the deliberations between Austin and Doval.

"Thrilled to be here in India. The breadth of cooperation between our two nations reflects the significance of our major defense partnership, as we work together to address the most pressing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region," Austin tweeted on Friday.

People familiar with the US official's visit said earlier that India's plan to procure around 30 multi-mission armed Predator drones from the US for the three services at an estimated cost of over USD 3 billion is expected to figure in Austin-Singh talks.

The US designated India a "Major Defence Partner" in June 2016.

The two countries have also inked key defence and security pacts over the past few years, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016 that allows their militaries use of each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies as well as provides for deeper cooperation.

The two sides have also signed COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) in 2018 that provides for interoperability between the two militaries and provides for sale of high end technology from the US to India.

In October last year, India and the US sealed the BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) agreement to further boost bilateral defence ties. The pact provides for sharing of high-end military technology, logistics and geospatial maps between the two countries.

(with inputs from agencies)

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his American counterpart Lloyd Austin on Saturday held wide-ranging talks focussing on further expansion of bilateral strategic ties, evolving situation in the Indo-Pacific region and challenges of terrorism.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his American counterpart Lloyd Austin on Saturday held wide-ranging talks focussing on further expansion of bilateral strategic ties, evolving situation in the Indo-Pacific region and challenges of terrorism. "I am happy to inform that I had a comprehensive and fruitful discussion with Secretary Austin and his delegation. We are keen to work together to realise the full potential of the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership," India's Rajnath Singh said in his statement to the media. He added the talks focussed on military-to-military engagement, information sharing and logistics support among others issues. Referring to Indo-US foundational agreements on defence ties, he said both sides discussed steps to be taken to realise the full potential of pacts such as LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement), COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) and BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) for mutual benefit. Singh also said the recent summit of leaders of India, the US, Japan and Australia under the Quad framework emphasised the resolve to maintain a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. In his comments, US Secretary of Defence Austin reaffirmed the commitment by the US to a comprehensive and forward-looking defence partnership with India as a "central pillar" of its approach to the region. He also described the India-US relationship as a "stronghold" of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Also read | US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin arrives in India, meets PM Modi "Singh and I had a very productive discussion...I wanted to convey the Biden-Harris administration's message about our strong commitment to our allies and partners," he said. "The world's two largest democracies remain resilient and strong, and we will seek every opportunity to build upon this major partnership.We will continue to deepen our cooperation." Austin called New Delhi an increasingly important partner in the rapidly shifting international dynamics, adding the India-US relationship was a stronghold of the free and open Indo-Pacific region. “PM Narendra Modi stated India stands for freedom of navigation and freedom of overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce in adherence to international law. This reaffirms our shared vision for regional security,” he said. India is the third destination of Austin's three-nation first overseas tour, and the visit is seen as a reflection of the Joe Biden administration's strong commitment to its relations with its close allies and partners in the region. On Saturday morning, Austin visited the National War Memorial and paid tributes to India's fallen heroes. Before the talks, he was given a guard of honour at the Vigyan Bhavan complex. The US defence secretary called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval hours after his arrival in Delhi on Friday. In his meeting with Modi, he conveyed the Biden administration's strong desire to further deepen strategic ties with India to address the pressing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific. Also read | India's Rajnath Singh, US defence secy hold delegation-level talks in New Delhi Almost all key issues of mutual concerns, including China's aggressive behaviour in the region, are learnt to have figured in the deliberations between Austin and Doval. "Thrilled to be here in India. The breadth of cooperation between our two nations reflects the significance of our major defense partnership, as we work together to address the most pressing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region," Austin tweeted on Friday. People familiar with the US official's visit said earlier that India's plan to procure around 30 multi-mission armed Predator drones from the US for the three services at an estimated cost of over USD 3 billion is expected to figure in Austin-Singh talks. The US designated India a "Major Defence Partner" in June 2016. The two countries have also inked key defence and security pacts over the past few years, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016 that allows their militaries use of each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies as well as provides for deeper cooperation. The two sides have also signed COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) in 2018 that provides for interoperability between the two militaries and provides for sale of high end technology from the US to India. In October last year, India and the US sealed the BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) agreement to further boost bilateral defence ties. The pact provides for sharing of high-end military technology, logistics and geospatial maps between the two countries. (with inputs from agencies)

Rajnath Singh and US defence secy reaffirm partnership, expansion of strategic cooperation

Khadi "Mujeeb Jackets" will be the centre of attraction during Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s two-day visit to Dhaka next week with dignitaries at the Indian High Commission wearing the signature garment honouring Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh`s Father of the Nation. 
 
The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has supplied 100 such custom-designed "Mujeeb Jackets" to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. 
 
The garment will be the key attire of dignitaries during Prime Minister Modi`s diplomatic visit to the nation on March 26-27. 
 
"As Bangladesh celebrates `Mujib Borsho`, the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Cultural Centre of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, had placed an order for 100 Mujeeb Jackets, ahead of the Prime Minister`s visit," KVIC Chairman, Vinai Kumar Saxena said. 
 
The "Mujeeb jacket" is an immensely popular outfit in Bangladesh. 
 
For the older generation, it is symbolic of the ideology of their great leader, while it has increasingly become a fashion statement for the youth of Bangladesh. 
 
Modi has always been particular about Khadi and its heritage and cultural value to strengthen diplomatic ties with foreign countries. 
 
In 2016, the BRICS leaders, which also includes Modi, had attended the summit in Khadi jackets in Goa. 
 
"The Prime Minister always accorded top priority to Khadi during his diplomatic visits. This is to carry forward the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi who always carried Khadi products specially a Khadi handkerchief with him and presented it to dignitaries during his foreign visits," Saxena said. 
 
The specially designed "Mujeeb Jackets" have been made of high-quality handcrafted Khadi fabric. The black Mujeeb Jackets have been designed with six buttons, two pockets on the lower half and a front pocket on the left, as worn by Rahman. 
 
In keeping with the eco-friendly nature of the fabric, the zip-covers for these jackets too have been made of black cotton fabric with "Khadi India" logo embroidered over it. 
 
These jackets will be carried in specially designed white coloured waste plastic-mixed carry bags made at KVIC`s Kumarappa National Handmade Paper Institute (KNHPI) in Jaipur. 
 
"Mujeeb Jacket" is historically significant in Bangladesh and it is a matter of great pride that these jackets made of Khadi fabric be adorned during the Bangladesh visit of Prime Minister Modi who is the biggest brand ambassador of Khadi, Saxena said. 
 
"Mujeeb jackets made of Khadi will add significantly to the historical and cultural values of the celebrations," he said, adding, this will also promote Khadi on the global and diplomatic platform in a big way. 
 
Since the jackets were meant for diplomatic purposes, KVIC accorded top priority to it and delivered the consignment before time. 
 
Earlier KVIC sent its high-quality cotton and silk masks to various countries.

Khadi "Mujeeb Jackets" will be the centre of attraction during Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s two-day visit to Dhaka next week with dignitaries at the Indian High Commission wearing the signature garment honouring Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh`s Father of the Nation.

Khadi "Mujeeb Jackets" will be the centre of attraction during Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s two-day visit to Dhaka next week with dignitaries at the Indian High Commission wearing the signature garment honouring Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh`s Father of the Nation. The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has supplied 100 such custom-designed "Mujeeb Jackets" to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. The garment will be the key attire of dignitaries during Prime Minister Modi`s diplomatic visit to the nation on March 26-27. "As Bangladesh celebrates `Mujib Borsho`, the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Cultural Centre of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, had placed an order for 100 Mujeeb Jackets, ahead of the Prime Minister`s visit," KVIC Chairman, Vinai Kumar Saxena said. The "Mujeeb jacket" is an immensely popular outfit in Bangladesh. For the older generation, it is symbolic of the ideology of their great leader, while it has increasingly become a fashion statement for the youth of Bangladesh. Modi has always been particular about Khadi and its heritage and cultural value to strengthen diplomatic ties with foreign countries. In 2016, the BRICS leaders, which also includes Modi, had attended the summit in Khadi jackets in Goa. "The Prime Minister always accorded top priority to Khadi during his diplomatic visits. This is to carry forward the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi who always carried Khadi products specially a Khadi handkerchief with him and presented it to dignitaries during his foreign visits," Saxena said. The specially designed "Mujeeb Jackets" have been made of high-quality handcrafted Khadi fabric. The black Mujeeb Jackets have been designed with six buttons, two pockets on the lower half and a front pocket on the left, as worn by Rahman. In keeping with the eco-friendly nature of the fabric, the zip-covers for these jackets too have been made of black cotton fabric with "Khadi India" logo embroidered over it. These jackets will be carried in specially designed white coloured waste plastic-mixed carry bags made at KVIC`s Kumarappa National Handmade Paper Institute (KNHPI) in Jaipur. "Mujeeb Jacket" is historically significant in Bangladesh and it is a matter of great pride that these jackets made of Khadi fabric be adorned during the Bangladesh visit of Prime Minister Modi who is the biggest brand ambassador of Khadi, Saxena said. "Mujeeb jackets made of Khadi will add significantly to the historical and cultural values of the celebrations," he said, adding, this will also promote Khadi on the global and diplomatic platform in a big way. Since the jackets were meant for diplomatic purposes, KVIC accorded top priority to it and delivered the consignment before time. Earlier KVIC sent its high-quality cotton and silk masks to various countries.

Khadi 'Mujeeb Jackets' to add sheen during Modi's Bangladesh visit

US Defense Secretary Lloyd J Austin arrived in India for a three-day visit on Thursday. He called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the very first day of his visit.

As he landed in India, Lloyd tweeted that he was "thrilled" to be in the country.

"Thrilled to be here in India. The breadth of cooperation between our two nations reflects the significance of our major defense partnership, as we work together to address the most pressing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region," he tweeted.

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Thrilled to be here in India. The breadth of cooperation between our two nations reflects the significance of our major defense partnership, as we work together to address the most pressing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region. <a href="https://t.co/0wA88ERrDn">pic.twitter.com/0wA88ERrDn</a>
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef/status/1372906579637510154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

PM Modi after his meet with Austin tweeted that Indo-US partnership was a force for global good.

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Pleasure to meet U.S. <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecDef</a> Lloyd Austin today. Conveyed my best wishes to <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a>. India and US are committed to our strategic partnership that is a force for global good. <a href="https://t.co/Z1AoGJlzFX">pic.twitter.com/Z1AoGJlzFX</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1372926001559273472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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On Friday, Austin also met India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval

"Secretary Austin commended India's leadership role in the Indo-Pacific and growing engagement with like-minded partners across the region to promote shared goals," according to a readout by the US department of defence.

"The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to promote a free and open regional order. Both sides exchanged perspectives on shared challenges confronting the region and committed to further strengthen their broad ranging and robust defence cooperation," the readout added.

Welcoming Austin, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said his visit to India is definitely going to further deepen the cooperation and partnership between two countries. Austin and Singh are scheduled to hold bilateral talks on Saturday.

Austin's visit to India came days after the top leadership of the Quad grouping of the US, India, Japan and Australia vowed to expand their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific amidst China's aggressive actions in the region.

(With PTI inputs)

US Defense Secretary Lloyd J Austin arrived in India for a three-day visit on Thursday. He called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the very first day of his visit.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd J Austin arrived in India for a three-day visit on Thursday. He called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the very first day of his visit. As he landed in India, Lloyd tweeted that he was "thrilled" to be in the country. "Thrilled to be here in India. The breadth of cooperation between our two nations reflects the significance of our major defense partnership, as we work together to address the most pressing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region," he tweeted. Thrilled to be here in India. The breadth of cooperation between our two nations reflects the significance of our major defense partnership, as we work together to address the most pressing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region. pic.twitter.com/0wA88ERrDn — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) March 19, 2021 × PM Modi after his meet with Austin tweeted that Indo-US partnership was a force for global good. Pleasure to meet U.S. @SecDef Lloyd Austin today. Conveyed my best wishes to @POTUS @JoeBiden. India and US are committed to our strategic partnership that is a force for global good. pic.twitter.com/Z1AoGJlzFX — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 19, 2021 × On Friday, Austin also met India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval "Secretary Austin commended India's leadership role in the Indo-Pacific and growing engagement with like-minded partners across the region to promote shared goals," according to a readout by the US department of defence. "The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to promote a free and open regional order. Both sides exchanged perspectives on shared challenges confronting the region and committed to further strengthen their broad ranging and robust defence cooperation," the readout added. Welcoming Austin, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said his visit to India is definitely going to further deepen the cooperation and partnership between two countries. Austin and Singh are scheduled to hold bilateral talks on Saturday. Austin's visit to India came days after the top leadership of the Quad grouping of the US, India, Japan and Australia vowed to expand their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific amidst China's aggressive actions in the region. (With PTI inputs)

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin arrives in India, meets PM Modi

India on Friday reported 39,726 new COVID-19 cases and 154 fatalities in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry. Watch: The surge in cases is the highest single-day rise recorded so far this year, the ministry said.

India on Friday reported 39,726 new COVID-19 cases and 154 fatalities in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry. Watch: The surge in cases is the highest single-day rise recorded so far this year, the ministry said. The total number of cases in the country has now gone up to 1,15,14,331 along with 2,71,282 active cases. The death toll due virus has risen to 1,59,370 in India. The health ministry said 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 adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification. The health ministry said 3,93,39,817 people have been vaccinated so far. Maharashtra which has been the hardest-hit state due to the virus reported 25,833 new coronavirus cases with 58 deaths in the last 24 hours. According to the ICMR, 23,13,70,546 samples have been tested till Thursday with 10,57,383 samples being tested today. The 154 new fatalities include 58 from Maharashtra, 32 from Punjab and 15 from Kerala. The death toll in Maharashtra due to the virus has now risen to 53,138. The total active COVID-19 cases in the state stands at 1,66,353 with total cases going up to 23,96,340. Meanwhile, night curfew as imposed in Amritsar amid a surge in cases. The curfew has been imposed between 11 pm and 5 am. In Madhya Pradesh's Indore 309 fresh coronavirus cases were reported in 24 hours with the death toll climbing to 944. The total number of cases has now 63,510. Amid the surge in cases, external affairs spokesman Anurag Srivastava said: "Consignment of Made in India COVID-19 vaccine has been airlifted for Namibia as part of Vaccine Maitri."

India records highest single day rise in coronavirus cases this year

US&nbsp;Defence Secretary Lloyd&nbsp;Austin&nbsp;arrived in New Delhi on Friday&nbsp;to deepen ties between India and United States.

Austin&nbsp;is making the first visit by a top member of the United States President, Joe Biden administration to Delhi as part of efforts to ally with countries seeking to push back against China's assertiveness in the region.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-secretary-of-defence-lloyd-austin-arrives-in-india-371698" hreflang="en">US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin arrives in India, meets PM Modi</a>

During&nbsp;Austin's visit, the two sides will be discussing India's plan to purchase armed drones from the United States as well as a large order for over 150 combat jets for the air force and the navy to help narrow the gap with China.

The leaders of the United States, India, Australia and Japan,&nbsp;together known as the Quad, held the first summit last week pledging to work together for a free and open Indo-Pacific and to cooperate on maritime and cybersecurity in the face of challenges from China.

Austin's visit to India's comes a week after the first virtual summit of the Quad. India is a crucial part of the group and for America's Indo-Pacific plans.

What's the Indo-Pacific?

It is the maritime space between the Indian ocean and the western Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;This region is being called ''the geopolitical centre of the world.''

It is witnessing a rise in Chinese aggression, the growing interest of western nations and&nbsp;the realisation of India's indispensability.

The UK recently said- India is an increasingly indispensable partner. Johnson's government said it would "tilt" its focus towards the Indo-Pacific region as part of its Integrated Review of government policy for the coming years, saying the area increasingly represented the geopolitical centre of the world.

India and the United States&nbsp;share a common strategic vision, that is,&nbsp;'free, open and inclusive'' Indo-Pacific and both understand the true nature of China's challenge.

The US views India's emergence on the global stage as a counter to China.

The US State Department said it&nbsp;supports ''India's emergence as a leading global power and vital partner in efforts to ensure that the Indo-pacific is a region of peace, stability, and growing prosperity.'

The two countries are defence partners, The US designated India as ''major defence partner'' in 2016 and signed the LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum Agreement). Through it,&nbsp;America and India can now use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies.

In 2018, India and the US signed the COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) which provides inter-operability between two&nbsp;militaries and ensure smooth cooperation between the countries tech and equipment.&nbsp;

In October 2020, India and the US signed the BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) to&nbsp;boost bilateral defence ties.

Both India and the United States have a&nbsp;common challenge, China.&nbsp;

India drew closer to the United States following its own tensions with China on their disputed Himalayan border, where deadly clashes erupted last year. Washington has helped New Delhi, leasing surveillance drones and supplying cold-weather gear for Indian troops.

India and the United States share common values. The US&nbsp;Department of State said, ''The US-India partnership is founded on a shared commitment to freedom, democratic principles, equal treatment of all citizens, human rights, and the rule of law.''

It also said, ''The United States and India have shared interests in promoting global security, stability, and economic prosperity through trade, investment, and connectivity.''

Unlike former US President Donald Trump, Joe Biden does not have a 'go-it-alone' policy. Biden wants to adopt a multilateral approach in tackling china.

The Biden administration recently released its national security blueprint. It was called the ''interim national security strategic guidance.''

It said, ''We will deepen our partnership with India to advance shared objectives.''

The Quad summit&nbsp;laid the groundwork for the&nbsp;strategic partnership between the US and India in the&nbsp;Indo-Pacific.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in New Delhi on Friday to deepen ties between India and United States. Austin is making the first visit by a top member of the United States President, Joe Biden administration to Delhi as part of efforts to ally with countries seeking to push back against China's assertiveness in the region.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in New Delhi on Friday to deepen ties between India and United States. Austin is making the first visit by a top member of the United States President, Joe Biden administration to Delhi as part of efforts to ally with countries seeking to push back against China's assertiveness in the region. Also read| US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin arrives in India, meets PM Modi During Austin's visit, the two sides will be discussing India's plan to purchase armed drones from the United States as well as a large order for over 150 combat jets for the air force and the navy to help narrow the gap with China. The leaders of the United States, India, Australia and Japan, together known as the Quad, held the first summit last week pledging to work together for a free and open Indo-Pacific and to cooperate on maritime and cybersecurity in the face of challenges from China. Austin's visit to India's comes a week after the first virtual summit of the Quad. India is a crucial part of the group and for America's Indo-Pacific plans. What's the Indo-Pacific? It is the maritime space between the Indian ocean and the western Pacific Ocean. This region is being called ''the geopolitical centre of the world.'' It is witnessing a rise in Chinese aggression, the growing interest of western nations and the realisation of India's indispensability. The UK recently said- India is an increasingly indispensable partner. Johnson's government said it would "tilt" its focus towards the Indo-Pacific region as part of its Integrated Review of government policy for the coming years, saying the area increasingly represented the geopolitical centre of the world. India and the United States share a common strategic vision, that is, 'free, open and inclusive'' Indo-Pacific and both understand the true nature of China's challenge. The US views India's emergence on the global stage as a counter to China. The US State Department said it supports ''India's emergence as a leading global power and vital partner in efforts to ensure that the Indo-pacific is a region of peace, stability, and growing prosperity.' The two countries are defence partners, The US designated India as ''major defence partner'' in 2016 and signed the LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum Agreement). Through it, America and India can now use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies. In 2018, India and the US signed the COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) which provides inter-operability between two militaries and ensure smooth cooperation between the countries tech and equipment. In October 2020, India and the US signed the BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) to boost bilateral defence ties. Both India and the United States have a common challenge, China. India drew closer to the United States following its own tensions with China on their disputed Himalayan border, where deadly clashes erupted last year. Washington has helped New Delhi, leasing surveillance drones and supplying cold-weather gear for Indian troops. India and the United States share common values. The US Department of State said, ''The US-India partnership is founded on a shared commitment to freedom, democratic principles, equal treatment of all citizens, human rights, and the rule of law.'' It also said, ''The United States and India have shared interests in promoting global security, stability, and economic prosperity through trade, investment, and connectivity.'' Unlike former US President Donald Trump, Joe Biden does not have a 'go-it-alone' policy. Biden wants to adopt a multilateral approach in tackling china. The Biden administration recently released its national security blueprint. It was called the ''interim national security strategic guidance.'' It said, ''We will deepen our partnership with India to advance shared objectives.'' The Quad summit laid the groundwork for the strategic partnership between the US and India in the Indo-Pacific.

Why is India crucial to America's Indo-Pacific policy?

After some months of relief, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases are now once again surging in India. India may now have entered its second wave.

Yesterday, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting with chief ministers. He told them that 70 districts have reported a 150 per cent increase in cases.

Today, India reported more than 35,000 daily cases — the highest in more than three months. Maharashtra is the worst affected state. It accounts for 65 per cent of the new cases.

Restrictions, lockdowns and night curfews are back in several cities.

Reports say Indian officials are blaming the surge on crowding and the reluctance of people to wear masks. New variants could be a factor too. India has recorded 400 cases of the UK, South African and Brazilian variants, as per reports.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covishield-vaccination-will-go-on-with-full-vigour-india-371323" hreflang="en">Covishield vaccination will go on with full vigour: India</a>

There is now a growing demand to open up the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> programme. Rapid vaccination would definitely help in containing the surge.

In countries such as Israel, the UAE and UK, mass vaccination is slowing the spread of the virus. In fact, the decline has been sharp.

According to a report, about 6.5 per cent of the vaccine doses are going to waste in India. India's health ministry had distributed more than 75 million doses to states but only some 36 million doses have been used so far.

So, the supply of coronavirus vaccine is certainly not the issue. Taking a cautious approach could hurt India's chances of defeating the pandemic.

So, if the shots are safe, India should allow everyone to take the jab. Perhaps, it could take some lessons from Europe. The region's over-cautious approach to vaccines could be costing lives.

Europe's vaccine drive hits back

Europe's pandemic response is in a state of disarray after several countries suspended the use of the AstraZeneca shot while fresh cases are surging.

Reports say that&nbsp;across the EU, new infections have spiked. From 200 per million in mid-February to 270 per million as of last weekend, Italy — which was one of the biggest hotspots in Europe last year — is imposing another nationwide lockdown. It is a measure to slow down the third wave of cases.

Italy is now reporting more than 22,000 cases on average in seven days while an average of 360 people die&nbsp;every week, as per reports.

France is facing demands from health experts for another lockdown. Three days ago, France reported more than 26,000 new cases.

The country's resuscitation units are now running at nearly 82 per cent of their capacity which is the highest since November 2020 — when France was in its second lockdown.

There is a third wave in Germany too. In the past week, the number of cases grew by 20 per cent. Germany has extended its shutdown till March 28.

Europe is losing lives to the virus while vital doses are being wasted.

After some months of relief, coronavirus cases are now once again surging in India. India may now have entered its second wave. Yesterday, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting with chief ministers.

After some months of relief, coronavirus cases are now once again surging in India. India may now have entered its second wave. Yesterday, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting with chief ministers. He told them that 70 districts have reported a 150 per cent increase in cases. Today, India reported more than 35,000 daily cases — the highest in more than three months. Maharashtra is the worst affected state. It accounts for 65 per cent of the new cases. Restrictions, lockdowns and night curfews are back in several cities. Reports say Indian officials are blaming the surge on crowding and the reluctance of people to wear masks. New variants could be a factor too. India has recorded 400 cases of the UK, South African and Brazilian variants, as per reports. Also read | Covishield vaccination will go on with full vigour: India There is now a growing demand to open up the vaccine programme. Rapid vaccination would definitely help in containing the surge. In countries such as Israel, the UAE and UK, mass vaccination is slowing the spread of the virus. In fact, the decline has been sharp. According to a report, about 6.5 per cent of the vaccine doses are going to waste in India. India's health ministry had distributed more than 75 million doses to states but only some 36 million doses have been used so far. So, the supply of coronavirus vaccine is certainly not the issue. Taking a cautious approach could hurt India's chances of defeating the pandemic. So, if the shots are safe, India should allow everyone to take the jab. Perhaps, it could take some lessons from Europe. The region's over-cautious approach to vaccines could be costing lives. Europe's vaccine drive hits back Europe's pandemic response is in a state of disarray after several countries suspended the use of the AstraZeneca shot while fresh cases are surging. Reports say that across the EU, new infections have spiked. From 200 per million in mid-February to 270 per million as of last weekend, Italy — which was one of the biggest hotspots in Europe last year — is imposing another nationwide lockdown. It is a measure to slow down the third wave of cases. Italy is now reporting more than 22,000 cases on average in seven days while an average of 360 people die every week, as per reports. France is facing demands from health experts for another lockdown. Three days ago, France reported more than 26,000 new cases. The country's resuscitation units are now running at nearly 82 per cent of their capacity which is the highest since November 2020 — when France was in its second lockdown. There is a third wave in Germany too. In the past week, the number of cases grew by 20 per cent. Germany has extended its shutdown till March 28. Europe is losing lives to the virus while vital doses are being wasted.

Lessons India can learn from Europe's coronavirus vaccine drive

Lloyd <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-defence-secretary-lloyd-austin-to-arrive-in-india-today-set-to-meet-rajnath-singh-ajit-doval-371557">Austin </a>is the first US defence secretary to include India on his maiden foreign trip. He will also be the first Biden administration official to visit India.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-us-defence-secretary-lloyd-austin-set-to-arrive-in-new-delhi-371560/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The crucial visit will signal the importance of the bilateral defence and security partnership between India and the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-defence-secretary-lloyd-austin-to-arrive-in-india-today-set-to-meet-rajnath-singh-ajit-doval-371557">Austin</a> is a retired Army general and has been a trailblazer for much of his professional career. He made history by becoming America's first black defence secretary. The defence secretary is the first black soldier to command both an infantry division and army corps in combat.

Austin's first call with a foreign leader as defence secretary was with NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg. The aim was to highlight the importance the Biden administration places on its allies.

Austin's high-level visit is likely to boost India-US defence relations and help the agenda of a free, prosperous and open Indo-Pacific region amid the recent tensions between India and China along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

Pentagon said in a statement that the US knows it needs strong allies, partners and friends in that part of the world. During the first leg of the trip, Austin had visited Japan and South Korea.

Lloyd Austin is the first US defence secretary to include India on his maiden foreign trip. He will also be the first Biden administration official to visit India.

Lloyd Austin is the first US defence secretary to include India on his maiden foreign trip. He will also be the first Biden administration official to visit India. Watch: The crucial visit will signal the importance of the bilateral defence and security partnership between India and the United States. Austin is a retired Army general and has been a trailblazer for much of his professional career. He made history by becoming America's first black defence secretary. The defence secretary is the first black soldier to command both an infantry division and army corps in combat. Austin's first call with a foreign leader as defence secretary was with NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg. The aim was to highlight the importance the Biden administration places on its allies. Austin's high-level visit is likely to boost India-US defence relations and help the agenda of a free, prosperous and open Indo-Pacific region amid the recent tensions between India and China along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Pentagon said in a statement that the US knows it needs strong allies, partners and friends in that part of the world. During the first leg of the trip, Austin had visited Japan and South Korea.

US defence secretary Lloyd Austin, the 'trailblazer' retired Army general

Indian external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi will attend the Ninth Ministerial Conference of the "Heart of Asia" on March 30 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. This is after many years that both Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers will be together under one roof. As of now, there is no confirmation of any meeting happening between the two sides.

The development comes even as several conciliatory comments are coming from Pakistan, by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistani Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa. On Thursday (March 19), speaking at the Islamabad security dialogue, the Pakistani Army Chief said, "We feel it is time to bury the past and move forward." Earlier, at the same platform, Imran Khan talked about trade in the region can only prosper if India takes "the first step".

Earlier in the week, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla said, "India desires good neighbourly relations with Pakistan and is committed to addressing issues, if any, bilaterally and peacefully."

"Any meaningful dialogue can only be held in a conducive atmosphere and the onus is on Pakistan to create such an atmosphere," he added.

Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process is a decade old initiative of Afghan-Turkey that has 15 countries as part of it. The initiative aims at peace in Afghanistan. Most of the countries are Afghanistan's Neighbours and west Asian countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE as part of it. India hosted the same meet in 2016 in Amritsar.

Indian external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi will attend the Ninth Ministerial Conference of the "Heart of Asia" on March 30 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Indian external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi will attend the Ninth Ministerial Conference of the "Heart of Asia" on March 30 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. This is after many years that both Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers will be together under one roof. As of now, there is no confirmation of any meeting happening between the two sides. The development comes even as several conciliatory comments are coming from Pakistan, by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistani Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa. On Thursday (March 19), speaking at the Islamabad security dialogue, the Pakistani Army Chief said, "We feel it is time to bury the past and move forward." Earlier, at the same platform, Imran Khan talked about trade in the region can only prosper if India takes "the first step". Earlier in the week, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla said, "India desires good neighbourly relations with Pakistan and is committed to addressing issues, if any, bilaterally and peacefully." "Any meaningful dialogue can only be held in a conducive atmosphere and the onus is on Pakistan to create such an atmosphere," he added. Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process is a decade old initiative of Afghan-Turkey that has 15 countries as part of it. The initiative aims at peace in Afghanistan. Most of the countries are Afghanistan's Neighbours and west Asian countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE as part of it. India hosted the same meet in 2016 in Amritsar.

Indian EAM, Pak FM to attend Dushanbe meet on Afghanistan

With coronavirus cases rising in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday said that if guidelines against the spread of COVID-19 are not followed, strict measures will be taken in near future.

The Chief Minister also called upon people to get vaccinated against the virus.&nbsp;

"Number of COVID-19 patients had increased in September 2020 as well. But today we have vaccine as a shield. Citizens should get vaccinated. Rules should be followed so that there`s no infection. But if rules aren`t followed, strict measures will be taken in near future," Thackeray told media persons here.&nbsp;

Maharashtra reported 25,833 new COVID-19 cases, 58 deaths and 12,764 recoveries on Thursday.

With coronavirus cases rising in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday said that if guidelines against the spread of COVID-19 are not followed, strict measures will be taken in near future.

With coronavirus cases rising in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday said that if guidelines against the spread of COVID-19 are not followed, strict measures will be taken in near future. The Chief Minister also called upon people to get vaccinated against the virus. "Number of COVID-19 patients had increased in September 2020 as well. But today we have vaccine as a shield. Citizens should get vaccinated. Rules should be followed so that there`s no infection. But if rules aren`t followed, strict measures will be taken in near future," Thackeray told media persons here. Maharashtra reported 25,833 new COVID-19 cases, 58 deaths and 12,764 recoveries on Thursday.

Strict measures will be taken if COVID-19 rules not followed: Maharashtra CM

US defence secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-south-korea-alliance-important-due-to-security-concerns-over-china-north-korea-austin-371128">Lloyd Austin</a> will be arriving in India today in the first visit by a top official from US President Joe Biden's cabinet.

Watch:

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Upon arrival,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-confirms-lloyd-austin-as-first-black-chief-of-pentagon-358669"> Austin</a> is set to meet Indian National Security Advisor(NSA) Ajit Doval and external affairs minister S Jaishankar.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh is also slated to have talks with his US counterpart. There will be a wide range of issues on the table during the US defence secretary’s three-day visit.

India and the US are said to discuss ways to solidify the bilateral defence cooperation as the two sides exchange views on regional security challenges and common interests for an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

Austin will call on Indian PM Narendra Modi before his departure. The India-China border face-off along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in eastern Ladakh is also likely to be a point of discussion.

The situation in Afghanistan is also significant for regional and international security.

India and the US maintain key bilateral partnership with both sides keen to expand bilateral military exercises, joint training of international peacekeeping troops and new arrangements for the two navies.

The talks are likely to further boost defence manufacturing and joint ventures.

US defence secretary Lloyd Austin will be arriving in India today in the first visit by a top official from US President Joe Biden's cabinet. Watch: Upon arrival, Austin is set to meet Indian National Security Advisor(NSA) Ajit Doval and external affairs minister S Jaishankar.

US defence secretary Lloyd Austin will be arriving in India today in the first visit by a top official from US President Joe Biden's cabinet. Watch: Upon arrival, Austin is set to meet Indian National Security Advisor(NSA) Ajit Doval and external affairs minister S Jaishankar. India's defence minister Rajnath Singh is also slated to have talks with his US counterpart. There will be a wide range of issues on the table during the US defence secretary’s three-day visit. India and the US are said to discuss ways to solidify the bilateral defence cooperation as the two sides exchange views on regional security challenges and common interests for an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. Austin will call on Indian PM Narendra Modi before his departure. The India-China border face-off along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in eastern Ladakh is also likely to be a point of discussion. The situation in Afghanistan is also significant for regional and international security. India and the US maintain key bilateral partnership with both sides keen to expand bilateral military exercises, joint training of international peacekeeping troops and new arrangements for the two navies. The talks are likely to further boost defence manufacturing and joint ventures.

US defence secretary Lloyd Austin to arrive in India today; set to meet Rajnath Singh, Ajit Doval

“Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm”, said Winston Churchill. These words drive Election King’ K Padmarajan, for whom losing is winning. The 61-year old independent candidate is now gearing up for three election battles from two Southern Indian states - Tamil Nadu and Kerala. His motto - Losing, just as he has been since 1988 when he first contested in the polls.&nbsp;

Ask him the names of leaders he’s contested against, and the list goes “Vajpayee, Narasimha Rao, Manmohan Singh, Jayalalithaa, Karunanidhi, AK Antony, Yeddyurappa, SM Krishna, APJ Abdul Kalam, Ramnath Kovind, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi”. This time around, for the Assembly polls in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, as usual, he’s picked the biggest names to contest against - Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami (who is contesting in his home turf Edappadi) and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who is contesting from Dharmadom in Kannur, besides Mettur Assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu, where Padmarajan resides.&nbsp;

After having filed his 217th nomination to face the polls, Padmarajan is a happy man, hopeful of successfully losing this time as well. His aim is to prove that even common citizens can be in the poll fray - whether the post up for grabs is that of a Member of Legislative Assembly, Member of Parliament or even the President of India.&nbsp;

Having spent over Rs.50 lakhs, for contesting and continuously losing at the polls over the last 33 years, Padmarajan has made it to several record books, including the Limca Book of Records.&nbsp;

“I am the only Election King in the world” Padmarajan proclaims proudly. He’s also approached India’s Election Commission to register his party - the Election King Failure party. He hopes that his streak of losses will one day get him a place in the Guinness Book of world records.

“Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm”, said Winston Churchill. These words drive Election King’ K Padmarajan, for whom losing is winning.

“Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm”, said Winston Churchill. These words drive Election King’ K Padmarajan, for whom losing is winning. The 61-year old independent candidate is now gearing up for three election battles from two Southern Indian states - Tamil Nadu and Kerala. His motto - Losing, just as he has been since 1988 when he first contested in the polls. Ask him the names of leaders he’s contested against, and the list goes “Vajpayee, Narasimha Rao, Manmohan Singh, Jayalalithaa, Karunanidhi, AK Antony, Yeddyurappa, SM Krishna, APJ Abdul Kalam, Ramnath Kovind, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi”. This time around, for the Assembly polls in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, as usual, he’s picked the biggest names to contest against - Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami (who is contesting in his home turf Edappadi) and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who is contesting from Dharmadom in Kannur, besides Mettur Assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu, where Padmarajan resides. After having filed his 217th nomination to face the polls, Padmarajan is a happy man, hopeful of successfully losing this time as well. His aim is to prove that even common citizens can be in the poll fray - whether the post up for grabs is that of a Member of Legislative Assembly, Member of Parliament or even the President of India. Having spent over Rs.50 lakhs, for contesting and continuously losing at the polls over the last 33 years, Padmarajan has made it to several record books, including the Limca Book of Records. “I am the only Election King in the world” Padmarajan proclaims proudly. He’s also approached India’s Election Commission to register his party - the Election King Failure party. He hopes that his streak of losses will one day get him a place in the Guinness Book of world records.

Meet the independent candidate taking on Tamil Nadu CM and Kerala CM 

US Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin arrives in New Delhi on a three-day visit to India. Austin will meet his Indian counterpart Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other senior dignitaries of the government during this visit.

WION Dispatch: Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin arrives in India on a 3-day visit

Tamil Nadu's daily Covid-19 cases breached the 1,000-mark, after months of decline in cases. As per the health bulletin issued on Friday, the state recorded 1,087 new cases, of which 421 were from Chennai, whereas Coimbatore and Chengalpattu also recorded over 100 cases each.&nbsp;

While the rise in cases is in line with a pan-India trend, it is a cause for concern particularly in Tamil Nadu, where the crucial assembly polls are due on April 6th. Currently, the state has 6,690 active cases.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-covid-19-spike-chief-secretary-takes-stock-authorities-asked-to-intensify-efforts-370898">Tamil Nadu Covid-19 spike: Chief secretary takes stock, authorities asked to intensify efforts</a>

Since late 2020, Tamil Nadu had been witnessing a decline in Covid-19 cases and by end of January, the state had eased almost all restrictions and returned to normal, as the daily cases were well below the 400-mark on average.&nbsp;

The current spike in cases has been building up over the last two weeks, where daily case numbers have more than doubled.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Chief secretary Rajeev Ranjan held a meeting with top officials from the civic authorities, police, health, revenue departments and the district administration.

It was stated that the reasons for the current spike are public and private events, schools, banks etc. where mask-wearing and physical distancing norms are violated, in addition to flouting of home quarantine norms.

To enforce Covid norms and increase efforts towards controlling the pandemic, the chief secretary ordered the violators of Covid protocols be find under the Public health act, it was also added that resumption of temperature screening and availability of sanitizer be ensured at all workplaces, factories and hotels.&nbsp;

Government authorities have been instructed to ensure that the norms are strictly followed across banks, government and private venues, factories, wedding halls, schools, places of worship, tourist places etc.&nbsp;

The health department has been asked to conduct fever camps and devise special strategies for areas reporting many cases or case clusters. Monitoring of home quarantined persons would also continue, in line with the previous year.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu's health secretary&nbsp;Dr. J. Radhakrishnan said on Friday that a large number of cases were family clusters of those who attended functions, events, rather than a widespread outbreak. He also added that the micro-containment zone would be established in case there were three cases in a single block or apartment complex and that detailed contact tracing and testing of contacts would continue.&nbsp;

With nine deaths on Friday, 12,582 persons have lost their battle to the pandemic in Tamil Nadu, whereas 8.45 lakh person has recovered, out of the 8.64 lakh infected persons.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu's daily Covid-19 cases breached the 1,000-mark, after months of decline in cases. As per the health bulletin issued on Friday, the state recorded 1,087 new cases, of which 421 were from Chennai, whereas Coimbatore and Chengalpattu also recorded over 100 cases each.

Tamil Nadu's daily Covid-19 cases breached the 1,000-mark, after months of decline in cases. As per the health bulletin issued on Friday, the state recorded 1,087 new cases, of which 421 were from Chennai, whereas Coimbatore and Chengalpattu also recorded over 100 cases each. While the rise in cases is in line with a pan-India trend, it is a cause for concern particularly in Tamil Nadu, where the crucial assembly polls are due on April 6th. Currently, the state has 6,690 active cases. Also read | Tamil Nadu Covid-19 spike: Chief secretary takes stock, authorities asked to intensify efforts Since late 2020, Tamil Nadu had been witnessing a decline in Covid-19 cases and by end of January, the state had eased almost all restrictions and returned to normal, as the daily cases were well below the 400-mark on average. The current spike in cases has been building up over the last two weeks, where daily case numbers have more than doubled. Earlier this week, Chief secretary Rajeev Ranjan held a meeting with top officials from the civic authorities, police, health, revenue departments and the district administration. It was stated that the reasons for the current spike are public and private events, schools, banks etc. where mask-wearing and physical distancing norms are violated, in addition to flouting of home quarantine norms. To enforce Covid norms and increase efforts towards controlling the pandemic, the chief secretary ordered the violators of Covid protocols be find under the Public health act, it was also added that resumption of temperature screening and availability of sanitizer be ensured at all workplaces, factories and hotels. Government authorities have been instructed to ensure that the norms are strictly followed across banks, government and private venues, factories, wedding halls, schools, places of worship, tourist places etc. The health department has been asked to conduct fever camps and devise special strategies for areas reporting many cases or case clusters. Monitoring of home quarantined persons would also continue, in line with the previous year. Tamil Nadu's health secretary Dr. J. Radhakrishnan said on Friday that a large number of cases were family clusters of those who attended functions, events, rather than a widespread outbreak. He also added that the micro-containment zone would be established in case there were three cases in a single block or apartment complex and that detailed contact tracing and testing of contacts would continue. With nine deaths on Friday, 12,582 persons have lost their battle to the pandemic in Tamil Nadu, whereas 8.45 lakh person has recovered, out of the 8.64 lakh infected persons.

After months of decline, daily Covid-19 cases breach 1,000 in Tamil Nadu

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin arrives in New Delhi on a three-day visit to India. Austin will meet his Indian counterpart Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other senior dignitaries of the government during this visit.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin arrives in India on a 3-day visit

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Meet the independent candidate taking on Tamil Nadu CM and Kerala CM