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Engaging with the Twitterverse for the first time, newly appointed External Affairs Minister (EAM) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar paid homage to his predecessor Sushma Swaraj on Saturday.

"My first tweet. Thank you all for the best wishes! Honoured to be given this responsibility. Proud to follow on the footsteps of @SushmaSwaraj ji," Jaishankar`s first tweet read.

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My first tweet. 
 
Thank you all for the best wishes! 
Honoured to be given this responsibility. 
Proud to follow on the footsteps of <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> ji
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1134685620834582529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-20-rajnath-singh-is-defence-minister-amit-shah-home-nirmala-sitharaman-gets-finace-223084">surprise addition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's latest Union Cabinet</a>, the former Foreign Secretary succeeds Swaraj in helming the Ministry of External Affairs for the next five years under the NDA government.

Swaraj opted out of contesting in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections citing her health. She spearheaded various rescue operations during her term, including those in Libya and Yemen.

The former EAM was much-loved by people for being one of the most approachable ministers, known for hearing out and solving grievances on Twitter.

Jaishankar pledged to follow the precedent set by her, and tweeted, "We at Team @MEAIndia continue to be at your service 24x7. Happy to be leading the effort with my colleague MoS Muraleedharan ji."

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We at Team <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> continue to be at your service 24x7 
 
Happy to be leading the effort with my colleague MoS Muraleedharan ji <a href="https://twitter.com/VMBJP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VMBJP</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1134687081245171713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The EAM went on to express his gratitude for the wishes extended by his counterparts from Australia, France and Indonesia, who tweeted their greetings for the former top diplomat.

Both Jaishankar and the new Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, assumed office on May 31, following the official announcement regarding portfolio allocations.

"Back at South Block, in a new role! The new External Affairs Minister of India @DrSJaishankar assumes office," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted on Friday.

A former career diplomat, the 1977-batch IFS officer and Padma Shri awardee served as the Foreign Secretary for three years - from 2015 until his retirement in 2018 - under Modi's previous term as Prime Minister.

He had earlier served as India's Ambassador to China and then to the US. The incumbent EAM has previously been India`s Ambassador to the Czech Republic and High Commissioner to Singapore as well.

He was also the First Secretary and Political Advisor to the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka.

It is believed that Modi first met Jaishankar when he travelled to China as the Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2012.

The former diplomat played a critical role in handling tough negotiations with Beijing, following the incursion in Doklam and Ladakh`s Depsang.

He is also known as the Indian government`s key strategist for China and the US.

In 2008, Jaishankar was a member of the team which negotiated the landmark Indo-US nuclear deal under the UPA government headed by then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.&nbsp;

Engaging with the Twitterverse for the first time, newly appointed External Affairs Minister (EAM) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar paid homage to his predecessor Sushma Swaraj on Saturday.

Engaging with the Twitterverse for the first time, newly appointed External Affairs Minister (EAM) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar paid homage to his predecessor Sushma Swaraj on Saturday. "My first tweet. Thank you all for the best wishes! Honoured to be given this responsibility. Proud to follow on the footsteps of @SushmaSwaraj ji," Jaishankar`s first tweet read. My first tweet. Thank you all for the best wishes! Honoured to be given this responsibility. Proud to follow on the footsteps of @SushmaSwaraj ji — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 1, 2019 × A surprise addition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's latest Union Cabinet, the former Foreign Secretary succeeds Swaraj in helming the Ministry of External Affairs for the next five years under the NDA government. Swaraj opted out of contesting in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections citing her health. She spearheaded various rescue operations during her term, including those in Libya and Yemen. The former EAM was much-loved by people for being one of the most approachable ministers, known for hearing out and solving grievances on Twitter. Jaishankar pledged to follow the precedent set by her, and tweeted, "We at Team @MEAIndia continue to be at your service 24x7. Happy to be leading the effort with my colleague MoS Muraleedharan ji." We at Team @MEAIndia continue to be at your service 24x7 Happy to be leading the effort with my colleague MoS Muraleedharan ji @VMBJP — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 1, 2019 × The EAM went on to express his gratitude for the wishes extended by his counterparts from Australia, France and Indonesia, who tweeted their greetings for the former top diplomat. Both Jaishankar and the new Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, assumed office on May 31, following the official announcement regarding portfolio allocations. "Back at South Block, in a new role! The new External Affairs Minister of India @DrSJaishankar assumes office," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted on Friday. A former career diplomat, the 1977-batch IFS officer and Padma Shri awardee served as the Foreign Secretary for three years - from 2015 until his retirement in 2018 - under Modi's previous term as Prime Minister. He had earlier served as India's Ambassador to China and then to the US. The incumbent EAM has previously been India`s Ambassador to the Czech Republic and High Commissioner to Singapore as well. He was also the First Secretary and Political Advisor to the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka. It is believed that Modi first met Jaishankar when he travelled to China as the Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2012. The former diplomat played a critical role in handling tough negotiations with Beijing, following the incursion in Doklam and Ladakh`s Depsang. He is also known as the Indian government`s key strategist for China and the US. In 2008, Jaishankar was a member of the team which negotiated the landmark Indo-US nuclear deal under the UPA government headed by then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Proud to follow in Sushma Swaraj's footsteps, says new External Affairs Minister Jaishankar

Rajanth Singh on Saturday took charge as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-moves-to-south-block-gets-defence-ministry-223127">defence minister</a> and immediately held a meeting with the top military brass.

Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik, Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and top officials of the ministry accorded a warm welcome to Singh.

After taking charge, the former home minister held a meeting with Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa and newly appointed Navy chief Karambir Singh.

The defence secretary and several other senior officials of the ministry were also present at the meeting.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday announced portfolios for 24 cabinet ministers, 9 ministers of state with independent charge and 24 Ministers of State (MoS) in Union Cabinet for the 17th Lok Sabha.

Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, incursion attempts by Pakistan, and the emergence of Islamic State were among the top challenges faced by Singh as Home Minister.

As India's<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-moves-to-south-block-gets-defence-ministry-223127">&nbsp;new defence minister, Rajnath Singh</a>'s most crucial challenge will be to speed up the long-delayed modernisation of the three services besides ensuring overall coherence in their combat readiness.&nbsp;

His another challenge will be to ensure peace and tranquillity along the frontier with China while developing required military infrastructure to deal with any possible Chinese hostility.&nbsp;

Rajanth Singh on Saturday took charge as the defence minister and immediately held a meeting with the top military brass. Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik, Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and top officials of the ministry accorded a warm welcome to Singh.

Rajanth Singh on Saturday took charge as the defence minister and immediately held a meeting with the top military brass. Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik, Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and top officials of the ministry accorded a warm welcome to Singh. After taking charge, the former home minister held a meeting with Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa and newly appointed Navy chief Karambir Singh. The defence secretary and several other senior officials of the ministry were also present at the meeting. The Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday announced portfolios for 24 cabinet ministers, 9 ministers of state with independent charge and 24 Ministers of State (MoS) in Union Cabinet for the 17th Lok Sabha. Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, incursion attempts by Pakistan, and the emergence of Islamic State were among the top challenges faced by Singh as Home Minister. As India's new defence minister, Rajnath Singh's most crucial challenge will be to speed up the long-delayed modernisation of the three services besides ensuring overall coherence in their combat readiness. His another challenge will be to ensure peace and tranquillity along the frontier with China while developing required military infrastructure to deal with any possible Chinese hostility.

Rajnath Singh takes charge as defence minister

Amid much speculation and anticipation, the portfolios of the Cabinet ministers of Narendra Modi's second term as prime minister were announced on Friday. BJP president Amit Shah was appointed as the Home Minister, while former Home Minister Rajnath Singh got the defence ministry.

Amit Shah takes charge as India's Home Minister

Sonia Gandhi has been chosen the chairperson of the Congress's elected parliamentarians at the meeting of the party's parliamentary committee this morning. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh proposed her name.

Sonia Gandhi elected as the leader of Congress Parliamentary Party

India's decision to buy the long-range <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/india-must-sign-s-400-deal-russia-167776">S-400 missile defence system</a> from Russia will have serious implications on defence ties, the Trump administration has warned.

The S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system. China was the first foreign buyer to seal a government-to-government deal with Russia in 2014 to procure the lethal missile system.

India and Russia signed a USD 5 billion S-400 air defence system deal in October last after wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

A Senior State Department Official told a group of reporters on Thursday that New Delhi's decision to buy S-400 air defence system from Moscow was significant, disagreeing with the view that it "isn't a big deal".

The official disagreed with the view that India's buying of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heard-and-understood-by-us-on-s-400-missile-deal-defence-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-210014">S-400 from Russia</a> might not have an impact as long as it increases its military purchase from the US.

Watch: Know how US perceives India-Russia S-400 deal

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"I disagree. The S-400 is significant because of CAATSA sanctions. It's also significant because of what it precludes, in terms of future high-tech cooperation," the official said.

The S-400 missile defence system deal could result in US sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) instituted by the US Congress on arms purchases from Russia.

The official said if India went ahead with its decision to buy the S-400 missile defence system from Russia, it will have serious implications on the defence ties.

The Trump administration has been very clear that the acquisition of advanced Russian technology sends the wrong message to Russia at a time when it continues its aggressions, the official said.

"Those concerns we hold high," said the official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

"You can look at the very serious conversation that's taking place with our NATO partner Turkey and the same concerns will apply should India proceed with an S-400 purchase," the official said.

"We don't commingle highest technology systems. There are threats posed by the purchase of an S-400. So that conversation you're seeing played out in Turkey right now," the official said, asserting that those same concerns would apply to India as well.

Noting that there is no automatic waivers under CAATSA legislation, the official said that there is a provision that allows for presidential determination.

"Every case would have to be looked at individually. But I think the broader issue is where are India's military relations headed with whom is it going to share the highest technology and that operating environment because certain choices preclude other choices," the official noted.

"As we have discussions about a combat aircraft sales and other advanced systems, the decisions that India makes with regard to S-400 will have an impact on those conversations," the senior State Department official said.

India has been diversifying its weapons supply over the years. The US estimates that probably 60 to 70 per cent of its hardware is of Soviet/Russia origin.

There is still a significant dependence on Russia. But the jump in India's purchase of military equipment from the US from zero to USD 18 billion is significant, the official said.

"We do more military exercises with India than with any other country in the world. Through these exercises, through the enhanced cooperation we have, whether it's in the disaster assistance and humanitarian relief area or whether it's on this joint sailing that we did in the south China Sea, there's natural interest and also increasing the interoperability of our military equipment.

"So we, we certainly look forward to ongoing discussions about a variety of ones," the official said.

Asked that India took the decision to buy S-400 from Russia as the US was not willing to share such hardware with it, the official said: "There's another message from the United States and let's talk. We have systems that are effective. There are other platforms that are very effective".

There are other considerations at play as well, the official said.

"But I think there's also a very positive message. We are now able to cooperate in ways that we could not before. We are now reaching agreements that we did not have before that allow us to consider sales that were incomprehensible only five years ago," the official said.

"So, we look forward to continuing the conversation because this really is a conversation. Choices that are made now will establish the framework for the future and we certainly have the ambitions for the broadest possible, deepest possible military relationship with India," the official said.

The official underscored that the US was ready to discuss the full array of equipment available to address India's concerns.&nbsp;

India's decision to buy the long-range S-400 missile defence system from Russia will have serious implications on defence ties, the Trump administration has warned.

India's decision to buy the long-range S-400 missile defence system from Russia will have serious implications on defence ties, the Trump administration has warned. The S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system. China was the first foreign buyer to seal a government-to-government deal with Russia in 2014 to procure the lethal missile system. India and Russia signed a USD 5 billion S-400 air defence system deal in October last after wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. A Senior State Department Official told a group of reporters on Thursday that New Delhi's decision to buy S-400 air defence system from Moscow was significant, disagreeing with the view that it "isn't a big deal". The official disagreed with the view that India's buying of S-400 from Russia might not have an impact as long as it increases its military purchase from the US. Watch: Know how US perceives India-Russia S-400 deal × "I disagree. The S-400 is significant because of CAATSA sanctions. It's also significant because of what it precludes, in terms of future high-tech cooperation," the official said. The S-400 missile defence system deal could result in US sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) instituted by the US Congress on arms purchases from Russia. The official said if India went ahead with its decision to buy the S-400 missile defence system from Russia, it will have serious implications on the defence ties. The Trump administration has been very clear that the acquisition of advanced Russian technology sends the wrong message to Russia at a time when it continues its aggressions, the official said. "Those concerns we hold high," said the official who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "You can look at the very serious conversation that's taking place with our NATO partner Turkey and the same concerns will apply should India proceed with an S-400 purchase," the official said. "We don't commingle highest technology systems. There are threats posed by the purchase of an S-400. So that conversation you're seeing played out in Turkey right now," the official said, asserting that those same concerns would apply to India as well. Noting that there is no automatic waivers under CAATSA legislation, the official said that there is a provision that allows for presidential determination. "Every case would have to be looked at individually. But I think the broader issue is where are India's military relations headed with whom is it going to share the highest technology and that operating environment because certain choices preclude other choices," the official noted. "As we have discussions about a combat aircraft sales and other advanced systems, the decisions that India makes with regard to S-400 will have an impact on those conversations," the senior State Department official said. India has been diversifying its weapons supply over the years. The US estimates that probably 60 to 70 per cent of its hardware is of Soviet/Russia origin. There is still a significant dependence on Russia. But the jump in India's purchase of military equipment from the US from zero to USD 18 billion is significant, the official said. "We do more military exercises with India than with any other country in the world. Through these exercises, through the enhanced cooperation we have, whether it's in the disaster assistance and humanitarian relief area or whether it's on this joint sailing that we did in the south China Sea, there's natural interest and also increasing the interoperability of our military equipment. "So we, we certainly look forward to ongoing discussions about a variety of ones," the official said. Asked that India took the decision to buy S-400 from Russia as the US was not willing to share such hardware with it, the official said: "There's another message from the United States and let's talk. We have systems that are effective. There are other platforms that are very effective". There are other considerations at play as well, the official said. "But I think there's also a very positive message. We are now able to cooperate in ways that we could not before. We are now reaching agreements that we did not have before that allow us to consider sales that were incomprehensible only five years ago," the official said. "So, we look forward to continuing the conversation because this really is a conversation. Choices that are made now will establish the framework for the future and we certainly have the ambitions for the broadest possible, deepest possible military relationship with India," the official said. The official underscored that the US was ready to discuss the full array of equipment available to address India's concerns.

India's buying of S-400 from Russia will have serious implications on defence ties: US 

PM for a second time, Narendra Modi is going to follow it up with bilaterals with five countries. The first meeting is with Bangladesh President Mohammed Abdul Hamid which will be followed by meetings with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and Bhutan Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi meets Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena

What are the aspirations of India's first-time voters who voted for PM Narendra Modi? Watch this report from Gravitas.

Gravitas: Modi 2.0: The Wishlist Of The Aspirational Indian

The Delhi High Court Friday granted four more months to the CBI to complete its probe in a bribery case involving the agency's former special director Rakesh Asthana.

Justice Mukta Gupta allowed the CBI's plea seeking an extension of time to complete its investigation in the case lodged against Asthana, DSP Devender Kumar and middleman Manoj Prasad.

On January 11, the court had granted 10 weeks to the probe agency to complete its investigation. The CBI had approached the high court after completion of 10 weeks time.

Asthana was booked on the allegations of criminal conspiracy, corruption and criminal misconduct under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Kumar, earlier the investigating officer in a case involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi, was arrested on the allegations of forgery in recording the statement of Hyderabad-based businessman Sathish Babu Sana, who had allegedly paid a bribe to get relief in the case.&nbsp;

He was arrested on October 22, 2018, and granted bail on October 31.

The CBI had sought more time to complete its probe in the case so as to conduct the probe in a free, fair and transparent manner.

The high court was earlier informed that Kumar has filed an appeal before the Supreme Court against the high court's order dismissing his and others' plea to quash the FIR against them.

The court had also questioned the CBI for not sending Letters Rogatory (LRs) to various countries till mid of April even though it had passed in January the order dismissing the pleas to quash the FIR.

LRs are a formal request from a court to a foreign court for some judicial assistance.

The high court in January had disposed of three petitions of Asthana, Kumar and Prasad by a common order in which the CBI was directed to complete investigation in the case within ten weeks.&nbsp;

The Delhi High Court Friday granted four more months to the CBI to complete its probe in a bribery case involving the agency's former special director Rakesh Asthana.

The Delhi High Court Friday granted four more months to the CBI to complete its probe in a bribery case involving the agency's former special director Rakesh Asthana. Justice Mukta Gupta allowed the CBI's plea seeking an extension of time to complete its investigation in the case lodged against Asthana, DSP Devender Kumar and middleman Manoj Prasad. On January 11, the court had granted 10 weeks to the probe agency to complete its investigation. The CBI had approached the high court after completion of 10 weeks time. Asthana was booked on the allegations of criminal conspiracy, corruption and criminal misconduct under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Kumar, earlier the investigating officer in a case involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi, was arrested on the allegations of forgery in recording the statement of Hyderabad-based businessman Sathish Babu Sana, who had allegedly paid a bribe to get relief in the case. He was arrested on October 22, 2018, and granted bail on October 31. The CBI had sought more time to complete its probe in the case so as to conduct the probe in a free, fair and transparent manner. The high court was earlier informed that Kumar has filed an appeal before the Supreme Court against the high court's order dismissing his and others' plea to quash the FIR against them. The court had also questioned the CBI for not sending Letters Rogatory (LRs) to various countries till mid of April even though it had passed in January the order dismissing the pleas to quash the FIR. LRs are a formal request from a court to a foreign court for some judicial assistance. The high court in January had disposed of three petitions of Asthana, Kumar and Prasad by a common order in which the CBI was directed to complete investigation in the case within ten weeks.

High court grants 4 more months time to CBI to complete probe in Asthana Bribery case

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Gravitas: Modi 2.0: Can PM Modi Push 'Big-Bang' Economic Reforms?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to meet BIMSTEC leaders. Watch this video to know more.

PM Narendra Modi to meet BIMSTEC leaders

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Gravitas: New Council Of Ministers Have The Stamp Of PM Modi

After the grand oath-taking ceremony, India's new council of ministers took charge. Which big names made it into the cabinet? Who's in, who's not? Palki Sharma Upadhyay has the details.

Gravitas Special Focus: Meet The New Team Modi

Nirmala Sitharaman was the first woman to be appointed full-time Defence Minister of India in September 2017 -- and since then she has been assiduously trying to adopt a holistic approach in addressing the country's security challenges. Watch this video to know more.

Another stint for Nirmala Sitharaman in Modi 2.0

The Trump administration has exuded confidence that the relationship between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/suspension-of-preferential-trade-status-for-india-under-gsp-is-done-deal-us-222997">India and the US</a> will see a very positive trajectory, hours after Narendra Modi was sworn in as the Prime Minister for the second term.&nbsp;

Modi on Thursday<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-takes-oath-as-prime-minister-for-second-time-222847"> took the oath of office, helming a 58-member ministry</a>. He led his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) towards a resounding victory, crossing the 300 marks for 542 Lok Sabha seats.

"This is really a resilient partnership. It enjoys bipartisan support. It has the structures and it has a strategic commitment in place to take advantage of our leader's vision. I anticipate a very positive trajectory moving forward,"&nbsp;a senior State Department Official said on Thursday.

As was evident in the tweets, statements and phone calls from the US President, Vice President and Secretary of State after the Indian elections, the US looks forward to working with Prime Minister Modi and his government in the second term, the official said.

"We do expect that our strategic partnership will continue to flourish under his leadership,"&nbsp;the official added.

Recalling Modi's 2017 visit to the US, the official said that Trump and the Indian prime minister enjoy a warm relationship and personal chemistry.

"You saw that when the prime minister was here in June of 2017. That means that the sort of the geopolitical compulsion to this relationship is matched by a personal leadership commitment to advance relations,"&nbsp;the official said.

According to the official, Trump and Modi will meet in Japan on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit next month in Osaka, Japan. A trilateral meeting involving the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been planned, the official said.

Watch: Here's look at new cabinet entrants in PM Narendra Modi's Council of Ministers

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The partnership encompasses cooperation on a broad range of economic, defence and security issues and stands on the foundation of extensive people to people ties and shared democratic values, the official said.

"There's been significant momentum in the relationship since the Prime Minister's visit to Washington with the two plus two mechanisms that was developed last year. The meetings between our ministers of foreign affairs and defence will continue to serve as a strategic vehicle for our engagement with India,"&nbsp;the official said.

It capped off last year with the assigning of a secure communications agreement that was 10 years in the negotiations and represented a breakthrough and their ability to achieve military interoperability.

"We are looking forward again to early high-level contact with the Modi 2.0 government. We will have the G-20 meeting opportunity between our heads of state,"&nbsp;the official said.

There will be a senior level participation at US-India Forum in New Delhi in August. There will be two plus two intercessional and maritime security dialogue in August and two plus two ministerial in early fall.

The Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo will be speaking at the June 12 US-India Business Council's India Ideas summit in Washington.

According to the official, the mechanisms for this engagement reflect what are now very developed habits of cooperation between the two countries that are allowing them to push the agenda much more rapidly in the past.

Much of the expansion in this relationship has been a result of the Indo Pacific strategy and this common vision that the two countries share secures a rules-based free and open Indo-Pacific region, the official said.

The two countries, the official said also share complimentary visions based on democratic norms and rule of law.

"We also share concerns. Concerns about predatory lending, lending and norm defined practices that have been seen in the region. That's why you've seen the US and Indian Navy's alongside those of Japan and the Philippines conduct a group sale for the first time ever in the south China Sea this month,"&nbsp;the official said.

"We're also looking forward to our first ever try service military exercise involving the US and India Navy Air Force and army at the end of this year to further increase interoperability. And you'll continue to see forward movement on defence enabling agreements that will further deepen our information sharing and interoperability,"&nbsp;the official said.

The Trump administration has exuded confidence that the relationship between India and the US will see a very positive trajectory, hours after Narendra Modi was sworn in as the Prime Minister for the second term.

The Trump administration has exuded confidence that the relationship between India and the US will see a very positive trajectory, hours after Narendra Modi was sworn in as the Prime Minister for the second term. Modi on Thursday took the oath of office, helming a 58-member ministry. He led his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) towards a resounding victory, crossing the 300 marks for 542 Lok Sabha seats. "This is really a resilient partnership. It enjoys bipartisan support. It has the structures and it has a strategic commitment in place to take advantage of our leader's vision. I anticipate a very positive trajectory moving forward," a senior State Department Official said on Thursday. As was evident in the tweets, statements and phone calls from the US President, Vice President and Secretary of State after the Indian elections, the US looks forward to working with Prime Minister Modi and his government in the second term, the official said. "We do expect that our strategic partnership will continue to flourish under his leadership," the official added. Recalling Modi's 2017 visit to the US, the official said that Trump and the Indian prime minister enjoy a warm relationship and personal chemistry. "You saw that when the prime minister was here in June of 2017. That means that the sort of the geopolitical compulsion to this relationship is matched by a personal leadership commitment to advance relations," the official said. According to the official, Trump and Modi will meet in Japan on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit next month in Osaka, Japan. A trilateral meeting involving the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been planned, the official said. Watch: Here's look at new cabinet entrants in PM Narendra Modi's Council of Ministers × The partnership encompasses cooperation on a broad range of economic, defence and security issues and stands on the foundation of extensive people to people ties and shared democratic values, the official said. "There's been significant momentum in the relationship since the Prime Minister's visit to Washington with the two plus two mechanisms that was developed last year. The meetings between our ministers of foreign affairs and defence will continue to serve as a strategic vehicle for our engagement with India," the official said. It capped off last year with the assigning of a secure communications agreement that was 10 years in the negotiations and represented a breakthrough and their ability to achieve military interoperability. "We are looking forward again to early high-level contact with the Modi 2.0 government. We will have the G-20 meeting opportunity between our heads of state," the official said. There will be a senior level participation at US-India Forum in New Delhi in August. There will be two plus two intercessional and maritime security dialogue in August and two plus two ministerial in early fall. The Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo will be speaking at the June 12 US-India Business Council's India Ideas summit in Washington. According to the official, the mechanisms for this engagement reflect what are now very developed habits of cooperation between the two countries that are allowing them to push the agenda much more rapidly in the past. Much of the expansion in this relationship has been a result of the Indo Pacific strategy and this common vision that the two countries share secures a rules-based free and open Indo-Pacific region, the official said. The two countries, the official said also share complimentary visions based on democratic norms and rule of law. "We also share concerns. Concerns about predatory lending, lending and norm defined practices that have been seen in the region. That's why you've seen the US and Indian Navy's alongside those of Japan and the Philippines conduct a group sale for the first time ever in the south China Sea this month," the official said. "We're also looking forward to our first ever try service military exercise involving the US and India Navy Air Force and army at the end of this year to further increase interoperability. And you'll continue to see forward movement on defence enabling agreements that will further deepen our information sharing and interoperability," the official said.

'Anticipate positive trajectory in ties with India,' says US after Modi takes oath

Diplomacy was the top focus of the first day of Modi government's second term with the prime minister holding bilateral meetings with five foreign leaders who had arrived in Delhi for his oath-taking ceremony. &nbsp;

PM Modi's first bilateral was with Bangladeshi President Abdul Hamid. During the meet, PM "noted that the bilateral relationship, forged in Bangladesh’s War of Liberation, remained of the highest priority to India", a &nbsp; read out by the Ministry of External Affairs stated.&nbsp;

Both sides plan to commemorate the centenary of the birth of founding father of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 2020 and the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s Liberation, in 2021.

In the first tenure of Modi government, the two countries were able to resolve a number of issues including demarcation of the land boundary.&nbsp;

During the bilateral with PM of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, both leaders agreed to work together to achieve the "shared vision of security and growth of the two countries and the Indian Ocean region", MEA readout said.

In his first term, PM Modi had visited Mauritius in 2015 and was the chief guest at the Mauritian National Day celebrations. The country's location in the Indian ocean is key, as it saddles between crucial trade lanes connecting Asia with Africa.

Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli, gifted PM Modi, "Rudraksha mala" during his bilateral.&nbsp;

In the meet with Bhutan PM Dr. Lotay Tshering, co-operation in the hydro-power sector was discussed. &nbsp;India has constructed three Hydroelectric Projects (HEP) in Bhutan totalling 1416 MW (336 MW Chukha HEP, 60 MW Kurichhu HEP and 1020 MW Tala HEP).&nbsp;

PM Modi is expected to visit both Nepal and Bhutan this year.&nbsp;

During his bilateral with Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena, both sides focused in "peace and security in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region" and "noted that terrorism and extremism continue to pose threat to humanity". Remember on April 21, more than 250 people died in terror attacks in the Indian Ocean island country, whose responsibility was taken by Islamic extremist groups.

Friday also saw, the new External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs V. Muraleedharan taking charge.&nbsp;

S. Jaishankar, who was the former foreign secretary, had played a crucial role in India US Nuclear deal of 2006 and served as envoy to several countries including the US and China.

Diplomacy was the top focus of the first day of Modi government's second term with the prime minister holding bilateral meetings with five foreign leaders who had arrived in Delhi for his oath-taking ceremony.

Diplomacy was the top focus of the first day of Modi government's second term with the prime minister holding bilateral meetings with five foreign leaders who had arrived in Delhi for his oath-taking ceremony. PM Modi's first bilateral was with Bangladeshi President Abdul Hamid. During the meet, PM "noted that the bilateral relationship, forged in Bangladesh’s War of Liberation, remained of the highest priority to India", a read out by the Ministry of External Affairs stated. Both sides plan to commemorate the centenary of the birth of founding father of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 2020 and the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s Liberation, in 2021. In the first tenure of Modi government, the two countries were able to resolve a number of issues including demarcation of the land boundary. During the bilateral with PM of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, both leaders agreed to work together to achieve the "shared vision of security and growth of the two countries and the Indian Ocean region", MEA readout said. In his first term, PM Modi had visited Mauritius in 2015 and was the chief guest at the Mauritian National Day celebrations. The country's location in the Indian ocean is key, as it saddles between crucial trade lanes connecting Asia with Africa. Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli, gifted PM Modi, "Rudraksha mala" during his bilateral. In the meet with Bhutan PM Dr. Lotay Tshering, co-operation in the hydro-power sector was discussed. India has constructed three Hydroelectric Projects (HEP) in Bhutan totalling 1416 MW (336 MW Chukha HEP, 60 MW Kurichhu HEP and 1020 MW Tala HEP). PM Modi is expected to visit both Nepal and Bhutan this year. During his bilateral with Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena, both sides focused in "peace and security in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region" and "noted that terrorism and extremism continue to pose threat to humanity". Remember on April 21, more than 250 people died in terror attacks in the Indian Ocean island country, whose responsibility was taken by Islamic extremist groups. Friday also saw, the new External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs V. Muraleedharan taking charge. S. Jaishankar, who was the former foreign secretary, had played a crucial role in India US Nuclear deal of 2006 and served as envoy to several countries including the US and China.

Diplomacy remains the top focus of Modi 2.0's first day

And one of the leaders who helped BJP enter the state of Odisha was Pratap Chandra Sarangi who won from Balasore Lok Sabha Constituency. Sarangi took oath as Minister today. Watch this video to know more.

"Odisha's Modi" Pratap Chandra Sarangi takes oath as Minister

Two terrorists as gunned down in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Thursday during an encounter with security forces.

The encounter broke out in the early hours of the day in Shopian's Dragad Sugan area.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> Shopian encounter: One terrorist has been neutralised in the encounter which broke out between terrorists and security forces in Dragad Sugan area of Shopian district earlier this morning. Operation is underway. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1134293990017126401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Security forces launched a cordon and search operation&nbsp;following a tip-off about the presence of militants, the news agency PTI quoted&nbsp;a police official as saying.

As the forces carried out searches, terrorists fired upon them, leading to the encounter, the official said.

He said the exchange of fire was going on between the two sides.

Further details are awaited.

On Thursday, two terrorists were killed in Sopore district's Dangerpora area.

During the encounter, incriminating material including arms and ammunition was recovered from the site of encounter.

Two terrorists as gunned down in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Thursday during an encounter with security forces. The encounter broke out in the early hours of the day in Shopian's Dragad Sugan area.

Two terrorists as gunned down in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Thursday during an encounter with security forces. The encounter broke out in the early hours of the day in Shopian's Dragad Sugan area. #UPDATE Shopian encounter: One terrorist has been neutralised in the encounter which broke out between terrorists and security forces in Dragad Sugan area of Shopian district earlier this morning. Operation is underway. #JammuAndKashmir — ANI (@ANI) May 31, 2019 × Security forces launched a cordon and search operation following a tip-off about the presence of militants, the news agency PTI quoted a police official as saying. As the forces carried out searches, terrorists fired upon them, leading to the encounter, the official said. He said the exchange of fire was going on between the two sides. Further details are awaited. On Thursday, two terrorists were killed in Sopore district's Dangerpora area. During the encounter, incriminating material including arms and ammunition was recovered from the site of encounter.

J&K: Two terrorists gunned down in Shopian encounter

UAE celebrates Modi's oath-taking ceremony. Watch this video to know more.

UAE celebrates Modi's oath taking ceremony

Here's look at new cabinet entrants in PM Narendra Modi's Council of Ministers. Watch this video to know more.

Here's look at new cabinet entrants in PM Narendra Modi's Council of Ministers

arendra Modi took oath as Prime Minister of India for the second successive time on Tuesday in a grand ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. He was joined by 24 cabinet-ranked ministers, 24 Ministers of State and another nine Ministers of State (Independent Charge). Watch this video to k now more.

PM Modi, 57 ministers take oath at Rashtrapati Bhavan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-buying-of-s-400-from-russia-will-have-serious-implications-on-defence-ties-us-223011">India's buying of S-400 from Russia will have serious implications on defence ties: US&nbsp;</a>

India's decision to buy the long-range S-400 missile defence system from Russia will have serious implications on defence ties, the Trump administration has warned.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/suspension-of-preferential-trade-status-for-india-under-gsp-is-done-deal-us-222997">Suspension of preferential trade status for India under GSP is 'done deal': US</a>

The Trump administration has said it is not going back on its decision to terminate India's designation as a beneficiary developing nation under the key GSP trade programme, terming the suspension a "done deal".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-encounter-between-security-forces-and-terrorists-underway-in-shopian-district-223001">J&amp;K: One terrorist gunned down in Shopian encounter</a>

One terrorist as gunned down in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Thursday during an encounter with security forces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-sends-team-to-amethi-to-ascertain-cause-of-defeat-223019">Lok Sabha polls 2019: Rahul Gandhi sends team to Amethi to ascertain cause of defeat</a>

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday sent a team to Amethi to find out the reason for his shocking defeat to BJP leader Smriti Irani from the parliamentary constituency which was considered a stronghold of the Nehru-Gandhi family.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-countries-buying-iranian-oil-will-be-subject-to-sanctions-223000">US says countries buying Iranian oil will be subject to sanctions</a>

The United States will sanction any country which buys oil from Iran after the expiration of waivers on May 2, US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said on Thursday.

&nbsp;

India's buying of S-400 from Russia will have serious implications on defence ties: US India's decision to buy the long-range S-400 missile defence system from Russia will have serious implications on defence ties, the Trump administration has warned.

India's buying of S-400 from Russia will have serious implications on defence ties: US India's decision to buy the long-range S-400 missile defence system from Russia will have serious implications on defence ties, the Trump administration has warned. Suspension of preferential trade status for India under GSP is 'done deal': US The Trump administration has said it is not going back on its decision to terminate India's designation as a beneficiary developing nation under the key GSP trade programme, terming the suspension a "done deal". J&K: One terrorist gunned down in Shopian encounter One terrorist as gunned down in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Thursday during an encounter with security forces. Lok Sabha polls 2019: Rahul Gandhi sends team to Amethi to ascertain cause of defeat Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday sent a team to Amethi to find out the reason for his shocking defeat to BJP leader Smriti Irani from the parliamentary constituency which was considered a stronghold of the Nehru-Gandhi family. US says countries buying Iranian oil will be subject to sanctions The United States will sanction any country which buys oil from Iran after the expiration of waivers on May 2, US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said on Thursday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

BJP president Amit Shah took oath at the much awaited swearing-in ceremony as a minster in Modi government's cabinet on Thursday. Watch this video to know more.

BJP chief Amit Shah joins Modi's cabinet 2.0

It was a proud moment for an entire country when Narendra Modi took oath as India's Prime Minister for the second successive term. It was especially significant for Heeraben who had her eyes glued to her television set to watch her son take oath. Watch this video to know more.

PM Narendra Modi's mother Heeraben cheers for him on TV

Putting all speculations to rest, BJP president Amit Shah took oath at the much awaited swearing-in ceremony as a minster in Modi government's cabinet on Thursday. However, the biggest surprise that PM Modi threw up was the inclusion of former foreign secretary S Jaishankar Prasad in cabinet. Watch this video to know more.

Amit Shah, S Jaishankar PM Narendra Modi's surprise pick

Nitish Kumar on Thursday confirmed even before the oath ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan that his party - Janata Dal United - won't be represented in Narendra Modi's new ministry. Watch this video to know more.

JDU not part of Narendra Modi ministry

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