<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-army-is-ready-to-go-dont-mistake-our-discretion-for-weakness-us-national-security-advisor-john-bolton-tells-iran-229716">US army is ready to go, don't mistake our discretion for weakness: US National Security Advisor John Bolton tells Iran</a>

US National Security Advisor John Bolton warned Tehran on Sunday of misinterpreting as "weakness" President Donald Trump's&nbsp;last-minute cancellation&nbsp;of a retaliatory&nbsp;strike on Iran.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-at-least-14-dead-and-over-50-injured-as-tent-collapses-in-barmer-229742">Rajasthan: At least 14 dead and over 50 injured as tent collapses in Barmer</a>

At least 14 people reportedly died and over 50 injured in Barmer district of Rajasthan after a 'pandal' (marquee) collapsed due to heavy rain and storm during a religious gathering on Sunday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/post-balakot-indian-navy-hunted-for-pakistani-submarine-for-21-days-229710">Post-Balakot, Indian Navy hunted for Pakistani submarine for 21 days</a>

Soon&nbsp;after the Pulwama terror attack, India pulled out its&nbsp;Navy&nbsp;from an exercise and deployed a major part of its fleet, including nuclear and conventional submarines, close to Pakistani territorial waters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/day-after-fatf-warning-pak-army-chief-claims-country-doing-best-to-wipe-out-terrorism-229711">Day after FATF warning, Pakistan Army Chief claims 'country doing best to wipe out terrorism'</a>

Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has claimed that the&nbsp;country is doing its best&nbsp;and utilising all available sources to eliminate terrorism from its soil, adding that Islamabad has been moving towards attaining sustainable peace and stability.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/day-after-fatf-warning-pak-army-chief-claims-country-doing-best-to-wipe-out-terrorism-229711">UK's Boris Johnson under pressure to explain domestic 'row'</a>

Boris Johnson, the strong favourite to become Britain's next prime minister, came under pressure from figures in his own party on Sunday to explain reports of a&nbsp;domestic 'row' that led to a police visit. 
&nbsp;

US army is ready to go, don't mistake our discretion for weakness: US National Security Advisor John Bolton tells Iran US National Security Advisor John Bolton warned Tehran on Sunday of misinterpreting as "weakness" President Donald Trump's last-minute cancellation of a retaliatory strike on Iran.

US army is ready to go, don't mistake our discretion for weakness: US National Security Advisor John Bolton tells Iran US National Security Advisor John Bolton warned Tehran on Sunday of misinterpreting as "weakness" President Donald Trump's last-minute cancellation of a retaliatory strike on Iran. Rajasthan: At least 14 dead and over 50 injured as tent collapses in Barmer At least 14 people reportedly died and over 50 injured in Barmer district of Rajasthan after a 'pandal' (marquee) collapsed due to heavy rain and storm during a religious gathering on Sunday. Post-Balakot, Indian Navy hunted for Pakistani submarine for 21 days Soon after the Pulwama terror attack, India pulled out its Navy from an exercise and deployed a major part of its fleet, including nuclear and conventional submarines, close to Pakistani territorial waters. Day after FATF warning, Pakistan Army Chief claims 'country doing best to wipe out terrorism' Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has claimed that the country is doing its best and utilising all available sources to eliminate terrorism from its soil, adding that Islamabad has been moving towards attaining sustainable peace and stability. UK's Boris Johnson under pressure to explain domestic 'row' Boris Johnson, the strong favourite to become Britain's next prime minister, came under pressure from figures in his own party on Sunday to explain reports of a domestic 'row' that led to a police visit.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Soon <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-bandar-was-iafs-code-name-for-balakot-airstrike-229212">after the Pulwama terror attack</a>, India pulled out its <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/gulf-crisis-navy-launches-operation-operation-sankalp-to-reassure-indian-vessels-amid-us-iran-row-229020">Navy</a> from an exercise and deployed a major part of its fleet, including nuclear and conventional submarines, close to Pakistani territorial waters.

During the aggressive deployment of the naval assets by the Indian side, the Pakistanis were getting an impression that New Delhi might use its maritime force to avenge the killing of its 40 CRPF personnel in the suicide bombing by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-pulwama-attack-key-conspirator-killed-in-anantnag-encounter-228205">Pulwama</a>.

India was continuously keeping an eye on the movement of the Pakistani military but after Indian Air Force hit the Jaish terrorist factory in Balakot, one of the most advanced Pakistani Agosta-class submarines - PNS Saad - vanished from the Pakistani waters, a senior government source said.

Having accounted for all other surface warships and all the submarines, the vanishing act done by the PNS Saad fitted with Air Independent Propulsion (a technology which allows the submarines to stay for a longer period under the water than normal submarines) swung the entire Indian Navy swung into action.

"The location near Karachi from where the PNS Saad vanished, it could reach the Gujarat coast in three days and the headquarters of the western fleet in Mumbai within five days and was seen as a major threat to the security of the country," the sources said.

The anti-submarine warfare specialist warships and aircraft were positioned to help in the hunt for the missing Pakistani submarine.

"All the areas where it could have gone in the given timeframe, extensive searches were carried out by the Indian Navy. P-8Is were pressed into service to locate the submarine along with the coastal areas of Gujarat followed by Maharashtra and other states," the sources said.

Watch: What happened after IAF airstrikes in Balakot<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-happened-after-iaf-airstrikes-in-balakot-discussion-with-journalist-francesca-marino-217098/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

All precautionary measures had been taken by the Navy to ensure that even if the PNS Saad had entered Indian waters, all necessary actions were to be taken to force it to come on the surface, and if required take military punitive action against it, the sources said.

Nuclear submarine INS Chakra had also been deployed in an aggressive posture along the Pakistani waters and instructed to keep looking for the missing Pakistani submarine.

The Indian Navy's latest induction, Scorpene-class submarine <a href="http://wionews.com/world/opinion-ins-kalvari-will-change-the-face-of-war-in-south-asia-26706">INS Kalvari</a>, was also deployed in the hunt while their posture kept threatening Pakistan against doing any misadventure in the Indian waters.

As the days progressed, the Indian Navy kept expanding its area of search for the Pakistani boat and satellites were also used to locate it, meanwhile, the force was almost certain that the Pakistanis may have kept it hidden somewhere else.

After 21 days of an extensive search, the Indian Navy finally located the PNS Saad on the western side of Pakistan.

It was sent there for hiding, to ensure a covert capability in case of extension in hostilities in the aftermath of the Balakot airstrikes.

Sources said the Navy is maintaining complete surveillance of the Arabian Sea, especially Pakistani waters, and is aware of Pakistan's naval activities in the area.

Soon after the tensions spiked, the Navy had deployed over 60 warships, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, along with its battle group as part of a rapid redeployment in the North Arabian Sea.

"The overwhelming superiority of Indian Navy in all three dimensions forced the Pakistan Navy to remain deployed close to the Makran coast and not venture out in the open ocean," a statement by Indian Navy spokesperson Captain DK Sharma had said at that time.&nbsp;

Soon after the Pulwama terror attack, India pulled out its Navy from an exercise and deployed a major part of its fleet, including nuclear and conventional submarines, close to Pakistani territorial waters.

Soon after the Pulwama terror attack, India pulled out its Navy from an exercise and deployed a major part of its fleet, including nuclear and conventional submarines, close to Pakistani territorial waters. During the aggressive deployment of the naval assets by the Indian side, the Pakistanis were getting an impression that New Delhi might use its maritime force to avenge the killing of its 40 CRPF personnel in the suicide bombing by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Pulwama. India was continuously keeping an eye on the movement of the Pakistani military but after Indian Air Force hit the Jaish terrorist factory in Balakot, one of the most advanced Pakistani Agosta-class submarines - PNS Saad - vanished from the Pakistani waters, a senior government source said. Having accounted for all other surface warships and all the submarines, the vanishing act done by the PNS Saad fitted with Air Independent Propulsion (a technology which allows the submarines to stay for a longer period under the water than normal submarines) swung the entire Indian Navy swung into action. "The location near Karachi from where the PNS Saad vanished, it could reach the Gujarat coast in three days and the headquarters of the western fleet in Mumbai within five days and was seen as a major threat to the security of the country," the sources said. The anti-submarine warfare specialist warships and aircraft were positioned to help in the hunt for the missing Pakistani submarine. "All the areas where it could have gone in the given timeframe, extensive searches were carried out by the Indian Navy. P-8Is were pressed into service to locate the submarine along with the coastal areas of Gujarat followed by Maharashtra and other states," the sources said. Watch: What happened after IAF airstrikes in Balakot All precautionary measures had been taken by the Navy to ensure that even if the PNS Saad had entered Indian waters, all necessary actions were to be taken to force it to come on the surface, and if required take military punitive action against it, the sources said. Nuclear submarine INS Chakra had also been deployed in an aggressive posture along the Pakistani waters and instructed to keep looking for the missing Pakistani submarine. The Indian Navy's latest induction, Scorpene-class submarine INS Kalvari, was also deployed in the hunt while their posture kept threatening Pakistan against doing any misadventure in the Indian waters. As the days progressed, the Indian Navy kept expanding its area of search for the Pakistani boat and satellites were also used to locate it, meanwhile, the force was almost certain that the Pakistanis may have kept it hidden somewhere else. After 21 days of an extensive search, the Indian Navy finally located the PNS Saad on the western side of Pakistan. It was sent there for hiding, to ensure a covert capability in case of extension in hostilities in the aftermath of the Balakot airstrikes. Sources said the Navy is maintaining complete surveillance of the Arabian Sea, especially Pakistani waters, and is aware of Pakistan's naval activities in the area. Soon after the tensions spiked, the Navy had deployed over 60 warships, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, along with its battle group as part of a rapid redeployment in the North Arabian Sea. "The overwhelming superiority of Indian Navy in all three dimensions forced the Pakistan Navy to remain deployed close to the Makran coast and not venture out in the open ocean," a statement by Indian Navy spokesperson Captain DK Sharma had said at that time.

Post-Balakot, Indian Navy hunted for Pakistani submarine for 21 days

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-needs-to-meet-diplomacy-with-diplomacy-not-military-force-us-229256">Iran needs to meet diplomacy with diplomacy, not military force: US</a>

The US said on Friday that Iran has no right to respond to diplomacy "with military force", a day after Tehran shot down a&nbsp;US reconnaissance drone&nbsp;over the Strait of Hormuz.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-us-drone-p-8-plane-with-35-on-board-also-entered-airspace-we-could-have-shot-it-down-but-didnt-iran-revolutionary-guard-229268">With US drone, P-8 plane with 35 on board also entered airspace, we could have shot it down, but didn't: Iran Revolutionary Guard</a>

Iran refrained from shooting down a US plane with 35 people on board that was accompanying the&nbsp;downed drone in the Gulf, a Revolutionary Guards commander said on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-bandar-was-iafs-code-name-for-balakot-airstrike-229212">'Operation Bandar' was IAF's code name for Balakot airstrike: Sources</a>

When the Air Force sent its package of 12 Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft to attack the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in&nbsp;Balakot on February 26, it code-named it 'Operation Bandar (Monkey)', to maintain secrecy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-government-posts-yogaday-on-twitter-indian-flag-pops-deleted-later-as-twitter-takes-a-dig-229245">Pakistan government's Yoga Day tweet leads to Indian flag pop-up; deleted later as Twitter takes a dig</a>

On the occasion of International Yoga Day, the government of Pakistan posted&nbsp;a picture on&nbsp;its Twitter handle @pid_gov with the hashtag #YogaDay only to realise an Indian flag had popped up with a person meditating.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/creating-g7-task-force-to-ensure-facebooks-libra-governed-by-regulations-france-229231">Creating G7 task force to ensure Facebook's Libra governed by regulations: France</a>

France is creating a G7 task force to study how central banks ensure&nbsp;cryptocurrencies like Facebook's Libra&nbsp;are governed by regulations ranging from money-laundering laws to consumer-protection rules, France's central bank governor said on Friday.

Iran needs to meet diplomacy with diplomacy, not military force: US The US said on Friday that Iran has no right to respond to diplomacy "with military force", a day after Tehran shot down a US reconnaissance drone over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran needs to meet diplomacy with diplomacy, not military force: US The US said on Friday that Iran has no right to respond to diplomacy "with military force", a day after Tehran shot down a US reconnaissance drone over the Strait of Hormuz. With US drone, P-8 plane with 35 on board also entered airspace, we could have shot it down, but didn't: Iran Revolutionary Guard Iran refrained from shooting down a US plane with 35 people on board that was accompanying the downed drone in the Gulf, a Revolutionary Guards commander said on Friday. 'Operation Bandar' was IAF's code name for Balakot airstrike: Sources When the Air Force sent its package of 12 Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft to attack the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in Balakot on February 26, it code-named it 'Operation Bandar (Monkey)', to maintain secrecy. Pakistan government's Yoga Day tweet leads to Indian flag pop-up; deleted later as Twitter takes a dig On the occasion of International Yoga Day, the government of Pakistan posted a picture on its Twitter handle @pid_gov with the hashtag #YogaDay only to realise an Indian flag had popped up with a person meditating. Creating G7 task force to ensure Facebook's Libra governed by regulations: France France is creating a G7 task force to study how central banks ensure cryptocurrencies like Facebook's Libra are governed by regulations ranging from money-laundering laws to consumer-protection rules, France's central bank governor said on Friday.

When the Air Force sent its package of 12 Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft to attack the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-lets-un-team-assess-loss-of-trees-in-balakot-bars-meeting-with-hafiz-saeed-202044">Balakot on February 26</a>, it code-named it 'Operation Bandar (Monkey)', to maintain secrecy.

"In order to maintain secrecy and ensure that the plans don't leak out, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/balakot-air-strike-is-indias-googly-response-to-imran-khans-in-swinger-199863">Balakot operations</a> were given the codename Operation Bandar," senior defence sources said.

Without detailing any specific reason behind the name, sources said monkeys have always held a special place in India's war culture as seen in the epic Ramayana, where Lord Rama`s lieutenant Lord Hanuman quietly sneaked into Lanka and destroyed the entire capital city of the demon Ravana.

On February 26, 12 Mirages having taken off from multiple air bases crossed over into the Pakistani air space and carried out missile attacks on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Balakot town of Khyber Pakhtunwa province.

The attacks carried out by the Indian Air Force, pilots had dropped five Spice 2000 bombs out of which four penetrated the rooftops of the building in which the terrorists were sleeping.

The attacks were carried out at 3.30am and within a few minutes after dropping the bombs on their designated targets, the Indian Air Force planes returned to their bases.

The aircraft used in the attack belonged to the No 7 and No 9 squadrons of the Indian Air Force and included the non-upgraded planes as the upgraded Mirages of the No 1 squadron did not have the air to ground strike capability at that moment.

While some of the Mirage aircraft carried out the attack on Jaish positions, a team of other few Mirages and Su-30MKI combat aircraft kept the Pakistan air force planes away from causing any hindrance or launching any counter-offensive.

As per the Air Force briefings to the government, 80 per cent of the bombs had been dropped successfully on their targets and had carried out the requisite damage to the enemy locations.&nbsp;

The operations were ably supported by the indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control systems (AEW&amp;C) plane Netra.

The Indian Air Force had also kept its team of Garud commandos on stand-by for any kind of operations that may have been required due to any kind of emergency there.

The Indian Air Force is also planning to reward the IAF pilots who took part in the attack with Vayu Sena Medal for Gallantry for their acts of bravery.

When the Air Force sent its package of 12 Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft to attack the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in Balakot on February 26, it code-named it 'Operation Bandar (Monkey)', to maintain secrecy.

When the Air Force sent its package of 12 Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft to attack the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in Balakot on February 26, it code-named it 'Operation Bandar (Monkey)', to maintain secrecy. "In order to maintain secrecy and ensure that the plans don't leak out, the Balakot operations were given the codename Operation Bandar," senior defence sources said. Without detailing any specific reason behind the name, sources said monkeys have always held a special place in India's war culture as seen in the epic Ramayana, where Lord Rama`s lieutenant Lord Hanuman quietly sneaked into Lanka and destroyed the entire capital city of the demon Ravana. On February 26, 12 Mirages having taken off from multiple air bases crossed over into the Pakistani air space and carried out missile attacks on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Balakot town of Khyber Pakhtunwa province. The attacks carried out by the Indian Air Force, pilots had dropped five Spice 2000 bombs out of which four penetrated the rooftops of the building in which the terrorists were sleeping. The attacks were carried out at 3.30am and within a few minutes after dropping the bombs on their designated targets, the Indian Air Force planes returned to their bases. The aircraft used in the attack belonged to the No 7 and No 9 squadrons of the Indian Air Force and included the non-upgraded planes as the upgraded Mirages of the No 1 squadron did not have the air to ground strike capability at that moment. While some of the Mirage aircraft carried out the attack on Jaish positions, a team of other few Mirages and Su-30MKI combat aircraft kept the Pakistan air force planes away from causing any hindrance or launching any counter-offensive. As per the Air Force briefings to the government, 80 per cent of the bombs had been dropped successfully on their targets and had carried out the requisite damage to the enemy locations. The operations were ably supported by the indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control systems (AEW&C) plane Netra. The Indian Air Force had also kept its team of Garud commandos on stand-by for any kind of operations that may have been required due to any kind of emergency there. The Indian Air Force is also planning to reward the IAF pilots who took part in the attack with Vayu Sena Medal for Gallantry for their acts of bravery.

'Operation Bandar' was IAF's code name for Balakot airstrike: Sources

Pakistan on Monday decided in principle to let Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aircraft fly over its airspace to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan where he has to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on June 13-14, where his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan would also be present.

Pakistan had fully closed its airspace on February 26 after an Indian Air Force (IAF) strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot. Since then, it has only opened two routes, both of them pass through southern Pakistan, of the total 11.

India requested Pakistan to let Prime Minister Modi's aircraft fly over its airspace to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan.

The official confirmed to PTI that the Imran Khan government has approved in principle the Indian government's request to let Prime Minister Modi's aircraft fly over the Pakistani airspace to Bishkek.

"The Indian government will be conveyed about the decision once the procedural formalities are completed. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will also be directed to notify the airmen subsequently," the official said, adding Pakistan was hopeful that India would respond to its offer for peace dialogue.

He said Prime Minister Khan has recently written a letter to his Indian counterpart stressing Pakistan requires a solution for all geopolitical issues including Kashmir between the two neighbouring states.

The official further said Pakistan is still optimistic that India will respond to peace offer despite the fact both premiers were not meeting at the sidelines of the SCO Summit.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in New Delhi said no bilateral meeting has been arranged between Prime Minister Modi and his Pakistani counterpart on the sidelines of the SCO Summit.

Pakistan had given special permission to India's then external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj to fly directly through Pakistani airspace to attend the SCO Foreign Ministers' meet in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on May 21.

Apart from the two routes through southern Pakistan, the neighbouring country's airspace remains closed for commercial airliners.

The IAF announced on May 31 that all temporary restrictions imposed on Indian airspace post the Balakot airstrike have been removed. However, it is unlikely to benefit any commercial airliners unless Pakistan reciprocates and opens its complete airspace.

Among Indian airlines, the international operations of Air India and IndiGo have been affected by the closure of Pakistani airspace.

IndiGo, India's largest airline by the share in the domestic passenger market, has been unable to start direct flights from Delhi to Istanbul due to the closure of Pakistani airspace.

The low-cost carrier started the Delhi-Istanbul flight in March this year. It has to take the longer route every time over the Arabian Sea and make a stop either at Doha in Qatar or at Ahmedabad in Gujarat for refuelling.

Similarly, full-service carrier Air India is unable to fly non-stop flights from Delhi to the US since the closure of Pakistani airspace.

Pakistan, however, has extended its partial airspace ban on the eastern border with India until June 14.&nbsp;

Pakistan on Monday decided in principle to let Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aircraft fly over its airspace to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan where he has to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on June 13-14, where his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan would also be present.

Pakistan on Monday decided in principle to let Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aircraft fly over its airspace to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan where he has to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on June 13-14, where his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan would also be present. Pakistan had fully closed its airspace on February 26 after an Indian Air Force (IAF) strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot. Since then, it has only opened two routes, both of them pass through southern Pakistan, of the total 11. India requested Pakistan to let Prime Minister Modi's aircraft fly over its airspace to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan. The official confirmed to PTI that the Imran Khan government has approved in principle the Indian government's request to let Prime Minister Modi's aircraft fly over the Pakistani airspace to Bishkek. "The Indian government will be conveyed about the decision once the procedural formalities are completed. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will also be directed to notify the airmen subsequently," the official said, adding Pakistan was hopeful that India would respond to its offer for peace dialogue. He said Prime Minister Khan has recently written a letter to his Indian counterpart stressing Pakistan requires a solution for all geopolitical issues including Kashmir between the two neighbouring states. The official further said Pakistan is still optimistic that India will respond to peace offer despite the fact both premiers were not meeting at the sidelines of the SCO Summit. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in New Delhi said no bilateral meeting has been arranged between Prime Minister Modi and his Pakistani counterpart on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. Pakistan had given special permission to India's then external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj to fly directly through Pakistani airspace to attend the SCO Foreign Ministers' meet in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on May 21. Apart from the two routes through southern Pakistan, the neighbouring country's airspace remains closed for commercial airliners. The IAF announced on May 31 that all temporary restrictions imposed on Indian airspace post the Balakot airstrike have been removed. However, it is unlikely to benefit any commercial airliners unless Pakistan reciprocates and opens its complete airspace. Among Indian airlines, the international operations of Air India and IndiGo have been affected by the closure of Pakistani airspace. IndiGo, India's largest airline by the share in the domestic passenger market, has been unable to start direct flights from Delhi to Istanbul due to the closure of Pakistani airspace. The low-cost carrier started the Delhi-Istanbul flight in March this year. It has to take the longer route every time over the Arabian Sea and make a stop either at Doha in Qatar or at Ahmedabad in Gujarat for refuelling. Similarly, full-service carrier Air India is unable to fly non-stop flights from Delhi to the US since the closure of Pakistani airspace. Pakistan, however, has extended its partial airspace ban on the eastern border with India until June 14.

Pakistan decides to let PM Modi's plane fly over its airspace to Bishkek for SCO summit

India has requested Pakistan to let Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aircraft fly over its airspace to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan where he has to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on June 13 and June 14, said a senior government official.

Pakistan had fully closed its airspace on February 26 after an Indian Air Force (IAF) strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot. Since then, it has only opened two routes, both of them pass through southern Pakistan, of the total 11.

"We have requested Pakistan to let the PM's plane fly over its airspace through one of the routes that has not been opened as yet. The PM has to attend the SCO meet on June 13 and June 14," a senior government official said.

Pakistan had given special permission to India's then external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj to fly directly through Pakistani airspace to attend the SCO Foreign Ministers' meet in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on May 21.

Apart from the two routes through southern Pakistan, the neighbouring country's airspace remains closed for commercial airliners.

The IAF announced on May 31 that all temporary restrictions imposed on Indian airspace post the Balakot airstrike have been removed. However, it is unlikely to benefit any commercial airliners unless Pakistan reciprocates and opens its complete airspace.

Among Indian airlines, the international operations of Air India and IndiGo have been affected by the closure of Pakistani airspace.

IndiGo, India's largest airline by a share in the domestic passenger market, has been unable to start direct flights from Delhi to Istanbul due to the closure of Pakistani airspace.

The low-cost carrier started the Delhi-Istanbul flight in March this year. It has to take the longer route every time over the Arabian Sea and make a stop either at Doha in Qatar or at Ahmedabad in Gujarat for refuelling.

Similarly, full-service carrier Air India is unable to fly non-stop flights from Delhi to the US since the closure of Pakistani airspace.

India has requested Pakistan to let Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aircraft fly over its airspace to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan where he has to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on June 13 and June 14, said a senior government official.

India has requested Pakistan to let Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aircraft fly over its airspace to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan where he has to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on June 13 and June 14, said a senior government official. Pakistan had fully closed its airspace on February 26 after an Indian Air Force (IAF) strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot. Since then, it has only opened two routes, both of them pass through southern Pakistan, of the total 11. "We have requested Pakistan to let the PM's plane fly over its airspace through one of the routes that has not been opened as yet. The PM has to attend the SCO meet on June 13 and June 14," a senior government official said. Pakistan had given special permission to India's then external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj to fly directly through Pakistani airspace to attend the SCO Foreign Ministers' meet in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on May 21. Apart from the two routes through southern Pakistan, the neighbouring country's airspace remains closed for commercial airliners. The IAF announced on May 31 that all temporary restrictions imposed on Indian airspace post the Balakot airstrike have been removed. However, it is unlikely to benefit any commercial airliners unless Pakistan reciprocates and opens its complete airspace. Among Indian airlines, the international operations of Air India and IndiGo have been affected by the closure of Pakistani airspace. IndiGo, India's largest airline by a share in the domestic passenger market, has been unable to start direct flights from Delhi to Istanbul due to the closure of Pakistani airspace. The low-cost carrier started the Delhi-Istanbul flight in March this year. It has to take the longer route every time over the Arabian Sea and make a stop either at Doha in Qatar or at Ahmedabad in Gujarat for refuelling. Similarly, full-service carrier Air India is unable to fly non-stop flights from Delhi to the US since the closure of Pakistani airspace.

India requests Pakistan to let PM Modi's flight pass through its airspace during Kyrgyzstan visit

Air Commodore Kaiser Tufail, a retired Pakistan Air Force (PAF) officer and former director air operations at PAF Headquarters is not unknown in Indian military circles.&nbsp;

In 2009, without mincing his words, he wrote a brilliant essay on the treachery of the Pakistan Army in letting down its nation and the PAF by attempting to go alone into Kargil in an ill-conceived operation in 1999. The essay was well received in the Indian strategic community for various reasons. Very recently Tufail has employed communication skills mixed with his vast knowledge of aviation technology and air operations, to write a seminal piece for his popular blog.

This time he has taken on the Indian Air Force (IAF) and its operations post-Pulwama. These operations involved the air strike against terrorist facilities at Balakot and subsequent actions against the PAF in J&amp;K leading to the downing of an IAF Mig 21 Bison which culminated with the capture of Abhinandan and the alleged shooting down of an IAF Mi-17 helicopter in alleged friendly fire. &nbsp;It is well known that the PAF’s reputation has been in the dock ever since the US launched a helicopter based operation to eliminate Osama bin Laden in 2011. The Balakot operation made that reputation no better with the IAF’s extraordinary operation to avenge Pulwama; the PAF was outwitted and left to do no better than defend its reputation through the skilful use of information operations in which disinformation has played a major role. Kaiser Tufail’s essay appears an attempt to atone for what many in the Pakistan Armed Forces would have considered sacrilege when he wrote the piece on Kargil.&nbsp;

Being appreciative of the adversary’s ways and critical of one’s own win is never popular. What is, however, important for us to realise is cogent, focused and a continuous onslaught of information which Pakistan has put out to the world to make the international community believe in the narrative that it wishes to be known. He who wants to convince communities of the righteousness of his narrative will always make strident efforts to bring information to the fore; it is immaterial what type of information. In information operations which are nothing new, truth is immaterial; it is the narrative control which must remain in your hands.&nbsp;

Modern day information operations are facilitated hugely by emerging information technology. The instant availability of information for the asking, woven into events, writings, videos, chat groups and blogs goes around the world in milliseconds and we have yet witnessed only the tip of the iceberg. Pakistan has ardently followed and employed ‘information warfare’ having realised very early the power of information in influencing the adversary or even its own population. It will never be known why it decided to raise the information arm of the Pakistan Air Forces, within two years of independence. This has been mentioned ad nauseam in writings and discussions; that in India everyone knows the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) wing of Pakistan but hardly anyone knows the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) wing, raised in 1949. The latter is far more devious and for many years has run campaigns on behalf of Pakistan on narratives that the government wants to be believed. The most significant and strategic of these narratives is the one on J&amp;K which the ISPR repeatedly plays out at important cities, universities and institutions of the world.&nbsp;

As part of India’s strategic culture, the power of information as a game changer and force multiplier has hardly been realised. Information operations are also an essential part of hybrid warfare to form narratives and generally to influence political opinion-making among the target populations. We have been hesitant in its use in the insurgencies of the last half-century or more. While surprise and deception continue to rule strategic planning involving military or quasi-military operations the information domain remains relatively ignored. We all agree that our opinion and narrative is the right one, yet we are rarely able to convince the world that this is so. One sometimes tends to think that the Indian character and approach to life has an ethical element attached to it. We are straight-faced and insufficiently ingenious in using available instruments and have never attempted playing the information game to strategic advantage. We believe that there is no reason for anyone to disbelieve our version of things given our credibility as a successful democracy with a value-based leadership. However, that may not be the way that the world looks at things and that is why India needs to get realistic about the use of information as a system for the future. There can be no denying that veteran aviators of repute did step in to write their post-Balakot analyses but the voice was insufficiently heard internationally due to lack of institutional backing. Nations whose weapons and technology were employed for strategic effect should have been asked to partner in building a credible information campaign.

This is not the end of a narrative spin and narrative control for India. During Doklam 2017 the Indian government played the information game with greater credit than China. Post the event there was much analysis of the operational standoff but the information domain remained relatively neglected in terms of analyses for lessons learnt. For a nation whose advertising industry is one which arrived early and has accomplished much, there is no reason why the need for information strategy cannot be included in the system which addresses security issues. It’s not for nothing that I have been strongly recommending the constitution of a body to institutionalise the use of information for strategic gain.&nbsp;

It’s not just the current which should concern us, it’s also how things will be viewed by history. If we wish to leave behind legacies of achievements the information should be able to justify the narratives we wish to be remembered. It’s about time India thought more strategically about information as a system to win standoffs in the entire spectrum of military operations; that includes hybrid wars where the people matter more than anything else.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-information-name-of-the-game-2758327">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

Air Commodore Kaiser Tufail, a retired Pakistan Air Force (PAF) officer and former director air operations at PAF Headquarters is not unknown in Indian military circles.

Air Commodore Kaiser Tufail, a retired Pakistan Air Force (PAF) officer and former director air operations at PAF Headquarters is not unknown in Indian military circles. In 2009, without mincing his words, he wrote a brilliant essay on the treachery of the Pakistan Army in letting down its nation and the PAF by attempting to go alone into Kargil in an ill-conceived operation in 1999. The essay was well received in the Indian strategic community for various reasons. Very recently Tufail has employed communication skills mixed with his vast knowledge of aviation technology and air operations, to write a seminal piece for his popular blog. This time he has taken on the Indian Air Force (IAF) and its operations post-Pulwama. These operations involved the air strike against terrorist facilities at Balakot and subsequent actions against the PAF in J&K leading to the downing of an IAF Mig 21 Bison which culminated with the capture of Abhinandan and the alleged shooting down of an IAF Mi-17 helicopter in alleged friendly fire. It is well known that the PAF’s reputation has been in the dock ever since the US launched a helicopter based operation to eliminate Osama bin Laden in 2011. The Balakot operation made that reputation no better with the IAF’s extraordinary operation to avenge Pulwama; the PAF was outwitted and left to do no better than defend its reputation through the skilful use of information operations in which disinformation has played a major role. Kaiser Tufail’s essay appears an attempt to atone for what many in the Pakistan Armed Forces would have considered sacrilege when he wrote the piece on Kargil. Being appreciative of the adversary’s ways and critical of one’s own win is never popular. What is, however, important for us to realise is cogent, focused and a continuous onslaught of information which Pakistan has put out to the world to make the international community believe in the narrative that it wishes to be known. He who wants to convince communities of the righteousness of his narrative will always make strident efforts to bring information to the fore; it is immaterial what type of information. In information operations which are nothing new, truth is immaterial; it is the narrative control which must remain in your hands. Modern day information operations are facilitated hugely by emerging information technology. The instant availability of information for the asking, woven into events, writings, videos, chat groups and blogs goes around the world in milliseconds and we have yet witnessed only the tip of the iceberg. Pakistan has ardently followed and employed ‘information warfare’ having realised very early the power of information in influencing the adversary or even its own population. It will never be known why it decided to raise the information arm of the Pakistan Air Forces, within two years of independence. This has been mentioned ad nauseam in writings and discussions; that in India everyone knows the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) wing of Pakistan but hardly anyone knows the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) wing, raised in 1949. The latter is far more devious and for many years has run campaigns on behalf of Pakistan on narratives that the government wants to be believed. The most significant and strategic of these narratives is the one on J&K which the ISPR repeatedly plays out at important cities, universities and institutions of the world. As part of India’s strategic culture, the power of information as a game changer and force multiplier has hardly been realised. Information operations are also an essential part of hybrid warfare to form narratives and generally to influence political opinion-making among the target populations. We have been hesitant in its use in the insurgencies of the last half-century or more. While surprise and deception continue to rule strategic planning involving military or quasi-military operations the information domain remains relatively ignored. We all agree that our opinion and narrative is the right one, yet we are rarely able to convince the world that this is so. One sometimes tends to think that the Indian character and approach to life has an ethical element attached to it. We are straight-faced and insufficiently ingenious in using available instruments and have never attempted playing the information game to strategic advantage. We believe that there is no reason for anyone to disbelieve our version of things given our credibility as a successful democracy with a value-based leadership. However, that may not be the way that the world looks at things and that is why India needs to get realistic about the use of information as a system for the future. There can be no denying that veteran aviators of repute did step in to write their post-Balakot analyses but the voice was insufficiently heard internationally due to lack of institutional backing. Nations whose weapons and technology were employed for strategic effect should have been asked to partner in building a credible information campaign. This is not the end of a narrative spin and narrative control for India. During Doklam 2017 the Indian government played the information game with greater credit than China. Post the event there was much analysis of the operational standoff but the information domain remained relatively neglected in terms of analyses for lessons learnt. For a nation whose advertising industry is one which arrived early and has accomplished much, there is no reason why the need for information strategy cannot be included in the system which addresses security issues. It’s not for nothing that I have been strongly recommending the constitution of a body to institutionalise the use of information for strategic gain. It’s not just the current which should concern us, it’s also how things will be viewed by history. If we wish to leave behind legacies of achievements the information should be able to justify the narratives we wish to be remembered. It’s about time India thought more strategically about information as a system to win standoffs in the entire spectrum of military operations; that includes hybrid wars where the people matter more than anything else. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

India needs to think more strategically about information as a system to win standoffs

Commander-in-chief of Indian Army's Northern Command, Lt General Ranbir Singh, on Monday confirmed that the Indian Army had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ready-another-surgical-strike-action-army-chief-bipin-rawat-167735">undertaken a surgical strike in September 2016</a>.

"A few days ago DGMO said in a reply to an RTI that the first surgical strike happened in September 16', I don't want to go into what political parties say, they'll be given an answer by government. What I told you is a statement of fact," Lt General Ranbir Singh said.

Indian Army commandos had conducted surgical strikes deep into <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-rejects-video-clips-of-indian-surgical-strikes-calls-it-farcical-147801">Pakistani territory across the Line of Control</a>(LoC) on September 29th, 2016 to destroy terrorist launchpads. The strikes were in response to the attack on a military base in Uri on September 18 in which 17 Army soldiers had lost their lives.

Addressing a press conference, Ranbir Singh added that Balakot air strikes in Februrary&nbsp;were a&nbsp; "major achievement".

"Air strikes by IAF on Balakot terrorist infrastructure was a major achievement, wherein our aircraft went deep into enemy territory and struck terror launchpads. Pakistanis carried out air operations the following day, however, they were given a befitting reply," he said.

Lt General Ranbir Singh also informed that the Army was able to neutralise 86 terrorists during various operations, with 20 apprehended. "We've also been able to bring back many of them to the mainstream," he said.

The Northern Command chief, however, added that locals in Kashmir joining militancy "remains a matter of concern". He asserted that Pakistan feels "absolutely starved" because of effective counter infiltration grid of the Indian Army.

"However, that realization is coming in the youth and people of Kashmir that we do not want to become fodder by the Pakistani agencies and various inimical elements, who want to promote terrorism and violence in J&amp;K," he said.

"I am sure with the help of all the stakeholders we will be able to arrest this trend in the times to come as we are doing now," he added.

"Successful infiltration from the Line of Control(LoC) is virtually becoming very difficult. Therefore, for them to continue with this militancy, they want that the local content should be increased," he said.

Commander-in-chief of Indian Army's Northern Command, Lt General Ranbir Singh, on Monday confirmed that the Indian Army had undertaken a surgical strike in September 2016.

Commander-in-chief of Indian Army's Northern Command, Lt General Ranbir Singh, on Monday confirmed that the Indian Army had undertaken a surgical strike in September 2016. "A few days ago DGMO said in a reply to an RTI that the first surgical strike happened in September 16', I don't want to go into what political parties say, they'll be given an answer by government. What I told you is a statement of fact," Lt General Ranbir Singh said. Indian Army commandos had conducted surgical strikes deep into Pakistani territory across the Line of Control(LoC) on September 29th, 2016 to destroy terrorist launchpads. The strikes were in response to the attack on a military base in Uri on September 18 in which 17 Army soldiers had lost their lives. Addressing a press conference, Ranbir Singh added that Balakot air strikes in Februrary were a "major achievement". "Air strikes by IAF on Balakot terrorist infrastructure was a major achievement, wherein our aircraft went deep into enemy territory and struck terror launchpads. Pakistanis carried out air operations the following day, however, they were given a befitting reply," he said. Lt General Ranbir Singh also informed that the Army was able to neutralise 86 terrorists during various operations, with 20 apprehended. "We've also been able to bring back many of them to the mainstream," he said. The Northern Command chief, however, added that locals in Kashmir joining militancy "remains a matter of concern". He asserted that Pakistan feels "absolutely starved" because of effective counter infiltration grid of the Indian Army. "However, that realization is coming in the youth and people of Kashmir that we do not want to become fodder by the Pakistani agencies and various inimical elements, who want to promote terrorism and violence in J&K," he said. "I am sure with the help of all the stakeholders we will be able to arrest this trend in the times to come as we are doing now," he added. "Successful infiltration from the Line of Control(LoC) is virtually becoming very difficult. Therefore, for them to continue with this militancy, they want that the local content should be increased," he said.

First surgical strike happened in September '16: Lt General Ranbir Singh

Pakistan on Wednesday decided not to lift its airspace ban for Indian flights till May 30, as Islamabad is awaiting the outcome of the Lok Sabha polls in India.

Pakistan fully closed its airspace after an Indian Air Force strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot on February 26. However, Pakistan opened its airspace for all flights except for New Delhi, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur on March 27.

"The top officials of defence and aviation ministries held a meeting on Wednesday to reconsider opening its airspace for Indian flights. They decided that Pakistan's airspace will remain banned for the Indian flights till May 30,? a senior government official told PTI after the meeting.&nbsp;

He said the Civil Aviation Authority has also notified the decision to the airmen. The authority issued a notification (Notam) after the meeting to pilots, advising them of circumstances relating to the state of flying.&nbsp;

The official said the government will now consider lifting of the ban on Pakistan's airspace for Indian flights on May 30.&nbsp;

Pakistan on Wednesday decided not to lift its airspace ban for Indian flights till May 30, as Islamabad is awaiting the outcome of the Lok Sabha polls in India. Pakistan fully closed its airspace after an Indian Air Force strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot on February 26.

Pakistan on Wednesday decided not to lift its airspace ban for Indian flights till May 30, as Islamabad is awaiting the outcome of the Lok Sabha polls in India. Pakistan fully closed its airspace after an Indian Air Force strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot on February 26. However, Pakistan opened its airspace for all flights except for New Delhi, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur on March 27. "The top officials of defence and aviation ministries held a meeting on Wednesday to reconsider opening its airspace for Indian flights. They decided that Pakistan's airspace will remain banned for the Indian flights till May 30,? a senior government official told PTI after the meeting. He said the Civil Aviation Authority has also notified the decision to the airmen. The authority issued a notification (Notam) after the meeting to pilots, advising them of circumstances relating to the state of flying. The official said the government will now consider lifting of the ban on Pakistan's airspace for Indian flights on May 30.

Pakistan's airspace to remain shut for Indian flights till May 30

Fresh Insights On Balakot Airstrikes. In Conversation With Journalist Francesca Marino Who Investigated The Airstrikes.

Gravitas: What Happened After IAF Airstrikes In Balakot; Discussion With Journalist Francesca Marino

What Transpired In Balakot In The Wee Hours Of February 26, 2019?

Gravitas: Inside India's Balakot Airstrikes; New Report Uncovers Fresh Insights

Pakistan is hoping for "re-engagement" with India after the Lok Sabha polls as structured dialogue will help the two countries understand mutual concerns, resolve disputes and build the edifice of durable peace and security,&nbsp;Pakistani High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood has said.

In an interview to PTI, Mahmood, who has been appointed Pakistan's next Foreign Secretary, also said there was a need for an "objective" narrative about Pakistan in India which could facilitate peaceful, cooperative and good neighbourly ties.

"We hope for re-engagement after the elections in India. Diplomacy and dialogue are indispensable," he said.

The comments came nearly six weeks after<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/journalists-balakot-visit-crude-attempt-by-pak-to-influence-indian-polls-says-ex-us-armyman-209765"> India's military planes struck a terrorist training camp in Pakistan's Balakot </a>and Pakistan's subsequent counter-offensive. The flare-up triggered fears of war and countries like the US and China played a role in de-escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Mahmood said diplomacy and dialogue are indispensable to improve ties between the two neighbours and that engagement was the only option to understand mutual concerns and ensure peace, prosperity and security in the region.

"Sustained engagement and structured dialogue would enable the two countries to understand mutual concerns and differences, resolve outstanding disputes and build the edifice of durable peace, security and prosperity in the region," Mahmood said.

Mahmood left for Islamabad on Sunday after nearly a 19-month long tenure as Pakistan's envoy to India. He is expected to take up his new assignment on Tuesday. 
He also said that there was a need for a review of the narrative on Pakistan in India.

"There is also a need to review the narrative about Pakistan in India. A narrative is needed that captures the reality in Pakistan objectively and more fully. A narrative that also helps recognise opportunities for peaceful, cooperative and good neighbourly relations," he said.

"We must strive for a stable peace, equal security and shared prosperity for ourselves and the region," the envoy added.

In signs of easing tensions, Pakistan around two weeks back announced that it was releasing 360 Indian prisoners, mostly fishermen as a "goodwill gesture.&nbsp;

The initiative was followed by Pakistan High Commission here granting visas to 2,200 Sikh pilgrims from India to facilitate their participation in the annual Baisakhi celebrations in Pakistan.

Over two weeks after the Balakot strike, India and Pakistan held talks to finalise the modalities for setting up a corridor linking the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur with Gurdaspur district in Punjab.

Asked about the Kartarpur corridor project, the Pakistani High Commissioner said Islamabad was committed to completing the physical infrastructure on its side.

"The government of Pakistan is proceeding in full measures to complete the physical infrastructure on its side and it is hopeful that the modalities will be mutually agreed between the two sides in good time before November 2019," he said.

In a major initiative last November, both India and Pakistan agreed to set up the Kartarpur corridor to link the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib -- the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev -- to Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur.

Kartarpur Sahib is located in Pakistan's Narowal district across the river Ravi, about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine.

In another significant move in May last year, India and Pakistan agreed to adhere to the ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control after a spate of cross-border firings between the two sides along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

The relations between India and Pakistan remained tense since 2016. Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had travelled to Delhi to attend Modi's oath taking ceremony and the Indian premier had in December 2015 made a stopover in Lahore to greet his counterpart on his birthday.

However, the ties nose-dived following a string of cross-border terror attacks in 2016 and India's subsequent surgical strikes.

After the terror attack on Pathankot airbase in January 2016, India had announced that it will not engage in talks with Islamabad until it stops cross-border terrorism.

The sentencing of alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav to death by a military court in April 2017 further deteriorated bilateral ties.

Pakistan is hoping for "re-engagement" with India after the Lok Sabha polls as structured dialogue will help the two countries understand mutual concerns, resolve disputes and build the edifice of durable peace and security, Pakistani High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood has said.

Pakistan is hoping for "re-engagement" with India after the Lok Sabha polls as structured dialogue will help the two countries understand mutual concerns, resolve disputes and build the edifice of durable peace and security, Pakistani High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood has said. In an interview to PTI, Mahmood, who has been appointed Pakistan's next Foreign Secretary, also said there was a need for an "objective" narrative about Pakistan in India which could facilitate peaceful, cooperative and good neighbourly ties. "We hope for re-engagement after the elections in India. Diplomacy and dialogue are indispensable," he said. The comments came nearly six weeks after India's military planes struck a terrorist training camp in Pakistan's Balakot and Pakistan's subsequent counter-offensive. The flare-up triggered fears of war and countries like the US and China played a role in de-escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Mahmood said diplomacy and dialogue are indispensable to improve ties between the two neighbours and that engagement was the only option to understand mutual concerns and ensure peace, prosperity and security in the region. "Sustained engagement and structured dialogue would enable the two countries to understand mutual concerns and differences, resolve outstanding disputes and build the edifice of durable peace, security and prosperity in the region," Mahmood said. Mahmood left for Islamabad on Sunday after nearly a 19-month long tenure as Pakistan's envoy to India. He is expected to take up his new assignment on Tuesday. He also said that there was a need for a review of the narrative on Pakistan in India. "There is also a need to review the narrative about Pakistan in India. A narrative is needed that captures the reality in Pakistan objectively and more fully. A narrative that also helps recognise opportunities for peaceful, cooperative and good neighbourly relations," he said. "We must strive for a stable peace, equal security and shared prosperity for ourselves and the region," the envoy added. In signs of easing tensions, Pakistan around two weeks back announced that it was releasing 360 Indian prisoners, mostly fishermen as a "goodwill gesture. The initiative was followed by Pakistan High Commission here granting visas to 2,200 Sikh pilgrims from India to facilitate their participation in the annual Baisakhi celebrations in Pakistan. Over two weeks after the Balakot strike, India and Pakistan held talks to finalise the modalities for setting up a corridor linking the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur with Gurdaspur district in Punjab. Asked about the Kartarpur corridor project, the Pakistani High Commissioner said Islamabad was committed to completing the physical infrastructure on its side. "The government of Pakistan is proceeding in full measures to complete the physical infrastructure on its side and it is hopeful that the modalities will be mutually agreed between the two sides in good time before November 2019," he said. In a major initiative last November, both India and Pakistan agreed to set up the Kartarpur corridor to link the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib -- the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev -- to Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur. Kartarpur Sahib is located in Pakistan's Narowal district across the river Ravi, about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine. In another significant move in May last year, India and Pakistan agreed to adhere to the ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control after a spate of cross-border firings between the two sides along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. The relations between India and Pakistan remained tense since 2016. Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had travelled to Delhi to attend Modi's oath taking ceremony and the Indian premier had in December 2015 made a stopover in Lahore to greet his counterpart on his birthday. However, the ties nose-dived following a string of cross-border terror attacks in 2016 and India's subsequent surgical strikes. After the terror attack on Pathankot airbase in January 2016, India had announced that it will not engage in talks with Islamabad until it stops cross-border terrorism. The sentencing of alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav to death by a military court in April 2017 further deteriorated bilateral ties.

Need for an objective narrative about Pakistan in India: Sohail Mahmood

Technology was on India's side in the Balakot air strikes, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa said on Monday, asserting that the results would have been further tilted in the country's favour if <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-reopens-airspace-month-after-balakot-strikes-205877">Rafale jets were inducted </a>in time.

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/journalists-balakot-visit-crude-attempt-by-pak-to-influence-indian-polls-says-ex-us-armyman-209765"> Indian Air Force(IAF) chief </a>was addressing a gathering at a seminar on aerospace power of the future and the impact of technology.

"In the Balakot operation, we had technology on our side, and we could launch precision stand of weapons with great accuracy. In the subsequent engagements, we came out better because we upgraded our MiG-21s, Bisons, and Mirage-2000 aircraft," he said.

"The results would have been further skewed in our favour had we inducted the Rafale aircraft in time," Dhanoa said. 
&nbsp; 
The Air Force had struck a Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) terrorist training camp in Pakistan's Balakot area on February 26, in response to the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

The Pakistan Air Force retaliated the next day by unsuccessfully targeting various military installations in Jammu and Kashmir.

Dhanoa said in his speech, "In the proposed induction of the Rafale and S-400 surface-to-air missile system, in the next two-four years, once again the technological balance will shift in our favour, like it was in 2002 during Operation Parakaram during the last stand-off."

India inked an inter-governmental agreement with France in September 2016 for the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around Rs 58,000 crore. The delivery of the jets -- capable of carrying a range of potent weapons and missiles -- is scheduled to begin from September.

In October last year, India and Russia signed a multibillion-dollar deal for S-400 'Triumf' long-range air defence missile systems. It has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km.

The seminar on 'Aerospace power in the 2040s: Impact of Technology' was held at Subroto Park here to mark the birth centenary of the late Marshal of the IAF Arjan Singh.

The event was hosted by the IAF along with the Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS), an autonomous defence research and analysis body.

"Among all arms of the military, technology affects us the most.. Land forces mainly fight with men, naval and air force officers operate machines and in the Air Force this technology has to be packed in smaller machines and subject to extreme temperature and pressure conditions," the IAF chief said.

And, air power is more sensitive to technological change, he said.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman last week complimented the IAF for its "flawless execution" of the February 26 Balakot operation and subsequent thwarting of the Pakistani response while addressing top IAF commanders here.

At the event on April 11, Dhanoa emphasised on further enhancing the IAF's capability in the field of space, cyber, artificial intelligence and drone technology to further boost its overall combat capability.

Various IAF veterans, at the seminar paid tribute to Singh, who led the Indian Air Force during the 1965 India-Pakistan war, died in September 2017 at the age of 98.

An icon in the country's military history, Singh led a ffledgelingIAF in the 1965 Indo-Pak war when he was just 44 years old.

Born on April 15, 1919, in Lyallpur in Punjab in undivided India, his father, grandfather and great grandfather had served in the cavalry.

"This event is a fitting tribute to IAF Marshal Arjan Singh," Dhanoa said.

Technology was on India's side in the Balakot air strikes, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa said on Monday, asserting that the results would have been further tilted in the country's favour if Rafale jets were inducted in time.

Technology was on India's side in the Balakot air strikes, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa said on Monday, asserting that the results would have been further tilted in the country's favour if Rafale jets were inducted in time. The Indian Air Force(IAF) chief was addressing a gathering at a seminar on aerospace power of the future and the impact of technology. "In the Balakot operation, we had technology on our side, and we could launch precision stand of weapons with great accuracy. In the subsequent engagements, we came out better because we upgraded our MiG-21s, Bisons, and Mirage-2000 aircraft," he said. "The results would have been further skewed in our favour had we inducted the Rafale aircraft in time," Dhanoa said. The Air Force had struck a Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) terrorist training camp in Pakistan's Balakot area on February 26, in response to the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The Pakistan Air Force retaliated the next day by unsuccessfully targeting various military installations in Jammu and Kashmir. Dhanoa said in his speech, "In the proposed induction of the Rafale and S-400 surface-to-air missile system, in the next two-four years, once again the technological balance will shift in our favour, like it was in 2002 during Operation Parakaram during the last stand-off." India inked an inter-governmental agreement with France in September 2016 for the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around Rs 58,000 crore. The delivery of the jets -- capable of carrying a range of potent weapons and missiles -- is scheduled to begin from September. In October last year, India and Russia signed a multibillion-dollar deal for S-400 'Triumf' long-range air defence missile systems. It has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km. The seminar on 'Aerospace power in the 2040s: Impact of Technology' was held at Subroto Park here to mark the birth centenary of the late Marshal of the IAF Arjan Singh. The event was hosted by the IAF along with the Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS), an autonomous defence research and analysis body. "Among all arms of the military, technology affects us the most.. Land forces mainly fight with men, naval and air force officers operate machines and in the Air Force this technology has to be packed in smaller machines and subject to extreme temperature and pressure conditions," the IAF chief said. And, air power is more sensitive to technological change, he said. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman last week complimented the IAF for its "flawless execution" of the February 26 Balakot operation and subsequent thwarting of the Pakistani response while addressing top IAF commanders here. At the event on April 11, Dhanoa emphasised on further enhancing the IAF's capability in the field of space, cyber, artificial intelligence and drone technology to further boost its overall combat capability. Various IAF veterans, at the seminar paid tribute to Singh, who led the Indian Air Force during the 1965 India-Pakistan war, died in September 2017 at the age of 98. An icon in the country's military history, Singh led a ffledgelingIAF in the 1965 Indo-Pak war when he was just 44 years old. Born on April 15, 1919, in Lyallpur in Punjab in undivided India, his father, grandfather and great grandfather had served in the cavalry. "This event is a fitting tribute to IAF Marshal Arjan Singh," Dhanoa said.

Results at Balakot would have been further in our favour had we inducted Rafale: IAF chief Dhanoa

Indian Army states that Pakistan breaks ceasefire 513 times post-Balakot air strike. Indian army is giving a befitting response to the Pak army. Watch complete video to know more.

Indian Army: Pakistan breaks ceasefire 513 times post Balakot air strike

Pakistan's attempt to take a group of international media personnel and foreign diplomats on a tour of Balakot, where India carried out a counter-terror operation on JeM's biggest training camp, is being criticised widely.

Lawrence Sellin, former Colonel in the US Army, has said that it was a crude attempt by Pakistan to influence the Indian election. "It reminds me of the heavy-handed tactics used in Soviet Union in 1930s in terms of peopaganda. This visit occurred six weeks after the event - there was a lot of time for Pakistan to sanitise the site," Sellin told WION.

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But the journalists and diplomats didn’t get enough time to make any kind of informed assessment. They were hurried away by the Pakistani army after less than half an hour. <a href="https://t.co/qoY8uYdBN6">pic.twitter.com/qoY8uYdBN6</a>
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The group of journalists was flown from Islamabad in a helicopter to Jabba in Balakot on Wednesday. The visitors trekked for about one-and-a-half hour to reach the madrassa on the top of a mountain surrounded by lush green trees. The group was taken to a madrassa where about 150 students were present and were being taught Quran.

"It was also known from the locals that the madrassa which was there was closed up until very recently and these local boys showed up to populate the madrassa, basically it seemed for this event. And the visitors to this site were only allowed not longer than 30 minutes. There was actually absolutely no way for those visitors, those observers to determine anything," Sellin said.

India has a right to be angry because it looks deliberate, he added.

The visit by the group lasted for about 20 minutes and the participants were allowed to take pictures. Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor held formal and informal chat with the journalists.

The group, while going up, also saw a ditch on a hillside where India jets dropped its payload.

This was the first formal visit of foreign media and diplomats to the place where scores of terrorists were killed in Indian airstrike on February 26.

Watch what Sellin has to say about journalists' visit to Balakot:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mzQvW8wrwYM" width="560"></iframe>

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Pakistan's attempt to take a group of international media personnel and foreign diplomats on a tour of Balakot, where India carried out a counter-terror operation on JeM's biggest training camp, is being criticised widely.

Pakistan's attempt to take a group of international media personnel and foreign diplomats on a tour of Balakot, where India carried out a counter-terror operation on JeM's biggest training camp, is being criticised widely. Lawrence Sellin, former Colonel in the US Army, has said that it was a crude attempt by Pakistan to influence the Indian election. "It reminds me of the heavy-handed tactics used in Soviet Union in 1930s in terms of peopaganda. This visit occurred six weeks after the event - there was a lot of time for Pakistan to sanitise the site," Sellin told WION. But the journalists and diplomats didn’t get enough time to make any kind of informed assessment. They were hurried away by the Pakistani army after less than half an hour. pic.twitter.com/qoY8uYdBN6 — Reuters India (@ReutersIndia) April 11, 2019 × The group of journalists was flown from Islamabad in a helicopter to Jabba in Balakot on Wednesday. The visitors trekked for about one-and-a-half hour to reach the madrassa on the top of a mountain surrounded by lush green trees. The group was taken to a madrassa where about 150 students were present and were being taught Quran. "It was also known from the locals that the madrassa which was there was closed up until very recently and these local boys showed up to populate the madrassa, basically it seemed for this event. And the visitors to this site were only allowed not longer than 30 minutes. There was actually absolutely no way for those visitors, those observers to determine anything," Sellin said. India has a right to be angry because it looks deliberate, he added. The visit by the group lasted for about 20 minutes and the participants were allowed to take pictures. Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor held formal and informal chat with the journalists. The group, while going up, also saw a ditch on a hillside where India jets dropped its payload. This was the first formal visit of foreign media and diplomats to the place where scores of terrorists were killed in Indian airstrike on February 26. Watch what Sellin has to say about journalists' visit to Balakot:

Journalists' Balakot visit: Crude attempt by Pak to influence Indian polls, says ex-US armyman

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/month-after-balakot-strikes-pakistan-continues-to-block-airspace-205852">Pakistan military</a> on Wednesday took a group of international media personnel and foreign diplomats on a tour of the seminary and its surrounding areas in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-strike-heres-why-balakot-was-chosen-by-indian-air-force-199792">Balakot</a>, where India carried out a counter-terror operation on JeM's biggest training camp 43 days ago.

Tensions flared up between India and Pakistan after a suicide bomber of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-to-50-killed-in-indian-air-strike-on-pakistans-balakot-italian-journalist-quoting-eyewitness-200787">Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed</a> (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting the biggest JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in an aerial combat and captured an IAF pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.

According to BBC Urdu, the group was flown from Islamabad in a helicopter to Jabba in Balakot. They visitors trekked for about one-and-a-half hour to reach the madrassa on the top of a mountain surrounded by lush green trees.

The group, while going up, also saw a ditch on a hillside where India jets dropped its payload, according to Pakistan military.

About 150 students, aged 12-13, were present inside the seminary building and were being taught Quran when the group reached inside the madrassa, they said.

The visit by the group lasted for about 20 minutes and the participants were allowed to take pictures and even some of them spoke to the teachers present there.

Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor held formal and informal chat with the reporters.

"This is an old madrassah and has always been like this," he said, indicating that Indian claim of hitting it was not true.

This was the first formal visit of foreign media and diplomats to the place about which India claimed that its strike killed scores of militants.

The purpose of organising the trip was apparently to fortify Pakistan's claim that Indian failed to destroy any structure or kill anyone during the ariel attack of February 26 which brought the two nations to the verge of a war, he said.&nbsp;

Pakistan military on Wednesday took a group of international media personnel and foreign diplomats on a tour of the seminary and its surrounding areas in Balakot, where India carried out a counter-terror operation on JeM's biggest training camp 43 days ago.

Pakistan military on Wednesday took a group of international media personnel and foreign diplomats on a tour of the seminary and its surrounding areas in Balakot, where India carried out a counter-terror operation on JeM's biggest training camp 43 days ago. Tensions flared up between India and Pakistan after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting the biggest JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in an aerial combat and captured an IAF pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1. According to BBC Urdu, the group was flown from Islamabad in a helicopter to Jabba in Balakot. They visitors trekked for about one-and-a-half hour to reach the madrassa on the top of a mountain surrounded by lush green trees. The group, while going up, also saw a ditch on a hillside where India jets dropped its payload, according to Pakistan military. About 150 students, aged 12-13, were present inside the seminary building and were being taught Quran when the group reached inside the madrassa, they said. The visit by the group lasted for about 20 minutes and the participants were allowed to take pictures and even some of them spoke to the teachers present there. Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor held formal and informal chat with the reporters. "This is an old madrassah and has always been like this," he said, indicating that Indian claim of hitting it was not true. This was the first formal visit of foreign media and diplomats to the place about which India claimed that its strike killed scores of militants. The purpose of organising the trip was apparently to fortify Pakistan's claim that Indian failed to destroy any structure or kill anyone during the ariel attack of February 26 which brought the two nations to the verge of a war, he said.

Pakistan military takes international media, foreign diplomats on tour of Balakot seminary, hit by India on February 26

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said that Pakistan had opted for a "measured response" to India's February 26 air strikes by bombing an empty area just across the Indian border.

During an informal chat with a group of foreign journalists, Khan said that he was awakened by a phone call at 3.30 a.m. on February 26 when a Pakistani military official informed him that Indian warplanes had just crossed the border and conducted strikes on Pakistani soil.

Pakistan opted for a "measured response" and bombed an empty area just across the Indian border, he said. "They hit our trees, so we thought we would hit their stones," The New York Times quoted Prime Minister Khan as saying.&nbsp;

He was talking to the journalists upon completion of his first eight months in office. As a "peace gesture", he had announced the release of Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman in Pakistan Parliament on February 28.

The Wing Commander was held captive by Pakistani authorities on February 27 after his MiG 21 Bison went down during a beyond visual range combat with Pakistani jets.

Before his plane was hit, Varthaman shot down an F-16 of the Pakistan Air Force. He was released by Pakistan on March 1.

According to the newspaper, Prime Minister Khan seemed quite cognisant that the last thing Pakistan wanted was a war.

The Indian Air Force had hit a terrorist training camp in Balakot in Pakistan on February 26 in retaliation to February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF soldiers lost their lives.

The responsibility for the Pulwama attack was claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

On the threat from Paris-based Financial Action Task Force to blacklist and sanction Pakistan, Prime Minister Khan said, "We can`t afford to be blacklisted."

The Task Force, a global agency, takes measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said that Pakistan had opted for a "measured response" to India's February 26 air strikes by bombing an empty area just across the Indian border.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said that Pakistan had opted for a "measured response" to India's February 26 air strikes by bombing an empty area just across the Indian border. During an informal chat with a group of foreign journalists, Khan said that he was awakened by a phone call at 3.30 a.m. on February 26 when a Pakistani military official informed him that Indian warplanes had just crossed the border and conducted strikes on Pakistani soil. Pakistan opted for a "measured response" and bombed an empty area just across the Indian border, he said. "They hit our trees, so we thought we would hit their stones," The New York Times quoted Prime Minister Khan as saying. He was talking to the journalists upon completion of his first eight months in office. As a "peace gesture", he had announced the release of Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman in Pakistan Parliament on February 28. The Wing Commander was held captive by Pakistani authorities on February 27 after his MiG 21 Bison went down during a beyond visual range combat with Pakistani jets. Before his plane was hit, Varthaman shot down an F-16 of the Pakistan Air Force. He was released by Pakistan on March 1. According to the newspaper, Prime Minister Khan seemed quite cognisant that the last thing Pakistan wanted was a war. The Indian Air Force had hit a terrorist training camp in Balakot in Pakistan on February 26 in retaliation to February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF soldiers lost their lives. The responsibility for the Pulwama attack was claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). On the threat from Paris-based Financial Action Task Force to blacklist and sanction Pakistan, Prime Minister Khan said, "We can`t afford to be blacklisted." The Task Force, a global agency, takes measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.

Pakistan opted for 'measured response' to India's February 26 air strikes: PM Imran Khan

Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM)<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/masood-azhar-listing-as-global-terrorist-us-calls-for-public-voting-at-un-security-council-206170"> chief Masood Azhar's nephew</a> Mohammad Umar has been killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Tral district, WION has learned.

Azhar's nephew was gunned down on March 11th in south Kashmir, sources have told WION.

JeM used the codename, Khalid, to identify Umar. Sources said JeM even conducted a funeral for him in absentia.

During the encounter a local terrorist named Mudasir Ahmad Khan was also killed. Mudasir was involved in an attack on CRPF camp in Lethpora last year.

Mudasir was also one of the key conspirators of the Pulwama attack in which over 40 CRPF personnel were killed by a suicide bomber on February 14th.

After India conducted the air strikes at Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province against JeM terror targets on February 26th, there were reports of JeM chief's brother-in-law Maulana Yousuf Azhar being killed, however, it could not be confirmed.

In the past two months, India has pushed for Azhar to be designated as a global terrorist, however, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/masood-azhar-and-chinas-new-great-game-203678">China in a recent vote</a> at the UNSC vetoed the decision of US and France due to "technical reasons", but added that &nbsp;"positive progress" has been made to resolve the issue.

China has so far blocked the move four times in recent years. It recently blocked the US, UK and France resolution in the counter-terrorism 1267 committee with "technical hold" saying that it provides time and space for the relevant parties to hold talks after the Pulwama terrorist attack.

"We believe under the current circumstances forcing a draft resolution at the Security Council is not a constructive move and set a bad example", China's foreign ministry had said.

Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) chief Masood Azhar's nephew Mohammad Umar has been killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Tral district, WION has learned. Azhar's nephew was gunned down on March 11th in south Kashmir, sources have told WION.

Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) chief Masood Azhar's nephew Mohammad Umar has been killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Tral district, WION has learned. Azhar's nephew was gunned down on March 11th in south Kashmir, sources have told WION. JeM used the codename, Khalid, to identify Umar. Sources said JeM even conducted a funeral for him in absentia. During the encounter a local terrorist named Mudasir Ahmad Khan was also killed. Mudasir was involved in an attack on CRPF camp in Lethpora last year. Mudasir was also one of the key conspirators of the Pulwama attack in which over 40 CRPF personnel were killed by a suicide bomber on February 14th. After India conducted the air strikes at Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province against JeM terror targets on February 26th, there were reports of JeM chief's brother-in-law Maulana Yousuf Azhar being killed, however, it could not be confirmed. In the past two months, India has pushed for Azhar to be designated as a global terrorist, however, China in a recent vote at the UNSC vetoed the decision of US and France due to "technical reasons", but added that "positive progress" has been made to resolve the issue. China has so far blocked the move four times in recent years. It recently blocked the US, UK and France resolution in the counter-terrorism 1267 committee with "technical hold" saying that it provides time and space for the relevant parties to hold talks after the Pulwama terrorist attack. "We believe under the current circumstances forcing a draft resolution at the Security Council is not a constructive move and set a bad example", China's foreign ministry had said.

JeM chief Masood Azhar's nephew Mohammad Umar killed in J&K encounter

In a jibe at Pakistan, India has said that it never changed its position that Islamabad used F-16 during the attack on Indian military installations on February 27.&nbsp;

Pakistan has been seeing doing flip flops from a number of Indian pilots it captured to delay in acceptance of the use of F-16.

Pakistan army's media wing — the ISPR — Inter-Services Public Relations in a release on April 1 accepted that F-16s were airborne, accepting the use of the fighter aircraft more than a month after the incident.

The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "we have said from the beginning, we haven't ever changed our position that Pak has used F-16."

India has already raised the matter with the US regarding the use of F-16s given by Washington to Islamabad. New Delhi had provided evidence of the use of F-16 by showing the use of the AMRAAM missile that can only be deployed on F-16.

The spokesperson said, "whether and under what circumstances F16 is or is not allowed will have to come from the US."

Adding, "Fact of the matter is that it was used and we understand as per the understanding of the use of F-16 between Us and Pak, it should have not been done and we are why had flagged with the US."

The Pakistani Army in its April 1 release said, "Even if F-16 have been used as at that point in time complete PAF was airborne including F16s, the fact remains that Pakistan Airforce shot down two Indian jets in self-defence. ..India can assume any type of their choice even F-16. Pakistan retains the right to use anything and everything in its legitimate self-defence."

The use of F-16s by Pakistan can have implications since the US had given F-16s to Islamabad for counter-terror operations. The US state dept has said that it is &nbsp;"taking a look" on the use of F-16 by Pakistan on February 27.

In a jibe at Pakistan, India has said that it never changed its position that Islamabad used F-16 during the attack on Indian military installations on February 27.

In a jibe at Pakistan, India has said that it never changed its position that Islamabad used F-16 during the attack on Indian military installations on February 27. Pakistan has been seeing doing flip flops from a number of Indian pilots it captured to delay in acceptance of the use of F-16. Pakistan army's media wing — the ISPR — Inter-Services Public Relations in a release on April 1 accepted that F-16s were airborne, accepting the use of the fighter aircraft more than a month after the incident. The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "we have said from the beginning, we haven't ever changed our position that Pak has used F-16." India has already raised the matter with the US regarding the use of F-16s given by Washington to Islamabad. New Delhi had provided evidence of the use of F-16 by showing the use of the AMRAAM missile that can only be deployed on F-16. The spokesperson said, "whether and under what circumstances F16 is or is not allowed will have to come from the US." Adding, "Fact of the matter is that it was used and we understand as per the understanding of the use of F-16 between Us and Pak, it should have not been done and we are why had flagged with the US." The Pakistani Army in its April 1 release said, "Even if F-16 have been used as at that point in time complete PAF was airborne including F16s, the fact remains that Pakistan Airforce shot down two Indian jets in self-defence. ..India can assume any type of their choice even F-16. Pakistan retains the right to use anything and everything in its legitimate self-defence." The use of F-16s by Pakistan can have implications since the US had given F-16s to Islamabad for counter-terror operations. The US state dept has said that it is "taking a look" on the use of F-16 by Pakistan on February 27.

India takes a jibe a Pakistan's flip flop, says never changed position on Pak using F-16

Union minister General VK Singh has slammed the Opposition for raising doubts at the Balakot airstrike.

"I am angry when someone questions our armed forces. The top leadership took a tough question that India will not remain silent in the face of incessant terror attacks. This was the first time since 1971 that our air force crossed the border. Those who question our forces cannot be defined in terms of normal political discourse. They have fallen so low that they have lost the confidence of the people," Singh said at Zee News' India Ka DNA conclave in New Delhi.

The voters are happy and full of josh due to the government's decisive stand on terrorism and the Opposition is clueless, he added.

In February, the Indian Air Force (IAF) crossed the border and destroyed the terror camps of Jaish-e-Mohammed, which had claimed responsibility for February 14 attack on a CRPF convoy in which 40 soldiers were killed. While the government maintained that the strike was aimed at destroying the terror camps, the Opposition parties questioned the move and demanded proof of the terror camps destroyed by the IAF.

Days before the first phase of Lok Sabha election, the minister said, "I am not contesting the election looking for a fight, but to serve and earn the confidence of the people. We are seeking votes on the basis of our performance in the last five years."

Speaking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's annoucement last week that India successfully tested an anti-satellite (A-Sat) missile and lashed out the Congress and other Opposition parties for linking PM's announcement to election.

"There are some missions which take time and cannot be tied to election dates. So to connect the ASAT missile to the election is not right. I pity the opposition and the Congress when they question the scientists and defence forces," General Singh said.

Union minister General VK Singh has slammed the Opposition for raising doubts at the Balakot airstrike. "I am angry when someone questions our armed forces. The top leadership took a tough question that India will not remain silent in the face of incessant terror attacks.

Union minister General VK Singh has slammed the Opposition for raising doubts at the Balakot airstrike. "I am angry when someone questions our armed forces. The top leadership took a tough question that India will not remain silent in the face of incessant terror attacks. This was the first time since 1971 that our air force crossed the border. Those who question our forces cannot be defined in terms of normal political discourse. They have fallen so low that they have lost the confidence of the people," Singh said at Zee News' India Ka DNA conclave in New Delhi. The voters are happy and full of josh due to the government's decisive stand on terrorism and the Opposition is clueless, he added. In February, the Indian Air Force (IAF) crossed the border and destroyed the terror camps of Jaish-e-Mohammed, which had claimed responsibility for February 14 attack on a CRPF convoy in which 40 soldiers were killed. While the government maintained that the strike was aimed at destroying the terror camps, the Opposition parties questioned the move and demanded proof of the terror camps destroyed by the IAF. Days before the first phase of Lok Sabha election, the minister said, "I am not contesting the election looking for a fight, but to serve and earn the confidence of the people. We are seeking votes on the basis of our performance in the last five years." Speaking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's annoucement last week that India successfully tested an anti-satellite (A-Sat) missile and lashed out the Congress and other Opposition parties for linking PM's announcement to election. "There are some missions which take time and cannot be tied to election dates. So to connect the ASAT missile to the election is not right. I pity the opposition and the Congress when they question the scientists and defence forces," General Singh said.

Voters full of josh, Opposition clueless: General VK Singh

A month after it closed its airspace after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-airspace-restrictions-keep-routes-closed-carriers-off-balance-204369">India's airstrikes at Balakot</a>, Pakistan extended airspace restrictions till March 27th for all overflying flights.

Pakistan had closed its airspace on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-airspace-to-remain-shut-civil-aviation-authority-201663">March 27th after India's Mirage-2000</a> aircraft pounded&nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) targets in Balakot in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province

The closure has hit the eastern airspace shutting off major international flight routes from Islamabad and Lahore along with domestic routes. Flights to &nbsp;India, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur causing heavy losses to Pakistan&nbsp;International Airline(PIA), the official carrier of the country.

On Tuesday, sections of Pakistani media reported that Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's flight took much longer to reach Pakistan because India did not allow him to use its airspace.&nbsp;

However, newswire ANI quoting government sources called it 'false and motivated'.

Mahathir's three-day official visit to Pakistan began on March 21. He was a guest on Pakistan National Day,&nbsp;

The airspace remained restricted even as the country celebrated its National Day on March 23rd in which several aircraft took part including China's JF-17 Thunder and US-built F-16 fighting falcons.

On February 26th, Indian Mirage 2000 fighter jets had hit JeM targets in Balakot, Pakistan Air Force sent F-16s across the border the next day leading to a dogfight between Indian fighters including with the MiG-21 Bison in which Wing Commander Abhinandan was shot down inside Pakistan territory.&nbsp;

After three days of diplomatic tussle, Pakistan set the Indian pilot free releasing him at the Wagah border.

A month after it closed its airspace after India's airstrikes at Balakot, Pakistan extended airspace restrictions till March 27th for all overflying flights. Pakistan had closed its airspace on March 27th after India's Mirage-2000 aircraft pounded Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) targets in Balakot in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province The closure has hit the eastern airspace shutting off major international flight routes from Islamabad and Lahore along with domestic routes.

A month after it closed its airspace after India's airstrikes at Balakot, Pakistan extended airspace restrictions till March 27th for all overflying flights. Pakistan had closed its airspace on March 27th after India's Mirage-2000 aircraft pounded Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) targets in Balakot in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province The closure has hit the eastern airspace shutting off major international flight routes from Islamabad and Lahore along with domestic routes. Flights to India, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur causing heavy losses to Pakistan International Airline(PIA), the official carrier of the country. On Tuesday, sections of Pakistani media reported that Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's flight took much longer to reach Pakistan because India did not allow him to use its airspace. However, newswire ANI quoting government sources called it 'false and motivated'. Mahathir's three-day official visit to Pakistan began on March 21. He was a guest on Pakistan National Day, The airspace remained restricted even as the country celebrated its National Day on March 23rd in which several aircraft took part including China's JF-17 Thunder and US-built F-16 fighting falcons. On February 26th, Indian Mirage 2000 fighter jets had hit JeM targets in Balakot, Pakistan Air Force sent F-16s across the border the next day leading to a dogfight between Indian fighters including with the MiG-21 Bison in which Wing Commander Abhinandan was shot down inside Pakistan territory. After three days of diplomatic tussle, Pakistan set the Indian pilot free releasing him at the Wagah border.

Month after Balakot strikes, Pakistan continues to block airspace

Pakistan's military has said for the first time that JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft developed jointly with China was used in retaliation to India's pre-emptive strikes on a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/with-balakot-airstrike-narendra-modi-government-has-evolved-new-security-doctrine-204805">Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot</a> as it once again denied that US-made F-16 jets were involved in the attack.

Referring to the aerial dogfight with the Indian Air Force jets after the February 14 Pulwama terror attack claimed by Pakistan-based JeM, Pakistan Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said the Indian jets violated the Pakistani airspace on February 26, dropping payloads without inflicting any casualties or damage to infrastructure.

The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who was handed over to India later.

"The aircraft which engaged those targets and fought them were JF-17. As regard to how to use F-16, in what context [they] were used or not - because at that point of time our entire Air Force was airborne - now it remains between Pakistan and the US to see how the MoUs regarding the use of F-16 have been adhered to or otherwise," Ghafoor told Russian news agency Sputnik International.

A day after Pakistan's attempt to retaliate the IAF's air strikes at the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Balakot, the Indian armed forces displayed parts of an AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) fired by an F-16, which fell in Indian territory. New Delhi had also underlined that electronic signatures captured by Indian radars had established the use of F-16 for the offensive.

The US State Department announced that it was seeking more information from Pakistan on the potential use of American-made F-16 jets against India in violation of the end-user agreement.

The Pakistani General noted that Islamabad was discussing the use of its JF-17 with the US citing "friendly relations" with Washington, stressing, however, that the country would use whatever it deemed necessary if it came to "legitimate self-defence."

He said Pakistan only wanted to tell India that it has the capability to hit back. He said Pakistan has the footage of the operation. 
At the time of the attack, the media reports said that the PAF military aircraft that shot down the Mig-21 Bison was JF-17 Thunder Block II multirole fighter jet.

"Proud to announce, I was project director for JF-17 Thunder program jointly produced by Pakistan and China during the tenure of General Pervez Musharraf," retired PAF Air Marshall Shahid Latif said at the time.

"Today, same jets targeted and shot down Indian Jets which entered Pakistani Airspace," he said soon after the attack last month. 
Ghafoor said that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal is a deterrence tool to prevent wars in the region.

"Pakistan holds the position that this capability eliminates the possibility of conventional war. No sane country having this capability would talk about using it," Ghafoor was quoted as saying by the Russian news agency.

He said Pakistan would take steps towards non-proliferation of nuclear arms but only if India does the same.

Ghafoor said Pakistan would welcome every effort, including that of Russia, which can bring peace in the region.

On military cooperation with Russia, Ghafoor said Pakistan is negotiating defence industry cooperation with Moscow in the areas of aviation, air defence systems and anti-tank missiles.

Pakistan's defence ties with Russia have moved past the bitter Cold War hostilities in recent years and the chill in the relations between Pakistan and the US has further pushed the country towards Russia and China.&nbsp;

Pakistan's military has said for the first time that JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft developed jointly with China was used in retaliation to India's pre-emptive strikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot as it once again denied that US-made F-16 jets were involved in the attack.

Pakistan's military has said for the first time that JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft developed jointly with China was used in retaliation to India's pre-emptive strikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot as it once again denied that US-made F-16 jets were involved in the attack. Referring to the aerial dogfight with the Indian Air Force jets after the February 14 Pulwama terror attack claimed by Pakistan-based JeM, Pakistan Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said the Indian jets violated the Pakistani airspace on February 26, dropping payloads without inflicting any casualties or damage to infrastructure. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who was handed over to India later. "The aircraft which engaged those targets and fought them were JF-17. As regard to how to use F-16, in what context [they] were used or not - because at that point of time our entire Air Force was airborne - now it remains between Pakistan and the US to see how the MoUs regarding the use of F-16 have been adhered to or otherwise," Ghafoor told Russian news agency Sputnik International. A day after Pakistan's attempt to retaliate the IAF's air strikes at the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Balakot, the Indian armed forces displayed parts of an AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) fired by an F-16, which fell in Indian territory. New Delhi had also underlined that electronic signatures captured by Indian radars had established the use of F-16 for the offensive. The US State Department announced that it was seeking more information from Pakistan on the potential use of American-made F-16 jets against India in violation of the end-user agreement. The Pakistani General noted that Islamabad was discussing the use of its JF-17 with the US citing "friendly relations" with Washington, stressing, however, that the country would use whatever it deemed necessary if it came to "legitimate self-defence." He said Pakistan only wanted to tell India that it has the capability to hit back. He said Pakistan has the footage of the operation. At the time of the attack, the media reports said that the PAF military aircraft that shot down the Mig-21 Bison was JF-17 Thunder Block II multirole fighter jet. "Proud to announce, I was project director for JF-17 Thunder program jointly produced by Pakistan and China during the tenure of General Pervez Musharraf," retired PAF Air Marshall Shahid Latif said at the time. "Today, same jets targeted and shot down Indian Jets which entered Pakistani Airspace," he said soon after the attack last month. Ghafoor said that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal is a deterrence tool to prevent wars in the region. "Pakistan holds the position that this capability eliminates the possibility of conventional war. No sane country having this capability would talk about using it," Ghafoor was quoted as saying by the Russian news agency. He said Pakistan would take steps towards non-proliferation of nuclear arms but only if India does the same. Ghafoor said Pakistan would welcome every effort, including that of Russia, which can bring peace in the region. On military cooperation with Russia, Ghafoor said Pakistan is negotiating defence industry cooperation with Moscow in the areas of aviation, air defence systems and anti-tank missiles. Pakistan's defence ties with Russia have moved past the bitter Cold War hostilities in recent years and the chill in the relations between Pakistan and the US has further pushed the country towards Russia and China.

JF-17 used to shoot down Indian aircraft, says Pakistan military

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that she has enough reasons to believe that the armed forces did not take a deterrent action after the Mumbai attack adding that she wished a similar action, like that of an airstrike, could have taken place after 26/11. &nbsp;

"If only a similar deterrent action (#airstrike) was taken after Mumbai attack... &nbsp;and I have enough reasons to believe that armed forces did tell the govt at that time, if you want us to do something, we are ready but we want you to take the call," Sitharaman said in Hyderabad.&nbsp;

External Affairs Ministers also spoke on the matter, hailing India's diplomatic prowess which exhibited when Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was handed over by Pakistan in just two days.&nbsp;

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Nirmala Sitharaman in Hyderabad: If only a similar deterrent action (<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/airstrike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#airstrike</a>) was taken after Mumbai attack... &amp; I have enough reasons to believe that armed forces did tell the govt at that time, 'if you want us to do something, we are ready but we want you to take the call.' <a href="https://t.co/CSBfkGXO82">pic.twitter.com/CSBfkGXO82</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1109700863176527872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The very next day Pakistan sent their aircraft, we shot down one of them and they shot down one of ours, capturing our pilot. This exhibits the success of Indian diplomacy that they handed over our&nbsp;pilot in just two days," Swaraj stated.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday slammed Congress party after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-slams-rahul-gandhi-over-pitrodas-remarks-asks-do-you-consider-pulwama-attack-a-routine-incident-205033">Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda</a>, who is also known as a close aide of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, questioned the airstrikes carried out by the Indian Air Force at JeM camps in Balakot, Pakistan in an interview with news agency ANI.&nbsp;

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EAM Swaraj: Agle din (after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/airstrike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#airstrike</a>) Pakistan ne jawabi karyawahi ki, unhone apne vimaan bheje, humne unka 1 vimaan maar giraya, unhone hamara 1 vimaan maar giraya aur hamare pilot ko pakda, Bharat ki itni badi kootnitik safalta ki maatr 2 din mein apne pilot ko wapas le aye. <a href="https://t.co/Sg34pRGhnN">pic.twitter.com/Sg34pRGhnN</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1109711010602995712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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“If they (IAF) killed 300, it's ok. All I am saying is can you give me more facts and prove it,” said Pitroda on Friday in the interview.

Scores of Union Ministers and BJP bigwigs have gone ahead defending the Balakot strikes ever since.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to Twitter on Friday, and in a series of tweets, lashed out at Pitroda. &nbsp;

"The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces," PM Modi tweeted out.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that she has enough reasons to believe that the armed forces did not take a deterrent action after the Mumbai attack adding that she wished a similar action, like that of an airstrike, could have taken place after 26/11.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that she has enough reasons to believe that the armed forces did not take a deterrent action after the Mumbai attack adding that she wished a similar action, like that of an airstrike, could have taken place after 26/11. "If only a similar deterrent action (#airstrike) was taken after Mumbai attack... and I have enough reasons to believe that armed forces did tell the govt at that time, if you want us to do something, we are ready but we want you to take the call," Sitharaman said in Hyderabad. External Affairs Ministers also spoke on the matter, hailing India's diplomatic prowess which exhibited when Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was handed over by Pakistan in just two days. Nirmala Sitharaman in Hyderabad: If only a similar deterrent action (#airstrike) was taken after Mumbai attack... & I have enough reasons to believe that armed forces did tell the govt at that time, 'if you want us to do something, we are ready but we want you to take the call.' pic.twitter.com/CSBfkGXO82 — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2019 × "The very next day Pakistan sent their aircraft, we shot down one of them and they shot down one of ours, capturing our pilot. This exhibits the success of Indian diplomacy that they handed over our pilot in just two days," Swaraj stated. The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday slammed Congress party after Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda, who is also known as a close aide of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, questioned the airstrikes carried out by the Indian Air Force at JeM camps in Balakot, Pakistan in an interview with news agency ANI. EAM Swaraj: Agle din (after #airstrike) Pakistan ne jawabi karyawahi ki, unhone apne vimaan bheje, humne unka 1 vimaan maar giraya, unhone hamara 1 vimaan maar giraya aur hamare pilot ko pakda, Bharat ki itni badi kootnitik safalta ki maatr 2 din mein apne pilot ko wapas le aye. pic.twitter.com/Sg34pRGhnN — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2019 × “If they (IAF) killed 300, it's ok. All I am saying is can you give me more facts and prove it,” said Pitroda on Friday in the interview. Scores of Union Ministers and BJP bigwigs have gone ahead defending the Balakot strikes ever since. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to Twitter on Friday, and in a series of tweets, lashed out at Pitroda. "The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces," PM Modi tweeted out.

If only a similar deterrent action was taken after Mumbai attack: Sitharaman on Balakot airstrikes

The Indian Air Force carried out a major readiness exercise last night over Punjab and Jammu in which a large number of fighter aircraft participated.&nbsp;

During the exercise, Indian Air Force (IAF) jets, including frontline aircraft, flew at supersonic speeds in the border districts including Amritsar in Punjab, sources said here.

The reason for carrying out the combat drill was to be prepared for thwarting any misadventure by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to intrude into the Indian air space, they said.

The IAF has been on a high alert ever since it carried out <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/balakot-counter-terrorism-strike-on-jem-camp-in-pakistan-achieved-its-objective-says-india-202145">air strikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in Balakot town</a> of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunwa province on February 26.

A couple of days ago, two PAF fighter jets flew at supersonic speeds over Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir around 10 kilometres from the Line of Control in the Poonch sector.

After the PAF started flying its planes close to Indian borders and were detected and monitored closely by the air defence network, the Indian fighter plane fleet was also ready to respond to them.

The IAF had an edge over the adversary in the aerial combat as its vintage MiG-21 fighter flown by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-cm-seeks-param-vir-chakra-for-abhinandan-varthaman-202009">Wing&nbsp;Commander Abhinandan Varthaman</a> shot down a modern F-16D fighter plane of the PAF in a beyond-visual-range fight.

The IAF also managed to thwart the PAF attack on Indian Army positions on February 27 after India targeted non-military positions a day earlier.&nbsp;

During the February 26 air strikes also, the PAF F-16s had to return gauging the enormity of the IAF attack with 12 Mirages.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force carried out a major readiness exercise last night over Punjab and Jammu in which a large number of fighter aircraft participated. During the exercise, Indian Air Force (IAF) jets, including frontline aircraft, flew at supersonic speeds in the border districts including Amritsar in Punjab, sources said here.

The Indian Air Force carried out a major readiness exercise last night over Punjab and Jammu in which a large number of fighter aircraft participated. During the exercise, Indian Air Force (IAF) jets, including frontline aircraft, flew at supersonic speeds in the border districts including Amritsar in Punjab, sources said here. The reason for carrying out the combat drill was to be prepared for thwarting any misadventure by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to intrude into the Indian air space, they said. The IAF has been on a high alert ever since it carried out air strikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in Balakot town of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunwa province on February 26. A couple of days ago, two PAF fighter jets flew at supersonic speeds over Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir around 10 kilometres from the Line of Control in the Poonch sector. After the PAF started flying its planes close to Indian borders and were detected and monitored closely by the air defence network, the Indian fighter plane fleet was also ready to respond to them. The IAF had an edge over the adversary in the aerial combat as its vintage MiG-21 fighter flown by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman shot down a modern F-16D fighter plane of the PAF in a beyond-visual-range fight. The IAF also managed to thwart the PAF attack on Indian Army positions on February 27 after India targeted non-military positions a day earlier. During the February 26 air strikes also, the PAF F-16s had to return gauging the enormity of the IAF attack with 12 Mirages.

IAF carries out major readiness exercise along Pak border

The Indian delegation arrived at the integrated check post at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kartarpur-corridor-talks-india-hopes-for-meaningful-talks-may-raise-khalistani-propaganda-with-pakistan-203092">Attari-Wagah border today</a> to meet the Pakistan delegation for discussions on the Kartarpur Corridor development which is due to open in November this year.

While the Indian delegation is being led by SCL Das, Joint Secretary (Internal Security) in MHA and Joint Secretary (PAI--Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran) MEA, Deepak Mittal, the Pakistan delegation will be led by Director-General South Asia and SAARC Dr Mohammad Faisal along with officials from Pakistan's interior, law and religious affairs ministry.

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Pakistan has brought a 18-member delegation which include Dr Fareha Bugti, director India at the Pakistani foreign ministry, Dilshad Ahmad, Joint Secretary, Pakistan's interior ministry, Tahir Ehsan, Joint Secretary, chairman, Evacuee Trust Property Board, which takes care of Hindu and Sikh shrines in Pakistan, Brig M Akhtar Khan, Deputy DG Pakistan Rangers and Col Nadeem Afzal, Project deputy director, Kartarpur corridor.

Ahead of crossing over to Indian side, the Pakistani foreign office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal, speaking to media said, "Continuing with our spirit of constructive engagement and flexibility and in line with our sincere efforts to deescalate the situation for regional peace and stability, we decided to agree to the India proposal and that is why we are here today".

There are two primary things on the agenda - the draft memorandum on the agreement which New Delhi shared with Islamabad on the operational modalities of the corridor and border infrastructure alignment.&nbsp;

India will also raise the Khalistani propaganda which Pakistan has given free rein in Sikh Shrines in its territory.

It is important to note that Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan met members of the Sikh and Hindu community on Wednesday which includes Khalistan ideologue Gopal Chawla. Gopal Singh Chawla has had a very close relationship with 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed. Chawla on multiple occasions has released videos threatening India with violence.

India has already clarified the talks do not mean the resumption of dialogue. Kartarpur corridor has been a long-standing demand of Indian citizens of Sikh faith which Pakistan agreed to after India announced last year in November that it will build the corridor.

The Indian delegation arrived at the integrated check post at Attari-Wagah border today to meet the Pakistan delegation for discussions on the Kartarpur Corridor development which is due to open in November this year.

The Indian delegation arrived at the integrated check post at Attari-Wagah border today to meet the Pakistan delegation for discussions on the Kartarpur Corridor development which is due to open in November this year. While the Indian delegation is being led by SCL Das, Joint Secretary (Internal Security) in MHA and Joint Secretary (PAI--Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran) MEA, Deepak Mittal, the Pakistan delegation will be led by Director-General South Asia and SAARC Dr Mohammad Faisal along with officials from Pakistan's interior, law and religious affairs ministry. Pakistan has brought a 18-member delegation which include Dr Fareha Bugti, director India at the Pakistani foreign ministry, Dilshad Ahmad, Joint Secretary, Pakistan's interior ministry, Tahir Ehsan, Joint Secretary, chairman, Evacuee Trust Property Board, which takes care of Hindu and Sikh shrines in Pakistan, Brig M Akhtar Khan, Deputy DG Pakistan Rangers and Col Nadeem Afzal, Project deputy director, Kartarpur corridor. Ahead of crossing over to Indian side, the Pakistani foreign office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal, speaking to media said, "Continuing with our spirit of constructive engagement and flexibility and in line with our sincere efforts to deescalate the situation for regional peace and stability, we decided to agree to the India proposal and that is why we are here today". There are two primary things on the agenda - the draft memorandum on the agreement which New Delhi shared with Islamabad on the operational modalities of the corridor and border infrastructure alignment. India will also raise the Khalistani propaganda which Pakistan has given free rein in Sikh Shrines in its territory. It is important to note that Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan met members of the Sikh and Hindu community on Wednesday which includes Khalistan ideologue Gopal Chawla. Gopal Singh Chawla has had a very close relationship with 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed. Chawla on multiple occasions has released videos threatening India with violence. India has already clarified the talks do not mean the resumption of dialogue. Kartarpur corridor has been a long-standing demand of Indian citizens of Sikh faith which Pakistan agreed to after India announced last year in November that it will build the corridor.

India, Pak officials meet at Wagah to discuss Kartarpur Corridor development

As the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) gets set to discuss the resolution to<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-must-take-meaningful-action-against-terrorists-on-its-soil-says-pompeo-in-meeting-with-gokhale-202720"> list Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM)</a> chief Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist" on Wednesday, the Chinese foreign ministry said today that a decision needs to be arrived at through "responsible and serious discussions" over the issue.

The UNSC had moved the resolution just days after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/18-terrorists-killed-in-21-days-succeeded-in-eliminating-jem-leadership-lt-gen-dhillon-202727">Pulwama terrorist attack</a> in which India blamed the JeM chief of masterminding the attack. The JeM had taken responsibility&nbsp;for the attack on a CRPF bus on February 14th at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir(J&amp;K)&nbsp;in which over 40 personnel were killed.

“China will continue to communicate and work with relevant parties in a responsible manner so as to properly resolve this matter. Only by making a decision through responsible and serious discussions can we resolve the issue in a sustainable manner,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said during a media briefing on Masood's issue.

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France, US and UK had proposed the listing of Azhar as an international terrorist and if no country raises any issue by March 13, Azhar will be put on the UN terror list.

China has vetoed Azhar's resolution&nbsp;thrice earlier - 2009, 2016, 2017, however in recent days pressure has grown to list Masood as a "global terrorist" after France backed India's stand on the issue.

On Monday, India's foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale met US secretary of state Mike Pompeo to press the terror issue. Pompeo told the Indian foreign secretary that Pakistan should &nbsp;to take "meaningful action" against terrorist groups.

During the Pulwama attack, Gokhale had briefed the media during which he had said there was credible information information that &nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, as a result a pre-emptive strike became important and India struck the biggest camp of JeM at Balakot.

As Indian Air Force jets pounded targets Balakot in February, China had called for calm and had said it was in touch with both India and Pakistan regarding recent tensions. During a press conference, Kang had expressed the hope that India and Pakistan would maintain "good neighbourly&nbsp;and friendly ties and settle issues through friendly consultation." 
&nbsp;

As the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) gets set to discuss the resolution to list Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist" on Wednesday, the Chinese foreign ministry said today that a decision needs to be arrived at through "responsible and serious discussions" over the issue.

As the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) gets set to discuss the resolution to list Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist" on Wednesday, the Chinese foreign ministry said today that a decision needs to be arrived at through "responsible and serious discussions" over the issue. The UNSC had moved the resolution just days after the Pulwama terrorist attack in which India blamed the JeM chief of masterminding the attack. The JeM had taken responsibility for the attack on a CRPF bus on February 14th at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) in which over 40 personnel were killed. “China will continue to communicate and work with relevant parties in a responsible manner so as to properly resolve this matter. Only by making a decision through responsible and serious discussions can we resolve the issue in a sustainable manner,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said during a media briefing on Masood's issue. France, US and UK had proposed the listing of Azhar as an international terrorist and if no country raises any issue by March 13, Azhar will be put on the UN terror list. China has vetoed Azhar's resolution thrice earlier - 2009, 2016, 2017, however in recent days pressure has grown to list Masood as a "global terrorist" after France backed India's stand on the issue. On Monday, India's foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale met US secretary of state Mike Pompeo to press the terror issue. Pompeo told the Indian foreign secretary that Pakistan should to take "meaningful action" against terrorist groups. During the Pulwama attack, Gokhale had briefed the media during which he had said there was credible information information that Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, as a result a pre-emptive strike became important and India struck the biggest camp of JeM at Balakot. As Indian Air Force jets pounded targets Balakot in February, China had called for calm and had said it was in touch with both India and Pakistan regarding recent tensions. During a press conference, Kang had expressed the hope that India and Pakistan would maintain "good neighbourly and friendly ties and settle issues through friendly consultation."

Responsible discussions can resolve the issue in a sustainable manner: China on listing JeM chief Masood Azhar as global terrorist at UNSC

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2019-lok-sabha-elections-to-be-held-in-seven-phases-starting-april-11-202362">2019 Lok Sabha elections to be held in seven phases starting April 11</a>

The 2019 Lok Sabha elections are to be held in seven phases starting April 11. The announcement was made Sunday by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora.&nbsp;

The polling dates over the seven phases are April 11, April 18, April 23, May 6, May 12, and May 19. All votes will be counted on May 23.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-airlines-plane-crashes-with-157-on-board-no-survivors-says-state-media-202350">Ethiopian Airlines plane crashes with 157 on board: 'No survivors,' says state media</a>

An Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 passenger jet to Nairobi crashed early on Sunday with 149 passengers and eight crew members aboard, the airline said, and there were no survivors, according to the state broadcaster.

The flight left Bole airport in Addis Ababa at 8.38 am local time, before losing contact with the control tower just a few minutes later at 8.44 am.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/enough-is-enough-india-cannot-suffer-terrorism-till-eternity-pm-modi-202353">Enough is enough, India cannot suffer terrorism till eternity: PM Modi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday sent across a strong message to terrorist forces targeting India, saying the country cannot keep suffering forever and that his government has taken some "strong decisions" against such elements.

"For many decades, the country and numerous families have suffered the wounds and pain given by terrorism, Naxalism and insurgency. What happened in Pulwama and Uri was heartbreaking.

"We cannot bear this pain till eternity. Enough is enough," the Prime Minister said while addressing CISF personnel.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-airlines-crash-boeing-was-similar-to-lion-air-plane-that-crashed-last-october-202336">Ethiopian Airlines crash: Boeing was similar to Lion Air plane that crashed last October</a>

The Ethiopian Airlines plane that crashed Sunday was the same type of Boeing as the Lion Air plane that crashed last October in Indonesia killing all 189 people on board.&nbsp;

The Lion Air plane was a Boeing 737MAX. The Ethiopian Airlines plane was a Boeing 737-800MAX.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/jawans-should-count-dead-bodies-after-air-strike-or-return-safely-sushma-swaraj-202348">Jawans should count dead bodies after air strike or return safely?: Sushma Swaraj</a>

Speaking at a gathering of the BJP's women workers in Mumbai on Sunday, senior leader and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj signalled that the military action against Pakistan after the February 14 Pulwama attack would be a poll issue for the ruling party.

"We should ask questions about whether our jawans should count the dead bodies (after dropping bombs on terror camps) or return safely after carrying out the air strike. BJP workers should ask counter-questions to those who raise doubts about the impact of our air strike," Swaraj said.

2019 Lok Sabha elections to be held in seven phases starting April 11 The 2019 Lok Sabha elections are to be held in seven phases starting April 11. The announcement was made Sunday by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora.

2019 Lok Sabha elections to be held in seven phases starting April 11 The 2019 Lok Sabha elections are to be held in seven phases starting April 11. The announcement was made Sunday by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora. The polling dates over the seven phases are April 11, April 18, April 23, May 6, May 12, and May 19. All votes will be counted on May 23. Ethiopian Airlines plane crashes with 157 on board: 'No survivors,' says state media An Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 passenger jet to Nairobi crashed early on Sunday with 149 passengers and eight crew members aboard, the airline said, and there were no survivors, according to the state broadcaster. The flight left Bole airport in Addis Ababa at 8.38 am local time, before losing contact with the control tower just a few minutes later at 8.44 am. Enough is enough, India cannot suffer terrorism till eternity: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday sent across a strong message to terrorist forces targeting India, saying the country cannot keep suffering forever and that his government has taken some "strong decisions" against such elements. "For many decades, the country and numerous families have suffered the wounds and pain given by terrorism, Naxalism and insurgency. What happened in Pulwama and Uri was heartbreaking. "We cannot bear this pain till eternity. Enough is enough," the Prime Minister said while addressing CISF personnel. Ethiopian Airlines crash: Boeing was similar to Lion Air plane that crashed last October The Ethiopian Airlines plane that crashed Sunday was the same type of Boeing as the Lion Air plane that crashed last October in Indonesia killing all 189 people on board. The Lion Air plane was a Boeing 737MAX. The Ethiopian Airlines plane was a Boeing 737-800MAX. Jawans should count dead bodies after air strike or return safely?: Sushma Swaraj Speaking at a gathering of the BJP's women workers in Mumbai on Sunday, senior leader and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj signalled that the military action against Pakistan after the February 14 Pulwama attack would be a poll issue for the ruling party. "We should ask questions about whether our jawans should count the dead bodies (after dropping bombs on terror camps) or return safely after carrying out the air strike. BJP workers should ask counter-questions to those who raise doubts about the impact of our air strike," Swaraj said.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-strike-heres-why-balakot-was-chosen-by-indian-air-force-199792">February 26 air strike by the Indian Force</a>&nbsp;on Pakistan's Balakot was a targeted attack on terrorists which should have been done by Pak.

Speaking in Chennai, she said, "The air strike was not a military action, it was a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/balakot-air-strike-is-indias-googly-response-to-imran-khans-in-swinger-199863">targeted attack on terrorists</a> which actually Pakistan should have done, they didn't".

She further said that Pakistan was not acting on terrorists and it continues to train, fund and support terrorism.

"One thing is very clear Pak wasn't acting on terrorists. It continues to be the country where terrorists are trained, funded, supported by military establishment and sent across. Its theory of using non-state actors to keep terrorism going on continues without disturbance," she said.

She added that the army had the intelligence information about the presence of terrorists and therefore it hit the nerve centre that was aiding Fidayeen.

"We took decision to hit that nerve centre which was training, funding and giving capacity to what they call Fidayeen. Since we had enough intel information to say that that's where it is coming out of, we acted on terror so that no longer goes unattended".

(With inputs from ANI)

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that the February 26 air strike by the Indian Force on Pakistan's Balakot was a targeted attack on terrorists which should have been done by Pak.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that the February 26 air strike by the Indian Force on Pakistan's Balakot was a targeted attack on terrorists which should have been done by Pak. Speaking in Chennai, she said, "The air strike was not a military action, it was a targeted attack on terrorists which actually Pakistan should have done, they didn't". She further said that Pakistan was not acting on terrorists and it continues to train, fund and support terrorism. "One thing is very clear Pak wasn't acting on terrorists. It continues to be the country where terrorists are trained, funded, supported by military establishment and sent across. Its theory of using non-state actors to keep terrorism going on continues without disturbance," she said. She added that the army had the intelligence information about the presence of terrorists and therefore it hit the nerve centre that was aiding Fidayeen. "We took decision to hit that nerve centre which was training, funding and giving capacity to what they call Fidayeen. Since we had enough intel information to say that that's where it is coming out of, we acted on terror so that no longer goes unattended". (With inputs from ANI)

Air strike was targeted attack at terrorists... Pakistan should have done it: Nirmala Sitharaman

India on Saturday said its non-military strike on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-strike-heres-why-balakot-was-chosen-by-indian-air-force-199792">JeM camp in Pakistan</a> achieved its desired objective and demonstrated the country's firm resolve to take decisive action against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-carries-out-air-strikes-in-pakistan-199776">cross border terrorism.</a>

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, at a media briefing, also said that an Indian Air Force MiG-21 Bison, piloted by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, shot down a Pakistan Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft and there were eyewitness accounts and electronic evidence for it.

"We have also shared evidence in the form of parts of AMRAAM missile which were recovered from the site and are only carried by F-16 aircraft of the PAF," he said.

"Our non-military counter-terrorism strike achieved the desired objective. It has demonstrated our firm resolve to take decisive action against cross border terrorism," he said.

Only one aircraft was lost by India during Pakistan's unsuccessful attempt at targeting Indian military installations, he said.

Kumar also said if, as Pakistan claims, it has evidence of downing of second Indian aircraft then why has it not shared it.

Since the Pulwama terror attack the international community has stood by India, Kumar said.

It is unfortunate that Pakistan still continues to deny JeM's own claim of carrying out the Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed, he said.

Kumar asserted that Pakistan-based terror groups were conducting their activities without any hindrance.

Pakistan must show credible, verifiable and sustained action against terror groups operating from its soil, he said.

On the issue of the fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi's extradition, the MEA spokesperson said the UK is still considering India's request.

India is taking all steps necessary for his extradition, he asserted.

India on Saturday said its non-military strike on JeM camp in Pakistan achieved its desired objective and demonstrated the country's firm resolve to take decisive action against cross border terrorism.

India on Saturday said its non-military strike on JeM camp in Pakistan achieved its desired objective and demonstrated the country's firm resolve to take decisive action against cross border terrorism. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, at a media briefing, also said that an Indian Air Force MiG-21 Bison, piloted by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, shot down a Pakistan Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft and there were eyewitness accounts and electronic evidence for it. "We have also shared evidence in the form of parts of AMRAAM missile which were recovered from the site and are only carried by F-16 aircraft of the PAF," he said. "Our non-military counter-terrorism strike achieved the desired objective. It has demonstrated our firm resolve to take decisive action against cross border terrorism," he said. Only one aircraft was lost by India during Pakistan's unsuccessful attempt at targeting Indian military installations, he said. Kumar also said if, as Pakistan claims, it has evidence of downing of second Indian aircraft then why has it not shared it. Since the Pulwama terror attack the international community has stood by India, Kumar said. It is unfortunate that Pakistan still continues to deny JeM's own claim of carrying out the Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed, he said. Kumar asserted that Pakistan-based terror groups were conducting their activities without any hindrance. Pakistan must show credible, verifiable and sustained action against terror groups operating from its soil, he said. On the issue of the fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi's extradition, the MEA spokesperson said the UK is still considering India's request. India is taking all steps necessary for his extradition, he asserted.

Balakot counter-terrorism strike on JeM camp in Pakistan achieved its objective, says India

India has said that Pakistan's use of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-says-wont-allow-terror-groups-to-use-our-territory-bans-hafiz-saeed-from-leading-friday-prayers-202085">terrorism as an instrument of state policy</a> is a "central problem" and the international community must unequivocally condemn terrorism and its perpetrators.&nbsp;

Addressing the 40th Session of the Human Rights Council on Thursday, Permanent Representative of India to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Rajiv Chander said, "Terrorism is the most fundamental violation of human rights and we overlook it at our own peril."&nbsp;

He told the Council that the "central problem is cross-border terrorism and Pakistan's use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy. This fact needs due recognition."&nbsp;

Chander called for a UN-led consensus on zero tolerance on terrorism, saying the international community needs to unequivocally condemn terrorism and those who perpetrate it.

"We firmly believe that UN-led consensus on zero tolerance on terrorism is as much an international obligation as it is a commitment to our own people. We all need to unequivocally condemn terrorism and its perpetrators,? he said at the Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

On the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, the envoy said India's views on the state have been made clear in the Council.&nbsp;

"The whole state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Pakistan remains in illegal occupation of a part of our territory," Chander said.

Earlier, Pakistan's Acting Permanent Representative Tahir Hussain Andrabi had made references to Kashmir in his statement to the Council.

Chander said India's efforts towards protection and promotion of human rights are second to none.&nbsp;

"This is reflected in the Constitution of India that guarantees its citizens fundamental political and civil rights and provides for the progressive realisation and enforcement of economic, social and cultural rights," he said.

The diplomat underscored that India is a secular state and safeguarding the rights of minorities forms an essential core of its polity.&nbsp;

"The Indian Constitution enshrines various provisions for the protection of rights and interests of the minorities. The State makes no distinction between caste, creed, colour or religion of a citizen," he said.

Chander underlined that along with being the world's largest democracy, Indian polity also weaves in immense diversity along with respect for tolerance and mutual understanding.&nbsp;

"An independent judiciary, free and vibrant media, and, a vocal civil society are all active in this regard within the legal framework of the State. National and State level Human Rights Commissions along with other specific Commissions continue to monitor complaints from minority communities regarding issues of discrimination and disadvantage faced by them," he said.

The government has issued Communal Harmony Guidelines which lay down Standard Operating Procedures to deal with communal violence, the envoy added.&nbsp;

India has said that Pakistan's use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy is a "central problem" and the international community must unequivocally condemn terrorism and its perpetrators.

India has said that Pakistan's use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy is a "central problem" and the international community must unequivocally condemn terrorism and its perpetrators. Addressing the 40th Session of the Human Rights Council on Thursday, Permanent Representative of India to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Rajiv Chander said, "Terrorism is the most fundamental violation of human rights and we overlook it at our own peril." He told the Council that the "central problem is cross-border terrorism and Pakistan's use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy. This fact needs due recognition." Chander called for a UN-led consensus on zero tolerance on terrorism, saying the international community needs to unequivocally condemn terrorism and those who perpetrate it. "We firmly believe that UN-led consensus on zero tolerance on terrorism is as much an international obligation as it is a commitment to our own people. We all need to unequivocally condemn terrorism and its perpetrators,? he said at the Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner for Human Rights. On the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, the envoy said India's views on the state have been made clear in the Council. "The whole state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Pakistan remains in illegal occupation of a part of our territory," Chander said. Earlier, Pakistan's Acting Permanent Representative Tahir Hussain Andrabi had made references to Kashmir in his statement to the Council. Chander said India's efforts towards protection and promotion of human rights are second to none. "This is reflected in the Constitution of India that guarantees its citizens fundamental political and civil rights and provides for the progressive realisation and enforcement of economic, social and cultural rights," he said. The diplomat underscored that India is a secular state and safeguarding the rights of minorities forms an essential core of its polity. "The Indian Constitution enshrines various provisions for the protection of rights and interests of the minorities. The State makes no distinction between caste, creed, colour or religion of a citizen," he said. Chander underlined that along with being the world's largest democracy, Indian polity also weaves in immense diversity along with respect for tolerance and mutual understanding. "An independent judiciary, free and vibrant media, and, a vocal civil society are all active in this regard within the legal framework of the State. National and State level Human Rights Commissions along with other specific Commissions continue to monitor complaints from minority communities regarding issues of discrimination and disadvantage faced by them," he said. The government has issued Communal Harmony Guidelines which lay down Standard Operating Procedures to deal with communal violence, the envoy added.

Pak's use of terrorism as instrument of state policy 'central problem': India at UNHRC

In what seems to be a curious case of irony, Pakistan took a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-un-wwf-team-to-visit-balakot-to-take-witness-account-on-loss-of-trees-by-iaf-strike-201682">team of United Nations and World Wildlife Fund to Balakot</a> to assess the damage done to trees in the aftermath of India's strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps, however, it did not allow the UN ombudsman to meet 26/11 mastermind, Hafiz Saeed. The move, yet again, exposes Pakistan's dual policy on terror.

Officials from Pakistan's Ministry of Climate Change told WION that a team of United Nations and World Wildlife Fund visited Balakot to take an account on the loss of trees in the strikes on Thursday. A follow up visit happened on Friday.

These were UN diplomats from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) who are stationed in Islamabad. Pakistan has claimed that 19 trees were damaged in the strikes by India and were part of a project called "Billion Tree Tsunami" launched by its government.

Pak Prime Minister's advisor and federal minister on climate change Malik Amin Aslam said, "UN's environment assembly is in Nairobi next week, we will raise the issue... expose India".

When asked about Pakistan involving the UN on the trees damaged by Balakot strikes, India's environment minister Harsh Vardhan said, "it is not worth commenting".

The development comes even as Islamabad denied a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-blocks-un-team-from-interviewing-jud-chief-hafiz-saeed-201836">visa to UN ombudsman to "interview" Hafiz Saeed</a> who had applied for his delisting from the UN terror list.&nbsp;

For a delisting, the applicant has to be personally interviewed by UN ombudsman for which they wanted to travel to Pakistan. The UN official had to settle for a video interview of Hafiz Saeed who was informed about the UN decision not to delist him on March 6.

There has not been any reaction from Pakistan's foreign office as to why they did not give UN ombudsman visa to travel to the country.

It is believed that Islamabad feared that any UN official's meet with Hafiz Saeed could have led to more issues for the country which is under global pressure to act on terrorist groups it has been supporting.

In what seems to be a curious case of irony, Pakistan took a team of United Nations and World Wildlife Fund to Balakot to assess the damage done to trees in the aftermath of India's strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps, however, it did not allow the UN ombudsman to meet 26/11 mastermind, Hafiz Saeed.

In what seems to be a curious case of irony, Pakistan took a team of United Nations and World Wildlife Fund to Balakot to assess the damage done to trees in the aftermath of India's strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps, however, it did not allow the UN ombudsman to meet 26/11 mastermind, Hafiz Saeed. The move, yet again, exposes Pakistan's dual policy on terror. Officials from Pakistan's Ministry of Climate Change told WION that a team of United Nations and World Wildlife Fund visited Balakot to take an account on the loss of trees in the strikes on Thursday. A follow up visit happened on Friday. These were UN diplomats from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) who are stationed in Islamabad. Pakistan has claimed that 19 trees were damaged in the strikes by India and were part of a project called "Billion Tree Tsunami" launched by its government. Pak Prime Minister's advisor and federal minister on climate change Malik Amin Aslam said, "UN's environment assembly is in Nairobi next week, we will raise the issue... expose India". When asked about Pakistan involving the UN on the trees damaged by Balakot strikes, India's environment minister Harsh Vardhan said, "it is not worth commenting". The development comes even as Islamabad denied a visa to UN ombudsman to "interview" Hafiz Saeed who had applied for his delisting from the UN terror list. For a delisting, the applicant has to be personally interviewed by UN ombudsman for which they wanted to travel to Pakistan. The UN official had to settle for a video interview of Hafiz Saeed who was informed about the UN decision not to delist him on March 6. There has not been any reaction from Pakistan's foreign office as to why they did not give UN ombudsman visa to travel to the country. It is believed that Islamabad feared that any UN official's meet with Hafiz Saeed could have led to more issues for the country which is under global pressure to act on terrorist groups it has been supporting.

Pak lets UN team assess loss of trees in Balakot; bars meeting with Hafiz Saeed

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