<p>The Doklam stand-off had put severe pressure on bilateral relations between New Delhi and Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj during a meeting, a statement from China said.</p>

<p>He added that lessons should be learnt from the episode so that &#39;such incidents are not repeated&#39;. The statement added that Wang had brought up the 73-day stand-off between the Indian and the Chinese troops in the Donglang (Doklam) sector near the Sikkim border in June, during a bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi, on Monday.</p>

<p>Swaraj had then said at a press briefing that she and Wang had spoken about strengthening mutual trust to develop better understanding. The statement, published in Mandarin, said, &quot;The viciousness caused by the cross-border infiltration of the Indian border guards put bilateral relations under severe pressure. The matter was finally settled peacefully through diplomatic means, reflecting the maturing of bilateral relations. India-China ties maintained their momentum of development as a whole in 2017. Both sides have made efforts in this regard. But they (the efforts) were not very satisfactory. However, lessons should be learned and (such incidents) should be avoided again.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;With mutual trust, the specific problems are expected to be resolved on the basis of mutual understanding and mutual accommodation,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Wang&#39;s visit to New Delhi was the first by a top Chinese official to India after the Doklam stand-off.</p>

<p>He further said, &quot;Without mutual trust, individual problems will continue to overflow and erode the overall situation of bilateral relations. To this end, both sides should strengthen strategic communication at all levels, restore the established dialogue mechanism, deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields, and at the same time control the existing differences and safeguard peace and tranquillity in the border areas.&quot;</p>

<p>Wang also called on President Ram Nath Kovind and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.</p>

<p>The Dokalam stand-off came to an end on August 28 after the two sides agreed to withdraw their respective troops from the Doklam plateau and the Chinese troops stopped building a key road close to India&#39;s corridor.</p>

<p>The road was being built by China in an area also claimed by Bhutan. India had objected to the construction highlighting its security concerns. Besides this, Chinese state-run Xinhua news agency also quoted Wang as saying, &quot;Sino-Indian relations are at a crucial moment when both sides need to make right choice on the future of the bilateral relations.&quot;</p>


The Doklam stand-off had put severe pressure on bilateral relations between New Delhi and Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj during a meeting, a statement from China said.

The Doklam stand-off had put severe pressure on bilateral relations between New Delhi and Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj during a meeting, a statement from China said. He added that lessons should be learnt from the episode so that 'such incidents are not repeated'. The statement added that Wang had brought up the 73-day stand-off between the Indian and the Chinese troops in the Donglang (Doklam) sector near the Sikkim border in June, during a bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi, on Monday. Swaraj had then said at a press briefing that she and Wang had spoken about strengthening mutual trust to develop better understanding. The statement, published in Mandarin, said, "The viciousness caused by the cross-border infiltration of the Indian border guards put bilateral relations under severe pressure. The matter was finally settled peacefully through diplomatic means, reflecting the maturing of bilateral relations. India-China ties maintained their momentum of development as a whole in 2017. Both sides have made efforts in this regard. But they (the efforts) were not very satisfactory. However, lessons should be learned and (such incidents) should be avoided again." "With mutual trust, the specific problems are expected to be resolved on the basis of mutual understanding and mutual accommodation," he added. Wang's visit to New Delhi was the first by a top Chinese official to India after the Doklam stand-off. He further said, "Without mutual trust, individual problems will continue to overflow and erode the overall situation of bilateral relations. To this end, both sides should strengthen strategic communication at all levels, restore the established dialogue mechanism, deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields, and at the same time control the existing differences and safeguard peace and tranquillity in the border areas." Wang also called on President Ram Nath Kovind and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The Dokalam stand-off came to an end on August 28 after the two sides agreed to withdraw their respective troops from the Doklam plateau and the Chinese troops stopped building a key road close to India's corridor. The road was being built by China in an area also claimed by Bhutan. India had objected to the construction highlighting its security concerns. Besides this, Chinese state-run Xinhua news agency also quoted Wang as saying, "Sino-Indian relations are at a crucial moment when both sides need to make right choice on the future of the bilateral relations."

Doklam stand-off put 'severe pressure' on ties with India: China

<p>King of Bhutan,&nbsp;Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, will arrive here on a four-day visit today.</p>

<p>On November 1, he will meet&nbsp;Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj.</p>

<p>The Bhutanese King, Wangchuck, will also meet President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi later in the day.</p>

<p>On November 2, Wangchuck will call on Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu.</p>

<p>The visit would provide an opportunity to both the sides for reviewing the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation.</p>

<p>The visiting dignitary is also scheduled to meet Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.</p>

<p>He will conclude his visit on November 3.</p>

<p>Early this month, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar had also travelled to Bhutan and held talks with the King and Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.</p>


?King of Bhutan,?Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, will arrive here on a four-day visit today.

King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, will arrive here on a four-day visit today. On November 1, he will meet Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj. The Bhutanese King, Wangchuck, will also meet President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi later in the day. On November 2, Wangchuck will call on Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu. The visit would provide an opportunity to both the sides for reviewing the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation. The visiting dignitary is also scheduled to meet Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. He will conclude his visit on November 3. Early this month, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar had also travelled to Bhutan and held talks with the King and Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.

Bhutanese King arrives in India for four-day visit today

<p>India is &quot;behaving like a mature power&quot; in the Doklam standoff in the Sikkim section and making China look like an adolescent throwing a tamper tantrum, a top American defence expert has said.</p>

<p>India and China have been locked in a face-off in the Doklam area for the last 50 days after Indian troops stopped the Chinese People&#39;s Liberation Army from building a road in the area.</p>

<p>Praising India&#39;s behaviour over the matter, James R Holmes, professor of strategy at the prestigious US Naval War College, said, &quot;New Delhi has done things right thus far, neither backing away from the dispute nor replying in kind to Beijing&#39;s over-the-top rhetoric.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;It is behaving as the mature power and making China look like the adolescent throwing a temper tantrum,&quot; Holmes said.</p>

<p>Holmes said it was &#39;weird&#39; that China wanted to keep alive a boundary dispute with its most formidable neighbour.</p>

<p>&quot;If China wants to pursue an assertive maritime strategy, it needs secure borders on land so it doesn&#39;t have to worry about overland aggression from its neighbours,&quot; Holmes said.</p>

<p>&quot;In other words, confronting India in the Himalayas is not a purely rational course of action driven by rational cost/benefit analysis,&quot; said the professor from the US Naval War College.</p>

<p>When asked why the US has remained silent so far on this issue, he said the current administration has too much on its plate.</p>

<p>&quot;It&#39;s also possible Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi and his advisers don&#39;t want the United States involved in a Himalayan dispute it has little way of influencing. If the dispute escalates, chances are Washington will come out in support of New Delhi,&quot; Holmes said.</p>


Indian and Chinese troops are locked in a standoff at Doklam near the India, China, and Bhutan tri-junction for nearly two months

India is "behaving like a mature power" in the Doklam standoff in the Sikkim section and making China look like an adolescent throwing a tamper tantrum, a top American defence expert has said. India and China have been locked in a face-off in the Doklam area for the last 50 days after Indian troops stopped the Chinese People's Liberation Army from building a road in the area. Praising India's behaviour over the matter, James R Holmes, professor of strategy at the prestigious US Naval War College, said, "New Delhi has done things right thus far, neither backing away from the dispute nor replying in kind to Beijing's over-the-top rhetoric." "It is behaving as the mature power and making China look like the adolescent throwing a temper tantrum," Holmes said. Holmes said it was 'weird' that China wanted to keep alive a boundary dispute with its most formidable neighbour. "If China wants to pursue an assertive maritime strategy, it needs secure borders on land so it doesn't have to worry about overland aggression from its neighbours," Holmes said. "In other words, confronting India in the Himalayas is not a purely rational course of action driven by rational cost/benefit analysis," said the professor from the US Naval War College. When asked why the US has remained silent so far on this issue, he said the current administration has too much on its plate. "It's also possible Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi and his advisers don't want the United States involved in a Himalayan dispute it has little way of influencing. If the dispute escalates, chances are Washington will come out in support of New Delhi," Holmes said.

India behaving like mature power in Doklam standoff: US expert

<p>The Indian Army has said that it is in a &#39;no war, no peace&#39; mode against the Chinese military in Dokalam and status quo remains in the region.</p>

<p>The no war, no peace mode refers to a confrontation or face-off position with enemies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Official sources told PTI that there has been no particular movement of troops and weapons from the Indian Army&#39;s side in the region. The sources said whatever &quot;movement&quot;&nbsp;is taking place is for maintenance purposes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>We are in no war no peace mode in Dokalam, the sources said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/doklam-stand-off-after-chinas-veiled-threat-india-says-coordinating-with-bhutan-18610" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;After China&#39;s veiled threat, India says coordinating with Bhutan</a></p>

<p>The sources told PTI that there has been no enhancement of troops on the India-Bhutan-China trijunction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India and China have been in a stand-off in Dokalam for the last 50 days after Indian Army stopped Chinese troops from building a road in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China claims that it was building the road within its territory and has been demanding a pull-out of the Indian Army from Dokalam. Bhutan and China both lay claim on Dokalam,&nbsp;</p>


Sources told PTI that there has been no enhancement of troops on the India-Bhutan-China trijunction

The Indian Army has said that it is in a 'no war, no peace' mode against the Chinese military in Dokalam and status quo remains in the region. The no war, no peace mode refers to a confrontation or face-off position with enemies. Official sources told PTI that there has been no particular movement of troops and weapons from the Indian Army's side in the region. The sources said whatever "movement" is taking place is for maintenance purposes. We are in no war no peace mode in Dokalam, the sources said. Also read: After China's veiled threat, India says coordinating with Bhutan The sources told PTI that there has been no enhancement of troops on the India-Bhutan-China trijunction. India and China have been in a stand-off in Dokalam for the last 50 days after Indian Army stopped Chinese troops from building a road in the region. China claims that it was building the road within its territory and has been demanding a pull-out of the Indian Army from Dokalam. Bhutan and China both lay claim on Dokalam,

Dokalam stand-off: Indian army in 'no war, no peace' mode against China

<p>China has said that it has shown &quot;utmost goodwill&quot; over the prolonged military standoff with India in the Sikkim sector but warned that its &quot;restraint&quot; has a &quot;bottom line&quot;.</p>

<p>The reaction from the Chinese defence ministry late last night came a day after the Indian External Affairs Ministry in a statement said that the peace and tranquillity of the India-China boundary constitutes the important prerequisite for the smooth development of bilateral relations.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/war-not-a-solution-to-doklam-standoff-sushma-swaraj-18562" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;War not a solution to Doklam standoff, says Sushma Swaraj</a></p>

<p>External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj last month made clear India&#39;s position on the over-a-month-long standoff in the Doklam area, saying both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favouring a peaceful resolution.</p>

<p>The standoff began on June 16 after Chinese troops began constructing a road near the tri-junction with Bhutan, which India says was a unilateral action by Beijing to change the status quo in the area.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-india-needs-to-take-seriously-beijings-position-paper-on-doklam-18532">Also read:&nbsp;Why India needs to take seriously Beijing&rsquo;s Position Paper on Doklam</a></p>

<p>New Delhi fears the construction of the road would allow China to cut off India&#39;s access to its northeastern states. Ren Guoqiang, a spokesperson of the Chinese defence ministry, in a statement called on the Indian side to swiftly address the situation in a proper manner to restore peace and tranquillity in the border region.</p>

<p>&quot;Since the incident occurred, China has shown utmost goodwill and sought to communicate with India through diplomatic channels to resolve the incident. Chinese armed forces have also shown a high level of restraint with an eye to the general bilateral relations and the regional peace and stability,&quot; the spokesperson said, according to report in the state-run Xinhua news agency.</p>

<p>&quot;However, goodwill has its principles and restraint has its bottom line,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>The spokesperson urged the Indian side to give up the &quot;illusion of its delaying tactic, as no country should underestimate the Chinese forces&#39; confidence and capability to safeguard peace and their resolve and willpower to defend national sovereignty, security and development interests&quot;.</p>

<p>The spokesperson said the Chinese armed forces will resolutely protect the country&#39;s territorial sovereignty and security interests.</p>

<p>His comments also come after Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met his Chinese counterpart on the sidelines of a BRICS summit of NSAs from the member countries.</p>


China in a late-night statement asked India to give up the 'illusion of its delaying tactic'

China has said that it has shown "utmost goodwill" over the prolonged military standoff with India in the Sikkim sector but warned that its "restraint" has a "bottom line". The reaction from the Chinese defence ministry late last night came a day after the Indian External Affairs Ministry in a statement said that the peace and tranquillity of the India-China boundary constitutes the important prerequisite for the smooth development of bilateral relations. Also read: War not a solution to Doklam standoff, says Sushma Swaraj External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj last month made clear India's position on the over-a-month-long standoff in the Doklam area, saying both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favouring a peaceful resolution. The standoff began on June 16 after Chinese troops began constructing a road near the tri-junction with Bhutan, which India says was a unilateral action by Beijing to change the status quo in the area. Also read: Why India needs to take seriously Beijing’s Position Paper on Doklam New Delhi fears the construction of the road would allow China to cut off India's access to its northeastern states. Ren Guoqiang, a spokesperson of the Chinese defence ministry, in a statement called on the Indian side to swiftly address the situation in a proper manner to restore peace and tranquillity in the border region. "Since the incident occurred, China has shown utmost goodwill and sought to communicate with India through diplomatic channels to resolve the incident. Chinese armed forces have also shown a high level of restraint with an eye to the general bilateral relations and the regional peace and stability," the spokesperson said, according to report in the state-run Xinhua news agency. "However, goodwill has its principles and restraint has its bottom line," he added. The spokesperson urged the Indian side to give up the "illusion of its delaying tactic, as no country should underestimate the Chinese forces' confidence and capability to safeguard peace and their resolve and willpower to defend national sovereignty, security and development interests". The spokesperson said the Chinese armed forces will resolutely protect the country's territorial sovereignty and security interests. His comments also come after Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met his Chinese counterpart on the sidelines of a BRICS summit of NSAs from the member countries.

'Restraint has its bottom line': China on Doklam standoff

<p>China accused India on Wednesday of &quot;concocting&quot; excuses over the illegal entry of the South Asian nation&#39;s military into Chinese territory on their disputed border, adding that China had shown great restraint.</p>

<p>The stand-off on a plateau next to the mountainous Indian state of Sikkim, which borders China, has ratcheted up tension between the neighbours, who share a 3,500-km (2,175-mile) frontier, large parts of which are disputed.</p>

<p>Early in June, according to the Chinese interpretation of events, Indian guards crossed into China&#39;s Donglang region and obstructed work on a road on the plateau.</p>

<p>The two sides&#39; troops then confronted each other close to a valley controlled by China that separates India from its close ally, Bhutan, and gives China access to the so-called Chicken&#39;s Neck, a thin strip of land connecting India and its remote northeastern regions.</p>

<p>India has said it warned China the road construction would have serious security implications.</p>

<p>In a statement, China&#39;s Foreign Ministry said the Indian military was still in Chinese territory, and that China had acted with a great deal of restraint, demanding that India withdraw its forces.</p>

<p>&quot;But the Indian side not only has not taken any actual steps to correct its mistake, it has concocted all sorts of reasons that don&#39;t have a leg to stand on, to make up excuses for the Indian military&#39;s illegal crossing of the border.&quot;</p>

<p>The Chinese ministry reiterated that the border had been agreed in 1890 by the governments of China and Britain, India&#39;s colonial ruler until 1947, and later with the Indian government.</p>

<p>&quot;India&#39;s actions are not only a serious encroachment of Chinese territory, but a challenge to regional peace and stability and normal international order&quot;, it added.</p>

<p>Indian officials say about 300 soldiers from either side are facing off from each other about 150 metres&nbsp;apart on the plateau.</p>

<p>They have told Reuters that both sides&#39; diplomats have quietly engaged to try to ensure the standoff does not escalate and that India&#39;s ambassador to Beijing is leading the effort to find a way for both sides to back down from confrontation without losing face.</p>


The standoff has ratcheted up tension between the neighbours

China accused India on Wednesday of "concocting" excuses over the illegal entry of the South Asian nation's military into Chinese territory on their disputed border, adding that China had shown great restraint. The stand-off on a plateau next to the mountainous Indian state of Sikkim, which borders China, has ratcheted up tension between the neighbours, who share a 3,500-km (2,175-mile) frontier, large parts of which are disputed. Early in June, according to the Chinese interpretation of events, Indian guards crossed into China's Donglang region and obstructed work on a road on the plateau. The two sides' troops then confronted each other close to a valley controlled by China that separates India from its close ally, Bhutan, and gives China access to the so-called Chicken's Neck, a thin strip of land connecting India and its remote northeastern regions. India has said it warned China the road construction would have serious security implications. In a statement, China's Foreign Ministry said the Indian military was still in Chinese territory, and that China had acted with a great deal of restraint, demanding that India withdraw its forces. "But the Indian side not only has not taken any actual steps to correct its mistake, it has concocted all sorts of reasons that don't have a leg to stand on, to make up excuses for the Indian military's illegal crossing of the border." The Chinese ministry reiterated that the border had been agreed in 1890 by the governments of China and Britain, India's colonial ruler until 1947, and later with the Indian government. "India's actions are not only a serious encroachment of Chinese territory, but a challenge to regional peace and stability and normal international order", it added. Indian officials say about 300 soldiers from either side are facing off from each other about 150 metres apart on the plateau. They have told Reuters that both sides' diplomats have quietly engaged to try to ensure the standoff does not escalate and that India's ambassador to Beijing is leading the effort to find a way for both sides to back down from confrontation without losing face.

Doklam standoff: China says India 'concocting excuses'

<p>Amid the ongoing standoff between India and China in the Doklam plateau next to Sikkim, China on Wednesday asked India to immediately pull back its troops from the area with &ldquo;no strings attached&rdquo;, news agency PTI reported.</p>

<p>China&rsquo;s Foreign Ministry provided details of the July 28 meeting between India&rsquo;s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi. The ministry told PTI Yang Jiechi expressed China&rsquo;s &ldquo;stern positions and explicit requirements on the trespass of Indian border troops into China&#39;s territory at the Sikkim section of China-India boundary.&rdquo;</p>

<p>The Chinese Foreign Ministry told PTI that during his talks with Doval, Yang also &quot;urged India to respect China&#39;s territorial sovereignty, the international law and the basic rules governing international relations and immediately pull back the trespassing India border troops to the Indian side of the boundary with no strings attached and resolve the current incident with concrete actions.&quot;</p>

<p>The Chinese Embassy in India also posted a 15-page statement titled, &ldquo;The Facts and China&rsquo;s Position Concerning the Indian Border Troops&rsquo; Crossing of the China-India Boundary in the Sikkim Sector into the Chinese Territory&rdquo; on its official website. The statement also contains a map and two pictures allegedly showing Indian troops trespassing into Chinese&nbsp;territory.</p>

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<p>A picture released by China&#39;s Embassy in India that allegedly shows Indian troops trespassing into Chinese territory. (Image source: Chinese Embassy in India) (Others)</p>
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<p>The statement reads, &ldquo;On 18 June, over 270 Indian border troops, carrying weapons and driving two bulldozers, crossed the boundary in the Sikkim Sector at the Duo Ka La (Doka La) pass and advanced more than 100 meters into the Chinese territory to obstruct the road building of the Chinese side, causing tension in the area.&rdquo;</p>

<p>Read the full statement <a href="http://in.china-embassy.org/eng/embassy_news/P020170802545119276265.pdf">here</a>.</p>

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<p>A map released by the Chinese Embassy in India that allegedly shows the site of the Indian troops&rsquo; trespass. (Image source: Chinese Embassy in India) (Others)</p>
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<p>The statement also said India has no right to interfere as the border issue is between China and Bhutan.</p>

<p>&quot;The China-Bhutan boundary issue is one between China and Bhutan. It has nothing to do with India. As a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutan&rsquo;s behalf.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;The incident took place on the Chinese side of the delimited boundary. India should immediately and unconditionally withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary. This is a prerequisite and basis for resolving the incident,&quot; the statement added.</p>

<p>India&#39;s position on the issue was made clear by foreign minister Sushma Swaraj last month, saying both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favouring a peaceful resolution of the border standoff.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


China?s Foreign Ministry provided details of the July 28 meeting between India?s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi

Amid the ongoing standoff between India and China in the Doklam plateau next to Sikkim, China on Wednesday asked India to immediately pull back its troops from the area with “no strings attached”, news agency PTI reported. China’s Foreign Ministry provided details of the July 28 meeting between India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi. The ministry told PTI Yang Jiechi expressed China’s “stern positions and explicit requirements on the trespass of Indian border troops into China's territory at the Sikkim section of China-India boundary.” The Chinese Foreign Ministry told PTI that during his talks with Doval, Yang also "urged India to respect China's territorial sovereignty, the international law and the basic rules governing international relations and immediately pull back the trespassing India border troops to the Indian side of the boundary with no strings attached and resolve the current incident with concrete actions." The Chinese Embassy in India also posted a 15-page statement titled, “The Facts and China’s Position Concerning the Indian Border Troops’ Crossing of the China-India Boundary in the Sikkim Sector into the Chinese Territory” on its official website. The statement also contains a map and two pictures allegedly showing Indian troops trespassing into Chinese territory. A picture released by China's Embassy in India that allegedly shows Indian troops trespassing into Chinese territory. (Image source: Chinese Embassy in India) (Others) × The statement reads, “On 18 June, over 270 Indian border troops, carrying weapons and driving two bulldozers, crossed the boundary in the Sikkim Sector at the Duo Ka La (Doka La) pass and advanced more than 100 meters into the Chinese territory to obstruct the road building of the Chinese side, causing tension in the area.” Read the full statement here. A map released by the Chinese Embassy in India that allegedly shows the site of the Indian troops’ trespass. (Image source: Chinese Embassy in India) (Others) × The statement also said India has no right to interfere as the border issue is between China and Bhutan. "The China-Bhutan boundary issue is one between China and Bhutan. It has nothing to do with India. As a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutan’s behalf." "The incident took place on the Chinese side of the delimited boundary. India should immediately and unconditionally withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary. This is a prerequisite and basis for resolving the incident," the statement added. India's position on the issue was made clear by foreign minister Sushma Swaraj last month, saying both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favouring a peaceful resolution of the border standoff.

Pull back troops from Doklam with 'no strings attached': Chinese authorities told Doval

<p>In the current standoff in Doklam, India will remain firm militarily but be reasonable diplomatically, the Times of India reported on Wednesday quoting sources.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;India will remain &#39;firm and resolute&#39; on the ground or at the military level to thwart any attempt by China to &#39;bully&#39; Bhutan, while being &#39;reasonable&#39; at the politico-diplomatic level to resolve the ongoing troop stand-off with the People&#39;s Liberation Army in the Doklam area in Bhutanese territory, say sources&quot;, the TOI said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are at the moment about 300 soldiers from either side facing off from each other, about 150 metres apart, in Doklam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Doklam lies in Bhutan, close to the trijunction where China (Tibet), India (Sikkim), and Bhutan meet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The standoff erupted in June when Chinese troops began to build a road on the plateau.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bhutanese troops tried to stop them but were unable to do so.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They then asked Indian troops for help, who intervened, sparking the standoff which has been building up ever since.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Only yesterday, the Chinese defence ministry said -- depending on the situation -- it would continue to increase troop deployments to the region.&nbsp;</p>


There are at the moment about 300 soldiers from either side facing off from each other, about 150 metres apart, in Doklam

In the current standoff in Doklam, India will remain firm militarily but be reasonable diplomatically, the Times of India reported on Wednesday quoting sources. "India will remain 'firm and resolute' on the ground or at the military level to thwart any attempt by China to 'bully' Bhutan, while being 'reasonable' at the politico-diplomatic level to resolve the ongoing troop stand-off with the People's Liberation Army in the Doklam area in Bhutanese territory, say sources", the TOI said. There are at the moment about 300 soldiers from either side facing off from each other, about 150 metres apart, in Doklam. Doklam lies in Bhutan, close to the trijunction where China (Tibet), India (Sikkim), and Bhutan meet. The standoff erupted in June when Chinese troops began to build a road on the plateau. Bhutanese troops tried to stop them but were unable to do so. They then asked Indian troops for help, who intervened, sparking the standoff which has been building up ever since. Only yesterday, the Chinese defence ministry said -- depending on the situation -- it would continue to increase troop deployments to the region.

On Doklam, India will remain firm militarily but be reasonable diplomatically: Report

<p>Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj said in Parliament on Thursday that both India and China should withdraw their troops from their current flashpoint on the Doklam plateau.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, Beijing has been saying India should withdraw its troops from Doklam before dialogue can be held, while India has said the issue should be resolved peacefully through dialogue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sushma&#39;s statement, the Indian Express reported, should pave the way for dialogue between Indian national security adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese state councillor Yang Jiechi when they meet at the meeting of NSAs from BRICS countries on July 27 and 28.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Express added that sources had said India&#39;s demand &mdash; articulated by external affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Parliament Thursday &mdash; has been conveyed to the Chinese side through diplomatic channels.</p>

<p>The Express quoted Swaraj as saying in Parliament, &ldquo;Agar Chin unilaterally us trijunction point ke status quo ko badal deta hai, toh phir seedhe seedhe hamari suraksha ko chunauti hoti hai&hellip; unki maang yeh hai ki hum apni senayein wahan se withdraw kar lein&hellip; hum yeh chahate hain ki agar samvaad chal raha hai ki agar baithkar koi baat-cheet karni hai, toh dono apni apni senayein hatayein. Bharat ki taraf se koi bhi unreasonable baat nahin ho rahi hai.&rdquo;</p>

<p>(&ldquo;If China unilaterally changes the status quo at the trijunction point, then that is a direct challenge to our security. Their demand is that we should withdraw our troops from there. We want that, if we are having a conversation, if we want to have talks, then both should withdraw their armies. From our side, there is no unreasonable demand.&rdquo;)</p>

<p>The Doklam plateau lies in Bhutan, but China lays claim to it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The current standoff, according to the Indian version, began when China began building a road in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Bhutanese Army tried to stop them but their efforts were rebuffed, which is when they asked Indian troops to step in.&nbsp;</p>


That will allow for talks to be held, India's foreign minister said

Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj said in Parliament on Thursday that both India and China should withdraw their troops from their current flashpoint on the Doklam plateau. So far, Beijing has been saying India should withdraw its troops from Doklam before dialogue can be held, while India has said the issue should be resolved peacefully through dialogue. Sushma's statement, the Indian Express reported, should pave the way for dialogue between Indian national security adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese state councillor Yang Jiechi when they meet at the meeting of NSAs from BRICS countries on July 27 and 28. The Express added that sources had said India's demand — articulated by external affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Parliament Thursday — has been conveyed to the Chinese side through diplomatic channels. The Express quoted Swaraj as saying in Parliament, “Agar Chin unilaterally us trijunction point ke status quo ko badal deta hai, toh phir seedhe seedhe hamari suraksha ko chunauti hoti hai… unki maang yeh hai ki hum apni senayein wahan se withdraw kar lein… hum yeh chahate hain ki agar samvaad chal raha hai ki agar baithkar koi baat-cheet karni hai, toh dono apni apni senayein hatayein. Bharat ki taraf se koi bhi unreasonable baat nahin ho rahi hai.” (“If China unilaterally changes the status quo at the trijunction point, then that is a direct challenge to our security. Their demand is that we should withdraw our troops from there. We want that, if we are having a conversation, if we want to have talks, then both should withdraw their armies. From our side, there is no unreasonable demand.”) The Doklam plateau lies in Bhutan, but China lays claim to it. The current standoff, according to the Indian version, began when China began building a road in the region. The Bhutanese Army tried to stop them but their efforts were rebuffed, which is when they asked Indian troops to step in.

Sushma on Doklam: Both India and China should withdraw troops

<p>India&#39;s external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj has said that if Beijing unilaterally changes the status quo at the tri-junction between India, China and Bhutan, then it poses a challenge to New Delhi&#39;s security.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If China unilaterally changes status-quo of tri-junction point between China-India &amp; Bhutan then it poses a challenge to our security: EAM</p>
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<p>She was responding to Samajwadi Party&#39;s Naresh Agrawal who questioned the government on the Dokalam standoff.</p>

<p>She added that all the countries including Bhutan support India&#39;s stand on the Dokalam issue.</p>

<p>&quot;India wants that troops are removed from the tri-junction point to discuss the issue together. All countries, including Bhutan, are with us,&quot; Sushma said in Rajya Sabha.</p>

<p>Indian and Chinese troops have been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/india-china-stand-off-tensions-spike-as-beijing-asks-indian-army-to-withdraw-from-doka-la-17567">engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam plateau</a> area near the India, Bhutan and China tri-junction.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


While responding to a question on the Dokalam standoff, Sushma Swaraj said that all nations including Bhutan support India

India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj has said that if Beijing unilaterally changes the status quo at the tri-junction between India, China and Bhutan, then it poses a challenge to New Delhi's security. If China unilaterally changes status-quo of tri-junction point between China-India & Bhutan then it poses a challenge to our security: EAM — ANI (@ANI_news) July 20, 2017 × She was responding to Samajwadi Party's Naresh Agrawal who questioned the government on the Dokalam standoff. She added that all the countries including Bhutan support India's stand on the Dokalam issue. "India wants that troops are removed from the tri-junction point to discuss the issue together. All countries, including Bhutan, are with us," Sushma said in Rajya Sabha. Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam plateau area near the India, Bhutan and China tri-junction.

If China unilaterally changes status quo in Dokalam, it challenges India's security: Sushma Swaraj

<p>There is no significant rise in deployment of troops by China along the Sino-India border and its recent military exercise in the Tibet region should not be linked to the current standoff between the armies of the two countries in Dokalam, top government sources said today.</p>

<p>The sources said the exercise was a routine military drill by China and that its western theatre command has not made any major enhancement in its military might in the wake of the face-off that should trigger alarm bells in India. The command looks after the 3,488-km-long border with India.</p>

<p>The remarks by the government sources come against the backdrop of a report in the official mouthpiece of Chinese military that China&#39;s Army has moved tens of thousands of tonnes of military vehicles and hardware into the remote mountainous Tibet region after the face off with Indian troops in Dokalam in the Sikkim sector.</p>

<p>The vast haul was transported late last month, the report said but did not clarify whether the movement of the military equipment was to support the exercise in Tibet or for other reasons.</p>

<p>Chinese and Indian soldiers have been locked in a face- off for over a month after Indian troops stopped the Chinese army from building a road in the area.</p>

<p>Referring to Chinese military&#39;s recent live-fire exercise in the mountainous Tibet region, the government sources said it was a routine drill and will be an exaggeration to link it with the border face-off.</p>

<p>China&#39;s military yesterday had said it conducted the exercise to test its strike capability on plateaus.</p>

<p>China has been ratcheting up rhetoric against India in the recent weeks following the face-off between the armies of the two nation in the Bhutan tri-junction.</p>

<p>Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, while briefing a parliamentary panel on external affairs yesterday, maintained that New Delhi is engaged with Beijing in defusing tension through diplomatic channels.</p>


A report in the Chinese military mouthpiece said that the army has moved tens of thousands of tonnes of military vehicles and hardware into the Tibet region

There is no significant rise in deployment of troops by China along the Sino-India border and its recent military exercise in the Tibet region should not be linked to the current standoff between the armies of the two countries in Dokalam, top government sources said today. The sources said the exercise was a routine military drill by China and that its western theatre command has not made any major enhancement in its military might in the wake of the face-off that should trigger alarm bells in India. The command looks after the 3,488-km-long border with India. The remarks by the government sources come against the backdrop of a report in the official mouthpiece of Chinese military that China's Army has moved tens of thousands of tonnes of military vehicles and hardware into the remote mountainous Tibet region after the face off with Indian troops in Dokalam in the Sikkim sector. The vast haul was transported late last month, the report said but did not clarify whether the movement of the military equipment was to support the exercise in Tibet or for other reasons. Chinese and Indian soldiers have been locked in a face- off for over a month after Indian troops stopped the Chinese army from building a road in the area. Referring to Chinese military's recent live-fire exercise in the mountainous Tibet region, the government sources said it was a routine drill and will be an exaggeration to link it with the border face-off. China's military yesterday had said it conducted the exercise to test its strike capability on plateaus. China has been ratcheting up rhetoric against India in the recent weeks following the face-off between the armies of the two nation in the Bhutan tri-junction. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, while briefing a parliamentary panel on external affairs yesterday, maintained that New Delhi is engaged with Beijing in defusing tension through diplomatic channels.

No significant rise in Chinese troop deployment: Government sources

<p>The Indian Army&nbsp;is ready for a long haul in holding onto its position in the Doka La&nbsp;area near the Bhutan tri-junction.</p>

<p>The Indian soldiers deployed in the disputed area have pitched in tents, in an indication that they are unlikely to retreat unless there was reciprocity from&nbsp;China&#39;s PLA personnel in ending the face-off at an altitude of around 10,000 feet in the Sikkim section.</p>

<p>A steady line of supplies is being maintained for the soldiers at the site, official sources said, signalling that Indian Army is not going to wilt under any&nbsp;pressure from China.</p>

<p>At the same time they sounded confident of finding a diplomatic solution to the dispute, citing resolution of border skirmishes in the past through&nbsp;diplomacy.</p>

<p>Though China has been aggressively asserting that it was not ready for any &quot;compromise&quot; and that the &quot;ball is in India&#39;s court&quot;, the view in the security&nbsp;establishment here is that there cannot be any unilateral approach in defusing the tension.</p>

<p>Both the countries had agreed to a mechanism in 2012 to resolve border flare-ups through consultations at various levels.</p>

<p>The mechanism has not worked so far in the current case as the standoff near the Bhutan tri-junction, triggered by China&#39;s attempt to build a road in the&nbsp;strategically important area, has dragged on for over three weeks.</p>

<p>New Delhi has already conveyed to China that such an action would represent a significant change of status quo with &quot;serious&quot; security implications for&nbsp;India.</p>

<p>The road link could give China a major military advantage over India.</p>

<p>Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Doka La, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.</p>

<p>China and Bhutan are engaged in talks over the resolution of the dispute in the area. India argues that since it is a tri-junction involving the three&nbsp;countries, it also has a say in the issue, especially in the backdrop of 2012 agreement between special representatives of the two countries, that have till&nbsp;now held 19 rounds of talks.</p>

<p>Bhutan has no diplomatic ties with China. As a close friend and neighbour, Bhutan enjoys diplomatic and military support from India.</p>

<p>Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim.</p>


The Indian soldiers deployed in the disputed area have pitched in tents

The Indian Army is ready for a long haul in holding onto its position in the Doka La area near the Bhutan tri-junction. The Indian soldiers deployed in the disputed area have pitched in tents, in an indication that they are unlikely to retreat unless there was reciprocity from China's PLA personnel in ending the face-off at an altitude of around 10,000 feet in the Sikkim section. A steady line of supplies is being maintained for the soldiers at the site, official sources said, signalling that Indian Army is not going to wilt under any pressure from China. At the same time they sounded confident of finding a diplomatic solution to the dispute, citing resolution of border skirmishes in the past through diplomacy. Though China has been aggressively asserting that it was not ready for any "compromise" and that the "ball is in India's court", the view in the security establishment here is that there cannot be any unilateral approach in defusing the tension. Both the countries had agreed to a mechanism in 2012 to resolve border flare-ups through consultations at various levels. The mechanism has not worked so far in the current case as the standoff near the Bhutan tri-junction, triggered by China's attempt to build a road in the strategically important area, has dragged on for over three weeks. New Delhi has already conveyed to China that such an action would represent a significant change of status quo with "serious" security implications for India. The road link could give China a major military advantage over India. Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Doka La, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region. China and Bhutan are engaged in talks over the resolution of the dispute in the area. India argues that since it is a tri-junction involving the three countries, it also has a say in the issue, especially in the backdrop of 2012 agreement between special representatives of the two countries, that have till now held 19 rounds of talks. Bhutan has no diplomatic ties with China. As a close friend and neighbour, Bhutan enjoys diplomatic and military support from India. Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim.

Indian Army ready for long haul in Doka La

<p>In an unprecedented move, the Chinese embassy in New Delhi has released a video that talks directly to the&nbsp;Indian public.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the video -- which is 3 minutes and 29 seconds long -- the embassy&#39;s political counsellor talks about the current standoff between India and China in Doklam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Doklam is a plateau near where Bhutan, India (Sikkim), and Tibet meet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India believes it belongs to Bhutan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China claims it, and China and Bhutan are currently in talks to resolve the dispute.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bhutan however has no diplomatic ties with China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The standoff, reports say, began on June 16 this year when the Chinese Army began building a road in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Bhutanese Army tried to stop them but were pushed back.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They then approached Indian troops for help, who intervened, leading to the standoff.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the video, the political counsellor says: &quot;Some Indian friends are deeply worried about the face-off between Chinese and Indian troops in Doklam.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I have been to the China-Indian and China-Bhutan border areas many times, and have first-hand knowledge about Doklam. In this sense, I would like to share my perception on the current situation in Doklam.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>He then goes on to say that &quot;on June 18, Indian troops crossed the Sikkim section of the China-India border, triggering the close-range face off.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>He then says that &quot;this section is delimited by the The Convention between China and Great Britain Relating to Tibet and Sikkim in 1890.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>And adds that &quot;In essence, China&#39;s territorial sovereignity has been undermined by the Indian border troops.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eD27gE0A3Ws?ecver=1" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>He then says: &quot;After the incident, the Indian side claims that Doklam belongs to Bhutan, Chinese side changed the status quo and India has security concern. These are three major arguments of Indian side to justify its trespassing into the Chinese territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He then says &quot;these are three major arguments of Indian side to justify its trespassing into the Chinese territory.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Based on my knowledge... &quot;, he then says, &quot;I would like to say India&#39;s positions are groundless.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Then: &quot;As to &#39;Doklam belongs to Bhutan&#39;, we have strong evidence to prove that Doklam belongs to China.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>After giving his evidence, he concludes: &quot;As far as the solution is concerned, the Indian troops must pull back unconditionally and immediately. That is the precondition for any meaningful dialogue between China and India.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is unclear what the Chinese hope to achieve by the video.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The standoff has had a number of consequences, including the calling off of the Kailash Mansarovar yatra -- through the Nathu La pass in Sikkim -- into Tibet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chinese state-run Global Times, which is known to be hawkish, has run a number of alarming editorials egging on the dispute.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In one, the paper has said &ldquo;India has startling control and oppression over Bhutan, and as a result, Bhutan has not established diplomatic ties with its neighbor China or any other permanent member of the UN Security Council. Through unequal treaties, India has severely jeopardized Bhutan&#39;s diplomatic sovereignty and controls its national defense,&rdquo;</p>

<p>In another, it said China should encourage pro-independence feelings in Sikkim.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China had recognised Sikkim&#39;s 1975 merger with India in 2003 but the Global Times editorial said that stance could always be reversed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Finally, just today, China said there would be no one-on-one meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Xinping on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, to which India replied that none had been planned in the first place.&nbsp;</p>


It is unclear what the Chinese hope the video will actually achieve

In an unprecedented move, the Chinese embassy in New Delhi has released a video that talks directly to the Indian public. In the video -- which is 3 minutes and 29 seconds long -- the embassy's political counsellor talks about the current standoff between India and China in Doklam. Doklam is a plateau near where Bhutan, India (Sikkim), and Tibet meet. India believes it belongs to Bhutan. China claims it, and China and Bhutan are currently in talks to resolve the dispute. Bhutan however has no diplomatic ties with China. The standoff, reports say, began on June 16 this year when the Chinese Army began building a road in the region. The Bhutanese Army tried to stop them but were pushed back. They then approached Indian troops for help, who intervened, leading to the standoff. In the video, the political counsellor says: "Some Indian friends are deeply worried about the face-off between Chinese and Indian troops in Doklam." "I have been to the China-Indian and China-Bhutan border areas many times, and have first-hand knowledge about Doklam. In this sense, I would like to share my perception on the current situation in Doklam." He then goes on to say that "on June 18, Indian troops crossed the Sikkim section of the China-India border, triggering the close-range face off." He then says that "this section is delimited by the The Convention between China and Great Britain Relating to Tibet and Sikkim in 1890." And adds that "In essence, China's territorial sovereignity has been undermined by the Indian border troops." He then says: "After the incident, the Indian side claims that Doklam belongs to Bhutan, Chinese side changed the status quo and India has security concern. These are three major arguments of Indian side to justify its trespassing into the Chinese territory. He then says "these are three major arguments of Indian side to justify its trespassing into the Chinese territory." "Based on my knowledge... ", he then says, "I would like to say India's positions are groundless." Then: "As to 'Doklam belongs to Bhutan', we have strong evidence to prove that Doklam belongs to China." After giving his evidence, he concludes: "As far as the solution is concerned, the Indian troops must pull back unconditionally and immediately. That is the precondition for any meaningful dialogue between China and India." It is unclear what the Chinese hope to achieve by the video. The standoff has had a number of consequences, including the calling off of the Kailash Mansarovar yatra -- through the Nathu La pass in Sikkim -- into Tibet. The Chinese state-run Global Times, which is known to be hawkish, has run a number of alarming editorials egging on the dispute. In one, the paper has said “India has startling control and oppression over Bhutan, and as a result, Bhutan has not established diplomatic ties with its neighbor China or any other permanent member of the UN Security Council. Through unequal treaties, India has severely jeopardized Bhutan's diplomatic sovereignty and controls its national defense,” In another, it said China should encourage pro-independence feelings in Sikkim. China had recognised Sikkim's 1975 merger with India in 2003 but the Global Times editorial said that stance could always be reversed. Finally, just today, China said there would be no one-on-one meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Xinping on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, to which India replied that none had been planned in the first place.

Watch: Chinese embassy in Delhi releases video explaining its side of Doklam standoff

<p>The upcoming South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)&nbsp;Summit to be held in Islamabad in November could be postponed, Pakistan hinted on Wednesday after India and three other members pullet out of the summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan indirectly blamed Pakistan for creating an environment which is not conducive for holding the meet, &nbsp;a day after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided not to attend the SAARC summit citing &quot;the prevailing circumstances&quot;, according to Indian news agency PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;As per SAARC rules, the summit will not be held if any member-country refused to attend,&quot; Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif&#39;s advisor on foreign affairs, Sartaj Aziz, was quoted as saying by PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>He, however, said this was not the first time that India was not attending the regional summit and that it had earlier also caused the summit to be postponed four times.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Aziz added that although it is possible to postpone the summit, the SAARC secretariat has not officially informed the government so far.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>A formal announcement to this effect will be made by Nepal, the current chair of the SAARC, &nbsp;Indian external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup had said earlier.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The four SAARC members, including India, informed the SAARC Chair their unwillingness to attend the summit that was scheduled for November 9-10.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Founded in 1985, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) currently has Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka as its members.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Under the SAARC charter, the summit is automatically postponed or cancelled even if one member country skips the event. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amid brewing tensions between &nbsp;India and Pakistan following September 18 Uri attack that killed 18 Indian soldiers, cancellation of SAARC summit is likely to draw the world attention yet again after the two countries engaged into a war of words at UN General Assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from PTI)&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The development comes a day after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided not to attend the summit citing 'prevailing circumstances'

The upcoming South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit to be held in Islamabad in November could be postponed, Pakistan hinted on Wednesday after India and three other members pullet out of the summit. Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan indirectly blamed Pakistan for creating an environment which is not conducive for holding the meet, a day after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided not to attend the SAARC summit citing "the prevailing circumstances", according to Indian news agency PTI. "As per SAARC rules, the summit will not be held if any member-country refused to attend," Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's advisor on foreign affairs, Sartaj Aziz, was quoted as saying by PTI. He, however, said this was not the first time that India was not attending the regional summit and that it had earlier also caused the summit to be postponed four times. Aziz added that although it is possible to postpone the summit, the SAARC secretariat has not officially informed the government so far. A formal announcement to this effect will be made by Nepal, the current chair of the SAARC, Indian external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup had said earlier. The four SAARC members, including India, informed the SAARC Chair their unwillingness to attend the summit that was scheduled for November 9-10. Founded in 1985, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) currently has Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka as its members. Under the SAARC charter, the summit is automatically postponed or cancelled even if one member country skips the event. Amid brewing tensions between India and Pakistan following September 18 Uri attack that killed 18 Indian soldiers, cancellation of SAARC summit is likely to draw the world attention yet again after the two countries engaged into a war of words at UN General Assembly. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Pakistan hints SAARC may be postponed after India and three other members pull out

<p>In a&nbsp;further embarrassment for Islamabad, the current SAARC Chair,&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;has decided to move the annual summit out of Pakistan, Indian newspaper, The Hindu, reported. &nbsp;</p>

<p>A senior diplomat source in Kathmandu told the Hindu that Nepal has decided to find an alternate venue for the summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A formal announcement is expected soon. The move to shift the summit out of Islamabad was taken after four nations raised objections to the meet being held in Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;There is no question of holding the summit if four countries declare their unwillingness to participate. As the current SAARC Chair, Nepal has the responsibility of seeking a solution to such pre-summit disputes but under the current circumstances nothing much can be attempted. We will do the due formalities and will declare the summit of 2016 should be cancelled due to non-participation of member states,&rdquo; the Kathmandu-based diplomatic source told The Hindu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, a high-level meeting was called by Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal in an effort to salvage the SAARC summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since India said last night that it would not be attending the SAARC summit in Pakistan in November, three more countries have followed suit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Afghanistan have all conveyed to Nepal -- the current SAARC (South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation) chair -- that they too will not be attending.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;The growing interference in the internal affairs of Bangladesh by one country has created an environment which is not conducive to the successful hosting of the 19th SAARC Summit in Islamabad in November 2016,&quot; Bangladesh said in a statement.</p>

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<h5>The growing interference in the internal affairs of Bangladesh by one country has created an environment which is not conducive to the successful hosting of the 19th SAARC Summit in Islamabad in November 2016&#39;</h5>
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<p>&quot;Bangladesh, as the initiator of the SAARC process, remains steadfast in its commitment to regional cooperation, connectivity and contacts but believes that these can only go forward in a more congenial atmosphere. In view of the above, Bangladesh is unable to participate in the proposed Summit in Islamabad,&quot; it added.</p>

<p>Bhutan said it is committed to the SAARC process but the &quot;recent escalation of terrorism in the region... has seriously compromised the environment for the successful holding of the 19th SAARC Summit in Islamabad in November 2016.</p>

<p>&quot;Further, the Royal Government of Bhutan shares the concerns of some of the member countries of SAARC on the deterioration of regional peace and security due to terrorism and joins them in conveying our inability to participate in the SAARC Summit, under the current circumstances.&quot;</p>

<p>Afghanistan followed up with: &quot;Due to the increased level of violence and fighting as a result of imposed terrorism on Afghanistan, the President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani with his responsibilities as the Commander in Chief will be fully engaged, and will not be able to attend the Summit.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The SAARC summit was of course over the minute India pulled out -- the by-laws governing the association insist on consensus and it can take absolutely no decision without all 8 countries agreeing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India had pulled out after 18 of its soldiers lost their lives in a terror attack on an army camp in Uri, Kashmir. India blames terrorists nurtured on Pakistani soil for the attack, and has been looking for ways to &quot;respond&quot; to the attack ever since.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting yesterday to review the Indus Waters treaty. India and Pakistan signed the treaty in 1960 and it has survived three wars between the two countries so far.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The treaty gives Pakistan up to 80% of the waters of six rivers shared by the two countries, and is in India of often thought of as being too soft on Pakistan. Consequently, there have been numerous calls in India for the scrapping of the treaty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Blood and water cannot flow together,&quot; Mr Modi is reported to have said at the meeting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mr Modi has called another meeting tomorrow to review the Most Favoured Nation status India gave Pakistan in 1999 -- Pakistan does not give the same back to India -- and will for that be meeting with officials from the foreign and commerce ministries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Nepal said it will find an alternate venue for the summit after four nations decided to boycott meet in Pakistan

In a further embarrassment for Islamabad, the current SAARC Chair, Nepal has decided to move the annual summit out of Pakistan, Indian newspaper, The Hindu, reported. A senior diplomat source in Kathmandu told the Hindu that Nepal has decided to find an alternate venue for the summit. A formal announcement is expected soon. The move to shift the summit out of Islamabad was taken after four nations raised objections to the meet being held in Pakistan. “There is no question of holding the summit if four countries declare their unwillingness to participate. As the current SAARC Chair, Nepal has the responsibility of seeking a solution to such pre-summit disputes but under the current circumstances nothing much can be attempted. We will do the due formalities and will declare the summit of 2016 should be cancelled due to non-participation of member states,” the Kathmandu-based diplomatic source told The Hindu. According to reports, a high-level meeting was called by Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal in an effort to salvage the SAARC summit. Since India said last night that it would not be attending the SAARC summit in Pakistan in November, three more countries have followed suit. Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Afghanistan have all conveyed to Nepal -- the current SAARC (South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation) chair -- that they too will not be attending. "The growing interference in the internal affairs of Bangladesh by one country has created an environment which is not conducive to the successful hosting of the 19th SAARC Summit in Islamabad in November 2016," Bangladesh said in a statement. The growing interference in the internal affairs of Bangladesh by one country has created an environment which is not conducive to the successful hosting of the 19th SAARC Summit in Islamabad in November 2016' × "Bangladesh, as the initiator of the SAARC process, remains steadfast in its commitment to regional cooperation, connectivity and contacts but believes that these can only go forward in a more congenial atmosphere. In view of the above, Bangladesh is unable to participate in the proposed Summit in Islamabad," it added. Bhutan said it is committed to the SAARC process but the "recent escalation of terrorism in the region... has seriously compromised the environment for the successful holding of the 19th SAARC Summit in Islamabad in November 2016. "Further, the Royal Government of Bhutan shares the concerns of some of the member countries of SAARC on the deterioration of regional peace and security due to terrorism and joins them in conveying our inability to participate in the SAARC Summit, under the current circumstances." Afghanistan followed up with: "Due to the increased level of violence and fighting as a result of imposed terrorism on Afghanistan, the President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani with his responsibilities as the Commander in Chief will be fully engaged, and will not be able to attend the Summit." The SAARC summit was of course over the minute India pulled out -- the by-laws governing the association insist on consensus and it can take absolutely no decision without all 8 countries agreeing. India had pulled out after 18 of its soldiers lost their lives in a terror attack on an army camp in Uri, Kashmir. India blames terrorists nurtured on Pakistani soil for the attack, and has been looking for ways to "respond" to the attack ever since. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting yesterday to review the Indus Waters treaty. India and Pakistan signed the treaty in 1960 and it has survived three wars between the two countries so far. The treaty gives Pakistan up to 80% of the waters of six rivers shared by the two countries, and is in India of often thought of as being too soft on Pakistan. Consequently, there have been numerous calls in India for the scrapping of the treaty. "Blood and water cannot flow together," Mr Modi is reported to have said at the meeting. Mr Modi has called another meeting tomorrow to review the Most Favoured Nation status India gave Pakistan in 1999 -- Pakistan does not give the same back to India -- and will for that be meeting with officials from the foreign and commerce ministries. (WION)

SAARC chair Nepal seeks new venue for November summit: Report

Natives of the world have their own way of living, distant from the rest. These are some 7 indigenous tribes from South Asia that are almost near- extinction: &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&nbsp;
<ul>
	<li><strong>Veddas</strong></li>
</ul>
&lsquo;The Forest People&rsquo; or Veddas are indigenous to Sri Lanka. Their language Vedda, is now extinct and the tribe speaks Sinhala and Tamil. They practise the religion of animism, worshipping the spirit of nature. The area&rsquo;s last cave dwellers worship dead ancestors, called Nae Yaku. The hunt gatherers also have a peculiar deity unique to them named Kande Yakka, spirit of the mountain or rock.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/sri-20160921110620.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Veddas, Sri Lanka<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>
</div>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Jarawa</strong></li>
</ul>
One of the Adivasi indigenous peoples of the Andaman Islands in India, Jarawas are considered to be one of the most isolated natives in the world. Away from prying eyes earlier, they used to stay naked at all times with some adornments in the form of accessories made of palm leaves and sea shells. Currently, they are just 250-400 in number.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/jarawa-20160921110919.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Jarawa, India</p>
</div>
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li><strong>Kalash</strong></li>
</ul>
Indo-Aryan indigenous people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan, can easily be clubbed under the country&rsquo;s smallest religion. A unique group, the Kalash people are polytheists who lay emphasis on nature and offer sacrifices as a part of their culture. Their mythology and folklore has been compared by researchers to that of ancient Greece but are closer to Indo-Iranian traditions. They also have their own, distinct language.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/kalash-20160921111307.jpeg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Kalash, Pakistan</p>
</div>
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li><strong>Naga</strong></li>
</ul>
A collection of several tribes, Nagas are native to north-eastern India and north-western Myanmar. They speak some 89 distinct languages, all part of Tibeto-Burman family. Nagas are expert craftsmen and each tribe has a unique way of constructing their house. Till 1969, Nagas also used to engage in headhunting, preserving the heads of their enemies as trophies.<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/naga1-20160921111631.jpeg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Naga, India</p>
</div>
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li><strong>Lhop</strong></li>
</ul>
A small tribe of southwest Bhutan, The Lhop or Doya people are said to be the aboriginal inhabitants of the country. They trace their descent matrilineally and marry their cross cousins. Currently 2,500 in number, the tribe speaks Tibeto-Burmese language. Their religion is Tibetan Buddhism mixed with animism and they embalm their deceased who are then placed in a foetal position in a circular adorned coffin, above the ground.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/lhop-20160921112024.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Bhutan<br />
&nbsp;</p>
</div>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Bodo</strong></li>
</ul>
Indigenous to Nepal and north-eastern India, Bodos are a silkworm rearing tribe. All families have their own silkworms and girls learn how to spin silk at a young age. Weaving also forms an integral part of their culture. The Bodos are a strong-knit community and practice a form of forefather worship called Obonglaoree.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/bodo-20160921114552.jpeg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Bodo tribal dance, Nepal</p>
</div>
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li><strong>Giraavaru</strong></li>
</ul>
Native to Giraavaru Island in Maldives, the same named tribe were essentially those considered to be of lower caste than the others. Consequently due to isolation, they developed a series of heritable genetic disorders. The tribe is strictly monogamous and prohibits divorce. It is usually seen to be headed by a woman called Foolhuma-Dhaitha. They also wear unique necklaces of tiny blue beads, not seen on any other tribe.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/maldives1-20160921115809.jpeg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Maldives dance</p>
</div>
<br />
Every South Asian country has various indigenous tribes of its own making it rich in cultures and traditions.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<br />
<em>(Contributed by: Zeba Khan)</em>

Isolated from the world, married to their uniqueness and caught in a time warp

Natives of the world have their own way of living, distant from the rest. These are some 7 indigenous tribes from South Asia that are almost near- extinction: Veddas ‘The Forest People’ or Veddas are indigenous to Sri Lanka. Their language Vedda, is now extinct and the tribe speaks Sinhala and Tamil. They practise the religion of animism, worshipping the spirit of nature. The area’s last cave dwellers worship dead ancestors, called Nae Yaku. The hunt gatherers also have a peculiar deity unique to them named Kande Yakka, spirit of the mountain or rock. Veddas, Sri Lanka Jarawa One of the Adivasi indigenous peoples of the Andaman Islands in India, Jarawas are considered to be one of the most isolated natives in the world. Away from prying eyes earlier, they used to stay naked at all times with some adornments in the form of accessories made of palm leaves and sea shells. Currently, they are just 250-400 in number. Jarawa, India Kalash Indo-Aryan indigenous people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan, can easily be clubbed under the country’s smallest religion. A unique group, the Kalash people are polytheists who lay emphasis on nature and offer sacrifices as a part of their culture. Their mythology and folklore has been compared by researchers to that of ancient Greece but are closer to Indo-Iranian traditions. They also have their own, distinct language. Kalash, Pakistan Naga A collection of several tribes, Nagas are native to north-eastern India and north-western Myanmar. They speak some 89 distinct languages, all part of Tibeto-Burman family. Nagas are expert craftsmen and each tribe has a unique way of constructing their house. Till 1969, Nagas also used to engage in headhunting, preserving the heads of their enemies as trophies. Naga, India Lhop A small tribe of southwest Bhutan, The Lhop or Doya people are said to be the aboriginal inhabitants of the country. They trace their descent matrilineally and marry their cross cousins. Currently 2,500 in number, the tribe speaks Tibeto-Burmese language. Their religion is Tibetan Buddhism mixed with animism and they embalm their deceased who are then placed in a foetal position in a circular adorned coffin, above the ground. Bhutan Bodo Indigenous to Nepal and north-eastern India, Bodos are a silkworm rearing tribe. All families have their own silkworms and girls learn how to spin silk at a young age. Weaving also forms an integral part of their culture. The Bodos are a strong-knit community and practice a form of forefather worship called Obonglaoree. Bodo tribal dance, Nepal Giraavaru Native to Giraavaru Island in Maldives, the same named tribe were essentially those considered to be of lower caste than the others. Consequently due to isolation, they developed a series of heritable genetic disorders. The tribe is strictly monogamous and prohibits divorce. It is usually seen to be headed by a woman called Foolhuma-Dhaitha. They also wear unique necklaces of tiny blue beads, not seen on any other tribe. Maldives dance Every South Asian country has various indigenous tribes of its own making it rich in cultures and traditions. (Contributed by: Zeba Khan)

7 unique indigenous tribes of South Asia

Art transcends all borders and goes beyond the definition of geographical divides. Here are some 11 noteworthy cultural festivals celebrated in the South Asian region that you must know about:<br />
<br />
&nbsp;
<ul>
	<li><strong>Jaisalmer Desert Festival, India</strong></li>
</ul>
Set against the sand dunes, the festival is a unique showcase of folk culture. Held every year, there are programs for folk singing, puppet shows, acrobats, fire dancing, and others. Home of the camels, you can also take a camel ride, enjoy a game of camel polo, participate in camel decoration and pack some exciting desert memories with you.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/jaisalmer-20160915100616.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>A glimpse of Jaisalmer Desert Festival in India<br />
&nbsp;</p>
</div>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Kala Pola, Sri Lanka</strong></li>
</ul>
Kala Pola is Sri Lanka&rsquo;s open-air art exhibition cum fair which happens every year. Attracting artists from across the country, it serves as a launch pad for talent. A wide array of art forms are displayed for the crowd to cheer and appreciate.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/000_del6189267-20160915100439.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Kala Pola festival in Sri Lanka<br />
&nbsp;</p>
</div>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Annual Bhutan International Festival, Bhutan</strong></li>
</ul>
It&rsquo;s a collaborative effort to encourage different countries to come and engage, while showcasing their culture and art. The festival boasts of some of the best entertainment performances by world known artists. The festival has an intimate setting and welcomes everyone interested.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/bhutan1-20160915103529.jpeg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Bhutanese monks at the Bhutan International festival<br />
&nbsp;</p>
</div>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Rann Utsav, India</strong></li>
</ul>
Rann Utsav is a quarter year-long winter celebration in white sandy desert. You set up your makeshift tents and absorb the local tradition and culture. The region known for it&rsquo;s distinct handicrafts, also offers options for kite flying, camel rides and desert safaris.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/rann1-20160915103938.jpeg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Local artists at Rann Utsav</p>
</div>
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li><strong>World Performing Arts Festival, Pakistan</strong></li>
</ul>
An international cultural event, this festival brings performing artists from all over the world to celebrate music, theatre, concert, dance, puppet shows and others. Serving as a nurturing ground for local talent, it brings to fore the vibrancy of Pakistan&rsquo;s talents and helps people engage in a cultural exchange.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/pakistan-20160915113108.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>World Performing Arts Festival, Pakistan</p>
</div>
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li><strong>Hornbill Festival, India</strong></li>
</ul>
The aboriginal Naga tribes of Nagaland are a sight to watch. Held every year in the month of December, Hornbill festival is a weeklong celebration of music, culture, art, sport and cuisine takes place. You will see some exquisite paintings, wood carvings and sculptures that form an essential part of Nagaland&rsquo;s cultural identity.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/000_del527342-20160915113835.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>A Naga tribesman eats a stump of smouldering firewood during annual Hornbill Festival</p>
</div>
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li><strong>Afghan Arts and Culture Festival, Afghanistan</strong></li>
</ul>
It is one of the largest coming together of artists and music bands in Afghanistan. Opening its doors to fellow countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan United States, the festival started with an aim to show the world Afghanistan&rsquo;s rich culture. Bikers, break dancers, rock bands and other performers come together every year.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/afghan1-20160915012131.jpeg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Local Afghan dancers</p>
</div>
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li><strong>South Ari Atoll, Maldives</strong></li>
</ul>
A festival with a thought, South Ari Atoll is a collaboration between artists from Maldives and Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme. It is a platform for showcasing artworks representing the island&rsquo;s marine diversity with a special emphasis on the shark population of Maldives.<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/cqi9uwpumaae2vl.jpg-large-20160916014323.jpeg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>South Ari Atoll in Maldives where the Conservation festival happens</p>
</div>
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li><strong>Pohela Boishakh, Bangladesh</strong></li>
</ul>
The Bengali New Year is celebrated with a lot of fervour all across the state of West Bengal in India and Bangladesh. Called Vasanta Utsav, the festivals starts at Shantiniketan in India and Bangladesh at the same time. The festivity celebrates art and diversity of both the regions. Among songs, dance and fairs, people are seen enjoying themselves around that time of the year.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/crh9vswuaaamwpn.jpg-large-20160916015136.jpeg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Pohela Boishakh in Bangladesh<br />
&nbsp;</p>
</div>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Kathmandu International Art Festival, Nepal</strong></li>
</ul>
Almost in every three years, Nepal celebrates its artists with an International Art festival. Artists come together to exhibit their works at different venues in the capital city of Kathmandu.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/a8hm7l3ceaac3w9.jpg-large-20160916015737.jpeg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>A glimpse of Kathmandu International Art Festival, Nepal</p>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<em>(Contributed by: Zeba Khan)</em>

Discover how art and culture in South Asia binds the region together

Art transcends all borders and goes beyond the definition of geographical divides. Here are some 11 noteworthy cultural festivals celebrated in the South Asian region that you must know about: Jaisalmer Desert Festival, India Set against the sand dunes, the festival is a unique showcase of folk culture. Held every year, there are programs for folk singing, puppet shows, acrobats, fire dancing, and others. Home of the camels, you can also take a camel ride, enjoy a game of camel polo, participate in camel decoration and pack some exciting desert memories with you. A glimpse of Jaisalmer Desert Festival in India Kala Pola, Sri Lanka Kala Pola is Sri Lanka’s open-air art exhibition cum fair which happens every year. Attracting artists from across the country, it serves as a launch pad for talent. A wide array of art forms are displayed for the crowd to cheer and appreciate. Kala Pola festival in Sri Lanka Annual Bhutan International Festival, Bhutan It’s a collaborative effort to encourage different countries to come and engage, while showcasing their culture and art. The festival boasts of some of the best entertainment performances by world known artists. The festival has an intimate setting and welcomes everyone interested. Bhutanese monks at the Bhutan International festival Rann Utsav, India Rann Utsav is a quarter year-long winter celebration in white sandy desert. You set up your makeshift tents and absorb the local tradition and culture. The region known for it’s distinct handicrafts, also offers options for kite flying, camel rides and desert safaris. Local artists at Rann Utsav World Performing Arts Festival, Pakistan An international cultural event, this festival brings performing artists from all over the world to celebrate music, theatre, concert, dance, puppet shows and others. Serving as a nurturing ground for local talent, it brings to fore the vibrancy of Pakistan’s talents and helps people engage in a cultural exchange. World Performing Arts Festival, Pakistan Hornbill Festival, India The aboriginal Naga tribes of Nagaland are a sight to watch. Held every year in the month of December, Hornbill festival is a weeklong celebration of music, culture, art, sport and cuisine takes place. You will see some exquisite paintings, wood carvings and sculptures that form an essential part of Nagaland’s cultural identity. A Naga tribesman eats a stump of smouldering firewood during annual Hornbill Festival Afghan Arts and Culture Festival, Afghanistan It is one of the largest coming together of artists and music bands in Afghanistan. Opening its doors to fellow countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan United States, the festival started with an aim to show the world Afghanistan’s rich culture. Bikers, break dancers, rock bands and other performers come together every year. Local Afghan dancers South Ari Atoll, Maldives A festival with a thought, South Ari Atoll is a collaboration between artists from Maldives and Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme. It is a platform for showcasing artworks representing the island’s marine diversity with a special emphasis on the shark population of Maldives. South Ari Atoll in Maldives where the Conservation festival happens Pohela Boishakh, Bangladesh The Bengali New Year is celebrated with a lot of fervour all across the state of West Bengal in India and Bangladesh. Called Vasanta Utsav, the festivals starts at Shantiniketan in India and Bangladesh at the same time. The festivity celebrates art and diversity of both the regions. Among songs, dance and fairs, people are seen enjoying themselves around that time of the year. Pohela Boishakh in Bangladesh Kathmandu International Art Festival, Nepal Almost in every three years, Nepal celebrates its artists with an International Art festival. Artists come together to exhibit their works at different venues in the capital city of Kathmandu. A glimpse of Kathmandu International Art Festival, Nepal (Contributed by: Zeba Khan)

11 cultural festivals in South Asia that you must attend at least once in your lifetime

They say that every food has its own story to tell. The South Asian region also has some of the most lip-smacking street foods that every foodie must try.<br />
<br />
Here is a list of some delicacies from the region, recommended by social media users, that you must try:&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;
<ul>
	<li><strong>Nepal</strong></li>
</ul>
<strong> </strong>Some must-haves are: Chatamari (crepe made of rice flour), &nbsp;spiced and grilled buffalo meat locally known as Choila, which&nbsp;goes best with a homemade liquor called Newari, and&nbsp;&nbsp;Nepalese-style barbecued meat better known as Sekuwa.<br />
<br />
You can also try noodle soup, Thukpa.<br />
<br />
Sweet dish made with rice, Phirni, is quite popular here.&nbsp;
<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NepalNOW?src=hash">#NepalNOW</a> Foodies&#39; Diary<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chatamari?src=hash">#chatamari</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/foddie?src=hash">#foddie</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dinner?src=hash">#dinner</a> ??: <a href="https://twitter.com/AGhale">@aghale</a> <a href="https://t.co/s0y2IEkDSN">pic.twitter.com/s0y2IEkDSN</a></p>
&mdash; nepalNOW (@thenepalnow) <a href="https://twitter.com/thenepalnow/status/688972896962768896">January 18, 2016</a></blockquote>
</div>

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">No one ever said you can never celebrate Tuesdays. :D<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Choila?src=hash">#Choila</a> from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BajekoSekuwa?src=hash">#BajekoSekuwa</a> <a href="https://t.co/0ayqEisJLM">pic.twitter.com/0ayqEisJLM</a></p>
&mdash; Foodmandu (@foodmandu) <a href="https://twitter.com/foodmandu/status/740146342354419712">June 7, 2016</a></blockquote>
</div>

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="fi">Mutton Sekuwa????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sekuwa?src=hash">#sekuwa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mutton?src=hash">#mutton</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/khasi?src=hash">#khasi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/khasikosekuwa?src=hash">#khasikosekuwa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/barbecue?src=hash">#barbecue</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nepalifood?src=hash">#nepalifood</a> <a href="https://t.co/clZ5aQUbS8">pic.twitter.com/clZ5aQUbS8</a></p>
&mdash; Nepali Tummy (@NepaliTummy) <a href="https://twitter.com/NepaliTummy/status/750836376556347392">July 6, 2016</a></blockquote>
</div>

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chicken Thukpa Recipe thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/HungryForeverCo">@hungryforeverco</a> - get the recipe <a href="https://t.co/SOLiTlz9u2">https://t.co/SOLiTlz9u2</a> <a href="https://t.co/hwSGE6IfAQ">pic.twitter.com/hwSGE6IfAQ</a></p>
&mdash; eat365 (@eat365) <a href="https://twitter.com/eat365/status/771498038925885440">September 2, 2016</a></blockquote>
</div>
&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&nbsp;
<ul>
	<li><strong>India</strong></li>
</ul>
<strong> </strong>India is expansive in size and offers a huge range of street foods due to country&#39;s diversity.<br />
<br />
Some delicacies worth giving a try are: Jalebi (crisp deep-fried refined flour and yogurt batter spirals dunked in saffron sugar syrup)&nbsp;in sweets, savoury snacks like Chaaat, Golgappas (fried crisps with flavoured water), Chole Bhature (fried bread coupled with spicy&nbsp;chickpea preparation) and Aloo Tikki (spiced, crispy potato patties).&nbsp;
<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Awesome?src=hash">#Awesome</a> Food : <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Made?src=hash">#Made</a> jalebi 1st time.. Yumm yumm yummmy.... Shape n taste turned out good&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/KnYXOKsabf">https://t.co/KnYXOKsabf</a> <a href="https://t.co/7CllnMwCPx">pic.twitter.com/7CllnMwCPx</a></p>
&mdash; Vilo Kanis (@SeeYouGuysCom) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeeYouGuysCom/status/716950724664496128">April 4, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Can I eat chaat all day? Indian street food love. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/travel?src=hash">#travel</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/streetfood?src=hash">#streetfood</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indianchaat?src=hash">#indianchaat</a> <a href="https://t.co/Vxkngf2p6h">https://t.co/Vxkngf2p6h</a> <a href="https://t.co/qZpdHslZrt">pic.twitter.com/qZpdHslZrt</a></p>
&mdash; The Saccharine Habit (@foodbysssourabh) <a href="https://twitter.com/foodbysssourabh/status/663496860393299968">November 8, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">???? - ????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CholeBhature?src=hash">#CholeBhature</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianCuisine?src=hash">#IndianCuisine</a> ???? <a href="https://t.co/9hjg7PIv9A">pic.twitter.com/9hjg7PIv9A</a></p>
&mdash; Planet Spices (@planetspices) <a href="https://twitter.com/planetspices/status/774675444079689728">September 10, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Experience the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/flavours?src=hash">#flavours</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash">#India</a> in our dishes! Taste the savoury <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Samosa?src=hash">#Samosa</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlooTikki?src=hash">#AlooTikki</a> for yourself! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianFood?src=hash">#IndianFood</a> <a href="https://t.co/S6SmcfAFox">pic.twitter.com/S6SmcfAFox</a></p>
&mdash; Tandoori Flame (@Tandoori_Flame) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tandoori_Flame/status/757991391595204608">July 26, 2016</a></blockquote>
</div>

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This Golgappa is specially for u di?? <a href="https://twitter.com/shreyaghoshal">@shreyaghoshal</a> as my <a href="https://twitter.com/snehajh37544769">@snehajh37544769</a> promised u but u have to come online soon <a href="https://t.co/Miie836hpc">pic.twitter.com/Miie836hpc</a></p>
&mdash; &hearts;Siri?? SGian&hearts; (@sirishapappu77) <a href="https://twitter.com/sirishapappu77/status/774304964961116160">September 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li><strong>Pakistan</strong></li>
</ul>

<p>Street&nbsp;food lovers in Pakistan cannot afford to give a miss to &#39;Kebabs&#39; (grilled and barbecued meat), Nihari (beef or lamb stew cooked slowly for a long period of time) and Biryani, a mixed rice dish.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="hi"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Food?src=hash">#Food</a> street <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nothia?src=hash">#Nothia</a> bazar <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Peshawar?src=hash">#Peshawar</a> cantt <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash">#Pakistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Peace?src=hash">#Peace</a> <a href="https://t.co/ySQhDRFdcI">pic.twitter.com/ySQhDRFdcI</a></p>
&mdash; Muhammad Mudassir (@mudassir98u) <a href="https://twitter.com/mudassir98u/status/769542906323562496">August 27, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="in">Kebabs<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ramazan?src=hash">#Ramazan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ramadan?src=hash">#ramadan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash">#Pakistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/iftar?src=hash">#iftar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kebab?src=hash">#kebab</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/night?src=hash">#night</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/party?src=hash">#party</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/foodilicious?src=hash">#foodilicious</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sizzling?src=hash">#sizzling</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bbq?src=hash">#bbq</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/burger?src=hash">#burger</a> <a href="http://t.co/BOw2qPfJ4J">pic.twitter.com/BOw2qPfJ4J</a></p>
&mdash; Irfan Ahmad Rana (@IRFANRANACRP) <a href="https://twitter.com/IRFANRANACRP/status/615534828016918528">June 29, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

<p dir="ltr" lang="in"><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<ul dir="ltr">
	<li lang="in"><strong>Afghanistan</strong></li>
</ul>
?The landlocked country has a unique take on non-vegetarian food items.<br />
<br />
You can have steamed Afghani dumpling, locally known as Mantu, filled with lamb. The dish is best served with yogurt and&nbsp;kidney beans in a tomato sauce and dried mint.<br />
<br />
Bolani, traditional&nbsp;baked or fried&nbsp;flatbread&nbsp;stuffed with vegetables, is also popular among food&nbsp;connoisseurs. You can also feast on Afghani rice while travelling.&nbsp;
<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Awesome?src=hash">#Awesome</a> Food : <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mantu?src=hash">#Mantu</a> - afghan steamed beef dumplings with lentil and yogurt <a href="https://t.co/3sGnOcaPxB">https://t.co/3sGnOcaPxB</a> <a href="https://t.co/cPmlM1UVuQ">pic.twitter.com/cPmlM1UVuQ</a></p>
&mdash; Vilo Kanis (@SeeYouGuysCom) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeeYouGuysCom/status/768826199351123968">August 25, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Did you try? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bolani?src=hash">#Bolani</a> with Leek and Potato, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pashtun?src=hash">#Pashtun</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cuisine?src=hash">#Cuisine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Peshawar?src=hash">#Peshawar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Quetta?src=hash">#Quetta</a> <a href="https://t.co/hgb2OKPVDM">pic.twitter.com/hgb2OKPVDM</a></p>
&mdash; Pukhtoogle (@Pukhtoogle) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pukhtoogle/status/665818947573424128">November 15, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/filetMignon?src=hash">#filetMignon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/halal?src=hash">#halal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/afghanfood?src=hash">#afghanfood</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/afghancuisine?src=hash">#afghancuisine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanifood?src=hash">#Afghanifood</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/naringe?src=hash">#naringe</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kabli?src=hash">#kabli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/palaw?src=hash">#palaw</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/paloa?src=hash">#paloa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfghaniRice?src=hash">#AfghaniRice</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/grilled?src=hash">#grilled</a> <a href="https://t.co/eHJqWcxb0X">pic.twitter.com/eHJqWcxb0X</a></p>
&mdash; TheSilkRoadRest (@thesilkroadrest) <a href="https://twitter.com/thesilkroadrest/status/767411518904336384">August 21, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&nbsp;
<ul dir="ltr">
	<li lang="in"><strong>Sri Lanka</strong></li>
</ul>
<strong>?</strong>Dig into egg hoppers (pancakes and fried egg), or satiate your taste buds with sesame balls called Thalaguli. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">11 Delicious Ways to Experience the Best of Sri Lanka: <a href="https://t.co/VotYkpVWqH">https://t.co/VotYkpVWqH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/delicious?src=hash">#delicious</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/food?src=hash">#food</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/culinary?src=hash">#culinary</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/srilanka?src=hash">#srilanka</a> <a href="https://t.co/3b44WCsUcg">pic.twitter.com/3b44WCsUcg</a></p>
&mdash; SmarterTravel (@SmarterTravel) <a href="https://twitter.com/SmarterTravel/status/771380215801081856">September 1, 2016</a></blockquote>
</div>

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thala Guli. Must try sweet in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash">#SriLanka</a>. A delicacy made from Sesame seeds and jaggery. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/food?src=hash">#food</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/delicious?src=hash">#delicious</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/travel?src=hash">#travel</a> <a href="https://t.co/ijK9jATxMa">pic.twitter.com/ijK9jATxMa</a></p>
&mdash; Yasoma Galloluwe (@pgtravels_sl) <a href="https://twitter.com/pgtravels_sl/status/772487061534375936">September 4, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Colors of Pettah<a href="https://t.co/yTHWz2Aoj5">https://t.co/yTHWz2Aoj5</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/srilanka?src=hash">#srilanka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pettah?src=hash">#pettah</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/food?src=hash">#food</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/people?src=hash">#people</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryDaySriLanka?src=hash">#EveryDaySriLanka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/streetphotography?src=hash">#streetphotography</a> <a href="https://t.co/giaGkOXJUD">pic.twitter.com/giaGkOXJUD</a></p>
&mdash; Nazly Ahmed (@nazly) <a href="https://twitter.com/nazly/status/770436212876206080">August 30, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;
<ul dir="ltr">
	<li lang="in"><strong>Bangladesh</strong></li>
</ul>
<strong>?</strong>Influenced by Indian Bengali cuisine, Morog Pulao is a special kind of rice with large portions of chicken.&nbsp;

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Best of Bangladesh food: Kacchi Biryani! <a href="https://t.co/ddJbzsM5bP">https://t.co/ddJbzsM5bP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bangladesh?src=hash">#Bangladesh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/food?src=hash">#food</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/travel?src=hash">#travel</a> <a href="https://t.co/CAJjFAl9ug">pic.twitter.com/CAJjFAl9ug</a></p>
&mdash; BonVoyageurs (@BonVoyageurs) <a href="https://twitter.com/BonVoyageurs/status/763888129342332928">August 12, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;
<ul>
	<li><strong>Bhutan</strong></li>
</ul>
<strong>?</strong>Try the hot and spicy Ema Datshi, red rice and stew made of chilies, cheese and veggies.<br />
<br />
Shakam Datshi, a dish prepared with dried beef with red chillies, is also popular&nbsp;for its unique cheesy texture
<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Missing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EmaDatshi?src=hash">#EmaDatshi</a>, the signature Bhutanese Cuisine. It&#39;s made of chili peppers and cheese.<a href="https://twitter.com/EaseIndiaTravel">@EaseIndiaTravel</a> <a href="https://t.co/2RNCfTdden">pic.twitter.com/2RNCfTdden</a></p>
&mdash; Neha Sharma (@NehaSharmaHere) <a href="https://twitter.com/NehaSharmaHere/status/714296161344028672">March 28, 2016</a></blockquote>
</div>
&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;
<ul>
	<li><strong>Maldives</strong></li>
</ul>
<strong>?</strong>The island country is famous for its sea food.&nbsp;

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Lobster for tonight - Lily Beach Resort<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bmrtg?src=hash">#bmrtg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maldives?src=hash">#Maldives</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lobster?src=hash">#lobster</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E9%A9%AC%E5%B0%94%E4%BB%A3%E5%A4%AB?src=hash">#????</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD?src=hash">#??</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/picoftheday?src=hash">#picoftheday</a> &hellip; <a href="http://t.co/odabtA40SJ">http://t.co/odabtA40SJ</a> <a href="http://t.co/NaobrfUG6N">pic.twitter.com/NaobrfUG6N</a></p>
&mdash; MALDIVITY&trade; (@MALDIVITY) <a href="https://twitter.com/MALDIVITY/status/597157583372349442">May 9, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Whatever yr Favourite Meal, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maldives?src=hash">#Maldives</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/culinarydelight?src=hash">#culinarydelight</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Prawn?src=hash">#Prawn</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VisitMaldivesYear2016?src=hash">#VisitMaldivesYear2016</a> <a href="https://t.co/iZIVzBiq5c">pic.twitter.com/iZIVzBiq5c</a></p>
&mdash; Y &amp; Y Maldives (@ynymaldives) <a href="https://twitter.com/ynymaldives/status/663688597879414785">November 9, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Try this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/recipe?src=hash">#recipe</a> for Goan style shrimp kebabs from Constance Moofushi - <a href="https://t.co/MC9lvk6VF6">https://t.co/MC9lvk6VF6</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/seafood?src=hash">#seafood</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maldives?src=hash">#Maldives</a> <a href="https://t.co/Z1UZVPjs8p">pic.twitter.com/Z1UZVPjs8p</a></p>
&mdash; Constance Hotels (@constancehotels) <a href="https://twitter.com/constancehotels/status/739743646543548417">June 6, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

<p dir="ltr" lang="in"><br />
<br />
<em>(Contributed by: Zeba Khan)</em></p>

<div class="twitter-block"><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>


Ditch the fancy restaurants and taste the region's authentic flavours on the roads

They say that every food has its own story to tell. The South Asian region also has some of the most lip-smacking street foods that every foodie must try. Here is a list of some delicacies from the region, recommended by social media users, that you must try: Nepal Some must-haves are: Chatamari (crepe made of rice flour), spiced and grilled buffalo meat locally known as Choila, which goes best with a homemade liquor called Newari, and Nepalese-style barbecued meat better known as Sekuwa. You can also try noodle soup, Thukpa. Sweet dish made with rice, Phirni, is quite popular here. #NepalNOW Foodies' Diary#chatamari #foddie #dinner ??: @aghale pic.twitter.com/s0y2IEkDSN — nepalNOW (@thenepalnow) January 18, 2016 No one ever said you can never celebrate Tuesdays. :D#Choila from #BajekoSekuwa pic.twitter.com/0ayqEisJLM — Foodmandu (@foodmandu) June 7, 2016 Mutton Sekuwa????#sekuwa #mutton #khasi #khasikosekuwa #barbecue #nepalifood pic.twitter.com/clZ5aQUbS8 — Nepali Tummy (@NepaliTummy) July 6, 2016 Chicken Thukpa Recipe thanks to @hungryforeverco - get the recipe https://t.co/SOLiTlz9u2 pic.twitter.com/hwSGE6IfAQ — eat365 (@eat365) September 2, 2016 India India is expansive in size and offers a huge range of street foods due to country's diversity. Some delicacies worth giving a try are: Jalebi (crisp deep-fried refined flour and yogurt batter spirals dunked in saffron sugar syrup) in sweets, savoury snacks like Chaaat, Golgappas (fried crisps with flavoured water), Chole Bhature (fried bread coupled with spicy chickpea preparation) and Aloo Tikki (spiced, crispy potato patties). #Awesome Food : #Made jalebi 1st time.. Yumm yumm yummmy.... Shape n taste turned out good… https://t.co/KnYXOKsabf pic.twitter.com/7CllnMwCPx — Vilo Kanis (@SeeYouGuysCom) April 4, 2016 Can I eat chaat all day? Indian street food love. #Delhi #travel #streetfood #indianchaat https://t.co/Vxkngf2p6h pic.twitter.com/qZpdHslZrt — The Saccharine Habit (@foodbysssourabh) November 8, 2015 ???? - ????? #CholeBhature #IndianCuisine ???? pic.twitter.com/9hjg7PIv9A — Planet Spices (@planetspices) September 10, 2016 Experience the #flavours of #India in our dishes! Taste the savoury #Samosa and #AlooTikki for yourself! #IndianFood pic.twitter.com/S6SmcfAFox — Tandoori Flame (@Tandoori_Flame) July 26, 2016 This Golgappa is specially for u di?? @shreyaghoshal as my @snehajh37544769 promised u but u have to come online soon pic.twitter.com/Miie836hpc — ♥Siri?? SGian♥ (@sirishapappu77) September 9, 2016 Pakistan Street food lovers in Pakistan cannot afford to give a miss to 'Kebabs' (grilled and barbecued meat), Nihari (beef or lamb stew cooked slowly for a long period of time) and Biryani, a mixed rice dish. #Food street #Nothia bazar #Peshawar cantt #Pakistan #Peace pic.twitter.com/ySQhDRFdcI — Muhammad Mudassir (@mudassir98u) August 27, 2016 Kebabs#Ramazan #ramadan #Pakistan #iftar #kebab #night #party #foodilicious #sizzling #bbq #burger pic.twitter.com/BOw2qPfJ4J — Irfan Ahmad Rana (@IRFANRANACRP) June 29, 2015 Afghanistan ?The landlocked country has a unique take on non-vegetarian food items. You can have steamed Afghani dumpling, locally known as Mantu, filled with lamb. The dish is best served with yogurt and kidney beans in a tomato sauce and dried mint. Bolani, traditional baked or fried flatbread stuffed with vegetables, is also popular among food connoisseurs. You can also feast on Afghani rice while travelling. #Awesome Food : #Mantu - afghan steamed beef dumplings with lentil and yogurt https://t.co/3sGnOcaPxB pic.twitter.com/cPmlM1UVuQ — Vilo Kanis (@SeeYouGuysCom) August 25, 2016 Did you try? #Bolani with Leek and Potato, #Pashtun #Cuisine #Peshawar #Afghanistan #Quetta pic.twitter.com/hgb2OKPVDM — Pukhtoogle (@Pukhtoogle) November 15, 2015 #filetMignon #halal #afghanfood #afghancuisine #Afghanifood #naringe #kabli #palaw #paloa #AfghaniRice #grilled pic.twitter.com/eHJqWcxb0X — TheSilkRoadRest (@thesilkroadrest) August 21, 2016 Sri Lanka ?Dig into egg hoppers (pancakes and fried egg), or satiate your taste buds with sesame balls called Thalaguli. 11 Delicious Ways to Experience the Best of Sri Lanka: https://t.co/VotYkpVWqH #delicious #food #culinary #srilanka pic.twitter.com/3b44WCsUcg — SmarterTravel (@SmarterTravel) September 1, 2016 Thala Guli. Must try sweet in #SriLanka. A delicacy made from Sesame seeds and jaggery. #food #delicious #travel pic.twitter.com/ijK9jATxMa — Yasoma Galloluwe (@pgtravels_sl) September 4, 2016 Colors of Pettahhttps://t.co/yTHWz2Aoj5#srilanka #pettah #food #people #EveryDaySriLanka #streetphotography pic.twitter.com/giaGkOXJUD — Nazly Ahmed (@nazly) August 30, 2016 Bangladesh ?Influenced by Indian Bengali cuisine, Morog Pulao is a special kind of rice with large portions of chicken. Best of Bangladesh food: Kacchi Biryani! https://t.co/ddJbzsM5bP #Bangladesh #food #travel pic.twitter.com/CAJjFAl9ug — BonVoyageurs (@BonVoyageurs) August 12, 2016 Bhutan ?Try the hot and spicy Ema Datshi, red rice and stew made of chilies, cheese and veggies. Shakam Datshi, a dish prepared with dried beef with red chillies, is also popular for its unique cheesy texture Missing #EmaDatshi, the signature Bhutanese Cuisine. It's made of chili peppers and cheese.@EaseIndiaTravel pic.twitter.com/2RNCfTdden — Neha Sharma (@NehaSharmaHere) March 28, 2016 Maldives ?The island country is famous for its sea food. Lobster for tonight - Lily Beach Resort#bmrtg #Maldives #lobster #???? #?? #picoftheday … http://t.co/odabtA40SJ pic.twitter.com/NaobrfUG6N — MALDIVITY™ (@MALDIVITY) May 9, 2015 Whatever yr Favourite Meal, #Maldives #culinarydelight #Prawn #VisitMaldivesYear2016 pic.twitter.com/iZIVzBiq5c — Y & Y Maldives (@ynymaldives) November 9, 2015 Try this #recipe for Goan style shrimp kebabs from Constance Moofushi - https://t.co/MC9lvk6VF6 #seafood #Maldives pic.twitter.com/Z1UZVPjs8p — Constance Hotels (@constancehotels) June 6, 2016 (Contributed by: Zeba Khan)

Street foods from South Asia you can't afford to miss

The first two-day South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) Young Parliamentarians&#39; Conference with the key theme of &quot;Peace &amp; Harmony for Development&quot; concluded in Pakistani capital Islamabad on Wednesday.<br />
<br />
Delegates from Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the host Pakistan participated in the conference. The objective of the conference was to give young narrative of progress to the upcoming SAARC conference to be held in Islamabad in November.<br />
<br />
The young parliamentarians of the SAARC countries agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of energy, trade, and human security and for easement of visa and travel arrangements.<br />
<br />
An understanding to this effect came in a joint communiqu? issued on the conclusion of the conference.<br />
<br />
The communiqu? emphasised developing mechanisms for strengthening cooperation in climate change, environment, education, tourism and sports.<br />
&nbsp;
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<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>&quot;We believe that SAARC is the future for this region, and it is the only way, and we can ensure progress and development of all the people of all the countries in SAARC region&quot;</h5>
</blockquote>
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Promotion of people-to-people interactions, cultural exchanges, and cooperation to address issues of corruption and financial crime was also underlined in the communiqu?.<br />
<br />
The conference was jointly hosted by National Assembly (lower house) of Pakistan and Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services.<br />
<br />
Amid the rising tensions between India and Pakistan over recent violence in Kashmir, a three member Indian Parliamentary delegation also participated in the meet.<br />
<br />
Led by Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, leader of Biju Janata Dal party in the Lok Sabha, the other two members in the delegation were Alok Tiwari of Samajwadi Party in the Rajya Sabha and another Lok Sabha MP Devisingh Patel.<br />
<br />
&quot;We believe that SAARC is the future for this region, and it is the only way, and we can ensure progress and development of all the people of all the countries in SAARC region,&quot; Deo told the audience at concluding ceremony.<br />
<br />
&quot;I certainly intend to strive to ensure that this declaration is put in action by my country,&quot; he added.<br />
<br />
Addressing the ceremony, National assembly speaker Ayaz Sadiq said the conference will help improve Pakistan&#39;s image abroad. He said the region was faced with common problems.<br />
<br />
&quot;We have established SDGS (Sustainable Development Goals Secretariat) because the issue we need to tackle is women&#39;s issue, it is child labour, it is population, growing population, it is food security, it is education, it is health, and there are numerous issues that we need to tackle. But what I feel is that this is not only Pakistan&#39;s issue but the issue is in entire SAARC region. Collectively, putting our minds together we might be able to learn from each other&#39;s experiences and take advantage of the situation,&quot; said Sadiq.<br />
<br />
He said the SAARC countries should allow the youth to lead their nations from the front to promote peace, stability and cooperation in the region.<br />
<br />
Sidiq said like all civilized nations, Pakistan wants to resolve all outstanding issues with India peacefully through dialogue.<br />
<br />
Significantly, the next big item on the SAARC agenda for the year is SAARC Finance Ministers&#39; Conference to be held at Islamabad on August 25-26. It is not known as yet whether the Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley would travel to Pakistan for the meet. Doubts have been raised after the recent unpleasant situation that arose when Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh visited Pakistan to attend the SAARC Home/Interior Ministers conference.<br />
<br />
A report on the Pakistan state-run news agency Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said that Pakistan minister for finance senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Saturday chaired a meeting to review the arrangements for the upcoming SAARC Finance Ministers conference.<br />
<br />
(Reuters)&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;

Amid rising tensions between India, Pakistan over recent violence in Kashmir, a 3-member Indian Parliamentary delegation also participated

The first two-day South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) Young Parliamentarians' Conference with the key theme of "Peace & Harmony for Development" concluded in Pakistani capital Islamabad on Wednesday. Delegates from Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the host Pakistan participated in the conference. The objective of the conference was to give young narrative of progress to the upcoming SAARC conference to be held in Islamabad in November. The young parliamentarians of the SAARC countries agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of energy, trade, and human security and for easement of visa and travel arrangements. An understanding to this effect came in a joint communiqu? issued on the conclusion of the conference. The communiqu? emphasised developing mechanisms for strengthening cooperation in climate change, environment, education, tourism and sports. "We believe that SAARC is the future for this region, and it is the only way, and we can ensure progress and development of all the people of all the countries in SAARC region" Promotion of people-to-people interactions, cultural exchanges, and cooperation to address issues of corruption and financial crime was also underlined in the communiqu?. The conference was jointly hosted by National Assembly (lower house) of Pakistan and Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services. Amid the rising tensions between India and Pakistan over recent violence in Kashmir, a three member Indian Parliamentary delegation also participated in the meet. Led by Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, leader of Biju Janata Dal party in the Lok Sabha, the other two members in the delegation were Alok Tiwari of Samajwadi Party in the Rajya Sabha and another Lok Sabha MP Devisingh Patel. "We believe that SAARC is the future for this region, and it is the only way, and we can ensure progress and development of all the people of all the countries in SAARC region," Deo told the audience at concluding ceremony. "I certainly intend to strive to ensure that this declaration is put in action by my country," he added. Addressing the ceremony, National assembly speaker Ayaz Sadiq said the conference will help improve Pakistan's image abroad. He said the region was faced with common problems. "We have established SDGS (Sustainable Development Goals Secretariat) because the issue we need to tackle is women's issue, it is child labour, it is population, growing population, it is food security, it is education, it is health, and there are numerous issues that we need to tackle. But what I feel is that this is not only Pakistan's issue but the issue is in entire SAARC region. Collectively, putting our minds together we might be able to learn from each other's experiences and take advantage of the situation," said Sadiq. He said the SAARC countries should allow the youth to lead their nations from the front to promote peace, stability and cooperation in the region. Sidiq said like all civilized nations, Pakistan wants to resolve all outstanding issues with India peacefully through dialogue. Significantly, the next big item on the SAARC agenda for the year is SAARC Finance Ministers' Conference to be held at Islamabad on August 25-26. It is not known as yet whether the Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley would travel to Pakistan for the meet. Doubts have been raised after the recent unpleasant situation that arose when Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh visited Pakistan to attend the SAARC Home/Interior Ministers conference. A report on the Pakistan state-run news agency Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said that Pakistan minister for finance senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Saturday chaired a meeting to review the arrangements for the upcoming SAARC Finance Ministers conference. (Reuters)

SAARC young parliamentarians meet in Islamabad

<p>Blue Tigers, India&#39;s national football team, and the Bhutanese Dragon boys will play a friendly match at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu today at 3.30 PM IST.</p>

<p>The 20-man Indian squad reached the capital after a 13-day pre-season training camp in Delhi.<br />
<br />
Initially, team India was planning a series of friendly matches with Major League Soccer (MLS) and the United Soccer Leagues (USL) in the US but dropped the idea because of visa issues. Bhutan Football Federation agreed to host the team.<br />
<br />
India ranks 152 in FIFA ranking and All India Football Federation is organising friendly matches to improve their ranking ahead of the 2019 Asian Cup Qualification next year.</p>

<p>India will play a friendly match with Bhutan. It will&nbsp;go on to play another with Puerto Rico.</p>

<p>Meantime, the match is also an opportunity for the young Bhutanese team to practice before they take on Bangladesh at the 2019 Asian Cup Qualifiers in September. Bhutan Football Federation selected the team in June based on the players&rsquo; performance in a local league. Many of the members have played for the country before.</p>

<p>&ldquo;The friendly match is an opportunity for young players like us to get much-needed exposure,&rdquo; said Kencho Tobgay, one of the country&rsquo;s best strikers.<br />
<br />
If the World Cup qualifiers are any pointers, Bhutan&rsquo;s performance&nbsp;has been improving.<br />
<br />
&ldquo;We need more of such friendlies to keep improving,&rdquo; says the 25-year old Tobgay who is raring to go. Bhutan ranked 173 in the FIFA World Cup ranking after it won the World Cup qualifier against Sri Lanka last year but dropped to 166 after two consecutive losses in the second World Cup qualifier round.<br />
<br />
&ldquo;This is my first time playing for the national team with senior players who I look up to,&rdquo; Mikyo Dorji told local media. He is a student at St. Joseph&rsquo;s School in Darjeeling and has travelled home to play for the country. &ldquo;I will give my 100 per cent,&rdquo; says Dorji.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, coach of the Indian national team, Stephen Constantine, considers the game to be crucial as any other official match. &ldquo;It is not just an exposure game,&rdquo; he said, adding that whenever you play for the national team, it does not matter if it&rsquo;s a friendly, AFC or World Cup qualifier. &ldquo;You put on your country&rsquo;s jersey, it&rsquo;s an important match,&rdquo; said the Indian coach.<br />
<br />
Earlier, the coach had also raised concerns regarding acclimatisation and playing at high altitude.<br />
<br />
The 20-member squad arrived in the country last Monday and is training to acclimatise. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think weather in Bhutan should be a concern anymore,&rdquo; said coach Constantine.<br />
<br />
(WION)</p>


The match is an opportunity for young Bhutanese team to practice before they take on Bangladesh at the 2019 Asian Cup Qualifiers

Blue Tigers, India's national football team, and the Bhutanese Dragon boys will play a friendly match at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu today at 3.30 PM IST. The 20-man Indian squad reached the capital after a 13-day pre-season training camp in Delhi. Initially, team India was planning a series of friendly matches with Major League Soccer (MLS) and the United Soccer Leagues (USL) in the US but dropped the idea because of visa issues. Bhutan Football Federation agreed to host the team. India ranks 152 in FIFA ranking and All India Football Federation is organising friendly matches to improve their ranking ahead of the 2019 Asian Cup Qualification next year. India will play a friendly match with Bhutan. It will go on to play another with Puerto Rico. Meantime, the match is also an opportunity for the young Bhutanese team to practice before they take on Bangladesh at the 2019 Asian Cup Qualifiers in September. Bhutan Football Federation selected the team in June based on the players’ performance in a local league. Many of the members have played for the country before. “The friendly match is an opportunity for young players like us to get much-needed exposure,” said Kencho Tobgay, one of the country’s best strikers. If the World Cup qualifiers are any pointers, Bhutan’s performance has been improving. “We need more of such friendlies to keep improving,” says the 25-year old Tobgay who is raring to go. Bhutan ranked 173 in the FIFA World Cup ranking after it won the World Cup qualifier against Sri Lanka last year but dropped to 166 after two consecutive losses in the second World Cup qualifier round. “This is my first time playing for the national team with senior players who I look up to,” Mikyo Dorji told local media. He is a student at St. Joseph’s School in Darjeeling and has travelled home to play for the country. “I will give my 100 per cent,” says Dorji. On the other hand, coach of the Indian national team, Stephen Constantine, considers the game to be crucial as any other official match. “It is not just an exposure game,” he said, adding that whenever you play for the national team, it does not matter if it’s a friendly, AFC or World Cup qualifier. “You put on your country’s jersey, it’s an important match,” said the Indian coach. Earlier, the coach had also raised concerns regarding acclimatisation and playing at high altitude. The 20-member squad arrived in the country last Monday and is training to acclimatise. “I don’t think weather in Bhutan should be a concern anymore,” said coach Constantine. (WION)

India, Bhutan lock horns in football friendly later today

China has evinced interest in establishing diplomatic ties with Bhutan as the two countries held 24th round of boundary talks here to resolve their border dispute.<br />
<br />
China hopes to work with Bhutan for early establishment of diplomatic relations and solution to boundary issues, Chinese vice president Li Yuanchao said when the visiting Bhutan&#39;s foreign minister Damcho Dorji called on him yesterday.<br />
<br />
Dorji is in China to attend the 24th round of boundary talks.<br />
<br />
&quot;China and Bhutan have yet to establish diplomatic ties but have always respected each other and treated each other as equals,&quot; state-run Xinhua news agency quoted Li as saying.<br />
<br />
Dorji said Bhutan expects to strengthen cooperation with China in various fields and looks forward to settling the boundary issue at an early date, the report said.<br />
<br />
China has settled border differences with 12 of the 14 land neighbours with boundary disputes pending with India and Bhutan, which had close relations.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
India and China have held 19 round of Special Representatives talks to resolve their bounder disputes. &nbsp;<br />
Strategically placed between India and Tibet, Thimphu remained aloof since 1951 after China took firm control of Tibet, which formed borders with Bhutan.<br />
<br />
Relations between Beijing and Thimphu remained traditionally strained following border dispute while the two countries maintained friendly exchanges and contacts in recent years.<br />
<br />
In a surprise move in 2012, then Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his Bhutanese counterpart Jigmi Y Thinley met on the sidelines of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development at Rio De Janeiro and expressed their willingness to establish diplomatic relations between the two countries and discussed measures to speed up efforts resolve border dispute and to step up bilateral ties.<br />
<br />
But Thimphu did not pursue the move apparently to avoid creating any misunderstanding in its close ties with India.<br />
<br />
China and Bhutan, however, continue their exchanges with visits by high level diplomats besides a dialogue to resolve the border dispute.<br />
<br />
(AFP)&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;

Bhutan's foreign minister Damcho Dorji is in China as two nations hold 24th round of boundary talks in a bid to resolve disputes

China has evinced interest in establishing diplomatic ties with Bhutan as the two countries held 24th round of boundary talks here to resolve their border dispute. China hopes to work with Bhutan for early establishment of diplomatic relations and solution to boundary issues, Chinese vice president Li Yuanchao said when the visiting Bhutan's foreign minister Damcho Dorji called on him yesterday. Dorji is in China to attend the 24th round of boundary talks. "China and Bhutan have yet to establish diplomatic ties but have always respected each other and treated each other as equals," state-run Xinhua news agency quoted Li as saying. Dorji said Bhutan expects to strengthen cooperation with China in various fields and looks forward to settling the boundary issue at an early date, the report said. China has settled border differences with 12 of the 14 land neighbours with boundary disputes pending with India and Bhutan, which had close relations. India and China have held 19 round of Special Representatives talks to resolve their bounder disputes. Strategically placed between India and Tibet, Thimphu remained aloof since 1951 after China took firm control of Tibet, which formed borders with Bhutan. Relations between Beijing and Thimphu remained traditionally strained following border dispute while the two countries maintained friendly exchanges and contacts in recent years. In a surprise move in 2012, then Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his Bhutanese counterpart Jigmi Y Thinley met on the sidelines of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development at Rio De Janeiro and expressed their willingness to establish diplomatic relations between the two countries and discussed measures to speed up efforts resolve border dispute and to step up bilateral ties. But Thimphu did not pursue the move apparently to avoid creating any misunderstanding in its close ties with India. China and Bhutan, however, continue their exchanges with visits by high level diplomats besides a dialogue to resolve the border dispute. (AFP)

China, Bhutan look forward to settling boundary issues?

South Asia, rich in culture and tradition, has a unique character of its own. Cohesion of ethnicity in the region, lends it some of the most absurd-sounding customs.<br />
<br />
Here are 8 such bizarre traditions you didn&#39;t know about:<br />
&nbsp;
<ul>
	<li><strong>Baby tossing</strong></li>
</ul>
Newborn babies are dropped from a 50 ft high temple in southern Indian state of Karnataka India to &quot;bring health and prosperity in their lives&quot;.<br />
<br />
Couples who are blessed with a child after taking a vow at the Shri Santeshwar temple take part in this bizarre practice every year, in the first week of December. The infants are caught by onlookers waiting with a blanket.
<div class="media-description">
<div class="media-description">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Deuki: Sacred slave</strong></li>
</ul>
Deuki is a girl slave in Nepal who is offered to the local Hindu temple to gain religious merit. Historically, the girls served as temple slaves who were engaged by the priests to give sexual services to male worshippers at the temple. The tradition has been formally abolished but continues to be practiced in some villages by those who seek favour from God or sell their girl child to wealthy couples for the same. &nbsp;

<div class="media-description">
<p><img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/nepal%20temple-20160914080853.jpeg" /></p>

<div class="media-description">
<p>A Hindu temple in Nepal<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Sky burial&nbsp;</strong></li>
</ul>
Buddhists in Tibet follow a sacred ritual called Jhator or Sky burial.<br />
<br />
As the name goes, dead bodies are taken to open fields at a very high altitude, to be left behind for scavengers. The tradition looks to provide resources to earth, even after death. Sky burials have been made illegal now but it can still be observed with the permission of the family.&nbsp;
<div class="media-description">
<p><img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/000_mvd872391-20160914081040.jpg" /></p>

<div class="media-description">
<p>A flock of vultures<br />
&nbsp;</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Fire walking festival&nbsp;</strong></li>
</ul>
Firewalking festival is observed in some countries like India and Sri Lanka where walking on burning embers or stones is considered to ward off evil spirits and is used as a purification ritual. Some tribes in Pakistan also use this as a justification system to prove the innocence of guilty. If the guilty walks over it without any burns, they are deemed innocent otherwise proven of guilt.&nbsp;

<div class="media-description">
<p><img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/thimithi-20160914080745.jpeg" /></p>

<div class="media-description">
<p>Thimithi festival in Sri Lanka<br />
&nbsp;</p>
</div>
</div>

<ul>
	<li><b>Isolated labour</b></li>
</ul>
According to some families in Pakistan, women giving birth are considered to be impure and unclean. They are sent off to an isolated building called Bashleni to carry on with labour. Only those women who are menstruating can enter the building as they themselves are considered impure and messy.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&nbsp;
<ul>
	<li><strong>Love burglars&nbsp;</strong></li>
</ul>
Under Bomena,&nbsp;a traditional Bhutanese courtship ritual, boys roam during the night looking for houses where they know that girls, who are eligible for marriage, are sleeping. They then climb up the walls to the girl&rsquo;s bed. The idea is to stay the night, with her approval.<br />
<br />
In Bhutan, however, it&rsquo;s not so easy as young girls usually sleep with the entire family and any protest from her gets the boy thrown out. At present, the custom is seen as backward and laws have been enacted to stop it.
<div class="media-description">
<p><img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/bhutan-20160914080335.jpg" /></p>

<div class="media-description">
<p>Girls in the northernmost valley of Bhutan where love burglars are found<br />
&nbsp;</p>
</div>
</div>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Polyandry system</strong></li>
</ul>
In some parts of Nepal, a woman is made to marry more than one man simultaneously. Adopted by the Himalayan region, polyandry has been continuing for many years, much to the dislike of younger generation. It&rsquo;s present in two forms: fraternal and non-fraternal. Fraternal polyandry has brothers of a generation share a wife whereas in Non-fraternal type, a group of like-minded men from different households get married to one woman.&nbsp;

<div class="media-description">
<p><img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/nepal%20bride-20160914080456.jpg" /></p>

<div class="media-description">
<p>A young Nepalese bride at the ceremony<br />
&nbsp;</p>
</div>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Marry a tree</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
Some girls in India are considered to be born cursed, according to astrological readings in Hindu tradition. Those born under the period when planets Mars and Saturn are both under the seventh house, are known as &#39;Mangliks&#39;.<br />
<br />
According to belief, she brings early death to her spouse and the curse can be broken only after she gets married to a tree before she ties knot with her fiance. She could also marry a clay urn.&nbsp;
<div class="media-description">
<p><img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/tree-20160914080609.jpg" /></p>

<div class="media-description">
<p>A Hindu lady praying to a tree<br />
&nbsp;</p>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<em>(Contributed by: Zeba Khan)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;

We live in a strange world and it promises to keep us entertained...

South Asia, rich in culture and tradition, has a unique character of its own. Cohesion of ethnicity in the region, lends it some of the most absurd-sounding customs. Here are 8 such bizarre traditions you didn't know about: Baby tossing Newborn babies are dropped from a 50 ft high temple in southern Indian state of Karnataka India to "bring health and prosperity in their lives". Couples who are blessed with a child after taking a vow at the Shri Santeshwar temple take part in this bizarre practice every year, in the first week of December. The infants are caught by onlookers waiting with a blanket. Deuki: Sacred slave Deuki is a girl slave in Nepal who is offered to the local Hindu temple to gain religious merit. Historically, the girls served as temple slaves who were engaged by the priests to give sexual services to male worshippers at the temple. The tradition has been formally abolished but continues to be practiced in some villages by those who seek favour from God or sell their girl child to wealthy couples for the same. A Hindu temple in Nepal Sky burial Buddhists in Tibet follow a sacred ritual called Jhator or Sky burial. As the name goes, dead bodies are taken to open fields at a very high altitude, to be left behind for scavengers. The tradition looks to provide resources to earth, even after death. Sky burials have been made illegal now but it can still be observed with the permission of the family. A flock of vultures Fire walking festival Firewalking festival is observed in some countries like India and Sri Lanka where walking on burning embers or stones is considered to ward off evil spirits and is used as a purification ritual. Some tribes in Pakistan also use this as a justification system to prove the innocence of guilty. If the guilty walks over it without any burns, they are deemed innocent otherwise proven of guilt. Thimithi festival in Sri Lanka Isolated labour According to some families in Pakistan, women giving birth are considered to be impure and unclean. They are sent off to an isolated building called Bashleni to carry on with labour. Only those women who are menstruating can enter the building as they themselves are considered impure and messy. Love burglars Under Bomena, a traditional Bhutanese courtship ritual, boys roam during the night looking for houses where they know that girls, who are eligible for marriage, are sleeping. They then climb up the walls to the girl’s bed. The idea is to stay the night, with her approval. In Bhutan, however, it’s not so easy as young girls usually sleep with the entire family and any protest from her gets the boy thrown out. At present, the custom is seen as backward and laws have been enacted to stop it. Girls in the northernmost valley of Bhutan where love burglars are found Polyandry system In some parts of Nepal, a woman is made to marry more than one man simultaneously. Adopted by the Himalayan region, polyandry has been continuing for many years, much to the dislike of younger generation. It’s present in two forms: fraternal and non-fraternal. Fraternal polyandry has brothers of a generation share a wife whereas in Non-fraternal type, a group of like-minded men from different households get married to one woman. A young Nepalese bride at the ceremony Marry a tree Some girls in India are considered to be born cursed, according to astrological readings in Hindu tradition. Those born under the period when planets Mars and Saturn are both under the seventh house, are known as 'Mangliks'. According to belief, she brings early death to her spouse and the curse can be broken only after she gets married to a tree before she ties knot with her fiance. She could also marry a clay urn. A Hindu lady praying to a tree (Contributed by: Zeba Khan)

8 bizarre customs practised in South Asia

<p>When one thinks of used plastic bottles and chips packets, seeing it turn into a road is not the first thing that comes to one&#39;s mind. But it does in Rikesh&#39;s 31-year-old mind. He is the&nbsp;proprietor of Bhutan&#39;s first plastic recycling plant that is building environment-friendly roads using plastic.<br />
<br />
The idea involves coating of aggregate with molten waste plastic before it is mixed with bitumen. Besides being an effective solution to plastic waste, the green road project has curtailed the cost of building roads.<br />
<br />
Rikesh came across the idea&nbsp;while pursuing his engineering degree&nbsp;in south India. The project took off in October last year and reduced dependence on fossil fuel in the&nbsp;environment-conscious Himalayan nation.<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/%23bethechange_02-20160719102610.jpg" /></p>

<p><br />
Roughly eight million tons of plastic is&nbsp;dumped into the world&#39;s oceans every year. The majority of this waste comes from just five countries: China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. China and Indonesia are likely the top sources of plastic reaching the oceans, accounting for more than a third of the plastic bottles, bags and other detritus washed out to sea. The rest, i.e.&nbsp;22 to 43 per cent, of plastic worldwide is disposed of&nbsp;in landfills.<br />
<br />
But there are some countries that are trying to do better. For example, Germany&nbsp;claims to recycle and compost 65 per cent&nbsp;of its waste. And even China receives via cargo some 1,500 shipping containers from the US, filled with recyclables that include metals, plastics, rubber, paper, cardboard and textiles, which are used as raw materials by Chinese manufacturers.<br />
<br />
Today, the global plastic industry generates revenue of about $600 billion annually, producing products that take 450 years to degrade.&nbsp;In that light,&nbsp;Rikesh&nbsp;definitely is a hero!</p>


Eight million tonnes of plastic is dumped into the world's oceans every year. A Bhutanese man is building a unique path to help

When one thinks of used plastic bottles and chips packets, seeing it turn into a road is not the first thing that comes to one's mind. But it does in Rikesh's 31-year-old mind. He is the proprietor of Bhutan's first plastic recycling plant that is building environment-friendly roads using plastic. The idea involves coating of aggregate with molten waste plastic before it is mixed with bitumen. Besides being an effective solution to plastic waste, the green road project has curtailed the cost of building roads. Rikesh came across the idea while pursuing his engineering degree in south India. The project took off in October last year and reduced dependence on fossil fuel in the environment-conscious Himalayan nation. Roughly eight million tons of plastic is dumped into the world's oceans every year. The majority of this waste comes from just five countries: China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. China and Indonesia are likely the top sources of plastic reaching the oceans, accounting for more than a third of the plastic bottles, bags and other detritus washed out to sea. The rest, i.e. 22 to 43 per cent, of plastic worldwide is disposed of in landfills. But there are some countries that are trying to do better. For example, Germany claims to recycle and compost 65 per cent of its waste. And even China receives via cargo some 1,500 shipping containers from the US, filled with recyclables that include metals, plastics, rubber, paper, cardboard and textiles, which are used as raw materials by Chinese manufacturers. Today, the global plastic industry generates revenue of about $600 billion annually, producing products that take 450 years to degrade. In that light, Rikesh definitely is a hero!

#BeTheChange: The man who turns plastic into roads

The cabinet in Bhutan has undergone a reshuffle, Bhutan Broadcasting reports.&nbsp;In a major change,&nbsp;Dasho Karma Penjor has replaced veteran journalist Kinley Dorji as the secretary of information and communications ministry.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Dorji, the former editor-in-chief of Kuensel, Bhutan&#39;s national newspaper,&nbsp;was known to be in favour of state-owned media houses.&nbsp;Talking to WION, Kinley Tshering, the president of Journalists Association of Bhutan (JAB), said that Dorji&#39;s stance against private media houses crippled Bhutan&#39;s media.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&quot;All the private media houses in Bhutan are in a state of financial crisis. So it is difficult for them to stand up and talk against the government. It is a very small market for private media houses in Bhutan.&quot; Tshering said.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Penjor was the former secretary of Dratshang Lhentshog,&nbsp;the commission for the monastic affairs, and according to Tshering is relatively unknown.<br />
<br />
&quot;We don&#39;t know anything about this new guy but all major media decisions usually come from the government.&quot; he said. &quot;It is very important that we have a strong and effective leadership this time for liberalising the media market in Bhutan.&quot;<br />
<br />
According to Bhutan Broadcasting, Sonam Wangchuk is the new secretary of labour and human resources ministry.&nbsp;The former director general of department of medical services, Dr Ugyen Dophu, is the new health secretary.<br />
<br />
Sonam Tobgay is the new secretary to home and cultural affairs. He was the former director general of department of law and order.<br />
<br />
Karma Yeshey is the new secretary of education ministry. He was the former director general of department of school education.&nbsp;Nim Dorji, the former director general of agriculture department, is the new finance secretary, and&nbsp;Chencho Tshering will be the national council secretary.<br />
<br />
(WION with inputs from Bhutan Broadcasting)

Information ministry secretary Kinley Dorji, known for being in favour of state-owned media houses, has been replaced by Dasho Penjor

The cabinet in Bhutan has undergone a reshuffle, Bhutan Broadcasting reports. In a major change, Dasho Karma Penjor has replaced veteran journalist Kinley Dorji as the secretary of information and communications ministry. Dorji, the former editor-in-chief of Kuensel, Bhutan's national newspaper, was known to be in favour of state-owned media houses. Talking to WION, Kinley Tshering, the president of Journalists Association of Bhutan (JAB), said that Dorji's stance against private media houses crippled Bhutan's media. "All the private media houses in Bhutan are in a state of financial crisis. So it is difficult for them to stand up and talk against the government. It is a very small market for private media houses in Bhutan." Tshering said. Penjor was the former secretary of Dratshang Lhentshog, the commission for the monastic affairs, and according to Tshering is relatively unknown. "We don't know anything about this new guy but all major media decisions usually come from the government." he said. "It is very important that we have a strong and effective leadership this time for liberalising the media market in Bhutan." According to Bhutan Broadcasting, Sonam Wangchuk is the new secretary of labour and human resources ministry. The former director general of department of medical services, Dr Ugyen Dophu, is the new health secretary. Sonam Tobgay is the new secretary to home and cultural affairs. He was the former director general of department of law and order. Karma Yeshey is the new secretary of education ministry. He was the former director general of department of school education. Nim Dorji, the former director general of agriculture department, is the new finance secretary, and Chencho Tshering will be the national council secretary. (WION with inputs from Bhutan Broadcasting)

Bhutan reshuffles cabinet

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