In a meeting on Sunday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held discussion with Saudi counterpart Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud on various developments in Afghanistan, the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific. The wide-ranging talks also covered bilateral issues. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The two leaders discussed ways of increasing cooperation in the political, security and socio-cultural pillars of the strategic partnership between the two countries. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

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The Saudi minister has arrived in India on Saturday evening for a three-day visit. &nbsp;

In a tweet, Jaishankar said, "Delighted to welcome FM of Saudi Arabia HH Prince @Faisalbinfarhan for his first-ever visit to India." &nbsp;

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A cordial and productive meeting with Saudi FM HH <a href="https://twitter.com/FaisalbinFarhan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Faisalbinfarhan</a>. 
 
Discussed our cooperation in the political, security and socio-cultural pillars of our strategic partnership. 
 
Very useful exchange of views on Afghanistan, the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific. <a href="https://t.co/0cYq6I5VUU">pic.twitter.com/0cYq6I5VUU</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1439513708238049283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The minister also tweeted, “A cordial and productive meeting with Saudi FM HH @Faisalbinfarhan. Discussed our cooperation in the political, security and socio-cultural pillars of our strategic partnership. Very useful exchange of views on Afghanistan, the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific.” &nbsp;

On Monday, the Saudi foreign minister is scheduled to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/india-as-chair-of-united-nations-security-council-creates-record-of-sorts-414157" hreflang="en">India as chair of United Nations Security Council creates record of sorts</a>

The Saudi foreign minister’s visit has come at a time when India has been engaged with all leading powers on the developments in Afghanistan after its takeover by the Taliban. &nbsp;

Afghanistan was a major area of focus of the talks between Jaishankar and Al Saud. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a meeting on Sunday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held discussion with Saudi counterpart Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud on various developments in Afghanistan, the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific.

In a meeting on Sunday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held discussion with Saudi counterpart Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud on various developments in Afghanistan, the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific. The wide-ranging talks also covered bilateral issues. The two leaders discussed ways of increasing cooperation in the political, security and socio-cultural pillars of the strategic partnership between the two countries. Watch: × The Saudi minister has arrived in India on Saturday evening for a three-day visit. In a tweet, Jaishankar said, "Delighted to welcome FM of Saudi Arabia HH Prince @Faisalbinfarhan for his first-ever visit to India." A cordial and productive meeting with Saudi FM HH @Faisalbinfarhan. Discussed our cooperation in the political, security and socio-cultural pillars of our strategic partnership. Very useful exchange of views on Afghanistan, the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific. pic.twitter.com/0cYq6I5VUU — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 19, 2021 × The minister also tweeted, “A cordial and productive meeting with Saudi FM HH @Faisalbinfarhan. Discussed our cooperation in the political, security and socio-cultural pillars of our strategic partnership. Very useful exchange of views on Afghanistan, the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific.” On Monday, the Saudi foreign minister is scheduled to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Also Read: India as chair of United Nations Security Council creates record of sorts The Saudi foreign minister’s visit has come at a time when India has been engaged with all leading powers on the developments in Afghanistan after its takeover by the Taliban. Afghanistan was a major area of focus of the talks between Jaishankar and Al Saud. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian EAM meets Saudi foreign minister, discusses regional, bilateral issues

India's external affairs minister S. Jaishankar will be visting the state of Qatar today and during the visit he schedule to meet with the Qatari deputy Prime minister and the foreign minister, he is also going to meet other important Dignitaries of Qatar. This is Jaishankar's first visit to Qatar as External minister, during the visit he will be holding talks of Bilateral issues with his counterpart.

India's external affairs minister S. Jaishankar will be visting the state of Qatar today

Since they erupted a week ago, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-violent-protests-in-iraq-at-least-100-dead-over-6000-hurt-254349">deadly protests in Iraq </a>have been tracked closely in Iran where they are seen as a plot to undermine ties between the neighbours.

Tehran has close but complicated relations with Baghdad, holding significant clout among its Shiite political groups.

The two countries fought a devastating war from 1980 to 1988 and Iran's influence in Iraq grew after the US-led invasion toppled longtime dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003.

Clashes that broke out in Iraq last week between protesters and security forces have claimed more than 100 lives, and wounded over 6,000,&nbsp;most of them demonstrators struck by bullets.

The rallies began on Tuesday with calls to reduce corruption and unemployment but have spiralled into demands for the fall of the government and overhaul of the political system.

A string of Iranian officials have&nbsp;since come out with statements accusing their country's arch-foes of being behind the unrest.

"Enemies seek to sow discord but they've failed &amp; their conspiracy won't be effective," supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said, quoted on his office's Twitter account.

"Iran and #Iraq are two nations whose hearts &amp; souls are tied together... This bond will grow stronger day by day," he added.

State news agency IRNA said the supreme leader was reacting to the violence in Iraq.

The official news agency weighed in with its own commentary, accusing the US, Saudi Arabia and Israel of stirring the Iraqi protests in order to spoil Iran's ties with Iraq and Syria.

"Unprecedented protests in Iraqi cities... show that some forces inside and outside of the region are seriously concerned about the closeness and cooperation" of Baghdad, Tehran, and Damascus, it added.

Iran's government spokesman Ali Rabiei opened his weekly news conference on Monday with a statement on the Iraqi crisis.

He said there "are ill-wishers who seek to sabotage any opening between us and those neighbours who've had differences of opinions in recent years".

The spokesman called on "the great people of Iraq to show more self-restraint and seek democratic and legal means to reach their demands.

"As always, the Islamic Republic of Iran expresses its readiness to stand beside Iraqi brothers and sisters and help them.

"No form of propaganda can sever the people of Iran and Iraq."

Iran has accused its foes of deliberately stirring trouble in Iraq at a time when vast numbers of pilgrims are heading there for one of the world's largest religious events.

A top military adviser to Khamenei said those behind the unrest would be unable to deter the faithful, however.

"They want to scare people into not going to Arbaeen, but even if it rains arrows and stones, Hussein's lovers will not be afraid," Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency.

Arbaeen marks the end of the 40-day mourning period for the seventh-century killing of Imam Hussein by the forces of the Caliph Yazid.

Last week, Iran urged citizens who were planning to head to Iraq to delay their travel for the pilgrimage that culminates on October 17 with the Arbaeen commemoration.

On Monday, Iran reopened the Khosravi border crossing with Iraq following its closure last week as the protests raged.

IRNA said the fact that the "provocations" came ahead of Arbaeen showed Iran's enemies were "scared".

Judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi said those responsible for the unrest in Iraq aimed to undermine Arbaeen.

"The seditionists intend to undermine and sap enthusiasm for this great event," he said, quoted by state television's website.

"The vigilant people of Iraq exposed this sedition. But everyone must be careful. The seditionists are seeking new tricks at any moment to overshadow the Arbaeen ceremony and to undermine it."

The hardline Keyhan newspaper said "evidence" pointed to the Americans, Saudis and Israelis being involved.

A columnist in the reformist Shargh daily also suggested the Americans, Israelis and Saudis might be the "hidden hands" behind the Iraqi protests.

"Even if that is not the case, the chaotic and tense situation in Iraq today can prepare the grounds for these actors to ride the wave to fulfill their objectives and demands," wrote Abdelrahman Fathollahi.

Since they erupted a week ago, deadly protests in Iraq have been tracked closely in Iran where they are seen as a plot to undermine ties between the neighbours. Tehran has close but complicated relations with Baghdad, holding significant clout among its Shiite political groups.

Since they erupted a week ago, deadly protests in Iraq have been tracked closely in Iran where they are seen as a plot to undermine ties between the neighbours. Tehran has close but complicated relations with Baghdad, holding significant clout among its Shiite political groups. The two countries fought a devastating war from 1980 to 1988 and Iran's influence in Iraq grew after the US-led invasion toppled longtime dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003. Clashes that broke out in Iraq last week between protesters and security forces have claimed more than 100 lives, and wounded over 6,000, most of them demonstrators struck by bullets. The rallies began on Tuesday with calls to reduce corruption and unemployment but have spiralled into demands for the fall of the government and overhaul of the political system. A string of Iranian officials have since come out with statements accusing their country's arch-foes of being behind the unrest. "Enemies seek to sow discord but they've failed & their conspiracy won't be effective," supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said, quoted on his office's Twitter account. "Iran and #Iraq are two nations whose hearts & souls are tied together... This bond will grow stronger day by day," he added. State news agency IRNA said the supreme leader was reacting to the violence in Iraq. The official news agency weighed in with its own commentary, accusing the US, Saudi Arabia and Israel of stirring the Iraqi protests in order to spoil Iran's ties with Iraq and Syria. "Unprecedented protests in Iraqi cities... show that some forces inside and outside of the region are seriously concerned about the closeness and cooperation" of Baghdad, Tehran, and Damascus, it added. Iran's government spokesman Ali Rabiei opened his weekly news conference on Monday with a statement on the Iraqi crisis. He said there "are ill-wishers who seek to sabotage any opening between us and those neighbours who've had differences of opinions in recent years". The spokesman called on "the great people of Iraq to show more self-restraint and seek democratic and legal means to reach their demands. "As always, the Islamic Republic of Iran expresses its readiness to stand beside Iraqi brothers and sisters and help them. "No form of propaganda can sever the people of Iran and Iraq." Iran has accused its foes of deliberately stirring trouble in Iraq at a time when vast numbers of pilgrims are heading there for one of the world's largest religious events. A top military adviser to Khamenei said those behind the unrest would be unable to deter the faithful, however. "They want to scare people into not going to Arbaeen, but even if it rains arrows and stones, Hussein's lovers will not be afraid," Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency. Arbaeen marks the end of the 40-day mourning period for the seventh-century killing of Imam Hussein by the forces of the Caliph Yazid. Last week, Iran urged citizens who were planning to head to Iraq to delay their travel for the pilgrimage that culminates on October 17 with the Arbaeen commemoration. On Monday, Iran reopened the Khosravi border crossing with Iraq following its closure last week as the protests raged. IRNA said the fact that the "provocations" came ahead of Arbaeen showed Iran's enemies were "scared". Judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi said those responsible for the unrest in Iraq aimed to undermine Arbaeen. "The seditionists intend to undermine and sap enthusiasm for this great event," he said, quoted by state television's website. "The vigilant people of Iraq exposed this sedition. But everyone must be careful. The seditionists are seeking new tricks at any moment to overshadow the Arbaeen ceremony and to undermine it." The hardline Keyhan newspaper said "evidence" pointed to the Americans, Saudis and Israelis being involved. A columnist in the reformist Shargh daily also suggested the Americans, Israelis and Saudis might be the "hidden hands" behind the Iraqi protests. "Even if that is not the case, the chaotic and tense situation in Iraq today can prepare the grounds for these actors to ride the wave to fulfill their objectives and demands," wrote Abdelrahman Fathollahi.

For Iran, Iraq's unrest is plot to undo bilateral ties

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to visit India in October this year during which she will discuss bilateral issues including water sharing in common rivers, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said here on Sunday.

It will be Hasina's first visit to India after assuming office for the third consecutive term.

The dates will be finalised during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's two-day visit to Dhaka on August 20-21, Dhaka Tribune has reported.

The agenda of Hasina's visit will include discussion on all bilateral, regional and international issues, with a greater focus on the issue of sharing water from 54 trans-boundary rivers between the neighbours.

Previously, the Teesta water agreement was slated to be inked between the two countries on September 6, 2011, during the visit of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Dhaka. But the proposed deal was called off after repeated objections by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The water-sharing issue was once again discussed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Dhaka in June 2015. Prime Minister Modi had assured Shiekh Hasina that the waters of the river would be shared while looking forward to achieving a quick resolution to the issue.

India and Bangladesh share 54 common streams with the Teesta being a major one and the water sharing dispute between the two neighbours is not something new.

The Teesta River is a 309 km long river flowing through Sikkim.

It carves a way for itself through the verdant Himalayas in temperate and tropical river valleys and forms the border between Sikkim and West Bengal.

The flow of the river is crucial for Bangladesh from December to March for that they require 50 per cent of the river's water supply, while India claims a share of 55 per cent.

However, Momen denied media reports that India has sought land from Bangladesh to expand the Agartala airport in Tripura.

"I did not get any letter in this regard... I have no knowledge about it," he was quoted as saying.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to visit India in October this year during which she will discuss bilateral issues including water sharing in common rivers, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said here on Sunday.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to visit India in October this year during which she will discuss bilateral issues including water sharing in common rivers, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said here on Sunday. It will be Hasina's first visit to India after assuming office for the third consecutive term. The dates will be finalised during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's two-day visit to Dhaka on August 20-21, Dhaka Tribune has reported. The agenda of Hasina's visit will include discussion on all bilateral, regional and international issues, with a greater focus on the issue of sharing water from 54 trans-boundary rivers between the neighbours. Previously, the Teesta water agreement was slated to be inked between the two countries on September 6, 2011, during the visit of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Dhaka. But the proposed deal was called off after repeated objections by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The water-sharing issue was once again discussed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Dhaka in June 2015. Prime Minister Modi had assured Shiekh Hasina that the waters of the river would be shared while looking forward to achieving a quick resolution to the issue. India and Bangladesh share 54 common streams with the Teesta being a major one and the water sharing dispute between the two neighbours is not something new. The Teesta River is a 309 km long river flowing through Sikkim. It carves a way for itself through the verdant Himalayas in temperate and tropical river valleys and forms the border between Sikkim and West Bengal. The flow of the river is crucial for Bangladesh from December to March for that they require 50 per cent of the river's water supply, while India claims a share of 55 per cent. However, Momen denied media reports that India has sought land from Bangladesh to expand the Agartala airport in Tripura. "I did not get any letter in this regard... I have no knowledge about it," he was quoted as saying.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina to visit India in October to discuss bilateral issues

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will not sign any agreements or issue a joint statement at the Wuhan summit this week but they will try to build mutual trust and reach important consensus to resolve the outstanding issues, a top Chinese official said today.

Prime Minister Modi will travel to China on April 27 for an informal summit with President Xi in the central China's Wuhan city.

"Both sides have agreed not to sign an agreement or release any joint document but reach important consensus to resolve outstanding issues," Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou told the media here on the two-day summit.&nbsp

This informal summit is the first of its kind and there is no precedent in each other's country, he said, explaining why both the leaders opted to hold the summit.

"At the informal summit, the two leaders will have heart-to-heart discussions on overarching issues and try to build mutual trust and consensus to resolve outstanding differences," Kong said.

Asked whether the Doklam issue and the boundary dispute will figure in the talks, Kong said Doklam happened because of lack of trust.

"The two countries need to create conditions and trust between them to resolve the boundary issue," he added.

Prime Minister Modi will travel to China on April 27 for an informal summit with President Xi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will not sign any agreements or issue a joint statement at the Wuhan summit this week but they will try to build mutual trust and reach important consensus to resolve the outstanding issues, a top Chinese official said today. Prime Minister Modi will travel to China on April 27 for an informal summit with President Xi in the central China's Wuhan city. "Both sides have agreed not to sign an agreement or release any joint document but reach important consensus to resolve outstanding issues," Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou told the media here on the two-day summit. This informal summit is the first of its kind and there is no precedent in each other's country, he said, explaining why both the leaders opted to hold the summit. "At the informal summit, the two leaders will have heart-to-heart discussions on overarching issues and try to build mutual trust and consensus to resolve outstanding differences," Kong said. Asked whether the Doklam issue and the boundary dispute will figure in the talks, Kong said Doklam happened because of lack of trust. "The two countries need to create conditions and trust between them to resolve the boundary issue," he added.

Modi-Xi will not sign agreements at Wuhan Summit but build trust to resolve bilateral issues: China

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale held meetings with top State Department officials and discussed various bilateral issues, including a shared interest in the Indo-Pacific region and America&#39;s support for New Delhi&#39;s emergence as a leading power.

Gokhale, on his maiden visit to the US as India&#39;s top diplomat, met the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department yesterday.

&quot;They discussed US-India strategic cooperation, shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region, and US support for India&#39;s emergence as a leading power and security provider,&quot; a State Department Spokesperson told PTI.

Indian Ambassador to the US, Navtej Sarna, and Alice Wells, who is currently State Department&#39;s point person for South and Central Asia, were also present during the meeting.

No other details of the meeting were immediately available.

Gokhale&#39;s meetings in the tour were scheduled well in advance and were mainly meant to prepare for the first-ever two-plus-two dialogue between the two countries.

Officials from either side have not yet announced any dates of such a dialogue, but it was previously scheduled for some time in mid-April.

The launch of the two-plus-two dialogue was announced last summer when Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a successful meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House.

The dialogue involves External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and their American counterparts.

Trump fired Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and nominated CIA Director Mike Pompeo to replace him. Pompeo needs to be confirmed by the Senate before he can occupy the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale held meetings with top State Department officials and discussed various bilateral issues

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale held meetings with top State Department officials and discussed various bilateral issues, including a shared interest in the Indo-Pacific region and America's support for New Delhi's emergence as a leading power. Gokhale, on his maiden visit to the US as India's top diplomat, met the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department yesterday. "They discussed US-India strategic cooperation, shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region, and US support for India's emergence as a leading power and security provider," a State Department Spokesperson told PTI. Indian Ambassador to the US, Navtej Sarna, and Alice Wells, who is currently State Department's point person for South and Central Asia, were also present during the meeting. No other details of the meeting were immediately available. Gokhale's meetings in the tour were scheduled well in advance and were mainly meant to prepare for the first-ever two-plus-two dialogue between the two countries. Officials from either side have not yet announced any dates of such a dialogue, but it was previously scheduled for some time in mid-April. The launch of the two-plus-two dialogue was announced last summer when Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a successful meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House. The dialogue involves External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and their American counterparts. Trump fired Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and nominated CIA Director Mike Pompeo to replace him. Pompeo needs to be confirmed by the Senate before he can occupy the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale holds talks with US officials

United States Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster met the Foreign Secretary S&nbsp;Jaishankar on Friday to discuss the bilateral issues between two countries.

The discussion comes amid&nbsp;Trump&#39;s decision to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-blocks-usd-255-million-military-aid-to-pakistan-28291">block military aid</a> to Pakistan, saying that they have not taken the required steps to fight terrorism.&nbsp;

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Tuesday also said that the country has played a &quot;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-has-played-a-double-game-with-us-for-years-nikki-haley-28383">double game</a>&quot; with the United States for years.

State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert on Thursday announced that this decision would not change unless Pakistan gears up and takes necessary action against the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network.

&quot;No country has suffered more from terrorism than Pakistan. They understand that, but they still haven&#39;t taken the necessary steps,&quot; she said.&nbsp;

The United States earlier suspended its $255 million military aid to Pakistan for now, the White House had&nbsp;confirmed, saying the fate of such assistance will depend on Islamabad&#39;s response to terrorism on its soil.

The confirmation comes on the same day when US President Donald Trump accused Pakistan of giving nothing to the US but &quot;lies and deceit&quot; and providing &quot;safe haven&quot; to terrorists in return for $33 billion aid over the last 15 years.

However, the US is only stopping the security aid, the humanitarian assistance to Pakistan will continue.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

The discussion comes amid Trump's decision to block military aid to Pakistan, saying that they have not taken the required steps to fight terrorism

United States Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster met the Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar on Friday to discuss the bilateral issues between two countries. The discussion comes amid Trump's decision to block military aid to Pakistan, saying that they have not taken the required steps to fight terrorism. US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Tuesday also said that the country has played a "double game" with the United States for years. State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert on Thursday announced that this decision would not change unless Pakistan gears up and takes necessary action against the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network. "No country has suffered more from terrorism than Pakistan. They understand that, but they still haven't taken the necessary steps," she said. The United States earlier suspended its $255 million military aid to Pakistan for now, the White House had confirmed, saying the fate of such assistance will depend on Islamabad's response to terrorism on its soil. The confirmation comes on the same day when US President Donald Trump accused Pakistan of giving nothing to the US but "lies and deceit" and providing "safe haven" to terrorists in return for $33 billion aid over the last 15 years. However, the US is only stopping the security aid, the humanitarian assistance to Pakistan will continue. (With inputs from ANI)

US, India discuss bilateral issues amid military aid cut-off to Pakistan

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