<p>Nepal Foreign Minister Dr Narayan Khadka met his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Dr Ahmed Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in New York and both sides agreed to expedite pending agreements and work closely further for more cooperation and collaboration. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Leading the Nepali delegation to the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Khadka is on a visit to New York and is scheduled to address the UN on September 27. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>“The two sides discussed various matters of common concern, ranging from migrant workers to promotion of trade, tourism and investment. The two ministers agreed to expedite pending agreements and further work closely for more cooperation and collaboration, including through exchange in high-level visits,” Nepal foreign ministry said in a statement. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the sidelines of the UNGA, the foreign minister also had a meeting with UN USG for Department of Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and exchanged views to further strengthen the existing cooperation between Nepal and the United Nations in UN peacekeeping operations. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nobel-peace-prize-winner-malala-yousafzai-asks-world-to-secure-afghan-womens-rights-415775" hreflang="en">Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai asks world to secure Afghan women's rights</a></strong></p>

<p>During the meeting, the Foreign Minister Khadka reiterated Nepal’s call to increase the number of Nepali peacekeepers and ensure its presence at the higher posts in the field and UN headquarters. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier on Thursday, the foreign minister and his delegation were welcomed at the John F Kennedy International Airport by Amrit Bahadur Rai, ambassador or permanent representative of Nepal to the UN, and other officials of the permanent mission and consulate general of Nepal in New York. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-can-be-partners-in-peace-for-us-pakistan-says-prime-minister-imran-khan-415746" hreflang="en">Taliban can be partners in peace for US, Pakistan, says Prime Minister Imran Khan</a></strong></p>

<p>On the same day, Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari had appointed Khadka as the country’s foreign minister on the recommendation of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba.&nbsp;</p>


Nepal Foreign Minister Dr Narayan Khadka met his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Dr Ahmed Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in New York and both sides agreed to expedite pending agreements and work closely further for more cooperation and collaboration.

Nepal Foreign Minister Dr Narayan Khadka met his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Dr Ahmed Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in New York and both sides agreed to expedite pending agreements and work closely further for more cooperation and collaboration. Leading the Nepali delegation to the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Khadka is on a visit to New York and is scheduled to address the UN on September 27. Watch: × “The two sides discussed various matters of common concern, ranging from migrant workers to promotion of trade, tourism and investment. The two ministers agreed to expedite pending agreements and further work closely for more cooperation and collaboration, including through exchange in high-level visits,” Nepal foreign ministry said in a statement. On the sidelines of the UNGA, the foreign minister also had a meeting with UN USG for Department of Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and exchanged views to further strengthen the existing cooperation between Nepal and the United Nations in UN peacekeeping operations. Also Read: Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai asks world to secure Afghan women's rights During the meeting, the Foreign Minister Khadka reiterated Nepal’s call to increase the number of Nepali peacekeepers and ensure its presence at the higher posts in the field and UN headquarters. Earlier on Thursday, the foreign minister and his delegation were welcomed at the John F Kennedy International Airport by Amrit Bahadur Rai, ambassador or permanent representative of Nepal to the UN, and other officials of the permanent mission and consulate general of Nepal in New York. Also Read: Taliban can be partners in peace for US, Pakistan, says Prime Minister Imran Khan On the same day, Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari had appointed Khadka as the country’s foreign minister on the recommendation of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba.

Nepal foreign minister holds bilateral talks with Kuwaiti counterpart, others on sidelines of UNGA 2021

The Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi has arrived in Ankara for an official visit with his Turkish counterpart. Wang Yi met Turkish FM for bilateral talks and is expected to meet the country's President later.

Chinese FM Wang Yi meets Turkish counterpart in Ankara

Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that there will be no bilateral talks or meetings between Armenia & Azerbaijan during the Geneva talks on (Friday) October 30, 2020.

Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict: No bilateral talks between diplomats during Geneva

WION in an exclusive conversation spoke with South Asia Bureau chief for Financial Times Amy Kazmin on Donald Trump's India visit.

WION exclusive conversation with Amy Kazmin on Trump's India visit

<p>Nepal and China on Monday exchanged three agreements following bilateral talks between the Nepalese Minister of Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali and his visiting Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.</p>

<p>The two countries have seen closer ties after KP Sharma Oli came into power as Nepal's Prime Minister for the second time.</p>

<p>As per the first agreement, China would build a well-equipped hospital in the Manang District of Nepal which is estimated to cost around 350 million Nepalese rupees.</p>

<p>The second agreement will see Beijing providing 5,000 sets of tarpaulins to Nepal, which would be used during the time of emergencies.</p>

<p>The third agreement is aimed at sending volunteer teachers to Nepal from China shortly.</p>

<p>With the signing of the agreement, Nepalese schools would start teaching the Mandarin language.</p>

<p>A few schools close to the Chinese Mission in Nepal had already started teaching the language earlier.</p>

<p>During his three-day visit, the Chinese Foreign Minister also announced 16 Million Nepalese rupees for flood victims in the landlocked nation.</p>

<p>The senior Nepalese officials and ministers present during the bilateral talks included Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Finance Minister Yuba Raj Khatiwada, Nepal's Ambassador to China Leela Mani Poudyal, Foreign Secretary Shankar Das Bairagi, Finance Secretary Rajan Khanal and the Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kali Prasad Pokharel, to name a few.</p>

<p>The Chinese side was led by Foreign Minister Wang Yi and included Chinese Foreign Secretary Lu Zhoubi, China's ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi, Vice-Chair of ChineseInternational Development Cooperation Agency, officials of the Asia Department at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other senior officials.</p>

<p>Wang arrived in Nepal on September 8 and is scheduled to return on September 10.</p>


Nepal and China on Monday exchanged three agreements following bilateral talks between the Nepalese Minister of Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali and his visiting Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

Nepal and China on Monday exchanged three agreements following bilateral talks between the Nepalese Minister of Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali and his visiting Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. The two countries have seen closer ties after KP Sharma Oli came into power as Nepal's Prime Minister for the second time. As per the first agreement, China would build a well-equipped hospital in the Manang District of Nepal which is estimated to cost around 350 million Nepalese rupees. The second agreement will see Beijing providing 5,000 sets of tarpaulins to Nepal, which would be used during the time of emergencies. The third agreement is aimed at sending volunteer teachers to Nepal from China shortly. With the signing of the agreement, Nepalese schools would start teaching the Mandarin language. A few schools close to the Chinese Mission in Nepal had already started teaching the language earlier. During his three-day visit, the Chinese Foreign Minister also announced 16 Million Nepalese rupees for flood victims in the landlocked nation. The senior Nepalese officials and ministers present during the bilateral talks included Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Finance Minister Yuba Raj Khatiwada, Nepal's Ambassador to China Leela Mani Poudyal, Foreign Secretary Shankar Das Bairagi, Finance Secretary Rajan Khanal and the Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kali Prasad Pokharel, to name a few. The Chinese side was led by Foreign Minister Wang Yi and included Chinese Foreign Secretary Lu Zhoubi, China's ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi, Vice-Chair of ChineseInternational Development Cooperation Agency, officials of the Asia Department at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other senior officials. Wang arrived in Nepal on September 8 and is scheduled to return on September 10.

Nepal, China ink 3 agreements during Chinese FM's visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for France as part of his tri-nation tour. He will hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron during his two-day state visit to France from August 22 with an aim to strengthen cooperation in the fields of defence, maritime security, counter-terrorism, and civil nuclear energy along with robust trade and investment relations. From France, the prime minister will leave for a bilateral visit to UAE and Bahrain and will return to Biarritz city in France to attend the G7 summit.

PM Modi leaves for France as part of tri-nation tour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron during his two-day state visit to France from August 22 with an aim to strengthen cooperation in the fields of defence, maritime security, counter-terrorism, and civil nuclear energy along with robust trade and investment relations. From France, the prime minister will leave for a bilateral visit to UAE and Bahrain and will return to Biarritz city in France to attend the G7 summit.

PM Modi to embark on tri-nation tour to France, UAE & Bahrain

U.S seeks increased Defence cooperation with India

US Pushes for better ties with India

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-meets-saudi-crown-prince-salman-at-g20-summit-in-japans-osaka-discusses-counter-terrorism-231041">Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday</a> held bilateral talks with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Japan's Osaka.</p>

<p>"A natural partnership strengthened by historical ties. On the margins of #G20 Summit PM @narendramodi had a good meeting with President of Republic of Korea," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A natural partnership strengthened by historical ties.<br />
<br />
On the margins of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20</a> Summit PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> had a good meeting with President of Republic of Korea, <a href="https://twitter.com/moonriver365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@moonriver365</a>. Expressed mutual desire to synergize our Act East Policy with South Korea's New Southern Policy. <a href="https://t.co/CWCujq4ibj">pic.twitter.com/CWCujq4ibj</a></p>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1144464433751572480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>During their meeting, the two leaders expressed mutual desire to synergise India's Act East Policy with South Korea's New Southern Policy.</p>

<p>The main focus of India's Act East Policy is to shift the country's trading focus from the west and neighbours to the booming South East Asian countries.</p>

<p>The Moon administration's 'New Southern Policy' focuses on South Korea's development of its relations with Southeast Asia and ASEAN.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Modi raises Iran, 5G, Bilateral ties and Defence</strong></p>

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<p>After the meeting, PM Modi tweeted saying, "It is always special to meet my good friend, President Moon Jae-in. He is extremely passionate about furthering friendship between India and the Republic of Korea. Today, we talked about various steps to enhance trade, economic and people-to-people relations."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is always special to meet my good friend, President Moon Jae-in. He is extremely passionate about furthering friendship between India and the Republic of Korea. Today, we talked about various steps to enhance trade, economic and people-to-people relations. <a href="https://twitter.com/moonriver365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@moonriver365</a> <a href="https://t.co/N6bfD4zLxL">pic.twitter.com/N6bfD4zLxL</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1144480927579426818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>PM Modi also held bilateral talks with Crown Prince Salman and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-trilateral-meeting-with-us-president-trump-japan-pm-abe-231016">US President Donald Trump</a>.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held bilateral talks with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Japan's Osaka. "A natural partnership strengthened by historical ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held bilateral talks with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Japan's Osaka. "A natural partnership strengthened by historical ties. On the margins of #G20 Summit PM @narendramodi had a good meeting with President of Republic of Korea," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. A natural partnership strengthened by historical ties. On the margins of #G20 Summit PM @narendramodi had a good meeting with President of Republic of Korea, @moonriver365. Expressed mutual desire to synergize our Act East Policy with South Korea's New Southern Policy. pic.twitter.com/CWCujq4ibj — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 28, 2019 × During their meeting, the two leaders expressed mutual desire to synergise India's Act East Policy with South Korea's New Southern Policy. The main focus of India's Act East Policy is to shift the country's trading focus from the west and neighbours to the booming South East Asian countries. The Moon administration's 'New Southern Policy' focuses on South Korea's development of its relations with Southeast Asia and ASEAN. Watch: Modi raises Iran, 5G, Bilateral ties and Defence After the meeting, PM Modi tweeted saying, "It is always special to meet my good friend, President Moon Jae-in. He is extremely passionate about furthering friendship between India and the Republic of Korea. Today, we talked about various steps to enhance trade, economic and people-to-people relations." It is always special to meet my good friend, President Moon Jae-in. He is extremely passionate about furthering friendship between India and the Republic of Korea. Today, we talked about various steps to enhance trade, economic and people-to-people relations. @moonriver365 pic.twitter.com/N6bfD4zLxL — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 28, 2019 × PM Modi also held bilateral talks with Crown Prince Salman and US President Donald Trump.

PM Modi holds bilateral talks with South Korean President Moon Jae-in at G20 Summit in Japan's Osaka

Shinzo Abe said that Japan-U.S ties the key to building a better society

G20 Summit: Trump-Abe bilateral on G20 Summit sidelines

Arun Singh, Former Indian Ambassador to the U.S. speaks on Modi-Trump Bilateral Talks on Sidelines of G20 Summit

G20 Summit: Arun Singh, Former Indian Ambassador to the U.S. speaks on Modi-Trump Bilateral Talks

<p>Swiss authorities are in process of sharing details of at least 50 Indian nationals having accounts in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/switzerland-steps-up-process-to-share-banking-information-11-indians-get-notices-in-a-day-221821">Switzerland-based banks</a>, with regulatory and enforcement agencies in the two countries tightening their noose on individuals suspected to have amassed illicit wealth.</p>

<p>These individuals largely include businessmen associated with companies, including the dummy ones, in sectors ranging from real estate, financial services, technology and telecom to paints, home decoration, textiles, engineering goods, gems and jewellery.</p>

<p>Officials involved in the process of mutual administrative assistance between the two countries said.</p>

<p>Switzerland has been striving hard for the past few years to shed a long-standing perception of it being a safe haven for black money, while the issue has been a politically sensitive one in India as well.</p>

<p>When the Modi government first came to power in 2014, it had termed the crackdown on the black money, including those allegedly parked in Swiss banks, as a key focus area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since then, the two countries have strengthened their framework for the exchange of information in cases of financial wrongdoings, including by signing the global automatic exchange of information framework.</p>

<p>The two countries have also strengthened their bilateral pact on this front and the economic considerations for boosting the bilateral economic ties have further helped increase the cooperation when it comes to bringing to book the people with dubious records, especially in amassing illicit wealth.</p>

<p>Citing the federal gazette notifications issued by the Swiss government to the concerned individuals, the officials said at least 50 Indian nationals have been issued notices in the past few weeks giving them one final opportunity to appeal against proposed sharing of their details with the Indian authorities.</p>

<p>Some of these notices have followed after the preliminary appeals by the concerned clients of Swiss banks have already been rejected due to inadequate supporting facts and documents, leaving a limited chance of their further pleas getting heard, officials said.</p>

<p>They said the sharing of details of Indian clients of Swiss banks with dubious records, showing suspected illegalities in amassing of funds deposited there, has been a continuing process in the recent months.</p>

<p>While details of more than 100 Indians nationals have been shared in the past one year by the Swiss government with the Indian authorities, there is a high chance that a large majority of the cases currently under scrutiny would result in the administrative assistance being provided in the coming months, officials said.</p>

<p>Under the Swiss laws, foreign clients of Swiss banks are given an opportunity to appeal against proposed sharing of their details within 30 days (only 10 days in some cases) after a country with a mutual assistance treaty, or party to the multilateral information exchange framework, seeks the details while giving sufficient proof of suspected financial wrongdoings.</p>

<p>While the Swiss government federal gazette notifications are made public when a foreign client is given an appealing opportunity, in some cases their full names are redacted due to some secrecy clauses and only a few details such as their initials, date of birth and the nationality are made public.</p>

<p>An analysis of such weekly notifications issued since the beginning of this year shows that Indian nationals have figured among these notices virtually every week, though full names have been redacted in a majority of the cases.</p>

<p>The full names that have been made public in recent weeks in the Swiss government federal gazette include Krishna Bhagwan Ramchand, Potluri Rajamohan Rao, Kalpesh Harshad Kinariwala, Kuldip Singh Dhingra, Bhaskaran Nalini, Lalitaben Chimanbhai Patel, Sanjay Dalmia, Pankaj Kumar Saraogi, Anil Bhardwaj, Tharani Renu Tikamdas, Mahesh Tikamdas Tharani, Savani Vijay Kanaiyalal, Bhaskaran Tharur, Kalpeshbhai Patel Mahendrabhai, Ajoy Kumar and Dinesh Kumar Himatsingka, Ratan Singh Chowdhury and Kathotia Rakesh Kumar.</p>

<p>However, there are many more cases where only initials have been disclosed for Indian nationals and these include NMA, MMA, PAS, RAS, ABKI, APS, ASBK, MLA, ADS, RPN, MCS, JNV, JD, AD, UG, YA, DM, SLS, UL, SS, RN, VL, UL, OPL, PM, PKK, BLS, SKN and JKJ.</p>

<p>Several of these persons and their companies are said to be based in Kolkata, Gujarat, Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai.</p>

<p>While a large number of Indians have been issued notices in recent weeks with Switzerland stepping up its process to share details of such individuals, many more such notices are in the offing in coming weeks as India has sought details about a large number of Indian clients of Swiss banks who are suspected to have indulged in illicit financial activities.</p>

<p>These include people whose names figured in the HSBC and Panama lists, as also those being probed by the Income Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate among other agencies.</p>

<p>While Switzerland has always denied being a safe haven for black money, it has begun sharing details in recent years with several countries including India after submission of evidence about financial and tax-related wrongdoings of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/55-businessmen-of-nepal-have-stashed-billions-in-swiss-banks-cij-190961">Swiss bank</a> clients.</p>

<p>Besides, a new global framework of automatic information exchange is now in place, which Switzerland's State Secretariat for International Finance (SIF) believes will increase transparency and prevent cross-border tax evasion.</p>


Swiss authorities are in process of sharing details of at least 50 Indian nationals having accounts in Switzerland-based banks, with regulatory and enforcement agencies in the two countries tightening their noose on individuals suspected to have amassed illicit wealth.

Swiss authorities are in process of sharing details of at least 50 Indian nationals having accounts in Switzerland-based banks, with regulatory and enforcement agencies in the two countries tightening their noose on individuals suspected to have amassed illicit wealth. These individuals largely include businessmen associated with companies, including the dummy ones, in sectors ranging from real estate, financial services, technology and telecom to paints, home decoration, textiles, engineering goods, gems and jewellery. Officials involved in the process of mutual administrative assistance between the two countries said. Switzerland has been striving hard for the past few years to shed a long-standing perception of it being a safe haven for black money, while the issue has been a politically sensitive one in India as well. When the Modi government first came to power in 2014, it had termed the crackdown on the black money, including those allegedly parked in Swiss banks, as a key focus area. Since then, the two countries have strengthened their framework for the exchange of information in cases of financial wrongdoings, including by signing the global automatic exchange of information framework. The two countries have also strengthened their bilateral pact on this front and the economic considerations for boosting the bilateral economic ties have further helped increase the cooperation when it comes to bringing to book the people with dubious records, especially in amassing illicit wealth. Citing the federal gazette notifications issued by the Swiss government to the concerned individuals, the officials said at least 50 Indian nationals have been issued notices in the past few weeks giving them one final opportunity to appeal against proposed sharing of their details with the Indian authorities. Some of these notices have followed after the preliminary appeals by the concerned clients of Swiss banks have already been rejected due to inadequate supporting facts and documents, leaving a limited chance of their further pleas getting heard, officials said. They said the sharing of details of Indian clients of Swiss banks with dubious records, showing suspected illegalities in amassing of funds deposited there, has been a continuing process in the recent months. While details of more than 100 Indians nationals have been shared in the past one year by the Swiss government with the Indian authorities, there is a high chance that a large majority of the cases currently under scrutiny would result in the administrative assistance being provided in the coming months, officials said. Under the Swiss laws, foreign clients of Swiss banks are given an opportunity to appeal against proposed sharing of their details within 30 days (only 10 days in some cases) after a country with a mutual assistance treaty, or party to the multilateral information exchange framework, seeks the details while giving sufficient proof of suspected financial wrongdoings. While the Swiss government federal gazette notifications are made public when a foreign client is given an appealing opportunity, in some cases their full names are redacted due to some secrecy clauses and only a few details such as their initials, date of birth and the nationality are made public. An analysis of such weekly notifications issued since the beginning of this year shows that Indian nationals have figured among these notices virtually every week, though full names have been redacted in a majority of the cases. The full names that have been made public in recent weeks in the Swiss government federal gazette include Krishna Bhagwan Ramchand, Potluri Rajamohan Rao, Kalpesh Harshad Kinariwala, Kuldip Singh Dhingra, Bhaskaran Nalini, Lalitaben Chimanbhai Patel, Sanjay Dalmia, Pankaj Kumar Saraogi, Anil Bhardwaj, Tharani Renu Tikamdas, Mahesh Tikamdas Tharani, Savani Vijay Kanaiyalal, Bhaskaran Tharur, Kalpeshbhai Patel Mahendrabhai, Ajoy Kumar and Dinesh Kumar Himatsingka, Ratan Singh Chowdhury and Kathotia Rakesh Kumar. However, there are many more cases where only initials have been disclosed for Indian nationals and these include NMA, MMA, PAS, RAS, ABKI, APS, ASBK, MLA, ADS, RPN, MCS, JNV, JD, AD, UG, YA, DM, SLS, UL, SS, RN, VL, UL, OPL, PM, PKK, BLS, SKN and JKJ. Several of these persons and their companies are said to be based in Kolkata, Gujarat, Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai. While a large number of Indians have been issued notices in recent weeks with Switzerland stepping up its process to share details of such individuals, many more such notices are in the offing in coming weeks as India has sought details about a large number of Indian clients of Swiss banks who are suspected to have indulged in illicit financial activities. These include people whose names figured in the HSBC and Panama lists, as also those being probed by the Income Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate among other agencies. While Switzerland has always denied being a safe haven for black money, it has begun sharing details in recent years with several countries including India after submission of evidence about financial and tax-related wrongdoings of the Swiss bank clients. Besides, a new global framework of automatic information exchange is now in place, which Switzerland's State Secretariat for International Finance (SIF) believes will increase transparency and prevent cross-border tax evasion.

Black money chase: Noose tightens on Swiss accounts; 50 Indians get notices

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-taking-oath-pm-modi-holds-bilateral-talks-with-kyrgyzstan-president-223008">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> Friday held separate meetings with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, exploring ways to further strengthen bilateral ties.</p>

<p>A day after taking charge as prime minister for a second term, Modi also held extensive talks with Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid and PM of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth.</p>

<p>The foreign leaders came to India to attend Modi's swearing-in ceremony.</p>

<p>In the meeting between Modi and Sirisena, both leaders noted that terrorism and extremism continue to pose threat to humanity and expressed commitment for closer bilateral cooperation for peace and security in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region, the external affairs ministry said.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka was hit by a wave of bombings last month in which over 250 people were killed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: All-new Narendra Modi govt to hold its first Cabinet meet</strong></p>

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<p>"Modi warmly thanked President Sirisena for his gesture of attending the ceremony and also for his good wishes. He conveyed his government's continued commitment to further foster friendly bilateral ties with Sri Lanka," the MEA said.</p>

<p>On the meeting between Modi and Jugnauth, it said both leaders agreed to work together to achieve the shared vision of security and growth of the two countries and the Indian Ocean region.</p>

<p>"Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Jugnauth and reiterated his commitment to further strengthening the fraternal and enduring bilateral ties between the two countries in all spheres," said the MEA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi also held talks with his Nepal counterpart K P Sharma Oli during which both leaders expressed their commitment in further deepening relations.</p>

<p>On Modi's talks with Bhutanese PM Tshering, the MEA said the two leaders discussed bilateral commitments and agreed to further solidify the traditionally strong ties.</p>

<p>The prime minister also held a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid during which they exchanged views on matters of mutual interest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his first engagement after being sworn in, the prime minister held a meeting with Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov, who attended the oath taking ceremony as the Chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.</p>

<p>"Recalling that India and Kyrgyzstan have warm and friendly relations, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction at the strengthening of bilateral cooperation over the years," the MEA said.</p>

<p>India invited leaders of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) countries as well as Jeenbekov and Jugnauth for Modi's swearing-in ceremony.</p>

<p>Besides India, BIMSTEC comprises Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan.</p>

<p>In 2014, Modi had invited all SAARC leaders, including the then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his swearing-in ceremony, in a major initiative to reach out to the neighbourhood.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, this time, the BIMSTEC leaders were invited, which was seen as an attempt to avoid inviting Pakistan for the event.</p>

<p>Founded in 1997, BIMSTEC currently represents over 1.5 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of $3.5 trillion.&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday held separate meetings with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, exploring ways to further strengthen bilateral ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday held separate meetings with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, exploring ways to further strengthen bilateral ties. A day after taking charge as prime minister for a second term, Modi also held extensive talks with Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid and PM of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth. The foreign leaders came to India to attend Modi's swearing-in ceremony. In the meeting between Modi and Sirisena, both leaders noted that terrorism and extremism continue to pose threat to humanity and expressed commitment for closer bilateral cooperation for peace and security in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region, the external affairs ministry said. Sri Lanka was hit by a wave of bombings last month in which over 250 people were killed. Watch: All-new Narendra Modi govt to hold its first Cabinet meet × "Modi warmly thanked President Sirisena for his gesture of attending the ceremony and also for his good wishes. He conveyed his government's continued commitment to further foster friendly bilateral ties with Sri Lanka," the MEA said. On the meeting between Modi and Jugnauth, it said both leaders agreed to work together to achieve the shared vision of security and growth of the two countries and the Indian Ocean region. "Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Jugnauth and reiterated his commitment to further strengthening the fraternal and enduring bilateral ties between the two countries in all spheres," said the MEA. Modi also held talks with his Nepal counterpart K P Sharma Oli during which both leaders expressed their commitment in further deepening relations. On Modi's talks with Bhutanese PM Tshering, the MEA said the two leaders discussed bilateral commitments and agreed to further solidify the traditionally strong ties. The prime minister also held a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid during which they exchanged views on matters of mutual interest. In his first engagement after being sworn in, the prime minister held a meeting with Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov, who attended the oath taking ceremony as the Chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. "Recalling that India and Kyrgyzstan have warm and friendly relations, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction at the strengthening of bilateral cooperation over the years," the MEA said. India invited leaders of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) countries as well as Jeenbekov and Jugnauth for Modi's swearing-in ceremony. Besides India, BIMSTEC comprises Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan. In 2014, Modi had invited all SAARC leaders, including the then Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his swearing-in ceremony, in a major initiative to reach out to the neighbourhood. However, this time, the BIMSTEC leaders were invited, which was seen as an attempt to avoid inviting Pakistan for the event. Founded in 1997, BIMSTEC currently represents over 1.5 billion people and having a combined gross domestic product of $3.5 trillion.

PM holds bilateral talks with BIMSTEC leaders; focus on boosting ties

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday India and Israel &quot;can shape a future together&quot; by combining the &quot;brilliant people&quot; of the two countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;You have brilliant people in India. We have brilliant people in Israel. What we can do is shape the future together,&quot; Netanyahu said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I believe in India,&quot; he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Netanyahu was addressing a forum of Indian and Israeli CEOs in New Delhi alongwith&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the second day of his six-day India visit.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You have brilliant people in India. We have brilliant people in Israel. What we can do, is shape the future together. I believe in India. I came here to say today thank you PM Modi for believing in Israel, we believe in India: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BenjaminNetanyahu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BenjaminNetanyahu</a> PM of Israel <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NetanyahuInIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NetanyahuInIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/GGNMbiGazS">pic.twitter.com/GGNMbiGazS</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/952914180260052992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;There is not going to be anymore distinction between high-tech and low-tech because at the end everything is going to be technology,&quot; said Netanyahu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;We have 500 start-up companies that receive $500 bn investment every year,&quot; he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There is not going to be anymore distinction between high tech &amp; low tech because at the end everything is going to be technology: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BenjaminNetanyahu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BenjaminNetanyahu</a> PM of Israel <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NetanyahuInIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NetanyahuInIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/TGfrhkOO3L">pic.twitter.com/TGfrhkOO3L</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/952912899227267072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Speaking at the event, Modi stressed on cooperation between business and industry for the success of the nation.</p>

<p>Narendra Modi also invited Israeli businesses and companies to come and work in India.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India&rsquo;s development agenda is huge. It presents a vast economic opportunity for Israeli companies. I invite more &amp; more Israeli people, businesses &amp; companies to come &amp; work in India. Along with Govt &amp; people, the business community of India too is keen to join hands: PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/gScHdXMHN4">pic.twitter.com/gScHdXMHN4</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/952919065961553920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Along with the government and people, the business community of India is keen to join hands,&quot; Modi said.</p>

<p>He added that in India &quot;we have been taking steady steps over three years at both macro as well as micro-level to make difference. Our motto is-reform, perform and transform.&quot;</p>

<p>Netanyahu and Modi had held bilateral talks earlier in the day.</p>

<p>Following the delegation-level talks, the two leaders signed&nbsp;nine agreements in order to boost cooperation in key areas such as cybersecurity and gas and oil.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


'You have brilliant people in India. We have brilliant people in Israel. What we can do is shape the future together,' Netanyahu said

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday India and Israel "can shape a future together" by combining the "brilliant people" of the two countries. "You have brilliant people in India. We have brilliant people in Israel. What we can do is shape the future together," Netanyahu said. "I believe in India," he added. Netanyahu was addressing a forum of Indian and Israeli CEOs in New Delhi alongwith Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the second day of his six-day India visit. You have brilliant people in India. We have brilliant people in Israel. What we can do, is shape the future together. I believe in India. I came here to say today thank you PM Modi for believing in Israel, we believe in India: #BenjaminNetanyahu PM of Israel #NetanyahuInIndia pic.twitter.com/GGNMbiGazS — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2018 × "There is not going to be anymore distinction between high-tech and low-tech because at the end everything is going to be technology," said Netanyahu. "We have 500 start-up companies that receive $500 bn investment every year," he added. There is not going to be anymore distinction between high tech & low tech because at the end everything is going to be technology: #BenjaminNetanyahu PM of Israel #NetanyahuInIndia pic.twitter.com/TGfrhkOO3L — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2018 × Speaking at the event, Modi stressed on cooperation between business and industry for the success of the nation. Narendra Modi also invited Israeli businesses and companies to come and work in India. India’s development agenda is huge. It presents a vast economic opportunity for Israeli companies. I invite more & more Israeli people, businesses & companies to come & work in India. Along with Govt & people, the business community of India too is keen to join hands: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/gScHdXMHN4 — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2018 × "Along with the government and people, the business community of India is keen to join hands," Modi said. He added that in India "we have been taking steady steps over three years at both macro as well as micro-level to make difference. Our motto is-reform, perform and transform." Netanyahu and Modi had held bilateral talks earlier in the day. Following the delegation-level talks, the two leaders signed nine agreements in order to boost cooperation in key areas such as cybersecurity and gas and oil.

India and Israel can shape the future together, says Israeli PM Netanyahu

<p>The External Affairs minister, Sushma Swaraj, has said that the government of India was in touch with Pakistan through diplomatic channels.</p>

<p>In a written reply to Lok Sabha, the minister said that &quot;the governments of India and Pakistan remained in touch through bilateral diplomatic channels, including for addressing all urgent humanitarian and other matters concerning people-to- people ties&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The minister said that the talks between the foreign secretaries of the two countries to decide the modalities of the Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue, agreed during her visit to Islamabad in December 2015, could not take place due to the terrorist attack on Pathankot airbase in January last year.</p>

<p>&quot;The government was also able to effectively neutralise Pakistan&#39;s efforts to internationalise Kashmir issue, and conveyed to India&#39;s interlocutors that normalisation of India-Pakistan relations through a peaceful bilateral dialogue can take place only in a conducive environment free from violence and terrorism,&quot; Swaraj said.</p>

<p>The Indian foreign secretary, S. Jaishankar, in exchange of letters with his Pakistani counterpart Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry last year, made it clear that the talks could go ahead only if Pakistan is willing to take action on terrorists responsible for the Pathankot airbase attack and the 2008 Mumbai attack. He also said that Pakistan will have to vacate from the illegally occupied parts of Jammu and Kashmir. &nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from PTI)</p>


Swaraj said that the two governments were in touch through bilateral diplomatic channels addressing humanitarian, people-to-people concerns

The External Affairs minister, Sushma Swaraj, has said that the government of India was in touch with Pakistan through diplomatic channels. In a written reply to Lok Sabha, the minister said that "the governments of India and Pakistan remained in touch through bilateral diplomatic channels, including for addressing all urgent humanitarian and other matters concerning people-to- people ties". The minister said that the talks between the foreign secretaries of the two countries to decide the modalities of the Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue, agreed during her visit to Islamabad in December 2015, could not take place due to the terrorist attack on Pathankot airbase in January last year. "The government was also able to effectively neutralise Pakistan's efforts to internationalise Kashmir issue, and conveyed to India's interlocutors that normalisation of India-Pakistan relations through a peaceful bilateral dialogue can take place only in a conducive environment free from violence and terrorism," Swaraj said. The Indian foreign secretary, S. Jaishankar, in exchange of letters with his Pakistani counterpart Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry last year, made it clear that the talks could go ahead only if Pakistan is willing to take action on terrorists responsible for the Pathankot airbase attack and the 2008 Mumbai attack. He also said that Pakistan will have to vacate from the illegally occupied parts of Jammu and Kashmir. (WION with inputs from PTI)

India, Pakistan remained in touch through diplomatic channel: India's foreign minister

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe in New Delhi on Wednesday ahead of bilateral discussions.&nbsp;Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted about the meeting at Hyderabad House in India&#39;s capital.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Furthering partnerships with a valued neighbour. PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi">@narendramodi</a> meets Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe <a href="https://twitter.com/RW_UNP">@RW_UNP</a> at Hyderabad House <a href="https://t.co/MJ25yWUedX">pic.twitter.com/MJ25yWUedX</a></p>
&mdash; Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/783577356430553088">October 5, 2016</a></blockquote>

<p>Prime Minister Wickremesinghe is in India on a three-day bilateral visit. He will also call on President Pranab Mukherjee while he&#39;s in India.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, India&#39;s foreign minister Sushma Swaraj had met Wickremesinghe.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka became the fifth country to pull out of the regional SAARC summit on September 30. India was the first country to pull out of the SAARC summit, a move made in response to the&nbsp;attack&nbsp;of an Army camp in&nbsp;Kashmir, near the town of&nbsp;Uri, by&nbsp;terrorists from&nbsp;Pakistan. It was a step to diplomatically isolate Islamabad.</p>

<p>As the New Indian Express reports,&nbsp;Sri Lanka&nbsp;encouraged&nbsp;India and Pakistan to work towards peace, saying&nbsp;the future of the regional grouping SAARC may hang in the balance.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
&quot;Cross-border terrorism is on the table. SAARC has to look at it and discuss what has happened (cancellation of the SAARC meet). How we are going to handle it...SAARC has to decide on two issues:&nbsp;cross-border terrorism and areas in which we can work together.&nbsp;If we don&#39;t do it, there is no future for SAARC,&quot; Wickremesinghe said following his&nbsp;meeting with the Indian Prime Minister.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Wickremesinghe also agreed that the India-Pakistan rivalry had already impacted the functioning of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.</p>

<p>After India pulled out of&nbsp;this year&#39;s&nbsp;SAARC summit, so too did&nbsp;Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan, leaving only the current SAARC chair Nepal, and the host country Pakistan and the Maldives.&nbsp;The 19th SAARC summit was scheduled to be held from 9th to 10th November 2016 in Islamabad, Pakistan.</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


Prime Minister Wickremesinghe is in India on a three-day visit, where he spoke of the impact of the recent terrorist strikes from Pakistan

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe in New Delhi on Wednesday ahead of bilateral discussions. Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted about the meeting at Hyderabad House in India's capital. Furthering partnerships with a valued neighbour. PM @narendramodi meets Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe @RW_UNP at Hyderabad House pic.twitter.com/MJ25yWUedX — Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) October 5, 2016 Prime Minister Wickremesinghe is in India on a three-day bilateral visit. He will also call on President Pranab Mukherjee while he's in India. On Tuesday, India's foreign minister Sushma Swaraj had met Wickremesinghe. Sri Lanka became the fifth country to pull out of the regional SAARC summit on September 30. India was the first country to pull out of the SAARC summit, a move made in response to the attack of an Army camp in Kashmir, near the town of Uri, by terrorists from Pakistan. It was a step to diplomatically isolate Islamabad. As the New Indian Express reports, Sri Lanka encouraged India and Pakistan to work towards peace, saying the future of the regional grouping SAARC may hang in the balance. "Cross-border terrorism is on the table. SAARC has to look at it and discuss what has happened (cancellation of the SAARC meet). How we are going to handle it...SAARC has to decide on two issues: cross-border terrorism and areas in which we can work together. If we don't do it, there is no future for SAARC," Wickremesinghe said following his meeting with the Indian Prime Minister. Prime Minister Wickremesinghe also agreed that the India-Pakistan rivalry had already impacted the functioning of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. After India pulled out of this year's SAARC summit, so too did Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan, leaving only the current SAARC chair Nepal, and the host country Pakistan and the Maldives. The 19th SAARC summit was scheduled to be held from 9th to 10th November 2016 in Islamabad, Pakistan. (WION)

Indian PM Modi meets Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe

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