Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Berlin, it's PM Modi's first visit abroad this year. He will be holding bilateral talks with German chancellor Olaf Scholz and will also meet French President Emmanuel Macron.

Indian PM Narendra Modi arrives in Germany on first leg of three-nation trip

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi will visit three European countries Germany, Denmark and France. The significant euro trip is aimed at strengthening ties between the Asian country and EU nations. For more perspective on this, we're joined by Amb. Gurjit Singh, Former Indian Ambassador to Germany and WION's correspondent Siddhant Sibbal.

Indian PM Modi in Europe: PM Modi to visit Germany, Denmark and France

Ahead of the Indian prime minister's visit, our principal diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibbal spoke to India's envoy to Germany, Harish Parvathaneni about the future of India-German ties and expectations from the visit.

'Community is looking forward to welcoming PM Modi,' says India's Ambassador to Germany

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi will be on his first Europe visit since the commencement of the Ukraine war. PM Modi will visit three European countries - Germany, Denmark and France. For more on this, watch SIddhant Sibbal reporting from Berlin.

Indian PM Modi's Europe visit comes as Russian invasion rages on

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi is all set to embark on a trip to Europe. He will visit three countries Germany, Denmark and France; the three-day trip will begin on May 2nd. To get more perspective, we're joined by WION's correspondent, Siddhant Sibbal.

Indian PM Modi's Europe trip: India looks to boost ties with Europe

As Russian forces concentrate their fire on cities and trapped residents in a nearly month-old invasion of Ukraine, US President Joe Biden has added a visit in Poland to his journey to Europe this week for urgent consultations with NATO and European allies.

Biden will fly to Brussels first, then to Poland to meet with leaders, according to a statement sent by Biden's press secretary, Jen Psaki, on Sunday night.

In the Ukraine situation, Poland is a critical ally. 
 
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/demoralised-russian-troops-shoot-selves-with-ukrainian-ammo-in-legs-to-avoid-fighting-say-reports-463966" hreflang="en">Demoralised? Russian troops shoot selves with Ukrainian ammo in legs to avoid fighting, say reports</a>

It is hosting thousands of American troops and has taken in more people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine — over 2 million — than any other country in the midst of Europe's worst refugee crisis in decades. 
 
Biden will head to Warsaw for a bilateral meeting with President Andrzej Duda scheduled for Saturday. Biden will discuss how the U.S., along with its allies and partners, is responding to “the humanitarian and human rights crisis that Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked war on Ukraine has created,” Psaki said. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kyiv-is-safe-czech-zoo-names-newborn-eastern-black-rhino-after-ukrainian-capital-to-show-support-463980" hreflang="en">Kyiv is safe: Czech zoo names newborn eastern black rhino after Ukrainian capital to show support</a>

Biden will meet with European leaders on Monday, ahead of his travel, to discuss the war.

According to the White House, President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, Prime Minister Mario Draghi of Italy, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom are all slated to attend.

Biden has no plans to visit Ukraine, according to White House officials.

While in Poland earlier this month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken quickly went into neighbouring Ukraine to show sympathy with that country's foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba.

Poland has been one of the most outspoken in its request for fellow NATO members to consider increasing their involvement in order to reduce the bloodshed. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-president-signs-decree-to-combine-national-tv-channels-into-one-platform-464115">Zelensky signs decree to combine national TV channels into one platform</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine largely has united the U.S. and NATO and European allies, as well as allies in Asia and elsewhere. The United States and European governments see Moscow’s military aggression as a threat to their security and strategic interests.

Biden and NATO have said repeatedly that while the U.S. and NATO will provide weapons and other defensive support to non-NATO member Ukraine, they are determined to avoid any escalation on behalf of Kyiv that risks a broader war with Russia.

The Pentagon on March 9 rejected a Polish proposal for providing Ukraine with MiG fighter jets via a NATO air base, saying allied efforts against the Russian invasion should focus on more useful weaponry and that the MiG transfer with a U.S. and NATO connection would run a “high risk” of escalating the war. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

As Russian forces concentrate their fire on cities and trapped residents in a nearly month-old invasion of Ukraine, US President Joe Biden has added a visit in Poland to his journey to Europe this week for urgent consultations with NATO and European allies.

As Russian forces concentrate their fire on cities and trapped residents in a nearly month-old invasion of Ukraine, US President Joe Biden has added a visit in Poland to his journey to Europe this week for urgent consultations with NATO and European allies. Biden will fly to Brussels first, then to Poland to meet with leaders, according to a statement sent by Biden's press secretary, Jen Psaki, on Sunday night. In the Ukraine situation, Poland is a critical ally. Also Read: Demoralised? Russian troops shoot selves with Ukrainian ammo in legs to avoid fighting, say reports It is hosting thousands of American troops and has taken in more people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine — over 2 million — than any other country in the midst of Europe's worst refugee crisis in decades. Biden will head to Warsaw for a bilateral meeting with President Andrzej Duda scheduled for Saturday. Biden will discuss how the U.S., along with its allies and partners, is responding to “the humanitarian and human rights crisis that Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked war on Ukraine has created,” Psaki said. Also Read | Kyiv is safe: Czech zoo names newborn eastern black rhino after Ukrainian capital to show support Biden will meet with European leaders on Monday, ahead of his travel, to discuss the war. According to the White House, President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, Prime Minister Mario Draghi of Italy, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom are all slated to attend. Biden has no plans to visit Ukraine, according to White House officials. While in Poland earlier this month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken quickly went into neighbouring Ukraine to show sympathy with that country's foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba. Poland has been one of the most outspoken in its request for fellow NATO members to consider increasing their involvement in order to reduce the bloodshed. ALSO READ | Zelensky signs decree to combine national TV channels into one platform Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine largely has united the U.S. and NATO and European allies, as well as allies in Asia and elsewhere. The United States and European governments see Moscow’s military aggression as a threat to their security and strategic interests. Biden and NATO have said repeatedly that while the U.S. and NATO will provide weapons and other defensive support to non-NATO member Ukraine, they are determined to avoid any escalation on behalf of Kyiv that risks a broader war with Russia. The Pentagon on March 9 rejected a Polish proposal for providing Ukraine with MiG fighter jets via a NATO air base, saying allied efforts against the Russian invasion should focus on more useful weaponry and that the MiG transfer with a U.S. and NATO connection would run a “high risk” of escalating the war. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine-Russia conflict: US President Biden to visit Poland on Europe trip this week

Travelling to Europe may become a bit more expensive as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-no-visas-required-for-indians-transiting-from-france-155152">Schengen visa fee</a> is set to increase.

According to a report, the fee will be hiked to Euro 80 from Euro 60 and it will come into effect from February 2.

&nbsp;For children, the fee is hiked to Euro 40 from Euro 35. Infants and children below six years are exempted from the fee.

As per reports, the fee is hiked for travellers from all countries except with which the European Union has a visa facilitation agreement.

The Schengen visa is the most common visa for Europe which allows tourists to travel through the 26 European countries.

It is a short-stay visa that allows tourists to travel to any members of the Schengen Area.&nbsp;

Countries that come into Schengen area are, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The person can stay up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.

According to the official website, over 14.2 million people used their Schengen visa in 2018 to travel around Europe.

However, if a person is planning to study, work, or live in one of the Schengen countries for over 90 days, then they will have to apply for a national visa of that European country they are planning to visit.

Travelling to Europe may become a bit more expensive as the Schengen visa fee is set to increase. According to a report, the fee will be hiked to Euro 80 from Euro 60 and it will come into effect from February 2.

Travelling to Europe may become a bit more expensive as the Schengen visa fee is set to increase. According to a report, the fee will be hiked to Euro 80 from Euro 60 and it will come into effect from February 2. For children, the fee is hiked to Euro 40 from Euro 35. Infants and children below six years are exempted from the fee. As per reports, the fee is hiked for travellers from all countries except with which the European Union has a visa facilitation agreement. The Schengen visa is the most common visa for Europe which allows tourists to travel through the 26 European countries. It is a short-stay visa that allows tourists to travel to any members of the Schengen Area. Countries that come into Schengen area are, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. The person can stay up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. According to the official website, over 14.2 million people used their Schengen visa in 2018 to travel around Europe. However, if a person is planning to study, work, or live in one of the Schengen countries for over 90 days, then they will have to apply for a national visa of that European country they are planning to visit.

Europe trip to get costlier as Schengen visa fee hiked

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to Europe&nbsp;Monday&nbsp;to push his uncompromising stance on Iran to leaders eager to salvage the nuclear agreement after the United States withdrew.&nbsp;

Netanyahu, a fierce opponent of the agreement and the Iranian regime, will meet in turn with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May.

Germany, France and the United Kingdom are three of the signatories of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between world powers and Iran, aimed at keeping Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

The European leaders have been scrambling to preserve the landmark deal after slamming President Donald Trump's May 8 decision to withdraw.&nbsp;

The fallout from America rejecting the accord is likely to dominate the talks, with Netanyahu expected to firmly oppose European efforts to sustain it.

"I will discuss with them ways to block Iran's nuclear aspirations and Iran's expansion in the Middle East," Netanyahu said&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;of his European meetings, noting the issues were "crucial to Israel's security".

After years lobbying against the 2015 deal, the decision by close ally Trump to ditch the accord has been greeted as a major triumph by Netanyahu.&nbsp;

The Israeli leader has brushed aside European insistence that the agreement is the best option to prevent Tehran getting the bomb, claiming that it, in fact, brought Tehran closer to becoming a nuclear power.&nbsp;

He also argues that a cash influx into Iran following the lifting of international sanctions as part of the accord has fuelled the expansion of Tehran's military influence in the region, especially in neighbouring Syria.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But while the US retreat from the deal is a personal victory for Netanyahu, it also represents a leap into the unknown for Israel and the broader Middle East.&nbsp;

While foes Iran and Israel have been kept at bay for decades, an unprecedented May 10 escalation in Syria that saw Israel bomb alleged Iranian targets after blaming Tehran for a rocket barrage, has sparked fears of open war.&nbsp;

"An Iranian departure from southern Syria alone will not suffice," Netanyahu said&nbsp;on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"The long-range missiles that Iran is working to station in Syria will endanger us even beyond the range of several kilometres from southern Syria therefore, Iran needs to leave Syria altogether."

The Europeans have acknowledged concerns over Iran's regional role and its ballistic activities but sought to maintain the JCPOA while creating a separate arrangement on these issues.&nbsp;

Contrary to what the US and Israel say, Europe insists the 2015 agreement works and Iran has abided by it.&nbsp;

"There is no alternative," the EU's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said&nbsp;on Monday.&nbsp;

Merkel, May and Macron are still waiting for the Israelis and Americans to present another way to curb Iran's nuclear programme, but are under no illusions it will happen in next week's meetings, according to a European diplomat.&nbsp;

Divided on other issues, the Europeans have emphasised their cohesion on the JCPOA, fearing that ripping it up could benefit hardliners in Iran and push Tehran to resume large-scale uranium enrichment.

If that happens, the fear is it will once again make striking Iran a real option for Israel.

On Thursday, a former Mossad chief said that in 2011 Netanyahu had ordered him and the military chief of staff to prepare an attack on Iran&nbsp;within 15 days.

According to Tamir Pardo's interview on the Uvda television programme, such a directive could either mean "he really means it", or be a means to deliver a message, for example to the US, and perhaps drive it to take action.

Other major issues look set to be left on the sidelines in the talks with European leaders.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is in the spotlight after the worst military flare-up in Gaza since a 2014 war raised fears this week of yet another full-blown conflict in the beleaguered Palestinian enclave.

The exchange of fire came after scores of Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli troops during protests and clashes along the Gaza border.

But along with other subjects, such as bilateral relations or the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe, it will likely remain overshadowed by Iran.

Expectations of any progress on the conflict with the Palestinians are low.&nbsp;

Peace prospects remain as distant as ever and the diplomatic process in limbo as the sides wait for a plan long promised by the Trump administration.&nbsp;

Benjamin Netanyahu will meet the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to Europe Monday to push his uncompromising stance on Iran to leaders eager to salvage the nuclear agreement after the United States withdrew. Netanyahu, a fierce opponent of the agreement and the Iranian regime, will meet in turn with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May. Germany, France and the United Kingdom are three of the signatories of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between world powers and Iran, aimed at keeping Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The European leaders have been scrambling to preserve the landmark deal after slamming President Donald Trump's May 8 decision to withdraw. The fallout from America rejecting the accord is likely to dominate the talks, with Netanyahu expected to firmly oppose European efforts to sustain it. "I will discuss with them ways to block Iran's nuclear aspirations and Iran's expansion in the Middle East," Netanyahu said on Monday of his European meetings, noting the issues were "crucial to Israel's security". After years lobbying against the 2015 deal, the decision by close ally Trump to ditch the accord has been greeted as a major triumph by Netanyahu. The Israeli leader has brushed aside European insistence that the agreement is the best option to prevent Tehran getting the bomb, claiming that it, in fact, brought Tehran closer to becoming a nuclear power. He also argues that a cash influx into Iran following the lifting of international sanctions as part of the accord has fuelled the expansion of Tehran's military influence in the region, especially in neighbouring Syria. But while the US retreat from the deal is a personal victory for Netanyahu, it also represents a leap into the unknown for Israel and the broader Middle East. While foes Iran and Israel have been kept at bay for decades, an unprecedented May 10 escalation in Syria that saw Israel bomb alleged Iranian targets after blaming Tehran for a rocket barrage, has sparked fears of open war. "An Iranian departure from southern Syria alone will not suffice," Netanyahu said on Tuesday. "The long-range missiles that Iran is working to station in Syria will endanger us even beyond the range of several kilometres from southern Syria therefore, Iran needs to leave Syria altogether." The Europeans have acknowledged concerns over Iran's regional role and its ballistic activities but sought to maintain the JCPOA while creating a separate arrangement on these issues. Contrary to what the US and Israel say, Europe insists the 2015 agreement works and Iran has abided by it. "There is no alternative," the EU's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said on Monday. Merkel, May and Macron are still waiting for the Israelis and Americans to present another way to curb Iran's nuclear programme, but are under no illusions it will happen in next week's meetings, according to a European diplomat. Divided on other issues, the Europeans have emphasised their cohesion on the JCPOA, fearing that ripping it up could benefit hardliners in Iran and push Tehran to resume large-scale uranium enrichment. If that happens, the fear is it will once again make striking Iran a real option for Israel. On Thursday, a former Mossad chief said that in 2011 Netanyahu had ordered him and the military chief of staff to prepare an attack on Iran within 15 days. According to Tamir Pardo's interview on the Uvda television programme, such a directive could either mean "he really means it", or be a means to deliver a message, for example to the US, and perhaps drive it to take action. Other major issues look set to be left on the sidelines in the talks with European leaders. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is in the spotlight after the worst military flare-up in Gaza since a 2014 war raised fears this week of yet another full-blown conflict in the beleaguered Palestinian enclave. The exchange of fire came after scores of Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli troops during protests and clashes along the Gaza border. But along with other subjects, such as bilateral relations or the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe, it will likely remain overshadowed by Iran. Expectations of any progress on the conflict with the Palestinians are low. Peace prospects remain as distant as ever and the diplomatic process in limbo as the sides wait for a plan long promised by the Trump administration.

Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to push hard line on Iran during Europe trip

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