External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday announced on Twitter that she has sought a report on the case of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-teenage-girls-forcibly-married-off-converted-to-islam-in-pakistans-sindh-province-205064">'forcible' marriage and conversion of two Hindu girls</a> to Islam in Pakistan's Sindh province.&nbsp;

Swaraj noted that Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan will be sending a report on the same.&nbsp;

"I have asked Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan to send a report on this," Swaraj tweeted today.&nbsp;

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I have asked Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan to send a report on this. <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainPakistan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainPakistan</a> 
Two Hindu girls abducted on Holi eve in Pakistan's Sindh <a href="https://t.co/r4bTBSoy9d">https://t.co/r4bTBSoy9d</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/TOIWorld?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TOIWorld</a>
— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1109653044763877377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The EAM's reaction came a day after it was reported on Saturday that two Hindu teenage girls, ageing 12 and 14 respectively, were allegedly kidnapped, forcibly married off and converted to Islam on the eve of Holi in Pakistan's Sindh province.&nbsp;

The report comes as a major jolt to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's vision of 'Naya Pakistan'.&nbsp;

As per reports, the incident took place when the Hindu community was celebrating Holi.&nbsp;

The Hindu community took to streets demanding stern action against the accused involved in the abduction and forced conversion of Hindu girls.

The police, which had reportedly dillydallied in registering the complaint earlier, finally lodged the FIR after the protests broke out.&nbsp;

The priest who got the girls married said it was a voluntary decision of girls to convert to Islam. However, the marriage and subsequent conversion is a blatant violation of the law passed by the Sindh assembly which bars conversion of minors in the absence of their parents.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday announced on Twitter that she has sought a report on the case of the 'forcible' marriage and conversion of two Hindu girls to Islam in Pakistan's Sindh province.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday announced on Twitter that she has sought a report on the case of the 'forcible' marriage and conversion of two Hindu girls to Islam in Pakistan's Sindh province. Swaraj noted that Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan will be sending a report on the same. "I have asked Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan to send a report on this," Swaraj tweeted today. I have asked Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan to send a report on this. @IndiainPakistan Two Hindu girls abducted on Holi eve in Pakistan's Sindh https://t.co/r4bTBSoy9d via @TOIWorld — Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 24, 2019 × The EAM's reaction came a day after it was reported on Saturday that two Hindu teenage girls, ageing 12 and 14 respectively, were allegedly kidnapped, forcibly married off and converted to Islam on the eve of Holi in Pakistan's Sindh province. The report comes as a major jolt to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's vision of 'Naya Pakistan'. As per reports, the incident took place when the Hindu community was celebrating Holi. The Hindu community took to streets demanding stern action against the accused involved in the abduction and forced conversion of Hindu girls. The police, which had reportedly dillydallied in registering the complaint earlier, finally lodged the FIR after the protests broke out. The priest who got the girls married said it was a voluntary decision of girls to convert to Islam. However, the marriage and subsequent conversion is a blatant violation of the law passed by the Sindh assembly which bars conversion of minors in the absence of their parents.

Sushma Swaraj takes note of Hindu girls' 'forcible' conversion to Islam in Pakistan, demands report

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday reaffirmed India's commitment to the Palestinian cause and said that New Delhi will further develop a partnership to assist in its nation-building and capacity building efforts.

"India's deep and abiding commitment to Palestine is a reference point of our foreign relations. Our long-standing friendship with Palestine is built around three core dimensions-solidarity with Palestinian people; steadfast support to the Palestinian cause, and development of a partnership to assist nation building and capacity building efforts. We are proud that this NAM (Non-Aligned Movement) Ministerial Committee on Palestine was established under India's Presidency during the seventh NAM Summit in New Delhi in 1983," she said in a statement at Ministerial Committee of the NAM on Palestine, on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Palestine and Israel have been fighting over the Gaza Strip for decades. They were later allotted a large part of Palestine, which they considered their ancestorial land but the Arabs who were already residing in and around the neighbouring countries felt that they have fallen into a pit of injustice and didn't accept the new country.

India's support for the Palestinian cause is an integral part of the nation's foreign policy. In 1974, India became the first Non-Arab State to recognize Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.

India was also one of the first countries to recognize the State of Palestine in 1988. In 1996, India opened its Representative Office to the State of Palestine in Gaza, which was shifted to Ramallah in 2003.

India has always played an active role in garnering support for the Palestinian cause across various multilateral fora. India co-sponsored the draft resolution on "the right of Palestinians to self-determination" during the 53rd session of the UNGA and voted in favour of it.

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EAM in her statement at NAM Ministerial Committee Meeting on Palestine yesterday: Our continued commitment to the Palestinian cause &amp; earnestness to develop stronger bilateral relations is demonstrated in the successive high level visits. (Image courtesy - MEA spox Raveesh Kumar) <a href="https://t.co/nkYpfr5bWI">pic.twitter.com/nkYpfr5bWI</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1045116819378450433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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India also voted in favour of UNGA Resolution in October 2003 against the construction of the separation wall by Israel and supported subsequent resolutions of the UNGA in this regard.

India voted in favour of accepting Palestine as a full member of UNESCO. In 2012 at the UNGA, Palestine became a 'non-member state'&nbsp;and India had co-sponsored this resolution and voted in favour of it.

India supported the Bandung Declaration on Palestine at Asian African Commemorative Conference in April 2015 as well as the supported installation of Palestinian flag at UN premises in September 2015.

Elaborating further about the initiatives undertaken by India to boost bilateral ties with Palestine, Swaraj said, "India is investing in projects of healthcare, educational infrastructure, women empowerment and a printing press, in addition to other capacity building programmes. We have set up various bilateral institutional consultation mechanisms including Foreign Office consultations and a Joint Commission, which pursues these partnership projects. Development partnership projects worth around US$ 70 million are under implementation during the last five years. These include flagship projects like the super-speciality hospital in Beit Sahour and the India-Palestine Technology Park, which was inaugurated last year in Ramallah."

"The number of youth delegates to participate in the youth exchange programme has been doubled this year. We have also substantially enhanced the scholarships made available for Palestinian professionals and students for technical training and higher education from this year," she added.

The External Affairs Minister also lauded the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) for making efforts to provide aid to Palestine refugees and added that "India have increased our contribution to UNRWA by a factor of four times from a figure of $1.25 million to now $5 million annually".

In her concluding remarks, Swaraj said that an early resumption of talks between Israel and Palestine can move towards finding out a comprehensive resolution of the issue. "A negotiated two-state solution remains the only viable solution to the issue to bring sustainable peace and lasting security. Restraint and moderation are required on all sides. The stagnation since the collapse of talks four years ago and the deterioration in the security situation continues to cause serious concern," she said.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday reaffirmed India's commitment to the Palestinian cause and said that New Delhi will further develop a partnership to assist in its nation-building and capacity building efforts.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday reaffirmed India's commitment to the Palestinian cause and said that New Delhi will further develop a partnership to assist in its nation-building and capacity building efforts. "India's deep and abiding commitment to Palestine is a reference point of our foreign relations. Our long-standing friendship with Palestine is built around three core dimensions-solidarity with Palestinian people; steadfast support to the Palestinian cause, and development of a partnership to assist nation building and capacity building efforts. We are proud that this NAM (Non-Aligned Movement) Ministerial Committee on Palestine was established under India's Presidency during the seventh NAM Summit in New Delhi in 1983," she said in a statement at Ministerial Committee of the NAM on Palestine, on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Palestine and Israel have been fighting over the Gaza Strip for decades. They were later allotted a large part of Palestine, which they considered their ancestorial land but the Arabs who were already residing in and around the neighbouring countries felt that they have fallen into a pit of injustice and didn't accept the new country. India's support for the Palestinian cause is an integral part of the nation's foreign policy. In 1974, India became the first Non-Arab State to recognize Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. India was also one of the first countries to recognize the State of Palestine in 1988. In 1996, India opened its Representative Office to the State of Palestine in Gaza, which was shifted to Ramallah in 2003. India has always played an active role in garnering support for the Palestinian cause across various multilateral fora. India co-sponsored the draft resolution on "the right of Palestinians to self-determination" during the 53rd session of the UNGA and voted in favour of it. EAM in her statement at NAM Ministerial Committee Meeting on Palestine yesterday: Our continued commitment to the Palestinian cause & earnestness to develop stronger bilateral relations is demonstrated in the successive high level visits. (Image courtesy - MEA spox Raveesh Kumar) pic.twitter.com/nkYpfr5bWI — ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2018 × India also voted in favour of UNGA Resolution in October 2003 against the construction of the separation wall by Israel and supported subsequent resolutions of the UNGA in this regard. India voted in favour of accepting Palestine as a full member of UNESCO. In 2012 at the UNGA, Palestine became a 'non-member state' and India had co-sponsored this resolution and voted in favour of it. India supported the Bandung Declaration on Palestine at Asian African Commemorative Conference in April 2015 as well as the supported installation of Palestinian flag at UN premises in September 2015. Elaborating further about the initiatives undertaken by India to boost bilateral ties with Palestine, Swaraj said, "India is investing in projects of healthcare, educational infrastructure, women empowerment and a printing press, in addition to other capacity building programmes. We have set up various bilateral institutional consultation mechanisms including Foreign Office consultations and a Joint Commission, which pursues these partnership projects. Development partnership projects worth around US$ 70 million are under implementation during the last five years. These include flagship projects like the super-speciality hospital in Beit Sahour and the India-Palestine Technology Park, which was inaugurated last year in Ramallah." "The number of youth delegates to participate in the youth exchange programme has been doubled this year. We have also substantially enhanced the scholarships made available for Palestinian professionals and students for technical training and higher education from this year," she added. The External Affairs Minister also lauded the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) for making efforts to provide aid to Palestine refugees and added that "India have increased our contribution to UNRWA by a factor of four times from a figure of $1.25 million to now $5 million annually". In her concluding remarks, Swaraj said that an early resumption of talks between Israel and Palestine can move towards finding out a comprehensive resolution of the issue. "A negotiated two-state solution remains the only viable solution to the issue to bring sustainable peace and lasting security. Restraint and moderation are required on all sides. The stagnation since the collapse of talks four years ago and the deterioration in the security situation continues to cause serious concern," she said.

India reaffirms commitment to Palestinian cause

&nbsp;India&nbsp;and&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;held the 17th round of Foreign Office Consultations in the national capital on&nbsp;Thursday, which saw the discussion on the entire gamut of the bilateral&nbsp;relationship&nbsp;between the two&nbsp;countries.

"During the discussions, the two sides reviewed the complete range of bilateral relations, including high-level visits, security and&nbsp;defence&nbsp;related issues, boundary matters and border management, trade and commerce, development cooperation, connectivity, cultural and&nbsp;consular&nbsp;matters. They also exchanged views on sub-regional, regional and global issues of mutual interest," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

The&nbsp;Indian side was led by Foreign Secretary&nbsp;Vijay Gokhale&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;side by Permanent Secretary,&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;Ministry of&nbsp;Foreign Affairs&nbsp;U Myint Thu.

According to the MEA, during his stay in&nbsp;India, the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;Permanent Secretary will also visit places of historical and cultural significance in the capital.

This comes barely a month after External Affairs Minister&nbsp;Sushma Swaraj's two-day visit to&nbsp;Myanmar, during which she met the country's president U Win Myint and State Counsellor&nbsp;Aung San Suu Kyi.

India and Myanmar held the 17th round of Foreign Office Consultations in the national capital on Thursday, which saw the discussion on the entire gamut of the bilateral relationship between the two countries

India and Myanmar held the 17th round of Foreign Office Consultations in the national capital on Thursday, which saw the discussion on the entire gamut of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. "During the discussions, the two sides reviewed the complete range of bilateral relations, including high-level visits, security and defence related issues, boundary matters and border management, trade and commerce, development cooperation, connectivity, cultural and consular matters. They also exchanged views on sub-regional, regional and global issues of mutual interest," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. The Indian side was led by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and the Myanmar side by Permanent Secretary, Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs U Myint Thu. According to the MEA, during his stay in India, the Myanmar Permanent Secretary will also visit places of historical and cultural significance in the capital. This comes barely a month after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's two-day visit to Myanmar, during which she met the country's president U Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

India, Myanmar discuss bilateral ties

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/whatever-i-have-to-say-i-will-say-in-nagpur-pranab-mukherjee-on-accepting-rss-invite-141926">Whatever I have to say, I will say in Nagpur: Pranab Mukherjee on accepting RSS invite</a>

Former President Pranab Mukherjee has responded to the criticism (and the many suggestions) he has got after accepting an invite to an RSS event.&nbsp;

Mukherjee has been invited to speak to swayamsevaks in Nagpur on June 7 at the concluding function of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's Tritiya Varsha Varg or third-year course.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swarajs-aircraft-goes-incommunicado-for-14-mins-en-route-to-mauritius--141934">En route to Mauritius, Sushma Swaraj's plane went incommunicado for 14 minutes</a>

Mauritius air traffic control was given a serious scare Saturday when External Affaris Minister Sushma Swaraj's aircraft, flying in from Trivandrum, went incommunicado for about 14 minutes.&nbsp;

Swaraj's Embraer ERJ135 jet took from Trivandrum at 4 pm and lost contact at around 4.44 pm.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/autopsy-of-bjp-worker-found-hanging-in-bengal-says-suicide-141953">Autopsy</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/autopsy-of-bjp-worker-found-hanging-in-bengal-says-suicide-141953"> of BJP worker found hanging in Bengal says suicide</a>

The autopsy conducted on the body of the BJP worker found hanging yesterday in West Bengal's Purulia district has indicated he committed suicide.&nbsp;

Dulal Kumar was found hanging from an electricity tower on Saturday.&nbsp;

His was the second body to be found hanging in quick succession.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-a-year-of-keeping-quiet-kejriwal-renews-attacks-on-modi-141947">After a year of keeping quiet, Kejriwal renews attacks on Modi</a>&nbsp;

In 2017, following AAP's poor performance in Punjab and the BJP's sweep in Uttar Pradesh, Kejriwal consciously decided to minimise his attacks on his bete-noire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

He continued with the strategy for a little more than a year. But with the BJP suffering a string of electoral defeats and anti-incumbency sentiment slowly setting in against the BJP government at the Centre, Kejriwal has renewed his attacks on Modi with the same level of acerbity as before.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/swara-bhasker-told-off-by-pakistan-actress-for-calling-the-country-a-failing-state--141923">Swara </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/swara-bhasker-told-off-by-pakistan-actress-for-calling-the-country-a-failing-state--141923">Bhasker</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/swara-bhasker-told-off-by-pakistan-actress-for-calling-the-country-a-failing-state--141923"> calls Pakistan 'failing state'. Pak actress calls her 'failing human being'</a>

Pakistani actress Urwa Hocane has responded to Bollywood actress Swara Bhasker calling Pakistan a 'failing state'.&nbsp;

Hocane, in her response, called Bhasker a 'failing human being'.&nbsp;

Bhasker made her comment after her most recent film Veere Di Wedding was banned in Pakistan because of its "vulgar content".&nbsp;

Whatever I have to say, I will say in Nagpur: Pranab Mukherjee on accepting RSS invite Former President Pranab Mukherjee has responded to the criticism (and the many suggestions) he has got after accepting an invite to an RSS event. Mukherjee has been invited to speak to swayamsevaks in Nagpur on June 7 at the concluding function of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's Tritiya Varsha Varg or third-year course. En route to Mauritius, Sushma Swaraj's plane went incommunicado for 14 minutes Mauritius air traffic control was given a serious scare Saturday when External Affaris Minister Sushma Swaraj's aircraft, flying in from Trivandrum, went incommunicado for about 14 minutes. Swaraj's Embraer ERJ135 jet took from Trivandrum at 4 pm and lost contact at around 4.44 pm. Autopsy of BJP worker found hanging in Bengal says suicide The autopsy conducted on the body of the BJP worker found hanging yesterday in West Bengal's Purulia district has indicated he committed suicide. Dulal Kumar was found hanging from an electricity tower on Saturday. His was the second body to be found hanging in quick succession. After a year of keeping quiet, Kejriwal renews attacks on Modi In 2017, following AAP's poor performance in Punjab and the BJP's sweep in Uttar Pradesh, Kejriwal consciously decided to minimise his attacks on his bete-noire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He continued with the strategy for a little more than a year. But with the BJP suffering a string of electoral defeats and anti-incumbency sentiment slowly setting in against the BJP government at the Centre, Kejriwal has renewed his attacks on Modi with the same level of acerbity as before. Swara Bhasker calls Pakistan 'failing state'. Pak actress calls her 'failing human being' Pakistani actress Urwa Hocane has responded to Bollywood actress Swara Bhasker calling Pakistan a 'failing state'. Hocane, in her response, called Bhasker a 'failing human being'. Bhasker made her comment after her most recent film Veere Di Wedding was banned in Pakistan because of its "vulgar content".

News brief: Big stories of the day

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today assured help to a 14-year-old girl facing visa issues for her travel to London after being selected to represent India at a global conference. 
&nbsp 
A woman named Arpita Tiwari, in a tweet, said the girl, Isha, studying in a government school in an underprivileged community in Delhi's Sangam Vihar, has been selected to represent India for the conference in the British capital city. 
&nbsp 
She has her tickets booked for May 3 but is unable to travel as her visa clearance is delayed, Tiwari said. 
&nbsp 
"We will definitely help. I have asked my office to get in touch with you," Ms Swaraj said. 
&nbsp 
The Union minister also assured assistance to a woman, who said her brother had gone to Kuwait for some office work and she later lost contact with him. 
&nbsp 
The person of contact has told her that her brother met with an accident and has been unconscious in a hospital there. 
&nbsp 
The woman sought Ms Swaraj's help to locate her brother and shift him back to India. 
&nbsp 
"I have asked Indian Ambassador in Kuwait @indembkwt to provide all assistance," Ms Swaraj assured the woman. 
&nbsp 
She also assured help to a group of Indian students of the University of Illinois in the US who lost their passports in a fire accident. 
&nbsp 
The minister also offered help to a woman whose passport was stolen while on a trip to Mexico and wanted to get back home as soon as possible as her children were alone.

&nbsp&nbsp

A woman named Arpita Tiwari, in a tweet, said the girl, Isha, studying in a government school in an underprivileged community in Delhi's Sangam Vihar, has been selected to represent India for the conference in the British capital city

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today assured help to a 14-year-old girl facing visa issues for her travel to London after being selected to represent India at a global conference. A woman named Arpita Tiwari, in a tweet, said the girl, Isha, studying in a government school in an underprivileged community in Delhi's Sangam Vihar, has been selected to represent India for the conference in the British capital city. She has her tickets booked for May 3 but is unable to travel as her visa clearance is delayed, Tiwari said. "We will definitely help. I have asked my office to get in touch with you," Ms Swaraj said. The Union minister also assured assistance to a woman, who said her brother had gone to Kuwait for some office work and she later lost contact with him. The person of contact has told her that her brother met with an accident and has been unconscious in a hospital there. The woman sought Ms Swaraj's help to locate her brother and shift him back to India. "I have asked Indian Ambassador in Kuwait @indembkwt to provide all assistance," Ms Swaraj assured the woman. She also assured help to a group of Indian students of the University of Illinois in the US who lost their passports in a fire accident. The minister also offered help to a woman whose passport was stolen while on a trip to Mexico and wanted to get back home as soon as possible as her children were alone.

Schoolgirl faces visa issue for travel to London, Sushma Swaraj assures help

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today arrived here after a two-day informal summit meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Wuhan.

The Prime Minister was received at the airport by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

In their talks, PM Modi and President Xi decided to issue strategic guidance to their respective militaries to maintain peace along the border.

During the visit both the leaders held delegation-level talks and underscored the need for strengthening bilateral relations between India and China.

Prime Minister Modi said through the "Panchsheel", the bolstering of bilateral relations between the two Asian giants will be based on - shared vision, strong relationship, shared resolve, better communication and shared thought process.

(With inputs from Agencies)

The Prime Minister was received at the airport by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today arrived here after a two-day informal summit meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Wuhan. The Prime Minister was received at the airport by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. In their talks, PM Modi and President Xi decided to issue strategic guidance to their respective militaries to maintain peace along the border. During the visit both the leaders held delegation-level talks and underscored the need for strengthening bilateral relations between India and China. Prime Minister Modi said through the "Panchsheel", the bolstering of bilateral relations between the two Asian giants will be based on - shared vision, strong relationship, shared resolve, better communication and shared thought process. (With inputs from Agencies)

PM Narendra Modi back after 2-day China visit

In a veiled attack on Pakistan, India on Tuesday said that terrorism is an enemy of the basic human rights and the fight against it should also identify states that "encourage, support and finance" the menace and "provide sanctuary" to terror groups.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, during her address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting, also attended by Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, raised the issue of global terrorism and protectionism.

There are a number of challenges that are being faced by the world today, foremost being the threat of global terrorism and the imminent need to build a strong security architecture to combat it, the minister said.

"Terrorism is an enemy of the basic human rights: of life, peace and prosperity," Swaraj said.

The criminal terrorist militias are not impeded by borders as they seek to destroy the architecture of international stability and build walls of fear in societies that believe in pluralism, she said."We strongly believe that our fight against terrorism should not only seek to eliminate terrorists but should also identify and take strong measures against States that encourage, support and finance terrorism and provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups," Swaraj said without mentioning any country.

Maiming and killing innocent lives indiscriminately constitutes the most blatant violation of human rights, she said.

"We have to work together to wipe-out this scourge from the face of the earth. In order to realise this objective, we must unite across our differences, strengthen our resolve and script an effective strategy against terror. We welcome the clarity shown by the SCO on terrorism from its inception.

"We should also urgently resolve to establish Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism that India proposed more than two decades ago in the United Nations. We are determined to consistently strengthen cooperation within the SCO framework for comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security," the minister said.

On trade and investment, Swaraj said that "protectionism in all its forms should be rejected and efforts should be made to discipline measures that constitute barriers to trade".

The meeting was also attended by foreign ministers Wang Yi of China, Kairat Abdrakhmanov of Kazakhstan, Abdyldaev Erlan Bekeshovich of Kyrgyzstan, Sergey Lavrov of Russia, Sirodjidin Muhridinovich Aslov of Tajikistan, Abdulaziz Khafizovich Kamilov of Uzbekistan, and Secretary General of the SCO Rashid Alimov among others.

Swaraj also raised the issue of reforms at the UN Security Council and said "it is clear to many of us that the Security Council is increasingly unable, or sometimes unwilling, to respond to the security challenges of our times, with tragic consequences.

For long India has been calling for the reform of the UN Security Council, the world body's top organ.

"We must not lose sight of the fact that reforms of the UN will be incomplete, without reforms in the Security Council to make it more representative of contemporary realities".

"Since 2008, the international community has carefully nurtured the ongoing Inter Governmental Negotiations at the UN to take our discussions on UNSC reforms forward," she said.

An overwhelming majority of members have expressed their desire to see these negotiations continue on the basis of a text, Swaraj said.

India is committed to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement of 2015 on combating climate change. Addressing Climate Change and promoting secure, affordable and sustainable clean energy are India's shared priorities, she said.

Following the establishment of "International Solar Alliance" in December 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted its Founding Conference in New Delhi in March 2018, during which the "Delhi Solar Agenda" was adopted, she said.

"We want connectivity to pave the way for cooperation and trust between our societies. For this, respect for sovereignty is essential. Inclusivity, transparency and sustainability are imperative. India has cooperated extensively with international community for enhanced connectivity.

&nbsp;"This is evident from our involvement with the International North-South Transport Corridor, the Chabahar Port Development, the Ashgabat Agreement, India-Myanmar-Thailand Highway Project and Bangladesh-Butan-India-Nepal Initiative among others," Swaraj said.

India has operationalised the air freight corridor between Kabul, Kandahar, New Delhi and Mumbai last year.

"I believe that peace and development in Afghanistan contributes to security and prosperity of the member states and the region as a whole. This can only be achieved through political dialogue and reconciliation in an atmosphere free from terror and violence, within the framework of Afghan Constitution.

"We must strongly support the active efforts of the Afghan Government to implement Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled inclusive peace and reconciliation process. India actively supports the activation of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group, the Moscow Consultation Format and other mechanisms of dialogue and cooperation for restoration of peace and development in Afghanistan," the minister added.

Swaraj was speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation foreign ministers' meeting, which was also attended by Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif

In a veiled attack on Pakistan, India on Tuesday said that terrorism is an enemy of the basic human rights and the fight against it should also identify states that "encourage, support and finance" the menace and "provide sanctuary" to terror groups. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, during her address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting, also attended by Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, raised the issue of global terrorism and protectionism. There are a number of challenges that are being faced by the world today, foremost being the threat of global terrorism and the imminent need to build a strong security architecture to combat it, the minister said. "Terrorism is an enemy of the basic human rights: of life, peace and prosperity," Swaraj said. The criminal terrorist militias are not impeded by borders as they seek to destroy the architecture of international stability and build walls of fear in societies that believe in pluralism, she said."We strongly believe that our fight against terrorism should not only seek to eliminate terrorists but should also identify and take strong measures against States that encourage, support and finance terrorism and provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups," Swaraj said without mentioning any country. Maiming and killing innocent lives indiscriminately constitutes the most blatant violation of human rights, she said. "We have to work together to wipe-out this scourge from the face of the earth. In order to realise this objective, we must unite across our differences, strengthen our resolve and script an effective strategy against terror. We welcome the clarity shown by the SCO on terrorism from its inception. "We should also urgently resolve to establish Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism that India proposed more than two decades ago in the United Nations. We are determined to consistently strengthen cooperation within the SCO framework for comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security," the minister said. On trade and investment, Swaraj said that "protectionism in all its forms should be rejected and efforts should be made to discipline measures that constitute barriers to trade". The meeting was also attended by foreign ministers Wang Yi of China, Kairat Abdrakhmanov of Kazakhstan, Abdyldaev Erlan Bekeshovich of Kyrgyzstan, Sergey Lavrov of Russia, Sirodjidin Muhridinovich Aslov of Tajikistan, Abdulaziz Khafizovich Kamilov of Uzbekistan, and Secretary General of the SCO Rashid Alimov among others. Swaraj also raised the issue of reforms at the UN Security Council and said "it is clear to many of us that the Security Council is increasingly unable, or sometimes unwilling, to respond to the security challenges of our times, with tragic consequences. For long India has been calling for the reform of the UN Security Council, the world body's top organ. "We must not lose sight of the fact that reforms of the UN will be incomplete, without reforms in the Security Council to make it more representative of contemporary realities". "Since 2008, the international community has carefully nurtured the ongoing Inter Governmental Negotiations at the UN to take our discussions on UNSC reforms forward," she said. An overwhelming majority of members have expressed their desire to see these negotiations continue on the basis of a text, Swaraj said. India is committed to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement of 2015 on combating climate change. Addressing Climate Change and promoting secure, affordable and sustainable clean energy are India's shared priorities, she said. Following the establishment of "International Solar Alliance" in December 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted its Founding Conference in New Delhi in March 2018, during which the "Delhi Solar Agenda" was adopted, she said. "We want connectivity to pave the way for cooperation and trust between our societies. For this, respect for sovereignty is essential. Inclusivity, transparency and sustainability are imperative. India has cooperated extensively with international community for enhanced connectivity. "This is evident from our involvement with the International North-South Transport Corridor, the Chabahar Port Development, the Ashgabat Agreement, India-Myanmar-Thailand Highway Project and Bangladesh-Butan-India-Nepal Initiative among others," Swaraj said. India has operationalised the air freight corridor between Kabul, Kandahar, New Delhi and Mumbai last year. "I believe that peace and development in Afghanistan contributes to security and prosperity of the member states and the region as a whole. This can only be achieved through political dialogue and reconciliation in an atmosphere free from terror and violence, within the framework of Afghan Constitution. "We must strongly support the active efforts of the Afghan Government to implement Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled inclusive peace and reconciliation process. India actively supports the activation of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group, the Moscow Consultation Format and other mechanisms of dialogue and cooperation for restoration of peace and development in Afghanistan," the minister added.

Should identify states that 'support and finance' terror, Sushma says in veiled attack on Pak

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Monday asked Indians and Chinese to learn each other's language as it will help them overcome communication barriers, resulting in further strengthening the relationship between the two nations.

Swaraj, who is on a visit in Beijing, made the remarks during a programme, titled 'Contribution of Hindi in India-China Friendship', organised by the India Embassy.

"When two friends sit together, what do they want? They want to talk their hearts out to each other, share what they feel. And for that we need a language. I should be able to understand Chinese when you speak, and you should be able to understand Hindi when I talk," Swaraj said.

"If there is an interpreter sitting between two friends, he may be able to translate the words but not the feelings with which I say something. So, it is essential that we learn a language, and understand it," she said, a day after it was announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping would hold an informal summit from April 27 to 28.

"I want to say that the way India and China's relation are strengthening, trade is increasing, we are working together on international forums, it has become increasingly important that you learn Hindi and we learn Chinese. So that when Indians visit China they don't face difficulty, and when Chinese visit India, you don't require an interpreter," Swaraj said.

Swaraj said during her meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Sunday, she had told him that people are the biggest strength for any foreign minister and when people of two countries love each other, it only strengthens the governments.

"And this, your love for Hindi... You may not be aware that two foreign ministers can't strengthen the relations between Indian and China as much as these students learning Hindi can. You (students) all are doing great service (to the two countries)," she said.

The minister invoked "Dangal", "Secret Superstar" and "Hindi Medium" to stress that Hindi films are gaining popularity in China, but said an understanding of the language instead of subtitles could improve their experiences of watching such films.

Noting that during the programme, a Chinese student learning Hindi had expressed that her dream was to visit India, Swaraj instructed the Ambassador to make arrangements for a visit of such students to India

"I want to tell her, that your dream would come true right here, right now. I am telling our Ambassador here to send a delegation of 25 Hindi students from here on India visit.

"We will entertain you there and gift you Indian traditional clothes - Saree for girls and kurta pyjama for boys. I entrust our Ambassador here with the responsibility of sending a delegation of students learning Hindi here," she said.

 
&nbsp;

She added that the Chinese should learn Hindi. Swaraj's comments were made in Beijing

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Monday asked Indians and Chinese to learn each other's language as it will help them overcome communication barriers, resulting in further strengthening the relationship between the two nations. Swaraj, who is on a visit in Beijing, made the remarks during a programme, titled 'Contribution of Hindi in India-China Friendship', organised by the India Embassy. "When two friends sit together, what do they want? They want to talk their hearts out to each other, share what they feel. And for that we need a language. I should be able to understand Chinese when you speak, and you should be able to understand Hindi when I talk," Swaraj said. "If there is an interpreter sitting between two friends, he may be able to translate the words but not the feelings with which I say something. So, it is essential that we learn a language, and understand it," she said, a day after it was announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping would hold an informal summit from April 27 to 28. "I want to say that the way India and China's relation are strengthening, trade is increasing, we are working together on international forums, it has become increasingly important that you learn Hindi and we learn Chinese. So that when Indians visit China they don't face difficulty, and when Chinese visit India, you don't require an interpreter," Swaraj said. Swaraj said during her meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Sunday, she had told him that people are the biggest strength for any foreign minister and when people of two countries love each other, it only strengthens the governments. "And this, your love for Hindi... You may not be aware that two foreign ministers can't strengthen the relations between Indian and China as much as these students learning Hindi can. You (students) all are doing great service (to the two countries)," she said. The minister invoked "Dangal", "Secret Superstar" and "Hindi Medium" to stress that Hindi films are gaining popularity in China, but said an understanding of the language instead of subtitles could improve their experiences of watching such films. Noting that during the programme, a Chinese student learning Hindi had expressed that her dream was to visit India, Swaraj instructed the Ambassador to make arrangements for a visit of such students to India "I want to tell her, that your dream would come true right here, right now. I am telling our Ambassador here to send a delegation of 25 Hindi students from here on India visit. "We will entertain you there and gift you Indian traditional clothes - Saree for girls and kurta pyjama for boys. I entrust our Ambassador here with the responsibility of sending a delegation of students learning Hindi here," she said.

To overcome communication barriers, Sushma Swaraj wants Indians to learn Chinese

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday on her maiden visit to Saudi Arabia during which she will inaugurate the Janadriyah festival of the Gulf Kingdom, which is home to over three million Indians.

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EAM Sushma Swaraj received by Saudi officials and Indian Ambassador Ahmad Javed on her arrival in Riyadh for Janadriyah festival. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaudiArabia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaudiArabia</a> <a href="https://t.co/KE2G1uQEXC">pic.twitter.com/KE2G1uQEXC</a>
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During the three-day visit, Swaraj will meet with the Saudi leadership and discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.

She will also participate in the inauguration of the prestigious National Heritage and Culture Festival &#39;Janadriyah&#39;, at which India is the guest of honour country.

The festival, organised by the National Guard, exhibits Saudi Arabia&#39;s rich tapestry of culture and heritage.

&quot;Warm welcome reflecting our relationship! EAM @SushmaSwaraj received by Saudi officials and Indian Ambassador Ahmad Javed on her arrival at Riyadh airport. Saudi Arabia is India&#39;s valued strategic partner,&quot; Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Swaraj will inaugurate the Janadriyah festival tomorrow.

Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh had earlier said that India&#39;s participation in the festival will be multi-faceted.

&quot;We will have an Indian pavilion where we will project a number of Indian themes and projects. The pavilion will comprise glimpses of traditional and modern India,&quot; he said.

Saudi Arabia is home to more than 3 million Indian people and ties between the two countries are on an upswing in the last few years especially after the landmark visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Gulf Kingdom in April 2016.

Saudi Arabia is India&#39;s fourth largest trade partner after China, the US and the UAE. The country is a major source of India&#39;s energy requirement as it accounts for almost one- fifth of India&#39;s crude oil requirement.

The volume of bilateral trade during 2016-17 was recorded at $ 25.079 billion, a slight decrease from the $ 26.71 billion in 2015-16.&nbsp;

During the three-day visit, Swaraj will meet with the Saudi leadership and discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday on her maiden visit to Saudi Arabia during which she will inaugurate the Janadriyah festival of the Gulf Kingdom, which is home to over three million Indians. EAM Sushma Swaraj received by Saudi officials and Indian Ambassador Ahmad Javed on her arrival in Riyadh for Janadriyah festival. #SaudiArabia pic.twitter.com/KE2G1uQEXC — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2018 × During the three-day visit, Swaraj will meet with the Saudi leadership and discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. She will also participate in the inauguration of the prestigious National Heritage and Culture Festival 'Janadriyah', at which India is the guest of honour country. The festival, organised by the National Guard, exhibits Saudi Arabia's rich tapestry of culture and heritage. "Warm welcome reflecting our relationship! EAM @SushmaSwaraj received by Saudi officials and Indian Ambassador Ahmad Javed on her arrival at Riyadh airport. Saudi Arabia is India's valued strategic partner," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Swaraj will inaugurate the Janadriyah festival tomorrow. Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh had earlier said that India's participation in the festival will be multi-faceted. "We will have an Indian pavilion where we will project a number of Indian themes and projects. The pavilion will comprise glimpses of traditional and modern India," he said. Saudi Arabia is home to more than 3 million Indian people and ties between the two countries are on an upswing in the last few years especially after the landmark visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Gulf Kingdom in April 2016. Saudi Arabia is India's fourth largest trade partner after China, the US and the UAE. The country is a major source of India's energy requirement as it accounts for almost one- fifth of India's crude oil requirement. The volume of bilateral trade during 2016-17 was recorded at $ 25.079 billion, a slight decrease from the $ 26.71 billion in 2015-16.

Swaraj in Saudi Arabia on three-day visit

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj met former Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal here on Friday.

The minister, who reached Kathmandu on Thursday, met <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepals-oli-most-likely-next-pm-wins-parliament-seat-26385" target="_blank">Chairman of CPN-UML K.P Sharma Oli</a> in her first engagement and congratulated him on his party`s victory in the recent elections. &quot;The two held wide ranging discussions on ways to take the special relationship between India and Nepal forward,&quot; EAM spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had tweeted.

Swaraj is on a two-day official visit to Nepal in an effort to reach out to the country`s political leadership ahead of the formation of a new government by a Communist alliance.

This is Swaraj`s seventh visit to Nepal since assuming office in May 2014. However this is her first visit to Nepal after the three-tier elections ended here in December.

The timing of the visit comes at a time when India wants to improve its relations with Oli and his party, Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) (CPN-UML).

Relations between the two sides are often described as &quot;patchy&quot;, where Oli criticised India`s constant hindrance over Nepal`s new constitution in 2015, which did not recognise the rights of the Madhesis.

On January 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi telephoned Oli and congratulated him in advance on his win in the just-concluded Nepal elections and invited each other to visit their respective countries.&nbsp;

India's External Affairs Minister is on a two-day visit to the country

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj met former Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal here on Friday. The minister, who reached Kathmandu on Thursday, met Chairman of CPN-UML K.P Sharma Oli in her first engagement and congratulated him on his party`s victory in the recent elections. "The two held wide ranging discussions on ways to take the special relationship between India and Nepal forward," EAM spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had tweeted. Swaraj is on a two-day official visit to Nepal in an effort to reach out to the country`s political leadership ahead of the formation of a new government by a Communist alliance. This is Swaraj`s seventh visit to Nepal since assuming office in May 2014. However this is her first visit to Nepal after the three-tier elections ended here in December. The timing of the visit comes at a time when India wants to improve its relations with Oli and his party, Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) (CPN-UML). Relations between the two sides are often described as "patchy", where Oli criticised India`s constant hindrance over Nepal`s new constitution in 2015, which did not recognise the rights of the Madhesis. On January 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi telephoned Oli and congratulated him in advance on his win in the just-concluded Nepal elections and invited each other to visit their respective countries.

Sushma Swaraj calls on Prachanda in Nepal

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met with CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli on Thursday and congratulated him on his party&#39;s victory in the recent elections in Kathmandu.

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar took to Twitter to inform about the meeting.

&quot;In her first engagement, EAM @SushmaSwaraj met Mr K.P Sharma Oli, Chairman of CPN-UML and congratulated him on his Party&#39;s victory in the recent elections. The two held wide ranging discussions on ways to take the special relationship between India and Nepal forward&quot;, he tweeted.

Swaraj is on a two-day official visit to Nepal in an effort to reach out to the country&#39;s political leadership ahead of the formation of a new government by a Communist alliance.

Addressing the media at Tribhuvan International airport, Swaraj said that her visit will strengthen the India-Nepal friendship.

Raveesh tweeted, &quot;Delighted to visit Nepal - India&#39;s close friend. Our relationship is of such a nature that we don&#39;t need an excuse to visit each other. My visit to Nepal is to meet friends from all political parties and strengthen (India-Nepal) friendship&quot;.

Earlier today, Swaraj met Udaya Shumsher Rana, Minister of State (Finance) Nepal.

Swaraj will hold meetings with Nepali President Bidhya Devi Bhandari and outgoing Nepali prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba.

She will also meet with Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda and Madhesi leaders.

This is Swaraj&#39;s seventh visit to Nepal since assuming office in May 2014.

Addressing the media at Tribhuvan International airport, Swaraj said that her visit will strengthen the India-Nepal friendship

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met with CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli on Thursday and congratulated him on his party's victory in the recent elections in Kathmandu. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar took to Twitter to inform about the meeting. "In her first engagement, EAM @SushmaSwaraj met Mr K.P Sharma Oli, Chairman of CPN-UML and congratulated him on his Party's victory in the recent elections. The two held wide ranging discussions on ways to take the special relationship between India and Nepal forward", he tweeted. Swaraj is on a two-day official visit to Nepal in an effort to reach out to the country's political leadership ahead of the formation of a new government by a Communist alliance. Addressing the media at Tribhuvan International airport, Swaraj said that her visit will strengthen the India-Nepal friendship. Raveesh tweeted, "Delighted to visit Nepal - India's close friend. Our relationship is of such a nature that we don't need an excuse to visit each other. My visit to Nepal is to meet friends from all political parties and strengthen (India-Nepal) friendship". Earlier today, Swaraj met Udaya Shumsher Rana, Minister of State (Finance) Nepal. Swaraj will hold meetings with Nepali President Bidhya Devi Bhandari and outgoing Nepali prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. She will also meet with Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda and Madhesi leaders. This is Swaraj's seventh visit to Nepal since assuming office in May 2014.

Nepal: Sushma Swaraj meets CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, congratulates for elevation win

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today held &quot;productive&quot; talks with her Maldivian counterpart Mohamed Asim amidst a strain in bilateral ties over a number of issues, including the signing of an FTA between Maldives and China.

&quot;Swaraj met Mohamed Asim, Foreign Minister and Special Envoy of the President of Maldives. Both had productive discussions to strengthen bilateral relationship keeping in mind &#39;India first&#39; policy of Maldives and our policy of &#39;Neighbourhood first&#39;,&quot; the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

It is understood that the Maldivian leader reiterated that the Maldives would not undertake any activity which would harm Indian interests and it would also be conveyed that the country was &quot;sensitive&quot; to India&#39;s concerns over peace and security in the Indian Ocean region.

India had already made it clear that it expected that as a close and friendly neighbour, the island nation would be sensitive to its concerns in keeping with its &#39;India First&#39; policy. The Indian statement had come in response to a query on Maldives-China free trade agreement (FTA).

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today held 'productive' talks with her Maldivian counterpart Mohamed Asim amidst a strain in bilateral ties over a number of issues, including the signing of an FTA between Maldives and China

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today held "productive" talks with her Maldivian counterpart Mohamed Asim amidst a strain in bilateral ties over a number of issues, including the signing of an FTA between Maldives and China. "Swaraj met Mohamed Asim, Foreign Minister and Special Envoy of the President of Maldives. Both had productive discussions to strengthen bilateral relationship keeping in mind 'India first' policy of Maldives and our policy of 'Neighbourhood first'," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. It is understood that the Maldivian leader reiterated that the Maldives would not undertake any activity which would harm Indian interests and it would also be conveyed that the country was "sensitive" to India's concerns over peace and security in the Indian Ocean region. India had already made it clear that it expected that as a close and friendly neighbour, the island nation would be sensitive to its concerns in keeping with its 'India First' policy. The Indian statement had come in response to a query on Maldives-China free trade agreement (FTA).

Sushma Swaraj holds 'productive' talks with Maldivian Foreign Minister: MEA