Indian shares ended little changed on Tuesday, as investors paused after a two-session rally and waited for further stimulus from the government to revive slowing growth.

The broader NSE Nifty ended 0.1 per cent lower at 11,588.20, while the benchmark BSE Sensex ended flat at 39,097.14.

Shares had rallied after finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman reduced corporate taxes to around 25 per cent from 30 per cent and scrapped the minimum alternative tax for domestic companies on Friday.

Reliance Industries, one of India's most valuable companies, closed nearly 3.1 per cent up and was the top boost to the markets on Tuesday.

IT stocks were also among the top gainers, with the Nifty IT index closing nearly 2 per cent higher. Infosys ended 3.88 per cent up, while Tata Consultancy Services finished 1.56 per cent higher.

Meanwhile, India's top lender by assets State Bank of India fell 4.06 per cent, while JSW Steel dropped 4.19 per cent.

Indian shares ended little changed on Tuesday, as investors paused after a two-session rally and waited for further stimulus from the government to revive slowing growth.

Indian shares ended little changed on Tuesday, as investors paused after a two-session rally and waited for further stimulus from the government to revive slowing growth. The broader NSE Nifty ended 0.1 per cent lower at 11,588.20, while the benchmark BSE Sensex ended flat at 39,097.14. Shares had rallied after finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman reduced corporate taxes to around 25 per cent from 30 per cent and scrapped the minimum alternative tax for domestic companies on Friday. Reliance Industries, one of India's most valuable companies, closed nearly 3.1 per cent up and was the top boost to the markets on Tuesday. IT stocks were also among the top gainers, with the Nifty IT index closing nearly 2 per cent higher. Infosys ended 3.88 per cent up, while Tata Consultancy Services finished 1.56 per cent higher. Meanwhile, India's top lender by assets State Bank of India fell 4.06 per cent, while JSW Steel dropped 4.19 per cent.

Nifty, Sensex end little changed, Reliance Industries gains

Even as Pakistan has denied an overflight to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flight, India has said it, "hopes (Pakistan) will realise the folly of its actions".

Calling Islamabad's action as "unfortunate", foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale in response to a question said, "as far as going to an international organisation is concerned, it will take look at that. So far there is no intention to do so. If they are in violation of the regulation of civil aviation organisation, that is a possibility we can certainly consider".

The rejection can be considered as a violation of ICAO or International Civil Aviation Organization charter. Under the charter, unless its war, denying the use of airspace by singling out cannot be done by any country.

New Delhi can take Pakistan to ICAO where the country can be slapped with a heavy fine.

This is the second time in a month that Pakistan has denied an overflight to an Indian VVIP. Earlier this month, Islamabad denied permission to President Ram Nath Kovind's plane during his Europe visit.

On Wednesday, strongly reacting to Islamabad's decision, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "Pakistan should reflect upon its decision to deviate from well established international practice, as well as reconsider its old habit of misrepresenting the reasons for taking unilateral action."

PM Modi will be in the United States from September 21 to 27 for big-ticket events like the diaspora event in Houston and the address to United Nations General Assembly. 
&nbsp;

Even as Pakistan has denied an overflight to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flight, India has said it, "hopes (Pakistan) will realise the folly of its actions". Calling Islamabad's action as "unfortunate", foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale in response to a question said, "as far as going to an international organisation is concerned, it will take look at that.

Even as Pakistan has denied an overflight to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flight, India has said it, "hopes (Pakistan) will realise the folly of its actions". Calling Islamabad's action as "unfortunate", foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale in response to a question said, "as far as going to an international organisation is concerned, it will take look at that. So far there is no intention to do so. If they are in violation of the regulation of civil aviation organisation, that is a possibility we can certainly consider". The rejection can be considered as a violation of ICAO or International Civil Aviation Organization charter. Under the charter, unless its war, denying the use of airspace by singling out cannot be done by any country. New Delhi can take Pakistan to ICAO where the country can be slapped with a heavy fine. This is the second time in a month that Pakistan has denied an overflight to an Indian VVIP. Earlier this month, Islamabad denied permission to President Ram Nath Kovind's plane during his Europe visit. On Wednesday, strongly reacting to Islamabad's decision, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "Pakistan should reflect upon its decision to deviate from well established international practice, as well as reconsider its old habit of misrepresenting the reasons for taking unilateral action." PM Modi will be in the United States from September 21 to 27 for big-ticket events like the diaspora event in Houston and the address to United Nations General Assembly.

Hope Pakistan realises its folly: India on Islamabad's denial to PM Modi's overflight 

Amazon.com, Walmart-owned Flipkart and other e-commerce portals in India scrambled on Thursday to pull listings of vaping products a day after the federal government imposed a nationwide <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-bans-e-cigarettes-citing-health-hazards-250374">ban on electronic cigarettes</a>.

Warning of an "epidemic" among young people, India banned the sale, production, import and advertising of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-health-organization-says-e-cigarettes-undoubtedly-harmful-238779">e-cigarettes</a>, dealing a blow to plans of companies such as Philip Morris International and Juul Labs to sell the products in India.

Websites such as Vapestop and Litejoy, which offered vaping products online, discontinued their operations and ran disclaimers related to the government order.

Vaping products, however, were still available on Amazon's India site, while Flipkart and Softbank-backed Snapdeal removed e-cigarettes which were available earlier in the day, Reuters found.

"Online advertising and sales are banned. E-commerce service providers should take down the advertisements and sale offers immediately," Vikas Sheel, a senior health ministry official told Reuters, when asked about the online listings.

Amazon's India site was selling the "Honey Badger" vape device, which resembles a USB flash drive, for 2,799 rupees ($39.35), with flavoured refills. Flipkart had also listed the product earlier.

Amazon said e-cigarettes are not allowed to be listed or sold on&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://Amazon.co.in&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1568981438627000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEneKHjksBQXERzXjN7RgagedFjaA" href="http://amazon.co.in/" target="_blank">Amazon.co.in</a>&nbsp;as per its policy and it takes action if it learns about sellers evasively listing a prohibited product.

A source with direct knowledge said that Amazon was working to quickly remove the listings.

Flipkart in a statement said it was aware of the ban order and was working with sellers to remove all such products.

Snapdeal, another leading e-commerce website in India, said the e-cigarette category had been disabled.

On Wednesday, India's health ministry said use of e-cigarettes had increased exponentially and acquired epidemic proportions in developed countries, especially among youth and children.

India's ban was issued through an executive order, which has been in force since Wednesday night, a health ministry spokeswoman said.

Pro-vaping groups in India have criticized the government's decision, saying it would deter people from switching from conventional cigarettes to less harmful alternatives.

Amazon.com, Walmart-owned Flipkart and other e-commerce portals in India scrambled on Thursday to pull listings of vaping products a day after the federal government imposed a nationwide ban on electronic cigarettes.

Amazon.com, Walmart-owned Flipkart and other e-commerce portals in India scrambled on Thursday to pull listings of vaping products a day after the federal government imposed a nationwide ban on electronic cigarettes. Warning of an "epidemic" among young people, India banned the sale, production, import and advertising of e-cigarettes, dealing a blow to plans of companies such as Philip Morris International and Juul Labs to sell the products in India. Websites such as Vapestop and Litejoy, which offered vaping products online, discontinued their operations and ran disclaimers related to the government order. Vaping products, however, were still available on Amazon's India site, while Flipkart and Softbank-backed Snapdeal removed e-cigarettes which were available earlier in the day, Reuters found. "Online advertising and sales are banned. E-commerce service providers should take down the advertisements and sale offers immediately," Vikas Sheel, a senior health ministry official told Reuters, when asked about the online listings. Amazon's India site was selling the "Honey Badger" vape device, which resembles a USB flash drive, for 2,799 rupees ($39.35), with flavoured refills. Flipkart had also listed the product earlier. Amazon said e-cigarettes are not allowed to be listed or sold on Amazon.co.in as per its policy and it takes action if it learns about sellers evasively listing a prohibited product. A source with direct knowledge said that Amazon was working to quickly remove the listings. Flipkart in a statement said it was aware of the ban order and was working with sellers to remove all such products. Snapdeal, another leading e-commerce website in India, said the e-cigarette category had been disabled. On Wednesday, India's health ministry said use of e-cigarettes had increased exponentially and acquired epidemic proportions in developed countries, especially among youth and children. India's ban was issued through an executive order, which has been in force since Wednesday night, a health ministry spokeswoman said. Pro-vaping groups in India have criticized the government's decision, saying it would deter people from switching from conventional cigarettes to less harmful alternatives.

Flipkart, Amazon, others rush to pull vaping devices after India ban

India meets the criteria for trade concessions that the United States eliminated in June, India's Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said on Thursday.

The United States removed India from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programme that allowed duty-free entry for up to $5.6 billion worth of its annual exports to the United States, citing lack of reciprocal market access.

Washington should take a call on reinstating trade concessions under the GSP, Gokhale told a news conference.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet US&nbsp;President Donald Trump later this month in the United States.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet executives from energy majors BP PLC and Exxon Mobil Corp in the United States next week to discuss investment opportunities, the foreign ministry said on Thursday.

The energy hungry nation, which has been increasing imports of crude from the United States, is looking at raising oil imports from Russia, amid uncertainty over supplies after an attack on Saudi Arabian facilities last weekend.

Modi will also attend a separate investment event with executives from JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co, Lockheed Martin, Mastercard Inc and Walmart Inc, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said.

&nbsp;

India meets the criteria for trade concessions that the United States eliminated in June, India's Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said on Thursday. The United States removed India from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programme that allowed duty-free entry for up to $5.

India meets the criteria for trade concessions that the United States eliminated in June, India's Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said on Thursday. The United States removed India from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programme that allowed duty-free entry for up to $5.6 billion worth of its annual exports to the United States, citing lack of reciprocal market access. Washington should take a call on reinstating trade concessions under the GSP, Gokhale told a news conference. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump later this month in the United States. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet executives from energy majors BP PLC and Exxon Mobil Corp in the United States next week to discuss investment opportunities, the foreign ministry said on Thursday. The energy hungry nation, which has been increasing imports of crude from the United States, is looking at raising oil imports from Russia, amid uncertainty over supplies after an attack on Saudi Arabian facilities last weekend. Modi will also attend a separate investment event with executives from JPMorgan Chase & Co, Lockheed Martin, Mastercard Inc and Walmart Inc, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said.

India meets criteria to reclaim US trade concessions

Pakistan's sham crackdown on terrorism was exposed yet again after a photo surfaced on social media showing ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) top political leaders sharing a stage with US-designated terrorist Maulana Fazlur Rehman Khalil.

The photo, which was shared by, journalist Asif Shahzad, is from All Parties Kashmir Solidarity Conference which was held in Islamabad on September 16.

The conference was attended by President of Pakistan occupied Kashmir Masood Khan and Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan among other prominent leaders. However, the presence of Khalil, a PTI leader and founder of the terrorist organisation Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM), in the event meant to garner support for Kashmir was questionable.

India has long blamed Pakistan for fuelling terror and supporting terrorist groups in Jammu and Kashmir to create unrest in the region.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-aims-to-restart-afghan-peace-talks-250406">Imran Khan</a>'s party, which rose to power with a promise to not provide safe haven to terrorists, has been often blamed for supporting terrorist groups. Khan has been infamous as Taliban Khan for his staunch support to the terrorist group.

Khalil's organization HuM is said to have been in direct contact with Osama Bin Laden and his family when he was in Abbottabad and has been on the US State department's foreign terrorist organization list since 1997.

Khalil has been a strong supporter of Imran Khan and advocated for the latter's candidature as the Prime Minister of the country last year.

In March, Khan's government received a lot of backlash for including Khahil into the party.

The photo has emerged weeks before the crucial Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meeting where Pakistan's compliance with the action plan will be assessed and it fears blacklisting.

Pakistan has been under the FATF radar for its complicity towards terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) among others. In addition, terrorists like Hafiz Saeed are regularly seen ranting anti-India rhetoric and collecting so-called donations.

The FATF recently gave a stern message to Pakistan to expedite its action plan for curbing terror financing by October or face the prospect of getting blacklisted, which could aggravate problems for its stagnant economy.

Pakistan's sham crackdown on terrorism was exposed yet again after a photo surfaced on social media showing ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) top political leaders sharing a stage with US-designated terrorist Maulana Fazlur Rehman Khalil.

Pakistan's sham crackdown on terrorism was exposed yet again after a photo surfaced on social media showing ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) top political leaders sharing a stage with US-designated terrorist Maulana Fazlur Rehman Khalil. The photo, which was shared by, journalist Asif Shahzad, is from All Parties Kashmir Solidarity Conference which was held in Islamabad on September 16. The conference was attended by President of Pakistan occupied Kashmir Masood Khan and Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan among other prominent leaders. However, the presence of Khalil, a PTI leader and founder of the terrorist organisation Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM), in the event meant to garner support for Kashmir was questionable. India has long blamed Pakistan for fuelling terror and supporting terrorist groups in Jammu and Kashmir to create unrest in the region. Imran Khan's party, which rose to power with a promise to not provide safe haven to terrorists, has been often blamed for supporting terrorist groups. Khan has been infamous as Taliban Khan for his staunch support to the terrorist group. Khalil's organization HuM is said to have been in direct contact with Osama Bin Laden and his family when he was in Abbottabad and has been on the US State department's foreign terrorist organization list since 1997. Khalil has been a strong supporter of Imran Khan and advocated for the latter's candidature as the Prime Minister of the country last year. In March, Khan's government received a lot of backlash for including Khahil into the party. The photo has emerged weeks before the crucial Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meeting where Pakistan's compliance with the action plan will be assessed and it fears blacklisting. Pakistan has been under the FATF radar for its complicity towards terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) among others. In addition, terrorists like Hafiz Saeed are regularly seen ranting anti-India rhetoric and collecting so-called donations. The FATF recently gave a stern message to Pakistan to expedite its action plan for curbing terror financing by October or face the prospect of getting blacklisted, which could aggravate problems for its stagnant economy.

Pakistan government leaders caught sharing stage with US-designated terrorist

Given the speed and alacrity with which Pakistan has moved after August 5, 2019, the day the constitutional and administrative decisions on Jammu &amp; Kashmir (J&amp;K) were taken by the Indian government, proves the dismay caused in Pakistan. As long as a special status existed for J&amp;K, separatism was a live phenomenon. The Pakistani narrative has seen much traction in Kashmir because it was against India, although, it hardly supported the core Kashmiri intent of Azadi. The Indian argument that history had overtaken the UN resolutions on J&amp;K and these were now void flew in the face of the special status India continued to accord to J&amp;K, leaving it as a territory whose status had yet to be settled. However, the abrogation of J&amp;K’s &nbsp;special status and its down gradation to a union territory put a spoke into Pakistan’s larger game plan because India put the stamp of integrated Indian territory on J&amp;K. 25 years ago through another bold action India had passed an All Party Joint Parliamentary Resolution on February &nbsp;22, 1994, declaring that the entire territory held by the then Maharaja of J&amp;K belonged to India.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Army along with the other elements of the deep state know that time is not on their side and that India’s new approach to countering the proxy hybrid conflict could get more effective by the day. As it is the three track strategy of instigating internal turbulence through established networks, external castigation of India by influential members of the international community including institutions, and enhancing alienation using its usually very effective communication strategy, has thus far all come cropper. However, Pakistan’s strategic thinkers would also be closely monitoring the situation within J&amp;K and re-strategising based upon some assumptions.

The start point is the projection by Pakistan that the Kashmiri population has not accepted the Indian government’s decisions. For that there is a need for the world to see that their is violence and mayhem on the streets. By itself that may be insufficient although Pakistan would be happy to see some casualties; in 2016 by contrast 40 or more people had lost their lives in four weeks of agitation; this time it’s just one. The agitation mode is subject to will and stamina and needs much effort at mobilisation. The communication lock down has effectively denied a toehold in this sphere. A series of supplementary violent acts by terrorists against the Army and Police organisations sustains longer than agitation. Hence the need for increasing the strength of terrorists. Local recruitment under current and foreseeable future circumstances will be difficult especially under high levels of army and police deployment and surveillance. Gulmarg and its vicinity has been devoid of infiltration for sometime. Suddenly a surge of activity is taking place there. The Haji Pir bulge is a suitable launch pad and the routes lead directly into South Kashmir where the fulcrum of the current resistance exists. It is also likely that Pakistan will use other less frequented routes and cater for high level levels of attrition that could result from encounters with the Indian Army; this has long been JuD chief Hafiz Sayeed’s strategy. It’s a situation very akin to 1991-92 when foreign terrorists were first used in Kashmir to boost militancy. &nbsp;

Apprehension that a big terror attack in &nbsp;Southern or Central India is in the offing could prove right too. With the Islamic State (IS) terror attacks in Sri Lanka on April 2019 the scope for execution and denial by Pakistan has increased manifold. Tactical alliance between terror groups for temporary mutual gain is also not unknown; the ISI garnering services of the IS thus remains plausible. Pakistan’s international focus will remain the projection of the idea of ‘false flag’ in relation to a high profile terror attack, mostly involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs) anywhere in Kashmir’s hinterland or in rest of India. India has worked insufficiently on this till date and its diplomatic campaigns must include nailing the Pakistani lie on false flag.&nbsp;

The adoption of offensive information and psychological warfare awaits the lifting of the communication lockdown of Kashmir. Mobile internet facility being denied in Kashmir has been frowned upon by Indian intelligentsia and international clamour to restore this ‘human right’ has been increasing. Pakistan’s propaganda machinery awaits the full lifting of the lockdown to flood the networks of social media with enough seditious literature and messages.

While Indian counters to this have been developing these are yet insufficient; this is where the focus of Delhi’s efforts must lie forthrightly and boldly citing national security and adopting a balanced attitude towards human rights.

This is the other issue on which the UNHRC will not remain the last bastion of Pakistan’s focus of painting Indian human rights record in different colours. We should remain alert to continuing our efforts to counter Pakistan’s propaganda in international think tanks and the high profile media where Pakistani traction continues to remain high.

Pakistan will find that the partial and progressive success of Indian agencies in taking control of financial networks will largely block its ability to mobilise support and run terror activities. It’s strategy is once again likely to shift towards fake currency and funding from within India. This is where other borders such as along Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab are likely to be activated for induction of fake currency.

Lastly, the diplomatic support to India and relatively cool attitude towards Pakistan on the part of GCC countries is likely to peeve Pakistan no end leading to renewed efforts by it to cultivate negative opinion on India in these important nations. The media in these countries is important too and it’s opinion makes international opinion in the Islamic world. India’s engagement with the GCC media too is warranted even as all eyes now await 27 September the day the UN General Assembly.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-jk-pakistan-s-next-steps-2789585">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Given the speed and alacrity with which Pakistan has moved after August 5, 2019, the day the constitutional and administrative decisions on Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) were taken by the Indian government, proves the dismay caused in Pakistan.

Given the speed and alacrity with which Pakistan has moved after August 5, 2019, the day the constitutional and administrative decisions on Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) were taken by the Indian government, proves the dismay caused in Pakistan. As long as a special status existed for J&K, separatism was a live phenomenon. The Pakistani narrative has seen much traction in Kashmir because it was against India, although, it hardly supported the core Kashmiri intent of Azadi. The Indian argument that history had overtaken the UN resolutions on J&K and these were now void flew in the face of the special status India continued to accord to J&K, leaving it as a territory whose status had yet to be settled. However, the abrogation of J&K’s special status and its down gradation to a union territory put a spoke into Pakistan’s larger game plan because India put the stamp of integrated Indian territory on J&K. 25 years ago through another bold action India had passed an All Party Joint Parliamentary Resolution on February 22, 1994, declaring that the entire territory held by the then Maharaja of J&K belonged to India. The Pakistan Army along with the other elements of the deep state know that time is not on their side and that India’s new approach to countering the proxy hybrid conflict could get more effective by the day. As it is the three track strategy of instigating internal turbulence through established networks, external castigation of India by influential members of the international community including institutions, and enhancing alienation using its usually very effective communication strategy, has thus far all come cropper. However, Pakistan’s strategic thinkers would also be closely monitoring the situation within J&K and re-strategising based upon some assumptions. The start point is the projection by Pakistan that the Kashmiri population has not accepted the Indian government’s decisions. For that there is a need for the world to see that their is violence and mayhem on the streets. By itself that may be insufficient although Pakistan would be happy to see some casualties; in 2016 by contrast 40 or more people had lost their lives in four weeks of agitation; this time it’s just one. The agitation mode is subject to will and stamina and needs much effort at mobilisation. The communication lock down has effectively denied a toehold in this sphere. A series of supplementary violent acts by terrorists against the Army and Police organisations sustains longer than agitation. Hence the need for increasing the strength of terrorists. Local recruitment under current and foreseeable future circumstances will be difficult especially under high levels of army and police deployment and surveillance. Gulmarg and its vicinity has been devoid of infiltration for sometime. Suddenly a surge of activity is taking place there. The Haji Pir bulge is a suitable launch pad and the routes lead directly into South Kashmir where the fulcrum of the current resistance exists. It is also likely that Pakistan will use other less frequented routes and cater for high level levels of attrition that could result from encounters with the Indian Army; this has long been JuD chief Hafiz Sayeed’s strategy. It’s a situation very akin to 1991-92 when foreign terrorists were first used in Kashmir to boost militancy. Apprehension that a big terror attack in Southern or Central India is in the offing could prove right too. With the Islamic State (IS) terror attacks in Sri Lanka on April 2019 the scope for execution and denial by Pakistan has increased manifold. Tactical alliance between terror groups for temporary mutual gain is also not unknown; the ISI garnering services of the IS thus remains plausible. Pakistan’s international focus will remain the projection of the idea of ‘false flag’ in relation to a high profile terror attack, mostly involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs) anywhere in Kashmir’s hinterland or in rest of India. India has worked insufficiently on this till date and its diplomatic campaigns must include nailing the Pakistani lie on false flag. The adoption of offensive information and psychological warfare awaits the lifting of the communication lockdown of Kashmir. Mobile internet facility being denied in Kashmir has been frowned upon by Indian intelligentsia and international clamour to restore this ‘human right’ has been increasing. Pakistan’s propaganda machinery awaits the full lifting of the lockdown to flood the networks of social media with enough seditious literature and messages. While Indian counters to this have been developing these are yet insufficient; this is where the focus of Delhi’s efforts must lie forthrightly and boldly citing national security and adopting a balanced attitude towards human rights. This is the other issue on which the UNHRC will not remain the last bastion of Pakistan’s focus of painting Indian human rights record in different colours. We should remain alert to continuing our efforts to counter Pakistan’s propaganda in international think tanks and the high profile media where Pakistani traction continues to remain high. Pakistan will find that the partial and progressive success of Indian agencies in taking control of financial networks will largely block its ability to mobilise support and run terror activities. It’s strategy is once again likely to shift towards fake currency and funding from within India. This is where other borders such as along Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab are likely to be activated for induction of fake currency. Lastly, the diplomatic support to India and relatively cool attitude towards Pakistan on the part of GCC countries is likely to peeve Pakistan no end leading to renewed efforts by it to cultivate negative opinion on India in these important nations. The media in these countries is important too and it’s opinion makes international opinion in the Islamic world. India’s engagement with the GCC media too is warranted even as all eyes now await 27 September the day the UN General Assembly. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

J&K: Pakistan's next steps

India has raised the issue of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-incessant-ceasefire-violation-by-pakistan-along-loc-causing-constant-worry-among-locals-248365">ceasefire violation by Pakistan</a> and its support to cross border terrorist infiltration which is aided by unprovoked firing from the other side.

The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, "have highlighted our concerns at unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistan forces, including in support of cross border terrorist infiltration, and targeting of Indian civilians and border posts by them".

There have been 2,050 unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistan this year in which 21 Indians have died.

Asking Pakistan to "adhere to 2003 ceasefire understanding and maintain peace and tranquillity along the LOC and IB", the MEA spokesperson said, "Indian forces exercise maximum restraint and respond to unprovoked violations and attempts at cross border terrorist infiltration".

India had raised the matter via diplomatic channels in Islamabad. Pakistan had summoned Indian deputy high commissioner on Saturday, the latter had told them not to exacerbate the situation at the LoC.

Increasingly, it is being seen that Pakistan has been instigating people on its side to cross the Line Of Control.

Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command of the Indian Army on Saturday said, "There are a large number of leaders across the LoC who are instigating PoK residents. It's trying to use them as cannon fodder for attempts to come close to LoC".

Exuding confidence, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said, "situation at LoC is firmly under control. By our calibrated and proactive approach, we have been able to attain complete moral ascendency over the enemy".

He visited forward posts in Rajouri and Sunderbani sectors on Saturday to review the operational preparedness and the prevalent security situation.

India has raised the issue of ceasefire violation by Pakistan and its support to cross border terrorist infiltration which is aided by unprovoked firing from the other side.

India has raised the issue of ceasefire violation by Pakistan and its support to cross border terrorist infiltration which is aided by unprovoked firing from the other side. The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, "have highlighted our concerns at unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistan forces, including in support of cross border terrorist infiltration, and targeting of Indian civilians and border posts by them". There have been 2,050 unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistan this year in which 21 Indians have died. Asking Pakistan to "adhere to 2003 ceasefire understanding and maintain peace and tranquillity along the LOC and IB", the MEA spokesperson said, "Indian forces exercise maximum restraint and respond to unprovoked violations and attempts at cross border terrorist infiltration". India had raised the matter via diplomatic channels in Islamabad. Pakistan had summoned Indian deputy high commissioner on Saturday, the latter had told them not to exacerbate the situation at the LoC. Increasingly, it is being seen that Pakistan has been instigating people on its side to cross the Line Of Control. Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command of the Indian Army on Saturday said, "There are a large number of leaders across the LoC who are instigating PoK residents. It's trying to use them as cannon fodder for attempts to come close to LoC". Exuding confidence, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said, "situation at LoC is firmly under control. By our calibrated and proactive approach, we have been able to attain complete moral ascendency over the enemy". He visited forward posts in Rajouri and Sunderbani sectors on Saturday to review the operational preparedness and the prevalent security situation.

Over 2,000 ceasefire violations by Pak this year, India asks Islamabad to stop supporting terror infiltration

Yet again, India has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations for raking up the Kashmir issue. Pakistan's permanent representative to the United Nation, Maleeha Lodhi, raised the Kashmir issue on Thursday during a discussion on "Report of the Security Council for 2018". Lodhi said that the UN Security Council has failed to implement its resolutions on Kashmir.

Indian diplomat Sandeep Kumar Bayyapu, while giving out the country's statement in the debate said, "There has been yet another attempt by one delegation to misuse this forum to spread baseless and deceitful narratives about my country".

Calling Islamabad's attempts as unsuccessful, the first secretary at the Indian mission in UN, Bayyapu said, "truth is that the delegation represents a geographical space that is now widely known as the hub of terrorism that has jeopardized innocent lives in our region and beyond."

Earlier in the week, Pakistan and India clashed at the United Nations Human Rights Council where Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called New Delhi's decision to revoke special status for Jammu and Kashmir as illegal.

The Indian delegation, led by secretary east Vijay Thakur Singh, called the decision as a sovereign one taken by the Indian parliament and slammed Islamabad for interfering in India's internal matter. India has also highlighted the plight of minorities in the South Asian country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will be heading to New York by the end of this month for the 74th session of the UN General Assembly. Both will be speaking on September 27. This will be the second time when PM Modi will be addressing the UNGA since 2014. &nbsp;

Yet again, India has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations for raking up the Kashmir issue. Pakistan's permanent representative to the United Nation, Maleeha Lodhi, raised the Kashmir issue on Thursday during a discussion on "Report of the Security Council for 2018".

Yet again, India has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations for raking up the Kashmir issue. Pakistan's permanent representative to the United Nation, Maleeha Lodhi, raised the Kashmir issue on Thursday during a discussion on "Report of the Security Council for 2018". Lodhi said that the UN Security Council has failed to implement its resolutions on Kashmir. Indian diplomat Sandeep Kumar Bayyapu, while giving out the country's statement in the debate said, "There has been yet another attempt by one delegation to misuse this forum to spread baseless and deceitful narratives about my country". Calling Islamabad's attempts as unsuccessful, the first secretary at the Indian mission in UN, Bayyapu said, "truth is that the delegation represents a geographical space that is now widely known as the hub of terrorism that has jeopardized innocent lives in our region and beyond." Earlier in the week, Pakistan and India clashed at the United Nations Human Rights Council where Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called New Delhi's decision to revoke special status for Jammu and Kashmir as illegal. The Indian delegation, led by secretary east Vijay Thakur Singh, called the decision as a sovereign one taken by the Indian parliament and slammed Islamabad for interfering in India's internal matter. India has also highlighted the plight of minorities in the South Asian country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will be heading to New York by the end of this month for the 74th session of the UN General Assembly. Both will be speaking on September 27. This will be the second time when PM Modi will be addressing the UNGA since 2014.

India slams Pakistan at United Nations for raking up Kashmir issue 

Indian Armed Forces are planning to deploy their latest American weapons systems including M777 ultra-light howitzers and Chinook heavy-lift helicopters in the war games to be carried out in Arunachal Pradesh, close to borders with China.

Codenamed HimVijay, this exercise planned by India in the northeast will mainly test the war fighting abilities of the newly-raised 17 Mountain Strike Corps in Arunachal Pradesh.

The exercise will also involve the Indian Air Force (IAF) which would provide the aerial elements for the real war-type drills.

"During the exercise HimVijay, the 17 Mountain Strike Corps has been provided with the M777 Ultra Light Howitzers as they would be in an attack mode against the `enemy` locations and would require the lighter guns," senior Army sources told ANI.

Another recently inducted American system planned to be utilised during the war games would be the Chinook heavy-lift choppers.

These choppers were formally inducted into the Air Force on March 25 at the Chandigarh airbase.

"The Chinooks are not yet inducted into the northeast by the Air Force but at some point of time in the near future, they plan to induct it in that region. So, they have been requested to utilise the helicopters during the wargames," they said.

The war games have been planned by the Eastern Command for the last six months and are being implemented by the Panagarh-based 17 Strike Corps and the Tezpur-based 4 Corps.

The M777 ultra-light howitzers were inducted into the Indian Army along with the K-9 Vajra and Dhanush howitzers at Deolali near Nashik.

The Indian Army will induct a total of 145 M777 howitzers in service. The M777 Howitzers are planned to be used mainly for warfare in mountainous terrains only due to their lightweight and ability to be airdropped by the Chinook heavy-lift helicopters in the high altitude areas in the Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.

More than 5,000 troops of the Indian Army`s only Mountain Strike Corps will carry out a massive war game to practice real war-like situation on the eastern front of the country.

"As part of the war games, the troops of the Tezpur-based 4 Corps will be deployed at a high altitude location to defend their `territory` while a brigade-sized force (over 2,500 troops) of the 17 Mountain Strike Corps would be airlifted by the Indian Air Force to `launch an offensive` against them," sources said.

The Indian Air Force will airlift the troops using its latest transport aircraft including the C-17, C-130J Super Hercules and the AN-32 to airlift the army troops from Baghdogra in West Bengal and deploy them close to the `war zone` in Arunachal Pradesh, they said.

To make the 17 Mountain Strike Corps more effective during wartime in the mountainous region with China, the fighting formations under it are being converted into Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) as part of Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat`s restructuring process.

Once the IBGs are formed, the formations will be converted into leaner and more efficient fighting units with the ability to strike deeper and faster against enemy targets, the sources said.

An IBG, which will be a little smaller than a division, will integrate the existing elements of infantry, tank regiments, artillery, engineers and signals.

It will comprise six battalions of these elements and will be directly under a Corps.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Indian Armed Forces are planning to deploy their latest American weapons systems including M777 ultra-light howitzers and Chinook heavy-lift helicopters in the war games to be carried out in Arunachal Pradesh, close to borders with China.

Indian Armed Forces are planning to deploy their latest American weapons systems including M777 ultra-light howitzers and Chinook heavy-lift helicopters in the war games to be carried out in Arunachal Pradesh, close to borders with China. Codenamed HimVijay, this exercise planned by India in the northeast will mainly test the war fighting abilities of the newly-raised 17 Mountain Strike Corps in Arunachal Pradesh. The exercise will also involve the Indian Air Force (IAF) which would provide the aerial elements for the real war-type drills. "During the exercise HimVijay, the 17 Mountain Strike Corps has been provided with the M777 Ultra Light Howitzers as they would be in an attack mode against the `enemy` locations and would require the lighter guns," senior Army sources told ANI. Another recently inducted American system planned to be utilised during the war games would be the Chinook heavy-lift choppers. These choppers were formally inducted into the Air Force on March 25 at the Chandigarh airbase. "The Chinooks are not yet inducted into the northeast by the Air Force but at some point of time in the near future, they plan to induct it in that region. So, they have been requested to utilise the helicopters during the wargames," they said. The war games have been planned by the Eastern Command for the last six months and are being implemented by the Panagarh-based 17 Strike Corps and the Tezpur-based 4 Corps. The M777 ultra-light howitzers were inducted into the Indian Army along with the K-9 Vajra and Dhanush howitzers at Deolali near Nashik. The Indian Army will induct a total of 145 M777 howitzers in service. The M777 Howitzers are planned to be used mainly for warfare in mountainous terrains only due to their lightweight and ability to be airdropped by the Chinook heavy-lift helicopters in the high altitude areas in the Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. More than 5,000 troops of the Indian Army`s only Mountain Strike Corps will carry out a massive war game to practice real war-like situation on the eastern front of the country. "As part of the war games, the troops of the Tezpur-based 4 Corps will be deployed at a high altitude location to defend their `territory` while a brigade-sized force (over 2,500 troops) of the 17 Mountain Strike Corps would be airlifted by the Indian Air Force to `launch an offensive` against them," sources said. The Indian Air Force will airlift the troops using its latest transport aircraft including the C-17, C-130J Super Hercules and the AN-32 to airlift the army troops from Baghdogra in West Bengal and deploy them close to the `war zone` in Arunachal Pradesh, they said. To make the 17 Mountain Strike Corps more effective during wartime in the mountainous region with China, the fighting formations under it are being converted into Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) as part of Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat`s restructuring process. Once the IBGs are formed, the formations will be converted into leaner and more efficient fighting units with the ability to strike deeper and faster against enemy targets, the sources said. An IBG, which will be a little smaller than a division, will integrate the existing elements of infantry, tank regiments, artillery, engineers and signals. It will comprise six battalions of these elements and will be directly under a Corps.

India to deploy latest American weapon systems for war games to be conducted in Arunachal

India has said its quite confident at United Nations Human Rights Council ( UNHRC) even as Pakistan tries to rake up Kashmir at the Geneva-based institution and highlighted Islamabad's poor track record on the situation of minorities.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "We are quite confident that the members of UNHRC, they are aware of our position on Article 370 and the steps we have taken in J&amp;K to ensure normalcy."

Calling Pakistan's situation quite desperate, Raveesh Kumar said, "In case of doublespeak, its quite audacious on Pakistan that the country which is harbouring terrorists, which is the epicentre of terrorism, is pretending to speak on behalf of the global community on human rights, this is very rich. Their record of persecution of minorities ethnic and religious I don't think I need to explain."

Adding further he said, "Repeating a lie, 4-5 times doesn't turn out to be gospel truth that came out very clearly at UNHRC."

The 42nd session of the Human Rights Council is underway in Geneva from September 9-27.&nbsp;

On Tuesday clashes emerged between India and Pakistan as Islamabad raised Kashmir at the forum as they put out there national statements and right of reply.

Asked about the joint statement Pakistan has claimed on the behalf of 58 countries on the situation on Kashmir, Raveesh said, "If they got support, you would have known, it is not a secret session of UNHRC."

Explaining further Kumar said, "The list of countries who support them you have to ask them to provide. we do not have the list. You have to understand, there are 47 members including India and Pakistan, they are claiming 60, so either they have gone beyond to wider international community."

Pakistan has been hoping to bring a resolution against India or a special session on Kashmir but has failed due to lack of support.

MEA Secretary (East) Vijay Thakur Singh in Geneva who is leading the India delegation in Geneva on Thursday met United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet and briefed her about India's concern on cross border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

India has said its quite confident at United Nations Human Rights Council ( UNHRC) even as Pakistan tries to rake up Kashmir at the Geneva-based institution and highlighted Islamabad's poor track record on the situation of minorities.

India has said its quite confident at United Nations Human Rights Council ( UNHRC) even as Pakistan tries to rake up Kashmir at the Geneva-based institution and highlighted Islamabad's poor track record on the situation of minorities. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "We are quite confident that the members of UNHRC, they are aware of our position on Article 370 and the steps we have taken in J&K to ensure normalcy." Calling Pakistan's situation quite desperate, Raveesh Kumar said, "In case of doublespeak, its quite audacious on Pakistan that the country which is harbouring terrorists, which is the epicentre of terrorism, is pretending to speak on behalf of the global community on human rights, this is very rich. Their record of persecution of minorities ethnic and religious I don't think I need to explain." Adding further he said, "Repeating a lie, 4-5 times doesn't turn out to be gospel truth that came out very clearly at UNHRC." The 42nd session of the Human Rights Council is underway in Geneva from September 9-27. On Tuesday clashes emerged between India and Pakistan as Islamabad raised Kashmir at the forum as they put out there national statements and right of reply. Asked about the joint statement Pakistan has claimed on the behalf of 58 countries on the situation on Kashmir, Raveesh said, "If they got support, you would have known, it is not a secret session of UNHRC." Explaining further Kumar said, "The list of countries who support them you have to ask them to provide. we do not have the list. You have to understand, there are 47 members including India and Pakistan, they are claiming 60, so either they have gone beyond to wider international community." Pakistan has been hoping to bring a resolution against India or a special session on Kashmir but has failed due to lack of support. MEA Secretary (East) Vijay Thakur Singh in Geneva who is leading the India delegation in Geneva on Thursday met United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet and briefed her about India's concern on cross border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

United Nations Human Rights Council members aware of our position on Article 370: India

Ahead of a massive military exercise planned along the China border by India, soldiers of Indian and Chinese Army were engaged in a face-off near the northern bank of Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh but disengaged after talks between the two sides there.

Both the sides stake claim over the more than 130 kilometres which extends between both India and Chinese controlled Tibet area.

"There was a face-off between the two armies but it got over after the delegation-level talks between two sides," Indian Army said in a statement."

The face-off is over now and it had de-escalated and disengaged fully after delegation-level talks yesterday," Indian Army said.

The force also stated that such incidents happen due to differing perceptions of the LAC and there are established mechanisms to resolve such differences.Incidentally, the confrontation took place in the same area where Indian and Chinese troops had engaged in a bitter scuffle during the Doklam standoff.

This comes days after the Indian Army denied reports of incursion by the Chinese into Arunachal Pradesh.

India is fast building infrastructure along the borders with China which had modernised its side of the disputed Line of Actual Control a long time ago.

Indian Army is going to organise the war-games codenamed HimVijay in Arunachal Pradesh starting October in which the Air Force and the Army will jointly exercise real war scenario inside Indian territory simulating it to be a battle on the eastern front.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Ahead of a massive military exercise planned along the China border by India, soldiers of Indian and Chinese Army were engaged in a face-off near the northern bank of Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh but disengaged after talks between the two sides there.

Ahead of a massive military exercise planned along the China border by India, soldiers of Indian and Chinese Army were engaged in a face-off near the northern bank of Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh but disengaged after talks between the two sides there. Both the sides stake claim over the more than 130 kilometres which extends between both India and Chinese controlled Tibet area. "There was a face-off between the two armies but it got over after the delegation-level talks between two sides," Indian Army said in a statement." The face-off is over now and it had de-escalated and disengaged fully after delegation-level talks yesterday," Indian Army said. The force also stated that such incidents happen due to differing perceptions of the LAC and there are established mechanisms to resolve such differences.Incidentally, the confrontation took place in the same area where Indian and Chinese troops had engaged in a bitter scuffle during the Doklam standoff. This comes days after the Indian Army denied reports of incursion by the Chinese into Arunachal Pradesh. India is fast building infrastructure along the borders with China which had modernised its side of the disputed Line of Actual Control a long time ago. Indian Army is going to organise the war-games codenamed HimVijay in Arunachal Pradesh starting October in which the Air Force and the Army will jointly exercise real war scenario inside Indian territory simulating it to be a battle on the eastern front.

Ladakh: Indian, Chinese soldiers engage in face-off near Pangong Tso Lake

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed hope to get a positive response from India over different unresolved issues, including the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-change-in-teesta-water-sharing-agreement-s-jaishankar-244424">Teesta water-sharing</a> one, before her visit to the neighbouring country earlier in October.

'We're optimistic that the unresolved issues between the two countries will be sorted out soon. We hope we'll get positive results over the aforesaid issues before my visit to India,'&nbsp;Hasina told the parliament on Wednesday.

The prime minister is scheduled to visit India on October 3-6, to attend the India Economic Summit of the World Economic Forum scheduled to be held in New Delhi on October 3-4 with the theme 'Innovating for India; Strengthening South Asia, Impacting the World', Dhaka Tribune reported.

Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi will also be holding a bilateral meeting on October 5.

Hasina also said that she will talk to Modi over the water sharing issues between the two countries, including Teesta, during her visit to India.

Noting that Bangladesh has very healthy ties with India, she said new doors have opened in newer areas of mutual cooperation and development.

Hasina said Bangladesh and India have already signed agreements on security, trade, power, energy, communications, development assistance, environment, education, infrastructure development, culture, and health.

Besides, cooperation has enhanced on different other issues, including the blue economy, the peaceful use of nuclear energy, aerospace research, and cybersecurity, she added.

About the Teesta water-sharing deal, she said her government's diplomatic efforts are underway to sign the agreement. "The issue is being placed before the highest political levels of the two countries," she was quoted as saying.

Modi during his previous visit to Bangladesh had assured to resolve the Teesta issue with the assistance of the concerned Indian state governments.&nbsp;

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed hope to get a positive response from India over different unresolved issues, including the Teesta water-sharing one, before her visit to the neighbouring country earlier in October.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed hope to get a positive response from India over different unresolved issues, including the Teesta water-sharing one, before her visit to the neighbouring country earlier in October. 'We're optimistic that the unresolved issues between the two countries will be sorted out soon. We hope we'll get positive results over the aforesaid issues before my visit to India,' Hasina told the parliament on Wednesday. The prime minister is scheduled to visit India on October 3-6, to attend the India Economic Summit of the World Economic Forum scheduled to be held in New Delhi on October 3-4 with the theme 'Innovating for India; Strengthening South Asia, Impacting the World', Dhaka Tribune reported. Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi will also be holding a bilateral meeting on October 5. Hasina also said that she will talk to Modi over the water sharing issues between the two countries, including Teesta, during her visit to India. Noting that Bangladesh has very healthy ties with India, she said new doors have opened in newer areas of mutual cooperation and development. Hasina said Bangladesh and India have already signed agreements on security, trade, power, energy, communications, development assistance, environment, education, infrastructure development, culture, and health. Besides, cooperation has enhanced on different other issues, including the blue economy, the peaceful use of nuclear energy, aerospace research, and cybersecurity, she added. About the Teesta water-sharing deal, she said her government's diplomatic efforts are underway to sign the agreement. "The issue is being placed before the highest political levels of the two countries," she was quoted as saying. Modi during his previous visit to Bangladesh had assured to resolve the Teesta issue with the assistance of the concerned Indian state governments.

Sheikh Hasina expects positive response from India over unresolved issues, including Teesta

Pakistan's foreign ministry has said that there will be no second consular access for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jadhav-under-pressure-to-parrot-a-false-narrative-to-bolster-pakistans-untenable-claims-mea-247176">Kulbhushan Jadhav</a>.

Responding to WION's question in the weekly presser, Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said, "There is no other meeting".

India's response is still awaited on the latest development.

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Pakistani foreign ministry on 2nd consular access for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kulbhushanjadhav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kulbhushanjadhav</a>: There is no other meeting
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New Delhi, earlier this month, on September 2 got first consular access for Jhadav in 3 years.

Indian Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) Gaurav Ahluwalia in Islamabad met Jadhav for nearly 2 hours. The Indian diplomat found Jhadav under "extreme pressure to parrot a false narrative to bolster Pakistan’s untenable claims", according to a release issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs.&nbsp;

A comprehensive report has been sent by the Indian Mission in Islamabad to the MEA on the meeting. The meeting happened in the presence of Pak government officials and was recorded.

Pakistan's proposal for consular access for Kulbhushan Jadhav came after New Delhi got a major diplomatic victory at the International Court of Justice on July 17.&nbsp;

The world court had asked Pakistan to "provide Indian consular officers access to him under Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular &nbsp;Relations"

New Delhi had called on Islamabad to provide full consular access in an "environment free from the fear of intimidation and reprisal, in the light of the orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)".

India maintains that Jadhav was abducted by Pakistani agencies from Iran and New Delhi was first informed about his custody by P[ak authorities on March 25, 2016, after which in 2017, Islamabad announced that its military has awarded death sentence to him.

Pakistan's foreign ministry has said that there will be no second consular access for Kulbhushan Jadhav. Responding to WION's question in the weekly presser, Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said, "There is no other meeting".

Pakistan's foreign ministry has said that there will be no second consular access for Kulbhushan Jadhav. Responding to WION's question in the weekly presser, Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said, "There is no other meeting". India's response is still awaited on the latest development. Pakistani foreign ministry on 2nd consular access for #kulbhushanjadhav: There is no other meeting — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) September 12, 2019 × New Delhi, earlier this month, on September 2 got first consular access for Jhadav in 3 years. Indian Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) Gaurav Ahluwalia in Islamabad met Jadhav for nearly 2 hours. The Indian diplomat found Jhadav under "extreme pressure to parrot a false narrative to bolster Pakistan’s untenable claims", according to a release issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs. A comprehensive report has been sent by the Indian Mission in Islamabad to the MEA on the meeting. The meeting happened in the presence of Pak government officials and was recorded. Pakistan's proposal for consular access for Kulbhushan Jadhav came after New Delhi got a major diplomatic victory at the International Court of Justice on July 17. The world court had asked Pakistan to "provide Indian consular officers access to him under Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations" New Delhi had called on Islamabad to provide full consular access in an "environment free from the fear of intimidation and reprisal, in the light of the orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)". India maintains that Jadhav was abducted by Pakistani agencies from Iran and New Delhi was first informed about his custody by P[ak authorities on March 25, 2016, after which in 2017, Islamabad announced that its military has awarded death sentence to him.

No second consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav: Pakistan 

Pakistan Interior Minister Brig Ijaz Ahmed Shah has brought a major embarrassment to Prime Minister Imran Khan and his coterie of ministers with his admission that Islamabad has failed to get support from the international community over its stand on Kashmir issue.

Shah blamed Pakistan's "ruling elite" including Khan for "destroying" the image of the country.

"People do not believe us in the international community. We say they (India) impose curfew and are not giving medicines to people of Jammu and Kashmir. People do not believe us but they believe them. The ruling elite has destroyed the country. The ruling elite of this country destroyed the name. People thought we are not a serious nation," he said, during a talk show on Pakistani news channel Hum News on Wednesday.

When asked whether Khan, Benazir Bhutto, Pervez Musharraf, and others were a part of the ruling elite, the former spy chief said: "Everyone is responsible. Pakistan should now do a soul searching."

Ijaz's remarks came a day after Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, during a UNHRC session in Geneva, claimed that India has transformed Jammu and Kashmir into the largest "caged prison in this planet" after the abrogation of Article 370 and that the human rights were being "trampled with impunity" there.

India had rejected Qureshi's allegations and hit back saying a "fabricated narrative" on Jammu and Kashmir has come from "the epicentre of global terrorism" and from a nation, which conducts cross-border terrorism as a form of alternate diplomacy.

Islamabad has been left red-faced after its desperate attempts to internationalise the Kashmir issue fell flat.

The country has found itself isolated after being snubbed at the United Nations, as well as by countries like the United States, France, and Russia. India's decision has been hailed internationally with several countries calling the move as India's internal matter even as Pakistan has been trying to internationalise the issue.

Islamabad has found itself completely isolated despite desperate attempts aimed at internationalising the issue.

Pakistan has approached various world leaders, including Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, French President Emmanuel Macron and the Jordanian King Abdullah II to seek their interventions into the issue, but in vain.

However, Pakistan has been told to engage bilaterally with India to end tensions. India has repeatedly made it clear that talks with Pakistan are only possible after Islamabad stops sponsoring terror.&nbsp;

Pakistan Interior Minister Brig Ijaz Ahmed Shah has brought a major embarrassment to Prime Minister Imran Khan and his coterie of ministers with his admission that Islamabad has failed to get support from the international community over its stand on Kashmir issue.

Pakistan Interior Minister Brig Ijaz Ahmed Shah has brought a major embarrassment to Prime Minister Imran Khan and his coterie of ministers with his admission that Islamabad has failed to get support from the international community over its stand on Kashmir issue. Shah blamed Pakistan's "ruling elite" including Khan for "destroying" the image of the country. "People do not believe us in the international community. We say they (India) impose curfew and are not giving medicines to people of Jammu and Kashmir. People do not believe us but they believe them. The ruling elite has destroyed the country. The ruling elite of this country destroyed the name. People thought we are not a serious nation," he said, during a talk show on Pakistani news channel Hum News on Wednesday. When asked whether Khan, Benazir Bhutto, Pervez Musharraf, and others were a part of the ruling elite, the former spy chief said: "Everyone is responsible. Pakistan should now do a soul searching." Ijaz's remarks came a day after Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, during a UNHRC session in Geneva, claimed that India has transformed Jammu and Kashmir into the largest "caged prison in this planet" after the abrogation of Article 370 and that the human rights were being "trampled with impunity" there. India had rejected Qureshi's allegations and hit back saying a "fabricated narrative" on Jammu and Kashmir has come from "the epicentre of global terrorism" and from a nation, which conducts cross-border terrorism as a form of alternate diplomacy. Islamabad has been left red-faced after its desperate attempts to internationalise the Kashmir issue fell flat. The country has found itself isolated after being snubbed at the United Nations, as well as by countries like the United States, France, and Russia. India's decision has been hailed internationally with several countries calling the move as India's internal matter even as Pakistan has been trying to internationalise the issue. Islamabad has found itself completely isolated despite desperate attempts aimed at internationalising the issue. Pakistan has approached various world leaders, including Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, French President Emmanuel Macron and the Jordanian King Abdullah II to seek their interventions into the issue, but in vain. However, Pakistan has been told to engage bilaterally with India to end tensions. India has repeatedly made it clear that talks with Pakistan are only possible after Islamabad stops sponsoring terror.

Pakistan fails to convince international community over Kashmir issue: Minister

Jallianwala Bagh massacre: Britain refuses to apologise as Archbishop of Canterbury says 'sorry'

Monsoon rains in India were above average in the week through Wednesday, the weather office said, like soybean and cotton growing central parts of the country <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/monsoon-fury-onion-prices-double-in-parts-of-karnataka-245510">received heavy rainfall</a>, damaging crops in some pockets.

Monsoon rains are crucial to farm output and economic growth because the agricultural sector accounts for about 15 per cent&nbsp;of India's $2.5 trillion economies.

India received 38 per cent&nbsp;more rainfall than the 50-year average in the week to September&nbsp;11, data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) showed, with central India receiving 142 per cent&nbsp;more rain.

Overall, India has received 3 per cent&nbsp;more rain than average since the start of the monsoon season on June 1.

Monsoon rains in India were above average in the week through Wednesday, the weather office said, like soybean and cotton growing central parts of the country received heavy rainfall, damaging crops in some pockets.

Monsoon rains in India were above average in the week through Wednesday, the weather office said, like soybean and cotton growing central parts of the country received heavy rainfall, damaging crops in some pockets. Monsoon rains are crucial to farm output and economic growth because the agricultural sector accounts for about 15 per cent of India's $2.5 trillion economies. India received 38 per cent more rainfall than the 50-year average in the week to September 11, data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) showed, with central India receiving 142 per cent more rain. Overall, India has received 3 per cent more rain than average since the start of the monsoon season on June 1.

Monsoon rains 38% above-average this week: IMD

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-fuel-demand-to-grow-at-over-4-through-2030-report-248794">India's fuel demand</a> rose 2.8 per cent&nbsp;in August compared with the same month last year but was at their lowest level in nine months.

Consumption of fuel, a proxy for oil demand, totalled 17.04 million tonnes, its lowest since last November, data from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) of the oil ministry showed on Wednesday.

Sales of gasoline, or petrol, were 8.9 per cent&nbsp;higher from a year earlier at 2.57 million tonnes.

Diesel sales fell 1.1 per cent&nbsp;to 6.12 million tonnes, its first year-on-year percentage decline in nine months.

Cooking gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sales surged 13 per cent&nbsp;to 2.40 million tonnes, while naphtha sales increased by 3.7 per cent&nbsp;to 1.15 million tonnes.

Sales of bitumen, used for making roads, were up 23.8 per cent, while fuel oil use edged lower 15.9 per cent&nbsp;in August.

India revised down its fuel consumption for July to 17.68 million tonnes, an increase of 3.9 per cent&nbsp;from the previous year, its biggest year-on-year percentage gain since January.

India's fuel demand rose 2.8 per cent in August compared with the same month last year but was at their lowest level in nine months. Consumption of fuel, a proxy for oil demand, totalled 17.

India's fuel demand rose 2.8 per cent in August compared with the same month last year but was at their lowest level in nine months. Consumption of fuel, a proxy for oil demand, totalled 17.04 million tonnes, its lowest since last November, data from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) of the oil ministry showed on Wednesday. Sales of gasoline, or petrol, were 8.9 per cent higher from a year earlier at 2.57 million tonnes. Diesel sales fell 1.1 per cent to 6.12 million tonnes, its first year-on-year percentage decline in nine months. Cooking gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sales surged 13 per cent to 2.40 million tonnes, while naphtha sales increased by 3.7 per cent to 1.15 million tonnes. Sales of bitumen, used for making roads, were up 23.8 per cent, while fuel oil use edged lower 15.9 per cent in August. India revised down its fuel consumption for July to 17.68 million tonnes, an increase of 3.9 per cent from the previous year, its biggest year-on-year percentage gain since January.

India's fuel demand rises 2.8% in August, at nine-month low

Indian shares settled higher on Wednesday, ahead of key inflation data, with shares of Yes Bank Ltd witnessing its best session in over six months.

The broader NSE Nifty ended 0.3 per cent&nbsp;higher at 11,035.70, while the benchmark BSE Sensex closed up 0.34 per cent&nbsp;at 37,270.82.

Investors await consumer price index data due on Thursday.

The country's retail inflation likely rose to a 10-month high in August, while staying below the Reserve Bank of India's medium-term target of 4 per cent, a Reuters poll of economists showed.

The Nifty banking index, which tracks both state-owned and private-sector lenders, closed nearly 1 per cent&nbsp;higher with Yes Bank shares gaining as much as 19.57 per cent, it is&nbsp;biggest intraday spike since February&nbsp;14.

Automakers were among the top gainers on the blue-chip index, with Tata Motors Ltd finishing the session 10.6 per cent&nbsp;higher and Eicher Motors Ltd closing nearly 5 per cent&nbsp;up.

Real estate stocks gained too, with the Nifty real estate index adding 4.14 per cent, its biggest intraday rise since May.

Indian shares settled higher on Wednesday, ahead of key inflation data, with shares of Yes Bank Ltd witnessing its best session in over six months. The broader NSE Nifty ended 0.

Indian shares settled higher on Wednesday, ahead of key inflation data, with shares of Yes Bank Ltd witnessing its best session in over six months. The broader NSE Nifty ended 0.3 per cent higher at 11,035.70, while the benchmark BSE Sensex closed up 0.34 per cent at 37,270.82. Investors await consumer price index data due on Thursday. The country's retail inflation likely rose to a 10-month high in August, while staying below the Reserve Bank of India's medium-term target of 4 per cent, a Reuters poll of economists showed. The Nifty banking index, which tracks both state-owned and private-sector lenders, closed nearly 1 per cent higher with Yes Bank shares gaining as much as 19.57 per cent, it is biggest intraday spike since February 14. Automakers were among the top gainers on the blue-chip index, with Tata Motors Ltd finishing the session 10.6 per cent higher and Eicher Motors Ltd closing nearly 5 per cent up. Real estate stocks gained too, with the Nifty real estate index adding 4.14 per cent, its biggest intraday rise since May.

Nifty, Sensex end higher; auto stocks among top gainers

&nbsp;After around 90 stray dogs were found dead with their muzzles and legs tied in the dense forests of Maharashtra`s Buldhana town, civic officials are under scrutiny, police said here on Monday.

 
"This is a very serious matter. Among various angles, we are investigating whether this brutality was perpetrated by the dog-catching squads of various municipal bodies in Buldhana, Jalna, Aurangabad or even elsewhere," Buldhana Superintendent of Police Dilip Patil-Bhujbal told IANS.

The matter first came to light on September 5, when villagers complained of some foul odour in the area.

Police teams while checking stumbled upon the rotting carcasses of dogs at half a dozen spots in the jungles adjoining the Girda-Savaldabara Road on September 5.

"We found nearly 100 dogs with their muzzles and legs tied up with strings and thrown on the road here. Around 10 were found to be alive and are being taken care of by the Forest Department," the Buldhana Rural Police Investigating Officer Mansab Satdive, told IANS.

The carcasses have been sent for autopsy as the police on Sunday registered a case on the complaint of a Forest Department officer against unknown persons under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, Maharashtra Police Act.

Dilip Patil Bhujbal said it remains to be seen whether the dogs were poisoned orally or by injections, or succumbed to hunger and thirst.

After around 90 stray dogs were found dead with their muzzles and legs tied in the dense forests of Maharashtra`s Buldhana town, civic officials are under scrutiny, police said here on Monday.

After around 90 stray dogs were found dead with their muzzles and legs tied in the dense forests of Maharashtra`s Buldhana town, civic officials are under scrutiny, police said here on Monday. "This is a very serious matter. Among various angles, we are investigating whether this brutality was perpetrated by the dog-catching squads of various municipal bodies in Buldhana, Jalna, Aurangabad or even elsewhere," Buldhana Superintendent of Police Dilip Patil-Bhujbal told IANS. The matter first came to light on September 5, when villagers complained of some foul odour in the area. Police teams while checking stumbled upon the rotting carcasses of dogs at half a dozen spots in the jungles adjoining the Girda-Savaldabara Road on September 5. "We found nearly 100 dogs with their muzzles and legs tied up with strings and thrown on the road here. Around 10 were found to be alive and are being taken care of by the Forest Department," the Buldhana Rural Police Investigating Officer Mansab Satdive, told IANS. The carcasses have been sent for autopsy as the police on Sunday registered a case on the complaint of a Forest Department officer against unknown persons under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, Maharashtra Police Act. Dilip Patil Bhujbal said it remains to be seen whether the dogs were poisoned orally or by injections, or succumbed to hunger and thirst.

90 strays dead, Maharashtra civic bodies under lens

Two consecutive earthquakes hit Himalayan states of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh on Monday afternoon.

An earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale hit Jammu and Kashmir and Chamba region in Himachal Pradesh at 12:10 pm.

"Earthquake of Magnitude:5.0, Occurred on 09-09-2019, 12:10:31 IST, Lat:32.9 N &amp; Long: 76.1 E, Depth: 5 Km, Region: Jammu and Kashmir- Himachal Pradesh (Chamba) Border Region," IMD tweeted.

Half an hour later, another earthquake with a magnitude of 3.2 on the Richter scale hit the same region again at 12:40 pm."Earthquake of Magnitude:3.2, Occurred on 09-09-2019, 12:40:16 IST, Lat:32.9 N &amp; Long: 76.0 E, Depth: 5 Km, Region: Jammu and Kashmir- Himachal Pradesh (Chamba) Border Region," IMD tweeted. 
 
&nbsp;

Two consecutive earthquakes hit Himalayan states of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh on Monday afternoon. An earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale hit Jammu and Kashmir and Chamba region in Himachal Pradesh at 12:10 pm.

Two consecutive earthquakes hit Himalayan states of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh on Monday afternoon. An earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale hit Jammu and Kashmir and Chamba region in Himachal Pradesh at 12:10 pm. "Earthquake of Magnitude:5.0, Occurred on 09-09-2019, 12:10:31 IST, Lat:32.9 N & Long: 76.1 E, Depth: 5 Km, Region: Jammu and Kashmir- Himachal Pradesh (Chamba) Border Region," IMD tweeted. Half an hour later, another earthquake with a magnitude of 3.2 on the Richter scale hit the same region again at 12:40 pm."Earthquake of Magnitude:3.2, Occurred on 09-09-2019, 12:40:16 IST, Lat:32.9 N & Long: 76.0 E, Depth: 5 Km, Region: Jammu and Kashmir- Himachal Pradesh (Chamba) Border Region," IMD tweeted.

Earthquake jolts J-K, Himachal''s Chamba region

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Subhendu Adhikary, former Kolkata mayor Sovan Chatterjee and whistleblower Mathew Samuel were summoned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Narada News sting operation case.

The agency has asked the trio to appear before it for questioning on September 11.

On August 29, the agency had questioned BJP leader Mukul Roy and Trinamool Congress lawmaker K D Singh and confronted them with Samuel.

Samuel, who is the editor and managing director of the Narada news portal had, in 2016, broadcast a sting video on his news portal. The video came to the fore just before the commencement of the state Assembly elections. In the sting video, a number of TMC leaders, including MPs and ministers, were allegedly seen taking money on camera.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is probing the money trail in connection with the case. Several legislators and TMC leaders have been quizzed by the probe agencies so far.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Subhendu Adhikary, former Kolkata mayor Sovan Chatterjee and whistleblower Mathew Samuel were summoned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Narada News sting operation case.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Subhendu Adhikary, former Kolkata mayor Sovan Chatterjee and whistleblower Mathew Samuel were summoned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Narada News sting operation case. The agency has asked the trio to appear before it for questioning on September 11. On August 29, the agency had questioned BJP leader Mukul Roy and Trinamool Congress lawmaker K D Singh and confronted them with Samuel. Samuel, who is the editor and managing director of the Narada news portal had, in 2016, broadcast a sting video on his news portal. The video came to the fore just before the commencement of the state Assembly elections. In the sting video, a number of TMC leaders, including MPs and ministers, were allegedly seen taking money on camera. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is probing the money trail in connection with the case. Several legislators and TMC leaders have been quizzed by the probe agencies so far.

Narada sting case: CBI summons whistleblower Mathew Samuel, 2 others

The situation in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is turning back to normal as the majority of areas continue to function peacefully without any day-time restrictions, said official sources in the government of India.

"91 per cent of Kashmir valley is free from any day time restrictions, while all of Jammu and Ladakh regions are free from any day-time restrictions," said sources.

Adding that telephone and mobile communications have been restarted in the majority of the regions, the sources added, "All landlines are functional. Mobile facility restored in all districts of Jammu and Ladakh division and Kupwara district of Kashmir."

The administration is also going to launch the biggest ever recruitment drive in the two Union territories to fill up close to 50,000 positions lying vacant in the government sector.

The information has come almost a month after the Central government scrapped Article 370 of the Constitution, which conferred special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

The Centre, in August, had also bifurcated the state into two union territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The sources also added that there were hardly any instances of violence reported from the Valley region and the minuscule number of protests which took place were handled by the police without any significant damage to life and property.

"The situation has remained peaceful across the Kashmir valley. There has been no incident of major violence. Not even a single live bullet has been fired. There has been no loss of life. Some protests have been handled by local police while exercising full restraint," the government sources said.

All primary, middle and high schools are running with improved performance while the banks and ATMs are functioning normally in the region.

They also said that the administration has set up a media centre to enable both the local and national media houses to cover events in the region.

A media centre has also been set up in Jammu and Kashmir to enable the media to cover events in the region. While regular press briefings are being held, over 400 press passes have been issued, the majority to local journalists.&nbsp;

"All mainstream newspapers are being printed. Satellite channels and cable TV networks are operational," the sources said.

" The full focus is on returning the situation to normalcy. Some remaining restrictions on the communications and preventive detentions remain intending to maintain public law and order.&nbsp;

These restrictions are being reviewed continuously and being eased by local administration based on the ground situation," they added.

The situation in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is turning back to normal as the majority of areas continue to function peacefully without any day-time restrictions, said official sources in the government of India.

The situation in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is turning back to normal as the majority of areas continue to function peacefully without any day-time restrictions, said official sources in the government of India. "91 per cent of Kashmir valley is free from any day time restrictions, while all of Jammu and Ladakh regions are free from any day-time restrictions," said sources. Adding that telephone and mobile communications have been restarted in the majority of the regions, the sources added, "All landlines are functional. Mobile facility restored in all districts of Jammu and Ladakh division and Kupwara district of Kashmir." The administration is also going to launch the biggest ever recruitment drive in the two Union territories to fill up close to 50,000 positions lying vacant in the government sector. The information has come almost a month after the Central government scrapped Article 370 of the Constitution, which conferred special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The Centre, in August, had also bifurcated the state into two union territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The sources also added that there were hardly any instances of violence reported from the Valley region and the minuscule number of protests which took place were handled by the police without any significant damage to life and property. "The situation has remained peaceful across the Kashmir valley. There has been no incident of major violence. Not even a single live bullet has been fired. There has been no loss of life. Some protests have been handled by local police while exercising full restraint," the government sources said. All primary, middle and high schools are running with improved performance while the banks and ATMs are functioning normally in the region. They also said that the administration has set up a media centre to enable both the local and national media houses to cover events in the region. A media centre has also been set up in Jammu and Kashmir to enable the media to cover events in the region. While regular press briefings are being held, over 400 press passes have been issued, the majority to local journalists. "All mainstream newspapers are being printed. Satellite channels and cable TV networks are operational," the sources said. " The full focus is on returning the situation to normalcy. Some remaining restrictions on the communications and preventive detentions remain intending to maintain public law and order. These restrictions are being reviewed continuously and being eased by local administration based on the ground situation," they added.

91 per cent of Kashmir Valley region free from any day-time restrictions

What is next in ISRO's Chandrayaan-2 mission

India has regretted Pakistan's "futile" decision of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-ram-nath-kovind-denied-permission-to-use-pakistan-airspace-qureshi-248282">not allowing President Ram Nath Kovind's plane</a> to use the country's airspace.

The President will be in Europe from September 9 to 17 and will visit Iceland, Switzerland and Slovenia.&nbsp;

Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, "To deny overflight clearance for the VVIP special flight which is otherwise granted routinely by any normal country. We call upon Pakistan to recognise the futility of such unilateral actions."

Pakistan rejected the Indian government's request for President Ram Nath Kovind's plane to use Pakistani airspace during his upcoming visit to Europe on back of ongoing India-Pakistan tensions.

"Indian government had asked Pakistan to use its airspace for its president's movement. Given the current situation we have decided not to give permission to India for this airspace usage, " Pak FM SM Qureshi said.

Pakistani government sources say Prime Minister Imran Khan had himself endorsed this decision to decline usage of Pakistani airspace for Indian President’s movement.

Interestingly, Qureshi announced it even before notifying the Indian government. Before every VVIP visit outside India, New Delhi requests the neighbouring country over which the plane passes for use of airspace.&nbsp;

Last month India had requested Islamabad to grant the use of airspace for Prime minister Narendra Modi's visit to France which the country allowed despite the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. This led to considerable political fallout in the country since on one hand, Imran Khan government was castigating India on its August 5 internal decision to remove a special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and on the other hand allowing the use of airspace by Indian VVIPs. Pakistan government after a cabinet meeting had then announced that it is considering closing its airspace for India but airspace remains open and no decision has been taken regarding this.

Pakistan had closed its airspace on February 27 after India's counter-terror operation in Balakot on February 26 on the back of February 14th Pulwama attack that killed more than 40 Indian security personnel. The closure that lasted for more than four months had caused considerable problem globally especially to Afghans who could easily travel to India.

Closure of Pakistan airspace had affected around 600 flights that operate per day across India-Pakistan airspace boundary and these flights were re-routed Arabian sea airspace.

India has regretted Pakistan's "futile" decision of not allowing President Ram Nath Kovind's plane to use the country's airspace. The President will be in Europe from September 9 to 17 and will visit Iceland, Switzerland and Slovenia.

India has regretted Pakistan's "futile" decision of not allowing President Ram Nath Kovind's plane to use the country's airspace. The President will be in Europe from September 9 to 17 and will visit Iceland, Switzerland and Slovenia. Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, "To deny overflight clearance for the VVIP special flight which is otherwise granted routinely by any normal country. We call upon Pakistan to recognise the futility of such unilateral actions." Pakistan rejected the Indian government's request for President Ram Nath Kovind's plane to use Pakistani airspace during his upcoming visit to Europe on back of ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. "Indian government had asked Pakistan to use its airspace for its president's movement. Given the current situation we have decided not to give permission to India for this airspace usage, " Pak FM SM Qureshi said. Pakistani government sources say Prime Minister Imran Khan had himself endorsed this decision to decline usage of Pakistani airspace for Indian President’s movement. Interestingly, Qureshi announced it even before notifying the Indian government. Before every VVIP visit outside India, New Delhi requests the neighbouring country over which the plane passes for use of airspace. Last month India had requested Islamabad to grant the use of airspace for Prime minister Narendra Modi's visit to France which the country allowed despite the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. This led to considerable political fallout in the country since on one hand, Imran Khan government was castigating India on its August 5 internal decision to remove a special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and on the other hand allowing the use of airspace by Indian VVIPs. Pakistan government after a cabinet meeting had then announced that it is considering closing its airspace for India but airspace remains open and no decision has been taken regarding this. Pakistan had closed its airspace on February 27 after India's counter-terror operation in Balakot on February 26 on the back of February 14th Pulwama attack that killed more than 40 Indian security personnel. The closure that lasted for more than four months had caused considerable problem globally especially to Afghans who could easily travel to India. Closure of Pakistan airspace had affected around 600 flights that operate per day across India-Pakistan airspace boundary and these flights were re-routed Arabian sea airspace.

India regrets Pakistan's 'Futile' decision to deny overflight clearance to President's plane

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday urged Indian and South Korean companies to actively collaborate with each other in the defence sector.

Singh had a series of engagements with Indian and South Korean defence companies during his three-day visit to the Asian country.

In the CEOs Forum, over 25 Indian and Korean companies engaged in the defence sector made presentations on their products and capabilities and also shared their views on policy measures that are required to boost the partnership in the defence realm, an official statement said.

"In his remarks, the Defence Minister highlighted the measures taken by the Indian government liberalise the defence sector and adopt policy measures to boost the 'Make in India'&nbsp;initiative in the defence sector. He encouraged Indian and South Korean companies to actively collaborate with each other and assured them of complete support from the government," it said.

Representatives from Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu governments made presentations on defence corridors.

The Defence Minister invited South Korean companies to participate in the DefExpo event in Uttar Pradesh in February 2020, the statement said.

"Wang Jung-hong, Minister, Defence Acquisition and Program Administration, South Korea assured that he would encourage Korean companies to actively explore Indian opportunities," it stated.

Wang later joined Rajnath and General Park Han-ki, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, at a banquet hosted in honour of the visiting dignitary.

During the visit, two MoUs were signed between Hanwha Defence International and Larsen and Toubro (L&amp;T), and between Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and Korea Defence Industries Association (KDIA).&nbsp;

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday urged Indian and South Korean companies to actively collaborate with each other in the defence sector. Singh had a series of engagements with Indian and South Korean defence companies during his three-day visit to the Asian country.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday urged Indian and South Korean companies to actively collaborate with each other in the defence sector. Singh had a series of engagements with Indian and South Korean defence companies during his three-day visit to the Asian country. In the CEOs Forum, over 25 Indian and Korean companies engaged in the defence sector made presentations on their products and capabilities and also shared their views on policy measures that are required to boost the partnership in the defence realm, an official statement said. "In his remarks, the Defence Minister highlighted the measures taken by the Indian government liberalise the defence sector and adopt policy measures to boost the 'Make in India' initiative in the defence sector. He encouraged Indian and South Korean companies to actively collaborate with each other and assured them of complete support from the government," it said. Representatives from Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu governments made presentations on defence corridors. The Defence Minister invited South Korean companies to participate in the DefExpo event in Uttar Pradesh in February 2020, the statement said. "Wang Jung-hong, Minister, Defence Acquisition and Program Administration, South Korea assured that he would encourage Korean companies to actively explore Indian opportunities," it stated. Wang later joined Rajnath and General Park Han-ki, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, at a banquet hosted in honour of the visiting dignitary. During the visit, two MoUs were signed between Hanwha Defence International and Larsen and Toubro (L&T), and between Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and Korea Defence Industries Association (KDIA).

Rajnath urges India, South Korea firms to collaborate together in defence sector

India and South Korea on Friday signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the presence of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his counterpart with an aim to intensify defence cooperation between the two countries.

"The ministers exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest. Two MoUs to further defence educational exchanges and extend logistical support to each other's navies were signed. These agreements will help enhance defence cooperation between India-Republic of Korea," the Office of Raksha Mantri (Ministry of Defence) tweeted.

Earlier in the day, the Defence Minister held bilateral talks with his South Korean counterpart Jeong Kyeong-Doo where they reviewed defence cooperation between both countries.

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Republic of Korea: Defence Min Rajnath Singh had official talks with Jeong Kyeong-Doo, Min of National Defence of Republic of Korea. Also, two Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, to further defence educational exchanges&amp;extend logistical support to each other’s navies <a href="https://t.co/nMzGZ3k7VS">pic.twitter.com/nMzGZ3k7VS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1169818118656380931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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During the meeting, both sides agreed that there was great potential to further boost defence ties.

"The Ministers noted that defence cooperation lies at the heart of the special strategic partnership between India and the ROK. They discussed the ongoing cooperation at Service to Service level and prospects for enhanced cooperation between India and Korea defence industries," the Ministry added.Singh is currently on a three-day visit to South Korea since Wednesday with an aim to intensify bilateral defence and security relations.

India is developing strong military hardware cooperation with South Korea as the Indian Army has already inducted the K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers (which has roots in South Korea's K-9 Thunder) built in partnership with the Indian firm Larsen and Toubro.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

India and South Korea on Friday signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the presence of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his counterpart with an aim to intensify defence cooperation between the two countries.

India and South Korea on Friday signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the presence of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his counterpart with an aim to intensify defence cooperation between the two countries. "The ministers exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest. Two MoUs to further defence educational exchanges and extend logistical support to each other's navies were signed. These agreements will help enhance defence cooperation between India-Republic of Korea," the Office of Raksha Mantri (Ministry of Defence) tweeted. Earlier in the day, the Defence Minister held bilateral talks with his South Korean counterpart Jeong Kyeong-Doo where they reviewed defence cooperation between both countries. Republic of Korea: Defence Min Rajnath Singh had official talks with Jeong Kyeong-Doo, Min of National Defence of Republic of Korea. Also, two Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, to further defence educational exchanges&extend logistical support to each other’s navies pic.twitter.com/nMzGZ3k7VS — ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2019 × During the meeting, both sides agreed that there was great potential to further boost defence ties. "The Ministers noted that defence cooperation lies at the heart of the special strategic partnership between India and the ROK. They discussed the ongoing cooperation at Service to Service level and prospects for enhanced cooperation between India and Korea defence industries," the Ministry added.Singh is currently on a three-day visit to South Korea since Wednesday with an aim to intensify bilateral defence and security relations. India is developing strong military hardware cooperation with South Korea as the Indian Army has already inducted the K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers (which has roots in South Korea's K-9 Thunder) built in partnership with the Indian firm Larsen and Toubro.

India, South Korea ink 2 MoUs to boost defence cooperation

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said that with the opening of the CII representative office in Jakarta, Indian industries will find an ideal platform to proactively engage with their Indonesian counterparts, and the bilateral trade target of $50 billion by 2025 will be set on the right track.

"Indonesia is India`s largest trade partner in goods in the ASEAN region. Our bilateral trade crossed $20 billion last year. There is an immediate urgency to address the trade deficit and look at means for achieving a more balanced trade basket through greater and diversified exports. We aim to achieve it by expanding bilateral trade," he said at the inaugural ceremony of the CII office.

"Hence, achieving the target of $50 billion in bilateral trade by 2025 has to be an important endeavour. We do hope that with the opening of the CII office in Jakarta, the bilateral trade target will be set on the right track," Jaishankar added.

The minister said it is critical for large developing countries like India and Indonesia to join hands and forge collaborative partnerships so that both countries are sufficiently prepared to deal with the global economic challenges.

Jaishankar said that there is a sizable presence of Indian industries across the island nation spread over sectors like energy, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, textiles, banking and IT services.

"I do hope that with the commencement of operations of the representative office of CII Jakarta, Indian industry will find an ideal platform to engage with their Indonesian counterparts on a more proactive and sustained basis. Likewise, Indonesian entrepreneurs could also use CII to get more information and as a channel for creating business partnerships," he remarked.

At the same function, Jaishankar also unveiled a commemorative stamp to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi this year.

"As two ancient civilisations bound by shared cultural chords, both India and Indonesia are founded on the fundamental edifice of 'Unity in Diversity'&nbsp;or 'Bhinneka Tunggal Ika', as you call it in Bahasa," he said.

The minister said that the life and times of Mahatma Gandhi echoed the same sentiments of celebrating the diversity of human spirit without differentiation of any kind.

Jaishankar arrived in Indonesia on Wednesday on a three-day visit to the country.

This was the External Affairs Minister's first bilateral visit in the ASEAN region and maiden visit to the island country after taking office.

During the visit, Jaishankar had detailed discussions with his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi across a broad spectrum of bilateral relations pursuant to the establishment of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2018.

Both leaders discussed steps to deepen bilateral cooperation in the maritime domain, including tangible steps to deepen connectivity between Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India and Aceh Province of Indonesia, a statement from the Indian embassy in Jakarta said.

"In this regard, both leaders welcomed the adoption of the Terms of Reference of the Joint Task Force meeting on Andaman-Aceh connectivity and looked forward to the holding of the First meeting of the JTF in Indonesia at an early date within this year," the statement said.

The External Affairs Minister extended an invitation to his Indonesian counterpart to visit India for the Joint Commission Meeting later this year.

During the visit, Jaishankar also held meetings with senior leadership of the Indonesian Government, including with General (Retd.) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs, and General (Retd) Wiranto, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs.

Jaishankar also called on Indonesia's Vice President Jusuf Kalla and discussed steps to further scale up the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Indonesia, the statement said.

He extended an invitation to the Indonesian leader for joining the launch of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) initiative at the UN General Assembly.

The minister also called on former President and Chairwoman of Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Megawati Sukarnoputri and recalled her strong association with India. Jaishankar extended an invitation to her to visit India at the earliest. 
&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said that with the opening of the CII representative office in Jakarta, Indian industries will find an ideal platform to proactively engage with their Indonesian counterparts, and the bilateral trade target of $50 billion by 2025 will be set on the right track.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said that with the opening of the CII representative office in Jakarta, Indian industries will find an ideal platform to proactively engage with their Indonesian counterparts, and the bilateral trade target of $50 billion by 2025 will be set on the right track. "Indonesia is India`s largest trade partner in goods in the ASEAN region. Our bilateral trade crossed $20 billion last year. There is an immediate urgency to address the trade deficit and look at means for achieving a more balanced trade basket through greater and diversified exports. We aim to achieve it by expanding bilateral trade," he said at the inaugural ceremony of the CII office. "Hence, achieving the target of $50 billion in bilateral trade by 2025 has to be an important endeavour. We do hope that with the opening of the CII office in Jakarta, the bilateral trade target will be set on the right track," Jaishankar added. The minister said it is critical for large developing countries like India and Indonesia to join hands and forge collaborative partnerships so that both countries are sufficiently prepared to deal with the global economic challenges. Jaishankar said that there is a sizable presence of Indian industries across the island nation spread over sectors like energy, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, textiles, banking and IT services. "I do hope that with the commencement of operations of the representative office of CII Jakarta, Indian industry will find an ideal platform to engage with their Indonesian counterparts on a more proactive and sustained basis. Likewise, Indonesian entrepreneurs could also use CII to get more information and as a channel for creating business partnerships," he remarked. At the same function, Jaishankar also unveiled a commemorative stamp to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi this year. "As two ancient civilisations bound by shared cultural chords, both India and Indonesia are founded on the fundamental edifice of 'Unity in Diversity' or 'Bhinneka Tunggal Ika', as you call it in Bahasa," he said. The minister said that the life and times of Mahatma Gandhi echoed the same sentiments of celebrating the diversity of human spirit without differentiation of any kind. Jaishankar arrived in Indonesia on Wednesday on a three-day visit to the country. This was the External Affairs Minister's first bilateral visit in the ASEAN region and maiden visit to the island country after taking office. During the visit, Jaishankar had detailed discussions with his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi across a broad spectrum of bilateral relations pursuant to the establishment of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2018. Both leaders discussed steps to deepen bilateral cooperation in the maritime domain, including tangible steps to deepen connectivity between Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India and Aceh Province of Indonesia, a statement from the Indian embassy in Jakarta said. "In this regard, both leaders welcomed the adoption of the Terms of Reference of the Joint Task Force meeting on Andaman-Aceh connectivity and looked forward to the holding of the First meeting of the JTF in Indonesia at an early date within this year," the statement said. The External Affairs Minister extended an invitation to his Indonesian counterpart to visit India for the Joint Commission Meeting later this year. During the visit, Jaishankar also held meetings with senior leadership of the Indonesian Government, including with General (Retd.) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs, and General (Retd) Wiranto, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs. Jaishankar also called on Indonesia's Vice President Jusuf Kalla and discussed steps to further scale up the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Indonesia, the statement said. He extended an invitation to the Indonesian leader for joining the launch of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) initiative at the UN General Assembly. The minister also called on former President and Chairwoman of Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Megawati Sukarnoputri and recalled her strong association with India. Jaishankar extended an invitation to her to visit India at the earliest.

India-Indonesia trade target of $50 billion will now be set on track: Jaishankar

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-to-day-2-of-packed-russia-visit-pm-modi-holds-talks-with-japanese-malaysian-counterparts-247669">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> and Malaysian PM Mahathir bin Mohamad met on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok during which the former raised the issue of Zakir Naik's extradition and also discussed the need for legislative changes to Jammu and Kashmir.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, "PM Modi raised the issue of Zakir Naik and both sides decided that officials will keep in touch regarding it and it's an important issue for New Delhi".

New Delhi has sent an extradition request to Malaysia but no action has been taken by Kuala Lumpur. India-born Zakir Naik is wanted in India and is known for his hate speeches. In 2017, India had revoked his passport and declared him an offender. He currently resides in Malaysia which has given him a PR-Permanent Resident status. There is now growing criticism of Naik in Malaysia as well where he has been involved in hate speeches against minority Hindu population.

Removing the special status for Jammu and Kashmir was another key point that was discussed. "The rationale behind the reorganisation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir" will give "effective governance and socio-economic" development to the region, the prime minister told his Malaysian counterpart.

Terror was also discussed and "how to cope with the growing global terror". Mahathir acknowledged that "terror is a global problem" and "terrorism in any form is something Malaysia is against", Gokhale said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian PM Mahathir bin Mohamad met on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok during which the former raised the issue of Zakir Naik's extradition and also discussed the need for legislative changes to Jammu and Kashmir.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian PM Mahathir bin Mohamad met on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok during which the former raised the issue of Zakir Naik's extradition and also discussed the need for legislative changes to Jammu and Kashmir. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, "PM Modi raised the issue of Zakir Naik and both sides decided that officials will keep in touch regarding it and it's an important issue for New Delhi". New Delhi has sent an extradition request to Malaysia but no action has been taken by Kuala Lumpur. India-born Zakir Naik is wanted in India and is known for his hate speeches. In 2017, India had revoked his passport and declared him an offender. He currently resides in Malaysia which has given him a PR-Permanent Resident status. There is now growing criticism of Naik in Malaysia as well where he has been involved in hate speeches against minority Hindu population. Removing the special status for Jammu and Kashmir was another key point that was discussed. "The rationale behind the reorganisation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir" will give "effective governance and socio-economic" development to the region, the prime minister told his Malaysian counterpart. Terror was also discussed and "how to cope with the growing global terror". Mahathir acknowledged that "terror is a global problem" and "terrorism in any form is something Malaysia is against", Gokhale said.

Modi-Mahathir meet: Zakir Naik, revocation of Article 370 discussed

India will be taking part with armies from Pakistan, China amongst others in the exercises being held by Russia set to be kicked off from September 9. "This year, invitations for participation have been extended to nine other countries.

India will be taking part with armies from Pakistan, China amongst others in the exercises being held by Russia set to be kicked off from September 9. "This year, invitations for participation have been extended to nine other countries. This year`s Exercise TSENTR 2019 will be conducted by the Central Military Commission of Russia. Apart from host Russia, military contingents from China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan will also take part in this mega event," an official release from PRO Army said. The exercise, scheduled to take place between September 9 to 23 at Donguz training ranges in Russia`s Orenburg, aims at evolving drills of the participating armies and practising them in the fight against the scourge of international terrorism thereby ensuring military security in the strategic Central Asian region. "The TSENTR-2019 strategic measures will focus on evaluating the level of troop preparedness, the acquisition of the required skills and raising the level of inter-operability and demonstrate the readiness of the participating armies," read the release. The 2019 edition of the exercise will comprise two modules. The first module will include counter-terror operations, repelling airstrikes, reconnaissance operations and defensive measures, while the second will focus on offensive operations.

India to participate in multi-national war games with Pakistan, China

Russia has offered submarines to India for navy's Project 75(I) on the basis of an intergovernmental agreement. It was suggested during the delegation-level meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-extends-1-billion-line-of-credit-for-development-of-russias-far-east-pm-modi-247730">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>.

Under the project, India plans to indigenously construct six submarines for the Indian Navy at a cost of over Rs 40,000 crores.

In June, New Delhi had issued an Expression of Interest(s) for the shortlisting of potential Indian Strategic Partners (SPs) for the construction of conventional submarines for P-75(I) project of the Indian Navy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-in-vladivostok-india-extends-1-billion-credit-line-to-russias-far-east-247757">Moscow</a> has proposed a joint design, prototype construction with full intellectual property rights which will be shared equally. It has offered to jointly develop the AIP (air-independent propulsion) for the submarine but based on the progress that DRDO has already made.

Russia, however, did not offer the fifth-generation fighter Su-57 that was showcased at MAKS airshow. A Russian government source said, "We are not offering it to anyone".

India has ordered $14.5 billion worth of weapons from Russia, an announcement was made by Moscow after the 20th India-Russia Summit on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Russia's chief of federal service for military-technical cooperation, Dmitry Shugayev, was quoted by Russian news agency TASS as saying, "Last year and today saw the emergence of a tremendous portfolio of contracts in contrast to all previous years, $14.5 billion. This is an impressive figure, it’s a real breakthrough".

14 government MoUs were exchanged on Wednesday out of which 4 were in the energy sector, 5 in the economic sector, 2 in the infrastructure sector and one intergovernmental agreement to produce spare parts for Russian origin military equipment. 
&nbsp;

Russia has offered submarines to India for navy's Project 75(I) on the basis of an intergovernmental agreement. It was suggested during the delegation-level meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Russia has offered submarines to India for navy's Project 75(I) on the basis of an intergovernmental agreement. It was suggested during the delegation-level meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Under the project, India plans to indigenously construct six submarines for the Indian Navy at a cost of over Rs 40,000 crores. In June, New Delhi had issued an Expression of Interest(s) for the shortlisting of potential Indian Strategic Partners (SPs) for the construction of conventional submarines for P-75(I) project of the Indian Navy. Moscow has proposed a joint design, prototype construction with full intellectual property rights which will be shared equally. It has offered to jointly develop the AIP (air-independent propulsion) for the submarine but based on the progress that DRDO has already made. Russia, however, did not offer the fifth-generation fighter Su-57 that was showcased at MAKS airshow. A Russian government source said, "We are not offering it to anyone". India has ordered $14.5 billion worth of weapons from Russia, an announcement was made by Moscow after the 20th India-Russia Summit on Wednesday. Russia's chief of federal service for military-technical cooperation, Dmitry Shugayev, was quoted by Russian news agency TASS as saying, "Last year and today saw the emergence of a tremendous portfolio of contracts in contrast to all previous years, $14.5 billion. This is an impressive figure, it’s a real breakthrough". 14 government MoUs were exchanged on Wednesday out of which 4 were in the energy sector, 5 in the economic sector, 2 in the infrastructure sector and one intergovernmental agreement to produce spare parts for Russian origin military equipment.

Russia offers joint development of submarines to India 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday once again reiterated Indian position that the consensus created in Vladivostok with Russian President Vladimir Putin was that sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected and that there should be no interference in the internal affairs of the country.&nbsp;

On the lighter note, PM Modi said that "President Putin invited me before the elections, reposing the same confidence which people of India did during the elections".&nbsp;

“He had faith in me as people of India,” said Narendra Modi. Asserting beginning of a new relationship, the prime minister announced that he is extending <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-extends-1-billion-line-of-credit-for-development-of-russias-far-east-pm-modi-247730">$1 billion credit line to the Far East region of Russia</a>. 
&nbsp; 
He also said that it is also happening for the first time and also announced that he has invited all 11 governors of the Russian Far East to India. Prime minister Modi said that initiatives taken by India in the Far East ARE an expression of economic diplomacy. 
&nbsp; 
Prime Minister looked deeply satisfied with his engagement with President Putin and thanked him for spending time with him. PM Modi emphasised that Putin on the first day of his visit was with him till 1 am. 
&nbsp; 
The prime minister also said that there is immense love for the people of India in Russia and dimensions have been added to the Indo-Russian relationship.&nbsp;

PM also said that we have set ambitious targets and India and Russia will deepen cooperation in Space and deep-sea exploration.&nbsp;

He also emphasised on Vladivostok-Chennai sea connection and said that it will connect big markets. PM also said that he is very happy as more than 150 private businessmen from India participated in the Forum and their memorandum of understandings (MoUs) have surpassed that of the public enterprises. Since there has been a lot of focus on Russian forests, Prime Minister Modi reemphasised that "we take from nature only what is required".

 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday once again reiterated Indian position that the consensus created in Vladivostok with Russian President Vladimir Putin was that sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected and that there should be no interference in the internal affairs of the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday once again reiterated Indian position that the consensus created in Vladivostok with Russian President Vladimir Putin was that sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected and that there should be no interference in the internal affairs of the country. On the lighter note, PM Modi said that "President Putin invited me before the elections, reposing the same confidence which people of India did during the elections". “He had faith in me as people of India,” said Narendra Modi. Asserting beginning of a new relationship, the prime minister announced that he is extending $1 billion credit line to the Far East region of Russia. He also said that it is also happening for the first time and also announced that he has invited all 11 governors of the Russian Far East to India. Prime minister Modi said that initiatives taken by India in the Far East ARE an expression of economic diplomacy. Prime Minister looked deeply satisfied with his engagement with President Putin and thanked him for spending time with him. PM Modi emphasised that Putin on the first day of his visit was with him till 1 am. The prime minister also said that there is immense love for the people of India in Russia and dimensions have been added to the Indo-Russian relationship. PM also said that we have set ambitious targets and India and Russia will deepen cooperation in Space and deep-sea exploration. He also emphasised on Vladivostok-Chennai sea connection and said that it will connect big markets. PM also said that he is very happy as more than 150 private businessmen from India participated in the Forum and their memorandum of understandings (MoUs) have surpassed that of the public enterprises. Since there has been a lot of focus on Russian forests, Prime Minister Modi reemphasised that "we take from nature only what is required".

PM Modi in Vladivostok: India extends $1 billion credit line to Russia's Far East

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