India has hit out at Pakistan on its continued support to terror and said Islamabad is "trying to deflect the attention of the financial crisis by mainstreaming terrorists."&nbsp;

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, in a weekly media briefing, asked, "Why is Pakistan allowing safe haven to a terrorist group?" and questioned the lack of seriousness by Pakistan to take action against the perpetrators of Mumbai and Pathankot terror attacks.&nbsp;

Kumar added, "If Pakistan is ready for dialogue, why hasn't Pakistan taken any action against Mumbai and Pathankot terror attack perpetrators? They continue to provide support to the banned terrorist outfits."

On India-Pak&nbsp;talks, Kumar said, "no seriousness in Pakistan&nbsp;saying it wants dialogue and it (Pakistan) has to back up it up with action."

MEA spokesperson gave examples of how Pak ministers have been sharing the stage with terrorists like Hafiz Saeed. In September 2018, Noor-Ul-Haq Qadri, Pakistan's Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony and member of Imran Khan's government shared the stage with 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed.&nbsp;

In December, Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi vowed to protect Hafiz Saeed "as long as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is in the government." A prominent leader from PTI also opened Hafiz Saeed's Jamat-ud-Dawah (JuD) centres in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

JuD is no longer on the list of banned terrorist groups with the lapse of the ordinance under which they were put on the list earlier.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his first interview of 2019 said New Delhi is open to dialogue with Islamabad but "amid the noise of bombs and guns, the dialogue cannot be heard."&nbsp;Last year, on&nbsp;the 10th anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, New Delhi had called on Pakistan to give up "double standards and to expeditiously bring the perpetrators of the horrific attack to justice."

The MEA also slammed Pakistan on the issue of raising the so-called bad situation of minorities in India. Raveesh noted, "Pakistan said minorities are not treated well in India, I think Pakistan should be the last country to lecture us on plurality and inclusive society. We and the world are fully aware of the situation of minorities in their country."

Last month, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had said, "We will show the Modi government how to treat minorities." On the birth anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, Khan tweeted, "Naya Pak is Quaid's Pak and we will ensure that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-ensure-our-minorities-are-treated-as-equals-unlike-what-is-happening-in-india-imran-khan-186352">our minorities are treated as equal citizens</a>, unlike what is happening in India."

India has hit out at Pakistan on its continued support to terror and said Islamabad is "trying to deflect the attention of the financial crisis by mainstreaming terrorists.

India has hit out at Pakistan on its continued support to terror and said Islamabad is "trying to deflect the attention of the financial crisis by mainstreaming terrorists." Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, in a weekly media briefing, asked, "Why is Pakistan allowing safe haven to a terrorist group?" and questioned the lack of seriousness by Pakistan to take action against the perpetrators of Mumbai and Pathankot terror attacks. Kumar added, "If Pakistan is ready for dialogue, why hasn't Pakistan taken any action against Mumbai and Pathankot terror attack perpetrators? They continue to provide support to the banned terrorist outfits." On India-Pak talks, Kumar said, "no seriousness in Pakistan saying it wants dialogue and it (Pakistan) has to back up it up with action." MEA spokesperson gave examples of how Pak ministers have been sharing the stage with terrorists like Hafiz Saeed. In September 2018, Noor-Ul-Haq Qadri, Pakistan's Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony and member of Imran Khan's government shared the stage with 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed. In December, Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi vowed to protect Hafiz Saeed "as long as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is in the government." A prominent leader from PTI also opened Hafiz Saeed's Jamat-ud-Dawah (JuD) centres in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. JuD is no longer on the list of banned terrorist groups with the lapse of the ordinance under which they were put on the list earlier. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his first interview of 2019 said New Delhi is open to dialogue with Islamabad but "amid the noise of bombs and guns, the dialogue cannot be heard." Last year, on the 10th anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, New Delhi had called on Pakistan to give up "double standards and to expeditiously bring the perpetrators of the horrific attack to justice." The MEA also slammed Pakistan on the issue of raising the so-called bad situation of minorities in India. Raveesh noted, "Pakistan said minorities are not treated well in India, I think Pakistan should be the last country to lecture us on plurality and inclusive society. We and the world are fully aware of the situation of minorities in their country." Last month, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had said, "We will show the Modi government how to treat minorities." On the birth anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, Khan tweeted, "Naya Pak is Quaid's Pak and we will ensure that our minorities are treated as equal citizens, unlike what is happening in India."

Pakistan trying to deflect attention from financial crisis by mainstreaming terrorists: MEA

US drugmaker Pfizer Inc said on Wednesday it was shutting down two manufacturing plants in India that make generic injectables like penicillin in response to falling demand.

The company employs around 1,700 workers at the two factories in the states of Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra - nearly 6 per cent of Pfizer's global manufacturing workforce.

"Pfizer has conducted a thorough evaluation of the ... sites in India and concluded that due to the very significant long term loss of product demand, manufacturing at these sites is not viable," the company said in an emailed statement.

Pfizer acquired the sites as part of its $15 billion purchase of Hospira Inc in 2015, to boost its portfolio of generic injectable drugs and copies of biotech medicines.

The company is also closing a Hospira research and development lab in Taramani, Chennai, but spokesman Steven Danehy said that was unrelated to the shutdown of the two plants.

The roughly 150 employees at that facility were informed of that shut down in the fourth quarter, he said.

The plant in Chennai makes generic injectable cephalosporin, penems and penicillin. The Maharashtra plant supplied the Chennai unit with certain products.

Both plants do not manufacture products for the India market, Pfizer said, adding that it is expanding operations in its Visakhapatnam facility in south India.

US drugmaker Pfizer Inc said on Wednesday it was shutting down two manufacturing plants in India that make generic injectables like penicillin in response to falling demand.

US drugmaker Pfizer Inc said on Wednesday it was shutting down two manufacturing plants in India that make generic injectables like penicillin in response to falling demand. The company employs around 1,700 workers at the two factories in the states of Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra - nearly 6 per cent of Pfizer's global manufacturing workforce. "Pfizer has conducted a thorough evaluation of the ... sites in India and concluded that due to the very significant long term loss of product demand, manufacturing at these sites is not viable," the company said in an emailed statement. Pfizer acquired the sites as part of its $15 billion purchase of Hospira Inc in 2015, to boost its portfolio of generic injectable drugs and copies of biotech medicines. The company is also closing a Hospira research and development lab in Taramani, Chennai, but spokesman Steven Danehy said that was unrelated to the shutdown of the two plants. The roughly 150 employees at that facility were informed of that shut down in the fourth quarter, he said. The plant in Chennai makes generic injectable cephalosporin, penems and penicillin. The Maharashtra plant supplied the Chennai unit with certain products. Both plants do not manufacture products for the India market, Pfizer said, adding that it is expanding operations in its Visakhapatnam facility in south India.

Pfizer to shut two manufacturing plants in India

In a message that will be noted by both Islamabad and Bejing, India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday said that "unresolved border issues can be resolved bilaterally" but in "atmosphere free from violence and hostility".

Speaking at the 4th Raisina dialogue, Swaraj said, "our commitment to upholding territorial integrity and sovereignty remains unwavering. Our consistent message is that unresolved border issues can be resolved bilaterally, when approached in the right spirit and, in an atmosphere free from violence and hostility."

The comments come even as India and China have bilaterally engaged with each other last year to improve the relationship that suffered in 2017 due to the Doklam crisis when Chinese forces tried to enter Bhutanese territory.&nbsp;

The Doklam crisis led to a two-month-long standoff between India and China. But India Pakistan relationship remains without engagement due to Pakistan's continued support to cross border terror.&nbsp;

On terror, Sushma Swaraj said, "today, no country, big or small, is immune from this existential threat, particularly, terrorism actively supported and sponsored by states. In this digital age, the challenge is even greater, with a greater vulnerability to radicalization."

"Ensuring zero-tolerance towards terrorism, and those who use it as an instrument of convenience is the need of the hour," she said.

India has been vocal about cross bother terror and has been calling for a common definition of terrorism. India in 1996 had proposed a draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN but it remains a draft due to lack of consensus.&nbsp;

She also talked about India building "sustainable development partnerships" stretching from the Indian Ocean and Pacific Islands to the Caribbean, and from the continent of Africa to the Americas.

These initiatives, she explained, are "refer to these as partnerships, and not assistance."

In a message that will be noted by both Islamabad and Bejing, India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday said that "unresolved border issues can be resolved bilaterally" but in "atmosphere free from violence and hostility".

In a message that will be noted by both Islamabad and Bejing, India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday said that "unresolved border issues can be resolved bilaterally" but in "atmosphere free from violence and hostility". Speaking at the 4th Raisina dialogue, Swaraj said, "our commitment to upholding territorial integrity and sovereignty remains unwavering. Our consistent message is that unresolved border issues can be resolved bilaterally, when approached in the right spirit and, in an atmosphere free from violence and hostility." The comments come even as India and China have bilaterally engaged with each other last year to improve the relationship that suffered in 2017 due to the Doklam crisis when Chinese forces tried to enter Bhutanese territory. The Doklam crisis led to a two-month-long standoff between India and China. But India Pakistan relationship remains without engagement due to Pakistan's continued support to cross border terror. On terror, Sushma Swaraj said, "today, no country, big or small, is immune from this existential threat, particularly, terrorism actively supported and sponsored by states. In this digital age, the challenge is even greater, with a greater vulnerability to radicalization." "Ensuring zero-tolerance towards terrorism, and those who use it as an instrument of convenience is the need of the hour," she said. India has been vocal about cross bother terror and has been calling for a common definition of terrorism. India in 1996 had proposed a draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN but it remains a draft due to lack of consensus. She also talked about India building "sustainable development partnerships" stretching from the Indian Ocean and Pacific Islands to the Caribbean, and from the continent of Africa to the Americas. These initiatives, she explained, are "refer to these as partnerships, and not assistance."

Unresolved border issues can be resolved bilaterally, says Sushma Swaraj

Foreign ministers of six countries will be in Delhi this week. Australian, Japanese, Nepalese, Mongolian, Spanish and Iranian foreign ministers will be in the national capital on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue.&nbsp;

Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono was the first one to arrive in Delhi on Monday. Kono took part in the 10th round of Strategic Dialogue and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The focus during the Strategic Dialogue was on Indo Pacific. The Ministry of External Affairs, in its release, said "India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership has acquired a broader significance in the current global context" and "has become a factor of prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region."

Australian foreign minister Marise Payne also arrived on Monday. Payne will address the Raisina Dialogue on how Australia and India can work together along with regional partners to deliver a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. This will be Payne’s first visit to India as country's foreign minister and follows President Ram Nath Kovind's visit to the country in November 2018.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Deep rooted ties blossoming into a special strategic and global partnership. 
 
Japanese Foreign Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/konotaromp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@konotaromp</a> is warmly welcomed by EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> ahead of the 10th <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaJapan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaJapan</a> Strategic Dialogue. EAM had visited Japan in March 2018 for the last edition. <a href="https://t.co/tIJ30uWDEA">pic.twitter.com/tIJ30uWDEA</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1082277986202779649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Australia’s High Commissioner to India Harinder Sidhu said, "Minister Payne is visiting at a time when our relationship has grown to become a significant partnership. Our shared interests range widely across political, security, cultural and economic fields."

Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif is also in the city and held talks with Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. This comes in the background of India taking over the operations of part of Shahid Beheshti Port, Chabahar in Iran during the Chabahar Trilateral Agreement meeting held on December 24, 2018. The Iranian foreign minister will hold talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Giving details of the visit, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said, "He will meet with Indian officials and participate in a joint trade conference of the two countries. Among other programs of the Iranian foreign minister during this important visit is to attend the annual international conference of the Raisina Dialogue."

Mongolian foreign minister Damdin Tsogtbaatar and Nepalese counterpart Pradeep Kumar Gyawali will also be in Delhi. India has been increasing its engagement with land-lock Mongolia in recent years. India has had close ties with Nepal with PM Modi visiting the country twice last year.

Foreign affairs ministers from as many as 10 countries visited India between November 24 to December 24, 2018.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Foreign ministers of six countries will be in Delhi this week. Australian, Japanese, Nepalese, Mongolian, Spanish and Iranian foreign ministers will be in the national capital on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue.

Foreign ministers of six countries will be in Delhi this week. Australian, Japanese, Nepalese, Mongolian, Spanish and Iranian foreign ministers will be in the national capital on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue. Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono was the first one to arrive in Delhi on Monday. Kono took part in the 10th round of Strategic Dialogue and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The focus during the Strategic Dialogue was on Indo Pacific. The Ministry of External Affairs, in its release, said "India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership has acquired a broader significance in the current global context" and "has become a factor of prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region." Australian foreign minister Marise Payne also arrived on Monday. Payne will address the Raisina Dialogue on how Australia and India can work together along with regional partners to deliver a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. This will be Payne’s first visit to India as country's foreign minister and follows President Ram Nath Kovind's visit to the country in November 2018. Deep rooted ties blossoming into a special strategic and global partnership. Japanese Foreign Minister @konotaromp is warmly welcomed by EAM @SushmaSwaraj ahead of the 10th #IndiaJapan Strategic Dialogue. EAM had visited Japan in March 2018 for the last edition. pic.twitter.com/tIJ30uWDEA — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 7, 2019 × Australia’s High Commissioner to India Harinder Sidhu said, "Minister Payne is visiting at a time when our relationship has grown to become a significant partnership. Our shared interests range widely across political, security, cultural and economic fields." Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif is also in the city and held talks with Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. This comes in the background of India taking over the operations of part of Shahid Beheshti Port, Chabahar in Iran during the Chabahar Trilateral Agreement meeting held on December 24, 2018. The Iranian foreign minister will hold talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday. Giving details of the visit, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said, "He will meet with Indian officials and participate in a joint trade conference of the two countries. Among other programs of the Iranian foreign minister during this important visit is to attend the annual international conference of the Raisina Dialogue." Mongolian foreign minister Damdin Tsogtbaatar and Nepalese counterpart Pradeep Kumar Gyawali will also be in Delhi. India has been increasing its engagement with land-lock Mongolia in recent years. India has had close ties with Nepal with PM Modi visiting the country twice last year. Foreign affairs ministers from as many as 10 countries visited India between November 24 to December 24, 2018.

Foreign ministers of 6 countries in Delhi this week

Amnesty India Monday said that the Indian government's expulsion of Rohingya asylum-seekers to Myanmar shows a disdain for international laws.

On January 4, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said a family of Rohingya asylum-seekers from Rakhine state, registered with the UNHCR in India, was sent back to Myanmar after being detained in Assam, where they had been serving a prison term since 2013 for illegal entry into India.

Amnesty India issued a statement saying it regretted India's decision to repatriate the asylum-seekers to Myanmar, where conditions are not conducive for their return.

"The fact that the government ignored the UNHCR's requests for access to the family, who were registered as asylum-seekers, is deeply concerning. The government's actions indicate a blatant disregard for the international refugee protection mechanism and the mandate of the UN Refugee Agency," Abhirr V P, senior campaigner, Amnesty India, said.

Amnesty India Monday said that the Indian government's expulsion of Rohingya asylum-seekers to Myanmar shows a disdain for international laws. On January 4, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said a family of Rohingya asylum-seekers from Rakhine state, registered with the UNHCR in India, was sent back to Myanmar after being detained in Assam, where they had been serving a prison term since 2013 for illegal entry into India.

Amnesty India Monday said that the Indian government's expulsion of Rohingya asylum-seekers to Myanmar shows a disdain for international laws. On January 4, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said a family of Rohingya asylum-seekers from Rakhine state, registered with the UNHCR in India, was sent back to Myanmar after being detained in Assam, where they had been serving a prison term since 2013 for illegal entry into India. Amnesty India issued a statement saying it regretted India's decision to repatriate the asylum-seekers to Myanmar, where conditions are not conducive for their return. "The fact that the government ignored the UNHCR's requests for access to the family, who were registered as asylum-seekers, is deeply concerning. The government's actions indicate a blatant disregard for the international refugee protection mechanism and the mandate of the UN Refugee Agency," Abhirr V P, senior campaigner, Amnesty India, said.

India's expulsion of Rohingya shows disdain for international laws: Amnesty India

India is hopeful to fully operationalise the strategic Chabahar port in the Sistan-Balochistan province of Iran and the government has allowed an Iranian bank to open a branch in Mumbai for related transactions, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said Tuesday.

Gadkari, after Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif called on him, said that the meeting was "fruitful" and both the sides could resolve several issues.

"Chabahar port is very important for us. We are working very hard on it... Some problems were there, but the Iranian government and their minister... Are also in the process to resolve all the issues as early as possible. I am confident that we will be in a position to start full function of Chabahar Port at the earliest," Gadkari said.

The Chabahar port in the Sistan-Balochistan province in the energy-rich nation's southern coast is easily accessible from India's western coast and is increasingly seen as a counter to Pakistan's Gwadar port located at distance of around 80 km from Chabahar.

Zarif said, "We are very happy that both UCO Bank from India and Pasargad Bank from Iran are getting started with the business."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Union Shipping &amp; Water Resources Min Nitin Gadkari: We had a good discussion over Chabahar port. The first ship to the port has already been received. GoI has given permission to Iranian bank to open a branch in Mumbai, they'll open it in 3 months, it’ll make transactions easier. <a href="https://t.co/FtPdrraxat">pic.twitter.com/FtPdrraxat</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082540251623628801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The two banks will facilitate transactions relating to the operation of berths at Chabahar port.

Shipping and Road Transport and Highways Minister Gadkari said the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given all clearances to an Iranian bank which to open a branch within the next three months.

"The government of India has given permission to an Iranian bank to open its branch in Mumbai. It is going to open within three months, and will be used for transactions (related to Chabahar port)," Gadkari said.

India has placed $85 million machinery order for Chabahar, he said.

He said India has already taken over partial operations at Chabahar, and the first ship from Brazil has already been received at the Iranian port.

This is the first time India will be operating a port outside its territory.

The government of India took over the operations of a part of Shahid Beheshti Port, Chabahar, in Iran during the Chabahar Trilateral Agreement meeting held there on December 24, 2018.

The heads of Indian, Iranian and Afghanistan delegations had jointly inaugurated the office of the Indian SPV - India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ) at Chabahar.

Commercial operations began at IPGCFZ with the arrival of a vessel, a Cyprus registered bulk carrier that arrived at Chabahar with 72,458 MT of corn cargo.

The vessel MV Macheras berthed at the terminal at 0130 hrs on December 30, 2018, and IPGCFZ carried out its first cargo operation by discharging the imported cargo (ex-Brazil) using pneumatic un-loaders.

Gadkari said the Iranian Minister has given many proposals including those on a barter system between the two nations.

"They need steel, particularly rail steel and locomotive engines in large quantities, and they are ready to supply urea," he stated.

India can provide steel rails to Iran and the Persian Gulf nation can provide urea to India, he added.

"For railway line, IRCON has to work. We have got a proposal for locomotive engines ...," the minister added.

Iranian Minister Zarif said, "We had very good discussions on both Chabahar as well as other areas of cooperation between Iran and India. The two countries complement each other and we can cooperate in a whole range of areas... We hope that in spite of the illegal US sanctions, Iran and India can cooperate further for the benefit of the people of the two countries and for the region."

India started interacting with Iran on Chabahar Port around 2003, but a major push was received in the second half of 2014, resulting in the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two countries for the development of Chabahar Port in May 2015.

This MoU translated into a formal ten-year contract for equipping and operating the Chabahar port, which was executed on May 23, 2016, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Tehran.

On account of challenges in activation of the said contract, the foundation of an interim period contract was laid during the visit of Hassan Rouhani, President of Islamic Republic of Iran to New Delhi in February 2018. Resultant was a formal short-term contract between the two sides that was signed on May 6, 2018.

The first phase of the Chabahar port was inaugurated in December 2017 by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, opening a new strategic route connecting Iran, India and Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan.

The Chabahar port is being considered as a gateway to golden opportunities for trade by India, Iran and Afghanistan with central Asian countries, besides ramping up trade among the three countries in the wake of Pakistan denying transit access to New Delhi.

Under the agreement signed between India and Iran earlier, India is to equip and operate two berths in Chabahar port Phase-I with a capital investment of $85.21 million and annual revenue expenditure of $22.95 million on a 10-year lease.&nbsp;

India is hopeful to fully operationalise the strategic Chabahar port in the Sistan-Balochistan province of Iran and the government has allowed an Iranian bank to open a branch in Mumbai for related transactions, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said Tuesday.

India is hopeful to fully operationalise the strategic Chabahar port in the Sistan-Balochistan province of Iran and the government has allowed an Iranian bank to open a branch in Mumbai for related transactions, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said Tuesday. Gadkari, after Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif called on him, said that the meeting was "fruitful" and both the sides could resolve several issues. "Chabahar port is very important for us. We are working very hard on it... Some problems were there, but the Iranian government and their minister... Are also in the process to resolve all the issues as early as possible. I am confident that we will be in a position to start full function of Chabahar Port at the earliest," Gadkari said. The Chabahar port in the Sistan-Balochistan province in the energy-rich nation's southern coast is easily accessible from India's western coast and is increasingly seen as a counter to Pakistan's Gwadar port located at distance of around 80 km from Chabahar. Zarif said, "We are very happy that both UCO Bank from India and Pasargad Bank from Iran are getting started with the business." Union Shipping & Water Resources Min Nitin Gadkari: We had a good discussion over Chabahar port. The first ship to the port has already been received. GoI has given permission to Iranian bank to open a branch in Mumbai, they'll open it in 3 months, it’ll make transactions easier. pic.twitter.com/FtPdrraxat — ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2019 × The two banks will facilitate transactions relating to the operation of berths at Chabahar port. Shipping and Road Transport and Highways Minister Gadkari said the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given all clearances to an Iranian bank which to open a branch within the next three months. "The government of India has given permission to an Iranian bank to open its branch in Mumbai. It is going to open within three months, and will be used for transactions (related to Chabahar port)," Gadkari said. India has placed $85 million machinery order for Chabahar, he said. He said India has already taken over partial operations at Chabahar, and the first ship from Brazil has already been received at the Iranian port. This is the first time India will be operating a port outside its territory. The government of India took over the operations of a part of Shahid Beheshti Port, Chabahar, in Iran during the Chabahar Trilateral Agreement meeting held there on December 24, 2018. The heads of Indian, Iranian and Afghanistan delegations had jointly inaugurated the office of the Indian SPV - India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ) at Chabahar. Commercial operations began at IPGCFZ with the arrival of a vessel, a Cyprus registered bulk carrier that arrived at Chabahar with 72,458 MT of corn cargo. The vessel MV Macheras berthed at the terminal at 0130 hrs on December 30, 2018, and IPGCFZ carried out its first cargo operation by discharging the imported cargo (ex-Brazil) using pneumatic un-loaders. Gadkari said the Iranian Minister has given many proposals including those on a barter system between the two nations. "They need steel, particularly rail steel and locomotive engines in large quantities, and they are ready to supply urea," he stated. India can provide steel rails to Iran and the Persian Gulf nation can provide urea to India, he added. "For railway line, IRCON has to work. We have got a proposal for locomotive engines ...," the minister added. Iranian Minister Zarif said, "We had very good discussions on both Chabahar as well as other areas of cooperation between Iran and India. The two countries complement each other and we can cooperate in a whole range of areas... We hope that in spite of the illegal US sanctions, Iran and India can cooperate further for the benefit of the people of the two countries and for the region." India started interacting with Iran on Chabahar Port around 2003, but a major push was received in the second half of 2014, resulting in the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two countries for the development of Chabahar Port in May 2015. This MoU translated into a formal ten-year contract for equipping and operating the Chabahar port, which was executed on May 23, 2016, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Tehran. On account of challenges in activation of the said contract, the foundation of an interim period contract was laid during the visit of Hassan Rouhani, President of Islamic Republic of Iran to New Delhi in February 2018. Resultant was a formal short-term contract between the two sides that was signed on May 6, 2018. The first phase of the Chabahar port was inaugurated in December 2017 by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, opening a new strategic route connecting Iran, India and Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan. The Chabahar port is being considered as a gateway to golden opportunities for trade by India, Iran and Afghanistan with central Asian countries, besides ramping up trade among the three countries in the wake of Pakistan denying transit access to New Delhi. Under the agreement signed between India and Iran earlier, India is to equip and operate two berths in Chabahar port Phase-I with a capital investment of $85.21 million and annual revenue expenditure of $22.95 million on a 10-year lease.

India to fully operationalise Chabahar port; Iranian bank branch to open in Mumbai: Gadkari 

India and Japan held the tenth round of their strategic dialogue at the foreign ministers' level on Monday in which both exchanged views on regional and global issues and reaffirmed that their ties are based on shared values and interests. Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono is on a three-day visit to India.&nbsp;

The last round of the dialogue was held in Tokyo in March 2018.&nbsp;

The focus during the strategic dialogue was also on the Indo-Pacific region with a ministry of external affairs release saying "India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership has acquired a broader significance in the current global context" and "has become a factor of prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region."

Prime Minister Modi enunciated India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific region during his keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 1, 2018. India has been calling for a "free, open and inclusive region, which embraces all stakeholders in this region".&nbsp;

The two foreign ministers — Kono and Sushma Swaraj — held discussions on follow-up actions on decisions taken during PM Modi's visit to Japan for the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit in October 2018.&nbsp;

Kono also called on PM Modi and briefed the prime minister about the follow-up action taken in recent months after the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Japan in October 2018. Modi reiterated his strong commitment to further deepen "the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan."

Modi had also visited Yamanashi prefecture and the FANUC corporation during his visit to Japan in 2018. In a special gesture, he had been hosted by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his ancestral home in Yamanashi, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader.

Modi had hosted Abe in Ahmedabad in 2017. During the visit, the two prime ministers oversaw the ground-breaking ceremony for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project.&nbsp;

The next round of the annual India-Japan summit will take place in India this year.&nbsp;

Japan will be hosting this year's G20 summit in Osaka in June and to which India has extended full support.

India and Japan held the tenth round of their strategic dialogue at the foreign ministers' level on Monday in which both exchanged views on regional and global issues and reaffirmed that their ties are based on shared values and interests.

India and Japan held the tenth round of their strategic dialogue at the foreign ministers' level on Monday in which both exchanged views on regional and global issues and reaffirmed that their ties are based on shared values and interests. Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono is on a three-day visit to India. The last round of the dialogue was held in Tokyo in March 2018. The focus during the strategic dialogue was also on the Indo-Pacific region with a ministry of external affairs release saying "India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership has acquired a broader significance in the current global context" and "has become a factor of prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region." Prime Minister Modi enunciated India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific region during his keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 1, 2018. India has been calling for a "free, open and inclusive region, which embraces all stakeholders in this region". The two foreign ministers — Kono and Sushma Swaraj — held discussions on follow-up actions on decisions taken during PM Modi's visit to Japan for the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit in October 2018. Kono also called on PM Modi and briefed the prime minister about the follow-up action taken in recent months after the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Japan in October 2018. Modi reiterated his strong commitment to further deepen "the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan." Modi had also visited Yamanashi prefecture and the FANUC corporation during his visit to Japan in 2018. In a special gesture, he had been hosted by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his ancestral home in Yamanashi, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader. Modi had hosted Abe in Ahmedabad in 2017. During the visit, the two prime ministers oversaw the ground-breaking ceremony for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project. The next round of the annual India-Japan summit will take place in India this year. Japan will be hosting this year's G20 summit in Osaka in June and to which India has extended full support.

India-Japan relationship a factor of stability in Indo-Pacific region: India

China factor &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

With the advent of US-China trade war and reset of China-India relations with their informal summit at Wuhan, at the relations between the two countries seem to be getting better than the previous years when bitterness between both countries over Doklam crisis had touched a new height.&nbsp;

At this point, China needs good relations with India to ensure the latter does not get into the US club and peace and tranquillity prevails on the borders.

Meanwhile, there is going to be no change in India’s stance on the border issue or BRI/CPEC. However, some agreements on delimitation leading to the demarcation of LAC, to prevent a repeat of Doklam like incident is doable, if the political will exists on both sides.

China is expected to control its adventurism during the ongoing trade war. We can thus expect a relatively quiet period on Chinese borders, with some positive steps for better border management.

Pakistan factor

In 2019, I do not visualise any dramatic change in Pakistan’s behaviour. The terror industry and proxy war will continue, notwithstanding the perceived economic difficulties the country is facing. Whenever Pakistan is on the verge of sinking, some country will it out to foster its own interest through it.

Their terror industry is mainly sustained by parallel economy involving drug trafficking and assistance from ISI, with material and operational support from Pakistan Army. &nbsp;As the security situation unfolds in AfPak Region, I will not be surprised if Taliban would be in driving seat of power in Afghanistan (much against Indian interest), and the US may have no option but to silently end their pursuit against them.

Pakistan is well used to international isolation, hence, UN-declared terrorists will continue to move freely and plan terror operations against India in 2019. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Sino-Pak nexus&nbsp;

The progress on CPEC will continue despite India's opposition, although BRI will face many roadblocks in 2019 as well. According to experts, CPEC will force Pakistan to enter into a patron-client relationship, wherein strategic choices of Pakistan will be hostage to China. This brings out a long-term threat to India in terms of "two-front war" which India has to prepare for.

What should India do

Over the last few decades, financial allocations and attention towards military have been marred by bureaucratic denials. Chanakya, Clausewitz, and Sun Tzu have said, and rightly so, that no nation will be&nbsp;secure unless it has a powerful military which can deter a potential adversary.&nbsp;

The military is trained and equipped to launch operations across the IB/LC/LAC. We should realise that defence capabilities take a long time to build up, more-so, if India does not have a strong manufacturing base. The defence budget allocation made in 2018 should be increased in 2019. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

China factor With the advent of US-China trade war and reset of China-India relations with their informal summit at Wuhan, at the relations between the two countries seem to be getting better than the previous years when bitterness between both countries over Doklam crisis had touched a new height.

China factor With the advent of US-China trade war and reset of China-India relations with their informal summit at Wuhan, at the relations between the two countries seem to be getting better than the previous years when bitterness between both countries over Doklam crisis had touched a new height. At this point, China needs good relations with India to ensure the latter does not get into the US club and peace and tranquillity prevails on the borders. Meanwhile, there is going to be no change in India’s stance on the border issue or BRI/CPEC. However, some agreements on delimitation leading to the demarcation of LAC, to prevent a repeat of Doklam like incident is doable, if the political will exists on both sides. China is expected to control its adventurism during the ongoing trade war. We can thus expect a relatively quiet period on Chinese borders, with some positive steps for better border management. Pakistan factor In 2019, I do not visualise any dramatic change in Pakistan’s behaviour. The terror industry and proxy war will continue, notwithstanding the perceived economic difficulties the country is facing. Whenever Pakistan is on the verge of sinking, some country will it out to foster its own interest through it. Their terror industry is mainly sustained by parallel economy involving drug trafficking and assistance from ISI, with material and operational support from Pakistan Army. As the security situation unfolds in AfPak Region, I will not be surprised if Taliban would be in driving seat of power in Afghanistan (much against Indian interest), and the US may have no option but to silently end their pursuit against them. Pakistan is well used to international isolation, hence, UN-declared terrorists will continue to move freely and plan terror operations against India in 2019. Sino-Pak nexus The progress on CPEC will continue despite India's opposition, although BRI will face many roadblocks in 2019 as well. According to experts, CPEC will force Pakistan to enter into a patron-client relationship, wherein strategic choices of Pakistan will be hostage to China. This brings out a long-term threat to India in terms of "two-front war" which India has to prepare for. What should India do Over the last few decades, financial allocations and attention towards military have been marred by bureaucratic denials. Chanakya, Clausewitz, and Sun Tzu have said, and rightly so, that no nation will be secure unless it has a powerful military which can deter a potential adversary. The military is trained and equipped to launch operations across the IB/LC/LAC. We should realise that defence capabilities take a long time to build up, more-so, if India does not have a strong manufacturing base. The defence budget allocation made in 2018 should be increased in 2019. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

What are India’s security challenges in 2019

Australia were dismissed for 300 after lunch on the fourth day of the final test against India on Sunday, trailing the tourists' first innings of 622-7 declared by 322 and forced to follow-on.

India only need a draw to win the four-match series.

Spinner Kuldeep Yadav struck for his side to put an end to Australia's first inning. Yadav clinched five wickets and ended with figures 99/5 after bowling 31.5 overs.&nbsp;

Earlier, other Indian bowlers dismissed three Australian batsmen in quick succession after rain delay, on day 4 of the fourth test match.&nbsp;

Play got underway on Sunday after a rain delay of almost four hours at the Sydney Cricket Ground but India took 80 minutes to take the last four wickets at a cost of 64 runs.

Australia were reduced to 236-6 at stumps on day three when bad light had stopped play.

On days one and two, Cheteshwar Pujara (193) and Rishabh Pant (159 not out) helped India to a grand first innings' total of 622-7 declared.

India have an unassailable 2-1 series' lead after winning the first Test in Adelaide by 31 runs and the third Test in Melbourne by 137 runs. Australia had won the second Test in Perth by 146 runs.

Australia were dismissed for 300 after lunch on the fourth day of the final test against India on Sunday, trailing the tourists' first innings of 622-7 declared by 322 and forced to follow-on.

Australia were dismissed for 300 after lunch on the fourth day of the final test against India on Sunday, trailing the tourists' first innings of 622-7 declared by 322 and forced to follow-on. India only need a draw to win the four-match series. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav struck for his side to put an end to Australia's first inning. Yadav clinched five wickets and ended with figures 99/5 after bowling 31.5 overs. Earlier, other Indian bowlers dismissed three Australian batsmen in quick succession after rain delay, on day 4 of the fourth test match. Play got underway on Sunday after a rain delay of almost four hours at the Sydney Cricket Ground but India took 80 minutes to take the last four wickets at a cost of 64 runs. Australia were reduced to 236-6 at stumps on day three when bad light had stopped play. On days one and two, Cheteshwar Pujara (193) and Rishabh Pant (159 not out) helped India to a grand first innings' total of 622-7 declared. India have an unassailable 2-1 series' lead after winning the first Test in Adelaide by 31 runs and the third Test in Melbourne by 137 runs. Australia had won the second Test in Perth by 146 runs.

IND vs AUS, Day 4: Bad light stops play; Australia trail by 316 runs

Norway PM Erna Solberg on a 3-day visit to India from January 7th

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Saturday lauded the role of Hindi language in developing India’s culture and integrity and said it was increasingly becoming popular in other countries and also in the social media.&nbsp;

Addressing the 82nd convocation of the Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha here, she said the institution was promoting not only Hindi, but also other south Indian languages.

Noting that language plays a significant role in connecting people, Swaraj said Hindi was becoming popular in other countries also.

Recalling the services of political leaders who laid the foundation for propagating Hindi, she said the late Atal Behari Vajpayee was the first Indian leader to address the United Nations General Assembly in the national language.

Carrying forward this great tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in 2014 delivered a speech at the UNGA in Hindi.

Present trends indicated that there was an increase in job opportunities for Hindi graduates.

Hindi offers a promising career as many Hindi publications and news channels have emerged during the past few years, she added.

The Union Minister also said that there was a growing interest among foreign diplomats and dignitaries to learn Hindi. Several countries have requested the Indian government to set up centres of learning to promote Hindi, she said.

The language was also gaining popularity on various social media such as Twitter and Facebook. The sabha was established in 1918 by Mahatma Gandhi with the aim of propagating Hindi in southern states.

The institution, which is celebrating its centenary year, was formally inaugurated on June 17, 1918, in the presence of Annie Besant, at the Gokhale Hall in George Town, before it was moved to its present location in T-Nagar here.

In recognition of the services rendered by the Sabha, the Parliament had conferred the status of “Institution of National Importance” by enacting a special act. The act authorises the Sabha to award degrees in Hindi like other universities.

The Union Minister gave away medals and degrees to graduates and post graduates.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Saturday lauded the role of Hindi language in developing India’s culture and integrity and said it was increasingly becoming popular in other countries and also in the social media.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Saturday lauded the role of Hindi language in developing India’s culture and integrity and said it was increasingly becoming popular in other countries and also in the social media. Addressing the 82nd convocation of the Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha here, she said the institution was promoting not only Hindi, but also other south Indian languages. Noting that language plays a significant role in connecting people, Swaraj said Hindi was becoming popular in other countries also. Recalling the services of political leaders who laid the foundation for propagating Hindi, she said the late Atal Behari Vajpayee was the first Indian leader to address the United Nations General Assembly in the national language. Carrying forward this great tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in 2014 delivered a speech at the UNGA in Hindi. Present trends indicated that there was an increase in job opportunities for Hindi graduates. Hindi offers a promising career as many Hindi publications and news channels have emerged during the past few years, she added. The Union Minister also said that there was a growing interest among foreign diplomats and dignitaries to learn Hindi. Several countries have requested the Indian government to set up centres of learning to promote Hindi, she said. The language was also gaining popularity on various social media such as Twitter and Facebook. The sabha was established in 1918 by Mahatma Gandhi with the aim of propagating Hindi in southern states. The institution, which is celebrating its centenary year, was formally inaugurated on June 17, 1918, in the presence of Annie Besant, at the Gokhale Hall in George Town, before it was moved to its present location in T-Nagar here. In recognition of the services rendered by the Sabha, the Parliament had conferred the status of “Institution of National Importance” by enacting a special act. The act authorises the Sabha to award degrees in Hindi like other universities. The Union Minister gave away medals and degrees to graduates and post graduates.

Sushma Swaraj lauds role of Hindi in promoting India’s culture

Cheteshwar Pujara played the anchor's role yet again with his third masterful hundred of the series, helping India dominate Australia on the opening day of the fourth and final Test here.

Leading 2-1 after the 137-run win in the Melbourne Test, India made a strong start by ending at 303/4 in 90 overs on Thursday. Opener Mayank Agarwal was another solid performer, continuing his good form with a 77-run knock.

At stumps, Pujara (130) and Hanuma Vihari (39) were holding fort for the visiting side, which is in pursuit of a maiden Test series triumph on Australian soil. Virat Kohli's men have already secured the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with their unassailable lead.

At the Sydney Cricket Ground, Pujara faced 250 balls, hitting 16 of them for fours, and added 75 runs for the unbeaten fifth-wicket stand with Vihari.

Post tea, Australia were able to make a quick breakthrough as Virat Kohli (23) was caught down leg. They had consistently bowled towards the leg-stump against the Indian skipper, cramping him for room and the ploy worked as he gloved behind off Josh Hazlewood (2-51) in the first over after the break.

It brought Ajinkya Rahane (18) to the crease, who faced the same tactic. Cramping the batsmen for room, the hosts were able to put a check on the scoring rate as only 36 runs came in the first hour of play after tea.

Unlike his counter-attacking style in the first three Tests, Rahane was subdued on this occasion as he looked to settle down. But Mitchell Starc (1-75) had him caught behind in the 71st over with a sharp-rising unplayable bouncer.

India crossed 200 in the 63rd over, but needed a partnership at this juncture. Vihari proved to be a handy partner for Pujara as the duo put on 50 runs in 72 balls.

Vihari kept the scoreboard ticking with minimum fuss, batting at a strike-rate of 67.2.&nbsp;

He took pressure off Pujara at the other end, who was solid as ever, and celebrated his 18th Test hundred off 199 balls. In doing so, he went past 438 runs against

England in 2012-13 as the most he had scored previously in a Test series.

This was also the fourth time he faced 200-plus deliveries in the current series, going past Sunil Gavaskar's record of three such instances back in 1977-78.

Earlier, Pujara put on 54 runs with Kohli as India reached 177-2 at tea. Post lunch, Agarwal and Pujara continued their second-wicket partnership to 116 runs. The duo put on an attacking show after the break, with their 100-run stand coming off 178 balls.

Agarwal reached his second Test half-century off 96 balls, inclusive of two sixes against Nathan Lyon (1-88) as the two batsmen rotated strike well and kept the scoreboard ticking.

India were scoring at a run-a-minute at one stage before drinks, as 64 runs came in the first hour of play after lunch.

Agarwal looked good for a hundred but threw it away when he holed out in the deep off Lyon in the 34th over and walked back shaking his head at an unnecessary shot.

Kohli then walked out to boos for the fourth Test running but got going immediately with an immaculate cover drive. Australia resorted to more conservative bowling and kept his scoring rate in check.

But they had no response to Pujara's grounding knock again, albeit with a different pace. Another 44 runs were added in the second hour of play, with Pujara reaching his half-century off 134 balls, including three fours in an over from leg-spinner Marnus Labuschagne (0-25) before the tea break.

In the morning, India were placed at 69-1 at lunch. This was after India won the toss and opted to bat. R Ashwin didn't pass the fitness test and was ruled out of this match.

The visitors then made two changes, with KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav coming in for Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma.

Australia too made two changes with Peter Handscomb and Marnus Labuschagne replacing Aaron Finch and Mitchell Marsh.

Things didn't change much for Rahul (9) despite missing the Melbourne Test, as he edged twice in the first four balls faced only for the ball to go to the boundary.

He didn't last long, however, edging Hazlewood to first slip in the second over, and his nightmare run on this tour continued.

This was the sixth opening pairing for India in 12 overseas Tests since January 2018, and only averages 21.56 in 23 overseas innings.

At the other end, Agarwal settled down and stroked a couple of cover drives. He looked solid in comparison to his Karnataka teammate and along with Pujara, drove the Indian run-rate forward.

In a series where low scoring has been the norm, India were scoring at 4.29 per over in the first hour as they reached 46-1 at drinks. India crossed 50 shortly thereafter, with the duo bringing on their 50-partnership off 104 balls.

Australia lost a DRS review in the 15th over, when Hazlewood had a loud shout against Pujara turned down. There was nothing on the snickometer with the ball coming off the batsman's thighs.

The hosts then resorted to run-saving tactics once again, and moved to a shorter length, targeting the batsmen's bodies. Pujara was hit a couple of times, once on the head.&nbsp;

Cheteshwar Pujara played the anchor's role yet again with his third masterful hundred of the series, helping India dominate Australia on the opening day of the fourth and final Test here.

Cheteshwar Pujara played the anchor's role yet again with his third masterful hundred of the series, helping India dominate Australia on the opening day of the fourth and final Test here. Leading 2-1 after the 137-run win in the Melbourne Test, India made a strong start by ending at 303/4 in 90 overs on Thursday. Opener Mayank Agarwal was another solid performer, continuing his good form with a 77-run knock. At stumps, Pujara (130) and Hanuma Vihari (39) were holding fort for the visiting side, which is in pursuit of a maiden Test series triumph on Australian soil. Virat Kohli's men have already secured the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with their unassailable lead. At the Sydney Cricket Ground, Pujara faced 250 balls, hitting 16 of them for fours, and added 75 runs for the unbeaten fifth-wicket stand with Vihari. Post tea, Australia were able to make a quick breakthrough as Virat Kohli (23) was caught down leg. They had consistently bowled towards the leg-stump against the Indian skipper, cramping him for room and the ploy worked as he gloved behind off Josh Hazlewood (2-51) in the first over after the break. It brought Ajinkya Rahane (18) to the crease, who faced the same tactic. Cramping the batsmen for room, the hosts were able to put a check on the scoring rate as only 36 runs came in the first hour of play after tea. Unlike his counter-attacking style in the first three Tests, Rahane was subdued on this occasion as he looked to settle down. But Mitchell Starc (1-75) had him caught behind in the 71st over with a sharp-rising unplayable bouncer. India crossed 200 in the 63rd over, but needed a partnership at this juncture. Vihari proved to be a handy partner for Pujara as the duo put on 50 runs in 72 balls. Vihari kept the scoreboard ticking with minimum fuss, batting at a strike-rate of 67.2. He took pressure off Pujara at the other end, who was solid as ever, and celebrated his 18th Test hundred off 199 balls. In doing so, he went past 438 runs against England in 2012-13 as the most he had scored previously in a Test series. This was also the fourth time he faced 200-plus deliveries in the current series, going past Sunil Gavaskar's record of three such instances back in 1977-78. Earlier, Pujara put on 54 runs with Kohli as India reached 177-2 at tea. Post lunch, Agarwal and Pujara continued their second-wicket partnership to 116 runs. The duo put on an attacking show after the break, with their 100-run stand coming off 178 balls. Agarwal reached his second Test half-century off 96 balls, inclusive of two sixes against Nathan Lyon (1-88) as the two batsmen rotated strike well and kept the scoreboard ticking. India were scoring at a run-a-minute at one stage before drinks, as 64 runs came in the first hour of play after lunch. Agarwal looked good for a hundred but threw it away when he holed out in the deep off Lyon in the 34th over and walked back shaking his head at an unnecessary shot. Kohli then walked out to boos for the fourth Test running but got going immediately with an immaculate cover drive. Australia resorted to more conservative bowling and kept his scoring rate in check. But they had no response to Pujara's grounding knock again, albeit with a different pace. Another 44 runs were added in the second hour of play, with Pujara reaching his half-century off 134 balls, including three fours in an over from leg-spinner Marnus Labuschagne (0-25) before the tea break. In the morning, India were placed at 69-1 at lunch. This was after India won the toss and opted to bat. R Ashwin didn't pass the fitness test and was ruled out of this match. The visitors then made two changes, with KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav coming in for Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma. Australia too made two changes with Peter Handscomb and Marnus Labuschagne replacing Aaron Finch and Mitchell Marsh. Things didn't change much for Rahul (9) despite missing the Melbourne Test, as he edged twice in the first four balls faced only for the ball to go to the boundary. He didn't last long, however, edging Hazlewood to first slip in the second over, and his nightmare run on this tour continued. This was the sixth opening pairing for India in 12 overseas Tests since January 2018, and only averages 21.56 in 23 overseas innings. At the other end, Agarwal settled down and stroked a couple of cover drives. He looked solid in comparison to his Karnataka teammate and along with Pujara, drove the Indian run-rate forward. In a series where low scoring has been the norm, India were scoring at 4.29 per over in the first hour as they reached 46-1 at drinks. India crossed 50 shortly thereafter, with the duo bringing on their 50-partnership off 104 balls. Australia lost a DRS review in the 15th over, when Hazlewood had a loud shout against Pujara turned down. There was nothing on the snickometer with the ball coming off the batsman's thighs. The hosts then resorted to run-saving tactics once again, and moved to a shorter length, targeting the batsmen's bodies. Pujara was hit a couple of times, once on the head.

IND vs AUS, 4th Test: Pujara masterclass gives India day 1 honours at SCG

With 66 medals, India finished third in the medals tally at the Commonwealth Games 2018. The 66 were divided into 26 Gold, 20 Silver and 20 Bronze.&nbsp;

Australia topped the chart with 198 medals and England was behind with 136. India's 26 golds was also third, behind Australia (80) and England (45).

India's combined 66 medals is its third-best performance in the history of the Games. The best remains 101 in New Delhi (2010), followed by 69 in Manchester (2002).

By virtue of these medals, India bettered its showing in Glasgow 2014, where the country finished fifth overall. In Glasgow, India claimed 15 Gold, 30 Silver and 19 Bronze and the best Gold tally of 38 came at home in 2010.

The Games will be memorable for young table tennis player Manika Batra as she picked up medals in all events she competed in - Singles Gold, Women's Doubles Gold, Women's Team Gold and rounding off the Games with Mixed Doubles Bronze.&nbsp;

Batra also made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win an individual table tennis Gold at the Games.

The 10-member Indian table tennis team secured 8 medals, - 3 Gold, 2 Silver and 3 Bronze - which turned out to be their best-ever medal haul in the history of the Games.

Apart from TT, India's maximum medals came from shooting (16), followed by wrestling (12) and weightlifting (9).

Teenager Deepak Lather, who hails from Haryana, clinched a bronze in the men’s 69kg category to become the youngest Indian weightlifter to claim a Commonwealth Games medal.

Shooter Anish Bhanwala, aged 15, created history by becoming the country’s youngest ever Gold medal winner in the Commonwealth Games, in the men's 25m rapid fire pistol.

Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra became the first Indian to claim a Gold medal at the Games.&nbsp; The gold medal won by India's mixed badminton team is also the country's first in that category.&nbsp;

Shuttler Saina Nehwal also became the first Indian to win two singles golds at the Games after defeating her rival PV Sindhu. Saina had also won the title in 2010 in New Delhi.

Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, also made the nation proud by claiming India's first gold in the Women's 48 kg.

With 66 medals, India finished third in the medals tally at the Commonwealth Games 2018. The 66 were divided into 26 Gold, 20 Silver and 20 Bronze. Australia topped the chart with 198 medals and England was behind with 136.

With 66 medals, India finished third in the medals tally at the Commonwealth Games 2018. The 66 were divided into 26 Gold, 20 Silver and 20 Bronze. Australia topped the chart with 198 medals and England was behind with 136. India's 26 golds was also third, behind Australia (80) and England (45). India's combined 66 medals is its third-best performance in the history of the Games. The best remains 101 in New Delhi (2010), followed by 69 in Manchester (2002). By virtue of these medals, India bettered its showing in Glasgow 2014, where the country finished fifth overall. In Glasgow, India claimed 15 Gold, 30 Silver and 19 Bronze and the best Gold tally of 38 came at home in 2010. The Games will be memorable for young table tennis player Manika Batra as she picked up medals in all events she competed in - Singles Gold, Women's Doubles Gold, Women's Team Gold and rounding off the Games with Mixed Doubles Bronze. Batra also made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win an individual table tennis Gold at the Games. The 10-member Indian table tennis team secured 8 medals, - 3 Gold, 2 Silver and 3 Bronze - which turned out to be their best-ever medal haul in the history of the Games. Apart from TT, India's maximum medals came from shooting (16), followed by wrestling (12) and weightlifting (9). Teenager Deepak Lather, who hails from Haryana, clinched a bronze in the men’s 69kg category to become the youngest Indian weightlifter to claim a Commonwealth Games medal. Shooter Anish Bhanwala, aged 15, created history by becoming the country’s youngest ever Gold medal winner in the Commonwealth Games, in the men's 25m rapid fire pistol. Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra became the first Indian to claim a Gold medal at the Games. The gold medal won by India's mixed badminton team is also the country's first in that category. Shuttler Saina Nehwal also became the first Indian to win two singles golds at the Games after defeating her rival PV Sindhu. Saina had also won the title in 2010 in New Delhi. Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, also made the nation proud by claiming India's first gold in the Women's 48 kg.

India and its historic medals at Commonwealth Games 2018

World agencies recognise that India is pulling its citizens out of poverty at a record pace, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday.&nbsp;

Modi was addressing 51st edition of his popular radio broadcast programme 'Mann Ki Baat'. Wishing the nation on the new year 2019, PM Modi praised Indian athletes for their exemplary performances in Asian Games and Blind Cricket World Cup.

Pune's 20-year-old Vedangi Kulkarni has become the fastest Asian woman to travel around the world on a cycle, Modi said.

Kulkarni cycled 300km each day for 159 days, he said.&nbsp;

He also praised 6-year-old Rajni&nbsp;who won a gold medal in Junior National Women Boxing Championship and&nbsp;12-year-old Hanaya from Anantnag in Kashmir who won a gold medal in Karate Championship in Korea.&nbsp;

The monthly radio programme was aired on All India Radio (AIR), Doordarshan and relayed on other channels.

He also mentioned that in 2018, the health insurance scheme - Ayushman Bharat - was launched.&nbsp;

World agencies recognise that India is pulling its citizens out of poverty at a record pace, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday. Modi was addressing 51st edition of his popular radio broadcast programme 'Mann Ki Baat'.

World agencies recognise that India is pulling its citizens out of poverty at a record pace, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday. Modi was addressing 51st edition of his popular radio broadcast programme 'Mann Ki Baat'. Wishing the nation on the new year 2019, PM Modi praised Indian athletes for their exemplary performances in Asian Games and Blind Cricket World Cup. Pune's 20-year-old Vedangi Kulkarni has become the fastest Asian woman to travel around the world on a cycle, Modi said. Kulkarni cycled 300km each day for 159 days, he said. He also praised 6-year-old Rajni who won a gold medal in Junior National Women Boxing Championship and 12-year-old Hanaya from Anantnag in Kashmir who won a gold medal in Karate Championship in Korea. The monthly radio programme was aired on All India Radio (AIR), Doordarshan and relayed on other channels. He also mentioned that in 2018, the health insurance scheme - Ayushman Bharat - was launched.

India is pulling its citizens out of poverty at a record pace: PM Modi in Mann ki Baat

At a time when modernisation of the Army's armoured corp is moving at a "snail's pace", Pakistan has drawn up an ambitious plan to procure close to 600 battle tanks including T-90 tanks from Russia, primarily to bolster its combat prowess along the border with India, military and intelligence sources said Sunday.

Most of the tanks Pakistan was procuring will be able to hit targets at a range of 3 to 4 km and they are set to deploy some of the tanks along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, the sources told PTI.

Apart from battle tanks, Pakistan Army is also procuring 245 150mm SP Mike-10 guns from Italy out of which it has already received 120 guns.

The sources said Pakistan was eyeing to buy from Russia a batch of T-90 battle tanks- the mainstays of the armoured regiments of the Indian Army, and that the move reflects Islamabad's intent to forge a deeper defence engagement with Moscow which has been India's largest and most trusted defence supplier post Independence.

Pakistan has been holding joint military drills with Russia in the last couple of years besides going for defence purchases from it, triggering some concerns in New Delhi.&nbsp;

The sources said as part of the mega plan to significantly revamp its armoured fleet by 2025, Pakistan has decided to procure at least 360 battle tanks globally besides producing 220 tanks indigenously with help from China.

Pakistan Army's move to enhance its armoured corps comes at a time when the Line of Actual Control in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed growing hostilities in the last year. The Indian Army has been strongly retaliating to every unprovoked firing by Pakistani side.

But, when the Indian Army is focused on counter-terror operations, the Pakistan Army was fast reducing its gap with Indian forces in fighting a conventional war, the intelligence sources said.

Military sources said modernisation of the Indian Army's armoured regiments were moving at a "snail's pace" due to procedural delays and the issue is being examined at a very high level of the government.

The Indian Army had drawn up a mega plan to modernise its infantry and armoured corps. However, almost all the procurement projects including the Rs 60,000 crore Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) programme are stuck due to a variety of reasons.&nbsp;

At present, India's armoured regiments, comprising mainly T-90, T-72 and Arjuna tanks, have much more superiority over Pakistan, but sources said Islamabad was seriously planning to bridge the gap at the earliest.

As against around 67 armoured regiments of Indian Army, the number of similar regiments in Pakistan Army is around 51, the sources said.

At present, over 70 per cent of the tanks in Pakistan's armoury has the capability to operate during the night which, they said, was a matter of concern.

Besides eyeing to procure T-90 tanks, Pakistan Army is also in the process of inducting Chinese VT-4 tanks as well as Oplod-P tanks from Ukrain, the sources said. Trials for both Oplod and VT-4 tanks have already been conducted by the Pakistan Army.

At present, Pakistan is learnt to have around 17 units of Chinese origin T-59 and T69 tanks, which comprise 30 per cent of its total tank strength, the sources said.&nbsp;

It also has 12 regiments of Al-Zarar tanks, which makes 20 per cent of the tank fleet while Ukrain origin T-80-UD and T-85-UD, as well as upgraded version of T-59 tanks, comprise the rest 50 per cent tank fleet, they said.

"The Pakistan Army is carrying out modernisation of its armoured regiments in a calibrated and time-bound manner which is not the case in India," said an expert, who wished not to be named.

He said it was a matter of concern the way Pakistan was modernising its tank fleet.

The Indian Army has also raised an independent tank brigade which is stationed in Ladakh but it is not enough, the expert said.

At a time when modernisation of the Army's armoured corp is moving at a "snail's pace", Pakistan has drawn up an ambitious plan to procure close to 600 battle tanks including T-90 tanks from Russia, primarily to bolster its combat prowess along the border with India, military and intelligence sources said Sunday.

At a time when modernisation of the Army's armoured corp is moving at a "snail's pace", Pakistan has drawn up an ambitious plan to procure close to 600 battle tanks including T-90 tanks from Russia, primarily to bolster its combat prowess along the border with India, military and intelligence sources said Sunday. Most of the tanks Pakistan was procuring will be able to hit targets at a range of 3 to 4 km and they are set to deploy some of the tanks along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, the sources told PTI. Apart from battle tanks, Pakistan Army is also procuring 245 150mm SP Mike-10 guns from Italy out of which it has already received 120 guns. The sources said Pakistan was eyeing to buy from Russia a batch of T-90 battle tanks- the mainstays of the armoured regiments of the Indian Army, and that the move reflects Islamabad's intent to forge a deeper defence engagement with Moscow which has been India's largest and most trusted defence supplier post Independence. Pakistan has been holding joint military drills with Russia in the last couple of years besides going for defence purchases from it, triggering some concerns in New Delhi. The sources said as part of the mega plan to significantly revamp its armoured fleet by 2025, Pakistan has decided to procure at least 360 battle tanks globally besides producing 220 tanks indigenously with help from China. Pakistan Army's move to enhance its armoured corps comes at a time when the Line of Actual Control in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed growing hostilities in the last year. The Indian Army has been strongly retaliating to every unprovoked firing by Pakistani side. But, when the Indian Army is focused on counter-terror operations, the Pakistan Army was fast reducing its gap with Indian forces in fighting a conventional war, the intelligence sources said. Military sources said modernisation of the Indian Army's armoured regiments were moving at a "snail's pace" due to procedural delays and the issue is being examined at a very high level of the government. The Indian Army had drawn up a mega plan to modernise its infantry and armoured corps. However, almost all the procurement projects including the Rs 60,000 crore Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) programme are stuck due to a variety of reasons. At present, India's armoured regiments, comprising mainly T-90, T-72 and Arjuna tanks, have much more superiority over Pakistan, but sources said Islamabad was seriously planning to bridge the gap at the earliest. As against around 67 armoured regiments of Indian Army, the number of similar regiments in Pakistan Army is around 51, the sources said. At present, over 70 per cent of the tanks in Pakistan's armoury has the capability to operate during the night which, they said, was a matter of concern. Besides eyeing to procure T-90 tanks, Pakistan Army is also in the process of inducting Chinese VT-4 tanks as well as Oplod-P tanks from Ukrain, the sources said. Trials for both Oplod and VT-4 tanks have already been conducted by the Pakistan Army. At present, Pakistan is learnt to have around 17 units of Chinese origin T-59 and T69 tanks, which comprise 30 per cent of its total tank strength, the sources said. It also has 12 regiments of Al-Zarar tanks, which makes 20 per cent of the tank fleet while Ukrain origin T-80-UD and T-85-UD, as well as upgraded version of T-59 tanks, comprise the rest 50 per cent tank fleet, they said. "The Pakistan Army is carrying out modernisation of its armoured regiments in a calibrated and time-bound manner which is not the case in India," said an expert, who wished not to be named. He said it was a matter of concern the way Pakistan was modernising its tank fleet. The Indian Army has also raised an independent tank brigade which is stationed in Ladakh but it is not enough, the expert said.

Pakistan procuring 600 tanks to strengthen capability along border with India: Intelligence Sources

WION has accessed the initial draft on Kartarpur agreement which Pakistan will be proposing&nbsp;to India. According to the draft, Pakistan will be issuing a permit which will allow entry to 500 pilgrims per day. It will be visa-free travel but pilgrims will have to carry their passport and security clearance from India.&nbsp;

The government of India will have to share the details of pilgrims and their security clearance certificate with the Pakistan government&nbsp;three days prior to their entry through the Kartarpur corridor.&nbsp;

It is also proposed that the pilgrims must constitute a group of 15 people for the visit. The corridor will be open from 8 am to 5 pm. Both the sides will be creating a database of visiting pilgrims along with their travel history.

The Indian side is yet to receive the draft which says that, "Pakistan reserves the right to refuse entry, reduce the period of stay or terminate the stay in its territory of any pilgrim despite the grant of permit" if it considers "the pilgrim is found undesirable for security or other purposes."

In case of a dispute, it will be "amicably settled between parties through the diplomatic channel." Any side can terminate the agreement any time by giving one month's notice. The agreement also does not affect the existing commitments on border security.&nbsp;

On November 22, the Indian cabinet passed a resolution to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji in 2019 and approved the building of Kartarpur Corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district till the border. On the same day, Delhi informed Islamabad about its decision through Pakistan High Commission and urged&nbsp;Pakistan to develop a corridor in their territory.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the construction of the corridor on the Indian side on November 26 2018. Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone on November 28 in Pakistan. Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Minister of State (IC) for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri attended the groundbreaking ceremony on the Pakistan side as representatives of the government of India.

India has been doubtful of Pakistan's intentions owing to incidents like Pak foreign minister Shah Mehmood <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khans-googly-ensured-presence-of-indian-ministers-at-kartarpur-corridor-event-pakistan-foreign-minister-180412">Qureshi's "googly" remark</a>. Reacting to the remark, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said a few days ago, "Some people went from here and certain comments were made from that side, so I think there is hardly any need to speak further on this issue. I think their intentions on doing this thing was not with clear conscious which we felt from their certain statements."

The Transport Ministry is the nodal ministry for developing the corridor while the Home Ministry is in charge of coordinating with the concerned authorities, including the local government.

A high-level committee under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has been constituted to review, monitor and oversee the activities as approved by the Cabinet for the implementation of the decisions in the matter.

Sources have told WION that India considers "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kartarpur-corridor-high-point-of-diplomacy-for-imran-khan-government-pakistan-186836">Kartarpur corridor</a> a cultural initiative and not a diplomatic initiative" and it will not lead to the start of any dialogue process.&nbsp;

In a written statement in the Parliament, Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh said, "the Kartarpur corridor on the Indian side is envisaged to be an integrated development project with the government of India, funding for smooth and easy passage of Indian pilgrims with modern amenities."

India has also proposed pilgrim’s visit to shrines in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) including <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ground-report-kashmiri-pandits-demand-opening-of-sharada-temple-182956">Sharda Peeth</a>; Islamabad has not concurred with the proposal so far.

WION has accessed the initial draft on Kartarpur agreement which Pakistan will be proposing to India. According to the draft, Pakistan will be issuing a permit which will allow entry to 500 pilgrims per day.

WION has accessed the initial draft on Kartarpur agreement which Pakistan will be proposing to India. According to the draft, Pakistan will be issuing a permit which will allow entry to 500 pilgrims per day. It will be visa-free travel but pilgrims will have to carry their passport and security clearance from India. The government of India will have to share the details of pilgrims and their security clearance certificate with the Pakistan government three days prior to their entry through the Kartarpur corridor. It is also proposed that the pilgrims must constitute a group of 15 people for the visit. The corridor will be open from 8 am to 5 pm. Both the sides will be creating a database of visiting pilgrims along with their travel history. The Indian side is yet to receive the draft which says that, "Pakistan reserves the right to refuse entry, reduce the period of stay or terminate the stay in its territory of any pilgrim despite the grant of permit" if it considers "the pilgrim is found undesirable for security or other purposes." In case of a dispute, it will be "amicably settled between parties through the diplomatic channel." Any side can terminate the agreement any time by giving one month's notice. The agreement also does not affect the existing commitments on border security. On November 22, the Indian cabinet passed a resolution to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji in 2019 and approved the building of Kartarpur Corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district till the border. On the same day, Delhi informed Islamabad about its decision through Pakistan High Commission and urged Pakistan to develop a corridor in their territory. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the construction of the corridor on the Indian side on November 26 2018. Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone on November 28 in Pakistan. Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Minister of State (IC) for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri attended the groundbreaking ceremony on the Pakistan side as representatives of the government of India. India has been doubtful of Pakistan's intentions owing to incidents like Pak foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's "googly" remark. Reacting to the remark, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said a few days ago, "Some people went from here and certain comments were made from that side, so I think there is hardly any need to speak further on this issue. I think their intentions on doing this thing was not with clear conscious which we felt from their certain statements." The Transport Ministry is the nodal ministry for developing the corridor while the Home Ministry is in charge of coordinating with the concerned authorities, including the local government. A high-level committee under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has been constituted to review, monitor and oversee the activities as approved by the Cabinet for the implementation of the decisions in the matter. Sources have told WION that India considers "Kartarpur corridor a cultural initiative and not a diplomatic initiative" and it will not lead to the start of any dialogue process. In a written statement in the Parliament, Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh said, "the Kartarpur corridor on the Indian side is envisaged to be an integrated development project with the government of India, funding for smooth and easy passage of Indian pilgrims with modern amenities." India has also proposed pilgrim’s visit to shrines in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) including Sharda Peeth; Islamabad has not concurred with the proposal so far.

Kartarpur corridor: Pakistan's initial draft proposes permit-based entry to 500 pilgrims per day

India has been engaging with the Chinese side on Indo-Pacific but the Chinese side has expressed doubts even though it has appreciated Prime Minister Modi's speech on the issue at the Shangri La dialogue earlier this year.

The word from India comes even as both New Delhi and China ties in 2018 went through a reset.&nbsp;

Sources have clarified to WION on Quad also, saying "Quad is a dialogue mechanism, Indo Pacific is a concept. Quad doesn't define Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

Quad is not an alliance" though certain countries "taking that impression and some are even contributing to this impression."&nbsp;

Thorny issues between New Delhi and China remain such as China's belt and road initiative. India has made it clear that the Chinese infrastructure project "should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity."&nbsp;

Particularly on China Pakistan economic corridor or CPEC which New Delhi believes is a "direct challenge to India's sovereignty". &nbsp;CPEC's has dual use--military as well as civilian, which is a "matter of concern."

But India might be taking a divergent view on Huawei, the Chinese telecom company under pressure especially in United States, Australia and Britain. Sources told WION that India is "weighing the situation" and it remains Huawei "legal entity"&nbsp;

By an large India considers its relation with China returning to normalcy in 2018 and "political relationship has been restored and heightened."&nbsp;

2017 saw Doklam crisis in Bhutan in which Indian and Chinese forces were on a standoff against each other for more than 2 months. It was considered one of the worst standoff in many decades.

Both the countries also resumed defence contact this year and "peace and tranquillity have been restored" at the border.

This year saw Indian and Chinese leadership engaging with each other. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met 4 times this year. First at informal Wuhan summit, followed by meets on the sidelines of the SCO summit in China, BRICS in South Africa and G20 in Argentina. Next year the Chinese President Xi Jinping will be coming to India for 2nd India Chian Informal summit in India.

India has been engaging with the Chinese side on Indo-Pacific but the Chinese side has expressed doubts even though it has appreciated Prime Minister Modi's speech on the issue at the Shangri La dialogue earlier this year.

India has been engaging with the Chinese side on Indo-Pacific but the Chinese side has expressed doubts even though it has appreciated Prime Minister Modi's speech on the issue at the Shangri La dialogue earlier this year. The word from India comes even as both New Delhi and China ties in 2018 went through a reset. Sources have clarified to WION on Quad also, saying "Quad is a dialogue mechanism, Indo Pacific is a concept. Quad doesn't define Indo-Pacific. Quad is not an alliance" though certain countries "taking that impression and some are even contributing to this impression." Thorny issues between New Delhi and China remain such as China's belt and road initiative. India has made it clear that the Chinese infrastructure project "should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity." Particularly on China Pakistan economic corridor or CPEC which New Delhi believes is a "direct challenge to India's sovereignty". CPEC's has dual use--military as well as civilian, which is a "matter of concern." But India might be taking a divergent view on Huawei, the Chinese telecom company under pressure especially in United States, Australia and Britain. Sources told WION that India is "weighing the situation" and it remains Huawei "legal entity" By an large India considers its relation with China returning to normalcy in 2018 and "political relationship has been restored and heightened." 2017 saw Doklam crisis in Bhutan in which Indian and Chinese forces were on a standoff against each other for more than 2 months. It was considered one of the worst standoff in many decades. Both the countries also resumed defence contact this year and "peace and tranquillity have been restored" at the border. This year saw Indian and Chinese leadership engaging with each other. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met 4 times this year. First at informal Wuhan summit, followed by meets on the sidelines of the SCO summit in China, BRICS in South Africa and G20 in Argentina. Next year the Chinese President Xi Jinping will be coming to India for 2nd India Chian Informal summit in India.

India engaging with China on Indo-Pacific Concept

Cold wave sweeps North India; Manali records a temperature -3.4 degrees

Leaders of India, Afghanistan and Iran met for the first congregation of the follow-up Committee for implementation of the trilateral Chabahar Agreement between the three countries.

The first meeting of the Follow-up Committee between the three South-Asian nations was held at the level of Joint Secretary/ Director General on December 24 in the port city of Chabahar in Iran, stated a press release from MEA.

While positive and constructive discussions were held between the three sides on full operationalisation of the Trilateral Transit Agreement for international transit and transport through the Chabahar Port, India Ports Global Limited company also opened its first office and took over operations at the Shaheed Behesti port at Chabahar.

India also attained mileage with the meeting as the three nations also agreed to finalise at the earliest the Protocol to harmonize transit, roads, customs, and consular matters.

India, Afghanistan and Iran also agreed to allow cargo movement at Chabahar using TIR Convention provisions.It was decided to hold an event to promote and popularize the potential of Chabahar on 26 February 2019.

Also, a study would be initiated for determining measures to make the route attractive, decrease logistic costs and pave the way for smooth operationalisation of the Chabahar Agreement.

The next Follow-up Committee meeting, followed by the 2nd Coordination Council Meeting the level of Secretaries/ Deputy Ministers, will held in India in 2019.

Leaders of India, Afghanistan and Iran met for the first congregation of the follow-up Committee for implementation of the trilateral Chabahar Agreement between the three countries.

Leaders of India, Afghanistan and Iran met for the first congregation of the follow-up Committee for implementation of the trilateral Chabahar Agreement between the three countries. The first meeting of the Follow-up Committee between the three South-Asian nations was held at the level of Joint Secretary/ Director General on December 24 in the port city of Chabahar in Iran, stated a press release from MEA. While positive and constructive discussions were held between the three sides on full operationalisation of the Trilateral Transit Agreement for international transit and transport through the Chabahar Port, India Ports Global Limited company also opened its first office and took over operations at the Shaheed Behesti port at Chabahar. India also attained mileage with the meeting as the three nations also agreed to finalise at the earliest the Protocol to harmonize transit, roads, customs, and consular matters. India, Afghanistan and Iran also agreed to allow cargo movement at Chabahar using TIR Convention provisions.It was decided to hold an event to promote and popularize the potential of Chabahar on 26 February 2019. Also, a study would be initiated for determining measures to make the route attractive, decrease logistic costs and pave the way for smooth operationalisation of the Chabahar Agreement. The next Follow-up Committee meeting, followed by the 2nd Coordination Council Meeting the level of Secretaries/ Deputy Ministers, will held in India in 2019.

India, Afghanistan and Iran meet for Chabahar Agreement

Pakistan Prime Minister upped the ante on the ongoing minority row on Tuesday. In a series of tweets, Khan&nbsp;stated that Muhammad Ali Jinnah's struggle for a separate nation started when he realised that "Muslims would not be treated as equal citizens by the Hindu majority."

He added that 'Naya Pakistan' is "Quaid's Pakistan" wherein he will ensure "that our minorities are treated as equal citizens, unlike what is happening in India."

"His (Jinnah) struggle for a separate nation for Muslims only started when he realised that Muslims would not be treated as equal citizens by the Hindu majority. Naya Pak is Quaid's Pak and we will ensure that our minorities are treated as equal citizens, unlike what is happening in India," Khan tweeted out.&nbsp;

He added that Quaid (Jinnah) had a vision to see Pakistan as a democratic, just and compassionate nation.&nbsp;

"Most importantly he wanted our minorities to be equal citizens. It should be remembered that his early political career was as an ambassador for Hindu Muslim unity," he stated.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
His struggle for a separate nation for Muslims only started when he realised that Muslims would not be treated as equal citizens by the Hindu majority. Naya Pak is Quaid's Pak &amp; we will ensure that our minorities are treated as equal citizens, unlike what is happening in India. <a href="https://t.co/xFPo8ahJnp">https://t.co/xFPo8ahJnp</a>
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1077478982478639104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Khan's comments came in the backdrop of a controversy involving Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah's over his remarks on mob violence in India.

Shah finds himself at the centre of a major controversy over his remarks on the spate of mob lynching cases in India following the killing of a policeman in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district earlier this month.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said he will "show" PM Modi-led government "how to treat minorities."&nbsp;

"We will show the Modi government how to treat minorities... Even in India, people are saying that minorities are not being treated as equal citizens," he said referring to Shah's statement.

Khan's comments raked a controversy in India with senior leaders and politicians asking that the Pak PM should look after the affairs of his own country.&nbsp;

"According to the Pakistani Constitution, only a Muslim is qualified to be President. India has seen multiple Presidents from oppressed communities. It's high time Khan sahab learns something from us about inclusive politics &amp; minority rights," the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/imran-khan-should-learn-from-india-about-minority-rights-asaduddin-owaisi-186147">AIMIM) chief said</a>.

Union Home Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-only-country-where-people-of-all-religions-live-together-peacefully-rajnath-singh-on-naseeruddin-shahs-comments-186051">Rajnath Singh on Sunday</a> described India as one of the most tolerant countries in the world where people of different religions live together peacefully.&nbsp;

"India is the only country where people of all religions live together peacefully. There are 72 sects in Islam, all of them are found here, not even the Islamic countries have all. There’s no question of intolerance in the country", Rajnath Singh said.

Pakistan Prime Minister upped the ante on the ongoing minority row on Tuesday. In a series of tweets, Khan stated that Muhammad Ali Jinnah's struggle for a separate nation started when he realised that "Muslims would not be treated as equal citizens by the Hindu majority.

Pakistan Prime Minister upped the ante on the ongoing minority row on Tuesday. In a series of tweets, Khan stated that Muhammad Ali Jinnah's struggle for a separate nation started when he realised that "Muslims would not be treated as equal citizens by the Hindu majority." He added that 'Naya Pakistan' is "Quaid's Pakistan" wherein he will ensure "that our minorities are treated as equal citizens, unlike what is happening in India." "His (Jinnah) struggle for a separate nation for Muslims only started when he realised that Muslims would not be treated as equal citizens by the Hindu majority. Naya Pak is Quaid's Pak and we will ensure that our minorities are treated as equal citizens, unlike what is happening in India," Khan tweeted out. He added that Quaid (Jinnah) had a vision to see Pakistan as a democratic, just and compassionate nation. "Most importantly he wanted our minorities to be equal citizens. It should be remembered that his early political career was as an ambassador for Hindu Muslim unity," he stated. His struggle for a separate nation for Muslims only started when he realised that Muslims would not be treated as equal citizens by the Hindu majority. Naya Pak is Quaid's Pak & we will ensure that our minorities are treated as equal citizens, unlike what is happening in India. https://t.co/xFPo8ahJnp — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) December 25, 2018 × Khan's comments came in the backdrop of a controversy involving Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah's over his remarks on mob violence in India. Shah finds himself at the centre of a major controversy over his remarks on the spate of mob lynching cases in India following the killing of a policeman in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district earlier this month. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said he will "show" PM Modi-led government "how to treat minorities." "We will show the Modi government how to treat minorities... Even in India, people are saying that minorities are not being treated as equal citizens," he said referring to Shah's statement. Khan's comments raked a controversy in India with senior leaders and politicians asking that the Pak PM should look after the affairs of his own country. "According to the Pakistani Constitution, only a Muslim is qualified to be President. India has seen multiple Presidents from oppressed communities. It's high time Khan sahab learns something from us about inclusive politics & minority rights," the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief said. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday described India as one of the most tolerant countries in the world where people of different religions live together peacefully. "India is the only country where people of all religions live together peacefully. There are 72 sects in Islam, all of them are found here, not even the Islamic countries have all. There’s no question of intolerance in the country", Rajnath Singh said.

Will ensure 'our minorities are treated as equal citizens, unlike India': Pak's Imran Khan

The United Nations has snubbed Pakistan on Kashmir saying that its position is clear on it and 'it has been reiterated'.

The development comes in response to a reply by United Nation spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric who, while confirming Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's phone to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said, "Our position on Kashmir has been reiterated. There is an observer group as mandated by the Security Council. The Prime Minister wanted to speak to the Secretary-General. It's only normal that the Secretary-General speak to Heads of Governments and Heads of State and, as I said, I can confirm that the call took place and that the Prime Minister raised the issue of Kashmir."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-raised-kashmir-issue-with-un-chief-says-un-spokesman-185764">Pakistan&nbsp;Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> has been raking up the Kashmir issue many times. Earlier this week, India slammed Khan to mind his own business. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, “I think it will be better if they mind their own business and look at the internal affairs which are in a mess.”

2018 was a bittersweet year for India-Pakistan relations. While both agreed to build Kartarpur corridor, repatriate Hamid Nehal Ansari and Imran Warsi, Pakistan continued to provide support to terror in the region and dragged its feet on the 26/11 trial.

Pakistan, on its part, has been facing global isolation but has continued to rake up the Kashmir issue at international forums such as the United Nations.

The United Nations has snubbed Pakistan on Kashmir saying that its position is clear on it and 'it has been reiterated'. The development comes in response to a reply by United Nation spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric who, while confirming Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's phone to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said, "Our position on Kashmir has been reiterated.

The United Nations has snubbed Pakistan on Kashmir saying that its position is clear on it and 'it has been reiterated'. The development comes in response to a reply by United Nation spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric who, while confirming Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's phone to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said, "Our position on Kashmir has been reiterated. There is an observer group as mandated by the Security Council. The Prime Minister wanted to speak to the Secretary-General. It's only normal that the Secretary-General speak to Heads of Governments and Heads of State and, as I said, I can confirm that the call took place and that the Prime Minister raised the issue of Kashmir." Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been raking up the Kashmir issue many times. Earlier this week, India slammed Khan to mind his own business. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, “I think it will be better if they mind their own business and look at the internal affairs which are in a mess.” 2018 was a bittersweet year for India-Pakistan relations. While both agreed to build Kartarpur corridor, repatriate Hamid Nehal Ansari and Imran Warsi, Pakistan continued to provide support to terror in the region and dragged its feet on the 26/11 trial. Pakistan, on its part, has been facing global isolation but has continued to rake up the Kashmir issue at international forums such as the United Nations.

UN snubs Pakistan on Jammu and Kashmir, says its position has been reiterated

Breaking News: Six terrorists killed in J&K's Tral

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said he will "show" PM Modi-led government "how to treat minorities." Khan's comments came in the backdrop of a controversy involving Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah's over his remarks on mob violence in India.

Shah finds himself at the centre of a major controversy over his remarks on the spate of mob lynching cases in India following the killing of a policeman in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district earlier this month.

Addressing an event to highlight the 100-day achievements of the Punjab government in Lahore, Khan asserted that his government is taking steps to ensure that religious minorities in Pakistan get their due rights, which was also a vision of the country's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Khan said his government will make sure that the minorities feel safe, protected and have equal rights in 'New Pakistan'.

"We will show the Modi government how to treat minorities... Even in India, people are saying that minorities are not being treated as equal citizens," he said referring to Shah's statement.

In a video interview with Karwan-e-Mohabbat India, the veteran actor said the death of a cow was being given importance over the killing of a policeman.&nbsp;

He said the "poison has already spread" and it will be now difficult to contain it.

"It will be very difficult to capture this djinn back into the bottle again. There is complete impunity for those who take law into their own hands... I feel anxious for my children because tomorrow if a mob surrounds them and asks, 'Are you a Hindu or a Muslim?' they will have no answer. It worries me that I don't see the situation improving anytime soon," Shah added.

The Pak premier said if justice is not given to the weak then it will only lead to an uprising.&nbsp;

Giving an example, he said, "The people of East Pakistan were not given their rights which was the main reason behind the creation of Bangladesh."&nbsp;

On December 3, Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh and a student, Sumit Kumar, were killed in mob violence in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr after cow carcasses were found.&nbsp;

The main accused in the case is a local Bajrang Dal leader, Yogesh Raj&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said he will "show" PM Modi-led government "how to treat minorities." Khan's comments came in the backdrop of a controversy involving Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah's over his remarks on mob violence in India.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said he will "show" PM Modi-led government "how to treat minorities." Khan's comments came in the backdrop of a controversy involving Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah's over his remarks on mob violence in India. Shah finds himself at the centre of a major controversy over his remarks on the spate of mob lynching cases in India following the killing of a policeman in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district earlier this month. Addressing an event to highlight the 100-day achievements of the Punjab government in Lahore, Khan asserted that his government is taking steps to ensure that religious minorities in Pakistan get their due rights, which was also a vision of the country's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Khan said his government will make sure that the minorities feel safe, protected and have equal rights in 'New Pakistan'. "We will show the Modi government how to treat minorities... Even in India, people are saying that minorities are not being treated as equal citizens," he said referring to Shah's statement. In a video interview with Karwan-e-Mohabbat India, the veteran actor said the death of a cow was being given importance over the killing of a policeman. He said the "poison has already spread" and it will be now difficult to contain it. "It will be very difficult to capture this djinn back into the bottle again. There is complete impunity for those who take law into their own hands... I feel anxious for my children because tomorrow if a mob surrounds them and asks, 'Are you a Hindu or a Muslim?' they will have no answer. It worries me that I don't see the situation improving anytime soon," Shah added. The Pak premier said if justice is not given to the weak then it will only lead to an uprising. Giving an example, he said, "The people of East Pakistan were not given their rights which was the main reason behind the creation of Bangladesh." On December 3, Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh and a student, Sumit Kumar, were killed in mob violence in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr after cow carcasses were found. The main accused in the case is a local Bajrang Dal leader, Yogesh Raj

Imran Khan lectures India on treatment of minorities, says 'will show Modi govt how to treat them'

Indian and Chinese troops on Saturday concluded the seventh round of counter-terrorism military exercises in China's Chengdu city during which over 100-strong contingents from both nations conducted the drills while living and dining together to build up a sense of camaraderie.

This year's 'Hand-in-Hand' exercises focussing on urban terrorism were significant as they were held after a gap of a year. The drills were not held last year following the 73-day military standoff at Doklam which ratcheted up tensions between the two armies.

The specially-designed drills were in keeping with the spirit of this year's summit at Wuhan between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping to improve relations between the two militaries.

The fortnight-long exercises concluded with mixed teams from both armies demonstrating seven rounds of different counter terrorism drills practiced by them since December 11.

State-run TV channel CGTN livestreamed the concluding ceremony and the exercises highlighting their significance.

The theme of the exercises which included live firing and demonstration of driving skills was to rescue hostages held by terrorists in an urban environment. The troops also showcased counter-terrorism tactics and skills, such as combat firing, and rope bridge crossing.

The 2016 exercises held in Pune had focussed on counter terrorism exercises in non-urban areas.

"During the exercises our soldiers and officers lived in the same rooms and ate on the same table," said an officer of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), briefing on the exercises in the CGTN telecast.

The birthdays of a number of soldiers from both sides were also celebrated together.

The Indian contingent headed by Col Puneet Tomar took part in the exercises to foster closer ties between the two militaries which guard the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control (LAC).

China fielded its troops from the Tibetan military command. Each side deployed 113 troops and officers. The Indian contingent will leave for home on Sunday, the CGTN report said.

"The aim of the Hand-in-Hand exercises is to build closer relations between the militaries of India and China. The exercises involve tactical-level operations in an international counter insurgency/counter terrorist environment as per UN mandate," a tweet by the Indian Embassy here said earlier.

After the Doklam standoff and following the Wuhan summit, the two militaries made efforts to improve relations.

Besides resuming the defence dialogue after the standoff, the two countries also held the 21st round of border talks.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China's State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who are the Special Representatives for the border talks, held discussions on November 24 in Chengdu during which they called for intensifying efforts to find a solution to the vexed border dispute.

Earlier, the two sides held the ninth defence dialogue on November 13 led by Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and Lt General Shao Yuanming, Deputy Chief of Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission.

Indian and Chinese troops on Saturday concluded the seventh round of counter-terrorism military exercises in China's Chengdu city during which over 100-strong contingents from both nations conducted the drills while living and dining together to build up a sense of camaraderie.

Indian and Chinese troops on Saturday concluded the seventh round of counter-terrorism military exercises in China's Chengdu city during which over 100-strong contingents from both nations conducted the drills while living and dining together to build up a sense of camaraderie. This year's 'Hand-in-Hand' exercises focussing on urban terrorism were significant as they were held after a gap of a year. The drills were not held last year following the 73-day military standoff at Doklam which ratcheted up tensions between the two armies. The specially-designed drills were in keeping with the spirit of this year's summit at Wuhan between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping to improve relations between the two militaries. The fortnight-long exercises concluded with mixed teams from both armies demonstrating seven rounds of different counter terrorism drills practiced by them since December 11. State-run TV channel CGTN livestreamed the concluding ceremony and the exercises highlighting their significance. The theme of the exercises which included live firing and demonstration of driving skills was to rescue hostages held by terrorists in an urban environment. The troops also showcased counter-terrorism tactics and skills, such as combat firing, and rope bridge crossing. The 2016 exercises held in Pune had focussed on counter terrorism exercises in non-urban areas. "During the exercises our soldiers and officers lived in the same rooms and ate on the same table," said an officer of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), briefing on the exercises in the CGTN telecast. The birthdays of a number of soldiers from both sides were also celebrated together. The Indian contingent headed by Col Puneet Tomar took part in the exercises to foster closer ties between the two militaries which guard the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control (LAC). China fielded its troops from the Tibetan military command. Each side deployed 113 troops and officers. The Indian contingent will leave for home on Sunday, the CGTN report said. "The aim of the Hand-in-Hand exercises is to build closer relations between the militaries of India and China. The exercises involve tactical-level operations in an international counter insurgency/counter terrorist environment as per UN mandate," a tweet by the Indian Embassy here said earlier. After the Doklam standoff and following the Wuhan summit, the two militaries made efforts to improve relations. Besides resuming the defence dialogue after the standoff, the two countries also held the 21st round of border talks. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China's State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who are the Special Representatives for the border talks, held discussions on November 24 in Chengdu during which they called for intensifying efforts to find a solution to the vexed border dispute. Earlier, the two sides held the ninth defence dialogue on November 13 led by Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and Lt General Shao Yuanming, Deputy Chief of Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission.

Indian, Chinese armies conclude first military exercises post-Doklam

Sea levels around the Indian coast projected to rise

A week after Indian national <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/message-to-india-pak-govts-is-humanity-is-bigger-than-any-religion-hamid-nihal-ansari-to-wion-185377">Hamid Nihal Ansari was released</a>, India decides to release Pakistani national Imran Qureshi Warsi next week who was in an Indian jail for a decade. Warsi is likely to be released by December 24 and subsequently be repatriated on December 26.

As per reports, the Pakistani High Commission would not be able to facilitate his repatriation on the 25th owing to the birth anniversary of the founder of Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Jinnah and with the day being an official holiday in the country.

Warsi came to India in 2004 on a valid Indian visa and was arrested in 2008 in Bhopal for having a fake passport after his valid Indian visa expired on his Pakistani passport. He was in love with an Indian girl whom he married and has two children with.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Pakistan national Imran Qureshi Warsi who was lodged in Bhopal jail for 10 years on being released: Police treated me very well, just like a family. I found loving people here the same way there are loving people in Pakistan. I believe good people find good people everywhere. <a href="https://t.co/MMXurcHTrR">pic.twitter.com/MMXurcHTrR</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076418544097611776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Warsi was in a Bhopal jail for 10 years and released in January 2018. He had to remain in jail beyond January of 2018 since he could not pay the fine instructed by the courts. Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi also did not extend support to him to arrange for the sum required for fine.&nbsp;

Thanking India for his release, Warsi said, "I had come to India to meet my relatives. Then I fell in love with a girl and married her. But soon my visa expired. Complaints were filed against me and I was jailed for 10 years. I am looking forward to meeting my mother. I would like to thank everyone who helped me."

The move comes as a ray of hope for 11 Indian prisoners who have completed their sentence but are still languishing in Pak jails. Pakistani side claims to have 32 of such Pak civilian prisoners in Indian jails.

The development comes in the backdrop of the increased incidents of Indian diplomats being harassed in Islamabad. The Indian High Commission in Islamabad has flagged all such instances of breach of diplomatic norms and protocol to the notice of the Pakistani MOFA.

A week after Indian national Hamid Nihal Ansari was released, India decides to release Pakistani national Imran Qureshi Warsi next week who was in an Indian jail for a decade.

A week after Indian national Hamid Nihal Ansari was released, India decides to release Pakistani national Imran Qureshi Warsi next week who was in an Indian jail for a decade. Warsi is likely to be released by December 24 and subsequently be repatriated on December 26. As per reports, the Pakistani High Commission would not be able to facilitate his repatriation on the 25th owing to the birth anniversary of the founder of Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Jinnah and with the day being an official holiday in the country. Warsi came to India in 2004 on a valid Indian visa and was arrested in 2008 in Bhopal for having a fake passport after his valid Indian visa expired on his Pakistani passport. He was in love with an Indian girl whom he married and has two children with. Pakistan national Imran Qureshi Warsi who was lodged in Bhopal jail for 10 years on being released: Police treated me very well, just like a family. I found loving people here the same way there are loving people in Pakistan. I believe good people find good people everywhere. pic.twitter.com/MMXurcHTrR — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2018 × Warsi was in a Bhopal jail for 10 years and released in January 2018. He had to remain in jail beyond January of 2018 since he could not pay the fine instructed by the courts. Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi also did not extend support to him to arrange for the sum required for fine. Thanking India for his release, Warsi said, "I had come to India to meet my relatives. Then I fell in love with a girl and married her. But soon my visa expired. Complaints were filed against me and I was jailed for 10 years. I am looking forward to meeting my mother. I would like to thank everyone who helped me." The move comes as a ray of hope for 11 Indian prisoners who have completed their sentence but are still languishing in Pak jails. Pakistani side claims to have 32 of such Pak civilian prisoners in Indian jails. The development comes in the backdrop of the increased incidents of Indian diplomats being harassed in Islamabad. The Indian High Commission in Islamabad has flagged all such instances of breach of diplomatic norms and protocol to the notice of the Pakistani MOFA.

Cross-border love: After Hamid Nihal's release, India to free Pakistani national

Harassment of Indian diplomats is back in Islamabad, from no gas connection in new residences, randomly switching off electricity to hostile questioning of guests at the reception. In the last several weeks, many of such incidents have been reported in the Pak city.&nbsp;

On 10th December, an intruder tried to enter the house an Indian diplomat in Islamabad. India has lodged a complaint. Other than this, the internet has also being blocked out.

In March of this year, Indian and Pakistani diplomats in respective countries reported harassment. &nbsp;After weeks of discussions that happened at a higher level, both the sides agreed to resolve the matter.&nbsp;

On 30 March 2018, India and Pakistan mutually agreed to resolve matters related to the treatment of diplomats and diplomatic premises, in line with the 1992 Code of Conduct for the treatment of diplomatic/consular personnel in India and Pakistan. Same press releases were issued by New Delhi and Islamabad.

In July, speaking in the Parliament, Minister of state in Ministry of External Affairs General VK Singh said, "the Government of India has, from time to time, taken up the incidents of harassment, aggressive surveillance and intimidation of the officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and also the obstacles placed in the early completion of residential complex for the Indian High Commission officials. The Pakistan side was asked to resolve these issues and ensure the safety and security of our diplomatic Mission and its diplomatic and consular officials."

The functioning of diplomatic missions between India and Pakistan is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the bilateral Code of Conduct signed by the two countries in 1992.

India, Pakistan code of conduct of 1992 says safety and security of the premises of diplomatic personnel, their families shall be respected and protected. It also says intrusive and aggressive surveillance such as verbal and physical harassment shall not be allowed.

The government of India also picked up the matter of internet connectivity, and access to government websites in Islamabad. India sent a reminder last week stating that the official website of the government of India, ending with gov.in, and the internet connection at the high commission in Islamabad continues to be intermittently blocked. Specifically, the website indianvisaonline.gov.in which is used by applicants in Pakistan to apply for visas has been non-accessible for extended period causing disruption in the visa application process for the applicants.&nbsp;

India called on Pakistan to ensure that the internet service providers in the country restore internet service to the high commission and stop blocking Indian government websites.

Harassment of Indian diplomats is back in Islamabad, from no gas connection in new residences, randomly switching off electricity to hostile questioning of guests at the reception.

Harassment of Indian diplomats is back in Islamabad, from no gas connection in new residences, randomly switching off electricity to hostile questioning of guests at the reception. In the last several weeks, many of such incidents have been reported in the Pak city. On 10th December, an intruder tried to enter the house an Indian diplomat in Islamabad. India has lodged a complaint. Other than this, the internet has also being blocked out. In March of this year, Indian and Pakistani diplomats in respective countries reported harassment. After weeks of discussions that happened at a higher level, both the sides agreed to resolve the matter. On 30 March 2018, India and Pakistan mutually agreed to resolve matters related to the treatment of diplomats and diplomatic premises, in line with the 1992 Code of Conduct for the treatment of diplomatic/consular personnel in India and Pakistan. Same press releases were issued by New Delhi and Islamabad. In July, speaking in the Parliament, Minister of state in Ministry of External Affairs General VK Singh said, "the Government of India has, from time to time, taken up the incidents of harassment, aggressive surveillance and intimidation of the officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and also the obstacles placed in the early completion of residential complex for the Indian High Commission officials. The Pakistan side was asked to resolve these issues and ensure the safety and security of our diplomatic Mission and its diplomatic and consular officials." The functioning of diplomatic missions between India and Pakistan is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the bilateral Code of Conduct signed by the two countries in 1992. India, Pakistan code of conduct of 1992 says safety and security of the premises of diplomatic personnel, their families shall be respected and protected. It also says intrusive and aggressive surveillance such as verbal and physical harassment shall not be allowed. The government of India also picked up the matter of internet connectivity, and access to government websites in Islamabad. India sent a reminder last week stating that the official website of the government of India, ending with gov.in, and the internet connection at the high commission in Islamabad continues to be intermittently blocked. Specifically, the website indianvisaonline.gov.in which is used by applicants in Pakistan to apply for visas has been non-accessible for extended period causing disruption in the visa application process for the applicants. India called on Pakistan to ensure that the internet service providers in the country restore internet service to the high commission and stop blocking Indian government websites.

Harassment of Indian diplomats returns in Islamabad

The first meeting of the newly constituted 'India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges'&nbsp;took place in New Delhi with both sides reaffirming momentum in ties. The meeting was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Calling Wuhan informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping a "milestone in bilateral relations", Swaraj said, "PM Modi and President Xi have established a personal connection and laid our strategic guidance."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
EAM Sushma Swaraj at 3rd India-China High-Level Media Forum Inaugural Session: I'm satisfied with the quality of discussion today.Ten priorities we discussed include enhancing cooperation in films, education, tourism, art, yoga, media, culture, sports, academic &amp; youth exchanges <a href="https://t.co/GzWnMgRPud">pic.twitter.com/GzWnMgRPud</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076052889565609986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

She added, "the armies of both the countries are making effort to strengthen contacts and implement confidence-building measures. This will help to promote peace and tranquillity at India-China border which is an important prerequisite for smooth development of bilateral relations."

The decision to establish the India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges was taken during the informal summit between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping in Wuhan in April 2018.&nbsp;

Chinese Foreign minister Wang Yi said, "we agreed to leverage strengths in respective fields. People to people exchanges should be of the people and for the people. It is a major initiative in the history of India and China relations."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi: We agreed to leverage strengths in respective fields. People to people exchanges should be of the people and for the people. It is a major initiative in the history of India and China relations. <a href="https://t.co/ilVvycgB0G">pic.twitter.com/ilVvycgB0G</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076050084666589185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He also called on to increase people-to-people exchanges between India and China which he said: "will serve as progress for the entire mankind."

Both the sides agreed on 10 priority areas which include enhancing cooperation in films, education, tourism, art, yoga, media, culture, sports, academic and youth exchanges."

The High-Level Mechanism will bring all the existing bilateral, cultural and people-to-people engagements between India and China under one umbrella.

This was the last high-level meeting between India and China this year. This year, PM Modi met Chinese President Jinping four times -- from Wuhan informal summit in April to the meeting on the sidelines of the SCO summit, BRICS Summit and the G20 summit. Chinese President Xi Jinping will be visiting India in 2019 for the second informal summit between India and China.

The first meeting of the newly constituted 'India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges' took place in New Delhi with both sides reaffirming momentum in ties.

The first meeting of the newly constituted 'India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges' took place in New Delhi with both sides reaffirming momentum in ties. The meeting was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Calling Wuhan informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping a "milestone in bilateral relations", Swaraj said, "PM Modi and President Xi have established a personal connection and laid our strategic guidance." EAM Sushma Swaraj at 3rd India-China High-Level Media Forum Inaugural Session: I'm satisfied with the quality of discussion today.Ten priorities we discussed include enhancing cooperation in films, education, tourism, art, yoga, media, culture, sports, academic & youth exchanges pic.twitter.com/GzWnMgRPud — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2018 × She added, "the armies of both the countries are making effort to strengthen contacts and implement confidence-building measures. This will help to promote peace and tranquillity at India-China border which is an important prerequisite for smooth development of bilateral relations." The decision to establish the India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges was taken during the informal summit between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping in Wuhan in April 2018. Chinese Foreign minister Wang Yi said, "we agreed to leverage strengths in respective fields. People to people exchanges should be of the people and for the people. It is a major initiative in the history of India and China relations." Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi: We agreed to leverage strengths in respective fields. People to people exchanges should be of the people and for the people. It is a major initiative in the history of India and China relations. pic.twitter.com/ilVvycgB0G — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2018 × He also called on to increase people-to-people exchanges between India and China which he said: "will serve as progress for the entire mankind." Both the sides agreed on 10 priority areas which include enhancing cooperation in films, education, tourism, art, yoga, media, culture, sports, academic and youth exchanges." The High-Level Mechanism will bring all the existing bilateral, cultural and people-to-people engagements between India and China under one umbrella. This was the last high-level meeting between India and China this year. This year, PM Modi met Chinese President Jinping four times -- from Wuhan informal summit in April to the meeting on the sidelines of the SCO summit, BRICS Summit and the G20 summit. Chinese President Xi Jinping will be visiting India in 2019 for the second informal summit between India and China.

Wuhan was a milestone, PM Modi and President Xi have personal connect: Sushma Swaraj

India's first pod hotel in Mumbai

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hamid-nihal-ansaris-emotional-homecoming-kisses-indian-soil-hugs-and-consoles-teary-eyed-mother-185173">Hamid Nihal Ansari incident</a> has highlighted the case of many Indian and Pakistani nationals languishing in Pakistani and Indian jails despite completing the terms. Here are some key facts on how many prisoners and fishermen have been released by both sides.&nbsp;

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Pakistan released 14 Indian civilian prisoners in the last 4 years, while India released 124 Pakistani civilian prisoners. This year, with the inclusion of Hamid Nihal, Pakistan released just two Indian civilian prisoners while New Delhi released 10 Pakistani civilian prisoners. Clearly, for every 1 prisoner released by Pakistan in 2018, India released 5.&nbsp;

When it comes to fishermen, Pakistan released 1,514 Indian fishermen in last 4 years while New Delhi released 155 Pakistani fishermen in last 4 years. When it comes to 2018, Pakistan released 148 Indian fishermen and India none.&nbsp;

Under the India-Pakistan ‘Agreement on Consular Access’ signed on 21 May 2008, every first of January and July Islamabad and Delhi exchange list of civilian prisoners and fishermen of each country lodged in their respective jails.&nbsp;

According to the lists exchanged on July 1, 2018, there were 108 Pakistan fishermen and 249 Pakistan civilian prisoners in India’s custody. Pakistan has acknowledged the custody of 418 fishermen and 53 civilian prisoners who are Indian or are believed to be Indian in their jails.

Speaking in the Parliament earlier this year, Minister of State, External Affairs, General VK Singh, assured that the "Government regularly takes up the issue of early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen along with their boats with the Pakistan authorities."&nbsp;

Jatin Desai, the man responsible for Hamid Nihal Ansari's release had called on governments of India and Pakistan to release more prisoners and look into the issue. Jatin told WION, "We also believe, there are many prisoners. Hamid is not alone. They need to be released. They need to be seen from a humanitarian perspective. Hamid can set an example."

Still many cases remain unacknowledged by Pakistan. There are still 83 missing Indian defence personnel whose custody Islamabad didn't even acknowledge.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, in October 2017, suggested to the High Commissioner of Pakistan that the two sides could work together to resolve the humanitarian issues related to elderly women and mentally unsound prisoners in each other’s custody and consider their early release and repatriation.

It was proposed to revive the mechanism of Joint Judicial Committee and that a team of Indian medical experts could be allowed to visit the mentally unsound prisoners with a view to facilitating their nationality verification and subsequent repatriation. Pakistan responded positively on 7 March 2018.&nbsp;

In a press release welcoming Nihal's release, the MEA hoped that Pakistan would "respond and organize an early visit of the Joint Judicial Committee so that the issues of prisoners can be dealt with in a humanitarian and timely manner."

India has shared the details of the medical experts' team and the reconstituted Joint Judicial Committee to Pakistan with a request to organise their visit. Pakistan has not responded so far.

The Hamid Nihal Ansari incident has highlighted the case of many Indian and Pakistani nationals languishing in Pakistani and Indian jails despite completing the terms.

The Hamid Nihal Ansari incident has highlighted the case of many Indian and Pakistani nationals languishing in Pakistani and Indian jails despite completing the terms. Here are some key facts on how many prisoners and fishermen have been released by both sides. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Pakistan released 14 Indian civilian prisoners in the last 4 years, while India released 124 Pakistani civilian prisoners. This year, with the inclusion of Hamid Nihal, Pakistan released just two Indian civilian prisoners while New Delhi released 10 Pakistani civilian prisoners. Clearly, for every 1 prisoner released by Pakistan in 2018, India released 5. When it comes to fishermen, Pakistan released 1,514 Indian fishermen in last 4 years while New Delhi released 155 Pakistani fishermen in last 4 years. When it comes to 2018, Pakistan released 148 Indian fishermen and India none. Under the India-Pakistan ‘Agreement on Consular Access’ signed on 21 May 2008, every first of January and July Islamabad and Delhi exchange list of civilian prisoners and fishermen of each country lodged in their respective jails. According to the lists exchanged on July 1, 2018, there were 108 Pakistan fishermen and 249 Pakistan civilian prisoners in India’s custody. Pakistan has acknowledged the custody of 418 fishermen and 53 civilian prisoners who are Indian or are believed to be Indian in their jails. Speaking in the Parliament earlier this year, Minister of State, External Affairs, General VK Singh, assured that the "Government regularly takes up the issue of early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen along with their boats with the Pakistan authorities." Jatin Desai, the man responsible for Hamid Nihal Ansari's release had called on governments of India and Pakistan to release more prisoners and look into the issue. Jatin told WION, "We also believe, there are many prisoners. Hamid is not alone. They need to be released. They need to be seen from a humanitarian perspective. Hamid can set an example." Still many cases remain unacknowledged by Pakistan. There are still 83 missing Indian defence personnel whose custody Islamabad didn't even acknowledge. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, in October 2017, suggested to the High Commissioner of Pakistan that the two sides could work together to resolve the humanitarian issues related to elderly women and mentally unsound prisoners in each other’s custody and consider their early release and repatriation. It was proposed to revive the mechanism of Joint Judicial Committee and that a team of Indian medical experts could be allowed to visit the mentally unsound prisoners with a view to facilitating their nationality verification and subsequent repatriation. Pakistan responded positively on 7 March 2018. In a press release welcoming Nihal's release, the MEA hoped that Pakistan would "respond and organize an early visit of the Joint Judicial Committee so that the issues of prisoners can be dealt with in a humanitarian and timely manner." India has shared the details of the medical experts' team and the reconstituted Joint Judicial Committee to Pakistan with a request to organise their visit. Pakistan has not responded so far.

For every 1 prisoner released by Pakistan in 2018, India released 5

India begins testing samples of Johnson & Johnson baby powder

india-0

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india 0