India protested to the United States for a navy vessel conducting a transit through its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) without consent, the foreign ministry said on Friday, in a rare row between the friendly navies of the two countries.

The USS John Paul Jones "asserted navigational rights and freedoms," inside India's EEZ in line with international law by sailing about 130 nautical miles (241 km) west of India's Lakshadweep islands, the U.S. Seventh Fleet said in a statement on Wednesday.

But an Indian foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement that UN rules did not allow such passage without consent.

"The Government of India's stated position on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is that the Convention does not authorise other States to carry out in the Exclusive Economic Zone and on the continental shelf, military exercises or manoeuvres, in particular those involving the use of weapons or explosives, without the consent of the coastal state," the spokesman said.

India's military monitored the movement of the John Paul Jones as it transited from the Persian Gulf towards the Malacca Straits, the foreign ministry said.

The U.S. Navy has previously conducted so-called freedom of navigation sails through Indian waters without consent, with the last one in the fiscal year for 2019, according to an annual U.S. Defense Department report.

However, the former Chief of India's Naval Staff Arun Prakash questioned why the U.S. announced the operation in the waters of an apparent ally.

"For the 7th Fleet to carry out FoN missions in Indian EEZ in violation of our domestic law is bad enough. But publicising it?" he wrote on Twitter on Friday.

The navies of India and the United States carry out large scale exercises each year that now involve Japan and Australia. The four countries have formed an informal security grouping called the Quad to push back against China's expanding power.

India protested to the United States for a navy vessel conducting a transit through its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) without consent, the foreign ministry said on Friday, in a rare row between the friendly navies of the two countries.

India protested to the United States for a navy vessel conducting a transit through its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) without consent, the foreign ministry said on Friday, in a rare row between the friendly navies of the two countries. The USS John Paul Jones "asserted navigational rights and freedoms," inside India's EEZ in line with international law by sailing about 130 nautical miles (241 km) west of India's Lakshadweep islands, the U.S. Seventh Fleet said in a statement on Wednesday. But an Indian foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement that UN rules did not allow such passage without consent. "The Government of India's stated position on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is that the Convention does not authorise other States to carry out in the Exclusive Economic Zone and on the continental shelf, military exercises or manoeuvres, in particular those involving the use of weapons or explosives, without the consent of the coastal state," the spokesman said. India's military monitored the movement of the John Paul Jones as it transited from the Persian Gulf towards the Malacca Straits, the foreign ministry said. The U.S. Navy has previously conducted so-called freedom of navigation sails through Indian waters without consent, with the last one in the fiscal year for 2019, according to an annual U.S. Defense Department report. However, the former Chief of India's Naval Staff Arun Prakash questioned why the U.S. announced the operation in the waters of an apparent ally. "For the 7th Fleet to carry out FoN missions in Indian EEZ in violation of our domestic law is bad enough. But publicising it?" he wrote on Twitter on Friday. The navies of India and the United States carry out large scale exercises each year that now involve Japan and Australia. The four countries have formed an informal security grouping called the Quad to push back against China's expanding power.

India protests US Navy's transit through its exclusive economic zone

United States of America's naval operation near Lakshadweep has thrown up many questions and in the backdrop of Indo-US co-operation in the Quad alliance the recent development assumes interesting significance.

US naval manoeuvre near the Lakshadweep came out of the blue. There was no indication, no diplomatic outreach. What does this mean for the democratic axis? More importantly, is it a setback in the battle against China? 
&nbsp;

Watch: Why did the US Navy conduct an operation near Lakshadweep

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India and the US are strategic allies. It is a partnership built on shared ideals like democracy, freedom of speech and rule of law.

But today, there is a new common ground of security in the Indo-Pacific. Washington is betting on India to counter Beijing.

This is reflected in America's policy realignment. It started with Trump. And has gained momentum under Joe Biden. It is vital that both sides see the bigger picture.

This has been the case throughout history. Alliances survive as long as there is clarity on who the adversary is. For example, NATO has struggled to define itself.&nbsp;

The Quad must be wary of this. This so-called freedom of passage exercise was in simple terms, unnecessary. It wasn't a message to India, but to China. Washington wants to stamp its version of free navigation around the world. Allies, adversaries, it doesn't matter.

This move reiterates America's resolve. But at what cost? The South China Sea is a disputed region. There are dozens of claims and counter-claims. There is an active aggressor in the form of China.

On the other hand, India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is not a disputed region. There are no ambiguous claims of sovereignty, and there is no aggressor here. So America's adventurism here seems unwarranted.

As allies, dialogue must be given priority. Differences have to be settled by diplomats, not warships.

Small incidents can escalate fast. A break between India and the US would hand China the advantage. Washington needs to be wary of this.

When Donald Trump was US President, he was accused of abandoning allies. He wanted to pull out troops from Germany. He asked South Korea to pay up for US deployments. Biden had some sharp words back then.

Now that he's president Biden is promising change. He has told his partners that America is back. But actions like this make you doubt his sincerity. The president was lauded for his push to convene a Quad summit.

It was the first time, leaders from the 4 countries met. However, as far as alliances go Quad is still a newbie. It must be cultivated into an iron bond. And India has been more than willing to engage.

New Delhi has repeatedly committed itself to a free and open Indo-Pacific. And more importantly to freedom of navigation. The joint statement issued last month after the Quad virtual summit was signed by all four partners including India.

"We support the rule of law, freedom of navigation and overflight, peaceful resolution of disputes, democratic values, and territorial integrity," said the statement.

This is the spirit of Quad as agreed by all leaders. It also featured in the phone call between PM Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden.

Allies inform, they consult and they act together. Without a joint spirit, alliances will exist only in name. America has taken a risk by wading into India's EEZ.

Diplomats will most likely iron out the differences, but what about public opinion? On social media, Indians are not impressed by America's action. Domestic support is key to foreign alliances. They help leaders make long term commitments without stirring emotions back home.

A 2014 pew survey found that 56% Indians held a favourable view of America. Washington cannot let that number drop any further. With this move, the US has also put other allies on notice. Japan, Australia, South Korea will all be watching closely.

What is stopping US Ships from repeating this elsewhere? The American intention was to send a deadpan message. Ally or not, our worldview will prevail. But that's simply not how partnerships work.

United States of America's naval operation near Lakshadweep has thrown up many questions and in the backdrop of Indo-US co-operation in the Quad alliance the recent development assumes interesting significance.

United States of America's naval operation near Lakshadweep has thrown up many questions and in the backdrop of Indo-US co-operation in the Quad alliance the recent development assumes interesting significance. US naval manoeuvre near the Lakshadweep came out of the blue. There was no indication, no diplomatic outreach. What does this mean for the democratic axis? More importantly, is it a setback in the battle against China? Watch: Why did the US Navy conduct an operation near Lakshadweep India and the US are strategic allies. It is a partnership built on shared ideals like democracy, freedom of speech and rule of law. But today, there is a new common ground of security in the Indo-Pacific. Washington is betting on India to counter Beijing. This is reflected in America's policy realignment. It started with Trump. And has gained momentum under Joe Biden. It is vital that both sides see the bigger picture. This has been the case throughout history. Alliances survive as long as there is clarity on who the adversary is. For example, NATO has struggled to define itself. The Quad must be wary of this. This so-called freedom of passage exercise was in simple terms, unnecessary. It wasn't a message to India, but to China. Washington wants to stamp its version of free navigation around the world. Allies, adversaries, it doesn't matter. This move reiterates America's resolve. But at what cost? The South China Sea is a disputed region. There are dozens of claims and counter-claims. There is an active aggressor in the form of China. On the other hand, India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is not a disputed region. There are no ambiguous claims of sovereignty, and there is no aggressor here. So America's adventurism here seems unwarranted. As allies, dialogue must be given priority. Differences have to be settled by diplomats, not warships. Small incidents can escalate fast. A break between India and the US would hand China the advantage. Washington needs to be wary of this. When Donald Trump was US President, he was accused of abandoning allies. He wanted to pull out troops from Germany. He asked South Korea to pay up for US deployments. Biden had some sharp words back then. Now that he's president Biden is promising change. He has told his partners that America is back. But actions like this make you doubt his sincerity. The president was lauded for his push to convene a Quad summit. It was the first time, leaders from the 4 countries met. However, as far as alliances go Quad is still a newbie. It must be cultivated into an iron bond. And India has been more than willing to engage. New Delhi has repeatedly committed itself to a free and open Indo-Pacific. And more importantly to freedom of navigation. The joint statement issued last month after the Quad virtual summit was signed by all four partners including India. "We support the rule of law, freedom of navigation and overflight, peaceful resolution of disputes, democratic values, and territorial integrity," said the statement. This is the spirit of Quad as agreed by all leaders. It also featured in the phone call between PM Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden. Allies inform, they consult and they act together. Without a joint spirit, alliances will exist only in name. America has taken a risk by wading into India's EEZ. Diplomats will most likely iron out the differences, but what about public opinion? On social media, Indians are not impressed by America's action. Domestic support is key to foreign alliances. They help leaders make long term commitments without stirring emotions back home. A 2014 pew survey found that 56% Indians held a favourable view of America. Washington cannot let that number drop any further. With this move, the US has also put other allies on notice. Japan, Australia, South Korea will all be watching closely. What is stopping US Ships from repeating this elsewhere? The American intention was to send a deadpan message. Ally or not, our worldview will prevail. But that's simply not how partnerships work.

US Navy manoeuvre near Lakshadweep was an unnecessary act

In light of US Navy ship's foray into India and Maldives's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the focus is back on what do international laws say about such cases

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea came into operation on November 16, 1982, with the purpose of framing a global nautical law and protecting marine resources.

India ratified the law in 1995.

Here's what the UNCLOS says,

1. A country has full sovereignty in its territorial waters.&nbsp;This is within 12 nautical miles from the country's coast

2. UNCLOS says that a country has special rights in regard to the exploration of marine resources in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) 
 
Gravitas: Why is the U.S. antagonising India?

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This zone stretches up to 200 nautical miles.

India follows this international convention. But it also has rules of its own. India says foreign vessels travelling through India's exclusive economic zone have to give prior notification. The same also applies to India's continental shelf. And prior permissions are required for military maneuvers or exercises.

However, there is no restriction on innocent passage. And this includes navies too.

The US naval fleet was at 130 nautical miles west of the Lakshadweep. This is well within India's EEZ.

The US says it was exercising freedom of navigation, upholding the 'rights, freedoms, and the lawful uses of the sea recognised in international law'.

The US Navy is quoting the UNCLOS.

But question arises as to can any country quote a convention without even having signed it. The US had not ratified the UNCLOS. There are 160 member parties. But the US is missing.

Washington does not agree with certain clauses of the UNCLOS dealing with the minerals found on the seabed of the EEZ

So it comes down to one question is the US even in a position to lecture India on International Law?

What Washington has done is a clear violation of India's rules.

In light of US Navy ship's foray into India and Maldives's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the focus is back on what do international laws say about such cases The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea came into operation on November 16, 1982, with the purpose of framing a global nautical law and protecting marine resources.

In light of US Navy ship's foray into India and Maldives's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the focus is back on what do international laws say about such cases The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea came into operation on November 16, 1982, with the purpose of framing a global nautical law and protecting marine resources. India ratified the law in 1995. Here's what the UNCLOS says, 1. A country has full sovereignty in its territorial waters. This is within 12 nautical miles from the country's coast 2. UNCLOS says that a country has special rights in regard to the exploration of marine resources in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Gravitas: Why is the U.S. antagonising India? This zone stretches up to 200 nautical miles. India follows this international convention. But it also has rules of its own. India says foreign vessels travelling through India's exclusive economic zone have to give prior notification. The same also applies to India's continental shelf. And prior permissions are required for military maneuvers or exercises. However, there is no restriction on innocent passage. And this includes navies too. The US naval fleet was at 130 nautical miles west of the Lakshadweep. This is well within India's EEZ. The US says it was exercising freedom of navigation, upholding the 'rights, freedoms, and the lawful uses of the sea recognised in international law'. The US Navy is quoting the UNCLOS. But question arises as to can any country quote a convention without even having signed it. The US had not ratified the UNCLOS. There are 160 member parties. But the US is missing. Washington does not agree with certain clauses of the UNCLOS dealing with the minerals found on the seabed of the EEZ So it comes down to one question is the US even in a position to lecture India on International Law? What Washington has done is a clear violation of India's rules.

Is US even in a position to lecture India on international law?

India has become the fastest country to administer 100 million coronavirus vaccine doses as per numbers with India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. To administer 100 million COVID vaccine doses, India took just 85 days. This is a major feat as the US and China took 89 and 102 days respectively to reach the 100 million mark.

The development is sure to give a further boost to India's fight against the coronavirus pandemic even as a spike in number of infections has been seen in recent days.

A country of more than a billion people, India faces a big task as it vaccinates its population.

Frontline workers, citizens aged 60 and above as well as those aged 45 years and above (with comorbidities) have been given preference in the initial stages of India's coronavirus vaccination drive.

The need for redoubled efforts in the fight against the pandemic was felt on Saturday as more than 100 thousand new coronavirus cases were reported across India. The death toll was up too.

As per the health ministry data, death toll rose by 794 to a total of 168,436.

Most cases have been detected in the western state of Maharashtra. The state has already shut down restaurants, malls and places of worship and barred the movement of most people to control the outbreak that has threatened to overrun medical facilities and created vaccine shortages.

The weekend lockdown will end on Monday.

India has become the fastest country to administer 100 million coronavirus vaccine doses as per numbers with India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. To administer 100 million COVID vaccine doses, India took just 85 days.

India has become the fastest country to administer 100 million coronavirus vaccine doses as per numbers with India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. To administer 100 million COVID vaccine doses, India took just 85 days. This is a major feat as the US and China took 89 and 102 days respectively to reach the 100 million mark. The development is sure to give a further boost to India's fight against the coronavirus pandemic even as a spike in number of infections has been seen in recent days. A country of more than a billion people, India faces a big task as it vaccinates its population. Frontline workers, citizens aged 60 and above as well as those aged 45 years and above (with comorbidities) have been given preference in the initial stages of India's coronavirus vaccination drive. The need for redoubled efforts in the fight against the pandemic was felt on Saturday as more than 100 thousand new coronavirus cases were reported across India. The death toll was up too. As per the health ministry data, death toll rose by 794 to a total of 168,436. Most cases have been detected in the western state of Maharashtra. The state has already shut down restaurants, malls and places of worship and barred the movement of most people to control the outbreak that has threatened to overrun medical facilities and created vaccine shortages. The weekend lockdown will end on Monday.

India fastest to administer 100 million COVID vaccine doses

India and Japan are planning to hold a '2+2' format meeting of foreign and defence ministers in Tokyo later this month, Japanese media reported. &nbsp;

According to NHK, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu and Defence Minister Kishi Nobuo are due to attend the meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.&nbsp;

This will the second such meeting between the two countries as the inaugural meeting of the India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2) was held on November 30, 2019, in New Delhi.&nbsp;

According to Asia Nikkei, this comes as China ramps up its activities in the disputed East and South China Seas. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Japan's Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide is also making arrangements to visit India. The ministers are expected to discuss ways to cooperate more closely on defence. &nbsp;

Japan and India signed an agreement last year to allow the Self-Defence Forces and the Indian military to provide each other with food and fuel. &nbsp;

The NHK, in a report, said that the Japanese government is increasingly looking to India as an ally that shares basic values and can help work toward a free and open Indo-Pacific as China continues to assert itself across the region. Both India and Japan time and again have asserted that they are committed to efforts to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. &nbsp;

Last month, the leaders of the Quad alliance, India, the US, Japan and Australia had underscored the importance of a 'free and open' Indo-Pacific region during the group's first-ever leaders' summit.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that Quad has now come of age and will serve as an important pillar in ensuring the stability of the Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;

The Asia-Pacific region features several territorial disputes in the South China and East China seas, which involve Brunei, China, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India and Japan are planning to hold a '2+2' format meeting of foreign and defence ministers in Tokyo later this month, Japanese media reported. According to NHK, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu and Defence Minister Kishi Nobuo are due to attend the meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

India and Japan are planning to hold a '2+2' format meeting of foreign and defence ministers in Tokyo later this month, Japanese media reported. According to NHK, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu and Defence Minister Kishi Nobuo are due to attend the meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. This will the second such meeting between the two countries as the inaugural meeting of the India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2) was held on November 30, 2019, in New Delhi. According to Asia Nikkei, this comes as China ramps up its activities in the disputed East and South China Seas. Meanwhile, Japan's Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide is also making arrangements to visit India. The ministers are expected to discuss ways to cooperate more closely on defence. Japan and India signed an agreement last year to allow the Self-Defence Forces and the Indian military to provide each other with food and fuel. The NHK, in a report, said that the Japanese government is increasingly looking to India as an ally that shares basic values and can help work toward a free and open Indo-Pacific as China continues to assert itself across the region. Both India and Japan time and again have asserted that they are committed to efforts to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. Last month, the leaders of the Quad alliance, India, the US, Japan and Australia had underscored the importance of a 'free and open' Indo-Pacific region during the group's first-ever leaders' summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that Quad has now come of age and will serve as an important pillar in ensuring the stability of the Indo-Pacific region. The Asia-Pacific region features several territorial disputes in the South China and East China seas, which involve Brunei, China, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. (With inputs from agencies)

India, Japan to hold 2+2 talks amid China's aggressive moves  

New Delhi is in a dilemma.&nbsp;Russia is India's biggest&nbsp;defence&nbsp;partner&nbsp;and the US&nbsp;is a key partner in the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;So far,&nbsp;India has carefully built an independent relationship with both countries.&nbsp;But as the friction between the Kremlin and the White House increases,&nbsp;India is walking a diplomatic tightrope.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kremlin,&nbsp;a cold war ally&nbsp;and&nbsp;White House&nbsp;is&nbsp;an Indo-Pacific partner.&nbsp;

One has been a critical source of military equipment&nbsp;and&nbsp;the other is crucial for safeguarding strategic interests.&nbsp;In maintaining one partnership,&nbsp;India has been careful not to damage the other.&nbsp;

It has enjoyed an independent relationship with both Moscow&nbsp;and&nbsp;Washington.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This has been the state of play for several years.&nbsp;But the US-Russia&nbsp;acrimony is entering a new phase.&nbsp;

A new president is in the White House&nbsp;and&nbsp;he is trying to distinguish himself from his predecessor&nbsp;and assert&nbsp;America's&nbsp;place in the world.&nbsp;

Words have been flying like missiles&nbsp;and&nbsp;in this growing friction between the two super-powers,&nbsp;India faces the real test.&nbsp;Which way will it tilt?&nbsp;So far,&nbsp;New Delhi has successfully struck a balance.&nbsp;In&nbsp;February,&nbsp;India's&nbsp;foreign secretary travelled to Moscow for a&nbsp;two-day visit.&nbsp;In March,&nbsp;US&nbsp;defence&nbsp;secretary&nbsp;Lloyd&nbsp;Austin&nbsp;visited&nbsp;India.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Now,&nbsp;the US climate envoy John Kerry&nbsp;is in New Delhi&nbsp;and so is Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.&nbsp;India is actively engaged with both countries&nbsp;but one bargain hangs above India-US ties like the sword of&nbsp;democracies.&nbsp;

The S-400 deal!&nbsp;New Delhi's decision to purchase this anti-aircraft missile system from Russia&nbsp;has raised the risk of US sanctions.&nbsp;America&nbsp;has imposed sanctions on Turkey for a similar deal with Russia.&nbsp;

The delivery in India is due in December&nbsp;and the Pentagon has not indicated that it won't impose sanctions on India.&nbsp;

On the other hand,&nbsp;Moscow's biggest worry is&nbsp;India's&nbsp;growing security ties with the&nbsp;US.&nbsp;Prime Minister Modi attended the first-ever Quad summit last month.&nbsp;Signs of discomfort have surfaced at Kremlin.&nbsp;

Russia along with China is proposing a new regional security bloc aimed at countering any US-led blocs.&nbsp;

It already seems to be laying the groundwork.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lavrov will be visiting Islamabad after his India visit.&nbsp;This will be the first such visit by a Russian Foreign Minister in nine years.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;the challenge before India is quite complex&nbsp;and it comes at a crucial time.&nbsp;

Right across the Himalayas,&nbsp;Chinese still pose a significant threat to&nbsp;India's&nbsp;security.&nbsp;New Delhi will have to choose wisely.&nbsp;It will have to ask serious questions about American reliability in the face of this potent threat&nbsp;and align its approach in the Indo-Pacific in a way that does not damage the Delhi-Moscow dynamics.&nbsp;As the stakes go higher,&nbsp;the balancing act will only become tougher for India.&nbsp;

New Delhi is in a dilemma. Russia is India's biggest defence partner and the US is a key partner in the Indo-Pacific. So far, India has carefully built an independent relationship with both countries.

New Delhi is in a dilemma. Russia is India's biggest defence partner and the US is a key partner in the Indo-Pacific. So far, India has carefully built an independent relationship with both countries. But as the friction between the Kremlin and the White House increases, India is walking a diplomatic tightrope. Kremlin, a cold war ally and White House is an Indo-Pacific partner. One has been a critical source of military equipment and the other is crucial for safeguarding strategic interests. In maintaining one partnership, India has been careful not to damage the other. It has enjoyed an independent relationship with both Moscow and Washington. This has been the state of play for several years. But the US-Russia acrimony is entering a new phase. A new president is in the White House and he is trying to distinguish himself from his predecessor and assert America's place in the world. Words have been flying like missiles and in this growing friction between the two super-powers, India faces the real test. Which way will it tilt? So far, New Delhi has successfully struck a balance. In February, India's foreign secretary travelled to Moscow for a two-day visit. In March, US defence secretary Lloyd Austin visited India. Now, the US climate envoy John Kerry is in New Delhi and so is Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. India is actively engaged with both countries but one bargain hangs above India-US ties like the sword of democracies. The S-400 deal! New Delhi's decision to purchase this anti-aircraft missile system from Russia has raised the risk of US sanctions. America has imposed sanctions on Turkey for a similar deal with Russia. The delivery in India is due in December and the Pentagon has not indicated that it won't impose sanctions on India. On the other hand, Moscow's biggest worry is India's growing security ties with the US. Prime Minister Modi attended the first-ever Quad summit last month. Signs of discomfort have surfaced at Kremlin. Russia along with China is proposing a new regional security bloc aimed at countering any US-led blocs. It already seems to be laying the groundwork. Lavrov will be visiting Islamabad after his India visit. This will be the first such visit by a Russian Foreign Minister in nine years. So, the challenge before India is quite complex and it comes at a crucial time. Right across the Himalayas, Chinese still pose a significant threat to India's security. New Delhi will have to choose wisely. It will have to ask serious questions about American reliability in the face of this potent threat and align its approach in the Indo-Pacific in a way that does not damage the Delhi-Moscow dynamics. As the stakes go higher, the balancing act will only become tougher for India.

India walking on a diplomatic tightrope? 

It’s clearly evident that the House in Pakistan under Prime Minister Imran Khan is sharply divided. There was a flicker of hope noticed in February this year when due to robust back-channel diplomacy and restraint on part of the otherwise vocal critics of an Indo-Pak thaw, gave rise to chances of peace. The guns on the borders were thought to have fallen silent reducing the sense of attrition and warmongering clouds. The aggressive tenor also showed signs of disappearance. Global pacifists and the diplomatic community saw that peace was perhaps on the anvil.

This was further carried forward when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on the Pakistan National Day (March 23) hoping for cordial bilateral relations between the two neighbours. Imran Khan reciprocated articulating a similar tenor but wanted resolution of all mutual issues including Kashmir. This development again made the people on both sides hope that peace might dawn sooner than later and tranquil will prevail. This feeling got further boost when the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), functional under Pakistan’s commerce ministry, decided last week to resume trade ties with India, suspended since 2019 and allowing to import sugar and cotton from India. Again, this was seen as a forward movement towards the amelioration of further normalcy between India and Pakistan.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-pakistan-seeking-peace-with-india-is-it-for-real-375007">Opinion | Pakistan seeking peace with India: Is it for real?</a>

Sadly, however, the Pakistani Federal Cabinet, in a hurriedly convened meeting, didn’t endorse the ECC decision and there was an outright reversal of decision on an import of sugar and cotton from Pakistan. This was a major setback to a hopeful peace process set in motion barely a month ago ostensibly to give peace a chance. There were other indicators too which made one reckon that at least peace efforts were put to test in all earnest. These include a visible tone-down on parts of the Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and other hawks in their rhetorics which were hitherto signalled acrimony. At the recently concluded Dushanbe meet also the Pakistan FM Qureshi chose to exercise restraint by not coming out with any anti-India remarks.

Under these circumstances, what could possibly be the compelling reason on part of Pakistan to take a sharp U-turn from its immediately earlier decision leading to the federal cabinet reversing the thought considered to have been executed after due diligence?&nbsp;This surely calls for a visceral examination.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Imran Khan defending the cabinet decision on the imports said on April 2 that resuming trade with India would signal a wrong impression on Kashmir and further expressed that until India reverses the august 5, 2019 decision of abrogating Article 370, the status quo will remain. It’s difficult to fathom how the matter of Kashmir is linked to resumption of trade ties? ECC had already decided.&nbsp;

On this, Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf stated on April 2 that the ECC had only explored the commercial angle and merely recommended import of items like sugar and cotton. Final decision rested with the Federal Cabinet. ECC, he further clarified with faint arguments, was an apolitical body.&nbsp;

Judging by his afterthought statements, it would seem that there was a complete lack of coordination between the various ministries causing this volte-face. His defence was also weak when he said in defence that resumption of trade ties was strategically and politically untenable. This again seems far from being logical.

Judging by the rapid unfolding of these developments, it would appear that while PM Imran Khan had given a ‘go ahead’ for initiating the peace attempts, the hardliners within the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) must have prevailed over the decision and derailed the entire thing. Similarly, the religious extremists and the homegrown radicalised terror groups got the better of the political leadership in forcing the cabinet to reverse and reject the decision. Sadly again, it shows that the government in Pakistan is at the mercy of non-governmental ultra and extra-constitutional elements who are calling the shots. More crucially, they want to keep the Kashmir issue somehow alive by bringing it as a spanner in any move to restoring normalisation of relations.

Another factor dampening the prospects of peace efforts is a bunch of ministers within the cabinet. They include Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi (surprising though, as he chose to be unprovocative at the recent Dushanbe meet towards his Indian counterpart), Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed, another minister Shireen Mazari etc. These ministers, by deduction, must have reeled under their mentors from the ISI or religious extremist groups to rake up Kashmir mainly to divert attention from the core domestic ills that have afflicted Pakistan including the continued stay in the grey list in terror funding as ruled by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The poor economic condition and abysmal standing in the global community is also a major concern for Pakistan for which they continue to whip the Kashmir issue to be seen to remain alive in the domain of international politics though it’s highly illusory.

In a separate Pakistan related development, Prime Minister Imran Khan on April 2 expressed in a very despairing note that he was puzzled at what he described as cacophony over Pakistan not being invited to a conference on Climate Change. To prove his point, smattered with frustration, Imran Khan claimed that his government’s policies were driven solely by Pakistan’s commitment to its future generations of a clean and green Pakistan to mitigate the impact of Climate Change. To cover up the frustration arising out of a conspicuous exclusion, the Pakistan PM cited examples of a green Pakistan campaign and the 10 billion Tree Tsunami initiative. Imran’s statement came in the wake of US Climate Envoy John Kerry's trips to Abu Dhabi, New Delhi and Dhaka from April 1 to April 9 in an attempt to slow the impact of global warming. Pakistan’s exclusion is seen as good as Pakistan being ignored on the critical issue of Climate Change. That’s obviously difficult to swallow. With such marginalisation, Pakistan could have done well by taking a step further in resuming trade ties with India instead of a forthright reversal of the imports if needed commodities. It would surely have marked a good beginning.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

It’s clearly evident that the House in Pakistan under Prime Minister Imran Khan is sharply divided. There was a flicker of hope noticed in February this year when due to robust back-channel diplomacy and restraint on part of the otherwise vocal critics of an Indo-Pak thaw, gave rise to chances of peace.

It’s clearly evident that the House in Pakistan under Prime Minister Imran Khan is sharply divided. There was a flicker of hope noticed in February this year when due to robust back-channel diplomacy and restraint on part of the otherwise vocal critics of an Indo-Pak thaw, gave rise to chances of peace. The guns on the borders were thought to have fallen silent reducing the sense of attrition and warmongering clouds. The aggressive tenor also showed signs of disappearance. Global pacifists and the diplomatic community saw that peace was perhaps on the anvil. This was further carried forward when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on the Pakistan National Day (March 23) hoping for cordial bilateral relations between the two neighbours. Imran Khan reciprocated articulating a similar tenor but wanted resolution of all mutual issues including Kashmir. This development again made the people on both sides hope that peace might dawn sooner than later and tranquil will prevail. This feeling got further boost when the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), functional under Pakistan’s commerce ministry, decided last week to resume trade ties with India, suspended since 2019 and allowing to import sugar and cotton from India. Again, this was seen as a forward movement towards the amelioration of further normalcy between India and Pakistan. Also Read: Opinion | Pakistan seeking peace with India: Is it for real? Sadly, however, the Pakistani Federal Cabinet, in a hurriedly convened meeting, didn’t endorse the ECC decision and there was an outright reversal of decision on an import of sugar and cotton from Pakistan. This was a major setback to a hopeful peace process set in motion barely a month ago ostensibly to give peace a chance. There were other indicators too which made one reckon that at least peace efforts were put to test in all earnest. These include a visible tone-down on parts of the Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and other hawks in their rhetorics which were hitherto signalled acrimony. At the recently concluded Dushanbe meet also the Pakistan FM Qureshi chose to exercise restraint by not coming out with any anti-India remarks. Under these circumstances, what could possibly be the compelling reason on part of Pakistan to take a sharp U-turn from its immediately earlier decision leading to the federal cabinet reversing the thought considered to have been executed after due diligence? This surely calls for a visceral examination. Prime Minister Imran Khan defending the cabinet decision on the imports said on April 2 that resuming trade with India would signal a wrong impression on Kashmir and further expressed that until India reverses the august 5, 2019 decision of abrogating Article 370, the status quo will remain. It’s difficult to fathom how the matter of Kashmir is linked to resumption of trade ties? ECC had already decided. On this, Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf stated on April 2 that the ECC had only explored the commercial angle and merely recommended import of items like sugar and cotton. Final decision rested with the Federal Cabinet. ECC, he further clarified with faint arguments, was an apolitical body. Judging by his afterthought statements, it would seem that there was a complete lack of coordination between the various ministries causing this volte-face. His defence was also weak when he said in defence that resumption of trade ties was strategically and politically untenable. This again seems far from being logical. Judging by the rapid unfolding of these developments, it would appear that while PM Imran Khan had given a ‘go ahead’ for initiating the peace attempts, the hardliners within the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) must have prevailed over the decision and derailed the entire thing. Similarly, the religious extremists and the homegrown radicalised terror groups got the better of the political leadership in forcing the cabinet to reverse and reject the decision. Sadly again, it shows that the government in Pakistan is at the mercy of non-governmental ultra and extra-constitutional elements who are calling the shots. More crucially, they want to keep the Kashmir issue somehow alive by bringing it as a spanner in any move to restoring normalisation of relations. Another factor dampening the prospects of peace efforts is a bunch of ministers within the cabinet. They include Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi (surprising though, as he chose to be unprovocative at the recent Dushanbe meet towards his Indian counterpart), Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed, another minister Shireen Mazari etc. These ministers, by deduction, must have reeled under their mentors from the ISI or religious extremist groups to rake up Kashmir mainly to divert attention from the core domestic ills that have afflicted Pakistan including the continued stay in the grey list in terror funding as ruled by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The poor economic condition and abysmal standing in the global community is also a major concern for Pakistan for which they continue to whip the Kashmir issue to be seen to remain alive in the domain of international politics though it’s highly illusory. In a separate Pakistan related development, Prime Minister Imran Khan on April 2 expressed in a very despairing note that he was puzzled at what he described as cacophony over Pakistan not being invited to a conference on Climate Change. To prove his point, smattered with frustration, Imran Khan claimed that his government’s policies were driven solely by Pakistan’s commitment to its future generations of a clean and green Pakistan to mitigate the impact of Climate Change. To cover up the frustration arising out of a conspicuous exclusion, the Pakistan PM cited examples of a green Pakistan campaign and the 10 billion Tree Tsunami initiative. Imran’s statement came in the wake of US Climate Envoy John Kerry's trips to Abu Dhabi, New Delhi and Dhaka from April 1 to April 9 in an attempt to slow the impact of global warming. Pakistan’s exclusion is seen as good as Pakistan being ignored on the critical issue of Climate Change. That’s obviously difficult to swallow. With such marginalisation, Pakistan could have done well by taking a step further in resuming trade ties with India instead of a forthright reversal of the imports if needed commodities. It would surely have marked a good beginning. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | On Pakistan’s sudden reversal on improving ties with India

World is facing an unprecedented shortage of computer chips. Industries across the board are suffering. From consumer electronics, to car manufacturers. The shortage is either driving up costs Or forcing companies to cut back on production.

This shortage affects you more than you realise. That's because these chips drive our world now. And as we depend more on gadgets. And move online in bigger numbers

We'll need more chips. Right now, the demand is far more than the supply. And the production is limited to a few big players. Chip makers are spending heavily on expanding their output. And India has a pitch for them. &nbsp;

The proposal is simple. Make In India.

And get more than one billion dollars in cash incentives.

Reports say that India wants to offer more than one billion dollars as incentives to companies who make their chips in India.

“The government will give cash incentives of more than $1 billion to each company which will set up chip fabrication units,” a senior government official told Reuters.

“We’re assuring them that the government will be a buyer and there will also be mandates in the private market (for companies to buy locally made chips),”

The govt is apparently also ready to provide assurances to manufacturers that buyers will line-up.

The report says the government will buy the chips and also set up a mandate for private players.

Companies in India could be asked to buy Made in India chips. Suppliers who make chips in India will be tagged as "Trusted sources".

And these chips will be eligible for use in a range of products from CCTV cameras to 5G equipment and everything in between.

This may be a compelling offer. But, it's not a unique one. Governments around the world are subsidising chip makers.

India has now jumped into the fray. But attracting these businesses to India won't be easy. The competition its intense.

US President Joe Biden wants 50 billion dollars to boost the US chip industry.

The proposal is part of his two trillion-dollar infrastructure plan. He plans to hike taxes on the foreign earnings of American companies to raise these funds. Biden wants to spend that 50 billion dollar budget in two areas.

One, for production incentives.

Two, for research and design.

The American president wants to create a national semiconductor technology centre. For research into semiconductors. Biden has been taking about dealing with the current shortage since the early days of his administration.

In February he met with a bipartisan group of lawmakers to discuss supply chain issues.

Then he signed an executive order.

It was for America's federal government to conduct a comprehensive review of supply chains for computer chips and large batteries.

The ones that are used in electric vehicles. Biden called these chips a "21st century horse shoe nail".

So America plans to become an aggressive player in the world of chips. It is also discussing an agreement with Japan for critical chip components.

India is in the semiconductor race too. So is China. &nbsp;

In 2020, more than 35 billion dollars flowed into China's semiconductors firms. That's an increase of 407 percent from 2019.

Until recently, China depended on the US For semiconductors.

Every year, it imported more than 300 billion dollars worth of chips from American suppliers. It was good business for American companies too.

They received 25 percent of their sales orders from Chinese markets. But in December last year. The Trump administration banned technology exports to Chinese companies.

Joe Biden is yet to lift these restrictions.

So, Beijing has now embarked on a mission of self-sufficiency in semiconductors.

Where does that leave us? Rising demand for chips, shortage of supply and a race between two big players. India should see this as an opportunity. India should open its doors, project itself as a worthy candidate for semiconductor companies, and play up its credentials.

India is world's second-biggest mobile manufacturer after China. It has the wherewithal to become the global hub for chips

World is facing an unprecedented shortage of computer chips. Industries across the board are suffering. From consumer electronics, to car manufacturers. The shortage is either driving up costs Or forcing companies to cut back on production.

World is facing an unprecedented shortage of computer chips. Industries across the board are suffering. From consumer electronics, to car manufacturers. The shortage is either driving up costs Or forcing companies to cut back on production. This shortage affects you more than you realise. That's because these chips drive our world now. And as we depend more on gadgets. And move online in bigger numbers We'll need more chips. Right now, the demand is far more than the supply. And the production is limited to a few big players. Chip makers are spending heavily on expanding their output. And India has a pitch for them. The proposal is simple. Make In India. And get more than one billion dollars in cash incentives. Reports say that India wants to offer more than one billion dollars as incentives to companies who make their chips in India. “The government will give cash incentives of more than $1 billion to each company which will set up chip fabrication units,” a senior government official told Reuters. “We’re assuring them that the government will be a buyer and there will also be mandates in the private market (for companies to buy locally made chips),” The govt is apparently also ready to provide assurances to manufacturers that buyers will line-up. The report says the government will buy the chips and also set up a mandate for private players. Companies in India could be asked to buy Made in India chips. Suppliers who make chips in India will be tagged as "Trusted sources". And these chips will be eligible for use in a range of products from CCTV cameras to 5G equipment and everything in between. This may be a compelling offer. But, it's not a unique one. Governments around the world are subsidising chip makers. India has now jumped into the fray. But attracting these businesses to India won't be easy. The competition its intense. US President Joe Biden wants 50 billion dollars to boost the US chip industry. The proposal is part of his two trillion-dollar infrastructure plan. He plans to hike taxes on the foreign earnings of American companies to raise these funds. Biden wants to spend that 50 billion dollar budget in two areas. One, for production incentives. Two, for research and design. The American president wants to create a national semiconductor technology centre. For research into semiconductors. Biden has been taking about dealing with the current shortage since the early days of his administration. In February he met with a bipartisan group of lawmakers to discuss supply chain issues. Then he signed an executive order. It was for America's federal government to conduct a comprehensive review of supply chains for computer chips and large batteries. The ones that are used in electric vehicles. Biden called these chips a "21st century horse shoe nail". So America plans to become an aggressive player in the world of chips. It is also discussing an agreement with Japan for critical chip components. India is in the semiconductor race too. So is China. In 2020, more than 35 billion dollars flowed into China's semiconductors firms. That's an increase of 407 percent from 2019. Until recently, China depended on the US For semiconductors. Every year, it imported more than 300 billion dollars worth of chips from American suppliers. It was good business for American companies too. They received 25 percent of their sales orders from Chinese markets. But in December last year. The Trump administration banned technology exports to Chinese companies. Joe Biden is yet to lift these restrictions. So, Beijing has now embarked on a mission of self-sufficiency in semiconductors. Where does that leave us? Rising demand for chips, shortage of supply and a race between two big players. India should see this as an opportunity. India should open its doors, project itself as a worthy candidate for semiconductor companies, and play up its credentials. India is world's second-biggest mobile manufacturer after China. It has the wherewithal to become the global hub for chips

India can become global hub for electronic chips

Backdrop

Barely two months ago, India was facing a two-front threat from neighbours. An unexpected sequence of events followed, much to the surprise of many people both sides of Line of Control (LoC) with announcement of re-implementation of Ceasefire Agreement of 2003, by DGMOs of India and Pakistan. With ‘Let us bury the Past’ remark by General Bajwa, followed by pleasant exchanges for ‘conditional peace’ by both prime ministers and Pakistan’s announcement to reopen trade with India, and a quick U-turn making all strategists revisit reasons for such a gesture.

India-Pakistan relations depend on variety of factors arising from legacy of partition of British India, accession of state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K) to India, forced illegal occupation of part of J&amp;K by Pakistan, followed by a series of wars fought by the two countries.&nbsp;

The humiliating defeat in 1971 and independence of Bangladesh left permanent humiliation in military-led hierarchy of Pakistan, which turned towards religious fundamentalism, under late President Zia-ul Haque, determined ‘To bleed India with thousand cuts’. Nuclear weapons acquisition and fostering terror as a weapon for waging proxy war against India, with focus on Kashmir, remained single aim of Pakistan military, as a recipe to hold all levers of power, with former President Musharraf calling terrorists as strategic assets, propagating India as ‘existential Threat’. Neither the aim nor the focus of Pakistan has changed; hence its peace gesture need decoding and analysis.&nbsp;

What Makes Pakistan Talk about Peace with India?

Economic stress faced by Pakistan seems to be the most important reason for Pakistan to seek peace with India. The Kashmir obsession of Pakistan has led to over-expenditure in misadventures of its army, pushing it into a well-planned debt trap by China, besides picking up loans from many other countries and institutions, which it finds difficult to service. &nbsp;

Pakistan’s total external debt and liabilities rose to $113.8 billion in fiscal year 2020 and it had to pay approximately $12 billion in that year to service it. As other countries and monetary organizations ask for payback, Pakistan has no choice but to mortgage its sovereignty to China (which has loaned maximum), looking to gain territory, assets, resources and electricity, thus making it a colony of China.&nbsp;

The continued grey listing of Pakistan in Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has further added to its economic stress, shortage of foreign exchange, and borrowings beyond capacity leading to internal dissent, chaos and inadequate survival needs like food and water for the people. It has thrown up intense political opposition like People's Democratic Movement (PDM) adding political cost to its misadventure. The growing influence of Jihadis, and dissent of persecuted minorities is adding to internal disturbance, with Army also getting its fair share of public anger. It therefore makes perfect sense for Pakistan to get into temporary truce with India, reduce some of its expenses on LoC and repair its economy, before returning to business as usual on Kashmir. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; 
International Factors

Pakistan has tried to internationalise Kashmir issue in every possible forum and found itself isolated with nobody except China and Turkey standing by its cause. It also brought Pakistan into awkward relationships with Arab world. In fact, Saudi Arabia and UAE asking for their loan back from Pakistan came as a rude shock to it. &nbsp;Pakistan has therefore realised that India bashing is not helping its domestic sustenance, and it needs to reset its international relations to pull itself out of the financial crisis in the post-pandemic world. Pakistan, therefore seems to be quite keen in fast-tracking trade relations with India, quickly announcing some imports from India, notwithstanding political opposition to it. The engagement of US and allies with India, their intense competitive relations with China and frequent criticism of sponsoring of terrorists by Pakistan can also be seen as a factor for reset, although a minor one.&nbsp;

Has Pakistan modified its Thought Process?

With some authentic voices in India indicating its intention to reclaim the lost territory, the thought process in Pakistani military seems to have undergone slight modification. The abrogation of Article 370 by India in J&amp;K, certain proactive Indian responses like surgical strikes, Balakot strike, and existing relative peace in Kashmir, has convinced Pakistan, that its aim of annexation of Kashmir is unviable against the military might of India, although it will continue talking of reversal of autonomous status of Kashmir. Pakistan Army has now pitched its tone to defend every inch of its territory, thereby adopting a defensive stance. It finds it more practical to prepare for not losing the part of J&amp;K, which is in its illegal possession. The changes in status of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) making it provisional province, demographic changes and Chinese presence in GB and POK to deter Indian actions, point towards that direction. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Have the reasons for confrontation Changed?

For China, Pakistan is a low-cost secondary deterrent/irritant to India, helpful in containing it. For Pakistan, China is a high-value security guarantee and therefore the Sino-Pak nexus continues to grow strong. In that context the rising number of Chinese in such areas, their investments in critical infrastructure development in terms of airstrips, roads, in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK) and GB is a concern for India. Pakistan is likely to continue with proxy war in Kashmir Valley, through terrorism, as a low-cost option, as it serves the interest of both of them. &nbsp;

Pakistan continues to be in illegal occupation of POK, GB, Shaksgam Valley, therefore the Indians' sovereign territory is yet to be restored; hence the possibilities of a long-lasting peace is a mirage. The CPEC, infrastructure development works in POK and GB, along with the change of demography in Indian territory, is something, which the optics of peace gestures cannot camouflage. &nbsp;

The kind of peace offers made by India and Pakistan clearly indicates that both sides are not ready to compromise their basic positions. &nbsp;Pakistan continues to link peace initiative with discussion on Kashmir, whereas India may not be keen to get into meaningful discussion, unless Pakistan shows some visible efforts in dismantling terror infrastructure and bringing perpetrators of terror to justice like Hafiz Saeed and Maulana Masood Azhar.&nbsp;

How long can this peace initiative last?&nbsp;

The fact that Pakistan made a U-turn in an announcement to open trade with India within 24 hours under internal pressure indicates the fragile nature of its peace gestures, and level of internal pressure in Pakistan, in relation to Kashmir. The irritants and differences between Pakistan and India have not undergone any major change. The peace gestures are good optics to buy some more time for economic revival, avoid distractions in combating pandemic, and reduce the level of internal public dissent to some degree. It is in the interest of both countries that ceasefire continues to remain in vogue, so that the innocent people residing both sides of LOC can have peaceful life.&nbsp;

India should not fall into the trap of peaceful gestures that camouflage the capacity building of terrorists, the build-up of Chinese in Pakistan, and much needed economic revival of Pakistan, and are made at the cost of taking a break from Indian threat. The fact that Pakistan’s decision-making is dependent on China is a factor, which the Indian decision-makers will have to take into account before any peace initiative Pakistan. While the peace gestures are essentials of vibrant diplomacy, but they have to be exercised with caution, as such gestures with Pakistan in past, have resulted in betrayal and now the factor of trust deficit with China also adds to the equation. While everyone will hope for longevity of ceasefire, but India cannot afford to slowdown its efforts on capacity building to face twin challenge, because one major terror attack can change the entire equation overnight.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Backdrop Barely two months ago, India was facing a two-front threat from neighbours. An unexpected sequence of events followed, much to the surprise of many people both sides of Line of Control (LoC) with announcement of re-implementation of Ceasefire Agreement of 2003, by DGMOs of India and Pakistan.

Backdrop Barely two months ago, India was facing a two-front threat from neighbours. An unexpected sequence of events followed, much to the surprise of many people both sides of Line of Control (LoC) with announcement of re-implementation of Ceasefire Agreement of 2003, by DGMOs of India and Pakistan. With ‘Let us bury the Past’ remark by General Bajwa, followed by pleasant exchanges for ‘conditional peace’ by both prime ministers and Pakistan’s announcement to reopen trade with India, and a quick U-turn making all strategists revisit reasons for such a gesture. India-Pakistan relations depend on variety of factors arising from legacy of partition of British India, accession of state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) to India, forced illegal occupation of part of J&K by Pakistan, followed by a series of wars fought by the two countries. The humiliating defeat in 1971 and independence of Bangladesh left permanent humiliation in military-led hierarchy of Pakistan, which turned towards religious fundamentalism, under late President Zia-ul Haque, determined ‘To bleed India with thousand cuts’. Nuclear weapons acquisition and fostering terror as a weapon for waging proxy war against India, with focus on Kashmir, remained single aim of Pakistan military, as a recipe to hold all levers of power, with former President Musharraf calling terrorists as strategic assets, propagating India as ‘existential Threat’. Neither the aim nor the focus of Pakistan has changed; hence its peace gesture need decoding and analysis. What Makes Pakistan Talk about Peace with India? Economic stress faced by Pakistan seems to be the most important reason for Pakistan to seek peace with India. The Kashmir obsession of Pakistan has led to over-expenditure in misadventures of its army, pushing it into a well-planned debt trap by China, besides picking up loans from many other countries and institutions, which it finds difficult to service. Pakistan’s total external debt and liabilities rose to $113.8 billion in fiscal year 2020 and it had to pay approximately $12 billion in that year to service it. As other countries and monetary organizations ask for payback, Pakistan has no choice but to mortgage its sovereignty to China (which has loaned maximum), looking to gain territory, assets, resources and electricity, thus making it a colony of China. The continued grey listing of Pakistan in Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has further added to its economic stress, shortage of foreign exchange, and borrowings beyond capacity leading to internal dissent, chaos and inadequate survival needs like food and water for the people. It has thrown up intense political opposition like People's Democratic Movement (PDM) adding political cost to its misadventure. The growing influence of Jihadis, and dissent of persecuted minorities is adding to internal disturbance, with Army also getting its fair share of public anger. It therefore makes perfect sense for Pakistan to get into temporary truce with India, reduce some of its expenses on LoC and repair its economy, before returning to business as usual on Kashmir. International Factors Pakistan has tried to internationalise Kashmir issue in every possible forum and found itself isolated with nobody except China and Turkey standing by its cause. It also brought Pakistan into awkward relationships with Arab world. In fact, Saudi Arabia and UAE asking for their loan back from Pakistan came as a rude shock to it. Pakistan has therefore realised that India bashing is not helping its domestic sustenance, and it needs to reset its international relations to pull itself out of the financial crisis in the post-pandemic world. Pakistan, therefore seems to be quite keen in fast-tracking trade relations with India, quickly announcing some imports from India, notwithstanding political opposition to it. The engagement of US and allies with India, their intense competitive relations with China and frequent criticism of sponsoring of terrorists by Pakistan can also be seen as a factor for reset, although a minor one. Has Pakistan modified its Thought Process? With some authentic voices in India indicating its intention to reclaim the lost territory, the thought process in Pakistani military seems to have undergone slight modification. The abrogation of Article 370 by India in J&K, certain proactive Indian responses like surgical strikes, Balakot strike, and existing relative peace in Kashmir, has convinced Pakistan, that its aim of annexation of Kashmir is unviable against the military might of India, although it will continue talking of reversal of autonomous status of Kashmir. Pakistan Army has now pitched its tone to defend every inch of its territory, thereby adopting a defensive stance. It finds it more practical to prepare for not losing the part of J&K, which is in its illegal possession. The changes in status of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) making it provisional province, demographic changes and Chinese presence in GB and POK to deter Indian actions, point towards that direction. Have the reasons for confrontation Changed? For China, Pakistan is a low-cost secondary deterrent/irritant to India, helpful in containing it. For Pakistan, China is a high-value security guarantee and therefore the Sino-Pak nexus continues to grow strong. In that context the rising number of Chinese in such areas, their investments in critical infrastructure development in terms of airstrips, roads, in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK) and GB is a concern for India. Pakistan is likely to continue with proxy war in Kashmir Valley, through terrorism, as a low-cost option, as it serves the interest of both of them. Pakistan continues to be in illegal occupation of POK, GB, Shaksgam Valley, therefore the Indians' sovereign territory is yet to be restored; hence the possibilities of a long-lasting peace is a mirage. The CPEC, infrastructure development works in POK and GB, along with the change of demography in Indian territory, is something, which the optics of peace gestures cannot camouflage. The kind of peace offers made by India and Pakistan clearly indicates that both sides are not ready to compromise their basic positions. Pakistan continues to link peace initiative with discussion on Kashmir, whereas India may not be keen to get into meaningful discussion, unless Pakistan shows some visible efforts in dismantling terror infrastructure and bringing perpetrators of terror to justice like Hafiz Saeed and Maulana Masood Azhar. How long can this peace initiative last? The fact that Pakistan made a U-turn in an announcement to open trade with India within 24 hours under internal pressure indicates the fragile nature of its peace gestures, and level of internal pressure in Pakistan, in relation to Kashmir. The irritants and differences between Pakistan and India have not undergone any major change. The peace gestures are good optics to buy some more time for economic revival, avoid distractions in combating pandemic, and reduce the level of internal public dissent to some degree. It is in the interest of both countries that ceasefire continues to remain in vogue, so that the innocent people residing both sides of LOC can have peaceful life. India should not fall into the trap of peaceful gestures that camouflage the capacity building of terrorists, the build-up of Chinese in Pakistan, and much needed economic revival of Pakistan, and are made at the cost of taking a break from Indian threat. The fact that Pakistan’s decision-making is dependent on China is a factor, which the Indian decision-makers will have to take into account before any peace initiative Pakistan. While the peace gestures are essentials of vibrant diplomacy, but they have to be exercised with caution, as such gestures with Pakistan in past, have resulted in betrayal and now the factor of trust deficit with China also adds to the equation. While everyone will hope for longevity of ceasefire, but India cannot afford to slowdown its efforts on capacity building to face twin challenge, because one major terror attack can change the entire equation overnight. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | Pakistan seeking peace with India: Is it for real?

More than 36.7 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day coverage till now, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday.

Of the 36,71,242 vaccine doses, 33,65,597 beneficiaries were vaccinated across 51,215 sessions for the first dose and 3,05,645 beneficiaries received the second dose of vaccine, the Health Ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said this is the highest single-day vaccine coverage till now.

Cumulatively, more than 6.87 crore (6, 87, 89,138) vaccine doses have been administered through 11, 37,456 sessions, as per the provisional report till 7 am on Friday.

These include 83,06,269 healthcare workers (1st dose), 52,84,564 HCWs (2nd dose), 93,53,021 frontline workers (1st dose) and 40,97,634 FLWs (2nd Dose), 97,83,615(1st Dose) and 39,401 (2nd dose) beneficiaries aged more than 45 years with specific co-morbidities and 3,17,05,893 (1st Dose) and 2,18,741 (2nd dose) beneficiaries aged more than 60 years, it said.

Eight states account for 59.58 per cent of the cumulative doses given so far.

More than 36.7 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day coverage till now, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday.

More than 36.7 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day coverage till now, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday. Of the 36,71,242 vaccine doses, 33,65,597 beneficiaries were vaccinated across 51,215 sessions for the first dose and 3,05,645 beneficiaries received the second dose of vaccine, the Health Ministry said in a statement. The ministry said this is the highest single-day vaccine coverage till now. Cumulatively, more than 6.87 crore (6, 87, 89,138) vaccine doses have been administered through 11, 37,456 sessions, as per the provisional report till 7 am on Friday. These include 83,06,269 healthcare workers (1st dose), 52,84,564 HCWs (2nd dose), 93,53,021 frontline workers (1st dose) and 40,97,634 FLWs (2nd Dose), 97,83,615(1st Dose) and 39,401 (2nd dose) beneficiaries aged more than 45 years with specific co-morbidities and 3,17,05,893 (1st Dose) and 2,18,741 (2nd dose) beneficiaries aged more than 60 years, it said. Eight states account for 59.58 per cent of the cumulative doses given so far.

India records highest single-day Covid-19 vaccine coverage

As key stakeholders on the situation in Afghanistan gather in Tajikistan this week, focus will be on the country once ruled by Taliban. Heart of Asia summit is taking place in Tajikistan. This is a conference to promote peace in Afghanistan.

But all eyes will be on the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan. They'll come face to face at the summit.

After the ceasefire at the border, speculation is high. Many say a pull-aside is possible.

The Heart of Asia Summit began in 2011. It is a forum for leaders of Afghanistan and its extended neighbourhood to gather and discuss their differences and disputes.

But this year, the focus has shifted. While Afghanistan will still be discussed, there is intense speculation over a possible meeting between the leaders of India and Pakistan.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Dushanbe.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is also participating.

Reports say that Islamabad is pushing for talks. The odds stack in favour of talks.

There have been hints and developments in the past two months. First, India and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to honour the ceasefire on the Line of Control.

Then Pakistan's Army Chief made clear overtures. Gen&nbsp;Qamar Javed Bajwa said it's time to bury the past and move forward. New Delhi still maintains&nbsp;terror and talks can't go together.

But India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently penned a goodwill letter to his counterpart in Pakistan, Imran Khan. The letter said that India desired cordial relations with the people of Pakistan.

And for this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative.

Beyond Pakistan, minister Jaishankar has a packed schedule. He met with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif. They discussed progress on the Chabahar port.

Also in focus will be the Afghan peace deal. Key stakeholders Iran, Russia, Turkey and China will be present. 
&nbsp; 
India can gauge if the peace deal will hold.

The US Is looking for an exit. India has stakes in Afghanistan.

The Heart of Asia Summit is a good platform to assess the situation and make its voice heard in the peace process.

As key stakeholders on the situation in Afghanistan gather in Tajikistan this week, focus will be on the country once ruled by Taliban. Heart of Asia summit is taking place in Tajikistan.

As key stakeholders on the situation in Afghanistan gather in Tajikistan this week, focus will be on the country once ruled by Taliban. Heart of Asia summit is taking place in Tajikistan. This is a conference to promote peace in Afghanistan. But all eyes will be on the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan. They'll come face to face at the summit. After the ceasefire at the border, speculation is high. Many say a pull-aside is possible. The Heart of Asia Summit began in 2011. It is a forum for leaders of Afghanistan and its extended neighbourhood to gather and discuss their differences and disputes. But this year, the focus has shifted. While Afghanistan will still be discussed, there is intense speculation over a possible meeting between the leaders of India and Pakistan. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Dushanbe. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is also participating. Reports say that Islamabad is pushing for talks. The odds stack in favour of talks. There have been hints and developments in the past two months. First, India and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to honour the ceasefire on the Line of Control. Then Pakistan's Army Chief made clear overtures. Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said it's time to bury the past and move forward. New Delhi still maintains terror and talks can't go together. But India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently penned a goodwill letter to his counterpart in Pakistan, Imran Khan. The letter said that India desired cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. And for this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative. Beyond Pakistan, minister Jaishankar has a packed schedule. He met with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif. They discussed progress on the Chabahar port. Also in focus will be the Afghan peace deal. Key stakeholders Iran, Russia, Turkey and China will be present. India can gauge if the peace deal will hold. The US Is looking for an exit. India has stakes in Afghanistan. The Heart of Asia Summit is a good platform to assess the situation and make its voice heard in the peace process.

Heart of Asia Summit: World watches India and Pakistan in Tajikistan

A range of pacts will be signed and new announcements for bolstering cooperation in several areas will be made during the two-day visit of Prime Minister <a href="http://wionnews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi</a>&nbsp;to Bangladesh from Friday, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said.

Modi will also visit the mausoleum of 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Tungipara in Gopalganj district, the first Indian dignitary to ever visit the place, Shringla said.

Watch |&nbsp;

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It will be the Prime Minister's first visit to a foreign country since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

"This visit will be of very special significance and will serve to highlight the celebration of our unique and special ties which reinforce our comprehensive strategic partnership with Bangladesh," Shringla said at a media briefing.

Asserting that Bangladesh is at the "intersection" of India's 'Neighborhood First' and 'Act East' polices, the foreign secretary said it was a "momentus time" in bilateral ties.

Modi's visit is taking place at a time Bangladesh is commemorating Mujib Borsho, the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/bangladesh-independence-golden-jubilee">50 years of the country's war of liberation</a>. The two countries are also celebrating 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

"As a reflection of growing cooperation, both sides will be signing a range of agreements during the prime minister's visit. These agreements will cover a number of areas of our cooperation," Shringla said.

He said some of the areas where agreements will be inked are disaster management, trade and oceanography.

There will be new announcements of cooperation in areas of culture, preservation of spirit of 1971, health railways, education, border development, power cooperation and start-ups, he added.

During his visit, Modi will call on President of Bangladesh Md Abdul Hamid and will hold restricted and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The Prime Minister will also interact with diverse groups of Bangladesh's polity and society which will include the representatives of the country's ruling 14- party alliance, the opposition party, freedom fighters, community leaders and youth icons, Shringla said.

"Bangladesh is at the intersection of our Neighborhood First and Act East polices. Today it is our largest development partner, our largest trade partner in the region and is the location of our largest visa operation in the world," the foreign secretary said.

The Prime Minister will also attend Bangladesh's national day celebrations on March 26 and will deliver an address on the occasion at the parade ground in Dhaka, he added.

Modi is also scheduled to visit the 'National Martyrs' Memorial' located in Savar. The memorial was set up in honour of those who died in the Bangladesh War of Independence in 1971.

"Both Prime Ministers will also inaugurate the Bongobandhu-Bapu exhibition in Dhaka that will showcase the life and legacies of the two great leaders," said Shringla.

"Considering the significance of historic Mujib Borso, the Prime Minister will visit Bongobandhu mausoleum complex at Tungipara of Gopalganj district and he will be the first Indian dignitary to ever visit Tungipara which many of us known as family home of Rahman," he said.

Shringla said the prime minister will also visit heritage sites in Satkhira and Orakandi.

The two Prime Ministers held a virtual summit on December 17 during which Modi said Bangladesh is a key pillar of New Delhi's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, while Hasina described India as a "true friend" and asserted that both countries could play a significant role in the global and regional value chains by further integrating their economies as well as boosting connectivity.

During the summit, the two countries inked seven agreements to further broadbase cooperation in a plethora of sectors, and restored a cross-border rail link snapped by the 1965 war with Pakistan.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

A range of pacts will be signed and new announcements for bolstering cooperation in several areas will be made during the two-day visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh from Friday, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said.

A range of pacts will be signed and new announcements for bolstering cooperation in several areas will be made during the two-day visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh from Friday, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said. Modi will also visit the mausoleum of 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Tungipara in Gopalganj district, the first Indian dignitary to ever visit the place, Shringla said. Watch | It will be the Prime Minister's first visit to a foreign country since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. "This visit will be of very special significance and will serve to highlight the celebration of our unique and special ties which reinforce our comprehensive strategic partnership with Bangladesh," Shringla said at a media briefing. Asserting that Bangladesh is at the "intersection" of India's 'Neighborhood First' and 'Act East' polices, the foreign secretary said it was a "momentus time" in bilateral ties. Modi's visit is taking place at a time Bangladesh is commemorating Mujib Borsho, the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and 50 years of the country's war of liberation. The two countries are also celebrating 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties. "As a reflection of growing cooperation, both sides will be signing a range of agreements during the prime minister's visit. These agreements will cover a number of areas of our cooperation," Shringla said. He said some of the areas where agreements will be inked are disaster management, trade and oceanography. There will be new announcements of cooperation in areas of culture, preservation of spirit of 1971, health railways, education, border development, power cooperation and start-ups, he added. During his visit, Modi will call on President of Bangladesh Md Abdul Hamid and will hold restricted and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Prime Minister will also interact with diverse groups of Bangladesh's polity and society which will include the representatives of the country's ruling 14- party alliance, the opposition party, freedom fighters, community leaders and youth icons, Shringla said. "Bangladesh is at the intersection of our Neighborhood First and Act East polices. Today it is our largest development partner, our largest trade partner in the region and is the location of our largest visa operation in the world," the foreign secretary said. The Prime Minister will also attend Bangladesh's national day celebrations on March 26 and will deliver an address on the occasion at the parade ground in Dhaka, he added. Modi is also scheduled to visit the 'National Martyrs' Memorial' located in Savar. The memorial was set up in honour of those who died in the Bangladesh War of Independence in 1971. "Both Prime Ministers will also inaugurate the Bongobandhu-Bapu exhibition in Dhaka that will showcase the life and legacies of the two great leaders," said Shringla. "Considering the significance of historic Mujib Borso, the Prime Minister will visit Bongobandhu mausoleum complex at Tungipara of Gopalganj district and he will be the first Indian dignitary to ever visit Tungipara which many of us known as family home of Rahman," he said. Shringla said the prime minister will also visit heritage sites in Satkhira and Orakandi. The two Prime Ministers held a virtual summit on December 17 during which Modi said Bangladesh is a key pillar of New Delhi's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, while Hasina described India as a "true friend" and asserted that both countries could play a significant role in the global and regional value chains by further integrating their economies as well as boosting connectivity. During the summit, the two countries inked seven agreements to further broadbase cooperation in a plethora of sectors, and restored a cross-border rail link snapped by the 1965 war with Pakistan.

Range of pacts to be inked during PM Modi's Bangladesh visit: Foreign Secretary Shringla

US Secretary of State Lloyd Austin was in Kabul over the weekend. He became the first member of the Biden cabinet to visit war-torn Afghanistan. This was a surprise trip. But the questions posed to Austin by journalists came as no surprise. They wanted to know if America will withdraw from Afghanistan.

As per America's agreement with the Taliban, American forces should withdraw from Afghanistan on 1st of May. That's the deal that the Trump administration had agreed to. Until now, Team Biden has kept its cards close to its chest. In Afghanistan, Austin said it was up to his boss Joe Biden to decide when the American troops will leave.&nbsp;

The US President has said that May 1 withdrawal would be tough. The Biden administration has tried to kick start the withdrawal process again. Earlier this month, the United States had called for a meeting of all stakeholders in Turkey. At the same time it is pushing for a wider, UN-led dialogue.

The US wants India involved.&nbsp;

Reportedly, Defence Secretary Austin discussed Afghanistan with the Indian leadership.

On Monday, Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar arrived in New Delhi.

It is a three-day working visit during which the Afghan foreign minister is expected to discuss the peace process with the Indian leadership. While the Biden administration might extend the deadline for withdrawal, &nbsp;It does look eager to withdraw. And going by all the signs, it looks like Washington wants New Delhi to be a part of the solution.

US Secretary of State Lloyd Austin was in Kabul over the weekend. He became the first member of the Biden cabinet to visit war-torn Afghanistan. This was a surprise trip.

US Secretary of State Lloyd Austin was in Kabul over the weekend. He became the first member of the Biden cabinet to visit war-torn Afghanistan. This was a surprise trip. But the questions posed to Austin by journalists came as no surprise. They wanted to know if America will withdraw from Afghanistan. As per America's agreement with the Taliban, American forces should withdraw from Afghanistan on 1st of May. That's the deal that the Trump administration had agreed to. Until now, Team Biden has kept its cards close to its chest. In Afghanistan, Austin said it was up to his boss Joe Biden to decide when the American troops will leave. The US President has said that May 1 withdrawal would be tough. The Biden administration has tried to kick start the withdrawal process again. Earlier this month, the United States had called for a meeting of all stakeholders in Turkey. At the same time it is pushing for a wider, UN-led dialogue. The US wants India involved. Reportedly, Defence Secretary Austin discussed Afghanistan with the Indian leadership. On Monday, Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar arrived in New Delhi. It is a three-day working visit during which the Afghan foreign minister is expected to discuss the peace process with the Indian leadership. While the Biden administration might extend the deadline for withdrawal, It does look eager to withdraw. And going by all the signs, it looks like Washington wants New Delhi to be a part of the solution.

US wants Indian involvement in Afghanistan

Backdrop

The visit of US Secretary of Defence to India, along with Japan and South Korea within a week of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) Summit held on March 12, 2021, indicates a quick follow up.&nbsp;

The Summit did not name China directly, but Beijing seemed nervous and rattled about the event, as its mouthpiece Global times accused Quad members to be hyping the "China threat" before the event and expressed that India will not go US way due to its own ambition and economic dependency on China, after the visit. &nbsp;Apparently, China saw a major challenge to its dream of China-centric Asia-Pacific, in Quad’s call for a free, open, inclusive, healthy, Indo-Pacific region that is "anchored by democratic values, and unconstrained by coercion".

China’s hope that the four-country group hasn't formed a cohesive force from within, may need a revisit, after the Quad leaders agreed to give joint statement, committed to holding an in-person leaders' summit by the end of 2021 and agreed to pursue important agendas through three focused working groups.

Benign Agenda but clear Trajectory&nbsp;

Besides unanimity in need for free, open rules-based order, rooted in international law to advance security and prosperity and counter threats to both in the Indo-Pacific, the key agenda which attracted global attention was collective response to COVID-19 pandemic in terms of synergizing the vaccination efforts for humanity, with India as manufacturing hub, assisted by others to roll out one billion vaccines by 2020. The other two issues of working groups being emerging critical technologies and climate change. The agenda seems benign, but Beijing did not miss the connection of freedom of navigation, overflight and the concerns over “aggression” and “coercion” against members of Quad by China in its first summit meeting. No-one during the Summit called out China directly, but China knows that it challenged rule-based order by junking Pemarnent Court of Arbitration’s decision in South China Sea (SCS) and continues to coerce countries in Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;

The list of shared challenges to be addressed also includes cyberspace, critical technologies, counterterrorism, quality infrastructure investment, and humanitarian-assistance and disaster-relief (HADR), some of which echo Chinese alleged involvement like cyber attacks and transparency of World Health Organization. Quad’s assertion to support the rule of law, freedom of navigation, overflight, democratic values, and territorial integrity has added to frustration of Beijing, which has started firing salvo of propaganda through its mouthpiece Global Times, calling India (the only Non-NATO partner) as “Negative Asset for BRICS and SCO” failing to understand Chinese goodwill! Quad’s announcement of forthcoming naval drills of Quad plus countries and willingness of some NATO members like UK, France and Germany, to join in responding to challenges in Indo-Pacific, has further added to discomfort of China, indicating forward trajectory of Quad.

China overplays Divergences in Quad

China will like the world to believe that there are wide divergences in four democracies getting together, but in the evolution process, Quad seems to be getting over some of them. There is much more acceptability regarding divergent definitions and focus areas within the Indo-Pacific region. With the series of foundational agreements like COMCASA, BECA, LEMOA and CISMOA signed between US and India, and naval exercises, the inter-operability of India with other Quad members, operating within NATO military alliance framework, has improved. The joint statements of defence ministers of US and India on March 20, 2021 indicates convergence in approach and intention to have better defence cooperation between both countries in line with Quad commitments and strategic partnership.&nbsp;

India is the only country amongst Quad members, which has unsettled land border with China. After Doklam and Ladakh standoffs, it’s quite clear to Indians that China can’t be trusted, which has brought relatively better clarity in Indian position. The economic entanglement of each of the Quad members with China necessitates a resilient supply chain, digital and technological ecosystem, with minimal dependence on China. There has been consensus regarding support for ASEAN’s centrality in the Indo-Pacific as well, but their inclusion into it will be a debatable issue, due to Chinese influence over them. China has always tried to deal with every country on bilateral terms, using its Comprehensive National Power (CNP) to its advantage and will continue to do so even with Quad members. &nbsp;

Countering Chinese Challenge?

The ‘Incremental Encroachment Strategy’ of China exhibited in South China Sea, East China Sea (ECS) and Ladakh is a serious concern not only to the countries directly affected by overlapping EEZ or unsettled borders, but also to rest of the world, as China continues to convert features/atolls into military bases, expect others to accept them as islands and apply ‘Baseline principle’ under UNCLOS-III to claim its 200 nautical miles of Exclusive Economic Zone thus converting SCS into ‘Chinese lake’ over a period of time. It poses threat to freedom of navigation (FON) and flight along global Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) and may lead to some restrictions like Air Defence Identification Zone in South China Sea. Any such action by any country to restrict FON/flight or violation of rule of law must be challenged in UN Security Council backed by Quad. All members of Quad except US have ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III); hence US needs to ratify the same, to have a moral high ground to implement it.&nbsp;

China seems reasonably confident that US or any other country will not use military force to dismantle their infrastructure constructed in South China Sea. It is also increasing its naval capability at unprecedented pace. In this context it is necessary that Quad strengthens itself beyond Malabar exercises, gets some teeth in the form of maritime capacity building of its members and capacity to dominate choke points sensitive to China, as it’s not a military alliance so far. Quad will therefore need a formal structure and a secretariat to take it forward.&nbsp;

Way Ahead for Quad

COVID-19 vaccines will be manufactured in India, financed by the US and Japan with logistical support from Australia. The intention of Quad to synergise medical, scientific, financing, manufacturing, critical emerging-technology and developmental capabilities in future, is a step in right direction. Sharing of innovative technology and capacity building for climatic challenges will serve the interest of humanity and make Quad an effective grouping.&nbsp;

Quad members must continue freedom of navigation exercises and military posturing in Indo-Pacific, as China continues to do so. If the strategic situation worsens there may be a need to position ‘UN Maritime Military Observers Group’, as prevention of accidental triggering of conflict is possible in a region having high density of combat ship on Freedom Of Navigation missions. &nbsp;

The Summit did not signal expansion, but it needs to have flexibility to incorporate like-minded democratic countries, as many would be keen to join Quad in future, because Indo-Pacific region is becoming the global economic centre of gravity and manufacturing hub. Support of other navies like France, UK, Germany and other NATO members will be good deterrence to peace spoilers. Quad in its present form may not be structured to check Chinese adventurism, but it seems to be on right trajectory to become one of the most effective instruments to do so. Chinese aggressive reactions during meeting of top officials of US and China indicates that Quad has put China on notice, without even naming it, forcing it to showcase its strong stance to domestic audience behind nervousness.

(The author can be reached at Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google+ as Shashi Asthana, @asthana_shashi on twitter, and personnel site -- https://asthanawrites.org. He can also be reached at shashiasthana29@gmail.com)

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Backdrop The visit of US Secretary of Defence to India, along with Japan and South Korea within a week of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) Summit held on March 12, 2021, indicates a quick follow up.

Backdrop The visit of US Secretary of Defence to India, along with Japan and South Korea within a week of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) Summit held on March 12, 2021, indicates a quick follow up. The Summit did not name China directly, but Beijing seemed nervous and rattled about the event, as its mouthpiece Global times accused Quad members to be hyping the "China threat" before the event and expressed that India will not go US way due to its own ambition and economic dependency on China, after the visit. Apparently, China saw a major challenge to its dream of China-centric Asia-Pacific, in Quad’s call for a free, open, inclusive, healthy, Indo-Pacific region that is "anchored by democratic values, and unconstrained by coercion". China’s hope that the four-country group hasn't formed a cohesive force from within, may need a revisit, after the Quad leaders agreed to give joint statement, committed to holding an in-person leaders' summit by the end of 2021 and agreed to pursue important agendas through three focused working groups. Benign Agenda but clear Trajectory Besides unanimity in need for free, open rules-based order, rooted in international law to advance security and prosperity and counter threats to both in the Indo-Pacific, the key agenda which attracted global attention was collective response to COVID-19 pandemic in terms of synergizing the vaccination efforts for humanity, with India as manufacturing hub, assisted by others to roll out one billion vaccines by 2020. The other two issues of working groups being emerging critical technologies and climate change. The agenda seems benign, but Beijing did not miss the connection of freedom of navigation, overflight and the concerns over “aggression” and “coercion” against members of Quad by China in its first summit meeting. No-one during the Summit called out China directly, but China knows that it challenged rule-based order by junking Pemarnent Court of Arbitration’s decision in South China Sea (SCS) and continues to coerce countries in Indo-Pacific region. The list of shared challenges to be addressed also includes cyberspace, critical technologies, counterterrorism, quality infrastructure investment, and humanitarian-assistance and disaster-relief (HADR), some of which echo Chinese alleged involvement like cyber attacks and transparency of World Health Organization. Quad’s assertion to support the rule of law, freedom of navigation, overflight, democratic values, and territorial integrity has added to frustration of Beijing, which has started firing salvo of propaganda through its mouthpiece Global Times, calling India (the only Non-NATO partner) as “Negative Asset for BRICS and SCO” failing to understand Chinese goodwill! Quad’s announcement of forthcoming naval drills of Quad plus countries and willingness of some NATO members like UK, France and Germany, to join in responding to challenges in Indo-Pacific, has further added to discomfort of China, indicating forward trajectory of Quad. China overplays Divergences in Quad China will like the world to believe that there are wide divergences in four democracies getting together, but in the evolution process, Quad seems to be getting over some of them. There is much more acceptability regarding divergent definitions and focus areas within the Indo-Pacific region. With the series of foundational agreements like COMCASA, BECA, LEMOA and CISMOA signed between US and India, and naval exercises, the inter-operability of India with other Quad members, operating within NATO military alliance framework, has improved. The joint statements of defence ministers of US and India on March 20, 2021 indicates convergence in approach and intention to have better defence cooperation between both countries in line with Quad commitments and strategic partnership. India is the only country amongst Quad members, which has unsettled land border with China. After Doklam and Ladakh standoffs, it’s quite clear to Indians that China can’t be trusted, which has brought relatively better clarity in Indian position. The economic entanglement of each of the Quad members with China necessitates a resilient supply chain, digital and technological ecosystem, with minimal dependence on China. There has been consensus regarding support for ASEAN’s centrality in the Indo-Pacific as well, but their inclusion into it will be a debatable issue, due to Chinese influence over them. China has always tried to deal with every country on bilateral terms, using its Comprehensive National Power (CNP) to its advantage and will continue to do so even with Quad members. Countering Chinese Challenge? The ‘Incremental Encroachment Strategy’ of China exhibited in South China Sea, East China Sea (ECS) and Ladakh is a serious concern not only to the countries directly affected by overlapping EEZ or unsettled borders, but also to rest of the world, as China continues to convert features/atolls into military bases, expect others to accept them as islands and apply ‘Baseline principle’ under UNCLOS-III to claim its 200 nautical miles of Exclusive Economic Zone thus converting SCS into ‘Chinese lake’ over a period of time. It poses threat to freedom of navigation (FON) and flight along global Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) and may lead to some restrictions like Air Defence Identification Zone in South China Sea. Any such action by any country to restrict FON/flight or violation of rule of law must be challenged in UN Security Council backed by Quad. All members of Quad except US have ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III); hence US needs to ratify the same, to have a moral high ground to implement it. China seems reasonably confident that US or any other country will not use military force to dismantle their infrastructure constructed in South China Sea. It is also increasing its naval capability at unprecedented pace. In this context it is necessary that Quad strengthens itself beyond Malabar exercises, gets some teeth in the form of maritime capacity building of its members and capacity to dominate choke points sensitive to China, as it’s not a military alliance so far. Quad will therefore need a formal structure and a secretariat to take it forward. Way Ahead for Quad COVID-19 vaccines will be manufactured in India, financed by the US and Japan with logistical support from Australia. The intention of Quad to synergise medical, scientific, financing, manufacturing, critical emerging-technology and developmental capabilities in future, is a step in right direction. Sharing of innovative technology and capacity building for climatic challenges will serve the interest of humanity and make Quad an effective grouping. Quad members must continue freedom of navigation exercises and military posturing in Indo-Pacific, as China continues to do so. If the strategic situation worsens there may be a need to position ‘UN Maritime Military Observers Group’, as prevention of accidental triggering of conflict is possible in a region having high density of combat ship on Freedom Of Navigation missions. The Summit did not signal expansion, but it needs to have flexibility to incorporate like-minded democratic countries, as many would be keen to join Quad in future, because Indo-Pacific region is becoming the global economic centre of gravity and manufacturing hub. Support of other navies like France, UK, Germany and other NATO members will be good deterrence to peace spoilers. Quad in its present form may not be structured to check Chinese adventurism, but it seems to be on right trajectory to become one of the most effective instruments to do so. Chinese aggressive reactions during meeting of top officials of US and China indicates that Quad has put China on notice, without even naming it, forcing it to showcase its strong stance to domestic audience behind nervousness. (The author can be reached at Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google+ as Shashi Asthana, @asthana_shashi on twitter, and personnel site -- https://asthanawrites.org. He can also be reached at shashiasthana29@gmail.com) (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: Quad Summit's forward trajectory disturbs China

On the day US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in India, WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma spoke with Syed Akbaruddin, India's former Permanent Representative to the United Nations and also India's representative to IAEA.&nbsp;

Palki Sharma: How much of a shift are we seeing in foreign policy under Joe Biden as compared to the Trump administration?

Syed Akabruddin: Yes, it's pretty obvious that unlike the Trump administration, the discerning feature of Biden administration is to look for partners, global partners who can work with them on host of issues. And today, the distinction between addressing common challenges domestically and internationally is fading very fast because many of these are trans-boundary challenges whether it's climate change whether it's pandemic, whether it's cybersecurity, there are host of challenges which the Biden administration has to address. And these need partnerships. An so I think you are right that this is the distinction that is clear from the last administration.

Palki Sharma: What should India expect from the US Defense Secretary's visit?

Syed Akbaruddin: Visits need to be always looked at as landmarks which are reflections of where we stand rather than as outcomes. So what can we expect? One, we expect this to be a reflection of the importance the Biden administration places on ties with India. It comes shortly after a very successful Quad summit. Also, the Defense Secretary Austin has come to India after visit to two US alliance partners in Asia. And India, a partner, which is not an alliance partner has been given importance in terms of engagement.

So number one, it is a clear signal of the importance that Biden administration places on ties with India.

Number two, our defence ties are pretty expansive. Look at defence trade. Since 2008, our defence trade has amounted to something like 21 billion dollars. This is a huge amount if you look at the previous decade before that. Number two, we are both committed to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.

Number three, there are a host of new challenges which are coming up such as, say in cybersecurity. Increasingly, infrastructure which is of critical nature is becoming a target of state actors and non-state actors. And both, US and India have faced these challenges in the recent past.

Again, there are a lot of defence requirements that India has and it is looking for partners and perhaps that will proceed further down the line.

Finally, in our region (South Asia), situation is evolving very fast in Afghanistan. India has vital interest so does the US. And there is a possibility of greater understanding of way we are proceeding together on this front too.

So there are a host of issues. Some of them, are a little longer term in nature. Some a little short but all of them very important.

Palki Sharma: How do we balance strategic autonomy with strategic alliances?

Syed Akbaruddin: So we started by saying strategic autonomy. Strategic autonomy is a factor of how we see who are our potential adversaries and who are our potential friends and partners in this framework.

So, I don't see how India's strategic autonomy would in any way be adversely impinged on greater ties with the US. Our interests are not contradictory in nature. Yes the US would want allies, we on the other hand would want partners. That's how we are. Partnership for us, perhaps the maximum we can go. And its not against US interest to enhance that partnership with India because they are looking for partners too.

So if there is coalescence of interest, strategic autonomy will not be undermined just because partnership is strengthened.

And, in a world which is volatile, we all need partners. India is too big a country to be in one camp or the other.

There may be occasions when we, on our own accord, choose a line of thinking and maybe on others, we may choose a slightly different line of thinking. That's there with the US too.

There are differences for example on our acquisition of arms from the Russian Federation. It hasn't undermined our ties with the US despite our understanding that they have sharp differences with the Russian Federation.

Whereas our ties with Russian Federation are historic in nature and are in a way extremely important for our own strategic autonomy.

Palki Sharma: How should India expect China to respond to this visit?

Syed Akbaruddin: How should we expect and how would we want are two different things. But we would want China to understand that for example China's trade with the US is three to four times than our trade with the US. That hasn't engendered any sense of concern in us.

So we would like them to understand that it's normal for states to co-operate in some areas, collaborate in some areas, compete in other areas and perhaps be in a less than friendly atmosphere in some others.

However, what we've seen is that the Chinese have not been very helpful in their responses for example to the Quad summit. They have talked of it as a clique. If the Quad is clique then BRICS is a clique too. So is China's quadrilateral with some of our neighbours. So is SCO. So what is fair for the Goose is fair for the Gander. We Can't have two different ways.

So we hope China would be mature, understand our&nbsp;needs and see the evolving situation. And they can also try and improve their ties with us. However, it looks that, they may not be as understanding as we would want them to be. But that, we will have to tackle as it goes forward. Our own interests are supreme. Other countries will have to adjust to how they view us as we pursue our own interests.

On the day US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in India, WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma spoke with Syed Akbaruddin, India's former Permanent Representative to the United Nations and also India's representative to IAEA.

On the day US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in India, WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma spoke with Syed Akbaruddin, India's former Permanent Representative to the United Nations and also India's representative to IAEA. Palki Sharma: How much of a shift are we seeing in foreign policy under Joe Biden as compared to the Trump administration? Syed Akabruddin: Yes, it's pretty obvious that unlike the Trump administration, the discerning feature of Biden administration is to look for partners, global partners who can work with them on host of issues. And today, the distinction between addressing common challenges domestically and internationally is fading very fast because many of these are trans-boundary challenges whether it's climate change whether it's pandemic, whether it's cybersecurity, there are host of challenges which the Biden administration has to address. And these need partnerships. An so I think you are right that this is the distinction that is clear from the last administration. Palki Sharma: What should India expect from the US Defense Secretary's visit? Syed Akbaruddin: Visits need to be always looked at as landmarks which are reflections of where we stand rather than as outcomes. So what can we expect? One, we expect this to be a reflection of the importance the Biden administration places on ties with India. It comes shortly after a very successful Quad summit. Also, the Defense Secretary Austin has come to India after visit to two US alliance partners in Asia. And India, a partner, which is not an alliance partner has been given importance in terms of engagement. So number one, it is a clear signal of the importance that Biden administration places on ties with India. Number two, our defence ties are pretty expansive. Look at defence trade. Since 2008, our defence trade has amounted to something like 21 billion dollars. This is a huge amount if you look at the previous decade before that. Number two, we are both committed to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. Number three, there are a host of new challenges which are coming up such as, say in cybersecurity. Increasingly, infrastructure which is of critical nature is becoming a target of state actors and non-state actors. And both, US and India have faced these challenges in the recent past. Again, there are a lot of defence requirements that India has and it is looking for partners and perhaps that will proceed further down the line. Finally, in our region (South Asia), situation is evolving very fast in Afghanistan. India has vital interest so does the US. And there is a possibility of greater understanding of way we are proceeding together on this front too. So there are a host of issues. Some of them, are a little longer term in nature. Some a little short but all of them very important. Palki Sharma: How do we balance strategic autonomy with strategic alliances? Syed Akbaruddin: So we started by saying strategic autonomy. Strategic autonomy is a factor of how we see who are our potential adversaries and who are our potential friends and partners in this framework. So, I don't see how India's strategic autonomy would in any way be adversely impinged on greater ties with the US. Our interests are not contradictory in nature. Yes the US would want allies, we on the other hand would want partners. That's how we are. Partnership for us, perhaps the maximum we can go. And its not against US interest to enhance that partnership with India because they are looking for partners too. So if there is coalescence of interest, strategic autonomy will not be undermined just because partnership is strengthened. And, in a world which is volatile, we all need partners. India is too big a country to be in one camp or the other. There may be occasions when we, on our own accord, choose a line of thinking and maybe on others, we may choose a slightly different line of thinking. That's there with the US too. There are differences for example on our acquisition of arms from the Russian Federation. It hasn't undermined our ties with the US despite our understanding that they have sharp differences with the Russian Federation. Whereas our ties with Russian Federation are historic in nature and are in a way extremely important for our own strategic autonomy. Palki Sharma: How should India expect China to respond to this visit? Syed Akbaruddin: How should we expect and how would we want are two different things. But we would want China to understand that for example China's trade with the US is three to four times than our trade with the US. That hasn't engendered any sense of concern in us. So we would like them to understand that it's normal for states to co-operate in some areas, collaborate in some areas, compete in other areas and perhaps be in a less than friendly atmosphere in some others. However, what we've seen is that the Chinese have not been very helpful in their responses for example to the Quad summit. They have talked of it as a clique. If the Quad is clique then BRICS is a clique too. So is China's quadrilateral with some of our neighbours. So is SCO. So what is fair for the Goose is fair for the Gander. We Can't have two different ways. So we hope China would be mature, understand our needs and see the evolving situation. And they can also try and improve their ties with us. However, it looks that, they may not be as understanding as we would want them to be. But that, we will have to tackle as it goes forward. Our own interests are supreme. Other countries will have to adjust to how they view us as we pursue our own interests.

Indian strategic autonomy won't be undermined because of better Indo-US relations, says Akbaruddin

US Defense Secretary Lloyd J Austin arrived in India for a three-day visit on Thursday. He called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the very first day of his visit.

As he landed in India, Lloyd tweeted that he was "thrilled" to be in the country.

"Thrilled to be here in India. The breadth of cooperation between our two nations reflects the significance of our major defense partnership, as we work together to address the most pressing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region," he tweeted.

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Thrilled to be here in India. The breadth of cooperation between our two nations reflects the significance of our major defense partnership, as we work together to address the most pressing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region. <a href="https://t.co/0wA88ERrDn">pic.twitter.com/0wA88ERrDn</a>
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef/status/1372906579637510154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

PM Modi after his meet with Austin tweeted that Indo-US partnership was a force for global good.

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Pleasure to meet U.S. <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecDef</a> Lloyd Austin today. Conveyed my best wishes to <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a>. India and US are committed to our strategic partnership that is a force for global good. <a href="https://t.co/Z1AoGJlzFX">pic.twitter.com/Z1AoGJlzFX</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1372926001559273472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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On Friday, Austin also met India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval

"Secretary Austin commended India's leadership role in the Indo-Pacific and growing engagement with like-minded partners across the region to promote shared goals," according to a readout by the US department of defence.

"The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to promote a free and open regional order. Both sides exchanged perspectives on shared challenges confronting the region and committed to further strengthen their broad ranging and robust defence cooperation," the readout added.

Welcoming Austin, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said his visit to India is definitely going to further deepen the cooperation and partnership between two countries. Austin and Singh are scheduled to hold bilateral talks on Saturday.

Austin's visit to India came days after the top leadership of the Quad grouping of the US, India, Japan and Australia vowed to expand their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific amidst China's aggressive actions in the region.

(With PTI inputs)

US Defense Secretary Lloyd J Austin arrived in India for a three-day visit on Thursday. He called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the very first day of his visit.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd J Austin arrived in India for a three-day visit on Thursday. He called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the very first day of his visit. As he landed in India, Lloyd tweeted that he was "thrilled" to be in the country. "Thrilled to be here in India. The breadth of cooperation between our two nations reflects the significance of our major defense partnership, as we work together to address the most pressing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region," he tweeted. Thrilled to be here in India. The breadth of cooperation between our two nations reflects the significance of our major defense partnership, as we work together to address the most pressing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region. pic.twitter.com/0wA88ERrDn — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) March 19, 2021 × PM Modi after his meet with Austin tweeted that Indo-US partnership was a force for global good. Pleasure to meet U.S. @SecDef Lloyd Austin today. Conveyed my best wishes to @POTUS @JoeBiden. India and US are committed to our strategic partnership that is a force for global good. pic.twitter.com/Z1AoGJlzFX — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 19, 2021 × On Friday, Austin also met India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval "Secretary Austin commended India's leadership role in the Indo-Pacific and growing engagement with like-minded partners across the region to promote shared goals," according to a readout by the US department of defence. "The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to promote a free and open regional order. Both sides exchanged perspectives on shared challenges confronting the region and committed to further strengthen their broad ranging and robust defence cooperation," the readout added. Welcoming Austin, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said his visit to India is definitely going to further deepen the cooperation and partnership between two countries. Austin and Singh are scheduled to hold bilateral talks on Saturday. Austin's visit to India came days after the top leadership of the Quad grouping of the US, India, Japan and Australia vowed to expand their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific amidst China's aggressive actions in the region. (With PTI inputs)

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin arrives in India, meets PM Modi

Inter-Parliamentary Union President&nbsp;Duarte Pacheco&nbsp;on Tuesday addressed Members of Parliament at the Central Hall and thanked India for its support for Portugal's election to the IPU, stating that New Delhi and Lisbon are brothers.&nbsp;

"I came to New Delhi to show that you have a friend, a special friend in IPU. This special relationship is not just personal. We have a special relationship between our two countries. Portugal and India have over 500-year-old relations, so we know each other so better that I may say that we aren't just friends, we are brothers," Pacheco said.&nbsp;

He added, "India is the largest democracy in the world and in all levels, from local to national, is looking to be more inclusive with more women and young people. India respects convictions, political and religious, of each person."&nbsp;

He further expressed Portugal's support for the reform process and the inclusion of India as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council stating that India 'is an important player' in all fields 'whose opinions are respected'.&nbsp;

"I think India should achieve the place you should have in all international levels... In the United Nations, Portugal supports reform process (to the Security Council) and inclusion of India as a permanent member of the Security Council," he said. He further told the MPs that he 'feels at home'.&nbsp;

Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla said that India is the world's largest working democracy and represents 130 crore citizens of the country adding that the Central Hall is a witness to independence.&nbsp;

"In the last 74 years of independence, our democratic system has only strengthened. We are now celebrating 75 years of independence. This Central Hall is a witness to independence," he said.&nbsp;

The Indian economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is 'amazing', said Duarte Pacheco, President of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Geneva, on Monday.&nbsp;

The President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union is in India on a seven-day visit. "It is impossible for us to interfere with the internal matters of a country, but can say that the Indian economy under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi is amazing," Pacheco said.&nbsp;

Praising Indian society and its vitality the IPU president added, "I wish we had a society in Europe that has the same vitality that we find here in India. Other continents are thinking in past, in history but here in India towards a better future." &nbsp;

The Inter-Parliamentary Union formed in 1889, is one of the oldest and largest international Parliamentary body consisting of more than 179 members. &nbsp;

Pacheco, a Member of Parliament of Portugal, was recently elected as the President of IPU, an international organization of national parliaments, for a three-year term from 2021 to 2023. He is visiting India at the invitation of the Parliament of India. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Inter-Parliamentary Union President Duarte Pacheco on Tuesday addressed Members of Parliament at the Central Hall and thanked India for its support for Portugal's election to the IPU, stating that New Delhi and Lisbon are brothers.

Inter-Parliamentary Union President Duarte Pacheco on Tuesday addressed Members of Parliament at the Central Hall and thanked India for its support for Portugal's election to the IPU, stating that New Delhi and Lisbon are brothers. "I came to New Delhi to show that you have a friend, a special friend in IPU. This special relationship is not just personal. We have a special relationship between our two countries. Portugal and India have over 500-year-old relations, so we know each other so better that I may say that we aren't just friends, we are brothers," Pacheco said. He added, "India is the largest democracy in the world and in all levels, from local to national, is looking to be more inclusive with more women and young people. India respects convictions, political and religious, of each person." He further expressed Portugal's support for the reform process and the inclusion of India as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council stating that India 'is an important player' in all fields 'whose opinions are respected'. "I think India should achieve the place you should have in all international levels... In the United Nations, Portugal supports reform process (to the Security Council) and inclusion of India as a permanent member of the Security Council," he said. He further told the MPs that he 'feels at home'. Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla said that India is the world's largest working democracy and represents 130 crore citizens of the country adding that the Central Hall is a witness to independence. "In the last 74 years of independence, our democratic system has only strengthened. We are now celebrating 75 years of independence. This Central Hall is a witness to independence," he said. The Indian economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is 'amazing', said Duarte Pacheco, President of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Geneva, on Monday. The President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union is in India on a seven-day visit. "It is impossible for us to interfere with the internal matters of a country, but can say that the Indian economy under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi is amazing," Pacheco said. Praising Indian society and its vitality the IPU president added, "I wish we had a society in Europe that has the same vitality that we find here in India. Other continents are thinking in past, in history but here in India towards a better future." The Inter-Parliamentary Union formed in 1889, is one of the oldest and largest international Parliamentary body consisting of more than 179 members. Pacheco, a Member of Parliament of Portugal, was recently elected as the President of IPU, an international organization of national parliaments, for a three-year term from 2021 to 2023. He is visiting India at the invitation of the Parliament of India. (With inputs from agencies)

IPU chief: India, Portugal are brothers; backs UNSC permanent membership for India 

Ahead of a crucial vote at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Sri Lanka has sought India's support and has dialled PM Narendra Modi. UNHRC vote was one of the key points discussed during the telephonic conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Saturday. Voting will take place on the 22nd and 23rd of March on a resolution against Sri Lanka at the Human Rights Council.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka is facing the heat at UN HRC over human rights violations during the civil war with Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The 46th session of the UNHRC is underway and will continue till 23rd March and several times matters related to Sri Lanka have been raised.

Last month after the report of the office of the High commissioner for Human Rights on Sri Lanka was placed, India's envoy to UN in Geneva, Indra Mani Pandey said while, "assessment of the high commissioner...raises important concern" the "Sri Lankan govt has articulated its position" and the "evaluation of both of these, we should be guided by a commitment to find a lasting and effective solution".&nbsp;

During the same statement he called for respecting the "rights of the Tamil community, including through meaningful devolution" and said that this "contributes directly to the unity and integrity of Sri Lanka". This is not for the first time Sri Lanka has requested Indian support on UNHRC.

The telephonic conversation, that took place at the request of Sri Lanka also saw discussions on the COVID crisis. A statement by the Indian Prime Ministers' office said, that the leaders reviewed "topical developments and the ongoing cooperation between both countries in bilateral and multilateral forums". Both sides agreed to "maintain regular contact between relevant officials" which includes in the context of the "continuing COVID-19 challenges."

It further added, that, "Prime Minister reiterated the importance of Sri Lanka to India's Neighbourhood First policy."

India has so far sent Sri Lanka 12.64 doses of India-made COVID vaccines. Of these, 5 lakh doses have been gifted, 5 lakhs sent commercially, and 2.64 lakh via COVAX.

Ahead of a crucial vote at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Sri Lanka has sought India's support and has dialled PM Narendra Modi. UNHRC vote was one of the key points discussed during the telephonic conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Saturday.

Ahead of a crucial vote at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Sri Lanka has sought India's support and has dialled PM Narendra Modi. UNHRC vote was one of the key points discussed during the telephonic conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Saturday. Voting will take place on the 22nd and 23rd of March on a resolution against Sri Lanka at the Human Rights Council. Sri Lanka is facing the heat at UN HRC over human rights violations during the civil war with Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The 46th session of the UNHRC is underway and will continue till 23rd March and several times matters related to Sri Lanka have been raised. Last month after the report of the office of the High commissioner for Human Rights on Sri Lanka was placed, India's envoy to UN in Geneva, Indra Mani Pandey said while, "assessment of the high commissioner...raises important concern" the "Sri Lankan govt has articulated its position" and the "evaluation of both of these, we should be guided by a commitment to find a lasting and effective solution". During the same statement he called for respecting the "rights of the Tamil community, including through meaningful devolution" and said that this "contributes directly to the unity and integrity of Sri Lanka". This is not for the first time Sri Lanka has requested Indian support on UNHRC. The telephonic conversation, that took place at the request of Sri Lanka also saw discussions on the COVID crisis. A statement by the Indian Prime Ministers' office said, that the leaders reviewed "topical developments and the ongoing cooperation between both countries in bilateral and multilateral forums". Both sides agreed to "maintain regular contact between relevant officials" which includes in the context of the "continuing COVID-19 challenges." It further added, that, "Prime Minister reiterated the importance of Sri Lanka to India's Neighbourhood First policy." India has so far sent Sri Lanka 12.64 doses of India-made COVID vaccines. Of these, 5 lakh doses have been gifted, 5 lakhs sent commercially, and 2.64 lakh via COVAX.

Ahead of UNHRC vote, Sri Lanka seeks India's support

It’s one of those experiences you can’t Not have when visiting Amritsar. Even if you haven’t heard of the Beating-the-Retreat ceremony (and I suppose most foreigners haven’t) you will definitely wonder what the fuss is about because every tuk-tuk driver on the streets of the city will offer to take you to Wagah—a drive of half-an-hour from Amritsar at the India-Pakistan border—and bring you back, for varying sums of money.

The ceremony that involves lowering of flags and a spirited display by soldiers of India and Pakistan, was instituted in 1959, and takes place before sunset every day. It’s quite the highlight for visitors to Amritsar and was certainly on my itinerary.

I left the Golden Temple filled with a sense of peace…a strange calm, not sure how to articulate it. I think a kind of quiet confidence comes close to describing how I felt.

<img alt="Alyson Le Grange Wion foreign anchor" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc8f523c-2c47-4031-b97a-0a01aead2828" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/alyson%20le%20grange.JPG" />

Hubris creeps up on you when you aren’t careful, and then, something happens that brings you back to mother Earth…my thoughts were interrupted by yet another gentleman offering to take me to the border. He seemed quite expensive but I was too exhausted to scout for a better deal and I felt that I really wanted to travel in comfort especially after the tough time I had been having and after being on my feet for hours at the Golden Temple—this was during the north-Indian summer with the mercury soaring well over 40 degrees Celsius—I decided to give myself a break. The prospect of having an entire ‘air-conditioned car’ to myself, seemed too good to resist.

Not only that, but the man also kindly threw in a visit to a temple and a lunch at a famous ‘dhaba’—roadside eatery—in the package before dropping me back to the hotel.

This sounded good.&nbsp;

I felt like I had managed to arrange another wonderful experience, I felt like things were flowing, like maybe I must have tapped into something during my Golden Temple experience.

A friend of mine once remarked that I have very ‘strange luck’, and, now that I think about it, I think that she meant that the big picture, when it reveals itself to me, finally helps me make sense of events that did not seem particularly fun when they occurred. I suppose that's the same for most of us. On this occasion, things were going well enough until Ash, my driver, who'd asked me to wait while he pulled the car out, disappeared. My Hindi was basic at that point and Ash’s English, well, was worse than my Hindi. I was waiting for a while and just when I began wondering if I had, in fact, been conned, that a vehicle came sputtering along in my direction.

Now, this wasn’t exactly the fancy ride I’d been expecting; it was a jeep all right but looked a bit like the original article—the very first jeep ever produced. Just when I was hoping this wasn’t my ride Ash leaned out of the window and gestured that I should hop in. At this point, I had serious reservations, but Ash looked so eager and excited that I didn’t want to pour cold water on his plans. So it was, in an ancient jalopy, which looked like it might fall apart any minute and in fact the cubby hole fell off and landed on my leg, that the two of us began our journey to the Wagah border.

Our first stop was at a temple in a place called Mahindra Colony. Beautifully ornate, and decorated with stone carvings of deities, it was a great start and had me feeling somewhat mollified with the way things were going.

But I was hungry; it was already late afternoon and I’m not ashamed to admit that I get notoriously grumpy on an empty stomach.

Ash noticed my impatience and indicated that our next stop was for lunch, which was a relief. Just when I was thinking about the delicious Punjabi food I’d order when, exactly what I’d been afraid of happened: our venerable ride, decided it had had enough, sputtered, wheezed, and died.

I looked over at Ash as he guided the freewheeling vehicle to a stop by the curb; he looked somewhat bewildered, as if confused about what had just happened. I couldn’t understand what he was trying to explain to me (in Hindi, or Punjabi I’m not sure) but I was quite certain that the argument had no merit. This was not good.

We looked at each other blankly for a while before he motioned for me to disembark from the car and led me to a room-sized metal box on the roadside masquerading as a shop. &nbsp;

There were boxes of sweets, packets of cigarettes, and a tiny fridge stocked with fizzy drinks. The proprietor was lounging a little way away; Ash roused him and asked, presumably, if I could use the solitary chair facing a small fan to wait.

So, here I was, A South African girl, with little knowledge of India, no communication skills in the native tongue, sitting on a chair, in a small shop that was located on the side of the highway pretty much in the middle of nowhere in the hinterland of Punjab. For a moment I nearly gave in to panic but something kept me together. Maybe it was the epiphany I’d had at the Golden Temple, the inner peace I felt had not left me and I began to consider my situation rationally. I reached for my phone to call for help and realised, to my despair, that it had zero connectivity. I looked over at Ash, who pulled out his phone (that appeared to be the same vintage as our jeep) and shrugged—his phone was of no use either.

This was the point that the edifice started crumbling. In spite of my best efforts, panic began to set in. I began walking up and down, holding my phone in the air as high as I could to get some signal.&nbsp;I could no longer see my driver; Ash had disappeared, presumably to get help, he hadn’t said a word to me and as I sat on that little chair, I felt at a complete loss. Unsure of what to do next, unsure of what lay in store.

It was at this moment that the universe took pity on me. From the corner of my eye I noticed curious little faces peering at me from around the corner of a wall. &nbsp;These children, obviously fascinated by this unexpected visitor slowly overcame their fear and inched closer to me. I suppose they must have been between five-to-twelve years old, and they looked so sweet and inquisitive that I momentarily forgot my predicament and gave them a big smile.&nbsp;I could imagine how strange I must have looked to them: a white woman, wearing traditional Indian wear, headscarf and big glasses, blonde hair sticking out from beneath the scarf. Encouraged by my smile, they grew brave, came right over, and said hello.

<img alt="Alyson Le Grange Wion foreign anchor" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca24ed77-e5e9-4a58-a40d-aae8cd60fbc1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/alyson.JPG" />

They had obviously seen me prancing up and down vainly seeking mobile connectivity. One little boy in a red turban whipped out his phone and came up to me with both hands outstretched, his phone in one hand and I handed him mine.&nbsp;He quickly linked my phone to his mobile hotspot and returned it to me. &nbsp;

I was back! &nbsp;Connected to the world at large! &nbsp;

My phone started buzzing off the hook and I quickly called Naresh, Ash’s boss, and told him what had happened. It turned out that Ash had already been there and was on his way back to me in a new vehicle. I was so relieved I could have cried.

The children and I spent the next 20 minutes or so, taking selfies. There was a little girl named Khushi (which I was told later means happiness) and that kind kind little boy who had been my knight in shining armor. I offered him some money for his help that I regretted immediately as he shyly recoiled from the offer. I bought all the sweets in the shop for the children and that’s when Ash rolled in—this time driving a shiny new jeep.

I got in, and my heart grew heavy as I waved goodbye to the children who waved and chased the car for as long as they could, as we resumed our journey.

I don’t think they realised that they’d saved me, re-instated my faith in the inherent goodness of humanity as it were. That little boy’s actions not only allowed me to get in touch with who I needed to but restored my belief that the human connection—one that transcends language, countries, and cultures,—is the one connection that we can always count on. That moment I felt, even in such a foreign place, that I was not alone. And that feeling was worth everything.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/blog-langar-satnam-and-sikhism-my-eat-pray-and-love-moment-at-golden-temple-366462">Blog: Langar, Satnam and Sikhism — My eat, pray and love moment at Golden temple</a>

With these thoughts running in my head, I barely noticed as we rolled into the ‘Lahore Dhaba’ for lunch. My hunger pangs which had subsided in the wake of my predicament came rushing back with a vengeance. Now I don’t have to tell you, dear reader, just how delicious Punjabi food, especially in Amritsar, can be, but at that moment, it was, by far, the most delectable meal I’ve ever had. Feeling full and refreshed, I continued on my journey.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

It’s one of those experiences you can’t Not have when visiting Amritsar. Even if you haven’t heard of the Beating-the-Retreat ceremony (and I suppose most foreigners haven’t) you will definitely wonder what the fuss is about because every tuk-tuk driver on the streets of the city will offer to take you to Wagah—a drive of half-an-hour from Amritsar at the India-Pakistan border—and bring you back, for varying sums of money.

It’s one of those experiences you can’t Not have when visiting Amritsar. Even if you haven’t heard of the Beating-the-Retreat ceremony (and I suppose most foreigners haven’t) you will definitely wonder what the fuss is about because every tuk-tuk driver on the streets of the city will offer to take you to Wagah—a drive of half-an-hour from Amritsar at the India-Pakistan border—and bring you back, for varying sums of money. The ceremony that involves lowering of flags and a spirited display by soldiers of India and Pakistan, was instituted in 1959, and takes place before sunset every day. It’s quite the highlight for visitors to Amritsar and was certainly on my itinerary. I left the Golden Temple filled with a sense of peace…a strange calm, not sure how to articulate it. I think a kind of quiet confidence comes close to describing how I felt. Hubris creeps up on you when you aren’t careful, and then, something happens that brings you back to mother Earth…my thoughts were interrupted by yet another gentleman offering to take me to the border. He seemed quite expensive but I was too exhausted to scout for a better deal and I felt that I really wanted to travel in comfort especially after the tough time I had been having and after being on my feet for hours at the Golden Temple—this was during the north-Indian summer with the mercury soaring well over 40 degrees Celsius—I decided to give myself a break. The prospect of having an entire ‘air-conditioned car’ to myself, seemed too good to resist. Not only that, but the man also kindly threw in a visit to a temple and a lunch at a famous ‘dhaba’—roadside eatery—in the package before dropping me back to the hotel. This sounded good. I felt like I had managed to arrange another wonderful experience, I felt like things were flowing, like maybe I must have tapped into something during my Golden Temple experience. A friend of mine once remarked that I have very ‘strange luck’, and, now that I think about it, I think that she meant that the big picture, when it reveals itself to me, finally helps me make sense of events that did not seem particularly fun when they occurred. I suppose that's the same for most of us. On this occasion, things were going well enough until Ash, my driver, who'd asked me to wait while he pulled the car out, disappeared. My Hindi was basic at that point and Ash’s English, well, was worse than my Hindi. I was waiting for a while and just when I began wondering if I had, in fact, been conned, that a vehicle came sputtering along in my direction. Now, this wasn’t exactly the fancy ride I’d been expecting; it was a jeep all right but looked a bit like the original article—the very first jeep ever produced. Just when I was hoping this wasn’t my ride Ash leaned out of the window and gestured that I should hop in. At this point, I had serious reservations, but Ash looked so eager and excited that I didn’t want to pour cold water on his plans. So it was, in an ancient jalopy, which looked like it might fall apart any minute and in fact the cubby hole fell off and landed on my leg, that the two of us began our journey to the Wagah border. Our first stop was at a temple in a place called Mahindra Colony. Beautifully ornate, and decorated with stone carvings of deities, it was a great start and had me feeling somewhat mollified with the way things were going. But I was hungry; it was already late afternoon and I’m not ashamed to admit that I get notoriously grumpy on an empty stomach. Ash noticed my impatience and indicated that our next stop was for lunch, which was a relief. Just when I was thinking about the delicious Punjabi food I’d order when, exactly what I’d been afraid of happened: our venerable ride, decided it had had enough, sputtered, wheezed, and died. I looked over at Ash as he guided the freewheeling vehicle to a stop by the curb; he looked somewhat bewildered, as if confused about what had just happened. I couldn’t understand what he was trying to explain to me (in Hindi, or Punjabi I’m not sure) but I was quite certain that the argument had no merit. This was not good. We looked at each other blankly for a while before he motioned for me to disembark from the car and led me to a room-sized metal box on the roadside masquerading as a shop. There were boxes of sweets, packets of cigarettes, and a tiny fridge stocked with fizzy drinks. The proprietor was lounging a little way away; Ash roused him and asked, presumably, if I could use the solitary chair facing a small fan to wait. So, here I was, A South African girl, with little knowledge of India, no communication skills in the native tongue, sitting on a chair, in a small shop that was located on the side of the highway pretty much in the middle of nowhere in the hinterland of Punjab. For a moment I nearly gave in to panic but something kept me together. Maybe it was the epiphany I’d had at the Golden Temple, the inner peace I felt had not left me and I began to consider my situation rationally. I reached for my phone to call for help and realised, to my despair, that it had zero connectivity. I looked over at Ash, who pulled out his phone (that appeared to be the same vintage as our jeep) and shrugged—his phone was of no use either. This was the point that the edifice started crumbling. In spite of my best efforts, panic began to set in. I began walking up and down, holding my phone in the air as high as I could to get some signal. I could no longer see my driver; Ash had disappeared, presumably to get help, he hadn’t said a word to me and as I sat on that little chair, I felt at a complete loss. Unsure of what to do next, unsure of what lay in store. It was at this moment that the universe took pity on me. From the corner of my eye I noticed curious little faces peering at me from around the corner of a wall. These children, obviously fascinated by this unexpected visitor slowly overcame their fear and inched closer to me. I suppose they must have been between five-to-twelve years old, and they looked so sweet and inquisitive that I momentarily forgot my predicament and gave them a big smile. I could imagine how strange I must have looked to them: a white woman, wearing traditional Indian wear, headscarf and big glasses, blonde hair sticking out from beneath the scarf. Encouraged by my smile, they grew brave, came right over, and said hello. They had obviously seen me prancing up and down vainly seeking mobile connectivity. One little boy in a red turban whipped out his phone and came up to me with both hands outstretched, his phone in one hand and I handed him mine. He quickly linked my phone to his mobile hotspot and returned it to me. I was back! Connected to the world at large! My phone started buzzing off the hook and I quickly called Naresh, Ash’s boss, and told him what had happened. It turned out that Ash had already been there and was on his way back to me in a new vehicle. I was so relieved I could have cried. The children and I spent the next 20 minutes or so, taking selfies. There was a little girl named Khushi (which I was told later means happiness) and that kind kind little boy who had been my knight in shining armor. I offered him some money for his help that I regretted immediately as he shyly recoiled from the offer. I bought all the sweets in the shop for the children and that’s when Ash rolled in—this time driving a shiny new jeep. I got in, and my heart grew heavy as I waved goodbye to the children who waved and chased the car for as long as they could, as we resumed our journey. I don’t think they realised that they’d saved me, re-instated my faith in the inherent goodness of humanity as it were. That little boy’s actions not only allowed me to get in touch with who I needed to but restored my belief that the human connection—one that transcends language, countries, and cultures,—is the one connection that we can always count on. That moment I felt, even in such a foreign place, that I was not alone. And that feeling was worth everything. Also Read | Blog: Langar, Satnam and Sikhism — My eat, pray and love moment at Golden temple With these thoughts running in my head, I barely noticed as we rolled into the ‘Lahore Dhaba’ for lunch. My hunger pangs which had subsided in the wake of my predicament came rushing back with a vengeance. Now I don’t have to tell you, dear reader, just how delicious Punjabi food, especially in Amritsar, can be, but at that moment, it was, by far, the most delectable meal I’ve ever had. Feeling full and refreshed, I continued on my journey. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Discovering India with Alyson Le Grange: The boy in the red turban

India is planning a digital firewall against China. It has stopped short of banning Chinese telecom equipment. However, now, a new policy is in the works that would make it harder for Chinese companies such as Huawei and ZTE to do business in India.

India's department of telecommunications has made a few amendments and the licensing conditions have been changed. Now, Indian telecom companies will have to consider "defence and national security" before buying equipment. They will be required to source from "trusted telecom equipment sources" which can loosely be translated to suppliers India can trust.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/microsoft-email-hack-how-does-the-attack-work-what-microsoft-is-doing-369772">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/microsoft-email-hack-how-does-the-attack-work-what-microsoft-is-doing-369772/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This classification is the result of last year's activities in India's cabinet committee on security — the final decision-making body on national security — which had issued a new directive. It called for telecom products to be classified under two categories, namely "trusted" and "non-trusted".

Now, the new rules kick in from June 15 and once that happens, the telecom companies will not be able to use any products that are labelled "non-trusted". Chinese companies such as Huawei and ZTE will feel the pinch as no one will be able to use their gear if they are labelled "non-trusted".

Huawei and ZTE have been accused of installing back-doors in their technology. These are vulnerabilities that might leave doors open for hackers to exploit.

India's biggest telecom operators, including state-run telecom companies, have equipment from Chinese vendors.

Curbs on Chinese technology is now becoming a necessity, especially after it emerged that Chinese hackers tried to target critical infrastructure in India using malware last year, at the peak of the border standoff in Ladakh. Chinese hackers were linked to last year's blackout in Mumbai which had brought the entire city to a standstill.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-has-india-banned-huawei-and-zte-369805">WATCH |</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-has-india-banned-huawei-and-zte-369805/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Reportedly, India is now planning to strengthen its cybersecurity with a new national strategy. Under this, digitally connected government systems and India's nuclear&nbsp;power and aviation infrastructure will be secured.

Chinese hackers are becoming the next big national security threat. Just this week, we learnt about the hack at Microsoft where at least 30,000 American organisations, including local governments, were hacked.

According to a report, this is a Chinese cyber espionage campaign in which flaws within Microsoft's exchange software were exploited. A cybersecurity news website claimed that emails were stolen and computers were infected with tools that let attackers take control of systems remotely.

"We don't have rules of engagement in cyberspace. Modern nations don't have rules they're playing by, and what I just saw was china doing something they don't normally do. So that means they're expanding, they're implementing what they are thinking is permissible. So we're going to have to define rules," said Kevin Mandia, CEO and Director or FireEye. "We don't have rules of engagement in cyberspace".

India is planning a digital firewall against China. It has stopped short of banning Chinese telecom equipment. However, now, a new policy is in the works that would make it harder for Chinese companies such as Huawei and ZTE to do business in India.

India is planning a digital firewall against China. It has stopped short of banning Chinese telecom equipment. However, now, a new policy is in the works that would make it harder for Chinese companies such as Huawei and ZTE to do business in India. India's department of telecommunications has made a few amendments and the licensing conditions have been changed. Now, Indian telecom companies will have to consider "defence and national security" before buying equipment. They will be required to source from "trusted telecom equipment sources" which can loosely be translated to suppliers India can trust. WATCH | This classification is the result of last year's activities in India's cabinet committee on security — the final decision-making body on national security — which had issued a new directive. It called for telecom products to be classified under two categories, namely "trusted" and "non-trusted". Now, the new rules kick in from June 15 and once that happens, the telecom companies will not be able to use any products that are labelled "non-trusted". Chinese companies such as Huawei and ZTE will feel the pinch as no one will be able to use their gear if they are labelled "non-trusted". Huawei and ZTE have been accused of installing back-doors in their technology. These are vulnerabilities that might leave doors open for hackers to exploit. India's biggest telecom operators, including state-run telecom companies, have equipment from Chinese vendors. Curbs on Chinese technology is now becoming a necessity, especially after it emerged that Chinese hackers tried to target critical infrastructure in India using malware last year, at the peak of the border standoff in Ladakh. Chinese hackers were linked to last year's blackout in Mumbai which had brought the entire city to a standstill. WATCH | Reportedly, India is now planning to strengthen its cybersecurity with a new national strategy. Under this, digitally connected government systems and India's nuclear power and aviation infrastructure will be secured. Chinese hackers are becoming the next big national security threat. Just this week, we learnt about the hack at Microsoft where at least 30,000 American organisations, including local governments, were hacked. According to a report, this is a Chinese cyber espionage campaign in which flaws within Microsoft's exchange software were exploited. A cybersecurity news website claimed that emails were stolen and computers were infected with tools that let attackers take control of systems remotely. "We don't have rules of engagement in cyberspace. Modern nations don't have rules they're playing by, and what I just saw was china doing something they don't normally do. So that means they're expanding, they're implementing what they are thinking is permissible. So we're going to have to define rules," said Kevin Mandia, CEO and Director or FireEye. "We don't have rules of engagement in cyberspace".

India plans digital firewall against China as cyber threat increases alarmingly

India on Wednesday played a constructive role in the presidential statement that was issued by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) regarding the situation in Myanmar.

The statement by the UNSC reiterated "deep concern" about the development in Myanmar while condemning the "violence against peaceful protesters". The one-page statement expressed "deep concern" over restrictions against medical personnel, civil society, labour union members, journalists and media workers, and "called for the immediate release of all those detained arbitrarily".&nbsp;

This is the first time the UNSC statement has "condemned" the violence in Myanmar.

India's "constructive" engagement was reflected in the UNSC statement and also in line with its previous statement at the United Nations. When it comes to New Delhi's policy on Myanmar, it was explicitly mentioned by India's ambassador to the UN, TS Tirumurti, at the United Nations General Assembly in February. While expressing "concerns", the envoy called out for "restoration of democratic order", the release of political detainees, and the development should not impact the repatriation of Rohingya refugees to the country.&nbsp;

The UNSC presidential statement builds upon the earlier press statement of February 4. The core UN group had met back then, days after February 1 coup.&nbsp;

Back then, India was widely appreciated for playing an "important" role by being the "bridge" and making sure that there is a balanced approach in the text. In both major conversations at the UN high table, India did not take sides with the Chinese or Russian position.&nbsp;

Interestingly, immediately after the UNSC statement, the Chinese envoy to United Nations Zhang Jun issued a statement and parroted the line of Myanmar's military.&nbsp; 
In reply to the UNSC statement, China said, "Now it's time for de-escalation. It's time for diplomacy. It's time for dialogue".&nbsp;

"The international community should create an enabling environment for relevant parties in Myanmar to address differences under the constitutional and legal framework," he added.

Question is that half the "relevant parties" is the disposed civilian government of the country which is in jail for any "differences" to be addressed. As for the "constitutional or legal" framework, many will see it being violated by Tatmadaw or the armed forces of Myanmar in the first place.

The Chinese statement was seen as one backsliding on the UNSC presidential statement. The statement also had no mention of the restoration of democracy or the release of detainees, unlike the Indian statement at UNGA.

The US, which is the chair of the UNSC for the month of March, also issued a statement commending the "courage and determination" of the "peaceful protesters" in Burma in the "face of continued, brutal attacks by military and security forces."

The US does not recognise "Myanmar" as the official name of the country but refers to it as Burma. Myanmar was the name adopted by the country's military in 1989.

India on Wednesday played a constructive role in the presidential statement that was issued by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) regarding the situation in Myanmar.

India on Wednesday played a constructive role in the presidential statement that was issued by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) regarding the situation in Myanmar. The statement by the UNSC reiterated "deep concern" about the development in Myanmar while condemning the "violence against peaceful protesters". The one-page statement expressed "deep concern" over restrictions against medical personnel, civil society, labour union members, journalists and media workers, and "called for the immediate release of all those detained arbitrarily". This is the first time the UNSC statement has "condemned" the violence in Myanmar. India's "constructive" engagement was reflected in the UNSC statement and also in line with its previous statement at the United Nations. When it comes to New Delhi's policy on Myanmar, it was explicitly mentioned by India's ambassador to the UN, TS Tirumurti, at the United Nations General Assembly in February. While expressing "concerns", the envoy called out for "restoration of democratic order", the release of political detainees, and the development should not impact the repatriation of Rohingya refugees to the country. The UNSC presidential statement builds upon the earlier press statement of February 4. The core UN group had met back then, days after February 1 coup. Back then, India was widely appreciated for playing an "important" role by being the "bridge" and making sure that there is a balanced approach in the text. In both major conversations at the UN high table, India did not take sides with the Chinese or Russian position. Interestingly, immediately after the UNSC statement, the Chinese envoy to United Nations Zhang Jun issued a statement and parroted the line of Myanmar's military. In reply to the UNSC statement, China said, "Now it's time for de-escalation. It's time for diplomacy. It's time for dialogue". "The international community should create an enabling environment for relevant parties in Myanmar to address differences under the constitutional and legal framework," he added. Question is that half the "relevant parties" is the disposed civilian government of the country which is in jail for any "differences" to be addressed. As for the "constitutional or legal" framework, many will see it being violated by Tatmadaw or the armed forces of Myanmar in the first place. The Chinese statement was seen as one backsliding on the UNSC presidential statement. The statement also had no mention of the restoration of democracy or the release of detainees, unlike the Indian statement at UNGA. The US, which is the chair of the UNSC for the month of March, also issued a statement commending the "courage and determination" of the "peaceful protesters" in Burma in the "face of continued, brutal attacks by military and security forces." The US does not recognise "Myanmar" as the official name of the country but refers to it as Burma. Myanmar was the name adopted by the country's military in 1989.

India engages constructively in UNSC presidential statement on Myanmar

Around 100 people from Myanmar, mostly policemen and their families, have crossed over a porous border into India since the protests began, according to a senior Indian official.

When Tha Peng was ordered to shoot at protesters with his submachine gun to disperse them in the Myanmar town of Khampat on Feb 27, the police lance corporal said he refused.

“The next day, an officer called to ask me if I will shoot,” he said. The 27-year-old refused again and then resigned from the force.

On March 1, he said he left his home and family behind in Khampat and travelled for three days, mostly at night to avoid detection, before crossing into India’s northeastern Mizoram state.

“I had no choice,” Tha Peng told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday (Mar 9), speaking via a translator. He gave only part of his name to protect his identity. Reuters saw his police and national ID cards which confirmed the name.

Tha Peng said he and six colleagues all disobeyed the Feb 27 order from a superior officer, whom he did not name.

Reuters could not independently verify his or other accounts gathered near the Myanmar-India border.

The description of events was similar to that given to police in Mizoram on Mar 1 by another Myanmar police lance corporal and three constables who crossed into India, according to a classified internal police document seen by Reuters.

The document was written by Mizoram police officials and gives biographical details of the four individuals and their account of why they fled. It was not addressed to specific people.

“As the civil disobedience movement is gaining momentum and protest(s) held by anti-coup protesters at different places we are instructed to shoot at the protesters,” they said in a joint statement to Mizoram police.

“In such a scenario, we don’t have the guts to shoot at our own people who are peaceful demonstrators,” they said.

Myanmar’s military junta, which staged a coup on Feb 1 and deposed the country’s civilian government, did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The junta has said it is acting with utmost restraint in handling what it has described as demonstrations by “riotous protesters” whom it accuses of attacking police and harming national security and stability.

Tha Peng’s is among the first cases reported by the media of police fleeing Myanmar after disobeying orders from the military junta’s security forces.

Daily protests against the coup are being staged across the country and security forces have cracked down. More than 60 protesters have been killed and more than 1,800 detained, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, an advocacy group, has said.

Reuters has not been able to confirm the figures independently.

Among the detainees is Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who led the civilian government.

DOZENS FLEE

Around 100 people from Myanmar, mostly policemen and their families, have crossed over a porous border into India since the protests began, according to a senior Indian official.

Several have taken shelter in Mizoram’s Champhai district bordering Myanmar, where Reuters interviewed three Myanmar nationals who said they had served with the police.

As well as his ID cards, Tha Peng showed an undated photograph of him wearing a Myanmar police uniform. He said he joined the force nine years ago.

Tha Peng said that, according to police rules, protesters should either be stopped by rubber bullets or shot below the knees. Reuters could not verify police policies.

But he was given orders by his superiors to “shoot till they are dead”, he added.

Ngun Hlei, who said he was posted as a police constable in the city of Mandalay, said he had also received orders to shoot. He did not give a date, nor specify whether the order was to shoot to kill. He did not give details of any casualties.

The 23-year-old also gave only a part of his full name and carried his national ID card.

Tha Peng and Ngun Hlei said they believed police were acting under orders from Myanmar’s military, known as the Tatmadaw. They did not provide evidence.

The other four Myanmar police agreed, according to the classified police document.

“The military pressured the police force who are mostly constables to confront the people,” they said.

Ngun Hlei said he was reprimanded for disobeying orders and transferred. He sought help from pro-democracy activists online and found his way by road to Mizoram’s Vaphai village on Mar 6.

The journey to India cost him around 200,000 Myanmar kyat (US$143), Ngun Hlei said.

Although guarded by Indian paramilitary forces, the India-Myanmar border has a “free movement regime”, which allows people to venture a few miles into Indian territory without requiring travel permits.

“DON’T WANT TO GO BACK”

Twenty-four-year-old Dal said she had worked as a constable with Myanmar police in the mountainside town of Falam in northwestern Myanmar. Reuters saw a photograph of her police ID and verified the name.

Her job was mostly administrative, including making lists of people detained by the police. But as protests swelled in the wake of the coup, she said she was instructed to try to catch female protesters – an order she refused.

Fearing imprisonment for siding with the protesters and their civil disobedience movement, she said she decided to flee Myanmar.

All three said that there was substantial support for the protesters within Myanmar’s police force.

“Inside the police station, 90 per cent support the protesters but there is no leader to unite them,” said Tha Peng, who left behind his wife and two young daughters, one six-months-old.

Like some others who have crossed in recent days, the three are scattered around Champhai, supported by a network of local activists.

Saw Htun Win, deputy commissioner of Myanmar’s Falam district last week wrote to Champhai’s top government official, Deputy Commissioner Maria C T Zuali, asking for eight policemen who had entered India to be returned to them “in order to uphold friendly relations between the two neighbour countries”.

Zuali confirmed she had received the letter, a copy of which has been seen by Reuters.

Zoramthanga, Mizoram’s chief minister, told Reuters that his administration would provide temporary food and shelter to those fleeing Myanmar, but a decision on repatriations was pending with India’s federal government.

Tha Peng said that although he missed his family he feared returning to Myanmar.

“I don’t want to go back,” he said, sitting in a first-floor room overlooking rolling green hills that stretch into Myanmar.

Around 100 people from Myanmar, mostly policemen and their families, have crossed over a porous border into India since the protests began, according to a senior Indian official.

Around 100 people from Myanmar, mostly policemen and their families, have crossed over a porous border into India since the protests began, according to a senior Indian official. When Tha Peng was ordered to shoot at protesters with his submachine gun to disperse them in the Myanmar town of Khampat on Feb 27, the police lance corporal said he refused. “The next day, an officer called to ask me if I will shoot,” he said. The 27-year-old refused again and then resigned from the force. On March 1, he said he left his home and family behind in Khampat and travelled for three days, mostly at night to avoid detection, before crossing into India’s northeastern Mizoram state. “I had no choice,” Tha Peng told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday (Mar 9), speaking via a translator. He gave only part of his name to protect his identity. Reuters saw his police and national ID cards which confirmed the name. Tha Peng said he and six colleagues all disobeyed the Feb 27 order from a superior officer, whom he did not name. Reuters could not independently verify his or other accounts gathered near the Myanmar-India border. The description of events was similar to that given to police in Mizoram on Mar 1 by another Myanmar police lance corporal and three constables who crossed into India, according to a classified internal police document seen by Reuters. The document was written by Mizoram police officials and gives biographical details of the four individuals and their account of why they fled. It was not addressed to specific people. “As the civil disobedience movement is gaining momentum and protest(s) held by anti-coup protesters at different places we are instructed to shoot at the protesters,” they said in a joint statement to Mizoram police. “In such a scenario, we don’t have the guts to shoot at our own people who are peaceful demonstrators,” they said. Myanmar’s military junta, which staged a coup on Feb 1 and deposed the country’s civilian government, did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. The junta has said it is acting with utmost restraint in handling what it has described as demonstrations by “riotous protesters” whom it accuses of attacking police and harming national security and stability. Tha Peng’s is among the first cases reported by the media of police fleeing Myanmar after disobeying orders from the military junta’s security forces. Daily protests against the coup are being staged across the country and security forces have cracked down. More than 60 protesters have been killed and more than 1,800 detained, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, an advocacy group, has said. Reuters has not been able to confirm the figures independently. Among the detainees is Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who led the civilian government. DOZENS FLEE Around 100 people from Myanmar, mostly policemen and their families, have crossed over a porous border into India since the protests began, according to a senior Indian official. Several have taken shelter in Mizoram’s Champhai district bordering Myanmar, where Reuters interviewed three Myanmar nationals who said they had served with the police. As well as his ID cards, Tha Peng showed an undated photograph of him wearing a Myanmar police uniform. He said he joined the force nine years ago. Tha Peng said that, according to police rules, protesters should either be stopped by rubber bullets or shot below the knees. Reuters could not verify police policies. But he was given orders by his superiors to “shoot till they are dead”, he added. Ngun Hlei, who said he was posted as a police constable in the city of Mandalay, said he had also received orders to shoot. He did not give a date, nor specify whether the order was to shoot to kill. He did not give details of any casualties. The 23-year-old also gave only a part of his full name and carried his national ID card. Tha Peng and Ngun Hlei said they believed police were acting under orders from Myanmar’s military, known as the Tatmadaw. They did not provide evidence. The other four Myanmar police agreed, according to the classified police document. “The military pressured the police force who are mostly constables to confront the people,” they said. Ngun Hlei said he was reprimanded for disobeying orders and transferred. He sought help from pro-democracy activists online and found his way by road to Mizoram’s Vaphai village on Mar 6. The journey to India cost him around 200,000 Myanmar kyat (US$143), Ngun Hlei said. Although guarded by Indian paramilitary forces, the India-Myanmar border has a “free movement regime”, which allows people to venture a few miles into Indian territory without requiring travel permits. “DON’T WANT TO GO BACK” Twenty-four-year-old Dal said she had worked as a constable with Myanmar police in the mountainside town of Falam in northwestern Myanmar. Reuters saw a photograph of her police ID and verified the name. Her job was mostly administrative, including making lists of people detained by the police. But as protests swelled in the wake of the coup, she said she was instructed to try to catch female protesters – an order she refused. Fearing imprisonment for siding with the protesters and their civil disobedience movement, she said she decided to flee Myanmar. All three said that there was substantial support for the protesters within Myanmar’s police force. “Inside the police station, 90 per cent support the protesters but there is no leader to unite them,” said Tha Peng, who left behind his wife and two young daughters, one six-months-old. Like some others who have crossed in recent days, the three are scattered around Champhai, supported by a network of local activists. Saw Htun Win, deputy commissioner of Myanmar’s Falam district last week wrote to Champhai’s top government official, Deputy Commissioner Maria C T Zuali, asking for eight policemen who had entered India to be returned to them “in order to uphold friendly relations between the two neighbour countries”. Zuali confirmed she had received the letter, a copy of which has been seen by Reuters. Zoramthanga, Mizoram’s chief minister, told Reuters that his administration would provide temporary food and shelter to those fleeing Myanmar, but a decision on repatriations was pending with India’s federal government. Tha Peng said that although he missed his family he feared returning to Myanmar. “I don’t want to go back,” he said, sitting in a first-floor room overlooking rolling green hills that stretch into Myanmar.

‘Shoot till they are dead’: Some Myanmar police say fled to India after refusing orders

The war in Afghanistan is called the forever war. Is India prepared to join it? India has been asked to not fight the war but to help end it. The others on the talking table could be Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, the US, the Afghan government and the Taliban.

For four decades now, Afghanistan has been locked in a state of war. A dialogue for peace began last year. People hoped that peace would follow. So far, that hasn't happened. The peace dialogue is stalled. The war is very much on. Violence has only increased. The promise of a ceasefire was never fulfilled.

This brings us to the second proposal. Blinken wants a United Nations-led peace conference for a peace deal in Afghanistan. The US secretary of state wants the UN to convene a foreign ministers'&nbsp;meeting. This will have representatives from Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran and India plus&nbsp;the Afghan government,&nbsp;the Taliban and the US.

With no peace deal yet, there is a growing threat of a 'spring offensive' by the Taliban. Apparently, they could make rapid military gains once the American troops are gone. The US is now making a big push to restart the dialogue for peace.

And Washington wants India's help.

It wants regional powers to have a greater say in the process. At the same time, it wants the Taliban to have a seat at the table.

That's not all, it wants the Taliban to join the government in Afghanistan. So, what is Joe Biden's plan for peace in Afghanistan? And how far is India prepared to go?

Since taking office, Joe Biden and his aides have been conducting a review. They have been assessing the work done by the Trump administration. Over the weekend, Team Biden began taking its first steps towards resuming the dialogue.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrote a letter.&nbsp;It was addressed to Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani. A copy of this was shared by a local broadcaster in Afghanistan. This letter offers clues on what America plans to do.

The first move will be to accelerate the peace talks. They went on the backburner after the American presidential election. So the dialogue that began between the Afghanistan government and the Taliban will move ahead. But, they won't be the only ones involved. The dialogue will have more players.&nbsp;

Blinken believes regional powers "share an abiding common interest in a stable Afghanistan."

That's why he wants India involved. Soon after that letter got out, reports said US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, the man leading the negotiations from America, dialled S Jaishankar, India's external affairs minister.

While both sides have not said much about what was discussed, It's safe to assume that Afghan peace process came up.

Why is this significant?

This is a major shift. The Trump administration kept India out. Trump said all India had done was build a library in Afghanistan. He undermined the contribution of regional powers. He was criticised for depending far too much on Pakistan for a peace deal in Afghanistan.

The Biden administration is looking to change that. Secretary of State Blinken is quite direct in his letter to the Afghan president. The US wants India to participate in the peace dialogue. New Delhi should welcome the proposal. It's always better to have a say than to observe from the sidelines.

Now, the most contentious part of America's plan is this one:&nbsp;An interim power-sharing agreement between the Taliban and the elected leaders of Afghanistan. In other words, the US wants the Taliban to join the Afghan government.

That's a huge concession for a group that has not stopped violent attacks. That's giving legitimacy to terrorism as an instrument of power grab.

Reports say there is a proposal to establish a 'Transitional peace government of Afghanistan',&nbsp;with representatives from both sides.

This will be followed by national elections. It seems like Afghanistan's president does not like this idea.

Two days ago,&nbsp;Ghani said&nbsp;he is ready to talk. But he believes the only way to form a government should be through an election.

"We stand ready to discuss holding free, fair and inclusive elections under the auspices of international community. We can also talk about the date of the elections and reach a conclusion," he said.

"I advise those who go to this or that gate to gain power, is that political power in Afghanistan has a gate, and the key is the vote of the Afghan people."

So Kabul is sticking to its guns, and rightly so. It wants a democratic setup. Why should the Taliban be rewarded with a role in the govt after all that they've done?

What is the guarantee that they will end the attacks?

What explains America's concession? Its desire to exit this war. They turned a whole country into a war laboratory and now, want terrorists to join the government,&nbsp;so that the US can stick to its deadline of withdrawing troops.

Yes, there are no easy options for Joe Biden. His government is caught between a rock and a hard place. But this is a situation of America's making, as much as anybody else's.

The war in Afghanistan is called the forever war. Is India prepared to join it? India has been asked to not fight the war but to help end it. The others on the talking table could be Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, the US, the Afghan government and the Taliban.

The war in Afghanistan is called the forever war. Is India prepared to join it? India has been asked to not fight the war but to help end it. The others on the talking table could be Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, the US, the Afghan government and the Taliban. For four decades now, Afghanistan has been locked in a state of war. A dialogue for peace began last year. People hoped that peace would follow. So far, that hasn't happened. The peace dialogue is stalled. The war is very much on. Violence has only increased. The promise of a ceasefire was never fulfilled. This brings us to the second proposal. Blinken wants a United Nations-led peace conference for a peace deal in Afghanistan. The US secretary of state wants the UN to convene a foreign ministers' meeting. This will have representatives from Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran and India plus the Afghan government, the Taliban and the US. With no peace deal yet, there is a growing threat of a 'spring offensive' by the Taliban. Apparently, they could make rapid military gains once the American troops are gone. The US is now making a big push to restart the dialogue for peace. And Washington wants India's help. It wants regional powers to have a greater say in the process. At the same time, it wants the Taliban to have a seat at the table. That's not all, it wants the Taliban to join the government in Afghanistan. So, what is Joe Biden's plan for peace in Afghanistan? And how far is India prepared to go? Since taking office, Joe Biden and his aides have been conducting a review. They have been assessing the work done by the Trump administration. Over the weekend, Team Biden began taking its first steps towards resuming the dialogue. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrote a letter. It was addressed to Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani. A copy of this was shared by a local broadcaster in Afghanistan. This letter offers clues on what America plans to do. The first move will be to accelerate the peace talks. They went on the backburner after the American presidential election. So the dialogue that began between the Afghanistan government and the Taliban will move ahead. But, they won't be the only ones involved. The dialogue will have more players. Blinken believes regional powers "share an abiding common interest in a stable Afghanistan." That's why he wants India involved. Soon after that letter got out, reports said US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, the man leading the negotiations from America, dialled S Jaishankar, India's external affairs minister. While both sides have not said much about what was discussed, It's safe to assume that Afghan peace process came up. Why is this significant? This is a major shift. The Trump administration kept India out. Trump said all India had done was build a library in Afghanistan. He undermined the contribution of regional powers. He was criticised for depending far too much on Pakistan for a peace deal in Afghanistan. The Biden administration is looking to change that. Secretary of State Blinken is quite direct in his letter to the Afghan president. The US wants India to participate in the peace dialogue. New Delhi should welcome the proposal. It's always better to have a say than to observe from the sidelines. Now, the most contentious part of America's plan is this one: An interim power-sharing agreement between the Taliban and the elected leaders of Afghanistan. In other words, the US wants the Taliban to join the Afghan government. That's a huge concession for a group that has not stopped violent attacks. That's giving legitimacy to terrorism as an instrument of power grab. Reports say there is a proposal to establish a 'Transitional peace government of Afghanistan', with representatives from both sides. This will be followed by national elections. It seems like Afghanistan's president does not like this idea. Two days ago, Ghani said he is ready to talk. But he believes the only way to form a government should be through an election. "We stand ready to discuss holding free, fair and inclusive elections under the auspices of international community. We can also talk about the date of the elections and reach a conclusion," he said. "I advise those who go to this or that gate to gain power, is that political power in Afghanistan has a gate, and the key is the vote of the Afghan people." So Kabul is sticking to its guns, and rightly so. It wants a democratic setup. Why should the Taliban be rewarded with a role in the govt after all that they've done? What is the guarantee that they will end the attacks? What explains America's concession? Its desire to exit this war. They turned a whole country into a war laboratory and now, want terrorists to join the government, so that the US can stick to its deadline of withdrawing troops. Yes, there are no easy options for Joe Biden. His government is caught between a rock and a hard place. But this is a situation of America's making, as much as anybody else's.

India asked to lend a hand in Afghanistan

The first-ever Quad, India, Japan, Australia and US leaders' summit will take place virtually on March 12, the Friday marking a significant geopolitical moment. The summit will see participation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Australian PM Scott Morrison, Japan's PM Yoshihide Suga and US President Joseph R Biden.&nbsp;

India's ministry of external affairs, in a statement said, "The leaders will discuss regional and global issues of shared interest, and exchange views on practical areas of cooperation towards maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region".&nbsp;

It explained, "the Summit will provide an opportunity to exchange views on contemporary challenges, such as resilient supply chains, emerging and critical technologies, maritime security, and climate change."&nbsp;

Covid vaccines will be a key focus, with leaders discussing 'ongoing efforts to combat Covid-19 pandemic' and 'explore opportunities for collaboration in ensuring safe, equitable and affordable vaccines in the Indo-Pacific region', the release mentioned.&nbsp;

So far, three foreign ministers' level conversations have taken place, two of them physical meetings--one in New York in 2019, another in Tokyo last year and one telephonic conversation just last month. Last month's telephonic conversation between the four foreign ministers, US State Secretary Blinken, Japan FM Motegi Toshimitsu, Australian FM Marise Payne and EAM Dr S Jaishankar saw key focus being on Myanmar.&nbsp;

Last week, Australian PM Scott Morrison confirming plans of the meet, said, "I am looking forward to that first gathering of quad leaders. It will be the first-ever gathering of quad leaders. I already had bilateral discussions with Narendra Modi and Yoshihide Suga, the PM of Japan and PM of India."&nbsp;

He pointed that such meets would become a 'feature of the Indo Pacific engagement' but it will "not have a big bureaucracy, with a big secretariat. it will be four leaders, four countries working together constructively for the peace, prosperity, and stability of the Indo pacific."&nbsp;

Quad is seen very suspiciously by China, which has termed it 'Asian Nato' something that has been dismissed by the grouping. The dialogue was first initiated in 2007 by the then Japanese PM Shinzo Abe but lost support only to re-emerge in 2017 when leaders of the grouping had met. Last year, saw Australia being invited to Malabar exercises which saw all four Quad countries coming under one umbrella for naval exercises in the Indian ocean. Amid the covid pandemic, Quad plus meetings happened at the foreign secretary-level to exchange best practices.&nbsp;

The first-ever Quad, India, Japan, Australia and US leaders' summit will take place virtually on March 12, the Friday marking a significant geopolitical moment. The summit will see participation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Australian PM Scott Morrison, Japan's PM Yoshihide Suga and US President Joseph R Biden.

The first-ever Quad, India, Japan, Australia and US leaders' summit will take place virtually on March 12, the Friday marking a significant geopolitical moment. The summit will see participation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Australian PM Scott Morrison, Japan's PM Yoshihide Suga and US President Joseph R Biden. India's ministry of external affairs, in a statement said, "The leaders will discuss regional and global issues of shared interest, and exchange views on practical areas of cooperation towards maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region". It explained, "the Summit will provide an opportunity to exchange views on contemporary challenges, such as resilient supply chains, emerging and critical technologies, maritime security, and climate change." Covid vaccines will be a key focus, with leaders discussing 'ongoing efforts to combat Covid-19 pandemic' and 'explore opportunities for collaboration in ensuring safe, equitable and affordable vaccines in the Indo-Pacific region', the release mentioned. So far, three foreign ministers' level conversations have taken place, two of them physical meetings--one in New York in 2019, another in Tokyo last year and one telephonic conversation just last month. Last month's telephonic conversation between the four foreign ministers, US State Secretary Blinken, Japan FM Motegi Toshimitsu, Australian FM Marise Payne and EAM Dr S Jaishankar saw key focus being on Myanmar. Last week, Australian PM Scott Morrison confirming plans of the meet, said, "I am looking forward to that first gathering of quad leaders. It will be the first-ever gathering of quad leaders. I already had bilateral discussions with Narendra Modi and Yoshihide Suga, the PM of Japan and PM of India." He pointed that such meets would become a 'feature of the Indo Pacific engagement' but it will "not have a big bureaucracy, with a big secretariat. it will be four leaders, four countries working together constructively for the peace, prosperity, and stability of the Indo pacific." Quad is seen very suspiciously by China, which has termed it 'Asian Nato' something that has been dismissed by the grouping. The dialogue was first initiated in 2007 by the then Japanese PM Shinzo Abe but lost support only to re-emerge in 2017 when leaders of the grouping had met. Last year, saw Australia being invited to Malabar exercises which saw all four Quad countries coming under one umbrella for naval exercises in the Indian ocean. Amid the covid pandemic, Quad plus meetings happened at the foreign secretary-level to exchange best practices.

First Quad leaders summit this Friday 

As part of the 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh' celebration commemorating 50 years of the 1971 war triumph against Pakistan, Indian Naval ships are scheduled to make the first-ever visit to the historic port town of Mongla in Bangladesh from March 8 to 10.&nbsp;

According to an official release, Indian Naval ships Sumedha, an indigenously build Offshore Patrol vessel and Kulish, an indigenously built guided missile corvette, are scheduled to make a port call at Mongla from March 8 to 10 to commemorate the ongoing Swarnim Vijay Varsh and reiterating the historic Indo-Bangladeshi friendship.&nbsp;

"This is the first time that any Indian Naval Ship is visiting the port of Mongla in Bangladesh and the visit is aimed at paying homage to the Bangladeshi and Indian combatants and citizens who laid down their lives during the Liberation War of 1971, and reiterate India's firm resolve and commitment to maintain peace, stability and good order in the region, in line with SAGAR - Security and Growth for all in the Region, as articulated by the Prime Minister of India," the statement read.&nbsp;

On behalf of the Chief of Naval Staff, the Commanding Officers of the ships will call on the senior Bangladesh Navy hierarchy to reaffirm the Indian Navy's solidarity and partnership with Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Following all Covid-19 protocols, the ships' crew will participate in professional and cultural exchanges as well as friendly sports fixtures with their counterparts in the Bangladesh Navy, further enhancing synergy between the two navies, the statement added.&nbsp;

On Thursday, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar embarked on his official visit to Dhaka to prepare the ground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Bangladesh, wherein he held talks with his counterpart on the progress of bilateral ties. This will be PM Modi's first foreign trip in over a year mainly because of the Covid-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

India and Bangladesh are celebrating 50 years of the liberation war in which the Pakistan Army was thrown out of Bangladesh and 90,000 of their troops were made to surrender. Meanwhile, a number of events are being organised by both countries to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the decisive war.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As part of the 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh' celebration commemorating 50 years of the 1971 war triumph against Pakistan, Indian Naval ships are scheduled to make the first-ever visit to the historic port town of Mongla in Bangladesh from March 8 to 10.

As part of the 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh' celebration commemorating 50 years of the 1971 war triumph against Pakistan, Indian Naval ships are scheduled to make the first-ever visit to the historic port town of Mongla in Bangladesh from March 8 to 10. According to an official release, Indian Naval ships Sumedha, an indigenously build Offshore Patrol vessel and Kulish, an indigenously built guided missile corvette, are scheduled to make a port call at Mongla from March 8 to 10 to commemorate the ongoing Swarnim Vijay Varsh and reiterating the historic Indo-Bangladeshi friendship. "This is the first time that any Indian Naval Ship is visiting the port of Mongla in Bangladesh and the visit is aimed at paying homage to the Bangladeshi and Indian combatants and citizens who laid down their lives during the Liberation War of 1971, and reiterate India's firm resolve and commitment to maintain peace, stability and good order in the region, in line with SAGAR - Security and Growth for all in the Region, as articulated by the Prime Minister of India," the statement read. On behalf of the Chief of Naval Staff, the Commanding Officers of the ships will call on the senior Bangladesh Navy hierarchy to reaffirm the Indian Navy's solidarity and partnership with Bangladesh. Following all Covid-19 protocols, the ships' crew will participate in professional and cultural exchanges as well as friendly sports fixtures with their counterparts in the Bangladesh Navy, further enhancing synergy between the two navies, the statement added. On Thursday, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar embarked on his official visit to Dhaka to prepare the ground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Bangladesh, wherein he held talks with his counterpart on the progress of bilateral ties. This will be PM Modi's first foreign trip in over a year mainly because of the Covid-19 pandemic. India and Bangladesh are celebrating 50 years of the liberation war in which the Pakistan Army was thrown out of Bangladesh and 90,000 of their troops were made to surrender. Meanwhile, a number of events are being organised by both countries to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the decisive war. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Navy ships to visit Bangladesh to mark 50th anniversary of 1971 war

Team India beat England in pink ball Test at world's largest cricket stadium

At the United Nations Human Rights Council, India has highlighted Pakistan is providing pensions to United Nations-listed terrorists even as New Delhi expressed concerns over Islamabad's continued support to cross border terror.&nbsp;

Indian diplomat at the Indian mission in UN, Geneva Pawan Badhe said, "The members of this Council are well aware that Pakistan has provided pensions to dreaded and listed terrorists out of state funds and has the dubious distinction of hosting the largest number of terrorists proscribed by the United Nations."&nbsp;

Pakistan approached United Nations Security Council for 'basic expense' for 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed, Lakshar-e-Taiba's leader Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and Mahmood Sultan Bashiruddin, a Pakistani nuclear engineer.&nbsp;

According to the security council resolution concerning its sanctions regime, asset freeze exemptions can be granted for what is called 'basic expenses'. These 'expense' or 'pensions' include provisions, such as payment for foodstuffs, rent or mortgage, medicines and medical treatment, taxes, insurance premiums. The 1267 sanctions regime of UNSC includes three main areas, assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo.&nbsp;

Pawan in India's right of reply after Pakistan raked up Kashmir at the council, pointed out, "Pakistani leaders have admitted the fact that it has become a factory for producing terrorists."&nbsp;

Adding," Pakistan has ignored that terrorism is the worst form of human rights abuse and the supporters of terrorism are the worst abusers of human rights."&nbsp;

Pakistani PM Imran Khan has publicly admitted in the past that his country has hosted terror groups and once even called Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden as a 'Martyr'.&nbsp;

The Indian diplomat said, "Pakistan, a country in dire economic situation, will be well advised to ... stop state-sponsored cross-border terrorism and end institutionalised violation of human rights of its minority and other communities."&nbsp;

Islamabad's track record in protecting its minorities has been criticised several times, with Hindus, Sikhs and Christians facing regular discrimination.&nbsp;

"Council should ask Pakistan", Pawan said, "Why the size of its minority communities, such as Christians, Hindus and Sikhs has drastically shrunk since independence" and "why they and other communities, such as Ahmadiyyas, Shias, Pashtuns, Sindhis and Baloch, have been subjected to draconian blasphemy laws, systemic persecution, blatant abuses and forced conversions."&nbsp;

At the United Nations Human Rights Council, India has highlighted Pakistan is providing pensions to United Nations-listed terrorists even as New Delhi expressed concerns over Islamabad's continued support to cross border terror.

At the United Nations Human Rights Council, India has highlighted Pakistan is providing pensions to United Nations-listed terrorists even as New Delhi expressed concerns over Islamabad's continued support to cross border terror. Indian diplomat at the Indian mission in UN, Geneva Pawan Badhe said, "The members of this Council are well aware that Pakistan has provided pensions to dreaded and listed terrorists out of state funds and has the dubious distinction of hosting the largest number of terrorists proscribed by the United Nations." Pakistan approached United Nations Security Council for 'basic expense' for 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed, Lakshar-e-Taiba's leader Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and Mahmood Sultan Bashiruddin, a Pakistani nuclear engineer. According to the security council resolution concerning its sanctions regime, asset freeze exemptions can be granted for what is called 'basic expenses'. These 'expense' or 'pensions' include provisions, such as payment for foodstuffs, rent or mortgage, medicines and medical treatment, taxes, insurance premiums. The 1267 sanctions regime of UNSC includes three main areas, assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo. Pawan in India's right of reply after Pakistan raked up Kashmir at the council, pointed out, "Pakistani leaders have admitted the fact that it has become a factory for producing terrorists." Adding," Pakistan has ignored that terrorism is the worst form of human rights abuse and the supporters of terrorism are the worst abusers of human rights." Pakistani PM Imran Khan has publicly admitted in the past that his country has hosted terror groups and once even called Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden as a 'Martyr'. The Indian diplomat said, "Pakistan, a country in dire economic situation, will be well advised to ... stop state-sponsored cross-border terrorism and end institutionalised violation of human rights of its minority and other communities." Islamabad's track record in protecting its minorities has been criticised several times, with Hindus, Sikhs and Christians facing regular discrimination. "Council should ask Pakistan", Pawan said, "Why the size of its minority communities, such as Christians, Hindus and Sikhs has drastically shrunk since independence" and "why they and other communities, such as Ahmadiyyas, Shias, Pashtuns, Sindhis and Baloch, have been subjected to draconian blasphemy laws, systemic persecution, blatant abuses and forced conversions."

At UNHRC, India highlights Pakistan providing 'pensions' to terrorists

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has welcomed India-Pakistan joint statement on ceasefire observance calling it "an important step towards achieving security, stability, and prosperity in the region."

The UAE is the first country in West Asia to welcome last week's development. It joins the likes of the US, UN and EU.&nbsp;

Highlighting the "close historical ties" UAE has with both India and Pakistan, the foreign ministry of the country in a statement said, "it commends the efforts of the two countries to reach this achievement", emphasizing the "importance of adhering to a permanent ceasefire" between the "two friendly countries in Kashmir" to the "benefit of both sides and committing to diplomatic means - through dialogue - to build bridges of confidence and establish a lasting peace that achieves the aspirations of both peoples."

Last week in a surprise development India and Pakistan agreed to lower the temperature at the line of control with "strict observance" of the 2003 ceasefire pact with both the militaries issuing a rare joint statement.&nbsp;

While no formal dialogue has taken place between India and Pakistan for years, ties have been completely frayed after the 2019 Pulwama terror attack whose responsibility was taken by a Pakistan-based terror group. After India removed special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019, Pakistan had cut all people-to-people ties and recalled its envoy.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has welcomed India-Pakistan joint statement on ceasefire observance calling it "an important step towards achieving security, stability, and prosperity in the region.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has welcomed India-Pakistan joint statement on ceasefire observance calling it "an important step towards achieving security, stability, and prosperity in the region." The UAE is the first country in West Asia to welcome last week's development. It joins the likes of the US, UN and EU. Highlighting the "close historical ties" UAE has with both India and Pakistan, the foreign ministry of the country in a statement said, "it commends the efforts of the two countries to reach this achievement", emphasizing the "importance of adhering to a permanent ceasefire" between the "two friendly countries in Kashmir" to the "benefit of both sides and committing to diplomatic means - through dialogue - to build bridges of confidence and establish a lasting peace that achieves the aspirations of both peoples." Last week in a surprise development India and Pakistan agreed to lower the temperature at the line of control with "strict observance" of the 2003 ceasefire pact with both the militaries issuing a rare joint statement. While no formal dialogue has taken place between India and Pakistan for years, ties have been completely frayed after the 2019 Pulwama terror attack whose responsibility was taken by a Pakistan-based terror group. After India removed special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019, Pakistan had cut all people-to-people ties and recalled its envoy.

UAE welcomes India-Pakistan joint statement on ceasefire observance

Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C51 successfully placed Brazil's Amazonia-1 and 18 other satellites into orbit. The lift-off took place from &nbsp;Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The PSLV lifted off at around 10:24 am on Sunday (February 28).

"I am extremely happy to declare that PSLV-C51 successfully launched in precise orbit Amazonia-1 today... The satellite is in very good health and solar panels have been deployed," Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman K Sivan announced amid applause from the scientists.

<img alt="ISRO PSLV lift-off" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0f4c3817-c313-42f3-86f5-945bc09c9937" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/isro%20lift%20off.jpg" />

PSLV-C51 is the first dedicated commercial mission of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO's commercial arm, and the launch was watched among others by Brazilian government officials at the mission control centre here, over 100 kms from Chennai.

The 637-kg Amazonia-1 which became the first Brazilian satellite to be launched from India is an optical earth observation satellite of National Institute for Space Research (INPE).

The 18 co-passenger satellites onboard PSLV-C51 includes four from IN-SPACe and fourteen from NSIL.&nbsp;

The fourteen satellites from NSIL carried were the commercial satellites from India (1) and USA (13).

Of the 4 satellites from IN-SPACe, three were UNITYsats designed and built as a joint development by Jeppiaar Institute of Technology, Sriperumbudur, G.H.Raisoni College of Engineering, Nagpur and Sri Shakti Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore and one was Satish Dhawan Sat (SDSAT) from Space Kidz India.

Among the satellites put into orbit by Indian Space Research Organization’s PSLV C51 rocket, is a small satellite built by a team of Indian students. SDSat or Satish Dhawan Satellite, a 30x10x10cm cuboid, is an experimental communication satellite built by Chennai-based SpaceKidz India.

This indigenously designed and developed miniature spacecraft is meant to test the capabilities of LoRa(Long range) technology in Space, which could prove helpful for many applications in the future in short and M2M (machine-to-machine)communication. LoRa is a long-range, low-power wireless radio frequency technology that has become a common platform for Internet of Things (IoT) networks worldwide.

Besides its scientific payloads, the satellite carries the names of 25,000 common people and the Bhagwad Gita to space.&nbsp;

“People, irrespective of differences follow the principles of the Gita, like ‘do your duty and leave the rest to the Almighty’ and ‘oneness is the highest form of humanity’ among others. We wanted to give this scripture the highest honor and we have stored it on the flash drive that is on the satellite” said Dr Kesan, founder and CEO of Space Kidz India.&nbsp;

When asked about the idea of sending names of common people to space, she said it was an initiative to create awareness, generate curiosity and to get more people fascinated about space science, which many still perceive as inaccessible. Some schools had sent the entire name list of the students to be carried on-board, she added.

The satellite's panel also carries a small picture of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the make in India lion logo. Team Spacekidz has done this to recognise the support provided by India's government to private space entities, as part of the reforms rolled out in 2020.

With the success of this mission, India has put 342 foreign satellites of 34 countries in Orbit, on a commercial basis. &nbsp;

After the successful launch, chairman ISRO, Dr K Sivan said that ISRO has 14 missions lined up for the year 2021. It includes seven launch vehicles, six Satellites and the first unmanned trial of India's ambitious manned spaceflight programme Gaganyaan.

(With PTI inputs)

Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C51 successfully placed Brazil's Amazonia-1 and 18 other satellites into orbit. The lift-off took place from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.

Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C51 successfully placed Brazil's Amazonia-1 and 18 other satellites into orbit. The lift-off took place from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The PSLV lifted off at around 10:24 am on Sunday (February 28). "I am extremely happy to declare that PSLV-C51 successfully launched in precise orbit Amazonia-1 today... The satellite is in very good health and solar panels have been deployed," Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman K Sivan announced amid applause from the scientists. PSLV-C51 is the first dedicated commercial mission of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO's commercial arm, and the launch was watched among others by Brazilian government officials at the mission control centre here, over 100 kms from Chennai. The 637-kg Amazonia-1 which became the first Brazilian satellite to be launched from India is an optical earth observation satellite of National Institute for Space Research (INPE). The 18 co-passenger satellites onboard PSLV-C51 includes four from IN-SPACe and fourteen from NSIL. The fourteen satellites from NSIL carried were the commercial satellites from India (1) and USA (13). Of the 4 satellites from IN-SPACe, three were UNITYsats designed and built as a joint development by Jeppiaar Institute of Technology, Sriperumbudur, G.H.Raisoni College of Engineering, Nagpur and Sri Shakti Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore and one was Satish Dhawan Sat (SDSAT) from Space Kidz India. Among the satellites put into orbit by Indian Space Research Organization’s PSLV C51 rocket, is a small satellite built by a team of Indian students. SDSat or Satish Dhawan Satellite, a 30x10x10cm cuboid, is an experimental communication satellite built by Chennai-based SpaceKidz India. This indigenously designed and developed miniature spacecraft is meant to test the capabilities of LoRa(Long range) technology in Space, which could prove helpful for many applications in the future in short and M2M (machine-to-machine)communication. LoRa is a long-range, low-power wireless radio frequency technology that has become a common platform for Internet of Things (IoT) networks worldwide. Besides its scientific payloads, the satellite carries the names of 25,000 common people and the Bhagwad Gita to space. “People, irrespective of differences follow the principles of the Gita, like ‘do your duty and leave the rest to the Almighty’ and ‘oneness is the highest form of humanity’ among others. We wanted to give this scripture the highest honor and we have stored it on the flash drive that is on the satellite” said Dr Kesan, founder and CEO of Space Kidz India. When asked about the idea of sending names of common people to space, she said it was an initiative to create awareness, generate curiosity and to get more people fascinated about space science, which many still perceive as inaccessible. Some schools had sent the entire name list of the students to be carried on-board, she added. The satellite's panel also carries a small picture of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the make in India lion logo. Team Spacekidz has done this to recognise the support provided by India's government to private space entities, as part of the reforms rolled out in 2020. With the success of this mission, India has put 342 foreign satellites of 34 countries in Orbit, on a commercial basis. After the successful launch, chairman ISRO, Dr K Sivan said that ISRO has 14 missions lined up for the year 2021. It includes seven launch vehicles, six Satellites and the first unmanned trial of India's ambitious manned spaceflight programme Gaganyaan. (With PTI inputs)

ISRO's PSLV-C51 successfully places 19 satellites into orbit

Sri Lanka has put Chinese Sinopharm's Covid-19 vaccine on hold and will use India-manufactured Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine to inoculate 14 million people, a government spokesperson has said.&nbsp;

According to Cabinet co-spokesman, Dr Ramesh Pathirana, the Chinese vaccine Sinopharm has not yet completed phase 3 clinical trials, reported Daily Mirror. Dr Pathirana further said that the complete dossier pertaining to the registration of Chinese vaccine has also not yet been received. Dr Ramesh Pathirana said that Sri Lanka will depend mostly on the AstraZeneca vaccine from the Serum Institute of India. &nbsp;

"For the time being, we need to go with the AstraZeneca vaccine. The moment we receive full documentation from the Chinese manufacturer, we can consider registering it," Daily Mirror quoted Pathirana as saying.&nbsp;

However, he said that registering the Sinopharm vaccine may take time as the World Health Organisation (WHO) is yet to approve it. "It is still under review," he said. &nbsp;

The official added that even the Russian vaccine Sputnik V is yet to be approved as a result of which Sri Lanka may be compelled to depend on AstraZeneca to inoculate all 14 million people, Daily Mirror reported. &nbsp;

The Sri Lankan cabinet approved the purchase of 10 million doses of 'Made in India' AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine from the SII for USD 52.5 million, local media reported.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka is not the only country that has expressed its concerns over the lack of information on Chinese-made vaccines. Earlier, it was reported that Sri Lankan authorities will begin inoculating the general public against the Covid-19 from next month.&nbsp;

In the month of January, the Sinovac vaccine was found to be far less effective than vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, according to a Brazilian government statement.&nbsp;

The efficacy of the Chinese-made vaccine was also found to be 50.38 per cent in Brazil's late-stage trials.&nbsp;

(With agency inputs)&nbsp;

Sri Lanka has put Chinese Sinopharm's Covid-19 vaccine on hold and will use India-manufactured Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine to inoculate 14 million people, a government spokesperson has said.

Sri Lanka has put Chinese Sinopharm's Covid-19 vaccine on hold and will use India-manufactured Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine to inoculate 14 million people, a government spokesperson has said. According to Cabinet co-spokesman, Dr Ramesh Pathirana, the Chinese vaccine Sinopharm has not yet completed phase 3 clinical trials, reported Daily Mirror. Dr Pathirana further said that the complete dossier pertaining to the registration of Chinese vaccine has also not yet been received. Dr Ramesh Pathirana said that Sri Lanka will depend mostly on the AstraZeneca vaccine from the Serum Institute of India. "For the time being, we need to go with the AstraZeneca vaccine. The moment we receive full documentation from the Chinese manufacturer, we can consider registering it," Daily Mirror quoted Pathirana as saying. However, he said that registering the Sinopharm vaccine may take time as the World Health Organisation (WHO) is yet to approve it. "It is still under review," he said. The official added that even the Russian vaccine Sputnik V is yet to be approved as a result of which Sri Lanka may be compelled to depend on AstraZeneca to inoculate all 14 million people, Daily Mirror reported. The Sri Lankan cabinet approved the purchase of 10 million doses of 'Made in India' AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine from the SII for USD 52.5 million, local media reported. Sri Lanka is not the only country that has expressed its concerns over the lack of information on Chinese-made vaccines. Earlier, it was reported that Sri Lankan authorities will begin inoculating the general public against the Covid-19 from next month. In the month of January, the Sinovac vaccine was found to be far less effective than vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, according to a Brazilian government statement. The efficacy of the Chinese-made vaccine was also found to be 50.38 per cent in Brazil's late-stage trials. (With agency inputs)

Sri Lanka puts Chinese Sinopharm on hold, to use India-manufactured vaccine

India has provided 361.94 lakh doses of anti-coronavirus vaccines to various countries, out of which 67.5 lakh doses have been supplied as grant assistance and 294.44 lakh on commercial basis, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said the supply of vaccines to countries will continue in the coming weeks and months in a phased manner but it will be ensured that domestic requirements for the national vaccination programme are kept in mind.

"As of now, we have provided a total of 361.94 lakh doses to various countries. This includes 67.5 lakh doses supplied under grant assistance and 294.44 lakh doses under various commercial contracts," he said at an online briefing.

Srivastava said India has also offered locally-made vaccines to all members of the diplomatic corps and their families based in the country.

"It has been offered not only to the diplomats of countries but also to those of UN agencies and intergovernmental organisations working in India. This drive will cover all the locations where they are based," he said.

To a question on the workshop on "COVID-19 Management: Experience, Good Practices and Way Forward" with 10 neighbouring countries that was held on February 18 and addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Srivastava said among other things, the PM proposed a special visa scheme for doctors and nurses, a regional Air Ambulance agreement for medical contingencies, creation of a regional platform for collating, compiling and studying data about the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.

The prime minister also proposed creating a regional network for promoting technology-assisted epidemiology for preventing future pandemics, he said.

Srivastava said these proposals were very well-received by the participating countries and follow-up action is being taken in consultation with ministries concerned.

India has sent consignments of anti-coronavirus vaccine doses as gifts to countries such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Bahrain, Oman, Afghanistan, Barbados and Dominica.

Countries which received vaccines on commercial basis include Brazil, Morocco, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Egypt, Algeria, South Africa, Kuwait and the UAE.

In a major announcement, India on January 19 said it will send vaccines under grant assistance to several countries.

India is one of the world's biggest drugmakers, and an increasing number of countries have already approached it for procuring anti-coronavirus vaccines.

India has provided 361.94 lakh doses of anti-coronavirus vaccines to various countries, out of which 67.5 lakh doses have been supplied as grant assistance and 294.

India has provided 361.94 lakh doses of anti-coronavirus vaccines to various countries, out of which 67.5 lakh doses have been supplied as grant assistance and 294.44 lakh on commercial basis, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday. MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said the supply of vaccines to countries will continue in the coming weeks and months in a phased manner but it will be ensured that domestic requirements for the national vaccination programme are kept in mind. "As of now, we have provided a total of 361.94 lakh doses to various countries. This includes 67.5 lakh doses supplied under grant assistance and 294.44 lakh doses under various commercial contracts," he said at an online briefing. Srivastava said India has also offered locally-made vaccines to all members of the diplomatic corps and their families based in the country. "It has been offered not only to the diplomats of countries but also to those of UN agencies and intergovernmental organisations working in India. This drive will cover all the locations where they are based," he said. To a question on the workshop on "COVID-19 Management: Experience, Good Practices and Way Forward" with 10 neighbouring countries that was held on February 18 and addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Srivastava said among other things, the PM proposed a special visa scheme for doctors and nurses, a regional Air Ambulance agreement for medical contingencies, creation of a regional platform for collating, compiling and studying data about the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. The prime minister also proposed creating a regional network for promoting technology-assisted epidemiology for preventing future pandemics, he said. Srivastava said these proposals were very well-received by the participating countries and follow-up action is being taken in consultation with ministries concerned. India has sent consignments of anti-coronavirus vaccine doses as gifts to countries such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Bahrain, Oman, Afghanistan, Barbados and Dominica. Countries which received vaccines on commercial basis include Brazil, Morocco, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Egypt, Algeria, South Africa, Kuwait and the UAE. In a major announcement, India on January 19 said it will send vaccines under grant assistance to several countries. India is one of the world's biggest drugmakers, and an increasing number of countries have already approached it for procuring anti-coronavirus vaccines.

India sent over 30 million COVID vaccines abroad: MEA

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