After reports said hundred soldiers from China had entered India's territory in Uttarakhand&nbsp;last month, latest reports indicate that Chinese troops have been installing missile defence systems and building military infrastructure&nbsp;along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Chinese troops had reportedly crossed 5 kms into Indian territory in Uttarakhand. The PLA reportedly brought 55 horses as they entered the Indian territory and stayed put for nearly three hours as Indian authorities reached the spot.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-soldiers-building-accommodations-military-infrastructure-along-lac-report-417038">Also Read: Chinese troops crossed LAC in Uttarakhand last month</a>

Reports claimed locals first spotted the Chinese soldiers and informed the authorities as the Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan border police (ITBP) dispatched their patrol teams.

Watch: How China&nbsp;is stoking tensions at the border again

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-china-is-stoking-tensions-at-the-border-again-416962/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Chinese soldiers have reportedly built more accommodations for soldiers along the LAC and have built new airstrips and helipads. Chinese Army has also deployed advanced weapons and conducted overnight drills amid de-escalation&nbsp;talks with Indian commanders at the border.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-dogfight-over-himalayas-between-indias-rafale-vs-chinas-j-20-stealth-fighter-who-wins-326656">Also Read:&nbsp;In dogfight over Himalayas between India's Rafale vs China's J-20 stealth fighter, who wins?</a>

In at least eight forward locations along the LAC, Chinese troops have reportedly built new modular container-based accommodations at high altitudes. Reports also claim the PLA has&nbsp;deployed&nbsp;S-400 missiles along the border.

In fact, China's Global Times attacked the Indian media for reporting the incident. The state-run newspaper&nbsp;quoted the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying saying that "India has been illegally crossing the line to erode Chinese territory".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-china-standoff-how-india-intends-to-combat-chinas-gj-1-and-gj-2-armed-drones-along-lac-in-eastern-ladakh-368110">In Pics: How India intends to combat China's GJ-1 and GJ-2 armed drones along LAC in eastern Ladakh</a>

"China opposes an arms race aimed at expanding military control in disputed areas, is firmly safeguarding Chinese territorial sovereignty and security and at the same time committed to maintaining peace and stability in the border areas between China and India," Global Times quoted Hua as saying on Wednesday.

(With inputs from Agencies)

After reports said hundred soldiers from China had entered India's territory in Uttarakhand last month, latest reports indicate that Chinese troops have been installing missile defence systems and building military infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

After reports said hundred soldiers from China had entered India's territory in Uttarakhand last month, latest reports indicate that Chinese troops have been installing missile defence systems and building military infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Chinese troops had reportedly crossed 5 kms into Indian territory in Uttarakhand. The PLA reportedly brought 55 horses as they entered the Indian territory and stayed put for nearly three hours as Indian authorities reached the spot. Also Read: Chinese troops crossed LAC in Uttarakhand last month Reports claimed locals first spotted the Chinese soldiers and informed the authorities as the Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan border police (ITBP) dispatched their patrol teams. Watch: How China is stoking tensions at the border again Chinese soldiers have reportedly built more accommodations for soldiers along the LAC and have built new airstrips and helipads. Chinese Army has also deployed advanced weapons and conducted overnight drills amid de-escalation talks with Indian commanders at the border. Also Read: In dogfight over Himalayas between India's Rafale vs China's J-20 stealth fighter, who wins? In at least eight forward locations along the LAC, Chinese troops have reportedly built new modular container-based accommodations at high altitudes. Reports also claim the PLA has deployed S-400 missiles along the border. In fact, China's Global Times attacked the Indian media for reporting the incident. The state-run newspaper quoted the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying saying that "India has been illegally crossing the line to erode Chinese territory". In Pics: How India intends to combat China's GJ-1 and GJ-2 armed drones along LAC in eastern Ladakh "China opposes an arms race aimed at expanding military control in disputed areas, is firmly safeguarding Chinese territorial sovereignty and security and at the same time committed to maintaining peace and stability in the border areas between China and India," Global Times quoted Hua as saying on Wednesday. (With inputs from Agencies)

Chinese soldiers building accommodations, military infrastructure along LAC: Report

India has made it clear to China that peace and tranquility in border areas are essential for the development of bilateral ties and that it can only be based on "three mutuals" — mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interests, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Monday.

He said as an immediate neighbour of Afghanistan, India is naturally concerned about the recent changes in that country and their implications for the region and that India's friendship with Afghan people will continue to guide its approach in the future.

In an address at the sixth J P Morgan "India Investor Summit", Shringla said the situation in India's neighbourhood, particularly in Afghanistan, and with China on the eastern borders reminds us that while the new realities are making themselves felt, traditional security challenges remain.

Talking about "megatrends", he listed the phenomenon of rebalancing in which global activity is moving towards Asia, the rise of China and the pressure on the international systems among others.

On New Delhi's ties with Beijing, he said Chinese attempts over the last year to "unilaterally" alter the status quo in Ladakh have "seriously disturbed" peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

"These acts are in violation of our bilateral agreements and have inevitably impacted other aspects of the bilateral relationship," he said, referring to the eastern Ladakh border standoff.

"We have made it clear to the Chinese side that peace and tranquillity in border areas are essential for the development of our relationship. Development of India-China relationship can only be based on "three mutuals"- mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interests," he added.

Shringla said an essential basis for the largely positive trajectory of India-China relations during the last 40 years has been the agreement between the two countries to ensure peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

On the situation in Afghanistan, he referred to the recent UN Security Council resolution 2693 and said it demanded that Afghan territory should not be used for sheltering, training, planning or financing terrorist acts and also specifically refers to terrorists proscribed by the global body including those from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

"As an immediate neighbour, we are naturally concerned about the recent changes within Afghanistan and their implications for us and the region," Shringla said.

The foreign secretary said India's immediate focus was on the evacuation of its nationals from Afghanistan and that most of them were able to leave Kabul in August along with a number of Afghans, including minorities.

"However, this process could not be completed due to the security situation at the airport. Resumption of flights from Kabul airport is, therefore, a priority. We are closely monitoring the unfolding situation," Shringla said.

Elaborating on the UN Security Council resolution on Afghanistan, he noted that it was adopted under India's presidency of the global body and that it comprehensively addressed the main pending issues relating to that country.

The foreign secretary said India is also monitoring developments related to the humanitarian needs of Afghanistan.

In UNDP"s assessment, there is an imminent threat of poverty levels rising in Afghanistan besides a threat of an imminent drought and a food security crisis, he said.

"It is important for the humanitarian assistance providers to be given unrestricted and direct access to Afghanistan," the foreign secretary said.

He also underlined the need to ensure that the distribution of humanitarian assistance is done in a "non-discriminatory manner" to all sections of Afghan society.

"India"s approach to Afghanistan has been guided by our civilisational relationship with the Afghan people. We have extended over USD 3 billion as development assistance for the welfare of the people of Afghanistan," he said.

Referring to the recent in-person Quad summit, Shringla said the agenda of cooperation under this framework is constructive and diverse.

"The four Quad countries are engaged on issues of connectivity and infrastructure, emerging technologies, climate action, education, and most important of all, COVID-19 responses – which include vaccines collaboration, and resilient and reliable supply chains," he said.

He said India is involved in multiple initiatives, within the framework of Quad and with Quad countries individually, on supply chain resilience.&nbsp;

India has made it clear to China that peace and tranquility in border areas are essential for the development of bilateral ties and that it can only be based on "three mutuals" — mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interests, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Monday.

India has made it clear to China that peace and tranquility in border areas are essential for the development of bilateral ties and that it can only be based on "three mutuals" — mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interests, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Monday. He said as an immediate neighbour of Afghanistan, India is naturally concerned about the recent changes in that country and their implications for the region and that India's friendship with Afghan people will continue to guide its approach in the future. In an address at the sixth J P Morgan "India Investor Summit", Shringla said the situation in India's neighbourhood, particularly in Afghanistan, and with China on the eastern borders reminds us that while the new realities are making themselves felt, traditional security challenges remain. Talking about "megatrends", he listed the phenomenon of rebalancing in which global activity is moving towards Asia, the rise of China and the pressure on the international systems among others. On New Delhi's ties with Beijing, he said Chinese attempts over the last year to "unilaterally" alter the status quo in Ladakh have "seriously disturbed" peace and tranquillity in the border areas. "These acts are in violation of our bilateral agreements and have inevitably impacted other aspects of the bilateral relationship," he said, referring to the eastern Ladakh border standoff. "We have made it clear to the Chinese side that peace and tranquillity in border areas are essential for the development of our relationship. Development of India-China relationship can only be based on "three mutuals"- mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interests," he added. Shringla said an essential basis for the largely positive trajectory of India-China relations during the last 40 years has been the agreement between the two countries to ensure peace and tranquillity in the border areas. On the situation in Afghanistan, he referred to the recent UN Security Council resolution 2693 and said it demanded that Afghan territory should not be used for sheltering, training, planning or financing terrorist acts and also specifically refers to terrorists proscribed by the global body including those from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). "As an immediate neighbour, we are naturally concerned about the recent changes within Afghanistan and their implications for us and the region," Shringla said. The foreign secretary said India's immediate focus was on the evacuation of its nationals from Afghanistan and that most of them were able to leave Kabul in August along with a number of Afghans, including minorities. "However, this process could not be completed due to the security situation at the airport. Resumption of flights from Kabul airport is, therefore, a priority. We are closely monitoring the unfolding situation," Shringla said. Elaborating on the UN Security Council resolution on Afghanistan, he noted that it was adopted under India's presidency of the global body and that it comprehensively addressed the main pending issues relating to that country. The foreign secretary said India is also monitoring developments related to the humanitarian needs of Afghanistan. In UNDP"s assessment, there is an imminent threat of poverty levels rising in Afghanistan besides a threat of an imminent drought and a food security crisis, he said. "It is important for the humanitarian assistance providers to be given unrestricted and direct access to Afghanistan," the foreign secretary said. He also underlined the need to ensure that the distribution of humanitarian assistance is done in a "non-discriminatory manner" to all sections of Afghan society. "India"s approach to Afghanistan has been guided by our civilisational relationship with the Afghan people. We have extended over USD 3 billion as development assistance for the welfare of the people of Afghanistan," he said. Referring to the recent in-person Quad summit, Shringla said the agenda of cooperation under this framework is constructive and diverse. "The four Quad countries are engaged on issues of connectivity and infrastructure, emerging technologies, climate action, education, and most important of all, COVID-19 responses – which include vaccines collaboration, and resilient and reliable supply chains," he said. He said India is involved in multiple initiatives, within the framework of Quad and with Quad countries individually, on supply chain resilience.

Peace and tranquility in border areas are essential for development of bilateral ties, India tells China

In a positive development, Indian army and Chinese people's liberation army (PLA) on Sunday announced the establishment of a hotline. The hotline was established between the Indian Army in Kongra La, North Sikkim and PLA at Khamba Dzong in Tibetan Autonomous Region to "further the spirit of trust and cordial relations along the borders", Indian Army said.

The announcement incidentally came on PLA day, i.e. August 01. It was on this day in 1927 the PLA was founded. This is the sixth hotline between the two countries.&nbsp;Now, both sides now have two hotlines in Eastern Ladakh, two in Sikkim and two in Arunachal Pradesh.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fifth-pre-1965-rail-link-operationalised-between-india-bangladesh-402262">Fifth pre-1965 rail link operationalised between India, Bangladesh</a>

The Indian Army release highlighted, "the Armed forces of the two countries have well established mechanisms for communication at ground commanders level", adding&nbsp;that these "hotlines in various sectors go a long way in enhancing the same and maintaining peace and tranquility at the borders".

The inauguration of the hotline was attended by ground commanders of both the countries and&nbsp;messages of "friendship and harmony" were exchanged through the hotline.

This&nbsp;development comes a day after Indian, Chinese military talks happened at Moldo for disengagement at Hot springs, Gogra &amp; Depsang in Eastern Ladakh. Ties between the two countries have gone downhill since April-May last year after China amassed its troops at Line of Actual (LAC) control. The Galwan incident of 2020 resulted in the deaths&nbsp;of 20 Indian soldiers due to aggressive Chinese action — the worst such development at LAC in decades. 
&nbsp;

In a positive development, Indian army and Chinese people's liberation army (PLA) on Sunday announced the establishment of a hotline. The hotline was established between the Indian Army in Kongra La, North Sikkim and PLA at Khamba Dzong in Tibetan Autonomous Region to "further the spirit of trust and cordial relations along the borders", Indian Army said.

In a positive development, Indian army and Chinese people's liberation army (PLA) on Sunday announced the establishment of a hotline. The hotline was established between the Indian Army in Kongra La, North Sikkim and PLA at Khamba Dzong in Tibetan Autonomous Region to "further the spirit of trust and cordial relations along the borders", Indian Army said. The announcement incidentally came on PLA day, i.e. August 01. It was on this day in 1927 the PLA was founded. This is the sixth hotline between the two countries. Now, both sides now have two hotlines in Eastern Ladakh, two in Sikkim and two in Arunachal Pradesh. Also read | Fifth pre-1965 rail link operationalised between India, Bangladesh The Indian Army release highlighted, "the Armed forces of the two countries have well established mechanisms for communication at ground commanders level", adding that these "hotlines in various sectors go a long way in enhancing the same and maintaining peace and tranquility at the borders". The inauguration of the hotline was attended by ground commanders of both the countries and messages of "friendship and harmony" were exchanged through the hotline. This development comes a day after Indian, Chinese military talks happened at Moldo for disengagement at Hot springs, Gogra & Depsang in Eastern Ladakh. Ties between the two countries have gone downhill since April-May last year after China amassed its troops at Line of Actual (LAC) control. The Galwan incident of 2020 resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers due to aggressive Chinese action — the worst such development at LAC in decades.

In a positive development, Indian, Chinese Army establish 6th hotline

The twelfth round of top commanders-level talks between India and China are underway at Moldo on the Chinese side in the Ladakh region on Saturday. 
 
The talks are happening after a gap of three months. Indian military delegates are discussing disengagement at friction areas like Hot Springs, Gogra and 900 square km Depsang plains. 
 
The Indian delegation is led by Leh-based XIV Corps chief Lt Gen PGK. Menon and Additional Secretary (East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Naveen Srivastava.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-hold-10th-round-of-military-talks-365029">India, China hold 10th round of military talks</a> 
 
The Chinese military delegation is led by Commander of the PLA's Western Theatre Command Xu Qiling, who was appointed earlier this month. 
 
The build-up in Depsang was not being considered part of the current standoff that started in May last year as escalation here took place in 2013. India has insisted during recent military commander meetings to resolve all issues across the Line of Actual Control. 
 
"The initial attempt will be to resolve Gogra and Hot Springs. Finding a solution to Depsang might be tricky and take longer," said the officer. 
 
In April, during the 11th round of Corps Commander level talk, the focus was disengagement on friction points at Gogra, Hot Springs and Depsang. On February 20, Indian and Chinese militaries held the 10th round of dialogue to de-escalate tension at the Line of Actual Control. 
 
Till now, apart from 11 rounds of Corps Commanders-level talks, the two forces have also held 10 Major Generals level, 55 Brigadiers-level talks and 1,450 calls over the hotlines.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-india-china-wmcc-talks-eam-jaishankar-says-chinese-deployment-still-continues-393333">Ahead of India-China WMCC talks, EAM Jaishankar says Chinese 'deployment still continues'</a> 
 
China has been enhancing military infrastructure across the Line of Control. 
 
Looking at it, India has changed its posture towards China, unlike its previous defensive approach that placed a premium on fending on Chinese aggression, India is now catering to military options to strike back and has reoriented its military accordingly. 
 
India has reoriented around 50,000 troops whose main focus will be the disputed border with China. The reorientation comes when China is refurbishing its existing air-fields in Tibetan Plateau that will allow twin-engines fighter aircraft to be stationed, sources said. 
&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-china-border-tension-10th-round-of-military-talks-over-365140/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In addition, China has also brought troops from the Tibet Military region to the Xinjiang region that passes through the Karakoram range down south Uttarakhand. 
 
Further, they have deployed larger numbers of long-range artillery and are rapidly building infrastructure in the Tibetan Plateau. 
 
So far, the troops of two Himalayan giants have disengaged from both the banks of Pangong Tso in February this year.

The twelfth round of top commanders-level talks between India and China are underway at Moldo on the Chinese side in the Ladakh region on Saturday. The talks are happening after a gap of three months.

The twelfth round of top commanders-level talks between India and China are underway at Moldo on the Chinese side in the Ladakh region on Saturday. The talks are happening after a gap of three months. Indian military delegates are discussing disengagement at friction areas like Hot Springs, Gogra and 900 square km Depsang plains. The Indian delegation is led by Leh-based XIV Corps chief Lt Gen PGK. Menon and Additional Secretary (East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Naveen Srivastava. Also read | India, China hold 10th round of military talks The Chinese military delegation is led by Commander of the PLA's Western Theatre Command Xu Qiling, who was appointed earlier this month. The build-up in Depsang was not being considered part of the current standoff that started in May last year as escalation here took place in 2013. India has insisted during recent military commander meetings to resolve all issues across the Line of Actual Control. "The initial attempt will be to resolve Gogra and Hot Springs. Finding a solution to Depsang might be tricky and take longer," said the officer. In April, during the 11th round of Corps Commander level talk, the focus was disengagement on friction points at Gogra, Hot Springs and Depsang. On February 20, Indian and Chinese militaries held the 10th round of dialogue to de-escalate tension at the Line of Actual Control. Till now, apart from 11 rounds of Corps Commanders-level talks, the two forces have also held 10 Major Generals level, 55 Brigadiers-level talks and 1,450 calls over the hotlines. Also read | Ahead of India-China WMCC talks, EAM Jaishankar says Chinese 'deployment still continues' China has been enhancing military infrastructure across the Line of Control. Looking at it, India has changed its posture towards China, unlike its previous defensive approach that placed a premium on fending on Chinese aggression, India is now catering to military options to strike back and has reoriented its military accordingly. India has reoriented around 50,000 troops whose main focus will be the disputed border with China. The reorientation comes when China is refurbishing its existing air-fields in Tibetan Plateau that will allow twin-engines fighter aircraft to be stationed, sources said. In addition, China has also brought troops from the Tibet Military region to the Xinjiang region that passes through the Karakoram range down south Uttarakhand. Further, they have deployed larger numbers of long-range artillery and are rapidly building infrastructure in the Tibetan Plateau. So far, the troops of two Himalayan giants have disengaged from both the banks of Pangong Tso in February this year.

After three months hiatus, India-China engage in top commanders-level talks

The China-South Asian Countries Poverty Alleviation and Cooperative Development Centre was launched in China and ambassadors of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka&nbsp;and Bangladesh to China were invited but not India.&nbsp;

“The center aims to pool strength, integrate resources, and exchange wisdom to support and help the South Asian countries' economic development and livelihood improvement, jointly promoting the cause of poverty reduction,” the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement.

Dinesh Bhattarai, former diplomat and foreign policy expert said it’s a “minus-India initiative”.

Speaking to WION, Bhattarai said, “We are talking about development in the South Asian region without involving one of the largest country, India. It is a minus-India initiative. China has also excluded Bhutan and Maldives.”

Questioning the framework of the initiative, he said, “Without India, we cannot talk about South Asia development. South Asia&nbsp;is Indo centric and the centrality of India cannot be overlooked. All the counties face the problem of poverty. China is looking for avenues to work in South Asia trying to intensify its engagement, presence, influence in the South Asian region. I don’t know how pragmatic the framework of the initiative will be without India.”

<img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7aff2240-c896-4fe7-832d-7715538ba5fe" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/77777.jpg" />

According to the Chinese foreign ministry, ambassadors said&nbsp;poverty alleviation and development are an important task and a prominent challenge of the South Asian countries, so the centre&nbsp;initiated by China is set up at a most opportune time.

Former Nepal’s ambassador to China, Leela Mani Paudyal believes India should not hesitate to participate as there is a lot to learn from China.

“It is a welcoming initiative for South Asian nations that they can learn a lot from China's unprecedented success in poverty alleviation drive. Poverty is a menace of humanity and a common challenge of the world,” Paudyal told WION.&nbsp;

“I think South Asian countries can tremendously benefit from this initiative. Regarding India, I am not aware of the detailed arrangements, but I think India should join&nbsp;this group and benefit from China's learnings. If India wishes&nbsp;in my mind&nbsp;the group should be flexible and accommodative to involve India in the initiative,” he stated.&nbsp;

Experts believe the establishment of an institution to alleviate poverty in South Asia without the participation of India sounds like a far-fetched dream.

Recently, the National Human Rights Commission in the report titled 'State of Working India 2021: One year of COVID-19' (2021) had said&nbsp;23&nbsp;crore Indians have been pushed into poverty in the past one year.

The China-South Asian Countries Poverty Alleviation and Cooperative Development Centre was launched in China and ambassadors of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to China were invited but not India.

The China-South Asian Countries Poverty Alleviation and Cooperative Development Centre was launched in China and ambassadors of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to China were invited but not India. “The center aims to pool strength, integrate resources, and exchange wisdom to support and help the South Asian countries' economic development and livelihood improvement, jointly promoting the cause of poverty reduction,” the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement. Dinesh Bhattarai, former diplomat and foreign policy expert said it’s a “minus-India initiative”. Speaking to WION, Bhattarai said, “We are talking about development in the South Asian region without involving one of the largest country, India. It is a minus-India initiative. China has also excluded Bhutan and Maldives.” Questioning the framework of the initiative, he said, “Without India, we cannot talk about South Asia development. South Asia is Indo centric and the centrality of India cannot be overlooked. All the counties face the problem of poverty. China is looking for avenues to work in South Asia trying to intensify its engagement, presence, influence in the South Asian region. I don’t know how pragmatic the framework of the initiative will be without India.” According to the Chinese foreign ministry, ambassadors said poverty alleviation and development are an important task and a prominent challenge of the South Asian countries, so the centre initiated by China is set up at a most opportune time. Former Nepal’s ambassador to China, Leela Mani Paudyal believes India should not hesitate to participate as there is a lot to learn from China. “It is a welcoming initiative for South Asian nations that they can learn a lot from China's unprecedented success in poverty alleviation drive. Poverty is a menace of humanity and a common challenge of the world,” Paudyal told WION. “I think South Asian countries can tremendously benefit from this initiative. Regarding India, I am not aware of the detailed arrangements, but I think India should join this group and benefit from China's learnings. If India wishes in my mind the group should be flexible and accommodative to involve India in the initiative,” he stated. Experts believe the establishment of an institution to alleviate poverty in South Asia without the participation of India sounds like a far-fetched dream. Recently, the National Human Rights Commission in the report titled 'State of Working India 2021: One year of COVID-19' (2021) had said 23 crore Indians have been pushed into poverty in the past one year.

China excludes India from South Asian poverty alleviation initiative

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has thanked&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for wishing him on his birthday.

Lama posted a&nbsp;video message in which he expressed his gratitude towards everyone wished him saying&nbsp;"Many of my friends expressed&nbsp;happy birthday. Here I want to take this opportunity to express to those people, my thanks."

"I want to thank my long time supporters and friends, and then many other people including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and many ministers and also chief ministers and a number of my Indian friends," he added.

Dalai Lama who had to left Tibet after the Chinese occupation in the 1950s said, "They sincerely expressed their&nbsp;congratulations&nbsp;on my birthday. So I very much appreciate this friendly expression."

On Tuesday, in a departure from the past, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama on his 86th birthday. &nbsp;In a tweet from his handle, he said, "Spoke on phone to His Holiness the @DalaiLama to convey greetings on his 86th birthday" and "We wish him a long and healthy life."&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Spoke on phone to His Holiness the <a href="https://twitter.com/DalaiLama?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DalaiLama</a> to convey greetings on his 86th birthday. We wish him a long and healthy life.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1412310494870913032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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While in the past Indian PM Modi has been congratulating Dalai Lama on his birthday, but never an announcement has been made, largely due to Chinese sensitivities. The announcement is seen as a message to Beijing even as China continues with provocative behavior at the Line of actual control in Ladakh.

Other political leaders in India have also wished Dalai Lama on his birthday. These are Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal, from the Indian Cabinet-- Road transport minister Nitin Gadkari, Aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for wishing him on his birthday. Lama posted a video message in which he expressed his gratitude towards everyone wished him saying "Many of my friends expressed happy birthday.

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for wishing him on his birthday. Lama posted a video message in which he expressed his gratitude towards everyone wished him saying "Many of my friends expressed happy birthday. Here I want to take this opportunity to express to those people, my thanks." "I want to thank my long time supporters and friends, and then many other people including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and many ministers and also chief ministers and a number of my Indian friends," he added. Dalai Lama who had to left Tibet after the Chinese occupation in the 1950s said, "They sincerely expressed their congratulations on my birthday. So I very much appreciate this friendly expression." On Tuesday, in a departure from the past, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama on his 86th birthday. In a tweet from his handle, he said, "Spoke on phone to His Holiness the @DalaiLama to convey greetings on his 86th birthday" and "We wish him a long and healthy life." Spoke on phone to His Holiness the @DalaiLama to convey greetings on his 86th birthday. We wish him a long and healthy life. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2021 × While in the past Indian PM Modi has been congratulating Dalai Lama on his birthday, but never an announcement has been made, largely due to Chinese sensitivities. The announcement is seen as a message to Beijing even as China continues with provocative behavior at the Line of actual control in Ladakh. Other political leaders in India have also wished Dalai Lama on his birthday. These are Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal, from the Indian Cabinet-- Road transport minister Nitin Gadkari, Aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

Dalai Lama thanks Indian PM Modi for birthday wishes

The president of India's PHD Chamber of Commerce has said that the "reliability of China as a trade partner" is "questionable" even as visa issuance by the country remains an issue.

Travelling to China has not been possible for Indian nationals since last November as the Chinese side has suspended existing visas.

Sanjay Aggarwal, speaking to WION, said, "I think, for the Chinese government, this approach is not in their own interest. I think they are just proving the point when we talk of a nation, not trying to be dependent on China but then individual businessmen suffer the issue of actual trade getting various issues, payment issues, material stuck due to non-issue of visas."

Earlier this year in March, the Chinese embassy issued a notification that visas will be given to only those who have taken China-made vaccines, putting a barrier as no Chinese vaccines have been approved by the Indian government.

"The reliability of China as a trade partner itself is questionable. So I think, they are basically trying to either have an attitude that we have built up our economy enough by pretending to be very open&nbsp;to now a stage to punish whoever we wish to," Aggarwal explained&nbsp;adding, "If that is their line of thinking, so be it. It is not to their advantage. Indian businessmen may suffer in the short term for the individual issue but they will learn for future on their dependency."

This is the first such comment by any national chamber over trade with China and the risks involved amid China's continued presence at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh.

China is India's one of largest trading partners&nbsp;but the trade deficit which is in favour of China has been a cause of worry for India. In fact, it is the single biggest trade deficit India has with any country. India's dependence on China has been a cause of worry&nbsp;for which the chamber called for incentives from the government for Indian businesses.

The president of the PDH Chamber of Commerce highlighted, "China, is not exactly a friendly country. We have to be looked at from a national security perspective also in addition to just commercial. We need to find innovative ways to drastically and progressively reduce our dependence on China."

The 100-year-old national business chamber represents companies from&nbsp;northern India and has a special focus on the MSME sector. Aggarwal called for easy availability of credit amid the impact of the Covid crisis and the fast release of payments by the government to MSMEs.

The president of India's PHD Chamber of Commerce has said that the "reliability of China as a trade partner" is "questionable" even as visa issuance by the country remains an issue.

The president of India's PHD Chamber of Commerce has said that the "reliability of China as a trade partner" is "questionable" even as visa issuance by the country remains an issue. Travelling to China has not been possible for Indian nationals since last November as the Chinese side has suspended existing visas. Sanjay Aggarwal, speaking to WION, said, "I think, for the Chinese government, this approach is not in their own interest. I think they are just proving the point when we talk of a nation, not trying to be dependent on China but then individual businessmen suffer the issue of actual trade getting various issues, payment issues, material stuck due to non-issue of visas." Earlier this year in March, the Chinese embassy issued a notification that visas will be given to only those who have taken China-made vaccines, putting a barrier as no Chinese vaccines have been approved by the Indian government. "The reliability of China as a trade partner itself is questionable. So I think, they are basically trying to either have an attitude that we have built up our economy enough by pretending to be very open to now a stage to punish whoever we wish to," Aggarwal explained adding, "If that is their line of thinking, so be it. It is not to their advantage. Indian businessmen may suffer in the short term for the individual issue but they will learn for future on their dependency." This is the first such comment by any national chamber over trade with China and the risks involved amid China's continued presence at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. China is India's one of largest trading partners but the trade deficit which is in favour of China has been a cause of worry for India. In fact, it is the single biggest trade deficit India has with any country. India's dependence on China has been a cause of worry for which the chamber called for incentives from the government for Indian businesses. The president of the PDH Chamber of Commerce highlighted, "China, is not exactly a friendly country. We have to be looked at from a national security perspective also in addition to just commercial. We need to find innovative ways to drastically and progressively reduce our dependence on China." The 100-year-old national business chamber represents companies from northern India and has a special focus on the MSME sector. Aggarwal called for easy availability of credit amid the impact of the Covid crisis and the fast release of payments by the government to MSMEs.

Reliability of China as trade partner questionable, says Indian trade body chief

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that Chinese deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) continues unabated while urging&nbsp;Beijing to live up to its "written commitments".&nbsp;The comments come&nbsp;as India, China prepare&nbsp;for the next round of "Working Mechanism for Consultation &amp; Coordination" (WMCC) diplomatic talks.

At an event, Jaishankar referred to the deployment in Ladakh, saying&nbsp;"close up deployments still continue, especially in Ladakh. The issue is whether China will live up to the written commitments which are made about both countries not deploying a large armed force at the border."

June marked a year since the violent face off in Galwan which left 20 Indian dead in action while confronting&nbsp;aggressive Chinese actions. This incident marked the first time bloodshed was witnessed at the Line of Actual Control in decades and caused the relationship between Asian giants to hit a historic low.

Urging Chinese authorities to stick to the commitment&nbsp;and calling the India-China border issue "a challenge", Jaishankar said that&nbsp;"the larger issue really [is]&nbsp;whether we can build this relationship on the basis of mutual sensitivity, mutual respect and mutual interest".

A pact made in February facilitated disengagement&nbsp;at the Pangong Lake area&nbsp;but deescalation&nbsp;in other territories like Gogra and&nbsp;hot springs is still awaited.

The 21st meeting of the WMCC took place&nbsp;on&nbsp;March 12, 2021&nbsp;and was followed by the 11th round of India-China Corps Commander Level meeting which happened on April 9, 2021.

During the course of these meetings, India has repeatedly called for complete disengagement but China's stance has remain largely unchanged in terms of retreating.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that Chinese deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) continues unabated while urging Beijing to live up to its "written commitments".

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that Chinese deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) continues unabated while urging Beijing to live up to its "written commitments". The comments come as India, China prepare for the next round of "Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination" (WMCC) diplomatic talks. At an event, Jaishankar referred to the deployment in Ladakh, saying "close up deployments still continue, especially in Ladakh. The issue is whether China will live up to the written commitments which are made about both countries not deploying a large armed force at the border." June marked a year since the violent face off in Galwan which left 20 Indian dead in action while confronting aggressive Chinese actions. This incident marked the first time bloodshed was witnessed at the Line of Actual Control in decades and caused the relationship between Asian giants to hit a historic low. Urging Chinese authorities to stick to the commitment and calling the India-China border issue "a challenge", Jaishankar said that "the larger issue really [is] whether we can build this relationship on the basis of mutual sensitivity, mutual respect and mutual interest". A pact made in February facilitated disengagement at the Pangong Lake area but deescalation in other territories like Gogra and hot springs is still awaited. The 21st meeting of the WMCC took place on March 12, 2021 and was followed by the 11th round of India-China Corps Commander Level meeting which happened on April 9, 2021. During the course of these meetings, India has repeatedly called for complete disengagement but China's stance has remain largely unchanged in terms of retreating.

Ahead of India-China WMCC talks, EAM Jaishankar says Chinese 'deployment still continues'

Last year, Chinese manufacturers profiteered from selling faulty testing kits to India. Now, as India struggles with the new surge in Covid pandemic, Chinese have jacked up the prices of essential medical supplies and the Chinese state sees no problem with this.

Prices of everything from raw materials for drugs to oxygen concentrators have gone up. In some instances, the prices have gone up by as much as 300 per cent. Oxygen concentrators that usually list online for 1,000 yuan - roughly 11,000 rupees, marking a massive premium.

Going by one estimate, their prices now are four to five times higher. Prices for essential ingredients have gone up by 30 to 40 per cent including raw materials for paracetamol which is used for fever and azithromycin, an antibiotic.

Ingredients to make ivermectin have shot up by as much as 300 per cent in one instance. Now, various studies claim that this drug shows no benefit when it comes to the COVID-19 infection but the demand for ivermectin is high. So, Chinese suppliers are selling the raw materials for this drug at a premium.

Last week, an Indian diplomat shared her concerns with the press. The consul general to Hong Kong said soaring prices and cargo flight disruptions are slowing the arrival of medical goods in India. India's message to Beijing was clear - that even at a time when the demand was high, there needs to be some predictability and that prices just can't increase randomly.

The Chinese foreign ministry said the market is free to decide the prices and since Indian buyers are reaching out for supplies through several channels, the multiple requests are causing the prices to rise.

“Taking oxygen generators as an example, the rising demand affects the global supply chain. And there are some raw materials, such as those that need to be imported from Europe, and the lack of those supply has brought impact to production capacity. In addition, Indian buyers usually expressed their demand through a variety of channels, sometimes procurement through different channels may also over-amplify the demand to a certain extent, and thus affects the order of the market and push up the price”, Hua Chunying, ministry of foreign affairs spokesperson, said.

What Beijing is actually trying to say here is this - Had New Delhi reached out directly for help to Beijing, maybe the price wouldn't fluctuate this much.

In a letter to Prime Minister Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping had offered to help. India has made no request to China. But medical supplies brought privately are allowed. So, Chinese suppliers are profiting off India's crisis. And Beijing is simply looking away from this blatant extortion.

This is not just a problem for India. The second wave is now hitting not just South Asia but Southeast Asia too. The shortages of medical suppliers are everywhere and China has positioned itself as the sole supplier of medical goods to the region - a monopoly of sorts.

This pandemic has created more such monopolies. The western countries are sitting on the largest stockpile of COVID-19 vaccines while the rest of the world is running out of shots. India is struggling to ramp up inoculations despite placing strict restrictions on vaccine exports.

Now, COVAX is reporting a severe shortage. COVAX is the international alliance for equitable vaccination access. 92 low and middle income countries depend on it for a COVID-19 vaccine but it is running out of shots. UNICEF is distributing the vaccines given to COVAX. It now says that by end of May, COVAX could have a shortage of 140 million doses. By June, this could go up to 190 million doses.

This will only exacerbate vaccine inequality. Some countries are still waiting for their first vaccine while rich countries like Canada and US are now gearing up to vaccinate children.

The World Health Organization is now asking these rich countries to halt inoculation for kids. Instead, the world health body wants rich countries to share their vaccines. Rich countries have locked up 53 per cent of the vaccines supplies in the near term. Nearly 1.4 billion shots have been given in 210 countries. 44 per cent of these have been given in high income countries. They account for just 16 per cent of the global population.

How many vaccines has the developed world got? Just 0.3 per cent. Less than 1 per cent of the vaccines have gone to 29 lowest income countries in the world. UNICEF has now asked the G7 (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US) to donate the excess.

If they were to part with just 20 per cent of their supplies, the developing world would get 153 million doses. Monopolies are slowing down the global vaccination drive. Right now, around 23 million doses are administered every day on average globally. At this rate, the developing world may not even get vaccinated until 2023.

So, the pandemic could get extended by two years. The quickest way to ramp up vaccinations now is for the developed world to share its doses. India's surge has proved to the world that until this virus is defeated everywhere, all countries are at risk.

Last year, Chinese manufacturers profiteered from selling faulty testing kits to India. Now, as India struggles with the new surge in Covid pandemic, Chinese have jacked up the prices of essential medical supplies and the Chinese state sees no problem with this.

Last year, Chinese manufacturers profiteered from selling faulty testing kits to India. Now, as India struggles with the new surge in Covid pandemic, Chinese have jacked up the prices of essential medical supplies and the Chinese state sees no problem with this. Prices of everything from raw materials for drugs to oxygen concentrators have gone up. In some instances, the prices have gone up by as much as 300 per cent. Oxygen concentrators that usually list online for 1,000 yuan - roughly 11,000 rupees, marking a massive premium. Going by one estimate, their prices now are four to five times higher. Prices for essential ingredients have gone up by 30 to 40 per cent including raw materials for paracetamol which is used for fever and azithromycin, an antibiotic. Ingredients to make ivermectin have shot up by as much as 300 per cent in one instance. Now, various studies claim that this drug shows no benefit when it comes to the COVID-19 infection but the demand for ivermectin is high. So, Chinese suppliers are selling the raw materials for this drug at a premium. Last week, an Indian diplomat shared her concerns with the press. The consul general to Hong Kong said soaring prices and cargo flight disruptions are slowing the arrival of medical goods in India. India's message to Beijing was clear - that even at a time when the demand was high, there needs to be some predictability and that prices just can't increase randomly. The Chinese foreign ministry said the market is free to decide the prices and since Indian buyers are reaching out for supplies through several channels, the multiple requests are causing the prices to rise. “Taking oxygen generators as an example, the rising demand affects the global supply chain. And there are some raw materials, such as those that need to be imported from Europe, and the lack of those supply has brought impact to production capacity. In addition, Indian buyers usually expressed their demand through a variety of channels, sometimes procurement through different channels may also over-amplify the demand to a certain extent, and thus affects the order of the market and push up the price”, Hua Chunying, ministry of foreign affairs spokesperson, said. What Beijing is actually trying to say here is this - Had New Delhi reached out directly for help to Beijing, maybe the price wouldn't fluctuate this much. In a letter to Prime Minister Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping had offered to help. India has made no request to China. But medical supplies brought privately are allowed. So, Chinese suppliers are profiting off India's crisis. And Beijing is simply looking away from this blatant extortion. This is not just a problem for India. The second wave is now hitting not just South Asia but Southeast Asia too. The shortages of medical suppliers are everywhere and China has positioned itself as the sole supplier of medical goods to the region - a monopoly of sorts. This pandemic has created more such monopolies. The western countries are sitting on the largest stockpile of COVID-19 vaccines while the rest of the world is running out of shots. India is struggling to ramp up inoculations despite placing strict restrictions on vaccine exports. Now, COVAX is reporting a severe shortage. COVAX is the international alliance for equitable vaccination access. 92 low and middle income countries depend on it for a COVID-19 vaccine but it is running out of shots. UNICEF is distributing the vaccines given to COVAX. It now says that by end of May, COVAX could have a shortage of 140 million doses. By June, this could go up to 190 million doses. This will only exacerbate vaccine inequality. Some countries are still waiting for their first vaccine while rich countries like Canada and US are now gearing up to vaccinate children. The World Health Organization is now asking these rich countries to halt inoculation for kids. Instead, the world health body wants rich countries to share their vaccines. Rich countries have locked up 53 per cent of the vaccines supplies in the near term. Nearly 1.4 billion shots have been given in 210 countries. 44 per cent of these have been given in high income countries. They account for just 16 per cent of the global population. How many vaccines has the developed world got? Just 0.3 per cent. Less than 1 per cent of the vaccines have gone to 29 lowest income countries in the world. UNICEF has now asked the G7 (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US) to donate the excess. If they were to part with just 20 per cent of their supplies, the developing world would get 153 million doses. Monopolies are slowing down the global vaccination drive. Right now, around 23 million doses are administered every day on average globally. At this rate, the developing world may not even get vaccinated until 2023. So, the pandemic could get extended by two years. The quickest way to ramp up vaccinations now is for the developed world to share its doses. India's surge has proved to the world that until this virus is defeated everywhere, all countries are at risk.

How Chinese suppliers are profiteering off India's devastating Covid surge... again

China on Friday said the prices of some of the COVID-19 medical supplies like oxygen concentrators being procured by Indian companies from Chinese manufacturers have gone up as they had to import raw materials to meet the excess demand from India.

Responding to a question from the official media here on India's Consul General in Hong Kong Priyanka Chauhan’s recent remarks calling on China to stop surging prices of medical supplies to India, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing that China has been encouraging its companies to meet India’s procurement to meet the country's surge in coronavirus cases.

Soaring prices of medical supplies like oxygen concentrators and disruption of cargo flights to India are slowing arrivals of medical goods, Chauhan said this week.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-326000-new-covid-cases-3890-deaths-reported-in-india-in-24-hours-385157" hreflang="en">Over 326,000 new Covid cases, 3,890 deaths reported in India in 24 hours</a>

On price increases, especially of the oxygen concentrators, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said that the feedback from the Chinese manufacturers suggests that they had to import raw materials to meet the excess demand from India.

“Just taking oxygen concentrators as an example, the demand in India has soared by several times in just a short period of time and the raw materials are also in shortage," Hua said.

The Indian side has also raised their demand through different channels, which has led to excessive demand in the market and driven up prices because the Chinese manufacturers have to import some of the raw materials from other countries, she said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-fight-against-covid-19-icmr-recommends-outdated-cures-385114" hreflang="en">In fight against COVID-19, ICMR recommends outdated cures</a>

About Chauhan’s call for increasing cargo flights, Hua did not give a direct reply but expressed Beijing’s commitment to keep the industrial supply chains open.

“China is committed to smooth global industrial and supply chains and hopes that all parties can work together to ensure stability of global industrial and supply chains instead of disrupting the openness and stability of these chains for political purposes," she said.

“We have faced similar problems before. We hope all parties can work together to ensure openness and stability of the supply chains," Hua said.

The cargo flight disruptions were amplified by the decision by Sichuan Airlines to suspend all its 11 cargo flights for 15 days from April 26, citing the coronavirus the situation in India.

Though the state-run airline said it is reviewing its plans to restore the flights, it is yet to do so.

According to freight forwarders in Shanghai, Sichuan Airlines has announced plans to restore three of its freight flights from Chongqing and Xian to Delhi from May 17.

“We are concerned about the epidemic situation in India and we feel for what the Indian people are going through. China is one of the first countries to offer help and support help to India," Hua said.

She said the Chinese government has been guiding and encouraging the Chinese companies to facilitate India’s procuring epidemic prevention materials.

“Many Chinese companies and NGOs are providing help to India in their own ways. To my knowledge, the relevant Chinese authorities have provided assistance in customs clearance and transport for India to bring materials from China to India," Hua said.

Giving details of the materials procured by India recently, she said in April, China exported to India over 26,000 ventilators and Oxygen concentrators, over 15,000 monitors and nearly 3,800 tonnes of medicine materials and drugs.

Chinese companies have received orders from India for more than 70,000 oxygen concentrators and are stepping up their production for early delivery, she said.

In addition, India has a strong demand for raw and auxiliary materials for vaccine production. Since the beginning of this year Chinese companies have provided more than 10 tonnes of raw and auxiliary materials to India and more than 20 tonnes are expected to be delivered in May and June, the foreign ministry spokesperson said.

China on Friday said the prices of some of the COVID-19 medical supplies like oxygen concentrators being procured by Indian companies from Chinese manufacturers have gone up as they had to import raw materials to meet the excess demand from India.

China on Friday said the prices of some of the COVID-19 medical supplies like oxygen concentrators being procured by Indian companies from Chinese manufacturers have gone up as they had to import raw materials to meet the excess demand from India. Responding to a question from the official media here on India's Consul General in Hong Kong Priyanka Chauhan’s recent remarks calling on China to stop surging prices of medical supplies to India, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing that China has been encouraging its companies to meet India’s procurement to meet the country's surge in coronavirus cases. Soaring prices of medical supplies like oxygen concentrators and disruption of cargo flights to India are slowing arrivals of medical goods, Chauhan said this week. Also read | Over 326,000 new Covid cases, 3,890 deaths reported in India in 24 hours On price increases, especially of the oxygen concentrators, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said that the feedback from the Chinese manufacturers suggests that they had to import raw materials to meet the excess demand from India. “Just taking oxygen concentrators as an example, the demand in India has soared by several times in just a short period of time and the raw materials are also in shortage," Hua said. The Indian side has also raised their demand through different channels, which has led to excessive demand in the market and driven up prices because the Chinese manufacturers have to import some of the raw materials from other countries, she said. Also read | In fight against COVID-19, ICMR recommends outdated cures About Chauhan’s call for increasing cargo flights, Hua did not give a direct reply but expressed Beijing’s commitment to keep the industrial supply chains open. “China is committed to smooth global industrial and supply chains and hopes that all parties can work together to ensure stability of global industrial and supply chains instead of disrupting the openness and stability of these chains for political purposes," she said. “We have faced similar problems before. We hope all parties can work together to ensure openness and stability of the supply chains," Hua said. The cargo flight disruptions were amplified by the decision by Sichuan Airlines to suspend all its 11 cargo flights for 15 days from April 26, citing the coronavirus the situation in India. Though the state-run airline said it is reviewing its plans to restore the flights, it is yet to do so. According to freight forwarders in Shanghai, Sichuan Airlines has announced plans to restore three of its freight flights from Chongqing and Xian to Delhi from May 17. “We are concerned about the epidemic situation in India and we feel for what the Indian people are going through. China is one of the first countries to offer help and support help to India," Hua said. She said the Chinese government has been guiding and encouraging the Chinese companies to facilitate India’s procuring epidemic prevention materials. “Many Chinese companies and NGOs are providing help to India in their own ways. To my knowledge, the relevant Chinese authorities have provided assistance in customs clearance and transport for India to bring materials from China to India," Hua said. Giving details of the materials procured by India recently, she said in April, China exported to India over 26,000 ventilators and Oxygen concentrators, over 15,000 monitors and nearly 3,800 tonnes of medicine materials and drugs. Chinese companies have received orders from India for more than 70,000 oxygen concentrators and are stepping up their production for early delivery, she said. In addition, India has a strong demand for raw and auxiliary materials for vaccine production. Since the beginning of this year Chinese companies have provided more than 10 tonnes of raw and auxiliary materials to India and more than 20 tonnes are expected to be delivered in May and June, the foreign ministry spokesperson said.

China says price hike in anti-covid medical supplies to India due to import of raw materials

China's state-run Sichuan Airlines has suspended all its cargo flights to India for 15 days, causing major disruption to private traders' efforts to procure the much-needed&nbsp;oxygen&nbsp;concentrators and other medical supplies from&nbsp;China&nbsp;despite Beijing offering "support and assistance" to the country to deal with the latest surge of COVID-19 cases.

In a letter to the sales agents on Monday, the Sichuan Chuanhang Logistics Co. Ltd, the company which is part of the Sichuan Airlines said the airline has suspended its cargo flights on six routes, including Xian to Delhi, amid hectic efforts by private traders from both sides to procure&nbsp;oxygen&nbsp;concentrators from&nbsp;China.

<iframe allow="conversion-measurement 'src'" data-google-container-id="4" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>In the letter seen by PTI, the company said in the face of sudden changes in the epidemic situation (in India), in order to reduce the number of imported cases, it is decided to suspend the flights for the next 15 days.

Indian route has always been the core strategic route for Sichuan Airlines. This suspension has also caused great losses to our company. We are very sorry for the unchanged situation, the letter said and sought the "understanding of its sales agents, it said. The letter also said the company will review the situation after 15 days.

The suspension of cargo flights came as a surprise to agents and freight forwarders who are frantically trying to procure the&nbsp;oxygen&nbsp;concentrators from&nbsp;China.

There are also complaints of Chinese manufacturers jacking up the prices by 35 to 40 per cent. The freight charges have been increased to over 20 per cent, Siddharth Sinha of Sino Global Logistics, a Shanghai-based freight forwarding company.

He told PTI here that the Sichuan Airlines decision to cancel flights has caused severe disruption to attempts by private traders in both the countries to secure quick supplies of the Oxygen concentrators to rush to India in view of the dire situation.

Now it becomes very challenging to rush the supplies as they have to be rerouted through Singapore and other countries through different airlines, which delays the much-needed supplies, he said.

The suspension of the flights owing to the&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;situation in India is surprising as there is no crew change in India and the same crew flies the aircraft back, he said.

India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals in several states are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds.

The Chinese cargo flights besides the shipping services have been operational throughout the pandemic rushing supplies of lucrative mobile phone equipment as well as a lot of other Chinese exports to India.

Sinha also said the Chinese suppliers also resorted to inhuman practice of heavy jacking up of prices to cash in on the pandemic emergency.

The suspension of flights also came as a surprise to the Indian officials here as it came in the backdrop of official statements offering support and assistance to India.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian told a media briefing on April 23 that China is in communication with India to provide necessary support and assistance. China expresses sincere sympathies to India over the deteriorating situation in the country recently," he said.

The Chinese government and people firmly support the Indian government and people in fighting the&nbsp;coronavirus.&nbsp;China is ready to provide support and help according to India's need, and is in communication with the Indian side on this, he said.

We believe that the Indian people will defeat the virus at an early date, he said.

India's total tally of COVID-19 cases has climbed to 1,73,13,163 while active cases have crossed the 28-lakh mark. The death toll increased to 1,95,123 with a record 2,812 new fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

China's state-run Sichuan Airlines has suspended all its cargo flights to India for 15 days, causing major disruption to private traders' efforts to procure the much-needed oxygen concentrators and other medical supplies from China despite Beijing offering "support and assistance" to the country to deal with the latest surge of COVID-19 cases.

China's state-run Sichuan Airlines has suspended all its cargo flights to India for 15 days, causing major disruption to private traders' efforts to procure the much-needed oxygen concentrators and other medical supplies from China despite Beijing offering "support and assistance" to the country to deal with the latest surge of COVID-19 cases. In a letter to the sales agents on Monday, the Sichuan Chuanhang Logistics Co. Ltd, the company which is part of the Sichuan Airlines said the airline has suspended its cargo flights on six routes, including Xian to Delhi, amid hectic efforts by private traders from both sides to procure oxygen concentrators from China. In the letter seen by PTI, the company said in the face of sudden changes in the epidemic situation (in India), in order to reduce the number of imported cases, it is decided to suspend the flights for the next 15 days. Indian route has always been the core strategic route for Sichuan Airlines. This suspension has also caused great losses to our company. We are very sorry for the unchanged situation, the letter said and sought the "understanding of its sales agents, it said. The letter also said the company will review the situation after 15 days. The suspension of cargo flights came as a surprise to agents and freight forwarders who are frantically trying to procure the oxygen concentrators from China. There are also complaints of Chinese manufacturers jacking up the prices by 35 to 40 per cent. The freight charges have been increased to over 20 per cent, Siddharth Sinha of Sino Global Logistics, a Shanghai-based freight forwarding company. He told PTI here that the Sichuan Airlines decision to cancel flights has caused severe disruption to attempts by private traders in both the countries to secure quick supplies of the Oxygen concentrators to rush to India in view of the dire situation. Now it becomes very challenging to rush the supplies as they have to be rerouted through Singapore and other countries through different airlines, which delays the much-needed supplies, he said. The suspension of the flights owing to the coronavirus situation in India is surprising as there is no crew change in India and the same crew flies the aircraft back, he said. India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals in several states are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds. The Chinese cargo flights besides the shipping services have been operational throughout the pandemic rushing supplies of lucrative mobile phone equipment as well as a lot of other Chinese exports to India. Sinha also said the Chinese suppliers also resorted to inhuman practice of heavy jacking up of prices to cash in on the pandemic emergency. The suspension of flights also came as a surprise to the Indian officials here as it came in the backdrop of official statements offering support and assistance to India. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian told a media briefing on April 23 that China is in communication with India to provide necessary support and assistance. China expresses sincere sympathies to India over the deteriorating situation in the country recently," he said. The Chinese government and people firmly support the Indian government and people in fighting the coronavirus. China is ready to provide support and help according to India's need, and is in communication with the Indian side on this, he said. We believe that the Indian people will defeat the virus at an early date, he said. India's total tally of COVID-19 cases has climbed to 1,73,13,163 while active cases have crossed the 28-lakh mark. The death toll increased to 1,95,123 with a record 2,812 new fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

China's airline suspends cargo flights bringing medical supplies to India

China on Thursday offered to provide the necessary support and assistance to India to deal with the sharp increase in the COVID-19 cases in the country.

Asked about the spike in the coronavirus cases in India by the official Chinese media, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a media briefing that the COVID-19 "pandemic is a common enemy of all mankind that necessitates international solidarity and mutual assistance".

"China takes note of the recent grave situation in India with a temporary shortage of anti-epidemic medical supplies," he said.

"We stand ready to provide India with necessary support and assistance to get the epidemic under control," he said.

China reported the first COVID-19 case in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019 and since then the deadly disease has snowballed into a pandemic, affecting more than 143,915,000 people and over 3,060,500 deaths worldwide.

According to Johns Hopkins coronavirus tracker, the US alone has reported 31,862,987 cases and 569,404 deaths from the deadly virus.

The US has alleged that the COVID-19 may have emanated from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) which is a P-4 bio lab, a charge strongly denied by China.

A team of WHO experts, which probed the origin of the coronavirus, concluded last month that all hypotheses included the allegation that COVID-19 could have emanated from a bio lab "remained open".

World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, while receiving the report of the international experts' team which visited Wuhan, said on March 30 that "as far as the WHO is concerned, all hypotheses remain on the table".

China on Thursday offered to provide the necessary support and assistance to India to deal with the sharp increase in the COVID-19 cases in the country. Asked about the spike in the coronavirus cases in India by the official Chinese media, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a media briefing that the COVID-19 "pandemic is a common enemy of all mankind that necessitates international solidarity and mutual assistance".

China on Thursday offered to provide the necessary support and assistance to India to deal with the sharp increase in the COVID-19 cases in the country. Asked about the spike in the coronavirus cases in India by the official Chinese media, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a media briefing that the COVID-19 "pandemic is a common enemy of all mankind that necessitates international solidarity and mutual assistance". "China takes note of the recent grave situation in India with a temporary shortage of anti-epidemic medical supplies," he said. "We stand ready to provide India with necessary support and assistance to get the epidemic under control," he said. China reported the first COVID-19 case in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019 and since then the deadly disease has snowballed into a pandemic, affecting more than 143,915,000 people and over 3,060,500 deaths worldwide. According to Johns Hopkins coronavirus tracker, the US alone has reported 31,862,987 cases and 569,404 deaths from the deadly virus. The US has alleged that the COVID-19 may have emanated from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) which is a P-4 bio lab, a charge strongly denied by China. A team of WHO experts, which probed the origin of the coronavirus, concluded last month that all hypotheses included the allegation that COVID-19 could have emanated from a bio lab "remained open". World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, while receiving the report of the international experts' team which visited Wuhan, said on March 30 that "as far as the WHO is concerned, all hypotheses remain on the table".

China offers support, assistance to India to combat rising COVID-19 cases

China said on Monday that it was "happy" over the recent "active interactions" between Pakistan and India, indicating that it would like to work with Islamabad to inject "more positive energy" into regional peace, stability and development.

The militaries of India and Pakistan announced on February 25 that they have agreed to strictly observe all agreements on a ceasefire along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and other sectors.

Weeks later, both Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan and powerful Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa made peace overtures towards New Delhi saying it was time for the two neighbours to "bury the past and move forward".

''We are happy about the active interactions between Pakistan and India," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing here in response to a question.

"We would like to work with Pakistan to inject more positive energy into regional peace and stability as well as development," he said.

Zhao was responding to a question on Pakistan President Arif Alvi's remark that China is his country's "closest and friendliest friend''&nbsp;during his speech at the Pakistan Day parade on March 25.

While welcoming Alvi's remark, Zhao also referred to the recent rapprochement between India and Pakistan to dial down the tensions between the two countries.

"China expresses warm congratulations on the 82nd Pakistan Day. We believe that the Pakistani Government and people will make further progress on national building and revitalisation,''&nbsp;he said, adding that Beijing ''highly appreciates''&nbsp;President Alvi's remarks.

"China also values the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries," he said.

"I would like to take the opportunity of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties to work with Pakistan to fight coronavirus and carry forward our traditional friendship to expand our all-dimensional cooperation and build a closer China-Pakistan community of shared future in a new era,''&nbsp;the spokesman said.

China said on Monday that it was "happy" over the recent "active interactions" between Pakistan and India, indicating that it would like to work with Islamabad to inject "more positive energy" into regional peace, stability and development.

China said on Monday that it was "happy" over the recent "active interactions" between Pakistan and India, indicating that it would like to work with Islamabad to inject "more positive energy" into regional peace, stability and development. The militaries of India and Pakistan announced on February 25 that they have agreed to strictly observe all agreements on a ceasefire along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and other sectors. Weeks later, both Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan and powerful Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa made peace overtures towards New Delhi saying it was time for the two neighbours to "bury the past and move forward". ''We are happy about the active interactions between Pakistan and India," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing here in response to a question. "We would like to work with Pakistan to inject more positive energy into regional peace and stability as well as development," he said. Zhao was responding to a question on Pakistan President Arif Alvi's remark that China is his country's "closest and friendliest friend'' during his speech at the Pakistan Day parade on March 25. While welcoming Alvi's remark, Zhao also referred to the recent rapprochement between India and Pakistan to dial down the tensions between the two countries. "China expresses warm congratulations on the 82nd Pakistan Day. We believe that the Pakistani Government and people will make further progress on national building and revitalisation,'' he said, adding that Beijing ''highly appreciates'' President Alvi's remarks. "China also values the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries," he said. "I would like to take the opportunity of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties to work with Pakistan to fight coronavirus and carry forward our traditional friendship to expand our all-dimensional cooperation and build a closer China-Pakistan community of shared future in a new era,'' the spokesman said.

China says 'happy' about Pakistan-India 'active interactions'

Maharashtra state's Interior Minister Anil Deshmukh has said that&nbsp;China might have allegedly introduced malware into the electrical infrastructure that resulted in a massive power outage in its capital Mumbai last year, as per the reports submitted by the US-based Recorded Future cybersecurity firm.

A grid failure caused a widespread power outage in the financial and surrounding areas on October 12, 2020, a rare occurrence that disrupted train services in the city of 20 million.

Following the grid failure, Maharashtra's Chief Uddhav Thackeray had ordered an inquiry into the incident. In its report, Recorded Future has alleged China's intrusion in Mumbai's electrical infrastructure.

The malware tracing was done by Recorded Future&nbsp;which is a cybersecurity company founded in 2009 with headquarters in Massachusetts. The company claims that most of the malware was not activated. It&nbsp;may mean that a small proportion of malware was used during the Mumbai power outage.

A Chinese state-sponsored group Red Echo has been held&nbsp;responsible for the Mumbai power outage.

Stuart Solomon, Recorded Future’s chief operating officer, said that the Chinese state-sponsored group Red Echo, “has been seen to systematically utilize advanced cyber intrusion techniques to quietly gain a foothold in nearly a dozen critical nodes across the Indian power generation and transmission infrastructure.”

The report said the flow of malware was pieced together by Recorded Future, a Somerville, Massachusetts, company that studies the use of the internet by state actors. It found that most of the malware was never activated.

Earlier, Chinese hacking group APT10, known as Stone Panda, had identified gaps and vulnerabilities in the IT infrastructure and supply chain software of Bharat Biotech and the Serum Institute of India (SII), the world’s largest vaccine maker.

SII is making the Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccine for many countries and will soon start bulk manufacturing Novavax shots, while Bharat Biotech plans to export its COVAXIN shot to dozens of countries including Brazil and the Philippines.

Relations between the nuclear-armed neighbours soured in June when 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers were killed in a Himalayan border confrontation.

Previously, Chinese attackers had injected malware into software updates provided by NetSarang, a legitimate software provider headquartered in the US and South Korea.

They&nbsp;had gained backdoor entry into the network of hundreds of banks, energy companies and pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Unlike&nbsp;Red Echo,&nbsp;Stone panda has a reputation for targeting governments and private sector companies around the world.

In 2018,&nbsp;America's FBI indicted two hackers from Stone Panda who&nbsp;were engaged in global computer intrusions for more than a decade.&nbsp;They stole data from managed service providers.

These are companies that manage the IT&nbsp;Infrastructure of businesses and governments worldwide and more than 45 technology companies.

In at least a dozen American states and government agencies the&nbsp;hackers stole a wide range of data, this includes intellectual property confidential business and tech information.

While these were two separate attacks, there is one detail that unites Red Echo and Stone Panda.&nbsp;Both groups have been linked to the Chinese state.

China's foreign ministry&nbsp;denied allegations by cyber intelligence firm Cyfirma that a state-backed hacking group has in recent weeks targeted the IT systems of two Indian vaccine makers whose coronavirus shots are being used in the country's immunisation campaign.

"China&nbsp;hopes relevant media and companies to have a professional and responsible attitude, and base characterizations of cyberattacks on ample evidence, rather than groundless guesses and accusations," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

Maharashtra state's Interior Minister Anil Deshmukh has said that China might have allegedly introduced malware into the electrical infrastructure that resulted in a massive power outage in its capital Mumbai last year, as per the reports submitted by the US-based Recorded Future cybersecurity firm.

Maharashtra state's Interior Minister Anil Deshmukh has said that China might have allegedly introduced malware into the electrical infrastructure that resulted in a massive power outage in its capital Mumbai last year, as per the reports submitted by the US-based Recorded Future cybersecurity firm. A grid failure caused a widespread power outage in the financial and surrounding areas on October 12, 2020, a rare occurrence that disrupted train services in the city of 20 million. Following the grid failure, Maharashtra's Chief Uddhav Thackeray had ordered an inquiry into the incident. In its report, Recorded Future has alleged China's intrusion in Mumbai's electrical infrastructure. The malware tracing was done by Recorded Future which is a cybersecurity company founded in 2009 with headquarters in Massachusetts. The company claims that most of the malware was not activated. It may mean that a small proportion of malware was used during the Mumbai power outage. A Chinese state-sponsored group Red Echo has been held responsible for the Mumbai power outage. Stuart Solomon, Recorded Future’s chief operating officer, said that the Chinese state-sponsored group Red Echo, “has been seen to systematically utilize advanced cyber intrusion techniques to quietly gain a foothold in nearly a dozen critical nodes across the Indian power generation and transmission infrastructure.” The report said the flow of malware was pieced together by Recorded Future, a Somerville, Massachusetts, company that studies the use of the internet by state actors. It found that most of the malware was never activated. Earlier, Chinese hacking group APT10, known as Stone Panda, had identified gaps and vulnerabilities in the IT infrastructure and supply chain software of Bharat Biotech and the Serum Institute of India (SII), the world’s largest vaccine maker. SII is making the Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccine for many countries and will soon start bulk manufacturing Novavax shots, while Bharat Biotech plans to export its COVAXIN shot to dozens of countries including Brazil and the Philippines. Relations between the nuclear-armed neighbours soured in June when 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers were killed in a Himalayan border confrontation. Previously, Chinese attackers had injected malware into software updates provided by NetSarang, a legitimate software provider headquartered in the US and South Korea. They had gained backdoor entry into the network of hundreds of banks, energy companies and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Unlike Red Echo, Stone panda has a reputation for targeting governments and private sector companies around the world. In 2018, America's FBI indicted two hackers from Stone Panda who were engaged in global computer intrusions for more than a decade. They stole data from managed service providers. These are companies that manage the IT Infrastructure of businesses and governments worldwide and more than 45 technology companies. In at least a dozen American states and government agencies the hackers stole a wide range of data, this includes intellectual property confidential business and tech information. While these were two separate attacks, there is one detail that unites Red Echo and Stone Panda. Both groups have been linked to the Chinese state. China's foreign ministry denied allegations by cyber intelligence firm Cyfirma that a state-backed hacking group has in recent weeks targeted the IT systems of two Indian vaccine makers whose coronavirus shots are being used in the country's immunisation campaign. "China hopes relevant media and companies to have a professional and responsible attitude, and base characterizations of cyberattacks on ample evidence, rather than groundless guesses and accusations," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

Chinese cyberwarfare? Beijing targeting critical Indian infrastructure and assets

India's post-Ladakh strategy must focus on the post-pandemic world order. Along with its borders, India must also secure its alliances, its economy, and the future of one of the world's youngest population. India's strategy must be pillared on strategic autonomy and strategic alliances.

Can the do be achieved together?

Strategic alliances are partnerships that go beyond trade and defence procurement. They are about combining and connecting expertise with a focus on mutual growth. In the Cold War-era India believed in non-alignment. Today, India is building strategic alliances by strengthening diplomatic ties in a changing world order.

India's ties with West Asia are no longer anchored on oil or diaspora. The two sides are also working towards economic and strategic goals. Saudi Arabia has invested its sovereign funds in India. The money fuels India's growth, while helping Saudi Arabia diversify its economy, marking a symbiosis for the new world order.

The strengthening of the alliance is paralleled by changing geo-politics. West Asia is distancing itself from Pakistan, considered India’s foe. At the same time, Pakistan is also growing closer to China. India and Saudi Arabia signed the strategic partnership council agreement in October 2019.

Besides common foes and common goals, strategic alliances are also built on mutual support for domestic and foreign policies. For instance India and France have had trade and defence ties over the years. The relationship has now graduated into a strategic alliance. Now, France openly supports India's desire for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council. France has used its position at the world body to back India on Kashmir. India, too stood by France when it was being attacked over the Prophet's caricature. The two countries have also cooperated in the space sector.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iran-requests-india-to-provide-covid-19-vaccines-364362" hreflang="en">Iran requests India to provide COVID-19 vaccines</a>

Common values are also crucial in a strategic alliance; case in point - India's alliance with Australia. Both believe in democracy and sovereignty, and remain opposed to Chinese aggression. Additionally, both back stability in the Indo-Pacific. In June 2020, India and Australia announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a ”common strategic partnership”.

India has strategic partnership agreements with over 30 countries, and is running an outreach programme. India must also steer clear of taking sides in tussles involving allies, and continue its policy of de-hyphenation which has proven to be a huge diplomatic success.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was India's first head of government to visit Israel. He was also the first Indian PM to visit Palestine. Today, India and Israel and working together in various fields including science, technology, and agriculture. At the same time, India is calling for a two-state solution.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-focus-on-africa-indias-exim-bank-extends-5th-line-of-credit-to-sierra-leone-364324" hreflang="en">With focus on Africa, India's Exim Bank extends 5th line of credit to Sierra Leone</a>

India buys weapons from Russia but continues to partner with the US in securing the Indo-Pacific. The US and Russia have been foes for long. Now, India has found a way to work with both.

As India chalks out its strategic alliances for the years ahead, it must ensure that ties are built on mutual respect for autonomy, aversion for expansionism, hawk-eye diplomacy, and provocation.

Solving the Ladakh stalemate was India's strategic priority. With China off its back, India can now focus on its outreach programs, cement its alliances, and rebuild its economy.

India's post-Ladakh strategy must focus on the post-pandemic world order. Along with its borders, India must also secure its alliances, its economy, and the future of one of the world's youngest population.

India's post-Ladakh strategy must focus on the post-pandemic world order. Along with its borders, India must also secure its alliances, its economy, and the future of one of the world's youngest population. India's strategy must be pillared on strategic autonomy and strategic alliances. Can the do be achieved together? Strategic alliances are partnerships that go beyond trade and defence procurement. They are about combining and connecting expertise with a focus on mutual growth. In the Cold War-era India believed in non-alignment. Today, India is building strategic alliances by strengthening diplomatic ties in a changing world order. India's ties with West Asia are no longer anchored on oil or diaspora. The two sides are also working towards economic and strategic goals. Saudi Arabia has invested its sovereign funds in India. The money fuels India's growth, while helping Saudi Arabia diversify its economy, marking a symbiosis for the new world order. The strengthening of the alliance is paralleled by changing geo-politics. West Asia is distancing itself from Pakistan, considered India’s foe. At the same time, Pakistan is also growing closer to China. India and Saudi Arabia signed the strategic partnership council agreement in October 2019. Besides common foes and common goals, strategic alliances are also built on mutual support for domestic and foreign policies. For instance India and France have had trade and defence ties over the years. The relationship has now graduated into a strategic alliance. Now, France openly supports India's desire for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council. France has used its position at the world body to back India on Kashmir. India, too stood by France when it was being attacked over the Prophet's caricature. The two countries have also cooperated in the space sector. Also read: Iran requests India to provide COVID-19 vaccines Common values are also crucial in a strategic alliance; case in point - India's alliance with Australia. Both believe in democracy and sovereignty, and remain opposed to Chinese aggression. Additionally, both back stability in the Indo-Pacific. In June 2020, India and Australia announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a ”common strategic partnership”. India has strategic partnership agreements with over 30 countries, and is running an outreach programme. India must also steer clear of taking sides in tussles involving allies, and continue its policy of de-hyphenation which has proven to be a huge diplomatic success. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was India's first head of government to visit Israel. He was also the first Indian PM to visit Palestine. Today, India and Israel and working together in various fields including science, technology, and agriculture. At the same time, India is calling for a two-state solution. Also read: With focus on Africa, India's Exim Bank extends 5th line of credit to Sierra Leone India buys weapons from Russia but continues to partner with the US in securing the Indo-Pacific. The US and Russia have been foes for long. Now, India has found a way to work with both. As India chalks out its strategic alliances for the years ahead, it must ensure that ties are built on mutual respect for autonomy, aversion for expansionism, hawk-eye diplomacy, and provocation. Solving the Ladakh stalemate was India's strategic priority. With China off its back, India can now focus on its outreach programs, cement its alliances, and rebuild its economy.

What should India's post-Ladakh strategy focus on?

India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology reportedly issued fresh notices to 59 Chinese smartphone applications, making the ban on these applications permanent.

The apps that remain banned now include TikTok, WeChat, and UC Browser, among many.

The ban was first imposed in June 2020, after which the applications were offered a chance to prove their compliance with security and privacy provisions in place.

TikTok is owned by ByteDance, which has come under scrutiny over the last few months over its alleged closeness with the Chinese Communist Party.

The notices were issued last week, as reported by local media. A source told Livemint that the government is dissatisfied with the explanations put forward by the companies, making the ban on these applications permanent.

The order put out by the ministry in June claimed that the applications in question were "prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/tiktok-is-poised-to-outlast-trump-and-to-test-biden-359069" hreflang="en">Tiktok is poised to outlast Trump and to test Biden</a>

The order came in soon after Indian and Chinese troops were engaged in a border skirmish,

Following suit, in September India banned 118 mobile applications including PUBG, a popular game made by Tencent.&nbsp;

A representative of TikTok told the Economic Times that the company was in the process of evaluating the notice, and that it intends to respond appropriately.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/italy-opens-probe-after-10-year-old-girl-dies-in-tiktok-choking-game-358838" hreflang="en">Italy opens probe after 10-year-old girl dies in TikTok 'choking game'</a>

In the aftermath of bans, many local iterations of such apps have come up, including the app "Josh", which has received backing from Google and Microsoft.

Josh is one of a few local short-video stages that have jumped up since India hindered the uncontrollably mainstream TikTok in June in the midst of an outskirt emergency with China, pulling in worldwide financial specialist interest in applications filling the gap. 
&nbsp;

India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology reportedly issued fresh notices to 59 Chinese smartphone applications, making the ban on these applications permanent.

India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology reportedly issued fresh notices to 59 Chinese smartphone applications, making the ban on these applications permanent. The apps that remain banned now include TikTok, WeChat, and UC Browser, among many. The ban was first imposed in June 2020, after which the applications were offered a chance to prove their compliance with security and privacy provisions in place. TikTok is owned by ByteDance, which has come under scrutiny over the last few months over its alleged closeness with the Chinese Communist Party. The notices were issued last week, as reported by local media. A source told Livemint that the government is dissatisfied with the explanations put forward by the companies, making the ban on these applications permanent. The order put out by the ministry in June claimed that the applications in question were "prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order. Also read: Tiktok is poised to outlast Trump and to test Biden The order came in soon after Indian and Chinese troops were engaged in a border skirmish, Following suit, in September India banned 118 mobile applications including PUBG, a popular game made by Tencent. A representative of TikTok told the Economic Times that the company was in the process of evaluating the notice, and that it intends to respond appropriately. Also read: Italy opens probe after 10-year-old girl dies in TikTok 'choking game' In the aftermath of bans, many local iterations of such apps have come up, including the app "Josh", which has received backing from Google and Microsoft. Josh is one of a few local short-video stages that have jumped up since India hindered the uncontrollably mainstream TikTok in June in the midst of an outskirt emergency with China, pulling in worldwide financial specialist interest in applications filling the gap.

India permanently bans 59 Chinese mobile apps including TikTok

The 9th round of India China military talks will take place on Sunday. The talks are expected to begin at around 9.30 to 10 am on Sunday in Moldo.

The military talks come after more than 2 months. The last round (8th round) took place on 6th November.

The talks come even has the many month-long India China standoff at the line of actual control in Eastern Ladakh continues. The standoff that started in April/May last year saw Galwan incident in June during which 20 Indian soldiers died due to aggressive actions by the Chinese army. China has stayed mum about the casualties on its own side, though the Indian side has confirmed a significant number.

The ministry of external affairs recently said, "India and China continue to maintain close communication through diplomatic and military channels with the objective of ensuring complete disengagement in all friction points along the LAC in the western sector and for full restoration of peace and tranquillity."

Along with a military round of talks, both sides continue the diplomatic round of talks--&nbsp;Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC).

Last round of WMCC took place on 18 December. During that round of talks, the two sides agreed to hold next round of Senior Commanders meeting soon.

&nbsp;

The 9th round of India China military talks will take place on Sunday. The talks are expected to begin at around 9.30 to 10 am on Sunday in Moldo. The military talks come after more than 2 months.

The 9th round of India China military talks will take place on Sunday. The talks are expected to begin at around 9.30 to 10 am on Sunday in Moldo. The military talks come after more than 2 months. The last round (8th round) took place on 6th November. The talks come even has the many month-long India China standoff at the line of actual control in Eastern Ladakh continues. The standoff that started in April/May last year saw Galwan incident in June during which 20 Indian soldiers died due to aggressive actions by the Chinese army. China has stayed mum about the casualties on its own side, though the Indian side has confirmed a significant number. The ministry of external affairs recently said, "India and China continue to maintain close communication through diplomatic and military channels with the objective of ensuring complete disengagement in all friction points along the LAC in the western sector and for full restoration of peace and tranquillity." Along with a military round of talks, both sides continue the diplomatic round of talks-- Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC). Last round of WMCC took place on 18 December. During that round of talks, the two sides agreed to hold next round of Senior Commanders meeting soon.

India-China talks: 9th round of military negotiations to take place on Sunday

A bipartisan Congressional provision condemning China's aggression towards India has become a law as the US Congress overrode President Donald Trump's veto on the USD 740 billion defence policy bill which among other things included calling out China for its aggression against India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-completes-track-laying-work-for-a-railway-line-in-tibet-close-to-arunachal-pradesh-353727">Also read | China completes track-laying work for a railway line in Tibet close to Arunachal Pradesh</a>

The National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) 2021, which became law on Friday after Congress overrode Donald Trump's veto, included a resolution urging the Chinese government to end its military aggression towards India along the LAC. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/beijing-doesnt-recognize-ladakh-union-territory-and-arunachal-pradesh-chinese-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-334959">Also read | Beijing doesn’t recognize Ladakh Union Territory and Arunachal Pradesh: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs</a>

President Trump, on December 23, vetoed the NDAA, which had bipartisan support, arguing it had provisions that would damage national security.

As the US Congress dealt a blow to Donald Trump in his last days in office, Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said: "Through today's New Year's Day vote in the Senate, Congress has made the National Defence Authorisation Act into law, including elements of my resolution calling on China to end its military aggression towards India and others in the broader Indo-Pacific region".

The US House of Representatives and the Senate, on December 15, passed the USD 740 billion NDAA, which included key components of Mr Krishnamoorthi's resolution language urging the Chinese government to end its military aggression against India along the LAC.

China and India have been locked in a military standoff since May 2020 after Chinese aggression along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. Several rounds of talks between the two countries to resolve the standoff have not yielded any concrete outcome.

Mr Krishnamoorthi said: "The Chinese military's violent aggression along the Line of Actual Control with India and elsewhere is unacceptable, and the passage into law of this legislation sends a clear message of support and solidarity to India and our other partners across the world as we enter the New Year".

A bipartisan Congressional provision condemning China's aggression towards India has become a law as the US Congress overrode President Donald Trump's veto on the USD 740 billion defence policy bill which among other things included calling out China for its aggression against India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

A bipartisan Congressional provision condemning China's aggression towards India has become a law as the US Congress overrode President Donald Trump's veto on the USD 740 billion defence policy bill which among other things included calling out China for its aggression against India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Also read | China completes track-laying work for a railway line in Tibet close to Arunachal Pradesh The National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) 2021, which became law on Friday after Congress overrode Donald Trump's veto, included a resolution urging the Chinese government to end its military aggression towards India along the LAC. Also read | Beijing doesn’t recognize Ladakh Union Territory and Arunachal Pradesh: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs President Trump, on December 23, vetoed the NDAA, which had bipartisan support, arguing it had provisions that would damage national security. As the US Congress dealt a blow to Donald Trump in his last days in office, Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said: "Through today's New Year's Day vote in the Senate, Congress has made the National Defence Authorisation Act into law, including elements of my resolution calling on China to end its military aggression towards India and others in the broader Indo-Pacific region". The US House of Representatives and the Senate, on December 15, passed the USD 740 billion NDAA, which included key components of Mr Krishnamoorthi's resolution language urging the Chinese government to end its military aggression against India along the LAC. China and India have been locked in a military standoff since May 2020 after Chinese aggression along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. Several rounds of talks between the two countries to resolve the standoff have not yielded any concrete outcome. Mr Krishnamoorthi said: "The Chinese military's violent aggression along the Line of Actual Control with India and elsewhere is unacceptable, and the passage into law of this legislation sends a clear message of support and solidarity to India and our other partners across the world as we enter the New Year".

US bill condemning China's military aggression against India becomes law

India has dismissed the comments made by Chinese Embassy spokesperson on the joint release of a commemorative stamp marking the 70th anniversary of bilateral ties between both the countries, calling it "factually incorrect".

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson&nbsp;Anurag Shrivastava pointed out, in response to a WION question that, "there had been no discussion on any launch date with any Chinese authorities for this activity."

Chinese embassy spokesperson Ji Rong had claimed that the Indian side "had not given feedback" on the "launch time agreed by both sides" and "China state post-Bureau made the notice according to customary practices"

2020 marks the 70th year of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and China and 35 events in India and 35 events in China were agreed upon during last year's Chennai connect summit. One of the event was a joint release of commemorative stamps for the anniversary year.&nbsp;

In fact, as the MEA spokesperson pointed out, "launch of the 70th-anniversary celebrations itself has not taken place yet" and therefore, the "issue of going ahead with joint activities under its ambit does not arise."

2020 saw an aggressive China, which not only undertook a massive build-up at the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh but action by the People's liberation army in June month led to the death of 20 Indian soldiers.

India has dismissed the comments made by Chinese Embassy spokesperson on the joint release of a commemorative stamp marking the 70th anniversary of bilateral ties between both the countries, calling it "factually incorrect".

India has dismissed the comments made by Chinese Embassy spokesperson on the joint release of a commemorative stamp marking the 70th anniversary of bilateral ties between both the countries, calling it "factually incorrect". Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava pointed out, in response to a WION question that, "there had been no discussion on any launch date with any Chinese authorities for this activity." Chinese embassy spokesperson Ji Rong had claimed that the Indian side "had not given feedback" on the "launch time agreed by both sides" and "China state post-Bureau made the notice according to customary practices" 2020 marks the 70th year of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and China and 35 events in India and 35 events in China were agreed upon during last year's Chennai connect summit. One of the event was a joint release of commemorative stamps for the anniversary year. In fact, as the MEA spokesperson pointed out, "launch of the 70th-anniversary celebrations itself has not taken place yet" and therefore, the "issue of going ahead with joint activities under its ambit does not arise." 2020 saw an aggressive China, which not only undertook a massive build-up at the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh but action by the People's liberation army in June month led to the death of 20 Indian soldiers.

Factually incorrect: India dismisses Chinese embassy spokesperson's comments on joint release of stamp

The Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is offering financial incentives to Samsung Electronics Co in a bid to set up a 48.25 billion rupees ($654.36 million) display factory.

Right now, Samsung is re-locating the factory to India from China, in a bid to boost manufacturing in India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been attempting to boost local manufacturing, and has repeatedly asserted the need to make India a manufacturing hub.&nbsp;

India has the world’s second largest market for smartphones, with a lot of room for growth. Due to this, companies like Samsung are heavily investing in local growth.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/samsung-stops-including-chargers-with-phones-after-mocking-apple-for-the-same-348380" hreflang="en">Samsung stops including chargers with phones after mocking Apple for the same</a>

Earlier in 2020, India approved financial incentives to boost domestic smartphone production under 16 companies.

The central government’s $6.65 billion plan covers Samsung, and Apple suppliers Foxconn, Wistron, and Pegatron.

Uttar Pradesh government on Friday said that Samsung would get 7 billion rupees in financial benefits. In addition, the company would also receive exemption of tax payable after the land is given to Samsung for the factory.

Reuters had earlier reported that Samsung was seeking tax incentives from Uttar Pradesh for its display manufacturing plant.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/samsung-may-launch-flagship-phone-early-to-grab-huawei-share-341786" hreflang="en">Samsung may launch flagship phone early to grab Huawei share</a>

The particular unit would create 510 direct jobs, and should be operational by next year. The company already has a mobile phone manufacturing plant in Uttar Pradesh, considered one of the world’s largest.

Over the last few months, China has faced increasing backlash as it pins blame on other countries for spreading COVID-19. As a result, most governments have become wary of Chinese activity in their regions.

India too, worries about Chinese influence in the country, and set out to achieve the goal of self reliance&nbsp;by banning a series of Chinese apps, local versions&nbsp;of which can now&nbsp;be accessed on digital marketplaces.

The Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is offering financial incentives to Samsung Electronics Co in a bid to set up a 48.25 billion rupees ($654.36 million) display factory.

The Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is offering financial incentives to Samsung Electronics Co in a bid to set up a 48.25 billion rupees ($654.36 million) display factory. Right now, Samsung is re-locating the factory to India from China, in a bid to boost manufacturing in India. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been attempting to boost local manufacturing, and has repeatedly asserted the need to make India a manufacturing hub. India has the world’s second largest market for smartphones, with a lot of room for growth. Due to this, companies like Samsung are heavily investing in local growth. Also read: Samsung stops including chargers with phones after mocking Apple for the same Earlier in 2020, India approved financial incentives to boost domestic smartphone production under 16 companies. The central government’s $6.65 billion plan covers Samsung, and Apple suppliers Foxconn, Wistron, and Pegatron. Uttar Pradesh government on Friday said that Samsung would get 7 billion rupees in financial benefits. In addition, the company would also receive exemption of tax payable after the land is given to Samsung for the factory. Reuters had earlier reported that Samsung was seeking tax incentives from Uttar Pradesh for its display manufacturing plant. Also read: Samsung may launch flagship phone early to grab Huawei share The particular unit would create 510 direct jobs, and should be operational by next year. The company already has a mobile phone manufacturing plant in Uttar Pradesh, considered one of the world’s largest. Over the last few months, China has faced increasing backlash as it pins blame on other countries for spreading COVID-19. As a result, most governments have become wary of Chinese activity in their regions. India too, worries about Chinese influence in the country, and set out to achieve the goal of self reliance by banning a series of Chinese apps, local versions of which can now be accessed on digital marketplaces.

Uttar Pradesh approves incentives for relocation of Samsung factory from China

India has observed that there is an increasing trend of Chinese research vessels and fishing vessels operating in the Indian Ocean Region, raising security concerns for countries in the ocean. 
 
While the Chinese fishing vessels indicate the country`s growing footprint in the Indian Ocean Region, the research vessels have raised security concerns as they could be surveying the characteristics of the sea water for improving submarine warfare capabilities. 
 
"There has been a steady rise in the deployment of Chinese research vessels in Indian Ocean Region. The general area of deployment has been observed in ninety-degree East Ridge and South-West Indian Ridge," said a source in the government. 
 
The source also stated that there is also an increasing trend of Chinese Fishing Vessels in high seas in the Indian Ocean Region. Around 300 Chinese fishing vessels sail every year but last year almost 450 vessels sailed. "The fishing activity has a seasonal behaviour wherein the fishing vessels withdraw from Arabian Sea prior to the onset of monsoon and return in September and October," the source said. 
 
The concentration of Chinese fishing activities has been observed in the Central Arabian Sea and South West Indian Ocean. 
 
It was further pointed that the Chinese Navy ships including their submarines frequent the waters on the pretext of anti-piracy operations 
 
The Indian Navy is aware of China`s growing maritime prowess in the Indian Ocean Region as it is expanding its naval operations. Further, China has also been shifting a lot of resources from other arms to the Navy, keeping in line with their aim of becoming a global power. 
 
Last year in September, a Chinese vessel close to the Indian waters was whisked away after it was suspected to be on a spying mission. 
 
These research vessels come in the Indian Ocean Region also to either survey areas for deep sea mining or to study the characteristics of the water for ensuring the safety of submarines from anti-submarine warfare, the source said. 
 
However, these vessels are tracked by the Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders fitted in them. 
 
The AIS information, comprising an AIS code that is specific to a country, is clearly detectable and the Indian Navy is keeping an eye on each and every Chinese vessel entering the region.

India has observed that there is an increasing trend of Chinese research vessels and fishing vessels operating in the Indian Ocean Region, raising security concerns for countries in the ocean.

India has observed that there is an increasing trend of Chinese research vessels and fishing vessels operating in the Indian Ocean Region, raising security concerns for countries in the ocean. While the Chinese fishing vessels indicate the country`s growing footprint in the Indian Ocean Region, the research vessels have raised security concerns as they could be surveying the characteristics of the sea water for improving submarine warfare capabilities. "There has been a steady rise in the deployment of Chinese research vessels in Indian Ocean Region. The general area of deployment has been observed in ninety-degree East Ridge and South-West Indian Ridge," said a source in the government. The source also stated that there is also an increasing trend of Chinese Fishing Vessels in high seas in the Indian Ocean Region. Around 300 Chinese fishing vessels sail every year but last year almost 450 vessels sailed. "The fishing activity has a seasonal behaviour wherein the fishing vessels withdraw from Arabian Sea prior to the onset of monsoon and return in September and October," the source said. The concentration of Chinese fishing activities has been observed in the Central Arabian Sea and South West Indian Ocean. It was further pointed that the Chinese Navy ships including their submarines frequent the waters on the pretext of anti-piracy operations The Indian Navy is aware of China`s growing maritime prowess in the Indian Ocean Region as it is expanding its naval operations. Further, China has also been shifting a lot of resources from other arms to the Navy, keeping in line with their aim of becoming a global power. Last year in September, a Chinese vessel close to the Indian waters was whisked away after it was suspected to be on a spying mission. These research vessels come in the Indian Ocean Region also to either survey areas for deep sea mining or to study the characteristics of the water for ensuring the safety of submarines from anti-submarine warfare, the source said. However, these vessels are tracked by the Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders fitted in them. The AIS information, comprising an AIS code that is specific to a country, is clearly detectable and the Indian Navy is keeping an eye on each and every Chinese vessel entering the region.

Growing presence of Chinese research and fishing vessels in Indian Ocean raises security concerns

The eighth round of military talks on the Ladakh standoff with the Chinese PLA was candid, in-depth and constructive, the Indian Army said on Sunday, amid no signs of a concrete breakthrough on disengagement of troops in the high-altitude region.

In a joint statement, the two armies said it was agreed to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and ensure that the frontline troops exercise restraint and avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation.

The statement released both in Beijing and New Delhi said both sides agreed to maintain dialogue and communication through military and diplomatic channels, and take forward the discussions for the settlement of outstanding issues.

The Indian Army and China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) held the eighth round of talks in Chushul on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh on Friday. The talks lasted for around ten-and-half hours.At the talks, the two armies also agreed to have another round of meeting soon.

The statement said the two sides had a candid, in-depth and constructive exchange of views on disengagement along the LAC in the Western Sector of India-China border areas.

"Both sides agreed to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, ensure their frontline troops exercise restraint and avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation," the statement said.

"Both sides agreed to maintain dialogue and communication through military and diplomatic channels, and, taking forward the discussions at this meeting, push for the settlement of other outstanding issues, so as to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas," it added

Government sources said the Indian Army, at the talks, strongly insisted on early disengagement of troops by China from all the friction points in eastern Ladakh, adding there was no breakthrough on the resolution of the row.

Nearly 50,000 Indian Army troops are currently deployed in a high state of combat readiness in various mountainous locations in eastern Ladakh in sub-zero conditions as multiple rounds of talks between the two sides have not yielded concrete outcome to resolve the standoff. China has also deployed an equal number of troops, according to officials.

The standoff between the two sides erupted in early May.

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat on Friday said India will not accept any shifting of the LAC, and noted that the possibility of transgressions and confrontations on the border spiralling into a larger conflict cannot be ruled out.

The Indian delegation at the eighth round of military talks was led by Lt Gen PGK Menon, the newly-appointed Commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps.

Naveen Srivastava, Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs, was also part of the Indian delegation.

At the seventh round of talks too, both sides had agreed to maintain dialogue and communication through military and diplomatic channels to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution for disengagement "as early as possible".

India has all along been maintaining that the onus is on China to carry forward the process of disengagement and de-escalation at the friction points in the mountainous region.

Following the sixth round of military talks, the two sides announced a slew of decisions including not to send more troops to the frontline, refrain from unilaterally changing the situation on the ground and avoid taking any actions that may further complicate matters.

The sixth round was held with a specific agenda of exploring ways to implement a five-point agreement reached between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at a meeting in Moscow on September 10 on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) conclave.

The pact included measures like quick disengagement of troops, avoiding action that could escalate tensions, adherence to all agreements and protocols on border management and steps to restore peace along the LAC.

When asked about the six-month-long military standoff, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said at a media briefing on Friday that both sides continue to maintain close communication at the military and diplomatic levels to achieve complete disengagement along the LAC.

The eighth round of military talks on the Ladakh standoff with the Chinese PLA was candid, in-depth and constructive, the Indian Army said on Sunday, amid no signs of a concrete breakthrough on disengagement of troops in the high-altitude region.

The eighth round of military talks on the Ladakh standoff with the Chinese PLA was candid, in-depth and constructive, the Indian Army said on Sunday, amid no signs of a concrete breakthrough on disengagement of troops in the high-altitude region. In a joint statement, the two armies said it was agreed to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and ensure that the frontline troops exercise restraint and avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation. The statement released both in Beijing and New Delhi said both sides agreed to maintain dialogue and communication through military and diplomatic channels, and take forward the discussions for the settlement of outstanding issues. The Indian Army and China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) held the eighth round of talks in Chushul on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh on Friday. The talks lasted for around ten-and-half hours.At the talks, the two armies also agreed to have another round of meeting soon. The statement said the two sides had a candid, in-depth and constructive exchange of views on disengagement along the LAC in the Western Sector of India-China border areas. "Both sides agreed to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, ensure their frontline troops exercise restraint and avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation," the statement said. "Both sides agreed to maintain dialogue and communication through military and diplomatic channels, and, taking forward the discussions at this meeting, push for the settlement of other outstanding issues, so as to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas," it added Government sources said the Indian Army, at the talks, strongly insisted on early disengagement of troops by China from all the friction points in eastern Ladakh, adding there was no breakthrough on the resolution of the row. Nearly 50,000 Indian Army troops are currently deployed in a high state of combat readiness in various mountainous locations in eastern Ladakh in sub-zero conditions as multiple rounds of talks between the two sides have not yielded concrete outcome to resolve the standoff. China has also deployed an equal number of troops, according to officials. The standoff between the two sides erupted in early May. Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat on Friday said India will not accept any shifting of the LAC, and noted that the possibility of transgressions and confrontations on the border spiralling into a larger conflict cannot be ruled out. The Indian delegation at the eighth round of military talks was led by Lt Gen PGK Menon, the newly-appointed Commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps. Naveen Srivastava, Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs, was also part of the Indian delegation. At the seventh round of talks too, both sides had agreed to maintain dialogue and communication through military and diplomatic channels to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution for disengagement "as early as possible". India has all along been maintaining that the onus is on China to carry forward the process of disengagement and de-escalation at the friction points in the mountainous region. Following the sixth round of military talks, the two sides announced a slew of decisions including not to send more troops to the frontline, refrain from unilaterally changing the situation on the ground and avoid taking any actions that may further complicate matters. The sixth round was held with a specific agenda of exploring ways to implement a five-point agreement reached between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at a meeting in Moscow on September 10 on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) conclave. The pact included measures like quick disengagement of troops, avoiding action that could escalate tensions, adherence to all agreements and protocols on border management and steps to restore peace along the LAC. When asked about the six-month-long military standoff, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said at a media briefing on Friday that both sides continue to maintain close communication at the military and diplomatic levels to achieve complete disengagement along the LAC.

Indian and Chinese armies term 8th round of military talks as candid, constructive

India is set to press for comprehensive disengagement of troops by the Chinese PLA from all the friction points in eastern Ladakh at the eighth round of Corps Commander-level talks on Friday.

The talks began at 9:30 am in Chushul on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

Nearly 50,000 Indian Army troops are currently deployed in a high state of combat readiness in various mountainous locations in eastern Ladakh in sub-zero conditions as multiple rounds of talks between the two sides have not yielded concrete outcome to resolve the six-month-long military standoff.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has also deployed an equal number of troops, according to officials.

The last round of Corps Commander-level talks had taken place on October 12 but there was no breakthrough on the disengagement of troops from the friction points. The standoff between the two sides erupted in early May.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently said the ties between India and China have come under "severe stress" and that the agreements inked by both sides on management of the border must be respected "scrupulously" in their "entirety" to restore normalcy in relations.

The Indian delegation at the eighth round of military talks will be led by Lt Gen PGK Menon, the newly-appointed Commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps.

A joint press statement by the two armies after the last round of talks said both sides agreed to maintain dialogue and communication through military and diplomatic channels to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution for disengagement "as early as possible".

India has all along been maintaining that the onus is on China to carry forward the process of disengagement and de-escalation at the friction points in the mountainous region.

Following the sixth round of military talks, the two sides announced a slew of decisions including not to send more troops to the frontline, refrain from unilaterally changing the situation on the ground and avoid taking any actions that may further complicate matters.

The sixth round was held with a specific agenda of exploring ways to implement a five-point agreement reached between Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at a meeting in Moscow on September 10 on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) conclave.

The pact included measures like quick disengagement of troops, avoiding action that could escalate tensions, adherence to all agreements and protocols on border management and steps to restore peace along the LAC.

The situation in eastern Ladakh deteriorated following at least three attempts by Chinese soldiers to "intimidate" Indian troops along the northern and southern bank of Pangong lake area between August 29 and September 8 where even shots were fired in the air for the first time at the LAC in 45 years.

As tensions escalated further, the foreign ministers of India and China held talks in Moscow on September 10 where they reached a five-point agreement to defuse the situation in eastern Ladakh.

During the previous rounds of Corps Commander-level talks, the PLA had insisted on withdrawal of Indian troops from the strategic heights in Mukhpari, Rezang La and Magar hill areas around the southern bank of Pangong lake.

However, India maintained that the disengagement process has to start simultaneously in all the friction points. 
&nbsp;

India is set to press for comprehensive disengagement of troops by the Chinese PLA from all the friction points in eastern Ladakh at the eighth round of Corps Commander-level talks on Friday.

India is set to press for comprehensive disengagement of troops by the Chinese PLA from all the friction points in eastern Ladakh at the eighth round of Corps Commander-level talks on Friday. The talks began at 9:30 am in Chushul on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Nearly 50,000 Indian Army troops are currently deployed in a high state of combat readiness in various mountainous locations in eastern Ladakh in sub-zero conditions as multiple rounds of talks between the two sides have not yielded concrete outcome to resolve the six-month-long military standoff. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has also deployed an equal number of troops, according to officials. The last round of Corps Commander-level talks had taken place on October 12 but there was no breakthrough on the disengagement of troops from the friction points. The standoff between the two sides erupted in early May. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently said the ties between India and China have come under "severe stress" and that the agreements inked by both sides on management of the border must be respected "scrupulously" in their "entirety" to restore normalcy in relations. The Indian delegation at the eighth round of military talks will be led by Lt Gen PGK Menon, the newly-appointed Commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps. A joint press statement by the two armies after the last round of talks said both sides agreed to maintain dialogue and communication through military and diplomatic channels to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution for disengagement "as early as possible". India has all along been maintaining that the onus is on China to carry forward the process of disengagement and de-escalation at the friction points in the mountainous region. Following the sixth round of military talks, the two sides announced a slew of decisions including not to send more troops to the frontline, refrain from unilaterally changing the situation on the ground and avoid taking any actions that may further complicate matters. The sixth round was held with a specific agenda of exploring ways to implement a five-point agreement reached between Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at a meeting in Moscow on September 10 on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) conclave. The pact included measures like quick disengagement of troops, avoiding action that could escalate tensions, adherence to all agreements and protocols on border management and steps to restore peace along the LAC. The situation in eastern Ladakh deteriorated following at least three attempts by Chinese soldiers to "intimidate" Indian troops along the northern and southern bank of Pangong lake area between August 29 and September 8 where even shots were fired in the air for the first time at the LAC in 45 years. As tensions escalated further, the foreign ministers of India and China held talks in Moscow on September 10 where they reached a five-point agreement to defuse the situation in eastern Ladakh. During the previous rounds of Corps Commander-level talks, the PLA had insisted on withdrawal of Indian troops from the strategic heights in Mukhpari, Rezang La and Magar hill areas around the southern bank of Pangong lake. However, India maintained that the disengagement process has to start simultaneously in all the friction points.

India to press for expeditious disengagement at 8th round of military talks

The top body that takes call on ties with Beijing, China Study Group on Wednesday met to discuss the 7th corps commanders meet between India and China.&nbsp;

The group that&nbsp;includes NSA Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, CDS Bipin Rawat and other top Indian officials, met&nbsp;for 90 minutes. The meeting comes one day after the Indian and Chinese corps commanders met in Chushul on Monday.

The proposal given was Chinese was also taken up during the meeting. The study group had met last week as well.

Ties between the 2 countries are strained amid the Line of Actual Control row. China continues to remain at north bank of Pangong lake with India reiterating calls for early disengagement. New Delhi has asked Chinese troops to go to April position at the LAC.

A joint statement was released after the Monday's corps meet&nbsp;called for "mutually acceptable solution for disengagement as early as possible."

So far 7 times corps commanders meeting has taken place since June and two high level political engagement have happened--between Indian and Chinese defence ministers and foreign ministers, both in Moscow.

The top body that takes call on ties with Beijing, China Study Group on Wednesday met to discuss the 7th corps commanders meet between India and China. The group that includes NSA Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, CDS Bipin Rawat and other top Indian officials, met for 90 minutes.

The top body that takes call on ties with Beijing, China Study Group on Wednesday met to discuss the 7th corps commanders meet between India and China. The group that includes NSA Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, CDS Bipin Rawat and other top Indian officials, met for 90 minutes. The meeting comes one day after the Indian and Chinese corps commanders met in Chushul on Monday. The proposal given was Chinese was also taken up during the meeting. The study group had met last week as well. Ties between the 2 countries are strained amid the Line of Actual Control row. China continues to remain at north bank of Pangong lake with India reiterating calls for early disengagement. New Delhi has asked Chinese troops to go to April position at the LAC. A joint statement was released after the Monday's corps meet called for "mutually acceptable solution for disengagement as early as possible." So far 7 times corps commanders meeting has taken place since June and two high level political engagement have happened--between Indian and Chinese defence ministers and foreign ministers, both in Moscow.

China Study Group discusses 7th Corps Commander meet

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday said that Beijing doesn’t recognize "Ladakh Union Territory and Arunachal Pradesh."&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-china-appear-to-be-on-a-mission-to-create-disputes-at-borders-rajnath-singh-334727">Also read | Pakistan, China appear to be on a mission to create disputes at borders: Rajnath Singh</a> 
 
The Chinese MFA&nbsp;in a statement said that Ladakh Union Territory is a region “illegally established by India". 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-china-standoff-how-indian-air-forces-5th-generation-fighter-jet-will-change-air-equation-in-south-asia-334475">In pictures: How Indian Air Force's 5th generation fighter jet will change air equation in South Asia</a>

Reacting to the inauguration of the 44 bridges by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Chinese MFA spokesperson said that China stands against the development of infrastructure facilities aimed at military contention along the border area. Based on the two sides’ consensus, neither should take action that might escalate the situation. That could also undermine efforts to ease the situation.&nbsp;

"For some time, the Indian side has been ramping up infrastructure development along the border and stepping up military deployment that is root cause of the tension between the two sides. China asks the Indian side to earnestly implement the consensus between the two sides and refrain from taking actions that might escalate the situation and take concrete measures to safeguard peace and tranquility along the border," he added.

Yesterday, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated 44 bridges including two crucial bridges on the strategic 475-km Manali-Leh highway to facilitate the movement of armed forces and logistics in forward areas of Union Territory of Ladakh.

Speaking at the virtual inaugural event, Singh highlighted the ongoing border tensions with Pakistan and China and asserted that the 44 bridges will enable the Indian Armed Forces to quickly move their troops and weapons in a crisis situation.&nbsp;

The 44 major bridges dedicated to the nation were virtually constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in record time in seven Border States and Union Territories in western, northern and north-eastern India. 
 
Meanwhile, India has been pressing on disengagement with the Chinese for last few months since the Ladakh stand-off began. It is the longest such stand-off between the two countries in recent times. Despite the two joint statements in September on disengagement by the Chinese side no movement has happened.&nbsp;

Instead, as the Air Chief earlier this month said, they are digging in. No demand by China officially and on the face they too have been voicing disengagement. India wants Chinese to leave first, since they came first. Status Quo is something, the Indians won’t like it. 
 
According to the government sources, the Indian Army has occupied six new heights between August 29 and the second week of September. The new hill features being occupied by our troops include the Magar hill, Gurung Hill, Recehen La, Rezang La, Mokhpari and the dominating height over Chinese positions near Finger 4.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday said that Beijing doesn’t recognize "Ladakh Union Territory and Arunachal Pradesh." Also read | Pakistan, China appear to be on a mission to create disputes at borders: Rajnath Singh The Chinese MFA in a statement said that Ladakh Union Territory is a region “illegally established by India".

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday said that Beijing doesn’t recognize "Ladakh Union Territory and Arunachal Pradesh." Also read | Pakistan, China appear to be on a mission to create disputes at borders: Rajnath Singh The Chinese MFA in a statement said that Ladakh Union Territory is a region “illegally established by India". In pictures: How Indian Air Force's 5th generation fighter jet will change air equation in South Asia Reacting to the inauguration of the 44 bridges by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Chinese MFA spokesperson said that China stands against the development of infrastructure facilities aimed at military contention along the border area. Based on the two sides’ consensus, neither should take action that might escalate the situation. That could also undermine efforts to ease the situation. "For some time, the Indian side has been ramping up infrastructure development along the border and stepping up military deployment that is root cause of the tension between the two sides. China asks the Indian side to earnestly implement the consensus between the two sides and refrain from taking actions that might escalate the situation and take concrete measures to safeguard peace and tranquility along the border," he added. Yesterday, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated 44 bridges including two crucial bridges on the strategic 475-km Manali-Leh highway to facilitate the movement of armed forces and logistics in forward areas of Union Territory of Ladakh. Speaking at the virtual inaugural event, Singh highlighted the ongoing border tensions with Pakistan and China and asserted that the 44 bridges will enable the Indian Armed Forces to quickly move their troops and weapons in a crisis situation. The 44 major bridges dedicated to the nation were virtually constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in record time in seven Border States and Union Territories in western, northern and north-eastern India. Meanwhile, India has been pressing on disengagement with the Chinese for last few months since the Ladakh stand-off began. It is the longest such stand-off between the two countries in recent times. Despite the two joint statements in September on disengagement by the Chinese side no movement has happened. Instead, as the Air Chief earlier this month said, they are digging in. No demand by China officially and on the face they too have been voicing disengagement. India wants Chinese to leave first, since they came first. Status Quo is something, the Indians won’t like it. According to the government sources, the Indian Army has occupied six new heights between August 29 and the second week of September. The new hill features being occupied by our troops include the Magar hill, Gurung Hill, Recehen La, Rezang La, Mokhpari and the dominating height over Chinese positions near Finger 4. (With inputs from agencies)

Beijing doesn’t recognize Ladakh Union Territory and Arunachal Pradesh: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs

India and China are holding the seventh round of Corps Commander-level meet on Monday in Chushul in eastern Ladakh, amidst the continuing stalemate along the LAC.

India & China holding 7th level military talks in Chushul

Amidst the continuing stalemate along the LAC in Ladakh, the seventh round of Corps Commander-level meet are scheduled to be held on Monday in Chushul in eastern Ladakh.

LAC Standoff: 7th level military talks to be held in Chushul

India has briefed envoys of Nordic and Baltic countries in Delhi on the current situation with China,&nbsp;as the&nbsp;Line of Actual Control remains tense&nbsp;due to Chinese presence.&nbsp;India, China ties have gone southward since May after the Chinese side tried to change the "patrolling pattern" at LAC, followed by Galwan incident in June in which India lost 20 of its soldiers.

During the meeting that happened on Monday, Secretary (Economic Relation) Rahul Chhabra and Secretary (West) Vikas Swarup were present, with the key focus on&nbsp;the further development of economic ties.

Nordic countries consist of countries of Northern Europe -- Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden while Baltic countries consist of countries bordering Baltic sea--Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.&nbsp;

In 2018, the first India-Nordic summit happened in Sweden, with plans underway to host the 2nd India Nordic summit in Denmark. Vice&nbsp;President had visited all 3 Baltic countries in 2019 as part of New Delhi's reach out.

Ministry of the external affair has been meeting envoys of various groupings, and in the past, a meet with ASEAN envoy happened.&nbsp;

India has briefed envoys of Nordic and Baltic countries in Delhi on the current situation with China, as the Line of Actual Control remains tense due to Chinese presence.

India has briefed envoys of Nordic and Baltic countries in Delhi on the current situation with China, as the Line of Actual Control remains tense due to Chinese presence. India, China ties have gone southward since May after the Chinese side tried to change the "patrolling pattern" at LAC, followed by Galwan incident in June in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. During the meeting that happened on Monday, Secretary (Economic Relation) Rahul Chhabra and Secretary (West) Vikas Swarup were present, with the key focus on the further development of economic ties. Nordic countries consist of countries of Northern Europe -- Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden while Baltic countries consist of countries bordering Baltic sea--Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. In 2018, the first India-Nordic summit happened in Sweden, with plans underway to host the 2nd India Nordic summit in Denmark. Vice President had visited all 3 Baltic countries in 2019 as part of New Delhi's reach out. Ministry of the external affair has been meeting envoys of various groupings, and in the past, a meet with ASEAN envoy happened.

India briefs envoys of Nordic & Baltic countries on LAC situation with China

India issued statement after completion of border talks. According to Indian govt both sides had a frank exchange of views and are agree to maintain close consultations.

News Alert: India-China WMCC meet over | Moscow consensus key to resolution

India-China Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination (WMCC) talks are underway virtually. While this is the 19th WMCC meet since the mechanism came up in 2012, it is the fifth such meet amid the ongoing tension.

India-China WMCC talks underway

India, China WMCC (Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination) talks are underway virtually. This is expected to be followed by the 7th corps commanders meet, whose date is yet to be decided.&nbsp;

While this is the 19th WMCC meet since the mechanism came up in 2012, it is the fifth such meet amid the ongoing tension. At WMCC meets, Joint Secretary (East Asia) in Ministry of External Affairs Naveen Srivastava represents India. China is represented by Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This is the first WMCC meet since the foreign ministers of two countries met in Moscow on the sidelines of the Shanghai cooperation organization earlier this month in which both sides agreed for disengagement&nbsp;to ease the tension. &nbsp;

After the FMs meet, 6th corps commander level talks happened at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and while disengagement by China is yet to happen, both sides agreed to "stop sending more troops to the frontline."

WMCC is an institutional mechanism for consultation and coordination for the management of India-China border areas. During this meet, both sides exchange views on strengthening communication including on areas such as border security personnel of the two sides.

India, China WMCC (Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination) talks are underway virtually. This is expected to be followed by the 7th corps commanders meet, whose date is yet to be decided.

India, China WMCC (Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination) talks are underway virtually. This is expected to be followed by the 7th corps commanders meet, whose date is yet to be decided. While this is the 19th WMCC meet since the mechanism came up in 2012, it is the fifth such meet amid the ongoing tension. At WMCC meets, Joint Secretary (East Asia) in Ministry of External Affairs Naveen Srivastava represents India. China is represented by Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is the first WMCC meet since the foreign ministers of two countries met in Moscow on the sidelines of the Shanghai cooperation organization earlier this month in which both sides agreed for disengagement to ease the tension. After the FMs meet, 6th corps commander level talks happened at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and while disengagement by China is yet to happen, both sides agreed to "stop sending more troops to the frontline." WMCC is an institutional mechanism for consultation and coordination for the management of India-China border areas. During this meet, both sides exchange views on strengthening communication including on areas such as border security personnel of the two sides.

India, China WMCC talks underway

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