India has proposed mutual recognition of Covid vaccine certificates to Pakistan. This would mean that travellers from either country can enter the respective country without any hassles with regards to Covid vaccination, and will be allowed to leave the airport/ transport hub as per laid norms.

This will essentially ease&nbsp;the movement of people as Covid crisis abates.

So far, there hasn't been any word from Islamabad on the issue. However, if Pakistan agrees to it, this&nbsp;will help many Indian pilgrims, especially the Indian Sikh pilgrims who will be going to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur once it is opened. A corridor was opened to the holy Gurdwara, with much fanfare, that allowed visa free travel from India to Pakistan. However, operations had to be suspended as Covid took over the world.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-administer-next-billion-vaccines-in-next-3-4-months-vaccine-panel-head-422967" hreflang="en">India to administer next billion vaccines in next 3-4 months: Vaccine panel head</a>

Travel between India and Pakistan was impacted due to Covid, like every other country. However, before that, Islamabad had taken steps to decrease people to people movement in the aftermath of India removing special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. Pakistan had also suspended all rail, bus services between the two countries, following New Delhi's decision.

Indian proposal comes days after New Delhi sent out invite to Islamabad for National Security Advisors meet on Afghanistan. New Delhi will be hosting a meet of NSA in the second week of November with countries such as&nbsp;Pakistan, Iran, Russia, China and some central Asian countries.

For Pakistan, the country's&nbsp;NSA Moeed Yusuf who has been invited.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vocal-for-local-pm-modi-urges-people-to-buy-made-in-india-products-on-diwali-422855" hreflang="en">‘Vocal for local’: PM Modi urges people to buy ‘Made in India’ products on Diwali</a>

As on October 20, India has an agreement with 11 countries for mutual recognition vaccination certificate for individuals fully vaccinated with nationally recognised or WHO recognised COVID-19 vaccines. These countries are UK, France, Germany, Nepal, Belarus, Lebanon, Armenia, Ukraine, Belgium, Hungary and&nbsp;Serbia.

India is reaching out to more countries for mutual recognition of vaccine certificate. Earlier this week, India and Israel agreed on mutual recognition of Covid vaccine certificate which will help in easy movement of people. EAM, after his meeting with Israeli FM, Yair Lapid, said, "I know, in principle we have agreed on mutual recognition of our vaccination certification process. And while we are working that out, in the interim, Israel would allow people, having Covishield vaccines to travel to Israel".

India has proposed mutual recognition of Covid vaccine certificates to Pakistan. This would mean that travellers from either country can enter the respective country without any hassles with regards to Covid vaccination, and will be allowed to leave the airport/ transport hub as per laid norms.

India has proposed mutual recognition of Covid vaccine certificates to Pakistan. This would mean that travellers from either country can enter the respective country without any hassles with regards to Covid vaccination, and will be allowed to leave the airport/ transport hub as per laid norms. This will essentially ease the movement of people as Covid crisis abates. So far, there hasn't been any word from Islamabad on the issue. However, if Pakistan agrees to it, this will help many Indian pilgrims, especially the Indian Sikh pilgrims who will be going to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur once it is opened. A corridor was opened to the holy Gurdwara, with much fanfare, that allowed visa free travel from India to Pakistan. However, operations had to be suspended as Covid took over the world. Also read | India to administer next billion vaccines in next 3-4 months: Vaccine panel head Travel between India and Pakistan was impacted due to Covid, like every other country. However, before that, Islamabad had taken steps to decrease people to people movement in the aftermath of India removing special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. Pakistan had also suspended all rail, bus services between the two countries, following New Delhi's decision. Indian proposal comes days after New Delhi sent out invite to Islamabad for National Security Advisors meet on Afghanistan. New Delhi will be hosting a meet of NSA in the second week of November with countries such as Pakistan, Iran, Russia, China and some central Asian countries. For Pakistan, the country's NSA Moeed Yusuf who has been invited. Also read | ‘Vocal for local’: PM Modi urges people to buy ‘Made in India’ products on Diwali As on October 20, India has an agreement with 11 countries for mutual recognition vaccination certificate for individuals fully vaccinated with nationally recognised or WHO recognised COVID-19 vaccines. These countries are UK, France, Germany, Nepal, Belarus, Lebanon, Armenia, Ukraine, Belgium, Hungary and Serbia. India is reaching out to more countries for mutual recognition of vaccine certificate. Earlier this week, India and Israel agreed on mutual recognition of Covid vaccine certificate which will help in easy movement of people. EAM, after his meeting with Israeli FM, Yair Lapid, said, "I know, in principle we have agreed on mutual recognition of our vaccination certification process. And while we are working that out, in the interim, Israel would allow people, having Covishield vaccines to travel to Israel".

India proposes mutual recognition of Covid vaccine certificates to Pakistan

China is a bigger security threat for India than Pakistan, India's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat said in an exclusive interview with WION.

"We know we have challenges on both sides, but we have to obviously address our larger neighbour with some degree of concern," General Rawat, India's first-ever CDS, told WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma.

"When you have a larger neighbour, which has got a better force, better technology, you obviously prepare for a larger neighbour," he said. 
 
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"You have a neighbour on the other side which is rogue. While the other neighbour may still be more pragmatic in decision making, this side there are terrorists who are operating alongside them," he said in reference to Pakistan.

"Terrorists sometimes go out of control of the establishment and they could actually escalate the situation.&nbsp;If a situation like Kargil happens again, then even the western neighbour could become a challenge," he said.

As the US troops pull out of Afghanistan, General&nbsp;Rawat said India has to wait and watch how the situation evolves.

Asked if he still maintains that India should talk to the Taliban, he said "the people dealing with the situation" will do what is best for India.

The CDS also addressed questions about Quad - the quadrilateral alliance of US, India, Japan and Australia.&nbsp;Asked if it's fair to call it&nbsp;the Asian NATO, he said, "Quad is more of an alliance for ensuring freedom of navigation on the Indo-Pacific region."

As of now, he said, it is a group of four nations "ensuring peace in the region",&nbsp; but added that it is difficult to predict what form Quad will take in the future.

China is a bigger security threat for India than Pakistan, India's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat said in an exclusive interview with WION. "We know we have challenges on both sides, but we have to obviously address our larger neighbour with some degree of concern," General Rawat, India's first-ever CDS, told WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma.

China is a bigger security threat for India than Pakistan, India's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat said in an exclusive interview with WION. "We know we have challenges on both sides, but we have to obviously address our larger neighbour with some degree of concern," General Rawat, India's first-ever CDS, told WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma. "When you have a larger neighbour, which has got a better force, better technology, you obviously prepare for a larger neighbour," he said. Watch: × "You have a neighbour on the other side which is rogue. While the other neighbour may still be more pragmatic in decision making, this side there are terrorists who are operating alongside them," he said in reference to Pakistan. "Terrorists sometimes go out of control of the establishment and they could actually escalate the situation. If a situation like Kargil happens again, then even the western neighbour could become a challenge," he said. As the US troops pull out of Afghanistan, General Rawat said India has to wait and watch how the situation evolves. Asked if he still maintains that India should talk to the Taliban, he said "the people dealing with the situation" will do what is best for India. The CDS also addressed questions about Quad - the quadrilateral alliance of US, India, Japan and Australia. Asked if it's fair to call it the Asian NATO, he said, "Quad is more of an alliance for ensuring freedom of navigation on the Indo-Pacific region." As of now, he said, it is a group of four nations "ensuring peace in the region", but added that it is difficult to predict what form Quad will take in the future.

Exclusive: For India, China a bigger security threat than Pakistan, says CDS Bipin Rawat

Slamming Pakistan, India said the country continues to foment a "culture of violence" at home and across its borders as it hit out at Islamabad for using the platform of the United Nations for hate speech against it.

"A Culture of Peace is not just an abstract value or principle to be discussed and celebrated in conferences, but needs to be actively built into global relationships between and among member states," First Secretary in India's Permanent Mission to the UN Vidisha Maitra said in the UN General Assembly Tuesday during the high-level forum on the Culture of Peace 'Transformative role of the Culture of Peace: Promoting Resilience and Inclusion in Post-COVID Recovery'.

"We have witnessed yet another attempt today by the delegation of Pakistan to exploit a UN platform for hate speech against India, even as it continues to foment a 'culture of violence' at home and across its borders. We dismiss and condemn all such efforts," she said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-pakistan-will-face-consequences-of-its-actions-in-afghanistan-warns-ex-iran-president-mahmoud-ahmadinejad-411375" hreflang="en">EXCLUSIVE: Pakistan will face consequences of its actions in Afghanistan, warns ex-Iran president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad</a>

India's strong response came after Islamabad's envoy to the UN Munir Akram raked up the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and spoke about the late pro-Pakistan leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani in his remarks in the General Assembly hall that focussed almost entirely on India and not on the forum's theme.

Maitra said there can be no doubt that terrorism, which is a manifestation of intolerance and violence, is the antithesis of all religions and cultures.

"The world should be concerned by terrorists who use religion to justify these acts and those who support them in this quest," she said.

Underlining that India will continue to spread the message of humanity, democracy and non-violence, she said India reiterates its call for the application of the principles of objectivity, non-selectivity and impartiality to form the basis of discussions in the United Nations especially on the issue of religion.

"The United Nations including UN Alliance of Civilizations and Member States should refrain from selectivity on such issues which hinders a Culture of Peace," she said.

While noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the interconnectedness and interdependence of humankind like never before, she said even during the pandemic, "we have witnessed an upsurge in intolerance, violence, and terrorism.?

"Even in the midst of the pandemic, we face the 'infodemic' challenge which has been responsible for a rise in hate speech and in seeding hatred within communities," she said.

Last year in June, India along with 12 countries had co-sponsored the Cross-Regional Statement on "Infodemic" in the Context of COVID-19,&nbsp;a first of its kind statement by UN Member States.

Maitra told the high-level forum that the principles of democracy, pluralism, compassion, cultural diversity, dialogue and understanding form the basis of the Culture of Peace.

"India is called a country of 'unity in diversity'. Our concept of pluralism is based on our ancient ethos of 'Sarva Dharma Sambhav' which means 'equal respect for all faiths'," she said, as she referred to the 1893 speech by India's great philosopher Swami Vivekananda at the Parliament of World

Religions in Chicago where he had impressed upon India's civilisational ethos of accepting the greatness of all religions.

"India is not just the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, but is also the land where the teachings of Islam, Judaism, Christianity and Zoroastrianism have taken strong root," she said.

"Culture of Peace is the cornerstone of any global order to build inclusive and tolerant societies. Since the adoption of the UN Declaration and Programme of Action in 1999 at Bangladesh's behest, the Culture of Peace agenda has provided an effective blueprint for multilateral action to promote solidarity and understanding," she said.

Slamming Pakistan, India said the country continues to foment a "culture of violence" at home and across its borders as it hit out at Islamabad for using the platform of the United Nations for hate speech against it.

Slamming Pakistan, India said the country continues to foment a "culture of violence" at home and across its borders as it hit out at Islamabad for using the platform of the United Nations for hate speech against it. "A Culture of Peace is not just an abstract value or principle to be discussed and celebrated in conferences, but needs to be actively built into global relationships between and among member states," First Secretary in India's Permanent Mission to the UN Vidisha Maitra said in the UN General Assembly Tuesday during the high-level forum on the Culture of Peace 'Transformative role of the Culture of Peace: Promoting Resilience and Inclusion in Post-COVID Recovery'. "We have witnessed yet another attempt today by the delegation of Pakistan to exploit a UN platform for hate speech against India, even as it continues to foment a 'culture of violence' at home and across its borders. We dismiss and condemn all such efforts," she said. Also read | EXCLUSIVE: Pakistan will face consequences of its actions in Afghanistan, warns ex-Iran president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad India's strong response came after Islamabad's envoy to the UN Munir Akram raked up the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and spoke about the late pro-Pakistan leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani in his remarks in the General Assembly hall that focussed almost entirely on India and not on the forum's theme. Maitra said there can be no doubt that terrorism, which is a manifestation of intolerance and violence, is the antithesis of all religions and cultures. "The world should be concerned by terrorists who use religion to justify these acts and those who support them in this quest," she said. Underlining that India will continue to spread the message of humanity, democracy and non-violence, she said India reiterates its call for the application of the principles of objectivity, non-selectivity and impartiality to form the basis of discussions in the United Nations especially on the issue of religion. "The United Nations including UN Alliance of Civilizations and Member States should refrain from selectivity on such issues which hinders a Culture of Peace," she said. While noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the interconnectedness and interdependence of humankind like never before, she said even during the pandemic, "we have witnessed an upsurge in intolerance, violence, and terrorism.? "Even in the midst of the pandemic, we face the 'infodemic' challenge which has been responsible for a rise in hate speech and in seeding hatred within communities," she said. Last year in June, India along with 12 countries had co-sponsored the Cross-Regional Statement on "Infodemic" in the Context of COVID-19, a first of its kind statement by UN Member States. Maitra told the high-level forum that the principles of democracy, pluralism, compassion, cultural diversity, dialogue and understanding form the basis of the Culture of Peace. "India is called a country of 'unity in diversity'. Our concept of pluralism is based on our ancient ethos of 'Sarva Dharma Sambhav' which means 'equal respect for all faiths'," she said, as she referred to the 1893 speech by India's great philosopher Swami Vivekananda at the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago where he had impressed upon India's civilisational ethos of accepting the greatness of all religions. "India is not just the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, but is also the land where the teachings of Islam, Judaism, Christianity and Zoroastrianism have taken strong root," she said. "Culture of Peace is the cornerstone of any global order to build inclusive and tolerant societies. Since the adoption of the UN Declaration and Programme of Action in 1999 at Bangladesh's behest, the Culture of Peace agenda has provided an effective blueprint for multilateral action to promote solidarity and understanding," she said.

Pak continues to foment culture of violence at home, across its borders: India at UN

A drone was spotted in the residential area of the Indian high commission in Islamabad over the weekend. The matter has been raised by the Indian side with Pakistan.

In a note verbale, New Delhi has raised security concerns with Islamabad regarding the drone movement.

This is the first time such an incident involving a drone being spotted inside the Indian mission in Pakistan has happened.&nbsp;The presence of Drone inside the mission took place when an event was underway.&nbsp;

The incident happened last week on Saturday, June 26.&nbsp;Incidentally, around the same time, India saw the first drone attack at the Indian air force base in Jammu.&nbsp;

Indian air force in a release on 27th June said, "Two low-intensity explosions were reported early Sunday morning in the technical area of Jammu Air Force Station. One caused minor damage to the roof of a building while the other exploded in an open area."

Adding,"There was no damage to any equipment. The investigation is in progress along with civil agencies."

Since the Jammu incident, India has raised alertness.&nbsp;Few incidents of drones being spotted also came to light in the same region. The use of drones is seen as a low-cost way of using technology to inflict damage and surveillance as well.

The matter of the use of drones by terrorists has been pointed out by India at the United Nation as well. Raising the matter at United Nations General Assembly, V.S.K. Kaumudi, Special Secretary (Internal Security), Ministry of Home Affairs pointed out, "The possibility of the use of weaponized drones for terrorist purposes against strategic and commercial assets call for serious attention by the member states", adding, "We have witnessed terrorists using UAS to smuggle weapons across borders."

Indian NSA Ajit Doval speaking at the SCO NSAs meet last month called for the need to monitor new technologies used by terrorists including drones for smuggling of weapons and misuse of the dark web.

A drone was spotted in the residential area of the Indian high commission in Islamabad over the weekend. The matter has been raised by the Indian side with Pakistan.

A drone was spotted in the residential area of the Indian high commission in Islamabad over the weekend. The matter has been raised by the Indian side with Pakistan. In a note verbale, New Delhi has raised security concerns with Islamabad regarding the drone movement. This is the first time such an incident involving a drone being spotted inside the Indian mission in Pakistan has happened. The presence of Drone inside the mission took place when an event was underway. The incident happened last week on Saturday, June 26. Incidentally, around the same time, India saw the first drone attack at the Indian air force base in Jammu. Indian air force in a release on 27th June said, "Two low-intensity explosions were reported early Sunday morning in the technical area of Jammu Air Force Station. One caused minor damage to the roof of a building while the other exploded in an open area." Adding,"There was no damage to any equipment. The investigation is in progress along with civil agencies." Since the Jammu incident, India has raised alertness. Few incidents of drones being spotted also came to light in the same region. The use of drones is seen as a low-cost way of using technology to inflict damage and surveillance as well. The matter of the use of drones by terrorists has been pointed out by India at the United Nation as well. Raising the matter at United Nations General Assembly, V.S.K. Kaumudi, Special Secretary (Internal Security), Ministry of Home Affairs pointed out, "The possibility of the use of weaponized drones for terrorist purposes against strategic and commercial assets call for serious attention by the member states", adding, "We have witnessed terrorists using UAS to smuggle weapons across borders." Indian NSA Ajit Doval speaking at the SCO NSAs meet last month called for the need to monitor new technologies used by terrorists including drones for smuggling of weapons and misuse of the dark web.

Drone spotted inside Indian mission in Islamabad; matter raised

India on Thursday called on Pakistan to ensure early release and repatriation of Indian civilian prisoners and missing defence personnel languishing in Pakistani jails.

The two countries exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other's custody in line with the provisions of a 2008 agreement.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India handed over a list of 271 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 74 fishermen who are in Indian custody.

Similarly, Pakistan shared a list of 51 civilian prisoners and 558 fishermen in its custody, who are Indians or are believed-to-be Indians, the MEA said.

"The government has called for early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, missing Indian defence personnel and fishermen along with their boats, from Pakistan's custody," it said.

"In this context, Pakistan was asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 1 Indian civilian prisoner and 295 Indian fishermen to India whose nationality has been confirmed and conveyed to Pakistan," the MEA said in a statement.

In addition, Pakistan has been asked to provide immediate consular access to 194 fishermen and 17 civilian prisoners who are in Pakistan's custody and are believed to be Indians, it added.

"The government also requested Pakistan to expedite the grant of visas to the members of the medical experts' team and facilitate their visit to Pakistan to assess the mental condition of believed-to-be Indian prisoners of unsound mind, lodged in different jails of Pakistan," the MEA said.

"It was also proposed to organise an early visit of the Joint Judicial Committee to Pakistan," it said.

The MEA said India remains committed to addressing, on priority, all humanitarian matters, including those pertaining to prisoners and fishermen in each other's custody.

In this context, the MEA said India has also urged Pakistan to expedite necessary action at its end to confirm the nationality status of 78 Pakistani prisoners, including fishermen, whose repatriation is pending for want of confirmation of nationality by Islamabad.

"In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pakistan has been requested to ensure the safety, security and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be Indian civil prisoners and fishermen," the MEA said.

India on Thursday called on Pakistan to ensure early release and repatriation of Indian civilian prisoners and missing defence personnel languishing in Pakistani jails.

India on Thursday called on Pakistan to ensure early release and repatriation of Indian civilian prisoners and missing defence personnel languishing in Pakistani jails. The two countries exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other's custody in line with the provisions of a 2008 agreement. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India handed over a list of 271 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 74 fishermen who are in Indian custody. Similarly, Pakistan shared a list of 51 civilian prisoners and 558 fishermen in its custody, who are Indians or are believed-to-be Indians, the MEA said. "The government has called for early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, missing Indian defence personnel and fishermen along with their boats, from Pakistan's custody," it said. "In this context, Pakistan was asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 1 Indian civilian prisoner and 295 Indian fishermen to India whose nationality has been confirmed and conveyed to Pakistan," the MEA said in a statement. In addition, Pakistan has been asked to provide immediate consular access to 194 fishermen and 17 civilian prisoners who are in Pakistan's custody and are believed to be Indians, it added. "The government also requested Pakistan to expedite the grant of visas to the members of the medical experts' team and facilitate their visit to Pakistan to assess the mental condition of believed-to-be Indian prisoners of unsound mind, lodged in different jails of Pakistan," the MEA said. "It was also proposed to organise an early visit of the Joint Judicial Committee to Pakistan," it said. The MEA said India remains committed to addressing, on priority, all humanitarian matters, including those pertaining to prisoners and fishermen in each other's custody. In this context, the MEA said India has also urged Pakistan to expedite necessary action at its end to confirm the nationality status of 78 Pakistani prisoners, including fishermen, whose repatriation is pending for want of confirmation of nationality by Islamabad. "In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pakistan has been requested to ensure the safety, security and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be Indian civil prisoners and fishermen," the MEA said.

India asks Pakistan to speed up release of Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen

Two orphaned Asiatic bear cubs, who became the&nbsp;latest victims of the decades-old conflict between nuclear-armed neighbours India and&nbsp;Pakistan, have been&nbsp;given shelter near the border of the two countries.

Years of hostilities and an electric fence along a de facto border between India-Pakistan&nbsp;have taken a toll not just on humans but also wildlife, which has&nbsp;been badly afflicted in one of the world's most militarised regions.

Sharda and Narda were discovered last year by villagers at an altitude of 14,000 feet (4,270 m), alone, and unable to open their eyes, said Muhammad Ashraf, an official with the wildlife and fisheries department in&nbsp;Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

"Our guards and volunteers reconnoitred the area for about two months but did not find any trace of the she-bear on our side of the divide," Ashraf said.

The mother bear may have been killed on the Indian side of the border by a landmine or a shell, he said, with her cubs crawling across to be spotted by the villagers.

The duo was nursed with bottled milk for two months, then raised on fruit and veggies and gradually introduced to other foods including wheat and maize.

Now they keep busy climbing mulberry and walnut trees on the compound where they are kept, or sometimes onto a tin-roof shelter that houses a hatchery for rainbow trout, drawing a daily audience of both children and adults.

This compound is just outside the village of Dawarian, some 66 miles (106 km) northeast of Muzaffarabad, the capital of&nbsp;Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The area's fast-flowing rivers and streams, waterfalls, glacial lakes and forests make it popular with tourists.

Kashmir has been a flashpoint since India and&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;gained independence from British rule in 1947, and they have fought two wars over the region. Both countries control parts of Kashmir and claim it in full.

Since 2004 there has been a 12-foot high fence cutting through the area to mark the border. Both countries have&nbsp;built the fence and says it is meant to keep militants from crossing. But it has also made it nearly impossible for wildlife to move freely in their natural habitat.

“The bear cubs are just one example," said Sardar Javaid Ayub, head of the wildlife and fisheries department on the&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;side.&nbsp;

"They were born across the divide and when their mom got killed close to the fence they crossed over through some burrow or eroded portion of land (beneath the fence)."

Ashraf recalls that a few years back department staff spotted a dead black bear in a ravine far from the fence.

One leg had apparently been blown off by a landmine and it had fallen into the ravine and died.

"This is what ... would be happening with many wild animals but we rarely come to know about it," Asraf said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two orphaned Asiatic bear cubs, who became the latest victims of the decades-old conflict between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan, have been given shelter near the border of the two countries.

Two orphaned Asiatic bear cubs, who became the latest victims of the decades-old conflict between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan, have been given shelter near the border of the two countries. Years of hostilities and an electric fence along a de facto border between India-Pakistan have taken a toll not just on humans but also wildlife, which has been badly afflicted in one of the world's most militarised regions. Sharda and Narda were discovered last year by villagers at an altitude of 14,000 feet (4,270 m), alone, and unable to open their eyes, said Muhammad Ashraf, an official with the wildlife and fisheries department in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). "Our guards and volunteers reconnoitred the area for about two months but did not find any trace of the she-bear on our side of the divide," Ashraf said. The mother bear may have been killed on the Indian side of the border by a landmine or a shell, he said, with her cubs crawling across to be spotted by the villagers. The duo was nursed with bottled milk for two months, then raised on fruit and veggies and gradually introduced to other foods including wheat and maize. Now they keep busy climbing mulberry and walnut trees on the compound where they are kept, or sometimes onto a tin-roof shelter that houses a hatchery for rainbow trout, drawing a daily audience of both children and adults. This compound is just outside the village of Dawarian, some 66 miles (106 km) northeast of Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The area's fast-flowing rivers and streams, waterfalls, glacial lakes and forests make it popular with tourists. Kashmir has been a flashpoint since India and Pakistan gained independence from British rule in 1947, and they have fought two wars over the region. Both countries control parts of Kashmir and claim it in full. Since 2004 there has been a 12-foot high fence cutting through the area to mark the border. Both countries have built the fence and says it is meant to keep militants from crossing. But it has also made it nearly impossible for wildlife to move freely in their natural habitat. “The bear cubs are just one example," said Sardar Javaid Ayub, head of the wildlife and fisheries department on the Pakistan side. "They were born across the divide and when their mom got killed close to the fence they crossed over through some burrow or eroded portion of land (beneath the fence)." Ashraf recalls that a few years back department staff spotted a dead black bear in a ravine far from the fence. One leg had apparently been blown off by a landmine and it had fallen into the ravine and died. "This is what ... would be happening with many wild animals but we rarely come to know about it," Asraf said. (With inputs from agencies)

Two Asiatic bear cubs orphaned near India-Pakistan border get new home

Pakistan's foreign minister has welcomed mediation efforts by the United Arab Emirates between his country and India but told UAE newspaper Khaleej Times that he was not planning to meet his Indian counterpart in the country.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar are visiting the Gulf state at the same time.

"I am here for a bilateral visit. I am not here for a India-specific agenda," Qureshi told the daily, which published a video excerpt of the interview.

"We welcome third party facilitation ... But no matter what friends like the UAE say the initiative has to be indigenous," he added.

A senior Emirati diplomat said last week that the UAE is mediating between India and&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;to help the nuclear-armed rivals reach a "healthy and functional" relationship after military tension over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir.

India's foreign ministry spokesman had tweeted that Jaishankar's discussions in the UAE would focus on economic cooperation and community welfare.

Ties between India and&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;have been frozen since a suicide bombing of an Indian military convoy in Kashmir in 2019 traced to&nbsp;Pakistan-based militants that led to India sending warplanes to&nbsp;Pakistan.

Later that year, India's prime minister withdrew Indian-ruled Kashmir's autonomy in order to tighten his grip over the territory, provoking outrage in&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;and the downgrading of diplomatic ties and suspension of bilateral trade.

Pakistan's foreign minister has welcomed mediation efforts by the United Arab Emirates between his country and India but told UAE newspaper Khaleej Times that he was not planning to meet his Indian counterpart in the country.

Pakistan's foreign minister has welcomed mediation efforts by the United Arab Emirates between his country and India but told UAE newspaper Khaleej Times that he was not planning to meet his Indian counterpart in the country. Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar are visiting the Gulf state at the same time. "I am here for a bilateral visit. I am not here for a India-specific agenda," Qureshi told the daily, which published a video excerpt of the interview. "We welcome third party facilitation ... But no matter what friends like the UAE say the initiative has to be indigenous," he added. A senior Emirati diplomat said last week that the UAE is mediating between India and Pakistan to help the nuclear-armed rivals reach a "healthy and functional" relationship after military tension over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir. India's foreign ministry spokesman had tweeted that Jaishankar's discussions in the UAE would focus on economic cooperation and community welfare. Ties between India and Pakistan have been frozen since a suicide bombing of an Indian military convoy in Kashmir in 2019 traced to Pakistan-based militants that led to India sending warplanes to Pakistan. Later that year, India's prime minister withdrew Indian-ruled Kashmir's autonomy in order to tighten his grip over the territory, provoking outrage in Pakistan and the downgrading of diplomatic ties and suspension of bilateral trade.

Pakistan foreign minister says no plan to meet Indian counterpart in UAE

The United States annual intelligence report has said that India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "more likely" to respond with force to Pakistani provocation.&nbsp;

The annual threat assessment of the US intelligence community report 2021 said, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is more likely than in the past to respond with military force to perceived or real Pakistani provocations."

In the past, in the backdrop of terror attacks like Pulwama in February of 2019, India responded by "Balakot airstrikes" deep inside Pakistani territory. Indian Air force planes struck terror camps in the vicinity of Balakot town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. In 2016, after the Uri attacks, Indian forces conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Highlighting that "tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan remain a concern for the world", the US intel report released by the Director of National Intelligence pointed out, "although a general war between India and Pakistan is unlikely, crises between the two are likely to become more intense, risking an escalatory cycle."

India has repeatedly asked Pakistan to take action against terror groups under its territories. It has raised the issue at many multilateral forums such as United Nations.

The report also mentioned the ongoing situation between India and China, pointing out, "China-India border tensions remain high, despite some force pullbacks this year."

The year 2020 was the worst in decades for India-China ties due to aggressive action by Chinese forces that killed 20 Indian soldiers in Galwan, at thLline of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh.

The report said, "China’s occupation since May 2020 of contested border areas is the most serious escalation in decades and led to the first lethal border clash between the two countries since 1975." February saw de-escalation at Pangong lake with both sides pulling back forces and equipment but no movement is seen by Chinese forces at areas like Hot Springs, Depsang, and Gogra.&nbsp;

The report warned, "Interstate conflicts will also flare, ranging from border sparrings, such as that between China and India, to potentially more sustained violent confrontations."

The United States annual intelligence report has said that India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "more likely" to respond with force to Pakistani provocation.

The United States annual intelligence report has said that India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "more likely" to respond with force to Pakistani provocation. The annual threat assessment of the US intelligence community report 2021 said, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is more likely than in the past to respond with military force to perceived or real Pakistani provocations." In the past, in the backdrop of terror attacks like Pulwama in February of 2019, India responded by "Balakot airstrikes" deep inside Pakistani territory. Indian Air force planes struck terror camps in the vicinity of Balakot town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. In 2016, after the Uri attacks, Indian forces conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Highlighting that "tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan remain a concern for the world", the US intel report released by the Director of National Intelligence pointed out, "although a general war between India and Pakistan is unlikely, crises between the two are likely to become more intense, risking an escalatory cycle." India has repeatedly asked Pakistan to take action against terror groups under its territories. It has raised the issue at many multilateral forums such as United Nations. The report also mentioned the ongoing situation between India and China, pointing out, "China-India border tensions remain high, despite some force pullbacks this year." The year 2020 was the worst in decades for India-China ties due to aggressive action by Chinese forces that killed 20 Indian soldiers in Galwan, at thLline of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. The report said, "China’s occupation since May 2020 of contested border areas is the most serious escalation in decades and led to the first lethal border clash between the two countries since 1975." February saw de-escalation at Pangong lake with both sides pulling back forces and equipment but no movement is seen by Chinese forces at areas like Hot Springs, Depsang, and Gogra. The report warned, "Interstate conflicts will also flare, ranging from border sparrings, such as that between China and India, to potentially more sustained violent confrontations."

Under PM Modi, India 'more likely' to respond with force to Pakistani provocation: US intelligence report

The participation of both Indian External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had&nbsp;sparked speculation of a possible meeting between the two leaders amidst recent peace overtures from the Pakistan Army.&nbsp;

While announcing his participation, the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement on Friday said Jaishankar is expected to meet leaders of other participating countries on the sidelines of the 9th Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) ministerial conference.&nbsp;

However, Jaishankar and&nbsp;Qureshi had a bumpy and awkward encounter when they gathered for a group picture during the summit. They constantly avoided each other.

Jaishankar engaged with key stakeholders of the Afghanistan peace dialogue including&nbsp;Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, Turkish Foreign Minister,&nbsp;Mevlut Cavusoglu and&nbsp;Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif. He extended support to a regional process on peace in Afghanistan under the United Nations umbrella.&nbsp;

The process was proposed by the US, in a letter by the US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken to Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani. The proposal calls for the meeting of foreign ministers of Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, India, and the US under the United Nations for a "unified approach to supporting peace in Afghanistan".

The last meeting between Qureshi and an Indian external affairs minister took place in May 2019 in Bishkek on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting. Late Sushma Swaraj was then holding the portfolio of the external affairs minister.&nbsp;

On March 18, Pakistan's powerful Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said it was time for India and Pakistan to ''bury the past and move forward.''

India has said it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence and that the onus is on Islamabad to create an environment free of terror and hostility.&nbsp;

The HoA-IP ministerial conference is part of the Istanbul Process, a regional initiative on security and cooperation for a stable and peaceful Afghanistan that was launched on November 2, 2011, in Turkey. &nbsp;

With India's participation at the Heart of Asia Summit, it finally has a formal seat at the table&nbsp;for the peace negotiations.

The participation of both Indian External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had sparked speculation of a possible meeting between the two leaders amidst recent peace overtures from the Pakistan Army.

The participation of both Indian External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had sparked speculation of a possible meeting between the two leaders amidst recent peace overtures from the Pakistan Army. While announcing his participation, the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement on Friday said Jaishankar is expected to meet leaders of other participating countries on the sidelines of the 9th Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) ministerial conference. However, Jaishankar and Qureshi had a bumpy and awkward encounter when they gathered for a group picture during the summit. They constantly avoided each other. Jaishankar engaged with key stakeholders of the Afghanistan peace dialogue including Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu and Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif. He extended support to a regional process on peace in Afghanistan under the United Nations umbrella. The process was proposed by the US, in a letter by the US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken to Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani. The proposal calls for the meeting of foreign ministers of Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, India, and the US under the United Nations for a "unified approach to supporting peace in Afghanistan". The last meeting between Qureshi and an Indian external affairs minister took place in May 2019 in Bishkek on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting. Late Sushma Swaraj was then holding the portfolio of the external affairs minister. On March 18, Pakistan's powerful Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said it was time for India and Pakistan to ''bury the past and move forward.'' India has said it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence and that the onus is on Islamabad to create an environment free of terror and hostility. The HoA-IP ministerial conference is part of the Istanbul Process, a regional initiative on security and cooperation for a stable and peaceful Afghanistan that was launched on November 2, 2011, in Turkey. With India's participation at the Heart of Asia Summit, it finally has a formal seat at the table for the peace negotiations.

Heart of Asia Summit: No India-Pakistan bilateral talks in Tajikistan

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'

India and&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;will hold the first meeting in three years of a commission that deals with water rights on the Indus River on Tuesday, the two sides said on Monday, illustrating a broader resumption of diplomatic ties.

The Permanent Indus Commission, set up under the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, is set to meet in New Delhi on March 23 to 24, said two Indian officials that deal in bilateral water issues.

Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesman Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri confirmed the talks will take place. He noted that the Commission is supposed to meet at least once a year under the treaty that governs water usage on the Indus and its tributaries that flow through the two countries.

This month's&nbsp;talks will see both sides sitting with each other for the first time since developments in 2019 such as the Pulwama terror attack and the removal of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

But over the past few weeks, the two governments have made tentative efforts to re-engage and calm the borders as they struggle to extricate their countries from the worst economic downturn ever amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Indian side will be led by the Indian Commissioner for Indus Waters&nbsp;Pradeep Kumar Saxena, while the Pakistan side will be led by Syed Muhammad Meher Ali Shah.

What is the Indus Valley treaty?

Under the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, around 3 million acre-feet (MAF)&nbsp; of&nbsp;waters from three eastern rivers - Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi-&nbsp;are allocated to India for unrestricted use while around 135 MAF from three western rivers - Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab- go to Pakistan annually.

The treaty also says that New Delhi has the right to generate hydroelectricity through the run of the river projects on the three western rivers, which is subject to specific criteria for design and operation. Pakistan can&nbsp;raise objections on the design of Indian hydroelectric projects on western rivers. In the past, several issues have been resolved, but either side can also go to neutral experts or courts.&nbsp;

Pakistan, being a lower riparian state, has objected to certain Indian projects on Chenab, which it is expected to raise during the upcoming meeting.&nbsp;

This is the 116th&nbsp;meeting of the Indus Water Commissioners, which alternates between the two countries. Last March, a meeting was scheduled in Delhi but did not happen due to Covid. India had proposed a virtual meeting in July 2020&nbsp;while Islamabad was keen to hold it at Attari check post, but this also could not happen due to the pandemic.

India and Pakistan will hold the first meeting in three years of a commission that deals with water rights on the Indus River on Tuesday, the two sides said on Monday, illustrating a broader resumption of diplomatic ties.

India and Pakistan will hold the first meeting in three years of a commission that deals with water rights on the Indus River on Tuesday, the two sides said on Monday, illustrating a broader resumption of diplomatic ties. The Permanent Indus Commission, set up under the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, is set to meet in New Delhi on March 23 to 24, said two Indian officials that deal in bilateral water issues. Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesman Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri confirmed the talks will take place. He noted that the Commission is supposed to meet at least once a year under the treaty that governs water usage on the Indus and its tributaries that flow through the two countries. This month's talks will see both sides sitting with each other for the first time since developments in 2019 such as the Pulwama terror attack and the removal of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. But over the past few weeks, the two governments have made tentative efforts to re-engage and calm the borders as they struggle to extricate their countries from the worst economic downturn ever amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Indian side will be led by the Indian Commissioner for Indus Waters Pradeep Kumar Saxena, while the Pakistan side will be led by Syed Muhammad Meher Ali Shah. What is the Indus Valley treaty? Under the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, around 3 million acre-feet (MAF) of waters from three eastern rivers - Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi- are allocated to India for unrestricted use while around 135 MAF from three western rivers - Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab- go to Pakistan annually. The treaty also says that New Delhi has the right to generate hydroelectricity through the run of the river projects on the three western rivers, which is subject to specific criteria for design and operation. Pakistan can raise objections on the design of Indian hydroelectric projects on western rivers. In the past, several issues have been resolved, but either side can also go to neutral experts or courts. Pakistan, being a lower riparian state, has objected to certain Indian projects on Chenab, which it is expected to raise during the upcoming meeting. This is the 116th meeting of the Indus Water Commissioners, which alternates between the two countries. Last March, a meeting was scheduled in Delhi but did not happen due to Covid. India had proposed a virtual meeting in July 2020 while Islamabad was keen to hold it at Attari check post, but this also could not happen due to the pandemic.

India, Pakistan to hold first meeting in three years on water-sharing rights

In a positive development, more than a week after India and Pakistan agreed on "strict observance" of the 2003 ceasefire, the pact continues to be followed on the ground with no signs of violation.

Officials from the Indian sides are upbeat even as violence has reduced at the Line of control, something that comes as a major relief to civilians on both sides.

WION had travelled to the last village at LOC to see the ground situation and saw calm returning to the area. Silikot village near Uri, also known as the last village of India, saw many of the villagers being hopeful that the peace would ultimately prevail.

“We are living in peace and happiness. We want both nations to maintain a ceasefire. Our children can play without fear of bullet or shells,” said Ghulam Nabi

Another villager, Abdul Qayoom called for more facilities. He said, “Underground bunkers are being constructed here and we feel safer. We want the government to extend more facilities to us here,”

On February 25, Indian and Pakistani militaries issued a rare joint statement. The statement that was issued simultaneously said, "both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors with effect from midnight 24/25 Feb 2021"

The statement came after Indian and Pakistani Director Generals of Military Operations or DGMOs achieved an understanding on the 22nd of Feb during a "hotline" talk. During the talks, both sides "reviewed" the situation along the Line of Control.

The big test for the pact will be in summer when the snow melts and passes open. Summers have traditionally seen an increase in infiltration activity and while a joint statement has been an issue, the Indian side will not let its guard down and continue counter-terror/infiltration bid.

2020 was the bloodiest year in terms of ceasefire violations, something that had majorly impacted the daily lives of civilians. The development will be beneficial for the region and the civilian population residing along the line of control and is largely seen as an attempt to bring down the violence level at the LOC.

The joint statement said," in the interest of achieving mutually beneficial and sustainable peace along the borders" the two DGsMO agreed to address "each other’s core issues and concerns which have the propensity to disturb the peace and lead to violence."

India's key concern has been the issue of terror, and this is something the officials have said that they haven't seen any visible action.

India and Pakistani ties since the 2019 Pulwama terror attack have gone in downhill. The attack that killed over 40 Indian paramilitary men was perpetrated by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed. After India removed special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019, the situation had gone further downhill with people to people contact being suspended by Islamabad.

In a positive development, more than a week after India and Pakistan agreed on "strict observance" of the 2003 ceasefire, the pact continues to be followed on the ground with no signs of violation.

In a positive development, more than a week after India and Pakistan agreed on "strict observance" of the 2003 ceasefire, the pact continues to be followed on the ground with no signs of violation. Officials from the Indian sides are upbeat even as violence has reduced at the Line of control, something that comes as a major relief to civilians on both sides. WION had travelled to the last village at LOC to see the ground situation and saw calm returning to the area. Silikot village near Uri, also known as the last village of India, saw many of the villagers being hopeful that the peace would ultimately prevail. “We are living in peace and happiness. We want both nations to maintain a ceasefire. Our children can play without fear of bullet or shells,” said Ghulam Nabi Another villager, Abdul Qayoom called for more facilities. He said, “Underground bunkers are being constructed here and we feel safer. We want the government to extend more facilities to us here,” On February 25, Indian and Pakistani militaries issued a rare joint statement. The statement that was issued simultaneously said, "both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors with effect from midnight 24/25 Feb 2021" The statement came after Indian and Pakistani Director Generals of Military Operations or DGMOs achieved an understanding on the 22nd of Feb during a "hotline" talk. During the talks, both sides "reviewed" the situation along the Line of Control. The big test for the pact will be in summer when the snow melts and passes open. Summers have traditionally seen an increase in infiltration activity and while a joint statement has been an issue, the Indian side will not let its guard down and continue counter-terror/infiltration bid. 2020 was the bloodiest year in terms of ceasefire violations, something that had majorly impacted the daily lives of civilians. The development will be beneficial for the region and the civilian population residing along the line of control and is largely seen as an attempt to bring down the violence level at the LOC. The joint statement said," in the interest of achieving mutually beneficial and sustainable peace along the borders" the two DGsMO agreed to address "each other’s core issues and concerns which have the propensity to disturb the peace and lead to violence." India's key concern has been the issue of terror, and this is something the officials have said that they haven't seen any visible action. India and Pakistani ties since the 2019 Pulwama terror attack have gone in downhill. The attack that killed over 40 Indian paramilitary men was perpetrated by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed. After India removed special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019, the situation had gone further downhill with people to people contact being suspended by Islamabad.

More than a week after, India-Pak pact on LoC ceasefire 'observance' holds off

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

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

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

UAE welcomes India-Pakistan joint statement on ceasefire observance

In a breakthrough development, India and Pakistan have agreed to lower the temperature at the Line of Control(LoC) with "strict observance" of the 2003 ceasefire pact with both the militaries issuing a rare joint statement.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-pakistan-come-off-the-fatf-grey-list-365323/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The joint statement issued simultaneously said, "both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors with effect from midnight 24/25 Feb 2021"

The statement was issued after the Indian and Pakistani Director Generals of Military Operations(DGMOs) had held "hotline" talks in which both sides "reviewed" the situation along the Line of Control and all other sectors in a "free, frank and cordial atmosphere."

The ceasefire at LoC has been only in name with firing on a daily basis impacting civilians. The development will be beneficial for the region and the civilian population residing in the area. Largely, it is an attempt to bring down violence level along&nbsp;the LoC.

The statement said, "in the interest of achieving mutually beneficial and sustainable peace along the borders" the two DGMOs agreed to address "each other’s core issues and concerns which have the propensity to disturb the peace and lead to violence."&nbsp;

In fact, both have agreed to use the hotline mechanism, and border flag meetings as a mechanism to "resolve any unforeseen situation or misunderstanding."

WION has learnt&nbsp;operation against terrorists and infiltrators will not be stopped by the Indian Army at the LC and in the hinterland.&nbsp;

Interestingly, the Indian Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane had on Wednesday at an event said, "with continuous engagement with Pakistan, we will be able to prevail over them and come to an understanding that violence at the border helps no one."

India and Pakistani ties since the 2019 Pulwama terror attack have gone in downhill.&nbsp;

The attack killed over 40 Indian paramilitary men was perpetrated by Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM).&nbsp;

After India removed special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019, the situation had gone further downhill with people-to-people contact being suspended by Islamabad.

In a breakthrough development, India and Pakistan have agreed to lower the temperature at the Line of Control(LoC) with "strict observance" of the 2003 ceasefire pact with both the militaries issuing a rare joint statement.

In a breakthrough development, India and Pakistan have agreed to lower the temperature at the Line of Control(LoC) with "strict observance" of the 2003 ceasefire pact with both the militaries issuing a rare joint statement. Watch: The joint statement issued simultaneously said, "both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors with effect from midnight 24/25 Feb 2021" The statement was issued after the Indian and Pakistani Director Generals of Military Operations(DGMOs) had held "hotline" talks in which both sides "reviewed" the situation along the Line of Control and all other sectors in a "free, frank and cordial atmosphere." The ceasefire at LoC has been only in name with firing on a daily basis impacting civilians. The development will be beneficial for the region and the civilian population residing in the area. Largely, it is an attempt to bring down violence level along the LoC. The statement said, "in the interest of achieving mutually beneficial and sustainable peace along the borders" the two DGMOs agreed to address "each other’s core issues and concerns which have the propensity to disturb the peace and lead to violence." In fact, both have agreed to use the hotline mechanism, and border flag meetings as a mechanism to "resolve any unforeseen situation or misunderstanding." WION has learnt operation against terrorists and infiltrators will not be stopped by the Indian Army at the LC and in the hinterland. Interestingly, the Indian Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane had on Wednesday at an event said, "with continuous engagement with Pakistan, we will be able to prevail over them and come to an understanding that violence at the border helps no one." India and Pakistani ties since the 2019 Pulwama terror attack have gone in downhill. The attack killed over 40 Indian paramilitary men was perpetrated by Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM). After India removed special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019, the situation had gone further downhill with people-to-people contact being suspended by Islamabad.

India, Pakistan agree on 'strict observance' of ceasefire along LoC

In a strong message to Turkey, India on Wednesday reminded Turkey of United Nations Security Council or UNSC resolutions on Cyprus after the latter raked UNSC resolutions on Kashmir.

India's Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of India to UN, Geneva, Seema Pujani said, "As far as the subject of UN Resolutions is concerned, we would advise Turkey to practise what it preaches by first implementing those UN Resolutions that apply to it."

UNSC resolution on Cyprus has been a cause of embarrassment to Turkey even as it continues to occupy the northern part of the island nation in the Mediterranean Sea. Turkey in the past, especially after India removed special status for the erstwhile state for Jammu and Kashmir has been supporting Pakistani "cause" at various multilateral organizations especially UN.&nbsp;

Pujani, hitting out at Turkey said "we find them completely unacceptable", pointing out, "it is ironical for a country which has trampled upon its own civil society to pass unjustified comments on other’s internal matters."

Pakistan was the key focus of India's right of reply at the council, which out of habit raises Kashmir, irking New Delhi. For the first time, India raised the issue of acquittal of Omar Saeed, key accused in the killing of US Journalist Daniel Pearl and Islamabad's support to "state-sponsored terrorism".

Pujani said,"The recent acquittal of Omar Saeed Sheikh, the al-Qaeda terrorist and murderer" of Daniel Pearl by the Pakistani Supreme Court is a "clear example of the Pakistani establishment’s nexus with such entities and, as the US Secretary of State said, it is "an affront to terrorism victims everywhere.”

The young Indian diplomat listed out the "institutionalized discrimination and persecution" faced by the minorities in the country, along with "instances of repression" of journalists and civil society activists giving the example of Pakistani human rights defender Gulalai Ismail, Idris Khattak.

Gulalai Ismail is right now in the US and as retribution, her father Muhammad Ismail has been arrested under "terror" charges by Pakistan. Idris Khattak, who was doing a report on enforced disappearances in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas has been missing since November 2019.

In a strong message to Turkey, India on Wednesday reminded Turkey of United Nations Security Council or UNSC resolutions on Cyprus after the latter raked UNSC resolutions on Kashmir.

In a strong message to Turkey, India on Wednesday reminded Turkey of United Nations Security Council or UNSC resolutions on Cyprus after the latter raked UNSC resolutions on Kashmir. India's Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of India to UN, Geneva, Seema Pujani said, "As far as the subject of UN Resolutions is concerned, we would advise Turkey to practise what it preaches by first implementing those UN Resolutions that apply to it." UNSC resolution on Cyprus has been a cause of embarrassment to Turkey even as it continues to occupy the northern part of the island nation in the Mediterranean Sea. Turkey in the past, especially after India removed special status for the erstwhile state for Jammu and Kashmir has been supporting Pakistani "cause" at various multilateral organizations especially UN. Pujani, hitting out at Turkey said "we find them completely unacceptable", pointing out, "it is ironical for a country which has trampled upon its own civil society to pass unjustified comments on other’s internal matters." Pakistan was the key focus of India's right of reply at the council, which out of habit raises Kashmir, irking New Delhi. For the first time, India raised the issue of acquittal of Omar Saeed, key accused in the killing of US Journalist Daniel Pearl and Islamabad's support to "state-sponsored terrorism". Pujani said,"The recent acquittal of Omar Saeed Sheikh, the al-Qaeda terrorist and murderer" of Daniel Pearl by the Pakistani Supreme Court is a "clear example of the Pakistani establishment’s nexus with such entities and, as the US Secretary of State said, it is "an affront to terrorism victims everywhere.” The young Indian diplomat listed out the "institutionalized discrimination and persecution" faced by the minorities in the country, along with "instances of repression" of journalists and civil society activists giving the example of Pakistani human rights defender Gulalai Ismail, Idris Khattak. Gulalai Ismail is right now in the US and as retribution, her father Muhammad Ismail has been arrested under "terror" charges by Pakistan. Idris Khattak, who was doing a report on enforced disappearances in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas has been missing since November 2019.

At UNHRC India reminds Turkey of UNSC resolutions on Cyprus, raises Omar Saeed's acquittal

Ten countries including Pakistan will take part in the India-led initiative on COVID-19 management on Thursday afternoon.&nbsp;

India's health secretary will be hosting the workshop titled-- "COVID-19 Management: Experience, Good Practices and Way Forward". The ten countries which will be part of it are - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Pakistan, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka barring&nbsp;Mauritius and Seychelles rest all are SAARC members.

Each country has been invited to participate in one plus one format - health secretary and head of their technical team in charge of COVID-19 management. WION has learnt that Pakistan is participating under the SAARC umbrella. WION was the first channel to break the story of the meet and Pakistan's participation on Tuesday.

In March of last year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for a SAARC meet on the COVID-19 pandemic. The meet saw all the SAARC heads of government and state taking part barring Pakistan. Pakistan was present at a junior level at the meeting. One of the key outcomes of the meet was the establishment of the SAARC emergency fund with India contributing $10 million to it.

Amid the pandemic, India reached out to many countries in the region with medicines and other aid. It sent 75000 MT of food aid to Afghanistan via Chabahar, medical equipment, and other related things like masks to Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh. Under Mission Sagar 1, while it reached out to 5 countries in the Indian Ocean--Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, and Seychelles by sending medicines and food aid.

This year, India gifted covid vaccines to countries in the region. These are --Bangladesh with 20 Lakhs doses, Myanmar with 17 Lakhs doses, Nepal with 10 Lakhs, Bhutan with 1.5 Lakhs, the Maldives with 1 Lakh, Mauritius with 1 Lakh, Seychelles with 50000, Sri Lanka with 5 Lakhs, and Afghanistan 5 Lakhs.

Ten countries including Pakistan will take part in the India-led initiative on COVID-19 management on Thursday afternoon. India's health secretary will be hosting the workshop titled-- "COVID-19 Management: Experience, Good Practices and Way Forward".

Ten countries including Pakistan will take part in the India-led initiative on COVID-19 management on Thursday afternoon. India's health secretary will be hosting the workshop titled-- "COVID-19 Management: Experience, Good Practices and Way Forward". The ten countries which will be part of it are - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Pakistan, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka barring Mauritius and Seychelles rest all are SAARC members. Each country has been invited to participate in one plus one format - health secretary and head of their technical team in charge of COVID-19 management. WION has learnt that Pakistan is participating under the SAARC umbrella. WION was the first channel to break the story of the meet and Pakistan's participation on Tuesday. In March of last year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for a SAARC meet on the COVID-19 pandemic. The meet saw all the SAARC heads of government and state taking part barring Pakistan. Pakistan was present at a junior level at the meeting. One of the key outcomes of the meet was the establishment of the SAARC emergency fund with India contributing $10 million to it. Amid the pandemic, India reached out to many countries in the region with medicines and other aid. It sent 75000 MT of food aid to Afghanistan via Chabahar, medical equipment, and other related things like masks to Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh. Under Mission Sagar 1, while it reached out to 5 countries in the Indian Ocean--Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, and Seychelles by sending medicines and food aid. This year, India gifted covid vaccines to countries in the region. These are --Bangladesh with 20 Lakhs doses, Myanmar with 17 Lakhs doses, Nepal with 10 Lakhs, Bhutan with 1.5 Lakhs, the Maldives with 1 Lakh, Mauritius with 1 Lakh, Seychelles with 50000, Sri Lanka with 5 Lakhs, and Afghanistan 5 Lakhs.

Ten countries, including Pakistan to take part in India-led initiative on COVID-19 crisis

After four years, Islamabad is still living in the fear that another Indian surgical strike is about to take place.

Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi couldn't stop himself from voicing it during his ongoing tour to the UAE.

Qureshi at a press conference said: "I have learnt through our intelligence sources, they have picked up this information that India is planning a surgical strike against Pakistan. This is a serious development and I also have knowledge that they have tried to seek approval from important players who they consider to be their partners."

Indian Army chief General MM Naravane had travelled to Saudi Arabia and the UAE earlier this month.

Qureshi met UAE's foreign minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al Nahyan on Thursday and the Pakistan foreign minister discussed Kashmir during the meeting. Reports say Qureshi once again peddled lies about human rights in Kashmir.

The Emirates has halted the issuance of new visas to Pak citizens over security concerns which is a massive setback for Pakistan's struggling economy since foreign remittances from expats in the UAE are life-savers for Islamabad.

The Sheikhdom has cut Pakistan's lifeline and the visa issue is yet to be resolved.

Meanwhile back in Pakistan, Imran Khan is now cracking down on the Pashtuns. The Peshawar police have arrested Muhammad Ali Wazir and several other leaders of the "Pashtun Tahafuz movement". They have been accused of severe criminal offence making derogatory statements against the Pakistan government.

After four years, Islamabad is still living in the fear that another Indian surgical strike is about to take place. Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi couldn't stop himself from voicing it during his ongoing tour to the UAE.

After four years, Islamabad is still living in the fear that another Indian surgical strike is about to take place. Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi couldn't stop himself from voicing it during his ongoing tour to the UAE. Qureshi at a press conference said: "I have learnt through our intelligence sources, they have picked up this information that India is planning a surgical strike against Pakistan. This is a serious development and I also have knowledge that they have tried to seek approval from important players who they consider to be their partners." Indian Army chief General MM Naravane had travelled to Saudi Arabia and the UAE earlier this month. Qureshi met UAE's foreign minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al Nahyan on Thursday and the Pakistan foreign minister discussed Kashmir during the meeting. Reports say Qureshi once again peddled lies about human rights in Kashmir. The Emirates has halted the issuance of new visas to Pak citizens over security concerns which is a massive setback for Pakistan's struggling economy since foreign remittances from expats in the UAE are life-savers for Islamabad. The Sheikhdom has cut Pakistan's lifeline and the visa issue is yet to be resolved. Meanwhile back in Pakistan, Imran Khan is now cracking down on the Pashtuns. The Peshawar police have arrested Muhammad Ali Wazir and several other leaders of the "Pashtun Tahafuz movement". They have been accused of severe criminal offence making derogatory statements against the Pakistan government.

India planning surgical strike against Pakistan, says foreign minister Qureshi

China and Pakistan have signed an agreement to deepen defence cooperation between the all-weather allies amid rising tensions with India.

China’s Defence Minister Gen Wei Fenghe&nbsp;on Monday held talks with Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and discussed regional security issues.

Both “exchanged in-depth views on the international and regional situations, the relations between the two countries and militaries, the equipment and technology cooperation and other issues”, a report in China’s official media said.

While details of the new MoU were not immediately available, it follows another agreement signed last year, when China’s Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) General Xu Qiliang visited Rawalpindi for defence cooperation and “capacity building of the Pakistan Army”.

According to reports, this MoU appears&nbsp;to be a response to the growing defence partnership between India and America.&nbsp;Earlier this year,&nbsp;both countries inked the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA), a&nbsp;pact that would allow India to access data and information from the military satellites of America.

On Tuesday he met Pakistan’s President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan. He called on both countries to “push the military-to-military relationship to a higher level, so as to jointly cope with various risks and challenges, firmly safeguard the sovereignty and security interests of the two countries and safeguard the regional peace and stability,” Chinese State media reported.

Gen. Wei also discussed on-going projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), in which the Pakistani military is playing an increasingly prominent role.

The Chinese defence minister’s visit to Pakistan came a day after his whirlwind trip to Nepal where he met Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest.

He also held talks with Nepal Army chief Gen. Purna Chandra Thapa on ways to resume military cooperation and training impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

China's provocation

A batch of Chinese air force personnel left for Pakistan on Monday to participate in a joint exercise to deepen practical cooperation and improve the actual-combat training level of the two sides, the Chinese military said.

The troops left for Pakistani Air Force's airbase in Bholari at Thatta district in Sindh, northeast of Pakistan's port city of Karachi, to participate in the drills named "Shaheen (Eagle)-IX", a statement issued by China's Defence Ministry said. The joint air force exercise, which will be held close to the Gujarat border&nbsp;is said to conclude in late December and is a project within the 2020 cooperation plan of the two militaries.

"It will promote the development of China-Pakistan military-to-military relationships, deepen practical cooperation between the two air forces, and improve the actual-combat training level of the two sides," it said. The first such drill was held in Pakistan in March 2011. All-weather friends, China and Pakistan share close military ties. China helps Pakistan to jointly produce JF-17 fighter jets and other armaments.

The drill comes in the backdrop of the ongoing India-China border friction along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh and Pakistan miserably failing to send terrorists across the Line of Control (LOC) before winters settle in.&nbsp;

China and Pakistan have signed an agreement to deepen defence cooperation between the all-weather allies amid rising tensions with India. China’s Defence Minister Gen Wei Fenghe on Monday held talks with Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and discussed regional security issues.

China and Pakistan have signed an agreement to deepen defence cooperation between the all-weather allies amid rising tensions with India. China’s Defence Minister Gen Wei Fenghe on Monday held talks with Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and discussed regional security issues. Both “exchanged in-depth views on the international and regional situations, the relations between the two countries and militaries, the equipment and technology cooperation and other issues”, a report in China’s official media said. While details of the new MoU were not immediately available, it follows another agreement signed last year, when China’s Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) General Xu Qiliang visited Rawalpindi for defence cooperation and “capacity building of the Pakistan Army”. According to reports, this MoU appears to be a response to the growing defence partnership between India and America. Earlier this year, both countries inked the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA), a pact that would allow India to access data and information from the military satellites of America. On Tuesday he met Pakistan’s President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan. He called on both countries to “push the military-to-military relationship to a higher level, so as to jointly cope with various risks and challenges, firmly safeguard the sovereignty and security interests of the two countries and safeguard the regional peace and stability,” Chinese State media reported. Gen. Wei also discussed on-going projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), in which the Pakistani military is playing an increasingly prominent role. The Chinese defence minister’s visit to Pakistan came a day after his whirlwind trip to Nepal where he met Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest. He also held talks with Nepal Army chief Gen. Purna Chandra Thapa on ways to resume military cooperation and training impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. China's provocation A batch of Chinese air force personnel left for Pakistan on Monday to participate in a joint exercise to deepen practical cooperation and improve the actual-combat training level of the two sides, the Chinese military said. The troops left for Pakistani Air Force's airbase in Bholari at Thatta district in Sindh, northeast of Pakistan's port city of Karachi, to participate in the drills named "Shaheen (Eagle)-IX", a statement issued by China's Defence Ministry said. The joint air force exercise, which will be held close to the Gujarat border is said to conclude in late December and is a project within the 2020 cooperation plan of the two militaries. "It will promote the development of China-Pakistan military-to-military relationships, deepen practical cooperation between the two air forces, and improve the actual-combat training level of the two sides," it said. The first such drill was held in Pakistan in March 2011. All-weather friends, China and Pakistan share close military ties. China helps Pakistan to jointly produce JF-17 fighter jets and other armaments. The drill comes in the backdrop of the ongoing India-China border friction along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh and Pakistan miserably failing to send terrorists across the Line of Control (LOC) before winters settle in.

Amid tensions with India, China and Pakistan sign military deal

Pakistan has sent approval for the appointment of India's new Charge d’Affaires (CDA) at its mission in Islamabad. India had proposed the name of Suresh Kumar for CDA or deputy high commissioner and is soon expected to take charge.

Suresh had served on the Pakistan desk of India's Ministry of External Affairs. Gaurav Ahluwalia is the current Indian Charge d’ Affaires or top diplomat at the Indian mission in Pakistan.

As a protocol, countries send names of the envoys and diplomats, it will appoint to the country of the appointment. Usually, not much of a problem comes and the country of appointment accepts the name without much ado but when ties are between India and Pakistan, things can go in a different way.&nbsp;

Earlier, the Ministry of external affairs had sent the name of Jayant Khobragade, whose name was earlier proposed by New Delhi in June. Islamabad had rejected Khobragade's name, giving the rationale that he was senior for the post.

Khobragade had served in Russia, Kazakhstan, Spain, Pakistan was India's envoy to Kyrgyz Republic between 2013 to 2017.

The Indian mission in Pakistan and the Pakistani mission in Delhi are headed by Deputy high commissioners. Ties between the 2 countries had deteriorated last year after New Delhi removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into 2 union territories(UT)--UT of Jammu and Kashmir and UT of Ladakh.

Pakistan in reaction had expelled the then Indian Envoy to Islamabad, while refused to send its newly appointed envoy to New Delhi. With the espionage scandal earlier this year involving Pakistani diplomats, New Delhi announced the cutting of staff of Pakistani high commission by 50% and reduced its mission strength in Islamabad by half.

Pakistan has sent approval for the appointment of India's new Charge d’Affaires (CDA) at its mission in Islamabad. India had proposed the name of Suresh Kumar for CDA or deputy high commissioner and is soon expected to take charge.

Pakistan has sent approval for the appointment of India's new Charge d’Affaires (CDA) at its mission in Islamabad. India had proposed the name of Suresh Kumar for CDA or deputy high commissioner and is soon expected to take charge. Suresh had served on the Pakistan desk of India's Ministry of External Affairs. Gaurav Ahluwalia is the current Indian Charge d’ Affaires or top diplomat at the Indian mission in Pakistan. As a protocol, countries send names of the envoys and diplomats, it will appoint to the country of the appointment. Usually, not much of a problem comes and the country of appointment accepts the name without much ado but when ties are between India and Pakistan, things can go in a different way. Earlier, the Ministry of external affairs had sent the name of Jayant Khobragade, whose name was earlier proposed by New Delhi in June. Islamabad had rejected Khobragade's name, giving the rationale that he was senior for the post. Khobragade had served in Russia, Kazakhstan, Spain, Pakistan was India's envoy to Kyrgyz Republic between 2013 to 2017. The Indian mission in Pakistan and the Pakistani mission in Delhi are headed by Deputy high commissioners. Ties between the 2 countries had deteriorated last year after New Delhi removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into 2 union territories(UT)--UT of Jammu and Kashmir and UT of Ladakh. Pakistan in reaction had expelled the then Indian Envoy to Islamabad, while refused to send its newly appointed envoy to New Delhi. With the espionage scandal earlier this year involving Pakistani diplomats, New Delhi announced the cutting of staff of Pakistani high commission by 50% and reduced its mission strength in Islamabad by half.

Pakistan agrees on the name of Suresh Kumar as India's top diplomat in Islamabad

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended greetings on the occasion of Infantry Day and stated that India is proud of the role played by infantry in protecting our nation.

"Greetings to all ranks of our courageous infantry on the special occasion of Infantry Day. India is proud of the role played by the infantry in protecting our nation. Their bravery continues to motivate millions," PM Modi said in a tweet.

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Greetings to all ranks of our courageous infantry on the special occasion of Infantry Day. India is proud of the role played by the infantry in protecting our nation. Their bravery continues to motivate millions. <a href="https://t.co/R3GmvUcXhf">pic.twitter.com/R3GmvUcXhf</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1320988432835854336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Indian Army celebrates October 27 every year as the 'Infantry Day', as it was on this day that the 1st Battalion of the Sikh Regiment landed at Srinagar airbase and displayed resoluteness and extraordinary courage to thwart the evil designs of the Pakistan Army, who had invaded Kashmir with the help of tribal raiders in 1947.

The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army on Tuesday celebrated the 74th Infantry Day at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar to honour the supreme sacrifice of the gallant soldiers in fighting the Pakistani invaders in Jammu and Kashmir in 1947.

The celebration began with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony by Lieutenant General BS Raju, General Officer Commanding, Chinar Corps. Officers of all ranks paid tributes to the fallen soldiers at War Memorial at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended greetings on the occasion of Infantry Day and stated that India is proud of the role played by infantry in protecting our nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended greetings on the occasion of Infantry Day and stated that India is proud of the role played by infantry in protecting our nation. "Greetings to all ranks of our courageous infantry on the special occasion of Infantry Day. India is proud of the role played by the infantry in protecting our nation. Their bravery continues to motivate millions," PM Modi said in a tweet. Greetings to all ranks of our courageous infantry on the special occasion of Infantry Day. India is proud of the role played by the infantry in protecting our nation. Their bravery continues to motivate millions. pic.twitter.com/R3GmvUcXhf — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 27, 2020 × The Indian Army celebrates October 27 every year as the 'Infantry Day', as it was on this day that the 1st Battalion of the Sikh Regiment landed at Srinagar airbase and displayed resoluteness and extraordinary courage to thwart the evil designs of the Pakistan Army, who had invaded Kashmir with the help of tribal raiders in 1947. The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army on Tuesday celebrated the 74th Infantry Day at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar to honour the supreme sacrifice of the gallant soldiers in fighting the Pakistani invaders in Jammu and Kashmir in 1947. The celebration began with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony by Lieutenant General BS Raju, General Officer Commanding, Chinar Corps. Officers of all ranks paid tributes to the fallen soldiers at War Memorial at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar.

India is proud of role played by infantry in protecting our nation: PM Modi

Terrorism remains publicly acknowledged by the Pakistan government as a policy that they justify, making it very hard to conduct normal relations with it, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday.

Speaking during an online event hosted by the Asia Society, Jaishankar said, 'In terms of your'&nbsp;question, how are we with Pakistan. Well, I am afraid we're still at the, if not the perennial issues, at least the long-lasting ones, which is terrorism from Pakistan continues."

"Terrorism from Pakistan remains publicly acknowledged by their government as a policy that they are justifying. So it makes it very hard to conduct normal relations with them,''&nbsp;Jaishankar said.

He added that it is not only terrorism, but Pakistan doesn't do normal trade with India and has not given New Delhi MFN (Most Favoured Nation) status.

''We don't have a normal visa relationship, they are very restrictive on that score. They have blocked connectivity between India and Afghanistan and from Afghanistan to India,''&nbsp;he said.

Jaishankar said that normal neighbours do visas and trade, ''they give you connectivity and most important they don't practice terrorism. And I think until we address that problem, this challenge of how do you have a normal relationship with this very unique neighbour is a very troubling issue for our foreign policy.''

Responding to a question on the developments in Kashmir since the bifurcation last year, Jaishankar said the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir has now become two union territories.

''The external boundaries of India have not changed. The external boundaries of India remain what they are today as opposed to what they were five years ago or 20 years ago, 40 years ago,''&nbsp;he said.

''So as far as our neighbours are concerned, our point to them is that this is something which is internal to us. Every country after all reserves the right to change its administrative jurisdictions. A country like China has also changed the borders of its provinces and I'm sure a lot of other countries do that.

''Neighbours get impacted only if your external boundaries change. That has not happened in this case,''&nbsp;he said.

Ties between India and Pakistan nosedived after a terror attack on the Pathankot Air Force base in 2016 by terror groups based in the neighbouring country. Subsequent attacks, including one on Indian Army camp in Uri, further deteriorated the relationship.

The relationship further dipped after India's war planes pounded a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan on February 26 last year in response to the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed.

Withdrawal of Jammu and Kashmir's special powers and bifurcating the state into two union territories in August last year also evoked a strong reaction from Pakistan, which has been unsuccessfully trying to rally international support against India on the Kashmir issue.&nbsp;

Terrorism remains publicly acknowledged by the Pakistan government as a policy that they justify, making it very hard to conduct normal relations with it, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday.

Terrorism remains publicly acknowledged by the Pakistan government as a policy that they justify, making it very hard to conduct normal relations with it, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday. Speaking during an online event hosted by the Asia Society, Jaishankar said, 'In terms of your' question, how are we with Pakistan. Well, I am afraid we're still at the, if not the perennial issues, at least the long-lasting ones, which is terrorism from Pakistan continues." "Terrorism from Pakistan remains publicly acknowledged by their government as a policy that they are justifying. So it makes it very hard to conduct normal relations with them,'' Jaishankar said. He added that it is not only terrorism, but Pakistan doesn't do normal trade with India and has not given New Delhi MFN (Most Favoured Nation) status. ''We don't have a normal visa relationship, they are very restrictive on that score. They have blocked connectivity between India and Afghanistan and from Afghanistan to India,'' he said. Jaishankar said that normal neighbours do visas and trade, ''they give you connectivity and most important they don't practice terrorism. And I think until we address that problem, this challenge of how do you have a normal relationship with this very unique neighbour is a very troubling issue for our foreign policy.'' Responding to a question on the developments in Kashmir since the bifurcation last year, Jaishankar said the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir has now become two union territories. ''The external boundaries of India have not changed. The external boundaries of India remain what they are today as opposed to what they were five years ago or 20 years ago, 40 years ago,'' he said. ''So as far as our neighbours are concerned, our point to them is that this is something which is internal to us. Every country after all reserves the right to change its administrative jurisdictions. A country like China has also changed the borders of its provinces and I'm sure a lot of other countries do that. ''Neighbours get impacted only if your external boundaries change. That has not happened in this case,'' he said. Ties between India and Pakistan nosedived after a terror attack on the Pathankot Air Force base in 2016 by terror groups based in the neighbouring country. Subsequent attacks, including one on Indian Army camp in Uri, further deteriorated the relationship. The relationship further dipped after India's war planes pounded a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan on February 26 last year in response to the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Withdrawal of Jammu and Kashmir's special powers and bifurcating the state into two union territories in August last year also evoked a strong reaction from Pakistan, which has been unsuccessfully trying to rally international support against India on the Kashmir issue.

Terrorism from Pak continues, making it very hard to conduct normal relations with them: Jaishankar

India on Wednesday slammed Pakistan at Commonwealth foreign ministers meet after Islamabad raked its anti-India Agenda.&nbsp;

Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Vikas Swarup said, "it was unfortunate that today’s Commonwealth Meeting was misused by one of our south Asian member state to pursue its own bigoted, ill-conceived, narrow and unilateral agenda on a multilateral platform."

Pakistan was represented by its foreign minister SM Qureshi who on expected lines,&nbsp;blamed India for fomenting trouble in the region.

Pointing out to its role in cross border terror, secretary west said, "it came from a globally acknowledged promoter of state-sponsored terrorism masquerading as an alleged victim of the same".

Adding, "this is also the same country that has the dubious distinction of becoming synonymous with the phrase "epicentre&nbsp;of terrorism” and hosting the largest number of terrorists proscribed by the United Nations."

Next week, the financial action task force will take up the progress made by Pakistan on curbing financing of terror, and the country is expected to remain on grey list which impacts its economy.

Highlighting the country's role in atrocities in east Pakistan which is now Bangladesh, he said,&nbsp;&nbsp;that Pakistan was the country that "brought genocide to South Asia 49 years back when it killed its own people."

On Pakistan occupied Kashmir, Swarup reminded that "only dispute left is ...disputed territory is (Pakistan's) illegal occupation.....which sooner or later, it would have to vacate."

Pakistan has been raking its anti-India agenda at other forums like NAM--non-alignment movement, UN bodies such as United Nations Human rights council, SAARC--South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, CICA--Conference on Interaction &amp; Confidence Building Measures in Asia.&nbsp;

India on Wednesday slammed Pakistan at Commonwealth foreign ministers meet after Islamabad raked its anti-India Agenda. Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Vikas Swarup said, "it was unfortunate that today’s Commonwealth Meeting was misused by one of our south Asian member state to pursue its own bigoted, ill-conceived, narrow and unilateral agenda on a multilateral platform.

India on Wednesday slammed Pakistan at Commonwealth foreign ministers meet after Islamabad raked its anti-India Agenda. Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Vikas Swarup said, "it was unfortunate that today’s Commonwealth Meeting was misused by one of our south Asian member state to pursue its own bigoted, ill-conceived, narrow and unilateral agenda on a multilateral platform." Pakistan was represented by its foreign minister SM Qureshi who on expected lines, blamed India for fomenting trouble in the region. Pointing out to its role in cross border terror, secretary west said, "it came from a globally acknowledged promoter of state-sponsored terrorism masquerading as an alleged victim of the same". Adding, "this is also the same country that has the dubious distinction of becoming synonymous with the phrase "epicentre of terrorism” and hosting the largest number of terrorists proscribed by the United Nations." Next week, the financial action task force will take up the progress made by Pakistan on curbing financing of terror, and the country is expected to remain on grey list which impacts its economy. Highlighting the country's role in atrocities in east Pakistan which is now Bangladesh, he said, that Pakistan was the country that "brought genocide to South Asia 49 years back when it killed its own people." On Pakistan occupied Kashmir, Swarup reminded that "only dispute left is ...disputed territory is (Pakistan's) illegal occupation.....which sooner or later, it would have to vacate." Pakistan has been raking its anti-India agenda at other forums like NAM--non-alignment movement, UN bodies such as United Nations Human rights council, SAARC--South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, CICA--Conference on Interaction & Confidence Building Measures in Asia.

New Delhi slams Pakistan at Commonwealth foreign ministers meet after it rakes anti-India agenda

Hitting out at Pakistan at the United Nations Human Rights council, India has said that Islamabad continues to play "victim card" on the issue of terrorism to "distract international community" even though it supports it.

Highlighting that&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;continues with its "shenanigan of running with the hare and hunting with the hound",&nbsp;India's first secretary to the United Nations in Geneva,&nbsp;Vimarsh Aryan said, "Whenever there is a discussion on terrorism the failed State of Pakistan plays the victim card so as to distract international community’s attention from the reality that Pakistan is unabashedly harbouring and supporting UN proscribed terrorists and terrorist organizations."

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Fact by fact, and case by case, Aryan exposed the condition of minorities, women, children and journalists in the country.

He said, "draconian State of Pakistan dares to talk about the rights of minorities in egalitarian India without realising that their responsibility is to protect people", citing example of Asif Pervaiz, a Christian man from Lahore who was recently sentenced to death under draconian blasphemy laws of Pakistan.

On women's right, giving example of&nbsp;Parsha Kumari, a Hindu women who was abducted and converted in southern province of Sindh, Indian diplomat said, "The barbaric State of Pakistan dares to talk about the rights of women in an inclusive democracy like India without realising that their responsibility is to protect women".

On children rights, he cited example of 3 year old Shahid Shah against whom FIR was lodged in Gujranwala. Aryan said,"ruthless State of Pakistan dares to talk about the rights of children in a progressive democracy like India without realising that their responsibility is to protect children"

When it comes to situation of journalists, he pointed at the "deep State of Pakistan" which "dares to talk about the rights of journalists in an open democracy like India" and without "realising that their responsibility is to protect honest journalists like Bilal Farooqi who is being tortured by Pakistani Army in Karachi, as we speak."

Hitting out at Pakistan at the United Nations Human Rights council, India has said that Islamabad continues to play "victim card" on the issue of terrorism to "distract international community" even though it supports it.

Hitting out at Pakistan at the United Nations Human Rights council, India has said that Islamabad continues to play "victim card" on the issue of terrorism to "distract international community" even though it supports it. Highlighting that Pakistan continues with its "shenanigan of running with the hare and hunting with the hound", India's first secretary to the United Nations in Geneva, Vimarsh Aryan said, "Whenever there is a discussion on terrorism the failed State of Pakistan plays the victim card so as to distract international community’s attention from the reality that Pakistan is unabashedly harbouring and supporting UN proscribed terrorists and terrorist organizations." Fact by fact, and case by case, Aryan exposed the condition of minorities, women, children and journalists in the country. He said, "draconian State of Pakistan dares to talk about the rights of minorities in egalitarian India without realising that their responsibility is to protect people", citing example of Asif Pervaiz, a Christian man from Lahore who was recently sentenced to death under draconian blasphemy laws of Pakistan. On women's right, giving example of Parsha Kumari, a Hindu women who was abducted and converted in southern province of Sindh, Indian diplomat said, "The barbaric State of Pakistan dares to talk about the rights of women in an inclusive democracy like India without realising that their responsibility is to protect women". On children rights, he cited example of 3 year old Shahid Shah against whom FIR was lodged in Gujranwala. Aryan said,"ruthless State of Pakistan dares to talk about the rights of children in a progressive democracy like India without realising that their responsibility is to protect children" When it comes to situation of journalists, he pointed at the "deep State of Pakistan" which "dares to talk about the rights of journalists in an open democracy like India" and without "realising that their responsibility is to protect honest journalists like Bilal Farooqi who is being tortured by Pakistani Army in Karachi, as we speak."

'Do not play victim card': India hits out at Pakistan on the issue of terror

The Border Security Force (BSF) has detected a tunnel just beneath the India-Pakistan International Border fence in Jammu. The tunnel has a depth of about 25 feet at the opening.

Tunnel covered with sandbags found near border fence in Jammu

Pakistan Army said that five civilians including two boys and two elderly people were injured after firing along&nbsp;the Line of Control(LoC) in the Nikial sector.

The Pakistan Foreign Office said it has summoned a senior Indian diplomat to register Pakistan's "strong protest" at the "ceasefire violations" along the line of control (LoC).

"The Indian forces along the LoC and the Working Boundary (WB) have continuously been targeting civilian populated areas with artillery fire, heavy-calibre mortars and automatic weapons,"&nbsp;the Pakistan Army alleged.

The Pakistan Army claimed that 14 people have been killed and 121 others injured in 1,595 incidents of ceasefire violations this year.

The Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) said the incident at Nikial occurred due to "unprovoked ceasefire violations by Indian Army troops".

On Sunday, Pakistan had resorted to firing in the &nbsp;Balakote sector of Mendhar. Reports claimed at least two Pakistani soldiers were killed in&nbsp;Nikial sector with one Indian soldier being injured in the firing.

The Indian Army had said that the Pakistan army resorted to unprovoked firing in the Balakote sector and also targeted Indian troops with mortar fire.

Pakistan Army said that five civilians including two boys and two elderly people were injured after firing along the Line of Control(LoC) in the Nikial sector. The Pakistan Foreign Office said it has summoned a senior Indian diplomat to register Pakistan's "strong protest" at the "ceasefire violations" along the line of control (LoC).

Pakistan Army said that five civilians including two boys and two elderly people were injured after firing along the Line of Control(LoC) in the Nikial sector. The Pakistan Foreign Office said it has summoned a senior Indian diplomat to register Pakistan's "strong protest" at the "ceasefire violations" along the line of control (LoC). "The Indian forces along the LoC and the Working Boundary (WB) have continuously been targeting civilian populated areas with artillery fire, heavy-calibre mortars and automatic weapons," the Pakistan Army alleged. The Pakistan Army claimed that 14 people have been killed and 121 others injured in 1,595 incidents of ceasefire violations this year. The Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) said the incident at Nikial occurred due to "unprovoked ceasefire violations by Indian Army troops". On Sunday, Pakistan had resorted to firing in the Balakote sector of Mendhar. Reports claimed at least two Pakistani soldiers were killed in Nikial sector with one Indian soldier being injured in the firing. The Indian Army had said that the Pakistan army resorted to unprovoked firing in the Balakote sector and also targeted Indian troops with mortar fire.

Pakistan summons Indian diplomat over firing along LoC

India is going through it's worst health crisis - coronavirus. The country is putting a lot of efforts to revive the economy stalled by the pandemic. Furthermore, surrounded by difficult neighbours on all sides, India is also facing strategic hurdles.&nbsp;

Diplomatic ties with Pakistan have hit rock bottom. India has lodged a strong protest over the "abduction and torture" of two officials of the Indian mission in Islamabad by Pakistani agencies.

The External Affairs Ministry said these two officials of the Indian high commission were "forcibly abducted" by Pakistani agencies on Monday and kept in "illegal custody" for more than 10 hours. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pak-rejects-rajnath-singhs-remarks-about-situation-in-pok-305874">Also Read: Pakistan rejects Rajnath Singh's remarks about situation in PoK</a>

Afghanistan may not share a border with India, but is very much part of the South Asian sphere. After all of India's investments, diplomatic and monetary in Afghanistan, India virtually has no say in the Afghan peace process.

With the border on the boil, at least 20&nbsp;Indian Army personnel were martyred during a 'violent face-off' with China on Monday night in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh.

"Indian &amp; Chinese troops have disengaged at Galwan area where they had earlier clashed on the night of 15/16 June 2020. 17 Indian troops who were critically injured in the line of duty have succumbed to their injuries, taking total that were killed in action to 20," Indian Army said in a statement. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-border-dispute-violent-face-off-a-result-of-attempt-by-china-to-unilaterally-change-status-quo-says-mea-306334">Also Read:&nbsp;‘Violent face-off a result of attempt by China to unilaterally change status quo,’ says MEA</a>

Moreover, bilateral ties with Nepal are at their worst and there appears to be little room for diplomacy. Recently, Nepal'slower house passed a map showing Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani, Limpiyadhura as its own.

In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said Nepal’s artificial enlargement of claims is “not based on historical fact or evidence and is not tenable”.

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka remain India's friends, but these countries are trapped in China's “debt-trap diplomacy”. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indo-nepal-ties-not-ordinary-no-power-in-the-world-can-break-it-rajnath-singh-305948">Also Read: Indo-Nepal ties not ordinary, no power in the world can break it: Rajnath Singh</a> 
 
Beijing&nbsp;has been trying strengthen its position in the Indian Ocean by deepening ties with Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka by taking advantage of their economic woes. 
 
And, countries flushed with Chinese investments will find it hard to keep their foreign policy untouched.

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

India is going through it's worst health crisis - coronavirus. The country is putting a lot of efforts to revive the economy stalled by the pandemic. Furthermore, surrounded by difficult neighbours on all sides, India is also facing strategic hurdles.

India is going through it's worst health crisis - coronavirus. The country is putting a lot of efforts to revive the economy stalled by the pandemic. Furthermore, surrounded by difficult neighbours on all sides, India is also facing strategic hurdles. Diplomatic ties with Pakistan have hit rock bottom. India has lodged a strong protest over the "abduction and torture" of two officials of the Indian mission in Islamabad by Pakistani agencies. The External Affairs Ministry said these two officials of the Indian high commission were "forcibly abducted" by Pakistani agencies on Monday and kept in "illegal custody" for more than 10 hours. Also Read: Pakistan rejects Rajnath Singh's remarks about situation in PoK Afghanistan may not share a border with India, but is very much part of the South Asian sphere. After all of India's investments, diplomatic and monetary in Afghanistan, India virtually has no say in the Afghan peace process. With the border on the boil, at least 20 Indian Army personnel were martyred during a 'violent face-off' with China on Monday night in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh. "Indian & Chinese troops have disengaged at Galwan area where they had earlier clashed on the night of 15/16 June 2020. 17 Indian troops who were critically injured in the line of duty have succumbed to their injuries, taking total that were killed in action to 20," Indian Army said in a statement. Also Read: ‘Violent face-off a result of attempt by China to unilaterally change status quo,’ says MEA Moreover, bilateral ties with Nepal are at their worst and there appears to be little room for diplomacy. Recently, Nepal'slower house passed a map showing Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani, Limpiyadhura as its own. In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said Nepal’s artificial enlargement of claims is “not based on historical fact or evidence and is not tenable”. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka remain India's friends, but these countries are trapped in China's “debt-trap diplomacy”. Also Read: Indo-Nepal ties not ordinary, no power in the world can break it: Rajnath Singh Beijing has been trying strengthen its position in the Indian Ocean by deepening ties with Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka by taking advantage of their economic woes. And, countries flushed with Chinese investments will find it hard to keep their foreign policy untouched. (With inputs from PTI)

Is India being strategically encircled?

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute(SIPRI), China and Pakistan possess more nuclear warheads than India.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-open-nuclear-disarmament-talks-with-us-amid-china-cloud-304668">Also Read:&nbsp;Russia to open nuclear disarmament talks with US amid China cloud</a>

The think tank in a report said that India which conducted its first nuclear test in 1974 has 150 warheads and Pakistan which conducted its nuclear tests in 1998 has 160 warheads.

China which had conducted its tests a decade earlier than India has 320 warheads, the report informed.

The United States and Russia dominate the list with 5,800 and 6,375 warheads respectively which includes other warheads as well.

"At the start of 2020, nine states — the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea - possessed approximately 13,400 nuclear weapons, of which 3,720 were deployed with operational forces," the report maintained.

India and Pakistan are also thought to be increasing the size of their arsenals, the report claimed while stressing that "China is in the&nbsp;middle of significant modernization and expansion of its nuclear arsenal".

"India is expanding the size of its nuclear weapon stockpile as well as its infrastructure for producing nuclear warheads," the report said.

"India is also increasing its uranium enrichment capabilities and continues to produce enriched uranium at the expanded gas centrifuge facility at the Rattehalli Rare Materials Plant near Mysore, Karnataka, for highly enriched uranium (HEU) for use as naval reactor fuel," the report claimed.

The SIPRI report claims that India's IAF has assigned "48 nuclear bombs" to its aircraft and reportedly certified its Mirage 2000H fighter-bombers for delivery of nuclear gravity bombs and "widely speculated that the IAF’s Jaguar IS fighter bombers may also have a nuclear delivery role."

In sea-based capability, the report estimates that 12 nuclear warheads have been delivered for potential deployment by the Arihant nuclear submaine&nbsp;with more in production. 
&nbsp;

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute(SIPRI), China and Pakistan possess more nuclear warheads than India. Also Read: Russia to open nuclear disarmament talks with US amid China cloud The think tank in a report said that India which conducted its first nuclear test in 1974 has 150 warheads and Pakistan which conducted its nuclear tests in 1998 has 160 warheads.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute(SIPRI), China and Pakistan possess more nuclear warheads than India. Also Read: Russia to open nuclear disarmament talks with US amid China cloud The think tank in a report said that India which conducted its first nuclear test in 1974 has 150 warheads and Pakistan which conducted its nuclear tests in 1998 has 160 warheads. China which had conducted its tests a decade earlier than India has 320 warheads, the report informed. The United States and Russia dominate the list with 5,800 and 6,375 warheads respectively which includes other warheads as well. "At the start of 2020, nine states — the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea - possessed approximately 13,400 nuclear weapons, of which 3,720 were deployed with operational forces," the report maintained. India and Pakistan are also thought to be increasing the size of their arsenals, the report claimed while stressing that "China is in the middle of significant modernization and expansion of its nuclear arsenal". "India is expanding the size of its nuclear weapon stockpile as well as its infrastructure for producing nuclear warheads," the report said. "India is also increasing its uranium enrichment capabilities and continues to produce enriched uranium at the expanded gas centrifuge facility at the Rattehalli Rare Materials Plant near Mysore, Karnataka, for highly enriched uranium (HEU) for use as naval reactor fuel," the report claimed. The SIPRI report claims that India's IAF has assigned "48 nuclear bombs" to its aircraft and reportedly certified its Mirage 2000H fighter-bombers for delivery of nuclear gravity bombs and "widely speculated that the IAF’s Jaguar IS fighter bombers may also have a nuclear delivery role." In sea-based capability, the report estimates that 12 nuclear warheads have been delivered for potential deployment by the Arihant nuclear submaine with more in production.

Pakistan, China have more nuclear warheads than India: SIPRI

Indian Army has caused heavy damages to Pakistani posts on the Line of Control (LoC). This came as the Indian Army retaliated to Pakistan's unprovoked ceasefire violation. Watch WION's report from Sri Nagar, J&K.

Indian Army destroys Pak posts along LoC: India retaliates to ceasefire violations

A donkey has been arrested in Pakistan on the charge of gambling. Pakistan's state broadcaster has upset the govt over Kashmir & a rumour of Indian jets hovering over Karachi kept Pak netizens up all night. WION's Palki Sharma gets you the true story of 'Naya Pakistan'.

Gravitas: The true story of 'Naya Pakistan'

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi created a massive controversy following his distasteful comments on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kashmir. While Indian cricketers, Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan lashed out at Afridi after his controversial comments, Twitterati tore into the former Pakistan all-rounder with several hashtags on Afridi trending on social media platform Twitter since his comments on Kashmir and PM Modi went viral.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/yuvraj-raina-dhawan-destroy-pakistans-shahid-afridi-over-controversial-remarks-on-pm-modi-and-kashmir-299371" hreflang="en">Yuvraj, Raina, Dhawan destroy Pakistan's Shahid Afridi over controversial remarks on PM Modi and Kashmir</a>

<h2>Here's how Twitterati reacted on Shahid Afridi's controversial remarks on Kashmir and PM Modi:</h2>

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShahidAfridi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShahidAfridi</a> a garbage is garbage doesn't mean what is number of spectacle. <a href="https://t.co/mh3KAZMaGL">pic.twitter.com/mh3KAZMaGL</a>
— ARUN SAXENA (@SAXENAARUN1997) <a href="https://twitter.com/SAXENAARUN1997/status/1262102246684319744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Why are you giving so much importance to a 16 yo<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/shahidAfridi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#shahidAfridi</a>
— D_ki_company (@d_ki_company) <a href="https://twitter.com/d_ki_company/status/1262283478378229761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Why u r taking this guy seriously look how open mind he is <a href="https://t.co/hXpqUfa7Rw">pic.twitter.com/hXpqUfa7Rw</a>
— Malak meera (@Malak_meera) <a href="https://twitter.com/Malak_meera/status/1261911599004045312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This is exactly how we fall for their agenda. They have learned the art of using humanitarian causes to further their propaganda. I wish Indians realized their nefarious plans and understand what's at stake!<a href="https://t.co/yrgqS28eZz">https://t.co/yrgqS28eZz</a>
— Jagga Jasoos (@jasoosi) <a href="https://twitter.com/jasoosi/status/1262207432018792448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile Everyone to Afridi <a href="https://t.co/73tGWN9VoG">pic.twitter.com/73tGWN9VoG</a>
— HBD Priyanka (K. Star) {Kamal} (@Bollywoodventu) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bollywoodventu/status/1262040302971490306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Aisa padhne chaiye afridi ko <a href="https://t.co/wYrQ9QWoLm">pic.twitter.com/wYrQ9QWoLm</a>
— Ujala Arora (@WhereIsMy_Food) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhereIsMy_Food/status/1262059368444395521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Sun liya <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/afridi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#afridi</a>? Ab likal le! <a href="https://t.co/GtiaMrLmpu">https://t.co/GtiaMrLmpu</a>
— New Age Philosopher (@JaydeepBharat) <a href="https://twitter.com/JaydeepBharat/status/1262302449810894848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Lala.. <a href="https://t.co/CzuiVF5eES">pic.twitter.com/CzuiVF5eES</a>
— Krushna Rathod (@imkrushna) <a href="https://twitter.com/imkrushna/status/1262300519466500096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Bheekh bhi aukaat se bahr ki mangta hai 
Kashmir chahiye isko 
 
Aur wo afridi bhi udd rha ajkal
— Amol-i-cule (@not_so_amol) <a href="https://twitter.com/not_so_amol/status/1262285770938880001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Should have stayed within his limits": Harbhajan Singh on Afridi

While Harbhajan and Yuvraj straightaway regretted their decision of lending a helping hand to Shahid Afridi Foundation in its fight against COVID-19 pandemic, the duo made it clear that they will not keep any contact with the former Pakistan skipper from here on.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/harbhajan-singh-gautam-gambhir-hit-back-at-pakistans-shahid-afridi-over-controversial-comments-on-kashmir-and-pm-modi-299225" hreflang="en">Harbhajan Singh, Gautam Gambhir hit back at Pakistan's Shahid Afridi over controversial comments on Kashmir and PM Modi</a>

Harbhajan said, “I thought he was our friend but this not how a friend behaves. Ye badtameezi hai (It’s rude). He should have stayed within his limits but unfortunately keeps on talking rubbish about our country and our PM.”

“What I did for him was in good faith and people suffering due to the coronavirus. But from now on no further relations with him. No more message or helping him. He has to learn how to respect other people,” Harbhajan added.

This is not the first time Afridi has made controversial remarks on Kashmir. On last Friday, he tweeted: “It does not take a religious belief to feel the agony of Kashmiris..just a right heart at the right place. #SaveKashmir”

Last year, Afridi had visited the Line of Control (LoC) to “express solidarity with our Kashmiri brethren” following the Indian government’s decision to abrogate Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. 
&nbsp;

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi created a massive controversy following his distasteful comments on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kashmir. While Indian cricketers, Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan lashed out at Afridi after his controversial comments, Twitterati tore into the former Pakistan all-rounder with several hashtags on Afridi trending on social media platform Twitter since his comments on Kashmir and PM Modi went viral.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi created a massive controversy following his distasteful comments on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kashmir. While Indian cricketers, Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan lashed out at Afridi after his controversial comments, Twitterati tore into the former Pakistan all-rounder with several hashtags on Afridi trending on social media platform Twitter since his comments on Kashmir and PM Modi went viral. ALSO READ: Yuvraj, Raina, Dhawan destroy Pakistan's Shahid Afridi over controversial remarks on PM Modi and Kashmir Here's how Twitterati reacted on Shahid Afridi's controversial remarks on Kashmir and PM Modi: #ShahidAfridi a garbage is garbage doesn't mean what is number of spectacle. pic.twitter.com/mh3KAZMaGL — ARUN SAXENA (@SAXENAARUN1997) May 17, 2020 × Why are you giving so much importance to a 16 yo#shahidAfridi — D_ki_company (@d_ki_company) May 18, 2020 × Why u r taking this guy seriously look how open mind he is pic.twitter.com/hXpqUfa7Rw — Malak meera (@Malak_meera) May 17, 2020 × This is exactly how we fall for their agenda. They have learned the art of using humanitarian causes to further their propaganda. I wish Indians realized their nefarious plans and understand what's at stake!https://t.co/yrgqS28eZz — Jagga Jasoos (@jasoosi) May 18, 2020 × Meanwhile Everyone to Afridi pic.twitter.com/73tGWN9VoG — HBD Priyanka (K. Star) {Kamal} (@Bollywoodventu) May 17, 2020 × Aisa padhne chaiye afridi ko pic.twitter.com/wYrQ9QWoLm — Ujala Arora (@WhereIsMy_Food) May 17, 2020 × Sun liya #afridi? Ab likal le! https://t.co/GtiaMrLmpu — New Age Philosopher (@JaydeepBharat) May 18, 2020 × Lala.. pic.twitter.com/CzuiVF5eES — Krushna Rathod (@imkrushna) May 18, 2020 × Bheekh bhi aukaat se bahr ki mangta hai Kashmir chahiye isko Aur wo afridi bhi udd rha ajkal — Amol-i-cule (@not_so_amol) May 18, 2020 × "Should have stayed within his limits": Harbhajan Singh on Afridi While Harbhajan and Yuvraj straightaway regretted their decision of lending a helping hand to Shahid Afridi Foundation in its fight against COVID-19 pandemic, the duo made it clear that they will not keep any contact with the former Pakistan skipper from here on. ALSO READ: Harbhajan Singh, Gautam Gambhir hit back at Pakistan's Shahid Afridi over controversial comments on Kashmir and PM Modi Harbhajan said, “I thought he was our friend but this not how a friend behaves. Ye badtameezi hai (It’s rude). He should have stayed within his limits but unfortunately keeps on talking rubbish about our country and our PM.” “What I did for him was in good faith and people suffering due to the coronavirus. But from now on no further relations with him. No more message or helping him. He has to learn how to respect other people,” Harbhajan added. This is not the first time Afridi has made controversial remarks on Kashmir. On last Friday, he tweeted: “It does not take a religious belief to feel the agony of Kashmiris..just a right heart at the right place. #SaveKashmir” Last year, Afridi had visited the Line of Control (LoC) to “express solidarity with our Kashmiri brethren” following the Indian government’s decision to abrogate Article 370 of the Indian Constitution.

Twitterati mercilessly roasts Pakistan's Shahid Afridi for distasteful comments on PM Modi and Kashmir

Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi made controversial remarks against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a recent visit to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). As expected, there was sudden outrage against the former Pakistan captain as people slammed him for disrespecting PM Modi and the country.

Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh’s name continued to pop up on social media platforms as they had extended help to Shahid Afridi Foundation in its battle against COVID-19. Now, Harbhajan has slammed Afridi for his comments as the veteran spinner said that Afridi’s comments are unacceptable while adding that he should stay within his limits.&nbsp;

Former India cricket-turned-politician, Gautam Gambhir also tore into Afridi by taking to social media platform Twitter as he wrote: “Pak has 7 lakh force backed by 20 Cr ppl says 16 yr old man @SAfridiOfficial. Yet begging for Kashmir for 70 yrs. Jokers like Afridi, Imran &amp; Bajwa can spew venom against India &amp; PM @narendramodi ji to fool Pak ppl but won't get Kashmir till judgment day! Remember Bangladesh?”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/steyn-says-worried-umpire-refused-to-give-tendulkar-out-en-route-to-odi-200-299100" hreflang="en">Steyn says worried umpire refused to give Tendulkar out en route to ODI 200</a>

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Pak has 7 lakh force backed by 20 Cr ppl says 16 yr old man <a href="https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SAfridiOfficial</a>. Yet begging for Kashmir for 70 yrs. Jokers like Afridi, Imran &amp; Bajwa can spew venom against India &amp; PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji to fool Pak ppl but won't get Kashmir till judgment day! Remember Bangladesh?
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir/status/1261910845224652802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Whereas Harbhajan clarified that Afridi had asked him to make an appeal for his charity and in good faith, he did it for the people suffering due to COVID-19.&nbsp;

"This is very upsetting what Shahid Afridi has come up with, talking ill about our country and our Prime Minister. This is just not acceptable," Harbhajan told a leading news portal.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-board-members-may-discuss-shifting-t20-world-cup-to-2022-298921" hreflang="en">ICC Board members may discuss shifting T20 World Cup to 2022</a>

"To be honest, he (Adridi) asked us to make an appeal for his charity. In good faith, we did it for humanity and for the people suffering due to the Coronavirus.

"Even our Prime Minister has said that Coronavirus is a fight that extends beyond borders, religions and caste. So we were very clear with the cause that we were promoting, which was simply to help those in crisis.

"But this man (Afridi) is talking ill about our country. All I have to say is we have nothing to do with Shahid Afridi. He has no right to speak ill against our country and he should stay in his country and limits," Harbhajan thundered.

Here's what Shahid Afridi had said about PM Modi and India:

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They are viper with poison to their neck, ready to bite at very chance they get. 
 
Listen this snake Shahid Afridi Abusing our army. <a href="https://t.co/0hcMNW7242">pic.twitter.com/0hcMNW7242</a>
— Aditi Rajput (@aditi_cted) <a href="https://twitter.com/aditi_cted/status/1261742038732673027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Harbhajan further said that after playing over 100 Tests, he doesn’t have to prove his loyalty towards India too people on social media and rather let his good work do the talking. The veteran of the game added that he will have no further relation with Afridi from this point of time.

"I was born in this country and will die in this country. I have played for my country for over 20 years and have won many games for India. No one can say that I have done anything against my country.

"Today or tomorrow, if my country needs me anywhere, even if at the border, I will be the first one to pick up a gun for the sake of my country."

As for his relations with Afridi, it's a closed chapter now. "One person asks me to make an appeal for the sake of humanity, and I did my bit. That was it. I have no relation or tie-up with any Shahid Afridi from here on," Harbhajan signed off. 
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Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi made controversial remarks against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a recent visit to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi made controversial remarks against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a recent visit to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). As expected, there was sudden outrage against the former Pakistan captain as people slammed him for disrespecting PM Modi and the country. Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh’s name continued to pop up on social media platforms as they had extended help to Shahid Afridi Foundation in its battle against COVID-19. Now, Harbhajan has slammed Afridi for his comments as the veteran spinner said that Afridi’s comments are unacceptable while adding that he should stay within his limits. Former India cricket-turned-politician, Gautam Gambhir also tore into Afridi by taking to social media platform Twitter as he wrote: “Pak has 7 lakh force backed by 20 Cr ppl says 16 yr old man @SAfridiOfficial. Yet begging for Kashmir for 70 yrs. Jokers like Afridi, Imran & Bajwa can spew venom against India & PM @narendramodi ji to fool Pak ppl but won't get Kashmir till judgment day! Remember Bangladesh?” ALSO READ: Steyn says worried umpire refused to give Tendulkar out en route to ODI 200 Pak has 7 lakh force backed by 20 Cr ppl says 16 yr old man @SAfridiOfficial. Yet begging for Kashmir for 70 yrs. Jokers like Afridi, Imran & Bajwa can spew venom against India & PM @narendramodi ji to fool Pak ppl but won't get Kashmir till judgment day! Remember Bangladesh? — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 17, 2020 × Whereas Harbhajan clarified that Afridi had asked him to make an appeal for his charity and in good faith, he did it for the people suffering due to COVID-19. "This is very upsetting what Shahid Afridi has come up with, talking ill about our country and our Prime Minister. This is just not acceptable," Harbhajan told a leading news portal. ALSO READ: ICC Board members may discuss shifting T20 World Cup to 2022 "To be honest, he (Adridi) asked us to make an appeal for his charity. In good faith, we did it for humanity and for the people suffering due to the Coronavirus. "Even our Prime Minister has said that Coronavirus is a fight that extends beyond borders, religions and caste. So we were very clear with the cause that we were promoting, which was simply to help those in crisis. "But this man (Afridi) is talking ill about our country. All I have to say is we have nothing to do with Shahid Afridi. He has no right to speak ill against our country and he should stay in his country and limits," Harbhajan thundered. Here's what Shahid Afridi had said about PM Modi and India: They are viper with poison to their neck, ready to bite at very chance they get. Listen this snake Shahid Afridi Abusing our army. pic.twitter.com/0hcMNW7242 — Aditi Rajput (@aditi_cted) May 16, 2020 × Harbhajan further said that after playing over 100 Tests, he doesn’t have to prove his loyalty towards India too people on social media and rather let his good work do the talking. The veteran of the game added that he will have no further relation with Afridi from this point of time. "I was born in this country and will die in this country. I have played for my country for over 20 years and have won many games for India. No one can say that I have done anything against my country. "Today or tomorrow, if my country needs me anywhere, even if at the border, I will be the first one to pick up a gun for the sake of my country." As for his relations with Afridi, it's a closed chapter now. "One person asks me to make an appeal for the sake of humanity, and I did my bit. That was it. I have no relation or tie-up with any Shahid Afridi from here on," Harbhajan signed off.

Harbhajan Singh, Gautam Gambhir hit back at Pakistan's Shahid Afridi over controversial comments on Kashmir and PM Modi

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