China has a border dispute with almost all its neighbours - both on land and sea - with almost blatant territorial ambitions with little regard for the sovereign rights of other nations.

Among those at the receiving end is India. China doesn't care about India's territorial integrity. In the past two days, Chinese troops provoked skirmishes with Indian soldiers at the border in Sikkim. Chinese helicopters flew close to the Line of Actual Control(LAC) with India in Ladakh.&nbsp;

Now, China is building a dam on Indian territory occupied by Pakistan. A Chinese company has signed a deal with the Pakistan government. A $5.8 billion deal to build a dam in Gilgit-Baltistan which falls in Pakistan occupied Kashmir(PoK) which is technically Indian territory but China is doing business with Pakistan, despite India's objections.

The project is called the Diamer-Bhasha dam. The contract has gone to a joint venture led by Power China which is a Chinese company. The other partner is the frontier works organization which is a subsidiary of the Pakistan Army, which in a sense is a joint venture of China and the Pakistan Army. The project is a win-win for both sides.

China gets more deals and the Pakistan army makes more money. China seems to have virtually repossessed Pakistan even as worldwide the work on the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) has come to a grinding halt because of the Wuhan virus.

On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke to his Sri Lankan counterpart Gotabaya Rajapaksa. President Xi wanted "gradual resumption" of cooperation towards BRI. &nbsp;

Pakistan newspaper Dawn reported that work on the the Diamer-Bhasha dam will begin in a couple of weeks which is a dam project on indian territory. Since 1949, China has been involved in 23 territorial disputes. Now, only six remain which serves China's strategic purpose for Beijing to needle regional rivals.

On Tuesday, the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs issued a statement on the border situation with India. The tone was far from friendly, which almost said that meet China halfway, avoid taking actions that might "complicate" the situation which is unabashed hypocrisy from China considering that all its actions complicate the situation.

The list of Beijing's provocations is long and growing. It led&nbsp;a failed attempt to internationalise India's Kashmir decision at the United Nations Security Council.

China's troops clashed with Indian soldiers in Sikkim and now, it is building a dam on territory that belongs to India. It's time for New Delhi to pay back in kind&nbsp;and India is not short of options.

It can use its own diplomatic levers to send a message to China, for instance, remove Huawei from India's 5G program over security concerns.

Already, curbs have been placed on Chinese investments in Indian companies. The government can do more. India can leverage the situation in Hong Kong and make a statement by backing the pro-Democracy protesters. All these are options that can be exercised in the coming days and weeks but, there is one thing that India can do right now - support Taiwan.

China has a border dispute with almost all its neighbours - both on land and sea - with almost blatant territorial ambitions with little regard for the sovereign rights of other nations.

China has a border dispute with almost all its neighbours - both on land and sea - with almost blatant territorial ambitions with little regard for the sovereign rights of other nations. Among those at the receiving end is India. China doesn't care about India's territorial integrity. In the past two days, Chinese troops provoked skirmishes with Indian soldiers at the border in Sikkim. Chinese helicopters flew close to the Line of Actual Control(LAC) with India in Ladakh. Now, China is building a dam on Indian territory occupied by Pakistan. A Chinese company has signed a deal with the Pakistan government. A $5.8 billion deal to build a dam in Gilgit-Baltistan which falls in Pakistan occupied Kashmir(PoK) which is technically Indian territory but China is doing business with Pakistan, despite India's objections. The project is called the Diamer-Bhasha dam. The contract has gone to a joint venture led by Power China which is a Chinese company. The other partner is the frontier works organization which is a subsidiary of the Pakistan Army, which in a sense is a joint venture of China and the Pakistan Army. The project is a win-win for both sides. China gets more deals and the Pakistan army makes more money. China seems to have virtually repossessed Pakistan even as worldwide the work on the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) has come to a grinding halt because of the Wuhan virus. On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke to his Sri Lankan counterpart Gotabaya Rajapaksa. President Xi wanted "gradual resumption" of cooperation towards BRI. Pakistan newspaper Dawn reported that work on the the Diamer-Bhasha dam will begin in a couple of weeks which is a dam project on indian territory. Since 1949, China has been involved in 23 territorial disputes. Now, only six remain which serves China's strategic purpose for Beijing to needle regional rivals. On Tuesday, the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs issued a statement on the border situation with India. The tone was far from friendly, which almost said that meet China halfway, avoid taking actions that might "complicate" the situation which is unabashed hypocrisy from China considering that all its actions complicate the situation. The list of Beijing's provocations is long and growing. It led a failed attempt to internationalise India's Kashmir decision at the United Nations Security Council. China's troops clashed with Indian soldiers in Sikkim and now, it is building a dam on territory that belongs to India. It's time for New Delhi to pay back in kind and India is not short of options. It can use its own diplomatic levers to send a message to China, for instance, remove Huawei from India's 5G program over security concerns. Already, curbs have been placed on Chinese investments in Indian companies. The government can do more. India can leverage the situation in Hong Kong and make a statement by backing the pro-Democracy protesters. All these are options that can be exercised in the coming days and weeks but, there is one thing that India can do right now - support Taiwan.

Chinese company signs deal with Pakistan to build dam in PoK

India has demarche Pakistan over the killing of three of its civilians in ceasefire violations. Pakistan in ceasefire violation on April 12 in Chowkibal and Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir had killed three Indian civilians including a women and a minor child.

India in its demarche said, that killing goes beyond "humanitarian norms and professional military conduct" and called on Islamabad to "desist from such acts immediately."

Pakistan in ceasefire violation had killed 34-year-old Shamima Begum, 17-year-old Javid Ahmad Khan of Reddi Chowkibal and 8-year old Zeeshan Bashir, resident of Tumna.

India also called Pakistan to "adhere" to the 2003 ceasefire Understanding.

India has demarche Pakistan over the killing of three of its civilians in ceasefire violations. Pakistan in ceasefire violation on April 12 in Chowkibal and Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir had killed three Indian civilians including a women and a minor child.

India has demarche Pakistan over the killing of three of its civilians in ceasefire violations. Pakistan in ceasefire violation on April 12 in Chowkibal and Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir had killed three Indian civilians including a women and a minor child. India in its demarche said, that killing goes beyond "humanitarian norms and professional military conduct" and called on Islamabad to "desist from such acts immediately." Pakistan in ceasefire violation had killed 34-year-old Shamima Begum, 17-year-old Javid Ahmad Khan of Reddi Chowkibal and 8-year old Zeeshan Bashir, resident of Tumna. India also called Pakistan to "adhere" to the 2003 ceasefire Understanding.

India demarches Pakistan over killing of civilians in ceasefire violations

Former Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Kasuri speaking at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/full-speech-of-bjps-general-secretary-ram-madhav-at-wion-global-summit-284499">WION Global Summit</a> in Dubai on Thursday revealed that India and Pakistan were very close to solving the Kashmir issue bilaterally at one point.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-concerns-not-limited-to-young-people-says-sri-lankas-ex-pm-ranil-wickremesinghe-at-wion-global-summit-284551">Also Read: Climate change concerns not limited to young people, says Ranil Wickremesinghe at WION Global Summit</a>

He also said that no Indian official has denied his claim. In fact, they have supported him and have acknowledged that India and Pakistan were very close to solving the problem in Kashmir in early 2007.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-global-summit-2020-balancing-and-recalibrating-pakistans-diplomatic-strategy-284582/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Former minister Kasuri also informed&nbsp;how Indian and Pakistan missed an opportunity of signing an agreement on Sir Creek because of elections in India and coup by General Musharaff.

Kasuri also called for strategic "baby steps" to diplomatically solve the tensions between India and Pakistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/genuine-leadership-completely-lost-in-pakistan-reham-khan-284550">Also Read: Genuine leadership completely lost in Pakistan, says Reham Khan</a>

"We have been through comprehensive dialogue and composite dialogue. The Shanghai Corporation meeting will happen in New Delhi, I doubt PM Imran Khan will go since it will be a big political risk but if India creates a more congenial atmosphere maybe Pakistan will send its foreign minister. So baby steps would ensure that the situation does not deteriorate further," he said at the WION Global Summit.

"The other is religious tourism, you saw how successful the Kartarpur initiative was. When I was foreign minister, I had invited Mr Advani since we had restored a temple near Islamabad and another famous temple in Balouchistan and then Muslims can be invited to visit shrines in India including Ajmer Sharif," Kasuri asserted.

"I was once called by Colin Powell, he said get ready to receive good news, next day former PM Vajpayee extended the famous hand of friendship to Pakistan and we immediately invited him, so a world power can play a major role," Kasuri felt.

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"Mr Vajapee was&nbsp;a wise man, he had said, you can change your friends but not your neighbours,"&nbsp;Kasuri added. "How shall we live together? that is the challenge,"&nbsp;he said.

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Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, Former Foreign Minister, Pakistan &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/RehamKhan1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RehamKhan1</a>, Journalist &amp; Commentator open the session <a href="https://twitter.com/RizKhanShows?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RizKhanShows</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONDubaiSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONDubaiSummit</a> <a href="https://t.co/okgbNcJchL">pic.twitter.com/okgbNcJchL</a>
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On SAARC, the former Pakistan foreign minister said: "I am a great believer in SAARC, India and Pakistan engaged a lot. I once calculated there were more than 200 meetings in a year between the two countries. It creates a new dynamic. It makes a lot of difference with a personal touch," Pakistan's former foreign minister said.

Former Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Kasuri speaking at the WION Global Summit in Dubai on Thursday revealed that India and Pakistan were very close to solving the Kashmir issue bilaterally at one point.

Former Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Kasuri speaking at the WION Global Summit in Dubai on Thursday revealed that India and Pakistan were very close to solving the Kashmir issue bilaterally at one point. Also Read: Climate change concerns not limited to young people, says Ranil Wickremesinghe at WION Global Summit He also said that no Indian official has denied his claim. In fact, they have supported him and have acknowledged that India and Pakistan were very close to solving the problem in Kashmir in early 2007. Watch Video: Former minister Kasuri also informed how Indian and Pakistan missed an opportunity of signing an agreement on Sir Creek because of elections in India and coup by General Musharaff. Kasuri also called for strategic "baby steps" to diplomatically solve the tensions between India and Pakistan. Also Read: Genuine leadership completely lost in Pakistan, says Reham Khan "We have been through comprehensive dialogue and composite dialogue. The Shanghai Corporation meeting will happen in New Delhi, I doubt PM Imran Khan will go since it will be a big political risk but if India creates a more congenial atmosphere maybe Pakistan will send its foreign minister. So baby steps would ensure that the situation does not deteriorate further," he said at the WION Global Summit. "The other is religious tourism, you saw how successful the Kartarpur initiative was. When I was foreign minister, I had invited Mr Advani since we had restored a temple near Islamabad and another famous temple in Balouchistan and then Muslims can be invited to visit shrines in India including Ajmer Sharif," Kasuri asserted. "I was once called by Colin Powell, he said get ready to receive good news, next day former PM Vajpayee extended the famous hand of friendship to Pakistan and we immediately invited him, so a world power can play a major role," Kasuri felt. #WIONGlobalSummit | Prime Minister Vajpayee was a wise man. He had said 'you can change your friends but not your neighbours', says Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, former Pakistan foreign minister#WIONDubaiSummit Follow LIVE updates here: https://t.co/lcF6OC8y5l pic.twitter.com/eaWVmkKpR8 — WION (@WIONews) March 5, 2020 × "Mr Vajapee was a wise man, he had said, you can change your friends but not your neighbours," Kasuri added. "How shall we live together? that is the challenge," he said. #WIONGlobalSummit | Session 3: Balancing and Recalibrating Pakistan’s Diplomatic Strategy Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, Former Foreign Minister, Pakistan & @RehamKhan1, Journalist & Commentator open the session @RizKhanShows #WIONDubaiSummit pic.twitter.com/okgbNcJchL — WION (@WIONews) March 5, 2020 × On SAARC, the former Pakistan foreign minister said: "I am a great believer in SAARC, India and Pakistan engaged a lot. I once calculated there were more than 200 meetings in a year between the two countries. It creates a new dynamic. It makes a lot of difference with a personal touch," Pakistan's former foreign minister said.

India, Pak were close to solving the Kashmir issue bilaterally at one point: Former Pak foreign minister Khurshid Kasuri at WION Global Summit

US President Donald Trump while addressing reporters in New Delhi said that he had good relations with both PM Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan while asserting that he would do anything to help solve the Kashmir issue.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/5g-wireless-network-should-not-be-conduit-of-suppression-censorship-says-trump-taking-a-dig-at-china-282662">Also Read:&nbsp;5G should not be conduit of suppression, says Trump taking a dig at China</a>

"We talked a lot about Pakistan with PM Modi. It's no question, it's a problem, but it's a problem they have, they're working on it," the US President said, adding, "I'll do whatever I&nbsp;have to do if I&nbsp;can do that because my relationship with both gentlemen is so good."

"We're seeing what we can do about it, anything I can do to mediate, anything I can do to help, I would do. They're working on Kashmir."

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-modi-meet-donald-trump-confirms-3-bn-helicopter-deal-282631/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This is not the first time the US president has offered to mediate on the Kashmir issue, however, he added: "There are two sides to every story but they've been working on that very hard."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-want-countries-to-be-happy-and-healthy-says-trump-on-coronavirus-outbreak-282646">Also Read:&nbsp;We want countries to be happy and healthy, says&nbsp;Trump on coronavirus outbreak</a>

"We discussed at a great length on terrorism and I think we have some very good ideas. PM Modi is very, very strongly against terrorism," Trump told reporters.

"I will tell you Prime Minister Modi is a very, very religious man."

"As you know is a very calm man, but he's actually a very, very strong person very tough actually," the US president asserted.&nbsp;

"I've seen him in action and got that foremost in his mind terrorism. He'll take care of it," the US President added.

US President Donald Trump while addressing reporters in New Delhi said that he had good relations with both PM Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan while asserting that he would do anything to help solve the Kashmir issue.

US President Donald Trump while addressing reporters in New Delhi said that he had good relations with both PM Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan while asserting that he would do anything to help solve the Kashmir issue. Also Read: 5G should not be conduit of suppression, says Trump taking a dig at China "We talked a lot about Pakistan with PM Modi. It's no question, it's a problem, but it's a problem they have, they're working on it," the US President said, adding, "I'll do whatever I have to do if I can do that because my relationship with both gentlemen is so good." "We're seeing what we can do about it, anything I can do to mediate, anything I can do to help, I would do. They're working on Kashmir." Watch Video: This is not the first time the US president has offered to mediate on the Kashmir issue, however, he added: "There are two sides to every story but they've been working on that very hard." Also Read: We want countries to be happy and healthy, says Trump on coronavirus outbreak "We discussed at a great length on terrorism and I think we have some very good ideas. PM Modi is very, very strongly against terrorism," Trump told reporters. "I will tell you Prime Minister Modi is a very, very religious man." "As you know is a very calm man, but he's actually a very, very strong person very tough actually," the US president asserted. "I've seen him in action and got that foremost in his mind terrorism. He'll take care of it," the US President added.

Anything I can do to mediate, have great relations with PM Modi and Imran Khan: Trump on Kashmir

Pakistan's Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/scrapping-article-370-was-historic-step-says-chief-naravane-during-army-day-parade-274439">Shah Mahmood Qureshi</a> described <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/abrogation-of-article-370-irreversible-centre-tells-sc-276097">Kashmir as "nuclear flashpoint" </a>on Wednesday. While addressing a press conference in Qureshi said, I want to request the democratic government, human rights organisation and the Parliament to take this sensitive issue seriously," adding, "Kashmir has become a nuclear flashpoint."&nbsp;

"This is not a statement by Imran Khan. This has been raised in the Munich security council and there is a report on the global impact of this nuclear issue if the situation deteriorates," Qureshi also said.

In the press conference, the British lawmaker whose visa was denied by Indian a few days back was also invited to a press briefing with Pakistan's foreign minister.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/If-we-had-worked-according-to-old%20ways-then-Article-370-would-never-have-been-abrogated-says-PM-Modi-in-Lok-Sabha">Also read: If we had worked according to old ways, then Article 370 would never have been abrogated, says PM Modi in Lok Sabha</a>

British parliamentarian Debbie Abrahams received a red carpet welcome in Pakistan after India denied her for her "involvement in anti-India activities". On Tuesday, Indian High Commission in London confirmed that Abrahams was holding an invalid visa.

The chair of an all-party parliamentary panel on Kashmir in Britain, &nbsp;Abrahams will be visiting Pakistan occupied Kashmir to assess the situation there.

This is not the first time a Pakistani leader has described Kashmir as "nuclear flashpoint".

In 2019, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan while reacting to India's decision of scrap Article 370 in Kashmir, had said, "I am anti-war but what I said clearly was that when two nuclear-armed countries fight - if they fight a conventional war - there is every possibility to end up in a nuclear war." Khan was reacting to India's decision.

On being asked whether he shared the views of his foreign minister that the situation could spark an accidental war between India and Pakistan, Khan had said, "Absolutely".

In August last year, the government abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution, which conferred special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into two Union Territories -- Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi described Kashmir as "nuclear flashpoint" on Wednesday. While addressing a press conference in Qureshi said, I want to request the democratic government, human rights organisation and the Parliament to take this sensitive issue seriously," adding, "Kashmir has become a nuclear flashpoint.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi described Kashmir as "nuclear flashpoint" on Wednesday. While addressing a press conference in Qureshi said, I want to request the democratic government, human rights organisation and the Parliament to take this sensitive issue seriously," adding, "Kashmir has become a nuclear flashpoint." "This is not a statement by Imran Khan. This has been raised in the Munich security council and there is a report on the global impact of this nuclear issue if the situation deteriorates," Qureshi also said. In the press conference, the British lawmaker whose visa was denied by Indian a few days back was also invited to a press briefing with Pakistan's foreign minister. Also read: If we had worked according to old ways, then Article 370 would never have been abrogated, says PM Modi in Lok Sabha British parliamentarian Debbie Abrahams received a red carpet welcome in Pakistan after India denied her for her "involvement in anti-India activities". On Tuesday, Indian High Commission in London confirmed that Abrahams was holding an invalid visa. The chair of an all-party parliamentary panel on Kashmir in Britain, Abrahams will be visiting Pakistan occupied Kashmir to assess the situation there. This is not the first time a Pakistani leader has described Kashmir as "nuclear flashpoint". In 2019, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan while reacting to India's decision of scrap Article 370 in Kashmir, had said, "I am anti-war but what I said clearly was that when two nuclear-armed countries fight - if they fight a conventional war - there is every possibility to end up in a nuclear war." Khan was reacting to India's decision. On being asked whether he shared the views of his foreign minister that the situation could spark an accidental war between India and Pakistan, Khan had said, "Absolutely". In August last year, the government abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution, which conferred special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into two Union Territories -- Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.

Kashmir has become nuclear flashpoint: Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi

India on Tuesday "categorically" rejected a resolution adopted by Pakistan National Assembly against recently enacted Citizenship Act in the country.&nbsp;

Addressing a press conference in Delhi,&nbsp;External Affairs Ministry's official&nbsp;spokesperson&nbsp;Raveesh Kumar said, the resolution makes "references to matters that are entirely the internal affairs of India."

"The Resolution adopted by Pakistan’s National Assembly yesterday (on Citizenship Amendment Act) makes references to matters that are entirely the internal affairs of India. We categorically reject the Resolution,"&nbsp;Kumar said.

On Monday, Pakistan National Assembly passed a unanimous resolution condemning the Indian Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019. The resolution claimed that it is "discriminated" and enacted to "suppress" the minorities in the country.

The resolution moved by Pakistan's Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood, also called upon the international community including the United Nations, Human Rights Council to urge India to revoke it.

"The Resolution is a poorly disguised effort to divert attention from Pakistan’s appalling treatment and persecution of its own religious minorities," said Kumar, adding, "The demographics of these minorities, whether Hindu, Christian, Sikh or other faiths, in Pakistan, speak for themselves."

"It's a thinly-veiled attempt by Pakistan to further its false narrative on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. It seeks to provide justification for Pakistan’s unrelenting support for cross-border terrorist activities in India. We're confident that such attempts will fail," Kumar also said.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed from Parliament earlier this week and became an Act with Presidential assent on November 12.&nbsp;

The legislation provides Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014.

The External Affairs Ministry also said that it was "laughable" that the National Assembly that has itself passed discriminatory legislation against religious minorities, should point fingers at others.

"We call upon Pakistan to engage in serious self-introspection rather than to falsely accuse others of what they themselves are guilty of," the statement said.

(With inputs from agencies)

India on Tuesday "categorically" rejected a resolution adopted by Pakistan National Assembly against recently enacted Citizenship Act in the country. Addressing a press conference in Delhi, External Affairs Ministry's official spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, the resolution makes "references to matters that are entirely the internal affairs of India.

India on Tuesday "categorically" rejected a resolution adopted by Pakistan National Assembly against recently enacted Citizenship Act in the country. Addressing a press conference in Delhi, External Affairs Ministry's official spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, the resolution makes "references to matters that are entirely the internal affairs of India." "The Resolution adopted by Pakistan’s National Assembly yesterday (on Citizenship Amendment Act) makes references to matters that are entirely the internal affairs of India. We categorically reject the Resolution," Kumar said. On Monday, Pakistan National Assembly passed a unanimous resolution condemning the Indian Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019. The resolution claimed that it is "discriminated" and enacted to "suppress" the minorities in the country. The resolution moved by Pakistan's Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood, also called upon the international community including the United Nations, Human Rights Council to urge India to revoke it. "The Resolution is a poorly disguised effort to divert attention from Pakistan’s appalling treatment and persecution of its own religious minorities," said Kumar, adding, "The demographics of these minorities, whether Hindu, Christian, Sikh or other faiths, in Pakistan, speak for themselves." "It's a thinly-veiled attempt by Pakistan to further its false narrative on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. It seeks to provide justification for Pakistan’s unrelenting support for cross-border terrorist activities in India. We're confident that such attempts will fail," Kumar also said. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed from Parliament earlier this week and became an Act with Presidential assent on November 12. The legislation provides Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014. The External Affairs Ministry also said that it was "laughable" that the National Assembly that has itself passed discriminatory legislation against religious minorities, should point fingers at others. "We call upon Pakistan to engage in serious self-introspection rather than to falsely accuse others of what they themselves are guilty of," the statement said. (With inputs from agencies)

India 'categorically' rejects Pakistan resolution on Citizenship Amendment Act

Pakistan has halted release and repatriation of five Indians nationals and many Indian fishermen who have completed their sentence and waiting to be sent back.

According to list exchanged on July 1, Pakistan has 209 Indian fishermen and 52 Indian prisoners in its custody while India has 256 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 99 fishermen in its custody.

India and Pakistan exchange list of civilian prisoners and fishermen of each country lodged in the jails of each other on January 1 and July 1 every year, according to India-Pakistan ‘Agreement on Consular Access’ signed on May 21, 2008.

In fact, on August 5, when India announced abrogation of the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan had halted repatriation at Attari border of two Indians who were about to be sent back. WION had first reported about it on August 7.

To resolve humanitarian issues related to elderly, women and mentally unsound prisoners in each other’s custody and consider their early release and repatriation, India in October, 2017 had suggested to Pakistan to revive the mechanism of Joint Judicial Committee.&nbsp;

New Delhi had also said a team of Indian medical experts could be allowed to visit the mentally unsound prisoners in Pakistan with a view to facilitating their nationality verification and subsequent repatriation.

While India did share the details of the medical experts' team and the reconstituted Joint Judicial Committee with Pakistan with the request to organise their visit, Islamabad has not responded so far.

In its first term, the Modi government was able to secure the release of 1,749 Indian prisoners, including 1,725 fishermen along with 57 boats.

Pakistan has halted release and repatriation of five Indians nationals and many Indian fishermen who have completed their sentence and waiting to be sent back. According to list exchanged on July 1, Pakistan has 209 Indian fishermen and 52 Indian prisoners in its custody while India has 256 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 99 fishermen in its custody.

Pakistan has halted release and repatriation of five Indians nationals and many Indian fishermen who have completed their sentence and waiting to be sent back. According to list exchanged on July 1, Pakistan has 209 Indian fishermen and 52 Indian prisoners in its custody while India has 256 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 99 fishermen in its custody. India and Pakistan exchange list of civilian prisoners and fishermen of each country lodged in the jails of each other on January 1 and July 1 every year, according to India-Pakistan ‘Agreement on Consular Access’ signed on May 21, 2008. In fact, on August 5, when India announced abrogation of the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan had halted repatriation at Attari border of two Indians who were about to be sent back. WION had first reported about it on August 7. To resolve humanitarian issues related to elderly, women and mentally unsound prisoners in each other’s custody and consider their early release and repatriation, India in October, 2017 had suggested to Pakistan to revive the mechanism of Joint Judicial Committee. New Delhi had also said a team of Indian medical experts could be allowed to visit the mentally unsound prisoners in Pakistan with a view to facilitating their nationality verification and subsequent repatriation. While India did share the details of the medical experts' team and the reconstituted Joint Judicial Committee with Pakistan with the request to organise their visit, Islamabad has not responded so far. In its first term, the Modi government was able to secure the release of 1,749 Indian prisoners, including 1,725 fishermen along with 57 boats.

Article 370 abrogation: Pakistan halts repatriation of Indian nationals in its custody

Pakistan PM Imran Khan offers glimpses of Kartarpur corridor ahead of inauguration on November 9

Amid constant threats of nuclear war by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, the new IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria on Monday said the Indian Air Force was ready to face any challenges.

"What he (Pakistan Prime Minister) said is their understanding of the nuclear and strategic aspects. We have our own understanding and our own analysis and we will be ready to face any challenges," Bhadauria told ANI.

Despite being snubbed globally over the Kashmir issue, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had on September 28 yet again warned of dire consequences in the event of a nuclear war with India over the matter."If a conventional war starts between the two countries anything could happen. A country seven times smaller than its neighbour what will it do — either surrender or fight for its freedom," he said in his maiden address to the UN General Assembly.

"My belief is we will fight and when a nuclear-armed country fights till the end it will consequence far beyond the borders. I am warning you. It`s not a threat but worries about where are we heading. If this goes wrong you hope for the best but prepare for the worst," Khan had said.&nbsp;

Bhadauria had also said that the Rafale jets will greatly enhance the capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and will give the IAF an edge over Pakistan and China.

"Rafale is a very capable aircraft, once we induct it, it will be a gamechanger in terms of our operational capability and when we use it in combination with SU-30 and other fleets which we have, we would have a serious jump in our capability. It will give us an edge over Pakistan and China," Bhadauria told ANI soon after taking over as the 26th chief of the force.

Amid constant threats of nuclear war by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, the new IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria on Monday said the Indian Air Force was ready to face any challenges.

Amid constant threats of nuclear war by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, the new IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria on Monday said the Indian Air Force was ready to face any challenges. "What he (Pakistan Prime Minister) said is their understanding of the nuclear and strategic aspects. We have our own understanding and our own analysis and we will be ready to face any challenges," Bhadauria told ANI. Despite being snubbed globally over the Kashmir issue, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had on September 28 yet again warned of dire consequences in the event of a nuclear war with India over the matter."If a conventional war starts between the two countries anything could happen. A country seven times smaller than its neighbour what will it do — either surrender or fight for its freedom," he said in his maiden address to the UN General Assembly. "My belief is we will fight and when a nuclear-armed country fights till the end it will consequence far beyond the borders. I am warning you. It`s not a threat but worries about where are we heading. If this goes wrong you hope for the best but prepare for the worst," Khan had said. Bhadauria had also said that the Rafale jets will greatly enhance the capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and will give the IAF an edge over Pakistan and China. "Rafale is a very capable aircraft, once we induct it, it will be a gamechanger in terms of our operational capability and when we use it in combination with SU-30 and other fleets which we have, we would have a serious jump in our capability. It will give us an edge over Pakistan and China," Bhadauria told ANI soon after taking over as the 26th chief of the force.

IAF ready to face any challenges from Pakistan: Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria 

External affairs minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-views-are-heard-much-more-clearly-today-s-jaishankar-on-100-days-of-mea-250207">S Jaishankar said</a> on Tuesday that India's position on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has always been clear that it is a part of India. India's external affairs minister added that the country expects it will have "jurisdiction"&nbsp;over it one day.

"Our position on PoK&nbsp;has always been and will always be very clear. PoK is part of India and we expect one day that we will have the physical jurisdiction over it," Jaishankar said at a press conference on 100 days of Modi government's second term.

The external affairs Minister was responding to a question&nbsp;about remarks from union ministers that if talks were to be held with Pakistan, these will it be on PoK.

The foreign minister also informed that he will meet his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly later this month.

Addressing the confrence Jaishankar said that Pakistan will remain a "unique challenge" until it "successfully" addresses the problem of cross-border terrorism and "becomes a normal neighbour".

"We hope to build a better, stronger neighbourhood but recognising that we have a unique challenge from one neighbour (Pakistan) until the issue of cross-border terrorism is successfully addressed."

Talking about India-US relations, Jaishankar said that it has "come a long way," and assured that it is in "very good health."&nbsp;

"India-US relations have come a long way, I assure you that relations are in very good health. As the relationship grows there will be issues. We've been talking to the US, my expectation is that the sharper edges will be addressed in the not too distant future,"&nbsp;Jaishankar said.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday that India's position on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has always been clear that it is a part of India.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday that India's position on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has always been clear that it is a part of India. India's external affairs minister added that the country expects it will have "jurisdiction" over it one day. "Our position on PoK has always been and will always be very clear. PoK is part of India and we expect one day that we will have the physical jurisdiction over it," Jaishankar said at a press conference on 100 days of Modi government's second term. The external affairs Minister was responding to a question about remarks from union ministers that if talks were to be held with Pakistan, these will it be on PoK. The foreign minister also informed that he will meet his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly later this month. Addressing the confrence Jaishankar said that Pakistan will remain a "unique challenge" until it "successfully" addresses the problem of cross-border terrorism and "becomes a normal neighbour". "We hope to build a better, stronger neighbourhood but recognising that we have a unique challenge from one neighbour (Pakistan) until the issue of cross-border terrorism is successfully addressed." Talking about India-US relations, Jaishankar said that it has "come a long way," and assured that it is in "very good health." "India-US relations have come a long way, I assure you that relations are in very good health. As the relationship grows there will be issues. We've been talking to the US, my expectation is that the sharper edges will be addressed in the not too distant future," Jaishankar said.

PoK part of India, hope to have jurisdiction over it one day: Jaishankar

The Kartarpur Sahib corridor will be inaugurated&nbsp;on&nbsp;November&nbsp;9, Pakistani project director Atif Majeed said on Monday.

The movement of pilgrims will, however, begin by&nbsp;November 11,&nbsp;Govind Mohan, Additional Secretary of Home Ministry informed.

The corridor will be inaugurated just ahead of the 550th birthday of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak and will help&nbsp;millions of Indian pilgrims, particularly of Sikh faith.&nbsp;

India is building a passenger terminal for Sikh pilgrims and a highway till international border which will be completed by October 31. Six companies of BSF will also be deployed.&nbsp;

On Monday, the Pakistani government also took a group of journalist to showcase developments in the corridor on its side.

Earlier this month, India and Pakistan held the third round of talks on the corridor but it ended in a deadlock with Pakistani side saying it will charge $20 as a "service charge" from the pilgrims.

India has asked Pakistan to be flexible on it saying $20 so-called "service charge" is against the spirit of the smooth functioning of the Corridor.

Both sides have said they are committed to the project which was agreed in November 2018.

The Kartarpur Sahib corridor will be inaugurated on November 9, Pakistani project director Atif Majeed said on Monday. The movement of pilgrims will, however, begin by November 11, Govind Mohan, Additional Secretary of Home Ministry informed.

The Kartarpur Sahib corridor will be inaugurated on November 9, Pakistani project director Atif Majeed said on Monday. The movement of pilgrims will, however, begin by November 11, Govind Mohan, Additional Secretary of Home Ministry informed. The corridor will be inaugurated just ahead of the 550th birthday of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak and will help millions of Indian pilgrims, particularly of Sikh faith. India is building a passenger terminal for Sikh pilgrims and a highway till international border which will be completed by October 31. Six companies of BSF will also be deployed. On Monday, the Pakistani government also took a group of journalist to showcase developments in the corridor on its side. Earlier this month, India and Pakistan held the third round of talks on the corridor but it ended in a deadlock with Pakistani side saying it will charge $20 as a "service charge" from the pilgrims. India has asked Pakistan to be flexible on it saying $20 so-called "service charge" is against the spirit of the smooth functioning of the Corridor. Both sides have said they are committed to the project which was agreed in November 2018.

Kartarpur corridor to be inaugurated on November 9: Official

India's Davis Cup tie against Pakistan at Islamabad will begin on either Nov. 29 or Nov. 30, but only after the security situation is reviewed, the All India Tennis Association (AITA) said on Friday.

AITA wrote to the International Tennis Federation (ITF) last month asking them to move the tie, initially scheduled to take place on Sept. 14-15, to a neutral venue or postpone it until political tensions simmered down between the bitter neighbours.

The ITF agreed to postpone the tie to November under "exceptional circumstances" after a security review.

"The India vs Pakistan Davis Cup Tie will take place at Islamabad either on Nov. 29-30 or Nov. 30-Dec. 1," AITA said in a statement.

"However, the security situation will be reviewed on 4th November whether the tie can be held in Islamabad or to be shifted to a neutral venue."

Pakistan were forced to host Davis Cup ties at neutral venues for more than a decade as teams refused to travel to the country citing security concerns.

They played their first home tie after a gap of 12 years against Iran in 2017, while Hong Kong were relegated and fined by the ITF after they refused to travel to Pakistan the same year.

India's Davis Cup tie against Pakistan at Islamabad will begin on either Nov. 29 or Nov. 30, but only after the security situation is reviewed, the All India Tennis Association (AITA) said on Friday.

India's Davis Cup tie against Pakistan at Islamabad will begin on either Nov. 29 or Nov. 30, but only after the security situation is reviewed, the All India Tennis Association (AITA) said on Friday. AITA wrote to the International Tennis Federation (ITF) last month asking them to move the tie, initially scheduled to take place on Sept. 14-15, to a neutral venue or postpone it until political tensions simmered down between the bitter neighbours. The ITF agreed to postpone the tie to November under "exceptional circumstances" after a security review. "The India vs Pakistan Davis Cup Tie will take place at Islamabad either on Nov. 29-30 or Nov. 30-Dec. 1," AITA said in a statement. "However, the security situation will be reviewed on 4th November whether the tie can be held in Islamabad or to be shifted to a neutral venue." Pakistan were forced to host Davis Cup ties at neutral venues for more than a decade as teams refused to travel to the country citing security concerns. They played their first home tie after a gap of 12 years against Iran in 2017, while Hong Kong were relegated and fined by the ITF after they refused to travel to Pakistan the same year.

New dates announced for India-Pakistan Davis Cup tie

Pakistan has given a miss to the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) meet on military medicine in&nbsp;Delhi that ended on Friday but it did send a representative for the dinner on the first day.

Pakistan's air attache Abdul Adil was present at the dinner but both the days' empty seats were seen at the conference hall where the meet was taking place. The defence ministry had sent an invite and designated places were also made available for the Pakistani delegation but no participation was seen from Islamabad.

In the aftermath of New Delhi's decision to remove a special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has reduced diplomatic and trade ties with India but being at the SCO forum would have allowed it to engage with India as part of wider multilateral engagement.

In fact, India and Pakistan last year had taken part&nbsp;in the&nbsp;annual SCO military exercises for the first time last year and are currently taking part in Russia’s Exercise TSENTR 2019 from September 9 to 23.

Delhi hosted the first-ever SCO military medicine conference on Thursday and Friday. On the first day, India's defence minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the threat of nuclear, chemical and biological warfare. He underlined the "complexity of the existing challenges" and informed about the "importance of building capabilities to deal with the menace of bio-terrorism" which he termed a "real threat the world is facing today."

SCO is an eight-member grouping which includes China, Russia, India, Pakistan and four Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became full members of the grouping in 2017 during the Astana summit. The grouping also referred to as the "alliance of the East" is one of the largest grouping in the world in terms of population and landmass.

Pakistan has given a miss to the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) meet on military medicine in Delhi that ended on Friday but it did send a representative for the dinner on the first day.

Pakistan has given a miss to the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) meet on military medicine in Delhi that ended on Friday but it did send a representative for the dinner on the first day. Pakistan's air attache Abdul Adil was present at the dinner but both the days' empty seats were seen at the conference hall where the meet was taking place. The defence ministry had sent an invite and designated places were also made available for the Pakistani delegation but no participation was seen from Islamabad. In the aftermath of New Delhi's decision to remove a special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has reduced diplomatic and trade ties with India but being at the SCO forum would have allowed it to engage with India as part of wider multilateral engagement. In fact, India and Pakistan last year had taken part in the annual SCO military exercises for the first time last year and are currently taking part in Russia’s Exercise TSENTR 2019 from September 9 to 23. Delhi hosted the first-ever SCO military medicine conference on Thursday and Friday. On the first day, India's defence minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the threat of nuclear, chemical and biological warfare. He underlined the "complexity of the existing challenges" and informed about the "importance of building capabilities to deal with the menace of bio-terrorism" which he termed a "real threat the world is facing today." SCO is an eight-member grouping which includes China, Russia, India, Pakistan and four Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became full members of the grouping in 2017 during the Astana summit. The grouping also referred to as the "alliance of the East" is one of the largest grouping in the world in terms of population and landmass.

SCO conference in Delhi: Pakistan absent from meet but sends representative for dinner

Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland Marcin Przydacz visited India in the first direct flight that will connect capitals of Poland and India i.e Warsaw and New Delhi directly after a gap of 25 years. He spoke to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal on how the direct flight will improve people to people connectivity, Bollywood and ongoing India-Pakistan tensions.&nbsp;

WION: How will the direct flight benefit the people of India and Poland?

Marcin Przydacz: There will be a greater impact on the relations between Poland and India, not only politically but also economically when it comes to tourism. Polish people are very interested in India, they have more and more money. This is not the first direct flight between Poland and Asia. There have been direct flights between China, Japan and Singapore. Very very important for tourist and also for businessmen.&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;&nbsp;Is trade value between India-Poland&nbsp;far below its potential?

Marcin Przydacz: It is far below potential but not that bad. Our trade is $ 3 billion, so it is not that bad but we can do much more. We are interested also in what you can offer to Poland. We can discuss high tech, fin-tech, agriculture products and also cultural products. Bollywood is more and more popular in Poland. There were a couple of films that were done in Warsaw, our capital. That is also a possibility for further cooperation.

WION:&nbsp;India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited your country last month, how will it increase the political engagement?

Marcin Przydacz: That was a very important visit. The last visit of Indian foreign minister was 30 years ago. EAM visit was very important and has taken our relations at a higher level. He had a good talk with our deputy Prime minister and I really hope the result of this visit will take us to a higher level. We are working on a presidential visit. Our president will have a chance to visit very soon, that is why I am here for political dialogue at a higher level.&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;Your take on the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions?

Marcin Przydacz: Well those tensions between India and Pakistan as a result of a change in status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir is a big concern for the whole international family. We as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council are also the concern of the situation. We are for a peaceful resolution, for dialogue and we like EU think, it will have to solve bilaterally, you have to discuss and find a way on how to solve the situation.

WION:&nbsp;You will visit Kolhapur in Maharashtra, a city that hosted many Polish refugees during World War 2 as Nazis attacked Poland.

Marcin Przydacz: Our friendly ties are deeply rooted in history and good foundation of ties are based on generosity by Indian society during World War 2, when your people invited our refugees who were forcibly taken to Siberia, Russia and were able to escape but they didn't have the chance to go back home, so they came to India and they were hosted here. In Gujarat and Maharashtra, there were camps for 5000 Polish people. Generosity by our society is still remembered in Poland. I don't know if it is remembered here in India and that is why we are opening a museum on how Indian society helped Polish refugees, many of them are 90 years old.

WION:&nbsp;How do you see US President calling off talks with Taliban and developments in Afghanistan?

Marcin Przydacz: Being a non-permanent member of UNSC we are concerned on the situation in Afghanistan. Our troops are there, we are in Afghanistan for the last couple of years and we would love to see Afghanistan as a peaceful and prosperous country because then its crucial for security and stability of the whole region starting from India but it has impact on the situation in Europe. 
&nbsp;

Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland Marcin Przydacz visited India in the first direct flight that will connect capitals of Poland and India i.e Warsaw and New Delhi directly after a gap of 25 years.

Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland Marcin Przydacz visited India in the first direct flight that will connect capitals of Poland and India i.e Warsaw and New Delhi directly after a gap of 25 years. He spoke to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal on how the direct flight will improve people to people connectivity, Bollywood and ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. WION: How will the direct flight benefit the people of India and Poland? Marcin Przydacz: There will be a greater impact on the relations between Poland and India, not only politically but also economically when it comes to tourism. Polish people are very interested in India, they have more and more money. This is not the first direct flight between Poland and Asia. There have been direct flights between China, Japan and Singapore. Very very important for tourist and also for businessmen. WION: Is trade value between India-Poland far below its potential? Marcin Przydacz: It is far below potential but not that bad. Our trade is $ 3 billion, so it is not that bad but we can do much more. We are interested also in what you can offer to Poland. We can discuss high tech, fin-tech, agriculture products and also cultural products. Bollywood is more and more popular in Poland. There were a couple of films that were done in Warsaw, our capital. That is also a possibility for further cooperation. WION: India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited your country last month, how will it increase the political engagement? Marcin Przydacz: That was a very important visit. The last visit of Indian foreign minister was 30 years ago. EAM visit was very important and has taken our relations at a higher level. He had a good talk with our deputy Prime minister and I really hope the result of this visit will take us to a higher level. We are working on a presidential visit. Our president will have a chance to visit very soon, that is why I am here for political dialogue at a higher level. WION: Your take on the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions? Marcin Przydacz: Well those tensions between India and Pakistan as a result of a change in status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir is a big concern for the whole international family. We as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council are also the concern of the situation. We are for a peaceful resolution, for dialogue and we like EU think, it will have to solve bilaterally, you have to discuss and find a way on how to solve the situation. WION: You will visit Kolhapur in Maharashtra, a city that hosted many Polish refugees during World War 2 as Nazis attacked Poland. Marcin Przydacz: Our friendly ties are deeply rooted in history and good foundation of ties are based on generosity by Indian society during World War 2, when your people invited our refugees who were forcibly taken to Siberia, Russia and were able to escape but they didn't have the chance to go back home, so they came to India and they were hosted here. In Gujarat and Maharashtra, there were camps for 5000 Polish people. Generosity by our society is still remembered in Poland. I don't know if it is remembered here in India and that is why we are opening a museum on how Indian society helped Polish refugees, many of them are 90 years old. WION: How do you see US President calling off talks with Taliban and developments in Afghanistan? Marcin Przydacz: Being a non-permanent member of UNSC we are concerned on the situation in Afghanistan. Our troops are there, we are in Afghanistan for the last couple of years and we would love to see Afghanistan as a peaceful and prosperous country because then its crucial for security and stability of the whole region starting from India but it has impact on the situation in Europe.

India, Pakistan have to solve Kashmir bilaterally: Polish Deputy Foreign Minister to WION

It's clear that Israel will not jeopardise its ties with India at any cost. There is a good case to make in favour of this question. Let's address the question with reference to context. The Muslim world has not turned its back on Pakistan on the Kashmir issue but countries like Saudi Arabia and UAE have made it clear that they consider the Kashmir issue as India's internal matter.

Besides - they have also endorsed India's terms of engagement with Pakistan. The India-Pakistan issue is a bilateral issue, that's the consensus of the Arab world.

Russia too has a similar stance on Kashmir but countries like Russia, UAE and Saudi Arabia are playing the balancing act. These countries want to ensure strong ties with Islamabad, but they won't take on strategic partners like India.

It brings to mind another country which received symbolic support and little else - &nbsp;Palestine. There are 31 countries in the world that openly support the Palestinian cause. All these countries have not recognised Israel but not one of these countries have come to the rescue of the Palestinians.

This is because these countries are afraid of derailing ties with Israel. Even countries like Saudi Arabia view Iran as the enemy, not Israel. The importance of Israel has practically drained out all support for the Palestine cause.

Pakistan is at a similar stage. Islamabad wants to forge strong ties with Israel and Russia. Pakistan thinks such relationships would lend support for its stance against India but it's clear that no country in the world would choose Pakistan over India. Firstly, India is a huge economy with great potential to lead global growth and the Indian market is a source of opportunity for all countries.

India is a vibrant democracy with a growing stature in the global arena. India also practises non-alignment, in letter and spirit and has proven peace credentials. India is simply too big to ignore, siding with India has great strategic benefits - economic and non-economic. On the contrary - Pakistan is a failing economy, their democracy is in a shambles and the state controls the government.

The contrasting fortunes of India and Pakistan reveal one thing for sure - Pakistan is getting overlooked by the world.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

It's clear that Israel will not jeopardise its ties with India at any cost. There is a good case to make in favour of this question. Let's address the question with reference to context.

It's clear that Israel will not jeopardise its ties with India at any cost. There is a good case to make in favour of this question. Let's address the question with reference to context. The Muslim world has not turned its back on Pakistan on the Kashmir issue but countries like Saudi Arabia and UAE have made it clear that they consider the Kashmir issue as India's internal matter. Besides - they have also endorsed India's terms of engagement with Pakistan. The India-Pakistan issue is a bilateral issue, that's the consensus of the Arab world. Russia too has a similar stance on Kashmir but countries like Russia, UAE and Saudi Arabia are playing the balancing act. These countries want to ensure strong ties with Islamabad, but they won't take on strategic partners like India. It brings to mind another country which received symbolic support and little else - Palestine. There are 31 countries in the world that openly support the Palestinian cause. All these countries have not recognised Israel but not one of these countries have come to the rescue of the Palestinians. This is because these countries are afraid of derailing ties with Israel. Even countries like Saudi Arabia view Iran as the enemy, not Israel. The importance of Israel has practically drained out all support for the Palestine cause. Pakistan is at a similar stage. Islamabad wants to forge strong ties with Israel and Russia. Pakistan thinks such relationships would lend support for its stance against India but it's clear that no country in the world would choose Pakistan over India. Firstly, India is a huge economy with great potential to lead global growth and the Indian market is a source of opportunity for all countries. India is a vibrant democracy with a growing stature in the global arena. India also practises non-alignment, in letter and spirit and has proven peace credentials. India is simply too big to ignore, siding with India has great strategic benefits - economic and non-economic. On the contrary - Pakistan is a failing economy, their democracy is in a shambles and the state controls the government. The contrasting fortunes of India and Pakistan reveal one thing for sure - Pakistan is getting overlooked by the world. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Is Pakistan the new Palestine?

There is a tyrannical alliance between totalitarian Pakistan and authoritarian China, which is based on a shared rejection of democracy and who are both determined to extinguish liberty and subjugate the individual, either to sharia or the state.

India, the world’s largest democracy, is at the forefront of that battle in the strategically critical region of northern India bordering Pakistan, China and Afghanistan.

Pakistan was created as an Islamic state out of the partition of the British Indian Empire in August 1947.

Islam is the societal “glue” that holds Pakistan together, an otherwise artificial state composed of ethnic groups that never interacted in any significant way.

Since the late 1970s, under President Zia ul-Haq, Pakistan has pursued a policy of aggressive “Islamization” with the proliferation of religious schools “madrasas” and religious political parties, resulting in a society that has become ever more extreme and intolerant.

Through Islamization, ethnic self-determination in Pakistan is being suppressed and Islamic fighters have been found to be useful proxies for the Pakistani military and its Inter-service Intelligence agency (ISI), particularly in the form of terrorist operations against India and Afghanistan.

The concept of Ummah or Islamic community, the basis for pan-Islamism, provides Islamabad with a convenient, if illegitimate, rationale for the selective interference in the affairs of other nations for the “protection” of fellow Muslims, an exception being China, Pakistan’s “all weather” ally and brutal oppressor of Muslim Uighurs.

China seeks global domination. One vehicle to achieve it is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a collection of infrastructure projects and a network of commercial agreements designed to link the entire world directly to the Chinese economy through inter-connected land-based and maritime routes.

The guarantor of China’s soft power approach to economic hegemony is the hard power of Chinese military expansion, which includes a plan to establish military bases in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, Pakistan’s southwestern province.

Those bases would control the vital maritime lanes of the Arabian Sea at the mouth of the Persian Gulf and provide a critical link between China’s military facilities in the South China Sea and its naval base in Djibouti at the entrance of the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.

The flagship of BRI and also its weakest link is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a development project, the backbone of which is a transportation network connecting China to the Pakistani seaports of Gwadar and Karachi located on the Arabian Sea.

CPEC violates Indian sovereignty and territorial integrity because it runs through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, a section of undivided Jammu and Kashmir and an integral part of India.

China’s growing and ever more risky investment in Pakistan has forced Beijing to overlook and sometimes shield Islamabad's use of terror against India, especially attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

That situation persists despite the fact that China is obligated under the charter of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) agreement to condemn and oppose terrorism.

Nowhere has broader Pakistani-Chinese goals for regional domination been more clearly and publicly articulated than in a June 2018 China Daily article by former Pakistani diplomat, Zamir Ahmed Awan, who works for the Beijing-controlled Center for China and Globalization.

“Peace in Afghanistan will allow economic activity between Central Asia, Russia, China and the Arabian Sea…It can change the fate of the whole region. Chinese projects like the Belt and Road Initiative and the objectives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization [SCO] … At the recent SCO summit, the Afghanistan president was invited as a guest and observer. Hopefully, the country will soon join SCO. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor may also be extended to benefit Afghanistan in the near future if there is peace.”

With China’s growing geopolitical strength, Pakistan now has significant strategic and economic incentives to exclude India and Western countries from maintaining any influence in Afghanistan.

An extension of CPEC to Afghanistan would benefit both China and Pakistan, whose economic goals include exploiting the estimated $3 trillion in untapped Afghan mineral resources.

In addition, Chinese-Pakistani de facto control of Afghanistan would be a victory for authoritarianism and an affirmation of Pakistan’s use of terrorist proxies as a successful means to extend its influence with its aim to damage and isolate India.

The evolving situation in South Asia has now made Jammu and Kashmir, not just an international centre of attention, but a strategic centre of gravity to thwart the tyrannical ambitions of the Chinese-Pakistani alliance.

Support for the restoration of Indian sovereignty to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is not just in accordance with international law and diplomatic norms, but it is ultimately a battle for the survival of democracy.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

There is a tyrannical alliance between totalitarian Pakistan and authoritarian China, which is based on a shared rejection of democracy and who are both determined to extinguish liberty and subjugate the individual, either to sharia or the state.

There is a tyrannical alliance between totalitarian Pakistan and authoritarian China, which is based on a shared rejection of democracy and who are both determined to extinguish liberty and subjugate the individual, either to sharia or the state. India, the world’s largest democracy, is at the forefront of that battle in the strategically critical region of northern India bordering Pakistan, China and Afghanistan. Pakistan was created as an Islamic state out of the partition of the British Indian Empire in August 1947. Islam is the societal “glue” that holds Pakistan together, an otherwise artificial state composed of ethnic groups that never interacted in any significant way. Since the late 1970s, under President Zia ul-Haq, Pakistan has pursued a policy of aggressive “Islamization” with the proliferation of religious schools “madrasas” and religious political parties, resulting in a society that has become ever more extreme and intolerant. Through Islamization, ethnic self-determination in Pakistan is being suppressed and Islamic fighters have been found to be useful proxies for the Pakistani military and its Inter-service Intelligence agency (ISI), particularly in the form of terrorist operations against India and Afghanistan. The concept of Ummah or Islamic community, the basis for pan-Islamism, provides Islamabad with a convenient, if illegitimate, rationale for the selective interference in the affairs of other nations for the “protection” of fellow Muslims, an exception being China, Pakistan’s “all weather” ally and brutal oppressor of Muslim Uighurs. China seeks global domination. One vehicle to achieve it is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a collection of infrastructure projects and a network of commercial agreements designed to link the entire world directly to the Chinese economy through inter-connected land-based and maritime routes. The guarantor of China’s soft power approach to economic hegemony is the hard power of Chinese military expansion, which includes a plan to establish military bases in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, Pakistan’s southwestern province. Those bases would control the vital maritime lanes of the Arabian Sea at the mouth of the Persian Gulf and provide a critical link between China’s military facilities in the South China Sea and its naval base in Djibouti at the entrance of the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. The flagship of BRI and also its weakest link is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a development project, the backbone of which is a transportation network connecting China to the Pakistani seaports of Gwadar and Karachi located on the Arabian Sea. CPEC violates Indian sovereignty and territorial integrity because it runs through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, a section of undivided Jammu and Kashmir and an integral part of India. China’s growing and ever more risky investment in Pakistan has forced Beijing to overlook and sometimes shield Islamabad's use of terror against India, especially attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. That situation persists despite the fact that China is obligated under the charter of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) agreement to condemn and oppose terrorism. Nowhere has broader Pakistani-Chinese goals for regional domination been more clearly and publicly articulated than in a June 2018 China Daily article by former Pakistani diplomat, Zamir Ahmed Awan, who works for the Beijing-controlled Center for China and Globalization. “Peace in Afghanistan will allow economic activity between Central Asia, Russia, China and the Arabian Sea…It can change the fate of the whole region. Chinese projects like the Belt and Road Initiative and the objectives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization [SCO] … At the recent SCO summit, the Afghanistan president was invited as a guest and observer. Hopefully, the country will soon join SCO. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor may also be extended to benefit Afghanistan in the near future if there is peace.” With China’s growing geopolitical strength, Pakistan now has significant strategic and economic incentives to exclude India and Western countries from maintaining any influence in Afghanistan. An extension of CPEC to Afghanistan would benefit both China and Pakistan, whose economic goals include exploiting the estimated $3 trillion in untapped Afghan mineral resources. In addition, Chinese-Pakistani de facto control of Afghanistan would be a victory for authoritarianism and an affirmation of Pakistan’s use of terrorist proxies as a successful means to extend its influence with its aim to damage and isolate India. The evolving situation in South Asia has now made Jammu and Kashmir, not just an international centre of attention, but a strategic centre of gravity to thwart the tyrannical ambitions of the Chinese-Pakistani alliance. Support for the restoration of Indian sovereignty to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is not just in accordance with international law and diplomatic norms, but it is ultimately a battle for the survival of democracy. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

A global battle for democracy is being fought in Jammu and Kashmir

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan ex-wife Reham Khan mocked and deemed former's so-called 'Kashmir solidarity hour'&nbsp;call as a 'failure'.

Reham posted a tweet in Urdu on Friday which roughly stated&nbsp;that those who pledged to stand by the Kashmiris for 30 minutes every Friday failed to comply with their promise.

In the aftermath of the Indian government's move to abrogate Article 370, Khan had announced that Pakistan would observe Kashmir Hour "every Friday."

While the first week itself was a damp squib, barely drawing people despite desperate attempts made by the authorities in the country, no sign of the continuation of the shallow moment was witnessed this Friday.

The failure of the movement left Pakistan red-faced, as it continues its pursuit of raking up the Kashmir issue in international forums.

The country has found itself completely isolated on the international front, after being snubbed at the United Nations Security Council, as well as by countries like Russia, France, and the US.

India also repeatedly maintained that its decision on Kashmir is strictly an internal matter and also advised Pakistan to accept the reality.

Instead of addressing pressing issues like struggling economy, rising inflation, and poverty, Pakistanis have been concentrating more on Kashmir, vowing to stand in "solidarity" with the Kashmiris till the region attains "freedom".

Apart from spewing venom against India, Pakistan has not learnt its lessons and continues its nefarious and diabolic propaganda by openly supporting 'jihad'&nbsp;against the neighbouring country, despite facing massive international pressure over tackling terrorism.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan ex-wife Reham Khan mocked and deemed former's so-called 'Kashmir solidarity hour' call as a 'failure'. Reham posted a tweet in Urdu on Friday which roughly stated that those who pledged to stand by the Kashmiris for 30 minutes every Friday failed to comply with their promise.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan ex-wife Reham Khan mocked and deemed former's so-called 'Kashmir solidarity hour' call as a 'failure'. Reham posted a tweet in Urdu on Friday which roughly stated that those who pledged to stand by the Kashmiris for 30 minutes every Friday failed to comply with their promise. In the aftermath of the Indian government's move to abrogate Article 370, Khan had announced that Pakistan would observe Kashmir Hour "every Friday." While the first week itself was a damp squib, barely drawing people despite desperate attempts made by the authorities in the country, no sign of the continuation of the shallow moment was witnessed this Friday. The failure of the movement left Pakistan red-faced, as it continues its pursuit of raking up the Kashmir issue in international forums. The country has found itself completely isolated on the international front, after being snubbed at the United Nations Security Council, as well as by countries like Russia, France, and the US. India also repeatedly maintained that its decision on Kashmir is strictly an internal matter and also advised Pakistan to accept the reality. Instead of addressing pressing issues like struggling economy, rising inflation, and poverty, Pakistanis have been concentrating more on Kashmir, vowing to stand in "solidarity" with the Kashmiris till the region attains "freedom". Apart from spewing venom against India, Pakistan has not learnt its lessons and continues its nefarious and diabolic propaganda by openly supporting 'jihad' against the neighbouring country, despite facing massive international pressure over tackling terrorism.

Imran Khan's ex-wife Reham mocks him over 'failed' Kashmir solidarity call

Pakistan continues to drag its feet for the fourth round of Kartarpur technical meet which was requested by New Delhi earlier this month. India had requested Pakistan in early August to hold another round of technical meeting on Kartarpur corridor but did not receive any response so far.

Pakistan continues to drag its feet for the fourth round of Kartarpur technical meet which was requested by New Delhi earlier this month. India had requested Pakistan in early August to hold another round of technical meeting on Kartarpur corridor but did not receive any response so far. This week again India sent a reminder requesting Pakistan to hold the technical meet. The development comes despite Islamabad's public statements that it is committed to the initiative in the backdrop of it cutting diplomatic and trade ties with India due to New Delhi removing a special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. "Kartarpur initiative will continue," Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had said. WION had first reported that New Delhi has requested for the meet in the first week of August, for which "A reminder was also issued", a source said. On the agenda will be three things, till the time bridge on Ravi river is not constructed, Pakistan should build a service road, provision to help pilgrims if an emergency arises and mechanism to share details of pilgrims. If the meet materialises, this will be the fourth round of technical talks between the two countries in 2019. So far three rounds of India-Pakistan technical meetings have taken place, March, April and May 2019, during which both sides endorsed the crossing point coordinates. When the second round of talks between Indian-Pakistan officials took place on July 14, Islamabad agreed to construct a bridge over the old Ravi creek that will allow all-weather pilgrimage to the Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib, throughout the year. Both sides are keen to open the corridor, which was agreed by both sides last year ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji in November 2019.

Pakistan drags its feet on India's request on technical meeting on Kartarpur

The Davis Cup tie between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/davis-cup-mahesh-bhupati-again-writes-to-aita-says-most-players-do-not-want-to-tour-pakistan-242826">India and Pakistan</a> next month in Islamabad has been postponed to November, WION has learned.

India was scheduled to travel to Islamabad for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/davis-cup-all-india-tennis-association-ask-for-neutral-venue-242149">Asia-Oceania Round 1</a> tie but the decision of the Pakistan government to downgrade diplomatic ties between the two countries put the trip in jeopardy.

WION&nbsp;had&nbsp;exclusively reported last month that Indian captain Mahesh Bhupathi had written to the All India Tennis Association(AITA) demanding security guarantees as the players were jittery over playing in Pakistan.

The International Tennis Federation(ITF) had initially rejected India’s plea to shift the tie to a neutral venue including the postponement request considering the prevailing sentiment.

However, with the Indian body persisting with its demand for security guarantees the international federation conducted another in-depth security review and agreed that due to "exceptional circumstances" the tie has to be postponed till November.

India was scheduled to play the Asia/Oceania Group 1 tie in the Pakistani capital on September 14 and 15.

In a letter to AITA secretary Hironmoy Chatterjee on August 12, Bhupathi had said: "I am speaking on behalf of the team to officially put on record that most, if not all the boys on the team "DO NOT" want to go to Pakistan in these circumstances."

"We do not feel safe regardless of what a security agency hired by the ITF feels," Bhupathi added.

The Davis Cup tie between India and Pakistan next month in Islamabad has been postponed to November, WION has learned. India was scheduled to travel to Islamabad for the Asia-Oceania Round 1 tie but the decision of the Pakistan government to downgrade diplomatic ties between the two countries put the trip in jeopardy.

The Davis Cup tie between India and Pakistan next month in Islamabad has been postponed to November, WION has learned. India was scheduled to travel to Islamabad for the Asia-Oceania Round 1 tie but the decision of the Pakistan government to downgrade diplomatic ties between the two countries put the trip in jeopardy. WION had exclusively reported last month that Indian captain Mahesh Bhupathi had written to the All India Tennis Association(AITA) demanding security guarantees as the players were jittery over playing in Pakistan. The International Tennis Federation(ITF) had initially rejected India’s plea to shift the tie to a neutral venue including the postponement request considering the prevailing sentiment. However, with the Indian body persisting with its demand for security guarantees the international federation conducted another in-depth security review and agreed that due to "exceptional circumstances" the tie has to be postponed till November. India was scheduled to play the Asia/Oceania Group 1 tie in the Pakistani capital on September 14 and 15. In a letter to AITA secretary Hironmoy Chatterjee on August 12, Bhupathi had said: "I am speaking on behalf of the team to officially put on record that most, if not all the boys on the team "DO NOT" want to go to Pakistan in these circumstances." "We do not feel safe regardless of what a security agency hired by the ITF feels," Bhupathi added.

India-Pakistan Davis Cup tie postponed to November

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said his country is no longer interested in a dialogue with India."There is no point in talking to them. Watch this video to know more.

No point of talking to India: Pakistan PM Imran Khan

Indian Air Force's (IAF) Wing Commander <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wing-commander-abhinandan-varthaman-to-be-conferred-with-vir-chakra-on-independence-day-242903">Abhinandan Varthaman</a>, who was recently awarded Vir Chakra for downing F-16 during an aerial conflict with Pakistan a day after Balakot airstrike, has started flying MiG-21 again.

According to reports, Abhinandan is serving at an IAF base in Rajasthan.

He was taken off the flying duties after he suffered injuries while ejecting from his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/iaf-pilot-wing-commander-abhinandan-varthaman-crosses-wagah-border-reaches-india-200569#abhinandan-returns-home-200563">MiG-21 Bison</a> during the aerial combat.

He was given the go-ahead to fly again after thorough medical examinations.&nbsp; 
 
He was conferred the Vir Chakra on India's Independence Day on August 15. The Vir Chakra is the third highest gallantry award in the military after the Param Vir Chakra and the Mahavir Chakra.

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was captured on February 27 by Pakistan following an aerial conflict between the two air forces. He was handed over to Indian officials by Pakistan on March 1.

The Balakot airstrike was carried out by India in response to the terror attack by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama in which at least 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed on February 14.

Following the airstrike, Pakistan had violated the Indian airspace on February 27 when Abhinandan had strayed into Pakistani territory after shooting down F-16. He was released through the Attari-Wagah border after spending two days in Pakistan's custody. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Air Force's (IAF) Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was recently awarded Vir Chakra for downing F-16 during an aerial conflict with Pakistan a day after Balakot airstrike, has started flying MiG-21 again.

Indian Air Force's (IAF) Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was recently awarded Vir Chakra for downing F-16 during an aerial conflict with Pakistan a day after Balakot airstrike, has started flying MiG-21 again. According to reports, Abhinandan is serving at an IAF base in Rajasthan. He was taken off the flying duties after he suffered injuries while ejecting from his MiG-21 Bison during the aerial combat. He was given the go-ahead to fly again after thorough medical examinations. He was conferred the Vir Chakra on India's Independence Day on August 15. The Vir Chakra is the third highest gallantry award in the military after the Param Vir Chakra and the Mahavir Chakra. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was captured on February 27 by Pakistan following an aerial conflict between the two air forces. He was handed over to Indian officials by Pakistan on March 1. The Balakot airstrike was carried out by India in response to the terror attack by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama in which at least 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed on February 14. Following the airstrike, Pakistan had violated the Indian airspace on February 27 when Abhinandan had strayed into Pakistani territory after shooting down F-16. He was released through the Attari-Wagah border after spending two days in Pakistan's custody. (With inputs from agencies)

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman starts flying MiG-21: Report

Flood Of Fake News On The Situation In Kashmir As Pakistan Unleashes Malicious Propaganda Against India.

WION Gravitas: Pakistan unleashes 'fake news' campaign against India

Imran Khan has completed one year of being Prime Minister of Pakistan. See how was Pakistan's economy changed under Imran Khan. Price of bread is up by 25% in the last year. You can imagine it all by yourself now. Watch this video to know more.

Has Imran Khan delivered 'Naya Pakistan'?

Imran Khan has completed one year of being Prime Minister of Pakistan. See how was Pakistan's economy changed under Imran Khan. Price of bread is up by 25% in the last year, petrol prices up by over 20%. You can imagine it all by yourself now. Watch this video to know more.

Inflation crippling Pak economy, petrol prices up by over 20%

China calls for closed-door talks on Jammu and Kashmir. Watch this video to know more.

WION Dispatch: China calls for closed-door talks on Jammu and Kashmir

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/you-are-a-thief-pakistans-un-representative-maleeha-lodhi-heckled-in-new-york-242594">Pakistan</a> on Tuesday asked the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/let-people-in-pakistan-kashmir-be-aware-unsc-not-waiting-for-you-qureshi-242536">United Nations Security Council </a>to meet over India's decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

&nbsp;"Pakistan will not provoke a conflict. But India should not mistake our restraint for weakness," Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi wrote in a letter to the Security Council.&nbsp;

"If India chooses to resort again to the use of force, Pakistan will be obliged to respond, in self defence, with all its capabilities," he said, adding that "in view of the dangerous implications" Pakistan requested the meeting.

It was not immediately clear how the 15-member council would respond to the request and whether a member of the body would also need to make a formal request. Pakistan said on Saturday it had China's support for the move.

Watch: Pakistan seeks special UNSC session over J&amp;K

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Poland is president of the Security Council for August. Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz told reporters at the United Nations on Tuesday that the council had received a letter from Pakistan and "will discuss that issue and take a proper decision."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on India and Pakistan to refrain from any steps that could affect the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Guterres also said he was concerned about reports of restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir.

The UN Security Council adopted several resolutions in 1948 and in the 1950s on the Kashmir issue, including one which says a plebiscite should be held to determine the state's future.

Another resolution also calls upon both sides to "refrain from making any statements and from doing or causing to be done or permitting any acts which might aggravate the situation."

UN peacekeepers have been deployed since 1949 to observe a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan on Tuesday asked the United Nations Security Council to meet over India's decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. "Pakistan will not provoke a conflict.

Pakistan on Tuesday asked the United Nations Security Council to meet over India's decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. "Pakistan will not provoke a conflict. But India should not mistake our restraint for weakness," Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi wrote in a letter to the Security Council. "If India chooses to resort again to the use of force, Pakistan will be obliged to respond, in self defence, with all its capabilities," he said, adding that "in view of the dangerous implications" Pakistan requested the meeting. It was not immediately clear how the 15-member council would respond to the request and whether a member of the body would also need to make a formal request. Pakistan said on Saturday it had China's support for the move. Watch: Pakistan seeks special UNSC session over J&K × Poland is president of the Security Council for August. Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz told reporters at the United Nations on Tuesday that the council had received a letter from Pakistan and "will discuss that issue and take a proper decision." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on India and Pakistan to refrain from any steps that could affect the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Guterres also said he was concerned about reports of restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir. The UN Security Council adopted several resolutions in 1948 and in the 1950s on the Kashmir issue, including one which says a plebiscite should be held to determine the state's future. Another resolution also calls upon both sides to "refrain from making any statements and from doing or causing to be done or permitting any acts which might aggravate the situation." UN peacekeepers have been deployed since 1949 to observe a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan asks UN Security Council to meet over India's move in Jammu and Kashmir

No sweets were exchanged on Thursday between Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and Pakistani Rangers at Attari-Wagah border on the occasion of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-warmongering-over-scrapping-of-article-370-president-alvi-calls-for-jihad-against-india-242906">Pakistan Independence Day</a>.

The relationship between India and Pakistan has further strained after the scrapping of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/bringing-down-article-370-wall-the-battle-to-contain-jihad-in-jammu-kashmir-has-just-begun-242339">Article 370</a> which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

The exchange of sweets between the two forces is a usual trend on special occasions, such as Eid, Diwali and on nationally important days like Independence Day and Republic Day. &nbsp; 
 
On Monday, BSF personnel were willing to exchange sweets with their Pakistani counterparts on the occasion of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-scrapped-no-exchange-of-sweets-at-attari-wagah-border-on-eid-al-adha-242360">Eid-ul-Adha</a> but Pakistani Rangers did not revert in this regard.&nbsp;

Earlier, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had said that this year Pakistan will celebrate its Independence Day to express solidarity with Kashmiri people.

Centre last week abolished Article 370 and moved a separate bill to bifurcate the state into two separate union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

In the wake of scrapping of Article 370 which gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan had downgraded diplomatic ties and snapped bilateral trade with India, besides suspending Samjhauta and Thar Express.

Meanwhile, calling its steps in Jammu and Kashmir an 'entirely internal affair', India has rejected Pakistan's unilateral move to downgrade diplomatic ties and asked Islamabad to review the decision so that normal channels for diplomatic communications are preserved.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

No sweets were exchanged on Thursday between Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and Pakistani Rangers at Attari-Wagah border on the occasion of Pakistan Independence Day.

No sweets were exchanged on Thursday between Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and Pakistani Rangers at Attari-Wagah border on the occasion of Pakistan Independence Day. The relationship between India and Pakistan has further strained after the scrapping of Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The exchange of sweets between the two forces is a usual trend on special occasions, such as Eid, Diwali and on nationally important days like Independence Day and Republic Day. On Monday, BSF personnel were willing to exchange sweets with their Pakistani counterparts on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha but Pakistani Rangers did not revert in this regard. Earlier, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had said that this year Pakistan will celebrate its Independence Day to express solidarity with Kashmiri people. Centre last week abolished Article 370 and moved a separate bill to bifurcate the state into two separate union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. In the wake of scrapping of Article 370 which gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan had downgraded diplomatic ties and snapped bilateral trade with India, besides suspending Samjhauta and Thar Express. Meanwhile, calling its steps in Jammu and Kashmir an 'entirely internal affair', India has rejected Pakistan's unilateral move to downgrade diplomatic ties and asked Islamabad to review the decision so that normal channels for diplomatic communications are preserved. (With inputs from agencies)

No exchange of sweets at Attari-Wagah border on Pakistan's Independence Day

A week after India announced internal administrative changes to remove the special status for Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has continued its rhetoric and increased negative attitude towards India from no Eid sweets at Wagah to vandalisation of statue of Ranjit Singh and aircraft deployment.

On the occasion of Eid on Monday, there was no exchange of sweets between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/let-people-in-pakistan-kashmir-be-aware-unsc-not-waiting-for-you-qureshi-242536">Pakistan Rangers and BSF</a> at the Wagah border which had become a yearly tradition.&nbsp;

Over the weekend, Pakistan's daily newspaper Dawn reported that a statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the legendary 19th-century ruler of undived Punjab was vandalised. It was reported that men carrying clubs and bricks entered the mansion of Maharani Jind Kaur, the wife of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and vandalised the statue.&nbsp;

The men, from a certain religious organisation who were responsible for vandalising the statue, have been arrested and a criminal case has been registered against them. 
&nbsp; 
Meanwhile, Pakistan has placed three C 130 aircraft at the Skardu airbase in Pakistan occupied Kashmir in the backdrop of New Delhi's decision on Kashmir.&nbsp;

Government sources told news agency ANI that the transport aircraft have been placed and "Indian agencies concerned are keeping a close eye on the movement of Pakistanis along the border area".

Skardu airfield is forward operating base of the Pakistan Air Force.

A week after India announced internal administrative changes to remove the special status for Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has continued its rhetoric and increased negative attitude towards India from no Eid sweets at Wagah to vandalisation of statue of Ranjit Singh and aircraft deployment.

A week after India announced internal administrative changes to remove the special status for Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has continued its rhetoric and increased negative attitude towards India from no Eid sweets at Wagah to vandalisation of statue of Ranjit Singh and aircraft deployment. On the occasion of Eid on Monday, there was no exchange of sweets between Pakistan Rangers and BSF at the Wagah border which had become a yearly tradition. Over the weekend, Pakistan's daily newspaper Dawn reported that a statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the legendary 19th-century ruler of undived Punjab was vandalised. It was reported that men carrying clubs and bricks entered the mansion of Maharani Jind Kaur, the wife of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and vandalised the statue. The men, from a certain religious organisation who were responsible for vandalising the statue, have been arrested and a criminal case has been registered against them. Meanwhile, Pakistan has placed three C 130 aircraft at the Skardu airbase in Pakistan occupied Kashmir in the backdrop of New Delhi's decision on Kashmir. Government sources told news agency ANI that the transport aircraft have been placed and "Indian agencies concerned are keeping a close eye on the movement of Pakistanis along the border area". Skardu airfield is forward operating base of the Pakistan Air Force.

Week after India's decision on J&K, BSF, Pak rangers do not exchange sweets on Eid at Wagah

Pakistan has accepted that it will be difficult to find support <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammua-and-kashmir-omar-abdullah-and-mehbooba-mufti-fight-it-out-at-srinagars-hari-niwas-palace-242437">if it rakes up Kashmir</a> at the United Nations security council permanent five members (P5) and from Muslim countries as well.

Speaking at a press conference, Pakistani foreign minister SM Qureshi said, "People in the Security Council aren’t standing with flowers, any of the P5 members can be a hurdle. There shouldn’t be any ambiguity on that, do not live in a fool's paradise."

"Let the people of Pakistan and Kashmir be aware that nobody out there(at UNSC) is waiting for you, nor is awaiting your invite," Qureshi added.&nbsp;

The development comes exactly a week after New Delhi decided to remove the special status for Jammu and Kashmir. Over the weekend, Russia became the first P5 member country to openly back New Delhi's decision, calling it India's internal matter taken "within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of India". The US State Department has also "noted" India calling it its internal matter.

Watch Video:

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Last week, in a big snub to Pakistan, the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) did not take up Pakistani finance minister's letter of August 6 at several meetings written in the aftermath of New Delhi removing the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistani FM also said, "Lots of countries have interests there(in India). I have said this in hints earlier, hope you get it. It's a new realignment, It's a 1 billion market, lots of people have invested there."

"We talk about Ummah(Muslim Nations) and Islam but those who are the safeguards of Muslim nations have invested there(in India). They have their interests there," Pakistan's finance minister added.

His statement comes on a day when Saudi Arabia backed Saudi Aramco, world's largest company by revenue, announced that it will acquire a 20 per cent stake in Reliance's oil to chemical business making it India's largest foreign direct investment.

In the last week, two members of the organisation of Islamic cooperation(OIC) - the United Arab Emirates and the Maldives have supported New Delhi's decision on Kashmir calling it an internal matter.

Pakistan has accepted that it will be difficult to find support if it rakes up Kashmir at the United Nations security council permanent five members (P5) and from Muslim countries as well.

Pakistan has accepted that it will be difficult to find support if it rakes up Kashmir at the United Nations security council permanent five members (P5) and from Muslim countries as well. Speaking at a press conference, Pakistani foreign minister SM Qureshi said, "People in the Security Council aren’t standing with flowers, any of the P5 members can be a hurdle. There shouldn’t be any ambiguity on that, do not live in a fool's paradise." "Let the people of Pakistan and Kashmir be aware that nobody out there(at UNSC) is waiting for you, nor is awaiting your invite," Qureshi added. The development comes exactly a week after New Delhi decided to remove the special status for Jammu and Kashmir. Over the weekend, Russia became the first P5 member country to openly back New Delhi's decision, calling it India's internal matter taken "within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of India". The US State Department has also "noted" India calling it its internal matter. Watch Video: Last week, in a big snub to Pakistan, the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) did not take up Pakistani finance minister's letter of August 6 at several meetings written in the aftermath of New Delhi removing the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistani FM also said, "Lots of countries have interests there(in India). I have said this in hints earlier, hope you get it. It's a new realignment, It's a 1 billion market, lots of people have invested there." "We talk about Ummah(Muslim Nations) and Islam but those who are the safeguards of Muslim nations have invested there(in India). They have their interests there," Pakistan's finance minister added. His statement comes on a day when Saudi Arabia backed Saudi Aramco, world's largest company by revenue, announced that it will acquire a 20 per cent stake in Reliance's oil to chemical business making it India's largest foreign direct investment. In the last week, two members of the organisation of Islamic cooperation(OIC) - the United Arab Emirates and the Maldives have supported New Delhi's decision on Kashmir calling it an internal matter.

Let people in Pakistan & Kashmir be aware UNSC not waiting for you: Qureshi

People across <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-slams-pakistan-for-linking-kashmir-with-afghan-peace-process-241583">Pakistan </a>are fearing that the prices of all food items could skyrocket following the country's decision to suspend trade relations with India after the latter abrogated Article 370 which granted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/not-looking-at-military-option-over-kashmir-dispute-pakistan-foreign-minister-241539">special status to Jammu and Kashmir</a>.

Traders and common people said it was going to be a difficult Eid for them as a ban on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-suspends-bilateral-trade-with-india-downgrades-diplomatic-relations-241389">Indian food imports</a> would further add to the inflationary pressure that is already crippling the household budgets of most Pakistanis.

"As it is rising inflation was disturbing our daily kitchen expenses. There is no increase of income but from milk to vegetables to meat- everything has become costly. And now suspending trade (with India) will further increase prices of daily kitchen items. I don't know how we are going to manage," said Najma, a housewife.

Even street-hawkers feel the move of snapping trade ties with India will snowball into impacting the Pakistani markets more."Just 3-4 days are left for Eid and the market looks so dull. We depend on India for vegetables and onion, which is so essential to cook food on Eid. I am sure, the price of onion and all will increase further. What does Imran Khan want us to eat? Grass?," said Iftikhar, an onion seller.

Watch: Do Pakistanis support their own government?

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Pakistan has been staring down the barrel of a balance of payment crisis for more than a year.

The country depends on India for the imports of essential food items, such as onion, tomatoes and chemicals. And with Eid around the corner, the common man in Pakistan could end up burning a hole in the pocket.

"This is going to be pheeki (lacklustre) Eid- really. And then the marriage season following Eid will also be dampened by suspending trade with India. Then follows a lull period during Muharram. I really don't understand what the government thought by this knee-jerk reaction of denting into our own economy by snapping trade relations with India," said Ashfaq, a banker.

Rattled by India's decision to strip the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating it into two Union Territories, Pakistan has said it will consider "all options" to counter what it called New Delhi's "illegal" steps.

Apart from downgrading bilateral relations with India and suspending all bilateral trade activities, Pakistan has partially closed down its airspace till September 5 and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-shuts-down-samjhauta-express-forever-241514">suspended train services of Samjhauta Express </a>from its side in the aftermath of India revoking the Article 370.

Responding to Pakistan's move, New Delhi asked Islamabad to review the steps so that normal channels for diplomatic communications are preserved, while strictly maintaining that its steps in Jammu and Kashmir are " an "entirely internal affair".

However, the impact of Pakistan's move would be insignificant on India, in consideration to the fact that the imports from Pakistan had declined by 92 per cent to $2.84 million in March this year when India had imposed 200 per cent customs duty on all goods imported from the neighbouring nation.

It may be noted that India had revoked the MFN (most favoured nation) status to Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack in February.

The country has repealed a security exception clause of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to withdraw the status. Under the MFN pact, a WTO member country is obliged to treat the other trading nation in a non-discriminatory manner, especially with regard to customs duty and other levies.

The problem does not end here for Pakistan. In April, the Indian government decided to suspend all cross-LoC trade with Pakistan after receiving reports that the routes were being used by elements in Pakistan to push weapons, narcotics and counterfeit currency into India.

Following the Pulwama attack, inputs have also been received that in order to evade the consequent higher duty, LoC trade is likely to be misused to a much larger extent.

On July 22, data from the State Bank of Pakistan revealed that the country's exports to South Asian neighbours had dropped 14 per cent to $2.672 billion in the last fiscal year of 2018-19 from $3.104 billion in the previous year, according to News International.

The decline was due to the dip in exports to three neighbouring countries namely India, Afghanistan and Iran.

Pakistan's exports to India was pegged at $312.032 million during the last fiscal year, compared with $419.773 million in June-July 2017-18. These figures came after India imposed 200 per cent customs duty on Pakistani imports and the stripping of the MFN status by New Delhi.

"Strained political relations, tariff and nontariff barriers and high cost of doing business also drag on Pakistan's exports to India. An ongoing political tension is impeding Pakistan's exports to Afghanistan," an analyst was quoted by News International as saying.

The prices of essential food items generally soar around a major festival like Eid, due to the increase in their demand. Wednesday's decision by Pakistan to suspend trade relations with India would mean that the supply of these items would further reduce. The impact is expected to be both short and long term.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was elected to power last year, on an anti-corruption plank and a promise to implement austerity measures amid a crumbling economy, has struggled to contain the rise of prices of food essentials and fuels, leading to discontent among the masses.

Earlier this month, the Pakistani government hiked the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs 5.15 per litre and Rs 5.65 per litre respectively, even as the country is facing a severe financial crunch.

While petrol will cost Rs 117.83 a litre, a litre of diesel will cost Rs 132.47.

Apart from the hike in petrol and diesel prices, the rates of kerosene oil and light diesel have now become costlier by Rs 5.38 and Rs 8.90. The new prices for diesel, kerosene and light diesel now stands at Rs 132.47 and Rs 103.84 respectively.

The move comes after the government had ordered the reduction of the prices of 'naan'&nbsp;and 'roti', the country's staple and hugely popular flatbreads. Currently, the rates of naan are ranging between Rs 12 to Rs 15 in different cities across Pakistan, while roti is available at Rs 10 to Rs 12 a piece.

The new prices which are yet to be revealed are expected to be substantially lower than the current ones.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

People across Pakistan are fearing that the prices of all food items could skyrocket following the country's decision to suspend trade relations with India after the latter abrogated Article 370 which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

People across Pakistan are fearing that the prices of all food items could skyrocket following the country's decision to suspend trade relations with India after the latter abrogated Article 370 which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Traders and common people said it was going to be a difficult Eid for them as a ban on Indian food imports would further add to the inflationary pressure that is already crippling the household budgets of most Pakistanis. "As it is rising inflation was disturbing our daily kitchen expenses. There is no increase of income but from milk to vegetables to meat- everything has become costly. And now suspending trade (with India) will further increase prices of daily kitchen items. I don't know how we are going to manage," said Najma, a housewife. Even street-hawkers feel the move of snapping trade ties with India will snowball into impacting the Pakistani markets more."Just 3-4 days are left for Eid and the market looks so dull. We depend on India for vegetables and onion, which is so essential to cook food on Eid. I am sure, the price of onion and all will increase further. What does Imran Khan want us to eat? Grass?," said Iftikhar, an onion seller. Watch: Do Pakistanis support their own government? × Pakistan has been staring down the barrel of a balance of payment crisis for more than a year. The country depends on India for the imports of essential food items, such as onion, tomatoes and chemicals. And with Eid around the corner, the common man in Pakistan could end up burning a hole in the pocket. "This is going to be pheeki (lacklustre) Eid- really. And then the marriage season following Eid will also be dampened by suspending trade with India. Then follows a lull period during Muharram. I really don't understand what the government thought by this knee-jerk reaction of denting into our own economy by snapping trade relations with India," said Ashfaq, a banker. Rattled by India's decision to strip the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating it into two Union Territories, Pakistan has said it will consider "all options" to counter what it called New Delhi's "illegal" steps. Apart from downgrading bilateral relations with India and suspending all bilateral trade activities, Pakistan has partially closed down its airspace till September 5 and suspended train services of Samjhauta Express from its side in the aftermath of India revoking the Article 370. Responding to Pakistan's move, New Delhi asked Islamabad to review the steps so that normal channels for diplomatic communications are preserved, while strictly maintaining that its steps in Jammu and Kashmir are " an "entirely internal affair". However, the impact of Pakistan's move would be insignificant on India, in consideration to the fact that the imports from Pakistan had declined by 92 per cent to $2.84 million in March this year when India had imposed 200 per cent customs duty on all goods imported from the neighbouring nation. It may be noted that India had revoked the MFN (most favoured nation) status to Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack in February. The country has repealed a security exception clause of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to withdraw the status. Under the MFN pact, a WTO member country is obliged to treat the other trading nation in a non-discriminatory manner, especially with regard to customs duty and other levies. The problem does not end here for Pakistan. In April, the Indian government decided to suspend all cross-LoC trade with Pakistan after receiving reports that the routes were being used by elements in Pakistan to push weapons, narcotics and counterfeit currency into India. Following the Pulwama attack, inputs have also been received that in order to evade the consequent higher duty, LoC trade is likely to be misused to a much larger extent. On July 22, data from the State Bank of Pakistan revealed that the country's exports to South Asian neighbours had dropped 14 per cent to $2.672 billion in the last fiscal year of 2018-19 from $3.104 billion in the previous year, according to News International. The decline was due to the dip in exports to three neighbouring countries namely India, Afghanistan and Iran. Pakistan's exports to India was pegged at $312.032 million during the last fiscal year, compared with $419.773 million in June-July 2017-18. These figures came after India imposed 200 per cent customs duty on Pakistani imports and the stripping of the MFN status by New Delhi. "Strained political relations, tariff and nontariff barriers and high cost of doing business also drag on Pakistan's exports to India. An ongoing political tension is impeding Pakistan's exports to Afghanistan," an analyst was quoted by News International as saying. The prices of essential food items generally soar around a major festival like Eid, due to the increase in their demand. Wednesday's decision by Pakistan to suspend trade relations with India would mean that the supply of these items would further reduce. The impact is expected to be both short and long term. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was elected to power last year, on an anti-corruption plank and a promise to implement austerity measures amid a crumbling economy, has struggled to contain the rise of prices of food essentials and fuels, leading to discontent among the masses. Earlier this month, the Pakistani government hiked the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs 5.15 per litre and Rs 5.65 per litre respectively, even as the country is facing a severe financial crunch. While petrol will cost Rs 117.83 a litre, a litre of diesel will cost Rs 132.47. Apart from the hike in petrol and diesel prices, the rates of kerosene oil and light diesel have now become costlier by Rs 5.38 and Rs 8.90. The new prices for diesel, kerosene and light diesel now stands at Rs 132.47 and Rs 103.84 respectively. The move comes after the government had ordered the reduction of the prices of 'naan' and 'roti', the country's staple and hugely popular flatbreads. Currently, the rates of naan are ranging between Rs 12 to Rs 15 in different cities across Pakistan, while roti is available at Rs 10 to Rs 12 a piece. The new prices which are yet to be revealed are expected to be substantially lower than the current ones.

Ahead of Eid, Pakistanis fear price rise of food essentials following suspension of trade with India

The US Department of State on Wednesday said that it continues to "support direct dialogue between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/abrogation-of-article-370-pakistan-downgrades-ties-with-india-looks-towards-china-for-support-241399">India and Pakistan on Kashmir </a>and other issues of concern".

"We call upon on all parties to maintain peace and stability along the Line of Control(LoC), including taking firm and resolute steps to combat cross-border terrorism," the US State Department said.

"We continue to support direct dialogue between India and Pakistan on Kashmir and other issues of concern," it added.&nbsp;

In a similar statement, representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Senator Bob Menendez, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/abrogation-of-article-370-pakistan-downgrades-ties-with-india-looks-towards-china-for-support-241399">Pakistan must refrain</a> from any retaliatory aggression - including support for infiltrations across the Line of Control in the wake of India scrapping Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Watch Video:

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The US State Department's move comes amid increased tension between India and Pakistan after the Indian government abrogated Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. On Wednesday, Pakistan partially closed its airspace on the eastern front with India greatly affecting air traffic.

Pakistan had earlier closed its entire air space along the Indian border after Indian fighter jets conducted air strikes on terrorist hideout at Balakot on February 26th. The airspace will be closed from August 6 to September 5 between 02:45 to 11:00(Pakistan standard time) every day except Sundays.&nbsp;

The Imran Khan government also decided to expel the Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan and informed the Indian government that the new high commissioner-designate of Pakistan to India will not be taking charge.

The US Department of State on Wednesday said that it continues to "support direct dialogue between India and Pakistan on Kashmir and other issues of concern". "We call upon on all parties to maintain peace and stability along the Line of Control(LoC), including taking firm and resolute steps to combat cross-border terrorism," the US State Department said.

The US Department of State on Wednesday said that it continues to "support direct dialogue between India and Pakistan on Kashmir and other issues of concern". "We call upon on all parties to maintain peace and stability along the Line of Control(LoC), including taking firm and resolute steps to combat cross-border terrorism," the US State Department said. "We continue to support direct dialogue between India and Pakistan on Kashmir and other issues of concern," it added. In a similar statement, representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Senator Bob Menendez, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said that Pakistan must refrain from any retaliatory aggression - including support for infiltrations across the Line of Control in the wake of India scrapping Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Watch Video: The US State Department's move comes amid increased tension between India and Pakistan after the Indian government abrogated Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. On Wednesday, Pakistan partially closed its airspace on the eastern front with India greatly affecting air traffic. Pakistan had earlier closed its entire air space along the Indian border after Indian fighter jets conducted air strikes on terrorist hideout at Balakot on February 26th. The airspace will be closed from August 6 to September 5 between 02:45 to 11:00(Pakistan standard time) every day except Sundays. The Imran Khan government also decided to expel the Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan and informed the Indian government that the new high commissioner-designate of Pakistan to India will not be taking charge.

We support direct dialogue between India & Pak on Kashmir: US State Department

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