It will be far cry Islamabad to get membership of Indian-Ocean Rim Association any time soon.

Pakistan has repeatedly tried to become a member of the Indian-Ocean Rim Association (IORA).&nbsp;Pakistan has sent dozens of request to the secretariat of IORA but failed to get the membership of the most important grouping in the Indian Ocean region.

The Indian Ocean Rim Association is a 22-member organisation consisting of countries bordering the Indian Ocean.

The primary reason for Pakistan failing to get a membership is its ties with New Delhi. The situation is such that Pakistan's membership is not even put on the agenda.

A source told WION, "Pakistan needs to resolve its issue with India and agree to what India says, especially on trade, only then membership is possible".

Asked, if it is possible for Pakistan to get membership in the near future, another source said, "it's difficult".

To get the membership of the grouping, the consensus from all members is needed and any one country can block it, without giving any reason.

Maldives and Myanmar had applied for membership of the group with the former getting the membership last year but latter failing due to human rights concerns by South Africa.

South Africa is the chair of the IORA for two years and in 2020 the chair will pass to UAE.

All countries who share their shores with the Indian ocean can be part of the grouping, which means 25 countries can be part of the group.

Barring Pakistan, Myanmar and Djibouti, most countries of the Indian Ocean rim are its members. Djibouti has still not applied for membership of the grouping. France is also keen to join the grouping.

IORA's role in the region is expected to grow as the Indian ocean becomes a zone of great games and commercial interest rises. Half of the world's container ships, one-third of the world's bulk cargo traffic and two-thirds of the world's oil shipments cross its waters annually.

It will be far cry Islamabad to get membership of Indian-Ocean Rim Association any time soon. Pakistan has repeatedly tried to become a member of the Indian-Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

It will be far cry Islamabad to get membership of Indian-Ocean Rim Association any time soon. Pakistan has repeatedly tried to become a member of the Indian-Ocean Rim Association (IORA). Pakistan has sent dozens of request to the secretariat of IORA but failed to get the membership of the most important grouping in the Indian Ocean region. The Indian Ocean Rim Association is a 22-member organisation consisting of countries bordering the Indian Ocean. The primary reason for Pakistan failing to get a membership is its ties with New Delhi. The situation is such that Pakistan's membership is not even put on the agenda. A source told WION, "Pakistan needs to resolve its issue with India and agree to what India says, especially on trade, only then membership is possible". Asked, if it is possible for Pakistan to get membership in the near future, another source said, "it's difficult". To get the membership of the grouping, the consensus from all members is needed and any one country can block it, without giving any reason. Maldives and Myanmar had applied for membership of the group with the former getting the membership last year but latter failing due to human rights concerns by South Africa. South Africa is the chair of the IORA for two years and in 2020 the chair will pass to UAE. All countries who share their shores with the Indian ocean can be part of the grouping, which means 25 countries can be part of the group. Barring Pakistan, Myanmar and Djibouti, most countries of the Indian Ocean rim are its members. Djibouti has still not applied for membership of the grouping. France is also keen to join the grouping. IORA's role in the region is expected to grow as the Indian ocean becomes a zone of great games and commercial interest rises. Half of the world's container ships, one-third of the world's bulk cargo traffic and two-thirds of the world's oil shipments cross its waters annually.

No hope for Pakistan to get membership of Indian Ocean Rim Association

India has achieved success in getting Pakistan isolated even among Islamic countries in the aftermath of the terror attacks, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Friday.

Swaraj was addressing a meeting organised in support of the BJP's candidate in the Malkajgiri Lok Sabha constituency, N Ramachandra Rao.

"We achieved success in isolating Pakistan even among Islamic countries in the world," she said in Hindi.

Swaraj recalled how India was invited to the inaugural conference of the OIC countries in 1969 but could not attend the proceedings due to pressure put by Pakistan.

She added that India attended the OIC's 50th anniversary meet in March even though Pakistan tried to get Swaraj 'disinvited'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made relations with Islamic countries so strong and this is the benefit of his foreign visits, she asserted.&nbsp;

India has achieved success in getting Pakistan isolated even among Islamic countries in the aftermath of the terror attacks, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Friday.

India has achieved success in getting Pakistan isolated even among Islamic countries in the aftermath of the terror attacks, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Friday. Swaraj was addressing a meeting organised in support of the BJP's candidate in the Malkajgiri Lok Sabha constituency, N Ramachandra Rao. "We achieved success in isolating Pakistan even among Islamic countries in the world," she said in Hindi. Swaraj recalled how India was invited to the inaugural conference of the OIC countries in 1969 but could not attend the proceedings due to pressure put by Pakistan. She added that India attended the OIC's 50th anniversary meet in March even though Pakistan tried to get Swaraj 'disinvited'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made relations with Islamic countries so strong and this is the benefit of his foreign visits, she asserted.

India has achieved success in getting Pakistan isolated: Sushma Swaraj

After <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-intention-of-entering-into-arms-race-in-outer-space-india-after-asat-test-206023">India said it tested the ASAT</a> (anti-satellite) missile to "verify" that the country has the "capability to safeguard our space assets", Pakistan's foreign ministry said there is a need to address gaps in the international space laws to ensure that no one threatens peaceful activities and applications of space technologies for socio-economic development.

"Pakistan has been a strong proponent of prevention of arms&nbsp;race in outer space. Space is the common heritage of mankind and every nation has the responsibility to avoid actions which can lead to the militarization of this arena," it said.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yEBlFh5knKw" width="560"></iframe>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-low-earth-orbit-satellite-against-which-india-launched-a-surgical-strike-in-space-205974">India's Ministry of external affairs</a>( MEA) had said that the country had no intention of entering into an arms race in outer space. New Delhi supports UNGA resolution 69/32 on No First Placement of Weapons on Outer Space and has called for substantive legal measures to ensure the prevention of an arms race in outer space. India has also ratified the 1967 Outer Space Treaty which prohibits weapons of mass destruction in outer space.

Pakistan foreign ministry added that boasting of such capabilities is reminiscent of Don Quixote’s tilting against windmills.

Since the test was done in the lower atmosphere, India has said, there isn't much space debris. PM Modi announced on Wednesday morning that &nbsp;India had become an "elite space power" after it shot down a low earth orbit satellite with an ASAT missile. The operation was named "Mission Shakti".

Modi said he wanted to clarify to the world's powers that this new technology was not meant to be used against any country, but that it was for India's defence.&nbsp;

He added India is against a space race, and that "we still follow this policy".&nbsp;

"We did not violate any international treaty," he added.&nbsp;

After India said it tested the ASAT (anti-satellite) missile to "verify" that the country has the "capability to safeguard our space assets", Pakistan's foreign ministry said there is a need to address gaps in the international space laws to ensure that no one threatens peaceful activities and applications of space technologies for socio-economic development.

After India said it tested the ASAT (anti-satellite) missile to "verify" that the country has the "capability to safeguard our space assets", Pakistan's foreign ministry said there is a need to address gaps in the international space laws to ensure that no one threatens peaceful activities and applications of space technologies for socio-economic development. "Pakistan has been a strong proponent of prevention of arms race in outer space. Space is the common heritage of mankind and every nation has the responsibility to avoid actions which can lead to the militarization of this arena," it said. India's Ministry of external affairs( MEA) had said that the country had no intention of entering into an arms race in outer space. New Delhi supports UNGA resolution 69/32 on No First Placement of Weapons on Outer Space and has called for substantive legal measures to ensure the prevention of an arms race in outer space. India has also ratified the 1967 Outer Space Treaty which prohibits weapons of mass destruction in outer space. Pakistan foreign ministry added that boasting of such capabilities is reminiscent of Don Quixote’s tilting against windmills. Since the test was done in the lower atmosphere, India has said, there isn't much space debris. PM Modi announced on Wednesday morning that India had become an "elite space power" after it shot down a low earth orbit satellite with an ASAT missile. The operation was named "Mission Shakti". Modi said he wanted to clarify to the world's powers that this new technology was not meant to be used against any country, but that it was for India's defence. He added India is against a space race, and that "we still follow this policy". "We did not violate any international treaty," he added.

Every nation has responsibility avoid actions which lead to militarisation of space: Pak on India's ASAT test

Not so long ago most Indians were rejoicing in their globe-trotting Prime Minister’s diplomatic conquests. He received rockstars welcome and charged the People of Indian origin with frenzy.&nbsp;

New ‘strategic partnerships’ were forged with potential allies ranging from the US to Japan. The neighbourhood wasn’t neglected either. Narendra Modi invited leaders of all SAARC nations to his oath-taking ceremony and followed it up by lavishing special attention on Nepal. An Olive Branch was extended to Pakistan and the warm welcome extended to Chinese President Xi Jinping arousing hopes of further ‘normalisation’ of relationship with the usually belligerent ‘superpower in the making.’&nbsp;

From G20 summits to BRICS conclaves and sessions at UN the Indian Prime Minister performed in dazzling contrast with his lacklustre predecessor-timid and tongue-tied Dr Manmohan Singh. It appeared for a few shining moments that India had arrived.&nbsp; 
 
As the nation goes to polls that many consider a decisive moment, a possible turning point, foreign policy is strangely forgotten in public discourse. In the aftermath of the terrorist attack in Pulwama and retaliatory air strikes across the border the many ‘achievements’ of past five years in the realm of international relations are not even being mentioned as an aside.&nbsp;

It seems that nothing matters more than an inimical Pakistan next door. Protected by China and forever propped up by the US it continues to cripple us like the proverbial albatross round the neck. The myriad options explored by Modi apparently were not enough to redress the imbalance tilting against our vital national interest in South Asia. The country seems to be back at square one.&nbsp;

What is even more distressing is that the election campaign has been highjacked by supercharged ‘Patriots’ and the ‘Traitors’ targeted by them. The dangerous labelling of political opponents as ‘jingoist chauvinists’ or ‘traitors and enemy agents’ has made it impossible to take stock of the challenges confronting the nation. Rhetoric devoid of reason is trying to sway voters it's way. The traditional consensus in matters of foreign policy has been almost entirely eroded.&nbsp;

We forget at our peril that in ultimate analysis foreign policy is an extension of domestic policy. It is an instrument to safeguard the independence and autonomy in the formulation of economic policies, to enjoy the freedom to live according to ones cultural preferences-inherited as well as acquired. In short, the task of foreign policy is not confined to protecting the borders from external invasions.&nbsp; 
 
This is where Pakistan has succeeded in distorting our perspective disastrously. Be it the perpetual turmoil in the valley of Kashmir or legislation affecting customary practices of Muslim Indian citizen those at the helm try to steal a look towards Islamabad. It isn’t surprising that this has resulted in an incurable painful squint. Either the secular-supposedly liberal- regime at the helm bends backwards to appease the self-styled leaders of minorities-Muslims, Sikhs and Christians- or those who have proclaimed themselves to be custodians of tradition and swadeshi &nbsp;culture, begin hounding anyone who dares to dissent- issuing ultimatums to ‘Go to Pakistan!’ or face the lynch mobs. Discussion on foreign policy has been reduced to a farce.

The response to China’s bullying isn’t very different. Few Indians have displayed the wisdom to assess the long term Chinese ‘threat’ dispensing with the Pakistani looking glass. It is the Chinese Veto shielding Azhar Masood that blinkers our eyes. China’s tentacles in Nepal, Sri Lanka and Myanmar remain invisible but the Dragon can bare its fangs and claws at will. China, today, no longer has to irritate India with Doklam like cleverly engineered crisis on the border. Fomenting resentment against India among its smaller neighbours. We occasionally express nominal concern about the Garland of Poisoned Pearls it has trigged to strangle us but remain blind to the traps it is laying for us in distant lands where we are China’s principal competitors in the domain of food and energy security.&nbsp; 
 
Pakistan and China keep us so preoccupied that the rest of foreign policy is forgotten. Election sloganeering deafens us to alarm bells ringing from West Asia to Europe. Let us wake up to the harsh realities of life. Foreign Policy isn’t some luxury that you can dispense with when elections are underway.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

Not so long ago most Indians were rejoicing in their globe-trotting Prime Minister’s diplomatic conquests. He received rockstars welcome and charged the People of Indian origin with frenzy.

Not so long ago most Indians were rejoicing in their globe-trotting Prime Minister’s diplomatic conquests. He received rockstars welcome and charged the People of Indian origin with frenzy. New ‘strategic partnerships’ were forged with potential allies ranging from the US to Japan. The neighbourhood wasn’t neglected either. Narendra Modi invited leaders of all SAARC nations to his oath-taking ceremony and followed it up by lavishing special attention on Nepal. An Olive Branch was extended to Pakistan and the warm welcome extended to Chinese President Xi Jinping arousing hopes of further ‘normalisation’ of relationship with the usually belligerent ‘superpower in the making.’ From G20 summits to BRICS conclaves and sessions at UN the Indian Prime Minister performed in dazzling contrast with his lacklustre predecessor-timid and tongue-tied Dr Manmohan Singh. It appeared for a few shining moments that India had arrived. As the nation goes to polls that many consider a decisive moment, a possible turning point, foreign policy is strangely forgotten in public discourse. In the aftermath of the terrorist attack in Pulwama and retaliatory air strikes across the border the many ‘achievements’ of past five years in the realm of international relations are not even being mentioned as an aside. It seems that nothing matters more than an inimical Pakistan next door. Protected by China and forever propped up by the US it continues to cripple us like the proverbial albatross round the neck. The myriad options explored by Modi apparently were not enough to redress the imbalance tilting against our vital national interest in South Asia. The country seems to be back at square one. What is even more distressing is that the election campaign has been highjacked by supercharged ‘Patriots’ and the ‘Traitors’ targeted by them. The dangerous labelling of political opponents as ‘jingoist chauvinists’ or ‘traitors and enemy agents’ has made it impossible to take stock of the challenges confronting the nation. Rhetoric devoid of reason is trying to sway voters it's way. The traditional consensus in matters of foreign policy has been almost entirely eroded. We forget at our peril that in ultimate analysis foreign policy is an extension of domestic policy. It is an instrument to safeguard the independence and autonomy in the formulation of economic policies, to enjoy the freedom to live according to ones cultural preferences-inherited as well as acquired. In short, the task of foreign policy is not confined to protecting the borders from external invasions. This is where Pakistan has succeeded in distorting our perspective disastrously. Be it the perpetual turmoil in the valley of Kashmir or legislation affecting customary practices of Muslim Indian citizen those at the helm try to steal a look towards Islamabad. It isn’t surprising that this has resulted in an incurable painful squint. Either the secular-supposedly liberal- regime at the helm bends backwards to appease the self-styled leaders of minorities-Muslims, Sikhs and Christians- or those who have proclaimed themselves to be custodians of tradition and swadeshi culture, begin hounding anyone who dares to dissent- issuing ultimatums to ‘Go to Pakistan!’ or face the lynch mobs. Discussion on foreign policy has been reduced to a farce. The response to China’s bullying isn’t very different. Few Indians have displayed the wisdom to assess the long term Chinese ‘threat’ dispensing with the Pakistani looking glass. It is the Chinese Veto shielding Azhar Masood that blinkers our eyes. China’s tentacles in Nepal, Sri Lanka and Myanmar remain invisible but the Dragon can bare its fangs and claws at will. China, today, no longer has to irritate India with Doklam like cleverly engineered crisis on the border. Fomenting resentment against India among its smaller neighbours. We occasionally express nominal concern about the Garland of Poisoned Pearls it has trigged to strangle us but remain blind to the traps it is laying for us in distant lands where we are China’s principal competitors in the domain of food and energy security. Pakistan and China keep us so preoccupied that the rest of foreign policy is forgotten. Election sloganeering deafens us to alarm bells ringing from West Asia to Europe. Let us wake up to the harsh realities of life. Foreign Policy isn’t some luxury that you can dispense with when elections are underway. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Moving away from China and Pakistan, Indian foreign policy needs a major overhaul

Pakistan might be on a verge of opening a corridor so that the Hindu community in India can visit the revered Sharada Peeth in Pakistan occupied Kashmir(PoK).&nbsp;

Informed sources in Pakistani government have said that the Pakistan Foreign Ministry has submitted a proposal to Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan for consultations to open the Sharada Temple in Pok.&nbsp;

Indian government sources, reacting to the development said that New Delhi had made this request several times as part of the Composite Dialogue between India and Pakistan and the proposal was made keeping in mind the wishes and the religious sentiments of the people.

In fact, speaking in the Parliament, minister of state in the ministry of external affairs General VK Singh in December,&nbsp;2018 had said,"The issue of religious tourism to Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) has been raised from time to time. India has proposed pilgrim’s visit to shrines in PoJK, including Sharda Peeth. Pakistan has not concurred with the proposal so far."

Last year in response to a question by an Indian journalist on building a Sharada corridor in PoK, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had said,"For Hindu pilgrims, we will make things easy. We will encourage it."

Though the Sharada Peeth corridor is still a proposal and green signal has officially not been given, the consultation process regarding it is still continuing in Pakistan. The other stakeholders are yet to weigh in especially the all-powerful Pakistani army which has a say in everything the country.

Welcoming the development, Ravinder Pandita of the Save Sharda committee Kashmir told WION,"I am elated that in principle accord has been given to reopening of Sharda Peeth in PoK. The seat of learning of Adi&nbsp;Shankaracharya last occupied by Swami Nand Lalji - a Kashmiri saint will come live again. The yatra will resume after 70 years."

Ravinder Pandita added: "As head of Save Sharda committee Kashmir,&nbsp;I thank the establishment of both nations on this historic moment."

Tanveer Ahmed, an independent researcher and public policy activist from PoK told WION, "It would be the most significant pro-life measure taken in this region since the end of the British Raj."

Sharada Peeth as been ancient seat of learning in the Neelam Valley district of PoK and the last time a pilgrimage happened was in 1946. It is also one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peetha. Special No Objection Certificate (NOCs) are required to visit the area which remains in Pakistani occupation since 1947.&nbsp;

The news of Sharada Peeth corridor comes even as both India and Pakistan are working to open Kartarpur corridor so that pilgrims can pay respects at the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan. The first rounds of talks took place on 14th March at the Attri border in India while the 2nd round will take place on 2nd April at Wagah in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan might be on a verge of opening a corridor so that the Hindu community in India can visit the revered Sharada Peeth in Pakistan occupied Kashmir(PoK). Informed sources in Pakistani government have said that the Pakistan Foreign Ministry has submitted a proposal to Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan for consultations to open the Sharada Temple in Pok.

Pakistan might be on a verge of opening a corridor so that the Hindu community in India can visit the revered Sharada Peeth in Pakistan occupied Kashmir(PoK). Informed sources in Pakistani government have said that the Pakistan Foreign Ministry has submitted a proposal to Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan for consultations to open the Sharada Temple in Pok. Indian government sources, reacting to the development said that New Delhi had made this request several times as part of the Composite Dialogue between India and Pakistan and the proposal was made keeping in mind the wishes and the religious sentiments of the people. In fact, speaking in the Parliament, minister of state in the ministry of external affairs General VK Singh in December, 2018 had said,"The issue of religious tourism to Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) has been raised from time to time. India has proposed pilgrim’s visit to shrines in PoJK, including Sharda Peeth. Pakistan has not concurred with the proposal so far." Last year in response to a question by an Indian journalist on building a Sharada corridor in PoK, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had said,"For Hindu pilgrims, we will make things easy. We will encourage it." Though the Sharada Peeth corridor is still a proposal and green signal has officially not been given, the consultation process regarding it is still continuing in Pakistan. The other stakeholders are yet to weigh in especially the all-powerful Pakistani army which has a say in everything the country. Welcoming the development, Ravinder Pandita of the Save Sharda committee Kashmir told WION,"I am elated that in principle accord has been given to reopening of Sharda Peeth in PoK. The seat of learning of Adi Shankaracharya last occupied by Swami Nand Lalji - a Kashmiri saint will come live again. The yatra will resume after 70 years." Ravinder Pandita added: "As head of Save Sharda committee Kashmir, I thank the establishment of both nations on this historic moment." Tanveer Ahmed, an independent researcher and public policy activist from PoK told WION, "It would be the most significant pro-life measure taken in this region since the end of the British Raj." Sharada Peeth as been ancient seat of learning in the Neelam Valley district of PoK and the last time a pilgrimage happened was in 1946. It is also one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peetha. Special No Objection Certificate (NOCs) are required to visit the area which remains in Pakistani occupation since 1947. The news of Sharada Peeth corridor comes even as both India and Pakistan are working to open Kartarpur corridor so that pilgrims can pay respects at the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan. The first rounds of talks took place on 14th March at the Attri border in India while the 2nd round will take place on 2nd April at Wagah in Pakistan.

Pakistan foreign ministry submits proposal to PM Imran Khan to open Sharada temple for Indians

Pakistan wants peace with India and they should focus on health and education, the Pakistani president said on Saturday during a parade to show off its military might following a tense standoff between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

The conflict between the rivals erupted last month following a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pulwama-terror-attack-indias-response-was-carefully-calibrated-200450">suicide bomb attack claimed by a Pakistan-based militant group</a> in the Indian party of the disputed and divided Kashmir region that killed 40 paramilitary police.

"We do not believe in war and want to solve problems through dialogue," President Arif Alvi said in his Pakistani Republic Day speech.

"Instead of war we should focus on education and health."

Pakistani warplanes engaged in a dogfight with Indian aircraft over Kashmir on February 27, a day after a raid by Indian jets on what it said was a militant camp in Pakistan.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-national-day-pm-modi-writes-letter-to-pak-pm-as-part-of-customary-practice-calls-for-terror-free-south-asia-204995"> PM Modi writes </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-national-day-pm-modi-writes-letter-to-pak-pm-as-part-of-customary-practice-calls-for-terror-free-south-asia-204995">letter</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-national-day-pm-modi-writes-letter-to-pak-pm-as-part-of-customary-practice-calls-for-terror-free-south-asia-204995"> to Pak PM as part of customary practice; calls for terror-free South Asia</a>

In their first such clash since their last war, in 1971, Pakistan downed an Indian plane and captured its pilot after he ejected over Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.

The pilot was later released by Pakistan as a peace gesture.

The president, who largely holds ceremonial duties, said India had blamed Pakistan for the suicide-bomb attack without evidence, which he said was irresponsible.

Saturday's military parade included an air show featuring the Pakistani-built JF-17 fighter jet. One of the aircraft shot down the Indian plane last month.

"Today's parade is sending the message that we are a peaceful people but we will never be oblivious of our defence," Alvi said.

The parade was attended by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who was invited to attend as the chief guest, and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Khan said on Twitter earlier that he had received a message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his best wishes for Republic Day and calling for peace and regional cooperation.

"I welcome PM Modi's message to our people," Khan said.

"I believe it's time to begin a comprehensive dialogue with India to address and resolve all issues. The dispute over the former princely state of Kashmir sparked the first two of three wars between India and Pakistan after independence in 1947. They fought the second in 1965, and a third, largely over what become Bangladesh, in 1971.

Pakistan wants peace with India and they should focus on health and education, the Pakistani president said on Saturday during a parade to show off its military might following a tense standoff between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

Pakistan wants peace with India and they should focus on health and education, the Pakistani president said on Saturday during a parade to show off its military might following a tense standoff between the nuclear-armed neighbours. The conflict between the rivals erupted last month following a suicide bomb attack claimed by a Pakistan-based militant group in the Indian party of the disputed and divided Kashmir region that killed 40 paramilitary police. "We do not believe in war and want to solve problems through dialogue," President Arif Alvi said in his Pakistani Republic Day speech. "Instead of war we should focus on education and health." Pakistani warplanes engaged in a dogfight with Indian aircraft over Kashmir on February 27, a day after a raid by Indian jets on what it said was a militant camp in Pakistan. Also read: PM Modi writes letter to Pak PM as part of customary practice; calls for terror-free South Asia In their first such clash since their last war, in 1971, Pakistan downed an Indian plane and captured its pilot after he ejected over Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. The pilot was later released by Pakistan as a peace gesture. The president, who largely holds ceremonial duties, said India had blamed Pakistan for the suicide-bomb attack without evidence, which he said was irresponsible. Saturday's military parade included an air show featuring the Pakistani-built JF-17 fighter jet. One of the aircraft shot down the Indian plane last month. "Today's parade is sending the message that we are a peaceful people but we will never be oblivious of our defence," Alvi said. The parade was attended by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who was invited to attend as the chief guest, and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. Khan said on Twitter earlier that he had received a message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his best wishes for Republic Day and calling for peace and regional cooperation. "I welcome PM Modi's message to our people," Khan said. "I believe it's time to begin a comprehensive dialogue with India to address and resolve all issues. The dispute over the former princely state of Kashmir sparked the first two of three wars between India and Pakistan after independence in 1947. They fought the second in 1965, and a third, largely over what become Bangladesh, in 1971.

Pakistan calls for peace with India as it shows off its military might in parade

The Balakot air attack on February 26 by the Indian Air Force on Pakistan-based terror camps, which killed terrorists and destroyed their training facilities, has now become a watershed in the fight against terror. It required political leadership, military preparedness, combative skill and planning along with superior air strike capability. &nbsp;These aspects will be analysed for long. As it took place on the crucial 2019 election eve, its political impact is of more immediate significance.&nbsp;

There are clear indications that the air strike has ignited the spirit of nationalism throughout the country. The image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the national icon has been reinforced. That the world has rallied around India and Pakistan was demonstrably isolated has proved the big diplomatic strides India has taken with Modi-Sushma Swaraj in the last five years.&nbsp;

What are the big takeaways of the strike in the political, diplomatic and defence front? It has fired up the national psyche and thus changed the political narrative. &nbsp;For four decades India was seen as a helpless victim of Islamic terror, sponsored, promoted, guided and defended by Pakistan. No other country in the world has suffered for so long and so heavy as India. Indian response till Narendra Modi took office was one of pleading to the world for sympathies and cajoling Pakistan, if not propitiating it with endless comprehensive peace talks and track two diplomacy. Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh described Pakistan as a victim of terror. After 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai, the Indian security establishment had suggested an appropriate retaliatory response against Pakistan. But the UPA leadership had taken a pusillanimous approach. They characterised it as an attempt to derail the peace process. Every terror attack on India was described as such. Modi changed it all. He knew that Pakistan was waging a proxy war on India and using terror outfits as strategic assets. Now Modi is determined to end terror attacks on India permanently.&nbsp;

Modi was not looking for easy options. He has evolved a new security doctrine. This is going to be the most decisive aspect of the 2019 election. Let’s see how Modi has scripted the new narrative. First through his persistent initiatives convinced the world community that terrorism in any form, anywhere, against any country by any outfit is a threat to humanity. The world recognised that Pakistan was the main source of terror export and that it was on an asymmetric war with India.

After the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 in which 41 CRPF soldiers were killed, the whole world in one voice condemned it and stood with India in its right to retaliate. For the first time, the US publicly acknowledged India’s right to revenge. So far Pakistan used to blackmail India with its nuclear arsenal which it threatened to use against India if it reacted. With the Air Force strike, Modi called the neighbour’s nuclear bluff.&nbsp;

All this was hailed and supported by the world leaders. Even China had to tone down its support to Pakistan and cautioned it against escalation. The UN Security Council members except China on their own moved to act against Pakistan harbouring terror outfits and wanted to declare Masood Azhar a wanted terrorist. Internally India acted withdrawing MFN status to Pakistan, imposing high duty on imports from there and banning Jamaat-e-Islami and removing security cover to separatist leaders.&nbsp;

The nation cheered all this. India’s unprecedented diplomatic outreach paid off. The External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was honoured at OIC, much to Pakistan’s dismay, wherein a sterling performance she swayed the hosts presenting Indian position. She could persuade China to take a neutral stand and be counted on fight against terror. On the election eve, by speaking the language that found echoed in Pakistan the anti-Modi Opposition lost the plot. As Modi is being hailed as the best guarantee for preserving national unity and integrity the Opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi are talking as if they have no stake in national security. After initially supporting the Air Force strike, within hours they started questioning the veracity and proof. After denying bullet-proof jackets to Indian Army and advanced combat aircraft to Air Force for ten years, the UPA’s attack on Rafale sounded ill-timed and motivated. The fact Opposition criticism of Modi is being cited by Pakistan leaders to defend themselves have spoiled their case in India.&nbsp;

Modi has an enviable record of achievements in the last five years. His welfare schemes have brought an entirely new constituency of vote base for BJP. Only on development plank, he can vow the voters. But this round after the air strike the electoral narrative has entirely changed. In whose hands India is safe? Whom Pakistan and terrorists fear the most? Whom Pakistan and Imran Khan would like to see defeated in Indian polls? Who can take India forward and rally the world behind? These are the questions being debated after Balakot.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-heart-of-darkness-pierced-2731781">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

&nbsp;

The Balakot air attack on February 26 by the Indian Air Force on Pakistan-based terror camps, which killed terrorists and destroyed their training facilities, has now become a watershed in the fight against terror.

The Balakot air attack on February 26 by the Indian Air Force on Pakistan-based terror camps, which killed terrorists and destroyed their training facilities, has now become a watershed in the fight against terror. It required political leadership, military preparedness, combative skill and planning along with superior air strike capability. These aspects will be analysed for long. As it took place on the crucial 2019 election eve, its political impact is of more immediate significance. There are clear indications that the air strike has ignited the spirit of nationalism throughout the country. The image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the national icon has been reinforced. That the world has rallied around India and Pakistan was demonstrably isolated has proved the big diplomatic strides India has taken with Modi-Sushma Swaraj in the last five years. What are the big takeaways of the strike in the political, diplomatic and defence front? It has fired up the national psyche and thus changed the political narrative. For four decades India was seen as a helpless victim of Islamic terror, sponsored, promoted, guided and defended by Pakistan. No other country in the world has suffered for so long and so heavy as India. Indian response till Narendra Modi took office was one of pleading to the world for sympathies and cajoling Pakistan, if not propitiating it with endless comprehensive peace talks and track two diplomacy. Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh described Pakistan as a victim of terror. After 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai, the Indian security establishment had suggested an appropriate retaliatory response against Pakistan. But the UPA leadership had taken a pusillanimous approach. They characterised it as an attempt to derail the peace process. Every terror attack on India was described as such. Modi changed it all. He knew that Pakistan was waging a proxy war on India and using terror outfits as strategic assets. Now Modi is determined to end terror attacks on India permanently. Modi was not looking for easy options. He has evolved a new security doctrine. This is going to be the most decisive aspect of the 2019 election. Let’s see how Modi has scripted the new narrative. First through his persistent initiatives convinced the world community that terrorism in any form, anywhere, against any country by any outfit is a threat to humanity. The world recognised that Pakistan was the main source of terror export and that it was on an asymmetric war with India. After the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 in which 41 CRPF soldiers were killed, the whole world in one voice condemned it and stood with India in its right to retaliate. For the first time, the US publicly acknowledged India’s right to revenge. So far Pakistan used to blackmail India with its nuclear arsenal which it threatened to use against India if it reacted. With the Air Force strike, Modi called the neighbour’s nuclear bluff. All this was hailed and supported by the world leaders. Even China had to tone down its support to Pakistan and cautioned it against escalation. The UN Security Council members except China on their own moved to act against Pakistan harbouring terror outfits and wanted to declare Masood Azhar a wanted terrorist. Internally India acted withdrawing MFN status to Pakistan, imposing high duty on imports from there and banning Jamaat-e-Islami and removing security cover to separatist leaders. The nation cheered all this. India’s unprecedented diplomatic outreach paid off. The External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was honoured at OIC, much to Pakistan’s dismay, wherein a sterling performance she swayed the hosts presenting Indian position. She could persuade China to take a neutral stand and be counted on fight against terror. On the election eve, by speaking the language that found echoed in Pakistan the anti-Modi Opposition lost the plot. As Modi is being hailed as the best guarantee for preserving national unity and integrity the Opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi are talking as if they have no stake in national security. After initially supporting the Air Force strike, within hours they started questioning the veracity and proof. After denying bullet-proof jackets to Indian Army and advanced combat aircraft to Air Force for ten years, the UPA’s attack on Rafale sounded ill-timed and motivated. The fact Opposition criticism of Modi is being cited by Pakistan leaders to defend themselves have spoiled their case in India. Modi has an enviable record of achievements in the last five years. His welfare schemes have brought an entirely new constituency of vote base for BJP. Only on development plank, he can vow the voters. But this round after the air strike the electoral narrative has entirely changed. In whose hands India is safe? Whom Pakistan and terrorists fear the most? Whom Pakistan and Imran Khan would like to see defeated in Indian polls? Who can take India forward and rally the world behind? These are the questions being debated after Balakot. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

With Balakot air strike, Narendra Modi government has evolved new security doctrine

India asks Pakistan to expedite Mumbai 26/11 terror attack probe

India on Monday&nbsp;issued a Note Verbale to Pakistan Foreign Ministry as more incidents regarding <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/investigate-harassment-of-our-diplomats-india-to-pakistan-204143">harassment of Indian diplomats in Islamabad</a> were reported last week.

On March 14 and 15, India's Naval Advisor was not only followed but agency personnel were seen keeping surveillance of his house.

In another case, a staff member at the residence of an Indian Diplomat was questioned in an aggressive manner by an unknown person on details such as who stays in the house,&nbsp;the time of vacating of the house and the procedure followed to rent the house.

This is the second week of such harassment of Indian diplomats this month.&nbsp;

In the first week of March, Indian diplomats were followed and surveillance was seen in front of their houses. The diplomats have also been receiving hoax calls. &nbsp;Pakistan agency personnel have been seen following the Indian High Commission's car on a daily basis.&nbsp;

New Delhi has called these incidents violation of Vienna convention on diplomatic relations and asked Islamabad to investigate the matter and asked it to provide safety and security for the Indian diplomatic staff and their family members.

The first such incident of Indian diplomats being harassed was reported in November 2018 when the internet was suspended and electricity was cut in peak winters of Islamabad. Since then the harassment has only increased despite New Delhi repeatedly calling on Pakistan to make sure such incidents are not repeated.&nbsp;

The functioning of diplomatic missions between India and Pakistan is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the bilateral Code of Conduct signed by the two countries in 1992. 
&nbsp;

India on Monday issued a Note Verbale to Pakistan Foreign Ministry as more incidents regarding harassment of Indian diplomats in Islamabad were reported last week.

India on Monday issued a Note Verbale to Pakistan Foreign Ministry as more incidents regarding harassment of Indian diplomats in Islamabad were reported last week. On March 14 and 15, India's Naval Advisor was not only followed but agency personnel were seen keeping surveillance of his house. In another case, a staff member at the residence of an Indian Diplomat was questioned in an aggressive manner by an unknown person on details such as who stays in the house, the time of vacating of the house and the procedure followed to rent the house. This is the second week of such harassment of Indian diplomats this month. In the first week of March, Indian diplomats were followed and surveillance was seen in front of their houses. The diplomats have also been receiving hoax calls. Pakistan agency personnel have been seen following the Indian High Commission's car on a daily basis. New Delhi has called these incidents violation of Vienna convention on diplomatic relations and asked Islamabad to investigate the matter and asked it to provide safety and security for the Indian diplomatic staff and their family members. The first such incident of Indian diplomats being harassed was reported in November 2018 when the internet was suspended and electricity was cut in peak winters of Islamabad. Since then the harassment has only increased despite New Delhi repeatedly calling on Pakistan to make sure such incidents are not repeated. The functioning of diplomatic missions between India and Pakistan is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the bilateral Code of Conduct signed by the two countries in 1992.

India issues Note Verbale to Pakistan Foreign Ministry over harassment of diplomats

Ready for talks with India over Kartarpur and terrorism: Pakistan

Restrictions over large swathes of Pakistani airspace continued to affect numerous flight routes, officials said Tuesday, weeks after clashes between Pakistan and India brought the nuclear-armed rivals to the brink of war.

The continued constraints come weeks after Pakistani authorities said they had fully reopened the country's airspace after it was closed for days following clashes and aerial dogfights between the two countries late last month. &nbsp;

"All entry and exit points to and from India remain closed," a senior Pakistan official told AFP on the condition of anonymity, saying the decision to keep portions of the country's airspace closed was reviewed daily by authorities.

The closure of large swathes of the eastern airspace effectively shuts off major international flight routes in and out of Islamabad and Lahore along with select domestic routes.

"At least seven domestic and four international destinations are suspended," Pakistan International Airlines spokesman Mashud Tajwar said.

The national carrier's operations to India, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur have all been suspended for nearly a month causing heavy losses to the already struggling airline.

"We can't give off-hand estimates of the losses but yes the losses have been occurring for sure," Tajwar told AFP.

Aviation experts said the ongoing restrictions have also affected Indian flights headed west over Pakistan.

"Indian airlines are suffering much more compared to Pakistan because their westward operations are much bigger," said Sajid Habib, a former chief of state-run Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Information from online flight tracker flightradar24 showed no flights along the border between the two countries.&nbsp;

The crisis between the countries was first sparked by a suicide bombing in Indian-administered Kashmir last month that killed 40 Indian security personnel and was later claimed by the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Days later India responded with a cross-border air raid on Pakistan that kicked off a quick succession of attacks and dogfights between the arch-rivals over the disputed Kashmir frontier that spurred fears of wider war erupting.

Pakistani and Indian soldiers have continued to fire over the Line of Control -- the de-facto border dividing Kashmir, killing several civilians on both sides.

Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the end of British colonial rule in 1947.

Both claim the Himalayan territory in full and have fought two wars over it.

The ongoing flight restrictions come as the government prepares to close the airspace over the capital for half a day for Pakistan Day on March 23, with Islamabad set to host a parade accompanied by a military air show.

Restrictions over large swathes of Pakistani airspace continued to affect numerous flight routes, officials said Tuesday, weeks after clashes between Pakistan and India brought the nuclear-armed rivals to the brink of war.

Restrictions over large swathes of Pakistani airspace continued to affect numerous flight routes, officials said Tuesday, weeks after clashes between Pakistan and India brought the nuclear-armed rivals to the brink of war. The continued constraints come weeks after Pakistani authorities said they had fully reopened the country's airspace after it was closed for days following clashes and aerial dogfights between the two countries late last month. "All entry and exit points to and from India remain closed," a senior Pakistan official told AFP on the condition of anonymity, saying the decision to keep portions of the country's airspace closed was reviewed daily by authorities. The closure of large swathes of the eastern airspace effectively shuts off major international flight routes in and out of Islamabad and Lahore along with select domestic routes. "At least seven domestic and four international destinations are suspended," Pakistan International Airlines spokesman Mashud Tajwar said. The national carrier's operations to India, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur have all been suspended for nearly a month causing heavy losses to the already struggling airline. "We can't give off-hand estimates of the losses but yes the losses have been occurring for sure," Tajwar told AFP. Aviation experts said the ongoing restrictions have also affected Indian flights headed west over Pakistan. "Indian airlines are suffering much more compared to Pakistan because their westward operations are much bigger," said Sajid Habib, a former chief of state-run Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Information from online flight tracker flightradar24 showed no flights along the border between the two countries. The crisis between the countries was first sparked by a suicide bombing in Indian-administered Kashmir last month that killed 40 Indian security personnel and was later claimed by the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed. Days later India responded with a cross-border air raid on Pakistan that kicked off a quick succession of attacks and dogfights between the arch-rivals over the disputed Kashmir frontier that spurred fears of wider war erupting. Pakistani and Indian soldiers have continued to fire over the Line of Control -- the de-facto border dividing Kashmir, killing several civilians on both sides. Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the end of British colonial rule in 1947. Both claim the Himalayan territory in full and have fought two wars over it. The ongoing flight restrictions come as the government prepares to close the airspace over the capital for half a day for Pakistan Day on March 23, with Islamabad set to host a parade accompanied by a military air show.

Pakistani airspace restrictions keep routes closed, carriers off balance

Massive harassment of Indian diplomats has been reported in Islamabad for which India has sent a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-summons-indian-diplomat-over-anti-pak-protest-in-new-delhi-198385"> "note verbale" to Pakistan</a> and asked Islamabad to not only investigate the incident but also share the results.

India has highlighted to the Pakistan foreign ministry how two Pakistan agency personnel have been seen following Indian High Commission's car on a daily basis.&nbsp;

The current instance of harassment of Indian diplomats took place from 8th to 11th March in which they were not only aggressively followed by Pakistan security personnel but constant surveillance was kept on them.

Pakistani security agency personnel have been seen approaching local security guards at officers residence and pressurising them to divulge information

On 8th March, the first secretary was aggressively tailed by Pak security agencies while going to a bank. On the same day, Indian naval advisor was tailed in the bike while going from chancellery to his residence

On 9th March, India's deputy high commissioner was followed by a bike wherever he went. The Indian Naval advisor was again followed on the second day, Indian officials said. Incidentally, Pakistan agency personnel kept surveillance in a car stationed in front of the residence of the naval adviser.

The harassment continued on 10th as well when Deputy High Commissioner(DHC) was aggressively followed by Pakistan security personnel. The Pakistani agency personnel were observed meeting local security guards and asked details regarding availability of the officer, details of occupants.&nbsp;

On 11th March, Indian naval adviser and military adviser were aggressively tailed while going from the residence to chancellery.&nbsp;

Other than this two other officers of Indian high commission in Islamabad have been receiving hoax calls for last few days.

New Delhi has reminded Pakistan that the incidents are a violation of Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations and safety and security of the Indian High Commission.

The functioning of diplomatic missions between India and Pakistan is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the bilateral Code of Conduct signed by the two countries in 1992.

India, Pakistan code of conduct of 1992 says safety and security of the premises of diplomatic personnel, their families shall be respected and protected. It also says intrusive and aggressive surveillance such as verbal and physical harassment shall not be allowed.

Indian diplomats harrassed: A timeline

March 8th:&nbsp; 
1st secretary, Naval advisor followed aggressively&nbsp;

March 9th:&nbsp; 
DHC, Naval advisor aggressively followed; surveillance in front of naval advisor residence

March 10th: 

DHC aggressively followed; surveillance in front of the house&nbsp;

March 11th: 

Naval adviser, military advisor aggressively followed

Massive harassment of Indian diplomats has been reported in Islamabad for which India has sent a "note verbale" to Pakistan and asked Islamabad to not only investigate the incident but also share the results.

Massive harassment of Indian diplomats has been reported in Islamabad for which India has sent a "note verbale" to Pakistan and asked Islamabad to not only investigate the incident but also share the results. India has highlighted to the Pakistan foreign ministry how two Pakistan agency personnel have been seen following Indian High Commission's car on a daily basis. The current instance of harassment of Indian diplomats took place from 8th to 11th March in which they were not only aggressively followed by Pakistan security personnel but constant surveillance was kept on them. Pakistani security agency personnel have been seen approaching local security guards at officers residence and pressurising them to divulge information On 8th March, the first secretary was aggressively tailed by Pak security agencies while going to a bank. On the same day, Indian naval advisor was tailed in the bike while going from chancellery to his residence On 9th March, India's deputy high commissioner was followed by a bike wherever he went. The Indian Naval advisor was again followed on the second day, Indian officials said. Incidentally, Pakistan agency personnel kept surveillance in a car stationed in front of the residence of the naval adviser. The harassment continued on 10th as well when Deputy High Commissioner(DHC) was aggressively followed by Pakistan security personnel. The Pakistani agency personnel were observed meeting local security guards and asked details regarding availability of the officer, details of occupants. On 11th March, Indian naval adviser and military adviser were aggressively tailed while going from the residence to chancellery. Other than this two other officers of Indian high commission in Islamabad have been receiving hoax calls for last few days. New Delhi has reminded Pakistan that the incidents are a violation of Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations and safety and security of the Indian High Commission. The functioning of diplomatic missions between India and Pakistan is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the bilateral Code of Conduct signed by the two countries in 1992. India, Pakistan code of conduct of 1992 says safety and security of the premises of diplomatic personnel, their families shall be respected and protected. It also says intrusive and aggressive surveillance such as verbal and physical harassment shall not be allowed. Indian diplomats harrassed: A timeline March 8th: 1st secretary, Naval advisor followed aggressively March 9th: DHC, Naval advisor aggressively followed; surveillance in front of naval advisor residence March 10th: DHC aggressively followed; surveillance in front of the house March 11th: Naval adviser, military advisor aggressively followed

Investigate harassment of our diplomats: India to Pakistan

It’s the same old story as China has once again showed its intent on which side of terror it stands. &nbsp;Once again, it has torpedoed the United Nations efforts to ban Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. It has been proved beyond doubt that China can’t be a trusted ally in the global war against terrorism.&nbsp;

China’s action is in direct contrast to the position it has maintained publicly that it is opposed to any form of terrorism. The reason d'être behind China’s avid desire to protect Jaish chief is beyond explanation. Is it only to help its staunchest ally Pakistan or something else?

China has pumped in billions of dollars in Pakistan and continues to do so. Its biggest ever infrastructure development plan – China-Pakistan Economic Corridor – itself is worth close to 60 billion dollars. Moreover, over 30,000 Chinese people, including engineers and construction workers, are posted there. China apprehends that its projects could be in jeopardy if it signalled any change in its policy vis-à-vis Masood Azhar. In the past, several Chinese engineers involved in the project have been attacked and abducted, and later released by militants active in the restive Balochistan following intervention by Pakistan. That seems to be the prominent concern of China. In preventing the Pakistan-based terrorist from being declared as a global terrorist by the United Nations Security Council, China is, in fact, protecting its assets and interests, more than anything else.

China’s opposition to proscribing Azhar is baffling given that Jaish-e-Mohammed has already been blacklisted by the 15-nation Security Council of which China is one of the five permanent members. The Jaish was blacklisted by the UN Security Council in 2001, a year after its formation, following a deadly attack on Indian Parliament in December 2001, which had brought India and Pakistan on the verge of a fourth war. Strangely, China considers JeM an outlawed organisation, but not its leader? There seems to be a serious defect in the original charter of the United Nations which gave special powers to the P-5 countries. There is an urgent need for immediate rectification of this rule. Otherwise, any one permanent nation can keep on foiling adoption of any resolution. The best way is to introduce the rule of the majority within the five permanent members, otherwise, the international community would always be found wanting in arriving at any decision due to contradicting stand by one or other countries.

This is the fourth time that China has blocked a combined bid by the United States, France and the United Kingdom to declare Azhar a global terrorist by putting the proposal on a “technical hold” before eventually terminating it on the grounds that “there is no consensus” in the 1267 Committee of the UN Security Council. &nbsp;How can there be a consensus if one country (read China) continues with its unprincipled stand on Azhar? In 2017 also, it was the odd nation out in the 15-member Security Council when the P3 nations – the US, UK and France – sought to place Azhar on the 1267 sanctions list that would have entailed his travel ban and freezing of assets. While the proposal had the approval of all the other 14 members of the Security Council, it was China which censored it. Needless to say, China is misusing its veto power.

The dichotomy between China’s alleged commitment to fight terrorism and its action is quite evident as it is a signatory to the Xiamen Declaration signed in September 2017 at the 9th BRICS summit in the Chinese city of Xiamen. The Xiamen Declaration had called upon the international community to establish a "genuinely broad" international counter-terrorism coalition. Moreover, it was also a party to a decision of the five-member BRICS nations summit in Xiamen which had called for decisive action against militant groups based in Pakistan terming them as a security concern in the region. Some of the groups mentioned in the declaration included Taliban (Islamic State)..., Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad. The last two groups have been involved in several deadly attacks against India, including the latest one in Pulwama in which at least 40 paramilitary soldiers were martyred in a suicide attack, and which was claimed by Jaish.

What is China’s compulsion in protecting Azhar, who is, no doubt, a prized asset for Pakistan? Well, if the United Nations declares Azhar a global terrorist, then Pakistan will be compelled to arrest him and seize his assets. &nbsp;And this is something the Imran Khan government can’t afford to do fearing violence by an army of militants prepared by Azhar. Besides, Azhar has deep influence in the rural pockets of the country through his seminaries. His popularity soared during the devastating earthquake in 2005 when his seminaries provided financial and medical assistance to the affected people while the government agencies were found lacking in evacuation and rehabilitation works. Secondly and most importantly, he enjoys the support of the Pakistani army. Does Imran Khan, who himself has been propped up by the army, have the guts to go after Azhar? Your guess is as good as mine.

China, too, is aware of the predicament of its all-weather ally. &nbsp;Therefore, it has been repeatedly blocking any attempt to outlaw Azhar even at the expense of its own image. But while doing so, China risks global isolation.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

It’s the same old story as China has once again showed its intent on which side of terror it stands. Once again, it has torpedoed the United Nations efforts to ban Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.

It’s the same old story as China has once again showed its intent on which side of terror it stands. Once again, it has torpedoed the United Nations efforts to ban Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. It has been proved beyond doubt that China can’t be a trusted ally in the global war against terrorism. China’s action is in direct contrast to the position it has maintained publicly that it is opposed to any form of terrorism. The reason d'être behind China’s avid desire to protect Jaish chief is beyond explanation. Is it only to help its staunchest ally Pakistan or something else? China has pumped in billions of dollars in Pakistan and continues to do so. Its biggest ever infrastructure development plan – China-Pakistan Economic Corridor – itself is worth close to 60 billion dollars. Moreover, over 30,000 Chinese people, including engineers and construction workers, are posted there. China apprehends that its projects could be in jeopardy if it signalled any change in its policy vis-à-vis Masood Azhar. In the past, several Chinese engineers involved in the project have been attacked and abducted, and later released by militants active in the restive Balochistan following intervention by Pakistan. That seems to be the prominent concern of China. In preventing the Pakistan-based terrorist from being declared as a global terrorist by the United Nations Security Council, China is, in fact, protecting its assets and interests, more than anything else. China’s opposition to proscribing Azhar is baffling given that Jaish-e-Mohammed has already been blacklisted by the 15-nation Security Council of which China is one of the five permanent members. The Jaish was blacklisted by the UN Security Council in 2001, a year after its formation, following a deadly attack on Indian Parliament in December 2001, which had brought India and Pakistan on the verge of a fourth war. Strangely, China considers JeM an outlawed organisation, but not its leader? There seems to be a serious defect in the original charter of the United Nations which gave special powers to the P-5 countries. There is an urgent need for immediate rectification of this rule. Otherwise, any one permanent nation can keep on foiling adoption of any resolution. The best way is to introduce the rule of the majority within the five permanent members, otherwise, the international community would always be found wanting in arriving at any decision due to contradicting stand by one or other countries. This is the fourth time that China has blocked a combined bid by the United States, France and the United Kingdom to declare Azhar a global terrorist by putting the proposal on a “technical hold” before eventually terminating it on the grounds that “there is no consensus” in the 1267 Committee of the UN Security Council. How can there be a consensus if one country (read China) continues with its unprincipled stand on Azhar? In 2017 also, it was the odd nation out in the 15-member Security Council when the P3 nations – the US, UK and France – sought to place Azhar on the 1267 sanctions list that would have entailed his travel ban and freezing of assets. While the proposal had the approval of all the other 14 members of the Security Council, it was China which censored it. Needless to say, China is misusing its veto power. The dichotomy between China’s alleged commitment to fight terrorism and its action is quite evident as it is a signatory to the Xiamen Declaration signed in September 2017 at the 9th BRICS summit in the Chinese city of Xiamen. The Xiamen Declaration had called upon the international community to establish a "genuinely broad" international counter-terrorism coalition. Moreover, it was also a party to a decision of the five-member BRICS nations summit in Xiamen which had called for decisive action against militant groups based in Pakistan terming them as a security concern in the region. Some of the groups mentioned in the declaration included Taliban (Islamic State)..., Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad. The last two groups have been involved in several deadly attacks against India, including the latest one in Pulwama in which at least 40 paramilitary soldiers were martyred in a suicide attack, and which was claimed by Jaish. What is China’s compulsion in protecting Azhar, who is, no doubt, a prized asset for Pakistan? Well, if the United Nations declares Azhar a global terrorist, then Pakistan will be compelled to arrest him and seize his assets. And this is something the Imran Khan government can’t afford to do fearing violence by an army of militants prepared by Azhar. Besides, Azhar has deep influence in the rural pockets of the country through his seminaries. His popularity soared during the devastating earthquake in 2005 when his seminaries provided financial and medical assistance to the affected people while the government agencies were found lacking in evacuation and rehabilitation works. Secondly and most importantly, he enjoys the support of the Pakistani army. Does Imran Khan, who himself has been propped up by the army, have the guts to go after Azhar? Your guess is as good as mine. China, too, is aware of the predicament of its all-weather ally. Therefore, it has been repeatedly blocking any attempt to outlaw Azhar even at the expense of its own image. But while doing so, China risks global isolation. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

China blocking UN ban on Masood Azhar proves it can’t be a trusted ally in global war against terrorism

On the occasion of 70th years of the establishment of the people’s republic of China, it is crucial to analyze the future direction in the thirteenth national people’s congress this week. The salient feature of this ongoing national congress signifies how the defence spending rate is outpacing economic growth rate despite ongoing tariff war and rising debts in belt and road projects in many parts of the world. In this background, with utmost importance, one needs to analyse the implications of defence spending and economic growth rates for the year 2019 and beyond.   &nbsp;

Recently, Chinese prime minister Li Keqiang announced a projected GDP growth rate between 6 per cent and 6.5 per cent in 2019. He himself, earlier on many counts, mentioned about the manipulation in provided provincial economic data and statistics. For this, perhaps Chinese meritocratic system needs to blamed, where the success of provincial leaders to climb the CCP hierarchy ladder is primarily based on the economic performance of their province. &nbsp;

Thanks to Brookings Institution which, in the latest report, mentions that in 2017, the actual Chinese GDP was $10.77 trillion with the GDP growth rate at 4.9 per cent. For the same period, however, the overstated official figures on Chinese GDP was $12.24 trillion with the GDP growth rate of 6.9 per cent.  &nbsp;

Capital Economics one of the leading independent economic research companies recently reveals that China’s actual growth rate will be around 4.5 per cent for the period of 2018-2022; 2.8 per cent for the period of 2023-2030; and 1.5 per cent in the following decade. Against this backdrop of economic slowdown, China is pursuing a sort of foreign-economic relations to reclaim centre-stage in world politics. In this regard, the two latest incidents are worth mentioning to understand the Chinese foreign policy decision-making process through a realist lens in world politics. &nbsp;

Sino-Indian relations have been always bumpier but, it seems that both countries somehow learned to safeguard their national interests in multilateral forums like the United Nations, World Trade Organisation, BRICS, and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. India is the first country, who refused to join belt and road initiative (BRI) on the ground of sovereignty concern in China-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC) and non-transparency in dual-use (i.e. civil and military) infrastructure investments. One might argue that China is using terrorism as a foreign policy tool in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to maximise their geopolitical gains at the cost of the brutal killing of innocent civilians for example, China has put a technical hold fourth time on Pakistan-based UN-designated terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar.&nbsp;

China-Russia strategic partnership is not going through the best phase in their bilateral relationships too. In the latest event Gou Yunhai, a diplomat in the Chinese embassy of Moscow sent an offensive letter to the editorial team of Russian daily Nezavisimaya Gazeta (NG). In an attempt to curb the freedom of the Russian press, the diplomat demanded the immediate deletion of the published article regarding slowdown of the Chinese economy. Moreover, he also threatened the author of the published piece, Anastasia Bashkatova, deputy head of the economics department of the NG to put on the blacklist as a punishment to deny the possibility of any future visit to China. In the published piece, she mentioned about possible forthcoming social instability due to rising unemployment and poor health-care facilities in China. Then after referred the period between 2010 and 2018, where Chinese growth rate slowed down from 10.6 per cent to 6.6 per cent in accordance with the international monetary funds. Furthermore, she highlighted that due to fall in exports, unavailability of cheap labour and low domestic demands, this declining economic trend is going to be continued in the coming years too.  &nbsp;

Another takeaway is regarding the official Chinese narrative of slowing defence spending when indigenous military modernisation programme is in full swing. In 2019, China’s defence spending allocation is $177.5 billion in comparison with $750 billion for the US military budget. However, many believe that the actual Chinese defence spending is three times more than the official statistics for any given year. International Institute for Strategic Studies 2018 report mentions that China has launched more indigenous submarines, warships, amphibious vessels and auxiliaries than the total number of ships currently serving in the navies of Germany, India, Spain, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. An introduction of indigenous twin-engine J-20 stealth fighter has added another feather in the Chinese air power cap.  &nbsp;

Russian daily Nezavisimaya Gazeta (NG) quoted Wang Yongfei, a Chinese defence expert that despite the ongoing tariff war, China will not cut the budget for 04 aircraft carriers scheduled to be deployed by 2022. Many Russian strategic experts believe that with such large-scale financing, almost four times Russian defence spending, China has the potential to overtake Russia in terms of military power in the foreseeable future.  &nbsp;

In the backdrop of growing Chinese military prowess, hence one should ponder about some important questions: To what extent, China has leverage in political interference of the liberal democratic world order? Does China really need a military alliance to reclaim a centre-stage in world politics? Is China destined to fall into Thucydides’ trap? What will be the status of freedom of navigation in south china sea, east china sea, Taiwan Strait and Indo-pacific region in the future? Indeed, interesting times are ahead however, at this critical moment one can conclude the uncertainty in world politics is the only certain thing.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

&nbsp;

On the occasion of 70th years of the establishment of the people’s republic of China, it is crucial to analyze the future direction in the thirteenth national people’s congress this week.

On the occasion of 70th years of the establishment of the people’s republic of China, it is crucial to analyze the future direction in the thirteenth national people’s congress this week. The salient feature of this ongoing national congress signifies how the defence spending rate is outpacing economic growth rate despite ongoing tariff war and rising debts in belt and road projects in many parts of the world. In this background, with utmost importance, one needs to analyse the implications of defence spending and economic growth rates for the year 2019 and beyond.    Recently, Chinese prime minister Li Keqiang announced a projected GDP growth rate between 6 per cent and 6.5 per cent in 2019. He himself, earlier on many counts, mentioned about the manipulation in provided provincial economic data and statistics. For this, perhaps Chinese meritocratic system needs to blamed, where the success of provincial leaders to climb the CCP hierarchy ladder is primarily based on the economic performance of their province.  Thanks to Brookings Institution which, in the latest report, mentions that in 2017, the actual Chinese GDP was $10.77 trillion with the GDP growth rate at 4.9 per cent. For the same period, however, the overstated official figures on Chinese GDP was $12.24 trillion with the GDP growth rate of 6.9 per cent.   Capital Economics one of the leading independent economic research companies recently reveals that China’s actual growth rate will be around 4.5 per cent for the period of 2018-2022; 2.8 per cent for the period of 2023-2030; and 1.5 per cent in the following decade. Against this backdrop of economic slowdown, China is pursuing a sort of foreign-economic relations to reclaim centre-stage in world politics. In this regard, the two latest incidents are worth mentioning to understand the Chinese foreign policy decision-making process through a realist lens in world politics.  Sino-Indian relations have been always bumpier but, it seems that both countries somehow learned to safeguard their national interests in multilateral forums like the United Nations, World Trade Organisation, BRICS, and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. India is the first country, who refused to join belt and road initiative (BRI) on the ground of sovereignty concern in China-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC) and non-transparency in dual-use (i.e. civil and military) infrastructure investments. One might argue that China is using terrorism as a foreign policy tool in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to maximise their geopolitical gains at the cost of the brutal killing of innocent civilians for example, China has put a technical hold fourth time on Pakistan-based UN-designated terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar. China-Russia strategic partnership is not going through the best phase in their bilateral relationships too. In the latest event Gou Yunhai, a diplomat in the Chinese embassy of Moscow sent an offensive letter to the editorial team of Russian daily Nezavisimaya Gazeta (NG). In an attempt to curb the freedom of the Russian press, the diplomat demanded the immediate deletion of the published article regarding slowdown of the Chinese economy. Moreover, he also threatened the author of the published piece, Anastasia Bashkatova, deputy head of the economics department of the NG to put on the blacklist as a punishment to deny the possibility of any future visit to China. In the published piece, she mentioned about possible forthcoming social instability due to rising unemployment and poor health-care facilities in China. Then after referred the period between 2010 and 2018, where Chinese growth rate slowed down from 10.6 per cent to 6.6 per cent in accordance with the international monetary funds. Furthermore, she highlighted that due to fall in exports, unavailability of cheap labour and low domestic demands, this declining economic trend is going to be continued in the coming years too.   Another takeaway is regarding the official Chinese narrative of slowing defence spending when indigenous military modernisation programme is in full swing. In 2019, China’s defence spending allocation is $177.5 billion in comparison with $750 billion for the US military budget. However, many believe that the actual Chinese defence spending is three times more than the official statistics for any given year. International Institute for Strategic Studies 2018 report mentions that China has launched more indigenous submarines, warships, amphibious vessels and auxiliaries than the total number of ships currently serving in the navies of Germany, India, Spain, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. An introduction of indigenous twin-engine J-20 stealth fighter has added another feather in the Chinese air power cap.   Russian daily Nezavisimaya Gazeta (NG) quoted Wang Yongfei, a Chinese defence expert that despite the ongoing tariff war, China will not cut the budget for 04 aircraft carriers scheduled to be deployed by 2022. Many Russian strategic experts believe that with such large-scale financing, almost four times Russian defence spending, China has the potential to overtake Russia in terms of military power in the foreseeable future.   In the backdrop of growing Chinese military prowess, hence one should ponder about some important questions: To what extent, China has leverage in political interference of the liberal democratic world order? Does China really need a military alliance to reclaim a centre-stage in world politics? Is China destined to fall into Thucydides’ trap? What will be the status of freedom of navigation in south china sea, east china sea, Taiwan Strait and Indo-pacific region in the future? Indeed, interesting times are ahead however, at this critical moment one can conclude the uncertainty in world politics is the only certain thing. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Decoding China's objection to UN ban on JeM chief Masood Azhar

SCL Das, Joint Secy, MHA briefs media on India-Pakistan meeting on Kartarpur corridor

The Congress party has launched its pan-India campaign for the general elections by targetting the BJP and the Narendra Modi government by holding it responsible for all the problems of the country.

The ruling BJP has responded to the Congress attack by going on the offensive and questioning the Congress culture and pointing out how it has deviated from the path shown by Mahatma Gandhi and the freedom fighters who had sacrificed their all for the cause of the nation.

Addressing a Congress rally at Adalaj village of Gandhinagar district in Gujarat after a meeting of the Congress Working Committee on Tuesday, the newly appointed Congress National Congress general secretary of eastern UP, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, said that the government was not talking about the real issues while people were being divided and hatred was being spread. She also laid stress on the need for building awareness among the people. Equating awareness with patriotism, she said that if it is used as a weapon without harming anyone, the county will become strong.

On this occasion, Congress President Rahul Gandhi took a dig at Prime Minister Modi and the BJP led NDA Government at the Centre. He referred to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as Gabbar Singh Tax equating it with the brute character by the same name in Sholay, the much acclaimed and popular Bollywood blockbuster.

Blunting the Congress tirade against him and the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been quick in going into the overdrive mode and calling upon influencers from all fields, including politics, industry, sports, films and other walks of life to take the lead in spreading voter awareness and value of high voting. He has expressed the hope that these elections would witness the highest ever turnout in the history of Indian elections!"

Paying tributes to Gandhi ji and all those who had marched with him to Dandi, PM Modi has shared his thoughts on the Dandi March – especially the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and his aversion to the Congress culture on his blog. Highlighting Mahatma Gandhi's concern for the poor, Modi has said that in all aspects of his government’s work, the guiding consideration is the welfare and progress of the deprived sections but sadly, the antithesis of Gandhian thought is the Congress culture.

Modi’s argument comes like a knockout punch vis-a-vis the main opposition when he says in a matter of fact manner: “Mahatma Gandhi was a firm believer in democracy. Ironically, Congress imposed Emergency and trampled over the democratic spirit. The Congress misused Article 356 several times. If they did not like a leader, that Government was dismissed. Always eager to promote dynastic culture, Congress has no regard for democratic values. Gandhi Ji had understood the Congress culture very well, which is why he wanted the Congress disbanded, especially after 1947.”

What Modi has pointed out on his blog is already a topic of discussion on social media and also in drawing room circles and among the commoners on the street. Modi’s stock has grown manifold particularly after the air strike against the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps in Pakistan in the wake of the Pulwama attack. The anti-terror operation inside Pakistani territory is being treated as a turning point in the war on terror and the Government of India’s strategy to handle the Kashmir crisis.

It’s advantage Modi and the BJP at this stage when campaigning is still picking up for the Lok Sabha elections, as the Congress refuses to come on the same page with the government of India on the crucial issue of terrorism and national security.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The Congress party has launched its pan-India campaign for the general elections by targetting the BJP and the Narendra Modi government by holding it responsible for all the problems of the country.

The Congress party has launched its pan-India campaign for the general elections by targetting the BJP and the Narendra Modi government by holding it responsible for all the problems of the country. The ruling BJP has responded to the Congress attack by going on the offensive and questioning the Congress culture and pointing out how it has deviated from the path shown by Mahatma Gandhi and the freedom fighters who had sacrificed their all for the cause of the nation. Addressing a Congress rally at Adalaj village of Gandhinagar district in Gujarat after a meeting of the Congress Working Committee on Tuesday, the newly appointed Congress National Congress general secretary of eastern UP, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, said that the government was not talking about the real issues while people were being divided and hatred was being spread. She also laid stress on the need for building awareness among the people. Equating awareness with patriotism, she said that if it is used as a weapon without harming anyone, the county will become strong. On this occasion, Congress President Rahul Gandhi took a dig at Prime Minister Modi and the BJP led NDA Government at the Centre. He referred to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as Gabbar Singh Tax equating it with the brute character by the same name in Sholay, the much acclaimed and popular Bollywood blockbuster. Blunting the Congress tirade against him and the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been quick in going into the overdrive mode and calling upon influencers from all fields, including politics, industry, sports, films and other walks of life to take the lead in spreading voter awareness and value of high voting. He has expressed the hope that these elections would witness the highest ever turnout in the history of Indian elections!" Paying tributes to Gandhi ji and all those who had marched with him to Dandi, PM Modi has shared his thoughts on the Dandi March – especially the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and his aversion to the Congress culture on his blog. Highlighting Mahatma Gandhi's concern for the poor, Modi has said that in all aspects of his government’s work, the guiding consideration is the welfare and progress of the deprived sections but sadly, the antithesis of Gandhian thought is the Congress culture. Modi’s argument comes like a knockout punch vis-a-vis the main opposition when he says in a matter of fact manner: “Mahatma Gandhi was a firm believer in democracy. Ironically, Congress imposed Emergency and trampled over the democratic spirit. The Congress misused Article 356 several times. If they did not like a leader, that Government was dismissed. Always eager to promote dynastic culture, Congress has no regard for democratic values. Gandhi Ji had understood the Congress culture very well, which is why he wanted the Congress disbanded, especially after 1947.” What Modi has pointed out on his blog is already a topic of discussion on social media and also in drawing room circles and among the commoners on the street. Modi’s stock has grown manifold particularly after the air strike against the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps in Pakistan in the wake of the Pulwama attack. The anti-terror operation inside Pakistani territory is being treated as a turning point in the war on terror and the Government of India’s strategy to handle the Kashmir crisis. It’s advantage Modi and the BJP at this stage when campaigning is still picking up for the Lok Sabha elections, as the Congress refuses to come on the same page with the government of India on the crucial issue of terrorism and national security. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

On the issues of ideology and national security, it’s advantage Narendra Modi and BJP all the way

The Indian government, in the aftermath of Pulwama, announced its intention to maximise the use of water flowing to Pakistan via the Indus system. As a multipronged strategy, India shifted its focus on the Indus Water Treaty (IWT).&nbsp;

The geographical setting of the Indus river system has facilitated partitioning of the six rivers in equal numbers between the two riparian countries under the 1960 IWT, which was achieved after nine years of intense negotiation under the aegis of the World Bank. &nbsp;

Pakistan, being one the world’s most arid countries, with an average rainfall of less than 240 mm, is quite dependent on Indus waters. Under the Treaty, India was given control over the water flowing in the three 'eastern' rivers of the Indus River System (Beas, Ravi and Sutlej) with the mean flow of 33 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 20 per cent of the annual flow of all Indus Rivers (168 MAF). In contrast, Pakistan was given control over the water flowing from the 2 'western’ rivers (Chenab and Jhelum) with a mean flow of 80 MAF that corresponds to 80 per cent of the annual flow.&nbsp;

Although India has retained the right to use the 'western' rivers on the non-consumptive basis (power generation/industrial consumption/navigation) so as not to affect the volume of water flowing into these rivers, it has done little in effectively addressing the severe water crisis afflicting the Indian portion of the Indus Basin.&nbsp;

Political ecologists and critics of the scarcity discourse have established that social power dynamics shape water issues in the Indus basin, especially when both countries deal with acute drought. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2003, the Jammu &amp; Kashmir state assembly passed an unanimous resolution for the abrogation of the Treaty, which further re-asserted the need for its revision in 2016. &nbsp;

On the face of it, this Treaty is heavily skewed in favour of Pakistan, which enjoys a lion’s share of the water and its utilisation. The treaty has not considered Gujarat – the lowermost riparian area - as part of the Indus river basin, as the Great Rann of Kutch area was disputed territory between the two nations. This was settled in 1968 by sharing the total disputed area in a 9:1 ratio between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

Since the ratification of the treaty, over the past over 58 years, India and Pakistan have not engaged in any water wars. This is partly due to the fact that India has failed to utilise its share of the waters, allowing unused waters to flow into Pakistan.&nbsp;

Effective and complete utilisation of Indus waters falling in India’s share is the first step towards harvesting the Treaty and this has not been objected to by Pakistan, as evidenced from the February 21, 2019, statement of its Ministry of Water Resources. It is imperative that India should consider active utilisation of the 'western' rivers, albeit for non-consumptive basis.&nbsp;

The formal inauguration of the Kishanganga Hydropower project in J&amp;K in May 2018 is a salutary step in this direction, even though it just marks a beginning.&nbsp;

India has an abundance of small dams and barrages in the Indus basin. Pakistan’s objection to such projects was overruled by the Court of Arbitration under the Treaty, which paves the way for India to install and run several projects on the `western’ rivers, hitherto flowing un-channelled into Pakistan.&nbsp;

These projects will serve as an effective tool in India’s hand to remind Pakistan that India will not hesitate to harness the waters flowing into Pakistan beyond the contours of the Treaty, in the event of a war or war-like situation between the two nations.&nbsp;

Every single dimension of human activity in this basin, whether economic, social, or political, is burdened with a huge handicap arising from the basin’s sovereignty-based, resource-dividing and relentless unilateralism.

India must consider setting up of a dedicated specialised body dealing exclusively with effective utilisation of the rivers under the Treaty. This body may be tasked with the study of the Indus river basins in India, determination of the needs of each state wherein the river basins exist, formulating state-wise projects on the rivers and their basins and time-bound implementation of these projects.&nbsp;

Besides ensuring the development of effective canal systems to ease the perennial water shortages for home consumption and agriculture, the body could also explore the feasibility of channeling excess water from these rivers to other river basins.&nbsp;

This will usher a new phase of infrastructure development and economic growth in this perennially neglected basin.&nbsp;

The two co-riparian neighbours are often at loggerheads over water resources. It is frequently asked whether India or Pakistan can unilaterally abrogate the treaty? The answer is No.&nbsp;

Article 12 of the treaty states that “the provisions of this Treaty, or, the provisions of this Treaty as modified under the provisions of Paragraph (3), shall continue in force until terminated by a duly ratified treaty concluded for that purpose between the two governments.”

The IWT is about sharing of water of six rivers — Indus, Chenab, Jhelum, Beas, Ravi and Sutlej — between India and Pakistan. The importance of the Indus basin to the co-riparian states extends far beyond the immediately tangible material benefits in terms of its waters and any failure to cooperate risks the future of this basin and the future water security of generations to come. &nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-the-classic-no-win-situation-2728748">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The Indian government, in the aftermath of Pulwama, announced its intention to maximise the use of water flowing to Pakistan via the Indus system. As a multipronged strategy, India shifted its focus on the Indus Water Treaty (IWT).

The Indian government, in the aftermath of Pulwama, announced its intention to maximise the use of water flowing to Pakistan via the Indus system. As a multipronged strategy, India shifted its focus on the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). The geographical setting of the Indus river system has facilitated partitioning of the six rivers in equal numbers between the two riparian countries under the 1960 IWT, which was achieved after nine years of intense negotiation under the aegis of the World Bank. Pakistan, being one the world’s most arid countries, with an average rainfall of less than 240 mm, is quite dependent on Indus waters. Under the Treaty, India was given control over the water flowing in the three 'eastern' rivers of the Indus River System (Beas, Ravi and Sutlej) with the mean flow of 33 million acre-feet (MAF), which is 20 per cent of the annual flow of all Indus Rivers (168 MAF). In contrast, Pakistan was given control over the water flowing from the 2 'western’ rivers (Chenab and Jhelum) with a mean flow of 80 MAF that corresponds to 80 per cent of the annual flow. Although India has retained the right to use the 'western' rivers on the non-consumptive basis (power generation/industrial consumption/navigation) so as not to affect the volume of water flowing into these rivers, it has done little in effectively addressing the severe water crisis afflicting the Indian portion of the Indus Basin. Political ecologists and critics of the scarcity discourse have established that social power dynamics shape water issues in the Indus basin, especially when both countries deal with acute drought. In 2003, the Jammu & Kashmir state assembly passed an unanimous resolution for the abrogation of the Treaty, which further re-asserted the need for its revision in 2016. On the face of it, this Treaty is heavily skewed in favour of Pakistan, which enjoys a lion’s share of the water and its utilisation. The treaty has not considered Gujarat – the lowermost riparian area - as part of the Indus river basin, as the Great Rann of Kutch area was disputed territory between the two nations. This was settled in 1968 by sharing the total disputed area in a 9:1 ratio between India and Pakistan. Since the ratification of the treaty, over the past over 58 years, India and Pakistan have not engaged in any water wars. This is partly due to the fact that India has failed to utilise its share of the waters, allowing unused waters to flow into Pakistan. Effective and complete utilisation of Indus waters falling in India’s share is the first step towards harvesting the Treaty and this has not been objected to by Pakistan, as evidenced from the February 21, 2019, statement of its Ministry of Water Resources. It is imperative that India should consider active utilisation of the 'western' rivers, albeit for non-consumptive basis. The formal inauguration of the Kishanganga Hydropower project in J&K in May 2018 is a salutary step in this direction, even though it just marks a beginning. India has an abundance of small dams and barrages in the Indus basin. Pakistan’s objection to such projects was overruled by the Court of Arbitration under the Treaty, which paves the way for India to install and run several projects on the `western’ rivers, hitherto flowing un-channelled into Pakistan. These projects will serve as an effective tool in India’s hand to remind Pakistan that India will not hesitate to harness the waters flowing into Pakistan beyond the contours of the Treaty, in the event of a war or war-like situation between the two nations. Every single dimension of human activity in this basin, whether economic, social, or political, is burdened with a huge handicap arising from the basin’s sovereignty-based, resource-dividing and relentless unilateralism. India must consider setting up of a dedicated specialised body dealing exclusively with effective utilisation of the rivers under the Treaty. This body may be tasked with the study of the Indus river basins in India, determination of the needs of each state wherein the river basins exist, formulating state-wise projects on the rivers and their basins and time-bound implementation of these projects. Besides ensuring the development of effective canal systems to ease the perennial water shortages for home consumption and agriculture, the body could also explore the feasibility of channeling excess water from these rivers to other river basins. This will usher a new phase of infrastructure development and economic growth in this perennially neglected basin. The two co-riparian neighbours are often at loggerheads over water resources. It is frequently asked whether India or Pakistan can unilaterally abrogate the treaty? The answer is No. Article 12 of the treaty states that “the provisions of this Treaty, or, the provisions of this Treaty as modified under the provisions of Paragraph (3), shall continue in force until terminated by a duly ratified treaty concluded for that purpose between the two governments.” The IWT is about sharing of water of six rivers — Indus, Chenab, Jhelum, Beas, Ravi and Sutlej — between India and Pakistan. The importance of the Indus basin to the co-riparian states extends far beyond the immediately tangible material benefits in terms of its waters and any failure to cooperate risks the future of this basin and the future water security of generations to come. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

India must ensure effective and complete utilisation of Indus waters

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in on Friday welcomed de-escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan that were on the rise since the Pulwama attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama region. However, the Chinese foreign minister made no&nbsp;mention of Pakistan support's to terrorism on its soil.

Addressing the annual presser in Beijing,&nbsp;Wang Yi said, "China has played a constructive role and both India and Pakistan have indicated the desire to de-escalate and we welcome this."

The foreign minister also did not make any comments on the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar under the UN terror list.&nbsp;

The development comes in the backdrop of India Pakistan tensions. Last week in response to India's anti-terror operation in Balakot, Pakistan launched strikes on Indian military installations.&nbsp;

Wan Yi also called 2018 a year of "great significance for China India relations" and added, cooperation between the two countries should "surge ahead like Ganga and the Yangtze giving a strong and sustained impetus to our relationship."

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping both have met four times in 2018 starting with the famous Wuhan informal summit in April to the last meeting on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina.

Wang Yi said, "Over the past year government departments on both sides have done a lot and made considerable progress in following through on many of the understandings reached between our leaders. The priority now is that strategic understanding of our leaders trickles down to our common people".

Chinese President will be coming to India in 2019 for the second informal summit between both countries.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in on Friday welcomed de-escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan that were on the rise since the Pulwama attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama region.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in on Friday welcomed de-escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan that were on the rise since the Pulwama attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama region. However, the Chinese foreign minister made no mention of Pakistan support's to terrorism on its soil. Addressing the annual presser in Beijing, Wang Yi said, "China has played a constructive role and both India and Pakistan have indicated the desire to de-escalate and we welcome this." The foreign minister also did not make any comments on the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar under the UN terror list. The development comes in the backdrop of India Pakistan tensions. Last week in response to India's anti-terror operation in Balakot, Pakistan launched strikes on Indian military installations. Wan Yi also called 2018 a year of "great significance for China India relations" and added, cooperation between the two countries should "surge ahead like Ganga and the Yangtze giving a strong and sustained impetus to our relationship." The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping both have met four times in 2018 starting with the famous Wuhan informal summit in April to the last meeting on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina. Wang Yi said, "Over the past year government departments on both sides have done a lot and made considerable progress in following through on many of the understandings reached between our leaders. The priority now is that strategic understanding of our leaders trickles down to our common people". Chinese President will be coming to India in 2019 for the second informal summit between both countries.

China welcomes de-escalation of Indo-Pak tensions; makes no mention of Masood Azhar in annual presser

UN chief Antonio Guterres is "continually" monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan and his office is available to both parties, his spokesperson said.

A spokesman for the Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric was asked if the UN chief had spoken with the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions between the two nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours.&nbsp;

"The Secretary-General and members of his staff are in touch"&nbsp;have been in touch with the parties at various levels. We continually monitor the situation and [are] available to the parties," Spokesman for the Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric told reporters here Thursday.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Dujarric had said that the Secretary General had not spoken with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan over the situation between the two nations but had expressed his concern to officials on both sides on the need to de-escalate tensions.&nbsp;

"We're fully aware of the situation. The Secretary General has had no calls with those two Heads of Government as far as I'm aware, but he's had contacts with both sides to express, I think, his concern and the need to do as much as anyone can to de-escalate the tensions," Dujarric had said at the daily press briefing Tuesday.&nbsp;

When asked if the Secretary-General is planning to get involved to try and mediate a de-escalation, Dujarric had said last week that "as always", the Secretary General's good offices are always "available should both parties or all parties, depending on the situation, agree to do that".&nbsp;

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

India launched a counter-terror operation in Balakot on February 26. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured its pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.&nbsp;

UN chief Antonio Guterres is "continually" monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan and his office is available to both parties, his spokesperson said.

UN chief Antonio Guterres is "continually" monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan and his office is available to both parties, his spokesperson said. A spokesman for the Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric was asked if the UN chief had spoken with the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions between the two nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours. "The Secretary-General and members of his staff are in touch" have been in touch with the parties at various levels. We continually monitor the situation and [are] available to the parties," Spokesman for the Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric told reporters here Thursday. Earlier this week, Dujarric had said that the Secretary General had not spoken with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan over the situation between the two nations but had expressed his concern to officials on both sides on the need to de-escalate tensions. "We're fully aware of the situation. The Secretary General has had no calls with those two Heads of Government as far as I'm aware, but he's had contacts with both sides to express, I think, his concern and the need to do as much as anyone can to de-escalate the tensions," Dujarric had said at the daily press briefing Tuesday. When asked if the Secretary-General is planning to get involved to try and mediate a de-escalation, Dujarric had said last week that "as always", the Secretary General's good offices are always "available should both parties or all parties, depending on the situation, agree to do that". Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. India launched a counter-terror operation in Balakot on February 26. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured its pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.

United Nations chief continually monitoring situation between India, Pakistan: Spokesperson

Pune district administration on Thursday granted Indian citizenship to 45 Pakistani nationals, who had migrated to India long back and were staying in the city for the past many years.

Fearing atrocities in their native nation the applicants, who belonged to the minority community had migrated from Pakistan.

"The Collector Office Pune has issued a certificate to 45 people today. These applications were pending at several levels and offices including FRO and other offices for so many years. We have done away with the tedious process of granting citizenship which took months and years and have made it hassle-free," Pune District Collector Naval Kishore Ram said.

"After the amendment in the Citizenship Act, the district collector has been empowered to give citizenship to applicants from the minorities. As per that amendment, I have given the citizenship to these persons after I got clearances from the Intelligence Bureau (IB). I called them on a single day for signing on all affidavits and have cleared their application as these rights are now with the collector" he said. Talking about his struggles in Pakistan, Jaykash Nebhvani, one of the migrants who got the Indian Citizenship told ANI,

"We faced a lot of troubles in Pakistan and then struggled here to get nationality, finally we got it."

"It has been 20 years now, we came here to attend a marriage and I said to my husband that we must stay here only. There we were afraid of even stepping outside our houses because of the kidnappings and other things," said another migrant Laj Virwani.

Echoing similar sentiments Rakhi Aswani said, "I came here in 2008 and because of my Pakistani passport it was hard for me to go out of India and I have to take special permission from the government to go and meet my family in the Philippines. But now I have Indian citizenship and can go anywhere."

While Om Prakash asserted that Pakistan was 'unsafe'&nbsp;place. There, parents are afraid of letting their children go outside because of the kidnappings and other crimes.

Pune district administration on Thursday granted Indian citizenship to 45 Pakistani nationals, who had migrated to India long back and were staying in the city for the past many years.

Pune district administration on Thursday granted Indian citizenship to 45 Pakistani nationals, who had migrated to India long back and were staying in the city for the past many years. Fearing atrocities in their native nation the applicants, who belonged to the minority community had migrated from Pakistan. "The Collector Office Pune has issued a certificate to 45 people today. These applications were pending at several levels and offices including FRO and other offices for so many years. We have done away with the tedious process of granting citizenship which took months and years and have made it hassle-free," Pune District Collector Naval Kishore Ram said. "After the amendment in the Citizenship Act, the district collector has been empowered to give citizenship to applicants from the minorities. As per that amendment, I have given the citizenship to these persons after I got clearances from the Intelligence Bureau (IB). I called them on a single day for signing on all affidavits and have cleared their application as these rights are now with the collector" he said. Talking about his struggles in Pakistan, Jaykash Nebhvani, one of the migrants who got the Indian Citizenship told ANI, "We faced a lot of troubles in Pakistan and then struggled here to get nationality, finally we got it." "It has been 20 years now, we came here to attend a marriage and I said to my husband that we must stay here only. There we were afraid of even stepping outside our houses because of the kidnappings and other things," said another migrant Laj Virwani. Echoing similar sentiments Rakhi Aswani said, "I came here in 2008 and because of my Pakistani passport it was hard for me to go out of India and I have to take special permission from the government to go and meet my family in the Philippines. But now I have Indian citizenship and can go anywhere." While Om Prakash asserted that Pakistan was 'unsafe' place. There, parents are afraid of letting their children go outside because of the kidnappings and other crimes.

45 Pakistani nationals granted Indian citizenship in Pune

China on Thursday expressed its concern about the situation between Pakistan and India and asked both nuclear-armed nations to refrain from aggravating the situation in Kashmir.

It also asked both the countries to initiate the dialogue to restore "peace and stability".

"China was very concerned about the situation between Pakistan and India. China maintains that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be earnestly respected, and is unwilling to see acts that violate the norms of international relations," SCMP quoted Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou as saying.

Kong made these remarks during a two-day visit to Islamabad. The Chinese deputy foreign Minister remarks come on the heels of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

A day after India launched "pre-emptive" and "non-military" strike against JeM in Pakistan's Balakot, the fighter jets of the two countries engaged in a dogfight in the skies of Jammu and Kashmir after Pakistani F-16 planes transgressed into the Indian air space.

Tensions between India and Pakistan heightened following the February 14 attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in Pulwama in which 40 personnel were killed and five injured.

China on Thursday expressed its concern about the situation between Pakistan and India and asked both nuclear-armed nations to refrain from aggravating the situation in Kashmir.

China on Thursday expressed its concern about the situation between Pakistan and India and asked both nuclear-armed nations to refrain from aggravating the situation in Kashmir. It also asked both the countries to initiate the dialogue to restore "peace and stability". "China was very concerned about the situation between Pakistan and India. China maintains that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be earnestly respected, and is unwilling to see acts that violate the norms of international relations," SCMP quoted Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou as saying. Kong made these remarks during a two-day visit to Islamabad. The Chinese deputy foreign Minister remarks come on the heels of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. A day after India launched "pre-emptive" and "non-military" strike against JeM in Pakistan's Balakot, the fighter jets of the two countries engaged in a dogfight in the skies of Jammu and Kashmir after Pakistani F-16 planes transgressed into the Indian air space. Tensions between India and Pakistan heightened following the February 14 attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in Pulwama in which 40 personnel were killed and five injured.

China asks India, Pakistan to initiate dialogue to restore 'peace and stability'

Kartarpur corridor construction in full swing, will open in November

A team of United Nations and&nbsp; World Wildlife Fund will visit Balakot in Pakistan today to take a witness account on the loss of trees in the strikes by India earlier, officials from Pakistan's Ministry of climate change&nbsp;told WION.

Tensions have been high between India and Pakistan after around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14, the responsibility of which has been claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/radar-satellite-images-of-iaf-strikes-in-balakot-show-significant-damage-sources-201636">Radar, satellite images of IAF strike on Pakistan's Balakot show 'significant damage'</a>

In retaliation, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-pilots-werent-supposed-to-land-and-count-number-of-terrorists-killed-in-balakot-rajnath-singh-201634">Indian Air Force carried out anti-terror strikes</a> at a JeM terror training camp in Pakistan's Balakot last week, in which a large number of terrorists were killed, according to Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.

Following the IAF strikes, Pakistan was planning to lodge a complaint against India at the United Nations, accusing it of "eco-terrorism".

Climate Change Minister Malik Amin Aslam had said Indian jets bombed a "forest reserve" and the government was undertaking an environmental impact assessment, which will be the basis of a complaint at the United Nations and other forums.

Today, officials from the&nbsp;Pakistani ministry of climate change told WION&nbsp;that&nbsp;"a total of 19 trees were severely damaged due to the Balakot air strikes last week".

The United Nations states that "destruction of the environment, not justified by military necessity and carried out wantonly, is clearly contrary to existing international law", according to the UN&nbsp;General Assembly resolution 47/37.

In the wake of Pulwama terror attack, there is mounting international pressure on Pakistan to cease providing support and a safe haven to terrorists and terror outfits.

(With inputs from news agencies)

A team of United Nations and World Wildlife Fund will visit Balakot in Pakistan today to take a witness account on the loss of trees in the strikes by India earlier, officials from Pakistan's Ministry of climate change told WION.

A team of United Nations and World Wildlife Fund will visit Balakot in Pakistan today to take a witness account on the loss of trees in the strikes by India earlier, officials from Pakistan's Ministry of climate change told WION. Tensions have been high between India and Pakistan after around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14, the responsibility of which has been claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Also read: Radar, satellite images of IAF strike on Pakistan's Balakot show 'significant damage' In retaliation, the Indian Air Force carried out anti-terror strikes at a JeM terror training camp in Pakistan's Balakot last week, in which a large number of terrorists were killed, according to Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale. Following the IAF strikes, Pakistan was planning to lodge a complaint against India at the United Nations, accusing it of "eco-terrorism". Climate Change Minister Malik Amin Aslam had said Indian jets bombed a "forest reserve" and the government was undertaking an environmental impact assessment, which will be the basis of a complaint at the United Nations and other forums. Today, officials from the Pakistani ministry of climate change told WION that "a total of 19 trees were severely damaged due to the Balakot air strikes last week". The United Nations states that "destruction of the environment, not justified by military necessity and carried out wantonly, is clearly contrary to existing international law", according to the UN General Assembly resolution 47/37. In the wake of Pulwama terror attack, there is mounting international pressure on Pakistan to cease providing support and a safe haven to terrorists and terror outfits. (With inputs from news agencies)

Pakistan: UN, WWF team to visit Balakot to account 'loss' of trees due to IAF strikes

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday said, India wants to have good relations with all its neighbours but Pakistan has made terrorism a state policy.

He was interacting with the Indian community at Paraguay.

"We want to have good relations, including with all our neighbours. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee said you can change friends, but you cannot change your neighbour. Keeping that in mind we are trying our best,"&nbsp;said Vice President Naidu.

"But one of our neighbours has made terrorism a state policy. They are aiding, funding, training terrorists. Time and again, they have been persuaded, they make public commitments, but never stop funding terrorism,"&nbsp;he added.

The Vice President dubbed terrorism as an enemy of humanity and said, "It (terrorism) has no religion. It is mad and bad. It should be eliminated from the globe. That is possible only when the entire international community comes together."

He said that India is capable of fighting with the terrorist on its own. "We do not want any kind of support to fight terror in India. We are capable. We have shown our capacity recently. When they attacked CRPF and killed 40 people, the response was given. IAF not attacked military in Pakistan, didn`t harm a single citizen and precisely hit the target,"&nbsp;said Naidu.

The Vice President also hit out at the opposition parties for questioning the outcome of air strike and said "Now the discussion is going about casualties. It is for them to count the numbers. Yesterday, Home Minister suggested that if anyone has doubts, they can visit Pakistan and inquire Pakistan government. We don`t want war, but can`t be a silent spectator to nonsense going on for a war."

The Vice President is on a two-day visit to the Latin American Country. Venkaiah Naidu is accompanied by a high-level delegation consisting of the Minister of State for Tourism KJ Alphons, Ram Kumar Kashyap, Member of Parliament and senior officials from the Government of India.

Naidu met with the President of the Republic of Paraguay, HE Mario Abdo Benítez, the Vice President, HE Hugo Velázquez, and the President of the National Congress (Senate), HE Silvio Ovelar.

Both sides agreed that terrorism posed a grave threat to global peace and stability, stressing that there could be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds whatsoever.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday said, India wants to have good relations with all its neighbours but Pakistan has made terrorism a state policy. He was interacting with the Indian community at Paraguay.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday said, India wants to have good relations with all its neighbours but Pakistan has made terrorism a state policy. He was interacting with the Indian community at Paraguay. "We want to have good relations, including with all our neighbours. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee said you can change friends, but you cannot change your neighbour. Keeping that in mind we are trying our best," said Vice President Naidu. "But one of our neighbours has made terrorism a state policy. They are aiding, funding, training terrorists. Time and again, they have been persuaded, they make public commitments, but never stop funding terrorism," he added. The Vice President dubbed terrorism as an enemy of humanity and said, "It (terrorism) has no religion. It is mad and bad. It should be eliminated from the globe. That is possible only when the entire international community comes together." He said that India is capable of fighting with the terrorist on its own. "We do not want any kind of support to fight terror in India. We are capable. We have shown our capacity recently. When they attacked CRPF and killed 40 people, the response was given. IAF not attacked military in Pakistan, didn`t harm a single citizen and precisely hit the target," said Naidu. The Vice President also hit out at the opposition parties for questioning the outcome of air strike and said "Now the discussion is going about casualties. It is for them to count the numbers. Yesterday, Home Minister suggested that if anyone has doubts, they can visit Pakistan and inquire Pakistan government. We don`t want war, but can`t be a silent spectator to nonsense going on for a war." The Vice President is on a two-day visit to the Latin American Country. Venkaiah Naidu is accompanied by a high-level delegation consisting of the Minister of State for Tourism KJ Alphons, Ram Kumar Kashyap, Member of Parliament and senior officials from the Government of India. Naidu met with the President of the Republic of Paraguay, HE Mario Abdo Benítez, the Vice President, HE Hugo Velázquez, and the President of the National Congress (Senate), HE Silvio Ovelar. Both sides agreed that terrorism posed a grave threat to global peace and stability, stressing that there could be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds whatsoever.

Pakistan has made terrorism state policy: Vice President Venkaiah Naidu at Paraguay

Pakistan on Wednesday again extended the general closure of its airspace for an additional day, making it the seventh day in a row that airspace over the country has been restricted.

The general closure of airspace has been extended till Thursday (March 7), said the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan.

The only airports functional in the country are those of Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Islamabad, Lahore, and Faisalabad, subject to routing restrictions.

The Notice to the Airmen, or NOTAM, was put in place on March 1 on the expiration of a previously issued NOTAM that was in place in the wake of tensions between India and Pakistan.

Pakistan had earlier opened its airspace for commercial flights in phases from March 1, according to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Tensions have been high between India and Pakistan after around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14, the responsibility of which has been claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

Following this, the Indian Air Force carried out anti-terror strikes at a JeM terror training camp in Pakistan`s Balakot last week, in which a large number of terrorists were killed, according to Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.

There is mounting international pressure on Pakistan to cease providing support and a safe haven to terrorists and terror outfits in the wake of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Pakistan on Wednesday again extended the general closure of its airspace for an additional day, making it the seventh day in a row that airspace over the country has been restricted.

Pakistan on Wednesday again extended the general closure of its airspace for an additional day, making it the seventh day in a row that airspace over the country has been restricted. The general closure of airspace has been extended till Thursday (March 7), said the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan. The only airports functional in the country are those of Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Islamabad, Lahore, and Faisalabad, subject to routing restrictions. The Notice to the Airmen, or NOTAM, was put in place on March 1 on the expiration of a previously issued NOTAM that was in place in the wake of tensions between India and Pakistan. Pakistan had earlier opened its airspace for commercial flights in phases from March 1, according to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Tensions have been high between India and Pakistan after around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14, the responsibility of which has been claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Following this, the Indian Air Force carried out anti-terror strikes at a JeM terror training camp in Pakistan`s Balakot last week, in which a large number of terrorists were killed, according to Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale. There is mounting international pressure on Pakistan to cease providing support and a safe haven to terrorists and terror outfits in the wake of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistani airspace to remain shut: Civil Aviation Authority

A week after New Delhi confirmed Kartapur talks are on, Pakistan has said it will send a delegation to India on&nbsp;March 14 to discuss the draft agreement for setting up the corridor.

Pakistan's foreign ministry in a release said, "Pakistan Delegation will visit New Delhi on 14 March 2019, followed by the return visit of the Indian delegation to Islamabad on 28 March 2019, to discuss the draft Agreement on Kartarpur Corridor. "

Speaking to WION, top Indian government sources last week said, "It concerns the sentiments of a community..we welcome Pakistani delegation for the talks".

India has already shared the crossing point for the corridor but Pakistan has suggested an alternate crossing point.

Pakistani foreign ministry also that Pakistan's High Commissioner to India &nbsp;Sohail Mahmood will return to New Delhi, "after completion of consultations in Islamabad." Both India and Pakistan had called back there envoys for consultations in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack on 14th February.&nbsp;

Last year in November, India and Pakistan approved the building of Kartarpur Corridor so that pilgrims can easily visit the Holy Gurudwara, where the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak lived for 18 years.&nbsp;

This year marks the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

A week after New Delhi confirmed Kartapur talks are on, Pakistan has said it will send a delegation to India on March 14 to discuss the draft agreement for setting up the corridor.

A week after New Delhi confirmed Kartapur talks are on, Pakistan has said it will send a delegation to India on March 14 to discuss the draft agreement for setting up the corridor. Pakistan's foreign ministry in a release said, "Pakistan Delegation will visit New Delhi on 14 March 2019, followed by the return visit of the Indian delegation to Islamabad on 28 March 2019, to discuss the draft Agreement on Kartarpur Corridor. " Speaking to WION, top Indian government sources last week said, "It concerns the sentiments of a community..we welcome Pakistani delegation for the talks". India has already shared the crossing point for the corridor but Pakistan has suggested an alternate crossing point. Pakistani foreign ministry also that Pakistan's High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood will return to New Delhi, "after completion of consultations in Islamabad." Both India and Pakistan had called back there envoys for consultations in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack on 14th February. Last year in November, India and Pakistan approved the building of Kartarpur Corridor so that pilgrims can easily visit the Holy Gurudwara, where the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak lived for 18 years. This year marks the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

Kartarpur talks on track: Pakistan delegation to visit India on March 14

Pakistan Muslim League -Nawaz chief Shehbaz Sharif has met his brother and former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif in the Kot Lakhpat Jail and apprised him of tension between India and Pakistan.

According to The Express Tribune, he also discussed court cases against the family and inquired about the Sharif`s health during his meeting with the former Prime Minister.

Nawaz Sharif was shifted to Jinnah Hospital on February 15 after he complained of fever, stomachache and headache.

However, he was later moved to the jail after Islamabad High Court last week rejected his petition seeking bail on medical grounds.Relations between India and Pakistan reached a new low following the Pulwama terror attack and subsequent strike by Indian Air Force (IAF) deep inside Pakistan. &nbsp;

Soon after the IAF strike, Shehbaz Sharif urged India to refrain from plunging the region into war.

On February 14, around 40 CRPF personnel were killed after a terrorist affiliated to Pakistan-sponsored Jaish-e-Mohamed terror organisation pounded an IED laden vehicle into the security forces convoy.

12 days after the attack, India in its "non-military" "pre-emptive" strike targeted JeM camp in Balakot in Pakistan and in which a large number of terrorists are believed to have been killed.

Pakistan Muslim League -Nawaz chief Shehbaz Sharif has met his brother and former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif in the Kot Lakhpat Jail and apprised him of tension between India and Pakistan.

Pakistan Muslim League -Nawaz chief Shehbaz Sharif has met his brother and former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif in the Kot Lakhpat Jail and apprised him of tension between India and Pakistan. According to The Express Tribune, he also discussed court cases against the family and inquired about the Sharif`s health during his meeting with the former Prime Minister. Nawaz Sharif was shifted to Jinnah Hospital on February 15 after he complained of fever, stomachache and headache. However, he was later moved to the jail after Islamabad High Court last week rejected his petition seeking bail on medical grounds.Relations between India and Pakistan reached a new low following the Pulwama terror attack and subsequent strike by Indian Air Force (IAF) deep inside Pakistan. Soon after the IAF strike, Shehbaz Sharif urged India to refrain from plunging the region into war. On February 14, around 40 CRPF personnel were killed after a terrorist affiliated to Pakistan-sponsored Jaish-e-Mohamed terror organisation pounded an IED laden vehicle into the security forces convoy. 12 days after the attack, India in its "non-military" "pre-emptive" strike targeted JeM camp in Balakot in Pakistan and in which a large number of terrorists are believed to have been killed.

Brother Shehbaz meets Nawaz Sharif in jail, apprises him of India-Pakistan tension

The US is seeking more information on the potential misuse of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/one-pakistani-f-16-was-shot-down-by-mig-21-bison-says-air-vice-marshal-kapoor-during-armed-forces-joint-press-conference-200333">American-made F-16 fighter jets</a> by Pakistan against India in violation of the end-user agreement, the State Department has said.

The Indian Air Force on Thursday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-presents-evidence-of-aaram-missile-fired-from-pakistani-f-16-aircraft-200341">displayed parts of an AMRAAM beyond visual range air-to-air missile as evidence </a>to "conclusively" prove that Pakistan deployed US-manufactured F-16 fighter jets during an aerial raid targeting Indian military installations in Kashmir after India's anti-terror operation in Balakot.

Pakistan on Wednesday categorically said that no F-16 fighter jets were used and denied that one of its planes had been downed by the Indian Air Force.&nbsp;

"We are aware of these reports and are seeking more information," a State Department spokesperson told PTI when asked about a report that Pakistan has violated an end-user agreement with the United States in this week's border clash with India.&nbsp;

"Due to non-disclosure agreements in Foreign Military Sales contracts, we cannot discuss the specifics of end user-agreements contained within," Lt Col Kone Faulkner, a Defense Department spokesperson told PTI.&nbsp;

The United States, which is the largest seller of high-tech defence equipment globally, and has a strong end-user monitoring agreement, as a matter of practice takes all allegations of misuse of defence articles very seriously.

But before making any judgement or arriving at any conclusion, it needs to establish some facts on the ground, if there has been any violation by Pakistan to the F-16 end-user agreement it signed by the United States.

According to Pentagon's Defense Security and Cooperation Agency (DSCA) F-16 jets were meant to be used to "enhance Pakistan's ability to conduct counter-insurgency and counterterrorism operations".

Publicly available documents reveal that the US has imposed nearly a dozen restriction on Pakistan related to its use of F-16.

During a Congressional hearing on July 20, 2006, John Miller the then Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs, had told lawmakers that the United States has "very carefully considered" the potential risks of the diversion of US technology and equipment."

While the exact details of the restrictions were discussed in a closed-door session and thus remains classified, Miller then broadly outlined some of the restrictions, which he said were over a "dozen new and unprecedented elements" of the security plan for Pakistan.

Miller then told lawmakers that the security provisions also include semi-annual inventories of all F-16 aircraft equipment and munitions, including related technical data, and more frequent inventories for other systems.

"There is a two-man rule, so to speak, for access to this equipment and restricted areas, and F-16 flights outside of Pakistan or participation in exercises and operations with third nations must be approved in advance by the United States government," the then top State Department official said, according to the transcripts of the hearing.

The US is seeking more information on the potential misuse of American-made F-16 fighter jets by Pakistan against India in violation of the end-user agreement, the State Department has said.

The US is seeking more information on the potential misuse of American-made F-16 fighter jets by Pakistan against India in violation of the end-user agreement, the State Department has said. The Indian Air Force on Thursday displayed parts of an AMRAAM beyond visual range air-to-air missile as evidence to "conclusively" prove that Pakistan deployed US-manufactured F-16 fighter jets during an aerial raid targeting Indian military installations in Kashmir after India's anti-terror operation in Balakot. Pakistan on Wednesday categorically said that no F-16 fighter jets were used and denied that one of its planes had been downed by the Indian Air Force. "We are aware of these reports and are seeking more information," a State Department spokesperson told PTI when asked about a report that Pakistan has violated an end-user agreement with the United States in this week's border clash with India. "Due to non-disclosure agreements in Foreign Military Sales contracts, we cannot discuss the specifics of end user-agreements contained within," Lt Col Kone Faulkner, a Defense Department spokesperson told PTI. The United States, which is the largest seller of high-tech defence equipment globally, and has a strong end-user monitoring agreement, as a matter of practice takes all allegations of misuse of defence articles very seriously. But before making any judgement or arriving at any conclusion, it needs to establish some facts on the ground, if there has been any violation by Pakistan to the F-16 end-user agreement it signed by the United States. According to Pentagon's Defense Security and Cooperation Agency (DSCA) F-16 jets were meant to be used to "enhance Pakistan's ability to conduct counter-insurgency and counterterrorism operations". Publicly available documents reveal that the US has imposed nearly a dozen restriction on Pakistan related to its use of F-16. During a Congressional hearing on July 20, 2006, John Miller the then Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs, had told lawmakers that the United States has "very carefully considered" the potential risks of the diversion of US technology and equipment." While the exact details of the restrictions were discussed in a closed-door session and thus remains classified, Miller then broadly outlined some of the restrictions, which he said were over a "dozen new and unprecedented elements" of the security plan for Pakistan. Miller then told lawmakers that the security provisions also include semi-annual inventories of all F-16 aircraft equipment and munitions, including related technical data, and more frequent inventories for other systems. "There is a two-man rule, so to speak, for access to this equipment and restricted areas, and F-16 flights outside of Pakistan or participation in exercises and operations with third nations must be approved in advance by the United States government," the then top State Department official said, according to the transcripts of the hearing.

US seeks information on potential misuse of F-16 by Pakistan

Imran Khan’s offer to return the Indian fighter pilot in their custody has once again triggered a debate about how to deal with a neighbour whose conduct rekindles memories of the strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. And what we do to protect ourselves from an unpredictable neighbour who turns hot and cold in a blink? &nbsp;

There is a poem by Robert Frost that tells us that strong fences make good neighbours. How one wishes that those in charge of our foreign policy had pondered on the wisdom of these words. Now it is too late to mend badly breached fences. India has wasted too much time and effort chasing the mirage of living in peace with a neighbour with whom we don’t share much anymore.

It’s the fatal nostalgia of the pre-partition refugees that has caused most of the havoc. The memories of a childhood spent in a village across the Ravi or any other river in Punjab or carefree student days in Lahore have fueled futile dreams of unhindered passage from one country to another.

These dreams have changed into nightmares more than once because we choose to remain blind to ground reality. It’s not just that Pakistan is a theocratic state and we are secular or they are ruled by the armed forces and we are a democracy.&nbsp;

Ever since the reign of General Zia, the spread of fanatical aggressive version of Wahabi Islam has changed the whole context of our bilateral relations. Two generations have grown up in Pakistan and India who have shared memories only of clashes on the battlefield and cricket pitches. You may argue that that love for Bollywood, shared taste in food continue to act as strong glue between the two people divided in 1947 but we fool no one but ourselves.&nbsp; 
 
When it comes to war and peace it is the coincidence or conflict of national interest that is decisive. It is impossible to overlook that India and Pakistan have followed divergent trajectories for decades. Pakistan had opted long before its break up in 1971 to look West. 
 
It's forged close relationships with Saudi Arabia, Libya and other oil-rich fundamentalist countries that funded its nuclear programme. But more grace from Indians point of view is the alliance it has skillfully reinforced with People's Republic of China. China has stood steadfast with Pakistan since 1962. One may chant ad nauseam that in international relations there are no permanent friend and no eternal enemies but the enduring strategic ties between Pakistan and China seem to refute Palmerston effectively.&nbsp;

The enmity between India and Pakistan has not really abated despite numerous confidence-building measures and countless rounds of talks at various levels. What explains the failure of diplomacy is the basic incompatibility of national interests defined in terms of vested interests of ruling elites.&nbsp; 
 
When we talk of neighbours and friends we should not forget that the power equations are unbalanced by distant friends tilting the balance in favour of proximate neighbours. A former President of Pakistan had titled his autobiography as ‘Friends not Masters’ but the harsh reality is that it is the 'Puppet Master' who has been pulling the strings from behind not so opaque a curtain since the years of Cold War. Pakistan remains an invaluable strategic asset for both the US and China. We should not hasten to rejoice that both have admonished Pakistan after Pulwama.&nbsp;

China has advised both its friends to respect the concept of sovereignty and the POTUS has grandly pronounced that he is confident that good sense will prevail on both sides to deescalate. The majority of members of the Security Council have agreed on a resolution naming Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. In past, China has blocked all such moves to save Pakistan from embarrassment. It may do so again. What are India’s options if this happens?

With the passage of time, Pakistan has succeeded in transforming bilateral disputes with India into trilateral issues. China’s OBOR project passing through POK is just one example, hyphenating Af-Pak has muddied water further. Its sanctions against Iran have tightened the role on which India is walking.&nbsp; 
 
Cancer treatment isn’t based on surgical strikes. Chemotherapy is not done without painful after effects and grave hazards. No one can in his wildest dreams dare utter the word radiation. You can’t nuke the malignancy in this case. Haste can only result in waste. Slow and Steady should be the resolve.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

Imran Khan’s offer to return the Indian fighter pilot in their custody has once again triggered a debate about how to deal with a neighbour whose conduct rekindles memories of the strange case of Dr.

Imran Khan’s offer to return the Indian fighter pilot in their custody has once again triggered a debate about how to deal with a neighbour whose conduct rekindles memories of the strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. And what we do to protect ourselves from an unpredictable neighbour who turns hot and cold in a blink? There is a poem by Robert Frost that tells us that strong fences make good neighbours. How one wishes that those in charge of our foreign policy had pondered on the wisdom of these words. Now it is too late to mend badly breached fences. India has wasted too much time and effort chasing the mirage of living in peace with a neighbour with whom we don’t share much anymore. It’s the fatal nostalgia of the pre-partition refugees that has caused most of the havoc. The memories of a childhood spent in a village across the Ravi or any other river in Punjab or carefree student days in Lahore have fueled futile dreams of unhindered passage from one country to another. These dreams have changed into nightmares more than once because we choose to remain blind to ground reality. It’s not just that Pakistan is a theocratic state and we are secular or they are ruled by the armed forces and we are a democracy. Ever since the reign of General Zia, the spread of fanatical aggressive version of Wahabi Islam has changed the whole context of our bilateral relations. Two generations have grown up in Pakistan and India who have shared memories only of clashes on the battlefield and cricket pitches. You may argue that that love for Bollywood, shared taste in food continue to act as strong glue between the two people divided in 1947 but we fool no one but ourselves. When it comes to war and peace it is the coincidence or conflict of national interest that is decisive. It is impossible to overlook that India and Pakistan have followed divergent trajectories for decades. Pakistan had opted long before its break up in 1971 to look West. It's forged close relationships with Saudi Arabia, Libya and other oil-rich fundamentalist countries that funded its nuclear programme. But more grace from Indians point of view is the alliance it has skillfully reinforced with People's Republic of China. China has stood steadfast with Pakistan since 1962. One may chant ad nauseam that in international relations there are no permanent friend and no eternal enemies but the enduring strategic ties between Pakistan and China seem to refute Palmerston effectively. The enmity between India and Pakistan has not really abated despite numerous confidence-building measures and countless rounds of talks at various levels. What explains the failure of diplomacy is the basic incompatibility of national interests defined in terms of vested interests of ruling elites. When we talk of neighbours and friends we should not forget that the power equations are unbalanced by distant friends tilting the balance in favour of proximate neighbours. A former President of Pakistan had titled his autobiography as ‘Friends not Masters’ but the harsh reality is that it is the 'Puppet Master' who has been pulling the strings from behind not so opaque a curtain since the years of Cold War. Pakistan remains an invaluable strategic asset for both the US and China. We should not hasten to rejoice that both have admonished Pakistan after Pulwama. China has advised both its friends to respect the concept of sovereignty and the POTUS has grandly pronounced that he is confident that good sense will prevail on both sides to deescalate. The majority of members of the Security Council have agreed on a resolution naming Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. In past, China has blocked all such moves to save Pakistan from embarrassment. It may do so again. What are India’s options if this happens? With the passage of time, Pakistan has succeeded in transforming bilateral disputes with India into trilateral issues. China’s OBOR project passing through POK is just one example, hyphenating Af-Pak has muddied water further. Its sanctions against Iran have tightened the role on which India is walking. Cancer treatment isn’t based on surgical strikes. Chemotherapy is not done without painful after effects and grave hazards. No one can in his wildest dreams dare utter the word radiation. You can’t nuke the malignancy in this case. Haste can only result in waste. Slow and Steady should be the resolve. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Pakistan has long been an unpredictable and unreliable neighbour

One civilian was injured Friday in a ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops along the LoC in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing towards Indian posts and villages in Kamalkote area of Uri in Baramulla district on Thursday evening, the officials said.&nbsp;

They said the intermittent firing continued throughout the night. One civilian has been injured in the firing.&nbsp;

Indian Army has responded to the Pakistani firing inadequate measure, the officials said.&nbsp;

The ceasefire violation by the Pakistani troops comes as tensions between India and Pakistan rose following the February 14 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in which 40 CRPF soldiers were killed.&nbsp;

Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group claimed responsibility for the attack. 
&nbsp;

One civilian was injured Friday in a ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops along the LoC in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing towards Indian posts and villages in Kamalkote area of Uri in Baramulla district on Thursday evening, the officials said.

One civilian was injured Friday in a ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops along the LoC in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing towards Indian posts and villages in Kamalkote area of Uri in Baramulla district on Thursday evening, the officials said. They said the intermittent firing continued throughout the night. One civilian has been injured in the firing. Indian Army has responded to the Pakistani firing inadequate measure, the officials said. The ceasefire violation by the Pakistani troops comes as tensions between India and Pakistan rose following the February 14 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in which 40 CRPF soldiers were killed. Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Pakistan violates ceasefire in Uri sector, civilian injured

Thousands of travellers were left scrambling on Thursday when Thai Airways International cancelled more than a dozen flights to and from Europe after Pakistan closed its airspace amid rising tensions with India.

Flights to and from London, Munich, Paris, Brussels, Milan, Vienna, Stockholm, Zurich, Copenhagen, Oslo, Frankfurt, and Rome had been scheduled to fly over Pakistani airspace on Thursday, Thai Airways said in a statement.

That left passengers scheduled to leave Thailand's main Suvarnabhumi International Airport searching to find alternative flights early on Thursday. Most of Thai's European flights leave after midnight.

"Last night there were about 5,000 passengers who came to check-in but unable to fly, mostly Thai Airways," Colonel Umnart Chomshai, superintendent of tourism police at Suvarnabhumi Airport, told Reuters.

Another airport official said a help centre had been set up for stranded travellers.

Thai Airways said later on Thursday it would resume flights after gaining permission from China to use its airspace for nearly a dozen flights to Europe set to leave on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning.

However, it said all flights to and from Pakistan were cancelled. The airline operates one flight a day to Karachi and Lahore and four flights per week to Islamabad.

Thailand is among the world's most popular tourist destinations, receiving more than 38 million visitors last year.

Pakistan closed its airspace after India and Pakistan both claimed to have shot down the other's fighter jets on Wednesday, with Pakistan capturing an Indian pilot a day after Indian warplanes struck inside Pakistan for the first time since a 1971 war.

World powers have urged restraint between the two nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours, who have fought three wars over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir.

Many airlines route flights over Pakistan, so the closure of its airspace caused major disruptions on Wednesday.

Several airlines, including Emirates and Qatar Airways, suspended flights to Pakistan and others, such as Singapore Airlines and British Airways, were forced to reroute flights.

On Thursday, Singapore Airlines said all of its Europe-bound flights would now continue as planned, without the need for refuelling stops, and they would reroute to avoid the affected airspace as necessary.

Malaysia Airlines said on its website it was not currently flying over the affected airspace and was avoiding Pakistan and northern Indian airspace for flights to and from Europe until further notice.

Tensions have been running high since at least 40 Indian paramilitary police were killed in a Feb. 14 suicide car bombing claimed by Pakistan-based militants in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Thousands of travellers were left scrambling on Thursday when Thai Airways International cancelled more than a dozen flights to and from Europe after Pakistan closed its airspace amid rising tensions with India.

Thousands of travellers were left scrambling on Thursday when Thai Airways International cancelled more than a dozen flights to and from Europe after Pakistan closed its airspace amid rising tensions with India. Flights to and from London, Munich, Paris, Brussels, Milan, Vienna, Stockholm, Zurich, Copenhagen, Oslo, Frankfurt, and Rome had been scheduled to fly over Pakistani airspace on Thursday, Thai Airways said in a statement. That left passengers scheduled to leave Thailand's main Suvarnabhumi International Airport searching to find alternative flights early on Thursday. Most of Thai's European flights leave after midnight. "Last night there were about 5,000 passengers who came to check-in but unable to fly, mostly Thai Airways," Colonel Umnart Chomshai, superintendent of tourism police at Suvarnabhumi Airport, told Reuters. Another airport official said a help centre had been set up for stranded travellers. Thai Airways said later on Thursday it would resume flights after gaining permission from China to use its airspace for nearly a dozen flights to Europe set to leave on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. However, it said all flights to and from Pakistan were cancelled. The airline operates one flight a day to Karachi and Lahore and four flights per week to Islamabad. Thailand is among the world's most popular tourist destinations, receiving more than 38 million visitors last year. Pakistan closed its airspace after India and Pakistan both claimed to have shot down the other's fighter jets on Wednesday, with Pakistan capturing an Indian pilot a day after Indian warplanes struck inside Pakistan for the first time since a 1971 war. World powers have urged restraint between the two nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours, who have fought three wars over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir. Many airlines route flights over Pakistan, so the closure of its airspace caused major disruptions on Wednesday. Several airlines, including Emirates and Qatar Airways, suspended flights to Pakistan and others, such as Singapore Airlines and British Airways, were forced to reroute flights. On Thursday, Singapore Airlines said all of its Europe-bound flights would now continue as planned, without the need for refuelling stops, and they would reroute to avoid the affected airspace as necessary. Malaysia Airlines said on its website it was not currently flying over the affected airspace and was avoiding Pakistan and northern Indian airspace for flights to and from Europe until further notice. Tensions have been running high since at least 40 Indian paramilitary police were killed in a Feb. 14 suicide car bombing claimed by Pakistan-based militants in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Thousands scramble as Thai Airways cancels flights over Pakistan

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