<p>Following a successful rescue operation by the Indian Navy, 23 Pakistani nationals aboard the Iranian fishing vessel Al-Kambar thanked the naval forces on Saturday (Mar 30) for their efforts to free them from Somali pirates who hijacked their ship.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The crew members, rescued from the clutches of Somali pirates, lauded the efforts of the Indian Navy for ensuring their safety. In a video statement, one of the Pakistani nationals looked relieved and said that they were rescued from the pirates by the Indian Navy after their relentless engagement throughout the night to thwart the pirates.</p>

<p>He thanked Navy for giving them their freedom back by making the pirates surrender.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The crew members were also seen chanting slogans and praising the Indian Navy. They chanted, "Indian Navy Ka Shukriya. India Zindabad (Thank you to the Indian Navy. Long live India)."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Watch: "India Zindabad, Indian Navy Ka shukriya", 23 Pakistani Nationals thank Indian Navy for rescue mission on board Iran fishing vessel Al-Kambar against Somali pirates <a href="https://t.co/Fr8TgSZbE7">https://t.co/Fr8TgSZbE7</a> <a href="https://t.co/nESMeebcP1">pic.twitter.com/nESMeebcP1</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1774054669754700273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>India Navy said that it "remains committed to ensuring maritime security in the region &amp; safety of the seafarers, irrespective of the nationalities."</p>

<h2><strong>Hijacking of Al-Kambar 786</strong></h2>

<p>The fishing vessel Al-Kambar 786 was hijacked by pirates southwest of the Yemeni island of Socotra on March 28.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-govt-greenlit-printing-of-119bn-electoral-bonds-days-before-sc-scrapped-scheme-705998">Indian govt greenlit printing of $1.19bn electoral bonds days before SC scrapped scheme</a></p>

<p>Upon receiving the distress call, two Indian Naval ships, INS Sumedha and INS Trishul, were diverted to intercept the hijacked vessel, which had been boarded by armed pirates.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-minister-kailash-gahlot-appears-before-ed-in-excise-policy-case-705924">Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot appears before ED in excise policy case</a></p>

<p>"Two Indian Naval ships, mission deployed in the Arabian Sea for maritime security operations were diverted to intercept the hijacked FV, reported to have been boarded by nine armed pirates," the Navy said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/two-indians-lured-with-fake-promises-to-russia-tortured-for-not-joining-russian-army-wion-705996">Two Indians lured with fake promises to Russia, tortured for not joining Russian Army | WION</a></strong></p>

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<p>After over 12 hours of intense tactical measures as per Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the pirates surrendered. Later, the Indian Naval specialist teams conducted thorough checks and ensured the vessel's seaworthiness.</p>

<p>The crew, comprising 23 Pakistani nationals, also underwent medical check-ups before being cleared to resume fishing activities. Meanwhile, the captured pirates are being brought to India for further legal proceedings in alignment with the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act of 2022, as per a Navy.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Following a successful rescue operation by the Indian Navy, 23 Pakistani nationals aboard the Iranian fishing vessel Al-Kambar thanked the naval forces on Saturday (Mar 30) for their efforts to free them from Somali pirates who hijacked their ship.

Following a successful rescue operation by the Indian Navy, 23 Pakistani nationals aboard the Iranian fishing vessel Al-Kambar thanked the naval forces on Saturday (Mar 30) for their efforts to free them from Somali pirates who hijacked their ship. The crew members, rescued from the clutches of Somali pirates, lauded the efforts of the Indian Navy for ensuring their safety. In a video statement, one of the Pakistani nationals looked relieved and said that they were rescued from the pirates by the Indian Navy after their relentless engagement throughout the night to thwart the pirates. He thanked Navy for giving them their freedom back by making the pirates surrender. The crew members were also seen chanting slogans and praising the Indian Navy. They chanted, "Indian Navy Ka Shukriya. India Zindabad (Thank you to the Indian Navy. Long live India)." Watch: "India Zindabad, Indian Navy Ka shukriya", 23 Pakistani Nationals thank Indian Navy for rescue mission on board Iran fishing vessel Al-Kambar against Somali pirates https://t.co/Fr8TgSZbE7 pic.twitter.com/nESMeebcP1 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 30, 2024 × India Navy said that it "remains committed to ensuring maritime security in the region & safety of the seafarers, irrespective of the nationalities." Hijacking of Al-Kambar 786 The fishing vessel Al-Kambar 786 was hijacked by pirates southwest of the Yemeni island of Socotra on March 28. Also Read | Indian govt greenlit printing of $1.19bn electoral bonds days before SC scrapped scheme Upon receiving the distress call, two Indian Naval ships, INS Sumedha and INS Trishul, were diverted to intercept the hijacked vessel, which had been boarded by armed pirates. Also Read | Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot appears before ED in excise policy case "Two Indian Naval ships, mission deployed in the Arabian Sea for maritime security operations were diverted to intercept the hijacked FV, reported to have been boarded by nine armed pirates," the Navy said in a statement. Watch | Two Indians lured with fake promises to Russia, tortured for not joining Russian Army | WION × After over 12 hours of intense tactical measures as per Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the pirates surrendered. Later, the Indian Naval specialist teams conducted thorough checks and ensured the vessel's seaworthiness. The crew, comprising 23 Pakistani nationals, also underwent medical check-ups before being cleared to resume fishing activities. Meanwhile, the captured pirates are being brought to India for further legal proceedings in alignment with the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act of 2022, as per a Navy. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH | ‘India zindabad’: 29 Pakistanis rescued from Somali pirates thank Indian Navy

The Indian Navy has responded to a potential piracy attack on an Iranian fishing vessel in the Arabian Sea, and diverted two naval ships to intercept the hijacked vessel on Friday. Watch in for more details!

Indian navy to the rescue of Iranian vessel from pirate attack

Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis on Friday declined Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar’s lunch invite at the latter’s Baramati residence on Saturday.

Ajit Pawar's wife vs Supriya Sule in Maharashtra's Baramati

With polls to elect the 18th Lok Sabha approaching, district poll panels are fixing the rates for expenses as part of the election expenditure monitoring process. Watch in for more details!

'Political heat' rises in India as campaigning picks up pace, parties struggle to pull crowds

The Congress will reserve 50% of government jobs for women if it is voted to power, former party chief Rahul Gandhi said on March 29, asserting that powerful women will change the destiny of India.

Ahead of I.N.D.I's mega rally, Congress gets tax notice; Kerala Congress Committee stages protest

23 Pakistani nationals rescued by Indian Navy

<p>India's Supreme Court scrapped the donations to political parties via electoral bonds on February 15, seven years after the scheme was first implemented in&nbsp;2017 and just two months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by local media outlet citing documents obtained under the Right to Information Act (RTI) has now disclosed that the Indian Finance Ministry approved the printing of Rs 10,000 crore ($1.1bn) worth of electoral bonds by the Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India (SPMCIL)&nbsp;on February 12, just three days before the landmark ruling by the apex court discontinued the bond scheme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was a total of 10,000 bonds approved with a value of each of them being Rs 1 crore ($119.9k) each.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the electoral bond system allowed individuals and corporations to donate money to political parties anonymously.</p>

<p>According to documents seen by Indian Express, the Finance Ministry had instructed the State Bank of India (SBI) to stop the printing process on February 28. It was nearly two weeks after the&nbsp;Supreme Court's ruling that the government asked for putting a halt on the printing of electoral bonds worth nearly more than a billion dollars.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/they-only-know-how-to-cook-congress-mla-gets-embroiled-in-controversy-over-sexist-remark-705887">'They only know how to cook': Congress MLA gets embroiled in controversy over sexist remark</a></p>

<p>This revelation comes days after SBI disclosed the bond numbers and other relevant information to Election Commission of India (ECI) which further made it public on its website.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, the exclusive report by the media outlet said that the correspondence between the Finance Ministry and SBI revealed that 8,350 bonds had already been printed and dispatched to SBI by SPMCIL.</p>

<h2><strong>SBI asked to instruct&nbsp;SPMCIL on halt of printing</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The government requested SBI to instruct SPMCIL to stop the printing.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-president-droupadi-muru-confers-bharat-ratna-to-two-former-pms-bjp-veteran-advani-and-others-705864">Indian President Droupadi Murmu confers Bharat Ratna to two former PMs, BJP veteran Advani, and others</a></p>

<p>Indian Finance Ministry's budget section wrote to SBI, “State Bank of India is requested to kindly communicate immediately to SPMCIL to put a hold on the printing of the remaining 1,650 Electoral Bonds for which approval had been given.”</p>

<p>Following that, there was an email sent from&nbsp;SBI to SPMCIL doing the same. The trail-mail was titled as "Hold on Printing of Electoral Bonds — Electoral Bond Scheme 2018".</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-general-elections-2024-tamil-nadu-cm-mk-stalin-campaigns-for-dmk-candidate-in-salem-705991">India General Elections 2024: Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin campaigns for DMK candidate in Salem</a></strong></p>

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<p>The SBI’s Assistant General Manager of its Transaction Banking Department, in the email had reportedly written, “We have acknowledged the receipt of 4 boxes of Security forms of Electoral Bonds containing total 8350 Bonds email dated 23.02.2024…. As in the light of judgment given by the Honourable Supreme Court we request you to put a hold on the printing of the remaining 1,650 Electoral Bonds for which approval had been given via Budget Division Letter dated 12.01.2024.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Supreme Court scrapped the donations to political parties via electoral bonds on February 15, seven years after the scheme was first implemented in 2017 and just two months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2024.

India's Supreme Court scrapped the donations to political parties via electoral bonds on February 15, seven years after the scheme was first implemented in 2017 and just two months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2024. A report by local media outlet citing documents obtained under the Right to Information Act (RTI) has now disclosed that the Indian Finance Ministry approved the printing of Rs 10,000 crore ($1.1bn) worth of electoral bonds by the Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India (SPMCIL) on February 12, just three days before the landmark ruling by the apex court discontinued the bond scheme. It was a total of 10,000 bonds approved with a value of each of them being Rs 1 crore ($119.9k) each. Notably, the electoral bond system allowed individuals and corporations to donate money to political parties anonymously. According to documents seen by Indian Express, the Finance Ministry had instructed the State Bank of India (SBI) to stop the printing process on February 28. It was nearly two weeks after the Supreme Court's ruling that the government asked for putting a halt on the printing of electoral bonds worth nearly more than a billion dollars. Also Read | 'They only know how to cook': Congress MLA gets embroiled in controversy over sexist remark This revelation comes days after SBI disclosed the bond numbers and other relevant information to Election Commission of India (ECI) which further made it public on its website. Moreover, the exclusive report by the media outlet said that the correspondence between the Finance Ministry and SBI revealed that 8,350 bonds had already been printed and dispatched to SBI by SPMCIL. SBI asked to instruct SPMCIL on halt of printing The government requested SBI to instruct SPMCIL to stop the printing. Also Read | Indian President Droupadi Murmu confers Bharat Ratna to two former PMs, BJP veteran Advani, and others Indian Finance Ministry's budget section wrote to SBI, “State Bank of India is requested to kindly communicate immediately to SPMCIL to put a hold on the printing of the remaining 1,650 Electoral Bonds for which approval had been given.” Following that, there was an email sent from SBI to SPMCIL doing the same. The trail-mail was titled as "Hold on Printing of Electoral Bonds — Electoral Bond Scheme 2018". Watch | India General Elections 2024: Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin campaigns for DMK candidate in Salem × The SBI’s Assistant General Manager of its Transaction Banking Department, in the email had reportedly written, “We have acknowledged the receipt of 4 boxes of Security forms of Electoral Bonds containing total 8350 Bonds email dated 23.02.2024…. As in the light of judgment given by the Honourable Supreme Court we request you to put a hold on the printing of the remaining 1,650 Electoral Bonds for which approval had been given via Budget Division Letter dated 12.01.2024.” (With inputs from agencies)

Indian govt greenlit printing of $1.19bn electoral bonds days before SC scrapped scheme

Indian Navy recieves distress signal during patrol, rescues hijacked Iranian vessel

Indian Navy intercepts hijacked Iranian vessels

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday released fresh images of Mussavir Hussain Shazib and Abdul Matheen Ahmed Taahaa, the suspects in the Rameshwaram Cafe blast that left 10 injured on March 1 in Bengaluru.

Bengaluru Cafe blast: NIA announces cash reward for information on two accused in blast

In the sign of the West's increasing reliance on India - the country's shipyards are becoming sort of a maintainance hub for foreign Navy assets in the Indo-Pacific region.

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A fake promise landed two Indians on the Russia-Belarus border. Two cousins from India's Karnal, Mukesh and Sunny, who have now returned home - their story has drawn attention. Watch the video to know more.

Two Indians lured with fake promises to Russia, tortured for not joining Russian Army | WION

The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Tuesday filed two complaints with the Election Commission in Tamil Nadu against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Tuesday filed two complaints with the Election Commission in Tamil Nadu against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

India General Elections 2024: Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin campaigns for DMK candidate in Salem

<p>India has the potential to act as a global leader of non-belligerent states in deterring Chinese aggression against Taiwan, an influential think tank has said.</p>

<p>The research paper <a href="https://www.aspi.org.au/report/deterring-attack-taiwan-policy-options-india-and-other-non-belligerent-states">published</a> by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute [ASPI] noted that India's policy settings are "flexible, not fixed" and that across the global south, including in Southeast Asia, New Delhi is seen as an "authentically independent actor, not an ally parroting American talking points".&nbsp;</p>

<p>China recently adopted a tougher language against Taiwan, the self-ruled island nation that it considers as its own. While releasing its budget figures on March 5&nbsp;in the country's rubber-stamp parliament, the National People's Congress, Beijing replaced the mention of Taiwan's "peaceful reunification" into the mainland with a "reunification" that will "be firm".</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;China drops 'peaceful reunification' reference to Taiwan</strong></p>

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<p>The ASPI paper warns that Chinese control of Taiwan would be "a troubling revision to the region's status quo — especially for regional states, including India".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"China would probably be more emboldened to press other territorial claims, including those that to date have been deprioritised — such as in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh," the paper notes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China has also routinely asserted its claim on the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, an affirmation consistently denounced by New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Unless China becomes convinced that militarily advancing its territorial claims is unacceptable, we should expect it to act aggressively on India’s borders," Arzan Tarapore, author of the ASPI research paper, and PhD Research Scholar at the Center for International Security and Cooperation at the Stanford University told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If Beijing is allowed to get away with aggression against Taiwan, I cannot imagine that it will stop there," Tarapore added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India's disregard for Beijing's 'One China' strategic catchphrase</strong></h2>

<p>New Delhi maintains that its official recognition of the government in Beijing does not require continued explanation. After a short duration of using the phrase 'One China',&nbsp;New Delhi discontinued its use in 2009.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 'One China' principle has been deployed by Beijing to assert globally that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, a claim Taipei has denounced.</p>

<p>"India has artfully signaled that it is invested in the status quo and stability in cross-strait relations: it disregards China's usual demands to parrot the 'One China' shibboleth," the research paper noted.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/padma-awards-2024-india-confers-its-third-highest-civilian-honour-to-taiwanese-tycoon-young-liu-683858">Padma Awards 2024: India confers its third highest civilian honour on Taiwanese tycoon Young Liu</a></strong></p>

<p>The paper concludes that once a crisis or conflict begins, the policy space shrinks drastically. However, several peacetime policy options from India could dissuade China from attacking Taiwan in the first place.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The diplomatic option for India is to make sure that Taiwan specifically, or Chinese aggressiveness more generally, is on the agenda in India’s diplomatic activity bilaterally and multilaterally with countries across the world, certainly in Asia, but also in more distant regions, like Europe and Africa," Tarapore told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Beijing should be clear that the world has a common position on the inadmissibility of the use of force against Taiwan. India has exceptional influence in shaping that global opinion, and it should use that influence, out of self-interest if it seeks to be the <em>Vishwaguru</em>."</p>


India has the potential to act as a global leader of non-belligerent states in deterring Chinese aggression against Taiwan, an influential think tank has said. The research paper published by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute [ASPI] noted that India's policy settings are "flexible, not fixed" and that across the global south, including in Southeast Asia, New Delhi is seen as an "authentically independent actor, not an ally parroting American talking points".

India has the potential to act as a global leader of non-belligerent states in deterring Chinese aggression against Taiwan, an influential think tank has said. The research paper published by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute [ASPI] noted that India's policy settings are "flexible, not fixed" and that across the global south, including in Southeast Asia, New Delhi is seen as an "authentically independent actor, not an ally parroting American talking points". China recently adopted a tougher language against Taiwan, the self-ruled island nation that it considers as its own. While releasing its budget figures on March 5 in the country's rubber-stamp parliament, the National People's Congress, Beijing replaced the mention of Taiwan's "peaceful reunification" into the mainland with a "reunification" that will "be firm". Also watch | China drops 'peaceful reunification' reference to Taiwan × The ASPI paper warns that Chinese control of Taiwan would be "a troubling revision to the region's status quo — especially for regional states, including India". "China would probably be more emboldened to press other territorial claims, including those that to date have been deprioritised — such as in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh," the paper notes. China has also routinely asserted its claim on the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, an affirmation consistently denounced by New Delhi. "Unless China becomes convinced that militarily advancing its territorial claims is unacceptable, we should expect it to act aggressively on India’s borders," Arzan Tarapore, author of the ASPI research paper, and PhD Research Scholar at the Center for International Security and Cooperation at the Stanford University told WION. "If Beijing is allowed to get away with aggression against Taiwan, I cannot imagine that it will stop there," Tarapore added. India's disregard for Beijing's 'One China' strategic catchphrase New Delhi maintains that its official recognition of the government in Beijing does not require continued explanation. After a short duration of using the phrase 'One China', New Delhi discontinued its use in 2009. The 'One China' principle has been deployed by Beijing to assert globally that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, a claim Taipei has denounced. "India has artfully signaled that it is invested in the status quo and stability in cross-strait relations: it disregards China's usual demands to parrot the 'One China' shibboleth," the research paper noted. Also read | Padma Awards 2024: India confers its third highest civilian honour on Taiwanese tycoon Young Liu The paper concludes that once a crisis or conflict begins, the policy space shrinks drastically. However, several peacetime policy options from India could dissuade China from attacking Taiwan in the first place. "The diplomatic option for India is to make sure that Taiwan specifically, or Chinese aggressiveness more generally, is on the agenda in India’s diplomatic activity bilaterally and multilaterally with countries across the world, certainly in Asia, but also in more distant regions, like Europe and Africa," Tarapore told WION. "Beijing should be clear that the world has a common position on the inadmissibility of the use of force against Taiwan. India has exceptional influence in shaping that global opinion, and it should use that influence, out of self-interest if it seeks to be the Vishwaguru."

'Vishwaguru' India can be a global leader in deterring China from attacking Taiwan

A bunch of Indian actors including Kangana Ranaut, Arun Govil and Govinda made headlines this week for formally joining politics. This is not the first time when political parties have welcomed movie and television stars to contest elections, hoping that their star power would contribute to the popularity of the party. As India gears up for the Lok Sabha elections, let's take a look at various other performers who later decided to join politics.

Kangana Ranaut to Arun Govil: Indian stars who joined politics

Indian Navy intercepts hijacked Iranian vessel

President Muhammad Muizzu has again turned his guns on India Muizzu now says that his predecessor Ibrahim Muhammad Solih operated on orders from a foreign Diplomat. Muizzu further said that the main opposition party the Maldivian Democratic Party which was in power from 2018 to 2023 failed to protect Male's Independence.

Maldives opposition parties criticize Muizzu's 'anti-India' pivot

Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal-United Chief Nitish Kumar has landed in New Delhi to participate in the Bharat Ratna award ceremony where the Indian President Droupadi Murmu will confer the nation's highest civilian honour Bharat Ratna upon the former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur today.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar arrives in New Delhi to attend Bharat Ratna award Ceremony

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<p>Pakistan has&nbsp;made a U-turn on resuming trade with India. On Thursday (Mar 28), Pakistan's Foreign Office said it had no plan to resume trade relations with India, days after new Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that Islamabad would seriously consider restoring ties with New Delhi.</p>

<p>Trade relations between the two countries have been non-existent&nbsp;since 2019 after the Modi government abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-launches-bid-for-non-permanent-unsc-seat-for-2025-26-703581">Pakistan launches bid for non-permanent UNSC seat for 2025-26</a></strong></p>

<p>At the weekly press conference, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch was asked to comment on reports about the possibility of resumption of trade ties with India.</p>

<p>"Pakistan-India trade relations have been non-existent since 2019 when India took illegal steps in the illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir … There is no change in Pakistan's position on it," Baloch added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did Ishaq Dar say?</strong></h2>

<p>On March 23, Pakistan Foreign Minister Dar addressed a press conference in London where he highlighted the eagerness of Pakistan's business community to resume trade activities with India, the news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Spy agencies 'interfering' in Pakistan judiciary?</strong></p>

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<p>"Pakistani businessmen want trade with India to resume," Dar said, adding that Islamabad would seriously look into matters of trade with New Delhi.</p>

<p>The foreign minister's remarks indicated a potential shift in diplomatic stance towards India.</p>

<h2><strong>A similar situation in 2021</strong></h2>

<p>A similar situation arose in April 2021, when Pakistan's Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) gave a go-ahead for imports of cotton and sugar from India. However, this decision was immediately deferred by the then-Imran Khan cabinet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Then Human Rights minister Shireen Mazari said that Imran Khan made it clear that there could be no normalisation of relations with India until it reversed its actions over Kashmir taken in August 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan has made a U-turn on resuming trade with India. On Thursday (Mar 28), Pakistan's Foreign Office said it had no plan to resume trade relations with India, days after new Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that Islamabad would seriously consider restoring ties with New Delhi.

Pakistan has made a U-turn on resuming trade with India. On Thursday (Mar 28), Pakistan's Foreign Office said it had no plan to resume trade relations with India, days after new Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that Islamabad would seriously consider restoring ties with New Delhi. Trade relations between the two countries have been non-existent since 2019 after the Modi government abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Also read | Pakistan launches bid for non-permanent UNSC seat for 2025-26 At the weekly press conference, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch was asked to comment on reports about the possibility of resumption of trade ties with India. "Pakistan-India trade relations have been non-existent since 2019 when India took illegal steps in the illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir … There is no change in Pakistan's position on it," Baloch added. What did Ishaq Dar say? On March 23, Pakistan Foreign Minister Dar addressed a press conference in London where he highlighted the eagerness of Pakistan's business community to resume trade activities with India, the news agency PTI reported. Also watch | Spy agencies 'interfering' in Pakistan judiciary? × "Pakistani businessmen want trade with India to resume," Dar said, adding that Islamabad would seriously look into matters of trade with New Delhi. The foreign minister's remarks indicated a potential shift in diplomatic stance towards India. A similar situation in 2021 A similar situation arose in April 2021, when Pakistan's Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) gave a go-ahead for imports of cotton and sugar from India. However, this decision was immediately deferred by the then-Imran Khan cabinet. Then Human Rights minister Shireen Mazari said that Imran Khan made it clear that there could be no normalisation of relations with India until it reversed its actions over Kashmir taken in August 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

No plan to resume trade with India: Pakistan's U-turn after Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's remarks

Indian External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Friday held "open and wide-ranging" talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba. Watch in for more details!

Dmytro Kuleba wraps up two-day visit to India

First flight of LCA Mark 1A fighter aircraft has been completed in Bengaluru by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The aircraft was airborne for 15 minutes during its first flight. Watch in for more details!

India: LCA Tejas Mark 1A fighter aircraft completes first flight in Bengaluru

Pakistan a nation that is currently dealing with the worst economic crisis in its history is now apparently mulling reviving trade ties with India. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke about reviving trade ties with New Delhi while speaking at a press conference in London.

Pakistan-India trade ties to be restored?

Chinese state media's use of AI reveals how Beijing is sowing divisions abroad, to manipulate voters in rival countries. Could China use AI to meddle in Indian polls?

Gravitas: China uses AI to sow divisions abroad | Beijing using AI to manipulate voters in US, India

India Election 2024: Poll panels fix rate cards for campaigning

The feasts and festivities of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan have been muted in Sudan this year with millions of people displaced from their homes and struggling with hunger as a war between the army and paramilitaries nears the one-year mark.

Sudan: Year long war affects Ramadan festivities

<p>Indian government gave a miss to Pakistan's National Day celebrations at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi on Friday (Mar 29). The High Commission was organising such public celebration&nbsp;after a long time in Delhi. Both countries had downgraded ties in 2019 when Islamabad expelled the then-Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria in response to the revocation of the special status to Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>Pakistan's Chargé d'Affaires, Saad Ahmad Warraich, delivered a message at the event, emphasising the founding vision of "amicable relations" between India and Pakistan.</p>

<p>"The founding fathers of Pakistan and India envisioned an amicable relationship between the two countries. Unfortunately, the history of our bilateral relationship has remained challenged for the most part. Cycle of perpetual conflict intention is not our ordained destiny," Warraich stated.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/baseless-india-rubbishes-chinas-absurd-claims-on-arunachal-pradesh-705539">‘Baseless’: India rubbishes China’s ‘absurd’ claims on Arunachal Pradesh</a></p>

<p>The top Pakistani diplomat expressed hope for a future marked by "peaceful coexistence, sovereign equality, and mutual respect" if both sides "emerge from the shadow of the past and step in a future of hope".</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hope-everyones-rights-are-protected-un-reacts-to-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwals-arrest-705495">'Hope everyone's rights are protected...': UN reacts to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest</a></p>

<p>He emphasised the "role of regional peace and stability can be achieved by enhancing mutual understanding, addressing shared concerns" but also mentioned Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/red-sea-tensions-us-military-destroys-4-drones-launched-by-houthi-militias-705583">Red Sea Tensions: US military destroys 4 drones launched by Houthi militias</a></strong></p>

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<p>The development comes&nbsp;as Pakistan got a new government under Shehbaz Sharif this year. The top diplomat pointed to common things between the two countries, highlighting, "As you would appreciate, Pakistan and India do not agree on many things, but it is not that we do not agree on anything. Love for cricket, of good food, and energy for discussion and debate, on anything and everything under the sun are some of our common traits".</p>

<p>Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar expressed willingness to "seriously examine" resuming trade with India. Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch affirmed the ongoing evaluation of trade matters, stating, "Examination of such proposals is a regular exercise... At this point, there is no change in Pakistan's position."<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Indian government gave a miss to Pakistan's National Day celebrations at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi on Friday (Mar 29). The High Commission was organising such public celebration after a long time in Delhi.

Indian government gave a miss to Pakistan's National Day celebrations at the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi on Friday (Mar 29). The High Commission was organising such public celebration after a long time in Delhi. Both countries had downgraded ties in 2019 when Islamabad expelled the then-Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria in response to the revocation of the special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan's Chargé d'Affaires, Saad Ahmad Warraich, delivered a message at the event, emphasising the founding vision of "amicable relations" between India and Pakistan. "The founding fathers of Pakistan and India envisioned an amicable relationship between the two countries. Unfortunately, the history of our bilateral relationship has remained challenged for the most part. Cycle of perpetual conflict intention is not our ordained destiny," Warraich stated. Also Read | ‘Baseless’: India rubbishes China’s ‘absurd’ claims on Arunachal Pradesh The top Pakistani diplomat expressed hope for a future marked by "peaceful coexistence, sovereign equality, and mutual respect" if both sides "emerge from the shadow of the past and step in a future of hope". Also Read | 'Hope everyone's rights are protected...': UN reacts to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest He emphasised the "role of regional peace and stability can be achieved by enhancing mutual understanding, addressing shared concerns" but also mentioned Jammu and Kashmir. Watch | Red Sea Tensions: US military destroys 4 drones launched by Houthi militias × The development comes as Pakistan got a new government under Shehbaz Sharif this year. The top diplomat pointed to common things between the two countries, highlighting, "As you would appreciate, Pakistan and India do not agree on many things, but it is not that we do not agree on anything. Love for cricket, of good food, and energy for discussion and debate, on anything and everything under the sun are some of our common traits". Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar expressed willingness to "seriously examine" resuming trade with India. Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch affirmed the ongoing evaluation of trade matters, stating, "Examination of such proposals is a regular exercise... At this point, there is no change in Pakistan's position."

India gives a miss to Pakistan National Day celebration in Delhi

Pakistan-India trade ties to be restored? Pak FM says 'will seriously consider restoring trade ties'

The Income Tax Department has served a fresh notice of over Rs 1,800 crore to the Congress party right ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

IT Department serves Congress fresh $200 mn notice, party terms it as 'tax terrorism'

Jailed gangster turned politician Mukhtar Ansari has died suffering a cardiac arrest in Uttar Pradesh's band after the confirmation of Ansari's death authorities imposed Section 144 across Uttar Pradesh. Watch in for more details!

Mukhtar Ansari dies of cardiac arrest, section 144 imposed across Uttar Pradesh

China now started sounding like a broken record. Repeatedly, China claims that Arunachal Pradesh is a part of their territory. Recently as well, China has rebuked the U.S. for its assertion that Arunachal Pradesh belongs to India.

India hits back at China's claim over Arunachal Pradesh

India Election 2024: Rate cards for Lok Sabha polls expenditure fixed

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