Shah Rukh Khan penned a note for the team India after losing the World Cup 2023 final match against Australia. Shah Rukh was among the many who witnessed the match at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. He was joined by wife Gauri Khan and their kids, Suhana Khan and Aryan Khan.

Bollywood actors react after India loses to Australia in CWC World Cup final

The richest 1% of humanity is responsible for more carbon emissions than the poorest 66%, a report says. Watch the video to know more.

Richest 1% account for more carbon emissions than poorest 66%: Report

Australia Deputy Prime minister & Defence minister Richard Marles has termed India as the center of "global cricket" even as he pointed that the game is "emblematic of the relationship".

Australia's Deputy PM Richard Marles points to increased defence, cricket ties with India

<p>Dead bodies of a couple, suspected to be of Russian origin, were discovered near a small pond close to the sacred town of Manikaran in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, media reports said citing a Friday (Nov 17) police statement.</p>

<p>The bodies, found in Kullu district on Thursday (Nov 16), exhibited signs of injuries, prompting the authorities to consider the possibility of both suicide and murder.</p>

<p>The unidentified man and woman, both in their twenties, were found unclothed. Belongings discovered in close proximity led the police to speculate that the victims might be of Russian nationality.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-raised-indias-profile-as-voice-of-global-south-imec-has-potential-finnish-envoy-to-wion-660098">G20 raised India's profile as voice of Global&nbsp;South, IMEC has potential: Finnish&nbsp;envoy&nbsp;to&nbsp;WION</a></p>

<p>The grim discovery was made within the vicinity of Tagri, near the Parvati river, approximately two kilometres from Manikaran. The woman's naked body was found inside a hot spring pool, while the man's body was discovered outside the pool.</p>

<h2><strong>Injuries seen on bodies&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>ASP Sanjeev Chauhan informed PTI news agency that the man had cut marks on his hand and neck, while the woman exhibited injury marks on her hand.</p>

<p>Although the injuries were not immediately fatal, the exact cause of death remains undetermined, media reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-countries-request-for-war-crimes-investigation-in-palestinian-territories-660085">Five countries request for war crimes investigation in Palestinian territories</a></p>

<p>A blade, a mobile phone, various personal belongings, and drugs were also recovered from the scene, according to Chauhan.</p>

<p>While the preliminary assessment leans towards suicide, the police are awaiting the postmortem report for a conclusive determination.</p>

<p>The bodies were sent to a regional hospital in Kullu, subsequently referred to the medical college in Mandi.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-ex-pm-claims-hamas-command-centre-is-in-south-gazas-khan-younis-660120">Israeli ex-PM claims Hamas Command Centre is in South Gaza's Khan Younis</a></strong></p>

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<p>The victims, with swollen faces making identification challenging, are yet to be identified.</p>

<p>The police have summoned a forensic team to conduct further investigations at the site, and inquiries are being made at local hotels, homestays, and accommodations to gather additional information about the deceased couple.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Dead bodies of a couple, suspected to be of Russian origin, were discovered near a small pond close to the sacred town of Manikaran in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, media reports said citing a Friday (Nov 17) police statement.

Dead bodies of a couple, suspected to be of Russian origin, were discovered near a small pond close to the sacred town of Manikaran in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, media reports said citing a Friday (Nov 17) police statement. The bodies, found in Kullu district on Thursday (Nov 16), exhibited signs of injuries, prompting the authorities to consider the possibility of both suicide and murder. The unidentified man and woman, both in their twenties, were found unclothed. Belongings discovered in close proximity led the police to speculate that the victims might be of Russian nationality. Also Read | G20 raised India's profile as voice of Global South, IMEC has potential: Finnish envoy to WION The grim discovery was made within the vicinity of Tagri, near the Parvati river, approximately two kilometres from Manikaran. The woman's naked body was found inside a hot spring pool, while the man's body was discovered outside the pool. Injuries seen on bodies ASP Sanjeev Chauhan informed PTI news agency that the man had cut marks on his hand and neck, while the woman exhibited injury marks on her hand. Although the injuries were not immediately fatal, the exact cause of death remains undetermined, media reports said. Also Read | Five countries request for war crimes investigation in Palestinian territories A blade, a mobile phone, various personal belongings, and drugs were also recovered from the scene, according to Chauhan. While the preliminary assessment leans towards suicide, the police are awaiting the postmortem report for a conclusive determination. The bodies were sent to a regional hospital in Kullu, subsequently referred to the medical college in Mandi. Watch | Israeli ex-PM claims Hamas Command Centre is in South Gaza's Khan Younis × The victims, with swollen faces making identification challenging, are yet to be identified. The police have summoned a forensic team to conduct further investigations at the site, and inquiries are being made at local hotels, homestays, and accommodations to gather additional information about the deceased couple. (With inputs from agencies)

Naked corpses of Russian couple found in India's Himachal Pradesh, probe on

It's a big day in Indian cricket even if it has seen many good days over the last decade. The wait for a global title has been long on Sunday Rohit Sharma and his team have the chance to add more Sheen to an unprecedented campaign when they take on record five-time world champions Australia in the World Cup final.

ODI WC final | Australian Captain Cummins: The crowd will be very one-sided

ODI WC final: 130,000 people are expected to attend the match in Ahmedabad

Indian fans are desperate for the team to win a third ODI World Cup trophy and our sports editor Digvijay Singh Deo caught up with some of them outside the Narendra Modi Stadium take a listen.

ODI WC: India face Australia in the World Cup finals today

Australia's high commissioner to India Philip Green looks ahead to the World Cup final in Ahmedabad. Green says the sport unites people of both countries.

Australia's High Commissioner to India looks ahead to WC Final

Rahul Dravid, the former Indian cricket player and current head coach of the Indian national team, has had a remarkable journey in cricket, including his World Cup redemption arc. Dravid, known for his resilience and determination, has transitioned from being a classical Test match batter to an adept middle-order finisher in one-day cricket.

Sharma: 'We want to win it for Dravid'

Former New Zealand skipper Ross Taylor in an exclusive interview to WION believes India are the favourites to lift the ODI World Cup title on Sunday, but the Men in Blue should not take record five-time champions Australia Australia lightly. Wion's Senior Correspondent Sidharth MP caught with the Kiwi legend in Chennai ahead of the title clash.

Former New Zealand Captain Ross Taylor preview the ODI WC final

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in collaboration with Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India is organising the second edition of the CII India Nordic Baltic Business Conclave from 22-23 November 2023 at Sushma Swaraj Bhavan, New Delhi. WION's Siddhant Sibbal hosts a special panel discussion with the diplomatic representatives of the Nordic and Baltic nations and gets you an inside view of what's ahead in the second edition of this conclave.

WION's Panel Discussion of the 2nd CII India Nordic Baltic Business Conclave

The newly elected government in Maldives has asked India to withdraw its troops stationed on the country's soil. President Mohamed Muiz made this request after winning a tightly contested presidential polls held in September. President Mohamed Muiz met Indian Union Minister Kiran Rijiju in Mali and as per sources Muiz brought up the issue of Indian military personnel who are currently stationed in Maldives during the talks.

Maldives President request India to withdraw its stationed troops

It's a race against time in India's Northern State of Uttarakhand where a rescue mission is underway that has been suspended for a while.

India: Day 8 of rescue operations| New heavy drill flown into tunnel site

India: Day 7 of rescue operations after Uttarakhand tunnel collapse

<p>Amid the war between Israel and Hamas, India sent a second batch of aid on Sunday (Nov 19) for Palestinians in Gaza who are caught in the crossfire. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar shared a post on X social media platform on the development and wrote, "We continue to deliver humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine."</p>

<p>The second aid shipment comprised of 32 tonnes and was transported by the Indian Air Force's C17 aircraft to Egypt's El-Arish Airport, situated approximately 45 kilometres from the Rafah crossing on Egypt’s border with the Gaza Strip. "Second Indian Air Force C17 aircraft carrying 32 tonnes of aid departs for the El-Arish Airport in Egypt," Jaishankar added in the post.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India had previously extended support to Palestine by sending the first batch of aid, including medical and disaster relief, on October 22. The Indian Air Force played a pivotal role in this delivery, dispatching nearly 6.5 tonnes of medical aid and 32 tonnes of disaster relief materials on an IAF C-17 flight.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarkashi-tunnel-collapse-efforts-underway-to-save-41-workers-stuck-will-take-4-5-days-to-rescue-660375">Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Efforts underway to save 41 workers stuck, will take 4-5 days, says official</a></p>

<p>At the time, Palestinian envoy Adnan Abu Al-Haija thanked the Indian government for the timely assistance.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-sends-humanitarian-aid-to-gaza-palestine-envoy-welcomes-the-step-649849">In an exclusive conversation with WION</a>, he stressed the urgent need for medicine and relief in Gaza, which has faced severe shortages of essential supplies like food, water, medicine, oxygen, and petrol.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-maldives-to-discuss-solutions-for-indian-military-assets-presence-660209">India, Maldives to discuss 'solutions' for Indian military assets presence</a></p>

<p>The Rafah crossing, vital for travel and transportation of goods, remains a crucial entry point for humanitarian aid into Gaza, although it has faced operational challenges since the onset of the war.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-netanyahu-israel-abides-by-the-laws-of-war-660322">Israel-Palestine war | Netanyahu: Israel abides by the laws of war</a></strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Israel's offensive and Gaza's humanitarian crisis</strong></h2>

<p>Israel has escalated its offensive on Gaza, aiming to eliminate Hamas and end its control over the besieged region. Civilians in Gaza are seeking refuge inside UN-run schools to protect themselves from air raids.</p>

<p>Israel's intensified actions come after a Hamas attack on October 7, during which the militant group killed 1,200 people and took 240 hostages, according to Israeli reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The situation remains dire, with the humanitarian crisis deepening amid the ongoing hostilities. Authorities in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip reported a death toll of 12,300, including 5,000 children.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>


Amid the war between Israel and Hamas, India sent a second batch of aid on Sunday (Nov 19) for Palestinians in Gaza who are caught in the crossfire. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar shared a post on X social media platform on the development and wrote, "We continue to deliver humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine.

Amid the war between Israel and Hamas, India sent a second batch of aid on Sunday (Nov 19) for Palestinians in Gaza who are caught in the crossfire. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar shared a post on X social media platform on the development and wrote, "We continue to deliver humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine." The second aid shipment comprised of 32 tonnes and was transported by the Indian Air Force's C17 aircraft to Egypt's El-Arish Airport, situated approximately 45 kilometres from the Rafah crossing on Egypt’s border with the Gaza Strip. "Second Indian Air Force C17 aircraft carrying 32 tonnes of aid departs for the El-Arish Airport in Egypt," Jaishankar added in the post. India had previously extended support to Palestine by sending the first batch of aid, including medical and disaster relief, on October 22. The Indian Air Force played a pivotal role in this delivery, dispatching nearly 6.5 tonnes of medical aid and 32 tonnes of disaster relief materials on an IAF C-17 flight. Also Read | Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Efforts underway to save 41 workers stuck, will take 4-5 days, says official At the time, Palestinian envoy Adnan Abu Al-Haija thanked the Indian government for the timely assistance. In an exclusive conversation with WION, he stressed the urgent need for medicine and relief in Gaza, which has faced severe shortages of essential supplies like food, water, medicine, oxygen, and petrol. Also Read | India, Maldives to discuss 'solutions' for Indian military assets presence The Rafah crossing, vital for travel and transportation of goods, remains a crucial entry point for humanitarian aid into Gaza, although it has faced operational challenges since the onset of the war. Watch | Israel-Palestine war | Netanyahu: Israel abides by the laws of war × Israel's offensive and Gaza's humanitarian crisis Israel has escalated its offensive on Gaza, aiming to eliminate Hamas and end its control over the besieged region. Civilians in Gaza are seeking refuge inside UN-run schools to protect themselves from air raids. Israel's intensified actions come after a Hamas attack on October 7, during which the militant group killed 1,200 people and took 240 hostages, according to Israeli reports. The situation remains dire, with the humanitarian crisis deepening amid the ongoing hostilities. Authorities in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip reported a death toll of 12,300, including 5,000 children. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

India sends 2nd batch of aid for Palestinians caught in crossfire amid Israel-Hamas war

Panel Discussion of the 2nd CII India Nordic Baltic Business Conclave

<p>On November 17, India hosted the second ‘Voice of the Global South Summit’ (VOGSS) in the virtual format. The first summit was held on 12–13 January 2023. Two summits within a year to advance the cause of developing nations and the announcement to convene another summit later to discuss issues relating to Artificial Intelligence and its impact on the Global South are clearly indicative of the creation of a new institutional platform for sustaining solidarity in the developing world. This is also an indicator of India asserting its leadership of a large and important grouping. How has Indian diplomacy performed so far in this regard and how it might address this complex phenomenon in the next two years will be watched with widespread interest.</p>

<h2><strong>From Global South to first summit</strong></h2>

<p>International relations experts are quite used to depicting the world as divided into certain camps or categories. The Cold War threw up the polarization between the West and the East, terming the rest of the world as the ‘Non-aligned’. The ‘Third World’ was used in the past to club together all developing countries. The Group of 77 (G77) was a more neutral and acceptable phrase to describe countries on the path of development, which advocated both North-South and South-South cooperation.</p>

<p>The term ‘global South’ was first used by Carl Oglesky, a leftist American author and political activist in 1969, which gathered currency in the later decades. Through his famous 1980 report entitled ‘North-South: A Programme for Survival’, former West German Chancellor Willy Brandt invented the ‘Brandt Line’ that divided the world roughly at the latitude of 30 degrees North, placing North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia in the North and showing the southern part of the hemisphere as the South.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-raised-indias-profile-as-voice-of-global-south-imec-has-potential-finnish-envoy-to-wion-660098">Also read |&nbsp;G20 raised India's profile as voice of Global&nbsp;South, IMEC has potential: Finnish&nbsp;envoy&nbsp;to&nbsp;WION</a></p>

<p>India, a leading light in both the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the G77, has always been perceived as an important pillar of the South. In contrast, China was neither a member of NAM nor of G77, though it worked as a partner of the latter, thus terming the grouping as ‘G77 and China’. Conscious of the reduced relevance of NAM in the post-Cold War era and disenchanted with the non-performing G77, India has created a new and innovative pathway suitable for the needs of the 21st century. The opportunity to host the G20 summit was the trigger for India to craft the new platform. It is designed to help the Global South address current geopolitical and economic challenges more effectively. While defining the Global South, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar observed, “Those who are really Global South know they are Global South.”</p>

<p>The first VOGSS was quite a success, once the initial question as to which countries should be invited was resolved neatly. For obvious reasons, China could not be included but this exclusion required a touch of diplomacy. Therefore, no member nations of the G20 were part of the first Global South summit. This meant excluding close partners like Indonesia, Brazil, and South Africa too, but India has been in close touch with them through the medium of the G20 Troika.</p>

<p>The simple purpose of the January summit for India was to ascertain key concerns and needs of developing countries that could be taken up and pursued by the G20 President during its tenure from December 2022 to November 2023. The participation of 125 countries in this summit was the validation of India's decision to convene the summit. The inclusive programme and the opportunity for a sizeable number of leaders and ministers to articulate their views received considerable appreciation. The most tangible outcome was that the host obtained rich inputs that later moulded the G20 agenda.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/global-south-needs-a-reality-check-concept-is-the-same-but-the-context-is-not-552302">Also read |&nbsp;Global South needs a reality check: Concept is the same but the context is not</a></p>

<h2><strong>The second summit</strong></h2>

<p>The second VOGSS was structured in the same pattern as the first summit. It comprised an opening and a closing session attended by the leaders, whereas eight ministerial sessions were held where participants were minister of foreign affairs (two sessions), finance, education, environment, energy, health, and commerce. The specific theme of the inaugural session was ‘Together, for Everyone’s Growth, with Everyone’s Trust’, and for the concluding session, it was ‘Global South: Together for One Future.’</p>

<p>The essential purpose of the second summit was twofold: to apprise high-level representatives of the Global South of the deliberations and outcomes of the G20 summit hosted and presided over by India, and to ensure that momentum is sustained, with the support of developing countries, for optimal implementation of the G20 decisions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlined that the Global South priorities were fully reflected in the G20 summit outcomes. “Geographically the Global South has always existed, but it is getting a voice for the first time, and this is because of the joint efforts,” he noted adding, “We are more than 100 countries but our priorities are similar.” He was clear that the message from the Global South was that “it wants its autonomy.”</p>

<p>At a special media briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra provided details about the issues discussed, the reactions of foreign participants, and the summit’s outcomes. He conveyed that New Delhi was well on its way to implementing various initiatives that PM Modi had announced at the January summit. In particular, Modi inaugurated the Global South Center of Excellence, to be called ‘DAKSHIN’, an acronym for Development and Knowledge Sharing Initiative. It will serve as a think tank and a repository of knowledge and development initiatives that promotes greater collaboration among developing nations.</p>

<p>Ministerial sessions, it was disclosed, went into a deep dive on a whole gamut of India's G20 priorities ranging from Sustainable Development Goals, energy transition, climate action finance, digital transformation, debt relief, women-led development, counter-terrorism, and reform of international financial institutions as well as the UN Security Council. The mood in the conference rooms was imbued with an expression of “gratitude to Prime Minister Modi’s leadership here.” Specifically, the admission of the African Union (AU) as a member of G20 was widely lauded by the participants.</p>

<h2><strong>Assessment</strong></h2>

<p>Several observations are in order here. First, the Global South orientation of the G20 summit was fully noted at the VOGSS summit. Perhaps over 50% of the content of the G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration (NDLD) is related exclusively to the needs of the Global South. Second, there was recognition that the success in securing a seat for the AU in G20 demonstrated that global groupings can be persuaded to respond to the changing global realities in an inclusive fashion, as Foreign Secretary Kwatra put it. Third, participants seemed clear that resolving global challenges required not confrontation but a mix of cooperation, consultation, and coordination.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/finnish-envoy-speaks-to-wion-on-imec-g20-india-eu-fta-more-660176/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Minister Jaishankar referred to India's conviction that “the success of our G20 Presidency is the success of the Global South.” But this mission will be truly accomplished when the implementation of G20 decisions gets underway and picks up momentum. For this, the Global South nations were urged “to keep our collective voices robust.”</p>

<p>For India, the next challenge, as a leader of the Global South, is to ensure maximum coordination with Brazil and South Africa as the next two presidents of G20. Through close engagement, deft diplomacy, and while respecting the sensitivities of its G20 successors, India can continue serving the cause of the Global South constructively.</p>

<p><strong><em>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</em></strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


On November 17, India hosted the second ‘Voice of the Global South Summit’ (VOGSS) in the virtual format. The first summit was held on 12–13 January 2023. Two summits within a year to advance the cause of developing nations and the announcement to convene another summit later to discuss issues relating to Artificial Intelligence and its impact on the Global South are clearly indicative of the creation of a new institutional platform for sustaining solidarity in the developing world.

On November 17, India hosted the second ‘Voice of the Global South Summit’ (VOGSS) in the virtual format. The first summit was held on 12–13 January 2023. Two summits within a year to advance the cause of developing nations and the announcement to convene another summit later to discuss issues relating to Artificial Intelligence and its impact on the Global South are clearly indicative of the creation of a new institutional platform for sustaining solidarity in the developing world. This is also an indicator of India asserting its leadership of a large and important grouping. How has Indian diplomacy performed so far in this regard and how it might address this complex phenomenon in the next two years will be watched with widespread interest. From Global South to first summit International relations experts are quite used to depicting the world as divided into certain camps or categories. The Cold War threw up the polarization between the West and the East, terming the rest of the world as the ‘Non-aligned’. The ‘Third World’ was used in the past to club together all developing countries. The Group of 77 (G77) was a more neutral and acceptable phrase to describe countries on the path of development, which advocated both North-South and South-South cooperation. The term ‘global South’ was first used by Carl Oglesky, a leftist American author and political activist in 1969, which gathered currency in the later decades. Through his famous 1980 report entitled ‘North-South: A Programme for Survival’, former West German Chancellor Willy Brandt invented the ‘Brandt Line’ that divided the world roughly at the latitude of 30 degrees North, placing North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia in the North and showing the southern part of the hemisphere as the South. Also read | G20 raised India's profile as voice of Global South, IMEC has potential: Finnish envoy to WION India, a leading light in both the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the G77, has always been perceived as an important pillar of the South. In contrast, China was neither a member of NAM nor of G77, though it worked as a partner of the latter, thus terming the grouping as ‘G77 and China’. Conscious of the reduced relevance of NAM in the post-Cold War era and disenchanted with the non-performing G77, India has created a new and innovative pathway suitable for the needs of the 21st century. The opportunity to host the G20 summit was the trigger for India to craft the new platform. It is designed to help the Global South address current geopolitical and economic challenges more effectively. While defining the Global South, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar observed, “Those who are really Global South know they are Global South.” The first VOGSS was quite a success, once the initial question as to which countries should be invited was resolved neatly. For obvious reasons, China could not be included but this exclusion required a touch of diplomacy. Therefore, no member nations of the G20 were part of the first Global South summit. This meant excluding close partners like Indonesia, Brazil, and South Africa too, but India has been in close touch with them through the medium of the G20 Troika. The simple purpose of the January summit for India was to ascertain key concerns and needs of developing countries that could be taken up and pursued by the G20 President during its tenure from December 2022 to November 2023. The participation of 125 countries in this summit was the validation of India's decision to convene the summit. The inclusive programme and the opportunity for a sizeable number of leaders and ministers to articulate their views received considerable appreciation. The most tangible outcome was that the host obtained rich inputs that later moulded the G20 agenda. Also read | Global South needs a reality check: Concept is the same but the context is not The second summit The second VOGSS was structured in the same pattern as the first summit. It comprised an opening and a closing session attended by the leaders, whereas eight ministerial sessions were held where participants were minister of foreign affairs (two sessions), finance, education, environment, energy, health, and commerce. The specific theme of the inaugural session was ‘Together, for Everyone’s Growth, with Everyone’s Trust’, and for the concluding session, it was ‘Global South: Together for One Future.’ The essential purpose of the second summit was twofold: to apprise high-level representatives of the Global South of the deliberations and outcomes of the G20 summit hosted and presided over by India, and to ensure that momentum is sustained, with the support of developing countries, for optimal implementation of the G20 decisions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlined that the Global South priorities were fully reflected in the G20 summit outcomes. “Geographically the Global South has always existed, but it is getting a voice for the first time, and this is because of the joint efforts,” he noted adding, “We are more than 100 countries but our priorities are similar.” He was clear that the message from the Global South was that “it wants its autonomy.” At a special media briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra provided details about the issues discussed, the reactions of foreign participants, and the summit’s outcomes. He conveyed that New Delhi was well on its way to implementing various initiatives that PM Modi had announced at the January summit. In particular, Modi inaugurated the Global South Center of Excellence, to be called ‘DAKSHIN’, an acronym for Development and Knowledge Sharing Initiative. It will serve as a think tank and a repository of knowledge and development initiatives that promotes greater collaboration among developing nations. Ministerial sessions, it was disclosed, went into a deep dive on a whole gamut of India's G20 priorities ranging from Sustainable Development Goals, energy transition, climate action finance, digital transformation, debt relief, women-led development, counter-terrorism, and reform of international financial institutions as well as the UN Security Council. The mood in the conference rooms was imbued with an expression of “gratitude to Prime Minister Modi’s leadership here.” Specifically, the admission of the African Union (AU) as a member of G20 was widely lauded by the participants. Assessment Several observations are in order here. First, the Global South orientation of the G20 summit was fully noted at the VOGSS summit. Perhaps over 50% of the content of the G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration (NDLD) is related exclusively to the needs of the Global South. Second, there was recognition that the success in securing a seat for the AU in G20 demonstrated that global groupings can be persuaded to respond to the changing global realities in an inclusive fashion, as Foreign Secretary Kwatra put it. Third, participants seemed clear that resolving global challenges required not confrontation but a mix of cooperation, consultation, and coordination. Minister Jaishankar referred to India's conviction that “the success of our G20 Presidency is the success of the Global South.” But this mission will be truly accomplished when the implementation of G20 decisions gets underway and picks up momentum. For this, the Global South nations were urged “to keep our collective voices robust.” For India, the next challenge, as a leader of the Global South, is to ensure maximum coordination with Brazil and South Africa as the next two presidents of G20. Through close engagement, deft diplomacy, and while respecting the sensitivities of its G20 successors, India can continue serving the cause of the Global South constructively. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Second Global South Summit: A holistic assessment

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<p>Even as the new Maldives government has called for the "withdrawal" of Indian military personnel from the country, both New Delhi and Malé have agreed to "discuss workable solutions" on the presence of Indian military assets as they "serve the interests of the people of Maldives", sources have said.</p>

<p>The development comes after a meeting between Indian minister Kiren Rijiju and the new Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in the capital Male on Saturday (Nov 18). The Indian earth sciences minister, a legislator from Arunachal Pradesh, was in the Indian Ocean Island country to represent India at the oath-taking ceremony of the new President on Friday (Nov 17).</p>

<p>A readout from the Maldives government on the meeting said, "While discussing the matter with Minister Kiren Rijiju, President Dr Muizzu also acknowledged the significant role of the two helicopters in providing numerous emergency medical evacuations."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maldives-president-muizzu-formally-asks-india-to-withdraw-troops-660178">Maldives President Muizzu formally asks India to withdraw troops</a></p>

<p>He appreciated their role in monitoring and combating drug trafficking. Indian military assets like helicopters and Dornier aircraft gifted to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) are seen as central to medical evacuation, to monitor and combat drug trafficking in the country. They have also contributed significantly in areas like humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and combating illegal maritime activities in Maldives.</p>

<p>Over the past five years, Indian personnel have executed more than 500 medical evacuations, saving 523 Maldivian lives. This year alone witnessed 131 evacuations, with 140 and 109 evacuations conducted in the preceding two years.</p>

<p>Moreover, more than 450 multifaceted missions have been carried out to safeguard the maritime security of the Maldives, with 122 missions in the last year, and 152 and 124 missions undertaken in 2021 and 2020, respectively.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-50-killed-in-israeli-airstrikes-on-al-fakhoora-school-in-gazas-jabalia-refugee-camp-660179">At least 50 killed in Israeli airstrikes on al-Fakhoora school in Gaza's Jabalia refugee camp</a></p>

<p>Incidentally, earlier on Saturday (Nov 18), Indian Coast Guard on deputation in Maldives, along with MNDF Central Area Command were involved in a medical evacuation of a 36-year-old female in critical condition from Th. Atoll Hospital to the Male City on an India-gifted MNDF Dornier Aircraft.</p>

<p>During the meeting, President Muizzu had formally requested the Government of India to "withdraw" its "military personnel" from the Maldives.</p>

<p>According to the official readout, President Muizzu reiterated the democratic mandate he received in the September Presidential Election, stating, "The Maldivian people had given him a strong mandate to make the request to India, and [he] expressed the hope that India will honour the democratic will of the people of the Maldives."</p>

<p>President Muizzu had made this his key election issue, even as his supporters have been seen behind the "India Out campaign" which the previous government had strongly come out against.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-clashes-in-myanmar-displaces-26000-people-659986">UN: Clashes in Myanmar displaces 26,000 people</a></strong></p>

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<p>Indian military personnel are stationed in the Maldives to operate military platforms. However, it is crucial to note that these platforms are under the complete command and control of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), something pointed by the previous Maldives government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Important to note, that during the oath-taking ceremony of the previous Maldives President in 2018, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was himself present.</p>

<p>The current President Muizzu is seen as supportive of China. During his meeting with Chinese President Xi's special envoy, Shen Yiqin, who came to the country to attend the oath-taking ceremony, he told her that his tenure "marks a new chapter in the shared historic friendship between the two countries"</p>


Even as the new Maldives government has called for the "withdrawal" of Indian military personnel from the country, both New Delhi and Malé have agreed to "discuss workable solutions" on the presence of Indian military assets as they "serve the interests of the people of Maldives", sources have said.

Even as the new Maldives government has called for the "withdrawal" of Indian military personnel from the country, both New Delhi and Malé have agreed to "discuss workable solutions" on the presence of Indian military assets as they "serve the interests of the people of Maldives", sources have said. The development comes after a meeting between Indian minister Kiren Rijiju and the new Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in the capital Male on Saturday (Nov 18). The Indian earth sciences minister, a legislator from Arunachal Pradesh, was in the Indian Ocean Island country to represent India at the oath-taking ceremony of the new President on Friday (Nov 17). A readout from the Maldives government on the meeting said, "While discussing the matter with Minister Kiren Rijiju, President Dr Muizzu also acknowledged the significant role of the two helicopters in providing numerous emergency medical evacuations." Also Read | Maldives President Muizzu formally asks India to withdraw troops He appreciated their role in monitoring and combating drug trafficking. Indian military assets like helicopters and Dornier aircraft gifted to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) are seen as central to medical evacuation, to monitor and combat drug trafficking in the country. They have also contributed significantly in areas like humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and combating illegal maritime activities in Maldives. Over the past five years, Indian personnel have executed more than 500 medical evacuations, saving 523 Maldivian lives. This year alone witnessed 131 evacuations, with 140 and 109 evacuations conducted in the preceding two years. Moreover, more than 450 multifaceted missions have been carried out to safeguard the maritime security of the Maldives, with 122 missions in the last year, and 152 and 124 missions undertaken in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Also Read | At least 50 killed in Israeli airstrikes on al-Fakhoora school in Gaza's Jabalia refugee camp Incidentally, earlier on Saturday (Nov 18), Indian Coast Guard on deputation in Maldives, along with MNDF Central Area Command were involved in a medical evacuation of a 36-year-old female in critical condition from Th. Atoll Hospital to the Male City on an India-gifted MNDF Dornier Aircraft. During the meeting, President Muizzu had formally requested the Government of India to "withdraw" its "military personnel" from the Maldives. According to the official readout, President Muizzu reiterated the democratic mandate he received in the September Presidential Election, stating, "The Maldivian people had given him a strong mandate to make the request to India, and [he] expressed the hope that India will honour the democratic will of the people of the Maldives." President Muizzu had made this his key election issue, even as his supporters have been seen behind the "India Out campaign" which the previous government had strongly come out against. Watch | UN: Clashes in Myanmar displaces 26,000 people × Indian military personnel are stationed in the Maldives to operate military platforms. However, it is crucial to note that these platforms are under the complete command and control of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), something pointed by the previous Maldives government. Important to note, that during the oath-taking ceremony of the previous Maldives President in 2018, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was himself present. The current President Muizzu is seen as supportive of China. During his meeting with Chinese President Xi's special envoy, Shen Yiqin, who came to the country to attend the oath-taking ceremony, he told her that his tenure "marks a new chapter in the shared historic friendship between the two countries"

India, Maldives to discuss 'solutions' for Indian military assets presence

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<p>Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday (Nov 18) formally requested India to withdraw troops from his country, fulfilling an election pledge on his first day in office. In a meeting with India's Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju, President Muizzu asked New Delhi to recall its military personnel to operate three gifted aircraft patrolling the maritime territory.</p>

<p>"The President formally made the request when he met the Minister of Earth Sciences of India Kiren Rijiju, at the President’s Office earlier today," a statement from Muizzu's office said. The statement did not mention the timeline or the number of personnel to be withdrawn.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Privileged to call on President H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.<br />
Conveyed greetings from Hon’ble PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NarendraModi</a> and reiterated India’s commitment to further strengthen the substantive bilateral cooperation and robust people-to-people ties. <a href="https://t.co/nFa95QD9ES">pic.twitter.com/nFa95QD9ES</a></p>
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju/status/1725824019616928052?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Rijiju, who attended Muizzu's inaugural ceremony on Friday, said in a post on X, "Privileged to call on President H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Conveyed greetings from Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi and reiterated India’s commitment to further strengthen the substantive bilateral cooperation and robust people-to-people ties."</p>

<h2><strong>Muizzu acknowledges contribution of Indian troops</strong></h2>

<p>According to sources, Muizzu (during his meeting with Rijiju) acknowledged the contribution of Indian military helicopters and aircraft for the medical evacuation of Maldivian citizens and appreciated their role in monitoring and combating drug trafficking.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sources added that Male and New Delhi would discuss workable solutions for continued cooperation through the use of these platforms as this serves the interests of the people of Maldives.</p>

<p>Muizzu has said repeatedly that his country <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-troops-need-to-leave-maldives-they-will-not-be-replaced-by-troops-from-other-nations-muizzu-652094">will not have the presence of military personnel</a></strong> of another country. "When it comes to our security, I will draw a red line. The Maldives will respect the red lines of other countries too," the president said on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this week, Muizzu told the news agency AFP that his intention was not to upend the regional balance by replacing the Indian military with Chinese troops.</p>

<p>In October, he said that he would work to return Indian military personnel "as soon as possible", but also emphasised his commitment to stronger investment ties with both India and China to foster growth.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday (Nov 18) formally requested India to withdraw troops from his country, fulfilling an election pledge on his first day in office.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday (Nov 18) formally requested India to withdraw troops from his country, fulfilling an election pledge on his first day in office. In a meeting with India's Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju, President Muizzu asked New Delhi to recall its military personnel to operate three gifted aircraft patrolling the maritime territory. "The President formally made the request when he met the Minister of Earth Sciences of India Kiren Rijiju, at the President’s Office earlier today," a statement from Muizzu's office said. The statement did not mention the timeline or the number of personnel to be withdrawn. Privileged to call on President H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Conveyed greetings from Hon’ble PM @NarendraModi and reiterated India’s commitment to further strengthen the substantive bilateral cooperation and robust people-to-people ties. pic.twitter.com/nFa95QD9ES — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) November 18, 2023 × Rijiju, who attended Muizzu's inaugural ceremony on Friday, said in a post on X, "Privileged to call on President H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Conveyed greetings from Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi and reiterated India’s commitment to further strengthen the substantive bilateral cooperation and robust people-to-people ties." Muizzu acknowledges contribution of Indian troops According to sources, Muizzu (during his meeting with Rijiju) acknowledged the contribution of Indian military helicopters and aircraft for the medical evacuation of Maldivian citizens and appreciated their role in monitoring and combating drug trafficking. The sources added that Male and New Delhi would discuss workable solutions for continued cooperation through the use of these platforms as this serves the interests of the people of Maldives. Muizzu has said repeatedly that his country will not have the presence of military personnel of another country. "When it comes to our security, I will draw a red line. The Maldives will respect the red lines of other countries too," the president said on Saturday. Earlier this week, Muizzu told the news agency AFP that his intention was not to upend the regional balance by replacing the Indian military with Chinese troops. In October, he said that he would work to return Indian military personnel "as soon as possible", but also emphasised his commitment to stronger investment ties with both India and China to foster growth. (With inputs from agencies)

Maldives President Muizzu formally asks India to withdraw troops

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