<p>The White House on Monday announced that the first in-person Quad or India, US, Australia and Japan's leaders' summit will take place on September 24 in Washington. The summit marks a major milestone and coming of age for the grouping which has been in works for some time now. For the summit, US President Joe Biden will be hosting Australian PM Scott Morrison, Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga and Indian PM Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>A White House statement said, "The Biden-Harris Administration has made elevating the Quad a priority, as seen through the first-ever Quad Leaders-level engagement in March, which was virtual, and now this Summit, which will be in-person".&nbsp;</p>

<p>March 12th saw the first Quad summit, but that happened virtually amid the Covid pandemic. The key outcome of the summit was Quad Covid vaccine initiative. Quad vaccine initiative will see Covid vaccines developed in the US being manufactured in India. This will be financed by Japan and US and supported by Australia.</p>

<p>The White House statement highlighted that "hosting the leaders of the Quad demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration’s priority of engaging in the Indo-Pacific, including through new multilateral configurations to meet the challenges of the 21st century." Indo-Pacific as a vision is being back by India and US among other countries in the region. Many countries in Europe have also issued their papers on the visions and how to support it.</p>

<p>The statement pointed that the focus of the summit will be on "deepening our ties and advancing practical cooperation" on areas such as "combatting COVID-19, addressing the climate crisis, partnering on emerging technologies and cyberspace, and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific." Quad first came into existence after the 2004 tsunami and saw some formalization in 2007. At that time Australia had issues. Since 2019, Quad has had regular conversations at the foreign ministers' level.</p>

<p>The announcement by White House confirms Indian PM Modi's US visit. He is expected to hold bilateral talks with US President Biden on September 23, the first in-person meet between the 2 leaders since the change of guard in Washington. On 25th he will be travelling to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. During his address he will be focusing on UN reforms, climate change, Covid crisis and vaccines, counter-terror and some references can be expected on Afghanistan as well.</p>


The White House on Monday announced that the first in-person Quad or India, US, Australia and Japan's leaders' summit will take place on September 24 in Washington.

The White House on Monday announced that the first in-person Quad or India, US, Australia and Japan's leaders' summit will take place on September 24 in Washington. The summit marks a major milestone and coming of age for the grouping which has been in works for some time now. For the summit, US President Joe Biden will be hosting Australian PM Scott Morrison, Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga and Indian PM Narendra Modi. A White House statement said, "The Biden-Harris Administration has made elevating the Quad a priority, as seen through the first-ever Quad Leaders-level engagement in March, which was virtual, and now this Summit, which will be in-person". March 12th saw the first Quad summit, but that happened virtually amid the Covid pandemic. The key outcome of the summit was Quad Covid vaccine initiative. Quad vaccine initiative will see Covid vaccines developed in the US being manufactured in India. This will be financed by Japan and US and supported by Australia. The White House statement highlighted that "hosting the leaders of the Quad demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration’s priority of engaging in the Indo-Pacific, including through new multilateral configurations to meet the challenges of the 21st century." Indo-Pacific as a vision is being back by India and US among other countries in the region. Many countries in Europe have also issued their papers on the visions and how to support it. The statement pointed that the focus of the summit will be on "deepening our ties and advancing practical cooperation" on areas such as "combatting COVID-19, addressing the climate crisis, partnering on emerging technologies and cyberspace, and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific." Quad first came into existence after the 2004 tsunami and saw some formalization in 2007. At that time Australia had issues. Since 2019, Quad has had regular conversations at the foreign ministers' level. The announcement by White House confirms Indian PM Modi's US visit. He is expected to hold bilateral talks with US President Biden on September 23, the first in-person meet between the 2 leaders since the change of guard in Washington. On 25th he will be travelling to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. During his address he will be focusing on UN reforms, climate change, Covid crisis and vaccines, counter-terror and some references can be expected on Afghanistan as well.

First in person Quad leaders' Summit on September 24: White House

Indian industry body Assocham said that there are signs of improved consumer confidence in several key sectors, including hospitality, of the economy.

World Business Watch: Indian consumer confidence showing signs of pick up in Q2 says Assocham

<p>India is undertaking a scheduled maintenance of Mauritius Coast Guard Ship (MCGS) Barracuda at GRSE Kolkata. Garden Reach Shipbuilders &amp; Engineers Kolkata (GRSE), an Indian government enterprise is one of the key shipyards of the country.</p>

<p>Indian Navy chief Adm Karambir Singh visited the shipyard last week to review the ongoing maintenance activities and interacted with the crew of the vessel. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India-Australia 2+2 dialogue underway, focus on expanding strategic ties</strong></p>

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<p>The ship is in the final stages of the maintenance and shall undergo sea-trials shortly, which will be monitored jointly by both Indian Navy and Mauritius Coast Guard crew. Post the successful completion of the trials, MCGS Barracuda would be ready to sail to Mauritius.</p>

<p>The development is being seen as not only the support to the Mauritius Coast Guard from India but also in terms of capacity building. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-gujarat-state-gets-new-cm-ahead-of-crucial-elections-next-year-412583" hreflang="en">India’s Gujarat state gets new CM ahead of crucial elections next year</a></strong></p>

<p>Important to note that MCGS Barracuda was the first warship to be exported by an Indian shipyard and was built by GRSE. &nbsp;It was delivered to the Mauritian Coast Guard during PM Modi's visit to the country. It was commissioned into Mauritius National Coast Guard in March 2015.</p>

<p>It was the first ‘Made to Order’ warship constructed by India for any foreign country, and is seen as a testimony to the strong relationship between the two countries. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian Navy has been playing an important role in terms of reaching out to nations of the Indian Ocean. Amid Covid crisis, it reached out to countries of the area and provided them relief as part of Sagar missions.&nbsp;</p>


India is undertaking a scheduled maintenance of Mauritius Coast Guard Ship (MCGS) Barracuda at GRSE Kolkata. Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Kolkata (GRSE), an Indian government enterprise is one of the key shipyards of the country.

India is undertaking a scheduled maintenance of Mauritius Coast Guard Ship (MCGS) Barracuda at GRSE Kolkata. Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Kolkata (GRSE), an Indian government enterprise is one of the key shipyards of the country. Indian Navy chief Adm Karambir Singh visited the shipyard last week to review the ongoing maintenance activities and interacted with the crew of the vessel. Watch: India-Australia 2+2 dialogue underway, focus on expanding strategic ties × The ship is in the final stages of the maintenance and shall undergo sea-trials shortly, which will be monitored jointly by both Indian Navy and Mauritius Coast Guard crew. Post the successful completion of the trials, MCGS Barracuda would be ready to sail to Mauritius. The development is being seen as not only the support to the Mauritius Coast Guard from India but also in terms of capacity building. Also Read: India’s Gujarat state gets new CM ahead of crucial elections next year Important to note that MCGS Barracuda was the first warship to be exported by an Indian shipyard and was built by GRSE. It was delivered to the Mauritian Coast Guard during PM Modi's visit to the country. It was commissioned into Mauritius National Coast Guard in March 2015. It was the first ‘Made to Order’ warship constructed by India for any foreign country, and is seen as a testimony to the strong relationship between the two countries. Indian Navy has been playing an important role in terms of reaching out to nations of the Indian Ocean. Amid Covid crisis, it reached out to countries of the area and provided them relief as part of Sagar missions.

India undertaking maintenance of Mauritius Coast Guard’s patrol vessel

<p>America's Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry would travel to India next week, during which the two countries would launch the Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue, the State Department has said.</p>

<p>As part of America's efforts to engage with international counterparts on actions to address the climate crisis, the State Department said Kerry will meet with Indian counterparts and private sector leaders to discuss efforts to raise global climate ambition and speed up India's clean energy transition.</p>

<p>"During his visit, the United States and India will launch the Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue (CAFMD), one of the two main tracks of the US-India Agenda 2030 Partnership that</p>

<p>President (Joe) Biden and Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi announced at the Leaders Summit on Climate in April 2021,? the State Department said on Friday.</p>

<p>Kerry will bolster the US' bilateral and multilateral climate efforts ahead of the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which will be held from October 31 to November 12, 2021, in Glasgow, United Kingdom, the media release said.&nbsp;</p>


America's Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry would travel to India next week, during which the two countries would launch the Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue, the State Department has said.

America's Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry would travel to India next week, during which the two countries would launch the Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue, the State Department has said. As part of America's efforts to engage with international counterparts on actions to address the climate crisis, the State Department said Kerry will meet with Indian counterparts and private sector leaders to discuss efforts to raise global climate ambition and speed up India's clean energy transition. "During his visit, the United States and India will launch the Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue (CAFMD), one of the two main tracks of the US-India Agenda 2030 Partnership that President (Joe) Biden and Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi announced at the Leaders Summit on Climate in April 2021,? the State Department said on Friday. Kerry will bolster the US' bilateral and multilateral climate efforts ahead of the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which will be held from October 31 to November 12, 2021, in Glasgow, United Kingdom, the media release said.

India and US to launch Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue

Leaders from India and Australia are holding a key meeting in New Delhi. The 2+2 meeting is being held by defence and foreign ministers of both the countries. The focus primarily is laid on Indo-Pacific, maritime security and Afghanistan crisis as well.

India-Australia 2+2 dialogue underway, focus on expanding strategic ties

<p>In what could kick off a political turmoil, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani says he has resigned from his post on Saturday. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although it is not clear what prompted the development, there is still over a year before the state goes to polls. The elections to the 182-member Assembly of the state are due in December next year. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In December 2017, 65-year-old Rupani was sworn in as chief minister. It was his second stint as CM. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India, Australia Holds 2+2 ministerial dialogue in New Delhi</strong></p>

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<p>After submitting his resignation letter to Governor Acharya Devvrat, Rupani told reporters, "I have resigned as chief minister of Gujarat. I was allowed to serve the state for five years. I have contributed to the development of the state. I will further do whatever is asked by my party.” &nbsp;</p>

<p>Rupani said, "In BJP, there has been a tradition that responsibilities of party workers change from time to time. I will be ready to take whatever responsibility that the party will give me in the future." &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving a common worker like me this opportunity to serve the people of the state as chief minister," Rupani said. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heavy-rains-delay-flights-in-delhi-snarl-traffic-412323" hreflang="en">Heavy rains delay flights in Delhi, snarl traffic</a></strong></p>

<p>Rupani along with state BJP in-charge Bhupendra Yadav, Union ministers Purshottam Rupala and Mansukh Mandaviya, and state cabinet colleagues, deputy CM Nitin Patel, Bhupndrasinh Chudasama and Pradeepsinh Jadeja met the governor and submitted their resignations. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>When asked about the reason for his resignation, the leader said, "In BJP, it is like a relay race for party workers. One gives the baton to the other.” He denied having any differences with state BJP president C R Paatil. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


In what could kick off a political turmoil, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani says he has resigned from his post on Saturday. Although it is not clear what prompted the development, there is still over a year before the state goes to polls.

In what could kick off a political turmoil, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani says he has resigned from his post on Saturday. Although it is not clear what prompted the development, there is still over a year before the state goes to polls. The elections to the 182-member Assembly of the state are due in December next year. In December 2017, 65-year-old Rupani was sworn in as chief minister. It was his second stint as CM. Watch | India, Australia Holds 2+2 ministerial dialogue in New Delhi × After submitting his resignation letter to Governor Acharya Devvrat, Rupani told reporters, "I have resigned as chief minister of Gujarat. I was allowed to serve the state for five years. I have contributed to the development of the state. I will further do whatever is asked by my party.” Rupani said, "In BJP, there has been a tradition that responsibilities of party workers change from time to time. I will be ready to take whatever responsibility that the party will give me in the future." "I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving a common worker like me this opportunity to serve the people of the state as chief minister," Rupani said. Also Read: Heavy rains delay flights in Delhi, snarl traffic Rupani along with state BJP in-charge Bhupendra Yadav, Union ministers Purshottam Rupala and Mansukh Mandaviya, and state cabinet colleagues, deputy CM Nitin Patel, Bhupndrasinh Chudasama and Pradeepsinh Jadeja met the governor and submitted their resignations. When asked about the reason for his resignation, the leader said, "In BJP, it is like a relay race for party workers. One gives the baton to the other.” He denied having any differences with state BJP president C R Paatil. (With inputs from agencies)

Western Indian state of Gujarat’s Chief Minister Vijay Rupani resigns

<p>Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has issued a joint statement after the '2+2' ministerial dialogue with Australia saying that India and Australia share an important partnership that is entirely based on the shared vision of a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.</p>

<p>India and Australia began a high-level foreign and defence ministerial dialogue.</p>

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<p>It is aimed at further ramping up their overall defence and strategic cooperation including in the Indo-Pacific amid China's increasing military assertiveness in the region.</p>

<p>External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held the inaugural 'two-plus-two' talks with their Australian counterparts Marise Payne and Peter Dutton.</p>

<p>The talks come in at a time the global focus has been on the situation in Afghanistan and the issue is likely to figure in the deliberations.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-australia-hold-inaugural-22-talks-412289"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India, Australia hold inaugural '2+2' talks</strong></a></p>

<p>The two defence ministers discussed the fragile security situation in Afghanistan and their "common concerns" relating to the possible spread of terrorism from the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.</p>

<p>Talking about "significant challenges" facing the Indo-Pacific, the Australian foreign minister said that Canberra seeks a region where the rights of large and small countries are respected and that no "single dominant power" dictates the outcome for others.</p>

<p>In June last year, India and Australia elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also, they signed a landmark deal for reciprocal access to military bases for logistics support during an online summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison.</p>


Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has issued a joint statement after the '2+2' ministerial dialogue with Australia saying that India and Australia share an important partnership that is entirely based on the shared vision of a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has issued a joint statement after the '2+2' ministerial dialogue with Australia saying that India and Australia share an important partnership that is entirely based on the shared vision of a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. India and Australia began a high-level foreign and defence ministerial dialogue. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ministry of External Affairs (@meaindia) × It is aimed at further ramping up their overall defence and strategic cooperation including in the Indo-Pacific amid China's increasing military assertiveness in the region. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held the inaugural 'two-plus-two' talks with their Australian counterparts Marise Payne and Peter Dutton. The talks come in at a time the global focus has been on the situation in Afghanistan and the issue is likely to figure in the deliberations. Also read | India, Australia hold inaugural '2+2' talks The two defence ministers discussed the fragile security situation in Afghanistan and their "common concerns" relating to the possible spread of terrorism from the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. Talking about "significant challenges" facing the Indo-Pacific, the Australian foreign minister said that Canberra seeks a region where the rights of large and small countries are respected and that no "single dominant power" dictates the outcome for others. In June last year, India and Australia elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Also, they signed a landmark deal for reciprocal access to military bases for logistics support during an online summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison.

India and Australia share an important partnership, says Rajnath Singh

Leaders from India and Australia are holding a key meeting in New Delhi. The 2+2 meeting is being held by defence and foreign ministers of both the countries.

India, Australia Holds 2+2 ministerial dialogue in New Delhi

India and Russia have decided to coordinate their strategies on Afghanistan. Moscow is concerned about instability in Central Asia, while New Delhi worries about Pak-sponsored terror in South Asia. Palki Sharma tells you more about this strategic convergence.

Gravitas: India, Russia to contain Afghan terror threat

India and Australia will hold a 2+2 ministerial meet on September 11, as both nations look to strengthen their ties in the Indo-Pacific region. Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Defence Minister Peter Dutton from the Australian side will meet with Indian EAM S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

India-Australia to hold 2+2 ministerial dialogue on September 11

<p>Georgia's Vice Prime Minister and foreign minister David Zalkaliani has expressed confidence on signing a free trade agreement with India which he said will "greatly contribute to the further development of our economic cooperation".</p>

<p>The Georgian embassy is currently coordinating for the first round of online negotiations between the Indian commerce ministry and the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking exclusively to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Zalkaliani pitched for connectivity between the two&nbsp;countries saying, "(I) would like to underline also the importance of implementing multi-modal connectivity projects and exploiting the transit and transport potential of Georgia. In this regard, I mean the location of Georgia. Let me stress the importance of developing the south–west corridor project, primarily in the context of India."</p>

<p>In July, India's external affairs minister Dr&nbsp;Jaishankar had visited Georgia, the first such visit from the Indian side since the independence of the country in the 1990s.</p>

<p>During the visit, EAM handed over part of the relics of St. Queen Ketevan to government.&nbsp;St. Ketevan was a 17th century Georgian Queen martyred in Iran's Shiraz with her remains brought to Goa by the Portuguese in 1627. On that development, Zalkaliani said, "The Georgian people have been waiting for this day for a long time and I am really delighted to note that the above gesture of goodwill from the Indian government is a result of our mutual commitment and spirit of strong cooperation."</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> How do you see India-Georgia ties panning out in future?</p>

<p><strong>David Zalkaliani: </strong>India and Georgia enjoy centuries-old friendly relationship. I am quite sure that despite the geographic distance between Georgia and India, we can do much more and share a lot together, making the interaction even more result-oriented. Our countries could give one of the best examples in this regard. I think that the development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation should be a top priority in the agenda of our bilateral relations. Unfortunately, the low numbers in the bilateral trade turnover between India and Georgia do not really reflect the existing high potential for the development of trade relations. Along with dynamically developing political relations, quite a solid legal base was laid for the development of bilateral trade and economic relations as well. Several memorandums of understanding were signed in&nbsp;recent years between the various trade communities of Georgia and India.&nbsp;So, with joint efforts, all this should be materialised and become much more result oriented in the near future.</p>

<p>I am confident that the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between Georgia and India will greatly contribute to the further development of our economic cooperation. The embassy is closely cooperating and coordinating with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of India, as well as with the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia in order to plan the first round of online negotiations in the near future. We would welcome more direct investments from India to Georgia, as well as the establishment of joint ventures. In the recent years, important direct investments were made from India, mainly in the energy sector. At the same time, we are also eager to promote the exports of Georgian products to the Indian market, especially the agricultural products and the Georgian wine.</p>

<p>I would also like to underline the importance of implementing multi-modal connectivity projects and exploiting the transit and transport potential of Georgia. In this regard, I mean the location of Georgia. Let me stress the importance of developing the south–west corridor project, primarily in the context of India. The main role of the south–west corridor is the realisation of goods transportation between EU countries and India. I believe that in the context of raising the connectivity, the establishment of fruitful cooperation between the Georgian and Indian ports will be also extremely important.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong>&nbsp;How will EAM Jaishankar's visit consolidate the ties?</p>

<p><strong>David Zalkaliani:</strong> The first ever historical visit of the Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs to Georgia held on July 9-10, 2021 is a clear proof of dynamically developing bilateral relationship and friendship between our two countries and nations. The visit can be considered extremely important in terms of further strengthening our political and economic relations as well as cultural ties and people-to-people exchanges. Dr S. Jaishankar, besides meeting with me, also held high-level meetings with the top officials of the Georgian government and Parliament, namely, with the President of Georgia, H.E. Ms&nbsp;Salome Zourabichvili, with the Prime Minister of Georgia, H.E. Mr&nbsp;Irakli Garibashvili and with the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Ms&nbsp;Natia Turnava. I am confident that the institutional meetings held in the framework of the visit will give additional impetus to the future development of our bilateral cooperation in different fields and sectors. I also hope that the visit of the Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs will accelerate the establishment of the Indian Embassy in Georgia.</p>

<p><strong>WION:&nbsp;</strong>What were the ongoing conversations between you and your Indian counterpart?</p>

<p><strong>David Zalkaliani:</strong> We discussed a very wide range of issues in the agenda of our bilateral and multilateral relations and noted with satisfaction the increasing dynamics of our bilateral relations in different fields, including the political, economic, cultural, educational and legal areas. Me and my Indian colleague highly appraised ongoing cooperation in the sectors of transport, investments, tourism, agriculture, technologies, communications and innovations. We also discussed the prospects for further enhancing these relations, especially in the fields of trade and economy.</p>

<p>During the meeting, I expressed my sincere gratitude for India’s firm and unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Obviously, during the meeting I thanked the Indian government and the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, as well as all representatives of the Indian side, including the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and the Indian Archaeological Agency, who, through close coordination with the Georgian Embassy in India, were involved in returning the one part of holy relics of St. Queen Ketevan to the Georgian nation.</p>

<p>We also exchanged our views on the current and important regional and global developments. We are attentively watching the latest developments in the region of South Asia, especially with regard to Afghanistan. Being a reliable and responsible member of the international community, also recognising the rapidly deteriorating environment in Afghanistan and anticipating the needs of our many partners in NATO and Europe, Georgia initiated an interagency task force responsible for supporting the transit operation with all necessary measures. Working with other NATO member states, we rapidly transformed part of the facilities at Tbilisi International Airport to process, feed, service, provide sanitary facilities and medical treatment and care for evacuees from Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Georgian military base adjacent to the Tbilisi International Airport immediately became committed to the humanitarian care efforts by erecting enormous, multi-purpose tents to host, feed and accommodate evacuees on an emergency basis. &nbsp;Evacuees were provided with the temporary accommodations on the territory of Georgia. In the maelstrom of the mass evacuation from Kabul Airport, Georgia undertook more than 20 return flights between Tbilisi and Kabul, facilitating the evacuation of more than 2,500 people. During these flights Georgia’s airspace and its territory were used as a transit route from Afghanistan. Our country became an important regional hub and focal point for the evacuation of many nationals representing different countries. The efforts of the Georgian government were highly appreciated by our friends and international partners, including USA, Norway, Finland, EU, NATO and other countries or international organisations. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION:&nbsp;</strong>EAM gave the relics of Holy Relic of St. Queen Ketevan. How do you see the development? This has been a long-standing request of Georgia.</p>

<p><strong>David Zalkaliani: </strong>Yes, indeed, the visit was marked by a very important cultural event which has highest spiritual significance for the Georgians, namely, a part of the holy relics of the Great-Martyr St. Ketevan, Queen of Georgia was handled to Georgia and to the Georgian nation on the permanent basis and for free. I would like to extend my special gratitude to my Indian colleague, Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar for this valuable gesture to bring the holy relics to Georgia. The Georgian people have been waiting for this day for a long time and I am really delighted to note that the above gesture of goodwill from the Indian government is a result of our mutual commitment and spirit of strong cooperation. Georgia and India have strong historical ties dating back to ancient times. The discovery and subsequent return to Georgia exemplify yet another powerful basis of the unbreakable bond of friendship between our countries and people.</p>

<p>It is worth mentioning that the entire process, from the search and excavation to the authentication of the Relics, was time-consuming and took enormous efforts and hard work on the part of India and Georgia alike. We want to express utmost appreciation to those in India who were involved in the process and made an invaluable contribution to this historic event. We will always remember this kind and generous gesture from the Indian side, the unprecedented decision taken by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. In the framework of the visit, the Minister S. Jaishankar attended the official ceremony of handling the part of the Holy Relics to the Georgian Orthodox Church that was held at the Sameba "Trinity" Cathedral.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> Can we expect a high level visit from Georgia anytime soon?</p>

<p><strong>David Zalkalian</strong>i: We attach high importance to further exchanging bilateral visits between Georgia and India. Hopefully, with the consideration of the global pandemic situation, we will be able to schedule a high level visit from Georgia to India in the near future.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> What kind of practical cooperation is expected between the two sides?</p>

<p><strong>David Zalkaliani:</strong> Our countries enjoy very fruitful cooperation in different fields but obviously there is a big potential for expanding more practical cooperation. We see a lot of potential in boosting mutually fruitful cooperation in the fields of innovations and informational technologies, defense and security, agriculture, healthcare, education, science etc. Deepening of cultural ties and people-to-people exchanges as well as development of tourism between our countries is also extremely important. Our embassy in New Delhi is actively working with the Indian side in order to launch the direct commercial flights between Georgia and India. The launch of the direct flights will further facilitate the development of people-to-people contacts, tourism, educational and cinematographic cooperation and will help us achieve the higher level of trade-economic cooperation as well. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>We attach high importance to the further development of cultural relations between Georgia and India. In this regard, it is important to mention that with the efforts of the Georgian embassy and thanks to the perfect cooperation with the relevant Indian institutions. In 2020, the first ever Hindi translation of the epic Georgian poem "The Knight in the Panther's Skin" was published in India. This is an extremely important and noteworthy event since it identifies those historical and cultural-economic ties which existed as bridges for centuries between our civilisations. This story is a typical Indian narrative and one of its archetypes can be found in the ancient Indian epic "Ramayana", love story of Rama and Sita. Our embassy is also planning to foster the translation of the Georgian poem in other languages of India. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


Georgia's Vice Prime Minister and foreign minister David Zalkaliani has expressed confidence on signing a free trade agreement with India which he said will "greatly contribute to the further development of our economic cooperation".

Georgia's Vice Prime Minister and foreign minister David Zalkaliani has expressed confidence on signing a free trade agreement with India which he said will "greatly contribute to the further development of our economic cooperation". The Georgian embassy is currently coordinating for the first round of online negotiations between the Indian commerce ministry and the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia. Speaking exclusively to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Zalkaliani pitched for connectivity between the two countries saying, "(I) would like to underline also the importance of implementing multi-modal connectivity projects and exploiting the transit and transport potential of Georgia. In this regard, I mean the location of Georgia. Let me stress the importance of developing the south–west corridor project, primarily in the context of India." In July, India's external affairs minister Dr Jaishankar had visited Georgia, the first such visit from the Indian side since the independence of the country in the 1990s. During the visit, EAM handed over part of the relics of St. Queen Ketevan to government. St. Ketevan was a 17th century Georgian Queen martyred in Iran's Shiraz with her remains brought to Goa by the Portuguese in 1627. On that development, Zalkaliani said, "The Georgian people have been waiting for this day for a long time and I am really delighted to note that the above gesture of goodwill from the Indian government is a result of our mutual commitment and spirit of strong cooperation." WION: How do you see India-Georgia ties panning out in future? David Zalkaliani: India and Georgia enjoy centuries-old friendly relationship. I am quite sure that despite the geographic distance between Georgia and India, we can do much more and share a lot together, making the interaction even more result-oriented. Our countries could give one of the best examples in this regard. I think that the development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation should be a top priority in the agenda of our bilateral relations. Unfortunately, the low numbers in the bilateral trade turnover between India and Georgia do not really reflect the existing high potential for the development of trade relations. Along with dynamically developing political relations, quite a solid legal base was laid for the development of bilateral trade and economic relations as well. Several memorandums of understanding were signed in recent years between the various trade communities of Georgia and India. So, with joint efforts, all this should be materialised and become much more result oriented in the near future. I am confident that the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between Georgia and India will greatly contribute to the further development of our economic cooperation. The embassy is closely cooperating and coordinating with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of India, as well as with the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia in order to plan the first round of online negotiations in the near future. We would welcome more direct investments from India to Georgia, as well as the establishment of joint ventures. In the recent years, important direct investments were made from India, mainly in the energy sector. At the same time, we are also eager to promote the exports of Georgian products to the Indian market, especially the agricultural products and the Georgian wine. I would also like to underline the importance of implementing multi-modal connectivity projects and exploiting the transit and transport potential of Georgia. In this regard, I mean the location of Georgia. Let me stress the importance of developing the south–west corridor project, primarily in the context of India. The main role of the south–west corridor is the realisation of goods transportation between EU countries and India. I believe that in the context of raising the connectivity, the establishment of fruitful cooperation between the Georgian and Indian ports will be also extremely important. WION: How will EAM Jaishankar's visit consolidate the ties? David Zalkaliani: The first ever historical visit of the Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs to Georgia held on July 9-10, 2021 is a clear proof of dynamically developing bilateral relationship and friendship between our two countries and nations. The visit can be considered extremely important in terms of further strengthening our political and economic relations as well as cultural ties and people-to-people exchanges. Dr S. Jaishankar, besides meeting with me, also held high-level meetings with the top officials of the Georgian government and Parliament, namely, with the President of Georgia, H.E. Ms Salome Zourabichvili, with the Prime Minister of Georgia, H.E. Mr Irakli Garibashvili and with the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Ms Natia Turnava. I am confident that the institutional meetings held in the framework of the visit will give additional impetus to the future development of our bilateral cooperation in different fields and sectors. I also hope that the visit of the Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs will accelerate the establishment of the Indian Embassy in Georgia. WION: What were the ongoing conversations between you and your Indian counterpart? David Zalkaliani: We discussed a very wide range of issues in the agenda of our bilateral and multilateral relations and noted with satisfaction the increasing dynamics of our bilateral relations in different fields, including the political, economic, cultural, educational and legal areas. Me and my Indian colleague highly appraised ongoing cooperation in the sectors of transport, investments, tourism, agriculture, technologies, communications and innovations. We also discussed the prospects for further enhancing these relations, especially in the fields of trade and economy. During the meeting, I expressed my sincere gratitude for India’s firm and unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Obviously, during the meeting I thanked the Indian government and the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, as well as all representatives of the Indian side, including the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and the Indian Archaeological Agency, who, through close coordination with the Georgian Embassy in India, were involved in returning the one part of holy relics of St. Queen Ketevan to the Georgian nation. We also exchanged our views on the current and important regional and global developments. We are attentively watching the latest developments in the region of South Asia, especially with regard to Afghanistan. Being a reliable and responsible member of the international community, also recognising the rapidly deteriorating environment in Afghanistan and anticipating the needs of our many partners in NATO and Europe, Georgia initiated an interagency task force responsible for supporting the transit operation with all necessary measures. Working with other NATO member states, we rapidly transformed part of the facilities at Tbilisi International Airport to process, feed, service, provide sanitary facilities and medical treatment and care for evacuees from Afghanistan. A Georgian military base adjacent to the Tbilisi International Airport immediately became committed to the humanitarian care efforts by erecting enormous, multi-purpose tents to host, feed and accommodate evacuees on an emergency basis. Evacuees were provided with the temporary accommodations on the territory of Georgia. In the maelstrom of the mass evacuation from Kabul Airport, Georgia undertook more than 20 return flights between Tbilisi and Kabul, facilitating the evacuation of more than 2,500 people. During these flights Georgia’s airspace and its territory were used as a transit route from Afghanistan. Our country became an important regional hub and focal point for the evacuation of many nationals representing different countries. The efforts of the Georgian government were highly appreciated by our friends and international partners, including USA, Norway, Finland, EU, NATO and other countries or international organisations. WION: EAM gave the relics of Holy Relic of St. Queen Ketevan. How do you see the development? This has been a long-standing request of Georgia. David Zalkaliani: Yes, indeed, the visit was marked by a very important cultural event which has highest spiritual significance for the Georgians, namely, a part of the holy relics of the Great-Martyr St. Ketevan, Queen of Georgia was handled to Georgia and to the Georgian nation on the permanent basis and for free. I would like to extend my special gratitude to my Indian colleague, Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar for this valuable gesture to bring the holy relics to Georgia. The Georgian people have been waiting for this day for a long time and I am really delighted to note that the above gesture of goodwill from the Indian government is a result of our mutual commitment and spirit of strong cooperation. Georgia and India have strong historical ties dating back to ancient times. The discovery and subsequent return to Georgia exemplify yet another powerful basis of the unbreakable bond of friendship between our countries and people. It is worth mentioning that the entire process, from the search and excavation to the authentication of the Relics, was time-consuming and took enormous efforts and hard work on the part of India and Georgia alike. We want to express utmost appreciation to those in India who were involved in the process and made an invaluable contribution to this historic event. We will always remember this kind and generous gesture from the Indian side, the unprecedented decision taken by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. In the framework of the visit, the Minister S. Jaishankar attended the official ceremony of handling the part of the Holy Relics to the Georgian Orthodox Church that was held at the Sameba "Trinity" Cathedral. WION: Can we expect a high level visit from Georgia anytime soon? David Zalkaliani: We attach high importance to further exchanging bilateral visits between Georgia and India. Hopefully, with the consideration of the global pandemic situation, we will be able to schedule a high level visit from Georgia to India in the near future. WION: What kind of practical cooperation is expected between the two sides? David Zalkaliani: Our countries enjoy very fruitful cooperation in different fields but obviously there is a big potential for expanding more practical cooperation. We see a lot of potential in boosting mutually fruitful cooperation in the fields of innovations and informational technologies, defense and security, agriculture, healthcare, education, science etc. Deepening of cultural ties and people-to-people exchanges as well as development of tourism between our countries is also extremely important. Our embassy in New Delhi is actively working with the Indian side in order to launch the direct commercial flights between Georgia and India. The launch of the direct flights will further facilitate the development of people-to-people contacts, tourism, educational and cinematographic cooperation and will help us achieve the higher level of trade-economic cooperation as well. We attach high importance to the further development of cultural relations between Georgia and India. In this regard, it is important to mention that with the efforts of the Georgian embassy and thanks to the perfect cooperation with the relevant Indian institutions. In 2020, the first ever Hindi translation of the epic Georgian poem "The Knight in the Panther's Skin" was published in India. This is an extremely important and noteworthy event since it identifies those historical and cultural-economic ties which existed as bridges for centuries between our civilisations. This story is a typical Indian narrative and one of its archetypes can be found in the ancient Indian epic "Ramayana", love story of Rama and Sita. Our embassy is also planning to foster the translation of the Georgian poem in other languages of India.

'Confident of signing FTA with India,' says Georgia's Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani

India and Australia will hold their maiden 2+2 Ministerial on September 10-11, as both nations look to strengthen their partnership in the Indo-Pacific region and widen trade ties to counter China’s aggression in the region.

Australia-India Foreign and Defence ministers to hold talks

After the famed floating gardens and floating post office, Dal Lake in Srinagar gets its first floating atm. The atm has been started to help the people living on the lake as well as the tourists staying in the houseboat this will be also a tourist attraction as it is the only such atm in the Union Territory.

Kashmir: Dal Lake gets its first floating ATM

Three spy chiefs, three meetings, one agenda- Afghanistan. Palki Sharma tells you why top security and espionage officials from the US, UK and Russia are making a beeline for New Delhi.

Gravitas: US, UK & Russia dispatch their spy chiefs to India

India and Russia have a common position when it comes to Afghanistan. NSA Ajit Doval is set to meet secretary of Russian security council today to discuss the Afghanistan crisis.

India, Russia to discuss situation in Afghanistan

Cairn Energy Plc is considering settling a protracted tax dispute with the Indian government that will fetch the UK oil explorer tax refunds totalling $1.06 billion.

Cairn Energy Plc is considers settling protracted tax dispute with Indian government

<p>In a major development in the ongoing Naga peace process, Government of India has entered into a ceasefire agreement with National Socialist Council of Nagaland (K) Niki Group on Wednesday. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Recently, the reports were rife that the Indian government and the Niki Sumi-led Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K) are going to sign a ceasefire agreement in New Delhi. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Indian NSA Doval and top Russian security official hold talks on Afghan crisis</strong></p>

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<p>According to the sources, the chairman of Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG Nagaland) Lt Gen (retired) AS Bedi was in Delhi to prepare the groundwork with the Union Home Ministry for the new agreement. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2015, the NSCN (K) unilaterally abrogated its 2001 ceasefire agreement with the Centre. Following its move, the Union Home Ministry declared the group as a banned outfit and an “unlawful association”. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/private-firm-tata-to-make-40-out-of-56-transport-aircraft-for-indian-air-force-411681" hreflang="en">Private firm TATA to make 40 out of 56 transport aircraft for Indian Air Force</a></strong></p>

<p>The NSCN (K) had been operating to establish a sovereign state, which brings all Naga-inhabited areas of Myanmar and India under one administrative setup. &nbsp;</p>

<p>After abrogating the ceasefire agreement with Indian government in 2015, the NSCN (K) led by its leader SS Khaplang had went on to establish a strong base in neighbouring Myanmar. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2017, Khaplang died of a cardiac arrest at Taga in Myanmar’s Sagaing region under Naga self-administered zone. The group, which was later taken over by Khaplang’s relative Yung Aung, had split into different factions. The Niki-led NSCN (K) is one of them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a major development in the ongoing Naga peace process, Government of India has entered into a ceasefire agreement with National Socialist Council of Nagaland (K) Niki Group on Wednesday.

In a major development in the ongoing Naga peace process, Government of India has entered into a ceasefire agreement with National Socialist Council of Nagaland (K) Niki Group on Wednesday. Recently, the reports were rife that the Indian government and the Niki Sumi-led Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K) are going to sign a ceasefire agreement in New Delhi. Watch: Indian NSA Doval and top Russian security official hold talks on Afghan crisis × According to the sources, the chairman of Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG Nagaland) Lt Gen (retired) AS Bedi was in Delhi to prepare the groundwork with the Union Home Ministry for the new agreement. In 2015, the NSCN (K) unilaterally abrogated its 2001 ceasefire agreement with the Centre. Following its move, the Union Home Ministry declared the group as a banned outfit and an “unlawful association”. Also Read: Private firm TATA to make 40 out of 56 transport aircraft for Indian Air Force The NSCN (K) had been operating to establish a sovereign state, which brings all Naga-inhabited areas of Myanmar and India under one administrative setup. After abrogating the ceasefire agreement with Indian government in 2015, the NSCN (K) led by its leader SS Khaplang had went on to establish a strong base in neighbouring Myanmar. In 2017, Khaplang died of a cardiac arrest at Taga in Myanmar’s Sagaing region under Naga self-administered zone. The group, which was later taken over by Khaplang’s relative Yung Aung, had split into different factions. The Niki-led NSCN (K) is one of them. (With inputs from agencies)

India inks ceasefire agreement with another insurgent group in northeastern state of Nagaland

United Kingdom-based oil and gas company Cairn Energy said that it would drop cases to seize Indian properties in foreign countries after getting a tax refund of $1.06 billion (Rs 7,900 crore) from the Union government.

Cairn Energy to drop cases against India after getting a tax refund of $1.06 billion

Indian National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and his Russian counterpart Nikolay Petrushev held detailed talks on Wednesday about the possible security implications for India, Russia and the Central Asian region after the Taliban seize power in Afghanistan.

Indian NSA Doval and top Russian security official hold talks on Afghan crisis

India, Russia hold talks on crisis in Afghanistan

<p>India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said that “nobody saw the endgame coming” in Afghanistan and called on the international community to “work in the collective interest” of Afghans.</p>

<p>These were the first public comments by the minister on the current situation in Afghanistan, which saw a surprise takeover from the Taliban of Kabul on August 15. Earlier, he only made a public statement&nbsp;on the Afghanistan evacuation process but didn't express his views on the Taliban seizing power.</p>

<p>Speaking at the JG Crawford Oration 2021, he pointed out, “All of us understood for some years that the presence of the United States and its allies would wind down eventually in Afghanistan... The fact was that for all the debate and deliberations on it, it would be a fair statement to assert that the endgame was not something that anybody saw it coming. It wasn't exactly the scenario anybody was prepared for.”</p>

<p>Ever since the fall of Kabul, India left no stones unturned to evacuate as many of the citizens it can. It has been coordinating with several countries like the US, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Oman and lifted more than 500 people, of which more than 200 are Afghans, mostly Sikhs and Hindus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Highlighting New Delhi’s role in taking up the Afghanistan issue in the United Nations Security Council, he said, “I should emphasise that in the UNSC, in the month where we held the presidency, the members passed resolution 2593 on Taliban, demanding that Afghanistan’s territory should not be used for terrorism, and expecting them to live up to their promises of forming an inclusive government, and better treatment of minorities, women, children.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-will-the-taliban-govern-a-history-of-rebel-rule-offers-clues-410481">How will the Taliban govern? A history of rebel rule offers clues</a></p>

<p>India is the non-permanent member of the council and it held the chair of the presidency in August, presiding over key meetings. Under its presidency, three meetings took place on Afghanistan—on August 6, August 16, and August 30—the last one saw a resolution being passed on the Afghanistan crisis. The resolution saw the backing of 13 countries, while the remaining two—Russia and China—abstained from voting.</p>

<p>Cautioning against some countries’ “natural temptation of diplomacy to score a point above the others and try to get ahead in the game", he said, “This is the time for the international community to actually come together and work in what is true for the collective interest.”</p>

<p>While heartbreaking visuals of Afghans fleeing the country via the Hamid Karzai International Airport emerged, there has been a deafening silence by the international community on the crisis. During the UNSC meeting, a divide emerged between the West, led by the US, and Russia and China on the issue of engaging with the Taliban.</p>

<p>Speaking on the role of the US in the aftermath of the Afghan crisis, the EAM said, “US is the US, it has deep strengths, an extraordinary capacity to re-invent itself, re-energize itself. We have seen that in history and that some variant of the debate would have also happened in the 1970s&nbsp;after Washington's Vietnam debacle.”</p>


India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said that “nobody saw the endgame coming” in Afghanistan and called on the international community to “work in the collective interest” of Afghans.

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said that “nobody saw the endgame coming” in Afghanistan and called on the international community to “work in the collective interest” of Afghans. These were the first public comments by the minister on the current situation in Afghanistan, which saw a surprise takeover from the Taliban of Kabul on August 15. Earlier, he only made a public statement on the Afghanistan evacuation process but didn't express his views on the Taliban seizing power. Speaking at the JG Crawford Oration 2021, he pointed out, “All of us understood for some years that the presence of the United States and its allies would wind down eventually in Afghanistan... The fact was that for all the debate and deliberations on it, it would be a fair statement to assert that the endgame was not something that anybody saw it coming. It wasn't exactly the scenario anybody was prepared for.” Ever since the fall of Kabul, India left no stones unturned to evacuate as many of the citizens it can. It has been coordinating with several countries like the US, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Oman and lifted more than 500 people, of which more than 200 are Afghans, mostly Sikhs and Hindus. Highlighting New Delhi’s role in taking up the Afghanistan issue in the United Nations Security Council, he said, “I should emphasise that in the UNSC, in the month where we held the presidency, the members passed resolution 2593 on Taliban, demanding that Afghanistan’s territory should not be used for terrorism, and expecting them to live up to their promises of forming an inclusive government, and better treatment of minorities, women, children.” Also read | How will the Taliban govern? A history of rebel rule offers clues India is the non-permanent member of the council and it held the chair of the presidency in August, presiding over key meetings. Under its presidency, three meetings took place on Afghanistan—on August 6, August 16, and August 30—the last one saw a resolution being passed on the Afghanistan crisis. The resolution saw the backing of 13 countries, while the remaining two—Russia and China—abstained from voting. Cautioning against some countries’ “natural temptation of diplomacy to score a point above the others and try to get ahead in the game", he said, “This is the time for the international community to actually come together and work in what is true for the collective interest.” While heartbreaking visuals of Afghans fleeing the country via the Hamid Karzai International Airport emerged, there has been a deafening silence by the international community on the crisis. During the UNSC meeting, a divide emerged between the West, led by the US, and Russia and China on the issue of engaging with the Taliban. Speaking on the role of the US in the aftermath of the Afghan crisis, the EAM said, “US is the US, it has deep strengths, an extraordinary capacity to re-invent itself, re-energize itself. We have seen that in history and that some variant of the debate would have also happened in the 1970s after Washington's Vietnam debacle.”

Endgame was not something that anybody saw coming: Jaishankar on Afghanistan

EAM of India, S. Jaishankar expressed shock on Taliban takeover and said that 'nobody saw the endgame coming.'

India speaks out on Afghanistan crisis, calls on international community for 'collective effort'

EAM of India, S. Jaishankar expresses shock on Taliban takeover in Afghanistan

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