The new COVID-19 wave in India, in which the number of cases is skyrocketing, is hitting children hard. As per the data from the Union Health Ministry of India 79,688 children have been infected in the five worst hit states since March.

Kids at more risk in India's second COVID-19 wave

How Indian cities, states fighting coronavirus as concerns mount

India reported more than 184,000 new COVID-19 cases and more than 1,000 deaths in just a day. This is the highest number of cases that India has ever recorded since the pandemic began.

India records more than 184,000 new cases of COVID-19 in just a day

India has decided to fast-track approval for COVID-19 vaccines developed in another countries. This comes after reports of vaccine shortages in certain states in the middle of worrying second wave of Coronavirus.

India seeks Pfizer, Modern, J&J Covid vaccines

Delhi has approved Russia's Sputnik V vaccine for emergency use. It is the third jab in India's arsenal after Covishield and Covaxin but could this have been done earlier?&nbsp;

Sputnik has been approved in 59 countries. Millions of shots have already been administered. What does this say about India's vaccination drive?&nbsp;

A third vaccine to tackle a second wave, India is all set to roll out Russia's Sputnik V. A committee of experts has approved the jab for emergency use. A green light from the national regulator is just a formality now. India has approved two other shots, Covishield manufactured by the Serum Institute and Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech. The timing of Sputnik's approval is crucial. India is entering the business end of its vaccination drive. Next on the eligibility list is the country's youth. &nbsp;

A mammoth demographic of close to 700 million people. So, a third vaccine will give India an edge but how is Sputnik-V different from Covishield and Covaxin?&nbsp;

Sputnik-V has a reported efficacy of 91.6 per cent. Covishield's latest efficacy number is 79% and for Covaxin it's 81% but experts say don't get carried away by efficacy numbers. &nbsp;

Remember, all vaccines are intended to prevent hospitalisation and death not the disease itself. What about the cost? &nbsp;

Sputnik is priced at less than 10 dollars. It can be stored in conventional refrigerators and much like Covishield and Covaxin, it is administered in two doses. Ideally, they should be 21 days apart.&nbsp;

The Russian developers have signed multiple deals to produce in India. 200 million doses with Virchow Biotech and Stelis Biopharma. 100 million more from Panacea Biotec. Combined, India has the capacity to produce 850 million Sputnik doses per year. &nbsp;

For Indian regulators, it is expected to be a busy couple of months. Four more vaccine candidates are waiting in line, Johnson and Johnson, Novavax, Zydus Cadila's vaccine and Bharat Biotech's intranasal vaccine. Reports say they could all get approval by October 2021.&nbsp;

What's driving this slew of approvals? Fear of shortages. The world's pharmacy is running out of jabs. India is producing around 70 million doses per month but India's daily vaccination rate is 3.5 million. That's more than 105 million shots a month. The equation is simple. India needs 100 million doses but it is producing only 70 million.&nbsp;

India has three options here. One, to spend public money to boost private production. The Serum Institute wants 3,000 crore rupees to expand capacity. The government could oblige. &nbsp;

Number two, approve more vaccines like Sputnik-V. And number three, rope in more vaccine manufacturing centres. We're talking about private labs and factories dedicated to other vaccines.&nbsp;

This call must be taken by the producers. There is a fourth more drastic option to ban vaccine exports, the global north has already done this. There is domestic pressure to freeze exports but India is keen to fulfil its global commitments. India's policy was flawed to begin with. Two vaccines for 1.2 billion people were never going to work. The vaccine gifts and exports were added pressure. New Delhi got humanitarianism and politics right, the arithmetic not so much.&nbsp;

Delhi has approved Russia's Sputnik V vaccine for emergency use. It is the third jab in India's arsenal after Covishield and Covaxin but could this have been done earlier?

Delhi has approved Russia's Sputnik V vaccine for emergency use. It is the third jab in India's arsenal after Covishield and Covaxin but could this have been done earlier? Sputnik has been approved in 59 countries. Millions of shots have already been administered. What does this say about India's vaccination drive? A third vaccine to tackle a second wave, India is all set to roll out Russia's Sputnik V. A committee of experts has approved the jab for emergency use. A green light from the national regulator is just a formality now. India has approved two other shots, Covishield manufactured by the Serum Institute and Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech. The timing of Sputnik's approval is crucial. India is entering the business end of its vaccination drive. Next on the eligibility list is the country's youth. A mammoth demographic of close to 700 million people. So, a third vaccine will give India an edge but how is Sputnik-V different from Covishield and Covaxin? Sputnik-V has a reported efficacy of 91.6 per cent. Covishield's latest efficacy number is 79% and for Covaxin it's 81% but experts say don't get carried away by efficacy numbers. Remember, all vaccines are intended to prevent hospitalisation and death not the disease itself. What about the cost? Sputnik is priced at less than 10 dollars. It can be stored in conventional refrigerators and much like Covishield and Covaxin, it is administered in two doses. Ideally, they should be 21 days apart. The Russian developers have signed multiple deals to produce in India. 200 million doses with Virchow Biotech and Stelis Biopharma. 100 million more from Panacea Biotec. Combined, India has the capacity to produce 850 million Sputnik doses per year. For Indian regulators, it is expected to be a busy couple of months. Four more vaccine candidates are waiting in line, Johnson and Johnson, Novavax, Zydus Cadila's vaccine and Bharat Biotech's intranasal vaccine. Reports say they could all get approval by October 2021. What's driving this slew of approvals? Fear of shortages. The world's pharmacy is running out of jabs. India is producing around 70 million doses per month but India's daily vaccination rate is 3.5 million. That's more than 105 million shots a month. The equation is simple. India needs 100 million doses but it is producing only 70 million. India has three options here. One, to spend public money to boost private production. The Serum Institute wants 3,000 crore rupees to expand capacity. The government could oblige. Number two, approve more vaccines like Sputnik-V. And number three, rope in more vaccine manufacturing centres. We're talking about private labs and factories dedicated to other vaccines. This call must be taken by the producers. There is a fourth more drastic option to ban vaccine exports, the global north has already done this. There is domestic pressure to freeze exports but India is keen to fulfil its global commitments. India's policy was flawed to begin with. Two vaccines for 1.2 billion people were never going to work. The vaccine gifts and exports were added pressure. New Delhi got humanitarianism and politics right, the arithmetic not so much.

India looks to tackle second wave successfully as Sputnik V jab gets nod

Amid a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, India approved Russia's Sputnik-V vaccine for emergency use. As the second wave sweeps across India, the country is staring at vaccine shortages. Did New Delhi get its vaccine arithmetic wrong? WION's Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: India approves Russia's Sputnik-V vaccine

Amid the record surge in COVID-19 cases in India, a double mutant strain has been flagged in the country. Some believe that it is one of the reason for the exponential surge in Coronavirus cases.

Double mutant Coronavirus adds to India COVID-19 woes

India to fast-track approval for foreign-made COVID-19 vaccines

Keeping alliances thriving is difficult work. In Second World War, USA, Britain and USSR were allies. But the cold war divided these nations into opposite camps.

The recent incident of US Navy's foray into India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) near Lakshadweep island raises many questions about USA's ability to keep alliances in robust shape.

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The US Navy dropped a big statement mid-week. Its warship USS John paul jones sailed in India's EEZ. And it was sailing 241 kilometres west of Lakshadweep islands. The US did not seek permission from India for this.

India protested this adventurism not by sending a warship to Hawaii but through diplomatic channels. India's position on EEZ has been clear. For military exercises involving weapons, consent is required.

It's a position Washington is familiar with but decided to ignore last week.

But if you ask the Pentagon. This operation wasn't targeted at any particular nation-state. It was intended to drive home a principle.

However, there are two issues with Pentagon's statement.

1. US Navy ship was sailing in India's EEZ. Navy's statement talks about checking India's claims. This clearly makes India a target.

2. The issue of principles

The only principle in question here is the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

It guides how states interact on the high seas. The US itself is yet to ratify the convention. Washington is still basking in the glory of a unipolar order.

But the world has moved on. India, Japan, South Korea -- all these countries have their own democratic experiments, cultures and principles. The US must accept this.

Historically the US Has preferred clones over allies. It rebuilt western Europe in its image. But this is unlikely to work in Asia.

To beat back China, the US must let regional states take the lead. It must look at the bigger picture.

India's EEZ is peaceful waters. There is no comparison with the South China Sea. There are no disputes.

The US may be a superpower, but in the Indo-Pacific, it will have to put allies first. Europe may blindly follow Washington to war but Asia will not.

Keeping alliances thriving is difficult work. In Second World War, USA, Britain and USSR were allies. But the cold war divided these nations into opposite camps.

Keeping alliances thriving is difficult work. In Second World War, USA, Britain and USSR were allies. But the cold war divided these nations into opposite camps. The recent incident of US Navy's foray into India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) near Lakshadweep island raises many questions about USA's ability to keep alliances in robust shape. The US Navy dropped a big statement mid-week. Its warship USS John paul jones sailed in India's EEZ. And it was sailing 241 kilometres west of Lakshadweep islands. The US did not seek permission from India for this. India protested this adventurism not by sending a warship to Hawaii but through diplomatic channels. India's position on EEZ has been clear. For military exercises involving weapons, consent is required. It's a position Washington is familiar with but decided to ignore last week. But if you ask the Pentagon. This operation wasn't targeted at any particular nation-state. It was intended to drive home a principle. However, there are two issues with Pentagon's statement. 1. US Navy ship was sailing in India's EEZ. Navy's statement talks about checking India's claims. This clearly makes India a target. 2. The issue of principles The only principle in question here is the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It guides how states interact on the high seas. The US itself is yet to ratify the convention. Washington is still basking in the glory of a unipolar order. But the world has moved on. India, Japan, South Korea -- all these countries have their own democratic experiments, cultures and principles. The US must accept this. Historically the US Has preferred clones over allies. It rebuilt western Europe in its image. But this is unlikely to work in Asia. To beat back China, the US must let regional states take the lead. It must look at the bigger picture. India's EEZ is peaceful waters. There is no comparison with the South China Sea. There are no disputes. The US may be a superpower, but in the Indo-Pacific, it will have to put allies first. Europe may blindly follow Washington to war but Asia will not.

US must put allies first in the Indo-Pacific

India is a leading producer and exporter of Coronavirus vaccines. The nations around the world are looking towards India to procure Covid-19 jabs. But being such a mass producer of vaccine why India itself is facing a vaccine shortage? Watch this report

Being a leading producer of vaccines why is India facing a vaccine shortage?

At least 6 Indian states have complained of a scarcity of COVID-19 vaccines during a second wave of Coronavirus, that has forced some centres to turn away people.

India: COVID-19 vaccine shortages being reported by at least 6 states

Russia's Sputnik V vaccine has been cleared for emergency use in India amid a record spike in COVID-19 cases. An expert committee approved the restricted use of the Russian vaccine.

Russia's Sputnik V vaccine cleared for emergency use in India

Istanbul is all set to host the talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. While the date is&nbsp; Friday the 16th of April, no announcement has come so far given anything can happen anytime when it comes to the Afghan peace process. Taliban is eager to cross the 1st of May deadline for withdrawal of American troops. While it is given that the US troops won't be able to withdraw by then, the Taliban is hoping to gain leverage, a kind of moral upper hand.&nbsp;

An Afghan govt source told WION, "they are keen on condition-based withdrawal, not a time-bound withdrawal". A condition, on the Taliban to reduce violence, something that continues to remain high.

But what did Doha gain from hosting the talks on Afghan Peace Process? The lucrative geopolitics of hosting Afghan peace talks mean, getting international prestige and certain trade-offs.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Qatar was able to normalise ties with four Arab countries--Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt--at the famous Al Ula summit.&nbsp;The four Arab states had cut ties with the oil-rich state of Qatar way back in 2017. The outcome in practical terms was the end of a three and half-year-old blockade against Qatar, and reopening of land and sea routes.

Qatar, last year, was a busy place. It not only hosted the signing of the Taliban-US peace pact, but also in September hosted the start of intra-Afghan talks between the Afghan govt and Taliban. America's reduced role in Afghanistan, which can pave way for its troops to leave, is Washington's priority, and while that still hasn't happened, Qatar was able to bring the various factions together.&nbsp;And this helped Qatar normalise ties with its neighbours in the long term.

Now, it's Turkey that is set to host such talks. Turkey, which has been having tiff of some kind with both Russia and the US, will be able to get back some lost ground.

And with hosting such talks, moral leadership and economics are not far behind. In fact, hosting big-ticket talks amid the economic downturn is something that can be politically fruitful.&nbsp;&nbsp;The US, under its new proposal to the Afghan president, suggested&nbsp;talks in Turkey between the Afghan government and the Taliban and later six-country talks under United Nations umbrella.&nbsp;

Interestingly, it was not only Turkey which has been keen to host Afghan peace talks. Uzbekistan and Indonesia have been in the fray as well.&nbsp;

Istanbul is all set to host the talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. While the date is Friday the 16th of April, no announcement has come so far given anything can happen anytime when it comes to the Afghan peace process.

Istanbul is all set to host the talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. While the date is Friday the 16th of April, no announcement has come so far given anything can happen anytime when it comes to the Afghan peace process. Taliban is eager to cross the 1st of May deadline for withdrawal of American troops. While it is given that the US troops won't be able to withdraw by then, the Taliban is hoping to gain leverage, a kind of moral upper hand. An Afghan govt source told WION, "they are keen on condition-based withdrawal, not a time-bound withdrawal". A condition, on the Taliban to reduce violence, something that continues to remain high. But what did Doha gain from hosting the talks on Afghan Peace Process? The lucrative geopolitics of hosting Afghan peace talks mean, getting international prestige and certain trade-offs. Earlier this year, Qatar was able to normalise ties with four Arab countries--Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt--at the famous Al Ula summit. The four Arab states had cut ties with the oil-rich state of Qatar way back in 2017. The outcome in practical terms was the end of a three and half-year-old blockade against Qatar, and reopening of land and sea routes. Qatar, last year, was a busy place. It not only hosted the signing of the Taliban-US peace pact, but also in September hosted the start of intra-Afghan talks between the Afghan govt and Taliban. America's reduced role in Afghanistan, which can pave way for its troops to leave, is Washington's priority, and while that still hasn't happened, Qatar was able to bring the various factions together. And this helped Qatar normalise ties with its neighbours in the long term. Now, it's Turkey that is set to host such talks. Turkey, which has been having tiff of some kind with both Russia and the US, will be able to get back some lost ground. And with hosting such talks, moral leadership and economics are not far behind. In fact, hosting big-ticket talks amid the economic downturn is something that can be politically fruitful. The US, under its new proposal to the Afghan president, suggested talks in Turkey between the Afghan government and the Taliban and later six-country talks under United Nations umbrella. Interestingly, it was not only Turkey which has been keen to host Afghan peace talks. Uzbekistan and Indonesia have been in the fray as well.

The lucrative "geo-politics" of hosting Afghan peace talks: What will Doha, Istanbul get?

India has granted emergency use approval to the Russian Sputnik V against the Coronavirus. After Covishield and Covaxin, Sputnik V became the third vaccine approved by the country against COVID-19.

India gives green signal to Russian vaccine Sputnik V

India is currently witnessing a second wave of Novel Coronavirus with around more than 1 Lakh new cases daily. Amid such a surge, pilgrims all over India are coming to Haridwar's Kumbh Festival to perfom sacred bath which is another cause of concern as people are seen flouting Covid norms. Watch this latest report

India: Covid rules flouted during polls campaigning and Kumbh Festival

India reported another record daily surge in coronavirus infections Monday to overtake Brazil as the second-worst hit country.

India overtakes Brazil as world's 2nd worst-Hit nation

The unauthorised passage of a US naval ship through India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has created a highly avoidable controversy, which prima-facie may appear to be a case of the conflict arising out of the interpretation and application of international and national laws but in fact, there is more than what meets the eyes and remains to be revealed.

The US 7th Fleet Commander announced (from an unspecified location in Arabian Sea) that “on 7th April 2021, the USS John Paul Jones (DDG53) (a guided-missile destroyer) asserted navigational rights and freedoms approximately 130 nautical miles west of the Lakshadweep Islands, inside India’s exclusive economic zone, without requesting India’s prior consent”. It said its act was “consistent with international law”.&nbsp;

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The statement did not stop here but went on to add that India’s requirement of “prior consent for military exercises or manoeuvres in its exclusive economic zone or continental shelf”, was &nbsp;“inconsistent with international law”.&nbsp;

As if to add insult to injury, the US Navy asserted that the Freedom of Navigation Operation (FONOP) “upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognized in international law by challenging India’s excessive maritime claims”. Placing restrictions on the passage of ships through its territorial sea waters and EEZ etc. by any state is described by the USA as “excessive maritime claims”&nbsp;

It is apparent from the official statement that the US Navy’s decision not to send a prior notice or seek India’s prior consent was by design and not by default or any oversight. Besides, asserting the freedom of navigation in international waters, the US objective was also to challenge India’s national laws and stated position on the requirement of obtaining prior consent and also to act in defiance of India’s national laws. A serious enough matter.

Yet, India’s public response was reasonably guarded, dignified and restrained. According to an official statement by the Foreign Office (April 9), India has conveyed its “concerns regarding this passage through our EEZ to the Government of USA through diplomatic channels.”&nbsp;

No further details were made public.&nbsp;

Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-protests-us-navys-transit-through-its-exclusive-economic-zone-376721">India protests US Navy's transit through its exclusive economic zone</a> 
 
However, India has countered the US position by stating that the “Government of India’s stated position on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is that the convention does not authorise other states to carry out in the Exclusive Economic Zone and on the continental shelf, military exercises or manoeuvres, in particular, those involving the use of weapons or explosives, without the consent of the coastal state”.

The Statement also puts on record that the ship’s movements were being monitored throughout, implying that the Indian Navy was alert and not caught by surprise.

The US Navy has repeatedly justified its act as being consistent with “international law”. The UNCLOS 1982 is the only well-established international law on the subject under reference. Interestingly– or rather ironically- the US has not yet ratified UNCLOS, though it claims to adhere to several of its principles. &nbsp;

India is a signatory to UNCLOS and has also ratified it. In addition, there is national legislation governing the coastal regions within the sovereignty of India known as the Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and others under Maritime Zones Act, 1976.

Section 4(2) of this act allows foreign warships including submarines and other underwater vehicles to enter or pass through the territorial waters after giving prior notice to the Central Government. They are also required to navigate on the surface and show their flags.&nbsp;

India is not the only country that imposes restrictions on the innocent passage of foreign military ships.

Even though one of the fundamental principles of UNCLOS is that all ships of all states, including both civilian and military vessels, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea of other states, the fact of the matter is that not all countries agree with this interpretation, particularly where the innocent passage of military vessels is concerned. &nbsp;

According to a briefing paper of June 2017 by the Harvard Kennedy School, titled “Freedom of Navigation in South China Sea: A Practical Guide", over 40 states impose restrictions on the innocent passage of military ships, including requiring permission or notice prior to transit under innocent passage.

The significance of this episode is not only in the legal aspects of the case. The cause of serious concern is the arrogant manner in which the US Navy has acted deliberately to challenge India’s position and has also gone public without caring for the implications.

The USA is known to challenge the “excessive maritime claims” by other states either through diplomatic communications, or bilateral/multilateral discussions or operational assertions. It is not clear as to whether the USA has exhausted the first two options with India before opting for “operational assertion” on April 7. &nbsp;

Most probably not.

As two sovereign countries, India and the USA have the legitimate right to differ with each other on any given matter.

However, the irresponsible and amateurish manner in which the US Navy decided to highlight this difference of opinion and enforce its own position and make it public is in complete contrast with the rapid growth in India-US ties culminating into “comprehensive global strategic partnership”; this is true in particular in defence and security areas.&nbsp;

For instance, in 2016, the United States designated India as a Major Defence Partner; in 2018, India was elevated to Strategic Trade Authorization Tier 1 status, which allows India to receive license-free access to a wide range of military and dual-use technologies regulated by the US Department of Commerce.&nbsp;

India and US have concluded the four defence and security related foundational agreements namely Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), Communications, Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), the Industrial Security Agreement (ISA) and Basic Exchange and Communication Agreement (BECA).

The US’s total defence trade with India has increased from near zero in 2008 to over $20 billion in 2020. &nbsp;The two countries have been participating in regular joint multilateral military exercises such as Malabar and tri-services exercises e.g. Triumph.&nbsp;

It is noteworthy that the incident took place in close heels of the Quad Summit (March 13) when both India and USA (along with Australia and Japan) reiterated their commitment to freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region which they would like to see as open, free and inclusive, where the rule of law prevails. 
&nbsp; 
Further, in the first outreach by the Biden Administration, the US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin paid a three-day visit to India from March 19, 2021, during which he termed India as a “great partner” and reaffirmed the importance which the USA attaches to India in promoting peace and stability in Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;

The US fully realises the important role which only India can play in support of the US plans to contain China.&nbsp;

In the above backdrop, the manner in which the US Navy has conducted itself publically is beyond comprehension but for sure objectionable.&nbsp;

It is difficult to digest- as being speculated by some international affairs analysts- that India was targeted with the objective of sending a message to China whose assertive, aggressive and expansionist behaviour in the Indo-Pacific is of concern to USA as well as many other countries in the region, including India.&nbsp;

It would be even more absurd to suggest that it was an operation jointly scripted by the USA and India to target a common adversary namely China.

The canvas of the Indo-US relations at the moment is extremely broad; this incident is, therefore, unlikely to cause any serious dent. It is important at the same time that the required measures are taken immediately to prevent the recurrence of such or similar incidents. A publicised damage control measure by the US Navy would be a bonus.

(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.)

The unauthorised passage of a US naval ship through India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has created a highly avoidable controversy, which prima-facie may appear to be a case of the conflict arising out of the interpretation and application of international and national laws but in fact, there is more than what meets the eyes and remains to be revealed.

The unauthorised passage of a US naval ship through India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has created a highly avoidable controversy, which prima-facie may appear to be a case of the conflict arising out of the interpretation and application of international and national laws but in fact, there is more than what meets the eyes and remains to be revealed. The US 7th Fleet Commander announced (from an unspecified location in Arabian Sea) that “on 7th April 2021, the USS John Paul Jones (DDG53) (a guided-missile destroyer) asserted navigational rights and freedoms approximately 130 nautical miles west of the Lakshadweep Islands, inside India’s exclusive economic zone, without requesting India’s prior consent”. It said its act was “consistent with international law”. × The statement did not stop here but went on to add that India’s requirement of “prior consent for military exercises or manoeuvres in its exclusive economic zone or continental shelf”, was “inconsistent with international law”. As if to add insult to injury, the US Navy asserted that the Freedom of Navigation Operation (FONOP) “upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognized in international law by challenging India’s excessive maritime claims”. Placing restrictions on the passage of ships through its territorial sea waters and EEZ etc. by any state is described by the USA as “excessive maritime claims” It is apparent from the official statement that the US Navy’s decision not to send a prior notice or seek India’s prior consent was by design and not by default or any oversight. Besides, asserting the freedom of navigation in international waters, the US objective was also to challenge India’s national laws and stated position on the requirement of obtaining prior consent and also to act in defiance of India’s national laws. A serious enough matter. Yet, India’s public response was reasonably guarded, dignified and restrained. According to an official statement by the Foreign Office (April 9), India has conveyed its “concerns regarding this passage through our EEZ to the Government of USA through diplomatic channels.” No further details were made public. Read | India protests US Navy's transit through its exclusive economic zone However, India has countered the US position by stating that the “Government of India’s stated position on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is that the convention does not authorise other states to carry out in the Exclusive Economic Zone and on the continental shelf, military exercises or manoeuvres, in particular, those involving the use of weapons or explosives, without the consent of the coastal state”. The Statement also puts on record that the ship’s movements were being monitored throughout, implying that the Indian Navy was alert and not caught by surprise. The US Navy has repeatedly justified its act as being consistent with “international law”. The UNCLOS 1982 is the only well-established international law on the subject under reference. Interestingly– or rather ironically- the US has not yet ratified UNCLOS, though it claims to adhere to several of its principles. India is a signatory to UNCLOS and has also ratified it. In addition, there is national legislation governing the coastal regions within the sovereignty of India known as the Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and others under Maritime Zones Act, 1976. Section 4(2) of this act allows foreign warships including submarines and other underwater vehicles to enter or pass through the territorial waters after giving prior notice to the Central Government. They are also required to navigate on the surface and show their flags. India is not the only country that imposes restrictions on the innocent passage of foreign military ships. Even though one of the fundamental principles of UNCLOS is that all ships of all states, including both civilian and military vessels, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea of other states, the fact of the matter is that not all countries agree with this interpretation, particularly where the innocent passage of military vessels is concerned. According to a briefing paper of June 2017 by the Harvard Kennedy School, titled “Freedom of Navigation in South China Sea: A Practical Guide", over 40 states impose restrictions on the innocent passage of military ships, including requiring permission or notice prior to transit under innocent passage. The significance of this episode is not only in the legal aspects of the case. The cause of serious concern is the arrogant manner in which the US Navy has acted deliberately to challenge India’s position and has also gone public without caring for the implications. The USA is known to challenge the “excessive maritime claims” by other states either through diplomatic communications, or bilateral/multilateral discussions or operational assertions. It is not clear as to whether the USA has exhausted the first two options with India before opting for “operational assertion” on April 7. Most probably not. As two sovereign countries, India and the USA have the legitimate right to differ with each other on any given matter. However, the irresponsible and amateurish manner in which the US Navy decided to highlight this difference of opinion and enforce its own position and make it public is in complete contrast with the rapid growth in India-US ties culminating into “comprehensive global strategic partnership”; this is true in particular in defence and security areas. For instance, in 2016, the United States designated India as a Major Defence Partner; in 2018, India was elevated to Strategic Trade Authorization Tier 1 status, which allows India to receive license-free access to a wide range of military and dual-use technologies regulated by the US Department of Commerce. India and US have concluded the four defence and security related foundational agreements namely Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), Communications, Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), the Industrial Security Agreement (ISA) and Basic Exchange and Communication Agreement (BECA). The US’s total defence trade with India has increased from near zero in 2008 to over $20 billion in 2020. The two countries have been participating in regular joint multilateral military exercises such as Malabar and tri-services exercises e.g. Triumph. It is noteworthy that the incident took place in close heels of the Quad Summit (March 13) when both India and USA (along with Australia and Japan) reiterated their commitment to freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region which they would like to see as open, free and inclusive, where the rule of law prevails. Further, in the first outreach by the Biden Administration, the US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin paid a three-day visit to India from March 19, 2021, during which he termed India as a “great partner” and reaffirmed the importance which the USA attaches to India in promoting peace and stability in Indo-Pacific region. The US fully realises the important role which only India can play in support of the US plans to contain China. In the above backdrop, the manner in which the US Navy has conducted itself publically is beyond comprehension but for sure objectionable. It is difficult to digest- as being speculated by some international affairs analysts- that India was targeted with the objective of sending a message to China whose assertive, aggressive and expansionist behaviour in the Indo-Pacific is of concern to USA as well as many other countries in the region, including India. It would be even more absurd to suggest that it was an operation jointly scripted by the USA and India to target a common adversary namely China. The canvas of the Indo-US relations at the moment is extremely broad; this incident is, therefore, unlikely to cause any serious dent. It is important at the same time that the required measures are taken immediately to prevent the recurrence of such or similar incidents. A publicised damage control measure by the US Navy would be a bonus. (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.)

Opinion: US Navy intrusion in Indian EEZ is beyond comprehension but objectionable

Inside India's red corridor. Why do Maoists still pose a threat to the Indian state? How can India break the back of the Maoist movement?

India: Tackling the Maoist Challenge

India has become the world's fastest nation to vaccinate nearly 100 million people against COVID-19. The country has achieved this milestone in just 85 days.

India: Fastest nation to administer 100 vaccine jabs

Netherlands Ambassador Marten van den Berg has said that India is a ‘key player in the Indo-Pacific’, and sees New Delhi ‘as a key partner in addressing all the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region’. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Marten van den Berg also lauded India's role amid the Covid pandemic. He said, "Happy the way, India is presenting itself as a very important vaccine manufacturing country and taking big responsibility" and it has a "very positive impact on the world in addressing the covid pandemic crisis."&nbsp;

Netherlands Prime minister Mark Rutte and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meet on Friday. One of the key outcomes of the meet was that both countries announced a ‘strategic partnership on water’. The Netherlands is a world leader in water management and a collaboration with New Delhi aims to increase research and innovation in the sector.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Key outcomes of the virtual summit?&nbsp;

Marten van den Berg: Netherlands and India have a long-term relationship and both Prime Ministers know each other very well. So, it was a very open and productive meeting. The outcome was a strategic partnership on the water between Netherlands and India. We are active already in India on the topic of water, in terms of water management, dealing with floods and also water scarcity. We have a large programme in Chennai, we are doing a lot of research with India, and decided to bring it to a higher level, so as to have a strategic relationship on the water to address the challenges we both face in our countries over water.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: &nbsp;How do you see India-Netherlands engagement going forward?&nbsp;

Marten van den Berg: We will have more meetings at a political level. We have upgraded collaboration on the water. We are quite active in research and innovation so that we will strengthen our joint research programmes. We have collaboration with the department of science, department of biotechnology with India. strengthen collaboration on health, agriculture, water in terms of research, trade, investment. Also on the issue of space, the close relationship between the two countries. We see a lot of opportunities. Also on energy and climate. We are both partners in the international solar alliance. India is ambitious on renewables. A lot of opportunities on offshore wind, solar energy, a grid system. We decided to go next step to deal with the challenges of climate.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: The Netherlands has been a world leader in climate technology. Your PM has been famous for cycling around, and gifted cycle to PM Modi. How both countries are engaging on climate issues?&nbsp;

Marten van den Berg: It is a very important part because the climate challenge is a real global crisis and maybe one of the biggest crisis we face at the moment, maybe after Covid. What we have to do is fast track sustainable development in Netherlands and India. We are partnering in developing clean technologies, working on decarbonisation, also important, in the context of the international solar alliance, both countries work together in Africa to fast track in sustainable development, introduce clean technologies, fast track in phasing fossil fuels.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: What is Netherlands' view on Indo-Pacific?&nbsp;

Marten van den Berg: Indo-Pacific region is a very important region. If you look at economic figures, it is of increasing importance in the world. So, on one hand, you see a lot of economic opportunities, you see some challenges, some concerns, so we are very much in favour of an open inclusive rules-based society. Two PMs discussed this topic in how we can strengthen the institutions, how we can strengthen the rule of law, how we can strengthen institutions for enforcing the rule of law. we doing that in terms of discussion. We are getting more collaboration on maritime security, sharing expertise, maybe also training, exercise together. We see India as a key player in the Indo-Pacific, we see India as a key partner in addressing all the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The Netherlands proposed Indo-Pacific strategies, guidelines on how we can address the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: How are both countries planning to increase cooperation on dealing with pandemic, vaccines?&nbsp;

Marten van den Berg: Covid is a huge concern to all of us. We work closely together, both countries working on health issues. Also on vaccine development, research and science. Serum Institute has a plant in the Netherlands. So, there is a close collaboration with Serum Institute, and we are happy the way India is presenting itself as a very important vaccine manufacturing country, taking big responsibility and have a very positive impact on the world in addressing the Covid pandemic crisis. We are looking forward to strengthening our collaboration on vaccine development and vaccine manufacturing.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: A personal question, if you can talk about the history of the place you are living in?&nbsp;

Marten van den Berg: The residence of the Netherlands envoy is the Jinnah house, and in this library, Gandhi, Jinnah and Nehru discussed independence and partition. So, historically, it is a very important place, a lot of important discussions took place and Nehru, Gandhi came here. It's a privilege to be ambassador to India and also living in this very historical place in India.&nbsp;

Netherlands Ambassador Marten van den Berg has said that India is a ‘key player in the Indo-Pacific’, and sees New Delhi ‘as a key partner in addressing all the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region’.

Netherlands Ambassador Marten van den Berg has said that India is a ‘key player in the Indo-Pacific’, and sees New Delhi ‘as a key partner in addressing all the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region’. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Marten van den Berg also lauded India's role amid the Covid pandemic. He said, "Happy the way, India is presenting itself as a very important vaccine manufacturing country and taking big responsibility" and it has a "very positive impact on the world in addressing the covid pandemic crisis." Netherlands Prime minister Mark Rutte and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meet on Friday. One of the key outcomes of the meet was that both countries announced a ‘strategic partnership on water’. The Netherlands is a world leader in water management and a collaboration with New Delhi aims to increase research and innovation in the sector. Sidhant Sibal: Key outcomes of the virtual summit? Marten van den Berg: Netherlands and India have a long-term relationship and both Prime Ministers know each other very well. So, it was a very open and productive meeting. The outcome was a strategic partnership on the water between Netherlands and India. We are active already in India on the topic of water, in terms of water management, dealing with floods and also water scarcity. We have a large programme in Chennai, we are doing a lot of research with India, and decided to bring it to a higher level, so as to have a strategic relationship on the water to address the challenges we both face in our countries over water. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India-Netherlands engagement going forward? Marten van den Berg: We will have more meetings at a political level. We have upgraded collaboration on the water. We are quite active in research and innovation so that we will strengthen our joint research programmes. We have collaboration with the department of science, department of biotechnology with India. strengthen collaboration on health, agriculture, water in terms of research, trade, investment. Also on the issue of space, the close relationship between the two countries. We see a lot of opportunities. Also on energy and climate. We are both partners in the international solar alliance. India is ambitious on renewables. A lot of opportunities on offshore wind, solar energy, a grid system. We decided to go next step to deal with the challenges of climate. Sidhant Sibal: The Netherlands has been a world leader in climate technology. Your PM has been famous for cycling around, and gifted cycle to PM Modi. How both countries are engaging on climate issues? Marten van den Berg: It is a very important part because the climate challenge is a real global crisis and maybe one of the biggest crisis we face at the moment, maybe after Covid. What we have to do is fast track sustainable development in Netherlands and India. We are partnering in developing clean technologies, working on decarbonisation, also important, in the context of the international solar alliance, both countries work together in Africa to fast track in sustainable development, introduce clean technologies, fast track in phasing fossil fuels. Sidhant Sibal: What is Netherlands' view on Indo-Pacific? Marten van den Berg: Indo-Pacific region is a very important region. If you look at economic figures, it is of increasing importance in the world. So, on one hand, you see a lot of economic opportunities, you see some challenges, some concerns, so we are very much in favour of an open inclusive rules-based society. Two PMs discussed this topic in how we can strengthen the institutions, how we can strengthen the rule of law, how we can strengthen institutions for enforcing the rule of law. we doing that in terms of discussion. We are getting more collaboration on maritime security, sharing expertise, maybe also training, exercise together. We see India as a key player in the Indo-Pacific, we see India as a key partner in addressing all the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The Netherlands proposed Indo-Pacific strategies, guidelines on how we can address the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Sidhant Sibal: How are both countries planning to increase cooperation on dealing with pandemic, vaccines? Marten van den Berg: Covid is a huge concern to all of us. We work closely together, both countries working on health issues. Also on vaccine development, research and science. Serum Institute has a plant in the Netherlands. So, there is a close collaboration with Serum Institute, and we are happy the way India is presenting itself as a very important vaccine manufacturing country, taking big responsibility and have a very positive impact on the world in addressing the Covid pandemic crisis. We are looking forward to strengthening our collaboration on vaccine development and vaccine manufacturing. Sidhant Sibal: A personal question, if you can talk about the history of the place you are living in? Marten van den Berg: The residence of the Netherlands envoy is the Jinnah house, and in this library, Gandhi, Jinnah and Nehru discussed independence and partition. So, historically, it is a very important place, a lot of important discussions took place and Nehru, Gandhi came here. It's a privilege to be ambassador to India and also living in this very historical place in India.

India a key player in Indo-Pacific: Netherlands envoy Marten van den Berg

Mohammad Saleem Akhoon a territorial Army soldier who was on leave was shot dead by two terrorists in Jammu & Kashmir.

India: Off-duty soldier shot dead in Kashmir

In India, the daily COVID-19 case count has scaled a new peak. The country has reported a daily surge of over 1145,384 cases in the last 24 hours.

India: 145,384 new cases & 794 deaths In last 24 hours

India reported a record 145,384 new Covid-19 cases on Saturday and the highest number of deaths in more than five months, as it grapples with an overwhelming second-wave of infections that has forced the state of Maharashtra to impose a weekend lockdown.&nbsp;

Deaths rose by 794 to a total of 168,436, health ministry data showed.&nbsp;

India’s overall case load has swelled to 13.21 million, the third-highest globally, behind the United States and Brazil. India has reported&nbsp;the&nbsp;most&nbsp;number of cases in the world in the past week, breaching the 100,000 mark for the first time on Monday and four times after that.&nbsp;

The government blames the resurgence mainly on crowding and a reluctance to wear masks as businesses have nearly fully reopened since February, only to be partially shut again to control the current surge.&nbsp;

Maharashtra, the Indian state with the most cases, has already shut down restaurants, malls and places of worship and barred the movement of most people to control the outbreak that has threatened to overrun medical facilities and created vaccine shortages, officials said. Its weekend lockdown will end on early Monday.&nbsp;

In India’s financial capital Mumbai, hundreds of poor migrant workers crammed onto trains this week to flee the city, potentially risking a wider outbreak in smaller towns and villages.&nbsp;

The railways department denied people were fleeing cities because of the surge, calling it a usual rush this time of year because of holidays and as workers move to harvest crops.&nbsp;

Many states, meanwhile, have complained of a shortage of vaccines.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India reported a record 145,384 new Covid-19 cases on Saturday and the highest number of deaths in more than five months, as it grapples with an overwhelming second-wave of infections that has forced the state of Maharashtra to impose a weekend lockdown.

India reported a record 145,384 new Covid-19 cases on Saturday and the highest number of deaths in more than five months, as it grapples with an overwhelming second-wave of infections that has forced the state of Maharashtra to impose a weekend lockdown. Deaths rose by 794 to a total of 168,436, health ministry data showed. India’s overall case load has swelled to 13.21 million, the third-highest globally, behind the United States and Brazil. India has reported the most number of cases in the world in the past week, breaching the 100,000 mark for the first time on Monday and four times after that. The government blames the resurgence mainly on crowding and a reluctance to wear masks as businesses have nearly fully reopened since February, only to be partially shut again to control the current surge. Maharashtra, the Indian state with the most cases, has already shut down restaurants, malls and places of worship and barred the movement of most people to control the outbreak that has threatened to overrun medical facilities and created vaccine shortages, officials said. Its weekend lockdown will end on early Monday. In India’s financial capital Mumbai, hundreds of poor migrant workers crammed onto trains this week to flee the city, potentially risking a wider outbreak in smaller towns and villages. The railways department denied people were fleeing cities because of the surge, calling it a usual rush this time of year because of holidays and as workers move to harvest crops. Many states, meanwhile, have complained of a shortage of vaccines. (With inputs from agencies)

India's Covid infections hit another record, weekend lockdown in Maharashtra 

At 11th round of military talks, India and China have agreed to jointly maintain stability on the ground, and avoid any new incidents in eastern Ladakh.

India-China LAC Standoff: Both sides discuss further disengagement in Ladakh

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