Johnson & Johnson is in talks with India’s government to begin a clinical trial of its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine in the country.

J&J's single-dose vaccine trial in India?

India and China will hold the 11th round of Corps Commander talks today (Friday) at Chushul, Ladakh to discuss the disengagement process at remaining friction points on the LAC.

India, China to hold 11th round of talks for disengagement in eastern Ladakh

India on Friday recorded an all-time high of over 132,000 new COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours, and nearly about 780 people have lost their lives.

India reports over 132,000 new COVID-19 Cases in 24 hrs

New Zealand has suspended flights from India. The ban also applies to New Zealand's citizens flying in from India. The move is unprecedented. Many fear it may prompt racism & stigma.

Gravitas: New Zealand suspends flights from India

According to reports, Tesla is scouring India for showroom locations as it targets a move into the country but the lack of infrastructure for electric vehicles could make it a tough market to crack.

World Business Watch: Tesla targets India, but faces bumpy road

India, China to hold 11th round of Corps Commander talks today

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be holding a virtual summit with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte today (Friday). During the summit the two leaders will discuss issues of bilateral cooperation and will look at new ways of strengthening the relationship.

Indian PM Modi to hold virtual summit with his Dutch counterpart Rutte

India's Ministry of external affairs has dismissed media reports quoting Taiwan Foreign Minister&nbsp;Joseph Wu that Taipei's intervention led to Paraguay getting vaccines from India.

In response to a question, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "&nbsp;I would like to confirm that no third party was involved in" New Delhi sending vaccines to the south American country.&nbsp;

On March 26, India sent 100,000 doses of India-made Covid vaccines to the South American country. This came in the backdrop of a request from&nbsp;Paraguay during a telephonic conversation between its foreign minister and India's External Affairs Minister Dr&nbsp;S Jaishankar. Earlier this year, India announced that it will open its embassy in the country.&nbsp;

Media reports quoting Taiwan's foreign minister had said that its intervention and working together with "like-minded countries" led to Paraguay getting vaccines.

Paraguay has ties with Taiwan and doesn't recognise China, which considers Taiwan its breakaway territory. Paraguay is the largest country&nbsp;in terms of size to recognise Taiwan.

Taipei, keen to help its ally reached out to New Delhi, the foreign minister had indicated.

India's Ministry of external affairs has dismissed media reports quoting Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu that Taipei's intervention led to Paraguay getting vaccines from India.

India's Ministry of external affairs has dismissed media reports quoting Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu that Taipei's intervention led to Paraguay getting vaccines from India. In response to a question, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, " I would like to confirm that no third party was involved in" New Delhi sending vaccines to the south American country. On March 26, India sent 100,000 doses of India-made Covid vaccines to the South American country. This came in the backdrop of a request from Paraguay during a telephonic conversation between its foreign minister and India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. Earlier this year, India announced that it will open its embassy in the country. Media reports quoting Taiwan's foreign minister had said that its intervention and working together with "like-minded countries" led to Paraguay getting vaccines. Paraguay has ties with Taiwan and doesn't recognise China, which considers Taiwan its breakaway territory. Paraguay is the largest country in terms of size to recognise Taiwan. Taipei, keen to help its ally reached out to New Delhi, the foreign minister had indicated.

No third party involved, says India on sending vaccines to Paraguay

In a development that has raised many eyebrows, the US Navy&nbsp;ship USS John Paul Jones, which is part of the US Seventh Fleet, has violated the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of India and Maldives by its "freedom of navigation operation (“FONOP”).

Under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)&nbsp;EEZ is an area 200 nautical miles from the coast line of any country.

Under the UNCLOS, countries have sovereign rights such as the right to use resources in that area.

A US Navy release said the ship "asserted navigational rights and freedoms...inside India’s exclusive economic zone, without requesting India’s prior consent, consistent with international law."

The release specifically&nbsp;mentioned that the ship passed 130 nautical miles west of the Lakshadweep Islands and by its freedom of navigation operation, the US upheld the "rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognised in international law by challenging India’s excessive maritime claims."

Under Indian domestic laws, prior consent for military exercises or maneuvres in the exclusive economic zone or continental shelf is required, and by current action, the US has violated it.

While the US is not violative of international laws under UNCLOS, which doesn't give full rights over EEZ, interestingly Washington is not a signatory to UNCLOS. It is in fact the only permanent member of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) which is a non-party to it.&nbsp;

The development comes even as US climate envoy John Kerry was in India, with the release of US Navy being issued on 7th April.

No reaction has come from India so far, with WION even reaching out to the Pentagon for a reaction. What is perplexing is that US-India ties have been marked by much warmth, both being part of Quad and backers of Indo-Pacific vision.

In fact, days from now, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be participating in the climate virtual summit being hosted by US President Joe Biden.&nbsp;

A similar statement was issued for Maldives, with the US saying, "USS John Paul Jones asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the vicinity of the Republic of the Maldives" by conducting "innocent passage through its territorial sea and normal operations within its exclusive economic zone without requesting prior permission".

The US Navy release claimed, "This freedom of navigation operation (“FONOP”) upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognised in international law by challenging Maldives’ excessive maritime claims."

The Maldives requires prior permission for foreign warships to enter its territorial sea, and prior permission for all foreign vessels to enter its exclusive economic zone.&nbsp;

It is interesting to know that the US Seventh Fleet based out of Japan was the same fleet whose carrier task force had entered the Bay of Bengal during the Liberation War of Bangladesh of 1971.

The aim was to intimidate India and support Pakistan but could not achieve much as the USSR had dispatched its 10th Operative Battle Group of its Pacific Fleet. The fleet had to abort its mission.

In a development that has raised many eyebrows, the US Navy ship USS John Paul Jones, which is part of the US Seventh Fleet, has violated the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of India and Maldives by its "freedom of navigation operation (“FONOP”).

In a development that has raised many eyebrows, the US Navy ship USS John Paul Jones, which is part of the US Seventh Fleet, has violated the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of India and Maldives by its "freedom of navigation operation (“FONOP”). Under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) EEZ is an area 200 nautical miles from the coast line of any country. Under the UNCLOS, countries have sovereign rights such as the right to use resources in that area. A US Navy release said the ship "asserted navigational rights and freedoms...inside India’s exclusive economic zone, without requesting India’s prior consent, consistent with international law." The release specifically mentioned that the ship passed 130 nautical miles west of the Lakshadweep Islands and by its freedom of navigation operation, the US upheld the "rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognised in international law by challenging India’s excessive maritime claims." Under Indian domestic laws, prior consent for military exercises or maneuvres in the exclusive economic zone or continental shelf is required, and by current action, the US has violated it. While the US is not violative of international laws under UNCLOS, which doesn't give full rights over EEZ, interestingly Washington is not a signatory to UNCLOS. It is in fact the only permanent member of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) which is a non-party to it. The development comes even as US climate envoy John Kerry was in India, with the release of US Navy being issued on 7th April. No reaction has come from India so far, with WION even reaching out to the Pentagon for a reaction. What is perplexing is that US-India ties have been marked by much warmth, both being part of Quad and backers of Indo-Pacific vision. In fact, days from now, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be participating in the climate virtual summit being hosted by US President Joe Biden. A similar statement was issued for Maldives, with the US saying, "USS John Paul Jones asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the vicinity of the Republic of the Maldives" by conducting "innocent passage through its territorial sea and normal operations within its exclusive economic zone without requesting prior permission". The US Navy release claimed, "This freedom of navigation operation (“FONOP”) upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognised in international law by challenging Maldives’ excessive maritime claims." The Maldives requires prior permission for foreign warships to enter its territorial sea, and prior permission for all foreign vessels to enter its exclusive economic zone. It is interesting to know that the US Seventh Fleet based out of Japan was the same fleet whose carrier task force had entered the Bay of Bengal during the Liberation War of Bangladesh of 1971. The aim was to intimidate India and support Pakistan but could not achieve much as the USSR had dispatched its 10th Operative Battle Group of its Pacific Fleet. The fleet had to abort its mission.

US Navy violates exclusive economic zones of India, Maldives

In an unexpected move, without India's consent, the US Navy this week conducted a freedom of navigation patrol in Indian waters, publicly admitting that the operation was intended as a challenge to India’s “excessive maritime claims”.

Breaking News: US Navy conducts freedom of navigation patrol in Indian EEZ without consent

US climate envoy John Kerry called on the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also discussed issues related to climate including a forthcoming summit of 40 world leaders.

US climate envoy John Kerry meets Indian PM Modi in New Delhi

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is expected to visit India as part of efforts to bolster cooperation across the Indo-Pacific to counter China’s aggressive actions.

Japan PM Suga to visit India to bolster Indo-Pacific cooperation

Taiwan has praised India for helping Paraguay to get COVID-19 vaccines despite Chinese pressure. Last month India had gifted 100,000 doses of its indigenous vaccine to Paraguay.

Taiwan praises India for helping Paraguay amid Chinese pressure

India on Wednesday recorded an all-time high of over 115,000 new COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours, taking the total number of infections to more than 12.8 million. The death toll also reached over 166,000, including 630 new fatalities.

India reports over 115,000 new COVID-19 cases

In medieval India, the royal courts buzzed with foreign dignitaries. Back then, India was a trading hub. A military power with huge standing armies. So, Indian friendship was a strategic goal. Today, centuries later, we are witnessing a revival. A global realignment is underway and India finds itself at the centre of it. &nbsp;

New Delhi is preparing for a busy summer, a summer of diplomacy. It started with a Quad summit in March. It was the first head of state-level meeting. For India, it was a new chapter. Remember, New Delhi is a non-aligned country. It has stayed away from political alliances. The Quad is the closest India has come to joining one. So, has India abandoned its commitment to neutrality?&nbsp;

Far from it, the Quad is an exercise in deterrence. It does not seek power in the Indo-Pacific. It just wants China to follow the rules as the only Quad member that shares a border with China, the stakes are higher for India but so are the opportunities. &nbsp;

The West sees India as a bulwark against China's rise and for a change, they are right. In the next few years, New Delhi could become one of the most powerful capitals in the world. Today, India hosted top officials from the US and Russia.&nbsp;

Not many countries in the world can do that but New Delhi is neutral turf. It has excellent ties with Moscow and Washington. Lavrov has left, Kerry will leave in a few days but India's summer of diplomacy isn't quite over.&nbsp;

Later this month, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be paying a visit. He will arrive as Britain's first post-Brexit prime minister. His intentions are clear. The UK is thinking beyond Europe. It wants in on the Indo-Pacific and India fits the bill:&nbsp;a massive trading machine with strong regional influence.

So, here's a quick round-up of who has visited India. First, the Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin, then Russia's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov.&nbsp;

US climate envoy John Kerry and capping the summer will be Boris Johnson. What does this train of foreign leaders symbolise?&nbsp;

India's rise, its position of pre-eminence across the board. Just think about the scope. From Delhi, the democratic axis can keep a check on China. They can keenly monitor the Afghan peace process and at the same time, keep an eye on Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. The bottom line is it pays to be a stable and prospering democracy. Who will the world trust to guard the peace in Afghanistan?&nbsp;

A country that is one bad week away from a military coup? Or the largest democracy in the world?&nbsp;

It's a no-brainer. The world needs New Delhi to ensure ever-lasting peace in Afghanistan but like all partnerships, this is a two-way street. India too needs world powers in its corner, especially in defence. &nbsp;

Russia's ties with India were forged over time. It is something America will have to contend with. Take the S-400 missile system for instance. Later this year, India will take delivery of the Russian missiles. This will put New Delhi in America's CAATSA bracket. CAATSA stands for Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act.&nbsp;

In theory, the US could sanction India, once the Russian missiles arrive but will America actually do so?&nbsp;

That's a whole different question. Joe Biden has certain foreign policy pet peeves, such as climate change, the Iran nuclear deal and the Indo-Pacific. He can't achieve any of these without Indian support. So, there is a growing caucus in Washington that wants a sanctions-waiver for India. The CAATSA is supposed to target America's adversaries. Is that really how Joe Biden wants to categorise India? As an adversary? Highly unlikely. The world's interests are converging with india's. These are exciting times in New Delhi's south block. World powers are courting the Indian leadership. Climate, peace, defence, you name it. They want New Delhi on board. If India plays its cards right, the summer of diplomacy could mark the beginning of pax indica, a world order built around India.&nbsp;

In medieval India, the royal courts buzzed with foreign dignitaries. Back then, India was a trading hub. A military power with huge standing armies. So, Indian friendship was a strategic goal.

In medieval India, the royal courts buzzed with foreign dignitaries. Back then, India was a trading hub. A military power with huge standing armies. So, Indian friendship was a strategic goal. Today, centuries later, we are witnessing a revival. A global realignment is underway and India finds itself at the centre of it. New Delhi is preparing for a busy summer, a summer of diplomacy. It started with a Quad summit in March. It was the first head of state-level meeting. For India, it was a new chapter. Remember, New Delhi is a non-aligned country. It has stayed away from political alliances. The Quad is the closest India has come to joining one. So, has India abandoned its commitment to neutrality? Far from it, the Quad is an exercise in deterrence. It does not seek power in the Indo-Pacific. It just wants China to follow the rules as the only Quad member that shares a border with China, the stakes are higher for India but so are the opportunities. The West sees India as a bulwark against China's rise and for a change, they are right. In the next few years, New Delhi could become one of the most powerful capitals in the world. Today, India hosted top officials from the US and Russia. Not many countries in the world can do that but New Delhi is neutral turf. It has excellent ties with Moscow and Washington. Lavrov has left, Kerry will leave in a few days but India's summer of diplomacy isn't quite over. Later this month, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be paying a visit. He will arrive as Britain's first post-Brexit prime minister. His intentions are clear. The UK is thinking beyond Europe. It wants in on the Indo-Pacific and India fits the bill: a massive trading machine with strong regional influence. So, here's a quick round-up of who has visited India. First, the Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin, then Russia's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov. US climate envoy John Kerry and capping the summer will be Boris Johnson. What does this train of foreign leaders symbolise? India's rise, its position of pre-eminence across the board. Just think about the scope. From Delhi, the democratic axis can keep a check on China. They can keenly monitor the Afghan peace process and at the same time, keep an eye on Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. The bottom line is it pays to be a stable and prospering democracy. Who will the world trust to guard the peace in Afghanistan? A country that is one bad week away from a military coup? Or the largest democracy in the world? It's a no-brainer. The world needs New Delhi to ensure ever-lasting peace in Afghanistan but like all partnerships, this is a two-way street. India too needs world powers in its corner, especially in defence. Russia's ties with India were forged over time. It is something America will have to contend with. Take the S-400 missile system for instance. Later this year, India will take delivery of the Russian missiles. This will put New Delhi in America's CAATSA bracket. CAATSA stands for Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. In theory, the US could sanction India, once the Russian missiles arrive but will America actually do so? That's a whole different question. Joe Biden has certain foreign policy pet peeves, such as climate change, the Iran nuclear deal and the Indo-Pacific. He can't achieve any of these without Indian support. So, there is a growing caucus in Washington that wants a sanctions-waiver for India. The CAATSA is supposed to target America's adversaries. Is that really how Joe Biden wants to categorise India? As an adversary? Highly unlikely. The world's interests are converging with india's. These are exciting times in New Delhi's south block. World powers are courting the Indian leadership. Climate, peace, defence, you name it. They want New Delhi on board. If India plays its cards right, the summer of diplomacy could mark the beginning of pax indica, a world order built around India.

The summer of diplomacy has begun for India? 

It was a hectic day for Indian diplomats as the country was hosting two high-profile leaders on the same day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US special envoy for climate John Kerry.&nbsp;

What makes this all the more crucial is the dynamics between Russia and the US. They are arch enemies. Their presidents call each other names but, their top diplomats were in New Delhi at the same time. Was this a coincidence? Possibly but, we're not surprised that their schedules overlapped.&nbsp;

World leaders are actively engaging with India. This is turning out to be the summer of high profile engagements.&nbsp;

Let's look at what happened today. Sergey Lavrov and John Kerry arrived in India's national capital on Monday. Both of them are on different missions. The Russian Foreign Minister was here to prepare the ground for an annual summit that will be held later this year. John Kerry was meeting different stakeholders to discuss climate goals. Let's start with the Russian mission.&nbsp;

Sergey Lavrov met India's External&nbsp;Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. They discussed a whole lot of issues, such as the UN Security Council, Afghanistan, West Asia, the Gulf, Myanmar, Asean, space, the Indo-pacific and vaccine production. &nbsp;&nbsp;

India and Russia vowed to deepen their defence cooperation. They are looking for ways to expand the production of Russian weapons in India and this despite, the threat of American sanctions.&nbsp;

Remember, the US sanctions countries that buy Russian weapons. India is a big buyer of Russian weapons. The latest purchase is the Russian S-400 missile defence system. The delivery is expected in December this year. Will the US sanction India?&nbsp;

There's no clarity yet. More importantly, no assurance from Washington that Delhi won't face sanctions. As for Delhi and Moscow, they say they remain committed to strong defence ties. &nbsp;

The other elephant in the room was China. Lavrov said Russia is watching the border situation in Ladakh. He addressed a joint press conference with India's S Jaishankar.&nbsp;

He was asked a pointed question. Is Russia working on a military alliance with China?&nbsp;

He said no but went on to speak about another military alliance in the region, the Quad. &nbsp;&nbsp;

India's position is clear. It will not engage in a Nato-like military alliance with the Quad and that's the challenge for Delhi, striking the right balance between Russia and the Quad. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Lavrov has already left India and landed in Pakistan, that's his next destination and that makes the India-Russia equation more intriguing. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, John Kerry, the US special envoy, is going to be in India for four days and he's not going to Pakistan. US President Joe Biden has appointed Kerry as his special envoy on the climate crisis. &nbsp;

It's a position that includes a seat on the US national security council. This council is the principal forum for the US president to discuss national security.&nbsp;

What does this mean? It means that US has put climate change on a par with national security priorities. So, what is Kerry doing in India? &nbsp;&nbsp;

Meeting representatives from the government, the private sector and NGOs on Tuesday. He met India's environment minister Prakash Javadekar and finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman.&nbsp;

The purpose was to get India to commit on climate action, and to cut back on the use of fossil fuels. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Remember, India too has been at the forefront of climate action and sustainable development goals.&nbsp;

Joe Biden has now formed an alliance of like-minded countries to take this forward. Kerry was all praises for India.&nbsp;

Calling India a world leader in deployment of renewable energy, Kerry said India is setting a 'very strong example' for other nations. So, that's how the day panned out for Sergey Lavrov and John Kerry.&nbsp;

You may be wondering if their paths crossed. Did Lavrov and Kerry meet in New Delhi? The answer is yes, they did!&nbsp;

They were staying in the same hotel. They met in the lobby. What did they talk about? Climate change. That's what the Russians have told the press. The Americans are much more guarded about this engagement. The US embassy in Delhi said the leaders 'ran into each other by happenstance’. Believe what you will. &nbsp;We'll give you a short backgrounder. When John Kerry was the US secretary of state in the Obama era, there was a lot of talk about the 'bromance' between him and Lavrov.&nbsp;

On several occasions, the leaders have exchanged gifts too. Once Kerry had gifted Lavrov two potatoes from Idaho. Why? Because the Russian Foreign Minister had mentioned them in an earlier conversation. Then, Lavrov had returned the favour with some tomatoes from Sochi. &nbsp;

He had even gifted a T-shirt to Kerry with symbols of victory. That was almost six years back. Now, their presidents are hurling abuses at each other. But why should that stop them from a quick catch-up in New Delhi?&nbsp;

It was a hectic day for Indian diplomats as the country was hosting two high-profile leaders on the same day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US special envoy for climate John Kerry.

It was a hectic day for Indian diplomats as the country was hosting two high-profile leaders on the same day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US special envoy for climate John Kerry. What makes this all the more crucial is the dynamics between Russia and the US. They are arch enemies. Their presidents call each other names but, their top diplomats were in New Delhi at the same time. Was this a coincidence? Possibly but, we're not surprised that their schedules overlapped. World leaders are actively engaging with India. This is turning out to be the summer of high profile engagements. Let's look at what happened today. Sergey Lavrov and John Kerry arrived in India's national capital on Monday. Both of them are on different missions. The Russian Foreign Minister was here to prepare the ground for an annual summit that will be held later this year. John Kerry was meeting different stakeholders to discuss climate goals. Let's start with the Russian mission. Sergey Lavrov met India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. They discussed a whole lot of issues, such as the UN Security Council, Afghanistan, West Asia, the Gulf, Myanmar, Asean, space, the Indo-pacific and vaccine production. India and Russia vowed to deepen their defence cooperation. They are looking for ways to expand the production of Russian weapons in India and this despite, the threat of American sanctions. Remember, the US sanctions countries that buy Russian weapons. India is a big buyer of Russian weapons. The latest purchase is the Russian S-400 missile defence system. The delivery is expected in December this year. Will the US sanction India? There's no clarity yet. More importantly, no assurance from Washington that Delhi won't face sanctions. As for Delhi and Moscow, they say they remain committed to strong defence ties. The other elephant in the room was China. Lavrov said Russia is watching the border situation in Ladakh. He addressed a joint press conference with India's S Jaishankar. He was asked a pointed question. Is Russia working on a military alliance with China? He said no but went on to speak about another military alliance in the region, the Quad. India's position is clear. It will not engage in a Nato-like military alliance with the Quad and that's the challenge for Delhi, striking the right balance between Russia and the Quad. Meanwhile, Lavrov has already left India and landed in Pakistan, that's his next destination and that makes the India-Russia equation more intriguing. Meanwhile, John Kerry, the US special envoy, is going to be in India for four days and he's not going to Pakistan. US President Joe Biden has appointed Kerry as his special envoy on the climate crisis. It's a position that includes a seat on the US national security council. This council is the principal forum for the US president to discuss national security. What does this mean? It means that US has put climate change on a par with national security priorities. So, what is Kerry doing in India? Meeting representatives from the government, the private sector and NGOs on Tuesday. He met India's environment minister Prakash Javadekar and finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The purpose was to get India to commit on climate action, and to cut back on the use of fossil fuels. Remember, India too has been at the forefront of climate action and sustainable development goals. Joe Biden has now formed an alliance of like-minded countries to take this forward. Kerry was all praises for India. Calling India a world leader in deployment of renewable energy, Kerry said India is setting a 'very strong example' for other nations. So, that's how the day panned out for Sergey Lavrov and John Kerry. You may be wondering if their paths crossed. Did Lavrov and Kerry meet in New Delhi? The answer is yes, they did! They were staying in the same hotel. They met in the lobby. What did they talk about? Climate change. That's what the Russians have told the press. The Americans are much more guarded about this engagement. The US embassy in Delhi said the leaders 'ran into each other by happenstance’. Believe what you will. We'll give you a short backgrounder. When John Kerry was the US secretary of state in the Obama era, there was a lot of talk about the 'bromance' between him and Lavrov. On several occasions, the leaders have exchanged gifts too. Once Kerry had gifted Lavrov two potatoes from Idaho. Why? Because the Russian Foreign Minister had mentioned them in an earlier conversation. Then, Lavrov had returned the favour with some tomatoes from Sochi. He had even gifted a T-shirt to Kerry with symbols of victory. That was almost six years back. Now, their presidents are hurling abuses at each other. But why should that stop them from a quick catch-up in New Delhi?

Busy day for diplomacy in India as Lavrov, Kerry pay visit 

US Climate Envoy John Kerry, who is on a three-day visit to India, lauded India for “getting the job done on climate” and said it is a world leader already in deployment of renewable energy.

John Kerry: India getting job done on climate, setting example for other nations

International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday raised its growth forecast for Indian economy by 100 basis points to 12.5 per cent for fiscal year 2021-22. India is the only country expected to register a double-digit growth this fiscal.

India's growth projection raised to 12.5% for FY22 by IMF

3 months, multiple foreign delegations. India has turned into the favourite destination for world leaders - as New Delhi emerges as a major power centre in the post-pandemic world. How will the Indian government navigate this summer of diplomacy?

Gravitas: World leaders make a beeline for India

Russia or America? As the Washington-Moscow acrimony enters a new phase, India is walking a diplomatic tightrope. Which way will New Delhi tilt if it has to make a choice?

Gravitas: India walks a diplomatic tightrope

The 11th round of India-China military talks is expected to take place on Friday, April 9. The key focus will be early disengagement in other areas of Eastern Ladakh such as Hot&nbsp;Springs, Gogra and Depsang Plains.

Both countries were able to achieve complete disengagement at Pangong lake in February.&nbsp;

Last week, in response to a question, the spokesperson of India's external affairs ministry said the country "hopes&nbsp;that the Chinese side will work with us to ensure that disengagement in the remaining areas is completed at the earliest".

He pointed out that this "would allow both sides to consider de-escalation of forces in Eastern Ladakh" as that "alone will lead to the restoration of peace and tranquility and provide conditions for the progress of our bilateral relationship."

Last year, there were&nbsp;aggressive actions from the Chinese side at the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, including at the Galwan in which India lost 20 soldiers. Since then, ties remain strained, even as New Delhi undertook measures to cut investment from China. &nbsp;

The 10th round of &nbsp;India-China military talks happened in February, after complete disengagement at the Pangong Lake. The same month saw telephonic talks between External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Chinese FM Wang Yi. During the talks, both sides decided to establish a hotline for "timely communication".

The 11th round of India-China military talks is expected to take place on Friday, April 9. The key focus will be early disengagement in other areas of Eastern Ladakh such as Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang Plains.

The 11th round of India-China military talks is expected to take place on Friday, April 9. The key focus will be early disengagement in other areas of Eastern Ladakh such as Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang Plains. Both countries were able to achieve complete disengagement at Pangong lake in February. Last week, in response to a question, the spokesperson of India's external affairs ministry said the country "hopes that the Chinese side will work with us to ensure that disengagement in the remaining areas is completed at the earliest". He pointed out that this "would allow both sides to consider de-escalation of forces in Eastern Ladakh" as that "alone will lead to the restoration of peace and tranquility and provide conditions for the progress of our bilateral relationship." Last year, there were aggressive actions from the Chinese side at the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, including at the Galwan in which India lost 20 soldiers. Since then, ties remain strained, even as New Delhi undertook measures to cut investment from China. The 10th round of India-China military talks happened in February, after complete disengagement at the Pangong Lake. The same month saw telephonic talks between External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Chinese FM Wang Yi. During the talks, both sides decided to establish a hotline for "timely communication".

India, China to hold military talks on April 9

Indian pharma Cadila Healthcare has sought approval from local regulators to use a Hepatitis C drug as a treatment for COVID-19 following promising interim results from a late-stage trial.

Indian pharma Cadila seeks approval to repurpose Hepatitis C drug for COVID-19

US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry praised India as a world leader in renewables as he began talks with government leaders aimed at cutting carbon emissions faster to slow global warming.

India is the world’s third biggest emitter behind the United States and China and is under pressure to commit itself to net zero emissions by 2050, in line with pledges made by several other countries.

"India is getting the job done on climate, pushing the curve," Kerry said.&nbsp;

"You (India) are indisputably a world leader already in the deployment of renewable energy."

Government sources said that India was unlikely to bind itself to a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as its energy demand was projected to grow more than that of any other nation over the next two decades.

Kerry is leading efforts to get countries to step up commitments ahead of a summit of 40 leaders on April 22-23 called by US President Joe Biden.&nbsp;

Later this year, world leaders are due to gather for a UN climate summit to build on the 2015 Paris accord to limit global warming.&nbsp;

Kerry said India was setting a ‘very strong example’ for other nations on powering a growing economy with clean energy.

"That kind of urgency is exactly what we need to confront global climate change," he said.

India points to its target of generating 450 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030 - five times its current capacity and two and half times its Paris pledge.&nbsp;

But officials in India argue against adopting tougher emission goals, noting that its per capita emissions are still only an eighth of those of the United States and less than a third of China’s, even as it tries to bridge a development gap.

Kerry said it was ‘absolutely critical’ that India, the United States and others scale up investments in areas including energy storage, clean fuels and decarbonising industries.

"India, in particular, is a red-hot investment opportunity because of its clean energy transition," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry praised India as a world leader in renewables as he began talks with government leaders aimed at cutting carbon emissions faster to slow global warming.

US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry praised India as a world leader in renewables as he began talks with government leaders aimed at cutting carbon emissions faster to slow global warming. India is the world’s third biggest emitter behind the United States and China and is under pressure to commit itself to net zero emissions by 2050, in line with pledges made by several other countries. "India is getting the job done on climate, pushing the curve," Kerry said. "You (India) are indisputably a world leader already in the deployment of renewable energy." Government sources said that India was unlikely to bind itself to a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as its energy demand was projected to grow more than that of any other nation over the next two decades. Kerry is leading efforts to get countries to step up commitments ahead of a summit of 40 leaders on April 22-23 called by US President Joe Biden. Later this year, world leaders are due to gather for a UN climate summit to build on the 2015 Paris accord to limit global warming. Kerry said India was setting a ‘very strong example’ for other nations on powering a growing economy with clean energy. "That kind of urgency is exactly what we need to confront global climate change," he said. India points to its target of generating 450 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030 - five times its current capacity and two and half times its Paris pledge. But officials in India argue against adopting tougher emission goals, noting that its per capita emissions are still only an eighth of those of the United States and less than a third of China’s, even as it tries to bridge a development gap. Kerry said it was ‘absolutely critical’ that India, the United States and others scale up investments in areas including energy storage, clean fuels and decarbonising industries. "India, in particular, is a red-hot investment opportunity because of its clean energy transition," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

US envoy Kerry says India is ‘getting job done’ on climate

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