US President Joe Biden has been in office for exactly two months now.

Last week, he held his first high profile international summit and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-new-chapter-in-the-india-us-relationship-371785/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This week, he sent his defence minister on a maiden tour and India is one of his destinations.

<h2>What does the trend tell you?</h2>

The US is focusing on its strategic relationship with India as its top priority.

This is the beginning of a new chapter in India's ties with the US.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-secretary-of-defence-lloyd-austin-arrives-in-india-371698">US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin arrives in India, meets PM Modi</a>

The US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin is in India and for the next three days, he will hold deliberations at the highest levels of the Indian government.

The global press is tracking this engagement because the agenda is global.

And it goes way beyond the Chinese military threat.

What India and America decide will impact South Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

In this report, WION will tell you about the US's game plan and how India's defence relationship is evolving with Wahington.&nbsp;

It will also decode why New Delhi is critical to Biden's plans.

Earlier today, Austin landed in New Delhi for a three-day visit.

This is the last leg of his first overseas tour as defence secretary as he arrived in New Delhi after trips to Tokyo and Seoul.&nbsp;

It is significant as Japan and South Korea have been US defence partners since the Second World War and are countries that are militarily guarded by Washington.&nbsp;

But India is not a traditional defence and strategic ally of the US and this visit is proof that America now sees India in the list of its top partners.

It shows how defence and security ties will be a priority moving forward.

So what will Austin do in India?

He kicked off his visit today and met India's prime minister.&nbsp;

Over the next three days, he is scheduled to meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and perhaps External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

<h2>What's on the agenda?</h2>

The discussions will be expected on issues including China's aggression, the Afghan peace deal and the security of the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

A statement from the Pentagon said Austin will push for stronger bilateral cooperation in both the Indo-Pacific as well as the Indian Ocean regions.

There is also talk of stepping up the security partnership.

India and the US have had arms sales, technology transfers and defence agreements. 
&nbsp; 
In 2016, the US designated India as a "major defence partner" and now is the time to take this forward to jointly tackle a common enemy China.

Austin has done the groundwork and visited Japan and South Korea to create a framework for closer cooperation.

He made a pitch to South Korea for "greater collaboration" with the US and Japan and discussed ways to "rejuvenate trilateral security cooperation" among South Korea, Japan and the US.&nbsp;

Now he's in India, while his colleague US Secretary of state Antony Blinken is holding a dialogue with the Chinese.

On one hand, the US is engaging with partners, and on the other, it is talking to China.

This visit is to show China that the US has formidable allies in Asia.

<h2>Who is Lloyd Austin?&nbsp;</h2>

He is the US's first African American defence secretary.

Austin has served for more than 40 years in the US Army and has a lot of achievements to his credit.&nbsp;

He was the first African American general to command a theatre of war in Iraq and the first to serve as the Commander of the US Central Command.

This command is responsible for West Asia, Central and some parts of South Asia, implying he has some experience in the region too.

Austin believes that China presents the most significant threat going forward.

During his confirmation hearings, Austin had told lawmakers that he wanted to elevate America's relations with India. 
&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden has been in office for exactly two months now. Last week, he held his first high profile international summit and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present.

US President Joe Biden has been in office for exactly two months now. Last week, he held his first high profile international summit and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present. Watch | This week, he sent his defence minister on a maiden tour and India is one of his destinations. What does the trend tell you? The US is focusing on its strategic relationship with India as its top priority. This is the beginning of a new chapter in India's ties with the US. Also read | US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin arrives in India, meets PM Modi The US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin is in India and for the next three days, he will hold deliberations at the highest levels of the Indian government. The global press is tracking this engagement because the agenda is global. And it goes way beyond the Chinese military threat. What India and America decide will impact South Asia and the Indo-Pacific. In this report, WION will tell you about the US's game plan and how India's defence relationship is evolving with Wahington. It will also decode why New Delhi is critical to Biden's plans. Earlier today, Austin landed in New Delhi for a three-day visit. This is the last leg of his first overseas tour as defence secretary as he arrived in New Delhi after trips to Tokyo and Seoul. It is significant as Japan and South Korea have been US defence partners since the Second World War and are countries that are militarily guarded by Washington. But India is not a traditional defence and strategic ally of the US and this visit is proof that America now sees India in the list of its top partners. It shows how defence and security ties will be a priority moving forward. So what will Austin do in India? He kicked off his visit today and met India's prime minister. Over the next three days, he is scheduled to meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and perhaps External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. What's on the agenda? The discussions will be expected on issues including China's aggression, the Afghan peace deal and the security of the Indo-Pacific. A statement from the Pentagon said Austin will push for stronger bilateral cooperation in both the Indo-Pacific as well as the Indian Ocean regions. There is also talk of stepping up the security partnership. India and the US have had arms sales, technology transfers and defence agreements. In 2016, the US designated India as a "major defence partner" and now is the time to take this forward to jointly tackle a common enemy China. Austin has done the groundwork and visited Japan and South Korea to create a framework for closer cooperation. He made a pitch to South Korea for "greater collaboration" with the US and Japan and discussed ways to "rejuvenate trilateral security cooperation" among South Korea, Japan and the US. Now he's in India, while his colleague US Secretary of state Antony Blinken is holding a dialogue with the Chinese. On one hand, the US is engaging with partners, and on the other, it is talking to China. This visit is to show China that the US has formidable allies in Asia. Who is Lloyd Austin? He is the US's first African American defence secretary. Austin has served for more than 40 years in the US Army and has a lot of achievements to his credit. He was the first African American general to command a theatre of war in Iraq and the first to serve as the Commander of the US Central Command. This command is responsible for West Asia, Central and some parts of South Asia, implying he has some experience in the region too. Austin believes that China presents the most significant threat going forward. During his confirmation hearings, Austin had told lawmakers that he wanted to elevate America's relations with India.

Decoding Washington's game plan as US Defence Secretary arrives in India

Gravitas has been telling you how the coup in Myanmar is becoming India's problem and the military's high-handedness has triggered an exodus.

The use of force and mass surveillance by the junta is forcing people to leave Myanmar and seek asylum in India.&nbsp;

More than 400 nationals of Myanmar have now sought shelter in India.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-myanmars-coup-is-becoming-indias-problem-371787/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A 21-year-old, rifleman in Myanmar's military was ordered to kill the protesters as the protests for the restoration of democracy intensified.

The man chose to rebel and fled to Mizoram in India.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-deploys-ai-indonesian-president-calls-for-asean-meeting-on-coup-crisis-371577">Myanmar deploys AI; Indonesian president calls for ASEAN meeting on coup crisis</a>

Earlier it was just military and police officers, but now even officials from Myanmar's emergency services are disobeying orders and fleeing to India.

One such individual is Khaw who claims that he worked at the local fire department in the Chin state of Myanmar.&nbsp;

Khaw and his colleagues joined the civil disobedience campaign when the police ordered them to use a fire truck to disperse protesters.

With the junta refusing to back down, several people are crossing over to India.

According to a report, more than 100 of them arrived in Mizoram last Friday and considering the military's high-handed response, these numbers could grow.

Reportedly, Myanmar's military is now deploying technology to track the pro-democracy campaigners.&nbsp;

Protesters fear they are being tracked with Chinese facial recognition technology.

Rights groups are concerned that the junta has access to CCTV cameras armed with artificial intelligence technology which can be used to automatically scan faces and vehicle license plates and alert authorities about those who are on a wanted list.

Recently, a police officer kicked and forced a man to crawl for hours on the street.&nbsp;

Reports say eyewitnesses who filmed this video saw the man being beaten up by cops later.

The military is terrorising the citizens of Myanmar with the crisis now spilling beyond the borders.

The coup in Myanmar is becoming a problem not just for India, but for the entire region.

 
&nbsp;

Gravitas has been telling you how the coup in Myanmar is becoming India's problem and the military's high-handedness has triggered an exodus. The use of force and mass surveillance by the junta is forcing people to leave Myanmar and seek asylum in India.

Gravitas has been telling you how the coup in Myanmar is becoming India's problem and the military's high-handedness has triggered an exodus. The use of force and mass surveillance by the junta is forcing people to leave Myanmar and seek asylum in India. More than 400 nationals of Myanmar have now sought shelter in India. Watch | A 21-year-old, rifleman in Myanmar's military was ordered to kill the protesters as the protests for the restoration of democracy intensified. The man chose to rebel and fled to Mizoram in India. Also read | Myanmar deploys AI; Indonesian president calls for ASEAN meeting on coup crisis Earlier it was just military and police officers, but now even officials from Myanmar's emergency services are disobeying orders and fleeing to India. One such individual is Khaw who claims that he worked at the local fire department in the Chin state of Myanmar. Khaw and his colleagues joined the civil disobedience campaign when the police ordered them to use a fire truck to disperse protesters. With the junta refusing to back down, several people are crossing over to India. According to a report, more than 100 of them arrived in Mizoram last Friday and considering the military's high-handed response, these numbers could grow. Reportedly, Myanmar's military is now deploying technology to track the pro-democracy campaigners. Protesters fear they are being tracked with Chinese facial recognition technology. Rights groups are concerned that the junta has access to CCTV cameras armed with artificial intelligence technology which can be used to automatically scan faces and vehicle license plates and alert authorities about those who are on a wanted list. Recently, a police officer kicked and forced a man to crawl for hours on the street. Reports say eyewitnesses who filmed this video saw the man being beaten up by cops later. The military is terrorising the citizens of Myanmar with the crisis now spilling beyond the borders. The coup in Myanmar is becoming a problem not just for India, but for the entire region.

Myanmar military's brutality is becoming a problem not just for India, but entire region

The US is arguably India's most comprehensive security partner.

The collaboration extends in areas such as intelligence, maritime ties, space exploration and cyber cooperation.

The US Is also perhaps India's most comprehensive economic partner if we take into consideration research and development, education, technology, employment, energy and health care.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-history-of-india-us-strategic-ties-371791/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This partnership has progressed at a time when almost every other major bilateral relationship be it with adversaries or allies has experienced immense challenges.&nbsp;

India is that rare country in which both the Republicans and Democrats are on the same page.

In fact, both parties compete to project themselves as a better partner for India.

But how were the contours of this strategic partnership drawn?

And how have the ties between the largest democracy and the oldest one evolved over the years? Our report attempts to find out.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/decoding-washingtons-game-plan-as-us-defence-secretary-arrives-in-india-371783">Decoding Washington's game plan as US Defence Secretary arrives in India</a>

In October 1949, India's Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru went on a multi-week tour of the US.&nbsp;

He was hosted by US President Harry S Truman.

Just before the visit, India had formally proclaimed neutrality in the developing Cold War by spearheading the Non-Aligned Movement.

This laid the groundwork for the US's relationship with India and left room for friendly ties between Delhi and Moscow.&nbsp;

In December 1959, Dwight Eisenhower became the first serving US President to visit New Delhi.

Eisenhower's visit helped India acquire adequate financial assistance and achieve reasonable stability during the Cold War.

Since then seven US presidents have visited India and nine Indian PMs have visited the US.&nbsp;

But a strategic partnership between the two democracies emerged only in 2010.

In June 2010, the US and India formally convened the first-ever strategic dialogue when a large and high-ranking delegation of Indian officials visited Washington DC.&nbsp;

The US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called India "an indispensable partner" and the US President Barack Obama called the relationship "a defining partnership in the 21st century".

In November 2010, Obama visited India and addressed the countrý's parliament.

He also backed India's long-held bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and also announced 14.9 billion dollars in trade deals.&nbsp;

In the years that followed the strategic partnership only grew further.&nbsp;

In 2011, India and the US signed an MoU on cybersecurity cooperation.

The very next year the US Secretary of Defence Leon Panetta visited India to boost Obama's "pivot to Asia" plan.&nbsp;

In 2014, the newly-elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a high-profile visit to the US where agreements were signed.&nbsp;

Obama attended India's Republic Day celebrations in 2015.&nbsp;

In 2017, the then US President Donald Trump welcomed Modi at the White House.

The joint statements emphasised the existing defence partnership and counter-terrorism efforts.

In 2018, India and the US signed the COMCASA which gave India access to the US's advanced defence technology. &nbsp;

Trump made his first and last visit to India as US president in 2020 in which New Delhi agreed to purchase US military equipment worth three billion dollars.

Currently, the India-US Strategic partnership is a broad-based and multi-sectoral affair and this is irrespective of who is in the White House.

New Delhi and Washington have been called natural allies with shared democratic values.

Last week, the first-ever Quad leaders' summit underscored this and now with the arrival of the US Defence Secretary in New Delhi, they're turning another page in both countries strategic partnership. 
&nbsp;

The US is arguably India's most comprehensive security partner. The collaboration extends in areas such as intelligence, maritime ties, space exploration and cyber cooperation.

The US is arguably India's most comprehensive security partner. The collaboration extends in areas such as intelligence, maritime ties, space exploration and cyber cooperation. The US Is also perhaps India's most comprehensive economic partner if we take into consideration research and development, education, technology, employment, energy and health care. Watch | This partnership has progressed at a time when almost every other major bilateral relationship be it with adversaries or allies has experienced immense challenges. India is that rare country in which both the Republicans and Democrats are on the same page. In fact, both parties compete to project themselves as a better partner for India. But how were the contours of this strategic partnership drawn? And how have the ties between the largest democracy and the oldest one evolved over the years? Our report attempts to find out. Also read | Decoding Washington's game plan as US Defence Secretary arrives in India In October 1949, India's Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru went on a multi-week tour of the US. He was hosted by US President Harry S Truman. Just before the visit, India had formally proclaimed neutrality in the developing Cold War by spearheading the Non-Aligned Movement. This laid the groundwork for the US's relationship with India and left room for friendly ties between Delhi and Moscow. In December 1959, Dwight Eisenhower became the first serving US President to visit New Delhi. Eisenhower's visit helped India acquire adequate financial assistance and achieve reasonable stability during the Cold War. Since then seven US presidents have visited India and nine Indian PMs have visited the US. But a strategic partnership between the two democracies emerged only in 2010. In June 2010, the US and India formally convened the first-ever strategic dialogue when a large and high-ranking delegation of Indian officials visited Washington DC. The US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called India "an indispensable partner" and the US President Barack Obama called the relationship "a defining partnership in the 21st century". In November 2010, Obama visited India and addressed the countrý's parliament. He also backed India's long-held bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and also announced 14.9 billion dollars in trade deals. In the years that followed the strategic partnership only grew further. In 2011, India and the US signed an MoU on cybersecurity cooperation. The very next year the US Secretary of Defence Leon Panetta visited India to boost Obama's "pivot to Asia" plan. In 2014, the newly-elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a high-profile visit to the US where agreements were signed. Obama attended India's Republic Day celebrations in 2015. In 2017, the then US President Donald Trump welcomed Modi at the White House. The joint statements emphasised the existing defence partnership and counter-terrorism efforts. In 2018, India and the US signed the COMCASA which gave India access to the US's advanced defence technology. Trump made his first and last visit to India as US president in 2020 in which New Delhi agreed to purchase US military equipment worth three billion dollars. Currently, the India-US Strategic partnership is a broad-based and multi-sectoral affair and this is irrespective of who is in the White House. New Delhi and Washington have been called natural allies with shared democratic values. Last week, the first-ever Quad leaders' summit underscored this and now with the arrival of the US Defence Secretary in New Delhi, they're turning another page in both countries strategic partnership.

How India-US ties evolved over the years

Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin is currently in India for a 3-day visit. He will be meeting with his Indian counterpart defence minister Rajnath Singh later in the day today. He met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday.

Pentagon Chief in India: US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin pays tribute at National War Memorial

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held talks with visiting US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday (March 20, 2021) agreeing to pursue enhanced cooperation between the militaries of India, the US Indo-Pacific Command, Central Command and Africa Command. India's defence minister Rajnath Singh highlighted that both sides "discussed steps to be taken to realise full potential" of foundational agreements--LEMOA, COMCASA and BECA for mutual benefit and agreed to pursue "enhanced cooperation with the US Indo-Pacific Command, Central Command and Africa Command."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets US counterpart, discusses measures to expand strategic ties

Afghanistan and the situation in Indo-Pacific were the key topics of discussions during the talks between India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and visiting US defence secretary Lloyd Austin. The one-hour-long talks saw both sides talking about the current strategic situation in the Indo-Pacific, with EAM briefing about India's 'current security challenges and our long term strategic outlook', sources said.&nbsp;

US Defence Secretary Llyod Austin briefed about his visit to Japan and South Korea. Austin is on his maiden as defence secretary to Asia, with India, a key stop during it. His visit comes against the backdrop of the Quad- India, Australia, Japan and US leadership virtual meet and increased New Delhi-Washington engagement.&nbsp;

During discussion on Afghanistan, the ongoing peace process was discussed including assessment of the situation on the ground. EAM appreciated the Biden Administration’s engagement with India on this issue. Remember US has proposed to Afghan governement, a six-country talks, which include India to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan. The visit of the US defence secretary will be followed by the visit of the Afghan FM Haneef Atmar to Delhi.&nbsp;

During the meet, highlighting the 'commonalities and convergence', sources said, EAM said that the India US 'relationship was unique for the breadth and intensity of cooperation that covered so many domains'. While defence engagement have increased with Washington authorising over $20 billion in defence sales to India, people to people relation form the bedrock of this relationship. &nbsp;

The issue of human rights as shared attribute also came up, with sources pointing out that while US Defence Secretary said that as the "two largest democracies in the world, human rights and values are important to us and we will lead with these values",&nbsp;EAM 'agreed and emphasised'&nbsp;that a ''strong relationship between the two democracies was not only important for both countries but for the rest of the world."

Ahead of the visit, chairman of the US Senate foreign relations committee Senator Robert Menendez called for US defence secretary to raise the issue of human rights.&nbsp;

Afghanistan and the situation in Indo-Pacific were the key topics of discussions during the talks between India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and visiting US defence secretary Lloyd Austin.

Afghanistan and the situation in Indo-Pacific were the key topics of discussions during the talks between India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and visiting US defence secretary Lloyd Austin. The one-hour-long talks saw both sides talking about the current strategic situation in the Indo-Pacific, with EAM briefing about India's 'current security challenges and our long term strategic outlook', sources said. US Defence Secretary Llyod Austin briefed about his visit to Japan and South Korea. Austin is on his maiden as defence secretary to Asia, with India, a key stop during it. His visit comes against the backdrop of the Quad- India, Australia, Japan and US leadership virtual meet and increased New Delhi-Washington engagement. During discussion on Afghanistan, the ongoing peace process was discussed including assessment of the situation on the ground. EAM appreciated the Biden Administration’s engagement with India on this issue. Remember US has proposed to Afghan governement, a six-country talks, which include India to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan. The visit of the US defence secretary will be followed by the visit of the Afghan FM Haneef Atmar to Delhi. During the meet, highlighting the 'commonalities and convergence', sources said, EAM said that the India US 'relationship was unique for the breadth and intensity of cooperation that covered so many domains'. While defence engagement have increased with Washington authorising over $20 billion in defence sales to India, people to people relation form the bedrock of this relationship. The issue of human rights as shared attribute also came up, with sources pointing out that while US Defence Secretary said that as the "two largest democracies in the world, human rights and values are important to us and we will lead with these values", EAM 'agreed and emphasised' that a ''strong relationship between the two democracies was not only important for both countries but for the rest of the world." Ahead of the visit, chairman of the US Senate foreign relations committee Senator Robert Menendez called for US defence secretary to raise the issue of human rights.

Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific discussed during Jaishankar-Austin meet 

Facebook&nbsp;Inc has fixed a technical issue that caused a global outage of its services after more than a million people reported problems with its photo-sharing app Instagram.

The issue had also affected the company's online messaging services Whatsapp and Messenger, with #whatsappoutage trending on Twitter in many countries, including India.

A&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;spokesperson said the company had resolved the issue, which prevented access to its services.

Over one million people had reported problems with Instagram, while nearly 20,000 users posted about issues with WhatsApp, according to outage tracking website Downdetector.com.

Downdetector tracks outages by collating status reports from a series of sources, including user-submitted errors on its platform. The outages might be affecting a larger number of users.

Take a look at some reactions below:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Whole India right now <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/whatsappoutage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#whatsappoutage</a> <a href="https://t.co/IQgBwneNXm">pic.twitter.com/IQgBwneNXm</a>
— SH (@sumukh_herlekar) <a href="https://twitter.com/sumukh_herlekar/status/1372970120121774080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Before yesterday's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhatsappOutage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhatsappOutage</a>, I had a notification (since many days) for accepting the new privacy policy of WhatsApp. I had not tapped on it to accept it. 
 
After the outage, I can not see the notification. Is anyone else also experiencing anything similar.
— Nikhil Pingle (@nikhilpingle) <a href="https://twitter.com/nikhilpingle/status/1373122157413273605?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I am enjoying the disconnect. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/whatsappoutage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#whatsappoutage</a>
— Srishti Mahajan (@mahajan_srishti) <a href="https://twitter.com/mahajan_srishti/status/1372968960983846912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

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<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
And I thought there was some prob with my data and wifi. 
WhatsApp msgs weren't delivering. 
Checked insta and it wasn't loading. 
Restarted my phone too. 
Twitter to the rescue finally ! 😅<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/whatsapp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#whatsapp</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/whatsappoutage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#whatsappoutage</a>
— Abhijeet ಅಭಿಜೀತ್ (@panneerpepper) <a href="https://twitter.com/panneerpepper/status/1372969229947789312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Instagram &amp; WhatsApp are down. Is everybody feeling like their life has come to a standstill or is it just me? 😂 
What about the students who had their tests on whatsapp groups? RIP 😆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhatsAppDown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhatsAppDown</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InstagramDown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InstagramDown</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Instagram?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Instagram</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Whatsapp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Whatsapp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Outage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Outage</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InstagramOutage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InstagramOutage</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhatsappOutage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhatsappOutage</a>
— Shreya Narang (@narangshreyaa) <a href="https://twitter.com/narangshreyaa/status/1372967311930355715?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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&nbsp;

Facebook Inc has fixed a technical issue that caused a global outage of its services after more than a million people reported problems with its photo-sharing app Instagram.

Facebook Inc has fixed a technical issue that caused a global outage of its services after more than a million people reported problems with its photo-sharing app Instagram. The issue had also affected the company's online messaging services Whatsapp and Messenger, with #whatsappoutage trending on Twitter in many countries, including India. A Facebook spokesperson said the company had resolved the issue, which prevented access to its services. Over one million people had reported problems with Instagram, while nearly 20,000 users posted about issues with WhatsApp, according to outage tracking website Downdetector.com. Downdetector tracks outages by collating status reports from a series of sources, including user-submitted errors on its platform. The outages might be affecting a larger number of users. Take a look at some reactions below: Whole India right now #whatsappoutage pic.twitter.com/IQgBwneNXm — SH (@sumukh_herlekar) March 19, 2021 × Before yesterday's #WhatsappOutage, I had a notification (since many days) for accepting the new privacy policy of WhatsApp. I had not tapped on it to accept it. After the outage, I can not see the notification. Is anyone else also experiencing anything similar. — Nikhil Pingle (@nikhilpingle) March 20, 2021 × I am enjoying the disconnect. #whatsappoutage — Srishti Mahajan (@mahajan_srishti) March 19, 2021 × And I thought there was some prob with my data and wifi. WhatsApp msgs weren't delivering. Checked insta and it wasn't loading. Restarted my phone too. Twitter to the rescue finally ! 😅#whatsapp#whatsappoutage — Abhijeet ಅಭಿಜೀತ್ (@panneerpepper) March 19, 2021 × Instagram & WhatsApp are down. Is everybody feeling like their life has come to a standstill or is it just me? 😂 What about the students who had their tests on whatsapp groups? RIP 😆#WhatsAppDown #InstagramDown #Instagram #Whatsapp #Outage #InstagramOutage #WhatsappOutage — Shreya Narang (@narangshreyaa) March 19, 2021 ×

Global outage of Facebook services including WhatsApp causes mayhem on Twitter

India’s external affairs minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will be attending the Ninth Ministerial Conference of the "Heart of Asia" on March 30 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

India, Pakistan Foreign Minister at same platform on March 30

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin is in India. During the three day visit, Austin will hold deliberations at the highest levels of the Indian Government. The agenda goes well beyond the Chinese military threat. WION's Palki Sharma tells you what to expect.

Gravitas: A new chapter in the India-US relationship

Why is India crucial to America's Indo-Pacific policy? What signal does U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd J Austin's visit to India send? WION's Palki Sharma has the answer.

Gravitas: India and the Indo-Pacific

The Coup in Myanmar is now spilling beyond its borders. According to one report, more than 400 people from Myanmar have crossed into India since late February. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how the crisis in Myanmar is becoming a problem for the region.

Gravitas: Myanmar's coup is becoming India's problem

4 leaders, 4 democracies & 1 platform. The Quad has been revived but can it go beyond words? On Gravitas Plus, Palki Sharma Upadhyay decodes the past, present & future of this grouping.

Gravitas Plus: The Quad: Past, Present & Future

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his American counterpart Lloyd Austin on Saturday held wide-ranging talks focussing on further expansion of bilateral strategic ties, evolving situation in the Indo-Pacific region and challenges of terrorism.

US Defence Secretary and Rajnath Singh reaffirm partnership

This is not the first time India and Pakistan are trying to make peace.&nbsp;

It has happened quite a few times in the last six&nbsp;years, even more in the last seven decades.

But all attempts have faltered often after highly-charged summits and high-profile visits.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-peace-with-pakistan-sustainable-371531/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

So there is a reason to be sceptical.

Each time a peace agreement was reached, Islamabad promised to uphold it.

However, it threw all diplomatic nicety and border restraint to the winds.

What has changed in the last six years, is India's response.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-pakistan-is-offering-peace-with-india-371510">Why Pakistan is offering peace with India</a>

New Delhi struck at Pakistan's terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

History tells us that India-Pak peace is littered with many false dawns and this report explores why there is not any guarantee of any amity anytime soon.&nbsp;

In 2014, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi</a>&nbsp;took oath as the Prime Minister of India and in attendance were dignitaries from all SAARC nations, including the then PM of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif.

This was the first time that a Pakistani leader was attending the oath-taking of an Indian prime minister-designate.

There was optimism in the air.

"I pointed out that we were at the beginning of our respective tenures with a clear mandate. This provides us the opportunity of meeting the hopes and aspirations of our peoples, that we will succeed in turning a new page in our relations," Sharif had said during that time.&nbsp;

In 2015, New Delhi returned the courtesy, and in a surprise visit, Modi stopped over in Lahore shortly after his visit to Afghanistan.

The Indian PM was there to wish Sharif on his granddaughter's wedding.

Seasoned observers of Indo-Pak ties received the news with excitement and hope.

But Pakistan's army generals were miffed with the growing camaraderie and exactly a year later, the weather changed dramatically.&nbsp;

On January 2, 2016, there was a terror attack in Pathankot.

The Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force was targeted, killing one civilian and seven security personnel.&nbsp;

It led to a breakdown in Indo-Pak relations.

This was just the beginning of Islamabad's naked aggression.&nbsp;

On September 18, 2016, there was another terror attack and this time the site was Uri.&nbsp;

It was the deadliest attack on the Indian security forces in two decades which killed at least 19 soldiers.&nbsp;

The perpetrator was the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), a terror group financed by the Pakistani deep state.

It quashed all hopes of a thaw with New Delhi responding by striking terror pads in Pak-occupied Kashmir.

In the four years that followed, the equation between both nations saw several flashpoints.

And the biggest was the 2019 Pulwama attack when the JeM targeted a CRPF convoy with a car laden with explosives.

As many as 49 security personnel lost their lives and several others received injuries.&nbsp;

India avenged these deaths with the Balakot airstrikes with the air force wiping out the biggest training camp of JeM.&nbsp;

The last year was one of the most active years at the Line of Control (LoC).&nbsp;

There were at least 4,600 ceasefire violations by Pakistan and a total of 46 security personnel were killed.

The ceasefire agreement reached on February 25 is a largely tactical move.

There's no guarantee that it would sustain because nothing much has changed materially on the ground.

On the diplomatic front, the rhetoric hasn't been toned down either.&nbsp;

Islamabad in collusion with other nations has kept the rhetorical fire on Kashmir alive on global platforms.

On the security front, Pakistan is openly trying to resurrect the Khalistan movement.

Pakistan Army's drones have been seized in Punjab and new terror groups have emerged in Kashmir with more secular names like "The Resistance Front".&nbsp;

The situation is hardly conducive to any kind of a thaw and Islamabad may be extending an olive branch.

There is neither any evidence of a fundamental shift in its policy on terror nor on the main bone of contention between the two countries: Kashmir.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

This is not the first time India and Pakistan are trying to make peace. It has happened quite a few times in the last six years, even more in the last seven decades.

This is not the first time India and Pakistan are trying to make peace. It has happened quite a few times in the last six years, even more in the last seven decades. But all attempts have faltered often after highly-charged summits and high-profile visits. Watch | So there is a reason to be sceptical. Each time a peace agreement was reached, Islamabad promised to uphold it. However, it threw all diplomatic nicety and border restraint to the winds. What has changed in the last six years, is India's response. Also read | Why Pakistan is offering peace with India New Delhi struck at Pakistan's terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. History tells us that India-Pak peace is littered with many false dawns and this report explores why there is not any guarantee of any amity anytime soon. In 2014, Narendra Modi took oath as the Prime Minister of India and in attendance were dignitaries from all SAARC nations, including the then PM of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif. This was the first time that a Pakistani leader was attending the oath-taking of an Indian prime minister-designate. There was optimism in the air. "I pointed out that we were at the beginning of our respective tenures with a clear mandate. This provides us the opportunity of meeting the hopes and aspirations of our peoples, that we will succeed in turning a new page in our relations," Sharif had said during that time. In 2015, New Delhi returned the courtesy, and in a surprise visit, Modi stopped over in Lahore shortly after his visit to Afghanistan. The Indian PM was there to wish Sharif on his granddaughter's wedding. Seasoned observers of Indo-Pak ties received the news with excitement and hope. But Pakistan's army generals were miffed with the growing camaraderie and exactly a year later, the weather changed dramatically. On January 2, 2016, there was a terror attack in Pathankot. The Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force was targeted, killing one civilian and seven security personnel. It led to a breakdown in Indo-Pak relations. This was just the beginning of Islamabad's naked aggression. On September 18, 2016, there was another terror attack and this time the site was Uri. It was the deadliest attack on the Indian security forces in two decades which killed at least 19 soldiers. The perpetrator was the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), a terror group financed by the Pakistani deep state. It quashed all hopes of a thaw with New Delhi responding by striking terror pads in Pak-occupied Kashmir. In the four years that followed, the equation between both nations saw several flashpoints. And the biggest was the 2019 Pulwama attack when the JeM targeted a CRPF convoy with a car laden with explosives. As many as 49 security personnel lost their lives and several others received injuries. India avenged these deaths with the Balakot airstrikes with the air force wiping out the biggest training camp of JeM. The last year was one of the most active years at the Line of Control (LoC). There were at least 4,600 ceasefire violations by Pakistan and a total of 46 security personnel were killed. The ceasefire agreement reached on February 25 is a largely tactical move. There's no guarantee that it would sustain because nothing much has changed materially on the ground. On the diplomatic front, the rhetoric hasn't been toned down either. Islamabad in collusion with other nations has kept the rhetorical fire on Kashmir alive on global platforms. On the security front, Pakistan is openly trying to resurrect the Khalistan movement. Pakistan Army's drones have been seized in Punjab and new terror groups have emerged in Kashmir with more secular names like "The Resistance Front". The situation is hardly conducive to any kind of a thaw and Islamabad may be extending an olive branch. There is neither any evidence of a fundamental shift in its policy on terror nor on the main bone of contention between the two countries: Kashmir.

Why India needs to look at history as Pakistan pretends to extend hand of peace

PM Modi and US Defense Secretary met today after a top Biden administration official visited India on a three-day visit. PM Modi tweeted, "Pleasure to meet US Defence Secy Lloyd Austin today. Conveyed my best wishes to POTUS Joe Biden, India and the US are committed to our strategic partnership that is a force for global good".

Today Tonight: US' Pentagon Chief Austin meets Indian PM Modi, pictures surface

After some months of relief, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases are now once again surging in India. India may now have entered its second wave.

Yesterday, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting with chief ministers. He told them that 70 districts have reported a 150 per cent increase in cases.

Today, India reported more than 35,000 daily cases — the highest in more than three months. Maharashtra is the worst affected state. It accounts for 65 per cent of the new cases.

Restrictions, lockdowns and night curfews are back in several cities.

Reports say Indian officials are blaming the surge on crowding and the reluctance of people to wear masks. New variants could be a factor too. India has recorded 400 cases of the UK, South African and Brazilian variants, as per reports.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covishield-vaccination-will-go-on-with-full-vigour-india-371323" hreflang="en">Covishield vaccination will go on with full vigour: India</a>

There is now a growing demand to open up the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> programme. Rapid vaccination would definitely help in containing the surge.

In countries such as Israel, the UAE and UK, mass vaccination is slowing the spread of the virus. In fact, the decline has been sharp.

According to a report, about 6.5 per cent of the vaccine doses are going to waste in India. India's health ministry had distributed more than 75 million doses to states but only some 36 million doses have been used so far.

So, the supply of coronavirus vaccine is certainly not the issue. Taking a cautious approach could hurt India's chances of defeating the pandemic.

So, if the shots are safe, India should allow everyone to take the jab. Perhaps, it could take some lessons from Europe. The region's over-cautious approach to vaccines could be costing lives.

Europe's vaccine drive hits back

Europe's pandemic response is in a state of disarray after several countries suspended the use of the AstraZeneca shot while fresh cases are surging.

Reports say that&nbsp;across the EU, new infections have spiked. From 200 per million in mid-February to 270 per million as of last weekend, Italy — which was one of the biggest hotspots in Europe last year — is imposing another nationwide lockdown. It is a measure to slow down the third wave of cases.

Italy is now reporting more than 22,000 cases on average in seven days while an average of 360 people die&nbsp;every week, as per reports.

France is facing demands from health experts for another lockdown. Three days ago, France reported more than 26,000 new cases.

The country's resuscitation units are now running at nearly 82 per cent of their capacity which is the highest since November 2020 — when France was in its second lockdown.

There is a third wave in Germany too. In the past week, the number of cases grew by 20 per cent. Germany has extended its shutdown till March 28.

Europe is losing lives to the virus while vital doses are being wasted.

After some months of relief, coronavirus cases are now once again surging in India. India may now have entered its second wave. Yesterday, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting with chief ministers.

After some months of relief, coronavirus cases are now once again surging in India. India may now have entered its second wave. Yesterday, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting with chief ministers. He told them that 70 districts have reported a 150 per cent increase in cases. Today, India reported more than 35,000 daily cases — the highest in more than three months. Maharashtra is the worst affected state. It accounts for 65 per cent of the new cases. Restrictions, lockdowns and night curfews are back in several cities. Reports say Indian officials are blaming the surge on crowding and the reluctance of people to wear masks. New variants could be a factor too. India has recorded 400 cases of the UK, South African and Brazilian variants, as per reports. Also read | Covishield vaccination will go on with full vigour: India There is now a growing demand to open up the vaccine programme. Rapid vaccination would definitely help in containing the surge. In countries such as Israel, the UAE and UK, mass vaccination is slowing the spread of the virus. In fact, the decline has been sharp. According to a report, about 6.5 per cent of the vaccine doses are going to waste in India. India's health ministry had distributed more than 75 million doses to states but only some 36 million doses have been used so far. So, the supply of coronavirus vaccine is certainly not the issue. Taking a cautious approach could hurt India's chances of defeating the pandemic. So, if the shots are safe, India should allow everyone to take the jab. Perhaps, it could take some lessons from Europe. The region's over-cautious approach to vaccines could be costing lives. Europe's vaccine drive hits back Europe's pandemic response is in a state of disarray after several countries suspended the use of the AstraZeneca shot while fresh cases are surging. Reports say that across the EU, new infections have spiked. From 200 per million in mid-February to 270 per million as of last weekend, Italy — which was one of the biggest hotspots in Europe last year — is imposing another nationwide lockdown. It is a measure to slow down the third wave of cases. Italy is now reporting more than 22,000 cases on average in seven days while an average of 360 people die every week, as per reports. France is facing demands from health experts for another lockdown. Three days ago, France reported more than 26,000 new cases. The country's resuscitation units are now running at nearly 82 per cent of their capacity which is the highest since November 2020 — when France was in its second lockdown. There is a third wave in Germany too. In the past week, the number of cases grew by 20 per cent. Germany has extended its shutdown till March 28. Europe is losing lives to the virus while vital doses are being wasted.

Lessons India can learn from Europe's coronavirus vaccine drive

India and Bangladesh held secretary-level talks in New Delhi on flood management and early implementation of the Teesta water pact on Tuesday (March 16).

India-Bangladesh Teesta Pact: Secretary-level talks held in New Delhi

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin arrives in New Delhi on a three-day visit to India. Austin will meet his Indian counterpart (Defence Minister Rajnath Singh) and other senior dignitaries of the government during this visit.

What could be the key focus of Lloyd Austin's 3-day visit to India?

US Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin arrives in New Delhi on a three-day visit to India. Austin will meet his Indian counterpart Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other senior dignitaries of the government during this visit.

WION Dispatch: Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin arrives in India on a 3-day visit

US Senator Robert Menendez thinks that 'democracy in India is deteriorating'. Here's Palki Sharma's response.

Gravitas: U.S. Senator complains about Indian Democracy

Pakistan is aggressively pushing for talks with India. Imran Khan says peace with Pakistan will give India direct access to Central Asia. General Bajwa wants India to 'bury the past'. Where does India stand? WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Pakistan makes another peace offer to India

Why does Pakistan suddenly want to talk peace with India? Is it because Islamabad wants to exit the FATF grey list or because it wants new friends? WION's Palki Sharma has the answers.

Gravitas: Why Pakistan wants to talk peace with India

India & Pakistan have tried to make peace several times in the past, but all attempts have faltered. As Islamabad extends the olive branch once again, what's the guarantee that it will keep its promise? WION's Palki Sharma gets you this report.

Gravitas: Is peace with Pakistan sustainable?

Amid fears of a second wave, the Indian government is facing demands to open up vaccinations for all adults. India could take lessons from Europe, where an over-cautious approach to vaccines could be costing lives. WION's Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: COVID-19 Pandemic: Why can't everyone get a vaccine in India?

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