Global ratings agency Fitch on Tuesday sharply revised its forecast to India's GDP growth, estimating that it will contract 10.5%, while Goldman Sachs expects it to decline by 14.8%in the current fiscal year.

Global rating agencies cut India's GDP forecast

<p>Russia has said it encourages India and China to resolve Line of Actual Control row but won't directly "interfere". Tensions have increased between the two neighbouring countries especially after the Galwan incident of June in which India lost 20 of its soldiers.</p>

<p>Roman Babushkin, Deputy Chief of Mission of Russian embassy in Delhi in response to WION's question said, "Directly we are not recommending or advising do so or not to do something.. it's upto both countries to decide. What we are doing.. it's not an interference, it creating some sort of positive atmosphere."</p>

<p>Explaining further, "By and large, we are promoting this principal or political and diplomatic solution of disputes. We are adhering to that when it comes to dialogue with our Chinese friends, same we doing with Indian friends."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-face-off-on-september-7-pictures-emerge-of-chinese-soldiers-with-spears-machete-326038" hreflang="en">India-China face-off: Pictures emerge of Chinese soldiers with spears, machete</a></p>

<p>India's External Affairs minister S Jaishankar is in Moscow for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO Foreign Ministers meeting. On the sidelines of the meet he is expected to meet Chinese FM Wang Yi, the 2nd in person high level political engagement between ministers of 2 countries. Last week defence ministers of 2 countries meet on the sidelines of SCO defence ministers meet.</p>

<p>Babushkin said,"You will always find statements of officials and experts supporting, idea of peaceful coexistence, cooperation, partnership because eventually, sooner or later India and China will find mutually acceptable solution for the border crisis."</p>

<p>Giving example of its border dispute with China, Deputy Envoy said,"Russia had a very good experience in solution of border issues including with Chinese friends..it took us 40 years".</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-guarding-rezang-la-is-crucial-to-keep-china-at-bay-along-lac-326071" hreflang="en">Why guarding Rezang La is crucial to keep China at bay along LAC</a></p>

<p>Adding, "We have no doubts Indian and Chinese friends are also able to do the same".</p>

<p>Russia has good relations with both India and China and when it comes to New Delhi, defence form a key pillar of partnership.</p>

<p>Asked if Russia will supply defence equipments to Pakistan, the deputy envoy said Moscow is "following the request &amp; sensitivities of the Indian side".</p>


Russia has said it encourages India and China to resolve Line of Actual Control row but won't directly "interfere". Tensions have increased between the two neighbouring countries especially after the Galwan incident of June in which India lost 20 of its soldiers.

Russia has said it encourages India and China to resolve Line of Actual Control row but won't directly "interfere". Tensions have increased between the two neighbouring countries especially after the Galwan incident of June in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. Roman Babushkin, Deputy Chief of Mission of Russian embassy in Delhi in response to WION's question said, "Directly we are not recommending or advising do so or not to do something.. it's upto both countries to decide. What we are doing.. it's not an interference, it creating some sort of positive atmosphere." Explaining further, "By and large, we are promoting this principal or political and diplomatic solution of disputes. We are adhering to that when it comes to dialogue with our Chinese friends, same we doing with Indian friends." Also read: India-China face-off: Pictures emerge of Chinese soldiers with spears, machete India's External Affairs minister S Jaishankar is in Moscow for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO Foreign Ministers meeting. On the sidelines of the meet he is expected to meet Chinese FM Wang Yi, the 2nd in person high level political engagement between ministers of 2 countries. Last week defence ministers of 2 countries meet on the sidelines of SCO defence ministers meet. Babushkin said,"You will always find statements of officials and experts supporting, idea of peaceful coexistence, cooperation, partnership because eventually, sooner or later India and China will find mutually acceptable solution for the border crisis." Giving example of its border dispute with China, Deputy Envoy said,"Russia had a very good experience in solution of border issues including with Chinese friends..it took us 40 years". Also read: Why guarding Rezang La is crucial to keep China at bay along LAC Adding, "We have no doubts Indian and Chinese friends are also able to do the same". Russia has good relations with both India and China and when it comes to New Delhi, defence form a key pillar of partnership. Asked if Russia will supply defence equipments to Pakistan, the deputy envoy said Moscow is "following the request & sensitivities of the Indian side".

Encouraging India and China to resolve LAC row, says Russia

India has overtaken Brazil in COVID-19 cases to become the 2nd worst-hit country in the world. The record daily surge of 90,800 cases is a world record.

Gravitas: India Surpasses Brazil In COVID-19 Cases

<p>India on Monday joined the ranks of the hypersonic missile club by firing an indigenously-developed hypersonic technology demonstrator vehicle (HSTDV). The system will power range missile systems and aerial platforms. This makes India the fourth country to successfully test a demonstrator vehicle, joining the ranks of US, Russia, and China.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In a historic mission today, India successfully flight tested Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV), a giant leap in indigenous defence technologies and significant milestone towards a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sashaktbharat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sashaktbharat</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/atmanirbharbharat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#atmanirbharbharat</a>.</p>
— DRDO (@DRDO_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/DRDO_India/status/1302863224988082181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Based on hypersonic propulsion technologies, the HSTDV has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).</p>

<p>The test was conducted by DRDO at 11.30 IST from APJ Abdul Kalam testing range in Odisha and lasted for five minutes.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Successful flight test of Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV) from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Launch Complex at Wheeler Island off the cost of Odisha today. <a href="https://t.co/7SstcyLQVo">pic.twitter.com/7SstcyLQVo</a></p>
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia/status/1302890754696646656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>This implies that the DRDO would be able to develop hypersonic missiles with a scramjet in the next five years. A hypersonic missile would be able to cover over two kilometres per second.</p>

<p>According to the DRDO, owing to this successful test, India has shown the capability to create complex technology to accentuate the growth of hypersonic vehicles in the coming times.</p>

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<p>The officials added that the HSTDV can power cruise missiles and performs on scramjet engines, as opposed to the ramjet engines, which in turn, yields better results and more speed, reaching upto Mach 6, which is more than 7,000 kilometres per hour.</p>

<p>Besides military capabilities, the HSTDV may be used to launch satellites at a low-cost.</p>

<p>Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO and wrote.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I congratulate to DRDO on this landmark achievement towards realising PM’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. I spoke to the scientists associated with the project and congratulated them on this great achievement. India is proud of them.</p>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1302855421397364736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>“I congratulate to DRDO on this landmark achievement towards realising the Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. I spoke to the scientists associated with the project and congratulated them on this great achievement. India is proud of them,” the defence minister said in a tweet.</p>

<p>Read the Vice President's message below.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/DRDO_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DRDO_India</a> for successfully conducting test flight of Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle by using indigenous scramjet engine. This is an important milestone in our quest towards achieving self-reliance. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HSTDV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HSTDV</a> <a href="https://t.co/1pC5EGiCBo">pic.twitter.com/1pC5EGiCBo</a></p>
— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) <a href="https://twitter.com/VPSecretariat/status/1302932541112856578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


India on Monday joined the ranks of the hypersonic missile club by firing an indigenously-developed hypersonic technology demonstrator vehicle (HSTDV). The system will power range missile systems and aerial platforms.

India on Monday joined the ranks of the hypersonic missile club by firing an indigenously-developed hypersonic technology demonstrator vehicle (HSTDV). The system will power range missile systems and aerial platforms. This makes India the fourth country to successfully test a demonstrator vehicle, joining the ranks of US, Russia, and China. In a historic mission today, India successfully flight tested Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV), a giant leap in indigenous defence technologies and significant milestone towards a #sashaktbharat and #atmanirbharbharat. — DRDO (@DRDO_India) September 7, 2020 × Based on hypersonic propulsion technologies, the HSTDV has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The test was conducted by DRDO at 11.30 IST from APJ Abdul Kalam testing range in Odisha and lasted for five minutes. Successful flight test of Hypersonic Technology Demonstration Vehicle (HSTDV) from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Launch Complex at Wheeler Island off the cost of Odisha today. pic.twitter.com/7SstcyLQVo — रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) September 7, 2020 × This implies that the DRDO would be able to develop hypersonic missiles with a scramjet in the next five years. A hypersonic missile would be able to cover over two kilometres per second. According to the DRDO, owing to this successful test, India has shown the capability to create complex technology to accentuate the growth of hypersonic vehicles in the coming times. × The officials added that the HSTDV can power cruise missiles and performs on scramjet engines, as opposed to the ramjet engines, which in turn, yields better results and more speed, reaching upto Mach 6, which is more than 7,000 kilometres per hour. Besides military capabilities, the HSTDV may be used to launch satellites at a low-cost. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO and wrote. I congratulate to DRDO on this landmark achievement towards realising PM’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. I spoke to the scientists associated with the project and congratulated them on this great achievement. India is proud of them. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 7, 2020 × “I congratulate to DRDO on this landmark achievement towards realising the Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. I spoke to the scientists associated with the project and congratulated them on this great achievement. India is proud of them,” the defence minister said in a tweet. Read the Vice President's message below. Congratulations to @DRDO_India for successfully conducting test flight of Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle by using indigenous scramjet engine. This is an important milestone in our quest towards achieving self-reliance. #HSTDV pic.twitter.com/1pC5EGiCBo — Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) September 7, 2020 ×

India rockets to hypersonic missile club, joins the ranks of US, Russia

<p>Countries of the world are in a race to develop the first vaccine, and are also pre-booking potential vaccines. Many countries are also building vaccine alliances.</p>

<p>Russia claims its vaccine will be available this week. On Tuesday India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will travel to Moscow to have a wide ranging discussion on the vaccine alliance. Moscow sounds certain that an agreement will be struck. Three days ago, Russian officials talked about setting up a production facility in India.</p>

<p>“Now the focus is on the fact that Russian production capacities will be initially used only for the Russian market. We are organising the production in India and other countries for the foreign market. Due to the perfect work of the Gamaleya institute, we see interest of not 20, not 30, but 40 countries now”, Russian welfare fund head, Kirill Dmitriyev.</p>

<p><strong>Russia the first with a vaccine</strong></p>

<p>Russia was the first country to claim that it has a vaccine that works, and is now aggressively promoting the Sputnik V.</p>

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<p>Recently, a video showed Russian defence minister taking a jab of the vaccine. Moscow still says the vaccine is safe and it works. However, scientists around the world say the trials in Russia were too small to prove the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.</p>

<p>Two days back, Russia went public with the data. Published by medical journal the Lancet, it says that early tests show signs of an immune response. Experts are now calling for larger and randomised trials to test Sputnik V.</p>

<p>In this case, an alliance with India would certainly help Russia. India is the third largest vaccine maker in the world, and India currently has 10 vaccine candidates in development.</p>

<p>According to a report - the US, Britain, the European Union and Japan have so far secured about 1.3 billion doses of vaccines, with an option to snap up 1.5 billion more.</p>

<p>Even before a vaccine has been proved effective, more than two billion doses are already gone.</p>

<p><strong>India steps in</strong></p>

<p>South Asian countries are looking to India for help, and with its manufacturing prowess, India can get access to multiple global frontrunners. Some supplies of the Oxford vaccine will be reserved for India.</p>

<p>The Serum Institute of India that has rights to the Oxford vaccine has agreed to supply 50 percent of its stock to India. The Oxford vaccine is among the most promising candidates right now. According to the Serum Institute, it has an 80 per cent chance of working.</p>

<p>Reportedly, India is also keeping an eye on the Moderna vaccine. Also, India is developing its own vaccine called Covaxin. On September 7, it began the second phase of its clinical trials. Besides these two - India is watching eight other vaccine programmes, including German and Israeli candidates.</p>

<p>India has also pledged 15 million dollars to Gavi, the vaccine alliance created by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.</p>

<p>About 70 per cent of the vaccines used around the world are made in India. 7 billion people in the world need a vaccine for the coronavirus, and the world cannot make a vaccine without India's help.</p>


Countries of the world are in a race to develop the first vaccine, and are also pre-booking potential vaccines. Many countries are also building vaccine alliances.

Countries of the world are in a race to develop the first vaccine, and are also pre-booking potential vaccines. Many countries are also building vaccine alliances. Russia claims its vaccine will be available this week. On Tuesday India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will travel to Moscow to have a wide ranging discussion on the vaccine alliance. Moscow sounds certain that an agreement will be struck. Three days ago, Russian officials talked about setting up a production facility in India. “Now the focus is on the fact that Russian production capacities will be initially used only for the Russian market. We are organising the production in India and other countries for the foreign market. Due to the perfect work of the Gamaleya institute, we see interest of not 20, not 30, but 40 countries now”, Russian welfare fund head, Kirill Dmitriyev. Russia the first with a vaccine Russia was the first country to claim that it has a vaccine that works, and is now aggressively promoting the Sputnik V. × Recently, a video showed Russian defence minister taking a jab of the vaccine. Moscow still says the vaccine is safe and it works. However, scientists around the world say the trials in Russia were too small to prove the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. Two days back, Russia went public with the data. Published by medical journal the Lancet, it says that early tests show signs of an immune response. Experts are now calling for larger and randomised trials to test Sputnik V. In this case, an alliance with India would certainly help Russia. India is the third largest vaccine maker in the world, and India currently has 10 vaccine candidates in development. According to a report - the US, Britain, the European Union and Japan have so far secured about 1.3 billion doses of vaccines, with an option to snap up 1.5 billion more. Even before a vaccine has been proved effective, more than two billion doses are already gone. India steps in South Asian countries are looking to India for help, and with its manufacturing prowess, India can get access to multiple global frontrunners. Some supplies of the Oxford vaccine will be reserved for India. The Serum Institute of India that has rights to the Oxford vaccine has agreed to supply 50 percent of its stock to India. The Oxford vaccine is among the most promising candidates right now. According to the Serum Institute, it has an 80 per cent chance of working. Reportedly, India is also keeping an eye on the Moderna vaccine. Also, India is developing its own vaccine called Covaxin. On September 7, it began the second phase of its clinical trials. Besides these two - India is watching eight other vaccine programmes, including German and Israeli candidates. India has also pledged 15 million dollars to Gavi, the vaccine alliance created by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. About 70 per cent of the vaccines used around the world are made in India. 7 billion people in the world need a vaccine for the coronavirus, and the world cannot make a vaccine without India's help.

Does India hold the key for global access to the coronavirus vaccine?

Reacting strongly to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) claims, Indian Army on Tuesday asserted that no stage had its soldiers transgressed across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) or resorted to any aggressive means, including firing.

WION Exclusive: Chinese troops seen with machetes tied to their spears

<p>India aims for 50% of fuel stations owned by public sector oil companies to be operated by solar power within five years under the government's green energy drive, its oil minister said on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Dharmendra Pradhan said India's three state-backed fuel retailers Indian Oil Corp, Hindustan Petroleum Corp and Bharat Petroleum, which operate about 63,150 fuel station across India, are moving to deploy solar panels across their operations.</p>

<p>They have currently installed a combined 270 megawatts (MW) of solar power capacity and will add 60 MW more capacity in the coming year, Pradhan said.</p>

<p>With government encouragement, Indian oil and gas companies are turning to investing in green energy such as renewables,&nbsp;biofuels&nbsp;and&nbsp;hydrogen to reduce the country's carbon footprint.</p>

<p>"The oil and gas public sector undertakings are increasingly evaluating new opportunities in the solar and renewable energy space for diversification," Pradhan said at the World Solar Technology Summit of the International Solar Alliance.</p>

<p>He did not give any investment figures.</p>

<p>India imports over 80% of its solar cell and module requirements from China, as domestic manufacturers have struggled to compete with cheap Chinese modules. However, Pradhan said companies have expressed interest in setting up new manufacturing capacity in India amounting to 10 GW of solar power equipment.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants companies to procure most of their equipment from local industry to boost the Indian economy, which has now been hit by COVID-19.</p>

<p>Asia's third-largest economy has set a target to have a renewable energy capacity of 175 GW by 2022. That would include 100 GW of solar capacity, up from around 35 GW currently.</p>


India aims for 50% of fuel stations owned by public sector oil companies to be operated by solar power within five years under the government's green energy drive, its oil minister said on Tuesday.

India aims for 50% of fuel stations owned by public sector oil companies to be operated by solar power within five years under the government's green energy drive, its oil minister said on Tuesday. Dharmendra Pradhan said India's three state-backed fuel retailers Indian Oil Corp, Hindustan Petroleum Corp and Bharat Petroleum, which operate about 63,150 fuel station across India, are moving to deploy solar panels across their operations. They have currently installed a combined 270 megawatts (MW) of solar power capacity and will add 60 MW more capacity in the coming year, Pradhan said. With government encouragement, Indian oil and gas companies are turning to investing in green energy such as renewables, biofuels and hydrogen to reduce the country's carbon footprint. "The oil and gas public sector undertakings are increasingly evaluating new opportunities in the solar and renewable energy space for diversification," Pradhan said at the World Solar Technology Summit of the International Solar Alliance. He did not give any investment figures. India imports over 80% of its solar cell and module requirements from China, as domestic manufacturers have struggled to compete with cheap Chinese modules. However, Pradhan said companies have expressed interest in setting up new manufacturing capacity in India amounting to 10 GW of solar power equipment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants companies to procure most of their equipment from local industry to boost the Indian economy, which has now been hit by COVID-19. Asia's third-largest economy has set a target to have a renewable energy capacity of 175 GW by 2022. That would include 100 GW of solar capacity, up from around 35 GW currently.

India aims for half of state-run fuel stations to be solar-powered in five years

China have confirmed that the missing youths from Arunachal Pradesh have been found by their side.

WION Dispatch: 5 Indians went missing near China-Arunachal border

Indian Army on Tuesday (September 8) rejected China's claim that the Indian army crossed the Line of Actual Control and fired “warning shots” near the Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh, stressing that India is committed to disengagement and de-escalating the situation on the LAC.

India: PLA continues to violate bilateral agreements

Minister of External Affairs of India S Jaishankar has described the situation along the LAC as very serious. Jaishankar also said that the situation needs deeps conversations at the political level.

Situation along the LAC is 'very serious': MEA S Jaishankar

India: Indian Army didn't cross LAC, no shots fired at Pangong Lake

Months after the first confrontations in May, India and China are back to where it all began- the Pangong Tso lake. This time it is its southern bank that has become the newest flashpoint in the faceoff along the LAC in eastern Ladakh. Watch the video to know the significance of Rezang La.

What Rezang La means for India as China attempts to occupy?

WION News exclusively spoke to Major GeneraL SB Asthana who is a defence expert & has 40 years of defence experience at National & International level, regarding China's blame on Indian Army. Watch the vidoe to what SB Asthana says on the issue.

Indian Army never resorted to any Provocative action: Maj Gen SB Asthana

India: Chinese troops transgressed into Indian Territory

<p>In a Joint Search &amp; Rescue Operation, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ships and aircraft rescued 24 distressed fishermen amidst adverse weather conditions off the Kerala coast. The operation was conducted by the ICG, Marine Enforcement Wing and Coastal Security Police in coordination with the Maritime Rescue Sub Centre Kochi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Due to the inclement weather off the Kerala coast since Sunday, 14 fishing boats with 55 fishermen were reported to be in distress. Indian Coast Guard ships and aircraft were pressed in to Search and Rescue (SAR) mission despite&nbsp;&nbsp;rough weather conditions. Timely action in alerting the fishing boats in vicinity resulted in the rescue of 24 fishermen and a lookout is on for the remaining 31 fishermen.</p>

<p>The missing fishing boats are from Ponnani, Kayamkulam, Alappuzha, Munambam and Azhikode harbours of Kerala. Indian Coast Guard Dornier aircraft and Chetak Helicopter alongwith Coast Guard ship ICGS Samar, ICGS Vikram, ICGS Aryaman and interceptor boat C-144 are undertaking extensive sea-air coordinated search at sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Further, electronic surveillance of area is being maintained through Coastal Surveillance Network to shepherd fishing boats in area to safer locations and regular weather advisory is also being transmitted. Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (Mumbai) has also alerted all ships in vicinity to maintain lookout and render assistance to the distressed fishing boats.</p>


In a Joint Search & Rescue Operation, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ships and aircraft rescued 24 distressed fishermen amidst adverse weather conditions off the Kerala coast.

In a Joint Search & Rescue Operation, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ships and aircraft rescued 24 distressed fishermen amidst adverse weather conditions off the Kerala coast. The operation was conducted by the ICG, Marine Enforcement Wing and Coastal Security Police in coordination with the Maritime Rescue Sub Centre Kochi. Due to the inclement weather off the Kerala coast since Sunday, 14 fishing boats with 55 fishermen were reported to be in distress. Indian Coast Guard ships and aircraft were pressed in to Search and Rescue (SAR) mission despite rough weather conditions. Timely action in alerting the fishing boats in vicinity resulted in the rescue of 24 fishermen and a lookout is on for the remaining 31 fishermen. The missing fishing boats are from Ponnani, Kayamkulam, Alappuzha, Munambam and Azhikode harbours of Kerala. Indian Coast Guard Dornier aircraft and Chetak Helicopter alongwith Coast Guard ship ICGS Samar, ICGS Vikram, ICGS Aryaman and interceptor boat C-144 are undertaking extensive sea-air coordinated search at sea. Further, electronic surveillance of area is being maintained through Coastal Surveillance Network to shepherd fishing boats in area to safer locations and regular weather advisory is also being transmitted. Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (Mumbai) has also alerted all ships in vicinity to maintain lookout and render assistance to the distressed fishing boats.

Indian Coast Guard rescues 24 distressed fishermen off Kerala Coast; search on for 31 others

The country saw a hike of more than 90,000 cases for the first time as 90,633 new cases COVID-19 cases were reported in the last 24 hours

WION Dispatch: For first time, over 90,000 cases reported in India in a day

<p>India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will make a stopover in Iran this week as part of his key Moscow visit. During the Iran stopover, he could meet his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif, details of which are still being decided.&nbsp;Javad Zarif had visited India earlier this year to be part Raisina Dialogue.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/french-defence-minister-florence-parly-to-visit-india-to-attend-rafale-induction-ceremony-325751" hreflang="en">French Defence Minister Florence Parly to visit India to attend Rafale induction ceremony</a></p>

<p>EAM will be visiting Moscow for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO meet.&nbsp;India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are part of the SCO grouping. Iran is an observer member of the grouping.</p>

<p>This will be the 2nd time any top Indian minister is visiting Iran within a week. Defence minister Rajnath Singh had visited Iran over the weekend while coming from Russia and meet with Iran's Defence Minister&nbsp;Brigadier General Amir Hatami.</p>

<p>During Rajnath Singh's visit, Afghanistan and regional security were discussed in over one hour long bilateral.</p>

<p>The high-level visits by India to Iran are been considered as a major reached out by New Delhi to a country it considers part of its extended neighbourhood. Iran plays an important role in India's connectivity project via Chabahar port that provides it link to Afghanistan and wider Central Asian region.</p>


India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will make a stopover in Iran this week as part of his key Moscow visit. During the Iran stopover, he could meet his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif, details of which are still being decided.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will make a stopover in Iran this week as part of his key Moscow visit. During the Iran stopover, he could meet his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif, details of which are still being decided. Javad Zarif had visited India earlier this year to be part Raisina Dialogue. Also read: French Defence Minister Florence Parly to visit India to attend Rafale induction ceremony EAM will be visiting Moscow for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO meet. India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are part of the SCO grouping. Iran is an observer member of the grouping. This will be the 2nd time any top Indian minister is visiting Iran within a week. Defence minister Rajnath Singh had visited Iran over the weekend while coming from Russia and meet with Iran's Defence Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami. During Rajnath Singh's visit, Afghanistan and regional security were discussed in over one hour long bilateral. The high-level visits by India to Iran are been considered as a major reached out by New Delhi to a country it considers part of its extended neighbourhood. Iran plays an important role in India's connectivity project via Chabahar port that provides it link to Afghanistan and wider Central Asian region.

India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to visit Iran

WION's Palki shares her notes to self as India enters its 74th year of Independence.

Gravitas Plus: Is India truly free of the British?

A genocide of Uighur Muslims is underway in Xinjiang, but the Islamic world has chosen China's money over China's Muslims. The principle of 'Muslim brotherhood' is being used based on economic interests. On Gravitas Plus, Palki Sharma Upadhyay challenges top 5 Islamic leaders to break their silence.

Gravitas Plus: Uighur genocide: Speak up, Islamic world

According to Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, he had a “very fruitful” meeting with his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General Amir Hatami and discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and regional security issues, including Afghanistan.

Indian Defence Minister meets Iranian counterpart, discusses bilateral issues

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on September 5 left Moscow for Iran where he will meet his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General Amir Hatami and discuss bilateral defence ties.

India's Defence Minister lands in Tehran, Will hold talks with Iranian Defence Minister

Indian Coast Guard on Saturday tweeted that firefighting to put out the fire at oil tanker MT New Diamond was still on. The Coast Guard added that there was 'no oil slick'. The oil tanker ship contains around 300,000 tonnes of crude oil and an oil spill would be disasterous.

Sri Lanka oil tanker fire: Firefighting continues, tweets Indian Coast Guard

<p>India's defence minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart on Friday in Moscow on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or the SCO meet.</p>

<p>China's defence minister General Wei Fenghe had requested for a meeting with Rajnath Singh.</p>

<p>What transpired in the Rajnath-Fenghe meet is still not known, but it is expected to ease the situation at the line of actual control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.</p>

<p>But what does China do while representatives talk?</p>

<p>China cannot be trusted. Look at what the Global Times, the mouthpiece of the Chinese government, has been saying.</p>

<p>It has been publishing a lot of pieces on the border faceoff.</p>

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<p>China's most belligerent tabloid is hurling insults and sabre rattling.</p>

<p>Consider these headlines --</p>

<p>"New Delhi goes astry inciting border tensions"</p>

<p>It says India has dumped the negotiations path, blaming Indian soliders for the recent face-offs.</p>

<p>This one came out on Friday -- "Exiled Tibetans in India's special force are only cannon fodder"</p>

<p>The piece talks about the special frontier force of the Indian defence forces. It refers to a claim that india lost a soldier during its pre-emptive actions.</p>

<p>This is a false claim that even China has denied. But Global Times will write anything to suit its narrative.</p>

<p>Here is another piece: India underrates China's will to defend every inch of territory.</p>

<p>It says that Indian decision makers have underestimated China.</p>

<p>This tabloid quotes nameless faceless experts to make its points.</p>

<p>On the contrary, India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has called India China situation "unprecedented" and " one of the most serious challenges" in recent years. He also asserted that India remains firmly committed to preserving its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and will not yield on that ground.</p>

<p>Shringla also said it was important that even during these difficult moments of this "crisis" India has been communicating and engaging with China.</p>

<p>"This is one of the most serious challenges facing us in recent years with casualties on this border after over 40 years. It is an unprecedented situation. We have never had this kind of situation since 1962. We have lost for the first time, the lives of soldiers," he said at an Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) webinar.</p>

<p>This clearly implies India is engaging with China but from a position of strength. India is said to have taken strategic heights and vantage points in Ladakh.</p>

<p>Reports say the Indian Navy has deployed one of its frontline warships in the South China Sea. It is in constant contact with American Navy vessels.</p>


India's defence minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart on Friday in Moscow on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or the SCO meet.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart on Friday in Moscow on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or the SCO meet. China's defence minister General Wei Fenghe had requested for a meeting with Rajnath Singh. What transpired in the Rajnath-Fenghe meet is still not known, but it is expected to ease the situation at the line of actual control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. But what does China do while representatives talk? China cannot be trusted. Look at what the Global Times, the mouthpiece of the Chinese government, has been saying. It has been publishing a lot of pieces on the border faceoff. × China's most belligerent tabloid is hurling insults and sabre rattling. Consider these headlines -- "New Delhi goes astry inciting border tensions" It says India has dumped the negotiations path, blaming Indian soliders for the recent face-offs. This one came out on Friday -- "Exiled Tibetans in India's special force are only cannon fodder" The piece talks about the special frontier force of the Indian defence forces. It refers to a claim that india lost a soldier during its pre-emptive actions. This is a false claim that even China has denied. But Global Times will write anything to suit its narrative. Here is another piece: India underrates China's will to defend every inch of territory. It says that Indian decision makers have underestimated China. This tabloid quotes nameless faceless experts to make its points. On the contrary, India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has called India China situation "unprecedented" and " one of the most serious challenges" in recent years. He also asserted that India remains firmly committed to preserving its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and will not yield on that ground. Shringla also said it was important that even during these difficult moments of this "crisis" India has been communicating and engaging with China. "This is one of the most serious challenges facing us in recent years with casualties on this border after over 40 years. It is an unprecedented situation. We have never had this kind of situation since 1962. We have lost for the first time, the lives of soldiers," he said at an Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) webinar. This clearly implies India is engaging with China but from a position of strength. India is said to have taken strategic heights and vantage points in Ladakh. Reports say the Indian Navy has deployed one of its frontline warships in the South China Sea. It is in constant contact with American Navy vessels.

What is Global Times publishing while representatives of India, China talk?

<p>The biggest takeaway from this pandemic has been a singlemost thing -- China cannot be trusted.</p>

<p>But punishing China hasn't been easy because it remains at the centre of global commerce.</p>

<p>So what is the world doing about it? It is creating alternatives.</p>

<p>The next battleground, hence, is global supply chains. At the moment, China controls them.</p>

<p>But India is leading a new alliance to change that. Three countries have come together for this -- India, Japan and Australia.</p>

<p>They have struck, what you can call, a supply chain pact.</p>

<p>The mission is clear -- challenge China's dominance as an export hub.</p>

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<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a speech at an India-US summit on Thursday and used the occasion to pitch India as the next export hub. He said global supply chains must be built on trust, and not just cost.</p>

<p>His message was loud and clear -- the world has learned this lesson the hard way.</p>

<p>According to a UN estimate, the coronavirus outbreak could have led to a $-50 billion decrease in exports across global value chains.</p>

<p>This means a loss of $50 billion.</p>

<p>This is the price global businesses have paid for a slowdown in china. They need alternatives. And that's what India, Australia and Japan want to provide -- another global supply chain.</p>

<p>To understand how big the task is, one must know what China has.</p>

<p>In 2019, China shipped more than $ 2 trillion worth of goods around the globe.</p>

<p>Chinese goods go to practically every corner of the world. So this map should show all the countries.</p>

<p>But here, we've only put China's 10 biggest trading partners. The list includes the United States, the European Union, ASEAN nations, and even, India.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, trade ministers from all three countries took a decision. India, Australia and Japan have decided to build a "resilient supply chain".</p>

<p>PM Modi proposed reshaping global supply chains based on trust and stability. This is a declaration of a new alliance. And they're already hurting the dragon.</p>

<p>India is now in the race to replace China because of some recent decisions. Their impact is beginning to show.</p>

<p>In March, India announced incentives for niche firms. Under this, companies which are manufactured in India, will be eligible for a payment of 4-6 per cent of their incremental sales over the next five years.</p>

<p>It means savings for these companies. Most probably, this money will come back to the firms in the form of tax savings.</p>

<p>Global manufacters of electronics have also taken notice of India's decision.</p>

<p>About two dozen companies have now pledged 1.5 billion dollars worth of investments. This is to set up mobile phone factories in india.</p>

<p>On the other hand, Japan is taking some special steps to create this Indo-Pacific supply chain.</p>

<p>In short, Japan is encouraging companies to leave China by offering them a subsidy if they do so.</p>

<p>For this, Japan has set aside $221 million.</p>

<p>It is for companies that exit China and move back to Japan or Southeast Asia.</p>

<p>Japan has also added India and Bangladesh to that list.</p>

<p>To this end, 30 Japanese companies have already signed up to move from China to Southeast Asia.</p>

<p>Australia is also fighting a trade battle with china.</p>

<p>Australia demanded a global investigation into the origins of the coronavirus. And China wasn't happy. It slapped tarrifs on Australian imports and banned its groups.</p>

<p>So now, Australia has joined India and Japan to find new markets for its goods and companies.</p>

<p>This is just the beginning. And the endgame is economic distancing from China.</p>


The biggest takeaway from this pandemic has been a singlemost thing -- China cannot be trusted. But punishing China hasn't been easy because it remains at the centre of global commerce.

The biggest takeaway from this pandemic has been a singlemost thing -- China cannot be trusted. But punishing China hasn't been easy because it remains at the centre of global commerce. So what is the world doing about it? It is creating alternatives. The next battleground, hence, is global supply chains. At the moment, China controls them. But India is leading a new alliance to change that. Three countries have come together for this -- India, Japan and Australia. They have struck, what you can call, a supply chain pact. The mission is clear -- challenge China's dominance as an export hub. × Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a speech at an India-US summit on Thursday and used the occasion to pitch India as the next export hub. He said global supply chains must be built on trust, and not just cost. His message was loud and clear -- the world has learned this lesson the hard way. According to a UN estimate, the coronavirus outbreak could have led to a $-50 billion decrease in exports across global value chains. This means a loss of $50 billion. This is the price global businesses have paid for a slowdown in china. They need alternatives. And that's what India, Australia and Japan want to provide -- another global supply chain. To understand how big the task is, one must know what China has. In 2019, China shipped more than $ 2 trillion worth of goods around the globe. Chinese goods go to practically every corner of the world. So this map should show all the countries. But here, we've only put China's 10 biggest trading partners. The list includes the United States, the European Union, ASEAN nations, and even, India. Earlier this week, trade ministers from all three countries took a decision. India, Australia and Japan have decided to build a "resilient supply chain". PM Modi proposed reshaping global supply chains based on trust and stability. This is a declaration of a new alliance. And they're already hurting the dragon. India is now in the race to replace China because of some recent decisions. Their impact is beginning to show. In March, India announced incentives for niche firms. Under this, companies which are manufactured in India, will be eligible for a payment of 4-6 per cent of their incremental sales over the next five years. It means savings for these companies. Most probably, this money will come back to the firms in the form of tax savings. Global manufacters of electronics have also taken notice of India's decision. About two dozen companies have now pledged 1.5 billion dollars worth of investments. This is to set up mobile phone factories in india. On the other hand, Japan is taking some special steps to create this Indo-Pacific supply chain. In short, Japan is encouraging companies to leave China by offering them a subsidy if they do so. For this, Japan has set aside $221 million. It is for companies that exit China and move back to Japan or Southeast Asia. Japan has also added India and Bangladesh to that list. To this end, 30 Japanese companies have already signed up to move from China to Southeast Asia. Australia is also fighting a trade battle with china. Australia demanded a global investigation into the origins of the coronavirus. And China wasn't happy. It slapped tarrifs on Australian imports and banned its groups. So now, Australia has joined India and Japan to find new markets for its goods and companies. This is just the beginning. And the endgame is economic distancing from China.

How India, Japan and Australia have joined hands to punish China

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