Nepal has reportedly sought foreign secretary-level talks with India via video conferencing. However, it seems unlikely that India will agree at this stage when the Himalayan nation is all set to pass the Second Constitution Amendment Bill next week, which will give it a legal backing to the updated map that claims parts of the Indian territory.

Nepal watchers here in New Delhi believe India has always offered talks but this depends on reasonableness- if Nepal unilaterally prejudges the situation then it is willfully complicating the prospects of any settlements through talks.

Nepal has fast-tracked the process of bringing the constitution amendment. It is learned that KP Sharma Oli's government has secured the support of opposition Nepali Congress and is likely to pass the amendment with the desired two-third majority on June 9. Even if Madhesi parties oppose the move, numbers are stacked in favour of the amendment.

Tension has been mounting between India and Nepal after New Delhi inaugurated a road linking Kailash Mansarovar via Lipulekh on May 8 after which Nepal handed over a diplomatic note to India objecting to the move.

Diplomatic ties between the two nations frayed further after the issuance of a new updated map by Nepal on May 20.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-set-to-adopt-constitutional-amendment-on-june-9-to-give-legal-status-to-new-map-303865">Also read:&nbsp;Nepal set to adopt constitutional amendment on June 9 to give legal status to new map</a>

The controversial updated map includes Indian areas of Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura in its territory. New Delhi has said that the updated map is "not based on historical facts and evidence".

New Delhi urged Kathmandu to refrain from such an "unjustified cartographic assertion" and respect India's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

India had earlier said it attaches great importance to deep-rooted historical, cultural and friendly relations with Nepal.

New Delhi also said that it is open to engaging with all its neighbours on the basis of mutual sensitivity and mutual respect in an environment of trust and confidence. This is a continuous process and it requires constructive and positive efforts. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also expressed hope that Nepali leadership creates a positive environment for talks on a matter related to the border.

India and Nepal share a 1,800km (1,118-mile) open border.

Nepal has reportedly sought foreign secretary-level talks with India via video conferencing. However, it seems unlikely that India will agree at this stage when the Himalayan nation is all set to pass the Second Constitution Amendment Bill next week, which will give it a legal backing to the updated map that claims parts of the Indian territory.

Nepal has reportedly sought foreign secretary-level talks with India via video conferencing. However, it seems unlikely that India will agree at this stage when the Himalayan nation is all set to pass the Second Constitution Amendment Bill next week, which will give it a legal backing to the updated map that claims parts of the Indian territory. Nepal watchers here in New Delhi believe India has always offered talks but this depends on reasonableness- if Nepal unilaterally prejudges the situation then it is willfully complicating the prospects of any settlements through talks. Nepal has fast-tracked the process of bringing the constitution amendment. It is learned that KP Sharma Oli's government has secured the support of opposition Nepali Congress and is likely to pass the amendment with the desired two-third majority on June 9. Even if Madhesi parties oppose the move, numbers are stacked in favour of the amendment. Tension has been mounting between India and Nepal after New Delhi inaugurated a road linking Kailash Mansarovar via Lipulekh on May 8 after which Nepal handed over a diplomatic note to India objecting to the move. Diplomatic ties between the two nations frayed further after the issuance of a new updated map by Nepal on May 20. Also read: Nepal set to adopt constitutional amendment on June 9 to give legal status to new map The controversial updated map includes Indian areas of Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura in its territory. New Delhi has said that the updated map is "not based on historical facts and evidence". New Delhi urged Kathmandu to refrain from such an "unjustified cartographic assertion" and respect India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. India had earlier said it attaches great importance to deep-rooted historical, cultural and friendly relations with Nepal. New Delhi also said that it is open to engaging with all its neighbours on the basis of mutual sensitivity and mutual respect in an environment of trust and confidence. This is a continuous process and it requires constructive and positive efforts. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also expressed hope that Nepali leadership creates a positive environment for talks on a matter related to the border. India and Nepal share a 1,800km (1,118-mile) open border.

India-Nepal diplomatic row likely to escalate, no talks soon

In an attempt to resolve the month-long bitter standoff between India and China, the top tactical army commanders of both the countries are meeting today at Chushul-Moldo border personnel meeting (BPM) point on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

India, China look to break deadlock | India-China border standoff

China has appointed a new PLA commander for its Western Theatre Command ground forces responsible for the Sino-India border, ahead of the key talks between senior Indian and Chinese military officials.

China appoints new PLA commander for India border

China's belligerence at the Ladakh border and its many diplomatic firestorms with Australia have turned out to be a catalyst for India-Australia ties. At a virtual bilateral summit, both countries have signed a declaration on maritime cooperation and a pact for sharing military logistics.

Gravitas: India & Australia join hands to counter China

As many as eight countries led by India and Indonesia have written to the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) asking it to play a responsible role amidst the coronavirus crisis.&nbsp;

The joint letter was written by permanent missions of India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam in Geneva to OHCHR after it issued a release entitled "Asia: Bachelet alarmed by clampdown on freedom of expression during COVID-19".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-dispute-with-china-india-australia-strengthen-ties-303674">Amid dispute with China, India &amp; Australia strengthen ties</a>

The joint press release said, "the primary focus of our governments in these unprecedented times is to ensure that precious lives, particularly of the most vulnerable, are not lost to COVID. The OHCHR needs to recognize this and play a responsible role in a manner that adds to rather than detracts from such efforts"

Recalling at the consensus resolution of the World Health Assembly meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO) last month stating member states should provide," the population with reliable and comprehensive information...take measures to counter information and disinformation"

Further explaining, respective governments "have taken necessary measures, in accordance with our prevailing laws and regulations, to hold those who spread misinformation and mislead the public accountable for their irresponsible actions" and this has been carried out "in accordance with the due process of law while also safeguarding the freedom of expression".

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet had criticised 12 countries in Asia over suppression of freedom of expression in the garb of dealing with misinformation amidst COVID-19 crisis and suggested them to take “least intrusive approach required to achieve that result".&nbsp;

This is not the first time that OHCHR&nbsp;has made remarks about countries in the region that has drawn ire.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As many as eight countries led by India and Indonesia have written to the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) asking it to play a responsible role amidst the coronavirus crisis.

As many as eight countries led by India and Indonesia have written to the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) asking it to play a responsible role amidst the coronavirus crisis. The joint letter was written by permanent missions of India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam in Geneva to OHCHR after it issued a release entitled "Asia: Bachelet alarmed by clampdown on freedom of expression during COVID-19". Also read | Amid dispute with China, India & Australia strengthen ties The joint press release said, "the primary focus of our governments in these unprecedented times is to ensure that precious lives, particularly of the most vulnerable, are not lost to COVID. The OHCHR needs to recognize this and play a responsible role in a manner that adds to rather than detracts from such efforts" Recalling at the consensus resolution of the World Health Assembly meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO) last month stating member states should provide," the population with reliable and comprehensive information...take measures to counter information and disinformation" Further explaining, respective governments "have taken necessary measures, in accordance with our prevailing laws and regulations, to hold those who spread misinformation and mislead the public accountable for their irresponsible actions" and this has been carried out "in accordance with the due process of law while also safeguarding the freedom of expression". UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet had criticised 12 countries in Asia over suppression of freedom of expression in the garb of dealing with misinformation amidst COVID-19 crisis and suggested them to take “least intrusive approach required to achieve that result". This is not the first time that OHCHR has made remarks about countries in the region that has drawn ire.

Eight countries led by India urge UN Human Rights High Commissioner office to play responsible role

India has pledged $15 Million to the GAVI (Global Alliance For Vaccine And Immunisation). GAVI is a summit which aims to mobilize resources for vaccines & immunisation. India's PM Modi said that GAVI is a symbol of global solidarity.

India pledges $15 Million to 'Global Alliance For Vaccine And Immunisation'

In the first-ever interview after the first India Australia virtual summit, Australia's envoy to India Barry O'Farrell speaking exclusively to WION has said while the countries are separated by the Indian ocean both Delhi and Canberra are joined in a shared goal and responsibility to maintain its security. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, Australian envoy said, "both share a view around multilateral issues to resolve issues" and "Quad is important to share perspective on COVID". Both India and Australia had the first virtual summit on Thursday.

WION exclusive conversation with Australia's envoy to India Barry O'Farrell

India-Australia virtual bilateral summit is officially underway and this is the first time that India is participating in the virtual summit. India and Australia have upgraded their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: India's first virtual bilateral summit | India-Australia summit

Amid the present border standoff with India, the latest satellite imagery has revealed that China is fast strengthening its naval base in Pakistan’s Gwadar Port.

China building Naval base at Gwadar?

India's first bilateral virtual summit with Australia is to be held between the two Prime Ministers on June 4. The new agreements will focus on reliable supply chains and key strategic sectors including medical goods, technology, and critical minerals.

1st Ind-Aus summit tomorrow: Emergency summit amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Is Nepal deliberately trying to create a dispute with India? Is China pushing Nepal to severe ties with India? WION's Palki Sharma posed these questions Dr. Minendra Rijal, a former minister and a sitting member of the Nepalese Parliament.

Gravitas Exclusive: Nepal's opposition on KP Oli's 'mapgate'

2 officials of the Pak High Commission in New Delhi have been expelled for spying on Indian security installations. WION's Palki Sharma gets you the details of the operation.

Gravitas: Pak's 'Spy diplomats' caught red-handed

India has been locked in a border standoff with China for more than 25 days. There are no signs of de-escalation and a new report now says that both sides are further stepping up their guard. WION's Palki Sharma gets you the story.

Gravitas: Tensions prevail at India-China border | India-China border standoff

Coronavirus cases in India continue to spike at a steady rate taking the country to the seventh position on the chart of worst-affected nations across the world due to the deadly pandemic.

COVID-19: India records 8,171 cases, 204 deaths in last 24 hours

India has recorded 8171 new coronavirus cases in the last 24-hours, taking India's overall tally to more than 198,700. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: India has a coronavirus testing facility in every state and UT, says ICMR

Sonam Wangchuk a Ladakhi engineer, innovator, and an education reformist who has also received Magsaysay award spoke to WION. Sonam Wangchuk recently made a video asking to boycott Chinese products and apps which went viral on social media.

WION exclusive with Sonam Wangchuk: India-China border dispute, Ban Chinese products

Moody’s Investors Service on Monday downgraded India’s sovereign rating to ‘Baa3’ from ‘Baa2

Moody’s downgrades India’s sovereign rating

Two officials at Pakistan High Commission in Delhi were caught spying by Indian authorities on Sunday.&nbsp;

Abid Hussain and Tahir Hussain, working in the visa section of the Pakistan High Commission, were nabbed while they were engaged in a unwanted anti-India activity. They used to roam around assuming fake Indian identities.

India has declared them persona non grata and has asked them to leave the country within 24 hours.

Explaining how the two officials were apprehended by "Indian law enforcement authorities for indulging in espionage activities", the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a release said, "The Government has declared both these officials persona non grata for indulging in activities incompatible with their status as members of a diplomatic mission and asked them to leave the country within 24 hours."

<img alt="Persona non grata" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ced53513-a883-4f3b-ac1b-146b15da55de" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202020-05-31%20at%2010.35.09%20PM.jpeg" />

The Pakistani Charge de Affaires was issued a demarche in which India strongly protested "with regard to the activities of these officials" and "asked to ensure that no member of its diplomatic mission should indulge in activities inimical to India or behave in a manner incompatible with their diplomatic status."

The last time such an incident happened was in 2016.

India had then declared one Pakistan High Commission official Mehmood Akhtar as persona non grata after he was apprehended by Indian law enforcement authorities while receiving sensitive documents.

During his interrogation, Akhtar revealed that he belonged to Baloch Regiment of Pakistan Army and joined Pakistan's spy agency Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) on deputation. He had been posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi since September 2013.&nbsp;

The Pakistan High Commissioner was then summoned by the Foreign Secretary with India registering a strong protest on the activities of Mehmood Akhtar.&nbsp;

That day itself, in an apparent tit-for-tat, Pakistan declared an Assistant Personnel and Welfare Officer in the Indian High Commission in Islamabad Surjeet Singh as persona non grata.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-espionage-case-spies-used-fake-aadhar-card-caught-red-handed-in-karol-bagh-302225">Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan espionage case: Spies used fake Aadhar card, caught red-handed in Karol Bagh</a>

(The story has been updated.)

Two officials at Pakistan High Commission in Delhi were caught spying by Indian authorities on Sunday. Abid Hussain and Tahir Hussain, working in the visa section of the Pakistan High Commission, were nabbed while they were engaged in a unwanted anti-India activity.

Two officials at Pakistan High Commission in Delhi were caught spying by Indian authorities on Sunday. Abid Hussain and Tahir Hussain, working in the visa section of the Pakistan High Commission, were nabbed while they were engaged in a unwanted anti-India activity. They used to roam around assuming fake Indian identities. India has declared them persona non grata and has asked them to leave the country within 24 hours. Explaining how the two officials were apprehended by "Indian law enforcement authorities for indulging in espionage activities", the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a release said, "The Government has declared both these officials persona non grata for indulging in activities incompatible with their status as members of a diplomatic mission and asked them to leave the country within 24 hours." The Pakistani Charge de Affaires was issued a demarche in which India strongly protested "with regard to the activities of these officials" and "asked to ensure that no member of its diplomatic mission should indulge in activities inimical to India or behave in a manner incompatible with their diplomatic status." The last time such an incident happened was in 2016. India had then declared one Pakistan High Commission official Mehmood Akhtar as persona non grata after he was apprehended by Indian law enforcement authorities while receiving sensitive documents. During his interrogation, Akhtar revealed that he belonged to Baloch Regiment of Pakistan Army and joined Pakistan's spy agency Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) on deputation. He had been posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi since September 2013. The Pakistan High Commissioner was then summoned by the Foreign Secretary with India registering a strong protest on the activities of Mehmood Akhtar. That day itself, in an apparent tit-for-tat, Pakistan declared an Assistant Personnel and Welfare Officer in the Indian High Commission in Islamabad Surjeet Singh as persona non grata. Also read | Pakistan espionage case: Spies used fake Aadhar card, caught red-handed in Karol Bagh (The story has been updated.)

Two Pak High Commision officials caught spying; declared persona non grata by India

Malls, hotels, restaurants and places of worship can open on June 8 except in areas with the most number of coronavirus cases, the government said on Saturday

COVID-19: As govt relaxes lockdown, cases in India continue to surge

On Monday, the rating agency&nbsp;Moody's downgraded India's ratings from Baa2 to Baa3, citing that the coronavirus pandemic wasn't the primary factor playing into consideration.

The agency said that the period of slower growth could trigger problems for the policymaking institutions, with financial sector susceptible to increased debt and pressure.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/business-economy/india-may-see-0-gdp-growth-this-fiscal-year-says-moodys-report-297398" hreflang="en">India may see 0% GDP growth this fiscal year, says Moody's report</a>

"Measures to improve India's fiscal strength, which were at the heart of the government's policy framework a few years ago, have underwhelmed," the ratings agency claimed&nbsp;in a statement.

Even though coronavirus may be one of the factors, the agency asserted that the pandemic has magnified preexisting issues in the country's credit profile, news agency Reuters reported.

The agency further maintained its outlook on the country as "negative".

<h6><img alt="ii" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="19660b9b-3599-46a2-bec0-8bc0e2cb3a05" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-6_1.jpg" /> 
Pedestrians walk past a mural in Mumbai | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

On May 8, analysts at Moody's claimed that the pandemic will impact the rate of growth, with the country set to witness 0 per cent growth in the ongoing fiscal year.

The ratings agency claimed it does not expect&nbsp;India to see any&nbsp;growth in financial year 2021.

The coronavirus&nbsp;spread in the country has&nbsp;"significantly reduced the prospects of a durable fiscal consolidation," Moody's&nbsp;said in a report.

Moody's Investors Service in November 2019 had&nbsp;cut India's ratings outlook to "negative" from "stable", citing increasing risks, and while claiming&nbsp;that growth in Asia's third-largest economy will remain lower than in the past.

(with inputs from Reuters and AFP)

On Monday, the rating agency Moody's downgraded India's ratings from Baa2 to Baa3, citing that the coronavirus pandemic wasn't the primary factor playing into consideration.

On Monday, the rating agency Moody's downgraded India's ratings from Baa2 to Baa3, citing that the coronavirus pandemic wasn't the primary factor playing into consideration. The agency said that the period of slower growth could trigger problems for the policymaking institutions, with financial sector susceptible to increased debt and pressure. Also read: India may see 0% GDP growth this fiscal year, says Moody's report "Measures to improve India's fiscal strength, which were at the heart of the government's policy framework a few years ago, have underwhelmed," the ratings agency claimed in a statement. Even though coronavirus may be one of the factors, the agency asserted that the pandemic has magnified preexisting issues in the country's credit profile, news agency Reuters reported. The agency further maintained its outlook on the country as "negative". Pedestrians walk past a mural in Mumbai | AFP On May 8, analysts at Moody's claimed that the pandemic will impact the rate of growth, with the country set to witness 0 per cent growth in the ongoing fiscal year. The ratings agency claimed it does not expect India to see any growth in financial year 2021. The coronavirus spread in the country has "significantly reduced the prospects of a durable fiscal consolidation," Moody's said in a report. Moody's Investors Service in November 2019 had cut India's ratings outlook to "negative" from "stable", citing increasing risks, and while claiming that growth in Asia's third-largest economy will remain lower than in the past. (with inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Moody's downgrades India's ratings, warns of stress in financial sector

The centre has extended the coronavirus lockdown till June 30, but said that malls, restaurants and religious places can reopen from June 8 except in containment zones.

India: Over 8,000 positive COVID-19 cases recorded in 24 hours

Indian authorities have caught two Pakistani High Commission officials spying in India. Their officials named Abid Hussain and Muhammad Tahir were using fake Aadhaar cards. Watch report.

Pak officials caught spying: Using fake Aadhaar cards

COVID-19: Maharashtra, Delhi and Tamil Nadu become worst-hit regions in India

As lockdown 4.0 comes to an end today, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued guidelines for a phased-wise reopening of the economy from tomorrow.

India: Maharashtra, Delhi and Tamil Nadu become worst-hit regions

india

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news