India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will visit the United Kingdom tomorrow for the G7 Foreign Minister's meet. The United Kingdom has invited India for an in-person G7 foreign ministers meeting, for which FMs of Australia, South Korea, South Africa, and the Chair and Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have also been invited.&nbsp;

"External Affairs Minister will be visiting London from May&nbsp;3-6,&nbsp;2021 to participate in the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting, at which India has been invited as a guest country. He will thereafter undertake a bilateral visit to the UK," the ministry of external affairs release said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-to-visit-london-to-discuss-global-medical-supply-chain-in-g7-ministerial-381800" hreflang="en">Jaishankar to visit London to discuss global medical supply chain in G7 ministerial</a>

The meet takes place in London from May 3&nbsp;to 5&nbsp;and will be the first physical G7 FMs meet to take place in over two years. The last such G7 FMs meet took place in Dinard and Saint-Malo, France in April 2019.&nbsp;

Ahead of the visit, EAM and UK Foreign secretary Dominic Raab both spoke to each other on a range of issues including the ongoing covid pandemic in India. The UK is sending supplies to India to deal with the devastating covid pandemic. These supplies include 495 oxygen concentrators, that can extract oxygen from the air, 120 non-invasive ventilators, and 20 manual ventilators.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-needs-to-take-some-decisions-to-ease-pandemic-situation-381794" hreflang="en">India needs to take some decisions to ease pandemic situation</a>

The visit by EAM will not only see him taking part in G7 FMs meet but also many bilaterals as well. US Secretary of state Antony Blinken will also travel to London and a bilateral between the two is likely. This will the first physical meet between the 2 ministers since the new Biden administration took charge.

"Secretary Blinken will attend the G7 Foreign and Development Minister’s Meeting in London, the United Kingdom, from May 3-5, 2021," the US State Department said.

G7 is a grouping of 7 industrialized countries--Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, US &amp; UK - plus the EU. The key focus of the meet obviously will be on the ongoing covid crisis that continues to ravage large parts of the world but also Climate Change with the UK set to host the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) meet later this year.

The meet will also talk about the agenda of the upcoming G7 leaders meet under UK's chairmanship. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the 47th G7 summit that will take place in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, the UK from 11th to 13th June. India has been regularly invited for the G7 summit since 2019--first by France, then in 2020 by the US, and now by the UK this year. The physical G7 meet last year, under the then US President Donald Trump never happened, for reasons not known but perhaps due to covid pandemic.&nbsp;

The then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was first invited for the G8 grouping in 2005, back then by the UK in Gleneagles. Group became G7 after Russia was "disinvited" in 2014 over the Crimea crisis.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will visit the United Kingdom tomorrow for the G7 Foreign Minister's meet. The United Kingdom has invited India for an in-person G7 foreign ministers meeting, for which FMs of Australia, South Korea, South Africa, and the Chair and Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have also been invited.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will visit the United Kingdom tomorrow for the G7 Foreign Minister's meet. The United Kingdom has invited India for an in-person G7 foreign ministers meeting, for which FMs of Australia, South Korea, South Africa, and the Chair and Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have also been invited. "External Affairs Minister will be visiting London from May 3-6, 2021 to participate in the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting, at which India has been invited as a guest country. He will thereafter undertake a bilateral visit to the UK," the ministry of external affairs release said. Also read | Jaishankar to visit London to discuss global medical supply chain in G7 ministerial The meet takes place in London from May 3 to 5 and will be the first physical G7 FMs meet to take place in over two years. The last such G7 FMs meet took place in Dinard and Saint-Malo, France in April 2019. Ahead of the visit, EAM and UK Foreign secretary Dominic Raab both spoke to each other on a range of issues including the ongoing covid pandemic in India. The UK is sending supplies to India to deal with the devastating covid pandemic. These supplies include 495 oxygen concentrators, that can extract oxygen from the air, 120 non-invasive ventilators, and 20 manual ventilators. Also read | India needs to take some decisions to ease pandemic situation The visit by EAM will not only see him taking part in G7 FMs meet but also many bilaterals as well. US Secretary of state Antony Blinken will also travel to London and a bilateral between the two is likely. This will the first physical meet between the 2 ministers since the new Biden administration took charge. "Secretary Blinken will attend the G7 Foreign and Development Minister’s Meeting in London, the United Kingdom, from May 3-5, 2021," the US State Department said. G7 is a grouping of 7 industrialized countries--Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, US & UK - plus the EU. The key focus of the meet obviously will be on the ongoing covid crisis that continues to ravage large parts of the world but also Climate Change with the UK set to host the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) meet later this year. The meet will also talk about the agenda of the upcoming G7 leaders meet under UK's chairmanship. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the 47th G7 summit that will take place in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, the UK from 11th to 13th June. India has been regularly invited for the G7 summit since 2019--first by France, then in 2020 by the US, and now by the UK this year. The physical G7 meet last year, under the then US President Donald Trump never happened, for reasons not known but perhaps due to covid pandemic. The then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was first invited for the G8 grouping in 2005, back then by the UK in Gleneagles. Group became G7 after Russia was "disinvited" in 2014 over the Crimea crisis.

EAM to visit London for the G7 FMs meet tomorrow; meet with US secretary of state likely

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday spoke to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on COVID-19 situation in India and reviewed the flow of equipment and material from the United States.

"Just concluded a call with @SecBlinken. Our discussions focussed on Indian requirements to address the Covid challenge more effectively," Jaishankar tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Just concluded a call with <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecBlinken</a>. Our discussions focussed on Indian requirements to address the Covid challenge more effectively.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1388137803733602307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In a subsequent tweet, Jaishankar wrote, "Reviewed the flow of equipment and material from the US. Highlighted the importance of strengthening oxygen supply, expanding vaccine production and increasing Remdesivir supply. Appreciated the forthcoming response of the US in this regard."

US State Department spokesperson Ned Price also informed that the both leaders reaffirmed the strength of the US-India partnership in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-states-delay-vaccination-drive-due-to-vaccine-shortage-381774" hreflang="en">Indian states delay vaccination drive due to vaccine shortage</a>

"Secretary of State Antony J Blinken spoke with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today to reaffirm the strength of the US-India partnership in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Expressing his appreciation for Indian assistance in America`s time of need, Blinken reviewed comprehensive ongoing US government efforts in support of the Indian government`s COVID-19 response operations," Price said in a statement.

Both the leaders agreed to remain in close contact during this difficult period."Blinken also noted the outpouring of support from US industries, non-governmental institutions, and private citizens for COVID-19 relief efforts in India.

The Secretary offered condolences and noted our concern for those who have lost friends and loved ones during this difficult period. Secretary Blinken and Minister Jaishankar agreed to remain in close contact," the statement read.

On Friday, the United States delivered its first shipment of medical supplies to India including 423 oxygen cylinders with regulators (200 Size D, 223 Size H), 210 pulse oximeters, 184,000 Abbott Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits, and 84000 N-95 face masks, while in second shipment the US delivered 17 H-size (large) oxygen cylinders and 7,00,000 Abbott Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits to help the country fight the coronavirus pandemic.

The surge in the COVID-19 cases continues to affect India as the country records over 3.8 lakh daily cases.

India reports 3,86,452 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours and this is the highest single-day spike in the cases since the pandemic began last year. The cumulative count of the COVID-19 cases has gone up to 1,87,62,976, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday spoke to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on COVID-19 situation in India and reviewed the flow of equipment and material from the United States.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday spoke to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on COVID-19 situation in India and reviewed the flow of equipment and material from the United States. "Just concluded a call with @SecBlinken. Our discussions focussed on Indian requirements to address the Covid challenge more effectively," Jaishankar tweeted. Just concluded a call with @SecBlinken. Our discussions focussed on Indian requirements to address the Covid challenge more effectively. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 30, 2021 × In a subsequent tweet, Jaishankar wrote, "Reviewed the flow of equipment and material from the US. Highlighted the importance of strengthening oxygen supply, expanding vaccine production and increasing Remdesivir supply. Appreciated the forthcoming response of the US in this regard." US State Department spokesperson Ned Price also informed that the both leaders reaffirmed the strength of the US-India partnership in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also read | Indian states delay vaccination drive due to vaccine shortage "Secretary of State Antony J Blinken spoke with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today to reaffirm the strength of the US-India partnership in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Expressing his appreciation for Indian assistance in America`s time of need, Blinken reviewed comprehensive ongoing US government efforts in support of the Indian government`s COVID-19 response operations," Price said in a statement. Both the leaders agreed to remain in close contact during this difficult period."Blinken also noted the outpouring of support from US industries, non-governmental institutions, and private citizens for COVID-19 relief efforts in India. The Secretary offered condolences and noted our concern for those who have lost friends and loved ones during this difficult period. Secretary Blinken and Minister Jaishankar agreed to remain in close contact," the statement read. On Friday, the United States delivered its first shipment of medical supplies to India including 423 oxygen cylinders with regulators (200 Size D, 223 Size H), 210 pulse oximeters, 184,000 Abbott Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits, and 84000 N-95 face masks, while in second shipment the US delivered 17 H-size (large) oxygen cylinders and 7,00,000 Abbott Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits to help the country fight the coronavirus pandemic. The surge in the COVID-19 cases continues to affect India as the country records over 3.8 lakh daily cases. India reports 3,86,452 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours and this is the highest single-day spike in the cases since the pandemic began last year. The cumulative count of the COVID-19 cases has gone up to 1,87,62,976, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Jaishankar speaks to Blinken on COVID-19 situation in India

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar received a call from his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu. Jaishankar said that Turkey is going through its own COVID-19 challenges.

Indian FM Jaishankar received call from Turkish counterpart

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his American counterpart Tony Blinken on Monday discussed on phone bilateral and regional issues including Afghanistan, Myanmar, and climate change.

''Had a warm and productive conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to reaffirm the importance of the US-India relationship. We discussed regional security issues of mutual concern in Afghanistan and Burma and global challenges such as climate change,''&nbsp;Blinken said in a tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Had a warm and productive conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> to reaffirm the importance of the U.S.-India relationship. We discussed regional security issues of mutual concern in Afghanistan and Burma and global challenges such as climate change.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1384265377593495552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

''Conversation covered recent developments in India's immediate and extended neighbourhood. Exchanged views on the UNSC agenda. Also discussed issues pertaining to our health cooperation,''&nbsp;Jaishankar said in a separate tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Spoke to my US counterpart Secretary of State <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecBlinken</a> this evening. Conversation covered recent developments in India’s immediate and extended neighbourhood. Exchanged views on the UNSC agenda. Also discussed issues pertaining to our health cooperation.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1384145024829456388?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Blinken spoke with Jaishankar to reaffirm the importance of the US-India relationship and cooperation on regional security issues, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a readout of the call.

The two leaders agreed to close and frequent coordination in support of a lasting peace and development for the people of Afghanistan, Price said.

They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to democratic values and mutual support for the restoration of democracy in Myanmar, he added.

''Blinken and Jaishankar discussed US-India cooperation on climate change, COVID-19, and other global challenges and pledged to remain in close contact on these and other issues of mutual concern,''&nbsp;Price said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his American counterpart Tony Blinken on Monday discussed on phone bilateral and regional issues including Afghanistan, Myanmar, and climate change.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his American counterpart Tony Blinken on Monday discussed on phone bilateral and regional issues including Afghanistan, Myanmar, and climate change. ''Had a warm and productive conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to reaffirm the importance of the US-India relationship. We discussed regional security issues of mutual concern in Afghanistan and Burma and global challenges such as climate change,'' Blinken said in a tweet. Had a warm and productive conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar to reaffirm the importance of the U.S.-India relationship. We discussed regional security issues of mutual concern in Afghanistan and Burma and global challenges such as climate change. — Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) April 19, 2021 × ''Conversation covered recent developments in India's immediate and extended neighbourhood. Exchanged views on the UNSC agenda. Also discussed issues pertaining to our health cooperation,'' Jaishankar said in a separate tweet. Spoke to my US counterpart Secretary of State @SecBlinken this evening. Conversation covered recent developments in India’s immediate and extended neighbourhood. Exchanged views on the UNSC agenda. Also discussed issues pertaining to our health cooperation. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 19, 2021 × Blinken spoke with Jaishankar to reaffirm the importance of the US-India relationship and cooperation on regional security issues, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a readout of the call. The two leaders agreed to close and frequent coordination in support of a lasting peace and development for the people of Afghanistan, Price said. They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to democratic values and mutual support for the restoration of democracy in Myanmar, he added. ''Blinken and Jaishankar discussed US-India cooperation on climate change, COVID-19, and other global challenges and pledged to remain in close contact on these and other issues of mutual concern,'' Price said.

EAM Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Blinken discuss security issues in Afghanistan, Myanmar

Highlighting how "security challenges" have changed, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar told United Nations Security Council that the world order built "following the Second World War is under serious stress".

He added, "Nature of threats faced by member states when the United Nations was founded 75 years ago has also changed" and is "not limited to territorial or political disputes, but transcend physical or political boundaries".

This is the third time the Indian minister has spoken at the high table since January. India became non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for two years starting January 1.

Jaishankar was speaking at an event on cooperation between the UN and regional and sub-regional organisations.&nbsp;

During his address, he mentioned India's ties with groupings like ASEAN, BIMSTEC, and African Union. He called India's relationship with ASEAN a "key pillar of its foreign policy" and the "foundation of its Act East Policy".&nbsp;

India's vision of the Indo-Pacific as a free, open and inclusive region is based on "ASEAN centrality".

Pointing out to India's "close cooperation with the African Union", EAM said, it was aimed at "development partnership initiatives".&nbsp;

India has been engaging with Africa, with high-level visits. Interestingly, this year has seen the foreign ministers of Eritrea and Ethiopia visiting Delhi, with a focus on many things including a briefing on the Tigray crisis.

During the address, EAM batted for BIMSTEC grouping, saying India remained "committed to further building on the momentum of regional cooperation" under the grouping that makes it "stronger, vibrant, and more effective and result-oriented".&nbsp;

BIMSTEC or Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation is a more than 20 years old grouping formed in 1997 and has seven members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

In 2019, India had invited the heads of the group to the oath-taking ceremony of PM Narendra Modi for the second term.

Highlighting how "security challenges" have changed, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar told United Nations Security Council that the world order built "following the Second World War is under serious stress".

Highlighting how "security challenges" have changed, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar told United Nations Security Council that the world order built "following the Second World War is under serious stress". He added, "Nature of threats faced by member states when the United Nations was founded 75 years ago has also changed" and is "not limited to territorial or political disputes, but transcend physical or political boundaries". This is the third time the Indian minister has spoken at the high table since January. India became non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for two years starting January 1. Jaishankar was speaking at an event on cooperation between the UN and regional and sub-regional organisations. During his address, he mentioned India's ties with groupings like ASEAN, BIMSTEC, and African Union. He called India's relationship with ASEAN a "key pillar of its foreign policy" and the "foundation of its Act East Policy". India's vision of the Indo-Pacific as a free, open and inclusive region is based on "ASEAN centrality". Pointing out to India's "close cooperation with the African Union", EAM said, it was aimed at "development partnership initiatives". India has been engaging with Africa, with high-level visits. Interestingly, this year has seen the foreign ministers of Eritrea and Ethiopia visiting Delhi, with a focus on many things including a briefing on the Tigray crisis. During the address, EAM batted for BIMSTEC grouping, saying India remained "committed to further building on the momentum of regional cooperation" under the grouping that makes it "stronger, vibrant, and more effective and result-oriented". BIMSTEC or Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation is a more than 20 years old grouping formed in 1997 and has seven members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. In 2019, India had invited the heads of the group to the oath-taking ceremony of PM Narendra Modi for the second term.

World order is under serious stress, India tells UN Security Council

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that he has asked 'some big countries' to keep raw material for Covid vaccine 'flowing'. India produces 60% of global vaccines and has been termed as the 'pharmacy of the world'. &nbsp;

Speaking at an event, he said, "Today as foreign minister, I am pushing other countries, particularly some big countries that look please keep the raw materials flowing for vaccines to be made in India."&nbsp;

He explained, "Can I go around the world and tell people that guys, keep your supply chains flowing towards me and by the way the end product.. I am asking you for raw material but I am not going to give you the vaccine. Look at the vaccine, your largest vaccine under production is an international product, It’s a co-creation, it’s a co-production." &nbsp;

The development comes even as the US has remained non-committal on allowing the opening up of export of raw material for vaccines to India. On Monday, questions were asked to both White House spokesperson Jen Psaki and US President Joe Biden's chief Medical Adviser Dr Anthony Fauci on the issue, but no direct answers came. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Dr Jaishankar also batted for the export of vaccines saying, those questioning it are 'shortsighted'. He said, "If you get into this, why are you exporting abroad, then someone else will ask, why I am exporting to India. That is so shortsighted, only really irresponsible people, non-serious people can make some kind of argument." &nbsp;

India has supplied 660.13 lakh doses of Covid vaccines to 92 countries along with UN health workers and UN Peacekeepers as of April 20. Of this, 106.15 lakh has been supplied as a gift, 357.92 commercially, and 192.06 under the Covax facility. India began the export of vaccines days after it began its domestic vaccination in January, with Bhutan and Maldives being the first countries to get it as a gift. Albania was the last country as of now to get on April 16, with a gift of 0.50 lakh doses. &nbsp;&nbsp;

He also dismissed 'those who talk about why you doing this to the world', highlighting, "It’s not we are not prioritising our people" and "when things got tough, we actually spoke to the world very honestly and said look we have done our best to live up to the commitments, contractual commitments to the producers, Covax commitments, GAVI...but right now, please understand I have a very situation at home, and most countries understand that."&nbsp;

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that he has asked 'some big countries' to keep raw material for Covid vaccine 'flowing'. India produces 60% of global vaccines and has been termed as the 'pharmacy of the world'.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that he has asked 'some big countries' to keep raw material for Covid vaccine 'flowing'. India produces 60% of global vaccines and has been termed as the 'pharmacy of the world'. Speaking at an event, he said, "Today as foreign minister, I am pushing other countries, particularly some big countries that look please keep the raw materials flowing for vaccines to be made in India." He explained, "Can I go around the world and tell people that guys, keep your supply chains flowing towards me and by the way the end product.. I am asking you for raw material but I am not going to give you the vaccine. Look at the vaccine, your largest vaccine under production is an international product, It’s a co-creation, it’s a co-production." The development comes even as the US has remained non-committal on allowing the opening up of export of raw material for vaccines to India. On Monday, questions were asked to both White House spokesperson Jen Psaki and US President Joe Biden's chief Medical Adviser Dr Anthony Fauci on the issue, but no direct answers came. Dr Jaishankar also batted for the export of vaccines saying, those questioning it are 'shortsighted'. He said, "If you get into this, why are you exporting abroad, then someone else will ask, why I am exporting to India. That is so shortsighted, only really irresponsible people, non-serious people can make some kind of argument." India has supplied 660.13 lakh doses of Covid vaccines to 92 countries along with UN health workers and UN Peacekeepers as of April 20. Of this, 106.15 lakh has been supplied as a gift, 357.92 commercially, and 192.06 under the Covax facility. India began the export of vaccines days after it began its domestic vaccination in January, with Bhutan and Maldives being the first countries to get it as a gift. Albania was the last country as of now to get on April 16, with a gift of 0.50 lakh doses. He also dismissed 'those who talk about why you doing this to the world', highlighting, "It’s not we are not prioritising our people" and "when things got tough, we actually spoke to the world very honestly and said look we have done our best to live up to the commitments, contractual commitments to the producers, Covax commitments, GAVI...but right now, please understand I have a very situation at home, and most countries understand that."

Pushing countries to keep vaccine raw material flowing says EAM; Bats for vaccine export  

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to begin his two-day bilateral visit to India on Monday, which will present an opportunity to discuss aspects of bilateral ties and review preparations for the pending India-Russia annual summit later this year.

"The visit will be a unique opportunity to discuss important aspects of our bilateral ties, also to review preparations for the next India Russia annual summit and also perhaps discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said.&nbsp;

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova on Thursday had said the Russian Foreign Minister, during his visit, will hold talks with his counterpart External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar.

"The heads of the foreign affairs agencies will discuss the current state of bilateral relations, the preparation of the upcoming high-level meeting this year, including cooperation in the fight against the pandemic, will consider key topics on the regional, global agenda, assess approaches to the interaction between Russia and India on the international arena, including at the UN, BRICS," Zakharova added.

After India, Lavrov will visit Pakistan from April 6-7. The foreign minister’s visit to India comes as Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla visited the country in February this year where he met Lavrov and discussed wide-ranging Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries and ways to further strengthen it.

Shringla had said they discussed some regional and international issues of interest including cooperation in the UN and UNSC where India is a non-permanent member now.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to begin his two-day bilateral visit to India on Monday, which will present an opportunity to discuss aspects of bilateral ties and review preparations for the pending India-Russia annual summit later this year.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to begin his two-day bilateral visit to India on Monday, which will present an opportunity to discuss aspects of bilateral ties and review preparations for the pending India-Russia annual summit later this year. "The visit will be a unique opportunity to discuss important aspects of our bilateral ties, also to review preparations for the next India Russia annual summit and also perhaps discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova on Thursday had said the Russian Foreign Minister, during his visit, will hold talks with his counterpart External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar. "The heads of the foreign affairs agencies will discuss the current state of bilateral relations, the preparation of the upcoming high-level meeting this year, including cooperation in the fight against the pandemic, will consider key topics on the regional, global agenda, assess approaches to the interaction between Russia and India on the international arena, including at the UN, BRICS," Zakharova added. After India, Lavrov will visit Pakistan from April 6-7. The foreign minister’s visit to India comes as Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla visited the country in February this year where he met Lavrov and discussed wide-ranging Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries and ways to further strengthen it. Shringla had said they discussed some regional and international issues of interest including cooperation in the UN and UNSC where India is a non-permanent member now. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian Foreign Minister to begin two-day India visit tomorrow

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has called BIMSTEC a "promising sub-regional grouping", as&nbsp;the&nbsp;Indian side raised&nbsp;issues of connectivity, security and disaster management&nbsp;at a virtual meeting of its foreign ministers.

BIMSTEC, or Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, is more than 20 years old, and has seven members--India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

At the meet hosted by BIMSTEC Chair Sri Lanka, Jaishankar said, "Robust connectivity is an essential pre-requisite for economic integration of the region with smooth cross-border movement of people and goods. The grouping is working on finalising the BIMSTEC Coastal Shipping Agreement and the Motor Vehicles Agreement to smoothen the connectivity."

The group has finalised BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity, which will be adopted at the fifth BIMSTEC Summit that is expected to happen later this year in Sri Lanka.

EAM termed the finalisation of the master plan as an "important step towards fulfilling the aspirations of the people of our region for better connectivity and integration."

On security issue, Jaishankar said, "Development and prosperity go hand in hand with peace and security. We face both traditional and non-traditional security challenges".

National security advisers of BIMSTEC&nbsp; countries have met thrice&nbsp;since 2017 and plans are afoot to increase cooperation.&nbsp; Similarly&nbsp;on disaster management, Jaishankar pointed out that the BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate, being hosted in India, is "fully functional with the state-of-the-art facilities to provide disaster early warnings."

India plans to invite all BIMSTEC countries for International Buddhist Conclave it will be hosting later this year. New Delhi has been keen on the grouping, since SAARC has been dysfunctional because of Pakistan's approach.

In 2019, during the oathtaking ceremony of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the second term, all the heads of governments/states of BIMSTEC grouping were present.

Thursday's BIMSTEC foreign ministers'&nbsp;meeting also saw the presence of Myanmar Army-appointed Foreign minister Wunna Maung Lwin.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has called BIMSTEC a "promising sub-regional grouping", as the Indian side raised issues of connectivity, security and disaster management at a virtual meeting of its foreign ministers.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has called BIMSTEC a "promising sub-regional grouping", as the Indian side raised issues of connectivity, security and disaster management at a virtual meeting of its foreign ministers. BIMSTEC, or Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, is more than 20 years old, and has seven members--India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand and Sri Lanka. At the meet hosted by BIMSTEC Chair Sri Lanka, Jaishankar said, "Robust connectivity is an essential pre-requisite for economic integration of the region with smooth cross-border movement of people and goods. The grouping is working on finalising the BIMSTEC Coastal Shipping Agreement and the Motor Vehicles Agreement to smoothen the connectivity." The group has finalised BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity, which will be adopted at the fifth BIMSTEC Summit that is expected to happen later this year in Sri Lanka. EAM termed the finalisation of the master plan as an "important step towards fulfilling the aspirations of the people of our region for better connectivity and integration." On security issue, Jaishankar said, "Development and prosperity go hand in hand with peace and security. We face both traditional and non-traditional security challenges". National security advisers of BIMSTEC countries have met thrice since 2017 and plans are afoot to increase cooperation. Similarly on disaster management, Jaishankar pointed out that the BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate, being hosted in India, is "fully functional with the state-of-the-art facilities to provide disaster early warnings." India plans to invite all BIMSTEC countries for International Buddhist Conclave it will be hosting later this year. New Delhi has been keen on the grouping, since SAARC has been dysfunctional because of Pakistan's approach. In 2019, during the oathtaking ceremony of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the second term, all the heads of governments/states of BIMSTEC grouping were present. Thursday's BIMSTEC foreign ministers' meeting also saw the presence of Myanmar Army-appointed Foreign minister Wunna Maung Lwin.

BIMSTEC a promising sub regional grouping, says Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar

Dialogue is the only way forward for India and Pakistan, Pakistani Foreign Minister&nbsp;Shah Mahmood Qureshi&nbsp;told WION in an exclusive interview, while appreciating that&nbsp;India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar didn't mention anything negative about Pakistan in his address to the recently concluded Heart of Asia conference.

Qureshi reiterated that Pakistan would take two steps if India takes one towards peace, while taking note of recent mutual overtures like the exchange of letters between the prime ministers of the two countries and the neighours' decision to strictly observe ceasefire along Line of Control (LoC).

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bilateral-dialogue-is-the-only-way-forward-pak-fm-qureshi-374607/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

''Pakistan has never shied away from talks, we believe that dialogue is the only way forward. There are two nuclear powers, who cannot indulge in the stupidity of war, this would be equivalent to suicide,'' he said.&nbsp;

"So when there’s no other solution, no military solution, then what's the way forward except dialogue? For dialogue, if India can consider for an enabling environment, then Pakistan has earlier said that if India takes one step, Pakistan will take two."&nbsp;

"If India wants to move forward with Pakistan, now they would have to create a conducive environment and for that take some steps to create an enabling environment," the minister added.

There was wide expectation that Jaishankar and Qureshi would have a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of Heart of Asia conference in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on peace in Afghanistan. But it did not happen.&nbsp;

Asked about this, Qureshi said,&nbsp;"We haven't met, have had no talk and no pull-aside meeting happened that you [media] were watching closely. I didn’t receive any request from him, neither did we [request] and moreover, we didn't have any schedule of meeting either."&nbsp;

''He was busy on his programme and I was also engaged with my prior schedule - so we couldn't met bilaterally. "

He expressed happiness about the ceasefire agreement.&nbsp;"I am happy that we have come to the understanding of 2003 ceasefire agreement on LoC, which is a welcome move and Kashmiris also express happiness."

He mentioned Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's&nbsp;reply to Indian Prime Narendra Modi's letter on Pakistan National Day.&nbsp;"PM Modi also wrote to Imran Khan and [sent] wishes to Pakistani PM and Pakistani citizens on its National day and PM Imran Khan also wrote to PM Modi.''

In his letter, Khan thanked Modi and he has said that Pakistan's longstanding wish has been that it wants better relations with every of its neighbour and live with peace, Qureshi noted.&nbsp;

The need is to resolve all outstanding issues, he said.

On Jaishankar not bringing up Pakistan-related issues during his speech at Heart of Asia, Qureshi said:&nbsp; "I was listening carefully. He didn't point&nbsp;or mention anything negative about Pakistan, which they usually did in the past...PM Modi's letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan and India not slamming or blaming Pakistan&nbsp;on Heart of Asia summit, I would consider it a positive move."

Dialogue is the only way forward for India and Pakistan, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told WION in an exclusive interview, while appreciating that India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar didn't mention anything negative about Pakistan in his address to the recently concluded Heart of Asia conference.

Dialogue is the only way forward for India and Pakistan, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told WION in an exclusive interview, while appreciating that India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar didn't mention anything negative about Pakistan in his address to the recently concluded Heart of Asia conference. Qureshi reiterated that Pakistan would take two steps if India takes one towards peace, while taking note of recent mutual overtures like the exchange of letters between the prime ministers of the two countries and the neighours' decision to strictly observe ceasefire along Line of Control (LoC). Watch | ''Pakistan has never shied away from talks, we believe that dialogue is the only way forward. There are two nuclear powers, who cannot indulge in the stupidity of war, this would be equivalent to suicide,'' he said. "So when there’s no other solution, no military solution, then what's the way forward except dialogue? For dialogue, if India can consider for an enabling environment, then Pakistan has earlier said that if India takes one step, Pakistan will take two." "If India wants to move forward with Pakistan, now they would have to create a conducive environment and for that take some steps to create an enabling environment," the minister added. There was wide expectation that Jaishankar and Qureshi would have a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of Heart of Asia conference in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on peace in Afghanistan. But it did not happen. Asked about this, Qureshi said, "We haven't met, have had no talk and no pull-aside meeting happened that you [media] were watching closely. I didn’t receive any request from him, neither did we [request] and moreover, we didn't have any schedule of meeting either." ''He was busy on his programme and I was also engaged with my prior schedule - so we couldn't met bilaterally. " He expressed happiness about the ceasefire agreement. "I am happy that we have come to the understanding of 2003 ceasefire agreement on LoC, which is a welcome move and Kashmiris also express happiness." He mentioned Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's reply to Indian Prime Narendra Modi's letter on Pakistan National Day. "PM Modi also wrote to Imran Khan and [sent] wishes to Pakistani PM and Pakistani citizens on its National day and PM Imran Khan also wrote to PM Modi.'' In his letter, Khan thanked Modi and he has said that Pakistan's longstanding wish has been that it wants better relations with every of its neighbour and live with peace, Qureshi noted. The need is to resolve all outstanding issues, he said. On Jaishankar not bringing up Pakistan-related issues during his speech at Heart of Asia, Qureshi said: "I was listening carefully. He didn't point or mention anything negative about Pakistan, which they usually did in the past...PM Modi's letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan and India not slamming or blaming Pakistan on Heart of Asia summit, I would consider it a positive move."

WION Exclusive: Dialogue with India only way forward, says Pak Foreign Minister Qureshi 

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said no meeting has been 'finalised or requested' so far with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the 'Heart of Asia' conference on Tuesday at Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe, according to a media report on Monday.&nbsp;

The participation of both the ministers at the conference has sparked speculation of a possible meeting between the two leaders amidst recent peace overtures from the Pakistan Army.&nbsp;

Qureshi on Sunday told the Dawn newspaper that no meeting (between him and Jaishankar) has been finalised or requested.&nbsp;

When asked about media speculation that India and Pakistan have been quietly negotiating for the full resumption of diplomatic relations, Qureshi said, "No such decision yet".&nbsp;

Jaishankar last week also did not give a specific reply to questions on whether he will meet Qureshi on the sidelines of the conference.&nbsp;

"My scheduling is in progress. So far, I do not think any such meeting (is scheduled)," he said, at the India Economic Conclave in New Delhi on March 26.&nbsp;

While announcing his participation, the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement on Friday said Jaishankar is expected to meet leaders of other participating countries on the sidelines of the 9th Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) ministerial conference.&nbsp;

The last meeting between Qureshi and an Indian external affairs minister took place in May 2019 in Bishkek on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting. Late Sushma Swaraj was then holding the portfolio of the external affairs minister.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Foreign Office on Sunday said Qureshi would hold consultations with key regional and international partners on the sidelines of the conference.&nbsp;

India and Pakistan are without high commissioners in each other's capital, New Delhi and Islamabad, respectively, since the relations between the two countries nosedived after India withdrew special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two union territories in August 2019.&nbsp;

On March 18, Pakistan's powerful Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said it was time for India and Pakistan to 'bury the past and move forward'.&nbsp;

India has said it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence and that the onus is on Islamabad to create an environment free of terror and hostility.&nbsp;

The HoA-IP ministerial conference is part of the Istanbul Process, a regional initiative on security and cooperation for a stable and peaceful Afghanistan that was launched on November 2, 2011 in Turkey. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said no meeting has been 'finalised or requested' so far with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the 'Heart of Asia' conference on Tuesday at Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe, according to a media report on Monday.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said no meeting has been 'finalised or requested' so far with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the 'Heart of Asia' conference on Tuesday at Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe, according to a media report on Monday. The participation of both the ministers at the conference has sparked speculation of a possible meeting between the two leaders amidst recent peace overtures from the Pakistan Army. Qureshi on Sunday told the Dawn newspaper that no meeting (between him and Jaishankar) has been finalised or requested. When asked about media speculation that India and Pakistan have been quietly negotiating for the full resumption of diplomatic relations, Qureshi said, "No such decision yet". Jaishankar last week also did not give a specific reply to questions on whether he will meet Qureshi on the sidelines of the conference. "My scheduling is in progress. So far, I do not think any such meeting (is scheduled)," he said, at the India Economic Conclave in New Delhi on March 26. While announcing his participation, the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement on Friday said Jaishankar is expected to meet leaders of other participating countries on the sidelines of the 9th Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) ministerial conference. The last meeting between Qureshi and an Indian external affairs minister took place in May 2019 in Bishkek on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting. Late Sushma Swaraj was then holding the portfolio of the external affairs minister. Pakistan's Foreign Office on Sunday said Qureshi would hold consultations with key regional and international partners on the sidelines of the conference. India and Pakistan are without high commissioners in each other's capital, New Delhi and Islamabad, respectively, since the relations between the two countries nosedived after India withdrew special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two union territories in August 2019. On March 18, Pakistan's powerful Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said it was time for India and Pakistan to 'bury the past and move forward'. India has said it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence and that the onus is on Islamabad to create an environment free of terror and hostility. The HoA-IP ministerial conference is part of the Istanbul Process, a regional initiative on security and cooperation for a stable and peaceful Afghanistan that was launched on November 2, 2011 in Turkey. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak Foreign Minister: Meeting with Jaishankar not 'finalised or requested' 

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Japan's State Minister of Defence Nakayama Yasuhide, former Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and&nbsp;former US National Security Advisor John Bolton&nbsp;are among leaders who will address WION's Global summit 2021, to be held on March 24 in Dubai.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/globalsummit/dubai-2021">WION Global Summit: Fourth Edition, Dubai 2021 — click here for details</a>

The event will be aired live on the WION channel, as well as on its YouTube, Facebook and Twitter accounts, from 12.00 PM IST on Wednesday.

'Power Play in a Post-Pandemic World' is the theme of the fourth edition of the summit, which will have thought-provoking discussions in four sessions.&nbsp;

Jaishankar will be the chief guest at the event to be held at The Oberoi, Dubai, where world leaders, thinkers and influencers will engage in dialogue on the common challenges currently affecting the world.&nbsp; 
 
Pavan Kapoor, Indian Ambassador to UAE, will deliver the welcome note on behalf of the host nation, United Arab Emirates.

Panelists will focus their attention on issues at the intersections of global politics, economy, diplomacy and our daily lives in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first session will focus on peace deals in West Asia. The discussion will touch upon several topics in the wake of the change of guard in the US and several nations formalising or normalising their diplomatic ties with Israel. Is the Abraham Accords a political win for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a foreign affairs victory for Donald Trump? What is the future of the annexation of West Bank? Does it amount to a betrayal for Palestine? In the context of a new administration at the White House led by Joe Biden, what's the future of West Asia? Will the US be returning to the talking table with Iran, considered the 'common enemy'? These are among the questions that will be discussed at this session.&nbsp;

The opening keynote address will be delivered by John Bolton. The dialogue partners for the session are Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem; Mustapha Noman, Former Deputy Foreign Minister, Yemen; Ibrahim Shukralla, Emirati Editor from Abu Dhabi and Jason D Greenblatt, Former White House Middle East envoy.

The second session, titled The Post-Pandemic World Order, will explore how COVID-19 &nbsp;exposed the failure of multilateral institutions as well as the lack of global leadership. A key question that will be asked is, who will be the post-pandemic global leader, or will it have several global leaders?

There will be discussions on how the pandemic diminished the credibility of the US, the worst-hit by the pandemic, and exposed its lack of interest in global leadership. The session will also examine how the pandemic was a double whammy for West Asia, as it led to the oil market slump.

There will be discussions on the fight against political Islam in Europe. Other questions on the table would be: Has the pandemic opened opportunities for new alliances? Will the world reset its ties with China post the pandemic? Will there be a shift in economic power? Will there be a push towards multilateralism or ultra-nationalism? Besides these burning questions, the parleys will also focus on India's role in the post-pandemic world.&nbsp;

Nakayama Yasuhide, &nbsp;State Minister of Defence, Japan, will deliver the keynote address for the second session. Also addressing it are Youssef Chahed, Former Prime Minister of Tunisia; Michael Tsai, Former Defence Minister, Taiwan; Ranil Wickremesinghe, Former Prime Minister of Sri Lanka; Ahmed Naseem, Minister of Health, Maldives; Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee GBS JP, Chinese politician, member of ExCo &amp; LegCo and founder of New People's Party.

The third session, on World Economy: The Price of the Pandemic, will focus on how the coronavirus brought about an economic downturn not seen since World War II. It will examine economic trends of 2021, by the end of which global GDP is expected to be 7.5% lower than it would have been without the pandemic.&nbsp;

At issue are joblessness and business shutdowns, with 15% of young, previously employed, people out of jobs. The panelists will address areas such as US unemployment, which is highest since the Great Depression, as well as the future of pandemic-hit sectors such as oil, tourism and aviation. It will discuss why China is not being held accountable, even as several countries are pushed into a recession by the pandemic.&nbsp;

Those addressing these issues would be Jacek Rostowski, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Poland; Ian Goldin, former Vice President of the World Bank; Alexander Downer, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Australia; and Alexander Dynkin, President, Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy.

The fourth and last session will explore the digital revolution that saw the world go online during the pandemic. While digital was always the future, the pandemic has accelerated the shift, with e-working and e-learning becoming common. At issue are questions like whether companies will move to permanent work from home, and whether it will take a toll on work-life balance. Are concerns about data security being addressed during this digital revolution? Is the world prepared for the move online?&nbsp;

Joining this session are Audrey Tang, Digital Minister, Taiwan; Maria Galindo, Advisor in International Digital Policy in Government of Catalonia; Kaimar Karu, Former Minister of Foreign Trade and Information Technology, Republic of Estonia; Jehudi Castro, Digital Advisor to the Colombian President and Former Vice-Minister of Digital Economy; Simon Lacey, Former VP, Huawei Technologies; and Gilles Babinet, Digital Champion at the European Commission for France.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Japan's State Minister of Defence Nakayama Yasuhide, former Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and former US National Security Advisor John Bolton are among leaders who will address WION's Global summit 2021, to be held on March 24 in Dubai.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Japan's State Minister of Defence Nakayama Yasuhide, former Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and former US National Security Advisor John Bolton are among leaders who will address WION's Global summit 2021, to be held on March 24 in Dubai. WION Global Summit: Fourth Edition, Dubai 2021 — click here for details The event will be aired live on the WION channel, as well as on its YouTube, Facebook and Twitter accounts, from 12.00 PM IST on Wednesday. 'Power Play in a Post-Pandemic World' is the theme of the fourth edition of the summit, which will have thought-provoking discussions in four sessions. Jaishankar will be the chief guest at the event to be held at The Oberoi, Dubai, where world leaders, thinkers and influencers will engage in dialogue on the common challenges currently affecting the world. Pavan Kapoor, Indian Ambassador to UAE, will deliver the welcome note on behalf of the host nation, United Arab Emirates. Panelists will focus their attention on issues at the intersections of global politics, economy, diplomacy and our daily lives in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first session will focus on peace deals in West Asia. The discussion will touch upon several topics in the wake of the change of guard in the US and several nations formalising or normalising their diplomatic ties with Israel. Is the Abraham Accords a political win for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a foreign affairs victory for Donald Trump? What is the future of the annexation of West Bank? Does it amount to a betrayal for Palestine? In the context of a new administration at the White House led by Joe Biden, what's the future of West Asia? Will the US be returning to the talking table with Iran, considered the 'common enemy'? These are among the questions that will be discussed at this session. The opening keynote address will be delivered by John Bolton. The dialogue partners for the session are Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem; Mustapha Noman, Former Deputy Foreign Minister, Yemen; Ibrahim Shukralla, Emirati Editor from Abu Dhabi and Jason D Greenblatt, Former White House Middle East envoy. The second session, titled The Post-Pandemic World Order, will explore how COVID-19 exposed the failure of multilateral institutions as well as the lack of global leadership. A key question that will be asked is, who will be the post-pandemic global leader, or will it have several global leaders? There will be discussions on how the pandemic diminished the credibility of the US, the worst-hit by the pandemic, and exposed its lack of interest in global leadership. The session will also examine how the pandemic was a double whammy for West Asia, as it led to the oil market slump. There will be discussions on the fight against political Islam in Europe. Other questions on the table would be: Has the pandemic opened opportunities for new alliances? Will the world reset its ties with China post the pandemic? Will there be a shift in economic power? Will there be a push towards multilateralism or ultra-nationalism? Besides these burning questions, the parleys will also focus on India's role in the post-pandemic world. Nakayama Yasuhide, State Minister of Defence, Japan, will deliver the keynote address for the second session. Also addressing it are Youssef Chahed, Former Prime Minister of Tunisia; Michael Tsai, Former Defence Minister, Taiwan; Ranil Wickremesinghe, Former Prime Minister of Sri Lanka; Ahmed Naseem, Minister of Health, Maldives; Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee GBS JP, Chinese politician, member of ExCo & LegCo and founder of New People's Party. The third session, on World Economy: The Price of the Pandemic, will focus on how the coronavirus brought about an economic downturn not seen since World War II. It will examine economic trends of 2021, by the end of which global GDP is expected to be 7.5% lower than it would have been without the pandemic. At issue are joblessness and business shutdowns, with 15% of young, previously employed, people out of jobs. The panelists will address areas such as US unemployment, which is highest since the Great Depression, as well as the future of pandemic-hit sectors such as oil, tourism and aviation. It will discuss why China is not being held accountable, even as several countries are pushed into a recession by the pandemic. Those addressing these issues would be Jacek Rostowski, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Poland; Ian Goldin, former Vice President of the World Bank; Alexander Downer, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Australia; and Alexander Dynkin, President, Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy. The fourth and last session will explore the digital revolution that saw the world go online during the pandemic. While digital was always the future, the pandemic has accelerated the shift, with e-working and e-learning becoming common. At issue are questions like whether companies will move to permanent work from home, and whether it will take a toll on work-life balance. Are concerns about data security being addressed during this digital revolution? Is the world prepared for the move online? Joining this session are Audrey Tang, Digital Minister, Taiwan; Maria Galindo, Advisor in International Digital Policy in Government of Catalonia; Kaimar Karu, Former Minister of Foreign Trade and Information Technology, Republic of Estonia; Jehudi Castro, Digital Advisor to the Colombian President and Former Vice-Minister of Digital Economy; Simon Lacey, Former VP, Huawei Technologies; and Gilles Babinet, Digital Champion at the European Commission for France.

At WION Global Summit, leaders to deliberate on post-pandemic world order

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 

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday held wide-ranging talks with his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Ahmed Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah to elevate bilateral relations.

The Kuwaiti foreign minister arrived here on Wednesday evening on a nearly 18-hour visit.

"Glad to welcome this morning, along with @MOS_MEA, FM @anmas71 of Kuwait. Productive discussions on our bilateral agenda &amp; regional developments," Jaishankar said on Twitter.

"Will co-chair Joint Commission with him to elevate our relationship further," he added. Kuwait remains a reliable supplier of crude oil and LPG to India.

Historically, India-Kuwaiti ties have always had an important trade dimension. India has consistently been among the top trading partners of Kuwait.

In the financial year 2019-20, Kuwait was the 10th largest oil supplier to India and it met about 3.8 per cent of India's energy needs.

The total bilateral trade with Kuwait during 2019-20 was USD 10.86 billion, according to official data.

Various aspects of bilateral ties and regional issues are expected to be discussed in the talks between the two foreign ministers, said a diplomatic source. 
The evolving situation in the Gulf region is also expected to figure in the deliberations.

Around 641,000 Indians are living in Kuwait and the community adds an important dimension to the ties between the two countries. 
Indian nationals are the largest expatriate community in Kuwait.

Over the last few years, India has been expanding its overall ties with the Gulf region which is home to an estimated 8.5 million Indians.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday held wide-ranging talks with his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Ahmed Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah to elevate bilateral relations.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday held wide-ranging talks with his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Ahmed Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah to elevate bilateral relations. The Kuwaiti foreign minister arrived here on Wednesday evening on a nearly 18-hour visit. "Glad to welcome this morning, along with @MOS_MEA, FM @anmas71 of Kuwait. Productive discussions on our bilateral agenda & regional developments," Jaishankar said on Twitter. "Will co-chair Joint Commission with him to elevate our relationship further," he added. Kuwait remains a reliable supplier of crude oil and LPG to India. Historically, India-Kuwaiti ties have always had an important trade dimension. India has consistently been among the top trading partners of Kuwait. In the financial year 2019-20, Kuwait was the 10th largest oil supplier to India and it met about 3.8 per cent of India's energy needs. The total bilateral trade with Kuwait during 2019-20 was USD 10.86 billion, according to official data. Various aspects of bilateral ties and regional issues are expected to be discussed in the talks between the two foreign ministers, said a diplomatic source. The evolving situation in the Gulf region is also expected to figure in the deliberations. Around 641,000 Indians are living in Kuwait and the community adds an important dimension to the ties between the two countries. Indian nationals are the largest expatriate community in Kuwait. Over the last few years, India has been expanding its overall ties with the Gulf region which is home to an estimated 8.5 million Indians.

Indian EAM Jaishankar holds talks with Kuwaiti counterpart

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said that New Delhi's Covid-19 vaccine outreach raised its stature in the world, and also generated great international goodwill.

India sent indigenous vaccines to 72 countries, in form of commercial deals and gifts. The outreach named "Vaccine Maitri" started with countries in the neighbourhood, followed by Gulf, African, and CARICOM countries. New Delhi also sent vaccines under the COVAX deal.

Jaishankar, to this end, said while addressing the Rajya Sabha: "The House should recognise the enormous feeling for India that our initiative has generated. Our ambassadors feel the warmth of ordinary people across the world for India everyday. This has been people-centric diplomacy at work in the truest sense."&nbsp;

"The world sees not just the selfless outlook of India but also of the quality of our products and capabilities."

India supplied drugs like HCQ and Paracetamol to 150 countries -- of which 82 were gifts.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took the initiative of holding a meeting of SAARC heads of government in order to deal with the coronavirus crisis. Earlier this year, another meeting of health secretaries of SAARC and Indian ocean countries took place -- in which PM Modi suggested a special visa scheme for doctors and nurses and a regional air ambulance pact.

Jaishankar said, "Our reputation as the ‘Pharmacy of the World’ has been reinforced in that process. So has the faith in ‘Make in India’. But more than the vaccines themselves, our policies and conduct have emerged as a source of strength for the stressed and vulnerable nations of the world".

"They can see that there is at least one major nation that truly believes in making vaccines accessible and affordable to others in dire need."

As part of increasing capacity, India conducted 14 e-ITEC courses in partnership with premier institutions like AIIMS and PGI Chandigarh. These 14 courses had a total of 1131 professional participants from 47 countries. There was even an exclusive one conducted in Bangla for Bangladeshi professionals. Interestingly, the Armed Forces Medical Services conducted a programme for military doctors in Southeast Asia.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said that New Delhi's Covid-19 vaccine outreach raised its stature in the world, and also generated great international goodwill.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said that New Delhi's Covid-19 vaccine outreach raised its stature in the world, and also generated great international goodwill. India sent indigenous vaccines to 72 countries, in form of commercial deals and gifts. The outreach named "Vaccine Maitri" started with countries in the neighbourhood, followed by Gulf, African, and CARICOM countries. New Delhi also sent vaccines under the COVAX deal. Jaishankar, to this end, said while addressing the Rajya Sabha: "The House should recognise the enormous feeling for India that our initiative has generated. Our ambassadors feel the warmth of ordinary people across the world for India everyday. This has been people-centric diplomacy at work in the truest sense." "The world sees not just the selfless outlook of India but also of the quality of our products and capabilities." India supplied drugs like HCQ and Paracetamol to 150 countries -- of which 82 were gifts. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took the initiative of holding a meeting of SAARC heads of government in order to deal with the coronavirus crisis. Earlier this year, another meeting of health secretaries of SAARC and Indian ocean countries took place -- in which PM Modi suggested a special visa scheme for doctors and nurses and a regional air ambulance pact. Jaishankar said, "Our reputation as the ‘Pharmacy of the World’ has been reinforced in that process. So has the faith in ‘Make in India’. But more than the vaccines themselves, our policies and conduct have emerged as a source of strength for the stressed and vulnerable nations of the world". "They can see that there is at least one major nation that truly believes in making vaccines accessible and affordable to others in dire need." As part of increasing capacity, India conducted 14 e-ITEC courses in partnership with premier institutions like AIIMS and PGI Chandigarh. These 14 courses had a total of 1131 professional participants from 47 countries. There was even an exclusive one conducted in Bangla for Bangladeshi professionals. Interestingly, the Armed Forces Medical Services conducted a programme for military doctors in Southeast Asia.

India's vaccine outreach raised its stature and generated goodwill, EAM Jaishankar says

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has addressed the racism row at Oxford University. He said that India can 'never turn eyes away from racism' and will champion the fight against it. The controversy follows the resignation of Rashmi Samant, the Indian student who resigned as the president of Oxford University's students’ union last month.

Oxford University racism row: Jaishankar says we will raise the issue when required

In the backdrop of the allegation of racism by Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle against the British Royal family and similar problems faced by the first Indian origin woman president of Oxford University union Rashmi Samant, the issue of racism in the UK was raised in the Indian Parliament on Monday. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-indian-woman-president-of-oxford-student-union-resigns-over-offensive-posts-370039">Also read: First Indian woman President of Oxford student union resigns over 'offensive' posts</a> 
 
Ashwini Vaishnav, a BJP MP from Odisha raised the matter, seeking the government's response on the issue.

Samant had resigned as the president of the Oxford University's student union, Vaishnav pointed out. "She was cyberbullied to the point that she had to resign and even the Hindu religious beliefs of her parents were publicly attacked by a faculty member," he said.

Samant,&nbsp;with roots from Karnataka's Udupi, was criticised online for some of her social media posts.&nbsp;&nbsp;A student of MSc energy systems at Oxford University, Samant was forced to resign within five days of her appointment in the wake of cyberbullying over posts which were labelled anti-Semitic and racist.

This is the first time that issues like racism in the UK have been raised in the Indian Parliament. India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar expressed concern, asserting that the matter will be taken up with Britain with "great candor".

"Let me commend the honorable member for bringing up such an important issue. I note the sentiment of the house, government does," Jaishankar&nbsp;said.&nbsp; "As the land of Mahatma Gandhi, we can never turn our eyes away from racism wherever it is, particularly so in a country where we have such a large diaspora."

He explained, "As a friend of the UK, we also have concerns about its reputational impacts. What I do want to say sir is we have strong ties with the UK, we will take up such matter with great candor when required".

"We will monitor such development very very closely, we will raise it when required, and will always champion the fight against racism and other forms of intolerance," he added.

Interestingly, earlier this year the UK House of Commons's Westminster hall had discussed India's farm laws, with British lawmakers discussing the ongoing protests against it.

This had irked New Delhi, which had summoned British High Commissioner and handed over a strong demarche.

In the backdrop of the allegation of racism by Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle against the British Royal family and similar problems faced by the first Indian origin woman president of Oxford University union Rashmi Samant, the issue of racism in the UK was raised in the Indian Parliament on Monday.

In the backdrop of the allegation of racism by Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle against the British Royal family and similar problems faced by the first Indian origin woman president of Oxford University union Rashmi Samant, the issue of racism in the UK was raised in the Indian Parliament on Monday. Also read: First Indian woman President of Oxford student union resigns over 'offensive' posts Ashwini Vaishnav, a BJP MP from Odisha raised the matter, seeking the government's response on the issue. Samant had resigned as the president of the Oxford University's student union, Vaishnav pointed out. "She was cyberbullied to the point that she had to resign and even the Hindu religious beliefs of her parents were publicly attacked by a faculty member," he said. Samant, with roots from Karnataka's Udupi, was criticised online for some of her social media posts. A student of MSc energy systems at Oxford University, Samant was forced to resign within five days of her appointment in the wake of cyberbullying over posts which were labelled anti-Semitic and racist. This is the first time that issues like racism in the UK have been raised in the Indian Parliament. India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar expressed concern, asserting that the matter will be taken up with Britain with "great candor". "Let me commend the honorable member for bringing up such an important issue. I note the sentiment of the house, government does," Jaishankar said. "As the land of Mahatma Gandhi, we can never turn our eyes away from racism wherever it is, particularly so in a country where we have such a large diaspora." He explained, "As a friend of the UK, we also have concerns about its reputational impacts. What I do want to say sir is we have strong ties with the UK, we will take up such matter with great candor when required". "We will monitor such development very very closely, we will raise it when required, and will always champion the fight against racism and other forms of intolerance," he added. Interestingly, earlier this year the UK House of Commons's Westminster hall had discussed India's farm laws, with British lawmakers discussing the ongoing protests against it. This had irked New Delhi, which had summoned British High Commissioner and handed over a strong demarche.

India concerned over racism in UK after Meghan Markle, Rashmi Samant rows

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met his Bangladeshi counterpart A K Abdul Momen and held wide-ranging discussions on ways to take forward the bilateral relations.

Jaishankar meets Bangladeshi counterpart in Dhaka

India's External Affairs Minister&nbsp;S Jaishankar will fly to Bangladesh on a daylong visit on Thursday to finalise details of the trip of Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this month, as the two countries mark 50 years of diplomatic relations this year.

Bangladesh, which is also set to celebrate the 50th&nbsp;anniversary of Independence, looks forward to Modi's visit, the country's junior foreign minister has said.

Modi's visit, planned for&nbsp;March 26-27, will be his first trip abroad in more than a year.

The Indian prime minister and his Bangladeshi counterpart, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, had held a &nbsp;virtual summit on December 17, during which he described the South Asian neighbour a "'pillar of India’s Neighbourhood First&nbsp;policy."

On Thursday, Jaishankar will hold talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart AK Abdul Momen on water sharing, trade, borders, connectivity and other bilateral issues. Multiple sources said the two sides would discuss the necessary steps to further strengthen bilateral ties through Modi's visit.

Jaishankar will also call on Prime Minister Hasina.

The Indian minister is expected to arrive in Dhaka by a special aircraft at 10am on Thursday and will leave the same day.

He will attend a joint media briefing after talks with Momen at the state guesthouse Padma.

"There are always some expectations centering all the visits, or least to take forward the issues through discussions,"' Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam told reporters on Tuesday, adding that they keep deliverables for the big visit.

Asked about the agenda of the meeting, Alam&nbsp;said they will discuss connectivity, trade and regional cooperation.

Noting that the&nbsp;Covid-19 pandemic has not only ‘’created health emergencies&nbsp;but also economic emergency,''&nbsp;Alam said Jaishankar and Momen will discuss ways to remove barriers to export and import activities.

The two prime ministers had decided to conduct a joint feasibility study for a comprehensive economic partnership&nbsp;agreement. Dhaka will urge it to be started soon, said the minister.

‘‘We are not at all worried about what another country might think when we get closer to one country,’’ he said when asked if&nbsp;China would be happy with the economic partnership.

&nbsp;"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's diplomacy has long since allayed this fear. I don't think anyone should have any doubts. Neither India nor China,’’ he added.

"We want to discuss the Teesta [water sharing], the other six rivers, the Rahimpur canal and other unresolved issues," a Bangladeshi foreign ministry official told WION on condition of anonymity. He said the issue of Teesta would naturally come up for discussion. Bangladesh hopes that the agreement will be signed soon as promised in 2011.

Bangladesh wants to establish itself as a 'connectivity hub' in the region and India can take advantage of it, another Bangladeshi official told&nbsp;WION. He said Bangladesh wants to be connected to the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway. The two sides would also discuss Dhaka's proposal in this regard. Bangladesh has also proposed five new routes for connectivity&nbsp;with Nepal and Bhutan through India, which are under consideration by New Delhi.

There is also a possibility of discussing Rohingya migrants, maritime economy and other issues, he added.

There are still many unresolved issues between Bangladesh and India. Dhaka wants to discuss this issue seriously during PM Modi's visit, the minister said.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will fly to Bangladesh on a daylong visit on Thursday to finalise details of the trip of Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this month, as the two countries mark 50 years of diplomatic relations this year.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will fly to Bangladesh on a daylong visit on Thursday to finalise details of the trip of Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this month, as the two countries mark 50 years of diplomatic relations this year. Bangladesh, which is also set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Independence, looks forward to Modi's visit, the country's junior foreign minister has said. Modi's visit, planned for March 26-27, will be his first trip abroad in more than a year. The Indian prime minister and his Bangladeshi counterpart, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, had held a virtual summit on December 17, during which he described the South Asian neighbour a "'pillar of India’s Neighbourhood First policy." On Thursday, Jaishankar will hold talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart AK Abdul Momen on water sharing, trade, borders, connectivity and other bilateral issues. Multiple sources said the two sides would discuss the necessary steps to further strengthen bilateral ties through Modi's visit. Jaishankar will also call on Prime Minister Hasina. The Indian minister is expected to arrive in Dhaka by a special aircraft at 10am on Thursday and will leave the same day. He will attend a joint media briefing after talks with Momen at the state guesthouse Padma. "There are always some expectations centering all the visits, or least to take forward the issues through discussions,"' Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam told reporters on Tuesday, adding that they keep deliverables for the big visit. Asked about the agenda of the meeting, Alam said they will discuss connectivity, trade and regional cooperation. Noting that the Covid-19 pandemic has not only ‘’created health emergencies but also economic emergency,'' Alam said Jaishankar and Momen will discuss ways to remove barriers to export and import activities. The two prime ministers had decided to conduct a joint feasibility study for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement. Dhaka will urge it to be started soon, said the minister. ‘‘We are not at all worried about what another country might think when we get closer to one country,’’ he said when asked if China would be happy with the economic partnership. "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's diplomacy has long since allayed this fear. I don't think anyone should have any doubts. Neither India nor China,’’ he added. "We want to discuss the Teesta [water sharing], the other six rivers, the Rahimpur canal and other unresolved issues," a Bangladeshi foreign ministry official told WION on condition of anonymity. He said the issue of Teesta would naturally come up for discussion. Bangladesh hopes that the agreement will be signed soon as promised in 2011. Bangladesh wants to establish itself as a 'connectivity hub' in the region and India can take advantage of it, another Bangladeshi official told WION. He said Bangladesh wants to be connected to the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway. The two sides would also discuss Dhaka's proposal in this regard. Bangladesh has also proposed five new routes for connectivity with Nepal and Bhutan through India, which are under consideration by New Delhi. There is also a possibility of discussing Rohingya migrants, maritime economy and other issues, he added. There are still many unresolved issues between Bangladesh and India. Dhaka wants to discuss this issue seriously during PM Modi's visit, the minister said.

Indian foreign minister to visit Bangladesh to set stage for PM Narendra Modi’s trip

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met his Uzbekistan counterpart Abdulaziz Kamilov on Thursday and discussed various bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement that during Kamilov's two-day visit to New Delhi on February 24 and 25, both sides took stock of various aspects of bilateral cooperation between India and Uzbekistan.&nbsp;

"They positively assessed the progress on the outcomes of the India-Uzbekistan Virtual Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held on December 11, 2020. Both countries have been actively cooperating in the regional and multilateral formats including the UN, Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the India-Central Asia Dialogue," the statement said.&nbsp;

Foreign Minister Kamilov extended an invitation for participation in an international conference on regional connectivity being organised by Uzbekistan in Tashkent on July 15-16, 2021, MEA said.&nbsp;

The MEA also said that both Ministers also discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan and noted the importance of a stable and peaceful Afghanistan for regional peace, stability and security. &nbsp;

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was on a two-day visit to Mauritius, where he offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao. "Offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao this morning. Grateful to FM Alan Ganoo, Culture Minister Avinash Teeluck and Agriculture Minister Maneesh Gobin for joining me," Jaishankar said in a tweet. &nbsp;

This was the last leg of his two-nation tour. Earlier, he visited the Maldives. India and Mauritius had on Monday signed free trade agreement along with five key pacts. This was the first such agreement with an African country. The agreement was signed during the visit of the External Affairs Minister to the island nation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Jaishankar, who addressed the media with the Prime Minister of Mauritius, said India is privileged to have entered the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) with Mauritius.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met his Uzbekistan counterpart Abdulaziz Kamilov on Thursday and discussed various bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met his Uzbekistan counterpart Abdulaziz Kamilov on Thursday and discussed various bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement that during Kamilov's two-day visit to New Delhi on February 24 and 25, both sides took stock of various aspects of bilateral cooperation between India and Uzbekistan. "They positively assessed the progress on the outcomes of the India-Uzbekistan Virtual Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held on December 11, 2020. Both countries have been actively cooperating in the regional and multilateral formats including the UN, Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the India-Central Asia Dialogue," the statement said. Foreign Minister Kamilov extended an invitation for participation in an international conference on regional connectivity being organised by Uzbekistan in Tashkent on July 15-16, 2021, MEA said. The MEA also said that both Ministers also discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan and noted the importance of a stable and peaceful Afghanistan for regional peace, stability and security. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was on a two-day visit to Mauritius, where he offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao. "Offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao this morning. Grateful to FM Alan Ganoo, Culture Minister Avinash Teeluck and Agriculture Minister Maneesh Gobin for joining me," Jaishankar said in a tweet. This was the last leg of his two-nation tour. Earlier, he visited the Maldives. India and Mauritius had on Monday signed free trade agreement along with five key pacts. This was the first such agreement with an African country. The agreement was signed during the visit of the External Affairs Minister to the island nation. Jaishankar, who addressed the media with the Prime Minister of Mauritius, said India is privileged to have entered the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) with Mauritius.

Jaishankar meets Uzbekistan counterpart, discusses issues of mutual interest

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on his two-day visit to Mauritius, offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao on Wednesday morning.&nbsp;

"Offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao this morning. Grateful to FM Alan Ganoo, Culture Minister Avinash Teeluck and Agriculture Minister Maneesh Gobin for joining me," Jaishankar said in a tweet.&nbsp;

This was the last leg of his two-nation tour. Earlier, he had visited the Maldives. India and Mauritius had on Monday signed free trade agreement along with five key pacts. This is the first such agreement with an African country. The agreement was signed during the visit of the External Affairs Minister to the island nation. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-signs-fta-with-mauritius-extends-100-million-defence-line-of-credit-365504">India signs FTA with Mauritius, extends $100 million defence line of credit</a>

Jaishankar, who addressed the media with the Prime Minister of Mauritius, said India is privileged to have entered the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) with Mauritius.&nbsp;

The CECPA is far-reaching and should unleash new and expanded opportunities in trade, goods and services, said Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth on Monday.&nbsp;

"The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement is the first of its kind, signed by India with an African country. It is far-reaching and should unleash new and expanded opportunities in trade, goods and services, investment, economic cooperation and technical assistance," said Jugnauth while speaking at the India-Mauritius joint statement along with Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar.&nbsp;

During their meet, the two leaders reiterated the call for peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and highlighted the 'converging views' of New Delhi and Port Louis on a rules-based international order.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on his two-day visit to Mauritius, offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao on Wednesday morning. "Offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao this morning.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on his two-day visit to Mauritius, offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao on Wednesday morning. "Offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao this morning. Grateful to FM Alan Ganoo, Culture Minister Avinash Teeluck and Agriculture Minister Maneesh Gobin for joining me," Jaishankar said in a tweet. This was the last leg of his two-nation tour. Earlier, he had visited the Maldives. India and Mauritius had on Monday signed free trade agreement along with five key pacts. This is the first such agreement with an African country. The agreement was signed during the visit of the External Affairs Minister to the island nation. Also Read: India signs FTA with Mauritius, extends $100 million defence line of credit Jaishankar, who addressed the media with the Prime Minister of Mauritius, said India is privileged to have entered the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) with Mauritius. The CECPA is far-reaching and should unleash new and expanded opportunities in trade, goods and services, said Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth on Monday. "The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement is the first of its kind, signed by India with an African country. It is far-reaching and should unleash new and expanded opportunities in trade, goods and services, investment, economic cooperation and technical assistance," said Jugnauth while speaking at the India-Mauritius joint statement along with Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar. During their meet, the two leaders reiterated the call for peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and highlighted the 'converging views' of New Delhi and Port Louis on a rules-based international order.

Jaishankar offers prayers at holy Ganga Talao in Mauritius

India's External Affairs Minister Dr&nbsp;S Jaishankar has pointed out how terrorism is a "crime against humanity" at the United Nations Human Rights Council, calling for a "clear realization" in the body that "terrorism can never be justified".&nbsp;

Speaking at the high-level segment of the body, EAM said, "terrorism continues to be one of the gravest threats to humankind. It is a crime against humanity and violates the most fundamental human right - namely ‘the Right to Life’".&nbsp;

He explained, "As a long-standing victim, India has been at the forefront of the global action against terrorism. This is possible only when there is a clear realization, including in bodies dealing with human rights, that terrorism can never be justified, nor its perpetrators ever equated with its victims."

India had presented an 8-point agenda at the United Nations security council last month that calls for dealing with&nbsp;terrorism. The plan including proposals like preventing terrorists from accessing financial resources by strengthening FATF, objectively listing terrorists etc.

The comments come even as in the past there have been numerous&nbsp;run-ins between the Indian Govt and UNHRC even as the latter has been seen silent on the issue of cross-border terror.&nbsp;The Chief of Geneva-based body has been critical of New Delhi on Citizenship Amendment law, Kashmir but has skirted around the issue of terror from Pakistan.

EAM during his statement also highlighted India's covid vaccine outreach by sending vaccines to many countries in form of gifts and commercial deals.&nbsp;

He said,"&nbsp;From Bangladesh to Brazil and from Morocco to Fiji, the pharmacy of the world is today supplying millions of vaccine doses to more than 70 countries."

Last year, amid the pandemic, India sent&nbsp;essential medicines and equipment to more than 150 countries. He pointed out that,&nbsp;&nbsp;India’s "abiding commitment to promotion and protection" of "basic human rights has been manifest in our strategy" to deal with COVID 19 pandemic, by giving direct food support to 800 million Indians and financial support to 400 million.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has pointed out how terrorism is a "crime against humanity" at the United Nations Human Rights Council, calling for a "clear realization" in the body that "terrorism can never be justified".

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has pointed out how terrorism is a "crime against humanity" at the United Nations Human Rights Council, calling for a "clear realization" in the body that "terrorism can never be justified". Speaking at the high-level segment of the body, EAM said, "terrorism continues to be one of the gravest threats to humankind. It is a crime against humanity and violates the most fundamental human right - namely ‘the Right to Life’". He explained, "As a long-standing victim, India has been at the forefront of the global action against terrorism. This is possible only when there is a clear realization, including in bodies dealing with human rights, that terrorism can never be justified, nor its perpetrators ever equated with its victims." India had presented an 8-point agenda at the United Nations security council last month that calls for dealing with terrorism. The plan including proposals like preventing terrorists from accessing financial resources by strengthening FATF, objectively listing terrorists etc. The comments come even as in the past there have been numerous run-ins between the Indian Govt and UNHRC even as the latter has been seen silent on the issue of cross-border terror. The Chief of Geneva-based body has been critical of New Delhi on Citizenship Amendment law, Kashmir but has skirted around the issue of terror from Pakistan. EAM during his statement also highlighted India's covid vaccine outreach by sending vaccines to many countries in form of gifts and commercial deals. He said," From Bangladesh to Brazil and from Morocco to Fiji, the pharmacy of the world is today supplying millions of vaccine doses to more than 70 countries." Last year, amid the pandemic, India sent essential medicines and equipment to more than 150 countries. He pointed out that, India’s "abiding commitment to promotion and protection" of "basic human rights has been manifest in our strategy" to deal with COVID 19 pandemic, by giving direct food support to 800 million Indians and financial support to 400 million.

Terror is a crime against humanity, India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar tells UNHRC

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be visiting the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka on March 4 for a one-day visit. The key focus of the visit will PM Modi's visit to the country on March 26 for Bangladesh's 50th Independence Day celebration.

Indian EAM Jaishankar to visit Dhaka ahead of PM Modi's trip

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said senior military commanders of India and China have held nine rounds of talks on the process of disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh and the parleyswill continue in future also.

Jaishankar added there has so far been no "visible expression" of the talks on ground as he addressed reporters in Vijayawada.

"The disengagement talks, because it is a very complicated issue, because it depends on troops, you have to know the geography (like) which position and what is happening, this is being done by the military commanders," he said -- in reply to a query on whether there would be any ministerial level talks between both the countries on skirmishes between troops of the Asian giants.

China and India are locked in a military standoff in eastern Ladakh since May 5 last. The two countries have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks to resolve the face-off, but no significant headway has been made so far.

"So, military commanders have held nine rounds of meetings so far. We believe some progress has been made, but it is not, in a kind of situation where there is a visible expression of that on the ground," he said.

During the COVID-19 induced lockdown last year, Jaishankar noted that as many as four million Indians stranded abroad were brought back by operating 17,000 flights. The workers who came back from gulf countries during the COVID-19 pandemic have now started returning, which is a good sign, he added.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said senior military commanders of India and China have held nine rounds of talks on the process of disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh and the parleyswill continue in future also.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said senior military commanders of India and China have held nine rounds of talks on the process of disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh and the parleyswill continue in future also. Jaishankar added there has so far been no "visible expression" of the talks on ground as he addressed reporters in Vijayawada. "The disengagement talks, because it is a very complicated issue, because it depends on troops, you have to know the geography (like) which position and what is happening, this is being done by the military commanders," he said -- in reply to a query on whether there would be any ministerial level talks between both the countries on skirmishes between troops of the Asian giants. China and India are locked in a military standoff in eastern Ladakh since May 5 last. The two countries have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks to resolve the face-off, but no significant headway has been made so far. "So, military commanders have held nine rounds of meetings so far. We believe some progress has been made, but it is not, in a kind of situation where there is a visible expression of that on the ground," he said. During the COVID-19 induced lockdown last year, Jaishankar noted that as many as four million Indians stranded abroad were brought back by operating 17,000 flights. The workers who came back from gulf countries during the COVID-19 pandemic have now started returning, which is a good sign, he added.

No visible expression of military talks held with the Chinese on ground: Indian EAM

India has so far supplied COVID-19 vaccine to 15 countries and another 25 nations are in the queue at different levels for the jab, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said here on Saturday.

He said there are three categories of countries which are keen to get the vaccine from India- poor, price-sensitive nations and other countries which directly deal with pharmaceutical companies that make the antidote.

"I think right now we have already supplied to about 15 countries (as per my recollection).

I would say there would be another about 25 countries which are at different stages in the pipeline. But what it has done is today it has put India on the map of the world," Jaishankar told reporters in a press conference.

The minister said some poor countries are being supplied the vaccine on a grant basis while some nations wanted it on par with the price that the Indian Government pays to the vaccine makers.

Some countries have direct contracts with the Indian vaccine producing companies and have negotiated commercially, he said.

The Centre has already given the nod for two COVID-19 vaccines--Covaxin of city-based Bharat Biotech and Covishield of Oxford, being manufactured by Serum Institute of India in Pune, which are being administered to frontline workers from January 16, under Emergency Use Authorisation.

Drugmaker Dr Reddys recently said it will approach the Drug Regulator for the EUA for Russian vaccine Sputnik V in March.

Jaishankar said Prime Minister Narendra Modis idea was to establish the country as the "Pharmacy of the World", taking advantage of the domestic capabilities and the way India emerged as IT leader during the Y2K issue.

India has so far supplied COVID-19 vaccine to 15 countries and another 25 nations are in the queue at different levels for the jab, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said here on Saturday.

India has so far supplied COVID-19 vaccine to 15 countries and another 25 nations are in the queue at different levels for the jab, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said here on Saturday. He said there are three categories of countries which are keen to get the vaccine from India- poor, price-sensitive nations and other countries which directly deal with pharmaceutical companies that make the antidote. "I think right now we have already supplied to about 15 countries (as per my recollection). I would say there would be another about 25 countries which are at different stages in the pipeline. But what it has done is today it has put India on the map of the world," Jaishankar told reporters in a press conference. The minister said some poor countries are being supplied the vaccine on a grant basis while some nations wanted it on par with the price that the Indian Government pays to the vaccine makers. Some countries have direct contracts with the Indian vaccine producing companies and have negotiated commercially, he said. The Centre has already given the nod for two COVID-19 vaccines--Covaxin of city-based Bharat Biotech and Covishield of Oxford, being manufactured by Serum Institute of India in Pune, which are being administered to frontline workers from January 16, under Emergency Use Authorisation. Drugmaker Dr Reddys recently said it will approach the Drug Regulator for the EUA for Russian vaccine Sputnik V in March. Jaishankar said Prime Minister Narendra Modis idea was to establish the country as the "Pharmacy of the World", taking advantage of the domestic capabilities and the way India emerged as IT leader during the Y2K issue.

25 countries in queue for 'Made in India' COVID-19 vaccine: Jaishankar

India's EAM S. Jaishankar speaks with US State Secretary Antony Blinken to reaffirm growing US-India partnership and underscored the importance of working together.

India's EAM Jaishankar speaks to US' newly appointed State Secy Antony Blinken

Pointing out that India China ties being at a "crossroad", India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that "choices that are made will have profound repercussion" not just for 2 countries, but also the entire world.

Indian External Affairs Minister: Ladakh incident 'profoundly disturbed' India-China ties

Speaking yet again on the Indo Pacific vision, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, on Monday, in response to a question recalled his conversation with his "good friend" External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. "Our Indian colleagues fully understand that some countries would like to use the Indo-Pacific concept in a manner which is not inclusive and is confrontational," he said.

Pointing out Russian concerns on Indo-Pacific vision especially on it "undermining the central role of ASEAN in the Asia-Pacific region", he explained that, "I know that India is not going to move this Indo-Pacific cooperation in a way which would be not positive and constructive." Indo Pacific vision is backed by India and Washington, along with other countries such as Japan and Australia. The Chinese are suspicious of it, believing it is aimed at encircling it.&nbsp;

Highlighting the absence of no common Indo Pacific vision, the Russian foreign minister said, "We don’t believe that it is just a terminological change" because "if you take it literally, from the geographical point of view, then 'Indo'&nbsp;means all littoral states of the Indian Ocean, but East Africa, we are told, is not included in the Indo-Pacific strategy. The Persian Gulf, which is a part of the Indian Ocean, is not included in the Indo-Pacific strategy" but "what is included, as the American sponsors of this concept say repeatedly, is the 'Quad'&nbsp;— India, Australia, Japan and USA”.&nbsp;

Interestingly, he pointed out to his previous statement on Indo pacific, clarifying, "Some of my previous statements on this issue have been widely discussed in India, by media which are not very friendly towards the Indian Government, but we don’t want any misunderstanding with our friends — the Indian people."

He had in December said, that "India is currently an object of the Western countries’ persistent, aggressive and devious policy" on the "anti-China games by promoting Indo Pacific strategies", something that was seen as harsh criticism.

While he did reiterate Russian views on the Indo Pacific, he reaffirmed the long-standing Moscow-New Delhi ties. Calling India, "very close, very strategic, very special, and very privileged partner", Lavrov said, "take the spheres of economy, innovation, military-technical and High-Tech cooperation. India is one of our closest partners on all these issues."

India and Russia have a special and privileged strategic partnership. Russia and India have an annual summit-level mechanism that alternates between the two countries. The only other country with which India shares this mechanism is Japan.

He made remarks on the current India China standoff as well, saying, "we are doing the utmost to make sure that India and China, our two great friends and brothers, live in peace with each other."

All the three countries are part of the BRICS, SCO and RIC groupings. While Russia was the host of RIC or Russia, India and China grouping in 2020, this year India will be hosting meetings of the grouping. He also assured that "in no way our closest cooperation and partnership with India is going to be affected" vis a vis Moscow's ties with China.

Speaking yet again on the Indo Pacific vision, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, on Monday, in response to a question recalled his conversation with his "good friend" External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.

Speaking yet again on the Indo Pacific vision, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, on Monday, in response to a question recalled his conversation with his "good friend" External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. "Our Indian colleagues fully understand that some countries would like to use the Indo-Pacific concept in a manner which is not inclusive and is confrontational," he said. Pointing out Russian concerns on Indo-Pacific vision especially on it "undermining the central role of ASEAN in the Asia-Pacific region", he explained that, "I know that India is not going to move this Indo-Pacific cooperation in a way which would be not positive and constructive." Indo Pacific vision is backed by India and Washington, along with other countries such as Japan and Australia. The Chinese are suspicious of it, believing it is aimed at encircling it. Highlighting the absence of no common Indo Pacific vision, the Russian foreign minister said, "We don’t believe that it is just a terminological change" because "if you take it literally, from the geographical point of view, then 'Indo' means all littoral states of the Indian Ocean, but East Africa, we are told, is not included in the Indo-Pacific strategy. The Persian Gulf, which is a part of the Indian Ocean, is not included in the Indo-Pacific strategy" but "what is included, as the American sponsors of this concept say repeatedly, is the 'Quad' — India, Australia, Japan and USA”. Interestingly, he pointed out to his previous statement on Indo pacific, clarifying, "Some of my previous statements on this issue have been widely discussed in India, by media which are not very friendly towards the Indian Government, but we don’t want any misunderstanding with our friends — the Indian people." He had in December said, that "India is currently an object of the Western countries’ persistent, aggressive and devious policy" on the "anti-China games by promoting Indo Pacific strategies", something that was seen as harsh criticism. While he did reiterate Russian views on the Indo Pacific, he reaffirmed the long-standing Moscow-New Delhi ties. Calling India, "very close, very strategic, very special, and very privileged partner", Lavrov said, "take the spheres of economy, innovation, military-technical and High-Tech cooperation. India is one of our closest partners on all these issues." India and Russia have a special and privileged strategic partnership. Russia and India have an annual summit-level mechanism that alternates between the two countries. The only other country with which India shares this mechanism is Japan. He made remarks on the current India China standoff as well, saying, "we are doing the utmost to make sure that India and China, our two great friends and brothers, live in peace with each other." All the three countries are part of the BRICS, SCO and RIC groupings. While Russia was the host of RIC or Russia, India and China grouping in 2020, this year India will be hosting meetings of the grouping. He also assured that "in no way our closest cooperation and partnership with India is going to be affected" vis a vis Moscow's ties with China.

Russian FM calls India 'very close partner'; says discussed Indo-Pacific with 'good friend' Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday held talks with his Nepalese counterpart Pradeep Kumar Gyawali with a focus on various key aspects of the bilateral relations.

The talks are taking place under the framework of the Indo-Nepal joint commission meeting (JCM), officials said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-foreign-minister-meets-indian-counterpart-in-new-delhi-356893/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Gyawali arrived in India&nbsp;on Thursday on a three-day visit. He is the first senior political leader from Nepal to visit India after the ties between the two countries came under strain following a border row.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava on Thursday gave a clear indication that the boundary issue is unlikely to be discussed at the JCM.

Responding to questions on the border row, he said at a media briefing: "Our position on the boundary issue is well known. Let me say that the JCM and boundary talks are separate mechanisms."

He said the JCM is an important mechanism that provides the opportunity of reviewing the entire gamut of bilateral partnership and providing political guidance to further enhance the unique ties between the two countries.

"We look forward to constructive discussions on the numerous sectors that encompass our bilateral agenda," he said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday held talks with his Nepalese counterpart Pradeep Kumar Gyawali with a focus on various key aspects of the bilateral relations.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday held talks with his Nepalese counterpart Pradeep Kumar Gyawali with a focus on various key aspects of the bilateral relations. The talks are taking place under the framework of the Indo-Nepal joint commission meeting (JCM), officials said. Gyawali arrived in India on Thursday on a three-day visit. He is the first senior political leader from Nepal to visit India after the ties between the two countries came under strain following a border row. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava on Thursday gave a clear indication that the boundary issue is unlikely to be discussed at the JCM. Responding to questions on the border row, he said at a media briefing: "Our position on the boundary issue is well known. Let me say that the JCM and boundary talks are separate mechanisms." He said the JCM is an important mechanism that provides the opportunity of reviewing the entire gamut of bilateral partnership and providing political guidance to further enhance the unique ties between the two countries. "We look forward to constructive discussions on the numerous sectors that encompass our bilateral agenda," he said.

EAM Jaishankar holds talks with Nepalese counterpart Gyawali

Nepal Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali met his Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar in New Delhi on Friday (January 15) for talks even as the political crisis back in the Himalayan nation deepened.

Nepal Foreign Minister meets Indian counterpart in New Delhi

Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said that trust with China had been deeply impaired after last summer's border clash which resulted in the first combat deaths in 45 years.

Jaishankar: Trust with China deeply impaired after border clash

India on Tuesday asserted that the international community must not allow terrorism to be justified and terrorists glorified as it told the UN Security Council that the crime syndicate responsible for the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts is given not just State protection but enjoying 5-star hospitality, a thinly-veiled reference to the D-company head Dawood Ibrahim believed to be hiding in Pakistan.

"First, we must all summon up the political will to unhesitatingly combat terrorism. There must be no ifs and buts in this fight. Nor should we allow terrorism to be justified and terrorists glorified. All member States must fulfill their obligations enshrined in international counter terrorism instruments and conventions, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in a virtual address.

Jaishankar was speaking at the UNSC Ministerial Meeting on Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts: International cooperation in combating terrorism 20 years after the adoption of resolution 1373 (2001),' the first address by the minister to the Security Council after India began its two-year tenure on the 15-nation body this month.

Jaishankar proposed an eight-point Action Plan for the UN system to credibly address the menace of terrorism and ensure effective action.

He asserted that linkages between terrorism and transnational organised crime must be fully recognised and addressed vigorously.

He is the senior-most Indian leader to address the UNSC since India joined the powerful 15-member UN body as a non-permanent member this month for a two-year tenure.

"We, in India, have seen the crime syndicate responsible for the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts not just given State protection but actually enjoying 5-star hospitality," he said, alluding to D-Company and its head Ibrahim, believed to be hiding in Pakistan.

In August last year, Pakistan had for the first time acknowledged the presence of Ibrahim on its soil after the government imposed sweeping sanctions on 88 banned terror groups and their leaders which also included the name of the underworld don wanted by India.

Jaishankar emphasised that the international community must not "countenance double standards" in the battle against terrorism.

"Terrorists are terrorists; there are no good and bad ones. Those who propagate this distinction have an agenda. And those who cover up for them are just as culpable," he said.

In a strongly-worded statement, Jaishankar said combating terrorist financing will only be as effective as the weakest jurisdiction.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) should continue to identify and remedy weaknesses in anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing frameworks.

He also added that enlisting and delisting individuals and entities under the UN sanctions regimes must be done objectively, not for political or religious considerations.

India on Tuesday asserted that the international community must not allow terrorism to be justified and terrorists glorified as it told the UN Security Council that the crime syndicate responsible for the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts is given not just State protection but enjoying 5-star hospitality, a thinly-veiled reference to the D-company head Dawood Ibrahim believed to be hiding in Pakistan.

India on Tuesday asserted that the international community must not allow terrorism to be justified and terrorists glorified as it told the UN Security Council that the crime syndicate responsible for the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts is given not just State protection but enjoying 5-star hospitality, a thinly-veiled reference to the D-company head Dawood Ibrahim believed to be hiding in Pakistan. "First, we must all summon up the political will to unhesitatingly combat terrorism. There must be no ifs and buts in this fight. Nor should we allow terrorism to be justified and terrorists glorified. All member States must fulfill their obligations enshrined in international counter terrorism instruments and conventions, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in a virtual address. Jaishankar was speaking at the UNSC Ministerial Meeting on Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts: International cooperation in combating terrorism 20 years after the adoption of resolution 1373 (2001),' the first address by the minister to the Security Council after India began its two-year tenure on the 15-nation body this month. Jaishankar proposed an eight-point Action Plan for the UN system to credibly address the menace of terrorism and ensure effective action. He asserted that linkages between terrorism and transnational organised crime must be fully recognised and addressed vigorously. He is the senior-most Indian leader to address the UNSC since India joined the powerful 15-member UN body as a non-permanent member this month for a two-year tenure. "We, in India, have seen the crime syndicate responsible for the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts not just given State protection but actually enjoying 5-star hospitality," he said, alluding to D-Company and its head Ibrahim, believed to be hiding in Pakistan. In August last year, Pakistan had for the first time acknowledged the presence of Ibrahim on its soil after the government imposed sweeping sanctions on 88 banned terror groups and their leaders which also included the name of the underworld don wanted by India. Jaishankar emphasised that the international community must not "countenance double standards" in the battle against terrorism. "Terrorists are terrorists; there are no good and bad ones. Those who propagate this distinction have an agenda. And those who cover up for them are just as culpable," he said. In a strongly-worded statement, Jaishankar said combating terrorist financing will only be as effective as the weakest jurisdiction. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) should continue to identify and remedy weaknesses in anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing frameworks. He also added that enlisting and delisting individuals and entities under the UN sanctions regimes must be done objectively, not for political or religious considerations.

Mumbai blasts perpetrators enjoying 5-star hospitality under State protection: Jaishankar tells UNSC

jaishankar

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