India has relaxed travel to Iraq with improvement in the security situation in the West Asian country. New Delhi has said that "Indian nationals may now consider travelling to the country" with the exception of five provinces of Iraq - Nineveh (capital Mosul); Salahuddin (capital Tikrit); Diyala (capital Baquba); Anbar (capital Ramadi) and Kirkuk. The relaxation comes into effect immediately.&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a release noted, "Indian nationals are advised not to travel" to the five Provinces of Iraq as "these remain affected by terrorism and violence".

MEA also urged Indian nationals, who plan to travel to Iraq for employment, to register on E-Migrate portal of the Government of India and inform the Indian embassy in Baghdad or the Indian Consulate General in Erbil.

When the Islamic State (IS) took over large parts of Iraq in 2014, India evacuated thousands of Indian nationals from the country. 39 Indians were kidnapped by the Islamic State in Mosul, Iraq that year. They were confirmed dead by India in 2018.

On June 15, 2014, India issued a travel advisory asking its citizens to leave the country and avoid all travel to the country.

Around 10,000-12,000 Indias are in Iraq at present, most of them in the Kurdistan region, Basra, Najaf and Karbala. About 30,000-40,000 Indians visit Baghdad, Karbala, Najaf and Samarrah for pilgrimage every year.

India has relaxed travel to Iraq with improvement in the security situation in the West Asian country. New Delhi has said that "Indian nationals may now consider travelling to the country" with the exception of five provinces of Iraq - Nineveh (capital Mosul); Salahuddin (capital Tikrit); Diyala (capital Baquba); Anbar (capital Ramadi) and Kirkuk.

India has relaxed travel to Iraq with improvement in the security situation in the West Asian country. New Delhi has said that "Indian nationals may now consider travelling to the country" with the exception of five provinces of Iraq - Nineveh (capital Mosul); Salahuddin (capital Tikrit); Diyala (capital Baquba); Anbar (capital Ramadi) and Kirkuk. The relaxation comes into effect immediately. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a release noted, "Indian nationals are advised not to travel" to the five Provinces of Iraq as "these remain affected by terrorism and violence". MEA also urged Indian nationals, who plan to travel to Iraq for employment, to register on E-Migrate portal of the Government of India and inform the Indian embassy in Baghdad or the Indian Consulate General in Erbil. When the Islamic State (IS) took over large parts of Iraq in 2014, India evacuated thousands of Indian nationals from the country. 39 Indians were kidnapped by the Islamic State in Mosul, Iraq that year. They were confirmed dead by India in 2018. On June 15, 2014, India issued a travel advisory asking its citizens to leave the country and avoid all travel to the country. Around 10,000-12,000 Indias are in Iraq at present, most of them in the Kurdistan region, Basra, Najaf and Karbala. About 30,000-40,000 Indians visit Baghdad, Karbala, Najaf and Samarrah for pilgrimage every year.

India relaxes travel to Iraq with exception of five provinces

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that one Indian died in the attack in Kabul that took place on Monday. The Indian Embassy in Kabul is taking steps to bring back the mortal remains of the Indian national.&nbsp;

New Delhi has strongly condemned the horrific terror attack in Kabul and has expressed sincere condolences to the families of the victims, wishing an early recovery to those injured.&nbsp;

The MEA release said, "India calls for the perpetrators of this heinous attack and those who provide them shelter to be brought to justice expeditiously."

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MEA: The Indian Embassy in Kabul is taking steps for repatriation of the mortal remains of the Indian national. India calls for the perpetrators of this heinous attack and those who provide them shelter to be brought to justice expeditiously. <a href="https://t.co/jwefErZjsP">https://t.co/jwefErZjsP</a>
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The blast was felt in the green zone where the Indian embassy is located. The explosion occurred about 3 kilometres from the embassy.

Four people died and more than 40 were injured. The site of the explosion is frequented by tourists. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-taliban-claim-responsibility-for-deadly-kabul-car-bomb-attack-190365">Afghan Taliban claimed the terror attack</a> and warned of similar attacks in the future.

The attack comes even as the Afghan government and global powers engage in an effort to initiate a peace deal in the country, especially with the Taliban.&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that one Indian died in the attack in Kabul that took place on Monday. The Indian Embassy in Kabul is taking steps to bring back the mortal remains of the Indian national.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that one Indian died in the attack in Kabul that took place on Monday. The Indian Embassy in Kabul is taking steps to bring back the mortal remains of the Indian national. New Delhi has strongly condemned the horrific terror attack in Kabul and has expressed sincere condolences to the families of the victims, wishing an early recovery to those injured. The MEA release said, "India calls for the perpetrators of this heinous attack and those who provide them shelter to be brought to justice expeditiously." MEA: The Indian Embassy in Kabul is taking steps for repatriation of the mortal remains of the Indian national. India calls for the perpetrators of this heinous attack and those who provide them shelter to be brought to justice expeditiously. https://t.co/jwefErZjsP — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2019 × The blast was felt in the green zone where the Indian embassy is located. The explosion occurred about 3 kilometres from the embassy. Four people died and more than 40 were injured. The site of the explosion is frequented by tourists. Afghan Taliban claimed the terror attack and warned of similar attacks in the future. The attack comes even as the Afghan government and global powers engage in an effort to initiate a peace deal in the country, especially with the Taliban.

Indian national killed in Monday's Kabul blast, says Ministry of External Affairs

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Saturday left for a two-day visit to Uzbekistan to attend the first India-Central Asia Dialogue which is expected to focus on a plethora of regional issues including enhancing connectivity to war-ravaged Afghanistan.

The Dialogue, being held in Samarkand, will be co-chaired by Swaraj and Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov.

The Foreign Minister of Afghanistan will also participate in the dialogue as a special invitee for the session dedicated to connectivity issues in the region, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

Foreign ministers of Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan and the First Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan will also participate in the dialogue.

"Building upon shared history &amp; culture. EAM @SushmaSwaraj emplanes for Samarkand to participate at 1st India-Central Asia Dialogue. EAM will co-chair Dialogue with Uzbek Foreign Minister Kamilov. Foreign Ministers from other Central Asian countries and Afghanistan will attend," MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted minutes before Swaraj left for Uzbekistan.

Bound together by shared history and cultural linkages, India and the Central Asian states look forward to the Dialogue as an important initiative to enhance their cooperation in wide-ranging spheres including exploring ways to substantially enhance India's economic involvement in business and development sector of Central Asia, the MEA had said on Wednesday.

With Afghanistan joining, the participants of the Dialogue will also deliberate on developing viable connectivity options between India and Afghanistan and Central Asia to further facilitate trade and economic activity in the region, it said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited five Central Asian countries in 2015 with an aim to deepen India's engagement with the hydrocarbon-rich region. 
Swaraj visited the region last August.

Officials said the India-Central Asia Dialogue, with the participation of Afghanistan, is expected to take India's engagement with all the countries of the region to a new level.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Saturday left for a two-day visit to Uzbekistan to attend the first India-Central Asia Dialogue which is expected to focus on a plethora of regional issues including enhancing connectivity to war-ravaged Afghanistan.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Saturday left for a two-day visit to Uzbekistan to attend the first India-Central Asia Dialogue which is expected to focus on a plethora of regional issues including enhancing connectivity to war-ravaged Afghanistan. The Dialogue, being held in Samarkand, will be co-chaired by Swaraj and Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov. The Foreign Minister of Afghanistan will also participate in the dialogue as a special invitee for the session dedicated to connectivity issues in the region, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. Foreign ministers of Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan and the First Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan will also participate in the dialogue. "Building upon shared history & culture. EAM @SushmaSwaraj emplanes for Samarkand to participate at 1st India-Central Asia Dialogue. EAM will co-chair Dialogue with Uzbek Foreign Minister Kamilov. Foreign Ministers from other Central Asian countries and Afghanistan will attend," MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted minutes before Swaraj left for Uzbekistan. Bound together by shared history and cultural linkages, India and the Central Asian states look forward to the Dialogue as an important initiative to enhance their cooperation in wide-ranging spheres including exploring ways to substantially enhance India's economic involvement in business and development sector of Central Asia, the MEA had said on Wednesday. With Afghanistan joining, the participants of the Dialogue will also deliberate on developing viable connectivity options between India and Afghanistan and Central Asia to further facilitate trade and economic activity in the region, it said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited five Central Asian countries in 2015 with an aim to deepen India's engagement with the hydrocarbon-rich region. Swaraj visited the region last August. Officials said the India-Central Asia Dialogue, with the participation of Afghanistan, is expected to take India's engagement with all the countries of the region to a new level.

Sushma Swaraj on 2-day visit to Uzbekistan, will attend first India-Central Asia Dialogue

Indian national <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/its-a-matter-of-great-relief-mea-on-hamid-ansaris-release-from-pak-jail-184890">Hamid Nehal Ansari'</a>s parents' long struggle for being reunited with their son, who was arrested by the Pakistan Intelligence agencies and local police from Kohat district in 2012, may bear fruit today. The Pakistan Foreign Ministry on Monday announced to repatriate Hamid on the completion of a three-year sentence handed over to him by a Pakistani military court in 2015.

"The Pakistan High Commission has told us that the Pakistan authorities will hand over Hamid to the Indian Embassy here today, following which he will cross the border and be reunited with us," Fauzia Ansari, Hamid's mother told ANI.

The family, however, has not been apprised of the exact time when Hamid will reach India. "I would like to thank the Indian government for understanding our pain and extending complete help to us in bringing our son back. Even the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi helped us out and were responsive to our ordeal," Ansari opined.

Hamid`s mother further appealed to the Pakistani government to free other individuals like her son who have been imprisoned, underscoring the painful experience the family went through due to his detention in the neighbouring country. "Their parents are also waiting for them and suffering," she stated.

Expressing gratitude to the government and media for helping her out, she said, "This wasn`t our effort alone - the media was our voice and the government completely helped us. We can't thank god enough. Both the governments have been kind to us and dealt with us humanely. We thank everybody."Hamid will be with us today hopefully. I pray to God that he will be," she remarked while travelling on a bus en route to Attari-Wagah border, through which Hamid would be repatriated.

Hamid, a teacher at the Mumbai Management College, went missing in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in November 2012. His mother filed a habeas corpus petition in Delhi High Court, following which the news about his arrest became public.

On January 13, the high court was informed that Hamid was in the custody of the Pakistani Army and was being tried by a military court.

The Pakistani security agencies had claimed that Hamid had used fake identity card in the name of "Hamza" and had entered Pakistan through Afghanistan without travel documents. They had charged him for "anti-state activities".

Indian national Hamid Nehal Ansari's parents' long struggle for being reunited with their son, who was arrested by the Pakistan Intelligence agencies and local police from Kohat district in 2012, may bear fruit today.

Indian national Hamid Nehal Ansari's parents' long struggle for being reunited with their son, who was arrested by the Pakistan Intelligence agencies and local police from Kohat district in 2012, may bear fruit today. The Pakistan Foreign Ministry on Monday announced to repatriate Hamid on the completion of a three-year sentence handed over to him by a Pakistani military court in 2015. "The Pakistan High Commission has told us that the Pakistan authorities will hand over Hamid to the Indian Embassy here today, following which he will cross the border and be reunited with us," Fauzia Ansari, Hamid's mother told ANI. The family, however, has not been apprised of the exact time when Hamid will reach India. "I would like to thank the Indian government for understanding our pain and extending complete help to us in bringing our son back. Even the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi helped us out and were responsive to our ordeal," Ansari opined. Hamid`s mother further appealed to the Pakistani government to free other individuals like her son who have been imprisoned, underscoring the painful experience the family went through due to his detention in the neighbouring country. "Their parents are also waiting for them and suffering," she stated. Expressing gratitude to the government and media for helping her out, she said, "This wasn`t our effort alone - the media was our voice and the government completely helped us. We can't thank god enough. Both the governments have been kind to us and dealt with us humanely. We thank everybody."Hamid will be with us today hopefully. I pray to God that he will be," she remarked while travelling on a bus en route to Attari-Wagah border, through which Hamid would be repatriated. Hamid, a teacher at the Mumbai Management College, went missing in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in November 2012. His mother filed a habeas corpus petition in Delhi High Court, following which the news about his arrest became public. On January 13, the high court was informed that Hamid was in the custody of the Pakistani Army and was being tried by a military court. The Pakistani security agencies had claimed that Hamid had used fake identity card in the name of "Hamza" and had entered Pakistan through Afghanistan without travel documents. They had charged him for "anti-state activities".

Hamid Ansari's family en route to Wagah to reunite with their son after 6 years

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind will be going to Vietnam and Australia from November 18th to November 24th. Announcing the visit, secretary east Vijay Thakur Singh said, "the visit is part of India’s continuing and growing engagement with the countries in the Indo-Pacific region under its 'Act East'&nbsp;Policy."

This is the 7th state visit by President Kovind since taking over last year. This is also for the first time the president will be travelling&nbsp;to the east of India.

Ashok Malik, Press Secretary to the President of India said this visit "will take him to the heart of Indo-pacific region" and "after this visit, he would have visited 16 countries and spanned the Indian ocean". President Kovind has been to Africa many times including his visits to Europe and South America.

The visit is happening when the focus is growing on the Indo Pacific region. During the recent 13th East Asia Summit, PM Modi, along with the US, had focused on the Indo Pacific with ASEAN centrality.

The second meet of Quad grouping -- US, Japan, Australia and India-- this year, which took place in 15th November, had a special emphasis on it with the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement saying, "participants reaffirmed the ASEAN centrality as the cornerstone of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific."&nbsp;The MEA futher added, "they agreed to partner with other countries and forums in the region to promote free, open, rules-based and inclusive order in the Indo-Pacific that fosters trust and confidence."

Vietnam visit from 18-20 November

On the first leg of his two-nation tour, the President will visit Vietnam from 18-20 November. This is the first visit by the Indian president to any ASEAN country. President Kovind will address the national assembly of Vietnam. Chinese President Xi Jinping is the only foreign leader who has addressed the Vietnamese national assembly until now.

India and Vietnam have a comprehensive strategic partnership. Vietnam was the country coordinator for India ASEAN and under the country, all 10 heads of ASEAN countries participated in the Republic Day parade.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, Vietnam's envoy to Delhi Pham Sanh Chau said, "Vietnam wants to treat the Indian president as a special guest in order to express our sincere gratitude to Indian leaders and friends for their support to our country during the national struggle, national independence and reunification."

India also has robust defence ties with Vietnam with reports suggesting Hanoi might be in talks with Delhi to get BrahMos missiles.

Australia visit from 21-24 November&nbsp;

On the second leg of his visit, President Kovind will pay a state visit to Australia from 21-24 November 2018. He will be visiting Sydney and Melbourne. This would be the first ever visit of the President of India to Australia.

Canberra has supported India's entry into the Wassenaar arrangement, Australia Group and Missile Technology Control Regime. The country supports India's bid for nuclear suppliers group. Bilateral trade between India and Australia stands at $19.7 billion and the country hosts a large Indian diaspora.

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind will be going to Vietnam and Australia from November 18th to November 24th. Announcing the visit, secretary east Vijay Thakur Singh said, "the visit is part of India’s continuing and growing engagement with the countries in the Indo-Pacific region under its 'Act East' Policy.

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind will be going to Vietnam and Australia from November 18th to November 24th. Announcing the visit, secretary east Vijay Thakur Singh said, "the visit is part of India’s continuing and growing engagement with the countries in the Indo-Pacific region under its 'Act East' Policy." This is the 7th state visit by President Kovind since taking over last year. This is also for the first time the president will be travelling to the east of India. Ashok Malik, Press Secretary to the President of India said this visit "will take him to the heart of Indo-pacific region" and "after this visit, he would have visited 16 countries and spanned the Indian ocean". President Kovind has been to Africa many times including his visits to Europe and South America. The visit is happening when the focus is growing on the Indo Pacific region. During the recent 13th East Asia Summit, PM Modi, along with the US, had focused on the Indo Pacific with ASEAN centrality. The second meet of Quad grouping -- US, Japan, Australia and India-- this year, which took place in 15th November, had a special emphasis on it with the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement saying, "participants reaffirmed the ASEAN centrality as the cornerstone of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific." The MEA futher added, "they agreed to partner with other countries and forums in the region to promote free, open, rules-based and inclusive order in the Indo-Pacific that fosters trust and confidence." Vietnam visit from 18-20 November On the first leg of his two-nation tour, the President will visit Vietnam from 18-20 November. This is the first visit by the Indian president to any ASEAN country. President Kovind will address the national assembly of Vietnam. Chinese President Xi Jinping is the only foreign leader who has addressed the Vietnamese national assembly until now. India and Vietnam have a comprehensive strategic partnership. Vietnam was the country coordinator for India ASEAN and under the country, all 10 heads of ASEAN countries participated in the Republic Day parade. Speaking to WION, Vietnam's envoy to Delhi Pham Sanh Chau said, "Vietnam wants to treat the Indian president as a special guest in order to express our sincere gratitude to Indian leaders and friends for their support to our country during the national struggle, national independence and reunification." India also has robust defence ties with Vietnam with reports suggesting Hanoi might be in talks with Delhi to get BrahMos missiles. Australia visit from 21-24 November On the second leg of his visit, President Kovind will pay a state visit to Australia from 21-24 November 2018. He will be visiting Sydney and Melbourne. This would be the first ever visit of the President of India to Australia. Canberra has supported India's entry into the Wassenaar arrangement, Australia Group and Missile Technology Control Regime. The country supports India's bid for nuclear suppliers group. Bilateral trade between India and Australia stands at $19.7 billion and the country hosts a large Indian diaspora.

President Kovind to visit Vietnam, Australia; MEA says focus on growing engagement in Indo-Pacific region

The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday stated that it is aware of the meeting that the Russian Federation will hold on November 9 to discuss Afghanistan, adding that "India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan."

The MEA further added that India's participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level.

"We are aware of the Russian Federation hosting a meeting in Moscow on 9 November on Afghanistan. India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Our participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)," news agency ANI quoted the MEA.&nbsp;

According to an AFP report, Russia on Saturday said it will <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/russia-to-host-international-talks-on-afghanistan-175271">host international talks on Afghanistan on November 9</a>, with representatives of both the Afghan government and the Taliban, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

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We are aware of the Russian Federation hosting a meeting in Moscow on 9 November on Afghanistan. India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Our participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
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Moscow said Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and the Taliban have agreed to send delegations to the conference.

"It will be the first time that a delegation of the Political Office of the Taliban Movement in Doha will take part in international talks (at) such a level," the foreign ministry's statement said.&nbsp;

"We are still negotiating and talking with Russian officials (about the conference). We have not reached an agreement yet," Sebghatullah Ahmadi, an Afghan foreign ministry spokesman, told AFP.&nbsp;

Moscow said it had also invited representatives from the US as well as Iran, China, Pakistan and five former Soviet republics in Central Asia to take part.

"The Russian side reaffirms its position that there is no alternative to a political settlement in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan," the statement said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday stated that it is aware of the meeting that the Russian Federation will hold on November 9 to discuss Afghanistan, adding that "India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday stated that it is aware of the meeting that the Russian Federation will hold on November 9 to discuss Afghanistan, adding that "India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan." The MEA further added that India's participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level. "We are aware of the Russian Federation hosting a meeting in Moscow on 9 November on Afghanistan. India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Our participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)," news agency ANI quoted the MEA. According to an AFP report, Russia on Saturday said it will host international talks on Afghanistan on November 9, with representatives of both the Afghan government and the Taliban, the foreign ministry said in a statement. We are aware of the Russian Federation hosting a meeting in Moscow on 9 November on Afghanistan. India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Our participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) — ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2018 × Moscow said Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and the Taliban have agreed to send delegations to the conference. "It will be the first time that a delegation of the Political Office of the Taliban Movement in Doha will take part in international talks (at) such a level," the foreign ministry's statement said. "We are still negotiating and talking with Russian officials (about the conference). We have not reached an agreement yet," Sebghatullah Ahmadi, an Afghan foreign ministry spokesman, told AFP. Moscow said it had also invited representatives from the US as well as Iran, China, Pakistan and five former Soviet republics in Central Asia to take part. "The Russian side reaffirms its position that there is no alternative to a political settlement in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan," the statement said. (With inputs from agencies)

Aware of Russia hosting meeting on Afghanistan in Moscow, India will participate at non-official level: MEA 

India said Sunday that it was closely following <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-crisis-rajapaksa-camp-says-will-seize-pm-home-office-if-wickremesinghe-does-not-resign-today-173930">political developments in Sri Lanka</a> and that it hoped that democratic values and constitutional processes would be respected in the island nation.

In fast-paced political developments, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena suspended Parliament on Saturday, a day after sacking Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and naming Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new prime minister.

"India is closely following the recent political developments in Sri Lanka. As a democracy and a close friendly neighbour, we hope that democratic values and constitutional process will be respected," External Affairs Ministry Spokeperson Raveesh Kumar said.

He said India will continue to extend its developmental assistance to the friendly people of Sri Lanka. India has been involved in a number of projects in the island nation.

Sirisena on Saturday suspended Parliament till November 16 after Wickremesinghe sought an emergency session to prove his majority. Former president Rajapaksa was sworn in as the country's new PM on Friday. The political turmoil came amid growing tensions between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe on several policy matters. 
Reacting sharply to his sacking, Wickremesinghe asserted that the swearing-in of Rajapaksa is "illegal and unconstitutional" and he will prove his majority in Parliament.

The political developments unfolded after Sirisena's broader political front UPFA announced that it has decided to quit the current unity government with Wickremesinghe's UNP.

The unity government was formed in 2015 when Sirisena was elected President with Wickremesinghe's support, ending a nearly decade-long rule by Rajapaksa. 
Rajapaksa's return to power ends a more than three-year-old coalition government that was formed by Sirisena and Wickremesinghe on a promise to combat corruption and financial irregularities.

The unity government was thrown into a crisis after Rajapaksa's new party pulled off a stunning victory in local elections in February seen as a referendum on the ruling alliance.

Sri Lanka nearly faced economic sanctions from the West over Rajapakse's military crackdown on the banned Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The LTTE sought a separate Tamil homeland in the northern and eastern provinces of the island nation for nearly 30 years before its collapse in 2009 after the Sri Lankan Army killed the outfit's supreme leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.&nbsp;

India said Sunday that it was closely following political developments in Sri Lanka and that it hoped that democratic values and constitutional processes would be respected in the island nation.

India said Sunday that it was closely following political developments in Sri Lanka and that it hoped that democratic values and constitutional processes would be respected in the island nation. In fast-paced political developments, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena suspended Parliament on Saturday, a day after sacking Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and naming Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new prime minister. "India is closely following the recent political developments in Sri Lanka. As a democracy and a close friendly neighbour, we hope that democratic values and constitutional process will be respected," External Affairs Ministry Spokeperson Raveesh Kumar said. He said India will continue to extend its developmental assistance to the friendly people of Sri Lanka. India has been involved in a number of projects in the island nation. Sirisena on Saturday suspended Parliament till November 16 after Wickremesinghe sought an emergency session to prove his majority. Former president Rajapaksa was sworn in as the country's new PM on Friday. The political turmoil came amid growing tensions between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe on several policy matters. Reacting sharply to his sacking, Wickremesinghe asserted that the swearing-in of Rajapaksa is "illegal and unconstitutional" and he will prove his majority in Parliament. The political developments unfolded after Sirisena's broader political front UPFA announced that it has decided to quit the current unity government with Wickremesinghe's UNP. The unity government was formed in 2015 when Sirisena was elected President with Wickremesinghe's support, ending a nearly decade-long rule by Rajapaksa. Rajapaksa's return to power ends a more than three-year-old coalition government that was formed by Sirisena and Wickremesinghe on a promise to combat corruption and financial irregularities. The unity government was thrown into a crisis after Rajapaksa's new party pulled off a stunning victory in local elections in February seen as a referendum on the ruling alliance. Sri Lanka nearly faced economic sanctions from the West over Rajapakse's military crackdown on the banned Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The LTTE sought a separate Tamil homeland in the northern and eastern provinces of the island nation for nearly 30 years before its collapse in 2009 after the Sri Lankan Army killed the outfit's supreme leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.

Hope democratic values will be respected: India on political turmoil in Sri Lanka

India has officially sought from Pakistan details of the trial proceedings against Kulbhushan Jadhav as well as the appeal process in the case, the External Affairs Ministry said today.

Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said India has asked for consular access to Jadhav for the 15th time.

Pakistan is yet to heed to India&#39;s request for consular access to Jadhav who has been given death penalty by a Pakistani military court on charges of spying.

India awaits a formal response from Pakistan to its two demands -- consular access and details of the trial proceedings against Jadhav, said Baglay.

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Pakistan claims there have been legal proceedings against Kulbhushan Jadhav, if there have been, we would like to see them: MEA <a href="https://t.co/Y6JnaIyOoO">pic.twitter.com/Y6JnaIyOoO</a>
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&quot;We don&#39;t know anything about Jadhav&#39;s location or condition in Pakistan,&quot; he said, adding it is a matter of concern for India.

Yesterday, India had summoned the Pakistan deputy high commissioner here in connection with Jadhav&#39;s death sentence and made a fresh demand for consular access to the retired Indian Navy officer.

Earlier this week, Pakistan Army had ruled out access to him.&nbsp;

(PTI)

MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay said India has asked for consular access to Jadhav for the 15th time

India has officially sought from Pakistan details of the trial proceedings against Kulbhushan Jadhav as well as the appeal process in the case, the External Affairs Ministry said today. Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said India has asked for consular access to Jadhav for the 15th time. Pakistan is yet to heed to India's request for consular access to Jadhav who has been given death penalty by a Pakistani military court on charges of spying. India awaits a formal response from Pakistan to its two demands -- consular access and details of the trial proceedings against Jadhav, said Baglay. Pakistan claims there have been legal proceedings against Kulbhushan Jadhav, if there have been, we would like to see them: MEA pic.twitter.com/Y6JnaIyOoO — ANI (@ANI_news) April 20, 2017 × "We don't know anything about Jadhav's location or condition in Pakistan," he said, adding it is a matter of concern for India. Yesterday, India had summoned the Pakistan deputy high commissioner here in connection with Jadhav's death sentence and made a fresh demand for consular access to the retired Indian Navy officer. Earlier this week, Pakistan Army had ruled out access to him. (PTI)

Give details of appeal process in Jadhav case: India to Pakistan

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