As the daily COVID-19 cases surged to a staggering record-high level, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reviewed the availability and supply of ventilators, oxygen and medicines to fight this pandemic and called for utilising the entire national capacity across private and public sectors to produce vaccines, amid concerns in various states about lack of these essentials.

Chairing a meeting to review the status of preparedness to handle the COVID-19 situation, Modi said local administrations needed to be proactive and sensitive to people's concerns.

These remarks assume significance in the backdrop of reports of COVID-19 patients and their families accusing the authorities in several states of apathy in providing treatment.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-faces-shortage-of-oxygen-hospital-beds-as-city-records-24000-cases-in-24-hours-kejriwal-378235" hreflang="en">Delhi faces shortage of oxygen, hospital beds as city records 24,000 cases in 24 hours: Kejriwal</a>

Modi said there is no substitute for 'testing, tracking and treatment', and that early testing and proper tracking remain key to reducing mortality.

"Together India had defeated COVID-19 last year and India can do it again, with the same principles but faster speed and coordination," he said.

Directing officials to ensure close coordination with states, he said all necessary measures must be taken to ramp up the availability of hospital beds for COVID patients and that additional supply of beds through temporary hospitals and isolation centres should be ensured.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-vaccination-coverage-nears-120-million-378139" hreflang="en">India's vaccination coverage nears 120 million</a>

He also spoke about a need to utilise the full potential of India's pharmaceutical industry to meet the rising demand of various medicines and reviewed the status of the supply of Remdesivir and other medicines.

On the issue of vaccination, the prime minister directed all officials to make efforts to utilize the entire national capacity, in the public as well as the private sector, to ramp up vaccine production.

Later in a tweet, Modi said, "Reviewed preparedness to handle the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Aspects relating to medicines, oxygen, ventilators and vaccination were discussed. Like we did last year, we will successfully fight COVID with even greater speed and coordination."

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Reviewed preparedness to handle the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Aspects relating to medicines, oxygen, ventilators and vaccination were discussed. Like we did last year, we will successfully fight COVID with even greater speed and coordination. <a href="https://t.co/cxhTxLtxJa">https://t.co/cxhTxLtxJa</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1383456612027752455?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-double-mutant-now-most-prevalent-variant-in-india-report-378140" hreflang="en">COVID-19 double mutant now most prevalent variant in India: Report</a>

The meeting came in the midst of a huge surge in COVID-19 cases across the country with reports pouring in from many states about the shortage of hospital facilities and essentials like oxygen supply.

The prime minister has been holding meetings with chief ministers and officials on a regular basis to discuss the situation and take measures to curb the pandemic.

A record single-day rise of 2,34,692 cases and 1,341 fatalities have pushed India's COVID-19 tally to 1,45,26,609 and the death toll due to the viral disease to 1,75,649, the health ministry said earlier on Saturday. The number of active coronavirus cases in the country has also surpassed the 16-lakh mark, the ministry's data updated at 8 am showed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-witnesses-biggest-spike-with-234692-coronavirus-cases-in-24-hours-378110" hreflang="en">India witnesses biggest spike with 2,34,692 coronavirus cases in 24 hours</a>

Registering a steady increase for the 38th day in a row, the tally of active COVID-19 cases has climbed to 16,79,740 in the country, accounting for 11.56 per cent of its total caseload, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has dropped to 87.23 per cent.

In the meeting, Modi was joined by Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to PM, Union Home Secretary, Union Health Secretary and the Pharmaceutical Secretary, among others while Dr V K Paul, Member, Niti Aayog, was also present.

An official statement said Modi was briefed on actions taken to address the issue of the availability of Remdesivir.

"Through the efforts of the government, capacity and production augmentation for manufacturing of Remdesivir has been ramped up to provide around 74.10 lakh vials/month in May while the normal production output in January-February being just 27-29 lakh vials/month," it noted.

Supplies have also increased from 67,900 vials on 11th April going up to over 2,06,000 vials on 15th April 2021 which are being particularly focused on states with high caseload and high demand, it added. Modi took note of the ramped-up production capacity and directed that issues relating to real-time supply chain management to states.

The prime minister directed that the use of Remdesivir and other medicines must be in accordance with approved medical guidelines and that their misuse and black marketing must be strictly curbed.

On the issue of the supply of medical oxygen, Modi directed that the installation of approved medical oxygen plants should be sped up.

According to the statement, 162 PSA oxygen plants are being installed in 32 states and UTs from the PM CARES fund. Modi was informed that one lakh cylinders are being procured and will be supplied to states soon.

The statement said officials told Modi that they are in constant touch with 12 high burden states in assessing the current and future requirement of medical oxygen. A supply mapping plan for 12 high burden states till April 30 has also been undertaken.

Modi also said that the supply of oxygen required for the production of medicines and equipment necessary to handle the pandemic should also be ensured.

Reviewing the status of availability and supply of ventilators, Modi noted that a real-time monitoring system has been created, and directed that state government concerned should be sensitized to use the system pro-actively.

As the daily COVID-19 cases surged to a staggering record-high level, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reviewed the availability and supply of ventilators, oxygen and medicines to fight this pandemic and called for utilising the entire national capacity across private and public sectors to produce vaccines, amid concerns in various states about lack of these essentials.

As the daily COVID-19 cases surged to a staggering record-high level, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reviewed the availability and supply of ventilators, oxygen and medicines to fight this pandemic and called for utilising the entire national capacity across private and public sectors to produce vaccines, amid concerns in various states about lack of these essentials. Chairing a meeting to review the status of preparedness to handle the COVID-19 situation, Modi said local administrations needed to be proactive and sensitive to people's concerns. These remarks assume significance in the backdrop of reports of COVID-19 patients and their families accusing the authorities in several states of apathy in providing treatment. Also read | Delhi faces shortage of oxygen, hospital beds as city records 24,000 cases in 24 hours: Kejriwal Modi said there is no substitute for 'testing, tracking and treatment', and that early testing and proper tracking remain key to reducing mortality. "Together India had defeated COVID-19 last year and India can do it again, with the same principles but faster speed and coordination," he said. Directing officials to ensure close coordination with states, he said all necessary measures must be taken to ramp up the availability of hospital beds for COVID patients and that additional supply of beds through temporary hospitals and isolation centres should be ensured. Also read | India's vaccination coverage nears 120 million He also spoke about a need to utilise the full potential of India's pharmaceutical industry to meet the rising demand of various medicines and reviewed the status of the supply of Remdesivir and other medicines. On the issue of vaccination, the prime minister directed all officials to make efforts to utilize the entire national capacity, in the public as well as the private sector, to ramp up vaccine production. Later in a tweet, Modi said, "Reviewed preparedness to handle the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Aspects relating to medicines, oxygen, ventilators and vaccination were discussed. Like we did last year, we will successfully fight COVID with even greater speed and coordination." Reviewed preparedness to handle the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Aspects relating to medicines, oxygen, ventilators and vaccination were discussed. Like we did last year, we will successfully fight COVID with even greater speed and coordination. https://t.co/cxhTxLtxJa — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 17, 2021 × Also read | COVID-19 double mutant now most prevalent variant in India: Report The meeting came in the midst of a huge surge in COVID-19 cases across the country with reports pouring in from many states about the shortage of hospital facilities and essentials like oxygen supply. The prime minister has been holding meetings with chief ministers and officials on a regular basis to discuss the situation and take measures to curb the pandemic. A record single-day rise of 2,34,692 cases and 1,341 fatalities have pushed India's COVID-19 tally to 1,45,26,609 and the death toll due to the viral disease to 1,75,649, the health ministry said earlier on Saturday. The number of active coronavirus cases in the country has also surpassed the 16-lakh mark, the ministry's data updated at 8 am showed. Also read | India witnesses biggest spike with 2,34,692 coronavirus cases in 24 hours Registering a steady increase for the 38th day in a row, the tally of active COVID-19 cases has climbed to 16,79,740 in the country, accounting for 11.56 per cent of its total caseload, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has dropped to 87.23 per cent. In the meeting, Modi was joined by Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to PM, Union Home Secretary, Union Health Secretary and the Pharmaceutical Secretary, among others while Dr V K Paul, Member, Niti Aayog, was also present. An official statement said Modi was briefed on actions taken to address the issue of the availability of Remdesivir. "Through the efforts of the government, capacity and production augmentation for manufacturing of Remdesivir has been ramped up to provide around 74.10 lakh vials/month in May while the normal production output in January-February being just 27-29 lakh vials/month," it noted. Supplies have also increased from 67,900 vials on 11th April going up to over 2,06,000 vials on 15th April 2021 which are being particularly focused on states with high caseload and high demand, it added. Modi took note of the ramped-up production capacity and directed that issues relating to real-time supply chain management to states. The prime minister directed that the use of Remdesivir and other medicines must be in accordance with approved medical guidelines and that their misuse and black marketing must be strictly curbed. On the issue of the supply of medical oxygen, Modi directed that the installation of approved medical oxygen plants should be sped up. According to the statement, 162 PSA oxygen plants are being installed in 32 states and UTs from the PM CARES fund. Modi was informed that one lakh cylinders are being procured and will be supplied to states soon. The statement said officials told Modi that they are in constant touch with 12 high burden states in assessing the current and future requirement of medical oxygen. A supply mapping plan for 12 high burden states till April 30 has also been undertaken. Modi also said that the supply of oxygen required for the production of medicines and equipment necessary to handle the pandemic should also be ensured. Reviewing the status of availability and supply of ventilators, Modi noted that a real-time monitoring system has been created, and directed that state government concerned should be sensitized to use the system pro-actively.

PM reviews COVID-19 surge, calls for utilising all private, public facilities to ramp up vaccine production

The United States annual intelligence report has said that India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "more likely" to respond with force to Pakistani provocation.&nbsp;

The annual threat assessment of the US intelligence community report 2021 said, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is more likely than in the past to respond with military force to perceived or real Pakistani provocations."

In the past, in the backdrop of terror attacks like Pulwama in February of 2019, India responded by "Balakot airstrikes" deep inside Pakistani territory. Indian Air force planes struck terror camps in the vicinity of Balakot town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. In 2016, after the Uri attacks, Indian forces conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Highlighting that "tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan remain a concern for the world", the US intel report released by the Director of National Intelligence pointed out, "although a general war between India and Pakistan is unlikely, crises between the two are likely to become more intense, risking an escalatory cycle."

India has repeatedly asked Pakistan to take action against terror groups under its territories. It has raised the issue at many multilateral forums such as United Nations.

The report also mentioned the ongoing situation between India and China, pointing out, "China-India border tensions remain high, despite some force pullbacks this year."

The year 2020 was the worst in decades for India-China ties due to aggressive action by Chinese forces that killed 20 Indian soldiers in Galwan, at thLline of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh.

The report said, "China’s occupation since May 2020 of contested border areas is the most serious escalation in decades and led to the first lethal border clash between the two countries since 1975." February saw de-escalation at Pangong lake with both sides pulling back forces and equipment but no movement is seen by Chinese forces at areas like Hot Springs, Depsang, and Gogra.&nbsp;

The report warned, "Interstate conflicts will also flare, ranging from border sparrings, such as that between China and India, to potentially more sustained violent confrontations."

The United States annual intelligence report has said that India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "more likely" to respond with force to Pakistani provocation.

The United States annual intelligence report has said that India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "more likely" to respond with force to Pakistani provocation. The annual threat assessment of the US intelligence community report 2021 said, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is more likely than in the past to respond with military force to perceived or real Pakistani provocations." In the past, in the backdrop of terror attacks like Pulwama in February of 2019, India responded by "Balakot airstrikes" deep inside Pakistani territory. Indian Air force planes struck terror camps in the vicinity of Balakot town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. In 2016, after the Uri attacks, Indian forces conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Highlighting that "tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan remain a concern for the world", the US intel report released by the Director of National Intelligence pointed out, "although a general war between India and Pakistan is unlikely, crises between the two are likely to become more intense, risking an escalatory cycle." India has repeatedly asked Pakistan to take action against terror groups under its territories. It has raised the issue at many multilateral forums such as United Nations. The report also mentioned the ongoing situation between India and China, pointing out, "China-India border tensions remain high, despite some force pullbacks this year." The year 2020 was the worst in decades for India-China ties due to aggressive action by Chinese forces that killed 20 Indian soldiers in Galwan, at thLline of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. The report said, "China’s occupation since May 2020 of contested border areas is the most serious escalation in decades and led to the first lethal border clash between the two countries since 1975." February saw de-escalation at Pangong lake with both sides pulling back forces and equipment but no movement is seen by Chinese forces at areas like Hot Springs, Depsang, and Gogra. The report warned, "Interstate conflicts will also flare, ranging from border sparrings, such as that between China and India, to potentially more sustained violent confrontations."

Under PM Modi, India 'more likely' to respond with force to Pakistani provocation: US intelligence report

In a bid to vaccinate more people on priority, India’s Prime Minister, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi</a>, has launched 'Teeka Utsav' around the country to inoculate the maximum number of people against the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus.</a>

The mass <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a> programme will continue from April 11 to 14 and the PM has urged all Chief Ministers to monitor the situation closely.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-fastest-to-administer-100-million-covid-vaccine-doses-376682" hreflang="en">India fastest to administer 100 million COVID vaccine doses</a>

"From today onwards, all of us are launching the Teeka Utsav across the country. I have four requests from the countrymen in this phase of the fight against Corona," Modi said.

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आज से हम सभी, देशभर में टीका उत्सव की शुरुआत कर रहे हैं। कोरोना के खिलाफ लड़ाई के इस चरण में देशवासियों से मेरे चार आग्रह हैं… <a href="https://t.co/8zXZ0bqYgl">https://t.co/8zXZ0bqYgl</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1381095427034861570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"I urge countrymen to abide by 4 things – assist those who need help getting inoculated, help people in COVID treatment, wear masks &amp; motivate others &amp; if someone tests positive, create micro-containment zone in the area," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-infections-hit-another-record-weekend-lockdown-in-maharashtra-376594" hreflang="en">India's Covid infections hit another record, weekend lockdown in Maharashtra&nbsp;</a>

This has come a day after India became the fastest country to administer 100 million coronavirus vaccine doses in just 85 days, leaving behind countries such as the US and China that took 89 and 102 days respectively.

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टीका उत्सव पर देशवासियों से आग्रह। <a href="https://t.co/GvGV3OCnP7">pic.twitter.com/GvGV3OCnP7</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1381104813740490759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Frontline workers, citizens aged 60 and above as well as those aged 45 years and above have been given preference in the initial stages of India's coronavirus vaccination drive.

The programme has been launched to control the widespread of coronavirus cases in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-fastest-nation-to-administer-100-vaccine-jabs-376754">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-fastest-nation-to-administer-100-vaccine-jabs-376754/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Sunday morning, the Union Health Ministry reported 152,879 new Covid cases, 90,584 discharges, and 839 deaths in the last 24 hours.

This has increased the total Covid toll to 13,358,805, out of which 1,108,087are active cases, death toll to 169,275, while 12,081,443 people have recovered till now.

A total of 101,595,147 people have been vaccinated till now.

In a bid to vaccinate more people on priority, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has launched 'Teeka Utsav' around the country to inoculate the maximum number of people against the deadly coronavirus.

In a bid to vaccinate more people on priority, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has launched 'Teeka Utsav' around the country to inoculate the maximum number of people against the deadly coronavirus. The mass vaccination programme will continue from April 11 to 14 and the PM has urged all Chief Ministers to monitor the situation closely. Also read | India fastest to administer 100 million COVID vaccine doses "From today onwards, all of us are launching the Teeka Utsav across the country. I have four requests from the countrymen in this phase of the fight against Corona," Modi said. आज से हम सभी, देशभर में टीका उत्सव की शुरुआत कर रहे हैं। कोरोना के खिलाफ लड़ाई के इस चरण में देशवासियों से मेरे चार आग्रह हैं… https://t.co/8zXZ0bqYgl — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 11, 2021 × "I urge countrymen to abide by 4 things – assist those who need help getting inoculated, help people in COVID treatment, wear masks & motivate others & if someone tests positive, create micro-containment zone in the area," he added. Also read | India's Covid infections hit another record, weekend lockdown in Maharashtra This has come a day after India became the fastest country to administer 100 million coronavirus vaccine doses in just 85 days, leaving behind countries such as the US and China that took 89 and 102 days respectively. टीका उत्सव पर देशवासियों से आग्रह। pic.twitter.com/GvGV3OCnP7 — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 11, 2021 × Frontline workers, citizens aged 60 and above as well as those aged 45 years and above have been given preference in the initial stages of India's coronavirus vaccination drive. The programme has been launched to control the widespread of coronavirus cases in the country. Watch | On Sunday morning, the Union Health Ministry reported 152,879 new Covid cases, 90,584 discharges, and 839 deaths in the last 24 hours. This has increased the total Covid toll to 13,358,805, out of which 1,108,087are active cases, death toll to 169,275, while 12,081,443 people have recovered till now. A total of 101,595,147 people have been vaccinated till now.

PM Modi launches 'Teeka Utsav' as India records 152,879 new Covid cases

India has become the fastest country to administer 100 million coronavirus vaccine doses as per numbers with India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. To administer 100 million COVID vaccine doses, India took just 85 days. This is a major feat as the US and China took 89 and 102 days respectively to reach the 100 million mark.

The development is sure to give a further boost to India's fight against the coronavirus pandemic even as a spike in number of infections has been seen in recent days.

A country of more than a billion people, India faces a big task as it vaccinates its population.

Frontline workers, citizens aged 60 and above as well as those aged 45 years and above (with comorbidities) have been given preference in the initial stages of India's coronavirus vaccination drive.

The need for redoubled efforts in the fight against the pandemic was felt on Saturday as more than 100 thousand new coronavirus cases were reported across India. The death toll was up too.

As per the health ministry data, death toll rose by 794 to a total of 168,436.

Most cases have been detected in the western state of Maharashtra. The state has already shut down restaurants, malls and places of worship and barred the movement of most people to control the outbreak that has threatened to overrun medical facilities and created vaccine shortages.

The weekend lockdown will end on Monday.

India has become the fastest country to administer 100 million coronavirus vaccine doses as per numbers with India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. To administer 100 million COVID vaccine doses, India took just 85 days.

India has become the fastest country to administer 100 million coronavirus vaccine doses as per numbers with India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. To administer 100 million COVID vaccine doses, India took just 85 days. This is a major feat as the US and China took 89 and 102 days respectively to reach the 100 million mark. The development is sure to give a further boost to India's fight against the coronavirus pandemic even as a spike in number of infections has been seen in recent days. A country of more than a billion people, India faces a big task as it vaccinates its population. Frontline workers, citizens aged 60 and above as well as those aged 45 years and above (with comorbidities) have been given preference in the initial stages of India's coronavirus vaccination drive. The need for redoubled efforts in the fight against the pandemic was felt on Saturday as more than 100 thousand new coronavirus cases were reported across India. The death toll was up too. As per the health ministry data, death toll rose by 794 to a total of 168,436. Most cases have been detected in the western state of Maharashtra. The state has already shut down restaurants, malls and places of worship and barred the movement of most people to control the outbreak that has threatened to overrun medical facilities and created vaccine shortages. The weekend lockdown will end on Monday.

India fastest to administer 100 million COVID vaccine doses

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to visit France in May -- when he will be in Europe for the India-EU summit.

Modi will visit Portugal for the India-EU summit on May 8.

Modi had last visited France in 2019 -- as French President Emmanuel Macron's invitee for the G7 summit in Biarritz.

Ahead of the visit by the Indian prime minister, French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian will be in India from April 13 to 15. He is scheduled to participate in the Raisina Dialogue and India-France-Australia foreign ministers trilateral meet.

Paris and New Delhi have recently increased engagement at multiple levels -- from dealing with Covid crisis to defence ties.

Indian ships will be a part of France-led La Perouse exercises in Bay Of Bengal from April 5 to 7. The exercise will involve France plus Quad naval ships coming together for the first time.&nbsp;

France has also delivered 21 out of 36 contracted Rafale jets to India. More deliveries are expected in April and May.

India's Europe focus will continue in the coming month as Modi is also expected to visit Denmark for the second India-Nordic summit.&nbsp;

The first such summit took place in 2018 in Stockholm.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Italy is scheduled to host a health summit in May, but chances are that the summit will take place virtually.&nbsp;

Italy is also host of the G20 summit -- on October 30-31.

Last year's G20 summit under Saudi Arabia's leadership was a virtual one -- due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

India will host the summit in 2023.

In addition to these, India is also on track to enhance ties with the UK.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit India on April 26. And Modi will be in the UK for the G7 summit from June 11 to 13. He has already been invited for the United Nations Climate Change Conference summit that will take place in Glasgow in November.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to visit France in May -- when he will be in Europe for the India-EU summit. Modi will visit Portugal for the India-EU summit on May 8.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to visit France in May -- when he will be in Europe for the India-EU summit. Modi will visit Portugal for the India-EU summit on May 8. Modi had last visited France in 2019 -- as French President Emmanuel Macron's invitee for the G7 summit in Biarritz. Ahead of the visit by the Indian prime minister, French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian will be in India from April 13 to 15. He is scheduled to participate in the Raisina Dialogue and India-France-Australia foreign ministers trilateral meet. Paris and New Delhi have recently increased engagement at multiple levels -- from dealing with Covid crisis to defence ties. Indian ships will be a part of France-led La Perouse exercises in Bay Of Bengal from April 5 to 7. The exercise will involve France plus Quad naval ships coming together for the first time. France has also delivered 21 out of 36 contracted Rafale jets to India. More deliveries are expected in April and May. India's Europe focus will continue in the coming month as Modi is also expected to visit Denmark for the second India-Nordic summit. The first such summit took place in 2018 in Stockholm. Meanwhile, Italy is scheduled to host a health summit in May, but chances are that the summit will take place virtually. Italy is also host of the G20 summit -- on October 30-31. Last year's G20 summit under Saudi Arabia's leadership was a virtual one -- due to the Covid-19 pandemic. India will host the summit in 2023. In addition to these, India is also on track to enhance ties with the UK. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit India on April 26. And Modi will be in the UK for the G7 summit from June 11 to 13. He has already been invited for the United Nations Climate Change Conference summit that will take place in Glasgow in November.

Indian PM Modi to visit France in May; to engage with Denmark and Italy later this year

Prime Minister Narendra Modi added much&nbsp;lustre&nbsp;to the ongoing birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden jubilee celebrations of Bangladesh’s independence on his Dhaka visit (March 26-27). His bilateral talks on a wide range of issues with the top Bangladesh leadership, visit to a couple of Hindu temples, meeting with a cross section of politicians and minority leaders, and homage to father of the nation, Mujibur Rahman at&nbsp;Tungipara&nbsp;were well received. Similarly, awarding the Gandhi Peace prize posthumously to Bangabandhu was an outstanding gesture. Modi’s powerful and emotional rhetoric in praise of Sheikh Mujib and India’s relations with Bangladesh augured very well as Indo-BD ties were placed on a new pedestal by the historic recent trip by the Indian Prime Minister and Bangladesh exuded immense warmth and enthusiasm on the&nbsp;visit.&nbsp;

However,&nbsp;madarsa&nbsp;inspired fundamentalist religious outfit,&nbsp;Hefazat-e-Islam displayed while flexing its muscles by&nbsp;organising&nbsp;anti-Modi protest demonstrations in Dhaka and other cities of Bangladesh airing its ire on the Bangladesh government for having invited the Indian PM,&nbsp;who was alleged to have carried out discriminatory policies against the Muslims of India. Law enforcing agencies in Bangladesh used force to keep the protesting&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;cadres at bay. Closer to PM Modi’s departure to India, the elite Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) [equivalent to the Border Security Force (BSF) of India] was also deployed in Dhaka to maintain tranquil arising out of the&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;acts of vandalism and destruction of public property. That shows the seriousness and gravity of the prevailing emerging situation, then. It was indeed threatening.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Coincidentally, or otherwise,&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;led well planned and orchestrated violence engulfed parts of Dhaka, Narayanganj,&nbsp;Sunamgunj,&nbsp;Habigunj, Chittagong, Brahmanbaria, Sylhet and&nbsp;Munshigunj. Police stations were set alight, police officers in uniform targeted and worse,&nbsp;in many cases,&nbsp;Hindu temples were desecrated and in some places of worship, ornaments of the deity were allegedly looted. This instilled a sense of insecurity amongst the Hindu minority feeling terribly unsafe by the onslaught of the communal forces. In Brahmanbaria, the renowned Ustad Allauddin Khan music academy came under violent attack. Ustad Allauddin Khan, the legendary maestro, and father of Annapurna Devi and sarod player Ustad Ali Akbar Khan belonged to this&nbsp;city who later established the&nbsp;Maihar&nbsp;gharana in India. The assault on the academy named after the famous musician, shows to what extent the religious extremists can go to harm the hapless.&nbsp;

Amid these unfortunate unfolding of violent happenings, it becomes imperative to quickly examine how&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;e Islam got emboldened to go on such a violent spree when the government was at its feet to foil any protests? How could&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;be able to&nbsp;organise&nbsp;such&nbsp;large&nbsp;scale&nbsp;demonstrations in places other than the port city Chittagong which is its principal bastion? What are the internal and external forces which lent moral and material support to the protestors? These questions need to be answered sooner than later.&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;led violence cost more than scores of lives and wanton vandalism of property. Worryingly, violent attacks on the Hindu temples and defiling of the idols need to shake up the establishment more so as the country celebrates the twin occasions of Mujib centenary and 50 years of independence.&nbsp;

Minority communities have legitimate expectations from the Hasina-led government in place in Dhaka. She is seen as&nbsp;the&nbsp;saviour&nbsp;and protector of the minority. That trust merits to be maintained with no cushion for any deficit. Also, there has been a public perception that&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;was close to the ruling dispensation and enjoyed its patronage. In the year 2013, many liberals and bloggers were hacked to death.&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;was reportedly complicit in the killings. Subsequently, this outfit was extra vocal in removal of statues from the Supreme Court describing their presence as un-Islamic. Their demand was met giving rise to speculations that the government was accommodative to&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;diktats.&nbsp;During and after the Modi visit, they have raised their ugly head, again.&nbsp;

In the light of these developments, it’s equally important for the intelligence and security agencies to ascertain the source(s) of funding to such&nbsp;destabilising&nbsp;communalists’ inspired agitation. If any extraneous and hostile forces are involved, they ought to be exposed to prevent recurrences of such&nbsp;unsavoury&nbsp;incidents bringing embarrassment to a regime thought to be progressive. Further, we know Jamaat e Islami (JeI)&nbsp;stands de franchised but the elements remain and possibly alive and kicking.&nbsp;They, by deduction, may have infiltrated into&nbsp;Hefazat.&nbsp;Many&nbsp;Jamaatis&nbsp;who had collaborated with Pakistani occupation forces in 1971, had been hanged to death after trials by a tribunal. The communal forces fifty years ago had connived with the then West Pakistan army. It’s a sad commentary that when the country is&nbsp;celebrating today its half a century of&nbsp;independence,&nbsp;the same very forces are now attempting to undermine the spirit of liberation and supreme sacrifice of the millions of proud&nbsp;Bangalis. It’s time for harsher measures to contain the menace. The space being vulnerable, political opposition like the BNP may also like to fish in the troubled waters trying to&nbsp;capitalise&nbsp;on the developments. Prime Minister Hasina and her government would do well to act astutely and&nbsp;disallow any breathing space to their political adversary to surface over ground for any revival in active association with&nbsp;zealots.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi added much lustre to the ongoing birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden jubilee celebrations of Bangladesh’s independence on his Dhaka visit (March 26-27).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi added much lustre to the ongoing birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden jubilee celebrations of Bangladesh’s independence on his Dhaka visit (March 26-27). His bilateral talks on a wide range of issues with the top Bangladesh leadership, visit to a couple of Hindu temples, meeting with a cross section of politicians and minority leaders, and homage to father of the nation, Mujibur Rahman at Tungipara were well received. Similarly, awarding the Gandhi Peace prize posthumously to Bangabandhu was an outstanding gesture. Modi’s powerful and emotional rhetoric in praise of Sheikh Mujib and India’s relations with Bangladesh augured very well as Indo-BD ties were placed on a new pedestal by the historic recent trip by the Indian Prime Minister and Bangladesh exuded immense warmth and enthusiasm on the visit. However, madarsa inspired fundamentalist religious outfit, Hefazat-e-Islam displayed while flexing its muscles by organising anti-Modi protest demonstrations in Dhaka and other cities of Bangladesh airing its ire on the Bangladesh government for having invited the Indian PM, who was alleged to have carried out discriminatory policies against the Muslims of India. Law enforcing agencies in Bangladesh used force to keep the protesting Hefazat cadres at bay. Closer to PM Modi’s departure to India, the elite Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) [equivalent to the Border Security Force (BSF) of India] was also deployed in Dhaka to maintain tranquil arising out of the Hefazat acts of vandalism and destruction of public property. That shows the seriousness and gravity of the prevailing emerging situation, then. It was indeed threatening. Coincidentally, or otherwise, Hefazat led well planned and orchestrated violence engulfed parts of Dhaka, Narayanganj, Sunamgunj, Habigunj, Chittagong, Brahmanbaria, Sylhet and Munshigunj. Police stations were set alight, police officers in uniform targeted and worse, in many cases, Hindu temples were desecrated and in some places of worship, ornaments of the deity were allegedly looted. This instilled a sense of insecurity amongst the Hindu minority feeling terribly unsafe by the onslaught of the communal forces. In Brahmanbaria, the renowned Ustad Allauddin Khan music academy came under violent attack. Ustad Allauddin Khan, the legendary maestro, and father of Annapurna Devi and sarod player Ustad Ali Akbar Khan belonged to this city who later established the Maihar gharana in India. The assault on the academy named after the famous musician, shows to what extent the religious extremists can go to harm the hapless. Amid these unfortunate unfolding of violent happenings, it becomes imperative to quickly examine how Hefazat e Islam got emboldened to go on such a violent spree when the government was at its feet to foil any protests? How could Hefazat be able to organise such large scale demonstrations in places other than the port city Chittagong which is its principal bastion? What are the internal and external forces which lent moral and material support to the protestors? These questions need to be answered sooner than later. Hefazat led violence cost more than scores of lives and wanton vandalism of property. Worryingly, violent attacks on the Hindu temples and defiling of the idols need to shake up the establishment more so as the country celebrates the twin occasions of Mujib centenary and 50 years of independence. Minority communities have legitimate expectations from the Hasina-led government in place in Dhaka. She is seen as the saviour and protector of the minority. That trust merits to be maintained with no cushion for any deficit. Also, there has been a public perception that Hefazat was close to the ruling dispensation and enjoyed its patronage. In the year 2013, many liberals and bloggers were hacked to death. Hefazat was reportedly complicit in the killings. Subsequently, this outfit was extra vocal in removal of statues from the Supreme Court describing their presence as un-Islamic. Their demand was met giving rise to speculations that the government was accommodative to Hefazat diktats. During and after the Modi visit, they have raised their ugly head, again. In the light of these developments, it’s equally important for the intelligence and security agencies to ascertain the source(s) of funding to such destabilising communalists’ inspired agitation. If any extraneous and hostile forces are involved, they ought to be exposed to prevent recurrences of such unsavoury incidents bringing embarrassment to a regime thought to be progressive. Further, we know Jamaat e Islami (JeI) stands de franchised but the elements remain and possibly alive and kicking. They, by deduction, may have infiltrated into Hefazat. Many Jamaatis who had collaborated with Pakistani occupation forces in 1971, had been hanged to death after trials by a tribunal. The communal forces fifty years ago had connived with the then West Pakistan army. It’s a sad commentary that when the country is celebrating today its half a century of independence, the same very forces are now attempting to undermine the spirit of liberation and supreme sacrifice of the millions of proud Bangalis. It’s time for harsher measures to contain the menace. The space being vulnerable, political opposition like the BNP may also like to fish in the troubled waters trying to capitalise on the developments. Prime Minister Hasina and her government would do well to act astutely and disallow any breathing space to their political adversary to surface over ground for any revival in active association with zealots. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

﻿Shameful violence in aftermath of PM Modi’s Dhaka visit 

In response to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's letter, Pakistan's PM Imran Khan has written back thanking for the latter's greetings on Pakistan Day. &nbsp;

Khan said, "The people of Pakistan also desire peaceful, cooperative relations with all neighbours, including India. We are convinced that durable peace and stability in South Asia is contingent upon resolving all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan, in particular the Jammu &amp; Kashmir dispute."&nbsp;

The PM also talked about the importance of creation of an enabling environment for a constructive and result-oriented dialogue.&nbsp;

Prime Minister also looked to elaborate on the importance of the day by saying, "The people of Pakistan commemorate this Day by paying tribute to the wisdom and foresight of our founding fathers in envisioning an independent, sovereign state where they could live in freedom and realize their full potential." &nbsp;

Prime Minister Imran Khan also took the opportunity to convey best wishes for the people of India in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Earlier, Modi wrote a letter to Khan to extend greetings to the people of that country on the occasion of Pakistan Day.&nbsp;

He also said, "As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative." &nbsp;

Government sources said it is a routine letter sent every year.&nbsp;

Modi also conveyed his best wishes to Khan and the people of Pakistan in dealing with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

There have been indications of positive movement in ties between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

Last month, the Indian and Pakistani armies recommitted themselves to the 2003 ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Recently, a delegation of Pakistani officials arrived in India for a meeting of the permanent Indus commission. It is the first such dialogue in over two-and-a-half years.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In response to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's letter, Pakistan's PM Imran Khan has written back thanking for the latter's greetings on Pakistan Day. Khan said, "The people of Pakistan also desire peaceful, cooperative relations with all neighbours, including India.

In response to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's letter, Pakistan's PM Imran Khan has written back thanking for the latter's greetings on Pakistan Day. Khan said, "The people of Pakistan also desire peaceful, cooperative relations with all neighbours, including India. We are convinced that durable peace and stability in South Asia is contingent upon resolving all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan, in particular the Jammu & Kashmir dispute." The PM also talked about the importance of creation of an enabling environment for a constructive and result-oriented dialogue. Prime Minister also looked to elaborate on the importance of the day by saying, "The people of Pakistan commemorate this Day by paying tribute to the wisdom and foresight of our founding fathers in envisioning an independent, sovereign state where they could live in freedom and realize their full potential." Prime Minister Imran Khan also took the opportunity to convey best wishes for the people of India in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier, Modi wrote a letter to Khan to extend greetings to the people of that country on the occasion of Pakistan Day. He also said, "As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative." Government sources said it is a routine letter sent every year. Modi also conveyed his best wishes to Khan and the people of Pakistan in dealing with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. There have been indications of positive movement in ties between India and Pakistan. Last month, the Indian and Pakistani armies recommitted themselves to the 2003 ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Recently, a delegation of Pakistani officials arrived in India for a meeting of the permanent Indus commission. It is the first such dialogue in over two-and-a-half years. (With inputs from agencies)

Letter diplomacy? Imran Khan writes back to PM Modi conveying gratitude

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday handed over a representational key of 109 life-saving ambulances to his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka.&nbsp;

During the delegation-level meeting, he also handed over a representational item to Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina as a symbol of India's gift of 1.2 million Covid vaccine doses.&nbsp;

"Relationship going from strength to strength! Prime Minister @narendramodi and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina discussed the progress achieved in areas of health, trade, connectivity, energy, developmental cooperation and many more," wrote the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Twitter.&nbsp;

"Reiterating the highest priority India attaches to Bangladesh under India's #NeighbourhoodFirst Policy! Prime Minister @narendramodi and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina are together for a bilateral meeting," the spokesperson wrote earlier.&nbsp;

Hasina presented a gold and a silver coin released on the occasion of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to PM Modi. She also handed over a silver coin released on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's Independence.&nbsp;

Along with that, an exchange of MoUs between India and Bangladesh also took place in the presence of the two leaders. Earlier today, the Prime Minister visited Orakandi Temple and addressed a gathering. "Both India and Bangladesh want to see the world progressing through their own progress. Both the nations want to see stability, love, and peace in the world instead of instability, terror and unrest," he said. &nbsp;

After delegation-level talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also called on Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister, who arrived in Bangladesh on Friday, is on a two-day visit to the neighbouring country. He also offered prayers at the Orakandi Temple located at Kashiani Upazila in the Gopalganj district of Bangladesh. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered prayers at the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Kali, Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Ishwaripur, a village in Shyam Nagar, Upazila of Satkhira. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, scattered across India and neighbouring countries. &nbsp;

The Prime Minister also informed that the Indian government will undertake the construction work of a multi-purpose community hall at Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple. &nbsp;

After that, he paid tribute to Bangladesh's 'Father of the Nation' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Mausoleum Complex, Tungipara. He signed the visitors' book and also planted samples at the complex. PM Modi was accompanied by his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina during his visit to the complex.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with several community leaders, including representatives of minorities in Bangladesh, mukhtijoddhas, friends of India and youth icons on the first day of his visit.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora as he marked his first foreign visit since the Covid-19 outbreak. Soon after he arrived in Dhaka, he visited the National Martyrs' Memorial (Jatiyo Sriti Shoudho), the National monument of Bangladesh to pay tributes to the valour and the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. He also planted a sapling of Arjun tree at the memorial premises and signed the visitor's book in the monument, MEA informed.&nbsp;

PM Modi's visit comes as Bangladesh is celebrating its 50th Independence Day and the centennial birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday handed over a representational key of 109 life-saving ambulances to his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka. During the delegation-level meeting, he also handed over a representational item to Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina as a symbol of India's gift of 1.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday handed over a representational key of 109 life-saving ambulances to his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka. During the delegation-level meeting, he also handed over a representational item to Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina as a symbol of India's gift of 1.2 million Covid vaccine doses. "Relationship going from strength to strength! Prime Minister @narendramodi and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina discussed the progress achieved in areas of health, trade, connectivity, energy, developmental cooperation and many more," wrote the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Twitter. "Reiterating the highest priority India attaches to Bangladesh under India's #NeighbourhoodFirst Policy! Prime Minister @narendramodi and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina are together for a bilateral meeting," the spokesperson wrote earlier. Hasina presented a gold and a silver coin released on the occasion of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to PM Modi. She also handed over a silver coin released on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's Independence. Along with that, an exchange of MoUs between India and Bangladesh also took place in the presence of the two leaders. Earlier today, the Prime Minister visited Orakandi Temple and addressed a gathering. "Both India and Bangladesh want to see the world progressing through their own progress. Both the nations want to see stability, love, and peace in the world instead of instability, terror and unrest," he said. After delegation-level talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also called on Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid. The Prime Minister, who arrived in Bangladesh on Friday, is on a two-day visit to the neighbouring country. He also offered prayers at the Orakandi Temple located at Kashiani Upazila in the Gopalganj district of Bangladesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered prayers at the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Kali, Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Ishwaripur, a village in Shyam Nagar, Upazila of Satkhira. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, scattered across India and neighbouring countries. The Prime Minister also informed that the Indian government will undertake the construction work of a multi-purpose community hall at Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple. After that, he paid tribute to Bangladesh's 'Father of the Nation' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Mausoleum Complex, Tungipara. He signed the visitors' book and also planted samples at the complex. PM Modi was accompanied by his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina during his visit to the complex. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with several community leaders, including representatives of minorities in Bangladesh, mukhtijoddhas, friends of India and youth icons on the first day of his visit. The Prime Minister received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora as he marked his first foreign visit since the Covid-19 outbreak. Soon after he arrived in Dhaka, he visited the National Martyrs' Memorial (Jatiyo Sriti Shoudho), the National monument of Bangladesh to pay tributes to the valour and the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. He also planted a sapling of Arjun tree at the memorial premises and signed the visitor's book in the monument, MEA informed. PM Modi's visit comes as Bangladesh is celebrating its 50th Independence Day and the centennial birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. (With inputs from agencies)

After exchanging MoUs, PM Modi hands over Covid-19 vaccines to Bangladesh  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that both India and Bangladesh want to see peace, stability, and love instead of instability, terror and unrest in the entire world.&nbsp;

Addressing the Matua community after visiting the Orakandi Temple, PM Modi, said, "Both India and Bangladesh want to see the world progressing through their own progress. Both the nations want to see stability, love, and peace in the world instead of instability, terror and unrest."&nbsp;

"During the coronavirus pandemic, India and Bangladesh have proven their capabilities. Today, both nations are facing this pandemic strongly and fighting it together. India is working by considering it its duty that 'Made in India' vaccine reaches the citizens of Bangladesh," he said.&nbsp;

Speaking about Harichand Thakur, also known as Sri Sri Harichand Thakur, who formed the Matua sect of Hindus, PM Modi said, "The life of Sri Sri Harichand Thakur has given the message of divine love, but also made us realise our duties. He told us that the struggle against oppression and misery is also cultivation." &nbsp;

"His successor, Sri Sri Guruchand Thakur has a huge role in bringing the teachings of Harichand Thakur to the people, uniting the Dalit-afflicted society. Guruchand ji gave us the formula of devotion, deed, and knowledge," he added.&nbsp;

"Our siblings of Matua community celebrate 'Baruni Snan Utsav' every year on the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Sri Sri Harichand Thakur. A large number of devotees from India come to Orakandi to participate in this festival," he added.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered prayers at the Orakandi Temple located at Kashiani Upazila in the Gopalganj district of Bangladesh. &nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi offered prayers at the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Kali, Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Ishwaripur, a village in Shyam Nagar, Upazila of Satkhira. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, scattered across India and neighbouring countries.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also informed that the Indian government will undertake the construction work of a multi-purpose community hall at Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple.&nbsp;

After that, he paid tribute to Bangladesh's 'Father of the Nation' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Mausoleum Complex, Tungipara. He signed the visitors' book and also planted samples at the complex. PM Modi was accompanied by his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina during his visit to the complex. &nbsp;

Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi will hold talks with Sheikh Hasina and they are likely to sign few key pacts. Thereafter, he will call on Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid. This is Prime Minister Modi's first foreign trip since the Covid-19 outbreak last year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that both India and Bangladesh want to see peace, stability, and love instead of instability, terror and unrest in the entire world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that both India and Bangladesh want to see peace, stability, and love instead of instability, terror and unrest in the entire world. Addressing the Matua community after visiting the Orakandi Temple, PM Modi, said, "Both India and Bangladesh want to see the world progressing through their own progress. Both the nations want to see stability, love, and peace in the world instead of instability, terror and unrest." "During the coronavirus pandemic, India and Bangladesh have proven their capabilities. Today, both nations are facing this pandemic strongly and fighting it together. India is working by considering it its duty that 'Made in India' vaccine reaches the citizens of Bangladesh," he said. Speaking about Harichand Thakur, also known as Sri Sri Harichand Thakur, who formed the Matua sect of Hindus, PM Modi said, "The life of Sri Sri Harichand Thakur has given the message of divine love, but also made us realise our duties. He told us that the struggle against oppression and misery is also cultivation." "His successor, Sri Sri Guruchand Thakur has a huge role in bringing the teachings of Harichand Thakur to the people, uniting the Dalit-afflicted society. Guruchand ji gave us the formula of devotion, deed, and knowledge," he added. "Our siblings of Matua community celebrate 'Baruni Snan Utsav' every year on the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Sri Sri Harichand Thakur. A large number of devotees from India come to Orakandi to participate in this festival," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered prayers at the Orakandi Temple located at Kashiani Upazila in the Gopalganj district of Bangladesh. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi offered prayers at the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Kali, Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Ishwaripur, a village in Shyam Nagar, Upazila of Satkhira. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, scattered across India and neighbouring countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also informed that the Indian government will undertake the construction work of a multi-purpose community hall at Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple. After that, he paid tribute to Bangladesh's 'Father of the Nation' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Mausoleum Complex, Tungipara. He signed the visitors' book and also planted samples at the complex. PM Modi was accompanied by his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina during his visit to the complex. Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi will hold talks with Sheikh Hasina and they are likely to sign few key pacts. Thereafter, he will call on Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid. This is Prime Minister Modi's first foreign trip since the Covid-19 outbreak last year. (With inputs from agencies)

India, Bangladesh want to see peace, stability, love in entire world: Modi 

The streets of Dhaka are lined up with pictures of its father of the nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, even as the mood in Dhaka is celebratory as the country marks its 50th Independence anniversary.

In a few days, India's&nbsp;prime minister Narendra Modi will be in the city for a two-day visit. Upon landing in Dhaka on Friday,&nbsp;he will be welcomed by the Bangladesh PM herself at the Hazrat Shahjalal International airport.&nbsp;

It will be followed by a visit to the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar where Modi will pay tributes to those who made sacrifices for the liberation of Bangladesh 50 years ago. India is celebrating its own Swarnim Vijay Varsh to recall the 1971 war with Pakistan —&nbsp;one that lead to the creation of the modern state of Bangladesh.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/prime-minister-narendra-modi-to-interact-with-matua-community-372664" hreflang="en">Prime Minister Narendra Modi to interact with Matua Community</a>

PM Modi will be the chief guest at the country's 50th independence day celebration at the National Parade Ground and Bangabandhu International Conference on Friday.

This year is a significant year for the country as it not only celebrates 50 years of independence but also the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation — Mujib Borsho.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/george-harrison-ravi-shankar-concert-for-bangladesh-where-history-was-made-in-music-372520" hreflang="en">George Harrison-Ravi Shankar Concert for Bangladesh: Where history was made in music</a>

The visit of the Indian PM will be historic, given that he will go beyond the capital to three other important places. His first stop will be the Jeshoreshwari temple in Ishwaripur, a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali and one of the shaktipiths of Hindu religion.

He will then move on to Tungipara to pay homage at Bangabandhu Mausoleum — the birthplace of the father of Bangladesh. Finally, he will visit a Thakurbari in Orakandi, which is the birthplace of the Harichand Thakur who formed the Matua sect. Matuas, migrated from Bangladesh to West Bengal and can decide influence polling in 70 assembly constituencies in the Indian state that goes to polls. The key demands of Matuas are citizenship and that is linked to CAA law, a key law passed under the ruling BJP government.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sheikh-mujibur-rahman-one-of-the-greatest-leaders-of-subcontinent-says-pm-modi-372406" hreflang="en">Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, one of the greatest leaders of subcontinent says PM Modi</a>

Ties between the two countries have been on an upswing and undergoing what the two sides have been calling 'Shonar Adhya'&nbsp;(or golden phase).

Indian Prime Minister had last visited Dhaka in 2015. Since then, both sides have increased engagement in various ways. In December, the two countries organised&nbsp;a virtual summit, during which the key focus was connectivity with the opening of the Haldibari-Chilahati rail link connecting Bangladesh with the Indian state of West Bengal.

Five out of pre-1965 six rail links have been revived. Bangladesh, in this region, has got the maximum number of India-made vaccines. Bangladesh has got 9,000,000&nbsp;doses of India-made COVID-19 vaccines, 7,000,000 commercially and 2,000,000 as a gift.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/readymade-in-bangladesh-a-future-proof-success-story-in-textiles-372290" hreflang="en">Readymade in Bangladesh: A future-proof success story in textiles</a>

Ahead of the visit of the Indian Prime minister, EAM Jaishankar had visited the country to lay the ground for PM's&nbsp;visit.

PM Modi was initially expected to visit Dhaka last year in March, but the plan was scrapped due to the coronavirus pandemic. This is the first visit of PM Modi amid the pandemic and one that will be a packed one. PM Modi last traveled abroad in November 2019.&nbsp;

Bangladesh is abuzz with activity since last fortnight as the country celebrates its 50th Independence year. It saw the visit of Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa, Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Bhutan's PM Lotay Tsering. The celebration will culminate with the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 26 and 27.

The streets of Dhaka are lined up with pictures of its father of the nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, even as the mood in Dhaka is celebratory as the country marks its 50th Independence anniversary.

The streets of Dhaka are lined up with pictures of its father of the nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, even as the mood in Dhaka is celebratory as the country marks its 50th Independence anniversary. In a few days, India's prime minister Narendra Modi will be in the city for a two-day visit. Upon landing in Dhaka on Friday, he will be welcomed by the Bangladesh PM herself at the Hazrat Shahjalal International airport. It will be followed by a visit to the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar where Modi will pay tributes to those who made sacrifices for the liberation of Bangladesh 50 years ago. India is celebrating its own Swarnim Vijay Varsh to recall the 1971 war with Pakistan — one that lead to the creation of the modern state of Bangladesh. Also read | Prime Minister Narendra Modi to interact with Matua Community PM Modi will be the chief guest at the country's 50th independence day celebration at the National Parade Ground and Bangabandhu International Conference on Friday. This year is a significant year for the country as it not only celebrates 50 years of independence but also the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation — Mujib Borsho. Also read | George Harrison-Ravi Shankar Concert for Bangladesh: Where history was made in music The visit of the Indian PM will be historic, given that he will go beyond the capital to three other important places. His first stop will be the Jeshoreshwari temple in Ishwaripur, a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali and one of the shaktipiths of Hindu religion. He will then move on to Tungipara to pay homage at Bangabandhu Mausoleum — the birthplace of the father of Bangladesh. Finally, he will visit a Thakurbari in Orakandi, which is the birthplace of the Harichand Thakur who formed the Matua sect. Matuas, migrated from Bangladesh to West Bengal and can decide influence polling in 70 assembly constituencies in the Indian state that goes to polls. The key demands of Matuas are citizenship and that is linked to CAA law, a key law passed under the ruling BJP government. Also read | Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, one of the greatest leaders of subcontinent says PM Modi Ties between the two countries have been on an upswing and undergoing what the two sides have been calling 'Shonar Adhya' (or golden phase). Indian Prime Minister had last visited Dhaka in 2015. Since then, both sides have increased engagement in various ways. In December, the two countries organised a virtual summit, during which the key focus was connectivity with the opening of the Haldibari-Chilahati rail link connecting Bangladesh with the Indian state of West Bengal. Five out of pre-1965 six rail links have been revived. Bangladesh, in this region, has got the maximum number of India-made vaccines. Bangladesh has got 9,000,000 doses of India-made COVID-19 vaccines, 7,000,000 commercially and 2,000,000 as a gift. Also read | Readymade in Bangladesh: A future-proof success story in textiles Ahead of the visit of the Indian Prime minister, EAM Jaishankar had visited the country to lay the ground for PM's visit. PM Modi was initially expected to visit Dhaka last year in March, but the plan was scrapped due to the coronavirus pandemic. This is the first visit of PM Modi amid the pandemic and one that will be a packed one. PM Modi last traveled abroad in November 2019. Bangladesh is abuzz with activity since last fortnight as the country celebrates its 50th Independence year. It saw the visit of Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa, Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Bhutan's PM Lotay Tsering. The celebration will culminate with the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 26 and 27.

Dhaka abuzz with activity ahead of PM Modi's visit; focus on Matua community,  Shakti Peeth

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a letter to his Pakistani counterpart, Imran Khan, on the occasion of "Pakistan Day".

Pakistan Day is celebrated to mark the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940 when the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate nation for the Muslims of India.

"India desires cordial relations with Pakistan but an atmosphere of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is 'imperative' for it," Modi said in his letter to Khan.

Modi also extended greetings to the people of that country on the occasion of Pakistan Day.

"As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative," he said.

This reportedly is a routine letter sent every year.

Modi also conveyed his best wishes to Khan and the people of Pakistan in dealing with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

It is learnt that a separate message was sent by President Ram Nath Kovind to his Pakistani counterpart Arif Alvi.&nbsp;

Last month, the Indian and Pakistani armies recommitted themselves to the 2003 ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. 
On Monday, a delegation of Pakistani officials arrived in India for a meeting of the permanent Indus commission. It is the first such dialogue in over two-and-a-half years.

Last week, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said India desires good neighbourly ties with Pakistan and is committed to addressing issues, if any, bilaterally but added that any meaningful dialogue can only be held in a conducive atmosphere. He said the onus is on Islamabad to create such an atmosphere.

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 2019.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a letter to his Pakistani counterpart, Imran Khan, on the occasion of "Pakistan Day". Pakistan Day is celebrated to mark the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940 when the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate nation for the Muslims of India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a letter to his Pakistani counterpart, Imran Khan, on the occasion of "Pakistan Day". Pakistan Day is celebrated to mark the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940 when the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate nation for the Muslims of India. "India desires cordial relations with Pakistan but an atmosphere of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is 'imperative' for it," Modi said in his letter to Khan. Modi also extended greetings to the people of that country on the occasion of Pakistan Day. "As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative," he said. This reportedly is a routine letter sent every year. Modi also conveyed his best wishes to Khan and the people of Pakistan in dealing with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. It is learnt that a separate message was sent by President Ram Nath Kovind to his Pakistani counterpart Arif Alvi. Last month, the Indian and Pakistani armies recommitted themselves to the 2003 ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. On Monday, a delegation of Pakistani officials arrived in India for a meeting of the permanent Indus commission. It is the first such dialogue in over two-and-a-half years. Last week, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said India desires good neighbourly ties with Pakistan and is committed to addressing issues, if any, bilaterally but added that any meaningful dialogue can only be held in a conducive atmosphere. He said the onus is on Islamabad to create such an atmosphere. 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 2019.

PM Modi writes letter to Imran Khan; greets people of Pak on Pakistan Day

Khadi "Mujeeb Jackets" will be the centre of attraction during Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s two-day visit to Dhaka next week with dignitaries at the Indian High Commission wearing the signature garment honouring Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh`s Father of the Nation. 
 
The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has supplied 100 such custom-designed "Mujeeb Jackets" to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. 
 
The garment will be the key attire of dignitaries during Prime Minister Modi`s diplomatic visit to the nation on March 26-27. 
 
"As Bangladesh celebrates `Mujib Borsho`, the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Cultural Centre of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, had placed an order for 100 Mujeeb Jackets, ahead of the Prime Minister`s visit," KVIC Chairman, Vinai Kumar Saxena said. 
 
The "Mujeeb jacket" is an immensely popular outfit in Bangladesh. 
 
For the older generation, it is symbolic of the ideology of their great leader, while it has increasingly become a fashion statement for the youth of Bangladesh. 
 
Modi has always been particular about Khadi and its heritage and cultural value to strengthen diplomatic ties with foreign countries. 
 
In 2016, the BRICS leaders, which also includes Modi, had attended the summit in Khadi jackets in Goa. 
 
"The Prime Minister always accorded top priority to Khadi during his diplomatic visits. This is to carry forward the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi who always carried Khadi products specially a Khadi handkerchief with him and presented it to dignitaries during his foreign visits," Saxena said. 
 
The specially designed "Mujeeb Jackets" have been made of high-quality handcrafted Khadi fabric. The black Mujeeb Jackets have been designed with six buttons, two pockets on the lower half and a front pocket on the left, as worn by Rahman. 
 
In keeping with the eco-friendly nature of the fabric, the zip-covers for these jackets too have been made of black cotton fabric with "Khadi India" logo embroidered over it. 
 
These jackets will be carried in specially designed white coloured waste plastic-mixed carry bags made at KVIC`s Kumarappa National Handmade Paper Institute (KNHPI) in Jaipur. 
 
"Mujeeb Jacket" is historically significant in Bangladesh and it is a matter of great pride that these jackets made of Khadi fabric be adorned during the Bangladesh visit of Prime Minister Modi who is the biggest brand ambassador of Khadi, Saxena said. 
 
"Mujeeb jackets made of Khadi will add significantly to the historical and cultural values of the celebrations," he said, adding, this will also promote Khadi on the global and diplomatic platform in a big way. 
 
Since the jackets were meant for diplomatic purposes, KVIC accorded top priority to it and delivered the consignment before time. 
 
Earlier KVIC sent its high-quality cotton and silk masks to various countries.

Khadi "Mujeeb Jackets" will be the centre of attraction during Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s two-day visit to Dhaka next week with dignitaries at the Indian High Commission wearing the signature garment honouring Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh`s Father of the Nation.

Khadi "Mujeeb Jackets" will be the centre of attraction during Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s two-day visit to Dhaka next week with dignitaries at the Indian High Commission wearing the signature garment honouring Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh`s Father of the Nation. The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has supplied 100 such custom-designed "Mujeeb Jackets" to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. The garment will be the key attire of dignitaries during Prime Minister Modi`s diplomatic visit to the nation on March 26-27. "As Bangladesh celebrates `Mujib Borsho`, the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Cultural Centre of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, had placed an order for 100 Mujeeb Jackets, ahead of the Prime Minister`s visit," KVIC Chairman, Vinai Kumar Saxena said. The "Mujeeb jacket" is an immensely popular outfit in Bangladesh. For the older generation, it is symbolic of the ideology of their great leader, while it has increasingly become a fashion statement for the youth of Bangladesh. Modi has always been particular about Khadi and its heritage and cultural value to strengthen diplomatic ties with foreign countries. In 2016, the BRICS leaders, which also includes Modi, had attended the summit in Khadi jackets in Goa. "The Prime Minister always accorded top priority to Khadi during his diplomatic visits. This is to carry forward the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi who always carried Khadi products specially a Khadi handkerchief with him and presented it to dignitaries during his foreign visits," Saxena said. The specially designed "Mujeeb Jackets" have been made of high-quality handcrafted Khadi fabric. The black Mujeeb Jackets have been designed with six buttons, two pockets on the lower half and a front pocket on the left, as worn by Rahman. In keeping with the eco-friendly nature of the fabric, the zip-covers for these jackets too have been made of black cotton fabric with "Khadi India" logo embroidered over it. These jackets will be carried in specially designed white coloured waste plastic-mixed carry bags made at KVIC`s Kumarappa National Handmade Paper Institute (KNHPI) in Jaipur. "Mujeeb Jacket" is historically significant in Bangladesh and it is a matter of great pride that these jackets made of Khadi fabric be adorned during the Bangladesh visit of Prime Minister Modi who is the biggest brand ambassador of Khadi, Saxena said. "Mujeeb jackets made of Khadi will add significantly to the historical and cultural values of the celebrations," he said, adding, this will also promote Khadi on the global and diplomatic platform in a big way. Since the jackets were meant for diplomatic purposes, KVIC accorded top priority to it and delivered the consignment before time. Earlier KVIC sent its high-quality cotton and silk masks to various countries.

Khadi 'Mujeeb Jackets' to add sheen during Modi's Bangladesh visit

Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen will be visiting New Delhi next month and will be the first head of government to visit India amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She is expected to visit&nbsp;around March 15.

There has been significant outreach from New Delhi to Nordic countries. Last year saw a virtual summit between Denmark's PM and Indian Prime Minister Narendra&nbsp;Modi, which was the first such summit between the two countries.

India and Denmark have a unique "Green Strategic Partnership" that will see both sides focus&nbsp;on "green and climate-friendly technologies", said a joint statement released after the September virtual summit.

Interestingly, the Indian prime minister will be travelling to Denmark later this year for the second India-Nordic summit. The last such summit was in 2018 in Stockholm. Around 200 Danish companies have invested in India in sectors such as shipping, renewable energy, environment, agriculture, food processing and smart urban development. Around 25 Indian companies are present in Denmark in IT, renewable energy and engineering.

So far, India has held a virtual summit with three Nordic countries:&nbsp;Denmark, Sweden and Finland. During these summits, a number of issues like technology, clean energy and COVID-19 pandemic were discussed.

During the India-Sweden virtual summit, Sweden's PM Stefan Löfven said, "India and EU as democratic superpowers" and "we join forces, to build back more inclusive societies, it is more important than ever to reaffirm our shared values and mutual commitment to democracy, rule of law, gender equality, human rights and fundamental rights". Both Denmark and Sweden have joined India's International Solar Alliance (ISA).

While there have been visits during the pandemic&nbsp;- both incoming and outcoming at foreign ministers' level, no head of state or government has visited so far.

The last visit to India from a&nbsp;head of state was in February, when the then Myanmar President U Win Myint had visited the country, during which he travelled to Agra and Bodh Gaya.

Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen will be visiting New Delhi next month and will be the first head of government to visit India amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen will be visiting New Delhi next month and will be the first head of government to visit India amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She is expected to visit around March 15. There has been significant outreach from New Delhi to Nordic countries. Last year saw a virtual summit between Denmark's PM and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which was the first such summit between the two countries. India and Denmark have a unique "Green Strategic Partnership" that will see both sides focus on "green and climate-friendly technologies", said a joint statement released after the September virtual summit. Interestingly, the Indian prime minister will be travelling to Denmark later this year for the second India-Nordic summit. The last such summit was in 2018 in Stockholm. Around 200 Danish companies have invested in India in sectors such as shipping, renewable energy, environment, agriculture, food processing and smart urban development. Around 25 Indian companies are present in Denmark in IT, renewable energy and engineering. So far, India has held a virtual summit with three Nordic countries: Denmark, Sweden and Finland. During these summits, a number of issues like technology, clean energy and COVID-19 pandemic were discussed. During the India-Sweden virtual summit, Sweden's PM Stefan Löfven said, "India and EU as democratic superpowers" and "we join forces, to build back more inclusive societies, it is more important than ever to reaffirm our shared values and mutual commitment to democracy, rule of law, gender equality, human rights and fundamental rights". Both Denmark and Sweden have joined India's International Solar Alliance (ISA). While there have been visits during the pandemic - both incoming and outcoming at foreign ministers' level, no head of state or government has visited so far. The last visit to India from a head of state was in February, when the then Myanmar President U Win Myint had visited the country, during which he travelled to Agra and Bodh Gaya.

Nordic outreach: Denmark PM to be first head of government to visit India amid COVID-19 crisis

Several world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and heads of state and government from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives, are set to visit Bangladesh later this month to participate in the grand celebrations to mark the golden jubilee of the country's independence from Pakistan.&nbsp;

The golden jubilee celebrations to be held from March 17-27 to mark the country's independence from Pakistan after the 1971 Liberation War also coincides with the birth centenary of Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi and four heads of state and government from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives will be among the distinguished foreign guests to join the celebrations under separate schedules, Bangladesh government's principal information officer Surath Kumar Sarkar said.&nbsp;

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will be the first top foreign dignitary to arrive on a three-day tour on March 17, followed by Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on March 19 on a two-day tour.&nbsp;

Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari will be in Dhaka on a two-day tour from March 22 while Bhutanese premier Lotay Tshering will visit the country on March 24 and 25.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi will arrive on March 26 on a two-day visit and will join the main Independence Day celebrations that also marks 50 years of Bangladesh-India diplomatic relations.&nbsp;

The foreign heads of state and government will join separately as part of the celebrations while Modi's visit would be an extended one which would take him to three places outside Dhaka, Sarkar said.&nbsp;

Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen, in a media briefing, said Prime Minister Hasina would hold talks with all the visiting heads of state and government, "but the main thrust of their tours was to join our celebrations".&nbsp;

The talks between Hasina and the visiting South Asian leaders are expected to yield several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Several world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and heads of state and government from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives, are set to visit Bangladesh later this month to participate in the grand celebrations to mark the golden jubilee of the country's independence from Pakistan.

Several world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and heads of state and government from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives, are set to visit Bangladesh later this month to participate in the grand celebrations to mark the golden jubilee of the country's independence from Pakistan. The golden jubilee celebrations to be held from March 17-27 to mark the country's independence from Pakistan after the 1971 Liberation War also coincides with the birth centenary of Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Prime Minister Modi and four heads of state and government from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives will be among the distinguished foreign guests to join the celebrations under separate schedules, Bangladesh government's principal information officer Surath Kumar Sarkar said. Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will be the first top foreign dignitary to arrive on a three-day tour on March 17, followed by Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on March 19 on a two-day tour. Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari will be in Dhaka on a two-day tour from March 22 while Bhutanese premier Lotay Tshering will visit the country on March 24 and 25. Prime Minister Modi will arrive on March 26 on a two-day visit and will join the main Independence Day celebrations that also marks 50 years of Bangladesh-India diplomatic relations. The foreign heads of state and government will join separately as part of the celebrations while Modi's visit would be an extended one which would take him to three places outside Dhaka, Sarkar said. Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen, in a media briefing, said Prime Minister Hasina would hold talks with all the visiting heads of state and government, "but the main thrust of their tours was to join our celebrations". The talks between Hasina and the visiting South Asian leaders are expected to yield several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi, Solih, Rajapaksa to attend Bangladesh independence's 50th anniv

Noting that Quadrilateral Security Dialogue has come of age, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Quad countries will work together closer than ever before for promoting "a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific" and Quad will now remain an important pillar of stability in the region.

Addressing the first summit meeting of Quad countries being held virtually, PM Modi said the agenda of the meeting makes it a force for global good.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-pm-modi-says-quad-force-of-global-good-as-first-ever-summit-begins-369981" hreflang="en">LIVE: PM Modi says Quad 'force of global good' as first-ever summit begins</a></h2>

He said Quad countries are united by democratic values and commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

"I thank President Biden for this initiative. We are united by democratic values and our commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Our agenda today - covering areas like vaccines, climate change and emerging technologies - makes the Quad a force for global good," he said.

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Speaking at the First Quad Leaders’ Virtual Summit. <a href="https://t.co/Ypom6buHxS">https://t.co/Ypom6buHxS</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1370368686402330627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"I see this positive vision as an extension of India`s ancient philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which regards the world as one family. We will work together, closer than ever before for advancing our shared values and promoting a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Today's meeting shows that Quad has come of age. It will now remain an important pillar of stability in the region," he added.

Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) includes India, Japan, Australia and the United States of America.&nbsp;

Noting that Quadrilateral Security Dialogue has come of age, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Quad countries will work together closer than ever before for promoting "a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific" and Quad will now remain an important pillar of stability in the region.

Noting that Quadrilateral Security Dialogue has come of age, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Quad countries will work together closer than ever before for promoting "a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific" and Quad will now remain an important pillar of stability in the region. Addressing the first summit meeting of Quad countries being held virtually, PM Modi said the agenda of the meeting makes it a force for global good. LIVE: PM Modi says Quad 'force of global good' as first-ever summit begins He said Quad countries are united by democratic values and commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. "I thank President Biden for this initiative. We are united by democratic values and our commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Our agenda today - covering areas like vaccines, climate change and emerging technologies - makes the Quad a force for global good," he said. Speaking at the First Quad Leaders’ Virtual Summit. https://t.co/Ypom6buHxS — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 12, 2021 × "I see this positive vision as an extension of India`s ancient philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which regards the world as one family. We will work together, closer than ever before for advancing our shared values and promoting a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Today's meeting shows that Quad has come of age. It will now remain an important pillar of stability in the region," he added. Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) includes India, Japan, Australia and the United States of America.

Quad an important pillar of stability in Indo-Pacific region: PM Modi

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is facing a massive online backlash after a caller on a radio show made controversial remarks about the mother of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

BBC Asian Network's ‘Big Debate’ show roped in callers for discussion&nbsp;about the ongoing farmers' protest in the national capital. During the course of the show, one of the callers, identified only as 'Simon', went on a rant.

The host of the show tried to bring the conversation back to the topic under discussion, but it was too late as the remarks had already reached thousands of listeners.

Listeners slammed the radio show host as well as the broadcaster for not objecting to the comment and allowing it to be aired.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="BBC" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5884befc-e714-46b9-a779-54e2f0024516" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Modi_2.JPG" />

Soon, Twitter was abuzz with the hashtag #BoycottBBC becoming the top trend in India on Wednesday, with more than 100,000 tweets.

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Absolutely abhorrent language 😠
— ajay jobanputra (@jobanputra_ajay) <a href="https://twitter.com/jobanputra_ajay/status/1366842302694580224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Several leaders of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also tweeted, demanding a 'boycott' of BBC.

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Not Only <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoycottBBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoycottBBC</a> . 
 
Its Time To <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BanBBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BanBBC</a>
— Arun Yadav (@beingarun28) <a href="https://twitter.com/beingarun28/status/1367042626617176065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is facing a massive online backlash after a caller on a radio show made controversial remarks about the mother of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is facing a massive online backlash after a caller on a radio show made controversial remarks about the mother of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. BBC Asian Network's ‘Big Debate’ show roped in callers for discussion about the ongoing farmers' protest in the national capital. During the course of the show, one of the callers, identified only as 'Simon', went on a rant. The host of the show tried to bring the conversation back to the topic under discussion, but it was too late as the remarks had already reached thousands of listeners. Listeners slammed the radio show host as well as the broadcaster for not objecting to the comment and allowing it to be aired. Soon, Twitter was abuzz with the hashtag #BoycottBBC becoming the top trend in India on Wednesday, with more than 100,000 tweets. Absolutely abhorrent language 😠 — ajay jobanputra (@jobanputra_ajay) March 2, 2021 × Several leaders of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also tweeted, demanding a 'boycott' of BBC. Not Only #BoycottBBC . Its Time To #BanBBC — Arun Yadav (@beingarun28) March 3, 2021 × (With inputs from agencies)

Online backlash over BBC radio show caller’s rant against Indian PM’s mother

Leading the way: Politicians, Sportsperson and movie stars get vaccinated in India

On the occasion of National Science Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday gave a clarion call for `Lab to Land` to move science forward, noting its power in the `Aatmanirbhar Bharat` campaign.

When we talk of science, the Prime Minister said, many a time people restrict it to physics-chemistry or labs, but the spread of science is much more than that.

"And there is a lot of contribution of the power of science in the `Aatmanirbhar Bharat` campaign. We have to move science forward with the mantra of `Lab to Land`," the Prime Minister said while addressing his monthly radio programme `Mann Ki Baat`.

Reminding that Sunday happens to be the National Science Day` too, Modi said the day is dedicated to the discovery of `Raman Effect` by the great scientist Dr C.V. Raman.

The Prime Minister said the way we know of other scientists of the world, in the same way we should also know about the scientists of India.

Speaking about self-reliance, Modi said the first condition for the goal is to have pride in the things of one`s own country, to take pride in the things made by people of one`s own country.

"When every countryman takes pride, every countryman connects. Self-reliant India doesn`t remain just an economic campaign but becomes a national spirit when we see fighter plane `Tejas` made in our own country doing acrobatics in the sky, when Made-in-India tanks, Made-in-India missiles swell our pride, when we see Made-in-India coaches in Metro trains in wealthy and advanced nations, when we see Made-in-India Covid vaccines reaching dozens of countries, then our heads rise higher. And it is not that only bigger things will make India self-reliant."

"Textiles made in India, handicraft goods made by talented artisans of India, electronic appliances of India, mobiles of India, in every field we have to increase this pride. When we move forward with this thought, only then will we become self-reliant in the truest sense. I am happy that this mantra of self-reliant India is reaching the villages of the country. This very thing happened in Bettiah, about which I got to read in the media."

On the occasion of National Science Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday gave a clarion call for `Lab to Land` to move science forward, noting its power in the `Aatmanirbhar Bharat` campaign.

On the occasion of National Science Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday gave a clarion call for `Lab to Land` to move science forward, noting its power in the `Aatmanirbhar Bharat` campaign. When we talk of science, the Prime Minister said, many a time people restrict it to physics-chemistry or labs, but the spread of science is much more than that. "And there is a lot of contribution of the power of science in the `Aatmanirbhar Bharat` campaign. We have to move science forward with the mantra of `Lab to Land`," the Prime Minister said while addressing his monthly radio programme `Mann Ki Baat`. Reminding that Sunday happens to be the National Science Day` too, Modi said the day is dedicated to the discovery of `Raman Effect` by the great scientist Dr C.V. Raman. The Prime Minister said the way we know of other scientists of the world, in the same way we should also know about the scientists of India. Speaking about self-reliance, Modi said the first condition for the goal is to have pride in the things of one`s own country, to take pride in the things made by people of one`s own country. "When every countryman takes pride, every countryman connects. Self-reliant India doesn`t remain just an economic campaign but becomes a national spirit when we see fighter plane `Tejas` made in our own country doing acrobatics in the sky, when Made-in-India tanks, Made-in-India missiles swell our pride, when we see Made-in-India coaches in Metro trains in wealthy and advanced nations, when we see Made-in-India Covid vaccines reaching dozens of countries, then our heads rise higher. And it is not that only bigger things will make India self-reliant." "Textiles made in India, handicraft goods made by talented artisans of India, electronic appliances of India, mobiles of India, in every field we have to increase this pride. When we move forward with this thought, only then will we become self-reliant in the truest sense. I am happy that this mantra of self-reliant India is reaching the villages of the country. This very thing happened in Bettiah, about which I got to read in the media."

Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi calls for 'Lab to Land' to take science ahead

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the motto of his government is to "monetise and modernise", reiterating the government's commitment towards privatisation of PSUs and asset monetisation.

The government has an ambitious plan to monetise around 100 government-owned assets as part of the monetisation plan, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he spoke about various reforms undertaken in the Union Budget.

"With this the government will be aiming to achieve Rs 2.5 trillion investment, we are going ahead with the mantra of monetise and modernise," Modi said.

Speaking at a webinar on privatisation by the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), Modi said state-owned companies in four strategic sectors will be kept at bare minimum and that the government is committed to privatising PSUs in all sectors barring four strategic ones.

Further, Modi urged for feedback on the privatisation and monetisation initiative for swift implementation.

Outlining the government focus going forward, Modi said that the government is working on Rs 111 trillion national infrastructure pipeline (NIP) fund.

"The government has no business to be in business. When government monetises, that space is filled by private sector of the country. Private sector brings investment and best global practices with them," he said.

Modi said that the public sector enterprises are loss-making and several of them need the support of public money and that they should not be run because they were started many years ago and were someone's pet project.

"The Budget has given a clear roadmap to take India to a high growth trajectory," Modi said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the motto of his government is to "monetise and modernise", reiterating the government's commitment towards privatisation of PSUs and asset monetisation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the motto of his government is to "monetise and modernise", reiterating the government's commitment towards privatisation of PSUs and asset monetisation. The government has an ambitious plan to monetise around 100 government-owned assets as part of the monetisation plan, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he spoke about various reforms undertaken in the Union Budget. "With this the government will be aiming to achieve Rs 2.5 trillion investment, we are going ahead with the mantra of monetise and modernise," Modi said. Speaking at a webinar on privatisation by the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), Modi said state-owned companies in four strategic sectors will be kept at bare minimum and that the government is committed to privatising PSUs in all sectors barring four strategic ones. Further, Modi urged for feedback on the privatisation and monetisation initiative for swift implementation. Outlining the government focus going forward, Modi said that the government is working on Rs 111 trillion national infrastructure pipeline (NIP) fund. "The government has no business to be in business. When government monetises, that space is filled by private sector of the country. Private sector brings investment and best global practices with them," he said. Modi said that the public sector enterprises are loss-making and several of them need the support of public money and that they should not be run because they were started many years ago and were someone's pet project. "The Budget has given a clear roadmap to take India to a high growth trajectory," Modi said. (With inputs from agencies)

Centre plans to privatise PSUs in all sectors barring 4 strategic ones: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed his condolences for the loss of lives in a road mishap in Andhra Pradesh`s Kurnool district and wished a speedy recovery for the people injured in the accident.

"The road accident in Andhra Pradesh`s Kurnool district is saddening. In this hour of sadness, my thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones. I hope that the injured recover at the earliest," the Prime Minister tweeted today.

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The road accident in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district is saddening. In this hour of sadness, my thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones. I hope that the injured recover at the earliest: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1360816753140510721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In a major road accident, 13 persons were killed and four were injured in a collision between a bus and a truck in the district on Sunday.

The incident took place at 3.30 am near Madarpur village in Veldurti Mandal of Kurnool district. Earlier today, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy had expressed deep sorrow for the loss of human life in the road mishap.

The Chief Minister instructed the concerned officials to expedite relief work and medical help, conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family members, and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.

The injured are undergoing treatment at Kurnool Government General Hospital, the police had said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed his condolences for the loss of lives in a road mishap in Andhra Pradesh`s Kurnool district and wished a speedy recovery for the people injured in the accident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed his condolences for the loss of lives in a road mishap in Andhra Pradesh`s Kurnool district and wished a speedy recovery for the people injured in the accident. "The road accident in Andhra Pradesh`s Kurnool district is saddening. In this hour of sadness, my thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones. I hope that the injured recover at the earliest," the Prime Minister tweeted today. The road accident in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district is saddening. In this hour of sadness, my thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones. I hope that the injured recover at the earliest: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 14, 2021 × In a major road accident, 13 persons were killed and four were injured in a collision between a bus and a truck in the district on Sunday. The incident took place at 3.30 am near Madarpur village in Veldurti Mandal of Kurnool district. Earlier today, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy had expressed deep sorrow for the loss of human life in the road mishap. The Chief Minister instructed the concerned officials to expedite relief work and medical help, conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family members, and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. The injured are undergoing treatment at Kurnool Government General Hospital, the police had said.

PM Modi condoles loss of lives in road accident in Andhra's Kurnool

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday took to Twitter to share a sky-view image of the Chepauk Stadium where the Test match between India and England is on.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravi-ashwin-overtakes-harbhajan-singh-in-elite-list-after-dismissing-ben-stokes-363543" hreflang="en">Ravi Ashwin overtakes Harbhajan Singh in elite list after dismissing Ben Stokes</a>

PM Modi arrived in Chennai to launch various government programmes in Tamil Nadu, including the hand over of the indigenously developed Arjun Main Battle Tank (Mark 1A) tanks to Army Chief General MM Naravane.&nbsp;

After the event, Narendra Modi shared an image on social media which showed the aerial view of the Chepauk Stadium to which the Indian PM wrote: "Caught a fleeting view of an interesting test match in Chennai."&nbsp;

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Caught a fleeting view of an interesting test match in Chennai. 🏏 🇮🇳 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 <a href="https://t.co/3fqWCgywhk">pic.twitter.com/3fqWCgywhk</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1360872166175113217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/probably-in-the-next-tier-alastair-cook-lauds-rohit-sharmas-aggressive-knock-363524" hreflang="en">'Probably in the next tier': Alastair Cook lauds Rohit Sharma's aggressive knock</a>

India are on top in the match against England as the visitors are down to 106 for 8 before Tea on Day 2. England trails by 223 runs to India. Ravichandran Ashwin scalped four wickets, with Axar removing two and Siraj, Ishant sharing a man each.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday took to Twitter to share a sky-view image of the Chepauk Stadium where the Test match between India and England is on.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday took to Twitter to share a sky-view image of the Chepauk Stadium where the Test match between India and England is on. ALSO READ: Ravi Ashwin overtakes Harbhajan Singh in elite list after dismissing Ben Stokes PM Modi arrived in Chennai to launch various government programmes in Tamil Nadu, including the hand over of the indigenously developed Arjun Main Battle Tank (Mark 1A) tanks to Army Chief General MM Naravane. After the event, Narendra Modi shared an image on social media which showed the aerial view of the Chepauk Stadium to which the Indian PM wrote: "Caught a fleeting view of an interesting test match in Chennai." Caught a fleeting view of an interesting test match in Chennai. 🏏 🇮🇳 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/3fqWCgywhk — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2021 × ALSO READ: 'Probably in the next tier': Alastair Cook lauds Rohit Sharma's aggressive knock India are on top in the match against England as the visitors are down to 106 for 8 before Tea on Day 2. England trails by 223 runs to India. Ravichandran Ashwin scalped four wickets, with Axar removing two and Siraj, Ishant sharing a man each.

'Fleeting view': Prime Minister Narendra Modi cheers for Team India from the skies

Indian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi</a> and the newly-elected US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> spoke to each other on Monday. This is the first conversation between the two leaders&nbsp;since Biden took charge as the US President last month.

In a tweet, Modi said he conveyed "best wishes for his success" and "discussed regional issues and our shared priorities", with a focus on "co-operation against climate change".

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-bidens-dreams-for-america-will-the-us-india-ties-change-362282" hreflang="en">With Biden's dreams for America, will the US-India ties change?</a>

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Spoke to <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> and conveyed my best wishes for his success. We discussed regional issues and our shared priorities. We also agreed to further our co-operation against climate change.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1358831326602817537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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He also said that both sides are "committed to a rules-based international order" and are looking&nbsp;"forward to consolidating our strategic partnership" to "further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-along-with-the-world-awaits-who-probe-report-on-origin-of-coronavirus-362275" hreflang="en">Joe Biden, along with the world, awaits WHO probe report on origin of coronavirus</a>

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President <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> and I are committed to a rules-based international order. We look forward to consolidating our strategic partnership to further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1358831328263741441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In November, after the US election results, both sides had spoken to each other and discussed cooperation on the coronavirus&nbsp;pandemic, its economic impact, and Indo-Pacific. The Defence, External Affairs/secretary of state counterparts and National Security Advisors of both countries have already spoken to each other.&nbsp;

Biden has been a supporter of close New Delhi-Washington ties, in his capacity as a senator and the Vice President. In August 2001, Joe Biden had written a letter to the then-President George W. Bush calling on the new administration to drop US sanctions against India and during his tenure as the Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he worked towards the US Senate’s approval of US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the newly-elected US President Joe Biden spoke to each other on Monday. This is the first conversation between the two leaders since Biden took charge as the US President last month.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the newly-elected US President Joe Biden spoke to each other on Monday. This is the first conversation between the two leaders since Biden took charge as the US President last month. In a tweet, Modi said he conveyed "best wishes for his success" and "discussed regional issues and our shared priorities", with a focus on "co-operation against climate change". Also read| With Biden's dreams for America, will the US-India ties change? Spoke to @POTUS @JoeBiden and conveyed my best wishes for his success. We discussed regional issues and our shared priorities. We also agreed to further our co-operation against climate change. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 8, 2021 × He also said that both sides are "committed to a rules-based international order" and are looking "forward to consolidating our strategic partnership" to "further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond." Also read| Joe Biden, along with the world, awaits WHO probe report on origin of coronavirus President @JoeBiden and I are committed to a rules-based international order. We look forward to consolidating our strategic partnership to further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. @POTUS — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 8, 2021 × In November, after the US election results, both sides had spoken to each other and discussed cooperation on the coronavirus pandemic, its economic impact, and Indo-Pacific. The Defence, External Affairs/secretary of state counterparts and National Security Advisors of both countries have already spoken to each other. Biden has been a supporter of close New Delhi-Washington ties, in his capacity as a senator and the Vice President. In August 2001, Joe Biden had written a letter to the then-President George W. Bush calling on the new administration to drop US sanctions against India and during his tenure as the Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he worked towards the US Senate’s approval of US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008.

Modi speaks to Biden for first time since US inaugural ceremony

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani will hold a virtual summit on Tuesday. This will be the first virtual summit of PM Modi in 2021.&nbsp;

In 2020, PM Modi held several virtual summits with his counterparts from Australia, EU, Sri Lanka, Denmark, Italy, Luxembourg, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, and Vietnam.

Both India and Afghanistan share a close partnership. Amid the pandemic, India sent 75,000 tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan and was also able to send more than 20 tonnes of life-saving medicines and other equipment to address the Covid-19 challenge. On Sunday, New Delhi sent 500,000 India-made Covid vaccines to Afghanistan, making it the first country to do so.

The virtual summit will see many announcements, including sealing an agreement on Shahtoot dam that will provide clean water to 2 million residents of Kabul.

This will be the second dam India will build in the country after the Salma or India–Afghanistan friendship dam in the Herat province of the country. The agreement was also announced by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar during his address to the Afghanistan 2020 Conference in November.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani will hold a virtual summit on Tuesday. This will be the first virtual summit of PM Modi in 2021.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani will hold a virtual summit on Tuesday. This will be the first virtual summit of PM Modi in 2021. In 2020, PM Modi held several virtual summits with his counterparts from Australia, EU, Sri Lanka, Denmark, Italy, Luxembourg, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. Both India and Afghanistan share a close partnership. Amid the pandemic, India sent 75,000 tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan and was also able to send more than 20 tonnes of life-saving medicines and other equipment to address the Covid-19 challenge. On Sunday, New Delhi sent 500,000 India-made Covid vaccines to Afghanistan, making it the first country to do so. The virtual summit will see many announcements, including sealing an agreement on Shahtoot dam that will provide clean water to 2 million residents of Kabul. This will be the second dam India will build in the country after the Salma or India–Afghanistan friendship dam in the Herat province of the country. The agreement was also announced by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar during his address to the Afghanistan 2020 Conference in November.

Indian PM Modi and Afghan president to hold virtual summit on Feb 9

India, which is running the world`s biggest COVID-19 vaccination drive, is the fastest in vaccinating its citizens, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday. He said that the Made in India vaccines are only a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat but is also a symbol of self-pride.&nbsp;

"Just as India`s war against coronavirus became an example to the world, similarly our vaccination programme is also becoming an example to the world. India is conducting the biggest vaccination drive in the world. Do you know what is an even better matter of pride? We are not only running the world`s biggest vaccination drive but we are also the fastest in vaccinating our citizens," Prime Minister Modi said in his 73rd episode of `Mann Ki Baat`.&nbsp;

"In merely 15 days, India has vaccinated more than 30 lakhs COVID-19 warrior, while a rich country like the US has completed the same target in 18 days and the UK in 36 days. The Made in India vaccines is only a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat but is also a symbol of self-pride," he added.

The number of healthcare workers vaccinated against COVID-19 has crossed the 37 lakh mark on the fifteenth day of the countrywide COVID-19 vaccination program, according to Health Ministry.

Highlighting that India is helping the world during the COVID-19 crisis, he said: "These days, I receive messages for India from Presidents and Prime Ministers of different countries of the world. You must also have seen recently how the President of Brazil, in a tweet thanked India - every Indian was proud of it. You must have noticed about the vaccination programme that India is able to help others because India today is self-reliant in the field of medicines and vaccines."

"In times of crisis, India is able to serve the world because India, today, is capable of medicines and vaccine, is self-sufficient. This is also the idea of a self-reliant India campaign. The more capable India is, the more it will serve humanity, the more the world will benefit," he added.

India has gifted the COVID-19 vaccine to several countries including Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bahrain.This was also Prime Minister Modi`s this year`s first Mann Ki Baat at 11. Mann ki Baat is the Prime Minister`s monthly radio programme to the nation, which is broadcasted on the last Sunday of every month.

India, which is running the world`s biggest COVID-19 vaccination drive, is the fastest in vaccinating its citizens, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday. He said that the Made in India vaccines are only a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat but is also a symbol of self-pride.

India, which is running the world`s biggest COVID-19 vaccination drive, is the fastest in vaccinating its citizens, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday. He said that the Made in India vaccines are only a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat but is also a symbol of self-pride. "Just as India`s war against coronavirus became an example to the world, similarly our vaccination programme is also becoming an example to the world. India is conducting the biggest vaccination drive in the world. Do you know what is an even better matter of pride? We are not only running the world`s biggest vaccination drive but we are also the fastest in vaccinating our citizens," Prime Minister Modi said in his 73rd episode of `Mann Ki Baat`. "In merely 15 days, India has vaccinated more than 30 lakhs COVID-19 warrior, while a rich country like the US has completed the same target in 18 days and the UK in 36 days. The Made in India vaccines is only a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat but is also a symbol of self-pride," he added. The number of healthcare workers vaccinated against COVID-19 has crossed the 37 lakh mark on the fifteenth day of the countrywide COVID-19 vaccination program, according to Health Ministry. Highlighting that India is helping the world during the COVID-19 crisis, he said: "These days, I receive messages for India from Presidents and Prime Ministers of different countries of the world. You must also have seen recently how the President of Brazil, in a tweet thanked India - every Indian was proud of it. You must have noticed about the vaccination programme that India is able to help others because India today is self-reliant in the field of medicines and vaccines." "In times of crisis, India is able to serve the world because India, today, is capable of medicines and vaccine, is self-sufficient. This is also the idea of a self-reliant India campaign. The more capable India is, the more it will serve humanity, the more the world will benefit," he added. India has gifted the COVID-19 vaccine to several countries including Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bahrain.This was also Prime Minister Modi`s this year`s first Mann Ki Baat at 11. Mann ki Baat is the Prime Minister`s monthly radio programme to the nation, which is broadcasted on the last Sunday of every month.

Mann Ki Baat: India fastest in world to vaccinate citizens, says PM Modi

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