When India joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and was admitted as a full-fledged member along with Pakistan in June 2017 at Astana, Kazakhstan little did people in India know about the dynamics of this group. Even less was appreciated about the commonalities that the constituents had in terms of interests.&nbsp;

SCO is the largest regional organisation in the world in terms of geographical coverage and population, covering three-fifths of the Eurasian continent and nearly half of the human population. It is essentially a forum for cooperation in economic and security domains while also promoting cooperation in political affairs, trade, scientific, cultural and educational spheres as well as in energy, transportation, tourism, and environmental protection.&nbsp;

The annual summit meeting is a very apt platform for discussion between heads of governments and states particularly on issues of geopolitical concern. India’s presence as a full-fledged member contributes to the multilateral nature of India’s engagements. The major advantage is that on a structured platform it shares space with China with whom it desires an equitable and mutually respectful relationship but the existing trust deficit prevents this from manifesting fully into anything transformational. Yet India’s admission into SCO is itself an indicator of China’s similar desire. With Russia, India enjoys a traditionally strong relationship which has its hiccups due to the Russian perception about India moving on, with multilateralism weathering the historically trusted and mutually beneficial relationship. The Central Asian states desire cooperation and consultation with India but scope in economic terms has been greatly restricted due to the obstacles laid by Pakistan. Pakistan’s presence, in the long run, may prove to be mutually beneficial if and when some traction is gained in terms of the trust. The utility of SCO as a vehicle for improving relationships and setting aside differences was borne out by the way in which India and China utilised the Qingdao meeting in June 2018 to build upon the achievements of the bilateral Modi-Xi summit at Wuhan. In fact, Wuhan and Qingdao became synonymously linked to the new spirit of Sino-Indian cooperation after setting aside the Doklam standoff. Now at Bishkek, PM Modi’s first deliberations have taken place with President Xi Jinping of China with a full review of Sino-Indian relations since November 2018 and have led to a conclusive decision regarding the Chinese President’s visit to India later this year. Despite India’s reluctance to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its absence for the second time at the BRI summit, the two nations have followed a policy of engagement. With greater understanding and now the decision at Biskek to address border issues on priority perhaps ways will also eventually be found to address India’s major concern about BRI which dwells upon the development of infrastructure in territories claimed by India and not currently under its control.

While social and economic protocols and issues undoubtedly form the bedrock of such a grouping the current meeting in Bishkek, comes at a time when the world is once again witnessing international turbulence. The US-China trade war promises to upset many economic understandings. The US-Iran standoff and the threat to the stability of energy supply most adversely affect India and China. The US is attempting to break India’s dependence on Russia for advanced military equipment by offering F-35 aircraft in return for India pulling out of the S-400 deal with Russia; there have been quiet threats about the imposition of Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) against India. While acts of global terror have reduced, notwithstanding the recent suicide bombings in Sri Lanka, the world is yet worried about violent radical extremism and India is particularly concerned about the threats it faces from Pakistan and potentially from others. Global terror is a subject that falls in SCO’s ambit and it is a good opportunity for India to highlight its own case.

The issue which observers in India are focused upon is India-Pakistan relations and how these will manifest at Bishkek. For some months now PM Imran Khan has been making overtures in the hope of a positive Indian response. The SCO meeting gave further hope that there would be an opportunity to break the ice through a Modi-Khan meeting on the sidelines. However, PM Modi chose to adopt a cool approach right from the outset. His decision not to overfly Pakistan airspace was designed to send the message that India will not engage in any peace process as long as Pakistan continued to use terror for attaining its strategic objectives. Actually, Pakistan’s attempt to engage with India continues to appear insincere. Four months after Pulwama attacks, Pakistan is under international scrutiny and much pressure to demonstrate its willingness to forego the use of radical and violent proxies. With its economy in doldrums, Pakistan is keen to showcase a new avatar.&nbsp;

India has the right to safeguard its interests even though the indicators in Jammu &amp; Kashmir do reveal lower levels of strife and violence. Premature decisions in earlier years forced retraction; lessons from there demand prudence in being involved with any further engagement with Pakistan. A forum such as SCO is an ideal one where the projection of India’s morally stronger narrative will help with more international pressure being built upon Pakistan. Russia and China are important players in this regard.&nbsp;

Lastly, while SCO projects India in engagement with two of the major detractors of US interests, India has to remain steadfast with its multilateralism which under the circumstances is the only way forward. It will face more US pressure to retract from further development of these relationships but in geopolitics age, old adages continue to play and binaries are never the norm.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-india-s-assertion-at-bishkek-2760912">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

When India joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and was admitted as a full-fledged member along with Pakistan in June 2017 at Astana, Kazakhstan little did people in India know about the dynamics of this group.

When India joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and was admitted as a full-fledged member along with Pakistan in June 2017 at Astana, Kazakhstan little did people in India know about the dynamics of this group. Even less was appreciated about the commonalities that the constituents had in terms of interests. SCO is the largest regional organisation in the world in terms of geographical coverage and population, covering three-fifths of the Eurasian continent and nearly half of the human population. It is essentially a forum for cooperation in economic and security domains while also promoting cooperation in political affairs, trade, scientific, cultural and educational spheres as well as in energy, transportation, tourism, and environmental protection. The annual summit meeting is a very apt platform for discussion between heads of governments and states particularly on issues of geopolitical concern. India’s presence as a full-fledged member contributes to the multilateral nature of India’s engagements. The major advantage is that on a structured platform it shares space with China with whom it desires an equitable and mutually respectful relationship but the existing trust deficit prevents this from manifesting fully into anything transformational. Yet India’s admission into SCO is itself an indicator of China’s similar desire. With Russia, India enjoys a traditionally strong relationship which has its hiccups due to the Russian perception about India moving on, with multilateralism weathering the historically trusted and mutually beneficial relationship. The Central Asian states desire cooperation and consultation with India but scope in economic terms has been greatly restricted due to the obstacles laid by Pakistan. Pakistan’s presence, in the long run, may prove to be mutually beneficial if and when some traction is gained in terms of the trust. The utility of SCO as a vehicle for improving relationships and setting aside differences was borne out by the way in which India and China utilised the Qingdao meeting in June 2018 to build upon the achievements of the bilateral Modi-Xi summit at Wuhan. In fact, Wuhan and Qingdao became synonymously linked to the new spirit of Sino-Indian cooperation after setting aside the Doklam standoff. Now at Bishkek, PM Modi’s first deliberations have taken place with President Xi Jinping of China with a full review of Sino-Indian relations since November 2018 and have led to a conclusive decision regarding the Chinese President’s visit to India later this year. Despite India’s reluctance to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its absence for the second time at the BRI summit, the two nations have followed a policy of engagement. With greater understanding and now the decision at Biskek to address border issues on priority perhaps ways will also eventually be found to address India’s major concern about BRI which dwells upon the development of infrastructure in territories claimed by India and not currently under its control. While social and economic protocols and issues undoubtedly form the bedrock of such a grouping the current meeting in Bishkek, comes at a time when the world is once again witnessing international turbulence. The US-China trade war promises to upset many economic understandings. The US-Iran standoff and the threat to the stability of energy supply most adversely affect India and China. The US is attempting to break India’s dependence on Russia for advanced military equipment by offering F-35 aircraft in return for India pulling out of the S-400 deal with Russia; there have been quiet threats about the imposition of Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) against India. While acts of global terror have reduced, notwithstanding the recent suicide bombings in Sri Lanka, the world is yet worried about violent radical extremism and India is particularly concerned about the threats it faces from Pakistan and potentially from others. Global terror is a subject that falls in SCO’s ambit and it is a good opportunity for India to highlight its own case. The issue which observers in India are focused upon is India-Pakistan relations and how these will manifest at Bishkek. For some months now PM Imran Khan has been making overtures in the hope of a positive Indian response. The SCO meeting gave further hope that there would be an opportunity to break the ice through a Modi-Khan meeting on the sidelines. However, PM Modi chose to adopt a cool approach right from the outset. His decision not to overfly Pakistan airspace was designed to send the message that India will not engage in any peace process as long as Pakistan continued to use terror for attaining its strategic objectives. Actually, Pakistan’s attempt to engage with India continues to appear insincere. Four months after Pulwama attacks, Pakistan is under international scrutiny and much pressure to demonstrate its willingness to forego the use of radical and violent proxies. With its economy in doldrums, Pakistan is keen to showcase a new avatar. India has the right to safeguard its interests even though the indicators in Jammu & Kashmir do reveal lower levels of strife and violence. Premature decisions in earlier years forced retraction; lessons from there demand prudence in being involved with any further engagement with Pakistan. A forum such as SCO is an ideal one where the projection of India’s morally stronger narrative will help with more international pressure being built upon Pakistan. Russia and China are important players in this regard. Lastly, while SCO projects India in engagement with two of the major detractors of US interests, India has to remain steadfast with its multilateralism which under the circumstances is the only way forward. It will face more US pressure to retract from further development of these relationships but in geopolitics age, old adages continue to play and binaries are never the norm. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

India’s assertion at Bishkek

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan again broke the diplomatic protocol, this time at the opening ceremony of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-first-leader-to-arrive-as-sco-summit-begins-in-kyrgyzstan-227006">Shanghai Cooperation Organisation</a> (SCO) Summit in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek on Thursday.

In a video shared on the official Twitter handle of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-pak-relations-at-lowest-point-hope-pm-modi-can-use-big-mandate-to-bring-peace-imran-khan-226979">Imran Khan</a> was seen seated while everyone else stood to welcome the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/during-bilateral-talks-pm-modi-and-xi-jinping-discuss-pakistan-terror-and-boundary-dispute-226899">heads of state</a> entering the hall.

Upon realising that he was perhaps the only one seated, he stood briefly and then seated himself again before the others did.

Watch the video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/another-gaffe-by-imran-khan-226986/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"> 
</iframe></div>

Khan earlier broke the diplomatic protocol at the 14th OIC summit held in Saudi Arabia.

During a meeting with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz at the sidelines of the summit, Khan spoke to Salman's interpreter and walked off before the message could be translated to the king. The video was widely circulated on social media and Khan was criticised, both by his countrymen and Saudi Arabia for apparently disrespecting the king.

Khan and the leaders of the SCO member countries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi are attending the two-day summit in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek.

There was no interaction between PM Modi and Khan on the first day of the SCO meet in Kyrgyzstan. Two events took place on the first day - an informal dinner hosted by President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov and a concert at Kyrgyz national Philharmonic but no pleasantries were exchanged between Indian and Pakistani leaders.

All the leaders were seen interacting with each other at the events except Indian and Pakistan.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan again broke the diplomatic protocol, this time at the opening ceremony of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek on Thursday.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan again broke the diplomatic protocol, this time at the opening ceremony of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek on Thursday. In a video shared on the official Twitter handle of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan was seen seated while everyone else stood to welcome the heads of state entering the hall. Upon realising that he was perhaps the only one seated, he stood briefly and then seated himself again before the others did. Watch the video: Khan earlier broke the diplomatic protocol at the 14th OIC summit held in Saudi Arabia. During a meeting with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz at the sidelines of the summit, Khan spoke to Salman's interpreter and walked off before the message could be translated to the king. The video was widely circulated on social media and Khan was criticised, both by his countrymen and Saudi Arabia for apparently disrespecting the king. Khan and the leaders of the SCO member countries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi are attending the two-day summit in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek. There was no interaction between PM Modi and Khan on the first day of the SCO meet in Kyrgyzstan. Two events took place on the first day - an informal dinner hosted by President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov and a concert at Kyrgyz national Philharmonic but no pleasantries were exchanged between Indian and Pakistani leaders. All the leaders were seen interacting with each other at the events except Indian and Pakistan.

Imran Khan's faux pas: Pakistan PM keeps sitting as world leaders assemble for SCO Summit

Opposing the AAP government's proposed free travel scheme for women in Delhi Metro trains, its former chief E Sreedharan has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to agree to the proposal as it would set "an alarming precedence". 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
In a letter to the Prime Minister, Sreedharan, popularly called 'Metro Man', said if the Delhi government is "so keen" to help women commuters, it can pay the cost of their travel directly to them rather than making travel free on metro trains.

The former Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) chief has also sought Modi's intervention in the matter.

Sreedharan said when the first section of the Delhi Metro was to be opened in 2002, he had taken a firm decision that no one would be given travel concession.

Even the then Prime Minister Atal Bihar Vajpayee had bought a ticket himself to travel to the station from where the metro's first section was inaugurated, he said.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

"I would very earnestly request you, sir, not to agree to the Delhi government's proposal of free travel to ladies in the Metro.&nbsp;

"If the Delhi government is so keen to help lady commuters, I would suggest Delhi government can pay directly to the lady commuters the cost of their travel rather than make travel free on the Metro," Sreedharan said in the letter.

Earlier this month, the Arvind Kejriwal government announced that it would make the commute for women in public buses and metro trains free.

"Now, if ladies are to be given free travel concession in Delhi Metro, it would set alarming precedence to all other metros in the country. The argument of the Delhi government that the revenue losses would be reimbursed to the DMRC is a poor solace," the former DMRC managing director said.

The DMRC is a joint venture of the Centre and the Delhi government, and one shareholder cannot take unilateral decision to give concession to one section of the community and push the Delhi Metro in to "inefficiency and bankruptcy", Sreedharan said. 
 
Even officers and staff, including the managing director of the DMRC, purchase tickets when they travel on the metro on official duties, he said.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

Opposing the AAP government's proposed free travel scheme for women in Delhi Metro trains, its former chief E Sreedharan has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to agree to the proposal as it would set "an alarming precedence".

Opposing the AAP government's proposed free travel scheme for women in Delhi Metro trains, its former chief E Sreedharan has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to agree to the proposal as it would set "an alarming precedence". In a letter to the Prime Minister, Sreedharan, popularly called 'Metro Man', said if the Delhi government is "so keen" to help women commuters, it can pay the cost of their travel directly to them rather than making travel free on metro trains. The former Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) chief has also sought Modi's intervention in the matter. Sreedharan said when the first section of the Delhi Metro was to be opened in 2002, he had taken a firm decision that no one would be given travel concession. Even the then Prime Minister Atal Bihar Vajpayee had bought a ticket himself to travel to the station from where the metro's first section was inaugurated, he said. "I would very earnestly request you, sir, not to agree to the Delhi government's proposal of free travel to ladies in the Metro. "If the Delhi government is so keen to help lady commuters, I would suggest Delhi government can pay directly to the lady commuters the cost of their travel rather than make travel free on the Metro," Sreedharan said in the letter. Earlier this month, the Arvind Kejriwal government announced that it would make the commute for women in public buses and metro trains free. "Now, if ladies are to be given free travel concession in Delhi Metro, it would set alarming precedence to all other metros in the country. The argument of the Delhi government that the revenue losses would be reimbursed to the DMRC is a poor solace," the former DMRC managing director said. The DMRC is a joint venture of the Centre and the Delhi government, and one shareholder cannot take unilateral decision to give concession to one section of the community and push the Delhi Metro in to "inefficiency and bankruptcy", Sreedharan said. Even officers and staff, including the managing director of the DMRC, purchase tickets when they travel on the metro on official duties, he said.

'Metro Man' Sreedharan requests PM Narendra Modi not to agree to Delhi government's free travel scheme for women

The 19th Shanghai cooperation organisation (SCO) summit ended on Friday with India seeking global cooperation on the issue of terror and raising issues such as trade, connectivity.&nbsp;

Speaking at the SCO summit, Prime Minister Modi sought concerted action against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-pleasantries-exchanged-between-pm-modi-and-imran-khan-on-day-1-of-sco-summit-226949">countries that support,</a> abet and provide financial assistance to terror.

The summit saw no interaction or exchange of pleasantries between Indian Prime Minister and Pakistani Prime Minister. There were seven occasions when both the leaders came across each other starting with informal dinner hosted by Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov and Gala Concert on Thursday to five occasions on Friday. These were photo opp in the morning, followed by restricted format meetings, extended format meeting, final photo opp and lunch.

Ahead of the Summit India had clarified no structured bilateral talks will take place between the two leaders but speculation was rife about a pull aside. Many see this as a strong message to Islamabad that it needs to take strong and verifiable action against terrorist on its territory.&nbsp;

Modi batted for improving healthy cooperation in the region with an acronym--H.E.A.L.T.H. H stands for healthcare cooperation, E for economic cooperation, A for alternate energy, L for literature, T for terrorism free society, H for humanitarian cooperation, Modi said.

Strongly speaking against protectionist policies, PM said unilateralism and protectionism haven't helped anyone and said "we need a rule-based transparent non-discriminatory open and inclusive multilateral trading system centered&nbsp;around WTO".

This is an important statement given both China and India are facing the heat from the White House on trade. US President has been calling India a ''tariff king'' and asked New Delhi to reduce tariffs on Harley Davidson motorbikes.

India also talked about connectivity projects such as Chabahar port and air corridor connecting Kabul, Kandahar to New Delhi and Mumbai but said connectivity projects should be "transparent". "inclusive" and respect the "territorial integrity" of countries.

China-Pakistan Economic corridor which is part of China's one belt one road initiative passes through Pakistan occupied Kashmir, which is an Indian territory occupied by Pakistan and New Delhi has made its concern known to Beijing.

New Delhi also reiterated its stand on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-back-legitimate-government-chosen-through-democratic-path-india-to-afghan-president-ashraf-ghani-226971">Afghan peace process</a> saying it continues with "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned &amp; Afghan-controlled" policy.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The 19th Shanghai cooperation organisation (SCO) summit ended on Friday with India seeking global cooperation on the issue of terror and raising issues such as trade, connectivity.

The 19th Shanghai cooperation organisation (SCO) summit ended on Friday with India seeking global cooperation on the issue of terror and raising issues such as trade, connectivity. Speaking at the SCO summit, Prime Minister Modi sought concerted action against the countries that support, abet and provide financial assistance to terror. The summit saw no interaction or exchange of pleasantries between Indian Prime Minister and Pakistani Prime Minister. There were seven occasions when both the leaders came across each other starting with informal dinner hosted by Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov and Gala Concert on Thursday to five occasions on Friday. These were photo opp in the morning, followed by restricted format meetings, extended format meeting, final photo opp and lunch. Ahead of the Summit India had clarified no structured bilateral talks will take place between the two leaders but speculation was rife about a pull aside. Many see this as a strong message to Islamabad that it needs to take strong and verifiable action against terrorist on its territory. Modi batted for improving healthy cooperation in the region with an acronym--H.E.A.L.T.H. H stands for healthcare cooperation, E for economic cooperation, A for alternate energy, L for literature, T for terrorism free society, H for humanitarian cooperation, Modi said. Strongly speaking against protectionist policies, PM said unilateralism and protectionism haven't helped anyone and said "we need a rule-based transparent non-discriminatory open and inclusive multilateral trading system centered around WTO". This is an important statement given both China and India are facing the heat from the White House on trade. US President has been calling India a ''tariff king'' and asked New Delhi to reduce tariffs on Harley Davidson motorbikes. India also talked about connectivity projects such as Chabahar port and air corridor connecting Kabul, Kandahar to New Delhi and Mumbai but said connectivity projects should be "transparent". "inclusive" and respect the "territorial integrity" of countries. China-Pakistan Economic corridor which is part of China's one belt one road initiative passes through Pakistan occupied Kashmir, which is an Indian territory occupied by Pakistan and New Delhi has made its concern known to Beijing. New Delhi also reiterated its stand on the Afghan peace process saying it continues with "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned & Afghan-controlled" policy.

No Modi-Imran pull-aside at SCO as New Delhi strongly raises terror 

As Prime Minister Modi wraps up his first multilateral summit after his re-election, the question is what was India doing at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO? What's India's position, role and target?

Let's start from the beginning. India was inducted as a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation on Russia's insistence. It wanted to counter China. But the Russia-China equation has changed since. They have become strategic allies. So India must figure out its place and agenda. At the SCO, India's biggest opportunities are also its biggest challenges.

Trade: The yawning gap

The SCO has eight member countries. They cover 20 per cent of the world's GDP and 42 per cent of the world's population. The commercial potential is immense. Yet Central Asia hasn't been the traditional focus of India when it comes to trade. Look at the numbers. India's bilateral trade with Central Asia is one-fiftieth that of China's. While India's figures stood at less than $2 billion, China's trade with Central Asia crossed $50 billion in 2018. Same with Russia. The bilateral trade between India and Russia is barely $10 billion. That number for China and Russia is more than $100 billion. Why hasn't India done more? That brings us to the next challenge/opportunity.

Connectivity: The China-Pakistan Cordon

India shares no land border with any of the Central Asian countries. It must travel via Pakistan or China. Poor connectivity results in poor trade, that's a no-brainer. The operationalisation of the Chabahar port may change that, but it's early days. Geography remains a constraint. As does policy (though in this case, we're following the best). India is the only SCO country that has not endorsed China's Belt and Road Initiative. By the looks of it, that may not change. So India will have to create alternatives.

Counter-terrorism: With Pakistan?

Terrorism the biggest talking point and the biggest challenge too. The elephant in the room is Pakistan, an established state sponsor of terrorism. But it won't be singled out at China's insistence. So under SCO, India participates in counter-terror military exercises with Pakistan and China, the two countries that are the most likely adversaries of India in war, the only two countries with which India has fought a war. Sounds ridiculous? There's more. All member countries are part of RATS - the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure. It requires all members to share intelligence to combat terrorism. India should share intelligence with a group that has Pakistan on board?

It is one thing to say that multi-lateral forums keep bilateral differences at bay. It's quite another to walk the talk. PM Modi of India and PM Imran Khan of Pakistan came face to face in Bishkek seven times. They did not talk, or so the reports say. It is hard to believe this strained relationship won't have a bearing on the summit.

Challenges vs opportunities

Plus India must balance ties with the Americans. Buying the S-400 missile defence system from Russia despite objections from Washington, working with China to counter trade protectionism in the middle of Beijing's trade war with Washington - it's walking the diplomatic tightrope. We call it strategic autonomy.

So challenges abound. As do opportunities. SCO isn't just about photo ops. Central Asian countries want a bigger role for India. They aren't beholden to China. They shot down Beijing's proposal for an SCO development bank and free trade agreement. If India makes the right moves, it can emerge as the more reliable partner and regional power for countries that have always lived under the shadow of Russia and China.

As Prime Minister Modi wraps up his first multilateral summit after his re-election, the question is what was India doing at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO?

As Prime Minister Modi wraps up his first multilateral summit after his re-election, the question is what was India doing at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO? What's India's position, role and target? Let's start from the beginning. India was inducted as a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation on Russia's insistence. It wanted to counter China. But the Russia-China equation has changed since. They have become strategic allies. So India must figure out its place and agenda. At the SCO, India's biggest opportunities are also its biggest challenges. Trade: The yawning gap The SCO has eight member countries. They cover 20 per cent of the world's GDP and 42 per cent of the world's population. The commercial potential is immense. Yet Central Asia hasn't been the traditional focus of India when it comes to trade. Look at the numbers. India's bilateral trade with Central Asia is one-fiftieth that of China's. While India's figures stood at less than $2 billion, China's trade with Central Asia crossed $50 billion in 2018. Same with Russia. The bilateral trade between India and Russia is barely $10 billion. That number for China and Russia is more than $100 billion. Why hasn't India done more? That brings us to the next challenge/opportunity. Connectivity: The China-Pakistan Cordon India shares no land border with any of the Central Asian countries. It must travel via Pakistan or China. Poor connectivity results in poor trade, that's a no-brainer. The operationalisation of the Chabahar port may change that, but it's early days. Geography remains a constraint. As does policy (though in this case, we're following the best). India is the only SCO country that has not endorsed China's Belt and Road Initiative. By the looks of it, that may not change. So India will have to create alternatives. Counter-terrorism: With Pakistan? Terrorism the biggest talking point and the biggest challenge too. The elephant in the room is Pakistan, an established state sponsor of terrorism. But it won't be singled out at China's insistence. So under SCO, India participates in counter-terror military exercises with Pakistan and China, the two countries that are the most likely adversaries of India in war, the only two countries with which India has fought a war. Sounds ridiculous? There's more. All member countries are part of RATS - the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure. It requires all members to share intelligence to combat terrorism. India should share intelligence with a group that has Pakistan on board? It is one thing to say that multi-lateral forums keep bilateral differences at bay. It's quite another to walk the talk. PM Modi of India and PM Imran Khan of Pakistan came face to face in Bishkek seven times. They did not talk, or so the reports say. It is hard to believe this strained relationship won't have a bearing on the summit. Challenges vs opportunities Plus India must balance ties with the Americans. Buying the S-400 missile defence system from Russia despite objections from Washington, working with China to counter trade protectionism in the middle of Beijing's trade war with Washington - it's walking the diplomatic tightrope. We call it strategic autonomy. So challenges abound. As do opportunities. SCO isn't just about photo ops. Central Asian countries want a bigger role for India. They aren't beholden to China. They shot down Beijing's proposal for an SCO development bank and free trade agreement. If India makes the right moves, it can emerge as the more reliable partner and regional power for countries that have always lived under the shadow of Russia and China.

Analysis: What is India doing at the SCO?

India is preparing to impose higher tariffs on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/indias-indifference-to-the-us-on-gsp-is-the-perfect-response-225283">some US goods</a> including almonds, walnuts and apples next week after a delay of about a year, two sources said, following Washington's withdrawal of key trade privileges for New Delhi.

From June 5, US President Donald Trump scrapped trade privileges under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) for India, the biggest beneficiary of a scheme that allowed duty-free exports of up to $5.6 billion from the country.

India is now looking at adopting the higher tariffs, the sources with direct knowledge of the matter said, although the US has warned that any retaliatory tariffs by India would not be "appropriate" under WTO rules.

"What India is doing is legal and the tariffs on US goods will only lead to an impact of around $220 million," one of the sources said, declining to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter.

India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry did not respond to an email from Reuters to seek comments.

India initially issued an order in June last year to raise import taxes as high as 120% on a slew of US items, incensed by Washington's refusal to exempt New Delhi from higher steel and aluminium tariffs.

But New Delhi repeatedly delayed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/unfortunate-washington-didnt-accept-offer-on-gsp-resolution-says-india-223358">raising tariffs</a> as the two nations engaged in trade talks. Trade between them stood at about $142.1 billion in 2018.

India is by far the largest buyer of US almonds, paying $543 million for more than half of US almond exports in 2018, US Department of Agriculture data shows. It is the second largest buyer of US apples, taking $156 million worth in 2018.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who is expected to visit India this month, said this week the United States was open to dialogue to resolve trade differences with India, through greater access for American companies to its markets.

Dates for Pompeo's visit have not been officially announced but media said it could be ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first meeting with Trump in more than two years, on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Japan, on June 28 and 29.

Trump has repeatedly called out India for its high tariffs, even though the two countries have developed close political and security ties.

New Delhi's new rules in areas such as e-commerce and data localisation have angered the United States and hit companies such as Amazon.com, Walmart Inc, Mastercard and Visa, among others.

Previously, India has called the withdrawal of GSP benefits "unfortunate", and vowed to "always uphold its national interest in these matters".

India is preparing to impose higher tariffs on some US goods including almonds, walnuts and apples next week after a delay of about a year, two sources said, following Washington's withdrawal of key trade privileges for New Delhi.

India is preparing to impose higher tariffs on some US goods including almonds, walnuts and apples next week after a delay of about a year, two sources said, following Washington's withdrawal of key trade privileges for New Delhi. From June 5, US President Donald Trump scrapped trade privileges under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) for India, the biggest beneficiary of a scheme that allowed duty-free exports of up to $5.6 billion from the country. India is now looking at adopting the higher tariffs, the sources with direct knowledge of the matter said, although the US has warned that any retaliatory tariffs by India would not be "appropriate" under WTO rules. "What India is doing is legal and the tariffs on US goods will only lead to an impact of around $220 million," one of the sources said, declining to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter. India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry did not respond to an email from Reuters to seek comments. India initially issued an order in June last year to raise import taxes as high as 120% on a slew of US items, incensed by Washington's refusal to exempt New Delhi from higher steel and aluminium tariffs. But New Delhi repeatedly delayed raising tariffs as the two nations engaged in trade talks. Trade between them stood at about $142.1 billion in 2018. India is by far the largest buyer of US almonds, paying $543 million for more than half of US almond exports in 2018, US Department of Agriculture data shows. It is the second largest buyer of US apples, taking $156 million worth in 2018. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who is expected to visit India this month, said this week the United States was open to dialogue to resolve trade differences with India, through greater access for American companies to its markets. Dates for Pompeo's visit have not been officially announced but media said it could be ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first meeting with Trump in more than two years, on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Japan, on June 28 and 29. Trump has repeatedly called out India for its high tariffs, even though the two countries have developed close political and security ties. New Delhi's new rules in areas such as e-commerce and data localisation have angered the United States and hit companies such as Amazon.com, Walmart Inc, Mastercard and Visa, among others. Previously, India has called the withdrawal of GSP benefits "unfortunate", and vowed to "always uphold its national interest in these matters".

India set to levy higher tariffs on some US goods next week: Sources

The BJP-led NDA swept Bihar, winning 39 out of 40 seats in the Lok Sabha elections. Meanwhile, Lalu Yadav’s RJD received a drubbing, unable to even open its account. &nbsp;

The celebrations, though, were short-lived as Nitish Kumar, unhappy with the number of berths allotted, opted out of the Modi 2.0 ministry. He didn’t like a token representation in the Cabinet. After all, if Ram Vilas Paswan’s LJP with six MPs got one cabinet rank, JD(U) surely deserved at-least three berths with its 16 MPs! &nbsp;

JD(U)’s logic is not unjustified. It feels that NDA’s stupendous performance is due to a combination of the Modi wave as well as Nitish’s popularity. The BJP feels that allies like JD(U) benefitted from the Presidential-style elections. BJP’s logic, too, is not unjustified.&nbsp;

But Nitish has a big ego. So he retorted by expanding the state cabinet and inducting eight new ministers from JD(U), leaving out the BJP. &nbsp;

A recent meeting of the JD (U) national executive has also held that the alliance with BJP is limited to Bihar and the party will contest Assembly elections in Delhi, Jharkhand, Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir alone. Needless to say, JD (U) will not be able to make much impact in any of these states, apart from fracturing the votes.

But it has definitely sent a signal that all is not well within the Bihar NDA. His prodigy and national vice-president, Prashant Kishor, has taken up the assignment of helping Mamata Banerjee in Bengal, where the BJP — emboldened by its Lok Sabha performance — has upped the ante for state elections that are due in 2021. &nbsp;

Nitish is one of the biggest paltu-rams (U-turn specialists) of Indian politics. His opponents allege he is power hungry and will do anything to remain in power. Narendra Modi and Nitish also do not share a harmonious relationship. Nitish left NDA in June 2013 after Modi was made the BJP Campaign Committee Chief and when it was clear that he would be the PM face. &nbsp;

After being routed in Lok Sabha 2014, where JD(U) could manage only two seats, Nitish made friends with his rival Lalu Yadav. The Mahagathbandhan comprising JD(U), RJD and the Congress stopped the BJP juggernaut in Bihar, with Nitish retaining the CM chair, dealing a hard blow to Modi. &nbsp;

In 2017, when Lalu and family were embroiled in fresh corruption cases, Nitish returned to the NDA, satisfied that he had proved a point to the Modi-Shah duo that he could win without their support. In 2019, he bargained hard with the BJP for seats, getting an equal number (17) to contest and won all, barring one. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Recent events have fuelled rumours that Nitish will junk the NDA and move back to friend-turned-foe Lalu again. He cannot stay in an alliance where he is not the bigger partner. Nitish fears BJP may play big brother during state polls next year and demand an equal number of seats — and even the chief minister’s chair — if it manages to win more seats than the JD(U). The Bihar chief minister fears that the BJP may do a Shiv Sena on JD(U). So, he is caught between a stronger Modi and weakened Lalu.

Lalu’s RJD recorded its worst performance ever in Lok Sabha polls. His daughter Misa again lost to Ram Kirpal Yadav. His two sons Tejaswi and Tej Pratap have fallen out, which is harming the party’s prospects. Lalu is languishing in jail, his health is failing and prospects of an early release are pretty dim. He may not be averse to accepting Nitish back to revive his party’s sagging fortunes, despite the backstabbing in 2017.

Nitish has a vote bank which is transferable to any alliance. In the 2014 Lok Sabha, JD(U) secured 16 per cent votes. In 2015, this vote was transferred to the Mahagathbandhan, which improved its vote share from 27 per cent to 43 per cent. In 2019, yet again, it was transferred to NDA, which pulled up its vote share from 36 per cent to 53 per cent. Nitish enjoys good clout among Kurmi, Koeris, MBCs, Mahadalits and even Muslims. His schemes and policies have built a solid woman vote bank, not unlike Modi.

Nitish could wait for the five state election results, including Delhi early next year, before taking a final call.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-nitish-caught-between-a-strong-modi-and-weak-lalu-2760063">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The BJP-led NDA swept Bihar, winning 39 out of 40 seats in the Lok Sabha elections. Meanwhile, Lalu Yadav’s RJD received a drubbing, unable to even open its account.

The BJP-led NDA swept Bihar, winning 39 out of 40 seats in the Lok Sabha elections. Meanwhile, Lalu Yadav’s RJD received a drubbing, unable to even open its account. The celebrations, though, were short-lived as Nitish Kumar, unhappy with the number of berths allotted, opted out of the Modi 2.0 ministry. He didn’t like a token representation in the Cabinet. After all, if Ram Vilas Paswan’s LJP with six MPs got one cabinet rank, JD(U) surely deserved at-least three berths with its 16 MPs! JD(U)’s logic is not unjustified. It feels that NDA’s stupendous performance is due to a combination of the Modi wave as well as Nitish’s popularity. The BJP feels that allies like JD(U) benefitted from the Presidential-style elections. BJP’s logic, too, is not unjustified. But Nitish has a big ego. So he retorted by expanding the state cabinet and inducting eight new ministers from JD(U), leaving out the BJP. A recent meeting of the JD (U) national executive has also held that the alliance with BJP is limited to Bihar and the party will contest Assembly elections in Delhi, Jharkhand, Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir alone. Needless to say, JD (U) will not be able to make much impact in any of these states, apart from fracturing the votes. But it has definitely sent a signal that all is not well within the Bihar NDA. His prodigy and national vice-president, Prashant Kishor, has taken up the assignment of helping Mamata Banerjee in Bengal, where the BJP — emboldened by its Lok Sabha performance — has upped the ante for state elections that are due in 2021. Nitish is one of the biggest paltu-rams (U-turn specialists) of Indian politics. His opponents allege he is power hungry and will do anything to remain in power. Narendra Modi and Nitish also do not share a harmonious relationship. Nitish left NDA in June 2013 after Modi was made the BJP Campaign Committee Chief and when it was clear that he would be the PM face. After being routed in Lok Sabha 2014, where JD(U) could manage only two seats, Nitish made friends with his rival Lalu Yadav. The Mahagathbandhan comprising JD(U), RJD and the Congress stopped the BJP juggernaut in Bihar, with Nitish retaining the CM chair, dealing a hard blow to Modi. In 2017, when Lalu and family were embroiled in fresh corruption cases, Nitish returned to the NDA, satisfied that he had proved a point to the Modi-Shah duo that he could win without their support. In 2019, he bargained hard with the BJP for seats, getting an equal number (17) to contest and won all, barring one. Recent events have fuelled rumours that Nitish will junk the NDA and move back to friend-turned-foe Lalu again. He cannot stay in an alliance where he is not the bigger partner. Nitish fears BJP may play big brother during state polls next year and demand an equal number of seats — and even the chief minister’s chair — if it manages to win more seats than the JD(U). The Bihar chief minister fears that the BJP may do a Shiv Sena on JD(U). So, he is caught between a stronger Modi and weakened Lalu. Lalu’s RJD recorded its worst performance ever in Lok Sabha polls. His daughter Misa again lost to Ram Kirpal Yadav. His two sons Tejaswi and Tej Pratap have fallen out, which is harming the party’s prospects. Lalu is languishing in jail, his health is failing and prospects of an early release are pretty dim. He may not be averse to accepting Nitish back to revive his party’s sagging fortunes, despite the backstabbing in 2017. Nitish has a vote bank which is transferable to any alliance. In the 2014 Lok Sabha, JD(U) secured 16 per cent votes. In 2015, this vote was transferred to the Mahagathbandhan, which improved its vote share from 27 per cent to 43 per cent. In 2019, yet again, it was transferred to NDA, which pulled up its vote share from 36 per cent to 53 per cent. Nitish enjoys good clout among Kurmi, Koeris, MBCs, Mahadalits and even Muslims. His schemes and policies have built a solid woman vote bank, not unlike Modi. Nitish could wait for the five state election results, including Delhi early next year, before taking a final call. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Nitish Kumar, caught between a strong Modi and weak Lalu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a delegation-level talk on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek on Thursday.

During the meet, PM thanked Russian President Putin for the "support for the rifle manufacturing unit in Amethi''.

In March of 2019, Prime Minister inaugurated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wuhan-provided-stability-and-momentum-to-india-china-ties-pm-modi-to-xi-226895">Indo-Russian joint venture</a> (JV) rifle manufacturing facility in Korwa, Amethi which will produce Kalashnikov AK 203 rifle.

27 meeting has taken place between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/during-bilateral-talks-pm-modi-and-xi-jinping-discuss-pakistan-terror-and-boundary-dispute-226899">Modi and Putin</a> since 2014. Out of which 13 were bilateral while 14 multilateral.

On Friday, PM will participate at the SCO meet in the morning and will have bilateral meeting meet Iran President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbay Jeenbekov.&nbsp;

He will also many pull-aside meeting with several countries but no pull aside with Pakistan PM Imran Khan is expected. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a delegation-level talk on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek on Thursday. During the meet, PM thanked Russian President Putin for the "support for the rifle manufacturing unit in Amethi''.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a delegation-level talk on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek on Thursday. During the meet, PM thanked Russian President Putin for the "support for the rifle manufacturing unit in Amethi''. In March of 2019, Prime Minister inaugurated Indo-Russian joint venture (JV) rifle manufacturing facility in Korwa, Amethi which will produce Kalashnikov AK 203 rifle. 27 meeting has taken place between Modi and Putin since 2014. Out of which 13 were bilateral while 14 multilateral. On Friday, PM will participate at the SCO meet in the morning and will have bilateral meeting meet Iran President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. He will also many pull-aside meeting with several countries but no pull aside with Pakistan PM Imran Khan is expected.

PM Modi holds delegation-level talks with Russian President Putin on SCO sidelines

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-retail-inflation-rate-hits-17-month-low-in-november-183540">India's retail inflation</a> rate hit a seven-month high in May due to higher food prices, government data showed on Wednesday, but stayed below the central bank's target and potentially gives it room for more interest rate cuts to help a sluggish economy.

Annual retail inflation in May was 3.05 per cent, up from the revised 2.99 per cent&nbsp;in the previous month, and above forecasts by analysts.

A Reuters poll had predicted a retail inflation rate of 3.01 per cent for May.

Core consumer inflation, which strips out food and fuel prices, was estimated at 4.1-4.2 per cent&nbsp;in May, lower than April's 4.53 per cent-4.57 per cent, three analysts said after seeing the inflation figures on Wednesday.

While food <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/retail-inflation-eases-rbi-may-keep-interest-rates-on-hold-158931">inflation</a> has been rising, the moderation in core inflation has capped the overall inflationary pressures in the economy, said Tushar Arora, senior economist at HDFC Bank.

"We believe that overall inflation would remain subdued, allowing the central bank to cut the policy rate yet again," he said.

Inflation has sharply come down from a peak of more than 12 per cent&nbsp;in 2013 and has now come in below the Reserve Bank of India's medium-term target of 4 per cent&nbsp;for ten consecutive months.

Comforted by the subdued price pressures, and increasingly concerned by the economy's faltering growth, the RBI has cut its policy rate three times since February.

The most recent reduction was last week when the RBI lowered its repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.75 per cent and changed its policy stance to "accommodative" to meet the needs of the economy and a banking system laden with bad debts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi secured a second term after a landslide election victory last month despite the economic slowdown.

During the January-March quarter, the gross domestic product grew 5.8 per cent annually, the lowest in over four years and well below the rate needed to generate enough jobs for millions of young Indians entering the labour market each month.

The combination of low growth and low inflation is particularly difficult for farmers, who benefit from higher food prices.

Retail food prices, which make up nearly half of India's inflation basket, increased 1.83 per cent in May from a year earlier, up from 1.10 per cent in April. Food prices began rising again in March, having fallen in the five months through February.

The monsoon season rains arrived a week late this month, by which time reservoirs had dried up in many places, and economists say inflation could pick up in coming months if any shortfall in rains causes a spike in food prices.

RBI's raised its inflation outlook for April-September to 3.0-3.1 per cent, from its April outlook of 2.9-3.0 per cent.

India's retail inflation rate hit a seven-month high in May due to higher food prices, government data showed on Wednesday, but stayed below the central bank's target and potentially gives it room for more interest rate cuts to help a sluggish economy.

India's retail inflation rate hit a seven-month high in May due to higher food prices, government data showed on Wednesday, but stayed below the central bank's target and potentially gives it room for more interest rate cuts to help a sluggish economy. Annual retail inflation in May was 3.05 per cent, up from the revised 2.99 per cent in the previous month, and above forecasts by analysts. A Reuters poll had predicted a retail inflation rate of 3.01 per cent for May. Core consumer inflation, which strips out food and fuel prices, was estimated at 4.1-4.2 per cent in May, lower than April's 4.53 per cent-4.57 per cent, three analysts said after seeing the inflation figures on Wednesday. While food inflation has been rising, the moderation in core inflation has capped the overall inflationary pressures in the economy, said Tushar Arora, senior economist at HDFC Bank. "We believe that overall inflation would remain subdued, allowing the central bank to cut the policy rate yet again," he said. Inflation has sharply come down from a peak of more than 12 per cent in 2013 and has now come in below the Reserve Bank of India's medium-term target of 4 per cent for ten consecutive months. Comforted by the subdued price pressures, and increasingly concerned by the economy's faltering growth, the RBI has cut its policy rate three times since February. The most recent reduction was last week when the RBI lowered its repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.75 per cent and changed its policy stance to "accommodative" to meet the needs of the economy and a banking system laden with bad debts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi secured a second term after a landslide election victory last month despite the economic slowdown. During the January-March quarter, the gross domestic product grew 5.8 per cent annually, the lowest in over four years and well below the rate needed to generate enough jobs for millions of young Indians entering the labour market each month. The combination of low growth and low inflation is particularly difficult for farmers, who benefit from higher food prices. Retail food prices, which make up nearly half of India's inflation basket, increased 1.83 per cent in May from a year earlier, up from 1.10 per cent in April. Food prices began rising again in March, having fallen in the five months through February. The monsoon season rains arrived a week late this month, by which time reservoirs had dried up in many places, and economists say inflation could pick up in coming months if any shortfall in rains causes a spike in food prices. RBI's raised its inflation outlook for April-September to 3.0-3.1 per cent, from its April outlook of 2.9-3.0 per cent.

May inflation hits seven-month high; still room for rate cut

Tamil Nadu’s ruling party the AIADMK passed five resolutions on Wednesday to thank voters, alliance partners and&nbsp;congratulate the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for their win in the recently held Lok Sabha elections.

The party also urged workers to work for the upcoming local body polls on the vision of former party supremos MG Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa at its first district secretaries meeting post the Lok Sabha poll rout and amid calls from certain quarters for a single charismatic leader.&nbsp;

This meeting gained significance as there had been demands from certain quarters last week, for establishing a single charismatic leader for the party, after which AIADMK leadership had written to the cadre asking them to "join hands to save the party and remain disciplined and follow the political lessons of MG Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa".&nbsp;

Fueling the speculation of deep divisions within the party leadership, there were posters in the vicinity of the party office in Avvai Shanmugam Salai, which urged Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami to take over as party General Secretary, terming it as the expectation of the party cadre.

Speaking to reporters after the nearly hour-and-a-hour-long meeting, Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar dismissed the posters as gossip and maintained that status quo would prevail, he also said that the dual leadership issue wasn’t even discussed and termed it a routine meeting. When questioned about the decision to tie up with the BJP, he responded saying, it wasn’t an issue at all.

Senior AIADMK leader Vaithilingam said that there is no need to even speak about elections for the post of General Secretary as the existing set up of coordinator and co-coordinator are bound to continue.

The party has also instructed its spokespersons to not speak regarding the party's stance without seeking approval from the high command. Until further notice, they have also been instructed to not take part in any television debates, media interactions or post on social media regarding the party's future course of action.&nbsp;

Other functionaries have been instructed to not post their personal views or express them on the mainstream media or social media platforms and failure in following the instructions will lead to disciplinary action against them.

Speaking to WION about the developments in the party, senior journalist and political analyst Dr Sumanth C Raman stuck to his earlier analysis and said, "today’s meeting did not appear to be a rocky one and that there is likely to be no immediate change in the mode of leadership in the coming months." 
&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu’s ruling party the AIADMK passed five resolutions on Wednesday to thank voters, alliance partners and congratulate the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for their win in the recently held Lok Sabha elections.

Tamil Nadu’s ruling party the AIADMK passed five resolutions on Wednesday to thank voters, alliance partners and congratulate the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for their win in the recently held Lok Sabha elections. The party also urged workers to work for the upcoming local body polls on the vision of former party supremos MG Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa at its first district secretaries meeting post the Lok Sabha poll rout and amid calls from certain quarters for a single charismatic leader. This meeting gained significance as there had been demands from certain quarters last week, for establishing a single charismatic leader for the party, after which AIADMK leadership had written to the cadre asking them to "join hands to save the party and remain disciplined and follow the political lessons of MG Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa". Fueling the speculation of deep divisions within the party leadership, there were posters in the vicinity of the party office in Avvai Shanmugam Salai, which urged Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami to take over as party General Secretary, terming it as the expectation of the party cadre. Speaking to reporters after the nearly hour-and-a-hour-long meeting, Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar dismissed the posters as gossip and maintained that status quo would prevail, he also said that the dual leadership issue wasn’t even discussed and termed it a routine meeting. When questioned about the decision to tie up with the BJP, he responded saying, it wasn’t an issue at all. Senior AIADMK leader Vaithilingam said that there is no need to even speak about elections for the post of General Secretary as the existing set up of coordinator and co-coordinator are bound to continue. The party has also instructed its spokespersons to not speak regarding the party's stance without seeking approval from the high command. Until further notice, they have also been instructed to not take part in any television debates, media interactions or post on social media regarding the party's future course of action. Other functionaries have been instructed to not post their personal views or express them on the mainstream media or social media platforms and failure in following the instructions will lead to disciplinary action against them. Speaking to WION about the developments in the party, senior journalist and political analyst Dr Sumanth C Raman stuck to his earlier analysis and said, "today’s meeting did not appear to be a rocky one and that there is likely to be no immediate change in the mode of leadership in the coming months."

AIADMK passes 5 resolutions at crucial meeting; no discussion on single leader demand 

The presence of BIMSTEC nations at the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, conveyed a strong message. &nbsp;

It signalled at the fact that a stable and secure neighbourhood will be a priority of the country’s foreign policy.&nbsp;

BIMSTEC or the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Trade and Economic Cooperation was established in 1997. However, it was only since the BRICS-BIMSTEC summit in 2016, that the regional bloc gained renewed importance in India’s foreign policy discourse.

The latest diplomatic outreach was not the first time, when heads of a regional organisation were invited to an occasion of national importance. In 2014, PM Modi had achieved a diplomatic feat by inviting the heads of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations for his swearing-in ceremony. It was remarkable that leaders from all the seven countries, including the then Pakistani premier, Nawaz Sharif, accepted the invitation. &nbsp;

Along similar lines, the government invited the heads of all ten ASEAN nations as Guests of Honour for India’s Republic Day celebrations, in 2018. &nbsp;

With this, New Delhi sought to demonstrate its commitment to the “Act East” Policy, which is driven by cooperation on 3Cs – commerce, culture and connectivity. &nbsp;

Thus, even though inviting leaders of a regional organisation is not unprecedented, an invitation to the heads of BIMSTEC countries sets the tone for India’s foreign policy priorities.

Firstly, BIMSTEC links two regions as it brings together the economies of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in South Asia and those of Myanmar and Thailand in Southeast Asia. &nbsp;

It, simultaneously, links the agenda of two major foreign policies of the BJP-led government, “Neighbourhood First” and “Act East.” Therefore, by inviting the heads of government of BIMSTEC nations, New Delhi conveyed its commitment to pursue the two foreign policies in tandem, thereby maximising efforts towards regional stability and security.

Secondly, BIMSTEC provides New Delhi a reliable platform to enhance multilateral cooperation that can strengthen regional connectivity. It can also drive a mutually beneficial and sustainable developmental agenda across the 14 focus areas of BIMSTEC. Some of these areas are trade, technology, transport, tourism, people-to-people connect and, blue economy. &nbsp;

A strong regional network in this part of the world would benefit as many as 22 per cent of the world’s population, whose combined GDP currently stands at about $2.7 trillion. Thirdly, the latest invitation reaffirmed the government’s strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific and the critical role the Bay of Bengal plays in India’s maritime policy. &nbsp;

&nbsp;The geostrategic position of the Bay of Bengal puts it at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean and in close proximity to one of the busiest trade conduits – Strait of Malacca. The region also witnesses increasing Chinese naval and commercial presence, which has been accelerated under the garb of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).&nbsp;

The BRI has been endorsed by all BIMSTEC members barring Bhutan and India. Thus, a renewed focus on BIMSTEC can also serve as a bulwark against Chinese expansion in the region. It can help establish a strong regional architecture, and boost maritime cooperation and economic growth. &nbsp;

The invitation to BIMSTEC leaders has reignited the debate on the future of the other regional grouping SAARC and also the approach India would take in its engagement in South Asia.

Although it is clear that the SAARC has hit a dead-end due to the obstructive presence of Pakistan, India’s engagement with its western neighbours has not been halted. &nbsp;

Instead, PM Modi’s decision to select Maldives for his first international visit in the second term, and the continued warmth in India-Afghanistan relations, is an illustration of the government’s ongoing focus on South Asian solidarity, with or without Pakistan. &nbsp;

Therefore, the latest outreach to BIMSTEC countries is largely a continuation of PM Modi’s emphasis on the neighbourhood that was integral to his foreign policy in his first term. &nbsp;

While the diplomatic initiative itself is much welcome, New Delhi must now stress on the future course of action that can help realise the full potential, both economic and geostrategic, of the regional grouping. 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the<a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-bimstec-reaffirms-pm-modi-led-govt-s-strategic-focus-2759394"> original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The presence of BIMSTEC nations at the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, conveyed a strong message. It signalled at the fact that a stable and secure neighbourhood will be a priority of the country’s foreign policy.

The presence of BIMSTEC nations at the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, conveyed a strong message. It signalled at the fact that a stable and secure neighbourhood will be a priority of the country’s foreign policy. BIMSTEC or the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Trade and Economic Cooperation was established in 1997. However, it was only since the BRICS-BIMSTEC summit in 2016, that the regional bloc gained renewed importance in India’s foreign policy discourse. The latest diplomatic outreach was not the first time, when heads of a regional organisation were invited to an occasion of national importance. In 2014, PM Modi had achieved a diplomatic feat by inviting the heads of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations for his swearing-in ceremony. It was remarkable that leaders from all the seven countries, including the then Pakistani premier, Nawaz Sharif, accepted the invitation. Along similar lines, the government invited the heads of all ten ASEAN nations as Guests of Honour for India’s Republic Day celebrations, in 2018. With this, New Delhi sought to demonstrate its commitment to the “Act East” Policy, which is driven by cooperation on 3Cs – commerce, culture and connectivity. Thus, even though inviting leaders of a regional organisation is not unprecedented, an invitation to the heads of BIMSTEC countries sets the tone for India’s foreign policy priorities. Firstly, BIMSTEC links two regions as it brings together the economies of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in South Asia and those of Myanmar and Thailand in Southeast Asia. It, simultaneously, links the agenda of two major foreign policies of the BJP-led government, “Neighbourhood First” and “Act East.” Therefore, by inviting the heads of government of BIMSTEC nations, New Delhi conveyed its commitment to pursue the two foreign policies in tandem, thereby maximising efforts towards regional stability and security. Secondly, BIMSTEC provides New Delhi a reliable platform to enhance multilateral cooperation that can strengthen regional connectivity. It can also drive a mutually beneficial and sustainable developmental agenda across the 14 focus areas of BIMSTEC. Some of these areas are trade, technology, transport, tourism, people-to-people connect and, blue economy. A strong regional network in this part of the world would benefit as many as 22 per cent of the world’s population, whose combined GDP currently stands at about $2.7 trillion. Thirdly, the latest invitation reaffirmed the government’s strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific and the critical role the Bay of Bengal plays in India’s maritime policy. The geostrategic position of the Bay of Bengal puts it at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean and in close proximity to one of the busiest trade conduits – Strait of Malacca. The region also witnesses increasing Chinese naval and commercial presence, which has been accelerated under the garb of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI has been endorsed by all BIMSTEC members barring Bhutan and India. Thus, a renewed focus on BIMSTEC can also serve as a bulwark against Chinese expansion in the region. It can help establish a strong regional architecture, and boost maritime cooperation and economic growth. The invitation to BIMSTEC leaders has reignited the debate on the future of the other regional grouping SAARC and also the approach India would take in its engagement in South Asia. Although it is clear that the SAARC has hit a dead-end due to the obstructive presence of Pakistan, India’s engagement with its western neighbours has not been halted. Instead, PM Modi’s decision to select Maldives for his first international visit in the second term, and the continued warmth in India-Afghanistan relations, is an illustration of the government’s ongoing focus on South Asian solidarity, with or without Pakistan. Therefore, the latest outreach to BIMSTEC countries is largely a continuation of PM Modi’s emphasis on the neighbourhood that was integral to his foreign policy in his first term. While the diplomatic initiative itself is much welcome, New Delhi must now stress on the future course of action that can help realise the full potential, both economic and geostrategic, of the regional grouping. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

BIMSTEC reaffirms PM Narendra Modi-led government’s strategic focus

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Girish Karnad's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/legendary-actor-playwright-girish-karnad-passes-away-225836">death is a huge loss to not just cin</a>ema but theatre and the world of literature. As the Jananpith Awardee breathed his last on Monday morning, he left behind a huge body of work - in cinema, theatre and literature that will continue to inspire generations.&nbsp;

As the news of his death came in, several actors from both cinema as well as theatre world took to Twitter to pay rich tributes to the legendary actor.&nbsp;

PM Narendra Modi also paid his tribute to Karnad as he wrote, "Girish Karnad will be remembered for his versatile acting across all mediums. He also spoke passionately on causes dear to him. His works will continue being popular in the years to come. Saddened by his demise. May his soul rest in peace.(sic)"

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Girish Karnad will be remembered for his versatile acting across all mediums. He also spoke passionately on causes dear to him. His works will continue being popular in the years to come. Saddened by his demise. May his soul rest in peace.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1137948705112428544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Actors like Kamal Haasan, Sonam Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee, Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey also paid tributes to the actor. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/girish-karnad-1938-2019-celebrating-the-life-of-the-writer-thinker-actor-filmmaker-225943">In pics: The life and times of actor-playwright Girish Karnad</a>

Haasan wrote, "Mr.Girish Karnad, His scripts both awe and inspire me. He has left behind many inspired fans who are writers. Their works perhaps will make his loss partly bearable.(sic)"&nbsp;

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Mr.Girish Karnad, His scripts both awe and inspire me. He has left behind many inspired fans who are writers. Their works perhaps will make his loss partly bearable.
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) <a href="https://twitter.com/ikamalhaasan/status/1137943540485410816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Shabana Azmi, who worked with Karnad in several films including the classic 'Swami', requested privacy as she mourned the loss of a friend. Azmi tweeted,"Deeply saddened to learn about #Girish Karnad. Havent yet been able to speak with his family. Its been a friendship of 43 years and I need the privacy to mourn him. I request &nbsp;the media to kindly excuse me from giving quotes."

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Deeply saddened to learn about <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Girish?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Girish</a> Karnad. Havent yet been able to speak with his family. Its been a friendship of 43 years and I need the privacy to mourn him. I request the media to kindly excuse me from giving quotes. <a href="https://t.co/XMTxTmHXIw">pic.twitter.com/XMTxTmHXIw</a>
— Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) <a href="https://twitter.com/AzmiShabana/status/1137963457909841920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Other actors and politicians too mourned the news of his death.&nbsp;

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Such a huge loss. Such a brilliant man. Was fortunate to know and work with him. Heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. RIP. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/respect?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#respect</a> <a href="https://t.co/Gm8vcBRqwO">https://t.co/Gm8vcBRqwO</a>
— रanviर_ डhoरeय_ (@RanvirShorey) <a href="https://twitter.com/RanvirShorey/status/1137934233916207105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Rest in peace. I loved his work. ☹️ <a href="https://t.co/rNNuQg2tMn">https://t.co/rNNuQg2tMn</a>
— Sonam K Ahuja (@sonamakapoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/sonamakapoor/status/1137947084122779649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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My Hero While growing up,the creator of ‘Hayavadna’, Mr Karnad,the legend, has passed away. 
It’s a Huge loss for theatre 🎭. I’ve had the privilege of knowing him. 
My deepest and sincerest condolence to his family and friends. 
Rest In Peace sire! 
🙏🏽 <a href="https://t.co/F6qntH0sFt">https://t.co/F6qntH0sFt</a>
— Vinay Pathak (@pathakvinay) <a href="https://twitter.com/pathakvinay/status/1137941545213157376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Rest in peace great sir. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GirishKarnad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GirishKarnad</a> <a href="https://t.co/MdsxNna4KE">https://t.co/MdsxNna4KE</a>
— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) <a href="https://twitter.com/Actor_Siddharth/status/1137941721671593984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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One of my first big productions at the Doon School, was <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GirishKarnad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GirishKarnad</a> ‘s Hayavadana. A masterpiece that i got to perform . I remember it so vividly. An extraordinary man. He will be remembered for his unique sense of style and persona. In writing in acting and in life. <a href="https://t.co/iFYoorpFzb">pic.twitter.com/iFYoorpFzb</a>
— Ali Fazal M / میر علی فضل / अली (@alifazal9) <a href="https://twitter.com/alifazal9/status/1137950797482905600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sad news coming in the morning about the passing away of veteran noted actor and playwright Girish Karnad. Girish ji's views and artistic contribution will be missed by the country.
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1137939640269254657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Girish Karnad, great playwright, much respected thinker, wonderful person. RIP
— Pritish Nandy (@PritishNandy) <a href="https://twitter.com/PritishNandy/status/1137946909585203200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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RIP <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GirishKarnad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GirishKarnad</a> sir.. one actor whose inherent goodness reflected in his eyes. The thorough gentleman. Exceptional playwright.Swami ratnadeep manthan embedded in my childhood memories. A gem we lost today.
— Divya Dutta (@divyadutta25) <a href="https://twitter.com/divyadutta25/status/1137957585879887872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Girish Karnad. RIP. Condolences to his family.
— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) <a href="https://twitter.com/FarOutAkhtar/status/1137962081964236800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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I met Girish Karnad way back when he was the principal of the film institute &amp; then worked with him in Pukar. He was a great man &amp; playwright. His stories will forever remain in our hearts &amp; minds. Sending my prayers &amp; heartfelt condolences to his family. <a href="https://t.co/X7W6hF4A5t">https://t.co/X7W6hF4A5t</a>
— Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnilKapoor/status/1137962222745862144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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RIP Girish Karnard ji. It was my honor to meet and work with you. I will always remember you kindness and gentle advise. You will be so missed.
— Ranganathan Madhavan (@ActorMadhavan) <a href="https://twitter.com/ActorMadhavan/status/1137962220745138178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Saddened to hear the demise of veteran actor-playwright and jnanapeeta awardee Sri. Girish Karnad. My deepest condolences to <a href="https://twitter.com/rkarnad?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RKarnad</a> and his family. <a href="https://t.co/Sr53rnPSso">pic.twitter.com/Sr53rnPSso</a>
— B.S. Yeddyurappa (@BSYBJP) <a href="https://twitter.com/BSYBJP/status/1137938000606781440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Deeply saddened to hear of the demise of Jnanpith laureate writer and iconic actor/film maker, Sri <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GirishKarnad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GirishKarnad</a> . 
 
His outstanding contribution to literature, theatre and films will always be remembered. 
 
In his death, we lost a cultural ambassador. May his soul rest in peace. <a href="https://t.co/s5bfbh0VgE">pic.twitter.com/s5bfbh0VgE</a>
— H D Kumaraswamy (@hd_kumaraswamy) <a href="https://twitter.com/hd_kumaraswamy/status/1137939476112560128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Karnad reportedly died to due to multiple organ failure. He is survived by&nbsp;his wife Saraswathi, son Raghu Karnad&nbsp;and daughter Radha.&nbsp;

Girish Karnad's death is a huge loss to not just cinema but theatre and the world of literature. As the Jananpith Awardee breathed his last on Monday morning, he left behind a huge body of work - in cinema, theatre and literature that will continue to inspire generations.

Girish Karnad's death is a huge loss to not just cinema but theatre and the world of literature. As the Jananpith Awardee breathed his last on Monday morning, he left behind a huge body of work - in cinema, theatre and literature that will continue to inspire generations. As the news of his death came in, several actors from both cinema as well as theatre world took to Twitter to pay rich tributes to the legendary actor. PM Narendra Modi also paid his tribute to Karnad as he wrote, "Girish Karnad will be remembered for his versatile acting across all mediums. He also spoke passionately on causes dear to him. His works will continue being popular in the years to come. Saddened by his demise. May his soul rest in peace.(sic)" Girish Karnad will be remembered for his versatile acting across all mediums. He also spoke passionately on causes dear to him. His works will continue being popular in the years to come. Saddened by his demise. May his soul rest in peace. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 10, 2019 × Actors like Kamal Haasan, Sonam Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee, Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey also paid tributes to the actor. In pics: The life and times of actor-playwright Girish Karnad Haasan wrote, "Mr.Girish Karnad, His scripts both awe and inspire me. He has left behind many inspired fans who are writers. Their works perhaps will make his loss partly bearable.(sic)" Mr.Girish Karnad, His scripts both awe and inspire me. He has left behind many inspired fans who are writers. Their works perhaps will make his loss partly bearable. — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) June 10, 2019 × Shabana Azmi, who worked with Karnad in several films including the classic 'Swami', requested privacy as she mourned the loss of a friend. Azmi tweeted,"Deeply saddened to learn about #Girish Karnad. Havent yet been able to speak with his family. Its been a friendship of 43 years and I need the privacy to mourn him. I request the media to kindly excuse me from giving quotes." Deeply saddened to learn about #Girish Karnad. Havent yet been able to speak with his family. Its been a friendship of 43 years and I need the privacy to mourn him. I request the media to kindly excuse me from giving quotes. pic.twitter.com/XMTxTmHXIw — Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) June 10, 2019 × Other actors and politicians too mourned the news of his death. Such a huge loss. Such a brilliant man. Was fortunate to know and work with him. Heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. RIP. #respect https://t.co/Gm8vcBRqwO — रanviर_ डhoरeय_ (@RanvirShorey) June 10, 2019 × Rest in peace. I loved his work. ☹️ https://t.co/rNNuQg2tMn — Sonam K Ahuja (@sonamakapoor) June 10, 2019 × My Hero While growing up,the creator of ‘Hayavadna’, Mr Karnad,the legend, has passed away. It’s a Huge loss for theatre 🎭. I’ve had the privilege of knowing him. My deepest and sincerest condolence to his family and friends. Rest In Peace sire! 🙏🏽 https://t.co/F6qntH0sFt — Vinay Pathak (@pathakvinay) June 10, 2019 × Rest in peace great sir. #GirishKarnad https://t.co/MdsxNna4KE — Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) June 10, 2019 × One of my first big productions at the Doon School, was #GirishKarnad ‘s Hayavadana. A masterpiece that i got to perform . I remember it so vividly. An extraordinary man. He will be remembered for his unique sense of style and persona. In writing in acting and in life. pic.twitter.com/iFYoorpFzb — Ali Fazal M / میر علی فضل / अली (@alifazal9) June 10, 2019 × Sad news coming in the morning about the passing away of veteran noted actor and playwright Girish Karnad. Girish ji's views and artistic contribution will be missed by the country. — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 10, 2019 × Girish Karnad, great playwright, much respected thinker, wonderful person. RIP — Pritish Nandy (@PritishNandy) June 10, 2019 × RIP #GirishKarnad sir.. one actor whose inherent goodness reflected in his eyes. The thorough gentleman. Exceptional playwright.Swami ratnadeep manthan embedded in my childhood memories. A gem we lost today. — Divya Dutta (@divyadutta25) June 10, 2019 × Girish Karnad. RIP. Condolences to his family. — Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) June 10, 2019 × I met Girish Karnad way back when he was the principal of the film institute & then worked with him in Pukar. He was a great man & playwright. His stories will forever remain in our hearts & minds. Sending my prayers & heartfelt condolences to his family. https://t.co/X7W6hF4A5t — Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) June 10, 2019 × RIP Girish Karnard ji. It was my honor to meet and work with you. I will always remember you kindness and gentle advise. You will be so missed. — Ranganathan Madhavan (@ActorMadhavan) June 10, 2019 × Saddened to hear the demise of veteran actor-playwright and jnanapeeta awardee Sri. Girish Karnad. My deepest condolences to @RKarnad and his family. pic.twitter.com/Sr53rnPSso — B.S. Yeddyurappa (@BSYBJP) June 10, 2019 × Deeply saddened to hear of the demise of Jnanpith laureate writer and iconic actor/film maker, Sri #GirishKarnad . His outstanding contribution to literature, theatre and films will always be remembered. In his death, we lost a cultural ambassador. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/s5bfbh0VgE — H D Kumaraswamy (@hd_kumaraswamy) June 10, 2019 × Karnad reportedly died to due to multiple organ failure. He is survived by his wife Saraswathi, son Raghu Karnad and daughter Radha.

'Girish Karnad left behind many inspired fans,' PM Modi, Kamal Haasan and others pay rich tributes to the legend

The propaganda of the Islamic State (ISIS) is growing across South Asia. Easter attacks in Sri Lanka which killed over 250 people is case in point. The attacks were claimed by a local terror group National Thowheeth Jamaath, which is an ISIS-affiliate

It's important to recall here that investigations had revealed that the mastermind of the attack, Zaharan Hashim, was in touch with radical elements in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Following the investigations, NIA had arrested several suspects, one of whom had confessed to the plan of carrying out a suicide attack in Kerala.

Kerala police and Coast guard were already on high alert since Sri Lanka attacks, what raises more concern are the Intelligence inputs claiming that a boat carrying 15 IS operatives has been set off for Lakshadweep Islands from Sri Lanka.

Moreover, in a recently held internal security meeting, Intelligence agencies have warned Home Ministry that radical groups are trying to spread their presence across the country.

Apart from southern states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, these groups are also targetting people in Northeastern states. The inputs further stated that funds from Gulf countries are being used to mobilise these outfits.

Home Ministry has asked the intelligence agencies to keep a tight vigil on the suspected groups. Furthermore, the government is likely to come up with a counter-radicalisation policy.&nbsp;

The government is also keeping a close watch on social media as the ISIS operatives, many a time, use technology to approach the youth. State police also keep check on deviant youth and once the suspects are identified they are counselled on the risks involved.

Taking a cue from the countries that have implemented counter-radicalisation policy, the government can also run programmes which not just focus on countering ideology but also psychological rehabilitation. Local religious leaders, lawyers, senior citizens can be roped in to engage with the youth on dangers of extremism and radicalisation.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's national security team now has two prominent faces on the diplomatic and strategic fronts which is an asset for the government - External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. They both have achieved a lot together during the previous term of the NDA government. (2014-2019).

In his last tenure, Doval had played a key role in launching de-radicalisation initiatives with several Asian countries. The government will continue with such initiatives this time as well.

India and Maldives on Saturday agreed to set up a Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism, countering violent extremism and de-radicalisation.

India has been struggling with the radicalisation of youth in Jammu and Kashmir by the militant groups based in Pakistan. According to security officials, at least 50 youngsters have joined various terror outfits since March 2019. Youth in the age group of 15 years to 25 years are most vulnerable to be exploited.&nbsp;

Centre already runs some programmes to counsel the youth in the valley to bring in them positive behavioural changes. Army has been able to bring back a number of ultras to the mainstream with the help of the parents&nbsp;and senior citizens.

The state needs more career counselling centres, drug de-addiction centres, personality development centres and training workshops.

To defeat terrorism and radicalisation, it's important to engage in dialogue with the youth and motivate them to live a dignified and constructive life.

Amit Shah has also instructed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to take "harsh action" against separatist leaders who are instrumental in fuelling terror activities in the state and put them behind bars.

In a stern message to Pakistan when the global strategic environment is against Islamabad, Prime Minister Modi has reiterated its stand that there can be no talks between the two countries until Pakistan stops its anti-India activities.

Narendra Modi government 2.0 has&nbsp;shown zero-tolerance towards terrorism, radicalisation and extremism across the country.&nbsp;

With Shah, Jaishankar and Doval, Modi has ramped up India's security infrastructure to deal with the challenges pertaining to the national security and foreign policy. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The propaganda of the Islamic State (ISIS) is growing across South Asia. Easter attacks in Sri Lanka which killed over 250 people is case in point. The attacks were claimed by a local terror group National Thowheeth Jamaath, which is an ISIS-affiliate It's important to recall here that investigations had revealed that the mastermind of the attack, Zaharan Hashim, was in touch with radical elements in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

The propaganda of the Islamic State (ISIS) is growing across South Asia. Easter attacks in Sri Lanka which killed over 250 people is case in point. The attacks were claimed by a local terror group National Thowheeth Jamaath, which is an ISIS-affiliate It's important to recall here that investigations had revealed that the mastermind of the attack, Zaharan Hashim, was in touch with radical elements in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Following the investigations, NIA had arrested several suspects, one of whom had confessed to the plan of carrying out a suicide attack in Kerala. Kerala police and Coast guard were already on high alert since Sri Lanka attacks, what raises more concern are the Intelligence inputs claiming that a boat carrying 15 IS operatives has been set off for Lakshadweep Islands from Sri Lanka. Moreover, in a recently held internal security meeting, Intelligence agencies have warned Home Ministry that radical groups are trying to spread their presence across the country. Apart from southern states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, these groups are also targetting people in Northeastern states. The inputs further stated that funds from Gulf countries are being used to mobilise these outfits. Home Ministry has asked the intelligence agencies to keep a tight vigil on the suspected groups. Furthermore, the government is likely to come up with a counter-radicalisation policy. The government is also keeping a close watch on social media as the ISIS operatives, many a time, use technology to approach the youth. State police also keep check on deviant youth and once the suspects are identified they are counselled on the risks involved. Taking a cue from the countries that have implemented counter-radicalisation policy, the government can also run programmes which not just focus on countering ideology but also psychological rehabilitation. Local religious leaders, lawyers, senior citizens can be roped in to engage with the youth on dangers of extremism and radicalisation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's national security team now has two prominent faces on the diplomatic and strategic fronts which is an asset for the government - External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. They both have achieved a lot together during the previous term of the NDA government. (2014-2019). In his last tenure, Doval had played a key role in launching de-radicalisation initiatives with several Asian countries. The government will continue with such initiatives this time as well. India and Maldives on Saturday agreed to set up a Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism, countering violent extremism and de-radicalisation. India has been struggling with the radicalisation of youth in Jammu and Kashmir by the militant groups based in Pakistan. According to security officials, at least 50 youngsters have joined various terror outfits since March 2019. Youth in the age group of 15 years to 25 years are most vulnerable to be exploited. Centre already runs some programmes to counsel the youth in the valley to bring in them positive behavioural changes. Army has been able to bring back a number of ultras to the mainstream with the help of the parents and senior citizens. The state needs more career counselling centres, drug de-addiction centres, personality development centres and training workshops. To defeat terrorism and radicalisation, it's important to engage in dialogue with the youth and motivate them to live a dignified and constructive life. Amit Shah has also instructed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to take "harsh action" against separatist leaders who are instrumental in fuelling terror activities in the state and put them behind bars. In a stern message to Pakistan when the global strategic environment is against Islamabad, Prime Minister Modi has reiterated its stand that there can be no talks between the two countries until Pakistan stops its anti-India activities. Narendra Modi government 2.0 has shown zero-tolerance towards terrorism, radicalisation and extremism across the country. With Shah, Jaishankar and Doval, Modi has ramped up India's security infrastructure to deal with the challenges pertaining to the national security and foreign policy. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

As radicalisation grows, Narendra Modi government puts in place stronger measures

As leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet for the 19th summit in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek on Thursday many issues such as regional security architecture, counter-terror and trade would take centre stage. While India's presence in the group has been lauded by many members of the eight-country&nbsp;strong group, SCO Chair for this year, Kyrgyzstan told WION that New Delhi's experience can help other members in countering aforementioned&nbsp;issues.

Ambassador Asein Isaev, Kyrgyz's envoy to New Delhi said, "The main objective of the organisation is peaceful development of the region. We need Indian experience in all spheres --&nbsp;democratic development, security possibilities, cultural development; also we hope, India will share the experience with other members of SCO."

Meanwhile, Uzbek envoy to India Farhod Arziev said New Delhi has an important role to play in the international grouping&nbsp;that covers three-fifths of the Eurasian continent and nearly half of the human population.&nbsp;

He said, "We have supported full membership of India to SCO, and we believe it has been a big contribution to further expansion and development of the organisation as an international institution with India being one of the fastest growing countries. It has many things to offer for the development of SCO."

PM Modi will meet many world leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Jeenbekov who was invited for the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi in May on the sidelines of the summit.&nbsp;

This will be PM Modi's first meeting with Chinese President since the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist by the United Nations.&nbsp;

India has also made it clear no meeting between PM Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is scheduled.&nbsp;

Raveesh Kumar, MEA's spokesperson in response to WION's question at the first weekly presser of the new government had said, "To the best of my knowledge no meeting has been planned between PM Modi and Pakistan PM Imran Khan at the SCO Summit in Bishkek."

Speculation is rife&nbsp;that both leaders may meet, especially with the visit of Pakistan Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood to India on Eid.&nbsp;

Indian foreign ministry has clarified on the visit, &nbsp;saying it was a "personal visit and there was no meeting scheduled" between Pakistan Foreign Secretary and an Indian official.&nbsp;

Watch: SCO to pitch for a new trading system

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This will be the first multilateral meet in Modi's second term as Prime Minister of the country.

India became a full member of the group in 2017 at the 17th summit of SCO in Astana, Kazakhstan.&nbsp;

As leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet for the 19th summit in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek on Thursday many issues such as regional security architecture, counter-terror and trade would take centre stage.

As leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet for the 19th summit in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek on Thursday many issues such as regional security architecture, counter-terror and trade would take centre stage. While India's presence in the group has been lauded by many members of the eight-country strong group, SCO Chair for this year, Kyrgyzstan told WION that New Delhi's experience can help other members in countering aforementioned issues. Ambassador Asein Isaev, Kyrgyz's envoy to New Delhi said, "The main objective of the organisation is peaceful development of the region. We need Indian experience in all spheres -- democratic development, security possibilities, cultural development; also we hope, India will share the experience with other members of SCO." Meanwhile, Uzbek envoy to India Farhod Arziev said New Delhi has an important role to play in the international grouping that covers three-fifths of the Eurasian continent and nearly half of the human population. He said, "We have supported full membership of India to SCO, and we believe it has been a big contribution to further expansion and development of the organisation as an international institution with India being one of the fastest growing countries. It has many things to offer for the development of SCO." PM Modi will meet many world leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Jeenbekov who was invited for the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi in May on the sidelines of the summit. This will be PM Modi's first meeting with Chinese President since the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist by the United Nations. India has also made it clear no meeting between PM Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is scheduled. Raveesh Kumar, MEA's spokesperson in response to WION's question at the first weekly presser of the new government had said, "To the best of my knowledge no meeting has been planned between PM Modi and Pakistan PM Imran Khan at the SCO Summit in Bishkek." Speculation is rife that both leaders may meet, especially with the visit of Pakistan Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood to India on Eid. Indian foreign ministry has clarified on the visit, saying it was a "personal visit and there was no meeting scheduled" between Pakistan Foreign Secretary and an Indian official. Watch: SCO to pitch for a new trading system × This will be the first multilateral meet in Modi's second term as Prime Minister of the country. India became a full member of the group in 2017 at the 17th summit of SCO in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Ahead of SCO summit, member countries say India has important role to play

Sri Lankan Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pm-ranil-wickremesinghe-vows-to-stop-islamic-state-terrorism-raising-its-head-again-in-lanka-221734">Ranil Wickremesinghe</a> said Monday that he sought India's help to train the country's security forces in counter-terrorism during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Modi on Sunday became the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-police-make-arrests-amid-violence-after-easter-attack-218825">deadly Easter terror attacks</a> on April 21 which killed 258 people and injured over 500.

During his visit, Modi said he was confident that Sri Lanka will rise again and cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka."India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka," he said.

Prime Minister Modi also met President Maithripala Sirisena and the two leaders agreed that terrorism was a joint threat that needs collective and focussed action.

Wickremesinghe in a statement said he had assured Modi that the delayed Indo-Lanka projects will be expedited.

The prime minister also said a series of joint initiatives between India and Sri Lanka were being planned to ensure continued economic cooperation.

The Prime Minister said Prime Minister Modi's continual show of support towards Sri Lanka will serve to strengthen confidence and encourage more people to visit Sri Lanka.

"During his trip, we discussed matters including the strengthening of regional security through reviving tri-lateral talks between Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives," he was quoted as saying by the Colombo Gazette.

"I also requested that India work closely with Sri Lanka's security forces, providing them with counter-terrorism training and logistical support," Wickremesinghe said.

He also said that Modi's visit to Sri Lanka, following the lifting of the travel advisories by many countries including the UK, France and China, will boost the tourism industry.

Following the Easter bombings, several countries issued travel advisories to their nationals, severely hurting the island nation's tourism industry.&nbsp;

Tourism accounts for about five per cent of Sri Lanka's economy, with India, China and the UK the main source of tourists.

The country earned about USD 4.4 billion in 2018 from the tourism sector.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority said April recorded 166,975 foreign tourists in the country compared to 180,429 in April 2018, a 7.5 per cent dip in the arrival of tourists from abroad.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said Monday that he sought India's help to train the country's security forces in counter-terrorism during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said Monday that he sought India's help to train the country's security forces in counter-terrorism during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi on Sunday became the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the deadly Easter terror attacks on April 21 which killed 258 people and injured over 500. During his visit, Modi said he was confident that Sri Lanka will rise again and cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka."India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka," he said. Prime Minister Modi also met President Maithripala Sirisena and the two leaders agreed that terrorism was a joint threat that needs collective and focussed action. Wickremesinghe in a statement said he had assured Modi that the delayed Indo-Lanka projects will be expedited. The prime minister also said a series of joint initiatives between India and Sri Lanka were being planned to ensure continued economic cooperation. The Prime Minister said Prime Minister Modi's continual show of support towards Sri Lanka will serve to strengthen confidence and encourage more people to visit Sri Lanka. "During his trip, we discussed matters including the strengthening of regional security through reviving tri-lateral talks between Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives," he was quoted as saying by the Colombo Gazette. "I also requested that India work closely with Sri Lanka's security forces, providing them with counter-terrorism training and logistical support," Wickremesinghe said. He also said that Modi's visit to Sri Lanka, following the lifting of the travel advisories by many countries including the UK, France and China, will boost the tourism industry. Following the Easter bombings, several countries issued travel advisories to their nationals, severely hurting the island nation's tourism industry. Tourism accounts for about five per cent of Sri Lanka's economy, with India, China and the UK the main source of tourists. The country earned about USD 4.4 billion in 2018 from the tourism sector. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority said April recorded 166,975 foreign tourists in the country compared to 180,429 in April 2018, a 7.5 per cent dip in the arrival of tourists from abroad.

Sri Lanka seeks India's help to counter terrorism: PM Wickremesinghe

Pakistan on Monday decided in principle to let Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aircraft fly over its airspace to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan where he has to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on June 13-14, where his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan would also be present.

Pakistan had fully closed its airspace on February 26 after an Indian Air Force (IAF) strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot. Since then, it has only opened two routes, both of them pass through southern Pakistan, of the total 11.

India requested Pakistan to let Prime Minister Modi's aircraft fly over its airspace to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan.

The official confirmed to PTI that the Imran Khan government has approved in principle the Indian government's request to let Prime Minister Modi's aircraft fly over the Pakistani airspace to Bishkek.

"The Indian government will be conveyed about the decision once the procedural formalities are completed. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will also be directed to notify the airmen subsequently," the official said, adding Pakistan was hopeful that India would respond to its offer for peace dialogue.

He said Prime Minister Khan has recently written a letter to his Indian counterpart stressing Pakistan requires a solution for all geopolitical issues including Kashmir between the two neighbouring states.

The official further said Pakistan is still optimistic that India will respond to peace offer despite the fact both premiers were not meeting at the sidelines of the SCO Summit.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in New Delhi said no bilateral meeting has been arranged between Prime Minister Modi and his Pakistani counterpart on the sidelines of the SCO Summit.

Pakistan had given special permission to India's then external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj to fly directly through Pakistani airspace to attend the SCO Foreign Ministers' meet in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on May 21.

Apart from the two routes through southern Pakistan, the neighbouring country's airspace remains closed for commercial airliners.

The IAF announced on May 31 that all temporary restrictions imposed on Indian airspace post the Balakot airstrike have been removed. However, it is unlikely to benefit any commercial airliners unless Pakistan reciprocates and opens its complete airspace.

Among Indian airlines, the international operations of Air India and IndiGo have been affected by the closure of Pakistani airspace.

IndiGo, India's largest airline by the share in the domestic passenger market, has been unable to start direct flights from Delhi to Istanbul due to the closure of Pakistani airspace.

The low-cost carrier started the Delhi-Istanbul flight in March this year. It has to take the longer route every time over the Arabian Sea and make a stop either at Doha in Qatar or at Ahmedabad in Gujarat for refuelling.

Similarly, full-service carrier Air India is unable to fly non-stop flights from Delhi to the US since the closure of Pakistani airspace.

Pakistan, however, has extended its partial airspace ban on the eastern border with India until June 14.&nbsp;

Pakistan on Monday decided in principle to let Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aircraft fly over its airspace to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan where he has to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on June 13-14, where his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan would also be present.

Pakistan on Monday decided in principle to let Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aircraft fly over its airspace to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan where he has to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on June 13-14, where his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan would also be present. Pakistan had fully closed its airspace on February 26 after an Indian Air Force (IAF) strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot. Since then, it has only opened two routes, both of them pass through southern Pakistan, of the total 11. India requested Pakistan to let Prime Minister Modi's aircraft fly over its airspace to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan. The official confirmed to PTI that the Imran Khan government has approved in principle the Indian government's request to let Prime Minister Modi's aircraft fly over the Pakistani airspace to Bishkek. "The Indian government will be conveyed about the decision once the procedural formalities are completed. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will also be directed to notify the airmen subsequently," the official said, adding Pakistan was hopeful that India would respond to its offer for peace dialogue. He said Prime Minister Khan has recently written a letter to his Indian counterpart stressing Pakistan requires a solution for all geopolitical issues including Kashmir between the two neighbouring states. The official further said Pakistan is still optimistic that India will respond to peace offer despite the fact both premiers were not meeting at the sidelines of the SCO Summit. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in New Delhi said no bilateral meeting has been arranged between Prime Minister Modi and his Pakistani counterpart on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. Pakistan had given special permission to India's then external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj to fly directly through Pakistani airspace to attend the SCO Foreign Ministers' meet in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on May 21. Apart from the two routes through southern Pakistan, the neighbouring country's airspace remains closed for commercial airliners. The IAF announced on May 31 that all temporary restrictions imposed on Indian airspace post the Balakot airstrike have been removed. However, it is unlikely to benefit any commercial airliners unless Pakistan reciprocates and opens its complete airspace. Among Indian airlines, the international operations of Air India and IndiGo have been affected by the closure of Pakistani airspace. IndiGo, India's largest airline by the share in the domestic passenger market, has been unable to start direct flights from Delhi to Istanbul due to the closure of Pakistani airspace. The low-cost carrier started the Delhi-Istanbul flight in March this year. It has to take the longer route every time over the Arabian Sea and make a stop either at Doha in Qatar or at Ahmedabad in Gujarat for refuelling. Similarly, full-service carrier Air India is unable to fly non-stop flights from Delhi to the US since the closure of Pakistani airspace. Pakistan, however, has extended its partial airspace ban on the eastern border with India until June 14.

Pakistan decides to let PM Modi's plane fly over its airspace to Bishkek for SCO summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting the Maldives and Sri Lanka on June 8-9 with the aim to strengthen the 'Neighbourhood First' policy. This policy is an integral plank of India's foreign policy strategy to improve ties with immediate neighbours in South Asia; countries including Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Strong relations with Sri Lanka and the Maldives are not the only reasons why PM Modi is making his visit. The two countries are critical to India's long term maritime strategy. Here's how.

Sri Lanka

A bit of vital history first. India-Sri Lanka relations degraded over the years due to China's influence in Sri Lanka along with a civil war in the northern part of the country which is Tamil dominated. In order to re-invigorate stronger ties and to overcome tensions from Tamil Nadu political parties, PM Modi sent an invite to the Sri Lankan president for his inauguration. India is most concerned with heavy Chinese investment and military presence in Sri Lanka. The island country is very strategically situated on the Indian Ocean with a full-frontal view of the South Indian coastline - just what pesky neighbour China wants. In fact, in 2014, a Chinese submarine with nuclear capability docked in Colombo. Although China claimed that the submarine was there solely for re-fuelling and crew refreshment, India was unsurprisingly displeased.

In 2015, Maithripala Sirisena won the presidential election in Sri Lanka. PM Modi was strategically the first leader to call and congratulate him. Why is this important? The new president marked a regime change where Sri Lanka would reduce the island's slant towards China. This was because Sirisena had earlier presented foreign policy in favour of strengthening relations with India. This came into fruition in 2015 when the two countries signed a civil nuclear agreement in New Delhi. Inevitably, this sent a loud and clear message to China. Furthermore, Sirisena and Modi signed other agreements which drove the message home; and one involved a cooperative maritime pact between India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Continued strong relations are required with Sri Lanka for several key reasons. Strengthening relations with the island country is critical on a security front. Despite solidifying ties with India, Sri Lanka agreed to let China develop a billion dollar port city in Colombo. This potentially destabilises India's security. Further-improved relations with Sri Lanka will also allow India to harness its hard power maritime capabilities over the next five years (ships, aircraft, submarines). Additionally, with strong relations, India can also update maritime operational technology over the next five years with Artificial Intelligence and big data analytics (the future of warfare). A cooperative and strong partnership with Sri Lanka will expand both India's naval presence and regional maritime strategy.

Maldives

The Maldives is also an Indian Ocean country. In the past, Modi has come to the Maldives' aid in the wake of their drinking water crisis in Male (2014) which helped strengthen bilateral ties significantly. Both India and Maldives are members of the South Asian Economic Union and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. Furthermore, they are also parties to the South Asia Free Trade Agreement.

India is most interested in the Maldives because of its geopolitical location. With its Eight Degree Channel, Maldives carries one of the major maritime lanes on planet earth. A substantial amount of world trade happens through this lane; for example, energy supplies from Gulf Nations pass through this area. Maldives is thus a key country vital to peace in the Indian Ocean. Over the next five years, Maldives will provide numerous policies that will benefit India's blue economy. PM Modi will undoubtedly focus on key development projects, in particular, hydro-power and renewable energy. And as for maritime security, Modi will focus on working with the Maldives on trans-national crimes and terrorism.

Conclusion

Besides building international relations with our oceanic partners, PM Modi must also take additional steps to establish both a beneficial maritime strategy and long-lasting alliances. First, he must take advantage of India's coastlines and ocean to kick-start a strong domestic blue economy (wind power, solar power, hydro-power, etc). This will help stabilise the economy and also create massive employment. Additionally, the environmentalist in all of us would love an India powered by renewable energy.

Second, PM Modi must quickly aid the Navy to meet the goals of the Maritime Capability Perspective Plan (MCPP) without letting delays and bureaucracy get in the way. Part of the plan involves completing a 200-ship fleet by 2027 along with helicopters, torpedoes and submarines. A completed fleet will help guard the interests and assets of the nation. More importantly, India will gain considerable hard power capital on the global stage.

Finally, India must focus on making its SAGAR scheme robust. SAGAR, or 'Security and Growth for All in the Region', is a maritime initiative coined by PM Modi in 2015. SAGAR aims to ensure stability, peace and prosperity for India and also creates a 'climate of trust and transparency' with regional nations. If PM Modi establishes SAGAR as a major ocean strategy, overall foreign policy can be greatly propelled with increased maritime cooperation. Higher levels of cooperation would result in a significant increase in soft power internationally. New India would be an entity that anybody would think twice before reckoning with.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting the Maldives and Sri Lanka on June 8-9 with the aim to strengthen the 'Neighbourhood First' policy. This policy is an integral plank of India's foreign policy strategy to improve ties with immediate neighbours in South Asia; countries including Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting the Maldives and Sri Lanka on June 8-9 with the aim to strengthen the 'Neighbourhood First' policy. This policy is an integral plank of India's foreign policy strategy to improve ties with immediate neighbours in South Asia; countries including Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Strong relations with Sri Lanka and the Maldives are not the only reasons why PM Modi is making his visit. The two countries are critical to India's long term maritime strategy. Here's how. Sri Lanka A bit of vital history first. India-Sri Lanka relations degraded over the years due to China's influence in Sri Lanka along with a civil war in the northern part of the country which is Tamil dominated. In order to re-invigorate stronger ties and to overcome tensions from Tamil Nadu political parties, PM Modi sent an invite to the Sri Lankan president for his inauguration. India is most concerned with heavy Chinese investment and military presence in Sri Lanka. The island country is very strategically situated on the Indian Ocean with a full-frontal view of the South Indian coastline - just what pesky neighbour China wants. In fact, in 2014, a Chinese submarine with nuclear capability docked in Colombo. Although China claimed that the submarine was there solely for re-fuelling and crew refreshment, India was unsurprisingly displeased. In 2015, Maithripala Sirisena won the presidential election in Sri Lanka. PM Modi was strategically the first leader to call and congratulate him. Why is this important? The new president marked a regime change where Sri Lanka would reduce the island's slant towards China. This was because Sirisena had earlier presented foreign policy in favour of strengthening relations with India. This came into fruition in 2015 when the two countries signed a civil nuclear agreement in New Delhi. Inevitably, this sent a loud and clear message to China. Furthermore, Sirisena and Modi signed other agreements which drove the message home; and one involved a cooperative maritime pact between India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Continued strong relations are required with Sri Lanka for several key reasons. Strengthening relations with the island country is critical on a security front. Despite solidifying ties with India, Sri Lanka agreed to let China develop a billion dollar port city in Colombo. This potentially destabilises India's security. Further-improved relations with Sri Lanka will also allow India to harness its hard power maritime capabilities over the next five years (ships, aircraft, submarines). Additionally, with strong relations, India can also update maritime operational technology over the next five years with Artificial Intelligence and big data analytics (the future of warfare). A cooperative and strong partnership with Sri Lanka will expand both India's naval presence and regional maritime strategy. Maldives The Maldives is also an Indian Ocean country. In the past, Modi has come to the Maldives' aid in the wake of their drinking water crisis in Male (2014) which helped strengthen bilateral ties significantly. Both India and Maldives are members of the South Asian Economic Union and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. Furthermore, they are also parties to the South Asia Free Trade Agreement. India is most interested in the Maldives because of its geopolitical location. With its Eight Degree Channel, Maldives carries one of the major maritime lanes on planet earth. A substantial amount of world trade happens through this lane; for example, energy supplies from Gulf Nations pass through this area. Maldives is thus a key country vital to peace in the Indian Ocean. Over the next five years, Maldives will provide numerous policies that will benefit India's blue economy. PM Modi will undoubtedly focus on key development projects, in particular, hydro-power and renewable energy. And as for maritime security, Modi will focus on working with the Maldives on trans-national crimes and terrorism. Conclusion Besides building international relations with our oceanic partners, PM Modi must also take additional steps to establish both a beneficial maritime strategy and long-lasting alliances. First, he must take advantage of India's coastlines and ocean to kick-start a strong domestic blue economy (wind power, solar power, hydro-power, etc). This will help stabilise the economy and also create massive employment. Additionally, the environmentalist in all of us would love an India powered by renewable energy. Second, PM Modi must quickly aid the Navy to meet the goals of the Maritime Capability Perspective Plan (MCPP) without letting delays and bureaucracy get in the way. Part of the plan involves completing a 200-ship fleet by 2027 along with helicopters, torpedoes and submarines. A completed fleet will help guard the interests and assets of the nation. More importantly, India will gain considerable hard power capital on the global stage. Finally, India must focus on making its SAGAR scheme robust. SAGAR, or 'Security and Growth for All in the Region', is a maritime initiative coined by PM Modi in 2015. SAGAR aims to ensure stability, peace and prosperity for India and also creates a 'climate of trust and transparency' with regional nations. If PM Modi establishes SAGAR as a major ocean strategy, overall foreign policy can be greatly propelled with increased maritime cooperation. Higher levels of cooperation would result in a significant increase in soft power internationally. New India would be an entity that anybody would think twice before reckoning with. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

PM Modi's visit to Sri Lanka and the Maldives bolsters long-term maritime strategy for India

India will hold bilateral meetings with Russia and China on the sidelines of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/on-sidelines-of-sco-summit-xi-and-modi-may-discuss-us-trade-protectionism-in-bishkek-china-225844">Shanghai Cooperation Organisation</a> (SCO) summit at Bishkek this week, the Ministry of External Affairs stated during a press briefing on Monday.

The bilaterals will take place when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek to attend the meeting of Council of Heads of State (CHS) of SCO from June 13 to 14.&nbsp;

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Gitesh Sharma, Secretary (West), MEA: There will be a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Putin, and between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. <a href="https://t.co/t2GXfIwD3B">pic.twitter.com/t2GXfIwD3B</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1138035362591170560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The MEA also revealed that India would be holding a meeting with host nation Kyrgyzstan on June 14

''There will be a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Putin, and between PM Modi and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-narendra-modi-to-meet-chinese-president-xi-jinping-on-sidelines-of-sco-summit-225651">Chinese President</a> Xi Jinping on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan,'' said Gitesh Sharma, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).&nbsp;

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Responding to a question regarding a probable India-Pakistan meeting, or even a bilateral between India and Iran, the Secretary (West), Gitesh Sarma, said that there is limited time available due to which "requests for other bilaterals will be processed as we go along."However, MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar firmly outlined that no meeting between India and Pakistan is being organised."

Questions regarding the agenda during the India-China bilateral were also put forth to the officials. While both the representatives abstained from revealing any part of the agenda, they said that "the current global scenario is uppermost in minds," in response to a question on the ongoing trade dispute between China and the United States being discussed during the bilateral.

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Raveesh Kumar, MEA: There is no meeting which is being organised between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan at SCO Summit. There is nothing more that we can add at this stage. <a href="https://t.co/xEwugFauhJ">pic.twitter.com/xEwugFauhJ</a>
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The SCO summit was described as a "friendly gathering," by Kumar who added that the meeting reflects consensus as the documents are previously negotiated.

"The leaders participating in the Summit are expected to focus their discussions on the global security situation, multilateral economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and also on topical issues of international and regional importance," an MEA statement outlined.

(With inputs from ANI)

India will hold bilateral meetings with Russia and China on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit at Bishkek this week, the Ministry of External Affairs stated during a press briefing on Monday.

India will hold bilateral meetings with Russia and China on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit at Bishkek this week, the Ministry of External Affairs stated during a press briefing on Monday. The bilaterals will take place when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek to attend the meeting of Council of Heads of State (CHS) of SCO from June 13 to 14. Gitesh Sharma, Secretary (West), MEA: There will be a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Putin, and between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. pic.twitter.com/t2GXfIwD3B — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2019 × The MEA also revealed that India would be holding a meeting with host nation Kyrgyzstan on June 14 ''There will be a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Putin, and between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan,'' said Gitesh Sharma, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). × Responding to a question regarding a probable India-Pakistan meeting, or even a bilateral between India and Iran, the Secretary (West), Gitesh Sarma, said that there is limited time available due to which "requests for other bilaterals will be processed as we go along."However, MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar firmly outlined that no meeting between India and Pakistan is being organised." Questions regarding the agenda during the India-China bilateral were also put forth to the officials. While both the representatives abstained from revealing any part of the agenda, they said that "the current global scenario is uppermost in minds," in response to a question on the ongoing trade dispute between China and the United States being discussed during the bilateral. Raveesh Kumar, MEA: There is no meeting which is being organised between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan at SCO Summit. There is nothing more that we can add at this stage. pic.twitter.com/xEwugFauhJ — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2019 × The SCO summit was described as a "friendly gathering," by Kumar who added that the meeting reflects consensus as the documents are previously negotiated. "The leaders participating in the Summit are expected to focus their discussions on the global security situation, multilateral economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and also on topical issues of international and regional importance," an MEA statement outlined. (With inputs from ANI)

PM Modi to hold bilateral talks with Putin, Xi on SCO Summit sidelines 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he had come to Tirupati to seek blessings of Lord Venkateswara after forming the new government.

"I have had the good fortune to come to Tirupati many times in the past too, I have come here to take the blessings of Lord Venkateshwara after forming the new government. I want the Lord to bless us so that we can fulfil the dreams of 130 crore Indians together," Modi said at a public meeting here.

PM Modi thanked the people of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu for participating in the elections and forming the government of their choice in the two states.

"I want to thank the people of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu for participating in the festival of democracy, whether we won or not is irrelevant, we just want to serve. I want to thank the people for upholding democracy," he said.

Modi added that all BJP 'karyakartas'&nbsp;including himself were servants of the nation and added that even when the party wasn't able to win seats in the municipality elections, they had always raised the slogan of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai'.

"We are not electoral organisms, we are committed to providing safety, security and growth to the people of the country, this goes for every BJP worker across the nation. This is why the voters elected us to power for a second time," he said.

"We will work especially hard for Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. I want to give my best wishes to Jaganmohan Reddyji, he too will take Andhra Pradesh forward, I want to assure that Indian government will always be there for the people of Andhra," Modi promised.

Earlier, PM Modi was welcomed by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YSR Jaganmohan Reddy at the Tirupati Airport on his arrival from Colombo on Sunday.

Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan and five deputy chief ministers in the newly elected Reddy government along with other leaders were also present to welcome the Prime Minister who was returning after his two-nation trip to the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

The YSRCP leader and newly elected CM received a pat on the back from PM Modi after he tried to touch the latter`s feet twice.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he had come to Tirupati to seek blessings of Lord Venkateswara after forming the new government. "I have had the good fortune to come to Tirupati many times in the past too, I have come here to take the blessings of Lord Venkateshwara after forming the new government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he had come to Tirupati to seek blessings of Lord Venkateswara after forming the new government. "I have had the good fortune to come to Tirupati many times in the past too, I have come here to take the blessings of Lord Venkateshwara after forming the new government. I want the Lord to bless us so that we can fulfil the dreams of 130 crore Indians together," Modi said at a public meeting here. PM Modi thanked the people of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu for participating in the elections and forming the government of their choice in the two states. "I want to thank the people of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu for participating in the festival of democracy, whether we won or not is irrelevant, we just want to serve. I want to thank the people for upholding democracy," he said. Modi added that all BJP 'karyakartas' including himself were servants of the nation and added that even when the party wasn't able to win seats in the municipality elections, they had always raised the slogan of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai'. "We are not electoral organisms, we are committed to providing safety, security and growth to the people of the country, this goes for every BJP worker across the nation. This is why the voters elected us to power for a second time," he said. "We will work especially hard for Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. I want to give my best wishes to Jaganmohan Reddyji, he too will take Andhra Pradesh forward, I want to assure that Indian government will always be there for the people of Andhra," Modi promised. Earlier, PM Modi was welcomed by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YSR Jaganmohan Reddy at the Tirupati Airport on his arrival from Colombo on Sunday. Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan and five deputy chief ministers in the newly elected Reddy government along with other leaders were also present to welcome the Prime Minister who was returning after his two-nation trip to the Maldives and Sri Lanka. The YSRCP leader and newly elected CM received a pat on the back from PM Modi after he tried to touch the latter`s feet twice.

The country saw our dedication and gave us a second chance: PM Modi in Tirupati

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-sends-powerful-message-against-terror-as-he-wraps-up-two-nation-visit-to-maldives-and-sri-lanka-225692">PM Modi sends powerful message against terror as he wraps up two-nation visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka&nbsp;</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday wrapped up his two-nation visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka stressing on New Delhi's "neighbourhood first" policy and focusing on a range of issues from counter-terror, climate change, Indo-Pacific region. This was Modi's first visit abroad in the second term and symbolic in several ways.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-am-here-to-watch-the-game-says-vijay-mallya-spotted-at-oval-for-indvaus-world-cup-encounter-225680">'I am here to watch the game', says Vijay Mallya spotted at Oval for INDvAUS World Cup encounter</a>

'Fugitive economic offender' Vijay Mallya, who is facing extradition proceedings in UK, was seen attending India`s World Cup cricket match against Australia at the Kennington Oval in London on Sunday, reported news agency ANI.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/contribute-to-indias-development-modi-tells-diaspora-in-sri-lanka-225663">Contribute to India's growth: Prime Minister Modi tells diaspora in Sri Lanka&nbsp;</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the Indian diaspora to contribute to India's growth and said the country`s image had changed a lot in the last few years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-president-maithripala-sirisena-warns-against-emergence-of-a-muslim-prabhakaran-225709">Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena warns against emergence of a 'Muslim Prabhakaran'</a>

Warning against the emergence of a "Muslim Prabhakaran", Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has called for unity among all communities in the country which saw the worst terror attack on Easter Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-thousands-march-in-hong-kong-to-protest-china-extradition-bill-225659">Hundreds of thousands march in Hong Kong to protest China extradition bill</a>

Several hundred thousand people jammed Hong Kong's streets on Sunday in the last bid to thwart a proposed extradition law that would allow suspects to be sent to China to face trial, with police bracing for the biggest march in the city in 15 years. 
&nbsp;

PM Modi sends powerful message against terror as he wraps up two-nation visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday wrapped up his two-nation visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka stressing on New Delhi's "neighbourhood first" policy and focusing on a range of issues from counter-terror, climate change, Indo-Pacific region.

PM Modi sends powerful message against terror as he wraps up two-nation visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday wrapped up his two-nation visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka stressing on New Delhi's "neighbourhood first" policy and focusing on a range of issues from counter-terror, climate change, Indo-Pacific region. This was Modi's first visit abroad in the second term and symbolic in several ways. 'I am here to watch the game', says Vijay Mallya spotted at Oval for INDvAUS World Cup encounter 'Fugitive economic offender' Vijay Mallya, who is facing extradition proceedings in UK, was seen attending India`s World Cup cricket match against Australia at the Kennington Oval in London on Sunday, reported news agency ANI. Contribute to India's growth: Prime Minister Modi tells diaspora in Sri Lanka Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the Indian diaspora to contribute to India's growth and said the country`s image had changed a lot in the last few years. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena warns against emergence of a 'Muslim Prabhakaran' Warning against the emergence of a "Muslim Prabhakaran", Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has called for unity among all communities in the country which saw the worst terror attack on Easter Sunday. Hundreds of thousands march in Hong Kong to protest China extradition bill Several hundred thousand people jammed Hong Kong's streets on Sunday in the last bid to thwart a proposed extradition law that would allow suspects to be sent to China to face trial, with police bracing for the biggest march in the city in 15 years.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the Indian diaspora to contribute to India's growth&nbsp;and said the country`s image had changed a lot in the last few years.

&nbsp;Modi was addressing the Indian community in Sri Lanka at India House in Colombo during his one-day state visit to the island nation.

''Today India’s position in the world is getting stronger and a large part of that credit goes to the Indian diaspora. Wherever I go, I'm told about the successes and accomplishments of the Indian diaspora,'' Modi said during his address.

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Celebrating the spirit of India with the Indian commuunity 
 
PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> interacted with members of the enthusiastic Indian Community in Sri Lanka at India House. Emphasised the important role played by the community in strengthening our bilateral relations. <a href="https://t.co/VoGEe3D4wF">pic.twitter.com/VoGEe3D4wF</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1137662640220590081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Modi said that he was happy that the Indian community overseas and the Government of India were on the same page when it came to several issues.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister also vowed to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of every Indian.&nbsp;

Modi greeted the people of Indian diaspora after his address at India House in Colombo.

Earlier, Modi met Tamil National Alliance (TNA) delegation in Colombo.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the Indian diaspora to contribute to India's growth and said the country`s image had changed a lot in the last few years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the Indian diaspora to contribute to India's growth and said the country`s image had changed a lot in the last few years. Modi was addressing the Indian community in Sri Lanka at India House in Colombo during his one-day state visit to the island nation. ''Today India’s position in the world is getting stronger and a large part of that credit goes to the Indian diaspora. Wherever I go, I'm told about the successes and accomplishments of the Indian diaspora,'' Modi said during his address. Celebrating the spirit of India with the Indian commuunity PM @narendramodi interacted with members of the enthusiastic Indian Community in Sri Lanka at India House. Emphasised the important role played by the community in strengthening our bilateral relations. pic.twitter.com/VoGEe3D4wF — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 9, 2019 × Modi said that he was happy that the Indian community overseas and the Government of India were on the same page when it came to several issues. The Prime Minister also vowed to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of every Indian. Modi greeted the people of Indian diaspora after his address at India House in Colombo. Earlier, Modi met Tamil National Alliance (TNA) delegation in Colombo.

Contribute to India's growth: Prime Minister Modi tells diaspora in Sri Lanka 

Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit this week at Bishkek where he would also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the first meeting between the two leaders after the BJP's massive victory in the general elections.

Xi will pay state visits to Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan from June 12 to 16, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang announced here on Sunday.

The SCO summit is due to be held on June 13-14 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The SCO is a China-led eight-member economic and security bloc with India and Pakistan being admitted to the grouping in 2017.

From June 12 to 14, President Xi will pay a state visit to Kyrgyzstan and attend SCO summit, Lu said in a statement.

Indian Ambassador to China Vikram Misri said last week that the two leaders would meet on the sidelines of the SCO summit.

Recalling last year's successful first-ever informal summit between Xi and Modi at Wuhan which was widely regarded a milestone in the bilateral ties, Misri said, "it is worth mentioning that last year, our leaders met four times on the sidelines of different multi-lateral meetings."

They are again meeting in Bishkek on the sidelines of the SCO Summit, he said.

The April 27-28 Wuhan summit between Modi and Xi was largely credited to have turned around the bilateral relations soured by the 73-day Doklam standoff, triggered by Chinese troops attempts to build a road close to the Indian border in an area also claimed by Bhutan in 2017.

After the Wuhan summit, both the countries stepped up efforts to improve relations on different spheres including the military-to-military ties.

In December last year, Prime Minister Modi met President Xi on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Argentina and discussed joint efforts to further enhance mutual trust and friendship between the two giant neighbours.

Last month, Xi extended his "heartfelt congratulations" to Prime Minister Modi for winning the general elections, in a rare gesture of greeting a foreign leader well before the official announcement of the results.

After the SCO summit, President Xi will travel to Tajikistan.

From June 14 to 16, the president will attend the fifth summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Dushanbe, the capital city of Tajikistan, Lu added.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit this week at Bishkek where he would also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the first meeting between the two leaders after the BJP's massive victory in the general elections.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit this week at Bishkek where he would also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the first meeting between the two leaders after the BJP's massive victory in the general elections. Xi will pay state visits to Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan from June 12 to 16, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang announced here on Sunday. The SCO summit is due to be held on June 13-14 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The SCO is a China-led eight-member economic and security bloc with India and Pakistan being admitted to the grouping in 2017. From June 12 to 14, President Xi will pay a state visit to Kyrgyzstan and attend SCO summit, Lu said in a statement. Indian Ambassador to China Vikram Misri said last week that the two leaders would meet on the sidelines of the SCO summit. Recalling last year's successful first-ever informal summit between Xi and Modi at Wuhan which was widely regarded a milestone in the bilateral ties, Misri said, "it is worth mentioning that last year, our leaders met four times on the sidelines of different multi-lateral meetings." They are again meeting in Bishkek on the sidelines of the SCO Summit, he said. The April 27-28 Wuhan summit between Modi and Xi was largely credited to have turned around the bilateral relations soured by the 73-day Doklam standoff, triggered by Chinese troops attempts to build a road close to the Indian border in an area also claimed by Bhutan in 2017. After the Wuhan summit, both the countries stepped up efforts to improve relations on different spheres including the military-to-military ties. In December last year, Prime Minister Modi met President Xi on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Argentina and discussed joint efforts to further enhance mutual trust and friendship between the two giant neighbours. Last month, Xi extended his "heartfelt congratulations" to Prime Minister Modi for winning the general elections, in a rare gesture of greeting a foreign leader well before the official announcement of the results. After the SCO summit, President Xi will travel to Tajikistan. From June 14 to 16, the president will attend the fifth summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Dushanbe, the capital city of Tajikistan, Lu added.

PM Narendra Modi to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on sidelines of SCO summit

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/interim-budget-2019-how-high-was-piyush-goyals-josh-asks-anand-mahindra-194413">Union Budget for 2019-20</a> is likely to spell out a roadmap for banking reforms, including consolidation of the state-owned lenders, with a view to enabling the sector to play a pivotal role in pushing India towards US $5 trillion economies, sources said.

The first Budget of Modi 2.0 government is scheduled to be presented on July 5 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on the backdrop of India's economy hitting 5-year low growth of 6.8 per cent in 2018-19.

The banking sector has an important role in the reinvigorating sagging economy, the sources said, adding the Budget speech of the Finance Minister will contain a roadmap for the reforms in the sector.

The upcoming Budget would also provide direction to the consolidation journey in the public sector banking space, started last year by affecting the first three-way merger, they added.

As part of this exercise, erstwhile Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank were merged with Bank of Baroda (BoB) effective April 1 to create the third-largest lender of the country.

According to the sources, the journey will continue broadly on the same lines of the merger of smaller banks with big lenders.

So, fit candidates for the acquisition of small lenders would be Punjab National Bank, Canara Bank, Bank of India and Union Bank of India with some capital support, the sources added.

It is to be noted that the government infused Rs 5,042 crore in BoB to enhance its capital base to meet additional expense due to an amalgamation of Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank.

The maiden three-way amalgamation is the first step in the consolidation of the public sector banking industry, recommended in 1991 by the Narasimham Committee report. Through this merger, the government has created an institution of global scale and size, thereby providing significant benefit to all stakeholders.

The consolidated entity started the operation with a business mix of over Rs 15 lakh crore on the balance sheet, with deposits and advances of Rs 8.75 lakh crore and Rs 6.25 lakh crore, respectively.

BoB, the second-largest public sector lender after State Bank of India, now has over 9,500 branches, 13,400 ATMs, and 85,000 employees to serve 12 crore customers.

Prior to BoB merger, the government only had experience of State Bank which had merged five of its associate banks - State Bank of Patiala, State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Travancore and State Bank of Hyderabad and also Bhartiya Mahila effective April 2017.

The Union Budget for 2019-20 is likely to spell out a roadmap for banking reforms, including consolidation of the state-owned lenders, with a view to enabling the sector to play a pivotal role in pushing India towards US $5 trillion economies, sources said.

The Union Budget for 2019-20 is likely to spell out a roadmap for banking reforms, including consolidation of the state-owned lenders, with a view to enabling the sector to play a pivotal role in pushing India towards US $5 trillion economies, sources said. The first Budget of Modi 2.0 government is scheduled to be presented on July 5 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on the backdrop of India's economy hitting 5-year low growth of 6.8 per cent in 2018-19. The banking sector has an important role in the reinvigorating sagging economy, the sources said, adding the Budget speech of the Finance Minister will contain a roadmap for the reforms in the sector. The upcoming Budget would also provide direction to the consolidation journey in the public sector banking space, started last year by affecting the first three-way merger, they added. As part of this exercise, erstwhile Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank were merged with Bank of Baroda (BoB) effective April 1 to create the third-largest lender of the country. According to the sources, the journey will continue broadly on the same lines of the merger of smaller banks with big lenders. So, fit candidates for the acquisition of small lenders would be Punjab National Bank, Canara Bank, Bank of India and Union Bank of India with some capital support, the sources added. It is to be noted that the government infused Rs 5,042 crore in BoB to enhance its capital base to meet additional expense due to an amalgamation of Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank. The maiden three-way amalgamation is the first step in the consolidation of the public sector banking industry, recommended in 1991 by the Narasimham Committee report. Through this merger, the government has created an institution of global scale and size, thereby providing significant benefit to all stakeholders. The consolidated entity started the operation with a business mix of over Rs 15 lakh crore on the balance sheet, with deposits and advances of Rs 8.75 lakh crore and Rs 6.25 lakh crore, respectively. BoB, the second-largest public sector lender after State Bank of India, now has over 9,500 branches, 13,400 ATMs, and 85,000 employees to serve 12 crore customers. Prior to BoB merger, the government only had experience of State Bank which had merged five of its associate banks - State Bank of Patiala, State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Travancore and State Bank of Hyderabad and also Bhartiya Mahila effective April 2017.

Budget likely to spell out roadmap for banking sector reforms: Report

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-conferred-with-maldives-highest-honour-accorded-to-foreign-dignitaries-order-of-nishanizzuddeen-225498">Narendra Modi </a>said India will help promote cricket in the Maldives and fulfil President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's mission to develop the sport in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-bilateral-talks-with-ibrahim-solih-hails-india-maldives-relations-225509">country to consolidate people-to-people relations</a>.

Modi gifted a cricket bat to Solih signed by the Indian cricket team after holding bilateral talks.

"Connected by cricket! My friend, President Solih is an ardent cricket fan, so I presented him a cricket bat that has been signed by Team India playing at the CWC2019," Modi said on Twitter.

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<img alt="India-Maldives" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="88dc6df0-789e-4f0a-a6ad-16ba2150fa8a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMG-20190608-WA0051.jpg" />

India is helping in training Maldivian cricket players and bringing it up to the requisite standard, the External Affairs Ministry said in New Delhi on Thursday.

India is also looking into constructing a stadium in the Island nation which is another request made by it, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said.

He said the ministry is working with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to train Maldivian cricketers.

"A team from the BCCI visited the Maldives earlier in May for the training of Maldivian cricketers, organising coaching programmes and supply of kits," he said.

To consolidate people-to-people relations, Modi's latest emphasis is on cricket diplomacy in the island nation, helping the mission of President Solih to develop cricket, official sources said.

In April, Solih attended an Indian Premier League (IPL) match in Bengaluru and subsequently expressed interest to develop a cricket team in the Maldives and sought India's assistance in training this team and bringing it up to the requisite standard.

Modi arrived in the Maldives on Saturday on his first foreign visit after re-election as Prime Minister to strengthen the bilateral ties.

While Modi visited the Maldives in November 2018 to attend President Solih's swearing-in, this visit is the first by an Indian prime minister at a bilateral level in eight years.

The two-day state visit of Prime Minister Modi is aimed at further cementing ties with the Indian Ocean archipelago.

India in March assured the Maldives that it will "positively consider" its request to help build a cricket stadium in the island nation during then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's visit.

A joint statement at the end of Swaraj's visit to the Maldives in March said that the Maldivian side requested Indian assistance for the construction of a cricket stadium.

"The Indian side agreed to positively consider the request," it said.

Cricket Board of Maldives governs the gentleman's game in the island nation. It became a member of the Asian Cricket Council and an affiliate of the International Cricket Council in 1998.

The Maldives national cricket team represents the country in international cricket. It made its Twenty20 International debut in January this year after the

International Cricket Council decided to grant full Twenty20 International (T20I) status to all its members.

Indians are the second largest expatriate community in the Maldives with an approximate strength of around 22,000.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India will help promote cricket in the Maldives and fulfil President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's mission to develop the sport in the country to consolidate people-to-people relations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India will help promote cricket in the Maldives and fulfil President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's mission to develop the sport in the country to consolidate people-to-people relations. Modi gifted a cricket bat to Solih signed by the Indian cricket team after holding bilateral talks. "Connected by cricket! My friend, President Solih is an ardent cricket fan, so I presented him a cricket bat that has been signed by Team India playing at the CWC2019," Modi said on Twitter. India is helping in training Maldivian cricket players and bringing it up to the requisite standard, the External Affairs Ministry said in New Delhi on Thursday. India is also looking into constructing a stadium in the Island nation which is another request made by it, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said. He said the ministry is working with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to train Maldivian cricketers. "A team from the BCCI visited the Maldives earlier in May for the training of Maldivian cricketers, organising coaching programmes and supply of kits," he said. To consolidate people-to-people relations, Modi's latest emphasis is on cricket diplomacy in the island nation, helping the mission of President Solih to develop cricket, official sources said. In April, Solih attended an Indian Premier League (IPL) match in Bengaluru and subsequently expressed interest to develop a cricket team in the Maldives and sought India's assistance in training this team and bringing it up to the requisite standard. Modi arrived in the Maldives on Saturday on his first foreign visit after re-election as Prime Minister to strengthen the bilateral ties. While Modi visited the Maldives in November 2018 to attend President Solih's swearing-in, this visit is the first by an Indian prime minister at a bilateral level in eight years. The two-day state visit of Prime Minister Modi is aimed at further cementing ties with the Indian Ocean archipelago. India in March assured the Maldives that it will "positively consider" its request to help build a cricket stadium in the island nation during then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's visit. A joint statement at the end of Swaraj's visit to the Maldives in March said that the Maldivian side requested Indian assistance for the construction of a cricket stadium. "The Indian side agreed to positively consider the request," it said. Cricket Board of Maldives governs the gentleman's game in the island nation. It became a member of the Asian Cricket Council and an affiliate of the International Cricket Council in 1998. The Maldives national cricket team represents the country in international cricket. It made its Twenty20 International debut in January this year after the International Cricket Council decided to grant full Twenty20 International (T20I) status to all its members. Indians are the second largest expatriate community in the Maldives with an approximate strength of around 22,000.

Focus on cricket diplomacy as PM Modi gifts bat to Maldives President Solih

India on Saturday reaffirmed its ties with the Maldives with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that New Delhi will always stand with the Indian Ocean archipelago&nbsp;and give it utmost priority.&nbsp;

Modi in his address after holding bilateral talks with country's&nbsp;President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, said, "India gives utmost importance to its relationship with the Maldives. We want to have a strong partnership with each other, adding that it is "willing to help in every way possible."

"May the friendship between India and Maldives last forever," PM Modi added.

Mentioning Solih's December visit, Modi spoke about India's development aid to the country and support to projects like community development centres, water supply,&nbsp;sewerage services, SME development financing and several other projects.

"People of our countries want stability and development", PM Modi said.

During the address, he reiterated the Indian government's "Neighbourhood First" policy and stressed on the "high importance" that India attaches to its relationship with the Maldives.

President Solih also congratulated PM Modi for his overwhelming mandate in the recently concluded&nbsp;general elections and reaffirmed his government’s "India-First Policy".

The two leaders reaffirmed their "unequivocal and uncompromising position against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, both within the region and elsewhere."

India and Maldives have agreed to set up a Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism, countering violent extremism and de-radicalisation.

India will support the conservation of Friday mosque (Hukuru Miskiy), which was built using Coral in Addu and to boost connectivity between the countries a passenger-cum-cargo ferry service will be launched between Kochi in India to Kulhudhuffushi and Malé in the Maldives.

To strengthen Maldives' defence, both leaders jointly inaugurated two important defence related projects--One is the coastal surveillance radar system and composite training centre for Maldives national defence forces (MNDF).

The composite training centre was requested by the Maldives to provide a central training facility to its forces. The coastal surveillance radar will have 10 autonomous radar systems across the country &amp; will help Malé monitor white shipping and preserve its sovereignty in EEZ or exclusive economic zone.&nbsp;

Six MoUs between the 2 countries, including in Hydrography, Health, Customs, Establishment of Passenger and Cargo Services by Sea, training of civil servants and Sharing White Shipping Information between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force

PM Modi arrived in the country on Saturday afternoon and was received at the airport by Foreign minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid and Indian envoy to the country Sanjay Sudhir. This is his first foreign visit abroad in his second term. He was later accorded ceremonial reception at capital's Male's Republic square, followed by a bilateral meet with President of Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.&nbsp;

India on Saturday reaffirmed its ties with the Maldives with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that New Delhi will always stand with the Indian Ocean archipelago and give it utmost priority.

India on Saturday reaffirmed its ties with the Maldives with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that New Delhi will always stand with the Indian Ocean archipelago and give it utmost priority. Modi in his address after holding bilateral talks with country's President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, said, "India gives utmost importance to its relationship with the Maldives. We want to have a strong partnership with each other, adding that it is "willing to help in every way possible." "May the friendship between India and Maldives last forever," PM Modi added. Mentioning Solih's December visit, Modi spoke about India's development aid to the country and support to projects like community development centres, water supply, sewerage services, SME development financing and several other projects. "People of our countries want stability and development", PM Modi said. During the address, he reiterated the Indian government's "Neighbourhood First" policy and stressed on the "high importance" that India attaches to its relationship with the Maldives. President Solih also congratulated PM Modi for his overwhelming mandate in the recently concluded general elections and reaffirmed his government’s "India-First Policy". The two leaders reaffirmed their "unequivocal and uncompromising position against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, both within the region and elsewhere." India and Maldives have agreed to set up a Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism, countering violent extremism and de-radicalisation. India will support the conservation of Friday mosque (Hukuru Miskiy), which was built using Coral in Addu and to boost connectivity between the countries a passenger-cum-cargo ferry service will be launched between Kochi in India to Kulhudhuffushi and Malé in the Maldives. To strengthen Maldives' defence, both leaders jointly inaugurated two important defence related projects--One is the coastal surveillance radar system and composite training centre for Maldives national defence forces (MNDF). The composite training centre was requested by the Maldives to provide a central training facility to its forces. The coastal surveillance radar will have 10 autonomous radar systems across the country & will help Malé monitor white shipping and preserve its sovereignty in EEZ or exclusive economic zone. Six MoUs between the 2 countries, including in Hydrography, Health, Customs, Establishment of Passenger and Cargo Services by Sea, training of civil servants and Sharing White Shipping Information between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force PM Modi arrived in the country on Saturday afternoon and was received at the airport by Foreign minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid and Indian envoy to the country Sanjay Sudhir. This is his first foreign visit abroad in his second term. He was later accorded ceremonial reception at capital's Male's Republic square, followed by a bilateral meet with President of Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Important for world community to come together to fight challenge of terrorism and radicalisation: PM Modi

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-conferred-with-maldives-highest-honour-accorded-to-foreign-dignitaries-order-of-nishanizzuddeen-225498">PM Modi conferred with Maldives' highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries - Order of Nishanizzuddeen</a>

The Maldives on Saturday conferred Prime Minister Narendra Modi with its highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries - the Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen (Order of Nishanizzuddeen) in recognition his services to cement the longstanding, amicable ties between two countries and for the magnanimous assistance that India has continued to provide the Maldives.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/onus-for-indo-pak-peace-on-pakistan-white-house-225491">Onus for Indo-Pak peace on Pakistan: White House</a>

Amidst new peace overtures from the Imran Khan government after the re-election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the White House has made it clear to Pakistan that the onus for sustained peace in South Asia was on it by putting the terror groups out of business.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-us-sanctions-show-offer-of-talks-with-iran-not-genuine-iranian-foreign-ministry-225438">New US sanctions show offer of talks not genuine: Iranian foreign ministry</a>

Additional sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States show that Washington's offer of talks is not genuine, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-selling-oil-through-unconventional-means-225493">Iran says selling oil through 'unconventional' means</a>

Iran is keeping up oil sales through "unconventional" means to circumvent US sanctions, Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said in an interview published Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-maithripala-sirisena-sacks-intelligence-chief-sisira-mendis-over-easter-attacks-probe-225440">Sri Lanka President Sirisena sacks intelligence chief over Easter attacks probe</a>

Sri Lanka's President has sacked the national intelligence chief and will not cooperate with a parliamentary investigation into security lapses before the Easter suicide bombings, officials said Saturday.

&nbsp;

PM Modi conferred with Maldives' highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries - Order of Nishanizzuddeen The Maldives on Saturday conferred Prime Minister Narendra Modi with its highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries - the Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen (Order of Nishanizzuddeen) in recognition his services to cement the longstanding, amicable ties between two countries and for the magnanimous assistance that India has continued to provide the Maldives.

PM Modi conferred with Maldives' highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries - Order of Nishanizzuddeen The Maldives on Saturday conferred Prime Minister Narendra Modi with its highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries - the Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen (Order of Nishanizzuddeen) in recognition his services to cement the longstanding, amicable ties between two countries and for the magnanimous assistance that India has continued to provide the Maldives. Onus for Indo-Pak peace on Pakistan: White House Amidst new peace overtures from the Imran Khan government after the re-election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the White House has made it clear to Pakistan that the onus for sustained peace in South Asia was on it by putting the terror groups out of business. New US sanctions show offer of talks not genuine: Iranian foreign ministry Additional sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States show that Washington's offer of talks is not genuine, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Saturday. Iran says selling oil through 'unconventional' means Iran is keeping up oil sales through "unconventional" means to circumvent US sanctions, Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said in an interview published Saturday. Sri Lanka President Sirisena sacks intelligence chief over Easter attacks probe Sri Lanka's President has sacked the national intelligence chief and will not cooperate with a parliamentary investigation into security lapses before the Easter suicide bombings, officials said Saturday.

In PM Narendra Modi's Kerala visit, his clothes have a message

Narendra Modi arrived in the Maldives on Saturday on his first foreign visit after re-election as Prime Minister to strengthen the bilateral ties, reflecting the importance India attaches to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

Modi was received at Male airport by Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid.

The two-day state visit of Prime Minister Modi is aimed at further cementing ties with the Indian Ocean archipelago.

Upon his arrival, Modi said on Twitter: "Reached the Republic of Maldives. This visit indicates the importance India attaches to strong ties with the Republic of Maldives and the desire to boost cooperation in various spheres".

President Solih and Modi exchanged plasantaries upon the prime minister's arrival at Republic Square where he was accorded a ceremonial welcome.

The prime minister also inspected the guard of honour.

During his visit there, the Prime Minister would be conferred with the highest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-to-honour-pm-modi-with-highest-award-offered-to-foreign-dignitaries-225426">honour accorded </a>to foreign dignitaries - Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen.

Modi will also address the Majlis (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coastal-surveillance-radar-system-ferry-service-from-kochi-high-on-pm-modis-agenda-during-maldives-visit-225125">Parliament of Maldives)</a>.

Modi, along with Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, will jointly inaugurate two defence related projects -- a coastal surveillance radar system and composite training centre for Maldives national defence forces (MNDF) at the total cost of $180 crores.&nbsp;

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Furthering friendship with a key maritime neighbour. 
 
The Prime Minister landed in the Republic of Maldives, where he was received by Foreign Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abdulla_shahid</a> and other eminent dignitaries. 
 
PM will hold talks with President <a href="https://twitter.com/ibusolih?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ibusolih</a> and address the People’s Majlis. <a href="https://t.co/LB4lJpjNBP">pic.twitter.com/LB4lJpjNBP</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1137316630046756864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Several MoUs are expected to be signed including training of civil servants, customs and white shipping.

Modi will be visiting Sri Lanka on Sunday, a visit that has been termed as a solidarity visit. The Indian PM will be the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the 21st April terror attacks that killed more than 250 people.&nbsp;

Narendra Modi arrived in the Maldives on Saturday on his first foreign visit after re-election as Prime Minister to strengthen the bilateral ties, reflecting the importance India attaches to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

Narendra Modi arrived in the Maldives on Saturday on his first foreign visit after re-election as Prime Minister to strengthen the bilateral ties, reflecting the importance India attaches to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy. Modi was received at Male airport by Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid. The two-day state visit of Prime Minister Modi is aimed at further cementing ties with the Indian Ocean archipelago. Upon his arrival, Modi said on Twitter: "Reached the Republic of Maldives. This visit indicates the importance India attaches to strong ties with the Republic of Maldives and the desire to boost cooperation in various spheres". President Solih and Modi exchanged plasantaries upon the prime minister's arrival at Republic Square where he was accorded a ceremonial welcome. The prime minister also inspected the guard of honour. During his visit there, the Prime Minister would be conferred with the highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries - Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen. Modi will also address the Majlis (Parliament of Maldives). Modi, along with Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, will jointly inaugurate two defence related projects -- a coastal surveillance radar system and composite training centre for Maldives national defence forces (MNDF) at the total cost of $180 crores. Furthering friendship with a key maritime neighbour. The Prime Minister landed in the Republic of Maldives, where he was received by Foreign Minister @abdulla_shahid and other eminent dignitaries. PM will hold talks with President @ibusolih and address the People’s Majlis. pic.twitter.com/LB4lJpjNBP — PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 8, 2019 × Several MoUs are expected to be signed including training of civil servants, customs and white shipping. Modi will be visiting Sri Lanka on Sunday, a visit that has been termed as a solidarity visit. The Indian PM will be the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the 21st April terror attacks that killed more than 250 people.

PM Modi arrives in Maldives in his first overseas visit after re-election

Ahead of Indian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-arrives-in-maldives-to-address-parliament-of-maldives-225458">Narendra Modi's&nbsp;Maldives'&nbsp;visit</a>,&nbsp;Minister of Youth, sports and community empowerment Ahmed Mahloof, Maldives&nbsp;said they had "successful meeting with India's&nbsp;Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)"&nbsp;and now expect that they will help the neighbouring island country in developing cricket.

"India's support would mean a lot to us,"&nbsp;Mahloof added.

Mahloof also said that "Like Afghanistan Cricket Board was adopted by BCCI, it has an expectation that the board will also help the Maldives in the "area of cricket".

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Minister of Youth,Sports&amp;Community Empowerment of Maldives,Ahmed Mahloof: We received a lot of support from the Indian govt in area of youth &amp; sports. We had a successful meeting with BCCI&amp; we expect they will help us develop cricket here. India's support would mean a lot to us. <a href="https://t.co/QuBQ0dkrzh">pic.twitter.com/QuBQ0dkrzh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1137288722137772032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Maldives is keen to have its own cricket team and a cricket stadium and asked for Indian assistance.&nbsp;

India in May sent a team of BCCI to the Maldives for the training of Maldivian cricketers.&nbsp;

India has also given cricket kits and is expected to coach Maldivian cricketers.&nbsp;

Earlier, India had invited President Solih in April for an IPL match in Bengaluru. India sees it as important "people to people" exercise and has in the past helped countries like Afghanistan.

PM Modi arrives in the Maldives on Saturday on his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-to-honour-pm-modi-with-highest-award-offered-to-foreign-dignitaries-225426">first foreign visit</a> after re-election as Prime Minister, reflecting the importance India attaches to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

Modi was received at Male airport by Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid.

The visit is aimed at further cementing ties with the Indian Ocean archipelago.

Ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Maldives' visit, Minister of Youth, sports and community empowerment Ahmed Mahloof, Maldives said they had "successful meeting with India's Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)" and now expect that they will help the neighbouring island country in developing cricket.

Ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Maldives' visit, Minister of Youth, sports and community empowerment Ahmed Mahloof, Maldives said they had "successful meeting with India's Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)" and now expect that they will help the neighbouring island country in developing cricket. "India's support would mean a lot to us," Mahloof added. Mahloof also said that "Like Afghanistan Cricket Board was adopted by BCCI, it has an expectation that the board will also help the Maldives in the "area of cricket". Minister of Youth,Sports&Community Empowerment of Maldives,Ahmed Mahloof: We received a lot of support from the Indian govt in area of youth & sports. We had a successful meeting with BCCI& we expect they will help us develop cricket here. India's support would mean a lot to us. pic.twitter.com/QuBQ0dkrzh — ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2019 × The Maldives is keen to have its own cricket team and a cricket stadium and asked for Indian assistance. India in May sent a team of BCCI to the Maldives for the training of Maldivian cricketers. India has also given cricket kits and is expected to coach Maldivian cricketers. Earlier, India had invited President Solih in April for an IPL match in Bengaluru. India sees it as important "people to people" exercise and has in the past helped countries like Afghanistan. PM Modi arrives in the Maldives on Saturday on his first foreign visit after re-election as Prime Minister, reflecting the importance India attaches to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy. Modi was received at Male airport by Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid. The visit is aimed at further cementing ties with the Indian Ocean archipelago.

'We expect India's BCCI help us in area of cricket,' says Maldives sports minister

Sri Lanka's President has sacked the national intelligence chief and will not cooperate with a parliamentary investigation into security lapses before the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-to-ban-chainsaws-timber-mills-to-protect-forests-president-maithripala-sirisena-225288">Easter suicide bombings</a>, officials said Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/both-saarc-and-bimstec-important-for-regional-cooperation-maithripala-sirisena-223271">Maithripala Sirisena</a> summoned an emergency cabinet meeting on Friday night to oppose a parliamentary select committee probe into the April 21 attacks that killed 258 people, including 45 foreigners and wounded nearly 500.

Chief of National Intelligence Sisira Mendis was sacked after testifying to the inquiry last week that the attacks could have been averted.

He also said the president had failed to hold regular security meetings to assess the threat from Islamic radicals who carried out the bombings on three hotels and three churches.&nbsp;

Sirisena's office did not give a reason for the sacking. Halfway through the testimony, the live telecast of the proceedings was stopped on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-president-pardons-firebrand-buddhist-monk-220824">president's orders</a>, official sources said.

A ministerial source told AFP Sirisena has refused to allow any police, military or intelligence personnel to testify before the committee.

The source added that the heated cabinet meeting ended "inconclusively" without taking a decision on whether to suspend the parliament probe.

Sirisena's office did not comment on the meeting but said the president had told senior police officers on Friday that he will not allow any serving officer to testify.

Watch: Muslims in Sri Lanka celebrate Eid amid security concerns

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Sirisena's defence secretary and police chief have suggested that the president, who is also defence minister, did not follow proper protocols in dealing with intelligence warnings about the Easter Sunday bombings.

Sirisena has repeatedly denied he was aware of an impending threat.&nbsp;

A local jihadist organisation and the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-sirisena-extends-emergency-by-month-220647">country has been under a state of emergency</a> since the bombings.

Sirisena said last week that he met with the national police chief and his top brass 13 days before the attacks but no officer raised warnings passed on by India and based on information from a detained jihadist.

The crisis erupted ahead of a visit to Sri Lanka by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday.

The Indian premier is to make a brief stopover in Colombo on his return from an official visit to the Maldives on Saturday.

The Sri Lankan government has admitted there were intelligence failures before the attacks.

Sirisena suspended police chief Pujith Jayasundara and dismissed his top defence official Hemasiri Fernando after the bombings.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's President has sacked the national intelligence chief and will not cooperate with a parliamentary investigation into security lapses before the Easter suicide bombings, officials said Saturday.

Sri Lanka's President has sacked the national intelligence chief and will not cooperate with a parliamentary investigation into security lapses before the Easter suicide bombings, officials said Saturday. Maithripala Sirisena summoned an emergency cabinet meeting on Friday night to oppose a parliamentary select committee probe into the April 21 attacks that killed 258 people, including 45 foreigners and wounded nearly 500. Chief of National Intelligence Sisira Mendis was sacked after testifying to the inquiry last week that the attacks could have been averted. He also said the president had failed to hold regular security meetings to assess the threat from Islamic radicals who carried out the bombings on three hotels and three churches. Sirisena's office did not give a reason for the sacking. Halfway through the testimony, the live telecast of the proceedings was stopped on the president's orders, official sources said. A ministerial source told AFP Sirisena has refused to allow any police, military or intelligence personnel to testify before the committee. The source added that the heated cabinet meeting ended "inconclusively" without taking a decision on whether to suspend the parliament probe. Sirisena's office did not comment on the meeting but said the president had told senior police officers on Friday that he will not allow any serving officer to testify. Watch: Muslims in Sri Lanka celebrate Eid amid security concerns × Sirisena's defence secretary and police chief have suggested that the president, who is also defence minister, did not follow proper protocols in dealing with intelligence warnings about the Easter Sunday bombings. Sirisena has repeatedly denied he was aware of an impending threat. A local jihadist organisation and the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks. The country has been under a state of emergency since the bombings. Sirisena said last week that he met with the national police chief and his top brass 13 days before the attacks but no officer raised warnings passed on by India and based on information from a detained jihadist. The crisis erupted ahead of a visit to Sri Lanka by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday. The Indian premier is to make a brief stopover in Colombo on his return from an official visit to the Maldives on Saturday. The Sri Lankan government has admitted there were intelligence failures before the attacks. Sirisena suspended police chief Pujith Jayasundara and dismissed his top defence official Hemasiri Fernando after the bombings.

Sri Lanka President Sirisena sacks intelligence chief over Easter attacks probe

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed a public meeting, his first after securing his second term, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-arrives-in-kochi-will-visit-guruvayur-temple-in-thrissur-225348">in Kerala's Guruvayur town</a>. After offering prayers at the Guruvayur Temple, the prime minister thanked state BJP workers for their dedication and hard work and expressed gratitude to the people of Kerala for participating in the general elections.&nbsp;

"I applaud everyone for participating in the democracy," the prime minister said, adding that "government or no government, my goal will always be to serve the country".

"It is our culture to thank people and show gratitude. I had to come here, even if we were not able to open account in the state this general election." he said.&nbsp;

He said that Kerala holds the same significance for him as his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi.&nbsp;

"Kerala is as significant to me as Varanasi," PM Modi said.&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi in Guruvayur, Kerala: Some Pundits think that BJP could not open its account in Kerala but Modi is going there to thank people. What is in his mind? But this is our culture, our thinking. <a href="https://t.co/w3lFrJy6QZ">pic.twitter.com/w3lFrJy6QZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1137247936667049984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He said that he has dedicated himself to the service of the nation and that the responsibility of 130 crore citizens of the country is an important one.&nbsp;

PM Modi arrived in Kochi, Kerala on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday. On Saturday morning he offered prayers at the Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur.&nbsp;

The prime minister is set to embark on the first foreign visit of his second term. He will be visiting the Maldives after which he will head to Sri Lanka on Sunday.&nbsp;

Watch: Ahead of Maldives visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur

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Meanwhile, Congress president Rahul Gandhi was at his parliamentary constituency, Wayanad in Kerala and held a roadshow in Kalpetta. &nbsp;

"Even though I belong to the Congress party our doors will be open for every single citizen of Wayanad, regardless of their age, regardless of where they come from, regardless of what ideology they come from," Gandhi said on Saturday.&nbsp; 
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed a public meeting, his first after securing his second term, in Kerala's Guruvayur town. After offering prayers at the Guruvayur Temple, the prime minister thanked state BJP workers for their dedication and hard work and expressed gratitude to the people of Kerala for participating in the general elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed a public meeting, his first after securing his second term, in Kerala's Guruvayur town. After offering prayers at the Guruvayur Temple, the prime minister thanked state BJP workers for their dedication and hard work and expressed gratitude to the people of Kerala for participating in the general elections. "I applaud everyone for participating in the democracy," the prime minister said, adding that "government or no government, my goal will always be to serve the country". "It is our culture to thank people and show gratitude. I had to come here, even if we were not able to open account in the state this general election." he said. He said that Kerala holds the same significance for him as his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi. "Kerala is as significant to me as Varanasi," PM Modi said. PM Narendra Modi in Guruvayur, Kerala: Some Pundits think that BJP could not open its account in Kerala but Modi is going there to thank people. What is in his mind? But this is our culture, our thinking. pic.twitter.com/w3lFrJy6QZ — ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2019 × He said that he has dedicated himself to the service of the nation and that the responsibility of 130 crore citizens of the country is an important one. PM Modi arrived in Kochi, Kerala on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday. On Saturday morning he offered prayers at the Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur. The prime minister is set to embark on the first foreign visit of his second term. He will be visiting the Maldives after which he will head to Sri Lanka on Sunday. Watch: Ahead of Maldives visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur Meanwhile, Congress president Rahul Gandhi was at his parliamentary constituency, Wayanad in Kerala and held a roadshow in Kalpetta. "Even though I belong to the Congress party our doors will be open for every single citizen of Wayanad, regardless of their age, regardless of where they come from, regardless of what ideology they come from," Gandhi said on Saturday.

Kerala is as significant to me as Varanasi: PM Modi in Guruvayur 

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