As the situation in Afghanistan remains precarious, India has proposed to host an NSA-level meet on Afghanistan, which is likely to take place in November. Key stakeholders like Russia and Pakistan have been invited.

India: NSA level meet on Afghanistan scheduled for next month

India has proposed to host an in-person meet of the National Security Advisors (NSA) on Afghanistan in Delhi in November. Many countries in the region and key stakeholders like Russia and Pakistan have been invited.

The meet was to take place earlier this year, but it could not materialise.&nbsp;

Pakistani sources confirmed that Pakistan's National security advisor Moeed Yusuf received the invitation last week.

If his attendance is confirmed, then this will be Pakistan&nbsp;NSA Yusuf's first official visit to Delhi. Both Indian NSA Doval and Pakistani NSA Yusuf were in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, earlier this year for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) NSA meet, but no bilateral meeting took place.

Two dates have been proposed for the in-person meet—10th and 11th November—for the meeting in Delhi.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/avoid-public-executions-unless-ordered-by-top-court-taliban-regime-tells-local-officials-in-afghanistan-421149">Avoid public executions unless ordered by top court, Taliban regime tells local officials in Afghanistan</a>

The proposal to host the meeting comes even as the situation in Afghanistan remains precarious and with the onset of winters, worries have mounted over the deterioration of the humanitarian situation.&nbsp;

Last week marked two months since the fall of Kabul to the Taliban militants. The Taliban leadership have visited Qatar, Turkey and Uzbekistan hoping to get recognition and legitimacy for the newly formed government, but so far, no such indication has been given by the global community.

In the following week, Russia will be hosting Moscow format of talks involving Taliban, Pakistan, China and India.

In response to a WION question on Thursday, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi confirmed India’s presence at the Moscow talks.

“We have received an invitation for the Moscow format meeting on Afghanistan on October 20. We will be participating in it. I don’t have final confirmation of who will be attending, but it’s likely that we will be attended at the Joint Secretary level.”&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/plans-underway-to-form-afghan-government-in-exile-421031">Plans underway to form Afghan government in-exile</a>

This will be the second time that India will be publicly seen sitting with the Taliban. On August 31, Indian envoy to Qatar, Deepak Mittal, and Taliban's Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai had met at the Indian embassy in Doha.

The Indian ministry of external affairs confirming the meet said that it&nbsp;happened “on the request of the Taliban side”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-offers-condolence-payments-relocation-to-kin-of-afghans-killed-in-botched-drone-attack-421207">US offers condolence payments, relocation to kin of Afghans killed in botched drone attack</a>

During the meet, India discussed issues like the safe return of Indian nationals from Afghanistan, concerns over use of Afghan soil for anti-India activities.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also raised the Afghanistan situation at the special SCO meet and during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in September and also at the G20 virtual meet hosted by Italy this month.

At the SCO CSTO outreach summit, PM highlighted that “transition of power in Afghanistan is not inclusive, and it has happened without negotiation”, essentially listing out New Delhi's red lines.

At the G20 virtual meet on Afghanistan, he emphasized the need for the international community to ensure that Afghanistan has “immediate and unhindered access” to humanitarian assistance.

India has proposed to host an in-person meet of the National Security Advisors (NSA) on Afghanistan in Delhi in November. Many countries in the region and key stakeholders like Russia and Pakistan have been invited.

India has proposed to host an in-person meet of the National Security Advisors (NSA) on Afghanistan in Delhi in November. Many countries in the region and key stakeholders like Russia and Pakistan have been invited. The meet was to take place earlier this year, but it could not materialise. Pakistani sources confirmed that Pakistan's National security advisor Moeed Yusuf received the invitation last week. If his attendance is confirmed, then this will be Pakistan NSA Yusuf's first official visit to Delhi. Both Indian NSA Doval and Pakistani NSA Yusuf were in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, earlier this year for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) NSA meet, but no bilateral meeting took place. Two dates have been proposed for the in-person meet—10th and 11th November—for the meeting in Delhi. Also read | Avoid public executions unless ordered by top court, Taliban regime tells local officials in Afghanistan The proposal to host the meeting comes even as the situation in Afghanistan remains precarious and with the onset of winters, worries have mounted over the deterioration of the humanitarian situation. Last week marked two months since the fall of Kabul to the Taliban militants. The Taliban leadership have visited Qatar, Turkey and Uzbekistan hoping to get recognition and legitimacy for the newly formed government, but so far, no such indication has been given by the global community. In the following week, Russia will be hosting Moscow format of talks involving Taliban, Pakistan, China and India. In response to a WION question on Thursday, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi confirmed India’s presence at the Moscow talks. “We have received an invitation for the Moscow format meeting on Afghanistan on October 20. We will be participating in it. I don’t have final confirmation of who will be attending, but it’s likely that we will be attended at the Joint Secretary level.” Also read | Plans underway to form Afghan government in-exile This will be the second time that India will be publicly seen sitting with the Taliban. On August 31, Indian envoy to Qatar, Deepak Mittal, and Taliban's Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai had met at the Indian embassy in Doha. The Indian ministry of external affairs confirming the meet said that it happened “on the request of the Taliban side”. Also read | US offers condolence payments, relocation to kin of Afghans killed in botched drone attack During the meet, India discussed issues like the safe return of Indian nationals from Afghanistan, concerns over use of Afghan soil for anti-India activities. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also raised the Afghanistan situation at the special SCO meet and during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in September and also at the G20 virtual meet hosted by Italy this month. At the SCO CSTO outreach summit, PM highlighted that “transition of power in Afghanistan is not inclusive, and it has happened without negotiation”, essentially listing out New Delhi's red lines. At the G20 virtual meet on Afghanistan, he emphasized the need for the international community to ensure that Afghanistan has “immediate and unhindered access” to humanitarian assistance.

India to host in-person NSA meet on Afghanistan, Pakistan's Moeed Yusuf invited

In a conversation on WABC 770 radio station, former US national security advisor John Bolton said on Sunday that Taliban may obtain nuclear weapons from Pakistan. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Bolton, who served&nbsp;under the then-President Donald Trump,&nbsp;criticised US President Joe Biden's hasty military withdrawal from the war-torn Afghanistan. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

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Bolton added it was possible that nuclear weapons could be obtained from Pakistan should Islamist insurgents get hold of them. &nbsp;

The abrupt US troops withdrawal allowed the Taliban to rapidly take over and bring the country once again under their control. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-air-force-darpa-raytheon-successfully-tested-hypersonic-missile-416577" hreflang="en">US Air Force, DARPA, Raytheon successfully tested hypersonic missile</a>

In recent times, Bolton has been a vocal critic of American foreign policy. He has also been critical of his former boss. &nbsp;&nbsp;

He has been giving views about US policies regarding the Middle East, especially Iran. He has also expressed support for Israel's right to act in its own security interests. &nbsp;

The former NSA has also supported pre-emptive strikes against hostile regimes, such as Iran and North Korea. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cant-go-unvaccinated-president-biden-gets-vaccine-booster-shot-416490" hreflang="en">'Can't go unvaccinated': President Biden gets vaccine booster shot</a>

However, he also complimented Biden for the nuclear submarine deal with Australia. He says the deal is a way to counter China threat. &nbsp;&nbsp;

US is only giving nuclear submarines. "These are what we call hunter-killer submarines," Bolton explained. &nbsp;

“It’s a huge step forward for us in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It’s a real signal to China that we are determined not to let them just run wild,” added Bolton. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a conversation on WABC 770 radio station, former US national security advisor John Bolton said on Sunday that Taliban may obtain nuclear weapons from Pakistan.

In a conversation on WABC 770 radio station, former US national security advisor John Bolton said on Sunday that Taliban may obtain nuclear weapons from Pakistan. Bolton, who served under the then-President Donald Trump, criticised US President Joe Biden's hasty military withdrawal from the war-torn Afghanistan. Watch: × Bolton added it was possible that nuclear weapons could be obtained from Pakistan should Islamist insurgents get hold of them. The abrupt US troops withdrawal allowed the Taliban to rapidly take over and bring the country once again under their control. Also Read: US Air Force, DARPA, Raytheon successfully tested hypersonic missile In recent times, Bolton has been a vocal critic of American foreign policy. He has also been critical of his former boss. He has been giving views about US policies regarding the Middle East, especially Iran. He has also expressed support for Israel's right to act in its own security interests. The former NSA has also supported pre-emptive strikes against hostile regimes, such as Iran and North Korea. Also Read: 'Can't go unvaccinated': President Biden gets vaccine booster shot However, he also complimented Biden for the nuclear submarine deal with Australia. He says the deal is a way to counter China threat. US is only giving nuclear submarines. "These are what we call hunter-killer submarines," Bolton explained. “It’s a huge step forward for us in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It’s a real signal to China that we are determined not to let them just run wild,” added Bolton. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban may obtain nuclear weapons from Pakistan, says former US national security advisor John Bolton

WION talks to the former United States National Security Advisor John Bolton on the various important issues, including the Afghanistan crisis. Watch this interview for more details.

WION Exclusive with former United States NSA John Bolton

Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf&nbsp;said&nbsp;no US official or lawmaker asked for a military base in Pakistan, a Dawn report said.&nbsp;

Yusuf gave the statement while leaving for&nbsp;Islamabad on Thursday night.&nbsp;He was on&nbsp;a&nbsp;10-day visit to the United States capital.&nbsp;

Summing up the visit, the&nbsp;national security adviser told&nbsp;US-based Pakistani journalists,&nbsp;“The word base was not mentioned, not even once, during our talks, except in the media.&nbsp;Bases were not discussed at all from either side during this trip because we have already made our position clear. That chapter is closed."&nbsp;

Earlier,&nbsp;there were&nbsp;reports in both&nbsp;the&nbsp;US and Pakistani media, which&nbsp;said&nbsp;that the&nbsp;US&nbsp;was seeking military bases in Pakistan to influence developments in Afghanistan,&nbsp;especially&nbsp;if the Taliban seized Kabul.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;US officials&nbsp;also&nbsp;did talk about using Pakistani airspace&nbsp;to&nbsp;reach Afghanistan and having bases in the region but&nbsp;there was no mention of the location&nbsp;at&nbsp;a recent congressional hearing.&nbsp;

Underlining&nbsp;Pakistan’s desire to maintain good ties with both&nbsp;Washington&nbsp;and&nbsp;Beijing,&nbsp;Yusuf&nbsp;said,&nbsp;“If there are tensions between the United States and China, we cannot say that our relations with both will remain seamless.”&nbsp;

Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf said no US official or lawmaker asked for a military base in Pakistan, a Dawn report said. Yusuf gave the statement while leaving for Islamabad on Thursday night.

Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf said no US official or lawmaker asked for a military base in Pakistan, a Dawn report said. Yusuf gave the statement while leaving for Islamabad on Thursday night. He was on a 10-day visit to the United States capital. Summing up the visit, the national security adviser told US-based Pakistani journalists, “The word base was not mentioned, not even once, during our talks, except in the media. Bases were not discussed at all from either side during this trip because we have already made our position clear. That chapter is closed." Earlier, there were reports in both the US and Pakistani media, which said that the US was seeking military bases in Pakistan to influence developments in Afghanistan, especially if the Taliban seized Kabul. The US officials also did talk about using Pakistani airspace to reach Afghanistan and having bases in the region but there was no mention of the location at a recent congressional hearing. Underlining Pakistan’s desire to maintain good ties with both Washington and Beijing, Yusuf said, “If there are tensions between the United States and China, we cannot say that our relations with both will remain seamless.”

Pakistan NSA says, word ‘base’ never mentioned in talks with US 

Pakistan has other options if US President Joe Biden continues to ignore the country's leadership, National Security Adviser (NAS) Moeed Yusuf has said in an interview to The Financial Times (FT). However, Pakistan NSA Yusuf did not elaborate on his options.

This comment comes amid Islamabad's growing frustration over Joe Biden's snub to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. Biden hasn't called Khan since he assumed office in January this year.

"The president of the United States hasn't spoken to the prime minister of such an important country who the US itself says is make-or-break in some cases, in some ways, in Afghanistan we struggle to understand the signal, right?" Yusuf said, as quoted by Dawn newspaper.

"We've been told every time that... [the phone call] will happen, it's technical reasons or whatever. But frankly, people don't believe it," he said. "If a phone call is a concession, if a security relationship is a concession, Pakistan has options," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-taliban-says-it-doesnt-have-ties-with-pak-based-terror-groups-like-let-jem-398814">Also read |&nbsp;Exclusive:&nbsp;Taliban says it doesn't have ties with Pak-based terror groups like&nbsp;LeT,&nbsp;JeM&nbsp;</a>

Despite efforts from Pakistan NSA, Islamabad's ties with the US remains in a critical state. Top Pak top officials have been holding a series of meetings with the top US administration officials but 'divergent' views on Afghanistan and China have proved to be a hurdle between both the countries, The Nation reported citing a diplomatic source.

"Divergent views on Afghanistan and China factor are the reason for tense ties between Islamabad and Washington, after the meeting, the US National Security Adviser's tweet was focused on Afghanistan while there was no mention of Afghanistan in Dr

Moeed Yousaf's tweet," the source informed.

The US has urged Islamabad to put pressure on the Taliban, however, the Pakistan side made it clear that they do not have any control over the Taliban.

In FT interview, Pak NSA complained about the US President's failure to contact Imran Khan as Washington sought help to stop the Taliban from taking over Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, an official from the Biden administration told FT: "There are still a number of world leaders President Biden has not been able to speak with personally yet. He looks forward to speaking with Prime Minister Khan when the time is right."

Pakistan has other options if US President Joe Biden continues to ignore the country's leadership, National Security Adviser (NAS) Moeed Yusuf has said in an interview to The Financial Times (FT).

Pakistan has other options if US President Joe Biden continues to ignore the country's leadership, National Security Adviser (NAS) Moeed Yusuf has said in an interview to The Financial Times (FT). However, Pakistan NSA Yusuf did not elaborate on his options. This comment comes amid Islamabad's growing frustration over Joe Biden's snub to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. Biden hasn't called Khan since he assumed office in January this year. "The president of the United States hasn't spoken to the prime minister of such an important country who the US itself says is make-or-break in some cases, in some ways, in Afghanistan we struggle to understand the signal, right?" Yusuf said, as quoted by Dawn newspaper. "We've been told every time that... [the phone call] will happen, it's technical reasons or whatever. But frankly, people don't believe it," he said. "If a phone call is a concession, if a security relationship is a concession, Pakistan has options," he added. Also read | Exclusive: Taliban says it doesn't have ties with Pak-based terror groups like LeT, JeM Despite efforts from Pakistan NSA, Islamabad's ties with the US remains in a critical state. Top Pak top officials have been holding a series of meetings with the top US administration officials but 'divergent' views on Afghanistan and China have proved to be a hurdle between both the countries, The Nation reported citing a diplomatic source. "Divergent views on Afghanistan and China factor are the reason for tense ties between Islamabad and Washington, after the meeting, the US National Security Adviser's tweet was focused on Afghanistan while there was no mention of Afghanistan in Dr Moeed Yousaf's tweet," the source informed. The US has urged Islamabad to put pressure on the Taliban, however, the Pakistan side made it clear that they do not have any control over the Taliban. In FT interview, Pak NSA complained about the US President's failure to contact Imran Khan as Washington sought help to stop the Taliban from taking over Afghanistan. Meanwhile, an official from the Biden administration told FT: "There are still a number of world leaders President Biden has not been able to speak with personally yet. He looks forward to speaking with Prime Minister Khan when the time is right."

'Pakistan has other options': NSA Yusuf tells US over Biden snub

Pakistan has other options if US President Joe Biden continues to ignore the leadership of the country, said Pakistan’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Dr Moeed Yusuf.&nbsp;

In an interview, Yusuf told The Financial Times, “The president of the United States hasn’t spoken to the prime minister of such an important country, who the US itself says is make-or-break in some cases, in some ways, in Afghanistan — we struggle to understand the signal, right?” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-cannot-bear-burden-of-more-refugees-from-afghanistan-says-nsa-402154">Pak cannot bear burden of more refugees from Afghanistan, says NSA</a> 

Yusuf added, “We’ve been told every time that… [the phone call] will happen, it’s technical reasons or whatever. But frankly, people don’t believe it.”

While refusing to elaborate, the NSA said, “If a phone call is a concession, if a security relationship is a concession, Pakistan has options.” &nbsp;

However, the US State Department has already assured Islamabad that Washington recognises Pakistan’s vital role in restoring peace in Afghanistan and wants the country to play that role. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-selling-cars-and-buffaloes-broke-pakistan-puts-pm-imran-khans-residence-on-rent-402681">After selling cars and buffaloes, broke Pakistan puts PM Imran Khan's residence on rent</a>

US State Department’s spokesman Ned Price said, “Pakistan has much to gain and will continue to have a critical role, be well-positioned to have a role in supporting the outcome in Afghanistan.” &nbsp;

Price, in a briefing in Washington on Monday, said, “Not only the United States seeks, but that many of our international partners, many of the countries in the region also seek this supporting role from Pakistan. So, we’ll continue to work and to communicate closely with our Pakistani partners on this.” &nbsp;

Pakistan has other options if US President Joe Biden continues to ignore the leadership of the country, said Pakistan’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Dr Moeed Yusuf.

Pakistan has other options if US President Joe Biden continues to ignore the leadership of the country, said Pakistan’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Dr Moeed Yusuf. In an interview, Yusuf told The Financial Times, “The president of the United States hasn’t spoken to the prime minister of such an important country, who the US itself says is make-or-break in some cases, in some ways, in Afghanistan — we struggle to understand the signal, right?” Also Read: Pak cannot bear burden of more refugees from Afghanistan, says NSA Yusuf added, “We’ve been told every time that… [the phone call] will happen, it’s technical reasons or whatever. But frankly, people don’t believe it.” While refusing to elaborate, the NSA said, “If a phone call is a concession, if a security relationship is a concession, Pakistan has options.” However, the US State Department has already assured Islamabad that Washington recognises Pakistan’s vital role in restoring peace in Afghanistan and wants the country to play that role. Also Read: After selling cars and buffaloes, broke Pakistan puts PM Imran Khan's residence on rent US State Department’s spokesman Ned Price said, “Pakistan has much to gain and will continue to have a critical role, be well-positioned to have a role in supporting the outcome in Afghanistan.” Price, in a briefing in Washington on Monday, said, “Not only the United States seeks, but that many of our international partners, many of the countries in the region also seek this supporting role from Pakistan. So, we’ll continue to work and to communicate closely with our Pakistani partners on this.”

Pakistan has other options if US continues to ignore its leadership: NSA

Pakistan cannot bear the burden of hosting more Afghan refugees, said Pakistan’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Dr Moeed Yusuf, while addressing a press conference in Washington DC. &nbsp;

Yusuf is on a visit the US for talks with their American counterparts on the situation in Afghanistan. It is a part of Washington's diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in the war-torn nation.&nbsp;

On the matter, Yusuf said safe zones should be established within Afghanistan for the refugees. In response to a question, the NSA said, “Pakistan and the United States need to work together to address the security concern in Afghanistan.”&nbsp;

Pakistan has a key role in a new US diplomatic offensive aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Under a deal with the Taliban, the US and its NATO allies agreed to withdraw all troops in return for a commitment by the militants that they would prevent extremist groups from operating in areas they control.&nbsp;

US Central Command, which is in charge of Afghanistan, said recently that the withdrawal of US forces is more than 95 per cent complete. President Joe Biden has said the withdrawal would be complete by the end of August.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pakistan cannot bear the burden of hosting more Afghan refugees, said Pakistan’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Dr Moeed Yusuf, while addressing a press conference in Washington DC.

Pakistan cannot bear the burden of hosting more Afghan refugees, said Pakistan’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Dr Moeed Yusuf, while addressing a press conference in Washington DC. Yusuf is on a visit the US for talks with their American counterparts on the situation in Afghanistan. It is a part of Washington's diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in the war-torn nation. On the matter, Yusuf said safe zones should be established within Afghanistan for the refugees. In response to a question, the NSA said, “Pakistan and the United States need to work together to address the security concern in Afghanistan.” Pakistan has a key role in a new US diplomatic offensive aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in Afghanistan. Under a deal with the Taliban, the US and its NATO allies agreed to withdraw all troops in return for a commitment by the militants that they would prevent extremist groups from operating in areas they control. US Central Command, which is in charge of Afghanistan, said recently that the withdrawal of US forces is more than 95 per cent complete. President Joe Biden has said the withdrawal would be complete by the end of August. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak cannot bear burden of more refugees from Afghanistan, says NSA  

A meeting between Afghan National Security Adviser (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib and former Pakistan PM and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif has led to a turmoil in the political circles of the country.&nbsp;

The pictures of the meeting were shared on Twitter by the National Security Council of Afghanistan on Saturday, along with a statement a day after the meeting was held in London.&nbsp;

The news of the meeting seems to have spread on social media like a wild fire. It also led some senior government figures to criticise the PML-N leader.&nbsp;

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NSA <a href="https://twitter.com/hmohib?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hmohib</a> and State Minister for Peace Sayed Sadat Naderi called on Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in London to discuss matters of mutual interest. <a href="https://t.co/bOs1PmwdmJ">pic.twitter.com/bOs1PmwdmJ</a>
— NSC Afghanistan (@NSCAfghan) <a href="https://twitter.com/NSCAfghan/status/1418648084515598336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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At a press conference later, several leaders also demanded an explanation. They asked Nawaz, why he met a hostile Afghan official whom Islamabad had cut off all contacts with after he made controversial remarks against Pakistan earlier this year.&nbsp;

The meeting took place during the Afghan NSA’s two-day visit to the UK. In the visit, Hamdullah Mohib met senior UK government and military officials, politicians and journalists.&nbsp;

After the meeting, a statement was released, where the Afghan NSC said, the participants discussed “matters of mutual interest”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A meeting between Afghan National Security Adviser (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib and former Pakistan PM and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif has led to a turmoil in the political circles of the country.

A meeting between Afghan National Security Adviser (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib and former Pakistan PM and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif has led to a turmoil in the political circles of the country. The pictures of the meeting were shared on Twitter by the National Security Council of Afghanistan on Saturday, along with a statement a day after the meeting was held in London. The news of the meeting seems to have spread on social media like a wild fire. It also led some senior government figures to criticise the PML-N leader. NSA @hmohib and State Minister for Peace Sayed Sadat Naderi called on Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in London to discuss matters of mutual interest. pic.twitter.com/bOs1PmwdmJ — NSC Afghanistan (@NSCAfghan) July 23, 2021 × At a press conference later, several leaders also demanded an explanation. They asked Nawaz, why he met a hostile Afghan official whom Islamabad had cut off all contacts with after he made controversial remarks against Pakistan earlier this year. The meeting took place during the Afghan NSA’s two-day visit to the UK. In the visit, Hamdullah Mohib met senior UK government and military officials, politicians and journalists. After the meeting, a statement was released, where the Afghan NSC said, the participants discussed “matters of mutual interest”. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan NSA, Sharif’s London meeting kicks off political storm in Pakistan 

Pakistan's National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf and ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed are likely to visit the US next week for talks with their American counterparts on the situation in Afghanistan as part of Washington's diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in the war-torn nation, according to a media report.

The efforts also include visits by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to New Delhi and Kabul for talks aimed at formulating a regional response to the Afghan crisis, the Dawn newspaper reported while quoting diplomatic sources.

The trip of Yusuf and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Lt Gen Hameed was part of these diplomatic efforts, it said.

"Pakistan has a key role in a new US diplomatic offensive aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in Afghanistan," diplomatic sources told the newspaper on Friday.

Under a deal with the Taliban, the US and its NATO allies agreed to withdraw all troops in return for a commitment by the militants that they would prevent extremist groups from operating in areas they control.

US Central Command, which is in charge of Afghanistan, said recently that the withdrawal of US forces is more than 95 per cent complete. President Joe Biden has said the withdrawal would be complete by the end of August. 
At a recent briefing in Washington, US State Department's spokesperson Ned Price said the Biden administration hopes to 'see Afghanistan's neighbours play a constructive, responsible role in bringing about a just and durable solution' to the Afghan conflict.

Price also underlined Pakistan's role in the peace process, saying: "We understand the crucial role that Pakistan has the potential to play in this." This would be the second meeting between Yusuf and his American counterpart Jake Sullivan, who first met in Geneva in March this year.

The meeting in Geneva was the first highest-level physical contact between the two countries since the Biden administration took office.&nbsp;

Secretary Blinken, however, had earlier twice spoken to Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa. Similarly, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had also been in touch with General Bajwa.&nbsp;

Pakistan's National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf and ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed are likely to visit the US next week for talks with their American counterparts on the situation in Afghanistan as part of Washington's diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in the war-torn nation, according to a media report.

Pakistan's National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf and ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed are likely to visit the US next week for talks with their American counterparts on the situation in Afghanistan as part of Washington's diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in the war-torn nation, according to a media report. The efforts also include visits by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to New Delhi and Kabul for talks aimed at formulating a regional response to the Afghan crisis, the Dawn newspaper reported while quoting diplomatic sources. The trip of Yusuf and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Lt Gen Hameed was part of these diplomatic efforts, it said. "Pakistan has a key role in a new US diplomatic offensive aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer of power in Afghanistan," diplomatic sources told the newspaper on Friday. Under a deal with the Taliban, the US and its NATO allies agreed to withdraw all troops in return for a commitment by the militants that they would prevent extremist groups from operating in areas they control. US Central Command, which is in charge of Afghanistan, said recently that the withdrawal of US forces is more than 95 per cent complete. President Joe Biden has said the withdrawal would be complete by the end of August. At a recent briefing in Washington, US State Department's spokesperson Ned Price said the Biden administration hopes to 'see Afghanistan's neighbours play a constructive, responsible role in bringing about a just and durable solution' to the Afghan conflict. Price also underlined Pakistan's role in the peace process, saying: "We understand the crucial role that Pakistan has the potential to play in this." This would be the second meeting between Yusuf and his American counterpart Jake Sullivan, who first met in Geneva in March this year. The meeting in Geneva was the first highest-level physical contact between the two countries since the Biden administration took office. Secretary Blinken, however, had earlier twice spoken to Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa. Similarly, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had also been in touch with General Bajwa.

Pak NSA, ISI chief likely to visit US next week for talks on Afghanistan: Report 

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has proposed an "action plan" against Pakistan-based terror groups like Lashkar-e-Tayyeba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) NSAs meet on Wednesday.

The action to be taken on these terror groups has been proposed under SCO framework.

LeT and JeM has been responsible for many terror attacks in India, especially in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. JeM, created with the support of Pakistan spy agency, was responsible for the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 Indian soldiers died.

During the meet, which was also attended by Pakistan NSA Moeed Yusuf, Indian side also called for full implementation of UN resolutions and targetted sanctions against UN-designated terrorist individuals and entities.

Pakistan hosts one of the largest number of UN listed international terrorists. It has been seen to have been lax on efforts to bring them to book, so much so that Islamabad even applied for 'pensions' for listed terrorist like Hafiz Saeed. Saeed is the founder of LeT.

During the in-person meet in Tajik Capital Dushanbe, Indian NSA "strongly condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestations", sources said, pointing out that "perpetrators of terrorism including cross-border terror attacks should be expeditiously brought to justice."

More than a decade after the 26/11 terror attacks, Pakistan still has to act the perpetrators who are inside the country.

Interestingly, India also emphasised on adoption of international standards to counter terror financing including an MOU between SCO and Financial Action Task Force (FATF). It is an anti-terror-financing body.&nbsp;

The NSA underlined that in order to effectively combat terrorism, we need to monitor new technologies used by terrorists. This included use of drones and misuse of dark web, artificial intelligence, blockchain and social media.

During the meet, he highlighted connectivity projects like Chahbahar, INSTC, regional air corridors which are leading to "economic gains and building trust" but pointed out that "connectivity must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity".&nbsp;

China's mega infrastructure programme China Pakistan Economic Corridor or CPEC passes through Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. This has been a cause of concern for New Delhi, which has consistently raised matter with Beijing.

On Afghanistan, Doval called the need to preserve gains made in last two decades in Afghanistan and give top priority to welfare of its people &amp; extended full support to SCO Contact Group on Afghanistan, "which should be more active."

At the SCO meet, Doval had over 2 hours long meeting with Russian NSA Nikolai Patrushev during which issues of mutual interest were discussed.

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has proposed an "action plan" against Pakistan-based terror groups like Lashkar-e-Tayyeba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) NSAs meet on Wednesday.

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has proposed an "action plan" against Pakistan-based terror groups like Lashkar-e-Tayyeba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) NSAs meet on Wednesday. The action to be taken on these terror groups has been proposed under SCO framework. LeT and JeM has been responsible for many terror attacks in India, especially in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. JeM, created with the support of Pakistan spy agency, was responsible for the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 Indian soldiers died. During the meet, which was also attended by Pakistan NSA Moeed Yusuf, Indian side also called for full implementation of UN resolutions and targetted sanctions against UN-designated terrorist individuals and entities. Pakistan hosts one of the largest number of UN listed international terrorists. It has been seen to have been lax on efforts to bring them to book, so much so that Islamabad even applied for 'pensions' for listed terrorist like Hafiz Saeed. Saeed is the founder of LeT. During the in-person meet in Tajik Capital Dushanbe, Indian NSA "strongly condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestations", sources said, pointing out that "perpetrators of terrorism including cross-border terror attacks should be expeditiously brought to justice." More than a decade after the 26/11 terror attacks, Pakistan still has to act the perpetrators who are inside the country. Interestingly, India also emphasised on adoption of international standards to counter terror financing including an MOU between SCO and Financial Action Task Force (FATF). It is an anti-terror-financing body. The NSA underlined that in order to effectively combat terrorism, we need to monitor new technologies used by terrorists. This included use of drones and misuse of dark web, artificial intelligence, blockchain and social media. During the meet, he highlighted connectivity projects like Chahbahar, INSTC, regional air corridors which are leading to "economic gains and building trust" but pointed out that "connectivity must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity". China's mega infrastructure programme China Pakistan Economic Corridor or CPEC passes through Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. This has been a cause of concern for New Delhi, which has consistently raised matter with Beijing. On Afghanistan, Doval called the need to preserve gains made in last two decades in Afghanistan and give top priority to welfare of its people & extended full support to SCO Contact Group on Afghanistan, "which should be more active." At the SCO meet, Doval had over 2 hours long meeting with Russian NSA Nikolai Patrushev during which issues of mutual interest were discussed.

NSA Ajit Doval proposes action against Pakistan terror groups at SCO meet

The NSA level meeting will be held today, preceded by a Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) on June 22. The meeting will take place just ahead of Modi's All-Party Meeting with leaders of Jammu and Kashmir. It is still unclear whether there would be any meeting scheduled between Indian and Pakistan's NSA.

Ajit Doval, his Pakistani counterpart to attend SCO meet in Dushanbe

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Pakistani NSA Moeed Yusuf along with NSAs of other countries will be in Dushanbe, Tajikistan next week for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO in-person meeting. The meet due on June 23 and 24 will see NSAs of SCO countries meeting in person.

Tajikistan is the chair of the grouping and took the chairmanship of the SCO at a meeting of the SCO Heads of State Council in November of 2020. Ahead of the meet, early June saw a protocol meeting to decide the nitty-gritty of the meet.

Next week's SCO NSAs meet is expected to see participation of Russian NSA Nikolai Patrushev, Chinese counterpart.&nbsp;

Afghanistan is an observer member of SCO with Afghan NSA Hamdullah Mohib going to the city as part of his larger central Asia visit. Mohib and Doval could even hold bilateral meeting in Dushanbe which comes in the backdrop of US withdrawal from Afghanistan and increased violence by Taliban.

While there is no confirmation of Indian and Pakistani NSAs having a bilateral meeting, or pull aside, the development comes at a time when both New Delhi and Islamabad have been cautious in ties in the last few months. February saw the Indian, Pakistan army agreeing to observe the 2003 ceasefire pact at the LoC in Kashmir. Since then, the pact has stood and the area hasn't seen any firing.

Since February this year, twice--both India's external minister Dr S Jaishankar and Pakistan FM SM Qureshi have been in the same location but no meeting has happened. In March, both were in Dushanbe for the Heart of Asia meet on Afghanistan, later in April, both were in UAE for a bilateral visit, respectively.

Interestingly, Pak, Afghan NSA will also be present in Dushanbe. This comes even as Pakistan foreign minister SM Qureshi was seen defending the Taliban in an interview to an Afghan channel TOLO News's Lotfullah Najafizada. Pak FM said, "if you try and create this impression that the violence is high because of Taliban, that would be exaggeration."

SCO has 8 member states--Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and 4 central Asian countries--Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. 2017 saw India and Pakistan officially joining the grouping as full-fledged members. November last year saw India hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization heads of government meeting virtually. &nbsp;That was the first time India was hosting such a meet of the group, with India's Vice President Venkaiah Naidu chairing it.

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Pakistani NSA Moeed Yusuf along with NSAs of other countries will be in Dushanbe, Tajikistan next week for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO in-person meeting.

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Pakistani NSA Moeed Yusuf along with NSAs of other countries will be in Dushanbe, Tajikistan next week for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO in-person meeting. The meet due on June 23 and 24 will see NSAs of SCO countries meeting in person. Tajikistan is the chair of the grouping and took the chairmanship of the SCO at a meeting of the SCO Heads of State Council in November of 2020. Ahead of the meet, early June saw a protocol meeting to decide the nitty-gritty of the meet. Next week's SCO NSAs meet is expected to see participation of Russian NSA Nikolai Patrushev, Chinese counterpart. Afghanistan is an observer member of SCO with Afghan NSA Hamdullah Mohib going to the city as part of his larger central Asia visit. Mohib and Doval could even hold bilateral meeting in Dushanbe which comes in the backdrop of US withdrawal from Afghanistan and increased violence by Taliban. While there is no confirmation of Indian and Pakistani NSAs having a bilateral meeting, or pull aside, the development comes at a time when both New Delhi and Islamabad have been cautious in ties in the last few months. February saw the Indian, Pakistan army agreeing to observe the 2003 ceasefire pact at the LoC in Kashmir. Since then, the pact has stood and the area hasn't seen any firing. Since February this year, twice--both India's external minister Dr S Jaishankar and Pakistan FM SM Qureshi have been in the same location but no meeting has happened. In March, both were in Dushanbe for the Heart of Asia meet on Afghanistan, later in April, both were in UAE for a bilateral visit, respectively. Interestingly, Pak, Afghan NSA will also be present in Dushanbe. This comes even as Pakistan foreign minister SM Qureshi was seen defending the Taliban in an interview to an Afghan channel TOLO News's Lotfullah Najafizada. Pak FM said, "if you try and create this impression that the violence is high because of Taliban, that would be exaggeration." SCO has 8 member states--Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and 4 central Asian countries--Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. 2017 saw India and Pakistan officially joining the grouping as full-fledged members. November last year saw India hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization heads of government meeting virtually. That was the first time India was hosting such a meet of the group, with India's Vice President Venkaiah Naidu chairing it.

Exclusive: India, Pak NSA to be in Dushanbe next week for SCO NSAs meet

No one can offer guarantees about Afghanistan`s future after U.S. troops leave, a top White House official said on Sunday, even as he stressed the United States would stay focused on terrorist threats emanating from the country.

President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that the United States will withdraw its remaining 2,500 troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, the 20th anniversary of the al Qaeda attacks that triggered America`s longest war.

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was asked on the Fox News Sunday program about the risk of a repeat of what happened in Iraq, where Islamic State militants seized territory after U.S. troops withdrew in 2011.

That led then-President Barack Obama to send troops back into Iraq.

Sullivan said Biden had no intention of sending American forces back to Afghanistan, but he added: "I can`t make any guarantees about what will happen inside the country. No one can."

"All the United States could do is provide the Afghan security forces, the Afghan government and the Afghan people resources and capabilities, training and equipping their forces, providing assistance to their government. We have done that and now it is time for American troops to come home and the Afghan people to step up to defend their own country."

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani rejected what he said were "false analogies" with the war in Vietnam as well as any suggestion his government was at risk of folding under Taliban pressure after U.S. troops leave. Afghan security forces were capable of defending the country, he said.

"The Afghan defense and security forces have been carrying over 90% of the operations in the last two years," Ghani said in an interview with CNN.

Former President Donald Trump said in a statement that leaving Afghanistan was "a wonderful and positive thing to do," but called for a more rapid departure. Trump had set a May 1 deadline to withdraw.

CIA Director William Burns told the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday that America`s ability to collect intelligence and act against extremist threats in Afghanistan will diminish after the departure of U.S. troops.

A United Nations report in January said there were as many as 500 al Qaeda fighters in Afghanistan and that the Taliban maintained a close relationship with the Islamist extremist group. The Taliban denies al Qaeda has a presence in Afghanistan.

Announcing his decision to withdraw troops, Biden said the United States would monitor the threat, reorganize counterterrorism capabilities and keep substantial assets in the region to respond to threats to the United States emerging from Afghanistan.

"He has no intention of taking our eye off the ball," Sullivan said of the president.

"We have the capacity, from repositioning our capabilities over the horizon, to continue to suppress the terrorist threat in Afghanistan."

No one can offer guarantees about Afghanistan`s future after U.S. troops leave, a top White House official said on Sunday, even as he stressed the United States would stay focused on terrorist threats emanating from the country.

No one can offer guarantees about Afghanistan`s future after U.S. troops leave, a top White House official said on Sunday, even as he stressed the United States would stay focused on terrorist threats emanating from the country. President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that the United States will withdraw its remaining 2,500 troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, the 20th anniversary of the al Qaeda attacks that triggered America`s longest war. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was asked on the Fox News Sunday program about the risk of a repeat of what happened in Iraq, where Islamic State militants seized territory after U.S. troops withdrew in 2011. That led then-President Barack Obama to send troops back into Iraq. Sullivan said Biden had no intention of sending American forces back to Afghanistan, but he added: "I can`t make any guarantees about what will happen inside the country. No one can." "All the United States could do is provide the Afghan security forces, the Afghan government and the Afghan people resources and capabilities, training and equipping their forces, providing assistance to their government. We have done that and now it is time for American troops to come home and the Afghan people to step up to defend their own country." Afghan President Ashraf Ghani rejected what he said were "false analogies" with the war in Vietnam as well as any suggestion his government was at risk of folding under Taliban pressure after U.S. troops leave. Afghan security forces were capable of defending the country, he said. "The Afghan defense and security forces have been carrying over 90% of the operations in the last two years," Ghani said in an interview with CNN. Former President Donald Trump said in a statement that leaving Afghanistan was "a wonderful and positive thing to do," but called for a more rapid departure. Trump had set a May 1 deadline to withdraw. CIA Director William Burns told the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday that America`s ability to collect intelligence and act against extremist threats in Afghanistan will diminish after the departure of U.S. troops. A United Nations report in January said there were as many as 500 al Qaeda fighters in Afghanistan and that the Taliban maintained a close relationship with the Islamist extremist group. The Taliban denies al Qaeda has a presence in Afghanistan. Announcing his decision to withdraw troops, Biden said the United States would monitor the threat, reorganize counterterrorism capabilities and keep substantial assets in the region to respond to threats to the United States emerging from Afghanistan. "He has no intention of taking our eye off the ball," Sullivan said of the president. "We have the capacity, from repositioning our capabilities over the horizon, to continue to suppress the terrorist threat in Afghanistan."

White House: No guarantees about Afghanistan's future post-pullout

India is drawing its neighbours closer. After Dr Jaishankar's visit to West Asia & harsh vardhan shringla's visit to Nepal, India's N.S.A Ajit Doval has reached Sri Lanka.

Gravitas: India strengthens its strategic backyard

Ajit Doval, India's National Security Advisor, arrived in Colombo on Friday for trilateral maritime dialogue among India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Sri Lanka will host the fourth national security advisor trilateral meeting on maritime security cooperation with India and Maldives on Friday and Saturday.

"NSA Ajit Doval arrived in Colombo for trilateral India-Sri Lanka-Maldives consultations on maritime and security cooperation. He was accorded a warm welcome by Army Commander Lt Gen @SilvaShavendra," the Indian Embassy in Colombo tweeted.

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NSA Ajit Doval arrived in Colombo for trilateral India-Sri Lanka-Maldives consultations on maritime and security cooperation. He was accorded a warm welcome by Army Commander Lt Gen <a href="https://twitter.com/SilvaShavendra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SilvaShavendra</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/ckZOK5c0IF">pic.twitter.com/ckZOK5c0IF</a>
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainSL/status/1332227816427929600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The meeting is to take place after six years - the last meeting was held in New Delhi in 2014.&nbsp;

This will be the first NSA level meeting on Trilateral Maritime Security Cooperation. Besides Doval, Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Major General (Retd). Kamal Gunaratne and Maldives Defence Minister Mariya Didi will participate in the meeting.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the NSA-level trilateral meeting has served as an effective platform for cooperation among Indian Ocean countries. The mechanism is being revived after six years as earlier meetings were held in 2011 in the Maldives, in 2013 in Sri Lanka, and in 2014 in India.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-strengthens-its-strategic-backyard-345959">WATCH|</a>

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(With inputs from agencies)

Ajit Doval, India's National Security Advisor, arrived in Colombo on Friday for trilateral maritime dialogue among India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Sri Lanka will host the fourth national security advisor trilateral meeting on maritime security cooperation with India and Maldives on Friday and Saturday.

Ajit Doval, India's National Security Advisor, arrived in Colombo on Friday for trilateral maritime dialogue among India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Sri Lanka will host the fourth national security advisor trilateral meeting on maritime security cooperation with India and Maldives on Friday and Saturday. "NSA Ajit Doval arrived in Colombo for trilateral India-Sri Lanka-Maldives consultations on maritime and security cooperation. He was accorded a warm welcome by Army Commander Lt Gen @SilvaShavendra," the Indian Embassy in Colombo tweeted. NSA Ajit Doval arrived in Colombo for trilateral India-Sri Lanka-Maldives consultations on maritime and security cooperation. He was accorded a warm welcome by Army Commander Lt Gen @SilvaShavendra #lka @MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/ckZOK5c0IF — India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) November 27, 2020 × The meeting is to take place after six years - the last meeting was held in New Delhi in 2014. This will be the first NSA level meeting on Trilateral Maritime Security Cooperation. Besides Doval, Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Major General (Retd). Kamal Gunaratne and Maldives Defence Minister Mariya Didi will participate in the meeting. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the NSA-level trilateral meeting has served as an effective platform for cooperation among Indian Ocean countries. The mechanism is being revived after six years as earlier meetings were held in 2011 in the Maldives, in 2013 in Sri Lanka, and in 2014 in India. WATCH| × (With inputs from agencies)

NSA Ajit Doval arrives in Sri Lanka to attend trilateral maritime dialogue

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval took part in the dialogue along with Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Major Gen (Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne and Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Didi.

India, Lanka and Maldives agree to bolster maritime security cooperation

The trilateral meet will see discussions on maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean region and will be attended by NSA Ajit Doval.

India’s NSA Ajit Doval visits Sri Lanka for Trilateral Security Meet

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval arrived here on Friday for a trilateral maritime dialogue among India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

NSA Ajit Doval arrives in Sri Lanka to attend 4th trilateral maritime meet

The United States National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien recently assured Vietnam and the Philippines of support against China’s “aggressive” actions in the South China Sea.

Hitting out at this, the Chinese embassy in Manila accused O’Brien of “stirring up trouble in the South China Sea”, as reported by the South China Morning Post. The embassy reportedly also accused US NSA of "provoking a rift between China and the Philippines".

In another statement from the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi, Chinese officials called on the US to end its campaign against China especially in terms of the South China Sea and the Mekong River.

Also read: S<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/south-china-sea-us-vows-support-to-philippines-and-vietnam-over-row-with-china-344931" hreflang="en">outh China Sea: US vows support to Philippines and Vietnam over row with China</a>

"The US is not a party to the South China Sea dispute... but has been openly interfering in the issues under the name of safeguarding stability... and freedom of navigation," The South China Morning Post quoted Chinese embassy in Hanoi embassy as saying in a statement.

"Its purpose is never to help regional countries to resolve the dispute but to maintain its hegemony in the region," the statement claimed.

O’Brien met the Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Foreign Affairs Minister Pham Binh Minh, urging them to end end “illegal re-routing of Chinese exports.

He further told them that the US would help wither in purchasing American helicopters. Additionally, O’Brien confirmed the delivery of missiles worth $18 million, as pledged by Donald Trump in April.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/philippines-china-seek-to-jointly-develop-energy-projects-in-south-china-sea-335695" hreflang="en">Philippines, China seek to jointly develop energy projects in South China Sea</a>

During the ASEAN Summit, O`Brien claimed that China`s actions in the Mekong river basin and the South China Sea were a threat to peace, stability, and sovereignty.

In response, Chinese embassies hit out at O’Brien claiming his remarks represented “Cold War mentality”, while adding that the goal of his visit was “not to promote regional peace and stability but to create chaos in the region”.

”In recent years, to safeguard its regional and global hegemony, the US has regarded itself as patron and judge of regional countries and directly intervened in the South China Sea and other issues," a statement read.

The United States National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien recently assured Vietnam and the Philippines of support against China’s “aggressive” actions in the South China Sea.

The United States National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien recently assured Vietnam and the Philippines of support against China’s “aggressive” actions in the South China Sea. Hitting out at this, the Chinese embassy in Manila accused O’Brien of “stirring up trouble in the South China Sea”, as reported by the South China Morning Post. The embassy reportedly also accused US NSA of "provoking a rift between China and the Philippines". In another statement from the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi, Chinese officials called on the US to end its campaign against China especially in terms of the South China Sea and the Mekong River. Also read: South China Sea: US vows support to Philippines and Vietnam over row with China "The US is not a party to the South China Sea dispute... but has been openly interfering in the issues under the name of safeguarding stability... and freedom of navigation," The South China Morning Post quoted Chinese embassy in Hanoi embassy as saying in a statement. "Its purpose is never to help regional countries to resolve the dispute but to maintain its hegemony in the region," the statement claimed. O’Brien met the Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Foreign Affairs Minister Pham Binh Minh, urging them to end end “illegal re-routing of Chinese exports. He further told them that the US would help wither in purchasing American helicopters. Additionally, O’Brien confirmed the delivery of missiles worth $18 million, as pledged by Donald Trump in April. Also read: Philippines, China seek to jointly develop energy projects in South China Sea During the ASEAN Summit, O`Brien claimed that China`s actions in the Mekong river basin and the South China Sea were a threat to peace, stability, and sovereignty. In response, Chinese embassies hit out at O’Brien claiming his remarks represented “Cold War mentality”, while adding that the goal of his visit was “not to promote regional peace and stability but to create chaos in the region”. ”In recent years, to safeguard its regional and global hegemony, the US has regarded itself as patron and judge of regional countries and directly intervened in the South China Sea and other issues," a statement read.

American NSA's visit to Vietnam, Philippines represents 'Cold War mentality': Chinese embassies

US President-elect Joe Biden has said the United States would be "ready to lead" again on the global stage, turning the page on Republican President Donald Trump's "America First" policies as he pledged to work together with the nation's allies.

Introducing his foreign policy and national security team, the Democratic former vice president Tuesday signalled he intended after taking office on January 20 to steer the United States away from the unilateralist nationalism pursued by Trump.

Biden has moved swiftly to assemble his team and make Cabinet choices after defeating Trump, who has waged a flailing legal battle to try to overturn the results, falsely claiming the election was stolen through widespread voting fraud.

The six women and men he has chosen to be his key diplomats and intelligence advisors said they would implement a return to multilateralism, global cooperation and fighting climate change after four years of Trump's go-it-alone policies.

"It's a team that will keep our country and our people safe and secure," Biden said, introducing his picks for secretary of state, national security advisor, intelligence chief, homeland security and other key cabinet jobs.

"It's a team that reflects the fact that America is back. Ready to lead the world, not retreat from it."

The team would shed what the president-elect described as "old thinking and unchanged habits" in its approach to foreign relations, he added.

Biden said his national security advisor Jake Sullivan is a once in a generation intellect with the experience and temperament for one of the toughest jobs in the world.

"As my National Security Advisor, I choose Jake Sullivan. He's a once-in-a-generation intellect with the experience and temperament for one of the toughest jobs in the world," Biden told reporters on Tuesday at the transition headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware.

At 43, he is the youngest national security advisor in decades. Sullivan was National Security Advisor to Biden when the latter was the vice president. He was a top advisor to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

He helped lead the early negotiations that led to the Iran nuclear deal, helped broker the Gaza ceasefire in 2012, and played a key role in the Asia-Pacific rebalance in our administration, Biden said.

"And in this campaign for the presidency, he served as one of my most trusted advisors on both foreign and domestic policy, including helping me develop our COVID-19 strategy. Jake understands my vision that economic security is national security," he said.

Biden said that Sullivan will help steer a foreign policy for the middle-class, for families like his growing up in Minnesota, where he was raised by parents who were educators and taught him the values of hard work, decency, service, and respect.

Antony Blinken, Biden's choice for secretary of state, vowed to pursue cooperation around the world, saying that the United States cannot solve global problems on its own.

"We have to proceed with equal measures of humility and confidence," Blinken said.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Biden's choice to be the next ambassador to the United Nations, echoed those sentiments.

"I want to say to you: America is back. Multilateralism is back. Diplomacy is back," she said.

Former secretary of state John Kerry, who Biden chose as his special envoy on climate change, confirmed the new administration would bring the US back into the Paris climate accord after Trump pulled out of the landmark 2015 deal.

But Kerry also warned that the Paris pact he helped negotiate was not enough to fight global warming, and called Tuesday for a UN conference in Glasgow next year to push for more.

"You're right to rejoin Paris on day one. And you're right to recognize that Paris alone is not enough," he said to Biden.

In his remarks, Sullivan said his national security team will be vigilant in the face of enduring threats from nuclear weapons to terrorism.

During his time in government, Sullivan was a lead negotiator in the initial talks that paved the way for the Iran nuclear deal and played a key role in the US-brokered negotiations that led to a ceasefire in Gaza in 2012. He also played a key role in shaping the Asia-Pacific rebalance strategy at both the State Department and the White House.

Biden also introduced Cuban-born Alejandro Mayorkas, tapped to become Homeland Security secretary; Avril Haines as director of national intelligence, and Jake Sullivan as his White House national security advisor.

All three pledged to maintain an environment of professionalism among the government officials they will oversee, obliquely referring to the politicization of much of government work that left much of the bureaucracy dispirited under Trump.

The world is much changed since Democrats were last in the White House four years ago.

China is on the rise and emboldened, Russia has sought to further assert its clout, US influence has waned as it has pulled out of various accords and American moral authority has been dented by turmoil at home.

Trump over four years unsettled many US allies, in Europe and elsewhere, with an antagonistic approach toward the NATO alliance and trade relations, abandonment of international agreements and warm relationships with authoritarian leaders.

Biden said his team had been able to begin coordinating with the Trump administration on national security, the coronavirus pandemic and vaccine distribution plans since it got the green light on Monday for formal transition efforts.

Biden also signalled that two former, more liberal, rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination, Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, were not under consideration for Cabinet appointments, saying he needed their votes in the closely divided Senate.

The White House on Tuesday gave the go-ahead for Biden to start receiving the president's daily intelligence briefing. Biden said he did not get one on Monday but expected it regularly.

During his presentation with his national security team, Biden urged the Senate to give his nominees who require confirmation by the chamber "a prompt hearing" and expressed hope he could work with Republicans "in good faith."

"Let's begin that work ... to heal and unite America as well as the world," Biden added.

Some Republican senators indicated, however, they may be prepared to stand in the way of his Cabinet appointments. Marco Rubio, a Foreign Relations Committee member, wrote on Twitter that Biden's Cabinet picks "will be polite &amp; orderly caretakers of America's decline."

Pennsylvania became the latest pivotal state on Tuesday to certify that Biden had won. The Nevada Supreme Court on Tuesday also confirmed Biden had won the state, sending the results to Nevada`s Democratic governor for final certification.

(with inputs from agencies)

US President-elect Joe Biden has said the United States would be "ready to lead" again on the global stage, turning the page on Republican President Donald Trump's "America First" policies as he pledged to work together with the nation's allies.

US President-elect Joe Biden has said the United States would be "ready to lead" again on the global stage, turning the page on Republican President Donald Trump's "America First" policies as he pledged to work together with the nation's allies. Introducing his foreign policy and national security team, the Democratic former vice president Tuesday signalled he intended after taking office on January 20 to steer the United States away from the unilateralist nationalism pursued by Trump. Biden has moved swiftly to assemble his team and make Cabinet choices after defeating Trump, who has waged a flailing legal battle to try to overturn the results, falsely claiming the election was stolen through widespread voting fraud. The six women and men he has chosen to be his key diplomats and intelligence advisors said they would implement a return to multilateralism, global cooperation and fighting climate change after four years of Trump's go-it-alone policies. "It's a team that will keep our country and our people safe and secure," Biden said, introducing his picks for secretary of state, national security advisor, intelligence chief, homeland security and other key cabinet jobs. "It's a team that reflects the fact that America is back. Ready to lead the world, not retreat from it." The team would shed what the president-elect described as "old thinking and unchanged habits" in its approach to foreign relations, he added. Biden said his national security advisor Jake Sullivan is a once in a generation intellect with the experience and temperament for one of the toughest jobs in the world. "As my National Security Advisor, I choose Jake Sullivan. He's a once-in-a-generation intellect with the experience and temperament for one of the toughest jobs in the world," Biden told reporters on Tuesday at the transition headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware. At 43, he is the youngest national security advisor in decades. Sullivan was National Security Advisor to Biden when the latter was the vice president. He was a top advisor to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. He helped lead the early negotiations that led to the Iran nuclear deal, helped broker the Gaza ceasefire in 2012, and played a key role in the Asia-Pacific rebalance in our administration, Biden said. "And in this campaign for the presidency, he served as one of my most trusted advisors on both foreign and domestic policy, including helping me develop our COVID-19 strategy. Jake understands my vision that economic security is national security," he said. Biden said that Sullivan will help steer a foreign policy for the middle-class, for families like his growing up in Minnesota, where he was raised by parents who were educators and taught him the values of hard work, decency, service, and respect. Antony Blinken, Biden's choice for secretary of state, vowed to pursue cooperation around the world, saying that the United States cannot solve global problems on its own. "We have to proceed with equal measures of humility and confidence," Blinken said. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Biden's choice to be the next ambassador to the United Nations, echoed those sentiments. "I want to say to you: America is back. Multilateralism is back. Diplomacy is back," she said. Former secretary of state John Kerry, who Biden chose as his special envoy on climate change, confirmed the new administration would bring the US back into the Paris climate accord after Trump pulled out of the landmark 2015 deal. But Kerry also warned that the Paris pact he helped negotiate was not enough to fight global warming, and called Tuesday for a UN conference in Glasgow next year to push for more. "You're right to rejoin Paris on day one. And you're right to recognize that Paris alone is not enough," he said to Biden. In his remarks, Sullivan said his national security team will be vigilant in the face of enduring threats from nuclear weapons to terrorism. During his time in government, Sullivan was a lead negotiator in the initial talks that paved the way for the Iran nuclear deal and played a key role in the US-brokered negotiations that led to a ceasefire in Gaza in 2012. He also played a key role in shaping the Asia-Pacific rebalance strategy at both the State Department and the White House. Biden also introduced Cuban-born Alejandro Mayorkas, tapped to become Homeland Security secretary; Avril Haines as director of national intelligence, and Jake Sullivan as his White House national security advisor. All three pledged to maintain an environment of professionalism among the government officials they will oversee, obliquely referring to the politicization of much of government work that left much of the bureaucracy dispirited under Trump. The world is much changed since Democrats were last in the White House four years ago. China is on the rise and emboldened, Russia has sought to further assert its clout, US influence has waned as it has pulled out of various accords and American moral authority has been dented by turmoil at home. Trump over four years unsettled many US allies, in Europe and elsewhere, with an antagonistic approach toward the NATO alliance and trade relations, abandonment of international agreements and warm relationships with authoritarian leaders. Biden said his team had been able to begin coordinating with the Trump administration on national security, the coronavirus pandemic and vaccine distribution plans since it got the green light on Monday for formal transition efforts. Biden also signalled that two former, more liberal, rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination, Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, were not under consideration for Cabinet appointments, saying he needed their votes in the closely divided Senate. The White House on Tuesday gave the go-ahead for Biden to start receiving the president's daily intelligence briefing. Biden said he did not get one on Monday but expected it regularly. During his presentation with his national security team, Biden urged the Senate to give his nominees who require confirmation by the chamber "a prompt hearing" and expressed hope he could work with Republicans "in good faith." "Let's begin that work ... to heal and unite America as well as the world," Biden added. Some Republican senators indicated, however, they may be prepared to stand in the way of his Cabinet appointments. Marco Rubio, a Foreign Relations Committee member, wrote on Twitter that Biden's Cabinet picks "will be polite & orderly caretakers of America's decline." Pennsylvania became the latest pivotal state on Tuesday to certify that Biden had won. The Nevada Supreme Court on Tuesday also confirmed Biden had won the state, sending the results to Nevada`s Democratic governor for final certification. (with inputs from agencies)

'America is back': Biden introduces his foreign policy and national security team

India and the United States could ink the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) defence pact for “greater geospatial information-sharing” during the forthcoming Indo-US 2+2 talks at the foreign and defence ministerial level on October 27.

India-US 2+2 talks: Esper, Pompeo to also meet NSA Ajit Doval and PM Modi

India-US 2+2 dialogue to focus on regional security cooperation and defence

Edward Snowden, a former US intelligence contractor who revealed in 2013 that the US government was spying on its citizens, has said he would like to return to his home country, but only on the condition of a fair trial.

However, the US President Donald Trump has said he will "take a look" at pardoning Snowden.

The former intelligence contractor leaked information and acted as a whistleblower revealing that agents from the National Security Agency (NSA) were conducting a widespread surveillance on the US citizens. However, the United States, in retaliation,&nbsp;accused Snowden of putting national security at risk and declined his claims. Following this,&nbsp;he faces the danger of a conviction on espionage charges that could send him to prison for decades.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/most-infamous-and-shocking-presidential-pardons-in-the-history-of-us-312513">In pics:&nbsp;Most infamous and shocking presidential pardons in the history of US</a>

Snowden has taken exile in Russia since then. Earlier, then-President Barack Obama had tried to set a motion for pardoning Snowden, but had failed to do so.&nbsp;

Now, when the local reporters asked the current President if he would be willing to, or planning to, pardon Snowden, Trump claimed to not know a lot about his case. He also added that the controversy&nbsp;is a "split decision."

"Many people think that he should be somehow treated differently and other people think he did very bad things," he said, and added, "I'm going to take a look at that very strongly."

This statement, given by the President from his media briefing from the Beminster, New Jersey&nbsp;golf field, was a surprise after he made strong remarks against Snowden during his 2016 Presidential campaing, saying,"I think he's a total traitor and I would deal with him harshly."

Edward Snowden, a former US intelligence contractor who revealed in 2013 that the US government was spying on its citizens, has said he would like to return to his home country, but only on the condition of a fair trial.

Edward Snowden, a former US intelligence contractor who revealed in 2013 that the US government was spying on its citizens, has said he would like to return to his home country, but only on the condition of a fair trial. However, the US President Donald Trump has said he will "take a look" at pardoning Snowden. The former intelligence contractor leaked information and acted as a whistleblower revealing that agents from the National Security Agency (NSA) were conducting a widespread surveillance on the US citizens. However, the United States, in retaliation, accused Snowden of putting national security at risk and declined his claims. Following this, he faces the danger of a conviction on espionage charges that could send him to prison for decades. In pics: Most infamous and shocking presidential pardons in the history of US Snowden has taken exile in Russia since then. Earlier, then-President Barack Obama had tried to set a motion for pardoning Snowden, but had failed to do so. Now, when the local reporters asked the current President if he would be willing to, or planning to, pardon Snowden, Trump claimed to not know a lot about his case. He also added that the controversy is a "split decision." "Many people think that he should be somehow treated differently and other people think he did very bad things," he said, and added, "I'm going to take a look at that very strongly." This statement, given by the President from his media briefing from the Beminster, New Jersey golf field, was a surprise after he made strong remarks against Snowden during his 2016 Presidential campaing, saying,"I think he's a total traitor and I would deal with him harshly."

Edward Snowden asks to return to US; Trump to 'take a look' at pardoning

Slips of the tongue seems to have become a common affair in US President Joe Biden’s administration. After Biden himself made the gaffe some time ago, now its House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s turn. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Pelosi misspoke, while calling for the passage of Barack Obama’s agenda instead of Biden’s.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

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The leader called on the Congress to “keep government open” and work to “address the full Obama agenda of building back better.” &nbsp;

Pelosi has argued that the Congress has a “moral imperative” to pass “the Biden Build Back Better Act,” in a Tuesday "Dear Colleague" letter by writing, “We must and will move forward to keep government open and to lift the debt ceiling.” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-senators-seek-probe-into-pakistans-role-in-talibans-afghan-victory-416821" hreflang="en">US senators seek probe into Pakistan's role in Taliban’s Afghan victory</a>

Pelosi wrote, “As I write this to you, negotiations are being led by President Biden to advance his vision. The President takes a pride in his agenda, which is shared overwhelmingly by House and Senate Democrats, which creates jobs, gives tax cuts for the middle class, lowers costs for health care and is paid by making the wealthiest few and big corporations pay their fair share.” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/liberals-dig-in-against-infrastructure-bill-as-party-divisions-persist-416842" hreflang="en">Liberals dig in against infrastructure bill as party divisions persist</a>

Meanwhile, Biden seems to have been gaffe-prone. The 78-year-old appeared to mistake Syria for Libya at a news conference after G7 summit in the UK some months ago. He appeared to make the mistake twice. &nbsp;

During a meeting with governors, US President Joe Biden unintentionally revealed a note from his staff informing him that he had something on his face after a yellow mark was noticed on his chin. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Slips of the tongue seems to have become a common affair in US President Joe Biden’s administration. After Biden himself made the gaffe some time ago, now its House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s turn.

Slips of the tongue seems to have become a common affair in US President Joe Biden’s administration. After Biden himself made the gaffe some time ago, now its House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s turn. On Tuesday, Pelosi misspoke, while calling for the passage of Barack Obama’s agenda instead of Biden’s. Watch: × The leader called on the Congress to “keep government open” and work to “address the full Obama agenda of building back better.” Pelosi has argued that the Congress has a “moral imperative” to pass “the Biden Build Back Better Act,” in a Tuesday "Dear Colleague" letter by writing, “We must and will move forward to keep government open and to lift the debt ceiling.” Also Read: US senators seek probe into Pakistan's role in Taliban’s Afghan victory Pelosi wrote, “As I write this to you, negotiations are being led by President Biden to advance his vision. The President takes a pride in his agenda, which is shared overwhelmingly by House and Senate Democrats, which creates jobs, gives tax cuts for the middle class, lowers costs for health care and is paid by making the wealthiest few and big corporations pay their fair share.” Also Read: Liberals dig in against infrastructure bill as party divisions persist Meanwhile, Biden seems to have been gaffe-prone. The 78-year-old appeared to mistake Syria for Libya at a news conference after G7 summit in the UK some months ago. He appeared to make the mistake twice. During a meeting with governors, US President Joe Biden unintentionally revealed a note from his staff informing him that he had something on his face after a yellow mark was noticed on his chin. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump's national security adviser takes aim warns China

A US&nbsp;appeals court on Wednesday directed a federal judge to drop a criminal case against President Donald Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn for lying to the FBI, handing a victory to the Justice Department and effectively ending the politically charged case.

In a split decision, a three-judge panel of the US&nbsp;Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled in favor of Flynn and the Trump administration in preventing US&nbsp;District Judge Emmet Sullivan from exercising his discretion on whether to grant the department's motion to clear Flynn, who twice pleaded guilty.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/charges-dropped-against-trumps-ex-adviser-despite-twice-guilty-affirmations-297324">Charges dropped against Trump's ex-adviser, despite twice guilty affirmations</a>

The ruling prevents Sullivan from hearing arguments at a July 16 hearing from retired judge John Gleeson, whom he appointed as a "friend of the court" to argue against dropping the case.

"In this case, the district court’s actions will result in specific harms to the exercise of the executive branch’s exclusive prosecutorial power," wrote Judge Neomi Rao, who was appointed by Trump.

"The contemplated proceedings would likely require the Executive to reveal the internal deliberative process behind its exercise of prosecutorial discretion," she added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-special-counsel-mueller-recommends-no-jail-time-for-michael-flynn-181551">US Special Counsel Mueller recommends no jail time for Michael Flynn</a>

Judge Robert Wilkins, an Obama administration appointee, dissented.

Flynn, a retired Army lieutenant general, was one of several former Trump aides charged under former Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation that detailed Moscow's interference in the 2016 US&nbsp;presidential election.

Flynn twice pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his conversations with Russia's then-ambassador, Sergey Kislyak.

He switched lawyers to pursue a new scorched-earth tactic that accused the FBI of entrapping him, and asked the judge to dismiss the charge.

A US appeals court on Wednesday directed a federal judge to drop a criminal case against President Donald Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn for lying to the FBI, handing a victory to the Justice Department and effectively ending the politically charged case.

A US appeals court on Wednesday directed a federal judge to drop a criminal case against President Donald Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn for lying to the FBI, handing a victory to the Justice Department and effectively ending the politically charged case. In a split decision, a three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled in favor of Flynn and the Trump administration in preventing US District Judge Emmet Sullivan from exercising his discretion on whether to grant the department's motion to clear Flynn, who twice pleaded guilty. Also read: Charges dropped against Trump's ex-adviser, despite twice guilty affirmations The ruling prevents Sullivan from hearing arguments at a July 16 hearing from retired judge John Gleeson, whom he appointed as a "friend of the court" to argue against dropping the case. "In this case, the district court’s actions will result in specific harms to the exercise of the executive branch’s exclusive prosecutorial power," wrote Judge Neomi Rao, who was appointed by Trump. "The contemplated proceedings would likely require the Executive to reveal the internal deliberative process behind its exercise of prosecutorial discretion," she added. Also read: US Special Counsel Mueller recommends no jail time for Michael Flynn Judge Robert Wilkins, an Obama administration appointee, dissented. Flynn, a retired Army lieutenant general, was one of several former Trump aides charged under former Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation that detailed Moscow's interference in the 2016 US presidential election. Flynn twice pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his conversations with Russia's then-ambassador, Sergey Kislyak. He switched lawyers to pursue a new scorched-earth tactic that accused the FBI of entrapping him, and asked the judge to dismiss the charge.

US appeals court orders dismissal of criminal case against Michael Flynn

US President Donald Trump will head to India for a two-day visit with a high-level delegation that will include his senior advisors - daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Sources say US National Security Advisor Robert O' Brien, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette and Secretary of the Treasury Steve Mnuchin will also be part of the delegation. However, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer who skipped his meeting with the Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goel last week will not be visiting.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-in-india-hiding-the-poor-and-shantytown-of-ahmedabad-for-us-presidents-visit-281876">Trump in India - Hiding the poor and shantytown of Ahmedabad for US president's visit</a>

Although neither side expects a trade deal to be signed, 5 Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) will be signed during the US president's visit. Nuclear cooperation, homeland security, intellectual property, trade facilitation, space and science technology are likely to be on the agenda.

The government yesterday said that the relationship had to be seen not just in the context of immediate deliverables from this visit. Adding, ''Over the years, the canvas of our relationship has expanded to include several new areas. We enjoy a broad level of support from the executive branch as well as bipartisan support by the Congress.''

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-namaste-trump-event-to-visit-to-agra-banquet-lunch-by-pm-modi-and-more-trumps-jam-packed-india-schedule-281872">From Namaste Trump event to visit to Agra - Trump's jam-packed India schedule</a>

The two sides have expanded their defence ties signing agreements like Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement or COMCASA as well as initiating a joint tri-services HADR exercise named Tiger Triumph as an Annual exercise. The US is India’s largest trading partner in goods and service. We have bought 18 billion dollars worth of defence equipment from the US.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/focus-on-reviewing-bilateral-ties-strengthening-global-partnership-mea-on-trumps-visit-281789">Focus on reviewing bilateral ties, strengthening global partnership - MEA on Trump's visit</a>

Reports say, ahead of the visit, the cabinet committee on security(CCS) has approved a deal to procure a batch of 24 Lockheed Martin MH60 Romeo helicopters - this will boost India's naval capacity.

This is the eighth meeting between the two leaders since 2017 and the fifth this year alone. Donald Trump, like President Obama, is making a standalone visit to India, skipping neighbour Pakistan. 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump will head to India for a two-day visit with a high-level delegation that will include his senior advisors - daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner.

US President Donald Trump will head to India for a two-day visit with a high-level delegation that will include his senior advisors - daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner. Sources say US National Security Advisor Robert O' Brien, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette and Secretary of the Treasury Steve Mnuchin will also be part of the delegation. However, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer who skipped his meeting with the Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goel last week will not be visiting. Also read: Trump in India - Hiding the poor and shantytown of Ahmedabad for US president's visit Although neither side expects a trade deal to be signed, 5 Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) will be signed during the US president's visit. Nuclear cooperation, homeland security, intellectual property, trade facilitation, space and science technology are likely to be on the agenda. The government yesterday said that the relationship had to be seen not just in the context of immediate deliverables from this visit. Adding, ''Over the years, the canvas of our relationship has expanded to include several new areas. We enjoy a broad level of support from the executive branch as well as bipartisan support by the Congress.'' Also read: From Namaste Trump event to visit to Agra - Trump's jam-packed India schedule The two sides have expanded their defence ties signing agreements like Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement or COMCASA as well as initiating a joint tri-services HADR exercise named Tiger Triumph as an Annual exercise. The US is India’s largest trading partner in goods and service. We have bought 18 billion dollars worth of defence equipment from the US. Also read: Focus on reviewing bilateral ties, strengthening global partnership - MEA on Trump's visit Reports say, ahead of the visit, the cabinet committee on security(CCS) has approved a deal to procure a batch of 24 Lockheed Martin MH60 Romeo helicopters - this will boost India's naval capacity. This is the eighth meeting between the two leaders since 2017 and the fifth this year alone. Donald Trump, like President Obama, is making a standalone visit to India, skipping neighbour Pakistan.

Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner and NSA among Trump's high-level delegation to India

Some of the areas of responsibility given to General Bipin Rawat, listed in the 24 December notification, are new, but most of what he is being asked to do is currently the responsibility of others.

CDS & NSA: Do the roles clash?

Russian&nbsp;hackers&nbsp;piggy-backed on an&nbsp;Iranian&nbsp;cyber-espionage&nbsp;operation&nbsp;to attack government and industry organizations in dozens of countries while masquerading as attackers from the Islamic Republic, British and US&nbsp;officials&nbsp;said on Monday.

The&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;group, known as "Turla" and accused by Estonian and Czech authorities of operating on behalf of Russia's FSB security service, has used&nbsp;Iranian&nbsp;tools and computer infrastructure to successfully hack into organizations in at least 20 different countries over the last 18 months, British security&nbsp;officials&nbsp;said.

The&nbsp;hacking&nbsp;campaign, the extent of which has not been previously revealed, was most active in the Middle East but also targeted organizations in Britain, they said.

Paul Chichester, a senior official at Britain's GCHQ intelligence agency, said the&nbsp;operation&nbsp;shows state-backed&nbsp;hackers&nbsp;are working in a "very crowded space" and developing new attacks and methods to better cover their tracks.

In a statement accompanying a joint advisory with the US&nbsp;National Security Agency (NSA), GCHQ's National Cyber Security Centre said it wanted to raise industry awareness about the activity and make attacks more difficult for its adversaries.

"We want to send a clear message that even when cyber actors seek to mask their identity, our capabilities will ultimately identify them," said Chichester, who serves as the NCSC's director of&nbsp;operations.

Officials&nbsp;in Russia and Iran did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent on Sunday. Moscow and Tehran have both repeatedly denied Western allegations over&nbsp;hacking.

Western&nbsp;officials&nbsp;rank Russia and Iran as two of the most dangerous threats in cyberspace, alongside China and North Korea, with both governments accused of conducting&nbsp;hacking&nbsp;operations against countries around the world.

Intelligence&nbsp;officials&nbsp;said there was no evidence of collusion between Turla and its&nbsp;Iranian&nbsp;victim, a&nbsp;hacking&nbsp;group&nbsp;known as "APT34" which cybersecurity researchers at firms including FireEye FEYE.O&nbsp;say&nbsp;works for the&nbsp;Iranian&nbsp;government.

Rather, the&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;hackers&nbsp;infiltrated the&nbsp;Iranian&nbsp;group's infrastructure in order to "masquerade as an adversary which victims would expect to target them," said GCHQ's Chichester.

Turla's actions show the dangers of wrongly attributing cyberattacks, British&nbsp;officials&nbsp;said but added that they were not aware of any public incidents that had been incorrectly blamed on Iran as a result of the&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;operation.

The United States and its Western allies have also used foreign cyberattacks to facilitate their own&nbsp;spying&nbsp;operations, a practice referred to as "fourth party collection," according to documents released by former U.S. intelligence contractor Edward Snowden and reporting by German magazine Der Spiegel.

GCHQ declined to comment on Western&nbsp;operations.

By gaining access to the&nbsp;Iranian&nbsp;infrastructure, Turla was able to use APT34's "command and control" systems to deploy its own malicious code, GCHQ and the NSA said in a public advisory.

The&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;group&nbsp;was also able to access the networks of existing APT34 victims and even access the code needed to build its own "Iranian"&nbsp;hacking&nbsp;tools.

Russian hackers piggy-backed on an Iranian cyber-espionage operation to attack government and industry organizations in dozens of countries while masquerading as attackers from the Islamic Republic, British and US officials said on Monday.

Russian hackers piggy-backed on an Iranian cyber-espionage operation to attack government and industry organizations in dozens of countries while masquerading as attackers from the Islamic Republic, British and US officials said on Monday. The Russian group, known as "Turla" and accused by Estonian and Czech authorities of operating on behalf of Russia's FSB security service, has used Iranian tools and computer infrastructure to successfully hack into organizations in at least 20 different countries over the last 18 months, British security officials said. The hacking campaign, the extent of which has not been previously revealed, was most active in the Middle East but also targeted organizations in Britain, they said. Paul Chichester, a senior official at Britain's GCHQ intelligence agency, said the operation shows state-backed hackers are working in a "very crowded space" and developing new attacks and methods to better cover their tracks. In a statement accompanying a joint advisory with the US National Security Agency (NSA), GCHQ's National Cyber Security Centre said it wanted to raise industry awareness about the activity and make attacks more difficult for its adversaries. "We want to send a clear message that even when cyber actors seek to mask their identity, our capabilities will ultimately identify them," said Chichester, who serves as the NCSC's director of operations. Officials in Russia and Iran did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent on Sunday. Moscow and Tehran have both repeatedly denied Western allegations over hacking. Western officials rank Russia and Iran as two of the most dangerous threats in cyberspace, alongside China and North Korea, with both governments accused of conducting hacking operations against countries around the world. Intelligence officials said there was no evidence of collusion between Turla and its Iranian victim, a hacking group known as "APT34" which cybersecurity researchers at firms including FireEye FEYE.O say works for the Iranian government. Rather, the Russian hackers infiltrated the Iranian group's infrastructure in order to "masquerade as an adversary which victims would expect to target them," said GCHQ's Chichester. Turla's actions show the dangers of wrongly attributing cyberattacks, British officials said but added that they were not aware of any public incidents that had been incorrectly blamed on Iran as a result of the Russian operation. The United States and its Western allies have also used foreign cyberattacks to facilitate their own spying operations, a practice referred to as "fourth party collection," according to documents released by former U.S. intelligence contractor Edward Snowden and reporting by German magazine Der Spiegel. GCHQ declined to comment on Western operations. By gaining access to the Iranian infrastructure, Turla was able to use APT34's "command and control" systems to deploy its own malicious code, GCHQ and the NSA said in a public advisory. The Russian group was also able to access the networks of existing APT34 victims and even access the code needed to build its own "Iranian" hacking tools.

Hacking the hackers: Russian group hijacked Iranian spying operation, officials say

Calling Taliban a proxy of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-national-assembly-rejects-bill-non-muslim-cant-be-prime-minister-or-president-253349">Pakistan</a>&nbsp;and its intelligence agency ISI, Afghan National Security Advisor (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib has said that his country would never accept being ruled by the "proxy" of such backward country which has a "hard time feeding its own people".

"The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-delegation-to-visit-pakistan-and-discuss-failed-afghan-peace-talks-253201">Taliban</a> are a proxy of Pakistan, of not just of Pakistan, but Pakistan's intelligence agency. Afghanistan would never accept to be ruled by Pakistanis," Mohib said at Council on Foreign Relations here.

"If we did not accept Soviet rule as a superpower, it would be beyond imagination to accept the proxy of a backward country which has a hard time feeding its own people," he added.

Mohib said that Afghanistan refused to accept the rule of Soviet Union, which "were much better than the Taliban in the sense that "they were not destroying wedding halls at least" because Afghans would never submit to "any kind of enforced ideology or rule".

"We could have submitted if it was about submission to an idea into a superpower, who wanted us to accept a certain way of life. We could have done that with the soviet union," he said.

"They were much better than the Taliban, they were not destroying wedding halls at least&nbsp;they are building infrastructure in our country at least but the Afghans would not submit to any kind enforced ideology or rule on our country."

Mohib's comments came amid stalled peace talks between the United States and the Taliban in the aftermath of the Kabul terror attack.

Recently, Pakistan's Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/imran-khans-moment-of-truth-252024">Imran Khan</a> had admitted that the country's Army and ISI had trained Al-Qaeda and other groups in Afghanistan.

Calling Taliban a proxy of Pakistan and its intelligence agency ISI, Afghan National Security Advisor (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib has said that his country would never accept being ruled by the "proxy" of such backward country which has a "hard time feeding its own people".

Calling Taliban a proxy of Pakistan and its intelligence agency ISI, Afghan National Security Advisor (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib has said that his country would never accept being ruled by the "proxy" of such backward country which has a "hard time feeding its own people". "The Taliban are a proxy of Pakistan, of not just of Pakistan, but Pakistan's intelligence agency. Afghanistan would never accept to be ruled by Pakistanis," Mohib said at Council on Foreign Relations here. "If we did not accept Soviet rule as a superpower, it would be beyond imagination to accept the proxy of a backward country which has a hard time feeding its own people," he added. Mohib said that Afghanistan refused to accept the rule of Soviet Union, which "were much better than the Taliban in the sense that "they were not destroying wedding halls at least" because Afghans would never submit to "any kind of enforced ideology or rule". "We could have submitted if it was about submission to an idea into a superpower, who wanted us to accept a certain way of life. We could have done that with the soviet union," he said. "They were much better than the Taliban, they were not destroying wedding halls at least they are building infrastructure in our country at least but the Afghans would not submit to any kind enforced ideology or rule on our country." Mohib's comments came amid stalled peace talks between the United States and the Taliban in the aftermath of the Kabul terror attack. Recently, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan had admitted that the country's Army and ISI had trained Al-Qaeda and other groups in Afghanistan.

Afghan NSA calls Taliban agent of Pakistan; says country would never accept being ruled by 'proxy' of a backward country

Days after India said that Pakistan uses terror as an alternative foreign policy, Afghanistan has echoed the same sentiment by saying that Islamabad applies a violent foreign policy.

Speaking at the Asia Society in New York, Afghanistan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib said, "They are our neighbour and we can't do without them. But unfortunately, they also apply a foreign policy that is violent and in support of proxy groups and support of providing sanctuaries supporting the ideology of terrorists".

He added that Kabul still has to see any action by Islamabad on terror groups being hosted on its territory or territory under its control.

Mohib, who spoke at United Nations General Assembly on Monday, representing his country said, "They always say the right thing when we meet them they know how to charm their way in."

Explaining, he further said, "The action part is one we [are] waiting to see, we have had some good meetings with Pakistanis in last few months, but we are yet to see any impact of that on the ground when the violence is reduced, I think it will open the door for a much larger cooperation."

<img alt="Mohib " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b88e14d6-e63b-422f-98f8-e56f67251934" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_31.jpg" />

Talking about his governments meet with Pakistani officials, Mohib said, "They (Pakistanis) told us that this is the first time Pakistani political and military establishment are on the same page. They assured us time and again that they are speaking with one voice."

Last week India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, while speaking at the Asia Society called Pakistan "terroristan" who conducts "policy using terrorism as a legitimate instrument of statecraft".

Jaishankar said that Pakistani reaction to New Delhi removing special status for Jammu and Kashmir on 5th of August is of "anger and frustration" since the country has "created an entire industry of terrorism to deal with Kashmir issue... its bigger than that, they created [this industry] for India" and they "now see investment of 70 years [being] undercut if this policy succeeded".&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Both Afghanistan and India have voiced their concerns regarding terror emanating from Pakistan but Islamabad remains unfazed.

Mohib on Taliban, Kashmir

Expressing unhappiness with Pakistan, Mohib said, "Pakistanis tried to drag Afghanistan into the Kashmir issue. It a bilateral issue between Pakistan and India. To drag Afghanistan and threaten that they continue violence in our country is, I think irresponsible. If Pakistan has issues with India, then they should address them directly"

Asked what is the relationship between Taliban and Pakistan, Mohib replied, "puppet... proxies... we don't think of Taliban having any sort of independence... it's a proxy for an intelligence agency that controls everything they do".

Adding, "knowing the Pakistanis, they will use any method to strengthen their proxy in Afghanistan and give them an upper hand".&nbsp;

On China, Afghan NSA said Bejing is "smart enough not to get sucked into Pakistan's policy of using violence in Afghanistan".

Days after India said that Pakistan uses terror as an alternative foreign policy, Afghanistan has echoed the same sentiment by saying that Islamabad applies a violent foreign policy.

Days after India said that Pakistan uses terror as an alternative foreign policy, Afghanistan has echoed the same sentiment by saying that Islamabad applies a violent foreign policy. Speaking at the Asia Society in New York, Afghanistan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib said, "They are our neighbour and we can't do without them. But unfortunately, they also apply a foreign policy that is violent and in support of proxy groups and support of providing sanctuaries supporting the ideology of terrorists". He added that Kabul still has to see any action by Islamabad on terror groups being hosted on its territory or territory under its control. Mohib, who spoke at United Nations General Assembly on Monday, representing his country said, "They always say the right thing when we meet them they know how to charm their way in." Explaining, he further said, "The action part is one we [are] waiting to see, we have had some good meetings with Pakistanis in last few months, but we are yet to see any impact of that on the ground when the violence is reduced, I think it will open the door for a much larger cooperation." Talking about his governments meet with Pakistani officials, Mohib said, "They (Pakistanis) told us that this is the first time Pakistani political and military establishment are on the same page. They assured us time and again that they are speaking with one voice." Last week India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, while speaking at the Asia Society called Pakistan "terroristan" who conducts "policy using terrorism as a legitimate instrument of statecraft". Jaishankar said that Pakistani reaction to New Delhi removing special status for Jammu and Kashmir on 5th of August is of "anger and frustration" since the country has "created an entire industry of terrorism to deal with Kashmir issue... its bigger than that, they created [this industry] for India" and they "now see investment of 70 years [being] undercut if this policy succeeded". Both Afghanistan and India have voiced their concerns regarding terror emanating from Pakistan but Islamabad remains unfazed. Mohib on Taliban, Kashmir Expressing unhappiness with Pakistan, Mohib said, "Pakistanis tried to drag Afghanistan into the Kashmir issue. It a bilateral issue between Pakistan and India. To drag Afghanistan and threaten that they continue violence in our country is, I think irresponsible. If Pakistan has issues with India, then they should address them directly" Asked what is the relationship between Taliban and Pakistan, Mohib replied, "puppet... proxies... we don't think of Taliban having any sort of independence... it's a proxy for an intelligence agency that controls everything they do". Adding, "knowing the Pakistanis, they will use any method to strengthen their proxy in Afghanistan and give them an upper hand". On China, Afghan NSA said Bejing is "smart enough not to get sucked into Pakistan's policy of using violence in Afghanistan".

Pakistan's foreign policy is violent, says Afghanistan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib

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