PM Modi will address Maldives Parliament and he will also meet top leaders.PM Modi will also attend surveillance radar system. Watch this video to know more.

Maldives: Packed Saturday Evening For PM Modi

PM Modi has reached Maldives. Watch these visuals of him as he lands in Maldives.

PM Modi Reaches Maldives

Maldives to honour PM Modi with order of Nihanizzuddeen.It is the highest ranking honour conferred by Maldives. UAE awarded PM Modi awith Zayed Medal in April 2019.PM Modi also received Seoul Peace Prize in 2018. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi's 9th International Honour Is From Maldives

Continuing his attack on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-arrives-in-kochi-will-visit-guruvayur-temple-in-thrissur-225348">prime minister</a> on the second day of his visit to Wayanad, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-president-rahul-gandhi-arrives-in-wayanad-for-three-day-visit-225247">Congress president Rahul Gandhi</a> said Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha election campaign was filled with "lies, poison and hatred", but his party stood for truth, love and affection.

On his first visit to his constituency after being elected to Lok Sabha, Gandhi addressed party workers at Kalpetta, Kambalakadu and Panamaram during a roadshow on Saturday.

A large number of Congress-led United Democratic Front workers and women thronged the route.

Congress general secretary in-charge of Karnataka K C Venugopal, Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala, Kerala Congress chief Mullappally Ramachandran were with Gandhi in his special vehicle.

Though it rained heavily in parts of the constituency Friday, the weather did not play spoilsport as it was bright and sunny till this noon. 
Gandhi said Modi "uses hatred, anger and lies" which are his "weapons".

He said his party will continue to fight the "worst sentiments" the prime minister represents.

"At the national level, we are fighting poison. Modi's campaign was filled with lies, poison, hatred and divided the people of the country. He used lies in the election... Congress stood for truth, love and affection," he said addressing the crowd at Kalpetta.

At Kambalakadu, Gandhi said there are big challenges in Wayanad which can be resolved by working together.

"My job is to represent all of Wayanad. People from all parties supported me in the election. There are big challenges and issues in Wayanad. We will work together and solve everything," he said.

Gandhi had contested the Lok Sabha election from Wayanad, in addition to his family bastion of Amethi, but lost to Union minister Smriti Irani in the Uttar Pradesh constituency. He won from Wayanad with a margin of about 4.31 lakh votes.

After the Congress party's poor show in the second consecutive general election, Gandhi had offered to resign as the Congress president, but it was rejected by the party's highest decision-making body.

Congress won 52 seats in the 2019 polls. However in Kerala, the only state besides Punjab and Tamil Nadu where it did well, the party and its allies won 19 out of 20 seats.

On Friday in Malappuram district, Gandhi said his party would emerge as a strong Opposition and defend the poor.

Attacking Modi, he said, "Modi may have money, he may have the media by his side, he may have rich friends. But the Congress will continue to fight against the intolerance created by the BJP".

"The intolerance created by BJP and Modi will be dealt by the Congress party with love and affection," Gandhi added.

The Congress president is on a three-day visit to the constituency.&nbsp;

Continuing his attack on the prime minister on the second day of his visit to Wayanad, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha election campaign was filled with "lies, poison and hatred", but his party stood for truth, love and affection.

Continuing his attack on the prime minister on the second day of his visit to Wayanad, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha election campaign was filled with "lies, poison and hatred", but his party stood for truth, love and affection. On his first visit to his constituency after being elected to Lok Sabha, Gandhi addressed party workers at Kalpetta, Kambalakadu and Panamaram during a roadshow on Saturday. A large number of Congress-led United Democratic Front workers and women thronged the route. Congress general secretary in-charge of Karnataka K C Venugopal, Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala, Kerala Congress chief Mullappally Ramachandran were with Gandhi in his special vehicle. Though it rained heavily in parts of the constituency Friday, the weather did not play spoilsport as it was bright and sunny till this noon. Gandhi said Modi "uses hatred, anger and lies" which are his "weapons". He said his party will continue to fight the "worst sentiments" the prime minister represents. "At the national level, we are fighting poison. Modi's campaign was filled with lies, poison, hatred and divided the people of the country. He used lies in the election... Congress stood for truth, love and affection," he said addressing the crowd at Kalpetta. At Kambalakadu, Gandhi said there are big challenges in Wayanad which can be resolved by working together. "My job is to represent all of Wayanad. People from all parties supported me in the election. There are big challenges and issues in Wayanad. We will work together and solve everything," he said. Gandhi had contested the Lok Sabha election from Wayanad, in addition to his family bastion of Amethi, but lost to Union minister Smriti Irani in the Uttar Pradesh constituency. He won from Wayanad with a margin of about 4.31 lakh votes. After the Congress party's poor show in the second consecutive general election, Gandhi had offered to resign as the Congress president, but it was rejected by the party's highest decision-making body. Congress won 52 seats in the 2019 polls. However in Kerala, the only state besides Punjab and Tamil Nadu where it did well, the party and its allies won 19 out of 20 seats. On Friday in Malappuram district, Gandhi said his party would emerge as a strong Opposition and defend the poor. Attacking Modi, he said, "Modi may have money, he may have the media by his side, he may have rich friends. But the Congress will continue to fight against the intolerance created by the BJP". "The intolerance created by BJP and Modi will be dealt by the Congress party with love and affection," Gandhi added. The Congress president is on a three-day visit to the constituency.

Modi's Lok Sabha poll campaign filled with 'lies, poison and hatred': Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/great-honour-to-host-pm-modi-on-his-first-visit-abroad-maldivian-foreign-minister-to-wion-225418">Maldives will be conferring PM Modi</a> with its highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries - the Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen (Order of Nishanizzuddeen) - Maldivian President's house has announced.&nbsp;

The statement from the Maldivian President's house said that he is being conferred with the award, "in recognition of the many services he has performed to cement the longstanding, amicable ties between our two countries" and for the "magnanimous assistance that the Indian government has continued to provide the Maldives under <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-focus-on-neighbourhood-first-pm-modi-leaves-for-first-foreign-visit-on-saturday-225292">Prime Minister Modi</a>’s stewardship".

He will be conferred with the award at an event today evening at the Maldivian President's office.&nbsp;

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President <a href="https://twitter.com/ibusolih?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ibusolih</a> has announced his decision to confer on PM of India H.E. <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> the Maldives highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries, “The Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen” during PM’s visit today. Namaskar, Swagatham 🙏
— Abdulla Shahid 🎈 (@abdulla_shahid) <a href="https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid/status/1137254270527426560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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“Order of Nishan Izzuddeen” in the past has been conferred by Maldives to Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip; Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma; former President of South Korea, Chun Doo Hwan; former Secretary General of the Commonwealth Shridath Surendranath Ramphal and Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia.

Earlier this year, PM Modi was conferred with Russia and UAE's highest civilian award. While Russia conferred PM Modi with its "Order of St Andrew the Apostle", the UAE conferred him with the Zayed Medal.

In the past, PM Modi has been conferred with the highest civilian award of Saudi Arabia - the King Abdulaziz Sash ( 2016), Afghanistan's highest civilian honour, the Amir Amanullah Khan Award (2016); Grand Collar of the State of Palestine which is is the highest order given to foreign dignitaries (2018); UN's highest environmental honour - Champions of the Earth award (2018) and 2018 Seoul Peace Prize. 
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The Maldives will be conferring PM Modi with its highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries - the Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen (Order of Nishanizzuddeen) - Maldivian President's house has announced.

The Maldives will be conferring PM Modi with its highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries - the Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen (Order of Nishanizzuddeen) - Maldivian President's house has announced. The statement from the Maldivian President's house said that he is being conferred with the award, "in recognition of the many services he has performed to cement the longstanding, amicable ties between our two countries" and for the "magnanimous assistance that the Indian government has continued to provide the Maldives under Prime Minister Modi’s stewardship". He will be conferred with the award at an event today evening at the Maldivian President's office. President @ibusolih has announced his decision to confer on PM of India H.E. @narendramodi the Maldives highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries, “The Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen” during PM’s visit today. Namaskar, Swagatham 🙏 — Abdulla Shahid 🎈 (@abdulla_shahid) June 8, 2019 × “Order of Nishan Izzuddeen” in the past has been conferred by Maldives to Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip; Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma; former President of South Korea, Chun Doo Hwan; former Secretary General of the Commonwealth Shridath Surendranath Ramphal and Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia. Earlier this year, PM Modi was conferred with Russia and UAE's highest civilian award. While Russia conferred PM Modi with its "Order of St Andrew the Apostle", the UAE conferred him with the Zayed Medal. In the past, PM Modi has been conferred with the highest civilian award of Saudi Arabia - the King Abdulaziz Sash ( 2016), Afghanistan's highest civilian honour, the Amir Amanullah Khan Award (2016); Grand Collar of the State of Palestine which is is the highest order given to foreign dignitaries (2018); UN's highest environmental honour - Champions of the Earth award (2018) and 2018 Seoul Peace Prize.

Maldives to honour PM Modi with highest award offered to foreign dignitaries

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed a public meeting, his first after securing his second term, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-arrives-in-kochi-will-visit-guruvayur-temple-in-thrissur-225348">in Kerala's Guruvayur town</a>. After offering prayers at the Guruvayur Temple, the prime minister thanked state BJP workers for their dedication and hard work and expressed gratitude to the people of Kerala for participating in the general elections.&nbsp;

"I applaud everyone for participating in the democracy," the prime minister said, adding that "government or no government, my goal will always be to serve the country".

"It is our culture to thank people and show gratitude. I had to come here, even if we were not able to open account in the state this general election." he said.&nbsp;

He said that Kerala holds the same significance for him as his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi.&nbsp;

"Kerala is as significant to me as Varanasi," PM Modi said.&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi in Guruvayur, Kerala: Some Pundits think that BJP could not open its account in Kerala but Modi is going there to thank people. What is in his mind? But this is our culture, our thinking. <a href="https://t.co/w3lFrJy6QZ">pic.twitter.com/w3lFrJy6QZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1137247936667049984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He said that he has dedicated himself to the service of the nation and that the responsibility of 130 crore citizens of the country is an important one.&nbsp;

PM Modi arrived in Kochi, Kerala on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday. On Saturday morning he offered prayers at the Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur.&nbsp;

The prime minister is set to embark on the first foreign visit of his second term. He will be visiting the Maldives after which he will head to Sri Lanka on Sunday.&nbsp;

Watch: Ahead of Maldives visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kerala-prime-minister-narendra-modi-offers-prayers-at-sri-krishna-temple-in-guruvayur-of-thrissur-225376/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Congress president Rahul Gandhi was at his parliamentary constituency, Wayanad in Kerala and held a roadshow in Kalpetta. &nbsp;

"Even though I belong to the Congress party our doors will be open for every single citizen of Wayanad, regardless of their age, regardless of where they come from, regardless of what ideology they come from," Gandhi said on Saturday.&nbsp; 
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed a public meeting, his first after securing his second term, in Kerala's Guruvayur town. After offering prayers at the Guruvayur Temple, the prime minister thanked state BJP workers for their dedication and hard work and expressed gratitude to the people of Kerala for participating in the general elections.

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

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

Ahead of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-focus-on-neighbourhood-first-pm-modi-leaves-for-first-foreign-visit-on-saturday-225292">Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Maldives visit</a>, Maldivian foreign minister Abdulla Shahid spoke exclusively to WION's Sidhant Sibal and called PM Modi's visit to his country a great honour.&nbsp;

Shahid also said India has a key role to play in the maintenance of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean and thus the development and security of the Maldives.

WION: How do you see PM Modi's visit?

Abdulla Shahid: It is a great honour for the Maldives to host Prime Minister Modi for his first visit abroad after his appointment as Prime Minister on May 30 2019. It signals the exceptionally strong relationship between the Maldives and India, and President Solih and Prime Minister Modi. You would recall that President Solih’s first visit abroad was to India in December 2018, and PM Modi was a guest at President Solih’s swearing-in ceremony in November 2018. The Maldives is the only country in South Asia that PM Modi has not visited and for him to visit now, signals the government of India's trust in the government of President Solih and its vision for people-centred, inclusive, just government.

WION: Your thoughts on the current status of ties between India and Maldives

Abdulla Shahid: There is a renewed dynamism in the traditionally close Maldives-India relationship. With the exchange of high-level visits - including at the Head of State and Head of Government level and the foreign ministerial level - the two countries have further expanded and also strengthened the relationship. This year we will mark 54 years since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations but the ties go beyond that. Our people are connected, through shared values, culture, and affinity. With the recent entry into force of the Visa Facilitation Agreement, these people-to-people ties have expanded and strengthened.&nbsp;

Watch: Ahead of Maldives visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kerala-prime-minister-narendra-modi-offers-prayers-at-sri-krishna-temple-in-guruvayur-of-thrissur-225376/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

WION: How are both countries cooperating in the maritime domain and security?

Abdulla Shahid: The Maldives recognises the profound link between stability and peace in the Indian Ocean and the stability, peace and progress of the Maldives. As well as the link between stability and peace in the Maldives, and stability and peace of the Indian Ocean. India has a key role to play in the maintenance of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean and in turn the development and security of the Maldives. Recognising this link, both countries have cooperated in joint patrolling, aerial surveillance, held joint exercises and trilateral exercises with Sri Lanka. We recently concluded an exercise “Ekatha” in April 2019. The purpose of these exercises and joint activities is to maintain the peace and stability of the Indian Ocean for development to flourish. India is also working with our security personnel, and our police, to expand their capacity and increase technical know-how.&nbsp;

WION: How do you see India's development aid?

Abdulla Shahid: India has been a constant friend and a partner in the development journey of the Maldives. Most recently, India has extended a package of $1.4 billion, including budgetary support, currency swap and line of credit. This financial support will enable the government to achieve greater development, especially for the islands.&nbsp;

India’s support for our human development and capacity building is also of note. We are looking to build people who can lead the country to greater heights. And learning the technical know-how, getting the experience, learning from countries like India is immensely helpful. &nbsp;India’s support in other areas is also important, such as in the health sector. We are working with the Indian government to expand cooperation in the health sector, to train health care professionals across the country, in addition to doctors and nurses at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Maldives.

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Maldives visit, Maldivian foreign minister Abdulla Shahid spoke exclusively to WION's Sidhant Sibal and called PM Modi's visit to his country a great honour.

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Maldives visit, Maldivian foreign minister Abdulla Shahid spoke exclusively to WION's Sidhant Sibal and called PM Modi's visit to his country a great honour. Shahid also said India has a key role to play in the maintenance of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean and thus the development and security of the Maldives. WION: How do you see PM Modi's visit? Abdulla Shahid: It is a great honour for the Maldives to host Prime Minister Modi for his first visit abroad after his appointment as Prime Minister on May 30 2019. It signals the exceptionally strong relationship between the Maldives and India, and President Solih and Prime Minister Modi. You would recall that President Solih’s first visit abroad was to India in December 2018, and PM Modi was a guest at President Solih’s swearing-in ceremony in November 2018. The Maldives is the only country in South Asia that PM Modi has not visited and for him to visit now, signals the government of India's trust in the government of President Solih and its vision for people-centred, inclusive, just government. WION: Your thoughts on the current status of ties between India and Maldives Abdulla Shahid: There is a renewed dynamism in the traditionally close Maldives-India relationship. With the exchange of high-level visits - including at the Head of State and Head of Government level and the foreign ministerial level - the two countries have further expanded and also strengthened the relationship. This year we will mark 54 years since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations but the ties go beyond that. Our people are connected, through shared values, culture, and affinity. With the recent entry into force of the Visa Facilitation Agreement, these people-to-people ties have expanded and strengthened. Watch: Ahead of Maldives visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur WION: How are both countries cooperating in the maritime domain and security? Abdulla Shahid: The Maldives recognises the profound link between stability and peace in the Indian Ocean and the stability, peace and progress of the Maldives. As well as the link between stability and peace in the Maldives, and stability and peace of the Indian Ocean. India has a key role to play in the maintenance of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean and in turn the development and security of the Maldives. Recognising this link, both countries have cooperated in joint patrolling, aerial surveillance, held joint exercises and trilateral exercises with Sri Lanka. We recently concluded an exercise “Ekatha” in April 2019. The purpose of these exercises and joint activities is to maintain the peace and stability of the Indian Ocean for development to flourish. India is also working with our security personnel, and our police, to expand their capacity and increase technical know-how. WION: How do you see India's development aid? Abdulla Shahid: India has been a constant friend and a partner in the development journey of the Maldives. Most recently, India has extended a package of $1.4 billion, including budgetary support, currency swap and line of credit. This financial support will enable the government to achieve greater development, especially for the islands. India’s support for our human development and capacity building is also of note. We are looking to build people who can lead the country to greater heights. And learning the technical know-how, getting the experience, learning from countries like India is immensely helpful. India’s support in other areas is also important, such as in the health sector. We are working with the Indian government to expand cooperation in the health sector, to train health care professionals across the country, in addition to doctors and nurses at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Maldives.

Great honour to host PM Modi on his first visit abroad: Maldivian foreign minister to WION

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-sri-lanka-visit-to-show-solidarity-with-people-foreign-secretary-225092">who will be travelling to Sri Lanka on Sunday</a> will be visiting places impacted by the terror attacks of April 21 in which more than 250 people died.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Sri Lankan envoy to India Austin Fernando said, PM Modi's visit is an endorsement of solidarity between the two neighbouring countries. Here is the full interview.

WION: How do you see this visit by PM Modi to your country?

Austin Fernando: Very important for us, especially after this disaster as you said, PM Modi going to Sri Lanka is an endorsement of solidarity between the two countries, the concern he has for Sri Lanka, his visit will be seen as others, like investors, tourists and people who want to do business with Sri Lanka, for trade, all these people will be enthused by the visit. It's very important for us. PM&nbsp;Modi, being head of government of the largest democracy itself is a thing we have to respect. India, being a neighbourhood country and also very friendly with us, we consider it an important visit.&nbsp;

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The people of India stand firmly with the people of Sri Lanka, who suffered great agony and destruction in the wake of the horrific terror attacks on Easter. We fully support Sri Lanka in the fight against terror.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1136959971952717824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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WION: Can you tell us the agenda, places he will be going to?

Austin Fernando: Definitely PM Modi will like to visit places impacted from attack because that is going to be standing with another set of people who have been victims of the disaster. His concerns once again, human concern of the PM. Then he may have a chance of speaking to various people who have been doing a lot of things between the two countries, in economic field, educational field, technology field and security field. And then India being the country that had helped us in the investigation after this attack, we have things to contribute. Sri Lankan government officials will also have issues that can also be taken. India is the largest contributor to our visitors to Sri Lanka as a tourist.

WION: Travel advisories were imposed for your country after April 21 attack. How does it impact you?

Austin Fernando: Travel advisories have been removed, withdrawn by several countries. India also has relaxed it somewhat, the problem is we consider it somewhat, still restraining to people to go there. I think, if PM Modi when he will be there, having heard difficulties we are undergoing, if he changes it, makes up his mind to relax it, that is the best gift Indian government and PM Modi can give to Sri Lanka at present.

WION: How are both countries cooperating on terror front?

Austin Fernando: I think, India has, large amount of intelligence collection system and the technology and experience and the access to various sources which probably we may not have. This particular disaster, information was given by Indian intelligence to our people, unfortunately, there has been some problem. This is not a thing that is happening in isolation in India nor happening in isolation in Sri Lanka. International terrorist movements and the issues are connected to this, so therefore, rather than trying to sort out issues and problems as individual countries, if we can do this as joint exercise by people of these countries, the relevant, officials, that will bring better results than in isolations, especially, India can help us. Also, India and Sri Lanka can look at other countries also, internationally like US, UK, Japan or Australia, we can work with them also. We have to coordinate efforts.

WION: India's role in connectivity provider and ways to fight common challenges?

Austin Fernando: Best and easiest example is BIMSTEC. We had SAARC, we are having SAARC still, now there is BIMSTEC that has covered a larger geographical area. Then it has started working. Security of the area, growth of the area, poverty reduction of the area, these are issues that are problem for everyone in the area. India has taken initiative with BIMSTEC, so the grouping can be made use of by India and by other countries. You may even expand the relationships with other countries, other areas also and lot of internal issues can be evaporated from the system.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will be travelling to Sri Lanka on Sunday will be visiting places impacted by the terror attacks of April 21 in which more than 250 people died.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will be travelling to Sri Lanka on Sunday will be visiting places impacted by the terror attacks of April 21 in which more than 250 people died. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Sri Lankan envoy to India Austin Fernando said, PM Modi's visit is an endorsement of solidarity between the two neighbouring countries. Here is the full interview. WION: How do you see this visit by PM Modi to your country? Austin Fernando: Very important for us, especially after this disaster as you said, PM Modi going to Sri Lanka is an endorsement of solidarity between the two countries, the concern he has for Sri Lanka, his visit will be seen as others, like investors, tourists and people who want to do business with Sri Lanka, for trade, all these people will be enthused by the visit. It's very important for us. PM Modi, being head of government of the largest democracy itself is a thing we have to respect. India, being a neighbourhood country and also very friendly with us, we consider it an important visit. The people of India stand firmly with the people of Sri Lanka, who suffered great agony and destruction in the wake of the horrific terror attacks on Easter. We fully support Sri Lanka in the fight against terror. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 7, 2019 × WION: Can you tell us the agenda, places he will be going to? Austin Fernando: Definitely PM Modi will like to visit places impacted from attack because that is going to be standing with another set of people who have been victims of the disaster. His concerns once again, human concern of the PM. Then he may have a chance of speaking to various people who have been doing a lot of things between the two countries, in economic field, educational field, technology field and security field. And then India being the country that had helped us in the investigation after this attack, we have things to contribute. Sri Lankan government officials will also have issues that can also be taken. India is the largest contributor to our visitors to Sri Lanka as a tourist. WION: Travel advisories were imposed for your country after April 21 attack. How does it impact you? Austin Fernando: Travel advisories have been removed, withdrawn by several countries. India also has relaxed it somewhat, the problem is we consider it somewhat, still restraining to people to go there. I think, if PM Modi when he will be there, having heard difficulties we are undergoing, if he changes it, makes up his mind to relax it, that is the best gift Indian government and PM Modi can give to Sri Lanka at present. WION: How are both countries cooperating on terror front? Austin Fernando: I think, India has, large amount of intelligence collection system and the technology and experience and the access to various sources which probably we may not have. This particular disaster, information was given by Indian intelligence to our people, unfortunately, there has been some problem. This is not a thing that is happening in isolation in India nor happening in isolation in Sri Lanka. International terrorist movements and the issues are connected to this, so therefore, rather than trying to sort out issues and problems as individual countries, if we can do this as joint exercise by people of these countries, the relevant, officials, that will bring better results than in isolations, especially, India can help us. Also, India and Sri Lanka can look at other countries also, internationally like US, UK, Japan or Australia, we can work with them also. We have to coordinate efforts. WION: India's role in connectivity provider and ways to fight common challenges? Austin Fernando: Best and easiest example is BIMSTEC. We had SAARC, we are having SAARC still, now there is BIMSTEC that has covered a larger geographical area. Then it has started working. Security of the area, growth of the area, poverty reduction of the area, these are issues that are problem for everyone in the area. India has taken initiative with BIMSTEC, so the grouping can be made use of by India and by other countries. You may even expand the relationships with other countries, other areas also and lot of internal issues can be evaporated from the system.

PM Modi to visit places of Easter terror attacks during Sri Lanka trip

The Government of India on Thursday announced the constitution of various Cabinet committees, Home Minister Amit Shah is part of all 8 panels. Watch this video to know more.

India Watch: Government announces 8 Cabinet panels, Amit Shah part of all

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing her <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/shiv-sena-slams-mamata-banerjee-for-declining-invitation-for-modis-swearing-in-ceremony-222634">inability to attend the scheduled Niti Aayog meeting</a> on June 15, saying it was "fruitless" as the body does not have the power to support state plans.

"Given the fact that the Niti Aayog has no financial powers and the power to support state plans it is fruitless for me to attend the meeting of a body that is bereft of any financial powers," Banerjee said in a letter to the prime minister.

The chief minister also suggested that focus should be shifted to the Inter-State Council (ISC) to deepen cooperative federalism and strengthen federal polity.

"The experience of last four-and-half years we had with Niti Aayog brings me back to my earlier suggestion to you that we focus on Inter-State Council constituted under Article 263 of Constitution, with appropriate modifications to enable ISC to discharge its augmented range of functions as the nodal entity of the country," she said.

"This will deepen cooperative federalism and strengthen federal polity. May I also reiterate that the National Development Council, which has been a quiet burial, may also be subsumed within the broadened constitutional body of the Inter-State Council," the chief minister said.

Modi is set to chair the fifth meeting of the Niti Aayog's Governing Council on June 15 to discuss various issues regarding the country's development.

Earlier too, Banerjee had skipped meetings of the policy think-tank, expressing displeasure over the dissolution of the Planning Commission and creation of a new structure.

She had sent West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra to represent the state at the meeting.

In her letter, Banerjee said the formation of Niti Aayog was unilaterally announced without any discussion with chief ministers.

She cited examples of statements made by Niti Aayog officials and a former Union minister stressing the need to give the think-tank the power to allocate funds, as part of the efforts to address regional imbalances.

Banerjee's decision of not attending Niti Aayog meeting comes amid heightened political tussle between the TMC and the Bharatiya Janata Party in West Bengal.

With the saffron party bagging 18 out of 42 Lok Sabha seats in the general elections, its leaders have asserted that they would overthrow the Trinamool Congress government in the 2021 assembly polls.

The TMC, which had won 34 seats in 2014, was able to secure 22 seats this time.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing her inability to attend the scheduled Niti Aayog meeting on June 15, saying it was "fruitless" as the body does not have the power to support state plans.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing her inability to attend the scheduled Niti Aayog meeting on June 15, saying it was "fruitless" as the body does not have the power to support state plans. "Given the fact that the Niti Aayog has no financial powers and the power to support state plans it is fruitless for me to attend the meeting of a body that is bereft of any financial powers," Banerjee said in a letter to the prime minister. The chief minister also suggested that focus should be shifted to the Inter-State Council (ISC) to deepen cooperative federalism and strengthen federal polity. "The experience of last four-and-half years we had with Niti Aayog brings me back to my earlier suggestion to you that we focus on Inter-State Council constituted under Article 263 of Constitution, with appropriate modifications to enable ISC to discharge its augmented range of functions as the nodal entity of the country," she said. "This will deepen cooperative federalism and strengthen federal polity. May I also reiterate that the National Development Council, which has been a quiet burial, may also be subsumed within the broadened constitutional body of the Inter-State Council," the chief minister said. Modi is set to chair the fifth meeting of the Niti Aayog's Governing Council on June 15 to discuss various issues regarding the country's development. Earlier too, Banerjee had skipped meetings of the policy think-tank, expressing displeasure over the dissolution of the Planning Commission and creation of a new structure. She had sent West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra to represent the state at the meeting. In her letter, Banerjee said the formation of Niti Aayog was unilaterally announced without any discussion with chief ministers. She cited examples of statements made by Niti Aayog officials and a former Union minister stressing the need to give the think-tank the power to allocate funds, as part of the efforts to address regional imbalances. Banerjee's decision of not attending Niti Aayog meeting comes amid heightened political tussle between the TMC and the Bharatiya Janata Party in West Bengal. With the saffron party bagging 18 out of 42 Lok Sabha seats in the general elections, its leaders have asserted that they would overthrow the Trinamool Congress government in the 2021 assembly polls. The TMC, which had won 34 seats in 2014, was able to secure 22 seats this time.

'Fruitless' to attend Niti Aayog meeting, Mamata Banerjee writes to PM Modi

In a bid to spur investment and create new employment opportunities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday set up two Cabinet committees to deal with the two crucial issues.

PM Modi forms two cabinet panels to spur investment and employment

New home minister and BJP president Amit Shah has emerged as a clear number two in PM Modi's&nbsp;2.0 government. All-powerful and important <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-s-jaishankar-enter-cabinet-committee-on-security-224609">Cabinet Committees</a> reconstituted by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi are either headed by him or Amit Shah.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is present in most of the ministries whereas presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is limited to two sub committees. In fact, Rajnath Singh is absent from both Cabinet Committee of Political Affairs and Cabinet Committee of Parliamentary Affairs.

The Cabinet Committee of appointments which deals with the appointment of senior bureaucrats and constitutional bodies only constitutes of Prime Minister and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-pm-modis-right-hand-man-is-indias-new-home-minister-223085">Amit Shah</a>. The Cabinet Committees on Parliamentary Affairs and Accommodation is being headed by Amit Shah himself.

The character of Cabinet Committee of Security remains the same where along with Prime Minister, all top four ministers are present including Rajnath Singh. Rajnath Singh is also part of Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.

Additionally, the Prime Minister has created Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth and Cabinet Committee on Skill Development and Employment which are being headed by Prime Minister Modi himself.

In most of the Cabinet Committees, Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and Railways and Commerce Minister Piyush Goel have been well represented.

New home minister and BJP president Amit Shah has emerged as a clear number two in PM Modi's 2.0 government. All-powerful and important Cabinet Committees reconstituted by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi are either headed by him or Amit Shah.

New home minister and BJP president Amit Shah has emerged as a clear number two in PM Modi's 2.0 government. All-powerful and important Cabinet Committees reconstituted by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi are either headed by him or Amit Shah. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is present in most of the ministries whereas presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is limited to two sub committees. In fact, Rajnath Singh is absent from both Cabinet Committee of Political Affairs and Cabinet Committee of Parliamentary Affairs. The Cabinet Committee of appointments which deals with the appointment of senior bureaucrats and constitutional bodies only constitutes of Prime Minister and Amit Shah. The Cabinet Committees on Parliamentary Affairs and Accommodation is being headed by Amit Shah himself. The character of Cabinet Committee of Security remains the same where along with Prime Minister, all top four ministers are present including Rajnath Singh. Rajnath Singh is also part of Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs. Additionally, the Prime Minister has created Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth and Cabinet Committee on Skill Development and Employment which are being headed by Prime Minister Modi himself. In most of the Cabinet Committees, Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and Railways and Commerce Minister Piyush Goel have been well represented.

Home Minister Amit Shah emerges as clear number 2 in Modi government 2.0

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet is set to undertake the exercise of conducting a massive Economic Survey which, for the first time, will include hawkers, vendors, peddlers and small stall holders. &nbsp;

According to reports, the survey will be conducted similar to the population survey and will aim to gauge the contemporary economic and unemployment situation in the country.&nbsp;

It is being reported that over 25 crore households and 7 crore establishments will fall into the purview of the survey.&nbsp;

The process related to the conduct of the survey is likely to begin by the end of this month and the reports are expected to be out in 6 months.

The Economic Survey helps the government analyse and review the developments in the economy as well as assess the performance of various programmes, schemes and policy initiatives. It is presented to both the houses of the Parliament during the Budget Session.

Meanwhile, PM Modi on Wednesday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-new-cabinet-committees-formed-to-spur-growth-employment-224568">constituted two new Cabinet committees</a> under his chairmanship to spur economic growth, investment and employment.

The five-member Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth includes Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Road Transport and Highways and of MSME Minister Nitin Gadkari and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Another 10-member Cabinet Committee on Employment and Skill Development has been formed which includes Shah, Sitharaman, Goyal, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Narendra Singh Tomar, Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank', Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister Skill and Entrepreneurship Mahendra Nath Pandey and Ministers of State Santosh Kumar Gangwar (Labour) and Hardeep Singh Puri (Housing and Urban Affairs).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet is set to undertake the exercise of conducting a massive Economic Survey which, for the first time, will include hawkers, vendors, peddlers and small stall holders.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet is set to undertake the exercise of conducting a massive Economic Survey which, for the first time, will include hawkers, vendors, peddlers and small stall holders. According to reports, the survey will be conducted similar to the population survey and will aim to gauge the contemporary economic and unemployment situation in the country. It is being reported that over 25 crore households and 7 crore establishments will fall into the purview of the survey. The process related to the conduct of the survey is likely to begin by the end of this month and the reports are expected to be out in 6 months. The Economic Survey helps the government analyse and review the developments in the economy as well as assess the performance of various programmes, schemes and policy initiatives. It is presented to both the houses of the Parliament during the Budget Session. Meanwhile, PM Modi on Wednesday constituted two new Cabinet committees under his chairmanship to spur economic growth, investment and employment. The five-member Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth includes Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Road Transport and Highways and of MSME Minister Nitin Gadkari and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, news agency ANI reported. Another 10-member Cabinet Committee on Employment and Skill Development has been formed which includes Shah, Sitharaman, Goyal, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Narendra Singh Tomar, Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank', Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister Skill and Entrepreneurship Mahendra Nath Pandey and Ministers of State Santosh Kumar Gangwar (Labour) and Hardeep Singh Puri (Housing and Urban Affairs).

In a first, Centre's mega Economic Survey to cover street vendors, hawkers

With the spectre of slowdown haunting the economy and rising unemployment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday constituted two new Cabinet committees under his chairmanship to spur economic growth, investment and employment.

The five-member Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth includes Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Road Transport and Highways and of MSME Minister Nitin Gadkari and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal.

Another 10-member Cabinet Committee on Employment and Skill Development has been formed which includes Shah, Sitharaman, Goyal, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Narendra Singh Tomar, Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank', Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister Skill and Entrepreneurship Mahendra Nath Pandey and Ministers of State Santosh Kumar Gangwar (Labour) and Hardeep Singh Puri (Housing and Urban Affairs).

The economy has become a major cause of concern for the new government with GDP dropping to 5.8 per cent in the last quarter of the 2018-19, according to NSSO figures. Overall GDP for last financial year has been estimated at 6.8 per cent against a target of 7.2 per cent.

On the employment front, just after the elections were over the government released the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) - Annual Report (July 2017 - July 2018) which put the unemployment rate at 6.1 per cent, the highest in 45 years.&nbsp;

With the spectre of slowdown haunting the economy and rising unemployment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday constituted two new Cabinet committees under his chairmanship to spur economic growth, investment and employment.

With the spectre of slowdown haunting the economy and rising unemployment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday constituted two new Cabinet committees under his chairmanship to spur economic growth, investment and employment. The five-member Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth includes Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Road Transport and Highways and of MSME Minister Nitin Gadkari and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal. Another 10-member Cabinet Committee on Employment and Skill Development has been formed which includes Shah, Sitharaman, Goyal, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Narendra Singh Tomar, Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank', Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister Skill and Entrepreneurship Mahendra Nath Pandey and Ministers of State Santosh Kumar Gangwar (Labour) and Hardeep Singh Puri (Housing and Urban Affairs). The economy has become a major cause of concern for the new government with GDP dropping to 5.8 per cent in the last quarter of the 2018-19, according to NSSO figures. Overall GDP for last financial year has been estimated at 6.8 per cent against a target of 7.2 per cent. On the employment front, just after the elections were over the government released the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) - Annual Report (July 2017 - July 2018) which put the unemployment rate at 6.1 per cent, the highest in 45 years.

Two new cabinet committees formed to spur growth, employment

Ahead of the fifth leg of the Yoga Day celebration this month, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-twitter-facebook-profile-updated-minutes-before-he-took-oath-222892">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Wednesday tweeted out an animated video on Trikonasana.&nbsp;

The video, which runs for over 2 minutes, features an animated avatar of the prime minister. A step-by-step guide to doing the pose is exhibited in the video which follows the numerous benefits the pose renders.&nbsp;

In his tweet, which carries the video, the prime minister urged everyone to make yoga part of their lifestyle.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
On 21st June, we will mark <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YogaDay2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YogaDay2019</a>. 
 
I urge you all to make Yoga an integral part of your life and also inspire others to do the same. 
 
The benefits of Yoga are tremendous. 
 
Here is a video on Trikonasana. <a href="https://t.co/YDB6T3rw1d">pic.twitter.com/YDB6T3rw1d</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1136109150134505472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"I urge you all to make Yoga an integral part of your life and also inspire others to do the same. The benefits of Yoga are tremendous," his tweet read.&nbsp;

Trikonasana is one of the easiest poses that beginners could start with and incorporate in their daily routine. Apart from calming the body and working on the excess fat around the waistline, regular practice of the posture aids weight loss, enhances flexibility, alleviates lower back pain and strengthens muscles around the back as well as the thighs.&nbsp;

During his last term, PM Modi was seen propagating the benefits of Yoga. He took the age-old practice and placed it at the global pedestal by getting a day dedicated as the Yoga Day.

Every year, starting from the year 2015, Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21. People from across the world enthusiastically observe the day, taking part in mass yoga events.&nbsp;

Ahead of the fifth leg of the Yoga Day celebration this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday tweeted out an animated video on Trikonasana. The video, which runs for over 2 minutes, features an animated avatar of the prime minister.

Ahead of the fifth leg of the Yoga Day celebration this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday tweeted out an animated video on Trikonasana. The video, which runs for over 2 minutes, features an animated avatar of the prime minister. A step-by-step guide to doing the pose is exhibited in the video which follows the numerous benefits the pose renders. In his tweet, which carries the video, the prime minister urged everyone to make yoga part of their lifestyle. On 21st June, we will mark #YogaDay2019. I urge you all to make Yoga an integral part of your life and also inspire others to do the same. The benefits of Yoga are tremendous. Here is a video on Trikonasana. pic.twitter.com/YDB6T3rw1d — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 5, 2019 × "I urge you all to make Yoga an integral part of your life and also inspire others to do the same. The benefits of Yoga are tremendous," his tweet read. Trikonasana is one of the easiest poses that beginners could start with and incorporate in their daily routine. Apart from calming the body and working on the excess fat around the waistline, regular practice of the posture aids weight loss, enhances flexibility, alleviates lower back pain and strengthens muscles around the back as well as the thighs. During his last term, PM Modi was seen propagating the benefits of Yoga. He took the age-old practice and placed it at the global pedestal by getting a day dedicated as the Yoga Day. Every year, starting from the year 2015, Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21. People from across the world enthusiastically observe the day, taking part in mass yoga events.

Its benefits are temendous! Ahead of Yoga Day, PM Modi tweets out animated video on Trikonasana 

Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India's help in the aftermath of <a href="http://wionews.com/world/cyclone-idais-death-toll-rises-to-707-hundreds-of-thousands-displaced-206700">cyclone Idai that hit Africa's east coast in March</a> this year.&nbsp;

Cyclone Idai, a category-4 tropical cyclone caused massive damage in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi, killing more than a 1,000 people.

President Nyusi thanked PM Modi during a phone call on Tuesday and congratulated him on his re-election. The read out from the Ministry of External Affairs said, "President Nyusi thanked the Prime Minister for the timely assistance extended by the Indian Navy at the time".&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi conveyed his condolences to President Nyusi on the loss of life and property in the aftermath of the cyclone and said, "India will always stand with Mozambique in solidarity and partnership." PM Modi had visited the country in July 2016.

India, as one of the first responders, had dispatched four of its naval ships- INS Sujatha, INS Shardul, INS Sarathi and INS Magar - to the port city of Beira to provide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to people impacted by the cyclone.

Indian Naval Ships (INS) provided relief material in the form of food, clothes and medicine to the affected people. More than 200 people were rescued by Indian naval crew and medical assistance was provided to more than 1,300 people. Indian Navy's helicopters evacuated several people and also dropped food and water packets in cyclone-affected areas.&nbsp;

India has been extending humanitarian assistance to Mozambique and had provided 10 million dollars for food grains in 2017 after it suffered a food shortage as a result of natural calamities.

Assistance was also being sent to Zimbabwe and Malawi, two other countries hit by the deadly cyclone. The cyclone has been ranked the third deadliest on record in the southern hemisphere after the 1892 Mauritius cyclone and the 1973 Flores cyclone. 
&nbsp;

Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India's help in the aftermath of cyclone Idai that hit Africa's east coast in March this year.

Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India's help in the aftermath of cyclone Idai that hit Africa's east coast in March this year. Cyclone Idai, a category-4 tropical cyclone caused massive damage in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi, killing more than a 1,000 people. President Nyusi thanked PM Modi during a phone call on Tuesday and congratulated him on his re-election. The read out from the Ministry of External Affairs said, "President Nyusi thanked the Prime Minister for the timely assistance extended by the Indian Navy at the time". Prime Minister Modi conveyed his condolences to President Nyusi on the loss of life and property in the aftermath of the cyclone and said, "India will always stand with Mozambique in solidarity and partnership." PM Modi had visited the country in July 2016. India, as one of the first responders, had dispatched four of its naval ships- INS Sujatha, INS Shardul, INS Sarathi and INS Magar - to the port city of Beira to provide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to people impacted by the cyclone. Indian Naval Ships (INS) provided relief material in the form of food, clothes and medicine to the affected people. More than 200 people were rescued by Indian naval crew and medical assistance was provided to more than 1,300 people. Indian Navy's helicopters evacuated several people and also dropped food and water packets in cyclone-affected areas. India has been extending humanitarian assistance to Mozambique and had provided 10 million dollars for food grains in 2017 after it suffered a food shortage as a result of natural calamities. Assistance was also being sent to Zimbabwe and Malawi, two other countries hit by the deadly cyclone. The cyclone has been ranked the third deadliest on record in the southern hemisphere after the 1892 Mauritius cyclone and the 1973 Flores cyclone.

Cyclone Idai: Mozambique's President thanks PM Modi for India's help

Watch 'India Watch.' This is the show that brings you the latest on the world's biggest democratic nation's exercise, Verified updates & Unbiased analysis.

India Watch; 04th June 2019

India Watch; 03rd June 2019

Ajit Doval continues as National Security Advisor of India. Ajit Doval is the first NSA to get cabinet rank.This moves clearly shows the confidence or trust of PM Modi in Ajit Doval. Watch this video to know more.

India Watch: Profile of Retained NSA Ajit Doval

Chinese Defence Minister indicated through his speech that China is now ready to improve relationship with India. Whereas Xi Jinping & Indian PM Modi both are working well to improve these relations.

China: Ready to improve relationship with India

In the first Cabinet meeting, the Government today decided to extend PM-KISAN scheme to all 14.5 crore farmers in the country costing Rs 87,000 crore a year and also announced over Rs 10,000 crore pension scheme for 5 crore farmers, thereby fulfilling the BJP’s poll promise.

Now 14.5 crore farmers to be covered under PM Kisan scheme

India’s economic growth rate slowed to five-year low of 5.8% in January-March 2018-19, due to poor performance in agriculture and manufacturing sectors, official data released on May 31 said.

India's GDP growth rate slumps to 5.8% in fourth quarter

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, June 1st 2019

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the National War Memorial in New Delhi today, shortly before taking charge of the Defence Ministry. He paid tribute to soldiers who laid down their lives for the country post-independence.

New Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pays homage to Martyrs

BJP will have to elect a new president, as incumbent Amit Shah has been inducted into PM Modi’s Cabinet, going by the ‘one man one post’ principle the party usually follows. The BJP rank and file expect the replacement to be someone who has the complete trust of Modi and Shah.

Who will be Bhartiya Janata Party's new President

Narendra Modi has kept up his propensity for surprise by inducting Subrahmanyam Jaishankar into the Cabinet. When the 1977 batch IFS officer took the oath on Thursday to be part of the NDA-2’s Council of Ministers, there were wide expectations that he would be handed the Ministry of External Affairs portfolio.

The man in focus | Ex-Foreign Secretary S.Jaishankar gets cabinet berth as EAM; Expectations are high

The new government of India is now assigned with their tasks and respective departments with new portfolios. The massive mandate of BJP is the supreme key towards nation building and to now focus on foreign policy too.

PM Modi's govt likely to focus on 'Act-East' policy

As the Modi-led government returns to power, we take a look at the profiles of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his new council of ministers.

PM Modi's cabinet 2.0; Great powers, great responsibilities

Rajanth Singh took charge as the Defence Minister or Raksha Mantri and immediately held a meeting with the top military brass. Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik, Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and top officials of the ministry accorded a warm welcome to Mr Singh.

Rajnath Singh takes charge as Defence minister

On Saturday, India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued a statement saying it will continue to build on strong ties with the US. “India as part of our bilateral trade discussions, had offered resolution on significant US requests in an effort to find a mutually acceptable way forward,” the government said in the statement. “It is unfortunate that this did not find acceptance by the US.”

Donald Trump to end preferential trade treatment for India on June 5

Amid much speculation and anticipation, the portfolios of the Cabinet ministers of Narendra Modi's second term as prime minister were announced on Friday. BJP president Amit Shah was appointed as the Home Minister, while former Home Minister Rajnath Singh got the defence ministry.

Amit Shah takes charge as India's Home Minister

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