China today backed its all-weather ally Pakistan and called on the international community to support its counter-terrorism efforts after Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the neighbouring country as a "terror export factory".

"Terrorism is the enemy faced by all. The international community should work together to fight against it," foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said during a media briefing here when asked about China's response to Modi terming Pakistan as a "terror export factory" during a speech in London.

"We hope the international community could support the efforts made by Pakistan in counter-terrorism and forge effective cooperation with it in that regard," Hua said putting up a strong defence for China's all-weather ally.

While speaking at the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' programme at the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London on Wednesday, warning Pakistan, Modi had said India will not tolerate those who export terror and will respond to them in the language they understand, referring to the 2016 surgical strikes conducted across the LoC.

"When someone has put a terror export factory in place and makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language," he had said.

Hua's comment also came ahead of the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) here, to be held early next week.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is arriving here tomorrow to take part in the meeting to be held on April 24. She is due to meet her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday.

Separately Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman too will attend the SCO Defence Ministers meeting on the same day.

These are the first meetings of the SCO after India and Pakistan were admitted into the eight-member group in which China and Russia plays an influential role.

Both events are to be attended by the respective Ministers from Pakistan. SCO consists China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Modi is also due to attend this year's SCO summit to be held in the Chinese city of Qingdao in June.

Hua said issues related to terrorism will be discussed at the meeting of SCO Foreign Ministers.

"We believe it is a purpose of the SCO to promote relevant cooperation in that field. Security has been a priority of the SCO since its inception," she said.

"So the upcoming SCO Foreign Ministers meeting will see participants exchanging views on the relevant issues, major international and regional issues and all the participants will uphold the Shanghai sprit to consolidate more consensus and to move forward the development of the SCO," she said.

China today backed its all-weather ally Pakistan and called on the international community to support its counter-terrorism efforts

China today backed its all-weather ally Pakistan and called on the international community to support its counter-terrorism efforts after Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the neighbouring country as a "terror export factory". "Terrorism is the enemy faced by all. The international community should work together to fight against it," foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said during a media briefing here when asked about China's response to Modi terming Pakistan as a "terror export factory" during a speech in London. "We hope the international community could support the efforts made by Pakistan in counter-terrorism and forge effective cooperation with it in that regard," Hua said putting up a strong defence for China's all-weather ally. While speaking at the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' programme at the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London on Wednesday, warning Pakistan, Modi had said India will not tolerate those who export terror and will respond to them in the language they understand, referring to the 2016 surgical strikes conducted across the LoC. "When someone has put a terror export factory in place and makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language," he had said. Hua's comment also came ahead of the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) here, to be held early next week. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is arriving here tomorrow to take part in the meeting to be held on April 24. She is due to meet her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Sunday. Separately Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman too will attend the SCO Defence Ministers meeting on the same day. These are the first meetings of the SCO after India and Pakistan were admitted into the eight-member group in which China and Russia plays an influential role. Both events are to be attended by the respective Ministers from Pakistan. SCO consists China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Modi is also due to attend this year's SCO summit to be held in the Chinese city of Qingdao in June. Hua said issues related to terrorism will be discussed at the meeting of SCO Foreign Ministers. "We believe it is a purpose of the SCO to promote relevant cooperation in that field. Security has been a priority of the SCO since its inception," she said. "So the upcoming SCO Foreign Ministers meeting will see participants exchanging views on the relevant issues, major international and regional issues and all the participants will uphold the Shanghai sprit to consolidate more consensus and to move forward the development of the SCO," she said.

International community should support Pakistan on counter-terrorism efforts: China

12:00 am: Saved 2,000 non-Indians from war-torn Yemen, he informed the people at Westminister Hall.

11: 58 pm: Criticism is essential in a democracy, he said, adding, that India has set the agenda on global issues. "We supplied essentials to Rohingyas,"&nbsp;he said.

11:56 pm: India will do what it needs for its best interests, he told the Indian community gathered at Westminster Hall in London.

11:54 pm: India's global profile is rising, PM Modi said.

11: 53 pm: I only represent India's power, he added.

11:53 pm: Can't inherit good health so need to stay fit, says Modi.

11:33 pm: "Want to create 1.5 lakh health centres in India,"&nbsp;says Modi.

11:20: "We negotiated cheaper price for drugs,"&nbsp;he said, adding,"We made 24x7 power a reality in Gujarat."

11:11 pm: Made time to pay respect to Basava statute: PM Modi

11:07 pm: Empowered women are key to development, Modi told the Indians gathered at Westminister Hall.

11:00 pm: Attack me, not my people, Modi said.

10:50 pm: India has a billion solution to a million problem, he added.

10:48 pm: I don't have a problem being criticised, he said, adding that the people are driving the vikas&nbsp;(development) drive.

10:45 pm: My drive is just to serve India, says Modi.

10: 43 pm:&nbsp;18,000 villages did not have electricity. So many women do not have access to toilets. These realities of our nation did not let me sleep. I was determined to bring about a positive change in the lives of India's poor: PM Modi&nbsp;

10:41 pm: Poverty can't be eliminated by mere slogans, he said.

10:40 pm: I am a common man who became the PM, Modi told the gathering at Westminster Hall.

10:39 pm:&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: PM Modi talks about <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SurgicalStrikes?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SurgicalStrikes</a>, says, 'When someone has put a terror export factory in place & makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language.' Crowd raises 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' slogans. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/London?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#London</a> <a href="https://t.co/nLUQDY3sKQ">pic.twitter.com/nLUQDY3sKQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986650872368287744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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10:38 pm: I don't need lessons on poverty, I have experienced it, he added.

10:37 pm: I understand the pain of the poor, he said.

10:35 pm: Watch Video

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: PM Modi talks about <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SurgicalStrikes?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SurgicalStrikes</a>, says, 'When someone has put a terror export factory in place & makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language.' Crowd raises 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' slogans. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/London?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#London</a> <a href="https://t.co/nLUQDY3sKQ">pic.twitter.com/nLUQDY3sKQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986650872368287744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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10:32 pm: "We won't tolerate those who export terrorism,"&nbsp;Modi informed the gathering at Westminster Hall.

10:25 pm: India knows how to hit back on terror:&nbsp;PM Modi.

10: 20 pm: Surgical strikes was a 100 per cent success, he added.&nbsp;

10:18 pm:&nbsp;We never hid surgical strikes, we replied to Pak in its on language, PM Modi said while replying to a question.

10:14 pm: Crores of Indians gave up LPG subsidy due to my request, he said, adding, "People need to think of the government as theirs."

10:11 pm: Democracy is a national partnership, says Modi.&nbsp;

10:10 pm: I am a go-getter, and I am proud of it, Modi said while talking to Prasoon Joshi in a freewheeling chat at Westminster Hall in London.&nbsp;

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Impatience is not a bad thing. If a person has a cycle, person then aspires for a scooter. If a person has a scooter, person aspires for a car. It is nature to aspire. India is getting increasingly aspirational: PM in London <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath</a> <a href="https://t.co/cB3Hpsgwqa">pic.twitter.com/cB3Hpsgwqa</a>
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10:05 pm:&nbsp;India rightfully expects a lot from me, says Modi at Central Hall Westminster.

10:04 pm: Everyday I get up with a sense of purpose.

10:02 pm: Life is full of hardships, so is success.

10:02 pm: Chalta hai attitude has gone, Modi told the gathering at Westminster Hall, adding that earlier India was happy with incremental change.

10:01 pm: Speaking on India's aspirations, Modi said being impatient is a good thing.

10:00 pm: I am in Royal Palace due to the love of people of India, says Modi.

9:55: Tea seller becoming PM is proof of democracy, says Modi to host Prasoon Joshi.

9:51:&nbsp;In India, tea seller can become PM, Modi said, as the crowd cheered.

9:49 pm: In conversation with host Prasoon Joshi, PM Modi said I started out a tea seller in a railway station.

9:45 pm: PM Modi arrives in Westminster Hall.

Prime Minister Modi is set to address&nbsp;the Indian community at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/need-to-take-decisive-actions-against-globally-proscribed-terror-entities-pm-modi-theresa-may--131219">London's Central Hall Westminster</a>&nbsp;in a short while. The event called&nbsp;'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' is being attended by over 1,500 people, mainly Indians.

The last time the Indian prime minister addressed this kind of gathering was at Wembley in 2015.

The Indian prime minister had a busy day in London on Tuesday, meeting the British Prime Minister Theresa May and Prince Charles including Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace.

During his meeting with PM May, Modi discussed several topics including terrorism and the issue of economic offenders - <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-meets-may-india-and-uk-discussed-economic-offenders-like-vijay-mallya-taking-refuge-in-britain-131244">former liquor baron Vijay Mallya </a>and ex-IPL chief Lalit Modi, who have sought refuge in the UK.

9:03 pm

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from London's Central Hall Westminster ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath</a> <a href="https://t.co/cK0ZSDDDV5">pic.twitter.com/cK0ZSDDDV5</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986630616149123072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Indian prime minister had a busy day in London meeting the British Prime Minister Theresa May and Prince Charles including Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace.

12:00 am: Saved 2,000 non-Indians from war-torn Yemen, he informed the people at Westminister Hall. 11: 58 pm: Criticism is essential in a democracy, he said, adding, that India has set the agenda on global issues. "We supplied essentials to Rohingyas," he said. 11:56 pm: India will do what it needs for its best interests, he told the Indian community gathered at Westminster Hall in London. 11:54 pm: India's global profile is rising, PM Modi said. 11: 53 pm: I only represent India's power, he added. 11:53 pm: Can't inherit good health so need to stay fit, says Modi. 11:33 pm: "Want to create 1.5 lakh health centres in India," says Modi. 11:20: "We negotiated cheaper price for drugs," he said, adding,"We made 24x7 power a reality in Gujarat." 11:11 pm: Made time to pay respect to Basava statute: PM Modi 11:07 pm: Empowered women are key to development, Modi told the Indians gathered at Westminister Hall. 11:00 pm: Attack me, not my people, Modi said. 10:50 pm: India has a billion solution to a million problem, he added. 10:48 pm: I don't have a problem being criticised, he said, adding that the people are driving the vikas (development) drive. 10:45 pm: My drive is just to serve India, says Modi. 10: 43 pm: 18,000 villages did not have electricity. So many women do not have access to toilets. These realities of our nation did not let me sleep. I was determined to bring about a positive change in the lives of India's poor: PM Modi 10:41 pm: Poverty can't be eliminated by mere slogans, he said. 10:40 pm: I am a common man who became the PM, Modi told the gathering at Westminster Hall. 10:39 pm: #WATCH: PM Modi talks about #SurgicalStrikes, says, 'When someone has put a terror export factory in place & makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language.' Crowd raises 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' slogans. #BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath #London pic.twitter.com/nLUQDY3sKQ — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × 10:38 pm: I don't need lessons on poverty, I have experienced it, he added. 10:37 pm: I understand the pain of the poor, he said. 10:35 pm: Watch Video #WATCH: PM Modi talks about #SurgicalStrikes, says, 'When someone has put a terror export factory in place & makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language.' Crowd raises 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' slogans. #BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath #London pic.twitter.com/nLUQDY3sKQ — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × 10:32 pm: "We won't tolerate those who export terrorism," Modi informed the gathering at Westminster Hall. 10:25 pm: India knows how to hit back on terror: PM Modi. 10: 20 pm: Surgical strikes was a 100 per cent success, he added. 10:18 pm: We never hid surgical strikes, we replied to Pak in its on language, PM Modi said while replying to a question. 10:14 pm: Crores of Indians gave up LPG subsidy due to my request, he said, adding, "People need to think of the government as theirs." 10:11 pm: Democracy is a national partnership, says Modi. 10:10 pm: I am a go-getter, and I am proud of it, Modi said while talking to Prasoon Joshi in a freewheeling chat at Westminster Hall in London. Impatience is not a bad thing. If a person has a cycle, person then aspires for a scooter. If a person has a scooter, person aspires for a car. It is nature to aspire. India is getting increasingly aspirational: PM in London #BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath pic.twitter.com/cB3Hpsgwqa — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × 10:05 pm: India rightfully expects a lot from me, says Modi at Central Hall Westminster. 10:04 pm: Everyday I get up with a sense of purpose. 10:02 pm: Life is full of hardships, so is success. 10:02 pm: Chalta hai attitude has gone, Modi told the gathering at Westminster Hall, adding that earlier India was happy with incremental change. 10:01 pm: Speaking on India's aspirations, Modi said being impatient is a good thing. 10:00 pm: I am in Royal Palace due to the love of people of India, says Modi. 9:55: Tea seller becoming PM is proof of democracy, says Modi to host Prasoon Joshi. 9:51: In India, tea seller can become PM, Modi said, as the crowd cheered. 9:49 pm: In conversation with host Prasoon Joshi, PM Modi said I started out a tea seller in a railway station. 9:45 pm: PM Modi arrives in Westminster Hall. Prime Minister Modi is set to address the Indian community at London's Central Hall Westminster in a short while. The event called 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' is being attended by over 1,500 people, mainly Indians. The last time the Indian prime minister addressed this kind of gathering was at Wembley in 2015. The Indian prime minister had a busy day in London on Tuesday, meeting the British Prime Minister Theresa May and Prince Charles including Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace. During his meeting with PM May, Modi discussed several topics including terrorism and the issue of economic offenders - former liquor baron Vijay Mallya and ex-IPL chief Lalit Modi, who have sought refuge in the UK. 9:03 pm #Visuals from London's Central Hall Westminster ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's #BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath pic.twitter.com/cK0ZSDDDV5 — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 ×

Live: Want to create 1.5 lakh health centres in India, says PM Modi at Central Hall Westminster

As PM Modi met several leaders <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britain-opens-chogm-as-pm-theresa-may-warns-of-global-challenges-131442">at CHOGM, the ministry of </a>external affairs said there was no meeting planned with Pakistan PM Abbasi.

"No meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister took place. There is no plan to have any meeting with him," the Ministry of External Affairs said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/pics:-modi-meets-neighbours,-friends-at-chogm--131480#photo-131477">In Pics: PM Modi meets a friendly&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/pics:-modi-meets-neighbours,-friends-at-chogm--131480#photo-131477">neighbour</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/pics:-modi-meets-neighbours,-friends-at-chogm--131480#photo-131477">, friends at CHOGM</a>

Expanding on India's gain at CHOGM, an Indian government spokesman said the overall objective of PM's participation signalled stepped up engagement with Commonwealth countries and "India's desire to focus on development of Commonwealth countries."

Prime Minister Modi had a series of meeting with leaders of Commonwealth countries including Seychelles President Danny Faure and his Mauritius counterpart Pravind Kumar Jugnauth on the sidelines of CHOGM.

Prime Minister Modi met his Mauritius counterpart Jugnauth and talked about cooperation in trade and investment, maritime cooperation and people-to-people ties, the foreign ministry said.

Modi also interacted with President of Kiribati, Taneti Maamau, and Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda, Gaston Browne.

The Indian prime minister later met &nbsp;Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina.

However, PM Modi's meeting with Pak PM Abbasi did not take place even as several reports suggested the Indian prime minister may break protocol to meet his Pakistani counterpart.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YgYO-6_PJ7s" width="560"></iframe>

Prime Minister Modi had a series of meeting with leaders of Commonwealth countries

As PM Modi met several leaders at CHOGM, the ministry of external affairs said there was no meeting planned with Pakistan PM Abbasi. "No meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister took place. There is no plan to have any meeting with him," the Ministry of External Affairs said. In Pics: PM Modi meets a friendly neighbour, friends at CHOGM Expanding on India's gain at CHOGM, an Indian government spokesman said the overall objective of PM's participation signalled stepped up engagement with Commonwealth countries and "India's desire to focus on development of Commonwealth countries." Prime Minister Modi had a series of meeting with leaders of Commonwealth countries including Seychelles President Danny Faure and his Mauritius counterpart Pravind Kumar Jugnauth on the sidelines of CHOGM. Prime Minister Modi met his Mauritius counterpart Jugnauth and talked about cooperation in trade and investment, maritime cooperation and people-to-people ties, the foreign ministry said. Modi also interacted with President of Kiribati, Taneti Maamau, and Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda, Gaston Browne. The Indian prime minister later met Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina. However, PM Modi's meeting with Pak PM Abbasi did not take place even as several reports suggested the Indian prime minister may break protocol to meet his Pakistani counterpart.

PM Modi not to meet Pak PM Abbasi at CHOGM: External Affairs Ministry

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting on Thursday at the Buckingham Palace.

Prime Minister Modi will begin his day by visiting the International Media Centre at Marlborough House.

The Commonwealth Summit will be formally opened by Queen Elizabeth at 10 am&nbsp;(local time) followed by an official welcome of the leaders of 53 Commonwealth nations by United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May and Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland.

The first one-hour Executive Session will be held at the Lancaster House at 12:15 pm&nbsp;(Local time) followed by the second executive session at 2:30 pm&nbsp;(local time).

On the sidelines of the Executive sessions, various bilateral meetings will also be held among the Commonwealth leaders.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela, The prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, and Saint Lucia Prime Minister Honourable Allen Chastanet are scheduled to hold a meeting.

Further President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda will conduct a bilateral meeting.

Later President Adama Barrow of the Gambia, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia, Prime Minister Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth of Mauritius, Prime Minister Danny Faure of Seychelles and Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will have a meeting in the evening.

Further, in the evening Queen Elizabeth will host a dinner reception for all the Commonwealth leaders.

 
&nbsp;

The Commonwealth Summit will be formally opened by Queen Elizabeth at 10 am (local time)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting on Thursday at the Buckingham Palace. Prime Minister Modi will begin his day by visiting the International Media Centre at Marlborough House. The Commonwealth Summit will be formally opened by Queen Elizabeth at 10 am (local time) followed by an official welcome of the leaders of 53 Commonwealth nations by United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May and Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland. The first one-hour Executive Session will be held at the Lancaster House at 12:15 pm (Local time) followed by the second executive session at 2:30 pm (local time). On the sidelines of the Executive sessions, various bilateral meetings will also be held among the Commonwealth leaders. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela, The prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, and Saint Lucia Prime Minister Honourable Allen Chastanet are scheduled to hold a meeting. Further President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda will conduct a bilateral meeting. Later President Adama Barrow of the Gambia, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia, Prime Minister Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth of Mauritius, Prime Minister Danny Faure of Seychelles and Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will have a meeting in the evening. Further, in the evening Queen Elizabeth will host a dinner reception for all the Commonwealth leaders.

PM Modi to attend 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London today

Speaking at the first Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting(CHOGM), British PM Theresa May today spoke of "global challenges" which included climate change and cyber attacks.

Earlier in the day, Britain's queen Elizabeth II at the Buckingham Palace said: "I will decide that one day the Prince of Wales should carry on the important work started by my father in 1949 by continuing to treasure and reinvigorate our associations and activities."

The meeting is being attended by heads of 53 Commonwealth countries including Prime Minister Modi is widely seen as an attempt by Britain and its former colonies to reconnect with each other to develop trade and deepen diplomatic and defence&nbsp;ties.

"It is my sincere wish that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations," queen Elizabeth II said.

The meeting is taking place in London for the first time in 20 years. India had earlier skipped three CHOGM meetings, however, this time PM Modi decided to attend it himself in order to broaden India's strategic ties with the rest of the Commonwealth countries which is one of the biggest global groupings in the world.

Prince Charles, 69, made an informal pitch for the role in his remarks at the event in Buckingham Palace: "For my part, the Commonwealth has been a fundamental feature of my life for as long as I can remember."

The meeting is being attended by heads of 53 Commonwealth countries including Prime Minister Modi

Speaking at the first Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting(CHOGM), British PM Theresa May today spoke of "global challenges" which included climate change and cyber attacks. Earlier in the day, Britain's queen Elizabeth II at the Buckingham Palace said: "I will decide that one day the Prince of Wales should carry on the important work started by my father in 1949 by continuing to treasure and reinvigorate our associations and activities." The meeting is being attended by heads of 53 Commonwealth countries including Prime Minister Modi is widely seen as an attempt by Britain and its former colonies to reconnect with each other to develop trade and deepen diplomatic and defence ties. "It is my sincere wish that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations," queen Elizabeth II said. The meeting is taking place in London for the first time in 20 years. India had earlier skipped three CHOGM meetings, however, this time PM Modi decided to attend it himself in order to broaden India's strategic ties with the rest of the Commonwealth countries which is one of the biggest global groupings in the world. Prince Charles, 69, made an informal pitch for the role in his remarks at the event in Buckingham Palace: "For my part, the Commonwealth has been a fundamental feature of my life for as long as I can remember."

Watch: Britain opens CHOGM as PM Theresa May warns of 'global challenges'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the 'Bharat ki Baat, Sabke Saath' town hall in London, where he is on a state-visit to attend the meeting amongst all the heads of Commonwealth Nations.&nbsp

During the event, PM Modi recalled his journey from being a tea-seller on the railway tracks to heading the world's largest democracy.&nbsp

*I have never indulged in counting the number of rape incidents in this government and that government. Rape is rape, be it now or earlier. It is extremely sad. Don't politicise rape incidents.

*We always ask our daughters about what they are doing, where they are going. We must ask our sons too. The person who is committing these crimes is also someone's son. He has a mother too in his house.

*People know that when they say something, the Government will listen and do it. Days of incremental change are over.

*If a person has a cycle, a person aspires a scooter. If a person has a scooter, a person aspires a car. It is natural to aspire. India is getting increasingly aspirational.

*I want this Government to be criticised. Criticism makes democracy strong. Democracy cannot succeed without constructive criticism.

*To criticise, one has to research and find proper facts. Sadly, it does not happen now. What happens instead is allegations.

*If you will see where we stand in comparison to the previous government, I can affirm that we left no stone unturned in doing good for the country on any parameter.

*Today, the need of the hour is to make development a mass movement.

*We have a million problems but we have a billion solutions.

*I can make mistakes but I will not do any work with the ill intention.

*Our focus is on three things - education for students, employment for youth and medicines for the elderly.

*Someone has put a terror export factory in place and makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language.

*Those who like exporting terror, I want to tell them that India has changed and their antics will not be tolerated. We believe in peace. But we will not tolerate those who like to export terror. We will give back strong answers and in the language they understand. Terrorism will never be accepted.

Criticism makes democracy strong. Democracy cannot succeed without constructive criticism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the 'Bharat ki Baat, Sabke Saath' town hall in London, where he is on a state-visit to attend the meeting amongst all the heads of Commonwealth Nations. During the event, PM Modi recalled his journey from being a tea-seller on the railway tracks to heading the world's largest democracy. *I have never indulged in counting the number of rape incidents in this government and that government. Rape is rape, be it now or earlier. It is extremely sad. Don't politicise rape incidents. *We always ask our daughters about what they are doing, where they are going. We must ask our sons too. The person who is committing these crimes is also someone's son. He has a mother too in his house. *People know that when they say something, the Government will listen and do it. Days of incremental change are over. *If a person has a cycle, a person aspires a scooter. If a person has a scooter, a person aspires a car. It is natural to aspire. India is getting increasingly aspirational. *I want this Government to be criticised. Criticism makes democracy strong. Democracy cannot succeed without constructive criticism. *To criticise, one has to research and find proper facts. Sadly, it does not happen now. What happens instead is allegations. *If you will see where we stand in comparison to the previous government, I can affirm that we left no stone unturned in doing good for the country on any parameter. *Today, the need of the hour is to make development a mass movement. *We have a million problems but we have a billion solutions. *I can make mistakes but I will not do any work with the ill intention. *Our focus is on three things - education for students, employment for youth and medicines for the elderly. *Someone has put a terror export factory in place and makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language. *Those who like exporting terror, I want to tell them that India has changed and their antics will not be tolerated. We believe in peace. But we will not tolerate those who like to export terror. We will give back strong answers and in the language they understand. Terrorism will never be accepted.

I want this government to be criticised: Quotable quotes from PM Modi in London

When the PM was asked about the secret behind his stamina, Modi said, “In the last approximately 20 years, I daily eat 1-2 kgs of abuses (Pichle kareeb kareeb 20 saal se main daily 1 kg-2 kg gaaliyan khaata hun).”&nbsp;

His response evoked laughter among the audience. Some even began to chant ‘Modi, Modi’ slogans.&nbsp;

PM Modi was speaking at an interactive session with diaspora event at the Central Hall Westminster.

"I want Modi government should be criticised to the fullest, in every manner. Criticisms keep the government on their toes. If anyone criticises me then I consider it my good fortune. I don't feel bad about it," he further said. "...But unfortunately, to criticise, you have to research a lot and do a lot of hard work, have to collect facts and figures, and look at history," Modi added.

He further said: "Today, no one has so much time. Very few people do it. Today, criticism has taken the form of the allegation. In a democracy the biggest strength is criticism, and the allegation is worst. For a healthy democracy, criticism should get more importance and should be protected from the allegation. I always welcome criticism.”

Here is PM Narendra Modi's hilarious response:&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: On being asked about the secret of his stamina, PM Modi says,'Pichle 20 saal se main daily 1kg-2kg gaali (abuses) khaata hu.' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/London?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#London</a> <a href="https://t.co/eKbEGoSC1c">pic.twitter.com/eKbEGoSC1c</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986668362133581828?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Modi spent over two hours taking questions at Central Hall Westminister, the hallowed venue where the United Nations General Assembly first met in 1946.

Censor board chief Prasoon Joshi moderated the event, called - 'Bharat Ki Baat Sabke Saath' - where the prime minister took questions on a wide range of issues.

Modi arrived at the iconic hall after meeting Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace and holding bilateral talks with UK Prime Minister Theresa May.

PM Modi was speaking at an interactive session with diaspora event at the Central Hall Westminster.

When the PM was asked about the secret behind his stamina, Modi said, “In the last approximately 20 years, I daily eat 1-2 kgs of abuses (Pichle kareeb kareeb 20 saal se main daily 1 kg-2 kg gaaliyan khaata hun).” His response evoked laughter among the audience. Some even began to chant ‘Modi, Modi’ slogans. PM Modi was speaking at an interactive session with diaspora event at the Central Hall Westminster. "I want Modi government should be criticised to the fullest, in every manner. Criticisms keep the government on their toes. If anyone criticises me then I consider it my good fortune. I don't feel bad about it," he further said. "...But unfortunately, to criticise, you have to research a lot and do a lot of hard work, have to collect facts and figures, and look at history," Modi added. He further said: "Today, no one has so much time. Very few people do it. Today, criticism has taken the form of the allegation. In a democracy the biggest strength is criticism, and the allegation is worst. For a healthy democracy, criticism should get more importance and should be protected from the allegation. I always welcome criticism.” Here is PM Narendra Modi's hilarious response: #WATCH: On being asked about the secret of his stamina, PM Modi says,'Pichle 20 saal se main daily 1kg-2kg gaali (abuses) khaata hu.' #BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath #London pic.twitter.com/eKbEGoSC1c — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × Modi spent over two hours taking questions at Central Hall Westminister, the hallowed venue where the United Nations General Assembly first met in 1946. Censor board chief Prasoon Joshi moderated the event, called - 'Bharat Ki Baat Sabke Saath' - where the prime minister took questions on a wide range of issues. Modi arrived at the iconic hall after meeting Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace and holding bilateral talks with UK Prime Minister Theresa May.

Watch: PM Modi's funny reply to secret behind his stamina

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-coming-to-power-in-karnataka-will-prove-to-be-stepping-stone-for-rest-of-country-siddaramaiah-to-wion-131388">Lingayat religious issue not created by us: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to WION</a>

With the Karnataka elections just around the corner, chief minister Siddaramaiah is locked in a tight triangular contest with the BJP and the JD-S. Siddaramaiah says the Congress will come to power in Karnataka, paving the way for his party’s revival in the rest of the country.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/repeating-a-lie-doesnt-turn-it-into-the-truth-says-pak-on-pm-modis-surgical-strike-statement-131390">'Repeating a lie doesn't turn it into the truth,' says Pak on PM Modi's surgical strike statement</a>

After PM Modi said the surgical strikes against Pakistan in September 2016 were a 100 per cent success, the Pakistan foreign office said today that "by continuously repeating a lie, it doesn't turn into the truth."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/3-belgian-companies-face-heat-over-chemical-exports-to-syria-131430">3 Belgian companies face heat over chemical exports to Syria</a>

According to reports, three Belgian countries have been accused of exporting chemicals to Syria. The trial date has already been set by a Belgian court. Chemicals exported include isopropanol which is also known to be used for producing nerve gas.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/air-force-carried-out-strikes-on-islamic-state-targets-inside-syria-iraq-pm-131409">Air Force carried out strikes on Islamic State targets inside Syria: Iraq PM</a>

PM Haider al-Abadi's said Iraqi Air Force carried out air strikes on Islamic State(IS) installations inside Syria. The prime minister's office said the "deadly air strikes" were launched from the Iraqi side of the border.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-bangladesh-model-mosques-will-be-open-for-women--131408">Bangladesh's billion-dollar 'model' mosques will be open for women</a>

Touted as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's flagship project, the plan aims to set up model mosques across the country to check radical ideologies and counter Islamist extremist. The preliminary work for the project has already been started. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Lingayat religious issue not created by us: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to WION With the Karnataka elections just around the corner, chief minister Siddaramaiah is locked in a tight triangular contest with the BJP and the JD-S. Siddaramaiah says the Congress will come to power in Karnataka, paving the way for his party’s revival in the rest of the country. 'Repeating a lie doesn't turn it into the truth,' says Pak on PM Modi's surgical strike statement After PM Modi said the surgical strikes against Pakistan in September 2016 were a 100 per cent success, the Pakistan foreign office said today that "by continuously repeating a lie, it doesn't turn into the truth." 3 Belgian companies face heat over chemical exports to Syria According to reports, three Belgian countries have been accused of exporting chemicals to Syria. The trial date has already been set by a Belgian court. Chemicals exported include isopropanol which is also known to be used for producing nerve gas. Air Force carried out strikes on Islamic State targets inside Syria: Iraq PM PM Haider al-Abadi's said Iraqi Air Force carried out air strikes on Islamic State(IS) installations inside Syria. The prime minister's office said the "deadly air strikes" were launched from the Iraqi side of the border. Bangladesh's billion-dollar 'model' mosques will be open for women Touted as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's flagship project, the plan aims to set up model mosques across the country to check radical ideologies and counter Islamist extremist. The preliminary work for the project has already been started.

News brief: Big stories of the day

On his four-day-long visit to the UK, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be served with special, all-vegetarian gourmet Indian cuisine.&nbsp;

According to reports, Shenoy Karmani, Executive chef at St. James Court, Taj Hotel in Buckingham Gate, has been appointed to prepare some of the meals for Prime Minister at various events during his visit.&nbsp;

Karmani and his team of eight members are vested with the responsibility to serve pure vegetarian "Ghar Ka Khana" to Prime Minister Modi.

For his breakfast with UK Prime Minister Theresa May, PM Modi enjoyed a heart-warming spread comprising tea and coffee, Poha, Upma, Puri-Bhaji and Seera.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi along with his delegation team was served lunch at the Buckingham's Taj hotel.

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Since the whole delegation is in London, our focus is on "home cooked food" so that the delegation don't feel they are away from India. For Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it will be Gujarati food that he loves: Chef Shenoy Karmani. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/London?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#London</a> <a href="https://t.co/qVysb6f4W1">pic.twitter.com/qVysb6f4W1</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986379057762848771?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The lunch was prepared under the guidance of Chef Shenoy Karmani. The menu is believed to be high on the special Gujarati delicacies like Khaman, Dhokla, Khandvi, Dal, Dal Pakora, Torai Masala, Stuffed Karela, Paneer Bhurji, Khichdi, among other dishes.

All food items for PM Modi were and will be cooked in pure clarified butter (ghee).

Later at night, British Prime Minister Theresa May will host&nbsp;dinner for the leaders of all the Commonwealth nations who are participating in the CHOGM summit.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Chef Shenoy Karmani and his team of eight members are vested with the responsibility to serve pure vegetarian "Ghar Ka Khana" to Prime Minister Modi

On his four-day-long visit to the UK, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be served with special, all-vegetarian gourmet Indian cuisine. According to reports, Shenoy Karmani, Executive chef at St. James Court, Taj Hotel in Buckingham Gate, has been appointed to prepare some of the meals for Prime Minister at various events during his visit. Karmani and his team of eight members are vested with the responsibility to serve pure vegetarian "Ghar Ka Khana" to Prime Minister Modi. For his breakfast with UK Prime Minister Theresa May, PM Modi enjoyed a heart-warming spread comprising tea and coffee, Poha, Upma, Puri-Bhaji and Seera. Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi along with his delegation team was served lunch at the Buckingham's Taj hotel. Since the whole delegation is in London, our focus is on "home cooked food" so that the delegation don't feel they are away from India. For Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it will be Gujarati food that he loves: Chef Shenoy Karmani. #London pic.twitter.com/qVysb6f4W1 — ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2018 × The lunch was prepared under the guidance of Chef Shenoy Karmani. The menu is believed to be high on the special Gujarati delicacies like Khaman, Dhokla, Khandvi, Dal, Dal Pakora, Torai Masala, Stuffed Karela, Paneer Bhurji, Khichdi, among other dishes. All food items for PM Modi were and will be cooked in pure clarified butter (ghee). Later at night, British Prime Minister Theresa May will host dinner for the leaders of all the Commonwealth nations who are participating in the CHOGM summit. (With inputs from agencies)

Poha, Upma, Puri-Bhaji and Seera: PM Modi's heart-warming breakfast with Theresa May

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British PM Theresa May discussed the issue of economic offenders during their meeting today. According to sources, both the leaders raised the issue of economic offenders, like Vijay Mallya and Lalit Modi, who have sought refuge in the UK.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, during a press briefing, confirmed that the issue of economic offenders was also raised during the meet.

"The issue of economic offenders was also raised and this was among a number of consular issues that were raised," Gokhale said.

Mallya is wanted in India in a money laundering case and an alleged bank fraud case in the country.

He left India after defaulting on loans that run into hundreds of crores.

India has submitted more than thousand pages dossier in the London court as part of the evidence against Mallya.

Modi and May also agreed to strengthen cooperation and take decisive actions against globally-proscribed terrorists and terror entities including Lashkar-e-Tayibba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Haqqani Network, Al Qaeda, ISIS and their affiliates.&nbsp;

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During PM Modi & British PM Theresa May's discussion on economic offenders, the case of Vijay Mallya was also discussed, say sources. <a href="https://t.co/hN88uXuqaA">pic.twitter.com/hN88uXuqaA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986620981870579713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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According to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, India and UK agreed that terrorist and extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise, recruit and conduct attacks on innocent people.&nbsp;

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The issue of economic offenders was also raised & this was among a number of consular issues that were raised. I have already covered the issue of mobilising professionals & students & the like.Views were also exchanged on current international & multilateral issues: Foreign Secy <a href="https://t.co/L5exZsm5kO">pic.twitter.com/L5exZsm5kO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986616670142844929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi met UK prime minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street and discussed a range of issues.

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

PM Modi met UK prime minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British PM Theresa May discussed the issue of economic offenders during their meeting today. According to sources, both the leaders raised the issue of economic offenders, like Vijay Mallya and Lalit Modi, who have sought refuge in the UK. Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, during a press briefing, confirmed that the issue of economic offenders was also raised during the meet. "The issue of economic offenders was also raised and this was among a number of consular issues that were raised," Gokhale said. Mallya is wanted in India in a money laundering case and an alleged bank fraud case in the country. He left India after defaulting on loans that run into hundreds of crores. India has submitted more than thousand pages dossier in the London court as part of the evidence against Mallya. Modi and May also agreed to strengthen cooperation and take decisive actions against globally-proscribed terrorists and terror entities including Lashkar-e-Tayibba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Haqqani Network, Al Qaeda, ISIS and their affiliates. During PM Modi & British PM Theresa May's discussion on economic offenders, the case of Vijay Mallya was also discussed, say sources. pic.twitter.com/hN88uXuqaA — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × According to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, India and UK agreed that terrorist and extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise, recruit and conduct attacks on innocent people. The issue of economic offenders was also raised & this was among a number of consular issues that were raised. I have already covered the issue of mobilising professionals & students & the like.Views were also exchanged on current international & multilateral issues: Foreign Secy pic.twitter.com/L5exZsm5kO — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × PM Modi met UK prime minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street and discussed a range of issues. (With inputs from agencies)

India, UK discussed economic offenders like Vijay Mallya taking refuge in Britain: Sources

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Theresa May discussed a range of issues today.

Both the leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation and take decisive actions against globally-proscribed terrorists and terror entities including Lashkar-e-Tayibba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Haqqani Network, Al Qaeda, ISIS and their affiliates.&nbsp;

According to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, May and Modi agreed that terrorist and extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise, recruit and conduct attacks on innocent people.

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The British PM & PM Modi agreed that terrorist & extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise, recruit & conduct attacks on innocent people for this all countries need to work together to disrupt terrorist networks, their financing & movement of terrorists: MEA
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986585625783685120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"For this, all countries need to work together to disrupt terrorist networks, their financing and movement of terrorists," the leaders noted.&nbsp;

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2nd issue was issue of terrorism&radicalism. PM described extremism,radicalism,terrorism as a rising challenge for both countries&for countries across the globe. It was agreed that one area where we need to enhance cooperation substantially is in cyber security field:Foreign Secy <a href="https://t.co/P59369u7ZC">pic.twitter.com/P59369u7ZC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986615678055649280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi met UK prime minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street.

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British Prime Minister Theresa May and PM Narendra Modi discussed co-operation between the 2 countries on legal matters: Downing Street spokesperson
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986579277343752197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The UK PM was quick to greet the Indian prime minister, "very welcome to London, Prime Minister," she said.

The two leaders held a breakfast meeting while discussing a wide range of issues of mutual interest.

"It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara," PM Modi said during his meeting with the British PM Theresa May.

"I hope we can work together for the people of both India and UK," Theresa May told the PM.

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It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara: PM Modi in meeting with British PM Theresa May in London <a href="https://t.co/4Dn0wCI9fW">pic.twitter.com/4Dn0wCI9fW</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986521305154547712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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British Prime Minister and PM Narendra Modi also discussed co-operation between India and UK on legal matters. The leaders discussed the chemical weapons attacks in Salisbury and Syria, expressing concern and making clear their opposition to the use of chemical weapons by any party in any circumstances.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK today for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport here.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

May and Modi agreed that terrorist and extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Theresa May discussed a range of issues today. Both the leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation and take decisive actions against globally-proscribed terrorists and terror entities including Lashkar-e-Tayibba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Haqqani Network, Al Qaeda, ISIS and their affiliates. According to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, May and Modi agreed that terrorist and extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise, recruit and conduct attacks on innocent people. The British PM & PM Modi agreed that terrorist & extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise, recruit & conduct attacks on innocent people for this all countries need to work together to disrupt terrorist networks, their financing & movement of terrorists: MEA — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × "For this, all countries need to work together to disrupt terrorist networks, their financing and movement of terrorists," the leaders noted. 2nd issue was issue of terrorism&radicalism. PM described extremism,radicalism,terrorism as a rising challenge for both countries&for countries across the globe. It was agreed that one area where we need to enhance cooperation substantially is in cyber security field:Foreign Secy pic.twitter.com/P59369u7ZC — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × PM Modi met UK prime minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street. British Prime Minister Theresa May and PM Narendra Modi discussed co-operation between the 2 countries on legal matters: Downing Street spokesperson — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × The UK PM was quick to greet the Indian prime minister, "very welcome to London, Prime Minister," she said. The two leaders held a breakfast meeting while discussing a wide range of issues of mutual interest. "It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara," PM Modi said during his meeting with the British PM Theresa May. "I hope we can work together for the people of both India and UK," Theresa May told the PM. It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara: PM Modi in meeting with British PM Theresa May in London pic.twitter.com/4Dn0wCI9fW — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × British Prime Minister and PM Narendra Modi also discussed co-operation between India and UK on legal matters. The leaders discussed the chemical weapons attacks in Salisbury and Syria, expressing concern and making clear their opposition to the use of chemical weapons by any party in any circumstances. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK today for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport here. (With inputs from agencies)

India, UK agree to take decisive action against LeT, Jaish, IS & other terror organisations

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-should-come-under-rti-recommends-law-commission-of-india-131199">BCCI should come under RTI, recommends Law Commission of India</a>

Law Commission of India has recommended that Right to Information Act (RTI) should be applicable to The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) which is the governing body for cricket in India.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-theresa-may-meet-for-breakfast-talk-trade-and-climate-change-131172">PM Modi, British PM Theresa May meet for breakfast, talk trade and climate change</a>

PM Modi met UK prime minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street. The UK PM was quick to greet the Indian prime minister, "very welcome to London, Prime Minister," she said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/cia-chief-pompeos-meeting-with-kim-went-smoothly-good-relationship-was-formed-trump-131205">CIA chief Pompeo's meeting with Kim went smoothly, tweets Trump</a>

After reports emerged of CIA chief Mike Pompeo meeting top North Korean officials including Kim Jong Un, President Trump today confirmed the meeting. In a tweet, the US president said: "Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed."

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/modi-in-uk-prince-charles-greets-pm--131178">After breakfast with Theresa May, PM Modi meets Prince Charles</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was today welcomed by Britain's Prince Charles at an exhibition organised to celebrate India's role in the history of science and technology.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/head-of-chemical-weapons-watchdog-un-security-team-was-shot-at-in-douma-131212">UN security team was shot at in Douma: Head of chemical weapons watchdog</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was today welcomed by Britain's Prince Charles at an exhibition organised to celebrate India's role in the history of science and technology.

BCCI should come under RTI, recommends Law Commission of India Law Commission of India has recommended that Right to Information Act (RTI) should be applicable to The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) which is the governing body for cricket in India. PM Modi, British PM Theresa May meet for breakfast, talk trade and climate change PM Modi met UK prime minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street. The UK PM was quick to greet the Indian prime minister, "very welcome to London, Prime Minister," she said. CIA chief Pompeo's meeting with Kim went smoothly, tweets Trump After reports emerged of CIA chief Mike Pompeo meeting top North Korean officials including Kim Jong Un, President Trump today confirmed the meeting. In a tweet, the US president said: "Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed." After breakfast with Theresa May, PM Modi meets Prince Charles Prime Minister Narendra Modi was today welcomed by Britain's Prince Charles at an exhibition organised to celebrate India's role in the history of science and technology. UN security team was shot at in Douma: Head of chemical weapons watchdog Prime Minister Narendra Modi was today welcomed by Britain's Prince Charles at an exhibition organised to celebrate India's role in the history of science and technology.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was today welcomed by Britain's Prince Charles at an exhibition organised to celebrate India's role in the history of science and technology.

"Prime Minister Modi and Prince Charles visited the exhibition on 5,000 years of Science and Technology in India," tweeted Raveesh Kumar, Official Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs.

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Interacting with people who act as a bridge to strengthen people-to-people relationship between two countries. PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and HRH Prince Charles <a href="https://twitter.com/ClarenceHouse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ClarenceHouse</a> visited Living Bridge Themed Reception at the Science Museum. A Yoga Centre of Excellence was also inaugurated. <a href="https://t.co/UpvPFMnbNK">pic.twitter.com/UpvPFMnbNK</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/986564337283358720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The exhibition, hosted by the Prince of Wales, celebrated India's role in the history of science and technology by exploring its contributions to subjects including space exploration and engineering, according to the official Twitter handle of Clarence House, the royal residence in London.

The Prince of Wales and Modi also watched a performance by the Akademi South Asian dance group.

Modi visited the Science Museum in London to explore the '5,000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition and interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK.

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PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> welcomed by HRH Prince Charles at the Science Museum in London. PM and Prince Charles <a href="https://twitter.com/ClarenceHouse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ClarenceHouse</a> visited the Exhibition on 5000 years of Science and Technology in India. <a href="https://t.co/xLy7sVHcnq">pic.twitter.com/xLy7sVHcnq</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/986558986173452288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Later in the day, Modi will interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK.&nbsp;

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prince Charles at exhibition on '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' in London. <a href="https://t.co/iXHYBj4dnJ">pic.twitter.com/iXHYBj4dnJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986539590575157248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Modi's first leg of UK visit is packed with meetings and engagements. Later today, the PM will meet Queen Elizabeth at the Buckingham Palace and will also deliver a live address. He will attend the CEO's summit along with numerous tours planned for the rest of the day.&nbsp;

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The Prince and <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> watch a performance by the Akademi South Asian dance group at the <a href="https://twitter.com/sciencemuseum?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sciencemuseum</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHOGM2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHOGM2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/bgtBlIqeMP">pic.twitter.com/bgtBlIqeMP</a>
— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClarenceHouse/status/986544720284454912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier today, <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-theresa-may-meet-for-breakfast-talk-trade-and-climate-change-131171">Modi met British Prime Minister Theresa May</a> at her official residence in 10 Downing Street.

The UK PM was quick to greet the Indian prime minister, "very welcome to London, Prime Minister," she said.

The two leaders held a breakfast meeting while discussing a wide range of issues of mutual interest.

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It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara: PM Modi in meeting with British PM Theresa May in London <a href="https://t.co/4Dn0wCI9fW">pic.twitter.com/4Dn0wCI9fW</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986521305154547712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara," PM Modi said during his meeting with the British PM Theresa May.

"I'm confident that new energy will be added to our ties after today's meeting. I'm happy that UK will be part of International solar alliance," PM Modi told the UK minister.

"I believe this is not only a fight against climate change but our responsibility for future generations," Modi said.

"I hope we can work together for the people of both India and UK," Theresa May told the PM<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cwQH1l4Wngs" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Tomorrow, PM Modi will partake in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK today for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport here.

Modi's visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership as well as an enhanced role in the Commonwealth.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Earlier today, Modi met British Prime Minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was today welcomed by Britain's Prince Charles at an exhibition organised to celebrate India's role in the history of science and technology. "Prime Minister Modi and Prince Charles visited the exhibition on 5,000 years of Science and Technology in India," tweeted Raveesh Kumar, Official Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs. Interacting with people who act as a bridge to strengthen people-to-people relationship between two countries. PM @narendramodi and HRH Prince Charles @ClarenceHouse visited Living Bridge Themed Reception at the Science Museum. A Yoga Centre of Excellence was also inaugurated. pic.twitter.com/UpvPFMnbNK — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) April 18, 2018 × The exhibition, hosted by the Prince of Wales, celebrated India's role in the history of science and technology by exploring its contributions to subjects including space exploration and engineering, according to the official Twitter handle of Clarence House, the royal residence in London. The Prince of Wales and Modi also watched a performance by the Akademi South Asian dance group. Modi visited the Science Museum in London to explore the '5,000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition and interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK. PM @narendramodi welcomed by HRH Prince Charles at the Science Museum in London. PM and Prince Charles @ClarenceHouse visited the Exhibition on 5000 years of Science and Technology in India. pic.twitter.com/xLy7sVHcnq — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) April 18, 2018 × Later in the day, Modi will interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prince Charles at exhibition on '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' in London. pic.twitter.com/iXHYBj4dnJ — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × Modi's first leg of UK visit is packed with meetings and engagements. Later today, the PM will meet Queen Elizabeth at the Buckingham Palace and will also deliver a live address. He will attend the CEO's summit along with numerous tours planned for the rest of the day. The Prince and @narendramodi watch a performance by the Akademi South Asian dance group at the @sciencemuseum.#CHOGM2018 pic.twitter.com/bgtBlIqeMP — Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) April 18, 2018 × Earlier today, Modi met British Prime Minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street. The UK PM was quick to greet the Indian prime minister, "very welcome to London, Prime Minister," she said. The two leaders held a breakfast meeting while discussing a wide range of issues of mutual interest. It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara: PM Modi in meeting with British PM Theresa May in London pic.twitter.com/4Dn0wCI9fW — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × "It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara," PM Modi said during his meeting with the British PM Theresa May. "I'm confident that new energy will be added to our ties after today's meeting. I'm happy that UK will be part of International solar alliance," PM Modi told the UK minister. "I believe this is not only a fight against climate change but our responsibility for future generations," Modi said. "I hope we can work together for the people of both India and UK," Theresa May told the PM Tomorrow, PM Modi will partake in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK today for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport here. Modi's visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership as well as an enhanced role in the Commonwealth. (With inputs from agencies)

After breakfast with Theresa May, PM Modi meets Prince Charles

Former PM Manmohan Singh has come on record to criticise&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-darkest-hour-response-of-government-inadequate-49-former-bureaucrats-write-to-pm-modi-after-kathua-unnao-gang-rapes-130680">PM Modi over his long silence</a> on the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kathua-rape-victims-father-demands-death-penalty-for-culprits-130819">Kathua</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trial-in-kathua-gang-rape-case-begins-130724">Unnao</a> rape cases asking him to&nbsp;"follow his own advice” and “speak more often”.

Manmohan was speaking to the <a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/india/manmohan-singh-on-kathua-unnao-rape-cases-pm-modi-should-follow-own-advice-to-me-speak-more-often-5141751/">Indian Express</a>.&nbsp;

Hitting out at the PM, Singh said that Modi's failure to speak gave the people a chance to think that they could get away with anything would any action being taken against them. He added that he was glad that the PM broke his silence and assured that "daughters of India" will get justice.

He also blamed Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for not handling the Kathua rape case properly. He claimed that her approach to the case might have been affected by her coalition partner, BJP.&nbsp;

Singh has often been taunted for not speaking up on important issues, more so during the last couple of years during his 10-year tenure to which he said that he “had lived with comments like these his whole life”.

The Congress leader said that Modi’s failure to speak up earlier had allowed people to think that they could get away without stern action being taken against them.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-the-kathua-case-and-bollywoods-pernicious-symbolism-131033">Opinion: The Kathua case and Bollywood's pernicious symbolism</a>

He also accused the Centre of turning a blind eye to law and order issues in the country just a year before the general elections in 2019.&nbsp;

The alleged gangrape and murder of the girl, who belonged to nomadic Muslim community, took place in the Kathua district in January. After being missing for a week, her body was found on January 17.&nbsp;

Hitting out at the PM, Singh said that Modi's failure to speak gave the people a chance to think that they could get away with anything would any action being taken against them

Former PM Manmohan Singh has come on record to criticise PM Modi over his long silence on the Kathua and Unnao rape cases asking him to "follow his own advice” and “speak more often”. Manmohan was speaking to the Indian Express. Hitting out at the PM, Singh said that Modi's failure to speak gave the people a chance to think that they could get away with anything would any action being taken against them. He added that he was glad that the PM broke his silence and assured that "daughters of India" will get justice. He also blamed Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for not handling the Kathua rape case properly. He claimed that her approach to the case might have been affected by her coalition partner, BJP. Singh has often been taunted for not speaking up on important issues, more so during the last couple of years during his 10-year tenure to which he said that he “had lived with comments like these his whole life”. The Congress leader said that Modi’s failure to speak up earlier had allowed people to think that they could get away without stern action being taken against them. Also read: Opinion: The Kathua case and Bollywood's pernicious symbolism He also accused the Centre of turning a blind eye to law and order issues in the country just a year before the general elections in 2019. The alleged gangrape and murder of the girl, who belonged to nomadic Muslim community, took place in the Kathua district in January. After being missing for a week, her body was found on January 17.

PM Modi should follow his own advice and speak more often: Manmohan Singh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Sweden late night on Monday 9:30 pm (local time) as part of the first India-Nordic Summit. He was received by his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven at the Stolkhome Arlanda airport.&nbsp;

The Nordics—Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Iceland form a group of country that share history, culture, and traditions. Modi will be having bilaterals with all the heads of states of Nordic countries and take part in the big india Nordic summit. It is the second time in history that Nordic region is holding a summit with another country. The first time it happened was in the tenure of US president Obama.

Nordic countries have globally recognized strengths in clean technologies, environmental solutions, port modernization, food processing, health, agriculture infrastructure, skill development and innovation which are also the focus areas of India’s development.&nbsp;

India’s trade with the Nordic countries is at around US$ 5.3 billion in 2016-17. Cumulative Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to India from Nordic countries is at US$ 2.5 billion. The Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund is one of the biggest single investors in India with investment of over $11.7 billion in India at the end of 2017.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to meet King of Sweden King Carl XVI Gustaf in the morning followed by a walk with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven from Sogerska to Rosenbad.

Modi and Lofven collectively appreciated the presence of the Prime Minister in Sweden while highlighting the fact that after a gap of 30 years an Indian Prime Minister has visited Sweden.

One of the visitors hailed the Union Government's project of Digital India while saying, "We hope that the foreign visits of Prime Minister Modi will strengthen Digital India and his aim of taking lessons from foreign technology and then apply in India will also be fulfilled."

Later in the day, the Prime Ministers of both the countries will sign bilateral agreements followed by a press conference at around 1:30 pm&nbsp;(Sweden local time).

Prime Minister Modi is further scheduled to take part in the Sweden-India business day at the City hall Golden room.

Later Nordic Prime Minister Lofven will conduct a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi at Hotel Grand.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Indian diaspora outside a hotel in Sweden minutes after arriving in the country to embark on his two-day visit as part of the Indo-Nordic summit.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Prime Minister Modi received by Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven on arrival in Stockholm, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sweden?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sweden</a>. <a href="https://t.co/Vj9i2h8Edx">pic.twitter.com/Vj9i2h8Edx</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/985963101836148741?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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मैं मेरे प्रिय मित्र प्रधान मंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र मोदी <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> का स्वीडन में&nbsp; हार्दिक स्वागत करता हूँ! मुझे विश्वास है कि ये ऐतिहासिक यात्रा जो मेरे 2016 मुंबई दौरे के बाद हो रही है, इस से हमारे रिश्ते और भी&nbsp; मजबूत होंगे. &nbsp;सुस्वागतम! ?? ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModiInSweden?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModiInSweden</a> <a href="https://t.co/2ZFgfVHko5">pic.twitter.com/2ZFgfVHko5</a>
— SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) <a href="https://twitter.com/SwedishPM/status/985970595312652289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Further, a group of students from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology of Sweden was also present at the venue to interact with the Prime Minister. They carried the banners that read: "Welcome PM" and shouted slogans of "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and said they are feeling as if they are at home (India).

KTH Royal Institute of Technology of Sweden had been roped in by the Indian government to work along with Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, and Madras for its smart cities project.

Another visitor said, "Bharat had an only chance in 2014 and now it has got another chance in 2019 and it must not lose it. The rise of India in past four years is incomparable to that in 15 years. This has helped in increasing the understanding of the Indian culture among other countries."

The forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Modi's visit to the UK will focus on enhancing India-UK tech partnership. He will attend the CHOGM in London from April 19 to 20.

After concluding his visits to Sweden and the UK, the Prime Minister will meet Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin for a brief while and both the leaders will exchange views on a number of bilateral, regional and global issues.

Modi is scheduled to meet Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf Tuesday morning, followed by a walk with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven from Sogerska to Rosenbad

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Sweden late night on Monday 9:30 pm (local time) as part of the first India-Nordic Summit. He was received by his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven at the Stolkhome Arlanda airport. The Nordics—Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Iceland form a group of country that share history, culture, and traditions. Modi will be having bilaterals with all the heads of states of Nordic countries and take part in the big india Nordic summit. It is the second time in history that Nordic region is holding a summit with another country. The first time it happened was in the tenure of US president Obama. Nordic countries have globally recognized strengths in clean technologies, environmental solutions, port modernization, food processing, health, agriculture infrastructure, skill development and innovation which are also the focus areas of India’s development. India’s trade with the Nordic countries is at around US$ 5.3 billion in 2016-17. Cumulative Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to India from Nordic countries is at US$ 2.5 billion. The Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund is one of the biggest single investors in India with investment of over $11.7 billion in India at the end of 2017. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to meet King of Sweden King Carl XVI Gustaf in the morning followed by a walk with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven from Sogerska to Rosenbad. Modi and Lofven collectively appreciated the presence of the Prime Minister in Sweden while highlighting the fact that after a gap of 30 years an Indian Prime Minister has visited Sweden. One of the visitors hailed the Union Government's project of Digital India while saying, "We hope that the foreign visits of Prime Minister Modi will strengthen Digital India and his aim of taking lessons from foreign technology and then apply in India will also be fulfilled." Later in the day, the Prime Ministers of both the countries will sign bilateral agreements followed by a press conference at around 1:30 pm (Sweden local time). Prime Minister Modi is further scheduled to take part in the Sweden-India business day at the City hall Golden room. Later Nordic Prime Minister Lofven will conduct a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi at Hotel Grand. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Indian diaspora outside a hotel in Sweden minutes after arriving in the country to embark on his two-day visit as part of the Indo-Nordic summit. #WATCH: Prime Minister Modi received by Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven on arrival in Stockholm, #Sweden. pic.twitter.com/Vj9i2h8Edx — ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2018 × मैं मेरे प्रिय मित्र प्रधान मंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र मोदी @narendramodi का स्वीडन में हार्दिक स्वागत करता हूँ! मुझे विश्वास है कि ये ऐतिहासिक यात्रा जो मेरे 2016 मुंबई दौरे के बाद हो रही है, इस से हमारे रिश्ते और भी मजबूत होंगे. सुस्वागतम! ?? ??#ModiInSweden pic.twitter.com/2ZFgfVHko5 — SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) April 16, 2018 × Further, a group of students from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology of Sweden was also present at the venue to interact with the Prime Minister. They carried the banners that read: "Welcome PM" and shouted slogans of "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and said they are feeling as if they are at home (India). KTH Royal Institute of Technology of Sweden had been roped in by the Indian government to work along with Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, and Madras for its smart cities project. Another visitor said, "Bharat had an only chance in 2014 and now it has got another chance in 2019 and it must not lose it. The rise of India in past four years is incomparable to that in 15 years. This has helped in increasing the understanding of the Indian culture among other countries." The forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Modi's visit to the UK will focus on enhancing India-UK tech partnership. He will attend the CHOGM in London from April 19 to 20. After concluding his visits to Sweden and the UK, the Prime Minister will meet Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin for a brief while and both the leaders will exchange views on a number of bilateral, regional and global issues.

Modi arrives in Sweden for India-Nordic Summit, met at airport by Swedish PM

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-signs-strategic-innovation-partnership-with-sweden-131032">PM Modi, Swedish PM Lofven vow to strengthen cybersecurity focus on smart cities, energy & innovation</a>

Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday announced the adoption of Joint Action Plan with Sweden.The strategic innovation partnership with Sweden aims to strengthen cybersecurity and work on smart cities, energy and transportation.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/anti-pakistan-banners-staged-in-london-ahead-of-chogm--131023">Anti-Pakistan banners in London ahead of CHOGM</a>

Anti-Pakistan banners stating "Pakistan must answer for crimes against humanity" and "must question Pakistan for enforced disappearances in Balochistan" were seen in London ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/high-court-to-pronounce-verdict-on-asaram-rape-case-in-jodhpur-jail-131016">High Court to pronounce </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/high-court-to-pronounce-verdict-on-asaram-rape-case-in-jodhpur-jail-131016">verdict</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/high-court-to-pronounce-verdict-on-asaram-rape-case-in-jodhpur-jail-131016"> on Asaram rape case in Jodhpur jail</a>

The Jodhpur High Court has decided to pronounce the verdict in the Asaram rape case in the Jodhpur jail.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/always-happy-to-host-sikh-pilgrims-says-pakistan-deputy-high-commissioner-after-india-summon-131015">'Always happy to host Sikh pilgrims,' says Pakistan deputy high commissioner after India summons</a>

After India summoned Pakistan's deputy high commissioner Syed Haider Shah over Pakistan's refusal to allow consular access to Sikh pilgrims in Punjab province, Shah said &nbspIslamabad is "always happy to host Sikh pilgrims".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/syria-strikes-can-open-window-for-dialogue-with-russia-says-german-foreign-minister-131030">Syria strikes: 'Can open window for dialogue with Russia,' says German foreign minister</a>

Germany's role in the Syrian peace process must be to secure the channels of communication with Russia that are necessary to achieve a political solution to the country's seven-year-old civil war, foreign minister Heiko Maas said on Tuesday.

PM Modi, Swedish PM Lofven vow to strengthen cybersecurity focus on smart cities, energy & innovation Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday announced the adoption of Joint Action Plan with Sweden.The strategic innovation partnership with Sweden aims to strengthen cybersecurity and work on smart cities, energy and transportation. Anti-Pakistan banners in London ahead of CHOGM Anti-Pakistan banners stating "Pakistan must answer for crimes against humanity" and "must question Pakistan for enforced disappearances in Balochistan" were seen in London ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). High Court to pronounce verdict on Asaram rape case in Jodhpur jail The Jodhpur High Court has decided to pronounce the verdict in the Asaram rape case in the Jodhpur jail. 'Always happy to host Sikh pilgrims,' says Pakistan deputy high commissioner after India summons After India summoned Pakistan's deputy high commissioner Syed Haider Shah over Pakistan's refusal to allow consular access to Sikh pilgrims in Punjab province, Shah said &nbspIslamabad is "always happy to host Sikh pilgrims". Syria strikes: 'Can open window for dialogue with Russia,' says German foreign minister Germany's role in the Syrian peace process must be to secure the channels of communication with Russia that are necessary to achieve a political solution to the country's seven-year-old civil war, foreign minister Heiko Maas said on Tuesday.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has held Prime Minister Narendra Modi responsible for ATM machines running out of cash, saying the PM has destroyed the banking system.

He further criticised Modi over the Nirav Modi row, saying that he has taken money from common man's pocket and put it into Nirav Modi's pocket.&nbsp;

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Gandhi said, "Modiji has destroyed the banking system. Nirav fled with Rs 30,000 crore and Prime Minister didn't utter a word."

"We were forced to stand in queues as he snatched Rs 500-1,000 notes from our pockets and put in Nirav Modi's pocket," he added.&nbsp;

He further attacked Modi and said that he&nbsp;runs away from talking in Parliament and having discussions over different issues. Gandhi claimed that if he got 15 minutes to speak on issues related to the Rafael deal and Nirav Modi, PM Modi will not have any answers.

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PM parliament main khade hone se darte hain. Hume 15 mins ka bhashan mil jaye Parliament house main PM khade nahi ho payenge, chahe wo Rafael ka mamala ho ya, chahe wo Nirav Modi ka mamla ho, PM khade nahi ho payenge: Rahul Gandhi <a href="https://t.co/eJKhAMNFqW">pic.twitter.com/eJKhAMNFqW</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986151789710970880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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People Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat reported that they were<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/atms-in-several-states-run-of-cash-130963"> unable to withdraw cash</a> since several ATMs in their city had run out of money.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that he had reviewed the currency situation in the country and assured that there was more than adequate currency in circulation and available with the banks.&nbsp;

The finance minister said the temporary shortage had been caused by "sudden and unusual increase in some areas and is being tackled quickly".

He further attacked Modi saying he runs away from talking in Parliment and having discussions over different issues

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has held Prime Minister Narendra Modi responsible for ATM machines running out of cash, saying the PM has destroyed the banking system. He further criticised Modi over the Nirav Modi row, saying that he has taken money from common man's pocket and put it into Nirav Modi's pocket. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Gandhi said, "Modiji has destroyed the banking system. Nirav fled with Rs 30,000 crore and Prime Minister didn't utter a word." "We were forced to stand in queues as he snatched Rs 500-1,000 notes from our pockets and put in Nirav Modi's pocket," he added. He further attacked Modi and said that he runs away from talking in Parliament and having discussions over different issues. Gandhi claimed that if he got 15 minutes to speak on issues related to the Rafael deal and Nirav Modi, PM Modi will not have any answers. PM parliament main khade hone se darte hain. Hume 15 mins ka bhashan mil jaye Parliament house main PM khade nahi ho payenge, chahe wo Rafael ka mamala ho ya, chahe wo Nirav Modi ka mamla ho, PM khade nahi ho payenge: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/eJKhAMNFqW — ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2018 × People Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat reported that they were unable to withdraw cash since several ATMs in their city had run out of money. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that he had reviewed the currency situation in the country and assured that there was more than adequate currency in circulation and available with the banks. The finance minister said the temporary shortage had been caused by "sudden and unusual increase in some areas and is being tackled quickly".

PM has destroyed banking system, put our money in Nirav Modi's pocket: Rahul Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a five-day official visit to Sweden and the United Kingdom (UK) today. The visit of the prime minister to the two nations aims at enhancing bilateral cooperation in key areas like trade, investments and science and technology.

Apart from bilateral visits to the two countries, Prime Minister Modi will attend the India-Nordic Summit and Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Sweden and the United Kingdom respectively.At the invitation of Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, Prime Minister Modi will undertake his first visit to Sweden on April 16 to 17.

He is scheduled to arrive in Stockholm on April 16 evening and will have a number of meetings on April 17, including an audience with the King of Sweden, King Carl XVI Gustaf, and consultations with Prime Minister Lofven, according to Ministry of External Affairs statement.

Prime Minister Modi will address a gathering of select Swedish business leaders and will also meet Indian community in Sweden.

On the sidelines of the India-Nordic Summit, Prime Minister Modi will have separate bilateral meetings with Prime Ministers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway respectively.

The Prime Minister will visit the UK from April 17 to 20 for a bilateral visit and attend CHOGM. The forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Modi's visit to the UK will focus on enhancing India-UK tech partnership.The visit will see a number of deliverables in the area of skill development, healthcare, cybersecurity, innovation, traditional medicine, and education.

The India-UK CEOs Forum will also take place during this visit. Also, the UK will formally convey their readiness to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

Prime Minister Modi will attend the CHOGM in London from April 19 to 20. The meetings of the Commonwealth Heads of Government usually take place every two years and serve to shape the organisation's agenda for the next two years.

The CHOGM is a multilateral organisation known for its focus on the development issues that confront the Small States and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), many of whom have deep historical and bilateral ties with India.&nbsp;

The visit of the prime minister to the two nations aims at enhancing bilateral cooperation in key areas like trade, investments and science and technology.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a five-day official visit to Sweden and the United Kingdom (UK) today. The visit of the prime minister to the two nations aims at enhancing bilateral cooperation in key areas like trade, investments and science and technology. Apart from bilateral visits to the two countries, Prime Minister Modi will attend the India-Nordic Summit and Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Sweden and the United Kingdom respectively.At the invitation of Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, Prime Minister Modi will undertake his first visit to Sweden on April 16 to 17. He is scheduled to arrive in Stockholm on April 16 evening and will have a number of meetings on April 17, including an audience with the King of Sweden, King Carl XVI Gustaf, and consultations with Prime Minister Lofven, according to Ministry of External Affairs statement. Prime Minister Modi will address a gathering of select Swedish business leaders and will also meet Indian community in Sweden. On the sidelines of the India-Nordic Summit, Prime Minister Modi will have separate bilateral meetings with Prime Ministers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway respectively. The Prime Minister will visit the UK from April 17 to 20 for a bilateral visit and attend CHOGM. The forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Modi's visit to the UK will focus on enhancing India-UK tech partnership.The visit will see a number of deliverables in the area of skill development, healthcare, cybersecurity, innovation, traditional medicine, and education. The India-UK CEOs Forum will also take place during this visit. Also, the UK will formally convey their readiness to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA). Prime Minister Modi will attend the CHOGM in London from April 19 to 20. The meetings of the Commonwealth Heads of Government usually take place every two years and serve to shape the organisation's agenda for the next two years. The CHOGM is a multilateral organisation known for its focus on the development issues that confront the Small States and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), many of whom have deep historical and bilateral ties with India.

Watch: Modi to embark on 5-day official visit to Sweden, UK today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Sweden and England from April 16 to April 20. The Prime Minister is expected to reach Stockholm, Sweden on April 16.

Modi will be the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Sweden in the last three decades after former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi visited&nbsp;the country in 1988.&nbsp;

Ahead of PM Modi's visit to the European nation, we take a quick look at India-Sweden ties that go back to the year 1949 when both countries established formal diplomatic relations.

A diplomatic mission in Stockholm was established by India in the year 1949 which was later raised to the status of an embassy. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country in 1957.

The bilateral ties between India and Sweden went smoothly until the Bofors scandal damaged relations in 1987. The scandal resulted in Congress' defeat in the general elections.&nbsp;

By the turn&nbsp;of the century, India-Sweden ties were on the mend. Both the countries expressed commitment and eagerness to promote their economic and cultural relations.

PM Modi's meeting with his Swedish counterpart is likely to translate into better and fruitful ties between both nations. Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan Löfven previously declared his support for India's candidature as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

Currently, bilateral trade between India and Sweden stands at over US$2 billion. And India is, among Asian countries, Sweden's third-largest trade partner.&nbsp;

On his upcoming visit to Sweden, PM Modi will hold a bilateral summit with his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven on April 17 to discuss regional and global issues at length.&nbsp;

India and Sweden will also co-host the first ever India-Nordic Summit on April 17. The event will see prime ministers from four Nordic countries — Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway — in attendance.&nbsp;

An India-Sweden Innovation Partnership is also expected to be launched.&nbsp;

Interestingly, traces of a relationship between the two countries date back to the 8th century.

In 1954, a small bronze Buddha statuette, believed to have been made in present-day Kashmir around the 5th century, was discovered during excavations on an 8th-century Viking ship.

That statuette now rests at the Swedish History Museum.

Bilateral trade between India and Sweden stands at over US$2 billion today. And India is, among Asian countries, Sweden's third-largest trade partner.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Sweden and England from April 16 to April 20. The Prime Minister is expected to reach Stockholm, Sweden on April 16. Modi will be the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Sweden in the last three decades after former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi visited the country in 1988. Ahead of PM Modi's visit to the European nation, we take a quick look at India-Sweden ties that go back to the year 1949 when both countries established formal diplomatic relations. A diplomatic mission in Stockholm was established by India in the year 1949 which was later raised to the status of an embassy. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country in 1957. The bilateral ties between India and Sweden went smoothly until the Bofors scandal damaged relations in 1987. The scandal resulted in Congress' defeat in the general elections. By the turn of the century, India-Sweden ties were on the mend. Both the countries expressed commitment and eagerness to promote their economic and cultural relations. PM Modi's meeting with his Swedish counterpart is likely to translate into better and fruitful ties between both nations. Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan Löfven previously declared his support for India's candidature as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Currently, bilateral trade between India and Sweden stands at over US$2 billion. And India is, among Asian countries, Sweden's third-largest trade partner. On his upcoming visit to Sweden, PM Modi will hold a bilateral summit with his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven on April 17 to discuss regional and global issues at length. India and Sweden will also co-host the first ever India-Nordic Summit on April 17. The event will see prime ministers from four Nordic countries — Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway — in attendance. An India-Sweden Innovation Partnership is also expected to be launched. Interestingly, traces of a relationship between the two countries date back to the 8th century. In 1954, a small bronze Buddha statuette, believed to have been made in present-day Kashmir around the 5th century, was discovered during excavations on an 8th-century Viking ship. That statuette now rests at the Swedish History Museum.

Ties that go back to the 8th century: A look at India-Sweden relations

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday attacked PM Narendra Modi over the rising number of rape and violence assault incidents of minors in the country.&nbsp

Rahul Gandhi took to twitter stating that the number of rape cases of minors has increased to 19,675 in 2016. He further added that PM should fast track these cases and punish the guilty if he is serious about providing “justice for our daughters.”

The attack comes following the horrific rape and murder incident of eight-year-old girl fro, Kathua, Jammuu and Kashmir.&nbsp

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There were 19,675 rapes of minor children reported in 2016. This is shameful. 
 
PM should fast track these cases and punish the guilty if he is serious about providing “justice for our daughters”. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpeakUp?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpeakUp</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/985785261702467584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Last week as well, Rahul Gandhi had targeted PM Modi saying his silence over growing violence against women and children was unacceptable. Taking to Twitter, he had asked as to why accused rapists and murderers are protected by the state, in an apparent reference to Unnao rape case where the accused is Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar.

Rahul on Thursday last held a midnight candlelight march at India Gate in the national capital against the Kathua and Unnao rape cases, which have triggered a country-wide outrage.

Meanwhile, forty-nine former bureaucrats have written a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-darkest-hour-response-of-government-inadequate-49-former-bureaucrats-write-to-pm-modi-after-kathua-unnao-gang-rapes-130680">scathing open letter</a> to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Kathua and Unnao gang rapes.&nbsp

"In post-independence India, this is our darkest hour and we find the response of our government, the leaders of our political parties inadequate and feeble," the bureaucrats write in their letter. &nbsp

The letter blames the Kathua (Jammu and Kashmir) and Unnao (UP) attacks on the BJP, which is in power in both states.&nbsp

Also,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trial-in-kathua-gang-rape-case-begins-130724"> the trial</a> in the gang-rape and murder case against eight accused men who allegedly drugged, tortured and gang-raped an 8-year-old girl in a village temple in Kathua for a week, began today.

The accused pleaded not guilty and asked the district and sessions judge for a narco test.

The attack comes following the horrific rape and murder incident of eight-year-old girl fro, Kathua, Jammuu and Kashmir

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday attacked PM Narendra Modi over the rising number of rape and violence assault incidents of minors in the country. Rahul Gandhi took to twitter stating that the number of rape cases of minors has increased to 19,675 in 2016. He further added that PM should fast track these cases and punish the guilty if he is serious about providing “justice for our daughters.” The attack comes following the horrific rape and murder incident of eight-year-old girl fro, Kathua, Jammuu and Kashmir. There were 19,675 rapes of minor children reported in 2016. This is shameful. PM should fast track these cases and punish the guilty if he is serious about providing “justice for our daughters”. #SpeakUp — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 16, 2018 × Last week as well, Rahul Gandhi had targeted PM Modi saying his silence over growing violence against women and children was unacceptable. Taking to Twitter, he had asked as to why accused rapists and murderers are protected by the state, in an apparent reference to Unnao rape case where the accused is Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar. Rahul on Thursday last held a midnight candlelight march at India Gate in the national capital against the Kathua and Unnao rape cases, which have triggered a country-wide outrage. Meanwhile, forty-nine former bureaucrats have written a scathing open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Kathua and Unnao gang rapes. "In post-independence India, this is our darkest hour and we find the response of our government, the leaders of our political parties inadequate and feeble," the bureaucrats write in their letter. The letter blames the Kathua (Jammu and Kashmir) and Unnao (UP) attacks on the BJP, which is in power in both states. Also, the trial in the gang-rape and murder case against eight accused men who allegedly drugged, tortured and gang-raped an 8-year-old girl in a village temple in Kathua for a week, began today. The accused pleaded not guilty and asked the district and sessions judge for a narco test.

PM should 'speak up if serious about providing justice for our daughters': Rahul

After concluding his visits to Sweden and the United Kingdon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a stopover in Berlin on April 20.

The external affairs ministry said that PM Modi would be making the stopover on April 20 "at the suggestion of" the German Chancellor.

"At the suggestion of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be making a brief stopover in Berlin on April 20 after completing his visits to Sweden and the United Kingdom."

During his visit, the Prime Minister will meet Chancellor Merkel and both the leaders will exchange views on a number of bilateral, regional and global issues.

This will be the first meeting between the two leaders since Chancellor Merkel began her fourth term on March 14 this year.&nbsp

The visit demonstrates the commitment by the two countries to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges.&nbsp

PM Modi will visit Sweden and Britain from April 16 to 20 with the aim of boosting bilateral cooperation in key areas, including trade and investment. The Sweden leg of his visit will be on April 16-17. Later, he will travel to the United Kingdom.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will also participate in the first-ever India-Nordic Summit and this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

Prime Ministers of all Nordic countries-Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden will attend the summit. 
&nbsp

After concluding his visits to Sweden and the United Kingdon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a stopover in Berlin on April 20

After concluding his visits to Sweden and the United Kingdon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a stopover in Berlin on April 20. The external affairs ministry said that PM Modi would be making the stopover on April 20 "at the suggestion of" the German Chancellor. "At the suggestion of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be making a brief stopover in Berlin on April 20 after completing his visits to Sweden and the United Kingdom." During his visit, the Prime Minister will meet Chancellor Merkel and both the leaders will exchange views on a number of bilateral, regional and global issues. This will be the first meeting between the two leaders since Chancellor Merkel began her fourth term on March 14 this year. The visit demonstrates the commitment by the two countries to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges. PM Modi will visit Sweden and Britain from April 16 to 20 with the aim of boosting bilateral cooperation in key areas, including trade and investment. The Sweden leg of his visit will be on April 16-17. Later, he will travel to the United Kingdom. During his visit, the Prime Minister will also participate in the first-ever India-Nordic Summit and this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Prime Ministers of all Nordic countries-Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden will attend the summit.

PM Modi to make stopover in Germany on 'suggestion' of Angela Merkel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Sweden and England from April 16 to April 20. PM Modi will participate in the first-ever India-Nordic Summit along with this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).&nbsp;

PM Modi is expected to reach Stockholm on April 16 in what will be the first prime ministerial visit from India to Sweden in the last three decades. Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was the last Indian Prime Minister to have visited the country in the year 1988.&nbsp;

PM Modi's agenda will include dialogue and discussions in the areas of innovation, technology and education.&nbsp;

Here's a quick look at the rough itinerary of PM Modi's visit to the two European countries.&nbsp;

1. The Prime minister will hold a bilateral summit with his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven on April 17 to discuss regional and global issues at length.&nbsp;

2. India and Sweden will also co-host the first ever India-Nordic Summit on April 17. The event is expected to see the Prime Ministers from four Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway in attendance.&nbsp;

3. An India-Sweden Innovation Partnership is also expected to be launched.&nbsp;

4. The Prime Minister will leave for Britain on April 17. PM Modi's last visit to Britain was in November 2015. The English Prime Minister Theresa May's visited India in November 2016. The two leaders are likely to hold a bilateral dialogue on April 18.&nbsp;

5.&nbsp;In what has been categorised as an "unprecedented" welcome, PM Modi will hold not just one but two meetings with his British counterpart Theresa May on Wednesday before they begin formal deliberations as part of the multilateral Commonwealth summit on Thursday, PTI reports.

6. A memorandum of understanding on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field.

7. PM Modi's UK visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership and the central feature of this will be his second meeting with Theresa May on Wednesday at the Francis Crick Institute in London, where a new India-UK Technical Alliance is expected to be among a series of announcements.

8. The Prime Minister will also meet Indian-origin scientists working on cancer research, malaria and other tropical diseases before going in to the India-UK CEOs Forum.

The Ministry of External Affairs has indicated that around 10-12 deliverables, including innovation-related MoUs between NASSCOM and Innovate UK and between NITI Aayog and its counterpart in the UK, are expected to be accompanied by a formal joint statement at the end of the bilateral leg of the visit on Wednesday.

9.&nbsp;Prime Minister Modi is also among only three senior world leaders attending CHOGM to be invited for an audience with Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday evening.

10. PM Modi's royal welcome will include a special event hosted by Prince Charles, during which the heir to the British throne will drive up in a Tata Motors' first-ever electric Jaguar to symbolise the India-UK technical collaboration.

"The welcome being accorded to the Indian Prime Minister is unprecedented in many ways. It reflects the importance the UK attaches to the visit and shows the mature level of India-UK ties," said an official involved with the preparations for the visit.&nbsp;

Modi's visit to Britain has been themed "Living bridge and tech partnership".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi's UK visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Sweden and England from April 16 to April 20. PM Modi will participate in the first-ever India-Nordic Summit along with this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). PM Modi is expected to reach Stockholm on April 16 in what will be the first prime ministerial visit from India to Sweden in the last three decades. Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was the last Indian Prime Minister to have visited the country in the year 1988. PM Modi's agenda will include dialogue and discussions in the areas of innovation, technology and education. Here's a quick look at the rough itinerary of PM Modi's visit to the two European countries. 1. The Prime minister will hold a bilateral summit with his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven on April 17 to discuss regional and global issues at length. 2. India and Sweden will also co-host the first ever India-Nordic Summit on April 17. The event is expected to see the Prime Ministers from four Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway in attendance. 3. An India-Sweden Innovation Partnership is also expected to be launched. 4. The Prime Minister will leave for Britain on April 17. PM Modi's last visit to Britain was in November 2015. The English Prime Minister Theresa May's visited India in November 2016. The two leaders are likely to hold a bilateral dialogue on April 18. 5. In what has been categorised as an "unprecedented" welcome, PM Modi will hold not just one but two meetings with his British counterpart Theresa May on Wednesday before they begin formal deliberations as part of the multilateral Commonwealth summit on Thursday, PTI reports. 6. A memorandum of understanding on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field. 7. PM Modi's UK visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership and the central feature of this will be his second meeting with Theresa May on Wednesday at the Francis Crick Institute in London, where a new India-UK Technical Alliance is expected to be among a series of announcements. 8. The Prime Minister will also meet Indian-origin scientists working on cancer research, malaria and other tropical diseases before going in to the India-UK CEOs Forum. The Ministry of External Affairs has indicated that around 10-12 deliverables, including innovation-related MoUs between NASSCOM and Innovate UK and between NITI Aayog and its counterpart in the UK, are expected to be accompanied by a formal joint statement at the end of the bilateral leg of the visit on Wednesday. 9. Prime Minister Modi is also among only three senior world leaders attending CHOGM to be invited for an audience with Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday evening. 10. PM Modi's royal welcome will include a special event hosted by Prince Charles, during which the heir to the British throne will drive up in a Tata Motors' first-ever electric Jaguar to symbolise the India-UK technical collaboration. "The welcome being accorded to the Indian Prime Minister is unprecedented in many ways. It reflects the importance the UK attaches to the visit and shows the mature level of India-UK ties," said an official involved with the preparations for the visit. Modi's visit to Britain has been themed "Living bridge and tech partnership". (With inputs from agencies)

Welcome being accorded to Modi by Britain is 'unprecedented', says official

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first health centre under Ayushman Bharat Scheme here today.

He also inaugurated the first phase of the Bastar Internet scheme under which a 40,000-km-long network of fibre optics cable would be spread across the seven districts of the tribal region.

The districts are Bijapur, Narayanpur, Bastar, Kanker, Kondagaon, Sukma and Dantewada.

Modi, who is the first prime minister to visit the tribal district of Bijapur, also inaugurated a new rail line and a passenger train between Gudum and Bhanupratapur, bringing north Bastar region on railways' map.

This was the prime minister's fourth visit to Chhattisgarh, where assembly elections are due later the year. He had visited Dantewada in May 2015, Naya Raipur and Rajnandgaon in February 2016 and Naya Raipur in November 2016.

Modi also inaugurated bank branches in seven villages and visited rural BPO centre developed under the India BPO promotion scheme. The BPO centre is provided Internet by the Bastar internet scheme.

He also laid foundation stones for road and bridge projects worth over Rs 1,700 crore.

The prime minister's visit to the state coincides with the birth anniversary of Dalit icon B R Ambedkar.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh chaired the programme while Health Minister J P Nadda was the chief guest on the occasion.

Under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, the government aims to open 1.5 lakh health and wellness centre by 2022, which would be equipped to treat host of diseases, including blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and old-age illness.

Also under the scheme, the government has prepared the broad contour of the National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) and work is on to finalise parameters for identifying beneficiaries and hospital entitlement.&nbsp;

Under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, the government aims to open 1.5 lakh health and wellness centre by 2022, which would be equipped to treat host of diseases, including blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and old-age illness

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first health centre under Ayushman Bharat Scheme here today. He also inaugurated the first phase of the Bastar Internet scheme under which a 40,000-km-long network of fibre optics cable would be spread across the seven districts of the tribal region. The districts are Bijapur, Narayanpur, Bastar, Kanker, Kondagaon, Sukma and Dantewada. Modi, who is the first prime minister to visit the tribal district of Bijapur, also inaugurated a new rail line and a passenger train between Gudum and Bhanupratapur, bringing north Bastar region on railways' map. This was the prime minister's fourth visit to Chhattisgarh, where assembly elections are due later the year. He had visited Dantewada in May 2015, Naya Raipur and Rajnandgaon in February 2016 and Naya Raipur in November 2016. Modi also inaugurated bank branches in seven villages and visited rural BPO centre developed under the India BPO promotion scheme. The BPO centre is provided Internet by the Bastar internet scheme. He also laid foundation stones for road and bridge projects worth over Rs 1,700 crore. The prime minister's visit to the state coincides with the birth anniversary of Dalit icon B R Ambedkar. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh chaired the programme while Health Minister J P Nadda was the chief guest on the occasion. Under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, the government aims to open 1.5 lakh health and wellness centre by 2022, which would be equipped to treat host of diseases, including blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and old-age illness. Also under the scheme, the government has prepared the broad contour of the National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) and work is on to finalise parameters for identifying beneficiaries and hospital entitlement.

Chhattisgarh: Modi inaugurates first health centre under Ayushman Bharat Scheme

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Friday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence over the rape and killing of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua district of the State.

“Hon PM sir, there isn’t a day when we don’t hear you speak about things that are important to you yet there are times when you are completely silent about things that are important to others,” he tweeted.

Abdullah requested the Prime Minister not to let the girl be “someone you choose to remain silent about”.

Abdullah also asked the ministers who supported the killers and threatened the police not to make arrests in the case to step down and said that they have no right to stay in the cabinet.

''Ministers who supported the killers of Kathua rape and murder case victim and threatened police not to make arrests have no right to stay in the cabinet. Mehbooba Mufti should take action just like she took against Haseeb Drabu (ex J&K FM), whose crime wasn't this heinous,'' Omar Abdullah said.&nbsp;

The rape and killing of the girl, who belonged to the nomadic Bakerwal Muslim community, has become a national issue. Details of the crime surfaced following filing of charges.

The girl had disappeared from a spot near her house close to Rasana village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua on January 10. A week later, her body was found in the same area.

A Special Investigation Team, formed to probe the incident, has arrested eight people, including two special police officers (SPOs) and a head constable, who was charged with destroying evidence.

 
&nbsp;

“Hon PM sir, there isn’t a day when we don’t hear you speak about things that are important to you yet there are times when you are completely silent about things that are important to others,” he tweeted.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Friday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence over the rape and killing of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua district of the State. “Hon PM sir, there isn’t a day when we don’t hear you speak about things that are important to you yet there are times when you are completely silent about things that are important to others,” he tweeted. Abdullah requested the Prime Minister not to let the girl be “someone you choose to remain silent about”. Abdullah also asked the ministers who supported the killers and threatened the police not to make arrests in the case to step down and said that they have no right to stay in the cabinet. ''Ministers who supported the killers of Kathua rape and murder case victim and threatened police not to make arrests have no right to stay in the cabinet. Mehbooba Mufti should take action just like she took against Haseeb Drabu (ex J&K FM), whose crime wasn't this heinous,'' Omar Abdullah said. The rape and killing of the girl, who belonged to the nomadic Bakerwal Muslim community, has become a national issue. Details of the crime surfaced following filing of charges. The girl had disappeared from a spot near her house close to Rasana village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua on January 10. A week later, her body was found in the same area. A Special Investigation Team, formed to probe the incident, has arrested eight people, including two special police officers (SPOs) and a head constable, who was charged with destroying evidence.

Kathua rape and murder: Omar Abdullah asks PM Modi to break silence

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News brief: Big stories of the day

After breakfast with Theresa May, PM Modi meets Prince Charles

PM Modi should follow his own advice and speak more often: Manmohan Singh

Modi arrives in Sweden for India-Nordic Summit, met at airport by Swedish PM

News brief: Big stories of the day

PM has destroyed banking system, put our money in Nirav Modi's pocket: Rahul Gandhi

Watch: Modi to embark on 5-day official visit to Sweden, UK today

Ties that go back to the 8th century: A look at India-Sweden relations

PM should 'speak up if serious about providing justice for our daughters': Rahul

PM Modi to make stopover in Germany on 'suggestion' of Angela Merkel

Welcome being accorded to Modi by Britain is 'unprecedented', says official

Chhattisgarh: Modi inaugurates first health centre under Ayushman Bharat Scheme

Kathua rape and murder: Omar Abdullah asks PM Modi to break silence