A few days before President Joe Biden’s Summit for Democracy, a virtual meeting of more than 100 countries that opened Thursday, the Chinese foreign ministry released a stinging report about the American democratic system.

The “gunshots and farce on Capitol Hill have completely revealed what is underneath the gorgeous appearance of the American-style democracy,” the Chinese report said, citing the Jan. 6 riot. In a country where “money decides everything,” the report charged, “an entrenched political paralysis” renders governing impossible.

A spokesperson for the Russian foreign ministry struck a similarly contemptuous tone in late November. “The United States claims the right to decide who is worthy of being called a democracy and who is not,” said the spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, according to Tass, the state news agency. “It certainly looks cynical. I would say that it looks pathetic, given the state of democracy and human rights in the United States and in the West in general.”

A backlash from authoritarian governments that were not invited to a summit meeting meant to support democratic values is hardly surprising.

But even U.S. officials concede that American democracy is straining from political polarization, racial injustice and discord, voting rights restrictions and domestic extremism, among other issues. Some activists are urging Biden to devote more attention to problems at home before turning his focus abroad.

“You can’t try to export and defend democracy globally when you can’t protect it domestically,” said Cliff Albright, a co-founder and executive director of the Black Voters Matter Fund, a progressive nonprofit group in Atlanta. “You can’t be the global fireman when your house is on fire.”

That tension will loom over the two-day virtual gathering of leaders from model democracies like Germany, Japan and Sweden to countries with mixed records such as Georgia, Nigeria and Pakistan. The meeting, which also includes journalists, civil society activists and business leaders, is meant to be a forum for democracies to exchange ideas and critiques, U.S. officials say. Participants will also make commitments on political reform, corruption, human rights and other matters.

“The U.S. is clearly going through a rough patch right now,” said Michael J. Abramowitz, the president of Freedom House, a nonpartisan group dedicated to human rights and democracy. The United States ranked 50th on Freedom House’s annual index of global freedom, he said. Last month, the Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance placed the United States on its list of “backsliding democracies.”

Domestic shortcomings should not deter the United States from promoting its core values where authoritarianism and populism have gained traction in recent years, Abramowitz said, “as long as it’s done with humility.”

“Without United States engagement and leadership, the cause of democracy will not advance,” he said. “Who else will do it?”

Biden has said the world stands at a historical “inflection point” in the contest between democracy and autocracy. He has also vowed to show that the U.S. system is superior to more centralized models, like China’s, which brook little dissent. Administration officials say they meet that challenge but have no illusions about their domestic troubles.

“We approach this week with both humility and confidence,” Uzra Zeya, the undersecretary for civilian security, democracy and human rights, told reporters at the State Department on Tuesday.

She added: “Humility in that we want to listen and learn and don’t shy away from our shortcomings; confidence in our constant striving for a more perfect union; and our certainty that, working together, democracies can and will deliver for the world’s citizens, regardless of the raw deal that autocrats and authoritarians try to sell.”

But others cautioned against moving the spotlight overseas while problems festered at home. The federal authorities have said that violent domestic extremists continue to be emboldened by false claims about the 2020 election. Former President Donald Trump is fighting in court to block the release of documents requested by a congressional committee investigating the mob attack on the Capitol. And Republicans have passed voting restrictions in 19 states this year.

While Biden has called defending the right to vote an urgent priority, many of his supporters complain that federal legislation to bolster voting rights, standardize basic election rules and outlaw gerrymandering has not advanced in Congress.

A White House fact sheet issued before the summit cited the passage of his bipartisan infrastructure plan as a prominent example of a functioning democracy. But Marc H. Morial, the president and chief executive of the National Urban League, said that more action was needed on domestic threats to democracy. He called the summit “a missed opportunity.”

“You cannot separate what’s going on globally with what’s going on in the United States,” Morial said.

The Biden administration could also use the summit to set out longer-term plans to work with other countries facing similar threats to democracy, said Rachel Kleinfeld, a senior fellow in the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a Washington think tank. For example, officials could strategize on ways to crack down on U.S. extremist groups increasingly making connections overseas, she said.

“American democracy at home and global democracy abroad are in dire need of strategy, of improvement, because both are facing swift recession,” Kleinfeld said. “But a summit is not a strategy. In fact, a summit has been a distraction.”

Domestic issues are not the only potential source of awkwardness at the meeting, which started off with remarks from Biden and will feature sessions with heads of state and more than a dozen events.

The administration has also faced questions over its criteria for invitations. Critics have questioned the inclusion of countries like the Philippines, which the State Department has condemned for extrajudicial killings, and Pakistan, which the United States accused of “forced disappearance by the government or its agents; torture; and cases of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment by the government.”

Freedom House found that Georgia was affected by the influence of oligarchs over its politics and news media, and that Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy, had endemic corruption and permitted the harassment and arrests of journalists.

“I would not have thrown a party in quite this way,” Kleinfeld said of the “broad tent” of invitees.

Hungary and Turkey, which are NATO members, were not invited; nor were several other countries that identify as democracies but have records of repression. Singapore was also left out, though Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Vice President Kamala Harris both traveled there this year to promote its relationship with the United States as an ally in the South China Sea.

“The decision to not invite robust democracies like Singapore and Bhutan underscores that democracy is in the eye of the beholder,” said Curtis S. Chin, a former U.S. ambassador to the Asian Development Bank.

Brazil, Latin America’s largest — but increasingly authoritarian — democracy, also was not invited; nor were Egypt Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates.

Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said this week that the invitations should not be treated as a “stamp of approval on their approach to democracy.”

“This is an opportunity, again, not to celebrate everything we’ve done on democracy, either for the United States or all these countries, and call it a day,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to continue to strive to do better.”

A few days before President Joe Biden’s Summit for Democracy, a virtual meeting of more than 100 countries that opened Thursday, the Chinese foreign ministry released a stinging report about the American democratic system.

A few days before President Joe Biden’s Summit for Democracy, a virtual meeting of more than 100 countries that opened Thursday, the Chinese foreign ministry released a stinging report about the American democratic system. The “gunshots and farce on Capitol Hill have completely revealed what is underneath the gorgeous appearance of the American-style democracy,” the Chinese report said, citing the Jan. 6 riot. In a country where “money decides everything,” the report charged, “an entrenched political paralysis” renders governing impossible. A spokesperson for the Russian foreign ministry struck a similarly contemptuous tone in late November. “The United States claims the right to decide who is worthy of being called a democracy and who is not,” said the spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, according to Tass, the state news agency. “It certainly looks cynical. I would say that it looks pathetic, given the state of democracy and human rights in the United States and in the West in general.” A backlash from authoritarian governments that were not invited to a summit meeting meant to support democratic values is hardly surprising. But even U.S. officials concede that American democracy is straining from political polarization, racial injustice and discord, voting rights restrictions and domestic extremism, among other issues. Some activists are urging Biden to devote more attention to problems at home before turning his focus abroad. “You can’t try to export and defend democracy globally when you can’t protect it domestically,” said Cliff Albright, a co-founder and executive director of the Black Voters Matter Fund, a progressive nonprofit group in Atlanta. “You can’t be the global fireman when your house is on fire.” That tension will loom over the two-day virtual gathering of leaders from model democracies like Germany, Japan and Sweden to countries with mixed records such as Georgia, Nigeria and Pakistan. The meeting, which also includes journalists, civil society activists and business leaders, is meant to be a forum for democracies to exchange ideas and critiques, U.S. officials say. Participants will also make commitments on political reform, corruption, human rights and other matters. “The U.S. is clearly going through a rough patch right now,” said Michael J. Abramowitz, the president of Freedom House, a nonpartisan group dedicated to human rights and democracy. The United States ranked 50th on Freedom House’s annual index of global freedom, he said. Last month, the Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance placed the United States on its list of “backsliding democracies.” Domestic shortcomings should not deter the United States from promoting its core values where authoritarianism and populism have gained traction in recent years, Abramowitz said, “as long as it’s done with humility.” “Without United States engagement and leadership, the cause of democracy will not advance,” he said. “Who else will do it?” Biden has said the world stands at a historical “inflection point” in the contest between democracy and autocracy. He has also vowed to show that the U.S. system is superior to more centralized models, like China’s, which brook little dissent. Administration officials say they meet that challenge but have no illusions about their domestic troubles. “We approach this week with both humility and confidence,” Uzra Zeya, the undersecretary for civilian security, democracy and human rights, told reporters at the State Department on Tuesday. She added: “Humility in that we want to listen and learn and don’t shy away from our shortcomings; confidence in our constant striving for a more perfect union; and our certainty that, working together, democracies can and will deliver for the world’s citizens, regardless of the raw deal that autocrats and authoritarians try to sell.” But others cautioned against moving the spotlight overseas while problems festered at home. The federal authorities have said that violent domestic extremists continue to be emboldened by false claims about the 2020 election. Former President Donald Trump is fighting in court to block the release of documents requested by a congressional committee investigating the mob attack on the Capitol. And Republicans have passed voting restrictions in 19 states this year. While Biden has called defending the right to vote an urgent priority, many of his supporters complain that federal legislation to bolster voting rights, standardize basic election rules and outlaw gerrymandering has not advanced in Congress. A White House fact sheet issued before the summit cited the passage of his bipartisan infrastructure plan as a prominent example of a functioning democracy. But Marc H. Morial, the president and chief executive of the National Urban League, said that more action was needed on domestic threats to democracy. He called the summit “a missed opportunity.” “You cannot separate what’s going on globally with what’s going on in the United States,” Morial said. The Biden administration could also use the summit to set out longer-term plans to work with other countries facing similar threats to democracy, said Rachel Kleinfeld, a senior fellow in the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a Washington think tank. For example, officials could strategize on ways to crack down on U.S. extremist groups increasingly making connections overseas, she said. “American democracy at home and global democracy abroad are in dire need of strategy, of improvement, because both are facing swift recession,” Kleinfeld said. “But a summit is not a strategy. In fact, a summit has been a distraction.” Domestic issues are not the only potential source of awkwardness at the meeting, which started off with remarks from Biden and will feature sessions with heads of state and more than a dozen events. The administration has also faced questions over its criteria for invitations. Critics have questioned the inclusion of countries like the Philippines, which the State Department has condemned for extrajudicial killings, and Pakistan, which the United States accused of “forced disappearance by the government or its agents; torture; and cases of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment by the government.” Freedom House found that Georgia was affected by the influence of oligarchs over its politics and news media, and that Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy, had endemic corruption and permitted the harassment and arrests of journalists. “I would not have thrown a party in quite this way,” Kleinfeld said of the “broad tent” of invitees. Hungary and Turkey, which are NATO members, were not invited; nor were several other countries that identify as democracies but have records of repression. Singapore was also left out, though Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Vice President Kamala Harris both traveled there this year to promote its relationship with the United States as an ally in the South China Sea. “The decision to not invite robust democracies like Singapore and Bhutan underscores that democracy is in the eye of the beholder,” said Curtis S. Chin, a former U.S. ambassador to the Asian Development Bank. Brazil, Latin America’s largest — but increasingly authoritarian — democracy, also was not invited; nor were Egypt Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates. Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said this week that the invitations should not be treated as a “stamp of approval on their approach to democracy.” “This is an opportunity, again, not to celebrate everything we’ve done on democracy, either for the United States or all these countries, and call it a day,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to continue to strive to do better.”

Biden rallies global democracies as US hits a 'rough patch'

On Thursday, Joe Biden will host representatives from more than 100 countries for a democracy summit that has drawn criticism from China and Russia.&nbsp;

The White House describes the event, which is taking place by video link due to the Coronavirus pandemic, as US leadership in the existential struggle between democracies and powerful autocracies or dictatorships.

"Make no mistake, we're at a moment of democratic reckoning," said Uzra Zeya, the Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/forced-labour-us-house-passes-law-to-ban-imports-from-chinas-xinjiang-435293" hreflang="en">'Forced labour': US House passes law to ban imports from China's Xinjiang</a>

"It's no secret that democracies around the world are facing increasing challenges from new and novel threats. Countries in virtually every region of the world have experienced degrees of democratic backsliding."

United States sees the December 9 and 10 summit as a "galvanizing moment" for world democracies to address pressing challenges.

The two-day summit will be opened by President Biden at the White House and will bring together participants from over 100 countries, as well as NGOs, businesses, philanthropic organizations and legislators.

However, the fact that Biden continues to face shocking challenges to democratic norms from Donald Trump, who has attempted to throw out the 2020 election, poses a troubling backdrop to the summit.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-threatens-russia-with-severe-sanctions-if-ukraine-is-attacked-435291" hreflang="en">Biden threatens Russia with 'severe sanctions' if Ukraine is attacked; US troops not to be involved</a>

Even before summit attendees could meet, tensions erupted over who should be included and excluded from the list.

In Biden's case, China and Russia, which he sees as the champions of autocracies, were left out, which they say is stoking an ideological rift.

"No country has the right to judge the world's vast and varied political landscape by a single yardstick," wrote ambassadors Anatoly Antonov of Russia and Qin Gang of China in a joint essay last month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-achilles-heel-of-bidens-climate-plan-coal-miners-435265" hreflang="en">The Achilles’ heel of Biden’s climate plan? Coal miners.</a>

A further irritant to Chinese sensibilities is the Biden administration's invitation to Taiwan, a democratically-ruled island that mainland China considers a part of its territory, but does not yet control.

In addition, the absence of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, which are some of India's closest democratic neighbours, further reinforces China's view that the summit is intended to divide Asia.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Thursday, Joe Biden will host representatives from more than 100 countries for a democracy summit that has drawn criticism from China and Russia. The White House describes the event, which is taking place by video link due to the Coronavirus pandemic, as US leadership in the existential struggle between democracies and powerful autocracies or dictatorships.

On Thursday, Joe Biden will host representatives from more than 100 countries for a democracy summit that has drawn criticism from China and Russia. The White House describes the event, which is taking place by video link due to the Coronavirus pandemic, as US leadership in the existential struggle between democracies and powerful autocracies or dictatorships. "Make no mistake, we're at a moment of democratic reckoning," said Uzra Zeya, the Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights. Also read | 'Forced labour': US House passes law to ban imports from China's Xinjiang "It's no secret that democracies around the world are facing increasing challenges from new and novel threats. Countries in virtually every region of the world have experienced degrees of democratic backsliding." United States sees the December 9 and 10 summit as a "galvanizing moment" for world democracies to address pressing challenges. The two-day summit will be opened by President Biden at the White House and will bring together participants from over 100 countries, as well as NGOs, businesses, philanthropic organizations and legislators. However, the fact that Biden continues to face shocking challenges to democratic norms from Donald Trump, who has attempted to throw out the 2020 election, poses a troubling backdrop to the summit. Also read | Biden threatens Russia with 'severe sanctions' if Ukraine is attacked; US troops not to be involved Even before summit attendees could meet, tensions erupted over who should be included and excluded from the list. In Biden's case, China and Russia, which he sees as the champions of autocracies, were left out, which they say is stoking an ideological rift. "No country has the right to judge the world's vast and varied political landscape by a single yardstick," wrote ambassadors Anatoly Antonov of Russia and Qin Gang of China in a joint essay last month. Also read | The Achilles’ heel of Biden’s climate plan? Coal miners. A further irritant to Chinese sensibilities is the Biden administration's invitation to Taiwan, a democratically-ruled island that mainland China considers a part of its territory, but does not yet control. In addition, the absence of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, which are some of India's closest democratic neighbours, further reinforces China's view that the summit is intended to divide Asia. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden's Democracy Summit: 100+ nations invited, China & Russia see red after being left out

Two people have lost their lives in a shooting incident that took place at Moscow, Sputnik news reported. Police have detained a man.

As per the report, the shooting took place at Ryazansky multi functional public services centre. As per the early report,&nbsp;the&nbsp;deceased included a woman working at the centre and an visitor.

Moscow mayor has made a tweet in Russian and has offered condolences to the victims.

Russian news agencies, citing sources in the interior ministry, reported a child had been injured in the shooting.&nbsp;

The capital's investigators launched a criminal case into the shooting, they also reported.&nbsp;

Mass shootings in Russia are rare but the country was rocked by two separate tragic killing sprees -- one at a school, another at a university -- this year, spurring lawmakers to tighten laws regulating access to guns.

In one high-profile public shooting in 2019, a gunman opened fire near the FSB domestic intelligence agency headquarters in central Moscow, killing an officer and wounding five people.

Other high-profile shooting cases have taken place in Russia's army.&nbsp;

In November 2020, a 20-year-old soldier killed three fellow servicemen at a military base near the city of Voronezh.&nbsp;

In a similar attack in 2019, a young recruit shot dead eight servicemen.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two people have lost their lives in a shooting incident that took place at Moscow, Sputnik news reported. Police have detained a man. As per the report, the shooting took place at Ryazansky multi functional public services centre.

Two people have lost their lives in a shooting incident that took place at Moscow, Sputnik news reported. Police have detained a man. As per the report, the shooting took place at Ryazansky multi functional public services centre. As per the early report, the deceased included a woman working at the centre and an visitor. Moscow mayor has made a tweet in Russian and has offered condolences to the victims. Russian news agencies, citing sources in the interior ministry, reported a child had been injured in the shooting. The capital's investigators launched a criminal case into the shooting, they also reported. Mass shootings in Russia are rare but the country was rocked by two separate tragic killing sprees -- one at a school, another at a university -- this year, spurring lawmakers to tighten laws regulating access to guns. In one high-profile public shooting in 2019, a gunman opened fire near the FSB domestic intelligence agency headquarters in central Moscow, killing an officer and wounding five people. Other high-profile shooting cases have taken place in Russia's army. In November 2020, a 20-year-old soldier killed three fellow servicemen at a military base near the city of Voronezh. In a similar attack in 2019, a young recruit shot dead eight servicemen. (With inputs from agencies)

Shooting in Moscow, two dead, a man detained

When cybersleuths traced the millions of dollars American companies, hospitals and city governments have paid to online extortionists in ransom money, they made a telling discovery: At least some of it passed through one of the most prestigious business addresses in Moscow.

The Biden administration has also zeroed in on the building, Federation Tower East, the tallest skyscraper in the Russian capital. The United States has targeted several companies in the tower as it seeks to penalize Russian ransomware gangs, which encrypt their victims’ digital data and then demand payments to unscramble it.

Those payments are typically made in cryptocurrencies, virtual currencies like Bitcoin, which the gangs then need to convert to standard currencies, like dollars, euros and rubles.

That this high-rise in Moscow’s financial district has emerged as an apparent hub of such money laundering has convinced many security experts that Russian authorities tolerate ransomware operators. The targets are almost exclusively outside Russia, they point out, and in at least one case documented in a U.S. sanctions announcement, the suspect was assisting a Russian espionage agency.

“It says a lot,” said Dmitry Smilyanets, a threat intelligence expert with the Massachusetts-based cybersecurity firm Recorded Future. “Russian law enforcement usually has an answer: ‘There is no case open in Russian jurisdiction. There are no victims. How do you expect us to prosecute these honorable people?’”

Recorded Future has counted about 50 cryptocurrency exchanges in Moscow City, a financial district in the capital, that in its assessment are engaged in illicit activity. Other exchanges in the district are not suspected of accepting cryptocurrencies linked to crime.

Cybercrime is just one of many issues fueling tensions between Russia and the United States, along with the Russian military buildup near Ukraine and a recent migrant crisis on the Belarus-Polish border.

The Treasury Department has estimated that Americans have paid $1.6 billion in ransoms since 2011. One Russian ransomware strain, Ryuk, made an estimated $162 million last year encrypting the computer systems of American hospitals during the pandemic and demanding fees to release the data, according to Chainalysis, a company tracking cryptocurrency transactions.

The hospital attacks cast a spotlight on the rapidly expanding criminal industry of ransomware, which is based primarily in Russia. Criminal syndicates have become more efficient, and brazen, in what has become a conveyor-belt-like process of hacking, encrypting and then negotiating for ransom in cryptocurrencies, which can be owned anonymously.

At a summit meeting in June, President Joe Biden pressed President Vladimir Putin of Russia to crack down on ransomware after a Russian gang, DarkSide, attacked a major gasoline pipeline on the East Coast, Colonial Pipeline, disrupting supplies and creating lines at gas stations.

U.S. officials point to people like Maksim Yakubets, a skinny 34-year-old with a pompadour haircut whom the United States has identified as a kingpin of a major cybercrime operation calling itself Evil Corp. Cybersecurity analysts have linked his group to a series of ransomware attacks, including one last year targeting the National Rifle Association. A U.S. sanctions announcement accused Yakubets of also assisting Russia’s Federal Security Service, the main successor to the KGB.

But after the State Department announced a $5 million bounty for information leading to his arrest, Yakubets seemed only to flaunt his impunity in Russia: He was photographed driving in Moscow in a Lamborghini partially painted fluorescent yellow.

The cluster of suspected cryptocurrency exchanges in Federation Tower East, first reported last month by Bloomberg News, further illustrates how the Russian ransomware industry hides in plain sight.

The 97-floor, glass-and-steel high-rise resting on a bend in the Moscow River stands within sight of several government ministries in the financial district, including the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, Signals and Mass Communications.

Two of the Biden administration’s most forceful actions to date targeting ransomware are linked to the tower. In September, the Treasury Department imposed sanctions on a cryptocurrency exchange called Suex, which has offices on the 31st floor. It accused the company of laundering $160 million in illicit funds.

In an interview at the time, a founder of Suex, Vasily Zhabykin, denied any illegal activity.

And last month, Russian news media outlets reported that Dutch police, using a U.S. extradition warrant, had detained the owner, Denis Dubnikov, of another firm called EggChange, with an office on the 22nd floor. In a statement issued by one of his companies, Dubnikov denied any wrongdoing.

Ransomware is attractive to criminals, cybersecurity experts say, because the attacks take place mostly anonymously and online, minimizing the chances of getting caught. It has mushroomed into a sprawling, highly compartmentalized industry in Russia known to cybersecurity researchers as “ransomware as a service.”

The organizational structure mimics franchises, like McDonald’s or Hertz, that lower barriers to entry, allowing less sophisticated hackers to use established business practices to get into the business. Several high-level gangs develop software and promote fearsome-sounding brands, such as DarkSide or Maze, to intimidate businesses and other organizations that are targets. Other groups that are only loosely related hack into computer systems using the brand and franchised software.

The industry’s growth has been abetted by the rise of cryptocurrencies. That has made old-school money mules, who sometimes had to smuggle cash across borders, practically obsolete.

Laundering the cryptocurrency through exchanges is the final step, and also the most vulnerable, because criminals must exit the anonymous online world to appear at a physical location, where they trade Bitcoin for cash or deposit it in a bank.

The exchange offices are “the end of the Bitcoin and ransomware rainbow,” said Gurvais Grigg, a former FBI agent who is a researcher with Chainalysis, the cryptocurrency tracking company.

The computer codes in virtual currencies allow transactions to be tracked from one user to another, even if the owners’ identities are anonymous, until the cryptocurrency reaches an exchange. There, in theory, records should link the cryptocurrency with a real person or company.

“They are really one of the key points in the whole ransomware strain,” Grigg said of the exchange offices. Ransomware gangs, he said, “want to make money. And until you cash it out, and you get it through an exchange at a cash-out point, you cannot spend it.”

It is at this point, cybersecurity experts say, that criminals should be identified and apprehended. But the Russian government has allowed the exchanges to flourish, saying that it only investigates cybercrime if Russian laws are violated. Regulations are a gray area in Russia, as elsewhere, in the nascent industry of cryptocurrency trading.

Russian cryptocurrency traders say the United States is imposing an unfair burden of due diligence on their companies, given the quickly evolving nature of regulations.

“The people who are real criminals, who create ransomware, and the people working in Moscow City are completely different people,” Sergei Mendeleyev, a founder of one trader based in Federation Tower East, Garantex, said in an interview. The Russian crypto exchanges, he said, were blamed for crimes they are unaware of.

Mendeleyev, who no longer works at the company, said American cryptocurrency tracking services provide data to non-Russian exchanges to help them avoid illicit transactions but have refused to work with Russian traders — in part because they suspect the traders might use the information to tip off criminals. That complicates the Russian companies’ efforts to root out illegal activity.

He conceded that not all Russian exchanges tried very hard. Some based in Moscow’s financial district were little more than an office, a safe full of cash and a computer, he said.

At least 15 cryptocurrency exchanges are based in Federation Tower East, according to a list of businesses in the building compiled by Yandex, a Russian mapping service.

In addition to Suex and EggChange, the companies targeted by the Biden administration, cyber researchers and an international cryptocurrency exchange company have flagged two other building tenants that they suspect of illegal activity involving Bitcoin.

The building manager, Aeon Corp., did not respond to inquiries about the exchanges in its offices.

Like the banks and insurance companies they share space with, those firms are likely to have chosen the site for its status and its stringent building security, said Smilyanets, the researcher at Recorded Future.

“The Moscow City skyscrapers are very fancy,” he said. “They can post on Instagram with these beautiful sights, beautiful skyscrapers. It boosts their legitimacy.”

When cybersleuths traced the millions of dollars American companies, hospitals and city governments have paid to online extortionists in ransom money, they made a telling discovery: At least some of it passed through one of the most prestigious business addresses in Moscow.

When cybersleuths traced the millions of dollars American companies, hospitals and city governments have paid to online extortionists in ransom money, they made a telling discovery: At least some of it passed through one of the most prestigious business addresses in Moscow. The Biden administration has also zeroed in on the building, Federation Tower East, the tallest skyscraper in the Russian capital. The United States has targeted several companies in the tower as it seeks to penalize Russian ransomware gangs, which encrypt their victims’ digital data and then demand payments to unscramble it. Those payments are typically made in cryptocurrencies, virtual currencies like Bitcoin, which the gangs then need to convert to standard currencies, like dollars, euros and rubles. That this high-rise in Moscow’s financial district has emerged as an apparent hub of such money laundering has convinced many security experts that Russian authorities tolerate ransomware operators. The targets are almost exclusively outside Russia, they point out, and in at least one case documented in a U.S. sanctions announcement, the suspect was assisting a Russian espionage agency. “It says a lot,” said Dmitry Smilyanets, a threat intelligence expert with the Massachusetts-based cybersecurity firm Recorded Future. “Russian law enforcement usually has an answer: ‘There is no case open in Russian jurisdiction. There are no victims. How do you expect us to prosecute these honorable people?’” Recorded Future has counted about 50 cryptocurrency exchanges in Moscow City, a financial district in the capital, that in its assessment are engaged in illicit activity. Other exchanges in the district are not suspected of accepting cryptocurrencies linked to crime. Cybercrime is just one of many issues fueling tensions between Russia and the United States, along with the Russian military buildup near Ukraine and a recent migrant crisis on the Belarus-Polish border. The Treasury Department has estimated that Americans have paid $1.6 billion in ransoms since 2011. One Russian ransomware strain, Ryuk, made an estimated $162 million last year encrypting the computer systems of American hospitals during the pandemic and demanding fees to release the data, according to Chainalysis, a company tracking cryptocurrency transactions. The hospital attacks cast a spotlight on the rapidly expanding criminal industry of ransomware, which is based primarily in Russia. Criminal syndicates have become more efficient, and brazen, in what has become a conveyor-belt-like process of hacking, encrypting and then negotiating for ransom in cryptocurrencies, which can be owned anonymously. At a summit meeting in June, President Joe Biden pressed President Vladimir Putin of Russia to crack down on ransomware after a Russian gang, DarkSide, attacked a major gasoline pipeline on the East Coast, Colonial Pipeline, disrupting supplies and creating lines at gas stations. U.S. officials point to people like Maksim Yakubets, a skinny 34-year-old with a pompadour haircut whom the United States has identified as a kingpin of a major cybercrime operation calling itself Evil Corp. Cybersecurity analysts have linked his group to a series of ransomware attacks, including one last year targeting the National Rifle Association. A U.S. sanctions announcement accused Yakubets of also assisting Russia’s Federal Security Service, the main successor to the KGB. But after the State Department announced a $5 million bounty for information leading to his arrest, Yakubets seemed only to flaunt his impunity in Russia: He was photographed driving in Moscow in a Lamborghini partially painted fluorescent yellow. The cluster of suspected cryptocurrency exchanges in Federation Tower East, first reported last month by Bloomberg News, further illustrates how the Russian ransomware industry hides in plain sight. The 97-floor, glass-and-steel high-rise resting on a bend in the Moscow River stands within sight of several government ministries in the financial district, including the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, Signals and Mass Communications. Two of the Biden administration’s most forceful actions to date targeting ransomware are linked to the tower. In September, the Treasury Department imposed sanctions on a cryptocurrency exchange called Suex, which has offices on the 31st floor. It accused the company of laundering $160 million in illicit funds. In an interview at the time, a founder of Suex, Vasily Zhabykin, denied any illegal activity. And last month, Russian news media outlets reported that Dutch police, using a U.S. extradition warrant, had detained the owner, Denis Dubnikov, of another firm called EggChange, with an office on the 22nd floor. In a statement issued by one of his companies, Dubnikov denied any wrongdoing. Ransomware is attractive to criminals, cybersecurity experts say, because the attacks take place mostly anonymously and online, minimizing the chances of getting caught. It has mushroomed into a sprawling, highly compartmentalized industry in Russia known to cybersecurity researchers as “ransomware as a service.” The organizational structure mimics franchises, like McDonald’s or Hertz, that lower barriers to entry, allowing less sophisticated hackers to use established business practices to get into the business. Several high-level gangs develop software and promote fearsome-sounding brands, such as DarkSide or Maze, to intimidate businesses and other organizations that are targets. Other groups that are only loosely related hack into computer systems using the brand and franchised software. The industry’s growth has been abetted by the rise of cryptocurrencies. That has made old-school money mules, who sometimes had to smuggle cash across borders, practically obsolete. Laundering the cryptocurrency through exchanges is the final step, and also the most vulnerable, because criminals must exit the anonymous online world to appear at a physical location, where they trade Bitcoin for cash or deposit it in a bank. The exchange offices are “the end of the Bitcoin and ransomware rainbow,” said Gurvais Grigg, a former FBI agent who is a researcher with Chainalysis, the cryptocurrency tracking company. The computer codes in virtual currencies allow transactions to be tracked from one user to another, even if the owners’ identities are anonymous, until the cryptocurrency reaches an exchange. There, in theory, records should link the cryptocurrency with a real person or company. “They are really one of the key points in the whole ransomware strain,” Grigg said of the exchange offices. Ransomware gangs, he said, “want to make money. And until you cash it out, and you get it through an exchange at a cash-out point, you cannot spend it.” It is at this point, cybersecurity experts say, that criminals should be identified and apprehended. But the Russian government has allowed the exchanges to flourish, saying that it only investigates cybercrime if Russian laws are violated. Regulations are a gray area in Russia, as elsewhere, in the nascent industry of cryptocurrency trading. Russian cryptocurrency traders say the United States is imposing an unfair burden of due diligence on their companies, given the quickly evolving nature of regulations. “The people who are real criminals, who create ransomware, and the people working in Moscow City are completely different people,” Sergei Mendeleyev, a founder of one trader based in Federation Tower East, Garantex, said in an interview. The Russian crypto exchanges, he said, were blamed for crimes they are unaware of. Mendeleyev, who no longer works at the company, said American cryptocurrency tracking services provide data to non-Russian exchanges to help them avoid illicit transactions but have refused to work with Russian traders — in part because they suspect the traders might use the information to tip off criminals. That complicates the Russian companies’ efforts to root out illegal activity. He conceded that not all Russian exchanges tried very hard. Some based in Moscow’s financial district were little more than an office, a safe full of cash and a computer, he said. At least 15 cryptocurrency exchanges are based in Federation Tower East, according to a list of businesses in the building compiled by Yandex, a Russian mapping service. In addition to Suex and EggChange, the companies targeted by the Biden administration, cyber researchers and an international cryptocurrency exchange company have flagged two other building tenants that they suspect of illegal activity involving Bitcoin. The building manager, Aeon Corp., did not respond to inquiries about the exchanges in its offices. Like the banks and insurance companies they share space with, those firms are likely to have chosen the site for its status and its stringent building security, said Smilyanets, the researcher at Recorded Future. “The Moscow City skyscrapers are very fancy,” he said. “They can post on Instagram with these beautiful sights, beautiful skyscrapers. It boosts their legitimacy.”

Companies linked to Russian ransomware hide in plain sight

India and Russia signed a Rs 51 billion contract on Monday for the joint manufacturing of over 500,000 AK-203 assault rifles at a factory in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi region.

A bilateral meeting between defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian colleague Sergey Shoigu sealed the agreement.&nbsp;

According to authorities, the two nations also extended their military-technical cooperation agreement for the years 2021-31.&nbsp;

"India deeply appreciates Russia’s strong support for India. We hope that our cooperation will bring peace, prosperity and stability to the entire region. Glad that a number of agreements/contracts/protocols were signed pertaining to small arms and military cooperation," Rajnath Singh tweeted on Monday. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/putin-visit-russian-president-to-reach-new-delhi-today-for-india-russia-summit-434452">Also read | Putin visit: Russian President to reach New Delhi today for India-Russia summit</a>

The news came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin set to meet for their annual meeting this evening.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Watch | Gravitas Plus: India &amp; Russia: A time-tested friendship

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-india-russia-a-time-tested-friendship-434498/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Watch | A recap of Putin-Modi's relationship | India-Russia Meeting

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AK-203: Rifles with a range of more than three football fields to be manufactured in Uttar Pradesh

The centre has given its approval for a gun manufacturing factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, to produce over five lakh high-powered AK-203 rifles.

The contemporary AK-203 will be manufactured in collaboration with Russia, which produced the original AK-47.

This assault rifle uses the significantly bigger 7.62 mm ammunition, which has superior penetrating force, whereas comparable guns use the smaller 5.56 mm rounds, which have less stopping power.

The contemporary version of the Russian-origin rifle is lightweight and sturdy, with an effective range of 300 metres, or more than three football fields.

(With inputs from agencies)

India and Russia signed a Rs 51 billion contract on Monday for the joint manufacturing of over 500,000 AK-203 assault rifles at a factory in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi region.

India and Russia signed a Rs 51 billion contract on Monday for the joint manufacturing of over 500,000 AK-203 assault rifles at a factory in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi region. A bilateral meeting between defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian colleague Sergey Shoigu sealed the agreement. According to authorities, the two nations also extended their military-technical cooperation agreement for the years 2021-31. "India deeply appreciates Russia’s strong support for India. We hope that our cooperation will bring peace, prosperity and stability to the entire region. Glad that a number of agreements/contracts/protocols were signed pertaining to small arms and military cooperation," Rajnath Singh tweeted on Monday. Also read | Putin visit: Russian President to reach New Delhi today for India-Russia summit The news came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin set to meet for their annual meeting this evening. Watch | Gravitas Plus: India & Russia: A time-tested friendship Watch | A recap of Putin-Modi's relationship | India-Russia Meeting AK-203: Rifles with a range of more than three football fields to be manufactured in Uttar Pradesh The centre has given its approval for a gun manufacturing factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, to produce over five lakh high-powered AK-203 rifles. The contemporary AK-203 will be manufactured in collaboration with Russia, which produced the original AK-47. This assault rifle uses the significantly bigger 7.62 mm ammunition, which has superior penetrating force, whereas comparable guns use the smaller 5.56 mm rounds, which have less stopping power. The contemporary version of the Russian-origin rifle is lightweight and sturdy, with an effective range of 300 metres, or more than three football fields. (With inputs from agencies)

India, Russia sign pact for AK-203 rifles, renew military cooperation for 10-years 

India and Russia are due to hold first 2+2 format dialogue in New Delhi on December 6. Both countries are expected to discuss key bilateral, regional and international issues. Situation in the Indo-Pacific may be discussed as well. The inaugural meeting of the newly instituted 2 + 2 dialogue mechanism between both countries will be held at the level of the foreign and defence ministers.&nbsp;

"Both ministers are expected to discuss bilateral, regional and international political and defence issues within this format, as you know, we have with very few countries," The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said on Thursday.

He also informed that "the day (December 6) will begin with Defence Minister and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Shoygu, co-chairing what is known as the Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation, in the morning."

Ministers of India and Russia are expected to hold detailed discussions over key regional and international topics. Developments in Afghanistan and Syria may also be discussed.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russian-president-vladimir-putin-to-arrive-in-india-on-december-6-for-a-short-visit-434245">Russian President Vladimir Putin to arrive in India on December 6 for a short visit</a>

The ministers are expected to hold in-depth discussions of the key regional and international topics, including the situation in the Asia-Pacific region and developments in Afghanistan and Syria, as well as exchange views on interaction within the SCO and Russia, India and China (RIC), the Russian embassy had said in a statement on Friday.

"On December 6, Sergey Lavrov and Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu will meet with their Indian colleagues @DrSJaishankar and @rajnathsingh in New Delhi. &nbsp;They will discuss key regional and international matters, including in the Asia-Pacific," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia had said in a tweet.

Bagchi had said that Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive here on Monday for the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit.

This will be the first in-person meeting between Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi after their meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Brasilia in November 2019.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India and Russia are due to hold first 2+2 format dialogue in New Delhi on December 6. Both countries are expected to discuss key bilateral, regional and international issues.

India and Russia are due to hold first 2+2 format dialogue in New Delhi on December 6. Both countries are expected to discuss key bilateral, regional and international issues. Situation in the Indo-Pacific may be discussed as well. The inaugural meeting of the newly instituted 2 + 2 dialogue mechanism between both countries will be held at the level of the foreign and defence ministers. "Both ministers are expected to discuss bilateral, regional and international political and defence issues within this format, as you know, we have with very few countries," The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said on Thursday. He also informed that "the day (December 6) will begin with Defence Minister and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Shoygu, co-chairing what is known as the Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation, in the morning." Ministers of India and Russia are expected to hold detailed discussions over key regional and international topics. Developments in Afghanistan and Syria may also be discussed. Also Read | Russian President Vladimir Putin to arrive in India on December 6 for a short visit The ministers are expected to hold in-depth discussions of the key regional and international topics, including the situation in the Asia-Pacific region and developments in Afghanistan and Syria, as well as exchange views on interaction within the SCO and Russia, India and China (RIC), the Russian embassy had said in a statement on Friday. "On December 6, Sergey Lavrov and Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu will meet with their Indian colleagues @DrSJaishankar and @rajnathsingh in New Delhi. They will discuss key regional and international matters, including in the Asia-Pacific," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia had said in a tweet. Bagchi had said that Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive here on Monday for the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit. This will be the first in-person meeting between Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi after their meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Brasilia in November 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

Inaugural India-Russia 2+2 dialogue to take place today

India and Russia are set to finalise deals in defence, trade, space, technology, and energy, which are likely to be inked on Monday at the power-packed annual meeting of&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin.

During Putin's visit to India, the two nations will also sign a defence agreement for over Rs 51 billion. 
 
The visit's major highlight will be the completion of the AK-203 assault weapon agreement, which will be manufactured in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh.

Within seven years of signing the deal, the India-Russia joint venture business would have completed the knowledge transfer for the manufacturing of over 500,000 guns.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/putin-visit-russian-president-to-reach-new-delhi-today-for-india-russia-summit-434452">Also read | Putin visit: Russian President to reach New Delhi today for India-Russia summit</a>

AK-203: Rifles with range over 3 football fields to be made in Uttar Pradesh

The centre has given its approval for a gun manufacturing factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, to produce over five lakh high-powered AK-203 rifles.

The contemporary AK-203 will be manufactured in collaboration with Russia, which produced the original AK-47.

This assault rifle uses the significantly bigger 7.62 mm ammunition, which have superior penetrating force, whereas comparable guns use the smaller 5.56 mm rounds, which have less stopping power.

The contemporary version of the Russian-origin rifle is lightweight and sturdy, with an effective range of 300 metres, or more than three football fields.&nbsp;

Watch | Putin-Modi bilateral meet today, defence ties to be discussed

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The S-400 Triumf Air Defense System

According to news agency ANI, during his one-day visit,&nbsp;President Putin will also present Prime Minister Modi with a mockup of the S-400 air defence system as a sign of the missile system's delivery to India.

In October 2018, New Delhi and Moscow agreed on the&nbsp;purchase of five S-400 air defence missile systems for $5 billion.

India paid Russia the first instalment of roughly $800 million for the missile system in 2019.&nbsp;

According to the Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies, the S-400 Triumf, also known as the SA-21 Growler in NATO, is a mobile surface-to-air missile system that is "capable of engaging aircraft, UAVs, cruise missiles, and has a terminal ballistic missile defence capability" (CSIS).

The development of this upgraded missile system is claimed to have begun in 1993, almost immediately after the Soviet Union's collapse, and it largely draws from the older S-300 missile defence system in areas such as missile storage containers, launchers, and radars.

The S-400 is claimed to have started testing in late 1999 or early 2000, with the first guns going into service in 2007.

(With inputs from agencies)

India and Russia are set to finalise deals in defence, trade, space, technology, and energy, which are likely to be inked on Monday at the power-packed annual meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin.

India and Russia are set to finalise deals in defence, trade, space, technology, and energy, which are likely to be inked on Monday at the power-packed annual meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin. During Putin's visit to India, the two nations will also sign a defence agreement for over Rs 51 billion. The visit's major highlight will be the completion of the AK-203 assault weapon agreement, which will be manufactured in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. Within seven years of signing the deal, the India-Russia joint venture business would have completed the knowledge transfer for the manufacturing of over 500,000 guns. Also read | Putin visit: Russian President to reach New Delhi today for India-Russia summit AK-203: Rifles with range over 3 football fields to be made in Uttar Pradesh The centre has given its approval for a gun manufacturing factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, to produce over five lakh high-powered AK-203 rifles. The contemporary AK-203 will be manufactured in collaboration with Russia, which produced the original AK-47. This assault rifle uses the significantly bigger 7.62 mm ammunition, which have superior penetrating force, whereas comparable guns use the smaller 5.56 mm rounds, which have less stopping power. The contemporary version of the Russian-origin rifle is lightweight and sturdy, with an effective range of 300 metres, or more than three football fields. Watch | Putin-Modi bilateral meet today, defence ties to be discussed The S-400 Triumf Air Defense System According to news agency ANI, during his one-day visit, President Putin will also present Prime Minister Modi with a mockup of the S-400 air defence system as a sign of the missile system's delivery to India. In October 2018, New Delhi and Moscow agreed on the purchase of five S-400 air defence missile systems for $5 billion. India paid Russia the first instalment of roughly $800 million for the missile system in 2019. According to the Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies, the S-400 Triumf, also known as the SA-21 Growler in NATO, is a mobile surface-to-air missile system that is "capable of engaging aircraft, UAVs, cruise missiles, and has a terminal ballistic missile defence capability" (CSIS). The development of this upgraded missile system is claimed to have begun in 1993, almost immediately after the Soviet Union's collapse, and it largely draws from the older S-300 missile defence system in areas such as missile storage containers, launchers, and radars. The S-400 is claimed to have started testing in late 1999 or early 2000, with the first guns going into service in 2007. (With inputs from agencies)

AK-203 rifles to S-400 air defence system: What to expect from power-packed India-Russia summit

India and Russia are likely to sign 10 bilateral agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi on Monday evening.

According to reports, these agreements will be in various fields like space, culture, science and technology, and defence, among others.

"About 10 bilateral agreements will be signed, which are quite important and include some semi-confidential ones. Work is still ongoing on them. We are confident that the package of agreements will be signed as part of the visit, " Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov has told news agency ANI.

He, however, declined to name the agreements as they were still being finalized, but added, "They are important for the development of bilateral ties in most diverse areas."

Earlier, Russian envoy Nikolay R Kudashev indicated that India and Russia would achieve "military understandings" during Putin’s visit.

He said that "some new understandings in the spheres like connectivity, space, science and technology, education, arts and culture" will be achieved.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/putin-visit-russian-president-to-reach-new-delhi-today-for-india-russia-summit-434452">Putin visit: Russian President to reach New Delhi today for India-Russia summit</a>

Russian President Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be meeting today for the 21st India-Russia summit.

This is the first in-person meeting between the two leaders after meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in November 2019.

Since then, there have been six telephonic conversations between the two leaders.

Apart from that, the summit would also witness the first 2+2 dialogue meeting between the countries to discuss key bilateral, regional, and international issues, including the Indo-Pacific.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ak-203-assault-rifles-and-s-400-air-defence-system-india-russia-power-packed-summit-434494">AK-203 assault rifles and S-400 air defence system: India-Russia power-packed summit</a>

The inaugural meeting of the newly instituted 2+2 dialogue mechanism between both countries will be held at the level of the foreign and defence ministers.

Watch |&nbsp;India and Russia expected to sign 10 pacts, first 2+2 meet between two nations

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-and-russia-expected-to-sign-10-pacts-first-22-meet-between-two-nations-434484/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Both ministers are expected to discuss bilateral, regional, and international political and defence issues within this format. As you know, we have very few countries with which to coordinate, "Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Thursday.

He also informed us that the 21st India-Russia summit will begin with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Shoygu, co-chairing what is known as the Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation, in the morning."

(With inputs from agencies)

India and Russia are likely to sign 10 bilateral agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi on Monday evening. According to reports, these agreements will be in various fields like space, culture, science and technology, and defence, among others.

India and Russia are likely to sign 10 bilateral agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi on Monday evening. According to reports, these agreements will be in various fields like space, culture, science and technology, and defence, among others. "About 10 bilateral agreements will be signed, which are quite important and include some semi-confidential ones. Work is still ongoing on them. We are confident that the package of agreements will be signed as part of the visit, " Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov has told news agency ANI. He, however, declined to name the agreements as they were still being finalized, but added, "They are important for the development of bilateral ties in most diverse areas." Earlier, Russian envoy Nikolay R Kudashev indicated that India and Russia would achieve "military understandings" during Putin’s visit. He said that "some new understandings in the spheres like connectivity, space, science and technology, education, arts and culture" will be achieved. Also read | Putin visit: Russian President to reach New Delhi today for India-Russia summit Russian President Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be meeting today for the 21st India-Russia summit. This is the first in-person meeting between the two leaders after meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in November 2019. Since then, there have been six telephonic conversations between the two leaders. Apart from that, the summit would also witness the first 2+2 dialogue meeting between the countries to discuss key bilateral, regional, and international issues, including the Indo-Pacific. Also read | AK-203 assault rifles and S-400 air defence system: India-Russia power-packed summit The inaugural meeting of the newly instituted 2+2 dialogue mechanism between both countries will be held at the level of the foreign and defence ministers. Watch | India and Russia expected to sign 10 pacts, first 2+2 meet between two nations "Both ministers are expected to discuss bilateral, regional, and international political and defence issues within this format. As you know, we have very few countries with which to coordinate, "Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Thursday. He also informed us that the 21st India-Russia summit will begin with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Shoygu, co-chairing what is known as the Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation, in the morning." (With inputs from agencies)

India-Russia to sign 10 agreements, including space and defence, during Putin's visit

Russia said on Sunday that a US spy plane nearly caused a 'mid-air' collision with a Russian commercial flight. Moscow said that that the 'catastrophe' was avoided when the Russian plane dived to avoid the collision.

On Friday morning a NATO CL600 reconnaissance aircraft descended rapidly in airspace above Black Sea. The descent took place across the planned route for Aeroflot passenger plane. The commercial plane was going from Tel Aviv to Moscow and there were 142 people on board, as per Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency's statement.

The Aeroflot flight reportedly had to drop 500 metres (1,600 feet) to keep its distance from the reconnaissance aircraft, which the pilots saw from the cockpit with the naked eye.

A second plane, a smaller CL650 aircraft, flying from the Black Sea resort Sochi to Skopje, the capital of Northern Macedonia, also had to divert to avoid the spy plane, the Russian air transport authority said Saturday.

"The direction and altitude of the commercial flights were immediately altered" to avoid a collision, the agency said, adding that the unknown plane did not respond to radio hails from air traffic control.

While the Federal Air Transport Agency did not say which nation had operated the spy plane, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova indicated on Sunday that the reconnaissance aircraft belonged to the United States.

"The actions of the US Air Force have created a threat to civil aviation," Zakharova said on messaging app Telegram.

"If now a catastrophe in the airspace over the open waters of the Black Sea has been averted, this does not mean that the United States and NATO can continue to risk people's lives with impunity."

The Federal Air Transport Agency said it would lodge a diplomatic protest.

"Increased activity by NATO aircraft near Russia's borders, including above the Black Sea, creates a risk of dangerous accidents involving civilian aircraft," the agency said.

The incident came as tensions rise between Russia and Western nations, which accuse Moscow of massing troops on its border with Ukraine in preparation for a possible invasion.

Russia has denied it has any such plans, in turn accusing NATO countries of "provocations" including military exercises near its borders.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia said on Sunday that a US spy plane nearly caused a 'mid-air' collision with a Russian commercial flight. Moscow said that that the 'catastrophe' was avoided when the Russian plane dived to avoid the collision.

Russia said on Sunday that a US spy plane nearly caused a 'mid-air' collision with a Russian commercial flight. Moscow said that that the 'catastrophe' was avoided when the Russian plane dived to avoid the collision. On Friday morning a NATO CL600 reconnaissance aircraft descended rapidly in airspace above Black Sea. The descent took place across the planned route for Aeroflot passenger plane. The commercial plane was going from Tel Aviv to Moscow and there were 142 people on board, as per Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency's statement. The Aeroflot flight reportedly had to drop 500 metres (1,600 feet) to keep its distance from the reconnaissance aircraft, which the pilots saw from the cockpit with the naked eye. A second plane, a smaller CL650 aircraft, flying from the Black Sea resort Sochi to Skopje, the capital of Northern Macedonia, also had to divert to avoid the spy plane, the Russian air transport authority said Saturday. "The direction and altitude of the commercial flights were immediately altered" to avoid a collision, the agency said, adding that the unknown plane did not respond to radio hails from air traffic control. While the Federal Air Transport Agency did not say which nation had operated the spy plane, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova indicated on Sunday that the reconnaissance aircraft belonged to the United States. "The actions of the US Air Force have created a threat to civil aviation," Zakharova said on messaging app Telegram. "If now a catastrophe in the airspace over the open waters of the Black Sea has been averted, this does not mean that the United States and NATO can continue to risk people's lives with impunity." The Federal Air Transport Agency said it would lodge a diplomatic protest. "Increased activity by NATO aircraft near Russia's borders, including above the Black Sea, creates a risk of dangerous accidents involving civilian aircraft," the agency said. The incident came as tensions rise between Russia and Western nations, which accuse Moscow of massing troops on its border with Ukraine in preparation for a possible invasion. Russia has denied it has any such plans, in turn accusing NATO countries of "provocations" including military exercises near its borders. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia says US spy plane threatened to cause mid-air collision

For the first time, the Russian coastal defence missile systems have been dispatched near Pacific islands also claimed by Japan.

Russia moved the Bastion mobile defence system to Matua, a deserted volcanic island in the middle of the Kuril Island chain. Japan&nbsp;claims four of the southernmost islands.

Matua is an inhabited landmass near the centre of the Kuril Islands.

After World War II, the&nbsp; Soviet Union took control of the islands. Earlier, it was the home of a large Japanese base. It is now the focus of Russian efforts to boost military presence in the Pacific.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-choose-diplomacy-or-face-consequences-blinken-tells-russias-lavrov-433535">Ukraine: Choose diplomacy or face consequences, Blinken tells Russia's Lavrov</a>

On Thursday, Russia's Defence Ministry released a video showing its massive missile carriers moving ashore from amphibious landing vessels and driving along the coast of the volcanic island to take firing positions as part of drills.

The ministry said the deployment involved setting up living quarters for personnel, hangars for the vehicles and other infrastructure, reports news agency AP.

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-prepares-plan-to-protect-ukraine-putin-slams-drone-deployment-at-border-433950">Biden prepares plan to protect Ukraine; Putin slams drone deployment at border</a>

“The missile crews of the Pacific Fleet will be on round-the-clock watch on this remote island in the central part of the Kuril Ridge to control the adjacent water area and strait zones,”&nbsp;the Russian Eastern Military District said in a statement.

The Bastion is capable of hitting sea targets at a range of up to 500 kilometres.

In 2016, Russia stationed the Bal and the Bastion coastal defence missile systems on two of the four southernmost Kuril Islands.

In the following years, it followed up by sending top-of-the-line air defence missiles systems there and setting up an air base on the Iturup Island where fighter jets were deployed.

(With inputs from agencies)

For the first time, the Russian coastal defence missile systems have been dispatched near Pacific islands also claimed by Japan. Russia moved the Bastion mobile defence system to Matua, a deserted volcanic island in the middle of the Kuril Island chain.

For the first time, the Russian coastal defence missile systems have been dispatched near Pacific islands also claimed by Japan. Russia moved the Bastion mobile defence system to Matua, a deserted volcanic island in the middle of the Kuril Island chain. Japan claims four of the southernmost islands. Matua is an inhabited landmass near the centre of the Kuril Islands. After World War II, the Soviet Union took control of the islands. Earlier, it was the home of a large Japanese base. It is now the focus of Russian efforts to boost military presence in the Pacific. Also read | Ukraine: Choose diplomacy or face consequences, Blinken tells Russia's Lavrov On Thursday, Russia's Defence Ministry released a video showing its massive missile carriers moving ashore from amphibious landing vessels and driving along the coast of the volcanic island to take firing positions as part of drills. The ministry said the deployment involved setting up living quarters for personnel, hangars for the vehicles and other infrastructure, reports news agency AP. Also read | Biden prepares plan to protect Ukraine; Putin slams drone deployment at border “The missile crews of the Pacific Fleet will be on round-the-clock watch on this remote island in the central part of the Kuril Ridge to control the adjacent water area and strait zones,” the Russian Eastern Military District said in a statement. The Bastion is capable of hitting sea targets at a range of up to 500 kilometres. In 2016, Russia stationed the Bal and the Bastion coastal defence missile systems on two of the four southernmost Kuril Islands. In the following years, it followed up by sending top-of-the-line air defence missiles systems there and setting up an air base on the Iturup Island where fighter jets were deployed. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia beefs up military presence near Pacific islands claimed by Japan

India and Russia will achieve “military understandings” during President Vladimir Putin's visit, Russian envoy Nikolay R Kudashev said on Friday.

The envoy’s comments days ahead of Putin’s visit to India on Monday for the annual India-Russia summit.

Speaking exclusively to WION’s diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Kudashev said, “One could easily await some new understandings in the spheres like connectivity, space, education, and also some military understandings will also be achieved, reflecting the growing level of confidence (between India and Russia).”

The annual summit level, which alternates between the two countries, will be an eventful day for India-Russia ties.

The day begins with defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Sergey Shoygu co-chairing the Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation, and external affairs minister Jaishankar meeting his counterpart Sergey Lavrov.

These meetings will be followed by the inaugural meeting of the newly instituted 2 + 2 mechanism at the level of the foreign and defence ministers.

In the afternoon the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit will kick off. Putin will be in India for 6 to 7 hours.

Few excerpts

WION: What will be the key focus of the Russian president's visit? How do you see the visit and how it will help the relationship?

Nikolay R&nbsp;Kudashev: The visit is historical. There was a small pause due to the pandemic conditions. It is a personal meeting, which is important because the volume of the relationship is immense. Rest assured, the visit will be rich in substance, the joint statement will give the results of the visit, which will be very substantial and give the whole gamut of our ties in the global arena and bilaterally. One can expect a set of agreements and deals (to be signed). One could easily await some new understandings in the spheres like connectivity, space, science and technology, education, arts and culture, and also some military understandings, reflecting the growing level of confidence.

WION: How much focus will be on regional issues like Afghanistan?

Nikolay R&nbsp;Kudashev:&nbsp;Definitely, Afghanistan is our common concern. We fully apricate Delhi's initiative when it convened the recent meeting of national security advisors, resulting in the famous Delhi Declaration. Afghanistan would be on the agenda and some new level of cooperation could be guaranteed while taking stock of the results of the Delhi Dialogue.

WION: Any update on deliveries of S-400 missile system?

Nikolay R&nbsp;Kudashev:&nbsp;The contract is being implemented, strictly as per the schedule, By the end of the year, expect fresh deliveries could be expected.

India and Russia will achieve “military understandings” during President Vladimir Putin's visit, Russian envoy Nikolay R Kudashev said on Friday. The envoy’s comments days ahead of Putin’s visit to India on Monday for the annual India-Russia summit.

India and Russia will achieve “military understandings” during President Vladimir Putin's visit, Russian envoy Nikolay R Kudashev said on Friday. The envoy’s comments days ahead of Putin’s visit to India on Monday for the annual India-Russia summit. Speaking exclusively to WION’s diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Kudashev said, “One could easily await some new understandings in the spheres like connectivity, space, education, and also some military understandings will also be achieved, reflecting the growing level of confidence (between India and Russia).” The annual summit level, which alternates between the two countries, will be an eventful day for India-Russia ties. The day begins with defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Sergey Shoygu co-chairing the Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation, and external affairs minister Jaishankar meeting his counterpart Sergey Lavrov. These meetings will be followed by the inaugural meeting of the newly instituted 2 + 2 mechanism at the level of the foreign and defence ministers. In the afternoon the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit will kick off. Putin will be in India for 6 to 7 hours. Few excerpts WION: What will be the key focus of the Russian president's visit? How do you see the visit and how it will help the relationship? Nikolay R Kudashev: The visit is historical. There was a small pause due to the pandemic conditions. It is a personal meeting, which is important because the volume of the relationship is immense. Rest assured, the visit will be rich in substance, the joint statement will give the results of the visit, which will be very substantial and give the whole gamut of our ties in the global arena and bilaterally. One can expect a set of agreements and deals (to be signed). One could easily await some new understandings in the spheres like connectivity, space, science and technology, education, arts and culture, and also some military understandings, reflecting the growing level of confidence. WION: How much focus will be on regional issues like Afghanistan? Nikolay R Kudashev: Definitely, Afghanistan is our common concern. We fully apricate Delhi's initiative when it convened the recent meeting of national security advisors, resulting in the famous Delhi Declaration. Afghanistan would be on the agenda and some new level of cooperation could be guaranteed while taking stock of the results of the Delhi Dialogue. WION: Any update on deliveries of S-400 missile system? Nikolay R Kudashev: The contract is being implemented, strictly as per the schedule, By the end of the year, expect fresh deliveries could be expected.

‘Military understandings’ will be achieved during Putin’s India visit: Russian envoy Kudashev

Twitter has removed nearly 3,500 accounts that were said to be promoting pro-government propaganda in six countries, including Russia and China.

“The vast majority of the accounts were part of a network that amplified Chinese Communist Party narratives related to the treatment of the Uyghur population in Xinjiang,” Twitter said in a statement on Thursday.

China has often been accused of gross human rights violations and genocide of Ughyur Muslims in Xinjiang province.

According to experts, more than one million estimated people are incarcerated in camps.

Both Twitter and Facebook are banned in China, but Beijing frequently uses both US social networks to express its opinions on the international stage.

Aside from 2,048 accounts linked to the pro-Beijing campaign, Twitter also shut down 112 accounts connected to a company named Changyu Culture, linked to Xinjiang's regional government.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-based-networks-spread-online-disinformation-campaign-on-covid-origins-says-facebook-433593">China-based networks spread online disinformation campaign on Covid origins, says Facebook</a>

Apart from China, Twitter also shut down 16 accounts linked to the Internet Research Agency, a Russian company labelled a “troll farm” by critics, which runs pro-government online influence campaigns.

“The operation relied on a mix of inauthentic and real accounts to introduce a pro-Russia viewpoint into Central African political discourse,” Twitter said.

The banned accounts also include 276 that shared pro-government content in Mexico, and “277 Venezuelan accounts that amplified accounts, hashtags and topics in support of the government and its official narratives.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-navy-chinas-global-times-editor-in-twitter-row-413483">US Navy, China's Global Times editor in Twitter row</a>

In Africa, 268 accounts were shut down for targeting civil rights group FichuaTanzania, along with 418 that “engaged in coordinated inauthentic activity” in Uganda to promote President Yoweri Museveni.

“In most instances, accounts were suspended for various violations of our platform manipulation and spam policies,” Twitter said.

The move by Twitter comes after Facebook shut down 524 Facebook accounts, 20 pages, four groups and 86 Instagram accounts belonging to Chinese networks that were misleading the public on the origins of COVID-19.

According to a report by Meta, the Facebook accounts connected to Chinese information campaigns&nbsp;had promoted the claims of a fake Swiss biologist called “Wilson Edwards”, who claimed that the US was meddling in efforts to find the origins of Covid.

(With inputs from agencies)

Twitter has removed nearly 3,500 accounts that were said to be promoting pro-government propaganda in six countries, including Russia and China. “The vast majority of the accounts were part of a network that amplified Chinese Communist Party narratives related to the treatment of the Uyghur population in Xinjiang,” Twitter said in a statement on Thursday.

Twitter has removed nearly 3,500 accounts that were said to be promoting pro-government propaganda in six countries, including Russia and China. “The vast majority of the accounts were part of a network that amplified Chinese Communist Party narratives related to the treatment of the Uyghur population in Xinjiang,” Twitter said in a statement on Thursday. China has often been accused of gross human rights violations and genocide of Ughyur Muslims in Xinjiang province. According to experts, more than one million estimated people are incarcerated in camps. Both Twitter and Facebook are banned in China, but Beijing frequently uses both US social networks to express its opinions on the international stage. Aside from 2,048 accounts linked to the pro-Beijing campaign, Twitter also shut down 112 accounts connected to a company named Changyu Culture, linked to Xinjiang's regional government. Also read | China-based networks spread online disinformation campaign on Covid origins, says Facebook Apart from China, Twitter also shut down 16 accounts linked to the Internet Research Agency, a Russian company labelled a “troll farm” by critics, which runs pro-government online influence campaigns. “The operation relied on a mix of inauthentic and real accounts to introduce a pro-Russia viewpoint into Central African political discourse,” Twitter said. The banned accounts also include 276 that shared pro-government content in Mexico, and “277 Venezuelan accounts that amplified accounts, hashtags and topics in support of the government and its official narratives.” Also read | US Navy, China's Global Times editor in Twitter row In Africa, 268 accounts were shut down for targeting civil rights group FichuaTanzania, along with 418 that “engaged in coordinated inauthentic activity” in Uganda to promote President Yoweri Museveni. “In most instances, accounts were suspended for various violations of our platform manipulation and spam policies,” Twitter said. The move by Twitter comes after Facebook shut down 524 Facebook accounts, 20 pages, four groups and 86 Instagram accounts belonging to Chinese networks that were misleading the public on the origins of COVID-19. According to a report by Meta, the Facebook accounts connected to Chinese information campaigns had promoted the claims of a fake Swiss biologist called “Wilson Edwards”, who claimed that the US was meddling in efforts to find the origins of Covid. (With inputs from agencies)

Twitter removes over 3,000 accounts for promoting pro-govt propaganda in 6 countries, including China, Russia

China and Russia, according to the head of Britain's foreign spy agency, are accelerating their efforts to master artificial intelligence and this might transform geopolitics over the next decade.

Extracts from the speech, released by the British government in advance, suggest that Richard Moore, the chief of the Secret Intelligence Service known as MI6, will talk about quantum engineering, engineered&nbsp;biology, and advances in computer power, and how they present a threat that needs to be addressed by the West.

Global spies, from Langley and London to Moscow and Beijing, struggle with technological advances that are challenging the traditional human-led spying operations of the past.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-not-as-advanced-as-the-chinese-or-the-russians-us-space-force-general-on-hypersonic-missiles-431026">We are not as advanced as the Chinese or the Russians: US space force general on hypersonic missiles</a>

"Our adversaries are pouring money and ambition into mastering artificial intelligence, quantum computing and synthetic biology, because they know that mastering these technologies will give them leverage," Moore, who rarely surfaces for speeches, will say on Tuesday.

According to Moore, who became MI6 chief in 2020, technological progress over the next decade will outpace every technological advance made in the last century.

"As a society, we have yet to internalise this stark fact and its potential impact on global geopolitics. But it is a white-hot focus for MI6," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-will-the-world-be-like-in-20-years-432473">What will the world be like in 20 years?</a>

The Russian and Chinese intelligence agencies, which have harnessed a wide range of sophisticated technologies at a faster rate than Western intelligence agencies, are of particular concern to the West's spies.

The West is concerned that Beijing will dominate all emerging technologies within decades, including artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, and genetics.

Along with the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 which ended the Cold War, the rise of China's economy and military over the past 40 years is considered one of the most significant geopolitical events of the 21st century.

MI6, which has been portrayed by novelists as the employer of some of the most memorable fictional spies, from John le Carré's George Smiley to Ian Fleming's James Bond, operates overseas and is responsible for defending the United Kingdom, &amp; its interests.

Adapting to new technology will require a change in the service, Moore said.

"We cannot hope to replicate the global tech industry, so we must tap into it," he will say. "We must become more open, to stay secret."

China and Russia, according to the head of Britain's foreign spy agency, are accelerating their efforts to master artificial intelligence and this might transform geopolitics over the next decade.

China and Russia, according to the head of Britain's foreign spy agency, are accelerating their efforts to master artificial intelligence and this might transform geopolitics over the next decade. Extracts from the speech, released by the British government in advance, suggest that Richard Moore, the chief of the Secret Intelligence Service known as MI6, will talk about quantum engineering, engineered biology, and advances in computer power, and how they present a threat that needs to be addressed by the West. Global spies, from Langley and London to Moscow and Beijing, struggle with technological advances that are challenging the traditional human-led spying operations of the past. Also read | We are not as advanced as the Chinese or the Russians: US space force general on hypersonic missiles "Our adversaries are pouring money and ambition into mastering artificial intelligence, quantum computing and synthetic biology, because they know that mastering these technologies will give them leverage," Moore, who rarely surfaces for speeches, will say on Tuesday. According to Moore, who became MI6 chief in 2020, technological progress over the next decade will outpace every technological advance made in the last century. "As a society, we have yet to internalise this stark fact and its potential impact on global geopolitics. But it is a white-hot focus for MI6," he said. Also read | What will the world be like in 20 years? The Russian and Chinese intelligence agencies, which have harnessed a wide range of sophisticated technologies at a faster rate than Western intelligence agencies, are of particular concern to the West's spies. The West is concerned that Beijing will dominate all emerging technologies within decades, including artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, and genetics. Along with the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 which ended the Cold War, the rise of China's economy and military over the past 40 years is considered one of the most significant geopolitical events of the 21st century. MI6, which has been portrayed by novelists as the employer of some of the most memorable fictional spies, from John le Carré's George Smiley to Ian Fleming's James Bond, operates overseas and is responsible for defending the United Kingdom, & its interests. Adapting to new technology will require a change in the service, Moore said. "We cannot hope to replicate the global tech industry, so we must tap into it," he will say. "We must become more open, to stay secret."

UK spy chief warns that Russian, Chinese race for AI mastery might change geopolitics

Russia on Monday, said that it had carried out another successful test launch of its Zircon hypersonic cruise missile. These missiles are hailed by Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of new generation of arms systems that are unrivalled

The missile was fired from Admiral Gorshkov warship in the White Sea. It hit a naval target more than 400 km ?(250 miles) away, said the defence ministry. The ministry said that this was its second test in a fortnight.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malicious-propaganda-russian-spy-chief-dismisses-reports-of-plan-to-invade-ukraine-432438">'Malicious propaganda': Russian spy chief dismisses reports of plan to invade Ukraine</a>

A short video clip showed the missile illuminating the night sky with a burst of white light.

Meanwhile, Express has quoted a Russian source who has said that 'serial production' of Zircon missiles is underway in Russia.

The United States, China and North Korea are also involved in the contest to hypersonic missiles, the next generation of long-range weapons that are harder to detect and intercept. They travel at more than five times the speed of sound in the upper atmosphere, or around 6,200 km/hour (3,850 mph).

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelenskiy-says-russia-is-planning-coup-against-him-432250">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says Russia is planning coup against him</a>

Putin announced an array of new hypersonic weapons in 2018, saying they could hit almost any point in the world and evade a US-built missile shield.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Monday, said that it had carried out another successful test launch of its Zircon hypersonic cruise missile. These missiles are hailed by Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of new generation of arms systems that are unrivalled The missile was fired from Admiral Gorshkov warship in the White Sea.

Russia on Monday, said that it had carried out another successful test launch of its Zircon hypersonic cruise missile. These missiles are hailed by Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of new generation of arms systems that are unrivalled The missile was fired from Admiral Gorshkov warship in the White Sea. It hit a naval target more than 400 km ?(250 miles) away, said the defence ministry. The ministry said that this was its second test in a fortnight. Also Read | 'Malicious propaganda': Russian spy chief dismisses reports of plan to invade Ukraine A short video clip showed the missile illuminating the night sky with a burst of white light. Meanwhile, Express has quoted a Russian source who has said that 'serial production' of Zircon missiles is underway in Russia. The United States, China and North Korea are also involved in the contest to hypersonic missiles, the next generation of long-range weapons that are harder to detect and intercept. They travel at more than five times the speed of sound in the upper atmosphere, or around 6,200 km/hour (3,850 mph). Also Read | Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says Russia is planning coup against him Putin announced an array of new hypersonic weapons in 2018, saying they could hit almost any point in the world and evade a US-built missile shield. (With inputs from agencies)

Zircon hypersonic missile hits target in latest test, says Russia

The head of EMP Task Force has warned that the United States’ electric grid and other key infrastructure are vulnerable to electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks from countries like China and Russia and called for renewed efforts to upgrade the country’s defences to avoid a doomsday scenario.

During a virtual forum hosted by the Universal Peace Federation, the security expert warned of a potential threat from an EMP attack that could hit America's&nbsp;communications, water and sewer services, transportation systems&nbsp;and other key infrastructures.

“That poses a real threat of possibly being able to win a war with a single blow by means of an EMP attack," said Peter Vincent Pry, the executive director of Task Force on National and Homeland Security, a congressional advisory board.

“Moreover … they don’t envision employing an EMP by itself. It would be used in conjunction with cyberattacks and physical sabotage, and non-nuclear EMP.,” he added.

Combining EMP attacks with other modern unconventional military tactics could be even more devastating, he said.

The EMP Task Force had earlier sent out a report to the Congress, informing that China possesses so-called “super EMPs,” or weapons designed to create bursts of energy much stronger than past&nbsp;versions,

“This is regarded by&nbsp;Russia,&nbsp;China,&nbsp;North Korea&nbsp;and Iran as potentially the most decisive military revolution in history,” Pry&nbsp;said.

“By attacking the technological Achilles heel of a nation like the United States, you could bring us to our knees and not even have to do battle with the Marines or the Navy or the Air Force, and win a war in 24 hours with a single blow — a combined&nbsp;EMP&nbsp;cyberattack,” he added.

The Pentagon had warned that electronic warfare is an increasingly important piece of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) arsenal and its preparations for a potential clash with the US.

(With inputs from agencies)

The head of EMP Task Force has warned that the United States’ electric grid and other key infrastructure are vulnerable to electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks from countries like China and Russia and called for renewed efforts to upgrade the country’s defences to avoid a doomsday scenario.

The head of EMP Task Force has warned that the United States’ electric grid and other key infrastructure are vulnerable to electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks from countries like China and Russia and called for renewed efforts to upgrade the country’s defences to avoid a doomsday scenario. During a virtual forum hosted by the Universal Peace Federation, the security expert warned of a potential threat from an EMP attack that could hit America's communications, water and sewer services, transportation systems and other key infrastructures. “That poses a real threat of possibly being able to win a war with a single blow by means of an EMP attack," said Peter Vincent Pry, the executive director of Task Force on National and Homeland Security, a congressional advisory board. “Moreover … they don’t envision employing an EMP by itself. It would be used in conjunction with cyberattacks and physical sabotage, and non-nuclear EMP.,” he added. Combining EMP attacks with other modern unconventional military tactics could be even more devastating, he said. The EMP Task Force had earlier sent out a report to the Congress, informing that China possesses so-called “super EMPs,” or weapons designed to create bursts of energy much stronger than past versions, “This is regarded by Russia, China, North Korea and Iran as potentially the most decisive military revolution in history,” Pry said. “By attacking the technological Achilles heel of a nation like the United States, you could bring us to our knees and not even have to do battle with the Marines or the Navy or the Air Force, and win a war in 24 hours with a single blow — a combined EMP cyberattack,” he added. The Pentagon had warned that electronic warfare is an increasingly important piece of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) arsenal and its preparations for a potential clash with the US. (With inputs from agencies)

Expert warns of impending ‘doomsday’, says US vulnerable to China’s electromagnetic pulse attack

China’s globe-circling hypersonic missile, whose launch created ripples across the globe, also included the launch of a separate missile from the ultra-high-speed vehicle, according to various reports.

The test displayed China’s development of its strategic, nuclear-capable weapons as more advanced than any had thought, surprising Pentagon officials, the Financial Times and Wall Street Journal reported.

According to reports, the test is believed to have also included the release of a separate missile which rocketed away into the South China Sea.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-not-as-advanced-as-the-chinese-or-the-russians-us-space-force-general-on-hypersonic-missiles-431026">We are not as advanced as the Chinese or the Russians: US space force general on hypersonic missiles</a>

The July test made global headlines when it emerged last month that the vehicle had flown into space and completed a partial orbit of the Earth.

Neither the United States nor Russia has demonstrated the same ability, which requires launching a missile from a parent vehicle traveling five times the speed of sound.

According to the Financial Times, US military experts are trying to understand how China mastered the technology, which puts it ahead in the hypersonic arms race. The Wall Street Journal&nbsp;confirmed the report&nbsp;on Monday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-will-soon-be-capable-of-launching-a-surprise-nuke-attack-on-us-warns-top-military-official-430166">China will soon be capable of launching a surprise nuke attack on US, warns top military official</a>

No other major countries like Russia and US have currently demonstrated the same ability.

In October, China’s Foreign Ministry denied of hypersonic test, saying that the nation had tested “a routine spacecraft” to see if it was reusable.

"It was not a missile, it was a space vehicle," ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular press briefing in Beijing when asked about the report, adding it had been a "routine test" for the purpose of testing technology to reuse the vehicle.

The significance of a reusability test is that it can "provide a cheap and convenient method for humans to peacefully travel to and from space", Zhao said, adding that many companies had carried out similar tests.

(With inputs from agencies)

China’s globe-circling hypersonic missile, whose launch created ripples across the globe, also included the launch of a separate missile from the ultra-high-speed vehicle, according to various reports.

China’s globe-circling hypersonic missile, whose launch created ripples across the globe, also included the launch of a separate missile from the ultra-high-speed vehicle, according to various reports. The test displayed China’s development of its strategic, nuclear-capable weapons as more advanced than any had thought, surprising Pentagon officials, the Financial Times and Wall Street Journal reported. According to reports, the test is believed to have also included the release of a separate missile which rocketed away into the South China Sea. Also read | We are not as advanced as the Chinese or the Russians: US space force general on hypersonic missiles The July test made global headlines when it emerged last month that the vehicle had flown into space and completed a partial orbit of the Earth. Neither the United States nor Russia has demonstrated the same ability, which requires launching a missile from a parent vehicle traveling five times the speed of sound. According to the Financial Times, US military experts are trying to understand how China mastered the technology, which puts it ahead in the hypersonic arms race. The Wall Street Journal confirmed the report on Monday. Also read | China will soon be capable of launching a surprise nuke attack on US, warns top military official No other major countries like Russia and US have currently demonstrated the same ability. In October, China’s Foreign Ministry denied of hypersonic test, saying that the nation had tested “a routine spacecraft” to see if it was reusable. "It was not a missile, it was a space vehicle," ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular press briefing in Beijing when asked about the report, adding it had been a "routine test" for the purpose of testing technology to reuse the vehicle. The significance of a reusability test is that it can "provide a cheap and convenient method for humans to peacefully travel to and from space", Zhao said, adding that many companies had carried out similar tests. (With inputs from agencies)

China’s hypersonic test also included launch of second missile: Reports

Prosecutors in Russia on Wednesday dismissed a case against a jail-torture whistleblower. The former prison inmate had leaked videos of torture inside Russian jail. He is now seeking asylum in France.

Last month, the Gulagu.net NGO published footage of abuse at a prison in the central city of Saratov. The videos were leaked by Sergei Savelyev -- a Belarus national who had served time there for drug trafficking.&nbsp;

Savelyev has since fled Russia and asked for asylum in France. He was charged with "illegal access to computer information". A court ordered him arrested in absentia.

According to a document published on Wednesday by Gulagu.net, the prosecutor for the Saratov region ordered that the charges be dropped due to their "illegality and groundlessness".

Savelyev was also removed from the interior ministry's wanted list, the Interfax news agency reported.

Earlier on Wednesday, the head of the prison service in the Saratov region, Anton Yefarkin, said 18 officials had been fired and 11 had faced "the strictest" disciplinary measures.

Five criminal cases have been opened in connection with the videos, he said.

"We are doing everything to work things out and draw the appropriate conclusions," Yefarkin told regional state television.

"I am sure that in the future this will not repeat itself," he said.&nbsp;

During his prison term, Savelyev worked as an IT maintenance officer, earning access to the prison's internal server and those of other jails, where he found surveillance footage showing abuse.

He saved them on a USB stick that he hid near the prison exit.

After NGO Gulagu.net published the videos of the abuse, the head of the jail, where prisoners needing medical attention for tuberculosis are held, was sacked, along with three regional prison officials.

Russia's vast prison system has long a place of torture and sexual violence inflicted on inmates, monitors say, but the videos have cast new light on abuses.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prosecutors in Russia on Wednesday dismissed a case against a jail-torture whistleblower. The former prison inmate had leaked videos of torture inside Russian jail.

Prosecutors in Russia on Wednesday dismissed a case against a jail-torture whistleblower. The former prison inmate had leaked videos of torture inside Russian jail. He is now seeking asylum in France. Last month, the Gulagu.net NGO published footage of abuse at a prison in the central city of Saratov. The videos were leaked by Sergei Savelyev -- a Belarus national who had served time there for drug trafficking. Savelyev has since fled Russia and asked for asylum in France. He was charged with "illegal access to computer information". A court ordered him arrested in absentia. According to a document published on Wednesday by Gulagu.net, the prosecutor for the Saratov region ordered that the charges be dropped due to their "illegality and groundlessness". Savelyev was also removed from the interior ministry's wanted list, the Interfax news agency reported. Earlier on Wednesday, the head of the prison service in the Saratov region, Anton Yefarkin, said 18 officials had been fired and 11 had faced "the strictest" disciplinary measures. Five criminal cases have been opened in connection with the videos, he said. "We are doing everything to work things out and draw the appropriate conclusions," Yefarkin told regional state television. "I am sure that in the future this will not repeat itself," he said. During his prison term, Savelyev worked as an IT maintenance officer, earning access to the prison's internal server and those of other jails, where he found surveillance footage showing abuse. He saved them on a USB stick that he hid near the prison exit. After NGO Gulagu.net published the videos of the abuse, the head of the jail, where prisoners needing medical attention for tuberculosis are held, was sacked, along with three regional prison officials. Russia's vast prison system has long a place of torture and sexual violence inflicted on inmates, monitors say, but the videos have cast new light on abuses. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia: Case against prison torture whistleblower dropped

As part of its ongoing crackdown on media outlets and rights groups, Russia has declared the main organisation defending LGBTQ rights to be a "foreign agent" on Monday.

In addition, several lawyers tied to the Russian opposition were also declared foreign agents by the ministry.

Groups classified as "foreign agents" must make their status known in all their publications and on social media, as well as follow a myriad of administrative procedures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/close-to-crime-against-humanity-teaching-children-about-gender-identity-is-monstrous-says-putin-423080">'Close to crime against humanity': Teaching children about gender identity is 'monstrous', says Putin</a>

Similar to the Soviet-era "enemy of the people" tag, it is intended to target groups with foreign funding and those engaging in political activities.

LGBT-Set has been added to the Justice Ministry's official list of foreign agents. This list already features a number of journalists, lawyers, and activists.&nbsp;

The organisation, which was founded in 2006, according to its website caters to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families providing them with legal assistance and support.

In addition, it conducts educational campaigns and gathers evidence of discrimination against people based on their sexual orientation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-gay-men-returned-to-chechnya-face-mortal-danger-rights-group-says-361852">Two gay men returned to Chechnya face 'mortal danger', rights group says</a>

Earlier this year, in February, the group had denounced the arrest of two Chechen men who were then deported back to Chechnya.

Authorities in the Russian republic have been accused by rights groups of jailing and torturing homosexuals in secret prisons.

In Russia, where conservative and religious circles hold a dim view of the LGBTQ community, attacks on them are relatively frequent.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: In Europe, a fight for LGBTQ rights

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-in-europe-a-fight-for-lgbtq-rights-393771/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Russia implemented a law banning homosexual "propaganda" aimed at minors in 2013, which served as a pretext for banning Pride marches and rainbow flags that are symbols of the LGBTQ community.

As of 2020, the Russian constitution also specifies that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, effectively banning gay marriage. 
&nbsp;

As part of its ongoing crackdown on media outlets and rights groups, Russia has declared the main organisation defending LGBTQ rights to be a "foreign agent" on Monday.

As part of its ongoing crackdown on media outlets and rights groups, Russia has declared the main organisation defending LGBTQ rights to be a "foreign agent" on Monday. In addition, several lawyers tied to the Russian opposition were also declared foreign agents by the ministry. Groups classified as "foreign agents" must make their status known in all their publications and on social media, as well as follow a myriad of administrative procedures. Also read | 'Close to crime against humanity': Teaching children about gender identity is 'monstrous', says Putin Similar to the Soviet-era "enemy of the people" tag, it is intended to target groups with foreign funding and those engaging in political activities. LGBT-Set has been added to the Justice Ministry's official list of foreign agents. This list already features a number of journalists, lawyers, and activists. The organisation, which was founded in 2006, according to its website caters to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families providing them with legal assistance and support. In addition, it conducts educational campaigns and gathers evidence of discrimination against people based on their sexual orientation. Also read | Two gay men returned to Chechnya face 'mortal danger', rights group says Earlier this year, in February, the group had denounced the arrest of two Chechen men who were then deported back to Chechnya. Authorities in the Russian republic have been accused by rights groups of jailing and torturing homosexuals in secret prisons. In Russia, where conservative and religious circles hold a dim view of the LGBTQ community, attacks on them are relatively frequent. Watch | Gravitas: In Europe, a fight for LGBTQ rights Russia implemented a law banning homosexual "propaganda" aimed at minors in 2013, which served as a pretext for banning Pride marches and rainbow flags that are symbols of the LGBTQ community. As of 2020, the Russian constitution also specifies that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, effectively banning gay marriage.

Russia assigns enemy of the people, 'foreign agent' tag to LGBT rights group

Russia continued to report a rising number of COVID-19 cases despite the country nearing the end of a nationwide paid holiday that was imposed last month to help curb the spread of the virus.

On Saturday, which was the last day of the paid holiday period, Russia registered 41,335 new cases in the past 24 hours, the highest number for new infections since the beginning of the pandemic.

The country also reported 1,188 coronavirus deaths during the same period.

With over 8.7 million cases registered since the start of the pandemic, Russia is one of the worst-hit countries in the world and a devastating wave this autumn has seen infections and deaths reach new records.

Although Russia has rolled out several homegrown vaccines, including Sputnik V, only about a third of the population is fully inoculated.

Officials cite Russia's low vaccination rate as a major factor in the sharp rise in cases that began in mid-September.

President Vladimir Putin last month ordered a paid holiday from October 30 to November 7 in a bid to curb soaring infections and deaths exacerbated by a slow vaccination drive.

Several regions, including Novgorod in the northwest, Tomsk in Siberia, the Chelyabinsk region in the Ural Mountains and Kursk and Bryansk regions southwest of Moscow, have extended the nonworking period through the end of next week.

Moscow's mayor said the situation in the capital had stabilized sufficiently for people to return to work there on Monday.

Russian authorities have been accused of playing down the pandemic.

According to the figures from the state statistical service Rosstat, in October, nearly twice as many Covid deaths were reported compared with the government tally, indicating that the virus' impact is significantly more severe.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia continued to report a rising number of COVID-19 cases despite the country nearing the end of a nationwide paid holiday that was imposed last month to help curb the spread of the virus.

Russia continued to report a rising number of COVID-19 cases despite the country nearing the end of a nationwide paid holiday that was imposed last month to help curb the spread of the virus. On Saturday, which was the last day of the paid holiday period, Russia registered 41,335 new cases in the past 24 hours, the highest number for new infections since the beginning of the pandemic. The country also reported 1,188 coronavirus deaths during the same period. With over 8.7 million cases registered since the start of the pandemic, Russia is one of the worst-hit countries in the world and a devastating wave this autumn has seen infections and deaths reach new records. Although Russia has rolled out several homegrown vaccines, including Sputnik V, only about a third of the population is fully inoculated. Officials cite Russia's low vaccination rate as a major factor in the sharp rise in cases that began in mid-September. President Vladimir Putin last month ordered a paid holiday from October 30 to November 7 in a bid to curb soaring infections and deaths exacerbated by a slow vaccination drive. Several regions, including Novgorod in the northwest, Tomsk in Siberia, the Chelyabinsk region in the Ural Mountains and Kursk and Bryansk regions southwest of Moscow, have extended the nonworking period through the end of next week. Moscow's mayor said the situation in the capital had stabilized sufficiently for people to return to work there on Monday. Russian authorities have been accused of playing down the pandemic. According to the figures from the state statistical service Rosstat, in October, nearly twice as many Covid deaths were reported compared with the government tally, indicating that the virus' impact is significantly more severe. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia continues to report high Covid cases amid containment measures, slow inoculation drive

A wave of investigations against young people, mainly women, have been launched by the police in Russia in recent weeks over taking partially nude or sexually suggestive photographs next to landmarks. &nbsp;

Over the past week, at least four cases have been reported. In these cases, police have detained, investigated or jailed Russians for photographs posted online in front of the St Isaac’s Cathedral in St Petersburg, St Basil’s Cathedral, Kremlin walls and an “eternal flame” dedicated to the history of the second world war. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-analyst-who-compiled-dossier-linking-trumps-election-to-russia-arrested-426905" hreflang="en">Russian analyst who compiled dossier linking Trump’s election to Russia arrested</a>

For taking a picture suggestive of oral sex in front of the onion domes of St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, a couple has already been sentenced to jail for 10 months. &nbsp;

Last week, the couple, Ruslan Bobiev and Anastasia Chistova, who wore a police jacket in the photograph, were found guilty of “insulting believers’ feelings”. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-diplomat-found-dead-outside-berlin-embassy-declared-as-secret-agent-by-officials-427059" hreflang="en">Russian diplomat found dead outside Berlin embassy declared as secret agent by officials</a>

It was the first time that these charges have led to prison time. Bobiev, who is a blogger from Tajikistan, has been ordered to be deported from Russia. &nbsp;

Some other women have also been detained for flashing buttocks or breasts in front of public landmarks or police stations in various cities. It includes St Petersburg and Yekaterinburg. The cases go back to August. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A wave of investigations against young people, mainly women, have been launched by the police in Russia in recent weeks over taking partially nude or sexually suggestive photographs next to landmarks.

A wave of investigations against young people, mainly women, have been launched by the police in Russia in recent weeks over taking partially nude or sexually suggestive photographs next to landmarks. Over the past week, at least four cases have been reported. In these cases, police have detained, investigated or jailed Russians for photographs posted online in front of the St Isaac’s Cathedral in St Petersburg, St Basil’s Cathedral, Kremlin walls and an “eternal flame” dedicated to the history of the second world war. Also Read: Russian analyst who compiled dossier linking Trump’s election to Russia arrested For taking a picture suggestive of oral sex in front of the onion domes of St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, a couple has already been sentenced to jail for 10 months. Last week, the couple, Ruslan Bobiev and Anastasia Chistova, who wore a police jacket in the photograph, were found guilty of “insulting believers’ feelings”. Also Read: Russian diplomat found dead outside Berlin embassy declared as secret agent by officials It was the first time that these charges have led to prison time. Bobiev, who is a blogger from Tajikistan, has been ordered to be deported from Russia. Some other women have also been detained for flashing buttocks or breasts in front of public landmarks or police stations in various cities. It includes St Petersburg and Yekaterinburg. The cases go back to August. (With inputs from agencies)

Cops act against people for clicking semi-nude pics near landmarks in Russia

Russia, Iran and Central Asian countries have confirmed presence at the Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan on November 10.

India is hosting the meeting this year which will be chaired by India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Sources told WION that "there has been an overwhelming response to India's invitation", calling the "high-level participation" in the meet hosted by New Delhi reflective of "widespread and growing concern of regional countries about the situation in Afghanistan and their desire to consult and coordinate with each other. India has an important role to play in this process."

In a first, all central Asian countries will be present at the meet, not just countries like Uzbekistan and Tajikistan who share land border with Afghanistan. "The enthusiastic response is a manifestation of the importance attached to India's role in regional efforts to promote peace and security in Afghanistan," sources explained.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-supreme-leader-akhundzada-issues-a-warning-against-infiltrators-in-the-ranks-426859" hreflang="en">Taliban supreme leader Akhundzada issues a warning against infiltrators in the ranks</a>

For central Asian countries, concerns of a spillover from Afghanistan have been increasing, and they have been raising the matter in multiple ways. Last month, Russia hosted a meet on Afghanistan in which India was invited. The "Moscow format" meet on Afghanistan has been taking place for last few years and this was the first since the collapse of Afghan republic under President Ashraf Ghani.&nbsp;

The meet comes months after Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August. Since then, situation has deteriorated in the country and worries mounted over worsening humanitarian situation. In the past&nbsp;two meetings under the current NSA format has met in Iran, in September 2018 and December 2019. The third such meet was to take place in India but could not happen due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/unicef-aiming-to-fund-afghan-school-teachers-without-giving-money-to-taliban-report-426685" hreflang="en">UNICEF aiming to fund Afghan school teachers without giving money to Taliban: Report</a>

China has not yet responded&nbsp;to India's invite while Pakistan's NSA Mooed Yusuf has publicly announced he will not participate, terming India as "spoiler". Asked on Pakistan's decision, sources said, "Pakistan's decision is unfortunate, but not surprising. It reflects its mindset of viewing Afghanistan as its protectorate. Pakistan has not attended the previous meetings of this format", adding the "media comments against India are an unsuccessful attempt to deflect attention from its pernicious role in Afghanistan."

Pakistan has also not yet responded to Indian proposal to send humanitarian aid to Afghanistan via Wagha border. Islamabad has been backing Taliban to the hilt and working on at international floras to get the government&nbsp;under the grouping legitimacy. Pakistan Foreign Minister SM Qureshi had recently visited Kabul and engaged with top Taliban leadership.

Russia, Iran and Central Asian countries have confirmed presence at the Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan on November 10. India is hosting the meeting this year which will be chaired by India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Russia, Iran and Central Asian countries have confirmed presence at the Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan on November 10. India is hosting the meeting this year which will be chaired by India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Sources told WION that "there has been an overwhelming response to India's invitation", calling the "high-level participation" in the meet hosted by New Delhi reflective of "widespread and growing concern of regional countries about the situation in Afghanistan and their desire to consult and coordinate with each other. India has an important role to play in this process." In a first, all central Asian countries will be present at the meet, not just countries like Uzbekistan and Tajikistan who share land border with Afghanistan. "The enthusiastic response is a manifestation of the importance attached to India's role in regional efforts to promote peace and security in Afghanistan," sources explained. Also read | Taliban supreme leader Akhundzada issues a warning against infiltrators in the ranks For central Asian countries, concerns of a spillover from Afghanistan have been increasing, and they have been raising the matter in multiple ways. Last month, Russia hosted a meet on Afghanistan in which India was invited. The "Moscow format" meet on Afghanistan has been taking place for last few years and this was the first since the collapse of Afghan republic under President Ashraf Ghani. The meet comes months after Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August. Since then, situation has deteriorated in the country and worries mounted over worsening humanitarian situation. In the past two meetings under the current NSA format has met in Iran, in September 2018 and December 2019. The third such meet was to take place in India but could not happen due to the coronavirus pandemic. Also read | UNICEF aiming to fund Afghan school teachers without giving money to Taliban: Report China has not yet responded to India's invite while Pakistan's NSA Mooed Yusuf has publicly announced he will not participate, terming India as "spoiler". Asked on Pakistan's decision, sources said, "Pakistan's decision is unfortunate, but not surprising. It reflects its mindset of viewing Afghanistan as its protectorate. Pakistan has not attended the previous meetings of this format", adding the "media comments against India are an unsuccessful attempt to deflect attention from its pernicious role in Afghanistan." Pakistan has also not yet responded to Indian proposal to send humanitarian aid to Afghanistan via Wagha border. Islamabad has been backing Taliban to the hilt and working on at international floras to get the government under the grouping legitimacy. Pakistan Foreign Minister SM Qureshi had recently visited Kabul and engaged with top Taliban leadership.

Iran, Russia, Central Asia confirm presence at Delhi NSA meet on Afghanistan

India and Russia are expected to hold first 2+2 dialogue later this month. The talks will feature foreign and defense ministers of both countries. For the dialogue, Indian Defense minister Rajnath Singh and Indian External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will be travelling to Russia. The mechanism was announced in April of this year, with Russia becoming the 4th country with which India has this mechanism. India already has 2+2 mechanism with US, Japan and Australia.

"I think the 2+2 dialogue will be a very important addition to the architecture of dialogue (that) already exists. The dialogue is expected to take place in Moscow, possibly by mid-November", Ambassador Bala Venkatesh Varma told Russian media in his last interview in his capacity as India's envoy to the country.

Both, India and Russia are expected to announce joint commission on technology and science, military-technical cooperation for the next decade 2021-2031.

Defense forms a key pillar of the relationship, and India has participated in each and every major Russian exercise.--INDRA Navy, INDRA Army, Zapad, and Peace Mission. The happens ahead of Russian President Putin's India visit later this year.

Ambassador Varma said,"There will be a bilateral summit between India-Russia. Both sides are actively working on it. There is a high possibility that the Summit is taking place in December."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-monitoring-reports-of-unusual-russian-troop-activity-near-ukraine-pentagon-425982">US monitoring reports of ‘unusual’ Russian troop activity near Ukraine: Pentagon</a>

One of the key areas of focus has been on Afghanistan. India participated in Moscow format of talks on Afghanistan last month, and has invited Russia for the National Security Advisor level talks on November 10.

New Delhi has invited 5 countries for the talks-- Russia, Pakistan, China, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Envoy Varma explained, "General Patrushev has been invited and there’s a very strong possibility that he may actually visit. We are still awaiting confirmation, but he will be a very welcome participant in the dialogue."

In September, secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation General Nikolay Patrushev had visited Delhi to hold talks with NSA Ajit Doval on situation in Afghanistan.

India and Russia are expected to hold first 2+2 dialogue later this month. The talks will feature foreign and defense ministers of both countries. For the dialogue, Indian Defense minister Rajnath Singh and Indian External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will be travelling to Russia.

India and Russia are expected to hold first 2+2 dialogue later this month. The talks will feature foreign and defense ministers of both countries. For the dialogue, Indian Defense minister Rajnath Singh and Indian External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will be travelling to Russia. The mechanism was announced in April of this year, with Russia becoming the 4th country with which India has this mechanism. India already has 2+2 mechanism with US, Japan and Australia. "I think the 2+2 dialogue will be a very important addition to the architecture of dialogue (that) already exists. The dialogue is expected to take place in Moscow, possibly by mid-November", Ambassador Bala Venkatesh Varma told Russian media in his last interview in his capacity as India's envoy to the country. Both, India and Russia are expected to announce joint commission on technology and science, military-technical cooperation for the next decade 2021-2031. Defense forms a key pillar of the relationship, and India has participated in each and every major Russian exercise.--INDRA Navy, INDRA Army, Zapad, and Peace Mission. The happens ahead of Russian President Putin's India visit later this year. Ambassador Varma said,"There will be a bilateral summit between India-Russia. Both sides are actively working on it. There is a high possibility that the Summit is taking place in December." Also Read | US monitoring reports of ‘unusual’ Russian troop activity near Ukraine: Pentagon One of the key areas of focus has been on Afghanistan. India participated in Moscow format of talks on Afghanistan last month, and has invited Russia for the National Security Advisor level talks on November 10. New Delhi has invited 5 countries for the talks-- Russia, Pakistan, China, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Envoy Varma explained, "General Patrushev has been invited and there’s a very strong possibility that he may actually visit. We are still awaiting confirmation, but he will be a very welcome participant in the dialogue." In September, secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation General Nikolay Patrushev had visited Delhi to hold talks with NSA Ajit Doval on situation in Afghanistan.

First India-Russia 2+2 dialogue later this month in Moscow: Ambassador Varma

Japan has had no shortage of faceless prime ministers over the decades, a revolving door of leaders forgotten nearly as soon as they leave office. The most recent to hit the exit, who himself lasted only a year, was faulted for a communication style that often came across like a cure for insomnia.

Now comes Fumio Kishida, who was chosen as prime minister last month by the governing Liberal Democrats and led the party to victory Sunday in a closer-than-usual parliamentary election.

Still, it looked to be the party’s worst result since it lost to the opposition Democratic Party of Japan in 2009.

In anointing Kishida, 64, last month, the Liberal Democrats passed over both an outspoken maverick who was popular with the public and a far-right nationalist who would have been Japan’s first female leader.

The gamble most likely cost the party votes in tight races around the country. Facing public discontent over economic stagnation and the government’s initial handling of the coronavirus crisis, the Liberal Democrats eked out a majority but lost seats that included some held by prominent party leaders.

While slightly less stodgy than his predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, Kishida is frequently described as “boring” by the Japanese media, and he still struggles to connect with the public, or even his supporters and friends.

“His speech sounds so serious that it doesn’t sound interesting even if he was meaning to say something interesting,” said Ikuzo Kubota, 67, chairman of a real estate management company in Hiroshima, who has known Kishida for more than 30 years. “Even now, I sometimes think that he should learn how to say things in an interesting way.”

The rise of Kishida, a former foreign minister, is a potent reflection of the Liberal Democrats’ entrenched power in Japan. He was selected precisely because of his milquetoast persona, political experts said, as it allows behind-the-scenes power brokers to project their agenda onto him. And the party made its choice confident that it could win the election despite his lack of charisma.

Hoping to emerge from the election less weakened than expected, Kishida crisscrossed the country on chartered flights during the two-week campaign period. At his final campaign stop Saturday night, before a packed square in front of a Tokyo train station, Kishida received a smattering of polite applause as he shouted a hearty “Good evening.”

His voice cracked repeatedly as he tried to project enthusiasm into his stump speech, stumbling over his pledges to build a new style of economics and protect Japan in the face of growing regional instability. He wrapped up with a warning that Japanese democracy would be threatened if the country’s Communist Party gained more seats in parliament.

Kishida’s rhetoric about a “new capitalism” that would narrow income inequality, a platform aimed at a disgruntled public battered by coronavirus-related restrictions on business, has grown vaguer over the course of the campaign.

He has ratcheted back a proposal to raise taxes on capital gains. Instead, he has returned to a familiar economic playbook for the Liberal Democrats, calling for more fiscal spending on projects backed by large industries such as construction, which typically support the party.

“He’s almost like a figurehead for other figures in the party to get their ideas through,” said James Brady, head Japan analyst at Teneo, a risk advisory consulting firm. “He’s not a strong leader. He’s not someone who’s coming up with a lot of ideas.”

Like many other Liberal Democratic lawmakers, Kishida was brought up in a political family. Both his grandfather and his father served in the House of Representatives, and Kishida started his political career as a secretary to his father.

Although Kishida represents a district in Hiroshima and his family is from the area, he was raised mostly in Tokyo. He spent three years in New York when his father was posted there during a stint at the trade ministry.

He often cites the formative experience of attending a public elementary school in the Elmhurst section of Queens, New York, describing an incident in 1965 when a white classmate refused to hold his hand as instructed by a teacher on a field trip. Kishida says the moment seeded in him a lifelong commitment to fairness and justice.

Back in Japan, Kishida was an ardent — although, by his own admission, middling — baseball player. He tried, and failed, three times to pass the entrance exam for the University of Tokyo, Japan’s most prestigious state university.

He finally enrolled at Waseda, a top private university in Tokyo. In “Kishida Vision,” a memoir published last year, he wrote that he was more interested in music and mahjong than academics during his undergraduate years.

Kishida started a career in banking, gaining empathy, he wrote, for people and small businesses struggling to repay loans.

When his father died of cancer at age 65, Kishida ran for the Hiroshima seat in 1993 and won. He has served in various Cabinet positions and was Japan’s longest-serving foreign minister, under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

He did not leave much of an impression on his colleagues. “I have no memory of him even though I met him every week in Cabinet meetings,” said Yoichi Masuzoe, a former governor of Tokyo who served as health minister when Kishida was a minister in charge of Okinawa and a string of islands known as the Northern Territories.

Some civil servants in the foreign ministry gave him the nickname “Chihuahua,” referring to him behind his back as a “well-mannered type of dog,” said Gen Nakatani, a former defense minister who has known Kishida for 30 years.

One lawmaker whom Kishida met in college and described as one of his best friends went on to back a rival, Taro Kono, in the Liberal Democrats’ recent leadership election.

Kishida lacks the swagger or arrogance that characterizes other politicians. He “listens to people, is calm and never speaks ill of others,” Nakatani said. “He doesn’t behave in a selfish manner.”

He was foreign minister when President Barack Obama visited Hiroshima in 2016, and when South Korea and Japan signed an agreement in 2015 to compensate so-called comfort women, the term for those taken as sex slaves by Japanese soldiers during World War II. But Kishida rarely gets credit for these accomplishments.

If he is remembered, it is as an abundant drinker who maintains his dignity and leaves the bar before midnight. In his memoir, he wrote of matching Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, drink for drink. Kishida once hosted a birthday party for his Russian counterpart and presented him with a bottle of Suntory Hibiki 21 whiskey, which retails for about $750.

When Caroline Kennedy was the U.S. ambassador in Tokyo, Kishida gave her T-shirts, aprons and mugs imprinted with photos or cartoons of her face.

His attempts to endear himself on social media have sometimes fallen flat or drawn outright jeering.

A post he shared on Twitter and Instagram, showing his wife standing in the kitchen doorway while he sat at the table eating a dinner she had prepared, was roundly mocked. Videos showing his wife, Yuko, 57, and his three sons cheering him on have been slightly more popular.

“He’s a little bit socially and culturally out of step with the majority of the population,” said Shihoko Goto, a senior northeast Asia associate at the Wilson Center in Washington.

His self-effacement undergirds a political pragmatism that allows him to pivot when certain ideas grow unpopular or he needs to cater to a particularly powerful constituency. More often than not, that constituency comes from within the party, not the public.

As a politician from Hiroshima, Kishida has opposed nuclear weapons and taken more dovish stances on foreign policy. But as a candidate for prime minister, he ramped up his hawkish views on China and championed the restart of nuclear power plants, the vast majority of which have been idled since the triple meltdown in Fukushima 10 years ago. Supporting nuclear power is a key agenda item for the right wing of the Liberal Democratic Party.

Because Kishida won the prime ministerial election backed by lawmakers “more geared toward pleasing organized interests and big businesses,” he now has to reward them, said Megumi Naoi, an associate professor of political science at University of California, San Diego.

As for his proposals on economic inequality, Naoi said she could not tell how sincere he had been in the first place. “I don’t know how much of this is his belief,” she said, “or just campaign strategy or political survival strategy.”

Japan has had no shortage of faceless prime ministers over the decades, a revolving door of leaders forgotten nearly as soon as they leave office. The most recent to hit the exit, who himself lasted only a year, was faulted for a communication style that often came across like a cure for insomnia.

Japan has had no shortage of faceless prime ministers over the decades, a revolving door of leaders forgotten nearly as soon as they leave office. The most recent to hit the exit, who himself lasted only a year, was faulted for a communication style that often came across like a cure for insomnia. Now comes Fumio Kishida, who was chosen as prime minister last month by the governing Liberal Democrats and led the party to victory Sunday in a closer-than-usual parliamentary election. Still, it looked to be the party’s worst result since it lost to the opposition Democratic Party of Japan in 2009. In anointing Kishida, 64, last month, the Liberal Democrats passed over both an outspoken maverick who was popular with the public and a far-right nationalist who would have been Japan’s first female leader. The gamble most likely cost the party votes in tight races around the country. Facing public discontent over economic stagnation and the government’s initial handling of the coronavirus crisis, the Liberal Democrats eked out a majority but lost seats that included some held by prominent party leaders. While slightly less stodgy than his predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, Kishida is frequently described as “boring” by the Japanese media, and he still struggles to connect with the public, or even his supporters and friends. “His speech sounds so serious that it doesn’t sound interesting even if he was meaning to say something interesting,” said Ikuzo Kubota, 67, chairman of a real estate management company in Hiroshima, who has known Kishida for more than 30 years. “Even now, I sometimes think that he should learn how to say things in an interesting way.” The rise of Kishida, a former foreign minister, is a potent reflection of the Liberal Democrats’ entrenched power in Japan. He was selected precisely because of his milquetoast persona, political experts said, as it allows behind-the-scenes power brokers to project their agenda onto him. And the party made its choice confident that it could win the election despite his lack of charisma. Hoping to emerge from the election less weakened than expected, Kishida crisscrossed the country on chartered flights during the two-week campaign period. At his final campaign stop Saturday night, before a packed square in front of a Tokyo train station, Kishida received a smattering of polite applause as he shouted a hearty “Good evening.” His voice cracked repeatedly as he tried to project enthusiasm into his stump speech, stumbling over his pledges to build a new style of economics and protect Japan in the face of growing regional instability. He wrapped up with a warning that Japanese democracy would be threatened if the country’s Communist Party gained more seats in parliament. Kishida’s rhetoric about a “new capitalism” that would narrow income inequality, a platform aimed at a disgruntled public battered by coronavirus-related restrictions on business, has grown vaguer over the course of the campaign. He has ratcheted back a proposal to raise taxes on capital gains. Instead, he has returned to a familiar economic playbook for the Liberal Democrats, calling for more fiscal spending on projects backed by large industries such as construction, which typically support the party. “He’s almost like a figurehead for other figures in the party to get their ideas through,” said James Brady, head Japan analyst at Teneo, a risk advisory consulting firm. “He’s not a strong leader. He’s not someone who’s coming up with a lot of ideas.” Like many other Liberal Democratic lawmakers, Kishida was brought up in a political family. Both his grandfather and his father served in the House of Representatives, and Kishida started his political career as a secretary to his father. Although Kishida represents a district in Hiroshima and his family is from the area, he was raised mostly in Tokyo. He spent three years in New York when his father was posted there during a stint at the trade ministry. He often cites the formative experience of attending a public elementary school in the Elmhurst section of Queens, New York, describing an incident in 1965 when a white classmate refused to hold his hand as instructed by a teacher on a field trip. Kishida says the moment seeded in him a lifelong commitment to fairness and justice. Back in Japan, Kishida was an ardent — although, by his own admission, middling — baseball player. He tried, and failed, three times to pass the entrance exam for the University of Tokyo, Japan’s most prestigious state university. He finally enrolled at Waseda, a top private university in Tokyo. In “Kishida Vision,” a memoir published last year, he wrote that he was more interested in music and mahjong than academics during his undergraduate years. Kishida started a career in banking, gaining empathy, he wrote, for people and small businesses struggling to repay loans. When his father died of cancer at age 65, Kishida ran for the Hiroshima seat in 1993 and won. He has served in various Cabinet positions and was Japan’s longest-serving foreign minister, under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He did not leave much of an impression on his colleagues. “I have no memory of him even though I met him every week in Cabinet meetings,” said Yoichi Masuzoe, a former governor of Tokyo who served as health minister when Kishida was a minister in charge of Okinawa and a string of islands known as the Northern Territories. Some civil servants in the foreign ministry gave him the nickname “Chihuahua,” referring to him behind his back as a “well-mannered type of dog,” said Gen Nakatani, a former defense minister who has known Kishida for 30 years. One lawmaker whom Kishida met in college and described as one of his best friends went on to back a rival, Taro Kono, in the Liberal Democrats’ recent leadership election. Kishida lacks the swagger or arrogance that characterizes other politicians. He “listens to people, is calm and never speaks ill of others,” Nakatani said. “He doesn’t behave in a selfish manner.” He was foreign minister when President Barack Obama visited Hiroshima in 2016, and when South Korea and Japan signed an agreement in 2015 to compensate so-called comfort women, the term for those taken as sex slaves by Japanese soldiers during World War II. But Kishida rarely gets credit for these accomplishments. If he is remembered, it is as an abundant drinker who maintains his dignity and leaves the bar before midnight. In his memoir, he wrote of matching Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, drink for drink. Kishida once hosted a birthday party for his Russian counterpart and presented him with a bottle of Suntory Hibiki 21 whiskey, which retails for about $750. When Caroline Kennedy was the U.S. ambassador in Tokyo, Kishida gave her T-shirts, aprons and mugs imprinted with photos or cartoons of her face. His attempts to endear himself on social media have sometimes fallen flat or drawn outright jeering. A post he shared on Twitter and Instagram, showing his wife standing in the kitchen doorway while he sat at the table eating a dinner she had prepared, was roundly mocked. Videos showing his wife, Yuko, 57, and his three sons cheering him on have been slightly more popular. “He’s a little bit socially and culturally out of step with the majority of the population,” said Shihoko Goto, a senior northeast Asia associate at the Wilson Center in Washington. His self-effacement undergirds a political pragmatism that allows him to pivot when certain ideas grow unpopular or he needs to cater to a particularly powerful constituency. More often than not, that constituency comes from within the party, not the public. As a politician from Hiroshima, Kishida has opposed nuclear weapons and taken more dovish stances on foreign policy. But as a candidate for prime minister, he ramped up his hawkish views on China and championed the restart of nuclear power plants, the vast majority of which have been idled since the triple meltdown in Fukushima 10 years ago. Supporting nuclear power is a key agenda item for the right wing of the Liberal Democratic Party. Because Kishida won the prime ministerial election backed by lawmakers “more geared toward pleasing organized interests and big businesses,” he now has to reward them, said Megumi Naoi, an associate professor of political science at University of California, San Diego. As for his proposals on economic inequality, Naoi said she could not tell how sincere he had been in the first place. “I don’t know how much of this is his belief,” she said, “or just campaign strategy or political survival strategy.”

Japan’s election was closer than usual, even though party in power has hit snooze

Backdrop

When President Donald Trump signed the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) in August 2017, a US federal law to impose sanctions on Iran, North Korea and Russia, he believed the legislation was "seriously flawed", notwithstanding the overwhelming majority with which it was passed by the House (419–3). At that time American’s anger over Russia on Ukraine issue and allegations of meddling in US elections was such that no-one realised that it could create foreign policy dilemmas later. Recently, two key Senators have urged President Joe Biden to waive possible sanctions against India for purchase of Russian S-400 to conserve important strategic partnership in the interest of national security of US. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

What problems CAATSA poses on US foreign policy choices? &nbsp;&nbsp;

Under the Trump administration, then-Defence Secretary Jim Mattis and then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had argued “We believe that the application of CAATSA sanctions could have a deleterious effect on a strategic partnership with India, while at the same time, not achieve the intended purpose of deterring Russian arms sales”. Washington needs to be realistic that sticking to CAATSA in interdependent world is counterproductive and diversion from main focus of countering main threat from China. One of the aim of CAATSA was economic strangulation of targeted countries mainly Russia. The sanctions have pushed the targeted countries closer to China, to an extent that Russia has reluctantly become a junior partner to China due to financial compulsion to mitigate sanctions from the west. Russia is going ahead with China despite the fact that Chinese Belt and Road Initiative is side-lining Russian dream of Eurasia and many other friction points amongst the two. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It is worth considering for United States that in its long-term interest, weakening Sino-Russian nexus may be a necessity and CAATSA is doing just the opposite. Russia continues to be the second largest arms supplier in the world. The idea of economic isolation of Russia is also irksome to US allies like Germany and other European countries, who are highly dependent on Russian gas. EU is keen to trade with China and Russia. In the interdependent world, wherein USA itself is dependent on Chinese supply chain on numerous commodities, expecting others not to do business with targetted countries is unrealistic. CAATSA is constraining foreign policy of US into dilemmas of waivers to save strategic partnerships, as one such dilemma will soon appear when India starts receiving S-400 systems, risking a dent in its strategic partnership, Indo-Pacific strategy and the newly formed Quad. It also has potential to strain its relationship with some NATO allies like Germany and France wanting to engage with Russia and China. Post CAATSA, China which hardly had any genuine friend earlier, seems to have an anti-US Axis in terms of China-Russia-Pakistan-Iran-Turkey and Taliban in waiting. Sanctions against China and Turkey for procurement of S-400 haven’t shown any worthwhile impact, as USA’s supply chain dependency on China, despite minor decoupling is substantial and Turkey continues to be unpunished NATO member. &nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Indian compulsions &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The threat of CAATSA is hurting its strategic partners like India. Indian military hardware is heavily dependent on Russian technology, maintenance, procurement of hardware and spares. For many decades Russians have been collaborating with India in its indigenous manufacturing programmes and were amenable to transfer of technology, which India was finding difficult to procure from US. It includes some major systems like nuclear-powered submarines, warships and nuclear reactors. Lately due to the geo-political, strategic and economic considerations, India is trying to be self-reliant, as well as diversifying procurement from various countries to include US, France, Israel and few more. In last decade, the defence procurement from Russia has gradually reduced from over 65 per cent approximately to nearly 53 per cent and correspondingly, it has increased in favour of US, Israel and France. There is a noticeable upward trend in purchase of US military hardware, as the year 2020 alone saw a purchase $3.4 billion worth of US military equipment, indicating enough accommodation by India. In a buyers’ market, US has competitors to include Russia, Israel and France, and every country will make sovereign choice to pick the best deal including India. &nbsp;&nbsp;

USA undoubtedly is an important global strategic partner of India in the current geo-strategic equation with congruence of interests in most global issues. India continues to do its best to respond to sensitivities and concerns of USA, at times, risking some of its old relationships like Iran. To accommodate US interest, India reduced import of oil from Iran facing a cost disadvantage, as Iran oil was being imported in Rupee terms, in crude form and attuned to existing refineries in India. India also suffered by almost losing out stakes in Chahbahar Port to China, which was too willing to embrace Iran with $400 billion deal. India doesn’t seem to be repeating the same mistake with Russians, who haven’t done anything bilaterally, which demands a divorce in mutual relationship. &nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

The case of S-400 air defence equipment &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

India signed a $5.4 billion deal with Russia in 2018 to buy the S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile system and made a down payment and plans to complete the purchase by 2025. S-400 was chosen because it was most suitable to Indian requirement at that point of time. It’s a done deal and India is unlikely to pull back, irrespective of the pressure from US. During recent Indo-US Summit, S-400 was not even on the agenda, as India has nothing to discuss, having locked the deal three years back. The US apprehension in context of use of Russian systems in close integration with US systems and the associated chances of operation information or technology leaks are unfounded, because India is already operating the equipment of West and Russia simultaneously, without such complaint. Additional checks, balances and interoperability issues can easily be worked out as both countries have already signed basic foundational agreements. At this point, it’s impossible for India to run into risk of halting Russian procurement and supply chain of spares for existing inventory. The technological leakage argument is more valid for Pakistan and Afghanistan, which have been armed with enough modern hardware by USA, some of which is readily available to China for reverse engineering. &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

US needs to revisit CAATSA &nbsp;

US needs to come out of superpower syndrome of leaving no choice with strategic partners, but to defy, to pursue its own interest through laws like CAATSA. USA could not moderate behaviour of any country under sanctions through CAATSA proving the point of Tillerson and Mattis of not achieving the intended purpose. If CAATSA can be a cause of cracks in Quad, diversion of focus from USA’s main adversary, then its better to revisit it, because some global challenges have become so enormous that they require chorus of all democracies and response of America alone may not be adequate. &nbsp;The advise of John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Mark Warner, D-Va to President Joe Biden to call for a waiver on national security grounds makes lot of sense in strategic cost benefit analysis. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) &nbsp;&nbsp;

Backdrop When President Donald Trump signed the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) in August 2017, a US federal law to impose sanctions on Iran, North Korea and Russia, he believed the legislation was "seriously flawed", notwithstanding the overwhelming majority with which it was passed by the House (419–3).

Backdrop When President Donald Trump signed the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) in August 2017, a US federal law to impose sanctions on Iran, North Korea and Russia, he believed the legislation was "seriously flawed", notwithstanding the overwhelming majority with which it was passed by the House (419–3). At that time American’s anger over Russia on Ukraine issue and allegations of meddling in US elections was such that no-one realised that it could create foreign policy dilemmas later. Recently, two key Senators have urged President Joe Biden to waive possible sanctions against India for purchase of Russian S-400 to conserve important strategic partnership in the interest of national security of US. What problems CAATSA poses on US foreign policy choices? Under the Trump administration, then-Defence Secretary Jim Mattis and then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had argued “We believe that the application of CAATSA sanctions could have a deleterious effect on a strategic partnership with India, while at the same time, not achieve the intended purpose of deterring Russian arms sales”. Washington needs to be realistic that sticking to CAATSA in interdependent world is counterproductive and diversion from main focus of countering main threat from China. One of the aim of CAATSA was economic strangulation of targeted countries mainly Russia. The sanctions have pushed the targeted countries closer to China, to an extent that Russia has reluctantly become a junior partner to China due to financial compulsion to mitigate sanctions from the west. Russia is going ahead with China despite the fact that Chinese Belt and Road Initiative is side-lining Russian dream of Eurasia and many other friction points amongst the two. It is worth considering for United States that in its long-term interest, weakening Sino-Russian nexus may be a necessity and CAATSA is doing just the opposite. Russia continues to be the second largest arms supplier in the world. The idea of economic isolation of Russia is also irksome to US allies like Germany and other European countries, who are highly dependent on Russian gas. EU is keen to trade with China and Russia. In the interdependent world, wherein USA itself is dependent on Chinese supply chain on numerous commodities, expecting others not to do business with targetted countries is unrealistic. CAATSA is constraining foreign policy of US into dilemmas of waivers to save strategic partnerships, as one such dilemma will soon appear when India starts receiving S-400 systems, risking a dent in its strategic partnership, Indo-Pacific strategy and the newly formed Quad. It also has potential to strain its relationship with some NATO allies like Germany and France wanting to engage with Russia and China. Post CAATSA, China which hardly had any genuine friend earlier, seems to have an anti-US Axis in terms of China-Russia-Pakistan-Iran-Turkey and Taliban in waiting. Sanctions against China and Turkey for procurement of S-400 haven’t shown any worthwhile impact, as USA’s supply chain dependency on China, despite minor decoupling is substantial and Turkey continues to be unpunished NATO member. Indian compulsions The threat of CAATSA is hurting its strategic partners like India. Indian military hardware is heavily dependent on Russian technology, maintenance, procurement of hardware and spares. For many decades Russians have been collaborating with India in its indigenous manufacturing programmes and were amenable to transfer of technology, which India was finding difficult to procure from US. It includes some major systems like nuclear-powered submarines, warships and nuclear reactors. Lately due to the geo-political, strategic and economic considerations, India is trying to be self-reliant, as well as diversifying procurement from various countries to include US, France, Israel and few more. In last decade, the defence procurement from Russia has gradually reduced from over 65 per cent approximately to nearly 53 per cent and correspondingly, it has increased in favour of US, Israel and France. There is a noticeable upward trend in purchase of US military hardware, as the year 2020 alone saw a purchase $3.4 billion worth of US military equipment, indicating enough accommodation by India. In a buyers’ market, US has competitors to include Russia, Israel and France, and every country will make sovereign choice to pick the best deal including India. USA undoubtedly is an important global strategic partner of India in the current geo-strategic equation with congruence of interests in most global issues. India continues to do its best to respond to sensitivities and concerns of USA, at times, risking some of its old relationships like Iran. To accommodate US interest, India reduced import of oil from Iran facing a cost disadvantage, as Iran oil was being imported in Rupee terms, in crude form and attuned to existing refineries in India. India also suffered by almost losing out stakes in Chahbahar Port to China, which was too willing to embrace Iran with $400 billion deal. India doesn’t seem to be repeating the same mistake with Russians, who haven’t done anything bilaterally, which demands a divorce in mutual relationship. The case of S-400 air defence equipment India signed a $5.4 billion deal with Russia in 2018 to buy the S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile system and made a down payment and plans to complete the purchase by 2025. S-400 was chosen because it was most suitable to Indian requirement at that point of time. It’s a done deal and India is unlikely to pull back, irrespective of the pressure from US. During recent Indo-US Summit, S-400 was not even on the agenda, as India has nothing to discuss, having locked the deal three years back. The US apprehension in context of use of Russian systems in close integration with US systems and the associated chances of operation information or technology leaks are unfounded, because India is already operating the equipment of West and Russia simultaneously, without such complaint. Additional checks, balances and interoperability issues can easily be worked out as both countries have already signed basic foundational agreements. At this point, it’s impossible for India to run into risk of halting Russian procurement and supply chain of spares for existing inventory. The technological leakage argument is more valid for Pakistan and Afghanistan, which have been armed with enough modern hardware by USA, some of which is readily available to China for reverse engineering. US needs to revisit CAATSA US needs to come out of superpower syndrome of leaving no choice with strategic partners, but to defy, to pursue its own interest through laws like CAATSA. USA could not moderate behaviour of any country under sanctions through CAATSA proving the point of Tillerson and Mattis of not achieving the intended purpose. If CAATSA can be a cause of cracks in Quad, diversion of focus from USA’s main adversary, then its better to revisit it, because some global challenges have become so enormous that they require chorus of all democracies and response of America alone may not be adequate. The advise of John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Mark Warner, D-Va to President Joe Biden to call for a waiver on national security grounds makes lot of sense in strategic cost benefit analysis. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: Why US needs to revisit CAATSA

Iran’s foreign minister and the country’s top nuclear negotiator, Ali Bagheri Kani, has said that Tehran will resume talks next month with world powers over its 2015 nuclear deal.

Kani confirmed the talks after meeting with European officials in Brussels on Wednesday, saying the exact date will be announced next week.

The other participants in the talks —which included indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran —still need to confirm their participation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-wants-to-rejoin-iran-nuclear-deal-but-it-wont-be-easy-343936">Biden wants to rejoin Iran nuclear deal, but it won’t be easy</a>

“We agree to start negotiations before the end of November. Exact date would be announced in the course of the next week,” Bagheri wrote on Twitter.

The talks that were held in Vienna broke off in June at the time of the Iranian presidential elections.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-launch-arak-nuclear-research-reactor-within-a-year-418149">&nbsp;Iran to launch Arak nuclear research reactor 'within a year'</a>

The new hardline president Ebrahim Raisi has been under pressure from allies including&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;to return to the talks.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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had a very serious &amp; constructive dialogue with <a href="https://twitter.com/enriquemora_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@enriquemora_</a> on the essential elements for successful negotiations. 
We agree to start negotiations before the end of November. Exact date would be announced in the course of the next week. <a href="https://t.co/0A7BOPZh8f">https://t.co/0A7BOPZh8f</a>
— علی باقری‌کنی (@Bagheri_Kani) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bagheri_Kani/status/1453368358645207046?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The agreement between Iran and world powers to find a long-term solution to the crisis over its controversial nuclear programme has been suspended since former US president Donald Trump walked out of the deal in May 2018 and imposed a series of sanctions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-britain-and-germany-regret-us-end-to-iran-nuclear-waivers-301999">France, Britain and Germany regret US end to Iran nuclear waivers</a>

His successor Joe Biden has said he is ready to re-enter the agreement, as long as Iran meets key preconditions including full compliance with the deal whose terms it has repeatedly violated by ramping up nuclear activities since the US left the pact.

Another issue is that Iran continues to push for guarantees that the US and European powers won’t renege on their commitments in the future.

There was also some controversy over in what format Iranian officials wanted to meet with their European counterparts prior to the Vienna negotiations.

The EU acts as a coordinator for the deal that also involves Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran’s foreign minister and the country’s top nuclear negotiator, Ali Bagheri Kani, has said that Tehran will resume talks next month with world powers over its 2015 nuclear deal.

Iran’s foreign minister and the country’s top nuclear negotiator, Ali Bagheri Kani, has said that Tehran will resume talks next month with world powers over its 2015 nuclear deal. Kani confirmed the talks after meeting with European officials in Brussels on Wednesday, saying the exact date will be announced next week. The other participants in the talks —which included indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran —still need to confirm their participation. Also read | Biden wants to rejoin Iran nuclear deal, but it won’t be easy “We agree to start negotiations before the end of November. Exact date would be announced in the course of the next week,” Bagheri wrote on Twitter. The talks that were held in Vienna broke off in June at the time of the Iranian presidential elections. Also read | Iran to launch Arak nuclear research reactor 'within a year' The new hardline president Ebrahim Raisi has been under pressure from allies including Russia to return to the talks. had a very serious & constructive dialogue with @enriquemora_ on the essential elements for successful negotiations. We agree to start negotiations before the end of November. Exact date would be announced in the course of the next week. https://t.co/0A7BOPZh8f — علی باقری‌کنی (@Bagheri_Kani) October 27, 2021 × The agreement between Iran and world powers to find a long-term solution to the crisis over its controversial nuclear programme has been suspended since former US president Donald Trump walked out of the deal in May 2018 and imposed a series of sanctions. Also read | France, Britain and Germany regret US end to Iran nuclear waivers His successor Joe Biden has said he is ready to re-enter the agreement, as long as Iran meets key preconditions including full compliance with the deal whose terms it has repeatedly violated by ramping up nuclear activities since the US left the pact. Another issue is that Iran continues to push for guarantees that the US and European powers won’t renege on their commitments in the future. There was also some controversy over in what format Iranian officials wanted to meet with their European counterparts prior to the Vienna negotiations. The EU acts as a coordinator for the deal that also involves Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran agrees to restart negotiations on 2015 nuclear deal by November-end

US ambassador to United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, as per a statement issued on Tuesday, has expressed 'grave concerns' that &nbsp;Russian mercenaries may be deployed to Mali and undermine international efforts to defeat violent extremism

"We believe Niger’s partners must address security together," Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement after her&nbsp; 
talks with Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum.

Security provision must be "inclusive, equitable," while respecting human rights, she said, praising Niger's own democratic example.

"To that end, I expressed our grave concerns about reports that Russian mercenaries may deploy to Mali and the risk that would pose to regional peace and security and the broader Sahel," Thomas-Greenfield said.&nbsp;

"Russian mercenaries engage in human rights abuses of civilians, extract steep costs in payments and mineral concessions, and deprive local citizens of critically needed resources," the US envoy said.&nbsp;

"Any role for Russian mercenaries in the region will likely exacerbate the current security situation. Instead, we hope Niger will work with us on our common goal: countering terrorism and denying violent extremism a home."

Mali has seen two coups in last nine months. The UN delegation visited Mali on Saturday and Sunday to press the military-led interim government to restore democracy.

The Wagner group, with which Moscow denies any link, provides maintenance services, military equipment and training in the countries where they are deployed.

But France and other critics accuse the Wagner group of benefitting from their resources and of serving Kremlin interests.

Wagner personnel have been reported in the Central African Republic and other African countries, as well as in Syria and Libya.

Despite a 2015 peace agreement, poor and landlocked Mali, home to at least 20 ethnic groups, has been racked by jihadist and intercommunal violence, as well as coups in August 2020 and May this year.

Military intervention by France and the UN has failed to quell an Islamist insurgency that has swept into central Mali and spilled over into neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger, leaving thousands dead and forcing hundreds of thousands more from their homes.

French officials say the possible future presence of the Wagner group would be incompatible with the French military presence.&nbsp;

At the start of October, the French army said it had seen no sign of a Wagner deployment in Mali.

(With inputs from agencies)

US ambassador to United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, as per a statement issued on Tuesday, has expressed 'grave concerns' that Russian mercenaries may be deployed to Mali and undermine international efforts to defeat violent extremism "We believe Niger’s partners must address security together," Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement after her talks with Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum.

US ambassador to United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, as per a statement issued on Tuesday, has expressed 'grave concerns' that Russian mercenaries may be deployed to Mali and undermine international efforts to defeat violent extremism "We believe Niger’s partners must address security together," Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement after her talks with Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum. Security provision must be "inclusive, equitable," while respecting human rights, she said, praising Niger's own democratic example. "To that end, I expressed our grave concerns about reports that Russian mercenaries may deploy to Mali and the risk that would pose to regional peace and security and the broader Sahel," Thomas-Greenfield said. "Russian mercenaries engage in human rights abuses of civilians, extract steep costs in payments and mineral concessions, and deprive local citizens of critically needed resources," the US envoy said. "Any role for Russian mercenaries in the region will likely exacerbate the current security situation. Instead, we hope Niger will work with us on our common goal: countering terrorism and denying violent extremism a home." Mali has seen two coups in last nine months. The UN delegation visited Mali on Saturday and Sunday to press the military-led interim government to restore democracy. The Wagner group, with which Moscow denies any link, provides maintenance services, military equipment and training in the countries where they are deployed. But France and other critics accuse the Wagner group of benefitting from their resources and of serving Kremlin interests. Wagner personnel have been reported in the Central African Republic and other African countries, as well as in Syria and Libya. Despite a 2015 peace agreement, poor and landlocked Mali, home to at least 20 ethnic groups, has been racked by jihadist and intercommunal violence, as well as coups in August 2020 and May this year. Military intervention by France and the UN has failed to quell an Islamist insurgency that has swept into central Mali and spilled over into neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger, leaving thousands dead and forcing hundreds of thousands more from their homes. French officials say the possible future presence of the Wagner group would be incompatible with the French military presence. At the start of October, the French army said it had seen no sign of a Wagner deployment in Mali. (With inputs from agencies)

US worries over possible 'Russian mercenaries' in Mali

Facing the toughest restrictions since the early months of the pandemic, many Russians have decided that now is an ideal time to fly off for a foreign beach holiday instead of hunkering down at home.

Workplaces across Russia are due to close in the first week of November for paid "non-working days" to slow the relentless spread of COVID-19. Russia on Wednesday reported 1,123 new COVID-19 deaths, its highest one-day toll of the pandemic so far.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-for-kids-fda-panel-oks-pfizer-vaccine-for-children-aged-5-to-11-424323">COVID-19 vaccine for kids: FDA panel OKs Pfizer vaccine for children aged 5 to 11</a>

In Moscow, unvaccinated over-60s have been locked down for four months, and shops other than pharmacies and supermarkets will shut from Thursday until November&nbsp;7.

An unintended consequence of the tightening curbs - accompanied by appeals to wear masks, observe social distancing and get vaccinated - has been a sharp increase in foreign travel bookings to destinations where Russia's flagship Sputnik V is recognised or where COVID entry requirements are cheap and easy.

"Don't quarantine, but holiday on the beach!" travel company Orange Sun Tour proclaims on its website osttour.ru, which offers breaks in Cyprus, Egypt, Cuba and other destinations.

Travel agent Polina Bondarenko said prices had shot up for trips to all available destinations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-health-ministry-greenlights-joint-covid-19-flu-vaccination-423267">Russian health ministry greenlights joint COVID-19, flu vaccination</a>

"People are leaving in connection with this lockdown," she told Reuters, saying about 70 per cent&nbsp;of travellers were vaccinated - well above the national level of just over one third.

Mkhissin Rami, a manager at Orange Sun Tour, said the rush had started right after the partial lockdowns were announced last week.

"No one wanted to stay in Moscow, because what can you do here, so demand went up by about five times, for sure," he said.

For Egypt, the most popular destination, the price of a week-long hotel break for two had surged to about 150,000 roubles ($2,130) compared with just over 100,000 normally, he told Reuters.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-virus-variant-in-russia-may-be-more-contagious-report-422780">New virus variant in Russia may be more contagious: Report</a>

When asked to comment on the phenomenon of people escaping lockdown by flying abroad, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that medical professionals had expressed concerns and that there could be epidemiological consequences.

But Peskov said there was no ban on such holidays, none was planned, and that stopping people from moving around freely was an unwelcome measure of last resort.

Holidaymakers interviewed at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport saw no apparent irony in their decision to escape the country just when the government is urging people to curb their movements.

Also read |&nbsp;Russia records more than 33,000 more new Covid cases

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-records-more-than-33000-more-new-covid-cases-421481/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"If we didn't take the trip now, we'd be sitting at home," said Nina, a resident of the Vladimir region east of Moscow, whose previous attempt to holiday in Turkey was thwarted when flights were cancelled last April.

Muscovite Alexandra said she wasn't frightened of&nbsp;covid risks because hotels were keeping on top of the situation.

"It's not my first holiday this year, it's probably the fifth," she said. "They (hotels) are trying to follow and observe the rules. Plus I'm vaccinated - that won't save you but it will still help. Everything will be great."

Facing the toughest restrictions since the early months of the pandemic, many Russians have decided that now is an ideal time to fly off for a foreign beach holiday instead of hunkering down at home.

Facing the toughest restrictions since the early months of the pandemic, many Russians have decided that now is an ideal time to fly off for a foreign beach holiday instead of hunkering down at home. Workplaces across Russia are due to close in the first week of November for paid "non-working days" to slow the relentless spread of COVID-19. Russia on Wednesday reported 1,123 new COVID-19 deaths, its highest one-day toll of the pandemic so far. Also Read | COVID-19 vaccine for kids: FDA panel OKs Pfizer vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 In Moscow, unvaccinated over-60s have been locked down for four months, and shops other than pharmacies and supermarkets will shut from Thursday until November 7. An unintended consequence of the tightening curbs - accompanied by appeals to wear masks, observe social distancing and get vaccinated - has been a sharp increase in foreign travel bookings to destinations where Russia's flagship Sputnik V is recognised or where COVID entry requirements are cheap and easy. "Don't quarantine, but holiday on the beach!" travel company Orange Sun Tour proclaims on its website osttour.ru, which offers breaks in Cyprus, Egypt, Cuba and other destinations. Travel agent Polina Bondarenko said prices had shot up for trips to all available destinations. Also read | Russian health ministry greenlights joint COVID-19, flu vaccination "People are leaving in connection with this lockdown," she told Reuters, saying about 70 per cent of travellers were vaccinated - well above the national level of just over one third. Mkhissin Rami, a manager at Orange Sun Tour, said the rush had started right after the partial lockdowns were announced last week. "No one wanted to stay in Moscow, because what can you do here, so demand went up by about five times, for sure," he said. For Egypt, the most popular destination, the price of a week-long hotel break for two had surged to about 150,000 roubles ($2,130) compared with just over 100,000 normally, he told Reuters. Also Read | New virus variant in Russia may be more contagious: Report When asked to comment on the phenomenon of people escaping lockdown by flying abroad, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that medical professionals had expressed concerns and that there could be epidemiological consequences. But Peskov said there was no ban on such holidays, none was planned, and that stopping people from moving around freely was an unwelcome measure of last resort. Holidaymakers interviewed at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport saw no apparent irony in their decision to escape the country just when the government is urging people to curb their movements. Also read | Russia records more than 33,000 more new Covid cases "If we didn't take the trip now, we'd be sitting at home," said Nina, a resident of the Vladimir region east of Moscow, whose previous attempt to holiday in Turkey was thwarted when flights were cancelled last April. Muscovite Alexandra said she wasn't frightened of covid risks because hotels were keeping on top of the situation. "It's not my first holiday this year, it's probably the fifth," she said. "They (hotels) are trying to follow and observe the rules. Plus I'm vaccinated - that won't save you but it will still help. Everything will be great."

Russians opt for foreign beach breaks over COVID curbs

For a long time, the Taliban have lobbied for worldwide recognition, and a recent comment by Russian President Vladimir Putin may have made them happy.&nbsp;

The Taliban have applauded Russian President Vladimir Putin's statements on the possibility of the group being removed off the terror list.

Putin stated at a meeting of the International Valdai Club that the Taliban movement might be removed off the list of terrorist organisations. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-may-remove-taliban-from-list-of-extremist-groups-putin-423104">Also read | Russia may remove Taliban from list of extremist groups: Putin</a>

However, he also stated that this must take place at the UN level, according to Russian news agency TASS.&nbsp;

"Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan appreciates words by President of Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, about removal of names of IEA leaders off the blacklist," Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a spokesperson for the interim Afghan government, stated on Sunday. 
 
Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-military-conducts-war-games-near-afghan-border-423514/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"As the chapter of war has come to an end, so too must world countries bring a positive change in their relationship and approach towards Afghanistan. We seek positive relations with the international community based on the principle of reciprocity," the Taliban spokesman tweeted.

Putin has said that Russia is pondering over removing the Taliban from the list of extremist groups.

"All of us expect that these people, the Taliban, who are undoubtedly in control of the situation in Afghanistan will ensure that the situation develops in a positive fashion," Putin said.

"All of us expect that these people, the Taliban, who are undoubtedly in control of the situation in Afghanistan will ensure that the situation develops in a positive fashion," Putin said.

In August, the Taliban took control of Kabul, and in September, they declared the formation of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan as an interim government.

The Taliban have been lobbying for international recognition for a long time.

The international community, on the other hand, has made it plain that the Taliban must keep their commitments before being recognised. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

For a long time, the Taliban have lobbied for worldwide recognition, and a recent comment by Russian President Vladimir Putin may have made them happy. The Taliban have applauded Russian President Vladimir Putin's statements on the possibility of the group being removed off the terror list.

For a long time, the Taliban have lobbied for worldwide recognition, and a recent comment by Russian President Vladimir Putin may have made them happy. The Taliban have applauded Russian President Vladimir Putin's statements on the possibility of the group being removed off the terror list. Putin stated at a meeting of the International Valdai Club that the Taliban movement might be removed off the list of terrorist organisations. Also read | Russia may remove Taliban from list of extremist groups: Putin However, he also stated that this must take place at the UN level, according to Russian news agency TASS. "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan appreciates words by President of Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, about removal of names of IEA leaders off the blacklist," Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a spokesperson for the interim Afghan government, stated on Sunday. Watch: "As the chapter of war has come to an end, so too must world countries bring a positive change in their relationship and approach towards Afghanistan. We seek positive relations with the international community based on the principle of reciprocity," the Taliban spokesman tweeted. Putin has said that Russia is pondering over removing the Taliban from the list of extremist groups. "All of us expect that these people, the Taliban, who are undoubtedly in control of the situation in Afghanistan will ensure that the situation develops in a positive fashion," Putin said. "All of us expect that these people, the Taliban, who are undoubtedly in control of the situation in Afghanistan will ensure that the situation develops in a positive fashion," Putin said. In August, the Taliban took control of Kabul, and in September, they declared the formation of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan as an interim government. The Taliban have been lobbying for international recognition for a long time. The international community, on the other hand, has made it plain that the Taliban must keep their commitments before being recognised. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban hail Russian President's plan to remove the group from terror list

Russian and Chinese warships held their first joint patrols in the Western part of the Pacific ocean on October 17-23, Russia's defence ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

Moscow and Beijing, which staged naval cooperation drills in the Sea of Japan earlier in October, have cultivated closer military and diplomatic ties in recent years at a time when their relations with the West have soured.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-russia-aware-of-us-military-might-will-defend-taiwan-if-beijing-attacks-biden-422795">&nbsp;China, Russia aware of US’ military might, will defend Taiwan if Beijing attacks: Biden</a>

The naval manoeuvres have been closely watched by Japan which said earlier this week that a group of 10 vessels from China and Russia sailed through the Tsugaru Strait separating Japan's main island and its northern island of Hokkaido.

"The group of ships passed through the Tsugaru Strait for the first time as part of the patrol," Russia's defence ministry said in the statement. The strait is regarded as international waters.

"The tasks of the patrols were the demonstration of the Russian and Chinese state flags, maintaining of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, and guardianship of the subjects of maritime economic activities of the two countries," the ministry added.

Russian and Chinese warships held their first joint patrols in the Western part of the Pacific ocean on October 17-23, Russia's defence ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

Russian and Chinese warships held their first joint patrols in the Western part of the Pacific ocean on October 17-23, Russia's defence ministry said in a statement on Saturday. Moscow and Beijing, which staged naval cooperation drills in the Sea of Japan earlier in October, have cultivated closer military and diplomatic ties in recent years at a time when their relations with the West have soured. Also Read | China, Russia aware of US’ military might, will defend Taiwan if Beijing attacks: Biden The naval manoeuvres have been closely watched by Japan which said earlier this week that a group of 10 vessels from China and Russia sailed through the Tsugaru Strait separating Japan's main island and its northern island of Hokkaido. "The group of ships passed through the Tsugaru Strait for the first time as part of the patrol," Russia's defence ministry said in the statement. The strait is regarded as international waters. "The tasks of the patrols were the demonstration of the Russian and Chinese state flags, maintaining of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, and guardianship of the subjects of maritime economic activities of the two countries," the ministry added.

Russian, Chinese warships hold first joint patrols in the Pacific

The Russian Health Ministry has amended the instructions for the use of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, giving green light to administering it simultaneously with a flu shot, according to the ministry statement.

"Russia's Health Ministry has authorised simultaneous vaccination against covid&nbsp;and influenza, as corresponding changes have been made to the instructions for the medical use of the Gam-COVID-Vac (Sputnik V) vaccine," the statement said on Friday.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-reports-record-daily-covid-deaths-422351">Russia reports record daily Covid deaths</a>

Studies have proven that when COVID-19 and flu vaccines are inoculated at the same time, their effectiveness is not reduced, the Russian Health Ministry told.

"The combination of Sputnik V with the influenza vaccine has been studied in preclinical trials, showing no decrease in immunogenicity of both vaccines when they are administered simultaneously.

When covid and flu vaccines are administered simultaneously, the shots are injected to different parts of the body, for example, the left and right shoulders," the press service said in a statement.

On Friday, Russia registered a new single-day record of 37,141 COVID-19 cases, up from the previous record of 36,339 cases confirmed the day before, bringing the cumulative total to 8,168,305, as per the federal response center.

"Over the past day, 37,141 COVID-19 cases were confirmed across 85 Russian regions, including 3,397 cases (9.1 per cent) without clinical symptoms," the center said, adding that the rate of increase grew to 0.46 per cent.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dcgi-seeks-technical-opinion-to-approve-covaxin-for-kids-421886">DCGI seeks 'technical opinion' to approve Covaxin for kids</a>

Moscow has the highest number of new cases with 8,166 infections, up from 7,897 the day before.

The Russian capital is followed by St Petersburg with 3,233 cases, down from 3,280, and the Moscow region with 2,428 cases, up from 2,318.

The response center reported a new record of 1,064 deaths linked to the coronavirus, up from 1,036 the day before, bringing the country's death toll to 228,453.

In the same 24 hours, 25,453 COVID-19 patients were discharged from hospitals across the country, down from 25,895 the day before, bringing the total to 7,117,060.&nbsp;

The Russian Health Ministry has amended the instructions for the use of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, giving green light to administering it simultaneously with a flu shot, according to the ministry statement.

The Russian Health Ministry has amended the instructions for the use of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, giving green light to administering it simultaneously with a flu shot, according to the ministry statement. "Russia's Health Ministry has authorised simultaneous vaccination against covid and influenza, as corresponding changes have been made to the instructions for the medical use of the Gam-COVID-Vac (Sputnik V) vaccine," the statement said on Friday. Also Read | Russia reports record daily Covid deaths Studies have proven that when COVID-19 and flu vaccines are inoculated at the same time, their effectiveness is not reduced, the Russian Health Ministry told. "The combination of Sputnik V with the influenza vaccine has been studied in preclinical trials, showing no decrease in immunogenicity of both vaccines when they are administered simultaneously. When covid and flu vaccines are administered simultaneously, the shots are injected to different parts of the body, for example, the left and right shoulders," the press service said in a statement. On Friday, Russia registered a new single-day record of 37,141 COVID-19 cases, up from the previous record of 36,339 cases confirmed the day before, bringing the cumulative total to 8,168,305, as per the federal response center. "Over the past day, 37,141 COVID-19 cases were confirmed across 85 Russian regions, including 3,397 cases (9.1 per cent) without clinical symptoms," the center said, adding that the rate of increase grew to 0.46 per cent. Also Read | DCGI seeks 'technical opinion' to approve Covaxin for kids Moscow has the highest number of new cases with 8,166 infections, up from 7,897 the day before. The Russian capital is followed by St Petersburg with 3,233 cases, down from 3,280, and the Moscow region with 2,428 cases, up from 2,318. The response center reported a new record of 1,064 deaths linked to the coronavirus, up from 1,036 the day before, bringing the country's death toll to 228,453. In the same 24 hours, 25,453 COVID-19 patients were discharged from hospitals across the country, down from 25,895 the day before, bringing the total to 7,117,060.

Russian health ministry greenlights joint COVID-19, flu vaccination

In a CNN town hall discussion, US President Joe Biden stated that the US would defend Taiwan if it was attacked by China.

"Yes, we have a commitment to do that," Biden said on Thursday when asked if the US would protect Taiwan if China attacked it.&nbsp;

Biden said people should not worry about Washington`s military strength because "China, Russia and the rest of the world know we're the most powerful military in the history of the world," 
 
Watch | The tension between China and Taiwan at their highest

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-tension-between-china-and-taiwan-at-their-highest-421423/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"What you do have to worry about is whether or not they're going to engage in activities that would put them in a position where they may make a serious mistake," Biden said.

Taiwan's Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng warned last month that military tensions between Taiwan and China are at their highest in more than 40 years, adding that China will be capable of conducting a "full-scale" invasion by 2025. 
 
Watch | China boosting military presence around Taiwan

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-boosting-military-presence-around-taiwan-421394/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Taiwan is claimed by China as its land, which should be seized by force if necessary.

Taiwan asserts its independence and vows to protect its liberties and democracy.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a CNN town hall discussion, US President Joe Biden stated that the US would defend Taiwan if it was attacked by China. "Yes, we have a commitment to do that," Biden said on Thursday when asked if the US would protect Taiwan if China attacked it.

In a CNN town hall discussion, US President Joe Biden stated that the US would defend Taiwan if it was attacked by China. "Yes, we have a commitment to do that," Biden said on Thursday when asked if the US would protect Taiwan if China attacked it. Biden said people should not worry about Washington`s military strength because "China, Russia and the rest of the world know we're the most powerful military in the history of the world," Watch | The tension between China and Taiwan at their highest "What you do have to worry about is whether or not they're going to engage in activities that would put them in a position where they may make a serious mistake," Biden said. Taiwan's Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng warned last month that military tensions between Taiwan and China are at their highest in more than 40 years, adding that China will be capable of conducting a "full-scale" invasion by 2025. Watch | China boosting military presence around Taiwan Taiwan is claimed by China as its land, which should be seized by force if necessary. Taiwan asserts its independence and vows to protect its liberties and democracy. (With inputs from agencies)

China, Russia aware of US’ military might, will defend Taiwan if Beijing attacks: Biden

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