Days after Indian and Chinese foreign minister met in Moscow, situation remains unchanged at the line of actual control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

A govt source told WION that while the situation remains "quiet" at the LAC, "no major movement has been seen by the Chinese troops". The source confirmed that build up by Chinese troops remain.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinpings-aggressive-moves-against-india-unexpectedly-flopped-us-media-report-327299">Xi Jinping's aggressive moves against India 'unexpectedly flopped': US media report</a>

The 5 points joint statement after the 2 hours-long meet between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi called border troops of both sides to continue "dialogue, quickly disengage, maintain proper distance and ease tensions."

Asked if foreign minister-level talks yielded results, the source said, "very early days".

The 6th Corp Commanders-level meet is expected to happen soon and will decide the future action on the ground vis a vis disengagement. The date and time of the meet are still to be determined.

The Indian readout of the last week's talks said, "final disposition of the troop deployment to their permanent posts and the phasing of the process is to be worked out by the military commanders."

The foreign ministry-levels talks were the first in-person meet between the two foreign ministers in the 4 months-long India-China standoff. 
&nbsp;

Days after Indian and Chinese foreign minister met in Moscow, situation remains unchanged at the line of actual control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. A govt source told WION that while the situation remains "quiet" at the LAC, "no major movement has been seen by the Chinese troops".

Days after Indian and Chinese foreign minister met in Moscow, situation remains unchanged at the line of actual control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. A govt source told WION that while the situation remains "quiet" at the LAC, "no major movement has been seen by the Chinese troops". The source confirmed that build up by Chinese troops remain. Also read | Xi Jinping's aggressive moves against India 'unexpectedly flopped': US media report The 5 points joint statement after the 2 hours-long meet between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi called border troops of both sides to continue "dialogue, quickly disengage, maintain proper distance and ease tensions." Asked if foreign minister-level talks yielded results, the source said, "very early days". The 6th Corp Commanders-level meet is expected to happen soon and will decide the future action on the ground vis a vis disengagement. The date and time of the meet are still to be determined. The Indian readout of the last week's talks said, "final disposition of the troop deployment to their permanent posts and the phasing of the process is to be worked out by the military commanders." The foreign ministry-levels talks were the first in-person meet between the two foreign ministers in the 4 months-long India-China standoff.

Days after India, China foreign ministry-level talks, situation remains unchanged at LAC

In a major positive development amidst growing India-China tension, both countries have come out with a joint statement calling for the easing of tensions.

The five-point statement issued after more than two hour long talks between India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi will "guide their approach to the current situation", top Indian government sources told WION.&nbsp;

In the joint statement, it has been agreed that "border troops of both sides should continue their dialogue, quickly disengage, maintain proper distance and ease tensions."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-indian-army-gains-upper-hand-and-control-of-commanding-heights-in-ladakh-326703">Also read| India-China standoff: Indian Army gains upper hand and control of commanding heights in Ladakh</a>

Recalling the "consensus of the leaders" agreed in the informal Wuhan summit and Chennai connect summits of 2018 and 2019, both will not allow "differences to become disputes" and "the current situation in the border areas is not in the interest of either side."

One of the key outcomes of the joint statement is that both sides, "shall abide by all the existing agreements and protocol on China-India boundary affairs" while maintaining "peace and tranquillity in the border areas" and "avoid any action that could escalate matters."

Both sides will "continue" to have dialogue and communication through the Special Representative mechanism (SR) on the India-China boundary question and Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China border affairs (WMCC). The SR Level mechanism led by India's National security advisory Ajit Doval and Chinese FM have met twice and WMCC multiple times in the four months-long standoff at the Line of actual control (LAC).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/big-stern-message-for-those-eyeing-our-sovereignty-rajnath-singh-hail-induction-of-rafale-jets-326501">Also read|&nbsp;Big, stern message for those eyeing our sovereignty: Rajnath Singh hail induction of Rafale jets</a>

It has also been agreed the two sides should expedite work to conclude new Confidence Building Measures for "peace and tranquillity in the border areas" once the current situation eases.

The talks which were the first in-person talks between the two Foreign Ministers saw amidst the standoff saw External affairs minister told the Chinese side that "while the Indian side recognized that a solution to the boundary question required time and effort" it was also clear that the "maintenance of peace and tranquillity on the border areas was essential to the forward development of ties,"&nbsp;top government sources told WION.

The sources elaborated, that EAM told Chinese FM recent incidents in eastern Ladakh has "inevitably impacted the development of the bilateral relationship" and called for "an urgent resolution of the current situation was in the interest of both nations."

During India-China FMs meet, India's envoy to China Vikram Misri and India's envoy to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma were also present.

EAM also highlighted its strong concern at the "massing of Chinese troops with equipment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC)" which are violative of 1993 and 1996 India China Agreements and "created flashpoints along the LAC" and "provocative behaviour of Chinese frontline troops at numerous incidents of friction along the LAC also showed disregard for bilateral agreements and protocols". The Chinese side could not provide any credible explanation for the deployment.&nbsp;

The Indian side has conveyed to China that it expected full adherence to all agreements on the management of border areas and emphasized that the "Indian troops had scrupulously followed all agreements and protocols pertaining to the management of the border areas."

The final movement of the troop deployment to their permanent posts is expected to be worked out by the military commanders.&nbsp;

The ground commanders have agreed to hold 6th round of Corps commanders' levels talks soon, as reported by WION on Thursday.&nbsp;

In a major positive development amidst growing India-China tension, both countries have come out with a joint statement calling for the easing of tensions. The five-point statement issued after more than two hour long talks between India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi will "guide their approach to the current situation", top Indian government sources told WION.

In a major positive development amidst growing India-China tension, both countries have come out with a joint statement calling for the easing of tensions. The five-point statement issued after more than two hour long talks between India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi will "guide their approach to the current situation", top Indian government sources told WION. In the joint statement, it has been agreed that "border troops of both sides should continue their dialogue, quickly disengage, maintain proper distance and ease tensions." Also read| India-China standoff: Indian Army gains upper hand and control of commanding heights in Ladakh Recalling the "consensus of the leaders" agreed in the informal Wuhan summit and Chennai connect summits of 2018 and 2019, both will not allow "differences to become disputes" and "the current situation in the border areas is not in the interest of either side." One of the key outcomes of the joint statement is that both sides, "shall abide by all the existing agreements and protocol on China-India boundary affairs" while maintaining "peace and tranquillity in the border areas" and "avoid any action that could escalate matters." Both sides will "continue" to have dialogue and communication through the Special Representative mechanism (SR) on the India-China boundary question and Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China border affairs (WMCC). The SR Level mechanism led by India's National security advisory Ajit Doval and Chinese FM have met twice and WMCC multiple times in the four months-long standoff at the Line of actual control (LAC). Also read| Big, stern message for those eyeing our sovereignty: Rajnath Singh hail induction of Rafale jets It has also been agreed the two sides should expedite work to conclude new Confidence Building Measures for "peace and tranquillity in the border areas" once the current situation eases. The talks which were the first in-person talks between the two Foreign Ministers saw amidst the standoff saw External affairs minister told the Chinese side that "while the Indian side recognized that a solution to the boundary question required time and effort" it was also clear that the "maintenance of peace and tranquillity on the border areas was essential to the forward development of ties," top government sources told WION. The sources elaborated, that EAM told Chinese FM recent incidents in eastern Ladakh has "inevitably impacted the development of the bilateral relationship" and called for "an urgent resolution of the current situation was in the interest of both nations." During India-China FMs meet, India's envoy to China Vikram Misri and India's envoy to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma were also present. EAM also highlighted its strong concern at the "massing of Chinese troops with equipment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC)" which are violative of 1993 and 1996 India China Agreements and "created flashpoints along the LAC" and "provocative behaviour of Chinese frontline troops at numerous incidents of friction along the LAC also showed disregard for bilateral agreements and protocols". The Chinese side could not provide any credible explanation for the deployment. The Indian side has conveyed to China that it expected full adherence to all agreements on the management of border areas and emphasized that the "Indian troops had scrupulously followed all agreements and protocols pertaining to the management of the border areas." The final movement of the troop deployment to their permanent posts is expected to be worked out by the military commanders. The ground commanders have agreed to hold 6th round of Corps commanders' levels talks soon, as reported by WION on Thursday.

India, China foreign ministers agree to ease tensions; issue joint statement

In a joint statement, India and China have agreed on a five-point plan to resolve more than four-months long border crisis in eastern Ladakh to maintain "peace and tranquillity" in the region and avoid actions that escalate the matter.&nbsp;

The plan was finalised during talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Thursday in Moscow on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-brigade-commanders-interaction-underway-326809">India, China brigade commanders interaction underway</a>

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday issued a joint press statement featuring the points that were agreed upon by New Delhi and Beijing during the "frank and constructive" discussions yesterday at the foreign ministry-level.&nbsp;

"The two foreign ministers agreed that the current situation in the border areas is not in the interest of either side. They agreed, therefore, that the border troops of both sides should continue their dialogue, quickly disengage, maintain proper distance and ease tensions," the statement said.&nbsp;

"The two ministers agreed that both sides shall abide by all the existing agreements and protocol on China-India boundary affairs, maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas and avoid any action that could escalate matters."

The foreign ministers also decided to take confidence-building measures once the Ladakh situation eases to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border regions.&nbsp;

It also said that the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China border affairs (WMCC) should continue its engagements.&nbsp;

In a joint statement, India and China have agreed on a five-point plan to resolve more than four-months long border crisis in eastern Ladakh to maintain "peace and tranquillity" in the region and avoid actions that escalate the matter.

In a joint statement, India and China have agreed on a five-point plan to resolve more than four-months long border crisis in eastern Ladakh to maintain "peace and tranquillity" in the region and avoid actions that escalate the matter. The plan was finalised during talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Thursday in Moscow on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet. Also read | India, China brigade commanders interaction underway The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday issued a joint press statement featuring the points that were agreed upon by New Delhi and Beijing during the "frank and constructive" discussions yesterday at the foreign ministry-level. "The two foreign ministers agreed that the current situation in the border areas is not in the interest of either side. They agreed, therefore, that the border troops of both sides should continue their dialogue, quickly disengage, maintain proper distance and ease tensions," the statement said. "The two ministers agreed that both sides shall abide by all the existing agreements and protocol on China-India boundary affairs, maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas and avoid any action that could escalate matters." The foreign ministers also decided to take confidence-building measures once the Ladakh situation eases to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border regions. It also said that the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China border affairs (WMCC) should continue its engagements.

India-China border tensions: Both sides agree on five-points plan to de-escalate situation

India's Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar will meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Moscow on Thursday as Indian forces continue to curb Chinese efforts of infiltration in Ladakh.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the Chinese foreign ministry confirmed that the foreign ministers of both the nations will meet in a luncheon hosted by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-bombers-paratroopers-and-special-forces-deployed-in-plateau-region-amid-border-tensions-says-global-times-326328">India-China standoff: Bombers, paratroopers and special forces deployed in 'plateau region amid border tensions', says Global Times</a>

Earlier on Wednesday, Indian Army sources also said both countries engaged in brigadier-level talks on Wednesday, in which they have decided to organise Corps Commander-level talks.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-sco-meeting-in-moscow-is-important-for-india-china-border-de-escalation-326381">Why SCO meeting in Moscow is important for India-China border de-escalation</a>&nbsp;

Talks at multiple levels are being held despite the months-long border crisis in Ladakh that was escalated after shots were fired in the region on Monday evening, the first in about 45 years.&nbsp;

Post the firings, the Indian Army blamed China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) for "blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres".&nbsp;

The PLA, in between August 28-29, tried to capture Indian territory on the southern bank of Pangong Tso in Ladakh, which was thwarted by Indian Army which gained key heights along the stretch from the south bank to Rechin La in the border region.&nbsp;

A few days ago Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also met Chinese Defence Minister in Moscow, where the duo discussed the standoff in the border region.&nbsp;

India's Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar will meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Moscow on Thursday as Indian forces continue to curb Chinese efforts of infiltration in Ladakh.

India's Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar will meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Moscow on Thursday as Indian forces continue to curb Chinese efforts of infiltration in Ladakh. On Wednesday, the Chinese foreign ministry confirmed that the foreign ministers of both the nations will meet in a luncheon hosted by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Also read | India-China standoff: Bombers, paratroopers and special forces deployed in 'plateau region amid border tensions', says Global Times Earlier on Wednesday, Indian Army sources also said both countries engaged in brigadier-level talks on Wednesday, in which they have decided to organise Corps Commander-level talks. Also read | Why SCO meeting in Moscow is important for India-China border de-escalation Talks at multiple levels are being held despite the months-long border crisis in Ladakh that was escalated after shots were fired in the region on Monday evening, the first in about 45 years. Post the firings, the Indian Army blamed China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) for "blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres". The PLA, in between August 28-29, tried to capture Indian territory on the southern bank of Pangong Tso in Ladakh, which was thwarted by Indian Army which gained key heights along the stretch from the south bank to Rechin La in the border region. A few days ago Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also met Chinese Defence Minister in Moscow, where the duo discussed the standoff in the border region.

As India-China standoff escalates, foreign ministers to meet in Moscow

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar will take part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) ministerial meeting on September 10. Jaishankar is likely to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow. Russia is going to play a major role in acting as a mediator between India and China.

SCO meet: India-China foreign ministers meeting on the sidelines

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is likely to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow, and the border situation between both the countries hasn’t improved.

Can India-China meet be a breakthrough? SCO meet in Moscow

Indian Foreign Ministry briefing ahead of Foreign Ministers' SCO meet

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is likely to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow, and the border situation between both countries hasn’t improved.

WION Dispatch: Moscow takes 'Non Interference' approach on India-China

Can India-China meet be an breakthrough?

As the India-China border situation remains tense, the focus is now in Moscow. The foreign ministers of nations that are members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) are meeting in Moscow. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar will be attending the SCO meet.

What can we expect from SCO meet in Moscow?

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Moscow on Tuesday on a four-day visit to Russia to attend a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

"EAM @DrSJaishankar landed in Moscow; received by Ambassador and senior officers from Russian Foreign Ministry," the Indian Embassy in Moscow tweeted.

His trip to Moscow comes days after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Russian capital to attend a meeting of the defence ministers of the eight-nation SCO of which both India and China are members.

During his stay in Moscow, Mr Jaishankar will attend the meeting of Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of SCO. It will be the third CFM meeting that India will be attending as a full member of SCO.

On the sidelines of the SCO meet, he is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Thursday amidst the escalating border row between India and China in eastern Ladakh.

On Friday, Defence Minister Singh held an over two-hour meeting with his Chinese counterpart Gen Wei Fenghe here on the margins of the meeting of defence ministers of the SCO bloc that primarily focuses on security related issues.

It was the highest level face-to-face contact between the two sides after border tension erupted in eastern Ladakh in early May.

On his way to Russia, Mr Jaishankar made a stopover in Tehran on Tuesday and held talks with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif, covering various aspects of bilateral relations and regional developments.

"A productive meeting with FM @JZarif during a stopover in Tehran. Discussed strengthening our bilateral cooperation and reviewed regional developments. Thank him for his gracious hospitality," he tweeted.

The Iranian foreign ministry, in a tweet, said the two sides emphasised on their will to further expand bilateral ties in "all aspects".

Defence Minister Singh had also made a visit to Tehran on his return from Moscow and held talks with his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General Amir Hatami and discussed ways to bolster bilateral ties and exchanged views on regional security issues, including the situation in Afghanistan.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Moscow on Tuesday on a four-day visit to Russia to attend a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Moscow on Tuesday on a four-day visit to Russia to attend a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). "EAM @DrSJaishankar landed in Moscow; received by Ambassador and senior officers from Russian Foreign Ministry," the Indian Embassy in Moscow tweeted. His trip to Moscow comes days after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Russian capital to attend a meeting of the defence ministers of the eight-nation SCO of which both India and China are members. During his stay in Moscow, Mr Jaishankar will attend the meeting of Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of SCO. It will be the third CFM meeting that India will be attending as a full member of SCO. On the sidelines of the SCO meet, he is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Thursday amidst the escalating border row between India and China in eastern Ladakh. On Friday, Defence Minister Singh held an over two-hour meeting with his Chinese counterpart Gen Wei Fenghe here on the margins of the meeting of defence ministers of the SCO bloc that primarily focuses on security related issues. It was the highest level face-to-face contact between the two sides after border tension erupted in eastern Ladakh in early May. On his way to Russia, Mr Jaishankar made a stopover in Tehran on Tuesday and held talks with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif, covering various aspects of bilateral relations and regional developments. "A productive meeting with FM @JZarif during a stopover in Tehran. Discussed strengthening our bilateral cooperation and reviewed regional developments. Thank him for his gracious hospitality," he tweeted. The Iranian foreign ministry, in a tweet, said the two sides emphasised on their will to further expand bilateral ties in "all aspects". Defence Minister Singh had also made a visit to Tehran on his return from Moscow and held talks with his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General Amir Hatami and discussed ways to bolster bilateral ties and exchanged views on regional security issues, including the situation in Afghanistan.

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar arrives in Moscow to attend Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived Russia on Tuesday on a four-day visit to attend a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

WION Dispatch: S Jaishankar expected to meet his Chinese counterpart

All eyes on India-China FM's meet

Indian EAM S Jaishankar is on a 4-day Russia visit, to attend SCO meeting

Ahead of his expected talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Moscow, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said the state of the border with China cannot be de-linked from the state of the overall relationship with the neighbouring country.

The external affairs minister also described the situation in eastern Ladakh as "very serious" which he said calls for "very very deep conversation" between the two sides at a political level.

Mr Jaishankar was speaking at an interactive session by The Indian Express newspaper.

"The state of the border cannot be de-linked from the state of the relationship. I wrote it before that unfortunate incident happened in Galwan," Mr Jaishankar said referring to his newly published book ''The India Way''.

Tensions escalated manifold along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh after the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed in the line of duty. The Chinese side also suffered casualties but it is yet to give out the details. According to an American intelligence report, the number of casualties on the Chinese side was 35.

"If peace and tranquility on the border is not a given, then it cannot be that the rest of the relationship continues on the same basis, because clearly peace and tranquility is the basis for the relationship," the External Affairs Minister said.

Mr Jaishankar is set to meet Wang Yi on September 10 in Moscow on the sidelines of the meeting of the foreign ministers of the eight-nation Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

"Exactly what I will tell him, obviously I am not going to tell you," Mr Jaishankar said when asked what message he will deliver to his Chinese counterpart.

He, however, said the broad principle around which his position would be constructed would be about the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility along the border for the overall development of ties which has been reflected in the last 30 years of the relationship.

The minister also talked about the number of pacts between the two countries on the border management since 1993, saying they clearly stipulate keeping forces at a minimum level along the border and largely shaped the behaviour of the armed forces.

"If these are not observed, then it raises very very important questions.... I note that this very serious situation has been going on since the beginning of May, this calls for very very deep conversation between the two sides at a political level," he added.

Mr Jaishankar said there were problems left over from history as well. "We have problems left over from history which continue to be an overhang on the relationship," he said, calling the current standoff as of "a very different order".

Ahead of his expected talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Moscow, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said the state of the border with China cannot be de-linked from the state of the overall relationship with the neighbouring country.

Ahead of his expected talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Moscow, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said the state of the border with China cannot be de-linked from the state of the overall relationship with the neighbouring country. The external affairs minister also described the situation in eastern Ladakh as "very serious" which he said calls for "very very deep conversation" between the two sides at a political level. Mr Jaishankar was speaking at an interactive session by The Indian Express newspaper. "The state of the border cannot be de-linked from the state of the relationship. I wrote it before that unfortunate incident happened in Galwan," Mr Jaishankar said referring to his newly published book ''The India Way''. Tensions escalated manifold along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh after the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed in the line of duty. The Chinese side also suffered casualties but it is yet to give out the details. According to an American intelligence report, the number of casualties on the Chinese side was 35. "If peace and tranquility on the border is not a given, then it cannot be that the rest of the relationship continues on the same basis, because clearly peace and tranquility is the basis for the relationship," the External Affairs Minister said. Mr Jaishankar is set to meet Wang Yi on September 10 in Moscow on the sidelines of the meeting of the foreign ministers of the eight-nation Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). "Exactly what I will tell him, obviously I am not going to tell you," Mr Jaishankar said when asked what message he will deliver to his Chinese counterpart. He, however, said the broad principle around which his position would be constructed would be about the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility along the border for the overall development of ties which has been reflected in the last 30 years of the relationship. The minister also talked about the number of pacts between the two countries on the border management since 1993, saying they clearly stipulate keeping forces at a minimum level along the border and largely shaped the behaviour of the armed forces. "If these are not observed, then it raises very very important questions.... I note that this very serious situation has been going on since the beginning of May, this calls for very very deep conversation between the two sides at a political level," he added. Mr Jaishankar said there were problems left over from history as well. "We have problems left over from history which continue to be an overhang on the relationship," he said, calling the current standoff as of "a very different order".

Need 'very very deep' political discussions: India says Ladakh situation with China 'serious'

China have confirmed that the missing youths from Arunachal Pradesh have been found by their side.

WION Dispatch: 5 Indians went missing near China-Arunachal border

Minister of External Affairs of India S Jaishankar has described the situation along the LAC as very serious. Jaishankar also said that the situation needs deeps conversations at the political level.

Situation along the LAC is 'very serious': MEA S Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be visiting Moscow for Shanghai Cooperation organisation (SCO) Foreign Minister Meet. In-person SCO FMs meet is on 10th September in Russia.

In a brief response during the weekly presser, Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "EAM will be visiting Moscow for SCO FMs meet"

This will be EAM Jaishankar's first visit outside the country in month as COVID pandemic impacted global travel.&nbsp;

Russia is the host of the BRICS and SCO groupings and sent the invitation. India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are part of the SCO grouping.

Earlier this year in April, EAM was part of BRICS COVID FMs virtual meet and will be again part of another BRICS meeting on Friday.&nbsp;

Asked if EAM will meet Chinese FM Wang Yi, MEA spokesperson said, "once his engagements are finalized, we will let you know".

This will be the first time both Indian and Chinese FMs will be under the same roof after the Galwan incident of 15th June in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. Both FMs were part of RIC FMs--Russia, India and China and G20 virtual meet since then.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be visiting Moscow for Shanghai Cooperation organisation (SCO) Foreign Minister Meet. In-person SCO FMs meet is on 10th September in Russia.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be visiting Moscow for Shanghai Cooperation organisation (SCO) Foreign Minister Meet. In-person SCO FMs meet is on 10th September in Russia. In a brief response during the weekly presser, Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "EAM will be visiting Moscow for SCO FMs meet" This will be EAM Jaishankar's first visit outside the country in month as COVID pandemic impacted global travel. Russia is the host of the BRICS and SCO groupings and sent the invitation. India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are part of the SCO grouping. Earlier this year in April, EAM was part of BRICS COVID FMs virtual meet and will be again part of another BRICS meeting on Friday. Asked if EAM will meet Chinese FM Wang Yi, MEA spokesperson said, "once his engagements are finalized, we will let you know". This will be the first time both Indian and Chinese FMs will be under the same roof after the Galwan incident of 15th June in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. Both FMs were part of RIC FMs--Russia, India and China and G20 virtual meet since then.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to visit Moscow for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meet

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, on Friday, said that 'states that have turned the production of terrorists as primary export attempted to paint themselves as victims of terrorism'.

EAM S Jaishankar slams Pakistan, says 'Terror exporter behaving like victim'

India has been insisting that the border standoff with China must be resolved in accordance with the existing agreements and protocols for border management between the two countries.

All standoffs in last decade defused peacefully: EAM S Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said that the situation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is most serious after 1962 Indo-China war. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-had-deployed-t-15-tanks-in-tibet-well-ahead-of-galwan-clash-intelligence-report-319729">Also read | China had deployed T-15 tanks in Tibet well ahead of Galwan clash: Intelligence report</a> 
 
"This is surely the most serious situation after 1962. In fact, after 45 years, we have had military casualties on this border. The quantum of forces currently deployed by both sides at the LAC is also unprecedented," Jaishankar said to Rediff.com in an interview ahead of the release of his book 'The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World'. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-chinas-dongfeng-military-vehicle-compromise-pla-at-galwan-valley-319547">Also Read:&nbsp;Did China's Dongfeng military vehicle compromise PLA at Galwan Valley?</a>

“If we look back at the last three decades, this is quite self-evident. Indian and Chinese armies are locked in a tense stand-off in eastern Ladakh for over three-and-half-month despite multiple rounds of diplomatic and military talks,” the foreign minister said.

“There have been several border situations — Depsang, Chumar and Doklam. In a sense, each one was different. This one surely is. But what is also common is that all border situations were resolved through diplomacy,” he added.

“As you know, we are talking to the Chinese both through military channels and diplomatic ones. In fact, they work in tandem,” he said.

Asked how he envisaged the future of India-China ties in the book that was written before the border row erupted, the external affairs minister said it is "an extremely consequential relationship for both and it requires a strategy and a vision".

"What I have said is that the ability of India and China to work together could determine the Asian century. But their difficulties in doing so may well undermine it. So, this is an extremely consequential relationship for both. It has its fair share of problems and I have been forthright in acknowledging them," Jaishankar said.

"We need honest conversations on this, among Indians and between India and China. That is why this relationship requires both a strategy and a vision," he noted.

(With inputs from PTI)

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said that the situation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is most serious after 1962 Indo-China war. Also read | China had deployed T-15 tanks in Tibet well ahead of Galwan clash: Intelligence report "This is surely the most serious situation after 1962.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said that the situation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is most serious after 1962 Indo-China war. Also read | China had deployed T-15 tanks in Tibet well ahead of Galwan clash: Intelligence report "This is surely the most serious situation after 1962. In fact, after 45 years, we have had military casualties on this border. The quantum of forces currently deployed by both sides at the LAC is also unprecedented," Jaishankar said to Rediff.com in an interview ahead of the release of his book 'The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World'. Also Read: Did China's Dongfeng military vehicle compromise PLA at Galwan Valley? “If we look back at the last three decades, this is quite self-evident. Indian and Chinese armies are locked in a tense stand-off in eastern Ladakh for over three-and-half-month despite multiple rounds of diplomatic and military talks,” the foreign minister said. “There have been several border situations — Depsang, Chumar and Doklam. In a sense, each one was different. This one surely is. But what is also common is that all border situations were resolved through diplomacy,” he added. “As you know, we are talking to the Chinese both through military channels and diplomatic ones. In fact, they work in tandem,” he said. Asked how he envisaged the future of India-China ties in the book that was written before the border row erupted, the external affairs minister said it is "an extremely consequential relationship for both and it requires a strategy and a vision". "What I have said is that the ability of India and China to work together could determine the Asian century. But their difficulties in doing so may well undermine it. So, this is an extremely consequential relationship for both. It has its fair share of problems and I have been forthright in acknowledging them," Jaishankar said. "We need honest conversations on this, among Indians and between India and China. That is why this relationship requires both a strategy and a vision," he noted. (With inputs from PTI)

Most serious situation after 1962: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on India-China border clash

Even as India Maldives Air travel bubble gets into place, the Maldives expects more Indian tourist to visit the Indian Ocean island country. The travel bubble was announced by the External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar during a virtual meeting with Maldives FM Abdulla Shahid earlier this month.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The MD of Maldives Marketing &amp; Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) which is the national tourism office of the Maldives Thoyyib Mohamed&nbsp;told WION that the travel bridge will be a "great boost for Maldives tourism."

Mohamed said, "India is the second-largest market for the industry and will help reignite the different sectors of the tourism industry. Given the close proximity between the two countries, this will open up the opportunity for Indian holidaymakers to take a long-awaited holiday, close to home."

The Maldives opened its borders to international tourists since July 15 and there are no quarantine restrictions for tourists. Tourists can travel straight from the airport to their respective resorts without entering Male, thereby providing a safe corridor.&nbsp;

Nearly half the country’s 160 plus resorts have started functioning and guesthouse industry comprising more than 800 guest houses in inhabited islands for budget-travellers are expected to commence soon.&nbsp;

In 2019, 167,000 Indian tourists, visiting the Maldives, which is a rise of more than 100 per cent over 2018. Improved flight connectivity from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Delhi and Karnataka, and, a visa-free regime are among the several reasons that led to an increase in Indian tourists.

COVID-19 crisis had majorly impacted tourism in the country which is the mainstay of the economy. 2,400 active COVID-19 cases were reported in the country, a majority of them in capital Male.&nbsp;

Even as India Maldives Air travel bubble gets into place, the Maldives expects more Indian tourist to visit the Indian Ocean island country. The travel bubble was announced by the External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar during a virtual meeting with Maldives FM Abdulla Shahid earlier this month.

Even as India Maldives Air travel bubble gets into place, the Maldives expects more Indian tourist to visit the Indian Ocean island country. The travel bubble was announced by the External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar during a virtual meeting with Maldives FM Abdulla Shahid earlier this month. The MD of Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) which is the national tourism office of the Maldives Thoyyib Mohamed told WION that the travel bridge will be a "great boost for Maldives tourism." Mohamed said, "India is the second-largest market for the industry and will help reignite the different sectors of the tourism industry. Given the close proximity between the two countries, this will open up the opportunity for Indian holidaymakers to take a long-awaited holiday, close to home." The Maldives opened its borders to international tourists since July 15 and there are no quarantine restrictions for tourists. Tourists can travel straight from the airport to their respective resorts without entering Male, thereby providing a safe corridor. Nearly half the country’s 160 plus resorts have started functioning and guesthouse industry comprising more than 800 guest houses in inhabited islands for budget-travellers are expected to commence soon. In 2019, 167,000 Indian tourists, visiting the Maldives, which is a rise of more than 100 per cent over 2018. Improved flight connectivity from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Delhi and Karnataka, and, a visa-free regime are among the several reasons that led to an increase in Indian tourists. COVID-19 crisis had majorly impacted tourism in the country which is the mainstay of the economy. 2,400 active COVID-19 cases were reported in the country, a majority of them in capital Male.

Maldives eyes Indian tourists as India-Maldives air travel bubble comes into place

Even as the Afghan Peace process is underway, India and Afghanistan have been engaging with each other. Afghan Foreign minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar spoke to India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and discussed a number of issues.

Atmar in a tweet later said, "It was a pleasure to discuss a range of issues of mutual interest. We are profoundly grateful for your continued economic cooperation and unwavering political support for peace and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan."

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Thank you so much Excellency. It was a pleasure to discuss a range of issues of mutual interest. We are profoundly grateful for your continued economic cooperation and unwavering political support for peace and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. <a href="https://t.co/Ok2SY9R7MS">https://t.co/Ok2SY9R7MS</a>
— Mohammed Haneef Atmar محمد حنیف اتمر (@MHaneefAtmar) <a href="https://twitter.com/MHaneefAtmar/status/1296110830363324416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/actions-of-nations-during-covid-19-determines-how-world-perceives-them-mea-321889">Actions of nations during Covid-19 determines how world perceives them: MEA</a>

Meanwhile, the Afghan envoy to India Tahir Qadiry during his Independence Day speech at the Afghan mission in Delhi said his country shares values with India.

Lauding ties he said, "Our time-tested ties have endured through thick and thin of regional challenges and we have always come stronger and closer than before. Afghanistan shares values with India and today's Afghanistan understands values and embraces this fact."

He appreciated India's contribution in "rebuilding and reconstruction" of Afghanistan and extended "heartfelt gratitude to our great Indian allies for the steadfast support and contribution."

India is the largest development partner of Afghanistan in the region and has built several infrastructure projects in the country including the India Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat province.

On the situation in Afghanistan, Tahir said, " We will always uphold the gains made so far. We are still facing challenges posed by International terrorism. We strive hard to augment peace efforts to fulfil aspirations of our people and I can confidently say enduring peace will finally prevail."

Hopes are high that Afghan-Taliban talks will soon begin as Ghani govt has ordered the release of prisoners in accordance with US Taliban deal of February.

The Afghan envoy said his country is "proud of our heroes at the Afghan defence and security forces who are fending and fighting at the forefront to ensure freedom." 
&nbsp;

Even as the Afghan Peace process is underway, India and Afghanistan have been engaging with each other. Afghan Foreign minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar spoke to India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and discussed a number of issues.

Even as the Afghan Peace process is underway, India and Afghanistan have been engaging with each other. Afghan Foreign minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar spoke to India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and discussed a number of issues. Atmar in a tweet later said, "It was a pleasure to discuss a range of issues of mutual interest. We are profoundly grateful for your continued economic cooperation and unwavering political support for peace and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan." Thank you so much Excellency. It was a pleasure to discuss a range of issues of mutual interest. We are profoundly grateful for your continued economic cooperation and unwavering political support for peace and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. https://t.co/Ok2SY9R7MS — Mohammed Haneef Atmar محمد حنیف اتمر (@MHaneefAtmar) August 19, 2020 × Also read | Actions of nations during Covid-19 determines how world perceives them: MEA Meanwhile, the Afghan envoy to India Tahir Qadiry during his Independence Day speech at the Afghan mission in Delhi said his country shares values with India. Lauding ties he said, "Our time-tested ties have endured through thick and thin of regional challenges and we have always come stronger and closer than before. Afghanistan shares values with India and today's Afghanistan understands values and embraces this fact." He appreciated India's contribution in "rebuilding and reconstruction" of Afghanistan and extended "heartfelt gratitude to our great Indian allies for the steadfast support and contribution." India is the largest development partner of Afghanistan in the region and has built several infrastructure projects in the country including the India Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat province. On the situation in Afghanistan, Tahir said, " We will always uphold the gains made so far. We are still facing challenges posed by International terrorism. We strive hard to augment peace efforts to fulfil aspirations of our people and I can confidently say enduring peace will finally prevail." Hopes are high that Afghan-Taliban talks will soon begin as Ghani govt has ordered the release of prisoners in accordance with US Taliban deal of February. The Afghan envoy said his country is "proud of our heroes at the Afghan defence and security forces who are fending and fighting at the forefront to ensure freedom."

New Delhi, Kabul increase engagement as Afghan envoy says share values with India

UAE's foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday called India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar to brief him about his country establishing ties with Israel.

In a tweet, EAM said,"Deeply appreciate the call today from FM HH @ABZayed of UAE. Discussed the full normalisation of relations between UAE and Israel announced yesterday."

UAE is the third&nbsp;Muslim Arab country which will recognise Israel after Egypt and Jordan. US brokered the deal with US President Donald Trump calling the development "historic diplomatic breakthrough".

UAE, Israel and US are close partner countries of India and the development forme envoys say is good news for New Delhi.

Navdeep Suri, India's former envoy to UAE told WION,"We have excellent ties with both Israel and UAE so normalization of ties between them is good news for India. It opens the way for meaningful cooperation in several areas of mutual interest ranging from conservation of water resources and promoting food security to joining hands in the fight against terrorism."

A number of high-level visits have happened between India and UAE and India PM Modi undertook first-ever standalone visit of an Indian PM to Israel in the first term.

Anil Trigunayat who was India's envoy to Jordan, Libya and Malta said,"It is a good development for the region even if in the short run Palestinians will feel shortchanged. But it has been on the cards for a while and others may follow like Bahrain and Saudi. Qatar will remain positive as already they are interacting through sports diplomacy."

He explained, "Turkey and Iran will champion Palestinian cause even more. As far India is concerned.. both Israel and UAE are our strategic partners and have a robust partnership with both."

UAE's foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday called India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar to brief him about his country establishing ties with Israel.

UAE's foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday called India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar to brief him about his country establishing ties with Israel. In a tweet, EAM said,"Deeply appreciate the call today from FM HH @ABZayed of UAE. Discussed the full normalisation of relations between UAE and Israel announced yesterday." UAE is the third Muslim Arab country which will recognise Israel after Egypt and Jordan. US brokered the deal with US President Donald Trump calling the development "historic diplomatic breakthrough". UAE, Israel and US are close partner countries of India and the development forme envoys say is good news for New Delhi. Navdeep Suri, India's former envoy to UAE told WION,"We have excellent ties with both Israel and UAE so normalization of ties between them is good news for India. It opens the way for meaningful cooperation in several areas of mutual interest ranging from conservation of water resources and promoting food security to joining hands in the fight against terrorism." A number of high-level visits have happened between India and UAE and India PM Modi undertook first-ever standalone visit of an Indian PM to Israel in the first term. Anil Trigunayat who was India's envoy to Jordan, Libya and Malta said,"It is a good development for the region even if in the short run Palestinians will feel shortchanged. But it has been on the cards for a while and others may follow like Bahrain and Saudi. Qatar will remain positive as already they are interacting through sports diplomacy." He explained, "Turkey and Iran will champion Palestinian cause even more. As far India is concerned.. both Israel and UAE are our strategic partners and have a robust partnership with both."

UAE's foreign minister calls S Jaishankar to brief him on ties with Israel

Highlighting the "shared Buddhist Heritage", India on Sunday said, Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism was born in Lumbini in Nepal. The comments came in response to Nepal's reaction to external affairs ministry's remarks yesterday at the CII event regarding Buddhist heritage.

Highlighting the "shared Buddhist Heritage", India on Sunday said, Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism was born in Lumbini in Nepal. The comments came in response to Nepal's reaction to external affairs ministry's remarks yesterday at the CII event regarding Buddhist heritage. ''There is no doubt that Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini, which is in Nepal", S Jaishankar said. "Who are the 2 greatest Indians ever that you can remember. I can say one is Gautam Buddha and the other is Mahatma Gandhi. Not just greatest Indians as you and I remember, but greatest Indian that the world remembers, " he said. The Nepal foreign ministry had sharply reacted to the development saying, " “It is a well-established and undeniable fact proven by historical and archaeological evidence that Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal. Lumbini, the Birthplace of Buddha and the fountain of Buddhism, is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites." Adding, "It is true that Buddhism spread from Nepal to other parts of the world in the subsequent period. The matter remains beyond doubt and controversy and thus cannot be a subject of debate. The entire international community is aware of this.” Buddha, born in Lumbini, attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, gave his first sermon at Sarnath and died in Kushinagar. Buddha was the son of Suddhodana who was the leader of Shakya in Magadha situated in present-day Nepal and India. The development comes even as Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli has again reiterated that Lord Ram was a Nepali. Oli spoke to a delegation of Madi municipality in Chitwan district in Nepal and told them he believes Lord Ram was born in that area. He called for developing the region and building a Ram Temple. Nepal PM also suggested the name of the municipality be changed to Ayodhyapuri. Last week Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a Ram Temple in Ayodhya, UP.

India says Buddha was born in Lumbini in Nepal

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized the collaboration to attain self-reliance. He addressed a virtual gathering India @75. Watch report.

EAM S Jaishankar speaks on technology, China at India @75 Summit

India's external affairs minister on Saturday termed technology as "new parameter" to measure "power and influence" while adding that it can never be "politically neutral".

India's external affairs minister on Saturday termed technology as "new parameter" to measure "power and influence" while adding that it can never be "politically neutral". "Today there are new parameters and technology is certainly one of them because what they do is they create relationships, in some case dependencies, convergencies...technology has never been politically neutral, how one approaches it. At the end of the day there is so much interpenetration at one level and yet so much divisiveness and how you straddled that," he said. The statement comes amidst a global backlash by many countries on Chinese tech companies and apps. India in the aftermath of Galwan violent face-off 15th June banned 59 Chinese apps including popular Tik Tok. Countries are taking a position on Chinese technology firms and just last week US President Donald Trump issued orders banning Tik Tok and WeChat. Globally concerns and actions are being taken by countries like UK, the US, Canada and others on 5G by Chinese company Huawei. EAM speaking at the CII virtual event said, "We think technology is capability, but it is hugely security" Earlier this year, the ministry of external affairs ministry announced the establishment of New, Emerging and Strategic Technologies (NEST) Division to evaluate decisions on technology.

Technology is never politically neutral, says Jaishankar

India and Bangladesh partnership stands out as a role model in the region for good neighbourly relations, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony of 10 broad-gauge diesel locomotives to Bangladesh, Jaishankar noted that the ongoing COVID-19 has not slowed down the pace of overall cooperation between the two countries and added that New Delhi stands prepared to cooperate with the people of Bangladesh to tide over difficult times amid coronavirus pandemic.

"Very few countries in the world share such close fraternal ties as ours. Our partnership today stands out as a role model in the region for good neighbourly relations," he said.

"The onset to COVID-19 has posed new challenges to the world especially in realising our developmental goals. India stands prepared to cooperate with the people of Bangladesh to tide over these difficult times," Jaishankar further said.&nbsp;

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Delighted to join Railways Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/PiyushGoyal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PiyushGoyal</a> at the ceremony to hand over 10 Broad Gauge locomotives to Bangladesh. Fulfill an important commitment made during the visit of PM Sheikh Hasina to India last October. <a href="https://t.co/cjhqyPg6SV">pic.twitter.com/cjhqyPg6SV</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1287705611883421696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In a handing over ceremony held today, 10 broad-gauge locomotives were virtually flagged off to Bangladesh by Jaishankar and Railways Minister Piyush Goyal.

Jaishankar said: "I am delighted to join this ceremony of handing over 10 locomotives to Bangladesh. I am glad to know that parcel and container trains have been started between both countries. This will open up new&nbsp; 
opportunities for our businesses."

Jaishankar noted that the Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Railways have been effective partners in implementing India`s first neighbourhood policy which has been most evident in the case of Bangladesh.

&nbsp;

India and Bangladesh partnership stands out as a role model in the region for good neighbourly relations, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said. Speaking at the handing over ceremony of 10 broad-gauge diesel locomotives to Bangladesh, Jaishankar noted that the ongoing COVID-19 has not slowed down the pace of overall cooperation between the two countries and added that New Delhi stands prepared to cooperate with the people of Bangladesh to tide over difficult times amid coronavirus pandemic.

India and Bangladesh partnership stands out as a role model in the region for good neighbourly relations, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said. Speaking at the handing over ceremony of 10 broad-gauge diesel locomotives to Bangladesh, Jaishankar noted that the ongoing COVID-19 has not slowed down the pace of overall cooperation between the two countries and added that New Delhi stands prepared to cooperate with the people of Bangladesh to tide over difficult times amid coronavirus pandemic. "Very few countries in the world share such close fraternal ties as ours. Our partnership today stands out as a role model in the region for good neighbourly relations," he said. "The onset to COVID-19 has posed new challenges to the world especially in realising our developmental goals. India stands prepared to cooperate with the people of Bangladesh to tide over these difficult times," Jaishankar further said. Delighted to join Railways Minister @PiyushGoyal at the ceremony to hand over 10 Broad Gauge locomotives to Bangladesh. Fulfill an important commitment made during the visit of PM Sheikh Hasina to India last October. pic.twitter.com/cjhqyPg6SV — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 27, 2020 × In a handing over ceremony held today, 10 broad-gauge locomotives were virtually flagged off to Bangladesh by Jaishankar and Railways Minister Piyush Goyal. Jaishankar said: "I am delighted to join this ceremony of handing over 10 locomotives to Bangladesh. I am glad to know that parcel and container trains have been started between both countries. This will open up new opportunities for our businesses." Jaishankar noted that the Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Railways have been effective partners in implementing India`s first neighbourhood policy which has been most evident in the case of Bangladesh.

India and Bangladesh partnership stands out as a role model in the region: Jaishankar

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday spoke at India Global Week 2020. Watch this video to know what he said.

S Jaishankar: 'Issues of trust' to rise in post-COVID world

S. Jaishankar speaks at India Global Week 2020: Post pandemic world will be difficult

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said that dispassionate scrutiny and reform of all multilateral entities are needed to make them purpose-built for the present times and representative of this century.

Speaking at the virtual ministerial meeting of Alliance for Multilateralism, Jaishankar underlined that the world stands at a "transformative moment" and is facing a two-pronged attack of a pandemic and misinformation going viral.

"Today, once again, we stand at a transformative moment. A pandemic has devastated our globalised economic system, apart from taking a toll of over 400,000 lives. It has fundamentally affected the way we live, work, travel and indeed, relate to each other," he said.

"While it is too early to say that the coronavirus has altered our way of life forever, it has reduced humanity`s instinctive comfort in the presence of others. Suspicion of human interaction is fuelled, more often than not, by fake news, wrong information and targetted disinformation," he added.

"So widespread are these phenomena today that we are truly facing a two-pronged attack of a viral pandemic and misinformation going viral. In other words, this is an era of both a health crisis and an infodemic," Jaishankar stated.

The External Affairs Minister said that the way forward to address both of challenges is similar and there is a need to strengthen the belief in scientific approaches.

"We must set aside politics and focus on facts whether it is the effort to dispassionately analyse the causes and drivers of the current coronavirus pandemic, or to assess what changes our multilateral health mechanisms need to implement to improve preparations for a future pandemic," Jaishankar said.

He stressed that the resolution adopted at the World Health Assembly last month is "an opportunity to use facts and science to assess our response to this pandemic and take those lessons to prepare better for the future", while adding that India, as chair of the WHO Executive Board, is ready to work towards these goals.

Jaishankar called on the need to restore faith in meaningful and equal partnerships."Trust, partnership and cooperation draw people, societies and countries together especially during crises, particularly when fake news and disease engender isolationism and unilateralism. In this context, India was pleased to be part of cross-regional group presenting a statement on the ongoing `Infodemic` in the context of COVID-19 at the UN," he said.

"As you know, it received wide political support from over 130 states and observers. Our alliance must also continue to take concrete steps to counter the `infodemic` through its working group in this regard," the minister added.

"It is an empirical fact that every process and institution must evolve to meet the needs of its time. No institution, howsoever important, can remain frozen at the moment of its foundation. Just as we need to consider the resourcing and regulatory parameters set out for the WHO, to address and resolve shortcomings, so too do we need dispassionate scrutiny and reform of all multilateral entities, to make them purpose-built for our times and representative of this century," Jaishankar said.

He stated that "this is why we continue to call for `reformed multilateralism`-- one that is relevant for the age in which we live, not when this architecture was erected"."Our alliance must stand for a dynamic multilateralism, for a purposeful reform of existing structures, which must continue to serve the international community even more in this complex and uncertain time," Jaishankar further said.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said that dispassionate scrutiny and reform of all multilateral entities are needed to make them purpose-built for the present times and representative of this century.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said that dispassionate scrutiny and reform of all multilateral entities are needed to make them purpose-built for the present times and representative of this century. Speaking at the virtual ministerial meeting of Alliance for Multilateralism, Jaishankar underlined that the world stands at a "transformative moment" and is facing a two-pronged attack of a pandemic and misinformation going viral. "Today, once again, we stand at a transformative moment. A pandemic has devastated our globalised economic system, apart from taking a toll of over 400,000 lives. It has fundamentally affected the way we live, work, travel and indeed, relate to each other," he said. "While it is too early to say that the coronavirus has altered our way of life forever, it has reduced humanity`s instinctive comfort in the presence of others. Suspicion of human interaction is fuelled, more often than not, by fake news, wrong information and targetted disinformation," he added. "So widespread are these phenomena today that we are truly facing a two-pronged attack of a viral pandemic and misinformation going viral. In other words, this is an era of both a health crisis and an infodemic," Jaishankar stated. The External Affairs Minister said that the way forward to address both of challenges is similar and there is a need to strengthen the belief in scientific approaches. "We must set aside politics and focus on facts whether it is the effort to dispassionately analyse the causes and drivers of the current coronavirus pandemic, or to assess what changes our multilateral health mechanisms need to implement to improve preparations for a future pandemic," Jaishankar said. He stressed that the resolution adopted at the World Health Assembly last month is "an opportunity to use facts and science to assess our response to this pandemic and take those lessons to prepare better for the future", while adding that India, as chair of the WHO Executive Board, is ready to work towards these goals. Jaishankar called on the need to restore faith in meaningful and equal partnerships."Trust, partnership and cooperation draw people, societies and countries together especially during crises, particularly when fake news and disease engender isolationism and unilateralism. In this context, India was pleased to be part of cross-regional group presenting a statement on the ongoing `Infodemic` in the context of COVID-19 at the UN," he said. "As you know, it received wide political support from over 130 states and observers. Our alliance must also continue to take concrete steps to counter the `infodemic` through its working group in this regard," the minister added. "It is an empirical fact that every process and institution must evolve to meet the needs of its time. No institution, howsoever important, can remain frozen at the moment of its foundation. Just as we need to consider the resourcing and regulatory parameters set out for the WHO, to address and resolve shortcomings, so too do we need dispassionate scrutiny and reform of all multilateral entities, to make them purpose-built for our times and representative of this century," Jaishankar said. He stated that "this is why we continue to call for `reformed multilateralism`-- one that is relevant for the age in which we live, not when this architecture was erected"."Our alliance must stand for a dynamic multilateralism, for a purposeful reform of existing structures, which must continue to serve the international community even more in this complex and uncertain time," Jaishankar further said.

Dispassionate scrutiny and reform of all multilateral entities needed, says Jaishankar

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