While the focus was on hectic conversations and what leaders said at this year's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-refuses-to-endorse-chinas-bri-at-sco-says-connectivity-projects-must-respect-territorial-integrity-227208">Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit</a>, the culture of the member countries got attention at the concert. Coke Studio Pakistan fame and Baloch folk singer Akhtar Chanal Zahri, along with India's flute player Ronu Majumdar, stole everyone's attention with magical performances.&nbsp;

Akhtar Chanal Zahri, whose Coke Studio song 'Daanah Pah Daanah' got more than 16 million hits on YouTube, spoke to WION in Bishkek and said, "I am happy to be here... I represented Pakistan at the SCO".&nbsp;

On India-Pakistan ties, he said, "My message is, we should be good neighbours. India is our hamsaya mulk (close neighbour) and it should also remain evergreen. We should be friends".

"These two countries are like brothers," Zahri added. &nbsp;

During the gala concert on Thursday, all leaders of the SCO states - India, Pakistan, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan - were present.

Zahri has worked for Bollywood as well and has sung for movies like 'Mirzya'. He shared anecdotes of how he was invited for tea by Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan. He also once sang in front of former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee when he visited Islamabad in 2004 to attend the 12th SAARC Summit.&nbsp;

This wasn't the first time when Zahri was representing Pakistan at any international platform. In the past, he travelled with former Pakistan PM Benazir Bhutto to England.&nbsp;

Talking about the Hindu heritage in Pakistan's Balochistan, he said "we have a Kali temple in Kalat; Mahadev temple in Mastung and Pani Nath temple... Hinglaj Mata mandir... I have performed at Hinglaj temple".

Thursday's concert at the SCO Summit saw India's cultural presentation in famous Bengali and Bollywood numbers.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

While the focus was on hectic conversations and what leaders said at this year's Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, the culture of the member countries got attention at the concert.

While the focus was on hectic conversations and what leaders said at this year's Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, the culture of the member countries got attention at the concert. Coke Studio Pakistan fame and Baloch folk singer Akhtar Chanal Zahri, along with India's flute player Ronu Majumdar, stole everyone's attention with magical performances. Akhtar Chanal Zahri, whose Coke Studio song 'Daanah Pah Daanah' got more than 16 million hits on YouTube, spoke to WION in Bishkek and said, "I am happy to be here... I represented Pakistan at the SCO". On India-Pakistan ties, he said, "My message is, we should be good neighbours. India is our hamsaya mulk (close neighbour) and it should also remain evergreen. We should be friends". "These two countries are like brothers," Zahri added. During the gala concert on Thursday, all leaders of the SCO states - India, Pakistan, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan - were present. Zahri has worked for Bollywood as well and has sung for movies like 'Mirzya'. He shared anecdotes of how he was invited for tea by Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan. He also once sang in front of former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee when he visited Islamabad in 2004 to attend the 12th SAARC Summit. This wasn't the first time when Zahri was representing Pakistan at any international platform. In the past, he travelled with former Pakistan PM Benazir Bhutto to England. Talking about the Hindu heritage in Pakistan's Balochistan, he said "we have a Kali temple in Kalat; Mahadev temple in Mastung and Pani Nath temple... Hinglaj Mata mandir... I have performed at Hinglaj temple". Thursday's concert at the SCO Summit saw India's cultural presentation in famous Bengali and Bollywood numbers.

Coke Studio Pakistan fame Akhtar Chanal Zahri mesmerised leaders at SCO Summit

When India joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and was admitted as a full-fledged member along with Pakistan in June 2017 at Astana, Kazakhstan little did people in India know about the dynamics of this group. Even less was appreciated about the commonalities that the constituents had in terms of interests.&nbsp;

SCO is the largest regional organisation in the world in terms of geographical coverage and population, covering three-fifths of the Eurasian continent and nearly half of the human population. It is essentially a forum for cooperation in economic and security domains while also promoting cooperation in political affairs, trade, scientific, cultural and educational spheres as well as in energy, transportation, tourism, and environmental protection.&nbsp;

The annual summit meeting is a very apt platform for discussion between heads of governments and states particularly on issues of geopolitical concern. India’s presence as a full-fledged member contributes to the multilateral nature of India’s engagements. The major advantage is that on a structured platform it shares space with China with whom it desires an equitable and mutually respectful relationship but the existing trust deficit prevents this from manifesting fully into anything transformational. Yet India’s admission into SCO is itself an indicator of China’s similar desire. With Russia, India enjoys a traditionally strong relationship which has its hiccups due to the Russian perception about India moving on, with multilateralism weathering the historically trusted and mutually beneficial relationship. The Central Asian states desire cooperation and consultation with India but scope in economic terms has been greatly restricted due to the obstacles laid by Pakistan. Pakistan’s presence, in the long run, may prove to be mutually beneficial if and when some traction is gained in terms of the trust. The utility of SCO as a vehicle for improving relationships and setting aside differences was borne out by the way in which India and China utilised the Qingdao meeting in June 2018 to build upon the achievements of the bilateral Modi-Xi summit at Wuhan. In fact, Wuhan and Qingdao became synonymously linked to the new spirit of Sino-Indian cooperation after setting aside the Doklam standoff. Now at Bishkek, PM Modi’s first deliberations have taken place with President Xi Jinping of China with a full review of Sino-Indian relations since November 2018 and have led to a conclusive decision regarding the Chinese President’s visit to India later this year. Despite India’s reluctance to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its absence for the second time at the BRI summit, the two nations have followed a policy of engagement. With greater understanding and now the decision at Biskek to address border issues on priority perhaps ways will also eventually be found to address India’s major concern about BRI which dwells upon the development of infrastructure in territories claimed by India and not currently under its control.

While social and economic protocols and issues undoubtedly form the bedrock of such a grouping the current meeting in Bishkek, comes at a time when the world is once again witnessing international turbulence. The US-China trade war promises to upset many economic understandings. The US-Iran standoff and the threat to the stability of energy supply most adversely affect India and China. The US is attempting to break India’s dependence on Russia for advanced military equipment by offering F-35 aircraft in return for India pulling out of the S-400 deal with Russia; there have been quiet threats about the imposition of Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) against India. While acts of global terror have reduced, notwithstanding the recent suicide bombings in Sri Lanka, the world is yet worried about violent radical extremism and India is particularly concerned about the threats it faces from Pakistan and potentially from others. Global terror is a subject that falls in SCO’s ambit and it is a good opportunity for India to highlight its own case.

The issue which observers in India are focused upon is India-Pakistan relations and how these will manifest at Bishkek. For some months now PM Imran Khan has been making overtures in the hope of a positive Indian response. The SCO meeting gave further hope that there would be an opportunity to break the ice through a Modi-Khan meeting on the sidelines. However, PM Modi chose to adopt a cool approach right from the outset. His decision not to overfly Pakistan airspace was designed to send the message that India will not engage in any peace process as long as Pakistan continued to use terror for attaining its strategic objectives. Actually, Pakistan’s attempt to engage with India continues to appear insincere. Four months after Pulwama attacks, Pakistan is under international scrutiny and much pressure to demonstrate its willingness to forego the use of radical and violent proxies. With its economy in doldrums, Pakistan is keen to showcase a new avatar.&nbsp;

India has the right to safeguard its interests even though the indicators in Jammu &amp; Kashmir do reveal lower levels of strife and violence. Premature decisions in earlier years forced retraction; lessons from there demand prudence in being involved with any further engagement with Pakistan. A forum such as SCO is an ideal one where the projection of India’s morally stronger narrative will help with more international pressure being built upon Pakistan. Russia and China are important players in this regard.&nbsp;

Lastly, while SCO projects India in engagement with two of the major detractors of US interests, India has to remain steadfast with its multilateralism which under the circumstances is the only way forward. It will face more US pressure to retract from further development of these relationships but in geopolitics age, old adages continue to play and binaries are never the norm.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-india-s-assertion-at-bishkek-2760912">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

When India joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and was admitted as a full-fledged member along with Pakistan in June 2017 at Astana, Kazakhstan little did people in India know about the dynamics of this group.

When India joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and was admitted as a full-fledged member along with Pakistan in June 2017 at Astana, Kazakhstan little did people in India know about the dynamics of this group. Even less was appreciated about the commonalities that the constituents had in terms of interests. SCO is the largest regional organisation in the world in terms of geographical coverage and population, covering three-fifths of the Eurasian continent and nearly half of the human population. It is essentially a forum for cooperation in economic and security domains while also promoting cooperation in political affairs, trade, scientific, cultural and educational spheres as well as in energy, transportation, tourism, and environmental protection. The annual summit meeting is a very apt platform for discussion between heads of governments and states particularly on issues of geopolitical concern. India’s presence as a full-fledged member contributes to the multilateral nature of India’s engagements. The major advantage is that on a structured platform it shares space with China with whom it desires an equitable and mutually respectful relationship but the existing trust deficit prevents this from manifesting fully into anything transformational. Yet India’s admission into SCO is itself an indicator of China’s similar desire. With Russia, India enjoys a traditionally strong relationship which has its hiccups due to the Russian perception about India moving on, with multilateralism weathering the historically trusted and mutually beneficial relationship. The Central Asian states desire cooperation and consultation with India but scope in economic terms has been greatly restricted due to the obstacles laid by Pakistan. Pakistan’s presence, in the long run, may prove to be mutually beneficial if and when some traction is gained in terms of the trust. The utility of SCO as a vehicle for improving relationships and setting aside differences was borne out by the way in which India and China utilised the Qingdao meeting in June 2018 to build upon the achievements of the bilateral Modi-Xi summit at Wuhan. In fact, Wuhan and Qingdao became synonymously linked to the new spirit of Sino-Indian cooperation after setting aside the Doklam standoff. Now at Bishkek, PM Modi’s first deliberations have taken place with President Xi Jinping of China with a full review of Sino-Indian relations since November 2018 and have led to a conclusive decision regarding the Chinese President’s visit to India later this year. Despite India’s reluctance to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its absence for the second time at the BRI summit, the two nations have followed a policy of engagement. With greater understanding and now the decision at Biskek to address border issues on priority perhaps ways will also eventually be found to address India’s major concern about BRI which dwells upon the development of infrastructure in territories claimed by India and not currently under its control. While social and economic protocols and issues undoubtedly form the bedrock of such a grouping the current meeting in Bishkek, comes at a time when the world is once again witnessing international turbulence. The US-China trade war promises to upset many economic understandings. The US-Iran standoff and the threat to the stability of energy supply most adversely affect India and China. The US is attempting to break India’s dependence on Russia for advanced military equipment by offering F-35 aircraft in return for India pulling out of the S-400 deal with Russia; there have been quiet threats about the imposition of Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) against India. While acts of global terror have reduced, notwithstanding the recent suicide bombings in Sri Lanka, the world is yet worried about violent radical extremism and India is particularly concerned about the threats it faces from Pakistan and potentially from others. Global terror is a subject that falls in SCO’s ambit and it is a good opportunity for India to highlight its own case. The issue which observers in India are focused upon is India-Pakistan relations and how these will manifest at Bishkek. For some months now PM Imran Khan has been making overtures in the hope of a positive Indian response. The SCO meeting gave further hope that there would be an opportunity to break the ice through a Modi-Khan meeting on the sidelines. However, PM Modi chose to adopt a cool approach right from the outset. His decision not to overfly Pakistan airspace was designed to send the message that India will not engage in any peace process as long as Pakistan continued to use terror for attaining its strategic objectives. Actually, Pakistan’s attempt to engage with India continues to appear insincere. Four months after Pulwama attacks, Pakistan is under international scrutiny and much pressure to demonstrate its willingness to forego the use of radical and violent proxies. With its economy in doldrums, Pakistan is keen to showcase a new avatar. India has the right to safeguard its interests even though the indicators in Jammu & Kashmir do reveal lower levels of strife and violence. Premature decisions in earlier years forced retraction; lessons from there demand prudence in being involved with any further engagement with Pakistan. A forum such as SCO is an ideal one where the projection of India’s morally stronger narrative will help with more international pressure being built upon Pakistan. Russia and China are important players in this regard. Lastly, while SCO projects India in engagement with two of the major detractors of US interests, India has to remain steadfast with its multilateralism which under the circumstances is the only way forward. It will face more US pressure to retract from further development of these relationships but in geopolitics age, old adages continue to play and binaries are never the norm. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

India’s assertion at Bishkek

Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the global security situation, terrorism, multilateral economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and topical issues of international and regional importance at the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) annual summit in Kyrgyzstan. Watch this video to know more.

Modi in Bishkek: An action packed day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan exchanged “usual” pleasantries and shook hands in the Leaders' Lounge in the presence of several other world leaders. Watch this video to know more.

Modi-Imran exchange greetings at SCO

India refuses to endorse China's connectivity programme. Bishkek declaration mentions only 6 members backing BRI. BRI is China's infrastructural Belt & Road Initiative. CPEC passes through Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

SCO Summit 2019: India has refused to endorse China's BRI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed SCO summit 2019. He slammed Pakistan over terrorism. Listen in.

SCO summit 2019: PM Modi slams Pakistan over terrorism

SCO summit 2019 extended format meeting is underway, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed SCO summit 2019. Listen in.

SCO summit 2019: Extended format meeting underway

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing SCO summit 2019. Listen in.

PM Modi addresses SCO summit 2019

No pleasantries were exchanged between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan PM Imran Khan at an informal dinner hosted by Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbay Jeenbekov on Day 1 of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. Watch this video to know more.

No PM Modi-Imran talks on SCO summit Day 1

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan again broke the diplomatic protocol, this time at the opening ceremony of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-first-leader-to-arrive-as-sco-summit-begins-in-kyrgyzstan-227006">Shanghai Cooperation Organisation</a> (SCO) Summit in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek on Thursday.

In a video shared on the official Twitter handle of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-pak-relations-at-lowest-point-hope-pm-modi-can-use-big-mandate-to-bring-peace-imran-khan-226979">Imran Khan</a> was seen seated while everyone else stood to welcome the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/during-bilateral-talks-pm-modi-and-xi-jinping-discuss-pakistan-terror-and-boundary-dispute-226899">heads of state</a> entering the hall.

Upon realising that he was perhaps the only one seated, he stood briefly and then seated himself again before the others did.

Watch the video:

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Khan earlier broke the diplomatic protocol at the 14th OIC summit held in Saudi Arabia.

During a meeting with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz at the sidelines of the summit, Khan spoke to Salman's interpreter and walked off before the message could be translated to the king. The video was widely circulated on social media and Khan was criticised, both by his countrymen and Saudi Arabia for apparently disrespecting the king.

Khan and the leaders of the SCO member countries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi are attending the two-day summit in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek.

There was no interaction between PM Modi and Khan on the first day of the SCO meet in Kyrgyzstan. Two events took place on the first day - an informal dinner hosted by President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov and a concert at Kyrgyz national Philharmonic but no pleasantries were exchanged between Indian and Pakistani leaders.

All the leaders were seen interacting with each other at the events except Indian and Pakistan.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan again broke the diplomatic protocol, this time at the opening ceremony of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek on Thursday.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan again broke the diplomatic protocol, this time at the opening ceremony of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek on Thursday. In a video shared on the official Twitter handle of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan was seen seated while everyone else stood to welcome the heads of state entering the hall. Upon realising that he was perhaps the only one seated, he stood briefly and then seated himself again before the others did. Watch the video: Khan earlier broke the diplomatic protocol at the 14th OIC summit held in Saudi Arabia. During a meeting with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz at the sidelines of the summit, Khan spoke to Salman's interpreter and walked off before the message could be translated to the king. The video was widely circulated on social media and Khan was criticised, both by his countrymen and Saudi Arabia for apparently disrespecting the king. Khan and the leaders of the SCO member countries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi are attending the two-day summit in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek. There was no interaction between PM Modi and Khan on the first day of the SCO meet in Kyrgyzstan. Two events took place on the first day - an informal dinner hosted by President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov and a concert at Kyrgyz national Philharmonic but no pleasantries were exchanged between Indian and Pakistani leaders. All the leaders were seen interacting with each other at the events except Indian and Pakistan.

Imran Khan's faux pas: Pakistan PM keeps sitting as world leaders assemble for SCO Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistan counterpart Imran Khan exchanged usual pleasantries at the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-modi-imran-pull-aside-at-sco-as-new-delhi-strongly-raises-terror-227148"> Leaders' Lounge</a> during the 19th Shanghai cooperation organisation (SCO) summit which ended on Friday. &nbsp;

Although no formal meeting took place between the two leaders, the two leaders reportedly greeted each other. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Confirming the development, Pakistan&nbsp;Foreign Minister SM Qureshi speaking to WION said, "It was an informal exchange and there was an exchange of pleasantries. Pakistani PM congratulated him on his victory and of course, he has come with a heavy mandate by defeating a major political family"

''PM Imran Khan and PM Narendra Modi had<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-pleasantries-exchanged-between-pm-modi-and-imran-khan-on-day-1-of-sco-summit-226949"> chitchat for a few minutes</a> and shook hands during forum gathering. They talked about recent Indian elections,'' a Pakistan journalist also tweeted quoting Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.&nbsp;

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There were seven occasions when both the leaders came across each other starting with informal dinner hosted by Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov and Gala Concert on Thursday to five occasions on Friday. These were photo opp in the morning, followed by restricted format meetings, extended format meeting, final photo opp and lunch.

Ahead of the Summit India had clarified no structured bilateral talks will take place between the two leaders but speculation was rife regarding a pull-aside.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi sought global cooperation on the issue of terror and said unilateralism and protectionism haven't helped anyone, implying recent policy decisions of US of late.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistan counterpart Imran Khan exchanged usual pleasantries at the Leaders' Lounge during the 19th Shanghai cooperation organisation (SCO) summit which ended on Friday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistan counterpart Imran Khan exchanged usual pleasantries at the Leaders' Lounge during the 19th Shanghai cooperation organisation (SCO) summit which ended on Friday. Although no formal meeting took place between the two leaders, the two leaders reportedly greeted each other. Confirming the development, Pakistan Foreign Minister SM Qureshi speaking to WION said, "It was an informal exchange and there was an exchange of pleasantries. Pakistani PM congratulated him on his victory and of course, he has come with a heavy mandate by defeating a major political family" ''PM Imran Khan and PM Narendra Modi had chitchat for a few minutes and shook hands during forum gathering. They talked about recent Indian elections,'' a Pakistan journalist also tweeted quoting Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. × There were seven occasions when both the leaders came across each other starting with informal dinner hosted by Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov and Gala Concert on Thursday to five occasions on Friday. These were photo opp in the morning, followed by restricted format meetings, extended format meeting, final photo opp and lunch. Ahead of the Summit India had clarified no structured bilateral talks will take place between the two leaders but speculation was rife regarding a pull-aside. Prime Minister Modi sought global cooperation on the issue of terror and said unilateralism and protectionism haven't helped anyone, implying recent policy decisions of US of late.

PM Modi and Imran Khan exchanged pleasantries at SCO summit: Pakistan foreign minister

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) summit begins in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan today. Watch this video to know more.

Meeting of SCO leaders begins

The first day of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Kyrgyzstan was dominated by bilateral meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, held on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. Watch this video to know more.

India, Russia review bilateral ties

PM Modi Is Expected To Meet Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani On The Sidelines Of The SCO Summit. Here's How The Relationship Stands. India's Former Ambassador To Afghanistan Speaks On India-Afghanistan Ties Ahead Of Modi's Meeting With Ashraf Ghani.

Gravitas: SCO Summit: PM to meet Afghan President

SCO Summit Is PM Modi's First Multi-lateral Summit After Re-election. PM Modi is meeting other leaders from SCO countries ahead of the summit.

Gravitas: SCO Summit: What is on India's agenda

Modi, Putin Review Bilateral Ties During Their Meeting On The Sidelines Of The SCO Summit. PMO Tweets That Modi Had A 'wonderful' Meeting With Putin On The Sidelines Of The SCO Summit. So What Transpired At The Meeting.

Gravitas: SCO Summit: Significance Of Modi-Putin Meet

Sources told us that there were no formal meeting in between Indian PM Modi & Pakistani PM Imran Khan. But they both greeted each other. Imran also congratulated PM Modi for his victory in LS Polls 2019. Watch this video to know more.

SCO Summit 2019: No Formal  Meet of Modi-Imran

Watch Prime Minister Narendra Modi's itinerary for the day.

PM Modi's itinerary for the day

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-modi-imran-pull-aside-at-sco-as-new-delhi-strongly-raises-terror-227148">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Friday said India and Kyrgyzstan have prepared a five-year road map to increase the bilateral trade and urged the business communities from both countries to explore the untapped potential in various fields.

Addressing the India-Kyrgyz Business Forum, he said that India and Kyrgyzstan have given the final shape to the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) and the bilateral investment treaty, which would help in creating a proper atmosphere for the bilateral trade.

Modi and Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov jointly inaugurated the India-Kyrgyz Business Forum.

Modi said that "at a time when the world economy is rapidly changing, we need to look at the opportunities of the economic partnership between the two countries".

"There are three catalysts for the growth of bilateral trade and investment opportunities. They are proper atmosphere, connectivity and business-to-business exchanges," he said.Watch: PM Modi's tough stand against terror, no meet with Imran Khan

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Ahead of the Modi's visit to Kyrgyzstan, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, has approved the signing and ratification of a bilateral investment treaty between India and Kyrgyzstan.

The bilateral treaty is likely to increase the flow of investment between India and Kyrgyzstan and provide protection to investors from the two nations making investments in both the countries.

He said Kyrgyzstan provides good opportunities for Indian businessmen in the field of textiles, railways, hydropower, mining and mineral explorations. 
He also invited Kyrgyz businessmen to come to India to explore opportunities of bilateral trade.&nbsp;

Modi said connectivity plays an important role for the ease of trade between two countries and Chabahar port (in Iran) has emerged as new route between India and Afghanistan.

"There is a need for us to focus on increasing connectivity between India and Central Asia. The Republic of Kyrgyzstan is part of Eurasian Union and we are working to increase the trade with the Eurasian Union," he said.

Modi is in Kyrgyz capital to attend the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-meeting-with-imran-khan-xi-offers-support-for-improvement-of-indo-pak-ties-227159">Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit</a>. The SCO is a China-led 8-member economic and security bloc with India and Pakistan were admitted to the grouping in 2017. Other members of the grouping are China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India and Kyrgyzstan have prepared a five-year road map to increase the bilateral trade and urged the business communities from both countries to explore the untapped potential in various fields.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India and Kyrgyzstan have prepared a five-year road map to increase the bilateral trade and urged the business communities from both countries to explore the untapped potential in various fields. Addressing the India-Kyrgyz Business Forum, he said that India and Kyrgyzstan have given the final shape to the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) and the bilateral investment treaty, which would help in creating a proper atmosphere for the bilateral trade. Modi and Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov jointly inaugurated the India-Kyrgyz Business Forum. Modi said that "at a time when the world economy is rapidly changing, we need to look at the opportunities of the economic partnership between the two countries". "There are three catalysts for the growth of bilateral trade and investment opportunities. They are proper atmosphere, connectivity and business-to-business exchanges," he said. Watch: PM Modi's tough stand against terror, no meet with Imran Khan × Ahead of the Modi's visit to Kyrgyzstan, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, has approved the signing and ratification of a bilateral investment treaty between India and Kyrgyzstan. The bilateral treaty is likely to increase the flow of investment between India and Kyrgyzstan and provide protection to investors from the two nations making investments in both the countries. He said Kyrgyzstan provides good opportunities for Indian businessmen in the field of textiles, railways, hydropower, mining and mineral explorations. He also invited Kyrgyz businessmen to come to India to explore opportunities of bilateral trade. Modi said connectivity plays an important role for the ease of trade between two countries and Chabahar port (in Iran) has emerged as new route between India and Afghanistan. "There is a need for us to focus on increasing connectivity between India and Central Asia. The Republic of Kyrgyzstan is part of Eurasian Union and we are working to increase the trade with the Eurasian Union," he said. Modi is in Kyrgyz capital to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. The SCO is a China-led 8-member economic and security bloc with India and Pakistan were admitted to the grouping in 2017. Other members of the grouping are China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

India, Kyrgyzstan have prepared 5-year plan to boost bilateral trade: PM Modi

PM Modi on a two-day visit to Kyrgyzstan

Another gaffe by Imran Khan

Modi, Putin review bilateral ties during their meeting on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. PMO tweets that Modi had a 'wonderful' meeting with Putin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. Watch this video to know more.

Significance of Modi-Putin meet

PM Modi meets Kyrgyz President. PM Modi said that India-Kyrgyz should take ties to strategic partnership level. Watch this video to know more.

SCO Summit 2019: India-Kyrgyzstan Bilateral Meet

Pakistan said that it condemns terror in all form. Pakistan has also proposed plan to promote tourism. Watch this video to know more.

WION Exclusive: In Conversation with Mr. Tilak Devasher, Former Bureaucrat over Pakistan's word

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-iran-written-all-over-tanker-attacks-227168">US President Trump says Iran 'written all over' tanker attacks</a>

'Iran did do it,' Trump said in an interview on "Fox and Friends," after the US military released footage it said showed an Iranian patrol boat removing an "unexploded limpet mine" from one of the tankers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-set-to-levy-higher-tariffs-on-some-us-goods-next-week-sources-227113">India set to levy higher tariffs on some US goods next week: Sources</a> 
 
India is by far the largest buyer of US almonds and second largest buyer of US apples

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-judge-sets-february-2020-for-wikileaks-founder-assanges-extradition-hearing-227139">UK judge sets February 2020 for WikiLeaks founder Assange's US extradition hearing</a> 
 
Assange, 47, is accused of violating the Espionage Act by releasing a vast trove of classified military and diplomatic files in 2010 about US bombing campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-meeting-with-imran-khan-xi-offers-support-for-improvement-of-indo-pak-ties-227159">In meeting with Imran Khan, Xi offers support for improvement of Indo-Pak ties</a> 
 
Modi did not meet Khan on the sidelines of the SCO summit, spurning Pakistan Prime Minister's suggestion for a bilateral meeting in Bishkek.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/apology-from-mamata-banerjee-among-6-demands-put-forth-by-agitating-west-bengal-doctors-227140">Apology from Mamata Banerjee among 6 demands put forth by agitating West Bengal doctors&nbsp;</a> 
 
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has declared an All India Protest Day Friday in the wake of violence against doctors in Kolkata.

US President Trump says Iran 'written all over' tanker attacks 'Iran did do it,' Trump said in an interview on "Fox and Friends," after the US military released footage it said showed an Iranian patrol boat removing an "unexploded limpet mine" from one of the tankers.

US President Trump says Iran 'written all over' tanker attacks 'Iran did do it,' Trump said in an interview on "Fox and Friends," after the US military released footage it said showed an Iranian patrol boat removing an "unexploded limpet mine" from one of the tankers. India set to levy higher tariffs on some US goods next week: Sources India is by far the largest buyer of US almonds and second largest buyer of US apples UK judge sets February 2020 for WikiLeaks founder Assange's US extradition hearing Assange, 47, is accused of violating the Espionage Act by releasing a vast trove of classified military and diplomatic files in 2010 about US bombing campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. In meeting with Imran Khan, Xi offers support for improvement of Indo-Pak ties Modi did not meet Khan on the sidelines of the SCO summit, spurning Pakistan Prime Minister's suggestion for a bilateral meeting in Bishkek. Apology from Mamata Banerjee among 6 demands put forth by agitating West Bengal doctors The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has declared an All India Protest Day Friday in the wake of violence against doctors in Kolkata.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Chinese President Xi Jinping Friday offered Beijing's support for Pakistan and India to improve their strained relations during his meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan here, China's state-run media reported.

Xi's remarks come a day after his meeting with Narendra Modi on Thursday during which the Prime Minister made it amply clear that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-modi-imran-pull-aside-at-sco-as-new-delhi-strongly-raises-terror-227148">dialogue with Pakistan is not possible</a> without Islamabad giving up terrorism. 
 
During their meeting on the sidelines of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pak-among-few-countries-to-have-successfully-turned-the-tide-against-terrorism-pm-imran-khan-at-sco-summit-227069">Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit</a>, Xi told Khan that China "supports Pakistan and India in improving their relations", state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Watch: PM Modi's tough stand against terror, no meet with Imran Khan

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Prime Minister Modi raised the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan during his talks with President Xi and said India expects "concrete action" by Islamabad to create an atmosphere "free of terror" for the resumption of dialogue.

Modi did not meet Khan on the sidelines of the SCO summit, spurning Pakistan Prime Minister's suggestion for a bilateral meeting in Bishkek.

India has not been engaging with Pakistan since an attack on the Air Force base at Pathankot in January of 2016 by a Pakistan-based terror group, maintaining that talks and terror cannot go together.

Early this year, tensions flared up between India and Pakistan after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama district.

Post-Pulwama attack, China made efforts to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan. President XI rushed Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou to Islamabad to discuss the Indo-Pak tensions.

During his talks with Khan, Xi also offered China's support for Pakistan in counterterrorism efforts.

China is willing to help Pakistan within its capabilities, Xi said, adding that China supports Pakistan in implementing its national counter-terrorism plan to the end and is ready to help the country strengthen its counter-terrorism capacity.

Stressing that the two sides should well maintain, consolidate, and develop their all-weather partnership and all-dimensional cooperation, Xi said that China and Pakistan should carry out in-depth communication on issues of common concern, so as to make joint efforts to safeguard regional and international security and stability.

The two sides should expand and enrich the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with a new focus on areas including industrial parks, agriculture and social welfare, Xi said, referring to the multi-billion dollar project which is part of his ambitious Belt and Road Initiative.

President Xi also called on the two countries to take the upgrade of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement as an opportunity to vigorously expand bilateral trade.

He also urged the two countries to foster a closer community with a shared future against complicated regional and international situations.

Xi noted that it has been his third meeting with the Pakistani prime minister in the past eight months.

This, he said, fully demonstrates the high level of the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

He called on the two countries to carry out closer coordination and cooperation.

Pakistan, Khan said, is committed to deepening its strategic relationship with China, and will firmly advance the construction of the CPEC.

He added that his country will take effective measures to ensure security for the project.

Chinese President Xi Jinping Friday offered Beijing's support for Pakistan and India to improve their strained relations during his meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan here, China's state-run media reported.

Chinese President Xi Jinping Friday offered Beijing's support for Pakistan and India to improve their strained relations during his meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan here, China's state-run media reported. Xi's remarks come a day after his meeting with Narendra Modi on Thursday during which the Prime Minister made it amply clear that dialogue with Pakistan is not possible without Islamabad giving up terrorism. During their meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit, Xi told Khan that China "supports Pakistan and India in improving their relations", state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Watch: PM Modi's tough stand against terror, no meet with Imran Khan × Prime Minister Modi raised the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan during his talks with President Xi and said India expects "concrete action" by Islamabad to create an atmosphere "free of terror" for the resumption of dialogue. Modi did not meet Khan on the sidelines of the SCO summit, spurning Pakistan Prime Minister's suggestion for a bilateral meeting in Bishkek. India has not been engaging with Pakistan since an attack on the Air Force base at Pathankot in January of 2016 by a Pakistan-based terror group, maintaining that talks and terror cannot go together. Early this year, tensions flared up between India and Pakistan after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama district. Post-Pulwama attack, China made efforts to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan. President XI rushed Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou to Islamabad to discuss the Indo-Pak tensions. During his talks with Khan, Xi also offered China's support for Pakistan in counterterrorism efforts. China is willing to help Pakistan within its capabilities, Xi said, adding that China supports Pakistan in implementing its national counter-terrorism plan to the end and is ready to help the country strengthen its counter-terrorism capacity. Stressing that the two sides should well maintain, consolidate, and develop their all-weather partnership and all-dimensional cooperation, Xi said that China and Pakistan should carry out in-depth communication on issues of common concern, so as to make joint efforts to safeguard regional and international security and stability. The two sides should expand and enrich the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with a new focus on areas including industrial parks, agriculture and social welfare, Xi said, referring to the multi-billion dollar project which is part of his ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. President Xi also called on the two countries to take the upgrade of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement as an opportunity to vigorously expand bilateral trade. He also urged the two countries to foster a closer community with a shared future against complicated regional and international situations. Xi noted that it has been his third meeting with the Pakistani prime minister in the past eight months. This, he said, fully demonstrates the high level of the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership. He called on the two countries to carry out closer coordination and cooperation. Pakistan, Khan said, is committed to deepening its strategic relationship with China, and will firmly advance the construction of the CPEC. He added that his country will take effective measures to ensure security for the project.

In meeting with Imran Khan, Xi offers support for improvement of Indo-Pak ties

Reiterating India's strong stand against terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday appealed that countries supporting, aiding and funding terrorism must be held accountable during his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Watch this video to know more.

SCO Summit 2019: PM Modi Says, ''End State-Sponsored Terror''

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed SCO summit 2019. He slammed Pakistan over terrorism. Then What Pakistani PM replied. Listen to it.

SCO Summit 2019: Pak Repeat The Same Old Lies

As Prime Minister Modi wraps up his first multilateral summit after his re-election, the question is what was India doing at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO? What's India's position, role and target?

Let's start from the beginning. India was inducted as a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation on Russia's insistence. It wanted to counter China. But the Russia-China equation has changed since. They have become strategic allies. So India must figure out its place and agenda. At the SCO, India's biggest opportunities are also its biggest challenges.

Trade: The yawning gap

The SCO has eight member countries. They cover 20 per cent of the world's GDP and 42 per cent of the world's population. The commercial potential is immense. Yet Central Asia hasn't been the traditional focus of India when it comes to trade. Look at the numbers. India's bilateral trade with Central Asia is one-fiftieth that of China's. While India's figures stood at less than $2 billion, China's trade with Central Asia crossed $50 billion in 2018. Same with Russia. The bilateral trade between India and Russia is barely $10 billion. That number for China and Russia is more than $100 billion. Why hasn't India done more? That brings us to the next challenge/opportunity.

Connectivity: The China-Pakistan Cordon

India shares no land border with any of the Central Asian countries. It must travel via Pakistan or China. Poor connectivity results in poor trade, that's a no-brainer. The operationalisation of the Chabahar port may change that, but it's early days. Geography remains a constraint. As does policy (though in this case, we're following the best). India is the only SCO country that has not endorsed China's Belt and Road Initiative. By the looks of it, that may not change. So India will have to create alternatives.

Counter-terrorism: With Pakistan?

Terrorism the biggest talking point and the biggest challenge too. The elephant in the room is Pakistan, an established state sponsor of terrorism. But it won't be singled out at China's insistence. So under SCO, India participates in counter-terror military exercises with Pakistan and China, the two countries that are the most likely adversaries of India in war, the only two countries with which India has fought a war. Sounds ridiculous? There's more. All member countries are part of RATS - the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure. It requires all members to share intelligence to combat terrorism. India should share intelligence with a group that has Pakistan on board?

It is one thing to say that multi-lateral forums keep bilateral differences at bay. It's quite another to walk the talk. PM Modi of India and PM Imran Khan of Pakistan came face to face in Bishkek seven times. They did not talk, or so the reports say. It is hard to believe this strained relationship won't have a bearing on the summit.

Challenges vs opportunities

Plus India must balance ties with the Americans. Buying the S-400 missile defence system from Russia despite objections from Washington, working with China to counter trade protectionism in the middle of Beijing's trade war with Washington - it's walking the diplomatic tightrope. We call it strategic autonomy.

So challenges abound. As do opportunities. SCO isn't just about photo ops. Central Asian countries want a bigger role for India. They aren't beholden to China. They shot down Beijing's proposal for an SCO development bank and free trade agreement. If India makes the right moves, it can emerge as the more reliable partner and regional power for countries that have always lived under the shadow of Russia and China.

As Prime Minister Modi wraps up his first multilateral summit after his re-election, the question is what was India doing at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO?

As Prime Minister Modi wraps up his first multilateral summit after his re-election, the question is what was India doing at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO? What's India's position, role and target? Let's start from the beginning. India was inducted as a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation on Russia's insistence. It wanted to counter China. But the Russia-China equation has changed since. They have become strategic allies. So India must figure out its place and agenda. At the SCO, India's biggest opportunities are also its biggest challenges. Trade: The yawning gap The SCO has eight member countries. They cover 20 per cent of the world's GDP and 42 per cent of the world's population. The commercial potential is immense. Yet Central Asia hasn't been the traditional focus of India when it comes to trade. Look at the numbers. India's bilateral trade with Central Asia is one-fiftieth that of China's. While India's figures stood at less than $2 billion, China's trade with Central Asia crossed $50 billion in 2018. Same with Russia. The bilateral trade between India and Russia is barely $10 billion. That number for China and Russia is more than $100 billion. Why hasn't India done more? That brings us to the next challenge/opportunity. Connectivity: The China-Pakistan Cordon India shares no land border with any of the Central Asian countries. It must travel via Pakistan or China. Poor connectivity results in poor trade, that's a no-brainer. The operationalisation of the Chabahar port may change that, but it's early days. Geography remains a constraint. As does policy (though in this case, we're following the best). India is the only SCO country that has not endorsed China's Belt and Road Initiative. By the looks of it, that may not change. So India will have to create alternatives. Counter-terrorism: With Pakistan? Terrorism the biggest talking point and the biggest challenge too. The elephant in the room is Pakistan, an established state sponsor of terrorism. But it won't be singled out at China's insistence. So under SCO, India participates in counter-terror military exercises with Pakistan and China, the two countries that are the most likely adversaries of India in war, the only two countries with which India has fought a war. Sounds ridiculous? There's more. All member countries are part of RATS - the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure. It requires all members to share intelligence to combat terrorism. India should share intelligence with a group that has Pakistan on board? It is one thing to say that multi-lateral forums keep bilateral differences at bay. It's quite another to walk the talk. PM Modi of India and PM Imran Khan of Pakistan came face to face in Bishkek seven times. They did not talk, or so the reports say. It is hard to believe this strained relationship won't have a bearing on the summit. Challenges vs opportunities Plus India must balance ties with the Americans. Buying the S-400 missile defence system from Russia despite objections from Washington, working with China to counter trade protectionism in the middle of Beijing's trade war with Washington - it's walking the diplomatic tightrope. We call it strategic autonomy. So challenges abound. As do opportunities. SCO isn't just about photo ops. Central Asian countries want a bigger role for India. They aren't beholden to China. They shot down Beijing's proposal for an SCO development bank and free trade agreement. If India makes the right moves, it can emerge as the more reliable partner and regional power for countries that have always lived under the shadow of Russia and China.

Analysis: What is India doing at the SCO?

Reiterating India's strong stand against terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed that countries supporting, aiding and funding terrorism must be held accountable during his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi's anti-terror pitch at SCO

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold two bilateral meetings with the President of Kazakhstan, Sooronbay Jeenbekov and Iranian President, Hassan Rouhani. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi to hold 2 bilateral meetings today

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