In a veiled attack on Pakistan, India on Tuesday said that terrorism is an enemy of the basic human rights and the fight against it should also identify states that "encourage, support and finance" the menace and "provide sanctuary" to terror groups.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, during her address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting, also attended by Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, raised the issue of global terrorism and protectionism.

There are a number of challenges that are being faced by the world today, foremost being the threat of global terrorism and the imminent need to build a strong security architecture to combat it, the minister said.

"Terrorism is an enemy of the basic human rights: of life, peace and prosperity," Swaraj said.

The criminal terrorist militias are not impeded by borders as they seek to destroy the architecture of international stability and build walls of fear in societies that believe in pluralism, she said."We strongly believe that our fight against terrorism should not only seek to eliminate terrorists but should also identify and take strong measures against States that encourage, support and finance terrorism and provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups," Swaraj said without mentioning any country.

Maiming and killing innocent lives indiscriminately constitutes the most blatant violation of human rights, she said.

"We have to work together to wipe-out this scourge from the face of the earth. In order to realise this objective, we must unite across our differences, strengthen our resolve and script an effective strategy against terror. We welcome the clarity shown by the SCO on terrorism from its inception.

"We should also urgently resolve to establish Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism that India proposed more than two decades ago in the United Nations. We are determined to consistently strengthen cooperation within the SCO framework for comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security," the minister said.

On trade and investment, Swaraj said that "protectionism in all its forms should be rejected and efforts should be made to discipline measures that constitute barriers to trade".

The meeting was also attended by foreign ministers Wang Yi of China, Kairat Abdrakhmanov of Kazakhstan, Abdyldaev Erlan Bekeshovich of Kyrgyzstan, Sergey Lavrov of Russia, Sirodjidin Muhridinovich Aslov of Tajikistan, Abdulaziz Khafizovich Kamilov of Uzbekistan, and Secretary General of the SCO Rashid Alimov among others.

Swaraj also raised the issue of reforms at the UN Security Council and said "it is clear to many of us that the Security Council is increasingly unable, or sometimes unwilling, to respond to the security challenges of our times, with tragic consequences.

For long India has been calling for the reform of the UN Security Council, the world body's top organ.

"We must not lose sight of the fact that reforms of the UN will be incomplete, without reforms in the Security Council to make it more representative of contemporary realities".

"Since 2008, the international community has carefully nurtured the ongoing Inter Governmental Negotiations at the UN to take our discussions on UNSC reforms forward," she said.

An overwhelming majority of members have expressed their desire to see these negotiations continue on the basis of a text, Swaraj said.

India is committed to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement of 2015 on combating climate change. Addressing Climate Change and promoting secure, affordable and sustainable clean energy are India's shared priorities, she said.

Following the establishment of "International Solar Alliance" in December 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted its Founding Conference in New Delhi in March 2018, during which the "Delhi Solar Agenda" was adopted, she said.

"We want connectivity to pave the way for cooperation and trust between our societies. For this, respect for sovereignty is essential. Inclusivity, transparency and sustainability are imperative. India has cooperated extensively with international community for enhanced connectivity.

&nbsp;"This is evident from our involvement with the International North-South Transport Corridor, the Chabahar Port Development, the Ashgabat Agreement, India-Myanmar-Thailand Highway Project and Bangladesh-Butan-India-Nepal Initiative among others," Swaraj said.

India has operationalised the air freight corridor between Kabul, Kandahar, New Delhi and Mumbai last year.

"I believe that peace and development in Afghanistan contributes to security and prosperity of the member states and the region as a whole. This can only be achieved through political dialogue and reconciliation in an atmosphere free from terror and violence, within the framework of Afghan Constitution.

"We must strongly support the active efforts of the Afghan Government to implement Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled inclusive peace and reconciliation process. India actively supports the activation of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group, the Moscow Consultation Format and other mechanisms of dialogue and cooperation for restoration of peace and development in Afghanistan," the minister added.

Swaraj was speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation foreign ministers' meeting, which was also attended by Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif

In a veiled attack on Pakistan, India on Tuesday said that terrorism is an enemy of the basic human rights and the fight against it should also identify states that "encourage, support and finance" the menace and "provide sanctuary" to terror groups. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, during her address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting, also attended by Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, raised the issue of global terrorism and protectionism. There are a number of challenges that are being faced by the world today, foremost being the threat of global terrorism and the imminent need to build a strong security architecture to combat it, the minister said. "Terrorism is an enemy of the basic human rights: of life, peace and prosperity," Swaraj said. The criminal terrorist militias are not impeded by borders as they seek to destroy the architecture of international stability and build walls of fear in societies that believe in pluralism, she said."We strongly believe that our fight against terrorism should not only seek to eliminate terrorists but should also identify and take strong measures against States that encourage, support and finance terrorism and provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups," Swaraj said without mentioning any country. Maiming and killing innocent lives indiscriminately constitutes the most blatant violation of human rights, she said. "We have to work together to wipe-out this scourge from the face of the earth. In order to realise this objective, we must unite across our differences, strengthen our resolve and script an effective strategy against terror. We welcome the clarity shown by the SCO on terrorism from its inception. "We should also urgently resolve to establish Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism that India proposed more than two decades ago in the United Nations. We are determined to consistently strengthen cooperation within the SCO framework for comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security," the minister said. On trade and investment, Swaraj said that "protectionism in all its forms should be rejected and efforts should be made to discipline measures that constitute barriers to trade". The meeting was also attended by foreign ministers Wang Yi of China, Kairat Abdrakhmanov of Kazakhstan, Abdyldaev Erlan Bekeshovich of Kyrgyzstan, Sergey Lavrov of Russia, Sirodjidin Muhridinovich Aslov of Tajikistan, Abdulaziz Khafizovich Kamilov of Uzbekistan, and Secretary General of the SCO Rashid Alimov among others. Swaraj also raised the issue of reforms at the UN Security Council and said "it is clear to many of us that the Security Council is increasingly unable, or sometimes unwilling, to respond to the security challenges of our times, with tragic consequences. For long India has been calling for the reform of the UN Security Council, the world body's top organ. "We must not lose sight of the fact that reforms of the UN will be incomplete, without reforms in the Security Council to make it more representative of contemporary realities". "Since 2008, the international community has carefully nurtured the ongoing Inter Governmental Negotiations at the UN to take our discussions on UNSC reforms forward," she said. An overwhelming majority of members have expressed their desire to see these negotiations continue on the basis of a text, Swaraj said. India is committed to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement of 2015 on combating climate change. Addressing Climate Change and promoting secure, affordable and sustainable clean energy are India's shared priorities, she said. Following the establishment of "International Solar Alliance" in December 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted its Founding Conference in New Delhi in March 2018, during which the "Delhi Solar Agenda" was adopted, she said. "We want connectivity to pave the way for cooperation and trust between our societies. For this, respect for sovereignty is essential. Inclusivity, transparency and sustainability are imperative. India has cooperated extensively with international community for enhanced connectivity. "This is evident from our involvement with the International North-South Transport Corridor, the Chabahar Port Development, the Ashgabat Agreement, India-Myanmar-Thailand Highway Project and Bangladesh-Butan-India-Nepal Initiative among others," Swaraj said. India has operationalised the air freight corridor between Kabul, Kandahar, New Delhi and Mumbai last year. "I believe that peace and development in Afghanistan contributes to security and prosperity of the member states and the region as a whole. This can only be achieved through political dialogue and reconciliation in an atmosphere free from terror and violence, within the framework of Afghan Constitution. "We must strongly support the active efforts of the Afghan Government to implement Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled inclusive peace and reconciliation process. India actively supports the activation of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group, the Moscow Consultation Format and other mechanisms of dialogue and cooperation for restoration of peace and development in Afghanistan," the minister added.

Should identify states that 'support and finance' terror, Sushma says in veiled attack on Pak

After meeting Chinese vice-president,&nbsp;India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj today met President Xi in Beijing on Monday.

Swaraj who is on a four-day visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) had met China's vice president Wang Qishan at Zhongnanhai on Monday afternoon.

On Sunday, Sushma Swaraj had met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and announced that PM Modi and President Xi will meet in Wuhan on April 27-28.

Earlier on Monday, &nbsp;Swaraj had met Kyrgyzstan foreign minister Erlan Abdyldaev to discuss trade and development. India's external affairs minister had also met Uzbekistan foreign minister Abdulaziz Kamilov.

India's latest connect with China comes in the backdrop of China, US face-off on trade issues with the Communist state keen to improve relations with India focussing on trade and investment.

The Chinese side is keen to "reset" relations with India after both countries were involved in a huge border row over Doklam last year.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to discuss the Doklam issue with President Xi when he visits Beijing in on Friday with both sides eager to&nbsp;carve a new relationship.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o6Ylx72a6UY" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

&nbsp;

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to discuss the Doklam issue with President Xi

After meeting Chinese vice-president, India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj today met President Xi in Beijing on Monday. Swaraj who is on a four-day visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) had met China's vice president Wang Qishan at Zhongnanhai on Monday afternoon. On Sunday, Sushma Swaraj had met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and announced that PM Modi and President Xi will meet in Wuhan on April 27-28. Earlier on Monday, Swaraj had met Kyrgyzstan foreign minister Erlan Abdyldaev to discuss trade and development. India's external affairs minister had also met Uzbekistan foreign minister Abdulaziz Kamilov. India's latest connect with China comes in the backdrop of China, US face-off on trade issues with the Communist state keen to improve relations with India focussing on trade and investment. The Chinese side is keen to "reset" relations with India after both countries were involved in a huge border row over Doklam last year. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to discuss the Doklam issue with President Xi when he visits Beijing in on Friday with both sides eager to carve a new relationship.

Sushma Swaraj meets China's President Xi, Vice-President Wang Qishan

There will be no bilateral meeting between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and their Pakistani counterparts on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in China.

Swaraj, who departed for a two-nation visit to China and Mongolia on Saturday, will participate in a ministerial-level meeting of the SCO on April 24, where India became a full member in 2017.

Meanwhile, on the same day, Sitharaman will take part in the SCO defence ministers' meeting.

Both events will be attended by the respective ministers from Pakistan.

On a related note, no meeting between India and Pakistan on the sidelines of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which concluded recently, was held.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was also present to lead the Pakistani delegation.

There will be no bilateral meeting between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and their Pakistani counterparts on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in China

There will be no bilateral meeting between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and their Pakistani counterparts on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in China. Swaraj, who departed for a two-nation visit to China and Mongolia on Saturday, will participate in a ministerial-level meeting of the SCO on April 24, where India became a full member in 2017. Meanwhile, on the same day, Sitharaman will take part in the SCO defence ministers' meeting. Both events will be attended by the respective ministers from Pakistan. On a related note, no meeting between India and Pakistan on the sidelines of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which concluded recently, was held. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London. Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was also present to lead the Pakistani delegation.

No bilateral meeting with Pakistan on sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have an informal summit talk on April 27-28 in Wuhan, China, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi will be visiting the central Chinese city at the invitation of President Xi, Wang said at a joint media event with visiting External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj after their talks.

''We will make sure that the informal summit between the two leaders is a complete success and a milestone in China-India relations,'' he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Informed sources that it will be an informal summit meeting between Xi and Modi during which both leaders will try to work out a new paradigm for the bilateral ties bogged down with a host of disputes and differences, PTI reported.

This will be the fourth visit of Modi to China after he came to power in 2014. He is again due to visit China to take part in the SCO summit to be held at Qingdao city on June 9-10.

The Modi-Xi summit meeting is taking place in the backdrop of series of high-level interactions between both the two countries starting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang's visit to India in December, the first after Dokalam standoff.

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We will make sure that the informal summit(between PM Modi and President Jinping on April 27-28) will be a complete success and a milestone in China-India relations: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi <a href="https://t.co/w3y3pTr6ML">pic.twitter.com/w3y3pTr6ML</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/988010750840066048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Addressing a joint press conference with Chinese counterpart, Sushma Swaraj said China has confirmed data sharing on Sutlej and Brahmaputra rivers in 2018.&nbsp;

''As it directly affects lives of people living there we welcome this. Also, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will resume this year through Nathu La pass, Sushma Swaraj said.&nbsp;

India and China agreed to work together on issues like terrorism, climate change, sustainable development, global healthcare and several others issues, Swaraj said.&nbsp;

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Reinforcing the positive momentum in our relationship! EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> warmly welcomed by Foreign Minister and State Councillor of China Wang Yi at the Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing ahead of their bilateral meeting. <a href="https://t.co/wooyNLkpIH">pic.twitter.com/wooyNLkpIH</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/987989719987318784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Swaraj arrived here on Saturday on a four-day visit to take part in the foreign ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).&nbsp;

This is the first meeting between the&nbsp;two after Wang was elevated as state councillor last month which makes him the top diplomat of the country in the Chinese hierarchy. He also continues to be foreign minister.

Swaraj congratulated Wang on being elevated as state councillor and appointed the special representative for the India-China boundary talks.

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Together we prosper! EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> and State Councillor and Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi discussed all aspects of our bilateral relationship to strengthen India-China multifaceted engagement. <a href="https://t.co/rALF4WFPYf">pic.twitter.com/rALF4WFPYf</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/988005550242676736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Their meeting is part of efforts by the two countries to step up the pace of high-level interactions to improve relations, official sources here told PTI before the meeting.

Following the Dokalam standoff last year both countries increased dialogue to scale down tensions and improve relations with talks at various levels.

Swaraj and Wang are meeting in the immediate backdrop of the recent meeting between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and top official of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) Yang Jiechi in Shanghai.&nbsp;

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have an informal summit talk on April 27-28 in Wuhan, China, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have an informal summit talk on April 27-28 in Wuhan, China, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Prime Minister Modi will be visiting the central Chinese city at the invitation of President Xi, Wang said at a joint media event with visiting External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj after their talks. ''We will make sure that the informal summit between the two leaders is a complete success and a milestone in China-India relations,'' he added. Informed sources that it will be an informal summit meeting between Xi and Modi during which both leaders will try to work out a new paradigm for the bilateral ties bogged down with a host of disputes and differences, PTI reported. This will be the fourth visit of Modi to China after he came to power in 2014. He is again due to visit China to take part in the SCO summit to be held at Qingdao city on June 9-10. The Modi-Xi summit meeting is taking place in the backdrop of series of high-level interactions between both the two countries starting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang's visit to India in December, the first after Dokalam standoff. We will make sure that the informal summit(between PM Modi and President Jinping on April 27-28) will be a complete success and a milestone in China-India relations: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pic.twitter.com/w3y3pTr6ML — ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2018 × Addressing a joint press conference with Chinese counterpart, Sushma Swaraj said China has confirmed data sharing on Sutlej and Brahmaputra rivers in 2018. ''As it directly affects lives of people living there we welcome this. Also, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will resume this year through Nathu La pass, Sushma Swaraj said. India and China agreed to work together on issues like terrorism, climate change, sustainable development, global healthcare and several others issues, Swaraj said. Reinforcing the positive momentum in our relationship! EAM @SushmaSwaraj warmly welcomed by Foreign Minister and State Councillor of China Wang Yi at the Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing ahead of their bilateral meeting. pic.twitter.com/wooyNLkpIH — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) April 22, 2018 × Swaraj arrived here on Saturday on a four-day visit to take part in the foreign ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). This is the first meeting between the two after Wang was elevated as state councillor last month which makes him the top diplomat of the country in the Chinese hierarchy. He also continues to be foreign minister. Swaraj congratulated Wang on being elevated as state councillor and appointed the special representative for the India-China boundary talks. Together we prosper! EAM @SushmaSwaraj and State Councillor and Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi discussed all aspects of our bilateral relationship to strengthen India-China multifaceted engagement. pic.twitter.com/rALF4WFPYf — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) April 22, 2018 × Their meeting is part of efforts by the two countries to step up the pace of high-level interactions to improve relations, official sources here told PTI before the meeting. Following the Dokalam standoff last year both countries increased dialogue to scale down tensions and improve relations with talks at various levels. Swaraj and Wang are meeting in the immediate backdrop of the recent meeting between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and top official of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) Yang Jiechi in Shanghai.

PM Modi to visit China on Apr 27-28 for summit talks with Prez Xi Jinping

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived here today on a four-day visit during which she will hold talks with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and take part in the foreign ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Swaraj is due to meet Wang tomorrow.

This is their first meeting after Wang was elevated as state councillor last month which makes him the top diplomat of the country in the Chinese hierarchy. He also continues to be foreign minister.

Their meeting is part of efforts by the two countries to step up the pace of high-level interactions to improve relations, official sources here told.

Following the Dokalam standoff last year both countries increased dialogue to scale down tensions and improve relations with talks at various levels.

Swaraj and Wang are meeting in the immediate backdrop of the recent meeting between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and top official of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) Yang Jiechi in Shanghai.

Both sides also held the 11th Joint Economic Group meeting and the fifth Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED).

Besides meetings between officials from the two foreign ministries, both sides also held working mechanism meetings on border affairs and cross border rivers as well disarmament and non-proliferation dialogue in which India's entry into NSG was discussed.

Swaraj will take part in the foreign ministers' meeting of the eight-member SCO on April 24. She along with other foreign ministers of the group would call on Chinese President Xi Jinping on April 23, and will leave for Mongolia the next day.

This is the first meeting of the group after India and Pakistan were admitted into the SCO last year.

The SCO, in which China and Russia play an influential role, specialises in regional security and counter terrorism and related issues.

The organisation is comprised of China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

A host of issues, including regional security and terrorism, would be discussed at the meeting which is a preparatory meet ahead of the SCO summit to be held in the Chinese city of Qingdao in June with Prime Minister Narendra Modi also scheduled to take part in it.

Also, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will arrive here on April 23 to take part in the SCO defence ministers' meeting to be held the next day. Swaraj and Sitharaman would be in Beijing around the same time to attend their respective meetings.

Sitharaman is also expected to meet her Chinese counterpart Lt Gen Wei Fenghe.

This is their first meeting after Wang was elevated as state councillor last month which makes him the top diplomat of the country in the Chinese hierarchy. He also continues to be foreign minister.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived here today on a four-day visit during which she will hold talks with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and take part in the foreign ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Swaraj is due to meet Wang tomorrow. This is their first meeting after Wang was elevated as state councillor last month which makes him the top diplomat of the country in the Chinese hierarchy. He also continues to be foreign minister. Their meeting is part of efforts by the two countries to step up the pace of high-level interactions to improve relations, official sources here told. Following the Dokalam standoff last year both countries increased dialogue to scale down tensions and improve relations with talks at various levels. Swaraj and Wang are meeting in the immediate backdrop of the recent meeting between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and top official of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) Yang Jiechi in Shanghai. Both sides also held the 11th Joint Economic Group meeting and the fifth Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED). Besides meetings between officials from the two foreign ministries, both sides also held working mechanism meetings on border affairs and cross border rivers as well disarmament and non-proliferation dialogue in which India's entry into NSG was discussed. Swaraj will take part in the foreign ministers' meeting of the eight-member SCO on April 24. She along with other foreign ministers of the group would call on Chinese President Xi Jinping on April 23, and will leave for Mongolia the next day. This is the first meeting of the group after India and Pakistan were admitted into the SCO last year. The SCO, in which China and Russia play an influential role, specialises in regional security and counter terrorism and related issues. The organisation is comprised of China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. A host of issues, including regional security and terrorism, would be discussed at the meeting which is a preparatory meet ahead of the SCO summit to be held in the Chinese city of Qingdao in June with Prime Minister Narendra Modi also scheduled to take part in it. Also, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will arrive here on April 23 to take part in the SCO defence ministers' meeting to be held the next day. Swaraj and Sitharaman would be in Beijing around the same time to attend their respective meetings. Sitharaman is also expected to meet her Chinese counterpart Lt Gen Wei Fenghe.

Sushma Swaraj arrives in Beijing for talks with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, SCO meet

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will visit China later this week to participate in the Foreign Ministers meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) during which she will also hold talks with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.&nbsp;

Swaraj, who will be arriving in China on April 21, is expected to meet Wang on April 22. She is scheduled to take part in the SCO Foreign Ministers meeting on April 24, official sources here said.

This will be their first meeting after Wang has been elevated last month to be the State Councillor, which makes him the top diplomat in the Chinese hierarchy. He will hold the dual posts of the State Councillor and Foreign Minister.&nbsp;

After her China visit, she will travel to Magnolia.&nbsp;

Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are visiting China virtually around the same time. Sitharaman is due to take part in the SCO Defence Ministers meeting on April 24.&nbsp;

The SCO meetings are a prelude to the June summit of the eight-member grouping in which India and Pakistan have become new members.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to take part in the SCO summit to be held in the Chinese city of Qingdao in June.&nbsp;

Foreign and Defence Ministers of Pakistan are also expected to attend the April 24 meetings.&nbsp;

The SCO comprises of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

Visits by Swaraj and Sitharaman are taking place as India and China have stepped up high-level exchanges to defuse tensions following last year's Doklam standoff. 
&nbsp; 
On April 13, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Yang Jiechi, Director of China's Foreign Affairs Commission and member of the ruling Communist Party of China, in Shanghai during which the two sides held in-depth talks on improving the relations. 
&nbsp; 
Both sides also held the 11th Joint Economic Group meeting and the fifth Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED). India and China also held working mechanism meeting on border affairs and cross border rivers.&nbsp; 
 
Commenting on the meetings, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told the media here yesterday that bilateral ties have seen sound momentum and all round cooperation this year.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The external affairs minister will participate in the Foreign Ministers meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) during which she will also hold talks with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will visit China later this week to participate in the Foreign Ministers meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) during which she will also hold talks with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Swaraj, who will be arriving in China on April 21, is expected to meet Wang on April 22. She is scheduled to take part in the SCO Foreign Ministers meeting on April 24, official sources here said. This will be their first meeting after Wang has been elevated last month to be the State Councillor, which makes him the top diplomat in the Chinese hierarchy. He will hold the dual posts of the State Councillor and Foreign Minister. After her China visit, she will travel to Magnolia. Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are visiting China virtually around the same time. Sitharaman is due to take part in the SCO Defence Ministers meeting on April 24. The SCO meetings are a prelude to the June summit of the eight-member grouping in which India and Pakistan have become new members. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to take part in the SCO summit to be held in the Chinese city of Qingdao in June. Foreign and Defence Ministers of Pakistan are also expected to attend the April 24 meetings. The SCO comprises of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan. Visits by Swaraj and Sitharaman are taking place as India and China have stepped up high-level exchanges to defuse tensions following last year's Doklam standoff. On April 13, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Yang Jiechi, Director of China's Foreign Affairs Commission and member of the ruling Communist Party of China, in Shanghai during which the two sides held in-depth talks on improving the relations. Both sides also held the 11th Joint Economic Group meeting and the fifth Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED). India and China also held working mechanism meeting on border affairs and cross border rivers. Commenting on the meetings, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told the media here yesterday that bilateral ties have seen sound momentum and all round cooperation this year.

Sushma Swaraj to visit China this week, will hold talks with counterpart

India and Pakistan military forces are set to take part in a multilateral military exercise&nbsp;in September under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Russia.

Pakistan and India were inducted into the SCO in June last year at Astana amid apprehensions about the two neighbours getting along during joint operations.

The SCO was founded in June&nbsp;2001 by&nbsp;China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia&nbsp;and Tajikistan.

The group conducts counter-terror exercises every two years as part of its drill to keep its forces combat-ready and to ensure coordination in counter-terror operations

However, both countries haven't confirmed their participation in the military drills but analysts say Russia and China are keen to have the South Asian neighbours to participate&nbsp;in the week-long exercise.

Under the SCO terms, India and Pakistan are now automatically part of the Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure(RATS) based in Tashkent, Russia.

The operation titled ‘Peace Mission-2018’ will involve a large number of troops, especially from Russia and China.

Observers will be keenly watching how India and Pakistan take up their new role in the SCO which also involves all countries to mandatorily share&nbsp;terror intelligence. 
&nbsp;

The operation titled ‘Peace Mission-2018’ will involve a large number of troops, especially from Russia and China.

India and Pakistan military forces are set to take part in a multilateral military exercise in September under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Russia. Pakistan and India were inducted into the SCO in June last year at Astana amid apprehensions about the two neighbours getting along during joint operations. The SCO was founded in June 2001 by China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan. The group conducts counter-terror exercises every two years as part of its drill to keep its forces combat-ready and to ensure coordination in counter-terror operations However, both countries haven't confirmed their participation in the military drills but analysts say Russia and China are keen to have the South Asian neighbours to participate in the week-long exercise. Under the SCO terms, India and Pakistan are now automatically part of the Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure(RATS) based in Tashkent, Russia. The operation titled ‘Peace Mission-2018’ will involve a large number of troops, especially from Russia and China. Observers will be keenly watching how India and Pakistan take up their new role in the SCO which also involves all countries to mandatorily share terror intelligence.

Watch: India, Pakistan may take part in joint military drill in Russia under SCO membership

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj made a stopover in Iran&nbsp;on her way back from Russia to meet Iran foreign minister of&nbsp; Dr.Javed Zarif in Tehran.

She met the Iran minister over a luncheon meeting.&nbsp;

Reports indicate that the two foreign ministers discussed issues of mutual interests.&nbsp;

The two counterparts discussed the implementation of the Chabahar port, which is expected to boost trade relations between India, Afghanistan and Iran, an&nbsp;external affairs source said.&nbsp;

The MEA officials have said that it was a technical stopover and not a planned one.&nbsp;

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Swaraj was on a three-day visit to Russia to attend the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/sco-all-you-need-to-know-about-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-7095" target="_blank">Shanghai Cooperation Organisation</a> meeting.

In the SCO meeting, she had emphasised on the connectivity between the SCO countries. She said&nbsp; &quot;Connectivity with SCO countries is India&#39;s priority. We want connectivity to pave the way for cooperation and trust between our societies.&quot; &quot;For this, respect for sovereignty is essential. Inclusivity, transparency and sustainability are imperative,&quot; she added.

She also invited the SCO members to participate in India&#39;s growth story.&nbsp;

&quot;In the background of sluggish economic growth in the world, India&#39;s economic growth is expected to accelerate in the long-term and we would like the other SCO members to be part of India&#39;s growth story,&quot; &quot;Slowdown in the world economy accompanied with increasing tide of protectionism and policy uncertainties will require measures of matching proportions,&quot;.

Talking about the connectivity between India and Afghanistan, which she termed as an important priority sector for India, she stated that the connectivity with Afghanistan had improved with the operationalisation of the Air Freight Corridor between Kabul, Kandahar and New Delhi this June.&nbsp;

Taking forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s vision, Swaraj said, &quot;I believe that this is the starting point of our journey, to realise the full spectrum of connectivity - from culture to commerce, from traditions to technology, from investments to IT, from services to strategy, and from people to politics.&quot;

The 16th Meeting of Government of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was organised in the Sochi city of Russia.&nbsp;

The meeting was held on November 30-December 1.

She also attended a joint dinner hosted by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. The Russian PM had hosted the dinner in honour of the participants of the meeting of the council.&nbsp;

This was the first meeting of the Council after India became a full member of the SCO.

India and Pakistan&nbsp;became a full-fledged member of the SCO in June.&nbsp;

India&#39;s membership was backed by Russia while Pakistan was supported by China.&nbsp;

(With agency inputs)

Swaraj was on a three-day visit to Russia to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj made a stopover in Iran on her way back from Russia to meet Iran foreign minister of Dr.Javed Zarif in Tehran. She met the Iran minister over a luncheon meeting. Reports indicate that the two foreign ministers discussed issues of mutual interests. The two counterparts discussed the implementation of the Chabahar port, which is expected to boost trade relations between India, Afghanistan and Iran, an external affairs source said. The MEA officials have said that it was a technical stopover and not a planned one. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met Foreign Minister of Iran Dr. Javad Zarif in Tehran pic.twitter.com/1nQzSdkv4G — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2017 × Swaraj was on a three-day visit to Russia to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting. In the SCO meeting, she had emphasised on the connectivity between the SCO countries. She said "Connectivity with SCO countries is India's priority. We want connectivity to pave the way for cooperation and trust between our societies." "For this, respect for sovereignty is essential. Inclusivity, transparency and sustainability are imperative," she added. She also invited the SCO members to participate in India's growth story. "In the background of sluggish economic growth in the world, India's economic growth is expected to accelerate in the long-term and we would like the other SCO members to be part of India's growth story," "Slowdown in the world economy accompanied with increasing tide of protectionism and policy uncertainties will require measures of matching proportions,". Talking about the connectivity between India and Afghanistan, which she termed as an important priority sector for India, she stated that the connectivity with Afghanistan had improved with the operationalisation of the Air Freight Corridor between Kabul, Kandahar and New Delhi this June. Taking forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, Swaraj said, "I believe that this is the starting point of our journey, to realise the full spectrum of connectivity - from culture to commerce, from traditions to technology, from investments to IT, from services to strategy, and from people to politics." The 16th Meeting of Government of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was organised in the Sochi city of Russia. The meeting was held on November 30-December 1. She also attended a joint dinner hosted by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. The Russian PM had hosted the dinner in honour of the participants of the meeting of the council. This was the first meeting of the Council after India became a full member of the SCO. India and Pakistan became a full-fledged member of the SCO in June. India's membership was backed by Russia while Pakistan was supported by China. (With agency inputs)

Sushma Swaraj meets Iran foreign minister in Tehran

India is set to become a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) even as its arch-rival Pakistan will be gaining entry into the security grouping as well.&nbsp;

The ties between India and Pakistan have been in a free fall since the Pathankot air base attack in January 2016.&nbsp;

There are speculations that the two prime ministers might hold an informal interaction during the two-day summit but there is no official word on it.

&quot;There was neither any request from their side nor any such proposal from our side,&quot; MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay said on the possibility of the two prime ministers meeting at Astana during the two-day summit, reported Economic Times.

The process to make both the countries a full member of the inter-governmental bloc was started last year when they signed the memorandum of obligations on 24 June 2016 at Tashkent.&nbsp;

Briefing media in Delhi last evening, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Gopal Baglay said, &quot;India will be benefited in trade and economic activity after it becomes a full member. He said that trade, connectivity, energy, banking and fight against terrorism are the main areas of cooperation.&quot;

Joint Secretary, Eurasia, G V Srinivas said, &quot;India is joining SCO with an open mind for peace and stability in the region. Strengthening mutual trust and neighbourliness, promoting cooperation in politics, trade, economy, research, technology and culture and other areas are the main goals of SCO.&quot;

&quot;So that process has been completed from our side - essentially entailing to a couple of agreements as per the calendar drawn by the memorandum of obligations - something which we have relayed to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation secretariat in Beijing. They have also confirmed that India has completed this process,&quot; Srinivas said.

&quot;The indications are that the last leg of the entire membership process that is the confirmation by the heads of state of existing members of the SCO, is going to happen in Astana,&quot; he added.

Narendra Modi is expected to hold bilateral talks with a number of SCO member countries including China&#39;s President Xi Jinping.

He will also meet Kazakhstan&#39;s President Nursultan Nazarbayev to promote ties in the fields of trade and commerce, education, tourism and other sectors, ANI reported.

Kazakhstan is India&#39;s largest trading partner in Central Asia and the total trade volume between the two countries rose from 120 million US dollars to around 900 million dollars in recent years, according to ANI.

(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The two-day summit will start at Astana Thursday

India is set to become a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) even as its arch-rival Pakistan will be gaining entry into the security grouping as well. The ties between India and Pakistan have been in a free fall since the Pathankot air base attack in January 2016. There are speculations that the two prime ministers might hold an informal interaction during the two-day summit but there is no official word on it. "There was neither any request from their side nor any such proposal from our side," MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay said on the possibility of the two prime ministers meeting at Astana during the two-day summit, reported Economic Times. The process to make both the countries a full member of the inter-governmental bloc was started last year when they signed the memorandum of obligations on 24 June 2016 at Tashkent. Briefing media in Delhi last evening, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Gopal Baglay said, "India will be benefited in trade and economic activity after it becomes a full member. He said that trade, connectivity, energy, banking and fight against terrorism are the main areas of cooperation." Joint Secretary, Eurasia, G V Srinivas said, "India is joining SCO with an open mind for peace and stability in the region. Strengthening mutual trust and neighbourliness, promoting cooperation in politics, trade, economy, research, technology and culture and other areas are the main goals of SCO." "So that process has been completed from our side - essentially entailing to a couple of agreements as per the calendar drawn by the memorandum of obligations - something which we have relayed to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation secretariat in Beijing. They have also confirmed that India has completed this process," Srinivas said. "The indications are that the last leg of the entire membership process that is the confirmation by the heads of state of existing members of the SCO, is going to happen in Astana," he added. Narendra Modi is expected to hold bilateral talks with a number of SCO member countries including China's President Xi Jinping. He will also meet Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev to promote ties in the fields of trade and commerce, education, tourism and other sectors, ANI reported. Kazakhstan is India's largest trading partner in Central Asia and the total trade volume between the two countries rose from 120 million US dollars to around 900 million dollars in recent years, according to ANI. (WION with inputs from agencies)

SCO summit 2017 to begin today, India and Pakistan set to become full members

Pakistan and Afghanistan will set up a high-level bilateral mechanism to coordinate on security issues and amicably address border-related matters, officials said today, days after violent border clashes left casualties on both sides. 
 
The decision was taken during a meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister&#39;s adviser on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz and Afghan foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tashkent. 
 
Afghan national security adviser Haneef Atmar was also present at the meeting. 
 
Pakistan and Aghanistan agreed to constitute a high-level bilateral mechanism for consultation and coordination on issues relating to bilateral relations and cooperation, including security, movement of people and vehicles between the two countries and other relevant issues, according to a joint statement issued after the meeting. 
 
The proposed mechanism will be co-chaired by Aziz and Rabbani and with the participation of the national security advisers of the two countries. &quot;It will also have a joint technical working group to deal with the concerns of both countries,&quot; the statement said. 
 
The main purpose of this mechanism would be not only to address and resolve issues concerning the two countries amicably but also to prevent recurrence of violent incidents like the ones witnessed recently in Torkham, it said. 
 
The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan was closed due to clashes between the two sides in which a Pakistan army major and an Afghan border guard were killed earlier this month. 
 
The clash had started when Pakistan refused to stop construction of a security gate to stop illegal crossings. 
 
Torkham is one of the busiest of the eight established crossing points on the 2,500-kilometre-long porous border between the two countries, which is used by some 25,000 travellers every day. 
 
The two countries also took this opportunity to review other aspects of bilateral ties and reaffirmed respect for each other&#39;s sovereignty and territorial integrity and adherence to the principle of non-interference into each other&#39;s internal affairs. 
 
Aziz and Rabbani reiterated their desire for strengthening bilateral relations for promoting peace, stability, counter terrorism and economic progress of both the countries. 
 
The two sides specifically expressed their firm commitment to continue serious efforts towards eliminating the scourge of terrorism which poses a grave threat to the peace and security of the two countries, and the region. 
 
They also stressed the need for continuing joint efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan through timely and concrete actions resulting in tangible outcomes, including in the framework of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group process - involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and the US. 
 
(PTI)

Countries pledge to come together and agree on a joint way forward and repair relations after fatal border clashes

Pakistan and Afghanistan will set up a high-level bilateral mechanism to coordinate on security issues and amicably address border-related matters, officials said today, days after violent border clashes left casualties on both sides. The decision was taken during a meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister's adviser on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz and Afghan foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tashkent. Afghan national security adviser Haneef Atmar was also present at the meeting. Pakistan and Aghanistan agreed to constitute a high-level bilateral mechanism for consultation and coordination on issues relating to bilateral relations and cooperation, including security, movement of people and vehicles between the two countries and other relevant issues, according to a joint statement issued after the meeting. The proposed mechanism will be co-chaired by Aziz and Rabbani and with the participation of the national security advisers of the two countries. "It will also have a joint technical working group to deal with the concerns of both countries," the statement said. The main purpose of this mechanism would be not only to address and resolve issues concerning the two countries amicably but also to prevent recurrence of violent incidents like the ones witnessed recently in Torkham, it said. The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan was closed due to clashes between the two sides in which a Pakistan army major and an Afghan border guard were killed earlier this month. The clash had started when Pakistan refused to stop construction of a security gate to stop illegal crossings. Torkham is one of the busiest of the eight established crossing points on the 2,500-kilometre-long porous border between the two countries, which is used by some 25,000 travellers every day. The two countries also took this opportunity to review other aspects of bilateral ties and reaffirmed respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity and adherence to the principle of non-interference into each other's internal affairs. Aziz and Rabbani reiterated their desire for strengthening bilateral relations for promoting peace, stability, counter terrorism and economic progress of both the countries. The two sides specifically expressed their firm commitment to continue serious efforts towards eliminating the scourge of terrorism which poses a grave threat to the peace and security of the two countries, and the region. They also stressed the need for continuing joint efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan through timely and concrete actions resulting in tangible outcomes, including in the framework of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group process - involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and the US. (PTI)

Pakistan, Afghanistan to set up bilateral mechanism to address border issues