Over 17 weeks after New Delhi forged the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delhi-g20-modi-biden-mbs-launch-inter-continent-economic-corridor-to-outfox-chinas-bri-634176">India-Middle East-Europe-Economic Corridor</a> during the G20 Leaders' Summit which doesn't include Iran, Indian foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar visited the Iranian capital earlier this week. The visit held significance against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions due to the Israel-Hamas war, ISIS-claimed terrorist attacks in Iran, and maritime security concerns stemming from Houthi activities in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delhi-g20-modi-biden-mbs-launch-inter-continent-economic-corridor-to-outfox-chinas-bri-634176">G20 Delhi summit: Why India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor is a 'real big deal'</a>

One focal point of the discussions was the Delhi-Tehran collaboration&nbsp;on the Chabahar port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). The two sides committed a "long-term cooperation framework" for the Chabahar port, a strategic maritime facility situated on the southeastern coast of Iran.

Jaishankar's Tehran visit came after&nbsp;India refrained from joining Operation Prosperity Guardian, a US-led multinational security mission despite being a principal maritime power in the region.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;India, Iran ink historic Chabahar Port Agreement

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During the joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart, Jaishankar highlighted the importance of regional connectivity in India–Iran relations.

He reaffirmed India's commitment to the Chabahar project, emphasising the need for a sustainable long-term roadmap supervised by the political leadership.

Speaking at a joint press statement with Iranian foreign affairs minister, Jaishankar said, "We exchanged perspectives and assessments on certain regional and global issues and developments. Both of us are concerned about the recent events in West Asia, and we emphasised the importance of preventing further escalation of violence and hostilities."

An official Iranian readout stated: "The President (Ebrahim Raisi) stressed the need to follow up and accelerate the implementation of the agreements between Iran and India, including the Chabahar Port Development Plan, and the need to compensate for the delay in the implementation of commitments."

Also read |&nbsp;India, Iran reach pact to further develop Chabahar port as minister Jaishankar visits

Other than President Raisi, Jaishankar held meetings with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian, Secretary of the National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian, and Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash, with whom he nailed the 'long term cooperation' breakthrough for further development of&nbsp;Chabahar port.

<h2>Delhi's 'corridor' diplomacy</h2>

Delhi&nbsp;and Tehran, in parallel with the International North-South Transport Corridor are exploring opportunities for transit and transportation potential in Armenia, aligning with Azerbaijan's Zangezur Corridor. 
 
The collaboration aims to provide an additional route for India to connect with Europe amid evolving regional dynamics.

Over 17 weeks after New Delhi forged the India-Middle East-Europe-Economic Corridor during the G20 Leaders' Summit which doesn't include Iran, Indian foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar visited the Iranian capital earlier this week.

Over 17 weeks after New Delhi forged the India-Middle East-Europe-Economic Corridor during the G20 Leaders' Summit which doesn't include Iran, Indian foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar visited the Iranian capital earlier this week. The visit held significance against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions due to the Israel-Hamas war, ISIS-claimed terrorist attacks in Iran, and maritime security concerns stemming from Houthi activities in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Also read | G20 Delhi summit: Why India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor is a 'real big deal' One focal point of the discussions was the Delhi-Tehran collaboration on the Chabahar port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). The two sides committed a "long-term cooperation framework" for the Chabahar port, a strategic maritime facility situated on the southeastern coast of Iran. Jaishankar's Tehran visit came after India refrained from joining Operation Prosperity Guardian, a US-led multinational security mission despite being a principal maritime power in the region. Also watch | India, Iran ink historic Chabahar Port Agreement × During the joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart, Jaishankar highlighted the importance of regional connectivity in India–Iran relations. He reaffirmed India's commitment to the Chabahar project, emphasising the need for a sustainable long-term roadmap supervised by the political leadership. Speaking at a joint press statement with Iranian foreign affairs minister, Jaishankar said, "We exchanged perspectives and assessments on certain regional and global issues and developments. Both of us are concerned about the recent events in West Asia, and we emphasised the importance of preventing further escalation of violence and hostilities." An official Iranian readout stated: "The President (Ebrahim Raisi) stressed the need to follow up and accelerate the implementation of the agreements between Iran and India, including the Chabahar Port Development Plan, and the need to compensate for the delay in the implementation of commitments." Also read | India, Iran reach pact to further develop Chabahar port as minister Jaishankar visits Other than President Raisi, Jaishankar held meetings with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian, Secretary of the National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian, and Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash, with whom he nailed the 'long term cooperation' breakthrough for further development of Chabahar port. Delhi's 'corridor' diplomacy Delhi and Tehran, in parallel with the International North-South Transport Corridor are exploring opportunities for transit and transportation potential in Armenia, aligning with Azerbaijan's Zangezur Corridor. The collaboration aims to provide an additional route for India to connect with Europe amid evolving regional dynamics.

The Capitals: New Delhi achieves crucial strategic breakthrough with Tehran outreach

The United States wants to buy up to 3 million barrels of crude oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) for delivery in March 2024. This move shows that the US Wants to take advantage of lower prices to replenish the stockpile.

US Wants to buy up to 3 Mn barrels for strategic reserve

Ukrainian forces are continuing their counteroffensive against Russian occupation in the southeast, with recent progress made in the capture of the village of Staromaiorske.

This campaign is strategically focused on securing villages in the southward push and areas around the city of Bakhmut, which was taken by Russian forces in May following months of intense battles.

Ukrainian officials reported steady progress, while Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that Ukrainian attacks have been unsuccessful, with Moscow's forces inflicting significant losses on their opponents, as reported by Reuters.

The counteroffensive has drawn attention from the international community, and reports indicate that Ukraine has deployed additional Western-trained troops to aid in the efforts. The situation remains tense as both sides engage in ongoing battles to gain control over strategic locations in the region.

Despite Ukraine's gains in some areas, Russia still holds about 20 per cent&nbsp;of Ukraine's land. To counter the occupation and strengthen wildlife conservation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;announced the recapture of Staromaiorske in a video posted on his Telegram channel. He praised the efforts of the 35th brigade and the 'Ariy' territorial defence unit, highlighting their contribution to the counteroffensive.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukrainian MP goes on a holiday amid counteroffensive

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<h2>Targeting strategic locations</h2>

The primary objective of the Ukrainian forces is to drive a wedge through Russian defensive positions and sever the land bridge linking the occupied areas in the east and Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014.

Ukrainian military analyst Oleksandr Kovalenko emphasised the significance of capturing the village of Staromlynivka, which serves as a stronghold for Russian occupiers and is crucial for the success of the counteroffensive in this region.

President Zelensky&nbsp;acknowledged the slow progress of the counteroffensive but cautioned against unrealistic expectations, urging patience and determination for successful results. He toured various regions, including Dnipro, Odesa, and Ochakiv, where he assessed damage from Russian airstrikes and frequent shelling.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-japan-looking-to-supply-lethal-arms-to-ukraine-619770">Is Japan looking to supply lethal arms to Ukraine?</a>

As the counteroffensive unfolds, the international community closely monitors the situation. Reports suggest that the conflict is entering a new phase, with Ukraine making calculated moves while facing resistance from Russian forces.

In the east, Russia's defence ministry claims to have repelled Ukrainian attacks around the village of Klishchiivka, situated near Bakhmut and north of Robotyne in the Zaporizhzhia region. Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar writes on Telegram that Ukrainian forces are gradually moving forward near Bakhmut and successfully fending off Russian attacks on two northern fronts near Kupiansk and Lyman.

The conflict continues to cause uncertainty and tension in the region, with the outcome remaining uncertain. Both sides are determined to achieve their objectives, and the world watches closely as the situation unfolds in this ongoing struggle for territorial control and preservation of natural heritage.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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Ukrainian forces are continuing their counteroffensive against Russian occupation in the southeast, with recent progress made in the capture of the village of Staromaiorske.

Ukrainian forces are continuing their counteroffensive against Russian occupation in the southeast, with recent progress made in the capture of the village of Staromaiorske. This campaign is strategically focused on securing villages in the southward push and areas around the city of Bakhmut, which was taken by Russian forces in May following months of intense battles. Ukrainian officials reported steady progress, while Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that Ukrainian attacks have been unsuccessful, with Moscow's forces inflicting significant losses on their opponents, as reported by Reuters. The counteroffensive has drawn attention from the international community, and reports indicate that Ukraine has deployed additional Western-trained troops to aid in the efforts. The situation remains tense as both sides engage in ongoing battles to gain control over strategic locations in the region. Despite Ukraine's gains in some areas, Russia still holds about 20 per cent of Ukraine's land. To counter the occupation and strengthen wildlife conservation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the recapture of Staromaiorske in a video posted on his Telegram channel. He praised the efforts of the 35th brigade and the 'Ariy' territorial defence unit, highlighting their contribution to the counteroffensive. Also watch | Gravitas: Ukrainian MP goes on a holiday amid counteroffensive Targeting strategic locations The primary objective of the Ukrainian forces is to drive a wedge through Russian defensive positions and sever the land bridge linking the occupied areas in the east and Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. Ukrainian military analyst Oleksandr Kovalenko emphasised the significance of capturing the village of Staromlynivka, which serves as a stronghold for Russian occupiers and is crucial for the success of the counteroffensive in this region. President Zelensky acknowledged the slow progress of the counteroffensive but cautioned against unrealistic expectations, urging patience and determination for successful results. He toured various regions, including Dnipro, Odesa, and Ochakiv, where he assessed damage from Russian airstrikes and frequent shelling. Also read | Is Japan looking to supply lethal arms to Ukraine? As the counteroffensive unfolds, the international community closely monitors the situation. Reports suggest that the conflict is entering a new phase, with Ukraine making calculated moves while facing resistance from Russian forces. In the east, Russia's defence ministry claims to have repelled Ukrainian attacks around the village of Klishchiivka, situated near Bakhmut and north of Robotyne in the Zaporizhzhia region. Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar writes on Telegram that Ukrainian forces are gradually moving forward near Bakhmut and successfully fending off Russian attacks on two northern fronts near Kupiansk and Lyman. The conflict continues to cause uncertainty and tension in the region, with the outcome remaining uncertain. Both sides are determined to achieve their objectives, and the world watches closely as the situation unfolds in this ongoing struggle for territorial control and preservation of natural heritage. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ukrainian forces advance southward, claim they have recaptured strategic village from Russians

The visiting Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang warned Pakistan to put aside political disagreements in order to open the door for economic growth while expressing alarm about the South Asian nation's rising instability.

For the fourth Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue, which was conducted in Islamabad on Saturday, China's Foreign Minister, Qin Gang made his first trip to the nation since being appointed as Beijing's top ambassador.

"We sincerely hope the political forces in Pakistan will build consensus, uphold stability and more effectively address domestic and external challenges so it can focus on growing the economy," Qin said at a press briefing alongside Pakistani FM, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

This came after the closed-door strategic talks held between the two.&nbsp;

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang is in Pakistan for a two-day visit. Earlier, he met Pakistan President Arif Alvi and vowed to strengthen strategic ties between the two nations, including in the fields of connectivity, information technology, and agriculture.

They also pledged to accelerate China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) construction by working together. Alvi stated that the long-standing friendship is the foundation of their cordial ties. Qin attended the SCO Foreign Ministers meeting in Goa on May 4 and 5 in Panaji, Goa where his Pakistan counterpart Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was also present.

WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-dramatic-visuals-as-truck-driver-rescued-in-kenya-after-sudden-floods-589502">Dramatic visuals as truck driver rescued in Kenya after sudden floods</a>

In addition to being the Foreign Minister, Qin is also the state Councillor of China. It is a higher rank associated with the Communist Party of China.

According to Alvi, the Pakistani side is extremely grateful to China for helping Pakistan battle COVID-19, carry out post-disaster rehabilitation, and evacuate Pakistanis living abroad from Sudan, which has been severely affected by violence.

The president emphasised that Pakistan fully upholds the one-China policy and supports China on matters pertaining to its vital interests, such as those pertaining to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He said that Pakistan is prepared to collaborate with China for peace and rebuilding in Afghanistan and that it will make every effort to secure the safety of Chinese troops and institutions in Pakistan. This comes as many Chinese nationals have come under attack on Pakistani soil.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/onus-on-india-to-restart-peace-talks-pak-fm-bilawal-bhutto-589483">Onus on India to restart peace talks: Pak FM Bilawal Bhutto Zardari</a>

Qin, for his part, asserted that China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperating partners, stressing that&nbsp;governments in the two nations have made strengthening and expanding the bilateral unshakable friendship a top priority.

The Chinese side also supported Pakistan in preserving its sovereignty&nbsp;and territorial integrity.

Qin said&nbsp;China is willing to work with Pakistan to implement the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in a variety of fields, jointly fend off external risks and challenges, and steadily advance the China-Pakistan community with a shared future.

Watch | Srinagar gears up to host g20 summit | Inside South Asia: part 2

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During his Pakistan visit, Qin Gang is due to take part in China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' meeting. The trilateral is being held less than a month after the 'Neighbouring Countries of Afghanistan Plus Afghanistan' Foreign Ministers meeting of China, Russia, Pakistan and Iran in Samarkand, in which Qin presided.

Pakistan's new Army Chief Asim Munir earlier visited China during which he held a series of meetings with top Chinese Generals and top diplomat Wang Yi who is the Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee.

During Gen. Munir's visit, China's new Premier Li Qiang also held his first phone call with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and promised continued financial help for Pakistan which is facing a serious political and economic crisis.

In Pakistan, Qin will "meet with the leader of Pakistan and co-chair the fourth round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue with Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/srinagar-gears-up-to-host-g20-summit-inside-south-asia-part-2-589431/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The visiting Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang warned Pakistan to put aside political disagreements in order to open the door for economic growth while expressing alarm about the South Asian nation's rising instability.

The visiting Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang warned Pakistan to put aside political disagreements in order to open the door for economic growth while expressing alarm about the South Asian nation's rising instability. For the fourth Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue, which was conducted in Islamabad on Saturday, China's Foreign Minister, Qin Gang made his first trip to the nation since being appointed as Beijing's top ambassador. "We sincerely hope the political forces in Pakistan will build consensus, uphold stability and more effectively address domestic and external challenges so it can focus on growing the economy," Qin said at a press briefing alongside Pakistani FM, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. This came after the closed-door strategic talks held between the two. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang is in Pakistan for a two-day visit. Earlier, he met Pakistan President Arif Alvi and vowed to strengthen strategic ties between the two nations, including in the fields of connectivity, information technology, and agriculture. They also pledged to accelerate China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) construction by working together. Alvi stated that the long-standing friendship is the foundation of their cordial ties. Qin attended the SCO Foreign Ministers meeting in Goa on May 4 and 5 in Panaji, Goa where his Pakistan counterpart Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was also present. WATCH | Dramatic visuals as truck driver rescued in Kenya after sudden floods In addition to being the Foreign Minister, Qin is also the state Councillor of China. It is a higher rank associated with the Communist Party of China. According to Alvi, the Pakistani side is extremely grateful to China for helping Pakistan battle COVID-19, carry out post-disaster rehabilitation, and evacuate Pakistanis living abroad from Sudan, which has been severely affected by violence. The president emphasised that Pakistan fully upholds the one-China policy and supports China on matters pertaining to its vital interests, such as those pertaining to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He said that Pakistan is prepared to collaborate with China for peace and rebuilding in Afghanistan and that it will make every effort to secure the safety of Chinese troops and institutions in Pakistan. This comes as many Chinese nationals have come under attack on Pakistani soil. Also Read | Onus on India to restart peace talks: Pak FM Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Qin, for his part, asserted that China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperating partners, stressing that governments in the two nations have made strengthening and expanding the bilateral unshakable friendship a top priority. The Chinese side also supported Pakistan in preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Qin said China is willing to work with Pakistan to implement the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in a variety of fields, jointly fend off external risks and challenges, and steadily advance the China-Pakistan community with a shared future. Watch | Srinagar gears up to host g20 summit | Inside South Asia: part 2 × During his Pakistan visit, Qin Gang is due to take part in China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' meeting. The trilateral is being held less than a month after the 'Neighbouring Countries of Afghanistan Plus Afghanistan' Foreign Ministers meeting of China, Russia, Pakistan and Iran in Samarkand, in which Qin presided. Pakistan's new Army Chief Asim Munir earlier visited China during which he held a series of meetings with top Chinese Generals and top diplomat Wang Yi who is the Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee. During Gen. Munir's visit, China's new Premier Li Qiang also held his first phone call with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and promised continued financial help for Pakistan which is facing a serious political and economic crisis. In Pakistan, Qin will "meet with the leader of Pakistan and co-chair the fourth round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue with Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari."

Pakistan must overcome political instability: Chinese FM Qin Gang

Former US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger on Monday said that the United States and India are best suited to grow together on strategic issues like security and economic evolution.

"If you look at the world, there are upheavals in almost every part of the world and that you cannot necessarily develop a general concept for each of them but you can work together on the essentials of peace and progress. Then I would say no two countries now are better situated to evolve their friendship," Kissinger said while talking about India-US relationship at an event in New Delhi.

He also asserted that the roots of the present phase of the relationship between the two countries are in the post-Bangladesh crisis phase.

"The present phase of Indian-American relations began after the Bangladesh crisis because we were both pushed to the edge of confrontations by a circumstance beyond our immediate issues", he said.

Speaking further he added, "We came through this (Bangladesh) crisis from the opposite point of view but with the conviction that only fundamental evolution would follow (that) India and the United States could develop parallel approach and over the years, we have now reached a situation where India and the US, on many of these issues, on most of these key issues have parallel objectives."

"On the key issues of security and economic evolution of the world we have reached to discussions that enable us to act as a kind of partners without any formal arrangement", former NSA of United States said.

Kissinger made these statements at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum held during the second Annual India Leadership Summit here

During the event, Kissinger also shared his wisdom on the art of negotiations stating that the real essence of a negotiation is to achieve a win-win situation.

Former US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger on Monday said that the United States and India are best suited to grow together on strategic issues like security and economic evolution.

Former US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger on Monday said that the United States and India are best suited to grow together on strategic issues like security and economic evolution. "If you look at the world, there are upheavals in almost every part of the world and that you cannot necessarily develop a general concept for each of them but you can work together on the essentials of peace and progress. Then I would say no two countries now are better situated to evolve their friendship," Kissinger said while talking about India-US relationship at an event in New Delhi. He also asserted that the roots of the present phase of the relationship between the two countries are in the post-Bangladesh crisis phase. "The present phase of Indian-American relations began after the Bangladesh crisis because we were both pushed to the edge of confrontations by a circumstance beyond our immediate issues", he said. Speaking further he added, "We came through this (Bangladesh) crisis from the opposite point of view but with the conviction that only fundamental evolution would follow (that) India and the United States could develop parallel approach and over the years, we have now reached a situation where India and the US, on many of these issues, on most of these key issues have parallel objectives." "On the key issues of security and economic evolution of the world we have reached to discussions that enable us to act as a kind of partners without any formal arrangement", former NSA of United States said. Kissinger made these statements at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum held during the second Annual India Leadership Summit here During the event, Kissinger also shared his wisdom on the art of negotiations stating that the real essence of a negotiation is to achieve a win-win situation.

US, India best situated to grow together on strategic issues, says Henry Kissinger

The deputy chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards has warned Europe against forcing the Islamic Republic into boosting the range of its missiles by trying to halt their development.

"If the Europeans, or anyone else, want to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-unveils-long-range-cruise-missile-on-revolution-anniversary-194571">conspire to disarm Iran of missiles</a>, we will be forced to make a strategic leap," the guards' deputy commander Brigadier-General Hossein Salami said on state TV on Saturday.

"All that hear me today, come to terms with the new reality of Iran's missile might: there are no obstacles or technical limitations to us increasing (their) range," he added.

The Islamic Republic develops its missile technology according to a "defensive strategy" which changes according to need, he said.

Earlier Saturday, Iran announced the "successful test" of a new cruise missile with a range of over 1,350 kilometres (840 miles), coinciding with the anniversary of the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Defence Minister Amir Hatami said the Hoveizeh cruise missile had successfully hit its targets, calling it the "long arm of the Islamic Republic of Iran".

Iran reined in most of its nuclear programme under a landmark 2015 deal with major powers but has kept up development of its ballistic missile technology.

Washington withdrew from the accord in May and reimposed sanctions against Iran, citing the missile programme among its reasons.

European governments have stuck by the agreement, although some have demanded a new section to address Iran's ballistic missile programme and its intervention in regional conflicts including Yemen.

Iran has voluntarily limited the range of its missiles to 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles), but that is still enough to hit its arch-enemy Israel and US bases in the Middle East.

Washington and its allies have accused Tehran of pursuing enhanced missile capabilities that also threaten Europe.

Tehran denies this, insisting its missile programme is "purely defensive."

The weapon tested Saturday takes its name from a city in the southwestern province of Khuzestan that was devastated in the 1980-1988 war against Saddam Hussein's Iraq.

Salami on Saturday warned world powers "not to seek (new) negotiations or make recommendations or requests on Iran's missile power".

"Our enemies only understand the language of force," he said.&nbsp;

"If you cannot talk to them in that language, they will use it to talk to you."

The deputy chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards has warned Europe against forcing the Islamic Republic into boosting the range of its missiles by trying to halt their development.

The deputy chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards has warned Europe against forcing the Islamic Republic into boosting the range of its missiles by trying to halt their development. "If the Europeans, or anyone else, want to conspire to disarm Iran of missiles, we will be forced to make a strategic leap," the guards' deputy commander Brigadier-General Hossein Salami said on state TV on Saturday. "All that hear me today, come to terms with the new reality of Iran's missile might: there are no obstacles or technical limitations to us increasing (their) range," he added. The Islamic Republic develops its missile technology according to a "defensive strategy" which changes according to need, he said. Earlier Saturday, Iran announced the "successful test" of a new cruise missile with a range of over 1,350 kilometres (840 miles), coinciding with the anniversary of the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution. Defence Minister Amir Hatami said the Hoveizeh cruise missile had successfully hit its targets, calling it the "long arm of the Islamic Republic of Iran". Iran reined in most of its nuclear programme under a landmark 2015 deal with major powers but has kept up development of its ballistic missile technology. Washington withdrew from the accord in May and reimposed sanctions against Iran, citing the missile programme among its reasons. European governments have stuck by the agreement, although some have demanded a new section to address Iran's ballistic missile programme and its intervention in regional conflicts including Yemen. Iran has voluntarily limited the range of its missiles to 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles), but that is still enough to hit its arch-enemy Israel and US bases in the Middle East. Washington and its allies have accused Tehran of pursuing enhanced missile capabilities that also threaten Europe. Tehran denies this, insisting its missile programme is "purely defensive." The weapon tested Saturday takes its name from a city in the southwestern province of Khuzestan that was devastated in the 1980-1988 war against Saddam Hussein's Iraq. Salami on Saturday warned world powers "not to seek (new) negotiations or make recommendations or requests on Iran's missile power". "Our enemies only understand the language of force," he said. "If you cannot talk to them in that language, they will use it to talk to you."

Do not thwart our missile development or we 'will be forced to make strategic leap': Iran

India remains one of the most important strategic partners of the United States, a top American senator said. Mark Warner from the Democratic Party and Republican senator John Cornyn met the new Indian Envoy to the US, Harsh V Shringla, at the US Capital here.

“India remains one of our most important strategic partners,” Cornyn said in a statement on Tuesday, a day after the meeting. Warner and Cornyn are co-chairs of the powerful India Caucus, the only country-specific caucus in the Senate.

“I’m glad Senator Warner and I were able to meet with the Ambassador to welcome him to his post and discuss ways in which our two countries can continue to work together toward advancing our common interests on issues like trade and global security,” he said.

During the meeting, the senators discussed how to further strengthen the partnership between the two countries.

“I appreciate the opportunity to meet Ambassador Shringla to talk about the issues bridging our nations, especially since Virginia is home to one of the largest populations of Indian Americans,” said Warner, who is vice chairman of the powerful Senate Select Committee on Intelligence “The US and India have many shared economic and strategic interests, so I look forward to working with the Ambassador on these matters,” the Virginia senator added.

 
Issues discussed in the meeting included areas of opportunity to deepen the strategic partnership, increasing international exchange programs between the two counties, and the implications of India’s decision to require all payment system providers to store their data exclusively in India.

Shringla had presented his credentials to President Donald Trump at the White House on January 12.

India remains one of the most important strategic partners of the United States, a top American senator said. Mark Warner from the Democratic Party and Republican senator John Cornyn met the new Indian Envoy to the US, Harsh V Shringla, at the US Capital here.

India remains one of the most important strategic partners of the United States, a top American senator said. Mark Warner from the Democratic Party and Republican senator John Cornyn met the new Indian Envoy to the US, Harsh V Shringla, at the US Capital here. “India remains one of our most important strategic partners,” Cornyn said in a statement on Tuesday, a day after the meeting. Warner and Cornyn are co-chairs of the powerful India Caucus, the only country-specific caucus in the Senate. “I’m glad Senator Warner and I were able to meet with the Ambassador to welcome him to his post and discuss ways in which our two countries can continue to work together toward advancing our common interests on issues like trade and global security,” he said. During the meeting, the senators discussed how to further strengthen the partnership between the two countries. “I appreciate the opportunity to meet Ambassador Shringla to talk about the issues bridging our nations, especially since Virginia is home to one of the largest populations of Indian Americans,” said Warner, who is vice chairman of the powerful Senate Select Committee on Intelligence “The US and India have many shared economic and strategic interests, so I look forward to working with the Ambassador on these matters,” the Virginia senator added. Issues discussed in the meeting included areas of opportunity to deepen the strategic partnership, increasing international exchange programs between the two counties, and the implications of India’s decision to require all payment system providers to store their data exclusively in India. Shringla had presented his credentials to President Donald Trump at the White House on January 12.

India one of the most important strategic partners, says top US Senator

China has clinched a multi-billion-dollar deal to build a port at a strategic town along the coast of the Bay of Bengal in Myanmar, its third project in India's neighbourhood after Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

China and Myanmar signed an agreement on Thursday to build the deep sea port project in Kyaukpyu town after negotiations dragged for years due to financing and other issues, state-run Global Times reported on Friday.

China is also developing deepwater strategic Gwadar port in Pakistan in the Arabian Sea which faces the Mumbai coast.

It has also acquired Sri Lanka's Hambantota port on debt swap in the Indian Ocean.

China has persistently denied the String of Pearls theory of building strategic network of ports to encircle India.

The Chinese consortium led by State-owned conglomerate Citic Group signed the framework agreement with the Kyaukpyu Special Economic Zone Management Committee on the development of the Kyaukpyu, deep-sea port, at a ceremony in the Myanmar capital of Nay Pyi Taw, the report said.

Under the framework agreement, China will fund 70 per cent of the investment for the project and Myanmar will pitch in the remaining 30 per cent.

The initial phase of the project will include two berths with a total investment of USD 1.3 billion, according to the agreement.

A joint venture will be set up to construct and operate the port.

The signing of the framework agreement marks a significant step for the port project, which has been stalled since 2015, and for the continued implementation of the China-proposed Belt and Road initiative (BRI), which has come under increased scrutiny because of the cases such as the Kyaukpyu port project, the report said.

The Chinese consortium first won the bid to construct the port in December 2015 with an estimated investment of USD 7 billion but further development was halted due to a disagreement between the two sides over details of the project's funding.

This is the biggest project China had secured after Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi took charge of the government replacing the prolonged rule of a pro-China military junta.

Prolonged negotiations fuelled criticism of the BRI as it could add to Myanmar debts and even threaten other countries' sovereignty.

The Kyaukpyu project is estimated to bring 100,000 jobs to the local community and will contribute as much as USD 15 billion in tax revenue to Myanmar.

Once completed, the port will have an annual gross output of USD 3.2 billion, the report said.

China has clinched a multi-billion-dollar deal to build a port at a strategic town along the coast of the Bay of Bengal in Myanmar, its third project in India's neighbourhood after Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

China has clinched a multi-billion-dollar deal to build a port at a strategic town along the coast of the Bay of Bengal in Myanmar, its third project in India's neighbourhood after Sri Lanka and Pakistan. China and Myanmar signed an agreement on Thursday to build the deep sea port project in Kyaukpyu town after negotiations dragged for years due to financing and other issues, state-run Global Times reported on Friday. China is also developing deepwater strategic Gwadar port in Pakistan in the Arabian Sea which faces the Mumbai coast. It has also acquired Sri Lanka's Hambantota port on debt swap in the Indian Ocean. China has persistently denied the String of Pearls theory of building strategic network of ports to encircle India. The Chinese consortium led by State-owned conglomerate Citic Group signed the framework agreement with the Kyaukpyu Special Economic Zone Management Committee on the development of the Kyaukpyu, deep-sea port, at a ceremony in the Myanmar capital of Nay Pyi Taw, the report said. Under the framework agreement, China will fund 70 per cent of the investment for the project and Myanmar will pitch in the remaining 30 per cent. The initial phase of the project will include two berths with a total investment of USD 1.3 billion, according to the agreement. A joint venture will be set up to construct and operate the port. The signing of the framework agreement marks a significant step for the port project, which has been stalled since 2015, and for the continued implementation of the China-proposed Belt and Road initiative (BRI), which has come under increased scrutiny because of the cases such as the Kyaukpyu port project, the report said. The Chinese consortium first won the bid to construct the port in December 2015 with an estimated investment of USD 7 billion but further development was halted due to a disagreement between the two sides over details of the project's funding. This is the biggest project China had secured after Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi took charge of the government replacing the prolonged rule of a pro-China military junta. Prolonged negotiations fuelled criticism of the BRI as it could add to Myanmar debts and even threaten other countries' sovereignty. The Kyaukpyu project is estimated to bring 100,000 jobs to the local community and will contribute as much as USD 15 billion in tax revenue to Myanmar. Once completed, the port will have an annual gross output of USD 3.2 billion, the report said.

Eye on India's backyard? China to build third port in India's neighbourhood at Myanmar

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