On Wednesday the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken began his sixth West Asia tour since the onset of the Gaza War by holding talks in Saudi Arabia. On the agenda are meetings with Arab foreign ministers and a top Palestinian officials in Egypt...Watch in for more details!

West Asia: Antony Blinken meets Saudi crown-prince in Jeddah

Leaders from pro-nuclear European countries and energy experts are set to call for a nuclear energy revival on Thursday (March 21) at a summit in Brussels, seeking to rebuild the European industry after years of gradual decline.

Nuclear Energy Summit: Why are EU leaders calling for nuclear industry revival?

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is currently in South Korea the first stop of his South Asia tour and Washington stop Diplomat will also visit Philippines and this as the US moves to reinforce ties with these two Regional allies. Watch to know more!

Antony Blinken attends democracy summit in South Korea

A special leaders' summit of Australia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) kicked off on Tuesday in Melbourne, in southeastern Australia.

Australia hosts ASEAN summit: PM Albanese welcomes Secretary-general Kao Kim Hourn and Thai PM

Southeast Asian leaders are meeting in Australia for a rare summit. The ASEAN-Australia special summit in Melbourne will mark 50 years since Australia became the first official partner of the ASEAN bloc now.

ASEAN-Australia summit: China & Myanmar likely to be high on agenda, focus on economic cooperation

BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey has pointed to connectivity being one of the key focus areas of the regional grouping.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Pandey said, "Master plan for connectivity has been approved by the member states, and we are in the process of establishing mechanisms for its implementation."&nbsp;

He pointed out that Thailand's government has committed to hosting the summit this year. He is the first Indian national to hold the position of the BIMSTEC secretary general. He is currently in Perth for the Indian Ocean conference.&nbsp;

Here is the full transcript of the interview.

WION: You are the first Indian who is heading this important grouping. My first point is, how do you see this grouping growing, what's your vision as a Secy Gen of this grouping to take forward this grouping as an important regional body?

Indra Mani Pandey: This is a very important regional organisation in the Indian Ocean region. It has been there for 26 years now. It has its own charter. It has a set of mechanisms already established. And I see member states are committed to taking the co-operation forward. For me, it's an exceptional opportunity to make sure that in the coming years, this regional organisation is able to fulfil the vision of the member states.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-sri-lankan-president-thanks-india-for-economic-support-plans-for-iit-campus-in-kandy-688869">Exclusive: Sri Lankan president thanks India for economic support; plans for IIT campus in Kandy</a>

WION: Sir the focus on connectivity what has been the focus of connectivity when it comes to this grouping?

Indra Mani Pandey: We have a master plan for connectivity, which covers both the connectivity through the Bay of Bengal and collectivity which is land-based. The master plan has been approved by the member states, and we are in the process of establishing mechanisms for its implementation. Member states have given it a high priority, and Thailand is the leading country for forging cooperation in connectivity.

WION: Sir, any plans for the summit this year? I believe the summit was to happen last year, this Thai government was to host what's the plan forward for this year?

Indra Mani Pandey: The Thai Government is committed to hosting a summit this year. We have not yet received any dates when the summit will be held. But I've been informed that it will be held within this year.

Watch:&nbsp;EAM Jaishankar: World values India's contribution in Indian Ocean

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eam-jaishankar-world-values-indias-contribution-in-indian-ocean-688885/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

WION: Sir, my last question to you is counterterrorism. This is an important issue. How has the group been working to come to a common viewpoint when it comes to dealing with this scourge?

Indra Mani Pandey: This is a joint working group which deals with counter-terrorism and transnational crime. We have been engaged in also negotiating the instruments which can help in that, for example, extradition treaties, and treaties on criminal cooperation in criminal matters. So we are trying to put in institutional mechanisms which can help the countries in the region to deal with this, India is the lead actually country for the security sector. And it's very focused on making sure that there is progress in co-operation in the area.

BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey has pointed to connectivity being one of the key focus areas of the regional grouping. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Pandey said, "Master plan for connectivity has been approved by the member states, and we are in the process of establishing mechanisms for its implementation.

BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey has pointed to connectivity being one of the key focus areas of the regional grouping. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Pandey said, "Master plan for connectivity has been approved by the member states, and we are in the process of establishing mechanisms for its implementation." He pointed out that Thailand's government has committed to hosting the summit this year. He is the first Indian national to hold the position of the BIMSTEC secretary general. He is currently in Perth for the Indian Ocean conference. Here is the full transcript of the interview. WION: You are the first Indian who is heading this important grouping. My first point is, how do you see this grouping growing, what's your vision as a Secy Gen of this grouping to take forward this grouping as an important regional body? Indra Mani Pandey: This is a very important regional organisation in the Indian Ocean region. It has been there for 26 years now. It has its own charter. It has a set of mechanisms already established. And I see member states are committed to taking the co-operation forward. For me, it's an exceptional opportunity to make sure that in the coming years, this regional organisation is able to fulfil the vision of the member states. Also Read: Exclusive: Sri Lankan president thanks India for economic support; plans for IIT campus in Kandy WION: Sir the focus on connectivity what has been the focus of connectivity when it comes to this grouping? Indra Mani Pandey: We have a master plan for connectivity, which covers both the connectivity through the Bay of Bengal and collectivity which is land-based. The master plan has been approved by the member states, and we are in the process of establishing mechanisms for its implementation. Member states have given it a high priority, and Thailand is the leading country for forging cooperation in connectivity. WION: Sir, any plans for the summit this year? I believe the summit was to happen last year, this Thai government was to host what's the plan forward for this year? Indra Mani Pandey: The Thai Government is committed to hosting a summit this year. We have not yet received any dates when the summit will be held. But I've been informed that it will be held within this year. Watch: EAM Jaishankar: World values India's contribution in Indian Ocean WION: Sir, my last question to you is counterterrorism. This is an important issue. How has the group been working to come to a common viewpoint when it comes to dealing with this scourge? Indra Mani Pandey: This is a joint working group which deals with counter-terrorism and transnational crime. We have been engaged in also negotiating the instruments which can help in that, for example, extradition treaties, and treaties on criminal cooperation in criminal matters. So we are trying to put in institutional mechanisms which can help the countries in the region to deal with this, India is the lead actually country for the security sector. And it's very focused on making sure that there is progress in co-operation in the area.

BIMSTEC's focus is on connectivity, Thai govt to host summit this year, says BIMSTEC secretary general

The world economic forum's initiatives have sparked growth, reshaping the economic landscape for countries around the world. While often criticised for its elite access and carbon footprint, there's no denying the summit's influence.

Davos Summit: A catalyst for economic & sustainable transformation

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be inaugurating the 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in Gandhinagar. Foreign companies including Google, Nasdaq & Microsoft are expected at the summit. The theme of the summit is "Gateway to the future" to celebrate "20 years of Vibrant Gujarat as the summit of success". Watch to know more!

Gujarat Summit 2024: PM Modi inaugurates event, focus on Start-Up's, Blue & Green Economy

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be inaugurating the 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in Gandhinagar. The theme of the summit is "Gateway to the future" to celebrate "20 years of Vibrant Gujarat as the summit of success". Watch to know more!

Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2024: PM Modi leads roadshow ahead of 3-day mega business event

Following the first Global Investors Meet (GIM 2024) hosted by the DMK government at Chennai Trade Center on January 8, Tamil Nadu attracted an impressive investment commitment totaling over ₹6.64 lakh crore through 631 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) that would generate nearly 27 lakh jobs across sectors.

Global Investors Meet: Tamil Nadu bags deals worth $83 bn as meet concludes

The European Union President Ursula von der de Leyen told Chinese leader Xi Jinping that the block and its biggest trading partner must address their differences as they began the first in-person EU-China Summit in over four years.

EU-China Summit | Xi: China & EU must jointly respond to global challenges

EU-China Summit: Top European Union officials meet with Xi in China Summit

Hailed as a breakthrough agreement at the COP 28 Summit pledges to the loss and damage funds have proved a major disappointment. So far the developed Nations have pledged a total of just $700 million towards the loss and damage fund at COP 28 that amount covers less than 2% of the economic losses that developing nations are facing due to climate change.

COP28 Summit | Experts: Financial pledges fall short of what is need

India and China, two major economies and top coal consumers in the world, on Saturday (Dec 2) abstained from a pledge taken by 118 countries on the sidelines of the annual UN climate summit (COP28). 
 
The pledge focused on tripling the global renewable energy generation capacity to around 11,000 GW and doubling energy efficiency's average annual rate by 2030. India decided to keep away from signing the pledge while continuing its stance of using coal till 2030. 
 
Despite taking many steps to increase the country's non-fossil fuel energy generation capacity which includes wind, solar and hydel, it has not been willing to make commitments regarding majorly cutting down its reliance on coal-fired power plants, which is the main source of generating electricity.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-cop28-five-passionate-environmentalists-who-are-restoring-indias-biodiversity-tirelessly-665225">COP28: Five passionate environmentalists who are restoring India's biodiversity tirelessly</a>

India has continued to maintain that it will not be "pressured" into making the reduction of the usage of coal as it is not willing to compromise on the power supply which drives its economic growth and even in the G20 Declaration, which had prioritised de-addiction to coal, kept its stance of using coal at least till 2030. 
 
The stance by India has place it at odds with the emerging consensus of decreasing dependency on fossil fuel and in congruence with China along with other oil producers Saudi Arabia, Russia and Iran.

<h2>India aims to increase non-fossil power capacity by 2030, may sign deal later</h2>

However, government officials have continued to maintain that India has been targetting to substantially increase its non-fossil power capacity by 2030, in accordance with the climate action pledge taken under the Paris Agreement, while maintaining that it cannot make any commitment which disturbs the priority of boosting development so as to lift millions out of poverty. 
 
The officials said that India's principled stand should not be taken as rigidity because India can be a part of the deal later after its terms are negotiated, as the agreement clearly notes the circumstances of every country and their capability to negotiate.

Watch:&nbsp;COP28 summit in Dubai: India offers to host climate talks in 2028&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cop28-summit-in-dubai-india-offers-to-host-climate-talks-in-2028-world-news-wion-665137/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“After all, it has been done outside the COP28 negotiation process. It just reflects the intent of global efforts and there has been no question mark on India's intent. India is already on board as part of the signatory of the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration,” an observer said, as reported by The Times Of India. 
 
At the G20 leaders’ summit which was organised in Delhi and where a unanimous communique was issued, the richest countries in the world, including those who did not participate, had agreed to “pursue and encourage efforts to triple renewable energy capacity globally through existing targets and policies, as well as demonstrate similar ambition with respect to other zero and low-emission technologies, including abatement and removal technologies, in line with national circumstances by 2030”.

(With inputs from agencies)

India and China, two major economies and top coal consumers in the world, on Saturday (Dec 2) abstained from a pledge taken by 118 countries on the sidelines of the annual UN climate summit (COP28).

India and China, two major economies and top coal consumers in the world, on Saturday (Dec 2) abstained from a pledge taken by 118 countries on the sidelines of the annual UN climate summit (COP28). The pledge focused on tripling the global renewable energy generation capacity to around 11,000 GW and doubling energy efficiency's average annual rate by 2030. India decided to keep away from signing the pledge while continuing its stance of using coal till 2030. Despite taking many steps to increase the country's non-fossil fuel energy generation capacity which includes wind, solar and hydel, it has not been willing to make commitments regarding majorly cutting down its reliance on coal-fired power plants, which is the main source of generating electricity. Also read: COP28: Five passionate environmentalists who are restoring India's biodiversity tirelessly India has continued to maintain that it will not be "pressured" into making the reduction of the usage of coal as it is not willing to compromise on the power supply which drives its economic growth and even in the G20 Declaration, which had prioritised de-addiction to coal, kept its stance of using coal at least till 2030. The stance by India has place it at odds with the emerging consensus of decreasing dependency on fossil fuel and in congruence with China along with other oil producers Saudi Arabia, Russia and Iran. India aims to increase non-fossil power capacity by 2030, may sign deal later However, government officials have continued to maintain that India has been targetting to substantially increase its non-fossil power capacity by 2030, in accordance with the climate action pledge taken under the Paris Agreement, while maintaining that it cannot make any commitment which disturbs the priority of boosting development so as to lift millions out of poverty. The officials said that India's principled stand should not be taken as rigidity because India can be a part of the deal later after its terms are negotiated, as the agreement clearly notes the circumstances of every country and their capability to negotiate. Watch: COP28 summit in Dubai: India offers to host climate talks in 2028 “After all, it has been done outside the COP28 negotiation process. It just reflects the intent of global efforts and there has been no question mark on India's intent. India is already on board as part of the signatory of the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration,” an observer said, as reported by The Times Of India. At the G20 leaders’ summit which was organised in Delhi and where a unanimous communique was issued, the richest countries in the world, including those who did not participate, had agreed to “pursue and encourage efforts to triple renewable energy capacity globally through existing targets and policies, as well as demonstrate similar ambition with respect to other zero and low-emission technologies, including abatement and removal technologies, in line with national circumstances by 2030”. (With inputs from agencies)

COP28: India, China abstain from renewable power pledge, 118 nations sign up

Day 2 of the 28th Annual un climate Summit and discussions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and effectively combat climate change will go on over the next two weeks. World leaders gathered for a family photo on the first day of the leader Summit.

COP28 Summit: World leaders gather to discuss ways to climate change

The United States hosts finance ministers from APEC nations in San Francisco. The bloc is made up of the United States, China, Taiwan, Japan and others. Every nation is looking forward for the high stakes Xi Jinping-Joe Biden meet.

APEC Summit 2023: High stakes Biden-Xi meet to take place

Did you know that cybercrime will cost companies worldwide an estimated $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. US is the worst hit that's about 46% of the share - reported incidents of cyber attacks this year.

White House hosts counter ransomware initiative summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in China to meet his "No Limits" partner President Xi Jinping since the war broke out in Ukraine and this is the first time he's travelled to the capital of another P5 member country. Chinese President Xi Jinping greeted his dear friend Putin as China welcomes representatives from 130 countries for the Belt and Road Initiative Forum.

BRI Forum: Chinese president greets Russian counterpart in Beijing

The third Belt and Road Forum for international cooperation officially kicked off in Beijing today. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony in an opening address. Xi warned against decoupling from China while he criticized Western efforts to reduce dependence on the Chinese economy.

BRI Forum: Xi criticises Western efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese economy

China is hosting representatives of 130 Nations for a forum that marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. The Forum that started on Monday focused on Beijing's International infrastructure plan something that is considered to be an important part of Chinese President Xi Jinping's effort to expand the nation's global reach.

BRI Forum meet: Belt and Road Initiative a move to extend China's global reach

Leaders gather in Beijing for smaller, greener Belt and Road Forum

In addition to bringing together international leaders and politicians, the G20 Gala dinner held by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, at the Bharat Mandapam on September 9 was also a sartorial spectacle that displayed a rich tapestry of cultural symbolism and fashion.

G20 Summit 2023: Foreign delegates and leaders dress themselves in Indian attires

The G20 Summit, which is being held in Delhi on Saturday under India's leadership, was deemed "successful" by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who is in Delhi for the event. The G20 Summit, which is being held in Delhi on Saturday under India's leadership, was deemed "successful" by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who is in Delhi for the event.

G20 Summit 2023 | Australian PM Anthony Albanese: Had good discussions with PM Modi

An ambitious project aiming at promoting economic growth and political collaboration, President Joe Biden and his supporters announced plans to establish a rail and maritime corridor connecting India with the Middle East and Europe on Saturday. Biden stated, "This is a significant thing. This is a really important matter. The corridor would improve digital connectivity, convey energy resources, and increase trade. According to Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security adviser, it would consist of India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Israel, and the European Union.

G20 Summit 2023: Joint declaration backs common framework for debt reduction

Apart from the third session, day 2 of the G20 summit looks at tree planting, and a live performance of Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite devotional songs, among others.

G20 Summit 2023: Leaders arrive at Gandhi memorial to pay tribute

On the second day of the G20 Summit, Biden joined other world leaders in paying respect to Mahatma Gandhi at Delhi's Rajghat. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, and UK PM Rishi Sunak all arrived at Rajghat for the occasion. The leaders will arrive to Bharat Mandapam for a tree-planting ceremony after the wreath-laying ceremony. The third G20 summit session, titled "One Future," will take place after this.

G20 Summit 2023: Leaders to attend third session of the summit 'one future'

Despite having a watered-down position on the war in Ukraine, the Group of 20 leaders were able to put together a consensus statement on the first day of the two-day summit, experts claimed, defying all predictions of disaster. Everyone was wondering whether India, as the G20 president, would be able to forge a consensus document given the rift between Russia and the West over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the fact that China's President Xi Jinping skipped the summit in the days leading up to and even during the G20 summit on Saturday.

G20 Summit 2023: New Delhi declaration on war in Ukraine, economy & markets and more

An economic corridor connecting India, the Middle East, and Europe will soon be established. A historic effort for connectivity and infrastructure collaboration encompassing India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the EU, France, Italy, Germany, and the US will be the first-of-its-kind economic corridor.

G20 Summit 2023 | Day 2: India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor launched

On Saturday night, following the completion of the first day of the G20 Summit, President Droupadi Murmu hosted a gala dinner for the summit's participants, which featured US Vice President Joe Biden among others. The G20 Summit was held at the "Bharat Mandapam" in New Delhi, and the chief ministers of every state received invitations from the government to attend the event.

G20 Summit 2023: Biden, Sunak meet Kejriwal, Nitish Kumar, Soren

After the detention of a parliamentary researcher on suspicion of espionage for Beijing, Rishi Sunak questioned China's premier over his nation's "unacceptable" intervention in British democracy. On Sunday, hours after learning of two arrests in the UK for violating the Official Secrets Act, the Prime Minister voiced his concerns to Li Qiang during the G20 conference in India.

G20 Summit 2023: Rishi Sunak meets China's Li Qiang on the sidelines of the Summit

Sunday marked the conclusion of the G20 Leaders' Summit 2023, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed Brazil's President Lula da Silva the gavel to lead the group beginning on December 1 of this year. PM Modi suggested conducting a virtual session to assess the progress made on the recommendations made in New Delhi during the G20 Summit's concluding session.

G20 Summit 2023: Indian PM Modi hands over G20 Presidency to Brazil Prez Lula Da Silva

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