External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today assured help to a 14-year-old girl facing visa issues for her travel to London after being selected to represent India at a global conference. 
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A woman named Arpita Tiwari, in a tweet, said the girl, Isha, studying in a government school in an underprivileged community in Delhi's Sangam Vihar, has been selected to represent India for the conference in the British capital city. 
&nbsp 
She has her tickets booked for May 3 but is unable to travel as her visa clearance is delayed, Tiwari said. 
&nbsp 
"We will definitely help. I have asked my office to get in touch with you," Ms Swaraj said. 
&nbsp 
The Union minister also assured assistance to a woman, who said her brother had gone to Kuwait for some office work and she later lost contact with him. 
&nbsp 
The person of contact has told her that her brother met with an accident and has been unconscious in a hospital there. 
&nbsp 
The woman sought Ms Swaraj's help to locate her brother and shift him back to India. 
&nbsp 
"I have asked Indian Ambassador in Kuwait @indembkwt to provide all assistance," Ms Swaraj assured the woman. 
&nbsp 
She also assured help to a group of Indian students of the University of Illinois in the US who lost their passports in a fire accident. 
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The minister also offered help to a woman whose passport was stolen while on a trip to Mexico and wanted to get back home as soon as possible as her children were alone.

&nbsp&nbsp

A woman named Arpita Tiwari, in a tweet, said the girl, Isha, studying in a government school in an underprivileged community in Delhi's Sangam Vihar, has been selected to represent India for the conference in the British capital city

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today assured help to a 14-year-old girl facing visa issues for her travel to London after being selected to represent India at a global conference. A woman named Arpita Tiwari, in a tweet, said the girl, Isha, studying in a government school in an underprivileged community in Delhi's Sangam Vihar, has been selected to represent India for the conference in the British capital city. She has her tickets booked for May 3 but is unable to travel as her visa clearance is delayed, Tiwari said. "We will definitely help. I have asked my office to get in touch with you," Ms Swaraj said. The Union minister also assured assistance to a woman, who said her brother had gone to Kuwait for some office work and she later lost contact with him. The person of contact has told her that her brother met with an accident and has been unconscious in a hospital there. The woman sought Ms Swaraj's help to locate her brother and shift him back to India. "I have asked Indian Ambassador in Kuwait @indembkwt to provide all assistance," Ms Swaraj assured the woman. She also assured help to a group of Indian students of the University of Illinois in the US who lost their passports in a fire accident. The minister also offered help to a woman whose passport was stolen while on a trip to Mexico and wanted to get back home as soon as possible as her children were alone.

Schoolgirl faces visa issue for travel to London, Sushma Swaraj assures help

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today arrived here after a two-day informal summit meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Wuhan.

The Prime Minister was received at the airport by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

In their talks, PM Modi and President Xi decided to issue strategic guidance to their respective militaries to maintain peace along the border.

During the visit both the leaders held delegation-level talks and underscored the need for strengthening bilateral relations between India and China.

Prime Minister Modi said through the "Panchsheel", the bolstering of bilateral relations between the two Asian giants will be based on - shared vision, strong relationship, shared resolve, better communication and shared thought process.

(With inputs from Agencies)

The Prime Minister was received at the airport by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today arrived here after a two-day informal summit meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Wuhan. The Prime Minister was received at the airport by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. In their talks, PM Modi and President Xi decided to issue strategic guidance to their respective militaries to maintain peace along the border. During the visit both the leaders held delegation-level talks and underscored the need for strengthening bilateral relations between India and China. Prime Minister Modi said through the "Panchsheel", the bolstering of bilateral relations between the two Asian giants will be based on - shared vision, strong relationship, shared resolve, better communication and shared thought process. (With inputs from Agencies)

PM Narendra Modi back after 2-day China visit

India has handed over to Bangladesh a Mi-4 helicopter and two PT-76 tanks as part of the 1971 Liberation War memorabilia, officials said on Thursday in Dhaka.

"The gifts are to be showcased at the Bangladesh army and air force museums," a defence ministry spokesman said.

He said the helicopter and the tanks were part of gifts given by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during her Bangladesh visit last year.

The memorabilia included 25 weapons like pistol, rifles, machine guns and mortars alongside a large number of artefact, historical photographs, archival audio and video clipping, maps and battle records related to the 1971 Liberation War.

"While most items of memorabilia have been handed over to the Bangladesh National Museum the larger items ie PT-76 Tanks and Mi 4 Helicopter are now being handed over to the Bangladesh Army and Air Force," Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Harsh Vardhan Shringla said.

The light amphibious PT-76 tanks were used by the Indian Army's armoured regiments in 1971 which played a crucial role in crossing rivers and water bodies during the war.

Analysts said these tanks often outclassed a much larger force and technically superior M34 Chafee tanks, used by the Pakistani Army in the war.

The Mi-4 transport helicopter was extensively utilised for heliborne operations by the India-Bangladesh joint forces in the eastern sector confirming early defeat of Pakistani troops in 1971.

Indian air force earlier gifted Bangladesh one Hunter jet fighter, one Dakota transport air craft ahead of this helicopter while India's navy previously gifted memorabilia of its INS Vikrant, models of ships that took part in the war and archival photographs and its army gifts included six 3.7 Howitzer Guns.&nbsp

India backed Bangladesh's Liberation War, which began after the sudden crackdown at midnight past on March 25, 1971 in the erstwhile East Pakistan by Pakistani troops.

On December 16, the same year as Pakistan conceded defeat and its troops unconditionally surrendered in Dhaka to the allied forces comprising the freedom fighters and the Indian Army.&nbsp

'The gifts are to be showcased at the Bangladesh army and air force museums' a defence ministry spokesman said

India has handed over to Bangladesh a Mi-4 helicopter and two PT-76 tanks as part of the 1971 Liberation War memorabilia, officials said on Thursday in Dhaka. "The gifts are to be showcased at the Bangladesh army and air force museums," a defence ministry spokesman said. He said the helicopter and the tanks were part of gifts given by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during her Bangladesh visit last year. The memorabilia included 25 weapons like pistol, rifles, machine guns and mortars alongside a large number of artefact, historical photographs, archival audio and video clipping, maps and battle records related to the 1971 Liberation War. "While most items of memorabilia have been handed over to the Bangladesh National Museum the larger items ie PT-76 Tanks and Mi 4 Helicopter are now being handed over to the Bangladesh Army and Air Force," Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Harsh Vardhan Shringla said. The light amphibious PT-76 tanks were used by the Indian Army's armoured regiments in 1971 which played a crucial role in crossing rivers and water bodies during the war. Analysts said these tanks often outclassed a much larger force and technically superior M34 Chafee tanks, used by the Pakistani Army in the war. The Mi-4 transport helicopter was extensively utilised for heliborne operations by the India-Bangladesh joint forces in the eastern sector confirming early defeat of Pakistani troops in 1971. Indian air force earlier gifted Bangladesh one Hunter jet fighter, one Dakota transport air craft ahead of this helicopter while India's navy previously gifted memorabilia of its INS Vikrant, models of ships that took part in the war and archival photographs and its army gifts included six 3.7 Howitzer Guns. India backed Bangladesh's Liberation War, which began after the sudden crackdown at midnight past on March 25, 1971 in the erstwhile East Pakistan by Pakistani troops. On December 16, the same year as Pakistan conceded defeat and its troops unconditionally surrendered in Dhaka to the allied forces comprising the freedom fighters and the Indian Army.

India hands over helicopter, tanks to Bangladesh as 1971 memorabilia

India and Mongolia on Wednesday discussed economic cooperation in areas such as infrastructure development, energy, services and IT and agreed to explore the possibility of launching direct air connectivity between New Delhi and the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar.&nbsp

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during a joint media briefing with Mongolian Foreign Minister D Tsogtbaatar after the 6th Session of the Indian-Mongolia Joint Committee on Cooperation here said the two countries agreed to explore ways to identify new areas of cooperation in all sectors of mutual interest and to enhance bilateral trade and investments.&nbsp

Swaraj, the first Indian foreign minister to visit the resource-rich country in 42 years, said India sees Mongolia as a factor of stability in East Asia and believes that Mongolia's social and economic development is important for peace and prosperity in the region.

During the Indian-Mongolia Joint Committee on Cooperation, the two sides discussed pressing global challenges, particularly the scourge of terrorism and agreed to collaborate bilaterally and in international arena to thwart the designs of those who extend support to terrorist outfits.&nbsp

The two sides also reviewed the progress in the ongoing collaborative projects, including the refinery project selected by the Government of Mongolia for implementation with the support of USD one billion Indian Line of Credit.&nbsp

"We directed our officials to coordinate follow up action on each side for the expeditious implementation of these projects. Our strong political ties must be complemented by commensurate levels of trade, economy and investment," she said.&nbsp

"Today, India has emerged as one of the fastest growing large economies in the world. With its rich natural resources and strong aspiration for development, Mongolia can be an important partner in India's growth story," she said.&nbsp

Swaraj, who arrived here yesterday on a two-day visit, said collaboration for the ongoing refinery project is in recognition of this fact.&nbsp 
She said Mongolia is not only India's strategic partner but also a spiritual neighbour. 
"We share long historical links. Mongolia is well known in India for the valour of her kings and her strong Buddhist heritage. India was among the first countries, outside the erstwhile Communist bloc, to establish diplomatic relations with Mongolia," she said. 
Swaraj said in the six decades of the partnership between the two countries, the bilateral relations have grown from "strength to strength".&nbsp

Swaraj will participate in a special event to commemorate the birth centenary of the Venerable 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, who was not only an eminent Buddhist leader but also the longest serving Ambassador of India to Mongolia.&nbsp

The event will mark his contribution to the promotion of Buddhism in Mongolia and to the deepening of civilizational and spiritual bonds between the two countries.

She said India and Mongolia share a bond of peace through Buddhism.&nbsp

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EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> welcomed by the Foreign Minister of Mongolia Damdin Tsogtbaatar ahead of the 6th India-Mongolia Joint Committee meeting. Our two countries not only share a strong historical and cultural link, but also are strategic partners in the contemporary context. <a href="https://t.co/YRV6HQuhOG">pic.twitter.com/YRV6HQuhOG</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/988965922198056960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"As we tread the path of developing our partnership I am sure, the teachings of Lord Buddha will continue to guide us," she said.&nbsp

India and Mongolia have close cooperation in trade and economy, science, health, agriculture, culture, education, communication and tourism. The two countries are also working closely to ensure security and curbing international crimes and terrorism.&nbsp

The total trade between the two countries amounted to USD 25.6 million in 2016.&nbsp

Swaraj, the first Indian foreign minister to visit the resource-rich country in 42 years, said India sees Mongolia as a factor of stability in East Asia and believes that Mongolia's social and economic development is important for peace and prosperity in the region.

India and Mongolia on Wednesday discussed economic cooperation in areas such as infrastructure development, energy, services and IT and agreed to explore the possibility of launching direct air connectivity between New Delhi and the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during a joint media briefing with Mongolian Foreign Minister D Tsogtbaatar after the 6th Session of the Indian-Mongolia Joint Committee on Cooperation here said the two countries agreed to explore ways to identify new areas of cooperation in all sectors of mutual interest and to enhance bilateral trade and investments. Swaraj, the first Indian foreign minister to visit the resource-rich country in 42 years, said India sees Mongolia as a factor of stability in East Asia and believes that Mongolia's social and economic development is important for peace and prosperity in the region. During the Indian-Mongolia Joint Committee on Cooperation, the two sides discussed pressing global challenges, particularly the scourge of terrorism and agreed to collaborate bilaterally and in international arena to thwart the designs of those who extend support to terrorist outfits. The two sides also reviewed the progress in the ongoing collaborative projects, including the refinery project selected by the Government of Mongolia for implementation with the support of USD one billion Indian Line of Credit. "We directed our officials to coordinate follow up action on each side for the expeditious implementation of these projects. Our strong political ties must be complemented by commensurate levels of trade, economy and investment," she said. "Today, India has emerged as one of the fastest growing large economies in the world. With its rich natural resources and strong aspiration for development, Mongolia can be an important partner in India's growth story," she said. Swaraj, who arrived here yesterday on a two-day visit, said collaboration for the ongoing refinery project is in recognition of this fact. She said Mongolia is not only India's strategic partner but also a spiritual neighbour. "We share long historical links. Mongolia is well known in India for the valour of her kings and her strong Buddhist heritage. India was among the first countries, outside the erstwhile Communist bloc, to establish diplomatic relations with Mongolia," she said. Swaraj said in the six decades of the partnership between the two countries, the bilateral relations have grown from "strength to strength". Swaraj will participate in a special event to commemorate the birth centenary of the Venerable 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, who was not only an eminent Buddhist leader but also the longest serving Ambassador of India to Mongolia. The event will mark his contribution to the promotion of Buddhism in Mongolia and to the deepening of civilizational and spiritual bonds between the two countries. She said India and Mongolia share a bond of peace through Buddhism. EAM @SushmaSwaraj welcomed by the Foreign Minister of Mongolia Damdin Tsogtbaatar ahead of the 6th India-Mongolia Joint Committee meeting. Our two countries not only share a strong historical and cultural link, but also are strategic partners in the contemporary context. pic.twitter.com/YRV6HQuhOG — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) April 25, 2018 × "As we tread the path of developing our partnership I am sure, the teachings of Lord Buddha will continue to guide us," she said. India and Mongolia have close cooperation in trade and economy, science, health, agriculture, culture, education, communication and tourism. The two countries are also working closely to ensure security and curbing international crimes and terrorism. The total trade between the two countries amounted to USD 25.6 million in 2016.

India, Mongolia to enhance bilateral trade, investments

India has been lucky to have two of the most powerful women in its cabinet.&nbsp

The&nbsptwo women are India's foreign minister Sushma Swaraj and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman who are currently in China to lay the groundwork before the crucial meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping on April 27-28.

The two cabinet-level ministers are game-changers in their own way.&nbspSwaraj has been serving as the Indian's minister of external affairs&nbspminister under PM&nbspModi since May 2014. Swaraj has embraced the new age being active on social networking sites&nbspTwitter and Facebook. She is the beacon of hope for Indians who find themselves stranded abroad due in&nbspvarious countries.

Sitharaman was appointed as India’s Defence Minister in 2017 in place of Manohar&nbspParrikar who left the job to become the chief minister of Goa. India's defence&nbspminister is among a&nbspselect list of countries whose defence minister is a woman.

South Africa, Norway, Germany, France, Netherlands, Kenya, Spain, Australia, Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Italy, Albania and Nicaragua all have women defence ministers.

PM Indira Gandhi was India's first defence and foreign minister of India.

As the defence minister, Sitharaman, who held&nbspthe Commerce portfolio as a Minister of State, is a member of the crucial Cabinet Committee on Security(CCS) whose members include the Prime Minister, Home Minister, External Affairs Minister and the Finance Minister. She wields control over one of the world's largest armies in&nbspthe world with a disarming diplomacy and quiet grit.&nbsp

The two women are in Beijing to attend the foreign and defence ministers' meet organised by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO). Member countries in the SCO&nbspinclude China, India, Russia, &nbspKazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan.

Nirmala Sitharaman, who arrived in Beijing last night, attended the defence ministers' meeting this morning, while Sushma Swaraj took part in the foreign ministers' meet. Both meetings were being held as part of the preparations for the SCO summit to be held in the Chinese city of Qingdao in June, which PM Modi is also likely to attend.

&nbsp

&nbsp

The two women are India's foreign minister Sushma Swaraj and the defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman who are currently in China to lay the groundwork before the crucial meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping on April 27-28

India has been lucky to have two of the most powerful women in its cabinet. The&nbsptwo women are India's foreign minister Sushma Swaraj and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman who are currently in China to lay the groundwork before the crucial meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping on April 27-28. The two cabinet-level ministers are game-changers in their own way.&nbspSwaraj has been serving as the Indian's minister of external affairs&nbspminister under PM&nbspModi since May 2014. Swaraj has embraced the new age being active on social networking sites&nbspTwitter and Facebook. She is the beacon of hope for Indians who find themselves stranded abroad due in&nbspvarious countries. Sitharaman was appointed as India’s Defence Minister in 2017 in place of Manohar&nbspParrikar who left the job to become the chief minister of Goa. India's defence&nbspminister is among a&nbspselect list of countries whose defence minister is a woman. South Africa, Norway, Germany, France, Netherlands, Kenya, Spain, Australia, Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Italy, Albania and Nicaragua all have women defence ministers. PM Indira Gandhi was India's first defence and foreign minister of India. As the defence minister, Sitharaman, who held&nbspthe Commerce portfolio as a Minister of State, is a member of the crucial Cabinet Committee on Security(CCS) whose members include the Prime Minister, Home Minister, External Affairs Minister and the Finance Minister. She wields control over one of the world's largest armies in&nbspthe world with a disarming diplomacy and quiet grit. The two women are in Beijing to attend the foreign and defence ministers' meet organised by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO). Member countries in the SCO&nbspinclude China, India, Russia, &nbspKazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan. Nirmala Sitharaman, who arrived in Beijing last night, attended the defence ministers' meeting this morning, while Sushma Swaraj took part in the foreign ministers' meet. Both meetings were being held as part of the preparations for the SCO summit to be held in the Chinese city of Qingdao in June, which PM Modi is also likely to attend.

India's power women at SCO: Sushma Swaraj & Nirmala Sitharaman

India is unlikely to take part in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nepal-india-joint-secretaries-to-discuss-trade-transit-132606">South Asian Association for Regional </a>Cooperation(SAARC) summit in Pakistan this year, newswire ANI reported today.

Last week China's Xinhua news agency had said Nepal has been negotiating with Pakistan and India to restart the SAARC summit. The Himalayan kingdom is the current chair of the regional grouping which comprises India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Bhutan and Afganistan.

Nepal PM K.P. Sharma Oli has reportedly requested PM Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to "remove misunderstanding".

The 19th SAARC summit held in Islamabad in 2016 was cancelled after India, Afghanistan and Bangladesh blamed Pakistan for not cooperating on stopping cross-border terrorism, a charge the Abbasi-led government denied.

Sources told ANI that "talks and terrorism can't go hand in hand".

India's relations with Pakistan has frayed over the years with increasing incidents of cross-border terror along the Line of Control(LoC) even as Pak authorities have insisted it has no hand in it.

The Trump administration has repeatedly said Pakistan is a "safe haven" for terrorists and the Taliban who have been using the porous Afghanistan-Pakistan border to carry out terrorist attack on Afghan soil. Pakistan has said it has crackdowned on the Taliban operating inside its territory including the Haqqani Network which the US believes operates inside Pakistan.

Sources told ANI that "talks and terrorism can't go hand in hand".

India is unlikely to take part in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation(SAARC) summit in Pakistan this year, newswire ANI reported today. Last week China's Xinhua news agency had said Nepal has been negotiating with Pakistan and India to restart the SAARC summit. The Himalayan kingdom is the current chair of the regional grouping which comprises India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Bhutan and Afganistan. Nepal PM K.P. Sharma Oli has reportedly requested PM Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to "remove misunderstanding". The 19th SAARC summit held in Islamabad in 2016 was cancelled after India, Afghanistan and Bangladesh blamed Pakistan for not cooperating on stopping cross-border terrorism, a charge the Abbasi-led government denied. Sources told ANI that "talks and terrorism can't go hand in hand". India's relations with Pakistan has frayed over the years with increasing incidents of cross-border terror along the Line of Control(LoC) even as Pak authorities have insisted it has no hand in it. The Trump administration has repeatedly said Pakistan is a "safe haven" for terrorists and the Taliban who have been using the porous Afghanistan-Pakistan border to carry out terrorist attack on Afghan soil. Pakistan has said it has crackdowned on the Taliban operating inside its territory including the Haqqani Network which the US believes operates inside Pakistan.

India not to take part in SAARC summit in Pakistan this year: Report

India has once again <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-strongly-raises-terrorism-issue-attacks-pakistan-at-sco-fms-meet-in-china-132490">snubbed China's attempt to further the One Belt</a>, One Road initiative(OBOR) after other foreign ministers gathered at the&nbsp;Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in&nbsp;Beijing "reaffirmed support for China's Belt and Road proposal", newswire Reuters reported.

India's external affairs <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sco-defence-foreign-ministers-meeting-begins-in-beijing-132422">minister Sushma Swaraj reportedly</a> "did not express support" for the project in a communique released by the foreign ministers.

Foreign ministers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan "supported" the Chinese OBOR&nbsp;in a statement, however, there was no mention of India's view.

The communique also supported Iran's nuclear deal.&nbsp;

The OBOR initiative is President Xi's major foreign policy programme&nbsp;which seeks to build a "silk route" through Asia linking Europe by train and road network&nbsp;in order to pave the way for trade and commerce with China.&nbsp;

However, India has consistently resisted attempts by China to sign-up to OBOR with Indian authorities arguing the road network infringes on its territorial sovereignty.

Several European countries including France, UK and Germany have also raised objections to Xi's grand plans to integrate markets, arguing for a "two-way" process which would benefit all stakeholders which China has consistently reiterated&nbsp;it does completely.&nbsp;

China has already started the project with Pakistan in the form of $57 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC), also involved Nepal, Maldives and Myanmar in the project although the OBOR plan is yet to fully takeoff in these regions.

Last year after President Xi got the approval for another term to head the country, the OBOR plan was enshrined in the constitution as a key element of Xi's vision for the future.

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India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj reportedly "did not express support" for the project in a communique released by the foreign ministers.

India has once again snubbed China's attempt to further the One Belt, One Road initiative(OBOR) after other foreign ministers gathered at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Beijing "reaffirmed support for China's Belt and Road proposal", newswire Reuters reported. India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj reportedly "did not express support" for the project in a communique released by the foreign ministers. Foreign ministers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan "supported" the Chinese OBOR in a statement, however, there was no mention of India's view. The communique also supported Iran's nuclear deal. The OBOR initiative is President Xi's major foreign policy programme which seeks to build a "silk route" through Asia linking Europe by train and road network in order to pave the way for trade and commerce with China. However, India has consistently resisted attempts by China to sign-up to OBOR with Indian authorities arguing the road network infringes on its territorial sovereignty. Several European countries including France, UK and Germany have also raised objections to Xi's grand plans to integrate markets, arguing for a "two-way" process which would benefit all stakeholders which China has consistently reiterated it does completely. China has already started the project with Pakistan in the form of $57 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC), also involved Nepal, Maldives and Myanmar in the project although the OBOR plan is yet to fully takeoff in these regions. Last year after President Xi got the approval for another term to head the country, the OBOR plan was enshrined in the constitution as a key element of Xi's vision for the future.

SCO meet: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan & Russia express 'support' for OBOR, Sushma Swaraj stays away

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

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Monday asked Indians and Chinese to learn each other's language as it will help them overcome communication barriers, resulting in further strengthening the relationship between the two nations.

Swaraj, who is on a visit in Beijing, made the remarks during a programme, titled 'Contribution of Hindi in India-China Friendship', organised by the India Embassy.

"When two friends sit together, what do they want? They want to talk their hearts out to each other, share what they feel. And for that we need a language. I should be able to understand Chinese when you speak, and you should be able to understand Hindi when I talk," Swaraj said.

"If there is an interpreter sitting between two friends, he may be able to translate the words but not the feelings with which I say something. So, it is essential that we learn a language, and understand it," she said, a day after it was announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping would hold an informal summit from April 27 to 28.

"I want to say that the way India and China's relation are strengthening, trade is increasing, we are working together on international forums, it has become increasingly important that you learn Hindi and we learn Chinese. So that when Indians visit China they don't face difficulty, and when Chinese visit India, you don't require an interpreter," Swaraj said.

Swaraj said during her meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Sunday, she had told him that people are the biggest strength for any foreign minister and when people of two countries love each other, it only strengthens the governments.

"And this, your love for Hindi... You may not be aware that two foreign ministers can't strengthen the relations between Indian and China as much as these students learning Hindi can. You (students) all are doing great service (to the two countries)," she said.

The minister invoked "Dangal", "Secret Superstar" and "Hindi Medium" to stress that Hindi films are gaining popularity in China, but said an understanding of the language instead of subtitles could improve their experiences of watching such films.

Noting that during the programme, a Chinese student learning Hindi had expressed that her dream was to visit India, Swaraj instructed the Ambassador to make arrangements for a visit of such students to India

"I want to tell her, that your dream would come true right here, right now. I am telling our Ambassador here to send a delegation of 25 Hindi students from here on India visit.

"We will entertain you there and gift you Indian traditional clothes - Saree for girls and kurta pyjama for boys. I entrust our Ambassador here with the responsibility of sending a delegation of students learning Hindi here," she said.

 
&nbsp;

She added that the Chinese should learn Hindi. Swaraj's comments were made in Beijing

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Monday asked Indians and Chinese to learn each other's language as it will help them overcome communication barriers, resulting in further strengthening the relationship between the two nations. Swaraj, who is on a visit in Beijing, made the remarks during a programme, titled 'Contribution of Hindi in India-China Friendship', organised by the India Embassy. "When two friends sit together, what do they want? They want to talk their hearts out to each other, share what they feel. And for that we need a language. I should be able to understand Chinese when you speak, and you should be able to understand Hindi when I talk," Swaraj said. "If there is an interpreter sitting between two friends, he may be able to translate the words but not the feelings with which I say something. So, it is essential that we learn a language, and understand it," she said, a day after it was announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping would hold an informal summit from April 27 to 28. "I want to say that the way India and China's relation are strengthening, trade is increasing, we are working together on international forums, it has become increasingly important that you learn Hindi and we learn Chinese. So that when Indians visit China they don't face difficulty, and when Chinese visit India, you don't require an interpreter," Swaraj said. Swaraj said during her meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Sunday, she had told him that people are the biggest strength for any foreign minister and when people of two countries love each other, it only strengthens the governments. "And this, your love for Hindi... You may not be aware that two foreign ministers can't strengthen the relations between Indian and China as much as these students learning Hindi can. You (students) all are doing great service (to the two countries)," she said. The minister invoked "Dangal", "Secret Superstar" and "Hindi Medium" to stress that Hindi films are gaining popularity in China, but said an understanding of the language instead of subtitles could improve their experiences of watching such films. Noting that during the programme, a Chinese student learning Hindi had expressed that her dream was to visit India, Swaraj instructed the Ambassador to make arrangements for a visit of such students to India "I want to tell her, that your dream would come true right here, right now. I am telling our Ambassador here to send a delegation of 25 Hindi students from here on India visit. "We will entertain you there and gift you Indian traditional clothes - Saree for girls and kurta pyjama for boys. I entrust our Ambassador here with the responsibility of sending a delegation of students learning Hindi here," she said.

To overcome communication barriers, Sushma Swaraj wants Indians to learn Chinese

Uzbekistan&nbsp;President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said today that his country is ready to join the Turkmenistan to India gas pipeline, Reuters reported.

"We have agreed that Uzbekistan will also take part in this project," Mirziyoyev said.

The Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India Pipeline (TAPI) gas pipeline is being partly funded by the Asian Development Bank, the construction of the Turkmenistan section had started three years ago.

Uzbekistan's entry will radically change the equations in the region. Although reports said it is still unclear if Tashkent would ship gas through the pipeline.

In February, several top leaders from Pakistan, India, Turkmenistan & &nbsp;Afghanistan had gathered at Turkmenistan’s border with Afghanistan to inaugurate a section of the 1,840-km pipeline.

President Mirziyoyev's move comes after India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj met foreign minister of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov and discussed trade and investment-related issues in Beijing.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Uzbekistan in a bid to diversify its gas market is looking at Pakistan and India as a possible market. The Central Asian country had started to lay the Afghan section of the pipeline which will also be linked to Pakistan.

The project which costs $8 billion will be one of the most ambitious gas pipeline projects in the region. President &nbsp;Mirziyoyev declaration came after he met Turkmenistan President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov.

Both Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan hope to rely less on dominant neighbours China and Russia for their gas exports as the region competes for resources in an increasingly complex power equation.

Reuters said Uzbek experts would travel to Turkmenistan to discuss Tashkent's role in the pipeline.

The project which costs $8 billion will be one of the most ambitious gas pipeline projects in the region.

Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said today that his country is ready to join the Turkmenistan to India gas pipeline, Reuters reported. "We have agreed that Uzbekistan will also take part in this project," Mirziyoyev said. The Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India Pipeline (TAPI) gas pipeline is being partly funded by the Asian Development Bank, the construction of the Turkmenistan section had started three years ago. Uzbekistan's entry will radically change the equations in the region. Although reports said it is still unclear if Tashkent would ship gas through the pipeline. In February, several top leaders from Pakistan, India, Turkmenistan & Afghanistan had gathered at Turkmenistan’s border with Afghanistan to inaugurate a section of the 1,840-km pipeline. President Mirziyoyev's move comes after India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj met foreign minister of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov and discussed trade and investment-related issues in Beijing. Uzbekistan in a bid to diversify its gas market is looking at Pakistan and India as a possible market. The Central Asian country had started to lay the Afghan section of the pipeline which will also be linked to Pakistan. The project which costs $8 billion will be one of the most ambitious gas pipeline projects in the region. President Mirziyoyev declaration came after he met Turkmenistan President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov. Both Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan hope to rely less on dominant neighbours China and Russia for their gas exports as the region competes for resources in an increasingly complex power equation. Reuters said Uzbek experts would travel to Turkmenistan to discuss Tashkent's role in the pipeline.

Uzbekistan to join Turkmenistan-India gas pipeline project: President Mirziyoyev

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

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today met her Kyrgyz and Uzbek counterparts and discussed cooperation in a number of key areas including trade and investments.

Swaraj, who is here on a four-day visit to take part in the foreign ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), yesterday met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and discussed a host of bilateral issues and ways to step-up the pace of high-level interactions to improve the relationship.

She met Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan Erlan Abdyldaev on the sidelines of the SCO foreign ministers meeting and discussed cooperation in trade and investment, Information Technology (IT), defence, films, human resource development, culture and other areas, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet.

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EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> continues her engagement with the Chinese leadership on the 2nd day of her visit, calling on the Vice President of China Wang Qishan at Zhongnanhai in Beijing. <a href="https://t.co/8F8GLLc7LC">pic.twitter.com/8F8GLLc7LC</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/988321584732487680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Connecting with an extended neighbour & a close friend! EAM @SushmaSwaraj & Kyrgyzstan Foreign Minister Erlan Abdyldaev met on sidelines of #SCO Foreign Ministers Meeting in Beijing. Discussed cooperation in trade & investment, IT, defence, films, HRD, culture & other areas," Kumar said.

Swaraj also met Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov and exchanged views on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, pharma, IT, tourism and culture, as well as on the regional situation.

"An important partner in Asia! EAM @SushmaSwaraj met Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov in Beijing. Good exchange of views on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade & investment, pharma, IT, tourism and culture, as well as on the regional situation," Kumar said in another tweet.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today called on Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan to discuss bilateral ties.

Swaraj, who is here on a four-day visit to take part in the foreign ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), met Wang at Zhongnanhai, the Chinese leadership compound, in Beijing.

"EAM @SushmaSwaraj continues her engagement with the Chinese leadership on the 2nd day of her visit, calling on the Vice President of China Wang Qishan," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

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An important partner in Asia! EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> met Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov in Beijing. Good exchange of views on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade & investment, pharma, IT, tourism and culture, as well as on the regional situation. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EAMatSCO?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EAMatSCO</a> <a href="https://t.co/mOZguQvuZO">pic.twitter.com/mOZguQvuZO</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/988303450659176448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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She met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi yesterday and discussed a host of bilateral issues and ways to step-up the pace of high-level interactions to improve the relationship.&nbsp;

During their talks, the two sides announced that prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping would hold an informal summit from April 27 to 28 in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.

Swaraj met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi yesterday and discussed a host of bilateral issues

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today met her Kyrgyz and Uzbek counterparts and discussed cooperation in a number of key areas including trade and investments. Swaraj, who is here on a four-day visit to take part in the foreign ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), yesterday met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and discussed a host of bilateral issues and ways to step-up the pace of high-level interactions to improve the relationship. She met Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan Erlan Abdyldaev on the sidelines of the SCO foreign ministers meeting and discussed cooperation in trade and investment, Information Technology (IT), defence, films, human resource development, culture and other areas, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet. EAM @SushmaSwaraj continues her engagement with the Chinese leadership on the 2nd day of her visit, calling on the Vice President of China Wang Qishan at Zhongnanhai in Beijing. pic.twitter.com/8F8GLLc7LC — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) April 23, 2018 × "Connecting with an extended neighbour & a close friend! EAM @SushmaSwaraj & Kyrgyzstan Foreign Minister Erlan Abdyldaev met on sidelines of #SCO Foreign Ministers Meeting in Beijing. Discussed cooperation in trade & investment, IT, defence, films, HRD, culture & other areas," Kumar said. Swaraj also met Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov and exchanged views on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, pharma, IT, tourism and culture, as well as on the regional situation. "An important partner in Asia! EAM @SushmaSwaraj met Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov in Beijing. Good exchange of views on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade & investment, pharma, IT, tourism and culture, as well as on the regional situation," Kumar said in another tweet. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today called on Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan to discuss bilateral ties. Swaraj, who is here on a four-day visit to take part in the foreign ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), met Wang at Zhongnanhai, the Chinese leadership compound, in Beijing. "EAM @SushmaSwaraj continues her engagement with the Chinese leadership on the 2nd day of her visit, calling on the Vice President of China Wang Qishan," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. An important partner in Asia! EAM @SushmaSwaraj met Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov in Beijing. Good exchange of views on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade & investment, pharma, IT, tourism and culture, as well as on the regional situation. #EAMatSCO pic.twitter.com/mOZguQvuZO — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) April 23, 2018 × She met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi yesterday and discussed a host of bilateral issues and ways to step-up the pace of high-level interactions to improve the relationship. During their talks, the two sides announced that prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping would hold an informal summit from April 27 to 28 in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.

Sushma Swaraj calls on Chinese vice president, meets Kyrgyz, Uzbek counterparts

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

After Sushma Swaraj held bilateral talks with her Chinese counterpart Wangi Yi on her three-day visit to China on Saturday, it was announced that PM Modi will now be visiting China for an informal summit on 27-28 April.&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.&nbsp

PM Modi will be meeting President Xi Jinping after hitting a rocky relationship in 2017 over the Dokalam standoff. 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.&nbsp

While talking to the media Wangi Yo today said that India is a natural partner for China&nbsp

Swaraj arrived in Beijing on Saturday for a four-day visit to take part in the foreign ministers’ meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). She was received by Wang at the Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing ahead of their bilateral meeting.

Wang said the bilateral ties have witnessed a good development and shown a positive momentum this year under the guidance of the leaders of the two nations.&nbsp

“On the eve of the closing of China’s National People’s Congress this year, President Xi Jinping received a very important phone call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Wang said. He said the call spurred a positive momentum in the dialogue process between the two countries.

Modi has been visiting China every year since 2015. While in 2015 he was on a bilateral trip, the PM was in China in 2016 for G-20 Summit followed by BRICS Summit in Xiamen in 2017. China hosted both these summits in its capacity as the chair of the grouping and such is the case for the SCO Summit.&nbsp

 
&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

After Sushma Swaraj held bilateral talks with her Chinese counterpart Wangi Yi on her three-day visit to China on Saturday, it was announced that PM Modi will now be visiting China for an informal summit on 27-28 April. 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. PM Modi will be meeting President Xi Jinping after hitting a rocky relationship in 2017 over the Dokalam standoff. 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. While talking to the media Wangi Yo today said that India is a natural partner for China Swaraj arrived in Beijing on Saturday for a four-day visit to take part in the foreign ministers’ meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). She was received by Wang at the Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing ahead of their bilateral meeting. Wang said the bilateral ties have witnessed a good development and shown a positive momentum this year under the guidance of the leaders of the two nations. “On the eve of the closing of China’s National People’s Congress this year, President Xi Jinping received a very important phone call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Wang said. He said the call spurred a positive momentum in the dialogue process between the two countries. Modi has been visiting China every year since 2015. While in 2015 he was on a bilateral trip, the PM was in China in 2016 for G-20 Summit followed by BRICS Summit in Xiamen in 2017. China hosted both these summits in its capacity as the chair of the grouping and such is the case for the SCO Summit.

PM Modi to visit China on April 27-28 for informal summit

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

Responding to a question on whether the families of the 39 Indians who died in Iraq will be provided jobs or compensation, MoS VK Singh said Monday the issue was not like distributing biscuits.&nbsp;

He said, "The issue is not about distributing biscuits, it is about the life of people, did you understand".

He further said that how can he announce the amount (now), he did not have any treasure in his pocket.

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Ye biscuit baantne wala kaam nahi hai, ye admiyon ki zindagi ka sawal hai,a gayi baat samajh mein?Main abhi elaan kahan se karoon?Jeb mein koi pitaara thodi rakha hua hai: VK Singh,MoS MEA on if there would be some compensation announced today for kin of 38 Indians killed in Iraq <a href="https://t.co/jQFp2IXDLW">pic.twitter.com/jQFp2IXDLW</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/980740160592777216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He also said that it was not a game of football and the External Affairs Ministry will review the families about the details of the members who can be given jobs&nbsp;

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This is not a game of football, Both state and central govt are sensitive govts, EAM had asked the families for the details of their members who can be given jobs etc, we will review: VK Singh,MoS MEA on whether kin of the 38 Indians will be given jobs <a href="https://t.co/J0ryINOc1P">pic.twitter.com/J0ryINOc1P</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/980735924169531392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has announced ex-gratia&nbsp;compensation of Rs 5 lakh including jobs to families of 27 Indians who died in Mosul, Iraq.

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Ex-gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh per family, job for one person per family will be given and current pension of Rs 20,000 to continue: Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on compensation for 27 of 39 Indians killed in Iraq who were from Punjab <a href="https://t.co/KIaHKBrzR5">pic.twitter.com/KIaHKBrzR5</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/980745194080489477?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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MoS VK Singh brought back the mortal&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vk-singh-leaves-for-iraq-to-bring-back-bodies-of-39-indians-killed-in-mosul-127575">remains of 38 Indians who were</a>&nbsp;killed by the Islamic State in Mosul, Iraq&nbsp;in Amritsar today.

The Indians had gone missing in 2014 as the government launched a massive search operation along with the Iraqi government.

Foreign Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had announced in Parliament last month that the Indian government had found the mortal remains of the Indians.

MoS VK Singh said that providing jobs and compensation to the 39 Indians who died in Mosul, Iraq was not a game of football and the External Affairs Ministry will review the families about the details of the members who can be given jobs

Responding to a question on whether the families of the 39 Indians who died in Iraq will be provided jobs or compensation, MoS VK Singh said Monday the issue was not like distributing biscuits. He said, "The issue is not about distributing biscuits, it is about the life of people, did you understand". He further said that how can he announce the amount (now), he did not have any treasure in his pocket. Ye biscuit baantne wala kaam nahi hai, ye admiyon ki zindagi ka sawal hai,a gayi baat samajh mein?Main abhi elaan kahan se karoon?Jeb mein koi pitaara thodi rakha hua hai: VK Singh,MoS MEA on if there would be some compensation announced today for kin of 38 Indians killed in Iraq pic.twitter.com/jQFp2IXDLW — ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2018 × He also said that it was not a game of football and the External Affairs Ministry will review the families about the details of the members who can be given jobs This is not a game of football, Both state and central govt are sensitive govts, EAM had asked the families for the details of their members who can be given jobs etc, we will review: VK Singh,MoS MEA on whether kin of the 38 Indians will be given jobs pic.twitter.com/J0ryINOc1P — ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2018 × Meanwhile, Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has announced ex-gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh including jobs to families of 27 Indians who died in Mosul, Iraq. Ex-gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh per family, job for one person per family will be given and current pension of Rs 20,000 to continue: Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on compensation for 27 of 39 Indians killed in Iraq who were from Punjab pic.twitter.com/KIaHKBrzR5 — ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2018 × MoS VK Singh brought back the mortal remains of 38 Indians who were killed by the Islamic State in Mosul, Iraq in Amritsar today. The Indians had gone missing in 2014 as the government launched a massive search operation along with the Iraqi government. Foreign Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had announced in Parliament last month that the Indian government had found the mortal remains of the Indians.

Not like distributing biscuits: VK Singh on compensation to kin of Indians killed in Iraq

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/gen-vk-singh-to-bring-back-mortal-remains-of-39-indians-killed-in-mosul-127205">Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh</a> has said that the government is waiting for the permission of the Iraq&nbsp;government&nbsp;for bringing back the mortal remains of 39 Indians who died in Iraq.

He said that all the legal procedures for obtaining the mortal remains of the Indians killed in Iraq were complete and the government was waiting for a green signal from the Baghdad ambassador.

Singh further added that the families of the deceased need not come to the airport, instead, the government will fly to the respective states and hand over the mortal remains to the respective&nbsp;families.

He said " As soon as we get a nod from the Baghdad ambassador we will leave with a C-17 plane to bring back the mortal remains with due honours. We will handover the mortal remains to their families. They won't have to come to the airport."

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As soon as we get a nod from Baghdad ambassador, we will leave with a C-17 plane to bring back the mortal remains with due honours. We will handover the mortal remains to their families. They won't have to come to the airport: VK Singh, MoS MEA on 39 Indians killed in Mosul <a href="https://t.co/JTFQYDSB7c">pic.twitter.com/JTFQYDSB7c</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/979959792327450624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh will visit Iraq on April 1 to bring back the mortal remains of the Indians, who were killed by ISIS in Mosul, Iraq.

On March 20, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had informed the Parliament&nbsp;about the death of 39 people of Indian origin in Mosul.

Those killed were allegedly&nbsp;abducted by the ISIS in Mosul.

Out of 39 people killed, 27 belonged to Punjab while 4 hailed from Himachal, 6 from Bihar and 1 from West Bengal.

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Singh said that all the legal procedures for obtaining the mortal remains of the Indians killed in Iraq were complete and the government was waiting for a green signal from the Baghdad ambassador

Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh has said that the government is waiting for the permission of the Iraq government for bringing back the mortal remains of 39 Indians who died in Iraq. He said that all the legal procedures for obtaining the mortal remains of the Indians killed in Iraq were complete and the government was waiting for a green signal from the Baghdad ambassador. Singh further added that the families of the deceased need not come to the airport, instead, the government will fly to the respective states and hand over the mortal remains to the respective families. He said " As soon as we get a nod from the Baghdad ambassador we will leave with a C-17 plane to bring back the mortal remains with due honours. We will handover the mortal remains to their families. They won't have to come to the airport." As soon as we get a nod from Baghdad ambassador, we will leave with a C-17 plane to bring back the mortal remains with due honours. We will handover the mortal remains to their families. They won't have to come to the airport: VK Singh, MoS MEA on 39 Indians killed in Mosul pic.twitter.com/JTFQYDSB7c — ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2018 × Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh will visit Iraq on April 1 to bring back the mortal remains of the Indians, who were killed by ISIS in Mosul, Iraq. On March 20, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had informed the Parliament about the death of 39 people of Indian origin in Mosul. Those killed were allegedly abducted by the ISIS in Mosul. Out of 39 people killed, 27 belonged to Punjab while 4 hailed from Himachal, 6 from Bihar and 1 from West Bengal.

Government waiting for Iraq's nod to bring back mortal remains: General VK Singh

Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh will visit Iraq on April 1 to bring back mortal remains of 39 Indians, who were killed by ISIS in Mosul, Iraq.

On March 20, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had informed the Parliament&nbsp;about the death of the 39 Indians in Mosul.

The 39 Indians were allegedly&nbsp;abducted by ISIS in Mosul.

Of the 39 bodies, 27 were from Punjab and 4 belonged to Himachal, 6 from Bihar and 1 from West Bengal.

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MoS MEA VK Singh to visit Iraq on 1 April to bring back mortal remains of 39 Indians, who were killed by ISIS in Mosul. (File Pic) <a href="https://t.co/w2U70lPH0R">pic.twitter.com/w2U70lPH0R</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/979572219302031360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh, had earlier in 2015 evacuated over thousands of Indians from Yemen.

On March 20, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had informed the Parliament about the death of the 39 Indians in Mosul who were allegedly kidnapped by the ISIS

Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh will visit Iraq on April 1 to bring back mortal remains of 39 Indians, who were killed by ISIS in Mosul, Iraq. On March 20, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had informed the Parliament about the death of the 39 Indians in Mosul. The 39 Indians were allegedly abducted by ISIS in Mosul. Of the 39 bodies, 27 were from Punjab and 4 belonged to Himachal, 6 from Bihar and 1 from West Bengal. MoS MEA VK Singh to visit Iraq on 1 April to bring back mortal remains of 39 Indians, who were killed by ISIS in Mosul. (File Pic) pic.twitter.com/w2U70lPH0R — ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2018 × Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh, had earlier in 2015 evacuated over thousands of Indians from Yemen.

Gen VK Singh to bring back mortal remains of 39 Indians killed in Mosul

Minister of State for External Affairs, General VK Singh is going to Iraq on April 1 and on the matter, he spoke exclusively to Zee News.

VK Singh is going to Iraq to bring back bodies of 38 Indians&nbsp;who died in Mosul in Iraq while speaking to Zee, VK Singh expressed grief over the matter and said, "the government is sad that we can not bring the Indians back to life."

VK Singh said that " the kind of honesty Modi government &nbsp;showed while trying to find Indians, no government had made such an effort before this."

He further informed that 38 Indian bodies have been identified which will be recovered from Iraq. 27 bodies are from Punjab, 4 are from Himachal and the rest are from Bengal and Bihar.

However, VK Singh also informed that one Indian name Raju Yadav from Bihar, his body has not been identified even after 70 DNA test was done.

"If his body also gets identified that all 39 Indians' body will be brought back to India."

While speaking on the efforts made by the government to search Indians, he said that "the Indian government was in constant touch with Iraq." &nbsp;

"I myself went to Iraq several times and tried to find the missing Indians, he added.

VK Singh also said that he has only one question for people who are politicising the matter and that is "why they didn't go to Iraq to find Indians?"

VK Singh further urged the state governments to help families at every step and the Centre is ready for whatever help they need.

After coming from Iraq, VK Singh will go to Amritsar, Bihar and Kolkata with bodies.

Sushma Swaraj on March 20 informed Rajya Sabha that 39 Indians who were kidnapped and had gone missing since 2014 are dead now.

Sushma Swaraj said that the Islamic State (IS) had killed all the Indian nationals.

Total 40 Indians were kidnapped in Iraq from which one, Harjit Masih from Gurdaspur had managed to escape and had claimed to have witnessed the massacre of the others. But the government has rejected this claims.

VK Singh is going to Iraq to bring back bodies of 38 Indians who died in Iraq

Minister of State for External Affairs, General VK Singh is going to Iraq on April 1 and on the matter, he spoke exclusively to Zee News. VK Singh is going to Iraq to bring back bodies of 38 Indians who died in Mosul in Iraq while speaking to Zee, VK Singh expressed grief over the matter and said, "the government is sad that we can not bring the Indians back to life." VK Singh said that " the kind of honesty Modi government showed while trying to find Indians, no government had made such an effort before this." He further informed that 38 Indian bodies have been identified which will be recovered from Iraq. 27 bodies are from Punjab, 4 are from Himachal and the rest are from Bengal and Bihar. However, VK Singh also informed that one Indian name Raju Yadav from Bihar, his body has not been identified even after 70 DNA test was done. "If his body also gets identified that all 39 Indians' body will be brought back to India." While speaking on the efforts made by the government to search Indians, he said that "the Indian government was in constant touch with Iraq." "I myself went to Iraq several times and tried to find the missing Indians, he added. VK Singh also said that he has only one question for people who are politicising the matter and that is "why they didn't go to Iraq to find Indians?" VK Singh further urged the state governments to help families at every step and the Centre is ready for whatever help they need. After coming from Iraq, VK Singh will go to Amritsar, Bihar and Kolkata with bodies. Sushma Swaraj on March 20 informed Rajya Sabha that 39 Indians who were kidnapped and had gone missing since 2014 are dead now. Sushma Swaraj said that the Islamic State (IS) had killed all the Indian nationals. Total 40 Indians were kidnapped in Iraq from which one, Harjit Masih from Gurdaspur had managed to escape and had claimed to have witnessed the massacre of the others. But the government has rejected this claims.

Government ready to help families of Indians killed in Mosul: VK Singh

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will come to India for the three-day visit in April.

The visit will take place from April 6 to April 8.

According to reports, the visit was long-awaited visit as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj both have invited him in February.

Also read: <a href="Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will come to India for the three-day visit in April. The visit will take place from April 6 to April 8. According to reports, the visit was long-awaited visit as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj both have invited him in February. Also read: China 'hails' Nepal's foreign policy According to reports ahead of Nepal PM's visit, Nepal Foreign Minister Pradip Gyawali will also visit the national capital to prepare for the visit. Also read: Nepal govt needs to focus on development, says President Bidya Devi Bhandari News reports say that during this visit Oli is likely to invite Modi to Kathmandu for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation summit.">China 'hails' Nepal's foreign policy</a>

According to reports ahead of Nepal PM's visit, Nepal Foreign Minister Pradip Gyawali will also visit the national capital to prepare for the visit.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-govt-needs-to-focus-on-development-says-president-bidya-devi-bhandari-127183">Nepal govt needs to focus on development, says President Bidya Devi Bhandari</a>

News reports say that during this visit Oli is likely to invite Modi to Kathmandu for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation summit.

The visit will take place from April 6 to April 8

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will come to India for the three-day visit in April. The visit will take place from April 6 to April 8. According to reports, the visit was long-awaited visit as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj both have invited him in February. Also read: China 'hails' Nepal's foreign policy According to reports ahead of Nepal PM's visit, Nepal Foreign Minister Pradip Gyawali will also visit the national capital to prepare for the visit. Also read: Nepal govt needs to focus on development, says President Bidya Devi Bhandari News reports say that during this visit Oli is likely to invite Modi to Kathmandu for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation summit.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma oli to visit India next month

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen the bilateral ties.

Swaraj, who was here on a three-day visit, also conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Abe.

"EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on Japanese Prime Minister @AbeShinzo today morning in Tokyo. EAM conveyed the greetings of PM @narendramodi to PM Abe," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> called on Japanese Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/AbeShinzo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbeShinzo</a> today morning in Tokyo. EAM conveyed the greetings of PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> to PM Abe. PM Abe said that ???? traditional friendship are characterised by heart-to-heart bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth <a href="https://t.co/jN8GWI4Nau">pic.twitter.com/jN8GWI4Nau</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/979533350871252993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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During the meeting, Abe told Swaraj that the traditional friendship between the India and Japan was characterised by "heart-to-heart" bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth.

"PM Abe said that India-Japan traditional friendship is characterised by heart-to-heart bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth," Kumar tweeted.

Swaraj, who was on her first visit to Japan in the capacity of the External Affairs Minister, had reached Tokyo on Wednesday to attend the ninth India-Japan Strategic Dialogue.

She met her counterpart Taro Kano yesterday and the two leaders reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral ties.

Describing the meeting as "very productive", Swaraj said her trip had laid a sound foundation for Modi's visit to Japan for the next bilateral Annual Summit later this year.

Hours after meeting Abe, Swaraj departed from Tokyo, concluding her first official trip to Japan.

"Sayonara! EAM @SushmaSwaraj departs from Tokyo after her first official visit to Japan for the 9th #IndiaJapan Strategic Dialogue," Indian Embassy in Tokyo tweeted.

Earlier yesterday, Swaraj met Chairman of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party Policy Research Council & former Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida.

Swaraj also addressed a gathering of Indian diaspora at the Vivekanand Cultural Centre in Tokyo.

According to official figures, Japanese FDI in India during 2016-17 was $4.7 billion, an increase of 80 per cent over the last year.

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Tokyo: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj meets Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. <a href="https://t.co/eJdb7w8oaS">pic.twitter.com/eJdb7w8oaS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/979538175780638720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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During the meeting, Abe told Swaraj that the traditional friendship between the India and Japan was characterised by "heart-to-heart" bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen the bilateral ties. Swaraj, who was here on a three-day visit, also conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Abe. "EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on Japanese Prime Minister @AbeShinzo today morning in Tokyo. EAM conveyed the greetings of PM @narendramodi to PM Abe," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet. EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on Japanese Prime Minister @AbeShinzo today morning in Tokyo. EAM conveyed the greetings of PM @narendramodi to PM Abe. PM Abe said that ???? traditional friendship are characterised by heart-to-heart bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth pic.twitter.com/jN8GWI4Nau — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2018 × During the meeting, Abe told Swaraj that the traditional friendship between the India and Japan was characterised by "heart-to-heart" bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth. "PM Abe said that India-Japan traditional friendship is characterised by heart-to-heart bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth," Kumar tweeted. Swaraj, who was on her first visit to Japan in the capacity of the External Affairs Minister, had reached Tokyo on Wednesday to attend the ninth India-Japan Strategic Dialogue. She met her counterpart Taro Kano yesterday and the two leaders reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral ties. Describing the meeting as "very productive", Swaraj said her trip had laid a sound foundation for Modi's visit to Japan for the next bilateral Annual Summit later this year. Hours after meeting Abe, Swaraj departed from Tokyo, concluding her first official trip to Japan. "Sayonara! EAM @SushmaSwaraj departs from Tokyo after her first official visit to Japan for the 9th #IndiaJapan Strategic Dialogue," Indian Embassy in Tokyo tweeted. Earlier yesterday, Swaraj met Chairman of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party Policy Research Council & former Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida. Swaraj also addressed a gathering of Indian diaspora at the Vivekanand Cultural Centre in Tokyo. According to official figures, Japanese FDI in India during 2016-17 was $4.7 billion, an increase of 80 per cent over the last year. Tokyo: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj meets Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. pic.twitter.com/eJdb7w8oaS — ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2018 ×

Sushma Swaraj meets Japanese PM Abe, conveys PM Modi's greetings

India and Japan on Thursday discussed various issues including terrorism, economic development, and mutual cooperation, a joint statement by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday arrived in Japan's capital Tokyo on a three-day visit to Japan during which she will co-chair the Ninth India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono.

According to the statement, the two leaders exchanged views on Japan's role in the economic development of India, and in the view of Tokyo's contribution in the development of foreign countries, the two countries discussed development schemes in Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

Describing terrorism as a black spot in the world and agreeing to tackle the menace together, Swaraj emphasised on the need to demolish terrorist safe havens, destroy terror networks and stall the terrorists' plans to launch attacks on foreign territories.

Kono and Swaraj welcomed the constantly increasing interaction between the people of the two countries, including economists, Members of Parliament and scholars.

India-Japan ties have been on the upswing after the bilateral relationship was elevated to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Japan in 2014.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe`s visit to India in September last year for the annual bilateral summit gave fresh impetus to the ties. During that visit, the ground-breaking ceremony of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project, to be built with Japanese aid, was also held.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday arrived in Japan's capital Tokyo on a three-day visit to Japan during which she will co-chair the Ninth India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono

India and Japan on Thursday discussed various issues including terrorism, economic development, and mutual cooperation, a joint statement by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday arrived in Japan's capital Tokyo on a three-day visit to Japan during which she will co-chair the Ninth India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono. According to the statement, the two leaders exchanged views on Japan's role in the economic development of India, and in the view of Tokyo's contribution in the development of foreign countries, the two countries discussed development schemes in Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Describing terrorism as a black spot in the world and agreeing to tackle the menace together, Swaraj emphasised on the need to demolish terrorist safe havens, destroy terror networks and stall the terrorists' plans to launch attacks on foreign territories. Kono and Swaraj welcomed the constantly increasing interaction between the people of the two countries, including economists, Members of Parliament and scholars. India-Japan ties have been on the upswing after the bilateral relationship was elevated to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Japan in 2014. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe`s visit to India in September last year for the annual bilateral summit gave fresh impetus to the ties. During that visit, the ground-breaking ceremony of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project, to be built with Japanese aid, was also held.

India, Japan aim to combat terrorism, build economic development, mutual cooperation

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