India&#39;s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Thursday that three Indian girls had been rescued from Kenya.&nbsp;

Swaraj said the girls were victims of an &quot;organised crime syndicated that indulged in trafficking of girls&quot;.&nbsp;

She added that seven Nepalese girls had also been rescued.&nbsp;

Swaraj said the girls&#39; passports and phones had been taken from them and that they were being held captive in Mombasa.&nbsp;

Swaraj added that the Indian girls had been flown back to the country, and that the ministry of external affairs was &quot;sharing details&quot; with the government of Punjab so that a case can be registered against the agents and other people involved in the trafficking.&nbsp;

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I appreciate the efforts of Ms.Suchitra Durai, Indian High Commissioner in Kenya. Our First Secretary Karan Yadav deserves a special mention. We thank the Kenyan Police for their help./3 <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainKenya?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainKenya</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/capt_amarinder?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@capt_amarinder</a>
&mdash; Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/948765376816365569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It is unclear when the girls were taken to Kenya.&nbsp;

Swaraj said the girls, who have been flown back to India, were being held captive in Mombasa

India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Thursday that three Indian girls had been rescued from Kenya. Swaraj said the girls were victims of an "organised crime syndicated that indulged in trafficking of girls". She added that seven Nepalese girls had also been rescued. Swaraj said the girls' passports and phones had been taken from them and that they were being held captive in Mombasa. Swaraj added that the Indian girls had been flown back to the country, and that the ministry of external affairs was "sharing details" with the government of Punjab so that a case can be registered against the agents and other people involved in the trafficking. I appreciate the efforts of Ms.Suchitra Durai, Indian High Commissioner in Kenya. Our First Secretary Karan Yadav deserves a special mention. We thank the Kenyan Police for their help./3 @IndiainKenya @capt_amarinder — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) January 4, 2018 × It is unclear when the girls were taken to Kenya.

Have rescued 3 Indian girls from Kenya: Sushma Swaraj

The likelihood of holding cricket series between India-Pakistan, even at an impartial venue, seem slim considering the high number of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-violated-ceasefire-881-times-along-loc-ib-27216">cross-border firing violations </a>by Pakistan, Sushma Swaraj said on Sunday.&nbsp;

Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj along with Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar stated during a meeting of the consultative committee attached to the ministry that offered a review of relations with neighbours.&nbsp;

Upon matter related to starting suspended cricket matches between India-Pakistan, Swaraj said that more interest is being shown towards&nbsp;the release of women and elderly detainees and prisoners at present.&nbsp;

However, due to the extensive violation of cross-border firing, it does not provide a conducive atmosphere for engaging in a cricket series, she said.&nbsp;

Due to tension between the two countries, the India-Pakistan cricket fixture has been off for some time and the unfavourable line of neckwears have not allowed a change on this front as yet.&nbsp;

Although, the two nations continue to play in international competitions against each other. &nbsp;

Swaraj informed that there have been over 800 cross-border violations this year and even though violence in Jammu and Kashmir has reduced, the relations still remain problematic.&nbsp;

Moreover, the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-blistering-attack-mea-says-pakistan-heckled-kulbhushan-jadhavs-family-27755"> recent controversies</a> surrounding Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s wife and mother have made things rather worse.&nbsp;

Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj along with Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar told the government during a meeting of the consultative committee attached to the ministry that offered a review of relations with neighbours

The likelihood of holding cricket series between India-Pakistan, even at an impartial venue, seem slim considering the high number of cross-border firing violations by Pakistan, Sushma Swaraj said on Sunday. Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj along with Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar stated during a meeting of the consultative committee attached to the ministry that offered a review of relations with neighbours. Upon matter related to starting suspended cricket matches between India-Pakistan, Swaraj said that more interest is being shown towards the release of women and elderly detainees and prisoners at present. However, due to the extensive violation of cross-border firing, it does not provide a conducive atmosphere for engaging in a cricket series, she said. Due to tension between the two countries, the India-Pakistan cricket fixture has been off for some time and the unfavourable line of neckwears have not allowed a change on this front as yet. Although, the two nations continue to play in international competitions against each other. Swaraj informed that there have been over 800 cross-border violations this year and even though violence in Jammu and Kashmir has reduced, the relations still remain problematic. Moreover, the recent controversies surrounding Kulbhushan Jadhav's wife and mother have made things rather worse.

Cross-border violations do not provide conducive atmosphere for cricket with Pakistan: Sushma Swaraj

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday said that four Indians, who were in the custody of Nigerian authorities, have been released following the intervention of the Indian high commissioner there.

Two of the four Indians had earlier taken to Twitter seeking Swaraj&#39;s intervention for their release. One of them, Viyas Yadav, had said that they were caught by the Nigerian authorities and were kept in Lagos for the past three months.

&quot;I am happy to inform that we have secured the return of Captain Atul Sharma, Sudhir Kumar, Balvinder Singh and Viyas Yadav to India. I appreciate the efforts of B N Reddy, Indian High Commissioner in Nigeria. We thank Nigerian authorities for their help,&quot; Sushma Swaraj tweeted.

According to reports, the four Indians were on board a merchant vessel and were caught by the authorities there as they were looking for the ship for an earlier crime.

Captain Atul Sharma and Sudhir Kumar are from Himachal Pradesh.&nbsp;

According to reports, the four Indians were on board a merchant vessel and were caught by the authorities there as they were looking for the ship for an earlier crime

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday said that four Indians, who were in the custody of Nigerian authorities, have been released following the intervention of the Indian high commissioner there. Two of the four Indians had earlier taken to Twitter seeking Swaraj's intervention for their release. One of them, Viyas Yadav, had said that they were caught by the Nigerian authorities and were kept in Lagos for the past three months. "I am happy to inform that we have secured the return of Captain Atul Sharma, Sudhir Kumar, Balvinder Singh and Viyas Yadav to India. I appreciate the efforts of B N Reddy, Indian High Commissioner in Nigeria. We thank Nigerian authorities for their help," Sushma Swaraj tweeted. According to reports, the four Indians were on board a merchant vessel and were caught by the authorities there as they were looking for the ship for an earlier crime. Captain Atul Sharma and Sudhir Kumar are from Himachal Pradesh.

4 Indians in Nigerian custody released: Sushma Swaraj

&quot;Your son massacred thousands of Pakistanis&quot;, the blunt question flew on to the face of the mother of Kulbhushan Jadhav.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Spy or no spy, no mother wants to hear that her son has been a mass murderer.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

If espionage is punishable by law then the punishment should be meted out to the person concerned and not spill over to include family members.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

For the record, Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s &#39;guilt&#39; or complicity in espionage activities have not been proven yet.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The mistreatment of family members is what India&#39;s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj pointed out today in the Parliament. She refered to the absurdity of Pakistan&#39;s actions.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

But while we understand, though find it unacceptable, the reasons behind the bullying tactics of the Pakistani government. What surprises us more is why would the Press act the way it did. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Then why did the Pakistan Press turned so brutal to the mother and the wife?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In the turbulent, murky water of bilateral relation between India and Pakistan, even the Press, which should ideally disassociate itself from the hyper-nationalistic moods of the day turns into a tool of terror.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It is unfortunate, but not an aberration, to see the Press acting in this way. While nationalism can justifiably turn one into a patriotic citizen, too much of nationalism can turn a patriot into a jingoistic individual. In an insecure democracy, such as Pakistan, the urge to prove patriotism can often go overboard.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In front of the glare of the international media, the temptation to conduct a media trial of two closest kins of the accused, even if they are innocent, is too big to be ignored.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Press, as per the classic definition, is the fourth estate. In a democracy, it is responsible for informing and educating the people. But more often than not, it abdicates that role and prefers to pander to the official position.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Let us be under no illusion that the Press of the world&#39;s largest democracy is any more independent or conscious than its counterpart in Pakistan. But such comparisons between two bad examples defeat the larger goal of having a fiercely independent and committed press.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The state establishments of Pakistan have done its share in humiliating, harassing and hurting the two ladies. Whose only crime, as I could make out from far, is being related to the alleged &#39;culprit&#39; by blood and through marriage. I suppose they have suffered enough for that. Punishments are not always meted out by courts, the sufferings that we undergo on a daily basis from a range of diffused sources can be traumatic too.

&nbsp;

As journalists, we are laden with the difficult task of maintaining a relationship with government and state machineries but at the same time, we are not expected to allow these relationships to soften our stance when we speak back to power.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

This ability and the responsibility to speak back to power, no matter how big and threatening its presence is, is a rare privilege. To lose it would mean an easy and cushy life but a redundant profession.

&nbsp;

In the Communist countries, the state has its own newspaper. The existence of media beyond the control of the state is rarely encouraged. This idea of a state-controlled media stemmed from the ideological position that the Communist Party, as the vanguard of the proletariat, will be in a position to portray the most genuine concerns of the people. Over time, however, the fallacy of such a position became too glaring to ignore. The apathy towards bourgeois-run media turned into a ploy to gag free press.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In a robust democracy, such as India or in a fragile representative government, such as Pakistan, the ambiguity of state control over the Press makes it even more hideous. The danger of an obsequious media always is present but well masquerade under the nationalist garb.

&nbsp;

Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s case provided just enough instigation for the Pakistani Press to unveil its true character. The violence, the impatience, and the vitriolic that it directed towards Jadhav&#39;s mother and wife is what it is expected to carry in its bosom towards anyone identified by the state as its enemy.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

They just need to be tad careful though. The moment state&#39;s agenda becomes the media&#39;s agenda, the dangers are that journalists become apologists of the state.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

There is a big difference between state and the nation; people and the politician. It is for us to choose our focus of primary allegiance.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The moment state's agenda becomes the media's agenda, the dangers are that journalists become apologists of the state.?

"Your son massacred thousands of Pakistanis", the blunt question flew on to the face of the mother of Kulbhushan Jadhav. Spy or no spy, no mother wants to hear that her son has been a mass murderer. If espionage is punishable by law then the punishment should be meted out to the person concerned and not spill over to include family members. For the record, Kulbhushan Jadhav's 'guilt' or complicity in espionage activities have not been proven yet. The mistreatment of family members is what India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj pointed out today in the Parliament. She refered to the absurdity of Pakistan's actions. But while we understand, though find it unacceptable, the reasons behind the bullying tactics of the Pakistani government. What surprises us more is why would the Press act the way it did. Then why did the Pakistan Press turned so brutal to the mother and the wife? In the turbulent, murky water of bilateral relation between India and Pakistan, even the Press, which should ideally disassociate itself from the hyper-nationalistic moods of the day turns into a tool of terror. It is unfortunate, but not an aberration, to see the Press acting in this way. While nationalism can justifiably turn one into a patriotic citizen, too much of nationalism can turn a patriot into a jingoistic individual. In an insecure democracy, such as Pakistan, the urge to prove patriotism can often go overboard. In front of the glare of the international media, the temptation to conduct a media trial of two closest kins of the accused, even if they are innocent, is too big to be ignored. The Press, as per the classic definition, is the fourth estate. In a democracy, it is responsible for informing and educating the people. But more often than not, it abdicates that role and prefers to pander to the official position. Let us be under no illusion that the Press of the world's largest democracy is any more independent or conscious than its counterpart in Pakistan. But such comparisons between two bad examples defeat the larger goal of having a fiercely independent and committed press. The state establishments of Pakistan have done its share in humiliating, harassing and hurting the two ladies. Whose only crime, as I could make out from far, is being related to the alleged 'culprit' by blood and through marriage. I suppose they have suffered enough for that. Punishments are not always meted out by courts, the sufferings that we undergo on a daily basis from a range of diffused sources can be traumatic too. As journalists, we are laden with the difficult task of maintaining a relationship with government and state machineries but at the same time, we are not expected to allow these relationships to soften our stance when we speak back to power. This ability and the responsibility to speak back to power, no matter how big and threatening its presence is, is a rare privilege. To lose it would mean an easy and cushy life but a redundant profession. In the Communist countries, the state has its own newspaper. The existence of media beyond the control of the state is rarely encouraged. This idea of a state-controlled media stemmed from the ideological position that the Communist Party, as the vanguard of the proletariat, will be in a position to portray the most genuine concerns of the people. Over time, however, the fallacy of such a position became too glaring to ignore. The apathy towards bourgeois-run media turned into a ploy to gag free press. In a robust democracy, such as India or in a fragile representative government, such as Pakistan, the ambiguity of state control over the Press makes it even more hideous. The danger of an obsequious media always is present but well masquerade under the nationalist garb. Kulbhushan Jadhav's case provided just enough instigation for the Pakistani Press to unveil its true character. The violence, the impatience, and the vitriolic that it directed towards Jadhav's mother and wife is what it is expected to carry in its bosom towards anyone identified by the state as its enemy. They just need to be tad careful though. The moment state's agenda becomes the media's agenda, the dangers are that journalists become apologists of the state. There is a big difference between state and the nation; people and the politician. It is for us to choose our focus of primary allegiance. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Why Pakistani press was so brutal to Kulbhushan's family

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj spoke on the Kulbhushan Jadhav affair in Parliament on Thursday.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Live: EAM Sushma Swaraj delivers statement on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KulbhushanJadhav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KulbhushanJadhav</a> in Lok Sabha (Source- LSTV) <a href="https://t.co/2NR2ScAZhZ">https://t.co/2NR2ScAZhZ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946269014136721409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
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She said the Pakistani claim that there was a camera or a recording chip in Jadhav&#39;s wife&#39;s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-hidden-camera-or-recording-chip-found-in-chetnas-shoe-27916" target="_blank">shoe</a> was absurd.&nbsp;

Swaraj said Jadhav&#39;s wife Chetna had taken two international flights in those same shoes to get from Mumbai to Islamabad.&nbsp;

Chetna had travelled from Mumbai to Dubai on an Air India flight, and from Dubai to Islamabad on an Emirates flight.&nbsp;

Swaraj said people might still believe Air India had helped Chetna, but asked how she could possibly have smuggled a hidden camera or a recording chip in her shoe onto an Emirates flight.&nbsp;

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A meeting of a mother with her son &amp; a wife with her husband was turned into a propaganda tool by Pakistan :EAM Sushma Swaraj in Rajya Sabha <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KulbhushanJadhav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KulbhushanJadhav</a> <a href="https://t.co/Z5M28mVBGZ">pic.twitter.com/Z5M28mVBGZ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946256013379846144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Swaraj added that not only were Chetna&#39;s bindi and mangalsutra removed but also those of Jadhav&#39;s mother&#39;s Avanti.&nbsp;

Swaraj said that when Kulbhushan first saw his mother like that, without her mangalsutra and bindi, he thought something might have happened to his father.&nbsp;

&quot;Baba kaise hain?&quot; was the first thing Kulbhushan asked his mother, said Swaraj.&nbsp;

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Jadhav Ji&#39;s mother who only wears a saree was forced to wear salwar-kurta. Bindi, bangles &amp; mangalsutras of both mother &amp; wife were removed. Both the married women were made to like widows: EAM Sushma Swaraj in Rajya Sabha <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KulbhushanJadhav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KulbhushanJadhav</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946258931176824832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Swaraj spoke in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;

She said the meeting was started in absence of the Indian deputy high commissioner accompanying Jadhav&#39;s wife and mother and that if he had seen how their clothes were changed, he would have registered a protest there and then.&nbsp;

She also took up the heckling of the women by the Pakistani media.&nbsp;

She said it had been specifically agreed by both sides that media would not be allowed to come close to the family but that the Pakistani press not only came close to them but also harassed and hurled taunts at them:&nbsp;

&quot;Thank god they didn&#39;t say that there was a bomb in her shoes! If for security reasons she was made to take off shoes, they should have returned them when she was leaving but no, they had to commit some sort of cruelty,&quot;&nbsp;Swaraj said.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kulbhushan-jadhav-parroted-script-given-by-pakistan-during-meeting-with-family-mother-foils-attempt-reports-27934" target="_blank">Kulbhushan Jadhav parroted script given by Pakistan during meeting with family, mother foils attempt</a>

&quot;It was nothing like a humanitarian gesture. Human rights of the family members were violated again and again and an environment of fear was created for them,&quot; Swaraj added.&nbsp;

Swaraj said Jadhav's wife Chetna took two international flights in those same shoes. How then could she have hidden a camera or a chip inside them?

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj spoke on the Kulbhushan Jadhav affair in Parliament on Thursday. #WATCH Live: EAM Sushma Swaraj delivers statement on #KulbhushanJadhav in Lok Sabha (Source- LSTV) https://t.co/2NR2ScAZhZ — ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2017 × She said the Pakistani claim that there was a camera or a recording chip in Jadhav's wife's shoe was absurd. Swaraj said Jadhav's wife Chetna had taken two international flights in those same shoes to get from Mumbai to Islamabad. Chetna had travelled from Mumbai to Dubai on an Air India flight, and from Dubai to Islamabad on an Emirates flight. Swaraj said people might still believe Air India had helped Chetna, but asked how she could possibly have smuggled a hidden camera or a recording chip in her shoe onto an Emirates flight. A meeting of a mother with her son & a wife with her husband was turned into a propaganda tool by Pakistan :EAM Sushma Swaraj in Rajya Sabha #KulbhushanJadhav pic.twitter.com/Z5M28mVBGZ — ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2017 × Swaraj added that not only were Chetna's bindi and mangalsutra removed but also those of Jadhav's mother's Avanti. Swaraj said that when Kulbhushan first saw his mother like that, without her mangalsutra and bindi, he thought something might have happened to his father. "Baba kaise hain?" was the first thing Kulbhushan asked his mother, said Swaraj. Jadhav Ji's mother who only wears a saree was forced to wear salwar-kurta. Bindi, bangles & mangalsutras of both mother & wife were removed. Both the married women were made to like widows: EAM Sushma Swaraj in Rajya Sabha #KulbhushanJadhav — ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2017 × Swaraj spoke in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. She said the meeting was started in absence of the Indian deputy high commissioner accompanying Jadhav's wife and mother and that if he had seen how their clothes were changed, he would have registered a protest there and then. She also took up the heckling of the women by the Pakistani media. She said it had been specifically agreed by both sides that media would not be allowed to come close to the family but that the Pakistani press not only came close to them but also harassed and hurled taunts at them: "Thank god they didn't say that there was a bomb in her shoes! If for security reasons she was made to take off shoes, they should have returned them when she was leaving but no, they had to commit some sort of cruelty," Swaraj said. Also read: Kulbhushan Jadhav parroted script given by Pakistan during meeting with family, mother foils attempt "It was nothing like a humanitarian gesture. Human rights of the family members were violated again and again and an environment of fear was created for them," Swaraj added.

Sushma Swaraj speaks on Jadhav row, says Pakistani claims of hidden camera absurd

Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday announced to make a statement in both Houses of Parliament tomorrow on the treatment of Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s wife and mother in Pakistan.

Swaraj will first address the Rajya Sabha at 11 am and later the Lok Sabha at 12 noon on Thursday.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Earlier today, Parliament witnessed protests after Opposition condemned the way Pakistani authorities&nbsp;humiliated the family of jailed Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav during their visit to&nbsp;Islamabad.&nbsp;

From removing bangles, bindi and mangal sutra of Jadhav&#39;s wife to preventing his mother to speak in her mother tongue, Pakistani officials harassed the two before their 40 minutes meeting with him.

The meeting between Jadhav and his family took place on December 25 at the Pakistani foreign affairs ministry in Islamabad after repeated requests by India for family access. 
&nbsp;

Swaraj will first address the Rajya Sabha at 11 am tomorrow and later the Lok Sabha at 12 noon, media reports. ?

Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday announced to make a statement in both Houses of Parliament tomorrow on the treatment of Kulbhushan Jadhav's wife and mother in Pakistan. Swaraj will first address the Rajya Sabha at 11 am and later the Lok Sabha at 12 noon on Thursday. Earlier today, Parliament witnessed protests after Opposition condemned the way Pakistani authorities humiliated the family of jailed Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav during their visit to Islamabad. From removing bangles, bindi and mangal sutra of Jadhav's wife to preventing his mother to speak in her mother tongue, Pakistani officials harassed the two before their 40 minutes meeting with him. The meeting between Jadhav and his family took place on December 25 at the Pakistani foreign affairs ministry in Islamabad after repeated requests by India for family access.

Sushma Swaraj to speak on Kulbhushan Jadhav's family meet in Parliament tomorrow

Jailed Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav was shocked to see his mother without her &#39;mangal sutra&#39; and &#39;vermillion,&#39; compelling him to ask about his father first, during the 40 minutes meeting with his family in Islamabad on December 25.&nbsp;

Thinking of something unfortunate might have happened while he was not around, Jadhav asked &#39;baba kaise hai&#39; (How is father), as informed by Sushma Swaraj in Parliament today. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The External Affairs Minister described the meeting as a propaganda by Pakistan, adding that an environment of fear was created for Jadhav&#39;s kin and both were made to look like widows.

&quot;Jadhav Ji&#39;s mother, who only wears a saree, was forced to wear salwar-kurta. Bindi, bangles and mangalsutras of both women were removed. Both the married women were made to like widows,&quot; Sushma said.

&quot;Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s mother was not allowed to speak in Marathi. Two Pakistani officials present in the meeting kept stopping her repeatedly, and when she continued, the intercom was switched off,&quot; she added.

Meanwhile, leader of the Opposition of Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad condemned Pakistan&#39;s misbehavior as one targeted towards Indians on the whole, and not just Jadhav and his family.

Jadhav thought something unfortunate might have happened while he was not around

Jailed Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav was shocked to see his mother without her 'mangal sutra' and 'vermillion,' compelling him to ask about his father first, during the 40 minutes meeting with his family in Islamabad on December 25. Thinking of something unfortunate might have happened while he was not around, Jadhav asked 'baba kaise hai' (How is father), as informed by Sushma Swaraj in Parliament today. The External Affairs Minister described the meeting as a propaganda by Pakistan, adding that an environment of fear was created for Jadhav's kin and both were made to look like widows. "Jadhav Ji's mother, who only wears a saree, was forced to wear salwar-kurta. Bindi, bangles and mangalsutras of both women were removed. Both the married women were made to like widows," Sushma said. "Kulbhushan Jadhav's mother was not allowed to speak in Marathi. Two Pakistani officials present in the meeting kept stopping her repeatedly, and when she continued, the intercom was switched off," she added. Meanwhile, leader of the Opposition of Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad condemned Pakistan's misbehavior as one targeted towards Indians on the whole, and not just Jadhav and his family.

'Baba kaise hai', asked Kulbhushan Jadhav on seeing his mother without 'mangal sutra' in Islamabad

The mother and wife of Kulbhushan Jadhav on Tuesday met External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj at her residence in New Delhi.&nbsp;

The meeting took place a day after the two officially went to Pakistan to meet their son and husband respectively. &nbsp;

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Mother and wife of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KulbhushanJadhav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KulbhushanJadhav</a> leave from residence of EAM Sushma Swaraj in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/FFWIb4HcvJ">pic.twitter.com/FFWIb4HcvJ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945545635175866369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar were also present at the meeting.

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Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar at the residence of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/C5MCnuUz6Z">pic.twitter.com/C5MCnuUz6Z</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945544453837660160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Jadhav, the Indian national sentenced to death in Pakistan, was allowed to meet his family, from behind a glass barrier at the Pakistan foreign ministry in Islamabad.

It was Jadhav&#39;s first meeting with his family, more than a year after he was arrested by the Pakistani Army over alleged espionage and spying activities in March last year.

Mother Avanti and wife Chetankul Jadhav were accompanied to the ministry by Indian deputy high Commissioner JP Singh and three Indian foreign ministry officials.&nbsp;

Only Jadhav&rsquo;s family was allowed into the room where he was sitting, while Singh and other officials monitored the meeting from outside the room.

The meeting lasted for 40 minutes.

The meeting took place a day after the two officially went to Pakistan to meet Jadhav?

The mother and wife of Kulbhushan Jadhav on Tuesday met External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj at her residence in New Delhi. The meeting took place a day after the two officially went to Pakistan to meet their son and husband respectively. Mother and wife of #KulbhushanJadhav leave from residence of EAM Sushma Swaraj in Delhi pic.twitter.com/FFWIb4HcvJ — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar were also present at the meeting. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar at the residence of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Delhi pic.twitter.com/C5MCnuUz6Z — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × Jadhav, the Indian national sentenced to death in Pakistan, was allowed to meet his family, from behind a glass barrier at the Pakistan foreign ministry in Islamabad. It was Jadhav's first meeting with his family, more than a year after he was arrested by the Pakistani Army over alleged espionage and spying activities in March last year. Mother Avanti and wife Chetankul Jadhav were accompanied to the ministry by Indian deputy high Commissioner JP Singh and three Indian foreign ministry officials. Only Jadhav’s family was allowed into the room where he was sitting, while Singh and other officials monitored the meeting from outside the room. The meeting lasted for 40 minutes.

Kulbhushan Jadhav's wife, mother meet Sushma Swaraj

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his Chinese counterpart state councillor Yang Jiechi will hold the next round of formal negotiations on the boundary issue later today.

This comes almost four months after the 73-day-long military stand-off at the Doklam plateau in the tri-junction region.

In the 20th round of special representatives talks since the establishment of the Special Representatives (SR) mechanism in 2003, Doval and Jiechi are expected to discuss ways to maintain peace and tranquillity along the 4,000-km-long border.

The two representatives will also discuss the Doklam stand-off.

Last Doval and Jiechi had met during the BRICS summit in Xiamen in September.

Reportedly, the decision to hold talks in the connection was taken at a meeting held last week between External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj and her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Russia-India-China (RIC) conference here.

However, the announcement of the meeting was made by MEA on Wednesday.

&quot;At the invitation of Ajit Doval, National Security Adviser and the Special Representative of India on the Boundary Question, Yang Jiechi, State Councillor and Member of the Politburo of Communist Party of China&#39;s Central Committee and Special Representative of China on the Boundary Question, will visit India on December 22 to hold the 20th meeting of special representatives,&quot; MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said during a media briefing.

Kumar averred that the discussions will be focused on the boundary issue, adding &quot;we, of course, attach lot of importance to this dialogue mechanism.&quot;

On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying while addressing a media briefing said that the Doklam stand-off had posed a &quot;major test&quot; for bilateral ties.

Hua also stressed that lessons should be learnt from the conflict to circumvent similar situation in the future.

&quot;This special representative meeting is not only a high-level channel for the border issue discussion but also the platform for strategic communication,&quot; she said.

She further said that the meeting was not only a high-level channel for the border issue discussion, but also the platform for strategic communication.

&quot;In 2017, China-India relations have maintained a good momentum generally but the Doklam incident posed a major test for the two countries. We should learn lessons from this incident to avoid any further conflict of this kind in the future,&quot; she added.

The last round of SRs meeting was held in Beijing in April 2016.

The Doklam standoff began on June 16 over People&#39;s Liberation Army&#39;s plans to build a road in area claimed by Bhutan.

The conflict came to an end on August 28 after the tw0 sides agreed to withdraw their respective troops from the Doklam plateau and the Chinese troops stopped building a key road close to India&#39;s corridor.&nbsp;

This comes almost four months after the 73-day-long military stand-off at the Doklam plateau in the tri-junction region

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his Chinese counterpart state councillor Yang Jiechi will hold the next round of formal negotiations on the boundary issue later today. This comes almost four months after the 73-day-long military stand-off at the Doklam plateau in the tri-junction region. In the 20th round of special representatives talks since the establishment of the Special Representatives (SR) mechanism in 2003, Doval and Jiechi are expected to discuss ways to maintain peace and tranquillity along the 4,000-km-long border. The two representatives will also discuss the Doklam stand-off. Last Doval and Jiechi had met during the BRICS summit in Xiamen in September. Reportedly, the decision to hold talks in the connection was taken at a meeting held last week between External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj and her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Russia-India-China (RIC) conference here. However, the announcement of the meeting was made by MEA on Wednesday. "At the invitation of Ajit Doval, National Security Adviser and the Special Representative of India on the Boundary Question, Yang Jiechi, State Councillor and Member of the Politburo of Communist Party of China's Central Committee and Special Representative of China on the Boundary Question, will visit India on December 22 to hold the 20th meeting of special representatives," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said during a media briefing. Kumar averred that the discussions will be focused on the boundary issue, adding "we, of course, attach lot of importance to this dialogue mechanism." On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying while addressing a media briefing said that the Doklam stand-off had posed a "major test" for bilateral ties. Hua also stressed that lessons should be learnt from the conflict to circumvent similar situation in the future. "This special representative meeting is not only a high-level channel for the border issue discussion but also the platform for strategic communication," she said. She further said that the meeting was not only a high-level channel for the border issue discussion, but also the platform for strategic communication. "In 2017, China-India relations have maintained a good momentum generally but the Doklam incident posed a major test for the two countries. We should learn lessons from this incident to avoid any further conflict of this kind in the future," she added. The last round of SRs meeting was held in Beijing in April 2016. The Doklam standoff began on June 16 over People's Liberation Army's plans to build a road in area claimed by Bhutan. The conflict came to an end on August 28 after the tw0 sides agreed to withdraw their respective troops from the Doklam plateau and the Chinese troops stopped building a key road close to India's corridor.

NSA Doval to hold border talks with China today

Shortly after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj reacted to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-to-take-up-sikhs-forced-conversion-with-pak-government-27239">reports of the forced conversion of Sikhs to Islam</a> in Hangu, Pakistan, Islamabad denied any such incident.&nbsp;

Swaraj had on December 19 shared an article by the Pakistani media on her Twitter handle.

The piece had reported on the &quot;forced&quot; conversion&nbsp;of Sikhs to Islam in Hangu, Pakistan.

&quot;We will take this up at the highest level with the Government of Pakistan,&quot; the minister had tweeted.&nbsp;

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We will take this up at the highest level with Government of Pakistan. <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainPakistan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainPakistan</a> 
Sikh community in Hangu &lsquo;being forced to convert&rsquo; <a href="https://t.co/HiWuVmBzbj">https://t.co/HiWuVmBzbj</a>
&mdash; Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/943040163319463942?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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On Thursday, Pakistan denied any forced conversion of Sikhs to Islam in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.

Mohammad Faisal, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan, said it as an incident of &quot;misinformation&quot;.&nbsp;

Faisal also expressed Pakistan&#39;s commitment to the freedom of religion.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had on December 19 shared an article on the issue by the Pakistani media on her Twitter handle

Shortly after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj reacted to reports of the forced conversion of Sikhs to Islam in Hangu, Pakistan, Islamabad denied any such incident. Swaraj had on December 19 shared an article by the Pakistani media on her Twitter handle. The piece had reported on the "forced" conversion of Sikhs to Islam in Hangu, Pakistan. "We will take this up at the highest level with the Government of Pakistan," the minister had tweeted. We will take this up at the highest level with Government of Pakistan. @IndiainPakistan Sikh community in Hangu ‘being forced to convert’ https://t.co/HiWuVmBzbj — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) December 19, 2017 × On Thursday, Pakistan denied any forced conversion of Sikhs to Islam in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. Mohammad Faisal, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan, said it as an incident of "misinformation". Faisal also expressed Pakistan's commitment to the freedom of religion.

Pakistan denies 'forced' conversion of Sikhs to Islam

Shortly after reports of Sikhs&#39; forced-conversion to Islam made headlines in Pakistan, Union Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj claimed that her team will take the highest action on the issue.&nbsp;

Swaraj shared an article from Pakistan media on her Twitter handle that reported on &quot;forced&quot; conversion of Sikh community in Hangu, Pakistan.

&quot;We will take this up at the highest level with the Government of Pakistan,&quot; the minister tweeted.&nbsp;

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We will take this up at the highest level with Government of Pakistan. <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainPakistan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainPakistan</a> 
Sikh community in Hangu &lsquo;being forced to convert&rsquo; <a href="https://t.co/HiWuVmBzbj">https://t.co/HiWuVmBzbj</a>
&mdash; Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/943040163319463942?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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She also tagged the High Commission of India, Islamabad in her tweet.&nbsp;

Swaraj shared an article from Pakistan media on her Twitter handle that reported on 'forced' conversion of Sikh community in Hangu, Pakistan

Shortly after reports of Sikhs' forced-conversion to Islam made headlines in Pakistan, Union Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj claimed that her team will take the highest action on the issue. Swaraj shared an article from Pakistan media on her Twitter handle that reported on "forced" conversion of Sikh community in Hangu, Pakistan. "We will take this up at the highest level with the Government of Pakistan," the minister tweeted. We will take this up at the highest level with Government of Pakistan. @IndiainPakistan Sikh community in Hangu ‘being forced to convert’ https://t.co/HiWuVmBzbj — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) December 19, 2017 × She also tagged the High Commission of India, Islamabad in her tweet.

Sushma Swaraj to take up Sikhs' 'forced conversion' with Pak government

The Doklam stand-off had put severe pressure on bilateral relations between New Delhi and Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj during a meeting, a statement from China said.

He added that lessons should be learnt from the episode so that &#39;such incidents are not repeated&#39;. The statement added that Wang had brought up the 73-day stand-off between the Indian and the Chinese troops in the Donglang (Doklam) sector near the Sikkim border in June, during a bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi, on Monday.

Swaraj had then said at a press briefing that she and Wang had spoken about strengthening mutual trust to develop better understanding. The statement, published in Mandarin, said, &quot;The viciousness caused by the cross-border infiltration of the Indian border guards put bilateral relations under severe pressure. The matter was finally settled peacefully through diplomatic means, reflecting the maturing of bilateral relations. India-China ties maintained their momentum of development as a whole in 2017. Both sides have made efforts in this regard. But they (the efforts) were not very satisfactory. However, lessons should be learned and (such incidents) should be avoided again.&quot;

&quot;With mutual trust, the specific problems are expected to be resolved on the basis of mutual understanding and mutual accommodation,&quot; he added.

Wang&#39;s visit to New Delhi was the first by a top Chinese official to India after the Doklam stand-off.

He further said, &quot;Without mutual trust, individual problems will continue to overflow and erode the overall situation of bilateral relations. To this end, both sides should strengthen strategic communication at all levels, restore the established dialogue mechanism, deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields, and at the same time control the existing differences and safeguard peace and tranquillity in the border areas.&quot;

Wang also called on President Ram Nath Kovind and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

The Dokalam stand-off came to an end on August 28 after the two sides agreed to withdraw their respective troops from the Doklam plateau and the Chinese troops stopped building a key road close to India&#39;s corridor.

The road was being built by China in an area also claimed by Bhutan. India had objected to the construction highlighting its security concerns. Besides this, Chinese state-run Xinhua news agency also quoted Wang as saying, &quot;Sino-Indian relations are at a crucial moment when both sides need to make right choice on the future of the bilateral relations.&quot;

The Doklam stand-off had put severe pressure on bilateral relations between New Delhi and Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj during a meeting, a statement from China said.

The Doklam stand-off had put severe pressure on bilateral relations between New Delhi and Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj during a meeting, a statement from China said. He added that lessons should be learnt from the episode so that 'such incidents are not repeated'. The statement added that Wang had brought up the 73-day stand-off between the Indian and the Chinese troops in the Donglang (Doklam) sector near the Sikkim border in June, during a bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi, on Monday. Swaraj had then said at a press briefing that she and Wang had spoken about strengthening mutual trust to develop better understanding. The statement, published in Mandarin, said, "The viciousness caused by the cross-border infiltration of the Indian border guards put bilateral relations under severe pressure. The matter was finally settled peacefully through diplomatic means, reflecting the maturing of bilateral relations. India-China ties maintained their momentum of development as a whole in 2017. Both sides have made efforts in this regard. But they (the efforts) were not very satisfactory. However, lessons should be learned and (such incidents) should be avoided again." "With mutual trust, the specific problems are expected to be resolved on the basis of mutual understanding and mutual accommodation," he added. Wang's visit to New Delhi was the first by a top Chinese official to India after the Doklam stand-off. He further said, "Without mutual trust, individual problems will continue to overflow and erode the overall situation of bilateral relations. To this end, both sides should strengthen strategic communication at all levels, restore the established dialogue mechanism, deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields, and at the same time control the existing differences and safeguard peace and tranquillity in the border areas." Wang also called on President Ram Nath Kovind and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The Dokalam stand-off came to an end on August 28 after the two sides agreed to withdraw their respective troops from the Doklam plateau and the Chinese troops stopped building a key road close to India's corridor. The road was being built by China in an area also claimed by Bhutan. India had objected to the construction highlighting its security concerns. Besides this, Chinese state-run Xinhua news agency also quoted Wang as saying, "Sino-Indian relations are at a crucial moment when both sides need to make right choice on the future of the bilateral relations."

Doklam stand-off put 'severe pressure' on ties with India: China

Clearly, it is not the trilateral Russia-India-China (RIC) Foreign Ministers&#39; meeting held in New Delhi on December 11 that made Wang Yi&#39;s visit to India significant. Rather, it is the current &quot;cold peace&quot; that exists in China-India relations after the prolonged Doklam border stand-off making the Chinese foreign minister&#39;s current visit significant.

Wang Yi&#39;s visit was significant in many ways. It was the first high-level Chinese official&#39;s visit to India after the two and a half month long Doklam border stand-off. The Chinese foreign minister&#39;s visit to India demonstrated once again that the multilateral mode of engagement keeps China-India ties moving even though their bilateral relationship is at a low tide. Over the years, the RIC foreign ministers&#39; meeting might have contributed a little to expand the level of trust that is required to strengthen the bilateral relations among Russia, India and China. Still, this trilateral meeting remains to date one of the most valuable preparatory forums to generate broader understanding for BRICS and other multilateral channels of engagement among these countries. In fact, the RIC foreign minister&#39;s meeting has acted more as a consultative political mechanism to improve the understanding among Russia, India and China on regional and global affairs. In that context, Wang Yi&#39;s visit offered a much-required momentum to China-India relations with Russia at the regional level.

Additionally, consultative meetings that take place at the bilateral level during these multilateral forums come as an additional bonus to the entire spectrum of engagement. The Chinese foreign minister&#39;s meeting with Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj on the sidelines of the RIC meeting was certainly a positive move for their bilateralism. Fresh report indicates that both the Chinese and Indian Foreign Minister had a &ldquo;positive and forward&rdquo; looking meeting which was aimed to offer a &ldquo;fresh momentum&rdquo; to China-India bilateral relations. In a way, Wang Yi&rsquo;s visit offered an occasion for Chinese and Indian leaderships and officials to think afresh how to approach the bilateral relations ahead to the year 2018. The Chinese foreign minister&rsquo;s acceptance to address the India-China cultural evening organised by the Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra came as a solace that the bilateral relations need a flexible diplomatic and political approach on both hands.

The post-Doklam period witnessed a slow improvement in China-India relations. In fact, during the Xiamen BRICS summit, both Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi agreed to nurture ahead a &ldquo;forward looking constructive&rdquo; relationship. A &ldquo;constructive&rdquo; relationship that would be &ldquo;forward-looking&rdquo; is a part of their official &ldquo;developmental partnership&rdquo; which was primarily constructed during President Xi Jinping&rsquo;s visit to India in September 2014. The essence of this &ldquo;developmental partnership&rdquo; is to forge a closer economic-oriented partnership, enhancing the decade-old &ldquo;Strategic and Cooperative Partnership of Peace and Prosperity&rdquo;. A range of bilateral dialogue mechanisms - Joint Economic Group (JEG), Strategic Economic Dialogue, Financial Dialogue, Joint Working Group (JWG), Defence and Security Dialogues, Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED), and Special Representatives (SRs) dialogue - are central to this partnership. These mechanisms have offered an official level of certainty to push forward the dialogue process between the two countries even though tensions between the two sides continue to recur concerning the boundary disputes. Thus, one might witness both China and India having regular meetings through these mechanisms in 2018. But the challenge would be how to expand the bilateral trade contacts that have been freezing for some time around US$71.18 billion between the two sides. Importantly, to India&rsquo;s concern, the bilateral trade deficit with China is increasing.

Opportunities are aplenty for China and India to nurture their bilateral ties ahead. Still, it would not be easy to nurture a &ldquo;forward-looking&rdquo; partnership given the assertive strategic perspectives that both countries currently hold towards each other. India&rsquo;s resolute stance on the Doklam border stand-off surprised Beijing enormously, from which Beijing is yet to recover completely and figure out how to configure its relationship with India forward. Besides, Beijing has not yet completely disengaged itself from the Doklam episode. Fresh Indian media report suggests that around 1,800 Chinese troops are still camping at Doklam even though the heavy winter have arrived in the plateau. But no matter what might be the Chinese approach towards India in times to come, India must be prepared to deal with a new China under Xi Jinping. Wang Yi&rsquo;s visit to India was undertaken after the recently concluded 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which has prepared a &ldquo;new era&rdquo; blueprint for China under Xi Jinping. Positioning China as the leader of the developing world and centre of the globalized world would be the new mantra of this &ldquo;new era&rdquo; plan. To promote this, China may employ a more consultative approach towards the developing world, but its approach towards India would be meagre since Beijing views India as a contending power to its developing-world leadership strategy.

Thus, New Delhi on its part needs to carefully observe Beijing&rsquo;s powerful foreign policy team that is looking at Asian affairs, especially at matters relating to India, after the 19th National Congress. Under Xi Jinping, Chinese foreign policy is undergoing continuous change, where Wang Yi is expected to play an influential role in China&rsquo;s policy approach to India. Wang&rsquo;s foreign policy exposure in the Chinese decision-making continuum is outstanding. As a former Chinese Ambassador to Japan, a former Director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council and as a former Vice-Foreign Minister, Wang Yi is regarded as one of the finest and influential diplomats in the league of the CPC&rsquo;s foreign affairs. As a key member of the 17th and 18th Central Committees of the CPC, he is regarded as Xi Jinping&rsquo;s &ldquo;Asia Man&rdquo;. He is expected to play an influencing role in coming times on matters relating to key Asian affairs such as China-India boundary dispute, the South China Sea dispute or the East China Sea dispute.

Importantly, Wang Yi shares the distinction with Yang Jiechi, who is not only a member of the 18th Central Committee but a person in charge of China-India border affairs currently, especially the Special Representatives dialogue mechanism. With Yang Jiechi who has been recently elevated as a politburo member at the 19th National Congress, Wang Yi brings authority to China&rsquo;s decision-making process towards key Asian affairs, including matters relating to India. Yang Jiechi, a State Councillor is higher in ranking than the Foreign Minister Wang Yi. In a possible scenario of Yang Jiechi relinquishing the position of special representative of China-India border affairs in March 2018, Wang Yi is expected to be in charge. Approaching China under these new leaderships in coming times would therefore require smart diplomatic and political foresight in India.

Wang Yi&rsquo;s visit to India has offered a new political context for both the sides to rebuild the relationship afresh in 2018. Rebuilding the relationship would however require a flexible state approach on both sides. Xi Jinping&rsquo;s new China might not really be prepared to have a flexible approach towards India. The same can be said about India&rsquo;s current and future approach to China. India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi might not really succumb to any Chinese hard approach in coming times. Therefore, China-India relations would continue to make headlines even though the year 2018 might witness a more engaging relationship between the two countries at some level.

(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity)

Wang Yi's visit was significant in many ways. It was the first high-level Chinese official's visit to India after the two and a half month long Doklam border stand-off.

Clearly, it is not the trilateral Russia-India-China (RIC) Foreign Ministers' meeting held in New Delhi on December 11 that made Wang Yi's visit to India significant. Rather, it is the current "cold peace" that exists in China-India relations after the prolonged Doklam border stand-off making the Chinese foreign minister's current visit significant. Wang Yi's visit was significant in many ways. It was the first high-level Chinese official's visit to India after the two and a half month long Doklam border stand-off. The Chinese foreign minister's visit to India demonstrated once again that the multilateral mode of engagement keeps China-India ties moving even though their bilateral relationship is at a low tide. Over the years, the RIC foreign ministers' meeting might have contributed a little to expand the level of trust that is required to strengthen the bilateral relations among Russia, India and China. Still, this trilateral meeting remains to date one of the most valuable preparatory forums to generate broader understanding for BRICS and other multilateral channels of engagement among these countries. In fact, the RIC foreign minister's meeting has acted more as a consultative political mechanism to improve the understanding among Russia, India and China on regional and global affairs. In that context, Wang Yi's visit offered a much-required momentum to China-India relations with Russia at the regional level. Additionally, consultative meetings that take place at the bilateral level during these multilateral forums come as an additional bonus to the entire spectrum of engagement. The Chinese foreign minister's meeting with Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj on the sidelines of the RIC meeting was certainly a positive move for their bilateralism. Fresh report indicates that both the Chinese and Indian Foreign Minister had a “positive and forward” looking meeting which was aimed to offer a “fresh momentum” to China-India bilateral relations. In a way, Wang Yi’s visit offered an occasion for Chinese and Indian leaderships and officials to think afresh how to approach the bilateral relations ahead to the year 2018. The Chinese foreign minister’s acceptance to address the India-China cultural evening organised by the Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra came as a solace that the bilateral relations need a flexible diplomatic and political approach on both hands. The post-Doklam period witnessed a slow improvement in China-India relations. In fact, during the Xiamen BRICS summit, both Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi agreed to nurture ahead a “forward looking constructive” relationship. A “constructive” relationship that would be “forward-looking” is a part of their official “developmental partnership” which was primarily constructed during President Xi Jinping’s visit to India in September 2014. The essence of this “developmental partnership” is to forge a closer economic-oriented partnership, enhancing the decade-old “Strategic and Cooperative Partnership of Peace and Prosperity”. A range of bilateral dialogue mechanisms - Joint Economic Group (JEG), Strategic Economic Dialogue, Financial Dialogue, Joint Working Group (JWG), Defence and Security Dialogues, Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED), and Special Representatives (SRs) dialogue - are central to this partnership. These mechanisms have offered an official level of certainty to push forward the dialogue process between the two countries even though tensions between the two sides continue to recur concerning the boundary disputes. Thus, one might witness both China and India having regular meetings through these mechanisms in 2018. But the challenge would be how to expand the bilateral trade contacts that have been freezing for some time around US$71.18 billion between the two sides. Importantly, to India’s concern, the bilateral trade deficit with China is increasing. Opportunities are aplenty for China and India to nurture their bilateral ties ahead. Still, it would not be easy to nurture a “forward-looking” partnership given the assertive strategic perspectives that both countries currently hold towards each other. India’s resolute stance on the Doklam border stand-off surprised Beijing enormously, from which Beijing is yet to recover completely and figure out how to configure its relationship with India forward. Besides, Beijing has not yet completely disengaged itself from the Doklam episode. Fresh Indian media report suggests that around 1,800 Chinese troops are still camping at Doklam even though the heavy winter have arrived in the plateau. But no matter what might be the Chinese approach towards India in times to come, India must be prepared to deal with a new China under Xi Jinping. Wang Yi’s visit to India was undertaken after the recently concluded 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which has prepared a “new era” blueprint for China under Xi Jinping. Positioning China as the leader of the developing world and centre of the globalized world would be the new mantra of this “new era” plan. To promote this, China may employ a more consultative approach towards the developing world, but its approach towards India would be meagre since Beijing views India as a contending power to its developing-world leadership strategy. Thus, New Delhi on its part needs to carefully observe Beijing’s powerful foreign policy team that is looking at Asian affairs, especially at matters relating to India, after the 19th National Congress. Under Xi Jinping, Chinese foreign policy is undergoing continuous change, where Wang Yi is expected to play an influential role in China’s policy approach to India. Wang’s foreign policy exposure in the Chinese decision-making continuum is outstanding. As a former Chinese Ambassador to Japan, a former Director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council and as a former Vice-Foreign Minister, Wang Yi is regarded as one of the finest and influential diplomats in the league of the CPC’s foreign affairs. As a key member of the 17th and 18th Central Committees of the CPC, he is regarded as Xi Jinping’s “Asia Man”. He is expected to play an influencing role in coming times on matters relating to key Asian affairs such as China-India boundary dispute, the South China Sea dispute or the East China Sea dispute. Importantly, Wang Yi shares the distinction with Yang Jiechi, who is not only a member of the 18th Central Committee but a person in charge of China-India border affairs currently, especially the Special Representatives dialogue mechanism. With Yang Jiechi who has been recently elevated as a politburo member at the 19th National Congress, Wang Yi brings authority to China’s decision-making process towards key Asian affairs, including matters relating to India. Yang Jiechi, a State Councillor is higher in ranking than the Foreign Minister Wang Yi. In a possible scenario of Yang Jiechi relinquishing the position of special representative of China-India border affairs in March 2018, Wang Yi is expected to be in charge. Approaching China under these new leaderships in coming times would therefore require smart diplomatic and political foresight in India. Wang Yi’s visit to India has offered a new political context for both the sides to rebuild the relationship afresh in 2018. Rebuilding the relationship would however require a flexible state approach on both sides. Xi Jinping’s new China might not really be prepared to have a flexible approach towards India. The same can be said about India’s current and future approach to China. India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi might not really succumb to any Chinese hard approach in coming times. Therefore, China-India relations would continue to make headlines even though the year 2018 might witness a more engaging relationship between the two countries at some level. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity)

Opinion: Wang Yi's visit to India may not clear the mist in China-India relations

The foreign ministers of India, Russia, and China made a joint statement Monday after their trilateral meeting in New Delhi.&nbsp;

The joint statement said the three countries &quot;Condemn terrorism in all forms and manifestations and reaffirm determination to prevent and counter terrorism.&quot;&nbsp;

It added that all states should take adequate measures to prevent terrorist activities from their territory.&nbsp;

And that those committing, organising, inciting or supporting terrorist acts must be held accountable and brought to justice.&nbsp;

The statement added that cooperation between India, Russia, and China was not directed against any other country.&nbsp;

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had earlier briefed reporters about what had been discussed at the meeting between the three foreign ministers:&nbsp;

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Discussed terrorism,political scenario in Middle East&amp;North Africa, different challenges in putting world economy back on growth track, transnational organized crime, illicit drug trafficking, food security and climate change: EAM Swaraj on India-Russia-China trilateral meet <a href="https://t.co/0kAuCrJ0rI">pic.twitter.com/0kAuCrJ0rI</a>
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&nbsp;

A joint statement by the three countries said they 'condemn terrorism in all forms and manifestations and reaffirm determination to prevent and counter terrorism'

The foreign ministers of India, Russia, and China made a joint statement Monday after their trilateral meeting in New Delhi. The joint statement said the three countries "Condemn terrorism in all forms and manifestations and reaffirm determination to prevent and counter terrorism." It added that all states should take adequate measures to prevent terrorist activities from their territory. And that those committing, organising, inciting or supporting terrorist acts must be held accountable and brought to justice. The statement added that cooperation between India, Russia, and China was not directed against any other country. External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had earlier briefed reporters about what had been discussed at the meeting between the three foreign ministers: Discussed terrorism,political scenario in Middle East&North Africa, different challenges in putting world economy back on growth track, transnational organized crime, illicit drug trafficking, food security and climate change: EAM Swaraj on India-Russia-China trilateral meet pic.twitter.com/0kAuCrJ0rI — ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2017 ×

India, Russia, China 'condemn terrorism in all forms'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-police-responding-to-reports-of-explosion-police-tweet-26472">Explosion in Manhattan, trains being evacuated</a>

The New York Police Department was responding to reports of an explosion of unknown origin on Monday morning in midtown Manhattan at 42nd Street and 8th Avenue, according to the police department&#39;s official Twitter feed.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-elected-congress-president-unopposed-26455">Rahul Gandhi elected Congress president, unopposed</a>

Rahul Gandhi has been elected president of the Indian National Congres. He was elected unopposed.&nbsp;

Mullappally Ramachandran of the Congress said 89 nomination proposals were received, all of which were valid.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-shubhankar-sharma-wins-joburg-open-with-total-score-of-23-under-par-26468">India&#39;s Shubhankar Sharma wins Joburg Open with total score of 23 under 264</a>

Shubhankar Sharma became the first Indian golfer to clinch the Joburg Open today, his maiden European Tour title that also earned him a ticket to the prestigious British Open next year.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-orders-withdrawal-of-russian-troops-from-syria-ria-26456">Putin orders partial withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria: Agencies</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday gave the order for a partial withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria during a visit to the country&#39;s airbase there, news agencies reported.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/confirmed-virat-kohli-and-anushka-sharma-are-now-married-26476">Confirmed! Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma are now married</a>

After days of speculation, Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli and actress Anushka Sharma are now officially married. The couple had flown to Italy a few days back with their immediate family members where the ceremony took&nbsp;place.

Explosion in Manhattan, trains being evacuated The New York Police Department was responding to reports of an explosion of unknown origin on Monday morning in midtown Manhattan at 42nd Street and 8th Avenue, according to the police department's official Twitter feed. Rahul Gandhi elected Congress president, unopposed Rahul Gandhi has been elected president of the Indian National Congres. He was elected unopposed. Mullappally Ramachandran of the Congress said 89 nomination proposals were received, all of which were valid. India's Shubhankar Sharma wins Joburg Open with total score of 23 under 264 Shubhankar Sharma became the first Indian golfer to clinch the Joburg Open today, his maiden European Tour title that also earned him a ticket to the prestigious British Open next year. Putin orders partial withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria: Agencies Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday gave the order for a partial withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria during a visit to the country's airbase there, news agencies reported. Confirmed! Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma are now married After days of speculation, Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli and actress Anushka Sharma are now officially married. The couple had flown to Italy a few days back with their immediate family members where the ceremony took place.

WION Evening News Brief, December 11, 2017

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-police-responding-to-reports-of-explosion-police-tweet-26472">Explosion in Manhattan trains being evacuated</a>

The New York Police Department was responding to reports of an explosion of unknown origin on Monday morning in midtown Manhattan at 42nd Street and 8th Avenue, according to the police department&#39;s official Twitter feed.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-elected-congress-president-unopposed-26455">Rahul Gandhi elected Congress president, unopposed</a>

Rahul Gandhi has been elected president of the Indian National Congres. He was elected unopposed.&nbsp;

Mullappally Ramachandran of the Congress said 89 nomination proposals were received, all of which were valid.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-shubhankar-sharma-wins-joburg-open-with-total-score-of-23-under-par-26468">India&#39;s Shubhankar Sharma wins Joburg Open with total score of 23 under 264</a>

Shubhankar Sharma became the first Indian golfer to clinch the Joburg Open today, his maiden European Tour title that also earned him a ticket to the prestigious British Open next year.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-orders-withdrawal-of-russian-troops-from-syria-ria-26456">Putin orders partial withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria: Agencies</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday gave the order for a partial withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria during a visit to the country&#39;s airbase there, news agencies reported.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/confirmed-virat-kohli-and-anushka-sharma-are-now-married-26476">Confirmed! Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma are now married</a>

After days of speculation, Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli and actress Anushka Sharma are now officially married. The couple had flown to Italy a few days back with their immediate family members where the ceremony took&nbsp;place.

Explosion in Manhattan trains being evacuated The New York Police Department was responding to reports of an explosion of unknown origin on Monday morning in midtown Manhattan at 42nd Street and 8th Avenue, according to the police department's official Twitter feed. Rahul Gandhi elected Congress president, unopposed Rahul Gandhi has been elected president of the Indian National Congres. He was elected unopposed. Mullappally Ramachandran of the Congress said 89 nomination proposals were received, all of which were valid. India's Shubhankar Sharma wins Joburg Open with total score of 23 under 264 Shubhankar Sharma became the first Indian golfer to clinch the Joburg Open today, his maiden European Tour title that also earned him a ticket to the prestigious British Open next year. Putin orders partial withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria: Agencies Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday gave the order for a partial withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria during a visit to the country's airbase there, news agencies reported. Confirmed! Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma are now married After days of speculation, Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli and actress Anushka Sharma are now officially married. The couple had flown to Italy a few days back with their immediate family members where the ceremony took place.

China&#39;s Foreign Minister Wand Yi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey V&nbsp;Lavrov will be arriving in Delhi today for the 15th Russia-India-China (RIC) Foreign Minister level trilateral meet with their Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj.

India is hosting RIC foreign ministerial meeting on Monday.

The three foreign ministers will issue a joint statement as well.

According to a media report, the three foreign ministers are likely to begin their discussions after calling on President Ramnath Kovind.

The discussions will be followed by a working lunch.

The platform of the three major BRICS powers is aimed at facilitating common position on key global challenges - radical ideas, terror threats, Afghanistan and West Asia.

Swaraj will hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of RIC with Wang Yi and Sergei Lavrov who will be the first minister from Beijing to visit India after the Doklam episode.

China and India are at odds on issues like NSG membership for India, Masood Azhar&#39;s ban or even India&#39;s participation in One Belt One Road Initiative (OBOR).

Earlier, the RIC meeting had been scheduled for April.&nbsp;

The meeting will be between the three countries foreign ministers

China's Foreign Minister Wand Yi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey V Lavrov will be arriving in Delhi today for the 15th Russia-India-China (RIC) Foreign Minister level trilateral meet with their Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj. India is hosting RIC foreign ministerial meeting on Monday. The three foreign ministers will issue a joint statement as well. According to a media report, the three foreign ministers are likely to begin their discussions after calling on President Ramnath Kovind. The discussions will be followed by a working lunch. The platform of the three major BRICS powers is aimed at facilitating common position on key global challenges - radical ideas, terror threats, Afghanistan and West Asia. Swaraj will hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of RIC with Wang Yi and Sergei Lavrov who will be the first minister from Beijing to visit India after the Doklam episode. China and India are at odds on issues like NSG membership for India, Masood Azhar's ban or even India's participation in One Belt One Road Initiative (OBOR). Earlier, the RIC meeting had been scheduled for April.

India to host trilateral talks with China, Russia on Monday

An Indian student from Hyderabad was shot in Chicago in the United States on Saturday.

The student, who is being treated in hospital, is gravely injured.

According to media reports, the student has been identified as Mohammed Akbar and was shot by an unidentified person while he was walking towards his car in the parking area in Chicago&#39;s Albany Park neighbourhood&nbsp;in the morning.

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Hyderabad youth studying in Chicago (U.S.) shot at by assailants, presently under observation. Family members say &#39;request Government of India to help us&#39; <a href="https://t.co/L6JzZKLGw6">pic.twitter.com/L6JzZKLGw6</a>
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Akbar&#39;s father has claimed that&nbsp;the student was shot after an argument broke out with the unidentified person at a parking lot.

Mohammed, 30, was studying computer systems networking and telecommunications at DeVry University in Illinois.

The family has asked for Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj&#39;s help with getting an emergency visa to travel to the US on.

In February, an Indian engineer from Hyderabad was shot dead by a man in a bar at Kansas.&nbsp;

The shooter yelled &quot;get out of my country&quot; before opening fire.&nbsp;

The US Navy veteran charged with the crime later pleaded guilty.

In March, an Indian-origin Sikh man was shot outside his home in Washington by a masked gunman who also shouted&nbsp;&quot;go back to your own country.&quot;

The student, who is being treated in hospital, is gravely injured

An Indian student from Hyderabad was shot in Chicago in the United States on Saturday. The student, who is being treated in hospital, is gravely injured. According to media reports, the student has been identified as Mohammed Akbar and was shot by an unidentified person while he was walking towards his car in the parking area in Chicago's Albany Park neighbourhood in the morning. Hyderabad youth studying in Chicago (U.S.) shot at by assailants, presently under observation. Family members say 'request Government of India to help us' pic.twitter.com/L6JzZKLGw6 — ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2017 × Akbar's father has claimed that the student was shot after an argument broke out with the unidentified person at a parking lot. Mohammed, 30, was studying computer systems networking and telecommunications at DeVry University in Illinois. The family has asked for Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's help with getting an emergency visa to travel to the US on. In February, an Indian engineer from Hyderabad was shot dead by a man in a bar at Kansas. The shooter yelled "get out of my country" before opening fire. The US Navy veteran charged with the crime later pleaded guilty. In March, an Indian-origin Sikh man was shot outside his home in Washington by a masked gunman who also shouted "go back to your own country."

Indian student from Hyderabad shot in Chicago

The first phase of the strategic Chabahar port which has been developed by India will be inaugurated by Iranian president Hassan Rouhani today.

Representatives from India, Afghanistan and a few other countries in the region will also be in attendance.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj yesterday made a stopover in Iran on her way back from Russia to meet Iran foreign minister of&nbsp;Dr Javed Zarif in Tehran. The two counterparts discussed the implementation of the Chabahar port.

The port will bypass Pakistan to open a trade and transport route to landlocked Afghanistan.&nbsp;

India has committed $500 million to the Chabahar port which is expected to boost trade relations between India, Afghanistan and Iran, and will also give access to India to the resource-rich countries of central Asia.

New Delhi plans to send seven shipments of wheat to Afghanistan through Chabahar by the end of January, Reuters earlier reported, adding that the port is being viewed by Iran critics US and the United Kingdom as a transport corridor to Afghanistan rather than for advancing Iran&#39;s agenda in the Middle-East.

The first shipment of wheat arrived last week from India&#39;s Kandla port in Gujarat, after years of political wrangling with Pakistan, government officials in New Delhi and Kabul told Reuters. The wheat will be trucked from Chabahar to western Afghanistan.

The United States, which wants India to do more to help stabilise Afghanistan through economic and security assistance, has held off public criticism of India&#39;s efforts to develop the Iranian corridor.

India&#39;s ties with Iran came up in New Delhi last month during talks with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson who said America would not stand in the way of projects that help the Iranian people.

The government has set up the India Global Ports Ltd (IGPL) to lead the Chabahar project.

The IGPL has held talks with Iranian authorities to begin interim operations, an Indian government source earlier told Reuters.

In August, the IGPL applied for permission to establish a company to run the port, the source said. The plan is for IGPL to build two new terminals, one for container vessels and one for multipurpose ships.

The first phase is known as the Shahid Beheshti port.

Iran has reportedly asked the Indian government to operate the first phase until work for the second phase is finalised.

(With inputs from Reuters) 
&nbsp;

The first phase of the project will be inaugurated by Iranian president Hassan Rouhani today

The first phase of the strategic Chabahar port which has been developed by India will be inaugurated by Iranian president Hassan Rouhani today. Representatives from India, Afghanistan and a few other countries in the region will also be in attendance. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj yesterday made a stopover in Iran on her way back from Russia to meet Iran foreign minister of Dr Javed Zarif in Tehran. The two counterparts discussed the implementation of the Chabahar port. The port will bypass Pakistan to open a trade and transport route to landlocked Afghanistan. India has committed $500 million to the Chabahar port which is expected to boost trade relations between India, Afghanistan and Iran, and will also give access to India to the resource-rich countries of central Asia. New Delhi plans to send seven shipments of wheat to Afghanistan through Chabahar by the end of January, Reuters earlier reported, adding that the port is being viewed by Iran critics US and the United Kingdom as a transport corridor to Afghanistan rather than for advancing Iran's agenda in the Middle-East. The first shipment of wheat arrived last week from India's Kandla port in Gujarat, after years of political wrangling with Pakistan, government officials in New Delhi and Kabul told Reuters. The wheat will be trucked from Chabahar to western Afghanistan. The United States, which wants India to do more to help stabilise Afghanistan through economic and security assistance, has held off public criticism of India's efforts to develop the Iranian corridor. India's ties with Iran came up in New Delhi last month during talks with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson who said America would not stand in the way of projects that help the Iranian people. The government has set up the India Global Ports Ltd (IGPL) to lead the Chabahar project. The IGPL has held talks with Iranian authorities to begin interim operations, an Indian government source earlier told Reuters. In August, the IGPL applied for permission to establish a company to run the port, the source said. The plan is for IGPL to build two new terminals, one for container vessels and one for multipurpose ships. The first phase is known as the Shahid Beheshti port. Iran has reportedly asked the Indian government to operate the first phase until work for the second phase is finalised. (With inputs from Reuters)

Chabahar port, developed by India, to be inaugurated today in Iran

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj made a stopover in Iran&nbsp;on her way back from Russia to meet Iran foreign minister of&nbsp; Dr.Javed Zarif in Tehran.

She met the Iran minister over a luncheon meeting.&nbsp;

Reports indicate that the two foreign ministers discussed issues of mutual interests.&nbsp;

The two counterparts discussed the implementation of the Chabahar port, which is expected to boost trade relations between India, Afghanistan and Iran, an&nbsp;external affairs source said.&nbsp;

The MEA officials have said that it was a technical stopover and not a planned one.&nbsp;

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External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met Foreign Minister of Iran Dr. Javad Zarif in Tehran <a href="https://t.co/1nQzSdkv4G">pic.twitter.com/1nQzSdkv4G</a>
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Swaraj was on a three-day visit to Russia to attend the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/sco-all-you-need-to-know-about-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-7095" target="_blank">Shanghai Cooperation Organisation</a> meeting.

In the SCO meeting, she had emphasised on the connectivity between the SCO countries. She said&nbsp; &quot;Connectivity with SCO countries is India&#39;s priority. We want connectivity to pave the way for cooperation and trust between our societies.&quot; &quot;For this, respect for sovereignty is essential. Inclusivity, transparency and sustainability are imperative,&quot; she added.

She also invited the SCO members to participate in India&#39;s growth story.&nbsp;

&quot;In the background of sluggish economic growth in the world, India&#39;s economic growth is expected to accelerate in the long-term and we would like the other SCO members to be part of India&#39;s growth story,&quot; &quot;Slowdown in the world economy accompanied with increasing tide of protectionism and policy uncertainties will require measures of matching proportions,&quot;.

Talking about the connectivity between India and Afghanistan, which she termed as an important priority sector for India, she stated that the connectivity with Afghanistan had improved with the operationalisation of the Air Freight Corridor between Kabul, Kandahar and New Delhi this June.&nbsp;

Taking forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s vision, Swaraj said, &quot;I believe that this is the starting point of our journey, to realise the full spectrum of connectivity - from culture to commerce, from traditions to technology, from investments to IT, from services to strategy, and from people to politics.&quot;

The 16th Meeting of Government of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was organised in the Sochi city of Russia.&nbsp;

The meeting was held on November 30-December 1.

She also attended a joint dinner hosted by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. The Russian PM had hosted the dinner in honour of the participants of the meeting of the council.&nbsp;

This was the first meeting of the Council after India became a full member of the SCO.

India and Pakistan&nbsp;became a full-fledged member of the SCO in June.&nbsp;

India&#39;s membership was backed by Russia while Pakistan was supported by China.&nbsp;

(With agency inputs)

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

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

Sushma Swaraj meets Iran foreign minister in Tehran

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said that three Pakistani nationals would be given visa for their medical treatment in India.

Sushma Swaraj asked Indian High Commission in Islamabad to issue the travel document immediately for the citizens.

A request was made to Sushma Swaraj by Danish Memon for a visa to his nine-years-old daughter Maria for treatment of thalassemia.

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Maria Danish - I am asking Indian High Commission in Pakistan to issue your visa immediately. <a href="https://twitter.com/DanishM10744644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DanishM10744644</a> 
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&mdash; Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/935193634881748993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Sushma Swaraj also responded to several another Visa request for medical purpose.

Mariam Asim also made a request for a medical visa for her father, Swaraj replied saying &#39;India would issue the visa.&#39;

External Minister also assured another Pakistani woman Fariha Usman of granting a visa after she requested her for it.

On November 23 Pakistan accused India of selectively issuing a medical visa to Pakistani citizen and that it is not a gesture of compassion but cold-blooded politicking.

Sushma Swaraj asked Indian High Commission in Islamabad to issue the travel document immediately for the?citizens

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said that three Pakistani nationals would be given visa for their medical treatment in India. Sushma Swaraj asked Indian High Commission in Islamabad to issue the travel document immediately for the citizens. A request was made to Sushma Swaraj by Danish Memon for a visa to his nine-years-old daughter Maria for treatment of thalassemia. Maria Danish - I am asking Indian High Commission in Pakistan to issue your visa immediately. @DanishM10744644 pic.twitter.com/R0aGxbcvbe — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 27, 2017 × Sushma Swaraj also responded to several another Visa request for medical purpose. Mariam Asim also made a request for a medical visa for her father, Swaraj replied saying 'India would issue the visa.' External Minister also assured another Pakistani woman Fariha Usman of granting a visa after she requested her for it. On November 23 Pakistan accused India of selectively issuing a medical visa to Pakistani citizen and that it is not a gesture of compassion but cold-blooded politicking.

Sushma Sawraj issues medical visa to Pakistan citizen

An Indian-origin owner of a motel was shot dead and four other people were injured in a shootout in the US state of North Carolina, police said.

Akash R Talati, 40, who owned Knights Inn and Diamondz Gentlemen&#39;s Club in Fayetteville city, was an innocent bystander when a man who had been escorted out of the club returned soon and exchanged gunfire with a security guard yesterday, police Detective Jamaal Littlejohn said.

Police said they were called to the club at 1:51 AM on Saturday.

Littlejohn said Markeese Dewitt, 23, of Fayetteville has been charged with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury.

Littlejohn said Dewitt was shot four or five times and remained in serious condition at Cape Fear Valley Medical Centre, it was reported.

He said only Dewitt and the security guard exchanged gunfire and the others were bystanders.

One of the victims was in a fair condition at the hospital. The two others were treated and released.

Talati died at the hospital. He was&nbsp;reportedly from Anand in Gujarat.

Police have not released the names of three other people who were injured. Littlejohn said they included the security guard and a female employee of the club who operated the cash register.

Littlejohn said security escorted Dewitt out of the club because he had caused a disturbance. He said Dewitt appeared to have gone to his vehicle, got a gun, went back inside the club and started shooting.

Littlejohn said police have no idea what caused Dewitt to get kicked out of the club.

&quot;All we know is he got put out, he goes and gets a gun and it goes crazy from there,&quot; Littlejohn said.

External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj tweeted on Sunday about Talati&#39;s death and confirmed&nbsp;that help will be provided to the family.&nbsp;

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Indian Embassy in US has informed me of the circumstances leading to the death of Akash Talati, a US citizen of Indian origin. /1
&mdash; Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/929673745249157121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The deceased was shot by an assailant who was escorted out of his club. The security guard returned the fire and the assailant was also injured. /2
&mdash; Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/929673941815238657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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We are in touch with the family of the deceased and will provide them all help. /3
&mdash; Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/929674014846468097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Detectives are actively investigating the homicide and shooting and have appealed to the public to contact them if they have any information on the incident.

External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj tweeted on Sunday about Talati's death and confirmed?that help will be provided to the family.?

An Indian-origin owner of a motel was shot dead and four other people were injured in a shootout in the US state of North Carolina, police said. Akash R Talati, 40, who owned Knights Inn and Diamondz Gentlemen's Club in Fayetteville city, was an innocent bystander when a man who had been escorted out of the club returned soon and exchanged gunfire with a security guard yesterday, police Detective Jamaal Littlejohn said. Police said they were called to the club at 1:51 AM on Saturday. Littlejohn said Markeese Dewitt, 23, of Fayetteville has been charged with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. Littlejohn said Dewitt was shot four or five times and remained in serious condition at Cape Fear Valley Medical Centre, it was reported. He said only Dewitt and the security guard exchanged gunfire and the others were bystanders. One of the victims was in a fair condition at the hospital. The two others were treated and released. Talati died at the hospital. He was reportedly from Anand in Gujarat. Police have not released the names of three other people who were injured. Littlejohn said they included the security guard and a female employee of the club who operated the cash register. Littlejohn said security escorted Dewitt out of the club because he had caused a disturbance. He said Dewitt appeared to have gone to his vehicle, got a gun, went back inside the club and started shooting. Littlejohn said police have no idea what caused Dewitt to get kicked out of the club. "All we know is he got put out, he goes and gets a gun and it goes crazy from there," Littlejohn said. External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj tweeted on Sunday about Talati's death and confirmed that help will be provided to the family. Indian Embassy in US has informed me of the circumstances leading to the death of Akash Talati, a US citizen of Indian origin. /1 — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 12, 2017 × The deceased was shot by an assailant who was escorted out of his club. The security guard returned the fire and the assailant was also injured. /2 — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 12, 2017 × We are in touch with the family of the deceased and will provide them all help. /3 — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 12, 2017 × Detectives are actively investigating the homicide and shooting and have appealed to the public to contact them if they have any information on the incident.

Indian-American motel owner shot dead in North Carolina

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has asked the Indian Embassy in the US for a report on the alleged beating of a Sikh boy in&nbsp;Washington state.

&quot;I have seen news reports about the beating of a Sikh boy in the US. I have asked the Indian Embassy in the US to send me a report on the incident,&quot; Swaraj said in a tweet.

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I have seen news reports about the beating of a Sikh boy in US. I have asked <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianEmbassyUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianEmbassyUS</a> to send me a report on the incident.
&mdash; Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/926677585420886016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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According to news reports, the 14-year-old was attacked by a classmate in the vicinity of Kentridge High School. The entire incident was recorded and shared on Snapchat.

In the&nbsp; Snapchat video, the classmate follows the Sikh boy, before suddenly hitting him and knocking him to the ground. He then repeatedly punches the victim, who tries to shield himself and crawl away.

His father is claiming that his son was targeted because he is of Indian descent

School officials have denied all these allegations of the attack as being religiously or racially motivated. The student who attacked the boy will be appropriately punished, said Chris Loftis, communications director for the Kent School District.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

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External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has asked the Indian Embassy in the US for a report on the alleged beating of a Sikh boy in the Washington State

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has asked the Indian Embassy in the US for a report on the alleged beating of a Sikh boy in Washington state. "I have seen news reports about the beating of a Sikh boy in the US. I have asked the Indian Embassy in the US to send me a report on the incident," Swaraj said in a tweet. I have seen news reports about the beating of a Sikh boy in US. I have asked @IndianEmbassyUS to send me a report on the incident. — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 4, 2017 × According to news reports, the 14-year-old was attacked by a classmate in the vicinity of Kentridge High School. The entire incident was recorded and shared on Snapchat. In the Snapchat video, the classmate follows the Sikh boy, before suddenly hitting him and knocking him to the ground. He then repeatedly punches the victim, who tries to shield himself and crawl away. His father is claiming that his son was targeted because he is of Indian descent School officials have denied all these allegations of the attack as being religiously or racially motivated. The student who attacked the boy will be appropriately punished, said Chris Loftis, communications director for the Kent School District. (With inputs from PTI)

Sushma Swaraj asks Indian embassy in US for report on beating of Sikh boy

Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday tweeted that she had received the details of the attack on Indian students in Milan and requested everyone not to panic.

The external affair minister said that she was personally &#39;&#39;monitoring the situation&#39;&#39;.&nbsp;

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Attack on Indian students in Milan : I have got the detailed report. Pls do not worry. I am monitoring the situation personally. <a href="https://twitter.com/cgmilan1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cgmilan1</a>
&mdash; Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/925215409883693056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, in a statement, the Indian consulate in Milan, said that it had received reports of unfortunate incidents of attacks on the Indian students in Milan and urged the Indian students not to panic. The Consulate is taking up the matter with the highest of law and order authorities in Milan. Students are also requested to report such matters to the Consulate on Consul General&rsquo;s cell 3290884057 immediately, the statement added.&nbsp;

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Attack on Indian students in Milan <a href="https://t.co/kY0qwfePm8">pic.twitter.com/kY0qwfePm8</a>
&mdash; India in Milan (@cgmilan1) <a href="https://twitter.com/cgmilan1/status/925013404359757824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Some Indian students were attacked by beer bottles on October 17. The attackers also reportedly abused the Indians for their skin colour.&nbsp;

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Sushma Swaraj, External Affairs Minister has taken the matter in her consideration

Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday tweeted that she had received the details of the attack on Indian students in Milan and requested everyone not to panic. The external affair minister said that she was personally ''monitoring the situation''. Attack on Indian students in Milan : I have got the detailed report. Pls do not worry. I am monitoring the situation personally. @cgmilan1 — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) October 31, 2017 × Meanwhile, in a statement, the Indian consulate in Milan, said that it had received reports of unfortunate incidents of attacks on the Indian students in Milan and urged the Indian students not to panic. The Consulate is taking up the matter with the highest of law and order authorities in Milan. Students are also requested to report such matters to the Consulate on Consul General’s cell 3290884057 immediately, the statement added. Attack on Indian students in Milan pic.twitter.com/kY0qwfePm8 — India in Milan (@cgmilan1) October 30, 2017 × Some Indian students were attacked by beer bottles on October 17. The attackers also reportedly abused the Indians for their skin colour.

Attack on Indian students in Milan: Sushma Swaraj 'monitoring situation'

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