Former external affairs minister and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj passed away at New Delhi's AIIMS.

Reactions from Leaders and Political Analyst on Sushma Swaraj's demise

Former Minister of External Affairs of India Sushma Swaraj died at the age of 67 in the national capital on Tuesday. She was admitted to AIIMS on Tuesday evening after her health condition deteriorated. She passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest late in the night. After the BJP stalwart’s death, her mortal remains were taken to her residence, where President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other political leaders paid their last respects to her. Her last rites will be held at the Lodhi Road electric crematorium in the national capital at around 3 pm on Wednesday.

Sushma Swaraj's body being taken to BJP HQ

Sushma Swaraj's body to be kept at BJP HQ from 12 pm till 3 pm

Former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj took to Twitter after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/big-win-for-india-icj-grants-consular-access-to-kulbhushan-jadhav-236703">victory of India at the International Court of Justice </a>on Wednesday.

Referring to the judgement as "great victory" for India, Swaraj said, "I wholeheartedly welcome the verdict of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/full-text-of-icj-order-in-kulbhushan-jadhav-case-236712">International Court of Justice</a> in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav. It is a great victory for India."

"I thank the Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi for our initiative to take Jadhav's case before International Court of Justice. I thank Mr.Harish Salve for presenting India's case before ICJ very effectively and successfully."

"I hope the verdict will provide the much needed solace to the family members of Kulbhushan Jadhav, "she added.

It was during Sushma's tenure as External Affairs Minister that India had approached ICJ in the case.

Soon after Kulbhushan Jadhav's wife and mother returned after meeting him in Pakistan in December 2017, they met the then EAM Sushma Swaraj. The meeting was also attended by S Jaishankar (incumbent EAM), then foreign secretary in MEA.

A few days after the meeting, Sushma had slammed Pakistan for using Jadhav's meeting with his family for propaganda.

In a big win for India, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Wednesday gave&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-kulbhushan-jadhav-case-verdict-today-at-international-court-of-justice-236670">consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav</a>, who was arrested and given death sentence by Pakistan on charges of espionage.

Upholding India's stand that Pakistan has violated the 1963 Vienna Convention, the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/kulbhushan-jadhav-case-what-is-the-international-court-of-justice-and-how-does-it-work-236692">&nbsp;ICJ&nbsp;</a>said that Jadhav's trial by a military court in Pakistan is not accepted thereby stopping his execution.

The death sentence by a Pakistani military court was questioned by India, which said its based on an "extracted confession".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kulbhushan-jadhav-a-profile-236673">Jadhav</a>, a former Indian navy commander, was arrested in Pakistan in March 2016 and convicted of spying.

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Former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj took to Twitter after the victory of India at the International Court of Justice on Wednesday. Referring to the judgement as "great victory" for India, Swaraj said, "I wholeheartedly welcome the verdict of International Court of Justice in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav.

Former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj took to Twitter after the victory of India at the International Court of Justice on Wednesday. Referring to the judgement as "great victory" for India, Swaraj said, "I wholeheartedly welcome the verdict of International Court of Justice in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav. It is a great victory for India." "I thank the Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi for our initiative to take Jadhav's case before International Court of Justice. I thank Mr.Harish Salve for presenting India's case before ICJ very effectively and successfully." "I hope the verdict will provide the much needed solace to the family members of Kulbhushan Jadhav, "she added. It was during Sushma's tenure as External Affairs Minister that India had approached ICJ in the case. Soon after Kulbhushan Jadhav's wife and mother returned after meeting him in Pakistan in December 2017, they met the then EAM Sushma Swaraj. The meeting was also attended by S Jaishankar (incumbent EAM), then foreign secretary in MEA. A few days after the meeting, Sushma had slammed Pakistan for using Jadhav's meeting with his family for propaganda. In a big win for India, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Wednesday gave consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was arrested and given death sentence by Pakistan on charges of espionage. Upholding India's stand that Pakistan has violated the 1963 Vienna Convention, the ICJ said that Jadhav's trial by a military court in Pakistan is not accepted thereby stopping his execution. The death sentence by a Pakistani military court was questioned by India, which said its based on an "extracted confession". Jadhav, a former Indian navy commander, was arrested in Pakistan in March 2016 and convicted of spying.

Sushma Swaraj welcomes ICJ's verdict in Kulbhushan Jadhav case; thanks PM Modi, Harish Salve

Pakistan on Monday decided in principle to let Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aircraft fly over its airspace to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan where he has to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on June 13-14, where his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan would also be present.

Pakistan had fully closed its airspace on February 26 after an Indian Air Force (IAF) strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot. Since then, it has only opened two routes, both of them pass through southern Pakistan, of the total 11.

India requested Pakistan to let Prime Minister Modi's aircraft fly over its airspace to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan.

The official confirmed to PTI that the Imran Khan government has approved in principle the Indian government's request to let Prime Minister Modi's aircraft fly over the Pakistani airspace to Bishkek.

"The Indian government will be conveyed about the decision once the procedural formalities are completed. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will also be directed to notify the airmen subsequently," the official said, adding Pakistan was hopeful that India would respond to its offer for peace dialogue.

He said Prime Minister Khan has recently written a letter to his Indian counterpart stressing Pakistan requires a solution for all geopolitical issues including Kashmir between the two neighbouring states.

The official further said Pakistan is still optimistic that India will respond to peace offer despite the fact both premiers were not meeting at the sidelines of the SCO Summit.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in New Delhi said no bilateral meeting has been arranged between Prime Minister Modi and his Pakistani counterpart on the sidelines of the SCO Summit.

Pakistan had given special permission to India's then external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj to fly directly through Pakistani airspace to attend the SCO Foreign Ministers' meet in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on May 21.

Apart from the two routes through southern Pakistan, the neighbouring country's airspace remains closed for commercial airliners.

The IAF announced on May 31 that all temporary restrictions imposed on Indian airspace post the Balakot airstrike have been removed. However, it is unlikely to benefit any commercial airliners unless Pakistan reciprocates and opens its complete airspace.

Among Indian airlines, the international operations of Air India and IndiGo have been affected by the closure of Pakistani airspace.

IndiGo, India's largest airline by the share in the domestic passenger market, has been unable to start direct flights from Delhi to Istanbul due to the closure of Pakistani airspace.

The low-cost carrier started the Delhi-Istanbul flight in March this year. It has to take the longer route every time over the Arabian Sea and make a stop either at Doha in Qatar or at Ahmedabad in Gujarat for refuelling.

Similarly, full-service carrier Air India is unable to fly non-stop flights from Delhi to the US since the closure of Pakistani airspace.

Pakistan, however, has extended its partial airspace ban on the eastern border with India until June 14.&nbsp;

Pakistan on Monday decided in principle to let Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aircraft fly over its airspace to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan where he has to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on June 13-14, where his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan would also be present.

Pakistan on Monday decided in principle to let Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aircraft fly over its airspace to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan where he has to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on June 13-14, where his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan would also be present. Pakistan had fully closed its airspace on February 26 after an Indian Air Force (IAF) strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot. Since then, it has only opened two routes, both of them pass through southern Pakistan, of the total 11. India requested Pakistan to let Prime Minister Modi's aircraft fly over its airspace to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan. The official confirmed to PTI that the Imran Khan government has approved in principle the Indian government's request to let Prime Minister Modi's aircraft fly over the Pakistani airspace to Bishkek. "The Indian government will be conveyed about the decision once the procedural formalities are completed. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will also be directed to notify the airmen subsequently," the official said, adding Pakistan was hopeful that India would respond to its offer for peace dialogue. He said Prime Minister Khan has recently written a letter to his Indian counterpart stressing Pakistan requires a solution for all geopolitical issues including Kashmir between the two neighbouring states. The official further said Pakistan is still optimistic that India will respond to peace offer despite the fact both premiers were not meeting at the sidelines of the SCO Summit. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in New Delhi said no bilateral meeting has been arranged between Prime Minister Modi and his Pakistani counterpart on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. Pakistan had given special permission to India's then external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj to fly directly through Pakistani airspace to attend the SCO Foreign Ministers' meet in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on May 21. Apart from the two routes through southern Pakistan, the neighbouring country's airspace remains closed for commercial airliners. The IAF announced on May 31 that all temporary restrictions imposed on Indian airspace post the Balakot airstrike have been removed. However, it is unlikely to benefit any commercial airliners unless Pakistan reciprocates and opens its complete airspace. Among Indian airlines, the international operations of Air India and IndiGo have been affected by the closure of Pakistani airspace. IndiGo, India's largest airline by the share in the domestic passenger market, has been unable to start direct flights from Delhi to Istanbul due to the closure of Pakistani airspace. The low-cost carrier started the Delhi-Istanbul flight in March this year. It has to take the longer route every time over the Arabian Sea and make a stop either at Doha in Qatar or at Ahmedabad in Gujarat for refuelling. Similarly, full-service carrier Air India is unable to fly non-stop flights from Delhi to the US since the closure of Pakistani airspace. Pakistan, however, has extended its partial airspace ban on the eastern border with India until June 14.

Pakistan decides to let PM Modi's plane fly over its airspace to Bishkek for SCO summit

An 11-year-old Polish girl has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and newly-appointed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-language-will-be-imposed-says-foreign-minister-subrahmanyam-jaishankar-223700">External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar </a>seeking the return of her family to India.

Alicja Wanatko, in her handwritten letter to Modi and Jaishankar, spoke about her fond memories of her Goa stay and her love for Lord Shiva and the Nanda Devi mountain.

"I love my school in Goa, the beautiful nature and I am missing my volunteering in the animal rescue centre there where I was helping to take care of cows. My mum could not re-enter India on 24th March 2019 after a short trip out and we were told we were blacklisted due to our overstay," Alicja&nbsp;said in her letter, which was tweeted to Modi and Jaishankar by her mother Marta Kotlarska.

In April her mother, Marta Kotlarska, had also pleaded to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/proud-to-follow-in-sushma-swarajs-footsteps-says-new-external-affairs-minister-jaishankar-223335"> former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj</a>. She had claimed that she was blacklisted by the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Chamoli in Uttarakhand for overstaying "due to a misunderstanding".

The letter has been posted by her mother on Twitter.

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the letter my daughther who is out of school due to lack of action from MHA officers has written to Honoreable Prime Minister of India for help in our case <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://t.co/PVIolpD9Ez">pic.twitter.com/PVIolpD9Ez</a>
— Marta Kotlarska (@KotlarskaMarta) <a href="https://twitter.com/KotlarskaMarta/status/1135059227678928896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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She also claims that she had paid the requisite fines prescribed by law.

According to reports, Marta and her daughter had arrived in Goa from Warsaw in September 2018. She is an artist and photographer by profession and had come to India to capture Goan culture.

She had left for Sri Lanka a few days earlier from Goa because she was about to exceed her 180-day limit of stay in India and visa renewal norms required for foreign nationals to formally re-enter the country. But as she arrived in the country, she was turned away from the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, a report by news agency IANS said.

She was later allowed to come back to pick up her daughter and left the country within&nbsp;a few days.

According to the report,&nbsp;the mother and daughter are currently in Cambodia and awaiting a possible return to India.

"Despite not being Indian citizens, we call it home," Alicja Wanatko adds in her letter.

"It feels like everything is just destroyed again. I pray to Shiva and Nanda Devi to help us and I have decided to write to you because you are the most powerful person that can help me and my mum come back to India, my home. Please help us and allow to remove us from this blacklist," she added.

Her mother also tagged newly-appointed Home Minister Amit Shah in a tweet and asked for help.

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Sir big congratulations on becoming Home Minister. Im writing for your help to remove myself and my minor child who studies in India from blacklist on entering the country. Case is in Mha but officers are not responding to emails. We are praying to God for help. <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> <a href="https://t.co/qnad7JqA4V">https://t.co/qnad7JqA4V</a> <a href="https://t.co/itEDrHgvrm">pic.twitter.com/itEDrHgvrm</a>
— Marta Kotlarska (@KotlarskaMarta) <a href="https://twitter.com/KotlarskaMarta/status/1135083412606218242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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An 11-year-old Polish girl has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and newly-appointed External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar seeking the return of her family to India.

An 11-year-old Polish girl has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and newly-appointed External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar seeking the return of her family to India. Alicja Wanatko, in her handwritten letter to Modi and Jaishankar, spoke about her fond memories of her Goa stay and her love for Lord Shiva and the Nanda Devi mountain. "I love my school in Goa, the beautiful nature and I am missing my volunteering in the animal rescue centre there where I was helping to take care of cows. My mum could not re-enter India on 24th March 2019 after a short trip out and we were told we were blacklisted due to our overstay," Alicja said in her letter, which was tweeted to Modi and Jaishankar by her mother Marta Kotlarska. In April her mother, Marta Kotlarska, had also pleaded to former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj. She had claimed that she was blacklisted by the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Chamoli in Uttarakhand for overstaying "due to a misunderstanding". The letter has been posted by her mother on Twitter. the letter my daughther who is out of school due to lack of action from MHA officers has written to Honoreable Prime Minister of India for help in our case @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/PVIolpD9Ez — Marta Kotlarska (@KotlarskaMarta) June 2, 2019 × She also claims that she had paid the requisite fines prescribed by law. According to reports, Marta and her daughter had arrived in Goa from Warsaw in September 2018. She is an artist and photographer by profession and had come to India to capture Goan culture. She had left for Sri Lanka a few days earlier from Goa because she was about to exceed her 180-day limit of stay in India and visa renewal norms required for foreign nationals to formally re-enter the country. But as she arrived in the country, she was turned away from the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, a report by news agency IANS said. She was later allowed to come back to pick up her daughter and left the country within a few days. According to the report, the mother and daughter are currently in Cambodia and awaiting a possible return to India. "Despite not being Indian citizens, we call it home," Alicja Wanatko adds in her letter. "It feels like everything is just destroyed again. I pray to Shiva and Nanda Devi to help us and I have decided to write to you because you are the most powerful person that can help me and my mum come back to India, my home. Please help us and allow to remove us from this blacklist," she added. Her mother also tagged newly-appointed Home Minister Amit Shah in a tweet and asked for help. Sir big congratulations on becoming Home Minister. Im writing for your help to remove myself and my minor child who studies in India from blacklist on entering the country. Case is in Mha but officers are not responding to emails. We are praying to God for help. @AmitShah https://t.co/qnad7JqA4V pic.twitter.com/itEDrHgvrm — Marta Kotlarska (@KotlarskaMarta) June 2, 2019 ×

Polish girl writes to PM Modi, foreign minister Jaishankar for her return to India

Engaging with the Twitterverse for the first time, newly appointed External Affairs Minister (EAM) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar paid homage to his predecessor Sushma Swaraj on Saturday.

"My first tweet. Thank you all for the best wishes! Honoured to be given this responsibility. Proud to follow on the footsteps of @SushmaSwaraj ji," Jaishankar`s first tweet read.

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My first tweet. 
 
Thank you all for the best wishes! 
Honoured to be given this responsibility. 
Proud to follow on the footsteps of <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> ji
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1134685620834582529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-20-rajnath-singh-is-defence-minister-amit-shah-home-nirmala-sitharaman-gets-finace-223084">surprise addition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's latest Union Cabinet</a>, the former Foreign Secretary succeeds Swaraj in helming the Ministry of External Affairs for the next five years under the NDA government.

Swaraj opted out of contesting in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections citing her health. She spearheaded various rescue operations during her term, including those in Libya and Yemen.

The former EAM was much-loved by people for being one of the most approachable ministers, known for hearing out and solving grievances on Twitter.

Jaishankar pledged to follow the precedent set by her, and tweeted, "We at Team @MEAIndia continue to be at your service 24x7. Happy to be leading the effort with my colleague MoS Muraleedharan ji."

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We at Team <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> continue to be at your service 24x7 
 
Happy to be leading the effort with my colleague MoS Muraleedharan ji <a href="https://twitter.com/VMBJP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VMBJP</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1134687081245171713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The EAM went on to express his gratitude for the wishes extended by his counterparts from Australia, France and Indonesia, who tweeted their greetings for the former top diplomat.

Both Jaishankar and the new Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, assumed office on May 31, following the official announcement regarding portfolio allocations.

"Back at South Block, in a new role! The new External Affairs Minister of India @DrSJaishankar assumes office," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted on Friday.

A former career diplomat, the 1977-batch IFS officer and Padma Shri awardee served as the Foreign Secretary for three years - from 2015 until his retirement in 2018 - under Modi's previous term as Prime Minister.

He had earlier served as India's Ambassador to China and then to the US. The incumbent EAM has previously been India`s Ambassador to the Czech Republic and High Commissioner to Singapore as well.

He was also the First Secretary and Political Advisor to the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka.

It is believed that Modi first met Jaishankar when he travelled to China as the Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2012.

The former diplomat played a critical role in handling tough negotiations with Beijing, following the incursion in Doklam and Ladakh`s Depsang.

He is also known as the Indian government`s key strategist for China and the US.

In 2008, Jaishankar was a member of the team which negotiated the landmark Indo-US nuclear deal under the UPA government headed by then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.&nbsp;

Engaging with the Twitterverse for the first time, newly appointed External Affairs Minister (EAM) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar paid homage to his predecessor Sushma Swaraj on Saturday.

Engaging with the Twitterverse for the first time, newly appointed External Affairs Minister (EAM) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar paid homage to his predecessor Sushma Swaraj on Saturday. "My first tweet. Thank you all for the best wishes! Honoured to be given this responsibility. Proud to follow on the footsteps of @SushmaSwaraj ji," Jaishankar`s first tweet read. My first tweet. Thank you all for the best wishes! Honoured to be given this responsibility. Proud to follow on the footsteps of @SushmaSwaraj ji — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 1, 2019 × A surprise addition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's latest Union Cabinet, the former Foreign Secretary succeeds Swaraj in helming the Ministry of External Affairs for the next five years under the NDA government. Swaraj opted out of contesting in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections citing her health. She spearheaded various rescue operations during her term, including those in Libya and Yemen. The former EAM was much-loved by people for being one of the most approachable ministers, known for hearing out and solving grievances on Twitter. Jaishankar pledged to follow the precedent set by her, and tweeted, "We at Team @MEAIndia continue to be at your service 24x7. Happy to be leading the effort with my colleague MoS Muraleedharan ji." We at Team @MEAIndia continue to be at your service 24x7 Happy to be leading the effort with my colleague MoS Muraleedharan ji @VMBJP — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 1, 2019 × The EAM went on to express his gratitude for the wishes extended by his counterparts from Australia, France and Indonesia, who tweeted their greetings for the former top diplomat. Both Jaishankar and the new Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, assumed office on May 31, following the official announcement regarding portfolio allocations. "Back at South Block, in a new role! The new External Affairs Minister of India @DrSJaishankar assumes office," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted on Friday. A former career diplomat, the 1977-batch IFS officer and Padma Shri awardee served as the Foreign Secretary for three years - from 2015 until his retirement in 2018 - under Modi's previous term as Prime Minister. He had earlier served as India's Ambassador to China and then to the US. The incumbent EAM has previously been India`s Ambassador to the Czech Republic and High Commissioner to Singapore as well. He was also the First Secretary and Political Advisor to the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka. It is believed that Modi first met Jaishankar when he travelled to China as the Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2012. The former diplomat played a critical role in handling tough negotiations with Beijing, following the incursion in Doklam and Ladakh`s Depsang. He is also known as the Indian government`s key strategist for China and the US. In 2008, Jaishankar was a member of the team which negotiated the landmark Indo-US nuclear deal under the UPA government headed by then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Proud to follow in Sushma Swaraj's footsteps, says new External Affairs Minister Jaishankar

Here's look at new cabinet entrants in PM Narendra Modi's Council of Ministers. Watch this video to know more.

Here's look at new cabinet entrants in PM Narendra Modi's Council of Ministers

arendra Modi took oath as Prime Minister of India for the second successive time on Tuesday in a grand ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. He was joined by 24 cabinet-ranked ministers, 24 Ministers of State and another nine Ministers of State (Independent Charge). Watch this video to k now more.

PM Modi, 57 ministers take oath at Rashtrapati Bhavan

BJP president Amit Shah took oath at the much awaited swearing-in ceremony as a minster in Modi government's cabinet on Thursday. Watch this video to know more.

BJP chief Amit Shah joins Modi's cabinet 2.0

Putting all speculations to rest, BJP president Amit Shah took oath at the much awaited swearing-in ceremony as a minster in Modi government's cabinet on Thursday. However, the biggest surprise that PM Modi threw up was the inclusion of former foreign secretary S Jaishankar Prasad in cabinet. Watch this video to know more.

Amit Shah, S Jaishankar PM Narendra Modi's surprise pick

Narendra Modi took oath of office and secrecy as Prime Minister for the second consecutive term, administered by President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday. Watch this video to know more.

Watch: Highlights of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony

The newly inducted Narendra Modi government will hold its first Cabinet meeting on Friday. According to reports, the cabinet meeting will be held around 5 PM on Friday. Watch this video to know more.

All-new Narendra Modi govt to hold its first Cabinet meet

Sushma Swaraj may not be part of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-takes-oath-as-prime-minister-for-second-time-222847">Modi government this time</a>, but she leaves a legacy of an easily-accessible External Affairs Minister who helped the diaspora in distress by her revolutionary social media outreach.

From being the youngest cabinet minister in the Haryana government to becoming the first woman Delhi chief minister, Swaraj has been a politician with many firsts.

Some of the key ministers in the previous Modi government, including Swaraj, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Maneka Gandhi were not part of the new dispensation.

Swaraj had opted out of fighting the Lok Sabha elections due to health reasons.

She was a celebrated minister in the previous cabinet after she earned the reputation of being an easily-accessible External Affairs Minister.

Her interaction with the diaspora on social media, established her as someone who can be reached in distress with just the click of a mouse.

Several path-breaking measures such as the passport infrastructure expansion and enhanced engagement with the East were the highlight of her tenure.

Swaraj, 66, became the External Affairs Minister in 2014 when Modi's first cabinet was sworn-in on May 26.&nbsp;

She is only the second woman to hold the portfolio after Indira Gandhi, who briefly kept External Affairs Ministry under her while being the Prime Minister.

Swaraj has many firsts to her credit such as being the youngest cabinet minister in the Haryana government, first woman Chief Minister of Delhi and the first woman spokesperson for any national political party in the country.

During her tenure as the External Affairs Minister, Swaraj handled several strategically-sensitive issues, including Indo-Pak and Sino-India relations.

Her role in resolving the prickly Doklam standoff between the Indian and Chinese sides will be remembered.

India's joining of the SCO was also a key achievement during her tenure as External Affairs Minister.

In 1977, at 25 years of age, Swaraj became the youngest cabinet minister -- she held the education portfolio in Haryana.

Swaraj, a law graduate who practised in Supreme Court, has been elected seven times as a Member of Parliament and three times as a Member of the Legislative Assembly.

She began her political career with the ABVP in the 1970s.

Member of the Haryana Assembly from 1977 to 1982 from Ambala Cantonment, she was sworn in as a Cabinet Minister in Devi Lal government.

Swaraj has previously also held the portfolios of Information and Broadcasting, Telecommunications, Health and Family Welfare, and Parliamentary Affairs in the Union Cabinet.

Swaraj is married to Swaraj Kaushal, a designated senior advocate of Supreme Court of India who served as Governor of Mizoram from 1990 to 1993. Kaushal was also a Member of Parliament from 1998 to 2004.

She has been the recipient of the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award.

Sushma Swaraj may not be part of the Modi government this time, but she leaves a legacy of an easily-accessible External Affairs Minister who helped the diaspora in distress by her revolutionary social media outreach.

Sushma Swaraj may not be part of the Modi government this time, but she leaves a legacy of an easily-accessible External Affairs Minister who helped the diaspora in distress by her revolutionary social media outreach. From being the youngest cabinet minister in the Haryana government to becoming the first woman Delhi chief minister, Swaraj has been a politician with many firsts. Some of the key ministers in the previous Modi government, including Swaraj, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Maneka Gandhi were not part of the new dispensation. Swaraj had opted out of fighting the Lok Sabha elections due to health reasons. She was a celebrated minister in the previous cabinet after she earned the reputation of being an easily-accessible External Affairs Minister. Her interaction with the diaspora on social media, established her as someone who can be reached in distress with just the click of a mouse. Several path-breaking measures such as the passport infrastructure expansion and enhanced engagement with the East were the highlight of her tenure. Swaraj, 66, became the External Affairs Minister in 2014 when Modi's first cabinet was sworn-in on May 26. She is only the second woman to hold the portfolio after Indira Gandhi, who briefly kept External Affairs Ministry under her while being the Prime Minister. Swaraj has many firsts to her credit such as being the youngest cabinet minister in the Haryana government, first woman Chief Minister of Delhi and the first woman spokesperson for any national political party in the country. During her tenure as the External Affairs Minister, Swaraj handled several strategically-sensitive issues, including Indo-Pak and Sino-India relations. Her role in resolving the prickly Doklam standoff between the Indian and Chinese sides will be remembered. India's joining of the SCO was also a key achievement during her tenure as External Affairs Minister. In 1977, at 25 years of age, Swaraj became the youngest cabinet minister -- she held the education portfolio in Haryana. Swaraj, a law graduate who practised in Supreme Court, has been elected seven times as a Member of Parliament and three times as a Member of the Legislative Assembly. She began her political career with the ABVP in the 1970s. Member of the Haryana Assembly from 1977 to 1982 from Ambala Cantonment, she was sworn in as a Cabinet Minister in Devi Lal government. Swaraj has previously also held the portfolios of Information and Broadcasting, Telecommunications, Health and Family Welfare, and Parliamentary Affairs in the Union Cabinet. Swaraj is married to Swaraj Kaushal, a designated senior advocate of Supreme Court of India who served as Governor of Mizoram from 1990 to 1993. Kaushal was also a Member of Parliament from 1998 to 2004. She has been the recipient of the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award.

Sushma Swaraj an EAM who reached out to diaspora in distress

Two-time BJP MP C R Patil Thursday came close to surpassing the all-time victory margin in Lok Sabha polls as he won the Navsari seat in Gujarat by garnering 6.89 lakh more votes than his rival -- the highest margin in 2019 polls.

So far, the highest victory margin of 6.96 lakh votes in Lok Sabha polls belongs to Pritam Munde, who won the by-election to Beed seat in Maharashtra in October 2014. The by-poll was necessitated after the death of her father and senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde.

Patil has party colleagues Sanjay Bhatia, Krishan Pal and Subhash Chandra Baheria in the 6 lakh-plus clubs, while about a dozen other candidates have won by over 5 lakh margin.

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-modi-wave-sweeps-india-again-nda-poised-to-win-lok-sabha-elections-221034">Narendra Modi widened his victory margin</a> to 4.79 lakh votes when he defeated his nearest rival of Shalini Yadav of Samajwadi Party in Varanasi parliamentary constituency. In 2014, he had defeated Arvind Kejriwal by 3.71 lakh votes.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/the-rise-and-rise-of-amit-shah-his-journey-to-becoming-bjps-most-successful-president-221101">Amit Shah won his maiden Lok Sabha election</a> by a huge margin of 5.57 lakh votes from Gandhinagar in Gujarat this election, bettering senior party leader L K Advani's margin of 4.83 lakh votes in 2014.

The party got winners with huge margins primarily in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh which it swept defeating nearest Congress rivals.

In the results declared by the Election Commission on Thursday, Sanjay Bhatia won the Karnal constituency in Haryana by a margin of 6.56 lakh votes, while his party colleague Krishan Pal won Faridabad in the same state by 6.38 lakh votes.

With his party sweeping Rajasthan, Subhash Chandra Baheria of the BJP won the Bhilwara seat in the state by 6.12 lakh votes.

Shankar Lalwani, who contested from Indore in Madhya Pradesh on BJP ticket after Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan opted out of the race, defeated his nearest Congress rival by a margin of 5.47 lakh votes. Mahajan, an eight-time Lok Sabha MP, had in 2014 had won the seat by 4.67 lakh votes.

Contesting for the first time, Ramakant Bhargava, standing in from Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj opted out, won by 5.03 lakh votes, a lakh vote higher than victory margin in 2014 elections.

In Gujarat's Vadodara, BJP Ranjanben Bhatt won by 5.87 lakh votes while in neighbouring Surat Darshana Vikram Jardosh won by 5.48 lakh votes.

In Madhya Pradesh's Hoshangabad constituency, Uday Pratap Singh returned to the Lok Sabha by a margin of 5.53 lakh votes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-bjp-certain-of-a-clean-sweep-in-delhi-two-candidates-leading-by-huge-margin-220973">Of the seven constituencies in the national capital</a>, two BJP candidates emerged victorious by over 5 lakh votes -- Hans Raj Hans in North West Delhi (5.53 lakh) and Parvesh Verma in West Delhi (5.78 lakh).

CP Joshi of BJP won Chittorgarh seat in Rajasthan by a margin of 5.76 lakh and his colleague Diya Kumari from Jaipur royal family won by 5.51 lakh in Rajsamand constituency. General (Retd) V K Singh also won Ghaziabad seat by over 5 lakh votes.

During the 2014 general elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi won his Vadodara seat with the highest margin. He defeated his nearest rival by a huge margin of 5,70,128 votes. He, however, resigned from the seat and retained Varanasi parliamentary constituency where victory margin was 3,71,784.

The second-biggest victory margin was of General V K Singh (BJP) from Ghaziabad constituency with winning difference of 5,67,260 votes. The former army chief was followed by C R Patil (BJP), who won Navsari seat in Gujarat, with a margin of 5,58,116 votes.

Another BJP candidate Ramcharan Bohara won Jaipur seat with a vote margin of 5,39,345. Darshana Vikram Jardosh (BJP) won Surat, Gujarat, seat with a difference of 5,33,190 votes.

The sixth-highest victory margin crown was with CPM candidate Sankar Prasad Datta of Tripura West. He won the seat with a difference of 5,03,486 votes. Jitendra Chaudhury followed him by winning Tripura East seat by 4,84,358 votes.

BJP patriarch L K Advani won Gandhinagar, Gujarat, seat with a margin of 4,83,121. He was followed by another senior BJP leader Sumitra Mahajan, who defeated her rival by 4,66,901 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

The tenth biggest victory margin was of Krishan Pal (BJP), who defeated his opponent by 4,66,873 votes in Faridabad, Haryana. 
&nbsp;

Two-time BJP MP C R Patil Thursday came close to surpassing the all-time victory margin in Lok Sabha polls as he won the Navsari seat in Gujarat by garnering 6.89 lakh more votes than his rival -- the highest margin in 2019 polls.

Two-time BJP MP C R Patil Thursday came close to surpassing the all-time victory margin in Lok Sabha polls as he won the Navsari seat in Gujarat by garnering 6.89 lakh more votes than his rival -- the highest margin in 2019 polls. So far, the highest victory margin of 6.96 lakh votes in Lok Sabha polls belongs to Pritam Munde, who won the by-election to Beed seat in Maharashtra in October 2014. The by-poll was necessitated after the death of her father and senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde. Patil has party colleagues Sanjay Bhatia, Krishan Pal and Subhash Chandra Baheria in the 6 lakh-plus clubs, while about a dozen other candidates have won by over 5 lakh margin. Prime Minister Narendra Modi widened his victory margin to 4.79 lakh votes when he defeated his nearest rival of Shalini Yadav of Samajwadi Party in Varanasi parliamentary constituency. In 2014, he had defeated Arvind Kejriwal by 3.71 lakh votes. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah won his maiden Lok Sabha election by a huge margin of 5.57 lakh votes from Gandhinagar in Gujarat this election, bettering senior party leader L K Advani's margin of 4.83 lakh votes in 2014. The party got winners with huge margins primarily in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh which it swept defeating nearest Congress rivals. In the results declared by the Election Commission on Thursday, Sanjay Bhatia won the Karnal constituency in Haryana by a margin of 6.56 lakh votes, while his party colleague Krishan Pal won Faridabad in the same state by 6.38 lakh votes. With his party sweeping Rajasthan, Subhash Chandra Baheria of the BJP won the Bhilwara seat in the state by 6.12 lakh votes. Shankar Lalwani, who contested from Indore in Madhya Pradesh on BJP ticket after Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan opted out of the race, defeated his nearest Congress rival by a margin of 5.47 lakh votes. Mahajan, an eight-time Lok Sabha MP, had in 2014 had won the seat by 4.67 lakh votes. Contesting for the first time, Ramakant Bhargava, standing in from Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj opted out, won by 5.03 lakh votes, a lakh vote higher than victory margin in 2014 elections. In Gujarat's Vadodara, BJP Ranjanben Bhatt won by 5.87 lakh votes while in neighbouring Surat Darshana Vikram Jardosh won by 5.48 lakh votes. In Madhya Pradesh's Hoshangabad constituency, Uday Pratap Singh returned to the Lok Sabha by a margin of 5.53 lakh votes. Of the seven constituencies in the national capital, two BJP candidates emerged victorious by over 5 lakh votes -- Hans Raj Hans in North West Delhi (5.53 lakh) and Parvesh Verma in West Delhi (5.78 lakh). CP Joshi of BJP won Chittorgarh seat in Rajasthan by a margin of 5.76 lakh and his colleague Diya Kumari from Jaipur royal family won by 5.51 lakh in Rajsamand constituency. General (Retd) V K Singh also won Ghaziabad seat by over 5 lakh votes. During the 2014 general elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi won his Vadodara seat with the highest margin. He defeated his nearest rival by a huge margin of 5,70,128 votes. He, however, resigned from the seat and retained Varanasi parliamentary constituency where victory margin was 3,71,784. The second-biggest victory margin was of General V K Singh (BJP) from Ghaziabad constituency with winning difference of 5,67,260 votes. The former army chief was followed by C R Patil (BJP), who won Navsari seat in Gujarat, with a margin of 5,58,116 votes. Another BJP candidate Ramcharan Bohara won Jaipur seat with a vote margin of 5,39,345. Darshana Vikram Jardosh (BJP) won Surat, Gujarat, seat with a difference of 5,33,190 votes. The sixth-highest victory margin crown was with CPM candidate Sankar Prasad Datta of Tripura West. He won the seat with a difference of 5,03,486 votes. Jitendra Chaudhury followed him by winning Tripura East seat by 4,84,358 votes. BJP patriarch L K Advani won Gandhinagar, Gujarat, seat with a margin of 4,83,121. He was followed by another senior BJP leader Sumitra Mahajan, who defeated her rival by 4,66,901 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The tenth biggest victory margin was of Krishan Pal (BJP), who defeated his opponent by 4,66,873 votes in Faridabad, Haryana.

Lok Sabha election result 2019: Biggest victory margin in 2019 elections, BJP's CR Patil wins by 6.89 lakh votes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led-BJP appeared set for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-surges-ahead-with-319-seats-in-early-trends-congress-trails-far-behind-with-105-220814">resounding comeback</a> on Thursday with leads in 345 seats while the Congress trailed far behind with 90, as the counting of the votes polled in India's 17 Lok Sabha election was underway.

BJP president Amit Shah tweeted that "the result is India's mandate against propaganda, lies, personal insinuations and baseless politics by the opposition".

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यह परिणाम विपक्ष द्वारा किये गये दुष्प्रचार, झूठ, व्यक्तिगत आक्षेप और आधारहीन राजनीति के विरुद्ध भारत का जनादेश है। 
 
आज का जनादेश यह भी दिखाता है कि भारत की जनता ने देश से जातिवाद, परिवारवाद और तुष्टिकरण को पूरी तरह से उखाड़ फेंककर विकासवाद और राष्ट्रवाद को चुना है। 
 
भारत को नमन।
— Chowkidar Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1131487589276368896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Today's mandate also shows that the people of India have chosen evolution and nationalism by completely uprooting casteism, familyism and appeasing from the country," his tweet read.

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प्रधान मंत्री जी <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> - भारतीय जनता पार्टी को इतनी बड़ी विजय दिलाने के लिए आपका बहुत बहुत अभिनन्दन. मैं देशवासियों के प्रति हृदय से कृज्ञता व्यक्त करती हूँ.
— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1131429757831135232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted out saying, "Thank you very much for giving the prime minister, Bharatiya Janata Party such a great victory. &nbsp;I convey my heartfelt gratitude to the countrymen".&nbsp;

Senior leader and Home Minister Rajnath Singh termed the early trends "historic" and credited it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "astute" leadership and party chief Amit Shah's "dynamism".

In a series of tweets, Singh said the people of India have once again given a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-ahead-in-57-seats-in-up-modi-leading-in-varanasi-rahul-trails-in-amethi-220871">decisive mandate to the BJP-led NDA</a> and reposed their faith in Modi's leadership and vision of New India.

Party's spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain described the party's excellent performance as "the victory of the developmental work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the defeat of negative politics."

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UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath: I want to congratulate Prime Minister Modi for this victory. BJP is touching 300 mark for the first time &amp; NDA is touching 350. I also congratulate the party President Amit Shah. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElectionresults2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElectionresults2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/0JxtURwjLL">pic.twitter.com/0JxtURwjLL</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1131497577994760198?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He further said those who thought that by forming a coalition based on caste politics they can defeat development, "this is a new era...Modi era...An era of development politics. Whoever will bring development, will win."

Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj extended her gratitude to PM Modi for helping Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to lead in the Lok Sabha elections.

"Congratulations @narendramodi for helping BJP win big. On behalf of people, I extend my gratitude," she tweeted.

Commerce and Industry minister Suresh Prabhu said,&nbsp;"People wanted Modi for the future of the nation".

"We did a great job in West Bengal where we didn’t have the strength... The impact of the BJP has increased in UP".

"People are with Modi and opposition was on the other side," Suresh Prabhu added.

While attacking opposition Suresh Prabhu said, "When BJP wins they blame EVMs and when they win they accept the results".

"You can blame anyone for their work, their policies are responsible for their defeat," Prabhu added.

BJP's Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat candidate, Sunny Deol in an upbeat tone said that he is very "happy with the fact that Modiji is winning."

"I am very happy and want Modiji to come back. Let the counting complete. I am happy with the fact that Modiji is winning. &nbsp;I want to work with him to make our constituency better."

Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, BJP's Jaipur Lok Sabha seat candidate, said that PM Modi has "made the country strong". 
&nbsp; 
"Now when India has seen the work done by Prime Minister Modi, the country would not see back. This is for the country's development. The captain of the team deserves all the praises. He is the leader. He has made the country strong," Rathore said.

Watch:&nbsp;Vivek Oberoi speaks to WION about Modi biopic and general elections

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&nbsp;

 
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi led-BJP appeared set for a resounding comeback on Thursday with leads in 345 seats while the Congress trailed far behind with 90, as the counting of the votes polled in India's 17 Lok Sabha election was underway.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led-BJP appeared set for a resounding comeback on Thursday with leads in 345 seats while the Congress trailed far behind with 90, as the counting of the votes polled in India's 17 Lok Sabha election was underway. BJP president Amit Shah tweeted that "the result is India's mandate against propaganda, lies, personal insinuations and baseless politics by the opposition". यह परिणाम विपक्ष द्वारा किये गये दुष्प्रचार, झूठ, व्यक्तिगत आक्षेप और आधारहीन राजनीति के विरुद्ध भारत का जनादेश है। आज का जनादेश यह भी दिखाता है कि भारत की जनता ने देश से जातिवाद, परिवारवाद और तुष्टिकरण को पूरी तरह से उखाड़ फेंककर विकासवाद और राष्ट्रवाद को चुना है। भारत को नमन। — Chowkidar Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 23, 2019 × "Today's mandate also shows that the people of India have chosen evolution and nationalism by completely uprooting casteism, familyism and appeasing from the country," his tweet read. प्रधान मंत्री जी @narendramodi - भारतीय जनता पार्टी को इतनी बड़ी विजय दिलाने के लिए आपका बहुत बहुत अभिनन्दन. मैं देशवासियों के प्रति हृदय से कृज्ञता व्यक्त करती हूँ. — Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) May 23, 2019 × External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted out saying, "Thank you very much for giving the prime minister, Bharatiya Janata Party such a great victory. I convey my heartfelt gratitude to the countrymen". Senior leader and Home Minister Rajnath Singh termed the early trends "historic" and credited it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "astute" leadership and party chief Amit Shah's "dynamism". In a series of tweets, Singh said the people of India have once again given a decisive mandate to the BJP-led NDA and reposed their faith in Modi's leadership and vision of New India. Party's spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain described the party's excellent performance as "the victory of the developmental work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the defeat of negative politics." UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath: I want to congratulate Prime Minister Modi for this victory. BJP is touching 300 mark for the first time & NDA is touching 350. I also congratulate the party President Amit Shah. #LokSabhaElectionresults2019 pic.twitter.com/0JxtURwjLL — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 23, 2019 × He further said those who thought that by forming a coalition based on caste politics they can defeat development, "this is a new era...Modi era...An era of development politics. Whoever will bring development, will win." Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj extended her gratitude to PM Modi for helping Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to lead in the Lok Sabha elections. "Congratulations @narendramodi for helping BJP win big. On behalf of people, I extend my gratitude," she tweeted. Commerce and Industry minister Suresh Prabhu said, "People wanted Modi for the future of the nation". "We did a great job in West Bengal where we didn’t have the strength... The impact of the BJP has increased in UP". "People are with Modi and opposition was on the other side," Suresh Prabhu added. While attacking opposition Suresh Prabhu said, "When BJP wins they blame EVMs and when they win they accept the results". "You can blame anyone for their work, their policies are responsible for their defeat," Prabhu added. BJP's Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat candidate, Sunny Deol in an upbeat tone said that he is very "happy with the fact that Modiji is winning." "I am very happy and want Modiji to come back. Let the counting complete. I am happy with the fact that Modiji is winning. I want to work with him to make our constituency better." Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, BJP's Jaipur Lok Sabha seat candidate, said that PM Modi has "made the country strong". "Now when India has seen the work done by Prime Minister Modi, the country would not see back. This is for the country's development. The captain of the team deserves all the praises. He is the leader. He has made the country strong," Rathore said. Watch: Vivek Oberoi speaks to WION about Modi biopic and general elections ×

People of India have chosen evolution and nationalism: Amit Shah tweets, BJP leaders react to landslide win

Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj Is Attending The SCO Meeting. India Is Likely To Raise The Issue Of Cross-Border Terrorism At The Meeting.

Gravitas: Strategic Autonomy: The New Template Of India's Foreign Policy

Meanwhile, even as India’s messaging remains the same terror and talks cannot go together, all eyes would on the summit level meeting.

SCO Meet: No Indo-Pak meeting on the cards

External Affairs Minister of India Sushma Swaraj says the wounds of Pulwama attack are still raw on the minds of India at the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation meeting. Here's all that happened on Day 1 of the two-day long SCO Meet

Gravitas: Sushma Swaraj addresses SCO meet

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/india-speaks-out-against-terror-at-sco-fms-meet-in-kyrgyzstan-220584">Shanghai Cooperation Organisation </a>meeting in Kyrgyzstan.

The two leaders discussed issues of bilateral interest, including the implementation of understanding reached during last year's Wuhan Summit.

The meeting came a month after India skipped the OBOR in China last month. The two South Asian countries, meanwhile, continue to build on their ties post the battle over Masood Azhar at the UNSC.&nbsp;

"Continuing the momentum of high-level exchanges. EAM @SushmaSwaraj met Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi on the sidelines of #SCO Foreign Minister's Meeting in Bishkek. Discussed issues of bilateral interest, including the implementation of understanding reached during Wuhan Summit," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.&nbsp;

Swaraj who arrived here on Tuesday to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council (SCO) of Foreign Ministers in the Kyrgyz capital, also had a brief encounter with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

Earlier today as the delegates of member nations met, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Indian Foreign Minister Swaraj were seen standing next to each other.

This was the first time that top government functionaries of both countries came face to face post the Pulwama attacks.

It was also the first time since that strike that Swaraj and her Pakistani counterpart Qureshi were seen under the same roof.

Tensions escalated between the two countries after the Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF men. It was followed by the Indian Air Force striking Jaish-e-Mohammed terror launchpads deep inside Pakstan.

India raised the issue of Pulwama and the recent attacks in Sri Lanka.

Swaraj said that India is open to strengthening the Regional Anti-Terror Structure or RATS of SCO to fight terrorism and security challenges in the region.

The meeting comes at a time when Pakistan is seeking talks with Delhi and is keen to push the restart button with India.

India maintains that talks and terror can't go hand in hand.

India will also raise the issue of region-specific terror, weeks after it successfully ensured a global blacklisting of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar at the UNSC.

India through its successful issue-based negotiations has made Pakistan-based cross-border terror a central theme on international platforms.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting in Kyrgyzstan.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting in Kyrgyzstan. The two leaders discussed issues of bilateral interest, including the implementation of understanding reached during last year's Wuhan Summit. The meeting came a month after India skipped the OBOR in China last month. The two South Asian countries, meanwhile, continue to build on their ties post the battle over Masood Azhar at the UNSC. "Continuing the momentum of high-level exchanges. EAM @SushmaSwaraj met Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi on the sidelines of #SCO Foreign Minister's Meeting in Bishkek. Discussed issues of bilateral interest, including the implementation of understanding reached during Wuhan Summit," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. Swaraj who arrived here on Tuesday to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council (SCO) of Foreign Ministers in the Kyrgyz capital, also had a brief encounter with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Earlier today as the delegates of member nations met, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Indian Foreign Minister Swaraj were seen standing next to each other. This was the first time that top government functionaries of both countries came face to face post the Pulwama attacks. It was also the first time since that strike that Swaraj and her Pakistani counterpart Qureshi were seen under the same roof. Tensions escalated between the two countries after the Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF men. It was followed by the Indian Air Force striking Jaish-e-Mohammed terror launchpads deep inside Pakstan. India raised the issue of Pulwama and the recent attacks in Sri Lanka. Swaraj said that India is open to strengthening the Regional Anti-Terror Structure or RATS of SCO to fight terrorism and security challenges in the region. The meeting comes at a time when Pakistan is seeking talks with Delhi and is keen to push the restart button with India. India maintains that talks and terror can't go hand in hand. India will also raise the issue of region-specific terror, weeks after it successfully ensured a global blacklisting of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar at the UNSC. India through its successful issue-based negotiations has made Pakistan-based cross-border terror a central theme on international platforms.

Sushma Swaraj meets Chinese counterpart, shares dais with Pak Foreign Minister at SCO meet

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will travel to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyz Republic, on Tuesday to take part in the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

India at SCO Foreign Ministers meet; likely to raise issue of terrorism

A day ahead of declaration of Lok Sabha election&nbsp;results, China said it's ready to work with the new government in New Delhi.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of Shanghai cooperation organisation (SCO) foreign ministers meet in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday. It is during this meet, Wang Yi expressed his country's desire to work with the soon to be elected new Government.&nbsp;

Both sides also agreed on the implementation of the Wuhan informal summit goals. A tweet by the ministry of external affairs said, "Discussed issues of bilateral interest, including implementation of understanding, reached during Wuhan Summit". As part of Wuhan understanding, both leaders gave "strategic guidance" to their respective militaries to strengthen communication in order to build trust.

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Continuing the momentum of high-level exchanges 
 
EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> met Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi on the sidelines of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SCO</a> Foreign Minister's Meeting in Bishkek. Discussed issues of bilateral interest, including implementation of understanding reached during Wuhan Summit. <a href="https://t.co/apfo2sEv9D">pic.twitter.com/apfo2sEv9D</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1131124148355383296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Both sides also discussed how to celebrate the 70th year anniversary of India-China relations. On 1 April 1950, India became the first non-socialist bloc country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.&nbsp;

This is the first meeting between both the ministers after listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist at the United Nation. China prevented the listing of Azhar, the chief of Pakistan based United nations listed terror group--Jaish-e-Mohammad since 2009. On May 1, it finally relented, paving the way for his listing leading to an arms embargo, travel ban and asset freeze on him.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times in 2018 starting with the famous informal summit in Wuhan. The Chinese President Xi Jinping will be visiting India for the second informal summit this year.

A day ahead of declaration of Lok Sabha election results, China said it's ready to work with the new government in New Delhi. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of Shanghai cooperation organisation (SCO) foreign ministers meet in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday.

A day ahead of declaration of Lok Sabha election results, China said it's ready to work with the new government in New Delhi. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of Shanghai cooperation organisation (SCO) foreign ministers meet in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday. It is during this meet, Wang Yi expressed his country's desire to work with the soon to be elected new Government. Both sides also agreed on the implementation of the Wuhan informal summit goals. A tweet by the ministry of external affairs said, "Discussed issues of bilateral interest, including implementation of understanding, reached during Wuhan Summit". As part of Wuhan understanding, both leaders gave "strategic guidance" to their respective militaries to strengthen communication in order to build trust. Continuing the momentum of high-level exchanges EAM @SushmaSwaraj met Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi on the sidelines of #SCO Foreign Minister's Meeting in Bishkek. Discussed issues of bilateral interest, including implementation of understanding reached during Wuhan Summit. pic.twitter.com/apfo2sEv9D — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) May 22, 2019 × Both sides also discussed how to celebrate the 70th year anniversary of India-China relations. On 1 April 1950, India became the first non-socialist bloc country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. This is the first meeting between both the ministers after listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist at the United Nation. China prevented the listing of Azhar, the chief of Pakistan based United nations listed terror group--Jaish-e-Mohammad since 2009. On May 1, it finally relented, paving the way for his listing leading to an arms embargo, travel ban and asset freeze on him. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times in 2018 starting with the famous informal summit in Wuhan. The Chinese President Xi Jinping will be visiting India for the second informal summit this year.

Ready to work with new government in India: Chinese foreign minister 

As part of 100 million Maldivian rufiyaa grant aid announced during External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's visit to the Maldives in March 2019, India will be building two projects in the country.&nbsp;

The projects include Police Academy in Dhaalu Atoll and Convention Centre in Ukulhas, Alif Alif Atoll. The total cost of both the projects will be $960,000.

Maldivian foreign ministry said, "The purpose of Police Academy is to provide modern training to police officers, and the necessary skills and knowledge required to perform their duties efficiently and effectively."

"The aim of the grant assistance is to conduct socio-economic development projects across the country which are of high impact,'' Ministry added.

The development comes even as reports emerged that India and Japan are planning to build part of Colombo port in Sri Lanka even as Chinese attempts to make inroads in the region, especially through its belt and road initiative.

During Sushma Swaraj's&nbsp;visit in March, Maldives requested Indian assistance for the construction of a cricket stadium which New Delhi is currently looking into.

Interestingly, Maldivian Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid met with a delegation from Board of Control For Cricket in India (BCCI) led by General Manager, Cricket Operations Saba Karim on Tuesday.

There has been a number of high-level visits between the two countries since the new government came.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present during the swearing-in ceremony of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in November, 2018 followed by visits of Maldivian Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid and President Solih had that year itself.

As part of 100 million Maldivian rufiyaa grant aid announced during External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's visit to the Maldives in March 2019, India will be building two projects in the country.

As part of 100 million Maldivian rufiyaa grant aid announced during External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's visit to the Maldives in March 2019, India will be building two projects in the country. The projects include Police Academy in Dhaalu Atoll and Convention Centre in Ukulhas, Alif Alif Atoll. The total cost of both the projects will be $960,000. Maldivian foreign ministry said, "The purpose of Police Academy is to provide modern training to police officers, and the necessary skills and knowledge required to perform their duties efficiently and effectively." "The aim of the grant assistance is to conduct socio-economic development projects across the country which are of high impact,'' Ministry added. The development comes even as reports emerged that India and Japan are planning to build part of Colombo port in Sri Lanka even as Chinese attempts to make inroads in the region, especially through its belt and road initiative. During Sushma Swaraj's visit in March, Maldives requested Indian assistance for the construction of a cricket stadium which New Delhi is currently looking into. Interestingly, Maldivian Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid met with a delegation from Board of Control For Cricket in India (BCCI) led by General Manager, Cricket Operations Saba Karim on Tuesday. There has been a number of high-level visits between the two countries since the new government came. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present during the swearing-in ceremony of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in November, 2018 followed by visits of Maldivian Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid and President Solih had that year itself.

India to build police academy, convention centres for Maldives

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will attend a two-day meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), beginning on Tuesday, in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek, during which several pressing issues including a thread of terrorism are expected to be discussed.

This will be her last visit as the External Affairs Minister to any country under the present government. She will leave for Bishkek on&nbsp;Tuesday at 10 am.

During the meet, India will be strongly raising the issue of terror and the Afghan peace process.&nbsp;

The meeting comes just weeks before the SCO summit that will take place in Bishkek from June 13-14 and will see the participation of the Indian and Pakistani prime ministers.

The External Affairs Ministry said the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) will exchange views on topical issues of international and regional importance, besides reviewing the preparation for the SCO Summit in Bishkek from June 13-14.

External Affairs Minister’s program in Bishkek will include the "meeting of Council of SCO Foreign Ministers" and a joint call of SCO Foreign Ministers on Kyrgyz President Sooranbay Jeenbekov.

This is the second SCO FMs meet India is participating as a full member of SCO, the last being in April of 2018 in Beijing.

India became a full member of the China-dominated grouping in 2017 and New Delhi's entry has increased the bloc's heft in regional geopolitics, besides giving it a pan-Asian hue.

No India-Pakistan meet

Pakistan will be represented by Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.&nbsp;

Asked if Pakistani and Indian ministers will meet during the SCO FMs summit, the Pakistani foreign office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said, "The two foreign ministers would be present in the meeting and in all likelihood would interact amongst themselves and with other leaders. No formal meeting is, however, envisaged."

India got full membership of the grouping along with Pakistan in 2017 during the Astana summit of SCO with the process beginning during 2015 SCO summit in Russia.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will attend a two-day meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), beginning on Tuesday, in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek, during which several pressing issues including a thread of terrorism are expected to be discussed.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will attend a two-day meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), beginning on Tuesday, in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek, during which several pressing issues including a thread of terrorism are expected to be discussed. This will be her last visit as the External Affairs Minister to any country under the present government. She will leave for Bishkek on Tuesday at 10 am. During the meet, India will be strongly raising the issue of terror and the Afghan peace process. The meeting comes just weeks before the SCO summit that will take place in Bishkek from June 13-14 and will see the participation of the Indian and Pakistani prime ministers. The External Affairs Ministry said the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) will exchange views on topical issues of international and regional importance, besides reviewing the preparation for the SCO Summit in Bishkek from June 13-14. External Affairs Minister’s program in Bishkek will include the "meeting of Council of SCO Foreign Ministers" and a joint call of SCO Foreign Ministers on Kyrgyz President Sooranbay Jeenbekov. This is the second SCO FMs meet India is participating as a full member of SCO, the last being in April of 2018 in Beijing. India became a full member of the China-dominated grouping in 2017 and New Delhi's entry has increased the bloc's heft in regional geopolitics, besides giving it a pan-Asian hue. No India-Pakistan meet Pakistan will be represented by Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Asked if Pakistani and Indian ministers will meet during the SCO FMs summit, the Pakistani foreign office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said, "The two foreign ministers would be present in the meeting and in all likelihood would interact amongst themselves and with other leaders. No formal meeting is, however, envisaged." India got full membership of the grouping along with Pakistan in 2017 during the Astana summit of SCO with the process beginning during 2015 SCO summit in Russia.

Sushma Swaraj to attend SCO foreign ministers meet in Bishkek, her last tour under present government

Today marks the last day of campaigning (except West Bengal) for the seventh and final phase of Lok Sabha election 2019, political parties across the country will leave no stone unturned in their attempts to woo the voters. Watch this video to know more.

India Votes: Final push by star campaigners

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Wednesday said the BJP has already crossed the majority mark after sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls and appealed to voters in Varanasi&nbsp;to re-elect Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a record margin.

Flagging off a motorcycle rally of women, Swaraj said the "relationship between you and Modi has become more strong...Like a family in the past five years".&nbsp;

"Today I have come as a representative of PM Modi and the NDA government to give details of the work done in various fields," she said and listed the government's performance on national security, economy and external affairs fronts.

She referred to the surgical strike on terror launch pads and air strike in Balakot to highlight the government's success on national security front.

"The Mumbai terror attack was the worst but the UPA government did nothing, whereas the NDA government under PM Modi's leadership retaliated with surgical strikes and air strikes soon after the Pulwama terror attack to give a strong message to Pakistan and also isolated it on international platform...," she said.

Swaraj also highlighted her efforts to help Indians abroad.&nbsp;

She laid emphasis on the success of Bharatiya Pravasi Diwas organised here.

On the economic front, she said the Indian economy has become the sixth largest in the world, whereas during the UPA regime it was counted among the first five fragile economy.&nbsp;

Referring to the late premier Rajiv Gandhi's remark that only 15 paise of every rupee meant for the welfare of downtrodden reaches them, Swaraj said the NDA government has completely ended this "commission system".

She appealed to the voters to ensure Modi's victory with the highest margin in the country.&nbsp;

Varanasi goes to poll in the seventh and last phase on May 19.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Wednesday said the BJP has already crossed the majority mark after sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls and appealed to voters in Varanasi to re-elect Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a record margin.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Wednesday said the BJP has already crossed the majority mark after sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls and appealed to voters in Varanasi to re-elect Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a record margin. Flagging off a motorcycle rally of women, Swaraj said the "relationship between you and Modi has become more strong...Like a family in the past five years". "Today I have come as a representative of PM Modi and the NDA government to give details of the work done in various fields," she said and listed the government's performance on national security, economy and external affairs fronts. She referred to the surgical strike on terror launch pads and air strike in Balakot to highlight the government's success on national security front. "The Mumbai terror attack was the worst but the UPA government did nothing, whereas the NDA government under PM Modi's leadership retaliated with surgical strikes and air strikes soon after the Pulwama terror attack to give a strong message to Pakistan and also isolated it on international platform...," she said. Swaraj also highlighted her efforts to help Indians abroad. She laid emphasis on the success of Bharatiya Pravasi Diwas organised here. On the economic front, she said the Indian economy has become the sixth largest in the world, whereas during the UPA regime it was counted among the first five fragile economy. Referring to the late premier Rajiv Gandhi's remark that only 15 paise of every rupee meant for the welfare of downtrodden reaches them, Swaraj said the NDA government has completely ended this "commission system". She appealed to the voters to ensure Modi's victory with the highest margin in the country. Varanasi goes to poll in the seventh and last phase on May 19.

BJP crossed majority mark after sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls: Sushma Swaraj

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Tuesday held "constructive" talks with her Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif and conveyed to him that India will take a decision on import of Iranian oil after the Lok Sabha polls, keeping in mind its commercial, economic and energy security interests.

The talks between the two foreign ministers came 12 days after the US ended six-month-long exemptions from sanctions to India and seven other countries to buy oil from Iran. &nbsp;

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Relations spanning millennia 
 
EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> and Iranian Foreign Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/JZarif?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JZarif</a> held constructive discussions on all bilateral issues of mutual interest. Good exchange of views on the evolving regional situation, including Afghanistan. <a href="https://t.co/bF04by3HLj">pic.twitter.com/bF04by3HLj</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1128223564182634496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Zarif's visit here came amid escalating face-off between Iran and the United States on Tehran's nuclear programme.&nbsp;

In a tweet, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar described the discussions between Swaraj and Zarif as "constructive". &nbsp; &nbsp; 
"EAM @SushmaSwaraj and Iranian Foreign Minister @JZarif held constructive discussions on all bilateral issues of mutual interest. Good exchange of views on the evolving regional situation, including Afghanistan," he said.

Official sources said Swaraj reiterated the position that a decision will be taken after the elections based on commercial considerations, energy security and economic interests.

In the meeting, Zarif recalled the steps announced by President Hassan Rouhani on May 8 including decisions linked to the export of enriched uranium and heavy water, the sources said.

The Iranian Foreign Minister also mentioned that 60 days timeline has been given to EU-3 and other parties to Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA for restoring Iran's oil and banking channels, the sources said.

In a televised address, Rouhani had on May 8 said that Iran would suspend some parts of its "commitments" to the JCPOA, but will not fully withdraw from it.

In the meeting with Zarif, the Indian side reiterated its position on JCPOA and said New Delhi would like all parties to continue to fulfill their commitments and that they should engage constructively to the issues peacefully, the sources said.

They said the visit took place at Zarif's own initiative to brief India on the Iranian approach to the recent developments in the region, including on JCPOA, and to review bilateral cooperation.&nbsp;

"This was part of their consultation with other countries in the region including Russia, China, Turkmenistan, and Iraq over the last few days," said a source.

In the meeting, Swaraj and Zarif shared their views on the situation in Afghanistan and agreed to maintain close coordination on the evolving situation, the sources said.

They said both sides expressed satisfaction at the operationalisation of the interim contract on the Chabahar port between India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO).

The US sanctions on Iran is unlikely to impact the Chabahar port project.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Tuesday held "constructive" talks with her Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif and conveyed to him that India will take a decision on import of Iranian oil after the Lok Sabha polls, keeping in mind its commercial, economic and energy security interests.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Tuesday held "constructive" talks with her Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif and conveyed to him that India will take a decision on import of Iranian oil after the Lok Sabha polls, keeping in mind its commercial, economic and energy security interests. The talks between the two foreign ministers came 12 days after the US ended six-month-long exemptions from sanctions to India and seven other countries to buy oil from Iran. Relations spanning millennia EAM @SushmaSwaraj and Iranian Foreign Minister @JZarif held constructive discussions on all bilateral issues of mutual interest. Good exchange of views on the evolving regional situation, including Afghanistan. pic.twitter.com/bF04by3HLj — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) May 14, 2019 × Zarif's visit here came amid escalating face-off between Iran and the United States on Tehran's nuclear programme. In a tweet, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar described the discussions between Swaraj and Zarif as "constructive". "EAM @SushmaSwaraj and Iranian Foreign Minister @JZarif held constructive discussions on all bilateral issues of mutual interest. Good exchange of views on the evolving regional situation, including Afghanistan," he said. Official sources said Swaraj reiterated the position that a decision will be taken after the elections based on commercial considerations, energy security and economic interests. In the meeting, Zarif recalled the steps announced by President Hassan Rouhani on May 8 including decisions linked to the export of enriched uranium and heavy water, the sources said. The Iranian Foreign Minister also mentioned that 60 days timeline has been given to EU-3 and other parties to Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA for restoring Iran's oil and banking channels, the sources said. In a televised address, Rouhani had on May 8 said that Iran would suspend some parts of its "commitments" to the JCPOA, but will not fully withdraw from it. In the meeting with Zarif, the Indian side reiterated its position on JCPOA and said New Delhi would like all parties to continue to fulfill their commitments and that they should engage constructively to the issues peacefully, the sources said. They said the visit took place at Zarif's own initiative to brief India on the Iranian approach to the recent developments in the region, including on JCPOA, and to review bilateral cooperation. "This was part of their consultation with other countries in the region including Russia, China, Turkmenistan, and Iraq over the last few days," said a source. In the meeting, Swaraj and Zarif shared their views on the situation in Afghanistan and agreed to maintain close coordination on the evolving situation, the sources said. They said both sides expressed satisfaction at the operationalisation of the interim contract on the Chabahar port between India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO). The US sanctions on Iran is unlikely to impact the Chabahar port project.

India will take a decision on import of Iranian oil after polls: Swaraj 

Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif held talks with his counterpart Sushma Swaraj in the Indian capital today after New Delhi stopped purchases of Iranian oil this month in the wake of renewed US sanctions.

Iran, India foreign ministers hold talks in New Delhi after US sanctions

&nbsp;

The Iran nuclear deal, the Afghan peace process and India's import of Iranian oil were the three important subjects of discussion when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iranian-foreign-minister-javad-zarif-visits-india-as-us-sanctions-weigh-in-218495">Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif</a> met external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Zarif's Delhi visit is part of tour to countries such as Russia, China, Turkmenistan and Iraq to brief about the Iran Nuclear deal among other issues.

This is the second visit by Iranian foreign minister to India this year and a significant one since it comes as tensions rise in West Asia due to Tehran - Washington showdown.

Saving the Nuclear Deal

Iran foreign minister Zarif briefed his country's position on the 2015 Iran Nuclear deal or Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and steps taken by Tehran as part of the deal.&nbsp;

Recalling the steps announced by Iranian President Rouhani on May 8 including decisions linked to the export of enriched material and heavy water, the visiting foreign minister mentioned that 60 days timeline given to EU-3 (France, Germany and UK) and other parties to JCPOA for restoring the oil and banking channels which has been blocked due to American sanctions.

New Delhi, reiterated its position on the deal and said it would like all parties to the agreement to continue to fulfil their commitments. Remember the US had withdrawn from the 2015 deal. Tehran is now banking on the EU to save the deal now.

Afghan Peace Process

The Afghan peace process was discussed by both sides with the spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs Raveesh Kumar in a tweet on the Zarif-Sushma meet said, "Good exchange of views on the evolving regional situation, including Afghanistan."

Iran's Chabahar port plays an important role in connecting India with Afghanistan and India last year took partial control of it. Chabahar port is also central to International North-South Transport (INSTC) Corridor which will connect Mumbai to Moscow.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at the operationalization of the interim contract on the &nbsp;Chabahar Port between India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO).

In January, India formally established shipping lanes with the Chabahar port and now every two weeks Indian ships go from three Indian ports—Mumbai, Kandla and Mundra to the port in Iran.

India has been engaging with regional countries such as Russia, Iran, China and Central Asian countries on the Afghan peace process and supports an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled process.

Import of Iran Oil

The Iranian Foreign Minister landed in Delhi from Turkmenistan on Monday. Speaking to media on his arrival, he lauded his countries ties with India and said New Delhi "is one of our most important partners - economic, political and regional."

On the oil Imports by India, Zarif said, "the two sides have designed a special financial system to augment trade and economic cooperation."

During the Tuesday talks, external affairs minister said New Delhi will take any final decision on continuation of import of Iran oil only after election results "keeping in mind our commercial considerations, energy security and economic interests."

India is one of the largest importers of Iranian oil, but due to the American sanctions faces pressure from Washington to cut oil imports from the west Asian country.

&nbsp;

The Iran nuclear deal, the Afghan peace process and India's import of Iranian oil were the three important subjects of discussion when Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif met external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday.

The Iran nuclear deal, the Afghan peace process and India's import of Iranian oil were the three important subjects of discussion when Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif met external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday. Zarif's Delhi visit is part of tour to countries such as Russia, China, Turkmenistan and Iraq to brief about the Iran Nuclear deal among other issues. This is the second visit by Iranian foreign minister to India this year and a significant one since it comes as tensions rise in West Asia due to Tehran - Washington showdown. Saving the Nuclear Deal Iran foreign minister Zarif briefed his country's position on the 2015 Iran Nuclear deal or Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and steps taken by Tehran as part of the deal. Recalling the steps announced by Iranian President Rouhani on May 8 including decisions linked to the export of enriched material and heavy water, the visiting foreign minister mentioned that 60 days timeline given to EU-3 (France, Germany and UK) and other parties to JCPOA for restoring the oil and banking channels which has been blocked due to American sanctions. New Delhi, reiterated its position on the deal and said it would like all parties to the agreement to continue to fulfil their commitments. Remember the US had withdrawn from the 2015 deal. Tehran is now banking on the EU to save the deal now. Afghan Peace Process The Afghan peace process was discussed by both sides with the spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs Raveesh Kumar in a tweet on the Zarif-Sushma meet said, "Good exchange of views on the evolving regional situation, including Afghanistan." Iran's Chabahar port plays an important role in connecting India with Afghanistan and India last year took partial control of it. Chabahar port is also central to International North-South Transport (INSTC) Corridor which will connect Mumbai to Moscow. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the operationalization of the interim contract on the Chabahar Port between India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO). In January, India formally established shipping lanes with the Chabahar port and now every two weeks Indian ships go from three Indian ports—Mumbai, Kandla and Mundra to the port in Iran. India has been engaging with regional countries such as Russia, Iran, China and Central Asian countries on the Afghan peace process and supports an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled process. Import of Iran Oil The Iranian Foreign Minister landed in Delhi from Turkmenistan on Monday. Speaking to media on his arrival, he lauded his countries ties with India and said New Delhi "is one of our most important partners - economic, political and regional." On the oil Imports by India, Zarif said, "the two sides have designed a special financial system to augment trade and economic cooperation." During the Tuesday talks, external affairs minister said New Delhi will take any final decision on continuation of import of Iran oil only after election results "keeping in mind our commercial considerations, energy security and economic interests." India is one of the largest importers of Iranian oil, but due to the American sanctions faces pressure from Washington to cut oil imports from the west Asian country.

Foreign minister Javad Zarif, Sushma Swaraj discusses Iran nuclear deal & Afghan peace process

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived on Monday night in New Delhi to hold talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj primarily on the impact of the US ending waivers on import of oil from Iran, and ways to deal with it, official sources said.

The Iranian Foreign Minister and Sushma Swaraj will also discuss the latest developments pertaining to the Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which was inked in 2015 that had then paved the way for the lifting of US sanctions on Iran.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Javad Zarif arrived at 11.45 PM on Monday and will depart at 2:30 PM on Wednesday.

The Iranian foreign ministry in a release said, "Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will travel to the Indian capital of New Delhi to hold talks with Indian officials".

Iranian FM will also visit other countries and brief about the deal, from which the US withdrew last year. Tehran is banking on the European Union to save the deal now.

European Union’s (EU) Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini on Monday said, "As long as Iran remains compliant, we remain committed to implementing the Nuclear Deal and our stand is that the IAEA remains the only body to verify on Iran's compliance".

Import of Iranian oil will also be up for discussion when Zarif meets Sushma since US waivers to Delhi on Iran sanctions came to end earlier this month.&nbsp;

Iran is one of the supplier to crude oil to India. The India-Iran bilateral trade during the fiscal year 2016-17 was $12.89 billion with India importing $ 10.5 billion worth of goods mainly crude oil.&nbsp;

The US had told India and other countries to cut oil imports from Iran to "zero" by November 4 or face sanctions. However, Washington had granted a six-month waiver from sanctions to eight countries, including India.

The world's third-biggest oil consumer, India meets more than 80 per cent of its oil needs through imports. Iran is its third largest supplier after Iraq and Saudi Arabia and meets about 10 per cent of its total needs.

This is Zarif's second visit to India this year. He met Minister of State in the ministry of external affairs Gen V K Singh in Doha at the ministerial meeting of Asian Cooperation Dialogue on 1 May.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived on Monday night in New Delhi to hold talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj primarily on the impact of the US ending waivers on import of oil from Iran, and ways to deal with it, official sources said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived on Monday night in New Delhi to hold talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj primarily on the impact of the US ending waivers on import of oil from Iran, and ways to deal with it, official sources said. The Iranian Foreign Minister and Sushma Swaraj will also discuss the latest developments pertaining to the Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which was inked in 2015 that had then paved the way for the lifting of US sanctions on Iran. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Javad Zarif arrived at 11.45 PM on Monday and will depart at 2:30 PM on Wednesday. The Iranian foreign ministry in a release said, "Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will travel to the Indian capital of New Delhi to hold talks with Indian officials". Iranian FM will also visit other countries and brief about the deal, from which the US withdrew last year. Tehran is banking on the European Union to save the deal now. European Union’s (EU) Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini on Monday said, "As long as Iran remains compliant, we remain committed to implementing the Nuclear Deal and our stand is that the IAEA remains the only body to verify on Iran's compliance". Import of Iranian oil will also be up for discussion when Zarif meets Sushma since US waivers to Delhi on Iran sanctions came to end earlier this month. Iran is one of the supplier to crude oil to India. The India-Iran bilateral trade during the fiscal year 2016-17 was $12.89 billion with India importing $ 10.5 billion worth of goods mainly crude oil. The US had told India and other countries to cut oil imports from Iran to "zero" by November 4 or face sanctions. However, Washington had granted a six-month waiver from sanctions to eight countries, including India. The world's third-biggest oil consumer, India meets more than 80 per cent of its oil needs through imports. Iran is its third largest supplier after Iraq and Saudi Arabia and meets about 10 per cent of its total needs. This is Zarif's second visit to India this year. He met Minister of State in the ministry of external affairs Gen V K Singh in Doha at the ministerial meeting of Asian Cooperation Dialogue on 1 May.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif visits India as US sanctions weigh in

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