The External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday appealed to around 500 Indians to leave Tripoli "immediately," as the situation continues to deteriorate in Libya.

The Indian civilians continue to remain in the Libyan capital, despite massive evacuations and a travel ban which is in place, according to Swaraj.

"Even after massive evacuation from Libya and the travel ban, there are over 500 Indian nationals in Tripoli. The situation in Tripoli is deteriorating fast. Presently, flights are operational. Please, ask your relatives and friends to leave Tripoli immediately. We will not be able to evacuate them later," she tweeted.

Efforts to evacuate all Indians have been underway ever since tensions rose in Tripoli on April 4, when Khalifa Haftar announced an attack on the Libyan capital to capture the region from the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA).

India already removed its entire contingent of peacekeeping forces comprising of 15 CRPF personnel on April 6 from Tripoli, a move which was followed by countries like the United States and Nepal.

More than 200 people have lost their lives and 913 have been wounded ever since clashes erupted in the region as Haftar's Libyan National Army advanced towards Tripoli.

Libya has been largely divided into two factions ever since the death of its dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

The LNA-backed parliament controls the east of Libya, while the UN-backed interim GNA governs Libya's western region from Tripoli.

Most of the international community has urged for a peaceful resolution to the intense fighting which has ensued in the African nation.

The External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday appealed to around 500 Indians to leave Tripoli "immediately," as the situation continues to deteriorate in Libya.

The External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday appealed to around 500 Indians to leave Tripoli "immediately," as the situation continues to deteriorate in Libya. The Indian civilians continue to remain in the Libyan capital, despite massive evacuations and a travel ban which is in place, according to Swaraj. "Even after massive evacuation from Libya and the travel ban, there are over 500 Indian nationals in Tripoli. The situation in Tripoli is deteriorating fast. Presently, flights are operational. Please, ask your relatives and friends to leave Tripoli immediately. We will not be able to evacuate them later," she tweeted. Efforts to evacuate all Indians have been underway ever since tensions rose in Tripoli on April 4, when Khalifa Haftar announced an attack on the Libyan capital to capture the region from the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA). India already removed its entire contingent of peacekeeping forces comprising of 15 CRPF personnel on April 6 from Tripoli, a move which was followed by countries like the United States and Nepal. More than 200 people have lost their lives and 913 have been wounded ever since clashes erupted in the region as Haftar's Libyan National Army advanced towards Tripoli. Libya has been largely divided into two factions ever since the death of its dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The LNA-backed parliament controls the east of Libya, while the UN-backed interim GNA governs Libya's western region from Tripoli. Most of the international community has urged for a peaceful resolution to the intense fighting which has ensued in the African nation.

Libya crisis: Sushma Swaraj asks Indians stranded in Tripoli to leave immediately

External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday took to Twitter to reach out to relatives of those Indians who are living in Libya. In a tweet she said that though there had been massive evacuations from Libya, more than 500 Indians were still stranded in Tripoli.

Libya Crisis: Sushma Swaraj asks Indian nationals to 'immediately' leave Tripoli

India has evacuated its entire contingent of 15 CRPF personnel from Tripoli after the situation "suddenly worsened" in Libya, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Sunday.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) contingent was deployed as a peacekeeping force in Tripoli.

"The situation in Libya has suddenly worsened. There is fighting in Tripoli. Indian Embassy in Tunisia @IndiainTunisia has evacuated the entire contingent of 15 CRPF personnel yesterday itself," Swaraj tweeted.

"I appreciate the excellent work by Indian Embassy in Tunisia," she said.

The Indian Ambassador in Tunisia has the concurrent charge of Libya.

"All Indians in distress in Tripoli may please contact Mr.Mehtab on +218916320278 or Mr.Mustafa on +218924201771 or +218912146640," the minister said.&nbsp;

The military conflict in Libya escalated after forces of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar launched an air strike Sunday in an area in Tripoli and the government vowed a major counteroffensive.

The United Nations has called for a two-hour truce to allow evacuations of civilians and the wounded.&nbsp;

Rivalries between Haftar and the government threaten to plunge the country into a civil war.

India has evacuated its entire contingent of 15 CRPF personnel from Tripoli after the situation "suddenly worsened" in Libya, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Sunday.

India has evacuated its entire contingent of 15 CRPF personnel from Tripoli after the situation "suddenly worsened" in Libya, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Sunday. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) contingent was deployed as a peacekeeping force in Tripoli. "The situation in Libya has suddenly worsened. There is fighting in Tripoli. Indian Embassy in Tunisia @IndiainTunisia has evacuated the entire contingent of 15 CRPF personnel yesterday itself," Swaraj tweeted. "I appreciate the excellent work by Indian Embassy in Tunisia," she said. The Indian Ambassador in Tunisia has the concurrent charge of Libya. "All Indians in distress in Tripoli may please contact Mr.Mehtab on +218916320278 or Mr.Mustafa on +218924201771 or +218912146640," the minister said. The military conflict in Libya escalated after forces of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar launched an air strike Sunday in an area in Tripoli and the government vowed a major counteroffensive. The United Nations has called for a two-hour truce to allow evacuations of civilians and the wounded. Rivalries between Haftar and the government threaten to plunge the country into a civil war.

India evacuates peacekeeping CRPF contingent from Libya

BJP Manifesto 2019: BJP brings 'Sankalp Patra' not 'Ghoshna Patra', says Sushma Swaraj

Union Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-has-achieved-success-in-getting-pakistan-isolated-sushma-swaraj-208266">Sushma Swaraj </a>Friday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi's reported remarks that terrorism was not an issue and asked if that was the case, he should renounce his SPG security cover.

"He (Rahul Gandhi) says a job is an issue, not terrorism. I want to tell Rahul Gandhi ji, if terrorism is not an issue and there is no terrorism in the country, then why do you go around with SPG security?

"From the period of the assassination of (former Prime Minister and Rahul's father) Rajiv Gandhi till now all your family is under the security cover of SPG."

If you feel that terrorism is not an issue then I want to tell you, you write it and give that you do not need SPG security because you feel there is no terrorism in this country and you are not afraid of anybody," she said.

At an election meeting here, Swaraj referred to the air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan's Balakot following the Pulwama attack and said opposition parties who do not have faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi were taking his Pakistan counterparts statements for granted.

The External Affairs Minister said the air strikes received international support and she received calls from leaders of several countries appreciating India's stand on terrorism.

Opposition parties in the country were taking exception to the BJP claiming credit for the air strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in February, she said.

She said the UPA Government should have taken strong action against Pakistan when the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, in which 166 people including 40 foreign nationals were killed, took place.

Narrating the NDA government's initiatives for people, Swaraj said the ruling party's poll plank will be on three issues- security, development and welfare.

She said as many as 1.16 lakh villages have been connected with fibre optic network.

"There were only 77 passport centres in the country now it has gone up to 505 and in Telangana, they were just four and it has gone up to 19," Swaraj added.&nbsp;

Union Minister Sushma Swaraj Friday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi's reported remarks that terrorism was not an issue and asked if that was the case, he should renounce his SPG security cover.

Union Minister Sushma Swaraj Friday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi's reported remarks that terrorism was not an issue and asked if that was the case, he should renounce his SPG security cover. "He (Rahul Gandhi) says a job is an issue, not terrorism. I want to tell Rahul Gandhi ji, if terrorism is not an issue and there is no terrorism in the country, then why do you go around with SPG security? "From the period of the assassination of (former Prime Minister and Rahul's father) Rajiv Gandhi till now all your family is under the security cover of SPG." If you feel that terrorism is not an issue then I want to tell you, you write it and give that you do not need SPG security because you feel there is no terrorism in this country and you are not afraid of anybody," she said. At an election meeting here, Swaraj referred to the air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan's Balakot following the Pulwama attack and said opposition parties who do not have faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi were taking his Pakistan counterparts statements for granted. The External Affairs Minister said the air strikes received international support and she received calls from leaders of several countries appreciating India's stand on terrorism. Opposition parties in the country were taking exception to the BJP claiming credit for the air strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in February, she said. She said the UPA Government should have taken strong action against Pakistan when the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, in which 166 people including 40 foreign nationals were killed, took place. Narrating the NDA government's initiatives for people, Swaraj said the ruling party's poll plank will be on three issues- security, development and welfare. She said as many as 1.16 lakh villages have been connected with fibre optic network. "There were only 77 passport centres in the country now it has gone up to 505 and in Telangana, they were just four and it has gone up to 19," Swaraj added.

Rahul Gandhi should renounce SPG security if terror not an issue: Swaraj

India has achieved success in getting Pakistan isolated even among Islamic countries in the aftermath of the terror attacks, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Friday.

Swaraj was addressing a meeting organised in support of the BJP's candidate in the Malkajgiri Lok Sabha constituency, N Ramachandra Rao.

"We achieved success in isolating Pakistan even among Islamic countries in the world," she said in Hindi.

Swaraj recalled how India was invited to the inaugural conference of the OIC countries in 1969 but could not attend the proceedings due to pressure put by Pakistan.

She added that India attended the OIC's 50th anniversary meet in March even though Pakistan tried to get Swaraj 'disinvited'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made relations with Islamic countries so strong and this is the benefit of his foreign visits, she asserted.&nbsp;

India has achieved success in getting Pakistan isolated even among Islamic countries in the aftermath of the terror attacks, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Friday.

India has achieved success in getting Pakistan isolated even among Islamic countries in the aftermath of the terror attacks, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Friday. Swaraj was addressing a meeting organised in support of the BJP's candidate in the Malkajgiri Lok Sabha constituency, N Ramachandra Rao. "We achieved success in isolating Pakistan even among Islamic countries in the world," she said in Hindi. Swaraj recalled how India was invited to the inaugural conference of the OIC countries in 1969 but could not attend the proceedings due to pressure put by Pakistan. She added that India attended the OIC's 50th anniversary meet in March even though Pakistan tried to get Swaraj 'disinvited'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made relations with Islamic countries so strong and this is the benefit of his foreign visits, she asserted.

India has achieved success in getting Pakistan isolated: Sushma Swaraj

India's general election: Mahayudh between Congress's old idea of India and Modi's 'Naya Bharat'

India and Maldives have finally reset their relationship with the visit of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to the country on March 18. It was the first time since the two sides held the full-fledged bilateral meeting in Malé since the new government came to power in Maldives after the September election. Swaraj and her counterpart Abdulla Shahid took stock of the bilateral engagement covering all areas of common interests and expressed their earnest desire to consolidate and expand ties.

In a normal course, the visit of Swaraj could have been treated as a regular diplomatic affair. But in the light of the tension between Malé and New Delhi when President Abdulla Yameen declared a state of emergency in the country in February 2018, Swaraj’s trip assumes significance. While President Mohammed Waheed Hassan had cancelled the contract signed with GMR, an Indian company in 2012, Yameen showed interest in strengthening ties with China. This can be gauged from the fact that Yameen endorsed China’s Maritime Silk Road. The two countries also signed the Free Trade Agreement in December 2017. A new law was passed by Maldives, allowing absolute foreign ownership of land on the conditions that interested parties would make a minimum investment of $1 billion dollar and reclaim 70 per cent land from the sea, which aimed at benefiting China in expanding its foothold in the Indian Ocean. Around the same time, in August 2018, Yameen also asked India to withdraw its military helicopters and personnel posted in Maldives.

Thus, when a democratically elected government led by President Ibrahim Solih assumed power in September last year, it was a great relief for India. PM Narendra Modi attended the swearing-in ceremony of President Solih. In December that year, President Ibrahim Solih paid a state visit to India, with the two sides reiterating their strong commitment to further strengthen and reinvigorate the traditionally strong and friendly relations between India and the Maldives. The visit of Swaraj was the latest development in redefining the engagement between the two sides.

Of course, given then President Yameen’s pro-China policy, it was felt in India that China, with its strategically Pakistan, could use the Maldives as a strategic choke point for India. The threat from Pakistan-backed fundamentalists is no less serious. Wahabi Islam has made rapid inroads into Maldives and the growth of terror modules in that country has raised concerns in the Indian strategic community. It is in this context that Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid reaffirming his government’s “India-First Policy and commitment to working together closely with India” is a big diplomatic relief for India.

Maldives has emerged as one of the most important neighbours of India in geo-strategic and economic terms. It is situated mid-way between Strait of Malacca and Suez, which are the world’s busiest trade routes. At the same time, as Kerala and Lakshadweep are in close proximity to the Maldivian islands, India is cautious about the possible use of Maldives’s territory against it. The two sides have agreed to strengthen cooperation to enhance maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region through coordinated patrolling and aerial surveillance, exchange of information and capacity building.

But, given the fact that Maldives is a dept-redden country with $3 billion loans to repay, Malé needs major investment boost by India. Mindful of this reality, while PM Modi had announced financial assistance up to $1.4 billion in the form of budgetary support, currency swap and concessional lines of credit to fulfil the socio-economic development programmes of the Maldives, during Swaraj’s visit the Export-Import Bank of India decided to extend $800 million credit to Maldives to finance developmental projects. They have agreed on the need to boost private sector involvement, and the Maldives-India Business Forum will be held in 2019. Memorandum of Understanding regarding Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects through Local Bodies and memorandum of understanding (MOUs) on collaboration in the field of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy were signed to strengthen developmental projects in Maldives.

Undoubtedly, there is a marked positive shift in the relationship between India and Maldives in the last four months and it should be hoped that while the roots of democracy will be deepened in Maldives, Malé would not allow any third country to determine the fate of its historically cherished ties with India. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-india-maldives-ties-revived-after-a-spell-of-uncertainty-2733957">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

India and Maldives have finally reset their relationship with the visit of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to the country on March 18. It was the first time since the two sides held the full-fledged bilateral meeting in Malé since the new government came to power in Maldives after the September election.

India and Maldives have finally reset their relationship with the visit of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to the country on March 18. It was the first time since the two sides held the full-fledged bilateral meeting in Malé since the new government came to power in Maldives after the September election. Swaraj and her counterpart Abdulla Shahid took stock of the bilateral engagement covering all areas of common interests and expressed their earnest desire to consolidate and expand ties. In a normal course, the visit of Swaraj could have been treated as a regular diplomatic affair. But in the light of the tension between Malé and New Delhi when President Abdulla Yameen declared a state of emergency in the country in February 2018, Swaraj’s trip assumes significance. While President Mohammed Waheed Hassan had cancelled the contract signed with GMR, an Indian company in 2012, Yameen showed interest in strengthening ties with China. This can be gauged from the fact that Yameen endorsed China’s Maritime Silk Road. The two countries also signed the Free Trade Agreement in December 2017. A new law was passed by Maldives, allowing absolute foreign ownership of land on the conditions that interested parties would make a minimum investment of $1 billion dollar and reclaim 70 per cent land from the sea, which aimed at benefiting China in expanding its foothold in the Indian Ocean. Around the same time, in August 2018, Yameen also asked India to withdraw its military helicopters and personnel posted in Maldives. Thus, when a democratically elected government led by President Ibrahim Solih assumed power in September last year, it was a great relief for India. PM Narendra Modi attended the swearing-in ceremony of President Solih. In December that year, President Ibrahim Solih paid a state visit to India, with the two sides reiterating their strong commitment to further strengthen and reinvigorate the traditionally strong and friendly relations between India and the Maldives. The visit of Swaraj was the latest development in redefining the engagement between the two sides. Of course, given then President Yameen’s pro-China policy, it was felt in India that China, with its strategically Pakistan, could use the Maldives as a strategic choke point for India. The threat from Pakistan-backed fundamentalists is no less serious. Wahabi Islam has made rapid inroads into Maldives and the growth of terror modules in that country has raised concerns in the Indian strategic community. It is in this context that Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid reaffirming his government’s “India-First Policy and commitment to working together closely with India” is a big diplomatic relief for India. Maldives has emerged as one of the most important neighbours of India in geo-strategic and economic terms. It is situated mid-way between Strait of Malacca and Suez, which are the world’s busiest trade routes. At the same time, as Kerala and Lakshadweep are in close proximity to the Maldivian islands, India is cautious about the possible use of Maldives’s territory against it. The two sides have agreed to strengthen cooperation to enhance maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region through coordinated patrolling and aerial surveillance, exchange of information and capacity building. But, given the fact that Maldives is a dept-redden country with $3 billion loans to repay, Malé needs major investment boost by India. Mindful of this reality, while PM Modi had announced financial assistance up to $1.4 billion in the form of budgetary support, currency swap and concessional lines of credit to fulfil the socio-economic development programmes of the Maldives, during Swaraj’s visit the Export-Import Bank of India decided to extend $800 million credit to Maldives to finance developmental projects. They have agreed on the need to boost private sector involvement, and the Maldives-India Business Forum will be held in 2019. Memorandum of Understanding regarding Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects through Local Bodies and memorandum of understanding (MOUs) on collaboration in the field of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy were signed to strengthen developmental projects in Maldives. Undoubtedly, there is a marked positive shift in the relationship between India and Maldives in the last four months and it should be hoped that while the roots of democracy will be deepened in Maldives, Malé would not allow any third country to determine the fate of its historically cherished ties with India. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

India-Maldives ties revived after a spell of uncertainty

The Islamabad High Court has ordered the state to take into custody the two Hindu sisters allegedly abducted, converted to Islam and married to Muslim men, Pakistan's Geo News reported Tuesday.&nbsp;

The two girls, who are 13 and 15, were allegedly kidnapped from their home in Sindh's Ghotki district by a group of "influential" men on March 20, a day before Holi. &nbsp;

A video of a priest purportedly solemnising the marriage of the two girls went viral soon after, triggering a nationwide outrage. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan ordered a probe.

Geo TV reported earlier that the two sisters had approached a court in Bahawalpur in Pakistan's Punjab province seeking protection.&nbsp;

The news agency ANI reported on Tuesday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-seven-people-arrested-for-abduction-forced-conversion-of-hindu-girls-205683">police have detained at least seven people</a>, including a nikah khwan (marriage officiator), allegedly involved in the abduction, forced conversion, and marriage of the two sisters.&nbsp;

Sushma Swaraj, India's External Affairs Minister, demanded on Tuesday that the girls be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/abducted-hindu-girls-in-pakistan-sushma-swaraj-says-restore-them-to-their-families-immediately-205671">returned immediately</a> to their families.&nbsp;

"Justice demands that both these girls should be restored to their family immediately," Swaraj said on Twitter.&nbsp;

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Geo News: Islamabad High Court orders the state to ensure protection and take over the custody of two underage sisters from Ghotki, who were allegedly forcibly converted from Hinduism and married to Muslim men. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/yaqmiN0sJM">pic.twitter.com/yaqmiN0sJM</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1110426540951683072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Sunday, New Delhi had sent a note verbale to Pakistan's Foreign Office stating its concerns over the abduction of the two girls.&nbsp;

The Islamabad High Court has ordered the state to take into custody the two Hindu sisters allegedly abducted, converted to Islam and married to Muslim men, Pakistan's Geo News reported Tuesday.

The Islamabad High Court has ordered the state to take into custody the two Hindu sisters allegedly abducted, converted to Islam and married to Muslim men, Pakistan's Geo News reported Tuesday. The two girls, who are 13 and 15, were allegedly kidnapped from their home in Sindh's Ghotki district by a group of "influential" men on March 20, a day before Holi. A video of a priest purportedly solemnising the marriage of the two girls went viral soon after, triggering a nationwide outrage. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan ordered a probe. Geo TV reported earlier that the two sisters had approached a court in Bahawalpur in Pakistan's Punjab province seeking protection. The news agency ANI reported on Tuesday that police have detained at least seven people, including a nikah khwan (marriage officiator), allegedly involved in the abduction, forced conversion, and marriage of the two sisters. Sushma Swaraj, India's External Affairs Minister, demanded on Tuesday that the girls be returned immediately to their families. "Justice demands that both these girls should be restored to their family immediately," Swaraj said on Twitter. Geo News: Islamabad High Court orders the state to ensure protection and take over the custody of two underage sisters from Ghotki, who were allegedly forcibly converted from Hinduism and married to Muslim men. #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/yaqmiN0sJM — ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2019 × On Sunday, New Delhi had sent a note verbale to Pakistan's Foreign Office stating its concerns over the abduction of the two girls.

Hindu girls abducted in Pakistan: Islamabad High Court orders state to ensure their protection

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-takes-note-hindu-girls-forcible-conversion-to-islam-in-pakistan-demands-report-205199">Hindu girls who were abducted last week in Pakistan</a>'s southern Sindh province should be returned immediately to their families. She added that they are minors and therefore cannot decide if they can convert to another religion or not.

"Forced conversion of Hindu girls in Pakistan: The age of the girls is not disputed... Justice demands that both these girls should be restored to their family immediately," Swaraj said on Twitter.&nbsp;

Taking a dig at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Swaraj added, "Even the Prime Minister on 'Naya Pakistan' will not believe that girls of this tender age can voluntarily decide about their conversion to another religion and marriage".

Swaraj and Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry sparred publicly over the abduction of the girls with the former asking the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad to send a report on the abduction, thereby drawing an angry response from Chaudhry.

Responding to the Pak minister's comment on the situation of minorities in India, Swaraj said, "I only asked for a report from Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad about the kidnapping and forced conversion of two minor Hindu girls to Islam."

"This was enough to make you jittery. This only shows your guilty conscience," she added.&nbsp;

On Sunday, New Delhi sent an official note to Pakistan's Foreign Office over the abduction of the two Hindu girls in Sindh province and shared its concern with Pakistan.&nbsp;

Sources told WION, India called on Pak government to "protect and promote safety, security and welfare of its own citizens, especially from the minority communities."

Sindh in southern Pakistan has a higher percentage of Hindus than the rest of the country. Three districts, Mirpurkhas (33% Hindus), Tharparkar (36% Hindus) and Umerkot (49% Hindus), contribute to the significant Hindu community in Sindh and these are the districts where most underage Hindu girls were reportedly forced to convert and were married off.

In the past also New Delhi has taken up cases of intimidation of Sikhs, Hindus, as also the desecration of their places of worship with the Pakistan government.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said that the Hindu girls who were abducted last week in Pakistan's southern Sindh province should be returned immediately to their families.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said that the Hindu girls who were abducted last week in Pakistan's southern Sindh province should be returned immediately to their families. She added that they are minors and therefore cannot decide if they can convert to another religion or not. "Forced conversion of Hindu girls in Pakistan: The age of the girls is not disputed... Justice demands that both these girls should be restored to their family immediately," Swaraj said on Twitter. Taking a dig at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Swaraj added, "Even the Prime Minister on 'Naya Pakistan' will not believe that girls of this tender age can voluntarily decide about their conversion to another religion and marriage". Swaraj and Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry sparred publicly over the abduction of the girls with the former asking the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad to send a report on the abduction, thereby drawing an angry response from Chaudhry. Responding to the Pak minister's comment on the situation of minorities in India, Swaraj said, "I only asked for a report from Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad about the kidnapping and forced conversion of two minor Hindu girls to Islam." "This was enough to make you jittery. This only shows your guilty conscience," she added. On Sunday, New Delhi sent an official note to Pakistan's Foreign Office over the abduction of the two Hindu girls in Sindh province and shared its concern with Pakistan. Sources told WION, India called on Pak government to "protect and promote safety, security and welfare of its own citizens, especially from the minority communities." Sindh in southern Pakistan has a higher percentage of Hindus than the rest of the country. Three districts, Mirpurkhas (33% Hindus), Tharparkar (36% Hindus) and Umerkot (49% Hindus), contribute to the significant Hindu community in Sindh and these are the districts where most underage Hindu girls were reportedly forced to convert and were married off. In the past also New Delhi has taken up cases of intimidation of Sikhs, Hindus, as also the desecration of their places of worship with the Pakistan government.

Abducted Hindu girls in Pakistan: Sushma Swaraj says 'restore them to their families immediately'

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday announced on Twitter that she has sought a report on the case of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-teenage-girls-forcibly-married-off-converted-to-islam-in-pakistans-sindh-province-205064">'forcible' marriage and conversion of two Hindu girls</a> to Islam in Pakistan's Sindh province.&nbsp;

Swaraj noted that Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan will be sending a report on the same.&nbsp;

"I have asked Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan to send a report on this," Swaraj tweeted today.&nbsp;

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I have asked Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan to send a report on this. <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainPakistan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainPakistan</a> 
Two Hindu girls abducted on Holi eve in Pakistan's Sindh <a href="https://t.co/r4bTBSoy9d">https://t.co/r4bTBSoy9d</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/TOIWorld?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TOIWorld</a>
— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1109653044763877377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The EAM's reaction came a day after it was reported on Saturday that two Hindu teenage girls, ageing 12 and 14 respectively, were allegedly kidnapped, forcibly married off and converted to Islam on the eve of Holi in Pakistan's Sindh province.&nbsp;

The report comes as a major jolt to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's vision of 'Naya Pakistan'.&nbsp;

As per reports, the incident took place when the Hindu community was celebrating Holi.&nbsp;

The Hindu community took to streets demanding stern action against the accused involved in the abduction and forced conversion of Hindu girls.

The police, which had reportedly dillydallied in registering the complaint earlier, finally lodged the FIR after the protests broke out.&nbsp;

The priest who got the girls married said it was a voluntary decision of girls to convert to Islam. However, the marriage and subsequent conversion is a blatant violation of the law passed by the Sindh assembly which bars conversion of minors in the absence of their parents.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday announced on Twitter that she has sought a report on the case of the 'forcible' marriage and conversion of two Hindu girls to Islam in Pakistan's Sindh province.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday announced on Twitter that she has sought a report on the case of the 'forcible' marriage and conversion of two Hindu girls to Islam in Pakistan's Sindh province. Swaraj noted that Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan will be sending a report on the same. "I have asked Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan to send a report on this," Swaraj tweeted today. I have asked Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan to send a report on this. @IndiainPakistan Two Hindu girls abducted on Holi eve in Pakistan's Sindh https://t.co/r4bTBSoy9d via @TOIWorld — Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 24, 2019 × The EAM's reaction came a day after it was reported on Saturday that two Hindu teenage girls, ageing 12 and 14 respectively, were allegedly kidnapped, forcibly married off and converted to Islam on the eve of Holi in Pakistan's Sindh province. The report comes as a major jolt to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's vision of 'Naya Pakistan'. As per reports, the incident took place when the Hindu community was celebrating Holi. The Hindu community took to streets demanding stern action against the accused involved in the abduction and forced conversion of Hindu girls. The police, which had reportedly dillydallied in registering the complaint earlier, finally lodged the FIR after the protests broke out. The priest who got the girls married said it was a voluntary decision of girls to convert to Islam. However, the marriage and subsequent conversion is a blatant violation of the law passed by the Sindh assembly which bars conversion of minors in the absence of their parents.

Sushma Swaraj takes note of Hindu girls' 'forcible' conversion to Islam in Pakistan, demands report

Protestors in Pakistan on Sunday called for the implementation of the Child Marriage Restraint Act 2014 along-with an immediate recovery of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-teenage-girls-forcibly-married-off-converted-to-islam-in-pakistans-sindh-province-205064">two Hindu girls who were 'forcibly' married off </a>and converted to Islam in Pakistan's Sindh province recently.

The protest organised by Interfaith Harmony Peace Forum of Pakistan was attended by a large number of people.&nbsp;

The duo aged thirteen and fifteen was abducted by six armed men from their house at Ghotki district in Sindh province on the eve of Holi as per the FIR lodged by the local police.&nbsp;

The police, who refused to register an FIR in the case initially, obliged after the father of the two girls&nbsp;threatened to commit suicide.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, activist Seema Maheshwary said that they have gathered to demand the protection of all the minorities in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Maheshwary said why two per cent minorities living in Pakistan, can not be given protection by the state.

Rights activist Huma Qureshi said they have gathered against the abduction and forced conversion of the two Hindu girls. She demanded that the government of Pakistan protect the minorities and implement Child Marriage Restraint Act to its fullest.

The family members of the victims of a similar heinous act in the past also attended the protest even as they await justice.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, grandmother of a Hindu girl who was abducted and forcefully converted said, "It was all on gunpoint, it’s been two months and still there is no progress".&nbsp;

The girl&nbsp;was abducted from Tando AllahYar, a city in Sindh province.

Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-war-of-words-erupts-between-sushma-swaraj-pakistan-minister-over-abduction-of-hindu-girls-in-sindh-205314">tweeted about the incident and sought a report from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad</a>. The tweet sparked a war of tweets between a Pakistani minister and Swaraj.&nbsp;

India has also sent an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-gets-a-taste-of-its-own-medicine-as-india-strongly-raises-the-issue-of-abducted-hindu-girls-in-sindh-205356">official note to Pakistan Foreign Office</a> in which the government shared the concern over the incident and called for a suitable remedial action from the Pakistan government.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-orders-probe-into-forced-conversion-and-marriages-of-two-teenage-hindu-girls-205232"> Imran Khan has asked the chief minister of Punjab Usman Buzdar </a>to ensure the safe recovery of the girls, following which, some arrests were made including that of the Imam who read out the Nikkah of the two girls.

The girls were taken to Rahim Yar Khan, a province of Sindh which has laws that criminalise child marriage under the age of 18, by their abductors in order to avert arrest.

Even 72 hours after the incident came to light, significant progress is yet to be made on the ground with regards to the recovery of the two sisters.

Protestors in Pakistan on Sunday called for the implementation of the Child Marriage Restraint Act 2014 along-with an immediate recovery of the two Hindu girls who were 'forcibly' married off and converted to Islam in Pakistan's Sindh province recently.

Protestors in Pakistan on Sunday called for the implementation of the Child Marriage Restraint Act 2014 along-with an immediate recovery of the two Hindu girls who were 'forcibly' married off and converted to Islam in Pakistan's Sindh province recently. The protest organised by Interfaith Harmony Peace Forum of Pakistan was attended by a large number of people. The duo aged thirteen and fifteen was abducted by six armed men from their house at Ghotki district in Sindh province on the eve of Holi as per the FIR lodged by the local police. The police, who refused to register an FIR in the case initially, obliged after the father of the two girls threatened to commit suicide. Speaking to WION, activist Seema Maheshwary said that they have gathered to demand the protection of all the minorities in Pakistan. Maheshwary said why two per cent minorities living in Pakistan, can not be given protection by the state. Rights activist Huma Qureshi said they have gathered against the abduction and forced conversion of the two Hindu girls. She demanded that the government of Pakistan protect the minorities and implement Child Marriage Restraint Act to its fullest. The family members of the victims of a similar heinous act in the past also attended the protest even as they await justice. Speaking to WION, grandmother of a Hindu girl who was abducted and forcefully converted said, "It was all on gunpoint, it’s been two months and still there is no progress". The girl was abducted from Tando AllahYar, a city in Sindh province. Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday tweeted about the incident and sought a report from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. The tweet sparked a war of tweets between a Pakistani minister and Swaraj. India has also sent an official note to Pakistan Foreign Office in which the government shared the concern over the incident and called for a suitable remedial action from the Pakistan government. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has asked the chief minister of Punjab Usman Buzdar to ensure the safe recovery of the girls, following which, some arrests were made including that of the Imam who read out the Nikkah of the two girls. The girls were taken to Rahim Yar Khan, a province of Sindh which has laws that criminalise child marriage under the age of 18, by their abductors in order to avert arrest. Even 72 hours after the incident came to light, significant progress is yet to be made on the ground with regards to the recovery of the two sisters.

Protestors in Pakistan demand implementation of Child Marriage Restraint Act after two girls 'forcibly' married off, converted to Islam

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-war-of-words-erupts-between-sushma-swaraj-pakistan-minister-over-abduction-of-hindu-girls-in-sindh-205314">Twitter war of words erupts between Sushma Swaraj, Pakistan minister over </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-war-of-words-erupts-between-sushma-swaraj-pakistan-minister-over-abduction-of-hindu-girls-in-sindh-205314">abduction</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-war-of-words-erupts-between-sushma-swaraj-pakistan-minister-over-abduction-of-hindu-girls-in-sindh-205314"> of Hindu girls in Sindh</a>

A war of words erupted on Sunday between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary over reports of abduction of two Hindu teenaged girls and their forcible conversion to Islam on the eve of Holi in the Sindh province.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-chancellor-denies-plot-to-oust-pm-may-but-admits-deal-may-not-pass-205292">UK finance minister Hammond denies plot to oust PM May but admits deal may not pass &nbsp;</a>

Britain must find a way to leave the European Union in an ''orderly'' fashion rather than trying to oust Prime Minister Theresa May, finance minister Philip Hammond was quoted as saying on Sunday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exit-poll-has-thai-opposition-winning-most-seats-but-not-enough-for-government-205300">Exit poll has Thai opposition winning most seats but not enough for government</a>

Thai voters flocked to the polls on Sunday for the first election since a 2014 coup, and an exit poll indicated the populist party linked to exiled former leader Thaksin Shinawatra would win the most seats, but not enough to form a government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/air-strikes-kill-dozen-afghans-battle-intensifies-in-taliban-strongholds-205323">Air strikes kill dozen Afghans, battle intensifies in Taliban strongholds</a>

Air strikes in the northern Afghan province of Kunduz killed about a dozen civilians on Saturday, local officials said, as battle intensified there and in southern Helmand province.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/royal-adviser-fired-over-khashoggi-murder-absent-from-saudi-trial-report-205319">Royal adviser fired over Khashoggi murder absent from Saudi trial: Report</a>

A Saudi royal adviser fired over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi is not among the 11 suspects on trial at secretive hearings in Riyadh despite Saudi pledges to bring those responsible to justice, sources familiar with the matter said.

&nbsp;

Twitter war of words erupts between Sushma Swaraj, Pakistan minister over abduction of Hindu girls in Sindh A war of words erupted on Sunday between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary over reports of abduction of two Hindu teenaged girls and their forcible conversion to Islam on the eve of Holi in the Sindh province.

Twitter war of words erupts between Sushma Swaraj, Pakistan minister over abduction of Hindu girls in Sindh A war of words erupted on Sunday between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary over reports of abduction of two Hindu teenaged girls and their forcible conversion to Islam on the eve of Holi in the Sindh province. UK finance minister Hammond denies plot to oust PM May but admits deal may not pass Britain must find a way to leave the European Union in an ''orderly'' fashion rather than trying to oust Prime Minister Theresa May, finance minister Philip Hammond was quoted as saying on Sunday. Exit poll has Thai opposition winning most seats but not enough for government Thai voters flocked to the polls on Sunday for the first election since a 2014 coup, and an exit poll indicated the populist party linked to exiled former leader Thaksin Shinawatra would win the most seats, but not enough to form a government. Air strikes kill dozen Afghans, battle intensifies in Taliban strongholds Air strikes in the northern Afghan province of Kunduz killed about a dozen civilians on Saturday, local officials said, as battle intensified there and in southern Helmand province. Royal adviser fired over Khashoggi murder absent from Saudi trial: Report A Saudi royal adviser fired over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi is not among the 11 suspects on trial at secretive hearings in Riyadh despite Saudi pledges to bring those responsible to justice, sources familiar with the matter said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that she has enough reasons to believe that the armed forces did not take a deterrent action after the Mumbai attack adding that she wished a similar action, like that of an airstrike, could have taken place after 26/11. &nbsp;

"If only a similar deterrent action (#airstrike) was taken after Mumbai attack... &nbsp;and I have enough reasons to believe that armed forces did tell the govt at that time, if you want us to do something, we are ready but we want you to take the call," Sitharaman said in Hyderabad.&nbsp;

External Affairs Ministers also spoke on the matter, hailing India's diplomatic prowess which exhibited when Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was handed over by Pakistan in just two days.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Nirmala Sitharaman in Hyderabad: If only a similar deterrent action (<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/airstrike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#airstrike</a>) was taken after Mumbai attack... &amp; I have enough reasons to believe that armed forces did tell the govt at that time, 'if you want us to do something, we are ready but we want you to take the call.' <a href="https://t.co/CSBfkGXO82">pic.twitter.com/CSBfkGXO82</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1109700863176527872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The very next day Pakistan sent their aircraft, we shot down one of them and they shot down one of ours, capturing our pilot. This exhibits the success of Indian diplomacy that they handed over our&nbsp;pilot in just two days," Swaraj stated.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday slammed Congress party after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-slams-rahul-gandhi-over-pitrodas-remarks-asks-do-you-consider-pulwama-attack-a-routine-incident-205033">Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda</a>, who is also known as a close aide of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, questioned the airstrikes carried out by the Indian Air Force at JeM camps in Balakot, Pakistan in an interview with news agency ANI.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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EAM Swaraj: Agle din (after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/airstrike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#airstrike</a>) Pakistan ne jawabi karyawahi ki, unhone apne vimaan bheje, humne unka 1 vimaan maar giraya, unhone hamara 1 vimaan maar giraya aur hamare pilot ko pakda, Bharat ki itni badi kootnitik safalta ki maatr 2 din mein apne pilot ko wapas le aye. <a href="https://t.co/Sg34pRGhnN">pic.twitter.com/Sg34pRGhnN</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1109711010602995712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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“If they (IAF) killed 300, it's ok. All I am saying is can you give me more facts and prove it,” said Pitroda on Friday in the interview.

Scores of Union Ministers and BJP bigwigs have gone ahead defending the Balakot strikes ever since.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to Twitter on Friday, and in a series of tweets, lashed out at Pitroda. &nbsp;

"The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces," PM Modi tweeted out.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that she has enough reasons to believe that the armed forces did not take a deterrent action after the Mumbai attack adding that she wished a similar action, like that of an airstrike, could have taken place after 26/11.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that she has enough reasons to believe that the armed forces did not take a deterrent action after the Mumbai attack adding that she wished a similar action, like that of an airstrike, could have taken place after 26/11. "If only a similar deterrent action (#airstrike) was taken after Mumbai attack... and I have enough reasons to believe that armed forces did tell the govt at that time, if you want us to do something, we are ready but we want you to take the call," Sitharaman said in Hyderabad. External Affairs Ministers also spoke on the matter, hailing India's diplomatic prowess which exhibited when Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was handed over by Pakistan in just two days. Nirmala Sitharaman in Hyderabad: If only a similar deterrent action (#airstrike) was taken after Mumbai attack... & I have enough reasons to believe that armed forces did tell the govt at that time, 'if you want us to do something, we are ready but we want you to take the call.' pic.twitter.com/CSBfkGXO82 — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2019 × "The very next day Pakistan sent their aircraft, we shot down one of them and they shot down one of ours, capturing our pilot. This exhibits the success of Indian diplomacy that they handed over our pilot in just two days," Swaraj stated. The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday slammed Congress party after Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda, who is also known as a close aide of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, questioned the airstrikes carried out by the Indian Air Force at JeM camps in Balakot, Pakistan in an interview with news agency ANI. EAM Swaraj: Agle din (after #airstrike) Pakistan ne jawabi karyawahi ki, unhone apne vimaan bheje, humne unka 1 vimaan maar giraya, unhone hamara 1 vimaan maar giraya aur hamare pilot ko pakda, Bharat ki itni badi kootnitik safalta ki maatr 2 din mein apne pilot ko wapas le aye. pic.twitter.com/Sg34pRGhnN — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2019 × “If they (IAF) killed 300, it's ok. All I am saying is can you give me more facts and prove it,” said Pitroda on Friday in the interview. Scores of Union Ministers and BJP bigwigs have gone ahead defending the Balakot strikes ever since. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to Twitter on Friday, and in a series of tweets, lashed out at Pitroda. "The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces," PM Modi tweeted out.

If only a similar deterrent action was taken after Mumbai attack: Sitharaman on Balakot airstrikes

The Maldives on Monday reaffirmed its "India-First Policy, saying it looks forward to working closely with India on all issues and will remain sensitive towards its security and strategic concerns as External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held talks with the country's top leadership.

The Maldivian leaders also expressed commitment to support India's efforts to combat terrorism, particularly cross-border terrorism, and crimes such as piracy, organised crime, narcotic drugs and human trafficking.

Swaraj arrived here on Sunday on a two-day visit, the first full-fledged bilateral trip from India to the strategically located Indian Ocean island nation after the government of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih came to power in November last year.

She held talks with President Solih, Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, former President Mohamed Nasheed and other top leaders.

The External Affairs Minister and Solih took stock of the progress made in bilateral relations since his visit to India in December 2018.

Swaraj and her Maldivian counterpart Shahid during their meeting on Sunday discussed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and also noted the number of high-level exchanges, between the two countries over the past three months.

They recalled the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President Solih in November as well as his visit to India in December.&nbsp;

The bilateral talks between the Foreign Ministers were followed by a joint ministerial meeting in which Swaraj held discussions with Shahid, Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi, Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer and other ministers.

She also met Maldivian Home Minister Imran Abdulla on Monday and discussed steps to continue the upward trajectory in the bilateral relationship. 
"Foreign Minister Shahid reiterated his government's "India-First Policy'' and said that his Government looks forward to working closely with the Government of India on all issues. He also reiterated that the Government of Maldives would remain sensitive towards India's security and strategic concerns, " according to a joint statement.

Maldives is an important country for India's maritime security and there have been concerns in India over China's growing influence over the country in the last few years.&nbsp;

The two foreign ministers agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region, and to strengthen coordination in enhancing regional maritime security.

Shahid expressed the commitment of the Maldives to support efforts to combat terrorism, particularly cross-border terrorism, and crimes such as piracy, organised crime, narcotic drugs and human trafficking.

They reiterated the importance of an effective multilateral system as a key factor in tackling global challenges and agreed on the need to pursue reform of the main UN bodies, including the General Assembly, and the UN Security Council.

The Maldivian side expressed its support for India's candidature for permanent membership of an expanded and reformed UNSC. The Maldivian side also reiterated support for India's candidature for non-permanent seat for the year 2020-21.

The two sides signed three agreements, including on exemption from visa requirement for holders of diplomatic and official passports, an MoU regarding Indian grant assistance for implementation of high impact community development projects through local bodies and a pact on collaboration in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Shahid thanked India for its support towards the renovation of Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), which stands as an enduring symbol of friendship between the two countries. The IGMH is the first and largest government healthcare facility in the Maldives, built with Indian assistance.

Shahid also thanked India for providing financial assistance in the form of budgetary support, currency swap, and concessional lines of credit to the island nation.

Welcoming the increase in trade volume over the past few years, both foreign ministers agreed to improve connectivity as a means to promote the exchange of goods and services, culture, and people.

The ministers also agreed on the need to boost private sector involvement, and to hold the Maldives-India Business Forum in 2019.

Shahid expressed the government's appreciation for the continued support extended from India towards the development of human resources, including capacity building programmes, and provision of training and scholarship opportunities.

He highlighted in particular, the 1000 additional slots over the next five years for training and capacity building, announced during the State Visit of President Solih to India.

Highlighting the importance of combating the impacts of climate change, especially detrimental to developing countries, including Small Island Developing States, the Foreign Ministers agreed on the need to strengthen the global response to climate change, through multilateral forums including the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, the statement said.

Swaraj reiterated that India attaches the highest importance to its relationship with Maldives, which is marked by trust, transparency, mutual understanding, and sensitivity.

She said that in line with the Government of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, India stands ready to fully support the Government of Maldives in its socio-economic development.

The Maldives on Monday reaffirmed its "India-First Policy, saying it looks forward to working closely with India on all issues and will remain sensitive towards its security and strategic concerns as External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held talks with the country's top leadership.

The Maldives on Monday reaffirmed its "India-First Policy, saying it looks forward to working closely with India on all issues and will remain sensitive towards its security and strategic concerns as External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held talks with the country's top leadership. The Maldivian leaders also expressed commitment to support India's efforts to combat terrorism, particularly cross-border terrorism, and crimes such as piracy, organised crime, narcotic drugs and human trafficking. Swaraj arrived here on Sunday on a two-day visit, the first full-fledged bilateral trip from India to the strategically located Indian Ocean island nation after the government of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih came to power in November last year. She held talks with President Solih, Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, former President Mohamed Nasheed and other top leaders. The External Affairs Minister and Solih took stock of the progress made in bilateral relations since his visit to India in December 2018. Swaraj and her Maldivian counterpart Shahid during their meeting on Sunday discussed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and also noted the number of high-level exchanges, between the two countries over the past three months. They recalled the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President Solih in November as well as his visit to India in December. The bilateral talks between the Foreign Ministers were followed by a joint ministerial meeting in which Swaraj held discussions with Shahid, Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi, Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer and other ministers. She also met Maldivian Home Minister Imran Abdulla on Monday and discussed steps to continue the upward trajectory in the bilateral relationship. "Foreign Minister Shahid reiterated his government's "India-First Policy'' and said that his Government looks forward to working closely with the Government of India on all issues. He also reiterated that the Government of Maldives would remain sensitive towards India's security and strategic concerns, " according to a joint statement. Maldives is an important country for India's maritime security and there have been concerns in India over China's growing influence over the country in the last few years. The two foreign ministers agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region, and to strengthen coordination in enhancing regional maritime security. Shahid expressed the commitment of the Maldives to support efforts to combat terrorism, particularly cross-border terrorism, and crimes such as piracy, organised crime, narcotic drugs and human trafficking. They reiterated the importance of an effective multilateral system as a key factor in tackling global challenges and agreed on the need to pursue reform of the main UN bodies, including the General Assembly, and the UN Security Council. The Maldivian side expressed its support for India's candidature for permanent membership of an expanded and reformed UNSC. The Maldivian side also reiterated support for India's candidature for non-permanent seat for the year 2020-21. The two sides signed three agreements, including on exemption from visa requirement for holders of diplomatic and official passports, an MoU regarding Indian grant assistance for implementation of high impact community development projects through local bodies and a pact on collaboration in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy. Shahid thanked India for its support towards the renovation of Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), which stands as an enduring symbol of friendship between the two countries. The IGMH is the first and largest government healthcare facility in the Maldives, built with Indian assistance. Shahid also thanked India for providing financial assistance in the form of budgetary support, currency swap, and concessional lines of credit to the island nation. Welcoming the increase in trade volume over the past few years, both foreign ministers agreed to improve connectivity as a means to promote the exchange of goods and services, culture, and people. The ministers also agreed on the need to boost private sector involvement, and to hold the Maldives-India Business Forum in 2019. Shahid expressed the government's appreciation for the continued support extended from India towards the development of human resources, including capacity building programmes, and provision of training and scholarship opportunities. He highlighted in particular, the 1000 additional slots over the next five years for training and capacity building, announced during the State Visit of President Solih to India. Highlighting the importance of combating the impacts of climate change, especially detrimental to developing countries, including Small Island Developing States, the Foreign Ministers agreed on the need to strengthen the global response to climate change, through multilateral forums including the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, the statement said. Swaraj reiterated that India attaches the highest importance to its relationship with Maldives, which is marked by trust, transparency, mutual understanding, and sensitivity. She said that in line with the Government of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, India stands ready to fully support the Government of Maldives in its socio-economic development.

Will remain sensitive towards India's security, strategic concerns: Maldives

United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s envoy to India, Ahmed Albanna on Monday said that his country did not mediate in India-Pakistan tensions that happened in February but did played an important role in reducing tension between the two countries.

In response to a question Albanna said, "We did not mediate. When we talk about mediation, it has to be requested from both parties and then after that. We tried to decrease the tension by that special relationship."

"We have played an important role in reducing tension. On the day of a big escalation, our Crown Prince spoke to PM Modi and PM Imran Khan. Our role was to give word of wisdom and trying to sort out difference in a peaceful manner. UAE played an important role," Albanna added.

PM Modi and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan spoke two times in the last three weeks.

On the issue of cross border terror emanating from Pakistan, the envoy said, "Without mentioning any specific person, name or country UAE has a long-standing in preventing, fighting act of terrorism and those radicalise, radical organisation, so we work with all partners, with many different countries, with all the countries in the region to make our region peaceful that we can live together and coexist".

Albanna also welcomed India's presence at Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Foreign Ministers meet in Abu Dhabi saying New Delhi was invited because of special relationship shared by both the countries.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj represented India during the two-day OIC FMs meet in the country in early March. This is the first time India was invited as the guest of honour at the meet.

On oil import, one of the key commodities India imports from West Asia, Albanna said, UAE and Saudi Arabia covered the shortage of oil for India after Iran Sanction.

India and UAE ties have been on an upward trajectory with number of high levels visits between the two countries in the last few years with PM Modi visiting the country twice.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s envoy to India, Ahmed Albanna on Monday said that his country did not mediate in India-Pakistan tensions that happened in February but did played an important role in reducing tension between the two countries.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s envoy to India, Ahmed Albanna on Monday said that his country did not mediate in India-Pakistan tensions that happened in February but did played an important role in reducing tension between the two countries. In response to a question Albanna said, "We did not mediate. When we talk about mediation, it has to be requested from both parties and then after that. We tried to decrease the tension by that special relationship." "We have played an important role in reducing tension. On the day of a big escalation, our Crown Prince spoke to PM Modi and PM Imran Khan. Our role was to give word of wisdom and trying to sort out difference in a peaceful manner. UAE played an important role," Albanna added. PM Modi and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan spoke two times in the last three weeks. On the issue of cross border terror emanating from Pakistan, the envoy said, "Without mentioning any specific person, name or country UAE has a long-standing in preventing, fighting act of terrorism and those radicalise, radical organisation, so we work with all partners, with many different countries, with all the countries in the region to make our region peaceful that we can live together and coexist". Albanna also welcomed India's presence at Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Foreign Ministers meet in Abu Dhabi saying New Delhi was invited because of special relationship shared by both the countries. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj represented India during the two-day OIC FMs meet in the country in early March. This is the first time India was invited as the guest of honour at the meet. On oil import, one of the key commodities India imports from West Asia, Albanna said, UAE and Saudi Arabia covered the shortage of oil for India after Iran Sanction. India and UAE ties have been on an upward trajectory with number of high levels visits between the two countries in the last few years with PM Modi visiting the country twice.

We played important role in reducing India-Pak tensions: UAE envoy Ahmed Albanna

India and the Maldives have reaffirmed their ties with Male emphasising its 'India First'&nbsp;policy. New Delhi, on the other&nbsp;hand, reiterated its commitment to the Indian Ocean island nation.

The Maldives also requested Indian assistance for the construction of a cricket stadium which New Delhi is looking into. India recently gifted LED bulbs and LED street lights for the city of Malé.&nbsp;

Remember, External Affairs Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/external-affairs-minister-sushma-swaraj-reviews-bilateral-issues-with-maldivian-counterpart-203886">Sushma Swaraj is on a 2-day trip to the Maldives</a>. This is the first full-fledged bilateral visit at the political level from India after Maldives' new government took office in November 2018.&nbsp;

In a joint statement, Maldives' foreign minister Abdulla Shahid "reiterated his Government’s India-First Policy and said that his government looks forward to working closely with the Government of India on all issues."

Maldives government also said that the country would remain sensitive towards India’s security and strategic concerns.&nbsp;

India said that it attaches the "highest importance to its relationship with the Maldives, which is marked by trust, transparency, mutual understanding, and sensitivity."

External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj, said that in line with the "Government of India’s 'neighbourhood first' policy, India stands ready to fully support the Government of the Maldives in its socio-economic development."

Both sides have agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean region and strengthening coordination in enhancing regional maritime security.&nbsp;

The Maldives is a key country in the Indian Ocean region and lies in the heart of busy shipping lanes connecting Africa and Asia.

The Maldives has also announced that it will provide land in Hulhumalé Island in the north Maldives for the Indian Embassy. Male has also expressed support to India's candidature for the permanent membership of the UN Security Council and for a non-permanent seat for the year 2020-21.&nbsp;

During Swaraj's visit, three agreements were signed - Exemption from Visa Requirement for Holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports, Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects and Collaboration in the Field of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.&nbsp;

PM Modi was present during the swearing-in ceremony of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the Maldives last year. After assuming office, Solih had visited New Delhi.&nbsp;

India and the Maldives have reaffirmed their ties with Male emphasising its 'India First' policy. New Delhi, on the other hand, reiterated its commitment to the Indian Ocean island nation.

India and the Maldives have reaffirmed their ties with Male emphasising its 'India First' policy. New Delhi, on the other hand, reiterated its commitment to the Indian Ocean island nation. The Maldives also requested Indian assistance for the construction of a cricket stadium which New Delhi is looking into. India recently gifted LED bulbs and LED street lights for the city of Malé. Remember, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is on a 2-day trip to the Maldives. This is the first full-fledged bilateral visit at the political level from India after Maldives' new government took office in November 2018. In a joint statement, Maldives' foreign minister Abdulla Shahid "reiterated his Government’s India-First Policy and said that his government looks forward to working closely with the Government of India on all issues." Maldives government also said that the country would remain sensitive towards India’s security and strategic concerns. India said that it attaches the "highest importance to its relationship with the Maldives, which is marked by trust, transparency, mutual understanding, and sensitivity." External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj, said that in line with the "Government of India’s 'neighbourhood first' policy, India stands ready to fully support the Government of the Maldives in its socio-economic development." Both sides have agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean region and strengthening coordination in enhancing regional maritime security. The Maldives is a key country in the Indian Ocean region and lies in the heart of busy shipping lanes connecting Africa and Asia. The Maldives has also announced that it will provide land in Hulhumalé Island in the north Maldives for the Indian Embassy. Male has also expressed support to India's candidature for the permanent membership of the UN Security Council and for a non-permanent seat for the year 2020-21. During Swaraj's visit, three agreements were signed - Exemption from Visa Requirement for Holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports, Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects and Collaboration in the Field of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. PM Modi was present during the swearing-in ceremony of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the Maldives last year. After assuming office, Solih had visited New Delhi.

Maldives requests India to construct cricket stadium; New Delhi, Male reaffirm ties

French Foreign Minister Le Drian Friday held a telephonic conversation with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-had-global-support-says-sushma-swaraj-on-masood-azhar-listing-203563">External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj</a> and informed her about France imposing sanctions on JeM chief Masood Azhar by freezing his assets.&nbsp;

The External Affairs Ministry said that Drian informed Swaraj about the action taken by Paris against the leader of the Jaish-e-Mohammed, which had claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack.

France sanctioned Azhar at the national level by freezing his assets, the MEA said, days after China blocked a move to designate him as a global terrorist by the United Nations.

The MEA said the French foreign minister also informed Swaraj that France has raised the issue with the European Union.&nbsp;

"He reiterated that France has always been and will always be on India side in the fight against terrorism," the MEA said.

On her part, Swaraj thanked Drian for France's "steadfast support" and said that India looked forward to continuing this cooperation on the anti-terrorism front.

The action on the part of France was an expression of partnership with India and was in consonance with the global intent by responsible nations committed to fighting against terror, including cross-border terrorism anywhere in the world, the MEA said.

France, the US and the UK had moved a proposal at the UN to designate Azhar as a global terrorist after the February 14 Pulwama attack, in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.&nbsp;

French Foreign Minister Le Drian Friday held a telephonic conversation with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and informed her about France imposing sanctions on JeM chief Masood Azhar by freezing his assets.

French Foreign Minister Le Drian Friday held a telephonic conversation with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and informed her about France imposing sanctions on JeM chief Masood Azhar by freezing his assets. The External Affairs Ministry said that Drian informed Swaraj about the action taken by Paris against the leader of the Jaish-e-Mohammed, which had claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack. France sanctioned Azhar at the national level by freezing his assets, the MEA said, days after China blocked a move to designate him as a global terrorist by the United Nations. The MEA said the French foreign minister also informed Swaraj that France has raised the issue with the European Union. "He reiterated that France has always been and will always be on India side in the fight against terrorism," the MEA said. On her part, Swaraj thanked Drian for France's "steadfast support" and said that India looked forward to continuing this cooperation on the anti-terrorism front. The action on the part of France was an expression of partnership with India and was in consonance with the global intent by responsible nations committed to fighting against terror, including cross-border terrorism anywhere in the world, the MEA said. France, the US and the UK had moved a proposal at the UN to designate Azhar as a global terrorist after the February 14 Pulwama attack, in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

Swaraj speaks with French counterpart on anti-terror cooperation

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-mosque-shootings-kill-49-in-what-pm-calls-terrorist-attack-203560">New Zealand mosque shootings kill 49 in what PM calls 'terrorist attack'</a>

At least one gunman killed 49 people and wounded more than 40 during Friday prayers at two New Zealand mosques in the country's worst ever mass shooting, which Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern condemned as terrorism.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-world-reacts-with-disgust-at-new-zealand-mosque-attacks-203532">Islamic world reacts with disgust at New Zealand mosque attacks</a>

Political and Islamic leaders expressed their disgust at the deadly shooting at two mosques in New Zealand on Friday, with some citing rising "Islamophobia" as being responsible.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/france-freezes-jem-chief-masood-azhars-assets-will-also-take-up-his-listing-with-eu-203478">France freezes JeM chief Masood Azhar's assets, will also take up his listing with EU</a>

France has decided to freeze the assets of Masood Azhar, chief of the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed which claimed the responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel on February 14.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/social-media-platforms-say-they-are-taking-measures-to-remove-nz-shooting-content-203539">Social media platforms say they are removing New Zealand shooting content</a>

Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter said on Friday they are taking measures to take down content involving mass shootings at two New Zealand mosques that killed at least 49 people and wounded more than 20 others.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-had-global-support-says-sushma-swaraj-on-masood-azhar-listing-203563">India had global support, says Sushma Swaraj on Masood Azhar listing&nbsp;</a>

A day after China blocked the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar under United Nations terror list and opposition Congress lashed out at Centre, India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday in series of tweets claimed India got support from the global community for the move.

New Zealand mosque shootings kill 49 in what PM calls 'terrorist attack' At least one gunman killed 49 people and wounded more than 40 during Friday prayers at two New Zealand mosques in the country's worst ever mass shooting, which Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern condemned as terrorism.

New Zealand mosque shootings kill 49 in what PM calls 'terrorist attack' At least one gunman killed 49 people and wounded more than 40 during Friday prayers at two New Zealand mosques in the country's worst ever mass shooting, which Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern condemned as terrorism. Islamic world reacts with disgust at New Zealand mosque attacks Political and Islamic leaders expressed their disgust at the deadly shooting at two mosques in New Zealand on Friday, with some citing rising "Islamophobia" as being responsible. France freezes JeM chief Masood Azhar's assets, will also take up his listing with EU France has decided to freeze the assets of Masood Azhar, chief of the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed which claimed the responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel on February 14. Social media platforms say they are removing New Zealand shooting content Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter said on Friday they are taking measures to take down content involving mass shootings at two New Zealand mosques that killed at least 49 people and wounded more than 20 others. India had global support, says Sushma Swaraj on Masood Azhar listing A day after China blocked the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar under United Nations terror list and opposition Congress lashed out at Centre, India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday in series of tweets claimed India got support from the global community for the move.

A day after China blocked the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar under United Nations terror list and opposition Congress lashed out at Centre, India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday in series of tweets claimed India got support from the global community for the move.

Sushma Swaraj highlighted how from 2009 to 2019 a growing number of countries backed India for the listing of Masood Azhar under the United Nations' security council's (UNSC) 1267 committee.

In 2009, India was the lone proposer while in 2016 India's proposal was co-sponsored by the UK, US and France and in 2017 US, UK and France moved the proposal. By 2019 proposal was moved the US, UK, France and co-sponsored by Australia, Bangladesh, Italy and Japan and supported by 14 out 15 members of the UNSC, she said.

"In 2019, the proposal was moved by USA, France and UK and supported by 14 of the 15 UN Security Council Members and also co-sponsored by Australia, Bangladesh, Italy and Japan - non-members of the Security Council, " she said in a tweet. 
&nbsp; 
All four times China blocked the proposal but from 2009 to 2019 a growing number of countries agreed with New Delhi on the issue of terror and on the listing of Masood Azhar.

This development comes in the backdrop of Congress President Rahul Gandhi slamming the central government for not able to list Azhar despite PM Modi's claims of good ties with China which includes an informal Wuhan summit which saw PM Modi travelling to China to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Sushma Swaraj in a tweet said, "leaders who describe this as our diplomatic failure may see for themselves that in 2009, India was alone. In 2019, India had worldwide support."

Meanwhile, France has announced it will freeze the assets of Masood Azhar and will ask the European Union to include Azhar in the list of persons involved in terror attacks. 
&nbsp;

A day after China blocked the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar under United Nations terror list and opposition Congress lashed out at Centre, India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday in series of tweets claimed India got support from the global community for the move.

A day after China blocked the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar under United Nations terror list and opposition Congress lashed out at Centre, India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday in series of tweets claimed India got support from the global community for the move. Sushma Swaraj highlighted how from 2009 to 2019 a growing number of countries backed India for the listing of Masood Azhar under the United Nations' security council's (UNSC) 1267 committee. In 2009, India was the lone proposer while in 2016 India's proposal was co-sponsored by the UK, US and France and in 2017 US, UK and France moved the proposal. By 2019 proposal was moved the US, UK, France and co-sponsored by Australia, Bangladesh, Italy and Japan and supported by 14 out 15 members of the UNSC, she said. "In 2019, the proposal was moved by USA, France and UK and supported by 14 of the 15 UN Security Council Members and also co-sponsored by Australia, Bangladesh, Italy and Japan - non-members of the Security Council, " she said in a tweet. All four times China blocked the proposal but from 2009 to 2019 a growing number of countries agreed with New Delhi on the issue of terror and on the listing of Masood Azhar. This development comes in the backdrop of Congress President Rahul Gandhi slamming the central government for not able to list Azhar despite PM Modi's claims of good ties with China which includes an informal Wuhan summit which saw PM Modi travelling to China to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. Sushma Swaraj in a tweet said, "leaders who describe this as our diplomatic failure may see for themselves that in 2009, India was alone. In 2019, India had worldwide support." Meanwhile, France has announced it will freeze the assets of Masood Azhar and will ask the European Union to include Azhar in the list of persons involved in terror attacks.

India had global support, says Sushma Swaraj on Masood Azhar listing 

India has secured unprecedented support from the international community for listing Pakistan-based terror outfit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-china-bars-azhars-listing-pak-foreign-minister-qureshi-to-visit-china-this-sunday-203493">Jaish-e-Mohammed's (JeM) chief Masood Azhar</a> under the UN Sanctions Committee, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj stated on Friday.

Swaraj also gave a strong rebuttal to those who labelled Azhar's listing under the UN Sanctions Committee as a "diplomatic failure".

"I have shared...facts with you so that leaders who describe this as our diplomatic failure may see for themselves that in 2009, India was alone. In 2019, India has worldwide support," she tweeted.

"In 2009, India under the UPA Government was the lone proposer. In 2016, India's proposal was co-sponsored by USA, France and UK. In 2017, USA, UK and France moved the proposal," Swaraj tweeted.

She outlined that the latest proposal to designate Azhar as a global terrorist enjoyed the support of 14 of the 15 UN Security Council members.

"In 2019, the proposal was moved by USA, France and UK and supported by 14 of the 15 UN Security Council members and also co-sponsored by Australia, Bangladesh, Italy and Japan - non-members of the Security Council. Thus, we have secured unprecedented support from the international community for listing of Masood Azhar under the UN Sanctions Committee," she said.

In a move which has been largely condemned, China, for the fourth time, blocked Azhar's listing as a global terrorist at the UN Security Council on March 13. The proposal, by countries like the USA, UK and France, was moved in the UNSC following the widely condemned February 14 Pulwama terror attack, the responsibility of which has been claimed by Azhar's UN-proscribed terror outfit JeM.

India expressed disappointment over the development but vowed to pursue "all available avenues to ensure that terrorist leaders who are involved in heinous attacks on our citizens" are brought to justice.

China, however, defended its technical hold to the UN resolution, saying it needed "more time" as it is "conducting a comprehensive and in-depth review" on the listing request put forth by the countries, a stance that has been widely criticised.

Swaraj's statement comes on the same day that France sanctioned Azhar at a national level and froze his assets while showing its complete support to India following the Pulwama terror attack where India lost over 40 CRPF personnel.

Furthermore, France will also be raising the issue with its European partners in a bid to include Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts.

India has secured unprecedented support from the international community for listing Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed's (JeM) chief Masood Azhar under the UN Sanctions Committee, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj stated on Friday.

India has secured unprecedented support from the international community for listing Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed's (JeM) chief Masood Azhar under the UN Sanctions Committee, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj stated on Friday. Swaraj also gave a strong rebuttal to those who labelled Azhar's listing under the UN Sanctions Committee as a "diplomatic failure". "I have shared...facts with you so that leaders who describe this as our diplomatic failure may see for themselves that in 2009, India was alone. In 2019, India has worldwide support," she tweeted. "In 2009, India under the UPA Government was the lone proposer. In 2016, India's proposal was co-sponsored by USA, France and UK. In 2017, USA, UK and France moved the proposal," Swaraj tweeted. She outlined that the latest proposal to designate Azhar as a global terrorist enjoyed the support of 14 of the 15 UN Security Council members. "In 2019, the proposal was moved by USA, France and UK and supported by 14 of the 15 UN Security Council members and also co-sponsored by Australia, Bangladesh, Italy and Japan - non-members of the Security Council. Thus, we have secured unprecedented support from the international community for listing of Masood Azhar under the UN Sanctions Committee," she said. In a move which has been largely condemned, China, for the fourth time, blocked Azhar's listing as a global terrorist at the UN Security Council on March 13. The proposal, by countries like the USA, UK and France, was moved in the UNSC following the widely condemned February 14 Pulwama terror attack, the responsibility of which has been claimed by Azhar's UN-proscribed terror outfit JeM. India expressed disappointment over the development but vowed to pursue "all available avenues to ensure that terrorist leaders who are involved in heinous attacks on our citizens" are brought to justice. China, however, defended its technical hold to the UN resolution, saying it needed "more time" as it is "conducting a comprehensive and in-depth review" on the listing request put forth by the countries, a stance that has been widely criticised. Swaraj's statement comes on the same day that France sanctioned Azhar at a national level and froze his assets while showing its complete support to India following the Pulwama terror attack where India lost over 40 CRPF personnel. Furthermore, France will also be raising the issue with its European partners in a bid to include Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts.

India has unprecedented global support to list Masood Azhar under UN Sanctions Committee: Sushma Swaraj

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Wednesday said she conveyed to several countries post-Pulwama attack that India will not escalate the situation with Pakistan but if there is any other terror attack from that country, then it will not remain silent.&nbsp;

In an address at a think tank on Modi government's foreign policy, she said Pakistan was worried that India would escalate the situation and she was contacted by a number of foreign ministers over it.

"I used to receive calls from foreign ministers who used to first condole the Pulwama attack, then express their solidarity and then they used to softly say that we think India will not escalate the situation," she said.

"To which I used to reply that no, I assure you India will not escalate the situation but if there is any other terror attack then we will not remain silent as we cannot say Pulwama as our destiny," she said.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after Indian fighter jets bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near Balakot deep inside Pakistan on February 26.

Pakistan retaliated the strike by attempting unsuccessfully to target Indian military installations. However, the IAF thwarted its plans.&nbsp;

The Indian strike on the JeM camp 12 days after the terror group claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir, killing 40 soldiers.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Wednesday said she conveyed to several countries post-Pulwama attack that India will not escalate the situation with Pakistan but if there is any other terror attack from that country, then it will not remain silent.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Wednesday said she conveyed to several countries post-Pulwama attack that India will not escalate the situation with Pakistan but if there is any other terror attack from that country, then it will not remain silent. In an address at a think tank on Modi government's foreign policy, she said Pakistan was worried that India would escalate the situation and she was contacted by a number of foreign ministers over it. "I used to receive calls from foreign ministers who used to first condole the Pulwama attack, then express their solidarity and then they used to softly say that we think India will not escalate the situation," she said. "To which I used to reply that no, I assure you India will not escalate the situation but if there is any other terror attack then we will not remain silent as we cannot say Pulwama as our destiny," she said. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after Indian fighter jets bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near Balakot deep inside Pakistan on February 26. Pakistan retaliated the strike by attempting unsuccessfully to target Indian military installations. However, the IAF thwarted its plans. The Indian strike on the JeM camp 12 days after the terror group claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir, killing 40 soldiers.

India won't escalate situation with Pak, but won't take Pulwama as its destiny: Swaraj

External Affairs Minister Swaraj Swaraj Monday assured all help to the families of the four Indians killed in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-airlines-crash-four-indians-identified-but-still-missing-202467">Ethiopian Airlines plane crash</a> and directed Indian missions in Ethiopia and Kenya to ensure assistance is provided to them.

Four Indians, including a UN consultant attached with the Environment Ministry, were among the 157 people killed when a Nairobi-bound Ethiopian Airlines plane crashed after taking-off from Addis Ababa on Sunday.

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I have spoken to the bereaved family members of Shikha Garg, Manisha and Vaidyas. Please be assured that Indian missions in Ethiopia and Kenya are there to help you in all matters including identification of their remains and belongings. <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaInEthiopia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaInEthiopia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainKenya?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainKenya</a>
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1105079458531180544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The deceased Indian nationals were Shikha Garg, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) consultant attached with the Environment Ministry, Pannagesh Bhaskar Vaidya and Hansini Pannagesh Vaidya and Nukavarapu Manisha.

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I am trying to reach the family of Shikha Garg who has unfortunately died in the air crash. I have tried her husband's number many times. Please help me reach her family.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1104952495527378944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Responding to a relative from the Vaidya family, Swaraj said, "I have spoken to the son of Mr Vaidya in Toronto. I am shocked you have lost six members of your family in the air crash. My heartfelt condolences. I have asked Indian Embassy in Kenya and the India Embassy in Ethiopia to reach you immediately. They will provide help and assistance in respect of all your family members."

Replying to a tweet from a relative of N Manisha, the minister said she has asked the Indian High Commissioner in Nairobi, Rahul Chhabra, to provide them with all help and assistance.

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I have spoken to son of Mr Vaidya in Toronto. I am shocked you hv lost 6 members of your family in air crash. My heartfelt condolences. I hv asked <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainKenya?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainKenya</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaInEthiopia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaInEthiopia</a> to reach u immediately. They will provide help and assistance in respect of all your family members. <a href="https://t.co/4iUGgEC7j5">https://t.co/4iUGgEC7j5</a>
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1104949793011523584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Swaraj said she is trying to reach the family of Shikha Garg.&nbsp;

Later, in another tweet, she said, "I have spoken to the bereaved family members of Shikha Garg, Manisha and Vaidyas. Please be assured that Indian missions in Ethiopia and Kenya are there to help you in all matters including identification of their remains and belongings."

The Boeing 737 crashed minutes after an early-morning takeoff from Addis Ababa, killing all eight crew and 149 passengers on board, including tourists, business travellers, and Garg, who was on her way to attend a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) meeting.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Swaraj Swaraj Monday assured all help to the families of the four Indians killed in the Ethiopian Airlines plane crash and directed Indian missions in Ethiopia and Kenya to ensure assistance is provided to them.

External Affairs Minister Swaraj Swaraj Monday assured all help to the families of the four Indians killed in the Ethiopian Airlines plane crash and directed Indian missions in Ethiopia and Kenya to ensure assistance is provided to them. Four Indians, including a UN consultant attached with the Environment Ministry, were among the 157 people killed when a Nairobi-bound Ethiopian Airlines plane crashed after taking-off from Addis Ababa on Sunday. I have spoken to the bereaved family members of Shikha Garg, Manisha and Vaidyas. Please be assured that Indian missions in Ethiopia and Kenya are there to help you in all matters including identification of their remains and belongings. @IndiaInEthiopia @IndiainKenya — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 11, 2019 × The deceased Indian nationals were Shikha Garg, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) consultant attached with the Environment Ministry, Pannagesh Bhaskar Vaidya and Hansini Pannagesh Vaidya and Nukavarapu Manisha. I am trying to reach the family of Shikha Garg who has unfortunately died in the air crash. I have tried her husband's number many times. Please help me reach her family. — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 11, 2019 × Responding to a relative from the Vaidya family, Swaraj said, "I have spoken to the son of Mr Vaidya in Toronto. I am shocked you have lost six members of your family in the air crash. My heartfelt condolences. I have asked Indian Embassy in Kenya and the India Embassy in Ethiopia to reach you immediately. They will provide help and assistance in respect of all your family members." Replying to a tweet from a relative of N Manisha, the minister said she has asked the Indian High Commissioner in Nairobi, Rahul Chhabra, to provide them with all help and assistance. I have spoken to son of Mr Vaidya in Toronto. I am shocked you hv lost 6 members of your family in air crash. My heartfelt condolences. I hv asked @IndiainKenya @IndiaInEthiopia to reach u immediately. They will provide help and assistance in respect of all your family members. https://t.co/4iUGgEC7j5 — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 11, 2019 × Swaraj said she is trying to reach the family of Shikha Garg. Later, in another tweet, she said, "I have spoken to the bereaved family members of Shikha Garg, Manisha and Vaidyas. Please be assured that Indian missions in Ethiopia and Kenya are there to help you in all matters including identification of their remains and belongings." The Boeing 737 crashed minutes after an early-morning takeoff from Addis Ababa, killing all eight crew and 149 passengers on board, including tourists, business travellers, and Garg, who was on her way to attend a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) meeting.

Swaraj assures all help to families of Indians killed in Ethiopian Airlines plane crash 

All 157 people aboard an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-airlines-boeing-737-plane-crashes-on-way-to-kenya-with-149-passengers-on-board-202327">Ethiopian Airlines flight</a> on route to Nairobi from Addis Ababa that crashed early Sunday have died, a spokesperson for the airline confirmed.

The airline's CEO, Tewolde Gebre Mariam, told members of the press that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/four-indians-among-those-dead-in-ethiopian-airlines-plane-crash-202378">four Indians were among the dead</a>.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted out the names of the victims provided by the Indian embassy in Ethiopia.

''@IndiaInEthiopia has informed me that the deceased Indian nationals are Vaidya Pannagesh Bhaskar, Vaidya Hansin Annagesh, Nukavarapu Manisha and Shikha Garg,'' Sushma Swaraj tweeted.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaInEthiopia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaInEthiopia</a> has informed me that the deceased Indian nationals are Vaidya Pannagesh Bhaskar, Vaidya Hansin Annagesh, Nukavarapu Manisha and Shikha Garg. /2
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1104782358291599365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Ethiopian Airlines (ET) aircraft ET 302, a Boeing 737-800 MAX, took off at 08:38 local time from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and was scheduled to arrive in Nairobi, Kenya at 10:25. It lost contact at 08:44, and crashed around Bishoftu town, some 45 kilometres from Addis Ababa.

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Rescuers have been able to retrieve some remains of the aircraft's engine and wings by 20:00.&nbsp;

The wreckage pieces were scattered in an area as large as 10,000 square meters because of the huge impact force, they said, adding that the excavation would go on overnight.

All 157 people aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight on route to Nairobi from Addis Ababa that crashed early Sunday have died, a spokesperson for the airline confirmed.

All 157 people aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight on route to Nairobi from Addis Ababa that crashed early Sunday have died, a spokesperson for the airline confirmed. The airline's CEO, Tewolde Gebre Mariam, told members of the press that four Indians were among the dead. External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted out the names of the victims provided by the Indian embassy in Ethiopia. ''@IndiaInEthiopia has informed me that the deceased Indian nationals are Vaidya Pannagesh Bhaskar, Vaidya Hansin Annagesh, Nukavarapu Manisha and Shikha Garg,'' Sushma Swaraj tweeted. @IndiaInEthiopia has informed me that the deceased Indian nationals are Vaidya Pannagesh Bhaskar, Vaidya Hansin Annagesh, Nukavarapu Manisha and Shikha Garg. /2 — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 10, 2019 × The Ethiopian Airlines (ET) aircraft ET 302, a Boeing 737-800 MAX, took off at 08:38 local time from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and was scheduled to arrive in Nairobi, Kenya at 10:25. It lost contact at 08:44, and crashed around Bishoftu town, some 45 kilometres from Addis Ababa. × Rescuers have been able to retrieve some remains of the aircraft's engine and wings by 20:00. The wreckage pieces were scattered in an area as large as 10,000 square meters because of the huge impact force, they said, adding that the excavation would go on overnight.

Ethiopian Airlines crash: Four deceased Indians identified

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Swaraj assures all help to families of Indians killed in Ethiopian Airlines plane crash

Ethiopian Airlines crash: Four deceased Indians identified