Days after visiting Islamabad, Saudi State Minister for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir on Monday held extensive talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj here with a focus on deepening cooperation to combat terrorism.

It is learnt that the recent Indo-Pak tensions triggered by Pulwama attack and India's subsequent air strike on a terrorist training camp in Pakistan also came up during the meeting.

During his four-and-a-half-hour visit, Jubeir also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed bilateral issues, officials said. 
In her meeting with Jubeir, Swaraj is learnt to have raised the issue of cross-border terrorism and the need for ramping up pressure on Islamabad to take action to dismantle terror infrastructure in that country.

"EAM @SushmaSwaraj had a warm meeting with the Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs @AdelAljubeir on his visit to India. Follow up to the recent visit of Saudi Crown Prince to India, including cooperation in counter-terrorism, came up for discussion," MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

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EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> had a warm meeting with the Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs <a href="https://twitter.com/AdelAljubeir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AdelAljubeir</a> on his visit to India. Follow up to the recent visit of Saudi Crown Prince to India, including cooperation in counter-terrorism, came up for discussion. <a href="https://t.co/0lxIHcCpvE">pic.twitter.com/0lxIHcCpvE</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1105130582667902976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Saudi minister's visit here comes in the backdrop of global efforts to de-escalate tension between India and Pakistan triggered by the suicide attack by JeM in Pulwama on February 14 in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed and subsequent aerial strike by India on a training camp of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror outfit in Balakot on February 26.&nbsp;

Pakistan retaliated the next day by unsuccessfully attempting to target Indian military installations.&nbsp;

Last week, Jubeir visited Islamabad and met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. During the meeting, he delivered to Khan a "special message" from Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, according to Pakistani media reports.

He also held talks with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

Countries like the US, the UK, China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE were involved in easing tensions between India and Pakistan.

Jubeir's visit to the two countries comes weeks after the Crown Prince's stand-alone visits to India and Pakistan soon after the Pulwama terror attack.&nbsp;

Days after visiting Islamabad, Saudi State Minister for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir on Monday held extensive talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj here with a focus on deepening cooperation to combat terrorism.

Days after visiting Islamabad, Saudi State Minister for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir on Monday held extensive talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj here with a focus on deepening cooperation to combat terrorism. It is learnt that the recent Indo-Pak tensions triggered by Pulwama attack and India's subsequent air strike on a terrorist training camp in Pakistan also came up during the meeting. During his four-and-a-half-hour visit, Jubeir also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed bilateral issues, officials said. In her meeting with Jubeir, Swaraj is learnt to have raised the issue of cross-border terrorism and the need for ramping up pressure on Islamabad to take action to dismantle terror infrastructure in that country. "EAM @SushmaSwaraj had a warm meeting with the Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs @AdelAljubeir on his visit to India. Follow up to the recent visit of Saudi Crown Prince to India, including cooperation in counter-terrorism, came up for discussion," MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. EAM @SushmaSwaraj had a warm meeting with the Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs @AdelAljubeir on his visit to India. Follow up to the recent visit of Saudi Crown Prince to India, including cooperation in counter-terrorism, came up for discussion. pic.twitter.com/0lxIHcCpvE — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) March 11, 2019 × The Saudi minister's visit here comes in the backdrop of global efforts to de-escalate tension between India and Pakistan triggered by the suicide attack by JeM in Pulwama on February 14 in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed and subsequent aerial strike by India on a training camp of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror outfit in Balakot on February 26. Pakistan retaliated the next day by unsuccessfully attempting to target Indian military installations. Last week, Jubeir visited Islamabad and met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. During the meeting, he delivered to Khan a "special message" from Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, according to Pakistani media reports. He also held talks with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Countries like the US, the UK, China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE were involved in easing tensions between India and Pakistan. Jubeir's visit to the two countries comes weeks after the Crown Prince's stand-alone visits to India and Pakistan soon after the Pulwama terror attack.

Saudi junior foreign minister, Swaraj hold talks; discuss deepening cooperation to combat terrorism

Saudi Junior foreign minister to meet PM Modi

The BJP will use leaflets to ask people whether they would vote for parties that questioned the valour of the country's armed forces in&nbsp;the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-to-50-killed-in-indian-air-strike-on-pakistans-balakot-italian-journalist-quoting-eyewitness-200787">February 26 air strike </a>and the aerial engagement with Pakistan fighter jets the next day.

Speaking at a gathering of the BJP's women workers in Mumbai on Sunday, senior leader and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj signalled that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/oppositions-proof-probe-talk-on-air-strike-made-pakistan-smile-claims-amit-shah-200957">military action against Pakistan</a> after the February 14 Pulwama attack would be a poll issue for the ruling party.

"We should ask questions about whether our jawans should count the dead bodies (after dropping bombs on terror camps) or return safely after carrying out the air strike. BJP workers should ask counter-questions to those who raise doubts about the impact of our air strike," Swaraj said.

The February 26 airstrike is at the centre of a political slugfest with some opposition parties demanding that the Narendra Modi government furnish proof of its efficacy in terms of terrorist casualties at the Jaish-e-Mohammed camp that was bombed.

"We (BJP) should ask questions like whether you (voter) will support parties that side with separatists. We should ask people whether they want to vote for those who question the valour of our jawans," she said.

"We will have two leaflets of which one will be about these logical counter statements. BJP workers should use it during the poll campaign. The other leaflet will be about government welfare schemes for women. The two leaflets will be made available soon," Swaraj said.

The BJP will use leaflets to ask people whether they would vote for parties that questioned the valour of the country's armed forces in the February 26 air strike and the aerial engagement with Pakistan fighter jets the next day.

The BJP will use leaflets to ask people whether they would vote for parties that questioned the valour of the country's armed forces in the February 26 air strike and the aerial engagement with Pakistan fighter jets the next day. Speaking at a gathering of the BJP's women workers in Mumbai on Sunday, senior leader and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj signalled that the military action against Pakistan after the February 14 Pulwama attack would be a poll issue for the ruling party. "We should ask questions about whether our jawans should count the dead bodies (after dropping bombs on terror camps) or return safely after carrying out the air strike. BJP workers should ask counter-questions to those who raise doubts about the impact of our air strike," Swaraj said. The February 26 airstrike is at the centre of a political slugfest with some opposition parties demanding that the Narendra Modi government furnish proof of its efficacy in terms of terrorist casualties at the Jaish-e-Mohammed camp that was bombed. "We (BJP) should ask questions like whether you (voter) will support parties that side with separatists. We should ask people whether they want to vote for those who question the valour of our jawans," she said. "We will have two leaflets of which one will be about these logical counter statements. BJP workers should use it during the poll campaign. The other leaflet will be about government welfare schemes for women. The two leaflets will be made available soon," Swaraj said.

'Jawans should count dead bodies after air strike or return safely?' asks Sushma Swaraj

Indian govt reacts to statement released by OIC, says Jammu & Kashmir an integral part of India

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday commended India's invitation to the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/representatives-of-pak-embassy-abu-dhabi-to-attend-oic-meet-200551">Organisation of Islamic Cooperation</a> (OIC).

Calling it a diplomatic victory for India, Singh said the image of the country had become such that for the first time it received an invitation&nbsp;from the OIC.

"Entire world stands together against terrorism. No representative of India used to be invited to Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) but India's image has become such, that OIC invited India for the first time. It is a diplomatic victory, " he said.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was invited as&nbsp;a Guest of Honour to attend a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-to-be-guest-of-honour-at-organisation-of-islamic-cooperation-oic-meet-in-dubai-199141">conclave of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation</a>&nbsp;(OIC) in Abu Dhabi.

At the meeting on Friday, Swaraj highlighted&nbsp;India's diversity and coexistence while calling on the world to speak in one voice on the issue of terrorism.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-boycotts-islamic-cooperation-meet-over-indias-presence-200455">Shah Mehmood Qureshi</a>&nbsp;had officially announced his boycott from the OIC Foreign Ministers meet in Abu Dhabi over Indian presence.&nbsp;He had however added that a lower level official from the Pakistan&nbsp;government will be present in the meet.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday commended India's invitation to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Calling it a diplomatic victory for India, Singh said the image of the country had become such that for the first time it received an invitation from the OIC.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday commended India's invitation to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Calling it a diplomatic victory for India, Singh said the image of the country had become such that for the first time it received an invitation from the OIC. "Entire world stands together against terrorism. No representative of India used to be invited to Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) but India's image has become such, that OIC invited India for the first time. It is a diplomatic victory, " he said. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was invited as a Guest of Honour to attend a conclave of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Abu Dhabi. At the meeting on Friday, Swaraj highlighted India's diversity and coexistence while calling on the world to speak in one voice on the issue of terrorism. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had officially announced his boycott from the OIC Foreign Ministers meet in Abu Dhabi over Indian presence. He had however added that a lower level official from the Pakistan government will be present in the meet.

It is a diplomatic victory for India: Rajnath Singh on OIC's invite to India

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-reaches-abu-dhabi-to-address-oic-conclave-200373">reached Abu Dhabi</a>, UAE to participate at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers' meeting. The meeting will be held from on March 1 and 2 and, in a first, will have the Indian foreign minister as its chief guest.

Swaraj will speak during the plenary session&nbsp;during which she will underscore the long historical ties that India enjoys with the OIC members.&nbsp;

Pakistan earlier threatened to boycott the OIC meet in the wake of India's participation. Pak foreign minister on Friday confirmed that he will give the conclave a skip due to India's presence.

"I will not attend Council of Foreign Ministers as a matter of principle for having extended invitation as a Guest of Honour to Sushma Swaraj," Qureshi was quoted by media reports on Friday.

Pak foreign ministry spokesperson has earlier stated that if Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj goes, Pakistani foreign minister, SM Qureshi won't be going to the OIC meeting.&nbsp;

Pakistan's foreign minister Qureshi had written to OIC Secretary-General Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al Othaimeen asking him UAE should rescind invite to India or Islamabad will reconsider its decision to attend the meet in Abu Dhabi.

It is important to highlight, way back in 1969 the Indian delegation led by Congress leader Fakrudin Ali Ahmed, who later became the President of India, was not allowed to attend the final session of the OIC in Rabat, Morocco at the behest of Pakistan's then-president, Yahya Khan.

UAE had invited India for the OIC Meet saying that it will open the session of March 1, "with the participation of 56 member states and 5 observer states, as well as the friendly Republic of India with all its International political weight and diverse cultural heritage and an important Islamic component, as a guest of honour"

Welcoming the invitation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement said," We see this invitation as a welcome recognition of the presence of 185 million Muslims in India and of their contribution to its pluralistic ethos, and of India’s contribution to the Islamic world."

India's presence can be seen as a big diplomatic coup in the backdrop of New Delhi's hyphenation between Israel and Palestine, which was being criticised. India has been engaging with several Arab capitals with a number of high-level visits from West Asia to India and vice versa in the last 4 years.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday reached Abu Dhabi, UAE to participate at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers' meeting.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday reached Abu Dhabi, UAE to participate at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers' meeting. The meeting will be held from on March 1 and 2 and, in a first, will have the Indian foreign minister as its chief guest. Swaraj will speak during the plenary session during which she will underscore the long historical ties that India enjoys with the OIC members. Pakistan earlier threatened to boycott the OIC meet in the wake of India's participation. Pak foreign minister on Friday confirmed that he will give the conclave a skip due to India's presence. "I will not attend Council of Foreign Ministers as a matter of principle for having extended invitation as a Guest of Honour to Sushma Swaraj," Qureshi was quoted by media reports on Friday. Pak foreign ministry spokesperson has earlier stated that if Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj goes, Pakistani foreign minister, SM Qureshi won't be going to the OIC meeting. Pakistan's foreign minister Qureshi had written to OIC Secretary-General Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al Othaimeen asking him UAE should rescind invite to India or Islamabad will reconsider its decision to attend the meet in Abu Dhabi. It is important to highlight, way back in 1969 the Indian delegation led by Congress leader Fakrudin Ali Ahmed, who later became the President of India, was not allowed to attend the final session of the OIC in Rabat, Morocco at the behest of Pakistan's then-president, Yahya Khan. UAE had invited India for the OIC Meet saying that it will open the session of March 1, "with the participation of 56 member states and 5 observer states, as well as the friendly Republic of India with all its International political weight and diverse cultural heritage and an important Islamic component, as a guest of honour" Welcoming the invitation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement said," We see this invitation as a welcome recognition of the presence of 185 million Muslims in India and of their contribution to its pluralistic ethos, and of India’s contribution to the Islamic world." India's presence can be seen as a big diplomatic coup in the backdrop of New Delhi's hyphenation between Israel and Palestine, which was being criticised. India has been engaging with several Arab capitals with a number of high-level visits from West Asia to India and vice versa in the last 4 years.

India attends Organisation of Islamic Cooperation meet as 'guest of honour', Pakistan boycotts

India at OIC: A Major Diplomatic Victory

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met her Maldives' and Bangladesh counterparts, Abdulla Shahid and Dr AK Abdul Momen, respectively on the sidelines of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-oic-sushma-swaraj-highlights-indias-diversity-slams-pakistan-for-its-support-to-terror-200512">46th Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)</a> Foreign Ministers Meeting in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

The Foreign Ministers of India and Maldives discussed follow up to Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's maiden visit to India last year and exchanged their views on the regional situation.

"A close friend and a maritime neighbour. EAM @SushmaSwaraj met #Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid on the sidelines of #OIC Foreign Ministers Meeting in #AbuDhabi. Discussed follow up to Maldives President's visit to India and exchanged views on the regional situation," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Swaraj and her Bangladeshi counterpart had a "good exchange" of views on bilateral issues, Kumar further informed.

"Good exchange of views on issues of bilateral importance in EAM @SushmaSwaraj meeting with Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr AK Abdul Momen on the sidelines of #OIC Foreign Ministers Meeting in #AbuDhabi. #NeighbourhoodFirst," Kumar tweeted.

Earlier today, Swaraj addressed the plenary session of the conference as the ‘Guest of Honour’ which was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-boycotts-islamic-cooperation-meet-over-indias-presence-200455">boycotted by Pakistan</a> as a protest against the invitation to India for the first time in the grouping’s 50-year-old history.

In her speech, Swaraj said the fight against terrorism is not against any religion but underlined that the countries providing shelter and funding to it must be asked to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism based in their countries, in an apparent reference to Pakistan.

The minister also underlined that those indulging in terrorism are resorting to “distortion of religion” and giving different names to the menace to justify it.

Swaraj asserted that “senseless terrorist violence” was destroying lives, destabilising regions, and putting the world at great peril as its “lethality” was increasing and “toll rising”.

She also spoke about India's civilisational links and close partnership with the Muslim countries across the world.

Swaraj is currently on a two-day visit to the UAE, which would conclude on Saturday.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met her Maldives' and Bangladesh counterparts, Abdulla Shahid and Dr AK Abdul Momen, respectively on the sidelines of 46th Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers Meeting in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met her Maldives' and Bangladesh counterparts, Abdulla Shahid and Dr AK Abdul Momen, respectively on the sidelines of 46th Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers Meeting in Abu Dhabi on Friday. The Foreign Ministers of India and Maldives discussed follow up to Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's maiden visit to India last year and exchanged their views on the regional situation. "A close friend and a maritime neighbour. EAM @SushmaSwaraj met #Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid on the sidelines of #OIC Foreign Ministers Meeting in #AbuDhabi. Discussed follow up to Maldives President's visit to India and exchanged views on the regional situation," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Swaraj and her Bangladeshi counterpart had a "good exchange" of views on bilateral issues, Kumar further informed. "Good exchange of views on issues of bilateral importance in EAM @SushmaSwaraj meeting with Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr AK Abdul Momen on the sidelines of #OIC Foreign Ministers Meeting in #AbuDhabi. #NeighbourhoodFirst," Kumar tweeted. Earlier today, Swaraj addressed the plenary session of the conference as the ‘Guest of Honour’ which was boycotted by Pakistan as a protest against the invitation to India for the first time in the grouping’s 50-year-old history. In her speech, Swaraj said the fight against terrorism is not against any religion but underlined that the countries providing shelter and funding to it must be asked to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism based in their countries, in an apparent reference to Pakistan. The minister also underlined that those indulging in terrorism are resorting to “distortion of religion” and giving different names to the menace to justify it. Swaraj asserted that “senseless terrorist violence” was destroying lives, destabilising regions, and putting the world at great peril as its “lethality” was increasing and “toll rising”. She also spoke about India's civilisational links and close partnership with the Muslim countries across the world. Swaraj is currently on a two-day visit to the UAE, which would conclude on Saturday.

Swaraj discusses bilateral issues with Maldivian, Bangladeshi counterparts at OIC meet

Facing flak for linking India's air strike on terror camps in Pakistan with BJP's prospects in Lok Sabha polls, party Karnataka chief B S Yeddyurappa Thursday said there was no question of seeking electoral gains and the nation came first to him.

Yeddyurappa's remarks amid escalating tension between India and Pakistan drew criticism from political leaders in Karnataka and disapproval from his own party colleague and Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh.

He had on Wednesday said India's pre-emptive strikes on terror camps in Pakistan has created a wave in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will help the party win over 22 out of 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka.

The Pakistan media and the ruling party there Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf too latched on to Yeddyurappa's statement to question India whether war was an election option.

"I would like to clarify that my yesterday's statement has been completely misinterpreted. I have the highest regard for our armed forces. I salute the bravery of our men in fighting for the country's safety," Yeddyurappa said in a series of tweets.

"I stand along with my fellow countrymen and pray for the safe return of (Wing) Commander Abhinandan Varthaman (IAF pilot in Pakistan's custody). To me, the Nation comes first and then the party," he said.

In another tweet, he said, "My statement is being reported out of context. I said that 'situation is favourable for BJP' which I have been saying for the last couple of months. This is not the first time I said BJP in Karnataka will win a minimum of 22 seats under the able leadership of Modiji."

Speaking to reporters, he said there was no question of using the situation arising out of the IAF strike for electoral gains.

Noting that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had informed about the developments at an all-party meeting, he said all political parties, including Congress President Rahul Gandhi, have welcomed India's action.

"Where is the question of using it for politics? The whole country has welcomed it. There is no question of using it for political gains," he added.

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Congress legislature party leader Siddaramaiah slammed Yeddyurappa for looking at political gains on an issue involving national security and interest.

Singh, a former Army chief, expressed his difference with Yeddyurappa on the issue.

"@BSYBJPji, I beg to differ. We stand as one nation, action taken by our government is to safeguard our nation &amp; ensure the safety of our citizens, not to win a few extra seats," Singh tweeted.

He tagged a video link of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's speech in the parliament stressing on unity among parties at times of national distress.

In a tweet tagging a news report about Yeddyurappa's statement, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's party said "Air Force excursions, war mongering, soldiers in captivity and the lives of so many people in danger all equate to 22 seats in the eyes of representatives on India's ruling party. Is war an election option? #SayNoToWar."

Hitting out at Yeddyurappa, Kumaraswamy termed his comments as "shameful."

"The entire nation is united in supporting the central govt&amp;our armed forces to fight terrorism, while #Bjp leader @BSYBJP is busy calculating how many extra LS seats the terrorattack&amp;Pak war can bring to his party.

"It's shameful to exploit our jawans' sacrifice for electoral gains," Kumaraswamy tweeted.

Questioning BJP's intention, former Chief Minister and Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Siddaramaiah demanded clarification from the prime minister.

"Shocking &amp; disgusting to understand #BJPsPlot4Vote. It is unfortunate that @BJP4India is calculating electoral gains even before the dust has settled," he said in a tweet. 
 
He also said, "No patriot shall derive such sadistic gains over soldiers' death, only an anti-nationalist can. What will RSS say about this?" Siddaramaiah asked.

State Congress chief Dinesh Gundu Rao also slammed Yeddyurappa, asking whether going to war an electoral strategy for the BJP.&nbsp;

Facing flak for linking India's air strike on terror camps in Pakistan with BJP's prospects in Lok Sabha polls, party Karnataka chief B S Yeddyurappa Thursday said there was no question of seeking electoral gains and the nation came first to him.

Facing flak for linking India's air strike on terror camps in Pakistan with BJP's prospects in Lok Sabha polls, party Karnataka chief B S Yeddyurappa Thursday said there was no question of seeking electoral gains and the nation came first to him. Yeddyurappa's remarks amid escalating tension between India and Pakistan drew criticism from political leaders in Karnataka and disapproval from his own party colleague and Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh. He had on Wednesday said India's pre-emptive strikes on terror camps in Pakistan has created a wave in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will help the party win over 22 out of 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka. The Pakistan media and the ruling party there Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf too latched on to Yeddyurappa's statement to question India whether war was an election option. "I would like to clarify that my yesterday's statement has been completely misinterpreted. I have the highest regard for our armed forces. I salute the bravery of our men in fighting for the country's safety," Yeddyurappa said in a series of tweets. "I stand along with my fellow countrymen and pray for the safe return of (Wing) Commander Abhinandan Varthaman (IAF pilot in Pakistan's custody). To me, the Nation comes first and then the party," he said. In another tweet, he said, "My statement is being reported out of context. I said that 'situation is favourable for BJP' which I have been saying for the last couple of months. This is not the first time I said BJP in Karnataka will win a minimum of 22 seats under the able leadership of Modiji." Speaking to reporters, he said there was no question of using the situation arising out of the IAF strike for electoral gains. Noting that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had informed about the developments at an all-party meeting, he said all political parties, including Congress President Rahul Gandhi, have welcomed India's action. "Where is the question of using it for politics? The whole country has welcomed it. There is no question of using it for political gains," he added. Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Congress legislature party leader Siddaramaiah slammed Yeddyurappa for looking at political gains on an issue involving national security and interest. Singh, a former Army chief, expressed his difference with Yeddyurappa on the issue. "@BSYBJPji, I beg to differ. We stand as one nation, action taken by our government is to safeguard our nation & ensure the safety of our citizens, not to win a few extra seats," Singh tweeted. He tagged a video link of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's speech in the parliament stressing on unity among parties at times of national distress. In a tweet tagging a news report about Yeddyurappa's statement, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's party said "Air Force excursions, war mongering, soldiers in captivity and the lives of so many people in danger all equate to 22 seats in the eyes of representatives on India's ruling party. Is war an election option? #SayNoToWar." Hitting out at Yeddyurappa, Kumaraswamy termed his comments as "shameful." "The entire nation is united in supporting the central govt&our armed forces to fight terrorism, while #Bjp leader @BSYBJP is busy calculating how many extra LS seats the terrorattack&Pak war can bring to his party. "It's shameful to exploit our jawans' sacrifice for electoral gains," Kumaraswamy tweeted. Questioning BJP's intention, former Chief Minister and Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Siddaramaiah demanded clarification from the prime minister. "Shocking & disgusting to understand #BJPsPlot4Vote. It is unfortunate that @BJP4India is calculating electoral gains even before the dust has settled," he said in a tweet. He also said, "No patriot shall derive such sadistic gains over soldiers' death, only an anti-nationalist can. What will RSS say about this?" Siddaramaiah asked. State Congress chief Dinesh Gundu Rao also slammed Yeddyurappa, asking whether going to war an electoral strategy for the BJP.

Under fire, Yeddyurappa says no question of seeking electoral gains from air strike

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday reached Abu Dhabi to attend a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-to-be-guest-of-honour-at-organisation-of-islamic-cooperation-oic-meet-in-dubai-199141">conclave of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation</a> (OIC) as a Guest of Honour.

"Recognising India’s engagement with the Islamic world. EAM SushmaSwaraj arrives in Abu Dhabi for the Ministerial Meeting of India has been invited by HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of UAE as the 'Guest of Honour'," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs.

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Recognising India’s engagement with the Islamic world 
 
EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> arrives in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbuDhabi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AbuDhabi</a> for the Ministerial Meeting of <a href="https://twitter.com/OIC_OCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OIC_OCI</a>. India has been invited by HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of UAE as the 'Guest of Honour'. <a href="https://t.co/wzQbVOGczN">pic.twitter.com/wzQbVOGczN</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1101225141428736000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Swaraj will address the plenary of the two-day 46th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the 57-member body. She has been invited by UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to address the OIC meeting.

Swaraj, who will be attending as a 'Guest of Honour' despite Pakistan's objections, will underscore India's long and historical relationship with the OIC member countries, sources said on Thursday.

India considers its bilateral ties with the UAE as vital, the sources said.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has threatened to boycott the OIC meet if Swaraj participated.

Before Swaraj's departure, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to discuss the recent developments and urged the need for resumption of dialogue between the two countries.

"Mohamed bin Zayed makes telephone calls to Indian and Pakistani prime ministers, stresses importance of dealing wisely with recent developments and giving priority to dialogue and communication," read a tweet.

The Indian Air Force strike on Tuesday in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa&nbsp;province&nbsp;destroyed a major terrorist training camp run by Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and eliminated a "large number" of terrorists, including top commanders.

On Wednesday morning, India foiled an attempt by Pakistan Air Force to carry out strikes in Jammu and Kashmir by shooting down an F-16 fighter plane while losing its own MiG-21 jet after which a pilot was “missing in action”.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday reached Abu Dhabi to attend a conclave of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as a Guest of Honour. "Recognising India’s engagement with the Islamic world.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday reached Abu Dhabi to attend a conclave of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as a Guest of Honour. "Recognising India’s engagement with the Islamic world. EAM SushmaSwaraj arrives in Abu Dhabi for the Ministerial Meeting of India has been invited by HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of UAE as the 'Guest of Honour'," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs. Recognising India’s engagement with the Islamic world EAM @SushmaSwaraj arrives in #AbuDhabi for the Ministerial Meeting of @OIC_OCI. India has been invited by HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of UAE as the 'Guest of Honour'. pic.twitter.com/wzQbVOGczN — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 28, 2019 × Swaraj will address the plenary of the two-day 46th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the 57-member body. She has been invited by UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to address the OIC meeting. Swaraj, who will be attending as a 'Guest of Honour' despite Pakistan's objections, will underscore India's long and historical relationship with the OIC member countries, sources said on Thursday. India considers its bilateral ties with the UAE as vital, the sources said. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has threatened to boycott the OIC meet if Swaraj participated. Before Swaraj's departure, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to discuss the recent developments and urged the need for resumption of dialogue between the two countries. "Mohamed bin Zayed makes telephone calls to Indian and Pakistani prime ministers, stresses importance of dealing wisely with recent developments and giving priority to dialogue and communication," read a tweet. The Indian Air Force strike on Tuesday in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province destroyed a major terrorist training camp run by Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and eliminated a "large number" of terrorists, including top commanders. On Wednesday morning, India foiled an attempt by Pakistan Air Force to carry out strikes in Jammu and Kashmir by shooting down an F-16 fighter plane while losing its own MiG-21 jet after which a pilot was “missing in action”.

Sushma Swaraj reaches Abu Dhabi to address OIC conclave

Highlighting India's diversity and coexistence while calling on the world to speak in one voice on the issue of terrorism, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj on Friday raised the issue as the main focus at the 46th session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Minister meet.

Carrying the "greetings" of 1.3 billion Indians including 185 million Muslim brothers and sisters, EAM said, "Our Muslim brothers and sisters are a microcosm of the diversity of India. They speak Tamil and Telugu, Malayalam and Marathi, Bangla and Bhojpuri or any of the numerous languages of India."

"They practice their respective beliefs and live in harmony with each other and with their non-Muslim brethren. It is this appreciation of diversity and co-existence, that has ensured that very few Muslims in India have fallen prey to the poisonous propaganda of radical and extremist ideologies, " she added.

Without naming Pakistan, EAM Sushma slammed the issue of terror emanating from the country. "If we want to save the humanity then we must tell the states who provide shelter and funding to the terrorists, to dismantle the infrastructure of the terrorist camps and stop providing funding and shelter to the terror organisations, based in their country, " she added.

She further quoted Quran, the founder Guru of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev and Rig Veda and highlighted that every religion in the world stands for peace, compassion and brotherhood. She said, "Terrorism and extremism" bear different names but in each case is driven by "distortion of religion" adding, "fight against terrorism is not a confrontation against any religion"

She also underscored the long historical ties India has with the members of OIC. From ties with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia which are "important pillars" of India's Act East Policy to countries in the neighbourhood--Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Maldives, from Iran with which India has "Civilisational and cultural links" to Iraq with which India has shared "Triumphs and trials" and countries in further to west like Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria with which India "shared desire for a more inclusive world" External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj talked about the ties will all OIC countries.

She thanked Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh and "others friends" for their strong support for "hearing India’s voice in this forum."

India is the guest of honour at the grouping's meeting, which is a first. The Indian presence is seen as a big diplomatic victory. India has been engaging with several Arab capitals with a number of high-level visits from West Asia to India and vice versa in the last four years.

PAKISTAN BOYCOTTS OIC OVER INDIAN PRESENCE

Meanwhile, Pakistan has officially announced that it will boycott the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers meet in Abu Dhabi over Indian presence.&nbsp;

Speaking in the Pakistani Parliament, Pak Foreign Minister SM Qureshi said," I have decided, that I will not go to the foreign ministers meet. "

"Our lower level officials will be present to defend Pakistan’s resolution, in sure if someone tries to give India an observer status we can oppose it, " he added.

Islamabad has raised strong objections to OIC on India's presence.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Qureshi had written to OIC Secretary-General Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al Othaimeen asking him that UAE should rescind invite to India or Islamabad will reconsider its decision to attend the meet in Abu Dhabi.

It is important to highlight, way back in 1969 the Indian delegation led by Congress leader Fakrudin Ali Ahmed, who later became the President of India, was not allowed to attend the final session of the OIC in Rabat, Morocco at the behest of Pakistan's then-president, Yahya Khan.

This time Pakistan's plea was not taken into consideration, which many will say shows Islamabad's growing isolation.

Highlighting India's diversity and coexistence while calling on the world to speak in one voice on the issue of terrorism, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj on Friday raised the issue as the main focus at the 46th session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Minister meet.

Highlighting India's diversity and coexistence while calling on the world to speak in one voice on the issue of terrorism, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj on Friday raised the issue as the main focus at the 46th session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Minister meet. Carrying the "greetings" of 1.3 billion Indians including 185 million Muslim brothers and sisters, EAM said, "Our Muslim brothers and sisters are a microcosm of the diversity of India. They speak Tamil and Telugu, Malayalam and Marathi, Bangla and Bhojpuri or any of the numerous languages of India." "They practice their respective beliefs and live in harmony with each other and with their non-Muslim brethren. It is this appreciation of diversity and co-existence, that has ensured that very few Muslims in India have fallen prey to the poisonous propaganda of radical and extremist ideologies, " she added. Without naming Pakistan, EAM Sushma slammed the issue of terror emanating from the country. "If we want to save the humanity then we must tell the states who provide shelter and funding to the terrorists, to dismantle the infrastructure of the terrorist camps and stop providing funding and shelter to the terror organisations, based in their country, " she added. She further quoted Quran, the founder Guru of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev and Rig Veda and highlighted that every religion in the world stands for peace, compassion and brotherhood. She said, "Terrorism and extremism" bear different names but in each case is driven by "distortion of religion" adding, "fight against terrorism is not a confrontation against any religion" She also underscored the long historical ties India has with the members of OIC. From ties with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia which are "important pillars" of India's Act East Policy to countries in the neighbourhood--Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Maldives, from Iran with which India has "Civilisational and cultural links" to Iraq with which India has shared "Triumphs and trials" and countries in further to west like Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria with which India "shared desire for a more inclusive world" External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj talked about the ties will all OIC countries. She thanked Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh and "others friends" for their strong support for "hearing India’s voice in this forum." India is the guest of honour at the grouping's meeting, which is a first. The Indian presence is seen as a big diplomatic victory. India has been engaging with several Arab capitals with a number of high-level visits from West Asia to India and vice versa in the last four years. PAKISTAN BOYCOTTS OIC OVER INDIAN PRESENCE Meanwhile, Pakistan has officially announced that it will boycott the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers meet in Abu Dhabi over Indian presence. Speaking in the Pakistani Parliament, Pak Foreign Minister SM Qureshi said," I have decided, that I will not go to the foreign ministers meet. " "Our lower level officials will be present to defend Pakistan’s resolution, in sure if someone tries to give India an observer status we can oppose it, " he added. Islamabad has raised strong objections to OIC on India's presence. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Qureshi had written to OIC Secretary-General Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al Othaimeen asking him that UAE should rescind invite to India or Islamabad will reconsider its decision to attend the meet in Abu Dhabi. It is important to highlight, way back in 1969 the Indian delegation led by Congress leader Fakrudin Ali Ahmed, who later became the President of India, was not allowed to attend the final session of the OIC in Rabat, Morocco at the behest of Pakistan's then-president, Yahya Khan. This time Pakistan's plea was not taken into consideration, which many will say shows Islamabad's growing isolation.

At OIC, Sushma Swaraj highlights India's diversity, slams Pakistan for its support to terror

External Affairs Minister raised the issue of terrorism at the&nbsp;Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)&nbsp;gathering on Friday amid Indo-Pak tensions following the Pulwama terror attack.

"Terrorism is destroying lives, destabilising regions and putting the world at great peril. Terror reach is growing and the toll it is taking is increasing," Swaraj said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
"Terrorism in each case is driven by distortion of religion. Fight against terror is not a confrontation against any religion. Just as Islam means peace, none of the 99 names of Allah mean violence. Similarly every religion stands for peace," she added while addressing the IOC as a guest of honour.

The Pakistan's chair was empty as Swaraj delivered her address at the inauguration of the two-day meeting.

It is for the first time that India has been invited to a meeting of the OIC, an influential grouping of 57 Islamic countries, as the guest of honour.&nbsp;

India's engagement with the OIC comes in the midst of escalating tension between India and Pakistan. The ties strained further after Indian fighter jets bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near Balakot deep inside Pakistan early Tuesday. Pakistan carried out a retaliatory aerial raid on Wednesday.

Pakistan, a member of the OIC, tried to get Swaraj 'disinvited' from the Abu Dhabi meet following India's air strike on the terror camp in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said he will not attend the meeting over the grouping's failure to rescind invitation to Swaraj.&nbsp;

The OIC had disinvited India from its conference in 1969 in Morocco at Pakistan's behest. The OIC has usually been supportive of Pakistan and often sided with Islamabad on the Kashmir issue.

(With PTI inputs)

External Affairs Minister raised the issue of terrorism at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) gathering on Friday amid Indo-Pak tensions following the Pulwama terror attack.

External Affairs Minister raised the issue of terrorism at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) gathering on Friday amid Indo-Pak tensions following the Pulwama terror attack. "Terrorism is destroying lives, destabilising regions and putting the world at great peril. Terror reach is growing and the toll it is taking is increasing," Swaraj said. "Terrorism in each case is driven by distortion of religion. Fight against terror is not a confrontation against any religion. Just as Islam means peace, none of the 99 names of Allah mean violence. Similarly every religion stands for peace," she added while addressing the IOC as a guest of honour. The Pakistan's chair was empty as Swaraj delivered her address at the inauguration of the two-day meeting. It is for the first time that India has been invited to a meeting of the OIC, an influential grouping of 57 Islamic countries, as the guest of honour. India's engagement with the OIC comes in the midst of escalating tension between India and Pakistan. The ties strained further after Indian fighter jets bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near Balakot deep inside Pakistan early Tuesday. Pakistan carried out a retaliatory aerial raid on Wednesday. Pakistan, a member of the OIC, tried to get Swaraj 'disinvited' from the Abu Dhabi meet following India's air strike on the terror camp in Pakistan. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said he will not attend the meeting over the grouping's failure to rescind invitation to Swaraj. The OIC had disinvited India from its conference in 1969 in Morocco at Pakistan's behest. The OIC has usually been supportive of Pakistan and often sided with Islamabad on the Kashmir issue. (With PTI inputs)

Terrorism destroying lives, destabilising regions and putting world at great peril: Sushma Swaraj at OIC

India on Wednesday said that it doesn't wish to see further escalation of current <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-raises-pulwama-terror-attack-with-her-chinese-counterpart-report-199940">tension&nbsp;with Islamabad</a> and added that airstrike on Pakistani territory was carried out as it refused to act on terrorist camps on its soil.&nbsp;

Speaking at the RIC or Russia, India, China foreign ministers meet in Wuzhen, China, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "Limited objective of pre-emptive strike was to act decisively against the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/blow-by-blow-account-how-mirage-2000-jets-destroyed-targets-inside-pakistan-199915">terrorist infrastructure </a>of JeM in order to pre-emptive another terror attack in India. India does not wish to see further escalation of the situation. india will continue to act with responsibility and restraint."

JeM or Jaish-e-Mohammad is a Pakistan based terror group which owned up responsibility for Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 of India's paramilitary security personnel.&nbsp;

Explaining the rationale behind India's stand, EAM said, "In the light of the continued refusal of Pakistan to acknowledge and act against terror groups on its territory and based on credible information that JeM is planning other attacks in various parts of India, Government of India decided to take pre-emptive action."

"The&nbsp;target was selected in order to avoid civilian casualties. This was not a military operation, no military installations were targeted," she added

The meet is chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and EAM Sushma Swaraj in attendance.&nbsp;

She said," Following the Pulwama terrorist attack instead of acting against JeM and other terror groups based in Pakistan, it&nbsp;denied any knowledge of it and outrightly dismissed claims by JeM."

The visit by EAM to China comes a day after Indian strikes and New Delhi will be keen that Beijing pressure Islamabad to act on terror. China so far has been shielding listing of Masood Azhar, JeM's chief as an international terrorist under the UNSC 1267 committee.&nbsp;

India has been trying to list Azhar as an international terrorist but China has thwarted Indian attempts citing lack of consensus.&nbsp;

France will again propose listing of Azhar and is being backed by the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

This is the first meeting between the Chinese and Indian ministers this year. Last year Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met 4 times.

Speaking on Sino-India ties at the RIC meet, EAM said, "channel of strategic communication between two of us and between the senior official of two sides should always remain open"

This year Chinese President will visit India for the 2nd informal summit between both the countries. The first happened last year in April in Wuhan.

The last RIC Foreign Ministerial Meeting took place in New Delhi on 11 December 2017 in the backdrop of Doklam crisis when Chinese forces tried to build a road on Bhutanese territory and the attempt was thwarted by Indian forces but led to a 2-month long standoff, the worst in many decades.

Informal RIC meet at the leaders level — Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping took place on 30 November last year on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina. The meet took place after a gap of 12 years.

India on Wednesday said that it doesn't wish to see further escalation of current tension with Islamabad and added that airstrike on Pakistani territory was carried out as it refused to act on terrorist camps on its soil.

India on Wednesday said that it doesn't wish to see further escalation of current tension with Islamabad and added that airstrike on Pakistani territory was carried out as it refused to act on terrorist camps on its soil. Speaking at the RIC or Russia, India, China foreign ministers meet in Wuzhen, China, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "Limited objective of pre-emptive strike was to act decisively against the terrorist infrastructure of JeM in order to pre-emptive another terror attack in India. India does not wish to see further escalation of the situation. india will continue to act with responsibility and restraint." JeM or Jaish-e-Mohammad is a Pakistan based terror group which owned up responsibility for Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 of India's paramilitary security personnel. Explaining the rationale behind India's stand, EAM said, "In the light of the continued refusal of Pakistan to acknowledge and act against terror groups on its territory and based on credible information that JeM is planning other attacks in various parts of India, Government of India decided to take pre-emptive action." "The target was selected in order to avoid civilian casualties. This was not a military operation, no military installations were targeted," she added The meet is chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and EAM Sushma Swaraj in attendance. She said," Following the Pulwama terrorist attack instead of acting against JeM and other terror groups based in Pakistan, it denied any knowledge of it and outrightly dismissed claims by JeM." The visit by EAM to China comes a day after Indian strikes and New Delhi will be keen that Beijing pressure Islamabad to act on terror. China so far has been shielding listing of Masood Azhar, JeM's chief as an international terrorist under the UNSC 1267 committee. India has been trying to list Azhar as an international terrorist but China has thwarted Indian attempts citing lack of consensus. France will again propose listing of Azhar and is being backed by the United Kingdom. This is the first meeting between the Chinese and Indian ministers this year. Last year Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met 4 times. Speaking on Sino-India ties at the RIC meet, EAM said, "channel of strategic communication between two of us and between the senior official of two sides should always remain open" This year Chinese President will visit India for the 2nd informal summit between both the countries. The first happened last year in April in Wuhan. The last RIC Foreign Ministerial Meeting took place in New Delhi on 11 December 2017 in the backdrop of Doklam crisis when Chinese forces tried to build a road on Bhutanese territory and the attempt was thwarted by Indian forces but led to a 2-month long standoff, the worst in many decades. Informal RIC meet at the leaders level — Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping took place on 30 November last year on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina. The meet took place after a gap of 12 years.

Don't want to see further escalation, says India at RIC meet in China

Sushma Swaraj reaches Wuzhen for India-Russia-China trilateral

A day after Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes targeting terror launch pads in Pakistan's Balakot, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Wuzhen.&nbsp;

Swaraj reportedly raised Pulwama terror attack in her meeting with the Chinese foreign minister, reported news agency PTI.&nbsp;

"I am visiting China at a time when there is grief and anger in India. It is the worst terrorist attack directed against our security forces in Jammu and Kashmir," she said in her opening remarks during the meeting held on the side-lines of Russia, India, China Foreign Ministers meeting.&nbsp;

"The attack was carried out by Jaish-e-Muhammed, the Pakistan-based and supported terrorist organisation," she said.&nbsp;

Forty Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in a suicide attack by Pakistan-based JeM in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14, sparking outrage in the country.

Stating that the JeM is banned by the UN and other countries, Swaraj told Wang that this terrorist attack is the direct result of the impunity and cover provided to the JeM and its leaders by the Pakistani side.

After the Pulwama attack the entire UN has spoken with full voice to condemn it, she said.&nbsp;

Swaraj who arrived here early this morning told Wang that this is their first meeting this year and therefore an opportune time for the two sides to take stock of the bilateral relations and look ahead for cooperation.

''This is our first meeting this year. Therefore, an opportune time for us to take stock of our bilateral relations and look ahead for cooperation. The India-China relationship is an important relationship for both of our countries,'' she said.&nbsp;

Swaraj met the Chinese foreign minister ahead of 16th Foreign Ministers Meeting of Russia-India-China (RIC) at the scenic town in China.

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She will also hold bilateral discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, besides the Chinese Foreign Minister, according to ANI.&nbsp;

(With agencies inputs)

A day after Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes targeting terror launch pads in Pakistan's Balakot, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Wuzhen.

A day after Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes targeting terror launch pads in Pakistan's Balakot, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Wuzhen. Swaraj reportedly raised Pulwama terror attack in her meeting with the Chinese foreign minister, reported news agency PTI. "I am visiting China at a time when there is grief and anger in India. It is the worst terrorist attack directed against our security forces in Jammu and Kashmir," she said in her opening remarks during the meeting held on the side-lines of Russia, India, China Foreign Ministers meeting. "The attack was carried out by Jaish-e-Muhammed, the Pakistan-based and supported terrorist organisation," she said. Forty Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in a suicide attack by Pakistan-based JeM in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14, sparking outrage in the country. Stating that the JeM is banned by the UN and other countries, Swaraj told Wang that this terrorist attack is the direct result of the impunity and cover provided to the JeM and its leaders by the Pakistani side. After the Pulwama attack the entire UN has spoken with full voice to condemn it, she said. Swaraj who arrived here early this morning told Wang that this is their first meeting this year and therefore an opportune time for the two sides to take stock of the bilateral relations and look ahead for cooperation. ''This is our first meeting this year. Therefore, an opportune time for us to take stock of our bilateral relations and look ahead for cooperation. The India-China relationship is an important relationship for both of our countries,'' she said. Swaraj met the Chinese foreign minister ahead of 16th Foreign Ministers Meeting of Russia-India-China (RIC) at the scenic town in China. #WATCH China: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj meets her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Wuzhen. pic.twitter.com/RDLfXz6cqV — ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2019 × She will also hold bilateral discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, besides the Chinese Foreign Minister, according to ANI. (With agencies inputs)

Sushma Swaraj raises Pulwama terror attack with Chinese counterpart: Report

The Pulwama terrorist attack and the listing of Pakistan-based <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jem-chief-masood-azhar-shifted-to-facility-near-bahawalpur-from-rawalpindi-military-hospital-intel-sources-199732">Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar</a> as a global terrorist by the UN is expected to figure prominently at Russia, India and China (RIC) Foreign Ministers' meeting being held here on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Besides attending the annual trilateral meeting, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj would also hold bilateral talks with her Chinese and Russian counterparts on the sidelines of the meeting in which the listing of Azhar by the UN's 1267 committee is expected to figure.

Swaraj's meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi assumes significance as it is the first high-level interaction between the two countries after the Pulwama terror attack that left 40 CRPF personnel dead.

China, a veto-wielding member, has <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/jem-has-been-included-in-security-council-counter-terrorism-list-we-have-dealt-with-masood-azhar-issue-professionally-china-197566">consistently blocked India</a>, the US, the UK and France's efforts to list Azhar as a global terrorist since 2016 but endorsed a scathing statement issued by UN Security Council on February 21 on the Pulwama attack.

The UNSC statement on the Pulwama attack stated that "the members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir, which left 40 Indian paramilitary forces dead and dozens wounded on February 14, 2019, for which Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility.

But after endorsing the statement in which JeM has been named, China the next day in an apparent attempt to placate Pakistan sought to play it down, saying that the mention of JeM in the statement was only in general terms and does not represent a judgement.&nbsp;

The issue of listing of Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN is expected to come up before the 1267 committee of the UN Security Council again as France, also a veto-wielding member of the high-power UN body, said it would move the resolution again.&nbsp;

The issue is also expected to figure prominently in Swaraj's talks with Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov.

This is the 16th meeting of the RIC Foreign Ministers.&nbsp;

During the meeting, the three Foreign Ministers will focus on the implementation of our leaders' consensus and exchange views on major international regional issues of common concern and deepening trilateral cooperation. I am sure this meeting will achieve positive outcomes, Chinese Foreign Minister Geng Shuang told a media briefing in Beijing on February 20.

The Pulwama terrorist attack and the listing of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN is expected to figure prominently at Russia, India and China (RIC) Foreign Ministers' meeting being held here on Wednesday.

The Pulwama terrorist attack and the listing of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN is expected to figure prominently at Russia, India and China (RIC) Foreign Ministers' meeting being held here on Wednesday. Besides attending the annual trilateral meeting, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj would also hold bilateral talks with her Chinese and Russian counterparts on the sidelines of the meeting in which the listing of Azhar by the UN's 1267 committee is expected to figure. Swaraj's meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi assumes significance as it is the first high-level interaction between the two countries after the Pulwama terror attack that left 40 CRPF personnel dead. China, a veto-wielding member, has consistently blocked India, the US, the UK and France's efforts to list Azhar as a global terrorist since 2016 but endorsed a scathing statement issued by UN Security Council on February 21 on the Pulwama attack. The UNSC statement on the Pulwama attack stated that "the members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir, which left 40 Indian paramilitary forces dead and dozens wounded on February 14, 2019, for which Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility. But after endorsing the statement in which JeM has been named, China the next day in an apparent attempt to placate Pakistan sought to play it down, saying that the mention of JeM in the statement was only in general terms and does not represent a judgement. The issue of listing of Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN is expected to come up before the 1267 committee of the UN Security Council again as France, also a veto-wielding member of the high-power UN body, said it would move the resolution again. The issue is also expected to figure prominently in Swaraj's talks with Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov. This is the 16th meeting of the RIC Foreign Ministers. During the meeting, the three Foreign Ministers will focus on the implementation of our leaders' consensus and exchange views on major international regional issues of common concern and deepening trilateral cooperation. I am sure this meeting will achieve positive outcomes, Chinese Foreign Minister Geng Shuang told a media briefing in Beijing on February 20.

India to push for listing JeM chief Masood Azhar as global terrorist at RIC meet in China

All party meet: We all are united against terror, says Sushma Swaraj

India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will be leaving for China for the 16th Russia, India, China (RIC) meet on Tuesday. The meet will take place on Wednesday in Wuzhen, Zhejiang. The meet will be chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and will be attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Sushma Swaraj.

Announcing the visit, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a press release said, "The ministers are expected to exchange views on the global situation, regional developments of common concern, address global challenges such as terrorism and discuss trilateral exchanges and activities. "

Speaking on the RIC meet, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said, "During this meeting, the foreign ministers of the three countries will take the implementation of the important consensus of the leaders as the main thrust, focus on the current international landscape, exchange in-depth views on major regional and international issues of mutual interest and deepen third-party cooperation. "

The Russian foreign ministry said the focus will be on Afghanistan, Syria and the situation in Korea. Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, "The foreign ministers plan to exchange views on the most pressing international and regional matters, in particular, resolving the situation in Afghanistan, the Middle East, Syria, Libya and Yemen, the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, and to discuss fighting terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking, as well as ensuring international information security."

EAM Sushma Swaraj will also hold bilateral meets with her Russian and Chinese counterparts.

The meeting comes in the backdrop of the Pulwama terror attack whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed(JEM). India has been trying to declare the chief of JEM Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under the 1267 committee of the United Nation Security Council but has been blocked many times by China.

China has been non-committal about its listing of Azhar. Last week in its daily briefing Geng Shuang said, China will engage in relevant discussions in a "constructive and responsible manner" and "keep close communication and coordination with India and other parties concerned."

The last RIC foreign ministerial meeting took place in New Delhi on 11 December 2017. That meet came in the backdrop of Doklam crisis when Chinese forces tried to build a road on Bhutanese territory and the attempt was thwarted by Indian forces but led to a &nbsp;two-month-long standoff, the worst in many decades.

RIC meet at the leaders level — Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping took place on 30 November last year on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina. The meet took place after a gap of 12 years.

India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will be leaving for China for the 16th Russia, India, China (RIC) meet on Tuesday. The meet will take place on Wednesday in Wuzhen, Zhejiang.

India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will be leaving for China for the 16th Russia, India, China (RIC) meet on Tuesday. The meet will take place on Wednesday in Wuzhen, Zhejiang. The meet will be chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and will be attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Sushma Swaraj. Announcing the visit, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a press release said, "The ministers are expected to exchange views on the global situation, regional developments of common concern, address global challenges such as terrorism and discuss trilateral exchanges and activities. " Speaking on the RIC meet, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said, "During this meeting, the foreign ministers of the three countries will take the implementation of the important consensus of the leaders as the main thrust, focus on the current international landscape, exchange in-depth views on major regional and international issues of mutual interest and deepen third-party cooperation. " The Russian foreign ministry said the focus will be on Afghanistan, Syria and the situation in Korea. Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, "The foreign ministers plan to exchange views on the most pressing international and regional matters, in particular, resolving the situation in Afghanistan, the Middle East, Syria, Libya and Yemen, the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, and to discuss fighting terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking, as well as ensuring international information security." EAM Sushma Swaraj will also hold bilateral meets with her Russian and Chinese counterparts. The meeting comes in the backdrop of the Pulwama terror attack whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed(JEM). India has been trying to declare the chief of JEM Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under the 1267 committee of the United Nation Security Council but has been blocked many times by China. China has been non-committal about its listing of Azhar. Last week in its daily briefing Geng Shuang said, China will engage in relevant discussions in a "constructive and responsible manner" and "keep close communication and coordination with India and other parties concerned." The last RIC foreign ministerial meeting took place in New Delhi on 11 December 2017. That meet came in the backdrop of Doklam crisis when Chinese forces tried to build a road on Bhutanese territory and the attempt was thwarted by Indian forces but led to a two-month-long standoff, the worst in many decades. RIC meet at the leaders level — Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping took place on 30 November last year on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina. The meet took place after a gap of 12 years.

Terror, Afghanistan in focus as EAM Sushma Swaraj heads to China for RIC meet

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj who arrived in Madrid on Tuesday interacted with the Indian diaspora here and thanked them for their contribution, in diverse fields, in promoting relations between India and Spain.

"I feel at home even out of India because of meeting all of you. It is like being in India while staying out of India. My visit would have been incomplete if I haven't met the Indian community," Swaraj said after interacting with members of the Indian community here.

Among her engagements in Madrid, the external affairs minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with her counterpart Josep Borrell Fontelles to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual concern, according to an official spokesperson.

The Spanish government will also confer upon the minister the prestigious Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit for India`s swift response through 'Operation Maitri'&nbsp;in rescuing 71 Spanish nationals from Nepal in April 2015, in the wake of the disastrous earthquake.

Indian ambassador to Spain, Sanjay Verma said, "India's relations with Spain have gained momentum in the past two years with high-level visits and engagements, trade and investments."

India and Spain have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1956.

Swaraj reached Madrid soon after visiting Morocco where she signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with her Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita.

On February 16, Swaraj embarked on three-nation visit Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain to expand avenues of cooperation and provide an opportunity to discuss regional and global issued of importance.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj who arrived in Madrid on Tuesday interacted with the Indian diaspora here and thanked them for their contribution, in diverse fields, in promoting relations between India and Spain.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj who arrived in Madrid on Tuesday interacted with the Indian diaspora here and thanked them for their contribution, in diverse fields, in promoting relations between India and Spain. "I feel at home even out of India because of meeting all of you. It is like being in India while staying out of India. My visit would have been incomplete if I haven't met the Indian community," Swaraj said after interacting with members of the Indian community here. Among her engagements in Madrid, the external affairs minister is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with her counterpart Josep Borrell Fontelles to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual concern, according to an official spokesperson. The Spanish government will also confer upon the minister the prestigious Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit for India`s swift response through 'Operation Maitri' in rescuing 71 Spanish nationals from Nepal in April 2015, in the wake of the disastrous earthquake. Indian ambassador to Spain, Sanjay Verma said, "India's relations with Spain have gained momentum in the past two years with high-level visits and engagements, trade and investments." India and Spain have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1956. Swaraj reached Madrid soon after visiting Morocco where she signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with her Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita. On February 16, Swaraj embarked on three-nation visit Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain to expand avenues of cooperation and provide an opportunity to discuss regional and global issued of importance.

'Feel at home even out of India,' Sushma Swaraj says after meeting Indian diaspora in Spain

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is on a two-day visit to Bulgaria,&nbsp;met her counterpart Ekaterina Zaharieva on Saturday and the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues including those related to economy, agriculture and health. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Swaraj's trip is&nbsp;first ever of an Indian external affairs minister to the Balkan nation.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Straight to work! 
 
Foreign Minister of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bulgaria?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bulgaria</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EZaharievaMFA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EZaharievaMFA</a> welcomed EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> ahead of the delegation level talks in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sofia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sofia</a>. Two countries are natural partners based on the foundation of deep historical and cultural linkages dating back to 8th century. <a href="https://t.co/jA9Zw12bss">pic.twitter.com/jA9Zw12bss</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1096821973689217025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Straight to work! Foreign Minister of #Bulgaria @EZaharievaMFA welcomed EAM @SushmaSwaraj ahead of the delegation level talks in #Sofia. Two countries are natural partners based on the foundation of deep historical and cultural linkages dating back to 8th century," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

"Preparing ground for expanding relationship. EAM @SushmaSwaraj held constructive meeting with Deputy Prime Minister &amp; Foreign Minister of #Bulgaria @EZaharievaMFA. Discussed a range of bilateral themes in economy, agriculture, health &amp; pharma, IT, S &amp;T, tourism &amp; culture," he said in another tweet.

Swaraj's visit is a follow-up to the state visit of President Ram Nath Kovind to Bulgaria in September last year.&nbsp;

She will also interact with the Indian community and Friends of India in Sofia during the visit.&nbsp;

The external affairs minister is on a three-nation tour. She will&nbsp;visit Morocco from February 17-18 and Spain from February 18-19.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is on a two-day visit to Bulgaria, met her counterpart Ekaterina Zaharieva on Saturday and the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues including those related to economy, agriculture and health.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is on a two-day visit to Bulgaria, met her counterpart Ekaterina Zaharieva on Saturday and the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues including those related to economy, agriculture and health. Swaraj's trip is first ever of an Indian external affairs minister to the Balkan nation. Straight to work! Foreign Minister of #Bulgaria @EZaharievaMFA welcomed EAM @SushmaSwaraj ahead of the delegation level talks in #Sofia. Two countries are natural partners based on the foundation of deep historical and cultural linkages dating back to 8th century. pic.twitter.com/jA9Zw12bss — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 16, 2019 × "Straight to work! Foreign Minister of #Bulgaria @EZaharievaMFA welcomed EAM @SushmaSwaraj ahead of the delegation level talks in #Sofia. Two countries are natural partners based on the foundation of deep historical and cultural linkages dating back to 8th century," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. "Preparing ground for expanding relationship. EAM @SushmaSwaraj held constructive meeting with Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister of #Bulgaria @EZaharievaMFA. Discussed a range of bilateral themes in economy, agriculture, health & pharma, IT, S &T, tourism & culture," he said in another tweet. Swaraj's visit is a follow-up to the state visit of President Ram Nath Kovind to Bulgaria in September last year. She will also interact with the Indian community and Friends of India in Sofia during the visit. The external affairs minister is on a three-nation tour. She will visit Morocco from February 17-18 and Spain from February 18-19.

Sushma Swaraj discusses range of bilateral issues with Bulgarian counterpart

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday arrived at Moroccan capital Rabat from Bulgaria on her maiden visit to the North African nation where she will meet the country's top leaders to discuss ways to consolidate strategic partnership in various sectors of mutual interest.&nbsp;

Swaraj is on a four-day three-nation tour to Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain as part of India's efforts to strengthen relations with these three countries and expand avenues of cooperation.&nbsp;

"EAM @SushmaSwaraj arrives in #Rabat, #Morocco, on her first ever visit the country. EAM will meet her Moroccan counterpart from @MarocDiplomatie Nasser Bourita and political leadership on this short visit. We attach priority to strengthen our relationship in different sectors," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Swaraj met her Bulgarian counterpart Ekaterina Zaharieva on Saturday and the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues including those related to the economy, agriculture and health.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

In the second leg of her tour to Morocco, the minister will meet her Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita. She will also meet Morrocon King Mohammed VI, Prime Minister Saad Dine El Otmani and Speaker of the House of Representatives Habib El Malki.&nbsp;

"The visit is in pursuit of India's objective of enhanced engagement with the Kingdom and will provide an opportunity to hold in-depth discussions on bilateral, regional and global issues," an MEA statement said.&nbsp;

Three MoUs in the areas of counter-terrorism, housing and human settlements and youth matters are expected to be signed between India and Morocco during the visit, it said.&nbsp;

Swaraj will also interact with the Indian community in Rabat.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday arrived at Moroccan capital Rabat from Bulgaria on her maiden visit to the North African nation where she will meet the country's top leaders to discuss ways to consolidate strategic partnership in various sectors of mutual interest.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday arrived at Moroccan capital Rabat from Bulgaria on her maiden visit to the North African nation where she will meet the country's top leaders to discuss ways to consolidate strategic partnership in various sectors of mutual interest. Swaraj is on a four-day three-nation tour to Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain as part of India's efforts to strengthen relations with these three countries and expand avenues of cooperation. "EAM @SushmaSwaraj arrives in #Rabat, #Morocco, on her first ever visit the country. EAM will meet her Moroccan counterpart from @MarocDiplomatie Nasser Bourita and political leadership on this short visit. We attach priority to strengthen our relationship in different sectors," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Swaraj met her Bulgarian counterpart Ekaterina Zaharieva on Saturday and the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues including those related to the economy, agriculture and health. In the second leg of her tour to Morocco, the minister will meet her Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita. She will also meet Morrocon King Mohammed VI, Prime Minister Saad Dine El Otmani and Speaker of the House of Representatives Habib El Malki. "The visit is in pursuit of India's objective of enhanced engagement with the Kingdom and will provide an opportunity to hold in-depth discussions on bilateral, regional and global issues," an MEA statement said. Three MoUs in the areas of counter-terrorism, housing and human settlements and youth matters are expected to be signed between India and Morocco during the visit, it said. Swaraj will also interact with the Indian community in Rabat.

Sushma Swaraj visits Morocco to consolidate strategic partnership in areas of mutual interest

As human trafficking continues in the city, the son of a 42-year-old woman, who has been trafficked to Kuwait, has reached out to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for help to rescue his mother.

Mohd. Sardar, son of Mehraj Begum, told that last year an agent by the name of Mohd Aleem had approached his mother and offered her the job of a beautician in Kuwait with a monthly salary of Rs. 40,000.&nbsp;

He also assured that her good food and accommodation in Kuwait, after which his mother left for Kuwait on 24 September 2018.

He added, she was received by the employer and employed as a housemaid. "My mother adjusted and worked there as a housemaid.&nbsp;

They did not pay her the promised salary but she received 28,000. Her employers are making her work in four to five houses as domestic help. My mother fell unconscious due to extreme pain, despite which her employers are not taking to hospital and asking her to work by giving her a tablet.

Mohd. Sardar claimed that his mother`s employer had demanded Rs two lakh for sending her back to India."Where can we pay the two lakhs to him? My mother is being tortured by her employers continuously. They are not even providing adequate food to eat. I also approached the local police station and lodged a complaint against the agent who sent my mother to Kuwait."

Police said action will be initiated after he comes back to India. As she was fed up with the torture she ran away and reached the Indian Embassy in Kuwait two days ago. Her passport is also with her employer. I request EAM Sushma Swaraj to rescue and see that my mother reaches back home soon," he said.&nbsp;

As human trafficking continues in the city, the son of a 42-year-old woman, who has been trafficked to Kuwait, has reached out to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for help to rescue his mother.

As human trafficking continues in the city, the son of a 42-year-old woman, who has been trafficked to Kuwait, has reached out to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for help to rescue his mother. Mohd. Sardar, son of Mehraj Begum, told that last year an agent by the name of Mohd Aleem had approached his mother and offered her the job of a beautician in Kuwait with a monthly salary of Rs. 40,000. He also assured that her good food and accommodation in Kuwait, after which his mother left for Kuwait on 24 September 2018. He added, she was received by the employer and employed as a housemaid. "My mother adjusted and worked there as a housemaid. They did not pay her the promised salary but she received 28,000. Her employers are making her work in four to five houses as domestic help. My mother fell unconscious due to extreme pain, despite which her employers are not taking to hospital and asking her to work by giving her a tablet. Mohd. Sardar claimed that his mother`s employer had demanded Rs two lakh for sending her back to India."Where can we pay the two lakhs to him? My mother is being tortured by her employers continuously. They are not even providing adequate food to eat. I also approached the local police station and lodged a complaint against the agent who sent my mother to Kuwait." Police said action will be initiated after he comes back to India. As she was fed up with the torture she ran away and reached the Indian Embassy in Kuwait two days ago. Her passport is also with her employer. I request EAM Sushma Swaraj to rescue and see that my mother reaches back home soon," he said.

Man seeks Swaraj's help to rescue mother trafficked to Kuwait

India was between 2014 and 2018 able to get back 49 of its nationals who were held hostage in different countries, Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh said Wednesday.&nbsp;

The maximum number of Indian nationals brought back was from Kenya (18), followed by Nigeria at 14. The other countries were Afghanistan at 2, Libya at 6, Senegal at 1, South Sudan at 2, Thailand at 3, Turkey at 2 and Yemen at 1.

In addition to this, India also got back the mortal remains of 39 Indians who had been abducted by Islamic State in Iraq.

Giving the details in parliament, Singh said, "Safety and security of Indian nationals in foreign countries is a matter of foremost concern for the Government of India."

He further said, "The Government keeps a close watch on the situation in strife-torn countries, issues advisories wherever required and engages the local authorities regularly to prevent incidents of hostage/kidnapping, while simultaneously making every effort to secure the release of those in captivity."

Last year, 7 Indians engineers were abducted in Afghanistan. The whereabouts of them are still not known.

India was between 2014 and 2018 able to get back 49 of its nationals who were held hostage in different countries, Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh said Wednesday.

India was between 2014 and 2018 able to get back 49 of its nationals who were held hostage in different countries, Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh said Wednesday. The maximum number of Indian nationals brought back was from Kenya (18), followed by Nigeria at 14. The other countries were Afghanistan at 2, Libya at 6, Senegal at 1, South Sudan at 2, Thailand at 3, Turkey at 2 and Yemen at 1. In addition to this, India also got back the mortal remains of 39 Indians who had been abducted by Islamic State in Iraq. Giving the details in parliament, Singh said, "Safety and security of Indian nationals in foreign countries is a matter of foremost concern for the Government of India." He further said, "The Government keeps a close watch on the situation in strife-torn countries, issues advisories wherever required and engages the local authorities regularly to prevent incidents of hostage/kidnapping, while simultaneously making every effort to secure the release of those in captivity." Last year, 7 Indians engineers were abducted in Afghanistan. The whereabouts of them are still not known.

India got back 49 abducted nationals between 2014 and 2018: VK Singh

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday introduced the Registration of Marriage of Non-Resident of India Bill, 2019, which has stringent provisions in place for erring NRI spouses.&nbsp;

The objective of the Bill is to create more accountability and offer more protection against the exploitation of Indian women by their NRI spouses. &nbsp;

As per the bill, an erring NRI spouse could be declared a proclaimed offender or may have to face impounding of passport&nbsp;or the attachment of property. The Ministry has been receiving petitions from Indian women deserted or harassed by their NRI spouses.&nbsp;

The legislation will help in "better enforcement of rights of the deserted spouses under various family laws".

The bill amends the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Under the legislation, a court can issue summons, warrants through the specially designated website of the Ministry of External Affairs in case of any violation.

If the person in question fails to appear before the court at the time and place mentioned in the warrant, a court may declare him a proclaimed offender. The court may also attach the properties belonging to the NRI.&nbsp;

Section 5 (5) says the court may "order the attachment of any property, movable or immovable, or both belonging to the proclaimed offender". If it is a joint property then the attachment will have effect only with regard to the interest of the proclaimed offender.

As per the bill, every NRI who married an Indian citizen needs to register it within a period of 30 days from the date of marriage. If the person doesn't register the marriage, the passport authority can impound the passport. For this, the bill amends the Passport Act, 1967.

Even before this provision was introduced, India impounded many passports to act in favour of distressed Indian women. The MEA revoked/impounded as many as 24 passports and suspended 21 passports of erring spouses based on the complaints received and the issuance of the Look Out Circulars by the Integrated Nodal Agency, Police and Courts.

The bill regards a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) as a citizen of India who resides outside&nbsp;India's territory. The MEA addressed 5,379 complaints of distressed Indian women deserted by their NRI spouses between January 2014 to December 2018. The amount of legal and financial assistance to the distressed Indian women has also been increased to $4,000 per case.&nbsp;

The MEA in a press release said, "the introduction of the Bill was necessitated by the Ministry of External Affairs due to numerous complaints received from Indian nationals mostly women deserted or harassed by their Non-Resident Indian Spouses."

Further elaborating, the MEA said the "Bill proposes to offer greater protection to Indian women married to NRIs and serve as a deterrent to NRIs against harassment of their spouses. This would provide much-needed relief to all Indian women married to NRIs worldwide."

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday introduced the Registration of Marriage of Non-Resident of India Bill, 2019, which has stringent provisions in place for erring NRI spouses.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday introduced the Registration of Marriage of Non-Resident of India Bill, 2019, which has stringent provisions in place for erring NRI spouses. The objective of the Bill is to create more accountability and offer more protection against the exploitation of Indian women by their NRI spouses. As per the bill, an erring NRI spouse could be declared a proclaimed offender or may have to face impounding of passport or the attachment of property. The Ministry has been receiving petitions from Indian women deserted or harassed by their NRI spouses. The legislation will help in "better enforcement of rights of the deserted spouses under various family laws". The bill amends the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Under the legislation, a court can issue summons, warrants through the specially designated website of the Ministry of External Affairs in case of any violation. If the person in question fails to appear before the court at the time and place mentioned in the warrant, a court may declare him a proclaimed offender. The court may also attach the properties belonging to the NRI. Section 5 (5) says the court may "order the attachment of any property, movable or immovable, or both belonging to the proclaimed offender". If it is a joint property then the attachment will have effect only with regard to the interest of the proclaimed offender. As per the bill, every NRI who married an Indian citizen needs to register it within a period of 30 days from the date of marriage. If the person doesn't register the marriage, the passport authority can impound the passport. For this, the bill amends the Passport Act, 1967. Even before this provision was introduced, India impounded many passports to act in favour of distressed Indian women. The MEA revoked/impounded as many as 24 passports and suspended 21 passports of erring spouses based on the complaints received and the issuance of the Look Out Circulars by the Integrated Nodal Agency, Police and Courts. The bill regards a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) as a citizen of India who resides outside India's territory. The MEA addressed 5,379 complaints of distressed Indian women deserted by their NRI spouses between January 2014 to December 2018. The amount of legal and financial assistance to the distressed Indian women has also been increased to $4,000 per case. The MEA in a press release said, "the introduction of the Bill was necessitated by the Ministry of External Affairs due to numerous complaints received from Indian nationals mostly women deserted or harassed by their Non-Resident Indian Spouses." Further elaborating, the MEA said the "Bill proposes to offer greater protection to Indian women married to NRIs and serve as a deterrent to NRIs against harassment of their spouses. This would provide much-needed relief to all Indian women married to NRIs worldwide."

Sushma Swaraj introduces bill that acts tough on erring NRI spouses 

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