Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen will be in India on a 4-day visit starting Wednesday.

During his visit,&nbsp;Momen is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday and Friday respectively.

On Friday, Momen will take part in the fifth Joint Consultative Committee Meeting, considered an important part of his visit.

This will be the first high-level visit from Bangladesh to India since Sheikh Hasina's landslide victory in December's Parliamentary elections.

Speaking to local state news agency, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, ahead of the visit, Momen said, "We want to consult with my counterpart about the early resolution of Rohingya crisis as it may affect regional stability. I am visiting India in my maiden foreign tour to honour our great neighbour, the world's greatest democracy."

Last year in December India began the fourth tranche of relief assistance to Rohingya refugees camping in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar as a part of Operation Insaniyat. India's Operation Insaniyat started in September 2017 to help the refugees who had fled Myanmar and are currently taking shelter in Bangladesh.

During the visit, five memoranda of understandings (MoUs) are expected to be signed. These are MoU between the Anti-corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh and CBI, Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Prasar Bharati, Directorate General of Health Services of Bangladesh and National Medicinal Plants Board, Ministry of Ayush in the field of Medicinal plants and Hiranandani group and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) for developing Indian Economic Zone in Mongla, Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Other than this, a MoU between National Centre for Good Governance, Departement of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, India and Ministry of Public Administration, Bangladesh will be signed on training and capacity building programme for Bangladesh Civil servants.

Modi was the first leader to congratulate PM Hasina after the victory in December elections and reiterated the priority "India attaches to Bangladesh as a neighbour".

Modi met Hasina three times in 2018. First was in London during the Commonwealth summit, second in Nepal during the BIMSTEC summit and third was during her visit to India. She had visited India in 2018 for the inauguration of Bangladesh Bhaban at Santiniketan University in West Bengal along with Modi.

During the visit, Hasina was awarded a Doctor of Literature (D Lit) by Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen will be in India on a 4-day visit starting Wednesday. During his visit, Momen is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday and Friday respectively.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen will be in India on a 4-day visit starting Wednesday. During his visit, Momen is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday and Friday respectively. On Friday, Momen will take part in the fifth Joint Consultative Committee Meeting, considered an important part of his visit. This will be the first high-level visit from Bangladesh to India since Sheikh Hasina's landslide victory in December's Parliamentary elections. Speaking to local state news agency, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, ahead of the visit, Momen said, "We want to consult with my counterpart about the early resolution of Rohingya crisis as it may affect regional stability. I am visiting India in my maiden foreign tour to honour our great neighbour, the world's greatest democracy." Last year in December India began the fourth tranche of relief assistance to Rohingya refugees camping in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar as a part of Operation Insaniyat. India's Operation Insaniyat started in September 2017 to help the refugees who had fled Myanmar and are currently taking shelter in Bangladesh. During the visit, five memoranda of understandings (MoUs) are expected to be signed. These are MoU between the Anti-corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh and CBI, Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Prasar Bharati, Directorate General of Health Services of Bangladesh and National Medicinal Plants Board, Ministry of Ayush in the field of Medicinal plants and Hiranandani group and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) for developing Indian Economic Zone in Mongla, Bangladesh. Other than this, a MoU between National Centre for Good Governance, Departement of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, India and Ministry of Public Administration, Bangladesh will be signed on training and capacity building programme for Bangladesh Civil servants. Modi was the first leader to congratulate PM Hasina after the victory in December elections and reiterated the priority "India attaches to Bangladesh as a neighbour". Modi met Hasina three times in 2018. First was in London during the Commonwealth summit, second in Nepal during the BIMSTEC summit and third was during her visit to India. She had visited India in 2018 for the inauguration of Bangladesh Bhaban at Santiniketan University in West Bengal along with Modi. During the visit, Hasina was awarded a Doctor of Literature (D Lit) by Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol.

Bangladesh foreign minister's maiden India visit to focus on Rohingya crisis; five MoUs expected to be signed

External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath opened the Youth Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas (PBD) on Monday.&nbsp;

Member of Parliament from Norway Himanshu Gulati and Member of Parliament from New Zealand Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi were the chief guests at the Youth PBD in Varanasi.

Speaking at the Youth Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas, EAM Sushma lauded the role of the Indian diaspora and said, "Whether it is Sundar Pichai of Google, Satya Nadella of Microsoft, Ajay Banga of Mastercard, or Geeta Gopinath of IMF – it is indisputable that Indians are leading the world today. Our diaspora has dramatically changed the world’s perception of Indians, and of India as well."

She invited the young member of the diaspora to contribute to India's development and saying "I would like you to contribute to the Higher Education and Research and Development sectors with your technical expertise and knowledge sharing, and help India harness its huge demographic dividend."

Adding, " We not only want to connect our youth diaspora to their ancestral land of India, and to teach them to take pride in their history and civilizational heritage but most importantly, we also want to engage you to participate in transforming India."

India has one of the largest diasporas in the world at almost 31 million which is spread throughout the world.

She said the Indian government is just one click away if any member of Indian overseas community in distress and explained, "we have pioneered the use of digital platforms and social media to actively enhance our outreach to the Indian Diaspora. Today we are present on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Instagram, Google+, Soundcloud and Flick as well as LinkedIn" Adding further, "Our embassies have been proactive on the digital media, providing consular help and guidance. Whether it is Facebook or Twitter, help is just a message away from any Indian National in distress."

She also addressed the concerns of Indian students studying abroad saying to address their grievances Ministry of external affairs has constituted an Expert Group comprising Ambassadors of Foreign Missions in Delhi, where the majority of Indian students are pursuing higher education. In 2018 two meetings were held and the recommendations of the meetings are currently being considered. &nbsp;Presently, about 7.5 lakh Indian students are pursuing higher education in research and innovation abroad. &nbsp;

The 3-day event will be formally opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday with Mauritius prime minister Pravind Jugnauth the chief guest.

External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath opened the Youth Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas (PBD) on Monday. Member of Parliament from Norway Himanshu Gulati and Member of Parliament from New Zealand Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi were the chief guests at the Youth PBD in Varanasi.

External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath opened the Youth Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas (PBD) on Monday. Member of Parliament from Norway Himanshu Gulati and Member of Parliament from New Zealand Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi were the chief guests at the Youth PBD in Varanasi. Speaking at the Youth Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas, EAM Sushma lauded the role of the Indian diaspora and said, "Whether it is Sundar Pichai of Google, Satya Nadella of Microsoft, Ajay Banga of Mastercard, or Geeta Gopinath of IMF – it is indisputable that Indians are leading the world today. Our diaspora has dramatically changed the world’s perception of Indians, and of India as well." She invited the young member of the diaspora to contribute to India's development and saying "I would like you to contribute to the Higher Education and Research and Development sectors with your technical expertise and knowledge sharing, and help India harness its huge demographic dividend." Adding, " We not only want to connect our youth diaspora to their ancestral land of India, and to teach them to take pride in their history and civilizational heritage but most importantly, we also want to engage you to participate in transforming India." India has one of the largest diasporas in the world at almost 31 million which is spread throughout the world. She said the Indian government is just one click away if any member of Indian overseas community in distress and explained, "we have pioneered the use of digital platforms and social media to actively enhance our outreach to the Indian Diaspora. Today we are present on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Instagram, Google+, Soundcloud and Flick as well as LinkedIn" Adding further, "Our embassies have been proactive on the digital media, providing consular help and guidance. Whether it is Facebook or Twitter, help is just a message away from any Indian National in distress." She also addressed the concerns of Indian students studying abroad saying to address their grievances Ministry of external affairs has constituted an Expert Group comprising Ambassadors of Foreign Missions in Delhi, where the majority of Indian students are pursuing higher education. In 2018 two meetings were held and the recommendations of the meetings are currently being considered. Presently, about 7.5 lakh Indian students are pursuing higher education in research and innovation abroad. The 3-day event will be formally opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday with Mauritius prime minister Pravind Jugnauth the chief guest.

Indians leading the world today: Sushma Swaraj on Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Saturday assured African nations that India will continue to be their trusted partner and work closely for the economic and social empowerment of Africans.

Addressing ministers and representatives of around 50 African nations to mark the first-ever 'Africa Day' at the ongoing Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit here, Swaraj said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared Africa as the "top priority" in India's foreign and economic policy.

"As Africa marches in its journey towards security, renewal and prosperity, India will remain a trusted partner, working closely with Africa for the economic and social empowerment of its people," Swaraj said.

The minister said India dedicating a day to an entire continent for the first time during the investors' meet underlined the importance it accords to the African economies "in the development and growth map of the contemporary world".

Speaking before Swaraj, Uganda Foreign Affairs Minister Henry Okello said that due to stagnation in relationship between India and Africa, China has realised the potential of the continent and came out in a big way.

"Everybody knows that relations between India and Africa were very robust in the past, but in recent times they became stagnant. In the meantime, China realised the potential and came in a big way. Now, it should be set on the right track," Okello said.

Underlining the significance of the African Day event, Swaraj said it was held during 150th birth anniversary year of Mahatma Gandhi and the 100th birth anniversary of iconic African leader Nelson Mandela.

India has always shared a special bond with the people of Africa and supported their liberation from colonialism and apartheid (a system of institutionalised racial segregation that existed in South Africa from 1948 until the early 1990s), the minister said.

She said PM Modi has declared Africa as the "top priority" in the foreign and economic policy of India.

"In the last four years, our long-standing ties with Africa have acquired vibrancy and dynamism. There has been unprecedented intensification of our political engagement with Africa, with 29 visits to African countries at the level of President, Vice President and Prime Minister, apart from several ministerial visits," the minister said.

Swaraj also said that Africa has emerged as an important trade and investment partner of India.

"The trade between India and Africa stood at $62.66 billion for 2017-18 which reflects a nearly 22 per cent increase over the previous year. India is ranked as the third largest export destination in Africa," the minister said, adding that as many as 38 African countries are now enjoying the benefits of India's Duty Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme.

She exuded confidence that the recent signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement will boost trade and economic ties with Africa.

"In recent years, there has been a surge in Indian investment in Africa. India is the fifth largest investor in Africa with cumulative investments of USD 54 billion," she noted.

Swaraj identified minerals and mining, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, high-technology manufacturing and information and communication technology as the areas having a considerable potential to boost investment ties with African countries.

"Currently, 189 projects in 42 African countries for nearly $11.4 billion are being implemented under the Indian Line of Credits (LoCs). These projects have had a positive impact in many African countries and are changing the lives of its people by covering a range of sectors," she said.

The minister also touched upon the issue of terrorism, and called for a greater engagement to deal with it.

"One of the most serious challenges toward international peace and security is the menace of terrorism. Like India, many of the African countries are the victims of terrorism. Consequently, preserving peace and security, countering terrorism and extremism is an important element of our engagement," she said.

Underlining that India's relationship with Africa is on upswing, the minister also acknowledged that maintaining this momentum, building the foundation of security, and ensuring development and growth for the benefit of people are the major challenges.

"Strong relations between India and Africa will go a long way in redefining the contours of the international order on more egalitarian lines," she said.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Saturday assured African nations that India will continue to be their trusted partner and work closely for the economic and social empowerment of Africans.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Saturday assured African nations that India will continue to be their trusted partner and work closely for the economic and social empowerment of Africans. Addressing ministers and representatives of around 50 African nations to mark the first-ever 'Africa Day' at the ongoing Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit here, Swaraj said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared Africa as the "top priority" in India's foreign and economic policy. "As Africa marches in its journey towards security, renewal and prosperity, India will remain a trusted partner, working closely with Africa for the economic and social empowerment of its people," Swaraj said. The minister said India dedicating a day to an entire continent for the first time during the investors' meet underlined the importance it accords to the African economies "in the development and growth map of the contemporary world". Speaking before Swaraj, Uganda Foreign Affairs Minister Henry Okello said that due to stagnation in relationship between India and Africa, China has realised the potential of the continent and came out in a big way. "Everybody knows that relations between India and Africa were very robust in the past, but in recent times they became stagnant. In the meantime, China realised the potential and came in a big way. Now, it should be set on the right track," Okello said. Underlining the significance of the African Day event, Swaraj said it was held during 150th birth anniversary year of Mahatma Gandhi and the 100th birth anniversary of iconic African leader Nelson Mandela. India has always shared a special bond with the people of Africa and supported their liberation from colonialism and apartheid (a system of institutionalised racial segregation that existed in South Africa from 1948 until the early 1990s), the minister said. She said PM Modi has declared Africa as the "top priority" in the foreign and economic policy of India. "In the last four years, our long-standing ties with Africa have acquired vibrancy and dynamism. There has been unprecedented intensification of our political engagement with Africa, with 29 visits to African countries at the level of President, Vice President and Prime Minister, apart from several ministerial visits," the minister said. Swaraj also said that Africa has emerged as an important trade and investment partner of India. "The trade between India and Africa stood at $62.66 billion for 2017-18 which reflects a nearly 22 per cent increase over the previous year. India is ranked as the third largest export destination in Africa," the minister said, adding that as many as 38 African countries are now enjoying the benefits of India's Duty Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme. She exuded confidence that the recent signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement will boost trade and economic ties with Africa. "In recent years, there has been a surge in Indian investment in Africa. India is the fifth largest investor in Africa with cumulative investments of USD 54 billion," she noted. Swaraj identified minerals and mining, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, high-technology manufacturing and information and communication technology as the areas having a considerable potential to boost investment ties with African countries. "Currently, 189 projects in 42 African countries for nearly $11.4 billion are being implemented under the Indian Line of Credits (LoCs). These projects have had a positive impact in many African countries and are changing the lives of its people by covering a range of sectors," she said. The minister also touched upon the issue of terrorism, and called for a greater engagement to deal with it. "One of the most serious challenges toward international peace and security is the menace of terrorism. Like India, many of the African countries are the victims of terrorism. Consequently, preserving peace and security, countering terrorism and extremism is an important element of our engagement," she said. Underlining that India's relationship with Africa is on upswing, the minister also acknowledged that maintaining this momentum, building the foundation of security, and ensuring development and growth for the benefit of people are the major challenges. "Strong relations between India and Africa will go a long way in redefining the contours of the international order on more egalitarian lines," she said.

India will continue to be African nations' trusted partner: Sushma Swaraj

US special envoy to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-8-killed-two-wounded-in-afghanistans-mine-collapse-191019&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiZyubd7_TfAhVKzbwKHRbbAS8QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2oC0bD0pyHhvpOIxEkWqi4">Afghanistan</a> Zalmay Khalilzad Thursday arrived in Pakistan for a fresh round of talks with top civil and military officials during which he is expected to seek Islamabad's help to convince the Taliban to return to the negotiating table to end the 17-year-long Afghan war.

According to US diplomatic officials in Pakistan, the schedule of Khalilzad's meetings will be decided soon and the special envoy will be in Islamabad for one to four days.

They said discussions will largely focus on the Afghan peace process, Pak-Afghan border management efforts and US-Pakistan relations.

Khalilzad arrived in Pakistan two days later than expected.

According to Foreign Office Spokesperson Muhammad Faisal, Khalilzad is expected to meet Pakistan's civilian and military leaders during his stay and that he will ask Pakistan to help convince the Afghan Taliban to come back to the negotiation table.

"Pakistan has also maintained we want an Afghan-led Afghan-owned solution to imbroglio," Faisal was quoted as saying by the Dawn newspaper.

Khalilzad is leading an intra-agency delegation and will meet officials in each country in order to "facilitate an inclusive peace process in Afghanistan", the US State Department said in a statement.&nbsp;

The envoy's four-nation trip is expected to end on January 21.

Khalilzad will be accompanied by Deputy Assistant to the US president Lisa Curtis, who is considered as an expert on Afghan affairs, diplomatic sources said.

The US delegation will meet senior civil and military officials to discuss the ongoing Afghan peace initiative, they said.

The US State Department said last week that Khalilzad was visiting India, China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan from January 8 to seek the settlement of the Afghan problem.

He has already visited India and met External Affairs Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-on-2-day-visit-to-uzbekistan-will-attend-first-india-central-asia-dialogue-189877&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi8gLGQ8PTfAhWOA4gKHThWCIsQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3c_BGpMOxB5UUBN4Mjq0RO">Sushma Swaraj </a>on January 10.

The US official was in Beijing this weekend and held talks with senior Chinese officials.

The Afghan peace initiative has been moving at a snail's pace due to the refusal of the Taliban to sit for talks with the Afghan government officials.

According to officials, the US delegation will seek Pakistan's assistance for arranging talks between Kabul and Taliban to end more than 17-year-old conflict.

Pakistan has been playing a crucial role in the process and last year released senior Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar from imprisonment, who is reportedly in Qatar.

Baradar was deputy to the late Taliban supreme leader Mullah Muhammad Omar. He was arrested from Karachi in a joint Pakistan-US operation after reports that he was independently trying to conclude a deal with the Afghan government.

India has been a key stakeholder in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. It sent two former diplomats in "non-official" capacity to a conference on the Afghan peace process in Moscow in November which was attended by a high-level Taliban delegation.

The conference organised by Russia was attended by representatives of Afghanistan as well as from several other countries including the US, Pakistan, and China.

India has been maintaining a policy of not engaging with the Taliban and pressing for an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace initiative to bring peace and stability in the war-ravaged country.

Khalilzad visited Pakistan in October before flying to Doha, Qatar where he reportedly held talks with the Taliban representatives.&nbsp;

He has also held three round of talks with the Afghan Taliban in order to reach a settlement that would allow the US to withdraw its army and end a 17-year-old war? America's longest.

US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad Thursday arrived in Pakistan for a fresh round of talks with top civil and military officials during which he is expected to seek Islamabad's help to convince the Taliban to return to the negotiating table to end the 17-year-long Afghan war.

US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad Thursday arrived in Pakistan for a fresh round of talks with top civil and military officials during which he is expected to seek Islamabad's help to convince the Taliban to return to the negotiating table to end the 17-year-long Afghan war. According to US diplomatic officials in Pakistan, the schedule of Khalilzad's meetings will be decided soon and the special envoy will be in Islamabad for one to four days. They said discussions will largely focus on the Afghan peace process, Pak-Afghan border management efforts and US-Pakistan relations. Khalilzad arrived in Pakistan two days later than expected. According to Foreign Office Spokesperson Muhammad Faisal, Khalilzad is expected to meet Pakistan's civilian and military leaders during his stay and that he will ask Pakistan to help convince the Afghan Taliban to come back to the negotiation table. "Pakistan has also maintained we want an Afghan-led Afghan-owned solution to imbroglio," Faisal was quoted as saying by the Dawn newspaper. Khalilzad is leading an intra-agency delegation and will meet officials in each country in order to "facilitate an inclusive peace process in Afghanistan", the US State Department said in a statement. The envoy's four-nation trip is expected to end on January 21. Khalilzad will be accompanied by Deputy Assistant to the US president Lisa Curtis, who is considered as an expert on Afghan affairs, diplomatic sources said. The US delegation will meet senior civil and military officials to discuss the ongoing Afghan peace initiative, they said. The US State Department said last week that Khalilzad was visiting India, China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan from January 8 to seek the settlement of the Afghan problem. He has already visited India and met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on January 10. The US official was in Beijing this weekend and held talks with senior Chinese officials. The Afghan peace initiative has been moving at a snail's pace due to the refusal of the Taliban to sit for talks with the Afghan government officials. According to officials, the US delegation will seek Pakistan's assistance for arranging talks between Kabul and Taliban to end more than 17-year-old conflict. Pakistan has been playing a crucial role in the process and last year released senior Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar from imprisonment, who is reportedly in Qatar. Baradar was deputy to the late Taliban supreme leader Mullah Muhammad Omar. He was arrested from Karachi in a joint Pakistan-US operation after reports that he was independently trying to conclude a deal with the Afghan government. India has been a key stakeholder in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. It sent two former diplomats in "non-official" capacity to a conference on the Afghan peace process in Moscow in November which was attended by a high-level Taliban delegation. The conference organised by Russia was attended by representatives of Afghanistan as well as from several other countries including the US, Pakistan, and China. India has been maintaining a policy of not engaging with the Taliban and pressing for an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace initiative to bring peace and stability in the war-ravaged country. Khalilzad visited Pakistan in October before flying to Doha, Qatar where he reportedly held talks with the Taliban representatives. He has also held three round of talks with the Afghan Taliban in order to reach a settlement that would allow the US to withdraw its army and end a 17-year-old war? America's longest.

US envoy on Afghanistan arrives in Pakistan for talks

Sushma Swaraj India's Foreign Minister in Uzbekistan

India and five Central Asian countries along with Afghanistan on Sunday condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and agreed to cooperate in countering the menace which poses a threat to people across the world.

This was part of a joint statement issued at the end of the first ever meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue which also saw the participation of Afghanistan at the ministerial level in Samarkand.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj along with the foreign ministers of Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan took part in the meeting.

"All sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and agreed to cooperate in countering terrorism which posed a threat to the people and economies of the world," the statement said.

It referred to the ancient civilisational, cultural, trade, and people-to-people links between India and Central Asia and expressed commitment to dynamic and fruitful friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between India and the Central Asian countries at bilateral and multilateral formats.

"The countries reaffirmed their willingness for cooperation, mutual support, joint solution on relevant issues in order to ensure security, stability and sustainable development," the statement said.

The ministers welcomed the participation of Afghanistan in the India-Central Asia Dialogue as an important land link in the regional cooperation, the transit of goods and energy and expressed support and commitment of Central Asian countries and India to peace, security and stability of Afghanistan.

They also called for an inclusive Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process and reconciliation, and assistance in the economic reconstruction of Afghanistan through the implementation of joint infrastructure, transit and transport, energy projects including regional cooperation and investment projects, the statement said.

The ministers noted the importance of sustainable economic growth in Afghanistan by attracting Afghan women to participate in the public life of the country and welcomed the successful holding of forums and conferences on this issue in the countries of Central Asia.&nbsp;

They also noted the results of the seventh Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA VII), held in Ashgabat in November 2017 and expressed willingness to cooperate in preparation for the RECCA VIII meet in Tashkent in the second half of 2019.

The participants welcomed the accession of India into the Ashgabat agreement on creating an international transport and transit corridor.&nbsp;

The ministers emphasised the importance of developing and implementing projects, that provide a concerted solution to the problems and issues of economic growth of the countries of Central Asia based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and respect for their interests.

The statement said the nations expressed their intention to strengthen cooperation in order to create real opportunities for expanding economic cooperation and ensuring favourable conditions for mutual free trade.&nbsp;

They discussed promising opportunities and areas of cooperation in promoting mutual trade, attracting investments, innovations and technologies in key spheres of industry, energy, information technologies, pharmaceuticals and agriculture, education and training.&nbsp;

They also highlighted the importance of concerted efforts to improve the investment climate and the market attractiveness of the region's economy, business opportunities of the Central Asian countries on the world stage.

The statement said special attention was paid to the need to expand and establish direct mutually beneficial economic and cultural ties between the regions and cities of India and the countries of Central Asia and expressed their intention to contribute to this direction.&nbsp;

India and five Central Asian countries along with Afghanistan on Sunday condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and agreed to cooperate in countering the menace which poses a threat to people across the world.

India and five Central Asian countries along with Afghanistan on Sunday condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and agreed to cooperate in countering the menace which poses a threat to people across the world. This was part of a joint statement issued at the end of the first ever meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue which also saw the participation of Afghanistan at the ministerial level in Samarkand. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj along with the foreign ministers of Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan took part in the meeting. "All sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and agreed to cooperate in countering terrorism which posed a threat to the people and economies of the world," the statement said. It referred to the ancient civilisational, cultural, trade, and people-to-people links between India and Central Asia and expressed commitment to dynamic and fruitful friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between India and the Central Asian countries at bilateral and multilateral formats. "The countries reaffirmed their willingness for cooperation, mutual support, joint solution on relevant issues in order to ensure security, stability and sustainable development," the statement said. The ministers welcomed the participation of Afghanistan in the India-Central Asia Dialogue as an important land link in the regional cooperation, the transit of goods and energy and expressed support and commitment of Central Asian countries and India to peace, security and stability of Afghanistan. They also called for an inclusive Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process and reconciliation, and assistance in the economic reconstruction of Afghanistan through the implementation of joint infrastructure, transit and transport, energy projects including regional cooperation and investment projects, the statement said. The ministers noted the importance of sustainable economic growth in Afghanistan by attracting Afghan women to participate in the public life of the country and welcomed the successful holding of forums and conferences on this issue in the countries of Central Asia. They also noted the results of the seventh Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA VII), held in Ashgabat in November 2017 and expressed willingness to cooperate in preparation for the RECCA VIII meet in Tashkent in the second half of 2019. The participants welcomed the accession of India into the Ashgabat agreement on creating an international transport and transit corridor. The ministers emphasised the importance of developing and implementing projects, that provide a concerted solution to the problems and issues of economic growth of the countries of Central Asia based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and respect for their interests. The statement said the nations expressed their intention to strengthen cooperation in order to create real opportunities for expanding economic cooperation and ensuring favourable conditions for mutual free trade. They discussed promising opportunities and areas of cooperation in promoting mutual trade, attracting investments, innovations and technologies in key spheres of industry, energy, information technologies, pharmaceuticals and agriculture, education and training. They also highlighted the importance of concerted efforts to improve the investment climate and the market attractiveness of the region's economy, business opportunities of the Central Asian countries on the world stage. The statement said special attention was paid to the need to expand and establish direct mutually beneficial economic and cultural ties between the regions and cities of India and the countries of Central Asia and expressed their intention to contribute to this direction.

India, Afghanistan, Central Asian nations agree to cooperate in countering terror

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Afghanistan's foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani met in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on Sunday on the sidelines of first India-Central Asia Dialogue.

This is the first meeting between both the ministers this year. Afghanistan was also invited to the dialogue. According to a release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, "Swaraj reaffirmed her country’s commitment toward&nbsp;Afghanistan."&nbsp;

During the meet "both sides exchanged views on the dynamics of the peace talks, the Afghan-leadership and ownership element of the peace process and regional cooperation."

The meeting comes in the backdrop of the Afghan National Security Advisory (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib and US Special Representative of Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad's New Delhi visit.

Mohib met his Indian counterpart NSA Ajit Doval and appreciated the assistance provided by India for the economic development and the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

Zalmay, during his maiden visit to&nbsp;India, met Swaraj and foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale. During the meetings, the Indian side briefed Zalmay about Pakistan's destabilizing role and "made it very clear that peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan should be Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar noted.

A number of developments have taken place with respect to the Afghan&nbsp;peace process. US media suggest that Washington is keen to withdraw a certain number of its troops&nbsp;from the country. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's neighbours, along with Moscow and Washington but barring India, have also been engaging with the&nbsp;Taliban. India has a policy of not engaging with the Taliban but did participate at a non-official level at Moscow talks on Afghanistan last year in which the group was also present. &nbsp;&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Afghanistan's foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani met in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on Sunday on the sidelines of first India-Central Asia Dialogue.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Afghanistan's foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani met in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on Sunday on the sidelines of first India-Central Asia Dialogue. This is the first meeting between both the ministers this year. Afghanistan was also invited to the dialogue. According to a release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, "Swaraj reaffirmed her country’s commitment toward Afghanistan." During the meet "both sides exchanged views on the dynamics of the peace talks, the Afghan-leadership and ownership element of the peace process and regional cooperation." The meeting comes in the backdrop of the Afghan National Security Advisory (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib and US Special Representative of Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad's New Delhi visit. Mohib met his Indian counterpart NSA Ajit Doval and appreciated the assistance provided by India for the economic development and the reconstruction of Afghanistan. Zalmay, during his maiden visit to India, met Swaraj and foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale. During the meetings, the Indian side briefed Zalmay about Pakistan's destabilizing role and "made it very clear that peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan should be Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar noted. A number of developments have taken place with respect to the Afghan peace process. US media suggest that Washington is keen to withdraw a certain number of its troops from the country. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's neighbours, along with Moscow and Washington but barring India, have also been engaging with the Taliban. India has a policy of not engaging with the Taliban but did participate at a non-official level at Moscow talks on Afghanistan last year in which the group was also present.

India-Central Asia Dialogue: Indian, Afghan foreign ministers meet in Uzbekistan

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Saturday left for a two-day visit to Uzbekistan to attend the first India-Central Asia Dialogue which is expected to focus on a plethora of regional issues including enhancing connectivity to war-ravaged Afghanistan.

The Dialogue, being held in Samarkand, will be co-chaired by Swaraj and Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov.

The Foreign Minister of Afghanistan will also participate in the dialogue as a special invitee for the session dedicated to connectivity issues in the region, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

Foreign ministers of Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan and the First Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan will also participate in the dialogue.

"Building upon shared history &amp; culture. EAM @SushmaSwaraj emplanes for Samarkand to participate at 1st India-Central Asia Dialogue. EAM will co-chair Dialogue with Uzbek Foreign Minister Kamilov. Foreign Ministers from other Central Asian countries and Afghanistan will attend," MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted minutes before Swaraj left for Uzbekistan.

Bound together by shared history and cultural linkages, India and the Central Asian states look forward to the Dialogue as an important initiative to enhance their cooperation in wide-ranging spheres including exploring ways to substantially enhance India's economic involvement in business and development sector of Central Asia, the MEA had said on Wednesday.

With Afghanistan joining, the participants of the Dialogue will also deliberate on developing viable connectivity options between India and Afghanistan and Central Asia to further facilitate trade and economic activity in the region, it said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited five Central Asian countries in 2015 with an aim to deepen India's engagement with the hydrocarbon-rich region. 
Swaraj visited the region last August.

Officials said the India-Central Asia Dialogue, with the participation of Afghanistan, is expected to take India's engagement with all the countries of the region to a new level.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Saturday left for a two-day visit to Uzbekistan to attend the first India-Central Asia Dialogue which is expected to focus on a plethora of regional issues including enhancing connectivity to war-ravaged Afghanistan.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Saturday left for a two-day visit to Uzbekistan to attend the first India-Central Asia Dialogue which is expected to focus on a plethora of regional issues including enhancing connectivity to war-ravaged Afghanistan. The Dialogue, being held in Samarkand, will be co-chaired by Swaraj and Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov. The Foreign Minister of Afghanistan will also participate in the dialogue as a special invitee for the session dedicated to connectivity issues in the region, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. Foreign ministers of Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan and the First Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan will also participate in the dialogue. "Building upon shared history & culture. EAM @SushmaSwaraj emplanes for Samarkand to participate at 1st India-Central Asia Dialogue. EAM will co-chair Dialogue with Uzbek Foreign Minister Kamilov. Foreign Ministers from other Central Asian countries and Afghanistan will attend," MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted minutes before Swaraj left for Uzbekistan. Bound together by shared history and cultural linkages, India and the Central Asian states look forward to the Dialogue as an important initiative to enhance their cooperation in wide-ranging spheres including exploring ways to substantially enhance India's economic involvement in business and development sector of Central Asia, the MEA had said on Wednesday. With Afghanistan joining, the participants of the Dialogue will also deliberate on developing viable connectivity options between India and Afghanistan and Central Asia to further facilitate trade and economic activity in the region, it said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited five Central Asian countries in 2015 with an aim to deepen India's engagement with the hydrocarbon-rich region. Swaraj visited the region last August. Officials said the India-Central Asia Dialogue, with the participation of Afghanistan, is expected to take India's engagement with all the countries of the region to a new level.

Sushma Swaraj on 2-day visit to Uzbekistan, will attend first India-Central Asia Dialogue

Sushma Swaraj addresses world leaders in Delhi

India and Japan held the tenth round of their strategic dialogue at the foreign ministers' level on Monday in which both exchanged views on regional and global issues and reaffirmed that their ties are based on shared values and interests. Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono is on a three-day visit to India.&nbsp;

The last round of the dialogue was held in Tokyo in March 2018.&nbsp;

The focus during the strategic dialogue was also on the Indo-Pacific region with a ministry of external affairs release saying "India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership has acquired a broader significance in the current global context" and "has become a factor of prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region."

Prime Minister Modi enunciated India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific region during his keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 1, 2018. India has been calling for a "free, open and inclusive region, which embraces all stakeholders in this region".&nbsp;

The two foreign ministers — Kono and Sushma Swaraj — held discussions on follow-up actions on decisions taken during PM Modi's visit to Japan for the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit in October 2018.&nbsp;

Kono also called on PM Modi and briefed the prime minister about the follow-up action taken in recent months after the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Japan in October 2018. Modi reiterated his strong commitment to further deepen "the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan."

Modi had also visited Yamanashi prefecture and the FANUC corporation during his visit to Japan in 2018. In a special gesture, he had been hosted by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his ancestral home in Yamanashi, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader.

Modi had hosted Abe in Ahmedabad in 2017. During the visit, the two prime ministers oversaw the ground-breaking ceremony for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project.&nbsp;

The next round of the annual India-Japan summit will take place in India this year.&nbsp;

Japan will be hosting this year's G20 summit in Osaka in June and to which India has extended full support.

India and Japan held the tenth round of their strategic dialogue at the foreign ministers' level on Monday in which both exchanged views on regional and global issues and reaffirmed that their ties are based on shared values and interests.

India and Japan held the tenth round of their strategic dialogue at the foreign ministers' level on Monday in which both exchanged views on regional and global issues and reaffirmed that their ties are based on shared values and interests. Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono is on a three-day visit to India. The last round of the dialogue was held in Tokyo in March 2018. The focus during the strategic dialogue was also on the Indo-Pacific region with a ministry of external affairs release saying "India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership has acquired a broader significance in the current global context" and "has become a factor of prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region." Prime Minister Modi enunciated India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific region during his keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 1, 2018. India has been calling for a "free, open and inclusive region, which embraces all stakeholders in this region". The two foreign ministers — Kono and Sushma Swaraj — held discussions on follow-up actions on decisions taken during PM Modi's visit to Japan for the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit in October 2018. Kono also called on PM Modi and briefed the prime minister about the follow-up action taken in recent months after the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Japan in October 2018. Modi reiterated his strong commitment to further deepen "the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan." Modi had also visited Yamanashi prefecture and the FANUC corporation during his visit to Japan in 2018. In a special gesture, he had been hosted by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his ancestral home in Yamanashi, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader. Modi had hosted Abe in Ahmedabad in 2017. During the visit, the two prime ministers oversaw the ground-breaking ceremony for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project. The next round of the annual India-Japan summit will take place in India this year. Japan will be hosting this year's G20 summit in Osaka in June and to which India has extended full support.

India-Japan relationship a factor of stability in Indo-Pacific region: India

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Saturday lauded the role of Hindi language in developing India’s culture and integrity and said it was increasingly becoming popular in other countries and also in the social media.&nbsp;

Addressing the 82nd convocation of the Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha here, she said the institution was promoting not only Hindi, but also other south Indian languages.

Noting that language plays a significant role in connecting people, Swaraj said Hindi was becoming popular in other countries also.

Recalling the services of political leaders who laid the foundation for propagating Hindi, she said the late Atal Behari Vajpayee was the first Indian leader to address the United Nations General Assembly in the national language.

Carrying forward this great tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in 2014 delivered a speech at the UNGA in Hindi.

Present trends indicated that there was an increase in job opportunities for Hindi graduates.

Hindi offers a promising career as many Hindi publications and news channels have emerged during the past few years, she added.

The Union Minister also said that there was a growing interest among foreign diplomats and dignitaries to learn Hindi. Several countries have requested the Indian government to set up centres of learning to promote Hindi, she said.

The language was also gaining popularity on various social media such as Twitter and Facebook. The sabha was established in 1918 by Mahatma Gandhi with the aim of propagating Hindi in southern states.

The institution, which is celebrating its centenary year, was formally inaugurated on June 17, 1918, in the presence of Annie Besant, at the Gokhale Hall in George Town, before it was moved to its present location in T-Nagar here.

In recognition of the services rendered by the Sabha, the Parliament had conferred the status of “Institution of National Importance” by enacting a special act. The act authorises the Sabha to award degrees in Hindi like other universities.

The Union Minister gave away medals and degrees to graduates and post graduates.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Saturday lauded the role of Hindi language in developing India’s culture and integrity and said it was increasingly becoming popular in other countries and also in the social media.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Saturday lauded the role of Hindi language in developing India’s culture and integrity and said it was increasingly becoming popular in other countries and also in the social media. Addressing the 82nd convocation of the Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha here, she said the institution was promoting not only Hindi, but also other south Indian languages. Noting that language plays a significant role in connecting people, Swaraj said Hindi was becoming popular in other countries also. Recalling the services of political leaders who laid the foundation for propagating Hindi, she said the late Atal Behari Vajpayee was the first Indian leader to address the United Nations General Assembly in the national language. Carrying forward this great tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in 2014 delivered a speech at the UNGA in Hindi. Present trends indicated that there was an increase in job opportunities for Hindi graduates. Hindi offers a promising career as many Hindi publications and news channels have emerged during the past few years, she added. The Union Minister also said that there was a growing interest among foreign diplomats and dignitaries to learn Hindi. Several countries have requested the Indian government to set up centres of learning to promote Hindi, she said. The language was also gaining popularity on various social media such as Twitter and Facebook. The sabha was established in 1918 by Mahatma Gandhi with the aim of propagating Hindi in southern states. The institution, which is celebrating its centenary year, was formally inaugurated on June 17, 1918, in the presence of Annie Besant, at the Gokhale Hall in George Town, before it was moved to its present location in T-Nagar here. In recognition of the services rendered by the Sabha, the Parliament had conferred the status of “Institution of National Importance” by enacting a special act. The act authorises the Sabha to award degrees in Hindi like other universities. The Union Minister gave away medals and degrees to graduates and post graduates.

Sushma Swaraj lauds role of Hindi in promoting India’s culture

Asserting that every issue raised by the Congress on Rafale deal has been clarified by the Supreme Court, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday said in Rajya Sabha that there is no controversy in the matter, except in minds of the opposition party leaders.&nbsp;

Unsatisfied by the minister’s reply during the Question Hour, the Congress members including former prime minister Manmohan Singh staged a walkout.

Congress leader Anand Sharma in his supplementary query demanded that the government make public the minutes of the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former French President Fracois Hollande held last year on the Rafale deal in a bid to settle the controversy once for all. To this, Swaraj said, “Anandji, there is no controversy. Controversy is there in your mind. All the controversial issues that you (Congress) raised, the Supreme Court has clarified on each of them. Please don’t use the word controversy again.”

She said, “The whole country knows there is no controversy. The Supreme Court has cleared each issue. If you still think there is a controversy, then no one can reply.” To a query raised by Shiv Sena member Sanjay Raut if there was any discussion on the Rafale deal during the recent visit of French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian to India, Swaraj said, “There was no discussion on the matter.”

“On that day, the Supreme Court verdict (on Rafale deal) was pronounced. He (French Minister) was very happy. He expressed joy and felt there was no need to have a discussion,” she said.&nbsp;

On the Indo-French fund for developing a script for co-production of films, the Minister said the French delegation had visited Mumbai and had a discussion with representatives of Bollywood besides meeting the state chief minister.

To another query on the Jaitapur Nuclear Power project, Swaraj said that an agreement was signed on March 22, 2016, to set up a plant. France’s EDF and India’s NPCL are looking into it. “Six EPR units are to be set with each unit having a capacity of 1650 megawatt. Once it is ready, it will be the world’s largest nuclear plant,” she said. The project was reviewed in March last year when the rate of power per unit and setting up of a reference plant were also discussed. “We will proceed after seeing the model plant. We have decided about the dates,” she added.

Asserting that every issue raised by the Congress on Rafale deal has been clarified by the Supreme Court, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday said in Rajya Sabha that there is no controversy in the matter, except in minds of the opposition party leaders.

Asserting that every issue raised by the Congress on Rafale deal has been clarified by the Supreme Court, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday said in Rajya Sabha that there is no controversy in the matter, except in minds of the opposition party leaders. Unsatisfied by the minister’s reply during the Question Hour, the Congress members including former prime minister Manmohan Singh staged a walkout. Congress leader Anand Sharma in his supplementary query demanded that the government make public the minutes of the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former French President Fracois Hollande held last year on the Rafale deal in a bid to settle the controversy once for all. To this, Swaraj said, “Anandji, there is no controversy. Controversy is there in your mind. All the controversial issues that you (Congress) raised, the Supreme Court has clarified on each of them. Please don’t use the word controversy again.” She said, “The whole country knows there is no controversy. The Supreme Court has cleared each issue. If you still think there is a controversy, then no one can reply.” To a query raised by Shiv Sena member Sanjay Raut if there was any discussion on the Rafale deal during the recent visit of French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian to India, Swaraj said, “There was no discussion on the matter.” “On that day, the Supreme Court verdict (on Rafale deal) was pronounced. He (French Minister) was very happy. He expressed joy and felt there was no need to have a discussion,” she said. On the Indo-French fund for developing a script for co-production of films, the Minister said the French delegation had visited Mumbai and had a discussion with representatives of Bollywood besides meeting the state chief minister. To another query on the Jaitapur Nuclear Power project, Swaraj said that an agreement was signed on March 22, 2016, to set up a plant. France’s EDF and India’s NPCL are looking into it. “Six EPR units are to be set with each unit having a capacity of 1650 megawatt. Once it is ready, it will be the world’s largest nuclear plant,” she said. The project was reviewed in March last year when the rate of power per unit and setting up of a reference plant were also discussed. “We will proceed after seeing the model plant. We have decided about the dates,” she added.

All issues raised by Congress on Rafale deal clarified by SC, says Sushma Swaraj

India has officially confirmed that Pakistani High Commission has "misplaced" passports of 23 Indian pilgrims.&nbsp;

India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj in a written statement in the parliament while confirming the development said, "The Ministry of External Affairs has received information that a total of twenty-three (23) passports have been misplaced by the High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi."

To prevent misuse of these misplaced passports, all the passports have been declared as ‘lost’ in the passport database. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has instructed all the Passport issuing authorities to ensure that if these applicants apply for reissue of passports "caution may be exercised'' while processing their passport applications.

The incident happened in November of 2018 and was 1st reported in December. Pakistan high commission had issued 3800 visas to Sikh pilgrims in India to participate in the 549th birth anniversary celebration of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Pakistan from 21 to 30 November 2018.

The development comes even as India and Pakistan announced the building of Kartarpur corridor in 2018. Pakistani Draft proposal as seen by WION says Islamabad will be issuing a permit, 500 per day to pilgrims and India has to hand over the list 3 days ahead of the visit.

India has officially confirmed that Pakistani High Commission has "misplaced" passports of 23 Indian pilgrims. India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj in a written statement in the parliament while confirming the development said, "The Ministry of External Affairs has received information that a total of twenty-three (23) passports have been misplaced by the High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi.

India has officially confirmed that Pakistani High Commission has "misplaced" passports of 23 Indian pilgrims. India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj in a written statement in the parliament while confirming the development said, "The Ministry of External Affairs has received information that a total of twenty-three (23) passports have been misplaced by the High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi." To prevent misuse of these misplaced passports, all the passports have been declared as ‘lost’ in the passport database. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has instructed all the Passport issuing authorities to ensure that if these applicants apply for reissue of passports "caution may be exercised'' while processing their passport applications. The incident happened in November of 2018 and was 1st reported in December. Pakistan high commission had issued 3800 visas to Sikh pilgrims in India to participate in the 549th birth anniversary celebration of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Pakistan from 21 to 30 November 2018. The development comes even as India and Pakistan announced the building of Kartarpur corridor in 2018. Pakistani Draft proposal as seen by WION says Islamabad will be issuing a permit, 500 per day to pilgrims and India has to hand over the list 3 days ahead of the visit.

Pakistan High Commission has misplaced 23 Indian passports: Sushma Swaraj

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/conversion-to-christianity-remains-a-sensitive-issue-in-nepal-and-india-185608">Nepal-India relations</a> saw an upward trend in 2018 as high-level bilateral visits gradually helped remove the mistrust, with<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/pm-modi-has-changed-tack-cooperated-closely-with-nepal-178364"> Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> saying New Delhi was ready to be the 'Sherpa' in the land-locked Himalayan nation's quest to scale the mountain of success.

India was able to recover its lost ground in Nepal in recent months after a period of unease in bilateral ties following the violent agitation in 2015 by Madhesis, mostly of Indian-origin, who blocked Indo-Nepal border demanding more representation in Parliament and redrawing of provincial boundaries.

The economic blockade severely affected Nepal, its economy and its ties with India.

India's bilateral engagement with Nepal in 2018 began with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in February meeting Left alliance leader K P Sharma Oli days before his swearing in as prime minister.

After Nepal witnessed political instability for several years, the Left alliance came to power in the historic polls in December 2017.

Known for his pro-China stance, Oli became Nepal's Prime Minister for the second time in February. His first term as the premier from 2015 to 2016 saw straining of ties with New Delhi over the 2015 blockade.

Oli, who publicly criticised New Delhi for allegedly interfering in Nepal's internal matters and accused it of toppling his government, however, changed his tone after his sweeping poll victory and said he wants to "update" relations with India "in keeping with the times".

Oli said he favours a review of all special provisions of the Indo-Nepal relations. He also vowed to deepen Nepal's ties with China to explore more options and get more leverage in his dealings with India.

The prime ministers of Nepal and India agreed to review, adjust and update the Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 and other bilateral agreements.

China, which has been investing heavily in Nepal blunting India's influence in the country, was quick to congratulate the new Nepalese government and said that India, China and Nepal should step up "sound interaction for win-win outcomes".

The highest level of visit between India and Nepal came in April when Prime Minister Oli, leading a 53-member jumbo delegation, visited India for a three-day visit which, he said, helped in clearing misunderstanding and mistrust and strengthening mutual trust between the two neighbours.

During talks between Oli and Modi, the two countries agreed to conduct feasibility studies <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-to-help-nepal-build-rail-link-to-kathmandu-162857">regarding construction of Raxaul-Kathmandu railway line </a>and operating Nepalese steamers to transport goods and people from Nepal to other countries.

In May, Prime Minister Modi travelled to Nepal for a two-day state visit, his third visit to the country in four years.

Modi visited the famed 20th century Janaki temple in Janakpur, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Sita. He and his Nepalese counterpart jointly inaugurated a direct bus service between Janakpur and Ayodhya - the two sacred cities for Hindus - to promote religious tourism in Nepal and India.

Describing his trip to Nepal as a reflection of his government's commitment to "neighbourhood first" policy, Modi said Nepal has entered a new era and India would continue to support it.

He said India supports a "united, prosperous and strong" Nepal as he called for transforming the land-locked Himalayan nation into land- and water-linked country.

Oli said Nepal is sensitive to India's interests and would not allow its territory to be used against it.

Modi said India was ready to be the 'Sherpa' — a member of the Himalayan community renowned for mountaineering skills — to help Nepal scale the mountain of success, hailing the Himalayan nation's successful journey from bullets to ballots.

Oli, briefing Nepal's Parliament on Modi's state visit, said the visit has elevated bilateral ties to new heights.

In August, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-attends-inaugural-session-of-4th-bimstec-summit-in-kathmandu-162519">Modi visited Nepal for BIMSTEC conference</a> and held talks with Oli during which India and Nepal exchanged a memorandum of understanding to build a strategic railway line connecting Bihar's Raxual city to Kathmandu.

This was the third meeting between Modi and Oli in 2018.

China made inroads into Nepal as Kathmandu started accessing the internet through a Chinese optical fibre link laid across the Himalayan mountains, ending its sole dependency on India for connecting to the cyberspace.

Nepal and China signed the protocol of Transit and Transport Agreement in September according to which the Communist giant agreed to allow Nepal to use four of its seaports and three land ports for third-country trade, reducing its dependence on India to conduct international commerce.

The Madhesi agitation in 2015 forced Nepal to explore trade links with China and reduce its long-term dependence on India.

In September, Nepal decided not to participate in the first-ever joint military exercise of BIMSTEC nations in Pune, amid reports that Nepal's political parties had expressed concern over the drill.

In December, Nepal banned the use of Indian currency notes of Rs 2,000, Rs 500 and Rs 200 denominations, a move that could affect Indian tourists visiting the Himalayan nation where Indian currency is widely used.

Notwithstanding differences in India-Nepal ties and the growing Chinese influence in the Himalayan nation, the frequent high-level visits by the leaders of the two countries have helped promote goodwill, trust, understanding and cooperation and have injected fresh momentum to further consolidate age-old and multi-faceted relations.

Nepal-India relations saw an upward trend in 2018 as high-level bilateral visits gradually helped remove the mistrust, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying New Delhi was ready to be the 'Sherpa' in the land-locked Himalayan nation's quest to scale the mountain of success.

Nepal-India relations saw an upward trend in 2018 as high-level bilateral visits gradually helped remove the mistrust, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying New Delhi was ready to be the 'Sherpa' in the land-locked Himalayan nation's quest to scale the mountain of success. India was able to recover its lost ground in Nepal in recent months after a period of unease in bilateral ties following the violent agitation in 2015 by Madhesis, mostly of Indian-origin, who blocked Indo-Nepal border demanding more representation in Parliament and redrawing of provincial boundaries. The economic blockade severely affected Nepal, its economy and its ties with India. India's bilateral engagement with Nepal in 2018 began with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in February meeting Left alliance leader K P Sharma Oli days before his swearing in as prime minister. After Nepal witnessed political instability for several years, the Left alliance came to power in the historic polls in December 2017. Known for his pro-China stance, Oli became Nepal's Prime Minister for the second time in February. His first term as the premier from 2015 to 2016 saw straining of ties with New Delhi over the 2015 blockade. Oli, who publicly criticised New Delhi for allegedly interfering in Nepal's internal matters and accused it of toppling his government, however, changed his tone after his sweeping poll victory and said he wants to "update" relations with India "in keeping with the times". Oli said he favours a review of all special provisions of the Indo-Nepal relations. He also vowed to deepen Nepal's ties with China to explore more options and get more leverage in his dealings with India. The prime ministers of Nepal and India agreed to review, adjust and update the Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 and other bilateral agreements. China, which has been investing heavily in Nepal blunting India's influence in the country, was quick to congratulate the new Nepalese government and said that India, China and Nepal should step up "sound interaction for win-win outcomes". The highest level of visit between India and Nepal came in April when Prime Minister Oli, leading a 53-member jumbo delegation, visited India for a three-day visit which, he said, helped in clearing misunderstanding and mistrust and strengthening mutual trust between the two neighbours. During talks between Oli and Modi, the two countries agreed to conduct feasibility studies regarding construction of Raxaul-Kathmandu railway line and operating Nepalese steamers to transport goods and people from Nepal to other countries. In May, Prime Minister Modi travelled to Nepal for a two-day state visit, his third visit to the country in four years. Modi visited the famed 20th century Janaki temple in Janakpur, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Sita. He and his Nepalese counterpart jointly inaugurated a direct bus service between Janakpur and Ayodhya - the two sacred cities for Hindus - to promote religious tourism in Nepal and India. Describing his trip to Nepal as a reflection of his government's commitment to "neighbourhood first" policy, Modi said Nepal has entered a new era and India would continue to support it. He said India supports a "united, prosperous and strong" Nepal as he called for transforming the land-locked Himalayan nation into land- and water-linked country. Oli said Nepal is sensitive to India's interests and would not allow its territory to be used against it. Modi said India was ready to be the 'Sherpa' — a member of the Himalayan community renowned for mountaineering skills — to help Nepal scale the mountain of success, hailing the Himalayan nation's successful journey from bullets to ballots. Oli, briefing Nepal's Parliament on Modi's state visit, said the visit has elevated bilateral ties to new heights. In August, Modi visited Nepal for BIMSTEC conference and held talks with Oli during which India and Nepal exchanged a memorandum of understanding to build a strategic railway line connecting Bihar's Raxual city to Kathmandu. This was the third meeting between Modi and Oli in 2018. China made inroads into Nepal as Kathmandu started accessing the internet through a Chinese optical fibre link laid across the Himalayan mountains, ending its sole dependency on India for connecting to the cyberspace. Nepal and China signed the protocol of Transit and Transport Agreement in September according to which the Communist giant agreed to allow Nepal to use four of its seaports and three land ports for third-country trade, reducing its dependence on India to conduct international commerce. The Madhesi agitation in 2015 forced Nepal to explore trade links with China and reduce its long-term dependence on India. In September, Nepal decided not to participate in the first-ever joint military exercise of BIMSTEC nations in Pune, amid reports that Nepal's political parties had expressed concern over the drill. In December, Nepal banned the use of Indian currency notes of Rs 2,000, Rs 500 and Rs 200 denominations, a move that could affect Indian tourists visiting the Himalayan nation where Indian currency is widely used. Notwithstanding differences in India-Nepal ties and the growing Chinese influence in the Himalayan nation, the frequent high-level visits by the leaders of the two countries have helped promote goodwill, trust, understanding and cooperation and have injected fresh momentum to further consolidate age-old and multi-faceted relations.

Nepal, India ties strengthened with high-level bilateral visits in 2018

India has clarified that the visit of former prime minister Kjell Magne Bondevik of Norway was a private one and "there is no scope for any third party role or mediation. Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah had questioned the motive of his visit through a tweet, "What are the Norwegians up to in Kashmir?". Seeking&nbsp;to know about the reason of former PM's visit, he had further said in his tweet, "Do we have to rely on rumours &amp; conjecture?"

In a written reply to Rajya Sabha, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "Kjell Magne Bondevik was on a private visit to India at invitation of the Art of Living International Centre (Ved Vigyan Maha Vidya Peeth), Bengaluru, and government of India was not involved in organizing the visit and meetings."

Dismissing any reports of mediation, Swaraj said there is no scope for third party role and that "there is no change in government’s consistent and principled position that under the Simla Agreement (1972) and as reiterated in the Lahore Declaration (1999), both India and Pakistan are committed to address all outstanding issues bilaterally."

Bondevik visited Jammu &amp; Kashmir on November 23 this year and met representatives of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jammu &amp; Kashmir Youth Development Forum and All Party Hurriyat Conference.

India has clarified that the visit of former prime minister Kjell Magne Bondevik of Norway was a private one and "there is no scope for any third party role or mediation.

India has clarified that the visit of former prime minister Kjell Magne Bondevik of Norway was a private one and "there is no scope for any third party role or mediation. Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah had questioned the motive of his visit through a tweet, "What are the Norwegians up to in Kashmir?". Seeking to know about the reason of former PM's visit, he had further said in his tweet, "Do we have to rely on rumours & conjecture?" In a written reply to Rajya Sabha, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "Kjell Magne Bondevik was on a private visit to India at invitation of the Art of Living International Centre (Ved Vigyan Maha Vidya Peeth), Bengaluru, and government of India was not involved in organizing the visit and meetings." Dismissing any reports of mediation, Swaraj said there is no scope for third party role and that "there is no change in government’s consistent and principled position that under the Simla Agreement (1972) and as reiterated in the Lahore Declaration (1999), both India and Pakistan are committed to address all outstanding issues bilaterally." Bondevik visited Jammu & Kashmir on November 23 this year and met representatives of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jammu & Kashmir Youth Development Forum and All Party Hurriyat Conference.

Former Norway PM Bondevik's visit private, no scope for any third party role or mediation, clarifies India

An Indian woman was Sunday rescued by authorities in Bahrain after a Bahraini “enslaver” allegedly threatened to keep her for at least 25 days.

The Indian Embassy in Bahrain announced her rescue on Twitter hours after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, in a tweet, directed the Indian Ambassador in the Gulf nation to intervene in the case. The Indian mission said the woman has been rescued by Bahraini authorities. 
 
On Saturday, humanitarian organisation ‘Justice Upheld’ had tweeted that an Indian woman has been enslaved by her employer in Bahrain and she feared for her life. The organisation, quoting the “enslaver”, Sunday said he was going to keep her for at least 25 days as he had paid ‘lots of money for her’. “He is extremely annoyed that the matter has been reported to the Indian authorities. 
 
We are concerned about her safety,” the organisation said. Soon after the Indian Embassy in Bahrain, headed by Ambassador Alok Kumar, tweeted that the Mission has initiated action to rescue her. However, Swaraj asked Kumar for immediate intervention, saying the situation appeared to be serious. “Alok – I know you are working for her rescue. The situation appears to be serious 
 
This requires immediate intervention on your part. Pls keep me informed,” Swaraj tweeted.

Details of the case, as well as about the woman, are not immediately available. In a separate case, Swaraj asked the Indian Embassy in Washington to assist an Indian family which sought her help saying their passports and other belongings were stolen from their hotel room in Chicago. 
 
“Dear @SushmaSwaraj Ji, an unusual incident of theft has left us devastated here in Chicago while returning back to India. All our belongings, including passports, were stolen from our hotel room booked at Edward Hotel and there’s no one willing to help. Please intervene,” Jyoti, a member of the family, tweeted.

An Indian woman was Sunday rescued by authorities in Bahrain after a Bahraini “enslaver” allegedly threatened to keep her for at least 25 days. The Indian Embassy in Bahrain announced her rescue on Twitter hours after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, in a tweet, directed the Indian Ambassador in the Gulf nation to intervene in the case.

An Indian woman was Sunday rescued by authorities in Bahrain after a Bahraini “enslaver” allegedly threatened to keep her for at least 25 days. The Indian Embassy in Bahrain announced her rescue on Twitter hours after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, in a tweet, directed the Indian Ambassador in the Gulf nation to intervene in the case. The Indian mission said the woman has been rescued by Bahraini authorities. On Saturday, humanitarian organisation ‘Justice Upheld’ had tweeted that an Indian woman has been enslaved by her employer in Bahrain and she feared for her life. The organisation, quoting the “enslaver”, Sunday said he was going to keep her for at least 25 days as he had paid ‘lots of money for her’. “He is extremely annoyed that the matter has been reported to the Indian authorities. We are concerned about her safety,” the organisation said. Soon after the Indian Embassy in Bahrain, headed by Ambassador Alok Kumar, tweeted that the Mission has initiated action to rescue her. However, Swaraj asked Kumar for immediate intervention, saying the situation appeared to be serious. “Alok – I know you are working for her rescue. The situation appears to be serious This requires immediate intervention on your part. Pls keep me informed,” Swaraj tweeted. Details of the case, as well as about the woman, are not immediately available. In a separate case, Swaraj asked the Indian Embassy in Washington to assist an Indian family which sought her help saying their passports and other belongings were stolen from their hotel room in Chicago. “Dear @SushmaSwaraj Ji, an unusual incident of theft has left us devastated here in Chicago while returning back to India. All our belongings, including passports, were stolen from our hotel room booked at Edward Hotel and there’s no one willing to help. Please intervene,” Jyoti, a member of the family, tweeted.

Indian woman in captivity of ‘enslaver’ in Bahrain rescued: Indian mission

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Monday expressed grief over the loss of life in a volcano-triggered<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/factbox-indonesia-regularly-hit-by-quakes-and-tsunamis-185962"> tsunami in Indonesia</a> and said India stands by Indonesians in this hour of grief.&nbsp;

On Sunday, a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-tsunami-death-toll-climbs-to-222-over-800-injured-185999">powerful tsunami hit Indonesia</a>, known for its thousands of islands stretching from the Andaman Sea to the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, killing at least 281 people and injuring thousands.

"My deepest condolences to the families of victims who lost their lives in the Tsunami that struck the coast of Sunda Straits in Indonesia. Our prayers are with them as we stand by our Indonesian brothers in this hour of grief @Menlu_RI," Swaraj tweeted tagging the foreign ministry of Indonesia Menteri Luar Negeri.

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My deepest condolences to the families of victims who lost their lives in the Tsunami that struck the coast of Sunda Straits in Indonesia. Our prayers are with them as we stand by our Indonesian brothers in this hour of grief <a href="https://twitter.com/Menlu_RI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Menlu_RI</a>
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1077042094877954048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In October, when a deadly tsunami hit Indonesia India had pressed its Air Force and Navy for rescue and humanitarian work.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Monday expressed grief over the loss of life in a volcano-triggered tsunami in Indonesia and said India stands by Indonesians in this hour of grief.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Monday expressed grief over the loss of life in a volcano-triggered tsunami in Indonesia and said India stands by Indonesians in this hour of grief. On Sunday, a powerful tsunami hit Indonesia, known for its thousands of islands stretching from the Andaman Sea to the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, killing at least 281 people and injuring thousands. "My deepest condolences to the families of victims who lost their lives in the Tsunami that struck the coast of Sunda Straits in Indonesia. Our prayers are with them as we stand by our Indonesian brothers in this hour of grief @Menlu_RI," Swaraj tweeted tagging the foreign ministry of Indonesia Menteri Luar Negeri. My deepest condolences to the families of victims who lost their lives in the Tsunami that struck the coast of Sunda Straits in Indonesia. Our prayers are with them as we stand by our Indonesian brothers in this hour of grief @Menlu_RI — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) December 24, 2018 × In October, when a deadly tsunami hit Indonesia India had pressed its Air Force and Navy for rescue and humanitarian work.

India stands by tsunami-hit Indonesia: Sushma Swaraj

Eyeing a new chapter in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wuhan-was-a-milestone-pm-modi-president-xi-have-personal-connect-sushma-swaraj-185698">Sino-India ties</a>, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Friday held extensive talks under a new set up framework and agreed on "ten pillars" of cooperation to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

In her media statement, Swaraj said the armies of the two countries are working to strengthen communication and striving to implement confidence-building measures that will help in maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas, which she said, is an important prerequisite for development of ties.

Referring to trade ties, Swaraj said there was a need to find a solution to India's expanding trade deficit with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sino-india-ties-actively-moving-forward-president-xi-185704">China</a> and hoped that China will provide support for market access to Indian goods and services.

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MEA: EAM Sushma Swaraj &amp; Chinese State Councilor &amp; FM Wang Yi jointly inaugurated a Photo Exhibition at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra portraying the various facets of enhanced exchanges between India &amp; China. <a href="https://t.co/4mOPPMl2QA">pic.twitter.com/4mOPPMl2QA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076143544375508992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Swaraj said the special relationship between the two countries is not only important for the region but also for the world. "At a time of global uncertainty, the relationship between the two countries are a factor of stability," she said.

In their talks under the 'High Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges', the two foreign ministers deliberated for around two hours on ways to boost people-to-people contact and cultural exchanges between the two neighbours.

The setting up of the new mechanism was decided upon during the Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping.

"Our leaders had realised that unless we have better people-to-people cooperation, we cannot have close cooperation between the two countries," said Swaraj.

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Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi: We agreed to leverage strengths in respective fields. People to people exchanges should be of the people and for the people. It is a major initiative in the history of India and China relations. <a href="https://t.co/ilVvycgB0G">pic.twitter.com/ilVvycgB0G</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076050084666589185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"I am very happy over outcome of our talks... I am confident that the new mechanism will help both the countries in building greater synergies in bilateral ties," she said in her media statement in the presence of Wang.&nbsp;

Since the resolution of the Doklam face-off, the two countries have taken a series of measures to enhance overall ties.

Wang, who arrived here early Friday morning, said he had a "very successful" meeting with Swaraj.

"India-China relations have reached a new historical stage," he said at the inaugural session of 3rd India-China High Level Media Forum.

Swaraj said she and Wang held a series of bilateral meetings in the last few years and talks on people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges were for not more than 10 minutes in each of the meetings.&nbsp;

"But today, the meeting was very unique and very different. And the reason for it was that we focused on two subjects during the two-hour deliberations -- people-to-people relations and cultural exchanges," she said.

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EAM Sushma Swaraj at 3rd India-China High-Level Media Forum Inaugural Session: I'm satisfied with the quality of discussion today.Ten priorities we discussed include enhancing cooperation in films, education, tourism, art, yoga, media, culture, sports, academic &amp; youth exchanges <a href="https://t.co/GzWnMgRPud">pic.twitter.com/GzWnMgRPud</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076052889565609986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Swaraj said India and China have agreed on '10 pillars' of cooperation to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

These pillars are cultural exchange, cooperation in films and television, museum administration and sports, exchanges between youths, cooperation on tourism, exchanges between states and cities, cooperation in traditional medicine, yoga and education.

Swaraj said both sides made good progress in ties in 2018 and an ambitious agenda is being prepared for next year.

"We are confident that the visit of Xi Jinping to India next year for the second informal summit will add another new facet to our continuously expanding ties," Swaraj said.&nbsp;

Wang described the new mechanism for cultural and people-to-people exchanges as a "major initiative" in the history of India-China ties.&nbsp;

Eyeing a new chapter in Sino-India ties, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Friday held extensive talks under a new set up framework and agreed on "ten pillars" of cooperation to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Eyeing a new chapter in Sino-India ties, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Friday held extensive talks under a new set up framework and agreed on "ten pillars" of cooperation to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges. In her media statement, Swaraj said the armies of the two countries are working to strengthen communication and striving to implement confidence-building measures that will help in maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas, which she said, is an important prerequisite for development of ties. Referring to trade ties, Swaraj said there was a need to find a solution to India's expanding trade deficit with China and hoped that China will provide support for market access to Indian goods and services. MEA: EAM Sushma Swaraj & Chinese State Councilor & FM Wang Yi jointly inaugurated a Photo Exhibition at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra portraying the various facets of enhanced exchanges between India & China. pic.twitter.com/4mOPPMl2QA — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2018 × Swaraj said the special relationship between the two countries is not only important for the region but also for the world. "At a time of global uncertainty, the relationship between the two countries are a factor of stability," she said. In their talks under the 'High Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges', the two foreign ministers deliberated for around two hours on ways to boost people-to-people contact and cultural exchanges between the two neighbours. The setting up of the new mechanism was decided upon during the Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping. "Our leaders had realised that unless we have better people-to-people cooperation, we cannot have close cooperation between the two countries," said Swaraj. Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi: We agreed to leverage strengths in respective fields. People to people exchanges should be of the people and for the people. It is a major initiative in the history of India and China relations. pic.twitter.com/ilVvycgB0G — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2018 × "I am very happy over outcome of our talks... I am confident that the new mechanism will help both the countries in building greater synergies in bilateral ties," she said in her media statement in the presence of Wang. Since the resolution of the Doklam face-off, the two countries have taken a series of measures to enhance overall ties. Wang, who arrived here early Friday morning, said he had a "very successful" meeting with Swaraj. "India-China relations have reached a new historical stage," he said at the inaugural session of 3rd India-China High Level Media Forum. Swaraj said she and Wang held a series of bilateral meetings in the last few years and talks on people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges were for not more than 10 minutes in each of the meetings. "But today, the meeting was very unique and very different. And the reason for it was that we focused on two subjects during the two-hour deliberations -- people-to-people relations and cultural exchanges," she said. EAM Sushma Swaraj at 3rd India-China High-Level Media Forum Inaugural Session: I'm satisfied with the quality of discussion today.Ten priorities we discussed include enhancing cooperation in films, education, tourism, art, yoga, media, culture, sports, academic & youth exchanges pic.twitter.com/GzWnMgRPud — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2018 × Swaraj said India and China have agreed on '10 pillars' of cooperation to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges. These pillars are cultural exchange, cooperation in films and television, museum administration and sports, exchanges between youths, cooperation on tourism, exchanges between states and cities, cooperation in traditional medicine, yoga and education. Swaraj said both sides made good progress in ties in 2018 and an ambitious agenda is being prepared for next year. "We are confident that the visit of Xi Jinping to India next year for the second informal summit will add another new facet to our continuously expanding ties," Swaraj said. Wang described the new mechanism for cultural and people-to-people exchanges as a "major initiative" in the history of India-China ties.

India-China relations have reached new historical stage: Chinese foreign minister

The first meeting of the newly constituted 'India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges'&nbsp;took place in New Delhi with both sides reaffirming momentum in ties. The meeting was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Calling Wuhan informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping a "milestone in bilateral relations", Swaraj said, "PM Modi and President Xi have established a personal connection and laid our strategic guidance."

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EAM Sushma Swaraj at 3rd India-China High-Level Media Forum Inaugural Session: I'm satisfied with the quality of discussion today.Ten priorities we discussed include enhancing cooperation in films, education, tourism, art, yoga, media, culture, sports, academic &amp; youth exchanges <a href="https://t.co/GzWnMgRPud">pic.twitter.com/GzWnMgRPud</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076052889565609986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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She added, "the armies of both the countries are making effort to strengthen contacts and implement confidence-building measures. This will help to promote peace and tranquillity at India-China border which is an important prerequisite for smooth development of bilateral relations."

The decision to establish the India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges was taken during the informal summit between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping in Wuhan in April 2018.&nbsp;

Chinese Foreign minister Wang Yi said, "we agreed to leverage strengths in respective fields. People to people exchanges should be of the people and for the people. It is a major initiative in the history of India and China relations."

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Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi: We agreed to leverage strengths in respective fields. People to people exchanges should be of the people and for the people. It is a major initiative in the history of India and China relations. <a href="https://t.co/ilVvycgB0G">pic.twitter.com/ilVvycgB0G</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076050084666589185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He also called on to increase people-to-people exchanges between India and China which he said: "will serve as progress for the entire mankind."

Both the sides agreed on 10 priority areas which include enhancing cooperation in films, education, tourism, art, yoga, media, culture, sports, academic and youth exchanges."

The High-Level Mechanism will bring all the existing bilateral, cultural and people-to-people engagements between India and China under one umbrella.

This was the last high-level meeting between India and China this year. This year, PM Modi met Chinese President Jinping four times -- from Wuhan informal summit in April to the meeting on the sidelines of the SCO summit, BRICS Summit and the G20 summit. Chinese President Xi Jinping will be visiting India in 2019 for the second informal summit between India and China.

The first meeting of the newly constituted 'India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges' took place in New Delhi with both sides reaffirming momentum in ties.

The first meeting of the newly constituted 'India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges' took place in New Delhi with both sides reaffirming momentum in ties. The meeting was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Calling Wuhan informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping a "milestone in bilateral relations", Swaraj said, "PM Modi and President Xi have established a personal connection and laid our strategic guidance." EAM Sushma Swaraj at 3rd India-China High-Level Media Forum Inaugural Session: I'm satisfied with the quality of discussion today.Ten priorities we discussed include enhancing cooperation in films, education, tourism, art, yoga, media, culture, sports, academic & youth exchanges pic.twitter.com/GzWnMgRPud — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2018 × She added, "the armies of both the countries are making effort to strengthen contacts and implement confidence-building measures. This will help to promote peace and tranquillity at India-China border which is an important prerequisite for smooth development of bilateral relations." The decision to establish the India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges was taken during the informal summit between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping in Wuhan in April 2018. Chinese Foreign minister Wang Yi said, "we agreed to leverage strengths in respective fields. People to people exchanges should be of the people and for the people. It is a major initiative in the history of India and China relations." Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi: We agreed to leverage strengths in respective fields. People to people exchanges should be of the people and for the people. It is a major initiative in the history of India and China relations. pic.twitter.com/ilVvycgB0G — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2018 × He also called on to increase people-to-people exchanges between India and China which he said: "will serve as progress for the entire mankind." Both the sides agreed on 10 priority areas which include enhancing cooperation in films, education, tourism, art, yoga, media, culture, sports, academic and youth exchanges." The High-Level Mechanism will bring all the existing bilateral, cultural and people-to-people engagements between India and China under one umbrella. This was the last high-level meeting between India and China this year. This year, PM Modi met Chinese President Jinping four times -- from Wuhan informal summit in April to the meeting on the sidelines of the SCO summit, BRICS Summit and the G20 summit. Chinese President Xi Jinping will be visiting India in 2019 for the second informal summit between India and China.

Wuhan was a milestone, PM Modi and President Xi have personal connect: Sushma Swaraj

Jinnah House to be converted into a venue along the lines of Hyderabad House, says Sushma Swaraj

Hamid Ansari expected to meet minister Sushma Swaraj at 11 AM

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-jail-sets-free-hamid-ansari-after-6-years-185086">Hamid Nehal Ansari</a>, who was, who was released on Tuesday from Mardan Central Jail of Pakistan, met with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday in New Delhi.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hamid-nihal-ansaris-emotional-homecoming-kisses-indian-soil-hugs-and-consoles-teary-eyed-mother-185173">Ansari reached Delhi</a> early morning the same day. He told reports upon landing that he is very happy to be back home.

Having been detained and imprisoned in Pakistan for a total of six years over charges of espionage, 33-year-old Mumbai-based Hamid Ansari returned to India on Tuesday.

A former teacher at the Mumbai Management College, Ansari went to Pakistan in 2012 to meet a woman whom he had befriended through social media.&nbsp;

Ansari went missing after he was apprehended by the Pakistan intelligence agencies and local police from Kohat district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan in November 2012.

He was awarded a three-year imprisonment sentence by a military court in December 2015 after being slapped with charges of espionage and involvement in anti-state activities.

The court gave the verdict after Pakistan`s Ministry of Interior appraised that Ansari will be repatriated to India after completion of his prison term on December 15.

Pakistani security agencies had claimed that Hamid had used fake identity card in the name of "Hamza" and had entered Pakistan through Afghanistan without travel documents.

(With inputs from ANI)

Hamid Nehal Ansari, who was, who was released on Tuesday from Mardan Central Jail of Pakistan, met with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday in New Delhi.

Hamid Nehal Ansari, who was, who was released on Tuesday from Mardan Central Jail of Pakistan, met with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday in New Delhi. Ansari reached Delhi early morning the same day. He told reports upon landing that he is very happy to be back home. Having been detained and imprisoned in Pakistan for a total of six years over charges of espionage, 33-year-old Mumbai-based Hamid Ansari returned to India on Tuesday. A former teacher at the Mumbai Management College, Ansari went to Pakistan in 2012 to meet a woman whom he had befriended through social media. Ansari went missing after he was apprehended by the Pakistan intelligence agencies and local police from Kohat district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan in November 2012. He was awarded a three-year imprisonment sentence by a military court in December 2015 after being slapped with charges of espionage and involvement in anti-state activities. The court gave the verdict after Pakistan`s Ministry of Interior appraised that Ansari will be repatriated to India after completion of his prison term on December 15. Pakistani security agencies had claimed that Hamid had used fake identity card in the name of "Hamza" and had entered Pakistan through Afghanistan without travel documents. (With inputs from ANI)

Video: Day after release from Pak prison, Hamid Ansari meets Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi

Hamid Ansari meets EAM Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi

India will raise the issue of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-may-soon-get-kim-davy-denmark-pm--131258">the extradition of Kim Davy</a>, an accused in the 1995 arms drop in West Bengal's Purulia district, with the visiting foreign minister of Denmark, Anders Samuelsen.&nbsp;

Davy aka Niels Holck is accused of air dropping arms and ammunition, including hundreds of AK-47 rifles and anti-tank grenades, in Purulia 23 years ago in December 1995.&nbsp;

Anders will be on a two-day visit to India on December 17 and 18 and will be meeting External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu.

Top government sources told WION, "All issues will be discussed including consular access."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had met Danish PM Lars Løkke Rasmussen during the India-Nordic summit in April this year with both deciding to enhance ties.&nbsp;

India had decided to scale down ties with Denmark in 2012 after a lower court in that country refused Davy's extradition.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION in Stockholm back in April, Løkke Rasmussen had said about Davy, "These issues... we deal in the legal track. When I was PM in 2011, my minister of justice took the decision to extradite him. But it was rejected by our courts. But now our director of general prosecution is looking into this. On political track, we will restart joint commission."

India's ministry of external affairs had sent Denmark's ministry of justice, through its ministry of foreign affairs, a formal request for Davy's extradition in 2016.

Back in April, Rasmussen also called for stronger ties between Copenhagen and New Delhi. "We have strong historical ties and we have bilateral relation for 400 years. I have agreed with your PM its time to enhance it. We are restarting Indo-Danish Joint Commission," he told WION.&nbsp;

The inaugural meeting of the India-Denmark Joint Commission took place in 2010.

India will raise the issue of the extradition of Kim Davy, an accused in the 1995 arms drop in West Bengal's Purulia district, with the visiting foreign minister of Denmark, Anders Samuelsen.

India will raise the issue of the extradition of Kim Davy, an accused in the 1995 arms drop in West Bengal's Purulia district, with the visiting foreign minister of Denmark, Anders Samuelsen. Davy aka Niels Holck is accused of air dropping arms and ammunition, including hundreds of AK-47 rifles and anti-tank grenades, in Purulia 23 years ago in December 1995. Anders will be on a two-day visit to India on December 17 and 18 and will be meeting External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu. Top government sources told WION, "All issues will be discussed including consular access." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had met Danish PM Lars Løkke Rasmussen during the India-Nordic summit in April this year with both deciding to enhance ties. India had decided to scale down ties with Denmark in 2012 after a lower court in that country refused Davy's extradition. Speaking to WION in Stockholm back in April, Løkke Rasmussen had said about Davy, "These issues... we deal in the legal track. When I was PM in 2011, my minister of justice took the decision to extradite him. But it was rejected by our courts. But now our director of general prosecution is looking into this. On political track, we will restart joint commission." India's ministry of external affairs had sent Denmark's ministry of justice, through its ministry of foreign affairs, a formal request for Davy's extradition in 2016. Back in April, Rasmussen also called for stronger ties between Copenhagen and New Delhi. "We have strong historical ties and we have bilateral relation for 400 years. I have agreed with your PM its time to enhance it. We are restarting Indo-Danish Joint Commission," he told WION. The inaugural meeting of the India-Denmark Joint Commission took place in 2010.

India to raise extradition of Kim Davy with visiting Danish FM

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